Preference Articulation by Means of the R2 Indicator

International audienceIn multi-objective optimization, set-based performance indicators have become the state of the art for assessing the quality of Pareto front approximations. As a consequence, they are also more and more used within the design of multi-objective optimization algorithms. The R2 and the Hypervolume (HV) indicator represent two popular examples. In order to understand the behavior and the approximations preferred by these indicators and algorithms, a comprehensive knowledge of the indicator's properties is required. Whereas this knowledge is available for the HV, we presented a first approach in this direction for the R2 indicator just recently. In this paper, we build upon this knowledge and enhance the considerations with respect to the integration of preferences into the R2 indicator. More specifically, we analyze the effect of the reference point, the domain of the weights, and the distribution of weight vectors on the optimization of μ solutions with respect to the R2 indicator. By means of theoretical findings and empirical evidence, we show the potentials of these three possibilities using the optimal distribution of μ solutions for exemplary setups

A probabilistic method for the operation of three-phase unbalanced active distribution networks

YesThis paper proposes a probabilistic multi-objective optimization method for the operation of three-phase distribution networks incorporating active network management (ANM) schemes including coordinated voltage control and adaptive power factor control. The proposed probabilistic method incorporates detailed modelling of three-phase distribution network components and considers different operational objectives. The method simultaneously minimizes the total energy losses of the lines from the point of view of distribution network operators (DNOs) and maximizes the energy generated by photovoltaic (PV) cells considering ANM schemes and network constraints. Uncertainties related to intermittent generation of PVs and load demands are modelled by probability density functions (PDFs). Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to use the generated PDFs. The problem is solved using ɛ-constraint approach and fuzzy satisfying method is used to select the best solution from the Pareto optimal set. The effectiveness of the proposed probabilistic method is demonstrated with IEEE 13- and 34- bus test feeders

Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma.

Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy is associated with increased melanoma-specific survival (i.e., survival until death from melanoma) among patients with node-positive intermediate-thickness melanomas (1.2 to 3.5 mm). The value of completion lymph-node dissection for patients with sentinel-node metastases is not clear. In an international trial, we randomly assigned patients with sentinel-node metastases detected by means of standard pathological assessment or a multimarker molecular assay to immediate completion lymph-node dissection (dissection group) or nodal observation with ultrasonography (observation group). The primary end point was melanoma-specific survival. Secondary end points included disease-free survival and the cumulative rate of nonsentinel-node metastasis. Immediate completion lymph-node dissection was not associated with increased melanoma-specific survival among 1934 patients with data that could be evaluated in an intention-to-treat analysis or among 1755 patients in the per-protocol analysis. In the per-protocol analysis, the mean (±SE) 3-year rate of melanoma-specific survival was similar in the dissection group and the observation group (86±1.3% and 86±1.2%, respectively; P=0.42 by the log-rank test) at a median follow-up of 43 months. The rate of disease-free survival was slightly higher in the dissection group than in the observation group (68±1.7% and 63±1.7%, respectively; P=0.05 by the log-rank test) at 3 years, based on an increased rate of disease control in the regional nodes at 3 years (92±1.0% vs. 77±1.5%; P<0.001 by the log-rank test); these results must be interpreted with caution. Nonsentinel-node metastases, identified in 11.5% of the patients in the dissection group, were a strong, independent prognostic factor for recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.78; P=0.005). Lymphedema was observed in 24.1% of the patients in the dissection group and in 6.3% of those in the observation group. Immediate completion lymph-node dissection increased the rate of regional disease control and provided prognostic information but did not increase melanoma-specific survival among patients with melanoma and sentinel-node metastases. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others; MSLT-II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00297895 .)

Near-IR Atlas of S0-Sa galaxies (NIRS0S)

An atlas of Ks-band images of 206 early-type galaxies is presented, including 160 S0-S0/a galaxies, 12 ellipticals, and 33 Sa galaxies. A majority of the Atlas galaxies belong to a magnitude-limited (mB<12.5 mag) sample of 185 NIRS0S (Near-IR S0 galaxy Survey) galaxies. To assure that mis-classified S0s are not omitted, 25 ellipticals from RC3 classified as S0s in the Carnegie Atlas were included in the sample. The images are 2-3 mag deeper than 2MASS images. Both visual and photometric classifications are made. Special attention is paid to the classification of lenses, coded in a systematic manner. A new lens-type, called a 'barlens', is introduced. Also, boxy/peanut/x-shaped structures are identified in many barred galaxies, even-though the galaxies are not seen in edge-on view, indicating that vertical thickening is not enough to explain them. Multiple lenses appear in 25% of the Atlas galaxies, which is a challenge to the hierarchical evolutionary picture of galaxies. Such models need to explain how the lenses were formed and survived in multiple merger events that galaxies may have suffered during their lifetimes. Following the early suggestion by van den Bergh, candidates of S0c galaxies are shown, which galaxies are expected to be former Sc-type spirals stripped out of gas.Comment: 67 pages (include 16 figures and 6 tables). Accepted to MNRAS 2011 June 1

Recommended adult immunization schedule, United States, 2020

In October 2019, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older, United States, 2020. The 2020 adult immunization schedule, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines /schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html, summarizes ACIP recommendations in 2 tables and accompanying notes (Figure). The full ACIP recommendations for each vaccine are available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html. The 2020 schedule has also been approved by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and by the American College of Physicians (www .acponline.org), American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org), and American College of Nurse-Midwives (www.midwife.org)