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The original research presented in this Special Section analyzes different aspects of the potential offered to mining firms in developing countries by new demands for solutions to face environmental, social and technological challenges. The evidence is drawn from extensive fieldworks and comparative econometric research on Latin America, and suggests that the existing opportunities will need to be pursued with firm-level efforts and active regulatory and innovation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies whether the mining sector can represent a true engine of growth for selected Latin American countries through the suppliers' entry and upgrading within mining value chains. We start by using international trade data to study where mining value is added and how rents are distributed across countries. Despite their importance in the production and exports of copper ores and concentrate, the participation of the selected Latin American countries in copper value chains is still confined to the upstream segment. Moreover, their share of innovation relevant for the sector remains very limited, although new data on patenting and publications show that the sector is becoming increasingly innovative worldwide. Then, we use new microeconomic evidence from case-studies in Latin America to explore the specific opportunities and obstacles faced by mining suppliers in entering the value chain and upgrading within it, and how the regulatory and innovation systems have influenced this process. We show that barriers related to the contractual practices, lead firms' attitudes, and the hierarchical industrial organization of the sector, coupled with the countries' weaknesses in local innovation and regulatory systems, have been contributing to hamper suppliers' entry into mining value chains and upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While much of the academic literature on spinouts focuses on new ventures launched by the ex-employees of incumbent firms within the same industry, recent research shows that spinouts may also enter a focal industry from "knowledge contexts" outside of the incumbent industry. In particular, recent studies show that spinouts may enter from both upstream and downstream industries related to a focal industry along the value chain. Such spinouts have been called user-industry and supplier-industry spinouts. In this article, evidence from existing studies is collected to provide an indication of the relevance of such spinouts across various industries. This survey also includes an analysis of industry studies in which user- and supplier-industry spinouts may have been present but were not identified as such by scholars due to a difference in focus. The paper then considers the evidence accumulated to date in order to explore the industry contexts in which these two types of spinouts appear and to develop propositions concerning differences in the entry timing and product/market strategies of these startups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning decisions are generally subject to some level of uncertainty. In forestry, data describing the resources available have a major impact on operations performance and productivity. This paper aims to present a method to improve decision-making in the forest supply chain by taking supply uncertainty into account using the results of data quality assessments. The case study describes the operations planning process of a Canadian forest products company dealing with an uncertain volume of wood supply. Three approaches to constructing probability distributions based on data quality are tested. Each approach offers a different level of precision: (1) a frequency distribution of accuracy, (2) a normal distribution based on average accuracy, and (3) a normal distribution based on data quality classification. Using stochastic programming to plan transport and production shows that lower costs can be achieved with a general characterisation of the data accuracy. Not considering uncertainty when planning operations leads to a significant replanning transportation cost. Using classes of data quality to include uncertainty in operations planning contributes to reducing the transportation cost from $15.90/m3 down to $15.32/m3 representing 3.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are experiences we know well owing to our location as Africans thinking from the Global South and being in relation to a publishing industrial complex anchored in the Global North. Among ourselves, we often reflect on our deeply frustrating experiences of working in the publish-or-perish cultures that have overtaken the academy while being hemmed in by the onto-epistemological gatekeeping cultures that characterise the capital-driven publishing industry, and feed off what Babalwa Magoqwana, Qawekazi Maqabuka and Malehoko Tshoaedi (2019) and Beatrice Akala (2021) characterise as the neoliberal academy. Here, we refer to the value chain that consists of who is invited to write, the spaces to think deeply that writing requires, the review and editing processes, and the citational politics that academic publishing is enmeshed in. As editors, writers and reviewers, we have spent years commiserating with one another about the pitfalls of academic publishing. In fact, this issue emerged out of a sustained conversation on these experiences. In the spirit of mapping the processes, experiences and insights into the academic publishing landscape, and specifically peer review and revision, we map the contours of the academic publishing landscape and its implications for African and other marginalised scholarly communities. This forms the backdrop against which the cluster of papers that follow sketch out in finer texture a range of perspectives on this landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the hydrogen value chain, industries increasingly rely on digital tools utilizing equations of state to develop safer, more efficient, and cost-effective processes. This paper compares the Peng-Robinson equation of state with volume translation (tc-PR EoS) and the Coquelet-El Abbadi-Houriez equation of state (CAH EoS), modified with the Feymann-Hibbs correction to the covolume, to account for the quantum swelling phenomenon. The models were used to predict density, residual enthalpy, and Joule-Thomson coefficients over a temperature range of 20–353 K. It has been applied to binary mixtures relevant to the hydrogen industry, including H 2 /CO 2 , H 2 /CO, H 2 /CH 4 , and H 2 /N 2. Model parameters were fitted to liquid-vapor equilibrium (VLE) data using the generalized Wong-Sandler (g-WS) and van der Waals (vdW) classical mixing rules. The performance of the models in representing VLE data and densities over a wide range of thermodynamic conditions was assessed. These models can help design processes for hydrogen production, transport and use. [Display omitted] • Modelling pure hydrogen with tc-Peng-Robinson and Coquelet-El Abbadi-Houriez EoS. • Incorporating quantum swelling phenomenon with Aasen's covolume correction. • Predicting key thermodynamic properties of pure hydrogen using a cubic EoS. • Prediction of vapor-liquid equilibrium and binary mixture densities with hydrogen. • Comparison and adjustment of van der Waals and generalized Wong-Sandler mixing rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exploring sanitation at a city scale is crucial due to approaches such as Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). Sanitation impacts individuals, households and the whole city, as recognised by CWIS. The Shit Flow Diagram Graphic (SFDG) is the primary tool for citywide situation analysis. However, current SFDGs assume that individuals use only home toilets, overlooking the complexity of toilet usage, including public and workplace facilities. Our understanding of citywide sanitation flows is incomplete if analyses ignore the other toilets that people use. This study explored the impact of one type of institutional sanitation, school sanitation, on citywide sanitation flows. Methods: To do this an overview and analysis of school sanitation at a citywide level was needed and a method to split the school pupils' excreta flows was developed. Data was collected from secondary sources (e.g. from Ghana Statistical and Educational Services), structured observations (n = 26), and interviews with key informants (n = 15), headteachers (n = 26) and students (n = 39) from across Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. This data was used to construct three SFDGs, which were compared using Trend Graphs (graphs used to compare the state of sanitation across the different stages of the sanitation value chain). Results and Discussion: The findings indicated that school sanitation was less safely managed than household sanitation and that SFDGs could be used assess school-level sanitation. Method development was crucial to accurately partition pupils' excreta flows. While annual flows from schools appeared insignificant citywide, this seasonal flow could adversely affect public and environmental health during school terms. Therefore, it may be more important to consider the school population as a whole when thinking about the impact of school sanitation. This study highlights the importance of understanding where people spend their day and how this is related to the different sanitation systems they use; it demonstrates the need to move beyond household sanitation. This study successfully demonstrates the level of information that is needed regarding people's sanitation practices which enables their excreta flows to be split between different facilities. It could be used as a guide for future studies and the further development of methods to explore this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To qualify products as premium, branding and marketing initiatives often employ imaginaries about the product's origin to invoke positive associations. Yet, little is known about the dissociative aspects of how these place imaginaries create value. In this paper I examine comparatively how in both one aesthetic and one relatively standardized agri-food market – wine and farmed salmon from Chile – imaginaries of pristine and traditional places are becoming central referents for product quality. I demonstrate how, in the context of rising sustainability demands in global value chains, the value of these place imaginaries lies not only in their power to create positive associations in the end market. Instead, they also help powerful actors to dissociate from locally contentious politics surrounding harmful social and environmental practices. The paper contributes to research on firms' dissociative practices by disentangling the ideational and relational work through which value chain actors dissociate in qualification processes and draws implications for material changes in production systems in view of their environmental and social sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banana value chain is a key driver of socio-economic development in South Africa, supporting food security, job creation, income generation, and rural development. The Onderberg District, located in the Mpumalanga Province, is one of South Africa's six main banana production areas, contributing 35 per cent of the country's total banana cultivation. As such, street vendors play a crucial role in banana retailing, yet they are systematically excluded from the formal banana value chains.The purpose of this article is to map the informal economy banana value chains in the Onderberg District, emphasising the role of street vendors and documenting their value-adding activities. To achieve this, a combination of data collection tools within a cross-sectional time frame, including surveys and interviews, was employed. A total of 119 street vendors were surveyed, and 11 key informants participated in in-depth interviews. Banana value chains were mapped using functional analysis. The value chain analysis reveals the imbalances and challenges faced by street vendors within the banana market.There is a need to enhance the inclusivity of street vendors at every stage of the banana value chain. As members of vulnerable socio-economic groups, street vendors play a crucial role, particularly in informal markets. Analysing banana value chains in these settings can significantly improve economic livelihoods, especially for women, who are often not compensated for the work they do. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by focusing on street vendors, offering valuable insights for future research, policy development, and practical interventions in similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the intricate relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and spatial knowledge within the European Union (EU) subnational regions. While existing research has examined this relationship, it often oversimplifies the complexities involved. This study aims to fill this gap by dissecting various types of inward FDI based on sectors, investor origins, and spatial knowledge forms. Using extensive data spanning over 13 years, the study employs negative binomial regression analysis to investigate 223 EU subnational regions. The findings reveal that localized specialization, urbanization, and population density play significant roles in attracting FDI, particularly in manufacturing and logistics. Conversely, capital cities tend to deter manufacturing-related FDI due to resource constraints. Moreover, the study identifies the importance of agglomeration economies, measured by urbanization, in driving FDI across different models given the knowledge spillovers and technological externalities found in densely populated areas. In light of these findings, tailored policies that account for diverse factors – such as regional agglomeration economies and strategic value chain activities – are essential. Recognizing the complexity of multinational business activities is crucial for designing effective policies aimed at reducing regional disparities within the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Africa has the most deaths from infections yet lacks adequate capacity to engage in vaccine development, production and distribution, the cornerstone of efficiently managing and eliminating several infectious diseases. Research has scarcely explored the role of institutional logics in vaccine development, production and distribution, collectively known as end-to-end vaccine manufacturing. This study aims to explore how institutional logics influence firms to engage in the vaccine manufacturing value chain in Africa. Design/methodology/approach: We conducted multiple case study research using five vaccine manufacturing firms from four African countries in three regions. Qualitative interviews were conducted among 18 executives in 5 vaccine manufacturing firms. Findings: We identified that the state, corporate and market institutional logics disparately influence the different parts of the vaccine manufacturing value chain. These institutional logics co-exist in a constellation that also shapes the organizational forms. Their constellation has dominant logics that guide behavior, while subdominant and subordinate logics influence behavior to a limited extent. The findings show that institutional logics are a function of contextual factors, such as historical events, technological changes and pandemics. Originality/value: The study developed a typology that identifies vaccine manufacturing firm archetypes, institutional logics and their constellations underpinned by contextual factors. The findings have implications for firms and policymakers, as they may guide the end-to-end vaccine manufacturing interventions adapted for their regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random polynomio chains adopt a geometrically guided framework for analyzing resistance distance, which involves mathematical techniques to comprehend electrical resistance and optimize communication routes within networks. By determining the expected values of resistance distance-based indices, we can understand the typical or average performance of the network in terms of electrical resistance and communication efficiency. In this study, the closed-form formulae for the expected values of the Kirchhoff and additive degree-Kirchhoff indices for the random spiro-polynomio chains are determined. Furthermore, we compute the average values of Kirchhoff and additive degree-Kirchhoff indices for the spiro-polynomio chains with n polynomios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, which presents highlights of the World Energy Employment report 2023 published by the International Energy Agency with the support and analytical contribution of Enel Foundation, provides an overview of the impacts of decarbonization process on the energy workforce at a global level. Data collected and estimated with deep granularity across the entire value chain shows that increasing investments in the power sector, electric vehicles and other clean technologies are fuelling workforce growth in the energy sector: nearly 67 million people were employed in the energy sector worldwide in 2022, an increase of 3.4 million jobs compared to 2019. Projections under several energy transition scenarios demonstrate that the energy transition will have a net positive effect on jobs through 2030, with job additions in clean energy sectors far outweighing declines in sectors associated with fossil fuels. However, a more detailed analysis of the most in-demand skills within the energy sector reveals that skills shortages in some sectors are preventing the workforce from growing as quickly as needed. Across the energy industry, employers are reporting difficulty hiring and retaining workers with the skills needed to deploy clean energy technologies. To relieve this bottleneck, the paper identifies key intervention areas to build a pipeline of skilled labour (e.g., through reskilling and upskilling initiatives, along with energy transition-focused education) and thus minimize employment-related delays in the decarbonization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As supply chains evolve toward the adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), vast amounts of data are collected by different systems across the manufacturing, logistics and transportation value chain. John G Russell (Transport) is a UK-based company involved in multiple lines of business in the supply chain. As the company adopts the utilization of data intelligence as a way to collect, process and utilize data for insights, this presents an opportunity for applying artificial intelligence (AI) approaches such as reinforcement learning (RL), to identify trends, and offer recommendations for improving the sustainability and efficiency of its logistics. Preliminary results show that we can achieve up to a 20–30% reduction in carbon emissions from the fleet of a segment of the transport business lines of the Russell Group. This paper presents a holistic framework for achieving sustainable supply chains, reducing costs as well as achieving operational efficiency using a supply chain digital twin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic map explores the role of sustainability certification schemes and labels in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across biobased value chains. With increasing global and EU interest in transitioning to a sustainable bioeconomy, these certification mechanisms are seen as critical tools for promoting low-emission practices. This review maps the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of certification schemes, examining sector-specific variations and identifying knowledge gaps. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across three major databases and grey literature sources, yielding 41 relevant articles. There are significant disparities in the evidence on the impact of sustainability certification schemes and labels on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across biobased sectors. Agriculture has the most data, but studies are heavily focused on organic systems, limiting broader conclusions. Most research is concentrated in Southeast Asia and Europe, reducing generalizability to other regions. Additionally, most studies focus on the production stage, leaving value chain phases like processing and disposal under-represented. Knowledge gaps exist across sectors, certification schemes, and life cycle stages, highlighting the need for further research. While some schemes incorporate GHG management tools, evidence on their effectiveness remains insufficient and context-dependent, warranting more robust, targeted research. Though this research looked at all biobased feedstocks, it did not review schemes and labels specifically targeting biofuels, which presents an avenue for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the growing importance of data in global value chains (GVC) and its impact on power relations. We ask (1) how data becomes valuable in GVC, (2) how different types of data are used and (3) how this affects power relations among actors in GVC. We conceptualise data as increasingly important for the development of intangible assets, combining the literatures on intangible assets in GVC and the political economy of data. Based on 88 interviews with practitioners and experts involved in digital business models in Germany, we propose a data typology as an instrument to analyse the effects of data use in GVC based on the origin of data: transactions, product use and processes. We then apply the typology to three case studies of data use in GVC, analysing what kind of intangibles data contribute to and how this leads to upgrading and changes in value chain governance. We argue that data use in industrial value chains does not lead to the concentration of power in the hands of data monopolies. Instead, the creation of value from data rests on a division of labour, with various actors competing for shares of the captured value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Value-Based Health Care (VBHC) represents a pivotal shift from volume-based to outcome-driven quality metrics centered on patient-valued outcomes. This approach requires collaboration across all participants in the health care value chain; providers, payers, pharma, policymakers and patients (collectively known as the 5Ps). Despite substantial theoretical endorsement of VBHC's potential for improving health outcomes and system efficiency, empirical evidence detailing its practical implementation remains limited. This field study evaluates the real-word implementation of VBHC within a health care organization. Methods: In 2022, a health care collaboration Think Tank initiated this investigation during a breakout session, gathering insights from 12 leading international organizations to construct an empirical VBHC transformation reference guide. Real-world data was collected through structured interviews over a 1-year period, covering the 5 P value chain in various healthcare settings. The VBHC initiatives were analyzed through four stages: initiation, data acquisition, collaborative frameworks, and results evaluation. Results: The 12 interviews identified five key enablers for successful VBHC implementation: 1. Organizational Purpose: defining core motivators for change; 2. People: identifying pivotal roles and leadership to endorse change; 3. Resources: securing personnel and financial support; 4. Data Infrastructure: developing interoperable IT systems for effective data sharing and collection; 5. Execution: prioritizing sustained implementation processes. Conclusion: The findings highlight that VBHC implementation and adoption is complex and requires incremental advancements, dedicated leadership, and