In many developing countries, weak institutional strength, excessive regulatory costs and limited enforcement capacity have led to presence of unauthorized or illegal buildings in cities. Such illegality – resulting from noncompliance to the prevailing regulations, implies lack of safety and hazard risk for the occupants. Governments across the world have tried to come up with mechanisms to address the issue, either by legalizing these buildings or by imposing structural changes. There has been dearth of studies analyzing developer behavior toward compliance with building regulations, and the resulting impact on the real estate industry structure. We bridge this gap in literature, by developing a firm-level micro-economic model, of a local real estate market, to examine developer’s profit-maximizing decisions in the presence of high compliance costs, and low enforcement intensity. We further show how a low probability of detection and low penalty regime results in production inefficiencies, prevalence of smaller and localized firms, and presence of complaint and noncomplaint supply. This work shows the discourse on illegality in building construction in two major ways, one, we highlight the trade-off faced by regulatory authorities between a preventive strong enforcement or a curative secondary regime with high penalties. Also, we present the economic rationale for prevalence of small, localized real estate firms, producing at lower than optimum quantity, in developing countries. Rationalization of regulations to bring the compliance costs down, strong enforcement and high penalty for noncompliance are measures that would support a competitive real estate market.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Indonesia's economy, contributing over 60% to the national GDP and employing more than 97% of the workforce. In Payakumbuh, culinary SMEs have significant potential due to the abundance of local raw materials and high demand for traditional foods such as rendang. Rendang Gadih is one such SME focusing on rendang production for both local and regional markets. However, inefficiencies in production, inconsistent quality, and manual management processes limit its competitiveness. This community service activity introduced the concept of Lean Manufacturing to improve efficiency and reduce waste. The main tools socialized were Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Process Activity Mapping (PAM), and identification of the eight types of waste, along with the application of Kaizen principles for continuous improvement. Implementation was carried out through preparation, socialization, and evaluation stages. The results of this activity are expected to help Randang Gadih enhance production efficiency, minimize waste, and strengthen competitiveness, serving as a model for other culinary SMEs in West Sumatra.

Efficient facility layout planning is essential for optimizing workflow, reducing material handling costs, and enhancing production efficiency. In flange manufacturing, ineffective layouts lead to increased transportation costs and production inefficiencies. Applying systematic layout optimization strategies is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and cost-effectiveness. This study examines the optimization of facility layouts using CRAFT (Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique) and CORELAP (Computerized Relationship Layout Planning) algorithms. These methods are designed to minimize material handling costs and improve spatial organization. The study finds that CRAFT is more suitable for modifying existing layouts, while CORELAP is ideal for new facility designs. Implementation results show that CORELAP reduced material handling costs by 7%, from 845 to 787, while CRAFT achieved a 12% reduction, lowering costs to 747. These improvements enhance operational efficiency and long-term cost savings. Instead of a complete restructuring, both algorithms focus on incremental layout enhancements, preventing major production disruptions. Simulation results confirm that CRAFT increases efficiency with minimal layout modifications, reducing material handling distances and accelerating production. Given its cost-effective and practical application, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, CRAFT was deemed the preferred approach for this study.

This study aims to utilize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis as a diagnostic framework to identify and map the root causes of performance losses in critical cream filling machinery within a cosmetics manufacturing company in East Java, recognizing that fragmented or piecemeal approaches to evaluating machine performance often fail to capture the interrelated sources of production inefficiency. The research was conducted over a three-month period using a descriptive quantitative method through direct observation of filling machine operations. The collected data included machine operating time, downtime, production output, and defective units. In this study, OEE was applied not merely as a performance indicator but as a loss-based diagnostic tool capable of systematically revealing hidden inefficiencies affecting equipment effectiveness. The results show that OEE values fluctuated significantly between 20.31% and 90.51%, with monthly averages of 71.12%, 80.62%, and 61.29%, respectively. While the quality component remained relatively stable at above 98%, substantial variations were observed in availability and performance due to machine downtime and reduced operating speeds. Further analysis using the Six Big Losses framework identified setup and adjustment time and idling or minor stoppages as the dominant contributors to decreased machine effectiveness, confirming that the filling machine functions as a critical production bottleneck whose instability directly influences production continuity. These losses collectively accounted for the majority of production interruptions and performance deterioration throughout the observation period. The findings underscore the importance of systematically reducing the Six Big Losses to stabilize and improve OEE. Implementing preventive maintenance, minimizing setup time variability, and strengthening operational discipline are therefore essential steps for achieving sustainable improvements in machine effectiveness and overall production efficiency.

