Showing papers by "Aarhus University published in 2004"

Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection

Abstract: Preface ix Introduction 1 PART I: Prosperity "Better you had brought me a bomb, so I could blow this place up" 21 Chapter 1: Frontiers of Capitalism 27 "They communicate only in sign language" 51 Chapter 2: The Economy of Appearances 55 PART II: Knowledge "Let a new Asia and a new Africa be born" 81 Chapter 3: Natural Universals and the Global Scale 88 "Dark rays" 113 Chapter 4: Nature Loving 121 "This earth, this island Borneo" 155 Chapter 5: A History of Weediness 171 PART III: Freedom "A hair in the flour" 205 Chapter 6: Movements 213 "Facilities and incentives" 239 Chapter 7: The Forest of Collaborations 245 Coda 269 Notes 273 References 297 Index 313

Power and Bipower Variation with Stochastic Volatility and Jumps

Abstract: This article shows that realized power variation and its extension, realized bipower variation, which we introduce here, are somewhat robust to rare jumps. We demonstrate that in special cases, realized bipower variation estimates integrated variance in stochastic volatility models, thus providing a model-free and consistent alternative to realized variance. Its robustness property means that if we have a stochastic volatility plus infrequent jumps process, then the difference between realized variance and realized bipower variation estimates the quadratic variation of the jump component. This seems to be the first method that can separate quadratic variation into its continuous and jump components. Various extensions are given, together with proofs of special cases of these results. Detailed mathematical results are reported in Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard (2003a).

A comparative study of differential evolution, particle swarm optimization, and evolutionary algorithms on numerical benchmark problems

Abstract: Several extensions to evolutionary algorithms (EAs) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) have been suggested during the last decades offering improved performance on selected benchmark problems. Recently, another search heuristic termed differential evolution (DE) has shown superior performance in several real-world applications. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of DE, PSO, and EAs regarding their general applicability as numerical optimization techniques. The comparison is performed on a suite of 34 widely used benchmark problems. The results from our study show that DE generally outperforms the other algorithms. However, on two noisy functions, both DE and PSO were outperformed by the EA.

Randomized clinical trial of virtual reality simulation for laparoscopic skills training.

Abstract: Background: This study examined the impact of virtual reality (VR) surgical simulation on improvement of psychomotor skills relevant to the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Sixteen surgical trainees performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on patients in the operating room (OR). The participants were then randomized to receive VR training (ten repetitions of all six tasks on the Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer—Virtual Reality (MIST-VR)) or no training. Subsequently, all subjects performed a further laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the OR. Both operative procedures were recorded on videotape, and assessed by two independent and blinded observers using predefined objective criteria. Time to complete the procedure, error score and economy of movement score were assessed during the laparoscopic procedure in the OR. Results: No differences in baseline variables were found between the two groups. Surgeons who received VR training performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly faster than the control group (P = 0·021). Furthermore, those who had VR training showed significantly greater improvement in error (P = 0·003) and economy of movement (P = 0·003) scores. Conclusion: Surgeons who received VR simulator training showed significantly greater improvement in performance in the OR than those in the control group. VR surgical simulation is therefore a valid tool for training of laparoscopic psychomotor skills and could be incorporated into surgical training programmes. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Forecast Comparison of Volatility Models: Does Anything Beat a GARCH(1,1)?

Abstract: We compare 330 ARCH-type models in terms of their ability to describe the conditional variance. The models are compared out-of-sample using DM-$ exchange rate data and IBM return data, where the latter is based on a new data set of realized variance. We find no evidence that a GARCH(1,1) is outperformed by more sophisticated models in our analysis of exchange rates, whereas the GARCH(1,1) is clearly inferior to models that can accommodate a leverage effect in our analysis of IBM returns. The models are compared with the test for superior predictive ability (SPA) and the reality check for data snooping (RC). Our empirical results show that the RC lacks power to an extent that makes it unable to distinguish 'good' and 'bad' models in our analysis.

