High Transportation Costs Research Articles

EOQ Optimization Revolutionizes Inventory Management, Delivering Cost Savings Globally

Efficient inventory management is crucial for companies to minimize costs while ensuring adequate supply to meet demand. PT Samawa Tirta Alam, a bottled sweet drinking water company, faces significant inventory management issues, notably with refined sugar raw materials. High transportation costs and fluctuating demand contribute to excessive inventory accumulation and increased storage costs, necessitating an optimization strategy. This study implements the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) method to address these challenges. Through a mixed-method approach, qualitative data were gathered via observations and interviews, while quantitative analysis utilized historical data to calculate optimal order quantities, frequencies, safety stock levels, and reorder points. Results demonstrate substantial cost savings, with optimal order quantities determined, reducing order frequencies from 12 to 2 times per year, and minimizing safety stock levels. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the EOQ method in enhancing cost-effectiveness and operational performance in raw material inventory management for similar companies. Highlights: 1. Cost Efficiency: EOQ method reduces total inventory costs effectively.2. Operational Precision: Minimizing safety stock enhances operational efficiency.3. Strategic Insight: Integrated approach provides practical solutions for inventory management challenges. Keywords: Inventory Management, Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Cost Optimization, Raw Materials, Transportation Costs

Analisis Biaya Transportasi dalam Pendistribusian Singkong Menggunakan Metode Northwest Corner dan Least Cost

Transportation plays an important role in supply chain management, where transportation is the process of determining how and when goods should be delivered to consumers. In the transportation method used, it is necessary to consider efficiency and speed in delivering goods. The object of this research is cassava plantations, which are in the Bogor district, especially in the Jonggol, Cariu and Sukamakmur sub-districts. The harvest from this plantation is allocated to 3 factory areas in the Bekasi district. The problem faced is the high transportation costs in allocating the harvest. So, the minimum distribution costs that will be incurred in allocating the harvest to various chip factories are not yet known, and the route and quantity of cassava that will be sent is not yet known. One method of transportation is the Northwest Corner (NWC) and Least Cost Method. The Northwest Corner and Least Cost methods are used in determining goods delivery routes, so that you can calculate the lowest transportation costs from one place to another. Based on the research results, the minimum distribution cost allocated for cassava is IDR 5,410,000.00 with distribution channels namely Cariu to Muktijaya as much as 90 tons, Sukamakmur to Cijengkol as much as 100 tons, Cariu to Ciledug as much as 10 tons, Jonggol to Ciledug as much as 140 tons, and Sukamakmur to Ciledug as much as 20 tons.

Black Women’s Lived Experiences of Informal Street Trading in East London, South Africa

The study sought to evaluate women’s lived experiences of informal street trading in East London with specific reference to the coping strategies they adopt and their challenges within the industry. A qualitative method was used, adopting a case study design. Interviews were conducted with fourteen street trader women participants who were purposefully selected because of the artefacts they displayed for sale. Data collected through semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. The results revealed that the harsh street-trading environment forced the women traders to adopt some coping strategies, for example, using the history behind the artefacts they were selling in order to encourage customers to buy, customer care, always displaying a smile to their customers, and bargaining with the customer. The study also emerged from the study that the women were experiencing challenges with their trade, including competition, bad weather, price drops, and high transport costs. The study contributes to an improved understanding of the life realities faced by black rural women informal street traders in East London.

Constructing a Ready-to-Use mRNA Vaccine Delivery System for the Prevention of Influenza A virus, Utilizing FDA-Approved Raw Materials.

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, serving as a rapid and easily scalable emergency preventive measure, have played a pivotal role in preventing infectious diseases. The effectiveness of mRNA vaccines heavily relies on the delivery carrier, but the current market options are predominantly lipid nanoparticles. Their intricate preparation process and high transportation costs pose challenges for widespread use in remote areas. In this study, we harnessed FDA-approved polymer PLGA and lipid components widely employed in clinical experiments to craft a ready-to-use mRNA vaccine delivery system known as lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPP). Following formulation optimization, the PDCD nanoparticles emerged as the most effective, showcasing exceptional mRNA delivery capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. Loading PDCD nanoparticles with mRNA encoding the H1N1 influenza virus HA antigen-fused M2e peptide enabled the successful induction of M2e-specific antibodies and T cell immune responses in immunized mice. After three rounds of vaccine immunization, the mice demonstrated weight recovery to normal levels and maintained a survival rate exceeding 80% following an encounter with the H1N1 influenza virus. The innovative mRNA delivery system that we designed demonstrates outstanding effectiveness in preventing infectious diseases, with the potential to play an even more significant role in future clinical applications.

