Global Industry Research Articles

A portable transistor immunosensor for fast identification of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus

Widespread distribution of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has led to catastrophic losses to the global pig farming industry. As a result, there is an urgent need for rapid, sensitive and accurate tests for PEDV to enable timely and effective interventions. In the present study, we develop and validate a floating gate carbon nanotubes field-effect transistor (FG CNT-FET)-based portable immunosensor for rapid identification of PEDV in a sensitive and accurate manner. To improve the affinity, a unique PEDV spike protein-specific monoclonal antibody is prepared by purification, and subsequently modified on FG CNT-FET sensor to recognize PEDV. The developed FET biosensor enables highly sensitive detection (LoD: 8.1 fg/mL and 100.14 TCID50/mL for recombinant spike proteins and PEDV, respectively), as well as satisfactory specificity. Notably, an integrated portable platform consisting of a pluggable FG CNT-FET chip and a portable device can discriminate PEDV positive from negative samples and even identify PEDV and porcine deltacoronavirus within 1 min with 100% accuracy. The portable sensing platform offers the capability to quickly, sensitively and accurately identify PEDV, which further points to a possibility of point of care (POC) applications of large-scale surveillance in pig breeding facilities.

Antioxidant Activity, Theaflavin, Total Polyphenol, and Catechin Composition of Camellia sinensis Processing Effluents from Various Factories in Kenya

Research into the antioxidant efficacy and sustainability implications of tea waste, a by-product of the rapidly growing global beverage industry, is increasingly necessary. This study scrutinized samples taken from various factories to explore their capacity for free radical scavenging and potential public health and environmental benefits. Analysis of the samples and reference antioxidant (BHT) revealed a notable dose- dependent rise in free-radical-scavenging action, implying a positive concentration-dependent antioxidant efficacy. Variations in antioxidant activity occurred from tea wastes sourced at various factories, alluding to geography having a pivotal effect on the biological contents and antioxidative capacity. Of particular interest were Boito's and Chelal's cyclone fluff samples that evinced relatively lower potency than those from other factories. Tombe factory's cyclone sample demonstrated a superior capacity for scavenging free radicals at different concentrations, suggesting that particular production or cultivation processes augmented its effectiveness. Notably, some tea waste samples even equalled the potency of BHT (a synthetic antioxidant) when augured to its highest level. Furthermore, this study revealed disparities in Theaflavin and Thearubigin content due to factors like maturation period and processing methods guiding these concentrations. We identified tea waste samples possessing remarkable polyphenol concentration, thereby providing valuable insights for consumers and industries. Further investigations on the chemical composition of tea waste phytocompounds are paramount due to their acclaimed health-promoting properties and the factors influencing their concentrations and antioxidant efficacy.

On-Site and Visual Detection of the H5 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Based on RT-RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of the H5 subtype rank among the most serious pathogens, leading to significant economic losses in the global poultry industry and posing risks to human health. Therefore, rapid and accurate virus detection is crucial for the prevention and control of H5 AIVs. In this study, we established a novel detection method for H5 viruses by utilizing the precision of CRISPR/Cas12a and the efficiency of RT-RPA technologies. This assay facilitates the direct visualization of detection results through blue light and lateral flow strips, accurately identifying H5 viruses with high specificity and without cross-reactivity against other AIV subtypes, NDV, IBV, and IBDV. With detection thresholds of 1.9 copies/μL (blue light) and 1.9 × 103 copies/μL (lateral flow strips), our method not only competes with but also slightly surpasses RT-qPCR, demonstrating an 80.70% positive detection rate across 81 clinical samples. The RT-RPA/CRISPR-based detection method is characterized by high sensitivity, specificity, and independence from specialized equipment. The immediate field applicability of the RT-RPA/CRISPR approach underscores its importance as an effective tool for the early detection and management of outbreaks caused by the H5 subtype of AIVs.

