Regularity Model for Noisy Multiobjective Optimization

Regularity models have been used in dealing with noise-free multiobjective optimization problems. This paper studies the behavior of a regularity model in noisy environments and argues that it is very suitable for noisy multiobjective optimization. We propose to embed the regularity model in an existing multiobjective evolutionary algorithm for tackling noises. The proposed algorithm works well in terms of both convergence and diversity. In our experimental studies, we have compared several state-of-the-art of algorithms with our proposed algorithm on benchmark problems with different levels of noises. The experimental results showed the effectiveness of the regularity model on noisy problems, but a degenerated performance on some noisy-free problems

Thickness effects on fibre-bridged fatigue delamination growth in composites

This paper provides an investigation on thickness effects on fibre-bridged fatigue delamination growth (FDG) in composite laminates. A modified Paris relation was employed to interpret experimental fatigue data. The results clearly demonstrated that both thickness and fibre bridging had negligible effects on FDG behaviors. Both energy principles and fractography analysis were subsequently performed to explore the physical reasons of this independence. It was found that the amount of energy release of a given crack growth was not only independent of fibre bridging, but also thickness. Fibre print was the dominant microscopic feature located on fracture surfaces, physically making the same energy dissipation during FDG. Furthermore, the present study provides extra evidence on the importance of using an appropriate similitude parameter in FDG studies. Particularly, the strain energy release rate (SERR) range applied around crack front was demonstrated as an appropriate similitude parameter for fibre-bridged FDG study

Exploring the relationship between corporate social responsibility and firm competitiveness

This study deals with the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm competitiveness. Based on the comprehensive literature review, the theoretical model, providing linkages between CSR and corporate competences, has been developed. The created model was empirically tested, and the case study in Lithuania was conducted based on the assessment of influence of different social responsibility dimensions (environmental, social, economic, shareholder and voluntariness) on separate elements of competitiveness (financial capacity, quality of production, satisfied needs of consumers, efficiency, introduction of innovations and company’s image). The survey of 33 Lithuanian companies, i.e., all companies in Lithuania that have joined Global Compact, was performed by employing questionnaires. The conducted empirical research confirms that separate social responsibility dimensions (environmental, social, economic, shareholder, voluntariness) differently affect separate elements of competitiveness: financial capacity, quality of production, satisfied needs of consumers, efficiency, introduction of innovations and company’s image. It has been found that neither the quality of production nor the possibilities for introduction of innovations in a company are affected by the dimensions of social responsibility. Whereas company’s image, reputation and the factor of satisfied needs of consumers are affected by all dimensions of social responsibility that have been analysed. It has been noticed as well that the element of competitiveness, i.e., financial capacity, is affected by environmental and economic social responsibility dimensions; whereas, productivity and work efficiency are mostly related to social, shareholder and philanthropic dimensions. The main input of this paper is the definition of linkages between specific Corporate Social Responsibility dimensions addressed by the Global Compact and the main elements of competitiveness that have been identified based on rigorous and systematic literature review. The paper applies a completely different approach compared to the other studies that are investigating the impact of CSR on competitiveness via moderation and mediation analysis. The main approach followed in this paper is the qualitative assessment that has several limitations and advantage

Mi-2β promotes immune evasion in melanoma by activating EZH2 methylation

Recent development of new immune checkpoint inhibitors has been particularly successfully in cancer treatment, but still the majority patients fail to benefit. Converting resistant tumors to immunotherapy sensitive will provide a significant improvement in patient outcome. Here we identify Mi-2β as a key melanoma-intrinsic effector regulating the adaptive anti-tumor immune response. Studies in genetically engineered mouse melanoma models indicate that loss of Mi-2β rescues the immune response to immunotherapy in vivo. Mechanistically, ATAC-seq analysis shows that Mi-2β controls the accessibility of IFN-γ-stimulated genes (ISGs). Mi-2β binds to EZH2 and promotes K510 methylation of EZH2, subsequently activating the trimethylation of H3K27 to inhibit the transcription of ISGs. Finally, we develop an Mi-2β-targeted inhibitor, Z36-MP5, which reduces Mi-2β ATPase activity and reactivates ISG transcription. Consequently, Z36-MP5 induces a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in otherwise resistant melanoma models. Our work provides a potential therapeutic strategy to convert immunotherapy resistant melanomas to sensitive ones

