Better Delivery Research Articles

A new CNN-BASED object detection system for autonomous mobile robots based on real-world vehicle datasets

Recently, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have begun to be used in the delivery of goods, but one of the biggest challenges faced in this field is the navigation system that guides a robot to its destination. The navigation system must be able to identify objects in the robot's path and take evasive actions to avoid them. Developing an object detection system for an AMR requires a deep learning model that is able to achieve a high level of accuracy, with fast inference times, and a model with a compact size that can be run on embedded control systems. Consequently, object recognition requires a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model that can yield high object classification accuracy and process data quickly. This paper introduces a new CNN-based object detection system for an AMR that employs real-world vehicle datasets. First, we create original real-world datasets of images from Banda Aceh city. We then develop a new CNN-based object identification system that is capable of identifying cars, motorcycles, people, and rickshaws under morning, afternoon, and evening lighting conditions. An SSD Mobilenetv2 FPN Lite 320 × 320 architecture is employed for retraining using these real-world datasets. Quantitative and qualitative performance indicators are then applied to evaluate the CNN model. Training the pre-trained SSD Mobilenetv2 FPN Lite 320 × 320 model improves its classification and detection accuracy, as indicated by its performance results. We conclude that the proposed CNN-based object detection system has the potential for use in an AMR.

Implementation of the Shortest Path Method with Excel Solver to Optimize Goods Delivery Routes

The shortest path solver is a program that aims to find the route with the lowest total edge weight between two points in a graph. Commonly used algorithms include Dijkstra for graphs with non-negative edge weights, Bellman-Ford for graphs with negative edge weights, and Floyd-Warshall for finding the shortest path between all point pairs. Its application is wide, ranging from navigation systems, computer networks, to logistics and games. The process of using it involves creating a graph model , selecting the appropriate algorithm, running a solver, and analyzing the results. A practical example shows how the Dijkstra algorithm can be used to determine the shortest route between cities in a road network , with effective and accurate results . The shortest path solver proves to be a versatile and essential tool for solving a wide range of problems in a variety of fields. This research uses quantitative methods with an experimental approach to test the effectiveness and efficiency of using the shortest path method with Solver Excel in optimizing goods delivery routes. The research object is the delivery route from the warehouse to several delivery destinations, with a sample of 10 routes that are most frequently used and have the highest delivery volume. Primary data was obtained through direct observation and interviews with company logistics managers. The results of this study show that the use of shortest path method with Excel Solver is effective in optimising the route of delivery of goods, reducing the cost and time of delivery by 15% and 10%. Although there are limitations for large networks, this tool remains useful and flexible. This implementation can be a reference for other companies to improve their logistics efficiency.

Effect of non-covalent binding of tannins to sodium caseinate on the stability of high-internal-phase fish oil emulsions

In this study, we designed the noncovalent binding of sodium caseinate (SC) to tannic acid (TA) to stabilize high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) used as fish oil delivery systems. Hydrogen bonding was the dominant binding force, followed by weak hydrophobic interaction and weak van der Waals forces, as demonstrated by FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking experiments, with a binding constant of 3.25 × 106, a binding site of 1.2, and a static quenching of the binding. Increasing SC:TA from SC to 2:1 decreased the particle size from 107.37 ± 10.66 to 76.07 ± 2.77 nm and the zeta potential from −6.99 ± 2.71 to −22 ± 2.42 mV. TA increased the interfacial tension of SC, decreased the surface hydrophobicity from 1.3 × 104 to 1.6 × 103 and improved the oxidation resistance of SC. The particle size of high internal phase emulsions stabilized by complexes with different mass ratios (SC:TA from 1:0 to 2:1) increased from 4.9 ± 0.02 to 12.9 μm, the potential increased from −32.37 ± 2.7 to −35.07 ± 2.58 mV, and the instability index decreased from 0.75 to 0.02. Thicker interfacial layers could be observed by laser confocal microscopy, and an increase in the storage modulus indicated a formation of a stronger gel network. SC:TA of 1:0 showed emulsion breakage after 14 d of storage at room temperature. SC:TA of 2:1 showed the lowest degree of oil-water separation after freeze-thaw treatment. Especially, the most stable high endo-phase emulsion (at SC:TA of 2:1) prepared at each mass ratio was selected for further stability exploration. The emulsion particle size increased only from 15.63 ± 0.06 to 22.27 ± 0.35 μm at salt ion concentrations of 50–200 mM and to 249.33 ± 31.79 μm at 300 mM. The instability index and storage modulus of the high endo-phase emulsions increased gradually with increasing salt ion concentrations. At different heating temperatures (55–85 °C), the instability index of the high internal phase emulsion gradually decreased and the storage modulus gradually increased. Meanwhile, at 50 °C for 15 d of accelerated oxidation, the content of hydroperoxide decreased from 53.32 ± 0.18 to 37.48 ± 0.77 nmol/g, about 29.7 %, and the thiobarbituric acid value decreased from 1.06 × 103 to 0.8 × 103, about 24.5 %, in the high endo-phase emulsions prepared by 2:1 SC:TA compared to the fish oils, and the SC-stabilized high endo-phase only emulsion broke at the sixth day of oxidation. From the above findings, it was concluded that the high internal phase emulsion prepared with SC:TA of 2:1 can be used as a good delivery system for fish oil.

