Economic Viability Research Articles

Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction and Semirational Engineering of Glycosyltransferase for Efficient Synthesis of Rare Ginsenoside Rh1.

Rare ginsenoside Rh1, exhibiting great potential in the food industry, is limited by its natural scarcity. This constraint has driven the development of biocatalytic synthesis approaches, yet robust enzymes capable of efficient production remain elusive. Here, we employed the ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) approach to create a thermostable UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT227) for Rh1 synthesis from 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT). UGT227 exhibited enhanced thermostability (t1/2 = 44.2 h at 60 °C) but initially yielded only 15% Rh1. Semirational engineering generated the I83A/F285 M variant, increasing the yield to 92%. For economic viability, the I83A/F285 M variant was coexpressed with Arabidopsis thaliana sucrose synthase (AtSUS1), enabling the use of cost-effective sucrose for UDP-glucose regeneration. This integration achieved a 99.9% yield at a 1 mM PPT. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the enlarged binding pocket entrance of I83A/F285 M contributed to the enhanced Rh1 yield. Our findings offer strategies for efficient biosynthesis of Rh1 and pave the way for economically feasible production.

Traditional embroidery revival for sustainability: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

This study investigates the revival of traditional embroidery crafts within the context of sustainability, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature. Employing a hybrid methodology that integrates the PRISMA framework and systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis via VOSviewer software, we meticulously examine 4379 papers published from 2004 to 2024 in the Scopus database. Our analysis reveals four distinct clusters through co-word analysis, each illuminating different dimensions of embroidery craft revival. We synthesize these findings to identify key themes and develop actionable propositions that inform best practices for enhancing sustainability in this artisanal domain. The results underscore a significant need for more research focused on practice-led approaches, emphasizing the importance of integrating contemporary methodologies with traditional techniques. By offering recommendations to bolster the existing knowledge framework, this paper aims to contribute to the sustainable revitalization of embroidery crafts, fostering greater cultural appreciation and economic viability for artisans worldwide.

Assessment of Green Steel Production Technologies: Feasibility, Scalability, and Economic Viability

Assessment of Green Steel Production Technologies: Feasibility, Scalability, and Economic Viability

Planning Energy-Efficient Smart Industrial Spaces for Industry 4.0

Given the significant increase in electricity consumption, especially in the industrial and commercial categories, exploring new energy sources and developing innovative technologies are essential. The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and digital transformation are not just buzzwords; they offer real opportunities for energy sustainability, using technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In this context, this study focuses on improving energy efficiency in smart spaces within the context of Industry 4.0 by utilizing the SmartParcels framework. This framework creates a detailed and cost-effective plan for equipping specific areas of smart communities, commonly referred to as parcels. By adapting this framework, we propose an integrated model for planning and implementing IoT applications that optimizes service utilization while adhering to operational and deployment cost constraints. The model considers multiple layers, including sensing, communication, computation, and application, and adopts an optimization approach to meet the needs related to IoT deployment. In simulated industrial environments, it demonstrated scalability and economic viability, achieving high service utility and ensuring broad geographic coverage with minimal redundancy. Furthermore, the use of heuristics for device reuse and geophysical mapping selection promotes cost-effectiveness and energy sustainability, highlighting the framework’s potential for large-scale applications in diverse industrial contexts.

Host Metabolites in Asparagus–Fusarium Interaction: Mechanisms and Regulation

ABSTRACTAsparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is an important perennial vegetable crop cultivated worldwide. Its productivity and field longevity are often threatened by soilborne pathogens such as Fusarium spp., which cause wilt and rot diseases. These pathogens severely reduce yield and negatively impact the economic viability of asparagus cultivation. However, the interaction between asparagus and Fusarium involves a complex interplay of processes, including pathogen recognition, activation of defence signalling pathways and disease susceptibility. These processes are regulated by specific metabolites that may serve as defence signals or even facilitate the infection. Despite the progress in understanding the mechanisms in plants like Arabidopsis thaliana and cereal crops, knowledge about the asparagus–Fusarium pathosystem remains limited. Specifically, the mechanism by which host metabolites regulate the asparagus–Fusarium interaction still needs to be fully exploited. This article explores the defensive responses of asparagus plants towards infection by Fusarium spp. and delves into the regulatory mechanisms of host metabolites in the asparagus–Fusarium interaction. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions is essential for devising strategies to manage Fusarium‐related diseases effectively and to develop disease‐resistant asparagus varieties.

Growth Dynamics, Yield, Economic Viability and Water Use Indicators of Forage Plants Under Different Irrigation Depths

Growth Dynamics, Yield, Economic Viability and Water Use Indicators of Forage Plants Under Different Irrigation Depths

Sustainable Food production through organic farming worldwide and locally in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Organic farming is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for sustainable food production, addressing both immediate food demands and long-term agricultural sustainability. This review examines the role of organic agriculture in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on its relevance in Saudi Arabia. A systematic review of current research and literature was conducted to evaluate organic farming practices, their impact on soil fertility, and their contributions to sustainable agriculture. Key areas explored include soil health, water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and the economic viability of organic farming. Findings indicate that organic farming enhances soil fertility, reduces reliance on synthetic inputs, and promotes ecosystem resilience. However, challenges such as yield gaps, economic feasibility, and policy integration require further exploration. The study highlights the need for localized strategies tailored to arid environments to maximize the benefits of organic farming. This review underscores the importance of organic farming in achieving sustainable food systems while addressing global challenges. Practical implications include the adoption of policies that support organic agriculture, investment in research, and the implementation of sustainable farming techniques suited for resource-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia.

Recent Progress in Oxygen Reduction Reaction Toward Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis and Cooperative Coupling of Anodic Reactions.

Electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR) is a promising alternative to the anthraquinone oxidation process. To improve the overall energy efficiency and economic viability of this catalytic process, one pathway is to develop advanced catalysts to decrease the overpotential at the cathode, and the other is to couple 2e- ORR with certain anodic reactions to decrease the full cell voltage while producing valuable chemicals on both electrodes. The catalytic performance of a 2e- ORR catalyst depends not only on the material itself but also on the environmental factors. Developing promising electrocatalysts with high 2e- ORR selectivity and activity is a prerequisite for efficient H2O2 electrosynthesis, while coupling appropriate anodic reactions with 2e- ORR would further enhance the overall reaction efficiency. Considering this, here a comprehensive review is presented on the latest progress of the state-of-the-art catalysts of 2e- ORR in different media, the microenvironmental modulation mechanisms beyond catalyst design, as well as electrocatalytic system coupling 2e- ORR with various anodic oxidation reactions. This review also presents new insights regarding the existing challenges and opportunities within this rapidly advancing field, along with viewpoints on the future development of H2O2 electrosynthesis and the construction of green energy roadmaps.

Empirical Analysis of NIS2 Adoption in EU SMEs: Challenges for Critical Infrastructure in Germany

This research investigates the implementation of the NIS2 Directive in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) categorised as part of critical infrastructure in Germany. The study examines regulatory requirements, compliance challenges, and the practical implications of cybersecurity obligations under NIS2, with particular emphasis on SMEs’ resource limitations and sector-specific vulnerabilities. A mixed-method approach was utilised, integrating qualitative analysis of legal frameworks, academic literature, and policy guidelines with quantitative survey data from SMEs operating in critical sectors. This methodological design facilitates a comprehensive assessment of both regulatory demands and real-world compliance barriers. The findings indicate that SMEs encounter substantial challenges in interpreting and implementing NIS2 requirements, with compliance scores exhibiting variation across company size and industry sector. While larger SMEs in telecommunications and energy demonstrate moderate preparedness (mean score 72.3), smaller enterprises in service-based sectors manifest lower compliance levels (mean score 48.5). Principal obstacles comprise financial constraints, limited cybersecurity expertise, and the complexity of mandatory risk management and reporting obligations. The study elucidates the disproportionate burden that NIS2 imposes on SMEs in comparison to larger enterprises. The absence of tailored cybersecurity frameworks and financial support mechanisms exacerbates compliance challenges, particularly in resource-limited sectors. Incident reporting obligations and supply chain security requirements introduce additional administrative and operational encumbrances, necessitating sector-specific guidance and targeted assistance. Ensuring SME compliance with NIS2 necessitates regulatory modifications, financial incentives, and pragmatic support measures. Policy recommendations encompass simplified compliance frameworks, government- supported cybersecurity advisory services, and enhanced funding for SME cybersecurity initiatives. The development of sector-specific guidelines, AI-driven compliance tools, and targeted training programmes could reduce administrative burdens while enhancing cybersecurity resilience. A risk-based approach, aligned with SMEs’ operational realities, is imperative to balance cybersecurity resilience with economic viability.

