Search Results (100)

Aflatoxin contamination, primarily caused by Aspergillus flavus, poses a significant threat to peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, food safety, and global trade. Despite extensive efforts, breeding for durable resistance remains difficult due to the polygenic and environmentally sensitive nature of resistance. Although germplasm such as J11 have shown partial resistance, none of the identified lines demonstrated stable or comprehensive protection across diverse environments. Resistance involves physical barriers, biochemical defenses, and suppression of toxin biosynthesis. However, these traits typically exhibit modest effects and are strongly influenced by genotype–environment interactions. A paradigm shift is underway with increasing focus on host susceptibility (S) genes, native peanut genes exploited by A. flavus to facilitate colonization or toxin production. Recent studies have identified promising S gene candidates such as AhS5H1/2, which suppress salicylic acid-mediated defense, and ABR1, a negative regulator of ABA signaling. Disrupting such genes through gene editing holds potential for broad-spectrum resistance. To advance resistance breeding, an integrated pipeline is essential. This includes phenotyping diverse germplasm under stress conditions, mapping resistance loci using QTL and GWAS, and applying multi-omics platforms to identify candidate genes. Functional validation using CRISPR/Cas9, Cas12a, base editors, and prime editing allows precise gene targeting. Validated genes can be introgressed into elite lines through breeding by marker-assisted and genomic selection, accelerating the breeding of aflatoxin-resistant peanut varieties. This review highlights recent advances in peanut aflatoxin resistance research, emphasizing susceptibility gene targeting and genome editing. Integrating conventional breeding with multi-omics and precision biotechnology offers a promising path toward developing aflatoxin-free peanut cultivars. Full article

Achieving sustainable development goals remains a core issue in global development. In response, China has proposed the development of new quality productive forces (NQPFs) through innovative thinking, emphasizing that fostering NQPFs is both an intrinsic requirement and a pivotal focus for advancing high-quality development. Concurrently, the intelligent transformation of the manufacturing sector serves as a critical direction for China’s economic restructuring and upgrading. This paper places “new quality productive forces” and “intelligent transformation of manufacturing” within the same analytical framework. Starting from the logical chain of “new quality productive forces—three major mechanisms—intelligent transformation of manufacturing,” it concretizes the value implications of new quality productive forces into a systematic conceptual framework driven by the synergistic interaction of three major mechanisms: the mechanism of revolutionary technological breakthroughs, the mechanism of innovative allocation of production factors, and the mechanism of deep industrial transformation and upgrading. This study constructs a “3322” evaluation index system for NQPFs, based on three formative processes, three driving forces, two supporting systems, and two-dimensional characteristics. Simultaneously, it builds an evaluation index system for the intelligent transformation of manufacturing, encompassing intelligent technology, intelligent applications, and intelligent benefits. Using national time-series data from 2012 to 2023, this study assesses the development levels of both NQPFs and the intelligent transformation of manufacturing during this period. The study further analyzes the impact of NQPFs on the intelligent transformation of the manufacturing sector. The research results indicate the following: (1) NQPFs drive the intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry through the three mechanisms of innovative allocation of production factors, revolutionary breakthroughs in technology, and deep transformation and upgrading of industries. (2) The development of NQPFs exhibits a slow upward trend; however, the outbreak of the pandemic and Sino-US trade frictions have caused significant disruptions to the development of new-type productive forces. (3) The level of intelligent manufacturing continues to improve; however, from 2020 to 2023, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Sino-US trade conflicts, the level of intelligent benefits has slightly declined. (4) NQPFs exert a powerful driving force on the intelligent transformation of manufacturing, exerting a significant positive impact on intelligent technology, intelligent applications, and intelligent efficiency levels. Full article

The escalating climate crisis and global disruptions have prompted a critical re-evaluation of operations management within manufacturing and supply systems. This conceptual article addresses the theoretical and strategic gap in aligning resilience and sustainability by proposing an Integrated Sustainable Operational Strategy (ISOS) framework. Drawing on systems theory, circular economy principles, and sustainability science, the framework synthesizes multiple operational domains—circularity, localization, digital adaptation, and workforce flexibility—across macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (process) levels. This study constructs a conceptual model that explains the interdependencies and trade-offs among strategic operational responses in the Anthropocene era. Supported by multi-level logic and a synthesis of domain constructs, the model provides a foundation for empirical investigation and strategic planning. Key propositions for future research are developed, focusing on causal relationships and boundary conditions. The novelty of ISOS lies in its simultaneous integration of three strategic pillars—circularity, localization, and digital resilience—within a unified, multi-scalar architecture that bridges fragmented operational theories. The article advances theory by redefining operational excellence through regenerative logic and adaptive capacity, responding directly to SDG 9 (industry innovation), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). This integrative framework offers both theoretical insight and practical guidance for transforming operations into catalysts of sustainable transition. Full article

