Articles tagged with Industrial Engineering
A University of Pittsburgh professor is utilizing optimization techniques to find effective solutions for mitigating forest fires. The project aims to predict when and where fuel treatment methods should be implemented to best control wildfires.
Researchers created a stress-detecting polymer by incorporating copper complexes into polybutylacrylate, shining brighter when stretched. The copper complexes emit light at greater intensity, enabling the detection of small amounts of stress.
Chelsea Heveran and her team have developed a novel approach to make building materials alive, using photosynthetic bacteria called Synechococcus. The self-healing bricks can be replicated and reused, reducing the need for cement and other chemicals.
UTA researchers create a non-contact testing system to inspect bridges without disrupting commuters. The system uses sensors mounted on a moving platform to detect mechanical waves and map hidden damage, enabling more accurate maintenance plans.
A new research study suggests that redesigning the contract for the Medicare Shared Savings Program could lead to significant cost savings. The proposed changes aim to align provider incentives with performance-based subsidies, increasing reimbursement payments and improving healthcare outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a method for working with uncertainty in deadlines. By mapping out the uncertainty and incorporating it into a project management system, managers can improve their success rates. This technique can help managers save time and resources by focusing on less uncertain requirements.
A mobile application will register natural head and body movements, distinguish between different skin tones and lighting conditions, and capture vital signs such as pulse rate. The project aims to expand beyond a 'wellness app' classification by the FDA, to an FDA-approved tool that can be used globally.
Professor Sheldon Jacobson and his students developed a risk-based security system that streamlined airport screenings, saving an estimated $350 million annually. Their work led to the creation of TSA PreCheck, which uses dynamic models to assess passenger risk over time.
Researchers discovered that Sonora cactus pads undergo complex microscale, seasonal and age-related wettability changes. This unique characteristic is now being applied to develop smart materials for hazmat suits, which will preserve water while allowing vapor and heat transfer.
Researchers found that cyclists experience only 5-7% of the air resistance they face when solo riding. This discovery may lead to more successful escapes and changes the positioning strategy for professional cycling teams.
Young-Jun Son and his students at the University of Arizona have received awards from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) for their research on disaster management and hand gesture task recognition. Their work aims to predict human behavior in social networks during emergencies and develop a simulation model to sup...
Researchers developed two models to optimize food bank operations, accounting for uncertainty in capacity and demand. The models aim to distribute food efficiently and equitably while minimizing waste.
Bill Schell, a Montana State University assistant professor, has been recognized as an ASEM Fellow for his contributions to engineering management and leadership. He is one of only 72 members to receive the award since 1988.
The Lehigh project aims to build bridges between optimization experts, learning theorists, and statisticians to advance machine learning. With a $1.5 million grant, the team will develop innovative educational pathways and state-of-the-art mathematical tools for data science, promoting long-term research and training activities in the ...
Researchers have developed a new composite catalyst that reduces the use of rare earth elements, such as Cerium, in catalytic converters. The catalyst showed improved oxygen storage and release capabilities compared to traditional catalysts, providing better buffering effects during fuel-rich and lean exhaust conditions.
Researchers developed a degradable material using corn starch and metal-organic framework nanoparticles, offering promising properties for electronic substrates and insulators. The material has mechanical, electrical, and flame retardant properties, making it suitable for eco-friendly electronics.
Researchers found that proper knee and back angles during the Islamic prayer ritual can reduce lower back pain. The angles are based on individual body shapes, and incorrect movements can increase pain. Further study is needed for physically handicapped individuals and women, especially pregnant women.
Researchers found that seawalls higher than 5 meters reduce damage and death from tsunamis, while coastal forests also play a protective role. The analysis showed a significant decrease in destruction rates with increased seawall height and a reduced risk of death and destruction in areas with extensive coastal forest coverage.
A new study suggests that helping coworkers can be draining for employees, especially those with high pro-social motivation. Employees should exercise caution when agreeing to help and consider the magnitude of the issue before seeking assistance.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new algorithm to reduce massive amounts of connected traffic data, enabling real-time information to be provided to users. The HTGD approach identifies similar communities in the data and finds the shortest route at the highest level, reducing search space and increasing effici...
Dr. Beth Hegab, an industrial engineering lecturer and program coordinator at Louisiana Tech University, has received the 2016 Engineering Faculty Professionalism Award for her innovative work in developing online graduate degree programs. She has increased the size of the engineering program by 450% through online options.
Researchers have developed a road material that de-ices itself by releasing de-icing salt as it wears away, potentially eliminating the need for annual salt applications. The new composite, combining potassium formate with styrene-butadiene-styrene and bitumen, significantly delays ice formation in lab studies.
SABEL Sense technology offers an alternative to GPS for tracking running speeds and distances, presenting a viable solution for improved athlete assessment techniques. The technology has been found to be highly accurate for running speeds, with potential benefits in monitoring training and game workloads.
Researchers developed a cost-saving software-based method that compares pressure and flow rate measurements with mathematical models to accurately detect small leaks in pipelines. This technique successfully reduced errors by 18% and estimated potential savings of millions of dollars compared to existing leak-detection methods.
Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive method to remove arsenic from contaminated groundwater using discarded cigarette ash coated with aluminum oxide. This method is particularly useful for rural and developing regions where access to advanced treatment technology is limited.
Scientists discovered that liquids containing nanoparticles, known as nanofluids, have the potential to effectively cool devices. The study analyzed three types of nanofluids, finding one mixture of copper oxide and water to be the most effective coolant.