Decoding bovine coronavirus immune targets: an epitope informatics approach

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) poses a significant threat to the global cattle industry, causing both respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in cattle populations. This necessitates the development of efficacious vaccines. While several inactivated and live BCoV vaccines exist, they are predominantly limited to calves. The immunization of adult cattle is imperative for BCoV infection control, as it curtails viral transmission to calves and ameliorates the impact of enteric and respiratory ailments across all age groups within the herd. This study presents an in silico methodology for devising a multiepitope vaccine targeting BCoV. The spike glycoprotein (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, which are integral elements of the BCoV structure, play pivotal roles in the viral infection cycle and immune response. We constructed a remarkably effective multiepitope vaccine candidate specifically designed to combat the BCoV population. Using immunoinformatics technology, B-cell and T-cell epitopes were predicted and linked together using linkers and adjuvants to efficiently trigger both cellular and humoral immune responses in cattle. The in silico construct was characterized, and assessment of its physicochemical properties revealed the formation of a stable vaccine construct. After 3D modeling of the vaccine construct, molecular docking revealed a stable interaction with the bovine receptor bTLR4. Moreover, the viability of the vaccine’s high expression and simple purification was demonstrated by codon optimization and in silico cloning expression into the pET28a (+) vector. By applying immunoinformatics approaches, researchers aim to better understand the immune response to bovine coronavirus, discover potential targets for intervention, and facilitate the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines to mitigate the impact of this virus on cattle health and the livestock industry. We anticipate that the design will be useful as a preventive treatment for BCoV sickness in cattle, opening the door for further laboratory studies.

Penerapan Model Regresi Linier dalam Prediksi Harga Mobil Bekas di India dan Visualisasi dengan Menggunakan Power BI

The growing message of the global automotive industry has led to an increase in used car sales, especially in unique consumer behavior markets like India. Pricing used cars presents challenges due to inconsistent factors such as mileage and age. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the used car market in India and provide valuable information for business owners and industry players to make informed decisions. The results show that linear regression is accurate and forms a multiple linear regression model y = -1998.21+ 9.9 X1+ 1.22 X2+ 1.3 X3 -8.07 X4+ 1.83 5889267114422 and UMK 49.222702208411334. Apart from that, in the testing process the model built had an accuracy level of 71.09%. This research aims to predict used car prices by considering influencing factors, and the results will be presented visually to provide business owners with more interactive information.

Performance evaluation of the global airline industry under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A dynamic network data envelopment analysis approach

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the airline industry, necessitating a focus on maintaining high efficiency for profitability. This study assesses the efficiency of 26 international airlines from 2019 to 2022 using a dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA) methodology. The model accounts for the dynamic effect between two consecutive periods and incorporates an internal structure to evaluate airline performance across multiple dimensions. It enables the assessment of overall, period-specific, and stage-specific efficiencies. The findings reveal that while overall efficiency is moderately high on average, no airline achieved full efficiency during the pandemic. Efficiency decreased notably from 2019 to 2020, with a partial recovery but not a return to pre-pandemic levels by 2022. Operational performance remains satisfactory and stable, while service and financial performance exhibit lower efficiency, especially among low-cost airlines compared to full-service counterparts. Additionally, the study explores airlines' environmental impact by considering greenhouse gas emissions. Comparative analysis with a dynamic DEA model without internal structure highlights theoretical contributions, and the study offers managerial insights for airline leaders and policymakers.

Genuine small talk in hospitality services encounter

Purpose This study proposes “genuine small talk” in hospitality settings, particularly in coffee shops and its impact on enhancing guest experiences. This study aims to delineate how genuine small talk, characterized by sincerity, mutual respect, truthfulness and empathy, differs from traditional conversational engagements and influences service outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a case research approach, focusing on the global coffee shop industry, particularly in high-context cultural settings. Using an abductive research paradigm, it intertwines theoretical concepts with empirical data gathered from face-to-face interviews with coffee shop visitors and managers. Data analysis involved qualitative coding techniques to synthesize and interpret findings related to genuine small talk. Findings Genuine small talk in hospitality, marked by sincerity, mutual respect, truthfulness and empathy, significantly enhances customer experiences. It transforms service encounters, turning negative experiences into positive ones and fostering customer loyalty. The study finds that genuine small talk is a strategic tool for emotional resonance and repeat patronage, yet its effectiveness depends on the staff’s ability to discern and adapt to customer moods and preferences. Social implications This study highlights that genuine interpersonal interactions are key to enhancing customer experiences in hospitality. These genuine exchanges, characterized by sincerity, mutual respect, truthfulness and empathy, not only improve the immediate service encounter but also foster long-term customer loyalty. By transforming transactional interactions into meaningful connections, genuine small talk serves as a strategic tool in the hospitality industry, potentially reshaping service dynamics and elevating the perceived value of customer service. This research underscores the importance of staff training in emotional intelligence and adaptability to customer preferences, crucial for implementing genuine small talk effectively. Originality/value This research contributes to the hospitality literature by elucidating the nuanced role of genuine small talk in service encounters. It extends existing discourses of service interactions by highlighting the potential of genuine small talk in fostering connections and enhancing guest experiences.

