Accelerating column generation for variable sized bin-packing problems

In this paper, we study different strategies to stabilize and accelerate the column generation method, when it is applied specifically to the variable sized bin-packing problem, or to its cutting stock counterpart, the multiple length cutting stock problem. Many of the algorithms for these problems discussed in the literature rely on column generation, processes that are known to converge slowly due to primal degeneracy and the excessive oscillations of the dual variables. In the sequel, we introduce new dual-optimal inequalities, and explore the principle of model aggregation as an alternative way of controlling the progress of the dual variables. Two algorithms based on aggregation are proposed. The first one relies on a row aggregated LP, while the second one solves iteratively sequences of doubly aggregated models. Working with these approximations, in the various stages of an iterative solution process, has proven to be an effective way of achieving faster convergence.     

Laser cutting of thick ceramic tile

This paper details developments in the CO₂ laser cutting of thick ceramic tiles, that is thicknesses of 8.5 mm and 9.2 mm. These tiles were cut at a combination of different cutting speeds to determine the necessary cutting parameters for various tile geometries. Different cutting modes were used in conjunction with different cutting speeds to investigate cut quality after laser processing. The work also looked into the effects on cutting through using various shield gases. Multipass cutting and underwater cutting were performed to examine their effects on thermal load during processing.     

Processing of concretes with a high power CO2 laser

Laser material processing, being a non-contact process, minimizes many of the complexities involved in the decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. A high power laser beam incident on a concrete surface can produce spalling, glazing or vaporization, depending upon the laser power density and scan speed. This paper presents effect of various laser processing parameters on the efficiency of material removal by surface spalling and glazing. The size of laser beam at constant fluence or energy density had significantly different effect on the spalling process. In thick concrete block cutting the flow or removal of molten material limits the cutting depth. By employing repeated laser glazing followed by mechanical scrubbing process cutting of 150 mm thick concrete block was carried out. Gravitation force was utilized for molten materials to flow out while drilling holes on vertical concrete walls. The dependence of the incident laser beam angle on drilling time was experimentally studied.     

截断切割问题的参数规划模型

对一个截断切割问题,本文给出了一个参数网络规划模型,总结了[3]中的解法,并给出了一个实例.     

On Poljak's improved subgradient method

Poljak has suggested an improved subgradient method and provided a lower bound on the improvement of the Euclidean distance to an optimal solution. In this paper, we provide a stronger lower bound and show that the direction of movement in this method forms a more acute angle with the direction toward the set of optimal solutions than that in the subgradient method.Most of this research has been performed while the first author was visiting the Decision and Information Systems Department, College of Business, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.     

Cutting by a high power laser at a long distance without an assist gas for dismantling

As the applications of laser processing progress, new fields of use are being investigated, including dismantling with power lasers. To fulfil our dismantling requirements we propose a new laser method that we have called the laser dismantling (LD) process. This cutting method uses a high-power laser at a long distance, without an assist gas, and with a focal length of the system of 1 m to 10 m. Precision and accuracy in the process are not the same as for laser cutting for production and assembly. The first application of the laser dismantling process, on which we demonstrate our method, is the dismantling of obsolete nuclear plants with remote controlled, or automatic, robots in irradiated environments. For our demonstrator, the beam from a Nd:YAG laser was focused by a multimode optical fibre. The objectives of this paper are: to discuss the criteria for determining the theoretical feasibility of LD; to discuss issues related to future industrial implementation by introducing the process's basic principles; and to compare LD with classical laser processing, which differs not only in the consideration of cutting quality and speed, but also in the cutting irregularities that could be accepted.     

Lp-based combinatorial problem solving

A tutorial outline of the polyhedral theory that underlies linear programming (LP)-based combinatorial problem solving is given. Design aspects of a combinatorial problem solver are discussed in general terms. Three computational studies in combinatorial problem solving using the polyhedral theory developed in the past fifteen years are surveyed: one addresses the symmetric traveling salesman problem, another the optimal triangulation of input/output matrices, and the third the optimization of large-scale zero-one linear programming problems.     

用近红外无损肌氧及运动心率检测技术评定100m极量强度运动对心脏冲击影响

利用连续双波长近红外光技术测量肌肉中血红蛋白含氧量的变化情况,同时应用运动心率无线实时采集设备,设计了检测实时肌肉组织血氧含量和瞬时心率实验方案,对6名健康男性进行了100 m跑同步实测实验。实验表明,肌肉组织氧合血红蛋白浓度在100 m跑结束后继续降低,达到最低值的时刻滞后于运动结束时刻的时间为(6.65±1.10)s;心率则在运动结束后继续上升,达到最高值的时刻滞后于运动结束时刻的时间为(8.00±1.57)s。这些结果显示了双波长近红外光组织氧测试技术和运动心率无线实时采集系统能够正确检测极量强度运动时的血氧参数和心率,揭示了极量强度运动过程中肌肉中氧运输与消耗的过程及其与心率之间的动力学特征。     

Energy transfers between Sm and Eu in YPO4, LaP5O14 and LaP3O9 phosphates. Potential quantum cutters for red emitting phosphors

This work concerns the studies of energy transfers between Sm³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions in some phosphates as new luminescent materials emitting in the orange-red color. The choose of ions is based on the possibility of quantum cutting process and the matrices are selected according to the 5d bands position of Sm³⁺ ion. The Sm³⁺ and Eu³⁺ doped YPO₄, LaP₅O₁₄ and LaP₃O₉ are synthesized and spectroscopic studies in ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet ranges have been achieved.     

Direct observation of surface and internal phase-separated structure of the active layer buried in organic photovoltaic cells

A phase-separated structure of the active layer, of variable thickness, buried in organic thin film solar cells (OTSC) was directly observed by scanning force microscopy (SFM) with the aid of a surface and interface cutting analysis system (SAICAS). This deals with SFM observation to both the surface and the internal regions of the OTSCs, leading to discussion about the formation of the overlayer in the active layer.