Incremental user-interface development for interactive multiobjective optimization

Interactive multiobjective optimization (IMO) is a subfield of multiple criteria decision making. In multiobjective optimization, the optimization problem is formulated with a mathematical model containing several conflicting objectives and constraints depending on decision variables. By using IMO methods, a decision maker progressively provides preference information in order to find the most satisfactory compromise between the conflicting objectives. In this paper, we consider implementation challenges of IMO methods. In particular, we consider what kind of interaction techniques can support the decision making process and information exchange between IMO methods and the decision maker. The implementation of an IMO method called Pareto Navigator is used as an example to demonstrate concrete challenges of interaction design. This paper focuses on describing the incremental development of the user interface for Pareto Navigator including empirical validation by user testing evaluation.     

Do Large Intestinal Events Explain the Protective Effects of Whole Grain Foods Against Type 2 Diabetes?

Consumption of whole grain foods has been associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity and inflammation are key mechanisms in the development of type 2 diabetes, but the cause of the protective effects of whole grains is not known. In this review, we search for evidence to support the hypothesis of a link between whole grains, large intestinal events, and peripheral inflammation. Due to the unique structure and composition of the grain fiber complex, fermentation in the large intestine is probably an important mediator of the effects of whole grains. Fermentation of grain fiber takes place throughout the large intestine affecting beneficially the composition of gut microbiota, hence decreasing the permeability of gut barrier. Improved gut barrier function reduces leaking of endotoxic bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the circulation. Lower concentration of LPS in blood seems to alleviate peripheral inflammation. Fermentation of grain fiber also leads to continuous supply and absorption of metabolites such as short chain fatty acids and ferulic acid derivatives which may have anti-inflammatory effects. These phenomena, mainly based on in vitro and animal studies, are associated with fermentation of grain fiber and improve insulin sensitivity, which over time may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. To test these mechanisms, more well-designed human studies are needed.     

Developmental Dynamics of Math Performance From Preschool to Grade 2.

This study investigated the developmental dynamics of mathematical performance during children's transition from preschool to Grade 2 and the cognitive antecedents of this development. 194 Finnish children were examined 6 times according to their math performance, twice during each year across a 3-year period. Cognitive antecedents, that is, counting ability, visual attention, metacognitive knowledge, and listening comprehension, were tested at the first measurement point. The results indicated that math performance showed high stability and increasing variance over time. Moreover, the growth of math competence was faster among those who entered preschool with an already high level of mathematical skills. The initial level of math performance, as well as its growth, was best predicted by counting ability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bayesian analysis of flaw sizing data of the NESC III exercise

Non-destructive inspections are performed to give confidence of the non-existence of flaws exceeding a certain safe limit in the inspected structural component. The principal uncertainties related to these inspections are the probability of not detecting an existing flaw larger than a given size, the probability of a false call, and the uncertainty related to the sizing of a flaw. Inspection reliability models aim to account for these uncertainties. This paper presents the analysis of sizing uncertainty of flaws for the results of the NESC III Round Robin Trials on defect-containing dissimilar metal welds. Model parameters are first estimated to characterize the sizing capabilities of various teams. A Bayesian updating of the flaw depth distribution is then demonstrated by combining information from measurement results and sizing performance.     

Investment incentives: regulation of the Finnish electricity distribution

Investments into the electricity distribution network are needed to support competition and to guarantee the security of supply as well as a good quality of electricity. The aim of this paper is to study the ex post regulatory system in Finland in context of investment incentives. The second objective is to study how the investments in the sector have developed after the liberalisation and what seem to be the most important factors influencing investments in light of empirical information and how regulation affects them. The investment volumes vary much between years but on average, no drastic developments have taken place.     

BP180/Collagen XVII: A Molecular View

BP180 is a type II collagenous transmembrane protein and is best known as the major autoantigen in the blistering skin disease bullous pemphigoid (BP). The BP180 trimer is a central component in type I hemidesmosomes (HD), which cause the adhesion between epidermal keratinocytes and the basal lamina, but BP180 is also expressed in several non-HD locations, where its functions are poorly characterized. The immunological roles of intact and proteolytically processed BP180, relevant in BP, have been subject to intensive research, but novel functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, and aging have also recently been described. To better understand the multiple physiological functions of BP180, the focus should return to the protein itself. Here, we comprehensively review the properties of the BP180 molecule, present new data on the biochemical features of its intracellular domain, and discuss their significance with regard to BP180 folding and protein–protein interactions.     

In vitro fermentation of polysaccharides of rye,wheat and oat brans and inulin by human faecal bacteria

The in vitro fermentabilities of rye, wheat and oat brans and of a commercial fibre preparation, inulin, were compared. The brans were first digested enzymatically to remove starch and protein. The digested brans and inulin were then fermented with human faecal inoculum. The progress of fermentation was studied by following the consumption of carbohydrates and the production of short‐chain fatty acids and gases. Inulin, a short fructose polymer, was consumed significantly faster than the more complex carbohydrates of cereal brans. Carbohydrates of oat bran (rich in β‐glucan) were consumed at a higher rate than those of rye and wheat brans (rich in arabinoxylan). In all brans, glucose was consumed faster than the other main sugars, arabinose and xylose, and arabinose was degraded only slightly. The total production of short‐chain fatty acids was slightly higher with oat bran than with rye and wheat brans and inulin. In the fermentation of inulin, relatively more butyric acid and less propionic acid were produced than in the fermentation of brans. The decrease in pH was also greater in the case of inulin. Wheat bran led to a slightly slower gas formation than rye and oat brans. Formation of gases was fastest and greatest in the case of inulin. In conclusion, rye, wheat and oat brans were fermented in a rather similar way. Fermentation of the brans was different from that of inulin. Cereal brans might serve as a more balanced source of dietary fibre supplement than gas‐producing, readily fermentable polysaccharides such as inulin. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry