Logistic Performances Research Articles

Logistics- as the Provision of Service

The statements on the importance of services in logistics, as mentioned previously, shall point out how essential an optimized logistics performance is for any client. The Factors such as price, terms and conditions, which often resemble one another, although offered by different suppliers, are no longer leading criteria in the process of choosing an adequate supplier. The Companies, that offer excellent logistic performances, will achieve a competitive advantage.

The added value of contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance to predict positive genetic testing in clinically suspected Lamin A/C cardiomyopathy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Lamin A/C cardiomyopathy (CM) is an inherited disease due to LMNA gene mutation with particular phenotype that associates conduction disorders, frequent atrial fibrillation and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, with normal or altered ventricular systolic function. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies suggest frequent late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) involving septal mid-myocardium. Aims To assess the added value of CMR to conventional clinical features of Lamin A/C CM for the prediction of a positive LMNA gene testing. Methods We performed a retrospective monocentric study in all index patients referred for genetic testing for a clinical suspicion of Lamin A/C CM. Clinical, ECG and imaging data including CMR at time of genetic testing in patients with a positive test (LMNA+) and patients without (LMNA-) were compared. The diagnostic performances of relevant parameters for the prediction of a positive LMNA gene testing were analyzed in several logistic regression models. Results 90 patients were included (55 LMNA+, 35 LMNA-).49% had significant left ventricular (LV) dilatation on echocardiography,57% had a LV ejection fraction (LVEF)<50%, 46% had a significant left atrial dilatation, and 17% had right ventricular dysfunction. None of these parameters were different comparing LMNA+ and LMNA- patients. LMNA+ patients had significantly more frequent familial history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or CM. There were no significant differences between LMNA+ and LMNA- patients in terms of conduction disorders, ventricular and supra-ventricular arrhythmias. The only significant difference on ECG was a more frequent abnormal R-wave progression in V1-V3 in LMNA+ patients (87.8% vs 39.4%, p < 0.001). 55 patients had a CMR (28/55 LMNA+, 27/35 LMNA-). The main reason for not performing CMR was the presence of cardiac implantable electronic device. LMNA+ patients had significantly more LGE than LMNA- (20/28 (71%) vs 9/27 (33%), p = 0.011). The main differences in LGE features between the 2 groups were septal involvement (70% in LMNA+ vs 11% in LMNA-, p = 0.005) and mid-myocardium localization (95% vs 44%, p = 0.005). In a first logistic regression model without CMR data in all 90 patients, V1-V3 R-wave abnormalities, familial history of SCD and sinus node dysfunction were independent predictors of a positive LMNA gene testing (Sensitivity 89%, specificity 46%, accuracy 72%). A second model in the 55 patients who had a CMR showed better accuracy (85%), mainly driven by increased specificity (81%) with preserved sensitivity (89%). V1-V3 R-wave abnormalities, premature ventricular contractions, non-depressed LVEF and septal LGE predicted positive LMNA gene testing in this model (Septal LGE OR = 31, 95%CI 4-715; p = 0.005). Conclusion CMR, particularly septal mid-myocardium LGE, carries good diagnostic accuracy to predict a positive LMNA gene testing in clinically suspected Lamin A/C CM with increased specificity when added to conventional red flags. Abstract Figure. Logistic regression models performances

The relationship between logistics performance and carbon emissions: an empirical investigation on Balkan countries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of logistics performance on the carbon (CO2) emissions of Balkan countries.Design/methodology/approachFixed-effects panel regression analysis is used to estimate the causal relationship between CO2 emissions and logistic performances of Balkan countries. Logistics performance is measured by logistics performance index (LPI) which was published by the World Bank in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 and used for ranking countries by means of their logistics performance. LPI is based on six main indicators: customs procedures, logistics costs and the quality of the infrastructure for overland and maritime transport. As a measure of carbon emissions of sampled countries, the natural logarithm of carbon dioxide emission per capita is used in this study.FindingsThe results obtained reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship between logistics performance and CO2 performances of the sampled Balkan countries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on only 11 Balkan countries. In this sense, the data used in the analysis is limited.Originality/valueConsidering the important geostrategic position of the Balkan region, logistics sector has an important role for the development of the countries in that region. In this sense, the findings of this study may provide useful insights for policymakers to achieve sustainable economic development. Furthermore, as far as the authors know, this is the first study that focuses on the relationship between logistics performance and carbon emissions of Balkan countries.

Prediction of tumor grade and lymphovascular space invasion in endometrial adenocarcinoma with MR imaging-based radiomic analysis

PurposeTo evaluate the capabilities of two-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based texture analysis features, tumor volume, tumor short axis and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in predicting histopathological high-grade and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Materials and methodsSeventy-three women (mean age: 66±11.5 [SD] years; range: 45–88 years) with endometrial adenocarcinoma who underwent MRI of the pelvis at 1.5-T before hysterectomy were retrospectively included. Texture analysis was performed using TexRAD® software on T2-weighted images and ADC maps. Primary outcomes were high-grade and LVSI prediction using histopathological analysis as standard of reference. After data reduction using ascending hierarchical classification analysis, a predictive model was obtained by stepwise multivariate logistic regression and performances were assessed using cross-validated receiver operator curve (ROC). ResultsA total of 72 texture features per tumor were computed. Texture model yielded 52% sensitivity and 75% specificity for the diagnosis of high-grade tumor (areas under ROC curve [AUC]=0.64) and 71% sensitivity and 59% specificity for the diagnosis of LVSI (AUC=0.59). Volumes and tumor short axis were greater for high-grade tumors (P=0.0002 and P=0.004, respectively) and for patients with LVSI (P=0.004 and P=0.0279, respectively). No differences in ADC values were found between high-grade and low-grade tumors and for LVSI. A tumor short axis≥20mm yielded 95% sensitivity and 75% specificity for the diagnosis of high-grade tumor (AUC=0.86). ConclusionMRI-based texture analysis is of limited value to predict high grade and LVSI of endometrial adenocarcinoma. A tumor short axis≥20mm is the best predictor of high grade and LVSI.

Ülkelerin Lojistik Performanslarının Belirleyicileri

Ülkelerin Lojistik Performanslarının Belirleyicileri

Logistic and Marketing Performances of Logistics Companies: A Comparison between Germany and Turkey

Abstract Developments in globalization and increasing foreign trade activities have given the logistics sector a strategically significant status. Formerly logistics companies were considered as companies that only performed transportation activities; however, nowadays the necessity of logistics to perform different functions is understood well. A logistic company's performance measurement is of great importance, since after performance measurement companies can observe what they have achieved and can consider what they have not. Thereby firms obtain an opportunity to learn and correct their failures. Measuring the effectiveness of the activity performed has become a topic of interest to managers in recent years. In this context, it was necessary to decide on how to measure performance. It is observed that various measures and systems are used in performance measurement. In this study, the logistic performances and marketing performances of 153 logistics companies operating in Germany and Turkey were measured and compared. As a result of the analyses performed, significant differences were found between the logistic performances and marketing performances of logistics companies in Germany and Turkey.

Guidelines for improving logistic performances as drivers of the logistic industry development

Changes in the Croatian economy, introduced upon accession to the European Union, significantly influenced the needs for logistics services, and thus the logistic industry. In planning investments and development of their business, companies mainly rely on their own marketing activities and experience, which are of limited scope, without scientific approach and analysis. For this reason, a systematic research on the current demand for logistics services has been initiated, along with defining guidelines for improving Croatian logistics industry performance. Final conclusions are enhanced by comparative analysis of the research results and the logistic performance indicators provided by the World Bank. Guidelines for improving the logistic industry performance outlined in this paper should be considered as scientific contribution in defining national development strategy of the logistic sector.

Availability, reliability and logistic support studies of the RF power system design options for the IFMIF accelerator

The current design of the radio frequency (RF) power system for the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) is based upon tetrodes technology. Due to the improvement in the solid state amplifiers technology, the possibility of using this option for IFMIF RF system is becoming a very competitive alternative presenting from the beginning several advantages in terms of availability, reliability and logistics. The current design based on RF tetrodes chains leads no room for substantial improvements in terms of availability being the requirement for the RF system hard to achieve. The principal goals of this paper are to use RAMI (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Inspectionability) analysis in the solid state amplifier design, and to compare the availability, reliability and logistic performances for both alternatives.

