Economic Approach Research Articles

Influence of ceramic waste powder on shear performance of environmentally friendly reinforced concrete beams

This investigation considered the usability of ceramic waste powder (CWP) in altered quantities in reinforced concrete beams (RCBs). In this way, it was aimed to reduce the environmental impacts of concrete by using CWP as a raw material in RCBs. 12 small-scale shear RCBs with the dimensions of 100 × 150 × 1000 mm were tested in this study. The variations of stirrups spacing and CWP ratio were examined in these specimens. The percentages of CWP by weight utilized in RCBs were 10%, 20%, and 30%, and stirrups spacings were adopted as 270 mm, 200 mm, and 160 mm. At the end of the study, it was determined that more than 10% CWP additive negatively affected the RCBs' compressive strength. The load-carrying capacity reduced between 30.3% and 59.4% when CWP increased from 0% to 30% as compared to RCB with stirrups spacing of 270 mm without CWP. However, compared to RCB with stirrups spacings of 200 mm and 160 mm without CWP, there were decreases in the load-carrying capacity as 21.4%–54.3% and 18.6%–54.6%, respectively. While the CWP ratio increased, the specimens with 160 mm, 200 mm, and 270 mm stirrups spacings obtained a lower maximum load value. However, with the increase of the CWP ratio in the specimens with 160 mm stirrups spacing, RCBs reached the maximum load-carrying capacity at an earlier displacement value. When stirrups spacing was selected as 270 mm, it was observed that the maximum load-carrying capacity of RCBs reached at a similar displacement value as the CWP ratio increased. Besides, it was resulted that the bending stiffness of RCBs reduced as the quantity of CWP enhanced. The bending stiffness decreased by 29.1% to 66.4% in the specimens with 270 mm stirrups spacing, 36.3% to 20.2% with 200 mm stirrups spacing, and 10.3% to 36.9% with 160 mm stirrups spacing. As an implication of the experiments, the use of CWP up to 10% in RCBs was realized as an economical and environmental approach and is suggested. There is some evidence to report that making use of CWP may be considered to be ecologically benign. This is due to the fact that reusing CWP may significantly reduce CO2 emissions, save energy, and reduce total power consumption. Furthermore, the experimental results were compared to the analytical calculations.

The Uncertainty of Reusable Building Components/Materials A Subsidiary of Circular Economy in the Africa Construction Sector: The Issue of Affordable Housing in Kenya

There is growing interest in the adaptation of circular economy approaches in the construction sector, for developing African countries like Kenya with an increase in construction activities leading to more generation of construction wastes. The approach of circularity presents an alternative to reuse these construction or demolition wastes thereby lowering environmental risks and providing for a lower price for building components/materials required for affordable building projects. However, there is little, or no information on these reusable building components/materials, which lowers the confidence by construction stakeholders in using them. No information on its possible new life longevity (durability), its possible maintenance budget, and no means of enabling a design team to plan for its acquisition (accessibility) in a design project. This paper adopted a review of previous literature on these topics to search for possible solutions to the research questions, of which some literature provided only a list of requirements needed to give a level of information to reusable building elements. The paper went further to provide proposals for an information catalogue that would enable the insertion of reusable building elements’ Indicators of service (availability, reliability, and maintainability) obtainable from experience with the elements. Also, a format for a maintenance budget plan would be required during the new service life of the reused element. And a means of simulation using the Monte Carlo simulation tool to obtain reliable viability of access to reusable building elements in a transitional building in its design stage. These proposals would have to be put into practice to ascertain their effectiveness, meanwhile, other areas of further studies are provided in the paper.

A green and economic approach to synthesize magnetic Lagenaria siceraria biochar (γ-Fe2O3-LSB) for methylene blue removal from aqueous solution.