Sortilin is essential for proNGF-induced neuronal cell death

Abstract: Sortilin (approximately 95 kDa) is a member of the recently discovered family of Vps10p-domain receptors, and is expressed in a variety of tissues, notably brain, spinal cord and muscle. It acts as a receptor for neurotensin, but predominates in regions of the nervous system that neither synthesize nor respond to this neuropeptide, suggesting that sortilin has additional roles. Sortilin is expressed during embryogenesis in areas where nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor, proNGF, have well-characterized effects. These neurotrophins can be released by neuronal tissues, and they regulate neuronal development through cell survival and cell death signalling. NGF regulates cell survival and cell death via binding to two different receptors, TrkA and p75NTR (ref. 10). In contrast, proNGF selectively induces apoptosis through p75NTR but not TrkA. However, not all p75NTR-expressing cells respond to proNGF, suggesting that additional membrane proteins are required for the induction of cell death. Here we report that proNGF creates a signalling complex by simultaneously binding to p75NTR and sortilin. Thus sortilin acts as a co-receptor and molecular switch governing the p75NTR-mediated pro-apoptotic signal induced by proNGF.

Design and Analysis of Practical Public-Key Encryption Schemes Secure against Adaptive Chosen Ciphertext Attack

Abstract: A new public-key encryption scheme, along with several variants, is proposed and analyzed. The scheme and its variants are quite practical and are proved secure against adaptive chosen ciphertext attack under standard intractability assumptions. These appear to be the first public-key encryption schemes in the literature that are simultaneously practical and provably secure.

Disordered zinc in Zn4Sb3 with phonon-glass and electron-crystal thermoelectric properties.

Abstract: By converting waste heat into electricity, thermoelectric generators could be an important part of the solution to today's energy challenges. The compound Zn_4Sb_3 is one of the most efficient thermoelectric materials known. Its high efficiency results from an extraordinarily low thermal conductivity in conjunction with the electronic structure of a heavily doped semiconductor. Previous structural studies have been unable to explain this unusual combination of properties. Here, we show through a comprehensive structural analysis using single-crystal X-ray and powder-synchrotron-radiation diffraction methods, that both the electronic and thermal properties of Zn_4Sb_3 can be understood in terms of unique structural features that have been previously overlooked. The identification of Sb^(3-) ions and Sb_2^(4-) dimers reveals that Zn_4Sb_3 is a valence semiconductor with the ideal stoichiometry Zn_(13)Sb_(10). In addition, the structure contains significant disorder, with zinc atoms distributed over multiple positions. The discovery of glass-like interstitial sites uncovers a highly effective mechanism for reducing thermal conductivity. Thus Zn_4Sb_3 is in many ways an ideal 'phonon glass, electron crystal' thermoelectric material.

Albuminuria, a Therapeutic Target for Cardiovascular Protection in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Nephropathy

Abstract: Background— Albuminuria is an established risk marker for both cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Albuminuria can be reduced with drugs that block the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We questioned whether the short-term drug-induced change in albuminuria would predict the long-term cardioprotective efficacy of RAS intervention. Methods and Results— We analyzed data from Reduction in Endpoints in Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan (RENAAL), a double-blind, randomized trial in 1513 type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy, focusing on the relationship between the prespecified cardiovascular end point (composite) or hospitalization for heart failure and baseline or reduction in albuminuria. Patients with high baseline albuminuria (≥3 g/g creatinine) had a 1.92-fold (95% CI, 1.54 to 2.38) higher risk for the cardiovascular end point and a 2.70-fold (95% CI, 1.94 to 3.75) higher risk for heart failure compared with patients with low albuminuria (<1.5 g/g). Amon...

Econometric Analysis of Realized Covariation: High Frequency Based Covariance, Regression, and Correlation in Financial Economics

Abstract: This paper analyses multivariate high frequency financial data using realized covariation. We provide a new asymptotic distribution theory for standard methods such as regression, correlation analysis, and covariance. It will be based on a fixed interval of time (e.g., a day or week), allowing the number of high frequency returns during this period to go to infinity. Our analysis allows us to study how high frequency correlations, regressions, and covariances change through time. In particular we provide confidence intervals for each of these quantities.

Changing paradigms in concepts on dental caries: consequences for oral health care.

Abstract: Kuhn proposed in his Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962) that the theoretical framework of a science (paradigm) determines how each generation of researchers construes a causal sequence. Paradigm change is infrequent and revolutionary; thereafter previous knowledge and ideas become partially redundant. This paper discusses two paradigms central to cariology. The first concerns the most successful caries-preventive agent: fluoride. When it was thought that fluoride had to be present during tooth mineralisation to ‘improve’ the biological apatite and the ‘caries resistance’ of the teeth, systemic fluoride administration was necessary for maximum benefit. Caries reduction therefore had to be balanced against increasing dental fluorosis. The ‘caries resistance’ concept was shown to be erroneous 25 years ago, but the new paradigm is not yet fully adopted in public health dentistry, so we still await real breakthroughs in more effective use of fluorides for caries prevention. The second paradigm is that caries is a transmittable, infectious disease: even one caused by specific microorganisms. This paradigm would require caries prevention by vaccination, but there is evidence that caries is not a classical infectious disease. Rather it results from an ecological shift in the tooth-surface biofilm, leading to a mineral imbalance between plaque fluid and tooth and hence net loss of tooth mineral. Therefore, caries belongs to common ‘complex’ or ‘multifactorial’ diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, in which many genetic, environmental and behavioural risk factors interact. The paper emphasises how these paradigm changes raise new research questions which need to be addressed to make caries prevention and treatment more cost-effective.

