bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of dry shear aligning of nanotube thin films on the photovoltaic performance of carbon nanotube–silicon solar cells
Authors: Stolz Benedikt W , Tune Daniel D , Flavel Benjamin S
Published: October 2016

Recent results in the field of carbon nanotube–silicon solar cells have suggested that the best performance is obtained when the nanotube film provides good coverage of the silicon surface and when the nanotubes in the film are aligned parallel to the surface. The recently developed process of dry shear aligning – in which shear force is applied to the surface of carbon nanotube thin films in the dry state, has been shown to yield nanotube films that are very flat and in which the surface nanotubes are very well aligned in the direction of shear. It is thus reasonable to expect that nanotube films subjected to dry shear aligning should outperform otherwise identical films formed by other processes. In this work, the fabrication and characterisation of carbon nanotube–silicon solar cells using such films is reported, and the photovoltaic performance of devices produced with and without dry shear aligning is compared.
RESEARCH OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN FREIGHT RAIL TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Lebedevas Sergejus , Dailydka Stasys , Jastremskas Virgilijus , Rapalis Paulius
Published: October 2016

The publication presents the results arising from the experimental and mathematical modelling studies, which mainly aimed to investigate the selection and optimization of the rational operation modes particular to diesel engines of freight locomotives in the possession of the JSC ‘Lithuanian Railways’ (AB ‘Lietuvos geležinkeliai’). The goal of the optimization is to increase the energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions of harmful air pollutants to the environment from diesel engines of locomotives during freight transportation via the main lines of the Lithuanian railway network. A complex energy efficiency and environmental pollution assessment criterion KE–E adjusted for diesel engines of freight locomotives has been suggested. The use of KE–E on the basis of the conducted complex experimental mathematical computer modelling studies has determined that the reserves reducing fuel consumption, harmful emissions and greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions constitute 6÷15% on an average, and in the case of individual railway network lines they go up to 30%. The comparative emission of harmful components per fuel mass (NOx, CO, CH, PM) e´NOx, e´CO, e´CH, e´PM when carrying freight via the main lines of the railway network by trains weighing 3000÷7500 t has been singled out. The results constitute sufficient grounds to organise control of harmful emissions and provide an opportunity to solve practical tasks with a slight tolerance (3÷7%) taking account of diesel engines of locomotives used for transportation. It has been proposed to measure the freight transportation efficiency according to the complex criterion KE–E, indicates the energy efficiency and the assessment of environmental pollution originating from diesel engine of locomotives. The reserves for increasing the efficiency of energy usage have been studied according to the variational mathematical computer modelling data. A methodology for measuring the freight transportation rationality and estimating the optimal indicators has been proposed, using the values of the KE–E criterion for the railways freight transportation, as well as the technology for controlling the traction characteristics as well as energy and ecology indicators of diesel engines of locomotives in operational conditions.
High visibility reflective sign sheeting materials: field and computational evaluations of visual performance
Authors: Bullough John D. , Skinner Nicholas P.
Published: October 2016

Highway signs provide important information to drivers to assist in navigation, to identify potentially hazardous roadway locations, and to remind drivers of safe operating practices. Ensuring that signs have sufficient visibility to the driving public is a key undertaking by transportation agencies. In order to assist in evaluating and comparing different materials for photometric and visual performance, the present study was undertaken to assess the utility of specifying sign sheeting performance in terms of visual performance. As part of this effort, a practical methodology for conducting field measurements of sign luminance along roadways was developed. In addition to describing the methods for an approach to visual performance based specifications, a spreadsheet tool for calculating minimum sign luminance and visibility from different sign sheeting materials was also developed.
THE FIRST CIRCUMBINARY PLANET FOUND BY MICROLENSING: OGLE-2007-BLG-349L(AB)c
Authors: Bennett D. P. , Rhie S. H. , Udalski A. , Gould A. , Tsapras Y. , Kubas D. , Bond I. A. , Greenhill J. , Cassan A. , Rattenbury N. J. , Boyajian T. S. , Luhn J. , Penny M. T. , Anderson J. , Abe F. , Bhattacharya A. , Botzler C. S. , Donachie M. , Freeman M. , Fukui A. , Hirao Y. , Itow Y. , Koshimoto N. , Li M. C. A. , Ling C. H. , Masuda K. , Matsubara Y. , Muraki Y. , Nagakane M. , Ohnishi K. , Oyokawa H. , Perrott Y. C. , Saito To. , Sharan A. , Sullivan D. J. , Sumi T. , Suzuki D. , Tristram P. J. , Yonehara A. , Yock P. C. M. ,   (The MOA Collaboration), Szymański M. K. , Soszyński I. , Ulaczyk K. , Wyrzykowski Ł. ,   (The OGLE Collaboration), Allen W. , DePoy D. , Gal-Yam A. , Gaudi B. S. , Han C. , Monard I. A. G. , Ofek E. , Pogge R. W. ,   (The μFUN Collaboration), Street R. A. , Bramich D. M. , Dominik M. , Horne K. , Snodgrass C. , Steele I. A. ,   (The Robonet Collaboration), Albrow M. D. , Bachelet E. , Batista V. , Beaulieu J.-P. , Brillant S. , Caldwell J. A. R. , Cole A. , Coutures C. , Dieters S. , Prester D. Dominis , Donatowicz J. , Fouqué P. , Hundertmark M. , Jørgensen U. G. , Kains N. , Kane S. R. , Marquette J.-B. , Menzies J. , Pollard K. R. , Ranc C. , Sahu K. C. , Wambsganss J. , Williams A. , Zub M. ,   (The PLANET Collaboration)
Published: October 2016

We present the analysis of the first circumbinary planet microlensing event, OGLE-2007-BLG-349. This event has a strong planetary signal that is best fit with a mass ratio of q ≈ 3.4 × 10−4, but there is an additional signal due to an additional lens mass, either another planet or another star. We find acceptable light-curve fits with two classes of models: two-planet models (with a single host star) and circumbinary planet models. The light curve also reveals a significant microlensing parallax effect, which constrains the mass of the lens system to be M

L
 ≈ 0.7

. Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images resolve the lens and source stars from their neighbors and indicate excess flux due to the star(s) in the lens system. This is consistent with the predicted flux from the circumbinary models, where the lens mass is shared between two stars, but there is not enough flux to be consistent with the two-planet, one-star models. So, only the circumbinary models are consistent with the HST data. They indicate a planet of mass m

c
 = 80 ± 13

, orbiting a pair of M dwarfs with masses of M

A
 = 0.41 ± 0.07 and M

B
 = 0.30 ± 0.07, which makes this the lowest-mass circumbinary planet system known. The ratio of the separation between the planet and the center of mass to the separation of the two stars is ∼40, so unlike most of the circumbinary planets found by Kepler, the planet does not orbit near the stability limit.
SOLAR OBLIQUITY INDUCED BY PLANET NINE
Authors: Bailey Elizabeth , Batygin Konstantin , Brown Michael E.
Published: October 2016

The six-degree obliquity of the Sun suggests that either an asymmetry was present in the solar system’s formation environment, or an external torque has misaligned the angular momentum vectors of the Sun and the planets. However, the exact origin of this obliquity remains an open question. Batygin & Brown have recently shown that the physical alignment of distant Kuiper Belt orbits can be explained by a

planet on a distant, eccentric, and inclined orbit, with an approximate perihelion distance of ∼250 au. Using an analytic model for secular interactions between Planet Nine and the remaining giant planets, here, we show that a planet with similar parameters can naturally generate the observed obliquity as well as the specific pole position of the Sun’s spin axis, from a nearly aligned initial state. Thus, Planet Nine offers a testable explanation for the otherwise mysterious spin–orbit misalignment of the solar system.
PULSAR SIGNAL DENOISING METHOD BASED ON LAPLACE DISTRIBUTION IN NO-SUBSAMPLING WAVELET PACKET DOMAIN
Authors: Wenbo Wang , Yanchao Zhao , Xiangli Wang
Published: October 2016

In order to improve the denoising effect of the pulsar signal, a new denoising method is proposed in the no-subsampling wavelet packet domain based on the local Laplace prior model. First, we count the true noise-free pulsar signal’s wavelet packet coefficient distribution characteristics and construct the true signal wavelet packet coefficients’ Laplace probability density function model. Then, we estimate the denosied wavelet packet coefficients by using the noisy pulsar wavelet coefficients based on maximum a posteriori criteria. Finally, we obtain the denoisied pulsar signal through no-subsampling wavelet packet reconstruction of the estimated coefficients. The experimental results show that the proposed method performs better when calculating the pulsar time of arrival than the translation-invariant wavelet denoising method.
CHEMODYNAMIC EVOLUTION OF DWARF GALAXIES IN TIDAL FIELDS
Authors: Williamson David , Martel Hugo , Romeo Alessandro B.
Published: October 2016

The mass–metallicity relation shows that the galaxies with the lowest mass have the lowest metallicities. As most dwarf galaxies are in group environments, interaction effects such as tides could contribute to this trend. We perform a series of smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of dwarf galaxies in external tidal fields to examine the effects of tides on their metallicities and metallicity gradients. In our simulated galaxies, gravitational instabilities drive gas inwards and produce centralized star formation and a significant metallicity gradient. Strong tides can contribute to these instabilities, but their primary effect is to strip the outer low-metallicity gas, producing a truncated gas disk with a large metallicity. This suggests that the effect of tides on the mass–metallicity relation is to move dwarf galaxies to higher metallicities.
GRB 110530A: PECULIAR BROAD BUMP AND DELAYED PLATEAU IN EARLY OPTICAL AFTERGLOWS
Authors: Zhong Shu-Qing , Xin Li-Ping , Liang En-Wei , Wei Jian-Yan , Urata Yuji , Huang Kui-Yun , Qiu Yu-Lei , Deng Can-Min , Wang Yuan-Zhu , Deng Jin-Song
Published: October 2016

