Production Cycle Research Articles

Combinatorial metabolic engineering of Bacillus subtilis for menaquinone-7 biosynthesis.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of vitamin K2, supports bone health and prevents arterial calcification. Microbial fermentation for MK-7 production has attracted widespread attention because of its low cost and short production cycles. However, insufficient substrate supply, unbalanced precursor synthesis, and low catalytic efficiency of key enzymes severely limited the efficiency of MK-7 synthesis. In this study, utilizing Bacillus subtilis BSAT01 (with an initial MK-7 titer of 231.0 mg/L) obtained in our previous study, the glycerol metabolism pathway was first enhanced to increase the 3-deoxy-arabino-heptulonate 7-phosphate (DHAP) supply, which led to an increase in MK-7 titer to 259.7 mg/L. Subsequently, a combination of knockout strategies predicted by the genome-scale metabolic model etiBsu1209 was employed to optimize the central carbon metabolism pathway, and the resulting strain showed an increase in MK-7 production from 259.7 to 318.3 mg/L. Finally, model predictions revealed the methylerythritol phosphate pathway as the major restriction pathway, and the pathway flux was increased by heterologous introduction (Introduction of Dxs derived from Escherichia coli) and fusion expression (End-to-end fusion of two enzymes by a linker peptide), resulting in a strain with a titer of 451.0 mg/L in a shake flask and 474.0 mg/L in a 50-L bioreactor. This study achieved efficient MK-7 synthesis in B. subtilis, laying the foundation for large-scale MK-7 bioproduction.

Economic and Productive Impact of the Implementation and Use of Agricultural Irrigation in the State of Tabasco, Mexico

O Objective: Three support programs for agricultural irrigation in 8 municipalities in the State of Tabasco were evaluated for a total area of 972.4 ha with 7 crops per municipality. One production cycle was used for the evaluation of the irrigation units in the State of Tabasco. Design/methodology/approach: The software "System for the Evaluation of Irrigation Units" SISEVUR 3.0 was used for the integration and evaluation of a) general operation of infrastructure; b) producer satisfaction with the infrastructure; c) aspects of improvement in the quantity and quality of production; d) benefits of irrigation on agricultural production and suggestions and opinions of producers regarding hydro-agricultural programs e). The economic/financial evaluation. Results: The crops that responded best to the application of irrigation were: 1) forage corn, with an increase in production of 140.7%; 2) lemon with 97.98%; 3. banana with 58.6%, and 4 sugar cane with 41%. Limitations on study/implications: Data collection required several visits to the producer to improve the collection of reliable data. However, there is a margin of error that could not be quantified due to the particularities of the producers and the work. Findings/conclusions: Bananas and citrus improved production quality and product maintenance throughout the year, favoring supply and demand commitments in the domestic and international markets.

A systematic approach to the quality assessment of printed products

Quality standards for the technological processes of the production of finished products are used in all countries of the world. Consumers of printing and packaging products are increasingly demanding ISO 9001 quality system certificates from manufacturing companies. It should be noted that international and national standards use different approaches to the standardization of processes and products, and the content of project management. To meet the demands of consumers, which are constantly increasing, quality management should be carried out based on a set of scientifically based principles, which can be divided into system-wide and special. The problem is relevant for modern Ukrainian enterprises, where, on the one hand, they need serious changes in the organizational structure, corporate culture, style and methods of project management; and on the other hand, compliance with the ratio of responsibility for quality between the management system and performers. Evaluation of the quality of printed products at the current stage requires the application of the principles of a systematic approach, based on the principles of which it is possible to build a coherent, logically completed methodological system of quality indicators of a specific type of product. This will also make it possible to justify the problem of choosing certain methods and will give a normative and regulatory character to those indicators that are not reflected in the standards but are important for the practical use of products. To create one or another model of the system, it is first necessary to carry out its verbal and informational description and tuple recording. The components of a verbal informational description usually reflect a description of the external environment, and the system’s connections with it; identification of the relationship between factors, characteristics of the variability of factors; elementary composition of the system, and its parts; description of connections between elements of the system and subsystems; operation of the system, i.e. description of the process of functioning and development of the system. The tuple record of the system model of the quality assessment takes into account the classification characteristics of products, the set of “inputs” and “outputs” of the system; а set of variable parameters and processes. The goals of quality management at each stage of the technological process for each specific type of printed product can be individual. To cover the management of all stages of the life cycle of media or packaging products within the subsystems of the quality system, it is necessary to perform a full set of special (specific) quality management functions. The matrix method or elements of the ISO 9000 series system can be used to form these functions.

