Erratum to: A Variational Approach to Givental’s Nonlinear Maslov Index

In this article we consider a variant of Rabinowitz Floer homology in order to define a homological count of discriminant points for paths of contactomorphisms. The growth rate of this count can be seen as an analogue of Givental’s nonlinear Maslov index. As an application we prove a Bott–Samelson type obstruction theorem for positive loops of contactomorphisms.     

A general approach to handling missing values in Procrustes analysis

General Procrustes analysis is concerned with transforming a set of given configuration matrices to closest agreement. This paper introduces an approach useful for handling missing values in the configuration matrices in the context of general linear transformations. Centring and/or standardisation are allowed. Simplifications occur in the important case where the transformations are orthogonal. In the most general case, an interesting quadratic constrained optimisation problem appears.     

Non-destructive testing of porous media by means of sound wave analysis

The theoretical investigation of sound waves in porous materials is motivated by the possible construction of non-destructive testing methods. Here, geotechnical applications are of interest where low frequencies from zero to 100 Hz occur but also systems with higher frequency ranges may be tested non-invasively. Examples are concrete and other construction materials, road surfaces and pavements (some MHz), biological materials like bones and soft tissues, e.g. the surface of the heart (up to 3 MHz) right up to surface coatings by nanomaterials (approximately 100 MHz). (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Physical boundaries within aggregates – differences between amorphous,para‐crystalline,and crystalline Structures

The structural properties of finely divided inorganic materials such as metal and metalloid oxides, silicates or carbonates of both synthetic and natural origin are compared by means of electron microscopy and tomography. The structure of the outer surfaces of various compact or compacted agglomerates may suggest some striking similarities between various amorphous silica on the one hand and crystalline titania and alumina on the other however the details of the interior fine structure are completely different. Inside of the crystalline aggregates of, for example, alumina and titania distinct grain boundaries between the inter‐grown primary crystallites exist. Also physical boundaries between different solid phases and crystalline/amorphous transitions in core/shell structures can occur. No physical grain or phase boundaries were found inside of synthetic amorphous silica or para‐crystalline carbon black thus, the aggregate is the constituent particle. Synthetic amorphous silica from different production technologies (fumed/pyrogenic, precipitated, aerogel, gel) may exhibit different macro‐morphology but distinct similarities of the amorphous silica networks. Computational studies on silica and titania underline the stability of constituent particles and aggregates as observed by means of TEM after dispersing the original materials by ultra‐sonication.     

TRIUMF resonant ionization laser ion source

The range of isotopes available at the TRIUMF Isotope Separator Accelerator (ISAC) facility has been greatly enhanced by adding a Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source (RILIS). A large wavelength range is accessible with the fundamental, second and third harmonic generation of titanium-sapphire laser light. In addition a dedicated laser is available for non-resonant laser ionization. The first on-line beam ⁶²Ga was delivered in Dec. 2004. In general RILIS improves the intensity, purity and emittance of ion beams. ⁶²Ga and ²⁶Al and Be beams have been delivered so far on-line. This work was financed by TRIUMF which is federally funded via a contribution agreement through the National Research Council of Canada.     

Parametric decay below the upper hybrid frequency

Parametric decay of the upper hybrid mode is observed between the electron cyclotron frequency and its first two harmonics. The decay products are identified as electron Bernstein and ion acoustic mode. The diagnostic results confirm the relevant dispersion relations.     

Optimal Product Attributes in Single Choice Models

Product positioning is concerned with the determination of new product attributes such that certain objectives can be met. Recently, Zufryden proposed a model for optimal product positioning with respect to sales. It relies on the single choice assumption, i.e. consumers choose that product closest to their ideal product perceptions. To improve solvability, Zufryden suggests to solve his model via an approximate procedure, called ZIPMAP. This procedure is compared with an exactly optimising algorithm for the same problem, called PROPOSAS. Comparisons are drawn with respect to the solution values of the objective functions and the CPU-time requirements. The results indicate a superiority of PROPOSAS for a vast number of problem types.