Chain Dynamics Research Articles

Supply Chain Dynamics With Sensor Integration for Consumer Electronics in Retail and E-Commerce

Supply Chain Dynamics With Sensor Integration for Consumer Electronics in Retail and E-Commerce

Probing the modulation in facilitated diffusion guided by DNA-protein interactions in target search processes.

Many fundamental biophysical processes involving gene regulation and gene editing rely, at the molecular level, on an intricate methodology of searching and locating the precise target base pair sequence on the genome by specific binding proteins. A unique mechanism, known as 'facilitated diffusion', which is a combination of 1D sliding along with 3D movement, is considered to be the key step for such events. This also explains the relatively much shorter timescale of the target searching process, compared to other diffusion-controlled biophysical processes. In this work, we aim to probe the modulation of target search dynamics of a protein moiety by estimating the rate of the target search process, and the statistics of the search rounds and timescales accomplished by the 1D and 3D motions, based on first passage time (FPT) calculations. This is studied with its characteristics getting influenced by various given conditions such as, when the DNA is rigid or flexible, and when the target is placed at different locations on the DNA. The current theoretical framework includes a Brownian dynamics simulation setup adopting a straightforward coarse-grained model for a diffusing protein on DNA. Moreover, this theoretical analysis provides insights into the complex target search dynamics by highlighting the significance of the chain dynamics in the mechanistic details of the facilitated diffusion process.

Navigating uncertainty in global gas trading: Leveraging cost optimization models within supply chain dynamics

Navigating uncertainty in global gas trading: Leveraging cost optimization models within supply chain dynamics

Transition of iPB-1 with low molecular weight crystallized from solutions.

The dimension or entanglement of polymer chains is crucial to chain dynamics, and the polymer chains can be diluted and disentangled in a solution by reducing the interaction with each other. This letter addresses the role of solution concentration in the crystal transition of isotactic polybutene-1 (iPB-1) with low molecular weight crystallized from solution. It turned out that the transition of iPB-1 obtained from the higher concentration of the solution is faster than that obtained from the lower one. In addition, the disparity in the transition between the early stage and later stage for samples prepared from solutions with and without stirring was characterized. DSC and X-ray experiments revealed that initial temperatures for the solution-crystallized iPB-1 to melt and crystallize into form II dominated the transition. The role of entropy in the transition was proposed as a primary factor influencing the iPB-1 transition. Increasing the concentration of the solution or stirring during crystallization increases the supersaturation for iPB-1 to crystalize from the solution and form less stable crystals. The less stable iPB-1 crystals cause the formation of form II at lower temperatures during heating. Therefore, the lower entropy in amorphous regions resulted in an enhanced propensity for the helical conformation with a lower entropy and consequently accelerated the crystal transition.

IoT and AI in Livestock Management: A Game Changer for Farmers

This review article explores the transformative impact of AI and IoT in livestock management, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing Agriculture 4.0. It delves into various technologies such as robotics, nanotechnology, and gene editing, which are reshaping farming and food systems towards sustainability. The paper emphasizes the significance of digital phenotyping in poultry, particularly in enhancing productivity, animal welfare, and sustainability through innovative genomics research and health monitoring platforms. Additionally, it examines the evolution of e-agriculture in India, focusing on government initiatives and the increasing influence of mobile technology in farming. The role of Big Data in Smart Farming is also scrutinized, revealing its extensive impact beyond primary production and its potential in reshaping supply chain dynamics and business models. The review further assesses the contributions of IoT in agricultural systems, particularly in meeting the challenges of a rapidly growing global population. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper underscores the necessity for ongoing research and development in these areas, recognizing the potential challenges and opportunities presented by these robust, sustainable, and in creating a more technologically advanced agricultural future.

Linking Producers to Consumers: Exploring Supply Chain Dynamics in Nepalese Sugar Industry

Linking Producers to Consumers: Exploring Supply Chain Dynamics in Nepalese Sugar Industry

Insight into ion dynamics in a NaClO4-doped polycaprolactone solid polymer electrolyte for solid state batteries.

