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Showing 26 results for Planning

Ali Fallahi, Mehdi Mahnam, Seyed Taghi Akhavan Niaki,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract

Integrated treatment planning for cancer patients has high importance in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Direct aperture optimization (DAO) is one of the prominent approaches used in recent years to attain this goal. Considering a set of beam directions, DAO is an integrated approach to optimize the intensity and leaf position of apertures in each direction. In this paper, first, a mixed integer-nonlinear mathematical formulation for the DAO problem in IMRT treatment planning is presented. Regarding the complexity of the problem, two well-known metaheuristic algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE), are utilized to solve the model. The parameters of both algorithms are calibrated using the Taguchi method. The performance of two proposed algorithms is evaluated by 10 real patients with liver cancer disease. The statistical analysis of results using paired samples t-test demonstrates the outperformance of the PSO algorithm compared to differential evolution, in terms of both the treatment plan quality and the computational time. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to provide more insights about the performance of algorithms and the results revealed that increasing the number of beam angles and allowable apertures improve the treatment quality with a computational cost.
 
Sofia Kassami, Abdelah Zamma, Souad Ben Souda,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract

Modeling supply chain planning problems is considered one of the most critical planning issues in Supply Chain Management (SCM). Nowadays, decisions making must be sufficiently sustainable to operate appropriately in a complex and uncertain environment of the market for many years to beyond the next decade. Therefore, making these decisions in the presence of uncertainty is a critical issue,as highlighted in a large number of relevant publications over the past two decades.The purpose of this investigation is to model a multilevel supply chain problem and determine the constraints that prevent the flow from performing properly, subject to various sources and types of uncertainty that characterize the flow. Therefore, it attempts to establish a generic model that relies on the stochastic approach.  Several studies have been conducted on uncertainty in order to propose an optimal solution to this type of problem. Thus, in this study, we will use the method of "Mixed integer optimization program" which is the basis of the algorithm that will be employed. This inaccuracy of the supply chain is handled by the fuzzy sets. In this paper, we intend to provide a new model for determining optimal planning of tactical and strategical decision-making levels, by building a conceptual model. Therefore, it enables us to model the mathematical programming problem. We investigate in this attempt, attention to solving the mathematical model. So in the resolution we are going through the algorithm in machine learning, therefore providing as in the end an optimal solution for the planning of production.
Amol Dalavi,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract

Several industrial products such as moulds, dies, engine block, automotive parts, etc., require machining of a large number of holes. Similarly, applications like boiler plates, food-business processing separator's, printed circuit boards, drum and trammel screens, etc., consist of a matrix of a large number of holes. Many machining operations, such as drilling, enlargement, tapping, or reaming, are needed to achieve the final sizes of individual holes, resulting in a variety of possible sequences to complete the hole-making operations. The major issue involved in hole-making operations is the tool travel time. It is often vital to determine the optimal sequence of operations so that the overall processing cost of hole-making operations can be minimized. In this work, thus an attempt is made to minimize the total tool travel of hole-making operations by using a relatively new optimization algorithm known as modified shuffled frog leaping for the determination of the optimal sequence of operations. Modification is made in the present shuffled frog-leaping algorithm by using three parameters with their positive values in order to widen the search capability of the existing algorithm. This paper considers three case studies of a rectangular matrix of holes to explain the proposed procedure. The outcomes of optimization with a modified shuffled frog-leaping algorithm are compared to those obtained with the genetic algorithm and the ant colony algorithm. Additionally, the higher dimensional problem of 20 x 20 rectangular matrix of holes is considered in this work. 
Zohre Farmani, Gholamreza Nasiri, Gholamreza Zandesh,
Volume 34, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract

Today, the use of electrical energy storage has a significant role in flatting the load curve, peak shaving, increasing reliability and also increasing the penetration of distributed generation, reducing carbon emissions, and reducing network losses. In this article, a three-echelon power supply chain is investigated considering energy storage as a new level in the power supply chain. The model in this article is an integrated model of locating and capacity planning of distributed energy storage with the aim of maximizing profit and reliability, which is modeled with two different approaches. The first model is modeled from the point of view of the distribution network as the owner of the energy storage and the second model is modeled from the perspective of the electricity subscribers as the owner of the energy storage. Finally, the model is solved by GAMS software and the results of sensitivity analysis are presented. According to the obtained results, the presented model is the most sensitive to the changes in demand and production, and the owners of energy storage should be sensitive to the changes in production and demand in different seasons of the year in order to get the maximum profit.
 
Ali Mostafaeipour, Ghasem Ghorbannia Ganji, Hasan Hosseini-Nasab, Ahmad Sadegheih,
Volume 34, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract

Compared to coal and other fossil fuels, renewable energy (RE) sources emit significantly less carbon dioxide (CO2). In this sense, switching to such sources brings many positive effects to the environment through mitigating climate change, so the terms green energy and clean energy, have been derived from these constructive environmental impacts. Given the utmost importance of RE development, the primary objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the effective RE development strategies in Mazandaran Province, Iran, using different methods, including the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, along with other decision-making techniques. Recruiting a team of 11 industrial and academic experts, the strategies to implement in this region were developed in line with the RE development plans. For this purpose, the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodologies were utilized within the gray fuzzy environment to manage the existing uncertainties. The Gray-Additive Ratio Assessment System (Gray ARAS) was further applied to rank the main factors at each level. According to the SWOT analysis and the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) outcomes, among the major factors shaping RE development in Mazandaran Province, Iran, the economic criterion, with the final weight of 0.24, was ranked first; and then the geographical and environmental criteria, having the final weights of 0.23 and 0.19, were put in the second and third places, respectively. In this regard, appropriate location, with the final weight of 0.226, was ranked first; and subsequently pollution reduction and energy production costs, receiving the final weights of 0.103 and 0.094, were the second and third sub-criteria, respectively. As a final point, the validation results based on the Gray-Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (Gray-WASPAS) and ranking obtained through the Gray-ARAS were confirmed.
 
Khamiss Cheikh, El Mostapha Boudi, Hamza Mokhliss, Rabi Rabi,
Volume 35, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract

Maintenance plan efficacy traditionally prioritizes long-term predicted maintenance cost rates, emphasizing performance-centric approaches. However, such criteria often neglect the fluctuation in maintenance costs over renewal cycles, posing challenges from a risk management perspective. This study challenges conventional solutions by integrating both performance and robustness considerations to offer more suitable maintenance options.
The study evaluates two representative maintenance approaches: a block replacement strategy and a periodic inspection and replacement strategy. It introduces novel metrics to assess these approaches, including long-term expected maintenance cost rate as a performance metric and variance of maintenance cost per renewal cycle as a robustness metric.
Mathematical models based on the homogeneous Gamma degradation process and probability theory are employed to quantify these strategies. Comparative analysis reveals that while higher-performing strategies may demonstrate cost efficiency over the long term, they also entail greater risk due to potential cost variability across renewal cycles.
The study underscores the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation that balances performance and resilience in maintenance decision-making. By leveraging the Monte Carlo Method, this research offers a critical appraisal of maintenance strategies, aiming to enhance decision-making frameworks with insights that integrate performance and robustness considerations.


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