A Software Agent-Component Based Framework for Multi-Agent Supply Chain Modelling and Simulation

Multi-agent systems (MASs) have emerged as the most natural intrinsic paradigm for modelling complex systems, such as supply chains (SCs). However, their development process remains quite involved and extremely time consuming, hindering wide-spread adoption in industrial-strength applications. A software agent-component based framework is proposed to simplify and speedup multi-agent (MA) modelling and simulation for SC applications. With the help of pre-developed libraries of reusable components—organizational agents (OAs), SC agents (SCAs), behaviour and policy objects; the framework allows model developers to quickly configure a MAS to simulate SC dynamics and study control and coordination issues. Being generic, flexible, and scalable; it supports development of either pseudo-centralized models by a single model developer, or distributed models by either a single or group of enterprises constituting a SC. The framework is unique; based on requirements it allows for representing different segments of SC network at either aggregated or detailed levels resulting in models of hybrid resolution. It facilitates studies involving intra- and inter-organizational dynamics (either independently or collectively), considering information asymmetry explicitly. The framework is validated through MA-simulation of Tamagotchi SC. Its results are presented, and the research extensions outlined

Dysregulation of RNA polymerase I transcription during disease

Transcription of the ribosomal RNA genes by the dedicated RNA polymerase I enzyme and subsequent processing of the ribosomal RNA are fundamental control steps in the synthesis of functional ribosomes.Dysregulation of Pol I transcription and ribosome biogenesis is linked to the etiology of a broad range of human diseases. Diseases caused by loss of function mutations in the molecular constituents of the ribosome, or factors intimately associated with RNA polymerase I transcription and processing are collectively termed ribosomopathies. Ribosomopathies are generally rare and treatment options are extremely limited tending to be more palliative than curative. Other more common diseases are associated with profound changes in cellular growth such as cardiac hypertrophy, atrophy or cancer. In contrast to ribosomopathies, altered RNA polymerase I transcriptional activity in these diseases largely results from dysregulated upstream oncogenic pathways or by direct modulation by oncogenes or tumor suppressors at the level of the RNA polymerase I transcription apparatus itself. Ribosomopathies associated with mutations in ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNA processing or assembly factors have been covered by recent excellent reviews. In contrast, here we review our current knowledge of human diseases specifically associated with dysregulation of RNA polymerase I transcription and its associated regulatory apparatus, including some cases where this dysregulation is directly causative in disease. We will also provide insight into and discussion of possible therapeutic approaches to treat patients with dysregulated RNA polymerase I transcription. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols