Improving efficiency of material flows in an automotive assembly plant:A case study

This paper investigates the in-plant logistics processes in automotive manufacturing and specifically, the material flows between the storage facility, the production lines, and the internal returns area. The aim is to improve the efficiency of the plant by looking at the current material flows of the case study company. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected through interviews and personal observations and was analysed. Using discrete event-based simulation, the current material flows were investigated. Our analysis showed that in plant's internal returns area efficiency gains are possible by reducing traffic congestion. A solution with minor changes in the layout was proposed and tested which showed an increase in the capacity of the system and a reduction in delays

Genetic structure in the European endemic seabird, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, shaped by a complex interaction of historical and contemporary, physical and nonphysical drivers

Geographically separated populations tend to be less connected by gene flow, as a result of physical or non-physical barriers preventing dispersal, and this can lead to genetic structure. In this context, highly mobile organisms such as seabirds are interesting because the small effect of physical barriers means non-physical ones may be relatively more important. Here we use microsatellite and mitochondrial data to explore the genetic structure and phylogeography of Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of a European endemic seabird, the European Shag, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, and identify the primary drivers of their diversification. Analyses of mitochondrial markers revealed three phylogenetic lineages grouping the North Atlantic, Spanish/Corsican and Eastern Mediterranean populations, apparently arising from fragmentation during the Pleistocene followed by range expansion. These traces of historical fragmentation were also evident in the genetic structure estimated by microsatellite markers, despite significant contemporary gene flow among adjacent populations. Stronger genetic structure, probably promoted by landscape, philopatry and local adaptation, was found among distant populations and those separated by physical and ecological barriers. This study highlights the enduring effect of Pleistocene climatic changes on shag populations, especially within the Mediterranean Basin, and suggests a role for cryptic northern refugia, as well as known southern refugia, on the genetic structure of European seabirds. Finally, it outlines how contemporary ecological barriers and behavioral traits may maintain population divergence, despite long-distance dispersal triggered by extreme environmental conditions (e.g. population crashes)

Contrasting evolutionary histories of the legless lizards slow worms (Anguis) shaped by the topography of the Balkan Peninsula

Background: Genetic architecture of a species is a result of historical changes in population size and extent of distribution related to climatic and environmental factors and contemporary processes of dispersal and gene flow. Population-size and range contractions, expansions and shifts have a substantial effect on genetic diversity and intraspecific divergence, which is further shaped by gene-flow limiting barriers. The Balkans, as one of the most important sources of European biodiversity, is a region where many temperate species persisted during the Pleistocene glaciations and where high topographic heterogeneity offers suitable conditions for local adaptations of populations. In this study, we investigated the phylogeographical patterns and demographic histories of four species of semifossorial slow-worm lizards (genus Anguis) present in the Balkan Peninsula, and tested the relationship between genetic diversity and topographic heterogeneity of the inhabited ranges. Results: We inferred phylogenetic relationships, compared genetic structure and historical demography of slow worms using nucleotide sequence variation of mitochondrial DNA. Four Anguis species with mostly parapatric distributions occur in the Balkan Peninsula. They show different levels of genetic diversity. A signature of population growth was detected in all four species but with various courses in particular populations. We found a strong correlation between genetic diversity of slow-worm populations and topographic ruggedness of the ranges (mountain systems) they inhabit. Areas with more rugged terrain harbour higher genetic diversity. Conclusions: Phylogeographical pattern of the genus Anguis in the Balkans is concordant with the refugiawithin- refugia model previously proposed for both several other taxa in the region and other main European Peninsulas. While slow-worm populations from the southern refugia mostly have restricted distributions and have not dispersed much from their refugial areas, populations from the extra-Mediterranean refugia in northern parts of the Balkans have colonized vast areas of eastern, central, and western Europe. Besides climatic historical events, the heterogeneous topography of the Balkans has also played an important role in shaping genetic diversity of slow worms.BMC Evolutionary Biology (2016), 16(1): 9

INVESTIGATION OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES NEEDS FOR THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SHEEP AND GOAT BRUCELLOSIS PROGRAM IN GREECE

The sheep and goats brucellosis program is one of the most important animalhealth programs with significant animal health, public health, and internationaltrade consequences. Several factors are involved in the implementation of thisprogram, while its success depends on the availability of an effective, well-trained,and fully engaged staff. Considering the poor results of sheep and goats brucellosisprogram in Greece mainly related to the limited number of veterinarians workingin the regional veterinary services, the present study aims to approach the numberof the human resources and more precisely of veterinarians that are essential forthe effective and efficient brucellosis control strategy in Greece. Therefore, the dataderived by the performance of the program for the years 2012 to 2015 are analyzed.Finally, economic and political circumstances – external factors that affect thefunctionality of the program as well as all relevant bottlenecks are being discussed.The findings of the present study indicate that approximately 485 veterinarians with485 assistants working for the needs of the brucellosis program would significantlyassist on the complete implementation of the brucellosis control and eradication ofthe disease in Greek sheep and goat holdings

ИСТРАЖИВАЊЕ ПОТРЕБНИХ ЉУДСКИХ РЕСУРСА ЗА ЕФИКАСНО И УЧИНКОВИТО СПРОВОЂЕЊЕ ПРОГРАМА КОНТРОЛЕ И ИСКОРЈЕЊИВАЊА БРУЦЕЛОЗЕ ОВАЦА И КОЗА У ГРЧКОЈ

Програм контроле бруцелозе оваца и коза је један од најваж-нијих програма из здравља животиња са значајним посљедицама на пољу жи-вотињског здравља, јавног здравља и међународне трговине. У имплементацијуовог програма укључено је неколико фактора, а његов успјех зависи од доступ-ности ефикасног, добро обученог и потпуно ангажованог особља. Узимајући уобзир лоше резултате програма контроле бруцелозе оваца и коза у Грчкој, углав-ном због ограниченог броја ветеринара у регионалним ветеринарским служба-ма, ова студија има за циљ да приступи броју људских ресурса, тачније ветери-нара који су неопходни за ефикасну и успјешну стратегију контроле бруцелозеу Грчкој. Због тога се анализирају подаци добијени имплементацијом програмау периоду 2012-2015. година. Такође, размотрени су сви релавантни проблемии економске и финансијске околности-спољни фактори који утичу на ефикас-ност програма. Налази из ове студије указују на то да би око 485 ветеринара са485 асистената помогло у потпуној имплементацији контроле бруцелозе и ис-корјењивању болести грчких оваца и коза

Next-generation sequencing yields the complete mitochondrial genome of the endangered Milos viper Macrovipera schweizeri (Reptilia, Viperidae)

The Milos viper, Macrovipera schweizeri, is an endangered viperid snake found on four Aegean islands (Greece). Its complete mitochondrial genome, the first reported for the genus Macrovipera, was assembled through next-generation sequencing. Its total length is 17,152 bp and includes 22 tRNAs, two ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and two control regions, showing the typical gene-arrangement for Viperidae. Eight tRNAs and ND3 are encoded on the light strand, while all other genes are encoded on the heavy strand. A mitogenomic phylogeny that included Macrovipera schweizeri and 13 other viperid genera returned an unresolved relationship among the genera Macrovipera, Daboia and Vipera.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant agreement no. 656006 (Project Acronym: CoPhyMed).Peer reviewe

Reproductive ecology and genetic structure of the European Shag [Phalacrocorax aristotelis (L., 1761)] in the Aegean, Greece

The European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) is currently divided in three subspecies based on plumage differences, non-overlapping distributions and phenology. The nominate subspecies, P. a. aristotelis, has a breeding distribution from northern Russia to the Atlantic coast of Iberia, P. a. riggenbachi is found along the northern African coasts and the Mediterranean Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii) is considered an endemic subspecies of the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. The Mediterranean subspecies’ biology and ecology are poorly studied, especially in the eastern part of its distribution, despite the fact that North Aegean Sea (Greece) is considered one of the most important regions for its reproduction. This study presents the first results regarding the study of its reproduction ecology and genetic structure in colonies from the Aegean Sea region. Specifically, four aspects of the its biology are addressed here: (1) breeding success and the possible ecological factors that may affect it, (2) the sex ratio of fledglings, (3) feeding habits during reproduction, and (4) the genetic structure of breeding populations in the Aegean and their phylogeographic relationships with other non-Greek populations. - See more at: http://nemertes.lis.upatras.gr/jspui/handle/10889/6263#sthash.RxIinulk.dpufΟ Ευρωπαϊκός Θαλασσοκόρακας (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) περιλαμβάνει τρία υποείδη που διαχωρίζονται με βάση μορφολογικές και συμπεριφορικές διαφορές και εξαπλώνονται σε διαφορετικές γεωγραφικές περιοχές. Το ατλαντικό υποείδος, P. a. aristotelis, κατά την αναπαραγωγική του περίοδο, εξαπλώνεται στον Ατλαντικό από τη Β. Ρωσσία μέχρι τις ατλαντικές ακτές της Ιβηρικής χερσονήσου, το υποείδος P. a. riggenbachi διαβιεί στις ακτές της Β. Αφρικής και το μεσογειακό (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii) θεωρείται ενδημικό υποείδος της Μεσογείου και της Μαύρης Θάλασσας. Η βιολογία και η οικολογία του μεσογειακού θαλασσοκόρακα δεν είναι μελετημένη, ιδιαίτερα στις ανατολικές περιοχές της εξάπλωσής του, παρότι η περιοχή του βόρειου Αιγαίου περιλαμβάνεται στις σημαντικότερες περιοχές αναπαραγωγής του είδους. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, αποτελεί την πρώτη μελέτη σχετικά με την οικολογία της αναπαραγωγής και την ανάλυση της γενετικής δομής του μεσογειακού θαλασσοκόρακα σε αποικίες του Αιγαίου. Συγκεκριμένα, μελετώνται τέσσερα θέματα της βιολογίας του υποείδους: (1) η αναπαραγωγική επιτυχία και οι πιθανοί περιβαλλοντικοί παράγοντες που ενδέχεται να την επηρεάζουν, (2) η αναλογία του φύλου των νεοσσών, (3) οι διατροφικές συνήθειες κατά την αναπαραγωγική περίοδο, και (4) η γενετική δομή αναπαραγωγικών πληθυσμών του Αιγαίου, καθώς και οι φυλογεωγραφικές σχέσεις μεταξύ τους και με άλλους μη ελληνικούς πληθυσμούς. - See more at: http://nemertes.lis.upatras.gr/jspui/handle/10889/6263#sthash.RxIinulk.dpu

Rare case of pulmonary histoplasmosis complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis in a non endemic area

Background: Pulmonary histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by histoplasma capsulatum, rarely diagnosed in non endemic areas and/or immunocompromised patients. Complication of pulmonary histoplasmosis with bronchocentric granulomatosis is extremely rare. Case Report: A 48-year-old man with prolonged fever and nausea was admitted to our hospital. Clinical examination revealed pathological auscultatory sounds to the left lung. Computed tomography was performed and revealed a large solid mass of the left upper lobe, limited pleural and pericardial effusion and calcified lymphadenopathy of mediastinum. A computed tomography guided core biopsy of the lung lesion was performed and three samples were obtained. Culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed Histoplasma capsulatum. Histological findings were compatible with bronchocentric granulomatosis. Extended laboratory investigation excluded immunosuppresion. Our patient although immunocompetent was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis and treatment with antifungal medication and methylprednisoline started. Conclusion: Description of a rare case of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis in a non endemic area like Greece, with atypical radiological findings, complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis