Responsive strategies for new normal cold supply chain using greenfield, network optimization, and simulation analysis.

The global-local supply chains are affected by the forward and downward propagation of COVID-19. The pandemic disruption is a low-frequency and high-impact (black swan) event. Adapting to the "New Normal" situation requires adequate risk mitigation strategies. This study proposes a methodology to implement a risk mitigation strategy during supply chain disruptions. Random demand accumulation strategies are considered to identify the disruption-driven challenges under different pre and post-disruption scenarios. The best mitigation strategy and the optimal location of distribution centers to maximize the overall profit were determined using simulation-based optimization, greenfield analysis, and network optimization techniques. The proposed model is then evaluated and validated using appropriate sensitivity analysis. The main contribution of the study is to (i) perform cluster-based supply chain disruption analysis, (ii) propose a resilient and flexible model to illustrate the proactive and reactive measures for the ripple effect, (iii) prepare the supply chain for future pandemic-like crises, and (v) reveal the relationship between the pandemic impact and supply chain resilience. A case study of an ice cream manufacturer is used to demonstrate the proposed model.

An Overview of Dietary Flavonoids as a Nutraceutical Nanoformulation Approach to Life-threatening Diseases.

Obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are just a few chronic diseases for which proper nutrition has been demonstrated to be a crucial factor in prevention. Flavonoids, found in many fruits and vegetables, are a type of dietary polyphenol with potent antioxidant activity and anti-carcinogenic characteristics. Flavonoids and foods rich in flavonoids have been shown in recent years to have profound effects on cognitive function, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Foods high in flavonoids, such as green tea, chocolate, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables, have ameliorated symptoms of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia in several animal models. As a result of their ability to prevent neuronal death generated by neurotoxic chemicals such as free radicals and ß-amyloid proteins. Furthermore, flavonoids are also effective in slowing the evolution of clinical signs of neurodegenerative illnesses. In addition, flavonoids can improve lipid profiles by preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, and these antioxidant capabilities are responsible for their therapeutic impacts. Finally, the potential of flavonoids to induce vasodilation and control apoptotic processes in the endothelium is another way in which they benefit the cardiovascular system. This review aims to offer up-to-date information on categorizing these compounds, their primary methods of action in the human body, and their positive impacts on the management of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and other life-threatening diseases.

Big data driven innovation for sustaining SME supply chain operation in post COVID-19 scenario: Moderating role of SME technology leadership.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an unprecedented crisis for businesses. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been impacted even more, due to their limited resources. Extant literature has prescribed many treatments on how SMEs could survive in post COVID-19 situation, but studies did not analyse how big data driven innovation could improve supply chain management (SCM) process in the post COVID-19 pandemic under the moderating influence of SME technology leadership support. Thus, there is a research gap in this important domain. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of big data driven innovation and technology capability of the SME on its supply chain system. The study also investigates the moderating role of SME technology leadership support on SME performance in the post COVID-19 scenario. With the help of literature and resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability view (DCV) theory, a theoretical model has been developed conceptually. Later the model is validated using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique with 327 usable respondents from SMEs from India. The study found that both big data driven innovation and the techno-functional capability of SME impacts supply chain capability which in turn impacts the SME performance in the post COVID-19 scenario. The study also finds that there will be a moderating impact of SME technology leadership support on SME performance.

Internet of things for perishable inventory management systems: an application and managerial insights for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the food retailing sector encounter two main concerns with respect to their perishable inventory management system, i.e., the product's shelf life and investment in warehouse monitoring systems. New technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), automated inventory control platforms, and automatic storage and retrieval systems offer effective solutions to these issues. However, MSMEs are reluctant to adopt these technologies due to their prior perception of higher implementation costs and the expected benefits. The present study aims to optimize IoT implementation in MSMEs' inventory management systems and to provide tangible proof of its feasibility and usefulness. In so doing, we propose a mathematical model and analyze the impact of IoT through two case studies. The model provides a cost-benefit analysis of IoT investments that aim to increase products' shelf life. We adopted the fractional program method, solved by particle swarm optimization on MATLAB software. The findings demonstrate the positive correlation between adopting IoT and reduced inventory costs supporting IoT deployment for improved perishability performance in MSMEs. The study offers several insights and practical guidelines in considering IoT deployment in MSMEs.