Service Implementation Framework in Manufacturing Firms: A Case Study

The culture and the operational methods of service management have become a formidable competitive weapon even for manufacturing firms. The term "service factory" has been proposed for identifying that particular integration of products and services, achieved by the excellent manufacturing firm, where "service is a multidimensional concept". The creation of a service factory necessarily implies a radical change in the operational and organizational characteristics of the firm. In order to support manufacturing firms in adopting a service strategy, it is relevant on the one hand to identify the bundle of services which have to be provided for the customers and, on the other hand, to understand the implications for firm management model. As regards the first point, the paper proposes a framework which classifies the services along with two dimensions: Timedimension and target-dimension. The proposed framework is of interest for manufacturing firms because it allows a better recognition of services that are more perceptible for the customers. In the second part of the paper, authors discuss the implications of a service strategy adoption on the management model of manufacturing firms. In order to carry out this analysis, authors propose a model that combines four service dimensions with three decision-making categories (Organization, Methodologies and Technologies). In the end, the proposed framework has been applied in a sample of Italian hot water heater manufacturers and a case study analysis has been carried out

A novel framework for the use of workflow system in the integration of supply chain tiers

The global competition has imposed challenges to supply chain integration, mainly, during the process of obtain information to make demand management decisions. This paper proposes an integrated framework for data collection, analysis and results dissemination in the supply chain management (SCM), contributing to research and alternatives for \u201cThe Bullwhip Effect\u201d issue. In this sense, it is necessary to discuss the integration of supply chain management, Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) functionality and others systems, to enlarge this scope to the total supply chain players. The ERP web-based tool and Workflow Systems (WS) can contribute to solve issues related to supply chain management. Starting from a detailed analysis of the research background regarding current SCM definitions and integration problems, Information Technology and Communication (ITC) development and WS in order to map and ensure flow fluency; the paper proposes a model to increase the overall integrations and an application in a case study for supporting the decisions that are aligned with the company\u2019s strategic objectives. This paper is divided in: research background; proposed model of the SC integration; case study, conclusions and future research

Post-pneumonectomy broncho-pleural fistula successfully closed by open-window thoracostomy associated with V.A.C. therapy

Broncho-pleural fistula (BPF), is a dramatic complication that may occur after lung resection. The treatment is challenging due to its high rate of morbidity and mortality. Herein, a case of BPF associated with empyema, occurred in an elderly patient who had undergone to left pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is reported. After various treatments including chest drainage and endoscopic procedures, BPF was successfully closed by open-window thoracotomy associated with vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) device therapy. The authors conclude that V.A.C. is a convenient and safe measure in the management of empyema with BPF. Moreover, in similar clinical contexts, V.A.C. may be the only option available that may assure the survival of the patient and the avoiding any later-phases of residual cavity

The central dark matter content of early-type galaxies: scaling relations and connections with star formation histories

We examine correlations between masses, sizes and star formation histories for a large sample of low-redshift early-type galaxies, using a simple suite of dynamical and stellar population models. We confirm an anticorrelation between the size and stellar age and go on to survey for trends with the central content of dark matter (DM). An average relation between the central DM density and galaxy size of 〈ρDM〉∝R−2eff provides the first clear indication of cuspy DM haloes in these galaxies - akin to standard Λ cold dark matter haloes that have undergone adiabatic contraction. The DM density scales with galaxy mass as expected, deviating from suggestions of a universal halo profile for dwarf and late-type galaxies. We introduce a new fundamental constraint on galaxy formation by finding that the central DM fraction decreases with stellar age. This result is only partially explained by the size-age dependencies, and the residual trend is in the opposite direction to basic DM halo expectations. Therefore, we suggest that there may be a connection between age and halo contraction and that galaxies forming earlier had stronger baryonic feedback, which expanded their haloes, or lumpier baryonic accretion, which avoided halo contraction. An alternative explanation is a lighter initial mass function for older stellar population

Prolonged changes in hepatic mitochondrial activity and insulin sensitivity by high fructose intake in adolescent rats

