Production Practices Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence as a Pedagogical Tool for Architectural Design Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing art and design, with tools like ChatGPT, DALL.E, and Midjourney transforming the way designers create visual content from written descriptions. Since its launch, AI-powered systems have sparked widespread interest and expanded production practices in design and artistic creativity. This transition has ushered in a new era of co-authorship, in which human designers and AI systems collaborate to reshape the boundaries of design. The introduction of language-based diffusion models has enabled a harmonic integration of language and visual elements, resulting in creative design paradigms. However, this incorporation of AI raises serious concerns about the cultural and social relevance of AI-generated designs, which may become estranged from human contexts if heavily dependent on algorithms. The representation of architectural knowledge is also evolving, as AI allows for a return to textual and mathematical tools, rather than traditional visual representation methods. This transition creates substantial challenges and possibilities for architectural education, particularly in design studios. The integration of AI into design curricula has the potential to reshape architectural education, necessitating that educators adapt to technology advances. This study investigates these developments, providing insights into the evolving landscape of design pedagogy in the age of AI and contributing to the continuing debate about the role of AI in design and architecture.

Millet Cultivation in North-east Hill Region of India: A Review

The millets are climate resilient, most efficient in use of water, adopted to grown in marginal and sub marginal area, suitably grown in hilly and rainfed area, nutrient dense and having low carbon and water footprint. Considering their significance in present context of agriculture, it is important to know about their region-specific cultivation practices and intervention in it. The North East Hill (NEH) region is known for its diversity in terms of soil and climatic condition as well as crop and plant diversity. The marginal and sub-marginal area with different slope, topography and soil related constraints for production, the millets will be one of the important options for arable crop cultivation. The production practices followed by the farmers and recommended practices were highly diverse due to different agro-climatic condition. At the same time, in several locations production practices were even not developed due to cultivation on very less area with less economic impact at regional or state agriculture. Hence it is informative and knowledge impacting exercise to review the production practices followed and interventions made at institutional and stakeholders level for millets cultivation in NEH region. The present review summarizes the interventions in production practices such as seed and sowing requirement, nutrient, water and weed management as well as insect-pest and disease management in context of NEH region. Besides that, interventions from NEH region at post-harvest and value addition were also discussed in this review. The cost effective and high enumerative interventions in production processes such as substitution of low yielding upland rice cultivation partly or completely with millets, transplanting, fertilization, micronutrient foliar feeding, use of herbicide for weed management and promotion/ up gradation of millets cultivation in new areas (North-East Hill region) are important at production level. The interventions at policy level such as promotion for incorporation of millets in public distribution system, inclusion of millets in school age children diet and different schemes related with supply of nutritious food to children and adolescence are important for NEH region. Increase in diversity of product prepared from millets, initiation of organic seed production of millets, exploring export potential of traditional products prepared from millets to different domestic and international market are important interventions at policy level. At research level, the standardization of production practices for different states in NEH region was initiated and need to be further emphasized rather than using recommendation as it is from other part of India.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield Attributes of Citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus) under Moringa (Moringa oleifera) based Agroforestry and Open-field Systems

A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) vermicompost and neem-cake on the growth and yield of citronella java (Cymbopogon winterianus) under moringa-based agroforestry and open-field systems during 2022 and 2023. Growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves per plant and number of tillers per plant and yield attributing parameters like fresh weight (kg ha-1), Dry Weight (kg ha-1) and total herbage yield (t ha-1). The findings highlight the superior performance of the treatment combining FYM, vermicompost, and neem cake (T13), particularly in shaded conditions provided by moringa trees, which created a favourable microclimate. This study demonstrates the significant role of integrated organic amendments in enhancing citronella productivity while fostering environmental sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for farmers and policymakers, advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices in aromatic crop production through agroforestry systems.

Nutrient Distribution in the Soil Profile Under Different Tillage Practices During a Long-Term Field Trial

Conservation tillage practices are increasingly used in agricultural systems. However, these practices require a complex approach regarding soil nutrition. Adequate nutrient content in soils is important for crop production, as reduced and no-tillage practices change the distribution of nutrient contents (P, K, Mg, and Ca) in the soil profile, necessitating new approaches for agronomists in crop nutrition. Little is known about the time changes in nutrient distribution in the soil profile under conservation tillage practices. Long-term field experiments with conventional (CT—plowing to 20–22 cm), reduced (RT—chiseling to 8–10 cm), and no-tillage (NT) practices were established in Prague–Ruzyně (Czech Republic) in 1995. This four-year crop rotation consisted of winter wheat changing with oilseed rape or pea. The soil nutrient contents have been determined since 2009 using the Mehlich 3 method and through extraction in 0.5 M ammonium acetate. The obtained results showed that P, K, and, to a lesser extent, Mg contents increased in the soil surface layer (0–10 cm) under the reduced and no-tillage practices, whereas Ca and pH values showed an opposite trend. We found an unbalanced ratio of nutrients in the upper soil layer in RT and NT caused by a high concentration of the monovalent cation K+ and the leaching of the divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ into the deeper soil layers. In conventional practices, the ion contents are equalized throughout the topsoil due to the soil inverting during plowing. The determination of nutrient contents in deeper soil layers revealed that, over time, calcium, magnesium, and potassium were transported to deeper parts of the soil profile under RT and especially NT. Low nutrient ratios were found in the surface layer under RT and NT, negatively affecting the quality of the soil surface layer, including its structure. Fertilizer management and nutrient ratios in soils under RT and NT should be considered to maintain and possibly improve sustainable agricultural practices in fields with reduced or no-tillage practices. Furthermore, nutrient contents and their mutual ratios should be evaluated in more soil layers under these systems, enabling the detection of eventual problems in the upper layer that must be addressed by changing fertilization.

Carbon Emissions and Sustainable Supply Chains: A Stackelberg Game Analysis of Multinational Firm Relationships

Against the backdrop of global climate change and sustainable development, carbon emissions within transnational closed-loop supply chains have become a critical area of research. This paper utilizes a Stackelberg game model to analyze the relationship between a single export manufacturer and an import retailer. The study investigates the optimal solutions of the supply chain model—wholesale price, retail price, sales volume, and profit—across three consumer preference scenarios: no obvious preference, pure green preference, and pure new preference. Furthermore, this paper examines the impact of carbon emissions per unit of product on supply chain decision-making under two scenarios: with and without carbon trading. Carbon trading, which significantly increases unit costs, exerts a profound influence on the strategic decisions of both manufacturers and retailers. In addition, this paper incorporates carbon tariffs and taxes into its analysis, providing a theoretical foundation for governments and policymakers to promote sustainable production and consumption practices. The validity of the model is confirmed through numerical simulations, which reveal that under pure green and pure new preference scenarios, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are more inclined to invest in emissions reduction to minimize tariff costs. In contrast, under no obvious preference scenarios, OEMs are more likely to adjust product portfolios to evade carbon tariffs. This research advances the understanding of low-carbon production strategies in transnational supply chains, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance for balancing economic and environmental objectives.

Algorithmic imaginary in surveillance technicity: The renegotiation of minzu identity among China’s ethnic minority wanghongs on Douyin

This study investigates the role of Douyin, internationally known as TikTok, in shaping the presentation and perception of minzu (ethnicity) among ethnic minority wanghongs (internet celebrities) in China. It examines how Douyin’s techno-social environment, particularly the “surveillance technicity” embedded within its algorithms, interacts with the content production and engagement practices of ethnic minority creators, thereby co-constructing their self-perception and expression of ethnic identity. The paper emphasizes how wanghongs navigate both technology and identity, strategically crafting and materializing their minzu narratives within the constraints and opportunities of this digital platform. It highlights the complex interplay between Douyin’s algorithmic mechanisms and the emergent ethnic narratives of wanghongs, illustrating how Douyin is instrumental in the visibility, and renegotiation of ethnic identities among ethnic minority wanghongs. This analysis provides critical insights into the multifaceted impact of Douyin’s algorithms on the cultivation and transformation of ethnic identities within China’s digital spaces.

History and Therapeutic Benefits of Honey: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Medicine

The history of honey spans millennia, with humans and honeybees intertwined in a remarkable journey dating back to ancient times. From the primitive collection of wild honey by early ancestors to the sophisticated practices of beekeeping and honey production today, honey has played diverse roles in various cultures and civilizations. Its significance transcends mere sustenance, extending into religious rituals, traditional medicine, and culinary delights. Across civilizations, honey has been revered for its delectable taste and myriad health benefits, including its therapeutic properties in wound care, its role in traditional medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, and its potential as an anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer agent. Moreover, honey's versatility extends to oral health, stomach disorders, and wound and burn treatment, making it a valuable natural resource with immense cultural, medicinal, and culinary significance.

