Logistical Aspects Research Articles

Mountain Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Background: The sustainable development of mountain areas, which have fragile ecosystems, has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners. Logistics systems are crucial in supporting these regions and addressing mountainous terrain’s unique challenges. While many studies have examined aspects of mountain logistics, a comprehensive and systematic review of the field is still lacking. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper aims to fill the gap by systematically reviewing the existing literature on mountain logistics using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Results/Conclusions: We identify four main research foci: design of logistics infrastructure or vector, optimization of logistics systems, safety in logistics systems, and impact of logistics systems on mountain communities. In addition to categorizing these themes, we conduct a detailed descriptive analysis of published studies in this domain. Our findings highlight significant research gaps, particularly in integrating digital technologies, sustainable mass transportation solutions, and logistics systems’ socioeconomic and environmental impacts. We propose targeted directions for future research to advance sustainable logistics practices in mountain regions.

When Rulers Came to Town: Jews, Christians and Urban Processions in Medieval France and the Holy Roman Empire

The festive entry of a monarch into medieval cities was an elaborate social drama involving the whole urban population. This article investigates how Jews were involved in these ceremonies in medieval France and the Holy Roman Empire, refuting previously held assumptions of their forced and marginalised roles. By demonstrating that Jews were actively included in these urban rituals, embracing local customs to welcome Christian rulers and using an array of distinctive objects to express their identity, much like other civic groups, this study argues that medieval Jews were part of an elaborate choreographed performance through which civic belonging was expressed. As Jewish participation spanned both the formal and logistical aspects of these events, medieval urban processions provide an effective case study on how religious minorities were woven into both the social and ceremonial fabric of medieval urban life.

Challenges and Opportunities of the Solar Panels Reverse Logistic in the Energetic Transitions of the Green Hydrogen

Objective: This paper aims to collaborate to the development of the reverse logistic for solar panels, impulse by the energetic transition into the green hydrogen. Additionally, it intends to map all the logistic activities linked to the green hydrogen production, including the reverse logistic of solar photovoltaic panels, to take advantage of its components. This paper wanted to identify all the photovoltaic solar panels components, for a more broadly comprehension of its structure, and define all the activities related to the post consumption of the panels. Theoretical Framework: The references explore the photovoltaic solar panels characteristics and the necessity to implement the reverse logistic for this energy source, focusing on green hydrogen production. Also, applying the just-in-time tool. Method: The methodology is detailed, with a clear and objective description of all the steps. Including the mapping of the activities through a flowchart, that illustrates the sequence of the steps, with a detailed description of each step. Results and Discussion: The obtained results revealed the necessity of a perspective for the reversed logistic driven from the energetic transition, especially by the green hydrogen. This problem is linked to the increasing environmental awareness and boosting on the solar panels production, which also increased the demand for the discarded components of those panels in a sustainable manner. Thus logistic can be optimized through the just-in-time tool, that allows the reverse mapping of the steps, improving its logistic aspects. Research Implications: The theoretical and practical implications of this research highlight mainly the questions related to sustainability and awareness in short, medium and long term. The search for an energetic vector capable of supplying the energetic necessities in a clean and abundant way is a topic of constant study. However, the answers to these questions and how they are connected can impact directly the energetic research. Therefore, it must be done in an efficient and strategic way. Originality/Value: This study explores the reverse logistics for solar panels, aiming to demonstrate the possibility to produce in a large scale in a sustainable form. This connection is linked to the GH2 energetic vector, since the source for the production of this vector is directly related to renewable energies, such as solar energy. Thus, this study maps in detail this reverse pathway searching for a sustainable reverse logistic.

An Evaluative Study of a Nurse-Led Surgical Information Initiative for Gender Diverse Individuals Seeking Genital Surgery.

To evaluate the impact of nurse-led one-on-one psychoeducation sessions on gender diverse individuals seeking gender-affirming genital surgery. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test research design was employed to examine the impact of a nurse-led initiative on improving patients self-perceived knowledge and confidence pertaining to gender affirming genital surgery. The study followed the SQUIRE 2.0 (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines and the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidelines. The curriculum for the initiative was crafted through literature reviews, expert panel engagements, multidisciplinary team input and was delivered by two specialist gender nurses. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in all participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence scores. Furthermore, the study increased confidence in the ability to ask questions and plan for the logistical and financial aspects of surgery. Participants reported that the sessions were very useful, and for most, the information did not change their desire to seek surgery but did help them make more informed choices about the procedure, timing and preferred surgeon. The study underscores the imperative role of support networks and recommends interventions to facilitate open communication within families. The study emphasises the importance of customising healthcare approaches to align with the preferences of patients. The study addressed the need for psychoeducation sessions for individuals considering gender-affirming genital surgery. The main findings revealed a significant increase in participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence, following a nurse-led intervention. The research's impact extends to gender-diverse individuals seeking surgery globally. Four individuals who had undergone gender-affirming surgeries contributed their perspectives to the study design, ensuring that the educational content addressed specific information needs and concerns.

A novel two-stage network data envelopment analysis model for kidney allocation problem under medical and logistical uncertainty: a real case study.

Organ transplantation is one of the most complicated and challenging treatments in healthcare systems. Despite the significant medical advancements, many patients die while waiting for organ transplants because of the noticeable differences between organ supply and demand. In the organ transplantation supply chain, organ allocation is the most significant decision during the organ transplantation procedure, and kidney is the most widely transplanted organ. This research presents a novel method for assessing the efficiency and ranking of qualified organ-patient pairs as decision-making units (DMUs) for kidney allocation problem in the existence of COVID-19 pandemic and uncertain medical and logistical data. To achieve this goal, two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) and credibility-based chance constraint programming (CCP) are utilized to develop a novel two-stage fuzzy network data envelopment analysis (TSFNDEA) method. The main benefits of the developed method can be summarized as follows: considering internal structures in kidney allocation system, investigating both medical and logistical aspects of the problem, the capability of expanding to other network structures, and unique efficiency decomposition under uncertainty. Moreover, in order to evaluate the validity and applicability of the proposed approach, a validation algorithm utilizing a real case study and different confidence levels is used. Finally, the numerical results indicate that the developed approach outperforms the existing kidney allocation system.

When stadium ownership meets Corporate Social Responsibility: The case of U. C. AlbinoLeffe

This article aims to understand the importance of having a stadium owned by a football club as an added value if it is designed and managed from a socially responsible perspective in a context, that of Italian sport, which is still far from European standards in terms of infrastructure. The approach adopted focuses on the AlbinoLeffe Campus, serving as an example of how the ownership of a sports facility can shape and reflect socially responsible policies and practices adopted by a football club. The study examines the distinctive characteristics of the stadium considering the logistical, infrastructural, and environmental aspects underpinning its construction to act as a strategic lever to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, a prerogative of club ownership. Some important managerial implications emerge from the analysis: 1) the need for a sustainable management approach for the stadium considering logistical, infrastructural, and environmental aspects; 2) the implementation of CSR strategies aligned with the company and the stadium's characteristics.

Dyadic coping experiences of parents of children with vascular anomalies.

Vascular anomalies (VAs) are a spectrum of rare pediatric disorders that require coordinated care from multiple subspecialists. Parents often struggle to coordinate care for their child's complex rare disorder. Even when they do access expert care, parents of children with VAs report high levels of stress and uncertainty. While previous research has explored parents' experiences navigating care for VAs, we know very little about how parents cope with stress together. Given the effect that dyadic coping can have on individual, couple, family, and child outcomes, we aimed to gain a better understanding of dyadic coping in the context of VAs. We collected data using semi-structured interviews with 27 parents (13 dyads and one individual parent). Data were analyzed using dyadic thematic analysis. Parents experienced stress related to medical, personal, logistical, and financial aspects of their child's healthcare. They relied on eight coping strategies: active coping, seeking emotional support, seeking informational support, cognitive avoidance, distraction, cognitive reframing, acceptance, and internalization. When analyzed together, we found evidence of five dyadic coping dynamics: collaborative, supportive, delegated, separate, and negative. Dyadic coping is complex and multilayered for parents of children with VAs. While the child's diagnosis is considered a shared stressor, both parents may not share preferred coping strategies. Parents of the same child may also be coping with different medical, relational/social, personal, or logistical stressors altogether. Psychosocial interventions designed to facilitate parental coping should address these complex coping dynamics.

