Agricultural Materials Research Articles

Transformation of trading patterns in global agricultural markets

The article analyses the key aspects of changes in international agricultural trade patterns, with the main emphasis on the analysis of modern factors shaping the agricultural market situation. The analysis of international trade is conducted in the context of the need to ensure food security and counteract various exogenous shocks (decreasing crop yields, escalating geopolitical conflicts, food crises). This analysis has allowed us to formulate the main determinants that will have a decisive impact on international agricultural trade in the future. It has been established that as a result of international trade, global demand for agricultural land has decreased, and imports are increasingly used by developing countries to solve food security problems. It is shown that geopolitical restrictions and climatic shocks are a key factor influencing global supply chains and changing patterns of international trade in agricultural raw materials and food. The uncertainties that have arisen make it difficult to adequately forecast global flows of agricultural exports and imports, while the current agricultural policies of countries around the world remain virtually unchanged. In prospective studies of international agricultural trade, considerable attention should be paid to issues of supply stability.

Synthesis and Application of Biodegradable Cellulose Hydrogels From Sunflower Husks as a Water‐Retaining Material in Agriculture

ABSTRACTThe water shortage is currently a major problem for agriculture around the world, and this, in turn, can negatively impact food safety. Therefore, in this article, acrylamide monomer (AAm) was bound by the cross‐linking agent N, N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA) in amounts of 10, 15, and 20 mg along with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtained from sunflower seed husk (SFH) and a biodegradable hydrogel in the soil layer with high sorption capacity was synthesized. As a result of the study, the AAm monomer found to be attached to the MCC matrix via intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The kinetics of swelling of the obtained hydrogels in aqueous, electrolytic and water‐ethanol, water‐acetone binary solutions at various amounts of cross‐linking agent were comparatively studied, and it was found that the water sorption potential of the natural polymer—MCC‐based hydrogel (MCC hydrogel)—is high at pH = 6.5 and corresponds to the pH of the soil environment. The study showed that the synthesized hydrogel is optimal when using 10 mg of a cross‐linking agent, has mechanical strength, withstands pressure up to 27 MPa, completely decomposes at 796°C, and has good thermal stability. It has been established that the pore sizes of hydrogel with 10 mg of cross‐linking agent lie within the range of 313.9 nm‐den 3.41 μm and belong to mesoporous materials, where the degree of swelling is 1176%. The MCC hydrogel was saturated with water from the soil within 5 days and collapsed within 35 days, releasing the absorbed water back into the soil, losing 66% of its mass and undergoing biological decomposition. These properties of MCC hydrogel allow it to be used as a “water‐retaining material” in agriculture.

USING RETROSPECTIVE DATA TO ASSESS THE UNCERTAINTY OF INDICATORS OF BIOLOGICAL SAFETY OF FOOD AND FEED RAW MATERIALS

The results of the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of retrospective data for the implementation of the evaluation of uncertainty in the measurement of indicators of biological safety of food and feed raw materials are given. The model measurement procedure used quantitative determination of genetically modified organisms by means of polymerase chain reaction in real time 250 measurement results of certified reference material with a content of 0.1% genetically modified soybean line obtained under conditions of intra-laboratory reproducibility and 10 results of relevant inter-laboratory comparisons with the participation accredited provider. The suitability of retrospective data was assessed by the Shapiro-Wilk criterion and statistical controllability analysis using standardized score charts and modified Shewhart charts, uncertainty by 4 methods described in general and branch international guidelines and regulations. The results of using a combination of modified Shewhart maps demonstrate the acceptability of this approach for establishing the suitability of retrospective measurement results as input data for uncertainty assessment. By integrating additional "fitness limits" to a set of standardized control limits, this analysis acquires the ability to simultaneously establish not only stability, through the interpretation of geometric patterns, but also compliance with specific criteria. Using this approach, objective evidence of the suitability of retrospective data for estimating measurement uncertainty was obtained. The distribution of retrospective data obtained under conditions of intralaboratory reproducibility is assumed to be normal. As a result of the assessment of statistical controllability and compliance with the established criteria, objective evidence of the suitability of the data for uncertainty assessment was obtained. Analysis of uncertainty intervals of subgroups with the volume of 25 measurements, using 4 assessment methods, demonstrated significant variability in the results of measuring biological safety indicators. The uncertainty interval could narrow or widen by almost 100% of the value within fifty measurements. Median values obtained using different uncertainty estimation methods were 2.69%, 22.69%, 39.23, and 43.08%. This variability is due to the limited coverage of sources of uncertainty, which is inherent in each of the analyzed methods. The most optimal method is the evaluation based on the routine measurement of the certified reference material. Retrospective results of routine measurement of certified reference material and interlaboratory comparisons are an effective source of input data for assessing the uncertainty of the results of measuring biological safety indicators of agricultural raw materials. There is a need for further research to establish an assessment model that will provide an opportunity to take into account the optimal number of influential sources of uncertainty that are inherent in biological systems and cannot be simultaneously taken into account using existing approaches offered by standard assessment methods.

