Competition metric

The purpose of our Letter is to present a general metrical method for measuring the competition intensity of a competition system. We proposed a physical model to demonstrate the method. First, we show some mathematical set bases and principles of competition metric. Next, we present metrical functions for measuring the competition minimal sets. Based on these principles and functions, the statistical and functional methods for measuring the whole competition system are discussed. Because our method is oriented to a generalized competition system, it may be applied widely to many regions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.