29 research outputs found

    Accounting for networks: the consolidated network approach

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    In the network economy, a profitability analysis based on the figures of one company is not sufficient to obtain an insight into the competitiveness of the whole network. In this paper, the basic ideas underlying the consolidated financial statement are analysed to determine its applicability for managing network profitability. The idea of the consolidated network is presented on the basis of a conceptual analysis, derived from research action in two company networks. Despite numerous barriers hindering adoption of a consolidated network, the idea of a consolidated view of business has received much positive feedback. The recognised benefits include value creation, profit calculation and profit‐sharing within the network. Using the consolidated network as a metaphor offers one way to communicate within supply chains as well as virtual organisations.Peer reviewe

    Light-fuelled freestyle self-oscillators

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    Self-oscillation is a phenomenon where an object sustains periodic motion upon non-periodic stimulus. It occurs commonly in nature, a few examples being heartbeat, sea waves and fluttering of leaves. Stimuli-responsive materials allow creating synthetic self-oscillators fuelled by different forms of energy, e.g. heat, light and chemicals, showing great potential for applications in power generation, autonomous mass transport, and self-propelled micro-robotics. However, most of the self-oscillators are based on bending deformation, thereby limiting their possibilities of being implemented in practical applications. Here, we report light-fuelled self-oscillators based on liquid crystal network actuators that can exhibit three basic oscillation modes: bending, twisting and contraction-expansion. We show that a time delay in material response dictates the self-oscillation dynamics, and realize a freestyle self-oscillator that combines numerous oscillation modes simultaneously by adjusting the excitation beam position. The results provide new insights into understanding of self-oscillation phenomenon and offer new designs for future self-propelling micro-robots.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

    S17 X LOSS OF FUNCTION (LOF) MUTATION IN ANGIOPOIETIN LIKE 3 (ANGPTL3) IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED PLASMA LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE ACTIVITY AND CHANGES IN LIPOPROTEIN COMPOSITION

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    Loss of function (LOF) mutations in ANGPTL3 cause familial combined hypolipidemia (FHBL2) partly through unknown mechanism in human

    Angptl3 Deficiency Is Associated With Increased Insulin Sensitivity, Lipoprotein Lipase Activity, and Decreased Serum Free Fatty Acids

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    OBJECTIVE: Angiopoietin-like 3 (Angptl3) is a regulator of lipoprotein metabolism at least by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase activity. Loss-of-function mutations in ANGPTL3 cause familial combined hypolipidemia through an unknown mechanism. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We compared lipolytic activities, lipoprotein composition, and other lipid-related enzyme/lipid transfer proteins in carriers of the S17X loss-of-function mutation in ANGPTL3 and in age- and sex-matched noncarrier controls. Gel filtration analysis revealed a severely disturbed lipoprotein profile and a reduction in size and triglyceride content of very low density lipoprotein in homozygotes as compared with heterozygotes and noncarriers. S17X homozygotes had significantly higher lipoprotein lipase activity and mass in postheparin plasma, whereas heterozygotes showed no difference in these parameters when compared with noncarriers. No changes in hepatic lipase, endothelial lipase, paraoxonase 1, phospholipid transfer protein, and cholesterol ester transfer protein activities were associated with the S17X mutation. Plasma free fatty acid, insulin, glucose, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly lower in homozygous subjects compared with heterozygotes and noncarriers subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that, although partial Angptl3 deficiency did not affect the activities of lipolytic enzymes, the complete absence of Angptl3 results in an increased lipoprotein lipase activity and mass and low circulating free fatty acid levels. This latter effect is probably because of decreased mobilization of free fatty acid from fat stores in human adipose tissue and may result in reduced hepatic very low density lipoprotein synthesis and secretion via attenuated hepatic free fatty acid supply. Altogether, Angptl3 may affect insulin sensitivity and play a role in modulating both lipid and glucose metabolism
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