Exact maximal height distribution of fluctuating interfaces

We present an exact solution for the distribution P(h(m),L) of the maximal height h(m) (measured with respect to the average spatial height) in the steady state of a fluctuating Edwards-Wilkinson interface in a one dimensional system of size L with both periodic and free boundary conditions. For the periodic case, we show that P(h(m),L)=L(-1/2)f(h(m)L(-1/2)) for all L>0, where the function f(x) is the Airy distribution function that describes the probability density of the area under a Brownian excursion over a unit interval. For the free boundary case, the same scaling holds, but the scaling function is different from that of the periodic case. Numerical simulations are in excellent agreement with our analytical results. Our results provide an exactly solvable case for the distribution of extremum of a set of strongly correlated random variables.     

Persistence of manifolds in nonequilibrium critical dynamics

We study the persistence probability P(t) that, starting from a random initial condition, the magnetization of a d'-dimensional manifold of a d-dimensional spin system at its critical point does not change sign up to time t. For d'>0 we find three distinct late-time decay forms for P(t): exponential, stretched exponential, and power law, depending on a single parameter zeta=(D-2+eta)/z, where D=d-d' and eta,z are standard critical exponents. In particular, we predict that for a line magnetization in the critical d=2 Ising model, P(t) decays as a power law while, for d=3, P(t) decays as a power of t for a plane magnetization but as a stretched exponential for a line magnetization. Numerical results are consistent with these predictions.     

Nano Fe3O4 as magnetically recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates in solvent-free conditions

The three component, one-pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonates has been achieved using super magnetic nano iron oxide at 50 °C under solvent-free conditions in excellent yields. The major advantages of the present method are high yields, short reaction times, magnetically recyclable catalyst, and solvent-free reaction conditions.     

Triflic acid-promoted aza-Prins-Ritter reaction sequence: a novel synthesis of 4-amidopiperidine derivatives

4-Amidopiperidine derivatives have been prepared for the first time in good yields and with high selectivity by means of aza-Prins-Ritter reaction sequence using 1.2 equiv of triflic acid under mild reaction conditions.     

Vibrational spectra of Na4P2O7·10H2O

The IR and Raman spectra are measured and analysed for sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate. The spectra are interpreted on the basis of P₂O ₇ ⁴⁻ ion and water vibrations. The observed results fit with the features predicted for the factor goup model. The appearance of two sets of frequencies in the stretching and bending regions of water suggests the existence of two kinds of water molecules in the crystal. This is confirmed by deuterium substitution.     

Testing the accuracy of employee-reported data: An inexpensive alternative approach to traditional methods

Although Information Technology (IT) solutions improve the collection and validation of operational data, Operations Managers must often rely on self-reported data from workers to make decisions. The problem with this data is that they are subject to intentional manipulation, thus reducing their suitability for decision-making. A method of identifying manipulated data, digital analysis, addresses this problem at low cost. In this paper, we demonstrate how one uses this method in real-world companies to validate self-reported data from line workers. The results of our study suggest that digital analysis estimates the accuracy of employee reported data in operations management, within limited contexts. These findings lead to improved operating performance by providing a tool for practitioners to exclude inaccurate information.     

Pareto optimal solutions of a cost–time trade-off bulk transportation problem

A cost–time trade-off bulk transportation problem with the objectives to minimize the total cost and duration of bulk transportation without according priorities to them is considered. The entire requirement of each destination is to be met from one source only; however a source can supply to any number of destinations subject to the availability of the commodity at it. Two new algorithms are provided to obtain the set of Pareto optimal solutions of this problem. This work extends and generalizes the work related to single-objective and prioritized two-objective bulk transportation problems done in the past while providing flexibility in decision making.