High Production Research Articles

Research status, hotspots, and implications of seasonal affective disorder: A bibliometric analysis based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer

The objective was to determine the research status and hotspots of seasonal affective disorders (SAD) based on bibliometric tools, which will contribute to the further research in this field. We used bibliometric tools CiteSpace and VOSviewer to conduct visual quantitative analysis on 465 SAD literatures in the Web of Science core database from 2008 to 2023 from multiple perspectives such as collaboration network, keywords, and literature citations. At the same time, we used Microsoft Word to make relevant tables. The publication of SAD-related literature has been on the rise in the past 15 years, countries with high production of SAD literature are mainly concentrated in the United States, Austria, and Canada, and certain cooperative relationships have been established between various institutions and scholars. Research keywords in our study are mainly limited to pathogenesis (“Photoperiod,” “exposure,” “winter,” “serotonin transporter,” and “creb”) and treatment measures (“light therapy” and “melatonin”). In recent years, literature research hotspots mainly focus on the treatment of SAD with light therapy, the application of exogenous drugs, the biological clock mechanism of SAD pathogenesis, the relationship between SAD and inflammation, etc. The correlation between SAD and sleepiness and alternative treatments to light therapy may be future research hotspots. The research results reveal the future research focus of SAD. There is a considerable interest in the photoperiodic pathogenesis of SAD, light therapy and its alternative therapies, and there is still hope for further exploration. Substantial research into evidence-based prevention as well as treatment strategies is necessary to improve outcomes.

Designing a bedside table of wood furniture waste based on TRIZEE methodology

Abstract Environmental issues have become an important consideration to be included in business operations. One of the main environmental problems in the wood industry is the high production of wood waste and increasing scarcity and cost of raw materials. For this reason, companies need to utilize wood waste to reduce material costs and, at the same time, reduce the impact of waste on the environment. Converting wood waste into products that can be sold will increase its economic value. This research aims to identify the types of waste from a furniture company and reduce waste by designing various products made from wood waste. Wood chips are wood waste that have the potential to be reused. Waste wood chips from the materials station can be used to create bedside table products. The bedside table was chosen because of its high selling price, and the company could make it with its existing resources. Apart from that, the company still needs to expand its variety of bedside tables. The bedside table was designed using the TRIZEE method. TRIZEE is a method that combines eco-efficiency with 40 TRIZ principles, which can reduce environmental impacts in alignment with company goals. The design process resulted in 4 bedside table variations. Production capacity is estimated to produce 56 bedside tables per month. If scrap waste is successfully used as bedside table material. Apart from saving raw materials, the company will be able to reduce wood waste and gain greater profits from waste utilization.

Physical and chemical properties of soils from different geological formations affecting Tuber melanosporum plantations: a case study in Acqualagna area (central Italy)

Soil properties play a pivotal role in the fructification of the Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.). However, the precise manner in which soil composition influences truffle production remains unclear. This study considered three plantation sites located in Acqualagna (central Italy), an important area for the cultivation of black truffles. The sites differed in terms of productivity and geological terrains. Site 1, which produced 4 kg yr−1, was on Schlier sediments (marls and clayey marls; Miocene age), site 2, which yielded 12 kg yr−1, was on alluvial deposits (heterogeneous, mainly sandy gravels and gravels; Holocene age), and site 3 produced 40 kg yr−1 was on Scaglia variegata (alternating marly limestones, calcareous marls, and marls; Eocene age). A total of 62 soil samples were collected and analyzed for their physical, chemical, organic, and mineralogical composition. Among the samples a control area without the presence of truffle was included. The soils composition differed for the content in phyllosilicates and calcite which ranged from 124 to 398 g kg−1 and 98 to 450 g kg−1, respectively. Principal component analysis extracted three factors, accounting for 82% of the total variance. Factor 1 (46.2% of the variance) was strongly and positively correlated with sheet silicates, smectite, clay and negatively with skeleton (fraction > 2 mm). The soils from Scaglia variegata and Schlier clustered around the active carbonate content which was 266 g kg−1 in Scaglia and 250 g kg−1 in Schlier. These soils clustered also for the clay fraction (389 g kg−1 and 428 g kg−1, respectively) as well as for the smectite (268 g kg−1 and 307 g kg−1, respectively). In spite, the soils from alluvial deposits clustered per skeleton (638 g kg−1). In terms of soil productivity, it can be posited that the contribution of the skeleton was always dominant. The carbonate contents allow for the differentiation between intermediate soils (alluvial deposits) and low-productivity soils (Schlier). Additionally, the clay component was found to be high in both low (428 g kg−1) and high productivity soils (389 g kg−1). Conversely, it was low in medium productivity soils (125 g kg−1). The automatic linear modelling (ALM) indicated that among all of the variables considered in this study, six of them were included in the equation and explained 94.3% of the variation in soil classified as suitable for black truffle production. In particular, calcite was identified as the most important predictor variable, followed by available P and K. Regarding the influence of functional groups of humic substances, amide I (1641 cm−1) exerted a positive effect while lignin residues (1510 cm−1) had a negative one. The findings of this study may assist in the selection of optimal soils for black truffle cultivation.

Multi-Omics Approaches Uncovered Critical mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA Networks Regulating Multiple Birth Traits in Goat Ovaries

The goat breeding industry on the Tibetan Plateau faces strong selection pressure to enhance fertility. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop goat lines with higher fertility and adaptability. The ovary, as a key organ determining reproductive performance, is regulated by a complex transcriptional network involving numerous protein-coding and non-coding genes. However, the molecular mechanisms of the key mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA regulatory network in goat ovaries remain largely unknown. This study focused on the histology and differential mRNA/miRNA/lncRNA between Chuanzhong black goat (CBG, high productivity, multiple births) and Tibetan goat (TG, strong adaptability, single birth) ovaries. Histomorphological analysis showed that the medulla proportion in CBG ovaries was significantly reduced compared to TG. RNA-Seq and small RNA-Seq analysis identified 1218 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 100 DE miRNAs, and 326 DE lncRNAs, which were mainly enriched in ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte meiosis, biosynthesis of amino acids and protein digestion, and absorption signaling pathways. Additionally, five key mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA interaction networks regulating goat reproductive performance were identified, including TCL1B–novel68_mature–ENSCHIT00000010023, AKAP6–novel475_mature–ENSCHIT00000003176, GLI2–novel68_mature–XR_001919123.1, ITGB5–novel65_star–TCONS_00013850, and VWA2–novel71_mature–XR_001919911.1. Further analyses showed that these networks mainly affected ovarian function and reproductive performance by regulating biological processes such as germ cell development and oocyte development, which also affected the plateau adaptive capacity of the ovary by participating in the individual immune and metabolic capacities. In conclusion, we identified numerous mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA interaction networks involved in regulating ovarian function and reproductive performance in goats. This discovery offers new insights into the molecular breeding of Tibetan Plateau goats and provides a theoretical foundation for developing new goat lines with high reproductive capacity and strong adaptability to the plateau environment.

The Intermediate Barrier Performance of Electroless Co-W-B / Ni-P Stacked Deposits Between Cu and Solder Joint