Limited filling of the potential range in European tree species

Abstract: The relative roles of environment and history in controlling large-scale species distributions are important not only theoretically, but also for forecasting range responses to climatic change. Here, we use atlas data to examine the extent to which 55 tree species fill their climatically determined potential ranges in Europe. Quantifying range filling (R/P) as realized/potential range size ratios using bioclimatic envelope modelling we find mean R/P = 38.3% (±30.3% SD). Many European tree species naturalize extensively outside their native ranges, providing support for interpreting the many low R/Ps as primarily reflecting dispersal limitation. R/P increases strongly with latitudinal range centroid and secondarily with hardiness and decreases weakly with longitudinal range centroid. Hence, European tree species ranges appear strongly controlled by geographical dispersal constraints on post-glacial expansion as well as climate. Consequently, we expect European tree species to show only limited tracking of near-future climate changes.

A new branch-and-cut algorithm for the capacitated vehicle routing problem

Abstract: We present a new branch-and-cut algorithm for the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). The algorithm uses a variety of cutting planes, including capacity, framed capacity, generalized capacity, strengthened comb, multistar, partial multistar, extended hypotour inequalities, and classical Gomory mixed-integer cuts. For each of these classes of inequalities we describe our separation algorithms in detail. Also we describe the other important ingredients of our branch-and-cut algorithm, such as the branching rules, the node selection strategy, and the cut pool management. Computational results, for a large number of instances, show that the new algorithm is competitive. In particular, we solve three instances (B-n50-k8, B-n66-k9 and B-n78-k10) of Augerat to optimality for the first time.

Parietal cortex and representation of the mental Self

Abstract: For a coherent and meaningful life, conscious self-representation is mandatory. Such explicit “autonoetic consciousness” is thought to emerge by retrieval of memory of personally experienced events (“episodic memory”). During episodic retrieval, functional imaging studies consistently show differential activity in medial prefrontal and medial parietal cortices. With positron-emission tomography, we here show that these medial regions are functionally connected and interact with lateral regions that are activated according to the degree of self-reference. During retrieval of previous judgments of Oneself, Best Friend, and the Danish Queen, activation increased in the left lateral temporal cortex and decreased in the right inferior parietal region with decreasing self-reference. Functionally, the former region was preferentially connected to medial prefrontal cortex, the latter to medial parietal. The medial parietal region may, then, be conceived of as a nodal structure in self-representation, functionally connected to both the right parietal and the medial prefrontal cortices. To determine whether medial parietal cortex in this network is essential for episodic memory retrieval with self-representation, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation over the region to transiently disturb neuronal circuitry. There was a decrease in the efficiency of retrieval of previous judgment of mental Self compared with retrieval of judgment of Other with transcranial magnetic stimulation at a latency of 160 ms, confirming the hypothesis. This network is strikingly similar to the network of the resting conscious state, suggesting that self-monitoring is a core function in resting consciousness.

Strong spin-orbit splitting on bi surfaces.

Abstract: Using first-principles calculations and angle-resolved photoemission, we show that the spin-orbit interaction leads to a strong splitting of the surface-state bands on low-index surfaces of Bi. The dispersion of the states and the corresponding Fermi surfaces are profoundly modified in the whole surface Brillouin zone. We discuss the implications of these findings with respect to a proposed surface charge density wave on Bi(111) as well as to the surface screening, surface spin-density waves, electron (hole) dynamics in surface states, and to possible applications to the spintronics.

