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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

M. Moallem and R. Khoshbin

Discusses development of an open architecture multi‐robot system that can be used for training engineers in the area of networked‐based multi‐robot programming.

434

Abstract

Purpose

Discusses development of an open architecture multi‐robot system that can be used for training engineers in the area of networked‐based multi‐robot programming.

Design/methodology/approach

The robots are operated under their original controllers connected together through a network of supervisory computers. A preemptive multi‐tasking real time operating system (RTOS) running on these computers is used to perform supervisory and cooperative tasks involving multiple robots. The software environment allows for controlling the motion of one or more robots and their interaction with other devices.

Findings

Robots can be networked to perform more elaborate tasks.

Originality/value

The environment is used to train undergraduate and graduate students on how to develop software for various robotic applications, including scheduling techniques, cooperative manipulation, collision avoidance, and emerging robotic applications.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Book part
Publication date: 18 March 2020

Alice Cassidy, Yona Sipos and Sarah Nyrose

There is a growing need to train and support educators to introduce or enhance aspects of sustainability into post-secondary curriculum. The authors provide an overview of…

Abstract

There is a growing need to train and support educators to introduce or enhance aspects of sustainability into post-secondary curriculum. The authors provide an overview of integration of curricular sustainability development and education as well as related institutional leadership at the post-secondary level. Turning to educational development for sustainability education, the authors share tools and resources to support educators from any discipline, to introduce, integrate, and/or enhance sustainability in their course, program, or initiative. The authors found very few examples of workshops to post-secondary teachers. For one such example, the Sustainability Education Intensive, a three-day workshop that the authors designed and led at the University of British Columbia. The authors summarize the workshop aspects that two years of participants found helpful, and how workshop involvement affected them as sustainability educators. The authors encourage post-secondary institutions to provide support in the form of workshops, resources, and funding to help educators introduce or enhance aspects of sustainability into their courses and programs. Students are asking for this, and, as they are future leaders, it is important that educators address the numerous environmental, social and economic issues that demand attention.

Details

Integrating Sustainable Development into the Curriculum
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78769-941-0

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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2024

Shujing Li, Xiaojuan Huang, Zhiheng He, Yongxiang Liu, Hui Qu and Jing Wu

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a double-stator switched reluctance machine (DS-SRM) for electric vehicles (EVs) and to propose multi-mode operations for this machine.

59

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a double-stator switched reluctance machine (DS-SRM) for electric vehicles (EVs) and to propose multi-mode operations for this machine.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of flux linkage distributions and torque characteristics using finite element method (FEM). Building a dynamic simulation model based on electromagnetic characteristics, mathematical equations and mechanical motion equations of the DS-SRM drive system. The paper proposes multi-mode operations (inner-stator excitation mode, outer-stator excitation mode and double-stator excitation mode) based on motor working regions. It also conducts simulation and experimental results to verify the effectiveness of the proposed multi-mode operations strategies and control schemes.

Findings

There is almost no electromagnetic coupling between the inner and outer stators due to the specially designed rotor structure and optimized windings polarity configuration. Analysis of flux linkage distributions and torque characteristics verified the independence of inner and outer stators. Proposal of multi-mode operations and corresponding control rules achieved the smooth switching between different modes.

Originality/value

The paper introduced the DS-SRM for EVs and proposed multi-mode operations, along with control rules, to optimize its performance. The specially designed rotor structure, optimized winding polarity configuration, and the proposed multi-mode operations contribute to the originality of the research.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 8 November 2024

Marwa Ben Moallem, Ayoub Tighazoui, Remy Houssin, Mohamed Haykal Ammar, Diala Dhouib and Amadou Coulibaly

This paper treats the problem of scheduling seafaring staff inspired from a real case study, where the shipowner operates several vessel categories that require specific skills…

112

Abstract

Purpose

This paper treats the problem of scheduling seafaring staff inspired from a real case study, where the shipowner operates several vessel categories that require specific skills aiming to achieve a fair workload distribution and minimizing incompatibility between workers while meeting legal constraints, including requirements for days off and rest intervals between shifts.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed integer linear problem (MILP) formulation has been built to address the seafaring staff scheduling problem by integrating multiple objectives and constraints. The model’s performance is tested through experimental results across varying parameter adjustments.

