Proper Equilibrium Research Articles

A dual opposition learning-based multi-objective Aquila Optimizer for trading-off time-cost-quality-CO2 emissions of generalized construction projects

PurposeMost of the existing time-cost-quality-environmental impact trade-off (TCQET) analysis models have focused on solving a simple project representation without taking typical activity and project characteristics into account. This study aims to present a novel approach called the “hybrid opposition learning-based Aquila Optimizer” (HOLAO) for optimizing TCQET decisions in generalized construction projects.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a HOLAO algorithm is designed, incorporating the quasi-opposition-based learning (QOBL) and quasi-reflection-based learning (QRBL) strategies in the initial population and generation jumping phases, respectively. The crowded distance rank (CDR) mechanism is utilized to rank the optimal Pareto-front solutions to assist decision-makers (DMs) in achieving a single compromise solution.FindingsThe efficacy of the proposed methodology is evaluated by examining TCQET problems, involving 69 and 290 activities, respectively. Results indicate that the HOLAO provides competitive solutions for TCQET problems in construction projects. It is observed that the algorithm surpasses multiple objective social group optimization (MOSGO), plain Aquila Optimization (AO), QRBL and QOBL algorithms in terms of both number of function evaluations (NFE) and hypervolume (HV) indicator.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a novel concept called hybrid opposition-based learning (HOL), which incorporates two opposition strategies: QOBL as an explorative opposition and QRBL as an exploitative opposition. Achieving an effective balance between exploration and exploitation is crucial for the success of any algorithm. To this end, QOBL and QRBL are developed to ensure a proper equilibrium between the exploration and exploitation phases of the basic AO algorithm. The third contribution is to provide TCQET resource utilizations (construction plans) to evaluate the impact of these resources on the construction project performance.

Thermodynamically consistent flocking: from discontinuous to continuous transitions

We introduce a family of lattice-gas models of flocking, whose thermodynamically consistent dynamics admits a proper equilibrium limit at vanishing self-propulsion. These models are amenable to an exact coarse-graining which allows us to study their hydrodynamic behavior analytically. We show that the equilibrium limit here belongs to the universality class of Model C, and that it generically exhibits tricritical behavior. Self-propulsion has a non-perturbative effect on the phase diagram, yielding novel phase behaviors depending on the type of aligning interactions. For aligning interaction that increase monotonically with the density, the tricritical point diverges to infinite density reproducing the standard scenario of a discontinuous flocking transition accompanied by traveling bands. In contrast, for models where the aligning interaction is non-monotonic in density, the system can exhibit either (the nonequilibrium counterpart of) an azeotropic point, associated with a continuous flocking transition, or a state with counterpropagating bands.

Near Equilibration Times in the Diffusion-Controlled Adsorption.

A model of the Frumkin isotherm following adsorption on the surface of the rotating disk is developed with the purpose to calculate the time that is needed for the establishment of the near equilibrium state between the amount of adsorbate and the bulk concentration of surfactant. The "near" is quantified as 99% of the proper equilibrium surface coverage. The near equilibration time depends on the bulk concentration and on the coefficient of molecular attraction in the adsorbed layer. In the vicinity of the inflection point of the isotherm, this time exhibits sharp spike. It is caused by the diminished flux that increases surface coverage very slowly but continues for a long time. Eventually, both the flux and the surface coverage increase with time drastically under the influence of the exponential part of the Frumkin isotherm.

Pyridine N‐Modulated Adsorption Equilibrium of Highly Dispersed Atomic W‐P Clusters toward Advanced Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors

AbstractImproving the atomic utilization of storage sites and developing isotropic transport characteristics become crucial to enhance the performance of potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs), and the disordered strategy and coordination modulation of the electrodes can satisfy the above structure‐activity requirements. Herein, the highly dispersed atomic W‐P clusters are chosen as a platform for the electronic restructuring. Studies and calculations indicate that replacing O in W‐O2/P2 with pyridine N can modulate the electron distribution and electronegativity, and enrich the edge‐dangling bonds of the amorphous clusters (W‐N2/P2), resulting in proper adsorption equilibrium and high affinity for K+ storage. In addition, the clusters have isotropic and bulk‐phase‐indifferent fast ion storage, and in situ protection of carbon nanosheets can provide stable support for ion storage and electron transfer in the clusters. As an anode, the composite (W‐N/P@C) exhibits superior storage properties of K+ (reversible capacity of 181.6 mAh g−1 after 3000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1), with high energy density (163.7 Wh Kg−1) at the high‐power output (3500 W Kg−1) in PIHCs. This work systematically delineates the effects of disordered design and pyridine N‐coordination on energy storage, and provides new research ideas for studying high‐performance PIHCs.

Corticosteroidal impacts on white blood cells differentials in ear-nose-throat admitted infected patients

Background/aim: It is well-established that the use of corticosteroidal agents in patients with Ear-Nose-Throat infections can lead to an increased risk of infection recurrence, while also potentially prolonging the duration of the infection. It is crucial to ensure a proper equilibrium between the advantages and drawbacks of the corticosteroidal agent. This study investigates the effects of corticosteroids on specific subsets of immune cells in patients admitted to the Ear-Nose-Throat department with infections. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively from March 2020 to September 2021. The variables that were measured and calculated were categorised into parametric and non-parametric data. The parametric data were compared between the two groups, Non-Dexamethasone Cohort (Cohort I) and Dexamethasone Cohort (Cohort II), using Independent, One-Sample T-Tests, and Chi-Square Test. Results: The average age of the entire study cohort was 59.40±10.60 years. There was a slightly higher proportion of males compared to females, with a ratio of approximately 2.309:1. The haematological analysis revealed a decrease in the levels of white blood cells, absolute neutrophils, monocytes, and the monocytes to lymphocytes ratio in Cohort I when compared to Cohort II. The levels of prognosticator biomarkers and their ratios were significantly lower in Cohort I when compared to Cohort II. Cohort II exhibited a significantly reduced hospital length of stay and a lower mortality rate among admitted infected patients in the ear-nose-throat infection, in comparison to Cohort I. Conclusion: Our analysis determined that Dexamethasone 6 mg/day provides a substantial survival advantage for patients with higher baseline risk upon admission. This benefit is associated with a decrease in the counts of neutrophils and monocytes, as well as a decrease in the ratio of these counts to lymphocyte count.

Workforce localisation in the resort sector of the Maldives

The resort sector of the Maldives has played a vital role in the development of the Maldives, influencing the economy, culture, environment, society, and governance. The resort sector is predominantly staffed by expatriates, with many workers employed. Therefore, achieving the proper equilibrium between local and expatriate forces with a priority on developing local employment opportunities is vital. Creating relevant and proactive policies and action plans to build human capital is essential. This study aims to evaluate the current challenges concerned with workforce localisation in the resort sector of the Maldives. This research adopts an exploratory case study approach with the target population being the managers and human resource managers of resorts in the Maldives. The sample population was selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured, open-ended interviews with twelve participants. The interviews were transcribed and coded, and themes were generated using content analysis. The overarching themes indicate the need for national-level strategies and collective effort from the industry, the regulatory authorities, and educational institutions. The key findings suggest conflicting opinions on striking a balance between expatriate and local workers. The challenge lies in attracting the required workforce from the local population, leading to a reliance on expatriates. The lack of local skills, experience and qualifications adds to the burden of local recruitment. However, findings indicate that areas and roles in the resort sector can be easily localised, thus benefiting the local population. Currently, the government and the resort sector facilitate local development by aiming to close the linguistic proficiency gap, internships, and graduate management programs. The research findings highlight the importance of creating job value, combatting misconceptions and stereotyping, cultivating a work-oriented mindset, and having an inclusive policy paving part-time employment for students. Furthermore, career counselling, real-world learning experiences and training facilities are integral to the success of workforce localisation in the Maldives.

Standard Essential Patents: Returning to the Basics on Unwired v Huawei

Abstract Standard essential patents have become an extremely crucial element in developing modern technologies and standardization processes. This article examines the importance of standardization and standard essential patents in developing technologies and their effect on the legal jurisprudential environment. The introduction emphasizes the role of standardization in promoting the adoption of various essential technologies. Additionally, it focuses on the significance of standard essential patents that safeguard the technologies underlying such standards. The discussion delves into a particular legal case involving Unwired Planet’s licensing campaign for standard essential patents in the communication industry, emphasizing the judgments handed down by the UK Supreme Court. The analysis further investigates critical issues involved in the decision, such as jurisdiction over global licensing, non-discrimination under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms, and the flexibility of fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory negotiations. The UK Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies maintaining a proper equilibrium between the interests of SEP holders and encouraging fair and reasonable licensing practices.