resilient strategic framework spanning over multiple years. A comprehensive understanding of patient populations, risk stratification, and appropriate outcome metrics are essential to measure and deliver the VBHC transformation. Executive endorsement and transition funding during the transformation process are paramount to support this systemic shift. Collaboration among all 5 P stakeholders is essential for success. This field study underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, providing a practical guide to enhance health care quality and efficiency that serves all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the industry classification of digital economy is determined, the comprehensive index framework of digital economy development level in China is constructed, and the input-output analysis method and index method are used to measure the digital investment status of manufacturing industry in China. At the same time, based on the realistic demand that China's manufacturing industry needs to climb the regional value chain, this paper constructs the forward participation index, backward participation index, regional value chain position index, and regional value chain Balassa, and analyzes the current situation of China's manufacturing industry in RCEP region. Construct a semi-parametric additive model to explore the impact of digital investment on China's manufacturing industry's participation in the RCEP regional value chain. In addition, this paper uses the community analysis method to build the RCEP regional manufacturing digital input trade network, and comprehensively evaluates the trade network pattern of digital input from multiple dimensions. The results show that: (1) the digital investment in China's manufacturing industry is increasing year by year. (2) The indicators of manufacturing industry's participation in RCEP regional value chain show a fluctuating situation, which is generally consistent with China's economic development. (3) Within a certain range, digital investment will promote the participation of China's manufacturing industry in the RCEP regional value chain. China is gradually becoming an important participant in RCEP regional trade. According to the corresponding measurement results, it provides policy suggestions for the deep integration of China's manufacturing industry and digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Undernutrition in women and young children in Burkina Faso is a critical problem. Egg consumption is low despite many households raising poultry. The Soutenir l'Exploitation Familiale pour Lancer l'Élevage des Volailles et Valoriser l'Économie Rurale (SELEVER) project, an integrated agriculture‐nutrition intervention, promoted egg consumption and sales to investigate the impact of poultry production on child nutrition. Multisectoral nutrition‐sensitive agriculture programs address nutrition deficits but lack comparable cost information. This study estimates the costs of the SELEVER program, an integrated poultry and nutrition intervention. The study estimates the program's economic costs using a standardized methodology from the Strengthening Economic Evaluation for Multisectoral Strategies for Nutrition (SEEMS‐Nutrition) consortium, which aligns financial and economic costs along program impact pathways, allocating costs by activities and inputs. We conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups on time allocation and beneficiary out‐of‐pocket costs. Incremental economic costs were calculated by combining expenditures and economic costs. The total incremental program cost was USD$18,084,727.68 over 5 years, with annual incremental costs of USD$209.20 per direct beneficiary and $796.26 per household. Major cost drivers included overhead (18%), poultry extension (17%), training (16%), household counseling (7%), technical assistance (7%) and microcredit (6%). Total input costs were dominated by personnel (51%), supplies (13%), agricultural inputs (10%) and overhead (9%). We present the total incremental costs of a multisectoral nutrition intervention to generate revenue with poultry. The costs per beneficiary were higher than similar interventions, underscoring the need for cost‐effectiveness evaluations of multisectoral nutrition programs. A standardized cost methodology facilitates comparisons with multisectoral nutrition interventions and builds the evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mining complex is an integrated value chain that consists of multiple mines, stockpiles, processors, waste dumps, and tailing facilities, and where the in-situ materials mined are transformed into products sold to customers. Simultaneous stochastic optimisation provides a strategic mine planning framework that incorporates all components of a mining complex into a single mathematical representation, capitalising on the synergies between components while considering uncertainty. An application of this optimisation framework at a coper mining complex demonstrates that the incorporation of material supply, market demand, and processing recovery uncertainties into the modelling leads to production schedules that yield a higher NPV and metal recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ATZ: Automobiltechnische Zeitschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We aim to implement a three-tiered healthcare supply chain model within the context of a portable blood hub during times of crisis to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable populations. Due to a lack of blood, the number of deaths related to this issue has significantly increased in recent years. A critical challenge for healthcare decision-makers is the efficient distribution of blood among different centers. This research proposes a new method to address this issue, simplifying future solutions to similar problems. As a result of our findings, we introduce a model that considers three tiers in healthcare blood supply: point one (blood collection centers), point two (blood hubs), and final destinations (hospitals and clinics) during disasters. For this study, we focused on six collection sites, five blood centers, and thirty-one medical facilities providing eight different blood types. Our model demonstrates that blood can be transported from collection sites to medical centers at a lower cost during crises. This approach requires considering the full three tiers of the healthcare supply chain rather than focusing solely on the supply chain level at blood hubs. Unlike previous studies, which focused only on individual levels of supply chain management, this study examined the entire value chain, from blood collection to delivery to the end recipient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into an analysis of the opportunities and risks inherent in Serbian foreign trade, emanating from the country's multi-vector foreign policy. This study quantitatively evaluates the influence of the political rapprochement with Russia on Serbian exports to both Russia and EU, as its principal export market. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the research reveals that the rapprochement with Russia, even in the long term, exerts a positive and significant impact on Serbian exports to Russia, while simultaneously avoiding adverse effects on trade with the EU. Given the integral role in the value chains of EU companies, this export orientation remains insensitive to Serbia's foreign-political relations, as well as to various customary economic variables. The resulting recommendations for the Serbian government emphasise the imperative to prioritise essential state interests over an ostensibly 'existential' threat to the Serbian economy when making decisions about the direction of foreign policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to examine the sustainable postharvest management of mangoes in Sri Lanka, identifying the gap between current practices and recommended practices, and exploring future perspectives through recent discoveries in the field of mango postharvest management in the country. Research Method: A Literature review was employed to gather information and insights. Findings: The study reveals a significant disparity between the recommended postharvest handling practices and the methods currently practiced in Sri Lanka. The identified gaps encompass inadequate preharvest strategies, inappropriate harvesting practices, insufficient disease prevention measures in field operations, limited use of treatments at packhouses, questionable ripening protocols, and problematic transportation practices. Although many innovative research studies have been conducted in Sri Lanka to control postharvest losses, many of them were halted at the primary level, without follow-up, application of findings on a commercial scale, or implementation of recommendations. Research Limitations: The main focus is only on the mango value chain in Sri Lanka and there is limited published information on mango postharvest management in Sri Lanka. Value: This research highlights the value of addressing postharvest losses in mangoes, providing insights into the gap between recommended and practiced methods in Sri Lanka. It serves as a case study for countries facing similar challenges, promoting the dissemination of knowledge and fostering sustainable mango value chains globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photovoltaic (PV) industry is reaching an inflection point to become a major source of energy. Last decades brought important technical progression in modules' yield and durability. Already available technical solutions might reach the highest power output and the lowest environmental impact in a module. Nevertheless, cost remains the major driver for innovation; top PV panels must combine cost/delay/yield to reach reasonable market share. Our paper presents the development of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) modules with exemplary power and reliability with significantly reduced environmental impact and components sourced from Europe. In order to guide the technology choice in the design phase, we performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) sensitivity study. For a standard PV module, we identify the main steps to improve in order to reduce its environmental footprint. This guided us to tackle the components with the highest impact on the carbon footprint, namely the wafer, glass front sheet and aluminium frame. The proposed improvements will be tested from technical and economic point of view and assembled within one PV module. At the cell scale, we achieved the reduction of the carbon footprint by reducing the thickness of the wafers issued from the European value chain. Optimisation of metallisation and cell interconnection has limited the consumption of silver (Ag), a critical raw metal. At the module level, we implemented the reduction of glass thickness and the replacement of the aluminium frame with a natural fibre‐based frame in a glass‐backsheet module configuration. In addition, we applied a 'design for recycling' approach for the choice of encapsulant and backsheet. The combination of these innovations led us to the realisation of a 566‐Wp recyclable module using a tiling interconnection, cells with an average efficiency of 22.57% with a carbon footprint of 313 kgCO2eq/kWp. Highlights: Presenting a design for the environment approach from conception to realisation of industrial‐scale prototype with the technical challenges of combining multiple technical and material innovations.Combination of SHJ cell on thin wafers < 120 μm with reduced Ag. In content has been implemented on low carbon wafers sourced in the European Union (EU).Paving interconnection using electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) based on low temperature and Pb‐free interconnection technology, with reduced Ag content.Case study of low carbon frame: implementation of natural fibre (timber) frame and its initial reliability study is novelty in the field.On module level, the bill‐of‐material (BOM) selection with design for recycle motivated the choice of thermoplastic encapsulant, fluorine‐free backsheet and thin front glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Building on the value chain model, this study develops a theoretical framework to illustrate the associations between digitalization and firms' value chain activities from three typical dimensions including R&D investment, manufacturing cost efficiency and marketing cost efficiency. The roles of unabsorbed and absorbed slack resources in their relationships are also examined. Design/methodology/approach: Based upon a large sample of Chinese manufacturing firms from 2016 to 2020 and then employing text mining-based analysis and the multiple regression model, this study empirically tests the effects of digitalization on firms' value chain activities and how these effects are moderated by slack resources. Findings: The findings show that increase in digitalization leads to an increase in firms' R&D investment and a decline in manufacturing cost, but results in an increase in marketing cost. In addition, the unabsorbed slack resources and absorbed slack resources play differentiated roles in the associations between digitalization and these value chain activities. Originality/value: This study contributes to the debate on how digitalization facilitates or hinders the value increment by employing the value chain model and further analyzing the impacts of digitalization on three value chain dimensions: R&D investment, manufacturing cost efficiency and marketing cost efficiency. This study extends the possibility that the influences of digitalization on different value chain dimensions may vary depending on some key contingency factors such as unabsorbed and absorbed slack resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article examines the dairy value chain in Southern Peru and identifies four critical success factors that can enhance the local situation. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed descriptive research using semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs from 17 cheese factories across eight districts, namely Azángaro, Ayaviri, Pucara, Lampa, Cabana, Acora, Pomata and Puno. Quantitative market data were also gathered and analyzed alongside qualitative views. Findings: The study identified four critical issues: quality concerns in milk production, suboptimal managerial practices of cheese-processing plants, lack of compliance to regulations, particularly hygiene and environmental ones, and inadequate access to finance. The findings reveal a gap between the practices of the Puno region's dairy industry and world-class standards for cheese production. Urgent actions are required to improve product quality, increase access to finance, enhance managerial education and ensure compliance with regulations. Research limitations/implications: Results suggest critical issues to be prioritized, but the article does not propose how to solve the problems identified. External factors, such as economic changes, were also not considered. Interviews were conducted exclusively with cheese processing entrepreneurs, not milk producers. Originality/value: This case study provides an insight into the interior of Peru, an under-researched region facing several development challenges. The findings have significant implications for dairy value chain stakeholders in Peru and other similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines contemporary Chinese-Kazakhstani political economic ties from the perspective of trade. In particular, it traces the evolution of this relationship before and after the critical juncture of 2013, when the Silk Road Economic Belt was announced in Astana, ushering the era of the Belt and Road Initiative. This paper advances three arguments. First and foremost, Kazakhstan has avoided developing a dependency on the Chinese economy. Its trade autonomy has been maintained before and after the Belt and Road Initiative was launched in 2013, as Kazakhstan benefited from the development of markets alternative to China. Secondly, trade between Kazakhstan and China was mostly focused on natural resources during the immediate pre-BRI years, but it has gradually shifted to a more balanced mix, encompassing intermediate goods, raw materials, and consumer goods. Thirdly, such diversification is the product of an increasingly sophisticated, complex value chain interconnecting Kazakhstan and the rest of the world, including but not limited to China. The growing complexity of these production networks, while certainly beneficial to Chinese firms, has also contributed to Kazakhstan's multi-vector geopolitical strategy. In this environment, Kazakhstan demonstrates the capability to weather the ongoing deceleration of China's economy, as the Central Asian country pursues the diversification of its own economy and external economic ties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AbstractThis article explores the impact of the performance of Toyota Argentina (TASA) on the local auto parts suppliers in the country. The paper begins by providing a brief overview of the global value chains (GVCs) and the development links between automakers and local suppliers. Then, it introduces the trends in the Argentinian automotive industry during the 21st century, including the peculiarities of TASA, which has achieved great economic performance despite the industry’s structural and cyclical trends. Using a mixed methodology combining descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods, the paper analyzes the linkages between TASA and its suppliers. The article concludes with a general analysis of TASA’s governance and the upgrading processes of its suppliers based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic amines encompass a diverse group of amines that include alkylamines, alkyl polyamines, alkanolamines and aliphatic heterocyclic amines. Their structural diversity and distinctive characteristics position them as indispensable components across multiple industrial domains, ranging from chemistry and technology to agriculture and medicine. Currently, the industrial production of aliphatic amines is facing pressing sustainability, health and safety issues which all arise due to the strong dependency on fossil feedstock. Interestingly, these issues can be fundamentally resolved by shifting toward biomass as the feedstock. In this regard, cellulose and hemicellulose, the carbohydrate fraction of lignocellulose, emerge as promising feedstock for the production of aliphatic amines as they are available in abundance, safe to use and their aliphatic backbone is susceptible to chemical transformations. Consequently, the academic interest in bio-based aliphatic amines via the catalytic reductive amination of (hemi)cellulose-derived substrates has systematically increased over the past years. From an industrial perspective, however, the production of bio-based aliphatic amines will only be the middle part of a larger, ideally circular, value chain. This value chain additionally includes, as the first part, the refinery of the biomass feedstock to suitable substrates and, as the final part, the implementation of these aliphatic amines in various applications. Each part of the bio-based aliphatic amine value chain will be covered in this Review. Applying a holistic perspective enables one to acknowledge the requirements and limitations of each part and to efficiently spot and potentially bridge knowledge gaps between the different parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a cross-sectoral analysis of service flows, with a particular emphasis on technologically advanced services, from China to the European manufacturing sector. The research question examines the extent to which the increasing integration of Chinese technologically advanced services into European manufacturing aligns with China’s internal trends in servicification and its strategic agenda for expanding service exports within global value chains. Employing input-output modelling, the study demonstrates China’s expanding role as a supplier of technologically advanced services to European manufacturing and identifies specific industries within Europe that exhibit the highest dependency on Chinese services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotics are a key commodity for global health, and inadequate access is a major contributor to global mortality. COVID-19 has refocused attention on global pharmaceutical value chains and the need for sustainable and secure production and supply of key products, including antibiotics. Production of antibiotics and their active pharmaceutical ingredients is capital- and technology-intensive, however, and value chains are dominated by a limited number of countries. China is known to be one of the largest producers, but its position in global value chains has not previously been analyzed. This is important for discussions about equitable and resilient global supplies, including through global instruments such as the pandemic treaty. Methods: This study utilizes data from the International Trade Center database to analyze global and Chinese export trade patterns in the antibiotic industry from 2002 to 2021, along with trends in comparative advantage. The antibiotic trade data included in this study covers different antibiotic products, including some tuberculosis drugs, while other types of antimicrobial drugs (such as antivirals, antiparasitics) are excluded. Results: The export share of antibiotic ingredients from China increased from 9.0% in 2002 to 44.5% in 2021. China is the largest exporter of antibiotic ingredients (with a strong comparative advantage). Additionally, the export share of antibiotic medicines increased from 0.5% in 2002 to 6.5% in 2021, making it the 7th largest exporter of antibiotic medicines (though with a comparative disadvantage). The proportion of antibiotic medicines in China's exports is gradually increasing, though the country's antibiotic industry is expected to remain in the upstream-to-midstream segments of the global supply chain in the short term. China's export market for antibiotic medicines is fragmented, focusing on developing countries, though European (17.9% in 2021) and North American markets (13.1% in 2021) are increasing in importance. China's weight in global antibiotic exports, particularly of antibiotic ingredients, creates dependencies for countries reliant on China, and for Chinese companies reliant on certain overseas markets. Conclusions: China is central to global antibiotic manufacturing. Policies promoting the reshaping of global supply chains and reshoring of critical medicines will likely create challenges for Chinese exporters, though are unlikely to alter the global supply structure in the short term. This has implications for Chinese policymakers, including strengthening innovation, quality, international competitiveness, and diversifying markets. Equally, China's huge manufacturing capability, cost advantages, and rapid scientific and technological progress, make the country an inevitable and important part of future arrangements to ensure equitable global antibiotic access. As the Chinese government considers its global health policy in the post-COVID-19 era, antibiotics may provide an area where China can play a distinctive role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was held in "Alto Molise," a mountain area embedded in a small region of southern Italy, focusing on the dairy value chain of the "caciocavallo cheese," historically rooted in the socio-ecological system of the mountain reference landscape. The local production system connects the environmental setting (i.e., permanent grasslands and meadows), livestock farming skills (linked to the pastoral heritage like