Routing and collection load decisions in a green logistics system for delivering lunch boxes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabin K. Jana ◽  
Dinesh K. Sharma ◽  
Subrata Kumar Mitra
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Green Logistics ◽  
Logistics System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Probabilistic Search ◽  
The World ◽  
Delivery Accuracy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer improvement in routing and collection load decisions for a green logistics system that delivers lunch boxes.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is introduced into the literature for the 130 years old logistics systems whose delivery accuracy is better than the Six Sigma standard without using sophisticated tools. A simulated annealing (SA) approach is then used to find the routing and collection load decisions for the lunch box career.FindingsThe findings establish that we can improve the world-class lunch box delivery (LBD) system. The suggested improvement in terms of reduction in distance travel is nearly 6%. This could be a huge relief for thousands of lunch box careers. The uniformity in collection load decisions suggested by the proposed approach can be more effective for the elderly lunch box carriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research provides a mathematical framework to study an important logistics system that is running with a supreme level of service accuracy. Collecting primary data was challenging as there is no scope for recording and maintaining data in the present logistics system. The replicability of the system for some other city in the world is a challenging question to answer.Practical implicationsBetter routing and collection load decisions can help many lunch box careers save time and bring homogeneity in workload into the system.Social implicationsAn efficient routing decision can help provide smoother traffic movements, and uniformity in collection load can help avoid unwanted injuries to about 5,000 lunch box careers.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the proposed mathematical model and finding the routing and collection load decisions using a nature-inspired probabilistic search technique. The LBD system of Mumbai was never studied mathematically. The study is the first of its kind.

Modeling and prototyping of a soft closed-chain modular gripper

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muddasar Anwar ◽  
Toufik Al Khawli ◽  
Irfan Hussain ◽  
Dongming Gan ◽  
Federico Renda
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Kinematic Model ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Mathematical Representation ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Complex Objects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Closed Chain

Purpose This paper aims to present a soft closed-chain modular gripper for robotic pick-and-place applications. The proposed biomimetic gripper design is inspired by the Fin Ray effect, derived from fish fins physiology. It is composed of three axisymmetric fingers, actuated with a single actuator. Each finger has a modular under-actuated closed-chain structure. The finger structure is compliant in contact normal direction, with stiff crossbeams reorienting to help the finger structure conform around objects. Design/methodology/approach Starting with the design and development of the proposed gripper, a consequent mathematical representation consisting of closed-chain forward and inverse kinematics is detailed. The proposed mathematical framework is validated through the finite element modeling simulations. Additionally, a set of experiments was conducted to compare the simulated and prototype finger trajectories, as well as to assess qualitative grasping ability. Findings Key Findings are the presented mathematical model for closed-loop chain mechanisms, as well as design and optimization guidelines to develop controlled closed-chain grippers. Research limitations/implications The proposed methodology and mathematical model could be taken as a fundamental modular base block to explore similar distributed degrees of freedom (DOF) closed-chain manipulators and grippers. The enhanced kinematic model contributes to optimized dynamics and control of soft closed-chain grasping mechanisms. Practical implications The approach is aimed to improve the development of soft grippers that are required to grasp complex objects found in human–robot cooperation and collaborative robot (cobot) applications. Originality/value The proposed closed-chain mathematical framework is based on distributed DOFs instead of the conventional lumped joint approach. This is to better optimize and understand the kinematics of soft robotic mechanisms.

The enigma of franchising in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Ilan Alon ◽  
Michael Alexander Kruesi
Keyword(s):  
International Markets ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Outlets ◽  
The World ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Ranking Countries

