Lower Production Costs Research Articles

Aligning policy for success in developing countries: evidence from the poultry sector of Ghana

This paper examines policy coherence in Ghana's poultry sector by assessing potential interactions between policy objectives. Using panel simultaneous equation models and the data-driven synthetic control method, we analyze the effects of policy interventions on domestic poultry production during 1999–2019. Our findings underscore the impact of policies enacted during this period on the growth of domestic poultry production. However, growth in production remains notably lower than the escalating imports of frozen poultry meat. Our coherence analysis identifies lowering production costs and enhancing productivity as crucial policy objectives that could positively affect food security and rural development. Nonetheless, we caution against prioritizing one objective over others, as this may adversely affect overall policy coherence and outcomes. Specifically, our study emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between fostering domestic production and ensuring food security.

Perovskite Oxides for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen/Oxygen Evolution Reaction

AbstractSince the excessive exploitation of fossil fuels will cause wars for oil, developing sustainable and eco‐friendly energy resources to solve the energy crisis and realize the carbon‐neutrality goal has been a hot issue. Water electrolysis has been acknowledged as a promising technology for hydrogen (H2)/oxygen (O2) evolution reaction (HER/OER) since the overall water splitting reaction rates can be well controlled by applying appropriate electrode voltage. Whereas the sluggish electrochemical reactions kinetics on both the cathode and anode have greatly restricted the energy conversion efficiency. Thus, developing highly active electrocatalysts to reduce the overpotentials required for electrolytic HER/OER is of great significance in increasing the utilization rates of electrical power and lowering production costs. ABO3‐structured perovskite‐oxides based electrocatalysts possess the merits of low cost, high structural stability, and lattice compatibility, and thus they have attracted intense research attention in recent decays. To inspire both theoretical and experimental researchers to design novel perovskite‐oxide electrocatalysts for efficient HER/OER, the fundamental electrode reaction mechanisms, the effects of synthetic methods on material morphologies, recently reported perovskite‐oxide electrocatalysts and effective tuning strategies on enhancing the electrocatalytic activities of existing perovskite‐oxides have been fully discussed in this review.

Utilization of Pineapple Fruit Waste in Greener Alternative Agents for Thai Silk Pretreatment and Acid Dyeing Wastewater Treatment

Pineapple, extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, contains bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that is highly valued in the food and beverage industries. Pineapple residues from food processing retain these enzymes and can be repurposed for silk processing. This research utilized Smooth Cayenne pineapple juice as a degumming agent and its pulp as an adsorbent for dyeing effluent treatment. Pineapple juice, containing bromelain with a protease activity of 16.40 µg/mL·min, effectively removed 22% of sericin from raw silk using a liquid ratio of 30:1 at pH 7 and 60 °C for 60 min. Unlike alkaline degumming, which weakened silk fibers (maximum load 6.18 ± 1.56 N), pineapple juice-treated silk retained higher strength (maximum load 7.80 ± 1.32 N), offering a gentler alternative. The remaining pineapple pulp, after juice extraction, was processed into a porous adsorbent with a surface area of 3.63 m2/g and a pore size of 6.15 nm. This material absorbed acid dyes effectively at pH 5, the normal pH used in the acid dyeing of silk. Valorizing pineapple residues reduces chemical use, energy consumption, and environmental impact while lowering production costs and enhancing local resources.

An EPQ inventory model with Weibull distribution, dynamic time-dependent holding cost under various demand pattern using Maclaurin series approximations

