Evaluating the design of flexible manufacturing systems

Evaluating the design of flexible manufacturing systems is complex. Developing a measure of performance useful for evaluating alternate designs continues to be interesting. Here, total productivity of the system is proposed as an appropriate measure. Specification of parameters based upon strategic considerations for this measure are discussed. Finally, the usefulness of the measure is demonstrated through an example.     

Moral reasoning and moral concerns: An alternative to Gilligan's gender based hypothesis.

Studied the differences in moral orientation in terms of gender specific modes of reasoning, in 2 experiments. In Exp 1, 32 Ss (aged 24–55 yrs) were read the "Heinz dilemma," and asked 3 questions regarding it. Deliberative and justificatory strategies were identified on the basis of the presence or absence of the higher level knowledge structures. In Exp 2, 40 undergraduates were presented with "Michael and Kohlberg Heinz dilemma," followed by a set of relevant questions. Male Ss preferred to apply a norm or rule in their solutions, while females rejected the application of a norm and sought alternative solutions. This was replicated in Exp 2, but the pattern was reversed with female Ss preferring to apply a norm. Males were divided in their use of either strategy indicating that although, genders differed in their judgments as to which norms or rules to apply; once adopted, norms and rules were used in similar ways. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A novel automated image analysis method for maceral analysis

A new image analysis technique has been developed which allows maceral analysis of coal to be carried out. The technique is able to separate the liptinite component from the background resin by using two separate images of the surface captured with different camera exposure times. At normal exposure, the liptinite has a similar grey scale value to the surrounding resin, but at a higher exposure time, the resin remains black whilst the liptinite grey scale increases significantly enough to distinguish it from the resin. The method has been tested for repeatability and reproducibility and found to be within the ISO Standard requirements.     

The Study of Heterogeneous Catalysts by High-Resolution Transmission Electron MicroscoDV

Advances in instrumentation have made it possible in recent years to study the microstructure of inorganic materials at atomic resolution using the technique of high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). Details of instrumentation have been described elsewhere [l], and applications and trends for HREM have recently been reviewed [2]. Although HREM is primarily a technique for studying bulk defects, it is increasingly also being applied in the profile-imaging mode to derive information about surfaces [3]. The high spatial resolution of the electron microscope makes it a valuable tool for the characterization of heterogeneous catalysts. This is evidenced by the growing number of studies wherein electron micrographs are being used to describe the morphology of a particular catalyst. Profile imaging is proving particularly useful in this regard for following changes in surface structure as a function of treatment conditions [4].     

Earvin "Magic" Johnson's HIV serostatus disclosure: Effects on men's perceptions of AIDS.

The effects of celebrity self-disclosure of HIV seropositivity on perceptions of HIV and AIDS were investigated. AIDS-related interest and knowledge measures were collected from 468 men before and after basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson's self-disclosure of HIV seropositivity. Increased interest in AIDS paralleled media coverage of the announcement, with the most substantial effects occurring within 2 wks. Perceived impact of the disclosure was greatest among African-American men and men who had not previously known someone with HIV/AIDS. Celebrity self-disclosure appears to affect perceptions through mechanisms similar to those involved in personally knowing someone infected with HIV. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Performance in relation to job skill importance: A consideration of rater source.

Investigated relationships between the performance levels of incumbents on job skills and the importance attributed to those job skills. Supervisors and job incumbents rated both the performance of skill dimensions and the importance of those skills for respective incumbents' positions. Results indicate that the ratings of performance and importance on matched skill areas correlated positively, although relationships were somewhat stronger for incumbent data as compared with data provided by supervisors. Supervisors and incumbents agreed moderately on which skill areas were important for various positions, but the interrater agreement was much lower for performance ratings of the skill areas. For some skill areas, incumbent-rated importance and supervisor-rated performance, as well as incumbent-rated performance and supervisor-rated importance, were significantly correlated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fifteen years of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Bolivia: a retrospective study

The photosensitizing properties of p-nitroacetophenone (PNAP), a well-known radiosensitizer, have been studied in near UV region. The mechanism of PNAP photosensitization has been investigated by testing the efficiency of singlet oxygen production using photooxidation of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP) and photodegradation of guanosine. In both the cases, the enhancement effect of deuterated solvents has been observed. Results of these experiments suggest the significant role of type II mechanisms in PNAP photosensitization.