Training for design of experiments using a catapult

Design of experiments (DOE) is a powerful approach for discovering a set of process (or design) variables which are most important to the process and then determine at what levels these variables must be kept to optimize the response (or quality characteristic) of interest. This paper presents two catapult experiments which can be easily taught to engineers and managers in organizations to train for design of experiments. The results of this experiment have been taken from a real live catapult experiment performed by a group of engineers in a company during the training program on DOE. The first experiment was conducted to separate out the key factors (or variables) from the trivial and the second experiment was carried out using the key factors to understand the nature of interactions among the key factors. The results of the experiment were analysed using simple but powerful graphical tools for rapid and easier understanding of the results to engineers with limited statistical competency

An economic analysis of contractual relationships in franchising systems with case studies

Fieldwork methods are used to analyse the nature of franchise systems in the UK. These systems are viewed in terms of their contractual relationships following theoretical approaches suggested by the economics of organisation, including agency analysis. In particular, product, brand and specialised-input franchises are identified and fee schedules are placed in the context of the wider franchise contract. The fieldwork covers 19 case studies of UK franchising systems. The thesis contains a predictive theory of franchising. This identifies initial investments which franchisees undertake as hostages with screening and bonding properties for the franchisor. These hostages influence monitoring costs. The thesis makes an operational, use of modern transaction-cost idea

Diagnosis, classification, and assessment in psoriatic arthritis

There have been considerable advances in the classification and assessment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In this report, we give an overview of historic and current classification criteria and discuss its role and limitations in research and clinical practice. We discuss the most commonly used assessment instruments for arthritis, psoriasis, onychodystrophy, enthesitis, dactylitis and axial PsA with a focus on clinical practice. We pay particular attention to the current evidence for the use of composite outcome measures, and their use in randomised controlled trials and routine care.</p

The Geology of Middle-earth

A preliminary reconstruction of the geology of Middle-earth is attempted, utilizing data presented in text, maps and illustrations by its arch-explorer J.R.R. Tolkien. The tectonic reconstruction is developed from earlier findings by R.C. Reynolds (1974). Six plates are now recognized, whose motions and collisions have created the mountains of Middle-earth and the rift structure down which the River Anduin flows. The stresses involved in the plate collisions have produced patterns of faults, whose lines have determined the courses of the other rivers and the occurrence of the richest ore deposits. However, the time of Bilbo and Frodo is a period of tectonic quiescence. Volcanic activity is at a minimum and confined to four “hot-spots”, all at some distance from plate margins, while seismic activity is minor. Tolkien’s paintings, in particular, show how glacial and riverine erosion have shaped Middle-earth’s topography

Fluorescence-Based Sensor for Monitoring Activation of Lunar Dust

This sensor unit is designed to determine the level of activation of lunar dust or simulant particles using a fluorescent technique. Activation of the surface of a lunar soil sample (for instance, through grinding) should produce a freshly fractured surface. When these reactive surfaces interact with oxygen and water, they produce hydroxyl radicals. These radicals will react with a terephthalate diluted in the aqueous medium to form 2-hydroxyterephthalate. The fluorescence produced by 2-hydroxyterephthalate provides qualitative proof of the activation of the sample. Using a calibration curve produced by synthesized 2-hydroxyterephthalate, the amount of hydroxyl radicals produced as a function of sample concentration can also be determined

Outcomes of Ab-externo Trabeculotomy in the Treatment of Primary Open Angle and Uveitis Glaucoma and outcomes of Primary ATransconjunctival 23-Gauge Vitrectomy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Presumed Endogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis

Ein Hauptvorteil der ab externo Trabekulotomie ist, dass sie den Abfluss erleichtert und den physiologischen Pfad des Kammerwassers wiederherstellt, ohne die Notwendigkeit einer externen Fistulation. Somit können die mit einem Filterkisssen assoziierten Risiken vermieden werden. In unseren zwei Studien konnten wir zeigen, dass die ab externo Tabekulotomie einen mäßigen Erfolg in der Behandlung des POAG und des UG erzielen kann. Insbesondere in der UG Gruppe war die Erfolgsrate deutlich geringer als im der POAG Gruppe. Die ersten drei Monate nach der Operation waren entscheidend über den Behandlungserfolg. Die jungen Patienten mit FUS oder granulomatöser Uveitis profitierten am wenigsten von dem Eingriff. Deshalb ist die ab externo Trabekulotomie für diese Patientengruppen eher ungeeignet. Unsere Studie konnte außerdem zeigen, dass die Trabekulotomie in Kombination mit drucksenkender Medikation oder mit einem zyklodestruktiven Verfahren die Erfolgsraten erhöhen kann. Das Verfahren zeigte ein hohes Sicherheitsprofil, sowohl in der UG als auch in der POAG. Bei Verdacht auf endogene Pilz Endophthalmitiden kann durch eine diagnostische 23G Vitrektomie der Erreger bei der Mehrheit der betroffenen Patienten nachgewiesen werden. Candida Species waren erwartungsgemäß die am häufigsten nachgewiesenen Erreger für die endogenen Pilz Endophthalmitiden

Mountains of Maize, Persistent Poverty

The past two years are a tribute to Zambian farmers; they have responded admirably to government efforts to promote maize production. But ironically, rural poverty remains stubbornly high despite the fact that the government has spent over 2% of the nation’s gross domestic product in supporting maize production and subsidizing inputs for farmers. Why is it that maize production has increased so impressively without making a serious dent in rural poverty? And what are the lessons for the new government?maize, poverty, Zambia, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Security and Poverty,