Metro Group Research Articles

A Bayesian spatial–temporal model for predicting passengers occupancy at Beijing Metro

The growing population density in cities requires urban transportation to meet the travel needs of citizens fast and accurately. Therefore, the correct prediction of daily passenger flow in urban subway transportation is of great practical importance for rationalizing the traffic arrangement and safely responding to unexpected passenger flow. This work builds a Bayesian spatial–temporal model for predicting station occupancy. The proposed one provides point estimations of daily passenger flow, a reliable assessment of their uncertainty, and the possibility of understanding traffic features. It also provides a prediction accuracy that meets the standards of the Beijing Metro enterprise. The model discussed in this paper is in force at Beijing Metro Group Ltd to programme daily train schedules.

Analysis of the Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Residences and Workplaces under the Influence of Metro Transportation in Metropolises from the Perspectives of Accessibility and Travelers’ Industries: The Case of Guangzhou

The spatial separation between residences and workplaces of citizens is a challenge encountered by many, causing urban problems like long-distance commutes, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution due to the heavy usage of cars. As a result of this phenomenon, metro transportation has become an increasingly important means of transportation in metropolises. To further understand the spatial separation issues, we analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of areas under the influence of metro transportation in metropolises, and this could provide new approaches to this challenge. This research used Guangzhou city as a case study to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of residences and workplaces from two perspectives: accessibility, and the type of the travelers’ industries. The analysis was mainly based on (1) passengers’ travel data provided by Guangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou, China); (2) the resident population, based on the sixth national census in China; and (3) the employed population, based on the third economic census of China. Our research resulted in three key findings. First, the spatial separation of residences and workplaces was generally noticeable in Guangzhou but was less noticeable in the area with metro stations. Second, workplaces were concentrated in the central ring while residences were concentrated in the inner suburban ring in Guangzhou. Third, there was a relative concentration of workplaces in the same service industry and the workplaces of each service industry were concentrated in separate, respective areas in Guangzhou. On the basis of these findings, we provided suggestions for policymakers to develop specific and effective actions to mitigate the negative impacts of spatial separation.

Source tracking swine fecal waste on household surfaces proximal to swine concentrated animal feeding operations in southeastern North Carolina, USA

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In North Carolina, swine industrial livestock operations (ILOs) are located disproportionately in low-income and communities of color. Swine ILO neighbors have raised concerns about emissions from ILOs. We aim to compare the detection frequency and quantity of a swine-specific Bacteroides fecal microbial source-tracking marker (pig-2-bac DNA) contamination on outdoor and indoor household surfaces at ILO worker (ILO) compared to ILO neighbor (ILO-N) and metropolitan resident (metro) homes in North Carolina. METHODS: At enrollment, ILO, ILO-N, and metro participants collected 2 outdoor and 2 indoor household surface settled dust samples wiping a Copan flocked swab across a 10 cm2 area. Using quantitative real-time PCR, pig-2-bac DNA copy number per area was estimated in household samples. We used logistic and linear regression to evaluate differences in pig-2-bac prevalence and quantity between the three household groups and on outdoor compared to indoor surfaces. RESULTS: Ninety-one households (354 swabs) were sampled: 30 ILO (113 swabs), 31 ILO-N (119 swabs) and 30 metro (122 swabs). Prevalence of Pig-2-bac detection on >=1 household surface was 33%, 39%, and 0% among ILO, ILO-N, and metro households, respectively. Compared to metro households, higher log-10 pig-2-bac DNA copy number per 10 cm2 was observed at ILO (beta=0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.2, 0.7) and ILO-N households (beta=0.2; 95% CI=0.06, 0.4). Compared to indoor surfaces, higher log-10 copy number per 10 cm2S was observed on outdoor surfaces (beta = 0.181, 95% CI=0.02, 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Swine-specific fecal contamination was detected at a higher prevalence in ILO-N compared to ILO workers and metro resident homes. Both ILO and ILO-N groups had statistically significant increases in copy number compared to the metro group. KEYWORDS: microbial contamination, pig-2-bac, industrial livestock operations, concentrated animal feeding operations

Treatment with Distinct Antibiotic Classes Causes Different Pulmonary Outcomes on Allergic Airway Inflammation Associated with Modulation of Symbiotic Microbiota

Background Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide. Previous studies have associated antimicrobial use with allergies, but the real impact of antibiotics on asthma is still elusive. We investigated the potential impact of amoxicillin (Amox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and metronidazole (Metro) in a murine model of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation. Methods BALB/c mice received three cycles of 7 days of antibiotics in drinking water followed by 7 days washout and were sensitized i.p. with OVA/Alum at days 0 and 14. After the end of the last antibiotic washout, the mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA. Pulmonary parameters were evaluated, and serum, BAL, and feces were collected for analysis. Results Amox- and TMP/SMX-treated animals displayed more severe allergic airway inflammation parameters with increased airway hyperresponsiveness, reduced lung alveolar volume, and increased levels in BAL of IL-4 and IL-6. In contrast, Metro-treated mice showed preserved FEV-50, decreased lung inflammation, and higher levels of butyrate and propionate in their feces. Metro treatment was associated with increased OVA-specific IgA in serum. BAL microbiota was abundant in allergic groups but not in nonallergic controls with the Amox-treated group displaying the increased frequency of Proteobacteria, while Metro and TMP/SMX showed increased levels of Firmicutes. In the gut, we observed the enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila associated with reduced airway inflammation phenotype in the Metro group, even after the recovery period. Conclusion Our data suggest that different antibiotic treatments may impact the course of experimental allergic airway inflammation in diverse ways by several mechanisms, including modulation of short-chain fat acids production by intestinal microbiota.

Comparison of current and emerging strategies for treating hepatic encephalopathy.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of rifaximin and metronidazole which are the most commonly used antibiotics used in treating this disorder. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Medicine, Sharif Trust Hospital. Period: Jan 2018 to July 2018. Material & Methods: In this study cirrhotic patients irrespective of etiology were enrolled. West Haven Criteria (WHC) was utilized for grading the symptoms of HE at baseline and after 7 days of treatment. The study subjects were further subdivided into two groups: rifa group and metro group, and were given rifaximin and metronidazole respectively along with lactulose. The efficacy of the treatment and adverse effects in both the groups were estimated. Results: Total 180 subjects with HE (grade- III or IV) were selected, 90 subjects were subdivided into each group. Out of 90 subjects of Rifa group, efficacy of treatment was noted in 14 (15%) patients and out of 90 subjects of Metro Group, treatment was found effective in 45 (50%) patients with p value of 0.0001. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that metronidazole is superior to rifaximin in terms of efficacy in the management of an acute phase of hepatic encephalopathy due to chronic liver cirrhosis. Hence, due to its cheaper cost and a good safety margin its use is recommend in poor resource settings.

Shanghai Metro Constructs an “Intelligent Metro”

The World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference 2020 opened in Shanghai on July 9, 2020. The AI application scenarios presented by Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co., Ltd. (Shentong Metro Group) have attracted a lot of attention of visitors. On July 9, 2020, the total passenger flow of Shanghai Metro exceeded 10 million, reaching 10.048 million, and Shanghai will enter the normal state of “ten million passenger flow” every day. At present, the operating mileage of Shanghai Metro reaches 705km, ranking first in the world. According to the new line planning and construction trend, the Shanghai Metro network will continue to expand, and there will be even more passenger flows in the future.

Engaging Communities in Preventing Human Papillomavirus-Related Cancers: Two Boot Camp Translations, Colorado, 2017-2018.

