An Automated Methodology For A Comprehensive Definition Of The Supply Chain Using Generic Ontological Components

Today, worldwide business communities are in the era of the Supply Chains. A Supply Chain is a collection of several independent enterprises that partner together to achieve specific goals. These enterprises may plan, source, produce, deliver, or transport materials to satisfy an immediate or projected market demand, and may provide the after sales support, warranty services, and returns. Each enterprise in the Supply Chain has roles and elements. The roles include supplier, customer, or carrier and the elements include functional units, processes, information, information resources, materials, objects, decisions, practices, and performance measures. Each enterprise, individually, manages these elements in addition to their flows, their interdependencies, and their complex interactions. Since a Supply Chain brings several enterprises together to complement each other to achieve a unified goal, the elements in each enterprise have to complement each other and have to be managed together as one unit to achieve the unified goal efficiently. Moreover, since there are a large number of elements to be defined and managed in a single enterprise, then the number of elements to be defined and managed when considering the whole Supply Chain is massive. The supply chain community is using the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR model) to define their supply chains. However, the SCOR model methodology is limited in defining the supply chain. The SCOR model defines the supply chain in terms of processes, performance metrics, and best practices. In fact, the supply chain community, SCOR users in particular, exerts massive effort to render an adequate supply chain definition that includes the other elements besides the elements covered in the SCOR model. Also, the SCOR model is delivered to the user in a document, which puts a tremendous burden on the user to use the model and makes it difficult to share the definition within the enterprise or across the supply chain. This research is directed towards overcoming the limitations and shortcomings of the current supply chain definition methodology. This research proposes a methodology and a tool that will enable an automated and comprehensive definition of the Supply Chain at any level of details. The proposed comprehensive definition methodology captures all the constituent parts of the Supply Chain at four different levels which are, the supply chain level, the enterprise level, the elements level, and the interaction level. At the Supply Chain level, the various enterprises that constitute the supply chain are defined. At the enterprise level, the enterprise elements are identified. At the enterprises\u27 elements level, each element in the enterprise is explicitly defined. At the interaction level, the flows, interdependence, and interactions that exist between and within the other three levels are identified and defined. The methodology utilized several modeling techniques to generate generic explicit views and models that represents the four levels. The developed views and models were transformed to a series of questions and answers, where the questions correspond to what a view provides and the answers are the knowledge captured and generated from the view. The questions and answers were integrated to render a generic multi-view of the supply chain. The methodology and the multi-view were implemented in an ontology-based tool. The ontology includes sets of generic supply chain ontological components that represent the supply chain elements and a set of automated procedures that can be utilized to define a specific supply chain. A specific supply chain can be defined by re-using the generic components and customizing them to the supply chain specifics. The ontology-based tool was developed to function in the supply chain dynamic, information intensive, geographically dispersed, and heterogeneous environment. To that end, the tool was developed to be generic, sharable, automated, customizable, extensible, and scalable

Analytical and numerical water quality model for a sinusoidally varying pollutant discharge concentration

Analytical solution has been obtained for one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation which includes terms of decay and increasing sources by using Laplace transformation. Also numerical solution has been obtained by using explicit finite difference scheme. In this study the boundary condition applied at x = 0 describes a sinusoidal variation in pollutant concentration. The analytical solution obtained produces results that are exact for any location at any time. Impact of different parameters controlling the pollutant dispersion along the river at any time has been studied separately with figures help. This publication proved mathematically the fact that the high concentration of pollutant can be reduced by releasing fresh water discharges from Delta Barrage in the Nile River. For a real situation, our simple model can give decision support for planning restrictions to be imposed on cultivating and urban practices

PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF RAPIDLY DISSOLVING TABLETS OF RALOXIFENE HYDROCHLORIDE BY TERNARY SYSTEM FORMATION

Objectives: Enhancing the dissolution rate of raloxifene hydrochloride for the preparation of rapidly disintegrating tablets with subsequent rapid dissolution.Methods: Binary and ternary solid dispersions (SDs) with different carriers were prepared at various drug: carrier ratios including cremophor RH 40, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30), poloxamer 407 and gelucire 44/14 as carriers and were evaluated by drug content, In-vitro dissolution studies, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis analysis. The most efficient solid dispersion was selected for preparation of rapidly dissolving tablets.Results: SDs showed enhanced dissolution rate compared to the unprocessed drug. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that enhancement in drug dissolution was mainly due to a change in its crystalline structure. FTIR studies revealed no interaction between the drug and excipients. The dissolution pattern of the drug from the prepared tablet depended on the components of the tablets with those containing a combination of super-disintegrants (crospovidone and croscarmellose) in the presence of citric acid as channeling agent and pH modifier being the best.Conclusion: The study presented a system capable of increasing the dissolution rate of raloxifene with successful incorporation in rapidly disintegrating tablets with subsequent fast dissolution. 3

Effects of chemical structure, solvent and solution pH on the visible spectra of some new methine cyanine dyes

