Temporary Platform Research Articles

Design of a Customer's Type Based Algorithm for Partner Selection Problem of Virtual Enterprise

Virtual Enterprise (VE) is a temporary platform for individual enterprises to collaborate with each other, sharing their core competencies to fulfill a customer demand. In order to improve the customer satisfaction, the most successful VEs select their consortium's members based on customer's preferences. There is quite extensive literature in the field of partner selection in VE, each proposing a new approach to evaluate and select the most appropriate partners among pool of enterprises. However, none of the studies in literature recommend which partner selection methodology should be used in each project with a particular customer attitude. In this study an algorithm is proposed which classifies the customers into three categories; passive, standard and assertive. Three different approaches; Fuzzy Logic- FAHP TOPSIS and Goal programming are used for each customer type respectively. This classification is beneficial since the problem's characteristics; such as vagueness of data, change as the customer's attitude varies. The results certify that, adopting this algorithm not only helps the VE to select the most appropriate partners based on customer preferences, but also the model adapts itself to each customer's attitude. As a result, the overall system flexibility is significantly improved.

A 4D automatic simulation tool for construction resource planning: a case study

Purpose– Traditional construction planning relies upon the critical path method and bar charts. Both of these methods suffer from visualization and timing issues that could be addressed by 4D technology specifically geared to meet the needs of the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new construction planning approach based on simulation by using a game engine.Design/methodology/approach– A 4D automatic simulation tool was developed and a case study was carried out. The proposed tool was used to simulate and optimize the plans for the installation of a temporary platform for piling in a civil construction project in Hong Kong. The tool simulated the result of the construction process with three variables: equipment, site layout and schedule. Through this, the construction team was able to repeatedly simulate a range of options.Findings– The results indicate that the proposed approach can provide a user-friendly 4D simulation platform for the construction industry. The simulation can also identify the solution being sought by the construction team. The paper also identifies directions for further development of the 4D technology as an aid in construction planning and decision making.Research limitations/implications– The tests on the tool are limited to a single case study and further research is needed to test the use of game engines for construction planning in different construction projects to verify its effectiveness. Future research could also explore the use of alternative game engines and compare their performance and results.Originality/value– The authors proposed the use of game engine to simulate the construction process based on resources, working space and construction schedule. The developed tool can be used by end-users without simulation experience.

Design and performance evaluation of low cost Earth to air heat exchanger model suitable for small buildings in arid and semi arid regions

An experimental study was performed on a prototype model of Earth to Air Heat Exchanger System (EAHE) equipped with low cost material like PVC pipes and exhaust fans made on temporary platform. Emphasis was given on the design of the duct system suitable for small houses without any space in urban and rural areas. Tests were performed to predict the cooling potential and impact of the material on the performance of EAHE system. Experiment was performed continuously for more than three weeks and the result shows that irrespective to the inlet air temperature (ranges from 34°C to 44°C), outlet air temperature was recorded between 20°C to 22°C, which shows the effectiveness of the system. No significant affect of the material used for making the underground air pipe system was recorded on the performance of the model. The Minimum EER (W/W) ratio calculated for the prototype model was around 3.78, which is equivalent to a Energy Star 5 rating, the most efficient system. The weekly energy saving potential of the model before and after integration of EAHE was analyzed i.e., around 5 kWh/week and 20 kWh/week respectively. This considerable increase in weekly energy savings potential of model due to EAHE leads to mitigation of CO2 emissions if implemented in the residential, commercial and industrial buildings and the corresponding annual carbon credit of these buildings can be decreased manifold. The Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis of model also shows that the payback period is around 3 to 4 years for the investment on EAHE system. After a series of experimental analysis the study also reveals that EAHE system is easily and economically feasible technique which can drastically reduce the consumption of energy in future and eliminate the need for conventional compressor based cooling systems.

Virtual prototyping for planning bridge construction

Abstract 4D simulation, building information modeling, virtual construction, computer simulation and virtual prototyping are emerging topics in the building construction industry. These techniques not only relate to the buildings themselves, but can also be applied to other forms of construction, including bridges. Since bridge construction is a complex process involving multiple types of plant and equipment, applying such virtual methods benefits the understanding of all parties in construction practice. This paper describes the relationship between temporary platforms, plant and equipment resources and a proposed-built model in the construction planning and use of Virtual Prototyping Simulation (VPS) to implement different construction scenarios in order to help planners identify an optimal construction plan. A case study demonstrates the use of VPS integrated with temporary platform design and plant and equipment-resource allocation to generate different construction scenarios.

