Increased Transportation Costs Research Articles

The Impact of a New Container Port on the Greenhouse Gas Pollution

Abstract Background Large vessels that call at European ports will have to pay for their CO2 emissions from transporting cargo that enters or goes from a European port since January 2024. The costs will increase with increasing global trade. This results in a higher pollution level, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions like CO2. Methods/ Approach Based on the gravity model embedded in a global supply chain, we developed a model to evaluate maritime transport pollution in case a new, sufficiently large container port becomes operational. Additionally, we consider how lousy railway connections to European customers increase transportation costs and pollution. Results The approach to the well-connected sequences of gravity models in the intercontinental maritime chains evaluates the differences in quantities of cargo between ports when a new port is opened, and the waiting time does not change. We also highlight that poor rail connections can reduce this positive effect. Conclusions We showed how it is possible to estimate the optimal capacity of a new port with a multi-level gravity model and how this would affect the pollution around the port and on the routes from the port to the final consumers.

Methodology for improving the assessment of the economic efficiency of transport infrastructure development

Transport infrastructure, especially railway infrastructure, plays a key role in economic development, ensuring efficient movement of goods and people. It is characterised by high capital intensity, long operational lifespans, and generation of socio-economic effects. Therefore, there is a need to improve the methodology for assessing the economic efficiency of creating and developing transport infrastructure objects. The traditional approach to evaluation is based on discounting cash flows. When applying this method, significant capital investments are compared with devalued effects in subsequent years due to discounting, during which the infrastructure object reaches the specified estimated load. Moreover, it does not consider the fact that the transport infrastructure benefits and holds value not only for the current generation but also for the future one. Additionally, it, as an economic good, cannot be seen as a one-timely consumed product: this transportation service cannot be accumulated. For a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of the efficiency, particularly in the case of railway transport, it is proposed to consider the results of long-term operation of the transport infrastructure at full (estimated) load not in the future but in the present (present сontinious). The economic assessment indicators include initially invested and adjusted capital, annual effect, efficiency ratio, and the value of the transport infrastructure object. The research results aim to provide an adequate assessment of project implementation efficiency in the field in question. In the future, the methodology can be enhanced by defining risks of not ensuring normal infrastructure load throughout the entire calculation period as well as by assessing the reduction in profitability or increase in transportation costs.

The gravity of distance: evidence from a trade embargo

Abstract On 5 June 2017, an airspace blockade was imposed on the State of Qatar by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (neighboring countries), and Egypt. We exploit this exogenous increase in air transportation costs toward non-blockading countries to examine the effect of increased travel distance, due to re-routing, on bilateral trade. Based on a gravity model estimated using a Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood estimator, we find a distance elasticity of imports between −0.3 and −0.5. Overcoming the limitations of cross-sectional studies and taking advantage of this quasi-natural experiment, our findings are robust and revise downward previous estimates of the distance elasticity.

The future of the Chimborazo paper sector: Strategic Management, development and road infrastructure

Introduction: Chimborazo, a mountainous province in Ecuador, stood out as a major potato producer. Its climatic and geographical conditions favored the cultivation of this tuber, which not only fed the local population but also boosted the regional economy. However, the quality of the road infrastructure posed a significant obstacle to the sector's development. Methods: The research aimed to explore the situation of potato production in Chimborazo, highlighting its potential and the challenges it faced, particularly regarding road infrastructure. The methodology applied consisted of reviewing information from official sources such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the National Institute of Agricultural Research, and the Provincial Government of Chimborazo. Results: The research determined that potato production in Chimborazo presented high potential, driven by favorable agroecological conditions and market demand. However, this potential was limited by poor road infrastructure, which led to harvest losses, increased transportation costs, and restricted marketing opportunities. Conclusions: It was concluded that investment in road infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage, and adequate signage, was essential to strengthen Chimborazo's potato sector. This would reduce losses, optimize transportation logistics, and expand market access possibilities

Characterization and processing of kaolin from southern Brazil for potential strategic application in the porcelain stoneware tiles manufacturing

