Chain Mechanism Research Articles

Edge computing-oriented smart agricultural supply chain mechanism with auction and fuzzy neural networks

Powered by data-driven technologies, precision agriculture offers immense productivity and sustainability benefits. However, fragmentation across farmlands necessitates distributed transparent automation. We developed an edge computing framework complemented by auction mechanisms and fuzzy optimizers that connect various supply chain stages. Specifically, edge computing offers powerful capabilities that enable real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making in smart agriculture. We propose an edge computing framework tailored to agricultural needs to ensure sustainability through a renewable solar energy supply. Although the edge computing framework manages real-time crop monitoring and data collection, market-based mechanisms, such as auctions and fuzzy optimization models, support decision-making for smooth agricultural supply chain operations. We formulated invisible auction mechanisms that hide actual bid values and regulate information flows, combined with machine learning techniques for robust predictive analytics. While rule-based fuzzy systems encode domain expertise in agricultural decision-making, adaptable training algorithms help optimize model parameters from the data. A two-phase hybrid learning approach is formulated. Fuzzy optimization models were formulated using domain expertise for three key supply chain decision problems. Auction markets discover optimal crop demand–supply balancing and pricing signals. Fuzzy systems incorporate domain knowledge into interpretable crop-advisory models. An integrated evaluation of 50 farms over five crop cycles demonstrated the high performance of the proposed edge computing-oriented auction-based fuzzy neural network model compared with benchmarks.

Impact of digital technologies on the risk assessment in food supply chain: a wake towards digitalisation

SummaryNowadays, the adoption of digital technologies getting a significant pace. It has the potential to improve the existing dynamics of the food supply chains and improve its transparency. Many times, uncertainties prevail in the food supply chain performance systems, which cause amplification of risk. These uncertainties are due to a lack of product traceability mechanisms in the food supply chains. Hence, it becomes vital to harness the potential of digital technologies like the Internet of Things, Blockchain, and common digital platforms to improve the flow of information and products in the food supply chain. The presented work is aimed at assessing the impact of digital technologies on risk identification and its mitigation in the food supply chain dynamics. For the same, risks are assessed relative to its mitigation strategy by the two‐stage methodology of preference rating approach. Here, the impacts of risk under consideration are quantified relative to every risk mitigation strategy for a better depiction of the potential of digital transformation of the food supply chain. It yields the broadening of its implication perspectives at operational, strategic and tactical levels of the food supply chain and makes them future‐ready.

Characteristics and mechanism of a catastrophic landslide-debris flow disaster chain triggered by extreme rainfall in Shaanxi, China

Characteristics and mechanism of a catastrophic landslide-debris flow disaster chain triggered by extreme rainfall in Shaanxi, China

SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS OF RICE MARKETING ACTORS IN DUMAI CITY IN SUPPORTING URBAN FOOD SECURITY

Dumai City is a significant economic hub in Riau Province and a vital location for food distribution. Although it's an urban area, there is still a small amount of rice produced in Dumai City. However, most of the rice supply comes from various suppliers outside the region to meet the high demand. Due to this diverse supply chain, this study aims to analyze the structure, mechanisms, and performance of the marketing in the premium rice supply chain at each level of the marketing institution. This research was conducted using a survey method among marketing actors at each level of marketing institutions selected purposively. To analyze the structure and mechanism of the rice supply chain, qualitative analysis is used. Quantitative analysis is used to analyze marketing performance in the rice supply chain. The research method used was a survey of rice marketing institutions in Dumai City, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. The results show that three marketing institutions are involved in marketing rice in Dumai City, each with a unique supply chain. Upon analyzing the marketing performance of the premium rice supply chain, it was found that all marketing channels utilized by wholesalers and retailers are efficient. Among these channels, channel 3, supplier-wholesaler-end consumer, has the smallest margin value, while channel 2, out-of-town distributor-traditional retailer-end consumer, has the highest profit-cost ratio value of 125.67. This marketing channel offers the lowest price for premium rice at the end consumer level, thereby ensuring greater access to food for the community and promoting urban food resilience. Among these channels, channel 2 of retailers that were out-of-town distributor-traditional retailer-end consumers had the best marketing efficiency value (0,09%) and the highest profit-cost ratio value of 125.67. Based on the results of this research, it is a challenge for the development of local rice agro-industry in creating efficient marketing performance to strengthen regional food security.

