Decision models - an analytical framework for the Watertime Project

This paper suggests a possible framework for the encapsulation of the decision making process for the Waterime project. The final outcome maybe a computerised model, but the process advocated is not prescriptive, and involves the production of a "paper model" as mediating representation between the knowledge acquired and any computerised system. This paper model may suffice in terms of the project's goals.

A modelling approach for coupling numerical analytical techniques applied in microsystems

In this paper, a method for the integration of several numerical analytical techniques that are used in microsystems design and failure analysis is presented. The analytical techniques are categorized into four groups in the discussion, namely the high-fidelity analytical tools, i.e. finite element (FE) method, the fast analytical tools referring to reduced order modeling (ROM); the optimization tools, and probability based analytical tools. The characteristics of these four tools are investigated. The interactions between the four tools are discussed and a methodology for the coupling of these four tools is offered. This methodology consists of three stages, namely reduced order modeling, deterministic optimization and probabilistic optimization. Using this methodology, a case study for optimization of a solder joint is conducted. It is shown that these analysis techniques have mutual relationship of interaction and complementation. Synthetic application of these techniques can fully utilize the advantages of these techniques and satisfy various design requirements. The case study shows that the coupling method of different tools provided by this paper is effective and efficient and it is highly relevant in the design and reliability analysis of microsystems

Financing the development of poor communities in the Northern Cape of South Africa - an analytical framework for the study of livestock banks

This paper is part of a major project about the Northern Cape Land Reform and Advocacy (NCLRA) programme being implemented by FARM-Africa* in South Africa. The NCLRA programme had initiated a financial mechanism to help poor communities to get access to finance and training in order to enable them to make better use of their newly-acquired land. One prominent aspect of the programme is the implementation of Livestock Banks, or the use of animals as financial products. The paper provides an analytical framework with which to evaluate the effectiveness of Livestock Banks in the poor communities of the Northern Cape in South Africa. It focuses on the design, implementation and future of Livestock Banks. The paper argues that Livestock Banks need to be reformed and enhanced if they are to continue to play a key role in the goal of creating financial and economic value in Africa, particularly when the primary objective is simultaneously to help reduce poverty. [Note]*FARM-Africa (Food & Agricultural Research Management) is a registered UK charity organisation and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales no. 01926828.

Modelling of a dosator: an analytical approach based on measured powder flow properties

[No abstract is available for this article.]

Elemental analysis of soil samples for forensic purposes by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry - precision considerations

Major and trace elemental composition provides a powerful basis for forensic comparison of soils, sediments and rocks. However, it is important that the potential 'errors' associated with the procedures are fully understood and quantified, and that standard protocols are applied for sample preparation and analysis. This paper describes such a standard procedure and reports results both for instrumental measurement precision (repeatability) and overall 'method' precision (reproducibility). Results obtained both for certified reference materials and example soils show that the instrumental measurement precision (defined by the coefficient of variation, CV) for most elements is better than 2-3%. When different solutions were prepared from the same sample powder, and from different sub-sample powders prepared from the same parent sample, the CV increased to c. 5-6% for many elements. The largest variation was found in results for certified reference materials generated from 23 instrument runs over an 18 month period (mean CV=c. 11%). Some elements were more variable than others. W was found to be the most variable and the elements V, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni and Pb also showed higher than average variability. SiO2, CaO, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, Rb, Sr, La, Ce, Nd and Sm generally showed lower than average variability, and therefore provided the most reliable basis for inter-sample comparison. It is recommended that, whenever possible, samples relating to the same investigation should be analysed in the same sample run, or at least sequential runs.