Collimators

The collimator system of a particle accelerator must efficiently remove stray particles and provide protection against uncontrolled losses. In this article, the basic design concepts of collimators and some realizations are presented.Comment: 5 pages, contribution to the CAS - CERN Accelerator School: Course on High Power Hadron Machines; 24 May - 2 Jun 2011, Bilbao, Spai

LEAN LOGISTICS

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the key assumptions of Lean Management, with particular focus on the components of Lean Management System and the assessment matrix of implementation the Lean concept. In addition, Author demonstrates the applicability of Lean paradigms to improve the logistics area, as well as to improve the functioning of supply chains, especially by using methodology which links Six Sigma and Lean ideas as well as Agile approach. This paper except theoretical analysis presents lean logistics application in practice. Short case study is developed on basis of best lean logistics practices of company from B2B market.Methodology: The used research approach was the detailed analysis of logistics international literature and case study based on internal documents and interviews with lean managers from international company.Findings: Emphasizing the multidimensionality of the concept, Author indicates potential areas of integration Lean with other tools and strategies used in modern businesses management, like Six Sigma or Agile approach. Additionally article presents practical application of Lean in logistics.

Review of \u3cem\u3eThe Handbook of Children\u27s Rights: Comparative Policy and Practice.\u3c/em\u3e Bob Franklin (ed). Reviewed by Joseph Wronka, Springfield College.

Bob Franklin (Ed.) The Handbook of Children\u27s Rights: Comparative Policy and Practice. New York: Routledge, 1995. $59.95 hardcover;$17.95 papercover

Review of \u3cem\u3eIssues In Social Work: A Critical Analysis.\u3c/em\u3e Roland G. Meinert, John T. Pardeck, and William P. Sullivan (Eds.). Reviewed by Joseph Wronka, Springfield College.

Roland G. Meinert, John T. Pardeck and William P. Sullivan (Eds.) Issues in Social Work: A Critical Analysis. Westport, CT: Auburn House, 1994. $49.95 hardcover

THE EMOTIONAL ASPECT OF AN INTERNAL AUDIT

Abstract:Purpose: The purpose of the article is to show, based on the analysis of available specialist and scientific studies, as well as the results of the complementary qualitative study, the complexity of the emotional dimension of the internal audit, in particular, from the perspective of the audited party (auditee), and an attempt to determine its significance in the course of audit activities.Methodology: Literature review, viewpoint, case studyFindings: An internal audit understood, as a tool for improving processes or more broadly monitored systems and /or products, is not just a matter of procedural dimension and complex documentation, but also an equally important human aspect. This is often marginal or even neglected in practice. Also in the literature on the subject, the issue of interpersonal relations related to the audit process is an area that is relatively rarely taken up. This is evident even more so from the perspective of the auditee and their feelings, which significantly affect the whole process, especially the final result of the audit.Implications for practice: demonstrating the complexity of the internal audit and emphasizing the importance of the human factor in the course of the internal audit process and obtained the final result Originality/value: The article provides a broad and thus quite unusual view of the internal audit process, and gives a comprehensive perspective of management of this process and in particular the opportunity to increase its efficiency and effectiveness.Keywords: internal audit, human factor, emotional aspectPaper type: Conceptual pape

Religious fundamentalism modulates neural responses to error-related words : the role of motivation toward closure

Examining the relationship between brain activity and religious fundamentalism, this study explores whether fundamentalist religious beliefs increase responses to error-related words among participants intolerant to uncertainty (i.e., high in the need for closure) in comparison to those who have a high degree of toleration for uncertainty (i.e., those who are low in the need for closure). We examine a negative-going event-related brain potentials occurring 400 ms after stimulus onset (the N400) due to its well-understood association with the reactions to emotional conflict. Religious fundamentalism and tolerance of uncertainty were measured on self-report measures, and electroencephalographic neural reactivity was recorded as participants were performing an emotional Stroop task. In this task, participants read neutral words and words related to uncertainty, errors, and pondering, while being asked to name the color of the ink with which the word is written. The results confirm that among people who are intolerant of uncertainty (i.e., those high in the need for closure), religious fundamentalism is associated with an increased N400 on error-related words compared with people who tolerate uncertainty well (i.e., those low in the need for closure)

