The Repair Limit Replacement Method

In the repair limit replacement method when an item requires repair it is first inspected and the repair cost is estimated. Repair is only then undertaken if the estimated cost is less than the "repair limit". Dynamic programming methods are used in this paper as a general approach to the problem of determining optimum repair limits. Two problems are formulated and the cases of finite and infinite planning horizons and discounted and undiscounted costs are discussed. Methods are given for allowing for equipment availability and for the introduction of new types of equipment. An improved general formulation for finite time horizon, stochastic, dynamic programming problems is developed.     

Measurement of the B(0)-B(0) mixing parameter Deltam(d) using semileptonic B0 decays

We present a measurement of the B0-Bmacr;(0) mixing parameter Deltam(d) using neutral B meson pairs in a 29.1 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We exclusively reconstruct one neutral B meson in the semileptonic B0-->D(*-)l(+)nu decay mode and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the distribution of the time intervals between the two flavor-tagged B meson decay points, we obtain Deltam(d)=(0.494+/-0.012+/-0.015) ps(-1), where the first error is statistical and the second error is systematic.     

Observation of the color-suppressed decay B( 0)-->D(0)pi(0)

We report the first observation of color-suppressed B( 0)-->D(0)pi(0), D(*0)pi(0), D0eta, and D0omega decays, and evidence for B( 0)-->D(*0)eta and D(*0)omega. The branching fractions are B(B( 0)-->D0pi(0)) = (3.1 +/- 0.4 +/- 0.5)x10(-4), B(B( 0) -->D(*0)pi(0)) = (2.7(+0.8+0.5)(-0.7-0.6))x10(-4), B(B( 0) --> D0eta) = (1.4(+0.5)(-0.4) +/- 0.3)x10(-4), B(B( 0) --> D0omega) = (1.8 +/- 0.5(+0.4)(-0.3))x10(-4), and we set 90% confidence level upper limits of B(B( 0) --> D(*0)eta)<4.6 x 10(-4) and B(B( 0)-->D(*0)omega)<7.9 x 10(-4). The analysis is based on a data sample of 21.3 fb(-1) collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.     

Depinning by fracture in a glassy background

We force a single particle through a two-dimensional simulated glass of smaller particles. We find that the particle velocity obeys a robust power law that persists to drive wells above threshold. As the single driven particle moves, it induces cooperative distortions in the surrounding medium. We show theoretically that a fracture model for these distortions produces power-law behavior and discuss implications for experimental probes of soft matter systems.     

Ratchet cellular automata

In this work we propose a ratchet effect which provides a general means of performing clocked logic operations on discrete particles, such as single electrons or vortices. The states are propagated through the device by the use of an applied ac drive. We numerically demonstrate that a complete logic architecture is realizable using this ratchet. We consider specific nanostructured superconducting geometries using superconducting materials under an applied magnetic field, with the positions of the individual vortices in samples acting as the logic states. These devices can be used as the building blocks for an alternative microelectronic architecture.     

Application of the EXAFS method to Jahn—Teller ions: static and dynamic behavior of Cu(H2O)62+ and Ci(H2O)2+6 in aqueous solution

EXAFS measurements have been made on the octahedral Jahn—Teller complexes, Cu(H₂O)₆²⁺ and Cr(H₂O)₆²⁺, in aqueous solution. Two distinct metal—oxygen bond lengths are not clearly resolvable in the EXAFS Fourier transforms for each species; lengths and Deuye—Waller factors obtained suggest that the axial ligands are loosely bonded.     

Schedule Based M.R.P.: An Integrated Approach to Production Scheduling and Material Requirements Planning

This paper presents an integrated approach to production scheduling and materials requirements planning. It discusses existing techniques and suggests how the new method can overcome certain deficiencies. The method is incorporated in a computer program, and sample outputs for an example problem are given. Some industrial experience is reported.