Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Acuta Enews September 2006, Vol. 35, No. 9

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

Prepaid Calling Cards

From ACUTA Headquarters: Looking Ahead................. Jeri A. Semer, CAE, ACUTA Executive Director

Tech Talk: As a Framework, lTlL Leads the Way.............. Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

DC Update............ Jeanne Jansenius, University of the South

Wiretaps: lnterpreting the Constitution Becomes a Controversy............. Pat Scott, ACUTA Comm. Mgr.

Board Report.............. Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ. ACUTA Sec./Treasurer

ACUTA One-Day Workshop: Making Convergence Work

Be a State/Province Coordinator............ Mary Lou Emmons, lndiana Univ., Bloomington

lnfo Links................ Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

More Winners from ACUTA Annual Conference

Your Site Could Be a Site to See

Welcome …

Acuta Enews September 2006, Vol. 35, No. 9

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

Prepaid Calling Cards

From ACUTA Headquarters: Looking Ahead...................... Jeri A. Semer, CAE, ACUTA Executive Director

Tech Talk: As a Framework, lTlL Leads the Way................ Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

DC Update................ Jeanne Jansenius, University of the South

Wiretaps: lnterpreting the Constitution Becomes a Controversy.............. Pat Scott, ACUTA Comm. Mgr.

Board Report............... Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ. ACUTA Sec./Treasurer

ACUTA One-Day Workshop: Making Convergence Work

Be a State/Province Coordinator........... Mary Lou Emmons, lndiana Univ., Bloomington

lnfo Links................... Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

More Winners from ACUTA Annual Conference

Your Site Could Be a Site to See

Welcome …

Efficacy Of Virtual Models In A Production Systems Course, Lawrence Whitman, Barbara Chaparro

Publications

Wichita State University has developed an integrated set of virtual reality models of an aircraft assembly line. These models are intended to provide students an ‘artifact’ of industrial and manufacturing engineering by providing a realistic environment for initial learning and application. By utilizing a virtual model of the line, students are able to view the process and interrogate the process details, make changes and observe the effects, and gain a better understanding of the concepts and their interrelationships. This paper presents the method used to assess if virtual models (computer models of a real factory) lead to: improved perception of …

Graph Theoretical Analysis Of Network Centric Operations Using Multi-Layer Models, Ann Wong-Jiru

Theses and Dissertations

As the Department of Defense continues its transformations to a network centric force, evaluating DoD's progression towards net-centricity remains a challenge. This research proposes to extend the Network Centric Operation Common Framework Version 2.0 (draft) with the metrics based in graph theory and, specifically addresses, among other metrics, the measurement of a net-centric force's mission effectiveness. The research incorporates the importance of understanding network topology for evaluating an environment for net-centricity and using network characteristics to help commanders assess the effects of network changes on mission effectiveness. The multi-layered model of Network Centric Operations and interlayer mapping are introduced to …

Estimation Of Liquidus Temperature When Snagcu Bga/Csp Components Are Soldered With Snpb Paste, Jianbiao Pan

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Recently, the soldering of lead-free components with SnPb paste, or lead-free backward compatibility, is becoming a hot topic. One of the major challenges in backward compatibility assembly is the development of a right reflow profile for the soldering of SnAgCu Ball Grid Array (BGA)/Chip Scale Package (CSP) components with SnPb paste. If the SnAgCu reflow profile is used, the reflow temperature may be too high for other SnPb components in the same board during assembly according to the component rating per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020C. In addition, the flux in SnPb solder paste may not function properly in such a high reflow …

Applying Lean Manufacturing Techniques To Improve The Performance Of An Emergency Department, Ramesh Pondhe

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The research was an attempt to apply lean manufacturing (LM) techniques, to the healthcare setting specifically to Emergency Department (ED) of a local hospital and to improve its performance. An ED is meant to attend/provide immediate care to a patient who needs medical care immediately and also balancing the care to patients with lesser acuity who arrive at the ED for treatment. The data was collected from the ED by direct observation. The data was statistically analyzed to find out the bottlenecks in the process during the course of a patient's treatment to further provide solutions and improve the performance …

Optimization Models For Leishmaniasis Control: A Case For Bihar, India, Kaushik Gorahava

Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Leishmaniasis, is a family of infectious diseases, which mostly affects poor and developing countries. The highest prevalence and mortality rate of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) the world over occurs in Bihar state of India. Many disease control methods are available; however, procedures aimed at reducing sandfly population by spraying insecticide have been the most effective for controlling VL in Bihar. In this dissertation, optimization models for the control of Leishmaniasis are developed and analyzed. Novel optimization models are built and analyzed to identify the optimal amount of insecticide allocated for controlling the spread of VL in Bihar. Since the vector (disease …

Acuta Enews August 2006, Vol. 35, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This lssue

Report from the 35th Annual ACUTA Conference

From the President: Generations X and Y.............. Carmine Piscopo, Providence College

Tech Talk: TWAMP Will Help Track lP Network Performance............... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

lnfo Links.................... Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

Web Tip: Conference Audio/Video Available Aaron Fuehrer, ACUTA lnformation Tech. Mgr.

