Analysis of Categorical Response in Small Sample Experiments

Statistical design of experiments (DOE) is widely used today for process and product characterization and optimization. Owing to cost and time considerations, sometimes only a minimum number of experimental runs can be conducted, with added challenges in analysis when the experimental outcomes cannot be measured on a continuous scale and are expressed only in qualitative terms such as ‘excellent’, ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’: such outcomes are variously described as ‘categorical’, ‘attribute’, ‘qualitative’, ‘discrete’ or ‘counted’ in nature. This paper offers practical techniques of handling small experiments with such non‐standard DOE response data which are otherwise impossible to analyze by standard statistical software. The suggested procedures, built upon what is called a Likelihood Transfer Function (LTF), do not require complex data analysis but would yield results consistent with the constraints of experimental conditions as well as the objectives of stakeholders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The family grouping philosophy

The paper explains how simple ideas in the field of group technology have led to the development of a new system of production, called the cell system, which differs from, but complements, flow-line production and traditional ‘ job and batch ’ (functional layout-based) production.

The cell system is not just a simple arrangement of similar components and similar tooling, but a new system of production, which, like the flow-line system, has rules and conditions for its practice. Only in the last two years has group technology developed sufficiently for a theory to begin to emerge.

With now production systems today, it is not enough to deal only with ‘ engineering ’ or ‘ production ’, but present clay systems must be concerned with the complex interaction of market, management, machines, and men.

This paper shows the importance of the cell system at different levels, beginning with the lowest, and leads the reader towards a rather different approach to the management of an engineering, or other multi-product firm. It is complementary to ‘ The Management Problems of Introducing Group Technology’ (Edwards 1969).     

‘Princess’ Alice

Abstract

Burr Mcintosh had an enviable job as a photographer; at the turn of the century, he was called the ‘special photographer … to [a popular] Theodore Roosevelt’¹. With such credentials, Mcintosh accompanied William Howard Taft's Republican peace entourage to the Philippines and to China in 1905, bathing in the knowledge that his calling and appointment were secure. He was obviously smitten by ‘the Princess’, Alice Roosevelt, Teddy's headstrong daughter, and took every opportunity to photograph her with the other politicos on the junket. Alice mentions these events m her autobiography, Crowded Hours     

Energy policy shifts towards sustainable energy future for Malaysia

As a developing country, Malaysia’s prosperity and welfare depends heavily on having access to reliable and secure supplies of energy. As a result, the country’s future energy requirements have become a policy priority in recent years. Energy is essential for human life, and a secure and accessible supply of energy becomes important for the modern societies. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are currently the world’s primary energy sources and continue to provide energy source to the world. These energy sources have depleted in reserves in recent years and they can also cause irreparably damage to the environment such as global warming and climate change. These environmental concerns can be addressed, to some extent, through more sustainable solutions such as the use of renewable energy resources. In Malaysia, the economic and environmental impacts of fossil fuels use have become hard to ignore. The government has introduced and implemented policy measures to address concerns surrounding the use of fossil fuels and to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy use. In this paper, we review the historical evolution of Malaysian energy policies and initiatives designed to secure diverse energy sources and avoid over-reliance on fossil fuels. In recent years, Malaysia has been catching up with global call to shift to renewable energy use and is now putting a focus on renewable energy in its future energy mix. The paper also discusses challenges and concerns over the future of sustainable energy of the country.     

Development of EPRI P87 solid wire

Abstract

Dissimilar metal welds (DMW’s) between ferritic and austenitic materials at elevated temperatures have concerned boiler manufacturers and operators for decades because of the proven potential for premature failure. The industry has desired an improved filler metal that would minimize or eliminate DMW failures and, with the current trend toward higher boiler steam pressures and temperatures, have suitable creep strength for joining higher strength materials such as Grade 91 steels After years of research, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) concluded the development and commercialization of a nickel-based filler metal, EPRI P87, for application in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). This work describes the subsequent development of an EPRI P87 solid wire welding product for application in gas tungsten arc and gas metal arc welding (GTAW and GMAW) processes, and the initial research into the performance of DMWs produced with the new solid wire P87 product. A 135 kg heat of solid wire was produced and tested using various welding processes and evaluation methods to ensure that the material would meet required weldability and design specifications. Welding methods included GMAW-P, GTAW and hot-wire GTAW in welds up to 50mm in thickness. The weld joint tested was a dissimilar metal weld of grade 91 to 347H, which was assessed using microstructure evaluation, creep testing, hot tensile testing, circular patch, and edge build-up investigations to examine hot-cracking susceptibility. This paper summarizes the research completed to date on the EPRI 87 filler wire which supports the acceptability of this material for its intended use in high-temperature power generation applications.     