traditional transhumance practice), the production of dairy goods (still partially made with craft techniques), and socio-cultural heritage (e.g., mountain farming and artisan culture). In particular, the focal value chain of caciocavallo cheese in Alto Molise involves local natural and socio-cultural resources, it is also linked to other value chains (such as tourism and meat production), and its development can contrast socio-environmental depletion of the territorial capital in Alto Molise, according to the different business models operating in the value chain. This chain is organized around the cheesemakers who hold a market power compared to others, even though the breeders are the ones to rely on the uniqueness of the natural resource units. This form of governance leads to high value creation but with a low efficiency of value distribution. Indeed, the market structure and power relations for each stage of the chain process resulted in oligopsony for milk production and milk collection, while the milk processing has the characteristic of monopolistic competition. The analysis resulted in a strong weakness of the farmers, which may threaten the very economic sustainability of the value chain. In order to represent the situation, the research identified three ideal types of business models to outline their interaction with the socio-ecological system at different stages of the value chain (production, processing, retailing, and consumption) and their impact on territorial capitals and on the resilience of mountain rural communities, including adaptation to climate change and reverse depopulation: model A—Network var iant : cheesemakers use only local raw milk establishing fair economic and social collaboration with local breeders; M odel B—Market var iant: cheesemakers use pasteurized milk produced in the area, in Italy or in the UE for a more "industrialized" production process, model C—Autonomy var iant : breeders/milk producers are also cheesemakers in this case. At the production level, the environmental capital and the socio-cultural capital and intangible cultural heritage enter the value chain mainly through business models A and C. Business model B allows this connection and valorization only based on the specialization and dairy enterprise reputation, connects with territorial capital of the production stage of experiential tourism and meat value chains, and the actors as processors and family businesses, but not on the territorial capital of the production stage as landscape based on the interaction of agriculture with the natural habitats. This implies a shift in the production model toward a more industrialized one with raw materials from outside the area and stable farming models with common permanent grassland and meadows less engaged in the chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiatives to address food loss and waste (FLW) are gaining attention especially in smallholder-dominated food systems in developing regions. This is in effort to meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets. Countries are seeking innovative solutions to address the FLW challenge to contribute food and nutrition security and to reduce environmental impacts of greenhouse gas emissions through food waste. The lack of effective sustainable cold chain targeting smallholders is a key gap and driver of this challenge. There are gaps in system diagnostic of key factors and practices related to value preservation of food loss but is equally important in capturing value in market opportunities for smallholders and other value chain actors that can guide structuring of such cold chain investments. This article provides findings from a diagnostic study conducted to understand these factors and practices in smallholder focused horticultural value chains in Kenya. The mixed-method study collected quantitative and qualitative data through a household survey of 460 farmers and 25 key informant interviews. Results showed that postharvest loss (PHL) is a major challenge affecting all horticultural crops but with different magnitude. Despite the high PHL experienced, most farmers (96%) don't undertake any postharvest management measures during and/or after harvest. Market related challenges were rated as the most (85%) causes to PHL followed by pest and disease (56%), weather impacts (24%), lack of storage facilities (17%), and damage during harvest (8%). Most smallholders sell to brokers at farm gate, capturing a small share of the value that is linked to lack of aggregation, gaps in cold chain infrastructure along value chain and the transactions costs of marketing. Results showed that other market outlets other than brokers offered higher prices linked to quality and safer product handling. Thus, integrating end-to-end cold chain solutions in smallholder systems through inclusive business models will shape interactions with markets and enable farmers to tap into new opportunities. Enhancing access to cold chain is key to supporting farmers and other value chain actors reduce PHL and facilitate better market integration, contribute to profitability of smallholder farming enterprises and improve socio-economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The possibility of rotomolding polypropylene (PP) composites with high loadings of a silica‐based dust of ignimbrite, a byproduct of volcanic stone extraction is demonstrated. This study aims to establish the properties of composites with various ratios of mineral dust as a filler in PP matrices at loadings from 5 to 30 wt%, ultimately transforming mining residues into a valuable resource for composite production and creating a value chain around the traditional mining industry. Once the composites were obtained, they were subjected to several characterization techniques to comprehensively assess their mechanical and thermal properties. In general, a high percentage of ignimbrite powder has resulted in a reduction in the mechanical properties of neat PP, although no significant changes were observed for composites at lower loadings. Furthermore, the incorporation of this mineral material modified the thermal properties of the PP, enhancing its thermal stability. The blending of the matrix and filler resulted in a reduction in both the melting crystallization temperatures for highly‐filled composites. Rotomolded items with good aesthetics, with stone‐like appearance, were obtained without any modification on the mineral dust or even without any melt compounding, therefore not increasing the energy consumption during the composites production. Composites production is a suitable strategy for valorization of mineral residues. Welded ignimbrite residual dust has been used for the first time in composites. Mineral dust has been successfully used in composites obtained by rotomolding. Polypropylene with up to 30% of the stone dust can be processed. Good aesthetics and mechanical features can be obtained with mineral wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This pathway discusses the need for further research into how focal companies measure and manage indirect Scope 3 emissions in their value chains. Design/methodology/approach: This pathway relies on the authors' qualitative research on European companies' decarbonisation strategies. We analysed self-reported and tertiary data from 33 manufacturing European companies considered leaders in climate action. Additionally, interviews were conducted with four experts who work to elaborate decarbonisation strategies in large companies that are part of global value chains. Findings: The limited visibility of focal firms over their value chains and data collection capacity raises questions on the reliability of indirect emissions inventories and companies' ability to manage indirect emissions. Research limitations/implications: Investigation of the emerging empirical phenomena of indirect emissions may lead to valuable insights for the measurement and management of