Global Chains Research Articles

Sustainability in global industrial shipping chains: a positivist perspective of international relations

Supply chain sustainability has become a critical topic in management studies. It involves reevaluating performance and logistics practices by incorporating an increasing number of stakeholders to create a more socially and environmentally responsible supply chain. However, supply chain sustainability is not solely a business concern; it is also managed by public authorities at both national and supranational levels. While most research in supply chain management is traditionally guided by theories such as stakeholder theory and resource- and capability-based views, this paper offers a discussion on supply chain sustainability from the perspective of International Relations, specifically through realist and liberalist lenses. The paper concludes by highlighting the contributions of this approach and identifying potential areas for future research.

Enhancing food sustainability in the acute hospital setting - a nurse-led study of patient food.

Intensive global food production causes soil, water and air pollution, which has a negative impact on our health and future ability to produce sufficient nutritious food. Plant-based diets have the potential to reduce the environmental damage associated with the global food chain. The project sought to understand drivers of food waste and to improve food sustainability in a busy, tertiary referral hospital in England. Ward-level food waste was quantified. Qualitative data were collected using informal interviews with staff and additional data utilised the patient feedback survey. Ward-level food packaging waste and patient food choices were quantified using data on patient menu choices. The carbon footprint of patient food choices was calculated. Beef was the most popular menu choice, and was the main contributing factor to the high environmental impact of the hospital food chain. Increasing the visibility of vegetarian options on the menu led to a four-fold rise in these meals being chosen, which reduced the carbon footprint of the patient meal service. Recycling food packaging was also started, but there are challenges to widespread implementation. The project was successful, but it remains a starting point from which to increase food sustainability across the NHS and care sector catering provision.

Evolution and sustainability analysis of global tungsten trade pattern from the perspective of industry chain

Tungsten is an irreplaceable primary material and strategic resource for national economic development and modern national defense security. The endowment of tungsten ore resources in various countries is different; we should not only focus on the availability of tungsten ore itself but also the sustainability of its entire process from upstream supply to downstream industry demand. Analyzing the evolution of the supply and demand patterns of tungsten ore trade from the perspective of the industrial chain, identifying the key supply and demand subjects, and exploring the influencing factors of trade has become an important research topic. Therefore, we construct global tungsten trade networks based on the industrial chain, analyze its overall characteristics, explore critical trade supply and demand entities, and identify China’s trade position. We got some meaningful results: (1) The global tungsten trade networks have prominent power-law distribution characteristics. The trend of trade globalization is evident, but the dominance is still in the hands of a few developed countries or developing countries with developed manufacturing industries. (2) In different parts of the tungsten industry chain, the impact of resource endowment, industrial technology level, and geographical location on the country’s trade role is different. (3) China’s position in the global tungsten resource industry chain and value chain is constantly improving, but there is still a risk of high-end technology being “stuck.” This provides some suggestions for the systematic understanding of the evolution of the trade pattern of the tungsten industry chain and how countries occupy a dominant position in the game of tungsten resources.

DNA Replication and Polymer Chain Duplication Reshape the Genome in Space and Time

In eukaryotes, DNA replication constitutes a complex process whereby multiple origins are stochastically fired, and from which the replication machinery proceeds along chromosomes to achieve the faithful synthesis of two identical copies of the genome during the S phase of the cell cycle. Experimental evidence shows a functional correlation between the dynamics of replication and the spatial organization of the genome inside cell nuclei, suggesting that the process of replicating DNA may impact chromosome folding. However, the theoretical and mechanistic bases of such a hypothesis remain elusive. To address that question, we propose a quantitative, minimal framework that integrates the dynamics of replication along a polymer chain by accounting explicitly for the progression of the replication machinery and the resulting formation of sister chromatids. By systematically characterizing the 3D structural consequences of replication, and of possible interactions between active replication machineries, we show that the formation of transient loops may potentially impact chromosome organization across multiple temporal and spatial scales, from the level of individual origins to that of the global polymer chain. Comparison with available microscopy and chromosome conformation capture data in yeast suggests that a replication-dependent loop extrusion process may be acting , and may shape chromosomes as loose polymer bottle brushes during the S phase. Lastly, we explore the postreplication relative organization of sister chromatids and demonstrate the emergence of catenations and intertwined structures, which are regulated by the density of fired origins. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Global value and wealth chains in contemporary capitalism: Editorial introduction

This introduction to a special section on global value chains and global wealth chains elaborates on the concept of entanglement as a way to understand dynamics of value capture, accumulation and inequality in contemporary capitalism. The authors first review the analytical framework they have proposed for analyzing entangled chains based on two dimensions: 1) the relative importance of intangible versus tangible assets; and (2) the primary strategy of lead firms – specifically, whether that strategy is oriented towards value creation or wealth accumulation activities. They then briefly discuss the four papers comprising this special section which collectively advance our knowledge of how production and finance are imbricated in the global political economy.

Extraction and Nutritional Value of Soybean Meal Protein Isolate

The increasing protein demand driven by global population growth necessitates the search for an alternative protein source. Soybean meal (SM), with approximately 47–49% proteins, is a viable option. Soymeal protein isolate (SMPI) is a cost-efficient protein source with a well-balanced amino acid profile, making it suitable for addressing this demand. This study attempts to address the lack of information regarding the extractability and nutritional potential of SMPI obtained utilizing a weak base and recoverable solvent. In this work, the structural and compositional studies of SMPI, as well as the aqueous extractability of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), are investigated. Furthermore, we examined the effects of heat treatment during oil extraction, where a comparison between protein isolates from soymeal and whole soybeans was carried out. The maximum extraction yield of 24.1% was achieved by increasing the concentration of NH4OH from 0.25–1%. In comparison to the soy protein isolate from whole soybeans (SPI), the compositional analysis report revealed that SMPI had higher levels of crude protein, moisture, and ash content, but lower levels of fat and carbohydrates. Furthermore, the examination of the amino acid composition confirms the existence of vital amino acids in SMPI. The amino acid score indicates that methionine, lysine, and threonine are the limiting amino acids. SMPI and SPI share structural and functional group similarities, as demonstrated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Gel electrophoresis using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide shows that the protein molecular weight distributions of SPI and SMPI are similar. This in-depth evaluation emphasizes the advantages of SM by advocating its application in other sectors beyond conventional animal feed, such as nutritional supplements and bio-based products, and by improving the environmental sustainability and global food chains.

Global Competitiveness of China's New Energy Vehicle Industry: The Dual Role of Production Factors and Market Demand

In recent years, China's new energy automobile industry has risen rapidly and become an important player in the global market. Against the background of the global response to climate change and the promotion of green development, the development of the new energy automobile industry is not only related to China's economic transformation, but also occupies a pivotal position in the global industrial chain. This paper explores the dual impact of production factors and market demand on the global competitiveness of China's new energy automobile industry. By analyzing production factors such as technological innovation, R&D capability, human capital, supply chain efficiency and policy support, this paper describes the competitive advantages of China's new energy automobile industry in terms of technology and production. At the same time, this paper examines the driving role of domestic and international market demand and explores the impact of market demand on the globalization of the industry. Finally, this paper summarizes the achievements of China's new energy automobile industry in global competition, and looks forward to the path and strategy to enhance global competitiveness in the future.

Demand Potential for Agricultural Trade between China and Countries along the "Belt and Road".

International agricultural markets are an important part of the global food resource chain. Tapping into the potential of agricultural trade between China and countries along the "Belt and Road" (B&R) is conducive to safeguarding China's and the world's food security, but there is less literature on the potential of bilateral trade demand. This paper ranks the B&R countries according to the scale of imports and exports, and calculates the elasticity of demand for imports, the elasticity of substitution for exports, and, finally, the potential of elasticity of demand for trade between China and the major B&R countries. The results show that China's agricultural export potential to major B&R countries is ranked as follows: Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Poland, Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ukraine, India, and Singapore. The major B&R countries are also ranked in terms of their export potential to China: Vietnam, India, Ukraine, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Poland, Singapore, and Turkey. The findings of this paper provide a decision-making basis for promoting agricultural trade between China and B&R countries.

