Neighborhood Combination Search for Single-Machine Scheduling with Sequence-Dependent Setup Time

In a local search algorithm,one of its most important features is the definition of its neighborhood which is crucial to the algorithm's performance.In this paper,we present an analysis of neighborhood combination search for solv-ing the single-machine scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup time with the objective of minimizing total weighted tardiness(SMSWT).First,We propose a new neighborhood structure named Block Swap(B1)which can be con-sidered as an extension of the previously widely used Block Move(B2)neighborhood,and a fast incremental evaluation technique to enhance its evaluation efficiency.Second,based on the Block Swap and Block Move neighborhoods,we present two kinds of neighborhood structures:neighborhood union(denoted by B1UB2)and token-ring search(denoted by B1→B2),both of which are combinations of B1 and B2.Third,we incorporate the neighborhood union and token-ring search into two representative metaheuristic algorithms:the Iterated Local Search Algorithm(ILSnew)and the Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm(HEA_(new))to investigate the performance of the neighborhood union and token-ring search.Exten-sive experiments show the competitiveness of the token-ring search combination mechanism of the two neighborhoods.Tested on the 120 public benchmark instances,our HEA_(new)has a highly competitive performance in solution quality and computational time compared with both the exact algorithms and recent metaheuristics.We have also tested the HEA,new algorithm with the selected neighborhood combination search to deal with the 64 public benchmark instances of the single-machine scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup time.HEAnew is able to match the optimal or the best known results for all the 64 instances.In particular,the computational time for reaching the best well-known results for five chal-lenging instances is reduced by at least 61.25%.

Analysis of dispatching rules in a stochastic dynamic job shop manufacturing system with sequence-dependent setup times

Stochastic dynamic job shop scheduling pro- blem with consideration of sequence-dependent setup times are among the most difficult classes of scheduling problems. This paper assesses the performance of nine dispatching rules in such shop from makespan, mean flow time, maximum flow time, mean tardiness, maximum tardiness, number of tardy jobs, total setups and mean setup time performance measures viewpoint. A discrete event simulation model of a stochastic dynamic job shop manufacturing system is developed for investigation purpose. Nine dispatching rules identified from literature are incorporated in the simulation model. The simulation experiments are conducted under due date tightness factor of 3, shop utilization percentage of 90 % and setup times less than processing times. Results indicate that shortest setup time （SIMSET） rule provides the best performance for mean flow time and number of tardy jobs measures. The job with similar setup and modified earliest due date （JMEDD） rule provides the best performance for make- span, maximum flow time, mean tardiness, maximum tardiness, total setups and mean setup time measures.

A Penalty Groups-Assisted Iterated Greedy Integrating Idle Time Insertion:Solving the Hybrid Flow Shop Group Scheduling with Delivery Time Windows

The hybrid flow shop group scheduling problem(HFGSP)with the delivery time windows has been widely studied owing to its better flexibility and suitability for the current just-in-time production mode.However,there are several unresolved challenges in problem modeling and algorithmic design tailored for HFGSP.In our study,we place emphasis on the constraint of timeliness.Therefore,this paper first constructs a mixed integer linear programming model of HFGSP with sequence-dependent setup time and delivery time windows to minimize the total weighted earliness and tardiness(TWET).Then a penalty groups-assisted iterated greedy integrating idle time insertion(PG IG ITI)is proposed to solve the above problem.In the PG IG ITI,a double decoding strategy is proposed based on the earliest available machine rule and the idle time insertion rule to calculate the TWET value.Subsequently,to reduce the amount of computation,a skip-based destruction and reconstruction strategy is designed,and a penalty groups-assisted local search is proposed to further improve the quality of the solution by disturbing the penalized groups,i.e.,early and tardy groups.Finally,through comprehensive statistical experiments on 270 test instances,the results prove that the proposed algorithm is effective compared to four state-of-the-art algorithms.

nuMap: A Web Platform for Accurate Prediction of Nucleosome Positioning

Nucleosome positioning is critical for gene expression and of major biological interest. The high cost of experimentally mapping nucleosomal arrangement signifies the need for computational approaches to predict nucleosome positions at high resolution. Here, we present a web-based application to fulfill this need by implementing two models, YR and W/S schemes, for the translational and rotational positioning of nucleosomes, respectively. Our methods are based on sequence-dependent anisotropic bending that dictates how DNA is wrapped around a histone octamer. This application allows users to specify a number of options such as schemes and param- eters for threading calculation and provides multiple layout formats. The nuMap is implemented in Java/Perl/MySQL and is freely available for public use at http：//numap.rit.edu. The user manual, implementation notes, description of the methodology and examples are available at the site.

Modeling and Scheduling Optimization for Bulk Ore Blending Process

A new scheduling model for the bulk ore blending process in iron-making industry is presented , by converting the process into an assembly flow shop scheduling problem with sequence-depended setup time and limited intermediate buffer , and it facilitates the scheduling optimization for this process.To find out the optimal solution of the scheduling problem , an improved genetic algorithm hybridized with problem knowledge-based heuristics is also proposed , which provides high-quality initial solutions and fast searching speed.The efficiency of the algorithm is verified by the computational experiments.