Productive Efficiency Research Articles

STRATEGI BADAN PENDAPATAN DAERAH KABUPATEN BUTON TENGAH DALAM UPAYA PENINGKATAN PENDAPATAN DAERAH

This study aims to analyze the Regional Revenue Agency (BAPENDA) planning strategies of Buton Tengah Regency in increasing regional income. Using a qualitative approach, the study involved 20 respondents selected through a PSS (5:1) mechanism and 5 informants chosen purposively. Data collection was conducted through a series of in-depth interviews to evaluate organizational performance based on five key dimensions: productive efficiency, service standards, responsiveness, compliance level, and management transparency. Data analysis employed the interactive approach developed by Milles and Huberman. The findings indicate that the performance of BAPENDA Buton Tengah is rated as "satisfactory" when assessed across these five dimensions. To enhance regional revenue, BAPENDA implements tax planning strategies to maintain tax burdens at an optimal level, allowing companies or individuals to meet tax obligations while maximizing financial benefits or efficiency. Generally, the ideal tax planning percentage for Buton Tengah is measured by Tax Revenue Efficiency (a minimum of 20%-25% of total PAD) and a balanced Tax Ratio in the range of approximately 10%-15%, depending on the main economic sectors of Buton Tengah.

Assessing the Sustainability of Miscanthus and Willow as Global Bioenergy Crops: Current and Future Climate Conditions (Part 1)

Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Willow (Salix spp.) are promising bioenergy crops due to their high biomass yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This study applies the MiscanFor/SalixFor models to assess the sustainability of these crops under current and future climate scenarios, focusing on biomass productivity, carbon intensity (CI), and energy use efficiency (EUE). Under present conditions, both crops show high productivity in tropical and subtropical regions, with Miscanthus generally outperforming Willow. Productivity declines in less favourable climates, emphasising the crops’ sensitivity to environmental factors at the regional scale. The average productivity for Miscanthus and Willow was 19.9 t/ha and 10.4 t/ha, respectively. Future climate scenarios (A1F1, representing world markets and fossil-fuel-intensive, and B1, representing global sustainability) project significant shifts, with northern and central regions becoming more viable for cultivation due to warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons. However, southern and arid regions may experience reduced productivity, reflecting the uneven impacts of climate change. Miscanthus and Willow are predicted to show productivity declines of 15% and 8% and 12% and 7% under A1F1 and B1, respectively. CI analysis reveals substantial spatial variability, with higher values in industrialised and temperate regions due to intensive agricultural practices. Future scenarios indicate increased CI in northern latitudes due to intensified land use, while certain Southern Hemisphere regions may stabilise or reduce CI through mitigation strategies. Under climate change, CI for Miscanthus is projected to increase by over 100%, while Willow shows an increase of 64% and 57% for A1F1 and B1, respectively. EUE patterns suggest that both crops perform optimally in tropical and subtropical climates. Miscanthus shows a slight advantage in EUE, though Willow demonstrates greater adaptability in temperate regions. Climate change is expected to reduce EUE for Miscanthus by 10% and 7% and for Willow by 9% and 6%. This study underscores the need for region-specific strategies to optimise the sustainability of bioenergy crops under changing climate conditions.

Competitive Advantages in the Aerospace Industry: Current Information Technologies

This article focuses on analysing how the strategic application of modern information technology (IT) serves as a driving force for achieving and maintaining a competitive edge within the airline industry. In response to the growing digital landscape, airlines are leveraging advanced IT solutions to streamline operations, drive innovation, and enhance overall performance. By conducting an in-depth review of existing literature, examining case studies, and engaging with industry experts, the study seeks to uncover critical IT trends and their influence on competitive positioning in aviation. Additionally, it aims to address the challenges and opportunities of IT integration, offering practical guidance for industry professionals to manage the complexities of digital transformation effectively. IT is viewed as a pivotal factor in advancing productivity, with its extensive application playing a crucial role in optimizing production resources and strategic assets. This fosters the ongoing modernization of traditional industries, while also boosting societal productivity and operational efficiency.