Mobility on demand in the United States – Current state of integration and policy considerations for improved interoperability

The concept of Mobility on Demand (MOD) aims to create a safe and convenient ecosystem for transportation and goods delivery. Despite offering various services, the integration and seamless data exchange among different modes of transportation remain challenging. To address this, research was conducted to examine the current state of integration in the MOD ecosystem, identify gaps in data exchange, and propose policy considerations. The research highlighted the limited integration and inconsistent data structures in the United States (U.S.), attributed to the absence of policy directives and high costs of traditional standards development. Industry-led initiatives are driving progress in standards and specifications. Deep linking and deep integration were distinguished, emphasizing the importance of a truly user-centric MOD solution. Emerging mobility models leveraging blockchain technology show promise in facilitating efficient data sharing and collaboration among various operators. Transportation policy makers play a crucial role in supporting open-source standards and integration efforts. An initial framework utilizing open-source efforts such as Transport Operator Mobility-as-a-service Provider (TOMP), Mobility Data Specification (MDS), General On-demand Feed Specification (GOFS), Transactional Data Specification (TDS), Operational Data Standard (ODS), and City Data Standard for Mobility (CDS-M) was proposed to drive the advancement of scalable and user-centric MOD systems.

Urban Logistics and Mobility: A Framework Proposal for Sustainable Cities

Objective: This article aims to analyze the challenges and solutions of integrating urban logistics and urban mobility, providing insights and a framework for the development of public policies, business strategies, and future research. Theoretical Framework: The harmony between logistics and urban mobility is essential for the efficient management of cities, given its direct influence on the movement of people and goods. This integration enhances infrastructure, accessibility, social inclusion, and competitiveness while reducing operational costs. With the growth of online commerce and urbanization, it is urgent to seek a fairer and more sustainable mobility model, demanding strategic and collaborative urban planning to ensure smart and efficient cities in the future. Method: The research employed a systematic literature review (SLR) with a predefined search strategy in the Scopus and Transport Research International Documentation (TRID) databases, using specific terms related to urban logistics and mobility. This resulted in the selection of 129 studies from the period 2019-2024. The framework's development involved organizing and categorizing the extracted information. Results and Discussion: The SLR revealed the need for more comprehensive technical studies to improve urban mobility, considering geographical and cultural specificities and the local impact of infrastructure works. The high population density in metropolitan areas has increased traffic and hindered goods deliveries, emphasizing the importance of urban logistics in mitigating congestion and finding sustainable solutions. The integration of urban logistics with cities' development strategies and territorial policies is essential, requiring technological innovations and integrated public policies. Research Implications: The study proposes an integrated framework for urban logistics and mobility management, which includes components of urban planning, technology and information, incentives and public policies, as well as community engagement. It also highlights the need for future research on the impacts of emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and delivery systems on urban logistics operations. Originality/Value: The article offers a unique perspective on the interdependence between urban logistics and urban mobility, providing a comprehensive analysis and proposing integrated strategies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life in modern cities.

Transforming E-Commerce Logistics: Sustainable Practices through Autonomous Maritime and Last-Mile Transportation Solutions

The logistics landscape in e-commerce is undergoing a profound transformation toward sustainability and autonomy. This paper explores the implementation of autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation solutions to optimize the entire logistics chain from factory to customer. Building on the lessons learned from the maritime industry’s digital transformation, the study identifies key features and proposes a forward-looking autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation system. Emphasizing the role of geospatial technologies, the proposed system employs GIS-based electronic route optimization for efficient goods delivery, integrating onboard and ashore GIS-based sensors for enhanced location precision. A case study was built to analyze the implementation of autonomous means of transport along the route of a product from factory to customer. The integration of autonomous systems shows substantial improvements in logistics performance. Synchromodal logistics and smart steaming techniques can be utilized to optimize transportation routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The findings reveal that autonomous maritime and last-mile transport systems can significantly enhance the efficiency, flexibility and sustainability of e-commerce logistics. The study emphasizes the need for advanced technological integration and provides a comprehensive framework for future research and practical applications in the logistics industry.

RPL*: An Explainable AI-based routing protocol for Internet of Mobile Things

The Internet of Mobile Things (IoMT) is an emerging paradigm of Internet of Things (IoT) with special focus on enabling mobility to the ‘things’. Several IoMT applications such as group of robots or drones performing collaborative search and rescue operation, identification of mines, warehouse management, goods delivery, etc can be considered as examples of IoMT systems. In the applications mentioned above, the nodes may send the information in a multi-hop manner to the root or coordinator node which may be static or mobile. While the Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is extensively utilized in static IoT networks, it encounters significant limitations in handling mobility and providing resilience against routing attacks in mobile IoT networks. In this work, we propose a modified RPL, RPL* which is robust to handling mobility in nodes and is resilient towards routing attacks. In RPL*, any deviation from the normal behaviors of the network are identified as anomalies using an unsupervised Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) strategy. In RPL*, we propose a novel mobility detection mechanism that will identify the mobility in the network in an energy efficient manner without incurring additional communication overhead. To maintain the connectivity with parent node, we propose a novel proactive connectivity management mechanism in RPL* which will ensure a smooth transition from one parent to another if required, thus avoiding the network partitioning due to mobility. The performance analysis of the system has demonstrated an improvement in packet delivery ratio of the mobile nodes by 40% due to the proposed RPL* when compared to RPL. Also, the proposed XAI strategy provided an F1-score of over 95% for the detection of sink hole and black hole attacks in the tested IoMT network scenarios. It was observed that RPL* improves the performance of the IoMT network when compared to RPL. However it may be noted that the mechanisms introduced to support mobility does not lead to a drop in PDR or increase in control packet overhead for static networks. Hence, RPL* can be considered as an alternative to RPL for IoT as well as IoMT networks.

Civil Liability of Businesses for The Loss of Consumer Goods Delivery Packages Through Land Transportation Services (Study at PT. Antar Lintas Sumatra Medan)

Transportation is a field of activity that is very important in the life of the Indonesian people. With that the Government established a Law no. 8 of 1999 which stated that "Consumer protection is all efforts that guarantee legal certainty to provide protection to consumers". This is to find out how the company PT. Antar Lintas Sumatra responds to consumers who lose goods in using the transportation services of PT. Antar Lintas Sumatra. The formulation of the problem in research at PT. Antar Lintas Sumatra includes how the company's responsibilities, settlement mechanisms and how the company solving problems in civil liability. This research is an normative juridical law research. The study uses secondary data and primary data. The transportation service provider company PT. Antar Lintas Sumatra makes agreements and agreements with consumers in the form of agreements in using PT. Antar Lintas Sumatra's transportation. Because consumer protection is closely related to legal protection, consumers are entitled to protection in the form of company responsibility if there is legal protection. Consumer protection covers various aspects of the law relating to the protected material, not just physical protection. There is no imbalance in disputes in an agreement because there is an agreement at the beginning between the customer and the transportation provider.

Work autonomy and its associated factors among health professionals in public hospitals of North East Ethiopia

A low level of work autonomy is the bottleneck for the health service delivery and the quality of the service. Although work autonomy is the pillar of organizational commitment and a means of employee retention mechanism, information about the magnitude of work autonomy among health professionals is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess work autonomy and its predictors among health professionals working in public hospitals of Northeast Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 24 to April 24, 2021, among health professionals using a stratified sampling technique. Variables with a p-value of < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable analysis and variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in multivariable analysis were regarded as significantly associated factors. The overall good work autonomy in public hospitals (Dessie and Boru Meda Hospital) of North East Ethiopia was 54.5% (95% CI 54.48–54.53). Satisfaction with organizational policy and strategy (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.29–4.25), satisfaction with supervisor support (AOR 7.20, 95% CI 3.97–13.07), good health service delivery planning practice (AOR 1.88, 95%CI: 1.13–3.13), being married (AOR 4.26, 95%CI: 2.06–8.82) being pharmacy professionals (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19–0.98), and being anesthesia and radiology professionals (AOR 4.66, 95% CI 1.65–13.19) were significantly associated with work autonomy of health professionals. More than half of the health professionals working in public hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia are autonomous in their work. Satisfaction with organizational policy and strategy, satisfaction with supervisor support, having good health service delivery planning practice, being married, and type of profession were significantly associated factors in public hospitals. Thus, strengthening strategies aimed at shaping poor health service delivery planning practices and dissatisfaction of employees concerning supervisor support and organizational policy might have a substantial contribution to improving the work autonomy of health professionals.

THE FREIGHT FORWARDING OPERATIONS WITH BULK CARGO IMPROVEMENT

Abstract. The article considers the technology of bulk cargo transportation option by accelerated trains, based on two separate routes that allow delivering goods to the countries of the European Union by land in the West of our country and through the ports of the Black Sea coast. Approaches that allow not only to choose the best option for the bulk cargo transporting by accelerated trains technology, but also improving the vehicles use under the conditions of limited resources are considered. The rationality of measures to improve the quality of freight transportation organization is not only the economic effect from freight charges, but also the time of delivery. The analysis of the generalized economic-mathematical model of container trains, that includes the main criteria and parameters taking into account the technical equipment of the chain and the technology of transit flows, when service channels of different capacity in can exist each part of the logistic transport chain, with different costs and effects on the development of road traffic. The model of a freight container train proposed in this section improves the technology for the goods in containers transportation by the railways. During the delivery and export of goods by vehicles model development, it is necessary to take into account the fact that under present conditions, the volume of small-scale transport is almost zero. This is because they are expensive (high transport fee), have low product safety and long delivery time. Almost all of them are now transported by road, so it is not recommended to consider them as a promising direction in the further development of services for the import and export of goods. After calculating the savings from car turnover by containers acceleration, it was found that shipping containers in a block container train is much more efficient than in a block group, as cargo delivery times are faster, ranging from 8.05 to 9.08 days. We get savings from acceleration of car turnover by containers for a year within 430 - 450 thousand UAH. Economic consequences of introduction of container trains in Ukraine for 5 years of operation is 1 965 128 UAH for the route (S1) and 1 979 142 UAH for the route (S2). The proposed approaches prospect of development may be clarified by predicting the volumes of transport and the costs of components associated with the transport of goods in containers, by using stochastic modeling methods and artificial intelligence.

Optimal system loading and aborting in additive multi-attempt missions

Despite considerable research efforts devoted to the mission aborting policies for diverse systems, little work considered the effects of loading and the existing models assumed single-attempt missions only. In practice, loading may affect mission work progress and system loss risk. This paper contributes by modeling and optimizing the mission aborting and loading policy (MALP) for a mission system that must accomplish a specified amount of work through multiple attempts. A successful attempt includes an operation phase (OP) that completes a portion of required work dependent on the loading level, followed by a return phase (RP). The OP in an attempt may also be aborted followed by a rescue action (RA) to survive the system. The system undergoes different, loading-dependent shock processes during OP, RP, and RA. A new numerical method is proposed to evaluate the expected mission losses (EML), encompassing costs associated with uncompleted work and system losses. The optimal MALP problem is then solved to minimize the EML. The case study of an aerial vehicle performing a goods delivery mission is conducted to illustrate the proposed model. Managerial insights are also derived through investigating impacts of different model parameters on the EML and optimal MALP solutions.

Mendorong Pertumbuhan Pangsa Pasar B2B untuk Sektor Ride-Hailing Menggunakan Segmentasi Pasar Strategis

The expansion of Indonesia's ride-hailing sector has been considerable, fueled by technological advancements and the widespread embrace of smartphones. Despite its swift growth, the industry faces difficulties concerning long-term viability, safety issues, and compliance with governmental regulations. Nevertheless, the integration of advanced technologies and strategic plans for service expansion into new regions presents significant opportunities. The competitive environment in Indonesia's ride-hailing market not only stimulates innovation but also shapes a lively and evolving market atmosphere. Originally designed for consumers, the ride-hailing sector has evolved into a versatile transportation solution for various business needs, including employee transportation and goods delivery. These services offer advantages for companies, such as enhanced operational efficiency and reduced logistics costs. Recognizing the diversity of the business market, segmentation becomes vital in comprehending customer needs. Through tailored marketing approaches, companies can deliver more pertinent solutions, boosting competitiveness and enlarging B2B market share. By using K-means clustering, it yields 5 clusters, namely cluster 1: Tech Innovators and Financial Players, cluster 2: Logistics Singular Focus, cluster 3: Logistics, Retail, and Automotive Synergy, cluster 4: Culinary, Logistics, and Travel Dynamics, cluster 5: Tech Titans, Healthcare Giants, and Financial Leaders. The analysis of user clusters on the B2B Ride Hailing Indonesia platform provides useful insights that guide strategic recommendations for improving service offerings, refining marketing strategies, and optimizing business operations. Targeting the millennial demographic through digital channels and influencers, examining marginal costs for high-traffic clusters to identify optimization opportunities, exploring expansion possibilities in clusters with growth potential, and tailoring business solutions for clusters with unique needs are among the recommendations. Keywords: K-means Clustering, Market Innovation, Market Share Expansion, Ride-Hailing Sector, Segmentation, Strategic Decisions.

Selecting a transport and forwarding company for meeting a customer’s needs when organizing international road cargo transportation

The object of this study is the process of planning the work of a manufacturing enterprise that needs transport and forwarding services when exporting goods to counterparties in different countries of the world. The problem being solved is predetermined by the need to devise recommendations for choosing a transport and forwarding company when serving an individual customer, based on its individual needs and conditions of cooperation. A simulation model for the selection of a transport and forwarding company was constructed and implemented to meet the customer’s needs when exporting goods, applying the GPSS World simulation automation package. The model provides for the optimization of the choice of a transport and forwarding company for servicing counterparties based on the assessment of their activity indicators over previous periods of cooperation. When building the model, the types of commercial conditions of the exporter’s cooperation with the transport and forwarding company, indicators of the quality assessment of the basic level of service and the duration of service at all stages of the foreign trade operation were taken into account. The application of the constructed model in practice will enable exporters and importers to choose a transport and forwarding company depending on the individual needs of customers in the delivery of goods. The simulation results reflect the performance indicators of the provision of transport and forwarding services by various specialized enterprises. This will make it possible to involve in the transport and forwarding service of a separate counterparty an organization that will meet all the requirements of goods buyer in accordance with the terms of the international economic contract. At the same time, the duration of choosing and agreeing the terms of cooperation could be reduced by 12–15 % while the efficiency of transport and forwarding services would increase by 13–16 %

Optimization of merchandise delivery logistics: case studies at Bejaia port

The object of the study is the logistics of goods delivery by ports. This study presents a methodology designed to improve the efficiency of goods delivery logistics at the Bejaia port (Algeria). It prioritizes the optimization of empty container allocation to the ZEP zone, taking into account the geographical accessibility of the Tixter area, aiming to reduce the high costs linked with goods transportation. At the core of this strategy lies the use of simulation techniques to optimize truck fleets, ensuring maximum utilization rates and effective management of delivery operations by the Bejaia Mediterranean Terminal (BMT) for its clients. Addressing this challenge, the study offers an exhaustive analysis, integrating truck assignment models and accessibility assessments of logistic zones. The results highlight the paramount significance of optimal resource allocation and synchronized client coordination for achieving streamlined goods delivery. It becomes apparent that employing these methodologies can yield substantial productivity improvements, emphasizing their pivotal role in strengthening the port's logistical infrastructure. Via rigorous analysis and insights derived from data, this study elucidates avenues towards achieving operational excellence within the logistical infrastructure of the port. By harnessing innovative strategies to confront persistent challenges, such as optimizing truck fleets and strategically allocating resources, the research anticipates a profound transformation in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of goods delivery operations. Ultimately, the integration of these methodologies holds the potential to propel the port of Bejaia towards enduring success and a competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of global trade. Through extensive efforts, this strategy can be extended to other national and international ports operating under similar conditions, as it provides valuable information and methodologies to optimize logistics and transportation operations.

Improvement Operational Business Process in Logistic Companies Using Model-Based and Integrated Process Improvement

The logistics business sector is experiencing increasingly competitive and complex developments, requiring enhancements to remain competitive. The method used in this research is the Model-Based and Integrated Process Improvement (MIPI) method, and business process mapping using Business Process Model and Notation. The MIPI method consists of four stages: Understand Business Needs, Understand the Process, Model and Analyze Process, by conducting activity analysis using Value-Added Analysis and Cause and Effect Analysis to identify problem causes, and the final stage is Redesign Process. Value-Added Analysis indicates that in the outbound process, there are 21 activities, comprising 4 Real Value Added, 15 Business Value Added, and 2 Non-Value Added. In the inbound process, there are 21 activities with a composition of 2 Real Value Added, 16 Business Value Added, and 3 Non-Value Added. Based on Cause and Effect Analysis, customer complaints were found to be related to delayed delivery of goods, with root causes identified in planning, methods, equipment, and human factors. Based on these findings, a proposal for a new business process design is made, including the elimination of Non-Value Added activities and parallelism in some activities to simplify Business Value Added activities. Recommendations for these issues include expanding partnerships and collaboration with vendors, increasing fleet size, and providing employee development training.

Voriconazole and Beauvercin Loaded Niosomal Mucoadhesive Nanogel as an effective Treatment for the Management of Oral Candidiasis

Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection, which affects the oral mucosa. The main causative agent of this is Candida albicans and as the literature indicates highest prevalence of Candida bloodstream infections in India. Most commonly azole derivatives such as miconazole, fluconazole, itraconazol etc. are used to manage the infection. However, their efficacy is compromised due to multidrug resistance. A new azole derivative voriconzole could be effective but its poor water solubility and bioavailability are seen as significant limitations. Its efficacy can be enhanced by combining it with beauvericin, a cyclic hexadepsipeptide with remarkable antifungal activity against candida. One study reported that combining of beauvericin with voriconzole reduce the MIC of voriconazole by 128th times. Furthermore the solubility and bioavailability were enhanced by loading both the drugs in niosomes. The niosomes were imcorporated into a polymeric mucoadhesive gel post statistically optimization by the Box-Behnken experimental design. The niosomes were subjected to evaluation for vesicular size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug release and zeta potential High entrapment efficiency was observed in the optimized noisome formulation F3 (89.89±0.64 % for voriconazole and 92.98±0.35 % for beauvericin) exhibiting cumulative drug release of 79.98±1.87 % for voriconazole and 69.17±1.98 % for beauvericin. The mucoadhesive gel was smooth, homogenious with desired pH and mucodhesion. The stability studies indicated that all the formulations are stable as evidence by no significant change in drug content over the time. These findings suggest that a niosmal mucoadhesive gel loaded with voriconazole and beauvericin is a good therapeutic delivery system for the effective treatment of oral candidiasis.

A progressive hedging-based matheuristic for the stochastic production routing problem with adaptive routing

The production routing problem (PRP) arises in the context where a manufacturing facility manages its production schedule, the delivery of goods to customers by a fleet of vehicles, and the inventory levels both at the plant and at the customers. The presence of uncertainty often complicates the planning process. In particular, production and distribution costs may significantly increase if demand uncertainty is ignored in the planning phase. Nevertheless, only a few studies have considered demand uncertainty in the PRP. In this article, we propose a two-stage stochastic programming approach for a one-to-many PRP with a single product and demand uncertainty. Unlike previous studies in the literature, we consider the case where routing decisions are made in the second stage after customer demands become known. This offers more flexibility, which can decrease transportation costs by preventing unnecessary customer visits. In addition to the static–dynamic case, in which setup decisions are made first and production quantities are decided in the second stage, we also consider the static–static setting where both sets of decisions must be made prior to the demand realization. A progressive hedging algorithm combined with a matheuristic is developed to solve the problem. The role of the progressive hedging algorithm is to decompose the stochastic problem into more tractable scenario-specific subproblems and lead the first-stage variables towards convergence by modifying their Lagrangean multipliers. However, solving the subproblems remains challenging since they include routing decisions, and we thus propose a matheuristic to exploit the structural characteristics of the subproblems. First, a Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is solved to find the optimal tour for all customers regardless of demand and capacity. Utilizing the sequence obtained from the TSP, we then solve a restricted PRP while taking into account the other constraints of the original problem. Finally, for each period and scenario, a vehicle routing problem is solved to improve the quality of the solutions. Computational experiments are conducted to analyze the algorithm’s efficiency and to assess the benefits that can be achieved by handling routing in the second stage.

Analysis of delays in the container loading and unloading process at the stevedoring stage at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 2 Pangkal Balam

This research aims to identify and overcome factors that hinder loading and unloading activities at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 2 Pangkal Balam. This research uses a qualitative approach with primary data sources obtained through interviews, direct observation, and secondary data from related documents at the port office. Some problems faced in the loading and unloading process at Pangkal Balam Port include equipment damage, truck queues, weather conditions and sea tides. These factors have a negative impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the stevedoring process, resulting in delays in the delivery of goods and losses for exporters and importers. Efforts to reduce these obstacles include improved equipment maintenance, better organization of truck queues, and adaptation to weather and tidal conditions. This research also emphasizes the importance of continuously evaluating existing operational procedures to increase the productivity and satisfaction of port service users. The results of this research can be a reference for PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 2 Pangkal Balam in improving port services so that goods can be delivered on time and service users are not disadvantaged. Thus, ports can function optimally as efficient and effective port activity centres.

Economic and mathematical model of selection of optimal delivery schemes involving water transport and the use of regional transport infrastructure facilities

The article presents the results of the formation of an economic and mathematical model for optimizing the distribution of cargo flows in the region and the selection of optimal schemes for the delivery of goods through regional transport infrastructure facilities. The approaches adopted in the educational and scientific literature to solve the indicated problem, as well as the proposals of scientists to improve them, are considered. It was concluded that it is necessary to develop its own model that meets the modern conditions for the functioning of water transport and port terminals in the system of regional, interregional and international transportation. An economic and mathematical model has been formulated, taking into account the possibility of organizing the transportation of goods both directly from regional senders to recipients and through terminal complexes with backload. Testing of the model on the control example showed that with a certain number of points of the served transport network, the size of the region and the volume of cargo flows, transportation can be effectively mastered by port terminals, which are most suitable for working in these conditions.

The Growth of the Cameroonian Public Sector: An Analysis from Adolph Wagner's Approach

Purpose: This article sheds light on the determining factors accountable for the growth of the Cameroonian public sector from Adolph Wagner's Perspective. Methodology: To realize the objective, data were obtained through documentary and secondary sources, such as the World Bank Reports and other relevant documents. Information obtained was contently analysed, while numeric information was presented in percentages and tables. Findings: Using Adolph Wagner's Approach, findings showed that the size of the Cameroon public service has grown in size due to political, economic and social determinants. Politically, it has increased due to political instability and voter maximization behaviours by politicians; economically, it is due to the demand for public and merit goods, the fight against unemployment, and the government's regulatory role in the economy. Socially, it is accounted for by increasing population growth and demand for social services. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This article from the Theoretical Standpoint of Adolph Wagner's perspective has resolved that the size of the Cameroonian public service has increased in size over the years as a result of political and socio-economic undertones, which to a greater extent has not been efficient service delivery. It is from this perspective that it is highly recommended that, there is an urgent need for accountability and responsiveness to be imbibed into the Cameroon public to ensure efficient delivery of goods and services to the public.