Industries Federation Research Articles

The Projection Of The State Of Ceará On The International Stage Through FIEC In The Production And Exportation Of Green Hydrogen And Its Impact On Socioeconomic Development In Ceará

Background: The beginning of the 21st century presents the international community with a tumultuous global environment characterized by instability and uncertainty. Global warming and the decarbonization of the economy are among the challenges that many countries have prioritized by increasing renewable energy sources in their energy matrices. Strengthening international relations, Ceará, due to its geographical location and favorable natural conditions of sun and wind, emerges as a promising player to contribute to global energy demands through hydrogen production and exportation. Materials and Methods: This research focuses on examining the initiatives led by the Federation of Industries of the State of Ceará (FIEC) in the production and exportation of green hydrogen, aiming to understand their potential impact on the state’s position in the international arena and the associated benefits. Results: The research evaluates the socioeconomic effects of these initiatives on Ceará, revealing that the ongoing actions have the potential to strengthen the state’s economic and social structures. These improvements could contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive society. Conclusion: The initiatives related to green hydrogen production and exportation under FIEC's leadership promise not only to support national energy security but also to elevate the quality of life for the people of Ceará, enhance the educational system, and secure the state’s role in the global energy transition

The Key Role of the Chamber of Commerce in Supporting the High-quality Development of the Private Economy

The chamber of commerce is a powerful support to serving the government and managing the non-public economy, which can strongly promote the high-quality development of the private economy in Shaanxi. In recent years, Shaanxi has made multiple overall plans and taken multiple measures to improve the vitality of the development of the chamber of commerce in an all-around way, enabling the high-quality development of the private economy with policy integration and innovation. However, there are still problems in the development of chambers of commerce, such as a lack of public service awareness, lack of institutional norms, uneven levels of development, and lack of unified centralized management. Therefore, this paper puts forward four countermeasures and suggestions. First, clarify the boundary of power and responsibility, and effectively exert the function of the federation of industry and commerce. Second, strengthen the legal guarantee and support of norms and policies. The third is to improve the level of autonomy of chambers of commerce and enhance the development in all aspects. Fourth, build a new type of government-business relationship and continuously improve the market business environment.

Industrial IoT Sensor Data Federation in an Enterprise for an Early Failure Prediction

Industrial IoT Sensor Data Federation in an Enterprise for an Early Failure Prediction

PSI-16 Evaluation of protein quality of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal compared with traditional protein sources for dogs and cats

Abstract There is increased interest in the use of insects, such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM), as an alternative protein source in pet foods. However, additional information is needed to determine how BSFL protein quality compares with traditional pet food protein sources. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition, amino acid digestibility, and protein quality of defatted BSFLM in comparison with whole egg powder (WEP) and chicken meal (CM) using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Fifteen cecectomized roosters (n = 5 per substrate) were randomly allocated to the test substrates BSFLM, CM, and WEP. After 26 h of feed withdrawal, 20 g of substrates were crop-fed and excreta were collected for 48 h. Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated using the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), and National Research Council (NRC) reference values for different life stages of dogs and cats. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed 9.4 with P ≤ 0.05 significance. On a dry matter basis, CM had the greatest crude protein (70.2%), followed by BSFLM (59.8%), and WEP (51.2%). In general, WEP had greater amino acid digestibility than BSFLM and CM. BSFLM (84%) and CM (84%) had comparable arginine digestibility, but less than WEP (92%). Lysine digestibility was greater for BSFLM (80%) in contrast with CM (74%), but less than WEP (91%). DIAAS-like values were calculated, revealing methionine + cysteine as the first limiting amino acids for growing puppies and adult dogs in BSFLM according to AAFCO, FEDIAF, and NRC, whereas for CM threonine was the first limiting amino acid based on AAFCO, and phenylalanine + tyrosine based on NRC and FEDIAF. NRC identified methionine and cysteine as limiting for all test substrates in adult dogs. Methionine and cysteine were limiting for growing kittens for BSFLM among AAFCO, FEDIAF, and NRC. For CM and WEP, phenylalanine and tyrosine was the first-limiting amino acid by NRC and FEDIAF. For adult cats, phenylalanine and tyrosine were the limiting amino acid for BSFLMand CM according to AAFCO and FEDIAF, with NRC identifying it as limiting across all protein sources. In summary, methionine and cysteine and/or phenylalanine and tyrosine were the primary limiting amino acids among the protein sources evaluated. In general, BSFLM had comparable indispensable standardized amino acid digestibility to CM.

