Productive Research Articles

Towards Green Trade：Digital Economy and Export Quality of Green Products

Towards Green Trade：Digital Economy and Export Quality of Green Products

Bacterial exopolysaccharides: Characteristics and antioxidant mechanism.

Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are secondary metabolites of microorganisms which play important roles in adhesion, protection, biofilm formation, and as a source of nutrition. Compared with polysaccharides obtained from animal and plant species, bacterial polysaccharides have significant advantages in terms of production cost and large-scale production due to their abundant metabolic pathways and efficient polysaccharide production capacity. Most extracellular polysaccharides are water-soluble, and some are insoluble, such as bacterial cellulose. Some soluble bacterial EPS also have biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities. These biological activities are mainly affected by the molecular weight, monosaccharide type, composition and structure of EPS. In recent years, bacterial EPS are considered as novel functional polysaccharides with important application prospects, especially in free radical scavenging and antioxidation. This review focuses on the characteristics of bacterial EPS, their ability to scavenge free radicals and their corresponding antioxidant mechanisms, and summarizes the relationship between different structures (such as monosaccharide composition, functional groups, molecular weight, etc.) and antioxidant activities. It provides a new idea for the development of more bioactive bacterial EPS antioxidants, points out a new direction for the commercial production of natural, safe and economical polysaccharide drugs and health products.

An EPQ inventory model with Weibull distribution, dynamic time-dependent holding cost under various demand pattern using Maclaurin series approximations

In this research study we present an advanced adaption of the economic and efficient optimized production model by integrating Weibull-distributed progressive degradation, dynamic holding costs, fluctuating demand, and strong strategies for effectively managing shortages and backlogs. The economic production quantity model aims to enhance production volumes and reduce total variable costs for commodities that have a near-term expiration date yet possess a prolonged shelf life due to delayed deterioration. The model characterizes inventories with three unique demand patterns by analytically solving ordinary differential equations through Maclaurin series approximations. It specifically addresses situations when product demand varies predictably over time and accounts for the probability of defective items during production. This model has significant implications for cognitive processes in the production of consumer goods, since it provides valuable insights into efficient inventory management and production planning. The paper employs two illustrations to substantiate the utility of the established model and utilizes sensitivity analysis to propose other subjects for exploration. This work proposes an enhanced economic and efficient optimized production (EPQ) model to tackle production faults, dynamic demand patterns, Weibull-distributed deterioration-related inventory management challenges. With these components, the model tries to maximize manufacturing quantities and lower total variable costs for products with near-term expiration dates. The model analytically solves the differential equations approximating inventory levels under three different demand patterns: constant, linear, and quadratic using Maclaurin series approximations. The model also addresses the likelihood of faults in produced goods throughout the production process.

Photo(electro)catalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production: Mechanism, Design, Optimization, and Economy

As an energy carrier characterized by its high energy density and eco-friendliness, hydrogen holds a pivotal position in energy transition. This paper elaborates on the scientific foundations and recent progress of photo- and electro-catalytic water splitting, including the corresponding mechanism, material design and optimization, and the economy of hydrogen production. It systematically reviews the research progress in photo(electro)catalytic materials, including oxides, sulfides, nitrides, noble metals, non-noble metal, and some novel photocatalysts and provides an in-depth analysis of strategies for optimizing these materials through material design, component adjustment, and surface modification. In particular, it is pointed out that nanostructure regulation, dimensional engineering, defect introduction, doping, alloying, and surface functionalization can remarkably improve the catalyst performance. The importance of adjusting reaction conditions, such as pH and the addition of sacrificial agents, to boost catalytic efficiency is also discussed, along with a comparison of the cost-effectiveness of different hydrogen production technologies. Despite the significant scientific advancements made in photo(electro)catalytic water splitting technology, this paper also highlights the challenges faced by this field, including the development of more efficient and stable photo(electro)catalysts, the improvement of system energy conversion efficiency, cost reduction, the promotion of technology industrialization, and addressing environmental issues.

