Multi-Objective Optimisation under Uncertainty with Unscented Temporal Finite Elements

This paper presents a novel method for multi-objective optimisation under uncertainty developed to study a range of mission trade-offs, and the impact of uncertainties on the evaluation of launch system mission designs. A memetic multi-objective optimisation algorithm, named MODHOC, which combines the Direct Finite Elements in Time transcription method with Multi Agent Collaborative Search, is extended to account for model uncertainties. An Unscented Transformation is used to capture the first two statistical moments of the quantities of interest. A quantification model of the uncertainty was developed for the atmospheric model parameters. An optimisation under uncertainty was run for the design of descent trajectories for a spaceplane-based two-stage launch system.

A quasi-affine transformation artificial bee colony algorithm for global optimization

The artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is one of the classical bioinspired swarm-based intelligence algorithms that has strong search ability, because of its special search mechanism, but its development ability is slightly insufficient and its convergence speed is slow. In view of its weak development ability and slow convergence speed, this paper proposes the QABC algorithm in which a new search equation is based on the idea of quasi-affine transformation, which greatly improves the cooperative ability between particles and enhances its exploitability. During the process of location updating, the convergence speed is accelerated by updating multiple dimensions instead of one dimension. Finally, in the overall search framework, a collaborative search matrix is introduced to update the position of particles. The collaborative search matrix is transformed from the lower triangular matrix, which not only ensures the randomness of the search, but also ensures its balance and integrity. To evaluate the performance of the QABC algorithm, CEC2013 test set and CEC2014 test set are used in the experiment. After comparing with the conventional ABC algorithm and some famous ABC variants, QABC algorithm is proved to be superior in efficiency, development ability, and robustness.

Immigrant Southeast and East Asian mothers’ transnational postpartum cultural practices: A meta-ethnography

Objective: Southeast and East Asian mothers experience the postpartum period differently than that of the general population. Despite the documented difference, there is limited representation of postpartum cultural practices in nursing and midwifery research. The purpose of this meta-ethnography is to synthesize qualitative findings from studies that examined postpartum cultural practices of Southeast and East Asian mothers globally to ensure better maternal health outcomes. Methods: Noblit and Hare’s seven-step meta-ethnographic approach was used. We analyzed constructs, concepts, themes, and metaphors using Krippendorff’s content analysis. The guidelines for preferred reporting the synthesis of qualitative research were adhered to enhancing transparency (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Results: The collaborative search process in the following databases, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus, resulted in eight high quality research studies published between January 2017 and February 2020. Five studies discussed postpartum traditions of immigrant mothers ( n = 67) living in North America ( n = 67), while three studies explored that of mothers living in Southeast and East Asian. Mothers ( n = 132) from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Hmong participated. Findings: Three themes emerged: (1) importance of maintaining postpartum cultural practices; (2) barriers of “doing-the-month”; and (3) modification: practicality over tradition. Although participants recognized value in postpartum traditions, the lack of social support deterred more immigrant than non-immigrant Southeast and East Asian mothers from “doing-the-month.” Due to the influence of western medicine, clinicians’ postpartum care suggestions, and use of modern technology (e.g., Internet), Southeast and East Asian mothers had informed choices to adapt, modify, or “break with tradition.” Conclusion: Similarities and differences existed in how each Southeast and East Asian mother accepted and engaged with postpartum cultural practices, a process which aligned with one’s definition of health. Maternity care providers should further elicit Southeast and East Asian mothers’ needs based on individualized assessments beginning in prenatal care with emphasis on social support for mothers who have recently immigrated and given birth in their adopted countries.

Modern Challenges for Universities

During the COVID-19 crisis, which has turned out to be an unprecedented challenge for higher education all over the world, IAU has become a platform that unites the efforts of universities and other educational institutions and also encourages the collaborative search for solutions to the problems they face. The communication mechanisms developed during this period, the global research conducted, and various web resources have significantly enriched the discourse in higher education. But most importantly, a solid foundation for the future strategic rethinking of the management of universities has been laid.