A conceptual basis for applying the capacity rating methodology in a planning context†

Several extensions to the capacity rating (CR) methodology are developed in this paper. The CR index is related in analytical models to the flow of work which is achieved over a planning period for both single and tandem work centre configurations. Statistical dependency between workload and availability is discussed and included in the flow models. Implications of applying the methodology to a series of periods in a planning horizon are clarified. Results collectively provide direction in applying the CR methodology in the planning process     

Mechanical Properties of Hot-Pressed Silicon Nitride with Different Grain Structures

During hot-pressing of α-Si₃N₄ powders, the equiaxed α micro-structure gradually transforms into a β structure characterized by needle-shaped prismatic grains which are closely entangled and linked together. With increasing amounts of the β fraction, the bend strength, fracture toughness, and work of fracture increase significantly, then decrease as grain growth occurs. The K _lc, improves by a factor of >2 and the change in γ_F by a factor of >4. The crack resistance to achieve the same crack velocity in materials of different β contents shows a similar trend. The dependence of the mechanical properties on the microstructure is explained by linking and pullout of the β crystals and by grain coarsening.     

Modeling Simultaneous Shrinkage and Heat and Mass Transfer of a Thin, Nonporous Film During Drying

Thin films of food products have long been dried commercially but the thin film drying process is not well understood. Modeling of a drying system is essential for understanding and improving it. A theoretical model for predicting the drying rate of thin films of nonporous foods was proposed, developed and evaluated. The model simultaneously considered shrinkage and heat and mass transfer within thin films dried on a surface with given boundary conditions. A finite element formulation of the model was used to develop numerical solutions of two governing equations. Starch was selected as a representative material for drying tests. Experimentally determined drying curves of modified corn, potato and rice starch films were compared to model predictions. The technique was useful in explaining the complex relationships of temperature, moisture and thickness profiles of drying films.     

Synthetic Mica Investigations: II, Role of Fluorides in Mica Batch Reactions

Various fluorides were studied to determine which might be suitable for the synthesis of fluor-phlogopite mica (K₂Mg₆Al₂Si₆O₂₀F₄). K₂SiF₆, MgF₂, K₂AlF₅, and K₃AlF₆ are preferred in that order. KF, KMgF₃, AlF₃, KAlF₄, and MgSiF₆· 6H₂O are less suitable for the purpose. Solid-state reaction studies were made on the following binary partial systems of the mica batch: MgF₂+ MgO, 3MgF₂+ Al₂O₃, 2MgF₂+ SiO₂, 3MgF₂+ KAlSi₃O₈, K₂SiF₆+ 3MgO, K₂SiF₆+ Al₂O₃, K₃AlF₆+ 3MgO, and K₃AlF₆+ 3SiO₂. Solid-state reaction studies on various types of fluor-phlogopite batches showed that this mica compound can be synthesized at temperatures as low as 750°C. For best results, however, it should be done at 1000° to 1300°C. in closed containers, using anhydrous batch materials to minimize hydrolysis of the fluorides and loss of HF. Many of the mica batches expand as they react in the solid state, and there is danger in large-scale experiments that the container may break unless heating is rapid between 750° and 1200°C.     

BIOGENIC AMINE CONTENT AND MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF LEAFY VEGETABLES DURING STORAGE AT 5C

Biogenic amine content and microbial contamination of prepacked salad mixtures and the fresh leafy vegetables Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis Rupr.), endive (Cichorium endivia L.), iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) and radicchio (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) were examined during storage at 5C for 6 days. Putrescine, histamine, spermidine, spermine and tyramine were detected in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 17 μg/g fresh weight. Only putrescine showed a progressive increase during storage, depending on the type of leafy vegetable; its level of increase ranged from 3- to 8-fold, with the most pronounced for Chinese cabbage. A relationship seems to exist between the Enterobacteriaceae population (representing up to 90% of the total microbial numbers determined by plate count methods) and the putrescine concentration.     

Stability of Mackerel Surimi Prepared under Lipid-Stabilizing Processing Conditions

Surimi from mackerel whole and light muscle was prepared under conditions designed to minimize oxidation and development of rancidity. The lipid-stabilizing procedure included early addition of both lipid-and water-soluble antioxidants, avoidance of added sodium chloride, and exclusion of oxygen. Surimi prepared from light muscle was stable to rancid odor development in both the raw and cooked form; gel strength was reasonably stable during frozen storage, although the color was somewhat dark. Surimi prepared from mackerel whole muscle was darker, its odor quality lower and less consistent, and its gel strength lessened more rapidly during frozen storage than surimi prepared from light muscle.     

A WEB-BASED MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

To improve the situation of wasting natural resources, the existing transportation systems have to be optimized. This means that we should not only think about new technologies for saving energy but also about better use of the existing trafficways. The most efficient way to achieve these objectives is to automate the existing means of communication and to improve transportation management. Since most of the communication channels and technologies for automation in transportation management are Web-based, we want to describe how to improve Web-based transportation management. Talking about Web-based environments means talking about the Internet and services it offers. These Web-based environments build up a good basis for an agent-based approach, because all aspects for communication and information processing are also used in agent systems. In this approach, Web servers build the agents by themselves and an agent-based interaction works with the support of Web services. Thus, we can build an agent-based structure for transportation control that is similar to the structure of the Internet. Agent-based transportation management is a possible contribution to make transportation management more effective in regard to saving energy (fuel) and protecting our environment by stopping the increase of existing trafficways.