DMEA: a direction-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm

A novel direction-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (DMEA) is proposed, in which a population evolves over time along some directions of improvement. We distinguish two types of direction: (1) the convergence direction between a non-dominated solution (stored in an archive) and a dominated solution from the current population; and, (2) the spread direction between two non-dominated solutions in the archive. At each generation, these directions are used to perturb the current parental population from which offspring are produced. The combined population of offspring and archived solutions forms the basis for the creation of both the next-generation archive and parental pools. The rule governing the formation of the next-generation parental pool is as follows: the first half is populated by non-dominated solutions whose spread is aided by a niching criterion applied in the decision space. The second half is filled with both non-dominated and dominated solutions from the sorted remainder of the combined population. The selection of non-dominated solutions for the next-generation archive is also assisted by a mechanism, in which neighborhoods of rays in objective space serve as niches. These rays originate from the current estimate of the Pareto optimal front??s (POF??s) ideal point and emit randomly into the hyperquadrant that contains the current POF estimate. Experiments on two well-known benchmark sets, namely ZDT and DTLZ have been carried out to investigate the performance and the behavior of the DMEA. We validated its performance by comparing it with four well-known existing algorithms. With respect to convergence and spread performance, DMEA turns out to be very competitive.     

Stability radii of positive linear systems under affine parameter perturbations in infinite dimensional spaces

In this paper we study the stability radii of positive linear discrete system under arbitrary affine parameter perturbations in infinite dimensional spaces. It is shown that complex, real, and positive stability radii of positive systems coincide. More importantly, estimates and computable formulas of these stability radii are also derived. The results are then illustrated by a simple example. The obtained results are extensions of the recent results in [3].     

On completely multiplicative functions whose values are roots of unity

Summary We prove that if a complex valued completely multiplicative function F and a positive integer ℓ≦5 satisfy the condition F(N) = U_ℓ, where U_ℓ is the set of all ℓ-th roots of unity, then {F(n+1) F(n) ∣ nε N} = U_ℓ.     

A note on subgroups in a division ring that are left algebraic over a division subring

Let D be a division ring with center F and K a division subring of D. In this paper, we show that a non-central normal subgroup N of the multiplicative group $$D^*$$ is left algebraic over K if and only if so is D provided F is uncountable and contained in K. Also, if K is a field and the n-th derived subgroup $$D^{(n)}$$ of $$D^{*}$$ is left algebraic of bounded degree d over K, then $$\dim _FD\le d^2$$ .     

Determination of optical constants of latex in concentrated suspensions

The possibility of taking into account concentration effects in the determination of optical constants of latex in the visible and near IR regions of the spectrum is demonstrated, and the limits of applicability of the methods proposed for this purpose are determined. The limiting concentration of particles in suspensions for which these effects should be taken into account depend on the particle size. Using latex as an example, ways of increasing the accuracy of reconstruction of optical constants of weakly absorbing particles of micron and submicron size are shown. Similar concentration effects can take place in the study of blood substituents, proteins, and other weakly absorbing particles in weakly absorbing media.     

Microalgae and bioremediation of domestic wastewater

Domestic wastewaters are produced in huge volumes and abundant with carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, which are a promising source of nutrients for production of microalgae. Microalgae-based bioremediation of domestic wastewater offers various advantages over traditional treatment approaches because the process consumes CO₂, completely removes nitrogen and phosphorous for production of green biomass and oxygen. Moreover, the abundance of biochemical compositions (e.g., lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, bioactive compounds) of microalgae biomass is superior to terrestrial plant biomass in refining to multi-products having variety of commercial values. In this review, the most dominant microalgae used for simultaneous removal of pollutants and production of biomass and metabolites from domestic wastewater are presented. Biorefinery of microalgae biomass produced from domestic wastewater for production of multiple products is also explored. Finally, challenges and perspectives of successful microalgae-based bioremediation of domestic wastewater toward the biorefinery are briefly discussed.     

Electrochemical sensing of hydroxylamine by gold nanoparticles on single-walled carbon nanotube films

The arrays of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were fabricated on flexible and transparent single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films using the electrochemical deposition method, and the patterned nanotubes were then used as electrodes for hydroxylamine detection. The sizes and densities of the AuNPs could easily be controlled by varying the amount of charge deposited, and the gold-deposited area showed a homogeneous distribution on the exposed SWCNT film surface. X-ray diffraction analysis of the AuNPs shows a face-centered cubic structure that is dominated by the lowest energy {111} facets. The oxidation of the hydroxylamine on the AuNP-deposited SWCNT films depended strongly on the solution pH, and the maximum catalytic current was observed at a pH of 9.0. A linear electrical response was observed for concentrations ranging from 0.016 to 0.210 mM, and the detection limit and the sensitivity were 0.72 μM and 165.90 μAmM^?1 cm^?2, respectively. Moreover, the amperometric response in hydroxylamine showed a stable response for a long time (300 s), during which time it retained 94% of its initial value. In the long-term storage stability test, the current response to hydroxylamine decreased slightly, with only 17% leakage after 30 days.     

Highly enantioselective organocatalytic α-amination reactions of aryl oxindoles: developing designer multifunctional alkaloid catalysts

An enantioselective α-amination of aryl oxindoles catalyzed by a dimeric quinidine has been developed. The reaction is general, broad in substrate scope, and affords the desired products in good yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities. This study provides the first examples of a general organocatalytic method for the creation of nitrogen-containing, tetrasubstituted chiral centers at C(3) of various aryl oxindoles. Furthermore, new catalysts and insights into structural elements of the catalysts that significantly influence enantioselectivities are disclosed.