ACUTA One-Day Workshop: Making Convergence Work

FYI: Useful lnformation from Campus............... Student Monitor

Board Report.............. Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ. ACUTA Sec./Treasurer

DC Update............. Jeanne Jansenius, University of the South

Network Redundancy Options..................... Rick Cunningham, PAETEC Communications

Welcome New Members

Committee Profile: Publications Committee

Statistical Modeling Approach To Airline Revenue Management With Overbooking, Sheela Siddappa

Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Dissertations - Archive

A Revenue Management (RM) method in the airline industry plays a very important role in maximizing revenue under various uncertainty issues, like customer demand, the number of seats to be maintained in inventory, the number of seats to be overbooked, etc. In this dissertation, a Markov decision process (MDP) based approach using statistical modeling is presented. Prior versions of this statistical modeling approach have employed remaining seat capacity ranges from zero to the capacity of the aircraft. In reality, actual remaining capacities are near capacity when the booking process begins and near zero when the flights depart. Thus, our modified …

Acuta Enews July 2006, Vol. 35, No. 7

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Board of Directors for 2006-2007

From ACUTA Headquarters: Member Service Awards............ Jeri A. Semer, CAE, ACUTA Executive Director

ACUTA One-Day Workshop: Making Convergence Work

Tech Talk: Technology Makes PBXs "Open" for Business................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

lnfo Links Randy Hayes, Univ' of Northern lowa

Board Report............... Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ., ACUTA Sec./Treasurer

DC Update.............. Jeanne Jansenius, University of the south

Web Tip: Telecom and VolP Listserv FAQ.................. Aaron Fuehrer, ACUTA lnformation Tech. Mgr.

Welcome New Members

ACUTA Online Press Room

Order And Disorder, Entropy In Math, Science, Nature And The Arts, Sol Neeman Ph.D., Arie Maharshak

Engineering Studies Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Often, science and engineering students have difficult time in viewing certain concepts in their holistic form. An example for such a concept is the concept of Entropy. Although it originated from the field of thermodynamics, the relation between order and disorder is a profound one and manifests itself in various fields, sometimes unrelated, such as math and science, nature and the arts. In the discipline of physics, the amount of disorder in a system has been quantified by the concept of Entropy. In the area of information theory it provides a quantitative measure of the amount of compression that may …

The Reflective Mariner An Approach For Ecdis Training And Operational Usage, Scott W. Muller

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The emergence of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) on the bridge of modem vessels offers the possibility of improving the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. Despite its benefits, improper use of ECDIS relegates the watch officer to passive monitoring, which in tum places the mariner "out of the control loop" in the assessment of vessel control functions and equipment malfunctions. It is therefore vital to train mariners to be active in their ECDIS monitoring. This thesis presents a training strategy aimed at developing the "Reflective Mariner": an approach to help mariners maintain their active use of …

Development Of An Electro-Mechanical System To Identify & Map Adverse Soil Compaction Using Gis&Gps, Santosh Pitla, L. G. Wells

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

A stand-alone electro-mechanical system with a 32-inch disc coulter was developed and tested to identify soil compaction in a 1-acre field located at the University of Kentucky Animal Research Center (UKARC). The system was evaluated by making four passes in the square grid cell. With the aid of hydraulic actuation, the coulter oscillated between depths of 100mm (4-in) and 330mm (13-in) as it moved forward and recorded the vertical impedance force given by the soil continuously. Forty standard soil cone penetrometer measurements along the diagonals to a depth of 400mm (16-in) were taken and the average cone indices (MPa) at …

Neural Network Based Decentralized Excitation Control Of Large Scale Power Systems, Wenxin Liu, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Donald C. Wunsch, David A. Cartes, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a neural network (NN) based decentralized excitation controller design for large scale power systems. The proposed controller design considers not only the dynamics of generators but also the algebraic constraints of the power flow equations. The control signals are calculated using only local signals. The transient stability and the coordination of the subsystem controllers can be guaranteed. NNs are used to approximate the unknown/imprecise dynamics of the local power system and the interconnections. All signals in the closed loop system are guaranteed to be uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Simulation results with a 3-machine power system demonstrate the …

Life Cycle Impact Assessment Method For Early Design Phase Of Industrial Products, Harpreet Singh Multani

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to develop a simplified life cycle impact assessment method that can reliably and quickly provide the values of Eco-indicator 99 single score, the Eco-indicator damage categories score (human health, ecosystem quality, resource depletion), environmental impacts like global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidants potential of the product/process, which could be used in the initial design stages for alternative design comparisons and product improvements, thus leading towards green manufacturing.

