Analyzing the diffusion of eco-friendly vans for urban freight distribution

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1218-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Corinna Cagliano ◽  
Antonio Carlin ◽  
Giulio Mangano ◽  
Carlo Rafele
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Commercial Vehicles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Urban Freight ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Diffusion Dynamics ◽  
Operational Variables ◽  
Market Saturation ◽  
Charging Stations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the diffusion dynamics of electric and hybrid commercial vans and its enabling factors in the city logistics (CL) contexts. The case of parcel delivery in Torino, Italy, is considered. Attention is paid to the influence on the choice of low impact vehicles of not only public strategies but also operational aspects characterizing urban freight distribution systems. Design/methodology/approach A System Dynamics model based on the Bass diffusion theory computes the number of adopters of low-emission vehicles together with the quantity of vans required and the associated economic savings. The model includes variables about freight demand, delivery frequency, van carrying capacity, routes, stops, distances traveled, and vehicle charging stations. A sensitivity analysis has been completed to identify the main diffusion levers. The focus is on advertising and other drivers, such as public contributions, taxes traditional polluting vehicles are subjected to, as well as on routing optimization strategies. Findings Advertising programs, green image, and word-of-mouth drive market saturation, although in a long time period. In fact, low-impact vehicles do not offer any economic advantage over traditional ones requiring higher investment and operating costs. Public incentives to purchase both green vehicles and charging stations, together with carbon taxes and a congestion charge affecting polluting vehicles, are able to shorten the adoption time. In particular, public intervention reveals to be effective only when it unfolds through a number of measures that both facilitate the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and discourage the adoption of traditional commercial vans. Route optimization also hastens the complete market saturation. Research limitations/implications This work fosters research about the mutual relationships between the diffusion of low-emission commercial vehicles and the operational and contextual CL factors. It provides a structured approach for investigating the feasibility of innovative good vehicles that might be part of assessments of CL measures and requirements. Finally, the model supports studies about the cooperation among stakeholders to identify effective commercial vehicle fleets. Practical implications This study fosters collaboration among CL players by providing a roadmap to identify the key factors for the diffusion of environmentally friendly freight vehicles. It also enables freight carriers to assess the operational and economic feasibility of adopting low-impact vehicles. Finally, it might assist public authorities in capturing the effects of new urban transportation policies prior to their implementation. Originality/value Most of the current CL literature defines policies and analyzes their effects. Also, there are several contributions on the diffusion of low emission cars. The present study is one of the first works on the diffusion of low-impact commercial vehicles in urban areas by considering the associated key operational factors. A further value is that the proposed model combines operational variables with economic and environmental issues.

scholarly journals Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1215
Author(s):  
Alvaro Carreno ◽  
Marcelo Perez ◽  
Carlos Baier ◽  
Alex Huang ◽  
Sanjay Rajendran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Power Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Distribution Transformer ◽  
Nonlinear Loads ◽  
Electric Vehicle Charging ◽  
Distribution Transformers ◽  
Alternative Systems ◽  
Charging Stations ◽  
Hybrid Distribution

Distribution systems are under constant stress due to their highly variable operating conditions, which jeopardize distribution transformers and lines, degrading the end-user service. Due to transformer regulation, variable loads can generate voltage profiles out of the acceptable bands recommended by grid codes, affecting the quality of service. At the same time, nonlinear loads, such as diode bridge rectifiers without power factor correction systems, generate nonlinear currents that affect the distribution transformer operation, reducing its lifetime. Variable loads can be commonly found at domiciliary levels due to the random operation of home appliances, but recently also due to electric vehicle charging stations, where the distribution transformer can cyclically vary between no-load, rated and overrated load. Thus, the distribution transformer can not safely operate under highly-dynamic and stressful conditions, requiring the support of alternative systems. Among the existing solutions, hybrid transformers, which are composed of a conventional transformer and a power converter, are an interesting alternative to cope with several power quality problems. This article is a review of the available literature about hybrid distribution transformers.

Development of metaheuristics to solve a transportation inventory location routing problem considering lost sale for perishable goods

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M.T. Fatemi Ghomi ◽  
B. Asgarian
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Rational Approach ◽  
Location Routing Problem ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Location Routing ◽  
Perishable Goods ◽  
The Impact

PurposeFinding a rational approach to maintain a freshness of foods and perishable goods and saving their intrinsic attributes during a distribution of these products is one of the main issues for distribution and logistics companies. This paper aims to provide a framework for distribution of perishable goods which can be applied for real life situations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a novel mathematical model for transportation inventory location routing problem. In addition, the paper addresses the impact of perishable goods age on the demand of final customers. The model is optimally solved for small- and medium-scale problems. Moreover, regarding to NP-hard nature of the proposed model, two simple and one hybrid metaheuristic algorithms are developed to cope with the complexity of problem in large scale problems.FindingsNumerical examples with different scenarios and sensitivity analysis are conducted to investigate the performance of proposed algorithms and impacts of important parameters on optimal solutions. The results show the acceptable performance of proposed algorithms.Originality/valueThe authors formulate a novel mathematical model which can be applicable in perishable goods distribution systems In this regard, the authors consider lost sale which is proportional to age of products. A new hybrid approach is applied to tackle the problem and the results show the rational performance of the algorithm.

scholarly journals Different Charging Strategies for Electric Vehicle Fleets in Urban Freight Transport

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13080
Author(s):  
Bram Kin ◽  
Meike Hopman ◽  
Hans Quak
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicle ◽  
Freight Transport ◽  
Urban Freight ◽  
Personnel Costs ◽  
Urban Freight Transport ◽  
Feasible Alternative ◽  
Reservation System ◽  
Operational Constraints ◽  
Charging Stations ◽  
Charging Strategy

The transition from diesel-driven urban freight transport towards more electric urban freight transport turns out to be challenging in practice. A major concern for transport operators is how to find a reliable charging strategy for a larger electric vehicle fleet that provides flexibility based on different daily mission profiles within that fleet, while also minimizing costs. This contribution assesses the trade-off between a large battery pack and opportunity charging with regard to costs and operational constraints. Based on a case study with 39 electric freight vehicles that have been used by a parcel delivery company and a courier company in daily operations for over a year, various scenarios have been analyzed by means of a TCO analysis. Although a large battery allows for more flexibility in planning, opportunity charging can provide a feasible alternative, especially in the case of varying mission profiles. Additional personnel costs during opportunity charging can be avoided as much as possible by a well-integrated charging strategy, which can be realized by a reservation system that minimizes the risk of occupied charging stations and a dense network of charging stations.

scholarly journals On the Issue of Regulatory Support for Passenger Electric Vehicles Operation

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 196-211
Author(s):  
M. A. Kudryashov ◽  
A. V. Prokopenkov ◽  
R. S. Ayriev
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Intermediate Stage ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Rolling Stock ◽  
Electric Transport ◽  
Electric Bus ◽  
Environmental Goals ◽  
Charging Stations

The article provides the results of an intermediate stage of research on development of a project to create infrastructure for operation of highly environmentally friendly electric vehicles. The transition to electric transport is one of the promising methods to solve the problem of emissions and achieve environmental goals. An electric bus is a relatively new type of rolling stock, requiring a balanced and objective justification for selection of certain possible options for technical, technological, economic and other aspects of organisation of its operation. To achieve the goal of developing a project to create infrastructure for operation of environmentally friendly electric vehicles, an initial analysis of legal acts, technical characteristics of electric buses and the parking and on route infrastructure approaches to organizing transportation by electric buses with various charging concepts was performed. The analysis of the concepts of charging electric bus batteries allowed to divide them into 5 classes and group into 3 groups according to charging speed. An analysis of the required infrastructure for operation of electric buses showed that conceptually there are 2 types of charging stations. The calculations and evaluation of various options for organizing operation of electric buses on a fixed route with various concepts of charging were performed. A necessary direction for further research is economic assessment of operation of electric buses with various charging concepts and the necessary transport infrastructure. The methods used include analysis, evaluation of previously performed analytical studies, legal acts and a synthesis of domestic and foreign experience.

Finance equity, student achievement, and justice

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 812-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Knoeppel ◽  
Patricia F. First ◽  
Matthew R. Della Sala ◽  
Chinasa A. Ordu
Keyword(s):  
Student Achievement ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Judicial Interpretation ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Achievement Data ◽  
State Education ◽  
Accountability Policy ◽  
Equity Ratio

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the connections between state education finance distribution models and student achievement. To date, lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of state finance systems have been heard in 45 states; the judicial interpretation of the requirement to provide equality of educational opportunity has led to changes in finance distribution models as well as the implementation of accountability policy. Design/methodology/approach – The study included district level finance and achievement data from five states. Researchers reviewed the relevant judicial interpretation of the finance system, the accountability policy, and the finance distribution system. Next, researchers calculated the equity of both the finance distribution model and measures of student achievement. Finally, an equity ratio was developed and calculated to discern the degree to which state distribution models resulted in equitable measures of student achievement. Findings – Findings reveal that no state has both an equitable system of finance and equitable measures of student achievement. The way that states define proficiency significantly impacts the percentage of students that reach proficiency. This impacts the provision of equality of opportunity. Originality/value – Traditionally, the measurement of equity has only been applied to finance distribution systems. The authors of this paper have applied these concepts to measures of student achievement and aligned the two concepts with the equity ratio. Since states are charged with providing sufficient resources to enable students to reach proficiency, an understanding of the interaction between resources and achievement is a critical tool in analyzing the provision of equal opportunity.

Evaluation of environmentally friendly inhibitor for corrosion of mild steel in phosphoric acid solution: unconventional approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Rashid ◽  
Anees Khadom
Keyword(s):  
Corrosion Rate ◽  
Phosphoric Acid ◽  
Acid Solution ◽  
Mild Steel ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Phosphoric Acid Solution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Phenolic Components

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the corrosion inhibition of mild steel alloy in 2 M H3PO4solution by the pomegranate peel extract as a friendly inhibitor was studied at various temperatures, inhibitor concentrations and immersion times.Design/methodology/approachA weight loss method was used to evaluate the corrosion rate. The experimental Taguchi design method was used for the distribution of experiments. The experimental design gave results which were impossible to show graphically. However, this problem was solved effectively with the aid of regression analysis.FindingsCorrosion rate increased with temperature according to Arrhenius equation. It was found that the efficiency of inhibition was increased with an increase in the concentration of inhibitor and immersion time. However, this diminishes with increased temperature. According to Langmuir isotherm, the inhibitor was adsorbed physically on steel surface. The negative sign of estimated heat of adsorption suggests a stable spontaneous inhibition process. Combination of mathematical and statistical analysis was proposed to demonstrate the results of corrosion rate with high correlation coefficients. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer examinations confirmed that the organic inhibitor consists of phenolic components as main materials.Originality/valueUsing unconventional approach for evaluation of environmentally friendly inhibitor for corrosion of mild steel in phosphoric acid solution.

