Elena Dieckmann | Searcharxiv

arXiv2025

Smart nudging for efficient routing through networks

In this paper, we formulate the design of efficient digitalised deposit return schemes as a control problem. We focus on the recycling of paper cups, though the proposed methodology applies more broadly to reverse logistics systems arising in circular economy R-strategies. Each item is assumed to carry a digital wallet through which monetary rewards are allocated to actors transferring the item across successive stages, incentivising completion of the recycling process. System efficiency is ensured by: (i) decentralised algorithms that avoid congestion at individual nodes; (ii) a decentralised AIMD-based algorithm that optimally splits the deposit across layers; and (iii) a feedback control loop that dynamically adjusts the deposit to achieve a desired throughput. The effectiveness of the framework is demonstrated through extensive simulations using realistic paper cup recycling data.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2025

Surge sourcing via hybrid supply in a sharing economy: a resource-efficient, progressive and sustainable way to satisfy surge demand

We propose a surge sourcing approach to address occasional synchronous high demand (surge demand) in sharing economy systems, providing a socio-economically progressive alternative to surge pricing. Instead of suppressing demand among disadvantaged consumers, our scheme increases supply by involving privileged consumer-providers (prosumers) who under-utilize their resources. This hybrid supply approach maintains high quality-of-service (QoS) for both consumers and prosumers in both normal and surge demand situations without surge pricing. To ensure prosumer QoS, we reserve a small portion of the primary supply to meet their needs if their resources become unavailable during surge periods. As the probability of such events is low compared to that of the surge demand itself, the reserved resources required are minimal. The resulting scheme is resource-efficient, socially progressive, and sustainable, exploiting under-used resources. We illustrate our scheme through two applications: high-range car sharing for owners of small EVs, and shared charging points for EV drivers.

econ.GN↗