Adaptation strategies and collective dynamics of extraction in networked commons of bistable resources

When populations share common-pool resources (CPRs), individuals decide how much effort to invest towards resource extraction and how to allocate this effort among available resources. We investigate these dual aspects of individual choice in networked games where resources undergo regime shifts between discrete quality states (viable or depleted) depending on collective extraction levels. We study the patterns of extraction that emerge on various network types when agents are free to vary extraction from each CPR separately to maximize their short-term payoffs. Using these results as a basis for comparison, we then investigate how results are altered if agents fix one aspect of adaptation (magnitude or allocation) while letting the other vary. We consider two constrained adaptation strategies: uniform adaptation, whereby agents adjust their extraction levels from all CPRs by the same amount, and reallocation, whereby agents selectively shift effort from lower- to higher-quality resources. A preference for uniform adaptation increases collective wealth on degree-heterogeneous agent-resource networks. Further, low-degree agents retain preferences for these constrained strategies under reinforcement learning. Empirical studies have indicated that some CPR appropriators ignore—while others emphasize—allocation aspects of adaptation; our results demonstrate that structural patterns of resource access can determine which behavior is more advantageous.

Mouse resources at the RIKEN BioResource Research Center and the National BioResource Project core facility in Japan

The RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC) was established in 2001 as a comprehensive biological resource center in Japan. The Experimental Animal Division, one of the BRC infrastructure divisions, has been designated as the core facility for mouse resources within the National BioResource Project (NBRP) by the Japanese government since FY2002. Our activities regarding the collection, preservation, quality control, and distribution of mouse resources have been supported by the research community, including evaluations and guidance on advancing social and research needs, as well as the operations and future direction of the BRC. Expenditure for collection, preservation, and quality-control operations of the BRC, as a national core facility, has been funded by the government, while distribution has been separately funded by users’ reimbursement fees. We have collected over 9000 strains created mainly by Japanese scientists including Nobel laureates and researchers in cutting-edge fields and distributed mice to 7000 scientists with 1500 organizations in Japan and globally. Our users have published 1000 outstanding papers and a few dozen patents. The collected mouse resources are accessible via the RIKEN BRC website, with a revised version of the searchable online catalog. In addition, to enhance the visibility of useful strains, we have launched web corners designated as the “Mouse of the Month” and “Today’s Tool and Model.” Only high-demand strains are maintained in live colonies, while other strains are cryopreserved as embryos or sperm to achieve cost-effective management. Since 2007, the RIKEN BRC has built up a back-up facility in the RIKEN Harima branch to protect the deposited strains from disasters. Our mice have been distributed with high quality through the application of strict microbial and genetic quality control programs that cover a globally accepted pathogens list and mutated alleles generated by various methods. Added value features, such as information about users’ publications, standardized phenotyping data, and genome sequences of the collected strains, are important to facilitate the use of our resources. We have added and disseminated such information in collaboration with the NBRP Information Center and the NBRP Genome Information Upgrading Program. The RIKEN BRC has participated in international mouse resource networks such as the International Mouse Strain Resource, International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium, and Asian Mouse Mutagenesis and Resource Association to facilitate the worldwide use of high-quality mouse resources, and as a consequence it contributes to reproducible life science studies and innovation around the globe.

Flows in strongly regular periodic dynamic resource networks

This paper is devoted to studying the processes of resource allocation in dynamic resource networks. In such networks, the capacities of the arcs depend on time. Resource allocation in the network occurs in discrete time. The resource of each vertex is distributed only between adjacent vertices according to some rules. The study of the processes of resource redistribution in such networks is carried out. The main goal is to develop methods for finding the limit state (distribution) of a resource in a dynamic resource network. It is shown that the approach based on the construction of an auxiliary network is also applicable to reduce the problem of resource allocation in a dynamic network to a similar problem in an auxiliary network. Theorems on the existence of a limit state on an auxiliary graph are proved for strongly regular periodic dynamical networks. To find the limit states, one can use the approaches which are developed for the shortest path problem in dynamic networks.

Effects of Dynamic Pricing on the Design and Operation of Distributed Energy Resource Networks

This paper presents a framework for the use of variable pricing to control electricity imported/exported to/from both fixed and unfixed residential distributed energy resource (DER) network designs. The framework shows that networks utilizing much of their own energy, and importing little from the national grid, are barely affected by dynamic import pricing, but are encouraged to sell more by dynamic export pricing. An increase in CO2 emissions per kWh of energy produced is observed for dynamic import and export, against a baseline configuration utilizing constant pricing. This is due to feed-in tariffs (FITs) that encourage CHP generation over lower-carbon technologies. Furthermore, batteries are shown to be expensive in systems receiving income from FITs and grid exports, but for the cases when they sell to/buy from the grid using dynamic pricing, their use in the networks becomes more economical.