Research on Self-Rescue and Innovative Models in the Rural Tourism Homestay Industry under the Impact of the Pandemic

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the global tourism industry, with a serious effect on the rural tourism homestay sector as well. Taking ancient Huizhou areas such as Xiuning in Anhui Province as an example, this article explores the self-rescue measures and innovative models of the rural tourism homestay industry through field research and data analysis under the pandemic background. The research finds that during the pandemic, rural tourism homestay owners actively responded to challenges by innovating business models, improving service quality, and developing online markets, achieving certain results. The article aims to provide reference and inspiration for the self-rescue and future development of the rural tourism homestay industry during the pandemic.

The role of reduced graphene oxide on mitigation of lead phytotoxicity in Triticum aestivum L.plants at morphological and physiological levels

Rapid global industrialization and an increase in population have enhanced the risk of heavy metals accumulation in plant bodies to disrupt the morphological, biochemical, and physiological processes of plants. To cope with this situation, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) NPs were used first time to mitigate abiotic stresses caused in plant. In this study, rGO NPs were synthesized and reduced with Tecoma stans plant leave extract through modified Hummer's methods. The well prepared rGO NPs were characterized by ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, pot experiment was conducted with four different concentrations (15, 30, 60, 120 mg/L) of rGO NPs and three different concentrations (300, 500,700 mg/L) of lead (Pb) stress were applied. To observe the mitigative effects of rGO NPs, 30 mg/L of rGO NPs and 700 mg/L of Pb were used in combination. Changes in morphological and biochemical characteristics of wheat plants were observed for both Pb stress and rGO NPs treatments. Pb was found to inhibit the morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants. rGO NPs alone as well as in combination with Pb was found to increase the chlorophyll content of wheat plants. Under Pb stress conditions and rGO NPs treatments, antioxidant enzyme activities like ascorbate peroxidases (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were observed. Current findings revealed that greenly reduced graphene oxide NPs can effectively promote growth in wheat plants under Pb stress by elevating chlorophyll content of leaves, reducing the Pb uptake, and suppressing ROS produced due to Pb toxicity.

Pulp addiction? Perspectives of local regime actors on the development of the growing pulp industry in Uruguay

The pulp and paper industry is one of the largest industries in the world. The main actors are a few multi-national enterprises operating in global markets. The industry is increasingly moving its production to the Global South, which alters global pulp value chains and the national socio-technical regimes of those countries. Additionally, the sustainability paradigm and transition to bioeconomy are challenging the pulp and paper industry of today. We conducted semi-structured expert interviews, analyzed, and interpreted the findings through the multi-level perspective framework. The study aims to advance knowledge on how the local regime actors inside the pulp regime perceive the development of the Uruguayan pulp industry since the MNEs established operations in Uruguay until 2018. Our findings suggest that local regime actors see that the Uruguayan pulp industry regime and its' development is highly influenced by multinational enterprises and the way they organized their global value chains. Uruguay's role in the global pulp industry value chain remains as a material resource provider, which has not improved the innovation capacity of the country particularly. The interviewees however feel that this is a key issue to develop in the country. Thus, we suggest that a transition to a sustainable bioeconomy in Uruguay would require steps forward in the immaterial resource base with closer cooperation between the industrial actors, the national research and education actors, and local small and medium-sized enterprises. In large-scale Global North–Global South investments a true collaboration between the multi-national enterprises and local regime actors is crucial for reaching a strongly sustainable bioeconomy.

Empirical Analysis of Fleet Commonality Strategy’s Impact on the Operating Performance of the Indian Aviation Sector

Fleet commonality and standardization strategies are recognized in the global airline industry for their operational advantages and potential to ensure sustainability in a highly competitive environment. This study focuses on the Indian airline sector, aiming to verify the pivotal role of cost efficiency, revenue management, fleet size, and characteristics in determining airline profitability, as well as the influence of fleet size and standardization on operating costs. To achieve this, we developed an empirical model to evaluate both operating profitability and cost efficiency provided by fleet commonality. To measure fleet commonality, we employed a fleet standardization index, providing a quantitative assessment of the level of fleet commonality across different airlines. Utilizing real-time data collected extensively from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, we conducted a detailed analysis involving eight prominent airlines for 10 years spanning from 2012 to 2022. Our regression models indicate a strong positive association between fleet commonality and operating performance, underscoring the significance of fleet standardization strategies in enhancing airline profitability. This study not only contributes empirical evidence to the existing literature but also provides valuable insights for airline managers seeking to understand the benefits of fleet commonality in the context of the Indian aviation industry. This research is anticipated to aid airline executives in making informed decisions about fleet management strategies to improve their operational and financial performance in an increasingly competitive market.

Evolutionary game analysis on cross-border cooperative R&D of intelligent new energy vehicle industry

PurposeIntelligent new energy vehicles (INEVs) are becoming the competitive hotspot for the automobile industry. The major purpose of this study is to determine how to increase innovation efficiency through knowledge sharing and technology spill between new energy vehicle (NEV) enterprises and technology enterprises. This will help to improve the core competence of the automobile industry in China. Also, it serves as a guide for the growth of other strategic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors construct a tripartite evolutionary game model to study the cross-border cooperative innovation problem. Firstly, the payment matrix of NEV enterprise, technology enterprise and government is established, and the expected revenue of each participant is determined. Then, the replication dynamic equations and evolutionary stability strategies are analyzed. Finally, the theoretical research is validated through numerical simulation.FindingsResults showed that: (1) An optimal range of revenue distribution coefficient exists in the cross-border cooperation. (2) Factors like research and development (R&D) success rate, subsidies, resource and technology complementarity, and vehicles intelligence positively influence the evolution towards cooperative strategies. (3) Factors like technology spillover risk cost inhibit the evolution towards cooperative strategies. To be specific, when the technology spillover risk cost is greater than 2.5, two enterprises are inclined to choose independent R&D, and the government chooses to provide subsidy.Research limitations/implicationsThe research perspective and theoretical analysis are helpful to further explore the cross-border cooperation of the intelligent automobile industry. The findings suggest that the government can optimize the subsidy policy according to the R&D capability and resource allocation of automobile industry. Moreover, measures are needed to reduce the risk of technology spillovers to encourage enterprise to collaborate and innovate. The results can provide reference for enterprises’ strategic choice and government’s policy making.Originality/valueThe INEV industry has become an important development direction of the global automobile industry. However, there is limited research on cross-border cooperation of INEV industry. Hence, authors construct a tripartite evolutionary game model involving NEV enterprise, technology enterprise and the government, and explore the relationship of cooperation and competition among players in the INEV industry, which provides a new perspective for the development of the INEV industry.

Balancing work and family when family is work: a reconceptualization of work–family integration, burnout and detachment in family business

PurposeBuilding from calls for greater interdisciplinary research in interpreting family business phenomena, we integrate research on work–family conflict, detachment and burnout from both organizational and family studies. Using the characteristic work–family integration of family business settings as a backdrop we develop theoretical arguments that emphasize the reconciliatory role of interdisciplinary perspectives to explain the ostensibly contradictory findings in extant research. The diminishing barriers separating work and life spheres occurring in most global industries illustrate the importance of conceiving the study of work–life phenomena through recursive, rather than linear, logics and emphasizing the relevance of family business research in providing a contextual foundation for interdisciplinary discussions.Design/methodology/approachThis theoretical paper integrates perspectives from the literatures on organizational behavior and family systems theory to form six propositions on the relationship between work–life integration and the antecedents and consequences of burnout and psychological detachment.FindingsThis paper explores the nuances that overlapping work and family roles might be a source of both harmony and discord in family firms. In doing so, our research contributes to the growing relationship between family systems theory and family business research, and creates the foundation for future empirical studies on the psychological dynamics that underlie work–family integration.Originality/valueThis research advances a novel perspective on the interactions between work–family integration and burnout and detachment, and does so by noting that the way the family business literature treats work–family integration may apply to any employee that experiences tension between these different spheres of their identity.

Establishment of an ELISA Based on a Recombinant Antigenic Protein Containing Multiple Prominent Epitopes for Detection of African Swine Fever Virus Antibodies

African swine fever virus (ASFV) poses a significant threat to the global pig industry, necessitating accurate and efficient diagnostic methods for its infection. Previous studies have often focused on a limited number of epitopes from a few proteins for detecting antibodies against ASFV. Therefore, the current study aimed to use multiple B-cell epitopes in developing an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for enhanced detection of ASFV antibodies. For the expression of recombinant protein, k3 derived from 27 multiple peptides of 11 ASFV proteins, such as p72, pA104R, pB602L, p12, p14.5, p49, pE248R, p30, p54, pp62, and pp220, was used. To confirm the expression of the recombinant protein, we used the Western blotting analysis. The purified recombinant K3 protein served as the antigen in our study, and we employed the indirect ELISA technique to detect anti-ASFV antibodies. The present finding showed that there was no cross-reactivity with antibodies targeting Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Pseudorabies virus (PRV), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Moreover, the current finding was sensitive enough to find anti-ASFV in serum samples that had been diluted up to 32 times. The test (k3-iELISA) showed diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of 98.41% and 97.40%, respectively. Moreover, during the present investigation, we compared the Ingenasa kit and the k3-iELISA to test clinical pig serum, and the results revealed that there was 99.00% agreement between the two tests, showing good detection capability of the k3-iELISA method. Hence, the current finding showed that the ELISA kit we developed can be used for the rapid detection of ASFV antibodies and used as an alternative during serological investigation of ASF in endemic areas.