Addressing Production and Marketing Constraints of Arecanut Growers: Insights from Tumcos in Davanagere, Karnataka, India

This study was conducted in the Davanagere district of Karnataka to analyze the constraints faced by TUMCOS member and non-member arecanut growers and to propose solutions for overcoming these challenges. A total of 120 areca producers (60 members and 60 non-members) were randomly selected from five TUMCOS branch regions. Data were collected through personal interviews and analysed using frequency, per cent and rank order method. The majority of farmers (90.83%) identified labor shortages as a primary production constraint. Financial challenges included inadequate subsidies (58.33%), while marketing challenges were high transportation costs (69.17%) and remote market locations (66.67%). A significant portion of farmers (65%) suggested improving market infrastructure, including transportation, storage, and weighing facilities, to address these issues.

Detection of Gene Doping Using Dried Blood Spots from a Mouse Model with rAAV9 Vector-Mediated Human Erythropoietin Expression as a Pilot Study

Rapid advancements in gene technology have raised concerns regarding the potential abuse of techniques, such as gene doping, for enhancing athletic performance. To identify this possibility, a reliable procedure for detecting doping genes is required. Although detection methods for doping genes have been created, there are still areas for further improvement. One significant challenge is the high storage and transport costs of the test samples. For this issue, the dried blood spot (DBS) method can be a cost-effective solution. This study aimed to assess the practicality of incorporating DBSs into the gene doping detection process as a pilot study. Whole-blood samples were initially collected from mice engineered to express human erythropoietin from the rAAV vector. Then, the blood was placed in filter papers and left to dry at room temperature for five hours to form DBSs. These DBSs were subsequently preserved in sealed plastic bags at room temperature. After the extraction of DNA, DBSs were formed, and TaqMan-qPCR was utilized to detect the presence of rAAV vector-derived DNA. The finding confirmed that doping gene-specific fragments were successfully detected in DBSs. This outcome suggests that the DBS method is an effective approach to be considered when developing a comprehensive protocol for gene doping detection.

Enhancing Logistics Optimization

With the expansion of the logistics network, enterprise logistics distribution faces increasing challenges, including high transportation costs, low distribution efficiency, and unstable distribution networks. To address these issues, this study focuses on optimizing enterprise logistics distribution using a double-layer (DL) model. In this paper, we propose a DL model for optimizing enterprise logistics distribution. The DL model is designed to find the optimal solution using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. By leveraging location data from the region, the DL model evaluates and compares alternative distribution centers to determine the most efficient distribution strategy. The results demonstrate that the DL site selection model developed in this study effectively addresses the tasks of logistics center location and distribution optimization among alternative distribution centers. Comparison tests reveal that the distribution path proposed by the DL model is more accessible and cost-effective compared to alternative approaches.

Freight logistics in Africa: information and technology as beacons

Movement of freight globally is complex due to the vast distances between countries, the in-transit perils, high costs, and challenges in meeting customer delivery timelines. Freight logistics within Africa is even more complex given the limited logistics infrastructure, varied regulations between countries, poor security and the high cost of transport. The purpose of this paper is to explore the status of academic literature on freight logistics in Africa and examine the potential of advanced information technologies in enhancing the logistics sector. The paper utilised the scoping literature review technique to select relevant documents. The freight logistics sector in Africa can be termed as struggling, it is among the least efficient globally. The lack of valid data on the various logistics components makes it difficult for stakeholders to plan for efficiency and effectiveness. The need for country specific technologies to address its unique challenges is emphasized. The smooth flow of goods across countries can only be achieved through collaboration among countries and investments in logistics infrastructure as well as technology. The study underscores the need for data-driven decision-making, context-specific technologies, and collaboration to improve Africa's freight logistics. The current study has explored the freight logistics literature focusing on Africa, not only to unearth the challenges, but also propose likely solutions. While the current study is limited to published literature, further research should empirically explore impactful technologies, compare countries' situations, and involve policymakers for comprehensive solutions.

