Product Specificity Research Articles

Biochemical Characterization of a GH46 Chitosanase Provides Insights into the Novel Digestion Specificity.

Endo-chitosanases (EC 3.2.1.132) are generally considered to selectively release functional chito-oligosaccharides (COSs) with degrees of polymerization (DPs) ≥ 2. Although numerous endo-chitosanases have been characterized, the digestion specificity of endo-chitosanases needs to be further explored. In this study, a GH46 endo-chitosanase OUC-CsnPa was cloned, expressed, and characterized from Paenibacillus sp. 1-18. The digestion pattern analysis indicated that OUC-CsnPa could produce monosaccharides from chitotetraose [(GlcN)4], the smallest recognized substrate, in a random endo-acting manner. Especially, the enzyme specificities during chitosan digestion including the regulation of product abundance through a transglycosylation reaction were also evaluated. It was hypothesized that an insertion region in OUC-CsnPa may form a strong force to be involved in stabilizing (GlcN)4 at its negative subsite for efficient hydrolysis. This is the first comprehensive report to reveal the digestion specificity and subsite specificity of monosaccharide production by endo-chitosanases. Overall, OUC-CsnPa described here highlights the previously unknown digestion properties of the endo-acting chitosanases and provides a unique example of possible structure-function relationships.

Research progress on structure and catalytic mechanism of dextranase

AbstractDextranase is an important industrial enzyme for the preparation of isomalto‐oligosaccharides. According to the crystal structures of 20 dextranases of four classes, we summarized the structural characteristics of enzymes and the binding modes of enzymes and ligands in this paper. Based on the characteristics of the products, we analyzed the characteristics of the binding domain and functions of dextranase by means of molecular simulation and molecular docking. The relationship between the product specificity of dextranase, its catalytic pocket shape, and its catalytic mode was briefly summarized. The catalytic mechanism of dextranase was systematically discussed, which provided the basis and reference for the rational transformation of dextranase.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy andevidence: A European regulatoryperspective.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been performed for 112 years. In this article we summarize regulatory standards and challenges based on scientific evidence on AIT. Most crucial and timely aspects concerning AIT are addressed from the regulatory perspective of the authors as employees of a national competent authority in Europe: (1) product specificity; (2) clinical efficacy; (3) treatment for adults and children (needs for extrapolation); (4) allergen exposure chambers; (5) biomarkers; (6) standardization; (7) real-world evidence; (8) independent official batch release (benefit and challenges); (9) harmonization on the EU level. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI), the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, in Langen near Frankfurt/Main in Germany, examines and evaluates the benefits and risks of AIT products within the course of clinical development, marketing authorization, and subsequently throughout their entire life cycle to ensure high-quality, safe, and effective AIT products.

Управление техническим обслуживанием сельскохозяйственной техники в условиях автоматизации и цифровизации производства

When organizing maintenance activities for domestic agricultural machinery, paper workflow continues to dominate, which negatively affects the performance indicators and the level of operational reliability of machines. The engineering services of domestic agricultural enterprises remain beyond automation and digitalization in matters of managing the technical service of machines. The low adaptation of existing software products to the specifics of domestic agricultural production prevents the adoption of automated CMMS and EAM systems used in other sectors to manage the reliability of equipment in operation. The authors developed software with a set of functions similar to the functionality of well-known CMMS systems. The software includes Agrokompleks ASUTO in combination with the previously developed Agrokompleks Resursy warehouse management software and Agrokompleks MTP fuel management software. The automated system data model is adapted to the needs of engineering workers responsible for the performance of agricultural machinery. A practical test of the system was carried out at an agricultural enterprise with a fleet of 25 tractors. The results obtained confirm the hypothesis that the automation of engineering activities contributes to an increase in the operational reliability of agricultural machinery and a decrease in the labor intensity of managing service processes. The use of the automated system resulted in a decrease in the time spent on maintenance management by 35 to 38%, the probability of tractors having operational failure - by 26%. At the same time, the probability of tractors being in working condition increased by 1.8%. The research could be useful for the developers of EAM systems for the maintenance and repair management of agricultural machinery.

Determining the workload of the machine and tractor fleet maintenance service in agriculture using the scheduling method

The efficient operation of agricultural machinery depends on the rational organisation of its maintenance. The most systematic research on the technical service of agricultural machinery has been carried out in GosNITI. An integrated maintenance and repair system for agricultural machinery (TORSELHOZ) has been developed. But this system is currently in contradiction with the emerging trend of declining agricultural machinery production, the expansion of more reliable foreign machines than domestic ones on the domestic market and the lack of qualified staff of machine operators. Machine reliability indicators determine the amount of repair and maintenance work. In its turn, these volumes of work are the initial characteristics for the formation of a repair and maintenance base for the technical service of agricultural machinery. The dealer system, which is very important, is the link between the machine manufacturer and the farmer. However, the dealer service cannot meet such challenges due to a lack of logistical and financial resources, as well as a de facto lack of a service user. Therefore, much of the maintenance and repair work on machinery and tractor fleets must be organised on the farm, with the adopted maintenance organisation system forming a major part of the efficiency of this system. The scheduling method of tractor maintenance takes into account the specifics of agricultural production and ensures timely and complete maintenance. Research has shown that the efficiency of maintenance organisation is mainly influenced by the arable area, the class of personnel in the system, the energy capacity of the farm, the availability of mechanics and the uneven load of MTP over the periods. The main points of the method of organising maintenance according to the scheduling system are defined.

Arrangement of equipment at production site of multi-product production using heuristic algorithm

This article considers the task finding of the optimum equipment arrangement on the production site. Naturally, even earlier, before the development of the concept of lean manufacturing, the designers of machine-building enterprises faced the task of minimizing transportation costs. However, the techniques used in the past are usually focused on mass production, not lean, and therefore cannot be correctly used in the design of modern production systems. In addition, such methods, often developed several decades ago, are based on a broad regulatory framework and accumulated experience in designing enterprises. Still, they are not designed to use computer technology to find solutions to optimization problems typical for production design. As a result, today, the task of creating methods for designing enterprises, taking into account the specifics of lean production and involving the use of computers to solve optimization problems of designing machine-building production, is relevant. Flexible and rigid settlement models of the solution of a task are described, and the shortcomings and advantages of both models are specified. The algorithm of the solution of a task when using a flexible model is offered. This algorithm is constructed on a synthesis of a heuristic algorithm of imitation of annealing with linear programming methods.

Performance of bifacial PV modules under different operating conditions in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Brazil's cumulative photovoltaic (PV) installations have now surpassed 32 GWp. The fastest growing and most prevalent PV technology is the bifacial photovoltaic module, which is now being incorporated in more than 2/3 of new power plants. These modules collect solar radiation on both front and rear sides, providing gains in electricity production compared to traditional monofacial modules. The market acceptance and quality control of this technology requires standard methods to accurately determine the nominal power of the bifacial modules. But the specification of energy production from the bifacial backside is complicated due to critical factors that include the albedo, the separation, height, and positioning of the modules, the shading of the rear surface, and the specific geographic and climate conditions. This paper addresses these issues in determining the performance of bifacial PV modules in the tropical conditions of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specifically, the bifacial gain for modules and systems is evaluated, assessing the effects of albedo, site maintenance, climate/environmental conditions, thermal behavior, and back-surface shading. The special cases of tracking versus non-tracking systems are evaluated showing specific attention needs to the albedo changes and rear module shading constraints. These studies are performed on real power plants having different operating conditions (e.g., tracking, non-tracking, ground cover). The methodology includes I-V characterization of modules and string and thermal imaging/mapping under existing climate and meteorological conditions. Correlations with experimental albedo conditions is a special concern with these studies. These results are further compared to controlled laboratory measurements to establish information needed to better evaluate the developing standard for actual local operating conditions. This case study provides evaluation of the quality of the both the bifacial PV products being used and their installations in the rapidly emerging Brazil PV markets.