Introduction This paper examines the combined effects of green finance, renewable energy production and consumption, and capital formation on the ecological footprint (EF) in 76 developing countries over the period 2000-2022. Methods Using the STIRPAT framework and the two-step System GMM estimator, the study addresses endogeneity, heteroskedasticity, and dynamic persistence to provide robust evidence on the determinants of environmental sustainability. Results and discussion Results show that green finance, proxied by public investment in renewable energy, and renewable energy consumption significantly reduce EF, confirming their role in mitigating environmental pressure. In contrast, renewable energy production, gross capital formation, and trade openness increase EF, suggesting that production inefficiencies, fossil fuel dependence, and energy-intensive investment patterns offset the potential benefits of green initiatives. Remittances and urbanization are found to improve environmental quality, indicating that income inflows and sustainable urban development can support ecological resilience. The findings underscore that green finance and renewable energy consumption are effective tools for reducing ecological pressure only when accompanied by efficient technologies and targeted capital allocation. Policymakers should therefore prioritize redirecting investment toward clean sectors, enhancing renewable energy technologies, and strengthening regional cooperation to achieve a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Abstract Agriculture remains a foundational pillar of Pakistan’s economy but faces increasing pressures from climate change, resource degradation, and production inefficiencies, necessitating a transition toward more sustainable production systems. This study examines how digitalization, behavioral factors, and eco-innovation jointly shape sustainable agricultural transformation in Pakistan, with particular attention to agricultural technology-transfer initiatives conducted under Pakistan–China cooperation. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates macro-level time-series analysis (2002-2022) using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with micro-level survey data collected from 366 farmers participating in technology-transfer programs. At the macro-level, the ARDL results reveal a significant long-run association between information and communication technology (ICT) development and national grain production. At the micro-level, structural equation modeling (SEM) indicates that farmers’ green values, perceived behavioral control, green innovative intentions, and energy-use reduction influence the adoption of green production technology (AGPT), primarily through the mediating role of green production willingness. The analysis further shows that eco-innovation strengthens both technology adoption and its linkage with grain supply chain performance (GSP), while the effects of environmental regulation are context-dependent. Additional robustness is provided through machine learning models, including random forest regressor and gradient boosting, which validate predictive relationships under heterogeneous socioeconomic and environmental conditions. As the micro-level evidence is based on a purposive sample of technology-transfer beneficiaries, the findings are interpreted as context-specific rather than nationally generalizable. By explicitly integrating technological acceptance and behavioral mechanisms within a developing-country agricultural setting, this study contributes to the literature on digital agriculture and green innovation and offers targeted, actionable policy insights to enhance climate resilience, food security, and sustainable grain supply chains in Pakistan.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the bakery sector often face production and marketing limitations that reduce competitiveness. Wijaya Bakery, a home-based bakery in Probolinggo, experienced inefficiency in production and reliance on traditional promotion. This program introduces an empowerment model integrating production technology enhancement, business management training, and digital marketing activation. The approach addresses immediate operational issues while supporting long-term sustainability. Using a user-centered design approach, the program followed four stages: identifying target users, analyzing needs, designing solutions, and evaluation. Interventions included the provision of equipment (oven, mixer, proofer, trolley), training in production and business management, digital marketing workshops, and continuous mentoring. Evaluation relied on production records, social media monitoring, and customer satisfaction surveys. The program increased production capacity by 88.6%, from 700 to 1,320 breads per day, and reduced production time for small breads (2.8 to 1 day) and large breads (5 to 3 days). Training improved partner competence in hygiene, quality control, financial recording, and medium-term planning. Digital marketing activation on Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube Shorts raised customer engagement by 20% in two months. A customer satisfaction survey indicated high ratings (>85%) with 100% willingness to recommend products. The integration of production technology, management training, and digital marketing effectively empowered Wijaya Bakery and strengthened its competitiveness. This model offers a replicable approach for similar MSMEs to improve resilience and market reach.

Efforts to increase production and productivity have been carried out by the Agricultural Extension Agency (BPP) through POPT (Plant Organism Control Program).). One of them is the activity of increasing mangosteen production in the Sumberhejo Lestari Farmer Group, Tasikmalaya Regency. So it is necessary to observe the level of efficiency, the factors that affect the level of mangosteen production, and the causes of the inefficiency in mangosteen production. The analytical method in this study uses the stochastic frontier method with three steps. Step 1 constructs an estimate of the Cobb-Douglas production function. Step 2 Determination of factors and efficiency level of mangosteen using stochastic frontier. Then step 3 determines the source of inefficiency in mangosteen production activities. The results of this study indicate that the factors of mangosteen production activities include land area, number of trees, labor, organic fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, and production costs. the factors that influence mangosteen production activities are the number trees and land area at the 5% level of significance. This is because the mangosteen tree is an ancestral tree and it was not nursed from the start. The land area has a negative effect because there is no farmer effort in planting mangosteen. The level of technical efficiency in mangosteen farming activities is said to be efficient (81.6%). Sources indicating inefficiency are land ownership status and length of formal education.

Seasonal climate variability, production inefficiencies, and non-linear farm revenue responses: an SFA-Ricardian assessment across KP’s agro-ecological zones, Pakistan

Rice grain is substantially touching livelihoods of majority in the world since half of the world’s human population rely on the grain for food. Tanzania as a country has been trying to produce rice tremendously in an effort to make livelihoods of its people, making the country in first ranking for East African region in rice production. However, such a good position of the country in rice production has not been reflected in the profit that farming households accrue. This study surveyed 100 farming households in Kilombero district as a showcase to understand why there has been such economic inefficiencies. This research paper used Stochastic Profit Frontier Model (SPFM) to test the hypothesis that socioeconomic aspects do not explain profit inefficiencies of farming households. Results from SPFM showed that farming households in the study area experience economic inefficiency of 24.1% which has been caused by their state of not being technically and allocatively efficient. Further, labor cost was found leading determinant of economic efficiency among other factors. Inefficiencies in profit were eventually found being attributable to socioeconomics specifically irrigation technology used, participation to off-farm economic activities and access to support services like extension and credit facilities. Finally, findings suggest that labor sharing cooperative society could be formed in the study area for labor expense minimization and the conduction of technical trainings to farmers is generally vital to make them producing efficiently especially from economic sense.

Jute, a natural hygroscopic fiber, is highly sensitive to environmental humidity, which significantly affects its physical properties. This study examines the impact of a humidity control system on jute yarn quality during spinning, focusing on yarn count, breaking strength, moisture content, quality ratio and twists per inch (TPI). Experiments were conducted under two humidity conditions: 67% relative humidity (RH) (system active) and 52% RH (system inactive). Results indicate that maintaining optimal humidity (67% RH) enhances yarn quality by improving tensile strength (+9.7%), reducing end breakages (-78.6%), and ensuring consistent yarn count and TPI. Higher humidity reduces fiber brittleness, leading to better fiber integrity and reduced production inefficiencies. In contrast, lower humidity resulted in inconsistent yarn properties and increased breakages. These findings emphasize the importance of humidity control systems in enhancing jute yarn quality, reducing waste, and improving efficiency in textile manufacturing.

The low technological and energy efficiency of China's iron and steel industry is not directly correspond with the competitiveness of its products in both domestic and international markets. This study aims to explain the anomaly of the high competitiveness of China's iron and steel industry despite its low production efficiency. Using developmental state theory and qualitative methods, it was found that the Chinese Government sets the direction of development and increasing the competitiveness of its iron and steel industry in every five-year development plan. The government also affects the supply side with protection policies. To compensate the production inefficiencies, the Chinese government provides direct, and indirect, also structural subsidies. On the demand side, the government makes stimulus projects and opens foreign markets through regional free trade agreements that make high economies of scale which decreasing production cost.