SCALE INHIBITOR SQUEEZE TREATMENT: AN ADVANCED BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

The scale inhibitor squeeze treatment is an important method used in the petroleum industry to control formation of inorganic deposition within the oil production wells. This treatment increases the life cycle of petroleum production by preventing or reducing the formation and growth of salt crystals. In recent years, studies on inhibitor squeeze treatments have been expanding and diversifying with the goal of improving the lifespan and reducing treatment costs. This study reports an advanced bibliometric analysis from 1970 to 2023, illustrating the extent of research on inhibitor squeeze treatments to prevent the formation of inorganic scale, with a systematic survey since the first registered publication. It highlights the evolution of research reports, assessing the relationships between institutions, journals, and authors, identifying of potential needs to be addressed by future investigations.

Reciprocal Interactions of Human Monocytes and Cancer Cells in Co-Cultures In Vitro.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes immune and stromal cells and noncellular extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most important immune cells in TME and are crucial for carcinomas' progression. The purpose was to analyze direct and indirect interactions in co-culture of tumor cells with monocytes/macrophages and, additionally, to indicate which interactions are more important for cancer development. Cytokines, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide level, tumor cell cycle and changes in tumor cell morphology after human tumor cells (Hep-2 and RK33 cell lines) with human monocyte/macrophage (THP-1 cell line) interactions were tested. Morphology and cytoskeleton organization of tumor cells did not change after co-culture with macrophages. In co-culture of tumor cells with human monocyte, changes in the percentage of tumor cells in cell cycle phases was observed. No significant changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found in the co-culture as compared to the tumor cell mono-culture. Monocytes produced about three times higher ROS than tumor cells. In co-cultures, a lower nitric oxide (NOx) level was found as compared to the sum of the production by both mono-cultures. Co-culture conditions limited the production of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) as compared to the sum of their level in mono-cultures. In conclusion, macrophages influence tumor cell growth and functions. Mutual (direct and paracrine) interactions between tumor cells and macrophages changed cytokine production and tumor cell cycle profile. The data obtained may allow us to initially indicate which kind of interactions may have a greater impact on cancer development processes.

Resilient trees for urban environments: The importance of intraspecific variation

Societal Impact StatementTrees in urban environments provide us with shade, heat mitigation, flood abatement, noise and pollution reduction, pollination, beauty, and much more. However, many of these benefits are strongly connected to tree size and vitality, with larger, healthier trees providing ecosystem services more effectively, which means that selecting the right tree for site and function is crucial in order to gain all benefits from our urban trees.SummaryTrees play a major role in the Earth's biogeochemical processes, influencing soil production, hydrological, nutrient and carbon cycles, and the global climate. They store about 50% of the world's terrestrial carbon stocks, and provide habitats for a wide range of other species, supporting at least half of the Earth's known terrestrial plants and animals. Trees are not only found in forests and other natural ecosystems, but also in urban environments. Most of the human population is concentrated in cities, towns and villages, so urban trees are critical to meet on‐going and future social, economic and environmental challenges. However, many urban tree populations are strongly challenged by a changing climate, outbreaks of pests and pathogens and an urban development with increasingly dense cities and a high proportion of impermeable surface materials. The importance of intraspecific variation needs to be better acknowledged in this context, since poor matching of trees and the local climate and growing conditions can lead to extensive loss of valuable trees. By using the right genetic plant material for the challenging urban environments, a more resilient tree population with a greater diversity and higher capacity for delivering ecosystem services can be gained. Here, we wish to discuss the need to consider intraspecific variation when planning resilient tree populations for urban environments and how seed banks and botanical garden play important roles in efforts to improve the matching of genetic plant material for future environmental challenges. Strategies to enrich urban tree diversity and increase resilience are outlined.

