Special issue: Industrial Engineering: Overcoming the crisis. CIO2012

This special issue of the Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management contains a selection of the papers that were accepted at the CIO2012 International Conference, developed in Vigo (Spain) under the motto “Industrial Engineering: Overcoming the Crisis”. CIO 2012 gives continuity to the series of annual Conferences initiated in September 1986 in La Rábida (Huelva, Spain). This conference is a very significant scientific event in Business & Operations Management and related areas. Researchers, academics, scientists and managers of diverse parts of the world have the opportunity to exchange experiences, new ideas and topics, in those fields related to Industrial Engineering. The 6th International Conference addresses the great multidisciplinary field formed by Industrial Engineering, from an international point of view. The papers here presented cover a number of consolidated and emerging topics of the conference scope and they may help readers to gain a deeper understanding of how Industrial Engineering could contribute to overcome the economic crisis. We would like to express our gratitude to all the authors, reviewers and the Organizing Committee for their enthusiastic work and magnificent support during CIO 2012

Adopting smart meter events as key data for low-voltage network operation

A pioneering analysis of smart meter events aimed to enhance low-voltage (LV) network operation by the detection of voltage deviations, repetitive incidents or even outage prevention is presented. The main challenge of using smart meters events is the vast amount of data collected: the average of events gathered in an area per day is around 40% higher than the number of smart meters installed. To transform this huge quantity of information in network improvements, a set of strategies have been undertaken. The core purpose of this analysis is to establish a more rational and automated processing of smart meter events, aimed to embrace them as key information for network operation.This development is part of the UPGRID project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 646531 (http://upgrid.eu/

Promoting Structured Participation for Competitiveness in Services Companies

Purpose: To identify the main drivers that facilitate the successful deployment of a participation program aimed at improving competitiveness, as a prior step to analyze and discuss the implementation of these drivers in three services companies. Design/methodology/approach: The selection of the drivers was based on a “content analysis” of recent literature (2007-2017). To test the level of deployment of these drivers, the “case study” technique was chosen. The authors have selected two public transport companies and one bank, which have more than twenty years’ experience in the development of participation programs. Findings: From the case studies analysis, we conclude that participation can successfully improve a company’s competitiveness, provided that the drivers are developed with this specific aim. Thus, the analysis of these drivers allows to identify some gaps in aspects such as, the extension of participation throughout the company, the methodology adopted in the deployment of participation programs, the organizational structure for monitoring the program tasks, the reward/recognition systems and, especially, the implementation of KPIs for connecting participation and competitiveness. Research limitations/implications: This paper is based on a review of current literature, the analysis of three case studies, and our own personal experience. Our observations and comments may be qualified by future investigation with an increased sample of companies. Practical implications: This paper could be of interest to companies due to outlines the drivers that are critical to implementing participation programs focused on competitiveness. This could help companies that are thinking of implementing such programs, or those that are unhappy with their current programs, to re-design their plans in line with their business strategy. Originality/value: The main contribution of this paper lies in its theoretical and applied approach, analyzing in a comparative and longitudinal way the deployment of the drivers in services companies. This analysis allows the identification of strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of these participation programs focused on competitiveness. This combined and comparative approach is considered especially novel in the academic and professional world. Likewise, the analysis of companies with a longstanding history in their participation programs is also relevant, particularly, in the services sector.Peer Reviewe

Optimal Phase Swapping in Low Voltage Distribution Networks Based on Smart Meter Data and Optimization Heuristics

In this paper a modified version of the Harmony Search algorithm is proposed as a novel tool for phase swapping in Low Voltage Distribution Networks where the objective is to determine to which phase each load should be connected in order to reduce the unbalance when all phases are added into the neutral conductor. Unbalanced loads deteriorate power quality and increase costs of investment and operation. A correct assignment is a direct, effective alternative to prevent voltage peaks and network outages. The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of an optimization model for allocating phases consumers according to their individual consumption in the network of low-voltage distribution considering mono and bi-phase connections using real hourly load patterns, which implies that the computational complexity of the defined combinatorial optimization problem is heavily increased. For this purpose a novel metric function is defined in the proposed scheme. The performance of the HS algorithm has been compared with classical Genetic Algorithm. Presented results show that HS outperforms GA not only on terms of quality but on the convergence rate, reducing the computational complexity of the proposed scheme while provide mono and bi phase connections.This paper includes partial results of the UPGRID project. This project has re- ceived funding from the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 646.531), for further information check the website: http://upgrid.eu. As well as by the Basque Government through the ELKARTEK programme (BID3A and BID3ABI projects)