Two_Arch2:An Improved Two-Archive Algorithm for Many-Objective Optimization

© 1997-2012 IEEE.Many-objective optimization problems (ManyOPs) refer, usually, to those multiobjective problems (MOPs) with more than three objectives. Their large numbers of objectives pose challenges to multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) in terms of convergence, diversity, and complexity. Most existing MOEAs can only perform well in one of those three aspects. In view of this, we aim to design a more balanced MOEA on ManyOPs in all three aspects at the same time. Among the existing MOEAs, the two-archive algorithm (Two-Arch) is a low-complexity algorithm with two archives focusing on convergence and diversity separately. Inspired by the idea of Two-Arch, we propose a significantly improved two-archive algorithm (i.e., Two-Arch2) for ManyOPs in this paper. In our Two-Arch2, we assign different selection principles (indicator-based and Pareto-based) to the two archives. In addition, we design a new Lp-norm-based ( p<1) diversity maintenance scheme for ManyOPs in Two-Arch2. In order to evaluate the performance of Two-Arch2 on ManyOPs, we have compared it with several MOEAs on a wide range of benchmark problems with different numbers of objectives. The experimental results show that Two Arch2 can cope with ManyOPs (up to 20 objectives) with satisfactory convergence, diversity, and complexity

Efficient Lattice-Based Signcryption in Standard Model

Signcryption is a cryptographic primitive that can perform digital signature and public encryption simultaneously at a significantly reduced cost. This advantage makes it highly useful in many applications. However, most existing signcryption schemes are seriously challenged by the booming of quantum computations. As an interesting stepping stone in the post-quantum cryptographic community, two lattice-based signcryption schemes were proposed recently. But both of them were merely proved to be secure in the random oracle models. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is to propose a new lattice-based signcryption scheme that can be proved to be secure in the standard model

Analysis and Optimal Design of a Modular Underactuated Mechanism for Robot Fingers

Abstract-A frame of modular design problems and requirements for underactuated mechanisms is discussed as related to robotic fingers. The proposed modular mechanism is connected sequentially by series units of underactuated mechanisms, which have the feature of passive self-adaptive in grasp operation and uniformizable in design procedure. The design considerations for modular underactuated mechanism are outlined. Optimality criteria are analyzed with the aim to formulate a general design algorithm. An example of a four-phalanx modular robotic finger is studied as an improvement of new version LARM Hand with the aim to show the practical feasibility for the proposed modular concepts and design methods

Chiral Recognition of Phenylglycinamide Enantiomer Based on Electrode Modified by Silver-Ammonia Ion-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Complex

Polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains were used to decorate the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via in situ free radical polymerization, and sulfonated chitosan (SCS) was synthesized via a simple and environmental method. Silver-ammonia ions were introduced as the fixative with PAA-MWCNTs as the basic framework, and SCS was used to decorate the surface, thereby obtaining PAA-MWCNTs-Ag-SCS. The modified electrode exhibited excellent cyclic voltammogram (CV) stability after 100 cycles of scanning. According to differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the peak current value was approximately 250 μA, exhibiting outstanding sensitivity to phenylglycinamide (Pen) enantiomers. The peak current ratio of D-Pen to L-Pen reached 2.16, showing excellent selectivity. The detection limit (DL) was calculated as 0.015 mM and 0.036 mM for L-Pen and D-Pen, respectively, using the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3). This study provides a new idea for the construction of a chiral-sensing platform with outstanding sensitivity, superior stability, and excellent recognition efficiency

Corporate Social Responsibility and Corruption: Implications for the Sustainable Energy Sector

This paper focuses on the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its relationship with sustainability. The authors investigate the linkages between CSR and sustainability at both enterprise and country levels. The main focus of this study is the energy sector due to its importance in terms of economic, environmental, and social impacts. There are some doubts as to whether a socially responsible business meets public welfare expectations and fosters the country&rsquo;s social and economic development, as well as the successful achievement of sustainable development objectives. However, it becomes apparent that the development of corporate social responsibility in the energy sector faces a plethora of challenges. Corruption is one of the most important challenges of sustainable energy development. The study analyzes the main areas of CSR policies where energy companies are expected to make a positive contribution to sustainable energy development: mitigation of environmental impact, economic and social development, and good governance. The authors argue that the corruption risks represent a very important issue that is hampering sustainable energy development, and CSR can be applied to mitigate these risks in the energy sector. In addition, government policies might be necessary to create a favorable environment for corruption risk mitigation. The study analyzes the main tools of corporate social responsibility in the energy sector and addresses the impact of CSR on the sustainability of energy sector and corruption risk mitigation. The study analyzes a corruption risk mitigation model in the energy sector and provides recommendations for strengthening corporate social responsibility and mitigating corruption risk. Our results show that CSR can play a vital role in dealing with corruption in the energy sector at the enterprise level. It becomes apparent that anti-corruption standards represent the main supporting means for achieving other CSR goals and principles. Therefore, mitigation of corruption risks should become a priority for socially responsible companies that are operating in the energy sector