Hydrogen is being increasingly integrated into the international trade system as a clean and flexible energy carrier, motivated by the global energy transition and carbon neutrality objectives. The rapid expansion of the global hydrogen trade network has simultaneously exposed several sustainability challenges, including a centralized structure, overdependence on key countries, and limited resilience to external disruptions. Based on this, we develop a risk propagation model that incorporates the absorption capacity of nodes to simulate the propagation of supply shortage risks within the global hydrogen trade network. Furthermore, we propose a composite sustainability index constructed from structural, economic, and environmental resilience indicators, enabling a systematic assessment of the network’s sustainable development capacity under external shock scenarios. Findings indicate the following: (1) The global hydrogen trade network is undergoing a structural shift from a Western Europe-dominated unipolar configuration to a more polycentric pattern. Countries such as China and Singapore are emerging as key hubs linking Eurasian regions, with trade relationships among nations becoming increasingly dense and diversified. (2) Although supply shortage shocks trigger structural disturbances, economic losses, and risks of carbon rebound, their impacts are largely concentrated in a limited number of hub countries, with relatively limited disruption to the overall sustainability of the system. (3) Countries exhibit significant heterogeneity in structural, economic, and environmental resilience. Risk propagation demonstrates an uneven pattern characterized by hub-induced disruptions, chain-like transmission, and localized clustering. Accordingly, policy recommendations are proposed, including the establishment of a polycentric coordination mechanism, the enhancement of regional emergency coordination mechanisms, and the advancement of differentiated capacity-building efforts. Full article

The intensifying global competition for cobalt resources and the increasing likelihood of trade decoupling and disruption are profoundly impacting the global energy transition. In a globalized trade environment, a decline in cobalt supply from exporting countries can spread through the trade network, negatively affecting demand countries. Quantitative analysis of the negative impacts of export supply declines in various countries can help identify early risks in the global supply chain, providing a scientific basis for energy security, industrial development, and policy responses. This study constructs a trade network using trade data on metal cobalt, cobalt powder, cobalt concentrate, and ore sand from the upstream (mining, selection, and smelting) stages of the cobalt industry chain across 155 countries and regions from 2000 to 2023. Based on this, an impact diffusion model is established, incorporating the trade volumes and production levels of cobalt resources in each country to measure their resilience to shocks and determine their direct or indirect dependencies. The study then simulates the impact on countries (regions) when each country’s supply is completely interrupted or reduced by 50%. The results show that: (1) The global cobalt trade network exhibits a ‘one superpower, multiple strong players’ characteristic. Congo (DRC) has a far greater destructive power than other countries, while South Africa, Zambia, Australia, Russia, and other countries have higher destructive power due to their strong storage and production capabilities, strong smelting capabilities, or as important trade transit countries. (2) The global cobalt trade network primarily consists of three major risk areas. The African continent, the Philippines and Indonesia in Southeast Asia, Australia in Oceania, and Russia, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom in Eurasia and North America form the primary risk zones for global cobalt trade. (3) When there is a complete disruption or a 50% reduction in export supply, China will suffer the greatest average demand loss, far exceeding the second-tier countries such as the United States, South Africa, and Zambia. In contrast, European countries and other regions worldwide will experience the smallest average demand loss. Full article

This study investigates how Chinese ownership in European ports affects trade flows between China and Eurozone countries, set against the backdrop of recent global economic disruptions that have emphasized the crucial role of maritime trade and port efficiency. An augmented gravity model was employed, using the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML), fixed effects (FE), and random effects (RE) estimators, to analyze trade data from 2001 to 2023. The analysis shows that, while conventional economic factors like GDP per capita and the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) consistently and significantly drive trade, Chinese port ownership surprisingly exhibits a negative or statistically insignificant impact on both Chinese exports to the EU and EU imports from China. This suggests that these acquisitions may not primarily boost overall bilateral trade but rather consolidate existing routes or serve broader strategic objectives, as evidenced by heterogeneous country-specific effects and phenomena like the “Rotterdam effect”. Ultimately, my findings underscore the paramount importance of logistical efficiency over ownership structure in facilitating trade. Full article

In the context of increasingly complex and dynamic maritime logistics, seaports serve as critical nodes for intermodal transport, energy distribution, and global trade. Ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of port infrastructure—particularly berths—is vital for maintaining supply chain resilience. This study explores the impact of multiple risk categories on berth efficiency in a seaport, aligning with the growing emphasis on maritime safety and risk-informed decision-making. A two-stage methodology is adopted. In the first phase, the DEA CCR input-oriented model is employed to assess the efficiency of selected berths considered as Decision Making Units (DMUs). In the second phase, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to categorize and quantify the impact of four major risk classes—operational, technical, safety, and environmental—on berth efficiency. The results demonstrate that operational and safety risks contribute 63.91% of the composite weight in the AHP risk assessment hierarchy. These findings are highly relevant to contemporary efforts in maritime risk modeling, especially for individual ports and port systems with high berth utilization and vulnerability to system disruptions. The proposed integrated approach offers a scalable and replicable decision-support tool for port authorities, port operators, planners, and maritime safety stakeholders, enabling proactive risk mitigation, optimal utilization of available resources in a port, and improved berth performance. Its methodological design is appropriately suited to support further applications in port resilience frameworks and maritime safety strategies, being one of the bases for establishing collision avoidance strategies related to an individual port and/or port system, too. Full article

Globalization and the spread of technological innovations have made world markets and economies increasingly unified and conditioned by international trade, not only for sales markets but above all for the supply of raw materials necessary for the functioning of the production complex of each country. Alongside oil and gold, the main commodities traded include industrial metals, such as aluminum and copper, mineral products such as gas, electrical and electronic components, agricultural products, and precious metals. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine tested the unification of markets, given that these are countries with notable raw materials and are strongly dedicated to exports. This suggests that commodity prices were able to influence the stock markets, especially in the countries most closely linked to the two belligerents in terms of import-export. Given the importance of industrial metals in this period of energy transition, the aim of our study is to analyze whether Industrial Metals volatility affects G7 stock markets. To this end, the BEKK-GARCH model is used. The sample period spans from 3 January 2018 to 17 September 2024. The results show that lagged shocks and volatility significantly and positively influence the current conditional volatility of commodity and stock returns during all periods. In fact, past shocks inversely influence the current volatility of stock indices in periods when external events disrupt financial markets. The results show a non-linear and positive impact of commodity volatility on the implied volatility of the stock markets. The findings suggest that the war significantly affected stock prices and exacerbated volatility, so investors should diversify their portfolios to maximize returns and reduce risk differently in times of crisis, and a lack of diversification of raw materials is a risky factor for investors. Full article

The intersection of digitalization and innovation has emerged as the most vital strategy to spur economic development and shape consumer choice. The study examines sustainable development, digital economic governance, and sustainable consumption, emphasizing the role of consumer awareness, tariff policy, and managerial practice in aligning business strategy with sustainable goals. Amidst global environmental challenges, a suitable tariff policy is of utmost significance to propel the digital economy and encourage sustainable development. This paper investigates how emerging tariff policies can advance trade competitiveness and environmental impacts and draws on a literature review and data collection for the period between 2000 and 2025. The article examines the disruptive function of digital technologies, AI, and big data in driving sustainable business practices and digitalization. It also discusses how such technologies can simplify tariff implementation, compliance, and stakeholder trust through behavioral insights drawn from secondary data analysis on a cross-country basis and official reports. The study identifies best practices in the coordination of tariff policy with international governance institutions. Empirical observation shows that innovative tariff approaches in digital economic governance can support long-term growth, increase international coordination, and guide global governance efforts in environmental sustainability and SDGs. The implications of the findings are relevant to policymakers, business leaders, and legal experts working on fast-paced global changes. Full article

In the context of the globalization process, the interplay between geopolitical dynamics and international trade fluctuations has had significant effects on global economic and business stability. Recent crises, such as the US–China trade war, the invasion of Ukraine, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted how changes in the structure of international trade can amplify the risks of business failure and reshape global competitiveness. This study aims to analyze in depth the transmission of business failure risk within the global trade network by assessing the sensitivity of industrial sectors in different countries to disruptive/critical/significant events. Through the integration of data from sources such as the World Trade Organization, national customs, and international relations research centers, a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach based on graph theory, random forest, multivariate regression models, and neural networks is developed. This quantitative system makes it possible to identify patterns of risk propagation and to evaluate the degree of vulnerability of each country according to its commercial and financial structure. The mechanisms that relate geopolitical factors, such as trade sanctions and international conflicts, with the oscillations in the global market are analyzed. This study not only contributes to our understanding of how the macroeconomic environment influences business survival, but also provides analytical tools for strategic decision making. By providing an empirical and theoretical framework for early risk identification, it brings a novel perspective to academia and business, facilitating better adaptation to an increasingly volatile and uncertain business environment. Full article