Championing Green Marketing: Environmental Responsibility in Sapang Palay's Micro-Food Businesses

The study titled "Environmental Responsibility in Sapang Palay Market: A Look at Green Marketing in Local Micro-Food Businesses" delves into green practices and business operations. Through a quantitative analysis, the research reveals the utilization of environmentally conscious practices such as the use of energy-saving tools, waste segregation, and engagement in recycling through scrap reselling. Other eco-friendly practices such as the use of paper straws, while observed, turned out to be less prevalent. Notably, water and energy-conserving production practices and sustainable packaging emerged as significant drivers of sales, while effective waste management proves instrumental in fostering environmental growth. Although micro-food businesses demonstrate a notable utilization and integration of green practices, the findings suggest opportunities for improvement such as the prevalent use of plastic products, and Styrofoam which are scientifically proven to be detrimental to the environment as waste. Micro-Food Businesses continue to patronize these packaging options due to cost and profitability considerations. Collectively, the research underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to foster the widespread adoption of sustainable practices, advocating for the reduction of waste, energy conservation, and the use of non-toxic materials to promote a healthier and more environmentally conscious business landscape.

Technology and raw material analysis of Linear Pottery culture ceramics from the Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Only a few Neolithic settlements attributed to the Linear Pottery culture 5100-4850 cal. BC) are known from the Sub-Carpathian area of Eastern Romania. From the Neamţ Depression, settlements were known from Târpeşti and recently from Topoliţa. The aim of the presented analyses was to determine data regarding ceramic technology at the Topoliţa site and to compare it with LBK ceramic technology in neighbouring areas. It was found that ceramic production patterns at Topoliţa were similar to those at nearby LBK sites in Romania and even to pottery from southeastern Poland. However, the selection of raw materials varied. At Topoliţa, only one type of raw material was used, while the nearest site at Târpeşti employed several different raw materials. These differences underscore the importance of local environmental factors in understanding ceramic production practices. The technological similarities between Topoliţa and Poland suggest that knowledge and practices were transmitted through cultural interactions and long-distance exchange networks.

Advancements in regulatory agility, regional collaboration, and digital transformation: insights from the Asia Partnership Conference of Pharmaceutical Associations (APAC)

PurposeThe Asia Partnership Conference of Pharmaceutical Associations (APAC) examines recent developments in regulatory practices across Asia, focusing on regulatory agility, regional collaboration, and digital transformation. The paper identifies key improvements made by national regulatory authorities (NRAs) in adopting regulatory agilities over a two-year span. It also suggests optimizing regional reliance pathways and recommends best practices for implementing e-submission, real-world evidence (RWE), decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), and paperless e-labelling.MethodsAPAC surveyed all 14 member associations to track progress in regulatory agility implemented by our NRAs from 2022 through April 2024. Additionally, APAC assessed the uptake of regional reliance pathways and the implementation levels of e-submission, RWE, DCTs, and paperless e-labelling. Through the analysis of case studies and survey results, the paper aims to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the regulatory landscape.ResultsNine of twelve NRAs have advanced in regulatory agility, with Thai FDA leading with a 36% improvement and ranking 7th in the number of best practices implemented. e-Labeling adoption rose by 50%, and there was a 17% increase in the use of multiple sites under one license, good reliance practices, and acceptance of electronic Certificates of Pharmaceutical Product (eCPP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (eGMP). Perceived issues with the ASEAN Joint Assessment (JA) procedure include timeline constraints, limited flexibility in choosing participating NRAs, and country-specific requirements. NRAs have achieved 100% adoption of e-submissions and 50% for paperless e-labeling. Additionally, 67% accept data from DCTs and RWE using good reliance practices. However, 42% still require paper documents in e-submissions, and 50% continue to accept dossier format different from the International Council for Harmonisation Electronic Common Technical Document (ICH CTD).ConclusionsAPAC supports adopting agility best practices to reduce country-specific requirements, optimizing the ASEAN JA procedure. APAC also values strategic partnerships with NRAs, as demonstrated by the case studies of Vietnam and India. The shift towards digital transformation is evident, with 50% adoption of paperless e-labeling and 100% adoption of e-submissions, though not all processes are paperless with the use of ICH CTD dossier format. Overall, continued alignment with international standards for implementing eCTD, RWE, and DCTs is required in all 12 economies to realize the full benefits of globally harmonized digital advancement.

Influence of Banana Production Practices and Constraints in Banana Production among Small-holder Farmers in Masaba South Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya

Globally, consumption of banana (Musa spp) as fruit is due to its high nutritional and medicinal value and thus, it is considered as a powerhouse of nutrients that maintain good health. However, banana production has been influenced by various agricultural practices and faced several constraints over the years. Therefore, this study sought to establish the influence of banana production practices and constraints among small-holder banana production farmers in Masaba south sub-county, Kenya. A household survey was carried out to collect primary data. Four administrative wards were purposefully sampled for the study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Questionnaires were administered to 196 households and 5 key informants to collect data on the influence of banana production practices and constraints among farmers. Data collected was subjected to both descriptive and inferential analysis. Williams Hybrid was found to be the most popular variety with a frequency of 82.1% followed by Gros Michel at 70.4%, Apple bananas (sugar bananas) at 69.4% while Plantains and Cavendish were at 62.2% and 55.6% respectively. Majority, 87.2% of the farmers embraced pure stand production system whereas 12.9% did not embrace the system. However, 97.5% of the farmers adopted intercropping system while only 2.5% did not embrace the system. 91.8% of the farmers adopted use of tissue culture planting materials while 8.2% did not embrace them. 100% of the farmers used suckers as planting materials. Pests and diseases were the prevalent constraints in banana production, rated at 100%. Therefore, there is need to address the influence of banana production practices and constraints among farmers in Masaba South sub county through targeted interventions and policy support is essential for sustainable banana production in Kenya.

Simulating water and salt changes in the root zone of salt–alkali fragrant pear and the selection of the optimal surface drip irrigation mode

Faced with the increasingly serious problem of water scarcity, developing precise irrigation strategies for crops in saline alkali land can effectively reduce the negative effects of low water resource utilization. Using a model to simulate the dynamic changes in soil water and salt environment in the root zone of fragrant pear trees in saline alkali land, and verifying them from a production practice perspective with comprehensive benefits as the goal, can optimize the irrigation amount and irrigation technology elements of saline alkali fruit trees, broaden the comprehensive evaluation perspective of decision-makers, and have important significance for improving the yield and production efficiency of forestry and fruit industry in arid and semi-arid areas worldwide. In this study, a two-year field experiment based on three irrigation levels (3000, 3750, and 4500 m3·ha−1) and four emitter discharge rates (1, 2, 3, and 4 L·h−1) was conducted in Xinjiang, China. The root zone soil water content (SWC) and soil salinity content (SSC) dynamics were simulated during the fertility period of fragrant pear using the numerical model HYDRUS-2D and field data. The results showed that the R2, root mean squared error (RMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of the HYDRUS-2D simulated soil water content (SWC) (soil salinity content SSC) reached 0.89–0.97 (0.91–0.97), 0.02–0.16 cm3·cm-3 (0.22–1.54 g·kg−1), and 0.76–0.95 (0.68–0.96), respectively, indicating the strong performance of the model. A positive correlation was observed between the irrigation amount and soil infiltration depth. Moderately increasing irrigation amount could effectively leach soil salinity at a depth of 80–100 cm and maintain a water and salt environment in the main root zone of 0–80 cm, benefiting the growth and development of the main root system of fragrant pear, as well as the yield and quality of above-ground fruits. The irrigation amount and emitter discharge were optimized and quantified based on multi-objective optimization methods, normalization processing, and spatial analysis methods to maximize yield, fruit weight, soluble solids, and net profits. When the yield, fruit weight, soluble solids, and net profits simultaneously reached 90% of their maximum value, the irrigation amount and emitter discharge ranges were 4274–4297 m3·ha−1 and 3.79–3.88 L·h−1, respectively. Our study provides new insights into regulating soil water and salt environmental factors in the saline fragrant pear root zone and assessing the impact of soil water and salt management under precision irrigation strategies, and profoundly influences decision-making for irrigation of forest fruits in saline arid zones based on a production practice perspective.

Millennials’ intentions to buy plant-based meat alternatives: insights for quick-service restaurants.

Rapid population growth, shifting consumption patterns, and environmental stresses are challenging food security, raising concerns about the global food system's ability to sustainably feed the projected 9.3 billion people by 2050. Additionally, the increasing demand for Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) (also known as ‘fast-food chains’) intensifies environmental concerns. Their large-scale food production and factory farming practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and animal welfare issues. In response to growing consumer awareness of environmental issues, QSRs have begun incorporating plant-based meat alternatives into their menus to align with sustainability objectives and appeal to eco-conscious consumers, particularly millennials. However, these alternatives face acceptance challenges due to perceptions of being highly processed and potentially containing genetically modified organisms. It is therefore essential to have a better understanding of the market’s purchasing intention to effectively market plant-based meat alternatives and advance QSRs’ sustainable practices.