Current state and prospects for the development of the material and technical facilities of agriculture

Modern agricultural production should be based on the reliable innovation-oriented material and technical facilities, which will create reliable prerequisites and guarantees for national food security. Until now, many sectors of the Russian economy and its agro-industrial complex, in particular, are significantly dependent on foreign supplies of equipment and innovative technologies. Given the specifics of agricultural production in Russia, an important role in solving the problem of technical and technological modernization of agriculture should be given to state support. In recent years, there has been a reduction in the number of agricultural machineries in the region under study and, as a result, at the same time, the operational load on it is growing, which leads to its intensive wear and tear, breakdowns, and, consequently, to frequent current and major repairs. As a result, the cost of production increases, the efficiency of agricultural production decreases. An important direction in the process of optimizing the operation of equipment is the correct ratio between the rate of its renewal and the efficiency of its use. At the present stage of development of the material and technical facilities of the regional agro-industrial complex, it is advisable to develop organizational and managerial measures in order to use the existing production potential effectively.

Environmental labels in e-commerce

Increasing share of e-commerce in the sale of consumer goods has prompted considerations regarding the environmental aspects of these transactions. The selection and purchase process resulting from the specificity of shopping through websites and phone applications differs significantly from the one that takes place in traditional trade. Among other things, it is worth emphasizing the limitations in becoming acquainted with the product, its packaging and accompanying information. Various efforts that have been made so far in terms of forming the principles of ecolabelling and eco-merchandising seem to be of little use in online commerce. In view of these challenges, the aim of the study was to analyze the presence of environmental product labelling systems in selected countries, focusing on how they could support the promotion of products with a reduced environmental impact through e-commerce. The research question was to determine how diverse are the environmental labelling systems that can be used in e-commerce?The online desk research method was used to achieve the aim of the study and to answer the research question. The conducted analysis has shown a particularly broad range of environmental labelling systems already present on the markets worldwide. Most ecolabels are found in the USA and Canada. The most popular groups of products that are subject to ecological certification include: food, building products and textiles. The research has revealed several ecolabelling systems that can be used in e-commerce to promote products with a reduced environmental impact. This wide range, however, may lead to blurred recognition of ecolabels in e-commerce, but on the other hand, it may also result in a better adjustment of the assessment criteria to the specificity of various consumer products.

Методика оценки брака: процесс контроля коренных шеек коленчатых валов в ремонтном производстве

Both the actual size of the part and measurement errors influence the results of tolerance control in repair production. For this purpose, the authors developed the mathematical model of reject estimation by probabilistic characteristics of parts sorting, taking into account the specifics of repair production and the shift of the distribution centre relative to the tolerance field. They tested and evaluated the mathematical model of rejects estimation at machining for repair size of crankshaft main journals of the YaMZ‑238 engines. In case of incorrect rejection and incorrect acceptance of main bearing journals, the character of reject losses will be different. Incorrectly rejected crankshafts with journals having irreparable rejects will be sent for recycling. New crankshafts will be purchased to replace them, and there will be reject losses to the left of the scatter zone. Incorrectly rejected crankshafts with journals that have reparable rejects will be sent for remanufacturing. In this case, the loss per crankshaft is determined by the cost of rework, which is the loss to the right of the scatter zone. Incorrect crankshafts with journals having defects to the left and right of the scatter zone will be sent for reassembly. If the largest size limit is exceeded, the liners may rotate and the engine must be rebuilt, which increases losses significantly. In case of violation of the lower size limit, the shaft life will be reduced and losses will occur only for the consumer. In contrast to the existing methodology for calculating the sorting parameters, where the scatter zone coincides with the middle of the tolerance field, the developed methodology for assessing rejects when the scatter zone is displaced relative to the tolerance allowed to form a more differentiated and refined methodological approach to the assessment of losses in disassembly of parts when performing machining operations in repair production.

