Packing problems on a PC.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1991.Bin packing is a problem with many applications in various industries. This thesis addresses a specific instance of the this problem, known as the Container Packing problem. Special attention is paid to the Pallet Loading problem which is a restricted sub-problem of the general Container Packing problem. Since the Bin Packing problem is NP-complete, it is customary to apply a heuristic measure in order to approximate solutions in a reasonable amount of computation time rather than to attempt to produce optimal results by applying some exact algorithm. Several heuristics are examined for the problems under consideration, and the results produced by each are shown and compared where relevant

The effects of innovation on channels on distribution

There exists a certain wisdom in management which accepts that there will always be problems which by their very nature are insoluble; nevertheless many remain which, due to the application of particular management skills, are potentially more capable of solution. This research programme is pitched at the latter category in the belief that at least some improvement in current practice is feasible provided a more fundamental level of understanding of the relevant (underlying) mechanisms can be achieved. Professor E.C. Zeeman of Warwick University confirms this view with the comment, made to the writer in conversation, that "explanation should reduce the arbitrariness of description". It is only through attainment of this 'explanation' level of understanding that meaningful strategic action becomes possible. Primarily our aim here is to explain and, if possible, predict how channels of· distribution react when subjected to the forces of· change, and more specifically, change in the form of innovation A review of the literature pertinent to innovation reveals some disturbing knowledge gaps. In particular, there appears to be a general ignorance of the possible consequences of innovation, and a corresponding lack of any concerted attempt to suggest how innovation (and its consequences) may be managed in an interorganizational context. Similarly, a state-of-the-art review of the distribution channels literature leads us to conclude that, like so much of the_ general marketing literature, it is predominantly descriptive in nature. Many of the issues are developed in piecemeal fashion and hence there is no generally applicable conceptualization. Given these problems,· any attempt at predicting the effects of innovation on channel behaviour patterns is premature and bound to fail. In order to even approach our original objective therefore, it firstly becomes necessary to attempt development of a new conceptual scaffolding with 'explanation' and 'predictive' capabilities. to do this we chose to search well outside the accepted boundaries of management science literature, seeking concepts from a wide range of disciplines and inter-disciplines, building the bridges between these and observed behaviour, and using systems theory as the core around which to develop a model with more general applicability. Our research orientation is therefore predominantly theoretical but, nevertheless has substantial practical relevance. Two actual cases of significant recent innovations in the UK food/ grocery industry are used as vehicles to partially test the model, and the analysis is extended into the predictive dimension using changes delineated by a Delphi futures forecast. The intention is to use the model to anticipate (or predict) what systemic effects can be expected subsequent to the introduction of innovation. The emphasis throughout is on assessing the implications of such changes using the language and concepts -central to our model. Because the external environment is such a key influential in any 'open system' situation, considerable attention is paid to developing this aspect. Since. we are concerned with finding a new way of viewing distribution channel systems, we have adopted a macro orientation throughout" in the belief that detailed refinements can be undertaken by future researchers working within the framework established here. As such soundness of the overall logic scheme is regarded as critical, and certainly of more fundamental importance than any requirement to measure .,, individual parameters. The value of such a broad orientation should overshadow any imperfections in detail which will almost certainly emerge. Generally, the model (and its component parameters) look promising, and our findings tend to indicate that it is no longer necessary to dilute the true complexity of distribution channel systems in order to achieve some understanding of what is happening within. It is now possible to evaluate in a conceptual sense, the effects of innovation on a channel system using stability criteria, and further, to assess the viability of such innovation in terms of Ashby's 'variety' principle.Ph

Industrial-Scale Manufacture of Oleosin 30G for Use as Contrast Agent in Echocardiography

In ultrasound sonography, microbubbles are used as contrasting agents to improve the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging. Monodisperse microbubbles are required to achieve the optimal image quality. In order to achieve a uniform size distribution, microbubbles are stabilized with surfactant molecules. One such molecule is Oleosin, an amphiphilic structural protein found in vascular plant oil bodies that contains one hydrophobic and two hydrophilic sections. Controlling the functionalization of microbubbles is a comprehensive and versatile process using recombinant technology to produce a genetically engineered form of Oleosin called Oleosin 30G. With the control of a microfluidic device, uniformly-sized and resonant microbubbles can be readily produced and stored in stable conditions up to one month. Currently, Oleosin microbubbles are limited to the lab-scale; however, through development of an integrated batch bioprocessing model, the overall product yield of Oleosin 30G can be increased to 7.39 kg/year to meet needs on the industrial-scale. An Oleosin-stabilized microbubble suspension as a contrast agent is in a strong position to take a competitive share of the current market, capitalizing on needs unmet by current market leader, Definity®. Based on market dynamics and process logistics, scaled-up production of Oleosin 30G for use as a contrast agent is expected to be both a useful and profitable venture

Stable stacking for the distributor's pallet packing problem

We present a novel algorithm that solves the distributor's pallet packing problem. In contrast to existing algorithms, our method optimizes stack stability in addition to stack volume. Furthermore, our algorithm explicitly handles cases where the construction of homogeneous layers of packages with equal height is impossible due to differences in package heights and quantities. The algorithm is a nested beam search that separately optimizes local and global evaluation criteria. We show successful results on both real world and synthetic data sets, compare our performance to an existing algorithm and demonstrate experimental applications in simulation and on a real palletizing robot

Optimization of Oleosin 30G Production for Echocardiography

Provided they are uniform in size, monodisperse microbubbles behave as contrast agents to enhance echocardiographic imaging. Compounds like Oleosin 30G with surfactant-like properties help stabilize microbubbles - thereby ensuring their uniform size. Designed herein is an industrial-scale plant to produce medical-grade Oleosin 30G with a process consisting of three steps: 1) upstream production via recombinant E. coli in an integrated batch bioprocessing model, 2) downstream purification, and 3) processing by microfluidic manifolds. Ultimately Oleosin 30G-coated microbubbles are manufactured, ready for injection within one month. Owing to its unique properties and cost-effective production, Oleosin 30G has the potential to outcompete current market leader Definity®. Altogether, overall yield of Oleosin 30G constitutes 7.39 kg/year to provide for 100% market saturation. Financial analysis indicates pursuing Oleosin 30G for echocardiography applications is very profitable with a 296% return on investment and holds potential for production expansion should the market demand increase

Semantic discovery and reuse of business process patterns

Patterns currently play an important role in modern information systems (IS) development and their use has mainly been restricted to the design and implementation phases of the development lifecycle. Given the increasing significance of business modelling in IS development, patterns have the potential of providing a viable solution for promoting reusability of recurrent generalized models in the very early stages of development. As a statement of research-in-progress this paper focuses on business process patterns and proposes an initial methodological framework for the discovery and reuse of business process patterns within the IS development lifecycle. The framework borrows ideas from the domain engineering literature and proposes the use of semantics to drive both the discovery of patterns as well as their reuse