Some new dimethine and bis-dimethine, cyanine dyes derived from benzo[2,3-b; 2`,3`-b`]bis-pyrazolo[4,5-b]-l,4-(oxa-, thia-, and pyra-)-zine-6,12-dione were synthesized. Effect of chemical structure on the electronic visible absorption spectra of all the synthesized cyanine dyes was investigated in 95% ethanol solution. Effects of solvent and/or solution pH on the electronic visible absorption spectra of some selected synthesized cyanine dyes were also examined in pure solvents having different polarities and/or in aqueous universal buffer solutions, respectively. Structural confirmations were carried out through elemental analysis, mass spectroscopy, IR and 1H NMR spectra

Remediation of pollution in a river by releasing clean water using the solution of advection-diffusion equation in two dimensions

Analytical and numerical solutions are obtained for two-dimensional advection-diffusion equation, using Laplace transformation technique and explicit finite difference method for the pollutant concentration in a river or in shallow aquifer with time-dependent dispersion coefficients. We take two cases, first case: concentration of increasing nature (mixed type or third type) is considered at the origin and initially the domain is solute free. Second case: the river’s water is polluted initially (at time t = 0 ) while at the origin, at time t \u3e 0, the source of pollution is removed by releasing fresh water. We have proved mathematically the fact that the high concentration of pollutant can be reduced by releasing adequate discharges from barrage in a river. Both the dispersion coefficients, the velocity components and first order decay term are considered exponentially decreasing function of time. The different effects of the parameters controlling the pollutant dispersion along the river at any time are studied separately with the help of figures. The parameters that have a role in removing or reducing concentration of pollutant along the river have been studied in detail. When comparing the analytical solution with the numerical solution, we found a very good agreement between them. For a real situation, our simple model can provide decision support for planning restrictions to be imposed on farming and urban practices

Determination Of Energy Gap Of The Iron-Based Oxypnictide And Laofege Superconductors Using Specific Heat Capacity

The most prominent indicators of superconductivity are the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and the superconducting energy gap (Δ). These indicators associated with electronic state of temperature dependence of resistivity and specific heat measurements, respectively. The specific heat is a bulk measurement that reflects the behavior of the entire sample response. Here, we introduce a model that examines the transition characteristic to a normal/superconducting state at a critical temperature of the electron and phonon contributions of specific heat. Three basic postulates were adopted. First is that the transition of the system from normal to superconducting state, which allows phonons to bind electrons to form Cooper pairs, requiring a change in energy differences appearing in a specific heat behavior. Second, specific heat has different contributions, changing differently at Tc. This change is possibly a result of the physical function on such contributions. The third postulate is that phonon behavior can manifest superconductive property, particularly in the coexisting state. Based on the suggested superconducting transition model, which was constructed depending on the superconductive behavior of specific heat in accordance with above postulates, energy scales were obtained at normal state for iron-based oxypnictides. The pseudogap 2Δ was 14.26 meV for the SmO0.80F0.20FeAs compound, which was determined from the far-infrared reflectance spectra based on the phonon state at room temperature

Subsynchronous resonance oscillations mitigation via fuzzy controlled novel braking resistor model

Subsynchronous resonance (SSR) torsional torque oscillations is a problem of a great concern in the power engineering community. SSR causes torsional torque oscillations with ever-increasing magnitudes occurring in the machine shaft sections causing a premature fatigue life expenditure of the shaft metal. In this paper, dynamic braking switching strategy designed through fuzzy logic control theory and implemented via novel braking resistor model, namely chopper rectifier controlled braking resistor for tempering SSR torsional torque oscillations of a large turbo-generator. The proposed mitigation scheme has been tested on the IEEE second benchmark model for SSR studies. Comparative simulation study via MATLAB/Simulink-based modeling and simulation environment of the test model with and without the suggested mitigation regime should demonstrate its effectuality for mitigation of SSR torsional torque oscillations

Neutron Activation Analysis of Some Building Material

Neutron activation analysis (NAA), based on the comparator method, has the potential to fulfill the requirements of a primary ratio method as defined in 1998 by the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière — Métrologie en Chimie (CCQM, Consultative Committee on Amount of Substance — Metrology in Chemistry Studies of Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) have been carried out on different Egyptian building material samples. The technique of neutron activation analysis is based on the measurement of radiation released by the decay of radioactive nuclei formed by neutron irradiation of the material. The most suitable source of neutrons for such an application is usually a research reactor. The samples that can be analyzed with this method stem from a number of different fields, including medicine, nutrition, biology, chemistry, forensics, the environment and mining. Neutron activation analysis can be performed in a variety of ways. This depends on the element and the corresponding radiation levels to be measured, as well as on the nature and the extent of interference from other elements present in the sample. Most of the methods used are non-destructive, based on the detection of gamma radiation emitted by the irradiated material after or during the irradiation. Next to education and training, neutron activation analysis is the most widely used application of research reactors. Almost any reactor operating at 10-30 kilowatt of thermal power is capable of providing a sufficient neutron flux to irradiate samples for selective applications of this analysis technique. Another method of NAA by using two Am-Be isotopic neutron sources of activity 5 Ci were used in this investigation. The accomplished gamma rays were measured using 70 % HPGe spectrometer. This work demand to estimate the elements contained in cement products and its quality control. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) measurements were done for confirming our results, and for determining the average neutron flux of 3.7× 103 n/cm2sec. The Natural radioactivities of these samples were measured before the analysis to know the background level of 40K, 238U and232Th nuclei. The results investigated that NAA agree with the results of XRF and the world range of the cement concentration of the essential elements Ca, Al, Na, Fe, Mn, V, Sr and Si

