A random search approach to the machine loading problem of an FMS

This paper discusses a modelling framework that addresses operational planning, problems of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). A generic 0-1 mixed integer programming formulation integrating the part selection and loading problems has been proposed. The constraints considered in the problems are mainly the availability of tool slots and machining time on the machining centres. The above problem is solved using an algorithm based on Simulated Annealing (SA). The potential capability of the approach is demonstrated via a small set of test problems. ©2004 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of “Phog”- Calligonum polygonoides L.

Calligonum polygonoides (Phog) belongs to family Polygonaceae. It is a geographically widely distributed shrub seen from the arctic to the tropics. This endangered plant (included in Red data book of IUCN) is morphologically having stem with nodes and internodes, white flowers in spike inflorescence and needle like leaves. It is traditionally used to stabilize sand dunes, as fuel, and in treatment of heat-stroke by mixing with curd or “Rayata”. It is also reported as antidote for opium poisoning. Various phyto-chemicals present include butanolides- calligonolides A and B, various flavanoids like kaempferol, quercetin and their derivatives. Various steroidal compounds are reported in roots. Pharmacologicallly, its cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal and biosorbent potentials are reported by various researchers. Therefore, an attempt has been made to accumulate properties of this potential herb. Keywords: Calligonum, Phog, biosorbent, heat-stroke, calligonolides, kaempfero

Infrastructure for co-ordination of multi-agents in a network-based manufacturing system

Global competition, shorter lead times and customer demands for increasing product variety have collectively forced the manufacturing enterprises to rapidly develop and introduce new products to obtain quick return on their investments. The variations in today's manufacturing scenario are directly driven by the requirements for a product's price, quality, delivery performance, customer choices, etc. As a consequence, adaptability, reflexivity and responsiveness are a common denominator for judging the competitive advantage of the manufacturing firms. The inclusion of these characteristics entices the implementation of the concepts of distributed artificial intelligence (DAI) and information-based manufacturing. Thus a synergized use of agent-based manufacturing (derived from DAI) and supporting information architecture is well suited in the contemporary manufacturing arena for dealing with variations and uncertainties. In this paper, a conceptual infrastructure for information-based control architecture is discussed and special emphasis is put on multi-level co-ordination. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2007.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Fuzzy goal-programming model with an artificial immune system (AIS) approach for a machine tool selection and operation allocation problem in a flexible manufacturing system

Some of the important planning problems that need realistic modelling and a quicker solution, especially in automated manufacturing systems, have recently assumed greater significance. In real-life industrial applications, the existing models considering deterministic situations fail as the true language adopted by foremen and technicians are fuzzy in nature. Thus, to map the situation on the shop floor to arrive at a real-time solution of this kind of tactical planning problem, it is essential to adopt fuzzy-based multi-objective goals so as to express the target desired by the management of business enterprises. This paper presents a fuzzy goal-programming approach to model the machine tool selection and operation allocation problem of flexible manufacturing systems. The model is optimized using an approach based on artificial immune systems and the results of the computational experiments are reported. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Bacterial Diversity in Cold Environments of Indian Himalayas

Not AvailableThe remote cold environments of Indian Himalayas are witnessed by extreme situations with a lot of variations in temperatures, low availability of water and nutrients and exposure to a lot of radiations. These extreme environments generally considered unfavourable to growth and survival of plants and animals are usually colonized by the microorganisms capable of growth and survivability under the prevailing severe conditions. Because of the extremophilic enzymes, proteins and biomolecules possessed by cold-adapted microorganism, they are of importance for industry, agriculture and biotechnology. In this chapter, (1) diversity of bacteria present in cold environments based on culturing and metagenomics approaches, (2) microorganisms from cold environments in agriculture, (3) novel bacteria from cold environments and (4) genome sequencing of bacteria from cold environments have been discussed. Bacteria affiliated to various phyla like Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Planctomycetes, Chlamydiae, Chlorobi, Chloroflexi, Dictyoglomi, Fibrobacteres, Nitrospirae and Verrucomicrobia have been reported from the Indian Himalayas. Microorganisms belonging to various genera for improving agriculture production under cold environment have been isolated and identified. Twenty-one novel species of bacteria have been isolated from different locations in the cold environments of the Himalayas. A genome of 18 strains isolated from these cold environments has been sequenced and published.Not Availabl