Advancements in Cooperative Mobile Robots Control Strategies for Large-Scale Material Transport

This paper explores groundbreaking advancements in control strategies for cooperative mobile robots used in large-scale material transport, a critical aspect of modern industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and construction sectors. It delves into the development of sophisticated systems that enable seamless coordination among multiple mobile robot systems. The research presents a novel hierarchical finite state automaton for dynamic mission adaptation and a null space-based control scheme for precise task execution and enhanced system resilience. The introduction of Mecanum wheels facilitates flexible movement and manipulation of materials, thereby increasing operational efficiency and safety. Cutting-edge sensory technology, including LiDAR, and the implementation of the Robot Operating System are highlighted for their roles in enhancing autonomous navigation and intelligent operation. Additionally, the paper discusses the impact of centralized and decentralized control methods in ensuring safe, cooperative object transport. The findings contribute to the vision of Industry 4.0 by promoting the integration of automation and robotic cooperation in complex environments and present a foundational blueprint for further research. Challenges for future work such as scalability, communication efficiency, collision avoidance, and energy efficiency are also considered, underscoring the need for ongoing development of robust and scalable robotic systems to address modern transport challenges.

A guide for the generation of repositories of clinical samples for research on Chagas disease.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 6 million people, mainly in Latin America. Two different clinical phases, acute and chronic, are recognised. Currently, 2 anti-parasitic drugs are available to treat the disease (nifurtimox and benznidazole), but diagnostic methods require of a relatively complex infrastructure and trained personnel, limiting its widespread use in endemic areas, and the access of patients to treatment. New diagnostic methods, such as rapid tests (RDTs) to diagnose chronic Chagas disease, or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to detect acute infections, represent valuable alternatives, but the parasite's remarkable genetic diversity might make its implementation difficult. Furthermore, determining the efficacy of Chagas disease treatment is complicated, given the slow reversion of serological anti-T. cruzi antibody reactivity, which may even take decades to occur. New biomarkers to evaluate early therapeutic efficacy, as well as diagnostic tests able to detect the wide variety of circulating genotypes, are therefore, urgently required. To carry out studies that address these needs, high-quality and traceable samples from T. cruzi-infected individuals with different geographical backgrounds, along with associated clinical and epidemiological data, are necessary. This work describes the framework for the creation of such repositories, following standardised and uniform protocols, and considering the ethical, technical, and logistic aspects of the process. The manual can be adapted according to the resources of each laboratory, to guarantee that samples are obtained in a reproducible way, favouring the exchange of data among different work groups, and their generalizable evaluation and analysis. The main objective of this is to accelerate the development of new diagnostic methods and the identification of biomarkers for Chagas disease.

Redefining CAV surveillance strategies: Benefits of CCTA vs. ICA

BackgroundCardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) assessment post-heart transplantation (HT) typically relies on invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is emerging as a promising alternative due to its potential benefits in economic, safety, and logistical aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a CCTA program on these aspects in CAV surveillance post-HT. MethodsA retrospective single-center study was conducted between March 2021 and February 2023, involving HT patients who underwent either CCTA or ICA. ResultsAmong 260 patients undergoing CAV surveillance, 115 (44.2%) patients underwent CCTA, and 145 (55.8%) patients underwent ICA. The CCTA group showed incurred lower overall costs (p ​< ​0.0001) and shorter hospitalization times (p ​< ​0.0001) compared to the ICA group. In terms of safety, CCTA surveillance required significantly lower contrast volumes (p ​< ​0.0001) and lower effective doses (p ​= ​0.03). ConclusionCCTA emerges as a safe and cost-effective non-invasive alternative for CAV surveillance post-HT, outperforming ICA in terms of safety, logistical aspects, and economic burden.

Multicriteria Decision Model for Port Evaluation and Ranking: An Analysis of Container Terminals in Latin America and the Caribbean Using PCA-TOPSIS Methodologies

In recent years, despite a decline in international trade and disruptions in the supply chain caused by COVID-19, the main container terminals in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have increased their container volumes. This growth has necessitated significant adaptations by seaports and their authorities to meet new demands. Consequently, there has been a focused analysis on the performance, efficiency, and competitiveness, particularly their most relevant logistical aspects. In this paper, a multi-objective hybrid approach was employed. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique was combined with the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank LAC container terminals and identify operational criteria affecting efficiency. The analysis considered all input variables (berth/quay length, quay draught, yard area, number of quay cranes (portainer), number of yard cranes (trastainer), reachstacker, multicranes, daily montainer movement capacity, number of station reefer container type, number of terminals, and distance to the Panama Canal) and output variable (port performance expressed in TEUs from 2014 to 2023). The results revealed noteworthy findings for several terminals, particularly Colón, Santos, or Cartagena, which stands out as the main container port in LAC not only in annual TEUs throughput, but also in resource utilization.