Employing low Tg polymers has fundamental limitations in providing the desirable ionic conductivity at ambient temperature due to the freezing of chain dynamics. The stiffening of polymer chains and the formation of highly ordered systems due to the crosslinks have influenced the ionic conductivity. Ionic conductivity of 1.02 × 10-5 S cm-1 was attained for the system that presented a quantum mechanical tunnelling mode of ion transport. A Na-ion transference number of 0.31 was achieved for 30 wt% of NaClO4 salt in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix with an electrochemical stability window of 3.6 V at 25 °C. High crystallinity and limited availability of free Na+ ions in the electrolyte have resulted in lower ionic conductivity. PCL-NaClO4 exhibited brilliant thermal stability and mechanical properties. The influence of cathode materials MnO2, V2O5 and I2 on the discharge characteristics of an electrochemical cell in the configuration cathode |(70 wt%)PCL-NaClO4(30 wt%)|Na has been studied.

Optimising Two-Warehouse Supply Chain Dynamics: a Non-Cooperative Game Theoretical Approach

Optimising Two-Warehouse Supply Chain Dynamics: a Non-Cooperative Game Theoretical Approach

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Transportation using Electric Vehicles and Simulation Modeling

This research elucidates the pursuit of operational excellence in greenhouse gas emission, employing a multifaceted approach to analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), supply chain dynamics, electric vehicle, and technology integration. The investigation reveals a consistent improvement in production efficiency, with an average increase of 0.53%, reduced downtime by an average of 5 hours per month, and a marginal decrease in cycle time. Supply chain metrics exhibit commendable performance, with an average on-time delivery rate of 93.0%, order accuracy of 97.9%, and lead time of 5.5 days. Electric vehicle showcases a strategic investment with an average of 19 hours per month, leading to certifications such as Level 3 and Level 4 for advanced machine operations and programming CNC machines. The integration of advanced technologies demonstrates substantial efficiency improvements, with IoT sensors contributing to a 20% increase, automated robotics showcasing a remarkable 35% enhancement, and advanced data analytics and augmented reality (AR) each exhibiting 25% and 30% improvements, respectively. The findings collectively underscore the interconnected strategies driving operational excellence in greenhouse gas emission, providing valuable insights for organizational decision-making.

Innovative Strategies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Navigating Modern Challenges

In the current landscape of global commerce, logistics and supply chain management stand at the forefront of both opportunity and challenge, significantly influenced by the relentless march of globalization and the rapid pace of technological innovation. As companies strive to maintain competitive edges, the intricacies of managing the flow of goods, information, and capital across vast geographic and digital landscapes have become more pronounced than ever. This comprehensive paper delves into the heart of these complexities, dissecting the pivotal aspects of digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and robust resilience within supply chain ecosystems. By weaving together a rich tapestry of contemporary literature and illustrative case studies, this exploration yields a wealth of practical insights. It underscores the necessity of integrating cutting-edge digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain to streamline supply chain operations and enhance real-time decisionmaking. Simultaneously, it highlights the growing imperative for sustainability, pushing organizations to implement eco-friendly practices and reduce carbon footprints in a bid to address mounting environmental concerns. Furthermore, the paper addresses the vital issue of supply chain resilience, examining strategies that can enable businesses to withstand disruptive events and rebound from challenges with agility and minimal impact. Within these discussions, the document underscores innovative strategies capable of elevating logistics and supply chain efficiency, advancing green initiatives, and ensuring that these complex networks can adapt and thrive amidst an ever-shifting global business milieu. By meticulously analyzing the intersection of these critical factors, the study presents a blueprint for navigating the intricate web of modern-day logistics and supply chain dynamics, offering guidance for practitioners aiming to excel within this fast-evolving sector.

Birds of a feather: Building trust in customer-supplier relationships

This study examines the effect of board similarity on customer-supplier relationships using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2020. We introduce a novel measurement comprising six key dimensions of director characteristics to gauge board similarity. Our findings indicate that increased board similarity enhances cooperation between customers and suppliers. However, this effect is weakened by long distances, making trust-building challenging, and in highly marketized environments, where trust has less influence on business interactions. This study contributes to the existing literature on supply chain relationships, highlighting the role of effective governance mechanisms like board similarity in fostering inter-firm cooperation. Additionally, it offers practical insights for managers aiming to cultivate strategic partnerships and investors seeking a deeper understanding of supply chain dynamics.

An Application of the DEA-Cross Efficiency Approach in Turkish Dry-Bulk and General Cargo Terminals

Dry bulk and general cargo terminals are the facilities that should quickly adapt to global supply chain dynamics. Each loading/unloading, conveying, horizontal carriage and temporary storage process involves complex organizational structures and procedures. Planned physical investments may lead to inefficiency under dynamic environmental conditions and may also result in a waste of resources. This study aims to examine the technical efficiency of dry-bulk and general cargo terminals in Türkiye with DEA cross-efficiency and DEA Slacks-based models. The findings imply that the terminals handling iron and steel are more efficient than the others. Besides, on average, the dry bulk and general cargo terminals can achieve higher output levels with fewer infrastructures and handling equipment. Therefore, it may be appropriate for the terminals examined to revise their resource utilization rates and short-term investment strategies. Moreover, since it allows pair-wise comparisons of terminals handling similarly featured cargo, DEA cross-efficiency can play a crucial role in dry-bulk performance measurement. Input slacks of relatively inefficient terminals are also calculated.

A comprehensive analysis of the value chain dynamics of Dashehari mango in Uttar Pradesh, India

The study looked into the dynamics of Dashehari mango value chain in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. A survey of 120 farmers from the Malihabad and Mall blocks of Lucknow was used to collect data. The total cultivation cost per hectare was determined to be Rs. 1,79,469, with variable costs accounting for 53%. Farmers reported an average yield of 11.3 tons per hectare, which falls short of Uttar Pradesh’s state productivity for mango. The net return over variable costs was calculated to be Rs. 1,57,050 per hectare. A thorough mapping of the mango value chain in the study area was carried out, followed by a constraint analysis. Harvesting and postharvest losses totaled 13.2%, with retailers bearing the brunt. Pre-harvest contracts were the most common method of mango marketing, with 60-65% of farmers using them. Producers’ shares of the consumer rupee varied, ranging from 24% in pre-harvest contract channels to 87% and 62.5%, respectively, in direct marketing and marketing through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Farmers in the mango value chain faced challenges such as pest management, low shelf life, senile orchards, poor price realization, a lack of processing facilities, and a lack of crop insurance schemes. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term interventions to improve the orchard ecosystem and nutrient management, thereby improving farmers’ livelihoods. To address these challenges, promoting the widespread adoption of good agricultural practices, canopy management, integrated pest, disease, and nutrient management, and advanced harvesting techniques is necessary. Furthermore, the study emphasizes FPOs’ critical role in establishing a strong and interconnected network within the agricultural community. By implementing these strategies, the mango-producing region of Uttar Pradesh has the potential to foster a sustainable and thriving industry, contributing to farmer prosperity and the community’s overall economic growth.

Sliding dynamics of ring chain on graft polymer in rotaxane

Rotaxane is a mechanically interlocked molecule in which rings are threaded on the axial linear polymer chain, and a characteristic feature of rotaxane is that ring can slide along the axial chain. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the sliding dynamics of ring on a regular/random graft polymer with graft density f and side chain length Ns. The mean-square displacement g3(t) of ring exhibits a novel sub-diffusion behavior in the intermediate time range due to the interaction between the branches and ring, and the sub-diffusive regime occurs at g3(t)∼((Nc−1)*b2)2, qualitatively, where Nc is the number of monomers between two adjacent side chains and b is bond length. For ring chain sliding along either a regular graft polymer or a random one, the sliding dynamic of ring relies strongly on the side chain length Ns、graft density f、ring size as well as the distribution of branches in the graft polymer. The diffusion coefficient D of ring decreases with the increase of Ns or f. However, ring slides faster along the regular graft polymer than that random one, because the dense side chains in the random graft polymer greatly hinder the ring's mobility. The effect of regular distribution on the improved diffusion gets most obvious when the side-chain length is middle. These results may provide a fundamental view for the understanding the effect of topological structure of axial graft polymer chain on the sliding dynamics of ring in rotaxane.

Unveiling the Impact of Digitalization on Supply Chain Performance in the Post-COVID-19 Era: The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Integration and Efficiency

In the context of the rapidly evolving landscape shaped by the increased prevalence of digital technologies and the transformative dynamics of supply chains in the post-COVID-19 era, this research seeks to address a crucial gap by examining the mediating role played by supply chain integration and efficiency. The primary aim is to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how digitalization influences networks of supply chain performance. Moreover, we delve into the moderating impact of supply chain dynamism on shaping this association. Through a simple random sampling technique, survey data were collected from 293 Turkish manufacturing firms via an online survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings underscore that digitalization significantly enhances supply chain integration and efficiency, thereby contributing to improved supply chain performance. Notably, supply chain integration and efficiency were identified as key mediators in the relationship between digitalization and supply chain performance. Furthermore, we investigate the moderating effect of supply chain dynamism, revealing its positive influence on the association between digitalization and supply chain integration. Rooted in key theories such as the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities, this study provides valuable insights by unraveling the intricate processes through which digitalization’s impact is channeled in the post-COVID-19 era. The research extends the current literature by considering the contextual role of supply chain dynamism, shedding light on the complex dynamics between digitalization and supply chain outcomes.

Competence of project management professionals according to type of project: a systematic literature review

Globalization and economic volatility changed the dynamics of production chains, which required new organizational arrangements from companies, leading them to projectization. Additionally, project professionals are managing increasingly complex projects, which demand an extensive and specific set of competences. In this context, this paper aims to identify the competences of project professionals by project type. A systematic literature review was carried out using the Scopus and Web of Sciences academic databases. The research corpus consisted of 209 articles published between 1989 and 2022. As a result, this research identified 173 competences distributed in 14 different project types; some competences have a greater significance for a given project type. As a contribution, when dealing specifically with projects and competences, project professionals, companies, and educational institutions can learn about the fundamental competences by type of project, improve the processes of selection and diagnosis of the professional, adapt educational programs, or even establish plans for project professionals career.

An Impact of Digital Technology in Sustainable Business Development

Objectives: In this paper, our primary objectives are to examine and understand the multifaceted impact of digital technology on sustainable business development. We aim to identify key areas where digital technology plays a crucial role, including resource efficiency, innovation, supply chain management, and stakeholder engagement. By delineating these objectives, we seek to provide a comprehensive analysis of how businesses can leverage digital technology for sustainable growth in the rapidly evolving business landscape.
 
 Methods: To achieve our objectives, we employ a methodological approach that involves an extensive review of existing literature, case studies, and real-world examples. We delve into various aspects of digital technology adoption in businesses, examining the strategies employed and the outcomes achieved. Additionally, we analyze the implications of digital technology on resource efficiency, innovation processes, supply chain dynamics, and the engagement of diverse stakeholders. Our methods aim to synthesize a holistic understanding of the ways in which businesses integrate digital technology to foster sustainability.
 
 Results: The results section presents our findings on the impact of digital technology in the realm of sustainable business development. We showcase specific examples and case studies that illustrate successful applications of digital tools in enhancing resource efficiency, driving innovation, optimizing supply chain processes, and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Through a systematic presentation of results, we aim to provide a clear picture of the tangible benefits and transformative effects that businesses can realize by embracing digital technology in the pursuit of sustainability.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, our study underscores the pivotal role of digital technology as a driving force behind sustainable business development. The integration of digital tools not only streamlines operations but also contributes significantly to resource efficiency, innovation, supply chain optimization, and stakeholder engagement. As businesses navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding and harnessing the power of digital technology is essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals. This paper concludes by summarizing key insights and emphasizing the importance of continued exploration and adoption of digital technology for sustainable business practices.

