In some quality control applications, the quality of a process or a product is described by the relationship between a response variable and one or more explanatory variables, called a profile. Moreover, in most practical applications, the qualitative characteristic of a product/service is vague, uncertain and linguistic and cannot be precisely stated. The purpose of this paper is to propose a ...

We present an econometrically feasible model that uses the information contained in the innovation profile of each firm to test for the existence of complementarity among production and innovation strategies. Our approach is able to distinguish between complementarity and correlation induced by unobserved heterogeneity. We apply the model to analyze the Spanish ceramic tiles industry where the ...

This paper focuses on improving the management of New-Product Development (NPD) processes within the particular context of a cluster of enterprises that cooperate through a network of intraand inter-firm relations. Ceramic tile design chains have certain singularities that condition the NPD process, such as the lack of a strong hierarchy, fashion pressure or the existence of different origins f...

The notion of mimicking natural structures in the synthesis of new structural materials has generated enormous interest but has yielded few practical advances. Natural composites achieve strength and toughness through complex hierarchical designs that are extremely difficult to replicate synthetically. We emulate nature's toughening mechanisms by combining two ordinary compounds, aluminum oxide...

This paper describes an interactive neural network model that predicts the quality of cast ceramic products using multiple quantitative and qualitative inputs. This has been done to enable a major sanitary ware manufacturer to reduce product waste by better control of the slip casting process. The input variables describe the raw materials, ambient conditions and line settings for the ceramic c...

During the past 25 years, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the preparation techniques used for porcelain veneers. Calamia and other early pioneers looked at veneers as a non-invasive, additive process and worked primarily with a nopreparation concept. Early on it was found that a little enamel preparation could help to enhance the esthetic outcome and improve the marginal fit. Later...

Revision rates of total hip arthroplasty have decreased after introducing total hip arthroplasty (THA) using ceramic component, since ceramic components could reduce components wear and osteolysis. The fracture of a ceramic component is a rare but potentially serious event. Thus, ceramic on polyethylene articulation is gradually spotlighted to reduce ceramic component fracture. There are a few ...

The present article describes a new product for long-term retention of the lower dental arch. The LingLock is a fixed bonded retainer from canine to canine in the lower front made up of separate, but co-working retention elements in the ceramic material aluminium oxide (Al2O3). The LingLock retainer enables the patient to floss the teeth in a regular manner in the actual retention area.