Michael Gene Hilgers

Usability in multiple monitor displays

An experimental study was conducted to examine the impact of multiple monitors on user performance and multitasking. Forty-three participants were assigned to two groups - a multi-monitor group and a singlemonitor group - to carry out a series of tasks. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Results indicated that those who used the multi-monitor display were more inclined to multitask and scored higher on performance measures than those using the single monitor. Interviews from the participants validated the quantitative results and provided additional insights on usability issues of multi-monitor displays.

Supply chain dynamics relief of sudden-onset disasters

A sudden-onset disaster such as hurricane, tidal wave, or earthquake creates a nearly insurmountable challenge in bringing humanitarian relief to those who desperately need it. This paper seeks to assess the last-mile of the supply chain to ensure relief is delivered to those who need it. A model utilising a stochastic process is developed to study the supply chain distribution process as dependent on the humanitarian relief concerns. This model is analysed and critical considerations are recognised. A stochastic model was used to assess whether a last-mile relief station could run indefinitely. The answer to this question is no. The station will eventually reach a state of under-stock or overstock; both scenarios indicate ineffectiveness. Various aspects of this problem have been studied from the perspective of supply chain management to optimal facility location. This paper focuses on the last critical mile and its distribution needs.

Collaborative international education: reaching across borders

Purpose – As international boundaries fade and financial pressures increase, universities are redefining the norm in educational models. The move from a synchronous classroom to a blended classroom or a completely asynchronous environment has forced faculty to be creative in delivery while overcoming complexities in the associated infrastructure. Furthermore, geographic boundaries have diminished, leaving universities seeking ways to reach out to growing student markets, such as South‐east Asia. However, this rapid international growth and nearly constant revision of delivery has raised serious questions regarding the maintenance of the quality and reputation of the institution. This is particularly challenging for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs requiring laboratory facilities, commercial software, and detailed, highly interactive theoretical analysis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution, in the aforementioned environment, of a science, technology, eng...

A Method for Matching Fractured Surfaces using Shadow Profilometry

Characterization of fractured surfaces is of interest to forensic scientists because the measurements can be used to investigate if two fractured surfaces have originated from a single common item, thus allowing the scientists to reconstruct shattered objects and structures. Fracture surfaces of object fragments that failed in tension under load or were torn apart because of explosive forces will have essentially matching surfaces. This paper presents an inexpensive technique for constructing a digital image of a three dimensional surface via two dimensional slices of very small objects using shadow profilometry. This method preserves minor details so that measurements can be made to characterize the each surface and calculate the likelihood that the two surfaces were disjointed. Samples were created by using a load frame to pull apart round, square, and rectangular rods of various materials such as high and low carbon steel, aluminium, brass, and copper. Other samples were created by blasting. Various methods and algorithms utilizing optical microscopy, shadow profilometry, and digital image processing were developed to characterize two fracture surfaces to determine if they originated from a single common object.

Surface reconstruction using shadow profilometry

Digital image analysis has rich potential in application to post-disaster forensic investigations. The underlying concept is to reconstruct the exterior surfaces of object fragments that failed under load or were torn apart because of explosive forces. The surface reconstruction technique must be sufficiently accurate to capture detailed characteristics of small samples for identification and classification of the object under examination. This paper presents an inexpensive technique for constructing a digital image of a three dimensional surface of very small objects which preserves the minor details via two dimensional slices produced using shadow profilometry.