A heuristic algorithm for the just-in-time single machine scheduling problem with setups: a comparison with simulated annealing

This paper addresses the single machine early/tardy problem with unrestricted common due date and sequence-dependent setup times. Two algorithms are introduced to reach near-optimum solutions: the SAPT, a heuristic tailored for the problem, and a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. It will be shown that SA provides solutions with slightly better quality; however, SAPT requires much less computational time. SAPT-SA is a hybrid heuristic that combines both approaches to obtain high quality solutions with low computational cost. Solutions provided by the three algorithms were compared to optimal solutions for problems with up to 25 jobs and to each other for larger problems.     

Assembly modeling as an extension of feature-based design

The advantages and limitations of procedural and declarative approaches for product modeling are discussed. Concepts are developed for modeling all levels of product relations with a uniform set of structures and relationships. It is shown that five basic structures,Part-of, Structuring relation, Degrees of freedom, Motion limits, andFit can be used to define relationships between assemblies, parts, features, feature volume primitives, and evaluated boundaries. Generic relations which facilitate constraint specification between target and reference entities are also presented. Methods for the derivation of the location of an assembly unit from high level constraint specifications, such as mating conditions, and techniques for determining the degrees of freedom, motion limits, and assemblability are required. This can be done by uni-directional parameter derivation in the procedural approach, or by symbolic geometric reasoning or numerical equation solution in the declarative approach. The former is less expensive, easy to implement, avoids conflicts, but leads to combinatorial explosion. The latter is general, flexible, decouples constraint specification from validation, but is expensive, and may require conflict resolution.     

Stabilization and dewatering of wastewater treatment plant sludge using combined bio/Fenton-like oxidation process

Wastewater sludge usually contains large amounts of water and organic materials; therefore, its stabilization and dewatering are of particular importance. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of sludge stabilization and dewatering from wastewater sludge by bioleaching (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans), Fenton/bioleaching, and bioleaching/Fenton-like processes. To evaluate sludge stabilization and dewatering, specific resistance to filtration (SRF), volatile suspended solids (VSS), total suspended solids (TSS), and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) were measured. In biological treatment with T. ferrooxidans with Fe²⁺ (2?g?L^?1), 99.75, 33, 37, and 72% reduction were observed in SRF, VSS, TSS, SCOD, respectively, after 2 days. In the combined treatment of Fenton before bioleaching (including Fe²⁺ 2?g?L^?1 and H₂O₂ 1?g?L^?1 with Fenton oxidation for 30?min followed by biological treatment with T. ferrooxidans for 2 days), the reduction rates in TSS, VSS, SCOD, and SRF were 40.18, 40.88, 60.95, and 75.43%, respectively. In treatment with the combined method of bioleaching before Fenton-like oxidation, the removal rates of the aforementioned parameters were 52.5, 54.4, 88, and 99.82%, respectively. In comparison to Fenton oxidation and bioleaching alone, combined biological method of bioleaching/Fenton-like oxidation using a lower dose of H₂O₂ and Fe²⁺ significantly improved sludge dewatering and stabilization.     

A variational formulation for exterior problems in linear hydrodynamics

This paper describes a method of coupling between finite elements and integral representation, where the numerical scheme is obtained by means of a finite element discretization of a continuous variational problem. A numerical study of the accuracy of this method precedes its application to two classical naval hydrodynamics problems, and we show that the results are very accurate even with a small number of elements.     

Toward the modeling of data provenance in scientific publications

In this paper, we implement a provenance-aware system for documenting publications, called PADS. It employs a three-layered provenance hierarchy, which can output diverse types of provenance data related to the research life cycle. From this, we generate different profiles for research ventures, reviewers, and authors. PADS employs the standard Open Provenance Model (OPM) specification for capturing provenance data, and stores this data as ontological instances. We show that data is retrieved without any apparent delay in the execution time of the queries. We also demonstrate how this data can be used to make useful recommendations to the organizers, in order to manage upcoming research ventures.     

Development of a multidisciplinary optimization process for designing optimal pharmaceutical formulations with constrained experimental regions

Pharmaceutical formulation design with the development of analytical technologies and methodologies is an integral part of a drug’s research and development. Conventional pharmaceutical formulation design problems are typically studied under the assumption of an unconstrained experimental region with a single quality characteristic. In real world pharmaceutical formulation design problems, however, we are often faced with multiple quality characteristics with a constrained experimental region due to physical limitations. In order to address these needs, we propose a multidisciplinary optimization process for the optimal design of pharmaceutical formulations by developing a response surface simplex design (RSSD) and a response surface D-optimal design (REDD) for experimental modeling and by developing a partitioned composite desirability function (PCDF) for multidisciplinary optimization. Two actual case studies are also presented here for model verification purposes.     

Identification of Conserved and Novel MicroRNAs during Tail Regeneration in the Mexican Axolotl

The Mexican axolotl salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) is one member of a select group of vertebrate animals that have retained the amazing ability to regenerate multiple body parts. In addition to being an important model system for regeneration, the axolotl has also contributed extensively to studies of basic development. While many genes known to play key roles during development have now been implicated in various forms of regeneration, much of the regulatory apparatus controlling the underlying molecular circuitry remains unknown. In recent years, microRNAs have been identified as key regulators of gene expression during development, in many diseases and also, increasingly, in regeneration. Here, we have used deep sequencing combined with qRT-PCR to undertake a comprehensive identification of microRNAs involved in regulating regeneration in the axolotl. Specifically, among the microRNAs that we have found to be expressed in axolotl tissues, we have identified 4564 microRNA families known to be widely conserved among vertebrates, as well as 59,811 reads of putative novel microRNAs. These findings support the hypothesis that microRNAs play key roles in managing the precise spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression that ensures the correct regeneration of missing tissues.     

Using tolerance maps to validate machining tolerances for transfer of cylindrical datum in manufacturing process

Process planers typically utilize different datum features than designers use when specifying tolerances. Datum features used in process plans are chosen to simplify setups and achieve desired geometric accuracy. Meanwhile, proper machining tolerances are required to be reassigned to satisfy design requirements. However, existing methods to transfer geometric tolerances directly and accurately are still missing due to incompatible mathematical models of tolerances. Also, the affection of material conditions on datum and partial constraint situations have not been deeply considered yet. Since cylindrical features are often used as datum features, this paper describes the use of tolerance maps (T-Maps) (patent no. 6963824) and manufacturing maps (M-maps) to establish analytical relationship among all relevant design and machining tolerances for transfer of cylindrical datum. Firstly, a parametric model of datum transfer is proposed to describe factors involving the process. Next, based on spatial and geometric parameters, as well as tolerances information, variation analysis among features is implemented to formulate transformed T-Maps, sum of which constructs M-Map. Then, distinct bounding boxes of cross-sections in M-Map are extracted through computing vertex coordinates of their boundaries due to complete and partial constraint scenarios. Thereafter, by virtue of bounding boxes, relationship among design and machining tolerances are obtained through fitting M-Maps into T-Maps. Finally, an example is introduced to verify feasibility of the proposed model and method.