In the printing and textile industries, methylene blue (a cationic azo dye) is commonly used. MB is a well-known carcinogen, and another major issue is its high content in industrial discharge. There are numerous removal methodologies that have been employed to remove it from industrial discharge; however, these current modalities have one or more limitations. In this research, a novel magnetized biochar (γ-Fe2O3-LSB) was synthesized using Lagenaria siceraria peels which were further magnetized via the co-precipitation method. The synthesized γ-Fe2O3-LSB was characterized using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, Raman, SEM-EDX, BET, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) for the analysis of magnetic properties. γ-Fe2O3-LSB showed a reversible type IV isotherm, which is a primary characteristic of mesoporous materials. γ-Fe2O3-LSB had a specific surface area (SBET = 135.30 m2/g) which is greater than that of LSB (SBET = 11.54 m2/g). γ-Fe2O3-LSB exhibits a saturation magnetization value (Ms) of 3.72emu/g which shows its superparamagnetic nature. The batch adsorption process was performed to analyze the adsorptive removal of MB dye using γ-Fe2O3-LSB. The adsorption efficiency of γ-Fe2O3-LSB for MB was analyzed by varying parameters like the initial concentration of adsorbate (MB), γ-Fe2O3-LSB dose, pH effect, contact time, and temperature. Adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamics were also studied after optimizing the protocol. The non-linear Langmuir model fitted the best to explain the adsorption isotherm mechanism and resulting adsorption capacity ( =54.55mg/g). The thermodynamics study showed the spontaneous and endothermic nature, and pseudo-second-order rate kinetics was followed during the adsorption process. Regeneration study showed that γ-Fe2O3-LSB can be used up to four cycles. In laboratory setup, the cost of γ-Fe2O3-LSB synthesis comes out to be 162.75 INR/kg which is low as compared to commercially available adsorbents. The results obtained suggest that magnetic Lagenaria siceraria biochar, which is economical and efficient, can be used as a potential biochar material for industrial applications in the treatment of wastewater.

Analysis of the External and Internal Environment at the Fire and Rescue Training Centre of DKI Jakarta Province

Internal and external environmental analysis is a very important initial assessment step in business strategy design. This article examines the external and internal environment at the fire and rescue training center of DKI Jakarta province. The problem in this essay is investigated qualitatively, utilizing descriptive approaches. The data collection method employs triangulation, and data analysis is done inductively. The external environment was evaluated using the Political, Economic, Social, and Technology (PEST) method and Porter's Five Forces, whereas the internal environment was analyzed using the Resource-based View (RBV) approach and the value, rarity, imitability, and organization (VRIO) frameworks. The external environment was analyzed using the Political, Economic, Social, and Technology (PEST) approach and Porter's Five Forces, while the internal environment was analyzed using the Resource-based View (RBV) approach and the value, rarity, imitability, and organization (VRIO) frameworks. The results of the external analysis show that the competitive strength of the Fire Prevention and Suppression Training Centre of DKI Jakarta Province is in the medium category. According to the findings of the internal analysis, the resources and capabilities that give the company a competitive advantage are training buildings, certified instructors, the only government relations, and the ability to design training programs based on needs, while other aspects such as technology, supporting facilities, funding flexibility, excellent service, and forming business partnerships remain competitively parity. 

Food wastage and consumerism in circular economy: a review and research directions

PurposeConsidering food waste as a global problem resulting from the wastage of valuable resources that could fulfil the requirements of malnourished people, the current research focusses on understanding consumerism’s impact on this phenomenon. Additionally, the circular economy (CE) approach can be critical in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometrics and network analysis. The study reviewed 326 articles within 10 years, from 2013 to 2023.FindingsThe findings reveal four prominent factors – behavioural, environmental, socioeconomic and technological – in managing food waste (FW). Reducing FW at a holistic level can benefit individuals and the environment in several ways.Research limitations/implicationsConsumers are encouraged to be more responsible for their food consumption by reducing food waste, as it affects societies and businesses both economically and environmentally. This can help promote a responsible consumption culture that values quality over quantity and encourages people to make more informed choices about what they eat and how they dispose of it post-consumption. All stakeholders, including firms, the government and consumers, must examine the motives behind inculcating pro-environmental behaviour.Originality/valueAddressing consumerism and the ability to decrease FW behaviour are complex issues that require a multidimensional approach. This study seeks to fill the gap in understanding consumerism and the capacity to reduce FW using the CE approach and understand the research gaps and future research trends.

