Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

A Review Of Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) Products: Effect Of Processing Techniques, Medicinal Properties And Uses, Donatien Kabore, Hagrétou Sawadogo-Lingani, Bréhima Diawara, Clarise Compaoré, Mamoudou H. Dicko Prof., Mogens Jacobsen

Pr. Mamoudou H. DICKO, PhD

A general literature review including the effect of processing techniques, medicinal value and uses of baobab tree is reported in this manuscript. Baobab tree has multi-purpose uses, as it produces food and non-food products such as medicines, fuel, timber, fodder. Every part of the baobab tree is reported to be useful. The seeds, leaves, roots, flowers, fruit pulp and bark of baobab are edible. Baobab leaves are used in the preparation of soup. Seeds are used as a thickening agent in soups, but they can be fermented and used as a flavouring agent or roasted and eaten as snacks. The …

Improving The Polymer Injection Manufacturing Process By Using Quality Engineering Methodology, Dotan I. Shvorin

Dr. Dotan Shvorin

Using quality engineering tools and methodologies are proven to be the back bone of a successful organization. Yet, they present challenges to engineers because in order to use them correctly the engineer needs to rely on his own analysis. From his findings, the engineer would be able to determine the location and the purpose for each unique quality tool or methodology. This paper presents a quality engineered methodology usage in the polymer injection manufacturing process in order to minimize the manufacturing process defects.

Rethinking Advising: Developing A Proactive Culture To Improve Retention, Amber Settle, John Glatz

Amber Settle

Issues In Human Capital Development : Lessons For Public Administration And Governance, Deogratias Harorimana Mr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

With few minerals or other natural resources, Rwanda believes that she can still achieve her ambitions by investing in human capital - her unique resource. If this ambition can be achieved, then is this the next role model for international development? We used a case study design and analysis methods to examine development models used elsewhere in recent decades, using both qualitative and quantitative data on Rwanda to establish the comparative advantages in relation to Singapore’s economic development model. The implications for international development are that (1) an effective human capital development strategy should be inclusive enough to respond to …

Collaboration Tools For Education - "Learn And Teach Online”, Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

No abstract provided.

Impulsive Displacement Of A Liquid In A Pipe At High Reynolds Numbers, Gerald G. Kleinstein

Gerald G. Kleinstein

We consider the problem of an impulsive displacement of a liquid, originally at rest in a circular pipe, which is displaced by another liquid. The purpose of this analysis is to show that at a sufficiently high inertia the initial essentially inviscid motion can be extended to cover the entire displacement process, thus creating an inviscid window to which an inviscid analysis can be applied. We simplify the problem first, by considering a 1-liquid problem where the displacing liquid and displaced liquid are the same. We identify two characteristic times in this problem: the time it takes an inviscid liquid …

Optimization Of Supply Chain Planning With Considering Defective Rates Of Products In Each Echelon, Behin Elahi

Behin Elahi

Supply Chain Planning has recently received considerable attention in both academia and industry. The major targets of supply chain planning are to reduce production costs, risks, delays and maximize or improve profit, quality of product, customer service which result in increased competitiveness, more customer satisfaction and portability. In this study, a new bi-objective mathematical modeling for a four-echelon supply chain, consisting multi-supplier, assembler, distribution center and retailer, with considering the defective rates of products is proposed. Then, fuzzy compromise programming method is applied to solve the non-linear mixed-integer bi-objective model. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate application of …

Design, Modeling And Control Strategy Of Pv/Fc Hybrid Power System, Dr. Adel A. Elbaset

Dr. Adel A. Elbaset

This paper describes development of a general methodology of an autonomous PV/FC system composed of photovoltaic (PV), electrolyzer, hydrogen storage tank and fuel cell (FC). The aim of this paper is to determine optimum design, control strategy, economic and performance of a PV/FC hybrid power generation system without battery storage taking into account all losses in the system. The paper also presents a computer program based on Matlab software to determine optimum design, control strategy, economic and performance of an autonomous PV/FC hybrid power generation system. The computer program develops to size system components in order to match the load …

Managing Communication In New Product Development Process: Virtual R&D Teams And Information Technology, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Literature proves the importance of the role of information technology in increasing the effectiveness of virtual R&D teams’ communication for new product development. However, the factors that make information technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. Managers of virtual R&D teams for new product development do not know “which type of technology should be used”. To address the gap and answer the question, the paper presents a set of factors that make a construct that contribute to effective communication strategy for virtual R&D teams. The proposed construct has been modified based on the findings of a field …

