Search Results (1,715)

Integrated circuits are the core of a cyber-physical system, where tens of billions of components are integrated into a tiny silicon chip to conduct complex functions. To maximize utilities, the design and manufacturing life cycle of integrated circuits rely on numerous untrustworthy third parties, forming a global supply chain model. At the same time, this model produces unpredictable and catastrophic issues, threatening the security of individuals and countries. As for guaranteeing the security of ultra-highly integrated chips, detecting slight abnormalities caused by malicious behavior in the current and voltage is challenging, as is achieving computability within a reasonable time and obtaining a golden reference chip; however, artificial intelligence can make everything possible. For the first time, this paper presents a systematic review of artificial-intelligence-based integrated circuit security approaches, focusing on the latest attack and defense strategies. First, the security threats of integrated circuits are analyzed. For one of several key threats to integrated circuits, hardware Trojans, existing attack models are divided into several categories and discussed in detail. Then, for summarizing and comparing the numerous existing artificial-intelligence-based defense strategies, traditional and advanced artificial-intelligence-based approaches are listed. Finally, open issues on artificial-intelligence-based integrated circuit security are discussed from three perspectives: in-depth exploration of hardware Trojans, combination of artificial intelligence, and security strategies involving the entire life cycle. Based on the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the initial successful combination with integrated circuit security, this paper offers a glimpse into their intriguing intersection, aiming to draw greater attention to these issues. Full article

Supply chains are increasingly exposed to sudden disruptive events (SDEs) such as natural disasters and trade wars. We develop a multi-stage game-theoretical model to investigate a novel coping mechanism: when a firm is forced to exit the market because of SDEs, the firm can regain profits by licensing its proprietary production tech to a competitor. We find that, compared with the scenario before SDEs, such events can even increase the profit of each manufacturer under certain conditions. Under certain conditions, the cooperative strategy (i.e., supply chain reshaping) yields a higher supply chain system profit than the non-cooperative strategy. After SDEs, the common manufacturer may either accept or reject cooperation, depending on the customer transfer rate and the cooperation cost. Notably, under the cooperation strategy, the high-tech manufacturer extracts part of the common manufacturer’s profit through patent licensing, and the existence of cooperation cost further contributes to a misalignment between the common manufacturer’s optimal decision and the supply chain system optimum. These findings contribute to the literature by identifying a novel supply chain reshaping mechanism driven by patent licensing and offer strategic guidance for firms and policymakers navigating SDE-induced market exits. Full article

The increasing complexity and cost of manufacturing monolithic chips have driven the semiconductor industry toward chiplet-based designs, where smaller, modular chiplets are integrated onto a single interposer. While chiplet architectures offer significant advantages, such as improved yields, design flexibility, and cost efficiency, they introduce new security challenges in the horizontal hardware manufacturing supply chain. These challenges include risks of hardware Trojans, cross-die side-channel and fault injection attacks, probing of chiplet interfaces, and intellectual property theft. To address these concerns, this paper presents ChipletQuake, a novel on-chiplet framework for verifying the physical security and integrity of adjacent chiplets during the post-silicon stage. By sensing the impedance of the power delivery network (PDN) of the system, ChipletQuake detects tamper events in the interposer and neighboring chiplets without requiring any direct signal interface or additional hardware components. Fully compatible with the digital resources of FPGA-based chiplets, this framework demonstrates the ability to identify the insertion of passive and subtle malicious circuits, providing an effective solution to enhance the security of chiplet-based systems. To validate our claims, we showcase how our framework detects hardware Trojans and interposer tampering. Full article

This research aims to investigate financing decisions of capital-constrained small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers and distributors under a Green Supply Chain (GSC) framework. By evaluating the impact of Supply Chain Finance (SCF) instruments, this study utilizes Stackelberg game model to explore a decentralized decision-making system. To our knowledge, this investigation represents the first exploration of game models that uniquely compares financing through trade credit, where the manufacturer offers zero-interest credit without discounts with reverse factoring, while also considering distributor’s efforts on sustainable marketing under the impact of supportive government policies. Our study suggests that manufacturers should adopt reverse factoring for optimal profits and actively participate in distributors’ financing decisions to address inefficiencies in decentralized systems. Furthermore, the distributor’s demand quantity, profits and sustainable marketing efforts show significant increase under reverse factoring, aided by favorable policies. Finally, the results are validated through Python 3.8.8 simulations in the Anaconda distribution, offering meaningful insights for policymakers and supply chain managers. Full article

