Learning curves for imperfect production processes with reworks and process restoration interruptions

Many production processes are not defect free, and reworks are unavoidable. This makes the assumption of the Wright’s learning curve [Wright, T., 1936. Factors affecting the cost of airplanes. Journal of Aeronautical Science 3 (2), 122–128] that all units produced are of acceptable quality impractical, suggesting a linkage between quality and learning to be inevitable. The quality learning curve (QLC) developed by Jaber and Guiffrida [Jaber, M.Y., Guiffrida, A.L., 2004. Learning curves for processes generating defects requiring reworks. European Journal of Operational Research 159 (3), 663–672] is a modification of the Wright’s learning curve for processes that generate defects that can be reworked. This paper investigates the QLC for the assumption that the production process is interrupted for quality maintenance to bring the process in control again. New learning curves are developed with numerical examples provided and results discussed.     

The Effect of Different Ester Chain Modifications of Two Guaianolides for Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth

Several sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) have been tested as lead drugs in cancer clinical trials. Salograviolide-A (Sal-A) and salograviolide-B (Sal-B) are two STLs that have been isolated from Centaurea ainetensis, an indigenous medicinal plant of the Middle Eastern region. The parent compounds Sal-A and Sal-B were modified and successfully prepared into eight novel guaianolide-type STLs (compounds 1–8) bearing ester groups of different geometries. Sal-A, Sal-B, and compounds 1–8 were tested against a human colorectal cancer cell line model with differing p53 status; HCT116 with wild-type p53 and HCT116 p53^−/− null for p53, and the normal-like human colon mucosa cells with wild-type p53, NCM460. IC₅₀ values indicated that derivatization of Sal-A and Sal-B resulted in potentiation of HCT116 cell growth inhibition by 97% and 66%, respectively. The effects of the different molecules on cancer cell growth were independent of p53 status. Interestingly, the derivatization of Sal-A and Sal-B molecules enhanced their anti-growth properties versus 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), which is the drug of choice in colorectal cancer. Structure-activity analysis revealed that the enhanced molecule potencies were mainly attributed to the position and number of the hydroxy groups, the lipophilicity, and the superiority of ester groups over hydroxy substituents in terms of their branching and chain lengths. The favorable cytotoxicity and selectivity of the potent molecules, to cancer cells versus their normal counterparts, pointed them out as promising leads for anti-cancer drug design.     

Inventory models for imperfect quality items with shortages and learning in inspection

The classical economic order quantity model, although well known and useful; assumes that all items received conform to quality characteristics. However, in practice, items may be damaged due to transportation and/or production conditions. This requires a buyer to screen each lot it receives from its vendor to separate the good from the nonconforming (due to imperfect quality) items. While screening is usually a manual task performed by inspectors, it may improve with learning. Besides, it was observed in some studies that coordinating activities (e.g., quality) between a buyer and a vendor may be subject to learning effects and results in improving the quality of each lot (as it contains less nonconforming items) delivered or produced.     

The order bidual of <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis> -algebras revisited

It is shown that the order bidual X ^~~ of an Archimedean semiprime f -algebra X has a unit element for the Arens multiplication if and only if every positive linear functional on X extends to a positive linear functional on the f -algebra Orth (X) of all orthomorphisms on X.     

Recoverable salen-based macrocyclic chiral complexes; catalysts for enantioselective Henry reactions

Cobalt and chromium complexes have been prepared from chiral calix–salen cyclic ligands. The corresponding tetrahydrosalen reduced forms have been used for copper salt complexation. These new chiral catalysts have been tested for their ability to promote asymmetric Henry reactions between various aldehydes and nitromethane under heterogeneous conditions. The best results were obtained by using tetrahydrosalen-based copper macrocycles, in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability during the recycling process. Ten consecutive runs could indeed be performed with the same catalyst batch to produce the target 1-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-2-nitro-ethanol with highly stable values in terms of yield and enantioselectivity (up to 94% ee).     

A New Method for the Synthesis of gem-Dihydroperoxides

The tungstic acid-catalyzed reaction of ketals with hydrogen peroxide provides a convenient and efficient method for preparing gem-dihydroperoxides.     

Environmental Friendly Synthesis of Novel Isatin Ketal and Isatin Schiff Base Derivatives Using Michael Addition Reaction under Solvent‐Free Conditions

An efficient and simple procedure for the synthesis of novel isatin derivatives is described. Michael addition of aniline Schiff bases of isatin or p‐toluidine Schiff bases of isatin to fumaric esters affords the Michael adduct compounds in good to high yields in the presence of K₂CO₃ and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) under solvent‐free conditions. Repeating of this reaction about spiro[1,3‐dioxolane‐2,3′‐indol]‐2′(1′H)‐one, as a Michael donor, in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) gives Michael adducts in remarkable yields under the same conditions.     

Mesoporous Silica Sputter‐Coated onto ITO: Electrochemical Processes,Ion Permeability,and Gold Deposition Through NanoPores

“Simple” silica films of 50 nm and 100 nm thickness are sputter‐coated onto ITO substrates and shown to be structured with in‐planed features of ca. 15 nm and pores <5 nm (based on GISAXS). In electrochemical measurements membrane pore effects are observed. The oxidation current for Fe(CN)₆^4? in aqueous KNO₃ strongly depends on the electrolyte concentration. Poly‐cationic poly(diallyl‐dimethylammonium) (PDDA) cannot enter these pores, but is adsorbed onto the outer surface of the silica film. During gold electrodeposition, PDDA causes growth of “discs”. Gold deposits adhere well and a comparison of glucose electrooxidation activity reveals significant improvements.     

The effect of formulation variables on the characteristics of insulin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres prepared by a single phase oil in oil solvent evaporation method

Biodegradable polymeric microspheres are ideal vehicles for controlled delivery applications of drugs, peptides and proteins. Amongst them, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has generated enormous interest due to their favorable properties and also has been approved by FDA for drug delivery. Insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles were prepared by our developed single phase oil in oil (o/o) emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Insulin, a model protein, was successfully loaded into microparticles by changing experimental variables such as polymer molecular weight, polymer concentration, surfactant concentration and stirring speed in order to optimize process variables on drug encapsulation efficiency, release rates, size and size distribution. A 2⁴ full factorial design was employed to evaluate systematically the combined effect of variables on responses. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed spherical shapes, smooth surface morphology and microsphere structure without aggregation. FTIR and DSC results showed drug–polymer interaction. The encapsulation efficiency of insulin was mainly influenced by surfactant concentration. Moreover, polymer concentration and polymer molecular weight affected burst release of drug and size characteristics of microspheres, respectively. It was concluded that using PLGA with higher molecular weight, high surfactant and polymer concentrations led to a more appropriate encapsulation efficiency of insulin with low burst effect and desirable release pattern.