Multi-objective time–cost trade-off in dynamic PERT networks using an interactive approach

We develop a multi-objective model for the time–cost trade-off problem in a dynamic PERT network using an interactive approach. The activity durations are exponentially distributed random variables and the new projects are generated according to a renewal process and share the same facilities. Thus, these projects cannot be analyzed independently. This dynamic PERT network is represented as a network of queues, where the service times represent the durations of the corresponding activities and the arrival stream to each node follows a renewal process. At the first stage, we transform the dynamic PERT network into a proper stochastic network and then compute the project completion time distribution by constructing a continuous-time Markov chain. At the second stage, the time–cost trade-off problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimal control problem that involves four conflicting objective functions. Then, the STEM method is used to solve a discrete-time approximation of the original problem. Finally, the proposed methodology is extended to the generalized Erlang activity durations.     

Combination of MCDM and covering techniques in a hierarchical model for facility location: A case study

In this paper, locating some warehouses as distribution centers (DCs) in a real-world military logistics system will be investigated. There are two objectives: finding the least number of DCs and locating them in the best possible locations. The first objective implies the minimum cost of locating the facilities and the latter expresses the quality of the DCs locations, which is evaluated by studying the value of appropriate attributes affecting the quality of a location. Quality of a location depends on a number of attributes; so the value of each location is determined by using Multi Attribute Decision Making models, by considering the feasible alternatives, the related attributes and their weights according to decision maker’s (DM) point of view. Then, regarding the obtained values and the minimum number of DCs, the two objective functions are formed. Constraints imposed on these two objectives cover all centers, which must be supported by the DCs. Using Multiple Objective Decision Making techniques, the locations of DCs are determined. In the final phase, we use a simple set partitioning model to assign each supported center to only one of the located DCs.     

Regioselective Synthesis of Para‐Bromo Aromatic Compounds

Reaction of substituted benzene rings with N‐bromophthalimide, under neutral conditions, gave the corresponding bromo derivatives with a preference for the formation of the para bromo isomer over the ortho isomer. The simple work‐up procedure minimizes loss of product and the yields are good.     

On the Reaction between Alkyl Isocyanides and Ethynyl Phenyl Ketone in the Presence of N,N′-Dimethylbarbituric Acid

Summary.  The reactive 1:1 intermediate produced in the reaction between alkyl isocyanides and ethynyl phenyl ketone was trapped with N,N ′-dimethylbarbituric acid to produce alkyl 1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-7-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carboxamides in good yields. Corresponding author. E-mail: isayavar@yahoo.com Received January 8, 2002. Accepted January 14, 2002     

Calixarene Dimers as Host Molecules for Biologically Important Di‐ and Oligophosphates

A dimeric calixarene, with an aliphatic C₆‐bridge and six anilinium head groups at its upper rim, preferably complexes diphosphates and oligonucleotides with more than 10 bonds between both anionic moieties. Free binding energies correlate with the length of the aliphatic bridge in a roughly linear fashion. The binding event, which is monitored by fluorescence titrations and competition experiments, relies on Coulomb interactions, as opposed to a nonpolar variant with tert‐butyl instead of ammonium groups; here, hydrophobic forces prevail, rendering the calixarene dimer selective for less polar cofactors such as FAD. The best guest for the hexaanilinium dimer is found in ssDNA, which carries multiple copies of the optimal trinucleotide for maximum attraction towards the extended cationic host. The recognition event is also observed in the environment of a lipid monolayer, and provides a means to quantify dimer diphosphate interactions by measuring p/A shifts.     

Sampled grating distributed feedback (SG DFB) semiconductor laser diode

A laser diode was designed using a method called sampled grating (SG) distributed feedback (DFB), in which the couplings have been distributed in certain regions along the laser cavity (i.e., regions contain grating). These regions play a big role in pushing the main mode to propagate faster than the side mode by increasing the time delay between them. This delay is due to the empty regions (i.e., regions without grating) along the laser cavity. Neither a phase shift nor incomplete grating have been taken into account with the new structure. The theoretical model in the present work is based on the coupled-mode equations which have been solved numerically by the mean of transfer matrix method (TMM).     

Temperature control of electrohydrodynamic micro heat pipes

Active thermal control was achieved by using an electrohydrodynamically (EHD) assisted micro heat pipe array. A simulation model of temperature control of EHD micro heat pipes was established in a Matlab Sinulink environment. An experimental model was designed and fabricated to verify the model and identify the factors most influential to the thermal control via EHD micro heat pipe array. Good correspondence between simulations and experiments was achieved. Electric field intensity, set-point temperature and the gap between the upper and lower set-point temperatures were shown to have a dramatic influence on the temperature control.     

Effect of frequency on sonochemical reactions. I: Oxidation of iodide

The effect of continuous sonication on the kinetics of iodine formation in aqueous iodide solutions was studied in the presence of air and argon at two frequencies, 20 and 900 kHz. Most workers in this area assume that frequency has a negligible effect on sonochemical reactions. The present results indicate, however, that there is a significant effect in the above solutions. The rate of sonochemical oxidation of iodide in aqueous solution is 3.1 times greater in presence of air than argon at 900 kHz, in contrast to the situation at 20 kHz, where the ratio is 0.9 A 900 kHz apparatus was specially designed to make it possible to measure the absolute acoustic power delivered into the solution. The rate of oxidation per unit power in this new 900 kHz apparatus can be more than 30 times greater than that at 20 kHz for the oxidation of iodide in the presence of air.