Efficient routing and scheduling of vehicles has significant economic implications for both the public and private sectors. To this purpose, we propose in this study a decision support system which aims to optimize the classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem by considering the existence of different vehicle types (with distinct capacities and costs) and multiple available depots, that we call the Multi-Depot Heterogeneous Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Window (MDHVRPTW) by respecting a set of criteria including: schedules requests from clients, the heterogeneous capacity of vehicles..., and we solve this problem by proposing a new scheme based on the application of the bio-inspired genetic algorithm heuristics and by embedding a clustering algorithm within a VRPTW optimization frame work, that we will specify later. Computational experiments with the benchmark test instances confirm that our approach produces acceptable quality solutions compared with the best previous results in similar problems in terms of generated solutions and processing time. Experimental results prove that our proposed genetic algorithm is effective in solving the MDHVRPTW problem and hence has a great potential.

This paper is concerned with fault detection and diagnosis problem in manufacturing systems. In such industrial environment, production systems are subject to several faults caused by a number of factors including the environment, the accumulated wearing, usage, etc. However, due to the lack of accuracy or fluctuation of data, it is oftentimes impossible to evaluate precisely the correct classification rate of faults. In order to classify each type of fault, neural networks and fuzzy logic are two different intelligent diagnosis methods that are more applied now, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. A new hybrid fault diagnosis approach is introduced in this paper that considers the combined learning algorithm and knowledge base (Fuzzy rules) to handle ambiguous and even erroneous information. Therefore, to enhance the classification accuracy, three perceptron models including: linear perceptron (LP), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and fuzzy perceptron (FP) have been respectively established and compared. The conditional risk function "PDF" that measures the expectation of loss when taking an action is presented at the same time. We evaluate the proposed hybrid approach "Variable Learning Rate Gradient Descent with Bayes' Maximum Likelihood formula" VLRGD-BML on dataset of milk pasteurization process and compare our approach with other similar published works for fault diagnosis in the literature. Comparative results indicate the higher efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach with fuzzy perceptron for uncertain fault diagnosis problem.

This paper illustrates an internet-based fuzzy control system of complex industrial manufacturing, which is cement production. It ensures remote and fuzzy control of the process in real time in cement factories in Algeria. The remote control system contains several tasks, such as alarms diagnostic, e-maintenance and synchronising regulation loops, to guarantee the automated performance. To evolve the system, we propose firstly, fuzzy logic to control the cement mill workshop and ensure that the system is operational with minimal downtime. Secondly, we integrate internet technology to remote control via internet to secure human life and render it unnecessary for operators to be at site. When there is a breakdown, it is not necessary to send an expert to diagnose and solve problems. Therefore, the system reduces travel costs by sending reports and transmitting process data. Operators can execute and monitor the system according to authentication access in main control room or via internet.

Fault prognosis in industrial plants is a complex problem, and time is an important factor for the resolution of this problem. The main indicator for the task of fault prognosis is the estimate of remaining useful life (RUL), which essentially depends on the predicted time to failure. This paper introduces a temporal neuro-fuzzy system (TNFS) for performing the fault prognosis task and exactly estimating the RUL of preheater cyclones in a cement plant. The main component of the TNFS is a set of temporal fuzzy rules that have been chosen for their ability to explain the behavior of the entire system, the components’ degradation, and the RUL estimation. The benefit of introducing time in the structure of fuzzy rules is that a local memory of the TNFS is created to capture the dynamics of the prognostic task. More precisely, the paper emphasizes improving the performance of TNFSs for prediction. The RUL estimation process is broken down into four generic processes: building a predictive model, selecting the most critical parameters, training the TNFS, and predicting RUL through the generated temporal fuzzy rules. Finally, the performance of the proposed TNFS is evaluated using a real preheater cement cyclone dataset. The results show that our TNFS produces better results than classical neuro-fuzzy systems and neural networks.