Analysis of Physiotherapy Practices using Deep Learning

Abstract: The proposed physiotherapy assessment system, utilizing deep learning, aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of assessments. Traditional manual methods used by physiotherapists are often time-consuming and prone to errors, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses and treatment plans. This system tackles these challenges by employing advanced deep learning algorithms to detect angles and provide personalized audio feedback to patients based on their posture. The system commences by capturing the patient's video with a webcam and extracting frames using OpenCV. These frames are then analyzed through a media pipe library, which identifies key body points. These points are utilized to connect relevant body parts for specific exercises, calculating angles between them. Subsequently, the system evaluates posture correctness and delivers tailored audio feedback, counting reps if correct or providing guidance if incorrect. Each exercise receives unique audio feedback, offering precise guidance to improve posture. Moreover, the system tracks patient progress and displays visual representations of improvement over time. This feature aids patients in monitoring their progress and fosters motivation to adhere to therapy. By leveraging deep learning algorithms and the media pipe library, this system presents a precise, efficient, and economical approach to physiotherapy assessments.

Closing the Loop: Exploring Food Waste Management in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global food waste patterns through unanticipated shifts in composition and quantities. This review explores the impacts of COVID-19 on food waste generation and management approaches in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region during the recovery phase. This paper comprehensively explores food loss and waste in the NENA region. It presents a detailed analysis of pandemic-induced changes in household food waste behaviors, analyses the integration of circular economy principles in recovery strategies and policy implications, and outlines potential avenues for future research in this critical area. The key findings are threefold: First, this study reaffirms that food waste is a critical challenge in NENA, contributing to food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental issues. Second, the pandemic catalyzed a dichotomy in consumer behaviors—panic buying initially increased waste, while hardship measures later encouraged sustainable waste reduction practices like meal planning and leftover use. Third, adopting a circular economy approach holds potential, yet its implementation remains limited in terms of curbing food waste and promoting sustainability in NENA. Overall, while the pandemic accentuated the urgency of tackling food waste, it also stimulated innovative policy thinking and strategic planning for building more resilient food systems. This paper concludes that leveraging pandemic-driven sustainability mindsets while addressing systemic drivers of waste will be key to mitigating food waste and its impacts moving forward. This paper offers timely insights into the evolving food waste management landscape in NENA, underscoring the need for integrated policies to navigate post-pandemic recovery effectively.

Public Services and Spatial Justice in Bavarian spatial planning policy: Reflections in light of the foundational economy approach

The paper discusses the connection of the foundational economy approach, a contemporary concept in the public services discourse, with the notion of spatial justice. It argues that the economic relevance of the systems of the foundational economy are important for territorial development issues, too and that they are able to provide a substantial contribution to sustainable and just spatial development. First, the concept of spatial justice is introduced as a spatial planning policy interpretation of equal living conditions. Based on four sub-dimensions, it is shown that access to basic services for all people plays an elementary part in this. The concept shares this perspective with the foundational economy approach. The latter opens up a new perspective on public services and, in addition to the service provision, also emphasises the high significance of foundational economic systems for labour markets. Against this background, a descriptive-statistical evaluation of labour market data on the spatial distribution of the foundational economy at the district level in Bavaria is carried out. Overall, the paper addresses the uneven spatial distribution of the foundational economies and advocates better funding for municipalities in order to achieve spatial justice.

Valorisation of Agri-Food Waste for Bioactive Compounds: Recent Trends and Future Sustainable Challenges

Worldwide, a massive amount of agriculture and food waste is a major threat to the environment, the economy and public health. However, these wastes are important sources of phytochemicals (bioactive), such as polyphenols, carotenoids, carnitine, coenzymes, essential oils and tocopherols, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. Hence, it represents a promising opportunity for the food, agriculture, cosmetics, textiles, energy and pharmaceutical industries to develop cost effective strategies. The value of agri-food wastes has been extracted from various valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, dietary fibre, proteins, lipids, vitamins, carotenoids, organic acids, essential oils and minerals, some of which are found in greater quantities in the discarded parts than in the parts accepted by the market used for different industrial sectors. The value of agri-food wastes and by-products could assure food security, maintain sustainability, efficiently reduce environmental pollution and provide an opportunity to earn additional income for industries. Furthermore, sustainable extraction methodologies like ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field-assisted extraction, ultrasound microwave-assisted extraction and high hydrostatic pressure extraction are extensively used for the isolation, purification and recovery of various bioactive compounds from agri-food waste, according to a circular economy and sustainable approach. This review also includes some of the critical and sustainable challenges in the valorisation of agri-food wastes and explores innovative eco-friendly methods for extracting bioactive compounds from agri-food wastes, particularly for food applications. The highlights of this review are providing information on the valorisation techniques used for the extraction and recovery of different bioactive compounds from agricultural food wastes, innovative and promising approaches. Additionally, the potential use of these products presents an affordable alternative towards a circular economy and, consequently, sustainability. In this context, the encapsulation process considers the integral and sustainable use of agricultural food waste for bioactive compounds that enhance the properties and quality of functional food.

Organic pollutants degradation by a superb MXene-based Z-scheme heterojunction Photocatalyst: Synthesize, delamination process, mechanism and toxicity assessment

In this study, a new CeO2/MXene-TiO2 photocatalyst was created using a simple and economical approach and thoroughly characterized by different techniques, including TEM, XPS, BET, XRD, Raman, and SEM. The focus of this research was to improve the degradation of tetracycline (TC), a commonly used antibiotic with known environmental and health risks. To optimize the degradation process, RSM- CCD method was used to systematically vary key parameters including initial TC concentration, photocatalyst dosage, pH and irradiation time. The trapping experiments were revealed that the hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide anion (•O2-) radicals played a crucial role in this process. An impressive degradation efficiency of 96.60 % was achieved under optimal conditions, attributed to the Z-scheme electron transfer heterojunction, which enhances the generation and separation of oxidant species. LC-MS analysis was employed to elucidate the photodegradation pathway of TC by identifying the reaction intermediates. This analysis facilitated the proposal of a plausible mechanism for TC degradation. The demonstrated efficacy of the CeO₂/MXene-TiO₂ photocatalyst suggests its potential application in wastewater treatment for the significant degradation of persistent organic contaminants.

State Migration Policy: Determining Criteria of Effectiveness in the Recipient State

A significant increase of migration flows directed to the Russian Federation from the PostSoviet states makes it possible to consider the modern Russian Federation as one of the main centers of migration attraction in the world, namely, the recipient state of external migration. Migration policy of the recipient state has certain features, which is due to the need to differentiate external migration into demanded and undesirable, to ensure a balance between the interests of government and society, to combine aspects of national security of the state and the personality with an economic and demographic approach to migration. Currently, there are several methods for determining the effectiveness of state migration policy developed by various international organizations, but these methods are focused on developing countries, which, as a rule, are the donor states of migration, or consider the effectiveness of individual components. For example, socio-cultural adaptation and integration of migrants into the host society. In this regard, the need to create new approaches of evaluation the set of measures realized by the state in the field of external migration in the context of the recipient state itself is actualized. Effective migration policy of the recipient state combines approaches that ensure the protection of national interests, the security of the state, society and the personality. It closes addressable the temporary needs of the national labor market, which makes it possible to formulate a number of objective criteria for its evaluation.

Harmonious entrepreneurship: a sustainable model for addressing global inequality

Purpose This study aims to develop an entrepreneurial business model capable of addressing and preventing the exploitation and inequality that traditionally have resulted from entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach The research uses systems thinking, the first law of cybernetics, and the principles of harmony to formulate a systemic solution to the problem, which it exemplifies via six purposefully selected short cases drawn from diverse industry sectors and economies. Findings This paper demonstrates how the conventional model of entrepreneurship, often associated with colonial exploitation and resultant inequalities, can be transformed into a triple bottom line model—harmonious entrepreneurship – that integrates the traditional economic, eco-, humane, and social approaches and creates a synergy where profit, planet, and people are in harmony. The model challenges the profit maximisation/shareholder value doctrine of business success. Research limitations/implications Only six cases are presented here, and there is a need for further research in different political-economic contexts and industry sectors. Also, the way entrepreneurship is taught needs to change so that it addresses the sustainability challenge in general and the problem of inequality in particular. Practical implications There needs to be a change in the entrepreneurial mindset and the way entrepreneurship is taught and potential entrepreneurs are trained if entrepreneurship is to address the sustainability challenge in general and the problem of inequality in particular. Originality/value This is a novel approach to the study of entrepreneurship and its impact on inequality that shows how it can ameliorate and/or prevent inequality, particularly in emerging economies, by adopting a more holistic approach to business success and supplanting “having and needing” with “being and caring”.

Impacts of continuous cropping on the rhizospheric and endospheric microbial communities and root exudates of Astragalus mongholicus

Astragalus mongholicus is a medicinal plant that is known to decrease in quality in response to continuous cropping. However, the differences in the root-associated microbiome and root exudates in the rhizosphere soil that may lead to these decreases are barely under studies. We investigated the plant biomass production, root-associated microbiota, and root exudates of A. mongholicus grown in two different fields: virgin soil (Field I) and in a long-term continuous cropping field (Field II). Virgin soil is soil that has never been cultivated for A. mongholicus. Plant physiological measurements showed reduced fresh and dry weight of A. mongholicus under continuous cropping conditions (i.e. Field II). High-throughput sequencing of the fungal and bacterial communities revealed differences in fungal diversity between samples from the two fields, including enrichment of potentially pathogenic fungi in the roots of A. mongholicus grown in Field II. Metabolomic analysis yielded 20 compounds in A. mongholicus root exudates that differed in relative abundance between rhizosphere samples from the two fields. Four of these metabolites (2-aminophenol, quinic acid, tartaric acid, and maleamate) inhibited the growth of A. mongholicus, the soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, or both. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of the A. mongholicus microbiome, root exudates, and interactions between the two in response to continuous cropping. These results offer new information for future design of effective, economical approaches to achieving food security.

Sustainability in small and medium enterprises: A circular economy approach using cloud computing

AbstractSustainable production and consumption are the need of the hour. Adopting the Circular Economy (CE) approach fosters sustainable business practices. Cloud computing is a new way of storage and application deployment. Cloud computing enables sustainable business processes, which in turn contributes towards the effective implementation of the Circular Approach to Business Practices (CABP). The current study aims to understand the potential of cloud computing to foster circular economy practices in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We conducted a Systematic review of 186 scholarly articles published in Web of Science (WOS), selected using the PRISMA framework. We conducted scientometric analysis on sources, authors and country level and thematic analysis to pinpoint further research areas. This was followed by a detailed literature review of the articles selected to study the concept and current practices of circular economy and an evaluation of its implementation in emerging economies. The paper proposes an integrated framework grounded in two approaches, that is, the Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) framework and institutional isomorphism as determinants of cloud adoption and CE implementation. The proposed model explores the impact of institutional forces on the various parameters of TOE, thereby culminating in the adoption of Cloud Computing in SMEs. The study would encourage leaders and managers of SMEs to adopt cloud computing for competitive advantage and achieve a circular economy approach together. The adoption of cloud‐based applications has a great potential to foster industrial and economic progress with minimum damage to the ecosystem, furthering sustainability and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Protein hydrolysate and oil from fish waste reveal potential as dog food ingredients.

