Using an optimized queueing network model to support wafer fab design

We develop an Optimized Queueing Network (OQNet) capacity planning tool for supporting the design of new and reconfigured semiconductor fabrication facilities that makes use of queueing network approximations and an optimization routine. The basic problem addressed by this tool is to minimize the facility cost required to meet specified volume and cycle time targets. Features common to semiconductor environments, such as batch processes, re-entrant flows, multiple product classes, and machine setups, are incorporated into the model. Comparisons with simulation show that the queueing and other approximations are reasonably accurate. Tests of the optimization routine demonstrate that it can find good solutions quickly.     

Hostility,driving anger,and dangerous driving: The emerging role of hemispheric preference

Background

Various studies have implicated psychosocial variables (e.g., hostility) in risk of dangerous driving and traffic accidents. However, whether these variables are related to more basic neurobiological factors, and whether such associations have implications for the modification of psychosocial risk factors in the context of driving, have not been examined in depth. This study examined the relationship between hemispheric preference (HP), hostility and self-reported dangerous driving, and the ability to affect driving anger via hemisphere activating cognitive exercises (HACE).

Methods

In Study 1, 254 Turkish students completed questionnaires of hostility, HP and driving behavior. In Study 2, we conducted a “proof of concept” experimental study, and tested effects of left, right and neutral HACE on driving anger, by exposing N = 650 Turkish students to written scenarios including either logical (left hemisphere), visuo-spatial (right hemisphere) or “mild doses” of both types of contents (control).

Results

In Study 1, left-HP was associated with higher hostility and with more dangerous driving, and hostility mediated the relationship between L-HP and reported driving behavior. In Study 2, only right-HACE led to immediate significant reductions in self-reported driving anger.

Conclusions

Left-HP is related to hostility and to dangerous driving, and it may be possible to partly reduce driving anger by right-HACE. Future studies must replicate these findings with objective measures, more enduring interventions and longer follow-ups.     

Effect of phosphorus content on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of pentasils in the ethylbenzene disproportionation reaction

The physicochemical and catalytic properties of phosphorus-promoted H-ultrasils were examined in the disproportionation of ethylbenzene. It was shown that the chemical modification of H-ultrasil with ammonium hydrogen phosphate leads to the redistribution of acid sites and a decrease in the sorption capacity of the zeolite. As a result, the ratio between Lewis and Brönsted acid sites in the zeolite increases in a more pronounced manner and zeolite channels narrow, thereby enhancing the paraselectivity for isomers.     

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Salvia aethiopis L. and Their Antioxidant Activity

Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials - Salvia species have been used extensively in medicinal and food industries for years due to their significant secondary metabolites...     

Predictors of societal and professional impact of orthodontic research. A multivariate,scientometric approach

Scientometrics - The aim of this study was to identify the factors that predict societal and professional impact of orthodontic research and determine the orthodontic research articles that...     

Effects of distillation cut on the distribution of higher alcohols and esters in brandy produced from three plum varieties

The purpose of this investigation was to determinate effects of distillation cuts on the distributions of higher alcohols (1‐propanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 1‐butanol, 2‐butanol, 1‐hexanol and 1‐pentanol) and esters (ethyl acetate, isopentyl acetate + ethyl lactate, isobutyl acetate, ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate) in plum brandy. The volatiles were determined by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. The three most popular plum varieties used in plum brandy (Sljivovica) production, Stanley, Pozegaca and Bilska rana (Buhler), were distilled using a traditional distilling pot and fraction distillation. Three distillation cuts were considered. After separating the head fraction, in the amount of 1.7% of the distilling pot volume, heart fractions were cut at 40, 45 and 50% (v/v) ethanol and tail fractions, analogous to the heart fraction, were collected up to 10% (v/v) ethanol. The ratio of the content of 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol and 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol was 1:1 in the plum brandy produced from Stanley and Pozegaca and the ratio was 2:1 in the plum brandy produced from Bilska rana. This ratio can be used as a ‘mark’ of variety recognition in plum brandy production. The main differences in the heart fraction were accounted for by the content of the higher alcohols and esters for the distilling cut at 40 and 50% (v/v) ethanol. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling.