ITC/USA 2011 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Seventh Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 24-27, 2011 / Bally's Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada / This paper addresses the research conducted at U.C. Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, Center for Extreme Ultra Violet Astrophysics between 1994 and 1995 on the NASA EUVE ion-orbit satellite. It includes the results from conducting a scientific analysis called a prognostic analysis completed on all satellite subsystem equipment. A prognostic analysis uses equipment analog telemetry to measure equipment remaining usable life. The analysis relates equipment transient behavior, often referred to as "cannot duplicates" in a variety of industries caused from accelerated aging to the equipment end-of-life with certainty. The analysis was confirmed by using proprietary, pattern recognition software by Lockheed Martin personnel Lockheed Martin personnel completed an exploration into the application of statistical pattern recognition methods to identify the behavior caused from accelerated aging that experts in probability reliability analysis claims cannot exist. Both visual and statistical methods were successful in detecting suspect accelerated aging and this behavior was related to equipment end of life with certainty. The long-term objective of this research was to confirm that satellite subsystem equipment failures could be predicted so that satellite subsystem and payload engineering personnel could be allocated for only the time that equipment failures were predicted to occur, lowering the cost of mission operations. This research concluded that satellite subsystem equipment remaining usable life could be measured and equipment failures could be predicted with certainty so that engineering support for mission operations could be greatly reduced.

In this study, an online movie recommendation engine that serves on Facebook is developed in order to evaluate social circle eects on user preferences in a trust-based environment. Instead of using single-user profiles in the social environment identification process, virtual group profiles that present common tastes of the social environments, are formed to achieve a successful social circle analysis and innovative suggestions. Recommendations are generated based on similar social circles and based on social circles of similar users separately and their results are evaluated. Pure collaborative filtering is applied to emphasize the influence of social environment characteristics.

Numerical assessment of soil structure interaction problems require heavy computational efforts because of the dynamic and iterative (nonlinear) nature of the problems. Furthermore, modeling soil-structure interaction may require

This dissertation supports human decision-making with a Model-Based Systems Engineering methodology enabling engineering analysis, and in particular Operations Research analysis of discrete-event logistics systems, to be more widely used in a cost-effective and correct manner. A methodology is a collection of related processes, methods, and tools, and the process of interest is posing a question about a system model and then identifying and building answering analysis models. Methods and tools are the novelty of this dissertation, which when applied to the process will enable the dissertation's goal. One method which directly enables the goal is adding automation to analysis model-building. Another method is abstraction, to make explicit a frequently-used bridge to analysis and also expose analysis model-building repetition to justify automation. A third method is formalization, to capture knowledge for reuse and also enable automation without human interpreters. The methodology, which is itself a contribution, also includes two supporting tool contributions. A tool to support the abstraction method is a definition of a token-flow network, an abstract concept which generalizes many aspects of discrete-event logistics systems and underlies many analyses of them. Another tool to support the formalization method is a definition of a well-formed question, the result of an initial study of semantics, categories, and patterns in questions about models which induce engineering analysis. This is more general than queries about models in any specific modeling language, and also more general than queries answerable by navigating through a model and retrieving recorded information. A final contribution follows from investigating tools for the automation method. Analysis model-building is a model-to-model transformation, and languages and tools for model-to-model transformation already exist in Model-Driven Architecture of software. The contribution considers if and how these tools can be re-purposed by contrasting software object-oriented code generation and engineering analysis model-building. It is argued that both use cases share a common transformation paradigm but executed at different relative levels of abstraction, and the argument is supported by showing how several Operations Research analyses can be defined in an object-oriented way across multiple layered instance-of abstraction levels. Enabling Operations Research analysis of discrete-event logistics systems to be more widely used in a cost-effective and correct manner requires considering fundamental questions about what knowledge is required to answer a question about a system, how to formally capture that knowledge, and what that capture enables. Developments here are promising, but provide only limited answers and leave much room for future work.

In this study, we consider the Operational Fixed Job Scheduling Problem on identical parallel machines. The problem is to select a subset of jobs for processing among a set of available jobs with fixed arrival times and deadlines, so as to maximize the total weight. We analyze the problem under three environments: Working time constraints, Spread time constraints, and Machine dependent job weights. We show that machine eligibility constraints appear as a special case of the last environment. We settle the complexity status of all problems, and show that they are NP-hard in the strong sense and have several polynomially solvable special structures. For all problems, we propose branch and bound algorithms that employ powerful reduction mechanisms and efficient lower and upper bounds. The results of our computational runs reveal that, the algorithms return optimal solutions for problem instances with up to 100 jobs in reasonable solution times.

