Engineering Commons^™

Acuta Enews August 1998, Vol.27, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Annual Conference Highlights

Board Report

Tek-Futures: Leading-Edge Technologies for the 21st Century

DC at a Glance

Positions Available

Welcome New Members

Maximally Disjoint Solutions Of The Set Covering Problem, David J. Rader, Peter L. Hammer

Mathematical Sciences Technical Reports (MSTR)

This paper is concerned with finding two solutions of a set covering problem that have a minimum number of variables in common. We show that this problem is NP­ complete, even in the case where we are only interested in completely disjoint solutions. We describe three heuristic methods based on the standard greedy algorithm for set covering problems. Two of these algorithms find the solutions sequentially, while the third finds them simultaneously. A local search method for reducing the overlap of the two given solutions is then described. This method involves the solution of a reduced set covering problem. Finally, …

Acuta Enews July 1998, Vol.27, No. 5

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

ACUTA Board of Directors '98-'99

Board Report

Is This an ACUTA Anniversary for You?

New Fiber Optics

DC at a Glance

Connecting Off-Campus Housing to the Network

Positions Available

Welcome New Members

Development And Realization Of A Single-Mode Optical Fiber Ferrule Mold Insert With Twelve Channels, Hsiharng William Yang

Doctoral Dissertations

A manufacturing process for an optical fiber ferrule mold insert with twelve channels has been established. This research project presents mask design, mask fabrication, deep X-ray lithography exposure, resist developing, nickel electroforming, as well as surface finishing to attain the final result. Deep X-ray mask fabrication methods are explored, including mechanically machined masks, micro-EDM masks, and E-beam written masks. The exposures to pattern resists and electroforming to fabricate nickel molds up to 500 $\mu$m thickness are reported in this study. Nickel structures for the optical fiber ferrule insert with twelve channels made by electroforming are the final products. A practical …

Meta-Ethnographic Development Of A Dialogue Methodology Applied To Organization Discourse, Shelley P. Gallup

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A gap exists between theoretical stances that acknowledge the importance of dialogue as a dynamic within socially constructed structures, and "steersmanship" of those constructs--e.g., directing, intervening or transforming organizations. A "mechanism" which links theory with practice is missing, leaving practitioners with an acknowledgment of dialogue's central position, but without tools to enact this centrality in practice or research. This research constructs a conceptual model of dialogue, derived from the literature. Using this model as a base, the research seeks to generate a dialogue methodology bridging theory and practice with respect to organizational dialogue. The model, methodology, and research results are …

Consortia As Technology Innovation Management Vehicles: Toward A Framework For Success In Venture Based Public-Private Partnerships, Ralph B. Saunders Ii

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the approach by federal/state agencies, university, and private sector consortia to develop and manage commercialization of innovation technologies. The evaluation, support, and management of technologically based consortia has traditionally been held in the private sector. There is a somewhat mature literature guiding innovation management (Utterback 1996; Rosenberg et al. 1994; Quinn 1997, 1992) in the private sector. However, there is an increasing emergence of consortia consisting of universities, industrial/private sector entities, and government agencies joining in collaborative efforts to launch technology based initiatives. These consortia are non-traditional and the applicability of traditional …

Aggregate Production Planning In A Stochastic Environment, Ashraf Samy Naguib

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of An On-Line Graduate Engineering Management Course: A Preliminary Study, Rosemarie Maffei Evans, Madison Daily, Susan L. Murray

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the summer of 1997, the University of Missouri-Rolla's (UMR) Engineering Management Department began offering its first completely Web-based course. This graduate level course, Advanced Production Management, was designed to utilize a combination of Web-based tools to create a conducive, yet non-traditional, learning environment for its students. The students in the course did not physically have to attend any lectures and only met for an initial and final class period. The remainder of the course was conducted exclusively via Web-based tools. Accordingly, the Engineering Management Department commenced a research effort to determine the effectiveness of this new learning environment. This …

A Mentoring Guide For Female Faculty In Engineering, Susan L. Murray, Linda M. Manning, Catherine A. Riordan, Elizabeth Cummins, Philip B. Thompson

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One widely accepted method for increasing the chances of success of female engineering and science students and faculty alike is to provide access to female role models and mentors. In this article we offer to new female faculty, and to those who would mentor them, an annotated list of text and electronic resources that address most of the most important challenges facing new female faculty in science and engineering.

