Important Supply Research Articles

The role of labile Zn2+ and Zn2+–transporters in the pathophysiology of mitochondria dysfunction in cardiomyocytes

An important energy supplier of cardiomyocytes is mitochondria, similar to other mammalian cells. Studies have demonstrated that any defect in the normal processes controlled by mitochondria can lead to abnormal ROS production, thereby high oxidative stress as well as lack of ATP. Taken into consideration, the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and overproduction of ROS as well as the relation between increased ROS and high-level release of intracellular labile Zn2+, those bring into consideration the importance of the events related with those stimuli in cardiomyocytes responsible from cellular Zn2+-homeostasis and responsible Zn2+-transporters associated with the Zn2+-homeostasis and Zn2+-signaling. Zn2+-signaling, controlled by cellular Zn2+-homeostatic mechanisms, is regulated with intracellular labile Zn2+ levels, which are controlled, especially, with the two Zn2+-transporter families; ZIPs and ZnTs. Our experimental studies in mammalian cardiomyocytes and human heart tissue showed that Zn2+-transporters localizes to mitochondria besides sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum and Golgi under physiological condition. The protein levels as well as functions of those transporters can re-distribute under pathological conditions, therefore, they can interplay among organelles in cardiomyocytes to adjust a proper intracellular labile Zn2+ level. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the already known Zn2+-transporters localize to mitochondria and function to stabilize not only the cellular Zn2+ level but also cellular oxidative stress status. In conclusion, one can propose that a detailed understanding of cellular Zn2+-homeostasis and Zn2+-signaling through mitochondria may emphasize the importance of new mitochondria-targeting agents for prevention and/or therapy of cardiovascular dysfunction in humans.

UKRAINE AND THE GULF STATES: COOPERATION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

For a long time, the oil reserves of the Gulf countries have made the country one of the most important energy suppliers. To improve Ukraine's energy market, a partnership that supports both parties must create. In this article we discuss the energy sector in Ukraine, current and future challenges, and how relations with the Gulf States can help to resolve these challenges. The importance of the Persian Gulf region to Ukraine is due to the significant potential for mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. Cooperation with the Gulf states in the energy sector is of particular strategic importance for strengthening Ukraine's energy security by diversifying energy sources, as these countries have 54% of the world's proven oil reserves and 40% of natural gas. In the energy market of the Persian Gulf countries, Ukraine has to compete with leading European and Asian countries, which requires systematic activities and coordination of efforts between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and some public and private oil and gas companies. Ukraine's cooperation with the Gulf States can provide Ukraine with ample opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and the implementation of large-scale economic projects. First of all, Ukraine could take an active part in the construction of energy infrastructure in the Gulf countries. Using the geostrategic location, unique opportunities of Ukraine as a transit country for energy resources from East to Europe, the Government of Ukraine should develop a set of political, economic and scientific-technological measures aimed at the practical supply of Middle Eastern hydrocarbons to Ukraine. A special role should be played by the comprehensive elaboration of the routes of supply of Iraqi oil and Iranian gas to Ukraine. The current volatile situation in and around these countries, especially with regard to Iran's nuclear program, should not hamper work on energy transport corridor projects from the Persian Gulf to Ukraine. Subject to the active actions of relevant Ukrainian ministries and agencies, the energy and financial resources of the Persian Gulf sub region in 5—10 years can play a key role in Ukraine's efforts to diversify energy supplies and create a reliable energy security system.

Family Forest Owners’ Perception of Management and Thinning Operations in Young Dense Forests: A Survey from Sweden

Family forest owners (FFOs) own 48% of Sweden’s productive forest land and are responsible for 59% of the annual gross felling. They are thus important suppliers of raw materials to the forest industry and the energy sector. Environmental goals on the national and international level promote an increased use of renewable resources in order to replace fossil-based fuels, but since the current supply of forest products is already fully utilized by the industry, there is a need to find new types of biomass assortment. One way to increase the biomass supply is to replace traditional pre-commercial thinning operations, where fallen stems are left in the forest to rot, with whole-tree harvesting of small-diameter trees using novel technologies and methods. This will however require willingness of the FFOs to shift their management practices. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to elucidate FFOs’ perceptions of management and thinning operations in young dense forests, identify if there are differences depending on their demographic backgrounds, and clarify which factors could potentially affect their willingness to implement whole-tree harvesting in young dense forests. Data were collected through a survey administered to a random sample of 842 FFOs, with a response rate of 53.4% (n = 450). The results show that FFOs in general are positive towards implementing whole-tree harvesting in young dense stands, and are often also willing to promote the development of suitable stands. Factors such as forest size, geographical location, distance from home to their forest, degree of self-employment and current need for cleaning were found to significantly affect their attitudes. The study highlights that the development of cost efficient harvesting techniques and working methods is important if the industry wants to increase the FFOs’ willingness to engage in whole-tree harvesting in young dense forest stands and thereby increase the supply of biomass.

Antibiotics control in aquaculture requires more than antibiotic-free feeds: A tilapia farming case.

Public concern over the health implications of antimicrobials employed in aquaculture has resulted in adoption of strict regulations for their use. This study employed a high-throughput protocol covering 86 compounds in six pharmaceutical groups to screen feed and sediments from 20 tilapia ponds randomly in 18 farms of an aquacultural unit in southern China, one of important tilapia fillet suppliers in the world. Seventeen samples of commercial feeds from manufacturer-sealed bags in the farms were tetracyclines-free but not antibiotic-free. All the sealed-bag feeds contained quinolones and two feeds had sulfonamides (up to 140μgkg-1). Meanwhile, seven leftover-feeds in opened bags contained added antimicrobials: tetracyclines (570-2790μgkg-1) in all and florfenicol (20-294μgkg-1) in four. All the feeds regardless sealed or not had large amounts (221-2642μgkg-1) of salicylic acid (possible antimicrobial substitute) and caffeine, and one sealed-bag feed even was quantified with medroxyprogesterone. Surface sediments (0-10cm) from the ponds were detected with 36 compounds and sublayer sediments (10-20) with 8 compounds. Large amounts of salicylic acid were present in both surface and sublayer sediments accounting up to 10% of total pharmaceutical residues. Surface sediments were dominated by antibiotics (5.2-172μgkg-1), mainly sulfonamides and quinolones, contributing 68% of the total quantitative compound mass. Sublayer sediments were also enriched in quinolones (up to 260μgkg-1). Surprisingly, all sediments contained progesterone (up to 8.0μgkg-1) in coincidence to the feed with medroxyprogesterone, perhaps arising from endocrine abuses or cross-contamination. Although high levels of other pharmacologic residues (caffeine) in sediment posed greater than medium ecological risks, antibiotic residues contributed only 2-35% to the risk. These findings suggest that antibiotic-free feed may be insufficient to control antibiotic abuse in aquaculture and that additional regulatory actions may be necessary, such as veterinary prescription as human antibiotic uses.

A Base on Fuzzy Theory to Supplier Evaluation and Selection Optimization

Supplier evaluation and selection is critical for schools to save costs. Supplier evaluation indexes must be developed before evaluation. In addition, how to select the most appropriate supplier and make the best procurement decision are also important topics. This study selected three most important supplier evaluation and selection criteria and established a supplier evaluation model through fuzzy logic inference using MATLAΒ. This method can overcome the defects in some methodologies and improve organizational capability and competitiveness. This model can also be used to address practical supplier evaluation and selection matters. Modelling took several steps, including fuzzification, fuzzy rule base, fuzzy inference engine, and defuzzification. Then, a supplier evaluation model was established based on the fuzzy rules obtained from the abovementioned operations. This model can provide a basis for school purchasers or managers in executing supplier selection policies in the future.

PEMASARAN SELEDRI DI DESA OEPAHA KECAMATAN NEKAMESE KABUPATEN KUPANG

The research, which was conducted in the village of Oepaha, Nekamese District, Kupang Regency, from June to July 2019, aims to identify marketing channels, capabilities and margins, and the share and benefits of celery marketing for farmers. The location of the research was determined using purposive sampling methods, considering that the location was the most important supplier area for celery in Kupang Regency. The population in this study was the farming community in Oepaha Village, Nekamese district, Kupang Regency,in the amount of 96 celery farmers. The sampling methods is carried out by simple random sampling according to the Slovenian formula, so that a sample of 49 celery farmers is obtained. Sampling for marketing institutions was determined by selecting the marketing institutions which directly involved in celery marketing using snowball sampling methods. In the end, respondents selected marketing institutes consisting of village collectors amounted to 4 people and retailers amounted to 4 people. The analysis of the data used in this study includes descriptive analysis, marketing margin analysis, farmer's share analysis and marketing profit analysis. 
 The results showed that the marketing channel for celery carried out by farmers consisted of two channels, namely farmers directly to consumers and farmers to consumers through intermediaries, namely village collectors and retailers. Celery marketing functions that arise are the functions of sales, purchases, transport, standardization and financing and market information on the zero level channel,while sales, purchasing, transportation, storage, standardization, and financing, as well as market information, run on the second level channel. The marketing margin at zero level is Rp. 51.000,-, while the second level marketing channel is Rp. 17,000 at the collector and Rp. 34,000 at the retailer. The percentage of farmer’s share received by farmers is 25% at zero level and 25% at second level channel. The profit from celery marketing in the zero level marketing channel is Rp. 8.261 (farmers), the second level marketing channel is Rp. 16,688 (farmers), Rp. 15.267 (collectors' traders), Rp. 28,029 (retailers).