Since 2006, a vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been available; however, uptake is suboptimal. To encourage HPV vaccine uptake, we employed Boot Camp Translation (BCT) to develop locally relevant materials in 2 Colorado communities, Mesa County and the Denver metropolitan area (Denver metro). The Mesa County group focused on 2 populations, parents of vaccine-eligible children and young adults. The group identified posters, social media, and educational materials for pediatric primary care settings as venues to deliver their messages. The Denver metro group focused on parents of children with low health literacy. Four messages explain the vaccine and call the selected audience to action. Delivery tactics for that group are social media venues and print education materials, including refrigerator magnets, to remind parents about follow-up dosing. BCT can be adapted to develop locally relevant messages and intervention strategies to address HPV vaccination. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of community-derived messages to increase HPV vaccination rates.

I E5. NDRC General Office "Letter Agreeing to Extend the Valid Period of Approval Documents for Guangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd. City Parking Lot Construction Special Bonds" Development Reform Office Finance (2016) No. 2769, 22 December 2016.

I E5. NDRC General Office "Letter Agreeing to Extend the Valid Period of Approval Documents for Guangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd. City Parking Lot Construction Special Bonds" Development Reform Office Finance (2016) No. 2769, 22 December 2016.

Condition assessment of shield tunnel using a new indicator: The tunnel serviceability index

The condition assessment of shield tunnels is one of the key issues in the structural maintenance during the service life of the tunnel. Traditionally, the shield tunnel condition has been graded based on certain types of tunnel distresses, such as convergence deformation, differential settlement, cracks, and water leakage. However, the overall condition of the tunnel cannot be so easily assessed, as it often depends on experts’ decisions and evaluations. This paper proposes a comprehensive tunnel serviceability index (TSI) to evaluate the overall condition of a shield tunnel in soft ground. The TSI is a mathematical combination of measurable tunnel distresses that can be obtained by employing the following steps: (1) select the types of tunnel distresses to be included in the TSI, (2) prepare the tunnel samples with distresses, (3) have experts rate the tunnel serviceability, and (4) regress the TSI formula using the partial least squares (PLS) method. The TSI formula can then be applied to evaluate the serviceability of tunnels that are similar to the tunnel samples in step (2). Metro shield tunnels in Shanghai’s soft ground are selected for a case study. Six common distresses, namely, relative settlement, differential settlement, convergence deformation, water leakage, cracking, and spalling, are selected for inclusion in the TSI. Tunnel serviceability ratings of 40 samples were conducted to regress the TSI formula. The TSI formula reveals that relative settlement, differential settlement, convergence deformation and water leakage are the four significant variables that impact the serviceability of Shanghai’s metro shield tunnel with loading factors of −0.62, −0.13, −0.25 and −0.19, respectively. Cracking and spalling are two weak indicators with loading factors of −0.06 and −0.03, respectively. These conclusions, in general, are consistent with the maintenance experiences of the Shanghai metro group.

Suggestions on Comprehensive Metro and Real Estate Development Applied in China: A Case Study of the MTR

This article generalizes the current condition of the MTR, introducing the “rail transit plus comprehensive land use” mode in detail. By analyzing this mode applied in Hong Kong, three feasible factors to the success of this mode in Hong Kong are found. According to the annual report of MTR, this mode brings great profit to MTR and has become the learning example to the rest of the world. In China, Shenzhen Metro Group co., Ltd, Hangzhou Metro Group co., Ltd and Beijing Subway are now learning this mode to alleviate the financial burden of government as well as to enlarging the metro by using their profit. In order to realize win-win situation, several suggestions should be put forward.