Central banks, economic statecraft and offshore banking: Comparing financial internationalization strategies in Latvia and Estonia

Small states play a critical role in the operation of the Global Wealth Chains, storing capital assets and funnelling financial flows. However, the knowledge of how such practices of financial transit emerge remains scant. Focussing on the 1990s as the formative decade of post-Soviet capitalism, the article focuses on the variegated financial internationalization in the Baltics, as Latvia developed a vibrant offshore banking sector, whereas Estonia pursued complete Westernization in bank ownership. Challenging the literature that relates the emergence of Baltic offshore finance with right-wing politics, and existing trade and cultural links with Russia, the article argues that the varieties of financial internationalization in the Baltics were due to ‘economic statecraft’ by the Central Banks (CBs). Drawing upon a survey of CB reports, parliamentary speeches, press archives, memoirs, and elite interviews, the article argues that the Baltic CBs’ path-setting decisions shaped the two distinct financial internationalization paths through three interventions: currency reforms, agenda setting, and banking regulation. Drawing on the literature on social embeddedness of CBs, the article attributes the differences in the two CB approaches to their informal alliances with broader society – domestic financiers in Latvia and the government in Estonia.

Trade risk transmission of global cobalt industrial chain based on multi-layer network

In order to study the potential systemic risk transmission in cobalt trade, this paper combined the infectious disease model with complex networks to build a multi-layer network trade risk transmission model for cobalt trade based on the transmission of export restrictions and bilateral friction in a single country, in order to simulate the degree of impact of risk transmission in cobalt industry chain, identify key countries and risk transmission paths. The results show that multi-layer network risk transmission of global cobalt trade based on two communication forms has the characteristics of “robust and fragile”. In addition, the risk transmission situation based on bilateral frictions is mainly transmitted by core countries and direct contacts. The risk transmission based on the export restriction of a single country is mainly through direct contact, indirect contact and regional transmission. We also find that the multi-layer trade network of global cobalt trade can resist the bilateral frictional transmission mode better than the transmission mode of single country export restriction. The results can support policy makers to optimize the cobalt trade structure and mitigate the negative impact of trade disruptions.

Attributing climate-change-related disaster displacement responsibilities along global production chains

Attributing climate-change-related disaster displacement responsibilities along global production chains

Green Trade and Cultural Innovation: Examining the Impact on GTFP and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in OECD Countries

This study investigates the impact of green trade exports (GTE) on green total factor productivity (GTFP) and environmental sustainability in OECD countries using panel data from 2003 to 2016. We employ linear regression models, polynomial models, and threshold regression techniques to analyze this relationship. Our findings reveal an inverted N-shaped curve between GTE and GTFP, with two turning points. The threshold regression results indicate that when clean energy is below 8.660%, a 1 unit increase in GTE decreases GTFP by 1.518 units. However, when clean energy exceeds this threshold, a 1 unit increase in GTE increases GTFP by 1.056 units. For R&D, the effect of GTE on GTFP changes from −3.165 to 1.193 as R&D exceeds the threshold of 0.664%. Additionally, we find that GTE has a lagged effect on increasing CO2 emissions, with coefficients of 0.0234 and 0.0278 for 1-year and 2-year lags, respectively. The interaction between clean energy and GTE reduces CO2 emissions by 0.00234 units and PM2.5 by 0.0145 units. These results provide important insights for policymakers in developing countries seeking to participate effectively in the global industrial chain while promoting sustainable development.