Air cargo logistics plays a crucial role in transforming supply chains and increasing speed, reliability, and global connectivity. However, fragmented data integration and limited digitalization are key challenges in air cargo supply. Global challenges, such as COVID-19, showed the significance of the air cargo supply chain in ensuring that global trade continues without significant disruptions. This study focuses on digitalization strategy for the Latvian air cargo supply chain, addressing the issues related to operational efficiency and enhancing competitiveness. With the utilization of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), the proposed strategy emphasizes data-sharing challenges using IATA ONE Record as a foundation. Quantitative and qualitative methods, including PESTEL analysis, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and expert interviews, were used to evaluate and prioritize digital solutions. The results highlight the potential for software integration with the aim of real-time monitoring and tracking of air cargo, facilitating the exchange of data across stakeholders. The studies conducted demonstrate the benefits and opportunities of software integration, significantly reducing production time and operating expenses. The findings show that IATA ONE Record integration transform Latvian air cargo industry, facilitating the development of regional supply chains. Therefore, it can be argued that in the context of increased uncertainty and growing consumer demands, the digitalization of this sector, as illustrated by the case of air cargo in Latvia, is of particular importance from both a practical and scientific point of view. Full article

The logistics sector plays a critical role in global trade but faces significant risks due to geopolitical instability, economic downturns, and environmental disruptions. This study investigates risk and crisis management strategies within the logistics industry by integrating qualitative expert interviews with quantitative analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). It identifies key risks, such as supply chain disruptions, fluctuating market conditions, and infrastructure challenges, and assesses the most effective mitigation strategies. Findings indicate that diversifying transport routes and implementing business continuity planning are the most critical strategies, while technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, significantly enhance resilience. Collaboration among logistics companies, suppliers, and policymakers is essential for effective crisis management. The AHP analysis ranks crisis management strategies, providing a practical framework for logistics firms to improve risk preparedness. This study contributes to the field by offering actionable recommendations to enhance crisis response and long-term sustainability. The results underscore the necessity of adaptive and proactive risk management approaches in an increasingly volatile global logistics landscape. Full article

Shadow fleets, operating covertly in global maritime commerce, have emerged as a significant challenge to international regulatory frameworks and trade policies. This paper introduces a novel conceptual framework that distinguishes between ‘dark fleets’ and ‘gray fleets’, offering a more nuanced understanding of these clandestine maritime activities. Through a comprehensive methodological approach integrating a literature review, case studies, and data analysis, we examine the characteristics, operational strategies, and implications of shadow fleets. Our research reveals that shadow fleets have expanded rapidly, now accounting for approximately 10% of global seaborne oil transportation. We identify key indicators of shadow fleet operations, including disabled Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitters, inconsistent vessel information, unusual behavior patterns, obscure ownership structures, and the use of aging vessels. This paper highlights the economic disruptions caused by shadow fleets, their role in circumventing international sanctions, and the significant environmental and safety risks they pose. The study underscores the regulatory challenges in addressing shadow fleets, particularly their exploitation of flags of convenience and complex ownership structures. We propose a multifaceted approach to tackling these challenges, emphasizing the need for advanced technological solutions, enhanced international collaboration, and adaptive ocean governance frameworks. This research contributes to the evolving field of maritime security and policy, offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers into developing strategies to mitigate the risks posed by shadow fleets in global maritime commerce. Full article

International trade plays a pivotal role in shaping global supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and environmental disasters. These disturbances, particularly in maritime logistics, can trigger cascading effects across global industries. This study aims to identify and prioritize strategic responses to such disruptions by employing a combined qualitative exploratory approach and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Expert judgments were obtained from 32 senior professionals across the maritime logistics and port management sectors during a structured evaluation conducted in the second quarter of 2025. AHP was utilized to systematically assess these inputs and determine the relative importance of resilience strategies. The results emphasize the need for adaptive, proactive, and sustainable logistics approaches to ensure long-term stability in maritime trade. By bridging a gap in the literature concerning integrated assessment of disruption responses, the study offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers navigating an increasingly volatile global trade environment. Full article

This study posits the need for a conceptual multi-risk management approach for fresh produce, an essential product category for societal resilience and one constantly affected by climate change, policy volatility, and geopolitical disruptions. The research started with a literature-informed typological risk mapping, leading to Gephi ver 0.10.1 visualizations of networks related to this trade. Network analysis using 2024 bilateral trade data revealed a core–periphery topology, with the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands as central hubs. A gravity-based simulation model was, lastly, used to address the following question: what structural vulnerabilities and flow-based sensitivities define the global fresh produce trade, and how do they respond to simulated multi-risk disruptions? The model used the case of the USA as a global trade hub and induced two compounding risks: a protectionist tariff policy shock and a climate-related shock to its main supplier. The conclusion was that the fragility in the fresh produce trade enhances the cascading effects that any risk event may have across the environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions. This paper emphasizes the need for anticipatory governance, the diversification of trade partners, and investment in cold chain resilience, offering a means for policymakers to acknowledge the risk and mitigate the threats to the increasingly fragile fresh produce trade. Full article