Forecasting the waste production hierarchical time series with correlation structure

AbstractContinuous increase in society’s prosperity causes overwhelming growth of the produced municipal solid waste. Circular economy initiatives help to solve this problem by creating closed production cycles, where the produced waste is recycled, or its energy is recovered. An embedment of such principles requires implementation of new waste management strategies. However, these novel strategies must be based on the accurate forecasts of future waste flows. Municipal solid waste production data demonstrate behavior of hierarchical time series. Among all possible approaches to hierarchical times series forecasting, this article is focused on the reconciliation of the base waste generation forecasts. The novel method, that is based on the game-theoretically optimal reconciliation of hierarchical time series, is presented. The modified approach enables to incorporate interdependencies between time series using correlation matrix and to obtain the forecasts corresponding to the unique solution of the optimization problem. The potential of the proposed abstract approach is demonstrated on the waste production data of paper, plastics (both primarily sorted by households), and mixed municipal solid waste from the Czech Republic.

Optimization of catalyst service cycle and start-up considering the reactor-distillation-HEN integration and climate

Considering the catalyst deactivation and seasonal temperature variation, a systematic method is proposed for clarifying the dynamic variation of system operating parameters and targeting the optimal catalyst regeneration cycle and start-up date. Relationships between catalyst activity, reactor inlet and outlet temperatures, reactor heat load, and running time are deduced, as well as that between column temperatures, pressures, energy demands, processing capacity, and production month. Diagrams are constructed to illustrate the parameter variations. With the energy consumption and processing capacity combined, an evaluation index is introduced for integrating the reactor-separator-heat exchanger network (HEN) and optimizing the production start-up date. The proposed method is intuitive and efficient and can be used for system design, guiding production, or fault diagnosis. A benzene alkylation process is studied; the optimal regeneration cycle of the ZSM-5 catalyst is 11 months, and the best start-up date is August, saving 2.32 × 105 kgce (kg standard coal) per production cycle.

Use of biochar as a catalyst for biodiesel production

The economic viability of biodiesel (BD) production is highly dependent on conversion techniques using inexpensive oil feedstocks. In this study, BD was synthesised by the thermally induced (non-catalytic) transesterification of oil extracted from camellia seed (42.23 wt% lipid content). The BD yield from the non-catalytic transesterification of camellia oil was higher than that from the alkali-catalysed process. The BD yield from the alkali-catalysed transesterification of camellia oil for 60 min was 84.1 wt%, whereas that from the non-catalytic process for ≤ 1 min at 360 ˚C was 93.5 wt%. To realise a virtuous circle in the production of BD, this study sought a strategic way to valorise oil-extracted biomass waste (lignocellulose-based). Specifically, this study sought a method for valorising biochar as an effective catalyst, hypothesizing that earth alkaline metals finely dispersed within the porous structure of biochar would effectively enhance catalytic capability. The BD yield in the presence of camellia biochar was 92.4 wt% (saturated at ≥ 240 ˚C). Thus, the reaction kinetics for the transesterification of camellia oil over camellia biochar was catalytically accelerated. Such efforts provide opportunities to enhance economic viability and realise the concept of a sustainable cycle in BD production.

Ta–W metal alloy membrane reactor for HI decomposition in I–S thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production

HIx processing section of Iodine-Sulfur (IS) thermochemical cycle suffers from the drawbacks of highly corrosive environment and a low thermodynamic conversion of HI decomposition (∼22% at 450 °C). This study investigates, for the first time, the potential of tantalum-tungsten (Ta–W) metal alloy membrane reactor for the decomposition of HI. A thin film of Ta–W alloy was deposited on clay-alumina support by DC magnetron sputtering under optimized set of parameters. The corrosion resistance of the Ta–W membrane was evaluated through electrochemical corrosion studies and immersion coupon tests in azeotropic HI (57 wt % in water) environment. The results confirmed that Ta–W had a higher corrosion resistance than Ta. HI decomposition was carried out in Ta–W membrane reactor and suitable operating parameters were finalized. An enhanced conversion of ∼98% was obtained at 450 °C and 105 Pa, while no permeation of HI, water and iodine was observed across the membrane.

