On Sequences of J. P. King-Type Operators

This survey is devoted to a series of investigations developed in the last fifteen years, starting from the introduction of a sequence of positive linear operators which modify the classical Bernstein operators in order to reproduce constant functions and x2 on [0,1]. Nowadays, these operators are known as King operators, in honor of J. P. King who defined them, and they have been a source of inspiration for many scholars. In this paper we try to take stock of the situation and highlight the state of the art, hoping that this will be a useful tool for all people who intend to extend King's approach to some new contents within Approximation Theory. In particular, we recall the main results concerning certain King-type modifications of two well known sequences of positive linear operators, the Bernstein operators and the Szász-Mirakyan operators

Symmetry and Inverse Closedness for Some Banach ∗^ *-Algebras Associated to Discrete Groups

A discrete group \G is called rigidly symmetric if for every $C^*$-algebra \A the projective tensor product \ell^1(\G)\widehat\otimes\A is a symmetric Banach $^*$-algebra. For such a group we show that the twisted crossed product \ell^1_{\alpha,\o}(\G;\A) is also a symmetric Banach $^*$-algebra, for every twisted action (\alpha,\o) of \G in a $C^*$-algebra \A\,. We extend this property to other types of decay, replacing the $\ell^1$-condition. We also make the connection with certain classes of twisted kernels, used in a theory of integral operators involving group $2$-cocycles. The algebra of these kernels is studied, both in intrinsic and in represented version.Comment: 19 page

Capacity development for landfill infrastructure

Landfill, as a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal infrastructure, has progressed beyond mere dumping site to infrastructure of high economic importance; it is useful for entrepreneurial development, poverty alleviation scheme, energy generation and reduction in the emission of Green House Gas (GHG) and harvesting biogas for other economic use. The life cycle of a typical landfill structure is over thirty years from design to final closure; it has many components that include design, construction, operation, waste collection, transportation, recycling, maintenance and reuse of landfill site after closure. The whole process requires a steady stream of adequately resourced personnel. Therefore, embracing the concept of continuous capacity building will ensure the provision of suitable manpower at the strategic, tactical and operational levels for the effective and beneficial management of the landfill project throughout its life cycle. This research is the product of extensive desktop search and examination of a training programme for personnel at the strategic and tactical level of a pilot landfill project, facilitated by the authors. The result showed that the trained personnel were empowered to train others at the various phase of the landfill project, thus ensuring continuous supply of competent manpower to operate the project profitably

Container Train Operators in India: Problems and Prospects

In India, railways are under the control of the government which is the sole provider of the infrastructure, operations and regulatory functions. Private participation, though very limited, was largely in the domain of infrastructure creation. In January 2006, in a landmark initiative to introduce competition in the container operations segment, the Ministry of Railways allowed the entry of private and public sector operators to obtain licences for running container trains on the Indian Railways (IR) network. Until then, the Container Corporation of India, a subsidiary of IR, was the monopoly operator of container trains in India. This initiative was the first significant move of its kind where private parties were allowed to make entry in the domain of railway operations with direct customer interfacing. The response to the policy was good and 15 new entrants obtained licences to run container trains. Due to lack of clarity or inconsistency in matters pertaining to haulage charges, maintenance of wagons, transit guarantees from IR and terminal access charges, operators started feeling skeptical about the viability of the business. This paper examines the current policy environment from the point of view of business viability for 15 new Container Train Operators and brings out issues related to licensing, pricing, terminals, maintenance, and service levels. Keywords: Indian Railways, Container Train Operators, Container Corporation of India, Policy Issues for Container Transport