A dynamic system differs from a static system in that it contains signal factor and the target value depends on the level of the signal factor set by the system operator. The aim of optimizing a multi-response dynamic system is to find a setting combination of input controllable factors that would result in optimum values of all response variables at all signal levels. The most commonly used performance metric for optimizing a multi-response dynamic system is the composite desirability function (CDF). The advantage of using CDF is that it is a simple unit less measure and it has a good foundation in statistical practice. However, the problem with the CDF is that it does not consider the variability of the individual response variables. Moreover, if the specification limits for the response variables are not provided the CDF cannot be computed. In this paper, a new performance metric for multi-response dynamic system, called multiple regression-based weighted signal-to-noise ratio (MRWSN) is proposed, which overcome the limitations of CDF. Two sets of experimental data on multi-response dynamic systems, taken from literature, are analysed using both CDF-based and the proposed MRWSN-based approaches for optimization. The results show that the MRWSN-based approach also results in substantially better optimization performance than the CDF-based approach.

Digitization technology has developed in the preservation of cultural heritage, especially ancient manuscripts. In this context, image retrieval methods allow for efficient access to the information contained in ancient manuscripts. Optimization techniques play a role in building an effective image retrieval method. This paper presents a systematic literature review that focuses on the role of optimization in digital image retrieval methods for preserving ancient manuscripts as part of cultural heritage preservation. This paper is organized based on the following research questions: (1) What are the research objectives regarding optimization in digital image retrieval of ancient manuscripts?; (2) What is the role of optimization in image retrieval methods for the preservation of ancient manuscripts?; and (3) How have existing studies determined the formulation of novel and new research? This study involved searching articles through Scopus, Dimensions, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases and using bibliometric analysis to visualize research themes and trends. The results of the literature review show that research related to the role of optimization in the digital image retrieval method of ancient manuscripts is still open and this paper can be used as a reference for further research on this topic.

Inappropriate use of gravity and lateral load-bearing system and the use of inappropriate materials may increase in weight of the structure. Thus, we see an increase in gravity and lateral forces and consequently the beam and column dimensions of elements increase. In this paper, by taking several samples of buildings with steel frames and number of different floors and use of different materials as well as various gravity and lateral load-bearing systems this issue was investigated. It was observed that by the use of steel bracing system in both directions of buildings with steel frames; each different load-bearing results in minimum weight loading per unit surface of the skeleton of structure. It was also observed more effect of lightweight construction by increasing the number of floors for all lateral load-bearing systems. Effects of lightweight construction for different lateral load-bearing systems was investigated and we observed that the effects of lightweight construction commonly used for buildings with moment frame system in both directions were more than the rest of the buildings with lateral load-bearing systems.

Abrasive Water Jet Machining is one of the novel nontraditional cutting processes found diverse applications in machining different kinds of difficult-to-machine materials. Process parameters play an important role in finding the economics of machining process at good quality. This research focused on the predictive models for explaining the functional relationship between input and output parameters of AWJ machining process. No single set of parametric combination of machining variables can suggest the better responses concurrently, due to its conflicting nature. Hence, an approach of Multi-objective has been attempted for the best combination of process parameters by modelling AWJM process using of ANN. It served a set of optimal process parameters to AWJ machining process, which shows a development with an enhanced productivity. Wide set of trail experiments have been considered with a broader range of machining parameters for modelling and, then, for validating. The model is capable of predicting optimized responses.

We present here a hybrid algorithm for the Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSSP). This problem involves the optimal use of resources in a flexible production environment in which each operation can be carried out by more than a single machine. Our algorithm allocates, in a first step, the machines to operations and in a second stage it sequences them by integrating a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) and a path-dependent search algorithm (Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing), which is enacted at the genetic phase of the procedure. The joint interaction of those two components yields a very efficient procedure for solving the FJSSP. An important step in the development of the algorithm was the selection of the right MOEA. Candidates were tested on problems of low, medium and high complexity. Further analyses showed the relevance of the search algorithm in the hybrid structure. Finally, comparisons with other algorithms in the literature indicate that the performance of our alternative is good.

