On the String Equation of the BKP Hierarchy

The Adler-Shiota-van Moerbeke formula is employed to derive the $W$-constraints for the $p$-reduced BKP hierarchy constrained by the string equation. We also provide the Grassmannian description of the string equation in terms of the spectral parameter.Comment: 17 page

Economic order quantity under retailer partial trade credit in two-echelon supply chain

In this paper, we want to investigate the retailer’s inventory policy when the retailer maintains a powerful position in two-echelon supply chain. That is, we assumed that the retailer can obtain the full trade credit offered by the supplier yet the retailer just offers the partial trade credit to their customers under two-level trade credit situation. Then, we investigate the retailer’s inventory system as a cost minimization problem to determine the retailer’s optimal inventory policy in two-echelon supply chain. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the results and to obtain managerial insights

Capture of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Using Immunomagnetic Beads of Different Size and Antibody Conjugating Chemistry

Immunomagnetic beads (IMB) were synthesized using anti-Escherichia coli O157 antibodies and magnetic beads of two different sizes (1 μm and 2.6 to 2.8 μm) that contained a streptavidin coating, activated carboxyl groups or tosylated surfaces. The synthesized IMB, together with a commercially available IMB, were used to capture different strains of E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O157:NM. The E. coli capture was measured by the time resolved fluorescence (TRF) intensity using a sandwich assay which we have previously demonstrated of having a sensitivity of 1 CFU/g after 4.5 hour enrichment [1]. The analyses of measured TRF intensity and determined antibody surface concentration indicated that larger beads provided higher response signals than smaller beads and were more effective in capturing the target of interest in pure culture and ground beef. In addition, while each type of IMB showed different favorable capture of E. coli O157:H7, streptavidin-coated IMB elicited the highest response, on average. Streptavidin-coated IMB also provided an economic benefit, costing less than $0.50 per assay. The results could be used to guide the proper choice of IMB for applications in developing detection processes for E. coli O157:H7

Airline Network Choice and Configuration

As an increasing number of countries liberalize their skies, some airlines, notably carriers in the Middle East, have been able to extend their hub-and-spoke networks beyond domestic borders. This allows them to serve international destinations without going through traditional gateway hubs, so that they can compete with airline alliances relying on the traditional dual-gateway, or the so-called “dog-bone” networks. This paper proposes a stochastic model to investigate the competition between airlines running traditional dog-bone and hub-and-spoke networks in a liberalizing inter-continental market. The proposed model considers the interactions among three types of stakeholders, namely a regulator that aims to maximize the expected social welfare by designating the locations of new gateways; airlines that maximize profits by optimizing the service offerings and airfares; passengers that minimize their own travel disutility. Such a model is applied to analyze the Europe - China aviation market, so that the comparative advantages of different networks can be examined and quantified. The modeling results provide evidence-based recommendations on airline competition and airport development, and infrastructure investment needs in markets being liberlized