Pulvinaria tenuivalvata (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) red soft scale insect is one of the most prevalent insect pests that attacks sugarcane plants. Insecticidal efficiency of six selected insecticides (Malatox, Sulfar, Admiral, Nomolt, Tafaban and Biover) was evaluated for their impact against nymphs and adult females of P. tenuivalvata on sugarcane leaves using leave dipping methods. This investigation was carried out for two successive seasons (July 2021-2022) at the laboratory of the Plant Protection Research Department at the El-Mattana Agricultural Research Station, Luxor Governorate, Egypt. Obtained results showed that the tested insecticides varied in efficacy on the different stages of pest (nymphs and adult females). Moreover, the nymphal stage of P.tenuivalvata was more susceptible to the tested pesticides compared to the adult stage. Admiral and nomolt were the most toxic against the nymphal and adult female stages of P. tenuivalvata on sugarcane leaves, sulfar, however, was the least successful in controlling this pest.

Vehicle routing problem (VRP) is a classic problem studied in logistic. One of the most important variations within this problem is called Green Vehicle Routing Problem (GVRP), in which environmental aspects are considered when designing product delivery routes. This variant arises due to the high levels of pollution produced by transport vehicles, so it is a variation whose study represents a vital impact nowadays. This project will consider a GVRP and will be developed considering the characteristics of multi-depot (MDVRP) and multi-product (MPVRP) to minimize the costs of assignation of vehicles and CO2 emissions. To solve the problem, this project proposes a hybridization between the classic tabu search (TS) metaheuristic and the PAES algorithm (TS+PAES) to generate the Pareto frontier of both objectives. An integer mixed linear programming model is formulated and developed for each objective function separately to have an optimal point of comparison for the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Also, the TS+PAES algorithm is compared to the nearest neighbor algorithm for large instances. Two computational experiments were carried out, one for small and the other one for large instances. The experiment for small instances showed that the GAP of each extreme of the frontier compared to the MILP model is on average 0.73%. For large instances, the metaheuristic improves in 0.1% the results presented by the MILP model showing that the metaheuristic provides closer near-optimal solutions in less computational time. Besides, the metaheuristic, in comparison with the nearest neighborhood heuristic, improves in 44.21% the results of emissions and in 3.88% the costs. All these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the metaheuristic.

The non-stoichiometric, calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite was prepared through a low-temperature from aqueous solutions method and characterized using Physico-chemical methods. The potential of this hydroxyapatite to adsorb and release insulin from aqueous solutions was evaluated under physiological conditions. The effect of contact time and initial concentration were studied in batch experiments. The adsorption rate reached up to 81±5% in the first half-hour of contact, while the release rate of insulin incubation was about 41 ± 5% after 1 hour. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich equation, Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion model and Bangham’s pore diffusion model were applied to study the kinetics of the adsorption process. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation R²(0.998) of the used experimental data compared to the other models. The adsorption of insulin onto hydroxyapatite was correlated well R²(0.998) with the Langmuir model as compared to Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich (D-K-R) models, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 24.46 mg/g. The isotherms parameters values of ΔG⁰, b_t and E show that the adsorption process is favorable, spontaneous, exothermic, and controlled by physisorption. The point of zero charge (pHZPC) of hydroxyapatite and the isoelectric point (pI) of insulin indicate that the interaction of insulin molecules with prepared apatite can be well described as an ions exchange reaction.

E-commerce is one of the industries most affected by big data, from collection to analytics in the highly competitive market. Previous research on big data analytics in E-commerce focused only on particular applications, and there is still a gap in presenting a framework to evaluate big data applications from a challenges-values point of view. This study employs a three-phase methodology to evaluate big data applications in E-commerce with respect to big data challenges and values using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making technique that combines BWM and fuzzy TOPSIS. The results showed process challenge and the strategic value obtained the highest weight for challenges and values criteria. Financial fraud detection is relatively the most challenging, and online review analytics is the most valuable application of big data in E-commerce among identified applications. Evaluating big data applications based on cost and benefit criteria is practical for E-commerce managers and experts to make decisions on implementation priorities to overcome the challenges and make the most of values. Moreover, the proposed approach is not only limited to big data analytics in E-commerce and can also be applied in other industries to evaluate emerging technology applications.

An experimental investigation was undertaken to study the Cobalt-based Stellite 6, powder deposited on SS 304 stainless steel substrate without any intermittent layer using an atmospheric plasma spray deposition process by varying the thickness of coating in the range of 74 µm, 128 µm, and 215 µm. The effect of coating thickness on metallurgical properties and corrosion resistance behavior was investigated. Optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to study the morphology of Stellite 6 coating. X-Ray Diffraction was used for structural analysis and to identify the phase formation. It was observed that the sample with 128 µm coating thickness provides the best result concerning microhardness and microstructure characteristics whereas the sample with 215 µm coating thickness provides the best corrosion resistance property. The reasons for the deviation were investigated and the factors responsible for the deviation were assigned in this investigation.

