Current Industrial Development Research Articles

Progress in airline distribution systems: The threat of new entrants to incumbent players

For decades, distribution has been a key ICT (Information and Communication Technology) area for airlines and this sector has been dominated by four (now three) Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) whose primacy has been threatened over the last four years by a set of new players, the so called GDS New Entrants (GNEs). GNEs emerged with the advent of the Internet and open source technology as ‘disintermediation’ facilitators and generated vast interest from airlines because they promised to reduce the cost of distribution. This paper explores the impact of ICTs on airlines with a focus on GDSs. It provides an overview of the changing market dynamics, analyses the environment that led to the appearance of GNEs and pinpoints the issues behind their until now failure to provide a true alternative to the GDSs. This analysis complements existing academic research in that it clarifies critical issues in the air travel distribution field and provides an overview of current industry developments.

CHESTNUT AT MIYUN COUNTY OF BEIJING IN CHINA

Miyun County was a main chestnut plantation in Beijing, China. The annual production of Miyun chestnuts was 12,067.9 tons in 2007, making up 54.1% of the total production in Beijing. The study summarized the characters of location, environment, chestnut distribution, nut quality and chestnut development in Miyun, considered problems in current chestnut industry development and put forward some suggestions to promote the sustainable development of chestnut industry and accelerate diversification of chestnut economy.

AN ITERATING MODEL OF INDUSTRIES DISTRIBUTION IN REAL SPACE

An industry distribution model provides an important reference point for enterprises to extend business scope, and for governments to make industrial area planning. Current industry development models usually ignore the spatial distribution of enterprises, or build the models in virtual spaces. This paper proposes an iterating Model of Industry development in Real Space (MIRS) based on national division standards. Utilizing a multi-level iterating structure and a random concentration distribution approach, MIRS presents the fractal characteristics of log-normal distribution, self-similarity, and increasing trend of fractal information dimension. The coincidence between MIRS and actual industries is verified by the data collected from three industries in China, this allows MIRS to be an effective approach for predicting industry behaviors and a quantitative reference for decision-makers of companies.

Progress in airline distribution systems: The threat of new entrants to incumbent players

For decades, distribution has been a key ICT (Information and Communication Technology) area for airlines and this sector has been dominated by four (now three) Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) whose primacy has been threatened over the last four years by a set of new players, the so called GDS New Entrants (GNEs). GNEs emerged with the advent of the Internet and open source technology as ‘disintermediation’ facilitators and generated vast interest from airlines because they promised to reduce the cost of distribution. This paper explores the impact of ICTs on airlines with a focus on GDSs. It provides an overview of the changing market dynamics, analyses the environment that led to the appearance of GNEs and pinpoints the issues behind their until now failure to provide a true alternative to the GDSs. This analysis complements existing academic research in that it clarifies critical issues in the air travel distribution field and provides an overview of current industry developments.

The Quest for More Efficient Industrial Engines: A Review of Current Industrial Engine Development and Applications

Abstract This paper addresses the need for efficiency gains in the modern industrial engine as utilized in combined heat and power (CHP) generation and other distributed generation situations. Power generation is discussed in terms of reciprocating-engine-based plant operating on Otto type thermodynamic cycles. The current state of the technology and the research being conducted is examined. Internal combustion engine performance improvement in the industrial engine sector focuses on improvements in the combustion characteristics of the plant, with emphasis on areas such as piston design, valve timing, and supercharging. Maximum brake-thermal efficiencies, in percentage terms, are currently in the 40s. In CHP generation, most of the energy not utilized for mechanical power is recovered as heat from various engine systems, such as jacket water and exhaust, and utilized for space or process heating. In other distributed generation situations, this energy is not utilized in this manner and is lost to the surroundings. While second law analysis would provide a more meaningful interpretation of the efficiency defect, this approach is still not the norm. Distributed generation benefits directly from efficiency improvements; the more efficient use of primary energy leads to reduced fuel costs. Combined heat and power generation is, however, more sensitive to the matching between the plant and its energy sinks, as its successful implementation is dictated by the ability of a site to fully utilize the heat and electrical power produced by the plant. At present, the energy balance of such engines typically dictates that heat is produced in greater quantity than electrical power, the ratio being of the order of 1.1–1.5:1. Due to this production imbalance, it is accepted that in order to be economically feasible, thermal and electrical demand should be coincident and also all heat and power should be utilized. This has traditionally led to certain sectors being deemed unsuitable for CHP use. Some current research is aimed at tipping the production balance of these engines in favor of electrical power production; however, performance gains in this regard are slow. This paper concludes with some brief commentary on current industrial engine developments and applications.

IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF HUMAN FACTORS ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH EMERGING NUCLEAR PLANT TECHNOLOGY

This study has identified human performance research issues associated with the implementation of new technology in nuclear power plants (NPPs). To identify the research issues, current industry developments and trends were evaluated in the areas of reactor technology, instrumentation and control technology, human-system integration technology, and human factors engineering (HFE) methods and tools. The issues were prioritized into four categories based on evaluations provided by 14 independent subject matter experts representing vendors, utilities, research organizations and regulators. Twenty issues were categorized into the top priority category. The study also identifies the priority of each issue and the rationale for those in the top priority category. The top priority issues were then organized into research program areas of: New Concepts of Operation using Multi-agent Teams, Human-system Interface Design, Complexity Issues in Advanced Systems, Operating Experience of New and Modernized Plants, and HFE Methods and Tools. The results can serve as input to the development of a long-term strategy and plan for addressing human performance in these areas to support the safe operation of new NPPs.

Research Progress and Strategy of Marine Biomass Energy

Research and development of biomass energy is an important solution to the shortage of fossil resources and to environment pollution.The main trend of current industrial development of biomass energy is to produce biodiesel from oil crops and plants and to produce ethanol from starch crops,which will induce shortage of food,soil and water resources.Research and development of marine biomass energy could be an effective solution to the above problems.In this paper,the current condition of R/D of marine biomass energy in the world is reviewed.The strategy and research priorities of marine biomass energy in China are proposed.

Preface

Abstract The 18th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry (ISPC-18) was held at Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan from 26 to 31 August 2007 under the sponsorship of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the International Plasma Chemistry Society (IPCS). This is the second time that ISPC was held in Japan since ISPC-8 (Tokyo, 1987), and it was cosponsored by the 153rd Committee on Plasma Materials Science of Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), the Japan Society of Applied Physics (JSAP), the Graduate School of Engineering at Kyoto University, the Kyoto Nanotechnology Cluster (Kyo-NANO), and the Research Institute for Applied Science (RIAS). Prior to the symposium the IUPAC Summer School on Plasma Chemistry was held from 23 to 25 August, and the Industrial Workshop on Plasma Chemistry followed the symposium on the afternoon of the last day. ISPC is a biennial international conference with topics encompassing the whole area of plasma chemistry and plasma processing science from fundamentals to applications. There were 671 participants from 40 countries including 189 students. The topics covered the frontiers of nanotechnologies and biomedical and environmental applications as well as the traditional areas of plasma sources, diagnostics, modeling, and material syntheses. The symposium contained four plenary lectures, 21 topical invited talks, 179 oral presentations, and 547 poster presentations in the 14 categorized scientific topics. The industrial workshop consisted of 6 presentations and a panel discussion intended to focus on recycling technology for environmental issues. The large number of high-quality contributed papers reflects the continuously growing interest of researchers in the areas of plasma chemistry. This issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry contains 13 papers based on the plenary lectures and topical invited talks presented at ISPC-18. I sincerely hope that this issue provides readers an overview of current and future scientific and industrial developments in plasma chemistry. Kunihide Tachibana Conference Chair

Slowness logistics

Works conducted in logistics management mostly emphasize the importance of a `time compression' strategy to develop a sustainable competitive advantage. At the level of the design, manufacturing or distribution of products to consumers, high-speed orientation is now considered to be a universal source of performance. Drawing from current developments in the French food retailing industry, the paper points to a possible alternative path based on `slowness' logistics. This new time orientation is set in a context of the ` theatricalization of low prices' adopted by an increasing number of large retailers.

Research: Why, What, and Worth

The term “research” is almost as vague as it is pervasive. Research is everywhere: it is manifest as “original research” in reputable journals, a lot of clinicians seem to be engaged in it, and success and competency for many clinicians rely on their adept navigation through, and engagement in, research. The short answer to “Why must I research?” is analogous to the philosophical quandary, Why? and its one-word answer, Because. The long answer, however, is a contextual one. Adept research skills and an understanding of current developments in industry are needed to avoid obsolescence of clinical skills and knowledge and to maintain a familiarity with the accelerating use of technology and changing modes of treatment. Furthermore, as PAs are becoming more autonomous in their roles as clinicians, they must increasingly rely on their skills at dissecting and interpreting the research literature in order to remain current in their clinical knowledge. But staying abreast of research is a tall order. The quantity of articles spawned from various research endeavors is voluminous, to say the least. The National Library of Medicine’s on-line database, Medline, contains more than 11 million references, citations, and abstracts, from more than 4,600 biomedical journals. 2 Virtually all of these references were

Measuring the technological development of the textiles and clothing industry in Hong Kong

This paper addresses the need to review the current industrial status and technological development of Hong Kong's textiles and clothing industry due to keen competition from both newly industrialised and developing countries. The literature review identifies 5 key indicators, as well as their input and output data, for measuring the technological development of the T&C industry. They are, namely, productivity, quality, flexibility, skill and innovation. Apart from the 5 indicators, there are two additional factors, namely, government policy and environmental impacts. They will also influence the technological development of the T&C industry. A time series analysis will be used for developing a model of the five key indicators and two additional factors for measuring the technological development of the T&C industry. Based on the findings of the study, a technometric model will be developed in the later stage of the study. We will then construct a technometric profile for evaluating and comparing the technological performance levels of the textiles and clothing industry in Hong Kong with other developed countries, i.e., the USA and Italy.

Uma educação do olho: as imagens na sociedade urbana, industrial e de mercado

Neste artigo, pretendemos pensar o processo de produção industrial de imagens como parte de um programa de educação visual, cujas origens históricas antecedem o atual desenvolvimento industrial. Nossa hipótese é de que a valorização irrefletida da produção e do consumo de imagens através de aparelhos tecnológicos reproduz e intensifica a desvalorização dos sentidos na produção de conhecimento e revaloriza o pensamento "cartesiano", educando o olho a ver o homem e o mundo conforme as possibilidades e os limites destas formas de representação da realidade. A ausência de uma atitude crítica em relação aos processos de produção destas imagens e o desconhecimento de suas origens históricas fazem com que a escola incorpore, de forma conservadora, o programa de educação visual acima referido e eduque, de forma alienada, o olho a ver a realidade.

Can We Live Life Without Risk?

"We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!" VioomSondel (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams) The topic of risk management is popular in outdoor and experiential learning. It is even suggested that title risks are to be managed to acceptable levels (whatever that means!). We are reminded through newsletters, journals and risk management publications (such as I had the privileged to co-edit recently) of the need for operational manuals, risk management plans, establishing communication systems, employing qualified and experienced staff, insuring etc. etc., But do we want to get rid of all possible risks? What would life be like if there were no risks? Is it desirable that we design and deliver programs that have no risks? Imagine the following scenarios separated by 30 years: Newspaper Headline, October 2000 Following several unrelated accidents in a variety of sporting and outdoor activities, a decision has been made at the Federal Government level to permit only risk-free activities within schools. In future, no student mil be permitted to take part in activities such as archery, bushwalking, canoeing, football, gymnastics or netball. In addition, specific activities are listed in the press release. The Government spokesperson said that they believed that by limiting these activities it is hoped that schools will be a safer place for young Australians to be. 30 years later: Newspaper Headline, October 2030 A recent Government study of the current developments in science and industry has demonstrated that there have been no significant contributions for the last 20 years. It was reported that there has been a steady decline in new ideas suggested and research into new ventures, drug developments and new designs in manufacturing. The report writers have suggested that there may be a direct link between the current lack of new ideas ana developments and the push 30 years ago to reduce the levels of risk in all areas of life. Can We Be A Team And Take Some Risks? "There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin Have you ever facilitated a group in team building or team development? What were the lessons that the group was trying to achieve? What were you trying to help them aware of, think of and grow in? If you were to consider the outdoor and experiential learning fraternity to be one big team, what would you want us to learn about working together? We seem to be at a time in the development of outdoor and experiential learning (specifically in Australia) where we are on the edge of significant growth. …

