In this paper, we study dynamical aspects of the two-dimensional (2D) gonihedric spin model using both numerical and analytical methods. This spin model has vanishing microscopic surface tension and it actually describes an ensemble of loops living on a 2D surface. The self-avoidance of loops is parametrized by a parameter kappa . The kappa=0 model can be mapped to one of the six-vertex models ...

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is proposed in this paper to generate local weights of alternatives from pair-wise comparison judgment matrices used in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The underlying assumption behind the approach is explained, and some salient features are explored. It is proved that DEA correctly estimates the true weights when applied to a consistent matrix formed using...

The performance assessment of professional baseball starting pitchers is considered a multi-attribute decisionmaking (MADM) problem. This study develops an evaluation model based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and grey relational analysis (GRA) to evaluate starting pitcher performance for teams of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. The AHP is used to determine attribute weights,...

Managing the implementation of new technology in a pharmaceutical development environment has provided challenges and opportunities to obtain benefits from technologies, e.g. laboratory automation. Successful application of new techniques requires a dedicated resource. Within Pharmaceutical Technologies, this was initially a single person, who has since evolved into a team dedicated to the inve...

Single Molecule Localization Microscopy techniques like PhotoActivated Localization Microscopy, with their sub-diffraction limit spatial resolution, have been popularly used to characterize the spatial organization of membrane proteins, by means of quantitative cluster analysis. However, such quantitative studies remain challenged by the techniques' inherent sources of errors such as a limited ...

Steps of an information networks’ creating through the formalization of one of their most important input parameters are proposed in the article. Stages of collecting information about users, the formalization of the data and analytical methods are described. The information networks’ user model is used to improve the efficiency and reliability of information networks’ modeling. In the proposed...

The reliability of analytical findings is a matter of great importance in forensic and clinical toxicology, as it is of course a prerequisite for correct interpretation of toxicological findings. Unreliable results might not only be contested in court, but could also lead to unjustified legal consequences for the defendant or to wrong treatment of the patient. The importance of validation, at l...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that determine the environmental domain of quality of life in economically active adults living in the industrial agglomeration in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS During the cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted among the economically active population aged 45-60, we used a short version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Resp...

Contamination of pharmaceuticals with microorganisms may lead to deleterious effects on the therapeutic properties of the drug, and may potentially cause injuries to intended recipients. Cases of contaminated nonsterile products have been reported in increasing numbers, and often associated with the presence of objectionable microorganisms. Methods for detection of these organisms are described...

The need for multidisciplinary research to address today's complex health and environmental challenges has never been greater. The One Health (OH) approach to research ensures that human, animal, and environmental health questions are evaluated in an integrated and holistic manner to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and potential solutions than would be possible with si...