Local Chain Research Articles

The (un)shared responsibility in the reverse logistics of portable batteries: A Brazilian case

The Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy (BNSWP) determines that reverse logistics (RL) of waste batteries is mandatory and adopts the principle of shared responsibility among stakeholders. In this work, we sought to diagnose the current state of the RL chain for batteries in Vale do Aço, Brazil, and identify challenges and potentialities related to its improvement. Data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to the main stakeholders involved in the batteries RL chain and by consultation of official Brazilian databases. The results showed that the main obstacles to the implementation of the RL of portable batteries in the region are: the lack of information by consumers and retailers regarding the BNSWP and management of waste batteries; the existence of few collection and consolidation points in the region; lack of municipal waste management plans; and lack of sustainability of waste picker organizations. The identified potentialities were: the good receptivity of environmental education actions by the population; the possibility of taking advantage of direct logistics of local retail chains to collect waste; the existence of a special waste management and transportation company in the region; and the existence of waste picker organizations interested in integrating the RL system. Finally, by a SWOT analysis, strategies for the implementation of a more effective RL system were drawn up. This work can serve as a basis for the structuring and implementation of the batteries RL system at the Metropolitan Region of Vale do Aço (MRVA) and can be a reference for other settings.

Janus and Heteromodulus Elastomeric Fiber Mats Feature Regulable Stress Redistribution for Boosted Strain Sensing Performance.

Wearable strain sensors have huge potential for applications in healthcare, human-machine interfacing, and augmented reality systems. However, the nonlinear response of the resistance signal to strain has caused considerable difficulty and complexity in data processing and signal transformation, thus impeding their practical applications severely. Herein, we propose a simple way to achieve linear and reproducible resistive signals responding to strain in a relatively wide strain range for flexible strain sensors, which is achieved via the fabrication of Janus and heteromodulus elastomeric fiber mats with micropatterns using microimprinting second processing technology. In detail, both isotropic and anisotropic fiber mats can turn into Janus fiber mats with periodical and heteromodulus micropatterns via controlling the fiber fusion and the diffusion of local macromolecular chains of thermoplastic elastomers. The Janus heterogeneous microstructure allows for stress redistribution upon stretching, thus leading to lower strain hysteresis and improved linearity of resistive signal. Moreover, tunable sensing performance can be achieved by tailoring the size of the micropatterns on the fiber mat surface and the fiber anisotropy. The Janus mat strain sensors with high signal linearity and good reproducibility have a very low strain detection limit, enabling potential applications in human-machine interfacing and intelligent control fields if combined with a wireless communication module.

The sustainable development of mobility in the green transition: Renewable energy, local industrial chain, and battery recycling

AbstractThe transportation sector has a strong negative impact on the environment and therefore requires new sustainable development measures. This paper proposes a new indicator of sustainability in transport obtained through a multi‐criteria analysis based on Eurostat data and a panel of 10 academics. The results show a positive performance of Sweden in the period 2015–2019 and a small number of countries above the European average. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis based on these experts identifies the critical success factors associated with purchasing electric vehicles. The greatest importance is assigned to purchase cost, followed by battery autonomy. Our analysis proposes that electric vehicles are unable to achieve a sustainable transition unless three conditions are met: (i) use of renewable sources, (ii) local industrial development of the sector, and (iii) battery recycling. Therefore, Europe urgently needs to realize new industrial activities and avoid social unsustainability. The long‐term objective of a policy plan is to promote independence from external sources of energy, materials, and other resources.

A CASE OF TRACHEOBRONCHIAL AMYLOIDOSIS PRESENTING AS SYNCOPE

A CASE OF TRACHEOBRONCHIAL AMYLOIDOSIS PRESENTING AS SYNCOPE

Investigating the Critical Factors Effecting Customers Loyalty: An Empirical Assessment

Globally, the fast-food restaurant industry is a complex and ever-expanding business sector. Many people in Pakistan visit fast food restaurants on a regular basis. Establishing a relationship with the client and providing outstanding services are vital in the restaurant industry. This research intends to examine the factors influencing customer loyalty in fast food restaurants in Pakistan. This research used a descriptive quantitative survey approach. The sample population for this research comprised of fast-food restaurant customers. This research examined consumers of global fast-food chains (such as McDonald's and KFC), as well as local and regional fast-food chains (such as Fry Chicks and Pizza Online, etc.). The researcher collected data from 190 customers chosen in line with the item-to-rate theory. The questionnaire for this research consists of seven parts and 19 questions. The data revealed that food quality, service quality, price, and location, as well as the physical environment, had a significant direct effect on consumer satisfaction. In addition, the research revealed that customer satisfaction significantly affects customer loyalty. This study is limited to fast food customers residing in Lahore.

Modelling supply chain disruption analytics under insufficient data: A decision support system based on Bayesian hierarchical approach

Recent disruptions in global and local supply chains (SCs) due to manmade and natural disasters have drawn a lot of attention to academics and practitioners. Such disruptions are often characterized by a lack of insufficient data. To tackle such a data scarce supply chain ecosystem, this article examines the potential disruption risks in SCs under insufficient input data. For this, a decision support system (DSS) based on the Bayesian hierarchical approach and value at risk (VaR) reduction analysis is proposed to assess a supplier's disruption risk events probability as well as the supplier revenue impact on a company of interest. Empirical data are used to examine the DSS. The findings show that the DSS is effective in generating the suppliers’ risk profiles. The proposed DSS can be utilized by supply chain managers and practitioners to manage SC disruption risks in a more efficient manner.

PSVII-6 Effects of Hydroponically Sprouted Cereal Grains on Feedlot Performance, Blood Serum Chemistry, and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility in Beef Cattle

Abstract Recent technological advancements in the local chain agricultural technology sector have produced automated systems that overcome pitfalls of traditional forage production. With significantly altered nutrient composition when compared with typical forages, research investigating the effects of hydroponically sprouted grain (HG) on feedlot growth and performance is needed. Angus steers (n = 40) averaging 274 kilograms body weight were randomly assigned to one of four pens in replicated pen experimental feedlot setting. Treatment pens were balanced for incoming weight, age, and genetic background to ensure uniformity throughout the experiment. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned and delivered continuously for an eight-week comparison period; diets were balanced for metabolizable energy, fiber, and crude protein content with 15% inclusion of HG administered in the treatment group. Nutrient digestibility was assessed through weekly manure sampling. Daily rate of gain, feed conversion ratio, and cost of gain was assessed through monthly replicated (n = 3) weight evaluations. Blood serum chemistry was evaluated through individual animal blood serum samples collected from the lateral tail vein. Multiple variables measured indicated positive and statistically significantly (p < 0.05) changes resulting from the inclusion of HG (Table 1). On a percentage basis, daily rate of gain and dry matter intake improved 12% and 11%, respectively. Marginal trends (p < 0.20) in nutrient digestibility were noted and blood serum metrics associated with nutrient bioavailability and rumen health were positive. Results highlight the potential feeding value of HG and automated production systems as a novel agricultural technology solution.

Socio-economic consequences of imported frozen tilapia in the Kenyan aquaculture value chain: Strategies for optimizing local unexploited potential

Capture fisheries production sector, which is the main source of consumed fish in Kenya has been declining over the years, causing huge deficit in fish supply in local market. Even though aquaculture has been fronted as a step-gap measure, there are still eminent fish supply gaps, prompting importation of frozen tilapia, mainly from China. However, the imported fish has attracted numerous socio-economic debates between proponents and opponents of fish imports, almost in equal measure. This study investigated the socio-economic consequences of the imported tilapia in the local fish market and value chain linkages in Kisumu County. Primary data were collected using direct interviews with pre-set questionnaires fed into Open Data Kit (ODK) platform, and observations from 60 randomly selected fishermen and 60 fish farmers, 100 fish traders and 96 households. Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted. About 57% of the respondents processed and traded on the imported frozen tilapia, 27% of them traded on fish from capture fisheries, while 16 % traded on fish from the local aquaculture sector. Imported tilapia was the cheapest at Ksh. 200/kg compared to the locally produced tilapia at Ksh. 320/kg. At least 62 % of the households in Kisumu consumed imported tilapia regularly due to lower prices and availability. About 46 % of the respondents have gained direct employment and experienced improved socio-economic status due to the imported fish, of which 71 % are youth and women. However, about 40% of the respondents reported multiple job losses and degraded socio-economic status due to poor market for the locally produced tilapia, whether from the capture or culture sector. The study concluded that the importation of frozen tilapia can potentially reduce socio-economic returns from the local fisheries and aquaculture value chains. A rational approach is to optimize local fish production to saturate the local market and potentially out-price the imported frozen tilapia. Appropriate government policies tackling the importation of fish into the country can also help reduce the negative impacts of these imported fish on the local fish market systems. Key words: Fish consumption per capita, Fish value chain, imported tilapia, Market saturation

