Local Supply Research Articles

Director Liability Protection and the Quality of Independent Directors

We study whether legal liability protection helps companies to recruit and retain high-quality independent directors. We conduct difference-in-differences analyses exploiting the 1999 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling on the Silicon Graphics case, which substantially raised the bar for filing securities class action (SCA) lawsuits as a shock. We document supporting evidence for the talent attraction hypothesis by showing improvements in newly recruited independent director quality following the ruling, but only for candidates who are previously not exposed to SCA litigation risk. The effects are stronger for firms facing greater litigation risk ex ante or smaller local supplies of director candidates. Results are more evident for experience-based quality dimensions. We also analyze a sample of voluntary independent director departures and find little support for the talent retention hypothesis, suggesting that more complex factors enter into a director’s continuation decision once a director is already exposed to SCA litigation risk. A policy implication is that liability protection can be useful in attracting more unexposed high-quality candidates to the pool of public boards but does little to attract high-quality candidates who are already in the pool of public firms. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance. Funding: H. Zou acknowledges the financial support from a competitive General Research Fund (GRF) grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Project No. HKU 17513816]. S. Shen acknowledges the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72202164 and 72332003]. The work was partially carried out while R. W. Masulis visited the University of Hong Kong as an FBE visiting researcher, and he thanks the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Hong Kong for its sponsorship. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2020.03743 .

JUE Insight: The labor market effects of place-based policies: Evidence from England’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund

Neighbourhood renewal programs are a type of place-based policy that aim to revive underperforming localities. The literature on place-based policies has found mixed results regarding their effects on local labor market outcomes, but there are relatively few studies of policies that aim to improve local labor supply. In this paper we examine the labor market effects of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, which targeted 88 of the most deprived areas in England during the early 2000s as part of the Labour government’s National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. The fund disbursed almost £3 billion for spending on community safety, education, healthcare and worklessness, with supply-side interventions making up the bulk of the program’s spending on worklessness. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find statistically significant impacts on local employment. Our results suggest that policy interventions to improve local labor supply can be a successful strategy for neighborhood renewal.

Impact of COVID-19 on Airbnb occupancy rate in Bandung, Indonesia

The emergence of sharing economy, especially accommodation platform has enable people to rent and capitalize on their private properties by renting to others. However, with the covid-19 pandemic and proximity to first-tier city it is crucial to examine how these sharing accommodation properties survives.The paper investigates how urban neighbourhoods, Airbnb characteristics and urban mobility restrictions determine rental occupancy rates in Bandung, a second-tier city, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines; (i) the dynamics of determinant factors of occupancy rates before and after the pandemic and (ii) the impact of mobility and spatial proximity to first-tier city on sharing accommodations’ occupancy rates. This study uses econometric and spatial analysis with more than 2200 Airbnb property listings registered between 2016 and 2020 in Bandung city.Our study found a shift of preferences in a more urban direction and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) variables continuing with a slight decline in the pandemic. Comparison between before and during the pandemic suggests the persistent of high occupancy rate concentration only in in private listings, and located near to tourist attractions and a variety of amenities. Our finding calls for urban policies that limits the geographical distribution of short-term rental (STR) properties to avoid wider gentrification, safety risks, and pressure to the local housing supply.

RECYCLING OF LITHIUM ION BATTERIES: THE BLACK SPOT OF THE GREEN DEAL

Progress towards a decarbonized economy is dependent on the development of energy storage devices enabling the deployment of new strategies in the transport and energy sectors. Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) play a key role in facilitating the shift from fossil fuels to renewables based on ubiquitous sources of decentralized energy. However, the rapidly increasing demand for batteries has generated environmental concerns regarding recycling, and raw materials depletion and exhaustion. Moreover, the level of extraction and processing of battery raw materials from local resources is almost negligible, inducing geopolitical concerns regarding potential threats to production and the stability of local manufactures. Finally, the storage and processing of hazardous wastes remains a difficult challenge in the circular economy concept. Recycling, therefore, is beneficial to the environment and has a high economic value via strengthening local supply chains. This work presents an alternative, comprehensive, and holistic review of LIB recycling technologies; from traditional metallurgy strategies to innovative, direct recycling methods and pioneering in-production and design-for-recycling approaches. It identifies new directions for making recycling efficient and techno-economically profitable and sustainable - including the vital role of robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Keywords: Lithium Ion Batteries, Recycling, Design for Recycling, In-production Recycling, Artificial Intelligence

What do urban consumers want? Findings from a discrete choice experiment on the preference for locally produced staple food in Central Africa: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

ABSTRACT A discrete choice experiment in Kinshasa (DRC) investigated urban consumers' preferences between imports and local options for five staple foods – cassava, rice, maize, sugar and cooking oil – under a random utility model. We also examined how distance, packaging and price influenced consumer choice. To assess whether preferences could be manipulated, we introduced two treatment groups – local, import – and a control group. We did not find support for a preference for imports. Instead, there is a statistically significant preference for local products, with the exception of sugar. Respondents are willing to pay 28% more for local food, a premium quantified at 1540 CF (.93 USD) per kg for maize and 1091CF (.66 USD) per litre for oil. Packaging is an attribute of influence as the willingness to pay (WTP) in full remains positive when products interact with packaging and with price. There is demand for local products for which consumers are willing to pay a premium. Yet, DRC imports 1.5 billion dollars of food yearly with only 10% of its arable land exploited. The increased urban consumption of imports does not signify a bias against local products, but rather points to structural issues undermining local supply. DRC needs to develop local value chains linking rural farmers to urban markets through the transformation of local foods to meet urban needs and to convert the WTP into a producer surplus benefiting rural livelihoods.

Exploring Trust Ecology in a Public-Private Partnership for Agricultural Innovation in the United States Bioeconomy

United States (US) federal agencies are endorsing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to link public institutions with industry to develop local supplies of biofuel and build a domestic bioeconomy. Although trust is a critical factor within effective PPPs, few studies have addressed the different types of trust needed to cultivate these partnerships. Employing a mixed-method design, we explore a PPP in the Southeast US through the lens of trust ecology. We describe how participants perceive trust types within different project spaces and how trust changed during the partnership. Our findings highlight the role that different interactive spaces can play in cultivating types of trust that accumulate in an additive fashion. We offer insights on process-design mechanisms and project management strategies that can bolster trust in PPPs.

Can overarching rules and coordination in polycentric governance help achieve pre‐identified institutional goals over time? Evidence from farmland governance in southeastern France

AbstractThe question of the performance of polycentric governance over time is insufficiently addressed in the literature. By performance, we refer to the ability of polycentric governance actors to design rules and engage in coordination processes that allow them to achieve their goals. Through an institutional analysis, this paper seeks to answer a question that remains unresolved in the field, namely the effectiveness of the overarching set of rules and coordination relationships in their ability to drive institutional and organizational change in polycentric governance processes. To this end, we conduct an in‐depth case study of farmland governance in southeastern France. Through the attributes of polycentric governance, we examine the changes brought about by the goal of local food supply comparing it with other historical goals such as farmland preservation. We show that farmland governance is characterized by an institutional mismatch that prevents its actors from moving closer to the objective of local food supply. We argue that the evolution of farmland governance comes down to organizational change that does not lead to an evolution of rules‐in‐use. We discuss this result in light of the findings of the literature on polycentric governance and its implications for public policy.

A comprehensive analysis of India’s electric vehicle battery supply chain: barriers and solutions

This study investigates challenges and solutions for India’s battery supply chain in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Key obstacles include raw material dependency, supply chain complexity, production costs, environmental impacts, rapid technological changes, and skilled workforce shortages. Methods involve reviewing current supply chains, evaluating government policies like the FAME and PLI schemes, and analyzing strategic partnerships with countries rich in lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Results show heavy reliance on imports exposes India to geopolitical risks and price volatility, while a fragmented supply chain hinders coordination and quality control. Establishing gigafactories is crucial but requires substantial investment. The study recommends enhancing domestic production, securing raw materials through exploration and international partnerships, investing in R&D for advanced technologies and alternative chemistries, and developing a skilled workforce through specialized training. Implementing these strategies will ensure a robust and sustainable battery supply chain, supporting EV market growth and positioning India as a leader in electric mobility. Further research should focus on long-term environmental impacts and the economic implications of a localized supply chain.

Environmental Sustainability in Dermatological Surgery. Part 1: Reducing Carbon Intensity.

This two-part review addresses the pressing need for environmental sustainability in dermatological surgery, driven by the NHS's commitment to net-zero emissions. Part 1 focuses on strategies to reduce the carbon intensity of dermatological procedures by adopting low-carbon alternatives and optimising operational resource usage. Key strategies for a system-wide reduction in environmental impact include using leveraging local suppliers to reduce transport emissions, streamlining care models, promoting efficient waste management, and using mindful prescribing practices. Another aspect is integrating sustainability into dermatological education whilst minimising the carbon footprint of surgical education. Additionally, the review provides a comprehensive overview of optimising resource use in dermatological surgery, focusing on efficient management of consumables, equipment, and energy. This includes recycling, waste segregation, transitioning to reusable personal protective equipment and surgical instruments, and applying energy-saving and sustainable water use practices. By implementing these strategies, dermatological surgery can significantly reduce its environmental impact while upholding high standards of patient care.

Navigating Complexity: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This editorial introduces a special issue dedicated to exploring sustainable supply chains through an interdisciplinary lens, incorporating theories from International Relations (IR) to better understand the complexities of global logistics in an era marked by significant geopolitical shifts. As the demand for sustainable business practices grows, this issue highlights innovative research that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into supply chain management. The contributions within this issue apply a mix of realist and liberalist IR perspectives to dissect the dynamics of global and local supply chain strategies, focusing on industries such as shipping and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in supply chain practices.

Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Chondroitin Sulphate Based Hydrogel Containing Green- Synthesised Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles for Treatment of Osteomyelitis- An in Vitro Study

Musculoskeletal infections, particularly osteomyelitis (OM), pose a significant challenge for patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system overall. Osteomyelitis of the jaw is characterized by exposed bone in the mouth that does not heal despite adequate treatment. It involves inflammation of the bone cortex and marrow, typically arising in the jaw following a chronic infection. Given the persistent nature of osteomyelitis (OM), along with its expensive and prolonged treatment process and high rates of disability, there is an urgent need for better treatment approaches. While some therapies, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been explored, the standard treatment for OM continues to rely on identifying bacterial species, using appropriate antibiotics, removing implants, performing extensive debridement, and administering systemic antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks. However, issues like inadequate local antibiotic concentrations due to local blood supply and various bacterial resistance mechanisms often limit the effectiveness of systemic treatments. This approach allows for higher concentrations of drugs to be delivered directly to the affected area while minimizing side effects. To lower the reinfection rate in chronic osteomyelitis treatment, the drug delivery system should be biodegradable, eliminating the need for material removal after therapy. Hence the aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate a novel chondroitin sulphate based hydrogel containing magnesium oxide nanoparticles for treatment of osteomyelitis

The benefits of the dairy value chain to inclusive sustainable development in European highlands: a systems thinking approach

This research investigates the benefits of the dairy value chain beyond food provision, and its contribution to inclusive sustainable development (ISDH) in European highlands. Transdisciplinary teams interviewed and analysed 11 cases related to the dairy value chain sourced from three highland regions in Europe: Alps (Austria, France, Italy), Massif Central (France), Pyrenees (Spain). Actors interviewed were farmers, cooperatives, retailers and associations. A systems thinking approach was applied to develop a conceptual map (Causal Loop Diagram, CLD) describing the contribution of the dairy value chain to ISDH, through the interpretation of the viewpoints of interviewed actors. For each case, the factors contributing to ISDH were identified, then clustered within related topics. Topics from all the cases were used to develop a CLD, and subsystems and leverage points identified. Six interconnected subsystems were identified: local resources, environment, dairy production, collaboration, supply chain and socio-economic. Four leverage points were also identified: public subsidies, feed autonomy, certification of product, and added value. In conclusion, the dairy value chain provides the following benefits aligned with the dimensions of ISDH: landscape maintenance and ecosystem services, quality of dairy products and added value, inclusive governance for actors, reduction of environmental impact, and local development. This model delivers a decision-making tool for the actors involved in the dairy value chain, to prioritise strategic interventions.

Advanced supply chain optimization for emerging market healthcare systems

The complexities of pharmaceutical supply chains in emerging markets present significant challenges that directly impact healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved regions. This research focuses on the optimization of supply chain systems for the healthcare sector, with an emphasis on enhancing pharmaceutical delivery. By leveraging data analytics and innovative procurement strategies, the study seeks to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure the timely distribution of essential medications. Drawing on practical experiences at eMedic Technologies Africa, the research highlights the need for advanced models that integrate real-time data to optimize inventory management, forecast demand, and address bottlenecks in last-mile delivery. The study proposes a multi-faceted approach to addressing common challenges in emerging market supply chains, including unreliable infrastructure, fluctuating demand, and limited access to technology. By utilizing predictive analytics, the proposed models aim to improve accuracy in demand planning, reducing stockouts and overstock situations. Additionally, innovative procurement strategies, such as centralized procurement and strategic partnerships with local suppliers, are explored as key methods for enhancing cost-effectiveness and streamlining supply chain operations. A critical component of the research is the focus on last-mile delivery, which remains a significant hurdle in rural and underserved areas. The study advocates for the use of digital platforms and mobile technologies to enhance delivery tracking and coordination, ensuring that essential medications reach their destination efficiently. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders to build resilient supply chain systems capable of adapting to local conditions. By providing actionable insights and scalable models for supply chain optimization, this research aims to contribute to improved healthcare delivery in emerging markets. The proposed strategies not only reduce costs and improve efficiency but also ensure a reliable and consistent supply of medications, ultimately leading to better health outcomes in regions most in need. Keywords: Supply Chain Optimization, Data-Driven Procurement, Last-Mile Delivery, Healthcare Efficiency, Emerging Markets

Maverick or Front-runner? Army Modernization in Hungary in the Light of the Other Visegrad Countries

This article compares Hungary's defence modernisation policy with that of the other Visegrad countries and finds that Poland has invested the most in developing its military capabilities and, together with the Czech Republic, has benefited considerably from rising international demand stimulated by the war. Both combined the purchase of modern equipment with the award of government contracts to local suppliers. Slovakia followed the same pattern, but without significant export capacity. Hungary, on the other hand, was unable to prevent the collapse of its former defence industry. As a result, its current development programme uniquely integrates the goals of army modernisation with the plan for rebuilding the sector, which relies heavily on the participation of large European companies, whose role is less important in the other countries. Two other distinctive features of the Hungarian modernisation policy are its embeddedness in broader economic and regional policies, and the creation of six distinct territorial clusters where the reorganisation of the sector is taking place.

Indigenous Development of MIC-Based C-Band Dual Chain Down Converter Unit for GEOSAT- Spacecraft Checkout System

As part of miniaturization, the development work for the C-band dual-chain down converter, which is extensively used in TM (Telemetry) data acquisition system in GEOSAT spacecraft checkout system has been taken up in MIC (Microwave Integrated Circuit) approach using microstrip line structure. A prototype unit is realized using standard surface mount devices (SMD) and few indigenously developed MIC components namely, the directional couplers, the power dividers etc. The MIC-based down converter module, which forms the heart of the unit is housed in an Aluminium milled box having the dimension of 150 x 150 x 25 mm3. Except internal Local Oscillator (LO), RF Switches and Power supply, all other circuitry are mounted withinthis milled box which is housed in 1U chassis. It meets all the requirements of a conventional down converter. The paper describes the salient features of the unit, its detailed design approach and realization plan and finally the test and evaluation results of the prototype unit developed indigenously.

Voltage Deviation Improvement in Microgrid Operation through Demand Response Using Imperialist Competitive and Genetic Algorithms

In recent decades, with the expansion of distributed energy generation technologies and the increasing need for more flexibility and efficiency in energy distribution systems, microgrids have been considered a promising innovative solution for local energy supply and enhancing resilience against network fluctuations. One of the basic challenges in the operation of microgrids is the optimal management of voltage and frequency in the network, which has been the subject of extensive research in the field of microgrid operational optimization. The energy demand is considered a crucial element for energy management due to its fluctuating nature over the day. The use of demand response strategies for energy management is one of the most important factors in dealing with renewables. These strategies enable better energy management in microgrids, thereby improving system efficiency and stability. Given the complexity of optimization problems related to microgrid management, evolutionary optimization algorithms such as the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) have gained great attention. These algorithms enable solving high-complexity optimization problems by considering various constraints and multiple objectives. In this paper, both ICA and GA, as well as their hybrid application, are used to significantly enhance the voltage regulation in microgrids. The integration of optimization techniques with demand response strategies improves the overall system efficiency and stability. The results proved that the hybrid method provides valuable insights for optimizing energy management systems.

Transvaginal double-layer parallel in-situ suturing for early complex vesicovaginal fistula repair: Case report.

Complex vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) with large defects pose significant surgical challenges. Traditional repair methods often require extensive tissue separation and multilayer suturing, risking local blood supply and healing. This study introduces a novel modified transvaginal repair technique that simplifies the procedure while preserving tissue vascularity. It employs double-layer parallel in situ suturing for early repair of complex VVF. A 50-year-old woman was admitted with continuous vaginal urine leakage for 4 days following trauma. Speculum examination revealed a 3-cm longitudinal oval laceration at the 11 o'clock position in the dorsal lithotomy site, with continuous fluid leakage through the fistula. Self-inflicted complex VVF. The patient underwent prophylactic placement of bilateral double-J stents and continuous catheterization, followed by surgical repair using a modified transvaginal technique involving double-layer parallel in situ suturing. Postoperative evaluations showed successful healing with no urinary leakage. The vaginal sutures were removed on day 24, and follow-up at 1 year confirmed no recurrence of the fistula or lower urinary tract symptoms, significantly improving the patient's quality of life. The modified transvaginal repair technique using double-layer parallel in situ suturing is a simple and effective approach for early repair of complex VVF, highlighting its potential for broader clinical application. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.

Medium- and Long-Term Distributed Photovoltaic Power Prediction Based on Multiple Time Series Feature and Multiple-Model Fusion

Distributed photovoltaic power stations have advantages such as local direct power supply and reduced transmission energy consumption, and whose demands are constantly being developed. Conducting research on medium- and long-term distributed photovoltaic prediction will have significant value for applications such as the electricity trade market, power grid operation, and the planning of new power stations. Due to characteristics such as long time dependence, disperse power stations, and strong randomness, making accurate and stable predictions becomes very difficult. In this research, we propose a multiple time series feature and multiple-model fusion-based ensemble learning model for medium- and long-term distributed photovoltaic power prediction (M2E-DPV). Considering the wave influence and the differences in distributions in different areas of photovoltaic power, multiple feature combinations are designed to increase feature expression ability and adaptability. Based on the boost ensemble learning model, trained on a single model of different time scale features, the optimal scoring strategy is used for multiple model fusion in the rolling prediction process, and finally, time-segmented probabilistic correction is performed. The experiment results show the effectiveness of the M2E-DPV under multiple feature combinations and multi-model fusion strategies. The average MAPE, R2, and ACC indicators are 0.15, 0.96, and 0.91, respectively. Compared with other methods, there is a significant improvement, indicating that the prediction ability of the model framework proposed in this paper is advanced and robust.

Simulation of a Tidal Current-Powered Freshwater and Energy Supply System for Sustainable Island Development

Sustainable development of islands cannot be achieved without the use of renewable energy to address energy and freshwater supply issues. Utilizing the widely distributed tidal current energy in island regions can enhance local energy and water supply security. To achieve economic and operational efficiency, it is crucial to fully account for the unique periodicity and intermittency of tidal current energy. In this study, a tidal current-powered freshwater and energy supply system is proposed. The marine current turbine adopts a direct-drive configuration and will be able to directly transfer the power of the turbine rotation to the seawater pump to improve the energy efficiency. Additionally, the system incorporates batteries for short-term energy storage, aimed at increasing the capacity factor of the electrolyzer. A simulation is conducted using measured inflow velocity data from a full 12 h tidal cycle. The results show that the turbine’s average power coefficient reaches 0.434, the electrolyzer’s average energy efficiency is 60.9%, the capacity factor is 70.1%, and the desalination system’s average specific energy consumption is 6.175 kWh/m3. The feasibility of the system design has been validated.

Making waves: Harnessing stormwater for resilient water supply - A blueprint for vulnerable continental coasts and oceanic islands

At the forefront of climate change and natural disasters, small islands like Puerto Rico confront immense challenges in sustaining an adaptive water supply. The challenges are further exacerbated when the islands’ constraints, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, aging infrastructure, constrained capacity, and environmental fragility, are compounded. As these issues increasingly impact low-lying continental coasts, home to approximately 40 % of the global population, similar water supply crises have already emerged or are anticipated in these regions. To surmount these widespread challenges, harnessing stormwater as a non-conventional water source presents a promising solution. A stormwater-enabled water supply system, collectively characterized by water source diversification, decentralization, and modularity, can enhance the resilience of water supply in these vulnerable regions, both in routine situations and during emergencies. This article identifies barriers to the implementation of stormwater-to-drinking water (STDW) practices in Puerto Rico and advocates for engineering solutions to utilize stormwater at both community and household scales in vulnerable continental coasts and small oceanic islands. The primary barriers in Puerto Rico include uncertainty in water quality, insufficient data on local stormwater availability and domestic water demand, economic constraints, and the lack of an adaptive power supply. To overcome these obstacles, we emphasize engineering strategies focused on modular system design, assessments of local stormwater capture and demand dynamics, advancements in treatment technologies, and the enhancement of energy resilience. By analyzing the Puerto Rican context, we propose a conceptual framework that outlines pathways to adaptive STDW strategies for other oceanic islands and larger, more complex continental coasts in the face of similar challenges. These pathways encompass enhancing system modularity, understanding the dynamics of local stormwater supply and water consumption, applying tailored treatment technologies, and strengthening the resilience of supporting infrastructures. The insights gained from Puerto Rico's experience can guide current and future efforts for resilient water supply solutions in increasingly vulnerable coastal, island, and other regions.