Hierarchical On-line Scheduling of Multiproduct Batch Plants with a Combined Approach of Mathematical Programming and Genetic Algorithm

In this contribution we present an online scheduling algorithm for a real world multiproduct batch plant. The overall mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem is hierarchically structured into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem first and then a reduced dimensional MINLP problem, which are optimized by mathematical programming (MP) and genetic algorithm (GA) respectively. The basis idea relies on combining MP with GA to exploit their complementary capacity. The key features of the hierarchical model are explained and illustrated with some real world cases from the multiproduct batch plants.

Hybrid Discrete Harmony Search Algorithm for Flow Shop Scheduling with Limited Buffers

The flow shop scheduling problem with limited buffers( LBFSP) widely exists in manufacturing systems. A hybrid discrete harmony search algorithm is proposed for the problem to minimize total flow time. The algorithm presents a novel discrete improvisation and a differential evolution scheme with the jobpermutation-based representation. Moreover,the discrete harmony search is hybridized with the problem-dependent local search based on insert neighborhood to balance the global exploration and local exploitation. In addition, an orthogonal experiment design is employed to provide a receipt for turning the adjustable parameters of the algorithm. Comparisons based on the Taillard benchmarks indicate the superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.

Study on Financing of SMEs in Enshi Nationality Area Based on FFMO Model 1

Financing has been always diffi cult for small and micro enterprises(SMEs() in Enshi nationality area mainly because of its higher fi nancing cost, immaturity and high monopoly of the fi nancial market. This paper, based on classical theories and model as well as fi nancial market status in Enshi, combs and analyzes major factors infl uencing fi nancing of small and micro enterprises in Enshi, sets up a FFMO model and proves that reform measures of fi nancial organization competition promotion and reduction of small and micro enterprises’ cost adopted by large fi nancial organizations in order to pursue maximized profi t under the market environment with rising barriers can balance the fi nancial market and make it favorable for development of small and micro enterprises’ fi nancing.

APPLICATION OF CHEBYSHEV SETS TO MULTIPRODUCTS

In this paper we give some new Chebyshev sets and their applications to multiproducts.

Exotic hadron bound state production at hadron colliders

The non-relativistic wave function framework is applied to study the production and decay of exotic hadrons, which can be effectively described as bound states of other hadrons. Employing the factorized formulation,with the help of event generators, we investigate the production of exotic hadrons in multiproduction processes at high energy hadron colliders. This study provides crucial information for the measurements of the relevant exotic hadrons.

Product Variability of the ‘Cineole Cassette＇ Monoterpene Synthases of Related Nicotiana Species

Nicotiana species of the section Alatae characteristically emit the floral scent compounds of the ＇cineole cassette＇ comprising 1,8-cineole, limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, and α-terpineol. We successfully isolated genes of Nicotiana alata and Nicotiana langsdorfii that encoded enzymes, which produced the characteristic monoter- penes of this ＇cineole cassette＇ with α-terpineol being most abundant in the volatile spectra. The amino acid sequences of both terpineol synthases were 99% identical. The enzymes cluster in a monophyletic branch together with the closely related cineole synthase of Nicotiana suaveolens and monoterpene synthase 1 of Solanum lycopersicum. The cyclization reactions （α-terpineol to 1,8-cineole） of the terpineol synthases of N. alata and N. langsdorfii were less efficient compared to the ＇cineole cassette＇ monoterpene synthases of Arabidopsis thaliana, N. suaveolens, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia officinalis, and Citrus unshiu. The terpineol synthases of IV. alata and N. langsdorfii were localized in pistils and in the adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals. The enzyme activities reached their maxima at the second day after anthesis when flowers were fully opened and the enzyme activity in N. alata was highest at the transition from day to night （diurnal rhythm）.

Multi-Product Expansion with Suzuki’s Method: Generalization

In this paper we discuss the extension to exponential splitting methods withrespect to time-dependent operators. We concentrate on the Suzuki’s method, whichincorporates ideas to the time-ordered exponential of [3, 11, 12, 34]. We formulate themethods with respect to higher order by using kernels for an extrapolation scheme. Theadvantages include more accurate and less computational intensive schemes to specialtime-dependent harmonic oscillator problems. The benefits of the higher order kernelsare given on different numerical examples.

Integrated optimization of multiproduct multiperiod transportation and inventory under a carbon cap constraint for online retailers

This study aims to solve the problem of multiproduct multiperiod integrated transportation and inventory optimization for online retailers.A carbon cap constraint and multitype of capacitated trucks are simultaneously incorporated into the proposed mixed-integer program.A simulated annealing(SA)algorithm is designed.CPLEX 12.9.0 is used to solve the submodel obtained from the neighbourhood search and is also used to get the optimal solutions for instances.Experimental results show that the simulated annealing algorithm can find satisfactory solutions within a reasonable time.When the problem size increases,the growth of the computational time of the SA algorithm is significantly smaller than that of the CPLEX.A sensitivity analysis for the carbon cap is also conducted.The results indicate that if the carbon cap is gradually tightened,the total cost increases first with a gentle slope,and then with a remarkable slope,same as for the total number of trucks used;the total carbon emissions first decrease with a gentle slope,and then decline with a significant slope.When the carbon cap is strict,only a few different types of trucks will be considered.The percentage changes of the total cost increase and the total carbon emission reduction are also compared.When the allowed carbon emissions are gradually reduced,situation of a higher amount of carbon emission reduction and a lower amount of cost increase can be achieved.Additionally,using multiple types of trucks in the integrated optimization of transportation and inventory decisions can achieve greater cost savings with lower increments of carbon emission.