Competence Augmentation Drives Workforce Efficiency

Skill Development refers to the process of acquiring and enhancing competencies, knowledge and abilities that enable workers to perform specific tasks effectively. It helps personnel adapt to changing job requirements with innovation and contributes to organizational success. It facilitates a cycle of high productivity, increased employment opportunities, improved job satisfaction, enhanced adaptability to new technologies, income growth, and development. In this juncture, employee retention rates also uplifted. A healthy working climate viz. openness, trust, and collaboration is indeed need for developing human resources are the responsibilities of every organization. This paper narrates the importance of skill development and the ways and means to increase workforce productivity in the competitive digitalized era.

Net Community Production and Inorganic Carbon Cycling in the Central Irminger Sea

AbstractThe subpolar North Atlantic plays an outsized role in the atmosphere‐to‐ocean carbon sink. The central Irminger Sea is home to well‐documented deep winter convection and high phytoplankton production, which drive strong seasonal and interannual variability in regional carbon cycling. We use observational data from moored carbonate chemistry system sensors and annual turn‐around cruise samples at the Ocean Observatories Initiative's Irminger Sea Array to construct a near‐continuous time series of mixed layer total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), pCO2, and total alkalinity from summer 2015 to summer 2022. We use these carbonate chemistry system time series to deconvolve the physical and biological drivers of surface ocean carbon cycling in this region on seasonal, annual, and interannual time scales. We find high annual net community production within the seasonally varying mixed layer, averaging 9.8 ± 1.6 mol m−2 yr−1 with high interannual variability (range of 6.0–13.9 mol m−2 yr−1). The highest daily net community production rates occur during the late winter and early spring, prior to the observed high chlorophyll concentrations associated with the spring phytoplankton bloom. As a result, the winter and early spring play a much larger role in biological carbon export from the mixed layer than traditionally thought.

A dual-rate production inventory model for deteriorating items: Addressing shortages with variable production cycles

A dual-rate production inventory model for deteriorating items: Addressing shortages with variable production cycles

Effect of Rearing Technology on Production Performance, Selected and Blood Parameters and Welfare Levels of Broiler Chickens During the Summer Production Cycle

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of rearing technology (rearing system and dietary supplementation with a mixed herbal extract) on the production results, selected physiological and blood parameters, and welfare of broiler chickens during the summer production cycle. In the CON and HE groups, broiler chickens were kept on litter without access to free range; additionally, in the HE group, birds from 22 to 42 days of rearing received a mixed herbal extract (50% Melissa officinalis L. and 50% Urtica dioica L.) in the amount of 2 ml/l of water to drinkers with water. In the AP group, birds were reared on litter with access to pasture. During the experiment, production performance and body temperature of the birds were monitored. Blood was also taken from birds in each group and the H:L ratio, levels of corticosterone, glucose and thyroid hormones were determined. The application of 2 ml/l of mixed herbal extract to the drinking water did not improve the production results, nor did it affect the physiological indices of the birds studied. The addition of 2 ml/l of mixed herbal extract to the drinking water only resulted in lower corticosterone levels in the blood of the chickens on day 35 of the experiment. The free-range housing system had a negative effect on the slaughter performance of the broiler chickens. However, housing with access to the free range resulted in lower body temperature, lower mortality, as well as lower glucose, corticosterone and a narrower H:L ratio in the blood of the chickens during the period of increasing air temperature. It can therefore be concluded that housing with access to a free range reduces stress levels and thus improves the welfare of broiler chickens during the summer production cycle compared to confined housing. Comparing the rearing technologies used in the study, it was found that the free-range housing system contributed more to improving the comfort of broiler chickens during the summer than dietary supplementation with the tested herbal mixture extract.

