Inter-firm Relationships and Performance Factors in the Australian Beef Supply Chain: Implications for the Stakeholders

Recent study by Meat & Livestock Australia revealed that cost competitiveness and market development issues in supply chain are the major factors for a long term decline of the Australian Beef industry. This study, based on the explanation of transaction cost theory argues that competitive performance of an industry depends on improving cost efficiency across the whole of supply chain, the underlying value chain, and the relationship among the stakeholders in the industry. With a main objective to investigate the underlying factors of developing competent inter-firm relationship that influence the supply chain performance and competitiveness, this study presents details of a survey carried out and tests the hypothesis that inter-organizational relationships in supply chain and its antecedents have impact on the performance of Australian beef industry and thus have impact on the competitiveness of the industry. Data were collected through a telephone survey of 315 firms in the beef industry from the states of Western Australia and Queensland. The sample respondents were categorized as input suppliers, beef-cattle producers, processors, retailers/exporters, and wholesalers. The data were analysed using the partial least square based structural equation modelling. PLS analysis reveals that ‘Transaction Climate’ is the strongest determinants of developing a competent relationship, while negotiation power, presence of industry competitors, and the degree of vertical coordination significantly influence the relationship strength. Findings also demonstrate that relationship strength is the most prevalent source of performance and competitiveness, while SC performance highly positively influences the Competitiveness of beef industry. Thus this study identifies significant antecedents and consequences of Supply Chain Performance in Australian beef industry, which are strategic and extremely important information for beef producers, processors, retailers, and other stakeholders for appropriate planning and benchmarking.Beef Supply Chain, Agribusiness Management, Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness,

Characterisation of virus isolates associated with leaf yellowing in Swedish sugar-beet plants

Plants of sugar beet with symptoms of virus infection (mosaic and yellowing) were collected from Skåne in Sweden for virus identification and characterization. To test the presence of Beet mosaic virus (BtMV) several detection methods were applied, such as: mechanical inoculation/transmission test with sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), red beet (Beta vulgaris) cv Rubia, spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cv Long Standing Bloomsdale and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cv Sonette; DAS-Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) with polyclonal antibody; RT-PCR amplification with Potyviridae-specific universal primers Sprimer/M4 (Chen et al., 2001), and BtMV-specific primer pairs BM1/BM2 and BM1/BM3 (Glasa et al., 2003). No BtMV infection was observed from the results of the tests mentioned above. To check the possible infection of beet polero/luteovirus, RT-PCR amplification was conducted with Luteoviridae-specific universal primers Lu1/Lu4 (Robertson et al., 1991) and the expected band of ca 500 bp was found for the collected samples. The PCR fragments of the isolates were cloned, sequenced and then used for phylogenetic analyses. The sequence information of the two Swedish isolates SE1 and SE2 collected from Skåne revealed a sequence of 505 nucleotides and they were found to be 100% identical to each other. Comparison to the sequences in GenBank using BLASTn search showed 99% nucleotide identity and 100% amino acid identity (using BLASTp & BLASTx) with the Coat Protein encoding region of Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) isolates. Phylogenetic analyses with different evolutionary best-fit models showed that both of the isolates are very closely related to the British isolate BMYV-Broom’s Barn. The sequence information of isolate SE1 was submitted to GenBank and the accession number FN827048 was obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular identification and sequence information for BMYV from Sweden

Impact of knowledge management and inter-organizational system on supply chain performance : the case of Australian agri-food industry

