Search

This paper presents an overview of pulp and paper mills (PPM) production processes, the resulting release of wastewater effluent loaded with wide range of pollutants and associated environmental impacts. The review highlighted the different types of functional materials and their modified forms employed as coagulants for pulp and paper mills industries effluent (PPME) treatment that have been intensively studied as a promising strategy for PPM to achieve cleaner and sustainable treatments in accordance with sustainable development goals (SDGs) "6-Clean water and sanitation", "9-Industry, innovation, and infrastructure", and "12-Responsible consumption and production". Standalone coagulation treatment processes are inherently ineffective towards meeting the increasingly stringent discharge requirements, coupled with their higher energy demand, and increased operational and maintenance costs. Owing to the recalcitrant nature of PPME contaminants, this review explored the effectiveness of the coagulation processes for decontamination of PPME. Furthermore, the review provides a state-of-the-art coagulation-based hybrid systems employed for enhanced PPME treatment. The process limitations, influencing factors and optimization techniques are highlighted. The review also highlights how sustained research in the subject area impacts on achieving cleaner production. The review also discusses coagulant classifications and the synergistic, antagonistic and shock load toxic effects of hybrid coagulants on toxicant biodegradation and their associated system efficiency. Moreover, it offers a guide for the development and application of sustainable hybrid-based coagulants for PPME treatment. The findings presented herein provide a vital theoretical foundation for sustainable solutions to improve coagulation-based hybrid systems efficiency and their scale-up towards potential commercialization. [Display omitted] • Pulp and paper mills produce effluents containing diverse and emerging contaminants. • Different materials and their modified forms are used as coagulants for PPME treatment. • The synergistic and shock load toxic effects of hybrid-based coagulants could be identified. • Hybrid systems are highly efficient techniques for PPME treatment. • The review highlights process weaknesses, influencing factors and optimization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we address some computational challenges arising in complex simulation-based design optimization problems. High computational cost, black-box formulation and stochasticity are some of the challenges related to optimization of design problems involving the simulation of complex mathematical models. Solving becomes even more challenging in case of multiple conflicting objectives that must be optimized simultaneously. In such cases, application of multiobjective optimization methods is necessary in order to gain an understanding of which design offers the best possible trade-off. We apply a three-stage solution process to meet the challenges mentioned above. As our case study, we consider the integrated design and control problem in paper mill design where the aim is to decrease the investment cost and enhance the quality of paper on the design level and, at the same time, guarantee the smooth performance of the production system on the operational level. In the first stage of the three-stage solution process, a set of solutions involving different trade-offs is generated with a method suited for computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems using parallel computing. Then, based on the generated solutions an approximation method is applied to create a computationally inexpensive surrogate problem for the design problem and the surrogate problem is solved in the second stage with an interactive multiobjective optimization method. This stage involves a decision maker and her/his preferences to find the most preferred solution to the surrogate problem. In the third stage, the solution best corresponding that of stage two is found for the original problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As the industrial systems are growing complex these-days and data related to the system performance are recorded/collected from various resources under various practical constraints. If the collected data are used as such in the analysis, then they have high range of uncertainties occurred in the analysis and hence performance of the system cannot be done up to desired levels. Thus the main objective of the present work is to remove the uncertainties in the data up to a desired degree of accuracy by utilizing the uncertain, vague and limited data. For analysis of this, an artificial bee colony based Lambda–Tau (ABCBLT) methodology has been used in which expression of the reliability parameters are computed by using Lambda–Tau methodology and their membership functions are formulated by solving a nonlinear optimization problem with artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. A time varying failure rate has been used in the analysis instead of constant failure rate. A new RAM-Index has been proposed for ranking the systems’ components based on its performance. The technique has been demonstrated through a case study of press unit of a paper industry, situated in Northern part of India, producing 200tons of paper per day. The results computed by the proposed approach are compared with the Lambda–Tau methodology and concluded that they have a reduced region of prediction in comparison of existing technique region, i.e. uncertainties involved in the analysis are reduced. Thus, it may be a more useful analysis tool to assess the current system conditions and involved uncertainties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The systematic, transparent and accurate on-line energy information of the production process is quite the basis of mill energy management and conservation. An Energy Management System (EMS) was built according to the characteristics of the energy usage in a typical newsprint paper mill. The EMS first realized the process data acquisition and integration, second fulfilled the on-line energy information calculation from the integrated data. A water and steam properties query component based on IAPWS-IF97 was developed and plugged into the EMS to facilitate the energy calculation of water and steam. The practical performance in the paper mill showed that the integrated energy information of the whole mill was gained and the on-line energy supervisory was achieved. In the end a systematic, transparent and accurate energy usage profile is obtained and it would provide the valuable fundamental energy data for the further energy analysis and optimization in the EMS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study first summarizes the characteristics of various intelligent algorithms such as improved genetic algorithm, differential evolution algorithm and ant colony algorithm adopted in test paper generation, and then proposes the parallel evolution of swarm based on ideas of shared intelligent algorithm and dynamic multi branches tree algorithm, so as to improve searching speed and achieve the effect of short-time optimization. During forming optimal individuals, classified training and repeated recognition by virtue of dynamic multi branches tree can not only avoid premature appearance but also get strong convergence. In addition, when the constraints change, the existing knowledge can be inherited. Facts have shown that this algorithm has certain theoretical significance and reference value to the development of intelligent test paper generation algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate an ultramicroassay with a reduced interference of hemoglobin for the enzymatic diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis I in dried blood spots on filter paper. Design and methods: A matrix of dried blood was incorporated within the calibration system. In addition, trichloroacetic acid was added to precipitate hemoglobin. Linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantification were determined and α-l-iduronidase activity was obtained from 6 patients, 9 heterozygotes, 25 healthy adults and 500 neonates. Results: The ultramicroassay was linear, precise (coefficients of variation less than 10%) and accurate (recovery between 91 and 98%). The interference of hemoglobin was decreased within the hematocrit range of clinical interest: 35–55%. Conclusions: This ultramicroassay increases in 2.5 times the difference between healthy individuals and patients with respect to the reference assay; optimizing enzymatic quantification and confirmatory biochemical diagnosis for mucopolysaccharidosis I. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper industry is, with about 6% of the total worldwide industrial energy use, an energy-intensive industry. The drying section is with approximately 50% the largest energy consumer in a paper mill, energy use in this section is mainly heat use. Several options to decrease heat use in conventional multi-cylinder drying sections are investigated, calculating the effect on energy use. Optimization measures include a) decreasing the amount of water evaporation by applying additives in higher consistencies and by lowering the water viscosity, b) decreasing the heat use of water evaporation by increasing the dew point temperature of the dryer and c) increasing the amount of heat recovery by using exhaust air to not only pre-heat the incoming air but also to increase process water temperatures. These could all be achieved by retrofitting and/or choosing different processing conditions in existing factories. The combined thermal heat saving potential due to the optimization actions is 1.3GJh/t paper (or 32% of the drying section’s heat use) as compared to the reference situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biological treatment of pulp and paper industry wastewater is made effective by giving a simple electrochemical pre-treatment. Biodegradability index is found to be improved from 0.11 to 0.46 by a short (6.9min) treatment in mild conditions (current density: 112.9Am−2, pH 7.3). The optimal operating point for maximum biodegradability has been found out using response surface methodology (RSM). It is also noticed that there exists an optimal operating point for maximum biodegradability. The specific energy consumption and current efficiency figures at the optimal condition are also promising. Moreover there is considerable reduction in the pollutant load (COD removal: 55% and color removal: 87%). Performance of the process at this operating point has been validated by running biological treatment. Considerable reduction in the requirement of biological reactor volume can be expected by giving such a simple electrochemical pre-treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A 23-fold enhancement in xylanase production was attained after statistical optimization. [•] The xylanase produced in SSF has higher thermostability than that produced in SmF. [•] The enzyme finds application in deinking of waste paper. [•] The time for deinking was reduced significantly at alkaline pH and elevated temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A detailed mathematical process integration model of a pulp and paper mill in the Northern Sweden has been developed. The main objective of this work has been set to describe the practical development of the model with particular emphasis on the development of the digester and evaporation plant sub-models. Actual plant measurements have been used to validate the model. By implementing the sub-models into the complete plant model, the influence of different operation parameters on the overall plant performance has been investigated. Furthermore, introductory studies with the main objective to minimize the plant energy cost have been carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper entitled “Experimental investigation of machinability characteristics and multiresponse optimization of end milling in aluminium composites using response surface methodology (RSM) based grey relational analysis (GRA)”. The Authors adopted RSM based grey relational method to achieve high productivity in terms of maximum material removal rate MRR and least surface roughness, tool wear and cutting forces. Experimental design was made using RSM (central composite design) and responses were measured according to standard methods. In this study, authors had proposed the optimized Grey relational grade (GRG) ranking for machinability characteristics. However, there are some errors in their analysis, which are likely to affect the significance of their proposed ranking. So, this comment highlights the miscalculations and gives the corrected results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased application of Information and Communications Technology in automation and digitization is the driving concept towards the actualization of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Many aspects of industrial design and operations including offshore engineering have been automated. However, the selection procedure of mooring design parameters including azimuth angle, pretension, diameter, fairlead slope, and mooring radius, which is a critical aspect of mooring system design has remained heavily based on a manual approach despite the availability of sophisticated hydrodynamic analysis software. Up to date, there is no proper review on optimisation techniques that have the potential of automating these procedures. In the past, some of the few available mooring optimisation procedures consider only the mooring lines for the prediction of optimal platform offset without due consideration to the integrity of the risers. Thus, the significance of adopting an integrated riser-mooring design methodology in the optimisation of mooring design variables is discussed in this paper where the integrity of the riser is adequately represented using a Safe Operation (SAFOP) zone polar diagram. We also review the developmental transition from the use of classical to Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) in the optimisation procedure. EA has been acknowledged as a practical alternative for solving mooring optimisation problems. Hence, some of the EA techniques are presented and their computational capabilities explored. In the last part, a concise review of the application of optimisation techniques for mooring optimisation of the different offshore floating platforms is presented based on their capabilities in minimizing platform offset and efficiency in terms of simulation time. So far, EA techniques like the Differential Evolution (DE), variants of Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) have been used to optimize mooring line design variables. Based on the discussions, the potentials of DE, RegPSO and other variants of PSO can be further explored for better efficiency. • Previous studies addressing differential evolution (DE), genetic algorithm (GE) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO) techniques used for optimisation of mooring parameters have been critically reviewed. • The integrated riser -mooring design methodology is effective in accounting for integrity of riser and mooring systems. • The application of evolutionary algorithms, particularly the variants and hybrids of DE ,PSO and GA, have proven to be efficient optimisation of mooring systems. • Some variants of PSO like the RegPSO have demonstrated improved capability in terms of escaping premature convergence , thereby resulting in better computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We show that the main results in the recent paper [4] by Sadiq Basha (2012) are not real generalizations but particular cases of existing fixed point theorems in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a