Production Costs Research Articles

The concept of the impact of market orientation on company performance

The current explanation of the impact of market orientation on company performance is based on the search for competitive advantage, understood as offering the greatest value to customers. However, the development of economic thought has led to the understanding that it is the economic value that a company creates through its product that forms the basis for gaining competitive advantage. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to revise the mechanism of how market orientation affects company performance, aiming to develop a conceptual model of this impact. To achieve this goal, a substantive analysis of the phenomenon under study was performed. The result of the work is a model indicating that the impact of market orientation on company performance is complex, as it involves mediating factors such as benefits perceived by customers from using the product, product costs, economic value, and customer surplus.

Price Interaction Between Crude Oil, Selected Grains, and Oilseeds in South Africa

The dynamic interaction between crude oil prices and the prices of grains and oilseed is critical yet a complex issue in agriculture given the potential impact of the energy sector price fluctuations on production costs, transportation, and processing. This study explores the interactions between prices of crude oil, key grains, and oilseeds (maize, soybean, and wheat) in South Africa from 2018 to 2022. Utilising monthly data, this study employs the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to assess the short-term and long-term relationships, and the Granger causality test to determine the causality directions. Results revealed a mixed long-term cointegration wherein crude oil prices and the prices of maize as well as soybean have a relationship, but no evidence of such a relationship exists for wheat prices. Additionally, no short-term effects were observed, suggesting that immediate fluctuations in crude oil prices do not influence the prices of maize, soybean, and wheat. Instead, short-term prices movements of the grains and oilseeds may be driven by other factors that could be of interest to policymakers. Furthermore, the Granger causality findings show no causality direction between prices of crude oil and the selected grain and oilseed. These findings challenge the presumed direct connection between energy and agricultural prices, thus offering policymakers a perspective to redirect their focus to formulate short-term price policy strategies that decrease dependability on crude oil to promote sustainability in the agricultural sector without disrupting the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending hunger.

Grape Production Diagnosis in the Highlands Region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Espírito Santo was the eighth largest Brazilian grape producing state and the sixth largest exporter. The objective of this study was to carry out a grape production diagnosis in the highlands region of Espírito Santo. The methodology consisted of field research in rural farms. The municipalities with the greatest participation in state grape production were selected. Field research was conducted in 2019 and 2020 in rural properties in the municipalities of Santa Teresa, Domingos Martins, Venda Nova do Imigrante, Alfredo Chaves and Vargem Alta, which are representative in production. Were interviewed 86 vinegrowers and this sample represented 13.7% of the number of grape producing centers in the State. The need to improve management practices, yield and grape quality was identified, with a focus on sustainability, reducing the use of pesticides, in addition to certification for organic/biodynamic grape production, increasing the quality of the material. It is necessary that Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) works also concentrate efforts to develop production systems with lower implementation and production costs, mainly related to the supporting structure of the vines and the development of cultivars more resistant and/or tolerant to pests and diseases, mainly vine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), which will consequently reduce production costs for the winegrower.

Analisis Troubleshooting Belt Scale CV509 pada Proses Pemindahan Batubara dalam Meningkatkan Performa dan Kehandalan Sistem Pengukuran di PT. BT

The Belt Scale is a critical instrument in industries for measuring the flow rate of materials on conveyors. The accuracy of these measurements is crucial as it directly impacts production efficiency, costs, and product quality. This research aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of Belt Scale accuracy under various operational conditions. The methodology employed involves collecting field data, conducting literature reviews, and utilizing computer simulations. The acquired data is then compared against reference data to identify error rates and influencing factors. The anticipated outcome of this study is a deeper understanding of Belt Scale performance, enabling companies to optimize their measurement systems. Furthermore, this research paves the way for the development of more advanced material measurement technologies. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the reliability of Belt Scale measurement systems, thereby providing more accurate data and facilitating better decision-making in production processes. Keywords: Accuracy, Belt Scale, Industrial Conveyor, Material Measurement.

