Logistic Approach Research Articles

Improving the Energy Efficiency of An Electric Submersible Pump Installation Using an Integrated Logistics Support Approach

Electricity consumption during oil production is a significant cost for industry enterprises. One of state policy’s most important tasks in extracting minerals is increasing energy efficiency and the intellectualization of control and management systems. The solution to these tasks can be achieved through competent planning of the technological process and the organization of information support at all stages. The paper presents the development of a method for power consumption, the optimization of an electric submersible pump installation. The technological restrictions are also identified. The developed methodology was tested; according to the results of the calculations, it was found that the reduction in specific power consumption can reach 12.68%. An assessment of the economic feasibility of the changing parameters of the electrical equipment has been carried out. Within the framework of the integrated logistic support approach, a program was developed for the selection of rational parameters of equipment in order to increase the energy efficiency of the installation of electric submersible pumps. The research results can be applied to oil-extracting industry enterprises in the framework of energy efficiency improvement programs.

A methodology for the strategic design of city logistics networks and its application in Turkish automotive spare parts industry

City logistics approaches and modeling struggles have a significant role in urban areas in increasing the efficiency of logistics operations and reducing traffic jams and their environmental effects. By developing an effective distribution network for cities, it is possible to compete with the changing world and satisfy flexible customer requirements. In this study, as a real-world case, a city logistics model for Istanbul metropolitan area is designed using multi-objective linear programming that considers the different objectives of the stakeholders in cities by integrating the fuzzy Choquet integral technique in a multi-level distribution network for the automotive spare part industry. This paper makes decisions regarding the amount of product flowing among the echelons, the amount of stock to be kept in the warehouses, and the product delays allowed. While minimizing the transportation cost, holding cost and emission levels during these decisions, the study also aims to maximize the service quality in the warehouses. The model is applied to a logistics network of fifty demand points and thirty time periods which can be considered a middle or large-scale problem. In the model, it is also decided to transport the products with electric or fuel vehicles. In the transport sector, electric vehicles are the key to meet future needs for social, health and other human services. The results are discussed under different scenarios. This research allows the use of such a model in making strategic decisions for the distribution network design in big cities.

Comparative Study of Port Business Characteristics with Maritime Logistics Approach in Ports: Shanghai, Singapore, Busan, and Rotterdam

The port is one of the freight transportation activities of business locations through the surrounding water area. The approach to port business characteristics can be approached with maritime logistics. Maritime logistics presents an integrated concept of planning, implementing, and managing the movement of goods and information in sea transportation. The three key players that make up the maritime logistics system at a port are shipping, port/terminal operations, and freight forwarding. This article examines several major ports: Shanghai, Singapore, Busan, and Rotterdam, for comparison based on the characteristics of the port business side. Comparative studies are carried out with a benchmarking process against reference ports.

On the integration of decision trees with mixture cure model.

The mixture cure model is widely used to analyze survival data in the presence of a cured subgroup. Standard logistic regression-based approaches to model the incidence may lead to poor predictive accuracy of cure, specifically when the covariate effect is non-linear. Supervised machine learning techniques can be used as a better classifier than the logistic regression due to their ability to capture non-linear patterns in the data. However, the problem of interpret-ability hangs in the balance due to the trade-off between interpret-ability and predictive accuracy. We propose a new mixture cure model where the incidence part is modeled using a decision tree-based classifier and the proportional hazards structure for the latency part is preserved. The proposed model is very easy to interpret, closely mimics the human decision-making process, and provides flexibility to gauge both linear and non-linear covariate effects. For the estimation of model parameters, we develop an expectation maximization algorithm. A detailed simulation study shows that the proposed model outperforms the logistic regression-based and spline regression-based mixture cure models, both in terms of model fitting and evaluating predictive accuracy. An illustrative example with data from a leukemia study is presented to further support our conclusion.

Sustainable last mile parcel delivery and return service using drones

Improving last mile delivery, in terms of both efficiency and sustainability, has recently been enhanced using truck/drone tandems. However, nearly all these approaches focus only on deliveries, while returns are ignored. We propose a new model for integrating both delivery and returns in the combined operation of a truck and a drone, which we term the Flying Sidekick Traveling Salesman Problem integrating Deliveries and Returns with Multiple Payloads (FSTSP-DR-MP). This approach is more sustainable than truck-only deliveries as the drones operate through battery power with no emissions and can move more directly than vehicles along a road network. We formulate the problem as a mixed-integer linear program to minimize the total service time of the system, where the truck and the drone can perform both delivery and pickup of parcels during a single sortie. Because drones have a capacity of multiple parcels, each can visit more than one customer per dispatch, increasing drone utilization and responsiveness to customer expectations regarding return services, along with greater environmental improvements. Small-size cases are solved exactly using the MILP implemented in the CPLEX Python API. Since the MILP is not practical for realistically sized cases, we propose a meta-heuristic derived from Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS), which iteratively builds truck and drone routes. We show that this works well for up to 100 customers, a typical number in last-mile logistics. We assess the trade-offs between the ratio of returns to deliveries and drone capacity to provide managerial insights to the benefits of this approach for sustainable last mile logistics. Computational experiments show that integrating delivery and return truck-drone operations significantly reduces total service time and truck travel time compared to both traditional delivery schemes (single truck) and the well-known FSTSP drone schemes (one truck and one drone) up to 36.2% and 22.9%, respectively, by exploiting the nature of each customer (delivery or return) to increase the number of stops of each drone sortie. We also conduct a comparison with multiple drones have a single payload under similar scenarios. The results demonstrate that our model outperforms this alternative with an average improvement of 3.9% in total service time. Our approach addresses an important gap in the literature by accommodating returns, which are ubiquitous in last mile logistics, as well as providing for improved drone utilization, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

The evolution of logistics paradigms: The role of the technological factor

Aim. To identify the key stages and features of the development of logistics paradigms, as well as to justify the place and role of technology in their evolution.Tasks. To determine the main reasons for evolutionary changes in the development of logistics at different stages of its history in the context of technological development; to identify general patterns and key stages in the development of logistics paradigms; to characterize the features of each paradigm, including principles, tools and logistics concepts.Methods. In this article, using general scientific methods, as well as systemic, comparative and historical approaches, the features of the development and change of logistic paradigms, taking into account the factors of their evolution, are revealed.Results. The stages of evolution of logistic paradigms are systematized. It is shown that the most important reasons and conditions that triggered the changes in logistic approaches were technological changes. The conclusion about combining analytical and informational logistic paradigms in the production paradigm, reflecting the possibility of using information technology for modeling logistic processes, has been substantiated. It has been proved that the current stage in the evolution of logistic paradigms is determined by the spread of so-called end-to-end technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) to the field of logistics, which defines a new logistic paradigm as digital. The results of the study can be used to develop new approaches and concepts in logistics, increase the efficiency of logistics processes and improve the quality of services provided to consumers.Conclusions. The main reasons for evolutionary changes in the development of logistics and the change of logistics paradigms are new economic challenges and technological development, which creates opportunities for improving the efficiency of logistics systems under new conditions. The change of each logistic paradigm is a natural process of evolution, which is associated primarily with the accumulation of knowledge and the development of new technologies that create new opportunities for improving the efficiency of logistic systems.

Analysis of Beef Halal Critical Points with Halal Logistics Approach and Risk Management

Analysis of Beef Halal Critical Points with Halal Logistics Approach and Risk Management