CO2 mitigation, energy matrices, and the performance analysis of N-evacuated tube collector (ETC)-integrated modified solar distiller for water/electricity co-generation using CQD nanoparticles

With advances in science and technology, nanofluids are the ultrafast heat transfer fluids which effectively empowers the distillation process. In this research article, N-evacuated tube collector (N-ETC)-coupled single slope solar still-equipped built-in-passive condenser and roof-top semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) module have been analyzed incorporating carbon quantum dot nanoparticles (CQD-NPs). The effect of volume concentration of nanoparticles (NPs) and packing factor ( βc) is tested to study the system performance (thermal and electrical). The use of CQD-NPs showed impressive enhancement in thermal conductivity (56.06%), Reynold's number ([Formula: see text]), evaporative (37.9%) and convective (76.94%) heat transfer coefficient even at moderate value of βc (0.67). Thermal energy efficiency and overall daily productivity is improved by 37.67% and 44.15%, respectively, using CQD-NPs. Moreover, thermal energy/exergy-based energy metrics and life cycle assessment has been performed for different lifespans ( n = 1 to 50 years) of the proposed system. Significant improvement in life cycle conversion efficiency [31.90% ( βc = 0), 28.91% ( βc = 0.67), 24.56% ( βc = 0.75), 32.02% ( βc = 0.85), 53.38% ( βc = 0.95)] is observed; also, enviro-economic analysis showed effective rise in annual CO2 mitigation (tons) [41.39 ( βc = 0), 104.85 ( βc = 0.67), 96.23 ( βc = 0.75), 85.14 ( βc = 0.85), 65.51 ( βc = 0.95)] and carbon credits earned using CQD-NPs. This renewable stand-alone two-in-one output system effectively meet the drinking water and electrical energy requirements of societies, and families living in arid/semiarid regions.

Optimizing Productivity and Resource Use Efficiency Under a Finger Millet-Based Cropping System

Finger millet, known for its resilience to adverse climatic conditions, is integrated with various crops to assess the synergistic benefits of intercropping. To obtain intercropping system benefits, crop association, and species combination play a crucial role. Hence, to augment the productivity, profitability, and resource use efficiency under the millet-based system, field research was initiated for three kharif seasons (2021, 2022, and 2023) at the Project Coordinating Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The outcomes indicated that crops under sole cropping outperformed their intercropping structure in yield. Amongst the intercropping systems, finger millet and groundnut at a 4:2 exhibited a significantly higher finger millet grain equivalent yield (3065 kg/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.64), and area time equivalent ratio (1.38). Also, net returns (Rs. 73,276 ha−1) were realized to be higher in the finger millet + groundnut intercropping system at 4:2 row proportion. Finger millet as a sole crop showed a higher energy output (72,432 MJ ha−1), net energy gain (60,227 MJ ha−1), and energy efficiency (5.95) in relation to other cropping systems. Still, it was analogous to finger millet + groundnut (62,279 MJ ha−1 and 60,378 MJ ha−1, 49,623 MJ ha−1 and 47,628 MJ ha−1, 4.93 and 4.74) at 6:2 and 4:2 row extents, correspondingly). The intercropping of the finger millet with groundnut has demonstrated superior carbon sequestration competencies making them more sustainable and carbon-efficient options compared to sole crops like niger, which showed net carbon loss. The present investigation concluded the adoption of the finger millet + groundnut (4:2) intercropping system as a feasible substitute for attaining overall enhanced productivity with profitability, resource use efficiency, carbon, and energy efficiency.

Comparative analysis of precision, deficit, and drip irrigation for water efficiency in Iraq

Sustainable irrigation practices are critical for addressing the challenges of water scarcity and food insecurity in the face of climate change and growing global food demand. This study investigated the potential of precision irrigation (PI), deficit irrigation (DI), and drip irrigation (DRI) techniques to enhance crop productivity and water use efficiency (WUE) compared to conventional flood irrigation (CFI) in three distinct agroecological zones of Iraq. Field experiments were conducted using a randomised complete block design with wheat, maize, and rice crops. The results demonstrated that PI significantly increased crop growth parameters, grain yield, and WUE across all zones, with yield improvements of 33–38% and WUE increases of 46–51% in contrast with CFI. The DI and DRI treatments also outperformed CFI, albeit to a lesser extent. Remote sensing-derived vegetation indices strongly correlated with crop growth parameters and yield, while hydrological modelling revealed reduced evapotranspiration and surface runoff under the PI treatment. The sustainable irrigation practices resulted in substantial water savings of 20–30% compared to CFI. These findings highlight the importance of adopting efficient irrigation techniques, along with a holistic approach encompassing technological innovations, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, to promote water- efficient agriculture and ensure food security in water-scarce regions.