The Effect of Natural Hazard Damage on Manufacturing Value Added and the Impact of Spatiotemporal Data Variations on the Results

This study examined the effect of natural hazards on manufacturing industry value added and the sensitivity of the results from changes to spatiotemporal resolution of the data. We measured the negative effects of hazards, rather than the net effect. Three models were developed with varying spatiotemporal units for the continental United States: annual/county units; annual/state units; and quarterly/state units. Three simulations were run using each model to estimate the negative effect of damage from all natural hazards on value added across spatiotemporal scales. Finally, an investment analysis was conducted to examine the return from public investments in hazard resilience. The results do not demonstrate that, locally, natural hazards reduce value added. However, the evidence suggests that natural hazards in the upstream supply chain have statistically significant impact when modeled at the annual/county scale and at the quarterly/state scale. Neither local nor supply chain hazards have a statistically significant effect when modeled at the annual/state scale, suggesting that broader spatiotemporal units may obscure the true downstream effects of natural hazards. The investment analysis, utilizing model results, suggests that an investment of USD 100 billion or less is economical if it results in a reduction in losses of 10% or more.

Special Economic Zone, Carbon Emissions and the Mechanism Role of Green Technology Vertical Spillover: Evidence from Chinese Cities.

Although the special economic zones (SEZs) are considered the backbone of rapid economic development in China, it is unclear whether they contribute to green economic development. From the perspective of the localized industrial chains formed as a result of the SEZ policy, this paper aims to analyze and explain how the development of SEZs influences carbon emissions in Chinese cities by promoting green technologies’ vertical spillover along the industrial chain. Based on the panel data of 264 prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2016 and a relatively new and mostly disaggregated city-level MRIO (multi-region input–output) table in China, this paper constructs green technology vertical spillover as a mechanism variable and discusses the influence theoretically and empirically. The results show that the development of SEZs can reduce a city’s carbon emissions. More specifically, for every 10 m2 increase in the size of the SEZ area, the carbon dioxide emission can be reduced by 0.882 g per m2 of the city area. Moreover, mechanism analysis shows that the development of SEZs promotes green technology vertical spillover inside the city, through which the SEZs reduce the city’s carbon emissions. The mediation effect occupies 21.96% of the total effect. Furthermore, the impact of the development of SEZs on carbon emissions has regional heterogeneity due to the city’s industry structure, green technology stocks, and the zones’ administrative hierarchies. The finding of this study could provide several important implications for regional green development, especially in China.

The resilience of sub-urban small farming in Bucharest Metropolitan Area in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

In Romania, the immediate effects of the pandemic have revealed a strain on food supply chains due to the limitations related to social distancing between producers/deliverers/consumers. The paper aims to identify and analyze the resilience of small farmers in southern Romania (i.e., Bucharest Metropolitan Area) to the new conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, the analysis focused on the COVID-19 pandemic pre-conditions, impacts and resilience, as well as the post-COVID-19 solutions - the medium- and long-term measures necessary to sustain the effort of the farmers to cope with risks and uncertainties in the future. The study shows a close connection between some pre-existing conditions and farms capacity to become resilient to the shocks caused by the pandemic. Hence, organic farms demonstrated the highest resilience, while leisure and recreational farms the lowest. The research has improved the existing knowledge on the sub-urban farmers as key players of metropolitan agriculture and promoters of sustainability and food security for cities and identified some elements of resilience during COVID-19: reconnecting with local food production, networking, door-to-door delivery, multi-functionality inside the farm, etc. Particularly, backing small farmers to meet market requirements and access digital marketing are among the key measures to support local food systems and short food supply chains to adapt to future shocks.

Integrated innovation of East Java digital village based on collaboration of regional potential and local market evolution supply chain

Development in Indonesia is inevitable from the residual problems of development in rural areas. However, the various solutions that have been carried out still have various shortcomings, this is due to the lack of integration of the technology used to map the potential of the village and its realization, as well as the lack of use of technology in terms of optimizing the potential of the village owned. This study aims to clearly map the natural potential of the village and form the best supply chain flow to be able to deliver product processing results from mapping and processing results through digital market penetration that can increase village potential and improve village welfare. The research method used in the development of this research is the design thinking process. The results of this study are a digital village system in which there is a feature of searching for village data, presenting menus such as visualizations and infographics. The use of this research development product can increase automation in mapping village potential and supply chain flows that are right on target.

Treatment of Localized Amyloid Light Chain Amyloidosis With External Beam Radiation Therapy

PurposeLocalized amyloidosis is a condition characterized by deposits of fibrillary proteins confined to a single organ. The most common subtype is amyloid light chain amyloidosis, which is caused by secretion of amyloidogenic light chain by a monoclonal population of plasma cells. We present a review and discussion of the literature in the context of a case presentation of localized amyloid light chain amyloidosis of the nasopharynx treated with radiation alone. Methods and MaterialsWe reviewed literature relevant to this topic from 1970 to the present. Relevant studies, reports, and articles were summarized in table form. ResultsSurgical resection has historically been the primary therapeutic modality for these patients, with radiation being reserved for recurrent lesions or for those unfit for surgery. Although the data are limited to small retrospective series, radiation has been shown to provide good control with mild toxicity that is as good as or better than surgery. Doses range from 20 to 45 Gy, conventionally fractionated. There is no known risk of progression to systemic disease without local therapy. ConclusionsWe recommend local therapy for symptomatic patients after systemic disease has been excluded. We generally recommend radiation in the setting of recurrent lesions, unacceptable toxicity with surgery, poor surgical candidates, and as the initial modality in select patients (elderly individuals with bothersome but nonobstructive lesions).

Circular Economy in tourism: Overview of recent developments in research

The article provides a review of the recent developments and trends in the research on Circular Economy (CE) in tourism and identifies possible research gaps. CE is becoming one of the hot topics in tourism research due to its increased importance in policymaking, especially in Europe. However, the review shows that research on CE in tourism is in its early stages. The studies have mainly focused on CE in tourism at the micro level from environmental and business management perspectives especially in hotels and restaurants. In addition, emerging research themes include circular consumption behaviour, CE and smart tourism, cooperation and networking with the local supply chain as well as circular tourism destination development. Thus, tourism scholars are encouraged to shift their perspective more from micro to macro level to get a holistic picture of CE in tourism. The article outlines some ideas for a research agenda on CE in tourism.

The role of the local Supply Chain in the development of floating offshore wind power.

Given many countries net zero targets, the pipeline for floating offshore wind projects (FLOWPs) is promising. Compared to other renewable technologies FLOWPs are complex structures that consist of extremely heavy components. FLOWP construction requires floaters, turbines (towers, rotors and nacelles), mooring and anchoring systems, dynamic inter array and export (offshore and onshore) cables, in addition to the electrical substations (offshore and onshore). The requirements in terms of heavy raw materials (cement, steel, etc.) should ideally be met by the local supply chain. This is particularly important given the consideration of local commitments in many seabed leasing rounds or for authorisation processes. There is a strong inter-dependency between the success of FLOWPs and the presence of a well organised and developed local supply chain. Local procurement of the goods and services for the construction and maintenance of the FLOWP would have a positive impact on the local industrial sector. However, there is a risk that the local supply chain will not make the necessary timely investment required to be able to meet the demand of materials and components to support local FLOWPs. This would be a loss for the local economy but also for the developers. Two approaches are discussed which may help mitigate such risk.

Sustainability assessment of the whole biomass-to-energy chain of a combined heat and power plant based on biomass gasification: biomass supply chain management and life cycle assessment.

Energy generation from waste renewable sources represent an efficient way to provide green power with the highest environmental benefits, tackling problems related to the high costs for their disposal through the conversion of these wastes in biofuels. However, several challenges hinder their intensified use, as the huge variability in the amount and composition of these sources forces authors to enlarge their studies on the entire biomass-to-energy chain sustainability where the power technology can be installed with the highest profits. In present work, the technical, environmental and economic impact of the entire biomass-to-energy supply chain is assessed with reference to a real commercially available Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, the CMD ECO20X based on biomass gasification, installed as operational demonstration in the Municipality of Laurino in the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni (PNCVD) in Southern part of Italy. Several calculation tools previously developed by authors for the analysis of the performance of the various components of the ECO20X system are here employed to define the mass and energy fluxes that characterize its operations in a local supply chain where forest management residues (oak and beech trees) and olive pomace from oil mills in the area are exploited. The analysis aims to quantify the energy absorption necessary for the pretreatment operations of the organic residue (shredding, briquetting, drying) which are essential for gasification, and how much they affect the production deriving from the biomass cogeneration process itself. Then, measurements in terms of pollutants related to the energy production at the municipality and of the air quality in the area, help in the evaluation of the plant environmental impact from a global perspective, by virtue of data obtained from an LCA analysis conducted considering one year functioning of the CHP plant.

