Lealtad en el Aire: Factores Reales y Ficticios de la Formacion de Lealtad del Pasajero de Líneas Aereas

28 p.La lealtad del pasajero ha crecido en importancia en el servicio de líneas aéreas comerciales internacionales, debido especialmente a la crítica situación por la que atraviesa el sector turístico en los últimos años y la mayor competencia entre los proveedores del servicio en un mercado que se ha achicado. Por esta razón se ha aumentado la promoción del servicio y se han acentuado los programas de clubes destinados a crear lealtad. Sin embargo, la membresía múltiple a esos clubes y la tenue satisfacción con cada servicio han vuelto inefectivos a dichos programas, como queda demostrado en los frecuentes cambios de aerolínea o la postergación de vuelos por parte del cliente. Los estudios clásicos de la lealtad indican que éste es el resultado directo de la satisfacción del cliente, razón por la cual surgieron los “programas de lealtad.” Este vínculo directo ha sido cuestionado en estudios recientes, según los cuales la lealtad se encuentra determinada por factores relacionales y no transaccionales. Este estudio explora dichos factores respecto de la lealtad del pasajero de líneas aéreas. Los datos primarios provienen de una encuesta en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Santiago. La evidencia empírica demuestra que el proceso generador de lealtad en el servicio de líneas aéreas está determinado por el compromiso, la confianza, y la satisfacción, en ese orden de importancia

Molecular identification and genetic relationships of Algerian grapevine cultivars maintained at the germplasm collection of Skikda (Algeria)

We have used nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers to characterize a collection of 36 Algerian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) accessions maintained at the germplasm collection of Skikda (Algeria). The genetic diversity observed within the collection was comparable to what has been described for cultivated accessions of grapevine. Moreover, chlorotype C, associated to eastern accessions and highly frequent among table grape cultivars, was overrepresented in the collection. Genotype comparisons among the accessions and published cultivar genotypes identified a few synonyms within the collection as well as putative synonyms for Algerian accessions such as 'Aïn el Kelb', 'Ahmar Mechtras', 'Ahmar de Mascara' or 'Bouni' among cultivars grown in both Eastern and Western areas of the Mediterranean basin. Furthermore, the study of genetic relationships among the Algerian accessions suggests the existence of close relatedness within some groups of cultivars that could have been originated by spontaneous hybridization and seed propagation.

The Borexino Thermal Monitoring & Management System and simulations of the fluid-dynamics of the Borexino detector under asymmetrical, changing boundary conditions

A comprehensive monitoring system for the thermal environment inside the Borexino neutrino detector was developed and installed in order to reduce uncertainties in determining temperatures throughout the detector. A complementary thermal management system limits undesirable thermal couplings between the environment and Borexino's active sections. This strategy is bringing improved radioactive background conditions to the region of interest for the physics signal thanks to reduced fluid mixing induced in the liquid scintillator. Although fluid-dynamical equilibrium has not yet been fully reached, and thermal fine-tuning is possible, the system has proven extremely effective at stabilizing the detector's thermal conditions while offering precise insights into its mechanisms of internal thermal transport. Furthermore, a Computational Fluid-Dynamics analysis has been performed, based on the empirical measurements provided by the thermal monitoring system, and providing information into present and future thermal trends. A two-dimensional modeling approach was implemented in order to achieve a proper understanding of the thermal and fluid-dynamics in Borexino. It was optimized for different regions and periods of interest, focusing on the most critical effects that were identified as influencing background concentrations. Literature experimental case studies were reproduced to benchmark the method and settings, and a Borexino-specific benchmark was implemented in order to validate the modeling approach for thermal transport. Finally, fully-convective models were applied to understand general and specific fluid motions impacting the detector's Active Volume.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1705.09078, arXiv:1705.0965

Optimal numerical design of bucket elevators using discontinuous deformation analysis