In this thesis, two methods are proposed in order to rank units: Target-direction-set value efficiency analysis (TDSVEA) and mixed integer programming (MIP) technique. Besides its ranking ability based on preferences of a decision maker (DM), TDSVEA, which modifies the targeted projection approach of Value Efficiency Analysis (VEA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), provides important information to analyzer: targets and distances of units from these targets, proposed input allocations in order to project these targets, the lack of harmony between the DM and the manager of the unit etc. In MIP technique, units select weights of the criteria from a feasible weight space in order to outperform maximum number of other units. Units are then ranked according to their outperforming ability. Mixed integer programs in this technique are simplified by domination and weight-domination relations. This simplification procedure is further simplified using transitivity between relations. Both TDSVEA and MIP technique are applied to rank research universities and these rankings are compared to those of other ranking techniques.

ABSTRACT PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION OF CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED MORTARS CONTAINING HIGH VOLUMES OF POZZOLAN BY STATISTICAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS Aldemir, BaSak M.S., Department of Industrial Engineering Supervisor: Prof. Dr. &Ouml / mer Saat&ccedil / ioglu Co-Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lutfullah Turanli January 2006, 167 pages This thesis illustrates parameter optimization of early and late compressive strengths of chemically activated mortars containing high volumes of pozzolan by statistical design and analysis of experiments. Four dominant parameters in chemical activation of natural pozzolans are chosen for the research, which are natural pozzolan replacement, amount of pozzolan passing 45 &amp / #956 / m sieve, activator dosage and activator type. Response surface methodology has been employed in statistical design and analysis of experiments. Based on various second-order response surface designs / experimental data has been collected, best regression models have been chosen and optimized. In addition to the optimization of early and late strength responses separately, simultaneous optimization of compressive strength with several other responses such as cost, and standard deviation estimate has also been performed. Research highlight is the uniqueness of the statistical optimization approach to chemical activation of natural pozzolans.