Considering the supply chain of new energy vehicles composed of a local manufacturer, an authorized distributor in the domestic market, and a competitive manufacturer in the export market, this paper studies three different cases of parallel export as well as their decisions about prices, sales scale, and the degree of production differentiation. Three game models are constructed and solved under the cases of no parallel exports (CN), authorized distributors’ parallel exports (CR), and third-party parallel exports (CT), respectively, and the equilibrium analysis is carried out, and finally, the influence of relevant parameters is explored through numerical simulation. It is found that (1) the manufacturer’s decisions on production and sales are influenced by the characteristics of consumer preferences in local and export markets, the cost of differentiated production, and the consumer recognition of parallel exports; (2) the manufacturers’ profits will always be damaged by parallel exports; (3) differentiated production can reduce the negative impact of parallel exports under certain conditions, and then improve the profits of manufacturers; (4) manufacturers can increase their profits by improving the purchase intention of consumers in the local market, improve the level of production differentiation in the export market, or reducing the cost of differentiation. Full article

The biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation from traditional batch manufacturing to continuous manufacturing (CM) for recombinant drugs and biosimilars, driven by regulatory support through the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Q13 guidance and compelling economic advantages. This comprehensive review examines the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of implementing continuous manufacturing specifically for recombinant protein production and biosimilar development, synthesizing validated data from peer-reviewed research, regulatory sources, and global implementation case studies. The analysis demonstrates that continuous manufacturing offers substantial benefits, including a reduced equipment footprint of up to 70%, a 3- to 5-fold increase in volumetric productivity, enhanced product quality consistency, and facility cost reductions of 30–50% compared to traditional batch processes. Leading biomanufacturers across North America, Europe, and the Asia–Pacific region are successfully integrating perfusion upstream processes with connected downstream bioprocesses, enabling the fully end-to-end continuous manufacture of biopharmaceuticals with demonstrated commercial viability. The regulatory framework has been comprehensively established through ICH Q13 guidance and region-specific implementations across the FDA, EMA, PMDA, and emerging market authorities. This review provides a critical analysis of advanced technologies, including single-use perfusion bioreactors, continuous chromatography systems, real-time process analytical technology, and Industry 4.0 integration strategies. The economic modeling presents favorable return-on-investment profiles, accompanied by a detailed analysis of global market dynamics, regional implementation patterns, and supply chain integration opportunities. Full article

The present research features an experimental comparative design and the objective of this work was to determine the susceptibility to microbiological contamination in fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and the FAME–water interface of residual and refined lard, large volume simulating storage conditions as fuel supply chain, and to identify the microorganisms developed. The plates were seeded according to ASTM E-1259 and the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the Bushnell Haas agar. Microbiological growth was observed at the FAME–water interface of FAME obtained from residual lard. Using the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technique, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptomyces violaceoruber bacteria were identified in the residual lard FAMEs, with the latter being previously reported in FAMEs. The implications of microorganism development on the physicochemical quality of FAMEs are significant, as it leads to an increase in the acid index, which may negatively impact metals by inducing corrosion. The refined lard FAMEs did not show any development of microorganisms. The present research concluded that residual lard tends to be more prone to microbiological attack if the conditions of water and temperature affect microbial growth. The findings will contribute to the knowledge base for a safer introduction of FAMEs into the biofuel matrix. Full article

Natural fiber-based biocomposites are rapidly gaining traction in sustainable manufacturing. However, their supply chain (SC) designs at the feedstock pre-processing stage often lack robust multicriteria decision-making evaluations, which can impact downstream processes and final product quality. This case study proposes a sustainability-driven multicriteria decision-making framework for selecting pre-processing equipment configurations within a hemp-based biocomposite SC. Using a cradle-to-gate system boundary, four alternative configurations combining balers (square vs. round) and hammer mills (full-screen vs. half-screen) are evaluated. The analytical network process (ANP) model is used to evaluate alternative SC configurations while capturing the interdependencies among environmental, economic, social, and technical sustainability criteria. These criteria are further refined with the inclusion of sub-criteria, resulting in a list of 11 key performance indicators (KPIs). To evaluate ranking robustness, a non-linear programming (NLP)-based sensitivity model is developed, which minimizes the weight perturbations required to trigger rank reversals, using an IPOPT solver. The results indicated that the Half-Round setup provides the most balanced sustainability performance, while Full-Square performs best in economic and environmental terms but ranks lower socially and technically. Also, the ranking was most sensitive to the weight of the system reliability and product quality criteria, with up to a 100% shift being required to change the top choice under the ANP model, indicating strong robustness. Overall, the proposed framework enables decision-makers to incorporate uncertainty, interdependencies, and sustainability-related KPIs into the early-stage SC design of bio-based composite materials. Full article

With consumers increasing in environmental awareness, manufacturers have integrated green R&D into their strategies, aiming to grasp the green market. However, manufacturers may be too bullish on the market potential of green products and maintain an optimistic attitude toward green R&D. Despite having an optimistic attitude, manufacturers often have no demand information advantage over downstream retailers due to their position in the supply chain, away from the market. It is worth exploring what impact optimistic green R&D in a sustainable supply chain with demand information asymmetry will have. Previous studies have not managed to reveal this. In this study, a stylized model is introduced to explore this question. The main findings are as follows: (1) optimistic green R&D increases the feasibility of the retailer sharing demand information, which facilitates information communication in the sustainable supply chain; (2) in most cases, optimistic green R&D does not bring higher profits for the manufacturer, yet is likely to allow the retailer to earn more, thereby resulting in a loss–win outcome; and (3) depending on the green R&D efficiency of the manufacturer and the consumer’s environmental awareness, optimistic green R&D may not generate higher environmental benefits. Full article

From the perspective of credit ratings, this paper studies the impact of air pollution on corporate credit costs and the impact mechanism. Based on 2007–2022 data on A-share listed companies in the Chinese capital market, this paper uses a two-way fixed effects model to examine the impact of air pollution on corporate credit costs and the impact mechanism. The results show that air pollution increases the credit costs for enterprises because air pollution affects the sentiment of rating analysts, leading them to give more pessimistic credit ratings to enterprises located in areas with severe air pollution. The moderating effect analysis reveals that the effect of air pollution on the increase in corporate credit costs is more pronounced for high-polluting industries, manufacturing industries, and regions with weaker bank competition. Further analysis reveals that in the face of rising credit costs caused by air pollution, enterprises tend to adopt a combination strategy of increasing commercial credit financing and reducing the commercial credit supply to cope. Although this response behavior alleviates corporations’ own financial pressure, it may have a negative effect on supply chain stability. This paper provides new evidence that reveals that air pollution is an implicit cost in the capital market, enriching research in the fields of environmental governance and capital markets. Full article

Car interior design should evoke emotions, offer comfort, convey safety and at the same time project the brand identity of the car manufacturer. Lighting is used to address these functions. Modules required for automotive interior lighting often feature injection-moulded (IM) light guides, whereas woven fabrics with polymer optical fibres (POFs) offer certain technological advantages and show first-series applications in cars. In the future, car interior illumination will become even more important in the wake of megatrends such as autonomous driving. Since the increase in deployment of these technologies facilitates a need for an economical comparison, this paper aims to deliver a cost-driven approach to fulfil the aforementioned objective. Therefore, the cost structures of the supply chains for an IM-based and a POF-based illumination module are analysed. The employed research methodologies include an activity-based costing approach for which the data is collected via document analysis and guideline-based expert interviews. To account for data uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted. POF-based lighting modules have lower initial costs due to continuous fibre production and weaving processes, but are associated with higher unit costs. This is caused by the discontinuous assembly of the rolled woven fabric which allows postponement strategies. The development costs of the mould generate high initial costs for IM light guides, which makes them beneficial only for high quantities of produced light guides. For the selected scenario, the POF-based module’s self-costs are 11.05 EUR/unit whereas the IM module’s self-costs are 14,19 EUR/unit. While the cost structures are relatively independent from the selected scenario, the actual self-costs are highly dependent on boundary conditions such as production volume. Full article