Nickel (Ni) is one of the most common surface finishing materials for solder joint and wire bonding because it can behave as the diffusion barrier for Copper (Cu) and bring excellent reliability. Electroless Ni plating has many advantages such as high productivity, good thickness uniformity, and the deposition ability for isolated patterns of printed circuit boards without supplying electrolytic power. Electroless Ni plating is widely used as the jointing material for Tin (Sn) or Sn alloy solder in printed circuit boards, lead frames, and so on. The amorphous deposits of electroless Nickel-Phosphorus (Ni-P) generate the intermetallic compounds (IMC) with solder after the reflow and the remaining Ni behaves as the barrier between Cu and solder. In this time, the P amount of Ni-P deposits generally have the impact to the growth of IMC. Electroless Ni-P with high P (high P Ni) such as 10-12 wt% has been selected to achieve both corrosion resistance and solder joint reliability. Because the growth of Sn-Ni IMC between high P Ni is faster than deposits with lower P, the target thickness of high P Ni has been set to approximately 10 µm to sustain the Ni-P layer as the barrier layer between Cu and solder during reflow. However, if the Ni-Sn IMC is repeatedly formed and dissolved by the diffusion after solder jointing, the Ni-P layer reduces and finally disappears. As a result, an additional barrier layer is desirable for higher reliability. In this study, we investigated adding electroless Cobalt-Tungsten-Boron (Co-W-B) as a new intermediate barrier between Cu and solder jointing. We evaluated the bonding strength and IMC analysis after mounting Sn-Cu-Ni-P type solder on Cu/Co-W-B/Ni-P by using different reflow profiles. Results showed that Co-W-B 0.1-0.2 µm/Ni-P 1-2 µm stacked deposits had excellent bonding strength even though the Ni-P thickness is thinner such as 1 µm. After mounting solder, a P-rich layer was generated on the Co-W-B layer in cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) observation. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) –Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS, STEMEDS) analysis showed the P-rich layer and Co-W-B layer prevented diffusion between solder and Cu. Furthermore, even if after the thermal loading of high temperature, the bonding strength was excellent. Additionally, the cross-section analysis of STEM-EDS revealed that a thin layer composed of Ni, Co and P was formed between Co-W-B and the P-rich layer. This thin layer also might behave as the barrier for solder. In conclusion, Co-W-B / Ni-P stacked deposits exhibited excellent reliability as the additional intermediate barrier layer between Cu and solder.

Optimizing the genetic evaluation criteria for the small herd of Saanen x Beetal crossbred dairy goats of Indian sub-tropic

This study focused on the accurate genetic evaluation of a small dairy flock of crossbred dairy goats, specifically developed for high milk production in the Indian sub-tropical climate. The study was conducted on Saanen x Beetal (SxB) crossbred goats, which utilized 12,660 test day records for first parity. Additionally, complete lactation records (N=1283) across multiple parities and for the first parity (N=659) were analyzed separately for genetic evaluation. The main traits examined were 150-day milk yield (150DMY), days in milk (DIM), peak yield (PY), and total milk yield (TMY), with averages of 198.80±2.83 kg, 227.90±4.18 days, 1.17±0.02 kg, and 262.40±6.12 kg, respectively, highlighting the genetic superiority of SB goats over native Indian goats. Across parities, the estimates for 150DMY, DIM, and TMY were 230±6.16 kg, 210±7.0 days, and 277±11.82 kg, respectively. Given the moderate heritability (0.24±0.08) and repeatability (0.29±0.04) estimates of 150DMY, the study recommends using 150DMY as the primary selection criterion for genetic improvement in SxB goats. The single-trait random regression model (RRM) utilizing various orders of orthogonal Legendre polynomials (LEG) and B-spline (BS) functions with heterogeneous residual variances was also employed. The test day milk yield (TDMY) showed a least squares mean of 1.30±0.01 kg, with moderate heritability estimates across test days (0.26±0.08). The optimal model was identified as a quadratic B-spline function with six knots (BS6Q). Positive genetic correlations were observed between consecutive test-day milk yield values, while correlations decreased for more distant test days. The study demonstrated the superiority of the B-spline model in genetically assessing Saanen x Beetal dairy goats, highlighting its benefits in curve fitting, genetic parameter estimation, and higher breeding value prediction accuracy. Looking into the moderate heritability and desirable genetic correlation of 150 DMY with other lactation traits, we recommend using 150 DMY for further selection programs. As the concordance of ranking between different approaches for breeding value prediction was high, we recommend using the random regression test day model (RR-TDM) when data recording across lactation is costly.

