Organic Chain Research Articles

Dancing in Tandem: The Role of HR Value Congruence and Line Manager‐HR Manager Collaboration in Effective HR Implementation

ABSTRACTDespite the increasing significance of partnerships between line managers and human resource managers in implementing HR practices, prior research has overlooked the potential interplay between these two groups in terms of collaboration and line managers' subsequent HR implementation behavior. By integrating insights from value congruence theory and social context theory, we formulated a model that examines how congruence or incongruence in HR values between line managers and HR managers influences line managers' HR implementation behaviors through their collaboration. We tested our hypotheses using multi‐source and multi‐wave data from 206 stores within a large retail chain organization (206 line managers, 206 HR managers, and 1227 employees). The polynomial regression results revealed that optimal collaboration and line managers' HR implementation behaviors occur when both parties agree on HR value, while disagreement negatively impacts these aspects. Moreover, we observed significant differences between the two levels of agreement (i.e., “high–high” congruence vs. “low–low” congruence). We further found that HR managers' political skill moderates the relationship between incongruence in HR value and collaboration levels. This research advances the understanding of HR implementation by emphasizing the importance of mutual agreement between line managers and HR managers and the role of HR managers' political skill.

Preparation, oil removal and flocculation efficiency evaluation of a PAC-P(AM-BA) hybrid polymer flocculant based on response surface method

In this study, a novel inorganic-organic hybrid polymer flocculant PAC-P(AM-BA) with hydrophobic groups was synthesized using the aqueous solution free radical micelle polymerization method. The raw materials used were polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyacrylamide (AM), and butadiene acetate (BA). Experimental results demonstrated that the optimal preparation conditions for PAC-P(AM-BA) were as follows: initiator mass fraction of 0.15% (based on total monomer), n(AM):n(BA)=98:2, urea mass fraction of 3.00%, total monomer mass fraction of 15.597%, inorganic component (PAC) mass fraction of 1.346%, and polymerization temperature of 24.225℃. In PAC-P(AM-BA), BA was chemically bonded within PAM, while PAC was connected to the organic long chain through ion bonding. Moreover, the thermal decomposition temperature of PAC-P(AM-BA) was found to be 275.93℃. The hybrid flocculant exhibited a rough surface and displayed strong adsorption bridge formation as well as net capture and sweeping performance.

Blockchain-based food traceability system and pro-environmental consumption: A moderated mediation model of technology anxiety and trust in organic food product

Blockchain technology is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for enhancing clarity and responsibility in the organic food supply chain, where concerns about product authenticity and safety are paramount. By offering provable and translucent information about the origination, production processes, and administration of organic items, blockchain helps to reduce information asymmetry and builds consumer trust, which is critical for purchase decisions in the organic food market. Drawing on insights from the trust theory and the stimulus-organism-response framework, this study uses a moderated mediation model to explore how technology anxiety negatively moderates the direct and indirect influences of blockchain-based food traceability systems on trust in organic food products and organic food purchase intention. Using a targeted sample of 5326 consumers in Vietnam, the PROCESS macro approach (models 8 and 4) is utilized to examine the formulated hypotheses. The results demonstrate that blockchain-based food traceability systems notably enhance consumer trust in organic food products and their intention to buy these products. Trust in organic food products serves as a mediator in the connection between blockchain-based traceability and purchase intention, while technology anxiety weakens the positive impacts of blockchain technology on trust and purchase intention when anxiety levels are high. This research makes crucial contributions to the literature by offering a mechanism-based explanation of how blockchain technology enhances consumer trust in organic food products and integrates technological anxiety as a moderator, providing a deeper understanding of how technological innovations shape consumer behavior. In light of the findings, several critical recommendations have been proposed for practitioners and policymakers.

Surface chemical and electronic properties of functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles influencing their cytotoxicity

