Abstract: The environmental impact caused by industries is an issue that, in the last 20 years, has become very important in terms of society, economics and politics in Colombia. Particularly, the tannery process is extremely polluting because of uneffective treatments and regulations given to the dumping process and atmospheric emissions. Considering that, this investigation is intended to propose a management model based on the integration of Lean Supply Chain, Green Supply Chain, Cleaner Production and ISO 14001-2004, that prioritizes the strategic components of the organizations. As a result, a management model will be obtained and it will provide a strategic perspective through a systemic approach to the tanning process. This will be achieved through the use of Multicriteria Decision tools, along with Quality Function Deployment and Fuzzy Logic. The strategic approach that embraces the management model using the alignment of Lean Supply Chain, Green Supply Chain, Cleaner Production and ISO 14001-2004, is an integrated perspective that allows a gradual frame of the tactical and operative elements through the correct setting of the information flow, improving the decision making process. In that way, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) could improve their productivity, competitiveness and as an added value, the minimization of the environmental impact. This improvement is expected to be controlled through a Dashboard that helps the Organization measure its performance along the implementation of the model in its productive process.
Abstract: Addis Ababa is a seat of African Union (AU), United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) and hundreds of
embassies and consular representatives. Addis Ababa is one of the
highest capitals in the world with an average 2400 meters above sea
level. It is dichotomous city with a blend of modern high-rise and
deteriorating slum quarters. Water supply and sanitation, waste
management and housing are continuing to be serious problems.
Forest wood based domestic energy use as well as uncontrolled
emissions from mobile and fixed sources has endangered the state of
the urban environment. Analysis based on satellite imagery has
revealed the deteriorating urban environment within the last three
decades. The recently restructured city administration has brought
improvements in the condition of the urban environment. However,
the overwhelming size of the challenges faced by the city dwarfed
their fairly good results.
Abstract: After the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 in
U.S., the container security issue got high attention, especially by U.S.
government, which deployed a lot of measures to promote or improve
security systems. U.S. government not only enhances its national
security system, but allies with other countries against the potential
terrorist attacks in the future. For example CSI (Container Security
Initiative), it encourages foreign ports outside U.S. to become CSI
ports as a part of U.S. anti-terrorism network. Although promotion of
the security could partly reach the goal of anti-terrorism, that will
influence the efficiency of container supply chain, which is the main
concern when implementing the inspection measurements. This paper
proposes a quick estimation methodology for an inspection service
rate by a berth allocation heuristic such that the inspection activities
will not affect the original container supply chain. Theoretical and
simulation results show this approach is effective.
Abstract: In this paper, the problem of finding the optimal
topological configuration of a deregulated distribution network is
considered. The new features of this paper are proposing a multiobjective
function and its application on deregulated distribution
networks for finding the optimal configuration. The multi-objective
function will be defined for minimizing total Energy Supply Costs
(ESC) and energy losses subject to load flow constraints. The
optimal configuration will be obtained by using Binary Genetic
Algorithm (BGA).The proposed method has been tested to analyze a
sample and a practical distribution networks.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the integration of hybrid renewable energy resources available in remote isolated islands of Sundarban-24 Parganas-South of Eastern part of India to National Grid of conventional power supply to give a Smart-Grid scenario. Before grid-integration, feasibility of optimization of hybrid renewable energy system is monitored through an Intelligent Controller proposed to be installed at Moushuni Island of Sundarban. The objective is to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the system to optimize the utilization of the hybrid renewable energy sources and also a proposition of how theses isolated Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems at remote islands can be grid-connected is analyzed towards vision of green smart-grid.
Abstract: This paper describes interconnection between
technical and economical making decision. The reason of this dealing
could be different: poor technical condition, change of substation
(electrical network) regime, power transformer owner budget deficit
and increasing of tariff on electricity. Establishing of recommended
practice as well as to give general advice and guidance in economical
sector, testing, diagnostic power transformers to establish its
conditions, identify problems and provide potential remedies.
Abstract: In contrast to conventional generators, self-excited induction generators are found to be most suitable machines for wind energy conversion in remote and windy areas due to many advantages over grid connected machines. This papers presents a Self-Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) driven by wind turbine and supplying an induction motor which is coupled to a centrifugal pump. A method to describe the steady state performance based on nodal analysis is presented. Therefore the advanced knowledge of the minimum excitation capacitor value is required. The effects of variation of excitation capacitance on system and rotor speed under different loading conditions have been analyzed and considered to optimize induction motor pump performances.
Abstract: This paper presents a cold chain monitoring system which focuses on assessment of quality and dynamic pricing information about food in cold chain. Cold chain is composed of many actors and stages; however it can be seen as a single entity since a breakdown in temperature control at any stage can impact the final quality of the product. In a cold chain, the shelf life, quality, and safety of perishable food throughout the supply chain is greatly impacted by environmental factors especially temperature. In this paper, a prototype application is implemented to retrieve timetemperature history, the current quality and the dynamic price setting according to changing quality impacted by temperature fluctuations in real-time.
Abstract: Energy consumption is one of the indices in
determining the levels of development of a nation. Therefore,
availability of energy supply to all sectors of life in any country is
crucial for its development. These exists shortage of all kinds of
energy, particularly electricity which is badly needed for economic
development. Electricity from the sun which is quite abundant in
most of the developing countries is used in rural areas to meet basic
electricity needs of a rural community. Today-s electricity supply in
Myanmar is generated by fuel generators and hydroelectric power
plants. However, far-flung areas which are away from National Grids
cannot enjoy the electricity generated by these sources. Since
Myanmar is a land of plentiful sunshine, especially in central and
southern regions of the country, the first form of energy- solar energy
could hopefully become the final solution to its energy supply
problem. The direct conversion of solar energy into electricity using
photovoltaic system has been receiving intensive installation not only
in developed countries but also in developing countries. It is mainly
intended to present solar energy potential and application in
Myanmar. It is also wanted to get the benefits of using solar energy
for people in remote areas which are not yet connected to the national
grids because of the high price of fossil fuel.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present current and future
procedures in castings procurement. Differences in procurement are
highlighted. The supplier selection criteria used in practice is
compared to literature findings. Different trends related to supply
chains are presented and it is described how they are reflected in
reality to castings procurement. To fulfil the aim, interviews were
conducted in nine companies using castings. It was found that largest
casting users have the most subcontractor foundries and it is more
typical that they have multiple suppliers for the same parts. Currently
only two companies out of nine purchase castings outside Europe,
but the others are also progressing in the same direction. The main
reason is the need to lower purchasing costs. Another trend is that all
companies want to buy cast components or sub-assemblies instead of
raw castings from foundries. It was found that price is a main
supplier selection criterion. All companies use competitive bidding in
supplier selection.
Abstract: This paper presents a research agenda on the SCOR
model adaptation. SCOR model is designated to measure supply
chain performance and logistics impact across the boundaries of
individual organizations. It is at its growing stage of its life cycle and
is enjoying the leverage of becoming the industry standard. The
SCOR model has been developed and used widely in developed
countries context. This research focuses on the SCOR model
adaptation for the manufacturing industry in developing countries.
With a necessary understanding of the characteristics, difficulties and
problems of the manufacturing industry in developing countries-
supply chain; consequently, we will try to designs an adapted model
with its building blocks: business process model, performance
measures and best practices.
Abstract: Supplier appraisal fosters energy in Supply Chain
Management and helps in best optimization of viable business
partners for a company. Many Decision Making techniques have
already been proposed by researchers for supplier-s appraisal.
However, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is assumed to be the
most structured technique to attain near-best solution of the problem.
This paper focuses at implementation of AHP in the procurement
processes. It also suggests that on what factors a Public Sector
Enterprises must focus while dealing with their suppliers and what
should the suppliers do to synchronize their activities with the
strategic objectives of Organization. It also highlights the weak areas
in supplier appraisal process with a view to suggest viable
recommendations.
Abstract: This paper compares the recent transformerless ACDC
power converter architectures and provides an assessment of
each. A prototype of one of the transformerless AC-DC converter
architecture is also presented depicting the feasibility of a small form
factor, power supply design. In this paper component selection
guidelines to achieve high efficiency AC-DC power conversion are
also discussed.
