Opportunities For Production Research Articles

Hydrogen as an alternative fuel: A comprehensive review of challenges and opportunities in production, storage, and transportation

Hydrogen as an alternative fuel: A comprehensive review of challenges and opportunities in production, storage, and transportation

Artificial intelligence, recessionary pressures and population health.

Economic and labour policies have a considerable influence on health and well-being through direct financial impacts, and by shaping social and physical environments. Strong economies are important for public health investment and employment, yet the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reshape economies, presenting challenges beyond mere temporary market disruption. Generative AI can perform non-routine cognitive tasks, previously unattainable though traditional automation, creating new efficiencies. While this technology offers opportunities for innovation and productivity, its labour-displacing potential raises serious concerns about economic stability and social equity, both of which are critical to health. Job displacement driven by generative AI could worsen income inequality, shrink middle-class opportunities and reduce consumer demand, triggering recessionary pressures. In this article, we propose the existence of an AI-capital-to-labour ratio threshold beyond which a self-reinforcing cycle of recessionary pressures may emerge, and which market forces alone cannot correct. Traditional responses to such pressures, like fiscal stimulus or monetary easing, may be ineffective in addressing structural disruptions to labour markets caused by generative AI. We call for a proactive global response to harness the benefits of generative AI while mitigating risks. This response should focus on reorienting economic systems towards collective well-being, as emphasized in the World Health Assembly resolution Economics of health for all and the United Nations' Global Digital Compact. Integrated strategies that combine fiscal policy, regulation and social policies are critical to ensuring generative AI advances societal health and equity while avoiding harm from excessive job displacement.

Changes in policy and consumer preferences create opportunity for substrate products based on Lake Erie dredged sediments

Abstract Dredging is a usual operation in waterways, often necessary to maintain navigability and economic activity of ports. A recent change in the policy governing dredging operations in Ohio, United States, has pressed the investigation on reuse applications of Lake Erie dredged sediments (LES). From a value chain management perspective, this article explores marketing opportunities for substrate products formulated with LES. A mixed-mode research approach departs from a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with Ohio residents to investigate consumer preferences for hypothetical products that claim to aid Lake Erie’s environmental pressure. It also uses a case study methodology and performs a content analysis of archival records and interviews with members of the regional mulch and substrate industry. Results indicate that consumers are willing to pay for verified sustainability claims involving Lake Erie, although significant preference heterogeneity reduces the accuracy of findings. Qualitative results underscore the need for an overarching value chain marketing program and favor the development of a short chain. Three macro strategies and eleven actionable projects of interest to stakeholders were designed and validated to support LES reutilization and value aggregation. This article demonstrates how DCE and the case study methodology can be combined to examine emerging market-oriented sustainable chains.

Developing and Validating a Video-Based Measurement Instrument for Assessing Teachers’ Professional Vision of Language-Stimulation Interactions in the ECE Classroom

This study reports on the development and validation of a video-based instrument to assess early childhood education (ECE) teachers’ professional vision (PV) of language-stimulation (LS) interactions. PV refers to noticing and reasoning about key classroom interactions, a skill that can be trained and distinguishes experts from novices. The instrument targets the PV of three language-stimulation (LS) strategies: language input (LI), opportunities for language production (OLP), and feedback (FB). The instrument measures noticing through comparative judgement (CJ) and reasoning through multiple-choice items. Construct validity was assessed using the AERA framework, using three samples: a sample of professionals (n = 22), a pre-service teachers’ sample (n = 107), and a mixed sample with in- and pre-service teachers (n = 6). Reliability and validity were confirmed, with strong reliability scores for the CJ master rank orders (SRR: 0.827–0.866). Think-aloud procedures demonstrated that respondents’ decisions during CJ were mainly based on LS-relevant video features. Decisions unrelated to LS require further study. Multiple-choice reasoning items were developed from professionals’ open-ended feedback. Pre-service teacher reasoning scores showed no significant predictors. Using real classroom videos, this instrument provides an ecologically valid, scalable tool for assessing teachers’ professional vision of LS interactions. This validated instrument offers a foundation for professional development programs aimed at addressing the theory–practice gap in early language education.