Choice or Constraint? A Locally Tailored Assessment of Housing and Transportation Costs in Central Texas

Transportation costs are a key component of an overall household budget. These costs are determined in part by residential location—housing and transportation costs are inextricably linked. The burden of high housing and transportation costs must be understood in context. High costs on their own are not necessarily a problem if a household freely chooses their location. Although several national-level tools (including the Center for Neighborhood Technology’s H+T Index and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Location Affordability Index) are now available to improve transparency about combined housing and transportation costs, their ability to reflect local conditions and to understand relative burdens is limited. In this paper, we create a combined housing and transportation cost index tailored to the realities of the Austin metropolitan area in Central Texas, with most data sources coming from state and local government or pertinent transportation agencies. We identify households allocating large shares of their budgets to housing and transportation costs and differentiate between those that have the ability to mode switch to reduce costs in principle and those that do not. Black and Hispanic/Latino households were disproportionately burdened by high costs. But across the entire population, overall cost burdens were low. This result means that fostering nonautomobile travel or denser residential living will be challenging using cost arguments alone.

Analysing the cost impact of failure rates for the next generation of offshore wind turbines

AbstractOffshore wind turbines have rapidly scaled up in recent years, with plans to construct turbines up to 22 MW in the next decade. However, the operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements for these ‘next‐generation turbines’ remain largely unknown. In this study, the total O&M costs are calculated, using a bench‐marked O&M model, for a hypothetical 10 MW turbine scenario using two drive train configurations, based on known failure rates of smaller turbines. The O&M costs of the 10 MW turbines are compared with those of existing 3 MW turbines in two case studies: a North Sea wind farm and an East Coast US wind farm. Overall, direct drive 10 MW turbines performed better depending on the site's climate conditions. The study indicated that the two‐stage drive train configuration may be more suitable for the US site than the North Sea, depending on the turbine's failure rate. The US site benefited from increased availability due to more favourable weather windows, resulting in lower lost revenue for the two‐stage configuration despite high transport costs. The study found that the failure rate of 10 MW offshore wind turbines in the North Sea with a two‐stage gearbox can increase by as much as 30% compared to the 3 MW failure rates without increasing direct O&M costs. These findings are crucial for the offshore wind energy industry, particularly for OEMs, developers and maintenance providers, as they provide insights into the required reliability for next generation turbines to reduce O&M costs compared to existing 3 MW turbines.

Muscle Activation Frequency Relationship with Cost of Transport at Increasing Walking Speed in Preliminary Study Reveals Interplay of Both Active and Passive Dynamics

Metabolic cost plays a critical role in gait biomechanics, particularly in rehabilitation. Several factors influence metabolic cost during walking. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between metabolic cost and muscle activity, focusing on the frequency of EMG signals during walking. We recruited nine participants (five male and four female, age range 20–48 years) who walked for four minutes at six different speeds (ranging from 1.8 to 5.9 mph). EMG data were collected from the dominant lower leg muscles, specifically the lateral gastrocnemius (GAS-L) and the anterior tibialis (AT). Oxygen respiration was measured using open-circuit spirometry. Energy expenditure was estimated as the cost of transport (COT). The EMG data were analyzed using frequency domain features, such as the area under the curve of power spectral density (PSD-AUC) and the maximal distance between two points before and after the peak of the power spectral density curve (MDPSD). The results indicated that PSD-AUC is a better measure than MDPSD for understanding the relationship between activation frequency and COT. PSD-AUC demonstrated an increasing curvilinear trend (R2 = 0.93 and 0.77, second order polynomial fit), but the AT displayed higher variability. MDPSD exhibited more nonlinearity (R2 = 0.17–28, second order polynomial fit), but MDPSD demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05, t-test independent) in frequency between the GAS-L (64–237 Hz) and AT (114–287 Hz) during slow walking. Additionally, the relationship between COT and PSD-AUC revealed a U-shaped curve, suggesting that high COT is a function of both active and passive dynamics during walking. These findings will be valuable in rehabilitating individuals who suffer from gait-related disorders, especially those related to muscle inefficiency.

