Design of class-based storage racks for minimizing travel time in a three-dimensional storage system

This paper deals with a new storage structure layout method called ‘cubic-in-time’, for minimizing the travel time of selected handling equipment in a three-dimensional palletized storage system. Storage-system design algorithms for minimizing travel times are described, the results are analysed, and some general conclusions are drawn.     

Optical diffraction gratings embedded in BK-7 glass by low-density plasma formation using femtosecond laser

The optical embedded diffraction gratings with the internal refractive index modification in BK-7 glass plates were demonstrated using low-density plasma formation excited by a high-intensity femtosecond (130 fs) Ti: sapphire laser (λp=790 nm). The refractive index modifications with diameters ranging from 400 nm to 4 μm were photoinduced after plasma formation occurred upon irradiation with peak intensities of more than 1×1013 W/cm2. The graded refractive index profile was fabricated to be a symmetric around the center of the point at which low-density plasma occurred. The maximum refractive index change (Δn) was estimated to be 1.5×10-2. Several optical embedded gratings in BK-7 glass plate were demonstrated with refractive index modification induced by the scanning of low-density plasma formation.     

Linear Heating Rate Affects Gelation of Alaska Pollock and Pacific Whiting Surimi

Shear stress of Alaska pollock surimi gels with and without beef plasma protein (BPP) increased as heating rate decreased, but shear strain was unaffected. An increase in shear stress was accompanied by an increase of cross-linked myosin heavy chain. Slow heating rates increased proteolysis in Pacific whiting surimi as shown by degradation of myosin heavy chain and low shear stress and shear strain. Proteolysis of whiting surimi was lessened by BPP to a greater extent at rapid heating rates (20 and 30°C/min) than at slow heating rates (1 and 5°C/min).     

Statistical Evaluation of Data for Detecting Adulteration of California Navel Orange Juice

Compositional data from California early-, mid-, and late-season navel orange juice, concentrate and two-stage pulpwash were analyzed by various statistical techniques (ratios, regression, chi-square, Linear combination, and discriminant analysis) for detecting adulteration. These techniques were evaluated according to applicability for detecting three types of adulteration: (1) addition of sugar and/or citric acid, (2) addition of excess or unauthorized pulpwash, and (3) addition of other constituents intended to mask the dilution. Most parameters were significantly affected by time of harvest following commercial maturity. Two-stage pulpwash showed small but significant differences from corresponding single strength juice. Product differences were of about the same magnitude as the differences due to harvest date.     

The Evolution of Techniques for the Winch Dyeing of Carpets— Some Practical Observations

The evolution of techniques for the piece dyeing of tufted carpets is discussed. Most of the development work was carried out on nylon and the piece dyeing of nylon tufted carpets is now well established. The application of the method to viscose rayon, polyester and some other fibres is discussed. Only a small number of dyes are required for each fibre to give a wide range of dyeings of adequate fastness properties.     

On joint detection,estimation and system identification: discrete data case†

The recent results of Lainiotis (1971 a, b, 1971) on single-shot, as well as multishot, joint detection, estimation and system identification for continuous data and dynamics are extended to multishot, discrete data and discrete dynamical systems. The results are given for the signals generated by the linear dynamical systems with unknown parameter vectors and driven by white gaussian sequences, where the observation contains additive white gaussian noise. Specifically, it is shown that the above problem constitutes a class of non-linear mean-square estimation problems. By utilizing the adaptive approach, closed-form integral expressions are obtained for simultaneously optimal detection, estimation and system identification. In addition, several approximate algorithms that utilize linear Kalman estimators are presented to limit the storage requirement to finite size and reduce computational requirements. The results presented in this paper are applicable to both independent and Markov signalling sources     

Influence of alloying elements on microstructure and microhardness of Mg-Sn-Zn-based alloys

The phase evolution in （88%-91%）Mg-8%Sn-l%Zn-X （X=A1, Mn and/or Ce） system was analyzed via CALPHAD method and simulations were used in precise selection of the chemical composition. The influence of the addition of different alloying elements such as A1, Mn and Ce on the microstructure and microhardness of Mg-8%Sn-l%Zn-based alloys was investigated. Combined addition of A1 and Mn shows features distinct from separate addition of A1 or Mn. Additions of l%AI and l%Mn to base alloy result in the formation of massive A1-Mn phase in a-Mg matrix grains. Addition of Ce element can refme the second eutectic precipitates and form intermetallic compounds with Sn. Fine rod-like Sn-Ce phase presents mainly on the grain boundaries and plays a role in inhibiting grain growth. The effects of alloying elements on Vickers microhardness and indentation size effect of base alloy were examined.     

Formation of interfacial brittle phases sigma phase and IMC in hybrid titanium-to-stainless steel joint

The microstructures of the brazed joints for commercially pure Ti and stainless steel were investigated by the applications of various filler alloys including Ag-, Ti-, Zr- and Ni-based alloys. Generally, the dissimilar joints between Ti and stainless steel were dominated by the Ti-based intermetallic compounds (IMCs), e.g. (Ti, Zr)2(Fe, Ni), TiFe, TiCu, and Ti2(Fe, Ni), due to a significant dissolution of Ti from the base metal. The (Fe-Cr) σ phase was also observed near the stainless steel due to a segregation of Cr into the interface region. This research demonstrates empirically that the brittleness of the Ti and stainless steel joint can not be avoided only by applying single braze alloy or single insert metal, and thus an introduction of additional suitable interlayer between the filler alloy and the base metal is necessary to prevent the brittleness of the joint.     

EFFECTS OF DIETARY GLYCINE BETAINE ON BLOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND PORK QUALITY

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary glycine betaine on pork quality and blood characteristics. A total of 80 female pigs (Landrace  ×  Yorkshire  ×  Duroc) were randomly allotted into one of four experimental diet groups. Each group of pigs fed with a commercial diet (control) added with 0.2 g glycine betaine (T1), 0.4 g glycine betaine (T2) and 0.6 g glycine betaine (T3)/kg diet during 40 days. Glycine betaine concentrations in plasma and loin muscle were significantly increased by dietary glycine betaine; however, triglyceride concentration in serum was decreased by dietary glycine betaine. Creatine phosphokinase concentrations in plasma had no significant difference among the dietary groups. Redness ( a* ) was significantly higher in T2 and T3; however, at the first and seventh days of storage, redness ( a* ) was not significantly different between dietary groups. Shear force was significantly higher in dietary glycine betaine groups at the first day of storage. Cholesterol content was significantly lower in T2 and T3, whereas T1 was not significantly different compared with the control group. In fatty acid composition, the ratio of saturated fatty acids was increased, whereas unsaturated fatty acids were decreased by dietary glycine betaine.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Glycine betaine is an amino acid (trimethylglycine) present in most organisms, and is an obligatory intermediate in the catabolism of choline. Glycine betaine has been reported to affect some aspects of pork qualities. As a result of this study, dietary glycine betaine should improve meat redness and reduce cholesterol. However, dietary glycine betaine did not influence creatine phosphokinase levels in plasma. These results will be helpful to the pork industry and meat scientists for improving meat qaulity.