New matrix methodology for algorithmic transparency in assembly line balancing using a genetic algorithm

© 2022. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/This article focuses on the Mixed-Model Assembly Line Balancing single-target problem of type 2 with single-sided linear assembly line configurations, which is common in the industrial environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The main objective is to achieve Algorithmic Transparency (AT) when using Genetic Algorithms for the resolution of balancing operation times. This is done by means of a new matrix methodology that requires working with product functionalities instead of product references. The achieved AT makes it easier for process engineers to interpret the obtained solutions using Genetic Algorithms and the factors that influence decisions made by algorithms, thereby helping in the later decision-making process. Additionally, through the proposed new matrix methodology, the computational cost is reduced with respect to the stand-alone use of Genetic Algorithms. The AT produced using the new matrix methodology is validated through its application in an industry-based paradigmatic example.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Publicacions científiques de l'Escola Politècnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Manresa (EPSEM) curs 2021-2022

Aquest informe recull les publicacions del personal docent i investigador de l'Escola Politècnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Manresa (EPSEM) durant el curs acadèmic 2021-2022. Informació extreta de Futur.upc.edu, i analitzada a Scopus.Postprint (published version

Gestió de dades de recerca. Estudi de prospecció a la UPC Manresa, abril-juliol 2023

Es presenten els resultats de l'anàlisi dels articles de revista publicats pels investigadors de l'EPSEM els darrers tres anys , i de les respostes a l'enquesta que es va passar al juliol 2023.Postprint (published version

L'accés obert i la producció científica de l'ETSEIB. 2022

Postprint (author's final draft

Conflicting Attitudes in Environmental Management and Brownfield Redevelopment

An enhanced attitudes methodology within the framework of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) is developed and applied to a range of environmental disputes, including a sustainable development conflict, an international climate change negotiation and a selection of brownfield conflicts over a proposed transfer of ownership. GMCR and the attitudes framework are first defined and then applied to a possible Sino-American climate negotiation over reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. A formal relationship between the attitudes framework and relative preferences is defined and associated mathematical theorems, which relate the moves and solution concepts used in both types of analysis, are proven. Significant extensions of the attitudes methodology are devised in the thesis. The first, dominating attitudes is a methodology by which the importance of a decision maker’s (DM’s) attitudes can be used to evaluate the strength of a given state stability. The second, COalitions and ATtitudes (COAT), is an expansion of both the attitudes and coalitions frameworks which allows one to analyze the impact of attitudes within a collaborative decision making setting. Finally, the matrix form of attitudes, is a mathematical methodology which allows complicated solution concepts to be executed using matrix operations and thus make attitudes more adaptable to a coding environment. When applied to environmental management conflicts, these innovative expansions of the attitudes framework illustrate the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in environmental conflict resolution

A methodological approach to planning in Arctic regions

The starting point of this research is based on personal experience in research and design for extreme environments, including orbital and lunar planetary facilities, disaster shelters, polar stations and offshore surface and submersible habitats. This work reflects on related to research problem technical papers, discussions with professionals about their work experience with projects in extreme conditions, and students' workshops debating strategies to form sustainable behavior and design practices. Historically, projects in extreme environments are conducted following corporate- and professional checklists, which often fail to integrate important and inter-dependent sub-elements of the design process. In addition to technical challenges, projects in extreme environments deal with significant psychological challenges, due to isolation-, confinement-, deprivation-, and risk factors that planners and building designers must consider. The complexity of the problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Therefore, this research proposes a unified design methodology where human-related sub-element couplings are also addressed. This study finds that an interdisciplinary, comprehensive approach includes highlighting influences upon general habitat requirements, and constraints upon delivery, construction, and special provisions for safety and hazard intervention. Optimization of such design requirements based on a summary of design considerations is a key element of the matrix methodology. In a summary, the proposed methodology offers a consistent strategy for building design, staff operations and training, as well as equipment and logistical requirements for human activities. It facilitates a dialogue between all areas of expertise involved in designing, planning, living and working on site. emphasizing the importance of equal attention to all elements of the project development, including human factors and psychological aspects, in design and planning processes. Such an approach is essential to enable successful sustainable development and maintenance practices. The next steps of the research advancement are discussed including potentials of the proposed matrix methodology, which includes evolutionary databases, to serve as a foundation for developing an interactive software program for risk assessment, system-operations integration, logistics and safety