Bounding strategies for the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem

In this paper, we investigate new lower and upper bounds for the multiple-center hybrid flow shop scheduling problem. We propose a family of center-based lower bounds as well as a destructive lower bound that is based on the concept of revised energetic reasoning. Also, we describe an optimization-based heuristic that requires iteratively solving a sequence of parallel machine problems with heads and tails. We present the results of extensive computational experiments that provide evidence that the proposed bounding procedures consistently improve the best existing ones.     

A fuzzy goal programming approach for mid-term assortment planning in supermarkets

We develop a fuzzy mixed integer non-linear goal programming model for the mid-term assortment planning of supermarkets in which three conflicting objectives namely profitability, customer service, and space utilization are incorporated. The items and brands in a supermarket compete to obtain more space and better shelf level. This model offers different service levels to loyal and disloyal customers, applies joint replenishment policy, and accounts for the holding time limitation of perishable items. We propose a fuzzy approach due to the imprecise nature of the goals’ target levels and priorities as well as critical data. A heuristic method inspiring by the problem-specific rules is developed to solve this complex model approximately within a reasonable time. Finally, the proposed approach is validated through several numerical examples and results are reported.     

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles supported imine/Thiophene‐nickel (II) complex: A new and highly active heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines and 2, 3‐dihydroquinazoline‐4(1H)‐ones

A new magnetically separable nickel catalyst (Ni(NO₃)_2?Imine/Thiophene‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂) was readily prepared and structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The Ni(NO₃)_2?Imine/Thiophene‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ exhibited efficient catalytic activity in the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazoline‐4(1H)‐ones and polyhydroquinolines. Catalysis research under water and solvent‐free conditions makes also this synthetic protocol ideal and fascinating from the environmental point of view. The catalyst can be magnetically recovered after the reaction and can be reused for many times without appreciable decrease in activity.     

New physics with three-photon events at LEP

The effect a generalZ??3?? vertex in the reactione ⁺ e ^???3?? is studied with a particular attention to LEP searches. We give exact analytical expressions including realistic cuts for the signal and present a detailed analysis based on a Monte Carlo that includes the effect of the irreducible 3?? QED cross section. As special applications we discuss the effect of heavy scalars, fermions and gauge bosons.     

Optimal design and control of queues

We have divided this review into two parts. The first part is concerned with the optimal design of queueing systems and the second part deals with the optimal control of queueing systems. The second part, which has the lion’s share of the review since it has received the most attention, focuses mainly on the modelling aspects of the problem and describes the different kinds of threshold (control) policy models available in the literature. To limit the scope of this survey, we decided to limit ourselves to research on papers dealing with the three policies (N, T, and D), where a cost function is designed specifically and optimal thresholds that yield minimum cost are sought.     

Effects of non-standard tri-linear couplings in photon-photon collisions (I) γγ → WW

The effect of anomalous couplings in γγ → W⁺W^t- is studied for different energies of the γγ mode of the next linear collider. The analysis based on the maximum likelihood method exploits the variables in the four-fermion semi-leptonic final state. Polarized differential cross sections based on the complete set of diagrams for these channels with the inclusion of anomalous couplings are used and compared to an approximation based on γγ → W⁺W^t- with full spin correlations. To critically compare these results with those obtained in e⁺e^t- we perform an analysis based on the complete calculation of the four-fermion semi-leptonic final state. The anomalous couplings that we consider are derived from the next-to-leading order operators in the non-linear realization of symmetry breaking.     

Chemoselective Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols and Hydroquinones with bis-(2,4,6-Trimethylpyridinium) Dichromate (BTMPDC) as an Efficient and New Oxidizing Agent

A simple, efficient, and chemoselective oxidation of benzylic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones and also hydroquinones to the benzoquinones using bis-(2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium) dichromate (BTMPDC) in acetonitrile is described. A good range of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols and a limited range of hydroquinones were selectively oxidized under reflux conditions in reasonable yields.