In response to growing environmental pressures and material constraints, circular economy principles are gaining traction across manufacturing sectors. However, most existing frameworks emphasize design and supply chain considerations, with limited focus on how circularity can be operationalized within internal manufacturing systems. This paper proposes a conceptual model that embeds circular operations at the core of production strategy. Grounded in circular economy theory, operations management, and socio-technical systems thinking, the model identifies four key operational pillars: circular input management, looping process and waste valorization, product-life extension, and reverse logistics. These are supported by enabling factors—digital infrastructure, organizational culture, and leadership—and mediated by operational flexibility, which facilitates adaptive, closed-loop performance. The model aims to align internal processes with long-term sustainability outcomes, specifically resource efficiency and operational resilience. Practical implications are outlined for resource-intensive industries such as automotive, electronics, and FMCG, along with a readiness assessment framework for guiding implementation. This study offers a pathway for future empirical research and policy development by integrating circular logic into the structural and behavioral dimensions of operations. The model contributes to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 and SDG 12, by positioning circularity as a regenerative operational strategy rather than a peripheral initiative. Full article

The construction sector significantly contributes to global environmental degradation through intensive resource extraction, high energy consumption, and substantial waste generation. Addressing this unsustainable trajectory requires integrated approaches that simultaneously improve operational efficiency and material circularity. Lean Construction (LC) and Circular Economy (CE) offer complementary frameworks for enhancing process performance and reducing environmental impacts. However, their combined implementation remains underdeveloped and fragmented. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025, selected using PRISMA 2020 guidelines and sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases. A mixed-method approach combines bibliometric mapping and qualitative content analysis to investigate how LC and CE are jointly operationalized in construction contexts. The findings reveal that LC improves cost, time, and workflow reliability, while CE enables reuse, modularity, and lifecycle extension. Integration is further supported by digital tools—such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), and digital twins—which enhance traceability and flow optimization. Nonetheless, persistent barriers—including supply chain fragmentation, lack of standards, and regulatory gaps—continue to constrain widespread adoption. This review identifies six strategic enablers for LC-CE integration: crossdisciplinary competencies, collaborative governance, interoperable digital systems, standardized indicators, incentive-based regulation, and pilot demonstrator projects. By consolidating fragmented evidence, the study provides a structured research agenda and practical insights to guide the transition toward more circular, efficient, and sustainable construction practices. Full article

This study examined globalisation, de-globalisation, the combination, and the future of value chains to ascertain which would be best for the future of value chains. The study used a cross-sectional survey of 277 randomly selected employees of multinational manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The data were analysed using structural equation model path diagram techniques. The results indicate that de-globalisation and the combination of globalisation and de-globalisation have direct and indirect significant relationships with the future of value chains, but globalisation does not have any direct significant relationship with the future of value chains but has an indirect significant relationship with the future of value chains. In addition, supply chain management significantly mediates the relationships among globalisation, de-globalisation, the combination, and the future of value chains. By establishing a significant association between the combination and the future of value chains, the study departs from future studies whose results are largely situated on the bipolar ends of a continuum. The study makes significant contributions to the traditional theory of trade protectionism, endogenous growth theory, and institutional theory, as well as to practice. Full article

Effective inventory management in decentralized multi-echelon supply chains (MESCs) is essential for minimizing costs and improving service levels. This study introduces a two-stage approach that combines discrete-event simulation and multi-variate regression analysis (MVRA) to analyze a three-echelon supply chain. The first stage simulates various inventory policies and demand scenarios across manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The second stage uses MVRA to examine how inventory decisions at each echelon influence key performance indicators, including inventory cost and inventory level. The results identify the parameters that most significantly affect supply chain performance, offering practical guidance for optimizing policies in complex and decentralized systems. Full article