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We provide the spectral expansion in a weighted Hilbert space of a substantial class of invariant non-self-adjoint and non-local Markov operators which appear in limit theorems for positive-valued Markov processes. We show that this class is in bijection with a subset of negative definite functions and we name it the class of generalized Laguerre semigroups. Our approach, which goes beyond the framework of perturbation theory, is based on an in-depth and original analysis of an intertwining relation that we establish between this class and a self-adjoint Markov semigroup, whose spectral expansion is expressed in terms of the classical Laguerre polynomials. As a by-product, we derive smoothness properties for the solution to the associated Cauchy problem as well as for the heat kernel. Our methodology also reveals a variety of possible decays, including the hypocoercivity type phenomena, for the speed of convergence to equilibrium for this class and enables us to provide an interpretation of these in terms of the rate of growth of the weighted Hilbert space norms of the spectral projections. Depending on the analytic properties of the aforementioned negative definite functions, we are led to implement several strategies, which require new developments in a variety of contexts, to derive precise upper bounds for these norms.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the decision-making process and provide a decision support framework for deployment of an on-site analytical capacity (a fieldable laboratory (FL)) to contain an expanding outbreak and protect public health. Design/methodology/approach The FL mission cycle consists of five successive interlinked phases with a set of operational functions (OFs) performed during the mission. The list of phases, OFs and their contents were iteratively developed during and after FL missions and validated with operational partners. Findings The well-defined structure of the FL domain appears as the best functional basis for tracking the decision-making process across the whole mission cycle. Description of all the FL elements and information flows addresses the major issue of interoperability of resources used by similar international capacities (inter-)acting as operational partners in global response to the crisis. Originality/value The work presents the first attempt in this field to systematically describe and chronologically organize the decisions taken by a FL manager and staff during all phases of the FL mission cycle. Definition of OFs with all the related information flows allows for comparison of procedures, their better planning and refining, validation of protocols, mutual training and operational improvement between FLs from different geographical, organizational and cultural origins.

A Model for an Online Specialized Dictionary for GIS.As part of a MA study completed at Stellenbosch University, a model for an online specialized dictionary for GIS was developed to address three problems. The first problem is the large number of specialized dictionaries created without the guidance of the theory of lexicography. A dictionary seldom reaches its potential of user-friendliness and accessibility without the guidance of theory of lexicography. One field of study that has this problem is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Looking at online GIS dictionaries, the second problem is identified: the existing specialized dictionaries for GIS are not sufficient sources for GIS pedagogy in South Africa. The existing dictionaries are not aimed at any specific user. Beginners, semi-experts and experts are all treated the same without taking into account their individualized needs. There is also no specialized dictionary that provides an operational function — all of the dictionaries focus only on text reception. A look at the communicative function of these specialized dictionaries shows the third problem: there is no GIS dictionary that offers translation equivalents in Afrikaans (or any of the other official African languages). This article proposes a model developed with the theory of lexicography that can address the gap in GIS pedagogy in South Africa, as it is intended for beginners and has both an operational and a communicative function.

The article deals with the main problems of port elevators, which lead to incomplete use of their capacities. They include: the problem of reducing the capacity factor of the elevator capacity, the problem of lack of rhythm of grain picking operations, the problem of inconsistency with railway transport, the problem of storage of different crops and crops of different quality, the problem of loss of time during the shipment of grain to the ship. The necessity of detailed planning of port elevators' operations by the determination of flows of work passing through the system, as well as the control of their implementation, is proved. The graphical model of implementation of the operational function of the port elevator is suggested, which will allow to coordinate its operations and to check the possibility of their implementation during the departure period of the ship. This model establishes the order of operations, as well as the main planning documents that regulate them. The use of a technological map of the implementation of the operational function for describing the list and sequence of basic operations for the formation of a ship batch and its shipment, conditions and requirements for their implementation, as well as information about the equipment used, is suggested. The graphical model and the technological map of the implementation of the port elevator's operational function provide information on the rational sequence and coherence of the operations' planning for the formation of the ship party and its shipment, which reduces the time loss, provides the opportunity to coordinate the work of the elevator with its transportation system.

Fast on-scene deployment of an analytical laboratory capacity to help contain an outbreak of infectious disease requires setting up an appropriate policy framework and a range of operating procedures to ensure efficient support to decision-making, as well as the optimal engagement and use of dedicated resources. This work focuses on fully autonomous deployment when the mobile capacity operators themselves need to make decisions and implement all the operational functions (OFs), from basic needs like provision of equipment, power supply, food and accommodation for the staff, to complicated procedures like logistics of transportation and supply chain. A model of the identity and structure of specific decision-making requirements for a generic deployment of laboratory capacities was built from the real experience during specific deployments of the operators and managers of the Belgian capacity Biological Light Fieldable Laboratory for Emergencies (B-LiFE). Self- and external assessments were conducted and lessons learned successively reviewed after each deployment by B-LiFE laboratory operators and managers and observers in the framework of European demonstration projects and joint exercises. The result was consolidated by integrating the assessment of European Commission-appointed certifiers during the certification procedure of B-LIFE as a self-sufficient module of the European Medical Corps, namely the European modules exercise “Modex” in April 2017 (Revinge, Sweden) followed by the “ModTTX 4” Table-top in May 2017 (Bruges, Belgium). A complete and updated set of Fieldable Laboratory operational functions is presented, including their contents, cross-links, inter-dependencies, information needs for implementation, and related decisions.

There are two topics discussed in this chapter. The first is about regulatory compliance. The second is about operations. The head of regulatory function is responsible for regulatory intelligent automation. Both regulatory compliance and operations intelligent automation are approached from our overall goal of industrial‐scale enterprise machine learning. The chapter evaluates why intelligent automation is the only way forward for asset management firms. In the regulatory AI area, it will be necessary to form a cross‐functional team. A firm that either fails in regulatory compliance or does not adopt ethical standards (such as GIPS) may be viewed as less attractive by investors. GIPS offers one of the best ways to demonstrate the readers' business's acceptance and pursuance of global ethical standards of disclosures, measuring performance, and strengthening internal controls.

The business continuity plan (BCP) is used by organizations of all sizes to detail how business will continue if a disaster or emergency occurs. The BCP documents department, employee, and supplier information; inventory; emergency procedures; and post‐disaster plan for all business operational functions. A BCP comprises the prearranged plans and procedures that critical business functions will execute to ensure business continues relatively unscathed until computer and telecommunications facilities are reestablished following a disaster. Disaster recovery is a small subset of business continuity. It is also sometimes confused with work area recovery, also only a part of business continuity. The growing sophistication of physical security through technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of things means IT and physical security are becoming more closely connected, and as a result security teams need to be working together to secure both the physical and digital assets.

Local organizations have become key mechanisms in effective, fair, and sustainable resource management and development in India. This book adds empirical evidence to the debate on whether or not these functions are performed as expected. Based on research in three sectors in three states in India, the authors’ findings indicate that the design of and support for local organizations are often little more than rudimentary, resulting in less than adequate performance and raising serious sustainability concerns. Two debates dominate discourse on the roles of organizations. The first is a practical one on how to make local organizations function effectively. The second focuses on the relative roles of government organizations—both elected local governments and administrative line departments—and different forms of non-government organizations, including the private sector and community groups at the local level. This study suggests that these debates cannot be separated and indicates that sector-specific configurations of a plural organizational landscape, in which government, non-government, and private organizations are an integral part, are required for effective and sustainable development. Local Organizations in Development will be an invaluable resource for those concerned with the analysis, policy, and practice of development initiatives that seek to further decentralize governance and development. “A very good report, using a unique high quality database and sophisticated statistical techniques.”Professor François Vaillancourt, Economics DepartmentUniversité de Montréal “. . . one of the most comprehensive and balanced studies of the performance of local organizations in the context of decentralization programs . . .”Dr. Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Senior Research FellowInternational Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC.

Revenue administration is a major point of contact between government and the people. Good revenue administration thus becomes an important feature of good governance. This fact has made policy makers increasingly mindful of the need to promote voluntary tax compliance by reducing the costs incurred by taxpayers to comply with their tax obligation. Promoting voluntary compliance is achieved through a set of measures that includes: (i) a self-assessment system, (ii) a well-designed compliance strategy based on risk management, (iii) good taxpayer services to help and educate taxpayers to meet their obligations, and (iv) simple and harmonized procedures for collection of different taxes and contributions. In the effort to harmonize procedures and minimize the need for citizens to respond to multiple agencies, many countries have integrated their revenue administrations, either by merging tax and customs administration, or by unifying collection of tax and social security contributions, or by both. Their experiences indicate that integrating collection also entails modernizing the revenue administration so that the contact between the tax office and the taxpayer is no longer physical but virtual, thanks to the extensive use of information and communication technology. The book focuses on how to plan and manage integration successfully and avoid the risks of failure. By examining four successful country cases in depth, and by reviewing selected themes in seven other country cases, the book has drawn attention to the need for a strong, visionary, and pragmatic leadership; a professional project team with strong skills and dedication; consensus building; and public support through effective communications.

There are many different statistical sampling plans. This chapter discusses two of these plans, whose characteristics lend themselves to the partial audits taken from discovery. The first, fixed‐size attribute sampling, can accommodate developing systems where system deviation may be relatively high and easily measured. The other is stop‐or‐go sampling, which can be used in stable systems with low deviation rates and hard‐to‐find errors. Apostolou & Alleman propose a seven‐step strategy for a fixed‐size attribute sampling plan. This includes determining the objectives of the test, defining the attribute and deviation conditions, defining the population, determining the method of sample selection method, determining the sample size, performing the procedures of the sampling plan and evaluating the sample and express conclusions. Stop‐or‐go sampling may be appropriate to controls of operations because of the natural grouping of operational functions, say documentation, production, resources, and so on.