Structure and reactions of quantum halos

Abstract: This article provides an overview of the basic principles of the physics of quantum halo systems, defined as bound states of clusters of particles with a radius extending well into classically forbidden regions. Exploiting the consequences of this definition, the authors derive the conditions for occurrence in terms of the number of clusters, binding energy, angular momentum, cluster charges, and excitation energy. All these quantities must be small. The article discusses the transitions between different cluster divisions and the importance of thresholds for cluster or particle decay, with particular attention to the Efimov effect and the related exotic states. The pertinent properties can be described by the use of dimensionless variables. Then universal and specific properties can be distinguished, as shown in a series of examples selected from nuclear, atomic, and molecular systems. The neutron dripline is especially interesting for nuclei and negative ions for atoms. For molecules, in which the cluster division comes naturally, a wider range of possibilities exists. Halos in two dimensions have very different properties, and their states are easily spatially extended, whereas Borromean systems are unlikely and spatially confined. The Efimov effect and the Thomas collapse occur only for dimensions between 2.3 and 3.8 and thus not for 2. High-energy reactions directly probe the halo structure. The authors discuss the reaction mechanisms for high-energy nuclear few-body halo breakup on light, intermediate, and heavy nuclear targets. For light targets, the strong interaction dominates, while for heavy targets, the Coulomb interaction dominates. For intermediate targets these processes are of comparable magnitude. As in atomic and molecular physics, a geometric impact-parameter picture is very appropriate. Finally, the authors briefly consider the complementary processes involving electroweak probes available through beta decay, electromagnetic transitions, and capture reactions.

A multi-national study of reading and tracing skills in novice programmers

Abstract: A study by a ITiCSE 2001 working group ("the McCracken Group") established that many students do not know how to program at the conclusion of their introductory courses. A popular explanation for this incapacity is that the students lack the ability to problem-solve. That is, they lack the ability to take a problem description, decompose it into sub-problems and implement them, then assemble the pieces into a complete solution. An alternative explanation is that many students have a fragile grasp of both basic programming principles and the ability to systematically carry out routine programming tasks, such as tracing (or "desk checking") through code. This ITiCSE 2004 working group studied the alternative explanation, by testing students from seven countries, in two ways. First, students were tested on their ability to predict the outcome of executing a short piece of code. Second, students were tested on their ability, when given the desired function of short piece of near-complete code, to select the correct completion of the code from a small set of possibilities. Many students were weak at these tasks, especially the latter task, suggesting that such students have a fragile grasp of skills that are a prerequisite for problem-solving.

Cultural life scripts structure recall from autobiographical memory.

Abstract: Three classes of evidence demonstrate the existence oflife scripts, or culturally shared representations of the timing of major transitional life events. First, a reanalysis of earlier studies on age norms shows an increase in the number of transitional events between the ages of 15 and 30 years, and these events are associated with narrower age ranges and more positive emotion than events outside this period. Second, 1,485 Danes estimated how old hypothetical centenarians were when they had been happiest, saddest, most afraid, most in love, and had their most important and most traumatic experiences. Only the number of positive events showed an increase between the ages of 15 and 30 years. Third, undergraduates generated seven important events that were likely to occur in the life of a newborn. Pleasantness and whether events were expected to occur between the ages of 15 and 30 years predicted how frequently events were recorded. Life scripts provide an alternative explanation of the reminiscence bump. Emphasis is on culture, not individuals.

Induction and regulation of IFNs during viral infections.

Abstract: Interferons (IFN)s are involved in numerous immune interactions during viral infections and contribute to both induction and regulation of innate and adaptive antiviral mechanisms. IFNs play a pivotal rule in the outcome of a viral infection, as demonstrated by the impaired resistance against different viruses in mice deficient for the receptors IFNAR-2 and IFNGR. During viral infections, IFNs are involved in numerous immune interactions as inducers, regulators, and effectors of both innate and adaptive antiviral mechanisms. IFN-alpha/beta is produced rapidly when viral factors, such as envelope glycoproteins, CpG DNA, or dsRNA, interact with cellular pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), such as mannose receptors, toll-like receptors (TLRs), and cytosolic receptors. These host-virus interactions signal downstream to activate transcription factors needed to achieve expression from IFN-alpha/beta genes. These include IFN regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3), IRF-5, IRF-7, c-Jun/ATF-2, and NF-kappaB. In contrast, IFN-gamma is induced by receptor-mediated stimulation or in response to early produced cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-12), IL-18, and IFN-alpha/beta, or by stimulation through T cell receptors (TCRs) or natural killer (NK) cell receptors. IFNs signal through transmembrane receptors, activating mainly Jak-Stat pathways but also other signal transduction pathways. Cytokine and TCR-induced IFN-gamma expression uses distinct signal transduction pathways involving such transcription factors as NFAT, Stats and NF-kappaB. This results in induction and activation of numerous intrinsic antiviral factors, such as RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), the 2-5A system, Mx proteins, and several apoptotic pathways. In addition, IFNs modulate distinct aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity. Thus, IFN-alpha/beta and IFN-gamma affect activities of macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells (DC), and T cells by enhancing antigen presentation, cell trafficking, and cell differentiation and expression profiles, ultimately resulting in enhanced antiviral effector functions. This review focuses on the latest findings regarding induction and regulation of IFNs, primarily during the early phase of an antiviral immune response. Both cellular and molecular aspects are discussed from the perspective of host-virus interactions.