Unlocking the potential of CuNi bimetallic catalyst: Structural innovation in phase-separated design for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction

Bimetallic catalysts are widely used in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions (ECRR). However, the study of structural effects of bimetallic catalysts on ECRR is still limited. Herein, two kinds of nitrogen-doped carbon-supported CuNi bimetallic catalysts with alloy structure (CuNi/NC-alloy) and phase-separated structure (CuNi/NC-PS) were prepared, respectively, and their ECRR performance were studied. Interestingly, compared with CuNi/NC-alloy, the unique phase separation structure in the CuNi/NC-PS catalyst made the d-band center of Ni the most moderate, balancing the bonding strength with *COOH and *CO, making it not only exhibited relatively low CO2 activation barrier but also not been poisoned by CO, thus exhibiting higher CO selectivity. Therefore, CuNi/NC-PS exhibited superior catalytic activity (−0.86 V vs. RHE, FECO = 94.03 %, jCO = 37.06 mA cm−2) compared to CuNi/NC-alloy. In the membrane electrode assembly, based on CuNi/NC-PS catalyst and Co/Mo metal–organic frameworks (Co/Mo-MOF) catalyst, the coupling of formaldehyde oxidation and CO2 reduction could save 22 % energy consumption at the current density of 100 mA cm−2 and obtain high value-added anode product HCOO−. This study will lay a foundation for understanding the structural effects of CuNi based bimetallic catalysts on their electrocatalytic activities.

Use and reusability of ethyl lactate, as a green solvent, for extraction of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from biomass of Paracoccus sp.: Process efficiency, and preliminary evaluation of economic feasibility and environmental impacts

One of the main obstacles for commercialization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is the high production cost, which is caused partly by using non-reusable solvents to extract the polymer from biomass of its producer. This, coupling with the toxicity of the conventional solvents, e.g., chloroform and methanol, renders the PHB production process costly and polluting. In this regard, the use of reusable green solvent is a promising approach to reduce both the PHB production cost and the environmental impacts of the process. This study investigated the use of ethyl lactate (EL) as a green solvent to extract PHB from biomass of Paracoccus sp. KKU01. The reusability of EL, as well as economic feasibility and environmental impact of EL-based extraction process, were assessed. Under optimum conditions, the use of EL gave 75.3 ± 0.5 % of PHB recovery, which was comparable to that achieved using chloroform (78.3 ± 5.2 %). The spent EL and ethanol (antisolvent for precipitating PHB from EL) could be reused 10 times with an average PHB recovery of 77.1 ± 0.9 % (w/w) and no obvious loss in the PHB recovery was observed. Preliminary economics assessment showed that reusing EL and ethanol reduced the cost of EL and ethanol procurement by 71 % and 79 %, respectively. Environmental factor (E-factor) and EcoScale evaluations revealed that the EL-based extraction process was more environmentally friendly than the chloroform-based counterpart, due mainly to less generation of wastes. The results demonstrated clearly that EL is an efficient, economically feasible, and environmentally friendly solvent for PHB extraction.

Uncovering the Salt-Controlled Porosity Regulation in Coal-Derived Hard Carbons for Sodium Energy Storage.

Coal is a promising precursor of hard carbon (HC) anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), by virtue of resource abundance, low cost, and high product yield. However, the concomitant inorganic salt is usually recognized as impurities and plays an obscure and even contradictory effect on the regulation of pore structure in HCs. Herein, a two-step pyrolysis procedure to the representative salty coal is performed, in which the acid washing program is selectively inserted. It is illuminated that salt acts as a template or activating agent for the generation of open pores at low temperatures but inhibits the closure of pores during the following high-temperature carbonization. The optimized HC delivers a reversible capacity of 322.4 mAh g-1, a high plateau capacity of 192 mAh g-1, and an initial coulombic efficiency of 80%, outperforming to most coal-based HCs. Assembled with an NVPOF cathode, the full-cell exhibits a high energy density of 284.7 Wh kg-1. This work not only provides a systematic understanding of salt-dependent pore structure modulation but also practices a simple, cost-effective, and potentially scalable technique for the production of coal-based HCs.

Screened d-p Orbital Hybridization in Turing Structure of Confined Nickel for Sulfion Oxidation Accelerated Hydrogen Production.