Analyzing an Efficient Mix Design for the Production of Quality Asphalt Concrete: A Means of Reducing Roads’ maintenance cost

Poor road design is the bedrock for strength deformation and formation of potholes on road pavements. The best choice of aggregates for asphalt concrete production has a great impact on its stability, sustainability and durability during its serviceability lifestyle. The critical design and analysis methods are the standard methods needed to eradicate these defects of roads deformation in the global construction industries. This study reveals the hidden knowledge about the formulation of standard mix design for asphaltic concrete production. In the experiment, three different mixed designs were evaluated in order to ascertain the best and quality aggregates for durable road’s pavement production. The results proved that, the proportion of aggregate obtained from the first mix design yielded the best result, and this is suggested for the global production of quality and standard asphalt concrete for roads’ binder pavements’ construction. Also, the formulated aggregates’ mix design for roads’ wearing course pavement obtained was considered the best for industrial practice. Furthermore, the accuracy and efficiency of the results obtained relied so much on standard estimate made for the quality production of asphalt concrete cost about $270,830.00 from Chainages 26 + 700 to 26 + 925. All the experimental results proved that, standard aggregates’ mix design prevents unnecessary defects on road pavement system. In conclusion, the application of the first mix design in road construction will improve its sustainability, durability and stability capacity. Likewise, it will prevent unnecessary spending on road pavement’s maintenance.

Short beak and dwarfism syndrome among Pekin ducks: First detection, full genome sequencing, and immunohistochemical signals of novel goose parvovirus in tongue tissue.

Novel goose parvovirus (NGPV) is continuously threatening the global duck industry, as it causes short beak and dwarfism syndrome among different duck breeds. In this study, we investigated the viral pathogenesis in the tongue of affected ducks, as a new approach for deeper understanding of the syndrome. Seventy-three, 14- to 60-day-old commercial Pekin ducks were clinically examined. Thirty tissue pools of intestine and tongue (15 per tissue) were submitted for molecular identification. Clinical signs in the examined ducks were suggestive of parvovirus infection. All examined ducks had short beaks. Necrotic, swollen, and congested protruding tongues were recorded in adult ducks (37/73, 51%). Tongue protrusion without any marked congestion or swelling was observed in 20-day-old ducklings (13/73, 18%), and no tongue protrusion was observed in 15-day-old ducklings (23/73, 32%). Microscopically, the protruding tongues of adult ducks showed necrosis of the superficial epithelial layer with vacuolar degeneration. Glossitis was present in the nonprotruding tongues of young ducks, which was characterized by multifocal lymphoplasmacytic aggregates and edema in the propria submucosa. Immunohistochemical examination displayed parvovirus immunolabeling, mainly in the tongue propria submucosa. Based on polymerase chain reaction, goose parvovirus was detected in 9 out of 15 tongue sample pools (60%). Next-generation sequencing confirmed the presence of a variant goose parvovirus that is globally named NGPV and closely related to Chinese NGPV isolates. Novel insights are being gained from the study of NGPV pathogenesis in the tongue based on molecular and immunohistochemical identification.

DESIGN OF COCONUT DEHUSKING MACHINE

The global coconut industry flourishes, generating food, beverages, and industrial products. However, traditional manual dehusking methods pose significant challenges, including being labor-intensive, time-consuming, and exposing workers to potential injuries. This research paper delves into the design and development of a pneumatic coconut dehusking machine incorporating a timer and sequencing module controlled by a microcontroller. The paper comprehensively explores the various components, their functionalities, the control system architecture, and potential areas for future advancements. It delves deeper into design considerations for optimizing machine performance, safety, and user experience. Keywords: Pneumatic controlled coconut dehusking, Microcontroller, Timer & Sequencing module, Automation