Model establishment and process analysis of liquid hydrogen energy storage

Under the general trend of energy reform, the key role of hydrogen energy has been becoming increasingly prominent. Hydrogen is not only an ideal efficient clean energy, but also commonly used as a cryogenic working medium, in the field of cryogenics and refrigeration. Compared with gas phase at high pressure, liquid hydrogen (LH2) has advantages such as high density and low transportation cost, which make it more suitable for large-scale development. As an energy storage medium, LH2 provides cold energy and electricity to smooth out fluctuations and reduce abandonment of wind and solar. However, there are few studies on the comprehensive LH2 industry chain of production-storage-transportation-utilization.In this article, a model and analysis of the energy storage process utilizing LH2 is established. This includes purification and liquefaction, storage and transportation, regasification, power generation, and other related processes. The selection of appropriate methods and equipment is systematically addressed. Furthermore, an evaluation is conducted on its efficiency, economy, environmental impact and expansibility, in comparison with other energy storage methods. Ultimately, these findings aim to seek solutions for rationalizing efficient and low-cost utilization of LH2 energy storage, and provide novel insights into the practical application of hydrogen energy.

IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY CHAIN RISK

This research is based on different risk involved in supply chain of agricultural. The literature review examines the challenges facing rural agricultural supply chains in various regions, particularly in Ghana, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. The primary focus is on the detrimental effects of inadequate transportation infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads and limited access to transportation networks. These challenges contribute to high transportation costs, post-harvest losses, and reduced agricultural output. Moreover, the prevalence of pests, diseases, and natural disasters further exacerbates the vulnerabilities of these supply chains. Despite the significance of agricultural production as a source of livelihood and economic activity in these regions, the constraints imposed by transportation limitations hinder market access, increase input prices, and impede overall economic growth. Strategies to address these challenges must prioritize investments in transportation infrastructure, market information systems, and resilience-building measures against environmental risks. FMEA method is applied to assess and prioritise the agricultural supply chain risks. It is use to analysis the level of risks. Keywords: Supply chain risk, Risk assessment, FMEA, Agricultural supply chain.

ORGANIC FARMING AND MARKETING CHALLENGES: A CASE STUDY OF HARYANA

The growing issues of health among people and increasing awareness for organic products has directed number of people towards organic consumption. This also led the number of opportunities for farmers to produce organic food. Along with the emerging opportunities, farmers are also facing challenges, thus this study aims to explore the limitations and challenges faced by farmers to switch over organic productions. The sample size for this study comprised 100 farmers from various districts in Haryana, which includes both organic as well as conventional producers. For this study, sequential form of mixed method is used, that is quantitative as well as qualitative. The major findings of qualitative analysis revealed six major market challenges namely, less production, shortage of warehousing facility, lack of government support especially in form of subsidy and promotion, inadequate demand of crops, market price issues and high cost of transportation. This study is to understand market challenges for organic farmers in a developing country like India. The findings of this study will contribute to various stakeholders at policy level to build better strategies to successful promotion of organic farming. This will definitely contribute in fulfilling healthy consumption in India as well as reaching the goals of sustainable development goals.