A Study on the Retailer`s Global Expansion Strategy and Supply Chain Management : Focus on the Metro Group

A Study on the Retailer`s Global Expansion Strategy and Supply Chain Management : Focus on the Metro Group

A Study on the Retailer`s Global Expansion Strategy and Supply Chain Management : Focus on the Metro Group

A Study on the Retailer`s Global Expansion Strategy and Supply Chain Management : Focus on the Metro Group

A Study on the Retailer`s Global Expansion Strategy and Supply Chain Management : Focus on the Metro Group

A Study on the Retailer`s Global Expansion Strategy and Supply Chain Management : Focus on the Metro Group

Understanding the value of integrated RFID systems: a case study from apparel retail

This contribution is concerned with the business value of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in retail. We present a case study of an RFID project at Galeria Kaufhof, a subsidiary of Metro Group and one of the largest department store chains in Europe. The project encompasses a variety of RFID applications at the intersection of store logistics and customer service. The contribution that our study makes to the literature is threefold. First, we describe an innovative large-scale trial that goes beyond what was done in earlier projects in several respects. The most fundamental difference from previous trials is the full integration of RFID event data with point-of-sale (POS) and master data, which for the first time offers the retailer the opportunity to directly observe and analyse physical in-store processes. Second, the heterogeneity of RFID applications implemented by Kaufhof allows us to theorise about the effects that RFID may have on business processes from an IT value perspective. We develop a conceptual model to explain the different cause-and-effect chains between RFID investments and their impact on firm performance, the role of complementary and contextual factors, and the difficulty of assessing these impacts using objective performance measures. Third, we compare the case to a prior trial conducted by Kaufhof about 5 years earlier. The differences between the lessons that the company learned in the two projects illustrate the impact of technological advances and standardisation efforts in recent years on managerial perceptions of RFID business value, which allows for the derivation of a number of useful implications for practice.

Teaching the Rules of a Free-market Economy in Post-Communist Countries – Metroeducation Case in Poland

The emerging of large, international trading corporations in Poland has been a natural consequence of the changes in the country's political system. However, foreign companies that invested in Poland had to face unusual problems. On the one hand, they were teaching Polish society the rules of a free-market economy but, on the other hand, there was a strong conviction in people's mindset that these corporations' intentions were not good and that it was dangerous for Polish merchants and producers to cooperate with them. One of the first companies that noticed the problem and began working on a coherent program dealing with corporate social responsibility was the German corporation called METRO Group. A program appropriate for the needs of the Polish market was to combine educational, image-oriented and political goals.

RFID Adoption Issues: Analysis of Organizational Benefits and Risks

What makes companies such as Wal-Mart in the U.S., Metro Group in Germany and Tesco in the United Kingdom, so willing to adopt RFID technology? More precisely, what are those factors that matter most and least to firms when considering an investment in RFID? And how does the importance of such factors vary between adopters and non-adopters? The answers to these questions are important because they indicate where future development effort should be directed to increase the rate of RFID adoption. To begin, we conducted a large survey of 133 RFID Journal readers. The industries represented in the sample include: wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation and communications, business services, communication services, manufacturing, finance and insurance, mining, government administration and defense. Firm size was well distributed, with 39% of the sample from small sized firms (less than 20 employees), 21% from medium sized firms (20 to 200 employees) and 40% from large firms (more than 200 employees). The methodology used to conduct this study allowed us to calculate the relative importance of 21 attributes that influence the decision to invest in RFID. The results indicate that those factors that matter “most” during the RFID investment decision are: (1) the benefits that RFID offers in terms of improved data quality, reliability and timeliness, (2) the amount of top management commitment by senior managers to provide resources that will support investment in RFID, and (3) improved alignment of information between suppliers and customers. One of the most interesting aspects of the study is that it shows quite clearly which attributes respondents are willing to abandon first. In other words, the factors that matter “least” to the RFID investment decision are: (1) privacy threats, (2) security threats and (3) standards ambiguity. Finally, the results reveal important differences between RFID adopters and non adopters. In the case of adopters, the perceived opportunity to derive strategic benefits from RFID through improved decision making is critical. Not surprisingly, the non adopting firms are primarily concerned with the high acquisition and other costs associated with RFID technology.