The sulfion oxidation reaction (SOR) could offer an energy-efficient and tech-economically favorable alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for H2 production. Transition metal (TM) based catalysts have been considered promising candidates for SOR but suffer from limited activity due to the excessive bond strength from TM-S2- d-p orbit coupling. Herein, we propose a feasible strategy of screening direct d-p orbit hybridization between TM and S2- by constructing the Turing structure composed of lamellar stacking carbon-confined nickel nanosheets. The optimized p-p orbit coupling between electron-injected carbon and S2- enables exceptional catalytic activity and stability for sulfion degradation and energy-efficient yet value-added H2 production. Specifically, it achieves a current density of 500 mA cm-2 at an ultralow potential of 0.67 V vs. RHE for alkaline SOR. Theoretical calculations indicate that the electron transfer from Ni imparts metallicity and a higher p-band center to carbon shells, thereby contributing to optimized p-p orbit hybridization and a thermodynamically favorable stepwise sulfion degradation. Practically, a two-electrode flow cell achieves an industrial current density of 1 Acm-2 at an unprecedented low voltage of 0.91 V while maintaining stability for over 300 hours, and exhibits high productivities of 3.83 and 0.32 kgh-1m-2 for sulfur and H2, respectively.

Energy-saving electrochemical green hydrogen production coupled with persulfate or hydrogen peroxide valorization at boron-doped diamond electrodes

Persulfate (S2O82−) and hydrogen (H2) electrosynthesis has gained prominence valorization in recent times. This study reports, for the first time, a techno-economic analysis of the electrochemical boron-doped diamond (BDD)-SO42−/SO4•−/S2O82−/H2O2||H2 system. BDD is an eco-friendly material for S2O82− and H2 formation, where S2O82− is economically attractive replacements for oxygen reaction in electrochemical H2 production to valorize it as an integrated-hybrid approach. The results clearly showed that current efficiencies of up to 75.3 % and 99.4 % at 45 mA cm−2 were observed for S2O82− and H2 production with anodic accumulation of 1.77 mmol L−1 and cathodic rate 0.3 µmol min−1, respectively. A techno-economic estimation indicated a significant levelized cost of H2 (∼$ 3.78 kg−1) for this hybrid-integrated process where it was improved decreasing the anode cost or increasing the current density (j). BDD||Ni-Fe based stainless-steel (SS) mesh system could be more appropriate to be commercialized for producing persulfate and green H2, according to the techno-economic analysis. This electrochemical strategy described here is a promising green alternative to conventional processes for the simultaneous electrogeneration of oxidants and green H2, both as high value-added products.

Utilising Reclaimed Water for Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cultivation in Cape Verde: A Detailed Case Study

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is essential for food security, providing economic benefits in tropical and subtropical regions. However, its high water requirements pose challenges, especially in water-scarce areas like Cape Verde. This study hypothesises that reclaimed water (RW) irrigation can promote papaya production and investigates how water can be managed to ensure sustainability and increase agricultural productivity. An experiment was conducted using Carica papaya L. var Solo-nº8, focusing on subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) with RW. Three irrigation treatments were compared, namely, T1: RW with SDI; T2: RW with drip irrigation (DI); and T3: conventional water (CW) with SDI. The study evaluated crop yields and water use efficiency (WUE) over 13 months, monitoring soil and water quality and papaya growth and yields. Despite quality concerns, RW maintained soil fertility and ensured sustainable reuse. Papaya demonstrated high adaptability and productivity under experimental conditions. T1 significantly increased the cumulative fruit yield (69 t/ha) compared to T2 (65 t/ha) and T3 (62.7 t/ha). T1 also had the highest WUE (5.97 kg/m3), demonstrating the effectiveness of RW and SDI in optimising water use. The results indicate that RW can be a viable alternative to conventional water sources, providing new insights into sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security in arid and semi-arid regions.

The Basmati rice war between India and Pakistan

The current study highlights the challenges for GI protection of trans-border products, in Basmati rice. Various international treaties, e.g., Lisbon Agreement, Paris convention, and TRIPS Agreement describe partly the protection of geographical indications (GIs) or appellations of origin. Both India and Pakistan are TRIPS member countries and claim Basmati rice as their GI and have tagged Basmati as GI in their respective territories. Europe is an expanding market for Basmati, and EU is implementing import regulations on food products based on GI reputation for high quality products. India has sought GI protection of Basmati rice in EU followed by staunch opposition by Pakistan. Current study will briefly highlight the recent developments of this GI dispute on Basmati rice between India and Pakistan in EU,New Zealand and Australia.

