An Integrated Approach of GRA Coupled with Principal Component Analysis for Multi-Optimization of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Process.

Welding distortion is a critical issue as it leads to severe deterioration of structural integrity of welded work piece and dimensional precision. This study aims at studying the effects of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) parameters on the evolution of mechanical properties, including tensile strength, impact toughness, and hardness, along with angular distortion on a welded joint from SA 516 grade 70. Such parameters are analyzed and optimized by employing the Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis.

Improving Total Joint Replacement with Continuous Quality Improvement Methods and Tools.

Faced with increasing pressure to reduce costs, hospitals must find new ways to eliminate waste while simultaneously maintaining the highest quality of care. For any institution, these can types of changes can be complex and burdensome. This article outlines several methods that have been successful in reducing costs while maintaining high quality and highlights feasible methodologies that can help health care providers implement new quality improvement protocols.

Influence of Surfactants on Sodium Chloride Crystallization in Confinement.

We study the influence of different surfactants on NaCl crystallization during evaporation of aqueous salt solutions. We found that at concentrations of sodium chloride close to saturation, only the cationic surfactant CTAB and the nonionic surfactant Tween 80 remain stable. For the nonionic surfactant, the high concentration of salt does not significantly change either the critical micellar concentration (CMC) or the surface tension at the CMC; for the cationic surfactant, the CMC is reduced by roughly 2 orders of magnitude upon adding the salt.