Physico-chemical, electronic and magnetic properties of bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and functionalized NPs (f-NPs) with doxorubicin, tannic acid, curcumin, polyethylene glycol and their mixtures were determined using DLS, XRD, XPS and AES. The cytotoxicity of bare and f-NPs for various cell lines such as normal HEK-293 and cancer HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 was studied by MTT (3–(4,5–Dimethylthiazol–2–yl)–2,5–Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. Bare and f-NPs exhibited different cytotoxicity dependent on molecules bonding at the surface. Cytotoxicity increases with decreasing hydrodynamic diameter and increasing Zeta potential, increasing content of lattice and adsorbed O2−, carboxyl groups and C vacancies, NH4+ groups, decreasing overlayer thickness, electron charge transfer to oxygen and more nucleophilic character of electron rich surface oxygen. The strongest correlation was observed for hydrodynamic diameter, Fe surface content, overlayer thickness, Zeta-potential, Auger parameters indicating that surface processes and electron charge transfer leading to nucleophilic oxygen contribute mostly to cytotoxicity. Nucleophilic biomolecules may form a variety of covalent modifications with electrophilic adducts and hydrogen bonds with nucleophiles and the suspected predominant mechanism of biomolecule damage can be attributed to electron rich nucleophilic oxygen leading to a very selective C–H bonds cleavage resulting in oxidation of organic chains of biomolecule.

THE BOLIVIAN ORGANIC QUINOA IN THE FAIRTRADE MARKET, IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WEAKEST LINK IN THE VALUE CHAIN: SMALL-SCALE FARMERS

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The fair trade model seeks to redress the imbalance of power in global supply chains. Unlike conventional trade structures, this commercial alternative purport to benefit small farmers and workers in developing countries. In the real world, however, small-scale producers are often excluded from the benefits. <strong>Objective</strong>: To analyzes organic Bolivian quinoa as a Fairtrade product and the impacts and challenges that Bolivian quinoa farmers face in the marketing chain. <strong>Methodology: </strong>A documentary analysis of the production system, application of qualitative techniques with local actors involved in the supply chain of Bolivian quinoa, and field work in regional markets were carried out. <strong>Results</strong>: The economic conditions of smallholder quinoa producers are improving under this certification system. However, global oversupply and increased competition are having a significant impact on retail prices and Bolivian sales to foreign markets. The retail price is more than a third higher than the Fairtrade price, maximizing profits at the expense of fair trade. <strong>Implications</strong>: Organic and Fairtrade certified Bolivian quinoa may not be a suitable product for the Fairtrade model. Being a landlocked country and commercial competition from Peru are the two main challenges for small quinoa producers. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: The Bolivian organic Fairtrade quinoa value chain involves several intermediaries, similar to conventional trade. Organic certification is a time-consuming and costly process because farmers cannot cover the costs. The almost non-existent governance structures imply that most decisions are based on the buyer-driven commodity chain, demonstrating the weak bargaining position of farmers. An alternative certification for small quinoa producers could be the Small Producers' Symbol label.</p>

Factors influencing the entry of logistics service providers (LSPs) into the logistics clusters: a case study of Casablanca city

PurposeIn recent years, the concept of logistics cluster has attracted the attention of several researchers and practitioners. It is an agglomeration of different types of companies and operations: notably, those providing logistics services, such as supply chain organization, storage and distribution. The paper focuses on this concept by examining the factors influencing logistics service providers (LSPs) to enter the logistics clusters.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. Regarding the sample size, the author interviewed 31 professionals belonging to logistics clusters located in the Moroccan economic metropolis: Casablanca.FindingsThe results show that the cost reduction, the reputation of the cluster, the learning from other LSP, the communal services, the geographical proximity, and the role of public authorities are the main factors impacting the entry of LSPs into these clusters.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide several practical insights for LSPs, government authorities, and cluster managers. For LSPs, understanding the key factors influencing their entry into logistics clusters—such as cost reduction, proximity and the role of public authorities—enables them to make strategic decisions that optimize their operations and enhance competitiveness. For cluster managers, the study highlights the importance of maintaining a strong cluster reputation and fostering collaboration between LSPs to attract new entrants. Finally, public authorities can leverage the insights to design policies that incentivize LSPs to join clusters by providing infrastructure, financial support and governance structures that align with industry needs.Originality/valueThis theme has never been investigated. Therefore, this research expands the literature review and tries to examine this gap of literature by studying the factors that can affect the adhesion of LSPs to these clusters.

Unlocking the drivers behind logistics service providers' participation in Morocco's logistics clusters

PurposeIn recent years, the concept of logistics clusters has attracted the attention of several researchers and practitioners. It is an agglomeration of different types of companies and operations, notably those providing logistics services, such as supply chain organization, storage and distribution. The paper focuses on this concept by examining the factors influencing LSPs to enter the logistics clusters.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. Regarding the sample size, the author interviewed 31 professionals belonging to logistics clusters located in the Moroccan economic metropolis of Casablanca.FindingsThe results show that the cost reduction, the reputation of the cluster, the learning from other LSPs, the communal services, the geographical proximity and the role of public authorities are the main factors impacting the entry of logistics service providers into these clusters.Originality/valueThis theme has never been investigated. Therefore, this research expands the literature review and tries to examine this gap of literature by studying the factors that can affect the adhesion of logistics service providers to these clusters.