Current applications of a reference framework for the supply chain performance measurement

Several methods and indicators are used to measure logistic performances; thus sometimes there are various values for the same performance. This paper starts examining the structure for a supply chain performance measurement according to the service quality requirements, and determines an ordered framework for logistic indicators called LogistiQual, applying the various aspects of service quality management, which is included in the Parasuraman-Zeithaml-Berry (PZB) model, to logistics. By adapting the PZB model, the logistic performance classification for a manufacturing supply chain could be identified by macroclasses and divided into subclasses, and finally specific indicators for each subclass determined. The second step of this work is to enlarge the influence of the model on the supply chain. In this sense, the LogistiQual is replicated in the Self and in the Source LogistiQual. Finally, two validations of the framework are shown. Firstly, a general process analysis performed by SCOR 6.0 is considered. Secondly, the LogistiQual is tested within companies in many industrial sectors.

Optimization of the slab yard logistics at Sidmar

An automation project has been realized to raise the capacity, the logistic and delivery performances, to reduce the workforce needed and to optimize the use of transport vehicles. This project comprises automatic tracking of all slab displacements, done by overhead cranes and other transport vehicles. It also contains algorithms to generate optimized slab displacement commands. The position tracking of outside transport vehicles is done by GPS. The optimization algorithms will be described in some more detail, as well as the results of the complete system.

Logistic service measurement: a reference framework

Many companies measure their logistic performances using several methods. As a consequence, various sets of indicators can be found in practice and in the literature. In particular, the same event can be measured in different ways, so that the relative performance is sometimes totally different. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a hierarchy in logistic performance measurements. A referring model for evaluating the logistic performances is also proposed in this paper, together with the definition of a reference framework for the selection of supply chain performance measurements.

A Systematic Approach for Ensuring the Logistic Process Reliability of Supply Chains

In the production logistics context, the process reliability of supply chains corresponds to their ability to meet the logistic performance expectations of customers. This ability depends on the contributions of all supply chain members to the logistic performance of the entire chain. The overall performance is affected by the dynamic Interrelationships between the specific logistic performances of the separate supply chain members. Currently, however, no practical analytical models of the logistic supply chain dynamics are available. This paper presents an approach for modeling and analysing the logistic interdependences across supply chains, the understanding of which enables supply chains to better control their process reliability.

Simulation model of multi-compartment distribution in the catering supply chain

An efficient distribution system of high performance is needed to anticipate market developments in the catering supply chain (CSC) in the Netherlands. A simulation model was developed to analyse a multi-compartment distribution system which should satisfy customer demands for shorter lead times, increased delivery frequency and improved quality of process and product. The simulation model quantifies logistic and financial performances in various alternative logistic scenarios for multi-compartment distribution in the catering supply chain. This stochastic simulation model was constructed on the basis of a value chain analysis yielding activities and performance indicators (PIs). The model proved to be accurate in its predictions when applied to a case situation taken from the Dutch CSC. It is concluded that discrete event simulation is an effective tool to evaluate promising logistic scenarios. The new, multi-compartment method of distribution allowed for a 14% decrease in total costs in the Dutch CSC while satisfying customer demands.

Double speed single production line

This paper presents a hybrid push and pull production management approach called double speed single production line (DSSPL), developed for industries that produce a large variety of slightly different items subject to highly variable demand. Because of this framework, only mediocre lead times for all their products can be guaranteed. The DSSPL system suggests improving their logistic performances by splitting products into A- and B-classes, according to a market oriented policy, then by producing, on a single line, but at different speeds, the A- (fast) and the B-products (slow), thus leading to a better allocation of production resources. A discrete event simulator has been developed in order to evaluate performances of the DSSPL approach to pure push and pull systems. First results are presented and the performance of the DSSPL system is discussed.

Advanced manufacturing system for automotive components production

Presents the results of a pilot project on implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT) production for an automotive component (sleeve for synchronizing groups). Describes the old manufacturing system and outlines the related problems. Proposes, with the aim of reducing set‐up times and increasing flexibility, quality and logistic performances, a new advanced manufacturing system using JIT as an approach. Presents a summary of costs and benefits arising from the new system, outlining factors such as a total cost of $3 million and a lead time reduction of 60 days.