Scalar-type spectral operators andC(Ω)-operational calculi

It is shown that a continuous linear operatorT in a locally convex spaceX is a scalar-type spectral operator if and only if it admits aC((T))-operational calculus of a certain kind. This is a genuine extension of previous results of this type since we allow for the case when (T){} is an unbounded set in the complex planeC, a phenomenon which occurs often for continuous operatorsT defined in non- normable spacesX.     

Resonance phenomena for a class of partial differential equations of higher order in cylindrical waveguides

We consider a domain Ω in ?ⁿ of the form Ω = ?^l × Ω′ with bounded Ω′ ? ?^n?l. In Ω we study the Dirichlet initial and boundary value problem for the equation ? u + [(? ? ?… ? ?)^m + (? ? ?… ? ?)^m]u = fe^?iωt. We show that resonances can occur if 2m ≥ l. In particular, the amplitude of u may increase like t^α (α rational, 0<α<1) or like in t as t∞∞. Furthermore, we prove that the limiting amplitude principle holds in the remaining cases.     

Primitive lattice points in rational ellipses and related arithmetic functions

Assuming the Riemann Hypothesis to be true, an asymptotic with a sharp error term is established for the number of primitive lattice points inside a rational ellipseau ²+buv+cv ²x (a, b, c integers,b ²–4ac<0). A generalization of the result is given applying (as an example) to counting functions of Pythagorean triangles.     

Decomposition of multiattribute expected-utility functions

This paper integrates and extends the theory of the decomposition of multiattribute expected-utility functions based on utility independence. In a preliminary section, the standard decision model of expected utility is briefly discussed, including the fact that the decision maker's preference forlotteries with two outcomes determines the utility function uniquely. The decomposition possibilities of a utility function are captured by the concept ofautonomous sets of attributes, an affine separability of some kind known as generalized utility independence.Overlapping autonomous sets lead to biaffine-associative, i.e.multiplicative oradditive decompositions. The multiplicative representation shows that autonomy has strongerclosure properties than utility independence, for instance with respect to set-theoretic difference. Autonomy is also a concept with a wider scope since it applies to the decomposition of Boolean functions, games and a number of other topics in combinatorial optimization. This relationship to the well-known theory ofsubstitution decomposition in discrete mathematics also reveals a kind of discrete core behind the decomposition of utility functions. The entirety of autonomous sets can be represented by a compact data structure, the so-calledcomposition tree, which frequently corresponds to a natural hierarchy of attributes. Multiplicative/additive ormulti-affine functions correspond to the hierarchy steps. The known representation of multi-affine functions is shown to be given by aMoebius inversion formula. The entire approach has the advantage that it allows the application of more sophisticated representation methods on a detailed level, whereas it employs onlyfinite set theory andarithmetic on the main levels in the hierarchy.     

From quality inspection to quality assurance

Summary Systematic quality assurance, e.g. in accordance with the provisions of ISO 9000, requires not only the targeted use of quality as a management tool, but also a revised attitude to operational procedures. Although sophisticated checking of the final results of a procedure (e.g. results of analyses, sales products, reports) meets the legal requirements and often also the customers' requirements, this misses the chance of being able to influence the quality of a final result at the earliest possible stage. It is then only possible subsequently to take the uneconomic decision as to whether the result of the work is useable or must be discarded or the object reworked. Within quality assurance, all operations are to be considered as processes with the aim of arriving at a statistically controlled process. The advantages of statistical process control are explained by way of examples from analytical procedures and production. The status of internal audits is explained as it interrelates with process control.