Low Initial Cost Research Articles

Sustainability and resilience interface at typical urban green and blue infrastructures: costs, benefits, and impacts assessment

The rapid urbanization witnessed in recent years has led to the deterioration of urban ecosystems, resulting in various environmental and socioeconomic challenges. In response to these concerns, the implementation of Green and Blue Infrastructures (GBI) has gained prominence as a sustainable urban planning approach. GBI is a planned network system of natural and semi-natural spaces, along with other environmental elements, managed and designed to provide a wide range of ecosystem services and improve ecological conditions, thereby contributing to citizens' wellbeing and quality of life. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the costs, benefits (ecosystem services), and impacts (ecosystem dis-services) associated with the incorporation of GBI in urban environments using the technique of emergy accounting. To achieve this, the research paper introduces a novel integrated valuation framework. This framework encompasses key components such as constructing/maintenance costs, ecosystem services, needed costs to human health and biodiversity damage, as well as ecosystem dis-services. Furthermore, the study conducts a comparative analysis of the costs, benefits, and impacts associated with different urban GBIs via ternary phase diagram, shedding light on their varying contributions to the urban ecosystem. The findings reveal that green roofs offer more ecosystem benefits as compared to other GBIs, but this study also highlights that green roof entail higher initial construction costs and produce a greater number of dis-services. Conversely, street trees have lower initial costs and impacts yet generate higher benefits. Furthermore, green walls, despite having a lower input emergy value and fewer benefits, result in higher impacts compared to other green-blue ecosystems. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions in developing sustainable cities for the wellbeing of present and future generations.

A review of vehicle speed measurement methods for the statistical pass-by noise testing

The Statistical Pass-By method (SPB, ISO11819-1) is used in environmental impact studies to evaluate, classify, and compare different road surfaces according to their influence on traffic noise. It relates the noise level to the type of vehicles and their speed. There are different methods to measure vehicle speed and the cost plays a significant role in their practicality and widespread adoption. Radar, Lidar, and Photocells-based method systems typically involve higher initial costs due to the sophisticated technology employed, but they offer real-time and accurate data, justifying their investment. On the other hand, Video camera systems may have lower initial costs, but their accuracy can be influenced by environmental conditions and calibration requirements. This paper will assess the cost-effectiveness of these technologies, considering not only the initial setup expenses but also maintenance and operational costs over time. Cost-benefit analyses are crucial in determining the most economical yet reliable solution for specific budget constraints. As the research in this field progresses, a key focus lies in optimizing the balance between cost and performance to make these systems more accessible and practical also for a wide range of applications, ensuring that advancements benefit both traffic management authorities and users alike.

Analysis of economic viability of commercial mulberry saplings regeneration using conventional stem propagation method

The economics of stem cutting propagation in mulberry provides a profound insight into the cost-effectiveness and financial benefits of this method compared to other propagation techniques. Stem cutting propagation are widely recognized for its efficiency which involves taking cuttings from a mature mulberry plant and rooting them to produce new plants. This method is particularly advantageous due to its lower initial costs and simplicity compared to alternatives like tissue culture or seed propagation. Economically, stem cutting eliminates the need for expensive seeds and reduces the risk associated with seedling variability thereby leading to more consistent crop quality and yield. The initial capital investment is relatively modest and covering primarily labour and materials for the cuttings and rooting environment. Furthermore, the reduced time frame for producing mature plants accelerates the return on investment thereby providing a quicker pathway to profitability. Analyzing the cost components including labour, equipment and consumables, reveals that while there are ongoing expenses such as maintenance and care of the cuttings these are often outweighed by the savings and benefits derived from a successful propagation cycle. Stem cutting propagation also offers scalability thereby allowing for the expansion of mulberry cultivation with minimal additional costs. The method's ultimate economic advantage lies in its capacity to deliver high-quality, uniform plants at a lower cost, enhancing the overall productivity of mulberry farms. Additionally, examining case studies and regional data highlights variations in economic outcomes based on local conditions, such as soil quality, climate and market access. The ultimate success and profitability of stem cutting propagation are influenced by these factors which can either amplify or mitigate the method’s inherent advantages. In regions where conditions are optimal, the benefits of stem cutting propagation are maximized thereby leading to substantial economic gains.

Vibration response on the rod of vortex bladeless wind power generator for a sandwich beam with various face sheets and cores based on different boundary conditions

Vortex-bladeless wind power generators are revolutionary concepts that use wind vortex-induced vibration to generate electricity through oscillation and vibration. This unique approach allows for a simpler design, environmental friendliness, on-site production, and lower initial costs than traditional wind turbines. This article presents a vibration analysis on the rod of a vortex bladeless wind power generator for a sandwich Timoshenko beam with various face sheets, including carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene platelets (GPL), and carbon nanorods (CNR), and cores, including positive and negative Poisson’s ratios in honeycomb structure, porous material, and metal foam. The governing equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle and solved using trigonometric functions for different boundary conditions. The results of this research are compared with previous studies, and the maximum error is 3.05%. This study examined the effects of various parameters on the dimensionless natural frequencies. To obtain the highest peak amplitude for maximum energy harvesting, to choose the best rod for the bladeless wind power generator among the four types of cores and three types of factsheet layers, the honeycomb core with a positive Poisson’s ratio and the GPL-reinforced composite with the SNUPD distribution are selected because they have the most deflection. Some researchers have worked in the field of sandwich beams. Still, in this study, the main goal is to investigate the Timoshenko sandwich beam by examining all types of cores and reinforcements to increase efficiency and optimize bladeless wind generators to achieve maximum power.

System-level optimisation of hybrid energy powered irrigation system

Renewable energy-powered irrigation systems have emerged as sustainable solutions, particularly for farmers in off-grid areas. While existing research often highlights tank storage-based systems as the most cost-effective option, large-scale deployment of water tanks incurs significant costs and maintenance challenges. Additionally, there is limited research on the feasibility and optimisation of battery-based irrigation systems, which are often deemed costly despite their potential benefits. This study addresses this gap by identifying the optimal storage solution for hybrid energy-powered irrigation systems through a system-level optimisation model. The model evaluates the suitability of three storage options: direct-coupled water tank storage, battery-coupled storage, and a hybrid battery-tank storage system. Optimisation criteria include life cycle cost (LCC), loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and loss of load probability (LOLP), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of both cost and reliability. Results indicate that the hybrid battery-tank storage system is the most reliable, followed by battery-only storage, while tank-only storage, despite its lower initial cost, poses scalability and maintenance challenges. The LCC over a 25-year project lifetime is £31 k for battery-tank, £26 k for battery-only, and £23.3 k for tank-only systems. Despite the lower cost of tank storage, its complexity and maintenance make it the least preferred option for large-scale systems.

Green mechanism: Opportunities for corporate investment in PV/battery/diesel hybrid systems with techno-economic and environmental analysis

In rural areas, diesel generators are prevalent due to their lower initial cost, despite inefficiencies and carbon emissions. Transitioning to PV/Battery/Diesel systems offers a solution by reducing costs and emissions. However, the high upfront expenses present a significant barrier, particularly for rural communities, necessitating external financial support. This study evaluates the benefits of adopting a PV/Battery/Diesel hybrid system over traditional diesel generators in a rural community with 25 customers and a daily demand of 50 kWh. The proposed system includes a 12 kWp photovoltaic array and a 48 kWh battery bank, simulated using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. Results indicate a 91% renewable fraction and a cost of energy of 0.279 USD/kWh, substantially lower than the 1.05 USD/kWh of diesel-only systems, with CO2 savings of 25 t per year. The paper advocates for a case study approach to green mechanism, urging energy and environmental companies to invest in these systems. By replacing diesel generators with hybrid PV/Diesel/Battery systems, companies can offer electricity at a reduced cost, driving adoption. Selling carbon credits from emission savings can generate additional income, leveraging CO2 tax incentives. Under scenarios where investors cover 50% of diesel costs, selling electricity yields 9581 USD annually, and selling CO2 credits generates 500 USD annually. This leads to a payback period of 9.83 years without CO2 credits and 9.18 years with CO2 credits, totaling 46,848 USD without CO2 credits and 52,927 USD with CO2 credits over the project's lifespan. Meanwhile, adjusting electricity pricing to 75% of diesel costs, this increases annual income from electricity sales to 14,372 USD. This reduces the payback period to 5.89 years without CO2 credits and 5.66 years with CO2 credits, totaling 105,094 USD without CO2 credits and 111,174 USD with CO2 credits at the end of the project.