Bucket elevators are efficient machines to transport granular materials in industrial and civil engineering applications. These materials are composed of hundreds, thousands or even more particles, the global behavior of which is defined by contact interactions. The first attempts to analyze the transportation of granular materials were treated by very simple continuum methods that do not take into account these interactions, producing simulations that do not fit the experimental results accurately. Given the internal discontinuity nature of granular media, it is reasonable to use numerical methods to model their behavior, such as discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA)-a member of the discrete element method family that started to be used in the 90s to analyze similar problems. The version of DDA used in the current work treats grains as rigid circular particles with friction, damping and eventually cohesion with the objective of simulating and analyzing in detail the discharge of granular materials with bucket elevators. A deterministic computer code has been implemented and validated against simplified analytical formulae and experimental results taken from the literature. This computer code is then used to obtain optimum two-dimensional bucket geometries under specific working conditions. The optimization aims to maximize transport distance and to minimize remaining material, taking into account bucket velocity and the properties of the grains. The resulting geometries are discussed and compared against standard designs.J.L. Perez-Aparicio, R. Bravo were partially supported by the MFOM I+D (2004/38), both by MICIIN #BIA 2008-00522 and the first also by Polytechnic University of Valencia under grant PAID 05-10-2674. J.J. Gomez-Hernandez was partially supported by MICIIN #CGL 2011-23295.Pérez Aparicio, JL.; Bravo, R.; Gómez-Hernández, JJ. (2014). Optimal numerical design of bucket elevators using discontinuous deformation analysis. Granular Matter. 16(4):485-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-014-0485-5S485498164Rademacher, F.: Non-spill discharge characteristics of bucket elevators. Powder Technol. 22(2), 215–241 (1979)Koster, K.: Bulk material discharge of bucket elevators, especially high-capacity bucket elevators. [zum schuettgutabwurf bei becherwerken, insbesondere bei hochleistungsbecherwerken]. Aufbereitungs-Technik 25(8), 450–463 (1984)Koster, K.: Use of high-capacity bucket elevators in the cement industry. [zum einsatz von hochleistungsbecherwerken in der zementindustrie]. Zement-Kalk-Gips 33(3), 116–119 (1980)Koster, K.: Development and state of the art in heavy-duty bucket elevators with central chains—part 2 [entwicklung und stand der technik von hochleistungs-becherwerken mit zentralkette—teil 2]. ZKG Int. 49(4), 173–187 (1996)Koster, K.: Centrifugal discharge of bucket elevators. Bulk Solids Handl. 5(2), 449–460 (1985)Koster, K.: Problem of complete emptying of high-speed elevator buckets. Aufbereitungs-Technik 27(9), 471–481 (1986)Korzen, Z.: Mechanics of gravitational discharge of cell-less bucket wheels in reclaiming machines. Bulk Solids Handl. 7(6), 801–812 (1987)Korzen, Z., Dudek, K.: Mathematical model of the operational efficiency of a multibucket centrifugal discharge wheel [model matematyczny wydajnosci roboczego procesu kola wieloczerpakowego z odsrodkowym wysypem]. Politechnika Warszawska Prace Naukowe Mechanika 1(121), 187–199 (1989)Shi, G., Goodman, R.: Two dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis. Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 9(6), 541–556 (1985)Pérez-Aparicio, J., Bravo, R.: Discrete Elements, vol. 2, pp. 41–77. Consorcio TCN (2006)Shi, G.: Discontinuous Deformation Analysis: A New Model for the Statics and Dynamics of Block Systems. Ph.D. thesis, University of California, Berkeley (1988)Moosavi, M., Grayeli, R.: A model for cable bolt-rock mass interaction: integration with discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) algorithm. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 43(4), 661–670 (2006)Pérez-Aparicio, J., Bravo, R., Ortiz, P.: Refined element discontinuous numerical analysis of dry-contact masonry arches. Eng. Struct. 48, 578–587 (2013)McBride, W., Sinnott, M., Cleary, P.: Discrete element modelling of a bucket elevator head pulley transition zone. Granul. Matter 13(2), 169–174 (2011)Kruggel-Emden, H., Sudbrock, F., Wirtz, S., Scherer, V.: Experimental and numerical investigation of the bulk behavior of wood pellets on a model type grate. Granul. Matter 14(6), 681–693 (2012)Walton, O., Moor, C., Gill, K.: Effects of gravity on cohesive behavior of fine powders: implications for processing lunar regolith. Granul. Matter 9(5), 353–363 (2007)Gao, Y., Muzzio, F., Ierapetritou, M.: Optimizing continuous powder mixing processes using periodic section modeling. Chem. Eng. Sci. 80, 70–80 (2012)Shmulevich, I.: State of the art modeling of soil-tillage interaction using discrete element method. Soil Tillage Res. 111(1), 41–53 (2010)Moon, T., Oh, J.: A study of optimal rock-cutting conditions for hard rock tbm using the discrete element method. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 45(5), 837–849 (2012)Makokha, A., Moys, M., Bwalya, M., Kimera, K.: A new approach to optimising the life and performance of worn liners in ball mills: experimental study and DEM simulation. Int. J. Miner. Process. 84(1–4), 221–227 (2007)Balevičius, R., Kačianauskas, R., Mroz, Z., Sielamowicz, I.: Discrete element method applied to multiobjective optimization of discharge flow parameters in hoppers. Struct. Multidiscip. Optim. 31(3), 163–175 (2006)Hu, L.: Gradual deformation and iterative calibration of Gaussian-related stochastic models. Math. Geol. 32(1), 87–108 (2000)Bravo, R., Pérez-Aparicio, J., Laursen, T.: An energy consistent frictional dissipating algorithm for particle contact problems. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 92(9), 753–781 (2012)Belytschko, T., Liu, W., Moran, B.: Nonlinear Finite Elements for Continua and Structures. Wiley, New York (2000)Beckert, R., Föll, R.: Untersuchung der abwurfverhältnisse an kettenbecherwerken. Förden Heben 1(15), 833–836 (1966)Jaskulski, A.: Engineer-to-order approach to high speed bucket elevator design in a small-enterprise. Appl. Eng. Agric. 24(5), 545–557 (2008)Beverley, G.: Mechanics of High Speed Bucket Elevator Discharge. Ph.D. thesis. University of Newcastle (1986)Beverley, G., Roberts, A., Hayes, J.: Mechanics of high speed elevator discharge. Bulk Solids Handl. 3(4), 853–859 (1983)Korzen, Z., Dudek, K.: Reclaiming with a high-speed bucket wheel with centrifugal discharge. Bulk Solids Handl. 11(3), 615–626 (1991)Bravo, R., Pérez-Aparicio, J., Laursen, T.: An enhanced energy conserving time stepping algorithm for frictionless particle contacts. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 85(11), 1415–1435 (2011)Jaskulski, A.: Methodology of Multi-Criteria Optimization of Appliances for Vertical Grain Transportation. Ph.D. thesis. Warsaw University of Technology (1992