Development of the structure of a cyberphysical control system for the process of tailored induction heating of a steel billet

The article is devoted to the development of the structure of a cyberphysical control system for the process of zone induction heating, widely used in modern industrial production during the heat treatment of metal products for various purposes. An analysis of the range of products manufactured using induction heat treatment and the advantages of using induction heating systems has shown a wide range of applications of this method of heat treatment in modern production and great opportunities for automation and optimization of processes associated with induction heating of products. This fact indicates the relevance of the development of various kinds of intelligent control systems in relation to the processes of industrial induction heating of metal blanks and semi-finished products. The article describes the induction method of zone heat treatment of metals, its advantages over flame heat treatment methods and the range of products manufactured using it. A description of the billet-inductor system is presented, for which the structure of a cyberphysical control system for the process of zone induction heating has been developed. The technological requirement for the final temperature distribution on the surface of the workpiece and the factors influencing the deviation of the temperature distribution from that required in the process of zone induction heating are considered. A list of possible disturbing influences is given, requirements for the technological process are formulated, control principles are described and, based on this, the structure of the zone induction heating process control system, which belongs to the class of cyberphysical process control systems, is developed.

Efficient Alkaline-Free Electrooxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid using Electrochemically-Charged NixCo1-x(OH)2 as a Redox Mediator.

Converting biomass-derived molecules like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into value-added products alongside hydrogen production using renewable energy offers significant opportunities for sustainable chemical and energy production. Yet, HMF electrooxidation requires strong alkaline conditions and membranes for efficient conversion. These harsh conditions destabilize HMF, leading to humin formation and reduced product purity, meanwhile membranes increase costs. Addressing these challenges, we introduce a two-step, decoupling system that operates without strong alkaline conditions and eliminates the need of membranes. In this system, nickel-cobalt hydroxides serve as effective redox mediators, driving HMF oxidation in pure water. The experimental results showed that Ni0.85Co0.15OOH effectively promotes the dehydrogenation of substrate and achieves a highly efficient oxidation of HMF in pure water, with the selectivity of product 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) approaching 100 %. This system has been expanded to oxidize various substrates, achieving yields exceeding 92 % for the corresponding acids of functionalized compounds such as furfuryl alcohol, furfural, benzyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde. By replacing fixed electrodes with flow electrodes, the scalability of decoupling strategy was evaluated for the harvesting of pure solid FDCA, highlighting the broad prospects in practical applications.

Achievements, challenges and opportunities in hydrogen production from water/seawater splitting using boron-based materials

Achievements, challenges and opportunities in hydrogen production from water/seawater splitting using boron-based materials

Perspective on direct seawater electrolysis and electrodesalination: innovations and future directions for mining green X

This perspective explores seawater electrolysis and electrodeionization, focusing on challenges and opportunities in production of green X.

Characterization of Mulberry Biochar: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

Mulberry, a crop generating substantial residues, presents an opportunity for sustainable biochar production. This study examined the physicochemical properties of biochar made from mulberry residues at different temperatures (250, 300, 350, and 400 °C) during the pyrolysis process. Systematic analysis was done on important physicochemical characteristics-bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and water holding capacity. Every parameter that was examined showed a strong relationship with the pyrolysis temperature. Range of moisture content was found to be from 2.28% to 7.73%, volatile matter from 32.33% to 67.24%, ash content from 2.26% to 9.46%, fixed carbon from 24.77% to 55.93% and water-holding capacity was 68.55% to 92.46%. The 400 °C pyrolysis temperature produced the highest pH and EC values (8.38 and 0.38 dS/m, respectively) and also recorded the highest bulk density (0.67 mg m−3). The resulting biochar’s physicochemical properties proved to be well-suited for improving soil quality and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. However, further studies are necessary to improve the techniques used in the manufacture of biochar and to understand its long-term effects. Additionally, efforts should be made to raise awareness among farmers through various extension activities, such as workshops, training programs, and field demonstrations, to encourage its widespread use in agricultural practices.