In this research study we present an advanced adaption of the economic and efficient optimized production model by integrating Weibull-distributed progressive degradation, dynamic holding costs, fluctuating demand, and strong strategies for effectively managing shortages and backlogs. The economic production quantity model aims to enhance production volumes and reduce total variable costs for commodities that have a near-term expiration date yet possess a prolonged shelf life due to delayed deterioration. The model characterizes inventories with three unique demand patterns by analytically solving ordinary differential equations through Maclaurin series approximations. It specifically addresses situations when product demand varies predictably over time and accounts for the probability of defective items during production. This model has significant implications for cognitive processes in the production of consumer goods, since it provides valuable insights into efficient inventory management and production planning. The paper employs two illustrations to substantiate the utility of the established model and utilizes sensitivity analysis to propose other subjects for exploration. This work proposes an enhanced economic and efficient optimized production (EPQ) model to tackle production faults, dynamic demand patterns, Weibull-distributed deterioration-related inventory management challenges. With these components, the model tries to maximize manufacturing quantities and lower total variable costs for products with near-term expiration dates. The model analytically solves the differential equations approximating inventory levels under three different demand patterns: constant, linear, and quadratic using Maclaurin series approximations. The model also addresses the likelihood of faults in produced goods throughout the production process.

Does lower electric vehicle production cost spur traditional automaker electrification? Spillovers of cost-reduction investments

Does lower electric vehicle production cost spur traditional automaker electrification? Spillovers of cost-reduction investments

Investigation of the dynamic response of soil/steel composite structures of vacuum explosion containment vessels

Abstract Vacuum explosive welding technology has better performance, lower production cost, more environmentally friendly and other advantages. In order to meet the industrial demand for production and area of metal composite plate, it is urgent to develop a super large vacuum explosion containment vessel which can be used for explosive welding. Since soil is generally regarded as an effective energy-absorbing material, covering a certain thickness of sand above the steel plate can tremendously dissipate the energy of shock waves. Therefore, the dynamic response of the Soil/Steel composite structure on the explosion containment vessel under different explosive quantities and vacuum degrees was analyzed by experiments and numerical simulations. The dynamic strain curve collected by the experiment consists of an abruptly rising phase and a gradually decreasing vibration recovery phase. Comparing the peak strains, it was found that the peak strain decay rate of the cover at 0.2 atm is 26.26%. Comparing the variation of the vibration amplitude of the composite structure with the cycles, it was found that reducing the amount of explosive and the vacuum degree inside the explosion containment vessel can effectively weaken the peak strain of the cover, and can also reduce the vibration amplitude of the composite structure. The dynamic response of Soil/Steel composite structure can be analyzed in four phases: Abrupt Increasing, Followed Impulse, Inertia Hysteresis, Static Pressure Stabilization.

Win-Win More Sustainable Routes for Acetic Acid Synthesis.

Current efforts to decarbonize the chemical sector by using captured CO2 and electrolytic H2 typically lead to high production costs and environmental collateral damage. Hence, there is a clear need to look for alternative, more efficient synthesis routes that could pave the way for a fully sustainable chemical industry. Bearing this in mind, here, we evaluate the economic and environmental implications of two low technology readiness level (TRL) novel single-step synthesis routes for acetic acid production using CO2 as a raw material: gas-to-acid methane carboxylation and semiartificial photosynthesis. Using process simulation and life-cycle assessment, we determine that these pathways, under a specific set of assumptions, could outperform the business-as-usual methanol carbonylation process at their current development state in terms of global warming, human health, ecosystem quality, and resource scarcity impacts, showing no signs of burden shifting. Furthermore, these routes also result in lower production costs derived from the reduced energy requirement associated with a single synthesis step. Overall, our preliminary results of the low TRL technologies based on experimental data highlight the potential economic and environmental benefits of exploring alternative synthesis routes, which could help bridge the current fossil-based industrial landscape to a more sustainable future.

Ac/Ds-like Transposon Elements Inserted in ZmABCG2a Cause Male Sterility in Maize.

