Low Production Research Articles

Genomic Diversity of Streptomyces clavuligerus: Implications for Clavulanic Acid Biosynthesis and Industrial Hyperproduction.

Streptomyces clavuligerus is a species used worldwide to industrially produce clavulanic acid (CA), a molecule that enhances antibiotic effectiveness against β-lactamase-producing bacterial strains. Despite its low inherent CA production, hyper-producing strains have been developed. However, genomic analyses specific to S. clavuligerus and CA biosynthesis are limited. Genomic variations that may influence CA yield were explored using S. clavuligerus strain genomes from diverse sources. Despite the slight differences obtained by similarity index calculation, pan-genome estimation revealed that only half of the genes identified were present in all strains. As expected, core genes were associated with primary metabolism, while the remaining genes were linked to secondary metabolism. Differences at the sequence level were more likely to be found in regions close to the tips of the linear chromosome. Wild-type strains preserved larger chromosomal and plasmid regions compared to industrial and/or hyper-producing strains; such a grouping pattern was also found through refined phylogenetic analyses. These results provide essential insights for the development of hyper-producing S. clavuligerus strains, attending to the critical demand for this antibiotic enhancer and contributing to future strategies for CA production optimization.

Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory/Immunomodulatory Effect of Teucrium montanum L. Extract in Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats.

The anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory effects of Teucrium montanum L. (TM), a plant distributed in the Mediterranean region, have been insufficiently examined. The effects of the TM ethanol extract were tested in a rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis. LC-MS was used for the phytochemical analysis of the TM extract. Dark Agouti rats were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII) in incomplete Freund's adjuvant for CIA, and treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg of TM extract daily via oral administration. Clinical and histopathological evaluations and a flow cytometric analysis of the phenotypic and functional characteristics of splenocytes and draining lymph node cells were performed. The cytokines in the paw tissue culture supernatants and anti-CII antibodies in serum were determined by ELISA. The TM extract, with the dominant components verbascoside and luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, reduced the arthritic score and ankle joint inflammation in CIA rats, promoted the antioxidant profile in serum, and lowered pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production. It suppressed the activation status of CD11b+ cells by lowering CD86, MHCII and TLR-4 expression, and promoted the Th17/T regulatory cell (Tregs) balance towards Tregs. A lower frequency of B cells was accompanied by a lower level of anti-CII antibodies in treated rats. These findings imply the favorable effect of TM extract on the clinical presentation of CIA, suggesting its anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory action and potential therapeutic effect.

Geological and Engineering Integration Fracturing Design and Optimization Study of Liushagang Formation in Weixinan Sag

The Weixinan Sag in the Beibuwan Basin is rich in shale oil resources. However, the reservoirs exhibit rapid phase changes, strong compartmentalization, thin individual layers, and high-frequency vertical variations in the thin interbedded sandstone and mudstone. These factors can restrict the height of hydraulic fracture propagation. Additionally, the low-porosity and low-permeability shale oil reservoirs face challenges such as low production rates and rapid decline. To address these issues, the Plannar3D full 3D fracturing model was used to simulate hydraulic fracture propagation and to study the main controlling factors for fracture propagation in the second member of the Liushagang Formation. Based on the concept of geological–engineering integration, a sweet spot evaluation was conducted to identify reservoirs with relatively better brittleness, reservoir properties, and oil content as the fracturing targets for horizontal wells. The UFM model was then applied to optimize fracturing parameters. This study indicates that the matrix-type oil shale has a high clay mineral content, resulting in a low Young’s modulus and poor brittleness. This makes hydraulic fracture propagation difficult and leads to less effective reservoir stimulation. In contrast, hydraulic fractures propagate more easily in high-brittleness interlayer-type oil shale. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the extraction of shale oil from interlayer-type oil shale reservoirs. The difference in interlayer stress is identified as the primary controlling factor for cross-layer fracture propagation in the study area. Based on the concept of geological–engineering integration, a sweet spot evaluation standard was established for the second member of the Liushagang Formation, considering both reservoir quality and engineering quality. Four sweet spot zones of interlayer-type oil shale reservoirs were identified according to this evaluation standard. To achieve uniform fracture initiation, a differentiated segment and cluster design was implemented for certain high-angle sections of well WZ11-6-5d. Interlayer-type oil shale was selected as the fracturing target, and the UFM was used for hydraulic fracture propagation simulation. Fracturing parameters were optimized with a focus on hydraulic fracture characteristics and the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). The optimization results were as follows: a single-stage length of 50 m, cluster spacing of 15 m, pump injection rate of 10 m3/min, fluid intensity of 25 m3/m, and proppant intensity of 3.5 t/m. The application of these optimized fracturing parameters in field operations resulted in successful fracturing and the achievement of industrial oil flow.