fuzzy neural network predictive control scheme for studying the coagulation process of wastewater treatment in a paper mill. An adaptive fuzzy neural network is employed to model the nonlinear relationships between the removal rate of pollutants and the chemical dosages, in order to adapt the system to a variety of operating conditions and acquire a more flexible learning ability. The system includes a fuzzy neural network emulator of the reaction process, a fuzzy neural network controller, and an optimization procedure based on a performance function that is used to identify desired control inputs. The gradient descent algorithm method is used to realize the optimization procedure. The results indicate that reasonable forecasting and control performances have been achieved through the developed system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we focus on the proposed algorithms to solve a linear programming problem with the convex combination of the max–min and the max–average composition and the max–star composition, respectively. They have been proposed by Ghodousian and Khorram [A. Ghodousian, E. Khorram, Solving a linear programming problem with the convex combination of the max–min and the max–average fuzzy relation equations, Appl. Math. Comput. 180 (2006) 411–418] and Khorram et al. [E. Khorram, A. Ghodousian, A. Abbasi Molai, Solving linear optimization problems with max–star composition equation constraints, Appl. Math. Comput. 179 (2006) 654–661], respectively. Firstly, we show that the “Tabular method algorithm” in the first paper and the “First procedure” in the second paper may not lead to the optimal solutions of the two models in some cases. Secondly, we generalize the proposed algorithm by Abbasi Molai and Khorram [A. Abbasi Molai, E. Khorram, A modified algorithm for solving the proposed models by Ghodousian and Khorram and Khorram and Ghodousian, Appl. Math. Comput. 190 (2007) 1161–1167] to solve the two models. In fact, it modifies the presented algorithms in the two papers. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we determine the modularities of asymptotically optimal towers found by Maharaj and Wulftange in 2005. This is also a continuation of the work of Elkies in 2002. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A generalization of two sharp inequalities in a recent paper by N. Ujević is established. Applications in numerical integration are also given and the results of N. Ujević are revised and improved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a maintenance policy is optimised for a two-unit system with a parallel structure and stochastic dependences. Monitoring problems are taken into account in the optimisation scheme: the failure time of each unit can be not detected with a given probability. Conditions on the system parameters (unit failure rates) and on the non-detection probabilities must be verified to make the optimisation scheme valid. These conditions are clearly identified. Numerical experiments allow to show the relevance of taking into account monitoring problems in the maintenance model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this note is to show that the optimization algorithm proposed in may not lead to the optimal solution in some cases. In fact, the optimization problem remains open if we do not apply the branch-and-bound method to solve it or compute all the objective values of minimal solutions of the feasible domain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Plating bath concentrations of Pt(IV) and Ir(III) have been optimized as well as the total catalytic loading of bimetallic Pt–Ir alloy for the electro-oxidation of ammonia in alkaline media at standard conditions. This was accomplished using cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and statistical optimization tools. Concentrations of Pt(IV) and Ir(III) of the plating bath strongly influence electrode surface atomic compositions of the Pt–Ir alloy directly affecting the electro-oxidation behavior of ammonia. Several anode materials were studied using cyclic voltammetry, which demonstrated that Pt–Ir was the most active catalyst for the electro-oxidation of ammonia. Criteria for optimization were minimizing the climatic oxidation overpotential for ammonia and maximizing the exchange current density. Optimized bath composition was found to be 8.844±0.001gL−1 Pt(IV) and 4.112±0.001gL−1 Ir(III) based on electrochemical techniques. Physical characterization of the electrodes by SEM indicates that the plating bath concentrations of Pt and Ir influence the growth and deposition behavior of the alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A counterexample is provided in this short note to show that some of local convergence theorems established in [D.K.R. Babajee, M.Z. Dauhoo, An analysis of the properties of the variants of Newton’s method with third order convergence, Appl. Math. Comput. 183 (2006) 659–684] are not always true. Some mistakes in the proofs of these theorems are pointed out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evolutionary algorithms rely on the population initialization strategy to determine a set of candidate solutions, which provide the preliminary knowledge of the problem landscape for the subsequent evolutionary process. However, the distribution of the initial population is rarely concerned in the multimodal evolutionary community. Moreover, a large initial population has not been attractive enough for evolutionary multimodal optimization, because it is difficult and challenging to achieve a balance between diversity and convergence within limited computing resources. As an extended version of our previous conference paper, this paper focuses on the construction of a large initial population that is beneficial for evolutionary multimodal optimization. First, we propose an improved density-based population initialization strategy to generate a uniform initial population with a certain degree of randomness. Then, after acquiring the raw fitness landscape of the problem, a fitness-weighted density-based population initialization strategy is proposed to explore potential global peaks. Finally, we design a multi-species cooperative coevolution algorithm for multimodal optimization, which balances the exploration and exploitation of such a population in the evolutionary process. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is better than the mainstream algorithms on the CEC2013 multimodal optimization benchmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During a Wet End break, the loss of paper feed through the paper machine causes loss of sensory information and the remaining parts of the process are operated in open-loop. This causes the stock composition in the Headbox to deviate substantially from the nominal specifications, causing paper quality (after start up) and paper machine runability issues. In this work, the Base Sheet Ash measurement of the scanner is estimated using a least absolute value (LAV) model which can then be used for control of the chalk valve during the breaks to keep the Headbox Ash within specified limits. The model is computed using a very fast optimization algorithm which is able to compute the LAV solution using only basic elementary operations. The proposed approach has been developed for a UK paper mill. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper proposes a method for dynamically controlling the working slope configuration in seasonal stripping open-pit coal mines. Constructing a bench group working slope model calculates the cyclic advancement time of the stripping working slope. A mathematical optimization model is then established to minimize the transport work of the overburden, and a Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) algorithm is employed to solve it. The method is applied to the Shengli West No. 2 open-pit coal mine, and the results show that the number of benches in the bench group is 5. The working bench width is 89 m, and the working slope advancement meets the stripping and mining engineering continuity requirements while minimizing the transport work of the overburden. The maximum advancement speed of the working slope under this configuration is 320 m/year. The paper also analyzes the working slope's maximum advancement speed variation with changes in the bench combination form and cyclic advancement distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A review of waste management optimization models (WM-OMs). 2. • A novel characterization method for examining and benchmarking the features WM-OMs. 3. • A pioneering guide for the selection of proper uncertainty analysis approaches. 4. • A compilation of characteristics of the papers reviewed and their data (Appendix). 5. • A perspective on the design of WM-OMs for different applications and stakeholders. 6. The transition to a circular economy through sustainable waste management (WM) follows different paths in each region, depending on its socioeconomic conditions and existing infrastructure. Mathematical optimization models are rigorous tools for informing local decision-making and identifying WM policy levers based on a variety of configurations. This review explores the pathways taken when designing WM optimization models (WM-OMs) that establish a network of waste valorization technologies. To standardize the literature review process, we propose a novel characterization method for examining, relating, and benchmarking the features of WM-OMs. After a thorough review of 58 articles published between 2015 and 2022, we assembled a comprehensive database to document the characteristics of these papers and the type of data reported in their case studies. We aim to provide a solid foundation for streamlining and enhancing future WM-OMs. Our work identifies various opportunities to improve the accuracy and reliability of WM-OMs. They include modeling thermo-chemical reactions in WM processes; considering regulatory, environmental, and political constraints; recognizing the informal sector; exploring the impact of marketing mechanisms on waste prevention and recycling; improving the traceability of case study data; specifying the rationale for uncertainty analysis (UA); and indicating the mathematical model (type, optimization algorithm, and equations). As many WM-OM authors have implemented UA without justifying their method choices, our review provides a pioneering guide for selecting the UA approach. Finally, we discuss the need for a trade-off between performance and practicality as models become more complex, making it critical to consider the specific needs of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapidly evolving geo-political landscape and unceasing advancements in technology, sustainable energy security is a very important topic. Research indicates that electrochemical energy systems are quite promising to solve many of energy conversion, storage, and conservation challenges while offering high efficiencies and low pollution. The paper provides an overview of electrochemical energy devices and the various optimization techniques used to evaluate them. The optimization techniques include linear regression, factorial design, the Taguchi method, artificial neural networks, filters, and a combination of such methods to improve these systems. To support the growing interest in research, the bulk of this study focuses on a review of the most promising and highly researched electrochemical energy devices, such as fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors. The paper also provides modest commentary on hydrogen production technologies, electrochemical reactors, and membrane separation technologies, amongst other technologies. Building on a previous paper by the authors of this paper on artificial intelligence in hybrid renewable energy systems with fuel cells, this work provides a comparative review of optimization techniques for supercapacitors by highlighting key findings based on model accuracy. A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the different major optimization techniques is presented. The paper concludes that a combination of optimization techniques is used to overcome the drawbacks of individual techniques, with adaptive filters being the most widely studied. This paper presents studies on the Design of Experiments (DoE) with the goal of building a better understanding of the relationships that exist between different operating variables in various electrochemical devices. • The electrochemical systems can be optimized for better performance with high accuracy. • The optimization techniques used are either model-based or data-driven. • Linear regression and artificial neural networks are the most common techniques studied. • Hybrid models could be applied to enhance systems' accuracy and minimize errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this short note is to show on a numerical example that one of the two optimization algorithms proposed in [E. Khorram, A. Ghodousian, Linear objective function optimization with fuzzy relation equation constraints regarding max-av composition, Appl. Math. Comput. 173 (2006) 872–886] may not lead to the optimal solution in some cases. Besides it will be pointed out that the other algorithm (correct, but unfortunately ineffective for larger problems) proposed in [E. Khorram, A. Ghodousian, Linear objective function optimization with fuzzy relation equation constraints regarding max-av composition, Appl. Math. Comput. 173 (2006) 872–886] can be extended to a wider class of non-convex optimization problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionising fields of science and engineering. In recent years, process engineering has widely benefited from this novel modelling and optimisation approach. The open literature can offer several examples of their applications to chemical engineering problems. Increasing investments are devoted to these techniques from different industrial areas, but insufficient information on a structured course covering these topics in a chemical engineering curriculum could be found. The course in this paper intends to reduce this gap. We introduce one of the first courses on artificial intelligence applications in a chemical engineering curriculum. The course targets Master's students with a chemical engineering background and insufficient knowledge of statistical approaches. It covers the main aspects by utilising frontal lectures and hands-on exercises with active learning methods. This paper shows the methodology we adapted to introduce students to machine learning techniques and how they responded to each class. The student performances for each test are shown, as well as the survey results based on student feedback and suggestions. This work contains essential guidelines for educators who will provide an artificial intelligence course in a chemical engineering curriculum. • An AI course for chemical engineers is given as one of the first attempts in Europe. • The course is structured into frontal and hands-on lessons. • Modelling and optimisation techniques via AI were shown to the students. • Applications of developed models were explained to the students. • Students can apply basic AI in chemical engineering tasks after this course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partially reusable launch vehicle design has raised a great interest in order to minimize the costs of space transportation by recovering and refurbishing the first stage. Several configurations such as toss-back architectures are now operational. These concepts require additional rocket propellant in order to carry the boost-back and landing maneuvers, that induce several losses in terms of payload mass performance for the ascent mission. In order to limit these losses, this paper focuses on the design of two types