Investigation of Digital Light Processing-Based 3D Printing for Optimized Tooling in Automotive and Electronics Sheet Metal Forming

This study addresses the emerging need for efficient and cost-effective solutions in low-volume production by exploring the mechanical performance and industrial feasibility of cutting tools that are fabricated using stereolithography apparatus (SLA) technology. SLA’s high-resolution capabilities make it suitable for creating precise cutting dies, which were tested on aluminum sheets (Al99.5, 0.3 mm, and AlMg3, 1.0 mm) under a 60-ton hydraulic press. Measurements using digital image correlation (DIC) revealed minimal wear and deformation, with tolerances consistently within IT 0.1 mm. The results demonstrated that SLA-printed tools perform comparably to conventional metal tools in cutting and bending operations, achieving similar surface quality and edge precision while significantly reducing the production time and cost. Despite some limitations in wear resistance, the findings highlight SLA technology’s potential for rapid prototyping and short-run manufacturing in the automotive and electronics sectors. This research fills a critical gap in understanding SLA-based tooling applications, offering insights into process optimization to enhance tool durability and broaden material compatibility. These advancements position SLA technology as a transformative tool-making technology for flexible manufacturing.

Analisis Kelayakan Investasi Perancangan Alat Pembuat Adonan Mie Ayam

Pak Pon's chicken noodle SME is a business that sells chicken noodles located in Surabaya. This SME operates by selling only one menu item, chicken noodles, with an average of 200 kg of noodles sold per month, and it still purchases its noodle ingredients from suppliers. Therefore, none of the processes in this SME use machines to prepare the ingredients for the chicken noodles. Given this situation, the researcher has an idea to create a tool that can help streamline the production process in this SME with the aim of increasing sales profit. This research uses cost analysis methods to determine the cost of production, followed by the NPV method to assess whether the equipment purchased by the SME is feasible. The results of this research show that there is a comparison between making the ingredients in-house versus purchasing them. The investment in equipment for the SME is considered feasible, as the payback can be achieved in a few months. This study recommends that the SME increase its sales beyond 200 kg per month in order for the project to proceed as planned. Keywords: Cost analysis, Noodle Dough Tool, NPV, Profit

The Magnetic Application in the Loudspeaker and Headset

Loudspeakers and headsets are ubiquitous electronic devices essential to modern life, finding extensive applications in medicine, education, entertainment, and communication. This paper explores their fundamental operating principles, rooted in electromagnetic and acoustic theories, and provides a comprehensive analysis of their mechanisms. It summarizes various optimization strategies aimed at enhancing performance, including advancements in acoustic output, material innovations like carbon nanotubes, structural design improvements, and computational efficiency through algorithms such as adaptive impedance matching and genetic algorithms. The study also addresses current challenges faced by these devices, such as the trade-off between miniaturization and sound quality, escalating production costs, limited battery life, and issues related to prolonged user comfort. Furthermore, it highlights evolving user expectations for higher sound quality, longer battery life, and more ergonomic designs. By synthesizing existing research and forecasting future trends, the paper offers valuable insights into the ongoing development of loudspeakers and headsets, anticipating that innovations in artificial intelligence, smart materials, and personalized audio technology will significantly shape their future evolution

Inventory Optimization with Several Resources

Inventory optimization is extended with additional constraints that affect production efficiency using estimated inventory. The extension of the inventory problem is in a special formal form with an additional optimization problem. The latter is aimed at minimizing production costs while using optimal volumes of material stocks. Such integration of inventory and production is formalized through a bi-level optimization problem. The case of simultaneous delivery of different types of goods is strongly related to the production process of final goods. A bi-level optimization problem is numerically defined and solved. Delivery costs are minimized for a given production plan. The bi-level problem is applied to prepare feed with the required nutrient content while minimizing the inventory costs of supplying the required raw materials. Empirical results give advantages for the obtained solution of the bi-level optimization problem.

