Total Production Cost Research Articles

Does zero tillage save or increase production costs? Evidence from smallholders in Kyrgyzstan

ABSTRACTPromoting zero tillage has been recognized as an important strategy for smallholders from an agronomic perspective. However, the economic effects of adopting zero tillage are still a matter of debate. Employing an endogenous switching regression model on the plot-level panel data of 878 Kyrgyzstan’s smallholders, we investigate the determinants of decision to adopt zero tillage and its effect on smallholders’ production costs. We find that the probability of zero tillage adoption is associated with employment in agriculture, assets, agricultural shocks, fertilizer use, number of plots and average distances from dwelling to household fields and to main road. Furthermore, the results indicate that zero tillage adoption decreases land preparation costs by 23%, but increases hired labour and herbicide costs by 13% and 15%, respectively compared to conventional tillage method. Nevertheless, zero tillage can reduce total production costs by 15%. Our findings suggest that zero tillage can be promoted as an option for resource-scarce smallholders, especially to those in remote areas with poor access to inputs and machinery services. Promoting zero tillage adoption as a labour-saving or herbicide reducing practice can create false expectations among smallholders.

Research on the Comprehensive Evaluation Method of Driving Behavior of Mining Truck Drivers in an Open-Pit Mine

Trucking is an important production link in most open-pit mines, and its transportation cost accounts for more than 50% of the total production cost of open-pit mines. The quality of the driver’s driving behavior plays a crucial role in the fine control of the production cost of transportation. Different from the previous evaluation studies of drivers’ driving behavior in open-pit mines, which mainly took safety driving behavior index as a factor variable, this paper puts forward a comprehensive evaluation method of driving behavior of mining truck drivers, which takes both safety driving and transportation cost as factor variables. Taking the mining truck as the research object, firstly, a scientific and reasonable data collection scheme is established, and the data information characterizing the transport state of the mining truck is obtained through data collection and analysis. Secondly, the RKNN algorithm of time series prediction and the wavelet analysis method are used to achieve noise reduction and missing processing of the original data so as to obtain accurate sample data. Then, taking the principal component analysis method as the entry point, through constructing the principal component analysis theory model, the key index system representing safe driving behavior and transportation cost is established to realize the comprehensive evaluation of the driving behavior of mining truck drivers, and the evaluation system of “standard driving”, “prudent driving” and “aggressive driving” of mining truck drivers is formulated. The results show that after noise reduction, the accuracy of mining car operation data can be improved by 7~12%, and the transportation cost can be reduced by about 5% after the driver’s operation behavior is standardized.

A Comprehensive Strategic-Tactical Multi-Objective Sustainable Supply Chain Model with Human Resources Considerations

This study proposes a multi-objective Sustainable Supply Chain Network (SSCN) model considering human resources limitations with different levels of expertise. The proposed model includes multiple suppliers, factories, and customers, where the construction of factories is a strategic decision, and determining the amount of production and allocating human resources with different levels of expertise is taken as a tactical decision. Also, the capital recovery factor has been used in the mathematical model to prevent the influence of strategic decisions on tactical decisions. The results from the mathematical models of epsilon limit, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA II), and Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) show that by reducing the amount of shortage, the amount of production has increased, and as a result, the costs of production, supply and distribution and transportation have increased. Also, with the increase in the production and transportation of products, greenhouse gas emissions have also increased. Examining the impact of the uncertainty rate on the Robust Fuzzy Optimization (RFO) model also shows that with the increase of this coefficient, due to the increase in the demand in the network, the total costs of production, distribution, purchase of raw materials, and transportation have increased. Examining different comparison indices between solution methods also shows that heuristic methods have higher efficiency than exact methods. MOPSO is more efficient than NSGA II for the designed mathematical model in these investigations.