Resilient and rutting response of unbound granular material and subgrade soil influenced by initial state and stress conditions

Unbound pavements with thin seals, where traffic loads are primarily supported by unbound granular layers and subgrade soil, are favoured for their low initial cost. Rutting, the primary distress mechanism, leads to rough, uncomfortable surfaces, diminishing serviceability and safety. It depends on the material's initial dry density, degree of saturation, and applied stress levels. Resilient modulus, indicating layer stiffness, is crucial for determining load transmission to underlying layers, making accurate estimation essential for pavement design. This study conducted constant radial stiffness triaxial (CRST) tests on an unbound granular material and a subgrade soil at various dry densities, saturation degrees, and stress conditions. The CRST test applies dynamic confining pressure under constant radial stiffness boundary. New models for rutting and resilient modulus were developed, relating these parameters to initial dry densities, saturation degrees, and stress states. The study also presents rutting and resilient modulus isograms on the compaction plane, aiding field compaction control and robust pavement design.

Experimental performance evaluation of air-based photovoltaic–thermal collector with rectangular turbulators and longitudinal fins

An air-based photovoltaic–thermal collector (PVTC) simultaneously generates electricity and heats air using energy from incident solar radiation. Its simple design ensures low initial costs and easier maintenance. However, its thermal efficiency is limited by the low heat conductivity of air. To address this shortcoming, considerable research has focused on enhancing either the heat transfer area or the heat transfer coefficient. However, only one of these two methods has typically been utilized, and information regarding PVTCs that incorporate both technologies is lacking. Thus, a novel air-based PVTC featuring longitudinal fins and rectangular turbulators is proposed herein. In this PVTC, the fins enlarge the heat transfer area, while the turbulators improve the heat transfer coefficient by creating turbulence near the fin surface. The proposed PTVC (PTVC-LFRT) was experimentally evaluated under real-world weather conditions and also compared with two other PVTC configurations: one with a smooth air channel (PTVC-SMAC) and one with only fins (PTVC-LF) to reveal the potential thermal and electrical gains achievable with the proposed design. As a result, PVTC-LFRT achieved an electrical efficiency of 17.06 %, whereas PVTC-SMAC and PTVC-LF recorded corresponding values of 16.55 % and 16.8 %, respectively. Moreover, PVTC-LFRT exhibited a thermal efficiency of 38.93 %, while PVTC-SMAC and PVTC-LF achieved thermal efficiencies of 22.68 % and 33.56 %, respectively. Finally, the total daily energy output of PVTC-LFRT from incident solar radiation was 42.73 % and 11.2 % higher than those of PVTC-SMAC and PVTC-LF, respectively. These findings verify that incorporating fins with turbulators into a PVTC effectively enhances its electrical and thermal efficiency. Consequently, the feasibility of the proposed system could be confirmed, and its promotion is considered worthwhile.

Integrating energy simulations and analytical hierarchy process procedure in multi-criteria evaluation of heating systems for industrial buildings

Industrial buildings in Italy are generally aged and widely outdated from an architectural, technological, and environmental perspective. Despite the current limitations affecting both envelope and system installations, enhancement strategies are not frequently debated in the literature or addressed recurring to not adequately comprehensive approaches. This research examines space heating options for integrated retrofit interventions of manufacturing facilities using a novel methodology that combines multi-criteria decision analysis based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with building energy simulations. Interviews with representatives from medium-sized companies in Tuscany provide insights into the exigencies of industrial buildings, while on-site surveys identify common features of industrial buildings in the region leading to the identification of a representative case study building. This facility is examined producing several energy models to account for the different heating system alternatives to be evaluated according to criteria including economic, environmental, comfort, space, and reliability. Both qualitative judgments and quantitative outputs from energy simulations are considered to rank the technological alternatives encompassed in the analysis. In addition, sensitivity analyses are carried out to highlight the impact of boundary conditions on optimal configuration selection. Economic considerations weigh heavily for industrial owners, often outweighing environmental concerns due to higher initial investment requirements for low-impact solutions. Consequently, gas boiler generators and hot-water fan heaters emerge as preferred options for their flexibility, low initial cost, and ease of installation.

Probabilistic evaluation of spectral acceleration demands on light secondary systems supported by partially self-centering structures

Partially self-centering structures are promising seismic resilient structural systems by reducing residual inter-story drifts with low initial construction costs. Comprehensive studies focused on structural design and performance evaluation, but no research was conducted to investigate the design of nonstructural components in partially self-centering structures. This research focuses on developing the probabilistic spectral acceleration demands for the nonstructural design in partial self-centering structures. 320 near-fault recorded ground motions were adopted for considering the uncertainties of seismic excitations. The spectral accelerations of the light nonstructural component were obtained through comprehensive dynamic analyses. The logarithmic normal distribution can be used for describing the probabilistic distribution of floor spectra for partially self-centering structures under earthquakes, validating through the Anderson-Darling test. The influences of design parameters (including structural period, hysteretic parameters, structural damping, the ratio of the structural period to the nonstructural period, and nonstructural damping) on the probabilistic distribution of floor spectra were investigated through parametric dynamic analysis results. Artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed for predicting the probabilistic floor spectra for partially self-centering structures. The analysis results indicate that ANN models can achieve excellent accuracy with a coefficient of determination larger than 0.99. Comparative analysis results reveal that the ASCE method may underestimate the acceleration demand of light secondary systems supported by partially self-centering structures. The developed ANN models were interpreted using the shapely additive explanations. It has been found that the fundamental periods of the main structure and nonstructural components and the response modification factor show significant effects on the median and deviation of the probabilistic floor spectra for partially self-centering structures. The software FloorSpecPS was established to predict the probabilistic floor spectra for partially self-centering structures using the developed ANN models in practical application.

Ultrafast catalytic reduction of organic pollutants using ternary zinc–copper–nickel layered double hydroxide

Water is the utmost essential commodity for the support of life process in animals. In recent decades, rapid industrialization and uncontrolled agricultural practices have led to increased level of toxic pollutants in groundwater, including organic pollutants (dyes, nitroarene compounds, antibiotics, etc.), inorganic pollutants (heavy metals, nanoparticles, etc.), and pesticides, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment. Although various technologies such as adsorption, photocatalysis, reverse osmosis, filtration, sedimentation, flocculation, and precipitation are available for the elimination of toxic pollutants from wastewater, issues such as their cost and efficacy limit their usage. Recently, catalysis has been found to be the most effective approach since it exhibits significant capability to eliminate almost all the pollutants and offers the benefit of simple design and low initial cost. In the present study, ternary zinc–copper–nickel layered double hydroxide (ZnCuNi‐LDH) synthesized using facile acid hydrolysis method was employed as an efficacious heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of NACs (para‐nitrophenol and para‐nitroaniline) and degradation of organic azo dyes (methyl orange, amaranth, and brilliant black). ZnCuNi‐LDH exhibited superior catalytic activity for the reduction of all five model pollutants with reduction efficiency of more than 95% within a short time span of 5 min. Therefore, keeping in view the layered structure, high specific surface area, and remarkable catalytic performance, ZnCuNi‐LDH holds immense potential for the large‐scale catalytic degradation of refractory pollutants.