High keratinase and other types of hydrolase activity of the new strain of Bacillus paralicheniformis.

Keratinases, a subclass of proteases, are used to degrade keratin thereby forming peptones and free amino acids. Bacillus paralicheniformis strain T7 was isolated from soil and exhibited high keratinase, protease, collagenase, amylase, xylanase, lipase, and phosphatase activities. Keratinases of the strain showed maximum activity at 70°C and pH 9.0 as well as high thermal stability. A mass-spectrometric analysis identified seven peptidases with molecular masses of 26.8-154.8 kDa in the secretory proteome. These peptidases are members of S8 and S41 serine peptidase families and of M14, M42, and M55 metallopeptidase families. Additionally, α-amylase (55.2 kDa), alkaline phosphatase (59.8 kDa), and esterase (26.8 kDa) were detected. The strong keratinolytic properties of the strain were confirmed by degradation of chicken and goose feathers, which got completely hydrolyzed within 4 days. Submerged fermentation by strain B. paralicheniformis T7 was carried out in a pilot bioreactor, where the highest keratinase production was noted after 19 h of cultivation. After the fermentation, in the culture fluid, the keratinase activity toward keratin azure was 63.6 ± 5.8 U/mL. The protease activity against azocasein was 715.7 ± 40.2 U/mL. The possibility of obtaining enzyme preparations in liquid and powder form was demonstrated, and their comparative characteristics are given. In the concentrate, the keratinase, protease, α-amylase, phosphatase, and esterase/lipase activities were 2,656.7 ± 170.4, 29,886.7 ± 642.9, 176.1 ± 16.3, 23.9 ± 1.8, and 510.9 ± 12.2 U/mL, respectively. In the lyophilizate, these activities were 57,733.3 ± 8,911.4, 567,066.7 ± 4,822.2, 2,823.0 ± 266.8, 364.2 ± 74.8, and 17,618.0 ± 610.3 U/g, respectively. In the preparation obtained by air flow drying at 55°C, these activities were 53,466.7 ± 757.2, 585,333.3 ± 4,277.1, 2,395.8 ± 893.7, 416.7 ± 52.4, and 15,328.1 ± 528.6 U/g, respectively. The results show high potential of B. paralicheniformis strain T7 as a producer of keratinases and other enzymes for applications in agricultural raw materials and technologies for processing of keratin-containing animal waste.

Identification and characterization of Morganella morganii strain YC12-C3 and Enterococcus faecalis strain YC12-C10 and elucidation of its deoxynivalenol-degrading potential.

Deoxynivalenol ( DON) is one of the most harmful mycotoxins in food or feed or Traditional Chinese Medicine. An efficient and applicable method for the detoxification of DON is urgently developed. 1152 strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of crucian. Morganella morganii YC12-C3 and Enterococcus faecalis YC12-C10 were screened with the highest degradation rate of DON via HPLC methods. The optimal degradation condition of YC12-C3 and YC12-C10 is co-cultured 24 h and 36 h at 28 ℃ in LB medium with pH 7 and 1.0% inoculation dosage, respectively. LC-MS/MS and 1H NMR results show that YC12-C10 and YC12-C3 can transform DON to 3-deoxy-6-demethanol-DON, a new metabolite biotransformed from DON, by deoxidization at C3 hydroxy and de-methanal reaction at methanol moiety of C6. In addition, the DON-degradation in agricultural material assay showed that YC12-C10 and YC12-C3 can degrade 150 μg·kg-1 DON in Coix lacryma-jobi, with a degradation rate of 68.89% and 59.94%, respectively. This result shows that YC12-C10 and YC12-C3 have a sound efficiency in removing DON ability in Coix lacryma-jobi, providing a new strain resource and application technique for biological detoxification of DON in food or feed or TCM industry.

Do Teachers Still Teach Agriculture in Rural Areas? Students' Perceptions Towards Agricultural Material in School and Its Correlation with Students’ Interest in Farming in Rural Areas

Do Teachers Still Teach Agriculture in Rural Areas? Students' Perceptions Towards Agricultural Material in School and Its Correlation with Students’ Interest in Farming in Rural Areas

Russian wheat export to African countries at the present stage: key development features, challenges and opportunities

The Russian Federation traditionally remains one of the most important producers and suppliers of wheat on the world market of agricultural raw materials and food. The countries of the African continent, on the contrary, form the largest group of importers and consumers of this product. The purpose of the article is to identify the main trends in the dynamics of Russian wheat exports to African countries at the present stage, as well as to identify the key features of this aspect of trade relations between the parties. The article examines the dynamics and features of export-import relations between the Russian Federation and African countries in the field of international wheat trade through the prism of food security theory. The paper presents an analysis of numerical indicators of wheat production in Russia and its exports to African countries in comparison with indicators of total supplies to the world market, identifies specific features of Russian exports focused on supplies to the African region, and concludes that Russia needs to expand its participation in ensuring food security in the Global South. The source base is statistical materials containing numerical indicators of wheat production and trade by countries and regions of the world, published by international organizations (FAO, International Trade Center, UNCTAD/WTO), national executive authorities, their subordinate institutions and the Bureau of Statistics (Rosstat, USDA); as well as analytical and information and news publications on the topic.

Sugarcane Bagasse Based Adsorbents and their Adsorption Efficacy on Removal of Heavy Metals from Nakuru Industrial Wastewater: Optimization, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Aspects

Currently, researchers are seeking to reduce heavy metal contamination from the environment, using agricultural waste materials like rice husk, groundnuts shells among others. The study focused on the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solutions and Nakuru industrial wastewater using sugarcane bagasse (NSCB) and valorised bagasse ash (VSCB), as alternative low-cost agricultural waste bio-sorbents. To achieve this goal, sugarcane bagasse was collected from Nzoia sugar industry in western Kenya, while the valorised bagasse was obtained by heating sugarcane bagasse sample in a muffle furnace at 300°C for three hours. Furthermore, batch adsorption studies were performed, and the effects of several factors, i.e. adsorbent particle size, pH, contact time, initial heavy metal ions concentration and temperature were investigated to optimise the removal efficiency of Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Cr. The optimal adsorption conditions were pH of 5.0, adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g and ≤ 150µm particle size, equilibrium time of 60 minutes and at 25 degrees Celcius. The removal kinetics of the metal ions onto both adsorbents fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model. The removal kinetics of the metal ions onto both adsorbents fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption of Pb2+ and Ni2+ onto NSCB fitted better with the Freundlich isotherm model, while Cd2+, Cu2+ and Cr3+ showed better fit for the Langmuir isotherm model. As for VSCB adsorbent, Cr3+ has a better fit with the Langmuir isotherm model whereas Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ fitted well on the Freundlich isotherm model. Freundlich constant’s (1/n) values and the separation factor (RL) from the Langmuir isotherm model indicate that the metal ions were favourably adsorbed onto the adsorbents. Langmuir isotherm model was used to estimate the maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) for Cu(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Cr(III). The negative free energy change (∆G) values revealed that adsorption process of the metal ions onto NSCB and VSCB was spontaneous. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for characterization studies. Interactions with metal ions caused the frequencies of the active functional groups, –OH, C=O and C=C, on the bio-sorbent surfaces to shift to higher values. Therefore, sugarcane bagasse and valorised bagasse have demonstrated higher potential to remove relatively all selected heavy metals in the industrial wastewater at controlled pH.

Exploring the unintended contribution of soil erosion research to microplastic contamination

The global scientific community, particularly soil erosion researchers, is increasingly recognizing the urgent need to address plastic pollution and the accumulation of microplastics in soil. Human activities such as urban expansion, food packaging, and the use of agricultural materials have driven a significant rise in microplastic contamination. The problem is compounded by the difficulty, expense, and time-intensive nature of analyzing soil erosion samples to accurately identify microplastic types, sources, and their effects. Soil erosion, while naturally shaping landscapes like hillslopes, deltas or river valleys, has evolved into a critical issue due to human-induced changes, threatening fertile agricultural zones and areas prone to landslides, with serious economic and human consequences. While validated methods exist to quantify soil erosion, runoff, and pollutant concentrations, these techniques inadvertently introduce microplastics into the environment by plastic materials during sampling, transport, and lab analysis. This not only skews historical and current data on microplastic levels in soils but also alters natural soil conditions around research plots. To address these challenges, this paper advocates for the refinement of measurement techniques to minimize contamination, a reassessment of current methodologies, and a concerted effort to reduce human impact on soil health, thereby safeguarding a critical natural resource.

