Major Supply Research Articles

Does Supply Chain Transaction Volatility Affect Corporate Sustainability? Evidence from Corporate Tax Burden

The tax burden significantly influences corporate sustainability, making the study of the impact of supply chain transaction volatility on corporate tax burden crucial for alleviating tax pressures and promoting healthy corporate development. Using a sample of A-share listed companies in China from 2013 to 2019, we find the following: (1) Overall, supplier transaction volatility significantly increases corporate tax burden, while customer transaction volatility does not have an effect, a finding that remains robust under various tests for endogeneity. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that supplier transaction volatility raises the level of corporate tax burden by increasing operational risk and relationship maintenance costs. (3) Further analysis indicates that the volatility of major supplier transactions exacerbates corporate income tax burdens, while the impact of customer transaction fluctuations on the tax burden is more pronounced for non-state-owned enterprises, and state-owned enterprises experience a suppressive effect on value-added tax from customer transaction volatility. This study clarifies the tax burden dynamics among supply chain firms, expands the literature on the determinants of corporate tax burdens and the economic consequences of transaction volatility, and provides insights for promoting corporate sustainability.

Determining effective waste human hair hydrolyzing parameters combination and its typical physicochemical characteristics in synthesizing liquid nitrogenous organic fertilizer

Discarded Human hairs are considered as waste material in most parts of the world and its accumulation causing several environmental problems. However as a potential material resource, human hair has the advantage that it is completely biodegradable, renewable and available in every locality. Thus reutilizing human hair cut discards with a target of extracting a particular major nutrient supply, namely nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and so forth, can create a positive impact on solving soil’s infertility problems and less productivity issues of concerned agrarian communities. This study has tried to develop waste human hair based bio-fertilizer by primarily identify the better performing hydrolyzing mixture rang of formulation (H5), ratio of human hair waste mass to aqueous hydrolyzer mixture usages (1:5), favorable reacting time ( 90 min) and temperature ( 70 oC) values progressively. Then the physicochemical characteristics were analyzed to reveal the resulted final product’s viscosity (~ 76.0 cp.), density (~ 1.17 gm/l), pH (~ pH 9), organic nutrients availability concerning primary Macronutrients (~ 18:0.03:1 N-P-K ratio ), Secondary Macronutrients (~ 0.13:0:7 Ca-Mg-S ratio) and other trace micronutrient constituents; which are considered as requirements for the soil nutrient enrichments and plant growths.

Genetic diversity insights from population genomics and machine learning tools for Nordic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) populations

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is a salmonid species of high ecological and commercial value in the Holarctic region. Nevertheless, more information is needed about its underlying genetic diversity and population structure in the Nordics, especially regarding farmed populations. High-throughput sequencing was applied in three Arctic charr populations of anadromous or landlocked origin from Finland, Norway and Sweden. More specifically, the animals from the Swedish and Norwegian populations originated from a major egg supplier and producer, respectively. Furthermore, in the case of the Finnish population, the sampled animals originated from the only active conservation program for Arctic charr in the country with a potential interest in farming. Using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) on more than 500 fish, over 2000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), both in the form of individual SNPs and as read haplotypes, were used to study the genetic diversity and structure of those populations. Genetic diversity metrics were similar between the Norwegian and the Swedish populations. However, substantially lower (40–50 %) genetic diversity was found in the Finnish population. Moreover, considerable genetic differentiation was implied between the studied populations as the mean fixation index (FST) was above 0.1 in all pairwise comparisons. All populations were easily discernible through either principal component analysis (PCA) or discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). In addition, unsupervised machine learning models such as K-means, Gaussian and Bayesian Gaussian mixtures were assessed for their ability to detect genetic clusters. A preceding dimensionality reduction step by PCA resulted in all three models, suggesting that the most probable number of clusters was three. Overall, our study affirmed the utility of the developed ddRAD-seq genotyping method and unveiled the genetic structure of the studied populations, both of which could contribute to their more efficient management by captive breeding.

