Augmented ε-constraint method in multi-objective flowshop problem with past sequence set-up times and a modified learning effect

This article addresses a general tri-objective non-permutation flowshop problem to minimise the makespan, the sum of flow time and maximum tardiness simultaneously. In order to enhance the applicability of the model, some practical assumptions are included. These are release dates, past sequence-dependent set-up times, a truncated generalisation of Dejong’s learning effect and predetermined machine availability constraints. First, the problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model. Second, the true Pareto front is achieved with augmented ε-constraint method for small-sized problems. Third, due to the high complexity of the model and the impractical computational times of larger instances, a heuristic algorithm based on the ε-constraint method is also proposed. Finally, the algorithms are tested to gauge their effectiveness, and the results are compared with other methods.     

A Meta-RaPS for the early/tardy single machine scheduling problem

This paper investigates a meta-heuristic solution approach to the early/tardy single machine scheduling problem with common due date and sequence-dependent setup times. The objective of this problem is to minimise the total amount of earliness and tardiness of jobs that are assigned to a single machine. The popularity of just-in-time (JIT) and lean manufacturing scheduling approaches makes the minimisation of earliness and tardiness important and relevant. In this research the early/tardy problem is solved by Meta-RaPS (meta-heuristic for randomised priority search). Meta-RaPS is an iterative meta-heuristic which is a generic, high level strategy used to modify greedy algorithms based on the insertion of a random element. In this case a greedy heuristic, the shortest adjusted processing time, is modified by Meta-RaPS and the good solutions are improved by a local search algorithm. A comparison with the existing ETP solution procedures using well-known test problems shows Meta-RaPS produces better solutions in terms of percent difference from optimal. The results provide high quality solutions in reasonable computation time, demonstrating the effectiveness of the simple and practical framework of Meta-RaPS.     

A lots-dependent variables sampling plan considering supplier’s process loss and buyer’s stipulated specifications requirement

A well-established scheme and mechanism for deciding product acceptance is perceived as a win-win situation for the long-term supplier–buyer relationship. In this paper, we develop a lots-dependent variables sampling scheme for product acceptance determination. The dependent state is based on the sample information of the process capability index that incorporates the supplier’s process loss and the buyer’s demanded specifications requirement. This main scheme is implemented by a three-rule process that accepts or rejects a related lot conditional on the sample results of past lots. The plan-operational parameters satisfying the desired quality levels and constraining the supplier–buyer risks are determined by a non-linear optimisation model. In performance comparisons, our proposed plan demonstrated higher cost effectiveness and discriminatory power than the traditional variables single sampling plan. Finally, industrial applicability of our recommended sampling plans was investigated in a case study.     

Quad‐Rotor Modeling and Attitude Control Using State‐Dependent ARX Type Model

A state‐dependent autoregressive with exogenous variables (SD‐ARX) model whose functional coefficients are approximated by sets of radial basis function (RBF) networks is proposed to describe the dynamic behavior of a quad‐rotor in this paper. This model is identified offline and used as an internal predictor of a receding horizon predictive controller to address the quad‐rotor's attitude control issue. In addition, the physical constraints of the system have been also taken into account during the controller design process. The results of real‐time control on a quad‐rotor aircraft illustrate satisfactory modeling accuracy in a large operating range and good performance of control approach proposed in this paper.     

Statistical inference for ratiometric imaging of excitable cells: a self‐organizing state‐space model

Concentrations of free intracellular calcium ions ([Ca²⁺]_i) in excitable cells are often measured using indicator dyes, such as fura‐2. Of note, however, these indicator dyes are divalent metal ion chelators that affect intrinsic changes in [Ca²⁺]_i. To examine whether indicator dyes alter calcium signaling, we estimated [Ca²⁺]_i using a novel statistical inference method that examines fluorescence signals and the calcium current through the cell membrane. We first constructed a model of transient [Ca²⁺]_i, which was then translated into a state‐space model with such state variables as [Ca²⁺]_i, endogenous calcium buffer, and calcium indicators. Then, a self‐organizing state‐space model was defined by augmenting a state vector with unknown parameters from the original state‐space model. In the model, some unknown parameters were estimated with the original state vector. Next, we used a recursive Bayesian estimation to obtain a set of state vectors and the unknown parameters associated with a set of observation vectors. To calculate the recursive Bayesian estimation, we used a sequential Monte Carlo method, which is referred to as a particle filter method. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we carried out experiments with a set of test data from a model with known parameters. The results show that our proposed method properly estimated the temporal profiles of [Ca²⁺]_i, the indicator dye concentration, and certain model parameters in a noisy environment. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Surface Functionality of Nanoparticles Determines Cellular Uptake Mechanisms in Mammalian Cells

Nanoparticles (NPs) are versatile scaffolds for numerous biomedical applications including drug delivery and bioimaging. The surface functionality of NPs essentially dictates intracellular NP uptake and controls their therapeutic action. Using several pharmacological inhibitors, it is demonstrated that the cellular uptake mechanisms of cationic gold NPs in both cancer (HeLa) and normal cells (MCF10A) strongly depend on the NP surface monolayer, and mostly involve caveolae and dynamin‐dependent pathways as well as specific cell surface receptors (scavenger receptors). Moreover, these NPs show different uptake mechanisms in cancer and normal cells, providing an opportunity to develop NPs with improved selectivity for delivery applications.     

高温时间相关单多轴疲劳损伤模型

针对高温疲劳中蠕变和氧化因素的影响,提出高温循环加载下时间相关疲劳损伤模型.根据材料高温疲劳微观观察和疲劳过程,充分考虑拉压应变率和循环周期不同而造成的不同损伤,提出高温影响折算时间的计算方法.结合损伤理论和高温对疲劳损伤的影响,把无保载时间的高温疲劳损伤分为纯疲劳损伤、时间相关损伤和交互损伤,损伤模型经高温2.25Cr-1Mo钢单多轴疲劳试验验证,结果表明,误差在两个因子之内.     

"Conscientiousness and reactions to psychological contract breach: A longitudinal field study": Correction to Orvis, Dudley, & Cortina (2008).

Reports an error in "Conscientiousness and reactions to psychological contract breach: A longitudinal field study" by Karin A. Orvis, Nicole M. Dudley and Jose M. Cortina (Journal of Applied Psychology, 2008[Sep], Vol 93[5], 1183-1193). Six correlations in Table 1 on page 1187 are incorrectly reported. A corrected table is presented in the erratum, with corrected values in bold. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2008-12803-015.) The authors examined the role of employee conscientiousness as a moderator of the relationships between psychological contract breach and employee behavioral and attitudinal reactions to the breach. They collected data from 106 newly hired employees within the 1st month of employment (Time 1), 3 months later (Time 2), and 8 months after Time 1 (Time 3) to observe the progression through contract development, breach, and reaction. Results suggest that conscientiousness is a significant moderator for 4 of the 5 contract breach-employee reaction relationships examined (turnover intentions, organizational loyalty, job satisfaction, and 1 of 2 facets of job performance). Specifically, employees who were lower in conscientiousness had more negative reactions to perceived breach with respect to turnover intentions, organizational loyalty, and job satisfaction. In contrast, employees who were higher in conscientiousness reduced their job performance to a greater degree in response to contract breach. Future research directions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Attributions of intentions and fairness judgments regarding interracial peer encounters.

To investigate how adolescents interpret ambiguous actions in hypothetical interracial peer encounters, we conducted a study in which 8th- and 11th-grade students (N = 837) evaluated 4 interracial peer encounters in which the intentions of the protagonist were ambiguous. The sample was evenly divided by gender and included both African American and European American adolescents. European American students, male adolescents, and 8th graders were more likely to attribute negative intentions to the protagonist in interracial exchanges than were African American students, female adolescents, and 11th graders. Although all participants viewed peer and teacher accusations of wrongdoing in ambiguous situations as unfair, ethnic minority students as well as female adolescents rated accusations of wrongdoing as more unfair than did ethnic majority or male adolescents. Eleventh graders were more likely to view accusations of wrongdoing for protagonists with a prior history of transgression as fair than were 8th graders. The findings are discussed in light of efforts to reduce prejudice and to facilitate positive intergroup peer interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)