Agricultural Policies and Strategies in Ethiopia: A Review on Transformation Towards an Improved Agricultural Extension

In Ethiopia, economic development policy has historically been dominated by subsistence agriculture, leading to unrealized agricultural potential characterized by low productivity and a focus on subsistence farming practices. This would necessitate giving agricultural policies top priority and launching an improved initiative to speed up the transition from traditional farming. To this end, this review was to summarize the strengths and drawbacks of Ethiopia's agricultural policies and strategies, as well as make recommendations for improved interventions and the potential for scaling them up. This may be very helpful in directing policymakers to introduce the valuable interventions and handle related issues. Since 1991, the government of Ethiopia has implemented various agricultural policies in order to boost agricultural productivity and production, which in turn reduces poverty and food insecurity. However, the results have been found to be unsatisfactory. This is mainly due to the poor performance of the agricultural extension system in terms of its coverage and quality of implementation. Thus, the review argues, addressing such challenges and commercializing the sector could lead Ethiopia to further exploit its agricultural potential. In this regard, the recently implemented cluster farming is the right way to overcome these problems and support subsistence farming by increasing smallholder farmers bargaining power, increasing the faster diffusion of research recommendations and extension packages, knowledge transfer, and market linkage. Therefore, the review recommends that policymakers and development organizations should consider cluster farming as a main farming strategy to increase smallholder farmer’s productivity and support initiatives to attain the intended goals.

Crop establishment and nutrient management options: Optimizing productivity, maximize profitability and mitigating adverse climatic conditions in the maize-based production system of Northwest India

Poor fertilizer management and intensive tillage have increased production costs, lowered productivity, and significantly depleted soil nutrients. Although nutrient management options (NMOs) within crop establishment options (CEOs) based maize production system (MPS) is seldom explored, CEOs is increasingly advocated to tackle problems with soil health, food security, and climate change. Developing and implementing effective NMOs is needed for improving system sustainability, profitability, and productivity. We evaluated the effects of CEOs and NMOs on nutrient acquisition, profitability, and maize productivity in the Northwestern Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGPs) of India during 2018–2019. In this study, four CEOs treatment [(i) conventional tillage without residue {CT–R}, (ii) conventional tillage with residue {CT+R}, (iii) permanent raised bed without residue {PRB–R}, and (iv) permanent raised bed with residue {PRB+R}], were kept in the main plot and three NMOs [(i) soil test-based recommendation {STBR}, (ii) nutrient expert-based recommendation {NE}, and (iii) NE with GreenSeeker {NE+GS} were tested in subplots. The results showed that the crop growth metrics, including plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, and crop growth rate, were significantly greater at PRB+R comparing to treatments. Additionally, PRB+R resulted in the shortest time to 50 % and 75 % silking, indicating enhanced crop development. NMOs significantly improved crop growth parameters. The NE+GS treatment recorded higher plant height (145.8–149.2 cm and 222.3–224.8 cm), dry matter accumulation (195.5–198.4 g/m² and 408.4–412.0 g/m²), leaf area index (2.45–2.48 and 3.24–3.30), and crop growth rate (6.50 and 7.10 g/m²/day). PRB+R showed the shortest silking times (60.5 and 62.2 days). PRB+R also attained the maximum maize yield (6.23 and 6.26 t/ha), by a 17.82 % and 17.57 % increase over CT–R in 2018 and 2019. The NE+GS treatment resulted in the highest maize productivity, with additional yield gains over NE alone and STBR. The lowest cultivation cost ($513.87/ha and $513.97 /ha), highest net return ($1028.91/ha and $1083.60/ha), and best benefit-cost ratio (2.00 and 2.11) were observed with PRB–R, while gross returns ($1573.78/ha and $1630.42/ha) had highest in PRB+R. The NE+GS option achieved higher gross returns ($1544.73/ha and $1599.37/ha), net returns ($918.29/ha and $977.30/ha), and benefit-cost ratios (1.47 and 1.57) with lower cultivation costs ($626.43/ha and $622.06/ha) compared to NE and STBR. The PRB+R and NE+GS combination had found highest nutrient uptake (N, P, K) in grain and straw, highlighting their effectiveness in nutrient management. Overall, our findings recommend adopting PRB+R and NE+GS to optimize maize production system productivity and profitability, ensuring agricultural sustainability and resilience to adverse climatic conditions in Northwest India.