The economics of small change: resolving coinage challenges in medieval Europe

In medieval Europe's coinage systems, introducing small-denomination coins was a significant challenge due to their higher relative production costs, often leading to shortages. To address this issue, economic theory suggests a standard formula: mint small coins as overvalued credit money on the government's account and convert them on demand at a pegged rate. This article explores the alternative methods adopted during different periods to mitigate this issue. In the early and high Middle Ages, mints employed a simple yet effective strategy: dividing larger coins into smaller units, bypassing the cost barrier. Our analysis of coin hoards from this era confirms the success of this method in preventing small change scarcity. Central and northern European minting authorities innovated with unifaced ‘hohlpfennigs’ in the late Middle Ages, utilizing cost-efficient technology. Our analysis demonstrates the absence of hohlpfennig shortages. It elucidates the economic and technological factors influencing this minting method and its eventual decline by the early sixteenth century. These historical insights underscore that small change production was primarily a supply-side challenge, offering valuable lessons for modern economic systems.

Ac/Ds-like Transposon Elements Inserted in ZmABCG2a Cause Male Sterility in Maize.

Using male sterile (MS) lines instead of normal inbred maternal lines in hybrid seed production can increase the yield and quality with lower production costs. Therefore, developing a new MS germplasm is essential for maize hybrid seed production in the future. Here, we reported a male sterility gene ms*-N125, cloned from a newly found MS mutant ms*-N125. This mutant has an underdeveloped tassel that showed impaired glumes and shriveled anthers without pollen grains. The MS locus of ms*-N125 was mapped precisely to a 112-kb-interval on the chromosome 5. This interval contains only three candidate genes, Zm958, Zm959, and Zm960. Sequencing results showed that only candidate Zm960 harbored a 548-bp transposable element (TE) in its 9th exon, and the two other candidate genes were found to have no genetic variations between the mutant and wild type (WT). Thus, Zm960 is the only candidate gene for male sterility of the mutant ms*-N125. In addition, we screened another recessive MS mutant, ms*-P884, which exhibited similar male sterility phenotypes to ms*-N125. Sequencing Zm960 in ms*-P884 showed a 600-bp TE located in its 2nd exon. Zm960 encodes an ATP-binding cassette in the G subfamily of ABC (ABCG) transporters, ZmABCG2a, with both mutants which harbored an Ac/Ds-like transposon in each. To verify the function of ZmABCG2a for male sterility further, we found an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant, zmabcg2a*, which displayed male sterility and tassel phenotypes highly similar to ms*-N125 and ms*-P884, confirming that ZmABCG2a must be the gene for male sterility in maize. In addition, the results of lipid metabolome analysis of ms*-N125 young tassels showed that the total lipid content of the mutant was significantly lower than that of the WT, with 15 subclasses of lipids, including PE (phosphatidylethanolamine), PC (phosphatidylcholine), DG (digalactosyldiacylglycerols), and MGDG (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol) which were significantly down-regulated in the ms*-N125 mutant versus its wild type. In summary, we identified alternate mutations of the ZmABCG2a gene, which may be a potential germplasm for hybrid seed production in maize.

Sustainable Intensification and Climate Resilience in the Rice-wheat Cropping System of North-Western India: Challenges and Strategies

In northwestern India, the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is a key component of agriculture. However, the region's ongoing usage of it has resulted in serious problems and a halt in productivity. Similar problems are also present in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan's Indo-Gangetic Plains. Key issues include the loss of soil nutrients, deteriorating soil health, groundwater depletion, increased production costs, a lack of workers, pollution from burning crop residue, increased greenhouse gas emissions, climate vulnerabilities, and plants that are resistant to herbicides. To address these issues, a number of sustainable intensification methods have been proposed, such as crop diversification, zero tillage, or residue retention, which reduce tillage, handle straw more efficiently, and use less labour and irrigation. In order to adopt successful, context-specific tactics, it is necessary to concentrate on increasing awareness, developing stakeholder capacity, and coordinating policies. The current status of the RWCS and its problems in northwest India are summarised in this report, along with specific management strategies for boosting output, profitability, and sustainability.

Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on Sectoral Output in Liberia

This paper investigates the effects of exchange rate volatility on sectoral output in Liberia, focusing on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Using monthly time series data ranging from 2010 to 2022 and estimating the volatility in exchange rate using the ARCH model, the study found a strong sector-specific impact along with an overall economic impact on output with a significant coefficient of (-2.868) at 10%, 5% and 1% level of significance .We found that the agriculture with a coefficient of (-0.2127) and manufacturing sectors (-0.5171) proxy by value-added as % of GDP are negatively affected by exchange rate fluctuations due to their heavy reliance on imported raw material, which increases production costs and reduces output. Conversely, the mining sector, particularly gold production as measured by key output volume, shows a positive relationship with exchange rate volatility with a coefficient of (3.9677) significant at 10% level of significance, as global demand for gold rises in response to currency instability. The findings underline that policy interventions are needed to stabilize the exchange rate, particularly for agriculture and manufacturing. In fact, given the dual currency system of the country and the high level of dollarization, the country needs targeted policies to enhance sectoral resilience in its way to attain economic growth.

Perancangan Alat Pengayak Maggot Portable Sebagai Bentuk Penerapan Teknologi Tepat Guna Untuk UMKM dan Home Industry

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the economy but often face various challenges, such as limited capital, simple technology, and a low level of workforce education. One solution that can be implemented is Appropriate Technology (TTG), which aligns with local needs, is environmentally friendly and optimizes resource use. UMKM REPRO in Semarang, focusing on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot cultivation, faces challenges in the sieving process, which is time-consuming and reduces production efficiency. A maggot sieving tool was developed using the Value Engineering method, emphasizing safety, ergonomics, and cost analysis to address this issue. This tool is expected to make the maggot sieving process more efficient and economical, with an estimated production cost of Rp 290,000. This innovation provides a practical and appropriate solution for MSMEs and home industries in the livestock sector. Keywords: Black Soldier Fly Maggots, MSMEs, Sieving Device, Value Engineering

TOBACCO PRODUCTION AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ON FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN BANGLADESH: A REGIONAL STUDY

Tobacco cultivation has increased in Bangladesh over the past few decades, raising significant concerns due to its economic, environmental, and health impacts on farm households. This study explored the socioeconomic aspects of farmers' lives associated with tobacco production, calculated its costs and benefits, identified determinants of net revenue, and suggested potential improvements for related issues. Primary data were collected using a random sampling technique involving interviews with 420 tobacco farmers through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interactions. The financial analysis of tobacco production in Bangladesh employed cost-benefit and multiple linear regression techniques, while the economic analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics reveal that net returns average TK 30,466, with significant variation in production costs, particularly in land use, labor, and processing, highlighting the economic complexities of tobacco farming. The results of the regression analysis show that land use and labor costs significantly impact net returns in tobacco farming. Land costs reduce profits, while labor and processing costs increase them, explaining 76% of the variation in net returns. The analysis indicates a net return of TK 32,050 per bigha, with a profit of TK 71.22 per kilogram of tobacco produced. A majority of respondents believe that tobacco farming reduces soil fertility (49.29%) and requires significant fertilizer (76.19%), while a significant number view it as a lucrative opportunity (85.71%) supported by company encouragement (79.37%). Furthermore, 75.47% perceive tobacco farming as a health risk, with nearly half acknowledging its negative environmental impacts (49.29%). Although tobacco production offers higher profitability, it poses severe health and environmental risks. To mitigate these effects, tobacco companies should pay attention to this fact and provide healthcare subsidies to farmers so that they can contribute positively to the national economy. Thus, farmers will benefit, and our country's economy will improve with production as well.

Optimizing In Vitro Propagation of Haworthia truncata Schönland Using Leaf, Root, and Inflorescence.