of architectures to carry out the return-to-launch-site mission. The first, named glide-back, uses the main propulsion system of the first stage to perform a boost-back burn and returns to the landing site by a gliding mode using additional lifting surfaces. The second, named, fly-back, performs the return-to-launch-site mission using several air-breathing engines located in the nose of the first stage combined with lifting surfaces. In this paper, the design of a reusability kit, allowing to provide the first stage with both expendable and reusable capabilities, is investigated. This kit is composed of the lifting surfaces, the nose including the air-breathing propulsive system (for fly-back configuration), landing gears and additional avionics. This paper addresses the design of such reusability kits and presents the mission specifications, the design process relying on Multidisciplinary Design Optimization techniques, the vehicle performance and the optimal trajectories. Different analyses (aero-propulsive, optimal control, operational considerations, etc.) are detailed and trade-offs between the studied configurations are assessed. [Display omitted] • Reusable launch vehicles. • Multidisciplinary design and optimization of reusability kit. • Inclusion of aeronautical technologies in launch vehicle design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand side management (DSM) is one of the trending economic strategies which shifts the elastic demand to the off-peak hours from the peak hours so as to reduce the overall generation cost of the system. The work done in this paper can be categorized in three phases. In the first phase, various wind speed to power conversion mathematical models available in literature are analysed to find out the one with maximum level of wind penetration. For second phase, an economic DSM strategy is implemented to restructure the forecasted load demand model for various participation levels. In the final phase the cost-effective optimization of two microgrid distribution systems are percolated. As an optimization tool, novel hybrid CSAJAYA has been used to carry on the study. Different types of grid participating and pricing strategies along with valve point loading effect and wind energy uncertainty are considered to amplify the complexity and practicality of the study. The generation costs reduced from 3 to 5% when the forecasted demand was reformed with 20% DSM participation for both the test systems. A detailed comparison with the results from various optimization tools studied confirms the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid approach. The hybrid optimization tool presented in this paper performs better in terms of central tendencies, nonparametric statistical analysis, and algorithm execution time. • Five different wind speed-to-power mathematical modelling have been studied. • Effects of DSM in reducing the microgrid generation cost was analysed. • Grid participation strategies and their impact on microgrid generation cost was analysed. • Grid pricing strategies and their impact on microgrid generation cost was analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Variational Quantum Circuits (VQCs) play a key role in several applications. • VQCs are parameterized quantum circuits trained by using classical optimizers. • The paper proposes to apply memetic algorithms to train VQCs. • The designed memetic algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art classical optimizers. Among the ready-to-implement quantum algorithms, Variational Quantum Circuits (VQCs) play a key role in several applications, including machine learning. Their strength lies in the use of a parameterized quantum circuit that is trained by means of an optimization algorithm run on a classical computer. In such a scenario, there is a strong need to design appropriate classical optimization schemes that deal efficiently with VQCs and pave the way for quantum advantage in machine learning. Among possible optimization schemes, those based on evolutionary computation are finding increasing interest, given the unconventional and nonanalytical nature of the problem to be solved. This paper proposes to apply memetic algorithms to train VQCs used as quantum classifiers and shows the benefits of exploiting this evolutionary optimization technique through a comparative experimental session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve convergence speed of deep neural network trained by gradient descent methods (GDMs), this paper proposed a novel fractional order gradient descent optimizer (FOAdam) based on Caputo operator and Adam algorithm, and analyzed the impact of fractional order on convergence performance using optimization theory and simulation. Furthermore, to address the trade-off between convergence speed and precision under fixed-order conditions, a fractional order scheduler (FOS) was designed based on the Connections Cloud Model (CCM). Numerical experiments conducted on MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets showed that FOS-FOAdam outperformed other mainstream GDMs in terms of convergence speed and precision. Finally, FOS-FOAdam was applied in recognizing and classifying image datasets of cuttings and cores at the logging site, demonstrating good prospects for practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the adaptation process of an Ant Colony Optimization system to the task of composing music. The main aims of the study include designing and implementing the above-mentioned system, conducting research, measuring the obtained results, and drawing conclusions. The application was implemented in Python and it allows you, based on the loaded MIDI file, to generate new melodies played on various instruments. The way of composing a melody is configurable by modifying the parameters of the ACO algorithm and different composition modes. To measure the quality of the obtained results, an evaluation function was created, which is used in research to measure the correlation between the parameters of the system. Based on the conducted research, it was determined how individual parameters affect the results obtained by the system. The paper covers the presentation of theoretical knowledge, system design, implementation description, research, and conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel global optimization algorithm, rime optimization algorithm (RIME), is proposed. • RIME simulates the growth and crossover behavior of the rime-particle population. • The performance of RIME is adequately discussed based on benchmark functions. • RIME has better convergence accuracy and speed compared to other methods. • RIME is applied to solving five practical engineering optimization problems. This paper proposes an efficient optimization algorithm based on the physical phenomenon of rime-ice, called the RIME. The RIME algorithm implements the exploration and exploitation behaviors in the optimization methods by simulating the soft-rime and hard-rime growth process of rime-ice and constructing a soft-rime search strategy and a hard-rime puncture mechanism. Meanwhile, the greedy selection mechanism in the algorithm is improved, and the population is updated in the stage of selecting the optimal solution to enhance the exploitation capability of the RIME. In the experimental, this paper conducts qualitative analysis experiments on the RIME to clarify the characteristics of the algorithm in the process of finding the optimal solution. The performance of RIME is then tested on a total of 42 functions in the classic IEEE CEC2017 and the latest IEEE CEC2022 test sets. The proposed algorithm is compared with 10 well-established algorithms and 10 latest improved algorithms to verify its performance advantage. In addition, this paper designs experiments for the parametric analysis of RIME to discuss the potential of the algorithm in running different parameters and handling different problems. Finally, this paper applies RIME to five practical engineering problems to verify its effectiveness and superiority in real-world problems. The statistical and comparison results show that the RIME is a strong and competitive algorithm. The source code of the RIME 1 1 Source codes of RIME algorithm are also available at: https://codeocean.com/capsule/4472937/tree and https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/124610-rime-a-physics-based-optimization and https://github.com/aliasgharheidaricom/RIME-A-physics-based-optimization. algorithm and associated files are publicly accessible at https://aliasgharheidari.com/RIME.html. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings where part or all of the components are prefabricated in a factory, then transported to the construction site and assembled through reliable connections, are called prefabricated buildings (PB). Considering the regional differentiation and asynchronization scheduling characteristics of PB, it is difficult for project managers to schedule and optimize construction resources - including manpower/equipment for parallel assembly projects. The purpose of this paper is to solve the multi-projects resource optimization problem under the condition of prefabricated buildings. Therefore, this paper establishes a bilevel multi-objectives model composed of project layer and work layer, which aims to shorten project duration, reduce cost, and maximize robustness. Based on this, a hybrid niche genetic-raccoon family optimization (NG-RFO) algorithm is proposed, equipped with better population diversification effect of niche genetic (NG) and strong local search ability of raccoon family optimization algorithm (RFOA). Moreover, the performance of the improved hybrid algorithm has been compared with genetic algorithm (GA) and RFOA. The actual data of a prefabricated building project group in Hebei Province has been used. The results show that the algorithm is a feasible and efficient method for obtaining a satisfactory resource scheduling scheme in limited time, which is obviously superior to GA and RFOA. This paper provides a reference for project managers to make reasonable and efficient progress plans in an uncertain environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture and its allied sector provide the livelihoods of vast rural areas in India. It also plays a vital role in the growth of developing countries like India. Rice, one of the primary components of Indian agriculture plays a significant role in the food security of the country and the world. However, it is stricken by many diseases that affect the quality and quantity of rice yield. This paper proposes a custom CNN architecture for detecting and classifying common diseases found in rice plants by reducing the number of parameters associated with the network. The proposed CNN architecture has been trained using a dataset of four types of common rice plant diseases. In addition, 1400 on-field images of a healthy rice leaf image dataset have been introduced in the paper for the detection of disease-free plants as well. Independent experiments were carried out with and without the inclusion of the healthy leaf image dataset. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated with the use of Stochastic Gradient Descent with Momentum (SGDM) and Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam) optimization techniques using several performance matrices. Experimental results from the dataset for the classification of four rice plant diseases show that the model using SGDM optimization gives maximum accuracy of 99.66% and the model using the Adam optimization gives maximum accuracy of 99.83% on the test set in the 7th epoch respectively. However, the model with Adam optimizer performed better than the model with SGDM optimizer when the healthy leaf image dataset is included giving a maximum accuracy of 99.66% and 97.61% in the 7th epoch respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to design a Model Predictive Control (MPC) law based on the time series data gathered from the input and output of a system. An Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model with unknown parameters and an unknown sequence of controller signal are considered for the system. Based on a window of data, an optimization problem is formulated which can find the optimal unknown model parameters and controller sequence, simultaneously. This problem is a non-convex optimization problem with many non-convex constraints and difficult to solve. Therefore, a transformation is developed which can transfer the optimization problem to an equivalent problem with convex constraints and a non-convex objective function. This new problem is much easier to solve with the present solvers. The effectiveness of the overall approach is proved via several examples that reveal satisfaction and convincingness. • The proposed scheme designs a predictive controller using data of a nonlinear system. • Based on data, the proposed scheme determines the model and controller sequence. • The proposed optimization problem is nonconvex and difficult to solve. • The scheme is exactly transformed to a problem with convex constraints. • The new problem can be solved by convex optimization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of Industry 4.0, which encompasses advanced technologies and interconnected systems, the integration of optimization techniques assumes a crucial role in addressing resource management challenges across various sectors, including manufacturing systems. In bulk ports, which are an integral part of the manufacturing and logistics chain, one of the most critical resource management challenges is the scheduling of automated or semi-automated reclaimers. These machines are responsible for reclaiming dry bulk materials for loading onto vessels using ship-loaders. The efficient operation of reclaimers directly impacts the overall efficiency of the port. However, the current works for the reclaimer scheduling problem (RSP) overlook the necessity of maintenance activities and assume continuous machine availability. Nonetheless, the inclusion of preventive maintenance activities is critical to ensuring optimal scheduling decisions that minimize production disruptions and downtime. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel approach that considers periodic preventive maintenance activities of the reclaimers. We consider two cases to tackle this problem. The first case involves the optimization of material handling within a system of two stockpads and one reclaimer machine. For this case, two novel Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) formulations are developed to drive efficient scheduling decisions and maximize productivity. Furthermore, for the second case representing a more complex system comprising three stockpads and two reclaimers, a novel MIP formulation is devised. The effectiveness of the proposed mathematical formulations is rigorously tested through the use of randomly generated instances based on a real-world case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is concerned with finding the optimal solution of a job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) in a shorter time. As a result of recent trends such as Industry 4.0, machine learning has received a lot of attention, and job shop scheduling methods using machine learning techniques have been developed. We have focused on hybridization of machine learning and mathematical optimization. A JSSP can be formulated as a 0-1 mixed integer programming, and it is expected that the optimal solution can be obtained in a shorter time by providing a good initial solution for the optimization algorithm by means of a learner constructed with data of scheduling performed previously. In our method based on this idea, the processing times of all operations are used as input features to predict a good value of each