Metaheuristics can benefit from analyzing patterns and regularities in data to perform more effective searches in the solution space. In line with the emerging trend in the optimization literature, this study introduces the Reinforcement-learning-based Alpha-List Iterated Greedy (RAIG) algorithm to contribute to the advances in machine learning-based optimization, notably for solving combinatorial ...

The problem of insecurity is a global phenomenon that has several forms like terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, etc. Insecurity has taken hold in the Sub-Saharan Region of West Africa, especially in Nigeria, for over two decades. Nigeria’s security crisis is more pronounced in the Northern Region, with a new wave in the North-Central Region of Nigeria. It is herculean to assess insecurity in the ...

Volatility in the supply chain of critical products, notably the vaccine shortage during the pandemic, influences livelihoods and may lead to significant delays and long waiting times. Considering the capital- and time-intensive nature of capacity expansion plans, strategic oper ational production decisions are required best to address the supply-demand mismatches given the limited production ...

Constrained improvement refers to regulating rivalry between companies in a particular industry by defining a framework or an evaluation mechanism. Such a mechanism results in a more equitable and healthy competitive environment. The primary motivation is that the best-performing players in a particular industry improve their performance such that the rest of the contenders remain competitive. ...

The research on the Parallel Machine Scheduling Problem (PMSP) has undergone significant development. The most recent comprehensive review of published studies dates back to early 2001. This article presents an algorithmic review of PMSPs, using Main Path Analysis (MPA) to identify seminal knowledge diffusion and development trajectories. This research also sheds light on the less tangible aspects ...

With the rapid technological advancement and innovation in Industry 4.0/5.0, digitalization has become the mainstream that transforms the paradigm of many industries, businesses, and services. In this regard, AI-enabled chatbots have been increasingly adopted by many companies for providing customer services instead of human agents. On the one hand, the use of AI-enabled chatbots provides opportunities ...

Human history is full of epidemic outbreaks that occur on a regular basis. The past epidemics have resulted in millions of deaths and economic recessions. With the increasing frequency of human-induced epidemics in recent years, effective and efficient epidemic logistics management has become vital for successfully containing the spread of the disease as well as preventing societal disruption, ...

Learning design has a multifaceted nature requiring a range of course- and institutional considerations. Analyzing the decision criteria’s influence on research-based learning design helps understand the causes of the success/failure of the approach in achieving the teaching goals to improve the study programs. This study explores the interrelationship between the curricular and pedagogical criteria ...

Rapid changes in the level of digitalization have changed manufacturing and production industries during our lifetime. Several industries have explored the extent to which these changes can be utilized to optimize supply chain processes and increase sustainability – they have achieved success in implementation. The energy industry, being one of the world’s largest and most financially consuming ...