Benchmarking in a multiple criteria performance context: An application and a conceptual framework

This article presents a conceptual benchmarking framework which applies a multiple criteria approach to assess performance. In the process, a multiple criteria procedure is used to assess the performance of three hundred and ninety two (392) Portuguese firms. Based on the results of this procedure, a conceptual framework is devised to facilitate addressing relevant benchmarking implications. The framework is designed to provide a conceptual linkage between the performance measurement methodology and the organizational benchmarking system.     

Discrete subsets of SU(3) for lattice gauge theory

We construct a regular 38 880 element subset of SU(3) which is suitable for Monte Carlo simulation of SU(3) lattice gauge theory in the region of coupling β<8 which is of physical interest.     

Isothermal Vapor–Liquid Equilibria for the Ternary System 2-Propanol + Tetrahydrofuran + 1-Chlorobutane at 25°C

Isothermal vapor–liquid equilibria (VLE) for mixtures containing 2-propanol + tetrahydrofuran + 1-chlorobutane have been measured using a modified version of a Boublik–Benson still at 25°C. A test of thermodynamic consistency, like the McDermott–Ellis method was applied to the activity coefficients. Excess molar Gibbs free energies were calculated over the entire range composition. Different expressions existing in the literature were used to predict activity coefficients.     

Diastereoselective tandem 6-exo carbolithiation intramolecular ring opening in (-)-8-aminomenthol-derived perhydrobenzoxazines. A new synthesis of enantiopure 4-substituted tetrahydro isoquinolines and 2-azabenzonorbornanes.

Aryllithiums prepared by bromine-lithium interchange in chiral 2-(o-bromophenyl)-substituted perhydro-1,3-benzoxazines participate in the intramolecular 6-exo carbolithiation reaction with unactivated double bonds attached to the nitrogen substituent of the heterocycle. When the reaction time is extended or no TMEDA is used, the cyclized lithium intermediates react intramolecularly with the N,O-acetal system leading to 2-azabenzonorbornane derivatives. The reactions are highly stereoselective and constitute a high-yielding synthesis of enantiopure 4-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines or 7-substituted 2-azabenzonorbornanes.     

Memetic self-adaptive evolution strategies applied to the maximum diversity problem

The maximum diversity problem consists in finding a subset of elements which have maximum diversity between each other. It is a very important problem due to its general aspect, that implies many practical applications such as facility location, genetics, and product design. We propose a method based on evolution strategies with local search and self-adaptation of the parameters. For all time limits from 1 to 300 s as well as for time to converge to the best solutions known, this method leads to better results when compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms.