Abstract: This preliminary study presents the results of applying a decision method based on linear aggregation of criteria to identify safe route networks to educational centers in Alto Valle Este (Argentina), focusing on students using active mobility. Key factors such as distance, road safety, and the quality of pedestrian infrastructure are examined and georeferenced using GIS. These factors are analyzed to prioritize criteria and identify optimal route networks using Dijkstra's algorithm. Additionally, information on safe corridors proposed by the safety council for educational institutions is incorporated as constraints in the multicriteria decision method. In conclusion, the applied methodology is a robust tool for identifying safe route networks, offering greater coverage for students who rely on active transport modes to access education.

Resumen: Este estudio preliminar presenta los resultados de la aplicación de un método de decisión basado en la agregación lineal de criterios, para identificar redes de caminos seguros hacia centros educativos en el Alto Valle Este (Argentina), enfocado en estudiantes que utilizan movilidad activa. Se examinan factores clave como la distancia, la seguridad vial y la calidad de la infraestructura peatonal, georreferenciados mediante GIS. Estos factores son analizados para determinar las prioridades en los criterios e identificar las redes de recorridos óptimos, utilizando el algoritmo de Dijkstra. Además, se incorpora como restricciones en el método de decisión multicriterio, información adicional sobre corredores seguros propuestos por el consejo de seguridad de las instituciones educativas. En conclusión, la metodología aplicada es una herramienta robusta para la identificación de redes de recorridos seguros, ofreciendo una mayor cobertura para estudiantes que dependen de medios activos de transporte para acceder a la educación.

Resumen Con la perspectiva de implementar sistemas neuromórficos con redes de memristores, presentamos una plataforma numérico-computacional que permite estudiar sus propiedades de transporte eléctrico. La misma consta de: una función que describe el comportamiento del memristor individual (la cual permite considerar un caso experimental de interés) y un diagrama genérico de conexión entre memristores. Utilizando esta plataforma, se estudian redes bidimensionales de diferentes tamaños incorporando también efectos ambientales (tales como humedad y temperatura). Además, seleccionando los puertos eléctricamente accesibles se evalúa el impacto de la conectividad en las propiedades eléctricas de la red. Los resultados indican que, más allá de las características individuales de los memristores (determinadas por el modelo elegido), tanto el grado de conectividad, la topología del conexionado, y las condiciones ambientales influyen significativamente en la respuesta eléctrica macroscópica de las redes.

Abstract With the perspective of implementing neuromorphic devices using memristor networks, we present a numerical-computational platform that allows studying their electrical transport properties. It consists of a function that describes the behavior of an individual memristor (which enables the consideration of an experimental case of interest) and a connection diagram between memristors. Using this platform, two-dimensional networks of various sizes are studied, also incorporating environmental effects (such as humidity and temperature). Furthermore, by selecting the electrically accessible ports, the impact of connectivity on the electrical properties of the network is evaluated. The results indicate that, beyond the individual characteristics of the memristors (determined by the particular selected model), the degree of connectivity, the topology of the connections, and the environmental conditions significantly influence the macroscopic electrical response of the networks.

Resumen El artículo analiza la integración entre ferrocarril subterráneo (Metro) y autobuses particulares en Santiago de Chile durante la dictadura y los primeros años del retorno a la democracia. Con dos líneas operativas durante este periodo, el Metro no cubría la extensión ni las necesidades de movilidad de la ciudad, que utilizaba mayoritariamente el transporte de superficie, y ofrecía mayor cobertura con menores costos tarifarios comparados con el subterráneo. Externalidades como la congestión y contaminación junto con la subutilización del Metro, impulsaron la creación de redes intermodales público privadas materializadas en recorridos de superficie y medidas de integración tarifaria, antecedentes directos para el rediseño de las políticas al transporte colectivo aplicadas posteriormente. Observando esta experiencia de planificación, el texto ahonda en la ordenación de la actividad en un contexto de liberalización económica y políticas desregulatorias junto a sus impactos urbanos en la construcción de un espacio metropolitano.

Abstract The article analyzes the integration between the underground railway (Metro) and private buses in Santiago de Chile during the dictatorship and the first years of the return to democracy. With two lines in operation during this period, the Metro did not cover the extension or the mobility needs of people, who used mostly surface transportation due offered greater coverage and lower fare costs compared to the subway. Externalities such as congestion and pollution together with the underutilization of the Metro, promoted the creation of public-private intermodal networks through surface routes and fare integration measures, direct precedents for the redesign of collective transport policies applied later. Observing this planning experience, the text delves into the organization of the activity in a context of economic liberalization and deregulatory policies together with its urban impacts on the construction of a metropolitan space.

Resumo O artigo analisa a integração entre o metrô e os ônibus privados em Santiago do Chile durante a ditadura e os primeiros anos do retorno à democracia. Com duas linhas em operação nesse período, o Metrô não cobria a extensão e nem as necessidades de mobilidade das pessoas, que utilizavam majoritariamente o transporte de superfície, porque oferecia maior cobertura e menor custo tarifário em relação ao metrô. Externalidades como congestionamento e poluição, aliadas à subutilização do Metrô, promoveram a criação de redes intermodais público-privadas por meio de rotas de superfície e medidas de integração tarifária, antecedentes diretos para o redesenho das políticas de transporte público aplicadas posteriormente. Observando essa experiência de planejamento, o texto aprofunda a organização da atividade em um contexto de liberalização econômica e políticas de desregulamentação e seus impactos urbanos na construção de um espaço metropolitano.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of socio-economic variables influencing the provision of basic skills for navigating the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR OBJECTIVES: The study aims to describe the variables underpinning this study, using statistical analysis and quantitative measurement as displayed in Table 1. It also investigates the role of socio-economic variables, using a Chi-Square test and Multinomial Logistic Regression techniques, in the provision of basic skills for handling direct and indirect challenges of the 4IR. Further, it attempts to provide recommendations, based on research findings, on strategies for ensuring that long-distance truck drivers are well-equipped with the necessary skills for meeting the demands of the 4IR METHOD: The study utilised a quantitative research method. A multinomial regression model was used to describe long-distance truck driver data collected in South Africa. A total of 314 participants completed the questionnaire RESULTS: Results revealed that variables such as driver's education level, frequency of route usage, company type, and driver's work location are significant predictors in predicting whether a given truck driver possesses basic skills for handling the challenges of the 4IR. This finding holds significant practical implications, as it allows for targeted interventions and tailored strategies aimed at effectively addressing the identified predictors to encourage the desired response of having long-distance truck drivers equipped with essential 4IR skills CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding factors affecting long-distance truck drivers in getting basic 4IR skills essential for them to properly implement new technologies arising in the haulage trucking industry CONTRIBUTION: It documents the experiences of long-distance truck drivers in the face of newly emerging technologies in the transport industry

Abstract In reproductive technologies, uncovering the molecular aspects of oocyte and embryo competence under different conditions is crucial for refining protocols and enhancing efficiency. RNA-seq generates high-throughput data and provides transcriptomes that can undergo additional computational analyses. This study presented the transcriptomic profiles of in vitro matured oocytes and blastocysts produced in vitro from buffalo crossbred (Bubalus bubalis), coupled with gene co-expression and module preservation analysis. Cumulus Oophorus Complexes, obtained from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries, were subjected to in vitro maturation to yield metaphase II oocytes (616) or followed in vitro fertilization and culture to yield blastocysts for sequencing (526). Oocyte maturation (72%, ±3.34 sd) and embryo development (21.3%, ±4.18 sd) rates were obtained from three in vitro embryo production routines following standard protocols. Sequencing of 410 metaphase II oocytes and 70 hatched blastocysts (grade 1 and 2) identified a total of 13,976 genes, with 62% being ubiquitously expressed (8,649). Among them, the differentially expressed genes (4,153) and the strongly variable genes with the higher expression (fold-change above 11) were highlighted in oocytes (BMP15, UCHL1, WEE1, NLRPs, KPNA7, ZP2, and ZP4) and blastocysts (APOA1, KRT18, ANXA2, S100A14, SLC34A2, PRSS8 and ANXA2) as representative indicators of molecular quality. Additionally, genes exclusively found in oocytes (224) and blastocysts (2,200) with specific biological functions were identified. Gene co-expression network and module preservation analysis revealed strong preservation of functional modules related to exosome components, steroid metabolism, cell proliferation, and morphogenesis. However, cell cycle and amino acid transport modules exhibited weak preservation, which may reflect differences in embryo development kinetics and the activation of cell signaling pathways between buffalo and bovine. This comprehensive transcriptomic profile serves as a valuable resource for assessing the molecular quality of buffalo oocytes and embryos in future in vitro embryo production assays. technologies efficiency RNAseq RNA seq highthroughput high throughput analyses Bubalus bubalis, bubalis , bubalis) coexpression co Complexes slaughterhousederived slaughterhouse derived ovaries 616 (616 526. 526 . (526) 72%, 72 (72% 334 3 34 ±3.3 sd 21.3%, 213 21 (21.3% 418 4 18 ±4.1 41 7 grade 2 13976 13 976 13,97 62 8,649. 8649 8,649 8 649 (8,649) them 4,153 4153 153 (4,153 foldchange fold change 11 BMP15, BMP15 BMP (BMP15 UCHL1 UCHL WEE1 WEE NLRPs KPNA7 KPNA ZP2 ZP ZP4 APOA1, APOA1 APOA (APOA1 KRT18 KRT ANXA2 ANXA S100A14 SA S A SLC34A2 SLCA SLC PRSS Additionally 224 (224 2,200 2200 200 (2,200 components metabolism proliferation morphogenesis However bovine assays 61 (61 52 (526 72% (72 33 ±3. 21.3% (21.3 ±4. 1397 97 13,9 6 864 8,64 64 (8,649 4,15 415 15 (4,15 BMP1 (BMP1 (APOA KRT1 S100A1 SLC34A 22 (22 2,20 220 20 (2,20 (6 5 (52 (7 ±3 21.3 (21. ±4 139 9 13, 86 8,6 (8,64 4,1 (4,1 (BMP S100A (2 2,2 (2,2 ( (5 ± 21. (21 8, (8,6 4, (4, 2, (2, (8, (4 (8

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease, a significant global health concern rooted in social inequalities and political oversights, remains a challenging public health issue impacting millions worldwide. The increasing detection of triatomines, the vectors of Chagas disease, in urban areas complicates the situation. Methods: This study investigated the incidence of Rhodnius neglectus in the urban areas of Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, following several reports and previous collections of triatomines in the city. An educational approach was adopted, distributing informational materials and engaging the community through social networks to generate notifications that would enable the identification of triatomines. Specimens were collected using various methods, including passive surveillance actions, light traps, and active searches in palm trees. Results: Rhodnius neglectus was found in urban areas, invading homes in Jaboticabal, and was identified in palm trees. The educational approach led to the collection of 93 triatomines. Colonization was observed in a residence, with eggs, nymphs, and a concerning record of blood-feeding on a resident child. The houses where specimens were captured often had nearby palm trees with birds and nests, facilitating the passive transport of these insects and increasing the risk of invasion due to light attraction. No triatomines infected with Trypanosoma cruzi were identified. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of R. neglectus in urban environments. The data elucidate the occurrence of R. neglectus in the city of Jaboticabal, associated with its potential behavioral adaptation in urban environments, underscoring the need for innovative control strategies. Background disease oversights worldwide situation Methods Jaboticabal Paulo Brazil adopted methods actions traps Results 9 residence eggs nymphs bloodfeeding blood feeding child nests attraction Conclusions R environments strategies

Asbtract: Currently, the traditional mix design fails to adequately optimize the times involved. Therefore, it is proposed to use the neural network method to improve efficiency in terms of time and access to difficult places, as well as transport to the laboratory. The main objective is to apply deep learning techniques to evaluate the quality of a quarry aggregate and determine if it meets the specifications required for its specific use, in accordance with current regulations. The methodology consisted of collecting 20 images per sample, obtaining the granulometry analysis, 2 quarries from the department of Junín Satipo (Sonomoro and Llaylla) and 1 quarry from the department of Cusco (Vicho) were considered, with a total of 13 samples, in The present article carried out is located within a type of experimental research with a quantitative approach. The results were obtained through the execution of the Yolo algorithm, with image detection, obtaining 93.20%, according to the Peruvian technical standard (NTP 400.12, 2001), with a standard deviation of 0.96%. The algorithm was trained according to the sieves given in the Peruvian technical standard (NTP 350.001, 1970). In conclusion, the use of the algorithm in the data analysis has allowed to significantly reduce the time required to carry out the physical evaluation and has effectively improved the study of the aggregate.

Resumen: En la actualidad, el diseño de mezclas tradicional no logra optimizar adecuadamente los tiempos involucrados. Por lo tanto, se propone utilizar el método de las redes neuronales para mejorar la eficiencia en términos de tiempo y acceso a lugares difíciles, así como en el transporte al laboratorio. El objetivo principal es aplicar técnicas de aprendizaje profundo (deep learning) para evaluar la calidad de un agregado de cantera y determinar si cumple con las especificaciones requeridas para su uso en concreto, de acuerdo con las normativas vigentes. La metodología consistió en recopilar 20 imágenes por muestra, la obtención del análisis de granulometría, se consideró 2 canteras del departamento de Junín Satipo (Sonomoro y Llaylla) y 1 cantera del departamento de Cusco (Vicho), con un total de 13 muestras, en el presente artículo realizado se ubica dentro tipo de investigación experimental con un enfoque cuantitativo. Los resultados se obtuvieron a través de la ejecución del algoritmo Yolo, con la detección de imágenes, obteniendo el 93.20%, según la norma técnica peruana (NTP 400.12, 2001), con una desviación típica de 0,96 %. El algoritmo fue entrenado según los tamices dados en la norma técnica peruana (NTP 350.001, 1970). En conclusión, el uso del algoritmo en el análisis de los datos ha permitido reducir significativamente el tiempo requerido para llevar a cabo la evaluación física y ha mejorado el estudio del agregado de manera efectiva.

Resumen Desde hace varios años, la circulación de vehículos eléctricos se ha incrementado en el país, por lo que se hace necesario estudiar sus impactos en las redes de distribución secundarias. En el proceso de carga de las baterías, se emplean convertidores de potencia controlados, por lo que estas cargas son consideradas como no lineales y provocan la ocurrencia de problemas de calidad de la energía. En el trabajo se estudia, con un experimento, el efecto de los cargadores de baterías empleados en triciclos eléctricos y motorinas. Los resultados revelan que, los equipos que se emplean durante la carga de las baterías, producen armónicos en las corrientes, con valores altos de distorsión armónica. Además, se realiza un análisis del consumo energético y de combustible de estos vehículos, demostrando que los vehículos eléctricos constituyen una alternativa al transporte que presenta menor consumo de combustible, menores costos para el usuario y menor impacto medioambiental.

Abstract For several years, the circulation of electric vehicles has increased in the country, so it is necessary to study their impacts on secondary distribution networks. In the process of charging the batteries, controlled power converters are used, so these charges are considered non-linear and cause the occurrence of power quality problems. At work, the effect of battery chargers used in electric tricycles and motorcycles is studied by an experiment. The results reveal that the equipment used during battery charging produces harmonics in the currents, with high values of harmonic distortion. In addition, an analysis of the energy and fuel consumption of these vehicles is carried out, demonstrating that electric vehicles constitute an alternative to transport that presents lower fuel consumption, lower costs for the user and lower environmental impact.

Abstract: Pipelines are currently the main method of transporting fluids from one place to another within an industrial plant. The present investigation studies the piping configuration of a hydrocarbon transport pump system. An investigation was carried out to identify the different loads present in pump system designs due to self-weight and thermal operating effects to reduce the stresses and displacements exerting on the piping, ensuring its mechanical integrity and the safety of plant equipment and personnel, considering different pressure and temperature scenarios. The model development and analysis was performed in the specialized Bently AutoPIPE software under static conditions, using produced water as the working fluid.; the operating temperature and pressure data are 100 °F and 320 psi, respectively. For the analysis, two configuration models were used pipes with rigid and flexible system, allowing to compare results and validate that the stresses in pipes and pumps nozzles are within the allowable loads according to ASME B31.3 and API 610 standards. Based on the analysis results, the sustained and thermal stresses are 16.3 and 14.4 ksi, values that represent approximately 75 % of the maximum stress of the respective standard for piping or rotating equipment nozzles, as well as the development of a safe, reliable design within the project budget.

Resumen: En la actualidad las tuberías son el principal método de transporte de fluidos de un lugar a otro, dentro de una planta industrial. La presente investigación estudia la configuración de tuberías de un sistema de bombas de transporte de hidrocarburo. Se realizó una investigación para identificar las diferentes cargas presentes en diseños de los sistemas de bombas, debido a efectos de peso propio y térmicos operativos, con el fin de reducir los esfuerzos, desplazamientos que actúan en las tuberías, garantizando su integridad mecánica y la seguridad de los equipos y del personal de la planta, considerando diferentes escenarios de presión y temperatura. El desarrollo y análisis del modelo se ha realizado en el software especializado Bently AutoPIPE en condiciones estáticas, utilizando agua de producción como fluido de trabajo, los datos operativos de temperatura y presión son 100 °F y 320 psi respectivamente. Para el análisis, se emplearon dos modelos de configuración; tuberías con sistema rígido y flexible, permitiendo comparar resultados y validar que los esfuerzos en tuberías y boquillas de bombas se encuentren dentro de las cargas admisibles de acuerdo con las normas ASME B31.3 y API 610. Con base en los resultados del análisis, los esfuerzos en sostenido y térmicos son 16.3 y 14.4 ksi, valores que representan aproximadamente el 75 % del esfuerzo máximo de la norma respectiva de tuberías o boquillas de equipos rotatorios, como también al desarrollo de un diseño seguro, confiable y que se encuentre dentro de los presupuestos del proyecto.

RESUMEN Las redes de carreteras urbanas son líneas vitales en las ciudades para satisfacer las necesidades de transporte de sus habitantes. El Área de Aglomeración Urbana de Patna (PUAA) carece de carreteras debidamente planificadas; muchas tienen anchos variables con invasiones que reducen el ancho efectivo del camino. Se requiere un análisis de capacidad de servicio a través de una encuesta de tráfico para crear un perfil de flujo de tráfico. Este perfil ayuda a realizar análisis de ruta, elevación y capacidad de servicio en función del tiempo. En este estudio, los datos de tráfico se recolectaron usando una cámara en cruces de carreteras y señales vitales. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de tráfico manual en lugares donde solo se observó tráfico activo en horas pico. La red de carreteras del área de estudio se creó usando Google Maps, digitalizando las carreteras como líneas y los servicios públicos como puntos. Los datos de la encuesta de tráfico, la red de carreteras y los servicios públicos se analizaron con la herramienta Network Analyst del software ArcGIS. Los resultados revelaron rutas adecuadas en el paso subterráneo y elevado, así como rutas factibles durante horas pico y las ubicaciones con acceso deficiente a los servicios públicos. El análisis se centra en el grupo de personas de bajos ingresos que dependen del transporte y los servicios públicos y son la fuerza que impulsa una economía en desarrollo. Se sugieren soluciones adecuadas para mejorar la red vial existente.

ABSTRACT Urban road networks are lifelines for cities in fulfilling the transportation needs of their inhabitants. The Patna Urban Agglomeration Area (PUAA) lacks properly planned roads; many of them have varying widths, with encroachments that reduce effective road width. A serviceability analysis is required through a traffic survey in order to create a traffic flow profile. This profile aids in performing time-based path, elevation, and serviceability analyses. In this study, traffic data were collected using cameras at vital road junctions and signals. A manual traffic survey was conducted at locations where active traffic was observed during peak hours. The road network of the study area was created using Google Maps, digitizing roads as lines and utilities as points. The traffic survey data, the road network, and the utilities were analyzed in the Network Analyst tool of the ArcGIS software. The analyses revealed suitable routing at underpass and overpass, as well as feasible paths during peak hours and locations with poor utility access. The analysis focused on the low-income group of people who depend on public transport and utilities and are the driving force of a developing economy. Suitable solutions are suggested to improve the existing road network.

Resumen: Brindar un servicio de salud efectivo como Estado equivale a dar la vida. Los servicios de salud, cuyo pilar es optimizar la cadena de suministro con políticas públicas basadas en la equidad, corresponden a brindar vida. Identificar todas las variables y características de los servicios permite desarrollar un modelo multiobjetivo para representar una red de servicios públicos de salud. En este estudio, se ha analizado un caso de la Red Pública Nacional de Colombia, minimizando costos y contribuyendo a la toma de decisiones. En este trabajo se ha propuesto un enfoque multiobjetivo para optimizar la Red Pública Nacional en Colombia. El esquema propuesto combina técnicas matemáticas con aspectos gerenciales relacionados con la red pública de salud. Así, identificamos la distribución de los servicios por municipio para minimizar el costo total y maximizar la cobertura. Se sugiere la apertura de servicios de acuerdo a la exigente complejidad y transporte de pacientes entre instituciones. Los resultados contrastan con los servicios hospitalarios actuales del Valle del Cauca en Colombia. Los resultados del esquema propuesto muestran una reducción en el traslado de pacientes con un mínimo incremento en los costos de los servicios hospitalarios. La propuesta de servicio se basa en mejorar el acceso y la calidad en la prestación de los servicios, evitando la duplicidad de oferta y generando un impacto en la sostenibilidad de la red del Valle del Cauca.

Abstract: Providing an effective health service as a state is equivalent to giving life. Health services, whose pillar is to optimize the supply chain with public policies based on equity, are equal to providing life. Identifying all the variables and characteristics of the services allows the development of a multiobjective model to represent a public health services network. A case of the National Public Network of Colombia has been analyzed, minimizing costs and contributing to the decision-making process. In this paper, a multiobjective approach to optimize the National Public Network in Colombia has been proposed. The proposed scheme combines mathematical techniques with managerial aspects related to public network health. Thus, we identify the distribution of services by the municipality to minimize the total cost and maximize coverage. The opening of services is suggested according to the demanding complexity and transport of patients between institutions. The results contrast with the current hospital services of Valle del Cauca in Colombia. The proposed scheme results show a reduction in the transfer of patients with a minimum increase in the costs of hospital services. The service proposal is based on improving access and quality in the provision of services, avoiding duplication of supply, and generating an impact on the sustainability of the network of Valle del Cauca.

Abstract The advent of the 5th generation of mobile networks brought a large number of new use case and applications to be supported by the physical layer (PHY), which must be more flexible than all previous radio access networks (RAN). The concept of the centralized RAN (C-RAN) allows all the baseband processing to be performed in the central office, simplifying the network deployment and also allowing the operators to dynamically control the PHY according with the applications requirements. The radio-frequency (RF) signal generated by the C-RAN can be transported to the remote radio unit (RRU) by using a radio over fiber (RoF) system. In this paper, we propose two RoF approaches for composing the transport and access networks of the next-generation systems. The first investigation relies on the implementation of a machine learning-based digital pre-distortion (DPD), designed for RoF systems. In the second approach, we implement an RoF system and characterize the optical and electrical power levels aiming to reduce the RoF non-linear distortions. The overall link performance is evaluated by measuring the error vector magnitude (EVMRMS) and 590 Mbit/s is achieved with EVMRMS as low as 4.4% in a 10 m reach cell. th PHY, , (PHY) RAN. . (RAN) CRAN C (C-RAN office requirements radiofrequency frequency RF (RF RRU (RRU (RoF paper nextgeneration next systems learningbased learning based predistortion pre distortion DPD, DPD (DPD) approach nonlinear non linear distortions (EVMRMS 59 Mbits Mbit s 44 4 4.4 1 cell (PHY (RAN (DPD 5 4.

BACKGROUND: The business environment is increasingly becoming volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) because of globalisation, increased competition, random consumer tastes changes and environmental factors. Traditional procurement strategies are becoming increasingly redundant because of the volatility of the global business environment. The market has thus called for increased agility to conquer the VUCA nature of the supply chain environment. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to examine the role that e-procurement plays in augmenting the agility of supply chains. The four determinants of e-procurement, that is, e-design, e-sourcing, e-evaluation and e-negotiation, were linked directly with supply chain agility METHOD: A census approach was taken to gather data from 219 supply chain and procurement employees of Zimbabwe's telecommunications and technology industry. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used based on a scientifically developed and validated supply chain agility measurement scale from the extant literature. RESULTS: Using structural equation modelling (SEM), the study's results confirmed that e-procurement significantly predicts supply chain agility. All determinants of e-procurement were statistically significantly explaining supply chain agility in a volatile business environment CONCLUSION: The study concludes that e-procurement augments the agility of the supply chain in volatile business environments, as e-procurement can increase swiftness and agility as it fosters ubiquitous business processes on a seamless real-time basis. It emerged from the study that the supply chain vulnerabilities volatile industries face could be eliminated through supply chain agility, augmented through e-procurement systems. The study's findings also implore supply network members from upstream to downstream to adopt e-procurement. CONTRIBUTION: The study has practical implications for all supply network members from upstream to downstream. It implores these members to adopt e-procurement to revive supply networks amid environmental volatility and alleviate miscommunication. Study also offers theoretical implications for e-procurement and supply chain management. The study also contributes to the body of knowledge by extending the existing theories on e-procurement and supply chains in the context of environmental volatility.

Abstract: This research study seeks to compare the conditions of geographical accessibility on motor transport modes between two-time frames (peak hour and off-peak hour) to assess the possible relationship between them. Accessibility conditions may represent a specific time or a time frame and not the city’s overall state, depending on the moment the operating speed information is gathered. A direct comparison allows identifying changes in accessibility conditions according to existing infrastructural networks and the time frame examined. The results show city areas where accessibility conditions are more favorable during peak hour than during off-peak hour. It is concluded that defining transport schedules when making field measurements is an important parameter that must be considered to obtain unbiased results.

Resumen: La presente investigación busca comparar las condiciones de accesibilidad geográfica en modos motorizados de transporte entre dos franjas horarias (hora pico y hora valle) identificando la relación entre estas. Según el momento en el que se recolecte la información de velocidades en la vía es posible que las condiciones de accesibilidad representen un instante de tiempo o franja horaria y no el escenario general de la ciudad. Se realiza una comparación que permite identificar el cambio en dichas condiciones según la oferta infraestructural y la franja de tiempo estudiada. Como resultado, se identificaron las zonas de la ciudad en las que las condiciones de accesibilidad eran más favorables durante la hora pico que durante la hora valle. Se concluye que al momento de realizar mediciones en campo, la definición de los horarios de éstos se convierte en un parámetro importante que debe ser tenido en cuenta para no obtener un resultado sesgado.

Abstract Forecasting vehicle traffic flow is considered an important input for traffic planning and management for the countries' intelligent transport systems (ITS). This article analyzes the hourly flow of light vehicle traffic that drives in highway 27 of Costa Rica in one direction (San JoseCaldera). The data collected by the ITS of the route is used to forecast the behavior of hourly vehicular traffic. For this, three forecasting methods are proposed, which are compared to select the model with best performance: Seasonal Arima (SARIMA), Seasonal Naïve (SNAIVE), and Autoregression with Neural Network (NNAR). All three models are evaluated and are considered useful for prediction, however the NNAR model results in better performance when forecasting the hourly time series with the lowest MAPE of 9.4 and is consider a candidate for use in ITS. By applying the cross-validation process in the models, the conclusion is supported that as the NNAR is tested for more days, the prediction results are more stable and accurate.

Resumen El pronóstico de flujo de tráfico vehicular se considera un insumo importante para la gestión y planificación de tráfico para los sistemas de transporte inteligente (STI) de los países. En este artículo se analiza el flujo horario del tráfico de vehículos livianos que circulan en un sentido de la Ruta 27 (San José-Caldera) en Costa Rica. Se aprovechan los datos recolectados por los STI de la ruta para pronosticar el comportamiento de tráfico vehicular horario. Para ello, se proponen tres métodos de predicción, los cuales se comparan para seleccionar el modelo de mejor rendimiento: Arima Estacional (SARIMA), Ingenuo Estacional (SNAIVE)y Autoregresión con Redes Neuronales (NNAR). Los tres modelos de predicción son evaluados y se consideran útiles a la predicción, sin embargo, el modelo de NNAR tiene como resultado un mejor rendimiento al pronosticar la serie de tiempo por hora, teniendo como resultado el menor MAPE de 9.4 y se considera un candidato para ser utilizado en los STI. Al aplicar el proceso de validación cruzada en los modelos, se respalda la conclusión que conforme se prueba el modelo NNAR para más días los resultados de la predicción son más estables y precisos.