A Variable Neighborhood MOEA/D for Multiobjective Test Task Scheduling Problem

Test task scheduling problem (TTSP) is a typical combinational optimization scheduling problem. This paper proposes a variable neighborhood MOEA/D (VNM) to solve the multiobjective TTSP. Two minimization objectives, the maximal completion time (makespan) and the mean workload, are considered together. In order to make solutions obtained more close to the real Pareto Front, variable neighborhood strategy is adopted. Variable neighborhood approach is proposed to render the crossover span reasonable. Additionally, because the search space of the TTSP is so large that many duplicate solutions and local optima will exist, the Starting Mutation is applied to prevent solutions from becoming trapped in local optima. It is proved that the solutions got by VNM can converge to the global optimum by using Markov Chain and Transition Matrix, respectively. The experiments of comparisons of VNM, MOEA/D, and CNSGA (chaotic nondominated sorting genetic algorithm) indicate that VNM performs better than the MOEA/D and the CNSGA in solving the TTSP. The results demonstrate that proposed algorithm VNM is an efficient approach to solve the multiobjective TTSP

The Relationship Between Social Power and Sexual Objectification: Behavioral and ERP Data

Sexual objectification is very common in modern Western societies, especially toward women. Previous research has suggested that in Western cultures, social power could lead to objectification. Specifically, power activates an approaching tendency toward useful targets, in turn leading to instrumental objectification and sexual objectification of targets. However, previous research has mostly focused on Western cultures, and the neural correlates underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. To examine whether the effects of power can be generalized to Chinese cultural contexts and how power promotes the objectification of sexualized bodies, we conducted two studies using Chinese samples. In Study 1, we replicated the behavioral effects of social power on sexual objectification. Specifically, we found that power increased sexual objectification toward sexualized female rather than male bodies. In Study 2, we examined the absence of an N170 amplitude inversion effect as a possible neural correlate of sexual objectification and replicated the effects of power on sexual objectification through event-related potentials (ERPs). For participants in a high-power group, the N170 amplitude inversion effect emerged when processing sexualized male bodies (less sexual objectification) but not female bodies (more sexual objectification); this effect was not seen for those participants in a low-power group. Our findings provide behavioral and neural data that power leads to increased sexual objectification toward sexualized women in Chinese participants

The Default Mode Network Supports Episodic Memory in Cognitively Unimpaired Elderly Individuals: Different Contributions to Immediate Recall and Delayed Recall

While the neural correlates of age-related decline in episodic memory have been the subject of much interest, the spontaneous functional architecture of the brain for various memory processes in elderly adults, such as immediate recall (IR) and delayed recall (DR), remains unclear. The present study thus examined the neural correlates of age-related decline of various memory processes. A total of 66 cognitively normal older adults (aged 60-80 years) participated in this study. Memory processes were measured using the Auditory Verbal Learning Test as well as resting-state brain images, which were analyzed using both regional homogeneity (ReHo) and correlation-based functional connectivity (FC) approaches. We found that both IR and DR were significantly correlated with the ReHo of these critical regions, all within the default mode network (DMN), including the parahippocampal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, and medial prefrontal cortex. In addition, DR was also related to the FC between these DMN regions. These results suggest that the DMN plays different roles in memory retrieval across different retention intervals, and connections between the DMN regions contribute to memory consolidation of past events in healthy older people

Characterization of two β-galactosidases LacZ and WspA1 from Nostoc flagelliforme with focus on the latter’s central active region

The identification and characterization of new β-galactosidases will provide diverse candidate enzymes for use in food processing industry. In this study, two β-galactosidases, Nf-LacZ and WspA1, from the terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, followed by purification and biochemical characterization. Nf-LacZ was characterized to have an optimum activity at 40\ua0\ub0C and pH 6.5, different from that (45\ua0\ub0C and pH 8.0) of WspA1. Two enzymes had a similar Michaelis constant (Km = 0.5\ua0mmol/liter) against the substrate o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside. Their activities could be inhibited by galactostatin bisulfite, with IC50 values of 0.59\ua0\ub5M for Nf-LacZ and 1.18\ua0\ub5M for WspA1, respectively. Gel filtration analysis suggested that the active form of WspA1 was a dimer, while Nf-LacZ was functional as a larger multimer. WspA1 was further characterized by the truncation test, and its minimum central region was found to be from residues 188 to 301, having both the glycosyl hydrolytic and transgalactosylation activities. Finally, transgenic analysis with the GFP reporter protein found that the N-terminus of WspA1 (35 aa) might play a special role in the export of WspA1 from cells. In summary, this study characterized two cyanobacterial β-galactosidases for potential applications in food industry

Electrostatic Sensors – Their Principles and Applications

Over the past three decades electrostatic sensors have been proposed, developed and utilised for the continuous monitoring and measurement of a range of industrial processes, mechanical systems and clinical environments. Electrostatic sensors enjoy simplicity in structure, cost-effectiveness and suitability for a wide range of installation conditions. They either provide unique solutions to some measurement challenges or offer more cost-effective options to the more established sensors such as those based on acoustic, capacitive, optical and electromagnetic principles. The established or potential applications of electrostatic sensors appear wide ranging, but the underlining sensing principle and resultant system characteristics are very similar. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the electrostatic sensors and sensing systems that have been developed for the measurement and monitoring of a range of process variables and conditions. These include the flow measurement of pneumatically conveyed solids, measurement of particulate emissions, monitoring of fluidised beds, on-line particle sizing, burner flame monitoring, speed and radial vibration measurement of mechanical systems, and condition monitoring of power transmission belts, mechanical wear, and human activities. The fundamental sensing principles together with the advantages and limitations of electrostatic sensors for a given area of applications are also introduced. The technology readiness level for each area of applications is identified and commented. Trends and future development of electrostatic sensors, their signal conditioning electronics, signal processing methods as well as possible new applications are also discussed

Exploring the experience of meaning-centered group psychotherapy among Chinese cancer patients during active treatment: a descriptive qualitative study

ObjectiveMeaninglessness poses a significant psychological challenge for cancer patients, negatively affecting their quality of life and increasing the risk of suicide. Meaning-Centered Group Therapy (MCGP) is an intervention designed specifically to enhance the meaning of life of cancer patients. Extensive research has documented its effectiveness across various cultures and populations. However, limited research has been conducted on the subjective experiences and perspectives of participants engaged in MCGP. Thus, the purpose of this study was to employ a qualitative design to explore the experiences and viewpoints of Chinese cancer patients who have undergone MCGP.MethodsWithin a two-week timeframe following the conclusion of MCGP, semi-structured interviews were administered to twenty-one participants who had engaged in the therapy. The interview data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsFour main themes were identified: (a) Self-perceived personal change, (b) Overall experience of group therapy, (c) Barriers to participation of MCGP, and (d) Suggestions for future interventions.ConclusionDespite the barriers to participation in the MCGP process, the overall experience for Chinese cancer patients undergoing active treatment is valuable and positive, providing multiple benefits. Future studies could explore the adaptation of MCGP to a broader range of cancer populations and diverse study populations