Active Optics

Abstract

A system of ‘active optics’ control for the optical imagery of astronomical telescopes has been under development in the European Southern Observatory for about ten years. Its first application will be in the 3·5 m New Technology Telescope (NTT) scheduled for operation in 1988. A model test with a thin 1 m mirror (aspect ratio 56) has given remarkably successful results which will be reported in Part II of this paper. Part I gives a complete presentation of the theoretical principles of this technique of active optics and its scope of application. The subject is treated from the viewpoint of the temporal band-pass of error sources, ‘active optics’ being concerned with the low-frequency band-pass. The high-frequency band-pass (‘adaptive optics’) is principally concerned with atmospheric correction and is only briefly referred to for comparison. ‘Active optics’ correction of the low-band-pass system errors should bring major improvements in image quality together with a large cost reduction. While its impact on ground-based telescopes seems beyond doubt, the most important application should be in space projects where permanent diffraction-limited performance should be possible with much relaxed tolerances.     

Heat treatment method for making high strength and conductivity Cu–Cr–Zr alloy

Abstract

In this paper, the heat treatment called ‘a two-step aging process’ with the feature of the first step aging at a low temperature for a long time and the second step aging at a higher temperature for a short time has been proposed. Applying this process, the Cu–Cr–Zr alloy possessing both high strength and high conductivity can be acquired due to the formation of numerous tiny particles precipitated fully out from Cu matrix.     

Technology Management—Structuring the Strategic Dialogue

Abstract:

Successful innovation requires effective communication within and between technical and nontechnical communities, which can be challenging due to different educational backgrounds, experience, perceptions, and attitudes. Roadmapping has emerged as a method that can enable effective dialogue between these groups, and the way in which information is structured is a key feature that enables this communication. This is an area that has not received much attention in the literature, and this article seeks to address this gap by describing in detail the structures that have been successfully applied in roadmapping workshops and processes, from which key learning points and future research directions are identified.     

Corrigendum: Material design and structural color inspired by biomimetic approach

The editorial office regrets the following errors in this article.

? On page 1, left column, the tenth line should read as follows:

‘... long attracted scientific interest [1–9].’

? On page 2, left column, the second line should read as follows:

‘... (structural color can be found even in fossils [20]).’

? On page 10, left column, the 11th line should read as follows:

‘... LEDs (figure 18(c)) [86].’

? On page 10, right column, the 15th line should read as follows:

‘... with moth-eye structures at low cost (figure 19) [97].’     

Creep fatigue interactions in power plant components

Abstract

The increasing need for flexible electricity generation means that most components must perform under cyclic operating conditions. The multiplicity of generating options also means that defining a ‘typical’ cycle is difficult. Thus, in addition to the traditional hot and cold starts and stops, there are requirements for rapid load changes on many occasions followed by operation at generation levels of 30% of rated capacity. These transients and operation at low loads result in complex changes in local pressure, temperature and flow at different parts of a boiler system. Indeed, these differences, in combination with the use of metallurgically complex steels, are such that the range of potential damage mechanisms has increased. Understanding these mechanisms is not straightforward as less post service investigations and root cause analyses are being carried out. EPRI seeks to facilitate expert evaluation of service experience and collaborates on establishing lessons learned to establish best practice. Annual creep fatigue discussions have identified key issues and areas for development related to component design and performance under transient operation. Summary documents have helped guide this international effort in the field of creep fatigue. It is apparent that a coordinated effort is important to ensuring that outcomes are meaningful and impactful. Excellence in science and engineering is necessary to underpin technology which is used by the electricity supply industry to meet current challenges associated with safe and reliable operation of plant. The present paper summarizes achievements on creep fatigue behaviour arising from the EPRI collaborative work and describes on-going commitment to knowledge creation and technology transfer.     

The electric power research institute's role in applying superconductivity to future utility systems

Economics has been the single most important factor in determining the future of any new commercial technology in the United States. This criterion is in need of serious examination in view of the projected sharply increasing consumption of energy in the next few decades, particularly in the form of electricity. In order to make a smooth and meaningful transition from conventional methods of generating and transmitting electricity, a coordinated effort between all segments of the private and public domains will be required. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) should play a vital role in planning for both the imminent short term, and long term national electrical energy needs; and in coordinating efforts to achieve these vital goals. If, as predicted, the U. S. power consumption increases by more than a factor of six in the next 30 years, it should be clear that it is necessary to develop high power density methods of producing and transmitting electricity. Superconductivity is the natural prime candidate for a new feasible technology that can take on this responsibility.     

The German image

Abstract

This important book is not a technical history, nor is it ‘sociological’ in any scientific sense; its main thrust is rather in the realm of ‘the history of ideas’ and ‘the history of taste’, and it is thus intimately concerned with human values and attitudes. In this way, and because human nature transceinds national boundaries with conspicuous ease, Fritz Kempe's work is not ‘merely’ about Germany, but about photography and people in general. Without constraining system and without claims to exhaustive coverage, the book manages to get at the spirit and core of relationships by discussing 24 topics, which range from local history (‘Bremen, Wannover, Kassel’) to episodic accounts (‘On the secret magic of the hruman image’). That is its special charm, and also its lasting testament, because photography is really too complex a field to permit a stereotype presentation, if the finer nuances of the human response are to be given their due. If anything is lacking—but it would be chnrlisll to expect a single volume to cover every base—it is a more extensive discussion of the daguerreotype's influence on German painters.     

Relationship between coincidence site lattice,boundary plane indices,and boundary energy in nickel

Abstract

This paper reports an analysis both by coincidence site lattice (CSL) categorisation and interface–plane categorisation of a large data set of grain boundary geometry in nickel. The analysis showed that whereas two-thirds of Σ3 and Σ9 CSLs were classed as having ‘special’ geometry (i.e. related to low energy), very few other CSLs had ‘special’ geometries. It was found that for Σ3s there was an empirical relationship connecting the frequency of occurrence of specific planes (mostly asymmetrical tilt types on the 011 zone), the average interplanar spacing at the boundary (d(eff)), and the boundary energy. Σ3 boundaries having a planar coincidence site density (PCSD) of unity were much more poorly represented in the data set than Σ3s having PCSD = 3, indicating the far greater importance of boundary planes than the PCSD. The occurrence of ‘special’ planes at Σ9 boundaries is considered to be partly a geometrical consequence of their contiguity with Σ3s.     

True beam smoothing in the fractional fourier transform domain

Abstract

The design of a diffractive optical element (DOE) for true beam smoothing in the fractional Fourier transform domain is described. Based on the Fresnel integrals, the intensity distribution on the output plane is calculated accurately and the discretization error of the spherical phase factor is avoided. The ‘fine design' of the DOE for true beam smoothing is completed with the sampling interval chosen as half of the traditional sampling interval. Simulation results show that the intensity at any point on the output plane fully meets the required demands, not just those sampling points used in the optimization.     

Modelling oxide scale fracture

Abstract

In the present paper the approaches to modelling scale failure described in EPRI report FP 686 are compared to a more recent approach based on micromechanical considerations. The latter requires a detailed analysis of the stress situation in the oxide/metal system and of the “quality” of the oxide scale and scale/metal interface, respectively. It turns out that a considerable number of model equations exists describing the role of oxide stresses, including such from cooling and surface or component geometries, and the role of physical defects, e.g. pores, voids, microcracks, etc. Additionally, these equations need material property data, such as fracture toughness or energy and elastic moduli, which sometimes can be found in the literature. In the final step it is proposed to combine the EPRI approach with the more recent micromechanics based models leading to a powerful tool for a detailed assessment of failure susceptibility of oxide scales. The general “EPRI diagram” can serve as a foreground diagram behind which the more sophisticated equations of the micromechanics approach are hidden. In order to enable wide use of this extended model, however, a number of additional input data are needed.     

Indian Courtesans in Cartes - de - Visite

Abstract

Cartes-de-visite of the nineteenth century covered a wide spectrum of subjects, and were indeed ‘an interface between photography and the social scene’¹. People wanted to have their photographs taken ‘to share among friends and to express, social standing’²; the likenesses were ‘inexpensive, easy to look at and easy to care for’³, and much cheaper than a painter's miniature, providing a commercial application of photography in sales of the object depicted. Indeed, Oliver Wendell Holmes called them ‘the greenbacks of civilisation’⁴.     

What hampers green product innovation: the effect of experience

ABSTRACT

Based on representative firm-level survey data for Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, this study systematically analyses the relevance and drivers of barriers to green product innovation using the example of green energy technologies. ‘Low willingness to pay’, ‘high development costs’, ‘high commercial uncertainty’, and ‘lack of favourable political framework’ are identified as the most important barriers. Moreover, we find that the firms’ innovation experience is an important driver of the level of green innovation barriers. Green innovation barriers are more accentuated for firms with green innovation activity than for firms with no green innovation activity. However, experience from different fields of green innovation and experience from non-green innovation activities help to limit these barriers.     

Superluminal tunnelling times as weak values

Abstract

We consider the tunnelling particle as a pre- and post-selected system and prove that the tunnelling time is the expectation value of the position of a ‘clock’ degree of freedom weakly coupled to it. Such a value, called a ‘weak value’, typically falls outside the eigenvalue spectrum of the operator. The appearance of unusual weak values has been associated with a unique interference structure called ‘superoscillations’ (band-limited functions which on a finite interval, approximate functions with spectra well outside their band). It is proposed that superoscillations play an important role in the interferences which give rise to superluminal effects. To demonstrate that, we consider a certain simple tunnelling barrier which allows a wave packet to travel in zero time and negligible distortion, a distance arbitrarily longer than the width of the wave packet. The peak is shown to result from a superoscillatory superposition at the tail. Similar reasoning applies to the dwell time. For this system, both the Wigner time (related to the group velocity) and a clock time correspond to superluminal velocities.