Advanced Materials Research Vols. 314-316

Abstract: Defective tooth restoration is an essential element for prosthetic tooth, while the tooth shape is mainly determined by its anatomic features. The feature extraction of the tooth surface is one of the important issues in dental CAD/CAM system. In this paper, a feature extraction method of tooth surface based on snake model is proposed. Using the first molar tooth in lower jaw as an instance, the coordinates of the anatomic features are first defined, then by setting different contour energy on the anatomic features and assigning proper energy weight ratio based on snake model, the features of the first molar tooth are extracted successfully. Finally, the feature extraction case studies are performed on other molar and canine teeth. The results show that the tooth features can be accurately extracted and well reflect the tooth morphological characters.

Abstract: Removed at co-authors request.

Abstract: This research deals with the multi-level capacitated lot-sizing problem originating from the production system of a large typical oil refinery. A deterministic mixed integer programming model based on the minimization of setup, production, transportation and inventory costs is formulated to determine the production, inventory and transportation quantities in each time period under complicated material-balance and capacity constraints. A numerical example is subsequently provided to illustrate the broad applicability of the proposed model.

Abstract: The partners in a virtual manufacturing organization readily incline to reduce their efforts for worrying about loses resulted from uncertainties, which might result in various conflicts among partners. It is imperative for a virtual manufacturing organization to design an effective conflict management mechanism in order to maintain the stability of cooperation relationship. Based on the analysis of the complex interaction of integrated workflow in virtual manufacturing, an extensive conflict management mechanism (ECMM) was proposed for dynamically coordinating the partners. This ECMM transforms various conflicts into the basic one between cost and expected profit of each partner, which significantly simplifies the conflicts management process in practice. In order to support the ECMM, a distributed information system with an integrated database was designed for the regionally distributed partners. The solution logic of the system expresses the logical connection of several main functions, such as the dynamic cost planning/audit, partner’s attributes, conflict analysis and solution, and profits sharing management. It is the toughest challenge in development of the information system to embed some artificial techniques into the solution logic.

Abstract: Since crude oil purchasing accounts for the largest part of the total costs in the petroleum industry, improving the efficiency of the process is of great significance in economy. In this paper, a novel mixed integer linear programming model is formulated for a large typical oil refinery to determine the purchasing, inventory and transportation quantities over a multi-period horizon while taking into account all the practical features of crude oil purchasing. The objective of the model is to minimize the total costs attributed to crude oil purchasing, i.e. the sum of ordering, purchasing, inventory and transportation costs. The constraints related to bill of materials, different capacities and different transportation modes are considered. A numerical example indicates the extensive application of the presented model.

Abstract: The paper analyzed practical problems of scanner shell assembling lines according to the principle of line balancing. Some unreasonable arrangements of workstation and operation are improved by using some ways of industrial engineering, such as 5W1H question technology and ECRS analytical method. The results show that the efficiency of assembling line is greatly updated.

Abstract: In order to maximize knowledge sharing and reuse in networked manufacturing process and improve the rapidity and reliability of decision-making, a knowledge-integration model and its implementation methods are proposed in this paper. First, the requirement for knowledge integration in networked manufacturing is analyzed. On this basis, a knowledge-integration model is built, and then three key technologies are studied, namely knowledge representation and organization based on ontology, knowledge correlation analysis based on complex network and knowledge supply based on decision-making context. This model provides an effective way to realize the optimum distribution of knowledge in networked manufacturing process and to improve the efficiency of decision-making process.

Abstract: Service-oriented manufacturing is a new manufacturing paradigm, which has appeared in large-scale enterprises cluster in recent years. In this paper, the property of community structure for service-oriented enterprises collaboration network (so-ECN) has been investigated. First, characteristics and modeling of so-ECN are presented. Then, implementing procedure of community structure is provided to evaluate the collaboration clustering behavior. Finally, the conclusions and future work are put forward.

Abstract: Grid technology has emerged as an important new field, distinguished from conventional distributed computing by its focus on large-scale resource sharing, innovative applications, and, in some cases, high-performance orientation. To date, grid technology has been effectively put to use in academic and research institutions to power high-performance and technical computing applications. Grid technology is increasingly being viewed as the next phase of distributed technology. Built on pervasive Internet standards, grid technology enables organizations to share computing and information resources across department and organizational boundaries in a secure, highly efficient manner. Organizations around the world are utilizing grid technology today in such diverse areas as collaborative scientific research, drug discovery, financial risk analysis, and product design. Grid technology enables research-oriented organizations to solve problems that were infeasible to solve due to computing and data-integration constraints. Grids also reduce costs through automation and improved IT resource utilization. Finally, grid technology can increase an organization’s agility enabling more efficient business processes and greater responsiveness to change.

Abstract: Virtual enterprise (VE) is representing the future development trend of enterprise organization mode. This paper introduced the creation process of VE, proposed three phase comprehensive evaluation model based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and ant colony algorithm (ACA) for partner selection, gave the evaluation index system model as the evaluation foundation, constructed Service Oriented-Architecture (SOA) based decision support system (DSS) framework in the process of VE establishing and running, and presented the prototype system. Through operating the system, the feasibility of the evaluation model was verified. Finally, the author also gave the development trend and suggestions of VE decision support. This article provided the corresponding theoretical and technical reference for constructing VE.