Prevalence and predictors of premarital sexual intercourse among young women in sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionPremarital sexual intercourse (PSI) without adequate information and/or appropriate application of the relevant knowledge about sex before marriage, potentially has adverse effects on the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of vulnerable young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study sought to examine the prevalence and predictors of PSI among young women aged 15–24 in SSA.MethodsNationally representative cross-sectional data from 29 countries in SSA were extracted for the study. A weighted sample size of 87,924 never married young women was used to estimate the prevalence of PSI in each country. A multilevel binary logistic regression modelling approach was used to examine the predictors of PSI at p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of PSI among young women in SSA was 39.4%. Young women aged 20–24 (aOR = 4.49, 95% CI = 4.34, 4.65) and those who had secondary/higher educational level (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.54, 1.72) were more likely to engage in PSI compared to those aged 15–19 and those with no formal education. However, young women who belonged to the Islamic religion (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.56, 0.78); those who were working (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.78); belonged to the richest wealth index (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.58); were not exposed to radio at all (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81, 0.99); were not exposed to television at all (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.53); resided in rural areas (aOR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.70, 0.76); and those who were living in the East African sub-region (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.35) were less likely to engage in PSI compared to those who were traditionalist, unemployed, belonged to the poorest wealth index, exposed to radio frequently, exposed to television frequently, resided in urban areas, and lived in the Southern Africa sub-region, respectively.ConclusionSub-regional variations in the prevalence of PSI exist amidst multiple risk factors among young women in SSA. Concerted efforts are required to empower young women financially, including education on sexual and reproductive health behaviors such as the detrimental effects of sexual experimentation and encouraging abstinence and/or condom use through regular youth-risk communication advocacy.

Corporate Board Diversity Effect on Environmental Sustainability Disclosure Evidence from Nigeria

The board of directors is responsible for making important decisions relating to corporate climate strategy. However, there is a possibility that their focus on minimizing agency costs may lead them to compromise environmental policies. This study aims to examine the impact of board diversity on the tendency that consumer goods firms listed in Nigeria will report on their environmental sustainability activities with a focus on a ten-year period (2011 to 2020). This study adopts ex-post facto research design using a population of twenty (20) consumer goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group's (NGX). A sample of 16 firms were selected through purposive sampling techniques and the data set which were sourced from published audited annual report were analysed using binary logistic regression analyses approach. The result reveal that CEO nationality have a positive significant effect on environmental disclosure suggesting that engaging the services of a foreign CEO can be leveraged upon in the determination of corporate goals that are associated with reducing the adverse effect of firm’s operation on the environment. The outcome is consistent with the stakeholders’ theory and reflects a sign of CEOs commitment to the demands and interests of stakeholders. In view of the foregoing, the study advocate for policies that that will accommodate hiring CEOs from different nationality. Such policies when implemented will give support to environmentally friendly discussions and deliberations which can translate to improved value for the firm. Such policy actions will be fundamental to maintaining good relationships with powerful stakeholders hence help avoid undue pressure from stakeholders.

The Use of Fuzzy Logic Methods to Optimize the Selection of Suppliers of the Enterprise

Purpose. The current state of Ukraine's economy dictates the requirements for optimizing the selection of a reliable supplier to ensure the stable operation of the enterprise. Therefore, the authors believe that one of the main conditions for the company's activity is the improvement of logistics links. The main purpose of the study is to optimize the selection of suppliers of raw materials and supplies based on a logistics approach. Methodology. The article analyzes the performance indicators of suppliers of raw materials in the meat processing industry of Ukraine. The methodology for building an integral indicator of supplier competitiveness is presented. The modeling of the integral indicator of assessing the competitiveness of a raw material supplier using a fuzzy logic approach is carried out. The study was carried out using the methods of analysis and synthesis to determine the criteria and parameters for selecting a supplier of raw materials in order to organize the movement of material flows of the enterprise. Findings. The study found that the search for a new supplier of raw materials and supplies requires strict adherence to the selection algorithm. One of the elements of the algorithm is a study of the supplier market, which should be carried out using competitiveness indicators. The article assesses the competitiveness of pork and chicken suppliers in the Ukrainian market. The list of optimal suppliers for the uninterrupted supply of raw materials to meat processing enterprises is determined. Originality. The paper proposes a methodological approach to a more detailed analysis of raw material suppliers to enterprises, which allows applying elements of fuzzy logic to optimize the supplier selection process, unify diverse performance indicators, and compare the competitiveness of suppliers both within Ukraine and abroad. Practical value. The article proposes a model procedure for assessing the level of competitiveness of optimal suppliers of raw materials and supplies. The basis is the model of an integral indicator of competitiveness, the components of which are aggregate indicators. The use of fuzzy logic methods made it possible to formalize the obtained diverse indicators of activity of suppliers of raw materials and systematize them on a single scale. This made the supplier assessment model universal and expanded the possibilities of its use for practical purposes.

Region based medical image encryption using advanced zigzag transform and 2D logistic sine map (2DLSM)

A large number of medical images are generated for diagnostic purposes, disease monitoring, research and education, quality control in health services, and so on. The secure transmission and storage of them demand a significant effort. Most of the available encryption schemes are designed for non-medical images, whereas medical images need a higher level of security and robust authentication. Additionally, in certain cases, only a specific part of the image, which may be separated into the region of interest and the region of background, medical images can be divided into these two regions. A region-based medical image encryption using a 2D logistic sine map (2DLSM) and an advanced zig zag transform is used to secure medical images. First, the Region of Interest (ROI) is extracted from the original medical image using basic morphological techniques, including edge detection, dilation, and erosion. Secondly, the ROI is encrypted using a complex zigzag transform and a 2D logistic sine map (2DLSM). Advanced zigzag transform that crosses in both directions while beginning at random points to jumble the image. This new zigzag transform method is more complex than existing zigzag transform techniques because the number of sequence types is equal to the number of pixels in the plaintext image. The confused image is diffused using a random sequence created using the 2D logistic sine map approach after numerous iterations of an advanced zigzag transformation. In order to save time and computational resources, the background region pixels are eliminated during encryption. Experiments and security analyses show that the suggested approach is strong in defending against diverse assaults and can effectively secure ROI of different types and sizes of medical photos.

An Enhanced Security in Medical Image Encryption Based on Multi-level Chaotic DNA Diffusion

A novel medical image encryption technique has been proposed based on the features of DNA encodingdecoding in combination with Logistic map approach. The approach is proven for encryption of highly sensitive medical images with 100 percent integrity or negligible data loss. Testing is done on both high and low-resolution images. Proposed encryption technique consists of two levels of diffusion using the actual structure of the DNA. In the first level of diffusion process, we have used DNA encoding and decoding operations to generate DNA sequence of each pixel. The originality of the work is to use a long DNA structure stored in a text file stored on both sender and receiver’s end to improve the performance of the proposed method. In this initial level of diffusion, DNA sequences are generated for each pixe-land in each of the DNA sequence. Index values are obtained by employing a search operation on the DNA structure. This index values are further modified and ready to be used for next diffusion process. In the second level diffusion, a highly chaotic logistic map is iterated to generate sequences and is employed to extract the chaotic values to form the cipher images. The correlation coefficient analysis, Histogram analysis, Entropy analysis, NPCR, and UACI exhibit significant results. Therefore; the proposed technique can play an important role in the security of low-resolution medical images as well as other visible highly sensitive images.

Antiviral with Immune Booster Therapy: Current concept for clinical care in Covid-19

Objective: Objective of the article is to provide a brief overview of novel corona virus, discussing the role of immunity in the pathogenesis, analyzing the comparative efficacy of anti-viral vs. immune- enhancer medicines and propose a stepwise treatment methodology of both these groups of herbs for prevention as well as management of COVID-19. Data Source: Ayurvedic texts including Brihatatrayi (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita &amp; Astanga Hridyam), Laghutrayi, Nighantus, published article in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, AYUSH Portal, etc., were thoroughly searched for the compilation of information. Review method: Narrative and systematic methods for reviewing the literature and related published article was used Discussion: There is yet no proven drug for the treatment of COVID-19 and therefore presently medicines having substantial evidences are use for the treatment of COVID-19 on trial basis to assess best possible treatment. In this direction, this article provides a framework of treatment methodology according to Ayurveda for the prevention as well as management of COVID-19. Conclusion: The article provides details of anti-viral medicines and immune-boosting medicines described in Ayurveda and give the logistical approach for their sequential use to manage the disease.