Proyecto de explotación para el cultivo y procesado de aloe vera en gel estabilizado en frio T.M.Denia,Valencia

[ES] Debido a la necesidad de encontrar cultivos alternativos que mejoren la rentabilidad de los negocios agrarios de nuestro entorno, se propone el cultivo de Aloe vera. Cultivo ampliamente conocido por sus propiedades como regenerador celular pero sin embargo, bastante desconocido en cuanto a su manejo agronómico. Se realizará la puesta en marcha del cultivo en una finca de 10.000 m2 en el municipio de Denia. Se proyectará la construcción necesaria para alojar y abastecer energéticamente los componentes del cabezal de riego mediante energía fotovoltaica, además de la instalación de baja tensión necesaria. Para cerrar el ciclo de transformación se diseñará el proceso necesario para transformar las hojas del cultivo en un gel estabilizado en frío para su posterior venta a industrias farmacéuticas.[EN] Due to the need to find alternative crops that improve the rentability of the agricultural businesses in our environment, this project will englobe the whole process of the cultivation of Aloe Vera. This plant it¿s widely known because of the properties it has as cell regenerator, but nonetheless unknown in terms of its agronomic management. The crop will take place on 10,000 m2 area. Moreover, the construction necessary to keep in good conditions the components of the irrigation head and the electric installation nedded will be projected, which will be supplied by photovoltaic energy. In addition, to close the transformation cycle, the process necessary to transform the leaves of the crop into cold stabilized gel will be designed for later sale.Caldentey García De Prado, GJ. (2020).Adaptación del cultivo de moringa oleifera en algunas zonas de la Comunidad Valenciana T.M.Denia,Valencia. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/149513TFG

Burnout subtypes and their clinical implications: A theoretical proposal for specific therapeutic approaches

Abstract: Burnout is associated with a poor perception of health status, psychosomatic disorders and physical illness. The aim of this study is to construct a comprehensive theoretical proposal for a therapeutic intervention that is sensitive to the different clinical manifestations of this state. In order to do this, the frenetic, under-challenged and worn-out subtypes of burnout are presented in a systematic manner, together with the interventions that may provide suitable management for each subtype. Said clinical profiles may represent different stages in the progression of burnout, and have specific dysfunctional mechanisms that require a choice of adjusted intervention strategies according to the characteristics of each particular case. Finally, the degree of dedication to work and its clinical repercussions are put forward as a hypothesis to explain the progressive impairment caused by burnout, and as a target on which primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies could be founded.Resumen: Subtipos de burnout e implicaciones clínicas: Una propuesta teórica basada en abordajes terapéuticos específicos. El burnout se asocia con un peor estatus de salud percibida, trastornos psicosomáticos y enfermedades físicas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es articular una propuesta teórica comprehensiva de intervención terapéutica sensible a las diferen­tes manifestaciones clínicas de dicho estado. Para ello, se presentan de forma sistemática los subtipos de burnout frenético, sin-desafíos y desgastado, así como las intervenciones que pueden proporcionar un adecuado manejo de cada subtipo. Dichos perfiles clínicos parecen representar momentos diferentes en la progresión del burnout, con mecanismos disfuncionales especí­ficos, que obligan a optar por estrategias de intervención ajustadas a las características de cada caso en particular. Finalmente, se propone el grado de dedicación en el trabajo, y sus repercusiones clínicas, como hipótesis para explicar la progresiva erosión que supone el burnout, y como eje sobre el que fundamentar las estrategias de prevención primaria, secundaria y terciaria.Abstract: Burnout is associated with a poor perception of health status, psychosomatic disorders and physical illness. The aim of this study is to construct a comprehensive theoretical proposal for a therapeutic intervention that is sensitive to the different clinical manifestations of this state. In order to do this, the frenetic, under-challenged and worn-out subtypes of burnout are presented in a systematic manner, together with the interventions that may provide suitable management for each subtype. Said clinical profiles may represent different stages in the progression of burnout, and have specific dysfunctional mechanisms that require a choice of adjusted intervention strategies according to the characteristics of each particular case. Finally, the degree of dedication to work and its clinical repercussions are put forward as a hypothesis to explain the progressive impairment caused by burnout, and as a target on which primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies could be founded.Resumen: Subtipos de burnout e implicaciones clínicas: Una propuesta teórica basada en abordajes terapéuticos específicos. El burnout se asocia con un peor estatus de salud percibida, trastornos psicosomáticos y enfermedades físicas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es articular una propuesta teórica comprehensiva de intervención terapéutica sensible a las diferen­tes manifestaciones clínicas de dicho estado. Para ello, se presentan de forma sistemática los subtipos de burnout frenético, sin-desafíos y desgastado, así como las intervenciones que pueden proporcionar un adecuado manejo de cada subtipo. Dichos perfiles clínicos parecen representar momentos diferentes en la progresión del burnout, con mecanismos disfuncionales especí­ficos, que obligan a optar por estrategias de intervención ajustadas a las características de cada caso en particular. Finalmente, se propone el grado de dedicación en el trabajo, y sus repercusiones clínicas, como hipótesis para explicar la progresiva erosión que supone el burnout, y como eje sobre el que fundamentar las estrategias de prevención primaria, secundaria y terciaria