An inclusion model for predicting granular elasticity incorporating force chain mechanics

An inclusion model for predicting granular elasticity incorporating force chain mechanics

Structure and tethering mechanism of dynein-2 intermediate chains in intraflagellar transport

Dynein-2 is a large multiprotein complex that powers retrograde intraflagellar transport (IFT) of cargoes within cilia/flagella, but the molecular mechanism underlying this function is still emerging. Distinctively, dynein-2 contains two identical force-generating heavy chains that interact with two different intermediate chains (WDR34 and WDR60). Here, we dissect regulation of dynein-2 function by WDR34 and WDR60 using an integrative approach including cryo-electron microscopy and CRISPR/Cas9-enabled cell biology. A 3.9 Å resolution structure shows how WDR34 and WDR60 use surprisingly different interactions to engage equivalent sites of the two heavy chains. We show that cilia can assemble in the absence of either WDR34 or WDR60 individually, but not both subunits. Dynein-2-dependent distribution of cargoes depends more strongly on WDR60, because the unique N-terminal extension of WDR60 facilitates dynein-2 targeting to cilia. Strikingly, this N-terminal extension can be transplanted onto WDR34 and retain function, suggesting it acts as a flexible tether to the IFT “trains” that assemble at the ciliary base. We discuss how use of unstructured tethers represents an emerging theme in IFT train interactions.

Model construction of coordinated operation mechanism of energy supply chain based on operations research big data algorithm

During rapid modernization, the policy of technological upgrading of the coordinated operation of the energy supply chain has been tested over many years of practice, with limited potential for future development, and further emission reductions are facing greater technological and cost pressures. Market trading policies mainly include the carbon emissions trading mechanism and the guaranteed mechanism for renewable energy power consumption, and the above policies will be formally implemented in 2020, which will be the main direction of development in the future. After introducing the low-carbon policies, this paper will focus on the coal-power energy supply chain considering the carbon credit quota and renewable electricity consumption limitations and analyze the impacts of the relevant parameters on the coal-power energy supply chain returns under the above policies in both non-cooperative and cooperative game scenarios. Finally, a preferential price-based green power certificate trading mechanism is constructed to propose a cost-reducing trading proposal for power users to purchase green power certificates to fulfill the amount of renewable energy power consumption.

Formation mechanism of a disaster chain in Loess Plateau: A case study of the Pucheng County disaster chain on August 10, 2023, in Shaanxi Province, China

Under the heavy rainfall risk due to global warming, a new trend has emerged in geological disasters of loess, which have often evolved into a chain form of disaster chain of loess (DCL) in recent years. The DCL is characterized by multiple, hidden, catastrophic, and complex characteristics that seriously affect the construction and operation of large-scale infrastructure on the Loess Plateau. To understand the formation mechanism of a disaster chain of loess, we took the Shiyangpo DCL, a typical disaster chain occurring recently on the Loess Plateau, as an example to investigate the geomorphic features and deformation characteristics of DCL using new technologies and methods such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial analysis technology. A series of special laboratory tests considering the vibration of the loess subgrade was conducted to explore the changes in physical and mechanical properties of loess samples in the study area under natural, saturated, and vibration conditions. Additionally, the trigger factors and evolution process of this DCL were analyzed, and the formation mechanism of recently emerging typical DCL was revealed as well. The triggering factors of the disaster were summarized as follows: loess nature, heavy rainfall, irrigation, irrational excavation, incomplete drainage channels, and long-term vehicle vibration of roadbeds. Furthermore, extreme rainfall was identified as the primary inducing factor of Shiyangpo DCL. Finally, the development and evolution of Shiyangpo DCL were divided into five stages: the formation of the loess sinkhole stage, the occurrence of the loess subsidence stage, the occurrence of the loess collapse stage, the occurrence of the loess landslide stage, and the formation of river-blocking and dammed lake stage. This study reveals the cause and evolution process of the newly emerged DCL in the Loess Plateau, and the new techniques and methods involved can provide references for the theoretical research and prevention of loess geological disasters in other places.

Technological cooperation relationships among supply chain enterprises under the perspective of technological blockade: A tripartite evolutionary game model

In the era of accelerated globalization, the issue of technology blockade in complex product supply chains has taken centre stage, making the resilience and security of these chains a focal point in the strategic manoeuvres of major nations. This paper presents a tripartite evolutionary game model encompassing main manufacturers, domestic suppliers, and foreign suppliers. The aim is to delve into the internal mechanisms of transnational supply chain enterprises dealing with complex products, utilizing the “double cycle” framework to address technological blockade. The study's findings reveal a progression in the evolutionary system linked to the technological innovation capabilities of domestic suppliers. The system evolves from the independent innovation of domestic suppliers to cooperative innovation within domestic enterprises and ultimately culminates in joint ventures and cooperation involving multinational suppliers. Additionally, a noteworthy technology gap exists between domestic and foreign countries, suggesting that introducing foreign advanced technology initially and mimicking innovation can effectively mitigate research and development risks. Furthermore, the study underscores the role of Chinese government subsidies in incentivizing technological innovation among domestic suppliers, particularly pronounced when facing significant technology gaps. Simultaneously, the foreign government's imposition of penalties on premium sales by foreign suppliers serves as a catalyst for internal innovation within Chinese enterprises. These actions also motivate multinational enterprises to invest and cooperate, fostering the development of an international cycle. This study provides a fresh perspective on overcoming foreign technological blockades. Its positive implications extend to the advancement of technology in China's complex product landscape and the bolstering of supply chain resilience.

Home electricity data generator (HEDGE): An open-access tool for the generation of electric vehicle, residential demand, and PV generation profiles

In this paper, we present the Home Electricity Data Generator (HEDGE), an open-access tool for the random generation of realistic residential energy data. HEDGE generates realistic daily profiles of residential PV generation, household electric loads, and electric vehicle consumption and at-home availability, based on real-life UK datasets. The lack of usable data is a major hurdle for research on residential distributed energy resources characterisation and coordination, especially when using data-driven methods such as machine learning-based forecasting and reinforcement learning-based control. We fill this gap with the open-access HEDGE tool which generates data sequences of energy data for several days in a way that is consistent for single homes, both in terms of profile magnitude and behavioural clusters.•From raw datasets, pre-processing steps are conducted, including filling in incomplete data sequences, and clustering profiles into behaviour clusters. Transitions between successive behaviour clusters and profiles magnitudes are characterised.•Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are then trained to generate realistic synthetic data representative of each behaviour groups consistent with real-life behavioural and physical patterns.•Using the characterisation of behaviour cluster and profile magnitude transitions, and the GAN-based profiles generator, a Markov chain mechanism can generate realistic energy data for successive days.

Insertion of Molecular Oxygen into a Gold(III)-Hydride Bond.

The use of molecular oxygen as an oxidant in chemical synthesis has significant environmental and economic benefits, and it is widely used as such in large-scale industrial processes. However, its adoption in highly selective homogeneous catalytic transformations, particularly to produce oxygenated organics, has been hindered by our limited understanding of the mechanisms by which O2 reacts with transition metals. Of particular relevance are the mechanisms of the reactions of oxygen with late transition metal hydrides as these metal centers are better poised to release oxygenated products. Homogeneous catalysis with gold complexes has markedly increased, and herein we report the synthesis and full characterization of a rare AuIII-H, supported by a diphosphine pincer ligand (tBuPCP = 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene). [(tBuPCP)AuIII-H]+ was found to cleanly react with molecular oxygen to yield a stable AuIII-OOH complex that was also fully characterized. Extensive kinetic studies on the reaction via variable temperature NMR spectroscopy have been completed, and the results are consistent with an autoaccelerating radical chain mechanism. The observed kinetic behavior exhibits similarities to that of previously reported PdII-H and PtIV-H reactions with O2 but is not fully consistent with any known O2 insertion mechanism. As such, this study contributes to the nascent fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of aerobic oxidation of late metal hydrides.

Causal mechanisms and evolution processes of “block-burst” debris flow hazard chains in mountainous urban areas: a case study of Meilong gully in Danba county, Sichuan Province, China

The research interest in multi-hazard chains lies in the comprehension of how various hazards, such as debris flows, floods, and landslides, can interact and amplify one another, resulting in cascading or interconnected hazards. On 17 June 2020, at approximately 3:20 a.m., a debris flow occurred in Meilong gully (MLG), located in Banshanmen Town, Danba County, in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The debris flow had a discharge volume of approximately 40 × 104 m3 and rushed out to block the Xiaojinchuan (XJC) river, subsequently forming a barrier lake. This event ultimately induced a hazard chain that included heavy rainfall, debris flow, landslides, the formation of a barrier lake, and an outburst flood. The impact of this chain resulted in the displacement of 48 households and affected 175 individuals. Furthermore, it led to the destruction of an 18 km section of National Highway G350, stretching from Xiaojin to Danba County, causing economic losses estimated at 65 million yuan. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors leading to the formation of this hazard chain, elucidate its triggering mechanisms, and provide insights for urban areas in the western mountainous region of Sichuan to prevent similar dam-break type debris flow hazard chains. The research findings, derived from field investigations, remote sensing imagery analysis, and parameter calculations, indicate that prior seismic disturbances and multiple dry-wet cycle events increased the volume of loose solid materials within the MLG watershed. Subsequently, heavy rainfall triggered the initiation of the debris flow in MLG. The cascading dam-break, resulting from three unstable slopes and boulders within the channel, amplified the scale of the hazard chain, leading to a significant amount of solid material rushing into the XJC river, thus creating a dam that constricted the river channel. With the intensification of river scouring, the reactivation and destabilization of the Aniangzhai (ANZ) paleolandslide occurred, ultimately leading to the breach of the dam and the formation of an outburst flood. The research comprehensively and profoundly reveals the causal mechanism of the MLG hazard chain, and proposes measures to disrupt the chain at various stages, which can aid in enhancing monitoring, early warning, forecasting systems, and identifying key directions for ecological environmental protection in urban areas within the western mountainous region of Sichuan. Additionally, it could also serve as a reference for mountainous urban areas such as the Tianshan, Alps, Rocky Mountains, and Andes, among others.

Устойчивость и безопасность зеленых финансов с позиции многоагентных игр

Green finance increases the innovation potential of green transformation, helps to address climate change, the environmental crisis and energy security. It is important for green finance to achieve sustainable and balanced development, which will increase the security of both finance itself and many processes in the real economy that depend on it. The purpose of this study was to develop approaches to the ontological design of green finance and multi-agent modeling of the behavior of green finance actors, considering their sustainable and safe interaction. To achieve this goal it was necessary to clarify the conceptual apparatus of green finance and related areas; to characterize the "work" of the multi-agent model in the analysis of the behavior of the main green finance actors and to trace the prospects for their impact on the stability and security of the financial market; and finally, based on ontology construction and agent-based approach to nonlinear interactions in the green financial process, to determine the mechanism of building chains of the main market participants. The methodological basis of the study consists of general scientific research methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, logic), as well as evolutionary dynamics and agent-based approach to the analysis of financial markets. A comparative analysis of the works of various authors and the interpretation of theoretical provisions in related areas of knowledge about finance, as well as the analysis of their sustainable and safe development were carried out. As a result of the study, the authors identified the main approaches to the design of financial ontology and multi-agent modeling of financial interactions in the direction of determining their sustainable and safe development. The proposed model establishes that the criterion of the effectiveness of the applied strategy is the satisfaction with the state of financial impact on the economy, environment, and social sphere. Maintaining this state, along with saving the amount of resources used, is done through optimization. The chosen approach corresponds to the concept of sustainable development and safe functioning of the systems under consideration.

Enhancing supply chain performance of Saudi hospitals through resilience: The roles of supply chain integration and innovation

This study aims at investigating the roles of supply chain integration and innovation on supply chain performance through a mediation mechanism of supply chain. This study develops a theoretical framework based on resource-based view and dynamic capability theory. Based on a quantitative study of 214 Saudi hospitals, an empirical analysis was made using a structural equation modelling with AMOS. Results revealed that supply chain integration and innovation positively affect supply chain resilience and performance. In addition, supply chain resilience has a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance. Most significantly, the relationships of supply chain integration and of innovation to supply chain performance were found to be partially mediated by supply chain resilience. These results showed that integration and innovation have direct effects to improve supply chain performance and indirect ones when hospitals make efforts in developing their resilience. This study is important for top managers of Saudi hospitals to integrate their supply chains and innovate them to improve their resilience and performance.

工业固废处置供应链激励机制研究

工业固废处置供应链激励机制研究

Mechanism and performance of the rice supply chain in Gorontalo: A SCOR model approach

Mechanism and performance of the rice supply chain in Gorontalo: A SCOR model approach

Adopting new ARIMA double layering technique in make-to-stock production policy

In supply chain management, the employed forecasting algorithm plays a very vital and crucial role in how a particular business performs well in the market. This study proposes a time series based forecasting model to help in designing an effective make-to-stock supply chain mechanism for tackling the large number of suppliers (suppliers diversion) and products (items diversion). The proposed technique extends the traditional ARIMA model to ARIMA Double Layering Technique (DLT) where the algorithm is implemented in two layers: first one is to obtain the number of orders level, and the other layer is implemented at the quantity level. The systematic implementation procedure of our approach is illustrated through a real case study. The accuracy evaluation and consistency of the results show that ARIMA -DLT provides superior forecasting when compared with ML-based models which provides insightful managerial views to other similar forecasting problems.

