Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Predictions Of Nox Emissions In Pulverized Coal Combustion., Niko Hachenberg 1981-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research work was to develop a transferable mathematically simple model which gives the possibility to make fast and easy predictions regarding the NOx emission behavior of a broad–spectrum of coals within a certain combustion environment. In this context, this thesis is a further step of a common ongoing investigation focused on predicting NOx emissions from self–sustaining, pulverized coal combustion in dry bottom firing systems. A comprehensive literature research focused on already published NOx prediction approaches from scientific publications based on fundamental quantitative relationships or empirical algorithms and statistical relationships was also carried out in this context. …

Early Detection And Control Of Potential Pandemics., Shengpeng Jin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the centuries, human beings have been inflicted with a variety of contagious diseases, resulting in tens of millions of respiratory illnesses and deaths worldwide. Early detection of disease spread facilitates timely responses that can greatly reduce its impact on a population. Therefore, this early information is a major public health objective and is crucial for policy makers and public health officials responsible for protecting the public from the spread of contagious diseases. Current indicators of the spread of contagious outbreaks lag behind its actual spread, leaving no time for a planned response. The studies of Christakis et al. in …

Implications Of Additive Manufacturing On Complexity Management Within Supply Chains In A Production Environment., Andre Kieviet

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on developing a generic framework for using additive manufacturing as an appropriate production method to address the management of complexity in supply chains. While several drivers such as changing customer demand patterns and intensifying global competition increase product complexity, the available number of product variants and related processes within the supply chain itself increase costs and dilute scale effects. Several concepts and tools like mass customization, modularization, and product platforms have been developed in the past decades, but most of them focus on the product structure. Currently, there is no comprehensive tool set developed in the field …

A Heuristic Algorithm For Determining The Part Set In A Powder-Bed Additive Manufacturing Machine., Sonja Dieder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to develop a procedure for the placement of a priority part into a planned build in a powder-bed additive manufacturing machine. Toward that goal, a heuristic procedure was developed that seeks to maximize the revenue in a scheduled build, subject to due-date constraints; i.e., all parts with the closest due date will not only be included in the build, but will be placed near the bottom of the build. Likewise, any part in the scheduled build that does not have an immediate due date is a candidate for removal in order to accommodate a …

Simulation Model For Optimization Of A Landside Harbor Logistic Chain Of Container Terminals., Klaus Striegel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The world wide transportation of all kind of goods with containers is a fast growing business. The challenge is to transport in the shortest time to the lowest cost. The vessels therefore become bigger and bigger. The biggest vessel with 16000 TEU is since December 2012 in service. But the next generation with 18000-22000 TEU is already being built. This raises questions in acceleration of loading and unloading process, the handling in the yards of the harbors and the transportation of the containers to Hinterland. The most common way is still to transport the container from the yard by truck, …

Robust Network Interdiction With Invisible Interdiction Assets, Nail Orkun Baycik

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

We study a version of the shortest path network interdiction problem in which the follower seeks to find the shortest path on a given network and the leader seeks to maximize the follower's shortest path length by interdicting arcs. We consider placement of interdictions that are not visible to the follower; however, we seek to locate interdictions in a manner that is robust against the possibility that some interdiction locations become known to the follower. We formulate the problem as a bi-level program, and use the simulated annealing heuristic to identify high quality solutions. We apply our approach to investigate …

Decentralized Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning In Average-Reward Dynamic Dcops, Duc Thien Nguyen, William Yeoh, Hoong Chuin Lau, Shlomo Zilberstein

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Researchers have introduced the Dynamic Distributed Constraint Optimization Problem (Dynamic DCOP) formulation to model dynamically changing multi-agent coordination problems, where a dynamic DCOP is a sequence of (static canonical) DCOPs, each partially different from the DCOP preceding it. Existing work typically assumes that the problem in each time step is decoupled from the problems in other time steps, which might not hold in some applications. Therefore, in this paper, we make the following contributions: (i) We introduce a new model, called Markovian Dynamic DCOPs (MD-DCOPs), where the DCOP in the next time step is a function of the value assignments …

On Understanding Diffusion Dynamics Of Patrons At A Theme Park, Jiali Du, Akshat Kumar, Pradeep Reddy Varakantham

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this work, we focus on the novel application of learning the diffusion dynamics of visitors among attractions at a large theme park using only aggregate information about waiting times at attractions. Main contributions include formulating optimisation models to compute diffusion dynamics. We also developed algorithm capable of dealing with noise in the data to populate parameters in the optimization model. We validated our approach using cross validation on a real theme park data set. Our approach provides an accuracy of about 80$% for popular attractions, providing solid empirical support for our diffusion models.