Performance Analysis of TiAlN/TiN PVD Coated Carbide Tools in High-Speed and Dry Machining of AISI 1070 Alloy Steel

This study investigates the performance of TiAlN/TiN PVD-coated carbide tools in high-speed, dry machining of AISI 1070 alloy steel. AISI 1070 is a high-carbon steel known for its exceptional hardness, making tool wear a significant challenge. The research focuses on evaluating tool wear, wear mechanisms, and optimal cutting parameters. Quantitative assessments of flank wear (VB) were conducted, alongside detailed Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses to identify the primary wear mechanisms, such as abrasion and adhesion. The study determined that the optimal cutting conditions for minimal tool wear include a cutting speed of 231 m/min, a feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev, and a depth of cut of 1 mm. The TiAlN/TiN coatings significantly enhanced the tools' wear resistance and longevity, maintaining their cutting-edge sharpness under strenuous conditions. Additionally, the coatings effectively minimized the formation of white layers on the machined surface, preserving the mechanical properties and surface integrity of the alloy. These findings demonstrate the coatings' superiority in reducing friction and heat generation during high-speed machining. The study provides valuable insights for industrial applications, highlighting the potential of TiAlN/TiN-coated carbide tools to improve tool performance, operational efficiency, and overall productivity in high-speed machining environments.

EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF FOOD-GRADE ANTI-CORROSION STEEL DUE TO THE USE OF FLOWDRILL TECHNOLOGY

Machining technologies are constantly evolving in line with new material development strategies, with further advances in cutting tools accelerating these changes even further. Growing demands for increased productivity and production efficiency have led us to today's advanced level of technology. Recently, steel structures made of thin sheets and strips, which are processed by bending, three-dimensional forming or pressing, often in combination with technologies such as ribbing, have been increasingly used. Open and closed rolled profiles are increasingly being replaced by more economical and lighter sheet metal strip materials, which provide similar or even higher strength at a significantly lower weight. Flowdrill technology is often used when joining light sheet metal profiles in a demountable manner, which enables the creation of a cylindrical surface necessary for the subsequent shaping of the thread. Flowdrill thermal drilling technology represents an innovative and forward-looking method of producing precise cylindrical housings in thin-walled materials such as sheets, profiles of various shapes and pipes. This technology uses frictional heat, which is generated by a combination of high tool speeds and axial force acting on the workpiece. Frictional heat causes the material to soften, allowing the tool to smoothly penetrate the workpiece and form a sleeve from the displaced material [Rimar 2023]. This process inspired experimental measurements aimed at analyzing the influence of technology parameters on the material. The aim of the experiments was to investigate structural changes in food-grade anti-corrosion steel EN ISO X10CrNi18-8 (17241) as a result of Flowdrill thermal drilling, by analyzing the state of the material before and after the application of this technology. The results of these measurements will bring valuable knowledge to technologists, which will help them choose suitable materials and drilling technologies in practice.

Transforming Rainfed Pigeonpea Cultivation in India: The Impact of Complete Mechanization on Growth, Productivity and Energy Indices

Background: Pigeonpea is a leguminous, long duration and wide spaced crop. Performing labour intensive, agronomic operations timely from land preparation to post harvest is expensive since rural to urban migration has become a major problem. There is a dire need to evaluate the effects of complete mechanization and suggest options for reducing cost of production, augment the productivity, profitability and energy use efficiency in pigeonpea. Methods: A large plot experiment was conducted in pigeonpea for two years (kharif 2019-20 and 2020-21) under rainfed conditions in an alfisol with two treatments viz., Conventional practices (CPs) and Mechanization practices (MPs). The recorded data was analysed through a two sample t-test for statistical significance. It was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Tornala, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, India. Result: Mechanization practices (1362 kg ha-1) have increased the pigeonpea seed yield by 16.51% over conventional practices (1169 kg ha-1) besides saving 42.5 man-days and 67.5 hours ha-1. MPs have not only reduced the total cost by Rs. 6,745 ha-1, but also enhanced the net returns by Rs. 18,225 ha-1. Higher infiltration rate, net energy and energy output efficiency over CPs helped substantiate the results.

The Influence of Efficient Performance Evaluation on Worker Productivity: A Secondary Data Analysis

Performance evaluation has been an essential tool for organizational effectiveness, in which employee efforts are aligned with the organizational goals. However, the connection between the efficiency of performance evaluation systems and worker productivity has not been well examined over the past years. This study aims to analyse the impact of efficient performance evaluation on worker productivity based on secondary data from different academic journals, organizational reports, and case studies. By analysing already conducted research on performance evaluation processes, this paper addresses how performance evaluation processes do result in productivity, enhanced engagement among employees, and the resultant success of organisations.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency & Productivity With Solar Cells For Wifi Operations In Mining Are-as Pt Antareja Mahada Makmur Jobsite Mifa Ber-saudara (2024)

This improvement aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of solar cell systems in improving energy efficiency and WiFi network productivity in coal mining environments. The research method involves the installation of solar cell systems and the measurement of energy performance and productivity before and after implementation. The implementation of solar cell systems on WiFi networks in mining environments can improve energy efficiency and productivity. This study aims to analyze the influence of the implementation of solar cell systems on fossil energy use and environmental impact. The results show that the implementation of the solar cell system can reduce the use of fossil energy by 75% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60%. The implementation of the solar cell system can also increase productivity by 25%. Therefore, the implementation of a solar cell system on a WiFi network in a mining operational environment is highly recommended. The results showed a significant improvement in the energy efficiency and stability of the WiFi network, which had a positive impact on operational productivity. The results of the study show that the use of solar cells can significantly reduce the consumption of electricity/fossil energy, as well as increase the availability of WiFi networks to support PT AMM's operational support activities. The implication of this study is the great potential of the use of solar energy to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Assessing the role of light quality in baby-leaf kale grown in a vertical farm: Productivity and resource use efficiency

Assessing the role of light quality in baby-leaf kale grown in a vertical farm: Productivity and resource use efficiency

Disaster Induced Agricultural Productivity in Coastal Regions of Bangladesh: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis Approach

The production and technical efficiency of the rice sector in Bangladesh’s coastal areas are vulnerable to a wide range of natural disasters and climate change issues. These regions face recurring threats from climatic events such as salinity intrusion, inundation, rising sea levels, and cyclones, which can significantly disrupt agricultural activities. In this paper, we conduct a comparative analysis of the rice producers’ technical efficiency based on their exposure to disaster-induced impacts over the past five years. Using the Stochastic Frontier Analysis, we examine factors influencing household-level productive efficiency in three coastal districts—Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, and Khulna. Our findings reveal that rice-producing households affected by natural disasters between 2014 and 2018 exhibited, on average, an 8.29 percentage point higher productive efficiency compared to unaffected households. When controlling for other confounding variables, such as household characteristics and external conditions, the efficiency gain rises to 19.8%. This suggests that households exposed to adverse climatic events may have adapted their farming practices to become more resilient, thus improving their productive efficiency in the long term. Moreover, our results indicate that a larger household size enhances efficiency by 6.7%. Households where rice farming is the primary occupation also tend to be more efficient, likely because of greater specialization and focus on improving agricultural practices. Finally, the age of the producer is positively associated with efficiency, reflecting the accumulation of farming experience and knowledge over time.