Entre os compostos orgânicos tóxicos possíveis de serem encontrados em águas de consumo humano, estão as nitrosaminas, substâncias nitrogenadas originárias da reação de aminas com compostos nitrosantes e de dificil detecção pelos métodos convencIOnaIs. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma metodologia de rotina alternativa para a determinação de nitrosaminas em águas e a aplicação deste procedimento em algumas amostras de interesse à Saúde Pública. Um minucioso estudo e otimização dos parâmetros envolvidos na detecção e separação cromatográfica empregando o detector de quimiluminescência induzida por ozônio ou Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), permitiram melhorar em 10 vezes a sensibilidade deste equipamento, permitindo assim a análise de traços de nitrosaminas, com o auxílio de uma pré-concentração da amostra e sem a necessidade do dessorvedor térmico. Comparativamente a outros detectores, o uso do GCffEA elimina as várias etapas necessárias para a descontaminação de material, requisitadas no uso do NPD e apresenta sensibilidade compatível com as técnicas de espectrometria de massas empregadas (High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) e Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS)), com a vantagem de uma operação mais simples e de menor custo. Para o alcance do objetivo, a utilização do planejamento de experimentos foi uma ferramenta fundamental. Por intermédio dela, os parâmetros críticos, como o fluxo de gases, temperatura de pirólise, etc. das principais etapas envolvidas no processo analítico, puderam ser estudados e otimizados. A metodologia proposta para a análise de traços de nitrosaminas em águas empregando GC/TEA mostrou boa especificidade, linearidade e precisão adequada com coeficientes de variação, na análise cromatográfica, na faixa entre 6 a 12% para as nitrosaminas voláteis analisadas. Considerando o propósito das análises, os limites de detecção alcançados foram adequados, como por exemplo, 0,2 ngL-l para a N-nitrosopiperidina e 2,0 ngL-I para a N-nitrosopropilamina levando em conta a recuperação obtida na etapa de pré-concentração. O método foi aplicado em amostras de água tratada, água bruta de reservatório e de rio, água de poço artesiano e extratos orgânicos provenientes de amostras de águas bruta e tratada. Algumas nitrosaminas voláteis de interesse toxicológico foram detectadas, como por exemplo, a N-nitrosodimetilamina (NUMA), que foi encontrada, dependendo da amostra, em concentrações menores que 0,3 ngL-1, limite de detecção, até 5,0 ngL-1. / Among the poisonous organic compounds liable to be found in waters of human consumption, are the nitrosamines, nitrogenous substances originated from amine reaction with nitrousing compounds, and of difficult detection by the conventional methods. The scope of this study was to develop an altemative routine methodology for the nitrosamine determination in waters and the application of this procedure in some samples of interest to the Public Health. A meticulous study and optimization of the parameters involved in the detection and chromatographic separation using a chemiluminescense detector induced by ozone or Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), allowed a 10 times improvement in the sensibility of this equipment, allowing trace analysis of nitrosamines, with the aid of a pre-concentration of the sample and without the need of the thermal desorber. Comparing to other detectors, the use of GC/TEA eliminates several necessary stages for material decontamination, required in the use of NPD and it comparable presents sensibility with such Mass Spectrometric techniques as High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) and Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS), with the advantage of simpler operation at lower cost. To achieve the objective, the use of statistical of experimental design was a fundamental tool. By means of it, the criticall parameters, such as the gas flow rate, pyrolysis temperature, among others involved in the analytical process, could be studied and optimized. The methodology proposed for the analysis of nitrosamine traces in waters using GC/TEA showed good specificity, linearity and appropriate precision with a coefficient variation, in the chromatographic analysis, in the range between 6 and 12% for the analyzed volatile nitrosamines. Considering the purpose of the analyses, the detection limits reached were appropriate, as for instance, 0,2 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopyperidine and 2,0 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopropylamine taking into account the recovery obtained in the pre-concentration stage. The method was applied to samples of treated water, raw water of reservoirs and rivers, water of artesian wells and organic extracts coming from samples of treated and raw waters. Some volatile nitrosamines of toxicological interest were detected, as for instance, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), that was found, depending on the sample, in concentrations below the 0,3 ngL-1 (detection limit) till up to 5,0 ngL-1.