Russian exports amid geopolitical instability: The case of physical and transitional climate risks

The paper examines the impact of physical and transitional climate risks, which to some extend shape the geopolitical situation in the world, on Russian exports. The gravity model of international trade was employed to model the existing relationship. Estimation of the gravity equation by means of the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method using data on Russian export flows to 72 countries over the period 2010—2021 revealed that climate change and the ambitions of trading partner states towards low-carbon development determine the dynamics of Russian exports. In particular, national physical climate risks have a detrimental impact on Russia’s exports due to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of capital, reduced quality and availability of natural resources, and increased social tensions. Extreme climatic events and climate change measures in trading partner countries spur the development of Russian exports. Namely, physical climate risks of importing countries may increase the demand for key Russian goods for economic recovery purposes. Changes during the transition to a low-carbon economy in trading partner countries also generate opportunities for Russian export growth due to the country’s role as a major supplier of energy and mineral products, as well as technologies for the alternative energy production and electrification of transport

Quantifying the relative provenance contributions to submarine channel systems in the Qiongdongnan Basin since the Miocene: Implications for tectonic responses and channel migration

AbstractThe submarine Miocene Central Canyon and Pleistocene channel systems in the Qiongdongnan Basin constitute valuable sedimentary records that provide insight into the depositional processes and sediment routing from the hinterland to the deep sea. However, the primary source of sediment for the Pleistocene channel systems and the variation in relative sediment contributions since the Miocene from potential source terranes remain unknown. We have integrated new and published detrital zircon U–Pb ages and rare earth elements (REEs) from Pleistocene channel sands and late Miocene Central Canyon sands in the Qiongdongnan Basin to analyse the sediment routing system of these channel systems since the Miocene. Qualitative analyses of REEs, comparisons of detrital zircon age spectra, and multidimensional scaling plots suggest that the Red River is a significant source of sediment supply. The quantitative analysis of sediment mixing models indicates that the Pleistocene channel sands were mainly sourced from the Red River (62.8%–85.7%), followed by Central Vietnam rivers (4.8%–27.1%), with a minor amount derived from rivers in Hainan Island, Northern Vietnam and Southern Vietnam. Sand sediments, mainly from the Red River system, were deposited in the Yinggehai Basin, then transported and deposited again in the Qiongdongnan Basin. The relatively stable and major sediment supply from the Red River since the Miocene may have been driven by the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. This study quantifies the relative provenance contributions to submarine channel systems in the Qiongdongnan Basin since the Miocene. It provides crucial geological implications for tectonic responses to channel migrations and the prediction of gas hydrates in sandy reservoirs.

Amino acid is a major carbon source for hepatic lipogenesis

Increased de novo lipogenesis is a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in obesity, but the macronutrient carbon source for over half of hepatic fatty acid synthesis remains undetermined. Here, we discover that dietary protein, rather than carbohydrates or fat, is the primary nutritional risk factor for MASLD in humans. Consistently, exvivo tracing studies identify amino acids as a major carbon supplier for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and lipogenesis in isolated mouse hepatocytes. Invivo, dietary amino acids are twice as efficient as glucose in fueling hepatic fatty acid synthesis. The onset of obesity further drives amino acids into fatty acid synthesis through reductive carboxylation, while genetic and chemical interventions that divert amino acid carbon away from lipogenesis alleviate hepatic steatosis. Finally, low-protein diets (LPDs) not only prevent body weight gain in obese mice but also reduce hepatic lipid accumulation and liver damage. Together, this study uncovers the significant role of amino acids in hepatic lipogenesis and suggests a previously unappreciated nutritional intervention target for MASLD.

