Vlerick Leuven Gent Working Paper Series 2007/04 EXPLORING THE BULLWHIP EFFECT BY MEANS OF SPREADSHEET SIMULATION EXPLORING THE BULLWHIP EFFECT BY MEANS OF SPREADSHEET SIMULATION

ABSTRACT An important supply chain research problem is the bullwhip effect: demand fluctuations increase as one moves up the supply chain from retailer to manufacturer. It has been recognized that demand forecasting and ordering policies are two of the key causes of the bullwhip effect. In this paper we present a spreadsheet application, which explores a series of replenishment policies and forecasting techniques under different demand patterns. It illustrates how tuning the parameters of the replenishment policy induces or reduces the bullwhip effect. Moreover, we demonstrate how bullwhip reduction (order variability dampening) may have an adverse impact on inventory holdings. Indeed, order smoothing may increase inventory fluctuations resulting in poorer customer service. As such, the spreadsheets can be used as an educational tool to gain a clear insight into the use or abuse of inventory control policies and improper forecasting in relation to the bullwhip effect and customer service

Guggulsterone, an anti-inflammatory phytosterol, inhibits tissue factor and arterial thrombosis

BACKGROUND: The phytosterol guggulsterone is a potent anti-inflammatory mediator with less side effects than classic steroids. This study assesses the impact of guggulsterone on tissue factor (TF) expression and thrombus formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Guggulsterone inhibited TNF-alpha-induced endothelial TF protein expression and surface activity in a concentration-dependent manner; in contrast, dexamethasone did not affect TNF-alpha-induced TF expression. Guggulsterone enhanced endothelial tissue factor pathway inhibitor and impaired plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 as well as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 protein. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that guggulsterone inhibited TNF-alpha-induced TF mRNA expression; moreover, it impaired activation of the MAP kinases JNK and p38, while that of ERK remained unaffected. In vivo, guggulsterone inhibited TF activity and photochemical injury induced thrombotic occlusion of mouse carotid artery. Guggulsterone also inhibited TF expression, proliferation, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Guggulsterone inhibits TF expression in vascular cells as well as thrombus formation in vivo; moreover, it impairs vascular smooth muscle cell activation. Hence, this phytosterol offers novel therapeutic options, in particular in inflammatory diseases associated with an increased risk of thrombosis

RIBuild: Survey of historic building stock - with case studies on renovation

Database prepared in Excel including four elements, as background information for RIBuild Deliverable D1.1 about the historic building stock: Historic buildings stock energy consumption (1) Historic building stock description (2) Building construction elements (3) Case studies (4) Element (1)-(3) are referring to the historic building stock in RIBuild partner countries in general, while element (4) contains examples of carried out renovation projects, involving internal insulation of a historic building. If available, the case study sheets contain information about the floor area, present use, the building envelope (thickness, materials), renovation history, pre- and post-energy usage and renovation cost. Further, information about typical defects and the main driving forces for the renovation project, planning or design tools used, whether the goal with the renovation was achieved and the satisfaction of the users. Overview of data files to be found in 'RIBuild data WP1' as part of this dataset

RIBuild: Material properties for historic building materials and insulation materials

This dataset consists of 1) Excel sheets with material properties for a) a collection of historic building materials and b) insulation materials suited for internal insulation. Material properties were collected from all RIBuild partner countries. The main purpose was to locate data set not included in the DELPHIN database that contained the needed data for DELPHIN simulations. 2) Excel sheets with material properties for specific historic building materials used in Italy and Switzerland. As these materials were supposed to be included in hygrothermal simulations with DELPHIN performed in RIBuild, a full material characterization was required as described in RIBuild deliverable D2.1 and in the DELPHIN specifications. Material characterization was performed at RTU. Requirements concerning input need for DELPHIN simulations are described in RIBuild deliverable D2.1. Overview of data files to be found in 'RIBuild data WP2 Mat Prop' as part of this dataset.