Single-Threshold Model Resource Network and Its Double-Threshold Modifications

A resource network is a non-classical flow model where the infinitely divisible resource is iteratively distributed among the vertices of a weighted digraph. The model operates in discrete time. The weights of the edges denote their throughputs. The basic model, a standard resource network, has one general characteristic of resource amount—the network threshold value. This value depends on graph topology and weights of edges. This paper briefly outlines the main characteristics of standard resource networks and describes two its modifications. In both non-standard models, the changes concern the rules of receiving the resource by the vertices. The first modification imposes restrictions on the selected vertices’ capacity, preventing them from accumulating resource surpluses. In the second modification, a network with so-called greedy vertices, on the contrary, vertices first accumulate resource themselves and only then begin to give it away. It is noteworthy that completely different changes lead, in general, to the same consequences: the appearance of a second threshold value. At some intervals of resource values in networks, their functioning is described by a homogeneous Markov chain, at others by more complex rules. Transient processes and limit states in networks with different topologies and different operation rules are investigated and described.

Nuevos roles y estrategias de asesoramiento psicopedagógico para promover la educación inclusiva en la Comunidad Valenciana

RESUMEN El estudio se sitúa en el ámbito de la orientación educativa y se centra en indagar cómo los asesores psicopedagógicos intervienen en el desarrollo y la formación permanente de los profesionales de la educación para mejorar la educación inclusiva. La nueva organización de la red de Centros de Formación, Innovación y Recursos (CEFIRE) de la Comunidad Valenciana exige repensar los modelos de asesoramiento psicopedagógico y la práctica orientadora desde las funciones otorgadas y las asumidas. Se presentan los resultados de un estudio empírico cuyo objetivo es profundizar en los roles desempeñados y las estrategias utilizadas por los orientadores-asesores para impulsar el avance de la educación inclusiva en los centros educativos. Metodológicamente se adopta un enfoque cualitativo que permite realizar un estudio descriptivo a través de grupos focales en los que participan 22 asesores de educación inclusiva de todos los CEFIREs del territorio. Como resultado se obtiene que acompañar, dinamizar, o gestionar recursos, son algunos de los roles desempeñados y que la creación de redes de recursos, el impulso de las metodologías inclusivas o las visitas pedagógicas se identifican como las estrategias más efectivas. En las conclusiones se destaca la importancia de conjugar diversas estrategias para favorecer la movilización del conocimiento y el avance de las prácticas inclusivas. Finalmente se plantean los retos a los que se enfrentan los asesores para desarrollar un modelo de acompañamiento colaborativo más acorde con el enfoque de la inclusión y con las consiguientes implicaciones en el campo de la orientación y la psicopedagogía.ABSTRACT The study is situated in the field of educational counselling and focuses on investigating how educational psychologists are involved in the development and in-service training of educational professionals to improve inclusive education. The new organisation of the network of Training, Innovation and Resource Centres (CEFIRE) in the Valencian Community requires rethinking the models of educational psychology counselling and counselling practice from the perspective of the functions provided and those assumed. We present the results of an empirical study that aims to deepen the roles played and the strategies used by counsellors-advisers to promote the advancement of inclusive education in educational centres. Methodologically, a qualitative approach is adopted that allows a descriptive study to be carried out through focus groups in which 22 inclusive education advisers from all the CEFIRE centres in the territory participate. As a result, some of the roles played include accompanying, energizing and managing resources. The creation of resource networks, the promotion of inclusive methodologies or pedagogical visits are identified as the most effective strategies. The conclusions highlight the importance of combining various strategies to promote the mobilization of knowledge and the advancement of inclusive practices. Finally, the challenges faced by advisers in developing a collaborative accompaniment model more in line with the approach to inclusion and with the consequent implications in the field of counseling and psychopedagogy are presented.

Multi-Objective Optimization for Industrial Ecology: Design and Optimize Exchange Flows in an Industrial Park

The aim of this project is to find an appropriate mode for green sustainable manufacturing and production. Thus, the concept of this model encourages the development of synergy and leverage of resource networks in order to reduce waste and pollution, and to share resource efficiently. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no other general mathematical model for designing and optimizing exchange material/energy flows in an industrial park. The purpose of this work is to propose a relative advanced dynamic multi-objective model. Simulations have been performed by using the NIMBUS (Nondifferentiable Interactive Multi-objective Bundle-based optimization System) method. This model can assure a win-win situation for industries and environment.