Gayo Kerawang Crafts are a pillar of the creative economy and a cultural identity of the Gayo Highlands. Despite its vast market potential, the industry remains constrained by production inefficiencies, weak supply chain management, and reliance on conventional methods. This study explores how Operational Management principles can be synergized with Gayo local wisdom to create an optimal production model. Through a qualitative approach and an extensive literature review, this study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management, and the Sarak Opat value system. The analysis shows that optimization based on social capital and cultural values not only increases technical productivity but also ensures the sustainability of cultural heritage amidst global competition.

Cyclic peptides uniquely integrate the structural stability and target specificity of biologics with the synthetic versatility of small molecules. However, their chemical synthesis has historically lagged behind ribosomal production in both speed and efficiency. Herein, we present CycloBot, a robotic platform designed for fully automated, minute-scale assembly of cyclopeptides, approaching the throughput of ribosomal biosynthesis while accommodating both natural and non-natural amino acids. Central to this advancement is a diaminonicotinic acid (DAN) scaffold enabling "one-click", concomitant cyclization/cleavage head-to-tail cyclization directly on resin, affording macrocycles of varying sizes with yields up to 93%, crude purities exceeding 95%, and minimal epimerization. The platform's utility is exemplified by the rapid generation of a 20-member antimicrobial cyclic peptide library in 1 day, from which a lead candidate exhibited 100-fold enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis relative to penicillin. By bridging the speed of ribosomal synthesis and the structural diversity accessible via chemical synthesis, this technology establishes a new paradigm for accelerated discovery and development of personalized cyclic peptide therapeutics.

Suboptimal land in Minahasa Regency has strong potential for integrated cattle–rice–corn farming, but production inefficiency and limited managerial capacity still hinder its performance. This study aims to evaluate technical efficiency, competitiveness, and strategic development priorities for the integrated system on suboptimal land in Minahasa. SFA and DEA are used to measure technical efficiency, while the PAM assesses comparative and competitive advantages. SWOT analysis, the IE Matrix, and the QSPM are applied to formulate strategic directions. Primary data were collected from 90 farmer–breeders representing traditional, semi-commercial, and commercial business types. The findings show an average technical efficiency of 0.72, indicating a 28% improvement potential. The cattle–corn system has a stronger comparative advantage (DRCR 0.79) than cattle–rice (DRCR 0.82), although both face private competitiveness constraints (PCR > 1). SWOT–IE results place the system in Quadrant V (“Hold and Maintain”), with QSPM prioritizing efficiency enhancement, institutional strengthening, waste-based downstream product development, and risk adaptation. The integrated system can become an efficient and competitive sustainable agriculture model with adequate institutional support and technological innovation.

Background: Ecoprint micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face persistent challenges, including production inefficiencies, high defect rates, and limited market adaptability due to reliance on manual processes. This study aims to develop and implement a holistic framework that enhances sustainability and competitiveness through technological innovation, skill enhancement, and stakeholder collaboration. Contribution: The study contributes to a replicable innovation model that empowers artisans, strengthens ecological sustainability, and improves operational efficiency. Method: Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, 12 purposively selected ecoprint artisans from Tembindigo MSME in Yogyakarta participated in the co-design and testing of Smart Eco-STEAM technology. Data was collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and production records, and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: The implementation of Smart Eco-STEAM reduced defective products from 35% to 12%, achieved energy savings of 37%, and shortened steaming time by 45 minutes per cycle, enabling a twofold increase in daily output. Artisans reported greater ease of use, improved motif quality, and increased confidence in handling larger orders. Conclusion: The findings confirm that Smart Eco-STEAM effectively addresses key production barriers while aligning ecological sustainability with operational efficiency.

