Examining the anatomy of last-mile distribution in e-commerce omnichannel retailing: A supply network configuration approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the interplay between configuration dimensions (network structure, network flow, relationship governance, and service architecture) of last-mile supply networks (LMSN) and the underlying mechanisms influencing omnichannel performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on mixed-method design incorporating a multiple embedded case study, mapping, survey, and archival records, this research involved undertaking in-depth within- and cross-case analyses to examine seven LMSNs, employing a configuration approach.FindingsThe existing literature in the operations management (OM) field was shown to provide limited understanding of LMSNs within the emerging omnichannel context. Case results suggest that particular configurations have intrinsic capabilities, and that these directly influence omnichannel performance. The study further proposes a taxonomy of LMSNs comprising six forms, with two hybrids, supporting the notion of equifinality in configuration theory. Propositions are developed to further explore interdependencies between configurational attributes, refining the relationship between LMSN types, and factors influencing omnichannel performance.Practical implicationsThe findings provide retailers with a set of design parameters for the (re)configuration of LMSNs and facilitate performance evaluation using the concept of fit between configurational attributes. The developed model sheds light on the consequential effects when certain configurational attributes are altered, preempting managerial attention. Given the global trend in urbanization, improved LMSN performance would have positive societal impacts in terms of service and resource efficiency.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies in the OM field to critically analyze LMSNs and their behaviors in omnichannel retailing. Additionally, the paper offers several important avenues for future research.</jats:sec

High performance thin film transistor with low temperature atomic layer deposition nitrogen-doped ZnO

High performance thin film transistor (TFT) with atomic layer deposition (ALD) nitrogen doped ZnO (ZnO:N) as an active layer is demonstrated. The electrical properties of ZnO thin films were effectively controlled by in situ nitrogen doping using NH4OH as a source for reactants. Especially, the electron concentration in ZnO was lowered to below 10(15) cm(-3). Good device characteristics were obtained from the inverted staggered type TFTs with ZnO:N channel and ALD Al2O3 gate insulator; mu(sat)=6.7 cm(2)/V s, I-off=2.03x10(-12) A, I-on/off=9.46x10(7), and subthreshold swing=0.67 V/decade. The entire TFT fabrication processes were carried out at below 150 degrees C, which is a favorable process for plastic based flexible display. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.X11126sciescopu

Kinetic studies of CO<inf>2</inf> methanation over a Ni/γ-Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> catalyst using a batch reactor

The methanation of CO₂ was investigated over a wide range of partial pressures of products and reactants using a gradientless, spinning-basket reactor operated in batch mode. The rate and selectivity of CO₂ methanation, using a 12 wt% Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst, were explored at temperatures 453 – 483 K and pressures up to 20 bar. The rate was found to increase with increasing partial pressures of H₂ and CO₂ when the partial pressures of these reactants were low; however, the rate of reaction was found to be insensitive to changes in the partial pressures of H₂ and CO₂ when their partial pressures were high. A convenient method of determining the effect of H₂O on the rate of reaction was also developed using the batch reactor and the inhibitory effect of H₂O on CO₂ methanation was quantified. The kinetic measurements were compared with a mathematical model of the reactor, in which different kinetic expressions were explored. The kinetics of the reaction were found to be consistent with a mechanism in which adsorbed CO₂ dissociated to adsorbed CO and O on the surface of the catalyst with the rate-limiting step being the subsequent dissociation of adsorbed CO.JYL was funded by the Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme. The Cambridge Philosophical Society, the Lundgren Research Award and Corpus Christi College are also gratefully thanked for contributing to the support of his PhD studies.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2015.10.02

A systematic review on mobilization splinting for the post traumatic stiff hand

Hand stiffness or contracture remains a common complication after a traumatic hand injury and/or surgery. The loss of range of motion (ROM) impacts on the use of the affected hand in activities of daily living (ADLs), which in turn affects one’s independence level. Traditionally, hand therapists have been using different types of mobilization splint to resolve post-traumatic hand stiffness. However, there is no clear evidence governing the splinting strategies. Hence, a systematic review was carried out to establish if mobilization splinting is an effective treatment, to explore the different types of mobilization splint believed to be the most effective, and to identify factors that can influence splinting outcomes. A systematic literature search was undertaken using AMED (1985 to May 2013), MEDLINE (1950 to May 2013), Pubmed Central (1948 to May 2013), CINAHL (1981 to May 2013), and Scopus (1996 to May 2013). Five key hand therapy and hand surgery journals were searched plus a search of conference proceedings and other grey literature. Studies of any design type were included, except for literature reviews and expert opinions. Non-English publications were excluded. Data were extracted using tool that had been developed based on Cochrane Collaboration’s guidelines. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES) (MacDermid, 2004) and the level of evidence for each study was allocated. Six trials—4 Level 2b and 2 Level 4, were included. These involved a total of 117 participants, with 134 stiff hand joints. Overall, the available evidence provided low to moderate support for the use of mobilization splint for increasing ROM of the post-traumatic stiff hand. The evidence, however, could not address if there was any functional improvement post-mobilization splinting. Additionally, there was also little to no convincing evidence to make any conclusions about the most effective type of mobilization splint and the factors that can influence splinting outcome. Further higher quality research will be needed so as to provide more high quality evidence to establish evidence-based guidelines in this area