A life cycle assessment of vegan dog food

Dog food accounts for 90% of the average dog's impact on climate change. Vegan dog food is one possible alternative. There are few studies evaluating its environmental impacts. The goals of this paper are to i) determine the environmental impacts and hotspots of wet vegan dog food, ii) compare results with average meat-based alternative and estimate global climate change potential of switching from meat-based to vegan dog food diet. A life cycle assessment was performed for a can of vegan dog food for the categories climate change, freshwater eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, smog, and land use. Each can had a carbon footprint of 0.4 kg CO2-eq., adding up to 443 kg CO2-eq over a dog's 15-year lifespan. A comparison with meat-based dog food showed reduction potentials in acidification by 50%, climate change by 37%, and smog by 18%, but higher impacts in land use by 97%, and eutrophication by almost 300% applying the assumptions by Pet Food Industry Federation. The results differ from other studies showing reductions in land use and eutrophication. Switching to a vegan diet can reduce GWP emissions by 340 kg CO2eq per year, while this could increase up to 6000 if high quality meat is fed.

Debating Europe Transnationally: The Council of European Industrial Federations and the Struggle over European Integration, 1950–1962

European integration has been promoted, shaped and criticised by a variety of actors in different frameworks since 1945. Non-state actors such as employers’ associations became involved in this process very early on and, contrary to the widespread assumption in political science, created or revived transnational business associations in order to debate and shape the development of European integration from the second half of the 1940s. One of these platforms was the Council of European Industrial Federations (CEIF), which was founded in 1949 and consisted of representatives of all the national peak employers’ associations from the member states of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC). It officially advised the OEEC and represented European industry. The article analyses transnational business associations’ conflictual engagement with European integration and ‘Europe’ on the basis of the CEIF's Europeanisation process in the 1950s. It argues that contestation acted as a main driver of Europeanisation and that the early period of European integration must be understood as one of fights over different ‘Europes’. However, it also shows that ‘Europe’ must be understood as a fluid category that was used in various ways and imbued with a range of meanings by economic actors in different circumstances.

Absorptive Capacity and Project-Driven Firm Performance

Absorptive capacity is an important determinant of a routine-based firm performance. However, there is need to validate its impact on project-driven firm performance such as in construction companies. In this article, we conceptualize absorptive capacity and firm performance as third-order hierarchical constructs. Our model is tested based on the impact of absorptive capacity on firm performance by using survey data from a sample of 158 project managers in construction companies belonging to the Federation of Construction Industries (FOCI). Using the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) approach for the hierarchical order constructs (HOC), the findings from the research corroborate most of the earlier studies as well as contrasting relationship between the realised absorptive capacity and financial performance (β = -0.029, t = 0.565). The study offers useful insight into the experiential relationship for our conceptualization and its influence on project-driven firm performance.

Minimum methionine requirement in adult cats as determined by indicator amino acid oxidation.

There is a lack of empirical data on the dietary Met requirement, in the presence of Cys or cystine, in adult cats. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the Met requirement, in the presence of excess Cys, in adult cats at maintenance using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. Six adult neutered male cats were initially selected and started the study. Cats were adapted to the basal diet sufficient in Met (0.24% dry matter, DM) for 14 d prior to being randomly allocated to one of eight dietary levels of Met (0.10%, 0.13%, 0.17%, 0.22%, 0.27%, 0.33%, 0.38%, and 0.43% DM). Different dietary Met concentrations were achieved by supplementing the basal diet with Met solutions. Alanine was additionally included in the solutions to produce isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. Cats underwent a 2-d adaptation period to each experimental diet prior to each IAAO study day. On IAAO study days, 13 meals were offered corresponding to 75% of each cat's daily food allowance. The remaining 25% of their daily food intake was offered after each IAAO study. A bolus dose of NaH13CO3 (0.44mg kg-1) and l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine (13C-Phe; 4.8mg kg-1) were provided in fifth and sixth meals, respectively, followed by a constant dose of 13C-Phe (1.04mg kg-1) in the next meals. Breath samples were collected and total production of 13CO2 was measured every 25min through respiration calorimetry chambers. Steady state of 13CO2 achieved over at least three breath collections was used to calculate oxidation of 13C-Phe (F13CO2). Competing models were applied using the NLMIXED procedure in SAS to determine the effects of dietary Met on 13CO2. Two cats were removed from the study as they did not eat all meals, which is required to achieve isotopic steady. A breakpoint for the mean Met requirement, with excess of Cys, was identified at 0.24% DM (22.63mg kg-1) with an upper 95% confidence limit of 0.40% DM (37.71 mg·kg-1), on an energy density of 4,164 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg DM calculated using the modified Atwater factors. The estimated Met requirement, in the presence of excess of Cys, is higher than the current recommendations proposed by the National Research Council's Nutrient Requirement of Dogs and Cats, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, and the European Pet Food Industry Federation.