Using male sterile (MS) lines instead of normal inbred maternal lines in hybrid seed production can increase the yield and quality with lower production costs. Therefore, developing a new MS germplasm is essential for maize hybrid seed production in the future. Here, we reported a male sterility gene ms*-N125, cloned from a newly found MS mutant ms*-N125. This mutant has an underdeveloped tassel that showed impaired glumes and shriveled anthers without pollen grains. The MS locus of ms*-N125 was mapped precisely to a 112-kb-interval on the chromosome 5. This interval contains only three candidate genes, Zm958, Zm959, and Zm960. Sequencing results showed that only candidate Zm960 harbored a 548-bp transposable element (TE) in its 9th exon, and the two other candidate genes were found to have no genetic variations between the mutant and wild type (WT). Thus, Zm960 is the only candidate gene for male sterility of the mutant ms*-N125. In addition, we screened another recessive MS mutant, ms*-P884, which exhibited similar male sterility phenotypes to ms*-N125. Sequencing Zm960 in ms*-P884 showed a 600-bp TE located in its 2nd exon. Zm960 encodes an ATP-binding cassette in the G subfamily of ABC (ABCG) transporters, ZmABCG2a, with both mutants which harbored an Ac/Ds-like transposon in each. To verify the function of ZmABCG2a for male sterility further, we found an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant, zmabcg2a*, which displayed male sterility and tassel phenotypes highly similar to ms*-N125 and ms*-P884, confirming that ZmABCG2a must be the gene for male sterility in maize. In addition, the results of lipid metabolome analysis of ms*-N125 young tassels showed that the total lipid content of the mutant was significantly lower than that of the WT, with 15 subclasses of lipids, including PE (phosphatidylethanolamine), PC (phosphatidylcholine), DG (digalactosyldiacylglycerols), and MGDG (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol) which were significantly down-regulated in the ms*-N125 mutant versus its wild type. In summary, we identified alternate mutations of the ZmABCG2a gene, which may be a potential germplasm for hybrid seed production in maize.

Grape Production Diagnosis in the Highlands Region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Espírito Santo was the eighth largest Brazilian grape producing state and the sixth largest exporter. The objective of this study was to carry out a grape production diagnosis in the highlands region of Espírito Santo. The methodology consisted of field research in rural farms. The municipalities with the greatest participation in state grape production were selected. Field research was conducted in 2019 and 2020 in rural properties in the municipalities of Santa Teresa, Domingos Martins, Venda Nova do Imigrante, Alfredo Chaves and Vargem Alta, which are representative in production. Were interviewed 86 vinegrowers and this sample represented 13.7% of the number of grape producing centers in the State. The need to improve management practices, yield and grape quality was identified, with a focus on sustainability, reducing the use of pesticides, in addition to certification for organic/biodynamic grape production, increasing the quality of the material. It is necessary that Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) works also concentrate efforts to develop production systems with lower implementation and production costs, mainly related to the supporting structure of the vines and the development of cultivars more resistant and/or tolerant to pests and diseases, mainly vine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), which will consequently reduce production costs for the winegrower.

Sustainable Redesign of Plastic Packaging: Transition Single-Layer for Enhanced Efficiency and Circular Economy

The flexible packaging industry faces increasing demand to balance product functionality with environmental sustainability. This study focuses on redesigning plastic packaging by transitioning from dual to single-layer structures. The six-phase product development methodology was employed to assess this transition's technical and economic impacts. The findings show that the single-layer design reduces raw material usage by 20%, lowers production costs by 7.5%, and shortens production time by 780 minutes per 8,000 meters of packaging. Although slight increases in Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) and Oxygen Transmission Rate (O2TR) were observed, the changes remained within acceptable industry standards, with minimal impact on product shelf life. The new design also offers significant environmental advantages, simplifying recycling processes and supporting circular economy principles. Furthermore, the House of Quality (HoQ) analysis revealed that the redesign effectively addresses critical customer needs, particularly regarding durability, affordability, and delivery efficiency. This research demonstrates the potential for sustainable innovation in the packaging industry. It provides a pathway for companies seeking to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining product performance.

Development and Evaluation of the Immunogenic Potential of an Unmodified Nucleoside mRNA Vaccine for Herpes Zoster.