The increased fish consumption by the growing human population in the world translates into an increase in fish waste. The reintroduction of these fish by-products into food and feed chains presents economic benefits and contributes to counteracting their negative environmental impact. Under this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the dietary inclusion of fish hydrolysate and oil obtained from fish waste (experimental diet) in substitution of shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil (control diet) mainly imported from third countries on palatability, apparent total tract digestibility, fecal characteristics and metabolites, blood fatty acid profile, flatulence, and coat quality of adult dogs. A two-bowl test was performed to evaluate palatability by the pairwise comparison between the two diets. A feeding trial was conducted according to a crossover design with two diets (control and experimental diets), six adult Beagle dogs per diet, and two periods of 6 weeks each. The replacement of shrimp hydrolysate and salmon oil with fish hydrolysate and oil did not affect the first diet approach and taste, as well as the intake ratio. Generally, the digestibility of dry matter, nutrients, and energy was not affected by diet, but the intake of digestible crude protein (CP) and ether extract was higher, respectively, with the control and the experimental diet. The higher intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid with the experimental diet was reflected in a higher content of these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and the omega-3 index of red blood cells, but it did not affect coat quality. The significantly higher intake of digestible CP with the control diet might have contributed to the higher fecal ammonia-N and valerate concentrations. Daily fecal output and characteristics were similar between diets. Overall, results suggest that fish hydrolysate and oil from the agrifood industry might constitute sustainable functional ingredients for dog feeding while adding value for wild fisheries, aquaculture, and fish farming under a circular economy approach and reducing dependence on imports from third countries with a high carbon footprint.

Towards More Sustainable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered as the promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage because of their high safety, low cost and environmental benignity. The large‐scale applications of AZIBs will inevitably result in a large amount of spent AZIBs, which not only induce the waste of resources, but also pose environmental risks. Therefore, sustainable AZIBs have to be considered to minimize the risk of environmental pollution and maximize the utilization of spent compounds. Herein, this minireview focuses on the sustainability of AZIBs from material design and recycling techniques. The structure and degradation mechanism of AZIBs are discussed to guide the recycling design of the materials. Subsequently, the sustainability of component materials in AZIBs is further analysed to pre‐evaluate their recycling behaviors and mentor the selection of more sustainable component materials, including active materials in cathodes, Zn anodes, and aqueous electrolytes, respectively. According to the features of component materials, corresponding green and economic approaches are further proposed to realize the recycling of active materials in cathodes, Zn anodes and electrolytes, respectively. These advanced technologies endow the recycling of component materials with high efficiency and a closed‐loop control, ensuring that AZIBs will be the promising candidates of sustainable energy storage devices. This review will offer insight into potential future directions in the design of sustainable AZIBs.

Towards More Sustainable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered as the promising candidates for large-scale energy storage because of their high safety, low cost and environmental benignity. The large-scale applications of AZIBs will inevitably result in a large amount of spent AZIBs, which not only induce the waste of resources, but also pose environmental risks. Therefore, sustainable AZIBs have to be considered to minimize the risk of environmental pollution and maximize the utilization of spent compounds. Herein, this minireview focuses on the sustainability of AZIBs from material design and recycling techniques. The structure and degradation mechanism of AZIBs are discussed to guide the recycling design of the materials. Subsequently, the sustainability of component materials in AZIBs is further analysed to pre-evaluate their recycling behaviors and mentor the selection of more sustainable component materials, including active materials in cathodes, Zn anodes, and aqueous electrolytes, respectively. According to the features of component materials, corresponding green and economic approaches are further proposed to realize the recycling of active materials in cathodes, Zn anodes and electrolytes, respectively. These advanced technologies endow the recycling of component materials with high efficiency and a closed-loop control, ensuring that AZIBs will be the promising candidates of sustainable energy storage devices. This review will offer insight into potential future directions in the design of sustainable AZIBs.