Analysis of Production Cost Calculations using the Direct Costing Method at PT Fortuna Inti Alam

The Direct Costing method is a production cost calculation method that only charges costs that are variable or that are directly related to the product. This research aims to find out how to calculate production costs using the direct costing method at PT Fortuna Inti Alam. The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The results of the research show that the calculation of production costs at PT Fortuna Inti Alam uses a company method that charges all costs incurred within the company, resulting in a total production cost of IDR 2,442,117,500. Meanwhile, using the direct costing method results in total production costs of IDR 2,075,470,000. The results of these calculations cause a difference in total production costs, namely Rp. 366,647,500, where calculating production costs using the direct costing method results in total production costs that are smaller than the company's method.

Technical Guidance for The Manufacturing Of Floating Feeds at Pokdakan Papuyu Sakti Karang Intan, Banjar District

Feed is the main need, which accounts for 60-70% of the total aquaculture production costs. In general, fish farming groups (Pokdakan) depend on artificial feed. High feed prices are not balanced with the selling price of fish. This is because Pokdakan does not yet understand floating feed and the operational techniques of floating feed machines. This is a problem encountered, including in Pokdakan Papuyu Sakti. So that Pokdakan Papuyu Sakti members can increase production, feed quality and the sustainability of the use of floating feed, technical guidance is needed. The aim is to increase the ability to provide quality floating feed that is sufficient for cultivation activities. The scope of solutions offered is counseling, demonstration of machine use, and making floating feed. The partners' level of knowledge and skills were evaluated based on the Guttman Scale. The evaluation results show that the introduction of machines and the manufacture of floating feed have been successfully implemented, there has been an increase in knowledge understanding > 75% or an increase of seven times from the start of the activity. The skills of Pokdakan members in carrying out the practice of making floating food increased four times.

Cost-competitive manufacture of porous-silicon anodes via the magnesiothermic reduction: A techno-economic analysis

Lithium-ion batteries play a central role in the electrification of our energy systems, however this technology still suffers from low energy density. Porous silicon (p-Si) has been recognised as a promising, high-energy density anode material as a replacement for the currently used graphite. The demand for p-Si is therefore expected to increase in the coming decades and the magnesiothermic reduction (MgTR) has shown great promise as a scalable process that can be used to meet this demand. However, without a preliminary or detailed economic analysis, it is not possible to determine whether this process is economically feasible at larger scales, under conditions that have thus been reported in the literature. Herein, as a first of a kind study, the total cost of production (TCOP) at scales between 300 and 1500kg/batch are calculated using experimentally verified data. Fixed costs make up the greatest proportion of TCOP, at 58 % of the TCOP at the largest scale, with a payback time of 10 years. Total variable costs (feedstock and energy) was 42 % of the TCOP. When recently reported modifications to MgTR – a two-step and ultra-low temperature methods – were considered, the variable costs reduced by ∼40 % and ∼32 % respectively, and reducing the TCOP for the two-step and low-temperature methods by 45 % and 37 % respectively. When the cost of producing p-Si through the MgTR process was compared to that of graphite on a “capacity cost” basis ($/Ah), it was clear that p-Si produced via MgTR process rivals the market price of graphite. These results provide the first evidence that the MgTR is a highly competitive and scalable process for producing anode grade porous silicon. The variable costs can be lowered in the future by changing the conditions, and the most effective ways to do this are presented in this study.

Costs of Growing Coffee (Coffea Arábiga L.) Production, Profits and Unit Cost in the Municipality of Amatepec, State of México. 2023

The vast majority of coffee producers in the different states of the Mexican Republic, when asked how much it costs to produce cherry, parchment or roasted coffee per unit area, do not know and do not keep records of their costs. This leaves them unable to budget effectively and allocate resources during the year, putting them in a vulnerable situation in the face of changing markets and the supply and demand of national and international coffee. With the objective of presenting an overview of coffee costs, profit and unit costs, in the Municipality of Amatepec, a comparative field study was carried out with the producing states of Veracruz, Puebla, and Chiapas, during 2023. To obtain the costs A survey was applied to representative producers of the region chosen in a completely random sampling, then the FIRA methodology was used to determine total production costs in coffee cultivation. The results indicate that for the production season the activity of cultural work 25%, harvest with 24%, then fertilization with 21% and pest control contributes with 14%. As a result of prices and costs, the profits obtained in coffee cultivation are safer in parchment and roasting both for the Municipality of Amatepec, and in the states of Veracruz, Puebla and Chiapas with which the comparisons were made.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Herders’ Household Business Scale in the Multi Household Grassland Management Patterns: A Case Study of Maqu County in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