Resolution of the n-person Prisoners’ Dilemma by Kalai’s Preplay Negotiation Procedure

In this paper, we apply the preplay negotiation procedure proposed by Kalai [1981] [Preplay negotiations and the prisoner’s dilemma, Math. Soc. Sci. 1, 375–379] to the [Formula: see text]-person prisoners’ dilemma with [Formula: see text] and examine whether it promotes cooperation. First, we demonstrate that every perfect equilibrium is a proper equilibrium for any extensive-form game in which players have only two alternatives in each information set. We show that if the preplay is carried out once, the preplay game has a proper equilibrium that realizes cooperation. We also show that if the preplay is executed twice, the game has a proper equilibrium that realizes cooperation regardless of the entering action profile (the starting point of the preplays). Finally, we demonstrate that the preplay game consisting of at least two preplays has a proper equilibrium that realizes cooperation.

A Differentiable Path-Following Method with a Compact Formulation to Compute Proper Equilibria

The concept of proper equilibrium was established as a strict refinement of perfect equilibrium. This establishment has significantly advanced the development of game theory and its applications. Nonetheless, it remains a challenging problem to compute such an equilibrium. This paper develops a differentiable path-following method with a compact formulation to compute a proper equilibrium. The method incorporates square-root-barrier terms into payoff functions with an extra variable and constitutes a square-root-barrier game. As a result of this barrier game, we acquire a smooth path to a proper equilibrium. To further reduce the computational burden, we present a compact formulation of an ε-proper equilibrium with a polynomial number of variables and equations. Numerical results show that the differentiable path-following method is numerically stable and efficient. Moreover, by relaxing the requirements of proper equilibrium and imposing Selten’s perfection, we come up with the notion of perfect d-proper equilibrium, which approximates a proper equilibrium and is less costly to compute. Numerical examples demonstrate that even when d is rather large, a perfect d-proper equilibrium remains to be a proper equilibrium. History: Accepted by Antonio Frangioni, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms-Continuous. Funding: This work was partially supported by General Research Fund (GRF) CityU 11306821 of Hong Kong SAR Government. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0148 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0148 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .

The Biophysical Modelling of the Equilibrium Receptors

The receiver or the analyser’s peripheral segment, the afferent pathway which takes the excitation to the cerebral cortex and the cortical segment. The simplest equilibrium takes place then two forces of equal size and directly opposed act simultaneously. If several forces act on different directions on an object, the object can be in equilibrium only if the effect of one is cancelled by the others. The equilibrium analyser is situated in the internal ear. The receptors of the macula are stimulated mechanically by the otolithes. Their stimulation takes place in static and dynamic conditions. This way, correcting motor reaction of the position of body and head are triggered at the level of the nervous centres, in order to maintain the equilibrium for the entire duration of movement. The vestibular sense is not a proper equilibrium sense, but an important component of the mechanisms which contribute to the adjustment of equilibrium, next to the kinaesthetic, visual, tactile analysers and cerebellum. The relative change of the stimulus is proportional with the relative change of the stimulus. They found that the so-called method of amplitude estimation resulted in values with very dispersed intervals, therefore, they applied the correlation of the analyzers.

Evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic effects of Sitagliptin via modulation of the mTOR pathway in male rabbits.

Atherosclerosis is a common and serious vascular disease that underlies many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illnesses, including heart attack and stroke. Atherosclerosis-related illnesses have increased in prevalence and now pose a substantial burden on individuals and society. Autophagy (AP) is a process in which cytoplasmic components are engulfed by a double-membrane structure, such as defective organelles and aged, damaged, and flawed proteins. Autophagy is essential for maintaining a proper cellular equilibrium and plays a vital homeostatic role in physiological settings by liberating nutrients from macromolecules and removing undesirable cellular components. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Sitagliptin on the progression of atherosclerosis. Twenty-one male New Zealand White rabbits weighing 2-2.5 kg each were split into three groups: normal control, atherogenic control, and Sitagliptin-treated. The following parameters: serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, and a tissue autophagy marker (p62) using ELISA, aortic mRNA expression of mTORC1 marker using Real-Time Quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR), and histological inspection of the aorta were assessed. The mRNA expression of mTORC1 and the lipid profile of aortic tissue are considerably elevated in atherogenic diet-fed animals. Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of a substantial atherosclerotic lesion in the animals fed an atherogenic diet. However, compared to an atherogenic control group, Sitagliptin dramatically reduced lipid profile, P62 aortic level, and mRNA expression of mTORC1. Sitagliptin medication slowed the development of atherosclerosis via increasing autophagy through suppression of the mTORC1 signaling pathway.

Semicooperation under curved strategy spacetime

ABSTRACT Mutually beneficial cooperation is a common part of economic systems as firms in partial cooperation with others can often make a higher sustainable profit. Though cooperative games were popular in 1950s, recent interest in noncooperative games is prevalent despite the fact that cooperative bargaining seems to be more useful in economic and political applications. In this paper we assume that the strategy space and time are inseparable with respect to a contract. Furthermore, it is assumed that each firm’s strategy polygon is a geodesic polygon which changes its shape every point of time with the stubbornness strategy surface of firm’s executive board follow a Gaussian free field. This gives us more flexibility to deal with generalized geodesic cooperative games which is the main contribution of this paper. Under this environment we show that the strategy spacetime is a dynamic curved Liouville-like 2-brane quantum gravity surface under asymmetric information and that traditional Euclidean geometry fails to give a proper feedback Nash equilibrium. Cooperation occurs when two firms’ strategies fall into each other’s influence curvature in this strategy spacetime. Small firms in an economy dominated by large firms are subject to the influence of large firms. We determine an optimal feedback semicooperation of the small firm in this case using a Liouville-Feynman path integral method.

Galactic scaling rules in a modified dynamical model

Schulz (2017) galactic scaling rules , which include baryonic Tully–Fisher relation, have been surveyed in this work within the context of a modified dynamical model. These scaling relations are derived by employing the virial theorem and applying equilibrium and stability conditions. The scaling rules are also obtained by dimensional analysis of an integral relation between surface density and circular velocity of disk galaxies. To check the validity of the scaling relations based on observational data, we have defined, based on the properties of the model, the proper equilibrium size Req and equilibrium velocity Veq of systems. By employing these measures of length and velocity, SPARC data (Lelli et al., 2016a) is used to analyze the results. The viability of the scaling relations is tested and it is shown that, compared to some other measures of length and velocity, Req and Veq provide the closest fits to the theoretical predictions. We have compared our results with prior works and have concluded that the set of baryonic Tully–Fisher relation plus mass–size relation ( or mass–velocity) provides an appropriate description of the general characteristics of the systems. Lastly, it is shown that these scaling relations predict a certain evolution of galactic properties with redshift. This behavior provides a chance to examine the cosmic evolution of the present modified dynamical model in future works.

Iterative Landmark-Based Umbrella Sampling (ILBUS) Protocol for Sampling of Conformational Space of Biomolecules.

Computer simulations of biomolecules such as molecular dynamics often suffer from insufficient sampling. Due to limited computational resources, insufficient sampling prevents obtaining proper equilibrium distributions of observed properties. To deal with this problem, we proposed a simulation protocol for efficient resampling of collected off-equilibrium trajectories. These trajectories are utilized for the initial mapping of the conformational space, which is later properly resampled by the introduced Iterative Landmark-Based Umbrella Sampling (ILBUS) method. Reconstruction of static equilibrium properties is achieved by the multistate Bennett acceptance ratio (MBAR) method, which enables efficient use of simulated data. The ILBUS protocol is geometry-based and does not demand any additional collective variable or a dimensional-reduction technique. The only requirement is a set of suitably spaced reference conformations, which serve as landmarks in the mapped conformational space. Additionally, the ILBUS protocol encompasses an iterative process that optimizes the force constant used in the umbrella sampling simulation. Such tuning is an inherent feature of the protocol and does not need to be performed by the user in advance. Furthermore, even the simulations with suboptimal force constants can be used in estimates by MBAR. We demonstrate the feasibility and the performance of this approach in the study of the conformational landscape of the alanine dipeptide, met-enkephalin, and adenylate kinase.

Study of Zooplankton Diversity in Amarja Reservoir at Kalaburagi District

Amarja Reservoir is the historical reservoir situated in Kalaburagi district. Zooplankton plays an important role in aquatic ecosystem serve as a major component of food chain. It maintain proper equilibrium between biotic and abiotic components of the aquatic ecosystem. The present investigation deals with study of diversity zooplankton of Amarja reservoir. The work was carried out for the period of one year i.e., December 2014 to November 2015. The zooplankton of Amarja reservoir water is represented by five different groups like Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracods with 19 different species were identified and recorded in Amarja Reservoir, Rotifer were dominant among zooplanktons.

“Impact of Yoga in Daily Life”-A Literature Review

Yoga is a way to achieve complete balance between the body, mind, and soul. The Sanskrit word yuj, which implies union, is where the word yoga first appeared. Fusion of the individual and the collective mind. Practicing yoga can help you keep your equilibrium. Avoiding various health issues requires proper equilibrium. Your body gains a lot from yoga. Your ability to focus and how you approach problems both increase. It's a lifetime choice rather than just an activity. Your mind, body, and spirit will all benefit from it in various ways.

