Expert system approach to assist cane deleivery systems choice [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The aim of this research is to help in selecting an appropriate cane delivery system for prevailing situations. The recent paper adds sugar cane transporting systems to the last module of existing Expert System (ES) (FARMEC by Awady et al., 1997) as post harvesting system. The authors were taken among domain experts to evaluate and iterate the degrees of confidence set to assist cane delivery system choice in different situations. The process of iterating results was carried out until its outcome conformed at the end with the experts opinion. ”FARMEC E. S.” outcomes are accepted for their logical results in different situations. Qualifiers to result in choices were decided to account for vehicle, "camel, cart and trailer combinations" and mill equipment (Narrow-Rail Wagon "NRW", railway wagons and lorries). A total of 14 qualifiers, eight for the first link of transportation and six for the second link, were suggested. Each qualifier was evaluated with one degree. The degrees achieved by any cane delivery system consisted of the sum of the field to store vehicle and that of the store to mill equipment. The main results and recommendations are: 1-For the 1st. haulage distance (from field to collecting storage), the most appropriate means depend mainly on the distance and road condition. For short and rough roads the cart proved to be best. Meanwhile, for long and good roads, the tractor-drawn trailer hardy proved better than carts. 2-Camel use is not recommended according to the same argument. However they are expected to continue serving because of their availability on farm for meat, milk, wool, skin, and organic manure production. 3-For the second haulage distance (from collecting storage to factory), similarly, the railway has an advantage when rails are available. On other roads large lorry trucks seem to be favorable, followed by other trucks and trailers. 4-For the combined 1st. and 2nd haulage, the best of means can be combined. Of course, unloading and loading equipment have to be improved at the junction between two stages. However, tractor trailers might have an advantage if they can continue from the first to second stage without unloading and loading.

Summary in Arabic.

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