Impact of national development programs and legislations on the cereal crops seed sector in Iraq

Agriculture is a crucial economic sector in Iraq, benefiting from abundant natural resources, skilled labor and essential infrastructure. These elements have enabled the sector to play a significant role in agricultural development, particularly in the production of strategic crops. Between 2010 and 2020, the Iraqi government implemented various policies and legislation aimed at advancing the seed sector. These efforts focused on supporting and developing seed-producing entities across governmental, mixed and private sectors, positioning them as essential instruments for executing the strategies of the government. Modern agricultural technologies, especially improved seeds, have been vital in boosting productivity and reducing costs. Therefore, the government has prioritized the adoption of advanced technologies within its agricultural policies and programs. These scientific innovations, particularly in seed production, are key to enhancing the cultivation of strategic crops. Improved seeds have thus become a cornerstone of Iraq’s agricultural development, contributing to both increased productivity and sustainable farming practices. This research aims to clarify the role of national development programs and legislation in strengthening the seed sector and increasing the production of strategic crops in Iraq. It reviews the progress in grain crop production between 2006 and 2020 and examines the most significant aspects of government policies, highlighting how legislation and national programs have played a pivotal role in the production of higher-grade seeds and the development of strategic crop cultivation.

Great expectations: intersecting markets, conflicting temporalities and the difficulty of shaping markets

ABSTRACT There is growing interest in how actors can shape markets. Focus has mainly been on how individual firms try to shape markets, while less attention has been devoted to exploring how actors work together to shape markets and why it is sometimes difficult to change existing markets. Based on a study of efforts to shape markets for Danish welfare pork we find that different actors are involved in different markets ruled by conflicting temporalities and time binds, making it difficult to coordinate activities and shape markets where animal welfare is a more important matter of concern. Our findings have implications for research as well as practitioners and policy makers who want to shape markets in the green transition to more sustainable production and consumption practices.

Integrating SEM and monte Carlo projections: Policy insights on carbon emissions, credits, and agriculture

This study investigates the interrelationships between carbon emissions, carbon credits, and climatic factors in India, utilizing an integrated approach that combines Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Monte Carlo simulations. As one of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters, India's challenge lies in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The research addresses the critical gaps in understanding how various factors, including industrial activity, energy production, and agricultural practices, influence carbon emissions and the generation of carbon credits. Using historical data, the study employs SEM to analyze the complex relationships among emissions, credits, and climatic variables, aiming to identify significant pathways and interactions. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulations project future trends in carbon emissions and credits through 2050, capturing uncertainties inherent in climate projections. The findings suggest that carbon credits significantly mitigate emissions and that climatic factors directly impact both emissions and agricultural productivity. This research contributes to the discourse on climate policy by providing actionable insights for enhancing sustainability initiatives in India. By elucidating the interconnected dynamics of emissions and credits, the study highlights the importance of targeted policies aimed at fostering cleaner technologies, improving agricultural practices, and adapting to climatic changes. Ultimately, this work aims to support India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy while addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Self-regulated EFL learning through productive feedback in Iranian private language institutes: a case for sustainable lifelong learning outcomes

Various determinants contribute to the disappointing outcomes of the EFL programmes in non-Anglophone countries, thereby limiting citizens in these countries access to international academic and economic platforms. One such determinant is EFL teachers’ productive feedback practice. Productive feedback is embedded in a constructivist view of learning, follows a learner-centered approach to feedback, and supports self-regulation, and therefore plays a core role in the learning of any language. This paper reports on a sequential mixed-methods study investigating productive feedback practices in EFL programmes in the context of private institutes in Iran. An inventory previously developed by the authors, comprising seven productive feedback features grounded in the literature, allowed for measuring 177 participating EFL teachers' self-reported productive feedback practices. Follow-up individual interviews with ten teachers as a subsample of the larger sample focussed on outliers and extremes emerging from the quantitative data. An integrative approach to reporting our research findings on the quantitative and qualitative data as well as the literature, presents a picture of EFL teachers' productive feedback practices. The quantitative data confirmed that the participating EFL teachers rarely applied productive feedback approaches, while the qualitative data provided a deeper understanding of participant responses and possible determinants influencing their feedback approaches. The findings are of importance to stakeholders involved in EFL who have the responsibility to ensure EFL courses support anticipated learning goals, including lifelong learning opportunities and access to the global society.

