Innovation In Production Research Articles

Innovative Lactic Acid Production Techniques Driving Advances in Silage Fermentation

Lactic acid (LA) plays a crucial role in the silage process, which occurs through LA fermentation. Consequently, there is a strong correlation between lactic acid production and the efficiency of the silage. However, traditional methods face challenges like long fermentation times, low acid production, and unstable quality, limiting agricultural preservation. This paper aims to explore innovations in lactic acid production technologies and show how these technologies have driven the development of silage fermentation for agricultural conservation. First, the important role of LA in agricultural preservation and the limitations of traditional silage techniques are presented. Next, advancements in LA production methods are thoroughly examined, covering the selection of microbial strains and the substitution of fermentation substrates. Following this, new technologies for silage fermentation are explored, drawing from innovations in LA production. These include the selection of LA strains, optimization of fermentation conditions, and improvements in fermentation techniques. These innovations have proven effective in increasing LA production, improving feed quality, extending shelf life, and providing new solutions to enhance agricultural production and sustainability.

Foreign direct investment, total factor productivity, and economic growth: evidence in middle-income countries

This study examines the relationship between foreign direct investment and total factor productivity on economic growth in 90 middle-income countries. Because middle-income countries often face particular challenges in achieving sustainable economic development. Investigating how FDI and TFP contribute to or hinder economic growth in these countries can provide insight and help policymakers make policy decisions. We employ the dynamic system Generalized Method of Moments to analyze an unbalanced sample with 2714 annual observations from 1990 to 2020. The empirical results show that a percentage increase in foreign direct investment will increase economic growth in middle-income countries by 9.3%. In addition, Total Factor Productivity also has a positive relationship with economic growth due to improved labor quality and production innovations. Furthermore, the results indicate that Total Factor Productivity empowers the positive nexus between Foreign Direct Investment and economic growth. In addition, the main findings are also robust even though we employ alternative economic growth proxies. These findings support economic growth and industrialization theories but do not support labor market dynamics theories. Finally, this study contributes practical suggestions for sustainable economic development in middle-income countries.

Innovations in Engineering and Technology of Worm-Type Gears

Relatively small changes in engineering and technology of traditional established products turn over time into a series of milestones that determine both technical characteristics and production methods, and as a consequence - the competitiveness of the final product. Accordingly, it is relevant to periodically look at the evolution of the accumulated solutions and make some conclusions on it. For this purpose, the paper reviews innovations in design and production of worm-type gears obtained in Izhevsk scientific school in the field of gears for the last two decades: spiroid gears operating at low rotational speeds and transmitting high loads, leading to plastic deformations due to compactness of gears; spiroid gears with small gear ratios (3...8) competing with more expensive in production bevel and hypoid ones; worm gears with steel hardened gearwheels with increased strength and manufacturability; planetary spiroid gears providing extremely high gear ratio, improved methods and techniques of design and preproduction of gear cutting. The paper presents the review of innovations in design of worm-type gears made in Izhevsk scientific school in the field of gears for the last two decades: spiroid gears for cases of low speeds and small gear ratios, worm gears with steel hardened gearwheels, planetary and spiroid gears, improved methods and techniques of design and preparation of gear cutting.

Pendamping Literasi Keuangan dan Inovasi Produk Untuk Optimalisasi UMKM Sapu Lidi Melalui Program KKN di Desa Perkebunan Maryke

Community Service (KKN) in Perkebunan Maryke Village, Kutambaru District, Langkat Regency, was carried out by students of the Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra from 12 to 27 August 2024. This program aims to improve the financial literacy of the community and optimize the potential of the broomstick MSME which is the main source of income for village residents. Through MSME mentoring activities, students conduct value chain analysis to improve production efficiency, product innovation, and more effective marketing strategies. This mentoring aims to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs and shorten distribution channels to a wider market. In addition, the financial literacy program in collaboration with Bank Sumut is also provided through workshops to teach the community, especially the younger generation, about the importance of saving, financial planning, and personal budget management. The results of this activity show an increase in community understanding of financial literacy and MSME management, as well as the creation of new innovations in broomstick products. This activity not only has an impact on increasing residents' income, but also strengthens social cohesion and sustainable village economic development. This program is expected to be a model for community empowerment in other rural areas.

Biohydrogen production from saline wastewater: An overview

The escalating global demand for sustainable energy has propelled the exploration of biohydrogen production with a promising avenue for simultaneously generating clean energy and managing waste effectively. This review mainly focuses on advances in sustainable biohydrogen production from saline wastewater, especially in a process that leverages the unique abilities of halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms adapted to high-salinity conditions. It provides an extensive understanding of various biohydrogen production methods, which are biophotolysis, photofermentation, dark fermentation, and microbial electrolysis. Additionally, this review elaborated on the enzymology of hydrogen production and the impact of salt stress, with a particular emphasis on the adaptive mechanisms of “salt-in” and “compatible solute” strategies. These adaptations are crucial for maintaining enzymatic activity and structural integrity under hypertonic conditions. Through a comprehensive examination of microbial pathways and strategies, this review aimed to furnish foundational insights that will drive future research and technological innovations in biohydrogen production.

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ON THE EFFICIENCY OF MILK AND MEAT PRODUCTION IN SMALL BUSINESSES

The article raises the problem of the impact of digital technologies on the efficiency of milk and meat production in small businesses. The authors argue that the future of milk and meat production at small businesses in Kazakhstan will be determined by the introduction of innovative technologies, sustainable farming methods and the development of new markets. Small farms have the opportunity to use new technologies to increase efficiency, improve product quality and expand their market presence. Government support and investment also play a key role in the development of the sector. Innovations in meat production in Kazakhstan play a key role in increasing the competitiveness of local farms in the domestic and international markets. The introduction of modern technologies such as automation, digitalization and the use of biotechnologies makes it possible to improve product quality, reduce costs and minimize the negative impact on the environment. Government support and private investment in these technologies will also contribute to the development of the country's meat industry.

Intellectual Capital and Innovation through Market Orientation in the Indonesian Film Industry

This article aims to analyze the relationship between intellectual capital and innovation through market orientation in the Indonesian film Industry as a creative economy in the new economic age based on information intensification and creativity with superior ideas, knowledge and competencies of human resources. To collect data, a questionnaire was used. Out of 65 populations of film companies, by random sampling, 56 were selected as representative samples. The Partial Least Square Structural Path-Modeling (PLS-PM) was used to test the hypotheses. The research outcomes revealed that intellectual capital, market orientation, and innovation are fairly high. Intellectual capital has a positive effect on market orientation and innovation. Market orientation mediates the effect of intellectual capital on innovation. Intellectual capital may directly affect the innovation of the Indonesian film industry and through market orientation. Human capital, structural capital, and customer capital must be strengthened to support customer orientation, competitor orientation, and internal integration of the company, so that innovations in products, processes, and strategies can be increased. This study implies that the innovation will develop more with the pertinent intellectual capital and suitable market orientation.

Opportunities of topical drug products in a changing dermatological landscape

Despite the prevalence and the impact on quality of life of dermatological indications, drug products to treat such conditions have rarely been blockbusters. The prevailing perception of a limited commercial potential of dermatological drug products has restricted innovation and encouraged a more conservative development approach. For example, the focus was on repurposing/reformulation of existing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) specifically for the topical delivery route.However, the situation is quite different today catalyzed in part by the blockbuster success of Dupixent (dupilumab), the first monoclonal antibody treatment for atopic dermatitis which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2017. Dupixent's success not only encouraged the development of other biologics but also inspired the (re-)development of new dermal drug products that can reap the many benefits of topical administration.We have also witnessed a shift toward outsourcing development efforts (and associated risks) towards small- to mid-size pharmaceutical companies which often require support of contract research and development/manufacturing organizations (CRO and CDMO). Such trends also emphasize the need of greater expertise in topical formulation design, as well as associated commercial and regulatory considerations.Today, we believe that topical drug products remain not only an essential but also commercially viable class of dermatological therapeutics. In this opinion article, we will address the challenges as well as opportunities of coherent development strategies in the current market environment, formulation innovations of topical drug products and technological advances to facilitate rational topical drug formulation development.

The Demographic Frame

The Demographic Frame is a comprehensive, secure, access-controlled database of person-level data consisting of demographic, social, and economic characteristics of individuals derived from census, survey, administrative, and third-party data sources. The Demographic Frame is facilitating innovations in data collection, processing, analyses, and products for census and survey programs.

Exploring databases for training models in machine learning in the Fashion industry

Growing interest in applying machine learning (ML) to fashion highlights the importance of using labeled data to develop models, facilitating research replication, and automating the analysis of new data, such as fashion show images available online. Despite this need, few studies, especially in Brazil, methodologically explore the intersection between fashion and AM. This research aims to provide an overview of online databases for training ML models. A systematic review identified 26 articles that use these databases, such as Fashion-MNIST and DeepFashion2. Content analysis revealed that these databases, including Polyvore and Fashion Image Dataset, have diverse applications, highlighting the transformative potential of AM in fashion and encouraging innovations in design, production, and marketing in the fashion industry.

