An integrated analysis methodology composed of four components: VISUAL modeling, simulation, diagnosis and reduction of bottleneck processes of production lines has been presented in this paper. Various components are integrated to analyze the bottleneck process of production lines including process parameters and production planning. In this method, 3D dynamic modeling, which includes physical and logical modeling, is the basis to define the entire layout, the VISUAL simulation and the diagnosis of the production line. Simulation is the most crucial part for acquiring many data to quickly diagnose the bottleneck processes in the production line. The reducing method of bottleneck processes, which includes two anti-bottleneck ways, local expansion and bypass reducing, is the premise to redesign the production line. Because the result of each following steps can be fed back to the previous steps, the bottleneck processes of the production line can be quickly diagnosed and reduced. With this method, an existing production line is virtually modeled in a computer, simulated and analyzed. Based on the simulation results, the bottleneck processes are quickly diagnosed. Some ways for reducing bottleneck processes are proposed and their simulation results are quickly achieved in the simulation environment. Results reveal that the integrated analysis method can integrate the following functions: modeling, simulation, bottleneck diagnosis and reduction of production lines, and as a result quickly diagnose the bottleneck processes, redesign the production line, and provide a preanalysis tool for the production plan.

Background and Aim: When using improper recording materials during the fabrication of dentures, the whole process could be compromised in spite of the precision administered during the rest of the procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the flow of Pars Wax, Azardent, Crystal and Asia Wax with the Dental MODELLING Wax Detry (Manufactured in Dentsply) according to standard indices of ADA, specification no. 24.Materials and Methods: All flow tests were conducted in accordance with the corresponding ADA specifications. Two samples of each wax (10 mm wide x 6 mm heigh) were prepared. A force of 19.6N (2kg) was applied on each specimen at three different temperatures: 23, 37 and 45°C. The geometric changes were accurately measured with a micrometer and compared to those obtained prior to the tests. The ratios of the dimensions after force application to the initial dimensions were determined. Based on these ratios, wax flows were compared to standard indices. Results: The amount of flow at 23°C and 45°C, obtained for all studied waxes was in accordance with the corresponding standard values, proposed by ADA. However, at 37°C the flow of none of the studied waxes was in the range of the ADA standards.Conclusion: Considering that the tested waxes demonstrated conflicting results at different temperatures when compared with the standard values, further investigation using different batch numbers is suggested.

Due to the stochastic nature of wind energy, allocating an appropriate investment incentive for wind generation technology (WGT) is a complicated issue. We propose an improvement on the traditional incentive, known as capacity payment mechanism (CPM), to reward the wind generators based on their performance exogenously affected by the wind energy potential of the location where the turbines are installed, and therefore, lead the investments towards locations with more generation potential. In CPM, a part of investment cost of each generator is recovered through fixed payments. However, in our proposal, wind generators are rewarded according to dynamic forecasts of the wind energy potential of the wind farm where they are located. We use an auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) model to forecast the wind speed fluctuations in long-term while capturing the auto-correlation of wind velocity variation in consecutive time intervals. Using the system dynamics (SD) MODELLING approach a competitive electricity market is designed to examine the efficiency of the proposed incentive. Performing a simulation analysis, we conclude that while a fixed CPM for wind generation can decrease the loss of load durations and average prices in long-term, the proposed improvement can provide quite similar results more efficiently.

The daylight level in interior spaces of office buildings highly affects productivity, job satisfaction and health condition of employees. Achieving optimal daylight level in office buildings helps reducing various harmful effects artificial lighting which may lead to the well-being of employees and can affect various aspects of the building. Maximizing daylight availability in the interior spaces of office buildings through the use of different glazings and shading systems is one of the most common and effective tools to achieve such goal. It is also important to consider buildings orientation as it is one of the fundamental factors which directly affects how a space receives daylight. By the use of climate-based daylight modeling and examining various shading systems and glazings, the presented study seeks to achieve optimal VISUAL level through maximizing useful daylight illuminance (UDI) in a reference office model for cardinal orientations. To this end, weather data of Isfahan is used as this city represents the climate with high daylight availability. The results show the importance of using the reflective louver (in different configurations according to the orientation). Findings also reveal the very similar effects of clear double glazing and clear triple glazing.

Introduction: Ionic channel rearrangements through the demyelinated axons or supporting media play significant role in remission of the neurological deficit in MS patients. In this study the effects of Verapamil as a calcium channel blocker on central conduction have been investigated through the evaluation of changes in P100 latency of the VISUAL evoked potential.Method: This randomized double blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was performed on two groups of 20 multiple sclerosis patients who had been diagnosed for definite MS and had no relapse during the last year. Case group received oral Verapamil, 40 mg, every 8 hours and was compared to Placebo group for changes in P100 latency.Results: In the Verapamil group, the P100 latencies showed an average decrease of 5ms comparing to the placebo group (6.1±4ms vs1 ± 0.5 ms). Verapamil had no significant effect on the VEP duration.Discussion: The present study suggests that pharmacological manipulation of calcium-dependent process, possibly at the level of demyelinated axon, can acutely facilitate central conduction of electrical impulses in some patients with clinically stable multiple sclerosis.

This paper presents a simple and practical method for measurement and compensation of odometry errors. For a typical differential drive mobile robot, the three dominating systematic error sources unequal wheel diameters, imprecise average wheel diameter and the uncertainty about the effective wheel base, are considered. Odometric accuracy of the mobile robot calibrated with this procedure is considerably improved. Calibration coefficients are obtained by accurate measurement of wheel diameter ratios and the effective wheel base, and applied to robot through drivers controller software. The new method is distinct from previous studies performed in this subject in three aspects: -The experimental text are easily performed. -The method is valid regardless of errors magnitude, which is direct consequence of mathematics with no approximation in the modeling procedure. -Accurate relations to determine average wheel diameters that are additional outcome of this method.

Objectives: Human Immunodeficiency Virus type I is the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome "AIDS" in human and demonstration of RN-I genome in samples is accepted as evidence of infection. Transmission of Infection during window period in blood transfusion settings is a worldwide concern. Also there is a need for a rapid, sensitive and accurate technique to detect RN -I infection prior to antibody appearance in patients and new borns.Material and Method: A rapid VISUAL DNA Chip based on RT-Nested PCR and Enzyme-Substrate detection system was developed. At first a specific RT-Nested PCR was developed and the products were confirmed in gel electrophoresis and the products were labeled with DIG (Digoxigenin).The labeled products were then hybridized with the pre-prepared chip with an anchored specific probe. After the washing procedure an antibody against DIG conjugated with alkaline phosphates enzyme was used. After the second washing procedure the BCIP/NBT substrate was used and development of color was interpreted as positive while the negative samples developed no color.Results: 35 sera samples from different stages of HIV infection (AIDS, Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Infection) as well as 20 confirmed negative sera samples were collected and checked with the developed assay. All the positive samples developed reaction while the negative samples had no reaction.Conclusion: In the current study the developed assay showed high sensitivity and specificity to detect HIV-I infection. It seems that the viral genome could be detected prior to antibody appearance and hence the window period could be shortened. Also the assay could be used to detect infection in new borns from infected mothers, because the maternal antibody could pass the placenta and antibody based assay have false positive results.Because of the high sensitivity, the developed assay could also detect infection in very low viral load conditions.