Search results

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reliability and structure function of refrigeration complex system consisted of four components in complex manner.

Although, a variety of methodologies have been used to assess the refrigeration system's reliability function that has proven to be effective, the universal generating function approach is the basis of this research study, which is used in the calculation of a domestic refrigeration system with four separate components that are related in series and parallel with a corresponding sample to form a complex machine.

In this paper, signature reliability of the refrigeration system has been evaluated with the universal generating function technique. There are four components present in the proposed system in complex (series and parallel) manner. The tail signature, signature, Barlow–Proschan index, expected lifetime and expected cost of independent identically distributed are all computed.

This is the first study of domestic refrigeration system to examine the signature reliability with the help of universal generating function techniques with various measures. Refrigeration systems are an essential process in industries and home applications as they perform cooling or the maintain temperature at the desired value. A cycle of refrigeration consists of four main components such as, heat exchange, compression and expansion with a refrigerant flowing through the units within the cycle.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstacles that impede cold chain implementation in developing countries.

A grounded theory methodology was employed to execute this research. Eight semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with senior managers in Vietnam. In addition, consistent with grounded theory guidelines, the authors utilized archival data to facilitate theory development.

The results of the analysis revealed a total of ten key obstacles: deficient professional skills, lack of quality and safety-control measures, high concentration of intermediaries, poor infrastructure, lack of information systems, high cost of installation and operation, inadequate education and training at farmer level, deficiency of standardization, lack of government support for local businesses and social norms.

Although many authors have recognized the enormity of food wastage and limited employment of cold chain in developing countries compared to developed countries, few efforts have been made to explore the reasons for the limited use of cold chains in developing countries. There are several noteworthy theoretical and managerial contributions that emerged from addressing this gap.

There is a large number of perishable foodstuffs produced, stored, distributed and delivered daily around the world. Almost all except for root vegetables are sensitive products to temperature. Thus, adopting uninterrupted and appropriate logistics activities with predetermined range of temperature from production site until end-user is critical for ensuring required quality and safety. If a mistake is made during either transport or storage, it not only becomes risky for human health, but also generates huge food waste for the environment and negative economic impact for food providers. Therefore, this study aims to identify all potential factors affecting the cold chain performance in the food industry and to design a framework that includes these factors. This framework is also a roadmap for managers, food providers and logistics parties for sustainable cold chain management.

Considering, tangible and intangible potential criteria, the ultimate goal of this study is to identify potential criteria affecting cold food chain performance and propose a conceptual framework including 12 main criteria. Next, the importance order of each criterion and the causal relationships between them are determined. In this study, this relationship among criteria is analyzed by using fuzzy Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach because of its ability to solve complex problems by ensuring causal relationship among factors, additionally to determine importance order. Finally, suggestions for administrative implications are presented.

Fuzzy DEMATEL was used to explain the causal link and importance order among identified drivers. The analysis shows that five criteria (C1, C3, C8, C9 and C12) belong to cause (influential) groups and remaining seven criteria belong to effect (influenced) groups. The highest influential criterion is staff (C8) and is followed by technical issues (C9) as the second most influential factor. Additionally, top three most important factors are traceability (C7), staff (C8) and cold transportation (C5). According to the numerical results of fuzzy DEMATEL implementations, suggestions for managerial implementations are presented.

The main contribution of the study is to propose meaningful suggestions for managerial implications about sustainable cold chain in food industry for businesses and to examine causal relations between criteria and to rank criteria in descending importance order.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on determining the potential criteria affecting cold supply chain performance both theoretically and empirically in the sustainability environment. What are the enablers that affect the cold food supply chain stages is the research question of this study.

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.

Describes a study to measure the quality of service provided by food‐poisoning surveillance agencies in England and Wales in terms of the requirements of a representative consumer ‐ the egg producing industry ‐ adopting “egg associated” outbreak investigation reports as the reference output. Defines and makes use of four primary performance indicators: accessibility of information; completeness of evidence supplied in food‐poisoning outbreak investigation reports as to the sources of infection in “egg‐associated” outbreaks; timeliness of information published; and utility of information and advice aimed at preventing or controlling food poisoning. Finds that quality expectations in each parameter measured are not met. Examines reasons why surveillance agencies have not delivered the quality demanded. Makes use of detailed case studies to illustrate inadequacies of current practice. Attributes failure to deliver “accessibility” to a lack of recognition on the status or nature of “consumers”, combined with a self‐maintenance motivation of the part of the surveillance agencies. Finds that failures to deliver “completeness” and “utility” may result from the same defects which give rise to the lack of “accessibility” in that, failing to recognize the consumers of a public service for what they are, the agencies feel no need to provide them with the data they require. The research indicates that self‐maintenance by scientific epidemiologists may introduce biases which when combined with a politically inspired need to transfer responsibility for food‐poisoning outbreaks, skew the conduct of investigations and their conclusions. Contends that this is compounded by serious and multiple inadequacies in the conduct of investigations, arising at least in part from the lack of training and relative inexperience of investigators, the whole conditioned by interdisciplinary rivalry between the professional groups staffing the different agencies. Finds that in addition failures to exploit or develop epidemiological technologies has affected the ability of investigators to resolve the uncertainties identified. Makes recommendations directed at improving the performance of the surveillance agencies which, if adopted will substantially enhance food poisoning control efforts.

Reducing noise and vibration is an increasingly important objective for designers and users of a wide range of mechanical systems. Lubricants can contribute to reduction of overall noise and vibration generated by machines, both by reducing generation of acoustic energy in lubricated contacts and by modulating the transmission of vibration through the lubricant. This paper outlines various mechanisms by which the lubricant may affect the generation and transmission of acoustic vibration. Examples from the area of refrigeration compressor lubrication are presented, demonstrating that correct design and selection of lubricant can have a significant impact on noise and vibration.