We report our very early optical observations of GRB 110530A and investigate its jet properties together with its X-ray afterglow data. A peculiar broad onset bump followed by a plateau is observed in its early R band afterglow light curve. The optical data in the other bands and the X-ray data are well consistent with the temporal feature of the R band light curve. Our joint spectral fits of the optical and X-ray data show that they are in the same regime, with a photon index of ∼1.70. The optical and X-ray afterglow light curves are well fitted with the standard external shock model by considering a delayed energy injection component. Based on our modeling results, we find that the radiative efficiency of the gamma-ray burst jet is

and the magnetization parameter of the afterglow jet is

with a derived extremely low

(the ratio of shock energy to the magnetic field) of

. These results indicate that the jet may be matter dominated. A discussion on delayed energy injection from the accretion of the late fall-back material of its pre-supernova star is also presented.
QUASARS PROBING QUASARS. VIII. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COOL CIRCUMGALACTIC MEDIUM SURROUNDING z ∼ 2–3 MASSIVE GALAXIES HOSTING QUASARS
Authors: Lau Marie Wingyee , Prochaska J. Xavier , Hennawi Joseph F.
Published: October 2016

We characterize the physical properties of the cool T ∼ 104 K circumgalactic medium (CGM) surrounding z ∼ 2–3 quasar host galaxies, which are predicted to evolve into present-day massive ellipticals. Using a statistical sample of 14 quasar pairs with projected separation <300 kpc and spectra of high dispersion and high signal-to-noise ratio, we find extreme kinematics with low metal ion lines typically spanning ≈500 km s−1, exceeding any previously studied galactic population. The CGM is significantly enriched, even beyond the virial radius, with a median metallicity [M/H] ≈ −0.6. The α/Fe abundance ratio is enhanced, suggesting that halo gas is primarily enriched by core-collapse supernovae. The projected cool gas mass within the virial radius is estimated to be 1.9 × 1011
M
⊙ (R
⊥/160 kpc)2, accounting for ≈1/3 of the baryonic budget of the galaxy halo. The ionization state of CGM gas increases with projected distance from the foreground quasars, contrary to expectation if the quasar dominates the ionizing radiation flux. However, we also found peculiarities not exhibited in the CGM of other galaxy populations. In one absorption system, we may be detecting unresolved fluorescent Lyα emission, and another system shows strong N v lines. Taken together, these anomalies suggest that transverse sightlines are—at least in some cases—possibly illuminated. We also discovered a peculiar case where detection of the C ii fine-structure line implies an electron density >100 cm−3 and sub-parsec-scale gas clumps.
RADIO TRANSIENTS FROM ACCRETION-INDUCED COLLAPSE OF WHITE DWARFS
Authors: Moriya Takashi J.
Published: October 2016

We investigate observational properties of accretion-induced collapse (AIC) of white dwarfs (WDs) in radio frequencies. If AIC is triggered by accretion from a companion star, a dense circumstellar medium can be formed around the progenitor system. Then, the ejecta from AIC collide with the dense circumstellar medium, creating a strong shock. The strong shock can produce synchrotron emission that can be observed in radio frequencies. Even if AIC occurs as a result of WD mergers, we argue that AIC may cause fast radio bursts (FRBs) if a certain condition is satisfied. If AIC forms neutron stars (NSs) that are so massive that rotation is required to support themselves (i.e., supramassive NSs), the supramassive NSs may immediately lose their rotational energy by the r-mode instability and collapse to black holes. If the collapsing supramassive NSs are strongly magnetized, they may emit FRBs, as previously proposed. The AIC radio transients from single-degenerate systems may be detected in future radio transient surveys like the Very Large Array Sky Survey or the Square Kilometer Array transient survey. Because AIC has been proposed as a source of gravitational waves (GWs), GWs from AIC may be accompanied by radio-bright transients that can be used to confirm the AIC origin of observed GWs.
The state back in : la comitologie ou la délégation controlée et coordonnée du pouvoir
Authors: Fernández Pasarín Ana Mar
Published: October 2016

Résumé L’objectif de cet article consiste à mettre en lumière le rôle de la comitologie en tant que pièce à la fois clé et dénaturée de la coordination nationale des affaires européennes au niveau exécutif du processus décisionnel européen. Il s’agit de montrer la place fondamentale qu’occupe ce système dans l’écheveau institutionnel européen en tant que rempart de la souveraineté des États membres mais aussi sa perte de sens dans la pratique en raison d’une logique de fonctionnement décentralisée et marquée par le supranationalisme qui tend à éloigner ce chaînon administratif de l’épicentre politique national excepté dans les cas de désaccord majeur avec la Commission européenne.
Les autorités locales et régionales dans la formation des positions nationales en matière de politique de cohésion
Authors: Jouen Marjorie , Lete Nicolas , Hornung Matthieu
Published: October 2016

Résumé Dans la gouvernance européenne à multi-niveaux, les positions nationales ne sont pas seulement conçues ou défendues par les administrations centrales mais aussi par les autorités régionales et locales. La politique de cohésion et ses réformes périodiques en donnent la meilleure illustration. À partir des exemples allemand, français, italien et belge, l’article décrit le fonctionnement de l’écosystème associé à cette politique, ses acteurs, ses enceintes de discussion et ses mécanismes de coordination. Il analyse comment les positions nationales, dans ce domaine, ont été portées ou fortement influencées par les autorités régionales et locales lors de la négociation de la programmation 2014-2020.
Une gouvernance insularisée : participation nationale et intérêts européens dans l’élaboration des normes sanitaires internationales
Authors: Dangy Louise
Published: October 2016

Résumé Le Codex est l’organisation intergouvernementale qui établit les normes garantissant la sécurité sanitaire des aliments. En 2003, l’Union européenne en est devenue membre à part entière, donnant lieu à un mode de participation inédit des institutions européennes au jeu multilatéral. Cet article entend montrer que cette participation conduit à accroître l’autonomie des équipes nationales et communautaire chargées du suivi des travaux du Codex, et aboutissent à installer la Commission européenne en position de pilote des négociations internationales dans ce domaine. Ce processus apparaît notamment au travers de la mise en concurrence des pourvoyeurs d’expertise scientifique qui sous-tend les normes du Codex.
Définir et élaborer l’étiquette
Authors: Hassler Éric
Published: October 2016

Lorsque le duc Léopold de Lorraine (1679-1729) recouvre ses duchés en 1698, il entreprend de ressusciter l’ancienne cour de Nancy. Confronté à de rapides querelles de préséance, le duc se voit dans l’obligation d’élaborer une réglementation du rang qu’il va nommer « étiquette » dans les deux écrits autographes qui nous sont conservés. Ces deux documents condensent le résultat clairement verbalisé des réflexions ducales sur la manière dont le prince définit l’étiquette et conçoit son rôle, à la fois dans la régulation des rapports sociaux entre les courtisans et dans la mise en valeur de la personne souveraine. Leur étude permet d’abord de mettre en lumière les dimensions linguistique, sémantique et historique du terme d’étiquette utilisé, puis abandonné par Léopold au profit de celui de cérémonial, mais aussi d’analyser les influences française et germanique qui ont conditionné cet emploi. Ces deux notes mettent aussi en lumière la vision avant tout utilitaire que le duc avait de l’étiquette, perçue comme un outil de mise en ordre d’une cour désordonnée plutôt que comme un cadre symbolique pour la glorification de la personne ducale. Enfin, elles offrent la possibilité d’observer les processus d’élaboration de l’étiquette et du cérémonial, spécialement dans un entre-deux culturel.
Differential Role of Hematopoietic and Nonhematopoietic Cell Types in the Regulation of NK Cell Tolerance and Responsiveness
Authors: Tovbis Shifrin Nataliya , Kissiov Djem U. , Ardolino Michele , Joncker Nathalie T. , Raulet David H.
Published: October 2016

Many NK cells express inhibitory receptors that bind self-MHC class I (MHC I) molecules and prevent killing of self-cells, while enabling killing of MHC I–deficient cells. But tolerance also occurs for NK cells that lack inhibitory receptors for self-MHC I, and for all NK cells in MHC I–deficient animals. In both cases, NK cells are unresponsive to MHC I–deficient cells and hyporesponsive when stimulated through activating receptors, suggesting that hyporesponsiveness is responsible for self-tolerance. We generated irradiation chimeras, or carried out adoptive transfers, with wild-type (WT) and/or MHC I–deficient hematopoietic cells in WT or MHC I–deficient C57BL/6 host mice. Unexpectedly, in WT hosts, donor MHC I–deficient hematopoietic cells failed to induce hyporesponsiveness to activating receptor stimulation, but did induce tolerance to MHC I–deficient grafts. Therefore, these two properties of NK cells are separable. Both tolerance and hyporesponsiveness occurred when the host was MHC I deficient. Interestingly, infections of mice or exposure to inflammatory cytokines reversed the tolerance of NK cells that was induced by MHC I–deficient hematopoietic cells, but not the tolerance induced by MHC I–deficient nonhematopoietic cells. These data have implications for successful bone marrow transplantation, and suggest that tolerance induced by hematopoietic cells versus nonhematopoietic cells may be imposed by distinct mechanisms.
Epigenetic Regulation of Early- and Late-Response Genes in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Sandoval Juan , Pereda Javier , Pérez Salvador , Finamor Isabela , Vallet-Sánchez Azahara , Rodríguez José Luis , Franco Luis , Sastre Juan , López-Rodas Gerardo
Published: October 2016

Chromatin remodeling seems to regulate the patterns of proinflammatory genes. Our aim was to provide new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms that control transcriptional activation of early- and late-response genes in initiation and development of severe acute pancreatitis as a model of acute inflammation. Chromatin changes were studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, nucleosome positioning, and determination of histone modifications in promoters of proinflammatory genes in vivo in the course of taurocholate-induced necrotizing pancreatitis in rats and in vitro in rat pancreatic AR42J acinar cells stimulated with taurocholate or TNF-α. Here we show that the upregulation of early and late inflammatory genes rely on histone acetylation associated with recruitment of histone acetyltransferase CBP. Chromatin remodeling of early genes during the inflammatory response in vivo is characterized by a rapid and transient increase in H3K14ac, H3K27ac, and H4K5ac as well as by recruitment of chromatin-remodeling complex containing BRG-1. Chromatin remodeling in late genes is characterized by a late and marked increase in histone methylation, particularly in H3K4. JNK and p38 MAPK drive the recruitment of transcription factors and the subsequent upregulation of early and late inflammatory genes, which is associated with nuclear translocation of the early gene Egr-1. In conclusion, specific and strictly ordered epigenetic markers such as histone acetylation and methylation, as well as recruitment of BRG-1–containing remodeling complex are associated with the upregulation of both early and late proinflammatory genes in acute pancreatitis. Our findings highlight the importance of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in the control of the inflammatory cascade.
Secreted NS1 Protects Dengue Virus from Mannose-Binding Lectin–Mediated Neutralization
Authors: Thiemmeca Somchai , Tamdet Chamaiporn , Punyadee Nuntaya , Prommool Tanapan , Songjaeng Adisak , Noisakran Sansanee , Puttikhunt Chunya , Atkinson John P. , Diamond Michael S. , Ponlawat Alongkot , Avirutnan Panisadee
Published: October 2016

Flavivirus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a unique secreted nonstructural glycoprotein. Although it is absent from the flavivirus virion, intracellular and extracellular forms of NS1 have essential roles in viral replication and the pathogenesis of infection. The fate of NS1 in insect cells has been more controversial, with some reports suggesting it is exclusively cell associated. In this study, we confirm NS1 secretion from cells of insect origin and characterize its physical, biochemical, and functional properties in the context of dengue virus (DENV) infection. Unlike mammalian cell–derived NS1, which displays both high mannose and complex type N-linked glycans, soluble NS1 secreted from DENV-infected insect cells contains only high mannose glycans. Insect cell–derived secreted NS1 also has different physical properties, including smaller and more heterogeneous sizes and the formation of less stable NS1 hexamers. Both mammalian and insect cell–derived NS1 bind to complement proteins C1s, C4, and C4-binding protein, as well as to a novel partner, mannose-binding lectin. Binding of NS1 to MBL protects DENV against mannose-binding lectin–mediated neutralization by the lectin pathway of complement activation. As we detected secreted NS1 and DENV together in the saliva of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, these findings suggest a mechanism of viral immune evasion at the very earliest phase of infection.
Integrated supply chain risk management
Authors: Bredell Riaan , Walters Jackie
Published: October 2016

Integrated supply chain risk management (ISCRM) has become indispensable to the theory and practice of supply chain management. The economic and political realities of the modern world require not only a different approach to supply chain management, but also bold steps to secure supply chain performance and sustainable wealth creation. Integrated supply chain risk management provides supply chain organisations with a level of insight into their supply chains yet to be achieved. If correctly applied, this process may optimise management decision-making and assist in the protection and enhancement of shareholder value.
Validating an integrated decision-support framework for road transportation in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Backeberg Greorg H.
Published: October 2016

The South African government has committed itself to creating “a better life for all”. Furthermore, government performance became important for the South African government with the introduction of the Public Finance Management Act. Backeberg (2005) uses systems thinking to propose a holistic transportation performance quantification framework to achieve the above. The purpose of this research is to validate the above framework by demonstrating its practicality and usefulness. This is done by populating the framework with representative transportation statistics from various sources. The study demonstrates how improvements could be prioritised if adequate information were to be available.
Supply chain design: Some critical questions
Authors: Nel J. D. , Badenhorst-Weiss J. A.
Published: October 2016

Effective supply chain management (SCM) requires organisations to work together in order to satisfy the needs of their end customers. Since organisations have to determine which processes and relationships will best achieve this aim, the design of their supply chains is important. Supply chain design thus forms an integral part of SCM and embodies the supply chain's structure. Unfortunately, too many organisations allow the design of their supply chain to evolve into its current form instead of planning their supply chain design (SCD) efforts. The literature is vague on what SCD efforts constitute. This article consists of a comprehensive literature study in which an effort was made to bring more clarity on exactly what purposeful SCD efforts consist of, and some key questions were formulated that organisations could use as a guide in their SCD practices. From these critical questions a conceptual framework has been developed that can be used to determine whether organisations' SCD practices are aligned with organisational objectives. The conceptual framework was tested at two South African organisations to determine if it indeed can be be used to analyse the SCD practices of organisations.
An automotive supply chain model for a demand-driven environment
Authors: Ambe Intaher M. , Badenhorst-Weiss Johanna A.
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the development of a supply chain model for the automotive industry that would respond to changing consumer demand. Now more than ever, businesses need to improve the efficiency of their supply chains in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The principles of lean manufacturing and just-intime (JIT) inventory control that were renowned for helping companies like Toyota, Dell and Walmart to rise to the top of their respective industries are no longer adequate. Leading companies are applying new technologies and sophisticated analytics to make their supply chains more responsive to customer demand. This challenge is driven by fierce competition, fluctuating market demand and rising customer requirements that have led to customers becoming more demanding with increased preferences. The article is based on theoretical reviews and suggests guidelines for the implementation of an automotive supply chain model for a demand-driven environment.
Adoption of automatic identification systems by grocery retailersin the Johannesburg area
Authors: Darlington Christopher C. , Urban Boris
Published: October 2016

Retailers not only need the right data capture technology to meet the requirements of their applications, they must also decide on what the optimum technology is from the different symbologies that have been developed over the years. Automatic identification systems (AIS) are a priority to decision makers as they attempt to obtain the best blend of equipment to ensure greater loss prevention and higher reliability in data capture. However there is a risk of having too simplistic a view of adopting AIS, since no one solution is applicable across an industry or business model. This problem is addressed through an exploratory, descriptive study, where the nature and value of AIS adoption by grocery retailers in the Johannesburg area is interrogated. Mixed empirical results indicate that, as retailers adopt AIS in order to improve their supply chain management systems, different types of applications are associated with various constraints and opportunities. Overall this study is in line with previous research that supports the notion that supply chain decisions are of a strategic nature even though efficient management of information is a day-to-day business operational decision.
Sustainable freight transport in South Africa:Domestic intermodal solutions
Authors: Havenga Jan H. , Simpson Zane , Fourie Pieter F. , De Bod Anneke
Published: October 2016

Due to the rapid deregulation of freight transport in South Africa two decades ago, and low historical investment in rail (with resultant poor service delivery), an integrated alternative to road and rail competition was never developed. High national freight logistics costs, significant road infrastructure challenges and environmental impact concerns of a road-dominated freight transport market have, however, fuelled renewed interest in intermodal transport solutions. In this article, a high-level business case for domestic intermodal solutions in South Africa is presented. The results demonstrate that building three intermodal terminals to connect the three major industrial hubs (i.e. Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town) through an intermodal solution could reduce transport costs (including externalities) for the identified 11.5 million tons of intermodalfriendly freight flows on the Cape and Natal corridors by 42% (including externalities).
Determining an optimal supply chain strategy
Authors: Ambe Intaher M.
Published: October 2016

In today’s business environment, many companies want to become efficient and flexible, but have struggled, in part, because they have not been able to formulate optimal supply chain strategies. Often this is as a result of insufficient knowledge about the costs involved in maintaining supply chains and the impact of the supply chain on their operations. Hence, these companies find it difficult to manufacture at a competitive cost and respond quickly and reliably to market demand. Mismatched strategies are the root cause of the problems that plague supply chains, and supply-chain strategies based on a one-size-fits-all strategy often fail. The purpose of this article is to suggest instruments to determine an optimal supply chain strategy. This article, which is conceptual in nature, provides a review of current supply chain strategies and suggests a framework for determining an optimal strategy.
Container terminal spatial planning - A 2041 paradigm for the Western Cape Province in South Africa
Authors: Havenga Jan , King David , Simpson Zane , Goedhals-Gerber Leila , De Bod Anneke
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates the suitable location for an intermodal inland container terminal (IICT) in the city of Cape Town. A container market segmentation approach is used to project growth for container volumes over a 30-year period for all origin and destination pairings on a geographical district level in an identified catchment area. The segmentation guides the decision on what type of facility is necessary to fulfil capacity requirements in the catchment area and will be used to determine the maximum space requirements for a future IICT. Alternative sites are ranked from most suitable to least suitable using multi-criteria analysis, and preferred locations are identified. Currently, South Africa’s freight movement is dominated by the road sector. Heavy road congestion is thus prevalent at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). The paper proposes three possible alternative sites for an IICT that will focus on a hub-and-spoke system of transporting freight.
Calculation of freight externality costs for South Africa
Authors: Swarts Stefaan , King David , Simpson Zane , Havenga Jan , Goedhals-Gerber Leila
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study is to quantify the marginal external costs associated with freight transport in South Africa. Six cost elements are included as externality cost items, namely, costs related to accidents, emissions, roadway land availability, policing, noise and congestion. Inputs in the calculations were a gravity-oriented freight flow model, a road transport cost model, actual transport costs for other modes, a warehousing cost survey, an inventory delay calculation and various national sources of information such as accident statistics and government budgets. Estimation techniques resulted in advances for externality cost measurement in South Africa. The quantification of the cost elements will be used to update the South African Freight Demand Model. The results show that the cost of transportation would have been 20% more if external factors were taken into account. The marginal rates of externalities can be used to develop scenarios based on alternative choices for South Africa's freight transport infrastructure configuration.
Global economic recessions and the maritime industry 1980-2009 Impact on South African shipping 2000-2012
Authors: Jacobs Lunga
Published: October 2016

The maritime industry is the major enabler of international trade. Major economic events in the international arena such as global recessions affect world trade and therefore the maritime industry as well. South Africa imports and exports major commodities and products therefore such events will also affect the country's economy. This paper explores how different industries within the South African maritime industry have been affected by global economic recessions. As some of them are of great significance to the country's economy, it is imperative to look at how these industries are affected so as to be able to see the national impact.
Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Behavior among Women of Delhi, India: Identifying Barriers to Early Detection
Authors: Dey Subhojit , Sharma Surabhi , Mishra Arti , Krishnan Suneeta , Govil Jyotsna , Dhillon Preet K.
Published: October 2016

Background

Globally, breast cancer (BC) has become the leading cause of mortality in women. Awareness and early detection can curb the growing burden of BC and are the first step in the battle against BC. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the awareness and perceived barriers concerning the early detection of BC.

Methods

A total of 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted during May 2013–March 2014. Pre-existing themes were used to conduct FGDs; each FGD group consisted of an average of ~10 women (aged ≥18–70 years) who came to participate in a BC awareness workshop. All FGDs were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were inductively analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Based on emerged codes and categories, thematic analysis was done, and theory was developed using the grounded theory approach.

Results

Data were analyzed in three major themes: i) knowledge and perception about BC; ii) barriers faced by women in the early presentation of BC; and iii) healthcare-seeking behavior. The findings revealed that shyness, fear, and posteriority were the major behavioral barriers in the early presentation of BC. Erroneously, pain was considered as an initial symptom of BC by most women. Financial constraint was also mentioned as a cause for delay in accessing treatment. Social stigma that breast problems reflect bad character of women also contributed in hiding BC symptoms.

Conclusions

Lack of BC awareness was prevalent, especially in low socioeconomic class. Women's ambivalence in prioritizing their own health and social and behavioral hurdles should be addressed by BC awareness campaigns appropriately suited for various levels of social class.
Краевые задачи для эллиптических функционально-дифференциальных уравнений и их приложения
Authors: Skubachevskii Alexander Leonidovich
Published: October 2016

Рассматриваются краевые задачи для сильно эллиптических функционально-дифференциальных уравнений в ограниченных областях. В отличие от эллиптических дифференциальных уравнений, гладкость обобщенных решений таких задач может нарушаться внутри области и сохраняется лишь в некоторых подобластях, а символ самосопряженного полуограниченного функционально-дифференциального оператора может менять знак. Получены как необходимые, так и достаточные условия выполнения неравенства типа Гординга в алгебраическом виде. Исследованы спектральные свойства сильно эллиптических функционально-дифференциальных операторов. Доказаны теоремы о гладкости обобщенных решений в некоторых подобластях и о сохранении гладкости на границах соседних подобластей. Излагаются приложения полученных результатов к теории нелокальных эллиптических задач, к проблеме Като о корне квадратном из оператора, к теории упругости и к задачам нелинейной оптики.
Библиография: 137 названий.
Is there a bias in AERONET retrievals of aerosol light absorption at low AOD conditions?
Authors: Andrews Elisabeth , Ogren John , Kinne Stefan , Samset Bjorn
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Here we present new results comparing aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD) and column single scattering albedo (SSA) obtained from in-situ vertical profile measurements with AERONET ground-based remote sensing from two rural continental sites in the US. The profiles are closely matched in time (within +/-3 h) and space (within 15 km) with the AERONET retrievals. These direct comparisons of in-situ-derived to AERONET-retrieved AAOD (or SSA) reveal that AERONET retrievals yield higher aerosol absorption for the low aerosol optical depth (AOD) conditions prevalent at the two study sites. The tendency of AERONET inversions to overestimate absorption at low AOD values is generally consistent with other published comparisons. We conclude that scaling modelled black carbon concentrations upwards to match AERONET retrievals of AAOD may lead to aerosol absorption overestimates in regions of low AOD.
Symbiosis revisited: phosphorus and acid buffering stimulate N2 fixation but not Sphagnum growth
Authors: van den Elzen Eva , Kox Martine A. R. , Harpenslager Sarah F. , Hensgens Geert , Fritz Christian , Jetten Mike S. M. , Ettwig Katharina F. , Lamers Leon P. M.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In pristine Sphagnum dominated peatlands, (di)nitrogen (N2) fixing (diazotrophic) microbial communities associated with Sphagnum mosses contribute substantially to the total nitrogen input, increasing carbon sequestration. The rates of symbiotic nitrogen fixation reported for Sphagnum peatlands, are, however, highly variable and experimental work on regulating factors that can mechanistically explain this variation is largely lacking. For two common fen species (Sphagnum palustre and S. squarrosum) from a high nitrogen deposition area (25 kg N ha−1 y−1), we found that diazotrophic activity (as measured by 15–15N2 labeling) was still present. This was surprising, given that nitrogen fixation is a costly process. We tested the effects of phosphorus availability and buffering capacity by bicarbonate rich water, mimicking a field situation in fens with stronger groundwater or surface water influence, as potential regulators of nitrogen fixation rates and Sphagnum performance. We expected that the addition of phosphorus, being a limiting nutrient, would stimulate both diazotrophic activity and Sphagnum growth. We indeed found that nitrogen fixation rates were doubled. Plant performance, in contrast, did not increase. Raised bicarbonate levels also enhanced nitrogen fixation, but had a strong negative impact on Sphagnum performance. These results explain the higher nitrogen fixation rates reported for minerotrophic and more nutrient-rich peatlands. The contrasting effects of phosphorus and bicarbonate on Sphagnum spp and their diazotrophic communities reveal strong differences in optimal niche for both partners with respect to conditions and resources. This suggests a trade-off for the symbiosis of nitrogen fixing microorganisms with their Sphagnum hosts, in which a sheltered environment apparently outweighs the less favorable environmental conditions. We conclude that microbial activity is still nitrogen limited under eutrophic conditions because dissolved nitrogen is being monopolized by Sphagnum. Moreover, the fact that diazotrophic activity can significantly be upregulated by increased phosphorus addition and acid buffering, while Sphagnum spp do not benefit, reveals remarkable differences in optimal conditions for both symbiotic partners and questions the concept of a direct mutualism.
Assessing the impacts of 1.5  °C global warming – simulation protocol of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP2b)
