Efficiency decomposition in two-stage data envelopment analysis: An application to non-life insurance companies in Taiwan

The efficiency of decision processes which can be divided into two stages has been measured for the whole process as well as for each stage independently by using the conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology in order to identify the causes of inefficiency. This paper modifies the conventional DEA model by taking into account the series relationship of the two sub-processes within the whole process. Under this framework, the efficiency of the whole process can be decomposed into the product of the efficiencies of the two sub-processes. In addition to this sound mathematical property, the case of Taiwanese non-life insurance companies shows that some unusual results which have appeared in the independent model do not exist in the relational model. In other words, the relational model developed in this paper is more reliable in measuring the efficiencies and consequently is capable of identifying the causes of inefficiency more accurately. Based on the structure of the model, the idea of efficiency decomposition can be extended to systems composed of multiple stages connected in series.     

Synthesis of simplified analogues of eleutherobin via a Claisen rearrangement/RCM strategy

The enantioselective synthesis of a number of simplified analogues of the cytotoxic natural product eleutherobin is reported.     

Effective Synthesis of N‐Arylformamide from α‐Halo‐N‐arylacetamides

A convenient synthetic method for N‐arylformamide derivatives was successfully developed by reacting α‐iodo‐N‐arylacetamides with formamide. This method was applicable to α‐iodo‐N‐arylacetamide substrates bearing electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups, N‐(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐2‐iodoacetamide, 2‐iodo‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)acetamide, and 2‐iodo‐N‐(naphthalen‐4‐yl)acetamide to give the corresponding N‐arylformamides in moderate to excellent yields (65–94%). A plausible mechanism was proposed to account for the new transformation.     

UV-mediated decomposition of diazomalonates in benzene: Unexpected access to functionalized bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane skeleton

Upon irradiation with 300-nm UV light, the photolysis of diazomalonates in benzene unexpectedly affords 2,6-dicarboxylate bicyclo[3.2.0]hepta-2,6-dienes in low yields. These products are proven to be derived from cyclohepta-1,3,5-triene intermediates presumably via a tandem 1,5-carboxylate migration/[2+2] cycloaddition sequence.     

Method of homogenization applied to dispersion in porous media

The theory of homogenization which is a rigorous method of averaging by multiple scale expansions, is applied here to the transport of a solute in a porous medium. The main assumption is that the matrix has a periodic pore structure on the local scale. Starting from the pores with the Navier-Stokes equations for the fluid motion and the usual convective-diffusion equation for the solute, we give an alternative derivation of the three-dimensional macroscale dispersion tensor for solute concentration. The original result was first found by Brenner by extending Brownian motion theory. The method of homogenization is an expedient approach based on conventional continuum equations and the technique of multiple-scale expansions, and can be extended to more complex media involving three or more contrasting scales with periodicity in every but the largest scale.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of two cobalt phosphites: 1-D (H3NC6H4NH3)Co(HPO3)2 and 2-D (NH4)2Co2(HPo3)3

Two new cobalt phosphites, (H₃NC₆H₄NH₃)Co(HPO₃)₂ (1) and (NH₄)₂Co₂(HPO₃)₃ (2), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All the cobalt atoms of 1 are in tetrahedral CoO₄ coordination. The structure of 1 comprises twisted square chains of four-rings, which contain alternating vertex-shared CoO₄ tetrahedra and HPO₃ groups. These chains are interlinked with trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane cations by hydrogen bonds. The 2-D structure of 2 comprises anionic complex sheets with ammonium cations present between them. An anionic complex sheet contains three-deck phosphite units, which are interconnected by Co₂O₉ to form complex layers. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 showed that they have a weak antiferromagnetic interaction.     

Nanomaterial-based surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of peptides and proteins

We have investigated six nanomaterials for their applicability as surfaces for the analyses of peptides and proteins using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS). Gold nanoparticles (NPs) were useful nanomateriais for small analytes (e.g., glutathione); Pt nanosponges and Fe₃O₄ NPs were efficient nanomaterials for proteins, with an upper detectable mass limit of ca. 25 kDa. Nanomateriais have several advantages over organic matrices, including lower limits of detection for small analytes and lower batch-to-batch variations (fewer problems associated with “sweet spois”), when used in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis,Antiproliferative, and Antiplatelet Activities of Oxime‐Containing 3,4‐Dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐One Derivatives

Some oxime‐containing 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiplatelet and antiproliferative activities. These compounds were synthesized via alkylation of hydroxyl precursors followed by the reaction with NH₂OH. The preliminary assays indicated that (Z)‐7‐[2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐(hydroxyimino)ethoxy]‐3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one (13c) is the most active against U46619 induced platelet aggregation with an IC₅₀ value of 3.51 μM. For the inhibition of AA‐induced aggregation, (E)‐6‐[2‐(hydroxyimino)propoxy]‐3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one (15 ) is the most potent with an IC₅₀ value of 1.85 μM. These oxime‐containing 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives were inactive against thrombin induced platelet aggregation with an IC₅₀ value of greater than 26.78 μM. For the antiproliferative activity, most of these oxime‐containing 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives were inactive while (Z)‐7‐[2‐(hydroxyimino)‐2‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)ethoxy]‐3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one (13a) exhibited only marginal activities with GI₅₀ value of 7.63, 7.34 and 6.36 μM against the growth of NPC‐TW01, NCI‐H661, and Jurkat respectively.     

Simultaneous self-mode-locking of TEM<Subscript>0,0</Subscript> and TEM<Subscript>1,0</Subscript> modes in a Nd:YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> laser: Application for measuring the thermal focal length

We demonstrate that the simultaneous self-mode-locking of TEM_0,0 and TEM_1,0 modes can be achieved in a standard end-pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser. With this simultaneous self-mode-locking, the transverse beat frequency can be accurately measured as a function of the absorbed power. We employ the measured beat frequency and the cavity theory to precisely determine the effective focal length of the thermal lens in the gain medium.     

Comparison of CALIPSO and ground-based lidar profiles over Chung-Li, Taiwan

We report the first inter-comparison of vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds derived from space (CALIPSO) and ground based lidar over Chung-Li, Taiwan. Results show that inter-comparison is closer in case of aerosols than clouds. The strength/shortcoming of the comparison has been also discussed. An iterative calculation to retrieve extinction-to-backscatter ratio (lidar ratio) by using sun-photometer and CALIPSO data is also documented. By using the mentioned method, a mean lidar ratio of 23.5±8.2 sr was found. The derived lidar ratios are lower than former studies. The possible reasons for the difference have been discussed in this paper. The discussed methodology will be helpful to reduce the uncertainty of optical parameters derived from lidar data especially near the surface where the atmosphere is inhomogeneous.