A-070 Evaluation of Plain and Serum-Separator Blood Collection Tubes for the Measurement of Steroid Hormones by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Abstract Background Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the preferred method for quantifying steroids. Commonly measured steroids 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Although serum separator blood collection tubes may not be recommended but their frequent use is attributed to the ease of serum separation. Moreover, the serum separator tube may be the only available option for analysis, without the need for additional sample collection. Under such conditions, from certain serum separator tubes, we observed occasional interference in LC-MS/MS steroid method. We pursued to evaluate the performance of blood collection tubes without and those with serum separators, for the quantification of specified steroids by LC-MS/MS. Methods Blood samples were collected from 10 volunteers using both plain and serum separator blood collection tubes procured from two major suppliers (Greiner and BD). The specified steroids were measured by LC-MS/MS method. The procedure involved addition of labeled internal standards to the samples and extraction of steroids in methyl tert-butyl ether. Subsequently, the extract dried under a stream of nitrogen, and the residue was reconstituted in the mobile phase. LC-MS/MS analysis involved multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for the specified steroids and their internal standards. Results The figure shows a sample chromatogram from a subject with blood samples collected in a plain (A) and serum separator tubes from Greiner (B) and BD (C1 and C2, a zoomed of C1). In this sample, from the plain tube, the concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and DHEA were 27, 55, 690, 99 and 283 ng/mL respectively. No significant interference was observed in Greiner serum separator tube. Whereas BD serum separator tube exhibited several erroneous peaks making the quantitation of several steroids challenging or inaccurate. Conclusions In the described LC-MS/MS method, BD serum-separator tubes exhibited erroneous peaks. These peaks were not seen in Greiner serum-separator tubes.

Analisis Manajemen Strategik pada Megah Supplier Catering

This research is a type of qualitative field research. Primary data was obtained from the results of in-depth interview with competent informants. Secondary data is documents, reports, books, research journals and articles that are still related to research problems. The method used is Internal Factor Evalution (IFE), Eksternal Factor Evaluation (EFE), Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), and interviews. The results of the research slow that in the IFE Matrix the strength and weakness factors have a total score of (2), this identifies that Megah Supplier Catering is in a strong internal supplier position, where this business has good strengths in termas of partnering with major raw material suppliers. Then in the EFE Matrix analyzes that Megah Supplier Catering has opportunities and threats with a weigth score of (1,89). This identifies that Megah Supplier Catering’s efforts to suppress strength with SWOT strategy opportunities, it is obtained to maintain a good taste and strategic location in Jakarta City Center.

Developing resilience strategies amid supply chain risks in the automotive industry: A stakeholder theory perspective

AbstractManaging automotive supply chain risks contributes to achieving sustainability goals, including ensuring business continuity, maintaining production and delivery schedules, and reducing environmental impact. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the risks confronting the supply chain in the automotive industry through the moderating effect of reactive and proactive resilience strategies. The stakeholder theory perspective was used in this study to examine supply chain risk in the automotive industry. A quantitative method was employed, resulting in 157 valid responses. The results reveal that demand risk had the most significant effect on auto dealer performance, followed by logistics/transportation, production, and supply risk. Notably, proactive resilience strategies were found to significantly impact the relationship between risk and performance. The findings underscore the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the performance impacts of supply chain risk. This study contributes a theoretical framework by identifying four major supply chain risks and seven proactive and 12 reactive strategies. In addition, the study was conducted through the lens of stakeholder theory, emphasizing the importance of suppliers, manufacturers, and dealers cooperating to establish a reliable supply chain.

The Impact of Agriculture on the Consumption of Natural Resources (An analytical study)

This research delves into the multifaceted relationship between agriculture and the consumption of natural resources, highlighting the significant impact of agricultural practices on natural resource depletion. Various studies have explored this dynamic, revealing how technological advancements, government policies, and market access in developed countries have contributed to the increased consumption of natural resources in agriculture. The expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia, for instance, has raised concerns about land scarcity and environmental degradation due to soil compaction and water retention issues. Conversely, research in the U.S. suggests that the availability of natural resources, except in cases of major energy supply interruptions, does not significantly constrain agricultural output. The study also examines the role of energy consumption in agriculture, with findings indicating that an increase in gas consumption boosts GDP, whereas higher electricity consumption may hinder growth. Additionally, the research addresses the effects of natural disasters on agriculture, food security, and natural resources, with typhoons notably impacting rice production and household food security in the Philippines. Through a critical and analytical lens, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how agricultural practices influence the depletion of natural resources and explore potential strategies for mitigating these effects. Given the study's outcomes, several policy recommendations emerge as follow: Governments should create incentives for the adoption of renewable energy technologies in agriculture to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, There is a need for comprehensive water management policies that ensure more sustainable water use in agriculture.