The ceramic industry in the productive hub of Santa Catarina needs some raw materials with specific characteristics such as kaolin to manufacture its products. This clay mineral with a naturally variable chemical composition in relation to its geolocation (in extraction area composed by rock and combined with sediment materials), attributes significant increases in transport costs due to its distance from the main productive areas in southern Brazil. Thus, as a strategic alternative, the improvement of kaolin with a high quartz content (69.9%) from the northern region of the state of Santa Catarina (∼400 km from ceramic hub in the south of the state), more precisely from the municipality of Garuva, was sought. Unit processing operations by classifying this mineral for suitability for use in industry, resulted in an increase in the concentration of kaolinite. The results indicated that the proposed method reduced the amount of quartz and consequently increased the kaolinite content, resulting in an aluminum oxide content of approximately 28.20%, a value higher than the normal natural content of ∼19%.

Towards circular manufacturing systems implementation: An integrated analysis framework for circular supply chains

The transition to circular manufacturing systems (CMS) is crucial for achieving sustainable growth, addressing the environmental concerns and resource scarcity challenges. Shifting towards CMS requires a systemic approach that integrates value proposition models, product design, and supply chains (SCs). Circular supply chains (CSCs) emerge as a core pillar of CMS, incorporating value delivery, use, recovery, and reuse. CSCs are inherently more complex and dynamic than linear SCs requiring a holistic analysis approach to capture their complex and dynamic attributes. This research proposes an integrated analysis framework combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore the complexities and dynamics of CSCs and assess their economic, environmental, and technical performance. Through the lens of two different CMS implementation case studies, one in automotive parts remanufacturing and one in white goods manufacturing, this research illustrates the framework's applicability. In the automotive case, centralizing core management activities was found to improve economic performance by 50-54 %. However, the introduction of regional logistics hubs, while economically efficient, led to a 20 % increase in CO2-equivalent emissions. On the other hand, the white goods case study highlighted the trade-offs in centralizing end-of-life recovery facilities, where financial savings of up to 60 % were offset by increased transportation costs and increased CO2 emissions. The analysis of CSCs in these two distinct manufacturing sectors underscores the relevance and flexibility of the proposed framework, providing decision-makers with a tool to examine how different CSCs configurations and strategies impact overall performance. This guidance is crucial for developing optimal CSCs design and implementation strategies.

The Impact Armed Conflict on Economic Growth and Sustainability in South Sudan

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the multifaceted impact of armed conflict on economic growth and sustainability in South Sudan. It sought to understand how the conflict has hindered the country's development and prosperity by examining the complex relationship between armed conflict and economic decline. Methodology: A qualitative approach was utilized, employing thematic analysis to gather and analyze data from various sources, including reports by international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and UN, as well as government publications and peer-reviewed journals. This method identified key themes and trends related to the economic impact of the conflict. Findings: The study revealed that the prolonged armed conflict in South Sudan has severely compromised economic stability. Key findings include the destruction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, which impeded economic activities, disrupted supply chains, and increased transportation costs, with rebuilding costs exceeding USD 1 billion. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and displacement, reducing the available workforce and diminishing productivity, leading to an estimated annual economic loss of USD 4 billion. The displacement of over 3.8 million people disrupted local economies, agricultural production, and social structures, causing economic losses of USD 2.5 billion annually due to reduced agricultural output. The conflict also led to a decline in GDP, high unemployment rates, and unsustainable economic practices, with the economy's dependence on oil exports increasing vulnerability to price fluctuations and disruptions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends prioritizing the restoration and rebuilding of critical infrastructure to revive economic activities and supply chains. It also suggests the implementation of policies to support displaced populations, enhance agricultural productivity, and diversify the economy away from oil dependency to reduce vulnerability. The study contributes to theory by providing a deeper understanding of the relationship between conflict and economic decline, and it offers practical insights for policymakers and international organizations on the necessary interventions to foster economic recovery and sustainable development in post-conflict settings. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of comprehensive peacebuilding strategies that address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term economic stabilization and growth.

Contribution of Network Redundancy to Reducing Criticality of Road Links

Road networks are frequently disrupted by natural hazard events, producing severe consequences for isolated communities as well as increased travel times and significant reconstruction costs. Therefore, identifying which critical links need investment to reduce network impacts has become a priority for road agencies. Road network redundancy contributes to reducing these potential consequences by providing viable alternative routes. Although several metrics have been proposed in the literature to evaluate road criticality, including those based on topological variables and transportation cost increases, a comparison of the contribution of redundancy to reducing expected consequences has not been undertaken using a range of different metrics. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate road criticality under different metrics and to quantify the contribution of redundancy in reducing expected impacts using the “full scan” method and Monte Carlo simulation. This methodology is then applied to a case study of New Zealand’s South Island to quantify the contribution of secondary and tertiary inter-urban roads to overall network redundancy, and to determine the most critical links under different approaches. The results obtained from the case study demonstrate that the redundancy level provided by secondary and tertiary inter-urban roads, over and above the state highway network, decreases expected transportation cost increases by 94.93% on average, and improves topological metrics, such as network betweenness values, by 73% on average when the road network is disrupted. The proposed methodology has the potential to help decision makers quantify and, therefore, prioritize investments to reduce the consequences of network disruptions.

‘Money anxiety’: Understanding HE students' experiences of the cost‐of‐living crisis

AbstractThe ongoing cost‐of‐living crisis is causing immense stress and hardship for families, individuals and communities, with increases in utility bills, food prices and transport costs. Actors from civil society, politicians and academics have demonstrated concern as to the effect this is having at local and national levels, specifically the disproportionate impact on already marginalised and vulnerable groups. One demographic particularly affected is higher education students, however, due to the lack of support measures being aimed at this cohort, they are at significant risk of becoming overlooked and forgotten. While recent survey data has acknowledged the negative experiences of this group, there is a lack of understanding of their everyday lived realities. To address this gap, this article draws on empirical research conducted with HE students in the North‐West of England between 2022 and 2023. The study explores the diverse ways in which students navigate the crisis and the impact this has on their health and well‐being. It concludes with a call for urgent action and policy response to elevate unprecedented and devastating student hardship triggered by the cost‐of‐living crisis.

GARBAGE COLLECTOR USING ARDUINO

The amount of Solid waste that is being produced through our everyday activities is huge and is getting unmanageable day by day. This is mainly due to increasing population leading to haphazard dumping and increasing transportation costs with already few cost-effective methods to treat the solid waste. According to an estimate in 2016, 277 million tons of solid waste is produced by India every year. It is also projected to increase to 387 million tons by 2030 and 543 million tons by 2050. The very first method involved in the Solid Waste Management is sorting of waste which simplifies the further procedure as to what to do with the waste i.e., should it be treated thermally, biologically or dumped. Improper segregation of solid waste and segregation at secondary levels of waste management is only going to delay the waste management process and sometimes even lead to inappropriate dumping. This project suggests a way to deal with segregation process so as to make the whole solid waste management easier and more efficient. Automatic Waste Segregation system provides a practical segregation process of solid waste into metal waste, dry waste and wet waste at the primary level right where the waste is being generated. An Automatic Waste Segregator with simpler mechanism than that of previous models is designed and a detailed methodology of the working of the segregation process is provided. Selection of the required equipment has been mentioned. This project aims at segregating the waste produced at the primary level and reducing the burden at secondary levels and cost of transportation of the waste. The results obtained after testing the Automatic Waste Segregator with wastes proved to be functional and can be comfortably relied upon to segregate the wastes.

Tailoring hole density and nitriding in graphene membranes for enhanced gas separation and selectivity

Sour gas, containing acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, has a characteristic odor, and toxic effects, and reduces the overall energy content of the gas. Moreover, the presence of these acid gases in water leads to the formation of highly corrosive acid compounds, increasing transportation costs. Membrane technology is widely used for gas separation due to its low energy consumption, ability to operate at ambient temperatures, lightweight and compact equipment, ease of access to all separated phases, and high process flexibility. Computer simulation bridges the gap between microscopic temporal and spatial scales and the macroscopic laboratory environment. Molecular dynamics is a technique for analyzing the physical motion of atoms and molecules. By simulating the interactions between atoms and molecules over time, insights into the dynamic evolution of the system can be obtained. This research investigates the CO2/CH4 separation performance of modified graphene membranes (C3N) using molecular dynamics simulations under various operating conditions. First, cavities with different geometrical shapes and edge atoms were created, and gas separation was examined at 300 K. A cavity with a diameter of 4.9 Å exhibited the highest selectivity (infinity) and a carbon dioxide flux of 365.65 mol/m2·s, while methane molecules were completely blocked. This cavity was selected as the optimal structure. Next, the effects of pressure, and hole density on gas separation were studied. The results showed that the flux is directly proportional to the feed pressure, reaching 503.7845 mol/m2·s at a pressure of 328.0424 atm while maintaining infinite selectivity. Finally, examining the impact of cavity density on the separation process revealed that drilling four holes in the membrane area was the optimal density, achieving infinite selectivity, zero methane flux, and a carbon dioxide flux of 292.601 mol/m2·s.

Pallet Loading Problem: A Case Study in the Automotive Industry Applying a Simplified Mathematical Model

Logistics and the supply chain are areas of great importance within organizations. Due to planning gaps, an increase in extra and unnecessary transport costs is usually observed in several companies due to their commercial commitments and need to comply with the delivery time and the batch quantity of products, leading to a negative economic impact. Thus, the objective of this work was to adjust an optimization model to maximize the shipments usually carried out by the companies. To validate the model, an automotive components manufacturer was selected, allowing us to apply the model to a real case study and evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of this tool. It was found that the company to validate the model exports most of its products, and most pallets sent are not fully optimized, generating excessive expense for the company in terms of urgent transport. To solve this problem, two mathematical optimization models were used for the company’s current reality, optimizing the placement of boxes per pallet and customer. With the use of the new tool, it was possible to determine that five pallets should be sent to the customer weekly, which correspond to their needs, and that have the appropriate configurations so that the pallet is sent completely.

The bi-objective multi-depot split delivery location routing problems under uncertain conditions

This research focuses on addressing the multi-depot location-routing problem with split delivery and multiple objectives under uncertain conditions. A mathematical model is proposed to effectively tackle this problem by considering various constraints and considerations. The paper emphasises the use of split delivery as an effective approach for reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, the study explores bi-objective optimisation, specifically cost minimisation and distance balancing. To assess the robustness of the proposed model under different scenarios, sensitivity analysis tools are employed. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. Bi-objective optimisation is conducted using the augmented ε-constraint method, enabling decision-makers to analyse trade-offs between cost minimisation and distance balancing objectives. The findings of the study reveal that an increase in demand leads to higher cost minimisation and lower distance balancing. Conversely, an increase in transportation costs results in higher distance balancing. The research also highlights the robustness of the model and its potential for cost reduction through split delivery compared to scenarios without uncertainty.

Comparison of Filter Media for Wastewater Treatment by a Prototype Trickling Filter