Magnetic And Microwave Properties Of Ion-Beam-Sputtered Amorphous Feₓco₈₀₋ₓb₁₅Si₅ Films, V. G. Harris, S. A. Oliver, W. B. Nowak, C. Vittoria

Carmine Vittoria

Magnetically soft amorphous films of FeₓCo₈₀₋ₓB₁₅Si₅ (x = 0, 6, 23, 40, 70, 80) were ion beam sputter deposited onto fused quartz for static and microwave magnetic characterization. Films ranged in thickness from 220 to 260 nm and were deposited at rates of 0.1-0.2 nm/s. Saturation magnetization, coercivity, and loop squareness values were extracted from hysteresis loops generated by a vibrating sample magnetometer. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements were taken using a 9.5-GHz cavity with the applied magnetic field both parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the film, yielding values for the g factor, anisotropy field, effective magnetization, and linewidth. Well …

Structural And Magnetic Characterization Of Amorphous Gd₂Fe₁₄B Thin Films, S. E. Bushnell, P. C. Dorsey, W. B. Nowak, C. Vittoria

Carmine Vittoria

Thin amorphous films of nominal composition Gd₂Fe₁₄B were fabricated on Si (100) substrates using ion‐beam sputtering for the purpose of establishing their structural and magnetic properties at room temperature. X‐ray‐diffraction scans performed on as‐deposited and annealed films revealed an amorphous structure. The as‐deposited saturation magnetization was found to be 8101 G at room temperature suggesting ferrimagnetic ordering with anti‐parallel coupling similar to other heavy rare earth‐transition metal systems. Results from in‐plane and perpendicular ferromagnetic resonance experiments conducted at 9.108 GHz showed the films to be inhomogeneous. This was evident from the presence of two in‐plane resonance lines and spin‐wave spectra …

The Measurement Of Magnetostriction Constants Of Thin Films Using Planar Microwave Devices And Ferromagnetic Resonance, S. E. Bushnell, W. B. Nowak, S. A. Oliver, C. Vittoria

Carmine Vittoria

In this paper we introduce a new technique for measuring the saturation magnetostriction constant (λs) for isotropic polycrystalline thin films. The technique makes use of nonresonant planar microwave structures together with a novel stressing mechanism to induce a shift in the resonant field of a magnetic thin film as measured by a ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) experiment. Measurement of the shift induced by a uniaxial stress allows for determination of λs via a magnetic resonance analysis. Either a slotline device or coplanar waveguide (CPW) was used as the source of the microwave excitation field depending upon the orientation of the dc …

Effects Of Boron Implantation In Films Of Iron-Nickel, J. Ryu, K. Castell, W. Nowak, C. Vittoria

Carmine Vittoria

We have implanted boron ions into films of Fe-Ni alloy composition. A homogeneous distribution of boron was determined from the sputter Auger analysis with a concentration of 18% and 34% for low- and high-dose implantation, respectively. The resistivity of film was increased by a factor of 2 and 4 as a result of low- and high-dose implantation, respectively. The magnetic properties of these films are studied as a function of annealing temperature by using FMR measurements. Both the uniaxial anisotropy field and FMR linewidth are dramatically decreased as a result of annealing at elevated temperatures. The changes of effective magnetization …

Magnetic And Structural Investigation Of Heat Treated Ion Beam Sputtered Amorphous Co₇₄Fe₆B₁₅Si₅ Films, V. G. Harris, S. A. Oliver, W. B. Nowak, C. Vittoria, R. J. Culbertson, W. T. Elam, K. H. Kim

Carmine Vittoria

As-deposited and annealed specimens of ion beam sputtered amorphous Co₇₄Fe₆B₁₅Si₅ thin films were examined to explore the correlation between changes in magnetic properties and atomic structure. Specimens were characterized magnetically, by traditional ac and dc techniques and structurally, via conversion-electron extended x-ray absorption fine structure analysis. Results show significant ordering of the higher order atomic shells around the transition metal ions well below the crystallization temperature. This ordering evolves into a body- centered-cubic configuration around both the Co and Fe ions. Increases in nearest neighbor peak positions in the EXAFS Fourier transforms were observed to correlate with increasing annealing temperatures. …

Investigation Of Electrical Transport In Hydrogenated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes, Adam L. Friedman, Hyunkyung Chun, Don Heiman, Yung Joon Jung, Latika Menon

Yung Joon Jung

Highly disordered multiwalled carbon nanotubes of large outer diameter (~60 nm) fabricated by means of chemical vapor deposition process inside porous alumina templates exhibit ferromagnetism when annealed in a H2/Ar atmosphere. In the presence of an applied magnetic field, there is a transition from positive to negative magnetoresistance. The transition may be explained in terms of the Bright model for ordered and disordered carbon structures. Additionally, temperature dependent electrical transport experiments exhibit a zero-bias anomaly at low temperature.

