Multilocal programming and applications

Preprint versionMultilocal programming aims to identify all local minimizers of unconstrained or constrained nonlinear optimization problems. The multilocal programming theory relies on global optimization strategies combined with simple ideas that are inspired in deflection or stretching techniques to avoid convergence to the already detected local minimizers. The most used methods to solve this type of problems are based on stochastic procedures and a population of solutions. In general, population-based methods are computationally expensive but rather reliable in identifying all local solutions. In this chapter, a review on recent techniques for multilocal programming is presented. Some real-world multilocal programming problems based on chemical engineering process design applications are described.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Measurement of CP observables in B± → D(⁎)K± and B± → D(⁎)π± decays

Measurements of CP observables in B ± →D (⁎) K ± and B ± →D (⁎) π ± decays are presented, where D (⁎) indicates a neutral D or D ⁎ meson that is an admixture of D (⁎)0 and D¯ (⁎)0 states. Decays of the D ⁎ meson to the Dπ 0 and Dγ final states are partially reconstructed without inclusion of the neutral pion or photon, resulting in distinctive shapes in the B candidate invariant mass distribution. Decays of the D meson are fully reconstructed in the K ± π ∓ , K + K − and π + π − final states. The analysis uses a sample of charged B mesons produced in pp collisions collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0, 1.0 and 2.0 fb −1 taken at centre-of-mass energies of s=7, 8 and 13 TeV, respectively. The study of B ± →D ⁎ K ± and B ± →D ⁎ π ± decays using a partial reconstruction method is the first of its kind, while the measurement of B ± →DK ± and B ± →Dπ ± decays is an update of previous LHCb measurements. The B ± →DK ± results are the most precise to date

Monoketonic Curcuminoid Lidocaine Co Deliver Using Thermosensitive Organogels From Drug Synthesis to Epidermis Structural Studies

Organogels ORGs are remarkable matrices due to their versatile chemical composition and straightforward preparation. This study proposes the development of ORGs as dual drug carrier systems, considering the application of synthetic monoketonic curcuminoid m CUR and lidocaine LDC to treat topical inflammatory lesions. The monoketone curcuminoid m CUR was synthesized by using an innovative method via a NbCl5 acid catalysis. ORGs were prepared by associating an aqueous phase composed of Pluronic F127 and LDC hydrochloride with an organic phase comprising isopropyl myristate IPM , soy lecithin LEC , and the synthesized m CUR. Physicochemical characterization was performed to evaluate the influence of the organic phase on the ORGs supramolecular organization, permeation profiles, cytotoxicity, and epidermis structural characteristics. The physico chemical properties of the ORGs were shown to be strongly dependent on the oil phase constitution. Results revealed that the incorporation of LEC and m CUR shifted the sol gel transition temperature, and that the addition of LDC enhanced the rheological G amp; 8242; G amp; 8243; ratio to higher values compared to original ORGs. Consequently, highly structured gels lead to gradual and controlled LDC permeation profiles from the ORG formulations. Porcine ear skin epidermis was treated with ORGs and evaluated by infrared spectroscopy FTIR , where the stratum corneum lipids were shown to transition from a hexagonal to a liquid crystal phase. Quantitative optical coherence tomography OCT analysis revealed that LEC and m CUR additives modify skin structuring. Data from this study pointed ORGs as promising formulations for skin deliver

Updated determination of D0–D¯ 0 mixing and CP violation parameters with D0 → K+ π − decays

We report measurements of charm-mixing parameters based on the decay-time-dependent ratio of D0\u2192K+\u3c0- to D0\u2192K-\u3c0+ rates. The analysis uses a data sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.0 fb-1 recorded by the LHCb experiment from 2011 through 2016. Assuming charge-parity (CP) symmetry, the mixing parameters are determined to be x\u20322=(3.9\ub12.7) 710-5, y\u2032=(5.28\ub10.52) 710-3, and RD=(3.454\ub10.031) 710-3. Without this assumption, the measurement is performed separately for D0 and D0 mesons, yielding a direct CP-violating asymmetry AD=(-0.1\ub19.1) 710-3, and magnitude of the ratio of mixing parameters 1.00<|q/p|<1.35 at the 68.3% confidence level. All results include statistical and systematic uncertainties and improve significantly upon previous single-measurement determinations. No evidence for CP violation in charm mixing is observed