A New Two-Stage Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems

Optimization seeks to find inputs for an objective function that result in a maximum or minimum. Optimization methods are divided into exact and approximate (algorithms). Several optimization algorithms imitate natural phenomena, laws of physics, and behavior of living organisms. Optimization based on algorithms is the challenge that underlies machine learning, from logistic regression to training neural networks for artificial intelligence. In this paper, a new algorithm called two-stage optimization (TSO) is proposed. The TSO algorithm updates population members in two steps at each iteration. For this purpose, a group of good population members is selected and then two members of this group are randomly used to update the position of each of them. This update is based on the first selected good member at the first stage, and on the second selected good member at the second stage. We describe the stages of the TSO algorithm and model them mathematically. Performance of the TSO algorithm is evaluated for twenty-three standard objective functions. In order to compare the optimization results of the TSO algorithm, eight other competing algorithms are considered, including genetic, gravitational search, grey wolf, marine predators, particle swarm, teaching-learning-based, tunicate swarm, and whale approaches. The numerical results show that the new algorithm is superior and more competitive in solving optimization problems when compared with other algorithms.     

The elastic sphere under arbitrary concentrated surface loads

The elastostatic problem of a sphere subject to a concentrated surface load of arbitrary direction which is equilibrated in a very simple manner by a distribution of surface tractions is solved. Particular attention is placed in the analysis of the singularity at the point of application of the concentrated load.The solution obtained provides a means for reducing problems pertaining to a sphere under arbitrary concentrated and distributed loads to a regular second boundary-value problem for the sphere. For illustration the problem of a sphere acted by two equal, opposite and collinear loads applied at two arbitrary surface points is treated.The paper also contains an exposition and an essential extension of an integration scheme developed by Almansi. Thus, an explicit integral representation of the displacements in an elastic sphere in terms of a vector valued harmonic potential which coincides on the surface with the tractions is obtained.

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Résumé On présente la résolution du problème élastostatique d'une sphère soumise en surface à une charge ponctuelle de direction arbitraire équilibrée par une distribution trés simple de contraintes superficielles. On s'attache plus spécialement à l'analyse de la singularité au point d'application de la charge ponctuelle.La solution obtenue permet de réduire les problèmes d'une sphère soumise de manière quelconque à des charges ponctuelles et réparties, à un problème avec conditions aux limites régulières. A titre d'exemple, on traite le problème d'une sphère soumise à deux forces ponctuelles, co linéaires, égales et de sens opposé, appliquées en deux points arbitraires de la surface.L'article contient également une exposition et une extension d'un schéma d'intégration développé par Almansi. On obtient ainsi une représentation explicite, sous forme d'intégrale, des déplacements dans une sphère élastique, en termes de potentiel vecteur qui coïncide, à la surface, avec le champ de contraintes.

     

Influence of high pressure processing on the linear viscoelastic properties of egg yolk dispersions

The effect of high-pressure treatments on the gelation of egg yolk dispersions was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS). The influence of pressure of processing and pH were analysed. The DSC results suggest a progressive decrease in thermal denaturation enthalpy as pressure level increases related to protein denaturation. SAOS was used to evaluate the effect of different pressure levels on the linear viscoelastic behaviour of egg yolk dispersions. An increase in the pressure level produces a dramatic change in the linear viscoelastic behaviour undergoing a sol–gel transition. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing was also analysed as a function of pH and solids content. The results obtained confirm that the impact of high pressure on aggregation and network formation can be modulated by pH. HHP processing of egg yolk systems is highly affected by protein concentration particularly when it is compared to heat processing.     

Polyrotaxane‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanospheres into Fully Reversible Supercrystals

The use of a thiol‐functionalized nonionic surfactant to stabilize spherical gold nanoparticles in water induces the spontaneous formation of polyrotaxanes at the nanoparticle surface in the presence of the macrocycle α‐cyclodextrin. Whereas using an excess of surfactant an amorphous gold nanocomposite is obtained, under controlled drying conditions the self‐assembly between the surface supramolecules provides large and homogenous supercrystals with hexagonal close packing of nanoparticles. Once formed, the self‐assembled supercrystals can be fully redispersed in water. The reversibility of the crystallization process may offer an excellent reusable material to prepare gold nanoparticle inks and optical sensors with the potential to be recovered after use.     

Tuning the Photophysical Properties of BODIPY Molecules by π‐Conjugation with Fischer Carbene Complexes

The synthesis, structure, and photophysical properties of novel BODIPY–Fischer alkoxy‐, thio‐, and aminocarbene dyads are reported. The BODIPY chromophore is directly attached to the carbene ligand by an ethylenic spacer, thus forming donor–bridge–acceptor π‐extended systems. The extension of the π‐conjugation is decisive in the equilibrium geometries of the dyads and is clearly reflected in the corresponding absorption and emission spectra. Whereas the BODIPY fragment is mainly isolated in aminocarbene complexes, it is fully conjugated in alkoxycarbene derivatives. The former thus exhibit the characteristic photophysical properties of BODIPY units, whereas complete suppression of the BODIPY fluorescence emission is observed in the latter, as a direct consequence of the strong electron‐accepting character of the (CO)₅M?C moiety. As the π‐acceptor character of the metal–carbene group can be modified, the electronic properties of the conjugated BODIPY can be tuned. Density functional calculations have been carried out to gain insight into the photophysical properties.     

On the controllability of the fifth-order Korteweg–de Vries equation

In this paper, we consider the fifth-order Korteweg–de Vries equation in a bounded interval. We prove that this equation is locally well-posed when endowed with suitable boundary conditions, and establish a result of local controllability to the trajectories.     

Surface‐initiated nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate from latex particles

In this study, we report the use of a double‐headed dialkoxyamine trithiocarbonate ( I ) capable of acting as chain transfer agent via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization or as initiator via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization. It is worth mentioning that I was revealed as an effective dual chain transfer agent in the synthesis of multiblock copolymers via bulk and emulsion processes. In this article, we report the employing of I in dispersed systems to obtain amphiphilic multiblock copolymers and latexes. In this case, a water soluble macroagent of PAA previously synthetized was used in disperse media using a mixture of methanol/water (70:30, w/w). Stable latexes were obtained via polymerization‐induced self‐assembly and surface‐initiated polymerization of SSNa from alkoxyamine‐functionalized latex PAA‐b‐PS‐b‐PAA was also obtained © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 437–444     

A general model for the undesirable single facility location problem

In this paper, a finite set in which an optimal solution for a general Euclidean problem of locating an undesirable facility in a polygonal region, is determined and can be found in polynomial time. The general problem we propose leads us, among others, to several well-known problems such as the maxisum, maximin, anticentdian or r-anticentrum problem.     

Remarks on global controllability for the Burgers equation with two control forces

In this paper we deal with the viscous Burgers equation. We study the exact controllability properties of this equation with general initial condition when the boundary control is acting at both endpoints of the interval. In a first result, we prove that the global exact null controllability does not hold for small time. In a second one, we prove that the exact controllability result does not hold even for large time.