A Goal Programming model of the reference point method

Real-life decision problems are usually so complex they cannot be modeled with a single objective function, thus creating a need for clear and efficient techniques of handling multiple criteria to support the decision process. The most commonly used technique is Goal Programming. It is clear and appealing, but in the case of multiobjective optimization problems strongly criticized due to its noncompliance with the efficiency (Pareto-optimality) principle. On the other hand, the reference point method, although using similar control parameters as Goal Programming, always generates efficient solutions. In this paper, we show how the reference point method can be modeled within the Goal Programming methodology. It allows us to simplify implementations of the reference point method as well as shows how Goal Programming with relaxation of some traditional assumptions can be extended to a multiobjective optimization technique meeting the efficiency principle.     

Proficiency testing schemes for therapeutics and toxicology

 This report addresses the proposition: current proficiency testing (PT) schemes for therapeutics and toxicology can easily engender complacency. The proposition was based on the premise that there are substantial between-laboratory differences and objectives in the supply of services for the measurement of drugs, as a result of which it is difficult to design PT schemes which adequately cover the requirements of all laboratories. Thus, acceptable performance in a PT scheme may lead participants to consider that they have tested their procedures more rigorously than is the case. Four areas, validity of the PT scheme, PT material, frequency of testing and acceptance criteria are examined. Received: 15 April 2000 · Accepted: 15 April 2000     

The use of amperometric oxygen electrodes for measurements of enzyme reactions

Amperometric oxygen electrodes are useful transducers for enzymatic analyses. One must, however, account for contributions from oxygen incorporation or depletion caused by sample introduction, stirring and diffusion, or non-enzymatic reactions, as well as for instrumental response time. Examples of various characteristics of these contributions are shown and discussed from a theoretical basis.     

Application of diode array detectors for solute identification in toxicological analysis

Summary The possibilities and limitation of automated solute identification via UV/VIS spectroscopy in HPLC are demonstrated and applications in toxicologic analysis are described. A standard isocratic system is used. The influence of various chromatographic parameters on retention time is shown. A retention time window of ±15% is required. In addition to retention time, derived spectral data are calculated (minima and maxima of derivatives, area counts under standardized spectral ranges, absorption at various wavelength) and used for positive solute identification. It is possible to identify solutes with a high degree of certainty in urine and plasma if their concentration is at least 10 ppm.     

Mass spectrometric approaches in impaired driving toxicology

Driving under the influence of prescribed or illegal drugs increases the risk of having road accidents, just like driving under the influence of alcohol. In forensic toxicology, an increasing number of blood samples must be analyzed for drugs. Immunoassays tailored for a limited number of drugs (of abuse) are usually applied as prescreening tests at the roadside and/or in the laboratory. However, many other common drugs, such as anesthetics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antihistamines, newer designer drugs, herbal drugs, neuroleptics (antipsychotics), opioids, or sedative-hypnotics, can also impair drivers. Therefore, this paper reviews multianalyte single-stage and tandem gas or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS or LC-MS) procedures for the screening, identification, and validated quantification of such drugs in blood that have been reported since 2003. Basic information about the biosample assayed, workup, chromatography, the mass spectral detection mode, and validation data is summarized in tables. The pros and cons of the reviewed procedures are critically discussed, particularly with respect to their probable usefulness in impaired driving toxicology. Parts of this review were presented as a plenary lecture at T2007, the joint meeting of the International Council on Alcohol, Drugs, and Traffic Safety (ICADTS) and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT), Seattle (WA), August 26–30, 2007.     

结构拓扑优化研究方法综述

结构拓扑优化研究方法目前有解析方法和数值方法两大类.首先介绍了解析方法中的Michell理论,它在结构拓扑优化领域研究较早,影响最为深远.随后着重讨论了杆系和连续体结构拓扑优化的数值方法.杆系结构常采用基结构方法,通过删除部分杆件达到结构拓扑优化的目的.连续体结构一般要划分为有限单元,通过删除单元形成带孔的连续体,以实现拓扑优化.介绍了连续体结构拓扑优化常采用的材料模型:各向同性、各向异性和带微结构材料.并对连续体结构(0-1)拓扑优化中的数值计算不稳定问题的机理进行了分析,给出了解决方法.此外,对应力约束问题存在解的奇异性现象也作了简要介绍.最后,对数值方法中的主要数学求解方法进行了简单介绍.     

Convergence properties and practical estimation of the probability of rank reversal in pairwise comparisons for multi-criteria decision making problems

In this paper, we address the impact of uncertainty introduced when the experts complete pairwise comparison matrices, in the context of multi-criteria decision making. We first discuss how uncertainty can be quantified and modeled and then show how the probability of rank reversal scales with the number of experts. We consider the impact of various aspects which may affect the estimation of probability of rank reversal in the context of pairwise comparisons, such as the uncertainty level, alternative preference scales and different weight estimation methods. We also consider the case where the comparisons are carried out in a fuzzy manner. It is shown that in most circumstances, augmenting the size of the expert group beyond 15 produces a small change in the probability of rank reversal. We next address the issue of how this probability can be estimated in practice, from information gathered simply from the comparison matrices of a single expert group. We propose and validate a scheme which yields an estimate for the probability of rank reversal and test the applicability of this scheme under various conditions. The framework discussed in the paper can allow decision makers to correctly choose the number of experts participating in a pairwise comparison and obtain an estimate of the credibility of the outcome.