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation represent transformative fields that integrate mechanical systems, electronics, and intelligent software to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Robotics involves the design, development, and deployment of machines capable of sensing, decision-making, and executing physical actions. Automation focuses on optimizing processes by employing advanced technologies to increase efficiency, precision, and reliability across industries. Together, these disciplines revolutionize sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and exploration. Emerging trends, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and collaborative robots (cobots), are driving the evolution of robotics and automation, enabling systems to adapt, learn, and operate in unstructured environments. These advancements address critical challenges such as labor shortages, cost reduction, and safety while unlocking opportunities for innovation and productivity. As the integration of robotics and automation deepens, ethical considerations and workforce adaptation remain essential to ensuring equitable and sustainable technological progress

Saccharification and co-fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass by a cockroach-gut bacterial symbiont and yeast cocktail for bioethanol production

BackgroundThe eco-friendly transformation of agro-industrial wastes through microbial bioconversion could address sustainability challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The bulk of agro-industrial waste consists of lignocellulosic materials with fermentable sugars, predominantly cellulose and hemicellulose. A number of pretreatment options have been employed for material saccharification toward successful fermentation into second-generation bioethanol. Biological and/or enzymatic pretreatment of lignocellulosic waste substrates offers eco-friendly and sustainable second-generation bioethanol production opportunities that may also contribute to waste management without affecting food security. In this study, we isolated a promising filamentous bacterium from the guts of cockroaches with commendable cellulolytic activity. The matrices of sequential statistics, from one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) through significant variable screening by Placket-Burman design (PBD) to Box‒Behnken design of a surface methodology (BBD-RSM), were employed for major medium variable modeling and optimization by solid-state fermentation. The optimized solutions were used to saccharify lignocellulose in real time, and the kinetics of reducing sugar accumulation were subsequently evaluated to determine the maximum concentration of sugars extracted from the lignocellulose. The hydrolysate with the highest reducing sugar concentration was subjected to fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Klyuveromyces marxianus and a mixture of both, after which the ethanol yield, concentration and fermentation efficiency were determined.ResultsSequential statistics revealed that rice husk powder, corn cob powder, peptone and inoculum volume were significant variables for the bioprocess at 59.8% (w/w) rice husk powder, 17.8% (w/w) corn cob powder, 38.8% (v/w; 109 cfu/mL) inoculum volume, and 5.3% (w/w) peptone. These conditions mediated maximum cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities of 219.93 ± 18.64 FPU/mL and 333.44 ± 22.74 U/mL, respectively. The kinetics of saccharification of the lignocellulosic waste under optimized conditions revealed two peaks of reducing sugar accumulation between 16 and 32 h and another between 56 and 64 h.ConclusionsAlthough K. marxianus had a significantly greater fermentation efficiency than S. cerevisiae, fermentation with a 50:50 (% v/v) mixture of both yeasts led to 88.32% fermentation efficiency with 55.56 ± 0.19 g/L crude bioethanol, suggesting that inexpensive, eco-friendly and sustainable bioethanol production could be obtained from renewable energy sources.

The Great Indian Budget: Does Migration Influence Household’s Consumption Proportions?

This study employs the two waves (2004–2005 and 2011–2012) of the nationally representative India Human Development Survey (IHDS) to estimate the expenditure gaps (namely, expenditure gaps in food consumption, conspicuous consumption and productive investment) between migrant and non-migrant households. Using propensity score matching and inverse probability weighted regression average, the results indicate that migrant households allocate a lower proportion of their annual household expenditure to food consumption (vis-à-vis the non-migrant households), while allocating higher shares to conspicuous consumption and productive investment. These results vary by whether a loan was sanctioned, the amount sanctioned, the purpose of the loan (productive or otherwise) and the source of the loan (formal or informal channels). The findings propose policy considerations, emphasizing the importance of reassessing loan priorities by extending credit towards productive investment opportunities. This study also explores the consumption spillover effects on non-migrant households, indicating that they emulate the consumption patterns of migrant households by allocating a higher share of expenditure towards conspicuous consumption, with no discernible effect on productive investment.

Approach before alcoholic fermentation of mixtures with syrup in a Cuban distillery

Because of the competition with final molasses in different productions, it is necessary to look for other sources of sugar substrates to obtain ethanol. Streams derived from sugar production, such as final molasses, syrup, or filter juice, contain fermentable sugars, representing an opportunity for ethanol production. This work conducted a preliminary study in the alcoholic fermentation stage using a mixture of filter juice, molasses, and syrup. It also analyzed the feasibility of using syrup as a raw ferment material obtained from low-quality sugarcane. The experimental study was carried out using a 2k-1 experimental design, considering as variables: substrate (molasses or syrup), dilution agent (water and filter juice), and type of acid (H2SO4 and H3PO4), and the response variable was the alcoholic percentage obtained. Syrup, diluted with water using H3PO4, is a viable option when low-quality sugarcane is present, allowing the alcoholic degrees between 5.45 and 5.47%. With filter juice, alcoholic degrees between 5.22 and 5.30% were obtained, which are lower than in other studies with filter juices from sugarcane of adequate quality. The most influential variables were the dilution and acidifying agents in the statistical model obtained using Statgraphics Centurion XV 15.1.0.2 software. Keywords: experiment design; mixture; fermentation; syrup; substrate.

Building a collaborative manufacturing system’s network resilience through an adaptability potential analysis

PurposeThis research aims to investigate how adaptability potential analysis in collaborative manufacturing networks can be used to enhance resilience when addressing innovative production challenges that require change initiatives.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on collaborative adaptive systems showed a lack of solutions to adapt production to an unpredicted product within a network. A framework is proposed for evaluating the adaptability of collaborative networks and providing inter-system adaptation recommendations. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach through an illustrative experimentation involving a cosmetic company seeking to produce a new product, hydroalcoholic gels in the context of collaborative networks.FindingsThe experimentation demonstrates that the adaptability analysis based on ontology can help different manufacturing systems make decisions based on their state and limits of capabilities. Also, our adaptation recommendations may help understand the economic impacts of collaboration for different scenarios before launching.Research limitations/implicationsThe research scope does not extend to the consideration of quantity and operational aspects. Additionally, the reconfigurability aspects within each manufacturing system, such as the reordering of layout sequences, have not been addressed yet.Practical implicationsThe results allow organizations to compare resilience states from an individual and collaborative perspective, enabling them to make informed decisions about new production opportunities and effectively navigate the changing manufacturing landscape.Originality/valueThis research combines capability-based analysis and a collaborative network perspective to streamline decision-making for systems facing new production demands. It provides new insights into effectual decision-making, empowering organizations to skilfully manage unexpected challenges and identify suitable partners accordingly.

ASSESSING THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND TARGETED IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES IN DENPASAR CITY RELATED TO EMISSION REDUCTION

Using an electric motorcycles can contribute to decreasing emissions in the transportation sector. Government policies and various socialization programs have supported the development of electric vehicles. This research was conducted to determine the public perception and implementation of electric motorcycles in Denpasar City. The public perception was obtained through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with related key persons. The statistical analysis of the questionnaire indicated a good category with a score of 3.43. The level of community acceptance was influenced by quieter and environmentally friendly technology, electricity tax subsidies, and lower electric fuel costs. The interview with community and government representatives reinforced the public acceptance finding affected by the intensive public outreach program and a vehicle installment payment scheme. As the result, The implementation target was rated optimistic, with a potential CO2 emission reduction of up to 32,641 tons/year in 2026. All the efforts to implement electric motorcycles in Denpasar City by the goverments have met the requirements to achieve acceptance of perceptions in the people of Denpasar City. This thing’s very important to reaching out the scenario of reducing CO2 emissions by 2026. In addition, it is important to have a more study regarding to the sustainability of the electric motorcycles ecosystem, such as the availability of data sources update from related agencies that show efforts to improve infrastructure by producers, the number of charging station and selling stations, as well as opportunities for domestic production and incentive policies. Keywords: Electric Motorcycles; Emission; Implementation Targets; Level of Acceptance; Public Perception

Efficient genome editing of two-cell mouse embryos via modified CRISPR/Cas electroporation

Creating genetically modified (GM) animals using CRISPR/Cas mediated through the electroporation of two-cell stage embryos, rather than fertilized eggs, holds considerable potential. The full potential of genome editing using two-cell stage embryos is only beginning to be explored. We developed an improved electroporation method to prevent blastomere fusion in two-cell-stage embryos, enabling efficient genome editing. Using this method, we demonstrated that the indel mutation rates and ssODN knock-in (KI) efficiencies in two-cell-stage embryos are comparable to those in fertilized eggs, with a tendency for higher efficiency in long DNA KI. This study highlights the potential value of two-cell-stage embryos and provides enhanced animal model production opportunities. Furthermore, realizing genome editing in two-cell-stage embryos extends the editing timeframe from fertilized egg to two-cell-stage embryo, offering promising avenues for future research in embryo genome editing techniques.

Contribution of fish to food and nutrition security in Southern Africa: challenges and opportunities in fish production.

This study investigated the role of fish in addressing food and nutrition security challenges in Southern Africa, focusing on 10 countries including Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa. It examined the current state of food and nutrition security, fish production, and fish consumption patterns. Additionally, the study investigated the challenges and opportunities to enhance fish production in these countries thereby enhancing food and nutrition security. The findings revealed persistent challenges such as a high prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition throughout the region. Fish production is hindered by overexploitation of fishery resources, inadequate fisheries management, susceptibility to climate-related shocks, limited investments in aquaculture, and inadequate access to input supplies such as quality fish seed and feed. Despite these obstacles, opportunities exist to promote sustainable fish production to enhance food security and nutrition. Countries endowed with extensive coastlines and inland waters exhibit significant potential for fishery development, while landlocked nations are increasingly exploring aquaculture as a viable solution. Addressing the challenges in fish production and capitalizing on opportunities requires comprehensive governance, technological innovation, policy interventions, and investment to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture industries in the region.

Classifying Climate‐Suitable Lands in California for Coffee Cultivation

ABSTRACTIncreased market for specialty coffee and climate volatility in traditional coffee‐growing regions of the world has prompted interest in cultivating coffee outside of the tropics, including in California. While several small coffee farms have established in California over the past couple decade, no studies have identified and quantified climatically suitable regions for growing coffee. We developed a model of Coffea arabica suitability based on agronomic studies of thermal constraints to coffee cultivation, combining heat and cold intolerance with energy requirements for maturation. This model was applied to agricultural lands across California using high‐resolution climate datasets for both modern (1991–2020) and projected near‐term (2021–2050) conditions. We explored the potential for farm thermal management approaches—such as using agroforestry shade trees—to buffer temperature extremes and augment thermal suitability. Results indicate that, in the absence of thermal management approaches, nearly all agricultural lands in the state experience temperature extremes detrimental to coffee cultivation in modern climate. By contrast, we found that over 230 km2 of agricultural land in coastal southern and central California is thermally suitable for coffee with management efforts. These suitable areas include most of the state's avocado cultivation—which may serve as a thermal buffer for coffee and favour the environmental and economic agricultural sustainability of this coupled crop system. We additionally show that projected near‐term climate coupled with management efforts leads to moderate increases in thermally suitable agricultural lands for coffee cultivation. Despite numerous economic and logistical challenges, that impede the growth of a burgeoning coffee region in coastal, southern and central California, we demonstrate that climate conditions in both today and in the future, combined with agronomic management efforts such as shading, provide an opportunity for a viable coffee production in California.

Assessing the Biogas Potential of Slaughterhouse Waste in Tenerife: A Sustainable Approach to Waste Management in an Outermost European Region

The Canary Islands, as an outermost region of Europe with fragmented territory, benefit from an exemption under Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 allowing for animal by-products disposal in landfills. However, this practice has resulted in environmental and economic challenges, including reduced landfill capacity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and missed opportunities for renewable energy production. Specifically, waste management in Tenerife faces significant challenges due to the burgeoning meat production and subsequent waste generation in its primary slaughterhouses. With an average annual production of 5,000 tons of waste, landfill capacity is nearing its limit. This study therefore aims to assess the biogas production potential from slaughterhouse waste in Tenerife and evaluate anaerobic digestion as an alternative approach. Various combinations of viscera, blood, and slaughterhouse sludge from cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, and chickens were analyzed to determine their biogas potential. Results indicate that comprehensive valorization of these wastes could generate 12.86 GWh of energy, equivalent to approximately 20% of the energy consumed in the municipality's industrial sector. Moreover, this approach could reduce emissions by 5.88 Gg of CO2 equivalent and alleviate landfill pressures, thereby mitigating current waste management impacts. Given the region's reliance on imported fuels and limited territorial space, anaerobic digestion presents an environmentally and economically sustainable solution for managing slaughterhouse waste within a closed-loop system.

Sustainable medicines development and use: Challenges and opportunities in the sustainable production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Sustainable medicines development and use: Challenges and opportunities in the sustainable production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.