Interaction between marine and terrestrial biogenic volatile organic compounds: Non-linear effect on secondary organic aerosol formation

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are the largest source of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) globally. However, the complex interactions between marine and terrestrial BVOCs remain unclear, inhibiting our in-depth understanding of the SOA formation in the coastal areas and its environmental impacts. Here, we performed smog chamber experiments with mixed α-pinene (a typical monoterpene) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS, a typical marine emission BVOC) to investigate their possible interactions and subsequent SOA formation. It is found that DMS has a non-linear effect on SOA generation: The mass concentration and yield of SOA show increasing and then decreasing trends with the increase of the initial concentration of DMS. The increasing trend can be attributed to OH regeneration from isomerization of the CH3SCH2OO radical together with acid-catalyzed heterogeneous reactions by the oxidation of DMS, while the decreasing trend is explained by the less contribution of isomerization reaction and the high OH reactivity that inhibits the formation of low volatility products. The results from infrared spectra and mass spectra together reveal the contribution of sulfur-containing molecules in the mixed system. Moreover, the mass spectra results indicate that acidic products generated by DMS photooxidation enhance the O:C ratio, while organosulfates are produced to contribute to the formation of mixed SOA. In addition, the trends in relative abundance of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) with C8 - C10 multiple functional groups in different mixed systems agree well with the turning point of the SOA yield. The findings of this study have significant implications for understanding binary or more complex systems in the atmosphere in the coastal areas.

Surveillance on antimicrobial Resistance pattern of Third Generation Cephalosporins at the Benjamin Mkapa Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance is a burden in Tanzania and the world economy, resulting in financial losses from lower production brought on by illness due to greater treatment expenses and death. Second- and third-line antibiotics like third generations of cephalosporins should be used rather than first-line, which is an expensive option, due to AMR. The direct effects of AMR include severe prolonged illnesses, prolonged hospital stays death, and (Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance., 2015) Methodology The retrospective study design was used to review AST to assess the AMR patterns from 2020-2022 for urine, pus, and blood samples as stated in the National Action Plan-Antimicrobial Resistance 2017. Results Three years (2020, 2021, and 2022) of antibiograms based on priority samples, priority pathogens and third generations of cephalosporins for both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria see Tables 1 and 2. The surveillance identified sensitive (S), intermediate(I), and resistance(R) for tested bacteria. The N is the isolate number. Our antibiograms for third-generation cephalosporins were represented by cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone. The antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone for Acinetobacter species was 62.5% while 76% for Citrobacter. E. coli at 60.26%, Enterobacter aerogenes at 67.86%, Klebsiella species at 73.48% at 22.73%, Morganella morganii 65.75% and Staphylococcus aureus at 62.5%, Serratia marcescens 64.56%. Similar resistance trends have been observed in cefotaxime and ceftazidime. Conclusion Antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance, antimicrobial rotation and presentation of findings to clinicians for increased awareness and the promotion of a multi-disciplinary approach to successful AMS programmers is essential. Evidence found will optimize the use of antibiotics. Clinicians, pharmacists, and scientists will use obtained evidence in the development of guidelines and protocols for surgical prophylaxis, setting IPC programs, management of bacterial blood infections (septicemia and sepsis) and managing urinary tract infections by focusing on red flags antibiotics and bacteria such E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Avoiding delay of AST results by enough resources, and technology advancement. This enable identification of the causative pathogens facilitated the correct diagnosis, de-escalation, and use of targeted agents, which are necessary to promote the prudent use of antimicrobials. Antibiograms Table 1: Antibiogram of gram-negative bacteria Table 2: Antibiogram of gram-positive bacteria

The Performance of Solar Still in Continental Climates: A Case Study in Poland

This paper addresses the global issue of water scarcity and the need for sustainable development by exploring eco-friendly desalination technology – solar still. Although solar still has lower productivity compared to conventional fossil-fueled desalination technologies, much research is being conducted to enhance its productivity. Most studies focus solely on optimizing water mass in solar still, neglecting other correlated factors. Hence, this paper presents mathematical modeling and experimental studies on the impact of water mass, initial temperature, and solar insolation on solar still performance in Polish weather conditions. The findings reveal that solar still productivity ranges from 215 mL/m2/day to 5079 mL/m2/day between June and October in Poland. It is observed that solar still productivity decreases with increasing water mass beyond the critical threshold of solar insolation on the glass cover plane, which is 2.676 kWh/m2/day. However, below that threshold, the effect of water mass on the solar still productivity strongly depends on its initial temperature.

Growth, Ecophysiological Responses, and Leaf Mineral Composition of Lettuce and Curly Endive in Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems.

Against the backdrop of climate change, soil loss, and water scarcity, sustainable food production is a pivotal challenge for humanity. As the global population grows and urbanization intensifies, innovative agricultural methods are crucial to meet rising food demand, while mitigating environmental degradation. Hydroponic and aquaponic systems, has emerged as one of these solutions by minimizing land use, reducing water consumption, and enabling year-round crop production in urban areas. This study aimed at assessing the yield, ecophysiological performance, and nutritional content of Lactuca sativa L. and Cichorium endivia L. var. crispum grown in hydroponic and aquaponic floating raft systems, with Oreochromis niloticus L. integrated into the aquaponic system. Both species exhibited higher fresh biomass and canopy/root ratios in hydroponics compared to aquaponics. Additionally, hydroponics increased the leaf number in curly endive by 18%. Ecophysiological parameters, such as the leaf net photosynthesis rate, actual yield of PSII, and linear electron transport rate, were also higher in hydroponics for both species. However, the nutritional profiles varied between the two cultivation systems and between the two species. Given that standard fish feed often lacks sufficient potassium levels for optimal plant growth, potassium supplementation could be a viable strategy to enhance plant development in aquaponic systems. In conclusion, although aquaponic systems may demonstrate lower productivity compared to hydroponics, they offer a more sustainable and potentially healthier product with fewer harmful compounds due to the reduced use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and the absence of chemical residue accumulation. However, careful system management and monitoring are crucial to minimize potential contaminants.

Conversion of coastal marsh to aquaculture ponds decreased the potential of methane production by altering soil chemical properties and methanogenic archaea community structure

Coastal wetlands are among the most productive and dynamic ecosystems globally, contributing significantly to atmospheric methane (CH4) emissions. The widespread conversion of these wetlands into aquaculture ponds degrades these ecosystems, yet its effects on CH4 production and associated microbial mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the impact of land conversion on CH4 production potential, total and active soil organic C (SOC) content, and microbial communities. We conducted a comparative study on three brackish marshes and adjacent aquaculture ponds in southeastern China. Compared to costal marshes, aquaculture ponds exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower CH4 production potential (0.05 vs. 0.02 μg kg−1 h−1), SOC (17.64 vs. 6.97 g kg−1), total nitrogen (TN) content (1.62 vs. 1.24 g kg−1) and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio (10.85 vs. 5.66). CH4 production potential in aquaculture ponds was influenced by both microbial and abiotic factors. Specifically, the relative abundance of Methanosarcina slightly decreased in aquaculture ponds, while the potential for CH4 production declined with lower SOC contents and C/N ratio. Overall, our findings demonstrate that converting natural coastal marshes into aquaculture ponds reduces CH4 production by altering key soil properties and the structure and diversity of methanogenic archaea communities. These results provide empirical evidence to enhance global carbon models, improving predictions of carbon feedback from wetland land conversion in the context of climate change.

