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Analyzing the collaboration between industry 4.0 and circular economy towards supply chain
Purpose: This review paper aims to analyze the interconnection of Industry 4.0 (I4.0)
and the Circular Economy (CE) within the supply chain management concept,
focusing on how these standards can collectively lead to improved sustainability and
efficient operations. The study pursues to identify the collaborations between digital
technologies and circular economic practices while submitting a thorough knowledge
of their collective influences on supply chain applications and sustainability.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic literature review was conducted,
developing outcomes, based on several research articles, that analyze the association
amongst Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data
analytics and automation, and circular economy moralities. The review incorporates
empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case studies to deliver a complete
interpretation of the present research states on this topic.
Findings: The findings determine that the collaboration between the Industry 4.0
technology applications evidently boosts the performance of circular economy
practices in the supply chain field. Digital tools increase efficient resource
management, zero waste base, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders,
collectively leading to sharped operational efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore,
the review emphasizes the demand for collaborations in-between several industries
and stakeholder involvement as a critical success factor for the effective
implementation of circular-based business models.
Practical implications: The consequent findings of this review study can direct the
followers to adopt short-term circular economy initiatives within their existing supply
chains while uplifting Industry 4.0 technologies. Since digitalized solutions not only
heighten resource use, but also endorse interconnective performance among cross
industries, organizations are advised to adopt them, thus increasing the inclusive
supply chain flexibility. Research Limitations: This review study is restricted to the space of early studies;
those may not be able to comprehend the entire relevant research under this topic. In
addition to that, the suddenly converting nature of Industry 4.0 and circular
economy thoughts insists the enduring research work to step with the latest expansions
and practices.
Originality value: Through granting an inclusive combination of how Industry 4.0
and circular economy philosophies can be unified within supply chains, this study
adds further values to the prior structure of knowledge. It highlights the necessity for
additional observed research to discover the real-world applications and findings of
this combination in different industrial frameworks
Effective sex reversal of nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) using oral administration of 17-αmethyltestosterone in different concentrations
In Tilapia farming, early reproduction and slow growth of females pose
significant challenges. Various methods exist for achieving this, aiming to
address the aforementioned constraints in Tilapia farming by ensuring a
predominance of faster-growing male fish. The research aimed to enhance
sex reversal efficiency in Tilapia by elevating hormone concentration and
altering feeding duration. Three-day-old Tilapia fry was fed 17-αmethyltestosterone mixed feed at 90mg/kg and 120mg/kg concentrations for
20 and 30 days. Four treatments were implemented, each with three
replicates. Sex reversal percentages and growth parameters were assessed
and compared using ANOVA with Minitab Version 18.0, providing insights
into optimizing hormonal sex reversal techniques for Tilapia farming. The
experiment of 120mg/kg feed fed for 30 days produced significantly higher
males (94.99±1.67%, p<0.05, ANOVA) and showed significantly lower
growth rates (28.42±0.18g weight and 9.67±0.01 cm total length at 90 days
of age) than other treatments. Therefore, by considering the growth
parameters (32.37±0.01g weight, 11.90±0.03cm total length at 90 days of
age) and sex reversal efficiencies (93.33±0.01%,) the experiment of
120mg/kg feed fed 20 days was selected as the best concentration for sex
reversal in Tilapia. Although this experiment did not achieve complete sex
reversal, it improved the sex reversal percentages compared to past studies.
Also, feeding only for 20 days with 120mg/kg reduces the environmental
impacts of hormone accumulation in the environment compared to 30 days
of feeding which is currently in use
Evaluation of root and shoot morphology of four rice crosses of f₃ generation in upper catena soil conditions
Rice is the most important agricultural crop and staple food in Sri Lanka.
With the growing population and changing climatic conditions, it is
necessary to grow with increased yield potential. The objectives of this
research were to identify F₃ crosses exhibiting superior root and shoot
morphology, suitable for enhancing performance, and select superior plants
for F₄ generation evaluation in breeding programs aimed at root
improvement in upper catena conditions. A total of 150 progeny lines,
comprising four rice crosses, relevant parents and standard tests were tested
in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Data were
analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software. In the tested four crosses were
recorded higher phenotypic coefficient of variance and genotypic coefficient
of variance values for the number of tillers, number of effective tillers, root
volume, root length, root width, number of roots, root dry weight, number of
panicles, total panicle weight and seeds per panicle. (Cross 3) Ld 20-11-3/
Ld 21-6-18-2 cross showed better mean performance for plant height, culm
height, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, root volume, root length, panicle
length, no of panicles, total panicle weight, seeds per panicle. (Cross 4) Ld
20-15-14/ Ld 20-22-4 cross showed better mean performance for, no of
tillers, no of effective tillers, root width, no of roots, and root dry weight.