Big Five personality traits and green consumption: bridging the attitude-intention-behavior gap

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Doanh Duong
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Big Five Personality Traits ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Green Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Consumption

PurposeThis study examines the roles of Big Five personality traits, including conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism and openness to experience, in shaping green consumption behavior, as well as bridging the attitude-intention-behavior gap in environmentally friendly consumption and testing the gender differences between these associations.Design/methodology/approachA dataset of 611 consumers was collected by means of mall-intercept surveys in major Vietnamese cities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS 24.0 was employed to test the proposed conceptual framework and hypotheses, while the PROCESS approach was utilized to estimate mediation standardized regression coefficients.FindingsThe study revealed that in addition to extraversion, other personality traits (agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experience and neuroticism) were strongly associated with green consumption. Moreover, attitude towards green products and intention to buy environmentally friendly products were determined to have key roles in explaining consumers' pro-environmental behavior. There was also a notable difference in the impact of personality traits on men's and women's green consumption.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful recommendations for administrational practices seeking to understand consumer behavior, build appropriate marketing and communication campaigns and attract customers to buy environmentally friendly products.Originality/valueThis study makes efforts to resolve the attitude-intention-behavior gap, a recurring theme in the green consumption literature, as well as illustrates the significance of Big Five personality traits in explaining attitude, intention and behavior when purchasing green products. This research also demonstrates that Big Five personality traits have significantly different effects on green consumption attitudes and intention to carry out pro-behavioral consumption.

Examining effectiveness of online and offline channel integration

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung Heon Oh
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Brown Seaweed ◽  
Graphic User Interface ◽  
Market Penetration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Channel Integration ◽  
Product Service

Purpose Channel conflicts between initial providers (IPs) and independent middlemen (IMM) can hinder the market penetration of IPs, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises with low brand awareness. Design/methodology/approach A case study is used to describe the introduction of an agent-friendly graphic user interface (AFGUI) as a compromise for the basic needs of the IP and IMM, both for the successful market entry of IPs and to encourage the IMM to accept original brand manufacturing (OBM), which can maximize the benefits of IPs after a successful product/service launch. Findings This case study shows that the AFGUI significantly contributes to increasing the IMM’s OBM selection. Comparing the “before AFGUI introduction” group to the group of IMMs who have been SeaHerb’s – a manufacturer of brown seaweed extract – IMM for fewer than three years shows that the latter group’s OBM selection can positively affect the order amount. Originality/value The AFGUI can integrate traditional offline distribution channel systems into online distribution systems. Regarding the AFGUI’s functional effectiveness for preventing fake sellers and fake products, further research on its adoption by online platform providers (e.g. Amazon and eBay) is recommended.

Exploring the use of financial capacity as a predictor of construction company corporate performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 596-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Cyril Tucker ◽  
Abimbola Windapo ◽  
Keith Stone Cattell
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Corporate Performance ◽  
Financial Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Capacity ◽  
Construction Company ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Operational Variables

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the resilient operational variables that impact the corporate performance of construction companies in the South African construction industry and to explore whether financial capacity can be used as a predictor of construction company performance in the context of the South African construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The operational variables of construction companies that impact their corporate performance were identified through an in-depth review of the extant literature. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used in identifying 185 building and civil engineering construction companies based in four provinces of South Africa and registered in Grades 2-6 of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) contractor grading register. The data used in the study were collected from this cohort of respondents through the use of structured questionnaires. At the end of the study period, 62 valid responses representing a response rate of 33.5 per cent were received. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings – The findings of this study indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between the financial capital and net assets of construction companies and their corporate performance in terms of turnover. The data collected did not support any significant relationship between other operating financial variables, such as Return on Capital Employed and profitability and financial performance. Research limitations/implications – A predictive model for predicting the financial performance of firms was developed from the data collected. The implication of this is that the more financial capital possessed by a construction company, the more the company’s financial performance in terms of turnover. The CIDB can use financial capacity as a measure when grading contractors, as a good number of contractors are not performing. The predictive model developed could be adopted by the CIDB as an instrument for predicting the corporate financial performance of construction companies that seek to be listed on their contractor grading register. Originality/value – This research will be of significance to researchers and members of the research community in providing new knowledge as well as to contractors in enabling them to understand the importance of having financial capital. It is also of importance to the CIDB in their quest for contractor and construction industry development. Further research to validate the results obtained in this study using a larger sample size across more provinces of South Africa will form the basis of future studies.

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