Persistence of damage induced by unhealthy diets during youth has been little addressed. Therefore, we investigated the impact of a short‐term fructose‐rich diet on liver metabolic activity in adolescent rats and the putative persistence of alterations after removing fructose from the diet. Adolescent rats were fed a fructose‐rich diet for three weeks and then switched to a control diet for further three weeks. Body composition and energy balance were not affected by fructose‐rich diet, while increased body lipids and lipid gain were found after the rescue period. Switching to a control diet reversed the upregulation of plasma fructose, uric acid, lipocalin, and haptoglobin, while plasma triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, lipopolysaccharide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha remained higher. Hepatic steatosis and ceramide were increased by fructose‐rich diet, but reversed by returning to a control diet, while altered hepatic response to insulin persisted. Liver fatty acid synthase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) activities were upregulated by fructose‐rich diet, and SCD activity remained higher after returning to the control diet. Fructose‐induced upregulation of complex II‐driven mitochondrial respiration, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1 alpha, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α also persisted after switching to control diet. In conclusion, our results show prolonged fructose‐induced dysregulation of liver metabolic activity

Prolonged changes in hepatic mitochondrial activity and insulin sensitivity by high fructose intake in adolescent rats

Persistence of damage induced by unhealthy diets during youth has been little addressed. Therefore, we investigated the impact of a short-term fructose-rich diet on liver metabolic activity in adolescent rats and the putative persistence of alterations after removing fructose from the diet. Adolescent rats were fed a fructose-rich diet for three weeks and then switched to a control diet for further three weeks. Body composition and energy balance were not affected by fructose-rich diet, while increased body lipids and lipid gain were found after the rescue period. Switching to a control diet reversed the upregulation of plasma fructose, uric acid, lipocalin, and haptoglobin, while plasma triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, lipopolysaccharide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha remained higher. Hepatic steatosis and ceramide were increased by fructose-rich diet, but reversed by returning to a control diet, while altered hepatic response to insulin persisted. Liver fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activities were upregulated by fructose-rich diet, and SCD activity remained higher after returning to the control diet. Fructose-induced upregulation of complex II-driven mitochondrial respiration, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha also persisted after switching to control diet. In conclusion, our results show prolonged fructose-induced dysregulation of liver metabolic activity

Age as a risk factor in the occurrence of pneumothorax after transthoracic fine needle biopsy: Our experience

Transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) of the lung is a well-established technique for diagnosing many thoracic lesions, and is an important alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. Complications of TTNB include pneumothorax, hemoptysis, hemothorax, infection, and air embolism, with the most common complication as pneumothorax. From June 2011 to June 2014 we performed a prospective study of 188 patients who underwent TTNB with CT guidance at University Hospital of Salerno, Italy. Pneumothorax occurred in 14 of 188 biopsies (7.45%). With the respect of age of patients pneumothorax occurred more frequently in patients aged 60-70 years, while it was less frequent in younger (70 years). In conclusion, data of our prospective study documented that CT-guided TTNB is a safe and reliable procedure in elderly patients with suspected chest malignancy and is well tolerated

Effect of feed supplementation with Origanum vulgare L. essential oil on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): A preliminary framework on metabolic status and growth performances

This study provided a preliminary framework for the effects of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (EO) on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) health status over a 60-day feeding trial. Fish were fed twice a day until apparent satiety with three different diets: a control diet (CD), and two experimental diets supplemented with 100 (D100) and 200 (D200) ppm of oregano EO. No mortality was observed in each treatment. Feeding on D100 diet resulted in high growth performances and better food conversion and protein efficiency ratios. Additionally, the supplementation of 100 ppm EO diet also improved (P < 0.05) hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices, compared both to control and D200 diets. EO feeding positively affected (P < 0.05) several serum biochemical indices (amylase activity and total proteins, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels). Focusing on the antioxidant potential of blood, D100 led to the highest (P < 0.05) ferric reducing antioxidant power values and the lowest (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels in blood