Researchers at the American Chemical Society have developed a novel compound that reduces the bleaching temperature of cotton fabrics from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees, significantly lowering energy consumption and producing less wastewater. The new method also improves fabric quality and maintains vibrant colors.
Researchers developed a model called Perfumery Radar 2.0 to quantify perfumes' nuances, matching expert descriptions without biases. The tool helps perfumers create new scents by classifying fragrances into families and identifying their characteristics, such as spicy or sweet.
Scientists develop sustainable paint ingredient from plants that repel barnacles without killing them, set to reduce fuel use by 40% and minimize environmental impact
The device achieves low consumption by harnessing environmental energy sources. Wireless sensor networks utilizing the device have numerous applications in various fields.
Researchers have created a way to clean dirty banknotes, removing accumulated sebum and motor oil without damaging security features. This process could save nearly $10 billion annually and minimize the environmental impact of currency disposal.
Unprocessed, raw cotton has been found to be an ideal, eco-friendly material for cleaning up oil spills, absorbing and holding over 30 pounds of crude oil per pound. The sustainable and biodegradable property of cotton makes it a promising alternative to synthetic sorbents.
Jute has been found to enhance the strength and resistance of mortar and concrete by working as a reinforcement fiber. The addition of jute fibers also delays the hardening process, making it beneficial for applications requiring transported pre-mixed cement aggregates.
Scientists have created a slow-release fertilizer using attapulgite, guar gum, and humic acid, reducing waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The new fertilizer has been shown to improve soil moisture content, regulate soil acidity and alkalinity, and minimize nutrient loss via runoff and leaching.
Scientists discover date palm juice inhibits corrosion of aluminum alloy in salt solution, forming protective film on metal's surface. The juice contains sugars that react with aluminum to form an anticorrosive film.
A UA systems engineering doctoral student has developed a simulated operations system to increase mining efficiency, which earned him the IIE research award. The system can coordinate scheduling decisions in near-real time and has been demonstrated with real-world coal mines.
Scientists have developed a way to reuse expensive enzymes used in laundry detergents hundreds of times, opening the door for new eco-friendly laundry products. The reusable enzyme-coated plastic flakes and strips could make cheaper detergents more effective.
Oren Etzioni proposes a future where computers can find answers by analyzing data on the internet, going beyond keyword searches. The University of Washington's Turing Center has developed an open-source tool called ReVerb to achieve this goal.
Researchers successfully incorporated Waelz slag into commercial-size bricks using existing equipment, reducing toxic metal leaching. The resulting bricks meet EU quality standards for construction ceramic materials.
Purdue University researchers introduce a new class of software called surrogate interaction, enabling designers to easily change complex object features. This approach also enhances video game experiences by allowing players to manipulate animated characters and objects simultaneously.
Researchers have discovered that minced banana peels can quickly and efficiently remove toxic metals like lead and copper from river water, outperforming other materials in the process. The discovery could provide a sustainable solution for water purification, especially in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University are leading a project to develop robots that can selectively pick high-value crops like greenhouse peppers and premium wine grapes. The robots will be equipped with advanced sensing and manipulation algorithms to detect ripe fruit and avoid unripe ones.
Georges Belfort has made seminal contributions in liquid-phase pressure-driven membrane-based processes, bioseparations engineering, interfacial science, and affinity separations. He is honored by the American Chemical Society for his outstanding research and practice contributions to the advancement of science and technology.
Researchers found that tobacco bio-oil, produced through pyrolysis, is effective against various insect pests and microorganisms. The oil killed all tested Colorado potato beetles and blocked growth of bacteria and fungi.
Jerry Posakony, scientist at PNNL, received the AAES John Fritz Medal for his groundbreaking work in ultrasonics and medical diagnostics. His research enabled physicians to visualize internal body structures, significantly advancing medical diagnosis.
Scott Shappell, a professor at Clemson University, has been elected Fellow of the American Psychological Association for his significant impact in human error research and fatigue effects on performance. He is known for co-developing groundbreaking tools to identify and prevent accidents in high-risk industries.
Researchers propose a new system to warn of impending pandemics by monitoring subtle signals in human behavior, such as increased flu-related medication purchases. This approach aims to overcome the traditional challenge of knowing when events leading to pandemics begin, allowing for proactive measures to be taken.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that bluffing can be a profitable strategy in prediction markets, which can cloud their accuracy. To combat this, the researchers propose penalizing later trades by charging participants to make them.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers have developed a hand gesture recognition system that enables doctors to manipulate digital images during surgeries by motioning instead of touching screens. This system reduces sterility risks and prevents the spread of infection, which is particularly important in hospital operating rooms.
A new bus scheduling algorithm, developed by a University of Southern California engineer, aims to reduce waiting times and improve transit reliability. The algorithm analyzes the impact of slack time on buses and finds that building in between 15 and 20 percent slack time is optimal, depending on total round trip travel time.
Researchers at Princeton University developed an algorithm to optimally assign funding proposals to reviewers, resolving a long-standing issue for the National Science Foundation. The solution has broad applications in scheduling interns, deploying combat units, and assigning teachers to classes.
A study found that when doctors spend at least 10 minutes with patients, inquire about immunizations before exams, have four staff members, and hold down waiting room time, over 90% of patients are properly vaccinated. Critical path analysis revealed the full sequence of events was more powerful than individual activities.