Effects of Diesel Pre-Injection Time on Combustion Process and Emission Characteristics of Diesel/Methanol Dual Fuel Engine

ABSTRACT The traditional diesel engine not only causes the reduction of nonrenewable energy but also aggravates environmental pollution. The utilization of renewable fuels in engine can not only effectively reduce the dependence on oil sources but also effectively reduce emissions. As a renewable oxygen-containing fuel with low production cost and widely sourced, methanol holds vast potential for application in engine. The dual-fuel combustion of diesel and methanol has emerged as an important research issue in the internal combustion engine industry. This paper conducted a study on the combustion and emission characteristics of the diesel/methanol dual fuel based on the optical engine test platform and 3D numerical simulation software. The results show that the change in cylinder pressure is relatively small and the heat release rate increases with the advance of diesel pre-injection time. The pre-injection time of diesel mainly affects the mixture distribution of pre-injection diesel, and the mixture is more evenly mixed with the advance of the pre-injection time. The degree of premixed combustion becomes higher, premixed combustion will lead to more rapid combustion, so the peak heat release rate shows an increasing trend. The pre-injection time of diesel is advanced, resulting in a leaner mixture in the early stage, and the fuel is not easy to burn, so CA10 and CA50 are delayed. The soot formation decreases as the mixture becomes more uniform, and the number of pixels of KL factor in each range also decreases. The average temperature in the cylinder is reduced and the NOX shows a decreasing trend with the advance of the pre-injection time. The change in CO generation is relatively small with the advance of pre-injection time.

A Review on Bioflocculant-Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles: Characterization and Application in Wastewater Treatment.

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are tiny materials with special features such as high electric conductivity, catalytic activity, antimicrobial activity, and optical activity. Published reports demonstrate their utilization in various fields, including biomedical, agricultural, environmental, wastewater treatment, and sensor fields. CuNPs can be produced utilizing traditional procedures; nevertheless, such procedures have restrictions like excessive consumption of energy, low production yields, and the utilization of detrimental substances. Thus, the adoption of environmentally approachable "green" approaches for copper nanoparticle synthesis is gaining popularity. These approaches involve employing plants, bacteria, and fungi. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of data regarding the application of microbial bioflocculants in the synthesis of copper NPs. Therefore, this review emphasizes copper NP production using microbial flocculants, which offer economic benefits and are sustainable and harmless. The review also provides a characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles, employing numerous analytical tools to determine their compositional, morphological, and topographical features. It focuses on scientific advances from January 2015 to December 2023 and emphasizes the use of synthesized copper NPs in wastewater treatment.

France, Economic Liberalism, and the Populist Challenge

Abstract This article reviews Contested Liberalization by Jonah Levy. Levy explores the role of politics in slowing the implementation of neoliberal economic policies in France, from the 1980s forward. Levy devotes special attention to the politics and policies of Emmanual Macron. The article examines Levy's argument in the context of the French “dirigiste” tradition and considers Macron's policies and the recent rise of populism in France. It argues that populism has arisen in many advanced countries as they have shifted from industrial to service economies. The rise in working class grievance in the face of low productivity and wage stagnation has proved fertile ground for populist parties.

Intensified microalgae production and development of microbial communities on suspended carriers and municipal wastewater

Wastewater represents an alternative source of nutrients in which to grow microalgae, whilst improving the quality of the wastewater, and reducing the downstream treatment required. However, commercialisation of microalgal cultures for such duties faces a number of challenges, predominantly high cost and low productivity. Suspended-solid reactors (ssPBR) can reduce the operational costs, while promoting attached and suspended microalgae growth. In the present study, a novel approach was developed by integrating microalgal wastewater treatment with carrier systems to favour the growth of both attached and suspended cells of T. obliquus. This study found that T. obliquus was able to uptake nutrients from municipal wastewater, achieving removals of 99.3–99.9 % NH3-N, 54.5–88.5 % PO43− and 92.8–94.5 % DTC. The addition of a 12.5 % volumetric fill ratio of carriers in ssPBRs produced higher microalgal cell productivity (1.2·106 ± 2.5·105 cell ml−1 d−1) than the control (4.3·105 ± 2.8·105 cell ml−1 d−1). MinION nanopore sequencing was conducted to assess the impact of microalgal and carrier treatment on wastewater bacterial communities. It was found not only that bacterial communities had changed after the treatment but also the ones attached differed from the ones suspended. Untreated wastewater was characterised by the abundance of sewer bacteria genera such as Aliarcobacter and Arcobacter, whilst, after treatment, microbial communities were characterised by the presence of photosynthetic freshwater (Limnococcus, Stanieria) and bioremediation-like bacteria genera (Pseudomonas, Rheinheimera). In conclusion, the addition of 12.5 % fill carrier ratio increased microalgal productivity, while stimulating changes in the algal microbiome, and creating distinctly different populations in the free and attached environments.