Modelling and Verification using Linear Hybrid Automata -- a Case Study

This paper discusses the use of hybrid automata to specify and verify embedded distributed systems, that consist of both discrete and continuous components. The basis of the evaluation is an automotive control system, which controls the height of an automobile by pneumatic suspension. It has been proposed by BMW AG as a case study taken from a current industrial development. Essential parts of the system have been modelled as hybrid automata and for appropiate ions several safety properties have been verified. The verification has been performed using HYTECH, a symbolic model checker for linear hybrid automata. The paper discusses the general appropiateness of hybrid automata to specify hybrid systems as well as advantages and drawbacks of the applied model-checking techniques.

Toward a Better Understanding of the Future of the Solo Medical Practitioner in Health Care Industry

Even a brief conceptual review of the current developments in the health care industry indicates that the future of independent medical practitioners is rather challenging. It may be necessary for these parties to pursue proactive and aggressive marketing strategies to be able to compete with the managed care organizations. Accordingly, this paper outlines some of the current trends in health care marketing as they relate to the ongoing changes to which solo medical practitioners need to respond. It is hoped that the review of the issues raised in this paper can provide an initial basis for a better understanding of some of the challenges to come up with more comprehensive and effective strategy decisions.

SDIs: Infrastructure, agglomeration and the region in industrial policy

This article reports on the initial findings of an Industrial Strategy Project Research Programme on a key current element of national industrial policy, namely Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs). The ISP Research Programme is concerned with industrial investment. The operational industrial SDIs are examined against the backdrops of the pattern of contemporary industrial location in South Africa and the emergence of a regional industrial policy for the country; the long‐run experience with SDI‐type programmes internationally and in South Africa; and directions in current regional industrial development theory and practice, particularly those interventions aimed at strengthening the economies associated with regional/sectoral clusters or agglomerations typically embedded in metropolitan locations. The preliminary findings of research commissioned on long‐run industrial development in Richards Bay, and the current SDI processes under way in the Fish River SDI (Eastern Cape) and the West Coast SDI (Western Cape) are then presented These findings demonstrate that for the SDIs to meet their intentions in terms of maximising inward investment, creating jobs and catalysing durable regional economic development, the large opportunity present to use SDI processes to build the capacity and social infrastructure for economic development at local and regional level on — and between — both public and private sector sides should be grasped. To this end, it is also suggested that SDIs be closely linked to other government industrial promotion and support activities, notably the cluster initiatives and SMME support programmes, both of which may themselves need, at this point, far clearer regional focus.

Professional doctorates in clinical psychology: Current status and future opportunities

The current status of doctoral level professional training in clinical psychology in Australia and overseas is assessed. Developments in clinical psychology training in the United Kingdom have resulted in a compulsory three-year program of training with a heavy emphasis on clinical practicums and course work and a less substantial research thesis. The trend in Australia is towards an increase in professional doctorate courses in clinical psychology; about half of our postgraduate programs offer either DCIinPsych (or equivalent) or combined Clinical Masters / PhD courses in clinical psychology. However, less than one third of universities offer “true” professional doctoral-level courses that emphasise advanced course work and additional practicums; the majority still emphasise the research component. The need for professional doctorates is presented in light of current professional and industrial developments in Australia and overseas, and potential problems and benefits are explored.

