Sequencing mixed-model assembly lines with genetic algorithms

This research introduces the use of an artificial-intelligence based technique, genetic algorithms (GA), to solve mixed-model assembly-line sequencing problems. This paper shows how practitioners can comfortably implement this approach to solve practical problems. A substantial example is given for which GA produces a solution in just a matter of seconds that improves upon Toyota's Goal Chasing Algorithm. The new method is then investigated on a test bed of 80 problems. Results indicate GA generates an improved sequence over Goal Chasing on 50 of the problems and also shows a performance advantage of 2% across all 80 problems using Toyota's variability of parts consumption criterion. The paper concludes that further investigation to fine tune the GA methodology is warranted. It also points out that the GA approach can readily be used by practitioners to address a variety of managerial goals concurrently, such as inventory and work load equalization.     

Colorectal cancer detection and screening

Colon cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States and is estimated to cause 56,500 deaths during 1998. Most cancers evolve from adenomatous polyps. Screening asymptomatic average-risk individuals is recommended to reduce colorectal cancer mortality by detection and removal of adenomatous polyps.     

Monoclinic zirconia distributions in plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings

Phase composition in an air plasma-sprayed Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ (YSZ) top coating of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) system was characterized. Both the bulk phase content and localized pockets of monoclinic zirconia were measured with Raman spectroscopy. The starting powder consisted of ∼15 vol.% monoclinic zirconia, which decreased to ∼2 vol.% in the as-sprayed coating. Monoclinic zirconia was concentrated in porous pockets that were evenly distributed throughout the TBC. The pockets resulted from the presence of unmelted granules in the starting powder. The potential effect of the distributed monoclinic pockets on TBC performance is discussed.     

Responses of northern and western corn rootworms to semiochemical attractants in corn fields

Small plots (18 × 18 m) were treated with grids of cotton wicks that contained semiochemicals for adultDiabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence, the northern corn rootworm (NCR). In plots treated with eugenol (350 g/hectare), NCR were attracted to point sources of the compound, but there were no significant changes in numbers of either NCR orD. virgifera virgifera LeConte, the western corn rootworm (WCR), found on plants in the plots. In plots treated with 12.5 mg/hectare of 8R-methyl-2R-decyl propanoate (2R,8R-MDP, the apparent female-produced sex pheromone of NCR and WCR), males of both species were attracted to point sources, but beetles did not congregate within treated plots. With racemic 2,8-MDP at 1.0 g/hectare, male WCR were attracted into plots, but NCR of both sexes were strongly repelled. In a separate study, capture of beetles at pheromone-baited traps declined when the surrounding area contained wicks that emitted racemic 2,8-MDP. In treated plots, male WCR were relatively inefficient at finding pheromone sources. With NCR, emigration from plots could account totally for the observed 3- to 10-fold reduction in catch at 0.01–1.0 g/hectare.Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae.Mention of a commercial or proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement by the USDA.     

Measurement of flash points: Apparatus,methodology, applications

The flash point provides a simple, convenient index for the flammability of diverse materials. In this paper, flash point apparatus and methodology are surveyed and some applications highlighted, including use in the study of spill control agents for flammable solvents. The reliability of the Setaflash closed tester is confirmed. The formulation and use of liquid mixtures to assure the performance of flash point testers is described.     

Modeling Suspended Sediment during Construction in Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

A marina was constructed in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in close proximity to coral reefs that could be damaged by excess turbidity generated during construction. Since there was uncertainty about both the fate of suspended sediments and their effect on corals, initial water quality constraints were set very conservatively. In order to better understand the movement of suspended sediment during construction, a numerical model study was commissioned using three-dimensional, numerical, hydrodynamic, and Lagrangian particle tracking models. The study was successful in: (1) increasing the understanding of and reducing the uncertainty of sediment dispersal patterns under a range of common forcing conditions; (2) testing the variation in suspended sediment concentrations over sensitive areas for two different outfall locations; (3) offering evidence that a good choice in outfall locations will reduce the threat to corals; and importantly (4) presenting the results in a way that enhanced understanding by nontechnical reef managers. This final result was achieved by creating movies of sediment movement that clearly demonstrated the complex hydrodynamic processes involved with near-coastal water currents. Specific model results showed: (1) that a more seaward outfall increases effluent dispersal away from sensitive areas; (2) the highest concentrations of effluent over sensitive sites occur during no wind and neap tide conditions; and (3) prevailing southeast winds advect effluent offshore, away from sensitive sites.     

Bystander response to arterial bleeding: Helping skills, the decision-making process, and differentiating the helping response.

Explored the impact of variables on 2 different decisions in the decision-making process leading to help, using a mock injury involving arterial bleeding and 163 university students (100 females and 63 males). Expertise (Red Cross training), ambiguity, and number of bystanders were manipulated in a 2?×?2?×?2 design. The following responses were observed: nonhelp, ineffective direct help, indirect help, and direct help. The decision to help or not was affected by ambiguity, sex, and the presence or absence of other bystanders. Greater ambiguity led to less help; women helped less than men; fewer people helped when other bystanders were present. Expertise affected the decision leading to the type of help used but not the decision to help. Although training did not raise the intervention rate, it did dramatically change the effectiveness of the help used and could yield as many as 28 more saved lives out of 80 such incidents. Ineffective direct help occurred most frequently when the bystander was alone. The presence of other bystanders affected the type of indirect help that was used. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)