Production Performance Research Articles

Layered deposited MoS2 nanosheets on acorn leaf like CdS as an efficient anti-photocorrosion photocatalyst for hydrogen production

Photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting is an appealing technology to alleviate the escalating fossil fuel energy crisis. The advancement of visible-light-driven hydrogen production systems is a crucial aspect of hydrogen research. In this study, we successfully synthesized a unique acorn leaf-like CdS/MoS2 material via a hydrothermal method, with layered deposited MoS2 nanosheets, for driving hydrogen generation under illumination. By systematically varying the sodium molybdate concentration, We looked into how the MoS2 affected the optical properties and photocatalytic performance of the acorn-leaf-like CdS/MoS2.Under illumination, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of the acorn leaf-like CdS/MoS2 reached 70.05 mmol·g−1·h−1 (at a catalyst dosage of 10 mg), which is approximately 330 times higher than the unmodified CdS original material. It was determined that the apparent quantum yield at 450 nm was 2.104 %, corresponding to a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 9.383 %. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MoS2 nanosheets function as co-catalysts and electron acceptors, effectively promoting electron transfer and the separation of photogenerated charge carriers from CdS, thereby consequently enhancing the kinetics of surface hydrogen evolution. This work offers valuable insights into the development of efficient photocatalysts with anti-photocorrosion properties for sustainable hydrogen production.

Addition of S-servicia Dry Yeast at Different Densities and its Effect in Some Productive Traits of Quail

Background: Dry yeast is considered a food additive that is used as a probiotic. In this study, it was added to the diet of quails that were raised at different densities to enhance growth and raise production performance, especially with the high density of birds per unit area. Methods: This research was conducted in the field of poultry production, College of Agriculture and Forestry/University of Mosul, (50 days) to study the effect of adding yeast in concentrations of (0, 2, 4, 6) gram/liter of drinking water with three densities of breeding (56, 72, 88) birds/m2 for the purpose of identifying the productive performance and some characteristics that are related to egg production for quail birds. Result: Statistical analysis showed that: - Average body weight, weight gain and feed consumption increased significantly with increasing the density, while the feed conversion factor decreased with the increase of egg mass at a density of 72 birds/m2. From the other hand, the egg weight increased significantly at the density of 88 birds/m2. - Body weight and weight gain increased significantly with increasing the amount of the yeast added and the consumed feed decreased with the improvement in the feed conversion factor. Moreover, there was a significant increase in egg mass, both of the weight of egg, yolk, albumin, shell, egg length, height of yolk and albumin. - The combination 72 bird/m2 +4 gm yeast gave the best body weight, weight gain, egg mass, while the conversion factor decreased with the addition of yeast for all densities in addition to a significant increase in the weight of each of egg, yolk, albumin and the shell. The feed consumption increased significantly in the density 88 bird /m2 with different concentrations of yeast addition.

The Relationship Between Body Weight and Growth Hormone Gene Polymorphism in Indigenous Turkeys of Nigeria

The candidate gene approach is a valuable tool for improving breeding programs, particularly in poultry, by identifying traits for enhanced production performance. This study investigates the growth hormone (GH) gene as a potential determinant of body weight in Nigerian indigenous turkeys. DNA was extracted from 60 twelve-week-old turkeys using blood samples, and a 466bp DNA fragment was amplified via PCR with primers designed from chicken sequences. The PCR product underwent Msp1 restriction enzyme digestion and was visualized on a 1.5% agarose gel. Genotypes associated with body weight were assessed using a General Linear Model. The GH/Msp1 locus revealed Two alleles (A and G) and three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG), with allele G being predominant. Genotype AG had the highest frequency (0.55), followed by AA (0.42), and GG had the lowest frequency (0.03). However, the least square means analysis showed that the polymorphism in the GH gene of the studied population was not significantly associated with body weight (p> 0.05). Nonetheless, the polymorphic nature of the GH gene in Nigerian turkeys suggests potential for further exploration in quantitative traits.

Co-inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth promoting bacteria improves plant growth and yield of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus scolymus)

The setting up of innovative fertilization techniques is increasingly needed to face the environmental issues caused by intensive agricultural activities. In this regard, amalgaming minerals and microbial inoculants is a valid agricultural technology. Co-inoculation with combined preparations of microorganisms is known to be more effective than single microorganisms in improving plant growth and production. Therefore, two field experiments were carried out in this work to evaluate the effects of co-inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) on globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) growth and productive performances under organic and conventional farming. AMF-PGPB co-inoculation increased aboveground biomass and head yield. These improvements were higher when globe artichoke was preceded by a faba bean minor ‒ common vetch mixture than durum wheat. No relevant differences were observed when combining AMF-PGPB co-inoculation with conventional or half fertilization. Such findings proved that AMF-PGPB co-inoculation might be an efficient agronomic technique to sustainably improve plant growth and yield of organically- and conventionally-cultivated globe artichokes while at the same time reducing the fertilization rates.

The importance of core for carbonate reservoir evaluation: a case study from the Barra Velha Formation, Santos Basin, Brazil

Abstract The lacustrine carbonates of the Barra Velha Formation are a prolific hydrocarbon reservoir in the Santos Basin, Brazil. In many fields, they comprise decimetre- to metre-scale cycles composed of laminated calcimudstones, spherulite and shrub-dominated facies. However, locally these cycles are replaced by decametre packages of re-worked shrub grainstone/rudstone/breccia and in situ shrub framestone with significant (>30°) depositional dips. The latter could be interpreted in several ways (e.g. fault-block highs, carbonate mounds), but the integration of seismic, borehole image log and whole-core datasets converge on a model of aggrading carbonate mounds which developed in or marginal to a lake setting. The core datasets in this study demonstrate a distinctive depositional fabric within the carbonate mounds. From a production geology standpoint, the crucial difference between mound- and cyclothem-dominated successions is their permeability architecture. Cyclothem-dominated intervals show prominent and laterally continuous, decimetre-scale vertical matrix permeability variations. Mound-dominated intervals lack fine-scale palaeo-horizontal layering and exhibit a greater prevalence of irregular, centimetre-scale conduits and higher vertical permeability. This difference can only be reliably characterized via the integration of whole-core samples with other datasets and has a significant quantified impact on sweep and production performance.

Na-doped Li4SiO4 as an efficient sorbent for low-concentration CO2 capture at high temperature: Superior adsorption and rapid kinetics mechanism

Lithium silicate (Li4SiO4) sorbent has garnered attention in CO2 capture due to its high theoretical adsorption capacity and fast kinetics. However, its adsorption capacity and kinetics were hindered by low CO2 concentration. Improving adsorption performance of Li4SiO4 at low CO2 concentration has become the key to industrial application. In this work, high-activity Na-doped Li4SiO4 with controllable active substance Li3NaSiO4 was achieved. The influences of raw materials ratios on the CO2 adsorption performance were systematically investigated. When RLi/Si=4.05:1 and RNa/Si=0.15:1, the sample exhibited the highest adsorption capacity of 32.28 wt% with an equilibrium time of 29 min, and a superior stable capacity of 31.09 wt% in 15 cycles. Importantly, the double exponential fitting revealed that LiNaCO3 accelerated the ion diffusion rate and real-time adsorption processes showed Li3NaSiO4 expedited surface chemical reaction rate. Based on these, a novel Na2CO3 eutectic doping mechanism was proposed. The active substance Li3NaSiO4, generated through Na doping, along with its product formed from the reaction with CO2, molten LiNaCO3, acted synergistically to improve adsorption performance by accelerating surface chemical reaction rate and ion diffusion rate. Compared with other doped Li4SiO4, the sorbent prepared in this work demonstrated competitive adsorption performance, providing theoretical and technical support for the large-scale production of high-activity Li4SiO4.

Genetic basis of phenotypic convergence in pig terminal sires using pathway-based selection signature detection methods.

The primary purpose of genetic improvement in lean pig breeds is to enhance production performance. Owing to their similar breeding directions, Duroc and Pietrain pigs are ideal models for investigating the phenotypic convergence underlying artificial selection. However, most important economic traits are controlled by a polygenic basis, so traditional strategies for detecting selection signatures may not fully reveal the genetic basis of complex traits. The pathway-based gene network analysis method utilizes each pathway as a unit, overcoming the limitations of traditional strategies for detecting selection signatures by revealing the selection of complex biological processes. Here, we utilized 13 122 398 high-quality SNPs from whole-genome sequencing data of 48 Pietrain pigs, 156 Duroc pigs and 36 European wild boars to detect selective signatures. After calculating FST and iHS scores, we integrated the pathway information and utilized the r/bioconductor graphite and signet packages to construct gene networks, identify subnets and uncover candidate genes underlying selection. Using the traditional strategy, a total of 47 genomic regions exhibiting parallel selection were identified. The enriched genes, including INO80, FZR1, LEPR and FAF1, may be associated with reproduction, fat deposition and skeletal development. Using the pathway-based selection signatures detection method, we identified two significant biological pathways and eight potential candidate genes underlying parallel selection, such as VTN, FN1 and ITGAV. This study presents a novel strategy for investigating the genetic basis of complex traits and elucidating the phenotypic convergence underlying artificial selection, by integrating traditional selection signature methods with pathway-based gene network analysis.

Effect of nonstructural carbohydrates on production performance, rumen metabolism and rumen health in lambs fed with isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete diets.

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) are readily fermentable in the rumen and, are a critical factor while preparing protracted feed for higher animal performance. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete feeds were prepared for this investigation to contain varying levels of nonstructural carbohydrates viz., 40.13 (NSC1), 45.21 (NSC2), 50.00 (NSC3) and 55.85 (NSC4) per cent, respectively. The four isocaloric and isonitrogenous complete feeds were tested in 32 Mecheri ram lambs (around three months of age) in a completely randomised block design (n = 8), and the lambs were fed their respective feed for six months. The study revealed that the increased NSC level in the complete diet increased the body weight and weight gain linearly (P < 0.05). The dietary NSC level affected the dry matter consumption in a quadratic manner (P < 0.05) and the lambs of the NSC4 group consumed significantly (P < 0.05) less DM compared to other dietary groups. The overall average feed conversion efficiency differed significantly (P < 0.05) among dietary groups. The correlation between dietary NSC level and faecal score was quadratic (r2 = 62.7, P < 0.05). The rumen pH, total nitrogen and NH3-N concentration were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) and the molar proportion of total short-chain fatty acids and propionic acid were increased (P < 0.05). The energy loss expressed as methane production was significantly (P < 0.01) lower for the high NSC diet-fed lambs. The lambs fed on a low NSC diet had significantly (P < 0.05) lower carcass weights, dressing percentage and loin eye area. The per cent share of rumen weight in the total fore stomach and the rumen papillae measurements length, width and surface area were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in high NSC diet-fed lambs. Increased levels of NSC in the diet increased (P < 0.05) fat deposition in the internal organs. The saturated fatty acids content in the meat was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered, whereas, the oleic acid and linoleic acid were increased (P < 0.05) as the NSC level increased in the diet. The study revealed that as the level of NSC increased in the complete diet there was a concomitant improvement in the final body weight, ADG and feed efficiency of post-weaned Mecheri lambs. It can therefore be recommended that the complete feed with 50 per cent NSC levels would be optimum to reap maximum returns from fattening Mecheri lambs.

Enhancing environmental performance in biogas production from wastewater-grown microalgae: A life cycle assessment perspective

The production of biogas from microalgae has gained attention due to their rapid growth, CO2 sequestration, and minimal land use. This study uses life cycle assessment to assess the environmental impacts of biogas production from wastewater-grown microalgae through anaerobic digestion within an optimized microalgae-based system. Using SimaPro® 9 software, 3 scenarios were modeled considering the ReCiPe v1.13 midpoint and endpoint methods for environmental impact assessment in different categories. In the baseline scenario (S1), a hypothetical system for biogas production was considered, consisting of a high rate algal pond (HRAP), a settling, an anaerobic digester, and a biogas upgrading unit. The second scenario (S2) included strategies to enhance biogas yield, namely co-digestion and thermal pre-treatment. The third scenario (S3), besides considering the strategies of S2, proposed the biogas upgrading in the HRAP and the digestate recovery as a biofertilizer. After normalization, human carcinogenic toxicity was the most positively affected category due to water use in the cultivation step, accounted as avoided product. However, this category was also the most negatively affected by the impacts of the digester heating energy. Anaerobic digestion was the most impactful step, constituting on average 60.37% of total impacts. Scenario S3 performed better environmentally, primarily due to the integration of biogas upgrading within the cultivation reactor and digestate use as a biofertilizer. Sensitivity analysis highlighted methane yield's importance, showing potential for an 11.28% reduction in ionizing radiation impacts with a 10% increase. Comparing S3 biogas with natural gas, the resource scarcity impact was reduced sixfold, but the human health impact was 23 times higher in S3.

Life cycle assessment of open field sea fennel production in central Italy

Sea fennel is a minor crop of emerging socioeconomic importance in the Mediterranean region. Despite its potential, there has been no assessment of its environmental impacts to support its perceived sustainability for broader promotion. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA), we evaluated the environmental performance of sea fennel production in an open field. A cradle-to-farm gate assessment was conducted using a functional unit (FU) of 1 kg of fresh sea fennel at the farm gate. The system boundaries encompassed the nursery, cultivation, and waste management phases. Primary data was collected from farms in the Marche region of Italy. The environmental impacts were assessed using the Environmental Footprint (EF) 3.0 midpoint life cycle impact assessment method. From the results, the primary hotspot input was plastic mulch, with a relative contribution of over 50% across most impact categories. Increasing the recycling rate from 30% to 70% substantially improved the environmental performance of sea fennels, reiterating the need for further investment in plastic recycling. This study provides insights into the environmental sustainability of sea fennel production. Findings demonstrate that sea fennel cultivation offers a promising path toward sustainable biomass production, underscoring the prospects for its commercial exploitation.

Prospects and current scenario of industry 4.0 in Bangladeshi textile and apparel industry

This study aims to explore the scopes and challenges, rank the challenges, and provide strategic solutions for adopting Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) in Bangladesh's textile and apparel industry. A random survey was administered to a total of 142 factories in Bangladesh. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis were used in this study. The survey includes questions on important study variables, such as big data, smart factories, cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), interoperability, textile production, and industry performance. The Variable Destination Multiple Access (VDMA) Model has been adopted to design the questionnaire, focusing on qualitative and quantitative questions. The survey dataset was investigated through SmartPLS 4.0 by normality and confirmatory tests. Likert scale data have been analyzed through IBM SPSS software version 26.0 by the exploratory factor analysis method to rank the IR 4.0 adoption variables. Analysis of the survey data indicates the level of adoption of Industry 4.0 in terms of organizational strategy, investment, infrastructure, IT (Information Technology), Ready Made Garments (RMG) skilled workers, smart operations, and smart factories. The study shows that the variable “Review of the strategy using indicators” got the highest ranking in the external factor, 0.791. This clearly indicates that strategy formulation is the topmost priority among other IR 4.0 adoption variables. Consequently, “digital integration” got the lowest loading at 0.620, as IR 4.0 digital technology adoption is very low. The overall maturity level for IR 4.0 adoption in the Bangladesh textile and apparel industry is 1.91 on a 5-point scale, indicating a low adoption level. This study can help concerned policymakers and industrialists who want to implement Industry 4.0 in the textile and RMG sectors to stay competitive in the global market. Alongside this study, it also summarizes the IR 4.0 adoption level in 9 broad categories.

Investigating the effect of climate factors on fig production efficiency with machine learning approach.

