Product Returns Research Articles

Enhancing yield of lettuce through irrigation and nitrogen management in a subtropical Inceptisol

Abstract To address the dearth of management of lettuce in the Indo-Gangetic plains, field experiment was conducted on a sandy loam Inceptisol for optimizing the irrigation, nitrogen requirement and economics of lettuce for three years. Four irrigation levels (conventional, I1 and irrigation at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 irrigation water to cumulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio, as I2, I3 and I4) and three nitrogen management (100% recommended dose of N i.e., RDN as inorganic, N1; 50:50% RDN as inorganic: vermicompost, N2 and 100% RDN as vermicompost, N3) was laid out in thrice replicated split plot design. All the major physiological characteristics like plant height, number of leaves, average head diameter was improved with I4, N2 and their interaction (I4N2). Maximum average head yield (10.6 t ha−1) was obtained with I4 and I3, 10.5 t ha−1 for N2, while I4N2 yielded 11.3 t ha−1. Maximum water productivity (11.8 kg m−3) was obtained under I2N2. A strong non-linear relationship was detected between yield with irrigation water applied (). Higher soil moisture extraction (80.2%) in top 0–30 cm and lower (19.8%) for 30–45 cm depth and maximum leaf dry matter yield, nutrient concentrations and uptake was found with I4N2 and I3N2. The moderate deficit irrigation and optimum nutrient at I3N2 was found best for optimizing yield, higher water productivity, nitrogen economy and monetary returns of lettuce.

Optimal Return Policy of Competitive Retailers’ Pre-Sale Products Based on Strategic Consumer Behavior

Because of incomplete information on pre-sold products, consumers face uncertainty about the value of what they have purchased, which leads to a mismatch between supply and demand and a large number of returns. By developing appropriate return policies and effectively managing and handling consumer returns, retailers can not only reduce waste but also ensure better resource utilization, which is essential for sustainable development. In this paper, we analyze the full-refund and full-and-freight-refund policies of retailers and develop a game model based on binary competition for selecting the optimal return policy for the pre-sold products of two retailers. The study shows that when both retailers have low capacity, there is no pre-sale stage. However, when their combined capacity is high and exceeds the demand of non-strategic consumers, equilibrium depends on their combined capacity and the proportion of strategic consumers who choose to keep the pre-purchased product under both return policies. When the number of strategic consumers who retain pre-order products is low under the full-refund policy and both retailers have moderate capacity, equilibrium is achieved when an asymmetric return policy is followed rather than a symmetric return policy. Specifically, when the percentage of strategic consumers who keep their reserved products under the product return strategy is small and the capacity of the two retailers is moderate, the maximum benefit is achieved if one of the retailers adopts the policy of a full refund and the other adopts the policy of a full-and-freight refund. Otherwise, when one retailer adopts the policy of a full refund or a full-and-freight refund, its competitor should adopt the same strategy to gain maximum revenue. The research on retailers’ pre-sale and return strategies in this paper helps to optimize the operational strategies and operational processes of e-retailers, further improve the management and decision making of their joint pre-sale and return strategies, and help optimize retailers’ profits.

Fine root dynamics and associated nutrient flux in Sal dominated forest ecosystems of Central Himalaya, India

The belowground systems of trees have a major role in forest functioning through absorption of water and nutrient cycling. This study deals with the fine root dynamics including fine root biomass, necromass, production, turnover, and nutrient return in transitional Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) dominated sub-tropical forest ecosystems of Central Himalaya, India. Four sites namely, Site-1 (Kaladhungi), Site-2 (Fatehpur), Site-3 (Ranibagh), Site-4 (Amritpur) were selected in Sal forest within an elevational range between 405 and 580 m above sea level. The dominant and associated co-dominant species were selected from each site for the estimation of fine root dynamics by using sequential core and ingrowth core methods. The results revealed that the fine root biomass, necromass, and production were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by location, seasons, and soil properties. The fine root biomass and production decreased with increasing soil depth and also influenced by stand characteristics including tree density and basal area. The rainy season was most productive with maximum fine root biomass (507.37 kg ha–1) as well as fine root production (600.26 kg ha–1 season–1) in the dominant tree species S. robusta. Among the associated co-dominant tree species highest fine root biomass (330.48 kg ha–1) and fine root production (410.04 kg ha–1 season–1) was reported for Tectona grandis L. during the rainy season, while lowest fine root biomass (126.72 kg ha–1) and fine root production (195.59 kg ha–1 season–1) in the Glochidion velutinum Wight tree species during the winter season. Annual fine root production ranged from 460.26 to 1583.55 kg ha–1 yr –1, while turnover rate varied from 1.37 to 4.45 yr–1 across all the studied sites. The fine roots added carbon input of 154.38 to 564.20 kg ha–1 yr–1 and nitrogen input of 6.58 to 24.34 kg ha–1 yr–1 to the soil through annual flux. The study improves our understanding on fine root parameters under the influence of sites, soils and seasonal and spatial variation. The return of nutrients to the soil through fluxes from the roots illustrates the role of fine roots in carbon and nitrogen cycling of the forests and this potential can be harnessed to assess the long-term carbon and nitrogen pool estimations in forests and to plan and manage the forest ecosystems.

GENDER DIFFERENTIALS AND PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF PEPPER (CAPSICUM SPECIES) PRODUCTION, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study analyzed gender differentials and profitability of pepper (Capsicum species) production in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. One hundred pepper farmers were selected. Primary sources of data were employed with the aid of well-designed and well-structured questionnaire. The results show that 66% of pepper farmers were between 21 to 50 years. Pepper production was profitable in the study area. Gender differentials in average costs and returns in pepper production revealed that gross margin were 137, 556.51 Naira per hectare for male pepper farmers, higher than that at 109,711.77 Naira per hectare for female pepper farmers respectively. Gender differentials in factors influencing output of pepper produced shows that age ,and fertilizer input , were significant factors influencing output of pepper produced by male farmers at 1% probability levels, while age , labour input , and fertilizer input , were significant factors influencing output of pepper produced by female farmers at 1% probability levels respectively. The return to scale of pepper production was estimated at 2.798 for male farmers, which signifies increasing return to scale. The return to scale was calculated for female pepper farmers at 0.033, which implies decrease return to scale. Major constraints faced by pepper farmers were: lack of fertilizers, pest and disease infestations, and inadequate capital. The study recommends that women pepper farmers should be giving more access to farm inputs and credit facilities at low interest rate to increase productivity.

Cooperation or Co-Opetition? Optimal Offline Showroom Partnership for an Online Manufacturer Under Information Asymmetry

ABSTRACT When an online manufacturer suffers from demand reduction and product return caused by product fit uncertainty, it could display products in a retailer’s store to provide the chance for consumers to examine whether the product fits their needs. According to whether the product the retailer sells is noncompetitive or competitive, this study considers that there are cooperation and co-opetition strategies for the online manufacturer to realize an offline showroom partnership. In addition, the retailer would provide retail service for consumers who visit the store, while the service cost information is private. Thus, this study explores the optimal offline showroom partnership for an online manufacturer under information asymmetry. The results show that although partnering with a competitive retailer causes product competition, the online manufacturer would prefer the co-opetition strategy if (i) the competition intensity between the two products is low or (ii) the competition intensity is high and the cost to handle the returned product is low, and would prefer the cooperation strategy otherwise. Under the optimal strategy, the online manufacturer should design the contract according to the return handling cost. Nevertheless, the online manufacturer could set a higher price under the co-opetition strategy than that under the cooperation strategy. After comparing the online manufacturer’s optimal strategies and profits in different information environments, we find that product competition could reduce the online manufacturer’s profit loss caused by information asymmetry under certain conditions, and the online manufacturer with low return handling cost is more willing to adopt the co-opetition strategy under information asymmetry.

Nitrogen-management options for different crop-establishment methods in wheat under rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

The present investigation was carried out at the research farm of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 where 4 nitrogen (N)-management practices were evaluated under 4 establishment methods in 3 times replicated split-plot design. The results exhibited that, the zero tillage+residue (ZT + R) application recorded significantly better growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield (4.99 t/ha), straw yield (8.03 t/ha) and economic returns (net B : C ratio of 2.01) of wheat over the other treatments. Among the Nmanagement options, LCC-guided N application resulted in significantly higher grain (5.39 t/ha) and straw yield (8.36 t/ha) and economic returns (net B : C ratio, 2.20) over the remaining treatments. Therefore, LCC-guided N application under ZT + R in wheat proved a better option for better growth, productivity and higher returns in wheat under RWS.

Effective Return Prevention Measures in the Post-purchase Stage: A Best-Worst Scaling Approach

Within the rather nascent literature stream examining product returns, the authors identify that the vast majority of studies enlightens return avoidance measures (before ordering), whereas return averting measures (after purchasing) showed to increase customer satisfaction the most. Moreover, extant literature is characterized by methodological paucity, which prevents a more diverse view on the problem of product returns. As a result, the authors enrich the literature by conducting a Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) experiment dealing with various product averting measures (including different types of measures with different levels of immediacy). Focusing on the most frequent online shopping segment (Generation Y) and the second most frequently occurring reason for product returns (i.e., consumers did not like the product), the authors exploratively evince that monetary/utilitarian measures are preferred most and are effective, as well as funding of social and sustainability projects. However, substantial differences were detected based on consumers’ green consumption values. Apart from that, the study contributes to the BWS literature by outlining the necessity to include anchor scaling and quality assessment criteria.

A Reverse Logistics Network Model for Handling E-commerce Returns

E-commerce supply chains are becoming more complex due to increasing global sales, and product returns from these sales are alarmingly high, highlighting the importance of effective return management. This paper proposes a reverse logistics network model to optimize return management. The proposed model applies ward-like hierarchical clustering with geographical constraints to detect return tendencies and utilizes mixed integer linear programming to optimize the network. The decision variables of the model include selection of Initial Collection Centers (ICCs), allocation of customer markets to ICCs, and optimal return volumes to be sent to each fulfillment center and recycling center from ICCs. The validity of the proposed model is established through a case study conducted in the consumer electrical and electronics sector of an e-commerce firm, providing 39.9% cost savings on average compared to the current Reverse Logistics (RL) network operation. This study contributes to the literature by integrating industry 4.0 technologies into the assessment of RL and facility planning with network optimization. The proposed RL network model serves as an operational planning tool, providing directions to e-commerce firms on optimizing RL networks and utilizing partner networks with integrated decision making for product returns.

Managing the Inventory with Product Return: An Approximation Algorithm

Managing the Inventory with Product Return: An Approximation Algorithm

Steeling of synthetic cast iron in induction crucible furnace taking into account consumption rate of carburizers

In an article about the importance of the choice of materilas, harmful impurities in synthetic cast iron, amd improving the strength characteristics of cast iron, which requires a new method of smelting synthetic cast iron using steel scrap as charge in the corrresponding crucible furnaces, the presences of a charge of metal charge, together with pig iron, the return of own production, carburetors, and ferroalloys for the purpose of carburizing and alloying to the required chemical composition.

Effective Return Rate Prediction of Blockchain Financial Products Using Machine Learning

In recent times, financial globalization has drastically increased in different ways to improve the quality of services with advanced resources. The successful applications of bitcoin Blockchain (BC) techniques enable the stockholders to worry about the return and risk of financial products. The stockholders focused on the prediction of return rate and risk rate of financial products. Therefore, an automatic return rate bitcoin prediction model becomes essential for BC financial products. The newly designed machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) approaches pave the way for return rate predictive method. This study introduces a novel Jellyfish search optimization based extreme learning machine with autoencoder (JSO-ELMAE) for return rate prediction of BC financial products. The presented JSO-ELMAE model designs a new ELMAE model for predicting the return rate of financial products. Besides, the JSO algorithm is exploited to tune the parameters related to the ELMAE model which in turn boosts the classification results. The application of JSO technique assists in optimal parameter adjustment of the ELMAE model to predict the bitcoin return rates. The experimental validation of the JSO-ELMAE model was executed and the outcomes are inspected in many aspects. The experimental values demonstrated the enhanced performance of the JSO-ELMAE model over recent state of art approaches with minimal RMSE of 0.1562.

ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION OF TURMERIC IN SURKHET DISTRICT OF NEPAL

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a high value spice crop of high medicinal and economic concern in Nepal. The most important component found in turmeric which makes it valuable in the market is curcumin which is very helpful in the treatment of many diseases. For this study, proportionate sampling technique was taken to select a total of 120 sample farmers from the five study areas of surkhet district viz. Panchapuri municipality, Lekbesi municipality, Bheriganga municipality, Chaukune rural municipality and Barahataal rural municipality. The study showed that the BC ratio of turmeric production was 1.32 with the total production cost of NRs. 13083.18 and gross revenue of NRs. 17225.91. The low BC ratio was due to the high seed rhizome price which shares about 34.07% of total cost of production and low mechanization. The regression analysis of the obtained data showed that the input resources like human labor, bullock labor, FYM cost and miscellaneous costs are underutilized whereas the seed cost is over utilized. The coefficient of return to scale is 0.317709 which indicates the diminishing rate of return in turmeric production meaning if 10% of the input resource is increased, only 3.2% of production will be increased. Price of turmeric seed rhizomes have been increased by 62.07% in recent 5 years showing the high price variation in seed rhizomes in study area. Thus, to fight with various problems associated with turmeric production, government intervention, extensive trainings, and mechanization are strongly recommended.

Long-lasting otic medications may be a rare cause of neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.

To characterize the clinical course and long-term prognosis of a suspected novel cause of neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (nKCS) secondary to florfenicol, terbinafine hydrochloride, mometasone furoate (Claro and Neptra) or florfenicol, terbinafine, betamethasone acetate (Osurnia). 29 client-owned dogs. Online survey and word-of-mouth recruitment were conducted to identify dogs that developed clinical signs of nKCS after application of otitis externa medication containing terbinafine and florfenicol. A retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs meeting inclusion criteria was then conducted. Included dogs had onset of clinical signs of nKCS within 1 day after application of otitis externa medications containing terbinafine and florfenicol and had documentation of low Schirmer tear test value (< 15 mm/min) of affected eyes. 29 dogs with medical records available for review met the inclusion criteria. Documented return of clinically normal tear production was identified in 24 of 29 dogs, with a median time from application of ear medication to documented return of clinically normal tear production of 86 days (range, 19 to 482 days). A corneal ulcer was diagnosed in 68% (20/29). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed being referred to an ophthalmologist (P = .03) and having a deep ulcer (P = .02) were associated with a longer time to documentation of Schirmer tear test ≥ 15 mm/min. Dogs that developed nKCS within 1 day after application of otitis externa medications containing terbinafine and florfenicol had a good prognosis for return of normal tear production within 1 year.

New concept of cast iron melting technology in induction crucible furnace

The article considers methods for reducing harmful impurities in the composition of synthetic cast iron (SCI) and improving the strength characteristics of cast iron. A new method for smelting SCI using steel scrap as charge materials in induction crucible furnaces is proposed, including filling of metal charge, together with transfer cast iron, return of own production, carburetors, and ferroalloys to carburize and alloy up to the required chemical composition. It is revealed that with an increase in steel scrap in the metal charge, the melting time, specific power consumption, melting duration, hardness of the experimental sample increase, and the yield of usable liquid cast iron decreases. To achieve the required hardness of the experimental sample, it is necessary to have мeтaллoшихтefrom 10 to 40% of steel scrap in the metal charge.

ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) FARMING IN NEPAL’S KAPILVASTU DISTRICT

Rice is an annual plant in the Poaceae family. It can be produced across Nepal, from the plains to the mountains, and is the country’s main food crop. A study was conducted to look at the production, economics, and factors affecting the gross return of rice production in 2022 in the Kapilvastu area of Nepal, where a rice super zone was created under the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project. (PM-AMP). A sample of 300 rice growers was selected using a straightforward random selection process. While secondary data was gathered by reading relevant literature, primary data was gathered through an interview technique that has been thoroughly tested. The results showed that smaller farmers’ costs to produce rice were higher per hectare (NRS. 180431) than those of larger farmers (NRS. 127289 per hectare) . Because the overall B: C ratio was larger than 1, the study finds that investing in rice farming was economically viable in the studied area (1.19). The discovery will aid farmers in considering the necessity to replace human and bullock labor with farm machinery. As a result, the cost of cultivation would decrease as rice farming’s productivity and financial returns increased.

Scenario-based multi-objective optimisation model based on supervised machine learning to configure a plastic closed-loop supply chain network

Plastic recycling has received a lot of attention around the world. In this regard, a multi-objective optimisation model for plastic closed loop supply chain (CLSC) configuration is developed. Specifically, this paper simultaneously investigates the impact of adding washing machines to plastic recovery centres and corporations' role in consumer awareness on plastic recycling on plastic CLSC network configuration cost and carbon dioxide (i.e., CO2) emissions. Our numerical results indicate that the combination of adding washing machines to recovery centres, and increased return of plastic products due of increased corporate responsibility in consumer awareness have the potential to contribute to both economic and environmental pillars of sustainability by decreasing the design cost, i.e., by 3.93%, and CO2 emissions, i.e., by 14.24%. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to consider the effects of unpredictable changes in demand and return. The implications of our study concerning social sustainability, policymakers, and municipalities are discussed.

Yield, water productivity and economic return of deficit-drip-irrigated tomatoes in Kaduna (Nigeria)

Compared to gravity flow systems, pressurized drip irrigation provides more efficient control of the amount of water applied, better irrigation uniformity, and a higher initial capital and operation costs. Hence, an economic analysis is required to determine its profitability over a projected time period. Field experiments were conducted in Afaka (Kaduna, Nigeria), during two dry seasons of 2018 and 2019 to determine the effect of regulated deficit irrigation on the yield, crop water productivity, and projected economic returns of UC 82B tomatoes under pressurized drip irrigation. The economic returns were evaluated using the benefit-cost ratio, net present values, and payback period analyses. The highest fresh fruit yield (19.0 t/ha) was obtained in the full irrigation treatment (T1), while the highest crop water productivity (4.94 kg/m3) was obtained in the deficit treatment with full irrigation at the vegetative and flowering stages followed by 60% of reference evapotranspiration at maturity (T7). The project was found to be profitable over the projected years, with benefit-cost ratios of 1.90 and 1.69; payback periods of 2.7 and 3.2 years for T1 and T7, respectively. The full irrigation of tomatoes was therefore found to be more economical than deficit irrigation in the area, with water not being considered as a limiting factor in terms of costs. Gravity drip irrigation was recommended to reduce the pumping cost of irrigation and thereby increase the profit margin.

Análise dos custos de produção do milho verde sob sistemas de cultivo no Tabuleiro Costeiro Sergipano

Abstract: Although many green corn producers manage their agricultural properties informally, the production of this vegetable is socioeconomically relevant to the Brazilian Northeast. This work aims to estimate and analyze the production costs, profitability and return of green corn in different cultivation systems, in the Coastal Tablelands of Sergipano. For this purpose, data were collected from the 16th to the 18th year of cultivation of a long-term experiment, in a strip experimental design, where each strip corresponds to the soil management system (conventional cultivation (CC), no-tillage (PD)) and minimum cultivation (CM)), and four previous crops (Beans Caupí, Crotalária, Guandu and Milheto) were randomized to corn. Production costs, Gross revenue, Operating profit, Profitability index and Leveling point were determined. Greater productivity and Gross revenue were observed in the PD, and greater disbursements in the CC (R$ 8,184.59). PD had highest operating profit and profitability ratio, where Guandu/PD had the best performance (R$ 8,847.18 and 52.02% respectively). Guandu/CC presented negative operating profit and profitability index, characterizing itself as a non-viable alternative for the farmer. The identification and analysis of production costs is an important tool, as it enables the identification of more profitable crops, being the PD the most recommended.

Effectiveness of the application of herbicides against pests in sunflower fields

This article investigates the impact of herbicides Pilot, Roundup, 36% se, and Sprut, 54% se on the growth, development, and productivity of soybean plants. The study examines how different application rates of these herbicides affect soybean crops when used to control the spread of sunflower fields. Additionally, the research includes an assessment of the economic efficiency associated with the use of these herbicides. The study aims to understand the effects of these herbicides on soybean plants, considering factors such as plant growth, development stages, and final yield. Different application rates of the herbicides are tested to determine their optimal dosages for effective sunflower field control while ensuring minimal impact on the soybean crop. Furthermore, the article presents an analysis of the economic implications of using these herbicides. This includes considerations of the cost-effectiveness and benefits associated with the use of each herbicide in soybean cultivation when compared to other weed control methods. By providing valuable information on the influence of these herbicides on soybean crops, the research aims to aid farmers and agronomists in making informed decisions about weed management strategies. The findings can contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable approaches to control sunflower fields while maximizing soybean productivity and overall economic returns.

Economic Evaluation of Mudimadagu Sub- Watershed project in Kolar District of Karnataka, India

The study was undertaken in Srinivaspura taluk, Kolar district of Karnataka to analyse the economic benefits derived by watershed beneficiaries of Mudimadagu sub-watershed project implemented under Credit Institute for Reconstruction-watershed area project (KfW). Primary data of the study was collected from randomly selected 60 farmers from the project area which includes 30 watershed beneficiaries and 30 nonbeneficiaries. Data Collected were examined using Simpson’s index, cost and returns analysis and Garett’s ranking. Higher crop diversity was found among watershed beneficiaries than the non - beneficiaries with Simpson’s index values of 0.84 and 0.79 respectively. Production, productivity and net returns of the major crops cultivated was found higher in watershed area compared to Non-watershed area. Average Annual income for unit farm was found higher in watershed area with Rs. 2,98,855 compared to Non-watershed area with Rs1,73,189. Lack of awareness about benefits of watershed technology among the beneficiary farmers and poor participation by the farmers during training programmes conducted by the implementing agencies were the major constraints faced during the watershed project implementation. From the results it was clear that the watershed activities benefited farmers by enhancing their yield, net returns and overall income. It was also found that formation of watershed area farmers’ associations is necessary for the maintenance of soil and water conservation structures by watershed area development department.