Purpose Although China is among the most populated and fastest growing markets in the world, the reason why China’s franchising scale and scope is so limited remains an enigma. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on franchising in China and offer strategies for practitioners to more effectively operate under a franchise model in the Chinese market. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews both literature and practical sources providing some primary data from interviews conducted with franchise industry practitioners in China. Findings The findings of this paper are that foreign entrants to China must carefully consider if they should enter the Chinese market through franchising or if the market may be too difficult to navigate. Franchisors, whose brand is unknown in China or have operations that are too Western-centric, should probably seek international markets closer to home. Those with a high value proposition in the local market and the capabilities to adapt effectively to China’s peculiarities may, however, find a promising and profitable niche to operate in. Originality/value This paper focuses on the under examined realities of franchising in the Chinese market. Based on the previous experiences of franchisors in China, the paper raises seven practical strategies that practitioners can use to more successfully enter the Chinese market through franchising. Although China is among the most populated and fastest growing markets in the world, the reason why China’s franchising scale and scope is so limited remains an enigma. According to the International Franchise Association and International Trade Administration reports, China is among the top-ranking countries in terms of trade opportunities, with the top 100 franchisor sales estimated at ¥428bn (about US$66bn). China is the largest franchise market in the world, with over 4,500 franchise systems and some 400,000 franchised outlets in over 70 industries. However, considering China’s US$13.6tn (2018) economy, this is still far lower than its full potential. In addition, the scope of franchising is limited and is mostly centered in food and beverage and retail outlets, which consists of approximately 40 per cent of all franchisors.

Drivers of youth in cocoa value chain activities in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin Nantui Mabe ◽  
Gideon Danso-Abbeam ◽  
Shaibu Baanni Azumah ◽  
Nathaniel Amoh Boateng ◽  
Kwadwo B. Mensah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Youth Participation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Training Programmes

PurposeCocoa is regarded as a brown-golden crop, but its value chain activities are dominated by the elderly. Hence, focussing attention on the young generation of farmers is the surest way to reverse this trend and secure the future of the cocoa industry. This paper, therefore explores factors influencing youth participation in cocoa value chain activities in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected using a multistage sampling technique. The authors used a semi-structured questionnaire in collecting data via interviews. Through the theory of utility maximization, a multivariate probit (MVP) model was estimated to identify factors influencing youth participation in cocoa value chain activities in Ghana.FindingsThe author found that some of the value chain activities are complementary, while others are substitutes. Participation in cocoa value chain activities is influenced by access to land, participation in training programmes in cocoa production, membership of Next Generation Cocoa Youth Programme (MASO), access to agricultural credit and other demographic characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsRelevant information and youth-targeted projects enhance their participation in value chain activities.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few studies that empirically analyses drivers of youth participation in cocoa value chain activities in Africa.

scholarly journals Elder Abuse and Elder Victimization: A Sociological Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-113
Author(s):  
Ranjay Vardhan
Keyword(s):  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Sociological Analysis ◽  
Regular Source ◽  
The World ◽  
Victims Of Violence

AbstractIndia is home to one out of every 10 senior citizens of the world. According to the 2011 Census, 8.6% of people are aged above 60 years. A number of cases of elder abuse have been reported in the mass media as these people are easy victims of violence and criminal activities. Society comes to know about only those problems which are reported. Innumerable cases of disrespect and neglect are not given any consideration. The situation becomes even worse when perpetrators are very near relatives and in some cases blood relatives also. To overcome the problem a law, the “Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act”, was passed in 2007. Based on primary data, the present paper will attempt to study the problems of the elderly with focus on gender, their abuse and victimization. The paper concludes that the majority of elders, especially those with little or no source of income, reside with their families and face abuse and victimization. Those who have a regular source of income face less abuse. To maintain confidentiality of family matters, elderly persons often do not report such crimes and undergo trauma.

Development of mathematical model and circuit emulators for four lobe memristive behaviour

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kapil Bhardwaj ◽  
Mayank Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Third Order ◽  
End Points ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Voltage Multiplier ◽  
Spice Model ◽  
Multiplier Circuit

