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Industrial Environment (industrial + environment)
Selected AbstractsElectrochemistry at High Pressures: A ReviewELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 10 2004Debora Giovanelli Abstract High pressure electrochemical studies are potentially dangerous and less immediately implemented than conventional investigations. Technical obstacles related to properties of the working electrode material, preparation of its surface, availability of suitable reference electrodes, and the need for specially designed high pressure equipment and cells may account for the relative lack of experimental data on electrochemistry at high pressures. However, despite the stringent requirements for system and equipment stability, significant developments have been made in recent years and the combination of electrochemical methods with high hydrostatic pressure has provided useful insights into the thermodynamics, kinetics, and other physico-chemical characteristics of a wide range of redox reactions. In addition to fundamental information, high pressure electrochemistry has also lead to a better understanding of a variety of processes under non-classical conditions with potential applications in today's industrial environment from extraction and electrosynthesis in supercritical fluids to measurement of the pH at the bottom of the ocean. The purpose of this article is to detail the experimental pressurizing apparatus for electroanalytical measurements at high pressures and to review the relevant literature on the effect of pressure on electrode processes and on the properties of aqueous electrolyte solutions. [source] An intelligent logistics support system for enhancing the airfreight forwarding businessEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 5 2004H.C.W. Lau Abstract: Recent research related to the aircraft container loading and scheduling problem for airfreight forwarding business has seen significant advances in terms of load plan optimization, taking into account the cost and volume of packed boxes. In today's competitive industrial environment, it is essential that freight forwarders are able to collaborate with carriers (airline companies) to achieve the best possible selection of logistics workflow. However, study of contemporary research publications indicates that there is a dearth of articles related to the design and implementation of an intelligent logistics system to support decision-making on carrier selection, aircraft container loading plans as well as carrier benchmarking. This paper presents an intelligent logistics support system (ILSS) which is able to provide expert advice related to the airfreight forwarding business, enhancing the logistics operations in relevant activities within the value chain of tasks. ILSS comprises a heuristics-based intelligent expert system which supports carrier searching and cargo trading planning as well as load plan generation. The proposed approach is meant to enhance various operations in the airfreight forwarding business, adopting computational intelligence technologies such as rule-based reasoning to provide domain advice and heuristics to support the generation of load plans. After potential outcomes are generated by the heuristics-based intelligent expert system, a neural network engine is applied to support prediction of unexpected events. To validate the viability of this approach, a production system using the ILSS has been developed and subsequently applied in an emulated airfreight forwarding environment. The application results indicate that the operation time from searching for potential carriers to the execution of the order is greatly reduced. In this paper, details related to the structure, design and implementation of the ILSS are also covered with the inclusion of the actual program codes for building the prototype. [source] Development of an Intelligent Data-Mining System for a Dispersed Manufacturing NetworkEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 4 2001H.C.W. Lau Recent advances related to on-line analytical processing (OLAP) have resulted in a significant improvement in data analysis efficiency by virtue of its multidimensional database structure and pre-computing operations of measuring data. However, the research related to the design and implementation of OLAP, particularly in the support of dispersed manufacturing networks in terms of ,intelligent decision making', has yet to be considered as remarkable. Research studies indicate that the level of intelligence of decision support systems can be enhanced with the incorporation of computational intelligence techniques such as case-based reasoning or rule-based reasoning. This paper describes the development of an intelligent data-mining system using a rule-based OLAP approach which can be adopted to support dispersed manufacturing networks in terms of performance enhancement. In this paper, the techniques, methods and infrastructure for the development of such a data-mining system, which possesses certain intelligent features, are presented. To validate the feasibility of this approach, a case example related to the testing of the approach in an emulated industrial environment is covered. [source] Perception of safe robot speed in virtual and real industrial environmentsHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2006Vincent G. Duffy The purpose of this project was to study the influences of dynamic virtual objects in an Internet-based virtual industrial environment. The main objectives of this study were to investigate perception of safe robot speed and perception of acceptability. Virtual industrial environments were designed and developed to conduct the experiment. The hypotheses specifying the relationships between perceptions of the robot size, type, different robot starting speed conditions, and gender were tested through data collected from 32 participants. The results indicated that the perception of safe speed was significantly different depending on robot sizes and the initial robot speed conditions. This was consistent with results shown in previous literature for tests in a real industrial environment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 369,383, 2006. [source] Effects of virtual lighting on visual performance and eye fatigueHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 2 2002Vincent G. Duffy This study is designed to determine whether differences in eye fatigue and visual performance can be shown under varying virtual industrial lighting conditions. It is based on the results of studies of more traditional video display terminal (VDT) tasks reported in the literature. One experiment was designed to determine if the effects of virtual lighting on eye fatigue and visual performance in a simulated virtual industrial environment are similar to some other VDT tasks with varying luminance contrast. Results of a test of 20 participants in a vigilance task show that there is a significant difference in performance and eye fatigue in the virtual environment with varying virtual light conditions. These results may help designers see that performance in some virtual "lighting" conditions, for some tasks, is consistent with that in the real. However, due to the difficulties of determining the appropriate virtual objects to be considered for the luminance measures, additional research is needed to be able to generalize the results to other industrial training scenarios. A second experiment was intended to test for the luminance decrement in a VDT that was shown in recent literature. The results would have potential implications for the experiment that included a vigilance task. However, the results showed that the luminance decrement demonstrated in recent literature did not occur. These results suggest that the equipment used in the present experiments should not cause difficulty in interpreting the results of the vigilance task. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Application of latent variable methods to process control and multivariate statistical process control in industryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, Issue 4 2005Theodora Kourti Abstract Multivariate monitoring and control schemes based on latent variable methods have been receiving increasing attention by industrial practitioners in the last 15 years. Several companies have enthusiastically adopted the methods and have reported many success stories. Applications have been reported where multivariate statistical process control, fault detection and diagnosis is achieved by utilizing the latent variable space, for continuous and batch processes, as well as, for process transitions as for example start ups and re-starts. This paper gives an overview of the latest developments in multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) and its application for fault detection and isolation (FDI) in industrial processes. It provides a critical review of the methodology and describes how it is transferred to the industrial environment. Recent applications of latent variable methods to process control as well as to image analysis for monitoring and feedback control are discussed. Finally it is emphasized that the multivariate nature of the data should be preserved when data compression and data preprocessing is applied. It is shown that univariate data compression and reconstruction may hinder the validity of multivariate analysis by introducing spurious correlations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Ecophysiological Response of Plants to Combined Pollution from Heavy-duty Vehicles and Industrial Emissions in Higher HumidityJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2006Hong-Xia Cui Abstract Pollution can be aggravated in industrial areas if traffic exhausts are mixed with industrial emissions under high humidity conditions. Plants growing in such environments may suffer from severe stress. The impact of vehicle emissions on urban vegetation in an industrial area in Qingdao, China, was investigated by studying seven plant species at visible, physiological and chemical levels. The traits of plant species in certain environmental conditions were compared between a clear area, Badaguan (BDG), and polluted area, Roadside (RS). We found that foliar sulfur uptake for all species was not significantly high at RS compared with BDG, although the sulfur content of atmosphere and surface soils at RS were much higher than those at BDG. For Ailanthus altissima Swingle, the content of foliar pigment and net photosynthesis rate (PN) decreased by 20%. Meanwhile, leaves became incrassate and no visible leaf damage was noted, suggesting this species could adapt well to pollution. A 50% decrease in PN occurred in Hibiscus syriacus L., but there was no statistical change in content of chlorophyll a and b and water uptake. Also, thickened leaves may prevent the pollutant from permeation. Foliar water content was still at a low level, although a water compensation mechanism was established for Fraxinus chinensis Rosb. reflected by low water potential and high water use efficiency. More adversely, a 65% decrease in PN happened inevitably with the significant decomposition of photosynthetic pigments, which exhibited visible damage. We also noted in one evergreen species (Magnolia grandiflora L.) that water absorption driven by low water potential should be helpful to supply water loss induced by strong stomatal transpiration and maintain normal growth. Furthermore, photosynthetic pigment content did not decline statistically, but supported a stable net assimilation. Two herbaceous species, Poa annua L. and Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl., were very tolerant to adverse stress compared to other woody species, especially in assimilation through a compensatory increase in leaf area. A more remarkable decline in PN (decrease 80%) was noted in the exotic but widespread species, Platanus orientalis L., with serious etiolation and withering being exhibited on the whole canopy. Our results suggested, special for woody species, that most native species are more tolerant to pollution and therefore should to be broadly used in a humid urban industrial environment with heavy-duty vehicle emissions. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin Han) [source] Metrics collection for process knowledge,a practitioners' guideKNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT: THE JOURNAL OF CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION, Issue 2 2006Ray Dawson This paper describes a number of experiences of gathering metrics to supply the knowledge needed for decision making and process management in an industrial environment. The experiences are summarised as guidelines in the form of a list of ,Do's and ,Do not's for collecting and using metrics for this purpose. While the paper is clearly anecdotal in nature, these guidelines should, nevertheless, allow other managers to draw on the experience of the authors to put a successful metrics programme in place to provide knowledge for decision making and process improvement. The paper concludes, however, that there are limitations that exist for metrics programmes implemented, even if the guidelines are followed. The metrics cannot always offer evidence that any particular action or technique has given a better project management methodology. However, when used with other investigations they can give a better knowledge and understanding of processes that should enable more effective management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Biochemical applications of mass spectrometry in pharmaceutical drug discoveryMASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 3 2005Kieran F. Geoghegan Abstract Biochemical applications of mass spectrometry (MS) are important in the pharmaceutical industry. They comprise compositional analyses of biomolecules, especially proteins, and methods that measure molecular functions such as ligand binding. In early drug discovery, MS is used to characterize essential reagents and in structural biology. A number of MS-based methods have been proposed for use in high-throughput screening (HTS), but are unlikely to supplant established radiometric and fluorometric methods for this purpose. These methods, which include pulsed-ultrafiltration MS, frontal affinity chromatography-MS, and size-exclusion chromatography-MS, may ultimately be most successful in the post-screening lead development phase. In full development, MS is used heavily in the search for biomarkers that can be used to gauge disease progression and drug action. This review gives equal attention to the technical aspects of MS-based methods and to selective pressures present in the industrial environment that influence their chances of gaining wide application. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 24:347,366, 2005 [source] A masked process for the industrial production of buried contact solar cells on multi-crystalline siliconPROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS: RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS, Issue 6 2008Michelle McCann Abstract This paper reports on the development of a masked process for the production of buried contact solar cells on multi-crystalline silicon. The process results in high efficiencies, and only includes steps that would be feasible in an industrial environment. We report here on different mask candidates and on the importance of hydrogenation with the new process. Using the developed process, we produced 111 large area (12,×,12,cm2) cells and achieved an average cell efficiency of 16·2%. The best cell had an efficiency of 16·9%, a Voc of 616,mV, a Jsc of 35·0,mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 78·3%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Perception of safe robot speed in virtual and real industrial environmentsHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2006Vincent G. Duffy The purpose of this project was to study the influences of dynamic virtual objects in an Internet-based virtual industrial environment. The main objectives of this study were to investigate perception of safe robot speed and perception of acceptability. Virtual industrial environments were designed and developed to conduct the experiment. The hypotheses specifying the relationships between perceptions of the robot size, type, different robot starting speed conditions, and gender were tested through data collected from 32 participants. The results indicated that the perception of safe speed was significantly different depending on robot sizes and the initial robot speed conditions. This was consistent with results shown in previous literature for tests in a real industrial environment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 369,383, 2006. [source] The determinants of corporate political strategy in Chinese transitionJOURNAL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, Issue 4 2007Zhilong Tian Corporate political strategy (CPS) formulation in Chinese transition is an area with little empirical work. We fill this gap validly and the primary focus of this study is to examine the firm- and industry-level factors influencing Chinese firms' political strategy choice. Empirical support is found for the taxonomy of corporate political strategies in Chinese transition,that is direct participation strategy, financial incentive strategy, prolocutor strategy, institution innovation strategy, government association strategy and government involvement strategy. The results indicate that there is no consistently significant firm- and industry-level predictor of all six political strategies and we explore what determinants are related to each specific decision independently. We also verify the random effects of industry-level variables and our hypotheses are tested through using general evaluation equations (GEEs). Our study aims to be helpful to point managers toward both industrial environments and internal resources to consider when making appropriate political strategy choices and thus improve Chinese firms' strategy management level. Some implications of findings are also discussed finally. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Modeling and analysis of multiobjective lot splitting for N -product M -machine flowshop linesNAVAL RESEARCH LOGISTICS: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 4 2010Yossi Bukchin Abstract Lot splitting is a new approach for improving productivity by dividing production lots into sublots. This approach enables accelerating production flow, reducing lead-time and increasing the utilization of organization resources. Most of the lot splitting models in the literature have addressed a single objective problem, usually the makespan or flowtime objectives. Simultaneous minimization of these two objectives has rarely been addressed in the literature despite of its high relevancy to most industrial environments. This work aims at solving a multiobjective lot splitting problem for multiple products in a flowshop environment. Tight mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulations for minimizing the makespan and flowtime are presented. Then, the MinMax solution, which takes both objectives into consideration, is defined and suggested as an alternative objective. By solving the MILP model, it was found that minimizing one objective results in an average loss of about 15% in the other objective. The MinMax solution, on the other hand, results in an average loss of 4.6% from the furthest objective and 2.5% from the closest objective. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010 [source] Exact integration of the stiffness matrix of an 8-node plane elastic finite element by symbolic computationNUMERICAL METHODS FOR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, Issue 1 2008L. Videla Abstract Computer algebra systems (CAS) are powerful tools for obtaining analytical expressions for many engineering applications in both academic and industrial environments. CAS have been used in this paper to generate exact expressions for the stiffness matrix of an 8-node plane elastic finite element. The Maple software system was used to identify six basic formulas from which all the terms of the stiffness matrix could be obtained. The formulas are functions of the Cartesian coordinates of the corner nodes of the element, and elastic parameters Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. Many algebraic manipulations were performed on the formulas to optimize their efficiency. The redaction in CPU time using the exact expressions as opposed to the classical Gauss,Legendre numerical integration approach was over 50%. In an additional study of accuracy, it was shown that the numerical approach could lead to quite significant errors as compared with the exact approach, especially as element distortion was increased.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2007 [source] A Review of Recent Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) Applications for Wet Particulate ProcessingPARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION, Issue 3 2008Steven J. Stanley Abstract Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) provides the capability to measure the conductivity distribution within a given process plant delivering time evolving multi-dimensional information which often enhances fundamental process understanding whilst improving the design and operation of the process equipment. This paper reviews previous work undertaken using ERT for applications associated to wet particulate processing. The review is split into three sections including multi-phase flow, solid-liquid suspensions and reactive particulate processing. Typical results from a number of examples from both, research and industrial environments are presented. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||