Intraoperative Distraction in the Upper Extremity

Intraoperative distraction aids in the restoration of length, facilitates reduction, assists in maintaining rotational alignment, and provides a temporary stable platform for definitive fixation of acute fractures, malunions, and nonunions. This technique has been described at length in the lower extremity; however, there is a paucity of literature regarding its use in the upper extremity. Distraction is the application of tension across a fracture site. Proximal and distal fixation may be achieved in several ways, with common instrumentation including the use of an external fixator set. Intraoperative distraction may be invaluable in the treatment of displaced fractures of the upper extremity. The objective of this paper was to detail the technique of intraoperative distraction in the surgical treatment of fractures of the clavicle, humerus, radius, and ulna.

Paraffin Cleanout in a Single Subsea Flowline Using Xylene

Summary Paraffin deposition was found in the RedHawk #2 subsea flowline and was successfully removed using a xylene slug swept by produced gas from the well. Testing indicated that the problem resulted from the interaction between glycol and produced condensate. Overtreatment with glycol and low produced water volumes contributed to the precipitation of paraffin and eventual plugging of the flowline. The objective of this procedure was to clear the restriction by pumping a slug of xylene into the flowline and producing the well to carry the solids to surface. Glycol can react negatively with the condensate in some dry gas wells, resulting in paraffin precipitation. When there is sufficient water present to mix with the glycol the problem does not occur; however, a lack of water causes the glycol to react with the condensate and form paraffin. Clearing the restriction would eliminate a pressure drop in the flowline, thus allowing the well to produce at optimal rate and prolonging the well's life. All work was performed from the host spar facility using temporary separation equipment and platform methanol pumps. The RedHawk flowline restriction was successfully removed using two 25-bbl xylene slugs which were swept from the flowline with produced gas from the well. With the restriction removed, 982 psi of frictional loss was regained and the well was returned to optimal production. The deposition appears to be reoccurring, although at a much slower rate than before. However, any further reduction in glycol usage would not guarantee effective hydrate inhibition. Changing hydrate inhibitors is impractical because of platform equipment, and annual cleanouts are a more cost effective option. It is quickly becoming critical to develop means of cleaning single flowline systems with highly efficient and low-cost methods. By understanding new problems that arise and putting new solutions into practice, operators can extend the life of some wells and avoid significant downtime and workover costs.

Dextre: Improving maintenance operations on the International Space Station

The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), known as “Dextre”, is currently slated to launch in February 2008 for deployment on the International Space Station (ISS) as the final component of Canada's Mobile Servicing System (MSS). Dextre's primary role on the Space Station is to perform repair and replacement (R&R) maintenance tasks on robotically compatible hardware such as Orbital Replaceable Units (ORUs), thereby eventually easing the burden on the ISS crew. This burden on the on-orbit crew translates practically into crew time being a limited resource on the ISS, and as such, finding ways to assist the crew in performing their tasks or offloading the crew completely when appropriate is a bonus to the ISS program. This is already accomplished very effectively by commanding as many non-critical robotics tasks as possible, such as powering up and free-space maneuvering of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), known as “Canadarm2”, from the Ground. Thus, beyond its primary role, and based on an increasing clarity regarding the challenges of external maintenance on the ISS, Dextre is being considered for use in a number of ways with the objective of improving ISS operations while reducing and optimizing the use of crew time through the use of ground control for various tasks, pre-positioning hardware, acting as a temporary storage platform to break an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) day into manageable timelines, and extending the physical reach and range of the Canadarm2. This paper discusses the planned activities and operations for Dextre an rationale for how these will help optimize the use of crew resources on the ISS.

Repurchasing Shares on a Second Trading Line

This paper studies a unique buyback method allowing firms to reacquire their own shares on a separate trading line where only the firm is allowed to buy shares. This temporary trading platform is opened concurrently with the original trading line on the stock exchange. This share repurchase method is called the Second Trading Line and has been extensively used by Swiss companies since 1997. This type of repurchase is unique for two reasons. First, unlike open market programs, the repurchasing company does not trade under the cover of anonymity. Second, all transactions made by the repurchasing firm are publicly available in real time to every market participant. This is a case of instantaneous disclosure which contrasts sharply with other markets characterized by delayed or no disclosure. Using actual repurchase data from all buybacks implemented through second trading lines, we find that managers exhibit timing ability for the majority of programs. We also document that the daily repurchase decision is statistically associated with short-term price changes. However, we reject the opportunistic repurchase hypothesis and find no evidence that managers exploit their information advantage when reacquiring shares. We also find that repurchases on the second trading line have a beneficial impact on the liquidity of repurchasing firms (i.e., higher trading volumes, smaller bid-ask spreads, and thicker total depths). Exchanges and regulators may consider the second trading line an attractive share reacquisition mechanism because of its transparency and positive liquidity effects.