Purpose This paper aims to develop a mathematical model for four-lobe memristor (FLM) element. The four-lobe memristive behaviour can be used in realization of hyperchaotic oscillators and implementation of multi-bit memories. For verification of the developed mathematical framework, two FLM circuit emulators have been presented using VDCC and IC LM13700, respectively. Design/methodology/approach A mathematical model for FLM has been developed in which, the condition for the existence of symmetrical four lobes, instances and coordinates of the end points of lobes has been derived and presented. Using this mathematical framework, a FLM emulator based on VDCC has been developed. To validate the possibility of practical implementation of FLM concept, an IC LM13700-based circuit has also been developed. The workability of VDCC based circuit has been verified by running simulations in PSPICE environment using CMOS VDCC model. Similarly, the behaviour of LM13700 IC-based circuit has been confirmed by SPICE model of LM13700 IC. Findings It has been shown mathematically that under certain conditions, third-order flux dependent equation of memductance can be used to generate four lobes on the transient v-i plane. Also, two FLM emulators without using any voltage multiplier circuit/IC have been reported. Originality/value From the best knowledge of the authors, there are no such FLM emulators that have been reported in literature so far, which operates at practical operating frequencies.

Radicular pain caused by synovial cyst: an underdiagnosed entity in the elderly?

2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhany R. Charest ◽  
Brendan G. Kenny
Keyword(s):  
Preoperative Diagnosis ◽  
World Literature ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Synovial Cyst ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Synovial Cysts ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Synovial cyst is a recognized but infrequent cause of nerve root or spinal canal compression. The authors undertook a review of 839 decompressive spinal procedures performed over a 5-year period. They found seven cases in which the symptoms were caused by synovial cysts. Methods. Six of these cases were in a subgroup of 80 patients who were older than 60 years of age, which represents 7.5% of the total for this age group. More than 200 cases of this abnormality have been reported in the world literature, but the incidence, prevalence, and natural history remain unknown. Conclusions. The authors propose that the incidence of synovial cysts may be more common than recognized in the elderly and suggest that preoperative diagnosis may help limit the extent of the surgical approach.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF INDIAN INSURANCE INDUSTRY POST GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (01-02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anis Ur Rehman ◽  
Yasir Arafat Elahi ◽  
Sushma .
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Insurance Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The New Deal

India has recently emerged as a major political and economic power in the world. The financial crisis that engulfed the world in 2008 needed developing countries like India to lead the rescue and recovery, instead of G7 westerns countries who dealt with such crisis in the past. Recently, discussions and negotiations are going amongst G20 countries regarding a new global financial architecture (G-20 Summit, 2008). The outcome will affect the relevant industries in India and hence it is a public interest issue for the actuarial profession in the country. Increased and more intrusive and costly regulations and red tapes are likely to be a part of the new deal (Economic Survey 2009-10). The objective of this paper is to study the perception of higher level authorities in Insurance sector regarding the role of regulator in minimizing the impact of global financial crisis. The primary data has been collected from 200 authorities in insurance industry. The data has been analyzed with statistical tools like MS-Excel. On the basis of the findings, various measures and policy recommendations for insurers have been suggested to minimize the impact of crisis.

Network analysis models – the secret for success

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 383-388
Author(s):  
D.M. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Automatic Calibration ◽  
Supply And Distribution ◽  
The World ◽  
Optimum Approach ◽  
Analysis Models

Water is a fundamental necessity of life. Yet water supply and distribution networks the world over are old and lacking in adequate maintenance. Consequently they often leak as much water as they deliver and provide an unacceptable quality of service to the customer. In certain parts of the world, water is available only for a few hours of the day. The solution is to build a mathematical model to simulate the operation of the real network in all of its key elements and apply it to optimise its operation. To be of value, the results of the model must be compared with field data. This process is known as calibration and is an essential element in the construction of an accurate model. This paper outlines the optimum approach to building and calibrating a mathematical model and how it can be applied to automatic calibration systems.

How Phillips saw the light

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Freak Show ◽  
The World ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The One ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The problem with developing a reputation of being something of an oracle in the business world is that all of a sudden, everyone expects you to pull off the trick of interpreting the future on a daily basis. Like a freak show circus act or one-hit wonder pop singer, people expect you to perform when they see you, and they expect you to perform the thing that made you famous, even if it is the one thing in the world you don’t want to do. And when you fail to deliver on these heightened expectations, you are dismissed as a one trick pony, however good that trick is in the first place. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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