Does indirect addressing matter?

In the study of random access machines (RAMs) and the complexities associated with their algorithms, the availability of indirect addressing often creates an analysis obstacle. We show that for RAMs equipped with a sufficiently rich set of basic operations, indirect addressing does not increase computational power, and can be simulated either in linear time or on-line in real time. These results pertain to the uniform cost model and, particularly, assume a unit cost variable shift.     

Integrating human factors into discrete event simulation: a proactive approach to simultaneously design for system performance and employees’ well being

The aim of this research is to: (1) Develop an approach to integrating both human fatigue-recovery patterns and human learning into Discrete Event Simulation models of a production system to predict productivity and quality; (2) Validate the predicted fatigue against operators’ perceived fatigue; and (3) Demonstrate how this Human Factors-enabled simulation approach can be applied in a case study comparing two manufacturing line designs in the context of electronics assembly. The new approach can predict the accumulation of operator fatigue, fatigue-related quality effects and productivity changes based on system design configurations. In the demonstration comparison, fatigue dosage was 7–33% lower in the proposed system where HF was taken into consideration at the engineering design (ED) stage. In the existing system, the fatigue dose measure correlated with quality deficits with 26% of the variance accounted for – a large portion given the multi-causal nature of production deficits. ED models that do not include human aspects may provide unreliable results in terms of productivity and quality estimates. This research shows that it is possible to design production systems that are more productive while being less hazardous for the system operator.     

Effects of blade tenderization,aging method and aging time on meat quality characteristics of Longissimus lumborum steaks from cull Holstein cows

The effects of blade tenderization (BT), two aging methods (dry (D) and wet (W)), and aging time (2 and 23 d) on tenderness, color, and sensory properties of Longissimus lumborum muscles from 12 cull Holstein cows were evaluated. Dry-aged loins had higher combined trim and aging losses than control (C) for both D- and W-aging, mostly because of excess trim losses. BT steaks had WBSF of 33.13 N while C steaks had WBSF of 41.46 N (P = 0.09). Aging decreased WBSF. Blade tenderized steaks had higher cook loss than C steaks. Aging, W-aging, and BT × W-aging improved myofibrillar (sensory) tenderness scores. Aging and/or BT improves sensory panel tenderness cull cow Longissimus lumborum steaks. Aging and blade tenderization combined can increase tenderness and value of Longissimus steaks from cull Holstein cows.     

Metal Injection Molding of Alloy 718 for Aerospace Applications

The metal injection molding process, used in the automotive, medical, and consumer markets for several decades, was investigated for application to superalloys for small, complex-shaped, aerospace components. With sufficient control on processing, inclusion risks, and chemistry, the process can successfully be applied to superalloy 718 components. Assessments included tensile and fatigue property evaluation, characterization of microstructure, and development of an AMS specification.     

Prospects for the incorporation of cobalt into α-Fe2O3 nanorods during hydrothermal synthesis

A feasibility study on the incorporation of cobalt into α-Fe₂O₃ nanorods (NRs) during hydrothermal synthesis (HS) is presented as a function of FeCl₃ and CoCl₂ concentration, phosphate surfactant concentration and pH value, with samples assessed using X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. No evidence was found for the incorporation of cobalt into α-Fe₂O₃ NRs at low pH, whilst synthesis at intermediate and high pH values favoured the formation of CoFe₂O₄ NPs. The critical role of pH value over the precipitation, size and phase purity of the nanostructured reaction products is emphasised. At pH ~2, large, well crystalline α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) and NRs were grown from FeCl₃ solution in the absence and presence of phosphate, respectively, whilst no evidence was found for Co precipitation or incorporation in α-Fe₂O₃ following HS in the presence of CoCl₂. At pH ~8, smaller α-Fe₂O₃ NPs, as well as Co₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ NPs were synthesised from FeCl₃, CoCl₂, or a mixture thereof. HS at pH ~12 produced a mixture of larger CoFe₂O₄ NPs and α-Fe₂O₃ NPs depending on the Fe:Co molar ratio. The formation of intermediate metastable (oxy)hydroxide phases is considered pH dependent, providing for a variety of different reaction pathways. Further, inclusion of preformed Co₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ NPs to the FeCl₃ solution at pH ~2 in the presence of phosphate surfactant resulted in the synthesis of α-Fe₂O₃ NRs with residual Co₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ NPs attached to their surfaces. The CoFe₂O₄ NPs encouraged local dissolution leading to the formation of α-Fe₂O₃ NR surface corrugations.