Search schemes for random optimization algorithms that preserve the asymptotic distribution

Markovian algorithms for estimating the global maximum or minimum of real valued functions defined on some domain Omega subset of R-d are presented. Conditions on the search schemes that preserve the asymptotic distribution are derived. Global and local search schemes satisfying these conditions are analysed and shown to yield sharper confidence intervals when compared to the i.i.d. case.

ALTERNATIVE SAMPLING STRATEGY FOR A RANDOM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM

Alternative sampling procedures are compared to the pure random search method. It is shown that the efficiency of the algorithm can be improved with respect to the expected number of steps to reach an epsilon-neighborhood of the optimal point.

RAPD optimization for genetic studies with Citrulus lanatus and Sesamum indicum genotypes

The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique is powerful for DNA polymorphism determinations and is widely used in research involving different organisms, but it is known that RAPD can be affected by many factors that may result in false positive bands and non-reproducible assays. In this study, we analyzed the effect of several factors such as DNA template, primer and Taq DNA polymerase concentrations to optimize and standardize the RAPD technique for further genetic studies with Citrulus lanattus and Sesamum indicum L. The best combination of DNA, Taq DNA polymerase enzyme and primer concentrations in RAPD amplification procedures for sesame and watermelon genotypes was established.

Thermoplastic polyesters and Co-polyesters derived from vegetable oil: synthesis and optimization of melt polycondensation for medium and long chain poly(omega-hydroxyfatty acid)s and their ester derivatives

The synthesis of a series of omega-hydroxyfatty acid (omega-OHFA) monomers and their methyl ester derivatives (Me-omega-OHFA) from mono-unsaturated fatty acids and alcohols via ozonolysis-reduction/crossmetathesis reactions is described. Melt polycondensation of the monomers yielded thermoplastic poly(omega-hydroxyfatty acid)s [-(CH2)(n)-COO-](x) with medium (n = 8 and 12) and long (n = 17) repeating monomer units. The omega-OHFAs and Me-omega-OHFAs were all obtained in good yield (>= 80%) and purity (>= 97%) as established by H-1 NMR, Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The average molecular size (M-n) and distribution (PDI) of the poly(omega-hydroxyfatty acid)s (P(omega-OHFA)s) and poly(omega-hydroxyfatty ester) s (P(Me-omega-OHFA) s) as determined by GPC varied with organo-metallic Ti(IV) isopropoxide [Ti(OiPr)(4)] polycondensation catalyst amount, reaction time and temperature. An optimization of the polymerization process provided P(omega-OHFA) s and P(Me-omega-OHFA) s with M-n and PDI values desirable for high end applications. Co-polymerization of the long chain (n = 12) and medium chain (n = 8) Me-omega-OHFAs by melt polycondensation yielded poly(omega-hydroxy tridecanoate/omega-hydroxy nonanoate) random co-polyesters (M-n = 11000- 18500 g mol(-1)) with varying molar compositions.