Computing process capability indices for non‐normal data: a review and comparative study

When the distribution of a process characteristic is non‐normal, C_p and C_pk calculated using conventional methods often lead to erroneous interpretation of the process's capability. Though various methods have been proposed for computing surrogate process capability indices (PCIs) under non‐normality, there is a lack of literature that covers a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of these methods. In particular, under mild and severe departures from normality, do these surrogate PCIs adequately capture process capability, and which is the best method(s) in reflecting the true capability under each of these circumstances? In this paper we review seven methods that are chosen for performance comparison in their ability to handle non‐normality in PCIs. For illustration purposes the comparison is done through simulating Weibull and lognormal data, and the results are presented using box plots. Simulation results show that the performance of a method is dependent on its capability to capture the tail behaviour of the underlying distributions. Finally we give a practitioner's guide that suggests applicable methods for each defined range of skewness and kurtosis under mild and severe departures from normality. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

飞机防滑控制系统的数字仿真研究

在数字仿真研究的基础上，结合国内外有关飞机防滑控制技术进展对防滑控制系统的评估指标、影响滑移速度控制—偏压调制型防滑系统性能的某些重要技术因素与进一步研究防滑控制的方向等问题作出了分析与评议．     

Development of a Rapid Fluorescent Diagnostic System for Early Detection of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Clade 2.3.4.4 Viruses in Chicken Stool

Rapid diagnosis is essential for the control and prevention of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs). However, highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic systems have shown limited performance due to specific antibody scarcity. In this study, two novel specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx viruses were developed by using an immunogen from a reversed genetic influenza virus (RGV). These mAbs were combined with fluorescence europium nanoparticles and an optimized lysis buffer, which were further used for developing a fluorescent immunochromatographic rapid strip test (FICT) for early detection of H5Nx influenza viruses on chicken stool samples. The result indicates that the limit of detection (LoD) of the developed FICT was 40 HAU/mL for detection of HPAIV H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in spiked chicken stool samples, which corresponded to 4.78 × 10⁴ RNA copies as obtained from real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An experimental challenge of chicken with H5N6 HPAIV is lethal for chicken three days post-infection (DPI). Interestingly, our FICT could detect H5N6 in stool samples at 2 DPI earlier, with 100% relative sensitivity in comparison with RT-PCR, and it showed 50% higher sensitivity than the traditional colloidal gold-based rapid diagnostic test using the same mAbs pair. In conclusion, our rapid diagnostic method can be utilized for the early detection of H5Nx 2.3.4.4 HPAIVs in avian fecal samples from poultry farms or for influenza surveillance in wild migratory birds.     

Antioxidants and stabilizers

Summary The efficiency of polyolefine melt stabilizer 2, 2-thiobis-(4,6-di-tert.butylphenol) (I) as a hydroperoxide decomposing antioxidant was studied under model conditions.tert.Butylhydroperoxide was used to simulate the reaction with polypropylene hydroperoxide. The reaction was performed at 85°C in chlorobenzene solution. Decomposition of tert.butylhydroperoxide by I and formation of the sulphoxide II and the sulphone III from sulphide I were followed quantitatively. Formation of small amounts of effective peroxidolytic species from II or III, responsible for acceleration of hydroperoxide decomposition was considered.     

Specifying software features for composition: A tool-supported approach

Development of several computing and communication technologies is enabling the widespread availability of pervasive systems. In smart home applications, household appliances—such as security alarms, heating systems, doors and windows—are connected to home digital networks. These applications offer features that are typically developed by disparate vendors, and when composed together, these features are expected to work together harmoniously. Engineering these systems poses two main challenges. The first challenge is: how can developers of individual features specify the features in order to make them composable with other hitherto unknown features? The second challenge is: when composition of features does not produce the desired behaviour, what can be done to resolve this non-intrusively? This article argues that the two issues are intrinsically related, and proposes an approach that addresses the first challenge in a way that makes the second challenge manageable. In particular, we describe a way of writing feature specifications in which assumptions about the problem world are made explicit. These feature assumptions can then be evaluated at runtime in order to preserve the desired system behaviour to the extent possible. Our approach is illustrated with examples from smart home applications.     

Review of the lubrication of metallic surfaces by zinc dialkyl-dithiophosphates

Implementation of tighter environmental restrictions on combustion engine emissions has resulted in the need to create new, more environment friendly engine oil additives. By far the most studied and effective class of antiwear additive are the zinc dialkyl(aryl)-dithiophopshates (ZDDPs). To date, there is no single, effective replacement additive for ZDDP. In order to create an effective replacement, it is first necessary to understand how and why an additive works as well as it does, on all length scales from macro to nano. This comprehensive review of the literature over the last 50 years provides insight into the overall picture of ZDDP by focussing on their chemical characterization, film formation mechanisms, properties and structure with the intent of exposing gaps that still remain in understanding the conundrum of ZDDP.     

Study on electrical energy and prospective electricity generation from renewable sources in Australia

Nowadays renewable sources are being used as clean sources to generate electricity and to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. The uses of renewable sources are being increased in electricity generation and contributed to reduce the greenhouse gas emission. The function of any electrical power system is to connect everyone sufficiently, clean electric power anywhere and anytime of the country. This can be achieved through a modern power system by integrating electrical energy from clean renewable sources into the nation's electric grid to enhance reliability, efficiency and security of the power system. The paper on the status of review the driving force of the generation of renewable energy and proposing electrical energy generation from renewable sources to be ensured at least 20% of total energy of Australia. This paper has been studied the existing electricity generation capacity of Australia from renewable and non-renewable sources. Optimal electricity generation from renewable sources has been examined. The environmental impact of electricity generation from renewable sources has been considered. Under this paper the yearly average wind data of past 20 years and above for some meteorological stations of Australia have been used. The prospective electricity generation from wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels has been proposed in the paper that will increase electrical energy of the power grid of Australia. It was estimated the capital cost of prospective electricity generation farms from wind and solar PV sources.