Authors: Frieler Katja , Betts Richard , Burke Eleanor , Ciais Philippe , Denvil Sebastien , Deryng Delphine , Ebi Kristie , Eddy Tyler , Emanuel Kerry , Elliott Joshua , Galbraith Eric , Gosling Simon N. , Halladay Kate , Hattermann Fred , Hickler Thomas , Hinkel Jochen , Huber Veronika , Jones Chris , Krysanova Valentina , Lange Stefan , Lotze Heike K. , Lotze-Campen Hermann , Mengel Matthias , Mouratiadou Ioanna , Müller Schmied Hannes , Ostberg Sebastian , Piontek Franziska , Popp Alexander , Reyer Christopher P. O. , Schewe Jacob , Stevanovic Miodrag , Suzuki Tatsuo , Thonicke Kirsten , Tian Hanqin , Tittensor Derek P. , Vautard Robert , van Vliet Michelle , Warszawski Lila , Zhao Fang
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In Paris, France, December 2015, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to provide a "special report in 2018 on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways". In Nairobi, Kenya, April 2016, the IPCC panel accepted the invitation. Here we describe the response devised within the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) to provide tailored, cross-sectorally consistent impacts projections. The simulation protocol is designed to allow for (1) separation of the impacts of historical warming starting from pre-industrial conditions from other human drivers such as historical land-use changes (based on pre-industrial and historical impact model simulations); (2) quantification of the effects of additional warming up to 1.5 °C, including a potential overshoot and long-term effects up to 2299, compared to a no-mitigation scenario (based on the low-emissions Representative Concentration Pathway RCP2.6 and a no-mitigation pathway RCP6.0) with socio-economic conditions fixed at 2005 levels; and (3) assessment of the climate effects based on the same climate scenarios but accounting for simultaneous changes in socio-economic conditions following the middle-of-the-road Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP2, Fricko et al., 2016) and differential bio-energy requirements associated with the transformation of the energy system to comply with RCP2.6 compared to RCP6.0. With the aim of providing the scientific basis for an aggregation of impacts across sectors and analysis of cross-sectoral interactions that may dampen or amplify sectoral impacts, the protocol is designed to facilitate consistent impacts projections from a range of impact models across different sectors (global and regional hydrology, global crops, global vegetation, regional forests, global and regional marine ecosystems and fisheries, global and regional coastal infrastructure, energy supply and demand, health, and tropical cyclones).
Assessing glacier contribution to river runoff in the Andes of central Chile: Analysis of in situ weather station data, runoff measurements and melt modelling at Universidad glacier (34°40’ S, 70°20’ W)
Authors: Bravo Claudio , Loriaux Thomas , Rivera Andrés , Brock Ben W.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Glacier melt is an important source of water for Andean rivers in central Chile, especially in dry years when it can be the main contributor to lowland flows in late summer and autumn. However, few studies have quantified the glacier melt contribution to river runoff. To address some of these shortcomings, we present an analysis of meteorological conditions and melt for Universidad glacier, a large valley glacier in the Mediterranean climate central Andes of Chile at the head of the Tinguiririca river, for the 2009–2010 ablation season. We used meteorological measurements from two automatic weather stations installed on the glacier to drive a distributed temperature-index melt and runoff routing model, and compare total modelled glacier melt to river flow measurements at three sites located between 0.5 and 50 km downstream. The temperature-index model was calibrated at the lower weather station site showing good agreement with melt estimates from an ablation stake and sonic ranger, and with a physically-based energy balance model. Universidad glacier is characterized by extremely high melt rates over the ablation season which exceed 10 m water equivalent on the lower altitude part of the glacier, representing a contribution between 10 % and 13 % of the total runoff observed in the upper Tinguiririca basin during the November 2009 to March 2010 period. This contribution rises to a maximum of 34 % in late summer demonstrating the importance of glacier runoff to river flow, particularly in dry summers such as 2009–2010. The temperature-index approach benefits from the availability of on-glacier meteorological data and is suited to high melt regimes, but would not be easily applicable to glaciers further north in Chile where sublimation is more significant.
TOWARDS ADAPTIVE HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES RETRIEVAL SCHEMES
Authors: Kourgli A. , Sebai H. , Bouteldja S. , Oukil Y.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Nowadays, content-based image-retrieval techniques constitute powerful tools for archiving and mining of large remote sensing image databases. High spatial resolution images are complex and differ widely in their content, even in the same category. All images are more or less textured and structured. During the last decade, different approaches for the retrieval of this type of images have been proposed. They differ mainly in the type of features extracted. As these features are supposed to efficiently represent the query image, they should be adapted to all kind of images contained in the database. However, if the image to recognize is somewhat or very structured, a shape feature will be somewhat or very effective. While if the image is composed of a single texture, a parameter reflecting the texture of the image will reveal more efficient. This yields to use adaptive schemes. For this purpose, we propose to investigate this idea to adapt the retrieval scheme to image nature. This is achieved by making some preliminary analysis so that indexing stage becomes supervised. First results obtained show that by this way, simple methods can give equal performances to those obtained using complex methods such as the ones based on the creation of bag of visual word using SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) descriptors and those based on multi scale features extraction using wavelets and steerable pyramids.