Neo‐Endogenous Local Development, Tourism, and International Immigration in El Hierro, Spain

AbstractThis article studies the role of international immigrants on enhancing economic and social diversity in El Hierro, potentially attracting more people, investment, and valorising local communities. It emphasizes the key characteristics of immigrants´ entrepreneurs, including their diverse backgrounds as lifestyle/labour immigrants, competence in languages, typically low initial capitalization and often lack of prior entrepreneurial experience. Despite initial limited professionalization, these entrepreneurs introduce innovations in services and products and cultivate social capital within the local community, particularly among other foreign‐born immigrants, and through transnational networks. This social capital is built upon personal relationships and mutual trust, promoting horizontal integration among businesses. These factors contribute to making the island a prime example of neo‐endogenous development in left‐behind areas. Yet, a high dependence on personal networks and local economic assets may affect negatively local development which needs more formalized and institutionalized support to create business environments for collaboration among stakeholders.

Innovation in Bromelain Enzyme Production from Pineapple and Honey and Its Characteristics

Bromelain enzyme is one type of protease enzyme that has the ability to hydrolyze protein peptide bonds into amino acids. Bromelain enzyme can be found in pineapple (Ananas comosus) which consists of 95% cysteine protease mixture. Bromelain is often used by athletes to treat physical injuries or minor wounds. In obtaining the bromelain enzyme found in pineapple, an isolation process is required, namely by extracting it extracellularly. The method in this study does not go through the cell breakdown process so that it is easier to separate from other impurities and does not mix with other cell materials. This study aims to develop an innovative method in the production of bromelain enzyme using pineapple and honey as raw materials and to evaluate the organoleptic properties, pH, and the presence of lactic acid bacteria. This study is a descriptive study presented in the form of graphs and images. From the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the manufacture of bromelain enzyme using pineapple and honey has succeeded in producing a product that has an organoleptic value of liking (60%), pH 3 (acid) with the number of lactic acid bacteria 2.43 cells/ml.

High Temperature Solid Oxide Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen Production.

Global warming and energy crises have motivated the development of renewable energy and its energy carriers. Green hydrogen is the most promising renewable energy carrier and will be fundamental to future energy conversion and storage systems. Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) are a promising green hydrogen production technology featuring high electrical efficiency, no noble metal catalyst usage, and reversible operation. This review provides a timely summary of the latest SOEC progress, covering developments at various levels, from cells to stacks to systems. Cell/stack components, configurations, advanced electrode material/fabrication, and novel characterization methods are discussed. Electrochemical and durable performance for each cell/stack configuration is reviewed, focusing on degradation mechanisms and associated mitigation strategies. SOEC system integration with renewable energy and downstream users is outlined, showing flexibility, robustness, scalability, viability, and energy efficiency. Challenges of cost and durability are expected to be overcome by innovation in material, fabrication, production, integration, and operation. Overall, this comprehensive review identifies the SOEC commercialization bottleneck, encourages further technology development, and envisions a future green hydrogen society with net-zero carbon emissions.

A systematic literature review on environmental, agronomic, and socioeconomic factors for the integration of small-scale coffee producers into specialized markets in Oaxaca, Mexico

The coffee sector’s challenges, such as low and volatile prices, prompt adopting strategies focused on product differentiation, including high-quality specialty coffee. Nevertheless, documented evidence shows that small producers in Oaxaca, Mexico, are not equally benefiting from this market opportunity compared to other states in Mexico, such as Veracruz or Chiapas. This review article identifies and analyzes the factors in integrating small Oaxacan producers into the specialty market. A total of 138 scientific contributions were analyzed, emphasizing three thematic axes: (1) Trends and behavior of the coffee market. (2) Factors to enable the production of high-quality coffee, and (3) Current situation and challenges of small coffee producers in the specialized market. We found that coffee quality depends on the environment (mainly altitude, temperature, and geographical conditions) and agronomic, genetic, and socio-economic factors. Moreover, agronomic and genetic factors should focus on choosing coffee varieties suited to the environmental conditions of the farm and adopting innovations in production, harvest, and post-harvest processes. The most significant socio-economic factors that hinder small coffee producers’ participation in the specialized market include but are not limited to, lack of information, social connection, and financial resources. However, in the literature analyzed here, it was also possible to identify specific farmworker experiences that operate with a community approach and have inserted their small producers into high-quality market transactions. For this reason, this article suggests that the standardization model of quality from the collective approach within the community-based enterprise is a sustainable and inclusive alternative to achieve the goal: the insertion of small Oaxacan coffee producers into the more significant specialty market.