This study conducted an analysis of total production costs, gross production values, and net margins across varying scales (small, medium, and large) within herder households operating under the multi-household management pattern. Data was sourced from a random sample of 35 herder households representing six multi-household management patterns in Maqu County, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results revealed that average total production costs per sheep unit were $168.43, $107.36, and $92.89 for small, medium, and large-scale operations, respectively. Gross production values in these scales were $243.50/SSU, $245.23/SSU, and $239.53/SSU. Significantly, large and medium-scale herder households achieved higher net margins, at $146.64/SSU and $137.87/SSU, while small-scale households obtained $75.06/SSU. An intriguing revelation is that net margins for large and medium-scale households predominantly fall within the range of $100.01/SSU to $200.00/SSU, signifying that while scaling may curtail total production costs per sheep unit, it does not assure enduring increases in net margins. These findings hold paramount implications for policymakers as they reassess the feasibility of upscaling multi-household management pattern operations for grassland ecological restoration on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. While scaling up can yield cost efficiencies, it does not inherently translate into sustained net profit growth. Hence, astute consideration of these insights is imperative in evaluating the potential of scaling up multi-household management patterns for grassland ecological restoration initiatives.

Multi-source district heating system full decarbonization strategies: Technical, economic, and environmental assessment

Implementing innovation and sustainable development of district heating requires sound energy planning at the national and local levels. However, a research gap still exists on technically and economically viable solutions for developing fully decarbonized heat supply systems and assessing their environmental impact to provide a holistic analysis. Therefore, the case study-based research includes in-depth analyses of the current situation and existing operating conditions of the solar field, biomass and natural gas boilers, and thermal storage tank. The future fossil-free scenarios analyze the additional thermal storage capacity, and integration of heat pumps and local waste heat sources to reduce fossil fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency and minimize heat production costs.The results show that the waste heat utilization and heat pump integration allow to phase-out of natural gas for the peak load coverage. However, increasing thermal storage capacity by more than 50 % is crucial to store the thermal energy for peak demand-supply. The increased thermal storage tank volume allows higher biomass production rates and aligns the heat production with the available waste heat sources. The total heat production costs in a low-temperature heat pump scenario decrease by 5 %. The environmental impact assessment shows that the low-temperature heat pump scenario decreases the resource category by 61 % and the climate change category by 17 % in comparison with the Reference scenario due to higher solar yield and higher overall efficiency.

The mRNA-lncRNA landscape of multiple tissues uncovers key regulators and molecular pathways that underlie heterosis for feed intake and efficiency in laying chickens

BackgroundHeterosis is routinely exploited to improve animal performance. However, heterosis and its underlying molecular mechanism for feed intake and efficiency have been rarely explored in chickens. Feed efficiency continues to be an important breeding goal trait since feed accounts for 60 to 70% of the total production costs in poultry. Here, we profiled the mRNA-lncRNA landscape of 96 samples of the hypothalamus, liver and duodenum mucosa from White Leghorn (WL), Beijing-You chicken (YY), and their reciprocal crosses (WY and YW) to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of heterosis.ResultsWe observed negative heterosis for both feed intake and residual feed intake (RFI) in YW during the laying period from 43 to 46 weeks of age. Analysis of the global expression pattern showed that non-additivity was a major component of the inheritance of gene expression in the three tissues for YW but not for WY. The YW-specific non-additively expressed genes (YWG) and lncRNA (YWL) dominated the total number of non-additively expressed genes and lncRNA in the hypothalamus and duodenum mucosa. Enrichment analysis of YWG showed that mitochondria components and oxidation phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways were shared among the three tissues. The OXPHOS pathway was enriched by target genes for YWL with non-additive inheritance of expression in the liver and duodenum mucosa. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed divergent co-expression modules associated with feed intake and RFI in the three tissues from WL, YW, and YY. Among the negatively related modules, the OXPHOS pathway was enriched by hub genes in the three tissues, which supports the critical role of oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, protein quantification of ATP5I was highly consistent with ATP5I expression in the liver, which suggests that, in crossbred YW, non-additive gene expression is down-regulated and decreases ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in negative heterosis for feed intake and efficiency.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that non-additively expressed genes and lncRNA involved in oxidative phosphorylation in the hypothalamus, liver, and duodenum mucosa are key regulators of the negative heterosis for feed intake and RFI in layer chickens. These findings should facilitate the rational choice of suitable parents for producing crossbred chickens.

Nutritional programming in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Effect of low dietary protein on growth and the intestinal microbiome and transcriptome.

Nutritional programming is the idea that early nutrient contributions can influence organismal structure or function and is documented in a variety of vertebrates, yet studies in fish are largely lacking. Tilapia are an important foodfish, with global production having increased rapidly since the 1990s. They exhibit high disease-resistance and grow well on formulated feeds which makes them an ideal aquaculture species, however incorporating high quality proteins into feeds can be costly. As feed constitutes 50-70% of total production costs in aquaculture, reducing protein content could curb these costs and increase revenue. Thus, we examined the effects of feeding Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) fry a restricted protein diet for the first 7-21 days on growth, gut microbial flora, and the intestinal transcriptome. Fish were fed either a 25% restricted or 48% control crude protein starter (ST) diet for up to 21 days and then switched to a 25% or 38% control crude protein growout (GO) diet. Fish fed a 25% ST diet for 14 days followed by a 38% GO diet had significantly higher lengths and weights and better feed efficiency than fish fed the control 48% ST and 38% GO diet after 56 days of culture. Growth of fry on the 25% ST, 7-day/38% GO and the 25% ST,7-day/25% GO diets did not differ from the those fed the control protein diets, while fish fed the 25% ST diet for 21 days had significantly lower growth and survival rates. We observed no significant differences in either alpha or beta diversity of the gut microbial flora between diets, however species richness (Shannon Index) was higher in fry fed the 25% protein ST diet regardless of the GO diet. Similarly, fish fed the 25% ST diet for 14 days followed by the 38% GO diet had minimal changes to the intestinal transcriptome relative to fish fed the control 48% ST and 38% GO diet. However, those fed 25% ST and GO diets for the entire 56 days exhibited substantial differences in the gut transcriptome from other groups showing gene expression profiles characteristic of detrimental changes to gut physiology, protein metabolism and immune function. Results suggest protein restriction for up to 14 days early in development leads to enhanced growth and feed efficiency with minimal effects on gut microbes or intestinal function. Protein restriction beyond this period appears detrimental to fish growth and health as underscored by expression of disease related genes and higher mortality rates.

Application of the Maximum Principle to Minimizing Total Production Costs

Application of the Maximum Principle to Minimizing Total Production Costs

Analysis of value chains and added value for the production and marketing of the tomato crop in Salah al-Din Governorate for the year 2021 (Al-Ishaqi - a model)

The study of tracking product flows, showing the stages of value added, determining relationships with other actors in the chain are aimed at identifying the problems and obstacles of the value chain link of tomato crops, calculating the costs and revenues of production and marketing, calculating value added and related indicators. The study was conducted by the governor of Salah al-Din (al-ishaqi-as a model) and the initial data for the study were collected according to a random sample containing samples of actors within the value chain link of tomato crops and used a questionnaire form created specifically for this link. Through the use of quantitative indicators to draw conclusions, which are indicators for analyzing and calculating costs and revenues, the study reached the most important results, the production cycle has achieved an average gross value added (159.156) dinars/kg, according to the conclusion, based on the most important issues and limitations of the production cycle of tomato crops, the total cost of production has reached (1149677) thousand dinars. and the Results the total marketing costs amounted to about (208,712) dinars / dunum, (42,594) dinars / ton and (42,594) dinars/kg, and the marketing costs ranked third in terms of relative importance of the total total costs by (15.4%). The study recommends the need to activate the role of agricultural extension in considering quality conditions and increase farmers ' awareness of the importance of increasing supply over demand.

Analisis Usahatani Padi Organik Kelompok Tani Ciawitali Cilawu Garut

Organik Pady is a superior food crop commodity in Cilawu District, Garut Regency. This study aims to analyze Organik Pady farming based on land tenure status. This research was conducted in Mangkurayat Village, Cilawu District, Garut Regency from October to November 2021. The types of data used in this study were primary data and secondary data. Sampling in this study using purposive sampling method. In order to obtain a sample of 20 people owner farmer, and 10 people of share tenant. Data analysis used in this research is descriptive quantitative by analizing farm production costs, revenue, income, and farming feasibility. The results showed that the average total production cost incurred by the owner farmer were Rp. 13.793486 /Ha/Planting Season, while the share tenant are Rp. 9.299.249 /Ha/Planting Season. The profit-sharing system for shelled corn farming in the research area for share tenant is 50% of the total yield of production. The shelled corn farming which is run by the owner farmers and share tenant is feasible to be cultivated with an average r/c ratio of 1,7 for the owner farmers, and the r/c ratio value of 1,2 for the share tenant.

Tingkat Pendapatan dan Kelayakan Usaha Tani Cabai Merah di Dusun Taeno Desa Rumahtiga Kota Ambon

Cayenne pepper is an important commodity that causes inflation in Ambon City. Inflation conditions occur because there are frequent price fluctuations due to fluctuations in the supply of these commodities. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the income level and feasibility of red chili farming in Taeno Hamlet, Rumahtiga Village, Ambon City. The results of the research concluded that the income of red chili farmers, the income of cayenne pepper farmers in Taeno Hamlet was obtained from a total income of Rp958,200,000,00 with an average of Rp23,955,000,00 minus total production costs of Rp219,995,000,00 with an average IDR 5,499,875,00 so that the income received by cayenne pepper farmers in Taeno Hamlet is IDR 738,205,000,00 with an average of IDR 18,455,125,00 per year. The Revenue Cost Ratio results show a ratio value of 4.36 which is obtained from total income divided by total production. Based on the results of the feasibility analysis of cayenne pepper farming, R/C. Thus, it can be concluded that cayenne pepper farming in Taeno Negeri Rumahtiga Hamlet, Teluk Ambon District is worth pursuing.

A collaborative resequencing approach enabled by multi-core PREA for a multi-stage automotive flow shop

The initial production sequences of a multi-stage automotive flow shop (MSAFS) have a chance to be disturbed by emergency orders from the market or warehouses. This kind of disturbance can hinder a timely resequencing, and an improper resequencing scheme would increase the total production costs and delivery delays. To tackle this problem, a collaborative resequencing approach for a MSAFS is proposed enabled by a multi-core promising-region evolutionary algorithm (PREA) to deal with emergency orders for an efficient optimization of resequencing during the automotive production. First, considering the characteristics of automotive production, a sliding window-based collaborative resequencing strategy is proposed to cope with emergency orders. Then, a model that integrates the welding, painting, and assembly processes is described mathematically to minimize production costs and delivery delays. Next, a multi-core PREA is developed to optimize the collaborative resequencing model with high efficiency. Finally, a case study is conducted to verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed approach. The numerical results indicate that the proposed approach is capable of realizing an effective resequencing optimization with high computational performance in terms of handling emergency orders for automotive production.

The cost-benefit analysis and constraints of pineapple production in Bangladesh

The main purpose of the study was to estimate the profitability of pineapple production in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar District. Structured questionnaires and face to face interviews were done to collect raw data from 100 pineapple farmers during harvesting season. These farmers were chosen using a multi-stage sampling approach. Net return analysis, Benefit-Cost Ratio, and Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the prepared data. Findings from net return analysis showed that pineapple production was a profitable activity in the study area. The total cost of production was Tk. 740,767 and the total return was also substantial, resulting in a net return of Tk. 501,445 for pineapple production. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.48, indicating that pineapple farming was profitable for the farmers. However, the study also discovered several constraints perceived by the farmers that hindered pineapple production. These constraints included issues like animal damage, lack of credit availability, natural calamities, labor supply shortages, expensive fertilizer, inadequate storage facilities, and poor seed quality. By mitigating these constraints, pineapple productivity may rise not just in the study area but also in other regions of Bangladesh where the fruit is grown intensively. Thus, this improvement could significantly contribute to the well-being of farmers and enhance their disposable income.