The crystal structure of a compartmental heptadentate ligand

The 13th International Electronic Conference on Synthetic Organic Chemistry session General Organic Synthesis2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine (H3L) was obtained with high purity by Schiff's condensation between 5-bromosalicyaldehyde and triethylenetetramine. Its recrystallisation in methanol yields single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. H3L crystallises in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c, with a = 21.641(3) Å, b = 11.1217(14) Å, c = 11.4156(15) Å and β = 90.016

Double imidazolidine condensation in a polynucleating Schiff base

The 14th International Electronic Conference on Synthetic Organic Chemistry session General Organic SynthesisCondensation of pentaethylenehexamine and 3-bromo-5-chlorosalicylaldehyde yielded the bisimidazolidine Schiff base ligand 5,6\'-(1E,1\'E)-(2,2\'-(3,3\'-(ethane-1,2- diyl)bis(2-(3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazolidine-3,1-diyl))bis(ethane- 2,1-diyl))bis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(2-bromo-4- chlorophenol), H4L. This diimine could be suitably characterised both in the solid state and in solutio

Development of a controlled vocabulary for learning objects' functional description in an educational repository

Proceeding of: Metadata for Knowledge and Learning (DC 2006). October 3-6, 2006. Colima, MexicoThis paper presents the development of a controlled vocabulary for functional description in an educational repository project which has adopted a DC application profile. The vocabulary, organized according to the identified functions of educational documents and learning objects' components, permits their retrieval and reuse to be improved.The DOTEINE Project has been financed by the Spanish Interministerial Commission of Science & Technology (CICYT, ref. BSO2003-04895). The IACORIE Project has been financed by the Regional Government of Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid, ref. 06/HSE/0165/2004).Publicad

Switching Costs in the European Postal Service. Are There Any Solutions?

[Abstract] This article examines the costs of switching that may exist in the European postal sector, where it is carried out an ambitious process of opening to competition since 1997. Inadequate regulation of the access to some elements of postal infrastructure or services within the scope of the universal postal service exists. This article proposes adaptations to ensure transparent and non-discriminatory access conditions to elements of postal infrastructure in line with the sectorial directives aimed at strengthening competition in the long term in the postal market. The proposed adaptations focus on services such as postcode systems, address databases, post office boxes, delivery boxes, re-direction and return to sender services. All of them can help reduce the switching cost and thus strengthen competition