Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Acuta Enews December 2003, Vol 32, No 12

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

From the President........................ Walter L. Czerniak, Northern Illinois Univ.

Tech Talk................................. Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

Eleanor Smith, ACUTA Business Manager, Retires

Meet ACUTAs New Business Manager, Margaret Riley

Wireless lndustry Announces Recycling lnitiative...................... CTIA

DC Update........................ Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan univ.

ACUTA Member Sites to See

Thanks to Sponsors for '03

ACUTA: Have You Shopped the eStore Lately?

Welcome New Members

Why Toyota And Honda Topped The 2002 J.D. Power Quality Study, Susan Lightle, Kenneth Yale Rosenzweig, John Talbott

Accounting Faculty Publications

Toyota again topped the annual J. D. Power and Associates quality study released in late May of 2002. Toyota scored the highest mark ever with l 07 defects per l 00 vehicles, while Honda came in second with 113 defects. The study was based on responses of approximately 65,000 new car owners queried during their first 90-days of ownership.

These results do not surprise us, as we have been fortunate to make numerous sojourns to the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, and observe the manufacturing processes. These trips were normally facilitated by a former Japanese student of ours, Minako Yanke, …

The Effects Of Semantic And Syntactic Instruction On User Performance And Satisfaction In Search User Interface Design, Jennifer M. Bandos

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The design of interfaces to facilitate user search has become critical for search engines, ecommerce
sites, and intranets. This study investigated the use of targeted instructional hints to improve search by measuring the quantitative effects of users' performance and satisfaction.

The effects of syntactic, semantic and exemplar search hints on user behavior were evaluated in an empirical investigation using naturalistic scenarios. Combining the three search hint components, each with two levels of intensity, in a factorial design generated eight search engine interfaces. Eighty participants participated in the study and each completed six realistic search tasks.

Results revealed that the inclusion …

Acuta Enews November 2003, Vol 32, No. 11

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

From ACUTA Headquarters................................. Jeri A. Semer, CAE, Executive Director

Tech Talk................................................. Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

No Spam for Me, Please

VolP Design Recommendations................................. John Garrison, Alcate

DC Update....................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

Thanks to Exhibitors for '03

ACUTA Board Report................................... Carmine Piscopo, Providence College

Welcome New Members

ACUTA: Have You Shopped the eStore Lately?

Task Allocation Via Multi-Agent Coalition Formation: Taxonomy, Algorithms And Complexity, Hoong Chuin Lau, L. Zhang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Coalition formation has become a key topic in multiagent research. In this paper, we propose a preliminary classification for the coalition formation problem based on three driving factors (demands, resources and profit objectives). We divide our analysis into 5 cases. For each case, we present algorithms and complexity results. We anticipate that with future research, this classification can be extended in similar fashion to the comprehensive classification for the job scheduling problem.

Acuta Enews October 2003, Vol. 32, No. 10

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

From the President.................... Walter L. Czerniak, President

Fire Safety: Should Cables Have a Warning Label?.......................... Frank Bisbee &, Diane Santarelli

ACUTA Board Report....................... Jeri semer, ACUTA Executive Director

Tech Talk.................. Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

DC Update Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

ACUTA: Help Yourself to a Buffet of Benefits!

Welcome New Members

Use Of Hierarchical Decision Modeling For Site Selection Of A Major League Baseball Stadium In Portland, Priya Ajgaonkar, Aroonrat Auysakul, Edward Cespedes, Ryan Jefferis, Seiji Shinriki

Engineering and Technology Management Student Projects

This paper proposes a hierarchical decision model to select a site from various potential sites for a major league baseball stadium in Portland, Oregon. A short background on MLB in Portland, with all the related factors, is provided. Next this paper describes Hierarchical Decision Modeling using pair wise comparisons and the process of using this as a decision making tool. A detailed description of the HDM developed is then provided. This model includes determination of the number of levels of the HDM and their relationship with each other. It describes all the elements of each level and the process of …

Multi-Agent Coalition Via Autonomous Price Negotiation In A Real-Time Web Environment, Hoong Chuin Lau, Wei Sian Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In e-marketplaces, customers specify job requests in real-time and agents form coalitions to service them. This paper proposes a protocol for self-interested agents to negotiate prices in forming successful coalitions. We propose and experiment with two negotiation schemes: one allows information sharing while the other does not.

Acuta Enews September 2003, Vol. 32, No. 9

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

32nd Annual Conference Highlights

ACUTA Members' Needs and Preferences................ Jeri Semer, CAE, Executive Director

ACUTA Board Report Carmine Piscopo, Providence College

Provisioning: lt Really Has Nothing To Do with Vitttes................. Kevin Tarzillo, Dux Public Relations

New Additions to Telecommunications Relay Services (2).................. Dave Ostrom, Washington State Univ

Winners, Winners, Winners!

DC Update................ Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ

ACUTA Member Sites to See

Welcome Mew Members

Development Of A Systems Engineering Model Of The Chemical Separations Process: Quarterly Progress Report 5/16/03- 8/15/03, Yitung Chen, Randy Clarksean, Darrell Pepper

Separations Campaign (TRP)

Two activities are proposed in this Phase I task: the development of a systems engineering model and the refinement of the Argonne code AMUSE (Argonne Model for Universal Solvent Extraction). The detailed systems engineering model is the start of an integrated approach to the analysis of the materials separations associated with the AAA Program. A second portion of the project is to streamline and improve an integral part of the overall systems model, which is the software package AMUSE. AMUSE analyzes the UREX process and other related solvent extraction processes and defines many of the process streams that are integral …

Development Of A Systems Engineering Model Of The Chemical Separations Process, Yitung Chen, Sean Hsieh, Randy Clarksean, Darrell Pepper

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The AFCI program is developing technology for the transmutation of nuclear waste to address many of the long-term disposal issues. An integral part of this program is the proposed chemical separations scheme.

Nearly all issues related to risks to future generations arising from long-term disposal of such spent nuclear fuel is attributable to about 2% of its content. Such 2% is made up primarily of plutonium, neptunium, americium, and curium (the transuranic elements) and long-lived isotopes of iodine and technetium created as products from the fission process in power reactors. When transuranics are removed from discharged fuel destined for disposal, …

Acuta Enews August 2003, Vol. 32, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Key Words for the Coming Months.................Walter Czerniak, Northern Illinois University

Wi or Wi Not? Taking Wireless to the Max..................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

New Additions to Telecommunications Relay Service................. Dave Ostrom, Washington State Univ.

DC Update..................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

Board Report................... John Bradley, Rensselaer Polytechnic lnstitute

Welcome New Members

Solving Multi-Objective Multi-Constrained Optimization Problems Using Hybrid Ants System And Tabu Search, Hoong Chuin Lau, Min Kwang Lim, Wee Chong Wan, Hui Wang, Xiaotao Wu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Many real-world optimization problems today are multi-objective multi-constraint generalizations of NP-hard problems. A classic case we study in this paper is the Inventory Routing Problem with Time Windows (IRPTW). IRPTW considers inventory costs across multiple instances of Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (VRPTW). The latter is in turn extended with time-windows constraints from the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP), which is extended with optimal fleet size objective from the single-objective Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). While single-objective problems like TSP are solved effectively using meta-heuristics, it is not obvious how to cope with the increasing complexity systematically as the problem is …

A Generic Object-Oriented Tabu Search Framework, Hoong Chuin Lau, Wee Chong Wan, Xiaomin Jia

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Presently, most tabu search designers devise their applications without considering the potential of design and code reuse, which consequently prolong the development of subsequent applications. In this paper, we propose a software solution known as Tabu Search Framework (TSF), which is a generic C++ software framework for tabu search implementation. The framework excels in code recycling through the use of a welldesigned set of generic abstract classes that clearly define their collaborative roles in the algorithm. Additionally, the framework incorporates a centralized process and control mechanism that enhances the search with intelligence. This results in a generic framework that is …

Design And Development Of A Low-Cost High Range Resolution X-Band Radar, Paul C. Cantu

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is one of the main tools for microwave remote sensing because of its multi-dimensional high resolution characteristics and the capability to operate in nearly all weather conditions, day and night. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) initiated the design and development of a low-cost airborne SAR in January 2001 to support our Airborne Remote Sensing Program. The objectives of this project are separated into various evolutionary stages. This thesis will focus on the initial phase of design and construction of an X-band high range resolution radar (HRR) using basic RF /microwave and digital components. The following stages …

Acuta Enews July 2003, Vol. 32, No. 7

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

ACUTA Elects New Board of Directors

Congratulations to Milestone Members............................ Jeri Semer, CAE, Executive Director

lnfiniBand Aims to lmprove Data Center Performance........................ Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

Comm. College Leverages lT Resources................. Christine J. Holley, lnteractive lntelligence, lnc.

