Using the analytic hierarchy process to support teams in defining new product objectives

Defining new product objectives is a critical problem solving activity to new product success. The analytic hierarchy process appears to be an adequate technique for multi-criteria decision analysis to support the definition of new product objectives. To illustrate this support, we applied this technique to a project focused on the development of a liver perfusion system to preserve donor livers. It quantitatively supported discussions between technological developers and clinical practitioners focused on the product requirements and the pursued performance of the liver perfusion system relative to an envisaged competitor. The discussions significantly reduced disagreements about the new product objectives between the group members. They resulted in a quantitative overview of the importance of the product requirements and the relative performance of the alternatives with regard to these requirements. Furthermore, research activities necessary to fulfil these objectives were discerned. The group members were committed to these outcomes. This application shows the value of introducing the AHP as a means to steer new products to solve problems to a higher extent than competing products do

Diffusion model for iontophoresis measured by laser-Doppler perfusion flowmetry, applied to normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

We present a physical model to describe iontophoresis time recordings. The model is a combination of monodimensional material diffusion and decay, probably due to transport by blood flow. It has four adjustable parameters, the diffusion coefficient, the decay constant, the height of the response, and the shot saturation constant, a parameter representing the relative importance of subsequent shots (in case of saturation). We test the model with measurements of blood perfusion in the capillary bed of the fingers of women who recently had preeclampsia and in women with a history of normal pregnancy. From the fits to the measurements, we conclude that the model provides a useful physical description of the iontophoresis process. (c) 2007 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.</p

Biofilm development in time on a silicone voice prosthesis:A case study

Voice prostheses from silicone elastomers become rapidly colonised by a mixed biofilm of bacteria and yeasts. In this study, microorganisms were isolated from biofilms on explanted prostheses after having been in place for various time intervals ranging from 1 to 67 d. The isolates were examined for their identity, adhesion to hexadecane and electrophoretic mobility. Bacteria from early (shorter than 8 d) and late (longer than 8 d) explants could not be classified according to their taxonomy, hydrophobicity or electrophoretic mobility. However, the yeasts clearly revealed a dominance of only hydrophilic Candida albicans isolates from early explants and only hydrophobic C. tropicalis isolates from late explants. These findings may be of significance for the development of strategies to control mixed biofilms on biomaterials.</p

Optimization of wear loss in silicon nitride (Si3N4)–hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) composite using DoE–Taguchi method

Introduction The contacting surfaces subjected to progressive loss of material known as ‘wear,’ which is unavoidable between contacting surfaces. Similar kind of phenomenon observed in the human body in various joints where sliding/rolling contact takes place in contacting parts, leading to loss of material. This is a serious issue related to replaced joint or artificial joint. Case description Out of the various material combinations proposed for artificial joint or joint replacement Si3N4 against Al2O3 is one of in ceramic on ceramic category. Minimizing the wear loss of Si3N4 is a prime requirement to avoid aseptic loosening of artificial joint and extending life of joint. Discussion and evaluation In this paper, an attempt has been made to investigate the wear loss behavior of Si3N4–hBN composite and evaluate the effect of hBN addition in Si3N4 to minimize the wear loss. DoE–Taguchi technique is used to plan and analyze experiments. Conclusion Analysis of experimental results proposes 15 N load and 8 % of hBN addition in Si3N4 is optimum to minimize wear loss against alumina

ESPRAS Survey on Continuing Education in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Europe

Background Specialty training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery is a prerequisite for safe and effective provision of care. The aim of this study was to assess and portray similarities and differences in the continuing education and specialization in plastic surgery in Europe. Material and Methods A detailed questionnaire was designed and distributed utilizing an online survey administration software. Questions addressed core items regarding continuing education and specialization in plastic surgery in Europe. Participants were addressed directly via the European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS). All participants had detailed knowledge of the organization and management of plastic surgical training in their respective country. Results The survey was completed by 29 participants from 23 European countries. During specialization, plastic surgeons in Europe are trained in advanced tissue transfer and repair and aesthetic principles in all parts of the human body and within several subspecialties. Moreover, rotations in intensive as well as emergency care are compulsory in most European countries. Board certification is only provided for surgeons who have had multiple years of training regulated by a national board, who provide evidence of individually performed operative procedures in several anatomical regions and subspecialties, and who pass a final oral and/or written examination. Conclusion Board certified plastic surgeons meet the highest degree of qualification, are trained in all parts of the body and in the management of complications. The standard of continuing education and qualification of European plastic surgeons is high, providing an excellent level of plastic surgical care throughout Europe