THE CHANGING ROLE OF CUSTOMS: ALIGNMENT OF CUSTOMS SERVICES WITH INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAINS

The role of Customs in international trade has been crucial for many years, and with the ongoing changes in the trade landscape, their role has become even more significant. The article underlines the importance of customs logistics approach in increasing the quality of customs authorities' services. The essence of customs logistics, its basic aspects, and methodologies were researched in order to identify state-foreign trade interactions during customs service provision and to identify the main issues of developing this sector under modern settings. Explores the changing role of Customs in adapting supply chain management practices to improve trade facilitation, increase security and compliance, and reduce costs and delays. The current role of Customs in international trade and supply chain management, challenges, and opportunities facing Customs in adapting to the changing trade environment are discussed. The study concludes that aligning Customs authorities with supply chain management practices is essential to meet the evolving demands of international trade and achieve a more efficient, secure, and compliant global trade environment. Keywords: customs logistics, customs service, Supply chain management, reliability, the supply chain, risks.

Advantages and barriers of modular construction method in constructing buildings

This study aims to investigate the advantages of and barriers to the modular construction method that could facilitate leveraging of this method in practice by effectively overcoming barriers in the process. Three typical modular construction cases, Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan (China), the media residence hotel for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeong-Chang (South Korea) and Global Academy in Hayes (UK), were selected and analysed. The findings show that the modular construction method can shorten the construction time, facilitate collaborations between stakeholders, enable effective management, save labour and costs, reduce waste and minimise impacts on the local community. The eco-friendly design allows modular buildings to be recycled or relocated for some other purposes. The engagement of current engineering technologies upgrades the construction quality and enhances project management. It is expected that modular design and construction would be an appropriate option for constructing multifunctional buildings, particularly for short-term events or under some urgent circumstances. On the other hand, it is suggested that more effective logistic approaches should be used to transport modules to the site, and new technologies focusing on flexibly resizing or reshaping modules could be developed. Modular technology is expected to be employed in constructing more permanent buildings by improving quality and sustainability.

MP-453089-1 DIGOXIN AND RISK OF VENTRICULAR TACHYARRHYTHMIA AND DEATH IN ICD RECIPIENTS

Digoxin continues to be used in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), especially among those with atrial fibrillation (AF) with difficult to control ventricular response. However, some studies have shown digoxin use to be associated with adverse outcomes including increased mortality. There are limited data on whether digoxin use is associated with increased risk of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. We sought to assess whether digoxin use would be associated with increased risk of VT/VF in patients with HFrEF who were implanted with a primary prevention ICD in landmark clinical trials. Our study cohort consisted of patients with an ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) who were enrolled in the four landmark MADIT trials. Propensity score for digoxin at baseline was developed using a wide variety of baseline clinical measures with a logistic regression model stepwise variable selection approach. All potential variables which met a significance level <0.10 were included in the propensity score model. Additionally, a multivariate proportional hazards regression model was developed for the endpoint of VT/VF. This multivariate model was used along with propensity score quintile stratification for the endpoints of VT/VF, death and VT/VF/death. At baseline, 1155 of 4499 patients were on digoxin (26%). Propensity score variables are shown in Table 1. From statistical models using both multivariate adjustment and propensity score quintile stratification, patients prescribed digoxin exhibited a statistically significant 28% increased risk of VT/VF [HR 1.28 (1.10-1.50); p=0.002; Figure 1A], 38% increased risk of the composite of VT/VF or death [HR 1.38 (1.21-1.58); p<0.0001; Figure 1B]; and a 64% increased risk of death [HR 1.64; (1.32-2.04); p<0.0001]. Our findings suggest that digoxin use is associated with a significant increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmic events and death among ICD recipients. This adds to the growing evidence that digoxin use is associated with adverse outcomes in certain groups of patients and suggest a need for reconsideration on use of digoxin in HFrEF patients with an ICD.

A machine learning optimization approach for last-mile delivery and third-party logistics

Third-party logistics is now an essential component of efficient delivery systems, enabling companies to purchase carrier services instead of an expensive fleet of vehicles. However, carrier contracts have to be booked in advance without exact knowledge of what orders will be available for dispatch. The model describing this problem is the variable cost and size bin packing problem with stochastic items. Since it cannot be solved for realistic instances by means of exact solvers, in this paper, we present a new heuristic algorithm able to do so based on machine learning techniques. Several numerical experiments show that the proposed heuristics achieve good performance in a short computational time, thus enabling its real-world usage. Moreover, the comparison against a new and efficient version of progressive hedging proves that the proposed heuristic achieves better results. Finally, we present managerial insights for a case study on parcel delivery in Turin, Italy.