The importance of understanding the regulation of bacterial metabolism.

The importance of understanding the regulation of bacterial metabolism.

Storytelling for Behavior Change: Use of Folktales for Promoting Sustainable Behaviors

Our Earth has been entangled in different adverse effects resulting from the excessive human interference into the territory of nature. The habit of extracting and consuming indiscriminately is moving them to a situation, where their own future generation would not be able receive benefits of the natural resources. It has also been recognized that human action is perhaps the most significant contributor to this. And therefore, a proper equilibrium, i.e., sustainable development, could only be achieved by bringing about a change in human behavior in general. We explore the possibility of using indigenous knowledge for encouraging sustainable behaviors. We propose a model for behavior change through storytelling by using folktales. We argue that folktales serve three functions – epistemic, motivational, and ethical – which make them potent tools for promoting sustainable behavior. We conclude by pointing out limitations and suggestion for future research.

Abstract 4236: Temporal inhibition of BCAT1 alters metal homeostasis leading to reversal of terminal exhaustion of CD8 T cells, increased cytotoxicity, and increased efficacy of checkpoint inhibition in cancer

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that BCAT1, the enzyme responsible for the reversible transamination of leucine in the cytosol, is a druggable target in immune-oncology: the small molecule inhibitor ERG245 dramatically increases the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in the moderately immunogenic CT26 colon cancer model. We have also shown that Bcat1 gene expression is enriched in exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ intratumoral cells in cancer patients from diverse cancers. Here, we illustrate that the adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of murine CD8+ T cells treated with ERG245 increased the median survival of CT26 tumor-bearing mice from 25 days, observed with the ACT of untreated CD8+ T cells, to 32 days. This suggested that inhibition of BCAT1 prevented the known exhaustion of adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells, induced by the tumor microenvironment of CT26 tumors. To confirm this hypothesis, we developed an in vitro model of generating terminally exhausted (PD-1+TIM-3+GZMB+CXCL13+) CD8+ T cells by subjecting the cells to consecutive cycles of αCD3/αCD28 activation in the presence of TGF-β. Addition of ERG245 in the last activation cycle decreased terminal exhaustion of the cells. Mechanistically, bulk RNAseq experiments indicated and ICP analysis confirmed that inhibition of BCAT1 interfered with metal homeostasis leading to increased concentrations of Fe in the mitochondria and decreased concentrations of Zn in the nucleus of newly activated CD8+ T cells. The immediate impact of ERG245 treatment on the cells included a general decrease in the genes of processes depending on proper metal equilibrium such as cholesterol biosynthesis and ribosome biogenesis. Withdrawal of BCAT1 restored or reversed the cell phenotype leading to epigenetically altered CD8+ T cells with decreased histone acetyltransferase and histone demethylase presence, increased cytotoxicity, and increased ribosome biogenesis. Collectively, the data suggest that temporal inhibition of BCAT1 inhibition induces profound effects on CD8+ T cells including increased cytotoxicity and suppression of terminal exhaustion, thus rendering the cells rescuable by anti-PD-1 therapy. Citation Format: Adonia E. Papathanassiu, Weixing Li, Hong A. Vu. Temporal inhibition of BCAT1 alters metal homeostasis leading to reversal of terminal exhaustion of CD8 T cells, increased cytotoxicity, and increased efficacy of checkpoint inhibition in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 4236.

Boundary-Monte Carlo Method for Neutral and Charged Confined Fluids

In this work, we describe a new Monte Carlo (MC) simulation method to investigate highly coupled fluids in confined geometries at a constant chemical potential. This method is based on so-called multi-scale Hamiltonian methods, wherein the chemical potential is determined using a more amenable Hamiltonian for a fluid in an "outer" region, which facilitates standard methods, such as grand canonical MC simulations or Widom's particle insertion method. The (inner region) fluid of interest is placed in diffusive contact with the simpler outer fluid via a boundary zone wherein the Hamiltonian is transformed. The current method utilizes an ideal fluid for the outer regions, which allows for implicit rather than explicit simulations. Only the boundary and inner region need explicit consideration; hence, the nomenclature used is boundary-Monte Carlo. We illustrate the utility of the method for simple neutral and charged fluids in cylindrical and planar pores. In the latter case, we use a dense room-temperature ionic liquid model and illustrate how the boundary zone establishes a proper Donnan equilibrium between inner and outer fluids in the presence of charged planar electrodes. Thus, the method allows direct calculation of properties such as the differential capacitance, without the need for additional difficult calculations of the requisite Donnan potential.