A Novel Hybrid Algorithm for Solving Multiobjective Optimization Problems with Engineering Applications

An effective hybrid algorithm is proposed for solving multiobjective optimization engineering problems with inequality constraints. The weighted sum technique and BFGS quasi-Newton’s method are combined to determine a descent search direction for solving multiobjective optimization problems. To improve the computational efficiency and maintain rapid convergence, a cautious BFGS iterative format is utilized to approximate the Hessian matrices of the objective functions instead of evaluating them exactly. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through a comparison study, which is based on numerical examples. Meanwhile, we propose an effective multiobjective optimization strategy based on the algorithm in conjunction with the surrogate model method. This proposed strategy has been applied to the crashworthiness design of the primary energy absorption device’s crash box structure and front rail under low-speed frontal collision. The optimal results demonstrate that the proposed methodology is promising in solving multiobjective optimization problems in engineering practice

E.Tugendhats Vorlesungen uber Ethik(Siebte Vorlesung)

前号に引き続き、トゥーゲントハット｢論理学講義｣(Ernst　Tugendhat, Vorlesungen uber Ethik 1993)を紹介する。これまで、第一講義、第二講義、第五講義を、それぞれ、本誌第十四号、第十五号、第十六号にわたって ..

Risk factors related to the reduction of subjective taste ability in middle-to old-aged nursing home residents in Sri Lanka : a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study is to verify the factors significantly related to the reduction of subjective taste ability of 1,015 middle-aged and elderly (50 - 96 years old) at 25 randomized selected nursing homes in Sri Lanka. Binary logistic regression analyses by gender were performed using IBM SPSS on following variables. A dependent variable is taste ability, and 27 independent variables are age, daily lifestyle, nutritional problems, general status, dental status and physiological thresholds of taste abilities (sweet, salt, sour, bitter, and umami). Smell ability (p < 0.001 - 0.05) and the Self-Report Questionnaire, 20-item version :SRQ 20 (p < 0.01 - 0.05) were significant risk factors of reducing taste ability in both genders. Especially, smell ability was closely linked to taste ability. Existence of comprehensive perception of “flavor” composed of taste and smell ability was illustrated. Significant gender differences factors were observed in long term care needs (p < 0.05), sleeping (p < 0.01 - 0.001), bowel condition (p < 0.05) in males; and height (p < 0.05), weight (p < 0.05), BMI 3 categories (p < 0.05), and brushing (p < 0.05) in females. Other variables such as age and five types of physiological taste ability were not significant in both genders. The results of this investigation also strongly indicated that the perception of subjective sense of taste was different from the objective sense of taste. Epidemiological studies such as cohort or intervention studies focusing on a relationship between subjective taste ability and sense of smell are necessary to identify more accurate and changeable risk factors for dysgeusia in order to improve elderly’s nutritional intake in Sri Lanka

A patient with Graves' disease who survived despite developing thyroid storm and lactic acidosis

A 56-year-old woman with Graves' disease presented with the complaints of diarrhea and palpitations. Physical examination and laboratory data revealed hypothermia and signs of mild hyperthyroidism, heart failure, hepatic dysfunction with jaundice, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis. The patient was diagnosed as having developed the complication of thyroid storm in the absence of marked elevation of the thyroid hormone levels, because of the potential hepatic and cardiac dysfunctions caused by heavy alcohol drinking. A year later, after successful treatment, the patient remains well without any clinical evidence of heart failure or hepatic dysfunction. Thyroid storm associated with lactic acidosis and hypothermia is a serious condition and has rarely been reported. Prompt treatment is essential even if the serum thyroid hormone levels are not markedly elevated. We present a report about this patient, as her life could eventually be saved