Global Optimization in Any Minkowski Metric: A Permutation-Translation Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Multidimensional Scaling

It is well known that considering a non-Euclidean Minkowski metric in Multidimensional Scaling, either for the distance model or for the loss function, increases the computational problem of local minima considerably. In this paper, we propose an algorithm in which both the loss function and the composition rule can be considered in any Minkowski metric, using a multivariate randomly alternating Simulated Annealing procedure with permutation and translation phases. The algorithm has been implemented in Fortran and tested over classical and simulated data matrices with sizes up to 200 objects. A study has been carried out with some of the common loss functions to determine the most suitable values for the main parameters. The experimental results confirm the theoretical expectation that Simulated Annealing is a suitable strategy to deal by itself with the optimization problems in Multidimensional Scaling, in particular for City-Block, Euclidean and Infinity metrics.     

A non-commutative time-frequency tomography

The characterization of non-stationary signal requires joint time and frequency information. However, time and frequency are a pair of non-commuting variables that cannot constitute a joint probability density in the time-frequency plane. The time-frequency distributions have difficult interpretation problems arising from negative and complex values or spurious components. In this paper, we get time-frequency information from the marginal distributions in rotated directions in the time-frequency plane. The rigorous probability interpretation of the marginal distributions is without any ambiguities. This time-frequency transformation is similar to the computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT) and is applied to signal analysis and signal detection and reveals a lot of advantages especially in the signal detection of the low signal/noise (S/N).     

Conflict Pattern Analysis: Preparing the Ground for Participation in Policy Implementation

The participation of non-state actors in implementation processes is often understood as a means to increase compliance efficiency. But the implementation of spatial policies frequently focuses on pre-established goals, processes and instruments and thus renders difficult open discourse and shared decision-making. This paper introduces conflict pattern analysis (CPA) as a tool that supports the analysis of the actual actor constellation in order to define efficient approaches that avoid common problems of participatory processes. CPA is a semi-formalised method that helps to identify key-actors, their relations and interaction amongst each other as well as their core beliefs, interests and resources. It aggregates this information to interaction patterns that can be compared, classified and linked to different participatory methods on a theoretically informed basis. Particularly on the local and regional level, this could be the first step for successful (participatory) implementation strategies.     

ROLE OF α-PSEUDO-UNIVEX FUNCTIONS IN VECTOR VARIATIONAL-LIKE INEQUALITY PROBLEMS

In this paper, we introduce a new class of generalized convex function, namely, a-pseudounivex function, by combining the concepts of pseudo-univex and α-invex functions. Further, we establish some relationships between vector variational-like inequality problems and vector optimization problems under the assumptions of α-pseudo-univex functions. Results obtained in this paper present a refinement and improvement of previously known results.     

A theoretical model for mid-and low-latitude ionospheric electric fields in realistic geomagnetic fields

The geomagnetic fields, which play important roles in the ionospheric dynamo, can greatly affect the global distribution of ionospheric electric fields, currents and other ionospheric electrodynamics phenomena. In the study of ionospheric electrodynamics phenomena, such as the longitudinal variations of ionospheric electric fields, the non-dipolar component of the geomagnetic fields must be taken into account. In this paper, we deduce a theoretical electric field model for ionospheric dynamo at mid- and low-latitude which adopt a modified magnetic apex coordinates system. In the new electric field model, the geomagnetic fields can be calculated from either the IGRF model or the dipole field model, and the neutral winds and conductivities are calculated based on empirical models. Then the dynamo equation for the electric potential is finally solved in terms of the line-by-line iteration method, and the ionospheric electric fields and currents are derived from the calculated potential. Our model can reproduce the main features of the ionospheric electrodynamics processes, so it will be a useful tool for the investigation of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.     

Sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of normal and alcoholic subjects.

The effects of alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and age on sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency in human lymphocytes were assessed by means of multiple linear regression. An increase in SCE rates was associated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.0001), smoking (p = 0.0231), and, to a small extent (p = 0.057), age. These three confounding factors explain 48% of the inter-personal variation in SCE rates among subjects studied.     

Karyotypes of seven species of bats from Thailand (Chiroptera,Mammalia)

Summary Karyotypes ofMyotis siligorensis, Myotis mystacinus, Pipistrellus pulveratus, Tylonycteris robustula, Miniopterus schreibersi fuliginosus, Hipposideros fulvus andAselliscus stoliczkanus from Thailand are investigated.Acknowledgment. The authors are very grateful to Dr N. Ratanawarabhan, Mrs S. Sittilert, P. Noonpakdee and S. Kuanchalern of Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research for their valuable advice and assistance during our field survey in Thailand.     

Visual categorization shapes feature selectivity in the primate temporal cortex.

The way that we perceive and interact with objects depends on our previous experience with them. For example, a bird expert is more likely to recognize a bird as a sparrow, a sandpiper or a cockatiel than a non-expert. Neurons in the inferior temporal cortex have been shown to be important in the representation of visual objects; however, it is unknown which object features are represented and how these representations are affected by categorization training. Here we show that feature selectivity in the macaque inferior temporal cortex is shaped by categorization of objects on the basis of their visual features. Specifically, we recorded from single neurons while monkeys performed a categorization task with two sets of parametric stimuli. Each stimulus set consisted of four varying features, but only two of the four were important for the categorization task (diagnostic features). We found enhanced neuronal representation of the diagnostic features relative to the non-diagnostic ones. These findings demonstrate that stimulus features important for categorization are instantiated in the activity of single units (neurons) in the primate inferior temporal cortex.     

Surface Waviness in Grinding of Thin Mould Insert Using Chilled Air as Coolant

On going trend of miniaturization in electronic rel at ed parts, which is an average of two times in every 5～7 years introduce grindin g challenges. In grinding process, the surface waviness control of thin parts is an ardent task due to its warpage, induced by the high specific grinding energy (2～10 J/mm 3). Therefore, coolant is often used to avoid thermal damage, obtai n better surface integrity and to prolong wheel life. However coolant, the incomp ressibility media introduce high forces at the gri...