Assigning cross-trained workers to departments: A two-stage optimization model to maximize utility and skill improvement

We develop a general framework that is applicable in both manufacturing and service settings for assigning cross-trained workers across departments. The framework consists of a two-stage optimization model where two objective functions, departmental utility and skill improvement, are considered sequentially. Departmental utility is a function of departmental labor shortage and the first-stage optimization model maximizes total departmental utility subject to typical assignment constraints. The second stage model seeks to maximize total skill improvement, which is quantified by a hyperbolic learning curve, while trying not to deviate from the utility level obtained during the first stage optimization. Our computational experiments suggest that incorporating the skill improvement function explicitly in the model results in significant improvement in the total skill level of the workforce and thus leads to more effective worker assignments.     

Small signal intensity modulation of external cavity lasers with fiber Bragg gratings

The small signal intensity modulation (IM) of a hybrid soliton pulse source (HSPS) utilizing Gaussian apodized fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is described using electric field approach. The HSPS is modeled by a time-domain solution of the coupled-mode equations. It is shown that type of external cavity is important effect on resonance peak spectral splitting (RPSS) in IM response as well as effect of laser and FBG parameters. It is also shown that the RPSS can be suppressed by using linearly chirped Gaussian apodized FBG as an external cavity insted of Gaussian apodized FBG.     

Probabilistic normed Riesz spaces

In this paper, the concepts of probabilistic normed Riesz space and probabilistic Banach lattice are introduced, and their basic properties are studied. In this context, some continuity and convergence theorems are proved.     

Fast removal of methylene blue (MB) with functionalized resin

Herein, a new adsorbent was developed in order to fast and effective removal of MB from aqueous solution. For this, crosslinked maleic anhydride polymer was synthesized by copolymerization of maleic anydride (MA) with divinyl benzene (DVB) in DMF at 75?°C using a radical initiator AIBN. A new functionalized resin containing carboxylic acid groups was prepared with modification of crosslinked maleic anydride resin with 5-aminoisophthalic acid. Prepared resin was characterized with FTIR, TGA/DTA and SEM. Parameters affecting adsorption such as pH, initial dye concentration and adsorption time, and also, different isotherm and kinetic models were studied. It was observed that synthesized resin could be used to MB fast removal wide pH and concentration range very high efficiency. It was also found to be that Freundlich isotherm model (R² = 0.9993) and second order kinetic models are much more suitable for adsorption of MB. Moreover, it was also observed that synthesized resin could be used at least five times without losing its original activity.     

Fiber optic pH sensing with long wavelength excitable Schiff bases in the pH range of 7.0-12.0

Most of the fluorescent pH probes work near neutral or acidic regions of the pH scale. In this work, two different fluorescent Schiff bases, chloro phenyl imino propenyl aniline (CPIPA) and nitro phenyl imino propenyl aniline (NPIPA), have been investigated for pH sensing in the alkaline region. Absorption and emission based spectral data, quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime, photostability and acidity constant (pK(a)) of the Schiff bases were determined in conventional solvents and in PVC. The long wavelength excitable immobilized Schiff bases CPIPA (lambda(ex)=556 nm) and NPIPA (lambda(ex)=570 nm) exhibited absorption and emission based optical response to proton in the pH range of 8.0-12.0 and 7.0-12.0, respectively. Response of the CPIPA was fully reversible within the dynamic working range. The response times were between 3-13 min. A relative signal change of 95% and 96% have been achieved for sensor dyes of CPIPA and NPIPA, respectively. The CPIPA displayed better fluorescence quantum yield (varphi(F)=3.7 x 10(-1)) and higher matrix compatibility compared to NPIPA (varphi(F)=1.6 x 10(-1)) in immobilized PVC. The CPIPA and NPIPA exhibited a slight cross sensitivity to the ions of Hg(+) and Fe(3+), respectively.     

Molecular structure and vibrational spectra of alpha-benzoinoxime by density functional method

In the present study, an exhaustive conformational search of the Alpha-benzoinoxime has been performed. The FT-IR spectrum of this compound was recorded in the region 4000–400 cm^?1. The FT-Raman spectrum was also recorded in the region 3500–50 cm^?1. Vibrational frequences of the title compound were calculated by B3LYP method using 6–311++G(d, p) basis set. The calculated vibrational frequences were analysed and compared with experimental results.     

Part-type selection in flexible manufacturing systems: a bicriteria approach with due dates

We studied the part-type selection problem in a Flexible Manufacturing Environment. We formulated the problem as a bicriteria mathematical programming problem where the objectives are maximisation of a number of part-types selected and minimisation of a measure of total tardiness. Taking the vector optimisation approach, we found all of the efficient solutions to the problem. The efficient set to this problem portrays the trade-off information between the two objectives. We suggest that the Decision Maker should choose one of the efficient solutions for implementation depending on the dynamics of the system. We report computational results that highlight some characteristics of the efficient solutions. We compare the quality of solutions obtained through the bicriteria model with those of a more traditional approach: maximising the weighted sum of part-types selected where the weights are assigned based on due-dates. Our results imply a strong possibility of significant improvement in due date performance by taking a bicriteria approach to the part-type selection problem.     

Transient numerical simulation of buoyancy driven flow adjacent to an elliptic tube

In this paper the problem of laminar, transient, two-dimensional free convective heat transfer from the surface of a horizontal elliptic tube is considered. The tube, whose surface is suddenly subjected to uniform heat flux, is placed in a quiescent Boussinesq Newtonian fluid with its major axis horizontal. The details of both flow and thermal fields are obtained by solving the full governing Navier–Stokes and energy equations. These equations, expressed in terms of stream function, vorticity and temperature, are numerically solved using an implicit spectral finite difference procedure. The parameters involved are the modified Rayleigh number, Prandtl number and axis-ratio. The investigation covers a Rayleigh number range up to 10⁷. The minor–major axis ratio of elliptic cylinder ranges between 0.05 and 0.998 and Prandtl number ranges between 0.1 and 10. The effects of these parameters on the surface temperature distribution and heat transfer coefficients are determined and the different aspects of the results are discussed for some selected cases.     

Thermal Properties and Crystallinity of Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Copolyesters Prepared from Poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) and Rigid Aromatic Units

A series of copolyesters were synthesized by melt‐polycondensation reaction of poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) with various proportions of equimolar compositions of p‐acetoxybenzoic acid (p‐ABA), hydroquinone diacetate (HQDA) and terephtalic acid (TPA). Viscosity, liquid crystallinity, thermal properties, degree of crystallinity and thermal stabilitiy of these copolyesters were investigated by Ubbelohde viscometer, hot‐stage polarized light microscopy (PLM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. On the basis of viscosity measurement, it was observed that intrinsic viscosity values of the copolyesters are increased regularly with increasing amounts of aromatic units (p‐ABA, HQDA and TPA) in the polymer chain. Thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior was observed in the copolyesters containing over 50 mol% of rigid p‐ABA/HQDA/TPA aromatic units. DSC analysis of the anisotropic copolyesters revealed broad and weak endotherms associated with the nematic phases, and the melting temperatures were found to be in the processable region. As the mol% of PET in the polymer chain increased, the specific enthalpies of fusion and the degree of crystallinity of the copolyesters were also increased regularly.