Optimization on FMCG Distribution Based on the Cross-Docking Mode: Taking a Cooperative Project as an Example

Cross-docking, as a newbreakthrough for enhancing the distribution center’s operation efficiency andreducing inventory level, has accelerated the product circulation.Distribution, as an important part of logistics service, directly influentscustomers’ satisfaction. According to FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)distribution, high warehouse cost affects the profitability of the company in away. So, reducing logistics cost and increasing efficiency has become a pivotalfocus. This paper focuses on problems such as high warehouse cost and lowoperation efficiency in project RDC that found in a cooperative project fromCompany A (a third party logistic enterprise) and Company B (FMCG company).Concerning the characteristics of FMCG distribution, this paper highlights astrategy that traditional distribution mode should be substituted by adoptingthe cross-docking mode, and that the model of the comprehensive evaluationindex system (AHP-TOPSIS) should be built in order to verify our idea. A seriesof supporting measures should be also presented based on the discussion andanalysis of mode and data, which gives recommendations on selecting a supremelogistics mode for Company A, and then achieve a more efficient operation for distributioncenters. Meanwhile researching FMCG distribution from the perspective ofcross-docking mode is an innovation. Our research considers a certaintheoretical and practical significance to enhance the overall operating abilityof the Third Party Logistics enterprises and shorten the cycle of the supplychain.Keywords: FMCG;Cross-docking mode; logistics pattern; Optimizatio

Strong Tracking Filter for Nonlinear Systems with Randomly Delayed Measurements and Correlated Noises

This paper proposes a novel strong tracking filter (STF), which is suitable for dealing with the filtering problem of nonlinear systems when the following cases occur: that is, the constructed model does not match the actual system, the measurements have the one-step random delay, and the process and measurement noises are correlated at the same epoch. Firstly, a framework of decoupling filter (DF) based on equivalent model transformation is derived. Further, according to the framework of DF, a new extended Kalman filtering (EKF) algorithm via using first-order linearization approximation is developed. Secondly, the computational process of the suboptimal fading factor is derived on the basis of the extended orthogonality principle (EOP). Thirdly, the ultimate form of the proposed STF is obtained by introducing the suboptimal fading factor into the above EKF algorithm. The proposed STF can automatically tune the suboptimal fading factor on the basis of the residuals between available and predicted measurements and further the gain matrices of the proposed STF tune online to improve the filtering performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed STF has been proved through numerical simulation experiments

Integrating the interpersonal theory of suicide into the relations between cyber-victimization and suicidality among adolescents:A short-term prospective study

The relation between cyber-victimization and suicidality among adolescents has been well documented; however, the mechanisms underlying this association have not been well investigated. Drawing upon the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study aimed to examine the mediating mechanisms (i.e., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) underlying longitudinal, bidirectional relations between cyber-victimization and suicidal ideation/attempts among adolescents and explore gender differences in the mechanisms. Participants were 497 Chinese adolescents (46.1 Mage = 13.28, SD = .66), who completed the assessment of cyber-victimization, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness, suicidal ideation/attempts at three-time points. The time interval between each two assessments is two weeks. Results showed the reciprocal relations between cyber-victimization and thwarted belongingness/perceived burdensomeness, between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation/suicide attempts, and between perceived burdensomeness and suicide attempts. Longitudinal mediation analyses indicated that Time 2 thwarted belongingness mediated the relation between Time 1 cyber-victimization and Time 3 suicidal ideation/suicide attempts. Besides, the reverse pathway from Time 1 suicidal ideation to Time 3 cyber-victimization was also mediated by Time 2 thwarted belongingness, but it was only significant in females, as suggested by multiple-group analyses. According to the aforementioned results, the interpersonal theory of suicide provides a useful framework for understanding relations between cyber-victimization and suicidality. Findings suggest that intervention targeted at improving the need to belong may help reduce suicide risk and lower cyber-victimization. Anti-cyber-victimization should be integrated into suicide intervention and prevention programs, and gender differences should be taken into account in order to enhance the program’s effectiveness

Integrating fuzzy theory into Kano model for classification of service quality elements: a case study of machinery industry in China

Purpose: The purpose of study is to propose and verify a method of service quality elements classification through integrating fuzzy theory into Kano model. The method has the merit of being more effective in processing customers’ psychology of vagueness and uncertainties than traditional Kano model. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, considering the disadvantages of traditional Kano model in service quality elements classification without taking into account customers’ complex consuming psychology, and combining with fuzzy theory which is effective to cope with uncertainty and ambiguity, a new framework of integrating fuzzy theory into Kano model in quality elements classification is proposed. In view of the strong subjectivity of traditional Kano questionnaires, a fuzzy Kano questionnaire considering the evaluators’ multi-feelings is proposed. Furthermore, this study will also develop a mathematical calculation performance according to the classification of fuzzy Kano model. With this method, the accurate mentality can be fully reasonable reflected in some unknown circumstances. Finally, an empirical study in Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd, the largest manufacturing industry in China, is showed to testify its feasibility and validity. Findings: The calculation results and the application effect show that the proposed model has good performance in classifying customer requirements. With this method, the accurate mentality can be fully reasonable reflected in unknown circumstances and it is more objective than traditional Kano model to classify the service quality elements. Originality/value: This study provides a method to integrate fuzzy theory and Kano model, and develops a framework to classify service quality elements.Peer Reviewe

Safety and efficacy of ex vivo expanded CD34 stem cells in murine and primate models

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation has been widely applied to the treatment of malignant blood diseases. However, limited number of functional HSCs hinders successful transplantation. The purpose of our current study is to develop a new and cost-efficient medium formulation that could greatly enhance the expansion of HSCs while retaining their long-term repopulation and hematopoietic properties for effective clinical transplantation. Methods: Enriched human CD34(+) cells and mobilized nonhuman primate peripheral blood CD34(+) cells were expanded with a new, cost-efficient expansion medium formulation, named hematopoietic expansion medium (HEM), consisting of various cytokines and nutritional supplements. The long-term repopulation potential and hematologic-lineage differentiation ability of expanded human cells were studied in the non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model. Furthermore, the efficacy and safety studies were performed by autologous transplantation of expanded primate cells in the nonhuman primate model. Results: HEM could effectively expand human CD34(+) cells by up to 129 fold within 9 days. Expanded HSCs retained long-term repopulation potential and hematologic-lineage differentiation ability, as indicated by (1) maintenance (over unexpanded HSCs) of immunophenotypes of CD38(-)CD90(+)CD45RA(-)CD49f(+) in CD34(+) cells after expansion; (2) significant presence of multiple human hematopoietic lineages in mouse peripheral blood and bone marrow following primary transplantation; (3) enrichment (over unexpanded HSCs) in SCID-repopulating cell frequency measured by limiting dilution analysis; and (4) preservation of both myeloid and lymphoid potential among human leukocytes from mouse bone marrow in week 24 after primary transplantation or secondary transplantation. Moreover, the results of autologous transplantation in nonhuman primates demonstrated that HEM-expanded CD34(+) cells could enhance hematological recovery after myelo-suppression. All primates transplanted with the expanded autologous CD34(+) cells survived for over 18 months without any noticeable abnormalities. Conclusions: Together, these findings demonstrate promising potential for the utility of HEM to improve expansion of HSCs for clinical application.State Scientific Key Projects for New Drug Research and Development [2011ZX09102-010-04, 2011ZX09401-027]; International Cooperation and Exchange Program, China [2013DFA30830]Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]