Comparison of Foundry Industry in Slovakia and Czech Republic

Abstract Foundry industry is an important supplier of complex shape parts for other industrial branches. It depends on the development of customer demand in other industries. The current paper compares the structure and sales of foundry industry in Slovakia and Czech Republic.

Comparison of Foundry Industry in Slovakia and Hungary

Abstract Foundry industry is an important supplier of complex shape parts for other industrial branches. It depends on the development of customer demand in other industries. The following paper compares the structure and sales of foundry industry in Slovakia and Hungary.

Relationship follows technology! How Industry 4.0 reshapes future buyer-supplier relationships

Purpose This study analyzes how technological changes in the context of Industry 4.0 influence buyer-supplier relationships (BSRs). Design/methodology/approach The study is explorative in nature; hence, an empirical qualitative research design is applied. It bases on 45 expert interviews with managers from German and Austrian industrial companies as empirical data. A qualitative content analysis is conducted to inductively analyze the empirical material and to identify common patterns, themes and categories. Findings The paper finds that future transactions are mainly based on digitized, automated procedures, transferring various value creation processes to platforms. BSRs become more intense in nature. Companies consolidate their supplier base by focusing on important strategic suppliers. Research limitations/implications As the paper is of exploratory nature, it can only present first qualitative insights. Further studies can extend the results by analyzing and contrasting BSRs in various industries or value chain stages and map differences and similarities, respectively. Practical implications The paper's results provide implications for management and corporate practice alike. These help companies to raise Industry 4.0's full potential as for BSRs creating and securing long-term and sustainable competitive advantages. Originality/value This paper is among the first to empirically investigate BSRs in the context of Industry 4.0. Providing implications for research and corporate practice, it contributes to tapping Industry 4.0's full potential complementing an extra-organizational perspective.

Maintenance of mid-latitude oceanic fronts by mesoscale eddies.

Oceanic fronts associated with strong western boundary current extensions vent a vast amount of heat into the atmosphere, anchoring mid-latitude storm tracks and facilitating ocean carbon sequestration. However, it remains unclear how the surface heat reservoir is replenished by ocean processes to sustain the atmospheric heat uptake. Using high-resolution climate simulations, we find that the vertical heat transport by ocean mesoscale eddies acts as an important heat supplier to the surface ocean in frontal regions. This vertical eddy heat transport is not accounted for by the prevailing inviscid and adiabatic ocean dynamical theories such as baroclinic instability and frontogenesis but is tightly related to the atmospheric forcing. Strong surface cooling associated with intense winds in winter promotes turbulent mixing in the mixed layer, destructing the vertical shear of mesoscale eddies. The restoring of vertical shear induces an ageostrophic secondary circulation transporting heat from the subsurface to surface ocean.

Elemental composition analysis of Pistacia lentiscus L., leaves collected from Mitidja plain in Algeria using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique

Abstract Most of the rural Algerian communities believed that Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves have therapeutic capacities to treat many gastric diseases and abdomen aches, whereas, the rural habitants of Mitidja, Algeria powdered P. lentiscus L. leaves and consume it fresh in order to heal mild dyspeptic disorders and peptic ulcer. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate and monitor the amount of essential and toxic elements of these leaves. The leaf samples were collected from a place called Mitidja, Algeria in autumn 2014. Thereafter, those samples were subjected to an instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Fourteen elements were assessed (As, Br, Ca, Co, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Th and Zn). Where, the elements Ca, Fe, K, Na and Zn presented significant concentrations. On the other hand, it was found that the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of these leaves for an adult person per day, is with the tolerance limits and satisfy the nutritional references. Moreover, P. lentiscus L. leaves might be an important nature supplier source of Ca, K, Na, Fe and Zn for the human body, since these elements are considered as the most dietary supplements recommended by doctors to maintain good health.