Incorporating relevant weather conditions is vital for an accurate understanding of crop yields and production efficiency, however many studies examined the technical efficiency of cabbage production without considering weather factors. This study examined the effect of weather conditions on the technical efficiency and productivity of cabbage production in Southern Shan State, Myanmar—a key vegetable-growing region that is becoming more susceptible to extreme weatherevents like Typhoon Yagi in September 2024. The Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) function was conducted to estimate the productivity and technical efficiency under two distinct scenarios: with and without controlling for weather variables (maximum temperature during the vegetative stage, and rainfall during head formation and harvesting stages) using cross-sectional data from 150 cabbage farmers collected during the 2024 monsoon season. The results revealed that farmers’ mean technical efficiency was 86.4% when weather factors were considered, slightly higher than the 85.1% without them, suggesting that omitting weather conditions overstated production inefficiency. Cabbage productivity can be improved by 15.74% with full efficiency improvement under existing input usages and technology. Key positive drivers of overall productivity were Farmyard Manure (FYM) and fungicide use, whereas the overapplication of chemical fertilizers had a detrimental effect, particularly under unfavourable weather conditions. Furthermore, farmers’ education, farming experience and the adoption of weather resistant varieties and adjusting sowing dates were identified as significant contributors to reducing inefficiency. To ensure the long-term sustainability of cabbage farming in the study areas, key initiatives should include implementing policies promoting organic fertilizers (FYM), integrated with providing farmers personalized nutrient management plans and technical trainings to optimize fertilizer use and reduce chemical dependency, encouraging the adoption of effective and location-specific adaptation strategies.

Abstract South Asia’s construction sector faces the dual challenge of sustaining growth while addressing environmental sustainability. Despite its economic significance, integrated analyses of the sector's structural dynamics and regional trade dependencies remain limited. This study fills this gap by conducting a regionally integrated structural decomposition analysis (SDA) of the construction sector across six South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) from 2012–2022. Using the Asian Development Bank's multiregional input–output tables, this paper examines how final demand, technological change, and source-specific import substitution (China, India, Rest of the World) drive shifts in output, value added, and CO₂ emissions. Key findings highlight structural vulnerabilities: final demand dominates growth, yet expansion is constrained by rising import dependence—particularly on inputs from China and India—which limits domestic value creation and heightens supply chain risks. Technological progress stagnates or declines in most countries, reflecting inefficiencies in production. Environmentally, construction activity correlates with rising CO₂ emissions (e.g., in Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh) due to carbon-intensive practices. A frequent decoupling of output growth from proportional value-added gains underscores a structurally fragile growth model vulnerable to external shocks. This study advances SDA methodology by disaggregating import substitution to reflect South Asia's trade dynamics, offering policymakers insights to address systemic constraints. Recommendations emphasize technological upgrading, resilient domestic supply chains, and low-carbon policies aligned with SDGs 9 and 11. By disentangling source-specific dependencies and environmental-economic trade-offs, this paper provides actionable strategies for sustainable construction sector growth in the region.

Abstract Most farms in the Global South are small family farms and supporting these in generating ideal profits is critical for reducing poverty. We study the state of Bihar, the poorest in India where approximately 100 million people source their food and income from farms smaller than two hectares. Our research assesses the profit efficiencies achieved by smallholders in rice and wheat production and examine the variation in profit efficiencies across different farm sizes and geographical regions of the state. Applying single-step stochastic profit frontier analysis with data from 4016 randomly selected farmers, we estimate profit potential and identify sources of profit inefficiency. Spatial mapping with profit efficiency scores helps visualize differences and pattern within the state. The findings reveal that high planting cost in wheat and high harvesting costs in rice and wheat reduce profit efficiency. Additionally, excessive rainfall in August and higher temperature in November impede profit efficiency of rice and wheat, respectively. The biggest source of inefficiency in rice and wheat production is costly diesel-driven irrigation system. Our estimates suggest that closing profit efficiency gaps can increase smallholder profits by 38% in rice and 35% in wheat. Identifying strategies to close profit gaps in smallholder settings and agriculture-led economies is crucial for informing interventions that alleviate rural poverty. Graphical abstract

Abstract Sausages, one of the oldest forms of meat processing, rely heavily on the quality of casings to achieve desired texture, appearance, and stuffing efficiency. This study aimed to improve the hydration process of natural pork casings for Calabrian sausage production by employing phosphoric acid as a substitute for trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate. Key quality control tools, including the Ishikawa diagram, 5W1H tool, and PDCA cycle, were utilized to identify and address production inefficiencies. The implemented modifications led to significant advancements: stuffing yield increased from 0.87 to 1.0 kg/m over seven months, surpassing the recommended standard of 0.91 kg/m, and casing consumption decreased by 10.39%. These improvements not only enhanced operational efficiency but also reduced casing costs by 10.37%. The findings confirm the viability of phosphoric acid as an effective, cost-efficient alternative in the hydration process, paving the way for improved sausage production standards.