Gene expression in the urinary bladder: a common carcinoma in situ gene expression signature exists disregarding histopathological classification.

Abstract: The presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS) lesions in the urinary bladder is associated with a high risk of disease progression to a muscle invasive stage. In this study, we used microarray expression profiling to examine the gene expression patterns in superficial transitional cell carcinoma (sTCC) with surrounding CIS (13 patients), without surrounding CIS lesions (15 patients), and in muscle invasive carcinomas (mTCC; 13 patients). Hierarchical cluster analysis separated the sTCC samples according to the presence or absence of CIS in the surrounding urothelium. We identified a few gene clusters that contained genes with similar expression levels in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with surrounding CIS and invasive TCC. However, no close relationship between TCC with adjacent CIS and invasive TCC was observed using hierarchical cluster analysis. Expression profiling of a series of biopsies from normal urothelium and urothelium with CIS lesions from the same urinary bladder revealed that the gene expression found in sTCC with surrounding CIS is found also in CIS biopsies as well as in histologically normal samples adjacent to the CIS lesions. Furthermore, we also identified similar gene expression changes in mTCC samples. We used a supervised learning approach to build a 16-gene molecular CIS classifier. The classifier was able to classify sTCC samples according to the presence or absence of surrounding CIS with a high accuracy. This study demonstrates that a CIS gene expression signature is present not only in CIS biopsies but also in sTCC, mTCC, and, remarkably, in histologically normal urothelium from bladders with CIS. Identification of this expression signature could provide guidance for the selection of therapy and follow-up regimen in patients with early stage bladder cancer.

CD163: a regulated hemoglobin scavenger receptor with a role in the anti‐inflammatory response

Abstract: CD163 is a hemoglobin scavenger receptor exclusively expressed in the monocyte-macrophage system. A particularly high expression is seen in macrophages of the 'alternative activation' phenotype playing a major role in dampening the inflammatory response and in scavenging components of damaged cells. CD163-mediated endocytosis of haptoglobin-hemoglobin complexes formed upon red blood cell hemolysis leads to lysosomal degradation of the ligand protein and metabolism of heme by cytosolic heme oxygenase. In accordance with a stimulated expression of haptoglobin, CD163 and heme oxygenase-1 during the acute phase response, there is evidence that this metabolic pathway regulates inflammation by at least two ways. First, CD163 is reported to directly induce intracellular signaling leading to secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Second and perhaps even more important, the CD163-mediated delivery of hemoglobin to the macrophage may fuel an anti-inflammatory response because heme metabolites have potent anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to being present on the macrophage surface, continuous shedding of the extracellular domain of CD163 leads to substantial amounts of soluble receptor in plasma. An increased shedding is due to inflammatory stimuli, and a role for soluble CD163 in immune suppression has been proposed. Furthermore, recent data indicate that soluble CD163 may be a valuable diagnostic parameter for monitoring macrophage activation in inflammatory conditions.

Selection or Network Effects? Migration Flows into 27 OECD Countries, 1990-2000

Abstract: Recent migration patterns show growing migration pressure and changing composition of immigrants in many Western countries. During the latest decade, an increasing proportion of the OECD immigrants have been from poor countries, where the educational level of the population is low. The migration patterns may be affected by the relatively generous welfare schemes in most OECD countries, but also network effects and migration policy changes may be important factors behind the observed development. This paper presents empirical evidence on immigration flows into 27 OECD countries during a period of 11 years, 1990-2000. Using a panel data model, we analyze the determinants of the migration flows. Our results indicate that traditional factors as cultural and linguistic distance are important. Network effects are also strong, but vary between source and destination countries. We do not find clear evidence that selection effects have had a major influence on the observed migration patterns until now. This may partly be explained by restrictive migration policies in many OECD countries which may have dampened the potential selection effects.

Phosphoryl transfer and calcium ion occlusion in the calcium pump.

