In the real world of engineering problems, in order to reduce optimization costs in physical processes, running simulation experiments in the format of computer codes have been conducted. It is desired to improve the validity of simulation-optimization results by attending the source of variability in the model’s output(s). Uncertainty can increase complexity and computational costs in Designing and Analyzing of Computer Experiments (DACE). In this state of the art review paper, a systematic qualitative and quantitative review is implemented among Metamodel Based Robust Simulation Optimization (MBRSO) for black-box and expensive simulation models under uncertainty. This context is focused on the management of uncertainty, particularly based on the Taguchi worldview on robust design and robust optimization methods in the class of dual response methodology when simulation optimization can be handled by surrogates. At the end, while both trends and gaps in the research field are highlighted, some suggestions for future research are directed.

A new series of transition metal complexes of Co(III), Ni(II) and VO(IV) was synthesized with the bidentate Schiff base ligand (HL) derived from the condensation of 2-amino-3-benzyloxypyridine and 5-bromo salicylaldehyde. The synthesized Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes C1-C6 were structurally characterized by satisfactory elemental analysis, spectral studies such as (Mass, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, conductance measurement, UV-vis and magnetic measurements) and thermal studies. The structure of HL was authenticated by X-ray single-crystal analysis. Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to understand the nature of intermolecular contacts, the fingerprint plot provides the information about the percentage contribution. Square-pyramidal geometry is proposed for VO(IV) complexes whereas octahedral geometry for Co(III) and Ni(II) complexes. The Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes have been tested in vitro for their antibacterial activities by using well diffusion method against Gram positive bacteria B. subtilis, S. aureus and Gram negative bacteria S. typhi, E. coli and antifungal activities against A. niger, A. flavus, C. albicans and A. Solani. The antimicrobial activity data show that metal complexes are more potent than the parent ligand.

Tehran, as one of the most populated capital cities worldwide, is categorized in the group of highly polluted cities in terms of the geographical location as well as increased number of industries, vehicles, domestic fuel consumption, intra-city trips, increased manufacturing units, and in general excessive increase in the consumption of fossil energies. City logistics models can be effectively helpful for solving the complicated problems of this city. In the present study, a queuing theory-based bi-objective mathematical model is presented, which aims to optimize the environmental and economic costs in city logistics operations. It also tries to reduce the response time in the network. The first objective is associated with all beneficiaries and the second one is applicable for perishable and necessary goods. The proposed model makes decisions on urban distribution centers location problem. Subsequently, as a case study, the fruit and vegetable distribution network of Tehran city is investigated and redesigned via the proposed modelling. The results of the implementation of the model through traditional and augmented ε-constraint methods indicate the efficiency of the proposed model in redesigning the given network.

Density functional theory with the basis set of 6-31+G(d) was used to investigate on the carbon nano layers, C(sp2), potential as a drug delivery system for transferring of anti-cancer drug temozolomide to the target tissue. In order to elucidate the possibility of drug transmission by utilizing a carrier, the mechanisms of direct drug degradation, and loaded drug on the carrier are analyzed and examined completely. Two possible and different pathways for direct drug hydrolysis have been considered. According to obtained results activation barriers of these two pathways are 62.17 and 72.10 kcal mol^-1, and 64.30 and 70.10 kcal mol^-1 for two gas mode and also two aqueous solvent conditions respectively. By comparison of outcomes, it can be found out that these activation barriers for both degradation pathways are significantly greater than the activation barriers for drug separation from the surface of carbon carrier (18.59 and 51.92 kcal mol^-1 for gas mode and 11.79 and 44.67 kcal mol-1 for aqueous solvent). Therefore, by studying the achieved outcomes, it can be deduced that separation and releasing of the drug from the carrier occurs faster kinetically than direct degradation of temozolomide, so the drug can reach to the target before direct decomposition.

Pentyl 2-(1H-indole-2-carboxamido)benzoate (5) is obtained in good yield as stable crystals by reaction of pentyl 2-amino benzoate (6) with indole-2-carbonyl chloride acid (7) in the presence of pyridine. The crystal structure of 5 confirms the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding (N-H…O) which produces a six-membered ring, and the molecules are linked together by intermolecular hydrogen forces (N-H…O).

Decision makers of various disciplines are facing challenges because of vast availability of options in the real world. Even though each and every decision made by a decision maker is being done with a great knowledge and conscience, the decision maker needs suitable support to choose the most favorable option to acquire great results in an agile environment. Supplier selection is imperative for an efficient supply chain management. Many industries are in need of effective decision making tools which aids them in valuable supplier selection. This paper proposes a model using Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) tools viz., Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). GRA is used to shortlist the criteria from the available options, while AHP is used to assign weights to the criteria. The final supplier in the selection process is obtained using TOPSIS. The proposed GRA-AHP-TOPSIS model (GRAHP TOP) is used to analyze and formulate the important criteria and the applicability of the model is tested on a case of a small scale industry located in South India.

Very recently, Qiupeng and Zuxing (2017) [Qiupeng, G., & Zuxing, X. (2017). A new approach for ranking fuzzy numbers based on possibility theory. Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics, 309, 674-682.] suggested a new fuzzy ranking technique on the basis of possibility theory. In this note, we show that this method leads to the incorrect result in various cases.

Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (F-ANP) method is able to consider the complex relationships among different levels of decisions, transactions, and feedbacks of criteria and alternatives to calculate the weights of the elements. The large number of pair-wise comparisons in F-ANP and also difficulties in understanding the way of comparisons for the expert, have reduced the efficiency and practicality of this method. In this paper, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned problems, it has been tried to provide an approach using the Fuzzy Best-Worst method, called F-BWANP. The proposed method, requires less comparison data and leads to more consistent comparisons, which means that more reliable results can be obtained, while making it much easier for responding by experts. Finally, in order to describe the proposed method and evaluate its capability, a numerical example is provided.

Optimality and efficiency are two measures that can be used by the system designer to select or compare between different optimal layouts. At the same time, the system designer has three choices of part assignment to cells in accordance with his needs (minimum sum of voids and /or exceptions). Unfortunately, the impact of choosing the type of part assignment on optimality and/or efficiency is not taken into consideration in any previous studies. In this paper, a critical analysis of the impact of part assignment in cellular manufacturing systems is elaborated on three cases borrowed from the literature. In the first case study, different grouping efficiency measures were used on two different optimal distributions having the same number of cells. These measures give different conflict evaluations, for that the designer’s decision to choose the optimal solution depends on the optimality rather than the efficiency. For the second case, the analysis was performed using three types of part assignment on the same optimal system (same number of cells). The results showed that the designer’s decisions depend on the constraints on the shop floor, since there is a conflict between the efficiency and the optimality. For the third case, one type of part assignment was executed on one system with different number of cells and the designer takes his decision based on the efficiency.

Strain-softening material models have conventionally had a pathological mesh sensitivity in finite element simulations and composite materials are indifferent to this problem. Spurious localization is inherent to the structural problem in strain-driven softening. This limitation is caused as the partial differential equations (that govern the structural problem) become ill-posed as the tangent modulus becomes negative, for which uniqueness of the solution with respect to the spatial discretization is lost. This causes the numerical results to unrealistically concentrate in a single layer of elements. A basic theory of overcoming mesh sensitivity is the non-local continuum theory. In this work, three different non-local models with isotropic weight function have been proposed and implemented to work in conjunction with a composite micro-mechanical material model. The effect of a weighing function in each of these formulations has been studied in detail. All three non-local formulations have been observed to produce a nice smeared effect of damage unlike the local damage models.