Enhancing sustainable supply chain performance by adopting sustainable lean six sigma-Industry 4.0 practices

PurposeThe Sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) adoption approach, advancements in Internet technologies and the use of Industry4.0 technologies has resulted in faster customer need fulfilment. The Industry4.0 technologies have resulted in a new paradigm where strategic and operational decisions are in favour of profitability and long-term viability. The purpose of this study is to identify Industry4.0-SLSS practices and sustainable supply chain performance metrics, as well as to develop a framework for decision-makers and managers to make supply chains more sustainable.Design/methodology/approachThe 33 Industry4.0-SLSS practices and 24 performance metrics associated with the sustainable supply chain are shortlisted based on extensive literature review and expert opinion. The Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) approach is used to evaluate the weights of Industry4.0-SLSS practices after collecting expert panel opinions. The Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) methodology used these weights to rank performance metrics.FindingsAccording to the results of PF-AHP, "Product development competencies (PDC)" are first in the class of major criteria, followed by "Advanced technological competencies (ATC)" second, "Organisational management competencies (OMC)" third, "Personnel and sustainable competencies (PSC)" fourth and "Soft Computing competencies (SCC)" fifth. The performance metric "Frequency of NPD" was ranked first by the WASPAS method.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed paradigm helps practitioners to comprehend Industry4.0 technology and SLSS practices well. The identified practices have the potential to boost the sustainability and supply chain's performance. Organizational effectiveness will benefit from practices that promote a sustainable supply chain and the use of developing technology. Managers can evaluate performance using performance metrics that have been prioritized.Originality/valueThe present study is one of the unique attempts to establish a framework for enhancing the performance of the sustainable supply chain. The idea of establishing Industry4.0-SLSS practices and performance measures is the authors' original contribution.

Classifying Customers' Journey from Online Reviews of Amazon Fresh via Sentiment Analysis and Topic Modelling

A positive customer journey experience is necessary to maintain customer loyalty in online retailing. After the outbreak of Covid-19, there has been a significant increase in the number of customers who buy online groceries. Due to the anonymity and convenience throughout the customer journey, E-grocery shopping platforms have become a reliable source for gathering online customer reviews. In the study, we used text mining and machine learning (ML) models to an e-grocery customer review database from the Amazon Fresh website to forecast customer feelings in the data set. To be more specific, this study aimed to determine whether the customers are satisfied with the online purchase of products or not. Further, the study aims to analyze whether the customers would recommend the purchased products or not. For sentiment analysis a sample of 78,619 reviews was used. We used a linguistic approach consisting of ML and dictionary scoring algorithms to forecast customers' sentiment based on their reviews. Topic modeling (TM) on 3,26,120 customer reviews was used to reveal 'themes' from customer reviews to grasp a better knowledge of customers experiences. © 2022 IEEE.

An integrated Industry 4.0-Sustainable Lean Six Sigma framework to improve supply chain performance: a decision support study from COVID-19 lessons

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic era has severely hampered the economy over the globe. However, the manufacturing organizations across all the countries have struggled heavily, as they were among the least who worked on online mode. The organizations are adopting various innovative quality methodologies to improve their performance. In this regard, they are adopting the Sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) concept and Industry 4.0 technologies to develop products at a faster rate. The use of Industry 4.0 technologies may reduce material movement and supply chain disruptions with the help of smart intelligent systems. There is a strong synergy between SLSS and Industry 4.0 technologies, resulting in an integrated approach for adoption. This study aims to develop a framework that practitioners can use to adopt Industry 4.0-SLSS practices effectively. Design/methodology/approach: This study portrays 31 Industry 4.0-SLSS practices and 22 performance metrics identified through a literature review to improve the manufacturing supply chain performance. To compute the weights of these practices, the Robust Best–Worst Method (RBWM) is used. The Pythagorean fuzzy combined compromise solution (PF-CoCoSo) method is used to rank performance metrics. Findings: According to the RBWM results, "Process Development Practices (PDP)” are first among the major criteria, followed by "Organizational Management Practices (OMP)” at second, "Technology Adoption Practices (TAP)” at third, "Strategy Management Practices (SMP)” at fourth and "Executive Management Practices (EMP)” at fifth, whereas the PF-CoCoSo method resulted in the performance metric "On time product delivery” ranking first. Research limitations/implications: The identified practices have the potential to significantly improve the performance of the manufacturing supply chain. Practices that encourage a sustainable manufacturing supply chain and the usage of emerging technology will benefit organizational effectiveness. Managers can assess performance using prioritized performance metrics. Originality/value: During the COVID-19 pandemic era, this is one of the unique attempts to provide a framework to improve the manufacturing supply chain performance. This study integrates and identifies Industry 4.0-SLSS practices and performance metrics for enhancing overall performance. © 2022, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to take care of Psychosocial health of employees of IndianOil during COIVD-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic and the abrupt transition to New normal has compounded the stress-related challenges. Anticipating the challenges, Employee assistance program was initiated in IndianOil to take care of psychosocial health of employees during COVID 19 pandemic. Materials and methods: To provide psychosocial support to the employees, Employee Assistance Program was started. This program aims to help, support, and enhance the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of the employees. The program has been developed to provide support and guidance to employees in dealing with mental and psychosocial issues also be delivering emotional, mental and physical enhancement support to employees during these extraordinary times. Under the above initiative, Emotional Wellness Workshops are periodically conducted by leading psychiatrists & clinical psychologists for the employees and their families. The employees who need further assistance on a one-to-one basis, have the option to contact on a dedicated Toll Free Number to Counsellors for Counselling Sessions. Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 & Level 4 interventions with clinical psychologists and psychiatrists were undertaken to understand and resolve the concerned issues. Result: EAP helped the employees to discuss and manage day today stress at work and at home under the New normal. It improved the emotional health, building employees resilience and confidence levels, thereby improving the productivity of the organization. Discussion: EAP served as useful platform for employees to get support for their mental and psychosocial issues which were aggravated during the COVID pandemic.