Entre os compostos orgânicos tóxicos possíveis de serem encontrados em águas de consumo humano, estão as nitrosaminas, substâncias nitrogenadas originárias da reação de aminas com compostos nitrosantes e de dificil detecção pelos métodos convencIOnaIs. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma metodologia de rotina alternativa para a determinação de nitrosaminas em águas e a aplicação deste procedimento em algumas amostras de interesse à Saúde Pública. Um minucioso estudo e otimização dos parâmetros envolvidos na detecção e separação cromatográfica empregando o detector de quimiluminescência induzida por ozônio ou Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), permitiram melhorar em 10 vezes a sensibilidade deste equipamento, permitindo assim a análise de traços de nitrosaminas, com o auxílio de uma pré-concentração da amostra e sem a necessidade do dessorvedor térmico. Comparativamente a outros detectores, o uso do GCffEA elimina as várias etapas necessárias para a descontaminação de material, requisitadas no uso do NPD e apresenta sensibilidade compatível com as técnicas de espectrometria de massas empregadas (High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) e Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS)), com a vantagem de uma operação mais simples e de menor custo. Para o alcance do objetivo, a utilização do planejamento de experimentos foi uma ferramenta fundamental. Por intermédio dela, os parâmetros críticos, como o fluxo de gases, temperatura de pirólise, etc. das principais etapas envolvidas no processo analítico, puderam ser estudados e otimizados. A metodologia proposta para a análise de traços de nitrosaminas em águas empregando GC/TEA mostrou boa especificidade, linearidade e precisão adequada com coeficientes de variação, na análise cromatográfica, na faixa entre 6 a 12% para as nitrosaminas voláteis analisadas. Considerando o propósito das análises, os limites de detecção alcançados foram adequados, como por exemplo, 0,2 ngL-l para a N-nitrosopiperidina e 2,0 ngL-I para a N-nitrosopropilamina levando em conta a recuperação obtida na etapa de pré-concentração. O método foi aplicado em amostras de água tratada, água bruta de reservatório e de rio, água de poço artesiano e extratos orgânicos provenientes de amostras de águas bruta e tratada. Algumas nitrosaminas voláteis de interesse toxicológico foram detectadas, como por exemplo, a N-nitrosodimetilamina (NUMA), que foi encontrada, dependendo da amostra, em concentrações menores que 0,3 ngL-1, limite de detecção, até 5,0 ngL-1. / Among the poisonous organic compounds liable to be found in waters of human consumption, are the nitrosamines, nitrogenous substances originated from amine reaction with nitrousing compounds, and of difficult detection by the conventional methods. The scope of this study was to develop an altemative routine methodology for the nitrosamine determination in waters and the application of this procedure in some samples of interest to the Public Health. A meticulous study and optimization of the parameters involved in the detection and chromatographic separation using a chemiluminescense detector induced by ozone or Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), allowed a 10 times improvement in the sensibility of this equipment, allowing trace analysis of nitrosamines, with the aid of a pre-concentration of the sample and without the need of the thermal desorber. Comparing to other detectors, the use of GC/TEA eliminates several necessary stages for material decontamination, required in the use of NPD and it comparable presents sensibility with such Mass Spectrometric techniques as High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) and Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS), with the advantage of simpler operation at lower cost. To achieve the objective, the use of statistical of experimental design was a fundamental tool. By means of it, the criticall parameters, such as the gas flow rate, pyrolysis temperature, among others involved in the analytical process, could be studied and optimized. The methodology proposed for the analysis of nitrosamine traces in waters using GC/TEA showed good specificity, linearity and appropriate precision with a coefficient variation, in the chromatographic analysis, in the range between 6 and 12% for the analyzed volatile nitrosamines. Considering the purpose of the analyses, the detection limits reached were appropriate, as for instance, 0,2 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopyperidine and 2,0 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopropylamine taking into account the recovery obtained in the pre-concentration stage. The method was applied to samples of treated water, raw water of reservoirs and rivers, water of artesian wells and organic extracts coming from samples of treated and raw waters. Some volatile nitrosamines of toxicological interest were detected, as for instance, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), that was found, depending on the sample, in concentrations below the 0,3 ngL-1 (detection limit) till up to 5,0 ngL-1.

The internal combustion engine is synonyms with the automobile since its invention in late 19th century. The internal combustion engine today is far more advanced and efficient compared to its early predecessors. An intense competition exists today amongst the automotive OEMs in various countries and regions for stepping up sales and increasing market share. The pressure on automotive OEMs to reduce fuel consumption and emission is enormous which has lead to innovations of many variations in engine and engine-related technologies. However, IC engines are in existence for well more than a century and hence have already evolved to a highly refined state. Changes in IC engine are therefore largely incremental in nature. A deterrent towards development of an engine configuration that is significantly different from its predecessor is the phenomenal cost involved in prototyping. Thus, the only viable alternative in exploring new engine concepts and even optimizing designs currently in operation is through extensive use of CAE. In light of published work in the field of analysis of IC engines, current research effort is directed towards development of a rational methodology for arriving at a weight-optimized engine design, which simultaneously meets performance of various attributes such as thermal, durability, vehicle dynamics and NVH. This is in contrast to the current methodology adopted in industry, according to which separate teams work on aspects of engine design such as combustion, NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), acoustics, dynamics, heat transfer and durability. Because of the involvement of heterogeneous product development groups, optimization of an engine for weight, which can have a significant impact on its power-to-weight ratio, becomes a slow process beset with manual interventions and compromise solutions. Thus, following the traditional approach, it is quite difficult to claim that an unambiguous weight-optimized design has been achieved. As a departure from the practiced approach, the present research effort is directed at the deployment of a single multi-physics explicit analysis solver, viz. LS-DYNA - generally known for its contact-impact analysis capabilities, for simultaneously evaluating a given engine design for heat transfer, mechanical and thermal loading, and vibration. It may be mentioned that only combustion analysis is carried out in an uncoupled manner, using proven phenomenological thermodynamic relations, to initially arrive at mechanical and thermal loading/boundary conditions for the coupled thermo-mechanical analysis. The proposed methodology can thus be termed as a semi-integrated technique and its efficacy is established with the case study of designing a single cylinder air-cooled diesel engine from scratch and its optimization.