Connecting business models with service platform designs: Exploiting potential of scenario modeling

Heterogeneity of technical and business designs, complexity of business collaborations, diversity and fragmentation of business roles are just some of the consequences of service platform evolution that complicate their business analysis. Service-oriented business models are usually on a higher abstraction level than the underlying service platform designs. Business models require detailing prior to their financial analysis, in order to include a proper cost and revenue structure and a realistic risk picture in techno-economic analyses. Understanding well service platform business processes and scenarios is equally important for realistic modeling of service usage, delivery and provision. This work discusses a techno-business modeling approach for quantitative analysis of services and platforms (21, 20 and 19), which “reinterprets” the business models by service platforms’ technical and business entities, processes and scenarios. In such a way it describes the roles, responsibilities and incentives of collaborating business actors in service delivery and provision and uses them in business analyses and valuations. We explain the approach theoretically, illustrate its analytical potential and demonstrate its practical use on the proof-of-the-concept service platform.     

High-efficiency on-line solid-phase extraction coupling to 15-150-microm-i.d. column liquid chromatography for proteomic analysis

The ability to manipulate and effectively utilize small proteomic samples is important for analyses using liquid chromatography (LC) in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) and becomes more challenging for very low flow rates due to extra column volume effects on separation quality. Here we report on the use of commercial switching valves (150-microm channels) for implementing the on-line coupling of capillary LC columns operated at 10,000 psi with relatively large solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns. With the use of optimized column connections, switching modes, and SPE column dimensions, high-efficiency on-line SPE-capillary and nanoscale LC separations were obtained demonstrating peak capacities of approximately 1000 for capillaries having inner diameters between 15 and 150 microm. The on-line coupled SPE columns increased the sample processing capacity by approximately 400-fold for sample solution volume and approximately 10-fold for sample mass. The proteomic applications of this on-line SPE-capillary LC system were evaluated for analysis of both soluble and membrane protein tryptic digests. Using an ion trap tandem MS it was typically feasible to identify 1100-1500 unique peptides in a 5-h analysis. Peptides extracted from the SPE column and then eluted from the LC column covered a hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity range that included an estimated approximately 98% of all tryptic peptides. The SPE-capillary LC implementation also facilitates automation and enables use of both disposable SPE columns and electrospray emitters, providing a robust basis for automated proteomic analyses.     

A new analytical method for determination of discharge duration in tunnels subjected to groundwater inrush

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - Unexpected water inrush to tunnels is one of the most hazardous events, especially in karst terrains that could take place during mechanized...     

A study of structure and tensile properties of polyamide 12/clay nanocomposites

The nanocomposites are multiphase materials where at least one phase is in nanoscale, less than 100 nm, whereby a higher specific interfacial area is achieved. Due to their characteristic properties, the nanocomposites are nowadays being increasingly used for the engineering applications, and certainly will have a significant role in the materials production in the future. An important class of nanocomposite materials are polymer layered silicates, in which the layered filler (mostly modified natural clay minerals) is dispersed in the polymer matrix. Many of parameters (i.e., type of polymer matrix, type and amount of nanofiller, and a number of process parameters as melting temperature, screw speed, number and shape of mixing screws, etc) affect properties of nanocomposites. As part of the paper, the samples of PA12/nanoclay nanocomposite mixture were made by adjusting various parameters (content of nanoclay, the screw rotation frequency and mixture temperature). Afterward, the tensile properties of obtained specimens were analysed. The mathematical models that show dependence of tensile properties on the mixture parameters were obtained as the result of analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:684–691, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Intelligent modular design with holonic fuzzy agents

Presently,modular designs use various technologies accompanied by multiple models.Although no integral solution is known,a plethora of approaches is used to res...     

Retention of linalool and eugenol in hydrogels

Textural parameters of hydrogels prepared from hydrocolloids (guar gum or xanthan; 0.5 or 1% (w/w)) and disaccharides (sucrose and trehalose) were investigated after preparation and storage for 30 days. Volatile compounds (linalool or eugenol) were added to the hydrogels in order to investigate their behaviour in those systems and to determine whether there is correlation between textural parameters and their retention. Textural parameters that were evaluated were firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and index of viscosity. Regarding textural parameters, there was no significant difference between hydrogels prepared with 0.5% of hydrocolloids. With increase of the amount of added hydrocolloid, textural parameters increased and differences between sucrose- and trehalose-containing hydrogels were observed. Hydrogels prepared with trehalose had lower values of textural parameters. Correlation between texture and retention of volatile compounds was not observed or it was very low.     

The importance of air quality for underground spaces: An international survey of public attitudes

Space is a resource that is constantly being depleted, especially in mega-cities. Underground workspaces (UGS) are increasingly being included in urban plans and have emerged as an essential component of vertical cities. While progress had been made on the engineering aspects associated with the development of high-quality UGS, public attitudes toward UGS as work environments (ie, the public's design concerns with UGS) are relatively unknown. Here, we present the first large-scale study examining preferences and attitudes toward UGS, surveying close to 2000 participants from four cities in three continents (Singapore, Shanghai, London, and Montreal). Contrary to previous beliefs, air quality (and not lack of windows) is the major concern of prospective occupants. Windows, temperature, and lighting emerged as additional important building performance aspects for UGS. Early adopters (ie, individuals more willing to accept UGS and thus more likely to be the first occupants) across all cities prioritized air quality. Present results suggest that (perceived) air quality is a key building performance aspect for UGS that needs to be communicated to prospective occupants as this will improve their attitudes and views toward UGS. This study highlights the importance of indoor air quality for the public.     

Brown rice proteins as delivery system of phenolic and volatile compounds of raspberry juice

Development of novel food ingredients with health benefits as well as desired sensory attributes is of great importance for food industry. For that purpose, complexes (BRP/R) between brown rice proteins (amounts varied; 2%, 6% and 10%) and raspberry juice were prepared. Obtained complexes were evaluated for the amount of volatile compounds, phenolic content, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. Those parameters depended on proteins amount. The highest adsorption of total phenolics and anthocyanins (18.18 mg g⁻¹ and 4.59 mg g⁻¹, respectively) was observed on complexes obtained with the lowest amount of proteins (2%). Regarding volatiles, dominant flavour note in raspberry juice was berry (40% of overall flavour), followed by citrus and woody notes (each around 18%), while dominant flavour note on complexes was citrus note (60%) followed by green note (15%). These results suggest an efficient plant-based approach to produce value-added protein-based complexes with possible utility as food colourant and flavouring.     

Changes in macroelements,trace elements,heavy metal concentrations and chemical composition in milk of Croatian spotted goats during different lactation stages

The research was conducted on days 60, 90, 120 and 150 during the lactation with the aim to determine the effect of lactation stage on the concentration of crucial elements and chemical composition in Croatian spotted goats' milk. Milk yield significantly decreased (from 1.15 to 0.76 kg/day), while the concentration of Ca, Mg, P, Zn and Mo in the milk of the goats significantly increased during lactation. The concentrations of Cr, Cd and Pb in milk were very low, with no significant deviations during lactation. The quality of milk from Croatian spotted goats is adequate compared with other breeds in the surrounding area of Croatia.