Sustainable Production of Coffee Husk Pellets: Applying Circular Economy in Waste Management and Renewable Energy Production

Sustainable Production of Coffee Husk Pellets: Applying Circular Economy in Waste Management and Renewable Energy Production

Exploring the Morpho-Physiological Dormancy and Germination Potential of Paeonia peregrina Mill. Seeds In Vitro

Herbaceous peonies, specifically the Balkan–Anatolian Paeonia peregrina Miller, are species with various uses such as ornamental and garden purposes, or they can be cut as flowers or potted, or they can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes due to the rich nutritional content of their seeds. However, conventional propagation methods, including rhizome division, grafting, and layering, are slow, while seed propagation is challenging due to double morpho-physiological dormancy. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro germination potential of P. peregrina seeds in darkness under different culture conditions, including different temperature regimes (constant at 15 °C or alternating from 22 °C to 15 °C); incubation periods [120 days: 22 °C (14 d) to 15 °C (0–105 d); 120 days: 22 °C (33 d) to 15 °C (0–87 d); 90 or 140 days at 15 °C]; seed cold storage period (none; 30 days; 3 months; or 2, 5, and 8 years); and gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1), as dormancy release methods. The results indicated that 60-day-stored seeds (30 d at 15 °C and 30 d cold-storaged at 4–5 °C) exhibited 100% germination within an 80-day culture under 250 mg L−1 GA3 at 15 °C. A lower and constant temperature of 15 °C, a shorter 30-day seed cold storage period, and the lowest GA3 concentration of 250 mg L−1 comprised the most effective combination treatment for dormancy release and germination acceleration. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of seed dormancy removal is imperative for successful germination, growth rate and seedling establishment, shortened breeding cycles, and germplasm conservation, leading to the field cultivation and economic production of these peony plants.

Circular Economy of Waste Electronic Products Based on Gompertz Model

Circular Economy of Waste Electronic Products Based on Gompertz Model

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles using Hypochaeris radicata L. Extract and their Bioactivity

Background: The use of plant extracts in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles has garnered attention in recent years due to the rapid, ecological, and economical production protocol. The current study aimed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Hypochaeris radicata L. extract Methods: These nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine their size and composition. The bioactivity was assessed by the determination of their antimicrobial effect using the well diffusion method and their cytotoxicity by hemolysis method. Results: The results showed that AgNPs have been successfully synthesized and exhibit a surface plasmon resonance spectrum with an absorption maximum at 420 nm. FTIR affirmed the role of H. radicata L. as a reducing and capping agent of silver ions and XRD revealed their crystalline nature. Interestingly, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial effects particularly against Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger with inhibition zones of 20.5 and 19 mm, respectively. The cytotoxicity test confirmed the non-toxic characteristics of the synthesized AgNPs Conclusion: The bio-ingredients present in the plant extract were effective for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles with significant biological efficacy

A metal 3D-printed non-assembly mandrel for profile bending

Abstract In the overall regime of production technologies, bending processes allow production of complex parts and profiles in a precise, flexible, and economical way. It is important to manufacture tools which are universally applicable and easy to manufacture, since modern industries demand flexibility in terms of larger varieties or smaller batch sizes. In the past, it was difficult and time-consuming to manufacture bending tools, especially mandrels, due to their high geometric complexity and tight assembly of swivel joints. In this paper, we present a new design approach for the bending mandrel which is suitable for metal additive manufacturing that incorporates non-assembly mechanisms of joints. The hinges are systematically developed with particular focus on achieving a minimized gap and resultant clearance. As a test case, a mandrel is 3D printed by using the laser powder bed fusion technique and successfully tested in the rotary draw bending process parameterized for narrow bends in stainless steel tubes. In the light of these results, a solution is formulated for ease in manufacturing and faster rate of tool production, in this case bending mandrel. This methodology facilitates the production of small batch sizes and large product variants in bending processes. The research presented in this paper serves as a forward step towards economical production of complex parts in a highly flexible manner.

Envisioning ‘Jefore’ and Its Attributes: Evidence from Gurage Rural Landscape

Contemporary understandings of landscapes are focusing on their attributes for sustainable human-environment interactions. This article explores the socio-cultural, aesthetic, and therapeutic attributes of Jefore as a peculiar socio-ecological landscape of Gurage countryside. As research design and tools of data collection, ethnographic research design and ethnographic data collection tools such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and a transect walk were used to generate data from three districts of West Gurageland. Scoring from diverse data sources, Jefore is the long-existing local landscape tradition. It has diverse attributes that embeds aspects of Gurage's life such as identity, social interactions, socio-cultural and economic productions, livelihoods, and well-being. For socio-cultural attributes, it remains the core of cultural production and reproduction, social interactions, social alliances, identity as well as heritages for the group. Aesthetic and therapeutic attributes magnify the wider well-being associations of the landscapes for its embodiment effects. Largely, maintaining Jefore landscape tradition ensuring sustainable socio-ecological landscape values and attributes that serve long generations. Hence, diverse stakeholders need to consider indigeneity of Jefore landscape and its diverse attributes in the midst of their decisions and interventions.

Proposed water valuation scheme for a more sustainable agricultural water productivity

<p>Growing depletion of groundwater resources is a global threat and intensified under improper water valuation systems. Here, we proposed an irrigation water valuation framework based on the opportunity cost concept (IWVF), to better differentiate the value of surface water, renewable, and nonrenewable groundwater. In this study, a 10-years dataset was used in Marvdasht-Kharameh irrigation networks (MKINs) in southern Iran, where groundwater depletion overshoots the sustainable level with an annual average rate of 1.42 m y<sup>−1</sup>. Irrigation water use, net incomes and losses, and economic water productivities (EWP) were estimated under the common and newly developed valuation methods. The reflections of adopting IWVF on EWPs were assessed under current condition and the proposed WP improvement scenarios, including removing irrigation efficiency gaps, changing the cropping calendar, and application of different levels of deficit irrigation. Results showed that the value of irrigation water supply ($436.91 million) exceeds gross income through crop production ($139.01 million) under current condition, which results in a net loss of $297.9 million in the study area. Hence, economic WP loss will be −0.33 $ m<sup>−3</sup>, meaning that consuming a unit of blue water causes $0.33 income loss under current condition. Applying WP improvement scenarios can reduce value of irrigation water by 27%, and gross income by 5.3%. Accordingly, common WP can increase by 6.6% from 1.81 to 1.93 kg m<sup>−3</sup>. However, the negative sign of EWP loss under management scenarios (−0.22 $ m<sup>−3</sup>) indicates that crop production in the study area is not viable due to its considerable environmental damages. Hence, current irrigation system should be revisited when sustainable agriculture is considered. The proposed water valuation method can help decision makers to better assess the consequences of WP improvement strategies, if the true value of different water resources is ignored. </p>

A Realistic Approach to Calculating the Nitrogen Use Efficiency Index in Cereals with Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as an Example

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a reliable index of nitrogen (N) management, given that it expresses the real relationships that exist between crop yield, its components, and the content of available N (Nmin) in the soil in the critical stages of yield formation. This article proposes a method for calculating NUE which is based on N input (Nin) into the soil/crop system in the critical phases of yield formation in winter wheat. For the validation of this hypothesis, a field experiment with WW in three subsequent growing seasons (2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015) was used. Treatments were arranged in a factorial distribution of two factors: (1) three rates of soil-applied magnesium (Mgs, 0, 25, 50 kg Mg ha−1); (2) foliar application of Mg to winter wheat (no application—control; double-stage Mg application in BBCH 30 and in 49/50). The dose of N fertilizer (Nf) was 190 kg ha−1. Two groups of N pools (soil Nmin and N mass in the wheat biomass) were determined in BBCH 30, 58, and 89. These core datasets were used to calculate total N input (Nin) to the soil/crop system during the two main periods of WW growth: (1) before (vegetative mega-phase, V) and (2) after wheat flowering (reproductive mega-phase, R, or grain filling period, GFP). The number of grains per ear (GE) and the number of grains per unit area (grain density: GD) depended significantly on Nin at the onset of flowering. A Nin58 of 517 kg N ha−1 resulted in a GD of 28.3 × 1000 grains m−2, producing 9.47 t grain ha−1. The NUE indices calculated in the V phase were the best predictors of GE and GY. The apparently low NUE index in this phase clearly indicates (i) the high potential of winter wheat for grain set per ear, (ii) consequently resulting in a strong depletion of N soil resources during the GFP. Therefore, the reduced NUE before winter wheat flowering is essential for the achievement of a high GD. The NUE feedback phenomenon as found in this study is a crucial condition for the effective depletion of the inorganic N pool during the grain filling period of winter wheat. It can be concluded that the NUE indices obtained in the V mega-phase actually describe the N economy in winter wheat production very well.

“OH, YOU MEAN… GAY?”: RELATIONAL LABOUR AND THE INDUSTRIAL ARTICULATION OF HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY BY ANDREW TATE AND HIS FOLLOWERS

This paper examines how the figures and imaginaries of hegemonic masculinity are co-produced and contested among a reactionary influencer fandom. It assumes an intersectional masculinities approach to the question of how Andrew Tate and his social media audience(s) articulate and mobilise anti-feminist and anti-LGBTQIA+ discourses online. Affective intermediation is proposed as a concept that situates relational labour within the influencer ecosystem in terms of the affective production of masculinity as a cultural and economic category. Data consist of a 15-month sample of Andrew Tate’s posts on the video-sharing platform Rumble (n=213) and a purposive sample (n=17) of Tate's posts on X (formerly Twitter). The dataset includes all user responses to posts on Rumble (n=112,656) and X (n=14,796). The methods used are constructionist thematic analysis, which orients towards the sociocultural contexts of discourse and computational discourse analysis, including topic modelling. Incorporating perspectives on fandom, labour, and the manosphere, preliminary findings suggest three key points of tension. First, the tension created by audience directives about who Tate should interact with and how he should conduct himself in order to avoid collaborations with creators who appear “gay’. Second, the tension between “simping” and support that fans and followers must navigate when expressing approval of Tate whilst trying to avoid being seen as “gay”. Third, the tension between demands of cultural and economic production, including how audiences articulate their expectations with regard to the production of masculinist content.

RECIPROCAL PLATFORM LABOUR IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO INDUSTRY

This paper explores how content creators in the Nigerian social media video industry navigate the economic, infrastructural, and cultural logics of digital platforms through practices of reciprocal labour. As is the case in many global contexts, the economic formalization of social media platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, have enabled the emergence of for-profit social media video production in Nigeria. This paper focuses on the under-studied intersection of platform logics and labour relations in this industry. Drawing on 10 semi-structured interviews with Nigerian content creators, combined with analysis of the domestic trade press, we observe that creators struggle to generate visibility in a highly saturated social media landscape. This visibility imperative is not unique to Nigeria. What sets Nigeria apart, however, is the local political economy of video production, which translates into high production costs, which are offset by orchestrating practices of informally organised reciprocal labour. Nigeria thus provides a relevant perspective to ongoing debates in platform research that seek more regional specificity and seek to decentre the Global North as their point of reference. To heed that call, the specific labour practices we highlight, those of reciprocal labour, reflect the broader informal economies and traditional kinship norms in Nigeria. Exploring this mode of work showcases the intersections among creative labour and cultural dynamics in a given national context vis-à-vis the unifying business models and centralized governance frameworks of platform companies.

CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATIVE AI

Current media coverage surrounding ChatGPT, LaMDA, and Luminous has brought questions about the automation of communication into the mainstream. Artificially intelligent media are no longer merely mediating instances of communication but are themselves becoming communicative participants. This has generated broad public discussion about these systems and others and the challenges they bring to domains such as education, public discourse, and journalistic production. Much of this new “AI hype” revolves around the question of whether such systems will soon “replace” humans as workers in these various domains, whether they will develop “super intelligence” and as a result challenge or even marginalize the human species. With this panel, we would like to give this discussion a new twist by asking what a critical perspective on communicative AI should look like. If these systems of “automated media” are not about intelligence, but about communication, what should a critical approach to them consider? Raising this question, we want to present five key critical perspectives on communicative AI. The first paper develops a critical perspective on the visions of pioneer communities. It poses the question of whether today's pioneering communities ultimately reproduce basic patterns of the old Californian Ideology in relation to communicative AI. A second paper focuses on the perspective of data colonialism. In essence, it is about showing that a critical engagement with communicative AI means addressing the question of the extent to which systems of automated communication are linked to existing data infrastructures and nexus models of exploitation. The third paper highlights the perspective of economic value production. Since more and more social situations include human-machine communication, more social interactions become possible to monetize. This relates not only to commercial settings, but also in the public sector as it relates to the welfare state. The fourth paper focuses on a material perspective. At its core is the question of how Big Tech procures power for data centres to construct the emerging geography of cheap computational labour needed for communicative AI. The fifth paper deals with the perspective of an eco-political economy of communicative AI. Through this prism, the question of the ecological consequences of communicative AI can be addressed. By contrasting these five critical perspectives on communicative AI, we want to discuss what an overarching, critical approach to communicative AI might look like.

Limiting and optimal Strouhal numbers or tip speed ratios for cruising propulsion by fins, flukes, wings and propellers.