Enhancing smallholders' sustainable livelihoods through cassava value chain: a study in Central Highlands, Vietnam

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) stands out as a remarkably multipurpose crop, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and bolstering their income. This study delves into the cassava value chain in Vietnam's Central Highlands, aiming to pinpoint avenues for amplifying production efficiency and refining the overall value chain dynamics. Employing a comprehensive approach, the analysis combines a survey-based questionnaire distributed to 330 smallholder farmers, focused group discussions across three provinces and in-depth interviews with key informants. The primary goal is to unearth strategies that enhance the value chain, elevate stakeholders' incomes, and ensure enduring livelihoods for households. The findings underscore that while farmers contribute significantly to the value chain by generating the highest value added, intermediaries tend to reap the most substantial profits. The intricate web of relationships among stakeholders, spanning from input providers to end-users-primarily starch and ethanol factories-is explored. The study identifies local linkages between farmers and input suppliers, encompassing both spot-market transactions and enduring partnerships. Furthermore, an imbalance in the distribution of gross profit and net profits, favoring middleman and processors disproportionately, is revealed. Nevertheless, the study emphasizes the indispensable role played by intermediaries, asserting that farmers wouldn't fully capitalize on their efforts without this crucial support. Keywords: Cassava value chain, Small-scale farmers, Livelihood sustainability, Stakeholder incomes, Household livelihoods

Integrated carbon assessment for sludge-derived concrete: Modelling and a comparative study

Concrete, a cornerstone of modern construction, bears a significant responsibility for global carbon emissions due to its energy-intensive pyroprocessing processes and the direct carbon emissions associated with limestone decomposition. With increasing global of awareness environmental sustainability, the imperative to decarbonise concrete production is becoming evident. Recent research highlights the significance of producing eco-friendly "green" concrete by incorporating treated alum sludge, a by-product of drinking water treatment often discarded in landfills, within the framework of sustainable construction. This research endeavours to develop a comprehensive model for the integrated carbon assessment of sludge-derived concrete products. By conducting scenario and sensitivity analyses, the study explores the decarbonisation potentials and quantifies the impacts of diverse variables on carbon output across the entire lifecycle of concrete products. These variables encompass supply chain dynamics, cement replacement ratio, carbon intensity of local grid mix, and the utilization of alternative fuels. Findings reveal that in comparison to general purpose (GP) cement production, sludge treatment has the potential to achieve an impressive 83.48% reduction in carbon emissions. Moreover, a modest 10% substitution of cement with treated sludge would contribute to 9.07% overall carbon reduction. The transition to full renewable energy consumption holds the potential for a remarkable 41.97% carbon reduction, while the integration of photovoltaic (PV) electricity and biogas heating offers a substantial 30.57% carbon reduction in the manufacturing of sludge-derived concrete. Nonetheless, supply chain alterations demonstrate limited impacts, given the prevalence of locally sourced raw materials and the low embodied carbon contents of transportation-intensive ingredients such as sand and aggregate. Despite discernible progress achieved through cement substitution and renewable energy penetration, full carbon neutrality remains an elusive goal.

Investigating systemic and social dynamics of food loss and waste: An application of waste regime theory to food production in Aotearoa New Zealand

This research investigates the relationships of social and discursive effects on food loss and waste (FLW) in primary food production through a case study of the kiwifruit industry in Aotearoa New Zealand by using ‘waste regime theory’, which was first developed by Science and Technology Studies scholar Zsuzsa Gille as an organising concept. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and analysis of industry and policy documents are interpreted through thematic analysis to explore the production, politics and representation of FLW, and to demonstrate the ways in which these factors interact to enact a ‘food waste regime’. The findings identify two distinct discourses of FLW: either as consequence of supply chain dynamics, or as a consequence of market driven quality assurance (QA) requirements. The former is seen as opening possibilities for technical interventions. The other is seen to be a baked-in structural reality of the industry that doesn’t allow for any strategic intervention. Either discourse arguably has the effect of invisibilising different aspects of FLW in the sector and potentially reducing the perceived need interventions by managers at a systemic level in the sector.