The optimum location of vapor compressor in multistage vacuum membrane distillation system

This paper investigates the performance optimization of a multistage vacuum membrane distillation (MSVMD) system integrated with a mechanical vapor compressor (MVC) for efficient water desalination. The conventional integrated MSVMD and MVC systems lack a detailed analysis regarding the optimal placement of the MVC, which can influence both productivity and energy efficiency. To address this gap, this study evaluates different compressor placements within the MSVMD setup, assessing their impact on productivity and the gained output ratio (GOR) under various operational parameters, including feed temperature, flow rate, number of stages, and vacuum pressure. The results reveal that the optimal MVC placement can increase system productivity by up to 28 % and enhance energy efficiency, achieving a GOR of about 13. Middle MVC placements maximize productivity, yielding freshwater production up to 500 L/h, while different placements, depending on the feed temperature, optimize the GOR. The parametric study demonstrates that increasing feed temperature significantly boosts productivity, particularly at lower numbers of stages, but reduces GOR due to the higher thermal losses. Additionally, higher feed flow rates improve productivity, with GOR stabilizing at the highest flow rates, and lower pressures in the permeate side increase productivity while keeping GOR consistent. The optimized MSVMD system thus offers a balanced approach, achieving substantial freshwater production with high energy efficiency

Film mulching can alleviate soil quality decrease and produce high maize yield under different irrigation strategies

Plastic film mulching (PM) combined with irrigation is widely adopted to improve crop yields, water and nitrogen efficiency, especially in arid farming areas. Despite its benefits, the effects of this method on soil quality and its subsequent impact on crop productivity and resource efficiency have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we formulated a soil quality indicator (SQI) from five years of field experiments in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID) of Northwestern China. The treatments included border irrigation as the control treatment (CK), CK combined with PM (BI_PM), and three water level drip irrigation treatments combined with PM. Three threshold values of soil matric potential for drip irrigation were −10 kPa (HDI_PM), −30 kPa (MDI_PM), and −50 kPa (LDI_PM). We then examined the SQI changes based on measured multiple soil properties and assessed their implications for maize yield, irrigation water productivity (IWP), and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN). We found: (1) from 2016 to 2020, HDI_PM achieved the highest average yield (15.77 t ha–1), IWP (3.73 kg m–3), and PFPN (63.18 kg kg–1), showing increases of 54.77 %, 84.90 %, and 96.93 % over the control treatment, respectively; (2) no significant variations in the SQI were observed for HDI_PM in 2020 in the topsoil (0–30 cm) and subsoil (30–60 cm) compared to the initial condition. However, CK, BI_PM, MDI_PM, and LDI_PM showed reductions in SQI in both soil layers, primarily due to decreased soil organic carbon (SOC) and structural stability, along with increased sand content and soil salinity; (3) according to the linear mixed-effects model, a low SQI (< 0.43), elevated temperatures, and drought indices negatively impact yield. Hence, we advocate for HDI_PM to maximize yield and PFPN. To enhance soil quality, identifying agronomic practices that increase SOC and reduce soil salinity in the HID is crucial.

Quantifying consumption-based environmental productivity from “Energy-Environment Footprints”

Addressing the challenge of climate change through accounting is crucial for sustainable development, which is influenced by factors such as productivity growth, technical change, efficiency change, and environmental accounting. However, previous studies have predominantly focused on production-based growth accounting, neglecting the significant impact of consumption on growth accounting levels. In response, this study introduces a synthetic index termed as consumption-based environmental productivity. This innovative index utilizes the Luenberger Productivity Index (LPI) and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) models, relying on a Multi-regional Input-output (MRIO) footprint instead of direct emissions. Our empirical research found that from 2000 to 2014, certain economies bore a considerable portion of undesirable emissions imported from abroad. This supports the argument that the footprint approach is a valid alternative to direct emissions assessments. Further analysis revealed an overall growth trend in environmental productivity (EP) of 0.79%. Efficiency change (EC) contributed negatively (-0.35%), while technical progress (TP) positively influenced EP by 1.14%. Additionally, our study points out that reductions in NOX and SO2 emissions were primarily due to energy intensity improvements. Conversely, CO2 emissions were driven by individual production factors and economic growth. These results underscore that establishing clear responsibility for emissions is the foundational step in implementing emission reduction policies in an equitable manner. Concurrently, it is crucial to improve the efficiency of energy consumption and mitigate undesirable emissions to significantly enhance productivity, especially for developing economies, policies should prioritize the development of energy cleanliness and energy efficiency. Furthermore, it is imperative for all economies to refrain from pursuing unnecessary economic growth that could lead to excessive emissions.

