Statistical testing for sufficient control chart performances during monitoring of grouped processes

With ISO 7870-8, a standardized application of charting techniques for short runs and small mixed batches was presented in 2017. Similar to various scientific approaches, it requires that sample values from grouped processes follow nearly identical distributions. In practice, however, there tend to be differences between distribution parameters. Moreover, equal parameters do not ensure that distributions are properly aligned to the center line and control limits of the chart. These facts can lead to undesired control chart performances which can be expressed by average run lengths (ARL) during in-control and out-of-control conditions. In this work, a statistical test for sufficient control chart performances during monitoring of grouped processes based on preliminary samples is proposed. Control chart performances are defined as sufficient when they deviate within acceptable ranges from usual performances during single process monitoring in mass production. The ARL resulting from estimated distributions and planned production sequences is used as test statistic and calculated via the Markov chain approach. Exemplary tests are executed for scenarios with individuals and cumulated sum (CUSUM) charts. A simulative determination of error rates resulting from the ARL-based testing demonstrates its effectiveness in testing for sufficient control chart performances compared to an indirect testing with Levene's test and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).     

Filling the gap between Continuous and Discrete Time Dynamics of Autoregressive Processes

Discretization of continuous time autoregressive (AR) processes driven by a Brownian motion and embedding of discrete time AR sequences driven by a Gaussian white noise are classical issues. The article aims at establishing and using such discretization and embedding formulae between extended AR continuous time processes and discrete time sequences. The continuous-time processes are driven by either Brownian or jump processes, and may have random coefficients depending on time; Lévy-driven processes are also considered. The innovation of the discrete time processes may be of many types – including Gaussian. In one way, observing the continuous time AR process at discrete times leads the AR dynamics of the discretized process to be characterized. The other way round, AR sequences can be embedded, in the almost sure sense, into continuous time AR processes with the same dynamics. Illustration is provided through many examples and simulation.     

New iron-doped multilayer ceramic scaffold with noncontinuous bioactive behavior

New multilayer porous ceramic scaffolds, constituted by a core covered with external layers, are proposed as future bone tissue implants. The core with composition SiO₂ - 25P₂O₅ – 68CaO–6Li₂O (mol%) provided suitable compressive strength (0.9–1.6 MPa) to act as an initial support during bone tissue regeneration. The external layers with composition 29SiO₂ - 3P₂O₅ - (68-x) CaO - xFe₂O₃ (mol%) (x = 0.3 and 1) (samples C/EL-1Fe and C/EL-3Fe, respectively) conferred a bioactive character to scaffolds. The surfaces of both samples showed apatite precipitates after coming into contact with simulated body fluid (SBF). Sample C/EL-1Fe exhibited noncontinuous bioactive behavior, with precipitates of apatite that precipitated and dissolved between days 1 and 28. Sample C/EL-3Fe showed precipitates after 8 days that remained until the end of the study time. This variation in material, achieved by modifying the amounts of iron in external layers, represents an important advance in the ability to control an implant's bioactivity in line with requirements of future applications.     

超滤-纳滤组合工艺对东太湖原水的处理效果

随着工业化进程的不断加快,东太湖水质日趋恶化,给常规处理增加了很大的处理难度。针对水源污染问题和给水深度处理的需要,开展了超滤-纳滤双膜组合工艺处理东太湖原水的中试研究,考察双膜工艺对出水水质的提升效果。结果表明,超滤-纳滤双膜工艺对水质常规指标具有较好的去除效果,CODMn和TOC的去除率分别为91.7%和90%;对荧光类物质的去除主要表现在对芳香族蛋白质、类富里酸物质、溶解性微生物代谢产物的去除;此外,双膜组合工艺对小分子二甲基异莰醇(2-MIB)和土臭素(GSM)的去除率分别为70%和77%,表明该工艺对水中主要致嗅物质具有良好的去除能力。     

Topological preservation techniques for nonlinear process monitoring

This work proposes a novel approach for the offline development and online implementation of data-driven process monitoring (PM) using topological preservation techniques, specifically self-organizing maps (SOM). Previous topological preservation PM applications have been restricted due to the lack of monitoring and diagnosis tools. In the proposed approach, the capabilities of SOM are further extended so that all aspects of PM can be performed in a single environment. First for fault detection, using SOM's vector quantization abilities, an SOM-based Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is proposed to define the normal region. For identification, an SOM-based contribution plot is proposed to identify the variables most responsible for the fault. This is done by analyzing the residual of the faulty point and an SOM model of the normal region used in fault detection. The data points are projected on the model by locating the best matching unit (BMU) of the point. Finally, for fault diagnosis a procedure is formulated involving the concept of multiple self-organizing maps (MSOM), creating a map for each fault. This allows the ability to include new faults without directly affecting previously characterized faults. A Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) application is performed on dynamic faults such as random variations, sticky valves and a slow drift in kinetics. Previous studies of the TEP have considered particular feed-step-change faults. Results indicate an excellent performance when compared to linear and nonlinear distance preservation techniques and standard nonlinear SOM approaches in fault diagnosis and identification.     

Current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics of Al Schottky contacts to strained Si-on-insulator in the wide temperature range

The electrical characteristics of Al/strained Si-on-insulator (sSOI) Schottky diode have been investigated using current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements in the wide temperature range of 200–400 K in steps of 25 K. It was found that the barrier height (0.57–0.80 eV) calculated from the I–V characteristics increased and the ideality factor (1.97–1.28) decreased with increasing temperature. The barrier heights determined from the C–V measurements were higher than those extracted from the I–V measurements, associated with the formation of an inhomogeneous Schottky barrier at the interface. The series resistance estimated from the forward I–V characteristics using Cheung and Norde methods decreased with increasing temperature, implying its strong temperature dependence. The observed variation in barrier height and ideality factor could be attributed to the inhomogeneities in Schottky barrier, explained by assuming Gaussian distribution of barrier heights. The temperature-dependent I–V characteristics showed a double Gaussian distribution with mean barrier heights of 0.83 and 1.19 eV and standard deviations of 0.10 and 0.16 eV at 200–275 and 300–400 K, respectively. From the modified Richardson plot, the modified Richardson constant were calculated to be 21.8 and 29.4 A cm⁻² K⁻² at 200–275 and 300–400 K, respectively, which were comparable to the theoretical value for p-type sSOI (31.6 A cm⁻² K⁻²).