How artificial intelligence affects international industrial transfer ——Evidence from industrial robot application

The development of high technology represented by artificial intelligence is an essential driver of international industrial transfer. Using country-industry-level industrial robot data and value-added trade data from 2002-2018, this paper empirically examines the impact and mechanism of artificial intelligence on the international industrial transfer undertaken by a country (region). The study shows that the application of artificial intelligence can significantly enhance the international industrial transfer undertaken by a country (region). Further analysis shows that artificial intelligence positively affects international industry transfer through two channels: Improving the quality of labor force and promoting the level technological innovation. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that, first, from the economic development degree perspective, artificial intelligence's role in promoting developing economies is more substantial than that in developed economies. Second, the financial crisis has weakened the impact of artificial intelligence on international industrial transfer from the perspective of time division，especially in developing economies. Third, from the perspective of industry heterogeneity, artificial intelligence has significantly promoted the transfer of medium-low and medium-high technology industries. The research in this paper extends the analysis of the effect of artificial intelligence. It provides realistic insights for optimizing the strategic layout of the robotics industry, achieving industrial structure upgrading, optimizing resource allocation efficiency, and grasping the opportunities of global industrial chain restructuring.

Dietary Acculturation Among International Students in the United Kingdom

There is a significant rise in the proportion of international students pursuing tertiary education in the United Kingdom. This population coming from different countries faces a lot of challenges which contribute to negative health effects and needs further attention. One among these challenges is dietary acculturation. This systematic review aims to explore the factors influencing dietary acculturation and its public health impacts among international students in the UK. Five online databases namely ProQuest Central, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO and Medline were searched, and nine qualitative articles were selected that met the eligibility criteria which were then assessed for quality using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Methodology involved data extraction and a thematic synthesis, which identified three themes and several sub-themes. The findings of this review indicate that dietary acculturation among international students was affected by tight academic schedules and global fast-food chains. This led to students consuming unhealthy food, contributing to weight gain. However, having social ties and interaction were found to be helpful in dietary acculturation. Higher education institutions can emphasis on nutrition education with focus on substitute foods, alternatives to unhealthy choices, and initiatives to make bicultural food accessible to the students to make the new environment conducive to learning. Public health policies as well as regulations can be made on informed decisions based on an understanding of differences and specific needs of the foreign student population.

BEYOND THE ‘WILD SHEPHERD’: HOW GLOBAL CAPITALISM HAS RESHAPED PASTORALISM. SUGGESTIONS FROM A MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND

This article shows how, from the modern era up to the present day, Sardinian pastoralism has been increasingly incorporated into global capitalism, despite essentialising narratives about the primitiveness and backwardness of shepherds that have been propagated from the mid-eighteenth century to the present neoliberal phase. The case-study considered in this article illustrates how capitalism works as a ‘food regime’, producing the ‘conversion of agriculture and food to commodity-type relations, which, in addition to cheapening food, also incorporates agricultures and foods into investment strategies’ (McMichael 2013: 21). First, a reconstruction of the embedding of Sardinian pastoralism into the global capitalist chain from the modern age to the early twentieth century is presented. Then the changes in pastoralism from the post-World War II period to the 2000s and the neoliberal turn of the last twenty years are considered. The aim is to analyse how pastoralists coped with the uncertainties arising from being part of the global market, the volatility of milk prices and the resulting contradictions that have emerged. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ .

A bibliometric review of waste management and innovation: Unveiling trends, knowledge structure and emerging research fronts.

The pressing challenges in waste management have motivated this comprehensive study examining prior research and contemporary trends concerning innovation and waste management. A meticulous investigation of 2264 documents (1968-2024) was conducted using bibliometrix R-tool to analyse Scopus and Web of Science databases, offering a holistic global perspective. Heightened societal concern about waste management, driven by soaring waste production from consumption patterns, requires urgent exploration of effective waste elimination and transformation systems. This study provides a comprehensive summary of the topic, delving deeply into its complexities. Through thorough analysis of global trends, it constitutes a significant stride towards identifying effective solutions, offering valuable contributions to both scientific understanding and practical applications. This research pioneers a comprehensive synthesis of innovation and waste management issues, showcasing originality and substantial contributions. The identified collaborative networks expose a lack of transnational cooperation, potentially hindering waste management innovation. Future research around waste management innovation should focus on synergies among competitors within the same industry and across industries to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization, 4.0 technologies, global waste chain impacts and challenges along with solutions for developing countries.

From a Spoke to a Hub: The Case of South Korea

A few East Asian newly industrialized countries that used to belong to the Global South not only have joined the Global North but also have organized their own production chains in specific industries. Given the imperialist and exploitative nature of global production chains established by the Global North, it should be questioned whether the production chains organized by the East Asian newly industrialized countries are free from the innate nature of production chains. This article adopts a multiregional input-output analysis to examine the bilateral trade relationship between Korea and Vietnam. It finds that the Korean economy has unequally captured the benefits from the bilateral trade with Vietnam in terms of the domestic value-added share and the spillover effect derived from the final demand for Vietnamese products in the textile and electronics industries. JEL Classification: F62, F63

A Financial Analysis and Valuation of Starbucks

Upon reviewing Starbucks' financial analysis, it can be seen a company poised for enduring growth, underpinned by a strategy that harmonizes customer engagement with market innovation. Starbucks leverages its market strength as a leading global coffeehouse chain despite challenges inherent in the coffee industry. As a result of the company's commitment to expansion, digital innovation, and sustainability, it is demonstrating a foresight aligned with consumer trends and market demands. With a diversified business model and a reputation for quality and ethical practices, Starbucks remains resilient to market competition. Strategic initiatives like the "Triple Shot Reinvention with Two Pumps" demonstrate the company's forward-looking approach. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction and innovation as it navigates the complexities of global expansion. As a result of this approach, as well as its prudent risk management strategy, Starbucks is well positioned to maintain its industry dominance and deliver shareholder value for many years to come.

Impact of control strategies on energy consumption in cold storage facilities

The fast development of global cold chains has led to a rapid increase in cold storage facilities capacity, in which consumes substantial amounts of energy. However, limited research has been conducted on the energy consumed by cold storage facilities, and the time and economic costs of obtaining long-term measurements of annual energy consumption of cold storage facilities are high. Therefore, in this study, short-term field tests and simulations were combined to establish a transient thermal network model for cold storage, using a specific cold storage case study for validation. The model considers the structure of the hall, which strongly impacts the cooling load. The refrigeration system performance was analyzed on the measured data. Literature and field research have shown temperature range control to be the baseline control strategy used in cold storage refrigeration systems, which ensures that the cold storage temperature remains within the set temperature range at all times. In addition, some researchers have proposed a control strategy based on time-of-use tariff that provides cooling almost throughout the valley period. These two control strategies were applied to frozen and chilled rooms, separately; the results indicated that for both frozen and chilled rooms, the latter control strategy consumes slightly less energy than the former strategy. However, the electricity bill for the latter control strategy are 0.35 and 0.5 times lower than those for the former strategy for frozen rooms and chilled rooms, respectively.

Kilómetro 0: inicio de las trayectorias migratorias de trabajadoras domésticas en Chile

This study aims to describe how the migratory trajectories of migrant domestic workers begin in Chile and the role of migratory networks and emotional factors in their decisions. A qualitative analysis of six biographical narratives is employed to examine the complexities of their labor and migratory trajectories, influenced by intersecting factors such as gender, class, and ethnicity, within the context of global care chains. The results reveal five central moments when making the decision to migrate. The first moment is characterized by the fact that none of the cases had worked as domestic workersin their home countries. In the second moment, the need to change their circumstances in their home countries arises, often due to political crises, economic challenges, or gender-based violence. The third moment involves the existence of a migratory network of friends and family who assist in their journey.In the fourth moment, a significant emotional factor plays a central role in the decision to migrate, influencing the timing of the decision. Finally, in the fifth moment, the decision to migrate to Chile is made.