Socioeconomic and environmental impacts of bringing the sun to earth: A sustainability analysis of a fusion power plant deployment

Producing electricity by nuclear fusion on Earth in this century is pursued by the academia and governments. Apart from the environmental and energy security benefits, fusion energy deployment would stimulate economic growth and employment. This research provides novel results of the global socioeconomic (value added, employment) and environmental (CO2) effects of the investments in a fusion power plant of 1.45 GW hypothetically deployed in Europe. A multi-regional input-output approach is used. Results show a multiplier effect in the production of goods and services of 2.2 (3.6 considering induced effects). The most benefited are Europe (47%) and United States (20%), due to the investment phase. In O&M, China and Japan arise as important suppliers. Most of value added would be captured in Europe (48%) and the United States (28%), being mining, construction and business services the most benefited activities. Intensive in employment generation, it would create 183 thousand full-time equivalent jobs, mainly in Europe (46%) and China (21%). The carbon footprint would be 11.4 gCO2/kWh mostly originated in Europe, United States and Japan, with a similar share. When considered, induced effects have a relevant impact on results. Despite the limitations, ex-ante evaluations are essential in setting priorities for fusion technology development.

The Purchase of Wax from Flanders by the Merchants of Burgos According to the Notarial Protocols of Alonso González de Nestares y Aguayo (1561-1568)

Notarial protocols keep thousands of deeds of sale of wax from Flanders. This work focuses on the records of the notary of the city of Burgos (Spain), Alonso González de Nestares and Aguayo. The preserved documentation is quite scarce. Only five files remain with chronological gaps: 1561 (February-June), 1564 (January-August), 1568 (December 1567-July 1568), 1575 (without chronological order), and 1576 (December 1575-December 1576). Despite this constraint, the richness of the data the documents contain will help us better understand the wax trade, a very important product in the daily life of man throughout its history. In the mid-16th century, Flanders became the most important wax supplier in Burgos. Some of the main international merchants are going to be the ones that import the wax and introduce it into the sales channels of the city, closing wholesale deals with other local commercials interested in this business. But the most abundant sales are those made by these local intermediaries to other Burgos, churches, clergy and neighbors of the province; It also allows us to know the price fluctuation.

Comparison of Detrital Zircon U-Pb and Muscovite 40Ar/39Ar Ages in the Yangtze Sediment: Implications for Provenance Studies

Detrital zircon U-Pb and muscovite 40Ar/39Ar dating are useful tools for investigating sediment provenance and regional tectonic histories. However, the two types of data from same sample do not necessarily give consistent results. Here, we compare published detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar and zircon U-Pb ages of modern sands from the Yangtze River to reveal potential factors controlling differences in their provenance age signals. Detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar ages of the major tributaries and main trunk suggest that the Dadu River is a dominant sediment contributor to the lower Yangtze. However, detrital zircon data suggest that the Yalong, Dadu, and Min rivers are the most important sediment suppliers. This difference could be caused by combined effects of lower reaches dilution, laser spot location on zircons and difference in closure temperature and durability between muscovite and zircon. The bias caused by sediment laser spot targeting a core or rim of zircon and zircon reworking should be considered in provenance studies.

Revealing the illegal harvesting of Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) using fatty acid profiles of the adductor muscle

The Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is one of the most traded bivalves in the world. Knowing its harvesting location is therefore paramount to guarantee the safety of consumers. The present study employs fatty acid (FA) profiles of the adductor muscle (AM) to reveal the most likely harvesting location of four batches of Manila clams suspected of having been illegally sourced from the Tagus estuary. In this ecosystem, where the collection of Manila clams is currently prohibited for food safety reasons, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) capture is known to occur. In order to trace the geographic origin of these four batches of Manila clams, a reference model based on the FA profiles of the AM was developed with specimens originating from the two most representative ecosystems supplying the trade-chain of this species in mainland Portugal (the Tagus estuary and Ria de Aveiro), as well as Ría de Vigo, a production area outside Portugal and that is also an important supplier. The ability of this model to allocate clams to its origin ecosystem was evaluated using independent datasets, with an allocation success of 100% (all samples were correctly assigned to its origin ecosystem, thus validating the model). Based on the reference model established, the harvesting location of the four batches suspected of originating from ongoing IUU in the Tagus estuary was investigated. Specimens from 3 of the 4 batches screened were classified, as most likely originating from the Tagus estuary (with a likelihood ranging from 90% up to 100%). These results highlight the potential of this approach to fight the IUU capture of Manila clams, as this practice endangers important habitats and threatens public health.