Economic and analysis of the sheep meat value chain in Algeria

The main objective of this study is to comprehensively examine and analyze the various stages and components of the sheep meat value chain in Algeria. Specifically, this research aims to investigate the production, processing, distribution, and marketing aspects of sheep meat in a highly productive region within the Wilaya of Tiaret, located in northwest Algeria.A survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021, involving 57 breeders, 22 sheep dealers, 31 butchers, 2 slaughterhouse managers, and 510 consumers. The study identified two distinct marketing circuits for sheep meat in the region: one operating year-round and the other during the religious celebration of Aid El Adha. However, it was observed that the weak organization among the various actors in the value chain led to price fluctuations throughout the year.The study also revealed that sheep dealers had a lower net commercial margin than butchers, with an average of 5,902 DA per head for the former and a range of 7,200 DA to 8,200 DA for the latter, depending on the carcass category.The findings presented in this study not only contribute to academic knowledge but also serve as a practical guide for decision-makers, enabling them to implement policies that enhance the organization, efficiency, and sustainability of the sheep meat value chain in the Tiaret region.

Modifying polysulfone dual-layer hollow fiber membrane with amine-functionalized bimetallic MOF (PEI@HKUST-1(Cu, Mg)) for improved mechanical stability and CO2/CH4separation performance

As the demand for cleaner energy sources and carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technologies increases, membrane-based separation is increasingly seen as a viable, scalable, and eco-friendly option. However, fabricating mechanically stable membranes with high permeance and selectivity remains a significant challenge, owing to the limited CO2 affinity sites and transport channels inside the membrane. This study investigates integrating the unique properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the structural benefits of dual-layer hollow fiber (DLHF) membranes. Herein, a polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized bimetallic MOF (PEI@HKUST-1(Cu, Mg)) as filler was blended to polysulfone(PSf) matrix to fabricate MOF/PSf mixed matrix membrane (MMM) through co-extrusion and dry-jet wetting spinning process. The open metal sites (Cu2+ and Mg2+), high porosity, and the CO2-philicity of the amine groups of the PEI-functionalized MOF could create additional CO2 binding sites and transport channels, thus promoting the rapid permeation of CO2 molecules through the membrane. The improved affinity among the organic linker, amines group, and polymer chains facilitated the formation of defect-free hollow fibers. Notably, the tensile strength increases from 4.51MPa to 8.78MPa for pure membranes to 10wt% MOF-loaded membranes, showing a direct correlation between fiber strength and MOF loadings. The optimized membrane containing 5wt% PEI@HKUST-1(Cu, Mg) exhibited a CO2 permeance of 28 GPU and a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 51, displaying an increase of 75% and 85.45%, respectively, over the pure PSf membrane. These findings suggest that incorporating amine-functionalized MOFs can enhance the CO2 separation performance and mechanical stability of hollow fiber membranes used in natural gas purification.

Twenty Years of Socio-Economic Research on Organic Agriculture Across the World: Looking at the Past to Be Ready for the Future

The world organic sector has evolved in a rapid way over the last few decades, driven by consumer interest, producer and retailer strategies, as well as by the evolving normative context. This growth has stimulated an increase in academic research, particularly in socio-economic research. The present work aims to understand the evolution of organic socio-economic research in terms of the research themes covered within this field, their relative importance, and how this importance has changed over time. The implementation of a structural topic model on scientific abstracts from the last 20 years allowed us to identify three broad areas of interest for organic socio-economic researchers: consumers, production, and society. The relevance of these strands varies in different areas of the world, mostly aligning with the prominent aspects of local organic sectors. This signals a good integration of organic socio-economic research within local contexts, with the possible development of place-based skills to be exploited within the global debate on organic agriculture. Overall, a reasonably strong imbalance emerges, with consumer-focused studies being more prominent than production-focused ones, especially those investigating producers’ economic results. The latter seems to call for renewed attention on and analysis of the organic sector, assisted by robust evidence on both ends of the organic supply chain.