sustainability issues. Practical implications: Our piece explores the process of constructing indirect emissions inventories, assists in ensuring accurate interpretation of the data and provokes discussion on focal companies' role in managing Scope 3 emissions. Social implications: Many stakeholders refer to companies' Scope 3 inventories. This piece exposes inconsistencies in these inventories and what companies' responsibilities are in managing emissions. Originality/value: Research on managing sustainability issues in supply and value chains is increasing, and indirect emissions are central in this space. This impact pathway seeks to stimulate research in underdeveloped areas by discussing the limitations of this data and highlighting practical limitations present in its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the foundation of human health, the food system is arguably a cornerstone of society. However, despite the criticality of a safe and productive food value chain there are numerous critical issues faced by industries associated with food science and technology. Using a three round Delphi process, this study identified the most critical issues faced by these industries. Based on input from expert panelists representing industry, policy makers, and academics, a total of 120 critical issues were identified in the first round. Through a consensus-building process in two subsequent rounds, 38 issues were retained. The retained issues were then analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify themes. A total of eight themes emerged from the analysis, including the following (alphabetically): (1) education, training, and workforce development; (2) emerging technologies in food sciences; (3) food safety and public health; (4) fresh produce and raw food operations; (5) microbiome and pathogens; (6) product innovation and development; (7) quality assurance and systems management; and (8) sustainability and climate resilience. These results provide a robust foundation to help guide and inform strategic priorities and actions within the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rye flour is a commonly used filler in plywood production, made from finely ground rye grains. It enhances glue viscosity, ensuring even distribution and better adhesion, which improves the plywood's mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to warping. Additionally, rye flour increases the plywood's strength and durability, making it more resistant to mechanical damage and external factors. Its affordability and availability further support its widespread use in plywood production. However, the growing availability of new raw materials has sparked interest in alternative fillers, especially considering food waste challenges caused by low demand or poor household management. This study explores the potential of spirulina, bamboo flour, lupine flour, and coconut flour as alternative fillers to rye flour, being part of the food chain, in three-layer plywood production. Plywood panels were manufactured using birch and pine veneers, urea-formaldehyde resin, and varying filler contents (10, 15, and 20 parts by weight/pbw). Key mechanical properties were evaluated, including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), shear strength, density profile, and filler water absorption. The highest MOE for hardwood plywood was observed with coconut flour (20 pbw, 17,228 N mm−2). Conversely, the lowest MOE values were recorded for coniferous plywood with spirulina (8440 N mm−2). For MOR, the best performance in softwood was achieved using lupine flour (10 pbw, 113 N mm−2), while coconut flour yielded the highest MOR in hardwood plywood (20 pbw, 177 N mm−2). Spirulina exhibited the lowest MOR (72 N mm−2, 15 pbw). Shear strength peaked with lupine and coconut flour. The filler composition determines adhesive properties and bond performance through water absorption, structural interactions, and filler content optimization. These findings emphasize the potential for fine-tuning alternative fillers to achieve desired mechanical performance, ensuring sustainable and efficient plywood production. These also demonstrate the potential of certain alternative fillers, particularly coconut and lupine flours, excluded from the food value chain, in improving specific properties of plywood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt) is strongly purpose-oriented and characterized by a focus on inclusiveness and social and environmental sustainability, with attention to both internal and external stakeholders and their needs. In the attempt to provide new research in this field, this study aims to conduct an empirical investigation within the theory of HumEnt and, in particular, of the Human Resource Orientation (HRO) model among Italian Small and Medium-size Enterprises. Design/methodology/approach: Based on quantitative data, this study used a deductive approach to investigate the relationship between the HumEnt model and firms' relational embeddedness with different types of stakeholders (value chain stakeholders and societal stakeholders, respectively). More concretely, to investigate the relationships between the dimensions of the HumEnt model and firms' relational embeddedness, partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied. Findings: Findings of this study suggest that Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) directly contributes only to value chain embeddedness. However, the results also show that if EO is mediated by an HRO (i.e. companies with a high HRO), a high level of societal embeddedness is also present. Originality/value: This study represents a first attempt to provide comprehensive empirical evidence about the different dimensions characterizing the HumEnt theoretical model, and to highlight their relevance in supporting companies' relational embeddedness capacity with different categories of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper presents the design and implementation of a maturity model for assessing the cost measurement and management capabilities of organisations. Beyond capability evaluation, the model is also designed to provide guidance for improving the competitiveness of value chains across a focal company and its suppliers. Thus, it can also be used to improve inter-organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach: The research, which is interventionist in nature, was developed through a collaboration between the authors and two manufacturing companies that co-funded the design and development of the model. The study follows a constructive research approach, applying established principles, instructions and known development steps to the design and implementation of a maturity model. Findings: The paper introduces a maturity model centred on cost measurement and management capabilities by presenting its constituent parts and functioning. The model is called Cost Management Maturity Model (CMMM). Practical implications: CMMM is a managerial tool that companies can use to assess the maturity of their cost measurement and management capabilities and then derive directions for improvement. It is also a tool that managers can use in the context of inter-organisational relationships to align the cost-related capabilities of a network of companies, such as a supply chain. This has the result of strengthening inter-organisational collaborations to reduce costs and improve value creation. Originality/value: This paper presents an original four-level, pyramid-shaped maturity model that advances prior endeavours to this end within the realm of managerial costing. Unlike existing models, CMMM boasts a wider scope of inquiry that includes attention to cost management and inter-organisational contexts. It also provides a structured and replicable yet flexible maturity evaluation method founded on a questionnaire and an associated scoring method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]