Supply Network Research Articles

Feasibility of Energy Self-Sufficiency by Biomass Production in A Brazilian State

Objective: This study aims to analyze the potential of using industrial black liquor or black lye residue from the eucalyptus pulp and paper production process as an alternative source of energy, in order to alleviate the current energy crisis. Theoretical framework: The study is based on literature regarding energy generation from biomass, focusing on the utilization of black liquor residue in thermoelectric power generation. Therefore, the thermoelectric generation from black liquor or black lye, cellulose biomass residue as an alternative source in energy generation, characterizes an important electrical feedback path in pulp production processes, also generating surplus energy for the supply network, relief of demand in the face of the current energy crisis. Method: The methodology employed in this study entails applied research, that investigates energy generation from black liquor in integrated plants of eucalyptus forest biomass, in reforestation areas for pulp production. Results and conclusion: The results indicate that energy generation from black liquor is a viable alternative to mitigate the current energy crisis, contributing to regional sustainable development. Projections suggest that by 2024, 85% of bioenergy can will be generated from this source in in the micro-region of Brazil. Therefore, adequate planning brings great expectations for regional sustainable development. Implications of the research: The research contributes to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of energy generation from biomass, demonstrating the potential of black liquor residue as an alternative energy source. Originality/value: The research contributes to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of energy generation from biomass, demonstrating the potential of black liquor residue as an alternative energy source.

Optimal blade design of a spherical water turbine

The use of in-pipe water turbines for small-scale energy harvesting from pipe networks is starting to gain popularity. However, limited research have looked into whether adding helical blade turbines would be feasible with a spherical lift base in a water supply network. Three Naca airfoil (0012, 2412, 4412) were used to study the ratio of lift to drag force for each wing, Benefit from Qblade and ANSYS CFX software, and choosing the wing that has the highest ratio. The study investigates the feasibility of improving the design of spherical turbine blades by increasing the ratio of lift to drag. The results show that the Naca airfoil 4412 had the highest lift-to-drag force ratio, which was equal to 19.95. Through the improvement process for the Naca 4412 airfoil, the increase was made by 13.34 %, and the lift-to-drag ratio became 22.61. The study also dealt with the design of a turbine through the improved airfoil. 230 mm. It has the engineering characteristics of the number of helical blades, 5, The measurement of the blade's length chord 15 % of the turbine diameter, and the Angle of Attack, 9.5°

Research on propagation routing optimisation of product design change considering multi-domain network collaboration

As the product life cycle progresses, the impact of product design change gradually extends from design to production and supply. Companies must minimise the impact of design change dissemination to improve delivery speed and enhance corporate competitiveness. Considering that design change will causes change in other links of product, enterprises need to establish an evaluation index system to explore the influence of multiple fields on the change propagation intensity. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimisation model of design change propagation routing based on multi-domain network collaboration for enterprises to evaluate intensity of change propagation. Firstly, component, production and supply networks are constructed based on complex network theory and mapped to multi-domain networks. Secondly, the optimisation model of change propagation routing is established. By quantifying the change propagation probability, node crucial, change cost and change time, the minimum value of change propagation intensity of multi-domain network collaborative design is calculated. Finally, taking the medical call system as an example, the hybrid genetic ant colony algorithm is used to find the optimal change propagation routing of multi-domain network collaboration, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method and provides a reference for enterprises to minimise the impact of product design change propagation.

Estimation of an Extent of Sinusoidal Voltage Waveform Distortion Using Parametric and Nonparametric Multiple-Hypothesis Sequential Testing in Devices for Automatic Control of Power Quality Indices