Report of the QCD Working Group

The activities of the QCD working group concentrated on improving the understanding and Monte Carlo simulation of multi-jet final states due to hard QCD processes at LEP, i.e. quark-antiquark plus multi-gluon and/or secondary quark production, with particular emphasis on four-jet final states and b-quark mass effects. Specific topics covered are: relevant developments in the main event generators PYTHIA, HERWIG and ARIADNE; the new multi-jet generator APACIC++; description and tuning of inclusive (all-flavour) jet rates; quark mass effects in the three- and four-jet rates; mass, higher-order and hadronization effects in four-jet angular and shape distributions; b-quark fragmentation and gluon splitting into b-quarks.Comment: 95 pages, 48 figures, contribution to Proceedings of the LEP2 Monte Carlo Workshop. References for NLO 4-jet matrix elements adde

Review—meta-review of fire safety of lithium-ion batteries: industry challenges and research contributions

The Lithium-ion battery (LIB) is an important technology for the present and future of energy storage, transport, and consumer electronics. However, many LIB types display a tendency to ignite or release gases. Although statistically rare, LIB fires pose hazards which are significantly different to other fire hazards in terms of initiation route, rate of spread, duration, toxicity, and suppression. For the first time, this paper collects and analyses the safety challenges faced by LIB industries across sectors, and compares them to the research contributions found in all the review papers in the field. The comparison identifies knowledge gaps and opportunities going forward. Industry and research efforts agree on the importance of understanding thermal runaway at the component and cell scales, and on the importance of developing prevention technologies. But much less research attention has been given to safety at the module and pack scales, or to other fire protection layers, such as compartmentation, detection or suppression. In order to close the gaps found and accelerate the arrival of new LIB safety solutions, we recommend closer collaborations between the battery and fire safety communities, which, supported by the major industries, could drive improvements, integration and harmonization of LIB safety across sectors

Diurnal variation in expired breath volatiles in malaria-infected and healthy volunteers

We previously showed that thioether levels in the exhaled breath volatiles of volunteers undergoing controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) with P. falciparum increase as infection progresses. In this study, we show that thioethers have diurnal cyclical increasing patterns and their levels are significantly higher in P. falciparum CHMI volunteers compared to those of healthy volunteers. The synchronized cycle and elevation of thioethers were not present in P. vivax-infection, therefore it is likely that the thioethers are associated with unique factors in the pathology of P. falciparum. Moreover, we found that time-of-day of breath collection is important to accurately predict (98%) P. falciparum-infection. Critically, this was achieved when the disease was asymptomatic and parasitemia was below the level detectable by microscopy. Although these findings are encouraging, they show limitations because of the limited and logistically difficult diagnostic window and its utility to P. falciparum malaria only. We looked for new biomarkers in the breath of P. vivaxCHMI volunteers and found that a set of terpenes increase significantly over the course of the malaria infection. The accuracy of predicting P. vivax using breath terpenes was up to 91%. Moreover, some of the terpenes were also found in the breath of P. falciparum CHMI volunteers (accuracy up to 93.5%). The results suggest that terpenes might represent better biomarkers than thioethers to predict malaria as they were not subject to malaria pathogens diurnal changes

A study on text-score disagreement in online reviews

In this paper, we focus on online reviews and employ artificial intelligence tools, taken from the cognitive computing field, to help understanding the relationships between the textual part of the review and the assigned numerical score. We move from the intuitions that 1) a set of textual reviews expressing different sentiments may feature the same score (and vice-versa); and 2) detecting and analyzing the mismatches between the review content and the actual score may benefit both service providers and consumers, by highlighting specific factors of satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) in texts. To prove the intuitions, we adopt sentiment analysis techniques and we concentrate on hotel reviews, to find polarity mismatches therein. In particular, we first train a text classifier with a set of annotated hotel reviews, taken from the Booking website. Then, we analyze a large dataset, with around 160k hotel reviews collected from Tripadvisor, with the aim of detecting a polarity mismatch, indicating if the textual content of the review is in line, or not, with the associated score. Using well established artificial intelligence techniques and analyzing in depth the reviews featuring a mismatch between the text polarity and the score, we find that -on a scale of five stars- those reviews ranked with middle scores include a mixture of positive and negative aspects. The approach proposed here, beside acting as a polarity detector, provides an effective selection of reviews -on an initial very large dataset- that may allow both consumers and providers to focus directly on the review subset featuring a text/score disagreement, which conveniently convey to the user a summary of positive and negative features of the review target.Comment: This is the accepted version of the paper. The final version will be published in the Journal of Cognitive Computation, available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12559-017-9496-