Exact methods and a heuristic for the optimization of an integrated replenishment-storage planning problem

In this paper we study the coordination of different activities in a supply chain issued from a real case. Multiple suppliers send raw materials (RMs) to a distribution center (DC) that delivers them to a unique plant where the storage of the RMs and the finished goods is not possible. Then, the finished goods are directly shipped to multiple customers having just‐in‐time (JIT) demands. Under these hypotheses, we show that the problem can be reduced to multiple suppliers and one DC. Afterwards, we analyze two cases; in the first, we consider an uncapacitated storage at DC, and in the second, we analyze the capacitated storage case. For the first case, we show that the problem is NP‐hard in the ordinary sense using the Knapsack decision problem. We then propose two exact methods: a mixed integer linear program (MILP) and a pseudopolynomial dynamic program. A classical dynamic program and an improved one using the idea of Shaw and Wagelmans are given. With numerical tests we show that the dynamic program gives the optimal solution in reasonable time for quite large instances compared with the MILP. For the second case, the capacity limitation in DC is assumed, which makes the problem solving more challenging. We propose an MILP and a dynamic programming‐based heuristic that provides solutions close to the optimal solution in very short times.     

A direct synthetic route to allyl sulfides from cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman alcohols

p-TsOH-mediated the direct α-substitution of cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman alcohols with aliphatic and aromatic thiols in refluxing THF. The reaction proceeded with complete α-regioselectivity and provided the corresponding allyl sulfides in moderate to good yields.     

A Lagrangean heuristic for a two-echelon storage capacitated lot-sizing problem

In this paper, we study a structure issued from a real case. Raw materials (RMs) are sent by suppliers to a distribution center (DC) and then transported to a unique plant where they can be stored. The inventory capacity is limited in the plant as well as in the DC. The transportation capacity between the DC and the plant is also limited. The objective is to determine the flows between suppliers and the DC, and from the DC to the plant in order to satisfy the demand during the planning horizon while minimizing the global cost. A mixed-integer programming (MIP) formulation is presented and a Lagrangean relaxation solution procedure is proposed. Computational experiments are carried out.     

Generalized differential quadrature analysis of MHD mixed convective motion of Casson fluids past an isothermal irregular slender geometry via Cattaneo–Christov's approach

Classical Fourier's theory is well-known in continuum physics and thermal sciences. However, the primary drawback of this law is that it contradicts the principle of causality. To explore the thermal relaxation time characteristic, Cattaneo–Christov's theory is adopted thermally. In this regard, the features of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convective flows of Casson fluids over an impermeable irregular sheet are revealed numerically. In addition, the resulting system of partial differential equations is altered via practical transformations into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. An advanced numerical algorithm is developed in this respect to get higher approximations for temperature and velocity fields, as well as their corresponding wall gradients. For validating our numerical code, the current outcomes are compared with the available literature results. Moreover, it is revealed that the velocity field is more prominent in the suction flow situation as compared with the injection flow case. It is also found that the Casson fluid is hastened in the case of lower yield stress. Larger values of thermal relaxation parameters create a lessening trend in the temperature distribution and its related boundary layer breadth.     

Effects of diet supplementation with cactus pear seeds and oil on serum and liver lipid parameters in rats

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of diets enriched with cactus pear oil (CPO) or seeds (CPS) on serum and liver lipid parameters compared to those of adult rats submitted to a standard diet. Male rats were divided into three groups, the first group represented control group, fed with standard diet, the second group was fed with control diet supplemented with CPO (2.5%, wt/wt) and the third group fed control diet supplemented with CPS (33%, wt/wt), for nine weeks. Feed intake and body weight of rats were measured every two days. Organ weights were determined at the end of treatment; cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides levels were determined by enzymatic methods. Liver and serum lipid extracts were analysed for their fatty acid composition for the three groups of rats. No differences in pancreas, kidney or liver weights were observed in the CPS diet whereas the CPO diet induced a significant increase in liver and pancreas weights. The tested diets significantly decreased the atherogenic index compared to the control diet, whereas serum cholesterol level was only reduced by the supplementation with CPO diet. No variations in serum lipids were observed among the groups, whereas liver lipids showed slight variations. Accordingly, these results indicated that the supplementation with CPO or CPS could be effective in decreasing the atherogenic risk factors in rats.     

Ammonia borane at low temperature down to 90 K and high pressure up to 15 GPa

We have studied the phase transformation behavior of the potential hydrogen storage compound ammonia borane at low temperature (from room temperature down to 90 K) and high pressure (from ambient pressure to 9.5 GPa at room temperature and up to 15 GPa at 90 K) region using the diamond anvil cell. This material shows four new phase transitions in this pressure and temperature region. The phase transition phenomenon is evidenced by the splitting of the peak and/or the appearance of the new peak in the Raman spectra as well as by the change of the pressure coefficient of the Raman modes. The phase boundaries between these phases are also established from the data collected during different cooling cycles. These results provide the information about the stability of the bonding characteristics of this potential hydrogen storage material at low temperature and high pressure region.     

An improved neural network technique for data dimensionality reduction in remotely sensed imagery

An approach for non-linear projection of multidimensional data is discussed with application to remotely sensed imagery. The approach uses a multi-layer neural network in auto-associative mode with an improved updating rule, based on a conjugate gradient. To evaluate the usefulness of the proposed approach, we used the maximum likelihood classifier applied to a Landsat TM image of Kénitra region (Morocco).     

Efficacy of Sardinelle Protein Hydrolysate to Alleviate Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Heart of Adult Rats

The present study was undertaken to examine the protective effects of sardinelle proteins hydrolysate (SPH) obtained from heads and viscera against ethanol toxicity in the heart of adult rats. Twenty-four male rats of Wistar strain, weighing at the beginning of the experiment 250 to 300 g, were used in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: group (C) served as controls, group (Eth) received 30% ethanol solution at 3 g/kg body weight, group (SPH) received only 7.27 mg of SPH/kg body weight, and group (Eth-SPH) received ethanol and sardinelle proteins hydrolysate simultaneously. All treatments were made by gavage during 15 d. Treatment with ethanol revealed a significant elevation of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels in the heart and of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities in plasma. Nitric oxide levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased. Nonenzymatic antioxidant such as reduced glutathione did not significantly change and ascorbic acid was decreased. SPH intake concomitantly with ethanol restored these parameters to near control values. These modifications confirmed histopathological aspects of the heart. The results revealed that SPH could provide protection of the myocardium against ethanol-induced oxidative damages in rats. This may be due to the high antioxidant potential of SPH.