Retail internationalization and ist impact on the Russian agri-food business

The internationalization process of the retailing sector is still in its turbulent starting phase. The present process of retail internationalization has created new trends in the agri-food sector such as global sourcing and retail branding. The example of Metro Group Russia underlines this point. The introduction and implementation of supply chain management concepts affect Russian agri-food business. Therefore, the aim of our article is to analyze this development. We outline the internationalization process of the retail business,and then we elaborate on the structural changes. Second, we apply this knowledge to the Russian agri-food business. We also discuss the future prospects and outlook on further development of the Russian food sector in the context of retail internationalization. Der Intemationalisierungsprozess des Einzelhandelssektors ist nach wie vor in einer unruhigen Startphase. Der Prozess der Internationalisierung des Einzelhandels hat Tendenzen wie Global Sourcing und Retail Branding im Agrar- uns Ernahrungssektor katalysiert. Es ist zu beobachten, dass im Zuge der Internationalisierung des Einzelhandels die Einzelhandler ihre modernen Managementkonzepte exportieren. In diesem Artikel beschreiben wir den Intemationalisierungsprozess des Einzelhandels und die daraus resultierende Veranderungen fur die Agrar- und Ernahrungswirtschaft. Des Weiteren wenden wir die gewonnen Erkenntnisse auf das russische Agrar- uns Ernahrungssektor an. Hierbei zeigen wir zukunftige Entwicklungsmoglichkeiten des russischen Nahrungsmittelsektors im Zusammenhang mit der Internationalisierung des Lebensmitteleinzelhandels auf.

Towards a conceptual model of country market selection: Selection processes of retailers and C&C wholesalers

International market selection is discussed in general, particularly in respect of decisions on evaluation stages, selection criteria and evaluation methods. The present analysis focuses on the configuration of country selection models, which has received little attention in international retailing research. In order to illustrate the special features of market selection in retailing, we have used an innovative approach. Following a review of general theoretical perspectives, a case study of the Metro Group addresses the process used, inter-country selection and country-specific selection, and also shows the role of corporate principles and firms' situational factors. Based on existing literature and the case study information, we propose a strategic approach in modelling country selection processes. Three steps in the construction of a selection model are discussed and related to corporate principles and situational factors of a retail firm. The analysis is a further step towards understanding the processes of retailing internationalization.

The Strategic Importance of Retail Investment in Asia and Its Implications for the Metro Group in Asia

The speed, intensity and reach of retailers' foreign expansion are rising. As more distant markets have to be chosen to stay competitive, the pressure to expand abroad is increasing. Often, changing or stretching the initial business model in order to comply with local market demand maintains the performance of the firm. This phenomenon of strategy alteration after market entry is examined, using the Metro Cash and Carry expansion into Asia as an example. First, the investment attractiveness of Asia as a region is examined. Second, there is a review of countries in Asia that are especially considered for business expansion. Finally, the question of how an overall internationalisation strategy or business concept of a company changes after market entry into Asia is explored.

Longitudinal Stress Responses to the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks in a New York Metropolitan College Sample

ABSTRACT Stress responses to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were investigated in a New York City metropolitan (NYC Metro) college sample 2 days, 1, 2, 3 and 8 months post-trauma. Stress responses from a Midwestern College sample were also assessed 2 days after the attack. Results revealed substantial stress responses in both groups 2 days post-trauma. Only small, but significant, differences between the NYC Metro group and the Midwestern group were found, with the NYC group reporting slightly higher stress scores on the Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz, Wilner, and Alvarez, 1979 Horowitz , M. , Wilner , N. , and Alvarez , W. ( 1979 ). Impact of event scale: A measure of subjective stress . Psychosomatic Medicine , 41 , 209 – 218 . [PUBMED] [INFOTRIEVE] [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The stress responses in the NYC Metro group decreased significantly over time, however, means 3 and 8 months post-trauma suggest that some individuals continued to experience considerable stress responses.