39 Using genetics and technology to improve swine robustness

Abstract Abstract Pig robustness has been an increasing concern in the global swine industry over the last 10 yr. This trend of increased mortality across all phases of production continues to worsen over time despite greater focus on research, management, and other production practices to control it. During this time, dramatic improvements in genetic progress have been realized through the selection of economically important traits. Historically, swine genetic companies have relied on data from their purebred animals reared in high-health and well-managed environments which has proven difficult to provide meaningful insight on variation in robustness traits. More recently, leading genetic companies have invested in large commercial test herds where crossbred pigs and breeding animals are individually identified with pedigree and genomic information. These pigs are reared under challenging and varying commercial conditions and mortality, removals, and reproductive efficiency data are gathered and used to generate crossbred breeding values. This type of data increases the accuracy of genetic estimates as well as creates new traits aimed at improving robustness and ease of management. Further investments have been made in precision livestock farming technologies such as computer vision which is quickly being developed due to the low cost of cameras and the ability to use edge computing to process images in real-time or to transfer images and data to the cloud. These developments are particularly compelling in the genetic improvement space when they can be paired with individual animal identification enabling novel traits to be measured in large populations more consistently and at a reduced cost compared with previous labor-intensive or cost-prohibitive methods. Early examples of this are the use of cameras to score feet and leg soundness in replacement gilts as lameness and associated feet and leg injuries are still one of the largest contributors to sow culls and mortality. This new digital feet and leg soundness scoring method has initially resulted in dramatically greater accuracy and heritability compared with conventional subjective human scoring methods. Other camera-based algorithms have been developed to track individual pigs and assess their daily behaviors and interactions. These developments are key to collecting new phenotypes for the selection of positive behavior traits for genetic selection compared with what was previously possible with human observer or scan sampling methods. Gene editing is another promising technology that has been used in human health and plant breeding but is now being widely researched in livestock. This technology has been used to create the first PRRS-resistant pigs to address one of the most costly diseases in the industry. New sources of data and technologies are key to creating and capturing existing and novel phenotypes on large populations of pigs in commercial environments to aid in the genetic improvement of non-conventional traits.

Effect of connection methods on hygrothermal performance of prefabricated concrete building walls

With the ongoing surge in global energy demand and the escalating environmental concerns, attention has turned to building energy consumption in numerous countries. According to a 2019 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global building industry is responsible for 36 % of energy consumption, ranking first among all industries. The 2022 China Building Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions Research Report highlighted that in 2020, China's building energy consumption and carbon emissions represented 45.5 % and 50.9 % of the national total, respectively. Achieving carbon neutrality now hinges on decarbonizing buildings. Prefabricated buildings, as a prime example of industrialized construction, aid in reducing carbon emissions through standardized, factory-based production. However, unlike conventional construction, prefabricated concrete buildings (the dominant form of prefabricated buildings) employ metal connectors to join the prefabricated components. These metal connectors generate thermal bridges that can influence heat and moisture transfer through the walls. In this study, a coupled heat and moisture transfer model will be established to analyze the influence of different connection methods on the hygrothermal performance in prefabricated concrete building envelopes. Two typical connection methods for prefabricated buildings are mainly investigated: the grouted sleeve connection and the bolted connection. The findings indicate that different connection methods for prefabricated building connectors increase both the heat and moisture transfer rates in prefabricated concrete structures. Compared to the grouted sleeve connection method, the bolt connection method has a more significant impact on the thermal and moisture performance of the wall. In the tests on the T-shaped structure, the grouted sleeve connections increase heat transfer by 9%–10 %, while the bolt connections increase it by 52%–55 %. During summer, the bolt connections show a 7.42 % higher moisture transfer than the grouted sleeve connections, whereas, in winter, the bolt connections reduce moisture transfer by 12.4 % more than the grouted sleeve connections.

Feasibility Research on Mutual Recognition of Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products between China and Russia

While China and Russia are both major agricultural producers, their influence on the global agricultural industry still lags significantly behind EU countries. Considering the recent China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications (CEAGI) and the rapid current growth of China-Russia trade, it becomes crucial for China and Russia to discuss the mutual recognition of geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products. The potential for cooperation in this area consists in promoting import and export trade of agricultural products between China and Russia, thus enhancing the competitiveness of these products in the international market. However, challenges in the mutual recognition of GIs arise due to imbalances in the trade of agricultural products, as well as differences in trading systems and current legislation on geographical indications. A feasible package arrangement could involve mutual recognition of some GIs for agricultural products based on existing Chinese and Russia multilateral trading systems.