A diverse paper sensor for the rapid determination of nicotine and cotinine traces in air, vaping liquid, and human saliva.

A diverse paper sensor for the rapid determination of nicotine and cotinine traces in air, vaping liquid, and human saliva.

Agri-food waste to phenolic compounds: Life cycle and eco-efficiency assessments.

Agri-food waste to phenolic compounds: Life cycle and eco-efficiency assessments.

Biochar application using recycled annual self straw reduces long-term greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields with economic benefits.

Paddy fields are major contributors to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Applying ~1% biochar by topsoil weight (high single, HS) effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields, but long-term impacts are unclear. Here we present 8-year field experiments showing HS reduces CO2 equivalent per hectare by 59% and yields a net benefit of US$1,810 per hectare. However, its effectiveness declines over time due to the decreased soil carbon content and methanotrophic activity triggered by higher soil ammonium concentrations. To counteract this, the annual-low method, involving yearly biochar recycling, surpasses the HS approach with a 52% CO2 reduction and yields a net benefit of US$2,801 (35%) per hectare-highlighting the economic and environmental viability of annual-low biochar use in sustainable paddy field management practices.

Stakeholder Collaboration Strategy in the Development of Gegesik Kulon Tourism Village: A MACTOR Analysis

This study explores the development strategy of Gegesik Kulon, a potential tourism village in Cirebon that uniquely combines travel with cultural preservation. However, it faces challenges such as suboptimal tourism management and low carrying capacity among stakeholders. Additionally, this area has the highest poverty rate in Cirebon Regency. By utilizing the MACTOR method, this study identifies the involvement of stakeholders in the development process of the Gegesik Kulon Tourism Village. Through purposive sampling based on the Quadruple Helix concept, the study highlights the importance of collaboration among academics, local governments, tourists, and business actors. The results indicate that the main actors include Kuwu Gegesik Kulon, the Tourism Awareness Group, the Cirebon Regency Culture and Tourism Office, and academics, all of whom play a crucial role in the development of village tourism. These findings advocate for a development strategy that emphasizes stakeholder integration to promote sustainable tourism, ultimately aiming to enhance the economic viability and integrity of Gegesik Kulon's cultural tourism.

Decatungstate-Based Ionic Liquid Highly Active Under Mild Conditions for Upgrading Recalcitrant Humins from Biorefineries.

Among all the materials resulting from the recovery of biomass, humin coproducts are produced today on a large scale, particularly in the sugar industry and biorefineries. Humins formation, with typical yields between 10 and 50 wt %, significantly reduces the efficiency and economic viability of the processes. With their complex structure, low solubility, and low reactivity, their valorization constitutes a real challenge. This paper aims to establish the proof of concept for the transformation of recalcitrant humins into high-value-added biobased products using polyoxometalate-based ionic liquids (POM-ILs) under "mild" conditions. In this contribution, the POM-IL (P6,6,6,14)4[W10O32] is used in the presence of H2O2, at atmospheric pressure and 90 °C for just 1 h. This system proved to be a powerful oxidizing catalyst for the extensive depolymerization of humins and their valorization into platform molecules. Under these conditions, the humin powder underwent an almost complete oxidative dissolution in the 94-99% yield range, leading to the formation of various carboxylic acids of industrial interest and sugars.

