Multi-population genetic algorithms with immigrants scheme for dynamic shortest path routing problems in mobile ad hoc networks

Copyright @ Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.The static shortest path (SP) problem has been well addressed using intelligent optimization techniques, e.g., artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms (GAs), particle swarm optimization, etc. However, with the advancement in wireless communications, more and more mobile wireless networks appear, e.g., mobile ad hoc network (MANET), wireless mesh network, etc. One of the most important characteristics in mobile wireless networks is the topology dynamics, that is, the network topology changes over time due to energy conservation or node mobility. Therefore, the SP problem turns out to be a dynamic optimization problem in mobile wireless networks. In this paper, we propose to use multi-population GAs with immigrants scheme to solve the dynamic SP problem in MANETs which is the representative of new generation wireless networks. The experimental results show that the proposed GAs can quickly adapt to the environmental changes (i.e., the network topology change) and produce good solutions after each change.This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC) of UK under Grant EP/E060722/1

The Effect of Knowledge Sharing on the Service Innovation Performance: An Empirical Study on Restaurant in North Kalimantan, Indonesia

This research was conducted on restaurant business in North Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. To improve the performance of service innovation, companies need knowledge gained from knowledge sharing activities. A number of 150 employees working in the restaurant businesses in North Kalimantan participated in this study. The data were collected using survey method with questionnaire. The survey responses submitted by respondents in this study indicated that the influence of knowledge sharing on the performance of service innovation showed significant results. Knowledge sharing activities in this study have a positive effect on innovation performance of restaurant business services in North Kalimantan

Antimicrobial activities of marine fungi from Malaysia

Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Generational Mass Splitting of Neutrinos in High Temperature SU(2)L⊗U(1)SU(2)_{\scriptscriptstyle{L}}\otimes U(1) Gauge Theory

We calculate the generational mass splitting of neutrinos in high temperature $SU(2)_{\scriptscriptstyle{L}}\otimes U(1)$ gauge theory when the temperature is above $250$ GeV and the gauge symmetry is restored. We consider the case of neutrinos that are massless at tree level as well as the case of neutrinos with tree-level mass and large mixing.Comment: 12 Pages, JHU-TIPAC-940008/INFNCA-TH-94-

Do the Age of the Universe and the Hubble Constant Depend on What Scale One Observes Them?

The apparent cosmological conflict between the age of the Universe, predicted in the standard Friedman cosmology by using the recent measurement of the larger Hubble constant from a direct calibration of the distance to the Virgo galaxy cluster, and the ages of the oldest stars and globular clusters is resolved by invoking the scale dependence of cosmological quantities, including the age of the Universe. The distance dependence or the running of cosmological quantities is motivated by the asymptotically-free higher- derivative quantum gravity. The running can also be derived by ``properly" modifying the Friedman equations. This property can also provide partial explanation of the apparent disagreement between the two recent measurements of the Hubble constant using NGC 4571 at 15 Mpc and NGC 5253 at 4 Mpc.Comment: Revtex file, 9 pages (no figures

A scale-dependent cosmology for the inhomogeneous Universe

A scale-dependent cosmology is proposed in which the Robertson-Walker metric and the Einstein equation are modified in such a way that $\Omega_0$, $H_0$ and the age of the Universe all become scale-dependent. Its implications on the observational cosmology are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, in RevTex. To be appeared in TAUP '9

Potential of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to attract both empirical and clinical interest due to its complex symptom profile and the underlying processes involved. Recently, research attention has been focused on the types of memory processes involved in PTSD and hypothesized neurobiological processes. Complicating this exploration, and the treatment of PTSD, are underlying comorbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Treatment of PTSD has undergone further reviews with the introduction of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR has been empirically demonstrated to be as efficacious as other specific PTSD treatments, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. There is emerging evidence that there are different processes underlying these two types of trauma treatment and some evidence that EMDR might have an efficiency advantage. Current research and understanding regarding the processes of EMDR and the future direction of EMDR is presented.

A critical review on sustainable biochar system through gasification: energy and environmental applications

This review lays great emphasis on production and characteristics of biochar through gasification. Specifically, the physicochemical properties and yield of biochar through the diverse gasification conditions associated with various types of biomass were extensively evaluated. In addition, potential application scenarios of biochar through gasification were explored and their environmental implications were discussed. To qualitatively evaluate biochar sustainability through the gasification process, all gasification products (i.e., syngas and biochar) were evaluated via life cycle assessment (LCA). A concept of balancing syngas and biochar production for an economically and environmentally feasible gasification system was proposed and relevant challenges and solutions were suggested in this review

Trauma-focused treatments for depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Trauma-focused treatments (TFTs) have demonstrated efficacy at decreasing depressive symptoms in individuals with PTSD. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of TFTs for individuals with depression as their primary concern. Methods A systematic search was conducted for RCTs published before October 2019 in Cochrane CENTRAL, Pubmed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and additional sources. Trials examining the impact of TFTs on participants with depression were included. Trials focusing on individuals with PTSD or another mental health condition were excluded. The primary outcome was the effect size for depression diagnosis or depressive symptoms. Heterogeneity, study quality, and publication bias were also explored. Results Eleven RCTs were included (n = 567) with ten of these using EMDR as the TFT and one using imagery rescripting. Analysis suggested these TFTs were effective in reducing depressive symptoms post-treatment with a large effect size [d = 1.17 (95% CI: 0.58~ 1.75)]. Removal of an outlier saw the effect size remain large [d = 0.83 (95% CI: 0.48~ 1.17)], while the heterogeneity decreased (I2 = 66%). Analysis of the 10 studies that used EMDR also showed a large effect [d = 1.30 (95% CI: 0.67~1.91)]. EMDR was superior to non trauma-focused CBT [d = 0.66 (95% CI: 0.31~1.02)] and analysis of EMDR and imagery rescripting studies suggest superiority over inactive control conditions [d = 1.19 (95% CI: 0.53~ 1.86)]. Analysis of follow-up data also supported the use of EMDR with this population [d = 0.71 (95% CI: 1.04~0.38)]. No publication bias was identified. Conclusions Current evidence suggests that EMDR can be an effective treatment for depression. There were insufficient RCTs on other trauma-focused interventions to conclude whether TFTs in general were effective for treating depression. Larger studies with robust methodology using EMDR and other trauma-focused interventions are needed to build on these findings

Functional Methods in Stochastic Systems

Field-theoretic construction of functional representations of solutions of stochastic differential equations and master equations is reviewed. A generic expression for the generating function of Green functions of stochastic systems is put forward. Relation of ambiguities in stochastic differential equations and in the functional representations is discussed. Ordinary differential equations for expectation values and correlation functions are inferred with the aid of a variational approach.Comment: Plenary talk presented at Mathematical Modeling and Computational Science. International Conference, MMCP 2011, Star\'a Lesn\'a, Slovakia, July 4-8, 201