Behavioural Approach in Housing Market Studies: Past, Present, Future

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a special issue of Housing, Theory and Society entitled “Behavioural biases in the housing market”. First, we provide a brief overview of theoretical considerations and empirical research applying the behavioural economics approach to housing market studies. Second, we summarize the topics of the papers included in the special issue and, finally, point out directions for future analyses involving behavioural economics and the housing market.

Anatomy of the Moroccan Middle Class: Characterization and Determinants

This article conducts an in-depth analysis of the Moroccan middle class, addressing the central question: To what extent is the official definition of the middle class in Morocco adapted to the Moroccan context and, to a large extent, to the African context? Utilizing a clustering method that combines economic and sociological approaches, the study reveals the vulnerability and strong heterogeneity of the middle class. Three distinct social fractions emerge: the new middle class, primarily comprised of middle and senior managers and highly educated employees; the marginal middle class, mainly consisting of the unskilled in the informal sector; and the inactive middle class, exclusively composed of inactive and unemployed individuals. While the new middle class embodies typical characteristics of the middle class, a significant portion of this category remains vulnerable to poverty, emphasizing the inadequacy of income as the sole defining factor and highlighting the need to introduce additional dimensions.

Effect of Different Levels of Extruded Coffee (Coffea arabica) Pulp Flour on the Productive Performance and Intestinal Morphometry of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens.

Coffee pulp is a by-product of the coffee industry. Due to conventional management techniques, it represents a severe environmental problem due to its negative impact on the soil (anaerobic fermentation and pH changes), water sources (the infiltration of pollutants into streams, acidification of water sources, and modification of microorganisms), and biodiversity (soil microbiology, fish, crustaceans, and other vertebrates). Therefore, it is essential to develop protocols for the treatment of this waste so that it can be used again in other productive activities under the circular economy approach. This means that all the waste from a production process can be reused, can generate value for the benefit of the producer, and, in turn, mitigate the environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of 5 levels of wheat bran (WB) with extruded coffee pulp flour (ECPF) as an alternative to a conventional fiber source in broiler finisher diets. A total of 300 Cobb 500 chickens in the finishing phase were assessed in the study, grouped in 5 treatments: T1, a conventional diet or control treatment (100% WB and 0% ECPF), T2 (75% WB and 25% ECPF), T3 (50% WB and 50% ECPF), T4 (25% WB and 75% ECPF), and T5 (0% WB and 100% ECPF). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and intestinal morphometry (villus length: VL, villus width: VW, crypt depth: CD, villus height/crypt depth ratio: V/C, and villus surface area: VSA) were evaluated at the level of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Feed intake decreased correspondingly as the ECPF in the diet was increased, with statistical differences (p < 0.01) between their averages; the most significant weight gain (834.61 g) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, this being statistically different (p < 0.01) from T4 and T5; similarly, the best FCR (1.58) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, followed by the control treatment T1 (with 1.64); however, they were not statistically different (p > 0.05). All treatment results were similar to the VL control samples in the three intestinal portions, except for the T5 in the jejunum, which showed statistical differences from the control. In VW, the treatment results were similar to the control samples of the jejunum and ileum; however, in the duodenum, the T5 results showed the highest value (172.18 μm), being statistically different (p < 0.05) from the other treatments being evaluated. For CD, it was only in the duodenum that the T2 and T3 treatments were similar to the control. Likewise, for V/C in the duodenum, only the T2 results were similar to the control. There was no significant difference in the VSA among the different treatment groups. T2 showed better production parameters without altering the intestinal villi. In conclusion, ECPF is a potential input for use to replace up to 25% of WB in the feed of broilers in the finishing phase.