A Robust Statistical Batch Process Monitoring Framework and Its Application

In order to reduce the variations of the product quality in batch processes, multivariate statistical process control methods according to multi-way principal component analysis (MPCA) or multi-way projection to latent structure (MPLS) were proposed for on-line batch process monitoring. However, they are based on the decomposition of relative covariance matrix and strongly affected by outlying observations. In this paper, in view of an efficient projection pursuit algorithm, a robust statistical batch process monitoring (RSBPM) framework,which is resistant to outliers, is proposed to reduce the high demand for modeling data. The construction of robust normal operating condition model and robust control limits are discussed in detail. It is evaluated on monitoring an industrial streptomycin fermentation process and compared with the conventional MPCA. The results show that the RSBPM framework is resistant to possible outliers and the robustness is confirmed.

Partnering Together to Reduce Sepsis Mortality： A Novel Approach

Each year 750,000 Americans are diagnosed with sepsis and approximately 220,000 of those patients die. In addition to the toll on human life, sepsis is the most expensive disease to care for in the hospital costing approximately 17 billion dollars annually. National and international initiatives have demonstrated the benefits of recognition, early fluid resuscitation and broad spectrum antibiotics to reduce sepsis mortality. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recently issued the third iteration of clinical bundles for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock. Robust Process Improvement （RPITM） which integrates the principles of Six Sigma, Lean and Change Management was applied to increase overall compliance to implement the elements of the three hour sepsis bundle in a complex healthcare system. The elements of the three hour sepsis bundle are drawing blood cultures before ordering antibiotics, timely antibiotic administration, obtaining lactate and administering fluid bolus. It has been demonstrated for severe sepsis and septic shock that bundle compliance is associated with a reduction in hospital mortality. The results of this study indicated that the overall bundle compliance increased by 30% which resulted in reducing the sepsis mortality rate by 27%.

Laser-based manufacturing concepts for efficient production of tailor welded sheet metals

Laser welding is an established manufacturing technology for a large variety of automotive applications due to its attractive properties such as low heat input, high precision and fast welding speed. Especially when welding high strength steels, which are dominantly used in today＇s car body construction, the low heat input by laser welding bears significant advantages with regard to the properties of the weld seam. The exploitation of the full application potential of laser welding in mass production requires an appropriate manufacturing concept and corresponding auxiliary technologies. The present paper demonstrates the integration of laser welding into the surrounding manu- facturing concepts by a modular setup with different levels of automation. This approach offers flexible solutions for individual needs thereby optimizing investment cost, labor cost and productivity. Recently available laser sources enable exceptionally high welding speed on thin gauged sheet metals but require efficient material handling con- cepts to utilize the full speed potential. Industrial concepts are presented offering efficient material handling and high process robustness for mass production welding.