Swimming and flying animals produce thrust with oscillating fins, flukes or wings. The relationship between frequency f, amplitude A and forward velocity U can be described with a Strouhal number St, where St = 2fA/U, where animals are observed to cruise with [Formula: see text]-0.4. Under these conditions, thrust is produced economically and a reverse von Kármán wake is observed. However, propeller-driven craft produce thrust with steadily revolving blades and a helical wake. Here, the simplified aerodynamic geometry of lift-based thrust production is described, applicable to both oscillating and revolving foils. The same geometric principles apply in both cases: if the foil moves too slowly, it cannot produce thrust; if it moves too fast, it produces thrust with excessive power demand. Effective, economic thrust production by animals is not the result of oscillating foils or cyclic vortex shedding; rather, the selection of amplitude and frequency, and wake vortex structure, are corollaries of driving an efficient foil velocity with finite amplitudes. Observed Strouhal numbers for cruising animals appear too low for optimal mechanical efficiency; however, the deviation from optimal efficiency may be small, and there are physical and physiological advantages to relatively low amplitudes and frequencies for swimming and flapping flight.

High-strength aluminum matrix composites with strong bonding interfaces via in-situ amorphous alumina and plainification strategy

Silicon carbide particle (SiCp) reinforced aluminum matrix composites have potential applications for components under severe service conditions. However, their performance is commonly limited by challenges such as insufficient interfacial bonding strength, agglomeration and brittle interfacial reaction products. In this paper, the ultra-fine grained aluminum and in-situ formed amorphous alumina were fabricated, and the as-formed powder metallurgy SiCp/Al composites achieved excellent properties, with a high yield strength of 471 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 505 MPa, respectively. We systematically investigated the structures of the amorphous alumina, which bonds the SiCp and matrix together, improving the interfacial bonding strength and simultaneously suppressing the interfacial reactions. Notably, the proposed fabrication method is suitable for economic production of large-scale components and applicable for aluminum matrix composites with other types of reinforcements.

Strategic choices in bioprocessing of L(+)Lactic acid: Homo-fermentative Lactobacilli monocultures with novel agro-residue combination enhances economic production.

Microbial fermentation of agro-industrial residues is gaining significant traction as a sustainable and economically viable approach in bioprocessing. This study explored lactic acid production from selected agro-industrial residues: pre-treated sugarcane waste, potato peel waste, or milk processing waste with alfalfa pellets using Lactobacilli strains of organic origin. Five homo-fermentative strains (VITJ1, VITJ2, VITJ3, VITJ4, and VITJ5) were assessed for compatibility and formed into 15 consortia. VITJ2 showed the highest individual production (147.1±0.26g/L at 48h) in MRS media. The combination of sugarcane waste and alfalfa pellets yielded the highest crude lactic acid production (9.1%) after 48h, suggesting its potential as a cost-competitive fermentation medium for industrial-scale lactic acid production. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the valorization of agro-industrial residues as feedstock for bioprocesses. Furthermore, it presents the novel concept of utilizing Lactobacilli consortia for lactic acid production.

The Impact of Systemic Insecticides: Cyantraniliprole and Flupyradifurone on the Mortality of Athalia rosae (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) Based on the Biophoton-Emission of Oilseed Rape.

The selection of an appropriate and targeted crop protection technology for winter oilseed rape is crucial for the economic production of this crop. Insecticides belonging to the group of diamides and butenolides are available as seed treatments for winter oilseed rape and serve as effective tools for chemical crop protection. The objective of this study was to determine the multi-directional applicability of the active ingredients cyantraniliprole and flupyradifurone. Furthermore, the phenotypic detection of stress was conducted for these systemic insecticides. The results of our study show that these active ingredients acropetal and basipetal translocation are both effective against Athalia rosae (L. 1758) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). The findings from our laboratory studies indicated that the insecticidal active ingredients are effective against Athalia rosae (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) via both acropetal and basipetal translocation. However, differences in the time of exertion of lethal effect were recorded. In both experimental groups, mortality was observed to reach 100% at the 96-h mark, regardless of the specific experimental conditions or the insecticide employed. An examination of the bio-photon emission of the experimental plants revealed a statistically verifiable correlation between the applied active ingredients and the photon emission intensity per unit plant surface area. The findings of our study indicate that due to their insecticidal activity, systemic insecticides also affect plant life processes by increasing photosynthetic activity per unit leaf area.

An integrated geospatial model for evaluating offshore wind-to-hydrogen technical and economic production potential in Brazil

An integrated geospatial model for evaluating offshore wind-to-hydrogen technical and economic production potential in Brazil