Abstract: A tight coupling between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis and vectorial ion transport has to be maintained by ATP-consuming ion pumps. We report two crystal structures of Ca2+-bound sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+–adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA) at 2.6 and 2.9 angstrom resolution in complex with (i) a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog [adenosine (β–γ methylene)–triphosphate] and (ii) adenosine diphosphate plus aluminum fluoride. SERCA reacts with ATP by an associative mechanism mediated by two Mg2+ ions to form an aspartyl-phosphorylated intermediate state (Ca2-E1∼P). The conformational changes that accompany the reaction with ATP pull the transmembrane helices 1 and 2 and close a cytosolic entrance for Ca2+, thereby preventing backflow before Ca2+ is released on the other side of the membrane.

Domain movements of elongation factor eEF2 and the eukaryotic 80S ribosome facilitate tRNA translocation

Abstract: An 11.7-A-resolution cryo-EM map of the yeast 80S·eEF2 complex in the presence of the antibiotic sordarin was interpreted in molecular terms, revealing large conformational changes within eEF2 and the 80S ribosome, including a rearrangement of the functionally important ribosomal intersubunit bridges. Sordarin positions domain III of eEF2 so that it can interact with the sarcin–ricin loop of 25S rRNA and protein rpS23 (S12p). This particular conformation explains the inhibitory action of sordarin and suggests that eEF2 is stalled on the 80S ribosome in a conformation that has similarities with the GTPase activation state. A ratchet-like subunit rearrangement (RSR) occurs in the 80S·eEF2·sordarin complex that, in contrast to Escherichia coli 70S ribosomes, is also present in vacant 80S ribosomes. A model is suggested, according to which the RSR is part of a mechanism for moving the tRNAs during the translocation reaction.

Relationships between bullying, psychosocial work environment and individual stress reactions

Abstract: It is frequently assumed that a poor psychosocial working environment will create conditions that encourage bullying. However, few studies have examined this assumption while comparing work environment ratings of bullied and non-bullied employees who work in the same organization and/or department. The objectives of this study were therefore, first, to investigate relationships between bullying and other psychosocial work environment factors within a particular organizational setting and, second, to investigate if bullied employees reported higher levels of stress than non-bullied employees. A total of 186 blue-collar employees from a Danish manufacturing company participated in the study (response rate of 93%). Results showed significant differences in bullied and non-bullied employees’ ratings of psychosocial factors such as job control, management style, role clarity, social climate, social contact and work centrality. In order to investigate assumptions that a poor psychosocial work environment create...

Multimodal optimization using crowding-based differential evolution

Abstract: Multimodal optimization is an important area of active research within the evolutionary computation community. The ability of algorithms to discover and maintain multiple optima is of great importance - in particular when several global optima exist or when other high-quality solutions might be of interest. The differential evolution algorithm (DE) is extended with a crowding scheme making it capable of tracking and maintaining multiple optima. The introduced CrowdingDE algorithm is compared with a DE using the well-known sharing scheme that penalizes similar candidate solutions. In conclusion, the introduced CrowdingDE outperformed the sharing-based DE algorithm on fourteen commonly used benchmark problems.

Layered and laterally constrained 2D inversion of resistivity data

Abstract: In a sedimentary environment, quasi-layered models often can represent the actual geology more accurately than smooth minimum-structure models. We present a 2D inversion scheme with lateral constraints and sharp boundaries (LCI) for continuous resistivity data. All data and models are inverted as one system, producing layered solutions with laterally smooth transitions. The models are regularized through lateral constraints that tie interface depths or thicknesses and resistivities of adjacent layers. A priori information, used to resolve ambiguities and to add, for example, geological information, can be added at any point of the profile and migrates through the lateral constraints to parameters at adjacent sites. Similarly, information from areas with well-resolved parameters migrates through the constraints to help resolve areas with poorly constrained parameters. The estimated model is complemented by a full sensitivity analysis of the model parameters supporting quantitative evaluation of the inversion result. A simple synthetic model proves the need for a quasilayered, 2D inversion when compared with a traditional 2D minimum-structure inversion. A 2D minimum-structure inversion produces models with spatially smooth resistivity transitions, making identification of layer boundaries difficult. A continuous vertical electrical sounding field example from Sweden with a depression in the depth to bedrock supports the conclusions drawn from the synthetic example. A till layer on top of the bedrock, hidden in the traditional inversion result, is identified using the 2D LCI scheme. Furthermore, the depth to the bedrock surface is easily identified for most of the profile with the 2D LCI model, which is not the case with the model from the traditional minimumstructure inversion.