To Analyze Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity Livestock Productivity: Case Study of Siavonga District

This study examines the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and livestock in Siavonga district, with a focus on understanding its effects on livestock behavior, health, productivity, and economic viability. The study was informed by the following objective, effects of Climate change on livestock in Siavonga District of Southern Province, smallholder livestock farmers are coping with effects of Climate Change on their business and what can be done to help smallholder livestock farmers cope with effects of Climate change. The research employs a quantitative research design, targeting 100 inhabitants of Siavonga District in the Southern Province through purposive sampling. Data collection involved the distribution of 100 questionnaires, and analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and triangulation techniques. The study reveals that rising temperatures have significant adverse effects on livestock reproduction rates, grazing patterns, feed intake, and susceptibility to metabolic disorders, with 40% of respondents highlighting these concerns. Extreme weather events also pose risks, including diseases, water and food scarcity, injuries, and genetic diversity loss, as expressed by 40% of respondents. Climate change exacerbates disease dynamics, migration patterns, pathogen survival rates, and vaccination efficacy, affecting 40% of respondents. Economically, farmers face increased costs, reduced productivity, shifting market demands, and insurance implications, with 40% indicating concerns. To cope, farmers employ adaptation strategies like adopting heat-tolerant breeds, implementing shade and cooling systems, adjusting feeding practices, and evaluating policies, each mentioned by 40%, 20%, 20%, and 20% of respondents respectively. The study underscores the urgency for comprehensive approaches to mitigate climate change impacts on livestock farming, emphasizing adaptive strategies and stakeholder collaboration. Moreover, it highlights farmers' perceptions, priorities, and adaptive capacities, with 40% prioritizing climate change impacts and 30% indicating moderate priority. It recognizes the complexity of climate change impacts, including shifts in precipitation, disease prevalence, and fodder quality, urging comprehensive adaptation strategies. Recommendations include financial assistance, capacity-building initiatives, knowledge-sharing networks, policy revisions, collaboration, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for context-specific interventions, inclusive decision-making, and strengthened social networks to enhance smallholder livestock farmers' resilience to climate change.

Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis in Patients with Malignancies: A Case Report and Literature Review on Efficacy, Safety, and Potential Mechanisms.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent inflammatory skin disease marked by intense rash and itching. Traditional treatments for moderate-to-severe AD, such as methotrexate, often cause significant side effects. Dupilumab, a biologic therapy that inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines, presents a safer alternative. A comprehensive literature review corroborates the safety and effectiveness of dupilumab in AD patients with cancer, though the current evidence is limited, necessitating further research. Dupilumab's targeted mechanism on IL-4 and IL-13 may also positively influence the tumor microenvironment, potentially boosting anti-tumor responses. Future studies should focus on assessing dupilumab's long-term safety, efficacy, and economic viability across larger and more diverse populations to better understand its dual role in managing both cancer and AD.

Optimizing Fodder Yield and Quality Through Grass–Legume Relay Intercropping in the Mediterranean Region

An annual relay intercropping of grasses and legumes (LGI) (50:50) was compared with the sole crops, respectively, to determine the effect of the mixtures on the yield and quality of them as fodder in the Mediterranean region. The treatments were sole Rye (Secale cereale; G1), Ryegrass (Lolium perenne; G2), Faba bean (Vicia faba L.; L1), Berssem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.; L2), inoculated Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.; L3), and all the combinations of grasses and legumes. The experiment used a randomized block design with three blocks. ANOVA showed significant effects of intercropping on the biomass yield (BY) and the forage quality. Monocrops L2 and L3 showed better fodder quality than LGI and L1. The relative land-use efficiency (RLI) was higher for four out of six intercrops, while G2L1 and G2L3 had an RLI < 1, indicating lower efficiency than their monocrops. The Aggressivity Index (AG) showed that L1 was competitive against the grasses. The Relative Yield Maximization (RYM) demonstrated that intercropping significantly improved the biomass yield. The competition indices revealed that G1 with legumes had the highest efficiency and economic viability (ELER > 1), while the G2 combinations were less profitable. The study highlights the importance of selecting species based on soil fertility and climatic conditions to optimize intercropping outcomes.