Agriculture, food and global value chains: issues, methods and challenges

Agriculture, food and global value chains: issues, methods and challenges

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INCREASING MOLDOVA INDUSTRY SWOT ANALYSIS

The digital transformation is now a reality in Moldova, as Moldova has begun to transfer social, legal, and civil service delivery online. Sped-up digitalization can be expected to create new business models and opportunities for digital jumping in traditional industries. The Coronavirus crisis has highlighted the need for support and investments in digital transformation and effective digital governance, especially to guarantee the continuity and delivery of core government functions. The digital transformation is changing not just business models but the methods of production and distribution and the industry's competitiveness. The country's competitiveness is directly proportional to the country's level of economic development. According to SWOT analysis, general strengths on which Moldovan industry digitalisation will rely can be distinguished. It rely on the fact that manufacturing sector output is increasing – the contribution of the manufacturing sector to national GDP is around 12%, however it is on the lower side compared to other EU countries. Despite that, recent years indicate the rise of the output of this industry segment and industry digitisation will further encourage this process. Secondly, public and private IRT infrastructure is well-developed – is consistently updated, provides world-class internet access, and allows faster digitization. Thirdly, the growing capacity of digitization solutions providers - supply a wide range of services by participating in local and global value chains. The interview with experts who work closely in digitalization or competitiveness was done, and the SWOT analysis was done. Based on the research made, the recommendations for Moldova were prepared and presented in this article.

Assessing Circular Economy Opportunities at the Food Supply Chain Level: The Case of Five Piedmont Product Chains

The impact of linear agri-food supply chains is progressively leading to ever wider socio-environmental and cultural repercussions, undermining the balance of territories and communities to the point of disrupting the entire planet’s health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a paradigm change involving the agri-food sector, the economic sector, and local public policies, in the direction of a diffused ecological transition. In this scenario, the Circular Economy, supported by the adoption of a Systemic Approach, represents a useful operational tool to respond to complex transversal challenges, to reduce and enhance waste, minimize the use of new raw materials, and strengthen the territorial identity and relations among local stakeholders. This article describes a research project conducted for the Piedmont Region (Italy), through which it was possible to apply these innovative tools and approaches to five typical local agri-food chains (wine, dairy and cheese, rice, water, and bovine beef). Currently, at the Piedmontese level, concrete proposals for public policies capable of supporting the ecological transition of the local agri-food chains have not yet been developed, especially in terms of cyclicality of outputs and territorial co-evolution. For this reason, through the use of a multi-stakeholder approach, participatory mechanisms of local actors, and the analysis of several national and international case studies, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the possible enhancement of food waste and by-products, finally developing specific proposals for good practices and public policies capable of contributing to the achievement of the Piedmontese Regional Strategy for Sustainable Development.

Wild foods from forests: Quantities collected across Zambia

Abstract Forests provide an immense range of benefits to people, many of which are not prioritized by forest policy because they are difficult to quantify. Wild foods from forests enhance the quality of diets for those who consume them and provide income for those who sell or trade them. The quantity of wild food collected is challenging to measure because of non‐standard units, seasonal differences in collection patterns and large numbers of species. To provide initial estimates of collection volume in Zambia and pilot new methods, we surveyed 209 households across 14 villages randomly selected within 5 study areas covering all four agro‐ecological areas between 6 August and 27 October, 2019. For each study area, we conducted a focus group to identify the most commonly collected species within each of nine food product types (mushrooms, insects, green leafy vegetables, tubers, fruits, nuts, wild meat, wild fish, and aquatic plants). All but one surveyed household collected some wild foods; on average, each household collected five types of food product, most commonly mushrooms, fruits and green leafy vegetables. Volume collected varied markedly by household, product type and study area. Rural households in Zambia are estimated to collect over 380 million litres, 380,000 m3, of wild foods annually. We estimate that 88% of these wild foods are collected directly from forests. Accounting for uncertainties, we estimate the volume of wild foods collected from forests to be at least 238,000 m3 per year, 125% of the volume of sawnwood produced, or about 12 million large (20 L) collecting buckets. Volume collected was not strongly correlated with metrics of wealth, indicating ubiquitous consumption of wild foods; however, the most food insecure collected particularly high volumes of wild food. Pilot market surveys found local value chains for wild foods, indicating a potential for economic contribution. Our results underscore the value of data that can be disaggregated locally and indicate that national estimates of quantities of wild food collected from forests would be highly useful for designing forest policy and management strategies. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.