The Experts below are selected from a list of 285 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
X X Zhu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a combined fuzzy set theory and milp approach in integration of planning and scheduling of batch plants personnel evaluation and allocation
Computers & Chemical Engineering, 2005Co-Authors: Thokozani Majozi, X X ZhuAbstract:This paper presents the application of fuzzy set theory (FST) within the context of integrated planning and scheduling. Fuzzy set theory provides a framework for modelling uncertain or ambiguous information, which is commonly encountered in industry. A typical example of an Industrial Situation wherein uncertainty cannot be avoided due to the type of data required is operator evaluation (grading). This usually requires information on experience, expertise, responsibility, age, etc., which tend to be more qualitative than quantitative, and involve high levels of imprecision. Consequently, traditional mathematical procedures fail to address this issue effectively. Since human intervention is crucial in the operation and performance of batch chemical plants, the issue of operator evaluation demands attention. It is generally accepted that operators with different skills will have different process understanding and response times, which will eventually impact on plant performance. Moreover, different plants will have different requirements in terms of the aforementioned evaluation criteria. Therefore, efficiency of any operator evaluation procedure is entirely dependent on the quality of operator allocation to different plants. Another aspect that should not be overlooked when dealing with operators, is remuneration, which is determined by the grade. Operators with high levels of skill (experience) and expertise (education) tend to command high salaries. Therefore, they should only be hired on mandatory rather than discretionary grounds. The presentation made in this paper demonstrates the application of FST in dealing with qualitative features of plant personnel as well as plant requirements in order to maximise plant performance, whilst accounting for the financial aspects. The FST output can then be incorporated in an MILP formulation to determine the optimal allocation of operators to different plants. The second part of this series presents the impact of personnel allocation on the overall integrated planning and scheduling framework.
E. Fadier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Towards proactive safety in design: a comparison of safety integration approaches in two design processes
Cognition Technology & Work, 2005Co-Authors: C. De La Garza, E. FadierAbstract:The purpose of this study is to optimize understanding of how safety and, more generally, human factors are considered at design stage in an Industrial context. The practical aim is to provide assistance during early design stages to improve design process quality. Integration of safety integration in design is studied in two different Industrial contexts; specifically, the printing sector and waste incineration and handling plants. The method links analysis of operating Situations and analysis of design processes in both sectors. Cognitive analysis of safety integration methods at design stage allows us to offer a description of two safety integration approaches (“direct” and “indirect”) used by a group of designers. The first (direct) approach is associated with safety requirements. The second (indirect) approach is conditioned by experience, occupation, status and initiatives of each designer. While the first approach is necessary and the second attempt to integrate certain ergonomic criteria, both appear to be deficient in an operating Situation (unknown risks, partial barriers, no daily work feedback, etc.). From a cognitive standpoint, activity strongly related to safety integration presents a number of characteristics similar to the design activities described by numerous authors. However, safety integration in design is a specific activity because there is no objective at the early design stages. Safety is in fact grafted onto the project during design and especially during development. A truly proactive safety philosophy and methodology is needed to take into account both the difficulties and requirements of a daily operating Situation and integration of overall human factors in an Industrial Situation-based design. A number of factors are introduced in this context.
Thokozani Majozi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a combined fuzzy set theory and milp approach in integration of planning and scheduling of batch plants personnel evaluation and allocation
Computers & Chemical Engineering, 2005Co-Authors: Thokozani Majozi, X X ZhuAbstract:This paper presents the application of fuzzy set theory (FST) within the context of integrated planning and scheduling. Fuzzy set theory provides a framework for modelling uncertain or ambiguous information, which is commonly encountered in industry. A typical example of an Industrial Situation wherein uncertainty cannot be avoided due to the type of data required is operator evaluation (grading). This usually requires information on experience, expertise, responsibility, age, etc., which tend to be more qualitative than quantitative, and involve high levels of imprecision. Consequently, traditional mathematical procedures fail to address this issue effectively. Since human intervention is crucial in the operation and performance of batch chemical plants, the issue of operator evaluation demands attention. It is generally accepted that operators with different skills will have different process understanding and response times, which will eventually impact on plant performance. Moreover, different plants will have different requirements in terms of the aforementioned evaluation criteria. Therefore, efficiency of any operator evaluation procedure is entirely dependent on the quality of operator allocation to different plants. Another aspect that should not be overlooked when dealing with operators, is remuneration, which is determined by the grade. Operators with high levels of skill (experience) and expertise (education) tend to command high salaries. Therefore, they should only be hired on mandatory rather than discretionary grounds. The presentation made in this paper demonstrates the application of FST in dealing with qualitative features of plant personnel as well as plant requirements in order to maximise plant performance, whilst accounting for the financial aspects. The FST output can then be incorporated in an MILP formulation to determine the optimal allocation of operators to different plants. The second part of this series presents the impact of personnel allocation on the overall integrated planning and scheduling framework.
R. C. Flann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Activated basket anodes from nickel powder Part I: Laboratory facilities for assessing the performance of anodes in nickel electroplating baths
Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 1991Co-Authors: I. J. Bear, R. C. FlannAbstract:Laboratory-scale facilities have been developed for evaluating the potential performance of nickel basket anodes in an Industrial electroplating circuit. Two types of electroplating baths were investigated-one for testing single anodes and the other for testing multiple anodes in small baskets under simulated Industrial conditions. By the use of reference nickel anodes whose Industrial performance was already known, it was established that both facilities provided an economical means of determining the electrochemical activity and current efficiencies of experimental anodes being developed for Industrial use. Importantly, they also provided the means of establishing the amount of residue likely to be generated by such anodes in an Industrial Situation.
C. De La Garza - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Towards proactive safety in design: a comparison of safety integration approaches in two design processes
Cognition Technology & Work, 2005Co-Authors: C. De La Garza, E. FadierAbstract:The purpose of this study is to optimize understanding of how safety and, more generally, human factors are considered at design stage in an Industrial context. The practical aim is to provide assistance during early design stages to improve design process quality. Integration of safety integration in design is studied in two different Industrial contexts; specifically, the printing sector and waste incineration and handling plants. The method links analysis of operating Situations and analysis of design processes in both sectors. Cognitive analysis of safety integration methods at design stage allows us to offer a description of two safety integration approaches (“direct” and “indirect”) used by a group of designers. The first (direct) approach is associated with safety requirements. The second (indirect) approach is conditioned by experience, occupation, status and initiatives of each designer. While the first approach is necessary and the second attempt to integrate certain ergonomic criteria, both appear to be deficient in an operating Situation (unknown risks, partial barriers, no daily work feedback, etc.). From a cognitive standpoint, activity strongly related to safety integration presents a number of characteristics similar to the design activities described by numerous authors. However, safety integration in design is a specific activity because there is no objective at the early design stages. Safety is in fact grafted onto the project during design and especially during development. A truly proactive safety philosophy and methodology is needed to take into account both the difficulties and requirements of a daily operating Situation and integration of overall human factors in an Industrial Situation-based design. A number of factors are introduced in this context.