Stochastic techniques for global optimization: A survey of recent advances

In this paper stochastic algorithms for global optimization are reviewed. After a brief introduction on random-search techniques, a more detailed analysis is carried out on the application of simulated annealing to continuous global optimization. The aim of such an analysis is mainly that of presenting recent papers on the subject, which have received only scarce attention in the most recent published surveys. Finally a very brief presentation of clustering techniques is given.     

An experimental analysis of a population based approach for global optimization

In this paper we perform a computational analysis of a population based approach for global optimization, Population Basin Hopping (PBH), which was proven to be very efficient on very challenging global optimization problems by the authors (see ). The experimental analysis aims at understanding more deeply how the approach works and why it is successful on challenging problems.     

On a new stochastic global optimization algorithm based on censored observations

In this paper a new algorithm is proposed for global optimization problems. The main idea is that of modifying a standard clustering approach by sequentially sampling the objective function while adaptively deciding an appropriate sample size. Theoretical as well as computational results are presented.     

Prescribed scalar curvature on then-sphere

This paper considers the prescribed scalar curvature problem onS ⁿ forn>-3. We consider the limits of solutions of the regularization obtained by decreasing the critical exponent. We characterize those subcritical solutions which blow up at the least possible energy level, determining the points at which they can concentrate, and their Morse indices. We then show that forn=3 this is the only blow up which can occur for solutions. We use this in combination with the Morse inequalities for the subcritical problem to obtain a general existence theorem for the prescribed scalar curvature problem onS ³.This article was processed by the author using the style filepljourlm from Springer-Verlag.     

Emergent biaxiality in nematic microflows illuminated by a laser beam

Anisotropic fluids (e.g. liquid crystals) offer a remarkable promise as optofluidic materials owing to the directional, tunable, and coupled interactions between the material, flow, and the optical fields. Here we present a comprehensive in silico treatment of this anisotropic interaction by performing nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We quantify the response of a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) undergoing a Poiseuille flow in the Stokes regime, while being illuminated by a laser beam incident perpendicular to the flow direction. We adopt a minimalistic model to capture the interactions, accounting for two features: first, the laser heats up the NLC locally; and second, the laser polarises the NLC and exerts an optical torque that tends to reorient molecules of the nematic phase. Because of this reorientation the liquid crystal exhibits small regions of biaxiality, where the nematic director is one symmetry axis and the axis of rotation for the reorientation of the molecules is the other one. We find that the relative strength of the viscous and the optical torques mediates the flow-induced response of the biaxial regions, thereby tuning the emergence, shape and location of the regions of enhanced biaxiality. The mechanistic framework presented here promises experimentally tractable routes toward novel optofluidic applications based on material-flow-light interactions.     

New bounds in Balog-Szemerédi-Gowers theorem

We prove, in particular, that every finite subset A of an abelian group with the additive energy κ|A|³ contains a set A′ such that |A′|?κ|A| and |A′ ? A′|?κ ^?4|A′|.     

A simplified HPTLC screening method for the estimation of the PAH content in soil samples

Based on a highly significant correlation between the visual fluorescing fraction of PAH on the one hand and the total EPA-PAH16 content in mineral soils on the other hand, a deliberately incomplete RP-TLC separation of these compounds into a few fingerprint-like compressed bands within a determined "PAH window" has been achieved. The resulting band-pattern does not interfere normally with the more or less non-polar phenolic compounds which are associated with natural soil humic substances. The extraction step has been extremely simplified with regard to the quantity of the soil sample and of the extractant. The accuracy of this procedure has been ascertained by means of recovery experiments with an artificial soil enriched with PAH. A single spot application mode and an evaluation scheme allow the estimation of EPA-PAH16 contents of soil samples in relation to threshold values (1 or 5 or 10 mg/kg). This HPTLC screening method has been compared against standard HPLC methods. The simplified extraction step and the separation by HPTLC minimizes the actual costs and the time spent per sample.     

Simple linkage: Analysis of a threshold-accepting global optimization method

In a recent paper the authors introduced an infinite class of global optimization algorithms based upon random sampling from the feasible region and local searches started from selected sample points, based upon an acceptance/rejection criterion. All of the algorithms of that class possess strong theoretical properties.Here we analyze a member of that family, which, although being significantly simpler to implement and more efficient than the well known Multi-Level Single-Linkage algorithm, enjoys the same theoretical properties. It is shown here that, with very high probability, our method is able to discover from which points Multi-Level Single-Linkage will decide to start local search.