Quantitative comparison of the copolymerisation kinetics in catalyst-transfer copolymerisation to synthesise polythiophenes.

Polythiophenes are one of the most widely studied conjugated polymers. With the discovery of the chain mechanism of Kumada catalyst-transfer polymerisation (KCTP), various polythiophene copolymer structures, such as random, block, and gradient copolymers, have been synthesized via batch or semi-batch (sequential addition) methods. However, the lack of quantitative kinetic data for thiophene monomers brings challenges to experimental design and structure prediction when synthesizing the copolymers. In this study, the reactivity ratios and the polymerisation rate constants of 3-hexylthiophene with 4 thiophene comonomers in KCTP are measured by adapting the Mayo-Lewis equation and the first-order kinetic behaviour of chain polymerisation. The obtained kinetic information highlights the impact of the monomer structure on the reactivity in the copolymerisations. The kinetic data are used to predict the copolymer structure of equimolar batch copolymerisations of the 4 thiophene derivatives with 3-hexylthiophene, with the experimental data agreeing well with the predictions. 3-Dodecylthiophene and 3-(6-bromo)hexylthiophene, which have higher structural similarity to 3-hexylthiophene, show nearly equivalent reactivity to 3-hexylthiophene and give random copolymers in the batch copolymerisation. 3-(2-Ethylhexyl)thiophene with a branched side chain is less reactive compared to 3-hexylthiophene and failed to homopolymerize at room temperature, but produced gradient copolymers with 3-hexylthiophene. Finally, the bulkiest 3-(4-octylphenyl)thiophene, despite its ability to homopolymerize, failed to maintain chain polymerisation in the copolymerisation with 3-hexylthiophene, possibly due to the large steric hindrance caused by the phenyl ring directly attached to the thiophene center. This study highlights the importance of monomer structures in copolymerisations and the need for accurate kinetic data.

Navigating the interplay between innovation orientation, dynamic capabilities, and digital supply chain optimization: empirical insights from SMEs

This study empirically explores the influence of innovation orientation on the digital supply chain, mediated by dynamic capabilities within the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study, rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of dynamic capabilities and innovation orientation, introduces a framework that could serve as a valuable resource for subsequent research. It contributes to the global discourse on optimizing digital supply chain practices among SMEs. Quantitative method was employed, gathering data from 212 professionals in SMEs in Dubai, UAE, via an online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4, focusing on reliability, validity, discriminant validity, and hypothesis testing. The findings show a significant influence of innovation orientation on the digital supply chain. Dynamic capabilities also exhibit an indirect yet substantial impact on the relationship between innovation orientation and the digital supply chain. The identified dynamic capabilities are instrumental in refining decisions associated with the circular economy and leveraging technology to enhance supply chain mechanisms. These capabilities foster positive correlations between the digital supply chain and innovation. The predominant advantage of digital supply chains for consumers lies in their agility and speed, facilitating swift response to customer demand and bolstering business efficiency. The model presented is a template for future research, which could expand its scope to include other industries like manufacturing or services, augmenting the robustness of the findings.

Using Mechanochemistry to Activate Commodity Plastics as Initiators for Radical Chain Reactions of Small Organic Molecules.

Radical initiators such as azo compounds and organic peroxides have been widely used to facilitate numerous transformations of free radicals, which enable the efficient synthesis of structurally complex molecules, natural products, polymers, and functional materials. However, these high-energy reagents are potentially explosive and thus often require special precautions or delicate operating conditions. We postulated that a more convenient and safer alternative for radical chain initiation could be developed by mechanical activation of thermodynamically stable covalent bonds. Here, we show that commodity plastics such as polyethylene and poly(vinyl acetate) are capable of acting as efficient initiators for radical chain reactions under solvent-free mechanochemical conditions. In this approach, polymeric mechanoradicals, which are generated by homolytic cleavage of the polymer chains in response to the applied mechanical energy provided by ball milling, react with tris(trimethylsilyl)silane to initiate radical chain dehalogenation of organic halides. Preliminary calculations support our proposed force-induced radical chain mechanism.