Design of a Wind Tunnel Nozzle Section Trolley Control System Based on Backstepping Method

Abstract To accommodate different types of supersonic wind tunnel tests, frequent replacements of nozzle sections and test sections are required, involving multiple complex technical processes. To optimize operational procedures and improve efficiency, a control system for the wind tunnel nozzle section trolley based on the backstepping method was designed. The system uses radio frequency identification (RFID) signals for station positioning and intelligently adjusts the speed and direction of the control motor, thus driving the trolley to move back and forth automatically. Through the simulation of the motor motion control model, the system effectively reduces random disturbances in the motion system caused by load changes, achieves precise positioning of wind tunnel plugins and nozzle assemblies, enhances system operating accuracy, reduces production cycle times, and realizes a one-button positioning function for all components, playing a significant role in improving wind tunnel test efficiency and operational quality.

Patterns and drivers of antibiotic use in small-scale broiler production systems in Lilongwe District, Malawi

Reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in food animals is a global priority to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We investigated practices and factors associated with antibiotic use in small-scale commercial broiler farms in Lilongwe district, Malawi. We used structured questionnaires to collect data on recent antibiotic use practices among 128 broiler farmers, who kept between 50 and 1 000 birds, from December 2022 to March 2023. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with antibiotic use. Over half (53.1 %, n=68) of the farms reported using antibiotics at least once in the previous production cycle. Overall, 11 different types of antibiotics were used either for treatment and/or preventive purposes, with oxytetracycline (88.2 %), erythromycin (29.4 %), and enrofloxacin (26.5 %) reported as the frequently used. One-third of all antibiotic formulations contained multiple active antibiotic ingredients, with 12 % containing four antibiotics. Covariates associated with an increased likelihood of antibiotic use include disease incidence (OR=13.8, 95 % CI 5.27–42.50, p<0.001) and entry of wild birds into poultry houses (OR=3.56, 95 % CI =1.44–9.61, p=0.008). Our study highlights inappropriate usage of antibiotics, largely associated with reduced biosecurity and disease incidence. These findings underscore the need to strengthen veterinary services, reinforce regulations on antibiotic access and use, and farmer education programs promoting proper husbandry, biosecurity, and responsible antibiotic use.

Comparing lettuce and cucumber production using hydroponics and aquaponic (tilapia) systems

Aquaponics is the cultivation technique that integrates aquaculture with hydroponics. The present work compared two plant production cycles of a hydroponic component of an aquaponic system (tilapia-lettuce-cucumbers) vs. a hydroponic system. The tilapia growth trial lasted 22 weeks in the aquaponic system, during which two plant production cycles -lettuce-cucumber- (seven weeks) were performed. Water quality and environmental variables were recorded, evaluating weight growth and biomass produced in fish rearing. Leaf number, height, and weight were determined in lettuce plants. Stem length and fresh weight were measured in cucumber plants; length, fresh weight, and diameter were determined in cucumber fruit. The results showed that the average tilapia biomass per tank was 33.76 kg m-3 with an average final weight of 592.26 ± 25.45 g fish-1. Lettuce production (plants ha-1) was higher in aquaponics than hydroponics during the first cycle, while in the second one, it was greater in hydroponics. Significant differences (ANOVA, P &lt; 0.05) resulted between treatments in both cucumber production cycles with larger biomass growth in hydroponics than in aquaponics. Cucumber fruit showed larger weight (212.52 ± 18.89 g) and length (14.15 ± 1.75 cm) in hydroponics, thus greater yield (4.97 t ha-1); hydroponics-grown cucumber plants had longer stem lengths (292.51 ± 8.73 cm). In conclusion, the hydroponic system had higher plant production. However, aquaponics provided a double benefit since it produced fish and plants, and the plants used waste from fish rearing without contaminating the environment.