Evolution of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform: Palaeogeography, main events and depositional dynamics

The Adriatic Carbonate Platform (AdCP) is one of the largest Mesozoic carbonate platforms of the Perimediterranean region. Its deposits comprise a major part of the entire carbonate succession of the Croatian Karst (External or Outer) Dinarides, which is very thick (in places more than 8000 m), and ranges in age from the Middle Permian (or even Upper Carboniferous) to the Eocene. However, only deposits ranging from the top of the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) to the top of the Cretaceous can be attributed to the AdCP (defined as an isolated palaeogeographical entity). Although the entire carbonate succession of the Karst Dinarides was deposited within carbonate platform environments, there were different types of carbonate platforms located in different palaeogeographical settings. Carboniferous to Middle Triassic mixed siliciclastic–carbonate deposits were accumulated along the Gondwanian margin, on a spacious epeiric carbonate platform. After tectonic activity, culminating by regional Middle Triassic volcanism recorded throughout Adria (the African promontory), a huge isolated carbonate Southern Tethyan Megaplatform (abbreviated as STM) was formed, with the area of the future AdCP located in its inner part. Tectonic disintegration of the Megaplatform during the middle to late Early Jurassic resulted in the establishment of several carbonate platforms (including the Adriatic, Apenninic and Apulian) separated by newly drowned deeper marine areas (including the Adriatic Basin as a connection between the Ionian and Belluno basins, Lagonero Basin, and the area of the Slovenian and Bosnian troughs). The AdCP was characterised by predominantly shallow-marine deposition, although short or long periods of emergence were numerous, as a consequence of the interaction of synsedimentary tectonics and eustatic changes. Also, several events of temporary platform drowning were recorded, especially in the Late Cretaceous, when synsedimentary tectonics became stronger, leading up to the final disintegration of the AdCP. The thickness of deposits formed during the 125 My of the AdCP's existence is variable (between 3500 and 5000 m). The end of AdCP deposition was marked by regional emergence between the Cretaceous and the Palaeogene. Deposition during the Palaeogene was mainly controlled by intense synsedimentary tectonic deformation of the former platform area—some carbonates (mostly Eocene in age) were deposited on irregular ramp type carbonate platforms surrounding newly formed flysch basins, and the final uplift of the Dinarides reached its maximum in the Oligocene/Miocene. The Adriatic Carbonate Platform represents a part (although a relatively large and well-preserved one) of the broader shallow-water carbonate platform that extended from NE Italy to Turkey (although its continuity is somewhat debatable in the area near Albanian/Greece boundary). This large carbonate body, which was deformed mostly in the Cenozoic (including a significant reduction of its width), needs a specific name, and the Central Mediterranean Carbonate Platform is proposed (abbreviated to CMCP), although the local names (such as AdCP for its NW part) should be kept to enable easier communication, and to facilitate description of local differences in platform evolution.

철도차량의 승강장 통과시 발생하는 공기역학적 영향에 대한 실험적 연구

The aerodynamic effect on platform during the train passage, the results of field test on the high-speed railway platform are discussed and the whole test results and conclusions are synthesized. The field test for the high-speed railway have been conducted on the Osong temporary platform in the newly constructed Seoul-Busan high-speed line and total 12 measurements have been conducted for G7 train and KTX train. The results shows that the high-speed trains have similar aerodynamic characteristics and have far better characteristics referring to the conventional trains such as Saemaul and Mugungwha trains. To discuss the actual aerodynamic effects on the platform at its own operational speed, Beaufort wind scale have been introduced and the criteria for the safety on railway platform has also been discussed.

Temporary platform for reconstructing shops and furnaces

Temporary platform for reconstructing shops and furnaces

Class II overhaul of a 1033-m3 blast furnace

The authors discuss the overhaul of a 1033-m/sup 3/ blast furnace which included replacement of the shell of the uncooled part of the stack, the protective slabs of the crown and top, and the cooling slabs of the stack and bosh and partial replacement of the coolers in the tuyere zone. Work was completed on making and setting up the drag conveyor, unitized disassembly of the uncooled part of the stack, concreting the protective slabs of the top, installing planking on the suspended platforms, constructing a temporary platform and other tasks.

VI. Staging and Performance

The staging and performance of Aristophanes’ comedies have in recent times been given much attention. Comedies were presented at the City Dionysia and (more often than tragedy) at the Lenaia. They were put on — at whichever of these festivals — in the Theatre of Dionysos: it has been supposed, but on no convincing evidence, that Lenaian comedies were also staged in the Lenaion, the site of a ‘teatro di fortuna’. The Dionysan theatre had probably no stage, at least not a permanently raised one: ava-, καταβαίνω, verbs quoted in support of it, are consistent — where their meaning is not completely different — with a low, temporary platform, giving easy access to the orchestra (Dardanis is pulled up from there to the ‘stage’ by Philokleon, W. 1341). Performances took place in the open air, in daylight, and the audience could not consult a programme; a play which has a night scene must therefore either say so (‘Will it never be day?’, C. 3) or introduce some prop (a lamp, E. 1) to indicate it.