Entrepreneurial, legal and logistics aspects of gas in Nigeria

Entrepreneurial, legal and logistics aspects of gas in Nigeria

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN DIRECTIONS ON IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY TRANSPORTATION OF MASS CARGO BY RAIL TRANSPORT

The research found that mass cargo transportation in Ukraine plays a key role in the functioning of the economy, driving the development of many industries and ensuring the country's competitiveness in the global market.Based on the analysis of freight transportation volumes over the recent period, the main trends and factors affecting them were identified. In particular, the growth in rail freight transportation is largely due to the expansion of the sea corridor through the Danube ports. This has made it possible to export Ukrainian products to Europe and other regions of the world, which has stimulated growth in demand for rail transportation. Due to the expansion of the maritime corridor and the change in the geopolitical situation, the share of export cargo transported by rail has increased significantly. These are primarily grain, oilseeds, metallurgical products and chemicals.Induced analyzes scientific research related to the issues of improving the efficiency of mass cargo transportation by rail. Such important problems as the problem of timely provision of loading resources, delays in transportation, inefficient use of empty vehicles, loss of cargo during transportation, etc. are considered. Ways to solve these problems, which are considered in the works of scientists, include infrastructure modernization, introduction of new technologies and optimization of logistics processes.The question was raised the issue of the efficiency of using container and containerized transportation technology. Their advantages, such as reduction of time and costs for transportation, environmental friendliness, are shown, and their disadvantages are considered.The mathematical model of the movement of a container train is analyzed and the feasibility of creating dry port-type structures for optimizing the transportation of mass cargo is investigated.These researches point to the need for a systematic approach to improving the efficiency of mass freight transportation by rail, taking into account various aspects, including technological, infrastructural, logistical and organizational aspects. Such an approach will allow achieving a higher level of efficiency and competitiveness of rail transport in the transportation of mass cargo.Proposed measures for improve the efficiency of mass cargo transportation by rail: optimization of routes, increasing energy efficiency and carrying capacity of railcars, modernization of infrastructure, use of the latest technologies, optimization of loading and unloading, and improvement of safety and quality of service.

Playing Russian Roulette: Parent and Adolescent Perspectives on Tumor Surveillance for Adolescents with Cancer Predisposition Syndromes.

Cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) surveillance allows for the early detection and treatment of neoplasms; however, the psychosocial impact of tumor surveillance is poorly understood for cancer-affected adolescents with CPS and their parents. To gain further insight, we qualitatively characterized the affective and cognitive experience of adolescents undergoing tumor surveillance. Adolescents with a history of cancer and their parents independently completed semistructured interviews querying their experience with the adolescent's tumor surveillance. Interviews were coded using emotion coding and content analysis before developing themes using thematic analysis. Eight adolescents and 11 parents (seven mothers, four fathers) completed interviews. Parent themes included maternal anxiety, relief following surveillance, fathers' positive expectations and emotions surrounding surveillance results, coping strategies, and perception of going through surveillance together with their child. Adolescent themes included normalization of surveillance, indifference about surveillance but excitement to return to the hospital, focus on physical and logistic aspects, relief focused on being done with scans, and belief that outcomes would be good. Past scans/surveillance experiences influencing surveillance feelings were a theme across both parents and adolescents. Our findings suggest that tumor surveillance is not causing marked emotional distress for cancer-affected adolescents with CPS. In contrast, mothers of cancer-affected adolescents undergoing surveillance may present with anxiety leading up to tumor surveillance and, for a subset, in between surveillance appointments. These observations highlight a need for ongoing psychosocial screening for families of children with CPS and a role for psychosocial providers in the multidisciplinary management of CPS.

