An optimal procedure for minimizing total weighted resource tardiness penalty costs in the resource-constrained project scheduling problem

We present an optimal solution procedure for minimizing total weighted resource tardiness penalty costs in the resource-constrained project scheduling problem. In this problem, we assume the constrained renewable resources are limited to very expensive equipments and machines that are used in other projects and are not available in all periods of time of a project. In other words, for each resource, there is a dictated ready date as well as a due date such that no resource can be available before its ready date but the resources are permitted to be used after their due dates by paying penalty cost depending on the resource type. We also assume that only one unit of each resource type is available and no activity needs more than it for execution. The objective is to determine a schedule with minimal total weighted resource tardiness penalty costs. For this purpose, we present a branch-and-bound algorithm in which the branching scheme starts from a graph representing a set of conjunctions (the classical finish-start precedence constraints) and disjunctions (introduced by the resource constraints). In the search tree, each node is branched to two child nodes based on the two opposite directions of each undirected arc of disjunctions. Selection sequence of undirected arcs in the search tree affects the performance of the algorithm. Hence, we developed different rules for this issue and compare the performance of the algorithm under these rules using a randomly generated benchmark problem set.     

Use of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria for the improvement of copper extraction from a low-grade ore

Bioleaching was examined for copper extraction from a low grade ore using mesophilic and moderate thermophilic bacteria. Five equal size columns were used for the leaching of the ore. Sulfuric acid solution with a flow rate of 3.12 L.m-2.h-1 and pH 1.5 passed through each column continuously for 90 d. In the first and the second column, bioleaching was performed without agglomeration of the ore and on the agglomerated ore, respectively. 28wt% of the copper was extracted in the first column after 40 d, while this figure was 38wt% in the second column. After 90 d, however, the overall extractions were almost the same for both of them. Bioleaching with mesophilic bacteria was performed in the third column without agglomeration of the ore and in the fourth column on the agglomerated ore. After 40 d, copper extractions in the third and the fourth columns were 62wt% and 70wt%, respectively. Copper extractions were 75wt% for both the columns after 90 d. For the last column, bioleaching was performed with moderate thermophilic bacteria and agglomerated ore. Copper extractions were 80wt% and 85wt% after 40 and 90 d, respectively. It was concluded that crushing and agglomeration of the ore using bacteria could enhance the copper extraction considerably.     

The effects of post annealing on the mechanical properties, microstructure and texture evolutions of pure copper deformed by twist extrusion process

X-ray diffraction peak broadening analysis showed that performing a proper heat treatment between the twist extrusion passes of commercially pure copper decreased the coherent domain size and increased the microstrain. Moreover, SEM micrographs illustrated that annealed material contained new formed grains that could not grow due to lack of sufficient time. Under such circumstances, the ultimate strength was elevated about 45 MPa. The deformed material showed texture of simple shear deformation, changing by applying the post annealing.     

The impact of baking conditions on physico-chemical characteristics influencing topography and appearance aspects of polyurethane coatings

The appearance aspects of an electrodeposited polyurethane-based coating as a function of baking condition were investigated. Specular gloss and color was measured as a mean to trace the changes of the surface topography due to baking conditions. Atomic force microscopy combined with FTIR spectroscopic investigations showed that the shrinkage occurred due to the high baking temperature results in surface roughness. Films baked at higher temperature form higher-T_g networks. The color was changed to yellow as the baking temperature was raised.     

Effect of light intensity and frequency of flashing light from blue light emitting diodes on astaxanthin production by Haematococcus pluvialis

Flashing light from blue light emitting diodes is an effective method for the reduction of energy consumption in the bioproduction of astaxanthin by Haematococcus pluvialis. We investigated the effects of light intensity and frequency on the final astaxanthin concentration in bioproduction by H. pluvialis grown mixotrophically. The final astaxanthin concentration under illumination with flashing light, with frequencies ranging from 25 to 200 Hz, was dependent on the light intensity and on the duty cycle and was equivalent, or higher, in comparison with that under illumination with continuous light at the same incident intensity. The light intensity determined the maximum attainable concentration of astaxanthin under continuous illumination. Under illumination with flashing light, the ratio of the final astaxanthin concentration to the maximum concentration at a specific light intensity was correlated to the duty cycle in the frequency range from 25 to 200 Hz. The effect of lower frequencies on enhanced astaxanthin production under flashing light was also studied; at levels as low as 1 Hz, higher final astaxanthin concentrations were observed under flashing light compared to concentrations attained under continuous light.     

Synthesis and characterization of functionalized carbon nanotubes with different wetting behaviors and their influence on the wetting properties of carbon nanotubes/polymethylmethacrylate coatings

The synthesis and characterization of hydrophobic functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated and their influence on the wetting properties of organic coatings and composites was studied. Functionalization was performed using oxidation, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, and silanization. Silanization was conducted using three hydrophobic silane precursors: 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltrimethoxysilane, and triethoxyoctylsilane. Functionalization was directly confirmed and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The water contact angle of the functionalized MWCNTs was 40–142° for different surface functionalities and the functionalized MWCNTs were incorporated into an acidic solution of polymethylmethacrylate. The effect of surface functionality and the concentration of the functionalized MWCNTs on the wetting properties of these composites were studied by measuring the water contact angle. Under optimum conditions, composite surfaces with water contact angles greater than 110° were obtained. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the topography of the surface and energy dispersion spectroscopy was used to determine the distribution of the functionalized MWCNTs in the composite film. It was shown that the hydrophobic functionalized MWCNTs migrated to the surface; this was more pronounced for the more hydrophobic MWCNTs.     

Effects of SiC nanoparticles with and without Ni on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2

In this work, MgH₂–SiC–Ni was prepared by magneto-mechanical milling in hydrogen atmosphere. Scanning electron microscope mapping images showed a homogeneous dispersion of both Ni and SiC among MgH₂ particles. Based on the differential scanning calorimetry traces, the temperature of desorption is reduced by doping MgH₂ with SiC and Ni. Hydrogen absorption/desorption behaviour of the samples was investigated by Sievert's method at 300 °C, and the results showed that both capacity and kinetics were improved by adding SiC and Ni. The hydrogen desorption kinetic investigation indicated that for pure MgH₂, the rate-determining step is surface controlled and recombination, while for the MgH₂–SiC–Ni sample it is controlled as described by the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami 3D model (JMA 3D).     

Synthesis and characterization of comb polycarboxylic acid dispersants for coatings

Comb polycarboxylic acid dispersants (CPCADs) graft acrylic copolymers which consist of hanging methoxy polyethylene glycol chains and carboxylic acid groups on main acrylic chain. The CPCADs have been synthesized by radical polymerization of methacrylic acid and methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate as a nonionic unsaturated hydrophilic macromonomer. The CPCADs are polymeric surfactants that can be used as anionic dispersant. Methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate has been synthesized by esterification of methacrylic acid and methoxy polyethylene glycol in the presence of methanesulfonic acid as catalyst. These have been characterized with ¹H‐NMR and GPC. Acid values of CPCA dispersants have been determined. The dispersion of CPCA dispersants depends on their molecular weights, length mPEG, and acid values. Dispersion of titanium dioxide in typical solvent‐based paint formulation has been investigated. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of surface coatings having CPCADs such as gloss, hardness, and contrast ratio have been investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012