Polyfluorene-based conjugated nanocomposites with in-situ gold nanoparticles: Synthesis via rational chemical passivation and characterization of supramolecular fibrillar structures

We present a rational and innovative chemical approach for synthesizing and characterizing conjugated polymer nanocomposites as direct passivation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), highlighting intrinsic morphologies and distinct photophysical properties in the solid state. The pioneering synthesis of polyfluorene with thiol, LaPPS79.10, revolutionized its application as a direct passivator of AuNPs, resulting in stable nanocomposites with the capacity for storage in the dry state and subsequent redispersion in organic solvent. The presence of AuNPs with average diameters of 3.5 ± 1.3 nm induced the formation of an interconnected fibrillar supramolecular network (ribbon-like) and several microdomains in the nanocomposite (LaPPS79.10+AuNPs), correlated by XRD, TEM and SEM measurements. Characterization of the polyfluorene precursor derivative, LaPPS10, revealed bundle-like morphologies with aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Introducing thiol groups into the intermediate structure induced polymer chain organization (LaPPS79.10), leading to unique straw-like and lenticular bundle morphologies, disrupting the non-planar π-π packing and quenching the emission, a case of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). In LaPPS79.10+AuNPs, the proximity of the π system to the Au localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) resulted in high absorption, negligible self-absorption, and efficient emission quenching, as well as improved thermal resistance compared to the original polymer. The unprecedented discovery of the properties resulting from the electronic interaction between the π system of the AuNPs passivating polymer and the effects of plasmonic resonance represents a significant advance in nanoscience, opening new perspectives for exciting applications in organic photovoltaic devices and metamaterials.

Nanoengineering Spikey Surfaces: Investigation of Reversible Organizational Control of Surface-Tethered Polypeptide Brushes.

Nature serves as an important source of inspiration for the innovation and development of micro- and nanostructures for advanced functional surfaces and substrates. One example used in nature is a spikey surface ranging from micrometer-sized spikes on pollen grains down to the nanometer-scale protein spikes found on viruses. This study explored the realization of such highly textured surfaces via the nanoengineering of self-assembled poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) "nanospikes", exploiting solvent-induced chain organization, controlled surface chemical functionality, and enhanced stability in the form of polymer brushes. The reversible solvent-responsive behavior of these polymer chains and the aggregation behavior of the chain-ends were investigated via fluorescence characterization and studied through molecular simulations. Vapor-based solvent treatments were developed for orientation control with in situ analysis to understand film response and brush organizational behavior under different selected conditions. The effect of sub-100 nm nanopatterning on surface morphology and chain organization was examined via an integrated approach of experimental and computational studies. The methodologies established in this study present opportunities for engineering sophisticated nanoscale spikey surfaces with high customizability by means of nanolithography combined with solvent-assisted treatments.

Recent Advances of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Fluorescent Hyperbranched Polymer: Synthesis, Performance Regulation Strategies and Applications.

The organic-inorganic hybrid fluorescent hyperbranched polymer, including hyperbranched polysiloxane and hyperbranched polyborate, have attracted much attention due to their excellent optical properties and wide range of applications. Hyperbranched polysiloxane and polyborates, prepared by introducing Si or B elements into organic polymer chains at the molecular level through rational molecular design and novel synthesis methods, exhibit outstanding photophysical properties as an indispensable branch of organic-inorganic hybrid fluorescent materials. Herein, this review highlights the recent research progress on hyperbranched polysiloxanes and hyperbranched polyborates, including strategies for regulating their emission wavelengths, quantum yields, and fluorescence lifetimes, potential emission mechanisms, and various applications. Finally, some challenges and promising future directions in the field of organic-inorganic hybrid fluorescent polymers are summarized.