Analysis of Smoked Fish Marketing in Selected Local Government Area of Kebbi State

The study examined the marketing of smoked fish in a few Kebbi State local government areas. The study's main goal was to determine how profitable it was to sell smoked fish in a particular local government area in the state of Kebbi. Using a straightforward random sampling approach, information was gathered from 120 marketers of smoked fish. A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather the information. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the gathered data. According to the results, the majority of fish marketers (41.7%) fell between the ages of 21 and 30. Male respondents made up the majority of the sample (65%), while married respondents made up around 91.7%) and those without access to formal education made up about 51.7% of the sample. Further, the result revealed that (55%) of the respondents in the study area had 21-30 years of marketing experience. Additionally, the results show that small-scale businesses account for the majority (54.2%) of smoked fish marketers. According to the study, the distribution of smoked fish in a few local government areas (Bagudo, Bunza, and Yauri) is a decentralized system that allows customers to buy fish straight from the supplier. Notwithstanding the difficulties experienced, it was determined that the marketing of smoked fish in a few local government areas of Kebbi State is profitable. Recommendations were made as follows: In order to minimize the high cost of transportation caused by rising fuel prices and poor roads, financing the sale of smoked fish requires access to fast and reasonably priced loan facilities.

A Study on Constraints Faced by Millet Stakeholders in Tamil Nadu, India

Millets, highly nutritious grains, are crucial for food security and nutrition due to their resilience in challenging agricultural conditions and rich nutritional content. This study investigates the constraints faced by stakeholders involved in the millet industry in Tamil Nadu, The research focuses on farmers, market intermediaries, and consumers, highlighting their challenges within the millet supply chain. A purposive sample of 90 millet-growing farmers and various market intermediaries was selected from key millet-producing districts. Data collection involved structured interviews and analysis using descriptive statistics and Garrett Ranking Technique. Results reveal significant production constraints for farmers, including price fluctuation, high seed costs, and pest and disease occurrence. Market intermediaries face challenges such as supply-demand imbalance and high transportation costs. Consumers encounter issues like limited availability and high prices of millet-based products. These findings underscore the multifaceted challenges within the millet industry, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address constraints and enhance the sustainability and accessibility of millets in Tamil Nadu.

Barriers to accessing care for cardiometabolic disorders in Malawi: partners as a source of resilience for people living with HIV

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders (CMD). Adequate access to care for both HIV and CMD is crucial to improving health outcomes; however, there is limited research that have examined couples’ experiences accessing such care in resource-constrained settings. We aimed to identify barriers to accessing CMD care among PLWH in Malawi and the role of partners in mitigating these barriers.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative investigation of barriers to CMD care among 25 couples in Malawi. Couples were eligible if at least one partner was living with HIV and had hypertension or diabetes (i.e., the index patient). Index patients were recruited from HIV care clinics in the Zomba district, and their partners were enrolled thereafter. Interviews were conducted separately with both partners to determine barriers to CMD care access and how partners were involved in care.ResultsParticipants framed their experiences with CMD care by making comparisons to HIV treatment, which was free and consistently available. The main barriers to accessing CMD care included shortage of medications, cost of tests and treatments, high cost of transportation to health facilities, lengthy wait times at health facilities, faulty or unavailable medical equipment and supplies, inadequate monitoring of patients’ health conditions, some cultural beliefs about causes of illness, use of herbal therapies as an alternative to prescribed medicine, and inadequate knowledge about CMD treatments. Partners provided support through decision-making on accessing medical care, assisting partners in navigating the healthcare system, and providing financial assistance with transportation and treatment expenses. Partners also helped manage care for CMD, including communicating health information to their partners, providing appointment reminders, supporting medication adherence, and supporting recommended lifestyle behaviors.ConclusionsCouples identified many barriers to CMD care access, which were perceived as greater challenges than HIV care. Partners provided critical forms of support in navigating these barriers. With the rise of CMD among PLWH, improving access to CMD care should be prioritized, using lessons learned from HIV and integrated care approaches. Partner involvement in CMD care may help mitigate most barriers to CMD care.

GIS-Based Optimization for Gas Distribution Route Design: A Case Study of PT Gagas Energi Indonesia

PT Gagas Energi Indonesia is a company engaged in the trading and natural gas business, one of which is Gaslink C-Cyl. Route determination for Gaslink C-Cyl distribution is carried out subjectively based on the proximity of locations between customers, thus creating inefficient routes, affecting the number of vehicles needed, and causing high transportation costs. Based on this problem, this study aims to minimize transportation costs by determining the optimal route and number of vehicles needed using the Multi-Trip Vehicle Routing Problem Time Windows Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery (MTVRPTW-SPD). This problem is solved using Geographic Information System (GIS) based optimization. To evaluate GIS-based optimization performance, comparison between existing condition and optimization are done for 50 demand points. Then, two scenario was developed, 100 and 200 demand points to explain the decision implication related to demand uncertainty. Based on the optimization process for 50 demand points gives better solution than existing condition in term of number of fleets needed, total distance travelled, and total transportation cost which result 3 units, 46,5%, and 43,5% respectively.

Study on the Damage of Fiber-Reinforced Seawater Sea Sand Concrete by Freezing and Thawing of Seawater.

The use of seawater and sea sand as replacements for fresh water and river sand in the preparation of seawater and sea sand concrete can effectively address issues such as high transportation costs, extended construction periods, and resource wastage. Nevertheless, in northern coastal areas, the problem of concrete durability in the complex and changing marine environment is more prominent. Research on the durability of seawater sea sand concrete is beneficial to the widening of its application range. To investigate the impact of glass fiber (GF) and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) with different blending methods on the seawater freeze-thaw resistance of seawater sea sand concrete (SSC), corresponding specimens were prepared, and seawater freeze-thaw cycling tests were conducted. By adopting the slow-freezing method and combining macro-structure and micro-morphology, the damage mechanism and the deterioration law of fiber-reinforced SSC under seawater freezing and thawing were investigated. The results indicate that, macroscopically, the incorporation of GF and PVA can effectively mitigate the damage to the matrix and reduce the effects of external erosive substances on the rate of strength loss, the rate of mass loss, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus. After 75 cycles, the SSC with a total volume doping of 0.3% and a blending ratio of 1:1 showed a 41.23% and 27.55% reduction in mass loss and strength loss, respectively, and a 29.9% improvement in relative dynamic elastic modulus compared with the basic group. Microscopic analysis reveals that the combined effect of freezing and expansion forces, the expansive substances generated by seawater intrusion into the interior of the matrix, and salt crystallization all weaken the bond between aggregate and mortar, leading to accelerated deterioration of the concrete. The incorporation of fibers enables the matrix to become denser and improves its crack-resistant properties, resulting in a better durability than that of the basic group. The damage prediction model established by the NSGM(1,N) model of gray system theory exhibits high accuracy and is suitable for long-term prediction, accurately predicting the damage of seawater sea sand concrete under seawater freeze-thaw coupling.

Planned expansion of transportation infrastructure in Brazil has implications for the pattern of agricultural production and carbon emissions

High transportation costs have been a barrier to the expansion of agriculture in the interior of Brazil. To reduce transportation costs, Brazil launched the National Logistics Plan, aiming to expand its railway network by up to 91 % by 2035. Such a large-scale infrastructure investment raises concerns about its economic and environmental consequences. By combining geospatial estimation of transportation cost with a grid-resolving, multi-scale economic model that bridges fine-scale crop production with its trade and demand from national and global perspectives, we explore impacts of transportation infrastructure expansion on agricultural production, land use changes, and carbon emissions both locally and nationally in Brazil. We find that globally, the impacts on output and land use changes are small. However, within Brazil, the plan's primary impacts are impressive. PNL2035 results in the reduction of transportation costs by 8–23 % across states (depending on expansion's extent) in the interior Cerrado biome. This results in cropland expansion and increases in terrestrial carbon emissions in the Cerrado region. However, the increase in terrestrial carbon emissions in the Cerrado is offset by spillover effects elsewhere in Brazil, as crop production shifts away from the Southeast-South regions and accompanying change in the mix of transportation mode for farm products from roadway to more emission-efficient railway. Furthermore, we argue that the transportation infrastructure's impact on the enhanced mobility of labor and other agricultural inputs would further accentuate the regional shift in agricultural production and contribute to carbon emission mitigation. Upon its completion, PNL2035 is expected to result in the reduction of net national emissions by 1.8–30.7 million metric ton of CO2-equivalent, depending on the impacts on labor and purchased input mobility. We conclude that the omission of spillover effects due to infrastructure expansion can lead to misleading assessments of transport policies.