El impacto de la inteligencia artificial como instrumento para reforzar la ventaja competitiva de los establecimientos hoteleros egipcios (Estudio de aplicación a hoteles de 4 y 5 estrellas)

The study aims to identify the impact of artificial intelligence techniques as a modern trend to reinforcing the competitive advantage in the Egyptian hotels establishments. The study population included all the Egyptian hotels in the governorates of (Greater Cairo, South Sinai, the Red Sea) with four stars, numbering (176), as well as five-star hotels, numbering (94), so that the total number of hotels is (270) hotels with a total number of employees from managers and heads of departments In these hotels (2430) individuals, and given the size of the target study community, which is difficult to reach due to its size, A sample of the study population was chosen to represent it by applying Stephen Thompson's equation, so that the sample size was (332) individuals. The study tools included distributing an electronic questionnaire on Google Form. The data on Through the SPSS 25 program for the social and behavioral sciences, the most important results that were reached were: that the Egyptian hotel sector uses artificial intelligence techniques, but to a lesser extent. The most important advantages of these applications are increasing the quality of services provided, improving performance, reducing human errors, overcoming problems related to the mental and psychological state of employees and achieving competitive advantage Egyptian hotel establishments, As for the most important obstacles to the applications of artificial intelligence, it is the need for huge investments, the increase in cost, and the absence of human resources qualified to use it, which in turn leads to reducing face-to-face communication between tourists and service providers in hotels. Artificial intelligence and enhancing the competitive advantage of Egyptian hotel establishments, as the greater the use of artificial intelligence techniques, the more this enhances the competitive advantage of Egyptian hotels establishments, The most important recommendations were to seek to expand the use of artificial intelligence techniques and remove all obstacles to application in Egyptian hotels facilities as a modern trend for the Egyptian state by following the steps and recommendations of Egypt Vision 2030 to enhance the competitive advantage of Egyptian hotels, as well as providing government financial support for the hospitality sector, and achieving cooperation with private international companies With Artificial Intelligence to maintain smart systems and ensure their sustainability, implement the concept of smart hospitality to gain a competitive advantage, and finally take into account some other factors such as service, quality and price for those systems in which hotel services will be provided.El objetivo de este estudio es mejorar los marcos normativos y regulatorios de las operaciones aeroportuarias, así como la calidad ambiental en los aeropuertos de cara a la implantación de la iniciativa internacional “Aeropuerto Verde”. Además, el estudio persigue ayudar a los aeropuertos a lograr sus objetivos ambientales y de gobernanza, incluidos los objetivos de emisiones netas cero. El riesgo de cambio climático debe mitigarse en los aeropuertos para mantener tanto el entorno turístico como el desarrollo sostenible y en el caso de los aeródromos egipcios conviene definir unas directrices preliminares para la medición de la Huella de Carbono correspondiente para evitar cualquier problema potencial, explicar las diferentes tecnologías aplicables para el desarrollo sostenible y proporcionar las soluciones óptimas para gestionar la información y datos primarios y secundarios disponibles para el aseguramiento de la sostenibilidad de los aeropuertos egipcios. El aeropuerto internacional de Sharm El-Sheikh fue elegido como aeropuerto modelo y es uno de los aeropuertos más importantes de Egipto. El proceso de analizar los datos de la huella de carbono para reducirla con técnicas y tecnología verdes que sean beneficiosas para los turistas y en comparación con 2022, luego de utilizar métodos y tecnología sostenibles, ha de conducir a la reducción dela huella de carbono del aeropuerto y aumentar las herramientas y tecnología verdes para los turistas. En general, los resultados del estudio muestran que el operador aeroportuario ha prestado suficiente atención a la gestión ambiental y la adopción del concepto de Aeropuerto Verde puede proporcionar a los operadores aeroportuarios una sensación de tranquilidad en la gestión de los aeropuertos, permitiéndoles mejorar la calidad operativa y ambiental de sus sistemas de control. El concepto de Aeropuerto Verde sirve como modelo para que los operadores aeroportuarios garanticen que sus actividades no tengan efectos adversos sobre el medio ambiente, pudiendo conducir a una mejora de la calidad ambiental, al tiempo que reducir significativamente los costos de gestión ambiental. En cualquier caso, aún están por llegar unos mayores esfuerzos en relación con cualquier cuestión relacionada con el impacto del cambio climático en los aeropuertos, el medio ambiente turístico y el desarrollo sostenible, por lo que ha de incrementarse el esfuerzo de investigación y desarrollo con el fin de encontrar las mejores formas y medios para garantizar un cielo seguro y limpio para volar