Be a State/ Province Coordinator!............. Harvey Buchanan, Chair, ACUTA Membership Committee

ACUTA Board Report............................ John Bradley, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

DC Update.................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

Welcome New Members

Publications Committee Needs a Few Good Members

A System Dynamics Model Of The Pacific Coast Rockfish Fishery, Wayne Wakeland, Olgay Cangur, Guillermo Rueda, Astrid Scholz

Systems Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper presents a model of the dynamic behavior of the yellowtail rockfish of the Pacific Coast of the United States. The purpose of the model is to generate endogenously the historical data for fish population, fishing vessels, regulatory parameters, and fish harvest. The model was subjected to a variety of tests to determine its sensitivity to changes in key parameters and initial values, including extreme conditions. Model results indicate that acceptable biological catch and fleet capacity must be adjusted quickly in response to changing conditions, in order to improve fishery sustainability. Additional analysis reinforces the policy of setting the …

A Generic Object-Oriented Tabu Search Framework, Hoong Chuin Lau

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Presently, most tabu search designers devise their applications without considering the potential of design and code reuse, which consequently prolong the development of subsequent applications. In this paper, we propose a software solution known as Tabu Search Framework (TSF), which is a generic C++ software framework for tabu search implementation. The framework excels in code recycling through the use of a welldesigned set of generic abstract classes that clearly define their collaborative roles in the algorithm. Additionally, the framework incorporates a centralized process and control mechanism that enhances the search with intelligence. This results in a generic framework that is …

Acuta Enews June 2003, Vol. 32, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

ACUTA Annual Conference Headliners

The Value of Volunteering......................... Jeanne Jansenius, Univ. of the South

Leg/Reg lssues Matrix ls Available

Contributing Documents to the ACUTA Resource Library................ Dave Barta, Univ. of Oregon

Load-Lightening Technology Carries Heavy Acronym.......................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

ACUTA Member Sites to See

Northwestern University Announces C-SPAN/C'SPAN2 Broadcasts via lnternet2

ACUTA Board Report......................... John Bradley, Rensselaer Polytechnic lnstitute

DC Update........................... Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

Welcome New Members

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

No abstract provided.

Preface, The Editors

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Initial Fouling Rates Of Calcium Sulfate Solutions Under Non-Boiling Conditions (Work-In-Progress), Feridoun Fahiminia, A. Paul Watkinson , Norman Epstein

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

This study initiates an experimental investigation of how process variables such as temperature and velocity affect the initial precipitation fouling rate of the inverse solubility salt, calcium sulfate, under sensible heating conditions. The effect of fluid velocity and temperature on the delay time is also being measured.

Large-Scale Plasma Polymer Coating On Heat Exchanger Fins For Improving The Wettability, Ki-Hwan Kim, Dae-Hwan Yeu, Samchul Ha, Seok-Keun Koh

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

This research presents the results of the recently developed large-scale hydrophilic polymer coating by plasma polymerization, optimum plasma zone (OPZ) process. The excellent hydrophilicity of heat exchanger fin surface could give good effects to efficient drainage of condensate water as well as heat transfer performance. The hydrophilicity of layer treated by large-scale OPZ system is excellent irrespective of line speed from 0.6 m/min to 2.4 m/min. The good lateral uniformity of the hydrophilicity could be acquired in large scale OPZ treatment. The application of OPZ technique to the heat exchanger could enhance the efficiency of heat transfer, resulting from decrease …

Heat Exchanger Fouling In Phosphoric Acid Evaporators - Evaluation Of Field Data -, R. M. Behbahani, H. Müller-Steinhagen, M. Jamialahmadi

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

Multistage evaporators are frequently used in phosphoric acid plants to increase the concentration of dilute phosphoric acid to 52-55 wt% P₂O₅. The concentrated phosphoric acid solution is supersaturated with respect to calcium sulfate. As a result, part of the calcium sulfate in the liquor deposits on the heat exchanger tube walls. Since the thermal conductivity of these scales is very low, thin deposits can create a significant resistance to heat transfer. Therefore, regular cleaning of heat exchangers is required, frequently at less than biweekly intervals. As the major costs in modern phosphoric acid plants are the …

Fouling During The Use Of Seawater As Coolant - The Development Of A ‘User Guide’, S. Pugh, G.F. Hewitt, H. Müller-Steinhagen