Findings

Our model was tested and validated using the XPRESS solver, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness in meeting the specified objectives and constraints. Notably, findings reveal that increasing the number of qualified workers leads to improved gains, until a certain threshold. Additionally, expanding the size of the workforce can result in longer execution times, specifically when incompatibility increases.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in proposing a generic novel model that deals with maritime staff scheduling, incorporating worker incompatibilities and workload fairness as key objectives.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 17 January 2020

William L. Sterrett, Rauf I. Azam, Mahnaz Moallem, Jess Boersma, Ahsan Bashir, Karl Ricanek, Mohammad Alam Saeed, Intzar Hussain Butt, Aisha Mahmood, Sohail Masood Sukhera and Christopher Raymond Gordon

This study sought to better understand how to support and plan for a collaborative effort that brought educators together from three universities in the United States and…

239

Abstract

Purpose

This study sought to better understand how to support and plan for a collaborative effort that brought educators together from three universities in the United States and Pakistan. This project sough to foster collaborative relationships between the two countries by expanding knowledge, collaboration, and capacity in middle schools in the Punjab region of Pakistan with a particular focus on underrepresented students and middle grades STEM instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was informed through the use of formative survey data gathered from the workshop participants throughout the course of the week. The researchers conducted pre and post surveys of 22 participants using Likert scale items.

Findings

This project provided insights regarding curriculum alignment, engaging communication, teacher-centered formative data. These findings offered insights on how to grow as reflective practitioners and researchers, and how to form a robust multi-national professional learning community.

Research limitations/implications

The survey data were gathered from participants who willingly sought professional development in one region of Pakistan. The sample was small (four participating middle schools and one local university) and thus the findings cannot be necessarily generalized to a greater population.

Practical implications

This project provides practical insights of how teams can work together in regard to building a professional learning community. Teams can plan with intentionality, foster various modes of discussion, and empower both teachers and students to inquire, solve problems, and share their insights.

Social implications

The STEM topics in this study are important across continents. Navigating time constraints and distance is feasible through communication, attention to objectives and clarity in goals, and a desire to learn outside of one’s usual comfort zones.

Originality/value

This project was unique in the time and space in which it was designed and implemented, yet it offers value in fostering ongoing collaboration through various modalities and in being intentional in the planning process.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

Michael D. Giardina and Jennifer L. Metz

This paper critically analyzes the International Olympic Committee's 2000 global marketing campaign titled “Celebrate Humanity”. Released prior to the 2000 Summer Games, this…

200

Abstract

This paper critically analyzes the International Olympic Committee's 2000 global marketing campaign titled “Celebrate Humanity”. Released prior to the 2000 Summer Games, this campaign capitalized on recent cultural trends by focusing on multicultural inclusivity and the idea that sport could contribute to world peace. Using this campaign as our case study, we demonstrate the possibilities for both local consumption and interpretation of a global campaign within the specific cultural context of the United States.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 24 April 2023

Misagh Rahbari, Alireza Arshadi Khamseh and Yaser Sadati-Keneti

The Russia–Ukraine war has disrupted the wheat supply worldwide. Given that wheat is one of the most important agri-food products in the world, it is necessary to pay attention to…

769

Abstract

Purpose

The Russia–Ukraine war has disrupted the wheat supply worldwide. Given that wheat is one of the most important agri-food products in the world, it is necessary to pay attention to the wheat supply chain during the global crises. The use of resilience strategies is one of the solutions to face the supply chain disruptions. In addition, there is a possibility of multiple crises occurring in global societies simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the resilience strategies of backup suppliers (BS) and inventory pre-prepositioning (IP) were discussed in order to cope with the wheat supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the p-Robust Scenario-based Stochastic Programming (PRSSP) approach was used to optimize the wheat supply chain under conditions of disruptions from two perspectives, feasibility and optimality.

Findings

After implementing the problem of a real case in Iran, the results showed that the use of resilience strategy reduced costs by 9.33%. It was also found that if resilience strategies were used, system's flexibility and decision-making power increased. Besides, the results indicated that if resilience strategies were used and another crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, supply chain costs would increase less than when resilience strategies were not used.

Originality/value

In this study, the design of the wheat supply chain was discussed according to the wheat supply disruptions due to the Russia–Ukraine war and its implementation on a real case. In the following, various resilience strategies were used to cope with the wheat supply chain disruptions. Finally, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wheat supply chain in the conditions of disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine war was investigated.

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

Sareh Khazaeli, Mohammad Saeed Jabalameli and Hadi Sahebi

Due to the importance of quality to customers, this study considers criteria of quality and profit and optimizes both in a multi-echelon cold chain of perishable agricultural…

156

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the importance of quality to customers, this study considers criteria of quality and profit and optimizes both in a multi-echelon cold chain of perishable agricultural products whose quality immediately begins to deteriorate after harvest. The two objectives of the proposed cold chain are to maximize profit and quality. Since postharvest quality loss in the supply chain depends on various decisions and factors, in addition to strategic decisions, the authors consider the temperature setting in refrigerated facilities and transportation vehicles due to the unfixed shelf life of the products which is related to the temperature found by Arrhenius formula.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use bi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming to design a four-echelon supply chain. The authors integrate the supply chain echelons to detect the sources and factors of quality loss. The four echelons include supply, processing, storage and customer. The decisions, including facility location, assigning nodes of each echelon to corresponding nodes from the adjacent echelon, allocation of vehicles to transport the products from farms to wholesalers, processing selection, and temperature setting in refrigerated facilities, are made in an integrated way. Model verification and validation in the case study are done based on three perishable herbal plants.

Findings

The model obtains a 29% profit against a total cost of 71 and 93% of original quality of the crops is maintained, indicating a 7% quality loss. The final quality of 93% is the result of making a US$6m investment in the supply chain, including the procurement of high-quality raw materials; facility establishment; high-speed, high-capacity vehicles; location assignment; processing selection and refrigeration equipment in the storage and transportation systems, helping to maximize both the final quality of the products and the total profit.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed supply chain model should help managers with modeling decisions, especially when it comes to cold chains for agricultural products. The model yields these results – optimal location-allocation decisions for the facilities to minimize distances between the network nodes, which save time and maintain the majority of the products’ original quality; choosing the most appropriate processing method, which reduces the perishability rate; providing high-capacity, high-speed vehicles in the logistics system, which minimizes transportation costs and maximizes the quality; and setting the right temperature in the refrigerated facilities, which mitigates the postharvest decay reaction rate of the products.

Practical implications

Comparison of the results of the present research with those of the traditional chain (obtained through experts) shows that since the designed chain increases the profit as well as the final quality, it has benefits for the main chain stakeholders, which are customers of agricultural products. This study model is expected to have a positive impact on the environment by placing strong emphasis on quality and preventing excessive waste generation and air pollution by imposing a financial penalty on extra demand production.

Social implications

Since profit and quality of the final product are two important factors in all cultures and communities, the proposed supply chain model can be used in any food industry around the world. Applying the proposed model induces growth in local industries and promotes the culture of prioritizing quality in societies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research on a bi-objective four-echelon (supply, processing, storage and customer) postharvest supply chain for agricultural products including that integrates transportation logistics and considers the deterioration rate of products as a time-dependent variable at different levels of decision-making.

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Article
Publication date: 31 May 2021

Misagh Rahbari, Seyed Hossein Razavi Hajiagha, Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji, Farshid Riahi Dorcheh and Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes

This study focuses on a specific method of meat production that involves carcass purchase and meat production by packing facilities with a novel two-stage model that…

459

Abstract

Purpose

This study focuses on a specific method of meat production that involves carcass purchase and meat production by packing facilities with a novel two-stage model that simultaneously considers location-routing and inventory-production operating decisions. The considered problem aims to reduce variable and fixed transportation and production costs, inventory holding cost and the cost of opening cold storage facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model encompasses a two-stage model consisting of a single-echelon and a three-echelon many-to-many network with deterministic demand. The proposed model is a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model which was tested with the general algebraic modelling system (GAMS) software for a real-world case study in Iran. A sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the effect of retailers' holding capacity and supply capacity at carcass suppliers.

Findings

In this research, the number of products transferred at each level, the number of products held, the quantity of red meat produced, the required cold storage facilities and the required vehicles were optimally specified. The outcomes indicated a two percent (2%) decrease in cost per kg of red meat. Eventually, the outcomes of the first and second sensitivity analysis indicated that reduced retailers' holding capacity and supply capacity at carcass suppliers leads to higher total costs.

Originality/value

This research proposes a novel multi-period location-inventory-routing problem for the red meat supply chain in an emerging economy with a heterogeneous vehicle fleet and logistics decisions. The proposed model is presented in two stages and four-echelon including carcass suppliers, packing facilities, cold storage facilities and retailers.

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Article
Publication date: 26 August 2014

Poopak Roshanfekr, Torbjörn Thiringer, Sonja Lundmark and Mikael Alatalo

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the dc-link voltage for the converter of a wind generator should be selected, i.e. to determine the losses in the generator and the…

273

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the dc-link voltage for the converter of a wind generator should be selected, i.e. to determine the losses in the generator and the converter when using various dc-link voltage levels.

Design/methodology/approach

To presents the efficiency evaluation of 5 MW wind turbine generating systems, two 5 MW surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) with medium and low rated voltage is designed. A two-level transistor converter is considered for ac/dc conversion. Three different dc-link voltage levels are used. By using these voltage levels the PMSG is utilized in slightly different ways.

Findings

It is found that the system with the lower voltage machine has slightly higher annual energy efficiency compare to the higher voltage system. Furthermore, it is shown that the best choice for the dc-link voltage level is a voltage between the minimum voltage which gives the desired torque and the voltage which gives Maximum Torque Per Ampere.

Originality/value

A procedure as well as investigations with quantified results on how to find the highest complete drive system efficiency for a wind turbine application. Based on two given PMSG, the most energy-efficient dc-link voltage has been established.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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