A review of recent advances in the application of blank-holder force towards improving the forming limits of sheet metal parts

This paper presents a review of current industrial research and development in blank-holding technology, and its effect on the formability of sheet metals. The first section of the paper introduces a brief historical background of how and why the formability of sheet metal is defined in terms of a two-dimensional strain map. It also describes how the measure of formability depends on the state of strain, which in turn depends on the specific experimental technique used. Section 2briefly reviews research work dealing with both experimental and theoretical determination of the forming-limit diagram (FLD), the focus being to demonstrate the significance of the strain path on the FLD by showing how the calculated limit strain depends on the strain history. Sections 3 and 4demonstrate that for a given sheet material and part geometry, the parameters involved in stamping practice can significantly affect the formability of the material. It is shown how the blank-holder force and the way it is applied on the blank affects the state of stress and strain within the part, and also influences the strain path. Section 3reviews open- and closed-loop control of the blank-holder force, and demonstrates that by properly adjusting this parameter the working window between the tearing and wrinkling boundaries can be expanded. The research work reviewed in this section employed a uniformly-distributed blank-holder force, which varied with time (punch depth). The application of this technology to large, industry-size panels is mostly reported by the Japanese automobile industry. Section 4describes how the real-time control of the blank-holder force has been expanded to include spacial as well as time variations. The papers reviewed in this section deal with the multi-force variable-blank-holding technique and report considerable improvement in formability. Significant development in this area has been made in Germany, leading to the construction of production-size presses. So far as an optimum trajectory of blank-holder force variation is concerned, the results are inconclusive. It appears that an ideal trajectory depends on both part geometry and material type. Considering that different materials show different sensitivity to various modes of failure, the above observation is not unexpected.

Transmission and distribution of a multichannel AM-VSB TV signal on a single mode optical fiber for CATV videocommunication networks

First of all, in this paper, we situate and recall the advantage of single mode fiber for transmission of a multichannel AM-VSB TV signal. Then we describe the prototype of a multichannel transmission system studied under a France Telecom contract and discuss the experimental results obtained on this system. Today the equipment issued from that study, is in current industrial development in order to be soon installed in networks. A few rules are given in terms of range, number of channels per fiber and number of subscribers to help the design of networks. After having identified the system limitations, solutions are proposed to improve the performances. Particularly the concept of a am-vsb optical repeater and the linearity improvement with that procedure are shown. We will also discuss the use of 1.54 μm dfb laser and compare the performances at both wavelengths. The interest of predistortion network to escape from the previously identified linearity constraint is justified. Then the extension of transport network to optical distribution network closer to the subscriber (fttc) is envisaged. We show how the trade-off between less stringent performances and higher distribution potentiality can be handled. At last the interest of external modulation in order to escape from the noise limitation and to extend the coverage of the network at both wavelengths is discussed.

Notes for an address to the Ottawa association for applied economics

In recent years, the atmosphere has been exposed to a substantial increase in concentration of the trace gases. In 2012, energy-related CO2 emissions reached a record of 31.6 gigatonnes which corresponds to 1.4% comparing to 2011. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), an energy revolution is needed to achieve a 50% reduction of global CO2 emissions relative to current levels by 2050. In this revolution, energy efficiency, energy storage, new transport technologies, nuclear energy and CO2 capture and storage should play a crucial role. Furthermore, renewable energy technologies comprise a large potential for emission reductions which takes second place after energy efficiency improvements. Until 2035, renewable energy will also have greater impact than other potential alternatives including both CO2 capture and storage or nuclear energy. For this reason, renewable energy industries, markets, and policy frameworks are developed rapidly in recent years, and they will play a substantial role in the world׳s future. This paper presents an overview of renewable electric power capacity worldwide and discusses the current status, technologies, industry and recent developments of renewable energy sources (RESs) in detail. In addition, the top countries in terms of total installed renewable electric power capacity are also identified.