Kinetics of the reduction of wüstite by hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the chemical looping production of hydrogen

Hydrogen of very high purity can be produced via the steam-iron process, in which steam oxidises metallic Fe in 3/4Fe + H2O→1/4Fe3O4 + H2. It is then advantageous to oxidise Fe3O4 in air to Fe2O3, an oxygen-carrier. This higher oxide of Fe is then reduced to regenerate metallic iron by reacting with synthesis gas, producing metallic Fe and possibly some wüstite (FexO, 0<x<1). In this three-stage process, the reduction of FexO to Fe is the slowest reaction. This paper is concerned with the kinetics of the reduction of wüstite (FexO) by reaction with CO, and, or H2. Starting with pure (99 wt%) wüstite, the intrinsic kinetics of its reduction to metallic iron were measured in fluidised beds at different temperatures. The reaction was found to have 3 distinct stages, (i) the removal of lattice oxygen in wüstite, (ii) rate increasing with conversion of solid and (iii) rate decreasing with conversion of solid. A random pore model was used to simulate the latter stages of the reduction of wüstite by either H2 or CO or a mixture of the two. It was found that the intrinsic rate of reduction in H2 is substantially faster than with CO, whereas the resistances to diffusion of H2 and CO through the product layer of Fe are comparable; these factors account for differences in the overall rates observed with these gases.This is the final published version. It is also available from the publisher at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000925091400428X

Sphingosine mediates FTY720-induced apoptosis in LLC-PK1 cells

FTY720, a synthetic sphingoid base analog, was examined as a new sphingosine kinase inhibitor, which converts endogenous sphingosine into its phosphate form. With 20 ??M of FTY720, sphingosine accumulated in the LLC-PK1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The FTY720 treated cells showed a high concentration of fragmented DNA, a high caspase-3 like activity and TUNEL staining cells. It was also found that the sphingosine and sphinganine level increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner within 12 h after the FTY720 treatment. The sphingosine kinase activity was reduced by FTY720 as much as other sphingosine kinase inhibitors, N, N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS), dl-threo-dihydrosphingosine (DHS). The fragmented DNA content as a result of the 20 ??M of FTY720 treatment and by 5 ??M of the exogenously added BSA-sphingosine complex indicated typical apoptosis. Under similar conditions, the accumulated sphingosine concentration in all the cells was almost identical even though the sphingosine distribution inside the cells was somewhat different. These results indicate that the FTY720 induced apoptosis is associated with the inhibition of the sphingosine kinase activity and is strongly associated with the successive accumulation of sphingosine.open172

Crystal Structure of the Rad3/XPD regulatory domain of Ssl1/p44

The Ssl1/p44 subunit is a core component of the yeast/mammalian general transcription factor TFIIH, which is involved in transcription and DNA repair. Ssl1/p44 binds to and stimulates the Rad3/XPD helicase activity of TFIIH. To understand the helicase stimulatory mechanism of Ssl1/p44, we determined the crystal structure of the N-terminal regulatory domain of Ssl1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ssl1 forms a von Willebrand factor A fold in which a central six-stranded beta-sheet is sandwiched between three alpha helices on both sides. Structural and biochemical analyses of Ssl1/p44 revealed that the beta 4-alpha 5 loop, which is frequently found at the interface between von Willebrand factor A family proteins and cellular counterparts, is critical for the stimulation of Rad3/XPD. Yeast genetics analyses showed that double mutation of Leu-239 and Ser-240 in the beta 4-alpha 5 loop of Ssl1 leads to lethality of a yeast strain, demonstrating the importance of the Rad3-Ssl1 interactions to cell viability. Here, we provide a structural model for the Rad3/XPD-Ssl1/p44 complex and insights into how the binding of Ssl1/p44 contributes to the helicase activity of Rad3/XPD and cell viability.X1165Ysciescopu

Exploring the influence of iron substitution in lithium rich layered oxides Li2Ru1-:XFexO3: Triggering the anionic redox reaction

Lithium rich layered materials are an interesting class of materials which exploit both anionic and cationic redox reactions to store energy upwards of 250 mA h g-1. This paper aims to understand the nature of the redox reactions taking place in these compounds. Li2RuO3 was used as the base compound, which is then compared with compounds generated by partially substituting Ru with Ti and Fe respectively. Electrochemical tests indicate that Fe substitution in the sample leads to an improvement in capacity, cycle life and reduction of potential decay. To elucidate the reason for this improvement in operando diffraction experiments were carried out, highlighting the formation of a secondary de-lithiated phase. The distortion of the pristine structure eventually induces frontier orbital reorganization leading to the oxygen redox reaction resulting in extra capacity. Local changes at Fe and Ru ions are recorded using in operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). It was noted that while Ru undergoes a reversible redox reaction, Fe undergoes a significant irreversible change in its coordination environment during cycling. The changes in the coordination environment of oxygen and formation of O2n- type species were probed in situ using soft X-rays