A methodology to map chains of general practices in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Commercial entities are increasingly interested in acquiring Dutch general practices (GPs). They see profitable opportunities in upscaling by forming chains. Chain organizations integrate business processes of GPs within one organizational unit. The governance structure of these chains can be complex, leading to opacity and difficulties to see conflicts of interest and market power. To investigate how this development may have an impact on quality and accessibility of care, it is first needed to establish the ways in which these chains are formed. By mapping the chain structure in a data-driven way, impact monitoring becomes possible. For the Netherlands we investigated how chain structures of GPs can be empirically identified. Methods Background data of approximately 4,800 Dutch GPs from the Nivel Healthcare Professional Registries was linked with data from the Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Register. This enabled the determination of the legal form, business location, ownership, and director identification for all GPs. By this data-driven manner, the variation in organizational structures of all Dutch GPs was mapped and analyzed. Results Four different chain variants of Dutch GP chains were identified based on three types of relations between the chain organization and their GPs: ownership, location and the composition of the board of directors. Based on ownership, two ‘top-down’ chain variants were identified. Two ‘bottom-up’ chain variants were found based on location and board composition: (1) a chain organization acquires a seat on the board of the GP, and (2) the GP and the chain organization share the same business address. Combining these variants provides a new typology of GP chains in the Netherlands. Conclusions Our methodology enables to empirically map chain formation in primary care. By developing a new typology in a systematic way, a foundation is created to monitor organizational developments and their impact on quality and accessibility of care. Key messages • A typology of Dutch GP chains was developed based on three relations: the ownership, composition of the board and the establishment location of the chain organization and its practices. • Our methodology was put into practice to map different chain structures of GPs in the Netherlands, but it is not limited to primary care and can also be applied in other sectors and countries.

Blockchain technology and consumers’ organic food consumption: a moderated mediation model of blockchain-based trust and perceived blockchain-related information transparency

Purpose While the application of blockchain technology in the organic food supply chain has been increasingly recognized, the extant knowledge of how blockchain-driven traceability influences consumer perceptions and purchase intentions remains underexplored. Grounded in the stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to construct a moderated mediation model to examine blockchain-enabled traceability’s direct and indirect impacts on organic food purchase intention through perceived blockchain-related information transparency, considering the moderating role of blockchain-based trust. Design/methodology/approach A purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers was surveyed using the PROCESS macro to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The findings indicate that blockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances perceived blockchain-related information transparency, which positively influences organic food purchase intention. Furthermore, blockchain-based trust was found to positively moderate both the direct effect of transparency on purchase intention and the indirect impact of traceability on purchase intention through transparency. Practical implications Practical and managerial insights for stakeholders in the organic food sector are also discussed. Originality/value These results contribute to the literature by extending the stimulus-organism-response model to the context of blockchain technology in supply chains and highlighting the critical role of trust in moderating the effectiveness of technological innovations.

How does blockchain-based food traceability system drive consumers’ repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions toward organic food: a curvilinear role of producer-retailer (in)congruence

PurposeThis research applies the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework to explore how blockchain-enabled traceability influences trust in organic food producers and retailers, which impacts consumers’ purchase behaviors and subsequent outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers, multiple linear and polynomial regression with response surface analysis were employed to examine the hypotheses.FindingsBlockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances trust in both producers and retailers, which congruently and incongruently influences organic food purchase behaviors. This behavior also drives consumers’ word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions. Serial mediation analysis confirms blockchain’s impact through trust and purchase behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsStakeholders should adopt blockchain to boost transparency and trust, which increases consumer engagement. Policymakers can support this transition through regulations and incentives to enhance food security and sustainability.Originality/valueThis study expands on blockchain research by applying the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework in the organic food supply chain, showing how blockchain-enhanced trust synergistically affects consumers’ purchase behaviors, word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.

Adaptive Strategies and Sustainable Innovations of Chinese Contractors in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Social Network and Supply Chain Integration Perspective

As global economic integration and rapid technological advancements transform international business, international engineering contracting has become essential for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper investigates the significant impact of China’s strategic initiatives, notably the “Going Global” strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on the operational practices of Chinese enterprises involved in overseas investments. Central to this transformation is the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, which emphasizes the integration of supply chain management and stakeholder collaboration to enhance performance in international EPC projects and underscores the crucial role of these elements in promoting sustainability. Incorporating insights from social network data analysis, this study reveals that contractors collaborating with various stakeholders—such as owners/consulting engineers, domestic and foreign customs departments, and group headquarters/design parties—exhibit a high degree of similarity in personnel profiles. This suggests that the internal organizational structure and personnel allocation of contractors could be optimized to enhance operational efficiency, aligning with the collaborative patterns identified. This study addresses a critical research gap by exploring how effective supply chain management and collaborative stakeholder engagement within multinational EPC projects contribute to sustainable outcomes. Employing advanced social network analysis software, the research examines the complex interactions among stakeholders and their influence on procurement dynamics. Findings indicate that strong relational networks and strategic collaborations significantly enhance procurement efficiency and project success, underscoring the importance of supply chain integration. Ultimately, integrating supply chain management principles into the EPC model not only offers innovative perspectives for advancing sustainability in international projects but also provides actionable insights for improving project outcomes within the BRI framework. This research underscores the pivotal role of supply chain organization and stakeholder cooperation in achieving sustainability objectives, thereby enriching the discourse on sustainable enterprise operation and supply chain management in the context of global initiatives.

Formaldehyde: An Essential Intermediate for C1 Metabolism and Bioconversion.

Formaldehyde is an intermediate metabolite of methylotrophic microorganisms that can be obtained from formate and methanol through oxidation-reduction reactions. Formaldehyde is also a one-carbon (C1) compound with high uniquely reactive activity and versatility, which is more amenable to further biocatalysis. Biosynthesis of high-value-added chemicals using formaldehyde as an intermediate is theoretically feasible and promising. This review focuses on the design of the biosynthesis of high-value-added chemicals using formaldehyde as an essential intermediate. The upstream biosynthesis and downstream bioconversion pathways of formaldehyde as an intermediate metabolite are described in detail, aiming to highlight the important role of formaldehyde in the transition from inorganic to organic carbon and carbon chain elongation. In addition, challenges and future directions of formaldehyde as an intermediate for the chemicals are discussed, with the expectation of providing ideas for the utilization of C1.

Fabrication of PVC-based electromagnetic interference shielding composite film by positively charged SMA enhancing the dispersibility of carbon nanomaterial

To address the weak binding force and poor dispersion stability of carbon (C) nanoparticles in current non-covalent modification methods, we employed organic amine-grafted styrene maleic anhydride copolymers (SMA-N) to modify C nanoparticles (C@SMA-N) through π–π conjugation and positive charge interactions. The obtained C@SMA-N has excellent dispersion in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), which is attributed to the enhanced steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion from the grafted organic amine chains. To study the impact of surface modification on the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), C@SMA-N was used as a conductive filler in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composite films, which exhibits a higher EMI SE performance than pristine C nanoparticles. Particularly, the obtained C@SMA-N using polyether amine (PEA) (C@SMA-PEA) exhibits a better EMI SE performance. By optimizing the SMA-PEA grafting parameters, the PVC/C@SMA-PEA composite films transition from insulators to conductors at a C@SMA-PEA content of 0.3 wt%. To achieve a higher EMI SE performance, the filler content, mixed filler composition, and film thickness were optimized. The results indicate that with a total filler content of 20 wt% and a mixed filler comprising fibrous form carbon nanotubes (CNT) and particles form carbon black (CB) in a 10:1 mass ratio (CB@SMA-PEA to CNT@SMA-PEA), the composite film has a thickness of 0.08 mm and an EMI SE value of 20.2 dB. Increasing the thickness to 0.2 mm enhances the EMI SE value to 31.5 dB. These findings indicate that thinner films have a higher EMI SE performance and promising application prospects in the field of electromagnetic shielding.

Evolutionary game theoretical approach for reducing carbon emissions in a complex supply chain organization

PurposeOur research explores the intricate behavior of low-carbon supply chain organizations in an ever-evolving landscape, emphasizing the profound implications of government-mandated low-carbon policies and the growing low-carbon market. Central to our exploration is applying a combined game theory model, merging Evolutionary Game Theory (EGT) with the Shapley Value Cooperative Game Theory Approach (SVCGTA).Design/methodology/approachWe establish a two-tier supply chain featuring retailers and manufacturers within this novel framework. We leverage an integrated approach, combining strategic Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperative Game Theory, to conduct an in-depth analysis of four distinct low-carbon strategy combinations for retailers and manufacturers.FindingsThe implications of our findings transcend theoretical boundaries and resonate with a trinity of economic, environmental and societal interests. Our research goes beyond theoretical constructs to consider real-world impacts, including the influence of changes in government low-carbon policies, the dynamics of consumer sensitivities and the strategic calibration of retailer carbon financing incentives and subsidies on the identified ESS. Notably, our work highlights that governments can effectively incentivize organizations to reduce carbon emissions by adopting a more flexible approach, such as regulating carbon prices, rather than imposing rigid carbon caps.Originality/valueOur comprehensive analysis reveals the emergence of an Evolutionary Stability Strategy (ESS) that evolves in sync with the phases of low-carbon technology development. During the initial stages, our research suggests that manufacturers or retailers adopt low-carbon behavior as the optimal approach.