Factors influencing farmers’ adoption of solar water-pumping systems in Gujarat

Abstract Agriculture has played an important role in the growth of the Indian economy. Water and electricity are essential inputs for agriculture today. India produces the third-largest amount of electricity in the world, behind China and the USA. As an incentive to increase production, most states provide free electricity to farmers. Free electricity has decreased groundwater levels and increased electricity consumption. The objective of this study was to find out the factors that influenced farmers to adopt a solar water-pumping system in Gujarat. The samples were randomly selected. This study examined the entire state of Gujarat. One hundred and fifty farmers who adopted solar water-pumping systems were interviewed, including 50 banana farmers, 50 cotton farmers and 50 groundnut farmers. Primary data were collected through an interview. The adoption of solar water-pumping systems by farmers was identified using factor analysis. SPSS software was used to analyse the data collected. In this study, only two factors contributed to the variance of 59.469%. The adoption of solar water pumps by farmers was influenced by government policy and economic benefits. An economic benefit variance of 33.20% was found, while a government policy variance was 26.27%. A solar water-pumping system has low initial costs, flexible credit policies motivate adoption, solar water-pumping systems can save electricity, and maintenance and repair costs are affordable. Government policy that includes solar water-pumping systems is motivated by awareness, subsidies for adoption and a fair price to sell energy surpluses. Farmers are recommended to adopt a solar water-pumping system in conjunction with a drip irrigation system to receive additional income. The successful scheme will be recommended to other states in India for implementation.

DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATIC INDICATOR AND SAFETY DEVICE ON BIKE

Bikes are most preferred vehicles due to low initial cost and maintenance. the commercial utilization of bikes with the introduction of Uber, Rapido, Ola etc is increased. Indicators- whether attached at the front, side or rear of the vehicle – provide information for other road users through their signals and are thus responsible for safety on the roads to a substantial extent. Negligence in using the indicators often leads to accidents. Which can be avoided by incorporating automatic indicators and safety cut-off switch for safety on commercial bikes. This project involves developing of automatic indicators and safety device for bikes. The automatic indicator after completing a turn switches off automatically in case the rider forgets to switch off, which results in decrease in accidents. Safety Cut – off switch can be used to alert or cut-off the power to EV motor or Engine when co-rider senses some risk from driver. Study of various types of indicators and functionalities, sensors, switches and mountings for automobiles is carried out extensively. The integration of automatic indicators and safety devices on bikes represents a significant step forward in enhancing both the functionality and security of two-wheeled transportation. By automating indicators, riders can focus more on the road ahead, reducing the risk of accidents caused by distracted riding. Keywords: Indicators, Controller, Battery, Sensing Element, Emergency Safety Cut Off Switch.

A computational model of an air-layer radiant cooling panel for optimizing and design

Radiant cooling systems have become a research hotspot in recent years. The air-layer radiant cooling panel always had good performance, but there is relatively little research on it. This paper aims to optimize an air-layer radiant cooling panel by establishing a computational model and analyzing its accuracy through experiments. Through the computational model, the effects of surface emissivity, the thickness of the air layer and high thermal resistance material, pipe spacing on the heat transfer performance of the air-layer radiating cooling panel, and the corresponding optimizations have been studied in this paper. Based on the results, it is recommended that a pipe spacing of between 0.1 m and 0.25 m can achieve higher cooling capacity and lower initial costs. The thinner the thickness of the air layer and decorative layer, the better the heat transfer performance. High emissivity materials need to be used on the surface of the air-layer radiant cooling panel to enhance radiant heat transfer. In the process of analyzing the spacing between pipes, a method for calculating the large temperature difference of the fluid has been added, which can help us estimate the cooling capacity in practical engineering, balance initial costs and cooling capacity, and better meet cooling needs.

Entrepreneurial barriers in achieving sustainable business and cultivation of innovation: a resource-based view theory perspective

PurposeThe study aims to highlight the barriers faced by the entrepreneurs toward achieving sustainability in business and innovation cultivation by offering solutions for academicians, practitioners and policymakers. The study uses the resource-based view (RBV) theory to discuss how an organization’s resources and capabilities influence the competitive ambience and barriers faced by entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThe present research uses grey-causal modelling (GSC) to analyse the barriers against successful entrepreneurship.FindingsThe research focuses on the usefulness of dynamic capabilities, managing and cooperating resources in the entrepreneurship setting. The paper highlights the importance of resource gathering and nurturing as a method to combat scarcity. This research further identifies that financial limitations, regulatory obstacles, challenges to sourcing qualified labour, poor infrastructure and technology, limited mentorship opportunities, lack of scalability, low initial cost barriers in product development and risk-averse attitudes are the major factors hindering entrepreneurs from obtaining sustainable business and innovation.Originality/valueThe contribution of this research to the literature is that it assesses RBV theory within the realm of entrepreneurship, providing a different perspective on resources and capabilities as well as the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The systematic approach to the analysis and prioritization of various barriers is innovative, and it adds knowledge in this area.

Unlocking Sustainable Horizons: Explaining The Role of Green Finance in Advancing Sustainable Construction Practices among Building Professionals

Green finance has become essential in the twenty-first century, not only for environmental science but also for business. The current study aimed to determine how green funding contributes to the promotion of green construction. Moreover, to discover the factors and challenges hindering the relationship between Green Finance and Sustainable Construction. In addition, it provides strategies for improving sustainable construction through green finance. It was quantitative research. The study's design was descriptive, and the survey method was adopted to collect data. A causal-comparative design was utilized to find relationships between study variables. Green financing was the independent variable, and sustainable construction was the dependent variable. This study considered three important professionals: Building Contractors, Consultants, and Developers from Lahore, Punjab. A close-ended questionnaire comprised of a five-point rating scale was used as a data collection tool. The reliability and validity of research instruments were also determined. The researcher collected data through personal visits using questionnaires. Before collecting prior appointments were made, the purpose of the study was intimated to respondents, and the confidentiality of responses was assured. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, for example, Mean, Standard Deviation, and T-Test. The results of the study show that respondents had an overall favorable opinion of green financing, acknowledging both its availability and investors' interest in sustainable projects. A favorable outlook is further enhanced by favorable loan terms. Nonetheless, there are still issues facing the sustainable construction industry, with low initial costs and ignorance being the main barriers. Research has also made recommendations for future studies that aim to close the finance gap for green projects. It might also assist with the responsibilities that each party involved in the improvement of green finance must carry out.

Study of the Properties of Iron/Iron Redox Flow Batteries

New energy storage technologies are needed to offset the erratic power supply of renewable energy sources due to the rising global energy demand and the urgency of climate change action. Even if there are still concerns with operational parameters and efficiency, the Iron/Iron redox flow battery is a viable contender for large-scale energy storage. Iron is a highly affordable active material, making it possible to create inexpensive energy storage systems and possibly batteries with very low initial investment costs due to the positive electrode's moderate pH and relatively low voltage, maintaining minimal toxicity and aggression. Many challenges have been faced in the experiments on iron/iron redox flow batteries. For example, hydrogen formation and its impacts on the system must be minimized to ensure long-term use as an energy storage device. Iron hydroxides quickly form in response to elevated pH levels or contact with ambient oxygen, which restricts the battery's effectiveness.For each series, various iron/iron redox flow batteries were assembled, and their functional properties were studied as a sustainability factor. The functional properties of the battery, such as an increase in electrolyte volume, an increase in charge/discharge times, the addition of a break time between charge/discharge cycles, varied charge cut-off voltages, varied discharge cut-off voltages and IU charge/discharge were investigated. It was also possible to complete more than 50 cycles with 8 hours of charging time and calculate and compare efficiencies and other performance values. The 8 hours of charge/discharge parameter proved to be the most suitable for conducting long-term cycling experiments because of the increased CE and EE trendline over 25 cycles. The 60 minutes rest time recorded a delay of charge voltage with a maximum of 35 minutes starting from the third cycle because of the blockage of the membrane and polarization effects. An optimized battery achieved up to 62% energy efficiency at 25 mA/cm2 with 4 hours of charging time and 8.01 Ah maximum theoretical capacity. Figure 1

Applicability of electronic document management system (EDMS) for the cost management of mega construction projects in Sri Lanka

PurposeDocumentation plays a key role in navigating the costs of construction projects. Traditional document management systems (TDMS) used in developing countries, however, hinder the achievement of expected cost targets. Although the electronic document management system (EDMS) has been implemented to improve documentation, the Sri Lankan construction industry has failed to effectively adapt to it. Hence, this study aims to provide strategies for the effective application of EDMS to the cost management of Sri Lankan mega construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative approach followed by 12 semi-structured expert interviews. Quantity surveying experts were selected through judgemental sampling. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe EDMS is more suitable for megaprojects than traditional methods of documentation in terms of functionality, neutrality, interoperability, space, reversibility and delivery speed. However, there are contradictory views about cost and security. Furthermore, five transitional challenges of EDMS have been identified under the three key themes of cost, stakeholder perception and technical difficulties. Four reasons were also identified as causing these five challenges. Seven suggestions were made to deal with these transitional challenges and three key feasible solutions for the Sri Lankan construction industry regarding the EDMS were identified. Development of Sri Lankan software with low initial cost was highlighted as the most feasible solution.Originality/valueThis is a novel study to investigate the applicability of EDMS to cost management mechanisms of megaprojects in Sri Lanka. The findings reveal transitional challenges and appropriate feasible solutions for EDMS adaptation. This can be applied to the cost management of megaprojects in other developing countries as well.

Sustainable Water Management: Developing a Hydroponic-Watering System to Support Epiphytic Plant Growth

This study introduces an innovative hydroponic–epiphytic water system designed to address water conservation challenges in urban agriculture. The system involves repurposing water from a hydroponic setup to irrigate epiphytic plants, promoting sustainability and efficient water management. Expert opinions on the system's development and innovations were gathered using a structured evaluation based on key indicators. Notably, the mean scores were analyzed using an Inter-rater reliability assessment in order to determine the expert's opinion on the development and innovations of the hydroponic-epiphytic water system, and indicate strong acceptance in various aspects, including economic profitability, low initial cost, and compatibility with social values. However, identified areas for modification, such as time and effort savings and immediate benefits, offer valuable insights for refinement. The hydroponic–epiphytic system's components, meticulously detailed in the study, contribute to its structural integrity and water circulation efficiency. The chemical composition of the hydroponic solution, emphasizing nitrogen-rich urea, ensures precise nutrient delivery. The hydroponic growing medium, a blend of carbonized rice hull and coconut coir, provides an optimal environment for plant growth. The closed-loop water flow system minimizes wastage by recycling hydroponic water for epiphytic plants, aligning with sustainable gardening practices. In conclusion, the hydroponic–epiphytic water system proves effective in meeting its objectives of innovation and water conservation. Expert evaluations enhance its credibility, and the identified areas for improvement offer a roadmap for optimization. Recommendations include exploring alternative energy sources, conducting extended studies for long-term observations, and a more comprehensive expert opinion study. This study contributes to the advancement of urban-friendly, sustainable water management practices in agriculture.

COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE MATURITY DEGREE:

Competitive Intelligence is a quite regular topic in organizations that are willing to have a greater position on the market in general, as well as to be ahead of future trends and scenarios, and also to obtain a better assertiveness in processes that require making a decision. Organizations such as startups, known as highly scalable companies which have a forward-looking model of business with a low initial cost, are also constantly searching for a sustainable growth in the long run. The research aims towards identifying how mature is the level of Competitive Intelligence in Startups in the community of San Pedro Valley, headquartered in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Applying a Quantitative Method, a descriptive investigation was performed seeing a survey sent online directly to the managers. The bibliographic research allowed to maintain the intelligence cycle’s choice proposed by Mafra, Carvalho and Jordão (2016) in the analysis of each stage. According to the definitions of maturity by Rodrigues and Riccardi (2007) and Zuquetto and Beltrame (2012), a new proposal was developed to measure in a quantitative way the level of excellence of the organizations. From level one (informal) through level four (advanced), it was identified that the maturity of competitive intelligence in the related startups is situated between the level two (basic) and level three (intermediary). These results are expected and common if the context and the structure of these companies (which act with a sense of urgency, lean structure and flexibility) are taken into account.