Among the four rice crosses, crosses 3 and 4 showed better growth, yield
performance and root performance, therefore crosses 3 and 4 have the
potential to develop rice lines with better root structure in future rice breeding
programs
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Betel (Piper betle L.) is a popular intercrop with
coconuts in Kurunegala and Gampaha districts,
mainly grown as a cash crop. To ensure selection
of high quality, vigorous plants, growers often use
potted betel plants for transplanting. The
traditional potting media for betel consists of
equal parts topsoil (TS), sand (S), cow dung (CM)
and coconut flour (CD). However, due to the high
cost and limited availability of sand and coir dust,
using partially burned paddy husk as a substitute
is
a more economical option. A study was
conducted to determine the cost-effective potting
mixture using a combination of different potting
materials.
Seven treatments included the
combinations of top soil, sand, cattle manure, coir
dust, and partially burned paddy husk (PBPH).
The poly bags were filled with a plotting mixture
and three nodal cuttings were planted. A
propagator was used to raise the plants for 21
days. The small plants were then kept in 70%
shade. According to the results, the highest root
dry weights were in the T2(TS:CM:S:CD:PBPH
2:1:1:1:3) and T7 (TS:CM:PBPH, 1:1:3). The
highest shoot dry weight, shoot length, and
number of leaves were all observed in T4
(TS:CM:S:CD
2:1:1/2:1:1). Therefore, treatments T4, T2, and
T7 can be recommended for betel propagation.
The cost per plant in the T4, T2, and T7 treatments
was Rs 13.50, Rs 11.50, and Rs 9.30, respectively,
which is lower than the cost of the conventional
potting mixture at Rs 18.00
Foliar epidermal micromorphology: a contribution to the taxonomy of family Oleaceae
Oleaceae (olive family), includes 28 genera and about 700 species. Nevertheless, there remains a lot to uncover about the group’s historical development, the evolution of various reproductive and dispersal mechanisms, and polyploidization episodes appear to be linked to its diversification. In the current study, foliar epidermal anatomy of 13 plant species and 2 varieties from 7 genera of Oleaceae was examined under a light microscope. The qualitative and quantitative features like stomatal density, size,shape of guard cell, number of epidermal cell, subsidiary cells, and structure and density of trichomes were analysed using a light microscope. This was the first study on the foliar micromorphology of various Oleaceae taxa. Almost all species exhibited hypostomatic type except one in which Amphistomatic type was observed. Most of the stomata were anomocytic while some Paracytic and one diacytic stomata were also seen. Maximum stomatal length of (30.80 + 1.44 μm) and lowest of (18.30 + 0.21 μm) was noted. All trichomes observed were unicellular. Both glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed with highest trichome length (237.75–248.00 = 242.25 + 1.73 μm) and the lowest (100.00–101.75 = 100.75 + 0.32 μm). Plant taxonomists might commence their future research with the micro-morphological aspects of foliar epidermal morphology, which exhibit a number of innovative qualities for accurate taxonomic identification
Feasibility analysis for the cage culture of saline tilapia (oreochromis spp) in the southern part of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Laka
Aquaculture meets growing seafood demand, with saline tilapia suited for
brackish waters, fostering sustainable practices. The study aims to analyze
factors contributing to the successful cage culture of Saline Tilapia in
Batticaloa Lagoon and seeks to conduct a feasibility analysis and offer
suggestions for further development to assist in its success. A technical
feasibility analysis evaluates water quality parameters crucial for tilapia cage
culture. Socio-economic feasibility involves a survey of 40 nearby farmers
in Southern Batticaloa Lagoon. Legal feasibility assesses the permit
acquisition process, while financial feasibility considers cost and revenue
estimations. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. In the
southern region of Batticaloa Lagoon, aquaculture is male-dominated with
farmers aged 40-50 and low educational qualifications. Technical feasibility
analysis indicates favourable conditions for saline tilapia cage culture with
optimal pH, salinity, and water depth. Socio-economic factors highlight
economic challenges but also opportunities, with all farmers expressing a
desire to transition to tilapia cage culture. Environmental awareness is high,
and financially, most farmers believe in the profitability of tilapia cage
culture, though challenges exist. Ongoing monitoring and support are
recommended for sustainable success. The study concludes with a financial
viability assessment of saline tilapia cage culture in the southern Batticaloa
Lagoon, emphasizing its potential benefits and addressing identified
challenges
The impact of packaging materials on paddy (at362) quality preservation and shelf-life extension: an iotenabled study
This study investigates the efficacy of various packaging materials for paddy
preservation, integrating IoT technology for internal environmental
monitoring. NodeMCU boards were utilized to monitor internal
environmental conditions, with wires extending from the NodeMCU to the
packaging materials containing paddy. Over two months, manual
assessments of seed qualities were conducted. Initial assessments and
monthly measurements provided data for analysis. Python scripting and
SPSS software were employed for data analysis. ANOVA tests were
conducted to examine differences among the packaging materials and across
different time intervals for variable parameters. For the material factor, the
p-value exceeded 0.05, indicating a lack of significant differences among the
packaging materials. However, for the time factor, the p-value was below
0.05, signifying statistical significance. This detailed examination revealed
significant changes over time, providing a nuanced understanding of how
these variables evolve during the course of the study. The significance level
was maintained at 0.05 throughout the analyses, ensuring robust and reliable
results. These detailed findings highlight the nuanced changes in properties
with respect to packaging materials. Tin, while ensuring a stable humidity
environment, showed unexpected consequences on insect multiplication.
Polypropylene and jute bags, closely mirroring external conditions,
demonstrated distinctive effects on bulk density and other physical
properties. The study's results provide valuable insights for selecting
packaging materials for paddy preservation, offering a comprehensive
approach to understanding the dynamic changes in the internal environment
of paddy packaging
The mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship of training and development and performance appraisal system on employee performance: empirical evidence from private commercial banking sectors in eastern province of Sri Lanka.
Purpose - The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of Training &
Development and Performance Appraisal system on Employee Performance through
the mediating role of Job satisfaction in the private commercial Banking sectors in
Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
Design / Methodology/ Approach -The Questionnaires were administered to collect
primary data from the 200 managerial and non-managerial level employees in the
private commercial banking Sectors in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Structural
Equation modeling was used to analyze the structural relationship between research
variable using Smart PLS-4.0.
Findings- The findings of this study revealed that the Training & Development and
Performance Appraisal system have significant and positive relationship with
employee performance and job satisfaction mediates the relationship among variables.
Research limitations- Data have been gathered from private commercial banking
Sectors operating only in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Thereby the findings of
the study should not be generalized to the whole banking Sectors operating throughout
the country.
Practical Implications - The findings of the study provide a clear guidance to the
banking practitioners / policy makers to take further steps in achieving the
organizational goal through the employee performance.
Originality value –The study contributes to the current literature by linking Training
& Development and Performance Appraisal System to employee performance through
job satisfaction in the banking sectors of Sri Lank
Assessing carrying capacity and overall stocking rates of grazing resources in Addalachchenai ds Division, Ampara district, Sri Lanka
The sustainable management of rangeland ecosystems is crucial for ensuring
the health and productivity of grazing resources. This present study
investigated the annual production potential, carrying capacity and stocking
rates of the grazing resources in Addalachchenai DS division using free cloud
satellite images downloaded from Google Earth Engine and processed and
obtained the grazing and browsing land use and cover map. Field estimation
of above ground biomass (AGB) production was done with quadrant method.
The study found varying levels of AGB in Oluvil, Deegawaapiya, Palamunai
and Addalachchenai as 1,908.8 (ton DM/ha/year), 11,494.1 (ton
DM/ha/year), 1,460.9 (ton DM/ha/year) and 1448.2 (ton DM/ha/year)
respectively. The grazing resource levels in the four subdivisions are
influenced by the seasonal variations between rainy and dry season. The
findings revealed the carrying capacity for each subdivision of Oluvil,
Deegawaapiya, Palamunai and Addalachchenai as 41.34 TLU/ha/year,
733.13 TLU/ha/year, 45.79 TLU/ha/year and 11.41 TLU/ha/year
respectively. Similarly, the stocking rates were identified for Oluvil,
Deegawaapiya, Palamunai and Addalachchenai as 20.93 ha/TLU/year, 5.6
ha/TLU/year, 23.84 ha/TLU/year and 32.78 ha/TLU/year respectively. The
stocking rate at Addalachchenai subdivision indicated the overstocking of
livestock compared to the other subdivisions. The land area with high
“growth grazing resources” were significantly higher (p<0.05) in
Deegawaapiya than the other subdivisions. The study found the grazing
resources in the Addalachchenai DS division to support the livestock
population, which will be useful for the authorities and the farmers to take
necessary measures for the sustainable management of grazing resources and
livestock
Employment rights of women in the post pandemic world: challenges and opportunities
Purpose: The Covid-19 brought many substantial impacts on labour markets and the
workforce. The pandemic disproportionally affected the women workers in terms of
business, health, education and employment. The need to promote and address the
employment rights of women has emerged in the post pandemic world of work. Thus,
the study intends to analyze the challenges and opportunities for female workers in
the post pandemic world.
Design/methodology/approach: A sample of 120 working women was drawn using
convenience sampling method. The research approach used was Inductivism. Overall,
the research study was qualitative in nature. Survey strategy was used to conduct the
research with the survey instrument being phone call interviews. The data collected
from the interviewees was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings: The pandemic significantly had the effects on female workers in losing
jobs than men as they are the co-players at household tasks and taking care of
children. On the other hand, the study finds the pandemic has paved some innovative
paths for women through new types of employments such as remote and online jobs
which created new opportunities for them to work from home, to earn and to use their
capabilities.
Research implications: The post pandemic has created immense of female youtubers
whereas the home makers have become the earners through the innovative and
entertaining videos. Thus, the results will offer insight for the researchers and
policymakers to understand the nature of women empowerment from the post
pandemic which is a new revolution in terms of employment opportunities for women
and it has somehow empowered the women to fulfill their dreams to earn and
maintain the work-life balance in a possible way.
Research Limitation: This study eliminated unemployed women. For future studies,
researchers may consider employed and unemployed women to get a deep insight of
the findings and its generalizability.
Originality / Value: The findings of this study would help policy makers to take
necessary steps in planning women empowerment strategies to promote the nations