binary variable which represents the precedence relationship between two operations processed on the same machine. However, the information about the operations which are not related to the intended two operations may work as noise in learning and prediction. In this paper, two limitation methods of input features are proposed. In one of the methods, the processing times of only the operations processed on the same machine that the intended operations are processed are input to the learner. In the other methods, the processing times of those operations and their pre/post operations are input. Numerical experiments showed that these methods are effective at least from the point of view of efficient construction of a learner, because the number of nodes in the input and hidden layers can be reduced. From the aspect of better learning and prediction, both of the methods worked well, that is, they could find the optimal solution in a shorter time than the previous method in the cases where the previous method could not achieve good prediction and took a relatively long solution time. However, in the cases where the previous method could solve the problem in a relatively short time, the limitation methods could not predict a good initial solution and took a relatively long solution time. Between the results of the two limitation methods, there were no difference. These results imply that the processing times of the pre/post operations do not strongly affect performance on learning and prediction and that it is important to analyze what makes a difference between the two cases and utilize the proposed methods in the former case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feature selection (FS) is a crucial task in machine learning applications, which aims to select the most appropriate feature subset while maintaining high classification accuracy with the minimum number of selected features. Despite the widespread usage of metaheuristics as wrapper-based FS techniques, they show reduced effectiveness and increased computational cost when applied to high-dimensional datasets. This paper presents a novel Binary Object-Oriented Programming Optimization Algorithm (BOOPOA) for FS of high dimensional datasets, where the Object-Oriented Programming Optimization Algorithm (OOPOA) is a novel optimization technique inspired by the inheritance concept of Object-Oriented programming (OOP) languages. The effectiveness of this method in solving high dimensional FS problems is validated by using 26 datasets, most of which are of high dimension (large number of features). Seven existing FS algorithms are compared with the proposed OOPOA using various metrics, including best fitness, average fitness (AVG), selection size, and computational time. The results prove the superiority of the proposed algorithm over the other FS algorithms, having an average performance of %92.5, 0.078, 0.084, %38.9, and 8.6 min for classification accuracy, best fitness, average fitness, size reduction ratio, and computational time. The outcomes demonstrate the proposed FS approach's superiority over currently used methods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of improving passive safety protection in subway vehicles, this paper investigates a cutting energy-absorbing structure by means of experiment and simulation. The proposed structure comprises a cutting knife, an energy-absorbing tube, and a support tool. The Johnson-Cook material model is used to study the coupled thermal–structural cutting energy-absorbing process, and a finite-element model of the cutting energy-absorbing structure is validated using data from a cutting collision experiment. The sensitivity of each factor is discussed using extreme difference analysis to identify the effects of the cutting depth, cutting width, and cutting knife rake angle on the energy absorbed (EA) and the peak cutting force (PCF). Based on sample points obtained from an optimal Latin-hypercube experimental design, a relationship between the crashworthiness index and the design variables is formulated using polynomial-response-surface and radial-basis-function surrogate models. Through comprehensive error analysis, the most accurate surrogate model is used to optimize the crashworthiness of the structure. The multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is applied to multi-objective optimization to obtain the maximum EA and minimum PCF. The weighting factor plays an important role in selecting the ideal Pareto solution, and the optimal solution is determined using the minimum distance selection method. The results allow us to determine the structure with the best crashworthiness, for which EA = 991 kJ and PCF = 1441 kN. • Present a cutting energy absorption structure for used in subway vehicles. • The coupled thermal–structural method is used to analysis the crashperformance of the cutting absorption energy structure. • The results of simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results. • The multi-objective optimization of cutting energy absorption structure is carried out by two surrogate models. • The MOPSO algorithm is used to obtain the optimal parameters of the cutting energy absorption structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oilfield wastewater with high moisture content can be efficiently treated by supercritical water gasification (SCWG) technology to produce hydrogen. This paper conducted a thermodynamic and environmental analysis of the oilfield wastewater SCWG system to provide optimization strategies. The waste heat utilization technology can enhance the heat integration of the system to reduce the exergy destruction and increase the H 2 yield. Sensitivity analysis showed that a ratio of preheating water to emulsion 3 can promote water-sensitive reactions to produce H 2 and save the H 2 needed to maintain the energetically self-sufficient system. Low system pressures, high feedstock preheating temperatures, and low oxidation reactor temperatures can reduce system energy destruction to obtain high H 2 yield and system efficiency. Meantime, the developed SCWG system has the potential to achieve natural enrichment of greenhouse gases after the H 2 separation has been completed. The use of waste heat utilization technology and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is expected to increase system efficiency to 53.43 % and reduce global warming potential (GWP) of 5.52 kg CO 2 -eq/kg H 2. This work would be of great value to the process design and optimization for the SCWG system of oilfield wastewater. [Display omitted] • The process of supercritical water gasification of oilfield wastewater was simulated. • Optimization strategies were given by thermodynamic and environmental analysis. • Operational details were revealed by comprehensive sensitivity analysis. • The exergy efficiency of 53.43 % were obtained. • Global Warming Potential decreased to 5.52 kg CO 2 -eq/kg H 2 with CCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The negative stiffness inertial amplifier tuned mass dampers is introduced. • The new closed-form expressions for optimal design parameters of NSIA-TMDs. • The H 2 and H ∞ optimization based closed-form expressions for optimal design parameters. • NSIA-TMDs shows 50% better vibration reduction capacity than conventional TMD. The negative stiffness inertial amplifier tuned mass dampers (NSIA-TMD) are introduced in this paper. Another two novel tuned mass dampers such as negative stiffness tuned mass damper (NS-TMD) and inertial amplifier tuned mass damper (IA-TMD) are mathematically developed from the negative stiffness inertial amplifier tuned mass dampers (NSIA-TMD) and the static masses of these three novel dampers are retained constant. The exact closed-form expressions for optimized system parameters for these novel dampers are obtained using H 2 and H ∞ optimization techniques. The dynamic responses of the SDOF systems controlled by H 2 and