Stages Of Supply Chain Research Articles

Electric vehicle battery chemistry affects supply chain disruption vulnerabilities

We examine the relationship between electric vehicle battery chemistry and supply chain disruption vulnerability for four critical minerals: lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. We compare the nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode chemistries by (1) mapping the supply chains for these four materials, (2) calculating a vulnerability index for each cathode chemistry for various focal countries and (3) using network flow optimization to bound uncertainties. World supply is currently vulnerable to disruptions in China for both chemistries: 80% [71% to 100%] of NMC cathodes and 92% [90% to 93%] of LFP cathodes include minerals that pass through China. NMC has additional risks due to concentrations of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in other countries. The combined vulnerability of multiple supply chain stages is substantially larger than at individual steps alone. Our results suggest that reducing risk requires addressing vulnerabilities across the entire battery supply chain.

Building resilience in European food supply chains: results of a Delphi study

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have negatively affected the sustainability of the food market and contributed significantly to the increase in agricultural prices. The goal of this article is to present the results of a European Delphi study on enabling factors and barriers to developing robustness within food distribution networks. The paper also aims to identify ways to ensure food security and build resilience in supply chains for European Union (EU) citizens, as well as strategies to protect the agricultural sector. The Delphi theses, the expected timing of their implementation and their impact on selected stages of supply chains were assessed. The paper employs a literature review, the Delphi method and STEEPED analysis to identify factors for increasing the robustness of European food distribution networks. The research findings highlighted crucial factors in enhancing food supply chain resilience, including financial aid to farmers, the use of advanced technologies (like AI, remote sensing, GIS, VR, or drones), and the encouragement of conscious consumption practices. The study revealed that severe weather, inadequate financial support for farmers and insufficient favourable legislation at the national level are the main barriers to achieving resilience in food supply chains. The main recommendations for building food resilience include encouraging localised food supply chains and, advocating for eco-friendly, sustainable production approaches and small-scale agriculture and reducing unnecessary food losses. The originality of the study is reflected in the presentation of the opinions of international experts on developing robustness within food distribution networks in view of the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the geopolitical situation.

A New Perspective for Construction Supply Chains in Digital Era

The construction industry is a highly labor-intensive industry with a low degree of automation and digitization. However, as in the manufacturing industry, a 'new order' is emerging for the way the construction industry works today. This study aims to present the transformation of construction supply chains (CSCs) in Industry 4.0 by considering each supply chain stage separately, where the main purpose is to determine the criteria for the integration of the CSC with the Industry 4.0 perspective. A literature review and a Delphi study were conducted, and thirteen criteria are proposed to show the integration of Industry 4.0 aspects and CSC stages. Furthermore, one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, the Best-Worst method, is used to prioritize the criteria for guiding future implications during the transformation of construction supply chains. Among the six CSC stages, the design stage is the most important from the Industry 4.0 perspective. In addition, client collaboration by ICT (BIM) during the design phase is the most important sub-factors’ overall rank. Although there is a limited number of studies on the CSC, there are no empirical studies addressing the current digital age approach. As a result, there is a significant gap in the construction literature, and a thorough assessment of the building supply chain in an Industry 4.0 setting is lacking. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to illustrate the transformation of CSCs in Construction 4.0 by looking at each supply chain stage separately.

The role of accounting in mitigating food supply chain risks and food price volatility

The global food supply chain is a complex network of interconnected processes and actors that play a critical role in ensuring food security and stability. However, this intricate system is susceptible to various risks and challenges, including natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, market fluctuations, and regulatory changes. These risks often result in food price volatility, which can have profound implications for both consumers and producers worldwide. In this context, accounting emerges as a vital tool for mitigating risks and managing food price volatility within the supply chain. Accounting serves as a cornerstone in providing accurate, timely, and reliable financial information essential for decision-making at every stage of the food supply chain. Through effective financial reporting and analysis, accounting enables stakeholders to identify, assess, and respond to potential risks proactively. By employing risk management techniques such as scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, and hedging strategies, accounting professionals can help organizations anticipate and mitigate supply chain disruptions, thereby reducing the impact of food price volatility. Furthermore, accounting facilitates transparency and accountability within the food supply chain, enhancing trust and cooperation among stakeholders. Through comprehensive cost accounting and performance measurement systems, organizations can identify inefficiencies, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational resilience. Moreover, accounting frameworks such as sustainability accounting enable businesses to assess and report the environmental and social impacts of their operations, fostering sustainable practices across the supply chain. In addition to its role in risk management and performance optimization, accounting contributes to regulatory compliance and governance within the food industry. By adhering to accounting standards and regulations, organizations can ensure integrity and accuracy in financial reporting, thereby enhancing investor confidence and mitigating legal and reputational risks. Moreover, accounting professionals play a crucial role in designing and implementing internal control systems to prevent fraud, errors, and misconduct, safeguarding the integrity of the supply chain. Accounting plays a multifaceted role in mitigating food supply chain risks and food price volatility. By providing financial insights, promoting transparency, and ensuring compliance, accounting empowers organizations to navigate challenges and promote stability in the global food system.

IDENTIFYING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF FORMWORK MATERIAL DELIVERY IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Sustainable construction is a way of implementing sustainable development of the construction industry and infrastructure through building a better quality of life, and minimizing the use of resources and energy in order to actualize The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The use of construction materials is one source of carbon dioxide emissions and material delivery is one of the stages in the construction material supply chain that has the potential to cause CO2 emissions, one of which is the use of formwork. Global warming is closely related to carbon footprint. The research was done by surveying the building construction project followed by data processing which aims to find out how much carbon emissions are generated by construction projects in the contracting process, delivery, formwork fabrication process, and the use of tower cranes and find out what factors contribute to the carbon footprint and what processes are most significant in producing carbon footprints. The results show that carbon emissions for 28 floors amounted to 84,815.1037 kg.CO2 and by doing 2 scenarios in which scenario 1 maximizes the carrying capacity of each delivery truck during the delivery process and delivery for all the needs of 1 tower is carried out during the GF floor and first floor work, the resulting carbon emission efficiency is 2289.0626 kg. CO2 and in scenario 2 where the delivery of multiplexes for the needs of only 1 floor, which makes delivery carried out for each floor and makes the delivery distance half the actual distance, the resulting carbon emission efficiency is 4628.7909 kg.CO2.

Avenues of decarbonisation in the dynamics of processed food supply chains: Towards responsible production consumption

Nowadays, the demand for processed food items is surging. To fulfil the enhanced demand, a significant impact is laid on the environment, which enhances the carbon footprint being generated. Hence, to overcome this, the avenues of decarbonisation need to be explored. The presented work is aimed at promoting the decarbonisation of the existing practices within the processed food supply chains. It finds strong compliance with the sustainable development goal (SDG-12), focusing on responsible production-consumption mechanisms. For the same, key enactors of decarbonisation are identified and mapped with the practices at various stages of food supply chains, i.e. upstream, downstream, and other allied practices. Based upon these enactors, a relational, hierarchical framework is developed to provide a comprehensive perspective on complex intricacies. This framework is analysed with an innovative approach which comprises the fundamentals of Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Hesitant Fuzzy Set with the Entropy measures. It results in the outranking of the enactors relative to its importance in the decarbonisation of processed food supply chains. Furthermore, the empirical findings are validated by the sensitivity analysis to felicitate robust decision-making. The outcomes of the presented work provide a roadmap and stepped approach to achieve the decarbonisation goals and make production-consumption mechanisms sustainable. It finds implications in the development of the framework, policy formulation, and decisional attributes for the decarbonisation of food supply chains. It focuses on the adoption of strategies that align with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote a sustainable future.

REDUCING FOOD WASTE WHEN EATING OUT – RESEARCH ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF BULGARIAN STUDENTS

Food waste is a critical global challenge with far-reaching environmental and social consequences. Addressing this issue requires understanding consumer behaviours, habits, and knowledge related to food waste. Research on food waste in eating out covers various aspects, including factors that contribute to food waste, consumer behaviour and potential solutions. Key to understanding the problem of food waste and to finding and implementing effective solutions is research into the knowledge and behaviour of young people, and students in particular, regarding dietary choices, eating habits, food waste and their attitudes towards food in general. This paper delves into the urgency of reducing food waste, encompassing its definition, stages in the food supply chain, and its relevance to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The European Union's efforts and Bulgaria's initiatives provide context to the broader discourse on food waste reduction. Тhe European Commission has set out a number of policies and instruments aimed at reducing food loss and waste as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Farm to Fork Strategy. In line with EU objectives, a National Programme for the Prevention and Reduction of Food Loss (2021-2026) has been developed in Bulgaria, which sets out the framework for joint action to reduce food loss and waste and for society to rethink its attitudes to food consumption and value. However, food waste problems at the consumer level in Bulgaria are understudied. The aim of the current study is to explore the personal perceptions and behaviours of Bulgarian students towards food waste when eating out. Information was collected through a structured online questionnaire. The survey was conducted during the academic year 2022/2023 among Bulgarian students of the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria. There were 123 participants between the ages of 18 and 35. The main findings of the study showed that over 50% of the respondents were of the opinion that the largest amount of food waste is generated when eating out. The majority of the respondents have stated that they throw away less than 5% of their food when eating out and they take the leftovers home „often“ or „sometimes“, which indicates that Bulgarian students eat most of the food they order when eating out and throw away a small portion of it. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of food waste patterns and encourages targeted interventions to promote sustainable consumption among students and beyond. Key words: food waste, eating out, students, Bulgaria JEL codes: Q18, Q53

Sustainable fashion: Mapping waste streams and life cycle management

The fashion supply chain is a major contributor to global waste generation, with significant environmental and social implications. Addressing waste management challenges in this sector is crucial to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this paper proposes an integrated approach for modeling sustainable waste flow management in the fashion supply chain and consequently contributes to reducing the associated environmental impact. Firstly, Waste Flow Mapping (WFM) assessment is used to identify waste production at each stage of the fashion supply chain. Secondly, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to quantify environmental impact on resource consumption, waste generation, energy usage, and emissions. Finally, performance metrics and sustainability reporting are established to monitor and track environmental performance. Results show: i) a 25–30% reduction in environmental impacts across product life cycles, ii) a 20–25% improvement in resource efficiency iii) an increase of 15–20% in product's life extensions, and iv) approximately 40–50% of materials can be originated from recycled sources. The model represents a valuable tool for managers to define company strategies from the twin transition (green and digital) perspective.

Biodiversity impact of food waste: Quantification for supply chain stages and products in Germany

AbstractReducing food waste could lower pressures on land resources and thereby contribute to the mitigation of global biodiversity loss. The reduction of food waste and biodiversity loss are also specified in the Sustainable Development Goals 12.3 and 15 of the United Nations. However, which supply chain stages and food products to target with policy measures is hardly known. Especially, a differentiation of the impact after sub‐stages and taxa is still missing and is therefore quantified in the present study. The food waste mass at five supply chain stages and seven sub‐stages in Germany was calculated and differentiated after 204 food products. All products were traced back to their countries of origin, in which their land use impact on mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plants was quantified. A new approach was developed to calculate the detailed feed demand for animal products. Germany's avoidable food waste (food that was edible before its disposal) leads to 0.3 vertebrate and 1.5 plant species being potentially lost globally. Household‐level waste is responsible for 47% of this species loss, while food services show the largest impact per mass, with individual catering being as influential as one‐person households. The most influential products are obtained from pigs and cattle. Among vertebrate taxa, mainly amphibians are affected, occurring in the mainly affected country Brazil. The results can be used to formulate policies that target, for example, individual catering or display the impact of animal products and their feed demand.

Cytotoxic Effects of Major and Emerging Mycotoxins on HepaRG Cells and Transcriptomic Response after Exposure of Spheroids to Enniatins B and B1.

Mycotoxins, produced by fungi, frequently occur at different stages in the food supply chain between pre- and postharvest. Globally produced cereal crops are known to be highly susceptible to contamination, thus constituting a major public health concern. Among the encountered mycotoxigenic fungi in cereals, Fusarium spp. are the most frequent and produce both regulated (i.e., T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol -DON-, zearalenone -ZEA-) and emerging (i.e., enniatins -ENNs-, beauvericin -BEA-) mycotoxins. In this study, we investigated the in vitro cytotoxic effects of regulated and emerging fusariotoxins on HepaRG cells in 2D and 3D models using undifferentiated and differentiated cells. We also studied the impact of ENN B1 and ENN B exposure on gene expression of HepaRG spheroids. Gene expression profiling pinpointed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and overall similar pathways were involved in responses to mycotoxin exposure. Complement cascades, metabolism, steroid hormones, bile secretion, and cholesterol pathways were all negatively impacted by both ENNs. For cholesterol biosynthesis, 23/27 genes were significantly down-regulated and could be correlated to a 30% reduction in cholesterol levels. Our results show the impact of ENNs on the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway for the first time. This finding suggests a potential negative effect on human health due to the essential role this pathway plays.

Unveiling the Potential of Apricot Residues: From Nutraceuticals to Bioenergy

Stone fruits, such as the apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), are frequently consumed. As such, a substantial volume of apricot waste is generated at each stage of the food supply chain, including harvesting, processing, packaging, warehousing, transportation, retailing, and eventual consumption. This generates tons of waste annually on a global scale. The significant amounts of phenolics present in these wastes are primarily responsible for their antioxidant capacity and the subsequent health advantages they provide. As such, apricot pulp by-products could be a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, polyphenolic compounds, proteins, dietary fibers, etc. Moreover, apricot kernels are also recognized for their abundance of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and tocopherols, which find utility in diverse sectors including cosmetology and the food industry. Both conventional and green methods are employed, and generally, green methods lead to higher extraction efficiency. The antimicrobial properties of apricot kernel essential oil have been widely recognized, leading to its extensive historical usage in the treatment of diverse ailments. In addition, apricot kernel oil possesses the capacity to serve as a viable resource for renewable fuels and chemicals. This review examines the potential of apricot waste as a source of bioactive compounds, as well as its utilization in diverse applications, with an emphasis on its contribution to health improvement.

Application of the food-energy-water nexus to six seafood supply chains: hearing from wild and farmed seafood supply chain actors in the United States, Norway, and Vietnam

IntroductionThe food-energy-water (FEW) nexus highlights the interdependencies between the systems that people rely on for these essential resources. For example, globally, over two thirds of freshwater withdrawals are used to produce food, and another 10% is used during energy generation. In addition, the food system uses one eighth of global net energy. Seafood is a nutritionally important food, and it is critical to use freshwater and energy resources efficiently throughout seafood supply chains to safeguard future supplies and to reduce environmental impacts. Diverse seafood production methods result in highly variable resource use across supply chains, which may contribute to siloed efforts within supply chains to improve efficiency, instead of larger efforts that involve multiple seafood supply chains. Additionally, efforts to develop and implement efficiency strategies must be informed by fishers, aquaculturists, processors, and other seafood supply chain actors to avoid investing time and resources into strategies that will have low uptake. A significant proportion of seafood is imported into the U.S., so engaging with industry and stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad is critical for understanding and improving the FEW nexus associated with seafood consumed by Americans.MethodsTo understand how resources are being used, current and potential strategies to improve resource use, and relevant motivations and barriers, we conducted 47 semi-structured interviews from 2019 to 2021 with seafood supply chain actors, including producers and processors. Seafood supply chains included were farmed catfish produced in the U.S., farmed pangasius and shrimp produced in Vietnam, farmed Atlantic salmon produced in Norway, and wild-caught sockeye and pink salmon caught in the U.S.ResultsWe provide detailed descriptions of stages within each supply chain regarding resource use and efficiency strategies, and report higher-level findings that apply across supply chains. There was variation across settings regarding how resources are used and opportunities and barriers for improving efficiencies, but we also found commonalities in settings, indicating that resource-saving strategies or innovations could lead to increased efficiency across multiple supply chains. Interviewees shared that cost savings drove past adoption of, and high interest in, energy conservation practices. Generally, direct costs did not motivate reduced use of freshwater, but associated costs like energy to run pumps and supplies to treat contaminated surface water drove interest in reducing water use.DiscussionEfforts to improve resource use in the U.S. seafood supply should focus on identifying and scaling-up strategies that (i) involve improved efficiency of more than one resource and/or (ii) apply across multiple settings. This work should involve partnerships between industry, government agencies, and academic researchers, and should be informed by supply chain actors’ experiences and insights. The qualitative insights from this study encompass rich descriptions of FEW-relevant factors at the level of specific supply chain stages as well as findings across six major seafood supply chains in three countries. The study provides an essential complement to existing quantitative characterizations of resource use, and enables nuanced and informed responses to challenges.

Development of the Theory and Practice of Calculating the Cost of Logistics Services As an Element of Customs and Logistics Risk Management in International Supply Chains for Goods Containing Intellectual Property

In conditions of geopolitical instability, the introduction of a huge number of sanctions against our country, conducting foreign economic activity is becoming more and more difficult and expensive. One of the important stages in the international supply chain is customs logistics in terms of customs control, the passage of which is mostly assigned to the logistics operator (customs representative). Every second product today contains intellectual property, and customs authorities have a number of mechanisms to control this complex category of goods. The application by customs authorities of the customs control mechanisms provided for by the customs legislation of the EAEU affects the timing of the release of goods (suspension of the release of goods for 20 working days), as well as the final cost (accounting for license fees in the structure of the customs value of goods). The paper analyzes emerging customs and logistics risks in international supply chains of goods containing intellectual property. The key figure in the declaration of goods is, as a rule, the logistics operator, acting on behalf of and on behalf of the foreign trade participant. However, today the risks of a logistics operator are not taken into account when determining the cost of services for performing operations related to the customs declaration of goods containing intellectual property. The article structures emerging customs and logistics factors in international supply chains of goods containing intellectual property. For this purpose, based on the customs and logistics risks that arise for the logistics operator during the customs declaration of goods containing intellectual property, the consequences of the occurrence of the considered risks for him are determined. A methodology for calculating flexible tariffs for a logistics operator has been developed, including criteria for differentiating tariffs depending on external and internal factors, and correction factors have been proposed.

Cytotoxicity of water supply in a Palestinian refugee camp and a Syrian informal tented settlement in Lebanon.

Deficient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) significantly account for a high burden of disease across the globe. Lebanon, an Eastern Mediterranean lower-middle-income country with a polluted environment, a fragmented healthcare system, and an ongoing severe economic crisis, faces serious challenges in sustaining safe water supplies, especially in vulnerable communities, while also hosting the world highest refugee population per capita. This study aimed to examine the mutagenicity, and the estrogenic and androgenic activities of water supplies, across both a Palestinian refugee camp and a Syrian informal settlement. Water samples were collected from two targeted camps in Dbayeh and Choueifat, North and South of the Capital City Beirut, respectively, between the months of September and October 2022. Microbial and physicochemical properties of samples were determined, including fecal contamination, total dissolved solids, and various minerals and salts. Organic pollutants were extracted using pre-packed solid phase extraction (SPE) columns, and then mutagenicity of extracts was examined using the Ames test in two Salmonella typhi bacterial strains. The estrogenic and androgenic activities of extracts were assessed using the yeast estrogen and androgen screen tests assays (YES/YAS). Results show excessive levels of total coliforms and total dissolved solids (TDS) in samples from both sites. In addition, the water supply from the Dbayeh Palestinian refugee camp is mutagenic, while the water supply from the Choueifat Syrian informal settlement shows anti-androgen activity. Our findings provide valuable WASH baseline data in two major vulnerable communities in Lebanon, and highlight the importance of a water toxicity testing approach concomitant with a water safety plan, based on a holistic strategy that covers all stages of the water supply chain.

Comparative Feasibility and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Cotton Stalks Gasification and Pyrolysis

In a circular economy, significant emphasis is given to the energetic valorization of agricultural byproducts. Cotton stalks are suitable as a feedstock for the production of bioenergy due to their high energy content. This study’s main focal areas are the economic viability and environmental implications of a system that can gasify or pyrolyze 25,500 tons of cotton stalk annually. To learn more about how gasification and pyrolysis affect the environment, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted. This analysis evaluates the whole value chain and covers all stages of the cotton supply chain from cradle to gate, including production, harvest, transportation, and utilization. According to the findings, both systems exhibit economic viability, generating sizable profits and having quick payback times. However, despite its larger initial expenditure of EUR 2.74 million, the pyrolysis unit ends up being the better option because it has a payback period of 1.58 years, a return on investment (ROI) of 58% and a net present value (NPV) of EUR 21.5 million. Gasification is still an economically attractive alternative with a lower initial investment (EUR 1.81 million), despite having a lower ROI (36%) and NPV (EUR 10.52 million), as well as a longer payback period (2.41 years). However, the environmental implications of the gasification option are generally higher than those of pyrolysis. The impacts of gasification on fossil depletion (FDP) were estimated to be 5.7 million kg oil eq., compared to 5.3 million kg oil eq. for pyrolysis. Similarly, gasification resulted in 41.55 million kg U235 eq. and pyrolysis in 41.5 million kg U235 eq. related to impacts on ionizing radiation (IRP_HE). Other impact categories that emerge as the most important are freshwater eutrophication (FEP) and marine eutrophication (MEP).

Assessing the sustainability of hydrogen supply chains using network Data Envelopment Analysis

The aim of this study is to model optimal hydrogen supply chain from the eco-efficiency point of view. The study uses capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operation and maintenance expenditures (OPEX) as economic indicators on each stage of supply chain and environmental impacts calculated based on life cycle inventory and analysis methodology as environmental indicators. Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) is used as a tool for evaluation of the mixed economic and environmental performance of supply chain. The study shows that most efficient chains according to the criterion of integrated environmental and economic efficiency are wind energy - PEM electrolysis, hydro energy - PEM electrolysis and coal gasification with carbon capture and storage. The least eco-efficient option for hydrogen supply chain are options with thermal generation based on coal - electrolysis, due to relatively high capital costs of electrolysis and high negative environmental effects of the first stage.

Exploring the Challenges of Circular Economy Adoption: A Supply Chain Perspective

The prevailing linear economic structure and our complex global supply chains are reaching their tangible limits, as evidenced by the impact of current crises such as energy scarcity. A shift from a linear to a Circular Economy is necessary to meet the urgent environmental and economic challenges. This paper aims to address a significant gap in the literature by utilizing a structured literature review and the Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR) model. Rather than focusing on specific contexts or industries, this paper aims to examine the intercorrelation and interdependencies between the barriers from a supply chain perspective. Therefore, the diverse conceptual background of the Circular Economy and the complexity of its implementation due to the interconnectedness of barriers that span regulatory, cultural, market, and technological aspects are analyzed. The interdependence of barriers in the different supply chain stages is highlighted in a qualitative and explorative research approach. The key findings reveal that a successful supply chain management strategy that integrates Circular Economy principles along the whole supply chain is crucial for successfully transitioning from a linear to a Circular Economy. We identify necessary lines of future research to facilitate the successful transition and overcome the current barriers along the supply chain.

Activities for Counteracting Wasting Food by Supermarket Chains in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract The problem of food wastage, particularly in the recent period, has been broadly discussed worldwide with regard to various stages of the food supply chain. One of such stages is food distribution to consumers by supermarket chains. The study presents results of activities undertaken by supermarket chain administrators for the purpose of food wastage reduction. One of the basic measures is price reduction aimed at possibly fast sale of products. Such activities can cause an even 8-fold increase in sales in the case of price reduction by half. Other positive activities include donating food to charity organisations or food banks. This study addresses the mutual correlation between the sales of various products, and the effect of the percent of discounts on the sale of products for different product groups in the offer of the supermarket chain, as well as the dependency of the trade volume and the amount of food donated to public purpose organisations. The research was conducted in the period of 4 years of operation (2020-2023) of a Polish chain of grocery supermarkets.

Distributed Artificial Intelligence Application in Agri-food Supply Chains 4.0

Supply Chain 4.0 is characterized by various factors, including seamless integration and connectivity, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, AI participation, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs), flexibility, adaptability, and customer-centricity across different parts of the supply chain. The application of Distributed AI (DAI) systems like Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) opens new horizons to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and intelligence of these supply chains. DAI facilitates advanced autonomous decision-making and real-time optimization at different stages of the agri-food supply chain, such as demand forecasting, inventory management, production planning, logistics optimization, and quality assurance and control. This article, by focusing on the case of scheduling through the entire supply chain, examines how DAI initiatives, including Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) enhanced with Case-Based Reasoning (CBR), enable the distribution of intelligence across smart, interconnected elements of the supply chain network. It is shown that through the use of DAI in SCM, the performance of the entire supply chain optimizes consistently and adaptively through the use of MAS, in which different parts of SCM collaborate as agents. Supply Chain 4.0 can gain autonomy, self-organization, self-optimization, self-adaptation, robustness, and flexibility, and its knowledge base can be enriched over time by using CBR to learn from past situations. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of DAI in Supply Chain 4.0, including operational efficiency, cost reduction, agility enhancement, and improved customer satisfaction. However, several concerns, such as data security, privacy issues, and interoperability, must be addressed.

Food loss and food waste research in Latin America: scoping review.

The article aims to identify stage of the food supply chain (FSC) has the greatest food loss and waste (FLW), the factors that influence and economic, social and environmental impacts in Latin America countries. We carried out a scoping review of observational studies, case reports and interventional studies in January 2023. Searches were performed in scientific databases and hand-searching of reference lists. Data on the included studies were summarized with narrative synthesis. In total 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. The greatest FLW occur in the early and middle stages of the FSC, mainly during storage. The main causes were connected to financial, managerial and operational limitations related in harvesting techniques, storage and cooling facilities, infrastructure and marketing systems. Food waste (FW) is also a result of lack of appropriate storage facilities and efficient transport systems, market fluctuations and systems. Only one study presented results on the environmental impact of FW. There is a higher occurrence of food loss, characterized by decrease in the quantity and quality of food in the first three stages of FSC.