Sub-structural Niching in Estimation of Distribution Algorithms

We propose a sub-structural niching method that fully exploits the problem decomposition capability of linkage-learning methods such as the estimation of distribution algorithms and concentrate on maintaining diversity at the sub-structural level. The proposed method consists of three key components: (1) Problem decomposition and sub-structure identification, (2) sub-structure fitness estimation, and (3) sub-structural niche preservation. The sub-structural niching method is compared to restricted tournament selection (RTS)--a niching method used in hierarchical Bayesian optimization algorithm--with special emphasis on sustained preservation of multiple global solutions of a class of boundedly-difficult, additively-separable multimodal problems. The results show that sub-structural niching successfully maintains multiple global optima over large number of generations and does so with significantly less population than RTS. Additionally, the market share of each of the niche is much closer to the expected level in sub-structural niching when compared to RTS

The Beneficial Role of Some Bone Markers in Evaluating Women with Osteoporosis under Different Therapeutic Regimens

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton, characterized by low bone mass and alteration in the micro-architecture of the bone tissue that lead to an increase in brittleness with the ensuing predisposition to bone fracture. Global statistics shows that women are more exposed to this disease than men and in particular at menopause. This study was designed to evaluate the use of some bone markers: serum osteocalcin (Ost), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as bone formation markers, also parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and inorganic phosphate level, for the assessment of patients with osteoporosis and to evaluate their role in monitoring of several types of therapeutic interventions (such as bisphosphonates, hormonal replacement therapy, and Ca and vit.D) in postmenopausal women.This study comprised of 36 women (age 51.67±5.14 years) those diagnosed to have osteoporosis, to be allocated randomly into three groups according to the type of therapy to be given as; group A: received bisphosphonates (sodium alendronate 10mg/day) for twelve weeks (N=12). group B: treated with hormonal replacement therapy (conjugated estrogen 0.625mg/day) for twelve weeks (N=12). group C: received Ca and vit. D (Ca1500mg/day and cholecalciferol 1000IU/day) for twelve weeks(N=12). In addition to 15 perimenopausal healthy women to serve as a control group (age 51.13±7.62 years).The studied parameters were measured in serum obtained before starting treatment and after 12 weeks of therapy. Result indicated that the baseline values of both serum Ost and ALP were significantly higher in postmenopausal patients as compared to controls and serum Ost showed a significant reduction after treatment with alendronate compared to those treated with either HRT or Ca and vit. D.From this study we recommend estimating the baseline bone markers (Ost and ALP) status for newly diagnosed osteoporotic patients to be used as a guide for deciding the initial therapeutic intervention, and detection of non responder instead of waiting until patients develop further fracture while they are on therapy. Key words: Osteoporosis, Postmenopause, Osteocalcin, Alendronat

Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for functional somatic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of within-treatment effects

OBJECTIVE: A recent meta-analysis of 17 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) showed that Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) for functional somatic disorders (FSD) reduced somatic symptoms compared to wait list, minimal treatment, and treatment-as-usual controls. A clinically important yet unanswered question is how much improvement patients experience within STPP treatment. METHODS: Following a systematic search, we identified STPP trials presenting data at baseline and post-treatment/follow-up. Meta-analyses determined the magnitude of changes in somatic symptoms and other outcomes from before to after STPP, and analyses examined effect sizes as a function of study, therapy, and patient variables. RESULTS: We identified 37 trials (22 pre-post studies and 15 RCTs) totaling 2094 patients treated an average of 13.34 sessions for a range of FSD. Across all studies, somatic symptoms improved significantly from pre-treatment to short-term follow-up with a large effect size (SMD = −1.07), which was maintained at long-term follow-up (SMD = −0.90). After excluding two outlier studies, effects at short- and medium-term follow-up remained significant but were somewhat reduced in magnitude (e.g., short-term SMD = −0.73). Secondary outcomes including anxiety, depression, disability, and interpersonal problems had medium to large effects. Effects were larger for studies of STPP that were longer than 12 sessions or used an emotion-focused type of STPP, and for chronic pain or gastrointestinal conditions than for functional neurological disorders. CONCLUSIONS: STPP results in moderate to large improvements in multiple outcome domains that are sustained in long-term follow-up. STPP is an effective treatment option for FSD and should be included in treatment guidelines

Walking with EMO: Multi-objective robotics for evolving two, four, and six-legged locomotion

This chapter will demonstrate the various robotics applications that can be achieved using evolutionary multi-objective optimization (EMO) techniques. The main objective of this chapter is to demonstrate practical ways of generating simple legged locomotion for simulated robots with two, four and six legs using EMO. The operational performance as well as complexities of the resulting evolved Pareto solutions that act as controllers for these robots will then be analyzed. Additionally, the operational dynamics of these evolved Pareto controllers in noisy and uncertain environments, limb dynamics and effects of using a different underlying EMO algorithm will also be discussed

State Transition Algorithm

In terms of the concepts of state and state transition, a new heuristic random search algorithm named state transition algorithm is proposed. For continuous function optimization problems, four special transformation operators called rotation, translation, expansion and axesion are designed. Adjusting measures of the transformations are mainly studied to keep the balance of exploration and exploitation. Convergence analysis is also discussed about the algorithm based on random search theory. In the meanwhile, to strengthen the search ability in high dimensional space, communication strategy is introduced into the basic algorithm and intermittent exchange is presented to prevent premature convergence. Finally, experiments are carried out for the algorithms. With 10 common benchmark unconstrained continuous functions used to test the performance, the results show that state transition algorithms are promising algorithms due to their good global search capability and convergence property when compared with some popular algorithms.Comment: 18 pages, 28 figure

Short Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) for Clients with Complex and Enduring Difficulties within NHS Mental Health Services:A Case Series

Short Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for several mental health difficulties. However, its implementation in secondary mental health services in the National Health Service (NHS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to bridge the gap between controlled trials and practice-based evidence, by exploring an initial estimate of the therapeutic effects of this intervention as well as its safety in a secondary care NHS community mental health setting. Method: The study followed a quantitative case series design. Eight clients with complex, enduring mental health difficulties, supported by a community secondary mental health service received a course of STPP. They completed outcome measures at the start, at the end and eight-weeks following completion of therapy. Results: All participants but one completed the therapy and attendance rates were high (>75%). No adverse effects were reported. All participants but two reported improvement in the CORE-OM, BSI and the PHQ-9 and these were maintained at follow-up. Conclusions: The results suggested that STPP was a safe and acceptable intervention, that may have contributed to clinical and reliable improvement for 4 participants, non-reliable improvement for 2 and non-reliable deterioration for one participant who finished the treatment