Multi-objective flow-shop scheduling with parallel machines

In this paper, multi-objective flow-shop scheduling with parallel machines is considered, and an algorithm for production-scheduling optimisation is proposed. The objective is to design an algorithm to optimise production scheduling, taking into consideration customer changes to delivery dates and quantities, materials requisitioned from the supplier and inventory management. Manufacturing lead time for the production order is minimised, and, finally, resource use is considered as an auxiliary criterion. Numerical examples, modelled with data from a Mexican enterprise, and computational results are reported. The paper indicates that the mathematical model, as well as the program that solves it, provides flexibility with minimum modifications. Thus it can provide useful information for multiple decision processes.     

Determination of refractive indices of quarter-wavelength Bragg reflectors by reflectance measurements in wavelength and angular domains

We show that all the structural properties of periodic dielectric multilayers can be accurately determined by a combined measurement of the transmission as a function of the wavelength and of the reflection as a function of the angle of incidence when the wavelength of the incident light is fixed. This method is applied to determine the structural properties of two commercial dielectric mirrors, and the results obtained are compared with a measurement of the same structural parameters by use of another technique based on the more standard optical guiding method.     

Natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic starch composites obtained by melt processing

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) from industrial non-modified corn starch was obtained and reinforced with natural strands. The influence of the reinforcement on physical–chemical properties of the composites obtained by melt processing has been analyzed. For this purpose, composites reinforced with different amounts of either sisal or hemp strands have been prepared and evaluated in terms of crystallinity, water sorption, thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed that the incorporation of sisal or hemp strands caused an increase in the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the TPS as determined by DMTA. The reinforcement also increased the stiffness of the material, as reflected in both the storage modulus and the Young’s modulus. Intrinsic mechanical properties of the reinforcing fibers showed a lower effect on the final mechanical properties of the materials than their homogeneity and distribution within the matrix. Additionally, the addition of a natural latex plasticizer to the composite decreased the water absorption kinetics without affecting significantly the thermal and mechanical properties of the material.     

Glutaric aciduria type I with high residual glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity

Two brothers with dystonia and slight MRI changes in the basal ganglia had normal urinary glutaric acid excretion, but slightly increased 3-hydroxyglutarate and conjugated glutarate excretions. Both siblings have high residual glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity, and are compound heterozygotes for two mutations - R227P and V400M reported to be disease-causing in patients with glutaric aciduria type I.     

Comparison of partially attended night time respiratory recordings and full polysomnography in patients with suspected sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome

BACKGROUND: Laboratory full polysomnography (PSG) is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS), but it is expensive and time consuming. A study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of a partially attended night time respiratory recording (NTRR) and a clinical questionnaire in patients with suspected SAHS in comparison with full PSG. METHODS: Seventy six patients (54 men) of mean (SD) age 51 (11.5) years with a body mass index of 31 (5.7) kg/m2 were studied at random on two different nights with full PSG at the sleep laboratory and with NTRR on a respiratory ward. NTRR records oximetry, airflow, chest and abdominal motion. All signals were continuously displayed on a computer screen throughout the night and respiratory events were scored automatically the following morning. All patients completed a clinical questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean values of the apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) using NTRR were lower than those obtained with full PSG (22.7 (2.4) versus 32.2 (3) events/hour) which was mainly due to underrecognition of hypopnoeas. Sensitivity and specificity of NTRR for the diagnosis of SAHS were 82% and 90%, respectively, taking as reference AHI > 10 on full PSG (AHI-PSG > 10). The mean (+/-2SD) difference in AHI between the two methods was 9.6 (range -5.4-24.6) (95% confidence interval 6.2 to 13). Symptoms of witnessed apnoeas, impotence, the overall clinical impression of a trained physician, and a neck size over 40 cm were significantly more prevalent in patients with AHI-PSG of > 10, but impotence was the only clinical feature significantly more prevalent in patients with false negative compared with true negative NTRR results that helped to distinguish patients with NTRR < 10 but AHI-PSG > 10. CONCLUSIONS: NTRR is a helpful and easy complementary diagnostic tool in clinical practice because it detects patients with moderate to severe SAHS reasonably well and therefore can be useful for confirming a diagnosis of SAHS and also for treatment decisions. It is suggested that patients with suspicion of SAHS should be initially studied by NTRR. When NTRR is negative, a full PSG should be performed if witnessed apnoeas, impotence, systemic hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, and a trained physician's clinical impression of SAHS are present.