To achieve this, a variety of products have been chosen and the life cycle inventory data is gathered from the environmental product declarations that are …

Development Of A Theoretical Framework Of Distributed Cognition Phenomena In Control Centers During Crisis Conditions, Christopher J. West

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to develop and partially validate a theoretical framework describing distributed cognition phenomena occurring in organizational control centers functioning in crisis environments. Using a systems approach, the work synthesizes existing constructs relating to distributed cognition then supplements this knowledge with review of crisis management literature. The goal of this effort is the development of a framework for understanding the impact of crisis conditions on such phenomena occurring within the specified setting. An exploratory case study approach was used to partially validate and refine the framework by gauging its ability to interpret the impact of crisis …

Socio-Economic Impacts Of Computer Viruses In Tanzania, M Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on a research project conducted with an objective of identifying and assessing various approaches used by different computer users (Management, System Administrators and end users) in Tanzania to combat computer viruses (CVs), and to assess users' awareness level on CVs. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the awareness level on CVs to the Tanzanian business community; analyze the socio -economic impact caused by CVs in Tanzania and; assess existing methods, capacity and limitations on controlling CVs in Tanzania. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interview from financial institutions such as NBC and BOT, and telecommunications sector …

Effectiveness Of Hot Isostatic Pressing On Healing Oxide Film Defects In Cast Aluminium Alloys, C Nyahumwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Hot isostatic pressing (hipping) of cast aluminium alloys is recognized as a means of providing improved internal soundness and mechanical properties of the castings. However, little is known about the limitations and potential benefit of the hipping process to produce reliable aluminium alloy castings containing oxide film defects due to turbulently filling of moulds. In this study, oxide film defects and fatigue lives of turbule''Zt filled unfiltered AI-7Si-Mg alloy castings have been characterised in as-cast and hipped. conditions to quantify the effectiveness of hot isostatic pressing on healing oxide film defects in the castings. The average fatigue life and fatigue …

Gasification Kinetics Of Ultrafine Coal Char Oxidation In Flame Reactions, G John

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Pulverized coal combustion is exceedingly complex with a  vast number of variables. In order to avoid the complications associated with the burning of coal char, a controlled study has been made of the oxidation of fine graphite in laminar methane-air flame as a contribution to the understanding of the more complex phenomena of the gasification kinetics of the char. The burning of methane is equivalent to the burning of volatiles and graphite oxidation is similar to that of coal char. Aspects of this have been simulated in experimental and computational studies of 4pm diameter graphite particle burning in methane -air …

Investigation Of The Stability Of Engine – Governor System Operated At Low Speeds, Cuthbert Mhilu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

During diesel engine operation, a tendency for the engine not to achieve a  steady idling speed has often been observed. During idling speed the engine tends to either race or stall as a result of poor and incorrect metering of the fuel, which is required for the combustion process and if severe, the engine will stop firing completely. 111 this research an investigation was made to establish knowledge on diesel engine stability operated at low speeds. The influence of a governor of an engine in the control of the engine speeds has also been investigated. In order to obtain information …

Environmental Impact Of Wetland Resources Utilization In Simuyu Basin, Tanzania, Shadrack Mwakalila

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

There is a growing appreciation of the natural functions of wetlands, and the values and different forms of uses that humans attach to them. Wise use and special conservation strategies are therefore needed in order to sustain their productivity. Wetlands are one of the most fruitful areas of archaeological research, and they are the ideal setting in which to study the interactions between physical processes and human actions that encapsulate and exemplify many of the themes of man's impact on his environment. But all these beneficial functions of wetlands seem to be in danger of being lost to draining and …

Study On Vortex Formation In The Pouring Basin By Direct Observation, J Runyoro

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Although the formation of vortex on the free surface of liquid draining from a container is often observed, relatively little is known about the phenomenon. When a liquid is drained from a container such as a bathtub through a bottom orifice, a dip on the surface known as vortex is formed. The vortex first appears as a small dimple in the free surface, which suddenly forms a cone-shaped hole. The vortex causes turbulences, which draws in air down into the orifice (drain). Generally, the issue of vortex formation is so common in our lives that possibly its occurrence seems to …

Suitability Of Crusher-Dust As Masonry Construction Material, John Makunza

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Crusher dust generated at Kunduchi quarries in Dar es Salaam during aggregate crushing is counted as a waste material, and some times it .is disposed away or sold at a cheap price of not more than a quarter of that of sand. A study on the use of the crusher dust as a building material has been carried out in which samples were collected and analyzed for grading (sieve analysis). In additional to that, other samples were stabilized with a small amount of cement, from which bricks were produced and tested for compressive strength. Other bricks were bonded together using …

