673 research outputs found
A Discrete State Transition Algorithm for Generalized Traveling Salesman Problem
Generalized traveling salesman problem (GTSP) is an extension of classical
traveling salesman problem (TSP), which is a combinatorial optimization problem
and an NP-hard problem. In this paper, an efficient discrete state transition
algorithm (DSTA) for GTSP is proposed, where a new local search operator named
\textit{K-circle}, directed by neighborhood information in space, has been
introduced to DSTA to shrink search space and strengthen search ability. A
novel robust update mechanism, restore in probability and risk in probability
(Double R-Probability), is used in our work to escape from local minima. The
proposed algorithm is tested on a set of GTSP instances. Compared with other
heuristics, experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness and strong
adaptability of DSTA and also show that DSTA has better search ability than its
competitors.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur
Parameterized and Approximation Algorithms for the Load Coloring Problem
Let be two positive integers and let be a graph. The
-Load Coloring Problem (denoted -LCP) asks whether there is a
-coloring such that for every ,
there are at least edges with both endvertices colored . Gutin and Jones
(IPL 2014) studied this problem with . They showed -LCP to be fixed
parameter tractable (FPT) with parameter by obtaining a kernel with at most
vertices. In this paper, we extend the study to any fixed by giving
both a linear-vertex and a linear-edge kernel. In the particular case of ,
we obtain a kernel with less than vertices and less than edges. These
results imply that for any fixed , -LCP is FPT and that the
optimization version of -LCP (where is to be maximized) has an
approximation algorithm with a constant ratio for any fixed
Validity of the Law of Mass Action in Three-Dimensional Coagulation Processes
Diffusion-limited reactions are studied in detail on the classical coalescing process. We demonstrate how, with the aid of a recent renormalization group approach, fluctuations can be integrated systematically. We thereby obtain an exact relation between the microscopic physics (lattice structure and particle shape and size) and the macroscopic decay rate in the law of mass action. Moreover, we find a strong violation of the law of mass action. The corresponding term in the kinetic equations originates in longwavelength fluctuations and is a universal function of the macroscopic decay rate
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The Persistent Southern Disadvantage in Us Early Life Mortality, 1965‒2014
Background: Recent studies of US adult mortality demonstrate a growing disadvantage among southern states. Few studies have examined long-term trends and geographic patterns in US early life (ages 1 to 24) mortality, ages at which key risk factors and causes of death are quite different than among adults. Objective: This article examines trends and variations in early life mortality rates across US states and census divisions. We assess whether those variations have changed over a 50-year time period and which causes of death contribute to contemporary geographic disparities. Methods: We calculate all-cause and cause-specific death rates using death certificate data from the Multiple Cause of Death files, combining public-use files from 1965‒2004 and restricted data with state geographic identifiers from 2005‒2014. State population (denominator) data come from US decennial censuses or intercensal estimates. Results: Results demonstrate a persistent mortality disadvantage for young people (ages 1 to 24) living in southern states over the last 50 years, particularly those located in the East South Central and West South Central divisions. Motor vehicle accidents and homicide by firearm account for most of the contemporary southern disadvantage in US early life mortality. Contribution: Our results illustrate that US children and youth living in the southern United States have long suffered from higher levels of mortality than children and youth living in other parts of the country. Our findings also suggest the contemporary southern disadvantage in US early life mortality could potentially be reduced with state-level policies designed to prevent deaths involving motor vehicles and firearms
The radiating part of circular sources
An analysis is developed linking the form of the sound field from a circular
source to the radial structure of the source, without recourse to far-field or
other approximations. It is found that the information radiated into the field
is limited, with the limit fixed by the wavenumber of source multiplied by the
source radius (Helmholtz number). The acoustic field is found in terms of the
elementary fields generated by a set of line sources whose form is given by
Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, and whose amplitude is found to be
given by weighted integrals of the radial source term. The analysis is
developed for tonal sources, such as rotors, and, for Helmholtz number less
than two, for random disk sources. In this case, the analysis yields the
cross-spectrum between two points in the acoustic field. The analysis is
applied to the problems of tonal radiation, random source radiation as a model
problem for jet noise, and to noise cancellation, as in active control of noise
from rotors. It is found that the approach gives an accurate model for the
radiation problem and explicitly identifies those parts of a source which
radiate.Comment: Submitted to Journal of the Acoustical Society of Americ
Acceptability, feasibility and challenges of implementing an HIV prevention intervention for people living with HIV/AIDS among healthcare providers in Mozambique: Results of a qualitative study
Despite the Mozambique government’s efforts to curb human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), national prevalence is 11.5% and support is needed to expand HIV-related services and improve program quality. Positive prevention (PP) programs, which prioritize HIV prevention with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV), have been recognized as an important intervention for preventing new HIV infections. To address this, an evidence-based PP training intervention was implemented with HIV healthcare providers in Mozambique. This study focuses on the acceptability and feasibility of a PP intervention in HIV clinics from the healthcare provider perspective. In depth interviews were conducted with 31 healthcare providers from three provinces who participated in PP trainings in Mozambique. Interview data were coded using content analysis. Study data suggest that healthcare providers found PP acceptable, feasible to implement in their HIV work in clinic settings, and valued this strategy to improve HIV prevention. The PP training also led providers to feel more comfortable counseling their patients about prevention, with a more holistic approach that included HIV testing, treatment and encouraging PLHIV to live positively. While overall acceptance of the PP training was positive, several barriers to feasibility surfaced in the data. Patient-level barriers included resistance to disclosing HIV status due to fear of stigma and discrimination, difficulty negotiating for condom use, difficulty engaging men in testing and treatment, and the effects of poverty on accessing care. Providers also identified work environment barriers including high patient load, time constraints, and frequent staff turnover. Recognizing PP as an important intervention, healthcare providers should be trained to provide comprehensive prevention, care and treatment for PLHIV. Further work is needed to explore the complex social dynamics and cultural challenges such as gender inequalities, stigma and discrimination which hinder the full impact of PP interventions in this context.Keywords: positive prevention, feasibility and acceptability, healthcare provider, HIV/AID
High intensity study of THz detectors based on field effect transistors
Terahertz power dependence of the photoresponse of field effect transistors,
operating at frequencies from 0.1 to 3 THz for incident radiation power density
up to 100 kW/cm^2 was studied for Si metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect
transistors and InGaAs high electron mobility transistors. The photoresponse
increased linearly with increasing radiation power up to kW/cm^2 range. The
saturation of the photoresponse was observed for all investigated field effect
transistors for intensities above several kW/cm^2. The observed signal
saturation is explained by drain photocurrent saturation similar to saturation
in direct currents output characteristics. The theoretical model of terahertz
field effect transistor photoresponse at high intensity was developed. The
model explains quantitatively experimental data both in linear and nonlinear
(saturation) range. Our results show that dynamic range of field effect
transistors is very high and can extend over more than six orderd of magnitudes
of power densities (from 0.5 mW/cm^2 to 5 kW/cm^2)
Folding of small proteins: A matter of geometry?
We review some of our recent results obtained within the scope of simple
lattice models and Monte Carlo simulations that illustrate the role of native
geometry in the folding kinetics of two state folders.Comment: To appear in Molecular Physic
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