The microbial process of wastewater treatment, attached growth, has significantly improved during recent years. Different filter media are used for microbial attached growth in trickling filters (TF) in the world. One of the main functions of filter media is the high surface area for the attachment of microorganisms to grow. Major wastewater treatment plants use stones as a medium for increasing the surface area in TFs. The proper grade of stone could not always be found within a reasonable distance from the wastewater treatment plant sites, significantly increasing transportation costs. Low-cost substitute materials, instead of stones, can reduce the cost of TF while increasing their treatment efficiency. This study attempted to use crushed waste polythene as a low-cost substitute material for stones. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of prototype TF with crushed waste polythene and; to compare the treatment efficiency of two prototype TFs (with stone and with crushed waste polythene). Two prototype TFs were prepared using plastic barrels (250L) with two types of filter materials. The flow rate of the filters was 922mL/min and trickling filters were evaluated for two months for treatment efficiency. Water samples were taken before and after the trickling filter to determine the treatment efficiency. During the process of trickling filters, COD removal appeared to increase and it may be due to the adaptation of microbes to the new environment. The COD removal was comparatively higher in trickling filters with crushed polythene (62%) than in stones (42.6%). Almost similar results of pH and EC were found in both trickling filters. Total solids in treated wastewater were also almost similar in the two trickling filters. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that crushed polythene is a good alternative for stones in trickling filters. 
 Keywords: Crushed polythene, Filter material, Stone, Trickling filter, Wastewater

Data correlation and causal analysis for traffic flow prediction

Globally, traffic congestion has become a major issue due to several issues, including the rapid urban population increase, deteriorating infrastructure, improper and disorganized traffic signal timing, and a lack of real-time data. According to INRIX, a well-known provider of traffic data and analytics, the effects of this problem on U.S. travelers in 2017 were astronomical, totaling $305 billion in wasted fuel, lost time, and increased transportation costs in congested locations. Given the limitations of building new roads, communities must investigate cutting-edge tactics and technology to ease traffic while taking practical and economical restraints into account. This study employs the Granger causality test on a dataset of 48,120 entries, primarily focusing on the variables: number of VEHICLEs and number of intersection JUNCTIONs. The objective is to ascertain the potential mutual influence between these two variables. Initial results indicate a two-way Granger-causality between the variables, implying a feedback relationship. This discovery is fundamental in understanding traffic data dynamics and could be instrumental in enhancing traffic data prediction models.

Research on vehicle routing problem of automobile part Milk-Run with time windows constrained

Based on the parts inbound logistics as the research object, this thesis introduces Milk-run of third party logistics enterprise mode. Establish mathematical model under the premise of time window, through genetic algorithm optimize the distribution route, and using MATLAB to simulation, the results show that distribution vehicles reduced from 18 to 6. Transportation costs were reduced by 30.05%. Though the research on the circular pick-up mode of incoming logistics of parts and components, this thesis explores the strategy of optimizing its transportation path. On the one hand, it can solve the contradiction of reducing inventory cost but increasing transportation cost to a certain extent, and effectively reduce the cost of the nodes of the whole supply chain, which has certain theoretical value and significance for the research of vehicle path optimization; On the other hand, a reasonable distribution route can reduce driving distance and alleviate urban traffic pressure, while reducing distribution vehicles can reduce urban noise and automobile exhaust emissions, and contribute to the realization of low-carbon environmental protection.

OIL PRICE SHOCKS AND ITS EFFECTS ON INFLATION

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine had macroeconomic effects, caused especially by the sudden changes in the energy market. These destabilizations came on an economic background, already affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We examined how the facts that happend lately had any influence on the global energy and oil market. On the other hand, we analyzed the connection between the changes of the oil prices and the level of inflation. This connection has been explored in the 1970s-1980s, when there was registered a great growth of the oil prices. In 2021, inflation began to register significant increases. We wanted to see how this trend of increasing inflation was influenced by the recent events from the oil market. We discussed how these changes determined the inflationary tension in the last period and how was the transmission of oil supply shocks in the US and Euro Area. The price of unrefined oil is not included in the calculation of the direct basket of inflation, but it is indirectly reflected in fuel prices, which determine the increase in transport costs and automatically lead to a series of price increases on the goods and services market. The objective of central banks to maintain price stability is very important, but also difficult, because every country can react differently to oil supply shocks.

Characterization of the family economy of the La Hermosa farm in the village of La Libertad in Florencia - Caquetá

The peasant family economy in the La Hermosa farm, located in the La Libertad hamlet of Florencia, Caquetá, faces significant challenges due to the disarticulation of the community and the lack of inclusion of plot holders in communal projects. This study analyzes the family economy of the farm, characterized by the multifunctionality of its activities, including swine, poultry and agricultural production. The main economic activity is swine farming, which generates income in the short and medium term, allowing for continuous production cycles. Poultry production, divided between egg and chicken production, contributes additional income, while bread crops are essential for family nutrition and food sovereignty. The peasant economy on the farm is characterized by the active participation of family labor and its articulation with local markets. However, marketing faces obstacles such as the poor condition of tertiary roads and increased transportation costs. Short marketing circuits allow a direct relationship between producers and consumers, favoring the sale of fresh and organic products. This work highlights the importance of implementing agroecological practices and sustainable production systems that preserve biodiversity and contribute to food security and sovereignty. It also emphasizes the need for policies that strengthen the peasant family economy, guaranteeing its economic viability and its capacity to adapt to environmental changes. The research also underlines the relevance of community participation and the integration of producers in local development projects to improve the living conditions of peasant families.

A new hybrid method for quick and accurate calculation of forest transportation distances

AbstractTransportation is a key forest logistics component and is a large proportion of the overall cost. Often, the transportation cost is determined by contractual agreements and based on the loaded distance from a supply to a demand point. Many alternative routes provide different distances (e.g., shortest route, fastest route, minimum fuel consumption), but these distances are approximate in the contractual agreement; hence, there is a mismatch between approximated costs and actual pay. It is necessary to match supply with demand when planning to use optimization models, as these models must cover many supply and demand points. From this point, many distances need to be established. These can be generated dynamically before optimization or generated a priori as static distance tables. The former can take a long time, whereas the latter needs to use aggregated zones that remain static over time because supply points, such as harvest areas, change continually. To enable fast optimization, distances between zones and demand points can be precomputed; however, they represent only estimated distances between the actual supply point and the demand points. We propose a hybrid method to improve quality and estimate accurate distances in a quick process, using a large case study from a company in Sweden with a standardized system that directly uses computed reference distances as contractually agreed. Results show that many distance estimation approaches give poor cost estimates (1–20%) and increase transportation costs (0.2–0.6%).

УПРАВЛІННЯ ЛАНЦЮГАМИ ПОСТАЧАНЬ В КОНТЕКСТІ ДЕСТАБІЛІЗАЦІЇ БІЗНЕС-СЕРЕДОВИЩА

The article is devoted to the study of issues related to the management of supply chains in the conditions of destabilization of the business environment during the martial law in Ukraine. In particular, the impact of the war in Ukraine on modern international supply chains and the reasons for the increase in transportation costs are analyzed. It is emphasized that the war in Ukraine due to the Russian attack led to the destruction and damage of the transport and logistics infrastructure the suspension of port operations in Ukraine, which in turn affected the efficiency of supply chains, changes in logistics routes, and as a result, the prices of goods and services. Attention is focused on the fact that the supply chain combines a set of different types of activities and is a complex business process in the combination of manufacturers and retailers at each stage of the distribution process from raw materials to delivery to the final consumer. It has been proven that the first disruptions in supply chains occurred due to the coronavirus pandemic, but military actions also had an additional impact, which ultimately created some uncertainty in the management of global supply chains and their inefficiencies. Four groups of key performance indicators of the supply chain are distinguished, namely, those related to the logistics product; with the search for information and financial sources; with transportation and pricing. It is proposed that the key performance indicators of the supply chain should be taken into account when forming a business strategy for the development of an enterprise in the context of a destabilizing environment, which will ensure success in the future. In the formation and management of supply chains, the most acute problem is uncertainty, which creates unpredictability of risks, complicates the process of their identification, assessment, development of a risk management strategy and monitoring. To support the reliability and stability of supply chains, a generalized scheme of risk management in supply chains has been developed. The implementation of such a scheme allows you to reduce risks, operational costs, increase key performance indicators of the supply chain, adhere to the environmental friendliness of business processes, and improve the level of customer service in conditions of destabilization of the business environment.