This paper presents two meta-heuristic algorithms to solve an extended portfolio selection model. The extended model is based on the Markowitz's Model, aiming to minimize investment risk in a specified level of return. In order to get the Markowitz model close to the real conditions, different constraints were embedded on the model which resulted in a discrete and non-convex solution space. ...

We describe a hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm for combinatorial optimization problems with a specific reference to the travelling salesman problem (TSP). The method is a combination of a genetic algorithm (GA) and greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP). A new adaptive fuzzy a greedy search operator is developed for this hybrid method. Computational experiments using a wide range of...

The study of memory for event duration in pigeons has, for the most part, centered on an unusual behavioral phenomenon and an interesting theoretical explanation for it. A typical experiment on memory for event duration involves trials initiated by a sample stimulus that is either short or long in duration (e.g., 2 vs. 10 sec of houselight) and that is later followed by the simultaneous present...

this study presents the effects of project uncertainties on nonlinear time-cost tradeoff (tct) profile of real life engineering projects by the fusion of fuzzy logic and artificial neural network (ann) models with hybrid meta-heuristic (hmh) technique, abridged as fuzzy-ann-hmh. nonlinear time-cost relationship of project activities is dealt with ann models. ann models are then integrated with ...

Human resources for health (HRH) will have to be strengthened if universal health coverage (UHC) is to be achieved. Existing health workforce benchmarks focus exclusively on the density of physicians, nurses and midwives and were developed with the objective of attaining relatively high coverage of skilled birth attendance and other essential health services of relevance to the health Millenniu...

The benefit/cost (B/C) ratio method is utilized in many government and public work projects to determine if the expected benefits provide an acceptable return on the estimated investment and costs. Many authors have studied probabilistic cash flows in recent years. They introduced some analytical methods which determine the probability distribution function of the net present value and internal...

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) mainly utilizes envelopment technology to replace production function in microeconomics. The input and output of decision making units (DMUs) are projected into the attributes to evaluate or measure their performance. However, if the inputs and outputs are linguistically termed or are fuzzy-numbered, conventional DEA can not easily measure the performance. Theref...

The returns and risks of high-yield bond (HYB) lie between the stocks and Treasury bonds. In view of investment opportunities and the rate of return, the advantages of HYB are both lower risks and higher shares. Therefore, HYB has become one of important components in the portfolios. The purpose of this study is to identify critical factors related to the selection of HYB. Primary criteria to e...

11 Article history: 12 Available online xxxx 13 Keywords: 14 Fuzzy QFD 15 FAHP 16 FAD 17 SoQ 18 Shipping investments 19 Tanker markets 20 2 1 a b s t r a c t 22 Q5 Studying the market has crucial roles for executing the shipping investment decisions in maritime trans-23 portation industry. The high level of managerial effort requires bringing market tendencies with the up-24 to-date data over d...

In this paper, a fuzzy decision algorithm is proposed to select the most suitable advanced manufacturing system (AMS) alternative from a set of mutually exclusive alternatives. Both economic evaluation criterion and strategic criteria such as #exibility, quality improvement, which are not quantitative in nature, are considered for selection. The economic aspects of the AMS selection process are...