Many industrial systems involve multiple criteria and objectives, and they are very complex problems in computational science, such as task scheduling. We propose bi-criteria and bi-objective scheduling problems, which are solved by two nature-inspired evolutionary algorithms, such as Simulated Annealing (SA) and Bee Algorithm (BA). This problem is characterized by scheduling a batch of tasks on multiple machines, and it is fundamental because the solution should focus on the simultaneous optimization of two conflicting objectives: the makespan minimization and the total tardiness minimization. This problem is NP-Hard, and therefore, two evolutionary methods were used to search for solutions intelligently in this huge, very complex

In this work, an estimation of the key rate of measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) protocol in free space was performed. The examined free space links included satellite-earth downlink, uplink and intersatellite link. Various attenuation effects were considered such as diffraction, atmosphere, turbulence and the efficiency of the detection system. Two cases were tested: asymptotic case with infinite number of decoy states and one-decoy state case. The estimated key rate showed the possibility of applying MDI-QKD in earth-satellite and intersatellite links, offering longer single link distance to be covered.

This paper describes a number of new interleaving strategies based on the golden section. The new interleavers are called golden relative prime interleavers, golden interleavers, and dithered golden interleavers. The latter two approaches involve sorting a real-valued vector derived from the golden section. Random and so-called “spread” interleavers are also considered. Turbo-code performance results are presented and compared for the various interleaving strategies. Of the interleavers considered, the dithered golden interleaver typically provides the best performance, especially for low code rates and large block sizes. The golden relative prime interleaver is shown to work surprisingly well for high puncture rates. These interleav

This study investigates the influence of five nanomaterials nano-alumina (NA), nano-silica (NS), nano-titanium (NT), nano-zinc oxide (NZ), and carbon nanotubes (CNT)on enhancing the fatigue resistance of asphalt binders. NA, NS, and NT were incorporated at dosages of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%, while NZ and CNT were added at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. A series of physical, rheological, and performance-based tests were conducted, including penetration, softening point, ductility, and rotational viscosity. Based on the outcomes of the overall desirability evaluation, the first three dosages of each nanomaterial were selected for further testing due to their superior workability and binder flexibility. Subsequent investigations included the high-tem

This study investigates the characterization and mechanical performance of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixtures modified with two types of polymers: styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE). Neat asphalt cement PG 64-16 was modified using a higher content of SBS and PE at concentrations of 6%, 7%, and 8% by weight of asphalt through the dry blending method to produce Highly Modified Asphalts (HiMA). The physical and rheological properties of the modified binders were evaluated using penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Also, their phase compatibility and morphological changes were evaluated using the storage stability testing and scanning electron

This study successfully synthesized high-performance photodetectors based on Ag-WO3 core–shell heterostructures using a simple and economical two-step pulsed laser ablation in water method and has investigated the electrical characteristics of the Ag@WO3 nanocomposite heterojunction. The Hall effect tests indicate that the synthesized Ag@WO3 exhibits n-type conduction with a Hall mobility of 1.25 × 103 cm2V-1S-1. Dark current–voltage properties indicated that the created heterojunctions displayed rectification capabilities, with the highest rectification factor of around 1.71 seen at a 5 V bias. A photodetector’s responsivity reveals the existence of two response peaks, which are situated in the ultraviolet and visible region. The ph