Revolutionizing waste from household plastics to eco-friendly diesel alternatives through catalytic degradation with biogas utilization

The study tackled the pressing environmental issue of managing both biodegradable and non-biodegradable household plastic waste, aiming to convert this waste into valuable hydrocarbons, thus addressing critical concerns over plastic pollution and the quest for renewable energy sources. In the context of escalating environmental degradation and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, the ability to transform various forms of waste into energy presents a significant stride towards ecological and energy sustainability. Utilizing an innovative methodology, the research employed catalytic degradation of mixed plastic waste, leveraging fly ash as a catalyst and biogas produced from a combination of cow dung and kitchen waste as a renewable and sustainable heat source. This process was fine-tuned across several catalyst-to-polymer (cat/pol) ratios, specifically 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20, with detailed documentation of the degradation temperatures and yields of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons for each 1 kg batch of plastic waste. Notably, at a cat/pol ratio of 0.20, a remarkable 100% conversion rate was achieved, highlighting the efficiency of this method. Following this, the resultant oil was segmented based on boiling points for further analysis and evaluation of its utility as a diesel fuel substitute. Significant findings include the highest liquid hydrocarbon yield of 65.1% at 378 °C, achieved with the 0.20 cat/pol ratio. Moreover, fractions boiling above 100 °C were identified to possess superior heating values and cetane numbers compared to conventional diesel, particularly the fraction boiling at 100 °C–150 °C (C2), which demonstrated optimal performance and combustion qualities. This fraction achieved a maximum brake thermal efficiency of 32.92%, exhibited low smoke density and hydrocarbon emissions of 48 HSU and 32ppm, but it also resulted in a significant increase in NOx emission. Among all the fractions, diesel C2 was observed to be the best in terms of performance & combustion and was lower in emission. The conclusions drawn underscore the method’s potential to mitigate plastic pollution and reduce fossil fuel reliance by converting both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into useful energy. This study’s novelty lies in its comprehensive approach to waste management and energy recovery, significantly advancing over previous literature by achieving a 100% conversion rate at a specific cat/pol ratio and optimizing the output for use as a diesel alternative. It stands out by producing a fraction with both high efficiency and lower emissions, offering a scalable, sustainable solution to waste management challenges and paving the way for future innovations in sustainable energy production.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Livestock Industry for higher productivity and sustainability: The case of Albania

The livestock sector plays an important role in the economic development of the country. This sector is a source of income and employment for many Albanian families who live mainly in rural areas. A large part of the population in our country deals with livestock. But regardless of all the contributions that livestock makes to the food chain, financial sustainability, and the entire economy, this sector faces many challenges. Based on the literature review, a questionnaire to identify these challenges was constructed. The questionnaire contains questions with answers on the Likert scale, is addressed to livestock farmers in Albania, and serves to identify the main challenges affecting the livestock sector. The questionnaire divided the challenges of the livestock sector into five parts, including animal welfare and livestock production, sustainable practices and environmental sustainability, market challenges, information, communication technologies and livestock marketing challenges, and challenges of innovations in livestock production. Animal welfare affects the productivity of the livestock sector. The risk of the spread of epidemic diseases and the high costs of vaccination and medications are a concern for Albanian farmers, who often have difficulties ensuring sustainable profits. In recent years, the livestock sector has faced high input costs. Lack of infrastructure also hinders the efficiency of the livestock sector. The need for sustainable practices and environmental sustainability demands more attention. While farmers want to adopt sustainable livestock methods, they face difficulties in implementing them. Unpredictable livestock prices complicate financial planning for farmers. In addition, small farms face challenges competing with larger ones. Farmers face difficulties in becoming part of new markets due to a lack of effective marketing channels. The lack of a labor force is the biggest challenge that the livestock sector in Albania is facing. Innovation often serves to solve many problems in the livestock sector. Farmers use new technologies to increase livestock productivity. But the use of new technologies requires knowledge, which Albanian farmers often don’t have. They do not have the proper education to understand and apply these technologies. In conclusion, this paper aims to highlight the various problems faced by the livestock sector. Overcoming these problems by dealing directly with them can increase the productivity of the livestock sector, ensuring a better future for the industry.

Digital Transformation in SMEs Emerging Technological Tools and Technologies for Enhancing the SME's Strategies and Outcomes

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of digital transformation which involves the integration of digital technology into all sectors of SMEs, resulting in increased efficiency and enhanced customer service, enables SMEs to reduce overall expenditure by optimizing operational and marketing costs, thereby allowing to focus on value-adding activities, supports SMEs' technology innovation development models and strategies for fostering technological innovation within SMEs. The research identifies the difficulties encountered by SMEs during the implementation of digital transformation initiatives. Additionally, it seeks to acknowledge emerging trends in digital transformation that may affect SMEs and offer advice on proactively embracing technological advancements to sustain competitiveness. This is a mixed-method research project utilizing systematic review and deductive methods to gather qualitative data.Top of FormBottom of Form SMEs currently employing digital transformation were purposefully selected based on criteria such as authorship, publication date, sample size, and variables for this study. Furthermore, this research involved conducting thorough interviews and observations to delve into the technological innovations pursued by the participants. It was found that there are some factors of digital transformation in SMEs' technology innovation: Enhanced Operational Efficiency, Improved Customer Engagement, Global Market Access, Data driven decision making. Hence, Digital transformation in SMEs contribute autonomously to the expenses of technological innovation to foster business sustainability. This necessitates a strategic focus on enhancing consumer services and fostering a favorable attitude toward innovation in SMEs' business practices and development through technology. This study examines obstacles to SME technology innovation in production, business models, technology adoption, and strategic approaches, without analyzing costs related to SME-driven digital transformation. Future studies could investigate obstacles across various SME sectors to enhance digital tools, underscore the significance of SMEs adopting technology, integrating strategic supply chain management, and broadening their business strategies to attain sustainable development.

Technological innovations in agricultural bioenergy production: A concept paper on future pathways

This review paper explores the current state, emerging trends, and future pathways of technological innovation in agricultural bioenergy production. It examines key developments in biomass conversion technologies, genetic engineering, precision farming, and biorefineries, highlighting their potential applications, benefits, and challenges. The importance of continued research and innovation in advancing bioenergy technologies is underscored, emphasizing their potential contributions to sustainability, energy security, and rural development. By harnessing renewable biomass resources and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, agricultural bioenergy holds promise as a sustainable and renewable energy solution. This paper calls for collaborative efforts and informed decision-making to realize the full potential of bioenergy in mitigating climate change, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing energy resilience.'

Experimental and Computational Study of Modified Biopolymer Xanthan Gum with Synthetic Vinyl Monomers for Enhanced Oil Recovery

AbstractUtilizing xanthan gum, a biodegradable polymer, in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is imperative wherever there is a need for innovation in oil production that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Xanthan, chosen for its natural sourcing, availability, controllability, eco-friendliness, and biodegradability, proves resilient against harsh reservoir conditions owing to its rigid structure and elongated polysaccharide chains. This study investigates two modified xanthan gum composites, achieved by grafting with synthetic vinyl monomers through emulsified polymerization. Spectroscopic characterization using FTIR and 1H-NMR, along with surface morphology analysis via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermal behavior screening through TGA analysis, elucidates the properties of these modified composites. Rheological behavior under reservoir conditions, including stress scanning and viscosity/shear rate dependency, was evaluated. Material modeling with the Materials Studio program simulated the equilibrium adsorption of xanthan and modified biopolymer chains on SiO2-quartz crystal to assess wettability alteration. Simulation results indicate that XG-g-AM, MMA&TEVS exhibit greater stability and surface coverage with more negative electrostatic energies compared to XG and XG-g-AM&MMA. The laboratory runs on a sandstone-packed model to identify the disclosed XG-g-AM&MMA and XG-g-AM, MMA&TEVS biopolymers as promising EOR candidates and wettability modifiers in challenging sandstone reservoirs, as per experimental outcomes.

Production Pathways of Television Programs Based on New Media Technology

In the context of the new media era, new media technology has become a key technology in the production of television programs. This technology transforms traditional television production methods and channels, making television programs more impactful, with superior picture quality, thereby truly achieving innovation in program production and increasing their attractiveness. This paper analyzes and studies the production pathways of television programs using new media technology. It first examines the advantages of new media technology in television program production and then explores its specific application pathways in television program production through a case study of a particular program. Additionally, it provides a forecast for the development of new media and television program production technology, aiming to promote the development of television program production.