Feedback functions, optimization, and the relation of response rate to reinforcer rate

The present experiment arranged a series of inverted U-shaped feedback functions relating reinforcer rate to response rate to test whether responding was consistent with an optimization account or with a one-to-one relation of response rate to reinforcer rate such as linear system theory's rate equation or Herrnstein's hyperbola. Reinforcer rate was arranged according to a quadratic equation with a maximum at a unique response rate. The experiment consisted of two phases, during which 6 Long Evans rats lever pressed for food. In the first phase of the experiment, the rats responded on six fixed-interval-plus-quadratic-feedback schedules, and in the second phase the rats responded on three variable-interval-plus-quadratic-feedback schedules. Responding in both phases was inconsistent with a one-to-one relation of response rate to reinforcer rate. Instead, different response rates were obtained at equivalent reinforcer rates. Responding did vary directly with the vertex of the feedback function in both phases, a finding consistent with optimization of reinforcer rate. The present results suggest that the feedback function relating reinforcer rate to response rate imposed by a reinforcement schedule can be an important determinant of behavior. Furthermore, the present experiment illustrates the benefit of arranging feedback functions to investigate assumptions about the variables that control schedule performance.     

A global optimization approach for generating efficient points for multiobjective concave fractional programs

In this article, we present a global optimization approach for generating efficient points for multiobjective concave fractional programming problems. The main work of the approach involves solving an instance of a concave multiplicative fractional program (W̄). Problem (W̄) is a global optimization problem for which no known algorithms are available. Therefore, to render the approach practical, we develop and validate a branch and bound algorithm for globally solving problem (W̄). To illustrate the performance of the global optimization approach, we use it to generate efficient points for a sample multiobjective concave fractional program. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

生命进化动力之哲学思考

对生命进化的本质问题作了新的哲学思考,提出进化的本质是物种在生存的驱动下生存效率的优化过程,是原始细胞自主性与环境选择的双向过程。同时提出推动物种进化的动力在于生存资源稀缺性与物种自私性之间的矛盾和多细胞物种效率优化过程中自身的局部利益与整体利益之间的矛盾。     

Model specification search using a genetic algorithm with factor reordering for a simple structure factor analysis model

Abstract:  Many techniques for automated model specification search based on numerical indices have been proposed, but no single decisive method has yet been determined. In the present article, the performance and features of the model specification search method using a genetic algorithm (GA) were verified. A GA is a robust and simple metaheuristic algorithm with great searching power. While there has already been some research applying metaheuristics to the model fitting task, we focus here on the search for a simple structure factor analysis model and propose a customized algorithm for dealing with certain problems specific to that situation. First, implementation of model specification search using a GA with factor reordering for a simple structure factor analysis is proposed. Then, through a simulation study using generated data with a known true structure and through example analysis using real data, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method were demonstrated.     

Being engaged when resources are low: A multi-source study of selective optimization with compensation at work

This study examined self-regulation in the form of selective optimization with compensation (SOC) at work as a moderator of the relationships of job control (as a job resource) and feeling recovered and energized in the morning (as a personal energy resource) with self- and coworker-rated work engagement. SOC was hypothesized to offset low levels of job control and low levels of personal energy. Based on a sample of 405 public-service employees in Germany, including a multi-source subsample of 141 employees and their respective coworkers, the results showed that SOC use moderated the relationship between the level of personal energy and self-ratings as well as coworker ratings of work engagement such that SOC mitigated low levels of personal energy. SOC at work did not offset low job control. The results suggest that using SOC is particularly important when employees lack energy. SOC strategies should, therefore, be fostered by managers and organizations.     

Constructing robust crew schedules with bicriteria optimization

Optimization‐based computer systems are used by many airlines to solve crew planning problems by constructing minimal cost tours of duty. However, today airlines do not only require cost effective solutions, but are also very interested in robust solutions. A more robust solution is understood to be one where disruptions in the schedule (due to delays) are less likely to be propagated into the future, causing delays of subsequent flights. Current scheduling systems based solely on cost do not automatically provide robust solutions. These considerations lead to a multiobjective framework, as the maximization of robustness will be in conflict with the minimization of cost. For example crew changing aircraft within a duty period is discouraged if inadequate ground time is provided. We develop a bicriteria optimization framework to generate Pareto optimal schedules for the domestic airline. A Pareto optimal schedule is one which does not allow an improvement in cost and robustness at the same time. We developed a method to solve the bicriteria problem, implemented it and tested it with actual airline data. Our results show that considerable gain in robustness can be achieved with a small increase in cost. The additional cost is mainly due to an increase in overnights, which allows for a reduction of the number of aircraft changes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Multicriteria Decision‐Making Application to the Conceptual Design of Mechanical Components

