Integrated game-theory modelling for multi enterprise-wide coordination and collaboration under uncertain competitive environment

In this work, an integrated Game Theory (GT) approach is developed for the coordination of multi-enterprise Supply Chains (SCs) in a competitive uncertain environment. The conflicting goals of the different participants are solved through coordination contracts using a non-cooperative non-zero-sum Stackelberg game under the leadership of the manufacturer. The Stackelberg payoff matrix is built under the nominal conditions, and then evaluated under different probable uncertain scenarios using a Monte-Carlo simulation. The competition between the Stackelberg game players and the third parties is solved through a Nash Equilibrium game. A novel way to analyze the game outcome is proposed based on a win–win Stackelberg set of “Pareto-frontiers”. The benefits of the resulting MINLP tactical models are illustrated by a case study with different vendors around a client SC. The results show that the coordinated decisions lead to higher expected payoffs compared to the standalone case, while also leading to uncertainty reduction.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Economic evaluation of bio-based supply chains with CO2 capture and utilisation

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) are acknowledged as important R&D priorities to achieve environmental goals set for next decades. This work studies biomass-based energy supply chains with CO2 capture and utilisation. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program. This study presents a flexible supply chain superstructure to answer issues on economic and environmental benefits achievable by integrating biomass-coal plants, CO2 capture and utilisation plants; i.e. location of intermediate steps, fraction of CO2 emissions captured per plant, CO2 utilisation plants' size, among others. Moreover, eventual incentives and environmental revenues will be discussed to make an economically feasible project. A large-size case study located in Spain will be presented to highlight the proposed approach. Two key scenarios are envisaged: (i) Biomass, capture or utilisation of CO2 are not contemplated; (ii) Biomass, capture and CO2 utilisation are all considered. Finally, concluding remarks are drawn.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Computing coset leaders and leader codewords of binary codes

In this paper we use the Gr\"obner representation of a binary linear code $\mathcal C$ to give efficient algorithms for computing the whole set of coset leaders, denoted by $\mathrm{CL}(\mathcal C)$ and the set of leader codewords, denoted by $\mathrm L(\mathcal C)$. The first algorithm could be adapted to provide not only the Newton and the covering radius of $\mathcal C$ but also to determine the coset leader weight distribution. Moreover, providing the set of leader codewords we have a test-set for decoding by a gradient-like decoding algorithm. Another contribution of this article is the relation stablished between zero neighbours and leader codewords

The cytoplasmic domain of CD4 promotes the development of CD4 lineage T cells.

Thymocytes must bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on thymic epithelial cells in order to mature into either CD8+ cytotoxic T cells or CD4+ helper T cells. Thymic precursors express both CD8 and CD4, and it has been suggested that the intracellular signals generated by CD8 or CD4 binding to class I or II MHC, respectively, might influence the fate of uncommitted cells. Here we test the notion that intracellular signaling by CD4 directs the development of thymocytes to a CD4 lineage. A hybrid protein consisting of the CD8 extracellular and transmembrane domains and the cytoplasmic domain of CD4 (CD884) should bind class I MHC but deliver a CD4 intracellular signal. We find that expression of a hybrid CD884 protein in thymocytes of transgenic mice leads to the development of large numbers of class I MHC-specific, CD4 lineage T cells. We discuss these results in terms of current models for CD4 and CD8 lineage commitment

Ocean salinity observations with SMOS mission

The purpose of this paper is to present the capabilities of SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity mission) for the global mapping of ocean salinity from space. SMOS has been selected by the European Space Agency as the second Earth Explorer Opportunity with a launch date in June 2005. The sensor embarked on SMOS is MIRAS, a Microwave Imaging Radiometer with Aperture Synthesis. MIRAS works at L-band, in the two-polarisations, and has full polarimetric capability. The measurement of sea surface salinity (SSS) is one of the challenges of SMOS. This paper presents first the scientific requirements for a number of oceanographic applications. The scientific requirements are then translated into instrument accuracy, sensitivity, stability and spatial resolution. Major sources of error in the retrieval of ocean salinity will be addressed through an experimental campaign which is described.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version