Feature-based classifiers for design optimization

We present a design optimization method for systems with high-dimensional parameter spaces using inductive decision trees. The essential idea is to map designs into a relatively low-dimensional feature space, and to derive a classifier to search for high-performing design alternatives within this space. Unlike learning classifier systems that were pioneered by Holland and Goldberg, classifiers defined by inductive decision trees were not originally developed for design optimization. In this paper, we explore modifications to such classifiers to make them more effective in the optimization problem. We expand the notions of feature space, generalize the tree construction heuristic beyond the original information-theoretic definitions, increase the reliance on domain expertise, and facilitate the transfer of design knowledge between related systems. There is a relatively small but rapidly growing body of work in the use of inductive trees for engineering design; the method presented herein is complementary to this research effort.     

Organizational determinants of IT adoption in the pharmaceutical distribution sector

The aim of this paper is to propose new organizational factors that might explain the differences in the extent and the speed of IT adoption. With this in mind, we carried out an analysis of 16 cases in the pharmaceutical distribution sector in Spain. The results indicate that there are certain intangible assets that favour the introduction and development of IT. Among these are a frank and fluid communication between departments and members of the organization, low levels of conflict, the explicit support of top management towards IT adoption and learning and creative skills of IT-staff. In addition to these factors, we found others that we propose as catalysts of IT adoption. Among these we might mention the special relationship between the member-clients and the company in the case of cooperative firms.     

用高梯度磁场净化轧钢废水

通过用高梯度磁场处理热轧厂废水的试验,得到了在试验条件下浊度(水中不溶物的含量)和铁的去除率,确定了最佳净化条件.在此条件下,能够有效去除废水中的不溶物和铁,经过处理的水质达到了工艺循环水的水质标准.     

Two-tier architecture for unconstrained handwritten character recognition

In this paper, we propose an approach that combines the unsupervised and supervised learning techniques for unconstrained handwritten numeral recognition. This approach uses the Kohonen self-organizing neural network for data classification in the first stage and the learning vector quantization (LVQ) model in the second stage to improve classification accuracy. The combined architecture performs better than the Kohonen self-organizing map alone. In the proposed approach, the collection of centroids at different phases of training plays a vital role in the performance of the recognition system. Four experiments have been conducted and experimental results show that the collection of centroids in the middle of the training gives high performance in terms of speed and accuracy. The systems developed also resolve the confusion between handwritten numerals.     

Development of nano indium tin oxide (ITO) grains by alkaline hydrolysis of In(III) and Sn(IV) salts

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nano powders of different compositions (In: Sn = 90: 10, 70: 30 and 50: 50) were prepared by heat treatment (300-450°C) of mixed hydroxides of In(III) and Sn(IV). The hydroxides were obtained by the reaction of aq. NH₃ with mixed aq. solutions of In(NO₃)₃ and SnCl₄. FTIR and TG/DTA studies revealed that powders existed as In(OH)₃H₂O—SnO₃H₂H₂O in the solid state and then they transformed to In₂O₃—SnO₂ via some metastable intermediates after 300°C. Cubic phase of In₂O₃ was identified by XRD for the oxides up to 30% of Sn. Particle size measurements of the solid dispersed in acetone and SEM study for microstructure showed that the oxides were in the nano range (55-75 nm) whereas the size range determined from Debye-Scherrer equation were 11–24 nm.     

西门子工业控制网络在棒材连轧生产线的应用

本文通过对包钢棒材连轧线的工业控制网络的由分体到整体的介绍,将西门子公司的三级控制网络(Profibus-DP网络、MPI网络、工业以太网)思想做了一个全面的说明.通过与现场实际相结合,使人们对这一概念有了更加清晰的认识.文章最后还结合作者的一些体会作了总结.     

A computational study of LP-based heuristic algorithms for two-dimensional guillotine cutting stock problems

In this paper we develop and compare several heuristic methods for solving the general two-dimensional cutting stock problem. We follow the Gilmore-Gomory column generation scheme in which at each iteration a new cutting pattern is obtained as the solution of a subproblem on one stock sheet. For solving this subproblem, in addition to classical dynamic programming, we have developed three heuristic procedures of increasing complexity, based on GRASP and Tabu Search techniques, producing solutions differing in quality and in time requirements. In order to obtain integer solutions from the fractional solutions of the Gilmore-Gomory process, we compare three rounding procedures, rounding up, truncated branch and bound and the solution of a residual problem. We have coded and tested all the combinations of algorithms and rounding procedures. The computational results obtained on a set of randomly generated test problems show their relative efficiency and allow the potential user to choose from among them, according to the available computing time. Rceived: January 9, 2001 / Accepted: December 10, 2001     

纳米Fe/C复合材料的原位合成

在石油渣油中加入二茂铁，通过热缩聚反的位合成纳米级铁粒子均匀分散于炭基体中的新型复合材料，研究了在420℃热缩聚时停时间和二茂铁添加量对Fe/C形成的影响，并用TEM和XRD观测和分析了Fe/C的形态和结构，结果表明，在基体中铁粒子的粒径为25－50nm，在一定条件下，二茂铁添加量的增加和停留时间的延长均使Fe/C产率提高，停留时间对热缩聚反应的影响遵循一级反应动力学，二茂铁的添加能显著提高反应速率常数k值。