Combating with poor Indoor air quality to improve work environment at IndianOil

Introduction: Indoor air quality have a great impact on physical and psychological health of employees working in buildings. IndianOil Institute of Petroleum Management (IiPM), located in National Capital Region of Delhi(NCR) is a premiere institute consisting of multiple training halls & auditoriums. In view of COVID-19 pandemic, modifications were carried out in air handling unit system at IiPM. Materials and methods: A detailed study of air movements, intake and return path was carried to find out measures to ensure adequate air exchanges. Additional air inlets with Dual PM10 filters were fixed on all air intake paths to reduce the pollutant level in air entering the building. The air handling unit at the institute was also fitted with special grade air filter for bringing down the PM2.5 level below 60. Special grade filters filtered the pollutants and reduced the pollutant level of air. An online air image sensor was installed to measure the quality of ambient air after filtration. Stand-alone air cleaner/filter units were also installed in training halls, lobbies and waiting areas. Result: Following modifications there was improvement in air quality by 90%. This resulted in building confidence level and provided a stress-free safe environment for employees working at the institute. Employees working at IiPM confirmed reduction in eye irritation, headaches and fatigue due to air pollution. Discussion: Installation of air filters inside the building helps in improving air quality which in turn prevents common health issues at workplace. This has prompted us to provide similar solutions in other office buildings in NC

E-learning modules have been an effective tool during COIVD-19 pandemic to manage employee psychosocial issues at IndianOil

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the employees tirelessly made efforts to ensure the supply of petroleum products across the country while the country was under lockdown. It was felt necessary to create a platform for communication and create better value for employees working under such new norms. Materials and Methods: IndianOil e-learning platform for its employees kept the workforce gainfully engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two e-learning modules on “Mastering the Art of Happiness” & “Stress Management at workplace” empowered the employees to take care of their psychosocial health. The digital platform enabled to share & learn with the employees as physical training programs were difficult to organize during the pandemic. The two e-learning modules represented an ideal combination for catering the psychosocial needs of the employees working 24/7 to ensure energy supplies across the India. The modules focus on emotional wellbeing, positive attitude and healthy habits which improves employees ability to manage stress and to remain happy during these tough times. Result: The e-learning modules were highly sought after, appreciated and undertaken by the employees. These e-learning modules kept the workforce motivated, enhanced their resilience and helped them in managing through the adversity and challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: E-learning modules on occupational health helped to address the psychosocial issues of the remotest employee throught robust digital e learning platform, which otherwise would have been difficult to achieve with physical training programs.

Banning Loose Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products in India: A Policy Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sale of single cigarettes (also known as singles or loosies) is a key driver for early initiation of smoking and is a leading contributor to the smoking epidemic in India. Sale of singles additionally deter implementation of tobacco control strategies of pictorial health warnings including plain packaging and defeat effective taxation and promote illicit trade. We review India's tobacco control policy responses towards banning singles and other products sold as loose tobacco and identify opportunities for future policy intervention especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Existing national and sub-national policy documents were analyzed for their content since the inception of the tobacco control laws in the country. RESULTS: There are no effective provisions at national level to ban loose tobacco products in India. However, the implementation of multiple legislative and regulatory measures (Acts/circulars/letters/notifications/orders/court judgements) in 16 Indian states and jurisdictions provide sufficient legal framework to substantiate its complete ban pan India. While the majority of state governments have adopted state level measures, Rajasthan had issued specific directive to all the 33 districts banning loose cigarettes and other tobacco products. Himachal Pradesh introduced the most unique and comprehensive legislation, for banning the sale of cigarettes and beedis (Dated November 7, 2016). The most recent notification in the state of Maharashtra (September 24, 2020) is the first to leverage powers using a mix of national and state legislations including the legislation addressing the rapidly emerging challenge of managing COVID-19. CONCLUSION: A robust national policy which supports strong provision to deter tobacco companies, their distribution network and vendors from selling singles or loose tobacco products is urgently needed. Such policy should be backed by cautionary messaging for consumers as well. Eliminating singles and loose tobacco sale will help in blunting tobacco use prevalence besides curbing spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 pandemic.