Investigation Of Electrical Transport In Hydrogenated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes, Adam Friedman, Hyunkyung Chun, Don Heiman, Yung Jung, Latika Menon

Latika Menon

Highly disordered multiwalled carbon nanotubes of large outer diameter (~60 nm) fabricated by means of chemical vapor deposition process inside porous alumina templates exhibit ferromagnetism when annealed in a H2/Ar atmosphere. In the presence of an applied magnetic field, there is a transition from positive to negative magnetoresistance. The transition may be explained in terms of the Bright model for ordered and disordered carbon structures. Additionally, temperature dependent electrical transport experiments exhibit a zero-bias anomaly at low temperature.

The Effectiveness Of Virtual R&D Teams In Smes: Experiences Of Malaysian Smes, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Institutionalization And Structuration: Studying The Links Between Action And Institution, Stephen R. Barley, Pamela S. Tolbert

Pamela S Tolbert

Institutional theory and structuration theory both contend that institutions and actions are inextricably linked and that institutionalization is best understood as a dynamic, ongoing process. Institutionalists, however, have pursued an empirical agenda that has largely ignored how institutions are created, altered, and reproduced, in part, because their models of institutionalization as a process are underdeveloped. Structuration theory, on the other hand, largely remains a process theory of such abstraction that it has generated few empirical studies. This paper discusses the similarities between the two theories, develops an argument for why a fusion of the two would enable institutional theory to …

Antimicrobial And Antioxidant Activities Of Essential Oil And Methanol Extract Of Matricaria Chamomilla L. From Djibouti, Fatouma M. Abdoul-Latif, Mohamed Nabil, Prosper Edou, Adwa A. Ali, Samatar O. Djama, Louis-Clément Obamé, Mamoudou H. Dicko Prof.

Pr. Mamoudou H. DICKO, PhD

The essential oil and methanol extracts of Matricaria Chamomilla L. were subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity by two complementary test systems, namely 2,2-diphenykpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. BHT was used as positive control in both test systems. In the DPPH test system, the IC50 values of essential oil and methanol extracts were 4.18 and 1.83 μg/ml, respectively. In the β-carotene-linoleic acid system, oxidation was effectively inhibited by M. Chamomilla, the RAA value of essential oil and methanol extracts were 12.69 and 11.37 %, respectively. When compared to BHT, the essential oil and methanol …

Magnetic And Microwave Properties Of Ion-Beam-Sputtered Amorphous Feₓco₈₀₋ₓb₁₅Si₅ Films, V. G. Harris, S. A. Oliver, W. B. Nowak, C. Vittoria

Vincent G. Harris

Magnetically soft amorphous films of FeₓCo₈₀₋ₓB₁₅Si₅ (x = 0, 6, 23, 40, 70, 80) were ion beam sputter deposited onto fused quartz for static and microwave magnetic characterization. Films ranged in thickness from 220 to 260 nm and were deposited at rates of 0.1-0.2 nm/s. Saturation magnetization, coercivity, and loop squareness values were extracted from hysteresis loops generated by a vibrating sample magnetometer. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements were taken using a 9.5-GHz cavity with the applied magnetic field both parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the film, yielding values for the g factor, anisotropy field, effective magnetization, and linewidth. Well …

Magnetic And Structural Investigation Of Heat Treated Ion Beam Sputtered Amorphous Co₇₄Fe₆B₁₅Si₅ Films, V. Harris, S. Oliver, W. Nowak, C. Vittoria, R. Culbertson, W. Elam, K. Kim

Vincent G. Harris

As-deposited and annealed specimens of ion beam sputtered amorphous Co₇₄Fe₆B₁₅Si₅ thin films were examined to explore the correlation between changes in magnetic properties and atomic structure. Specimens were characterized magnetically, by traditional ac and dc techniques and structurally, via conversion-electron extended x-ray absorption fine structure analysis. Results show significant ordering of the higher order atomic shells around the transition metal ions well below the crystallization temperature. This ordering evolves into a body- centered-cubic configuration around both the Co and Fe ions. Increases in nearest neighbor peak positions in the EXAFS Fourier transforms were observed to correlate with increasing annealing temperatures. …

