Rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity and gene expression during alcohol withdrawal

Rat liver tryptophan (Trp) pyrrolase activity and gene expression were studied in relation to the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Both activity and gene expression were enhanced after withdrawal of ethanol-containing liquid diets and the time-course of these changes mirrored that of development and intensity of the behavioural disturbances of the AWS. By contrast, no correlation was observed between the AWS-induced behaviour and changes in activity of another hepatic glucocorticoid-inducible enzyme, tyrosine aminotransferase, and a negative correlation was noted between behaviour and the gene expression of this latter enzyme and also of that of the hepatic glucocorticoid receptor. We suggest that the metabolic consequences of activation of liver Trp pyrrolase during alcohol withdrawal may play a role in the behavioural features of the AWS

An Application of AHP on Transhipment Port Selection: A Global Perspective

The research presented in this paper applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to reveal and analyse transhipment port selection by global carriers. In all, 47 relevant service attributes were recorded from a literature review. Two rounds of Delphi surveys – followed by brainstorming sessions – were conducted among experts in industry and academia, in order to narrow their number to four main service attributes/criteria comprising 12 sub-criteria. An AHP designed questionnaire survey was distributed to 20 port users, which covered the total population of global ocean container operators, and to 20 transhipment service providers (port operators/authorities). The results of the AHP analysis revealed that both global container carriers and port service providers had a similar perception of the most important service attributes for transhipment port selection. However, the AHP weight ranking of the sub-criteria involved was not identical between the two surveys, providing scope for further adaptation of service providers to users' priorities. Differences in the performance ranking of six major container ports by global carriers, as revealed in the AHP survey, were then combined with the calculated weights for the 12 transhipment port selection sub-criteria to explore critical attributes where transhipment market strategy could focus. Maritime Economics & Logistics (2004) 6, 70–91. doi:10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100093

Evaluation of the Company´s Financial Performance Using Benchmarking Approach

This master thesis is concerned with financial and business performance evaluation of the company RENATEX CZ a.s. Theoretical part deals with strategic analysis, company performance measuring methods, and financial analysis indicators. The practical part first evaluates RENATEX’s business environment and then, it provides a comparison of the company with selected competitors. While still using benchmarking methods, next phase of the thesis compares operational and financial indicators, services and products in offer, their quality, and implemented business strategies. Finally, the thesis suggests various measures to improve financial and business performance of the company