Correlation between age and psychosomatic disorders occurrence during COVID-19

Introduction: The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a serious threat to people’s mental health causing psychosomatic disorders such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. Aim: To find out the correlation between the occurrence of psychosomatic disorders and age during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in Rajkot city (Gujarat). Males and females of age ≥ 21 years, with an ability to understand and fill Google form, were recruited for the study. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age 21-34 years, 35-54 years, 55-64 years, and 65 years and older. There were 250 participants in each group. The subjects were asked to fill the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). Data were analysed by using software SPSS version 20. The normality of data was checked by the Shapiro Wilk test. Data followed parametric type so;pearson correlation test was applied to find out the correlation between age and CPDI score. results: The mean CPDI scale scores were 27.572, 31.948, 31.364, and 35.328, respectively from groups 1 to 4. There was a significant positive correlation (p-value < 0.05) in group 4, while no significance (p-value >0.05) was found in group 1, group 2, and group 3. conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation between age and psychosomatic disorder occurrence in the Geriatric age (65 years and older) in the Rajkot city.

COVID-19, a threat to human and animals and its probable treatment options to mitigate this pandemic

In late December 2019, Wuhan city of Hubei province, China faced a newly emerged highly contagious viral zoonosis mainly characterized by respiratory illness, associated with pneumonia of unknown etiology which claimed many lives. The virus was then provisionally designated as 2019-nCoV by WHO and officially named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) by International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). On 11 Feb 2020, WHO officially announced the name of disease as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared the global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Initially, the disease was highly restricted to China but later it scared the world because hugenumber of new cases was reported from the entire world in a short period of 5 months. The dynamic spread of this contagious virus occurred due to exposure of individuals from infected aerosols, community contact and travelling of affected individual worldwide. Bats were thought to be the initial source of this pandemic but the intermediate host of this zoonosis is yet to be established. Many studies reported fever, dry cough, dyspnea, generalized weakness, anosmia, ageusia, muscle ache, rhinorrhea, headache, nausea, conjunctivitis, vomiting and diarrhoea along with many non-specific symptoms as clinical signs of the disease. Many treatment regimen including various antivirals, antibiotics, neutralizing antibodies, repurposed drugs and traditional medicines were being explored but the authorized effective treatment regimen is still awaited. This review is aimed to summarize the current scenario and status of probable treatment options available for ongoing illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

Mainstreaming agricultural biodiversity in traditional production landscapes for sustainable development: The Indian scenario

Mainstreaming biodiversity in production landscapes ensures conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity, the key objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the projects supported by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Global Environment Facility (GEF). Mainstreaming integrates biodiversity in existing or new programs and policies, both cross‐sectoral and sector‐specific. The conventional model of agricultural production with limited diversity in production systems and use of high chemical input has taught us a valuable lesson as it is adversely impacting the environment, the essential ecosystem services, the soil health and the long term sustainability of our food systems. Using a qualitative participant observation approach, our study investigated four distinct traditional Indian production landscapes to gage (i) the farming communities’ response to institutional policies, programs and agricultural biodiversity‐related activities in traditional Indian production landscapes and (ii) opportunities and challenges for sustainable development in smallholder traditional Indian farming systems. Results indicate that the top‐down decision‐making regime is the least effective towards achieving sustainable development in traditional Indian farming landscapes and that farmers’ experiential knowledge on participatory biodiversity management, maintenance and use for sustainable development are of critical importance to India’s agriculture and economy. Reclaiming agriculture’s spiritual roots through organic farming and locally grown food emerged as key, including the need for designing and implementing a more sovereign food system. Revisiting traditional smallholder farming under the COVID‐19 pandemic and lessons learned for repurposing India’s agricultural policy are also highlighted. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Tocilizumab utilization for coronavirus disease 2019: A case series

Background The deterioration of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been hypothesized to be due to cytokine release syndrome including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an IL-6 inhibitor that may be a potential therapy for COVID-19. Methods Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and treated with TCZ between March 1, 2020, and March 26, 2020, at an academic medical center in New York City were described. Patients were categorized as severe illness or critical illness based on previously described definitions. Outcomes assessed included respiratory status improvement, laboratory values, discharge, or death. Results A total of 12 patients were included in this case series. Ten patients were classified as critical and 2 as severe. Eight (n = 6 critical and n = 2 severe) patients had improvements in respiratory symptoms after receiving TCZ and were discharged, but 4 patients expired despite receiving therapy. All patients had an elevation in IL-6 and C-reactive protein levels before TCZ treatment. After TCZ treatment, there was a significant decrease in C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.002) and an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.18) and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.006) levels. Patients who received TCZ treatment later in their hospitalization course had a poor outcome. Conclusions Tocilizumab may play a role in treating patients with COVID-19 with elevated IL-6 levels, who are classified as severely ill and treated early in their disease course. The risks of adverse events and economic burdens should also be evaluated.