Discrete-event simulation of process control in low volume high value industries

This paper presents a new method of process control for set-up dominant processes. This new method known as Set-up Process Algorithm (SUPA) was compared with existing industrial practices and statistical techniques in the literature. To test the method’s robustness, a generic discrete-event simulation model was built. This model was used to test four different statistical approaches to process control. It was concluded that SUPA offers a method of process control for set-up dominant processes, which is easier to apply than classically derived SPC approaches, by using simple rules and a traffic light system based on design specification. Simulation analysis shows that SUPA: is more sensitive, at detecting an incapable process as it will monitor more units when a process is less capable; is more sensitive than PRE-Control at detecting mean shifts in a process. SUPA is also a nonparametric methodology and therefore robust against processes with non-Gaussian distributions

A Tractable Model of Reciprocity and Fairness

We introduce a parametric model of other-regarding preferences. The income distribution and the kindness or unkindness of others' choices ('intentions') systematically affect a person's emotional state. The emotional state systematically affects the marginal rate of substitution between own and others' payoffs, and thus the person's subsequent choices. The model is applied to two sets of laboratory data: simple binary choice mini-ultimatum games, and Stackelberg duopoly games with a range of choices. The results confirm that other-regarding preferences respond to others' intentions as well as to the income distribution.

Cultural Diversity in the United States and Its Impact on Human Development

Previous studies have yielded mixed results on the impact of cultural diversity on economic performance. We find a positive relationship in the United States between cultural diversity and a comprehensive measure of human development that incorporates health, education, and income. We also disaggregate cultural diversity into three components including ethnicity, language, and religion. We find a positive relationship between human development and both religious and language diversity, and a negative relationship with ethnic diversity. These relationships are robust, using several alternative mathematical measures of diversity. Our results are consistent with diversity generating benefits from exposure to a variety of experiences, ideas, and skills while introducing costs due to difficulty in communication, difference in preferences, and conflict between polarized groups. We conclude that strong institutions are essential to maximize the benefits of diversity while mitigating the associated costs

PUBLIC ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS TO USE FARM CHEMICALS: POSSIBLE COSTS AND IMPACTS

Crop Production/Industries,

Report for NMDGF Permit: 2937, 2015

Document from New Mexico Department of Game & Fish permit

Microprocessor-based in-process infrared densitometer

By the use of high performance solid-state infrared emitting diodes, matched infrared detectors, and a single chip 8-bit microprocessor, an in-process infrared densitometer has been designed and constructed. The device is capable of recording the build-up of optical transmission density on an exposed film sample as it develops, with no effect on the normal development process. The most novel feature of this system is a special development chamber with eleven built-in infrared densitometers. These densitometers are located as to read every other step of a standard Kodak #2 step-tablet exposure, and to allow the passage of developer across the film sample. As an example, every other step of a 21-step exposure can be measured to produce a series of eleven density readings in approximately 22 milliseconds. These measurements can be repeated from once every second to once per minute at any time during the development process. The microprocessor that controls the infrared densitometer has memory capacity to store the data required to generate 187 complete D-Log exposure curves. At the completion of processing, the density readings recorded earlier are available for user viewing on a large seven segment digital display system, or can be reproduced on a line printer. D-Log exposure curves obtained from the device are in good agreement with curves obtained by conventional means. The device has a useful range of 0 to 3.00 density units with an accuracy of +/- .02 density units

Concise Process Improvement Methods

This thesis reviews two methodologies for process improvement; Six Sigma and the Shainin System. A strengthened methodology is developed following the 12-step Six Sigma DMAIC cycle with an added Shainin loop in the Analyse phase to narrow down sources of variation. This Hybrid Six Sigma framework is used to develop a sampling strategy known as the Process Variation Diagnostic Tool (PVDT). The PVDT allows a Gage R&R and a Provisional Process Capability study to be carried out with just 20 samples. It also allows for an IsoplotSM and a Shainin Multi-Vari study. The method was then reviewed in three different industrial situations to demonstrate its effectiveness. Applying the PVDT allowed the project teams involved to quickly produce Gage R&R and Provisional Process Capability Studies. It reduced samples required from the combined 110 measurements from 60 products typically taken in industry to 60 measurements from 20 products. A significant advantage was the ability to extract a Shainin Multi-Vari Study from measurements taken for the PVDT. This technique allowed the project team the ability to categorise the most significant families of variation. From these case studies it can be seen that at the border of the Measure/Analyse phase in Six Sigma the proposed PVDT offers an efficient method of collecting Six Sigma metrics and steering the course of an improvement project. A teaching vehicle known as the PIM game is introduced to demonstrate and facilitate the teaching of a number Process improvement Method. These methods are directly related to Six Sigma and Shainin methods developed in this thesis. The historical development and need for a teaching game are discussed. Finally the thesis proposes a new method of destructive measurement system analysis (MSA). An industrial problem is used to benchmark the method against a traditional approach to destructive MSA. The project highlights when there is a second non-destructive test a conservative estimate of Gage R&R can be determined for destructive test equipment

Libraries and Donors: Maintaining the Status Quo

Many librarians who manage special collections are grateful for the donations of items or collections that fall within their mission and collection scope. In turn, most donors find satisfaction in knowing that their gifts are housed in repositories, where they will be preserved and maintained by qualified staff and available to patrons for future years. Oftentimes donors, after receiving formal acknowledgement and sincere thanks for their donations, disappear back into the public landscape, perhaps glad to have found a new home for all those books or items. Their donations are unconditional—no strings attached and no demands for special recognition. The feeling that they have donated their items to worthy institutions is enough to please them. In most cases, our ensuing relationships with donors are valuable and enjoyable. People and families occasionally give to libraries books, artwork, and monetary gifts and endowments. Their thoughtfulness and generosity often knows no bounds. In rare circumstances, however, we find ourselves dealing with donors who present challenges. To the point that the librarians begin to regret having accepted their contributions, some donors follow their gifts with hints or demands that their contributions be given a large amount of attention. What drives donors to act in such a manner? What can be done about it? Can librarians do anything to prevent such behavior