Haworthia truncata, a species native to South Africa, is characterized by its limited growth and scarcity, contributing to high production costs. Countries like China and Turkey are known for exporting Haworthia globally. Tissue culture offers an efficient method for mass-producing unique and beautiful species such as H. truncata. This study tested Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media supplemented with various concentrations of IBA (0.05-1.5 mg/L), NAA (0.05-0.25 mg/L), and BA (0.25-1.5 mg/L) to promote shoot proliferation. MS medium without plant growth regulators (PGRs) was also tested as a control. Different explant types (leaf, root, and inflorescence) were analyzed for their potential in direct and indirect regeneration. Inflorescence explants showed the highest callus induction with 1.5 mg/L IBA, while optimal shoot proliferation occurred at 1 mg/L IBA. Callus induction was optimal for leaf explants with 0.05 mg/L NAA and 0.25 mg/L BA, and shoot proliferation was highest at 0.05 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L BA. Root explants achieved maximum callus induction with 0.25 mg/L BA and 0.25 mg/L NAA, with the best shoot proliferation using 0.05 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L BA. The highest rooting percentage of regenerated shoots was obtained on ½ MS medium with 1.5 mg/L IBA.

Increasing solar still efficiency with thermo-electric cooling: an experimental study and economic analysis

Seawater distillation often relies on fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases, but solar energy offers a sustainable, cost-free alternative. This study enhances solar still productivity by incorporating a condensation chamber and thermoelectric cooling using Peltier modules and fans. Two models were tested in Khemis Miliana, Algeria: a conventional solar still and a modified version with a cooling system. Experimental results from September to November showed the cooling system increased productivity by 74% compared to the uncooled system and 14% compared to the conventional still. The optimal cooling system operation was determined to be 3 minutes every 30 minutes, influenced by solar radiation. The modified system achieved a water production cost of $0.09237 per litre, with a payback time of 2.5 years. Daily output data helped evaluate CO2 emissions, mitigation potential and carbon credits over the system's lifespan. Future work includes integrating a flat plate collector and optimising the cooling system's operation relative to solar radiation for higher efficiency.

Directed Evolution of Multicyclic Peptides Using Yeast Display for Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent Analysis of CD28 on the Cell Surface.

CD28 is a costimulatory receptor that provides the second signal necessary for T-cell activation and is associated with diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and cancer. Targeting CD28 is crucial for both functional bioanalysis and therapeutic development. Molecular probes, particularly fluorescent probes, can enhance our understanding of CD28's cellular roles. However, existing antibody-based probes face challenges such as high production costs, low stability, and large size, which limit their bioanalytical applications. Thus, there is a need for smaller, robust probes that enable the sensitive and selective targeting of CD28. Multicyclic peptides have emerged as promising candidates for novel therapeutics and molecular probes. Recently, we identified disulfide-directed multicyclic peptides (DDMPs) that bind CD28 with submicromolar affinity; however, their relatively low affinity limits further applications. In this study, we develop a DDMP evolving system based on yeast display and error-prone PCR to identify high-affinity peptide binders. We obtained DDMPs with a picomolar affinity for CD28, exceptional binding specificity, and remarkable oxidative folding efficiency. Furthermore, we developed fluorescent probes and labeling strategies for detecting and visualizing CD28 expression in human T cells. This advancement opens new avenues for studying T-cell dynamics and activation states, which are essential for understanding immune responses and developing targeted therapies. Our study not only produces potent CD28 binders and probes but also establishes a robust platform for optimizing other multicyclic peptide-based probes and therapeutics.