Impact Assessment and Yield Gap Analysis of Composite Fish Culture Technology in North East Region with Special Reference to Arunachal Pradesh, India

The North Eastern States (NES) are the easternmost region of India among them Arunachal Pradesh is a largest hill state and shares its international boundaries with Bhutan in the west, China in the north and Myanmar in the east with a wide range of climates and altitudes. Fish farming is playing a vital role from economic, nutritional and employment point of view in the state, in spite of increase in the production, the current level of fish production is not sufficient to fulfil the requirement, very much far-away to meet out the present consumption demand. Therefore, to identify the yield gap and adoption gap of improved production practice of composite fish culture technology the present study was conducted in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been observed that the yields obtained by the farmers are well below those obtained in Govt. Farms and OFT/FLD trials. Carp cultivation practices of 171 farmers were examined on the basis of multistage random sampling. The sample was collected from all the administrative circle of the district West Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh NER India. The average production obtained by the respondents were found only 1.09 t/ha annually, but the range was 2.0 to 2.4-2.8 t/ha in the trials of Govt. farms and OFT/FLDs. The difference of 1.31t/h constituted yield gap under normal practices, these differences were observed due to critical fish farming input availability lacuna on time, the extent to which the farmers adopted the recommended practices, and other socio-economic factors. The study thus clearly showed that the gap is due to the deficiency in adopting the technology along with timely un-availability of quality fish seed and feed which may be bridged only by promotion of the region specific tailored suitable technology of fish farming along with assurance for availability of critical inputs on time.

Entrepreneurship' sustainability of the popular and solidarity economy in Ecuador

The popular and solidarity economy (PSE) plays a vital role in the economic and social development of Ecuador, fostering inclusion, employment, and the sustainability of local economies. This study aims to develop an index that assesses the sustainability levels of PSE organizations in Ecuador by evaluating several factors, including organizational processes, productivity, innovation, income generation, democracy, cooperation, and environmental practices. Using data from the Unique Registry of PSE Organizations in Ecuador, we employ Variational Autoencoders (VAE) network for modeling, combined with a Bayesian optimization process and K-means clustering to categorize sustainability levels by province. Findings indicate a high level of sustainability in Santa Elena, Pastaza, and Guayas, although challenges remain in terms of innovation and environmental practices. This research provides a framework for policy interventions designed to enhance sustainable growth within the PSE sector in Ecuador.

Regularity of Artemisia argyi Harvest Time and Its Response to Meteorological Factors

Timely harvesting is an important prerequisite for quality standardization in the traditional Chinese medicine industry. To determine the harvest time of Artemisia argyi and clarify the influence of meteorological factors (MFs) on the harvest time, we selected two excellent germplasm resources, namely, “Nanyang 1” (NY) and Luoyang Artemisia argyi (LY), as examples. We examined the changes in yield, quality, and related traits on 11 sampling dates (SDs) after the six true-leaf stage. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between eight MFs on different SDs and yield, as well as quality indices. The results show that the SDs and MFs have a significant impact on yield and quality. The dynamic changes in growth traits and dry matter accumulation characteristics of NY and LY were basically consistent. From 75 to 90 d, Artemisia argyi was in the middle and late stages of the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, during which the amount of dry matter accumulation stabilized. The leaves are the most representative medicinal part, with the comprehensive values of the LY leaf yield and main medicinal ingredient contents reaching their maximum at 75 d; the comprehensive values of the NY leaf yield and main volatile ingredient contents reached their maximum at 75 d, while the comprehensive value of the flavonoid and phenolic acid contents reached their maximum at 90 d. Therefore, LY is suitable for harvesting at 75 d, while NY can be harvested at either 75 or 90 d, depending on the harvest goals. In addition, the mean daily minimum temperature (MDMNT), effective accumulated temperature above 10 °C (≥10 °C EAT), and mean temperature daily range (MTDR) were found to be key MFs affecting harvest time. The dry matter accumulation of the roots and stems was significantly positively correlated with the MDMNT (p < 0.01). The dry matter accumulation of the leaves was significantly positively correlated with ≥10 °C EAT (p < 0.05). The total volatile oil content was significantly positively correlated with the MTDR (p < 0.05). These show that meteorological factors affect the harvest time in production practice. This study provides scientific support for determining the harvest time and managing the cultivation of Artemisia argyi.