How To Increase H-Index#11;, Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Publishing a high quality paper in scientific journals is a halfway of receiving citation in the future. The rest of the way is advertising and disseminating the publications by using the proper “Research Tools”. Familiarity with the tools allows the researcher to increase his/her#11; h-index in the short time. H-index shows the academicians influences in the specified field of research. Therefore, a person with higher level of h-index has more high quality publications with high amount of citations. This presentation, covers the following topics: Why publish and increase h-index?, Definition of h-index and g-index, Importance of h-index, How to use …

Virtual Collaborative R&D Teams In Malaysia Manufacturing Smes, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

This paper presents the results of empirical research conducted during March to September 2009. The study focused on the influence of virtual research and development (R&D) teams within Malaysian manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The specific objective of the study is better understanding of the application of collaborative technologies in business, to find the effective factors to assist SMEs to remain competitive in the future. The paper stresses to find an answer for a question “Is there any relationship between company size, Internet connection facility and virtuality?”. The survey data shows SMEs are now technologically capable of performing …

Virtual R&D Teams: A Potential Growth Of Education-Industry Collaboration, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Introduction: With the advent of the global economy and high-speed Internet, online collaboration is fast becoming the norm in education and industry [1]. Information technology (IT) creates many new inter-relationships among businesses, expands the scope of industries in which a company must compete to achieve the competitive advantage. Information systems and technology allow companies to coordinate their activities in distant geographic locations [2]. IT is providing the infrastructure necessary to support the development of new collaboration forms among industry and education. Virtual research and development (R&D) teams represent one such relational form, one that could revolutionize the workplace and provide …

Virtual Teams And Management Challenges, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Introduction: Collaboration is becoming increasingly important in creating the knowledge that makes business more competitive. Virtual teams are growing in popularity [1] and many organizations have responded to their dynamic environments by introducing virtual teams. Additionally, the rapid development of new communication technologies such as the Internet has accelerated this trend so that today, most of the larger organization employs virtual teams to some degree [2]. A growing number of flexible and adaptable organizations have explored the virtual environment as one means of achieving increased responsiveness [3]. Howells et al. [4] state that the shift from serial to simultaneous and …

Biodepollution Of Wastewater Containing Phenolic Compounds From Leather Industry By Plant Peroxidases, Mamounata Diao, Nafissetou Ouedraogo, Lamine Baba-Moussa, Paul W. Savadogo, Georges N'Guessan Amani, Mamoudou H. Dicko Prof.

Pr. Mamoudou H. DICKO, PhD

This study deals with the use of peroxidases (POXs) from Allium sativum, Ipomoea batatas, Raphanus sativus and Sorghum bicolor to catalyze the degradation of free phenolic compounds as well as phenolic compounds contained in wastewater from leather industry. Secretory plant POXs were able to catalyze the oxidation of gallic acid, ferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, pyrogallol and 1,4-tyrosol prepared in ethanol 2% (v:v). Efficiency of peroxidase catalysis depends strongly on the chemical nature of phenolic substrates and on the botanical source of the enzymes. It appeared that POX from Raphanus sativus had the highest efficiency. Results show that POXs can also …

How To Conduct A Literature Review, Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

No abstract provided.

Simulation Studies On Ecs Application In A Clean Power Distribution System, Dr. Adel A. Elbaset

Dr. Adel A. Elbaset

Dealing with power distribution system became one of the most important arts in the field of power system, especially in the rapid increase of the distributed generation (DG) penetration to the distribution level which is a vital and important part of the entire power system. In this paper, a very special power distribution system with a unique deployment of distributed generation, such as, photovoltaic and wind generation has been studied. Energy storage system is utilized to play the main role to control the system’s power quality and the system frequency, as load following operation (LFO) and automatic generation control (AGC), …

Information Sharing In Capacity Constrained Supply Chains, Lauren Davis, Russell King, Thom Hodgson, Wenbin Wei

Dr. Lauren B Davis

We present a modelling approach for quantifying the value of information in supply chains using Markov decision processes (MDP). The case where information sharing occurs is modelled using a completely observable MDP. A restricted observation MDP is used to model the case where no information sharing occurs. We illustrate the use of this framework on a two-stage capacity-constrained supply chain consisting of a supplier and a retailer. We quantify the value of information sharing in this setting and construct several performance measures to identify the benefits to both the retailer and supplier as a result of the information sharing partnership.

Checking The Feasibility Of Dial-A-Ride Instances Using Constraint Programming, Gerardo Berbeglia, Gilles Pesant, Louis-Martin Rousseau

Gerardo Berbeglia

No abstract provided.