Impact of piezoelectric driving waveform on performance characteristics of vibrating mesh atomizer (VMA)

Vibrating mesh atomizer (VMA) is a specific type of ultrasonic atomizer known for its low power consumption and production of uniformly fine droplets. While previous research has provided a basic understanding of VMA operation, it has primarily focused on driving the piezoelectric actuator with continuous and symmetrical waveforms, such as sine and square waveforms. This study aims to experimentally investigate the impact of different driving waveforms on the ultrasonic atomization process and the associated performance characteristics. Specifically, the effects of pulse waveforms (Gauss and Lorentz pulse) were analyzed with high rates of energy deposition and asymmetrical hybrid waveforms (trapezia and absolute sine), featuring distinct negative cycles, by comparing them with conventional symmetrical waveforms (sine and square). Pulse waveforms suppress the growing stage but provide a high flux of input energy, facilitating the detachment of liquid into fine droplets, resulting in uniformly distributed droplets with VMDs of 5.84 μm and 4.71 μm for Gauss and Lorentz waveforms, respectively. Conversely, shorter negative cycles in asymmetrical hybrid waveforms reduce liquid suction into the micronozzle, leading to higher energy flux during subsequent positive cycles that promote the growing stage, producing larger droplets with VMDs of 10.82 μm and 11.86 μm for trapezia and absolute (abs) sine waveforms, respectively. Additionally, high-speed imaging reveals irregular pulsating behaviors in the atomization process when using pulse waveforms, suggesting a reciprocating-pump-like operation mechanism in VMA atomization. These new insights contribute to an improved understanding of the atomization mechanism in VMAs.

Preliminary outcomes on phenotypic and genetic parameter estimates for body weight of indigenous Tswana goats in Botswana

The aims of this study were to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth traits and evaluate genetic trends on 585 indigenous Tswana goats. The population was maintained under low input production system at the Department of Agricultural Research in Lesego ranch, Botswana, from 2005 to 2008. Data included birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), weight at 8 months (PW), yearling weight (YW), pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) and two post weaning average daily gains (ADG2 and ADGYW). Data was analysed using general linear model of SAS to determine non-genetic effects. Estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using ASREML fitting an animal model that accounted for fixed effect of parity, sex, type of birth and year of birth. Least squares means for BW, WW, PW and YW were 2.88 ± 0.03, 12.15 ± 0.17, 16.52 ± 0.28 and 21.04 ± 0.32Kg, respectively, while those for ADG, ADG2 and ADGYW were 74.52 ± 1.41, 28.78 ± 1.55 and 33.66 ± 2.28 g/day, respectively. Estimates of heritability for BW, WW, PW and YW were 0.79 ± 0.11, 0.63 ± 0.14, 0.32 ± 0.13 and 0.48 ± 0.16, respectively. The genetic correlations for all the traits studied were positive and moderate to high (0.48 to 0.82) whilst phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.21 to 0.72. Positive average genetic trends of 12.32% (WW), 13.39% (PW) and 7.38% (YW) were attained. The results have demonstrated the potential of this breed to be improved through selection.

Optimization of Low-Pressure Turbine Blade by Means of Fine Inspection of Loss Production Mechanisms

Abstract In this study, Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) was applied to Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of two high-loaded low-pressure turbine cascades under unsteady inflow conditions to investigate entropy production within different parts of the blade passage. The terms for Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) production, diffusion, and dissipation from the stagnation pressure transport equation were integrated across the computational domain. The POD-based method enables the decomposition of contributions from various coherent flow dynamics to TKE production and dissipation, such as the migration, bowing, tilting, and reorientation of incoming wake filaments, as well as the breakdown of streaky structures in the blade boundary layer and the formation of Von Karman vortices in the blade wake. This approach helps designers identify the dominant POD modes (i.e., turbulent flow structures) responsible for loss generation, understand their dynamics and locate where they primarily act. Using this optimization strategy, a new low-pressure turbine profile was designed. LES calculations on the optimized geometry showed that it is possible to design a higher-loaded profile with a lower global loss coefficient. The new loading distribution, characterized by stronger acceleration in the early part of the blade passage, results in reduced upstream wake migration losses and lower TKE production in the trailing edge wake zone due to early suction side boundary layer transition.