Overcoming Hard Problems In Software Testing With Testing As A Service, Brianna Floss

Theses and Dissertations

Software testing is a crucial phase of the software development lifecycle, responsible for assuring that the system under test meets quality standards, requirements, and consumer needs. Unfortunately, software testing is not without flaws. Some problems are timeless while others are brought on by new technologies and methodologies. As software systems grow in size and complexity, quality becomes significantly more difficult to ensure. With recent advancements in cloud computing, the internet’s vast and elastic resources are available for testing. Testing as a Service (TaaS) offers accessible services that handle testing activities to consumers on a pay-as-you-test basis in hopes of providing …

Dynamic Modelling Of Impact Of Lean Policies On Production Levelling Feasibility, Hoda Elmaraghy, Ahmed Deif

Industrial Technology and Packaging

A dynamic systems approach is proposed to investigate challenges of implementing production leveling and associated costs. A model of a lean cell is developed using system dynamics. The model captures various lean tools influencing production leveling. Comparative cost analysis between various leveling implementation policies for stochastic demand with multiple products is conducted. Results showed that determining the most feasible leveling policy is highly dictated by both capacity scalability cost and limitations. The developed model and revealed insights can help lean practitioners to better decide on when and how to implement production leveling as well as determine production lots sizes.

Dynamic Lean Assessment For Takt Time Implementation, Rehab M. Ali, Ahmed M. Deif

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Increasing volatility, global competitiveness, and sales crisis all force the manufacturers to commit to the journey of world-class manufacturing performance via adopting “lean systems” to enable economic success in difficult times. Among the journey to lean, one of the hardest steps is measuring the progress of lean polices implementation especially in this highly dynamic market. This paper presents a dynamic model to evaluate the degree of leanness in manufacturing firms. The model is based on system dynamics approach and presents a “leanness score” for the manufacturing system. In addition, it examines the dynamics associated with the application of “One-piece flow” …

Impact Of Dynamic Capacity Policies On Wip Level In Mix Leveling Lean Environment, Ahmed Deif, Hoda Elmaraghy

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Balancing demand's product variety in production planning is one aspect of variety management challenge. This phenomenon is described in lean systems as mix leveling. This paper approach product mix leveling problem from a dynamic perspective. A system dynamics model is developed to explore the dynamics associated with the WIP level performance at different mix leveling policies in a lean environment. The system captures different lean tools and policies. Results showed that the best WIP performance is sensitive to both the degree of lean tools implementation as well as the capacity scalability level of the system. The presented analysis showed that …

An Integrated Approach To Assess Manufacturing Greeness Level, Ahmed H. Salen, Ahmed Deif

Industrial Technology and Packaging

This paper proposes an integrated approach for relative greenness level assessment in selected manufacturing industries at the system level. The approach builds on existing methodologies to develop a multi-layer tool box called “Greenometer” which focus on the strategic comparison for cross industries evaluation as well as tactical comparison for intra-industries. The assessment tool captures the fundamental evaluation parameters of green manufacturing namely; Environment, Energy, Resources and Economy. In addition, the Greenometer employs geometric mean method (GMM) for the strategic layer and data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the tactical layer and will be used for different selected manufacturing disciplines. The proposed …

Applying The Systems Engineering Principles To The Design Process Of A Mobile Aquaponics System, Brandy Maki, Sue Benolken, Jim Mccluskey

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to product development which encompasses extended design factors (e.g. manufacturing, social, economic, human factors, safety, and schedule) into the technical design process to create an optimal product and/or service. Systems Engineering principles have proven to be highly effective in managing and implementing complex projects, yet can be utilized on any design project. The implementation of Systems Engineering into the design of a mobile aquaponics system will be examined as well as the successes, challenges, and opportunity for future improvements. Aquaponics is a food production system that ecologically integrates aquaculture and hydroponics. This particular system …

Compressed Air Leak Study, Colin Knue, Suresh Kumar Baskaran

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

Today compressed air plays very important role as part of expense. A huge chunk of expenditure can be saved as such. Effort in terms of monetary and energy will be a waste if even fraction of the compressed air is lost because of leak in the system without making the best use of it. There are leak detection and repair systems that can be adapted to overcome such wastage of compressed air. In this project, a procedure using ultrasonic leak detector to identify, locate and repair leaks is adapted. The summary of controlling already existing leaks and preventing more new …

Systems Simulation Analysis Of A Hospital Rapid Response System, Shoruk Mansour

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

The poster presents a systems simulation analysis of a hospital rapid response system. Analysis of interventions and future work related to the project are included.