Modelling and control of a robotic manipulator subject to base disturbances

This thesis presents the modelling and control of a high gear ratio robotic manipulator mounted on a heavier moving base which is subject to base disturbances. The manipulator motion is assumed not to affect the base motion. The problem of a robotic manipulator on a non-inertial base can be applied to operation on sea vessels or all-terrain vehicles, where the base motion is unknown and cannot be used as a feed-forward signal to the model. A dynamic model is derived for the PA10-6CE manipulator with the assumption of a fixed base and the model terms are analysed numerically when comparing the simulation and experimental results. Based on the obtained results a set of model based controllers is compared to a basic proportional and derivative type controller to evaluate the trajectory tracking gains and trade-offs. The dynamic model is extended to the case of a manipulator on a moving base and numerical comparisons of simulation and experimental results are used to verify the model validity and the significance of the various model terms. From the results of this study a set of model based controllers is obtained. A novel adaptive scheme is then proposed for compensation of an unknown and varying gravity acceleration vector acting on the manipulator base. Controllers based on using an additional sensor output are compared with static and adaptive gravity controllers and the latter proved to be superior in terms of trajectory tracking performance

Ekphrastic Portrait of Pre-Raphaelite Models

[EN] The thesis “Ekphrastic Portrait of Pre-Raphaelite Models” aims to juxtapose two seemingly separate subjects of ekphrasis and Pre-Raphaelite models. Ekphrasis, originally a literary term for a rhetorical device, reaches times of antiquity. However, over the course of time, it underwent the process of changes and started to refer not only to painting-poetry translations but it also expanded to interrelations between disciplines such as prose, film, theater, music, and photography. Ekphrasis, as the form of imitation achieved through different means of representation, should be seen through the differences and similarities offered by words and images. Among artists who incorporated ekphrasis in their art was the nineteenth-century Brotherhood of the Pre-Raphaelites inspired by works of Dante, William Shakespeare, and Lord Alfred Tennyson

Supply Chain Analysis of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in Germany

With a population of 82.5 million, the German market is the largest in the EU and therefore of special interest for the trade partners. Despite an unsatisfying economic development in the last years (lowest GDP growth in the EU and rising unemployment, see Table 9 in the annex) Germany is still a very attractive market with well funded consumers. Although agriculture has a small and declining contribution to the country?s gross domestic product, in the wider definition of the agribusiness, it is still one of the most important sectors with regard to turnover and employment. Taking consumers? expenditure for food as a proxy for the total turnover of the agribusiness yields a figure of 240 billion – in 2003, nearly as much as the turnover of the car industry in Germany. In total, 4.5 million people are employed in the agribusiness, which is 11.6% of Germany?s total labour force. Among agricultural markets, the market of fruit and vegetables is of special interest for the trade with Mediterranean countries and also of special importance for the food industry and the food consumption. In 2003 consumers? expenditure for fresh fruit and vegetables were more than 10 billion ?. The processing industry of fruit and vegetables generated another 6.5 billion – turnover, demonstrating the importance of fruit and vegetables in Germany. Bearing in mind that the self sufficiency ratios for fruit and vegetables in Germany are low (13% respectively 50%), the extent of market opportunities for the Mediterranean countries become obvious. Against this background it is the objective of this report to analyse the supply chain of fresh fruit and vegetables in Germany. In the second chapter the current market situation is briefly presented with regard to production, consumption and trade in Germany. Other aspects covered in this chapter are the demographic structure in Germany, important consumer trends and food quality issues. The third chapter is devoted in depth to the analysis of the supply chains for both fruit and vegetables. In this chapter the different actors and market channels are described with regard to their task and importance in the supply chain. In the fourth chapter the overall institutional structure is analysed. After the conclusions in the fifth chapter extensive tables and figures can be found in the annex. --

Will the Train Ever Leave the Station? The Private Provision of Freight Railway Service in Russia and Central and Eastern Europe

The railways of Russia and the CEE countries — generally much more freight oriented, and much more important to their countries' economies, than those of Western Europe — are in the process of restructuring. In most cases the "vertical separation" reform model is being pursued, and reformers are seeking to introduce competition among freight train operators through the provision of "open access" to the monopoly infrastructure. This paper examines the degree to which competition has in fact been introduced, the terms under which it is taking place, and the characteristics of those private firms which have had some success in entering. As always, Russia is different.