Solving multi-objective parallel machine scheduling problem by a modified NSGA-II

In this paper, we modify a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm, known as Nondominated sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) for a parallel machine scheduling problem with three objectives. The objectives are – (1) minimization of total cost due tardiness, (2) minimization of the deterioration cost and (3) minimization of makespan. The formulated problem has been solved by three Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms which are: (1) the original NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm–II), (2) SPEA2 (Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm-2) and (3) a modified version of NSGA-II as proposed in this paper. A new mutation algorithm has also been proposed depending on the type of problem and embedded in the modified NSGA-II. The results of the three algorithms have been compared and conclusions have been drawn. The modified NSGA-II is observed to perform better than the original NSGA-II. Besides, the proposed mutation algorithm also works effectively, as evident from the experimental results.     

Routing vehicles to minimize fuel consumption

We consider a generalization of the capacitated vehicle routing problem known as the cumulative vehicle routing problem in the literature. Cumulative VRPs are known to be a simple model for fuel consumption in VRPs. We examine four variants of the problem, and give constant factor approximation algorithms. Our results are based on a well-known heuristic of partitioning the traveling salesman tours and the use of the averaging argument.     

A Relativistic Model for Strange Quark Star

We propose a relativistic model for strange quark stars within the framework of MIT Bag model. In our model, we assume that the highly compact strange stars are anisotropic in nature which is an expected feature in the ultra high density regime. We discuss various physical features of the model and show that the model satisfies all the regularity conditions. By estimating the value of the Bag constant for strange star candidates like 4U 1820-30, Her X-1 and SAX J 1808.4-3658, we show that a wire range of values of the Bag constant are possible for such stars though, in the case of 4U 1820-30, the estimated value of the Bag constant has been found to be very close to its currently acceptable range. Nevertheless, our results are in agreement with the recent CERN-SPS and RHIC data.     

A Comparison of Pair Potential for Some Polar and Non-Polar Mesogenic Molecules

Asymmetry of pair potential plays a crucial role in the formation of mesophases in molecular systems. Variation of such asymmetry is closely related to the constituents of the molecules as well as their positions. To investigate the asymmetry as well as its effect on molecular behavior, a few polar biphenyl and non-polar 2,5 disubstituted pyridine derivatives have been chosen. The intermolecular interaction energy between a pair of molecules has been calculated with the help of a standard method as prescribed by Claverie (Claverie, P. (1978). Elaborations of approximate formulas for interactions between large molecules: Applications in organic chemistry. In: B. Pullman (Eds.), Inter Molecular Interactions from Diatomic to Biopolymers, J. Wiley & Sons Ltd.: Hoboken, NJ, 217–226.). Molecular geometry of all the selected systems was fully optimized without any constraint, and the net atomic charge and the dipole moment on each atomic center was calculated using the Gaussian03 program with density functional B3LYP method using 6-31G** as the basis set. The dispersion and the short range repulsion energy terms have been calculated using semiempirical Kitaigorodskii's “6-exp” formula. An attempt has been made to explain the phase sequences on the basis of the ratios of various interaction energy terms.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals to view the free supplemental file.     

Diblock copolymer lamellae on sinusoidal and fractal surfaces

A scaling analysis of equilibrium orientation of diblock copolymer molecules on fractal surfaces and a brief comparison with a particular experiment is presented in this paper. This work is motivated by a recent experimental finding that a diblock copolymer film of polystyrene-PMMA, when deposited on a rough substrate, can orient its lamellae from a parallel to a perpendicular configuration depending on the topographical characteristics of the substrate surface. It was found that the RMS height itself is not enough to effect the equilibrium configuration, but the fractal dimension of the surface is also important. In general, the orientation of lamellae is a function of the the power spectral density (PSD) curves of the underlying substrate surface. Assuming the diblock lamellae to behave like an Alexander-deGennes brush, we obtain the free energy expressions for this brush in both parallel and perpendicular orientations in various asymptotic regimes. Comparison of their free energy expressions predicts the equilibrium configuration. By examining the PSD curves and using our scaling results, we are able to qualitatively explain some aspects of the experimental observations regarding the equilibrium orientation of the diblock copolymer lamellae on rough surfaces.     

Photocatalytic synthesis of urea from in situ generated ammonia and carbon dioxide

TiO(2) and Fe-titanate (different wt%) supported on zeolite were prepared by sol-gel and solid-state dispersion methods. The photocatalysts prepared were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet (UV)-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. Photocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water and isopropanol/oxalic acid as hole scavengers are investigated in a batch reactor under UV illumination. The yield of urea increased notably when the catalysts were supported on zeolite. The Fe-titanate supported catalyst promotes the charge separation that contributes to an increase in selective formation of urea. The product formation is because of the high adsorption of in situ generated CO(2) and NH(3) over shape-selective property of the zeolite in the composite photocatalyst. The maximum yield of urea is found to be 18 ppm while 1% isopropanol containing solution over 10 wt% Fe-titanate/HZSM-5 photocatalyst was used.     

Allylic activation across an Ir–Sn heterobimetallic catalyst: nucleophilic substitution and disproportionation of allylic alcohol

A nucleophilic substitution of allylic alcohols with carbon (arene, heteroarene, allyltrimethylsilane, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compound), sulfur (thiol), oxygen (alcohol), and nitrogen (sulfonamide) nucleophiles has been demonstrated using an in house developed [Ir(COD)(SnCl₃)l(μ-Cl)]₂ heterobimetallic catalyst in 1,2-dichloroethane to afford the corresponding allylic products in moderate to excellent yields. In 4-hydroxycoumarin, allylation occurs at the 3-position. The diaryl-substituted allylic alcohols undergo disproportionation in presence of the heterobimetallic catalyst to provide the corresponding alkenes and chalcones. An electrophilic mechanism is proposed from Hammett correlation study.     

Stereoselective synthesis of hydroxy stilbenoids and styrenes by atom-efficient olefination with thiophthalides

The synthesis of stilbenoids and styryl carboxylic acids is accomplished with high E-stereoselectivity by olefination of aldehydes with thiophthalides under basic conditions. The olefination is highly atom-efficient as it only loses elemental sulfur during the reaction. This olefination, in conjunction with retro Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, allows facile synthesis of E-hydroxystilbenoids with minimal employment of protecting groups. This study also discloses two important findings: formation of i) 4-methylsulfanyl isocoumarins and ii) an 2-arylindenone.     

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Enantio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Pyrrolidine Derivatives

A palladium-catalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of pyrrolidine derivatives is described. Initial intramolecular nucleopalladation of the tethered protected amine forms the pyrrolidine moiety and a quinone methide intermediate. A second nucleophile adds intermolecularly to afford diverse products in high enantio- and diastereoselectivity.     

Antimalarial activity in Xylocarpus granatum (Koen)

The antimalarial activity of Xylocarpus granatum fruits and their active constituents gedunin and xyloccensin-I were investigated using an in?vitro model in this study. The chloroform fraction of X. granatum fruits was found to show promising antimalarial activity using an in?vitro model of Plasmodium falciparum. On purification of the active fraction, four pure compounds were isolated and characterised, namely gedunin, photogedunin, xyloccensin-I and palmitic acid. Out of these only gedunin and xyloccensin-I were found to show activity equivalent to the parent active fraction in?vitro model.