Analysis of the Influence of BTS on K-pop

Over the past decade, the global music industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Korean pop (K-pop), with the South Korean boy band Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) emerging as one of the leading forces behind this phenomenon. This paper aims to analyze BTSs impact on K-pop worldwide by examining various statistical indicators, such as album sales, social media engagement, and global music charts. Firstly, the work delves into BTSs album sales, production value, and consumption stimulus, which serve as a tangible marker of their global influence. By analyzing data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and Billboard, it becomes evident that BTS consistently dominates album sales, breaking numerous records and crossing cultural boundaries. Their abilities to connect with diverse audiences worldwide showcases their unrivaled impact on K-pops expansion. Furthermore, this work explores the power of impacts on culture in amplifying BTSs influence. By examining data from platforms like National Gukak Research Institute, also including analysis on value transmission and cross-culture communication, it becomes evident that BTS boasts an enormous online presence. Moreover, the bands ability to captivate fans globally and the role as cultural ambassador for K-pop are demonstrated. In conclusion, this paper provides compelling evidence of BTSs profound impact on K-pop worldwide. Through their exceptional album sales, impressive social media engagement, and groundbreaking chart achievements, BTS has successfully elevated the genres global presence, paving the way for wider recognition and acceptance of K-pop in the music industry.

Assessment of the content of macronutrients and microbiological safety of dry dog foods

In Europe, there are no legal regulations specifying maximum allowable limits for pathogenic bacteria or fungi and yeasts in dog food. For proximate composition, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) nutritional guidelines provide minimum recommended levels for protein and fat only, not for other ingredients and no safe maximum levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological safety of 35 dry dog foods, taking into account the division into foods with grains as the main plant ingredient and those described as grain-free. We assumed that grain-included foods are more susceptible to the presence of the total number of aerobic bacteria. This parameter is an essential, hygienic criterion informing about the microbiological safety of the pet food. It also inform about the microbiological quality of the food ingredients used, the effectiveness of decontamination during the production process, sanitary and hygienic conditions during the acquisition, processing and marketing of pet food and its components. In the case of macronutrients, the results in some cases were multiples of the minimum recommended levels. The most important microorganisms that presence was found in the analyzed dog foods were indicator bacteria (E. coli and coliform bacteria, Clostridium perfringens), whose presence in feed constitutes microbiological contamination. They inform about sanitary and hygienic conditions during the production and storage of the pet food. The current guidelines recommend microbiological testing of food for the presence of Salmonella bacilli as the basic indicator for assessing the sanitary quality. No Salmonella spp. was detected in any of the foods. The remaining analyzed bacteria (Proteus spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp.) as well as molds and yeasts, were present in both grain-included and grain-free foods. The obtained results showed that in terms of microbiological safety, grain-included foods come out worse, because microorganisms were detected more frequently in this type of dry dog food.

Comparison of Key Nutrient Content of Commercial Puppy Foods with Canine Dietary Requirements

A balanced diet significantly impacts a dog’s development with regards to energy, growth, immunity, and overall health. Customizing a dog’s diet according to its age, size, and activity level is imperative for its welfare. Unbalanced diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This study assesses the key nutrient content of puppy diets that display information on EPA and DHA fatty acids. The diets fulfilled nutritional requirements for protein and fat according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) but varied in terms of levels of essential fatty acids. The nutrient levels in certain diets did not correspond to the label claims. None of the diets fulfilled the EPA and DHA claims, indicating an inconsistent ratio of n−6 to n−3. Additionally, trans fat such as C18:1 elaidic acid was present in all diets.

A blockchain‐based user authorization management method for information exchanging of federation of industry and commerce

AbstractThe blockchain does not need the central organization to make trust endorsement, which is suitable for large scale information exchange between different regions. In addition, blockchain has the characteristics of decentralization and tamper resistant, so that it no longer needs an intermediary platform. A blockchain‐based user authorization management method is proposed, which applies blockchain as an underlaying security mechanism for distributed user authorization management within a trusted community of a distributed information exchange sites of federation of industry and commerce. This method can ensure the reliability, consistency, and integrity of user authorization information. With this method, an elastic data exchange trusted community can be built between the data owner and the authorized data user according to the data exchange needs to achieve reliable distributed access authorization.