Deviations of power quality indices (PQI) from standard values in power supply systems of industrial consumers lead to defective products, complete shutdown of production processes, and significant damage. At the same time, the PQI requirements vary depending on the industrial consumer, which is due to different kinds, types, and composition of essential electrical loads. To ensure their reliable operation, it is crucial to introduce automatic PQI control devices, which evaluate the extent of distortion of the sinusoidal voltage waveform of a three-phase system. This allows the power dispatchers of grid companies and industrial enterprises to quickly make decisions on the measures to be taken in external and internal power supply networks to ensure that the PQI values are within the acceptable range. This paper proposes the use of an integrated indicator to assess the extent of distortion of the sinusoidal voltage waveform in a three-phase system. This indicator is based on the use of the magnitude of the ratio of complex amplitudes of the forward and reverse rotation of the space vector. In the study discussed, block diagrams of algorithms and flowcharts of automatic PQI control devices are developed, which implement parametric and nonparametric multiple-hypothesis sequential analysis using an integrated indicator. In this case, Palmer’s algorithm and the nearest neighbor method are used. The calculations demonstrate that the developed algorithms have high speed and high performance in detecting deviations of the electrical power quality.

Adaptive urban drinking water supply model using the effect of node elevation and head loss formula: A case study

Along with population growth and health improvement, water demand due to urbanization is increasing and creating a need to develop a strategy for handling water supply networks (WSNs). In the last decade, software modeling of WSNs has been developed to evaluate the state of networks in terms of pressure control, leakage analysis, and overall demand determination. In the case of very complex and extremely large networks, it is very difficult to manage the water supply. Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) in Thailand has to supply drinking water to the three densely populated cities; Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan, that cover an area of 2944.05 km2. Hence, MWA has developed a main pipe model using EPANET software as a managing tool. This tool can offer a good solution for the water supply, but there is approximately a 14 percent error, mainly due to not having the elevation data of the pipe network. The current research is based on demand and pressure modeling analysis with utilizing two important parameters, node elevations, and head loss. The first trial model was an initial revision of the node elevation based on a road surface map. It was found that the model with elevation data could offer a better solution and was 3.95% more accurate than the existing model. The result was significantly improved, but another error, which may have been caused by using an inappropriate head loss model, was found. As the introduced model is based on the Hazen-William model, it cannot offer an accurate solution for all Reynolds number ranges. Even though Darcy-Weisbach is more complex to use, it could provide a better solution. The results indicate the Darcy-Weisbach model produces results that are 8.65% more accurate than the Hazen-William model.

Women entrepreneurs and government neglect in the face of Covid-19: resilience of social cadets through online commercial innovation

One of the major social transformations brought about by Covid-19 in Cameroon with the internet tool is the development of e-shop commercial activities. At the center of this movement are women whose socio-economic profiles show that they are in a situation of financial vulnerability. The areas of commercial intervention of these women range from the clothing industry to the food industry, including cosmetics, catering and natural health products. If their motivations are part of a dynamic of personal development which is linked to their career paths, most of these women make digital platforms spaces of economic profitability to escape their precarious state. Relying on a network of wholesale suppliers based in China, Turkey or in large shopping centers in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala, the sellers participate in the dematerialization of sales spaces for their digitalization. This is explained by the numerous advantages offered by the phenomenon: the payment of rent which replaces payment of the internet package for various transactions. This form of utilitarian accumulation of digital capital provides information not only on the socio-economic transformation of Cameroon by social cadets but also on the meaning of the relationships between these online sellers, their customers and their suppliers and the patriarchal structure of the social system. The aim of this work is to understand, beyond a precarious environment, the capacity of women entrepreneurs in the unstructured economy sector to overcome the changes brought about by Covid-19. To do this, the analytical approach is structuralist, it relies on a network of symbolic relationships which would make possible the political analysis of the position of women in Cameroon, the crisis situation and their empowerment.

Soldiers, civilians, and supply: lessons from Sevastopol

This article examines the supply crisis in Sevastopol during the Crimean War as a case study of war, economy, and society. Evidence shows that structural change and policy developments, rather than a technology deficit, produced systemic shortages across the Russian Empire. The resulting supply crisis on the battlefield spread from the military through the home front, and back again. Protests erupted as hungry soldiers and civilians sought scapegoats in vulnerable social groups. A new suspicion of internal enemies connected to supply networks emerged, and lasted into the Soviet era. While many aspects are unique to the Russian and Ukrainian historical experience, the potential social threat inherent to military supply remains universal.

A Review Article on Analysis and Design of Water Distribution Network for Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) stands as a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring accessible and potable water supply to every rural household across India. This review article delves into assessing the comprehensive impact of the JJM on rural water supply systems, with a primary focus on evaluating its assessment methodologies, distribution network designs, and analytical aspects.The assessment section scrutinizes the strategies employed under the JJM for gauging the water needs of rural communities. It examines the mission's effectiveness in identifying and addressing the diverse and dynamic requirements of different regions, considering factors such as population density, topography, and water quality.Furthermore, the design of the distribution network within the JJM framework is critically analyzed. This includes an exploration of the planning, engineering, and implementation methodologies used to establish robust and efficient water supply networks in rural areas. The article delves into the technological innovations, if any, adopted for optimizing water distribution, storage, and management.

Modification of the wave algorithm for Euclidean distances calculation in transport applications

Many engineering problems could be either reduced to or directly involve the mathematical problem of finding the shortest path in some confined space with obstacles. To solve this problem, graph theory and dynamic programming offers quite a lot of exact and heuristic algorithms that work with directed and undirected, weighted and unweighted, connected and disconnected graphs. All these methods are based on their own techniques of calculating the distance between the vertices, the choice of which is dictated by the convenience of implementation and methodological considerations. As a result, the resulted paths found by the algorithms usually are characterized by a certain abstract length, which is often difficult to convert into Euclidean one. Nevertheless, spatial problems in engineering practice often require an answer in terms of real physical distances. Specifically, such a task fully arises in engineering applications related to the design of seaports, namely, in the laying of routes of intra-terminal transport, power supply networks, in the design of approach channels. A modification of the most common method for finding the shortest paths, the wave orthogonal-diagonal algorithm, is described in the paper. It allows you to include the geometric characteristics of its individual sections in the calculation of the length of the found route, which makes it possible to accurately estimate the length in the sense of the Euclidean distance.

A Reliable Algorithm for Efficient Water Delivery and Smart Metering in Water-Scarce Regions

Smart water meters play a significant part in the interactive control of water supply networks required for smart cities. Opposed to completely mechanical water meters, electro-mechanical water meters or fully electronic water meters can capture real-time data via an automated meter reading process, making them more appropriate for smart city applications. However, the depletion of fresh water supplies as a result of climate change, as well as the rising demand associated with population increase, are some growing concern in many regions globally. Monitoring water distribution and delivery is a critical strategy for increasing distribution efficiency. This paper presents a wireless transceiver unit that can be integrated with existing electronic water meters. The unit utilises a reliable communication algorithm for real-time data exchange. Metering data is transmitted using cutting-edge narrow-band Internet of Things technology that operates using low power whilst covering a wide range with effective penetration.

Optimization of Ship Power Supply Network and Intelligent Energy Management Strategy Under Multiple Energy Modes

<p>Purpose: This article aims to address the issues of incomplete management models and slow convergence speed of optimization models in energy management in ship multi energy systems, and to construct a comprehensive dynamic optimization objective model. Method: Firstly, establish an optimization design model with the objective functions of energy storage system cost, grid power fluctuation smoothing, and energy supply and demand balance; Then, in the optimization process of the objective function, a bus voltage coordination control strategy is adopted, and for the parameter optimization problem in the strategy, a cuckoo search algorithm based on population feature feedback is used for optimization. Result: Through simulation experiments, the method proposed in this article provides effective guidance for capacity configuration and energy management of multi energy ship microgrids, improving quality and efficiency.</p> <p> </p>

Supply chain loss from easing COVID-19 restrictions: an evolutionary economic-epidemiological modelling study

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many firms have been shifting their supply chains away from countries with stringent control measures to mitigate supply-chain disruption. Nowadays, the global economy has reopened from the COVID-19 pandemic at various paces in different countries. Understanding how the global supply network evolves during and after the pandemic is necessary for determining the timing and speed of reopening. By harnessing the real-world and real-time global human movement and the latest macroeconomic data, we propose an evolutionary economic-epidemiological model to explore the evolutionary dynamics of the global supply network under various global reopening scenarios. We find that, for highly restrictive countries, the delay in reopening has limited public health benefits in the long run but leads to significant supply-chain loss. A longer duration of stringent control measures substantially hurts the profitability of firms in highly restrictive countries, leading to slower supply-chain recovery in 5 years. This research presents the first data-driven evidence of supply chain loss due to the timing and speed of reopening and sheds light on the post-pandemic supply-chain reformation and recovery. Insights learned from COVID-19 will also be a valuable policymaking reference for combating future infectious disease epidemics and geopolitical changes.

Hydraulic Simulation of Water Supply Network Leakage Based on EPANET

Hydraulic Simulation of Water Supply Network Leakage Based on EPANET

Policy network evaluation of China’s rental housing market from the perspective of text measurement

In recent years, the Chinese government has gradually paid attention to the development of the rental housing market and began to issue a large number of relevant policies by the central and local governments in 2016. In view of the lack of systematic evaluation of rental housing market policy in China, this study constructed an interdependent multi-layer network of ‘policy objective-policy instrument-issuing department-stakeholder’ from the perspective of text measurement, and used network indexes to measure the global features of the four-dimensional sub-policy network and the differential characteristics of the network evolution process, the results are as follows: (i) The four policy instruments in the network of policy instruments, namely, instruction, supply leading, management system and management system reform, are leaders in the network. (ii) The absolute central node in the policy objective network is to increase the effective supply of rental housing. (iii) The central nodes in the issuing department network are housing development department and the land department. (iv) Market subject and public are the central clusters in the stakeholder network. (v) The network nodes of stakeholder policy instruments have the strongest correlation, and there are three clusters with obvious spatial distance segmentation.

Global environmental impacts of food system from regional shock: Russia-Ukraine war as an example

Different responses to external interference, such as regional conflict, could have distinct sustainability outcomes. Here, we developed a novel framework to examine global food shortages from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and quantify the embodied environmental impacts of disturbed and alternative food supply chains. The conflict could soon bring a 50–120 Mt shortage of nine dominant food products and cause temporal global cropland abandonment and greenhouse gas emissions decline. By contrast, the partial agricultural recovery in the next cultivation season will raise global cropland use and greenhouse gas emissions by 9–10% and 2–4% (mainly in China and Europe). However, optimized food supply networks with prioritized agricultural expansion in higher-efficiency countries could minimize food shortages and food-mile expenses, offsetting the postwar environmental increments from agricultural recovery by 45–89%. These results validate a framework to simulate the global social-ecological system, and underline the resistance opportunities and tele-connected consequences of regional disturbance.

Impact of Information Sharing on Customer Satisfaction Level in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) Industry in Nigeria

Manufacturing firms in developing countries are fast catching up with the current trend of globalization and e-commerce, thus, strategically working towards the alignment of their supply networks to balance demand and capacity. This study aims to determine how fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms can satisfy their customers and leverage their brands more effectively by optimizing the information shared along their supply chain network. This study approaches the issue of information sharing and customer satisfaction through theoretical considerations and addresses the issue quantitatively in an empirical study of the triadic relationship in the FMCG industry. The FMCG industry in Nigeria was chosen as the context for this study. To address the objective of this work, a quantitative investigation was designed. Data was generated using two sets of questionnaires administered to FMCGs, their suppliers, and customers. Responses from the survey were statistically analysed using the structural equation model. The study identifies four levels of information sharing as measurement constructs. By establishing the importance of information sharing in the relationship between the firm and its supply chain partners, this research accentuates that all the flows in the supply chain anchor on information sharing which acts as a support to the firm’s overall performance. In particular, our findings suggest the possibility of improving communication among supply chain partners and raising the satisfaction levels of customers by the flow of effective information along the triad relationship in existence. The paper offers several managerial implications that are relevant, especially for FMCGs in production and service delivery settings.

Analysis of Regional Medical Supply and Demand Network Characteristics Based on “Patient Flow Phenomenon”: A Case Study of the Core Area of the Wuhan Metropolitan Area

Examining medical supply–demand imbalances, as revealed through patients’ cross-boundary treatment behaviors, is vital for reducing a metropolitan area’s medical supply–demand gap and furthering sustainable development goals. This study, leveraging medical supply–demand and commuting data, scrutinizes medical imbalances in the Wuhan metropolitan area core. It includes a ‘People-centered’ theory for elucidating patients’ treatment behaviors, proposes a method for constructing a regional medical supply–demand network, and explores the problem of supply–demand imbalance. The key findings include: (1) Wuhan’s central area, despite its abundance of quality medical resources, fails to adequately cover the entire metropolitan area, indicating a need for broader resource distribution. (2) The Ezhou–Huangshi–Huanggang junction shows a stark contrast to Wuhan with its limited medical services and extensive hinterland connections. Future initiatives should aim to integrate resources dispersed from Wuhan, reducing regional disparities. (3) The city’s periphery, influenced by resource distribution models and geographic distance, exhibits significant variance from central urban areas in medical supply–demand connectivity, particularly around Wuhan’s eastern administrative boundaries. Future urban planning is needed to reinforce this area’s role as a vital medical services conduit. (4) The distinguishing differences among the nine medical service communities in terms of resource recognition, service sharing, and patient mobility provide policy guidance for the allocation of medical resources.

Supply chain disruptions during COVID-19 pandemic: Key lessons from the pharmaceutical industry

Purpose: This study extends previous research by exploring the key lessons learned by the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa from the COVID-19 pandemic supply chain disruptions.Design/methodology/approach: Having embraced the interpretivist paradigm, 25 supply chain professionals were purposively selected on the basis of their experience and deep knowledge of the industry and interviewed using the semi-structured approach of interviews. A qualitative data analysis programme, ATLAS.ti (version 9.1), was used to analyse the transcripts.Findings/results: Following thematic analysis, the following themes emerged from the primary data: supply networks, demand planning and management, supply chain coordination, inventory management, logistics management and local production.Practical implications: It is crucial to build resilience in the design of pharmaceutical supply chains. A comprehensive demand management strategy and use of data analytics need to be adopted by pharmaceutical companies to improve demand visibility, responsiveness and supply chain resilience. The study also revealed the need for local production, as local skills and enterprises are being developed.Originality/value: This study has extended the body of knowledge on the supply chain disruptions, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry by building on the studies that were conducted during COVID-19, many of which were not based on empirical data. It also points supply chain professionals in a direction which enables them to develop a disruption strategy while providing justification for policymakers to support investment in the development of the requite skills for the pharmaceutical industry and the development of local production facilities.

Cost Optimization and Risk Management Program for the Fuel Supply Network in an Oil & Gas Swamp Operation

Marine activity is a critical part of an oil & gas company that operates in the swamp area. The company utilizes rigs, barges, and boats to achieve maximum production. Fuel supply for marine fleets is highly essential to ensure smooth operation. Since fuel cost becomes one of the biggest components of operating expenses (OPEX), the stakeholders highly encourage cost optimization programs to ensure business profitability. However, any optimization program shall have a robust risk management program to avoid disturbance in the operation and potential financial losses. The research aims to select the best fuel supply network in the swamp operation area of an oil & gas company using four criteria (operational expenses, service reliability, value creation, and health safety & environment) based on the literature review and subject matter experts’ analysis. The study will analyze several alternatives using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a decision-making tool and Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) as the risk management method. The result shows that the hybrid network has the highest rating in AHP with a 33.7% rating and the lowest total risk priority number with 212 points.

International Laws and The Reality: The Complexity of Corporate Law in Empowering Human Rights

Corporations inevitably violate human rights in a variety of ways. As corporations evolved into massive multinational businesses, corporate violence—which is a legacy of colonialism and corporate power—continues to exist today. Corporate players maintain their freedom in pursuing their objectives using convoluted and obscure multinational organizations and supply networks, through the utilization of corporate law principles like the veil of corporate ownership, and also through other practices like tax evasion and lobbying of political bodies. The objective of this article is to explore the legal aspects of the problem of corporate violence, and suggesting reforms to ensure justice for the affected parties. This article uses the doctrinal research method along with the comparative method, focusing on both primary and secondary data. This article makes the case that the issue stems from the structural and systemic flaws in the framework of international law as well as in corporate laws that continually preserve corporate institutions in frustrating the advancement of the cause for human rights. To effectively enhance the corporate and human rights environment, a framework of hard law, soft law, and non-law reforms and actions is needed.