Early design is crucial for the success of the final product. In the conceptual design phase, several constraints, criteria, objectives and disciplines have to be considered. To this aim, multidisciplinary optimization has proven effective for the solution of engineering design problems, even in the industrial every‐day practice, to improve and simplify the work of designers in a successful quest of the best compromise solution. In this paper, a multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM)‐based design platform for early optimal design of industrial components is proposed. In a group decision‐making context, the selection of the most suitable component among several possible layouts is performed by means of a group Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution approach. Hence, a multi‐objective optimization is performed on the selected component by applying a multi‐objective particle swarm optimization for finding optimal component dimensions. An industrial case study is presented for showing the efficiency of the multicriteria decision‐making‐based design platform, regarding an innovative and low‐cost solution to increase the duration of heel tips in women's shoes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Impact of Strategic Trajectory Optimization on Illusory Target Biases During Goal-Directed Aiming

During rapid aiming, movements are planned and executed to avoid worst-case outcomes that require time and energy to correct. As such, downward movements initially undershoot the target to avoid corrections against gravity. Illusory target context can also impact aiming bias. Here, the authors sought to determine how strategic biases mediate illusory biases. Participants aimed to Müller-Lyer figures in different directions (forward, backward, up, down). Downward biases emerged late in the movement and illusory biases emerged from peak velocity. The illusory effects were greater for downward movements at terminal endpoint. These results indicate that strategic biases interact with the limb-target control processes associated with illusory biases. Thus, multiple control processes during rapid aiming may combine and later affect endpoint accuracy (D. Elliott et al., 2010 Elliott, D., Hansen, S., Grierson, L. E. M., Lyons, J., Bennett, S. J., &; Hayes, S. J. (2010). Goal-directed aiming: two components but multiple processes. Psychological Bulletin, 136, 1023–1044.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).     

Adaptation to Reversal of Retinal Feedback of Eyemovements

Both optical and hybrid-computer methods were devised to reverse the visual feedback which the eye gets of its own movements. Optical reversal by a contact lens device caused persisting, unstable, skittered, blurred vision, to which the subject made no effective adaptation. Using a hybrid analog-digital-analog computer, eyemovement-retinal feedback was reversed by yoking oscilloscope targets to the transduced electrical signals of ocular movements and reversing the sign of input-output control of the computer system. Vision with such computer-reversed feedback from ocular movements duplicated the experiences with the contact-lens method. Practice over five sessions of 50 trials indicated that three Ss showed no significant improvement in eye-tracking accuracy with the reversed vision. Perception of direction in vision and the basic signal processes of vision were thus found to be dependent on built-in direction specificity of eyemovement-retinal feedback interactions which also govern dynamic specialization and control of pursuit, saccadic, and fixation movements.     

The use of selection,optimization, and compensation (SOC) in goal pursuit in the daily lives of middle-aged adults

The current study investigated the use of selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) in association with momentary goal conflict and facilitation in middle adulthood. In contrast to previous studies on SOC that focused on the habitual use of the SOC-strategies, the current study investigated the momentary SOC-use in the everyday lives of adults who face the developmental challenge of combining the demands of multiple life domains (e.g., work, family, leisure). In a sample of N = 89 employed middle-age adults, momentary SOC-use as well as momentary goal conflict and facilitation were assessed in a measurement burst design encompassing 20 days (M = 126 measurement points per person). Time-lagged analyses showed that momentary goal conflict was positively related to subsequent optimization and compensation, and momentary goal facilitation lead to lower subsequent loss-based selection and compensation. In contrast, SOC predicted neither subsequent goal conflict nor facilitation. Thus, the use of SOC-strategies seems to be a response to – rather than an antecedent of - currently experienced goal relations (conflict, facilitation), underscoring the importance of these strategies for managing multiple goals.