Distribution Chain Research Articles

Analisis Kinerja Bongkar Muat Curah Kering di Pelabuhan Tanjung Tembaga

This research focuses on analyzing the performance of dry bulk unloading at Tanjung Tembaga Port, with a case study of PT Delta Artha Bahari Nusantara. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of dry bulk loading and unloading services at the port and identify efforts that can be made to improve loading and unloading productivity. The research method used is descriptive quantitative, with data collection through direct observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical methods and compared with the established operational service performance standards. The results showed that the performance of loading and unloading at Tanjung Copper Port seen from all indicators of loading and unloading performance can be concluded that the average of all indicators includes good category as evidenced by the total percentage of the average of 79.96%. This study concludes that to improve loading and unloading performance, PT Delta Artha Bahari Nusantara needs to improve facilities and infrastructure, improve operational systems, and provide training to the workforce. Thus, it is expected that the port can be more efficient in handling dry bulk loading and unloading and contribute positively to the supply and distribution chain.

DEM study on the force chain evolution of biaxial compression of pebble bed

Li4SiO4 and Li2TiO3 are granular materials in the pebble bed of fusion reactors, and their physical parameters and mechanical properties directly affect the working status and structural design of the pebble bed. The force chain can be employed to intuitively describe the mechanical properties of the pebble bed in the particle aggregate. Based on the discrete element method, we conducted a numerical study on the evolution characteristics of the force chain of Li4SiO4 and Li2TiO3 pebble beds under biaxial compression and explored the friction coefficient and pebble bed effect of the aspect ratio on the force chain distribution. The results revealed that as the particle friction coefficient increased, the force chain tended to be isotropically distributed, indicating that the friction mechanism was more conducive to a uniform distribution of the force chain. During compression, the average coordination number of the pebble bed increased with the friction coefficient. The Li2TiO3 particles had larger gravity than the Li4SiO4 pebble bed therefore, the Li2TiO3 pebble bed accounted for more force chains in the vertical direction. When the aspect ratio of the pebble bed was less than 0.5 or greater than 2.5, the distribution of force chains exhibited strong anisotropy. Conversely, when the pebble bed aspect ratio ranged between 0.5 and 2.5, the distribution of force chains tended towards an isotropic trend. Moreover, the number of force chains in each direction varied with changes in the aspect ratio of the pebble bed, characterized by a high concentration at the edges and a lower concentration in the middle. The results can provide an in-depth understanding of the force chain distribution and evolution characteristics in the pebble bed and provide a theoretical basis for designing and analyzing tritium breeding pebble beds.

The contribution of digitization to successful international expansion: lessons from Decathlon’s strategic movements

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain to what extent digitization is an opportunity to international development of the firm by drawing on the international expansion of the French Decathlon group. The retailer and manufacturer have adopted a number of interesting strategies, following “specific movements,” as the authors have noted. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using the Europress database. The authors compiled press articles about the development of the Decathlon company and discussed the various stages of the brand's growth to enhance understanding and propose refinements to the current knowledge of companies' internationalization. Findings The findings support the idea that digitization of the distribution and production chain reduces transaction costs and accelerates the conquest of market share. Digitization brings new experiential knowledge to companies and facilitates internationalization. Decathlon's success lies not in its resources or in the art of managing its internal capabilities, but rather in the ability to combine organizational resources with key external capabilities (development of technological partnerships). Originality/value The originality of this research lies in the logic of deepening the steps of companies’ internationalization integrating new technologies that shift current comprehension of this phenomenon. After the COVID-19 period, digitization is accelerated and represent threats and probably opportunities to break down barriers to companies’ abroad expansion.

MiR-29a-3p orchestrates key signaling pathways for enhanced migration of human mesenchymal stem cells

BackgroundThe homing of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is crucial for their therapeutic efficacy and is characterized by the orchestrated regulation of multiple signaling modules. However, the principal upstream regulators that synchronize these signaling pathways and their mechanisms during cellular migration remain largely unexplored.MethodsmiR-29a-3p was exogenously expressed in either wild-type or DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (DGCR8) knockdown hMSCs. Multiple pathway components were analyzed using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative PCR. hMSC migration was assessed both in vitro and in vivo through wound healing, Transwell, contraction, and in vivo migration assays. Extensive bioinformatic analyses using gene set enrichment analysis and Ingenuity pathway analysis identified enriched pathways, upstream regulators, and downstream targets.ResultsThe global depletion of microRNAs (miRNAs) due to DGCR8 gene silencing, a critical component of miRNA biogenesis, significantly impaired hMSC migration. The bioinformatics analysis identified miR-29a-3p as a pivotal upstream regulator. Its overexpression in DGCR8-knockdown hMSCs markedly improved their migration capabilities. Our data demonstrate that miR-29a-3p enhances cell migration by directly inhibiting two key phosphatases: protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type kappa (PTPRK) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The ectopic expression of miR-29a-3p stabilized the polarization of the Golgi apparatus and actin cytoskeleton during wound healing. It also altered actomyosin contractility and cellular traction forces by changing the distribution and phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2. Additionally, it regulated focal adhesions by modulating the levels of PTPRK and paxillin. In immunocompromised mice, the migration of hMSCs overexpressing miR-29a-3p toward a chemoattractant significantly increased.ConclusionsOur findings identify miR-29a-3p as a key upstream regulator that governs hMSC migration. Specifically, it was found to modulate principal signaling pathways, including polarization, actin cytoskeleton, contractility, and adhesion, both in vitro and in vivo, thereby reinforcing migration regulatory circuits.

Cold chain distribution network design with heterogeneous fleet under carbon reduction policy application effect

ABSTRACT To integrate cold chain distribution network design problem with heterogeneous fleet, a multi-objective optimisation model is proposed to simultaneously optimise distribution routes, the quantity of internal combustion and electric refrigerated trucks (ERTs), and the number and location of distribution centres and charging stations with time window constraints, where the cold chain distribution operating cost and the customer dissatisfaction cost are minimised. A hybrid solution methodology, combining a multi-objective artificial fish swarm algorithm with a label-based optimisation algorithm, is presented to address this model. Extensive computational experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis, focusing on the range of ERTs, the purchase subsidy for ERTs, the carbon tax and the carbon emission quota, informs the development of diverse carbon reduction policies. A comparative analysis of the implementation effect of carbon reduction policies can provide optimisation decision support for promoting sustainability in the electrification of cold chain distribution.

Uncovering unmet demand and key insights for the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) market before and after the Italian outbreak: Implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders

In the summer of 2023, the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, experienced an unprecedented outbreak in the Northern Adriatic Sea, significantly impacting Italy's shellfish farming industry and generating widespread media attention. Given that commercially harvesting this edible species is recognized as one of the main strategies to manage its invasion, we conducted an extensive online survey to explore key aspects of C. sapidus market. The survey included questions on public awareness, market availability, consumer’s acceptance, market prices and willingness to pay. We gathered responses from 2466 participants across Italy, between November 2022 and October 2023. To explore possible changes in public perceptions, we compared data from periods before and after the media upsurge. Our findings underscore a rapid rise in public interest fueled by media coverage, coupled with a high favorable reception from Italian consumers, who positively assessed the blue crab's qualities. A notable mismatch between consumer interest and the current availability of C. sapidus in national markets was highlighted, suggesting the importance to address this major gap in the distribution chain of blue crab across all the Italian regions. By tapping into a highly impactful and readily available yet currently underutilized resource, significant economic potential can be unlocked. This approach should be considered while developing long-term adaptation strategies, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices and carefully assessing any potential challenge.

A Dynamic and Effective Peptide-Based Strategy for Promptly Addressing Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern.

Genomic surveillance based on sequencing the entire genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 involves monitoring and studying genetic changes and variations in disease-causing organisms such as viruses and bacteria. By tracing the virus, it is possible to prevent epidemic spread in the community, ensuring a 'precision public health' strategy. A peptide-based design was applied to provide an efficacious strategy that is able to counteract any emerging viral variant of concern dynamically and promptly to affect the outcomes of a pandemic at an early stage while waiting for the production of the anti-variant-specific vaccine, which require longer times. The inhibition of the interaction between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and one of the cellular receptors (DPP4) that its receptors routinely bind to infect human cells is an intriguing therapeutic approach to prevent the virus from entering human cells. Among the other modalities developed for this purpose, peptides surely offer unique advantages, including ease of synthesis, serum stability, low immunogenicity and toxicity, and small production and distribution chain costs. Here, we obtained a potent new inhibitor based on the rearrangement of a previously identified peptide that has been rationally designed on a cell dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) sequence, a ubiquitous membrane protein known to bind the RBD-SPIKE domain of the virus. This novel peptide (named DPP4-derived), conceived as an endogenous "drug", is capable of targeting the latest tested variants with a high affinity, reducing the VSV* DG-Fluc pseudovirus Omicron's infection capacity by up to 14%, as revealed by in vitro testing in human Calu-3 cells. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) confirmed the binding affinity of the new DPP4-derived peptide with Omicron variant RBD.

Programming Chain Distribution of Branched Polymers via Bond Exchange Reactions

Programming Chain Distribution of Branched Polymers via Bond Exchange Reactions

The impact of risk factors on the sustainability of food distribution chain functioning in Kazakhstan

In conditions of risk and uncertainty, food security is ensured taking into account the requirements of isolation, safety and health, which requires changes to the existing supply chain (SC) system in the food environment, as well as the creation of more sustainable food supply chains. The aim of the study is to assess the conditions and factors of the functioning of the food commodity distribution chain (FCDC) of the agri-food market in conditions of risk, in particular, the COVID-19 pandemic. To formulate a conceptual framework reflecting the structure of the SC elements, the method of systematic review and generalization of literature was used; the method of expert survey of participants in the SC of food products (FP). During the analysis, seven significant factor constraints (technological, financial, economic, institutional, social, epidemiological, geographical) were revealed, the environment and operating conditions of the FCDC associated with the impact of the pandemic were identified. The risk factors of the environment and operating conditions of the FCDC and their possible effects on the SC are evaluated. Practical recommendations are given to reduce risks and improve the efficiency of the agro-food commodity distribution SC. The study attempts to study the influence of various factors caused by the restriction of the functioning of the food environment and affecting the stability of the SC of perishable products. The results could also be used to inform SC participants about the measures needed to create more sustainable SC foods in the future.

Discrete element analysis of the dynamic behavior of ballast track-subgrade system under train dynamic load

To study the dynamic response law of the ballast track-subgrade coupling system under the action of train dynamic load, considering the real shape of ballast particles, a refined discrete element model of the rail-sleeper-ballast bed-subgrade coupling system was established. The established model can realistically simulate the coupling mechanism between irregular ballast particles, between track panel and ballast bed, and between ballast bed and subgrade under train dynamic load. The validity of the established model is verified using on-site measurement results. This study, from a microscopic perspective, focuses on particle contact forces, vibrations, and frictional energy consumption in the rail-sleeper-ballast bed-subgrade coupling system under train dynamic load and investigates the influence of train speed and axle weight. Results show that an increase in train speed and axle weight enhances the number and probability distribution of strong force chains between ballast particles, increasing the risk of particle breakage and deterioration. The influence range and depth in the ballast bed-subgrade system increase with the train's speed and axle weight. Due to the granular nature of the ballast bed, the vibration acceleration distribution of ballast particles under train dynamic loads is relatively random. Overall, the vibration level of the ballast bed increases with train speed and axle weight. The frictional energy consumption of ballast particles rapidly grows as the train's bogie load passes, and the effect of train axle weight on the frictional energy consumption of ballast particles is more significant than the train's speed.

Distribution path optimization of carbon emission-reducing agricultural products in the cold chain from a green economy perspective

As people's environmental awareness improves, the development of green economy has become an important goal for countries to achieve sustainable development. The extensive generation of greenhouse gases during the cold chain logistics and distribution process poses a significant challenge to the advancement of the green economy. By utilizing an enhanced genetic algorithm (GA), this research examines the expenses associated with distributing fresh agricultural products via the cold chain and constructs a model for optimizing the path of distribution. Simulation experiments show that the total cost of this model constructed in the study is 2323.94 RMB, which is less than 2623.35 RMB of the traditional path planning model, and the carbon emission is 85 kg less. It proves that the path optimization model constructed by the research has high economic and environmental benefits, and the designed and planned path is more in line with the needs of green economy than the traditional path, which has the potential to minimize carbon emissions during the fresh agricultural product cold chain distribution process while simultaneously promoting sustainable development.

Risk analysis of critical control points of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in layer farms and egg chicken distributors

Microbiological criteria play a role in verifying the critical control points (CCP), which become part of the hazard analysis, and the CCP system that guarantees quality, considering possible danger points or stages in the food production chain. Studies about Staphylococcus aureus in chicken eggs more extensively discuss the path, source, and level of prevalence of contamination at the final distributor or consumer. Therefore, this study investigates CCP contamination of S. aureus in chicken eggs and their potential consumption, which could endanger human health from the layer farm until the final distributor. This study is critical in health, public health, and veterinary medicine for preventing and controlling consumers' security. This study done for CCP on the chain distribution of chicken eggs starts with preparing production and distribution process flow diagrams for livestock, agents/wholesalers, and retailers. Confirmation of operational production in the field/location study is based on the flow chart that has been arranged, identifying all potential dangers associated with each stage and analyzing potential risks considering every action for controlling identified hazards. The next step involves pinpointing the CCP to counteract the identified threat. An application tree decision defines the CCP, and the logical and final approach is the determination limit critical to the CCP. Analysis results in the determination of CCP contamination of S. aureus, indicating that chicken eggs, personal hands (farm workers, wholesalers, and retailers), shelf eggs, and feces are CCP on farms.

Analysis Of Factors That Influence The Performance Of Employees In Boarding And Unloading Of Ship Goods In The Port

The activity of loading and unloading ship goods at the port is one of the vital activities in the goods distribution chain. The performance of employees involved in this process has a direct impact on port efficiency and productivity as well as safety and security in its operations. However, in practice, a variety of factors might impact employee effectiveness in these activities. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence the performance of employees involved in loading and unloading ship cargo activities at the port. This study0 uses quantitative research methods by collecting data through surveys using questionnaires and literature studies. The data that has been collected is then analyzed using a regression test using the SPSS program. The research results show that the factors that influence the performance of employees loading and unloading ship goods at the port include supervision, human resource competency and job security. Therefore, to improve employee performance, efforts need to be made such as strengthening the monitoring and control system for employee performance, improving employee training and competency development, and creating safe and comfortable working conditions for employees.

Property analysis and coherence dynamics for tree-symmetric networks with noise disturbance

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the leaderless and the leader–follower coherence of tree-symmetric networks. Firstly, the analytical expressions for the product and the sum of the reciprocals of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues of tree-symmetric networks are computed. Secondly, comparing the leaderless and leader–follower coherence, the existence of leader nodes and network parameters have a great impact on the coherence in the noisy environment. Finally, the Laplacian eigenvalues of tree-symmetric networks were utilized to analyze other properties of the network. These research results have certain theoretical significance for the promotion of distributed system and block chain technology.

Hydrolytic-Assisted Fractionation of Textile Waste Containing Cotton and Polyester

Resulting properties of cotton and polyester blends make polycotton the most common fabric in textile industry. Separation technologies are key for the chemical processing of the massive amount of polycotton waste produced worldwide. The very different chemical nature of cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate determines the fractionation strategies to obtain two valuable monomaterial streams. In this work, we propose separation pathways seeking the conversion both polymers. First, polyester was depolymerised into its monomeric units through catalytic alkaline hydrolysis. The combined effect of alkali concentration and the catalyst was analysed to overcome the hydrophobic nature of polyester and optimise its conversion rate minimising the damaged caused to the cellulose chains. Conversion rates up to 80% were reached in a single separation stage with a limited effect of the polymer chain distribution of cellulose which remains a fiber-grade feedstock. Alternatively, cellulose was fully removed by selective dissolution in ionic solvent and subsequent filtration resulting in a spinnable mixture. Finally, enzymatic treatments for the conversion of cellulose into fermentable sugars were studied. Single stage conversions of 65% were achieved after maximizing the enzymatic activity. Structural and spectroscopic analysis showed that crystalline domains of textile-grade cotton limit the enzymatic activity. Optimal fractionation process is, in our view, highly context dependent what conveys to seek a variety of alternatives seeking for chemical processes driven by the ulterior up-cycling of the monomaterial streams

Evaluation of PLA-Based Composite Films Filled with Cu2(OH)3NO3 Nanoparticles as an Active Material for the Food Industry: Biocidal Properties and Environmental Sustainability.

The globalization of markets has diversified the food supply, but it has also made the distribution chain more difficult, increasing the risk of microbial contamination. One strategy to obtain safer food and extend its shelf life is to develop active packaging with antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms or spoilage in food products. In this context, and in line with the growing social awareness about the environmental impact generated by plastic waste, this work evaluated the effectiveness of polylactic acid (PLA) films loaded with different concentrations of copper (II) hydroxynitrate nanoparticles (CuHS) against the microbiota of fresh foods (chicken, fish and cheese). The results showed that the developed films containing 1, 3 and 5% w/w of CuHS in the polymeric matrix caused a decrease in the microbial abundance equal to or higher than 3 logarithmic units in all foods tested. Moreover, the mechanical and thermal properties of the formulated composites showed that the added CuHS concentrations did not substantially modify these properties compared to the PLA films. Taking into account the results obtained for antimicrobial activity, Cu (II) migration levels and the cytotoxicity of the films formulated, the PLA composite loaded with 1% CuHS (w/w) was the most suitable for its potential use as food packaging material. In addition, the biodegradation of this composite film was studied under conditions simulating intensive aerobic composting, demonstrating that almost 100% disintegration after 14 days of testing was achieved. Therefore, the innovative PLA-based films developed represent a promising strategy for the fabrication of packaging and active surfaces to increase food shelf life while maintaining food safety. Moreover, their biodegradable character will contribute to efficient waste management, turning plastic residues into a valuable resource.

Modeling and Solving the Problem of Location of Facilities in the Distribution Sector of the Supply Chain in Multi-Product and Multi-Period Mode

Location of facilities is an integral part of organizational strategy that can play an essential role in the strategic direction of the organization. This activity includes many factors that may be in conflict in nature, so that if the necessary checks are not carried out when choosing a location, this can affect the life of the organization in the long term. The purpose of this research is to investigate the problem of location of facilities in the supply chain distribution sector and to develop a new mathematical model for this problem. One of the important limitations of this mathematical model is the capacity limitations. Also, this issue is investigated for multi-product and multi-period distribution planning. Therefore, while defining and modeling this problem, a numerical example is also analyzed to solve the results.

Polypy: A Framework to Interpret Polymer Properties from Mass Spectroscopy Data.

Mass spectroscopy (MS) is a robust technique for polymer characterization, and it can provide the chemical fingerprint of a complete sample regarding polymer distribution chains. Nevertheless, polymer chemical properties such as polydispersity (Pd), average molecular mass (Mn), weight average molecular mass (Mw) and others are not determined by MS, as they are commonly characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). In order to calculate polymer properties from MS, a Python script was developed to interpret polymer properties from spectroscopic raw data. Polypy script can be considered a peak detection and area distribution method, and represents the result of combining the MS raw data filtered using Root Mean Square (RMS) calculation with molecular classification based on theoretical molar masses. Polypy filters out areas corresponding to repetitive units. This approach facilitates the identification of the polymer chains and calculates their properties. The script also integrates visualization graphic tools for data analysis. In this work, aryl resin (poly(2,2-bis(4-oxy-(2-(methyloxirane)phenyl)propan) was the study case polymer molecule, and is composed of oligomer chains distributed mainly in the range of dimers to tetramers, in some cases presenting traces of pentamers and hexamers in the distribution profile of the oligomeric chains. Epoxy resin has Mn = 607 Da, Mw = 631 Da, and polydispersity (Pd) of 1.015 (data given by GPC). With Polypy script, calculations resulted in Mn = 584.42 Da, Mw = 649.29 Da, and Pd = 1.11, which are consistent results if compared with GPC characterization. Additional information, such as the percentage of oligomer distribution, was also calculated and for this polymer matrix it was not possible to retrieve it from the GPC method. Polypy is an approach to characterizing major polymer chemical properties using only MS raw spectra, and it can be utilized with any MS raw data for any polymer matrix.

Sustainability of the use of critical raw materials in electric vehicle batteries: A transdisciplinary review

The expected growth of electric mobility will have major sustainability implications in societies across the globe due to a global reliance on primary natural resources and the uneven distribution of benefits and impacts. There has been a call for comprehensive assessments that account for the complex causalities between technological, environmental, social, economic, and political aspects of electric mobility. We present a literature review examining the interconnections between aspects of sustainability in the use of critical materials in electric vehicle batteries. With a holistic review of social sciences, materials science, environmental policy, and innovation management literatures, five domains of sustainability tensions were identified: 1) resource sufficiency, 2) geographical distribution and global value chains, 3) regulation and policies, 4) circular economy, and 5) emerging battery technologies. The framework explicates the wickedness and complex causalities involved in the interdependencies of multiple sustainability dimensions and the related tensions. This study extends the examination to cover political aspects and adds to techno-industrial research on battery materials, supply chains and industrial policies and land use, electricity consumption and governance in EV battery production. This study proposes pathways forward that consider various sustainability interdependencies.

Study of the mechanical properties and propagation mechanisms of non-coplanar and discontinuous joints via numerical simulation experiments

Non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses are more complex than coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses. The mechanical properties and propagation mechanisms of non-coplanar and discontinuous joints were studied via direct shear tests with microscopic numerical simulation experiments. The numerical simulation tests were performed under different normal stresses, joint inclination angles, and shear rates. The numerical experimental results show that the microscale failure of non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses is mainly caused by tensile cracks. Additionally, when the peak shear stress is reached, the growth rate of cracks increases rapidly, and the number of cracks increases with increasing normal stress. The shear strength of non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses increases with increasing normal stress. Under the same normal stress, the variation curves of the shear strength of non-coplanar and discontinuously jointed rock masses with respect to the dip angle exhibit an “S”-shaped nonlinear pattern. Rock masses with joint inclination angles of approximately 15° and 65° have minimum and maximum shear strengths, respectively. The joint dip angle has a significant impact on the final failure mode of rock bridges in the rock mass. As the joint dip angle increases, the final failure modes of rock bridges change from “end-to-end” connection to a combination of “head-to-head” and “tail-to-tail” connections. The shear rate has a certain impact on the peak shear stress, but the impact is not significant. The spatial distribution of the tensile force chains changes as shearing progresses, and stress concentration occurs at the tips of the original joints, which is the reason for the development of long tensile cracks in the deeper parts.