The effect of climate change on the insecticide reduction goal in Southern Germany using the example of the pollen beetle

The European Union is debating ambitious biodiversity targets. These measures have seen early adoption in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with a new law aiming for a 50% reduction in the use of synthetic chemical plant protection products (CPPP) by 2030. Estimating the economic viability of reducing CPPPs without compromising farm revenues is an important step in reaching the goal, but the necessary data are often incomplete, unavailable, or non-existent. We calibrated a coupled crop-insect model using available field data on oilseed rape and its pest pollen beetle, and tested if we could upscale the field data both spatially and temporally. The simulation results show that while the damage threshold of 10 insects per plant is reached currently only in 4–5% of cases, the threshold will be reached in 23–53% of cases in the near future (2040–60), and 37–96% in the far future (2080–2100). Particularly warmer winters favor pollen beetle populations and lead to more cases of explosive population growth. Resulting yield losses may amount to up to 40% in the near, and up to 90% in the far future. Even with CPPP applied, yield losses could not be decreased to satisfactory levels in our simulations, suggesting that current methods of pollen beetle control may have to be adapted in the future. The study highlights the critical interplay between climate change, agricultural practices, and pest management, stressing the importance of data- and model-driven approaches to ensure food security and biodiversity conservation.

Galvanic leaching recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries via low entropy-increasing strategy

The recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries can effectively mitigate the environmental and resource challenges arising from the escalating generation of battery waste and the soaring demand for battery metals. The existing mixing-then-separating recycling process is confronted with high entropy-increasing procedures, including crushing and leaching, which result in irreversible entropy production due to the decrease in material orderliness or heavy chemical consumption, thereby hindering its thermodynamic efficiency and economic viability of the entire recycling process. Herein, we propose a galvanic leaching strategy that leverages the self-assembly of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 particles with their inherent aluminium foil current collectors in spent lithium-ion batteries, creating a primary cell system capable of recovering battery metals without pre-crushing or additional reductants. Under the theoretical potential difference of up to 3.84 V, the electrons flow and charge aggregation effectively achieve the valence state reduction, crystal phase transition and coordination environment change of the hard-to-dissolve metal components, contributing to over 90% battery metals recovery and a nearly 30-fold increase in leaching kinetics. Environmental-economic assessments further indicate that this strategy reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by 11.36%-21.10% and 5.08%-23.18%, respectively, compared to conventional metallurgical methods, while enhancing economic benefits by 21.14%-49.18%.

Effect of Homestay Management Style on Sustainable Community Development in Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya

Purpose: This study sought to establish the effect of effect of homestay management style, on sustainable community development in Lake Region economic bloc, Kenya. Methodology: The study employed a mixed method research design. The target population was 109 homestay operators, 14 County Directors of Tourism, 23,000 guests and 36,577 gazetted village elders. The stratified simple random sampling was used to select homestays operators, tourists (guests) and village elders. Krejcie and Morgan (1973) Table was used to select a sample of 384 guests and 384 village elders randomly. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire was tested for face and content validity using expert judgement, and for construct validity using Principal Component Analysis, with Cronbach’s Alpha testing for reliability. Quantitative data analysed using descriptive (means and standard deviation) and inferentially using linear regression analysis. Findings: The results indicated that homestay management style has a positive significant effect on sustainable community development (ẞ = 0.600; p < 0.05). The study concluded that homestay management style significantly increases sustainable community development in the Lake Region Economic Bloc. This finding underscores the critical role of quality homestay management in driving positive development within communities. This highlights the need for supportive policies and integrated approaches to tourism development. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was informed by the Social Exchange and Sustainable Development theories. In terms of practical contributions, governments, tourism authorities, and development agencies should prioritize initiatives that promote sustainable management practices among homestay operators, balancing economic viability with socio-cultural and environmental sustainability. Workshops can be held to provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and co-create solutions, while public hearings can be held to offer opportunities for transparent decision-making and ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard.