Assembly sequence planning (ASP) is a combinatorial optimization problem in which the order for each part and subassembly is determined. This order is then incorporated into an incrementally expanding subassembly and eventually results in a final assembly. To address this problem, we propose an improved cat swarm optimization (CSO) algorithm and redefine some basic CSO concepts and operations a...

We investigate general properties of nondeterministic self-assembly with asymmetric interactions, using a computational model and DNA tile assembly experiments. By contrasting symmetric and asymmetric interactions we show that the latter can lead to self-limiting cluster growth. Furthermore, by adjusting the relative abundance of self-assembly particles in a two-particle mixture, we are able to...

several of the histone fold helices in free H3.3/H4 complexes. In sum, we have found that DAXX stabilizes a pre-nucleosomal folded form of H3.3/H4 that differs from its final nucleosome form or its form free in solution. While the steps in the folding pathway we studied are certainly tied to the mechanism of chromatin assembly, so to is the massive destabilization we predict occurs to DAXX [HBD...

We developed a strategic-planning model to optimize BMW’s allocation of various products to global production sites over a 12-year planning horizon. It includes the supply of materials as well as the distribution of finished cars to the global markets. It determines the investments needed in the three production departments, body assembly, paint shop, and final assembly, for every site and the ...

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Bhaba R. Sarker for his guidance and support throughout this work. It has been a very rewarding experience working with him. His insights into issues other than the thesis have also been very useful. I would also like to thank Dr. Dennis Webster for providing valuable advice. His comments and suggestions have certainly improved the...

In this paper, we study an assembly job shop scheduling problem with tree-structured precedence constraints and jobs characterized by specific bills of materials. We propose a fast and efficient constructive heuristic that is able to easily deal with real-world sized instances. The production schedule takes into account the actual availability of materials in stock as well as the supply times a...