Electronic Chain Research Articles

An ISM-MICMAC approach for analyzing dependencies among barriers of supply chain digitalization

PurposeSupply chain digitalization (SCD) facilitates a competitive advantage and is equally challenging. A literature analysis reveals that research related to SCD is available, but analysis of key barriers and their interrelations for effective SCD is limited. This paper aims to identify and find out interrelationships among the key barriers affecting SCD in the electronic supply chain (SC).Design/methodology/approachInterpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to identify the contextual relationship among the SCD barriers. The model is validated using MICMAC analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study have implications at both theoretical and practical levels. The proposed ISM model can help organizations analyze and interpret interrelationships among barriers to SCD. It can lead to better insights and understanding for minimizing the dominant barriers to effective SCD.Originality/valueThis study tries to bridge the gap in identifying and finding the interrelationships among the key barriers to effective SCD in an electronic SC. The result assists practicing managers and academicians in effective decision-making on the SCD process.

Nanobiophotonics. Effect of carbon nanoparticles on the optical and spectroscopic properties of Cichorium intybus leaves

The effect of different types of nanoparticles on plants has been of great interest in recent years. Within this general context, the specific purpose of the present work was to study the interaction between carbon nanoparticles and the photosynthetic electron chain, to determine whether they induced a beneficial or toxic effect on the primary steps of photosynthesis. Two types of nanoparticles were synthesized and physicochemically characterized: nanocarbon black (nano-CB) and graphene quantum dots (GQD). They were sprayed over Cichorium intybus leaves and their effect on the photosynthetic chain was studied using chlorophyll-a fluorescence analysis. Nano-CB was prepared by an acid exfoliation method from commercial carbon black, whereas GQD were obtained by pyrolysis of L-glutamic acid. The nanoparticulate systems displayed luminescent properties and the fluorescence quantum yield for GQD resulted about six times higher than the value for nano-CB. Both kind of nanoparticles presented similar effects on the plant leaves, but the action of GQD was more pronounced. They induced an evident decrease in the content of photosynthetic pigments, a reduced xanthophyll cycle and a lower ability to dissipate excess energy by non-photochemical quenching. Changes in the concentration ratios Chlorophyll a/b and Chlorophylls/Carotenoids were similar to those previously found for shaded leaves but could not be assigned to shading effects in this case. The results of this work suggested a particular deleterious action on the performance of photosystem I (PSI). The phytotoxicity of the tested carbon nanoparticles on Cichorium intybus, at the level of the primary photosynthesis stages was, thus, demonstrated.

Optimising small-scale electronic commerce supply chain operations: a dynamic cost-sharing contract approach

For small-scale electronic commerce supply chains, designing effective strategies to improve operational effectiveness, market share and long-term survival are essential aspects. However, researchers have given less attention in addressing these issues. This study proposes a dynamic cost-sharing contract for an e-tailer supply chain to address the issues of asymmetric information, long-term integration, and ineffective costs. We include consistency constraints to obtain stable incentives over time and eliminate the need for re-negotiation. The findings emphasise that the dynamic contract significantly reduces the overall supply chain costs. The consistency constraints guarantee high incentives, thus assuring the players remain in the total contract period and enable long-term integration.

α-SpecTrim: A new application designed for reproducing alpha-particle spectra

In this work, we introduce a new software application developed to reproduce α-particle spectra measured with silicon detectors. It takes into consideration the main physical processes involved in the interaction of alpha particles with the source and the detector. This application is considerably more user-friendly than multipurpose codes, being also the runtimes to obtain a spectrum much lower. It makes use of the TRIM simulation code for tracking alpha particles in the source and the detector entrance window. Concerning to the response function of a silicon detector, the contribution of electronic excitation and ionization produced by the alpha particles is also obtained by simulation, while the electron-hole pair statistics and the broadening produced by the amplifier system (electronic chain) are included as convolutions of theoretical functions. The code α-SpecTrim is written in Python 3 language using Flask framework, so it can be run in every PC or laptop. It is free and can be provided if requested to the authors.

Integrated mitoepigenetic signalling mechanisms associated with airborne particulate matter exposure: A cross-sectional pilot study

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is known to be associated with various chronic human ailments, however, precise underlying molecular mechanisms remains elusive. Based on the place of residence and amount of PM exposure, the study groups were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Different parameters related to oxidative DNA damage and repair, integrated stress response, mito-nuclear crosstalk, mitochondrial biogenesis, functioning and epigenetic machinery were assessed. The results of our pilot study showed that in comparison to the low-risk group, the levels of mitochondrial stress and oxidative DNA damage were significantly higher in the high-risk group. In addition, the upregulated expression levels of OMA1, DELE1, and HRI genes in the high-risk group confirmed the onset of an integrated stress response. These disturbances in the mitochondrial genome were further found to be associated with the vital processes of mitochondrial biogenesis. The high-risk group reported significant alterations in the mtDNA copy number and expression of mitochondrial fission and fusion genes. Importantly, we also observed higher expression levels of mitochondrial transcription factor TFAM, a key regulator of mtDNA replication and transcription in the high-risk group. Moreover, these changes were accompanied by the disturbances in the expression of TET genes and levels of mtDNA methylation. This impaired mtDNA methylation profile further correlated with the disturbed activity of electron chain complexes and expression of the mitochondria function genes in the high-risk group. Altogether, our observations provide vital molecular insights of the integrated mitoepigenetic signalling network in the airborne PM exposed individuals, hitherto unreported.

Nutritional Health and Bioflavonoids

Flavonoids are phytochemicals (polyphenols) of plant origin. They can trap free oxygen radicals generated by mitochondria and other electronic transport chains, thereby inhibiting inflammatory and carcinogenic changes in vivo and in vitro. Why the body requires these compounds for the well-being of the organism and the maintenance of human health remains unclear. However, a deficit of flavonoids could lead to molecular malfunctions in cells, organelles, and macromolecules. This manuscript describes the occurrence and prevalence of flavonoid exposure in some chronic inflammatory diseases and their relationship with each other.

Chemically Stable Low-Dimensional Electrides in Transition Metal-Rich Monochalcogenides: Theoretical and Experimental Explorations

Electrides, which are ionic crystals composed of excess anionic electrons, are of great interest as an exotic material for fundamental research and practical applications in broad fields of science and technology. However, an inherent chemical instability under ambient conditions at room temperature has been a fatal drawback to be addressed. Here, we report that transition metal-rich monochalcogenides are an emerging class of low-dimensional electrides with excellent chemical and thermal stability in air and water at room temperature through a comprehensive exploration of theoretical prediction and experimental verification. We predict new two-dimensional (2D) electrides crystallized in hexagonal P3̅m1 and P63/mmc structures with strong localization of anionic electrons in a dumbbell shape at the tetrahedral cavity of the interlayer space, which are distinct from the anionic electrons localized at the octahedral cavity in the hexagonal R3̅m structure of the previous 2D [Ca2N]+·e- and [Y2C]2+·2e- electrides. We successfully synthesized the room-temperature stable [Ti2O]2+·2e-, [Ti2S]2+·2e-, [Zr2S]2+·2e-, and primary solid solution [Hf2SxSe1-x]2+·2e- electrides, showing no structural degradation in air and water. Among them, we found that the synthesized [Ti2S]2+·2e- and [Zr2S]2+·2e- electrides are crystallized in orthorhombic symmetry (Pnnm), showing the feature of a one-dimensional (1D) electride with an anionic electron chain, which has never been reported yet. In addition to the successful finding of new 1D and 2D electrides, we discuss the self-passivation effect-driven chemical stability and the role of anionic electrons in determining the physical properties of the newly discovered electrides.

Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Cells Reprogram Their Metabolic Signature upon GLUT1 Upregulation by Manganese Superoxide Dismutase.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in men across the globe. The prostate gland accounts for some unique glycolytic metabolic characteristics, which causes the metabolic features of prostate tumor initiation and progression to remain poorly characterized. The mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is one of the major redox metabolism regulators. This study points out SOD2 as one major regulator for both redox and glycolytic metabolism in prostate cancer. SOD2 overexpression increases glucose transporter GLUT-1 and glucose uptake. This is not an insulin-mediated effect and seems to be sex-dependent, being present in male mice only. This event concurs with a series of substantial metabolic rearrangements at cytoplasmic and mitochondrial level. A concomitant decrease in glycolytic and pentose phosphate activity, and an increase in electron transfer in the mitochondrial electronic chain, were observed. The Krebs Cycle is altered to produce amino-acid intermediates by decreasing succinate dehydrogenase. This in turn generates a 13-fold increase in the oncometabolite succinate. The protein energy sensor AMPK is decreased at basal and phosphorylated levels in response to glucose deprivation. Finally, preliminary results in prostate cancer patients indicate that glandular areas presenting high levels of SOD2 show a very strong correlation with GLUT-1 protein levels (R2 = 0.287 p-value < 0.0001), indicating that in patients there may exist an analogous phenomenon to those observed in cell culture and mice.

EChain: A Blockchain-Enabled Ecosystem for Electronic Device Authenticity Verification

Counterfeit electronic devices can cause a significant revenue loss and brand value damage to the original component manufacturers (OCM). In addition, they can instigate serious safety and security issues in critical military and space applications. These devices can be injected by untrusted entities in the supply chain, such as outsourced foundries, distributors, PCB assemblers, and system integrators. Existing methods for device authenticity verification are either destructive, require an advanced electrical test or physical inspection infrastructure. Furthermore, the existing database query-based verification systems by OCMs provide an illusion of authenticity verification by looking for a device record in their online system. In reality, a customer may have bought a cloned or recycled copy of an electronic device and may find a valid record in the OCM verification system. This paper presents a blockchain-centric solution to address these limitations to verify electronic devices. A detailed study is presented to transform an existing supply chain into a trustworthy distributed ledger framework called <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">eChain</i> (electronic Chain). <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">eChain</i> generates device provenance records from blockchain that users can utilize to classify authentic and counterfeit ICs. A fully functional prototype of <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">eChain</i> is developed to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed solution.

Physiological Response to Short-Term Heat Stress in the Leaves of Traditional and Modern Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Cultivars

The aim of this study was to evaluate physiological responses to short-term heat stress in the leaves of traditional (Bistrica) and modern (Toptaste) plum cultivars. In this study, detached plum leaves were incubated at 25 °C (control) and 40 °C (stress). After 1 h of exposure to heat (40 °C), chlorophyll a fluorescence transients were measured, and several biochemical parameters were analyzed. Elevated temperature caused heat stress in both plum cultivars, seen as a decrease in water content (WT), but in the leaves of the cultivar Bistrica, an accumulation of proline and phenols, as well as an accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, suggest the activation of a significant response to unfavorable conditions. Conversely, in the leaves of Toptaste, a significant accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and an activation of guaiacol peroxidase (GPOD), all together with a decreased soluble proteins content, indicate an inadequate response to maintaining homeostasis in the leaf metabolism. The impact of an elevated temperature on photosynthesis was significant in both plum cultivars as reflected in the decrease in performance indexes (PIABS and PItotal) and the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), with significantly pronounced changes found in Toptaste. Unlike the traditional plum cultivar, Bistrica, in the modern cultivar, Toptaste, short-term heat stress increased the minimal fluorescence (F0) and absorption (ABS/RC), as well as Chl b in total chlorophylls. Additionally, the inactivation of RCs (RC/ABS) suggests that excitation energy was not trapped efficiently in the electron chain transport, which resulted in stronger dissipation (DI0/RC) and the formation of ROSs. Considering all presented results, it can be presumed that the traditional cultivar Bistrica has better tolerance to heat stress than the modern cultivar Toptaste. The cultivar, Bistrica, can be used as a basis in further plum breeding programs, as a source of tolerance for high temperature stress.

Information source tracing method of electronic commerce supply chain based on blockchain

In order to overcome the problems of long tracing time and poor tracing accuracy in traditional source tracing methods, this paper proposes a blockchain-based electronic commerce supply chain source tracing method. First, use IoT equipment to collect transaction data, store it in the cluster server in the form of blockchain, build electronic commerce supply chain traceability information base and determine the traceability query scheme. Secondly, the traceability state probability matrix is constructed to obtain the source tag variables. Then, the tracing function is constructed, and the tracing parameters are modified by Baum Welch algorithm. Finally, the Viterbi algorithm is used to obtain the tag matching function, and the recursive method is used to solve the source tracing results. The implementation results show that the tracing time of this method is only 50 s, and the tracing accuracy is as high as 99.8%, indicating that the source tracing effect is good.

Reliability checking and performance analysis of stake holder of E-SCM using machine learning and petrinets

Electronic commerce or E-commerce (sometimes written as E-commerce) is a business model that lets firms and individuals buy and sell things over the internet.E-commerce provides the sellers with a global reach. They remove the barrier of place. Now sellers and buyers can meet in the virtual world, without the hindrance of location.Supply chain management is coordination of all supply activities of an organization from its suppliers and partners to its customers efficiently and effectively. Electronic supply chain management (E-SCM) is collaborative use of technology to improve the operations of supply chain activities as well as the management of supply chains. The advantages of E-SCM are many, and include timely order-processing, improved inventory tracking and management, improved accuracy in order fulfillment. But which E-SCM is a reliable one is a bothering question of a customer. The customer is the most important and integral part of the supply chain. Neglecting the customer in this chain can cause breakdown of the entire process.The electronic supply chain provides retailers and their suppliers a medium for instant communication. But can a customer rely on a paticular retailer and can the customer expect his product on time. This reliability can be checked by using Bayesian appoach. Then petrinet is used to check the performance of retailers, manufacturers and suppliers and find out when the product will reach the customer through this E-SCM. Using web design tools a webpage is created to give information about supplier. The given information is checked in the background for its authenticity. Later the delivery details will be sent to customer only if information is authentic. This will benefit the customers from fraud sites and help them find a reliable retailer and improves reliability of customer on retailer. Also helps customers in taking decision to place the orders. If order is placed then predicts the number of days taken to deliver that product to customer. Therefore helping the customer to keep track of the order. Hence overall satisfaction of the customer is improved.

Smart Monitoring System using Internet of Things: Application for Agricultural Management in Benin

One of the major tools of the new era of digital transformation is Internet of Things (IoT) through which, one can look forward to exploring the new technologies in the digital world as well as how they help in improving the real world. This work provides an overview of the approach used to deploy a surveillance system for monitoring any indoor space in general and specifically for agricultural spaces. The entire process starts after motion detection by motion sensors using Machine Learning techniques. This requires coverage and response processing algorithms implemented in the electronic chain. The electronic part of the system relies on the micro-controllers, sensors and communications between them. A mobile application has been developed to allow competent authorities to receive alerts for real-time intervention with the aim of preventing the destruction of crops slaughtered near herds passage. The monitoring system’ synoptic diagram and its operation along with the power modules description are introduced. Prototype has been designed and performance evaluation performed to show the system’ responsiveness.

Supply chain performance in the era of digitisation: the role of electronic supply chain management

Supply chain performance in the era of digitisation: the role of electronic supply chain management

The effect of digital procurement and supply chain innovation on SMEs performance

Technological changes accompanied by rapid market changes have made it increasingly difficult for SMEs to develop their business in the future. Today, many organizations are shifting to e-procurement as an integrated supply chain support function to achieve strategic business goals. E-procurement or electronic procurement and supply chain Innovation have allowed for more flexibility in responding to market changes and improving the performance of the company's supply chain. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the implementation of e-procurement and supply chain innovation on the supply chain performance of SMEs in Indonesia. The method used in this study is a quantitative survey method using structural equation modeling (SEM) and partial least squares (PLS) with data processing tools, namely SmartPLS 3.0 software. Respondents in this study were 390 employees of SMEs in Indonesia determined by the simple random sampling method. The research data was obtained through an online questionnaire distributed through social media. From the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the implementation of e-procurement has a significant effect on supply chain performance. Supply Chain Innovation has also a significant influence on SMEs supply chain performance.

Information source tracing method of electronic commerce supply chain based on blockchain

Information source tracing method of electronic commerce supply chain based on blockchain

IT resources and quality attributes: The impact on electronic green supply chain management implementation and performance

Although electronic green supply chain management (e-GSCM) has been increasingly adopted into organizations, there is limited empirical research examining antecedents and consequences of e-GSCM implementation. By integrating resource-based and information system success perspectives, this study aims to examine how information technology (IT) resources (i.e., IT infrastructure, IT human and IT relationship resources) and quality attributes (i.e., system quality, information quality, and service quality) influence e-GSCM implementation, which in turn influences firm performance. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the survey of 264 IT managers in large Taiwanese firms. The results show that IT human resources, IT relationship resources, system quality, and information quality significantly drive both e-GSCM internal integration and external collaboration. However, IT infrastructure resources only influence e-GSCM internal integration, and service quality only influences e-GSCM external collaboration. The results also demonstrate that both e-GSCM internal integration and external collaboration are conducive to superior environmental performance and firm competitiveness. Based on the findings, this study discusses the implications for researchers and practitioners.

Using ANP and QFD methodologies to analyze eco-efficiency requirements in an electronic supply chain

The concept of eco-efficiency is an important step in the move towards sustainable development. In the present day business, organizations have to take care of both the economic growth and environmental impact. Eco-efficiency determines the value of a product considering its environmental impact. In this research, the eco-efficiency requirements of an electronics industry are analyzed. The customer requirements (CRs) and design requirements (DRs) are identified for increasing the eco-efficiency in the industry. Seven CRs and fourteen DRs are identified for the electronics industry to improve eco-efficiency. An integrated Analytical Network Process (ANP) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is applied to prioritize the design requirements as per the customer's needs. QFD helps to incorporate the concept of the voice of customers for the design and development of products/services. The House of Quality developed translates the CRs to prioritize the DRs to improve eco-efficiency. The study encompasses the voice of customers in developing the sustainability performance of the electronics supply chain. It is found that design requirements to reduce greenhouse gases, air emissions, volatile organic compounds and carbon footprint is the most significant design parameter for eco-efficiency. The next design requirements with higher importance are Reduced use/consumption of resources, Use renewable energy like solar, State of the art innovative materials, Technologies for reducing use/consumption of energy, Green suppliers and green procurement, and Design for Environment. Focusing on these DRs aid in achieving the eco-efficiency goals of an organization. The paper contributes to the environmental sustainability aspect by identifying, prioritizing and creating a framework of requirements for eco-efficiency gains by an organization. The limitations and future scope of the study are also discussed.

A portable cosmic ray detector for school education

This article describes the design, assembly and characterization of a portable cosmic ray detector, developed by the INSULAB group and suitable for teaching activities aimed at high school students. It consists of a compact aluminum suitcase containing three plastic scintillator modules coupled to photomultipliers, readout by a custom compact electronics chain and powered by a power bank. The modules operate in coincidence and the system records the arrival time of each particle and the time over threshold of the signal of each scintillator module. The data are acquired and processed by a Raspberry PI connected to a touch screen display for online monitoring. The procedure implemented for the determination of the detector efficiency is reported, along with the results of the measurements of the cosmic ray rate as a function of the altitude and the zenith angle, performed in the laboratory and in different locations outdoors.

Interplay among blockchain technology adoption strategy, e-supply chain management diffusion, entrepreneurial orientation and human resources information system in banking

PurposeTo empirically study the direct and mediating relationships between blockchain technology adoption strategy (BCTAS), electronic supply chain management diffusion (eSCMD), entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and human resources information system (HRIS) in Egyptian banks. This paper aims to connect the dots and show the relationships linking these related constructs after the emergence of this breakthrough blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have undertaken a thematic review of relevant multidisciplinary business management literature and then developed a conceptual model. This model was examined through adopting a mixed-methods approach, through which 300 quantitative questionnaires were filled by information technology (IT) staff at 12 banks in Egypt utilising a snowball sample. Besides, 20 qualitative interviews were carried out with international and Egyptian blockchain experts for exploratory and explanatory purposes. The suggested hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results revealed that EO affects positively and significantly BCTAS and HRIS. BCTAS affects positively and significantly both HRIS and eSCMD. Concerning the linkage between external/supply chain and internal/organisational information diffusion, HRIS has a positive and significant effect on eSCMD. The direct EO–eSCMD relationship is not supported. Yet, indirectly, BCTAS mediates significantly EO–eSCMD and EO–HRIS relationships. Further, HRIS mediates significantly the indirect BCTAS–eSCMD relationship.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research shed light on the benefits and challenges of adopting BCTAS within emerging markets in general and Egyptian banking in specific, which can support an effective and efficient decision-making process undertaken by strategic and functional banking managers with EO in similar emerging economies.Originality/valueConceptually and empirically, it is the first article that investigated direct and mediating EO–BCTAS–HRIS–eSCMD relationships in a promising banking industry of an emerging market. It solved an interdisciplinary research puzzle by piecing together the relevant contemporary literature on production, operations and SC management, entrepreneurship, HR management and strategic technology adoption.