Approved mRNA vaccines commonly use sequences modified with pseudouridine to enhance translation efficiency and mRNA stability. However, this modification can result in ribosomal frameshifts, reduced immunogenicity, and higher production costs. This study aimed to explore the potential of unmodified mRNA sequences for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and evaluate whether codon optimization could overcome the limitations of pseudouridine modification. We utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to design several unmodified gE mRNA sequences for VZV, considering factors such as codon preference and secondary structure. The optimized mRNA sequences were assessed for protein expression levels in vitro and were subsequently used to develop a vaccine, named Vac07, encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system. The immunogenicity of Vac07 was evaluated in mice. Codon-optimized mRNA sequences showed significantly higher protein expression levels in vitro compared to wild-type (WT) sequences. Vaccination with Vac07 demonstrated immunogenicity in mice that was comparable to, or even superior to, the licensed Shingrix vaccine, characterized by a stronger Th1-biased antibody response and a slightly more robust Th1-type cellular response. Codon-optimized unmodified mRNA sequences may also represent a viable approach for mRNA vaccine development. These optimized sequences have the potential to lower production costs while possibly enhancing the immunogenicity of mRNA vaccines. Vac07, developed using this method, shows promise as a potentially more efficient and cost-effective mRNA vaccine candidate for VZV.

Advancing Food Security with Farmed Edible Insects: Economic, Social, and Environmental Aspects.

Farmed edible insects are considered a potential resource to help address food security concerns toward the year 2050. The sustainability (e.g., lower environmental impact), nutritional (e.g., high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, fiber, unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals) and health (e.g., antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory) benefits are the main reasons for the rise in interest for insects as alternative protein sources for food and feed production. Thus, edible insects can address the future global protein demand of an ever-increasing world population. In this context, several aspects related to their sustainability have been explored and addressed from an environmental perspective. This review describes the rationale for using insects as alternative protein sources and provides a comprehensive viewpoint, integrating economic, environmental, and social aspects into their sustainability framework toward addressing food insecurity concerns. For example, edible insects offer a more sustainable protein source comparable to, or even better than, that of conventional livestock. Considering their sustainability advantages, insects are noted for their lower impact on natural resources (e.g., water and agrarian land) and lower greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane). From a socioeconomic point of view, edible insects have lower production costs compared to conventional animal protein sources because of their high feed efficiency conversion, rapid growth rate, and short life cycles. Currently, the market for edible, farmed insects is becoming a significant economic activity that not only meets the needs of industry and consumers but also supports the ability of future generations to maintain a secure and sustainable community.

Effective semi-fed-batch saccharification with high lignocellulose loading using co-culture of Clostridium thermocellum and Thermobrachium celere strain A9.

Maximizing saccharification efficiency of lignocellulose and minimizing the production costs associated with enzyme requirements are crucial for sustainable biofuel production. This study presents a novel semi-fed-batch saccharification method that uses a co-culture of Clostridium thermocellum and Thermobrachium celere strain A9 to efficiently break down high solid-loading lignocellulosic biomass without the need for any external enzymes. This method optimizes saccharification efficiency and enhances glucose production from alkaline-treated rice straw, a representative lignocellulosic biomass. Initially, a co-culture of C. thermocellum and T. celere strain A9 was established with a treated rice straw loading of 150 g/l, supplemented with Tween 20, which enhanced enzymes stability and prevented unproductive binding to lignin, achieving a remarkable glucose concentration of up to 90.8 g/l. Subsequently, an additional 100 g/l of treated rice straw was introduced, resulting in a total glucose concentration of up to 140 g/l, representing 70.1% of the theoretical glucose yield from the 250 g/l treated rice straw load. In contrast, batch saccharification using an initial substrate concentration of 250 g/l of alkaline-treated rice straw without Tween 20 resulted in a glucose concentration of 55.5 g/l, with a theoretical glucose yield of only 27.7%. These results suggest that the semi-fed-batch saccharification method using co-cultivation of C. thermocellum and T. celere strain A9, supplemented with Tween 20 is an efficient microbial method for saccharifying high-concentration biomass. Moreover, this approach effectively manages high solids loading, optimizes efficiency, and reduces the need for external enzymes, thus lowering production costs and simplifying the process for industrial applications.

Innovative bio-inspired solar cells using fly ash-based dye-sensitized cells with fruit extract enhancements and Averrhoa bilimbi electrolyte

This study responds to the urgent need for renewable energy in Indonesia, driven by climate change and the energy crisis, by developing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials. Traditional silicon-based photovoltaic cells, which have plateaued at 27% efficiency, are costly and environmentally unfriendly, leading to the demand for alternatives like DSSCs, which offer lower production costs, flexibility, and effective performance in diffuse light. The research focuses on designing DSSCs with Fe and Mg extracted from fly ash as counter electrodes, dragon fruit peel as a natural dye sensitizer, and Averrhoa bilimbi as an electrolyte booster. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated that dragon fruit dye absorbs light effectively in the 360-700 nm range, peaking at 550 nm, making it an ideal sensitizer for wide-band gap semiconductors. Voltage output tests showed that Fe-doped DSSCs consistently outperformed Mg-doped ones, with Fe-based cells generating a maximum voltage of 413 mV compared to 163 mV for Mg-based cells. Long-term testing over three months further demonstrated Fe-doped cells' superior performance, peaking at 454.6 mV, while Mg-doped cells reached 261.96 mV. These results highlight Fe's effectiveness as a doping material, improving DSSC efficiency and supporting the use of natural dyes and sustainable materials. The study aligns with prior research on the critical role of material properties and solar irradiance in DSSC performance, demonstrating the potential of using fly ash and natural dyes for efficient solar energy solutions in South Sumatra. Future research will focus on optimizing material composition for enhanced performance.

Role and Application of Automation and Robotics in Spinning Section in Textile Industry

Modern technology transformation and the introduction of automatic machinery have changed the textile industries in numerous ways. There is development of advanced equipment and systems and they are being used in various manufacturing processes by manufacturing industries. The arrival of computer-controlled machinery has made it possible to complete industrial tasks more quickly, improving product quality and efficiency and lowering energy and production costs. Numerous aspects of the textile manufacturing process make extensive use of automation. Robotic applications are hugely used in yarn manufacturing technology among different textile automation divisions. The paper discusses various textile yarn spinning techniques and how automation has revolutionized these procedures. It provides comprehensive information on automation and robotic applications, from fiber opening in the blow room to yarn packaging in the winding in the spinning section.

Production of primary metabolites by Pseudomonas reptilivora B-6bs at the flask level using a full factorial experimental design.

The metabolites gluconic acid, 5-ketogluconic acid, proline, and glutamic acid, produced by Pseudomonas reptilivora B-6bs, are industrially important, particularly in food and pharmaceutical sectors. However, producing these metabolites involves biotin supplementation to enhance yields, which is an expensive additive, and reducing its use can significantly lower production costs. Thus, This study aimed to enhance the production of gluconic acid, 5-ketogluconic acid, proline, and glutamic acid without biotin supplementation. To achieve this, a full factorial design was employed, varying agitation speed, glucose concentration, and temperature to determine the optimal conditions for metabolite production. Metabolite concentration was measured using spectrophotometric analysis and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and the results were statistically analyzed using Minitab® 18. The findings demonstrate that Pseudomonas reptilivora B-6bs effectively produce gluconic acid (50.51±0.035 g/L, YP/S: 0.917 g/g) and 5-ketogluconic acid (44.46±0.23 g/L, YP/S: 0.947 g/g), along with proline (0.1727±0.00085 g/L, YP/S: 0.00004 g/g) and glutamic acid (0.853±0.142 g/L, YP/S: 0.013 g/g) without biotin supplementation. Optimal production was observed with a glucose concentration of 55 g/L. These findings provide a viable biotin-independent strategy for high-value metabolite production. This study contributes novel insights into cost-effective production processes, making it relevant to industrial applications.

Nipa-based bioethanol as a renewable pure engine fuel: A preliminary performance testing and carbon footprint quantification

The need for alternative fuels remains a growing concern in alleviating the depletion of fossil fuels for transportation to address one of the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Alternative and Clean Energy) despite the emerging use of Electric Vehicles. Nipa fruticans has been introduced as a promising feedstock for bioethanol production, but its performance as a pure engine engine fuel must be determined, and its carbon footprint must be quantified to assess its impact on the environment were this paper aimed. The CO2 emissions of this study was quantified using ISO 14040 methodologies, considering direct and indirect emissions from production to utilization with key ethanol properties tested according to ASTM standards. A carbureted motorcycle was modified to a fuel injection (FI) system to assess fuel performance, with metrics like power output, consumptions, and emissions were evaluated. Results show that nipa-based bioethanol, H95F and H99F, can serve as renewable pure engine fuels, with carbon footprints of 0.2353 and 2.633 kg CO2eq per Liter respectively with 1.08% lower of kg CO2eq per Liter emissions and 32.7% lower production cost compared to fermented sugar. As pure engine fuel resulted in lowering CO emissions by 171.79% and 167.59%; and lower HC emissions 172.89% and 191.34% respectively compared to E10. These findings demonstrated the potential of nipa bioethanol as a clean and sustainable energy solution. It is recommended however that ethanol yield and distillation process be further improved and explore pure ethanol as alternative fuel to hybrid vehicles as 100% renewable vehicles.

Improving Energy Efficiency with Energy Recovery for Propylene Production

Propylene production through the metathesis of 2-butene is a well-established method. However, energy efficiency in this process remains an area of improvement. This study focuses on optimizing energy consumption by integrating heat recovery and reducing the reliance on external energy sources. Simulations were conducted using Aspen HYSYS V11 to compare the basic and modified processes. Modifications included utilizing heat from condensers and coolers to power compressors and heaters, eliminating redundant heating units. Thermodynamic analyses confirmed the endothermic nature of the reactions. Results indicated a significant reduction in total heat flow, from 2.983×108 kJ/h to 1.564×108 kJ/h, leading to improved specific energy consumption. With a production capacity of 15,400 tons/year, the optimized process demonstrated enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability. This study highlights the potential of process modifications to achieve energy savings, lower production costs, and minimize environmental impact in the chemical industry. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Обоснование параметров пресс-гранулятора для линии приготовления высокобелковой кормовой добавки для с/х птицы

On the basis of the analysis of the composition of on the basis of the analysis of the composition of traditional formulations for broilers the conclusion is made about the necessity of obtaining the meat and fish component at a lower cost. It is concluded that it is necessary to obtain meat and fish components of lower production cost. By analysing the existing by analysing the existing designs of press-granulators the direction in their improvement is established. The innovative scheme of the press-granulator is offered, for which the parameters are theoretically justified parameters are substantiated by theoretical way. The use of this device as a part of technological line for production of high-protein granulated additive has shown its high efficiency in comparison with extruding. Key words: FORMULATION, FEED, PRESS-GRANULATOR, SCHEME, PARAMETERS, PRODUCTIVITY, MEAT AND FISH BONE RAW MATERIALS, SOYA FLOUR, POWER, ENERGY

Pengaruh Penambahan Abu Sekam Terhadap Kuat Tekan, Daya Serap Air, dan Kinerja Termal pada Bata Beton

Bricks are widely used in construction due to their affordability and ease of production, but traditional bricks pose environmental challenges. This study explores improving brick quality by adding rice husk ash (RHA). Two types of bricks, solid and perforated (37 x 15 x 9 cm, with 4 x 7 cm perforations), were tested with RHA additions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Tests included water absorption, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity at 21 days. The results showed that adding up to 10% of RHA significantly improved compressive strength and water absorption. The 10% variation gave the best compressive strength: 4.74 MPa for solid bricks and 4.56 MPa for perforated bricks. However, adding more than 10% reduced strength. The 5% RHA variation had the lowest water absorption, 1.95% for solid bricks and 1.93% for perforated, making it ideal for applications requiring water resistance. Bricks with 20% RHA demonstrated the best thermal performance, reducing temperature rise by 8.23°C in solid bricks and 8.00°C in perforated bricks. The 20% variation also lowered production costs, making it the most economical option. In conclusion, RHA is an effective additive for improving brick quality, with 10% RHA being optimal for strength and water resistance and 20% RHA for thermal performance and cost efficiency.