A Technology Assessment Survey For Web Based Higher Education Programs, Earl A. Evans, Susan L. Murray

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advances in communications and computer technology, as well as in human-computer interfaces, have enabled concurrent advances in Web-based education. A number of case studies concerning applications of Web-based education for both distance learning and on-campus programs have been published. Primarily, these studies have focused on individual assessments of the web-based technologies. In contrast, this paper will provide a broad based assessment of applied web-based technology for higher education. This research was conducted via a survey completed by university and college faculty from numerous 4-year institutions. To gain an effective assessment, eleven categories of web-based course delivery tools, such as chatrooms …

Sustaina Bility Of Irrigation Schemes For Small-Scale Farmers: A Case Study Of Irrigation Scheme At Buleya Malima, Gwembe Valley, Zambia, Masinja R

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A study to determine facrors influencing sustainability of smallholder irrigation schemes was carried our a! Buleya Malima, Southern Province, 7_nnzbia. These factors included technical and socio-economic factors. found Out that the technical factors were 26.5, 64.5 and 9.2 percent for application efficiency, tailwater ratio and deep percolation, respectively, indicating that farmers wasted water mainly through tailwater runoff.From socio-economic point of view, the study indicated that the scheme lacked (i) farmer participation in designing and planning operation of the scheme (ii) managerial ability and innovativeness to form their own viable organisation: and (iii) formal training in technical operations of irrigation, infrastructure …

Trends Of Microcomputer Technology In Developing Countries, With More Focus On Tanzanian Experiences: Achievements And Problems, Satoki Mahenge

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Trends of microcomputer technology in developing countries, including Tanzanian. is like a 'mixed bag' of achievement and problems. Although rhe technology has been available for many years in developed world, developing countries are responding to it differently due to differences in political and economic policies. Some countries have acrimonious policies on the technology, some not. There are countries which utilize fully the technology in work places and others are still at dilemma on the importation of the technology due to what is 'claimed to be a weak economy in the presence Of many other pressing needs'. Other countries seem to …

Experimental Study Of Rural Brick Burning In Iringa And Mbeya Regions, E Mushi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In this paper results are presented Of a study conducted between June and December 1997. on nine brick firing kilns in Iringa and Mbeya. The locations for rhe study were Mahenje and Iloniba in Mbeya Region and Igumbilo in Iringa region. Three kilns were investigated in each location. For each kiln the process was followed from the laying Of the bricks into a kiln to the opening Of thc kiln for renu)val Of the bricks in preparation for the selling. Different weights and tenperatures were Taken a,' different times. Firing wet bricks results in consumption of 33.63 % of the …

Design Considerations For A Three-Phase Fluidized-Bed Bioreactor, S Manyele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The design Of a three-phase fluidized bed bioreactor using novel biomass support for industrial wastewater treatment is reported in this paper. A column of 0.20 m diameter with variable height up to 6.60 m equipped with a foam breaker tank was designed, commissioned and operated. A novel biomass support, KMTR support, has been used Separate gas and liquid feeding systems were designed to facilitate proper bioreactor operation. A flat distriburor plate with 4 mm holes- diameter was desined A study on the hydrodynamic properties of the three-phase fluidized bed bioreactor revealed high values of bed expansion and air hold-ups. Purification …

Kiln Design And Fuel Wood Consumption In Fish Smoking, E Mushi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In this paper. a load flow solution for the Medium Voltage (MY) three-phase radial distribution in delta-delta (A — A) connected network supplying different line topologies such as three phase, phase to phase and single-wire earth return (SWER) networks is presented. The general voltage related network equations are developed using Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws. Development ofa solution to the loadflow analysis applying the developed general voltage related network equations is proposed in order to evaluate the network voltage profile. Various numbers of arrays are developed for the identification of the network under study. The proposed method is a new …

Psychophysically Derived Work Frequencies For Manual Pouring Operations In The Foundry, Sadat Karim

Masters Theses

This paper presents a study on a combination lift and carrying task and was designed to simulate a metal pouring operation commonly found in foundries. Two laboratory experiments were conducted. The first experiment was designed to study the effects of two different mold heights (0.6096 m. and 0.4572 m.) and two carrying distances (1.2192 m. and 4.572 m.) on physiological response variables and on subjects' rating of perceived exertion while performing a simulated pouring operation at a documented foundry frequency. The second experiment was designed to determine maximum acceptable task frequencies (MAF) for males performing a simulated pouring operation at …

Acuta Enews June 1998, Vol.27, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

CICs Go to 4 Digits June 30

Winners Announced in Second Annual Student Papers Competition

Board Report

Do You Have a Story?

UNM Admissions Goes Online

FYI: Digital Decay

PRI ISDN at UMSL

DC at a Glance

Positions Available

Welcome New Members

Acuta Enews May 1998, Vol.27, No. 5

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Board Approves Slate of Nominees

Moderators &Monitors Needed in San Diego!

Board Report

Let there be (Blue) Light!

Contractors on Your Campus?

DC at a Glance

Book Your Room for San Diego NOW!

Positions Available

Welcome New Member

A Simulation Model Analysis Of An Mrp System Under Nervousness In Assembly Shops, Bahig Ali Ali

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Acuta Enews April 1998, Vol.27, No. 4

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Achievement Award Nominations

Cornell to Host Local Event June 8 and 9

Board Report

Using Digital Imagery to Enhance Design Efforts

From ACUTA Headquarters

DC at a Glance

Local Event

Positions Availalbe

Welcome New Members

Evaluation Of Airport Operating Efficiencies Using Data Envelopment Analysis, Scott Andrew Cummings

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Airport congestion represents a serious obstacle to the future growth of the air transportation industry in the United States. Future development of new airports, and expansion of existing ones is required to meet the growing demands in domestic and commercial air travel. Globalization of economies and international travel has placed additional burdens on airports nationwide. This growth is requiring airports to operate at peak efficiencies. Economic growth of surrounding industries is dependent on the airport that services that geographical region. The variations in functions that airports offer, and therefore the differences in operations, do not lend themselves to traditional efficiency …

Study Of Human Factors Variables In Battle Outcome Prediction Models, David Andrew Glovier

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Over time there have been many improvements in models that are used to predict the outcome of battles. Currently there is much supposition and speculation surrounding the use of human performance related factors as additional inputs to battle simulation models to improve their accuracy. However there is no conclusive scientific evidence which shows that these factors do make a significant difference. This study investigates the use of factors that may impact on the human performance directly or indirectly in battle prediction models. These factors consist of traditional human factors and external factors that may influence the human performance. The research …

Parallel Implementation Of An Artificial Neural Network Integrated Feature And Architecture Selection Algorithm, Craig W. Rizzo

Theses and Dissertations

The selection of salient features and an appropriate hidden layer architecture contributes significantly to the performance of a neural network. A number of metrics and methodologies exist for estimating these parameters. This research builds on recent efforts to integrate feature and architecture selection for the multilayer perceptron. In the first stage of work a current algorithm is developed in a parallel environment, significantly improving its efficiency and utility. In the second stage, improvements to the algorithm are proposed. With regards to feature selection, a common random number (CRN) addition is proposed. Two new methods of architecture selection are examined, to …

The Application Of Statistical Sampling Techniques To The Operational Readiness Inspection, Troy L. Dixon, Timothy S. Madgett