The Decomposition Kinetics Of Solids Thermodynamic Evidence For The Enthalpy Driven Cooling Of Reaction Environment Part 2, Akwilapo D

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The analysis of non-isothermal kinetic data for the decomposition of calcium carbonate, CaC03 (s) ~ CaO (s) + C02 (g) in flowing nitrogen, shows that the decomposition of solids is accompanied by self-cooling/heating of the reaction environment depending on the sample mass and heating rate. The correctness of the kinetic model is established by the calculation of the enthalpy change of the reaction. This is the thermodynamic evidence of endothermic enthalpy driven cooling of the reaction environment. The enthalpy change LJH = 179.33 kJmol-1 estimated from this work for the dissociation of CaC03 is in agreement with LJH = 179.17 …

A Comparative Study Of Various Loss Functions In The Economic Tolerance Design, Jehnan Pan, Jianbiao Pan

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Engineering tolerance design plays an important role in modern manufacturing. In this paper, the Kapur's model was modified so that the economic specification limits for both symmetric and asymmetric losses can be established. Three different loss functions: (1) Taguchi's quadratic loss function; (2) Inverted Normal Loss Function; (3) Revised Inverted Normal Loss Function are compared in the economic tolerance design. The relationships between the three loss functions and process capability indices for symmetric tolerance are established. The results suggest that the revised inverted normal loss function be used in determination of economic specification limits.

Plotting A Bright Future For Manufacturing Education: Results Of A Brainstorming Session, Daniel Waldorf, Sema E. Alptekin, Robert Bjurman

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing industries worldwide have undergone dramatic changes in recent years and now demand more from graduating manufacturing engineers. The effects of globalization have forever changed the parameters for success in manufacturing. Our educational institutions must respond to these changes with innovation. That agenda formed the basis for a special SME/CIRP international conference on manufacturing engineering education called “Looking Forward: Innovations in Manufacturing Engineering Education,” held in San Luis Obispo, California, June 22-25, 2005. At the meeting, manufacturing education professionals from around the world came together to share their own innovative ideas and to brainstorm ways to shape the future of …

Acuta Enews June 2006, Vol. 35, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

Planning for VolP...................... Mike Grunder, Vantage Technology Consulting Group

From the President................... Patricia Todus, Northwestern Univ., ACUTA President

Board Report................ Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ., ACUTA Sec./Treasurer

Three Preconference Seminars Offered

Tech Talk: VolP Implementation: The Survey Says...................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

lnfo Links......................... Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern lowa

Web Tip: Members Post Job Openings Free............... Aaron Fuehrer, ACUTA lnformation Tech. Mgr.

Dues Notices Mailed

DC Update.............. Jeanne Jansenius, University of the South

Welcome New Members

ACUTA Online Press Room

Leadership In Student Distance Education Teams, Leroy Cox, Susan L. Murray, David Spurlock

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Interactive video technology has become a widely used medium for education. A prominent implementation of this technology, interactive distance learning, involves groups of students at local and remote sites connected by audio and video teleconferencing. This approach has made the task of delivering vital undergraduate and graduate engineering courses to distributed audiences much easier. As this approach has permeated more curricula, distance education instructors have increasingly assigned projects that require distance learners to work together as an element of the final course grade. This trend presents an interesting opportunity for researchers to understand the nature of interactions among course participants …

Technology Transfer: A Qualitative Analysis Of Air Force Office Of Research And Technology Applications, David C. Trexler

Theses and Dissertations

Everyday within United States Air Forces’ research laboratories there are hundreds of scientists and engineers whose research and development activities contribute to the advancement of science and technology for mankind. The opportunities for successful technology transfer within these research activities are unbounded. This thesis examines the Air Force Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA’s) involvement with technology transfer, the complexities they face, the importance of their position, and what best practices ORTAs use to facilitate technology transfer. Air Force concerns and initiatives are detailed to provide perspective on balancing technology transfer with mission requirements and adherence to United States …

Modeling A Reparable Supply Chain And Applying Cpfr Concepts, Sandra A. Mayhall

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force supply chain includes parts required to build, fix, or maintain aircraft delivered to the warfighter to carry out missions. Industry has shown that following Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) concepts, particularly reducing inventory through accurate demand forecasts, has increased profits in part by lowering the holding costs of inventory and increasing sales. This is analogous to the Air Force increasing aircraft availability. There is scant evidence that demand forecasts generated at any level in the Air Force are shared with the intent of coordinating replenishment. This thesis uses a simple discrete-event stochastic simulation model to show …