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

ESDU International of London, UK has recently published a ‘User Guide’ on fouling in heat exchange systems using seawater as the coolant. Developed over a period of eighteen months in close collaboration with a team of oil refiners, heat transfer equipment and services suppliers and universities, with valuable input from the power industry, the User Guide is a practical guide to the current state of knowledge relating to fouling in cooling systems using seawater. Its objective is to provide the designer and the operator of both onshore and offshore equipment with a practical source of guidance on the occurrence, the …

Fouling And Cleaning Of Modified Stainless Steel Plate Heat Exchangers Processing Milk Products, M. Beuf, G. Rizzo, J. C. Leuliet, H. Müller-Steinhagen, S. Yiantsios, A. Karabelas, T. Benezech

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

Fouling of heat exchangers in dairy industries is still quite a severe problem both technically and economically. Altering the surface properties of the heating surfaces would be a way of solving this issue.

Modified steel surfaces were tested in an Alfa Laval V2 plate heat exchanger throughout dairy product sterilization. The behavior was analyzed for 8 different surface treatments, such as coatings (Diamond Like Carbon [DLC], Silica, SiO_X, Ni-P-PTFE, Excalibur^®, Xylan^®) and ion implantation (SiF+, MoS₂).

All fouling and cleaning experiments were carried out in standard and well-controlled operating conditions. After fouling, …

Study Of The Influence Of Bulk Properties And Surface Tension On The Deposition Process Of Calcium Phosphate On Modified Stainless Steel, R. Rosmaninho, G. Rizzo, H. Müller-Steinhagen, L. F. Melo

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

In order to reduce the fouling caused by milk during heat treatment, it is important to know more about the deposition process of calcium phosphate, one of the main components of milk fouling, on stainless steel surfaces. The fouling behaviour of calcium phosphate is controlled by several factors related to both the fouling solution properties and the surface characteristics. The present work is focused on the influence of two of these factors: 1) the size and size distribution of the calcium phosphate aggregates formed in solution upon heating and 2) the surface tension values of the deposition surface. It was …

Crystallisation Fouling Of Mixed Salts During Convective Heat Transfer And Sub-Cooled Flow Boiling Conditions, A. Helalizadeh, H. Müller-Steinhagen, M. Jamialahmadi

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

The mechanisms of mixed salt crystallisation fouling on heat transfer surfaces have been investigated for convective and sub-cooled flow boiling heat transfer. Effects of various operating parameters such as solution composition and hydrodynamics of the system, on crystallisation fouling of mixtures of calcium sulphate and calcium carbonate have been studied experimentally. The results of the experiments were used to develop a mechanistic model for prediction of fouling resistances. Model predictions were compared with the measured experimental data when calcium sulphate and calcium carbonate form and deposit on the heat transfer surface, simultaneously. Deviations ranging from 6% to 25% were observed …

Sodium Aluminosilicate Solid Phase Specific Fouling Behaviour , Jonas Addai-Mensah, Jun Li, Marek Zbik, Scott Rosencrance

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

Process heat transfer equipment fouling due to sodium aluminosilicate precipitation is a serious problem that confronts high-level nuclear waste liquor and Bayer process alumina processing plants. The fouling of 316 stainless steel substrate by thermodynamically stable and unstable sodium aluminosilicate polytypes: amorphous solid, zeolite A, sodalite and cancrinite crystals, been has studied in an isothermal, batch precipitation system at 65 °C. Fouling invariably occurred via heterogeneous nucleation, crystal growth and particulate adsorption processes, accompanied by solution-mediated, phase transformation and morphological changes. For the thermodynamically stable cancrinite fouling, the amount of scale deposited increased systematically with increasing crystallization time before levelling …

Permanent Hydrophilic Surface Formation By Ion Assisted Reaction, Ki-Hwan Kim, Jun Sik Cho, Sung Han, Young Whoan Beag, Byung Ha Kang, Samchul Ha, Seok-Keun Koh

Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning: Fundamentals and Applications

Since totally wettable hydrophilic polymer surfaces from hydrophobic polymers (PMMA, PTFE, PET and PC) have been demonstrated for the first time at Materials Research Society meeting, 1995 Fall meeting, Boston, the application of ion assisted reaction (IAR), in which energetic ions (0.5~1.5 keV) are irradiated on materials with blowing reactive gases near the irradiating surfaces, has been extended to various polymer, ceramic and metal for creating permanent hydrophilic surfaces. The surface energy was measured by Youngs equation and the highest energy, E_s, of 60~70 mN/m, which is similar to surface energy of water (E_s of H_{2 …}