Towards consistency: digital learning thresholds

We report on the development of CCCU Digital Learning Thresholds (DLT). The principle aim of DLT is that all CCCU students have access to digital learning, and that all staff and students will have clear expectations about how, why and when to use digital learning. In addition DLT also align with and supports the VLE consistency agenda. Furthermore, we have developed an innovative evaluation framework to assess the success of our DLT as well proposing their integrating into a blended learned model which emcompasses a quality assurance and enhancement pathway

X-Ray Scanner for Atlas Barrel TRT Modules

X-ray scanners for gain mapping of ATLAS Barrel Transition Radiation Tracker (TRT) modules were developed at Hampton University for quality assurance purposes. Gas gain variations for each straw of the TRT modules were used to decide whether wires should be removed or restrung, and to evaluate overall module quality.Comment: Conference proceeding in the XXIV Physics in Collisions Conference (PIC04), Boston, USA, June 2004, 3 pages, LaTeX, 6 eps figures. MONP0

Intelligent logistics: Involving the customer

The role of logistics in effective supply chain management is increasingly critical, and researchers and practitioners have recently focused their attention in designing more intelligent systems to address today’s challenges. In this paper, we focus on one such challenge concerning improving the role of the customer in logistics operations. In particular, we identify specific developments in the systems governing core logistics operations, which will enhance the customer experience. This paper proposes a conceptual model for customer orientation in intelligent logistics and describes a number of specific developments the authors are involved in.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2015.10.00

Ready configuration of machines into an existing manufacturing system

This paper focuses on simplifying and easing the integration of a new machine into an existing conventional hierarchical manufacturing system. Based on a distributed manufacturing paradigm, it proposes the functions and interfaces that a new machine and an existing manufacturing system should possess so that ready and simple configuration of additional machines can be achieved. The configuration process is intended to include, not only mechanical and electrical interfaces, but also decision system interfaces (such as planning, scheduling, and shop-floor control). Preliminary laboratory experiments to compare the reconfigurability resulting from a conventional integration method and the proposed distributed method are presented and discussed. © 2007 ISAM

An algorithm for dynamic order-picking in warehouse operations

Warehousing has been traditionally viewed as a non value-adding activity but in recent years a number of new developments have meant that supply chain logistics have become critical to profitability. This paper focuses specifically on order-picking which is a key factor affecting warehouse performance. Order picking is the operation of retrieving goods from specified storage locations based on customer orders. Today's warehouses face challenges for greater responsiveness to customer orders that require more flexibility than conventional strategies can offer. Hence, dynamic order-picking strategies that allow for changes of pick-lists during a pick cycle have attracted attention recently. In this paper we introduce an interventionist routing algorithm for optimising the dynamic order-picking routes. The algorithm is tested using a set of simulations based on an industrial case example. The results indicate that under a range of conditions, the proposed interventionist routing algorithm can outperform both static and heuristic dynamic order-picking routing algorithms.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2015.06.07

Knockdown of piRNA pathway proteins results in enhanced Semliki forest virus production in mosquito cells

The exogenous siRNA pathway is important in restricting arbovirus infection in mosquitoes. Less is known about the role of the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway, or piRNA pathway, in antiviral responses. Viral piRNA-like molecules have recently been described following infection of mosquitoes and derived cell lines with several arboviruses. The piRNA pathway has thus been suggested to function as an additional small RNA-mediated antiviral response to the known infection-induced siRNA response. Here we show that piRNA-like molecules are produced following infection with the naturally mosquito-borne Semliki Forest virus in mosquito cell lines. We show that knockdown of piRNA pathway proteins enhances the replication of this arbovirus and defines the contribution of piRNA pathway effectors, thus characterizing the antiviral properties of the piRNA pathway. In conclusion, arbovirus infection can trigger the piRNA pathway in mosquito cells, and knockdown of piRNA proteins enhances virus production

Drainage to control waterlogging

Drains can be classified in several ways. Drains on flat land have similar drainage effects on either side of the drain and are called relief drains. Drains on sloping land intercept seepage water moving down hillsides and therefore have most effect on the downslope side. They are called interceptor drains. Drains can also be classified as being open drains (that is, open at the ground surface) or buried drains (for example, tube drains)

New directions for warehousing data management research: Extensions to an existing review: Special session on 'Emerging technologies in logistics'

Existing research has conducted reviews of warehousing research and has suggested potential important areas for future work. In this paper we focus on warehousing data management-related issues and augment the findings from a recent review of warehousing research to suggest new areas of future work. To determine these potential areas we visited a large, national warehousing organisation and observed their warehouses, operations, and information systems. We compared our findings against the recommendations from an academic review, and identified five new areas of important future research.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from IEEE via http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/INDIN.2015.728180