The principle of cascadic prosilience—Assessment of territorial recovery strategies after disrupted regional infrastructure systems in Iraq

This paper presents an assessment approach to fostering socioeconomic re-development and resilience in Iraqi regions emerging from the destruction and instability, in the aftermath of the war conflict in Iraq. Focusing on the intricate interplay of logistics infrastructure and economic recovery, the present study proposes a novel framework that integrates general resilience insights, data analytics, infrastructure systems, and decision support from Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). We draw inspiration also from historical cases on “creative destruction” or “Blessing in Disguise” (BiD) phenomena, like the post-WWII reconstruction of Rotterdam, so as to develop the notion of stepwise or cascadic prosilience, analyzing how innovative logistics systems may in various stages contribute to economic rejuvenation. Our approach recognizes the multifaceted nature of regional resilience capacity, encompassing both static (conserving resources, rerouting, etc.) and dynamic (accelerating recovery through innovative strategies) dimensions. The logistics aspect spans both the supply side (new infrastructure, ICT facilities) and the demand side (changing transportation flows and product demands), culminating in an integrated perspective for sustainable growth of Iraqi regions. In our study, we explore several forward-looking strategic future options (scenarios) for recovery and reconstruction policy factors in the context of regional development in Iraq, regarding them as crucial strategic elements for effective post-conflict rebuilding and regeneration. Given that such assets and infrastructures typically extend beyond a single city or area, their geographic scope is broader, calling for a multi-region approach. By leveraging the extended DEA approach by an incorporation of a super-efficiency (SE) DEA approach so as to better discriminate among efficient Decision-Making Units (DMUs)—in this case, regions in Iraq—our research aims to present actionable and effective insights for infrastructure investment strategies at regional-governorate scale in Iraq, that optimize efficiency, sustainability and resilience. This approach may ultimately foster prosperous and stable post-conflict regional economies that display—by means of a cascadic change—a new balanced prosilient future.

IMPACT OF QUANTITY DISCOUNT ON PURCHASING COSTS IN BLENDING TECHNOLOGIES

Blending technologies are important in many sectors of industry, but are most prevalent in the chemical and food industries. They are playing an increasingly important role in the world economy despite the spread of electromobility. Nowadays, in addition to the technological aspects, there is a growing need to look at the logistical aspects, as logistics related costs account for a significant part of the cost of blending technologies. In this research work, the results of the analysis of the impact of quantity discounts, an important aspect of procurement activities related to blending technologies, are presented. A mathematical model is presented that can be used to investigate the impact of quantity discounts of components on profit and product quality. Based on scenario analyses carried out based on the mathematical model, it is demonstrated that the quantity discount can have a significant impact not only on total cost and profit, but also on the quality of the finished blended product.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Transfer Patterns: An Analysis of Area Deprivation Index and Clinical Outcomes

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant health burden, particularly among pediatric populations, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and psychosocial impairments. Timely transfer to specialized trauma centers is crucial for optimal management, yet the influence of socioeconomic factors, such as the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), on transfer patterns remains understudied. A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric TBI patients presenting to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center between January 2012 and July 2023. Transfer status, distance, mode of transport, and clinical outcomes were analyzed in relation to ADI. Statistical analyses were performed using Student t-test and analysis of variance. Of 359 patients, 53.5% were transferred from outside hospitals, with higher ADI scores observed in transfer patients (P<0.01). Air transport was associated with greater distances traveled and higher ADI compared to ground ambulance (P<0.01). Despite similarities in injury severity, intensive care unit admission rates differed between transfer modes, with no significant impact on mortality. High ADI patients were more likely to be transferred, suggesting disparities in access to specialized care. Differences in transfer modes highlight the influence of socioeconomic factors on logistical aspects. While transfer did not independently impact outcomes, disparities in intensive care unit admission rates were observed, possibly influenced by injury severity. Integrating socioeconomic data into clinical decision-making processes can inform targeted interventions to optimize care delivery and improve outcomes for all pediatric TBI patients. Prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to further elucidate these relationships.

Perceptions and Utilization of Online Peer Support Among Informal Dementia Caregivers: Survey Study.

