This paper is concerned with application and evaluation of ant colony optimization (ACO) method to practical structural optimization problems. In particular, a size optimum design of pin-jointed truss structures is considered with ACO such that the members are chosen from ready sections for minimum weight design. The application of the algorithm is demonstrated using two design examples with pr...

Considerable efforts were made in recent years in devising optimization algorithms for influence maximization in networks. Here we ask: “When do we need optimization?” and apply insights from statistical mechanics, and direct simulations, to characterize the parameter-space region where optimization is required. We find that this region is due to a well known physical phase transition of the ne...

optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum alkaline protease production was carried out. fifteen positive isolates were examined for their extent of alkaline protease production. the most potent producer was identified as bacillus sp. the solid substrate screening showed that the combination of wheat straw and bean husk was the best one. the initial screening by using plackett–burman’s...

the power supply of remote sites and applications at minimal cost and with low emissions is an important issue when discussing future energy concepts. this paper presents modeling and optimization of a photovoltaic (pv)/wind/diesel system with batteries storage for electrification to an off-grid remote area located in rafsanjan, iran. for this location, different hybrid systems are studied and ...

An efficient method for size and layout optimization of the truss structures is presented in this paper. In order to this, an efficient method by combining an improved discrete particle swarm optimization (IDPSO) and method of moving asymptotes (MMA) is proposed. In the hybrid of IDPSO and MMA, the nodal coordinates defining the layout of the structure are optimized with MMA, and afterwards the...

Ultrasound is a well-established method for particle size reduction in dispersions and emulsions. Ultrasonic processors are used in the generation of nano-size material slurries, dispersions and emulsions because of the potential in the deagglomeration and the reduction of primaries. These are the mechanical effects of ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasound can also be used to influence chemical rea...

The main purpose of this study was to optimize the preparation of lysozyme nanoliposomes using response surface methodology and measure their stability. The stabilities of lysozyme nanoliposomes in simulated gastrointestinal fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), as well as pH, temperature and sonication treatment time were evaluated. Reverse-phase evaporation method is an easy, speedy,...

ConClusion: We have found that study methodology is not associated with higher citation rates. Instead, nonscientific factors are strong predictors of high citation rates in plastic surgery. Our study provides evidence that citation rates differ between plastic surgery subspecialties and these differences should be taken into account whenever citation rates are utilized for analytical and compa...

Background: Empirical evidence from a range of taxa suggest age and condition can affect offspring size and number, but supporting theory is limited. Question: How do age and condition influence offspring size and number? Method: Dynamic state-dependent optimization. Key assumptions: We model a capital-breeding life history where an individual matures with all reserves available for reproductio...

In early stages of drug development there is often uncertainty about the most promising among a set of different treatments. In order to ensure the best use of resources it is important to decide which, if any, of the treatments should be taken forward for further testing. Multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) trials provide gains in efficiency over separate randomised trials of each treatment. They all...