ENHANCING EQUIPMENT FLEET AVAILABILITY USING GEMBA LEAN TOOL: A CASE STUDY IN HEAVY TRUCK AND TANK TRAILER REPAIR SHOP

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to leverage the Gemba lean tool to study and enhance fleet management practices inheavy truck and tank trailer repair shop operations. Gemba, often referred to as the real place where things happen, provides a framework for observing and improving processes directly at the site of operations (Imai, 2016). By applying this approach, the research aims to gather and analyze data on the current fleet management practices at heavy truck and tank trailer repair shop operations and identify areas for improvement. The focus is on examining how fleet availability impacts overall business productivity, especially in a service-repir industry where timely equipment functionality is crucial. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research is based on primary data collected over an 8-month period using a fleet utilization template. The methodology involves evaluating the extent of fleet utilization and the impact of equipment downtime on the business operations of heavy truck and tank trailer repair shop. The collected data was analyzed to understand the correlation between equipment availability and employee productivity. Additionally, the study examines how maintenance practices-or the lack thereof-affect fleet downtime and, subsequently, the operational efficiency of the business. Findings: The research findings reveal a clear relationship between equipment availability and employee productivity. In small service repair businesses, maintaining fleet availability is often overlooked, yet it plays a significant role in meeting business objectives. The study found that prioritizing fleet maintenance could significantly reduce equipment downtime, thereby improving fleet availability and enhancing employee productivity. These improvements would help businesses like heavy truck and tank trailer repair shop achieve their strategic goals more effectively, by ensuring that employees have the necessary tools to perform their tasks without interruption. This research highlights the need for management in small businesses to adopt more proactive fleet maintenance strategies to increase productivity and overall operational efficiency.

Total factor productivity and economic efficiency in the Gulf cooperation council (GCC) countries

Total factor productivity and economic efficiency in the Gulf cooperation council (GCC) countries

Enhancing the solar still performance with nano-coated seashells and surface-modified absorber plates for clean water production

The study focuses on enhancing the thermal efficiency and water productivity yield of a double slope solar still (DSSS) by integrating a roughened corrugated copper plate, and nano-coated seashells. The surface-modified absorber plate, combined with small and larger-sized conch shells, intends to enhance thermal absorption, thermal transfer, and water evaporation. Four different SS are considered in this study, namely (i) CSS, (ii) corrugated absorber plate with shot blasting (CSBSS) (iii) corrugated absorber plate with small conch shell (CSBSSS), and (iv) corrugated absorber plate with big conch shell (CSBBSS) incorporated SS. The corrugation process and the conch shells’’ addition enhance the absorption, improving heat transfer, maintaining water temperature, reducing heat loss, promoting efficient water evaporation, and augmentation of durability and adaptability of the solar still system. The increased heat flux was observed in the corrugated copper plate (6400.7 W/m2), compared with the flat plate (4723.8 W/m2), suggests that the corrugated design is more capable of capturing and transmitting solar energy effectively through ANSYS software. The daily productivity of CSS was 1468 ml/m2/day, and CSBSS achieved 1708 ml/m2/day. Promoting the implementation of corrugation and the integration of conch shells, CSBBSS and CSBSSS systems exhibited improved yields, reaching 2002 and 2193 ml/m2/day, respectively. CSBSS, CSBSSS, and CSBBSS showed thermal efficiencies surpassing CSS by 6.41 %, 35.53 %, and 24.48 %, respectively. The average exergy efficiencies attained for CSS, CSBSS, CSBSSS, and CSBBSS were 1.653 %, 2.451 %, 3.91 %, and 3.29 %, respectively at an 8 % interest rate.

Influence of super absorbent hydrophilic polymers on enhancing resources use efficiency and crop productivity in Vertisols

Influence of super absorbent hydrophilic polymers on enhancing resources use efficiency and crop productivity in Vertisols