Machining pre-sintered compacts of a sinter-hardenable powder metallurgy steel: A novel methodology for selecting sintering temperatures for the optimum machinability

Machining of compacts sintered at a temperature below the final sintering temperature, i.e., pre-sintered compacts, is a promising avenue that deals with the issues in machining sinter-hardened compacts of a powder metallurgy (PM) steel, as well as their green counterparts, i.e., green machining. The present study analyses this avenue by performing a turning operation on the compacts prepared from a Rio-Tinto-produced FLC-4608 (Metal Powder Industries Federation denomination, standard 35) sinter-hardenable steel powder-premix pressed to nearly 7.00 g/cm3 density sintered at 600 °C, 800 °C, 1000 °C, and 1150 °C (the temperature in the conventional sinter-hardening cycle), using a cutting tool comprised of Seco-make DCGW 07 02 04 – AL insert and SDNCN 12 12 M 07 holder. It was found that at a fixed cutting velocity and feed rate, an increase in the sintering temperature affects the machinability as follows: on one hand, it increases Fc (cutting force component in the direction of cutting motion) and enhances difficulties in chip formation and handling; but on the other, it improves the surface finish of the machined surface and reduces the size of exit-edge-breakout (damage at the edge from where the cutting tool leaves the workpiece during machining). Given these opposing trends, a novel methodology was proposed to identify the range of appropriate sintering temperatures that enables the optimum machinability of pre-sintered compacts over both green machining and the machining of sinter-hardened counterparts. In this methodology, a newly defined machinability criterion, the ratio of machining outcome to machining effort, was graphically represented with the machining effort. Its significance in design for manufacturing (DFM) could be referred to from the current report. Nevertheless, based on the methodology, the 750 °C to 850 °C was identified as the range of appropriate sintering temperatures for the subject material-tool pair. Overall, this study is potentially helpful to the domain industries for improving the manufacturing process flow with due consideration of machining pre-sintered compacts.

Evaluating the Impact of Risk Factors on Construction Projects of Foci in Nigeria

Risk management is a vital project management planning and control tool for reducing uncertainty and improving decision-making. Risk cannot be avoided but must be recognized, assessed and managed. One of the challenges facing the construction in Nigeria is how to assess the risk of cost overruns and deliver projects within budget. These risks can cause losses and lead to increase in costs, time delays and lack of quality project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the impact of the risk factors on construction projects of Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) in Nigeria and likelihood of occurrence and degree of usage of risk analytical techniques. A total of 171 self-administered questionnaires were sent out to registered construction firms with the FOCI in Nigeria and 146 was returned representing 85.38% of respondent rate. Results of the study indicated that unavailability of funds, construction delay, inadequate specification with MIS 3.42, 3.18, 3.05, 3.04 and 3.03 ranked first, second, third, fourth and fifth, respectively as the most impactful risk factors to construction projects. Delphi Method, influencing diagram and portfolio with mean score of 3.38, 3.28 and 3.14, respectively were prominent among the analytical techniques on construction projects. However, Monte Carlo Simulation and Latin-Hyper-Cube with mean score of 2.82 and 2.92 respectively were the least from the rear. T-Test showed that only Sensitivity Analysis (111.425, P<0.05), Probabilistic analysis (55.534, P<0.05), Influence Diagram (26.164, P< 0.05), Decision Tree Analysis (25.726, P<0.05), Latin – Hyper-Cube (22.430, P<0.05), Monte Carlo Simulation (20.247, P<0.05), Delphi Method (18.493, P<0.05) as frequent of usage of alternative decision, have significant influence on risk analysis. From this study, various sets of risk factors impact differently on construction projects. Therefore, there should be adequate provision and incorporation of risks factors into the bid estimates and contractors should be encouraged to assess and consider these risks factors when bidding; so as to avert the problem of time and cost overrun.

State of the PM industry in North America 2023

Rodney Brennen, president of the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) discusses recent trends in the North American powder metal industry, and what challenges and opportunities lie in store.

Science education for entrepreneurship and sustainable development: A call for overhaul of government agencies and institutions in Nigeria

Nigeria has a good number of Government Parastatals in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Industrial Development Centers, Federal and States Universities of Science and Technology, and Polytechnics, which are capable of promoting entrepreneurial activities as well as providing entrepreneurship education. Yet much is left to be desired; the epileptic power supply, unprofessionalism in government sectors, corruption by government officials, and the well-celebrated practice of substituting merit for a quota system. The paper discusses the need to overhaul Government Agencies and Institutions in Nigeria to meet the desired Entrepreneurship Education for Sustainable Development. Since skill acquisition is central to entrepreneurship, the paper highlighted the need for qualitative education as means for the attainment of appropriate skills for achieving sustainable development. Four skills relevant to different levels of education were identified. Challenges of entrepreneurship education for sustainable development as well as strategies for achieving entrepreneurship education for sustainable development were discussed. The paper recommends that Government Agencies and Institutions saddled with the responsibility of providing entrepreneurship training in the country should be overhauled.