Motivated by the problems of cost competitiveness, profitability and market development issues in the Australian agri-food industry, this study was designed to addresses research questions as to how levels of knowledge asset management, inter-organizational systems (IOS) and relationship structures impact on the performance of a supply chain and differentiate the performance of the industry. Supply chains in the Australian agri-food industry have been based mainly on market arrangements with operation production pushed and, often, adversarial, resulting in profitability problems and a lack of innovative actions in developing products and a business based on insights from customers.With the main objective of investigating sources of supply chain performance in the Australian agri-food industry, five specific objectives were investigated. The preliminary conceptual model were developed principally using supply chain management and marketing literature in agribusiness and concepts from resource-based view (RBV), knowledge-based view (KBV) and transaction cost economics (TCE). The study objectives were addressed by a mixed method research methodology through a pragmatist approach that involved a first phase of qualitative data collection to enhance the theoretical model and develop survey instruments, followed by a second phase of quantitative data collection and analysis to test the research hypotheses.The qualitative first phase was based on in-depth interviews with eight agri-food firms to explore the research questions in real-world conditions. Content analysis of the interview transcripts helped identifying important factors and variables related to the performance of the supply chain which, later, were aligned with the literature and enhanced the initial theoretical research model and hypothesized relationships. The second phase involved finalizing the research model that used 22 hypotheses targeting factors of supply chain performance in the specific agri-food industry; viz., the Australian beef industry. A questionnaire was developed and pretested, followed by a pilot study of 68 participants. Finally, data were collected through a random telephone survey of 315 firms including input suppliers, producers, processors and retailers in the beef industries of Western Australia and Queensland. The data were analyzed using partial least square (PLS) based structural equation modelling (SEM).Assessment of the research model demonstrated that 18 of the 22 hypotheses, made up of 11 primary factors and 15 sub-factors, were supported. Results indicated that, among the predictive factors, knowledge asset management was the strongest predictor of supply chain performance, followed by negotiation power, price uncertainty, inter-firm relationship strength and environmental management practices. Competition intensity, vertical coordination and transaction climate were significant antecedents of knowledge asset management, IOS use and inter-firm relationship strength in the Australian context. Results established that relationship strength in the supply chain depends on the level of commitment, mutual investments, trust and interdependence of the firms. The non-significant relationship between IOS and supply chain performance indicated that IOS, by itself, cannot produce sustained performance advantages unless pre-existing complementary human and business resources are exploited in an integrated way. Finally, statistical evidence proved that the supply chain is a source of competitiveness in the industry and that competitive advantage lies in system efficiencies in the performance of the supply chain.Finally, the study provides frameworks for developing the strategies of inter-firm relationships, knowledge asset management and the use of electronic systems in the supply chain to align the best principles of value-creating strategy in firms and in the industry, for competitive advantage. Thus, the results have provided a comprehensive, reliable and valid model of supply chain performance that contributes to knowledge at the strategic level for appropriate planning and benchmarking to improve performance of the agri-food industry. Finally, although the hypothesized relationships in the model have been tested in the beef industry in Australia, the issues can be examined not only in other sectors of the Australian agri-food industry supply chain but also in other agricultural sectors within Australia and overseas

The relationship between urban forestry and poverty alleviation : Dhaka as a case study

Among different benefits of urban forestry, economic benefits can be given more priority in the developing parts of the world. This report described how the poor people of Dhaka can be benefited by well planned Urban Forestry Programme. By analysing the present green resources and poverty situation in Dhaka & using more practical and life experienced example, this project gave overall ideas of major direct and indirect benefits of Urban Forestry programme. Poor people in Dhaka have already a relation in daily life for their livelihood in the cities green spaces. The standard life quality of the poor can be increased by getting them more urban forestry benefits. Industry on nursery and other forest products are creating employment opportunities to the poor and give them extra earning sources. As most of the poor in Dhaka can not get electricity, pure drinking water or other services from the city corporation, urban forestry can increase the possibility to give those services by giving fuel wood, purified water, air etc. Most of the poor inhabitants in Dhaka are working in the outdoor environment and facing environmental hazardous situations due to the continuous pollutions. City forests and trees will decrease pollutions and create a nice working environment for the poor. Moreover getting shelter during day and night poor are saving money from their different expenditure and getting security mentally or economically. Creating recreational places for street children give them the same right to grown up their children in a healthy environment. Also involving the poor in the decision making process will decrease the powerless situation of poor in the society. This report also analyzes the data of current urban green resources in Dhaka and possibility of getting those benefits in practical real life situations .In a final discussions this report shows a possible model to address the poverty by urban forestry in a practical life situations in Dhaka

Supply chain performance of the Australian beef industry: Comparing the industry structure, Inter-firm relationships and knowledge systems of Western Australia and Queensland

The meat and livestock industry in Australia accounts for more than 45 per cent of Australia’s total value of agricultural production, within which beef is the largest industry in value terms (Nossal, Sheng and Zhao 2008). But the industry is experiencing a long-term decline in terms of trade, and has lagged behind other industries in rates of productivity improvement (MLA 2008). As it is critical for the economy that the beef industry maintains profitability and sustainability, it is believed that the performance, competitiveness and success of the industry depends on improving cost efficiency and productivity of the whole supply chain in the industry. The main objective of this study was to investigate how the synergies of developing and utilizing ‘supply chain knowledge’, use of ‘inter-organizational systems (IOS)’, and competent ‘inter-firm relationship’ influence ‘supply chain performance’ and ‘competitiveness’ of the Australian Beef industry.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/books/1007/thumbnail.jp

