A New Approach for Predicting the Final Outcome of Evolution Strategy Optimization Under Noise

Differential-geometric methods are applied to derive steady state conditions for the (μ/μ _I ,λ)-ES on the general quadratic test function disturbed by fitness noise of constant strength. A new approach for estimating the expected final fitness deviation observed under such conditions is presented. The theoretical results obtained are compared with real ES runs, showing a surprisingly excellent agreement.     

Fast isolation of protein receptors from streptococci G by means of macroporous affinity discs

A personal experience concerning vertebral excision and resection in a single stage for neoplasm is discussed. The surgery requires anaesthesia of long duration, hemodynamic stability, compensation of significant blood loss, monitoring of heat loss, maintenance without injury of prolonged prone position. Experience, with 24 cases lasting an average of 14.5 hours proves that inhalation or intravenous anaesthesia with a strong analgesic component is satisfactory. Normal heat saving systems reduce intraoperative hypothermia. Transfusion is always abundant, autologous contribution is moderate. Hemodilution is well-tolerated up to Hb 7%; below this amount there may be problems of a hemodynamic and coagulative nature. The quantity and quality of filling is guided by monitoring of pre-loading pressures and availability of oxygen. There were no critical complications; all of the patients left the hospital in good condition.     

Pyroelectric and electrooptic effects in LiInS2 and LiInSe2

The electrooptic (r_ij and pyroelectric ($\text{dP}{}_{\mathrm{s}}\text{dT}$) coefficients of two new chalcogenides LiInS₂ and LiInSe₂ have been determined. The same linear relationship between $\text{dP}{}_{\mathrm{s}}\text{dT}$ and r₃₃, based on the anharmonic oscillator model, which has been found to hold for a wide variety of oxides also holds for these materials.     

Ternary phase relations in the vicinity of chalcopyrite copper gallium sulfide

Some of the ternary phase relationships relevant to the growth of Cu_1-x Ga_1-x/3 -S₂ chalcopyrite crystals have been studied by DTā, TGA, x-ray powder diffraction, lattice parameter measurements, scanning electron microscopy and optical absorption. The extensive existence region of the compound (0 ≤ x ≤ O.1645) was verified and some evidence for extensive sulfur solubility at x = 0 obtained. The dystectic (maximum melting) composition was obtained from a melt of about 53 at% S, 25 at% Ga, and 21 at% Cu. Conditions necessary for the growth of stoichiometric crystals which are free of Cu_xS precipitates and the associated green coloration are given. Such compositions are necessary for the generation of luminescence in this compound. Work performed while a resident at Bell Laboratories     

Amylase activity of parotid saliva in acute and chronic pancreatitis

The activity of the alpha-amylase was estimated in the parotid resting saliva of 17 subjects without evidence of pancreatic disease, 17 patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis in the intervals between acute attacks, and also in 4 patients with acute pancreatitis and 3 patients with an acute attack of chronic relapsing pancreatitis. In the patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis between attacks the concentration, output and specific activity of the salivary amylase were significantly lowered. The patients with acute pancreatitis exhibited salivary amylase concentrations in the uppper normal to grossly supranormal range, whereas those of the patients with acute attacks of chronic relapsing pancreatitis were distinctly reduced. Unlike the amylase output, the amylase concentration was independent of the rate of salivary flow. Simultaneous infusion of secretin and pancreozymin produced a significant increase in the parotid salivary amylase levels in both the patients without pancreatic disease and in those with chronic relapsing pancreatitis between acute attacks.     

The Omega navigation system--An overview

The Omega worldwide VLF radio navigation system is discussed. Following a brief historical perspective, the current and projected system configurations are described with emphasis on the operational characteristics of transmitting station equipment. The Omega positionfixing process is examined and the available user equipment is reviewed. The characteristics of VLF radio wave propagation, which have a significant impact on Omega navigation accuracy, are discussed. Finally, the various elements of the Omega user community are described along with the likely nature of future increased applications of the Omega navigation system.     

Modelling of SiGe heterobipolar transistors: 200 GHz frequencies with symmetrical delay times

Our basic approach is to develop a symmetrical design with equal delay times for collector, base and the total load to simulate the high frequency behaviour of SiGe heterobipolar transistors (HBTs). On this base we have investigated the feasibility of SiGe HBTs with transit frequencies f_T above 200 GHz. A symmetrical design reaching f_T=208 GHz is presented. The dependence of the high frequency behaviour on Ge content and vertical transistor design is shown. Critical parameters like the maximum current density and the breakthrough voltage are considered. An analytical model is compared to numerical simulations and experimental data.     

Application of Lean Manufacturing in Hospitals—the Need to Consider Maturity,Complexity, and the Value Concept

Lean is widely applied in hospitals, but the impact tends to be limited. This paper investigates three possible explanations: 1) maturity, 2) complexity, and 3) the value concept and analyses the bearing of these in a case study of lean application in a large Danish university hospital. The results indicate that lean tends to be applied in secondary and support functions with a logistic character and therefore has had a limited impact on the overall healthcare performance. The case study shows that there are constraints related to low lean maturity, the complexity of processes and operations as well as differences in value perceptions among the different professions (e.g., doctors, nurses, and managers) within the hospital. The conclusion is that lean is useful for hospitals, but the lean concept as well as its implementation methods need to be fitted to the organizational complexity and diverging values in hospitals in order to bring about a larger impact. It is therefore necessary to develop new models for the lean concept as well as the implementation of lean adapted to the particular context of hospitals with a stronger focus on patient experiences and on coordination of social relations.