Transport und Logistik im Wandel

Editoria

Real-time PCR expression profile of all receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases in prostate cancer

Objectives: Tyrosine kinases (TKs) represent a group of enzymes that play a key role in the development of cancer. They act as important relay points affecting proliferation, differentiation, cell motility and apoptosis. Consequently, they are the focus of studies investigating the molecular basis of tumour development and progress. For the first time, we show the gene expression signature of all TKs in prostate cancer. Methods: The expression of 89 TKs was examined in prostatic tissue by real-time PCR (i.e. TaqMan Low Density Array). Tissue sampling, RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis were meticulously standardized. Cancer specimens of defined histological grades were compared to benign tissue. Expression data was processed using a combination of different software solutions to take on the problems of normalization and statistics. Results: We identified six TK genes with a significant increase (ABL2: +3.46-fold) or decrease (FGFR2: -3.46-fold, FGFR4: -4.59-fold, NTRK1: -4.38-fold, NTRK3: -6.04-fold, ROR2: -3.765-fold; p=0,009-0,018) in gene expression. Commercially available antibodies for immunohistochemistry worked well for FGFR2 and ABL2 and confirmed our data on the protein level. Conclusions: Our results underline the potential of an all-TK expression array in cancer and point out a number of TKs that are markedly dysregulated. Especially the overexpression of ABL2 is a finding of high clinical interest, as it provides a rational molecular background for the successful application of imatinib mesylate in prostate cancer. </p

Die gesamtwirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen des LKW Fahrverbots auf der B1 bei Frankenmarkt

(kein Abstract vorhanden

Potential applications of unmanned ground and aerial vehicles to mitigate challenges of transport and logistics-related critical success factors in the humanitarian supply chain

The present decade has seen an upsurge in the research on the applications of autonomous vehicles and drones to present innovative and sustainable solutions for traditional transportation and logistical challenges. Similarly, in this study, we propose using autonomous cars and drones to resolve conventional logistics and transport challenges faced by international humanitarian organizations (IHOs) during a relief operation. We do so by identifying, shortlisting, and elaborating critical success factors or key transport and logistics challenges from the existing humanitarian literature and present a conceptual model to mitigate these challenges by integrating unmanned ground (UGVs) and aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the humanitarian supply chain. To understand how this novel idea of using UGVs and UAVs could help IHOs, we drafted three research questions, first focusing on the identification of existing challenges, second concentrating on remediation of these challenges, and the third to understand realization timeline for UGVs and UAVs. This lead to the development of a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire to record the respondents’ perspectives on the existing challenges and their potential solutions. We gathered data form, ten interviewees, with substantial experience in the humanitarian sector from six IHOs stationed in Pakistan and Austria. In light of the feedback for the second research question, we present a conceptual model of integrating UAVs and UGVs in the relief chain. The results of the study indicate that technological advancement in mobility withholds the potential to mitigate the existing challenges faced by IHOs. However, IHOs tend to be reluctant in adapting UGVs compared to UAVs. The results also indicate that the adaptation of these technologies is subject to their technical maturity, and there are no significant differences in opinions found between the IHOs from Pakistan and Austria

Methodik der Generierung und Anwendung wertorientierter Performance-Kennzahlen zur Beurteilung der Entwicklung des Unternehmenswertes von Flughafenunternehmen

It is often contended that there is a sharp conflict between the economists and the ecologists approach to the question of sustainability. This paper takes the opposite view. The paper attempts to show that both views can be formulated in a common analytical framework and that carried to its logical consequences the ecologic approach is a special case of the economic approach. --

A Systematic Review of Blockchain Literature in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Identifying Research Questions and Future Directions

Potential blockchain applications in logistics and supply chain (LSCM) have gained increasing attention within both academia and industry. However, as a field in its infancy, blockchain research often lacks theoretical foundations, and it is not clear which and to what extent organizational theories are used to investigate blockchain technology in the field of LSCM. In response, based upon a systematic literature review, this paper: (a) identifies the most relevant organizational theories used in blockchain literature in the context of LSCM; and (b) examines the content of the identified organizational theories to formulate relevant research questions for investigating blockchain technology in LSCM. Our results show that blockchain literature in LSCM is based around six organizational theories, namely: agency theory, information theory, institutional theory, network theory, the resource-based view and transaction cost analysis. We also present how these theories can be used to examine specific blockchain problems by identifying blockchain-specific research questions that are worthy of investigation

Impact of Internet of Things on Urban Mobility

The urban population is predicted to increase to 66% by 2050. The rapid growth of urbanization and increasing congestion are significant challenges faced by the world today. Innovative solutions in urban mobility are key for a successful development and a sustainable future. The new paradigm, Internet of Things (IoT), facilitates the need for new approaches in urban transportation, leading to a modern concept: Smart Mobility. The boom of technology and innovation from recent years allowed a great expansion of IoT. Furthermore, the number of smart devices that communicate, cooperate and complement each other, grows rapidly in every domain broadening the scope of IoT applications. This paper sets to discuss the impact that IoT might have on urban mobility, mentioning its implications, challenges and technical solutions. It further reviews the advancements made in the transport infrastructure along the years that support the emergence of Smart Mobility. Three main research questions stay at the forefront of this paper which are drafted in pursuit of the solutions for the problems and challenges currently faced by urban transportation. Which leads to a sustainable future with efficient and effective urban transportation system. The paper uses a mix-method approach, using on one hand qualitative research for literature review (State of the field) and on the other hand quantitative research to assess public opinion on the research topic, through an online questionnaire. To answer the research questions with proper arguments, both research methods were necessary, which lead to optimal results. The results of the questionnaire were interpreted based on Spearman's correlation and descriptive statistical analysis. They brought an in-depth view on the public opinion regarding IoT and the developments enabled by this paradigm within the urban mobility sphere. The output of the questionnaire highlights the eagerness of participants usually stuck in traffic to see innovation within urban mobility. Over all the results based on the opinions suggest that the public strongly believes in the Internet of Thing's applications and its adaptation will benefit the urban transportation system. Furthermore, new developments in the urban mobility sphere will be largely embraced

Untersuchung der Auswirkungen einer Kfz-Steuersenkung in Österreich. Kurzstudie

(kein Abstract vorhanden

Bedeutung von Standards für Innovationen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Standards für Distributed Ledger Technologien in der Transportlogistik

Die Transportlogistik ist aufgrund ihres unternehmensübergreifenden Charakters oft durch eine sehr hohe Komplexität gekennzeichnet. Dem effizienten Austausch von Informationen entlang von Wert-schöpfungsketten und der Koordination der an der Leistungserstellung beteiligten Akteure kommt in diesem Kontext eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Blockchain- und Distributed-Ledger-Technologien können grundsätzlich dabei helfen, die interorganisationale Abstimmung zu erleichtern, die Effizienz und Qualität von Prozessen zu erhöhen und korrespondierende Kosten zu sparen. Zahlreiche Bei-spiele aus dem In- und Ausland demonstrieren eindrucksvoll das Potential von Blockchain-Lösun-gen im Supply Chain Management. Für viele Unternehmen der Transport- und Logistikbranche ist die Nutzung dieser neuen Technolo-gien zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt jedoch noch mit hohen Risiken verbunden. Besonders kritisch ist in diesem Zusammenhang das Fehlen von Standards zu beurteilen, das selbst technologieaffine Be-triebe mit entsprechendem Know-how und Investitionsmöglichkeiten vor große Herausforderungen stellt. Die Verfügbarkeit von (offenen) Standards und unternehmensübergreifend anwendbaren Re-ferenzlösungen bildet eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für den Abbau von Investitionsrisiken. Aus diesem Grund ist es erforderlich, die Rolle von Standards bei der Entwicklung und Diffusion von Blockchain-Lösungen zu untersuchen

Scope of Using Autonomous Trucks and Lorries for Parcel Deliveries in Urban Settings

Courier, express, and parcel (CEP) services represent one of the most challenging and dynamic sectors of the logistics industry. Companies of this sector must solve several challenges to keep up with the rapid changes in the market. In this context, the introduction of autonomous delivery using self-driving trucks might be an appropriate solution to overcome the problems that the industry is facing today. This paper investigates if the introduction of autonomous trucks would be feasible for deliveries in urban areas from the experts’ point of view. Furthermore, the potential advantages of such autonomous vehicles were highlighted and compared to traditional delivery methods. At the same time, barriers that could slow down or hinder such an implementation were also discovered by conducting semi-structured interviews with experts from the field. The results show that CEP companies are interested in innovative logistics solutions such as autonomous vans, especially when it comes to business-to-consumer (B2C) activities. Most of the experts acknowledge the benefits that self-driving vans could bring once on the market. Despite that, there are still some difficulties that need to be solved before actual implementation. If this type of vehicle will become the sector’s disruptor is yet to be seen