Organisational Characteristics as a Catalyst for Effective Performance of Nigerian Construction Organisations

Organisational characteristics are distinctive features of an organisation that enable it to perform its statutory roles. It has a lot of influences on organisational performance but less study has indicated the role it plays in improving the performances of organisations. This study appraised different types of organisation characteristics in the Nigerian construction industry and their roles in improving the performances of organisations. In achieving the aim of the study 366 questionnaires were distributed purposefully to management members of construction organisations practising in Abuja who are members of the federation of the construction industry (FOCI). 310 of the questionnaires that were distributed were retrieved, this represented an 82% of response rate. A hypothesis was formulated and tested using multiple regression analysis. Each type of the characteristic form a model equation, the p-values of all the models were 0.000 and The model's result showed that management style, decision making style, organisational culture, organisation effectiveness, organisation efficiency, behaviour and structure have a predictive value of 26%, 45% 20%, 34%. 14%, 54%, and 44% respectively, indicated that all types of characteristics used in the study significantly affect organisational performance. Putting special attention on them by the management of the organisation will significantly improve its performance. The study recommended that organisations in the Nigerian construction industry pay more attention to the identified types of organisational characteristics in order to achieve effective performance.

한국 태권도 연맹 발전사

This study specifically examines the development history of Women's Federations and Industry Federations among the five federations that have had a significant impact on the development of Taekwondo. This study was conducted with the goal of finding out through this and leaving a documentary trace on the development history of Taekwondo. Through the study, the following results were confirmed. First, the establishment of the Korean Women's Taekwondo Federation provided an opportunity to have a wider perspective on women's sports participation in Korea, and based on the establishment of the Women's Federation, it served as an opportunity for further development of Korean Women's Taekwondo. Second, the establishment of the Korea Industry Taekwondo Federation was established to help Taekwondo players continue their activities after graduating from college and discharged from the military. This is thought to be a stepping stone for diversification of the age group of Taekwondo players.

The Role of Business Environment and Digital Government in Mitigating Supply Chain Vulnerability—Evidence from the COVID-19 Shock

In recent years, the continuous spread of the COVID-19 epidemic has impacted the supply chain of enterprises. Mitigating the supply chain’s vulnerability has great significance for the survival and development of enterprises. Optimizing the business environment and building a digital government will help improve the external environment for enterprise development. However, its impact on the vulnerability of the enterprise supply chain has yet to be studied. Taking the impact of COVID-19 as an example, this paper uses the survey data of nearly 40,000 enterprises of the National Federation of Industry and Commerce in 2020 and “10,000 private enterprises evaluating the business environment”, to conduct systematic empirical research and fill the research gap in this area. The study indicates that the business environment and digital government can significantly mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain. This conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that the business environment and digital government can prompt the government to introduce effective mitigation measures promptly, better guarantee production factors and logistics, and thus improve the vulnerability of the enterprise supply chain. This study deepens our understanding of the economic outcome of the business environment and digital government and also sheds new light on supply chain management.

Carbon Tax in Taiwan: Path Dependence and the High-Carbon Regime

As it has an export-oriented economy, Taiwan urgently needs to keep up with the growing trends toward carbon taxation. However, making the institution of a carbon tax a reality in Taiwan has proven to be difficult. Since 1998, Taiwan has explored the possibility of putting a tax on carbon many times. Specifically, three main windows of opportunity emerged to adopt a carbon tax during this period; however, all of them failed. This study mainly explores why these three opportunities failed, what structural factors hindered them, and how those structural factors formed path dependence and locked the entire society back onto the existing development track. Firstly, Taiwan’s high-carbon industrial structure has established the rapid growth of energy-intensive industries since the end of the 1990s and has created an economy with high energy consumption and pollution levels. Secondly, this analysis showed that through the combination of government bureaucracy, industry, and the China National Federation of Industries, this brown economy and high-carbon emission structure generated institutional, cognitive, and techno-institutional complex lock-ins, which have led Taiwan to its current path and hindered its transformation. Thirdly, under the above framework, this study further analyzes the contexts and problems that caused the three windows of opportunity to fail. Finally, by linking the economy-first orientation of developmental states, this study identifies structural difficulties and possible breakthrough conditions for newly industrialized/industrializing countries that are undergoing low-carbon transitions.