A new strategy in bioreactor scale-up and process transfer using a dynamic initial vvm according to different aeration pore size.

Monoclonal antibody drugs have grown into a drug category with a market size of over $100 billion since the first product was launched on the market, which naturally creates a large demand for production. At the same time, the $100 billion market is distributed among more than 200 listed drugs, which indicates that the production demand for monoclonal antibody drugs is diverse. To meet this demand, major suppliers offer single-use bioreactors of all sizes. These single-use bioreactors with different specifications, especially the inconsistency of aeration pore sizes, pose great challenges for technology transfer and scale-up production, and the conventional scale-up strategies of constant Power input/volume ratio (P/V) and constant vessel volume per minute (vvm) can no longer meet the needs. This study simplified the selection of technical parameters in bioreactors based on the differences in aeration pore size. Innovatively combined the aeration pore sizes with initial aeration vvm, and comprehensively investigated the relationship between P/V, vvm and aeration pore size by designing experiments (DoE) using the orthogonal test method. The results showed a quantitative relationship between the aeration pore size and the initial aeration vvm in the P/V range of 20 ± 5W/m3. The appropriate initial aeration was between 0.01 and 0.005m3/min for aeration pore size ranging from 1 to 0.3mm, which was the optimal incubation condition in the bioreactors. The choice of initial ventilation was most related to the final expression. Follow-up studies validated these findings in a 15L glass bioreactor and a 500L single-use bioreactor, and the results were consistent with expectations.

How and Why does a Business-to-Business Firm's Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Impact its Dependence on its Major Customers and Major Suppliers?

Prior research has documented that a firm's disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) makes it a more attractive business partner, boosting its sales. The authors extend this finding to business-to-business (B2B) firms. Using a regulatory change in China as a quasi-natural experiment, they demonstrate that a firm's disclosure of its CSR lowers by 2.1% the firm's dependence (for sales revenue) on its major customers but raises by 3.7% its dependence (for purchases) on its major suppliers. They further show that the firm's production efficiency (marketing efficiency) is a mechanism underlying the effect of CSR disclosure on dependence on major customers (suppliers). Next, they demonstrate that the CSR report's emphasis on the firm's supply chain partners weakens (strengthens) the effect on dependence on major customers (suppliers). The findings contribute to the multidisciplinary evidence on the B2B value of CSR disclosure, and the operations and marketing literature streams on determinants of supply-chain dependence.

The impact of changes in Russian log export tariffs on China's log imports

Russia is a major log supplier to China, and in order to control log exports, Russia has adjusted its log export tariffs. This paper analyzes the impact of changes in Russian log export tariffs on China's log imports using a gravity model based on China-Russia log trade data from 2003 to 2022. The conclusions show that the difference in forest resource endowment between the two countries promotes China's log imports, while the distance between China and Russia and Russia's log export tariffs harm China's log imports, and the effect of export tariffs is significant. The further research shows that the suppression effect of the changes in Russian log tariffs on China's log imports is very significant in the short term, but relatively weak in the long term. Based on the above conclusions, this paper recommends some policies from both short-term and long-term perspectives.