Theses and Dissertations

A Blue Ribbon Commission report to the Air Force Chief of Staff in February 1997 makes several specific recommendations on the conduct of Operational Readiness Inspections. This thesis develops a solution to one of the recommendations of that report; utilize scientifically based sampling techniques to reduce the footprint of the inspection on an evaluated unit. Acceptance sampling, common in industry, is developed for use in the environment of the Operational Readiness Inspection. The time saved from this more efficient sampling practice reduces Inspector General time at an evaluation, decreases the footprint, and answers the specific recommendations of the Blue Ribbon …

Using Simulation To Model Time Utilization Of Army Recruiters, James D. Cordeiro Jr., Mark A. Friend

Theses and Dissertations

It is a well-known fact Army recruiters work very long hours in a demanding environment. In many cases, recruiting stations are geographically isolated from military bases, with recruiters often tolerating a high cost of living, crime, and other such adverse conditions that characterize the communities they work in. The job itself demands self-starting, motivated individuals with a wide range of skills, from street-savvy to salesmanship, in order to succeed. A number of factors in recent years have made military recruiting more difficult, which include scandals involving highly-placed soldiers and changes in attitudes towards military service among eligible men and women. …

Acuta Enews March 1998, Vol.27, No. 3

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Nominate Now for Board of Directors

Change Reflects Our Growth

Student Paper Competition Deadline

Board Report

"Click Here to Enter a Sweepstakes"

ACUTA Local Event

Spotlight

Maureen Trimm Is New Director-at-Large

Are You Listening?

DC at a Glance

Positions Available

Welcome New Members

Calculating A Value For Dominant Battlespace Awareness, Eric A. Beene

Theses and Dissertations

In times of ever-tightening military budgets, methodologies are required that can compare the contributions of various systems involved in the warfighting process. While many tools are in use that directly measure the effects of greater numbers of enhanced hardware, and even improved processes, no validated methodology exists to measure elements that contribute to Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); or to analytically compare these elements with more traditional hardware. This thesis develops a methodology for mathematically quantifying awareness in a military command and control (C2) environment. This methodology begins with the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act Loop to show …

Sensitivity Analysis Of Brawler Pilot Skill Levels, Daniel C. Buschor

Theses and Dissertations

BRAWLER is a high resolution air to air combat simulation model used for engagement level analyses of few on few air combat. It uses a value driven decision logic to help simulate pilot behavior. In order to account for varied pilot skill levels, BRAWLER has defined three skill levels; Rookie, Pilot, and Ace. A Rookie can track up to three aircraft in its mental model, the Pilot, up to five aircraft, while an Ace has no limit. Further, each skill level varies the amount of time before a known aircraft, which has not been recently observed, is purged from the …

An Airlift Hub-And-Spoke Location-Routing Model With Time Windows: Case Study Of The Conus-To-Korea Airlift Problem, David W. Cox

Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally, the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC) has used the concept of direct delivery to airlift cargo and passengers from a point of embarkation to a point of debarkation. This study develops an alternative hub-and-spoke combined location-routing integer linear programming prototype model, and uses this model to determine what advantages a hub-and-spoke system offers, and in which scenarios it is better-suited than the direct delivery method. Additionally, the analysis suggests that the C-17 may be better-suited, in certain airlift situations, for theater airlift versus strategic (direct delivery) airlift. The model features the following elements: time windows, cargo …

Sensitivity Analysis Of The Thunder Combat Simulation Model To Command And Control Inputs Accomplished In A Parallel Environment, David A. Davies

Theses and Dissertations

This research had two objectives. The first was to develop a methodology to demonstrate the parallel processing capability provided by Air Force's Aeronautical System's Command (ASC) Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) and apply that methodology to the SIMAF Proof of Concept project. Secondly, AFSAA/SAAB requested a sensitivity analysis of THUNDER to the modeled command and control (C2) inputs. The power of parallelization can not be overemphasized. The data collection phase of this thesis was accomplished at the MSRC using a script developed to automate the processing of an experimental design, providing the analyst with a launch and leave capability. On …