Abstract: Aircraft propulsion systems often use Y-shaped
subsonic diffusing ducts as twin air-intakes to supply the ambient air
into the engine compressor for thrust generation. Due to space
constraint, the diffusers need to be curved, which causes severe flow
non-uniformity at the engine face. The present study attempt to
control flow in a mild-curved Y-duct diffuser using trapezoidalshaped
vortex generators (VG) attached on either both the sidewalls
or top and bottom walls of the diffuser at the inflexion plane. A
commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is modified
and is used to simulate the effects of SVG in flow of a Y-duct
diffuser. A few experiments are conducted for CFD code validation,
while the rest are done computationally. The best combination of Yduct
diffuser is found with VG-2 arranged in co-rotating sequence
and attached to both the sidewalls, which ensures highest static
pressure recovery, lowest total pressure loss, minimum flow
distortion and less flow separation in Y-duct diffuser. The decrease in
VG height while attached to top and bottom walls further improves
axial flow uniformity at the diffuser outlet by a great margin as
compared to the bare duct.
Abstract: This paper discusses aspects of re-design of loadshedding
schemes with respect to actual developments in the Kosovo
power system. Load-shedding is a type of emergency control that is
designed to ensure system stability by reducing power system load to
match the power generation supply. This paper presents a new
adaptive load-shedding scheme that provides emergency protection
against excess frequency decline, in cases when the Kosovo power
system might be disconnected from the regional transmission
network. The proposed load-shedding scheme uses the local
frequency rate information to adapt the load-shedding pattern to suit
the size and location of the occurring disturbance. The proposed
scheme is tested in a software simulation on a large scale PSS/E
model which represents nine power system areas of Southeast Europe
including the Kosovo power system.
Abstract: Paper is dealing with vulnerability concerning elements of hydrological structures and elements of technological equipments which are acceptable for groundwater resources. The vulnerability assessment stems from the application of the register of hazards and a potential threat to individual water source elements within each type of hazard. The proposed procedure is pattern for assessing the risks of disturbance, damage, or destruction of water source by the identified natural or technological hazards and consequently for classification of these risks in relation to emergency water supply. Using of this procedure was verified on selected groundwater resource in particular region, which seems to be as potentially useful for crisis planning system.
Abstract: The supply chains (SCs) have to appeal to new management paradigms to improve their ability to respond rapidly and cost effectively to unpredictable changes in markets and increasing levels of environmental turbulence, both in terms of volume and variety. In this highly demanded context, the Agile paradigm provides the capabilities to SC quickly adapt to changes in the market requirements. The purpose of this paper is to suggest an Agile Index to assess the agility of the automotive companies and corresponding SCs. The proposed integrated assessment model incorporates Agile practices weighted according to their importance to the automotive SC competitiveness and obtained from the Delphi technique.
Abstract: The events of October 2010, where terrorists managed to get explosive devices onboard of three passenger aircrafts and two air freighters, demonstrated weaknesses of the international air cargo and airmail security. Ever since, postal security has gained interest among policymakers and authorities. This study augments the limited body of academic literature on the topic bydemarcating areas of postal security, identifying relevant stakeholders in each area, and investigating why these stakeholders engage in postal security. Research is based on a case study on Swiss Post’s mail service.
Abstract: Sensor Network are emerging as a new tool for
important application in diverse fields like military surveillance,
habitat monitoring, weather, home electrical appliances and others.
Technically, sensor network nodes are limited in respect to energy
supply, computational capacity and communication bandwidth. In
order to prolong the lifetime of the sensor nodes, designing efficient
routing protocol is very critical. In this paper, we illustrate the
existing routing protocol for wireless sensor network using data
centric approach and present performance analysis of these protocols.
The paper focuses in the performance analysis of specific protocol
namely Directed Diffusion and SPIN. This analysis reveals that the
energy usage is important features which need to be taken into
consideration while designing routing protocol for wireless sensor
network.
Abstract: Wireless Sensor Networks can be used to monitor the
physical phenomenon in such areas where human approach is nearly
impossible. Hence the limited power supply is the major constraint of
the WSNs due to the use of non-rechargeable batteries in sensor
nodes. A lot of researches are going on to reduce the energy
consumption of sensor nodes. Energy map can be used with
clustering, data dissemination and routing techniques to reduce the
power consumption of WSNs. Energy map can also be used to know
which part of the network is going to fail in near future. In this paper,
Energy map is constructed using the prediction based approach.
Adaptive alpha GM(1,1) model is used as the prediction model.
GM(1,1) is being used worldwide in many applications for predicting
future values of time series using some past values due to its high
computational efficiency and accuracy.