Research on Comparative Analysis Toxic Effect of Formalin on MBBS Students of Several Medical College in Bangladesh

Formaldehyde is a common indoor pollutant with irritant properties. The evaporation of formaldehyde from cadavers in gross anatomy laboratories can produce high exposure among students and instructors. This study was conducted to assess acute toxic effects of formalin during dissection classes on medical students at the anatomy department in Armed forces medical college, Dhaka (AFMC), Army medical college, Cumilla (AMCC), and Eastern medical college, Cumilla (EMCC) in Bangladesh. A cross sectional approach was adopted to investigate medical students of AFMC (n=125), AMCC (n=50), & EMCC (n=75).Every medical students filled self administered predesigned questionnaire and submitted research authority. The most frequently reported symptoms by medical students of AFMC, AMCC & EMCC were unfavorable scent (84.8%, 86%, 76%), Tearing of eyes (84.8%, 90%, 72%), Running nose with prickling sensibility (61.6%, 82%, 65.33%), Neuralgia/migraine (52%, 86%, 62.67%), Inflammation of eyes (63.2%, 84%, 66.67%), Inconvenience inhale & exhale (72.8%, 86%, 66.67%) , Qualm (80%, 84%, 60%,) Extreme tears/ lacrimation (87.2%, 86% , 49.33%), Sore aphonia/throat(49.6%, 64%, 66.67%), Scabies (53.6%, 78%, 62.67%), Giddiness (63.2%, 72%, 64%), and Blister(52%, 70%, and 65.33%) respectively. Moreover in the current research 69.67%, students of AFMC reported wearing laboratory aprons 56.8%, reported wearing hand gloves and 5.6%, reported wearing eye goggles, where as 92%, of AMCC students reported wearing laboratory aprons/ coat 74%, student wearing hand gloves and 14%,students wearing eye goggles. On the other hand 73.33% of EMCC student reported wearing laboratory aprons 62.67%, students wearing hand gloves as well as only 21.33% students reported wearing eye goggles to protect formalin toxicity. So this research highlighted the irritation action of formalin on medical students during dissection classes in Anatomy department. The harmful effects of formalin can be reduced by some preventive measures like good exhaust ventilation by reducing the concentration of formalin in embalming fluid or using alternative for formalin in the form of phenoxyethanol

RETROFITTING OF SIMPLE MECHANICAL COMPACTING DEVICE (ROCOS) ON CONVENTIONAL RING SPINNING MACHINE FOR IMPROVING YARN QUALITY

Ring spinning is the most popular and universal spinning system due to its significant advantages in comparison with the new spinning systems. But the yarn properties are hampered in ring spinning system with the increase of spindle speed and spinning triangle. Overall yarn properties can be improved by retrofitting of simple mechanical device (rocos) on conventional ring spinning machine. In this study we try to show, how rocos overcome the negative influences of spinning triangle on yarn quality. It also ensures outstanding yarn properties such as hairiness, strength, imperfections, elongation etc. Inspite of higher spindle speed as compared to the yarns which are produced in conventional ring spinning machine by using same raw materials

Knowledge Asset and Inter-Organizational Relationship in the Performance of Australian Beef Supply Chain

Supply Chain Management has become a strategic issue in firm’s success where Knowledge Asset and inter-organizational system can play a substantial role. Given that Australian beef industry is production pushed and lags behind in productivity improvement, this research was carried out to study if knowledge Asset Management (KAM) and inter-organizational relationship structure in supply chain (SC) have any impact on the performance of Australian beef industry leading into improving the competitiveness of the industry. We utilize concepts from organizational theories and marketing literature in agribusiness to develop the formative/reflective constructs, their measurement scales, and then use partial least squares (PLS) based structural equation modeling (SEM) to test our hypotheses. Data were collected through a telephone survey of a total of 315 firms including input suppliers, producers, processors, and retailers in the beef industry of Western Australia and Queensland. The PLS analysis reveals that ‘KAM, is the strongest predictor of SC performance, followed by ‘transaction climate’ and vertical coordination among the chain members. Result also shows that SC performance strongly influences the ‘competitiveness’ of the industry as a whole. Thus this study identifies significant strategic supply chain factors, which will enable the stakeholders to do appropriate planning and benchmarking to improve performance of Australian beef industry

Modeling and simulations of carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion in water/surfactant/polymer systems