Facile one-pot in-situ hydrothermal preparation of 0D/2D Mn3O4/CdS heterojunctions for improved photocatalytic H2 production and degradation of methylene blue

Developing heterojunction photocatalysts is a critical method to augment the photocatalytic activity of single semiconductors. However, the instability of their heterostructure poses a significant challenge. Herein, a unique 0D/2D Mn3O4/CdS p-n photocatalyst has been prepared by a simple one-pot in-situ hydrothermal approach for H2 production and methylene blue (MB) degradation. The optimized MC-0.18 (18 at% Mn) nanocomposite showed remarkable photocatalytic properties, producing a significantly higher H2 generation rate of 1291 μmol·g−1·h−1, which was 13.7 and 9.2 times higher than that of pristine CdS and ex-situ synthesized MC-0.18-ex photocatalysts, respectively. MC-0.18 displayed the highest reaction rate at 0.0435 min−1 for MB degradation, which was approximately 2.6 and 6.3 times higher than CdS and Mn3O4, respectively. Active species capture experiments and ESR identified •OH and •O2− as the main substances involved in MB degradation. Importantly, MC-0.18 demonstrated excellent stability and reusability in photocatalytic H2 production and MB degradation cycle tests. The formation of unique p-n heterostructures results in enhanced photoactivity due to the matched band alignment between ultrafine Mn3O4 nanoparticles and CdS nanosheets, leading to a high charge separation capacity. This study offers a facile route to design p-n heterojunctions that have remarkable charge transfer abilities to promote H2 production and degrade organic dyes.

Features of the Development of the Circular Economy in Livestock Production of the Agricultural Sector in the Context of Climate Change

The goal is to analyze the current state of development of agro-industrial production in the context of circular and climate economy of Kazakhstan with emphasis on identifying the elements of its key aspects in livestock farming and determining the influence of climatic factors on this economic system. Methods – statistical analysis and graphical interpretation of data, comparative assessment of linear and circular economic models. Materials from scientific publications, regulations, as well as interviews with experts were used. Results - recommendations for transition to sustainable circular economy structure in agricultural sector of Kazakhstan have been developed, aimed at increasing the efficiency of resource potential, reducing negative impact on environment and creating new opportunities for business and innovation in the country's agro-industrial complex. Measures have been proposed to improve the infrastructure for processing and disposal of agricultural waste and use of modern technologies in the industry. Conclusions - implementation of the principles of circular economy helps to increase energy efficiency and reduce negative impact on biosphere and ecosystems, creating conditions for expanding the scope of innovative entrepreneurship - “green” business: new jobs, appropriate infrastructure, “green” logistics, etc. Principles of circular economy: circular supply (limited resources are replaced by completely renewable sources); extending the life cycle of products through modernization and reconstruction; recycling (restoration and recycling of product residues). Resourceefficient modification is an opportunity for innovation at all stages of new value formation, which gives not only good final results, but also leads to them with lower material, energy and environmental costs.

PRO-INFLATIONARY SIGNIFICANCE OF ENERGY COMMODITY AND ELECTRICITY PRICES

Aim: The main aim of this article is to evaluate the influence of electricity prices on the overall economic price level. Methods: The research methodology was carefully designed to encompass various analytical tools, including the graphical representation of data, basic statistical analyses, the computation of the Pearson correlation coefficient with consideration of time lags, and the application of the Granger causality test. Re­sults: The outcomes of the study revealed a significant inefficiency within the market mechanism. Contrary to expectations, the anticipated correlation between electricity prices and inflation (PPI and CPI) indices was found to be statistically insignificant. However, among the examined relationships, a strong and noteworthy connection emerged between coal prices and the PPI inflation index, particularly with a distinct two-month lag in this correlation. Conclusions: Drawing conclusions from the analysis, it became evident that while energy commodity prices, such as coal, do not directly translate into electricity prices and subsequently influ­ence inflation, coal prices do emerge as a significant predictor of inflation. This observation suggests a gap in the intermediate stage of the production cycle, shedding light on a pronounced market inefficiency. The significance of these findings extends beyond the narrow scope of the energy sector. They provide a broader perspective on pricing relationships in the economy, highlighting the limited impact of the market price of electricity on shaping the overall price level. This nuanced understanding constitutes a noteworthy and valuable contribution to the field of economic research, emphasizing the multifaceted dynamics that underlie pricing mechanisms in a complex economic system.