Effect of ball milling activation on CO2 mineralization performance in fly ash and fire resistance capabilities of mineralized product

Coal-fired power generation has always been a major energy supply source globally. However, a large amount of CO2 is emitted with the combustion of coal resources, and fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, is also accumulated in large quantities. The application of CO2 mineralization in fly ash can not only reduce CO2 emission but also effectively manage industrial waste, thereby promoting environmental sustainability. This paper used the mechanical ball milling method to activate fly ash and investigated the effects of ball milling time and speed on the CO2 sequestration in fly ash. At 30 min ball milling time and 400 r/min ball milling speed, the modified fly ash achieves a good CO2 sequestration capacity of 81.70 gCO2/kgFA. Compared with raw fly ash, the CO2 consumption of treated fly ash is higher at 75.41 mmol/mL. The specific surface area and pore volume of treated fly ash are larger at 1.57 m2/g and 4.33 cm3/kg respectively, which is beneficial for enhancing mass transfer capacity and the carbonation effect. As the ratio of mineralized product/coal increases from 0.5 to 4, the crossing-point temperature increases from 157.20 °C to 165.15 °C. Based on the experimental results, the paper discussed the mechanism of ball milling activation to enhance the carbonation effect of fly ash. This study provides theoretical references for the environmentally friendly utilization of fly ash.

Labour strategies in the German automotive industry: limits and potentials of conversion from a Gramscian perspective

ABSTRACT The automotive industry’s transition toward electric vehicles is a key challenge for organised labour in the sector. In this context, shifting production towards socially and ecologically useful products through democratic decision-making, democratic conversion, can be a proactive just transition strategy for workers and contribute to the ecological reorganisation of production. This paper investigates the limits and potentials for this endeavour in the context of the German automotive industry by conducting a multi-level analysis of (1) the sectoral union IG Metall’s (IGM) strategies and its interrelation with (2) works council strategies at a major supplier utilising a Gramscian theoretical framework. I identify the main limitations and potentials for both realms, which interact with (3) the dominant understanding of the transition and (4) internal conditions for labour organising. I show that democratic conversion is a challenging proposal questioning key tenets of German industrial relations yet can provide innovative solutions addressing labour’s contemporary challenges.

Optimisation of recovery policies in the era of supply chain disruptions: a system dynamics and reinforcement learning approach

Incidents like the COVID-19 pandemic or military conflicts disrupted global supply chains, causing long-lasting shortages in multiple sectors. This so-called ripple effect denotes the propagation of disruptions to further elements of the supply chain. Due to the severity of the impact that the ripple effect has on revenues, service levels, and reputation among supply chain entities, it is essential to understand the related implications. Given the unpredictable nature of disrupting events, this study emphasises the value of a reactive development of effective recovery policies on an operational level. In this article, a system dynamics model for a supply chain is used as framework to investigate the ripple effect. Based on this model, recovery policies are generated using reinforcement learning (RL), which represents a novel approach in this context. As main findings, the experimental results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach in mitigating the ripple effect based on secondary data from a major aerospace and defence supply chain and furthermore, the results indicate a broad applicability of the approach without the need for complete information about the disruption characteristics and supply chain entities. With further refinement and real-world implementation, the presented approach provides the potential to enhance supply chain resilience in practice.

Petrochemical Industry for the Future

Petroleum has played a vital role as the major supplier of materials and energy during the evolution of human civilization. Given the change in demand for energy from high to low carbon and ultimately net zero carbon, the energy framework has undergone revolutionary changes. The energy attribute of petroleum will be gradually weakened, while the material and CO2 emission attributes will be gradually strengthened. Thus, the petrochemical processing basis, scientific concepts, and ideas will undergo major adjustments to reshape the petrochemical industry. Hence, it is necessary to reconsider the evolution of the petrochemical industry from a historical perspective and to clarify the historical causes, development contexts, and possible challenges in future development. Herein, we critically reassess the key drivers and rules guiding the development of the petrochemical industry and propose a reconstruction strategy based on simplified engineering thinking, innate nature of energy and material, and CO2 emissions, which can be realized through the integration of gasification with CO as the target product and recent C1 chemistry targeting the precise synthesis of chemicals. The concept of the petrochemical industry will change from the product-based process of selection and transformation of raw material molecules to the process of carbon atom reconfiguration driven by product CO2 emissions. More accurate management of C atoms can be accomplished with greatly improved utilization efficiency and the reduction of separation intensity and CO2 emissions via the stepwise introduction of a new approach in the current petrochemical industry.

Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage in Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Mainland Southeast Asian Metallurgy: Copper-base Metal Production, Exchange, and Consumption Behaviours at Khao Sai On, Nil Kham Haeng, Non Pa Wai, Phromthin Tai, Sab Champa, and Tha Kae in Central Thailand

Since its late 1970s to early 1980s discovery, the Khao Wong Prachan Valley (KWPV) of central Thailand has been assumed to have been a major supplier of copper in Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Southeast Asia. KWPV was the first regional metal production system to be characterised by lead isotope (LI) analysis in the late 2000s, revealing a coherent signature easily distinguished from subsequent analyses of production systems at Phu Lon (northern Thailand) and the Vilabouly Complex (central Laos). Despite KWPV’s scale of production, its LI signature has scarcely been detected at Bronze Age metal consumption sites in nearby northeast Thailand and not at all in Iron Age assemblages. We study copper production and copper/bronze consumption behaviours of Iron Age and Early Historic sites in KWPV’s immediate vicinity: Khao Sai On, Phromthin Tai, Tha Kae, and Sab Champa. Khao Sai On and Phromthin Tai production signatures are highly consistent with those previously established, while the uranogenic tendency at Tha Kae explains outliers from Bronze Age Non Pa Wai and Nil Kham Haeng. Analysis of consumption assemblages reveals little to no consistency with local production signatures. This tendency was tested with LI Iron Age and Early Historic datasets for Ban Khu Muang, Ban Mai Chaimongkol, Ban Pong Manao, and Ban Pong Takhob. The pattern is clear: central Thai populations imported copper/bronze, potentially from the Vilabouly Complex or production loci with closely comparable signatures. We examine this counterintuitive behaviour inductively using Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage combined with a technological appreciation of the relatively low productivity of central Thai primary copper production. This suggests central Thailand’s unattached copper producers freely exchanged copper for exotic goods (bronze, glass, semi-precious stone), with potentially poor terms of exchange, from their desire to participate in wider regional trends in conspicuous consumption.

POST-HARVEST LOSSES OF MAIZE SUPPLY CHAIN IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Maize holds significant importance in Pakistan's agricultural sector, as it is among the primary cereal crops grown extensively throughout the country. The growing food demand due to the increasing population is a significant issue. Post-harvest losses (PHL) of maize relate to losses that happen laterally in the whole grain logistics network, after harvest to final consumption. The study was conducted in the district Vehari to assess the different types of post-harvest losses and identify the underlying factors responsible for such losses in the maize supply chain. For this purpose, data were collected from 210 respondents by using purposive samplingtechnique. The sample size includes 120 growers, 30 village traders, 30 commission agents cum wholesaler and 30 retailers. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from major supply chain actors. The study findings revealed that the average losses at the grower’s level, village traders, commission agent cum wholesaler and retailer were 12.21, 2.36, 3.21 and 1.01 percent of the total production respectively. It is recommended that the implementation of modern storage facilities, drying using advanced technologies, training programs for the supply chain actors, financial innovations, and efficient transportation systems will result in significant reduction of post-harvest losses (PHL) in maize production and thus contribute to food security.

НЕЙРОСЕТЕВЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННЫХ СИСТЕМАХ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ

Modern production needs to increase efficiency and reduce costs, thereby introducing new technolo-gies, including complex nonlinear and ill-formalized processes to be controlled. Therefore, the de-mand for new high solutions. "Demand creates supply," so many of the major suppliers of measuring and control systems offer a wide range of solutions based on artificial intelligence. The paper reveals the concept of one of the core modules of modern automated control systems – virtual sensor, and also describes the solutions developed on this technology. The analysis of the terminology associat-ed with the virtual sensor. The conclusions about the relevance of research and applications in to-day's production decisions based neural network technology