Informal dementia caregivers are those who care for a person living with dementia and do not receive payment (eg, family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers). These informal caregivers are subject to substantial mental, physical, and financial burdens. Online communities enable these caregivers to exchange caregiving strategies and communicate experiences with other caregivers whom they generally do not know in real life. Research has demonstrated the benefits of peer support in online communities, but this research is limited, focusing merely on caregivers who are already online community users. We aimed to investigate the perceptions and utilization of online peer support through a survey. Following the Andersen and Newman Framework of Health Services Utilization and using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), we designed and administered a survey to investigate the perceptions and utilization of online peer support among informal dementia caregivers. Specifically, we collected types of information that influence whether an informal dementia caregiver accesses online peer support: predisposing factors, which refer to the sociocultural characteristics of caregivers, relationships between caregivers and people living with dementia, and belief in the value of online peer support; enabling factors, which refer to the logistic aspects of accessing online peer support (eg, eHealth literacy and access to high-speed internet); and need factors, which are the most immediate causes of seeking online peer support. We also collected data on caregivers' experiences with accessing online communities. We distributed the survey link on November 14, 2022, within two online locations: the Alzheimer's Association website (as an advertisement) and ALZConnected (an online community organized by the Alzheimer's Association). We collected all responses on February 23, 2023, and conducted a regression analysis to identifyn factors that were associated with accessing online peer support. We collected responses from 172 dementia caregivers. Of these participants, 140 (81.4%) completed the entire survey. These caregivers were aged 19 to 87 (mean 54, SD 13.5) years, and a majority were female (123/140, 87.9%) and White (126/140, 90%). Our findings show that the behavior of accessing any online community was significantly associated with participants' belief in the value of online peer support (P=.006). Moreover, of the 40 non-online community caregivers, 33 (83%) had a belief score above 24-the score that was assigned when a neutral option was selected for each belief question. The most common reasons for not accessing any online community were having no time to do so (14/140, 10%) and having insufficient online information-searching skills (9/140, 6.4%). Our findings suggest that online peer support is valuable, but practical strategies are needed to assist informal dementia caregivers who have limited time or online information-searching skills.

Full-left/Full-right Liver Splitting With Middle Hepatic Vein and Caval Partition During Dual Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion.

Split liver transplantation is a valuable means of mitigating organ scarcity but requires significant surgical and logistical effort. Ex vivo splitting is associated with prolonged cold ischemia, with potentially negative effects on organ viability. Machine perfusion can mitigate the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury by restoring cellular energy and improving outcomes. We describe a novel technique of full-left/full-right liver splitting, with splitting and reconstruction of the vena cava and middle hepatic vein, with dual arterial and portal hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion. The accompanying video depicts the main surgical passages, notably the splitting of the vena cava and middle hepatic vein, the parenchymal transection, and the venous reconstruction. The left graft was allocated to a pediatric patient having methylmalonic aciduria, whereas the right graft was allocated to an adult patient affected by hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. This technique allows ex situ splitting, counterbalancing prolonged ischemia with the positive effects of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion on graft viability. The venous outflow is preserved, safeguarding both grafts from venous congestion; all reconstructions can be performed ex situ, minimizing warm ischemia. Moreover, there is no need for highly skilled surgeons to reach the donor hospital, thereby simplifying logistical aspects.

Integrated relief pre-positioning and procurement planning considering non-governmental organizations support and perishable relief items in a humanitarian supply chain network

The escalating frequency and severity of disasters on a global scale have sparked inquiries into the efficacy of current disaster planning strategies in various scenarios. Despite the pivotal role of humanitarian supply chain planning in aiding impacted populations, much of the existing research is grounded in simplistic assumptions that limit their practicality. Addressing this gap, our proposed bi-objective model aligns response time and total cost, while also accommodating the collaboration between non-governmental organizations and governmental organizations to mirror real-world intricacies. This study comprehensively delves into various logistics aspects, encompassing pre- and post-disaster phases, including location, allocation, supplier selection, fleet size, supply contract, inventory, distribution, and transportation. This multifaceted approach enhances the model's suitability for managing genuine real-world emergencies. To mitigate disruption risks and unforeseen events, the model introduces pre-positioning, quantity flexibility contract, backup suppliers, and a multi-sourcing policy, thus enhancing the resilience and reliability of the logistics network. We present solutions for diverse scenarios through a scaled weighted sum method, while tackling uncertainty via a heuristic approach known as the backward scenario reduction method. Furthermore, to manage large-scale problems within an acceptable time frame, we propose an advanced hybrid algorithm. This algorithm synergizes a parallel differential evolution framework with reinforcement learning-enhanced local search mechanisms, aiming to improve both computational efficiency and solution accuracy. Finally, we validate the model's applicability through a real case study focusing on a flood scenario in Iran.