Dietary thiamine supplementation modulates ruminal microbiota and partly restores lactation performance in lactating Hu ewes under heat-stress conditions

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary thiamine supplementation on milk production, rumen microbiota profile and inflammatory response of Hu ewes under heat-stress conditions. Twenty-seven multiparous pregnant and lactating Hu ewes of 71.6 ± 1.4 kg body weight, 11 ± 0.5 months gestation age, 31 ± 1 days in milk, 1.68 ± 0.15 L/d milk yield, and 2.14 ± 0.12 kg of daily dry matter intake (DMI), were used in the study. Following an acclimation period of 7 days, ewes were divided into 3 blocks of 9 each (one Hu ewe per pen), in a complete randomized design and assigned to one of three environmental temperature conditions for 15 days: thermoneutrality without supplementation (CON), heat-stressed without supplementation (HS) or heat-stressed with dietary thiamine supplementation (200 mg/kg of DMI; HST). The results indicated that the HS group experienced notable declines in milk protein, fat, and lactose content from day 10–15 (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In contrast, thiamine supplementation significantly elevated milk protein content from day 13–15 and raised milk fat and lactose content on days 14 and 15 (P < 0.05) compared to the HS group, thereby enhancing milk quality to a certain extent. Additionally, thiamine supplementation (HST group) significantly increased the circulating thiamine and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations accompanied by a significant decline in LPS-binding protein, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). Rumen microbial composition analysis revealed that thiamine supplementation increased the abundance of Pyramidobacter, Butyrivibrio, Bacteroides, and Saccharofermentans. In conclusion, heat exposure during lactation in Hu ewes lowered milk production and quality, affecting rumen microbes. Dietary thiamine supplementation could improve rumen fermentation, mitigate heat stress-induced inflammation, and restore milk production in Hu ewes under heat stress conditions.

Optimization and modelling of bioethanol production by the fermentation of CCN‐51 cocoa mucilage using the sequential simplex method and the modified Gompertz model

AbstractThis work deals with the optimization of bioethanol production through a fermentation process of CCN‐51 cocoa mucilage, based on increased concentrations of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Cocoa mucilage, considered biomass waste, was selected for its high productivity and the large volumes generated in the cocoa industrial chain in Ecuador. The optimization of the fermentation process was performed using the sequential simplex method with two variables, and the results were experimentally confirmed by quantifying bioethanol through the microdiffusion method. The best operational conditions corresponded to a temperature of 35°C and a pH of 4. Regarding the concentration of yeast, it was found that the optimal value was 8 g/L, since lower concentrations led to low productivities, while higher concentrations resulted in inadequate functioning of the bioreactor. The best results reached a productivity of 1.35 ± 0.04 g/L · h and a maximum bioethanol concentration of 28.3 ± 0.8 g/L for a processing time of 21 h. The production of bioethanol was modelled using the modified Gompertz equation and simulated in MATLAB®, yielding a bioethanol production rate of 2.42 g/L · h with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.95. These results contribute to the knowledge of bioethanol production using cocoa mucilage and seek to add a positive value to this residue, whose management and final disposition have both undesirable environmental and economic effects.

Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymers: A Recent Approach to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding

ABSTRACTElectromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation pollution is getting more severe as result of the advancement of electronic technology. Researching shielding materials with superior EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding characteristics is therefore crucial. Basalt fibers (BFs) have been an emerging candidate in the fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) category due to their favorable mechanical and chemical properties, along with being favorites in sustainability and having low production costs. Therefore, due to the rising need for cheaper and efficient alternatives in the EMI shielding industry, the EMI shielding is covered in terms of BF composite materials and their properties in this review, starting with the EMI shielding mechanism and followed by how BF composites affect the EMI properties. This review then covers the post‐treatments of BF composites and, finally, the factors of the composites that affect the EMI properties. Moreover, the EMI shielding applications in which BFRPs are used are comprehensively discussed as well. This review aspires to bridge an understanding between EMI shielding as a material property and the BF composites that are developed to aid in the EMI shielding application.