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1 – 2 of 2Aasheesh Dixit, Pinakhi Suvadarshini and Dewang Vijay Pagare
Farmers in India are hesitant to adopt organic farming (OF) despite high demand for organic products and favorable policy measures to encourage the practice. Therefore, this study…
Abstract
Purpose
Farmers in India are hesitant to adopt organic farming (OF) despite high demand for organic products and favorable policy measures to encourage the practice. Therefore, this study aims to assess the OF adoption barriers faced by Indian farmers using a systematic method of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors explored eighteen barriers to OF adoption by conducting a literature survey and discussion with experts on OF. Then the authors used a combined method of Grey Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology to rank the barriers and analyze their interactions.
Findings
The analysis reveals that “Lack of knowledge and information,” “lack of financial capacity of farmers’ and “lack of institutional support” are the cause (independent) barriers that significantly impact other barriers. The top three effect (dependent) barriers are “lack of availability of organic inputs,” “personal characteristics such as age, attitudes and beliefs” and “lack of premium pricing,” which are affected by the other barriers.
Research limitations/implications
This research work will help the decision makers understand the barriers to OF adoption in India and their interrelationships. The proposed framework enables them to focus on the high-priority independent barriers, which will subsequently impact the other dependent barriers.
Originality/value
Previous research on OF adoption barriers lacked a multifaceted scientific approach, which is necessary because OF is a complex system and needs a thorough investigation to assess the interaction between the barriers. The research attempts to fill this gap and addresses the complex nature of adoption barriers.
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Keywords
Mandeep Singh, Khushdeep Goyal and Deepak Bhandari
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs).
Design/methodology/approach
The HAMNCs were fabricated via a vacuum die-assisted stir casting route by a two-step feeding method. The varying weight percentages of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles were added as 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 Wt.%.
Findings
Scanning electron microscope images showed the homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles in Al matrix. The tensile strength by 28.97%, yield strength by 50.60%, compression strength by 104.6% and micro-hardness by 50.90% were improved in HAMNC1 when compared to the base matrix. The highest values impact strength of 36.3 J was observed for HAMNC1. The elongation % was decreased by increasing the weight percentage of the nanoparticles. HAMNC1 improved the wear resistance by 23.68%, while increasing the coefficient of friction by 14.18%. Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis of the fractured surfaces of tensile samples revealed microcracks and the debonding of nanoparticles.
Originality/value
The combined effect of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles with pure Al on mechanical properties has been studied. The composites were fabricated with two-step feeding vacuum-assisted stir casting.
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