Overview and prioritization of critical success factors in NPD models for the chemical industry

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to review NPD models and identify critical success factors for new product development in the chemical industry. Design/methodology/approach: The systematic review of the literature was applied in the paper and the AHP method was used to build a hierarchical model for determining the importance of CFSs. Findings: The paper characterizes the concepts of new product development and general models of new product development. Older (pre-2000) and newer generation studies were included among the models described. Data analysis of new product development studies in the chemical industry was carried out. Based on the literature analysis, key factors determining the success of a new product were selected, with a division into general and typical elements of the industry in question. Research limitations/implications: The prioritization of CFSs will allow in the next step the analytic hierarchy process of NPD models, on the basis of which it will be possible to determine which of the analyzed models is most suitable for chemical products. Practical implications: Most chemical products are designed using trial-and-error techniques based on experimentation, making NPD in the chemical industry more iterative. This often involves generating a huge number of chemical components, and this means that the search area can be very large. It is therefore reasonable to look for decision support tools to facilitate the selection of necessary components. The selection of chemical product ideas should be based not only on an analysis of what is possible to produce, but also on an analysis of what the market would like to buy. The specifics of chemical products and changes related to 21st century trends are forcing the determination of appropriate CFSs for the chemical industry. Originality/value: The chemical industry is one of the world’s key industries, whose products are used in almost every area of life. Despite this high relevance, there has been no attempt to date to systematize the issues of developing new product lines or portfolios in this industry. Keywords: new product development model (NPD), critical success factors (CFSs), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), prioritization, chemical industry. Category of the paper: research paper, general review.

АНАЛІЗ МЕТОДІВ ЦІНОУТВОРЕННЯ ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ ЇХ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ НА ЕЛЕКТРОПОСТАЧАЛЬНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАХ

The article examines the peculiarities of the liberal model of the electricity market in Ukraine. The dynamics of the number of enterprises that perform the functions of electricity suppliers on the domestic electricity market during 2019–2022 were determined. It is justified that special attention should be paid to the systematization of existing pricing methods in order to determine the possibility of their application at electricity supply enterprises in the conditions of market liberalization. The specific features of the application of pricing methods at electricity supply enterprises are characterized. The division into three groups of pricing methods, including the following: cost, parametric and market. The specifics of the electricity market products were determined in order to choose pricing methods that are suitable directly for electricity supply enterprises. A critical analysis of the following pricing methods was carried out: the full cost method, the direct cost method, the target pricing method, the specific rate method, the marginal cost method, the break-even method, the method of three estimates, the method of following market prices, the method of following firm prices – market leader, method of calculation based on accepted prices, method of regression analysis, method of price premium, method of prestigious prices, method of competition, method of targeting competitors, tender method (sealed envelope method) of pricing, method of estimating the maximum acceptable price, method of experience curve, method of zonal pricing, method of exchange pricing. It was determined that not all pricing methods can be applied at electricity supply enterprises, taking into account the difference in the specifics of the work of each of their types. It was established that the least number of recommended methods are available to electricity suppliers who sell electricity at free prices, which is due to the specifics of their work in terms of sensitivity to price changes on the electricity market, therefore, when pricing, they cannot afford to neglect forecasting of future periods and market conditions.

АМОРТИЗАЦИОННЫЙ КАПИТАЛ КАК ОДИН ИЗ ИСТОЧНИКОВ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ СОБСТВЕННЫХ СРЕДСТВ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ АПК

One of the most significant economic indicators characterizing the resource potential of an agro-industrial complex and influencing the level of efficiency of production processes is a high level of fixed assets. The specificity of agricultural production lies in its high dependence on natural and climatic factors, which has a negative impact on the investment activity of the industry. Consequently, for the implementation of reproduction processes, agricultural enterprises are forced to use their own sources, one of which is depreciation capital. In the course of the study, the following were used: a system method, analysis, analogy, synthesis, observation, modeling, abstract-logical and economic-statistical. In the course of the study, a definition of depreciation capital was given, as well as the place of depreciation capital in the structure of the capital of agribusiness enterprises was determined. The concept and essence of the depreciation policy of agro-industrial complex enterprises are given, the factors influencing its implementation are indicated. The reasons for the refusal to create and use depreciation capital by agricultural enterprises in modern economic conditions are determined and the positive aspects of the functioning of the depreciation policy at agribusiness enterprises are given.