Boosting the efficacy of green accounting for better firm performance: artificial intelligence and accounting quality as moderators

Purpose This study aims to deepen our understanding of how conventional technologies and robust accounting education standards can impact the effectiveness of green accounting practices in enhancing firm performance. To achieve this, the paper explores the moderating effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and accounting education quality on the relationship between green accounting and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach Using generalized method of moments estimation, this research uses a comprehensive dataset comprising 32,680 firm-year observations of listed companies from ten prominent countries – Canada, the UK, the USA, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and Italy – over the period from 2012 to 2022. These countries, selected based on their high gross domestic product rankings as reported by the International Monetary Fund, ensure a diverse representation of economic strengths and capture a wide range of green accounting practices. Findings The study shows that green accounting practices positively impact current firm performance. Country-level AI positively moderates this relationship, suggesting that advanced AI infrastructure enhances the benefits of green accounting through improved data accuracy and decision-making. However, country-level accountancy education quality negatively moderates the relationship, indicating that stringent implementation of green accounting standards in these regions may introduce complexities and costs that reduce firm performance. Practical implications Integrating AI enhances data processing, predictive analytics and decision-making, improving green accounting effectiveness. High-quality accounting education ensures accurate reporting and greater transparency. These insights, when applied, can empower businesses to optimize sustainability strategies, assist policymakers in developing targeted regulations and guide educators in preparing accountants for the evolving demands of green accounting. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the combined moderating effects of AI and accounting education quality on the relationship between green accounting and firm performance. By highlighting the synergistic role of digital innovation and robust educational standards, this research offers novel insights into how these factors can enhance the effectiveness of green accounting practices and improve financial outcomes.

Green Innovations in Foundry Production Processes of Automobile Castings

The paper deals with individual possibilities for energy savings and the use of chemicals in the production of automotive components. Specifically, it focuses on operating an aluminium foundry where shape-complex castings such as engine blocks and gear and clutch housings are produced using high-pressure die-casting technology. Regarding the production process, foundry operations are characterized by high energy consumption and high wastewater production. On the oth-er hand, there is also a great potential for introducing various innovations and seeking savings. This paper aims to pre-sent selected innovative solutions throughout the foundry operation and assess their benefits in energy consumption savings, reduced wastewater production, and chemicals usage. The impact of the presented savings is financial in terms of the production of components and environmental in terms of CO2 production.

Experimental Study on Preparation of Nano ZnO by Hydrodynamic Cavitation-Enhanced Carbonization Method and Response Surface Optimization

The carbonization method for preparing Nano ZnO is characterized by its simplicity, ease of reaction control, high product purity, environmental friendliness, and potential for CO2 recycling. However, traditional carbonization processes suffer from poor heat and mass transfer, leading to in situ growth and agglomeration, resulting in low carbonization efficiency, small specific surface area, and inferior product performance. To enhance micro-mixing and mass transfer efficiency, ZnO derived from zinc ash calcination was used as the raw material, and hydrodynamic cavitation technology was employed to intensify the carbonization reaction process. The reaction mechanism of hydrodynamic cavitation was analyzed, and a single-factor experimental study investigated the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, solid–liquid ratio, calcination temperature, incident angle, cavitation number, and position height on the specific surface area and carbonization rate of Nano ZnO. The response surface method was utilized to explore the significance of the three most influential factors—solid–liquid ratio, cavitation number, and position height—on the carbonization rate and specific surface area. The products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analysis, and specific surface area analysis. The results showed that the optimal process parameters were a reaction temperature of 80 °C, a reaction time of 120 min, a solid–liquid ratio of 5.011:100, a calcination temperature of 500 °C for 1 h, an incident angle of 60°, a cavitation number of 0.366, and a position height of 301.128 mm. The interaction between solid–liquid ratio and position height significantly influenced the process parameter variations. Under these conditions, the specific surface area and carbonization rate were 63.190 m2/g and 94.623%, respectively. The carbonized product was flaky Nano ZnO with good dispersion and small particle size. Compared to traditional mechanical stirring and bubbling methods, the specific surface area increased by 1.5 times, the carbonization rate improved by 10%, and the particle size decreased by half, significantly enhancing the product performance.

