In this paper, we first recall the three restrictive hypotheses outside which it is not possible to speak of an optimum, and then we specify in which context (decision aid) this article is located.

Some estimates say that as many as half of the scientific discoveries made in certain disciplines cannot be replicated. Irreproducible research is a big problem that could be undermining credibility ...

When a group of researchers at Northwestern University uncovered evidence of widespread—and growing—research fraud in scientific publishing, editors at some academic journals weren’t exactly rushing ...

To optimize the final formulation for a drug, it must meet many criteria beyond producing a safe and effective product. For example, it must be stable and amenable to various manufacturing steps, such ...

The pressing nature of water resource problems was set forth in Chapter 1. The solution to these problems is necessarily sought in research—inquiry into the basic natural and societal processes that ...