Nowadays, most manufacturing units try to locate their requirements and the depot vehicle routing in order to transport the goods at optimum cost. Needless to mention that the locations of the required warehouses influence on the performance of vehicle routing. In this paper, a mathematical programming model to optimize the storage location and vehicle routing are presented. The first objective function of the model minimizes the total cost associated with the transportation and storage, and the second objective function minimizes the difference distance traveled by vehicles. The study uses Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) to solve the resulted problems in different sizes. The preliminary results have indicated that the proposed study has performed better than NSGA-II and PAES methods in terms of Quality metric and Spacing metric.

In this paper, we present a new decision-making tool aimed at improving the efficiency of the operational planning of pick-up processes in logistic distribution centers. It is based on a memetic algorithm (MA) solving both the Order Batching Problem (OBP) and the Order Picking Problem (OPP). The result yields a sequence of simultaneous pick up operations of lots for different clients in a storing facility, satisfying a previously defined distribution plan. The objective is the minimization of the operational cost of the entire process, which is directly proportional to the time spent on different activities involved. The failure to satisfy the conditions, either leads to overstocking, delays in delivery or creates inefficiency costs. The analysis of the results obtained with our algorithmic tool indicates that it has a good performance in comparison with other known algorithms used to solve this kind of problem.

A simple yet powerful optimization algorithm is proposed in this paper for solving the constrained and unconstrained optimization problems. This algorithm is based on the concept that the solution obtained for a given problem should move towards the best solution and should avoid the worst solution. This algorithm requires only the common control parameters and does not require any algorithm-specific control parameters. The performance of the proposed algorithm is investigated by implementing it on 24 constrained benchmark functions having different characteristics given in Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC 2006) and the performance is compared with that of other well-known optimization algorithms. The results have proved the better effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of the experimental work has been carried out by conducting the Friedman’s rank test and Holm-Sidak test. The proposed algorithm is found to secure first rank for the ‘best’ and ‘mean’ solutions in the Friedman’s rank test for all the 24 constrained benchmark problems. In addition to solving the constrained benchmark problems, the algorithm is also investigated on 30 unconstrained benchmark problems taken from the literature and the performance of the algorithm is found better.

The current research copes with the optimization of the surface heat transfer coefficients of a square mild steel test specimen by spray impingement cooling. A laboratory scale experimental setup was developed at School of Mechanical Engineering KIIT University, Odisha, India to investigate the role of various process parameters to enhance the heat transfer from the surface of the heated steal specimen. The mild steel plates of dimension 120 mm × 120 mm, and different thicknesses of 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm were used in the experiment. The effect of the process parameters such as thickness of the tested plate, nozzle to plate distance, air and water pressure upon the surface heat transfer coefficient (HTC) was optimized. The optimization of the controlling parameters was carried out by using the desirability functions. The Design Expert 8 software was used to analyze the experimental results. A new correlation was developed for optimization of the surface heat transfer coefficient.

The use of elastic elements in actuators can be effective in improving their performance. The present paper examines the different layouts of the elastic element in actuators, choosing the appropriate design, and then designing a series elastic actuator for use in an active knee orthosis. For this purpose, the design elements of actuators were extracted using the knee data for walking. In the next step, considering the effect of the spring stiffness on the energy consumption and actuator’s peak power, its optimum amount for gait was calculated. Afterwards, the effect of adding the spring has been shown at an optimal value. Since the human knee in a gait cycle involves position and force control, designing an efficient controller to track the force and position of the knee during the gait cycle is the next section of this study. Due to the specific application of this actuator, its volume and size are important for the user. For this reason, it is necessary to design and construct an actuator with a suitable size and weight, with good output. For this purpose, a lightweight and low volume actuator was fabricated.