Agricultural raw materials, information and communications technology and service exports on economic growth in twenty Sub-Saharan countries: A panel vector error correction model approach

Agricultural raw materials, information and communications technology and service exports on economic growth in twenty Sub-Saharan countries: A panel vector error correction model approach

Effect of toughening agent and flame‐retardant additives on the recycled polypropylene/oil palm empty fruit bunch laminated composites

AbstractThe increasing awareness of the environmental problems caused by the use of plastics has led to a demand for sustainable materials. The concept of turning waste into wealth has been considered in the study where the waste materials are value‐added into new composite materials that are recyclable, durable, and fire‐resistant. This effort aims to meet global environmental goals and the demand for high‐performance and sustainable building materials. The purpose of this current study is to develop laminated composites based on the combination of recycled plastic and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). The addition of various loading of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and 6 wt% of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) in the formulation was considered to enhance the performance of the composite laminates. The rPP and additives were compounded using a two‐roll mill. Then the rPP sheet and OPEFB were laminated using compression molding techniques. Results showed that rPP with addition of 30 wt% APP and 6 wt% EVA exhibited the highest thermal stability and the lowest melt flow index (MFI) value compared to other samples. Composites with 20 wt% APP and 6 wt% EVA showed 56% increase in flexural properties and 33% increase in impact strength compared to that of rPP/OPEFB composite sample without EVA. Addition of 30 wt% in recycled PP and OPEFB demonstrated self‐extinguished properties when exposed to fire compared to other samples. These findings indicated that rPP/OPEFB laminated composites with the addition of APP and EVA have a potential to be used in applications that require good strength and fire performance. The use of rPP/OPEFB composites with addition of APP and EVA has a potential to reduce virgin plastic consumption and agriculture material waste and establishing an environmentally friendly material for construction sector.Highlights Additives included in recycled PP enhance its thermal stability and reduce MFI. Recycled PP with OPEFB composite self‐extinguished at 30 wt% APP. The highest flexural strength is shown by composite laminates with 20 wt% APP and 6 wt% EVA. rPP/OPEFB laminates are ideal for building materials.

The role of rice husk in Oreochromis niloticus safety enhancement by bio-adsorbing copper oxide nanoparticles following its green synthesis: an endeavor to advance environmental sustainability

Lowering nanoparticles (NPs) toxicity before discharge into aquatic environments and employing agricultural waste materials for environmental sustainability are necessary nowadays. Since this has never been done, this work examines how green CuO NPs treated with rice husk (RH) as a bio-adsorbent may be safer for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) than chemically manufactured ones. So, five groups of fish were randomly placed in glass aquaria. One group was a control, and four groups received 50 mg/L green and chemically produced CuO NPs (GS and CS) with and without RH for 24, 48, and 96 h. RH was collected from all groups, and the results showed GS-CuO NPs had a greater adsorptive capacity than CS-CuO NPs after all time intervals. After analyzing fish indicators in all groups compared to the control, higher Cu bioaccumulation was exhibited in the liver and gills. The liver and gills showed elevated levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), while the levels of glutathione reduced (GSH) were significantly lower. In addition, Cu exposure impaired liver and gill histology. Finally, our results indicated that using RH as an adsorbent for CuO NPs after their green synthesis instead of chemical synthesis before they enter the aquatic environment can enhance the overall health of fish and environmental sustainability.

Investigating the feasibility of agro-waste briquettes as a sustainable energy source in Borno state Nigeria as pathways for post-conflict and instability recovery

The growing energy demand and lack of access to clean energy sources call for the development of more energy for cooking in households, briquettes produced using agricultural materials and related biomass have the capacity for utilization as an energy source. This study aims to introduce briquettes as an alternative energy source for cooking within conflict-affected communities in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, where factors relating to the high cost of charcoal, security constraints, and the environmental impact of tree cutting have sparked apprehension and raised concerns. The study demonstrates the likelihood of adopting briquettes as a cooking fuel alternative in communities recovering from insurgency. Using assessment tools such as household surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), involving a total of 536 questionnaires administered to respondents; KII was administered to 37 respondents and 9 FGDs with cooperatives and dealers in traditional fuel were conducted. From the results 73% of the community relies on charcoal as their primary fuel source, since the majority (68.7%) appeared to be low-income households, 24.1% reported that the high cost of charcoal is a major hindrance to continued usage. However, despite the communities showing potential in briquettes, only 3.7% are aware of briquettes as an alternative option for cooking energy indicating the adoption of briquettes being low in the region. A situational assessment was carried and sensitization strategies were recommended as means to enhance livelihoods and build resilience within the community.

Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD & RSM and 50% IRg—PRD & PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg & CRSM and 75% IRg & CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg & UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg & CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.

Effects of Organic Agricultural Materials and Cultivation Methods on the Control of Ginger Rhizome Rot Disease and Growth in Organic Ginger Farming

Effects of Organic Agricultural Materials and Cultivation Methods on the Control of Ginger Rhizome Rot Disease and Growth in Organic Ginger Farming

Exploration of the optimal low-carbon peanut rotation system in South China

CONTEXTPeanut is an important economic and oil crop that has the potential to contribute to low-carbon agriculture. However, there is scarcity of comprehensive evaluations regarding the impact of various peanut rotation systems and their contribution to low-carbon agriculture. OBJECTIVEThe research aims to comprehensively evaluate the contribution of peanut rotation systems to low-carbon agriculture in South China, and expected to explore the optimal low-carbon peanut rotation system in this area. METHODSThree cropping patterns were compared over a four-year experimental period: wheat–peanut (W-P) rotation, rape–peanut (R-P) rotation, and peanut monocropping (MP), under two types of initial fields (paddy and dryland). The carbon footprint (CF), product carbon footprint (PCF), carbon sequestration, food carbon cost (FCC), soil carbon characteristics, net economic benefit, and ecosystem service values of C sequestration of three rotation ecosystems were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur findings reveal that R-P, WP, and MP had total CFs of 1.788, 3.882, and 1.096 t CO2-eq·hm−2, respectively. Agricultural material input, particularly N fertilizer, was the primary CF contributor. R-P had higher carbon sequestration amount and efficiency than WP. Notably, dryland-initial fields of both R-P and WP had higher carbon sequestration efficiency (71.1 % and 17.6 % higher, specifically). Our soil carbon analysis indicates that both plant residue quality and initial field type influence C sequestration. While WP had the highest PCF (0.552 t CO2-eq t−1) and FCC of protein (3.428 kg CO2-eq·kg−1), fat (3.791 kg CO2-eq·kg−1), and energy (0.135 kg CO2-eq·1000 kcal−1), R-P showed the highest net income (3333.3 US$·hm−2) and higher ecosystem service value of C sequestration (−5.6 US$·hm−2). Furthermore, our findings reveal that common crop rotations in South China have higher CFs than the tested peanut-based systems. Therefore, R-P rotation is the most suitable system for low-carbon agriculture in the research area among these three rotations due to its lower carbon cost and higher economic benefits. And the advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties of different low-carbon agricultural indicators have also been analyzed. SIGNIFICANCEOur study would contribute to exploring agroecosystems management ways and methods to mitigation climate change and provide references for the establishment of evaluation criteria for low-carbon agriculture.

Structure optimization for the discharge arm of the self-propelled forage harvester based on CFD-DEM

To optimize the structure of the discharge arm of the self-propelled harvester and improve the harvesting efficiency to reduce the loss, we first established a mathematical model of the gas-solid two-phase of the forage in the unloading process. Next, we revealed the flow characteristics of forage and the influence of key structures of the discharge arm using the CFD-DEM. Then, we optimized the key structural parameters of the discharge arm using the orthogonal test and response surface method. Finally, we carried out the simulation and field experiment on the forage conveying performance of the discharge arm. The experimental results show that the maximum conveying distance of the new discharge arm is more than 27 m, significantly reducing the spraying loss and improving the harvesting efficiency. Our research findings provide a new reference for optimizing the agricultural material conveying machines and exploring the movement characteristics of agricultural materials in different pipelines.

Taguchi-based grey relational analysis for multi-response optimization of the characteristics of HRAMMCs reinforced with agro-waste and SiC produced by ultrasonic-assisted bottom pour two-stage stir casting

Abstract This study aims to examine the impact of agricultural waste materials—specifically silicon carbide (SiC) and palm sprout shell ash (PSSA)—on the mechanical properties, including density, porosity, tensile strength, compression strength, impact strength, and hardness, as well as the tribological behavior of Al-Cu-Mg alloy-based HRAMMCs. Parametric optimization was conducted on HRAMMCs to predict the effect of input constraints on the performance of the composite, considering the weight percentage of SiC, PSSA, and ultrasonic-assisted stirring time. Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array was used for the design of experiments (DOE), and the composites were fabricated accordingly. Their physical, mechanical, and tribological properties were determined experimentally. Taguchi-based Grey Relational Analysis for multi-optimization highlighted the potential of the HRAMMCs, with a density of 2.545 g cm−3, porosity of 5.810%, ultimate tensile strength of 341 MPa, flexural strength of 321 MPa, compressive strength of 394.016 MPa, Vickers hardness of 136.883 HV, wear rate of 6.88E-12 m3 m−1, and a coefficient of friction of 0.397. ANOVA shows that the developed mathematical model is a better fit for examining the impact of various factors on the GRG of and corresponding properties of developed HRAMMCs, Indicating the R2 value of the developed model is 99.33% (0.9933). The 2 wt% SiC, 2 wt% PSSA, and a stirring time of 7 min are optimal parameters for the present HRAMMCS; to reduce porosity, wear loss, and the coefficient of friction while increasing, ultimate tensile strength, compressive strength, and Vickers microhardness. Moreover, the examination of the tensile and impact fracture surfaces and worn surfaces was carried out using SEM analysis of the alloy and composite produced under the optimal experimental conditions. The results of the fracture surface analysis indicated that the failure of both tensile and impact fractures was due to an amalgamation of ductile and brittle behaviors. The composites exhibited lower ductility than that of the base alloys. A study of the wear mechanism revealed that it was a mixture of adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms. The SiC and PSSA ceramic reinforcements demonstrate higher hardness compared to the alloy, which restricts the fluid-like movement of the matrix. When these reinforcements were added to the alloy, they substantially decreased the occurrence of severe delamination and the formation of adhesive wear particles.

The Impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War on the International Sovereign Debt Market: The Role of Trade Channel

The paper quantifies the impact of the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war on sovereign bond yields for 58 countries. Our findings based on event study methodology and multivariate cross-sectional regression analysis highlight the salient role of trade channel in shaping the markets’ reaction to the hostilities. The uptick in yields was higher in countries with a greater share of agricultural raw materials imports from Ukraine. No other persistent cross-geography differences in market reactions were found. The strength of the reaction was contingent on the individual countries’ macroeconomic conditions. The post-event cumulative abnormal returns exhibited a positive associative link with the baseline inflation in the studied countries pointing to the inflationary pressure portended by the outbreak of war. No statistically significant links between the ex ante situation on the labor market and the subsequent bond market reaction were observed. At the outset of hostilities, the dynamics of yields were driven by the perceived likelihood of escalation, while at later stages, the trade channel appears to have shaped the market response. The paper provides insights into the factors shaping the spillover effects of the war on fixed-income markets and quantifies the speed of market adjustment in response to an external shock.

Characterization of extracted alpha cellulose from Manihot esculenta (cassava) peels as formulation aid for paracetamol tablet

Background: Alpha-cellulose as a pharmaceutical excipient can be employed as a binding agent in tablet formulation. Cassava peels husk are waste agricultural material and is being investigated for its α-cellulose for use in oral solid pharmaceutical formulation. Purpose: The objective of this study is to extract α-cellulose from cassava peels agro-industrial waste using a standard method, subject the extracted cassava peels cellulose and determine its phytochemical and physicochemical properties of formulated granules of paracetamol. Methods: Alpha-cellulose from cassava peel was extracted using alkali method. The fresh peels were prepared, milled into slurry and de-watered to obtain a coarse wet material, dried, milled and sieved to obtain very fine powdered particles. Phytochemical analysis and characterization of extracted α-cellulose powder were determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), and x-ray diffractogram (XRD) analysis of extracted cassava peel cellulose were done. Paracetamol granules was prepared by wet granulation using varying concentrations of the binders. Results: DSC and XRD results revealed a semi-crystalline material with amorphous and crystalline regions. while the SEM showed a lumpy structure and reticular shape. Pre-compression evaluations of the formulated batches of paracetamol granules showed that cassava peels cellulose (CPC) have similar flow properties with those of microcrystalline cellulose BP (MCC) and acacia BP (ACA) powders respectively. The granules have free flow properties with average angles of repose (CPC ≤ 27.60 MCC < 26.90 and ACA ≤ 25.60), compressibility index (CPC ≤ 25, MCC ≤ 23 and ACA ≤ 21.7%), Hausner’s ratio (CPC ≤ 1.32, MCC ≤ 1.31, and ACA ≤ 1.27) respectively. Conclusion: The extracted cassava peel α-cellulose was found ideal as pharmaceutical excipient binder in oral solid dosage forms.