Ergonomics Study Led Lighting Assembly, Marylin Glass-Angeles, Nathan Christensen, Josef Imesh, Lorena Peña, Natalia Matos

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

The current assembly process of the LED Lighting product line at Landscape Forms (LF) combines high force exertion, motion repetition and an uncomfortable posture. Therefore, Industrial Engineers overseeing the manufacturing of these products raised a concern for their workers health and were interested in identifying injury risks related to the current methodology as well as opportunities for the reduction of such risks.

The Green Manufacturing Industrial Consortium’S (Gmic) Approach To Zero-Waste-To-Landfill (Zwtl), Nathan J. Christensen, Marylin Glass-Angeles

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

Introduction: As organizations continually seek to reduce various forms of waste, some may seek to reduce their landfill impact and improve recycling and material disposal practices. Many organizations interested in reducing their landfill waste have embarked on a zero-waste-to-landfill (ZWTL) journey. This journey involves thoroughly exploring the landfill waste of an organization, reverse tracking the waste to its source, and establishing new practices and procedures for eliminating the source of waste from the landfill stream. The purpose of this poster is to describe the methodology used by the Green Manufacturing Initiative to assist companies on their ZWTL journey.

Veneer Defect Data Collection & Analysis, Marylin Glass-Angeles, Josef Imesh, Nathan Christensen, Nathan Bowen, Zachary Miller

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

Objectives: This project is Phase I of a two part study with the purpose of aiding Steelcase in reducing defects occurring in the sanding step of the wood manufacturing process. During Phase I, the team collected data and used the results to identify the greatest material and profit losses. The continuing goal of the study will be to address these issues to the greatest extent possible.

Modeling And Analysis Of Patient Care Assistants’ Workflow, Ewing Tiong

Research and Creative Activities Poster Day

Background

While there is a considerable amount of research on medium-to-long decision support models for healthcare systems, little emphasis is placed on research that focuses on short-term operational decisions made by healthcare providers. Patient care assistants (PCAs) provide both indirect and direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). Main responsibilities include:

• Gathering patient data
• Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)

Acuta Enews April 2014 Vol. 43 No. 4

ACUTA Newsletters

In this Issue...

I Annual Conference 2014

2 Stand by Me

3 ACUTA Seeking Presenters for Fall Seminar in Boston

4 Conference Gold: Top 10 Tweets

6 Board Report

7 Info Links I Check It Out

9 Conference Photo Section

Robustness Of Complex Networks To Global Perturbations, Samuel Heiserman

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

This thesis studies the robustness of complex dynamical networks with non-trivial topologies against global perturbations, following Robert May’s seminal work on network stability, in order to find critical stability thresholds of global perturbations and to determine if their impact varies across different network topologies. Numerical analysis is used as the primary research method. Dynamical networks are randomly generated in the form of a coefficient matrix of stable linear differential equations. The networks are then inflicted with global perturbation (i.e., addition of another random matrix with varying magnitudes) and their stabilities are tested for each perturbation magnitude, to determine at what …

A Systems-Based Framework For The Assessment Of Performance Measurement System Implementations In R&D Organizations, Kenneth S. Baggett Jr.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Performance measurement is utilized by organizations in all industries, including research and development (R&D). Measures are developed, data are collected, and the measurement results are used to drive the organization. The implicit hope is, of course, that the measures drive the organization to improve. However, literature identifies high failure rates directly related to performance measurement system (PMS) implementations. Establishing the fundamental operational characteristics associated with successful PMSs would provide a significant contribution towards the establishment of PMS assessment criteria. This research addresses this gap through the use of a grounded theory method employed to identify these operational characteristics, assesses the …

Systems Theory Based Framework For Competency Models, Joseph M. Bradley

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop and apply a systems theoretic framework for design, analysis and transformation of competency models using an inductive research design. This research examines the origins and development of competency models from a systems theoretic perspective. Competency models have been largely developed by a comparative method first proposed by McClelland, or the use of Delphi method survey techniques. The assumption that a population containing an exemplar and fully successful members would enable population of a holistic competency model has reported numerous failures. Similarly, reporting on the use of Delphi methods has focused on attempting …

Characterizing Habituation Using The Time-On-Task Metric In An Iris Recognition System, Jacob A. Hasselgren

Open Access Theses

This thesis presents a characterization of biometric habituation in an iris recognition study using qualitative analysis of a distributed habituation survey and quantitative analysis of iris images collected in 2010 and 2012. The performed analyses answered the following two questions: a) How consistently does the biometric community define habituation?; and b) Does the time-on-task variable provide enough evidence to indicate the existence of habituation in an iris recognition system? The qualitative analysis examined responses to 12 habituation-related questions from 13 biometric experts to identify common themes that not only determined definition consistency but also characterized critical components often omitted from …

Probabilistic Fault Detection And Diagnostics For Packaged Air-Conditioner Outdoor-Air Economizers, Andrew L. Hjortland

Open Access Theses

Poor economizer control, economizer damper failure, and excess outdoor-air contribute to these performance degradations. In order to promote optimal rooftop air-conditioner (RTU) performance and reduce operating costs, an automated fault detection and diagnostics (AFDD) tool has been designed for RTUs with integrated economizers. Based on previously proposed methods, the proposed method advances the economizer fault detection and diagnosis components by using statistical classifiers in order to provide more robust, probabilistic fault outputs. A set of air-side virtual sensors has also been added to the method in order to expand the applicable range of conditions fault detection and diagnostics can be …

Detecting Air Traffic Controller Interventions In Recorded Air Transportation System Data, Yul Kwon

Open Access Theses

In this study, I propose a systematic method of detecting aircraft deviation due to air traffic controller (ATC) intervention. The aircraft deviations associated with ATC interventions are detected using a heuristic algorithm developed from analyzing the actual positions of an aircraft to its filed flight plan when the aircraft trajectories were identified as having an encounter in a loss-of-separation incident. An actual (closed-loop) flight trajectory of the Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZOB ARTCC) was collected from the FlightAware database. This was compared with the corresponding planned (open-loop) trajectory dataset generated by the Microsoft© Flight Simulator X (FSX). I …

Modeling And Optimization Of Care Transitions, Yuming Mo

Open Access Theses

More than 145 million people live with at least one chronic condition, and almost half of them have multiple conditions. As a result, many managed care and integrated delivery systems have taken a great interest in alleviating the many deficiencies in managing the current care system that spans across various care delivery settings. In addition, many Americans have to rely on some social health insurance plan to cover her care expenses. As a result, these patients often may not been sufficiently cured but have to be transitioned to less expensive but less medically intensive facilities, due to the increasing pressure …

Nanohub Database Analysis: Using Anomaly Detection Method And Principal Component Analysis, Mengyang Qi

Open Access Theses

This thesis analyzes usage data from nanoHUB.org, which is a web-based infrastructure for e-collaboration among nanotechnology simulation community. Previous analysis of nanoHUB database showed he nanoHUB usage data follows an unknown, heavy-tailed distributions. This thesis extends the analysis and develops an automatic anomaly detection method based on piece-wise linear approximation. The anomaly here refers to collective user behaviors different from others. The result shows that the method can accurately detect the anomalies in the unknown, heavily detailed distribution. This thesis also applies anomaly detection method and principal component analysis to other databases in nanoHUB and successfully reveals differences between different …

A Comparative Analysis Of An Original And A Post-Hoc Application Of Lean Six Sigma Methodology, Jin Qiu

Open Access Theses

Current society develops faster and faster every day with customers' demands increasing rapidly. Decreasing time for product development and enhancing customer satisfaction are becoming more significant. In the business world, there is no industry that could exist without an efficient supply chain. In the fierce competitive environment of today, the supply chain must address potential problems and risks that may exist and assure continuous improvement.

One common supply chain management practice in many industries is to apply lean methodology to the supply chain model in order to maximize the customers' value and eliminate waste. By eliminating waste, the process can …