H ∞ optimized novel tuned mass dampers subjected to base excitations are obtained analytically. The dynamic response reduction capacities of the novel tuned mass dampers are compared with the dynamic response reduction capacities of traditional tuned mass dampers (TMD). Therefore, the dynamic response reduction capacities of H 2 optimized NS-TMD, NSIA-TMD, and IA-TMD are significantly 45.51 % , 43.47 % , 41.08 % superior to the H 2 optimized traditional tuned mass dampers. Furthermore, the dynamic response reduction capacities of H ∞ optimized NS-TMD, NSIA-TMD, and IA-TMD are significantly 3.31 % , 8.98 % , 13.79 % superior to the H ∞ optimized traditional tuned mass dampers. The nonlinear negative stiffness inertial amplifier tuned mass dampers (NNSIA-TMD) are also introduced in this paper. As a result, the dynamic response reduction capacities of H 2 optimized nonlinear negative stiffness tuned mass damper (NNS-TMD), NNSIA-TMD, and nonlinear inertial amplifier tuned mass damper (NIA-TMD) are significantly 24.54 % , 21.92 % , 19.12 % superior to the H 2 optimized traditional tuned mass dampers. Furthermore, the dynamic response reduction capacities of H ∞ optimized NNS-TMD, NNSIA-TMD, and NIA-TMD are significantly 3.01 % , 9.04 % , 15.08 % superior to the H ∞ optimized traditional tuned mass dampers. The outcomes of this research are mathematically accurate and relevant to practical design applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first stage in designing an efficient solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) model is to accurately determine its unknown parameters. The modeling and analysis of the steady-state and dynamic responses of SOFC models require precise and reliable parameter identification. As a result, this paper proposes four novel metaheuristic optimization algorithms to extract the parameters of a reliable SOFC and build an accurate model whose response matches the actual measured response. The paper considers the following optimization algorithms: Gorilla troops optimizer (GTO), Honey badger algorithm (HBA), African vultures optimization algorithm (AVOA), and Chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA). These recent algorithms have the benefits of providing a suitable balance between the global exploration and the local phases of exploitation that improve the population variety and efficiently reach a global optimal solution. These algorithms are used to determine the optimal parameters of the SOFC steady-state model using a set of a Siemens cell experimental dataset at various operating temperatures. Moreover, a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is proposed in the dynamic model to improve the transient response of a Siemens 100 kW stack voltage and current at different power levels. Furthermore, extensive comparisons based on statistical analysis are used to validate the results of the proposed optimizers. The proposed optimizers are then compared with other optimization techniques presented in previous literature. The results show that the GTO and HBA optimizers outperform other algorithms in determining the best SOFC parameters that produce accurate voltage-current and power-current characteristic curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript discusses the positional systems used in intelligent robots. One of the characteristic problems that arise in such systems is associated with friction, including sticking during the process. Friction greatly affects the positioning accuracy of the actuators of controlled robots, especially if a pneumatic actuator is used as a motor. The work is devoted to the study and solution of this problem. Since it is impossible to completely eliminate the effect of friction, ways to minimize this effect are being investigated using a targeted choice of system parameters. For this purpose, the method of multicriteria optimization of a detailed mathematical model is applied on the example of a pneumatic positional system, as the most sensitive to friction. The paper considers the first stage of optimization associated with visualization and preliminary analysis of the process in order to prepare it for performing a system procedure. The dynamics equations of an intelligent positional system are written out, both in full-size and dimensionless one. The most convenient mathematical model of friction is presented terms of its use in the process of optimizing the entire control system. A procedure for visualizing the optimization process in the form of a graphical interface has been developed. The first stage of the intelligent drive system optimization procedure has been carried out. The paper presents at which parameters of the control system the "stick-slip" effect has less influence on the positioning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel Adaptive Mutation Quantum-inspired Squirrel Search Algorithm (AM-QSSA). Firstly, based on the population mutation, a location-update of quantum state correlative and attractor method is proposed. By introducing a random process to modify the sliding factor of the local attractor, the inevitable lack of diversity in the population renewal method is solved. The premature convergence problem of adaptive mutation rate improvement algorithm based on squirrel position update mode is introduced. Meanwhile, the paper decomposes the location update process of the SSA, and improves it with quantum-behavior. Furthermore, it proposes a novel quantum-inspired squirrels search algorithm. This method finds the complementary effect between quantum behavior and squirrel search algorithm, and solves the problem of premature convergence probability of SSA. In addition, it improves population diversity, and achieves the balance between global and local search. The efficiency of the proposed AM-QSSA is evaluated using exploitation analysis, exploration analysis, success rate analysis, convergence rate analysis on classical benchmark functions as well as Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) 2017 test functions. For further study, AM-QSSA optimizes an image registration problem for an extensive study to check its applicability. The results reveal that AM-QSSA is more efficient and stable than SSA. And it is comparable to the most advanced optimization algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A mathematical model is proposed for tissue paper drying process. • The model realizes the accurate simulation of key parameters in the drying process. • The model provides global optimization scheme for key operating parameters. • The model improves the competitiveness by reducing 8.72% of the drying cost. The drying process accounts for the largest proportion of energy consumption in paper mills. Energy system optimization has a great significance for reducing the energy consumption of the paper drying process. The drying process is a complex system that consists of several subsystems, such as cylinder and air hood systems. Previous optimization models for energy systems usually focused on these subsystems. A global optimization methodology for the entire drying process is lacking, and no existing models can be applied in practice. In this work, an energy system optimization model for the tissue paper drying process is proposed based on a process simulation model. The modeling process integrates the various subsystems and fully considers the coupling of the paper drying process, which greatly enhances the industrial application value of the model. Industrial operating data are used to test the simulation model, and the results show that the simulation error of each key variable is within 5%, which meets the real-world production requirements and lays the foundation for an energy efficiency analysis of each subsystem. Applying the optimization model to a tissue paper mill, the results show that it can reduce drying costs by 8.71%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]