The Role of Remote Work in Enhancing Employee Productivity: Evidence from the US-Based Tech Industry During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examines the impact of remote working arrangements on employee productivity within the tech industry in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing an online survey of 295 tech professionals, the research compares self-reported productivity levels before and after transitioning to remote work. Findings indicate a significant increase in high productivity levels and a decrease in low productivity levels post-transition. Key factors enhancing productivity include improved work-life balance and increased flexibility in working hours, while challenges such as maintaining work-home boundaries and internet connectivity issues were identified as impediments. The study offers actionable insights for managers to optimize remote work practices and contributes to the evolving discourse on business management in the post-pandemic era.

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF MARKETING ORGANIZATION AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT IN AGRIBUSINESS

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of marketing and logistics systems on the efficiency of agricultural product production, storage, and sales, focusing on the challenges faced by agricultural producers in Uzbekistan. Methods: The research employs a systematic analysis of the agricultural supply chain, evaluating the role of marketing and logistics in managing the flow of goods, determining production volumes, and assessing market capacities. Data is gathered through literature review, case studies, and qualitative analysis of existing agricultural practices. Results: The findings highlight significant inefficiencies in the current agricultural logistics system, where the lack of proper marketing strategies and logistics infrastructure leads to high production and transportation costs, imbalances in consumer markets, and low competitiveness. The study identifies key areas where improvements in the marketing-logistics framework can reduce costs by 10-15%, enhance production planning, and better align supply with consumer demand. Novelty: This research introduces a comprehensive approach to integrating marketing and logistics systems in agricultural production, emphasizing the importance of strategic coordination between resource suppliers, producers, and market demands. It provides insights into developing a more efficient, market-responsive agricultural sector in Uzbekistan

Isolation, identification, and characterization of Bacillus subtilis SMP-2 from panitenga and exploring its potential for biosurfactant production

A traditional Assamese fermented food, Panitenga, was explored for potential probiotic isolation. A potent bacterial strain exhibiting biosurfactant production ability was isolated, characterized, and identified as Bacillus subtilis SMP-2. Environmental parameters were optimized for maximum cell growth and biosurfactant production that was found to be pH 6, 30°C, 130 rpm, with glycerol as the carbon (C) source, yeast extract as the nitrogen (N) source, and a C/N ratio of 3:1. At these optimized conditions, the strain yielded 8.13 ± 0.9 g/L of lipopeptide biosurfactant. This biosurfactant remarkably reduced the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 37 ± 0.36 mN/m, possessed a low critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 125 mg/L, and exhibited antimicrobial properties. It persisted to be stable across a wide range of physical conditions, including variations in pH, temperature, and salinity. The significantly high production yield and noteworthy properties of the biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis SMP-2 make it a promising candidate for applications in microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), bioremediation of oil spills, production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.

Enhancing collaboration quotient in crop protection research and development - multi-disciplinary cross-learning to promote sustainability.

After a decade of consolidation with a focus on top market players, global crop protection research is undergoing a paradigm transition by integrating new cutting-edge technologies originating from established and new research organizations. Both development and distribution organizations are working together to make these innovations available to the global farming community. For this, excellent crop protection products are in demand, creating value for farmers and society with superior biological performance and at the same time very high product safety profiles. However, the enormous constraints researchers are exposed to, require the discovery and development of innovative solutions in the shortest possible time frame, while embracing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives as the new normal across the whole industry. Today, fully integrated research and development (R&D) companies are addressing the whole plethora of agrochemistry, biologicals and plant health products, organic farming, seeds and traits, new application technologies, digital farming, improved diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML)-based approaches. However, there is still a strong need for further innovations from a wide range of sources. Targeted collaboration across various market players is key to combining required activities. This mandates a high level of discipline to frame the proprietary and knowledge environment across the industry. Furthermore, the cooperation of industry and academia will enable an extra push for innovation in the crop protection landscape. Current trends and suggestions are given of how collaborations need to be framed within the industry as well as within the public sector. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.