This study employs a machine learning approach to investigate the impact of climate change on fig production in Turkey. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is used to analyze production performance and climate variable data from 1988 to 2023. Fig production is a significant component of Turkey's agricultural economy. Therefore, understanding how climate change affects fig production is essential for the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Despite an observed increase in fig production between 2005 and 2020, potential yield may be negatively impacted by climate variables. Identifying the specific climatic factors affecting fig production efficiency remains a challenge. In the study, two different machine learning models are created: one for fig production yield per decare and another for fig production yield per bearing fig sapling. Eight climate variables (16 variables considering day and night values) serve as independent variables in the models. The models reveal that temperature change has the highest impact, with a percentage contribution of 41.30% in the first model and 43.90% in the second model. Thermal radiation (day and night) and 2 m temperature also significantly affect individually fig production. Wind speed, precipitation and humidity contribute to a lesser extent. This study illuminates the intricate interrelationship between climate change and fig production in Turkey. The utilization of machine learning as a predictive tool for future production trends and an instrument for informing agricultural practices is a valuable contribution to the field. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Diet enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids: effect on productive performance, egg quality traits, yolk fatty acid profiles, oxidative stability, blood biochemistry and immune system

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the effects of enriching the diet with Omega-3 fatty acids on the productive performance, yolk fatty acid profiles, oxidative stability, blood biochemistry, and immune system of laying hens. Enriching the diet with Omega-3 improved egg production and FCR (P < 0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total omega-3 fatty acids in the yolk increased linearly with Salomega level (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride decreased, but HDL content increased parallel to the Salomega level in the diet (P < 0.05). The MDA level in the yolk of bird eggs of the 3 or 4% Salomega treatment was higher than the MDA level of the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the enrichment of laying hens’ diet with 3 and 4% salomega can enhance egg production, elevate the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, and decrease the oxidative stability of yolk lipids.

Fast-Curing 3-Layer Particleboards with Lignosulfonate and pMDI Adhesives

Currently, the industrial success of bio-based adhesives remains limited, despite the growing interest in these compounds. One example is the use of lignosulfonates (LS), a byproduct from the pulp and paper industry, which requires long pressing times to ensure proper performance for wood-based panel production. This study successfully manufactured particleboards using a low press factor of 7.5 s/mm, commonly used for conventional urea-formaldehyde resins on a lab scale. To the best of our knowledge, lignin-based particleboards have never been reported using such low press factors. Thus, 3-layer boards were manufactured in which the core layer was bonded with polymeric isocyanate (pMDI), and the surface layers were bonded with LS. Propylene carbonate (PC) was used as a solvent for pMDI to improve adhesive distribution. The optimum amounts of adhesive were determined using response surface methodology: 1.3% pMDI with 2.2% PC in the core layer and 15% LS in the surface layers. These boards obeyed the requirements of standard EN 312 for general-purpose boards for use in dry conditions (type P1). Their formaldehyde content, determined through the perforator method, was equal to that of the wood mix at the maximum value set by IKEA for class E0.5.

Socioeconomic sustainability of agroecological farming: a quantitative analysis of cucurbit crop production in Eastern Central Tanzania

ABSTRACT Agroecological farming emerges among approaches for managing crop pests including the “True” fruit fly (Diptera, Tephritidae). We conducted baseline interviews and field experiments in Eastern Central Tanzania to determine farmers’ perception on the approach and verify its socio-economic performance in cucurbit crop production. The performance of small-scale cucurbit farming in agroecological and conventional agriculture was broadly comparable. Farmers perceived the approach as effective and beneficial over conventional farming and pesticide-based agriculture but constrained by its more elaborate/laborious implementation. Still, agroecological farming significantly lowered the production costs. Therefore small-scale agroecological cucurbit farming in Tanzania represents a viable alternative and promising tool to reduce use of synthetic pesticides that negatively impact human health and the environment.

Effects of essential oils on heat-stressed poultry: A review.

While certain animal species are sensitive to heat stress, poultry particularly modern breeds, are more susceptible to high ambient temperatures. This has major implications for the poultry industry, as heat stress causes large financial losses. These economic losses will probably increase as a consequence of a predicted rise in global temperatures. Heat stress adversely affects various aspects of poultry, including physiological responses, growth and production performance, meat quality, egg quality, and reproductive activities. These effects occur through specific molecular and metabolic pathways. To mitigate the impacts of heat stress, it is crucial to go beyond administrative practices and implement dietary interventions during high ambient temperature. Such interventions aim to optimize the development of stressed bird species in terms of performance, health, and profitability. Essential oils have shown promising in mitigating the negative effects of heat stress and improved antioxidant status, growth and yield performance, as well as meat and egg quality in poultry. They actively participate in certain metabolic and molecular pathways that help to counteract the effects of heat stress. The article discusses the impacts of essential oil supplementation on the relationships between antioxidant enzyme activity, these molecular, and metabolic pathways, as well as various parameters such as growth and yield performance, and product quality heat-stressed poultry.

Effect of various supplements on productive performance of honey bees, in the south Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.

The productivity and well-being of honey bee colonies are greatly influenced by the nutrients present in the hives. A study was conducted to evaluate different supplemental feeds on honey bee productive performance during dearth periods. Thirty colonies were grouped into five (four treatment groups and one control group) and each group contained three sub-groups (2 weak, 2 strong, and 2 very strong). Control groups were not given any supplementation. Treatment diets were T1 (50% sugar syrup + 14% roasted barley powder (beso) + 36% roasted spiced pea powder (Shiro)), T2 (50% powder sugar + 14% white sorghum powder + 36% bakery yeast, T3 (50% powder sugar + 14% white sorghum powder + 36% skimmed milk powder), T4 (50% sugar syrup with infusion of stinging nettle and 1% kerefa + 50% white sorghum powder). Feed was given on the entrance sides. The performance of experimental colonies was measured every 21 days in two phases during the dry season (from 3_2_2021 to 27_4_2021) and the rainy season (from 28-7_2021 to 1_10_2021). Feed intake, space (cm2) of pollen, nectar, and honey in the comb were measured using a frame-sized transparent grid meter. The study revealed significant differences (p<0.0001) in all measured parameters among the various treatments. The diet provided by T4 showed the highest levels of crude protein (18.15%) and carbohydrates (92.15%), whereas the diet presented by T3 had the lowest crude protein content (6.66%) and the diet offered by T1 had the lowest carbohydrate content (61.91%). In general, colonies that received T4 showcased superior performance compared to others. They exhibited a feed intake of 98.3%, a nectar area of 54.3 cm2, a pollen area of 68.7 cm2, a honey area of 311.2 cm2, and a honey yield of 7 kg. Consequently, their net profit amounted to 51.54 USD. On the other hand, the colonies that received T1 had the lowest performance indicators. They demonstrated a feed intake of only 54.7%, a nectar area of 37.6 cm2, a pollen area of 48.8 cm2, a honey area of 254.3 cm2, a honey yield of 2.8 kg, and a net profit of 18.81 USD. The significance of this study was to enable the beekeepers in realizing the effects of feed supplements on the productivity and profitability of honeybee colonies.

Impact of in ovo feeding of grape pomace extract on the growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response of hatched broilers

Delivering natural antioxidants via in ovo feeding holds promise for enhancing the antioxidant status and performance of chickens. Therefore, The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of in ovo feeding during early embryonic development using grape pomace extract as a natural antioxidant on hatchability, productive performance, immune response, and antioxidant status broilers.. A total of 900 fertile broiler eggs from the Arbor Acres strain were utilized. Each egg was individually weighed, with egg weights ranging from 61.88±3 g. On the 17.5th day of incubation (DOI), the fertile eggs were divided into six groups. The first treatment group was untreated and designated as the control (C). The second group was the sham group (Sh), receiving a simulated injection. The third group, designated as the vehicle group (V), was injected with 100 µl of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The fourth group received an injection of 100 µl of grape pomace dissolved in DMSO at a concentration of 2 mg (T2). Similarly, the fifth and sixth groups were injected with 100 µl of grape pomace dissolved in DMSO at concentrations of 4 mg and 6 mg, (T4), (T6) respectively. Subsequently, all groups were raised under uniform conditions in terms of management, environment, and nutrition till five weeks of age. The grape pomace extract (GPE), obtained is rich in total phenolic content (16.07 mg/g), total flavonoid content (7.42 mg/g), and total anthocyanin (8.37 mg/g). GPE has exhibited significant antioxidant properties as evidenced by its effectiveness in DPPH scavenging and reducing power assays. Significant improvements in body weight at hatch were observed with in ovo feeding of grape pomace extract, particularly at the 4 mg level, surpassing the effectiveness of the 2 mg and 6 mg grape pomace levels, and this enhancement in body weight continued until the age of five weeks. GPE injection also led to a significant reduction in cholesterol levels, with the lowest levels recorded for the T4 group. Plasma total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels were significantly elevated in groups treated with T4, T6, and T2 compared to the control group. Conversely, the control group showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The immune response of hatched chicks from grape pomace extract-injected groups, especially the T4 group, exhibited improvement through increased IgM and IgG. These findings demonstrate that in ovo feeding of GPE, particularly at a dosage of 4 mg, enhances growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant status in hatched chicks. Thus, administering natural antioxidants, such as grape pomace extract, to developing broiler embryos via in ovo feeding could serve as a valuable strategy for enhancing the subsequent post-hatch productive performance, as well as bolstering the antioxidant and immunological status of broiler chicks.

Application of the FMECA method on the electro-hydraulic system for drilling machine type NKH45

This article focuses on the implementation of a preventive maintenance strategy, responding to a major challenge: the search for optimization in minimizing downtime of the radial drilling machine (NKH45). Crucially positioned at the heart of the mechanical manufacturing process, this machine holds significant influence on overall production performance and availability. In consideration of the strategic importance of this equipment within the framework of the mechanical manufacturing activity, an advanced methodology, in particular FMECA (Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis), is implemented. FMECA represents one of the most recommended approaches in this context, based on reliability, allowing the meticulous identification of the main causes of functional failures of equipment. FMECA is a risk prevention method. It is used to improve the reliability of a product, a process or even a means of production. It makes it possible to assess the criticality of potential failures in a system. According to the recommendations of the maintenance department of the company specializing in the construction of agricultural equipment, this study will focus on a subsystem of the electro-hydraulic part of the NKH45 radial drilling machine, we use the FMEA Analysis method (Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis). Thanks to this approach, it is possible to identify the main reasons for equipment breakdowns that affect production and to classify these breakdowns in order to develop an optimal maintenance strategy aimed at: reducing the number of breakdowns, preventing breakdowns, improving the preventive maintenance, reduce downtime, improve corrective maintenance, therefore the ultimate objective of this approach is to design an optimal maintenance action plan in order to significantly minimize downtime, which slows down production flow.

AgCo bimetallic cocatalyst modified g-C3N4 for improving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Bimetallic AgCo/g-C3N4 photocatalysts were successfully prepared by a facile chemical reduction method and used to investigate their photocatalytic H2 production performance. Bimetallic AgCo as a cocatalyst can be well matched with g-C3N4, which is beneficial for increasing the number of active reaction sites and narrowing the band gap. A possible photocatalytic mechanism was explored by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, UV–vis DRS, BET, and PL characterization. The photocatalytic H2 production activity of the optimal 5%AgCo/g-C3N4 photocatalyst reached 12994.2 μmoL/g, which was 54.7 times higher than g-C3N4. Owing to the close interfacial contact between bimetallic AgCo and g-C3N4, the transfer distance was shortened, and the photogenerated electron and hole pairs were effectively separated. This study provides a new strategy for the synthesis of excellent H2 production photocatalysts using bimetallic nanoparticles.