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The aggravation of ecological problems at the global level, as well as the need to solve the economic and social problems of humanity, require the implementation of important economic transformation measures. The circular economy (or closed-loop economy) is a form of production organization related to extending the life cycle of products and minimizing harmful disposal and waste. It is also about sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as much as possible. As with any type of economic model, the functioning of the circular economy requires a corresponding logistics system. In this context, together with the acceptance of the concept of ecological efficiency and "green" economy in many countries, the new approach of "green logistics" has emerged in international practice. The purpose of this article is to generalize theoretical approaches and to substantiate the conceptual provisions of logistical support for the development of the circular economy in the conditions of global transformations. Methodology. The methodological basis of the study is the scientific work of scientists on the problems of green economy, circular economy, environmental management, waste management, logistics management. The research was conducted using general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis - to summarize the existing conceptual approaches and regulations, scientific developments on the development of the circular economy, greening of logistics systems, green logistics, clarification of terminology; classifications - to systematize theoretical approaches to the definition of "green logistics" proposed by various scientific schools; structural and logical generalization - to determine the key logistics approaches to the development of the circular economy and the principles of green logistics for the implementation of circular business models. Results. In order to present the specific aspects of circular economy logistics, the opinions of researchers from different countries were studied to outline a related synthetic vision. After conducting the study, the current characteristics of the circular economy were identified. Then the current international trends in logistics development were identified. An important trend is the development of "green" logistics. It has been found that many conceptual approaches to the definition of the terms "green" logistics and environmental logistics are generally accepted and have a broader meaning, without taking into account the specifics of the functioning of different areas of economic activity, including the transport sector and logistics activities. Scientific views on the interpretation of the nature and content of the concept of "green" logistics are generalized. It is proposed to consider the concept of "green" logistics as a tool of circular economy. It offers companies a number of advantages and is based on certain principles. As a synergy effect, the massive implementation of the circular economy and green logistics can significantly contribute to solving the socio-economic problems of humanity. Practical implications. The practical significance of this study lies in the fact that the conceptual provisions can be used in practice when developing an organizational and economic mechanism for implementing the concept of green logistics. This mechanism should include such blocks as: management of supplies and purchases of material resources; production of products; warehousing and inventories; logistics flows; risks of logistics activities; logistics service processes; waste recycling; innovation and change. The introduction of the proposed organizational and economic mechanism will reduce the cost of managing the movement of logistics flows and increase the level of environmental safety. This is one of the most important requirements for the implementation of the concept of corporate social responsibility of business in a circular economy. Value/originality. The authors' approach to formulating the category "green logistics" is theoretically substantiated.

Identifying river bank erosion potential zones through geo-spatial and binary logistic regression modeling approach: a case study of river Ganga in Malda district (India)

Identifying river bank erosion potential zones through geo-spatial and binary logistic regression modeling approach: a case study of river Ganga in Malda district (India)

Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Inventory Management in the Context of Competitiveness Management of a Trading Company

Inventory management is one of the indicators of the effectiveness of the inventory management of trading companies, while identification of the effectiveness of inventory management is an issue that needs to be addressed. The article shows the importance of the competitiveness of trading companies in the new conditions of the functioning of the Russian economy. The research considers the issues of competitiveness of trading companies from the standpoint of the influence of the degree of efficiency of inventory management. The study analyzed the approaches to understanding the essence of inventory management, including the logistics approach, types of costs and losses associated with inventory; and their absence, the impact of stocks on the external and internal competitive advantages of a trading company. We also determined an indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of inventory management. Based on the modified assortment management model, subjective factors for the effectiveness of inventory management are established and the nature of their influence is shown, and a logical model of the system of these factors is proposed.