Dynamic Task Planning for Multi-Arm Harvesting Robots Under Multiple Constraints Using Deep Reinforcement Learning

Global fruit production costs are increasing amid intensified labor shortages, driving heightened interest in robotic harvesting technologies. Although multi-arm coordination in harvesting robots is considered a highly promising solution to this issue, it introduces technical challenges in achieving effective coordination. These challenges include mutual interference among multi-arm mechanical structures, task allocation across multiple arms, and dynamic operating conditions. This imposes higher demands on task coordination for multi-arm harvesting robots, requiring collision-free collaboration, optimization of task sequences, and dynamic re-planning. In this work, we propose a framework that models the task planning problem of multi-arm operation as a Markov game. First, considering multi-arm cooperative movement and picking sequence optimization, we employ a two-agent Markov game framework to model the multi-arm harvesting robot task planning problem. Second, we introduce a self-attention mechanism and a centralized training and execution strategy in the design and training of our deep reinforcement learning (DRL) model, thereby enhancing the model’s adaptability in dynamic and uncertain environments and improving decision accuracy. Finally, we conduct extensive numerical simulations in static environments; when the harvesting targets are set to 25 and 50, the execution time is reduced by 10.7% and 3.1%, respectively, compared to traditional methods. Additionally, in dynamic environments, both operational efficiency and robustness are superior to traditional approaches. The results underscore the potential of our approach to revolutionize multi-arm harvesting robotics by providing a more adaptive and efficient task planning solution. We will research improving the positioning accuracy of fruits in the future, which will make it possible to apply this framework to real robots.

A Streamlined Approach to Anticounterfeiting Technologies: Patterned AAO Membranes Based on Photonic Crystal Effects with Tunable Color Shifts and pH Responsiveness.

Anticounterfeiting technologies have become increasingly crucial due to the growing issue of counterfeit goods, particularly in high-value industries. Traditional methods such as barcodes and holograms are prone to replication, prompting the need for advanced, cost-effective, and efficient solutions. In this work, a practical application of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes are presented for anticounterfeiting, which addresses the challenges of high production costs and complex fabrication processes. Unlike previous approaches requiring metal coatings for color generation, this method uses commercial aluminum foils to produce colorful AAO membranes without metal layers. Elemental mapping suggests that impurities on the aluminum surface contribute to enhanced reflectivity, aiding photonic crystal formation. A two-step anodization process that creates patterned AAO membranes is further introduced, with the pattern clarity controlled by anodization time. Additionally, a pH-responsive film composed of 2-anilino-6-dibutylaminofluoran (ODB-2) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is integrated, enabling dynamic color changes under varying pH conditions, further enhancing the anticounterfeiting functionality. This streamlined approach provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for developing versatile AAO membranes for industrial anticounterfeiting applications.

Economics of Seed Spices in Gujarat: Analyzing Parity of Cost, Price, and Income

This study analyzes the cost, price, and income parity in three major seed spices cultivated in Gujarat by examining indices of average input prices, Farm Harvest Prices, cost of production, and gross income to evaluate the profitability and challenges faced by farmers. The secondary data on input cost, cost of production and gross income were collected for the period of eleven years from 2011-12 to 2021-22 from the reports of “The Scheme for Farm Cost Studies of Important Crops in Gujarat State” and “The Scheme for Creating a Permanent Machinery for studying Cost of Cultivation/ Production of Principal crops grown in Gujarat state, further analysis of parity indices were estimated by taking 2011-12 as base year. The results indicate that for cumin crop, input prices grew significantly, while farm harvest prices exhibited a non-significant increase. Parity indices between Farm Harvest Prices and input prices remained below 100, indicating that farm harvest prices did not cover rising input costs. However, in years like 2016-17, 2018-19, and 2021-22, the farm harvest price and gross income were favorable, indicating profitability for farmers. In fennel, input prices and production costs showed significant growth, while farm harvest prices and gross income had minimal increases. Parity indices suggested that farm harvest prices were insufficient to cover rising costs in most years, though 2012-13 and 2021-22 were favorable for farmers in terms of both price and income. Coriander, with significant growth in input prices, showed a slight increase in farm harvest prices and a decrease in production costs. Parity indices indicated that the farm harvest price consistently exceeded input prices and the cost of production, ensuring favorable profitability and encouraging investment in coriander cultivation. Overall, the findings underscore the need for policy interventions to stabilize farm harvest prices and control input cost inflation, ensuring sustained profitability for farmers growing seed spices.