Global business is getting more and more cutthroat. Digital technology plays a significant role in giving companies a competitive advantage and improving the effectiveness of corporate processes. The Malaysian government has advanced by implementing e-government to use digital technologies to improve operations. In line with the objective of Malaysia’s government, this study examines the impact of e-procurement adoption and e-procurement determinants on supply chain performance among Malaysian manufacturing companies. Using a quantitative research design with an online survey questionnaire, 99 responses from manufacturers listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers directory were obtained, representing 19.41% of the response rates. It fulfilled the minimum sample size of 92, and the data were examined using PLS-SEM. A total of 13 hypotheses are supported, accepted hypotheses one and two in which top management support and information communication technology infrastructure do not directly affect supply chain management. Besides, the findings prove this study's mediating effect on e-procurement adoption. It indicates that most Malaysian manufacturing companies have embraced e-procurement to support their supply chain operations.

This study examines the correlation between internal drivers, external pressures, Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO). In the context of wood processing companies in Lumajang, this study examines how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and performance interact. The study relies on theoretical underpinnings grounded in both institutional theory and the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) theory to thoroughly explore and comprehend these complex interconnections. Data was collected from a sample of 98 wood processing companies registered as Primary Timber Forest Product Industries (IPHHK) in the Lumajang District Forestry Office up to 2020, using a saturated sampling technique over three months from January to March 2022. This study's data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM), which uses the partial least squares (PLS) methodology. The results of the analysis indicate that internal drivers do not exert a significant influence on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) performance. In contrast, external pressure and Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) have a notable and statistically significant impact on GSCM performance. Furthermore, GSCM practices play a crucial mediating role, fully mediating the correlation between internal drivers and GSCM performance and partially mediating the correlation between external pressure, GEO, and GSCM performance. This research holds practical implications for managers, supply chain specialists, and Lumajang wood processing industry policymakers. It clarifies the significance of particular drivers in putting GSCM practices into practice and reaching improved performance levels. Future research should consider expanding the sample size, extending the scope of the survey, exploring additional research avenues, and implementing longitudinal designs to investigate green supply chain integration and firm behavior over time.

This study empirically explores the influence of innovation orientation on the digital supply chain, mediated by dynamic capabilities within the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study, rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of dynamic capabilities and innovation orientation, introduces a framework that could serve as a valuable resource for subsequent research. It contributes to the global discourse on optimizing digital supply chain practices among SMEs. Quantitative method was employed, gathering data from 212 professionals in SMEs in Dubai, UAE, via an online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4, focusing on reliability, validity, discriminant validity, and hypothesis testing. The findings show a significant influence of innovation orientation on the digital supply chain. Dynamic capabilities also exhibit an indirect yet substantial impact on the relationship between innovation orientation and the digital supply chain. The identified dynamic capabilities are instrumental in refining decisions associated with the circular economy and leveraging technology to enhance supply chain mechanisms. These capabilities foster positive correlations between the digital supply chain and innovation. The predominant advantage of digital supply chains for consumers lies in their agility and speed, facilitating swift response to customer demand and bolstering business efficiency. The model presented is a template for future research, which could expand its scope to include other industries like manufacturing or services, augmenting the robustness of the findings.

This research tries to analyze the explicit and implicit impact of the smooth supply chain and fairness of the tax system on corporate taxpayer compliance and its implications for state tax revenues. This research uses quantitative methods, using random sampling techniques, and obtained a sample of 100 respondents consisting of various MSMEs registered with the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs in 2023 who are taxpayers in South Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta Province, Indonesia. The data obtained from the surveys was utilized in Structural Equation Modelling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) for additional analysis. Research results and data analysis show that tax system equity has a direct and significant impact on corporate taxpayer compliance; tax system fairness directly has no and minimal impact on state tax revenues; and corporate taxpayer compliance directly and significantly impacts state tax revenues. A smooth supply chain has a direct and substantial impact on corporate taxpayer compliance. Furthermore, a smooth supply chain has a direct and substantial influence on state tax collections. A seamless supply chain and state tax revenues are largely mediated by corporate taxpayer compliance, which has a substantial impact on both. Furthermore, the relationship between the fairness of the tax system and state tax collections in MSMEs in South Jakarta City is totally mediated by corporate taxpayer compliance.

This study investigates the mediating role of supply chain digitization in the relationship between supply chain agility and operational performance. To test the study hypothesis, a survey questionnaire was distributed to 320 respondents occupying different managerial positions at pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Jordan. However, 285 questionnaires were retrieved, of which 17 were excluded for their invalidity. Thus, only 268 questionnaires were found to be valid for statistical analysis. The results show There is a relationship that is statistically significant between supply chain agility and operational performance; there is an impact of supply chain agility on supply chain digitization; there is an impact of supply chain digitization on operational performance; and there is no significant mediating role of supply chain digitization in the relationship between supply chain agility and operational performance. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of supply chain agility in enhancing the operational performance and supply digitization of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Jordan. The study recommends other researchers conduct further studies on how digitalization, information systems, and technology may improve supply chain agility, examine the ideas of responsiveness and resilience in agile supply chains, and recognize how these factors might be balanced by businesses to attain the best possible operational performance.