Late Miocene sediment delivery from the axial drainage system of the East Carpathian foreland basin to the Black Sea

Abstract We describe a late Miocene to early Pliocene axial drainage system in the East Carpathian foreland, which was an important sediment supplier to the Black Sea and the Dacian Basin. Its existence explains the striking progradation of the northwest Black Sea shelf prior to the onset of sediment supply from the continental-scale Danube River in the late Pliocene to Pleistocene. This axial drainage system evolved due to the diachronous along-strike evolution of the Carpathians and their foreland; continental collision, overfilling, slab breakoff, and subsequent exhumation of the foreland occurred earlier in the West Carpathians than in the East Carpathians. After overfilling of the western foreland, excess sediment was transferred along the basin axis, giving rise to a 300-km-wide by 800-km-long, southeast-prograding river-shelf-slope system with a sediment flux of ∼12 × 103 km3/m.y. Such late-stage axial sediment systems often develop in foreland basins, in particular, where orogenesis is diachronous along strike. Substantial lateral sediment transport thus needs to be taken into account, even though evidence of these axial systems is often eroded following slab breakoff and inversion of their foreland basins.

Supplier Relationship Management Goes Digital: First Empirical Insights

In an increasingly competitive environment, suppliers are now seen as an important source of innovation. Long term partnerships enable companies to access the knowledge of suppliers to optimize their business. Procurement 4.0 is one of the concepts that come to the fore when talking about digitalization of business processes. The major aim of this research is to discuss a conceptual model of Procurement 4.0 and its potential to rethink the management of supplier relationships, which will be one of the main future tasks of procurement. The paper is based on a factual-analytical research approach that serves to continuously specify and supplement the elements of the frame of reference: Two challenging concepts, Procurement 4.0 and Supplier Relationship Management, are merged to contribute to the fact that purchasing is indispensable as an interface within a global supply chain to reap the benefits of digitization. The factors that prove to be obstacles to digital supplier relationship management along the digital supplier journey - e.g. lack of guidelines, approaches or tools and a lack of understanding of the importance of long-term relationships - are reflected within the identified technologies of digital transformation. A comprehensive analysis of the given situation within digital supplier relationship management in Germany is provided. The most important digital supplier touchpoints are discussed in order to develop a traditional supplier relationship towards a digital relationship management. Thus, this paper succeeds in illustrating how the innovative concept of a supplier journey can be implemented in practice to counteract the future, entrepreneurial challenges.

Production Globalization Makes China’s Exports Cleaner

Summary Production globalization, which is when firms expand their supply chains across national boundaries, creates an opportunity for developing countries to engage in international production networks via trade. Described as the world's factory, China specializes in assembly manufacturing mainly through processing exports. Firms use imported intermediate inputs for production and, after processing or assembly, re-export the finished products to international markets. Here, we show that the carbon efficiency of China’s processing exports is greater than that of its ordinary exports. If the impact of trade heterogeneity is ignored, then the domestic emissions embodied in China’s exports will be overestimated by 23.4%, and the foreign emissions embodied in China’s exports will be underestimated by 29.3%. If the degree of global value chain participation, which ranges from 0 to 1, increases by 0.1, although foreign emissions embodied in China’s exports would increase, the gross carbon intensity of China’s exports will decrease by 11.7%.

Indonesia – Safeguard on Certain Iron or Steel Products

AbstractIn July 2014, Indonesia implemented a safeguard tariff on galvalume, a type of galvanized flat-rolled steel. Chinese Taipei and Viet Nam challenged the measure, mainly claiming that Indonesia's administering authority failed to satisfy various substantive and procedural requirements of the GATT 1994 and the Safeguards Agreement. The Panel and AB found that the tariff was not a safeguard measure but rather was a simple increase in Indonesia's applied rate. Interestingly, Viet Nam, the largest import supplier, is a member of a free trade area with Indonesia, meaning Viet Nam is not subject to the MFN rate. Viet Nam's preferential tariff treatment likely influenced Indonesia's decision to claim the action was a safeguard. Ironically, even though the Appellate Body essentially rejected its claims, the ruling benefits Viet Nam.

Government contracts and US bond yield spreads: A study on costs and benefits of materialized political connections

AbstractIn a 1991–2013 sample of bonds issued by US public firms, we find that the cost of debt (yield spread relative to comparable Treasuries) of suppliers to government agencies is contingent on the strategic importance of the supplier's industry. The yield spreads for strategically unimportant government suppliers are higher than for firms that are not government suppliers. If government contracts serve as tangible evidence of political connections, these higher yield spreads indicate that weaker corporate governance as a cost of political connections outweighs the benefits of said connections. For the subsample of government suppliers from strategically important industries, where the benefits of implicit bailout guarantees and revenue stability outweigh the corporate governance problems, the cost of debt is lower than for firms that are not government suppliers. The higher (lower) cost of debt for strategically unimportant (strategically important) suppliers is confined to contracting with the federal government. Our findings are robust to alternative variable and sample specifications, and to endogeneity concerns.