One of the most important combinatorial optimization problems is the transport problem, which has been associated with many variants such as the HVRP and dynamic problem. The authors propose in this study a decision support system which aims to optimize the classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem by considering the existence of different vehicle types (with distinct capacities and costs) and multiple available depots, that the authors call the Multi-Depot HVRPTW by respecting a set of criteria including: schedules requests from clients, the heterogeneous capacity of vehicles..., and the authors solve this problem by proposing a new scheme based on a genetic algorithm heuristics that they will specify later. Computational experiments with the benchmark test instances confirm that their approach produces acceptable quality solutions compared with previous results in similar problems in terms of generated solutions and processing time. Experimental results prove that the method of genetic algorithm heuristics is effective in solving the MDHVRPTW problem and hence has a great potential.

In this paper, we present the application of knowledge engineering and externalisation of tacit knowledge in manufacturing industry, in order to improve the performance of a production system and save the knowledge capital of the company. The main aim of this study is to propose a knowledge model for manufacturing task combining common knowledge acquisition and design support (CommonKADS) and methodology for acquisition of tacit knowledge (MACTAK) methodologies, using two different knowledge base modelling based on two categories: (i) ontology and (ii) expert knowledge base. In that purpose, we suggest a process dedicated to industrial manufacturing, allowing to capitalise knowledge by: (1) Externalisation of tacit knowledge by MACTAK-methodology in industrial processes, (2) using knowledge engineering method; CommonKADS methodology, (3) Formalizing and modelling the domain knowledge using ontology and inference model, (4) presenting the implementation tool to support the knowledge model and (5) reusing the manufacturing knowledge model in decision support systems. The three pillars of methodology are: the externalisation process, Knowledge representation technique and quality tools. The proposed model is applied in manufacturing monitoring systems.

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Notwithstanding increasing concern worldwide, e-waste has not yet been discussed in depth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study first reviews the literature regarding the estimation of e-waste in the MENA region. It then gives an estimate of the past and future trends in the generation of obsolete computers in Algeria. For this purpose, the study combines two models: the Carnegie Mellon model and the market supply (distribution delay) model. The Carnegie Mellon model offers the following options for obsolete computers and monitors: the device could be reused, stored, or discarded. The amounts of devices falling into each category were determined based on these options. The outcomes from the market supply (distribution delay) model show that high amounts of computer and monitor waste were registered for the period from 2014 to 2016.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in emerging countries is increasing. This study presents a methodology to improve assessment and monitoring WEEE in Algeria. The proposed methodology is a two-step approach. The first step is the collection and collation of existing data from different national and international sources. In the second step, different assessment and forecasting methods are applied. Forecasting methods were selected from those models which provided minimum error indices. The paper considers also the availability and reliability of data in order to provide a future reliable assessment of WEEE in Algeria. The study revealed that the forecasting methods do not have a big influence on the results contrary to the inputs of the model.

Every modern company should measure the value of its intellectual capital and to report to complement the traditional annual balance sheets. The purpose of this work is to measure the intellectual capital in an Algerian company (or production system) using the Weightless Wealth Tool Kit (WWTK). The results of the measurement of intellectual capital are supplemented by traditional financial ratios. The measurement was applied to the National Company of Wells Services (ENSP) in Hassi Messaoud city, in the south of Algeria. We calculated the intellectual capital (intangible resources) of the ENSP to help the organization to better capitalize on its potential of workers and their know-how. The intangible value of the ENSP is evaluated at 16,936,173,345 DA in 2015.

With the increasing growth of the chemical and process industries, it is necessary to ensure the safe operation of their complex and often hazardous installations, given their proximity to residential areas. Several techniques, such as fault tree analysis (FTA), bow-tie analysis (BTA), and Bayesian belief networks (BBNs), have been developed for adequate probabilistic risk assessment and management. The current work is aimed at performing a brief statistical review of the use of Bayesian networks in the chemical and process industry within the last decade. The review reveals that Bayesian networks have been used extensively in various forms of safety and risk assessment. This trend is attributable to the complexity of the installations found in this industry and the ability of BBN to intuitively represent these complexities, handle uncertainties, and update event probabilities. The paper is concluded with an illustrative example of the use of BBN to investigate the effectiveness of the safety barriers of a gas facility.

Fault diagnosis is the best discipline to control the operation and maintenance costs of the wind turbine system. However, the fault diagnosis of wind turbine finds difficulties with the variation of wind speed and electrical energy (generator torque). In this work, the proposed fault diagnosis approach is based on the Feature set algorithm, manifold learning and the Support Vector Machine classifier. First, the construction of the feature set is very important step, with the high dimension after application the MAED (Manifold Adaptive Experimental Design) algorithm on the data set. Moreover, the NPE (Neighborhood Preserving Embedding) manifold learning algorithm is applied for directional reduction of feature set by the eigenvectors; it is easy to use as the input for the last step. Finally, the low dimensions of eigenvectors are exploited by the (SVM) Support Vector Machine classifier for recognition fault and making the maintenance decision. This approach is implanted on the faults of the benchmark wind turbine and gives the best performance.

In this paper, we present the application of knowledge engineering and externalisation of tacit knowledge in manufacturing industry, in order to improve the performance of a production system and save the knowledge capital of the company. The main aim of this study is to propose a knowledge model for manufacturing task combining common knowledge acquisition and design support (CommonKADS) and methodology for acquisition of tacit knowledge (MACTAK) methodologies, using two different knowledge base modelling based on two categories: (i) ontology and (ii) expert knowledge base. In that purpose, we suggest a process dedicated to industrial manufacturing, allowing to capitalise knowledge by: (1) Externalisation of tacit knowledge by MACTAK-methodology in industrial processes, (2) using knowledge engineering method; CommonKADS methodology, (3) Formalizing and modelling the domain knowledge using ontology and inference model, (4) presenting the implementation tool to support the knowledge model and (5) reusing the manufacturing knowledge model in decision support systems. The three pillars of methodology are: the externalisation process, Knowledge representation technique and quality tools. The proposed model is applied in manufacturing monitoring systems.

This paper proposes a novel hybrid algorithm for the integration of systematic preventive maintenance policies in hybrid flow shop scheduling to minimize makespan. We have implemented a problem-solving approach for optimizing the processing time, methods based on metaheuristics. The proposed approach is inspired by the behavior of the human body. This hybridization is between a multi-agent system and inspirations of the human body, especially genetics. The effectiveness of our approach has been demonstrated repeatedly in this paper. To solve such a complex problem, we proposed an approach which we have used advanced operators such as uniform crossover set and single point mutation. The proposed approach is applied to three preventive maintenance policies. These policies are intended to maximize the availability or to maintain a minimum level of reliability during the production chain. The results show that our algorithm outperforms existing algorithms. We assumed that the machines might be unavailable periodically during the production scheduling

This paper proposes an improved approach based on MAS Architecture and Heuristic Algorithm for systematic maintenance to minimize makespan. We have implemented a problem-solving approach for optimizing the processing time, methods based on metaheuristics. The proposed approach is inspired by the behavior of the human body. This hybridization is between a multi-agent system and inspirations of the human body, especially genetics. The effectiveness of our approach has been demonstrated repeatedly in this paper. To solve such a complex problem, we proposed an approach which we have used advanced operators such as uniform crossover set and single point mutation. The proposed approach is applied to three preventive maintenance policies. These policies are intended to maximize the availability or to maintain a minimum level of reliability during the production chain. The results show that our algorithm outperforms existing algorithms. We assumed that the machines might be unavailable periodically during the production scheduling.

In this paper, we present the application of knowledge engineering and externalisation of tacit knowledge in manufacturing industry, in order to improve the performance of a production system and save the knowledge capital of the company. The main aim of this study is to propose a knowledge model for manufacturing task combining common knowledge acquisition and design support (CommonKADS) and methodology for acquisition of tacit knowledge (MACTAK) methodologies, using two different knowledge base modelling based on two categories: (i) ontology and (ii) expert knowledge base. In that purpose, we suggest a process dedicated to industrial manufacturing, allowing to capitalise knowledge by: (1) Externalisation of tacit knowledge by MACTAK-methodology in industrial processes, (2) using knowledge engineering method; CommonKADS methodology, (3) Formalizing and modelling the domain knowledge using ontology and inference model, (4) presenting the implementation tool to support the knowledge model and (5) reusing the manufacturing knowledge model in decision support systems. The three pillars of methodology are: the externalisation process, Knowledge representation technique and quality tools. The proposed model is applied in manufacturing monitoring systems.