ANALISIS PENDAPATAN USAHATANI KOPI ARABICA (Coffea arabica) DI KECAMATAN SUMBERMANJING WETAN KABUPATEN MALANG

This study is intended to determine the income of farmers (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, and the level of efficiency or feasibility of arabica coffee farming (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency.The analysis method used is farm income analysis and farm efficiency/feasibility analysis. The number of samples in this study was 25 people who were arabica coffee farmers (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency. Data collection using questionnaire method as primary data source and literature related to research. The results of the analysis show that (1) The income of Arabica Coffee Farming (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing District, Malang Regency which is the result of a reduction between the total average revenue (TR) and the total average production cost (TC) of Rp 18.136.800,-. This means that the first hypothesis in this study is true, namely arabica coffee farming (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, profitable; (2) The R/C ratio of arabica coffee farming (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency is 2,82. Based on the R/C ratio criteria, if the R/C ratio value is more than 1, then the farm is eligible for farming. So, in accordance with these criteria, it can be known that arabica coffee farming (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency is feasible for farming. This means that the second hypothesis in this study is correct, namely usahatani arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) in Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency is worth farming.

IMPLEMENTASI TOTAL PRODUCTIVE MAINTENANCE (TPM) DENGAN METODE OVERALL EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVENESS (OEE) PADA MESIN THRESER DI KOPERASI KAREB

Increasingly advanced technology encourages companies to improve machine progress to support the production process. Routine maintenance helps the production process run smoothly and machines are used more optimally. The use of machines that are not optimal is one of the factors that decreases machine productivity which will cause losses. One method that can be used is Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Determining the time of production loss can use overall equipment effectiveness as a metric in evaluating equipment that affects the total cost of production. The human factor is the cause of downtime, work fatigue causes negligence in operating the machine. Machine constraints include engine blockage, sugar tobacco causing the conveyor belt to break because the sugar crust sticks to the belt which causes it to break easily. Other influences from the environment, namely temperature, hot engine temperatures can cause overheating. Another thing is electrical interference, because most of the machines use electricity as their prime mover. In the threser unit in the KAREB cooperative there are many things that interfere with the effectiveness of the machine. OEE calculations in May 2022 obtained a value of 11.81% which is not in accordance with world class standards. This is due to the large amount of damage in that month which makes production effectiveness decrease. The quality value has a defect amount which has a value of 0%. The biggest downtime is in week 3 where there are many production processes so that the machine experiences problems.

Demand For Pesticides On Shallot Farming In Sanden Sub- District Bantul Regency

Sanden Sub-district is one of the shallots producing centers in Bantul Regency. The research objectives are: (1) to identify the type of pesticides used by shallot farmers and to calculate the cost structure of shallot farming; (2) to measure the variation of pesticide usage based on the growing season; (3) to analyze determinants of the demand for pesticides (4) to calculate the own price and cross-price elasticities of the demand for pesticides. The location and respondents of the research are chosen purposively and the research involves 35 shallot farmers. The descriptive method is used to identify the type of pesticide usage. Paired Sample t-test is used to test the pesticide usage difference between seasons. The ordinary Least Square (OLS) method is employed to analyze the factors affecting the demand for pesticides. The own-price and cross-price elasticities are determined based on regression coefficients. The result of the analysis shows that the type of pesticides consists of insecticide and fungicide, and the pesticide cost contributes 8-10% of the total production cost. The pesticide usage between seasons is statistically different. The results also show that the determinant factors of the demand for pesticides are the price of pesticides, the price of shallot, land size, and the wage of labor. Both insecticide and fungicide demand are elastic to price change.