Solving multi-criteria scheduling flow shop problem through compromise programming and satisfaction functions

The multi-criteria scheduling problem is one of the main research subjects in the field of multiple objectives programming. Several procedures have been developed to deal with this type of problem where some conflicting criteria have to be optimized simultaneously. The aim of our paper is to propose an aggregation procedure that integrates three different criteria to find the best sequence in a flow shop production environment. The compromise programming model and the concept of satisfaction functions will be utilized to integrate explicitly the manager’s preferences according to the deviations between the achievement and the aspiration levels of the following criteria: Makespan, total flow time and total tardiness.     

Photo-differential Scanning Calorimetry Study on Photopolymerization of Polyacrylate/E7 Liquid Crystal Blends

Photo-differential scanning calorimetry (photo-DSC) was used to investigate the cure kinetics of a photo-initiated polymerization of tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA) monomers mixed with a eutectic liquid crystal mixture, E7, chosen due to its significant optical properties. The thermal photo-polymerization reactions were performed in isothermal mode in order to identify and evaluate the different thermal effects occurring during the photo-polymerization reaction under UV light. The results obtained help to better understand the curing mechanisms as well as the kinetics of the curing reactions. The isothermal photo-DSC provided complex thermograms showing the presence of two thermal effects: an exothermic heat (positive activation energy) generated during the conversion of monomers and an endothermic heat produced by the UV lamp. The latter phenomenon was observed in our previous work and was associated to the heating of the polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) material by the UV irradiation lamp. The dependence of photopolymerization on the time and intensities of the curing UV light were investigated. The results showed that the high intensity UV light heats the material and slows the process of phase separation which, in turn, affects the electro-optical properties of the material under study. The photo DSC results also revealed that the heating of the system was insignificant and can, therefore, be neglected, for materials exposed to UV radiation with an irradiation time of 5?seconds and a low intensity of 13.80?mW/cm².     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activities of oxovanadium(IV) and cadmium(II) complexes with reduced Schiff bases derived from <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N′</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine)

New oxovanadium(IV) and cadmium(II) complexes with reduced Schiff bases derived from N,N′-o-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine) have been synthesized and characterized using infrared and UV-visible spectra, ESR, and thermogravimetry. The complexes were identified as [ML] · (H₂O) species, where deprotonated ligands are coordinated to metal through N₂O₂ donor atoms. Antioxidant activity of the ligands and complexes was evaluated, revealing that the complexes exhibit a higher scavenging activity than the corresponding ligands. The prepared cadmium complexes showed slightly higher activity than the vanadium ones. Antifungal activity was tested against different human fungi including yeasts of the Candida genus (C. albicans and C. glabrata) and an opportunistic mould Aspergillus fumigatus. The oxovanadium complexes exhibited a very low activity toward C. albicans while the cadmium ones showed a significant growth inhibition of all the fungi tested; mainly of A. fumigatus though this mould is poorly susceptible to current antifungal agents like Itraconazole.     

Study of the polymorphism of binary solutions of molecular substances in microsamples

Previous studies have shown that certain molecular substances taken in microsamples (droplets of about 1 μm³ in volume dispersed within an emulsion) crystallize into metastable crystalline phases. These compounds are studied in solution with benzene which does not show metastable polymorphism. The binaries benzene-1-2 dichlorobenzene, benzene-chloroform and benzene-nitrobenzene in emulsion are investigated by D.S.C. techniques. Metastable phases appear, too, and it is possible to draw metastable liquidus and locate metastable eutectics in the phase diagrams. In benzene-chloroform solution at least one new metastable phase is detected. In the benzene-nitrobenzene binary a metastable phase is detected, although neither benzene nor nitrobenzene show a metastable crystalline phase when they are pure.     

A cardinality constrained stochastic goal programming model with satisfaction functions for venture capital investment decision making

Venture capital has proven to be an essential resource for economic growth, especially in some technological clusters. The focus is on the way the venture capitalist makes the investment decision and the portfolio selection. The aim of this paper is to formulate the venture capital investment problem through the Goal Programming model where the Financial Decision-Maker’s preferences will be explicitly incorporated through the concept of satisfaction functions. The proposed model will be illustrated by using data from an Italian venture capital fund.     

A new approach for generating efficient solutions within the goal programming model

This paper deals with the issue of efficiency in the Goal Programming (GP) model. A general approach for the determination of an efficient solution of GP is presented. An efficiency test for the GP solution is developed; moreover, when this solution is not efficient, an efficient solution that dominates it is determined.     

Comparison between three measurement methods for characterizing the charge state of granular insulating materials

Surface potential decay method has been frequently used to characterize the charge state of insulating materials. The present paper aims at a critical evaluation of this method when used for the characterization of granular plastics, by comparing it with the electric field monitoring by means of non-contact vibrating probes, and with the measurement of the charge induced in a capacitive probe connected to a Coulomb-meter. The experiments were performed on corona-charged polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, and acetyl – butadiene – styrene granular materials. The experimental results show that surface potential decays faster than the electric field or the charge measured with the capacitive probe. The dimensions of the probes and the capacitive coupling between them and the samples, may explain this difference. Part of the potential decay measured by the smaller-size probe of the electrostatic voltmeter is due to the surface conduction, while the measurements made with the larger-size electric field and capacitive probes are less affected by this phenomenon.