An innovative multiscale (atomistic to mesoscale) model capable of predicting carbon nanotube (CNT) interactions and dispersion in water/surfactant/polymer systems was developed. The model was verified qualitatively with available experimental data in the literature. It can be used to computationally screen potential surfactants, solvents, polymers, and CNT with appropriate diameter and length to obtain improved CNT dispersion in aqueous medium. Thus the model would facilitate the reduction of time and cost required to produce CNT dispersed homogeneous solutions and CNT reinforced materials.CNT dispersion in any water/surfactant/polymer system depends on interactions between CNTs and surrounding molecules. Central to the study was the atomistic scale model which used the atomic structure of the surfactant, solvent, polymer, and CNT. The model was capable of predicting the CNT interactions in terms of potential of mean force (PMF) between CNTs under the influence of surrounding molecules in an aqueous solution. On the atomistic scale, molecular dynamics method was used to compute the PMF as a function of CNT separation and CNT alignment. An adaptive biasing force (ABF) method was used to speed up the calculations. Correlations were developed to determine the effective interactions between CNTs as a function of their any inter-atomic distance and orientation angle in water as well as in water/surfactant by fitting the calculated PMF data. On the mesoscale, the fitted PMF correlations were used as input An innovative multiscale (atomistic to mesoscale) model capable of predicting carbon nanotube (CNT) interactions and dispersion in water/surfactant/polymer systems was developed. The model was verified qualitatively with available experimental data in the literature. It can be used to computationally screen potential surfactants, solvents, polymers, and CNT with appropriate diameter and length to obtain improved CNT dispersion in aqueous medium. Thus the model would facilitate the reduction of time and cost required to produce CNT dispersed homogeneous solutions and CNT reinforced materials.CNT dispersion in any water/surfactant/polymer system depends on interactions between CNTs and surrounding molecules. Central to the study was the atomistic scale model which used the atomic structure of the surfactant, solvent, polymer, and CNT. The model was capable of predicting the CNT interactions in terms of potential of mean force (PMF) between CNTs under the influence of surrounding molecules in an aqueous solution. On the atomistic scale, molecular dynamics method was used to compute the PMF as a function of CNT separation and CNT alignment. An adaptive biasing force (ABF) method was used to speed up the calculations. Correlations were developed to determine the effective interactions between CNTs as a function of their any inter-atomic distance and orientation angle in water as well as in water/surfactant by fitting the calculated PMF data. On the mesoscale, the fitted PMF correlations were used as input in the Monte Carlo simulations to determine the degree of dispersion of CNTs in water and water/surfactant system. The distribution of CNT cluster size was determined for the CNTs dispersed in water with and without surfactant addition.The entropic and enthalpic contributions to the CNT interactions in water were determined to understand the dispersion mechanism of CNTs in water. The effects of CNT orientation, length, diameter, chirality and surfactant concentrations and structures on CNT interactions in water were investigated at room conditions. CNT interactions in polymer solution were also investigated with polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer and water as a solvent. In all cases, the atomic arrangement of molecules was discussed in detailed. Simulations revealed that CNT orientation, length, diameter, and addition of surfactant and its structures can significantly affect CNT interactions (i.e., PMFs varied significantly) and in-turn the degree of CNT dispersion in aqueous solution. For all simulation cases, a uniform sampling was achieved by using the ABF method to calculate the governing PMF between CNTs indicating the effectiveness and convergence of the adaptive sampling scheme. The surfactant molecules were shown to adsorb at the CNT surface and contribute to weaker interactions between CNTs which resulted less CNT aggregate size at the mesoscale. Surfactant consisting with a benzene ring contributed much weaker interactions between CNTs as compared with that of without benzene ring. The increase in CNT length contributed the stronger CNT interactions where the increase in CNT diameter caused weaker CNT interactions in water. The interfacial characteristics between the CNT, surfactant and the polymer were also predicted and discussed. The model can be expanded for more solvents, surfactants, and polymers.Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics -- Drexel University, 201

RETROFITTING OF SIMPLE MECHANICAL COMPACTING DEVICE (ROCOS) ON CONVENTIONAL RING SPINNING MACHINE FOR IMPROVING YARN QUALITY

Ring spinning is the most popular and universal spinning system due to its significant advantages in comparison with the new spinning systems. But the yarn properties are hampered in ring spinning system with the increase of spindle speed and spinning triangle. Overall yarn properties can be improved by retrofitting of simple mechanical device (rocos) on conventional ring spinning machine. In this study we try to show, how rocos overcome the negative influences of spinning triangle on yarn quality. It also ensures outstanding yarn properties such as hairiness, strength, imperfections, elongation etc. Inspite of higher spindle speed as compared to the yarns which are produced in conventional ring spinning machine by using same raw materials