A convergence acceleration operator for multiobjective optimisation

A novel multiobjective optimisation accelerator is introduced that uses direct manipulation in objective space together with neural network mappings from objective space to decision space. This operator is a portable component that can be hybridized with any multiobjective optimisation algorithm. The purpose of this Convergence Acceleration Operator (CAO) is to enhance the search capability and the speed of convergence of the host algorithm. The operator acts directly in objective space to suggest improvements to solutions obtained by a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA). These suggested improved objective vectors are then mapped into decision variable space and tested. The CAO is incorporated with two leading MOEAs, the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA2) and tested. Results show that the hybridized algorithms consistently improve the speed of convergence of the original algorithm whilst maintaining the desired distribution of solutions

PENGARUH BRAND DILUTION TERHADAP BRAND LOYALTY DENGAN BRAND REPUTATION SEBAGAI MEDIASI: PENDEKATAN STIMULUS ORGANISM RESPONSE (Studi Pada Pelanggan MS Glow dan Skintific)

This research aims to analyze and explain the influence of Brand Dilution on Brand Reputation, Brand Dilution on Brand Loyalty, Brand Reputation on Brand Loyalty, Brand Dilution on Brand Loyalty with Brand Reputation as mediation. This research is included in the type of explanatory research, using path regression analysis and a quantitative approach. This research was conducted at the MS Glow Clinic Malang with a sample size of 245 people. The sampling technique uses accidental sampling. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires. The data analysis technique uses a range of scales and path analysis with the IBM SPSS version 21 computer program. The results of this research show that the Brand Dilution scale is in the very backward category, Brand Loyalty is in the very loyal category and Brand Reputation is in the very good category. Brand Dilution has a positive and significant effect on Brand Reputation, Brand Dilution has a positive and significant effect on Brand Loyalty, Brand Reputation has a positive and significant effect on Brand Loyalty, Brand Reputation cannot mediate Brand Dilution on Brand Loyalty because MS Glow's ability to survive makes consumers see it as a positive thing

Cover slip external cavity diode laser

The design of a 671 nm diode laser with a mode-hop-free tuning range of 40 GHz is described. This long tuning range is achieved by simultaneously ramping the external cavity length with the laser injection current. The external cavity consists of a microscope cover slip mounted on piezoelectric actuators. In such a configuration the laser output pointing remains fixed, independent of its frequency. Using a diode with an output power of 5-7 mW, the laser linewidth was found to be smaller than 30 MHz. This cover slip cavity and feedforward laser current control system is simple, economical, robust, and easy to use for spectroscopy, as we demonstrate with lithium vapor and lithium atom beam experiments.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Review of Scientific Instruments 7/29/0

Controlling the electronic structure of graphene using surface-adsorbate interactions

We show that strong coupling between graphene and the substrate is mitigated when 0.8 monolayer of Na is adsorbed and consolidated on top graphene-on-Ni(111). Specifically, the {\pi} state is partially restored near the K-point and the energy gap between the {\pi} and {\pi}* states reduced to 1.3 eV after adsorption, as measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We show that this change is not caused by intercalation of Na to underneath graphene but it is caused by an electronic coupling between Na on top and graphene. We show further that graphene can be decoupled to a much higher extent when Na is intercalated to underneath graphene. After intercalation, the energy gap between the {\pi} and {\pi}* states is reduced to 0 eV and these states are identical as in freestanding and n-doped graphene. We conclude thus that two mechanisms of decoupling exist: a strong decoupling through intercalation, which is the same as one found using noble metals, and a weak decoupling caused by electronic interaction with the adsorbate on top

Metastatic small cell carcinoma of the prostate in an octogenarian with significant response to first-line chemotherapy

Patients with small cell carcinoma of the prostate generally present with metastatic disease and have an estimated life expectancy measured in months. In this brief report, we present a case of rapidly progressive metastatic small cell carcinoma of the prostate in an octogenarian with significant response to split-dosed cisplatin and etoposide. This case report shows that cautious treatment with platinum-based regimens should still be considered in elderly patients given the potential for improvement in performance status and quality of life with chemotherapy. Additionally, this case highlights that platinum-based regimens are still considered the therapeutic backbone of prostate cancers with a mixed small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma phenotype

Espace-PV: Key Sensitive Parameters for Environmental Impacts of Grid-Connected PV Systems With LCA

http://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?char=E&paper=2818International audienceThe study of sensitive parameters for the life cycle analysis (LCA) of PV system showed that irradiation intensity will bring the biggest variation on environmental impact when considering regions with large difference in solar irradiation level. For example, in France a system installed in the northern region will produce electricity with more than a 100% of the impact of a southern system. Other important factors are the lifetime of the system and the associated electricity use for the different components needed for the PV system. They can bring up to 35% of variation in the production of CO2 gas and primary non-renewable energy use. This study has been developed within Espace-PV project and results have been analyzed and compared with the EcoInvent database. These results are provided for a 3 kWp multicrystalline grid connected system integrated in a slanted roof with near optimal inclination

Immunomodulation by Mesenchymal Stem Cells A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Type 1 Diabetes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stromal cells that have the potential to give rise to cells of diverse lineages. Interestingly, MSCs can be found in virtually all postnatal tissues. The main criteria currently used to characterize and identify these cells are the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into tissues of mesodermal origin, combined with a lack in expression of certain hematopoietic molecules. Because of their developmental plasticity, the notion of MSC-based therapeutic intervention has become an emerging strategy for the replacement of injured tissues. MSCs have also been noted to possess the ability to impart profound immunomodulatory effects in vivo. Indeed, some of the initial observations regarding MSC protection from tissue injury once thought mediated by tissue regeneration may, in reality, result from immunomodulation. Whereas the exact mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory functions of MSC remain largely unknown, these cells have been exploited in a variety of clinical trials aimed at reducing the burden of immune-mediated disease. This article focuses on recent advances that have broadened our understanding of the immunomodulatory properties of MSC and provides insight as to their potential for clinical use as a cell-based therapy for immune-mediated disorders and, in particular, type 1 diabetes

Environmental Impact of PV Systems: Effects of Energy Sources Used in Production of Solar Panels

http://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?char=E&paper=4860International audienceThe international expansion of the PV industry can affect the range of indirect environmental impacts, and mostly the CO2 equivalent emissions, of the solar electricity produced in any country. We demonstrate a clear trend towards high variation in the global warming potential of solar electricity produced in France by PV installations which use modules produced with different electricity mix. The variation is somewhat less important when looking at the Energy Payback Time (EPBT) of the PV installation. In any studied case, the transportation between countries has a low effect compared to the choice made on the source of electricity used during the different steps involved in the fabrication of modules for any technology