Net greenhouse-gas emissions and reduction opportunities in the Western Australian beef industry

Context The Western Australian (WA) Government has set ambitious emission reduction targets and is developing strategies to reduce emissions across the state economy, including agriculture. Aims This study determined the product carbon footprint (CF) and total emissions of the WA beef industry, to establish a baseline for emission reduction planning. Methods A cradle-to-gate attributional life-cycle assessment with a reconciled livestock inventory of herd numbers and turnoff, was used. Emission reduction strategies were examined and included herd management, enteric-methane mitigation, and removals via carbon sequestration in vegetation and soils. Key results Modelled livestock numbers were found to be 36% higher than reported in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), resulting in an emission profile of 4.7 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) (excluding land use (LU) and direct LU change (dLUC)). This profile was 26% higher than emissions reported in state inventories. LU and dLUC were estimated to be a greenhouse-gas removal of −2.6 Mt CO2-e, although with high uncertainty. The mean CF for WA was 15.3 kg CO2-e per kg liveweight (LW) (excluding LU and dLUC). State-wide removals from LU and dLUC were estimated to be −8.5 kg CO2-e/kg LW. The CF was 11.7, 19.2 and 18.2 kg CO2-e/kg LW for the Agricultural, Kimberley and Arid regions respectively. The implementation of herd-management strategies and anti-methanogenic supplements resulted in a maximum 25% reduction. Conclusions Herd productivity and market specifications were key drivers of regional differences in CF. Opportunities exist to reduce the CF in northern herds through diverting cattle to Australian backgrounding and feedlot supply chains to reach slaughter weight at a younger age. Adoption of anti-methanogenic feed supplements were important; however, achieving major reductions in the next decade will rely on removals via carbon sequestration in soil and vegetation. Implications Considering the magnitude of removals and elevated uncertainty in this result, further research and new datasets are needed to refine this analysis. New datasets are required to accurately report livestock numbers and track and reduce future GHG emissions from this higher baseline. Technical, cost and adoption barriers will need to be addressed by developing actionable pathways to achieve emission reduction in the mid- to long term.

Abstract 1557: Engineering the Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup W Capsule Polymerase with Novel Substrate Specificity for Production of Novel Polysaccharides

Abstract 1557: Engineering the Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup W Capsule Polymerase with Novel Substrate Specificity for Production of Novel Polysaccharides

Intelligent manufacturing with machine learning: A perspective of European home goods industry

With all the enhancement of Internet of Things, and cloud computing solutions, the volume of info from manufacturing techniques is growing fast. With sizable production specifics, achievements beyond expectations are made towards the product design, manufacturing, and also prevent process. Big data analytics were a main know-how to motivate smart manufacturing methods. To have the ability to totally report BDA for intelligent manufacturing systems, this specific paper offers a considerable review of associated topics, like for example the thought of big data, product driven and info driven methodologies. The framework, development, key technologies, along with programs of BDA for intelligent manufacturing methods, are discussed. The challenges and opportunities for potential investigation are highlighted. By way of this particular work, it is hoped to ignite brand new ideas in the power to observe the BDA for wise manufacturing techniques.

Evaluation of the possibility of developing and manufacturing integral composite structures for airframe elements

Nowadays, the degree of structural integrity is as important as the specific load bearing capacity. An integral product can be called a product obtained by combining structural elements of different configurations and functional purposes into a single object that does not contain joints. The concept of “integral”, obviously, is synonymous with the concept of “monolithic”. However, the word “monolithic” is traditionally identified with a massive structure, in which all fragments have the same order of measurement. The very concept of “degree of integration” is very conditional, since now there is no clear methodology for its assessment in quantitative terms. Issues related to the design, manufacture and operation of such products should be addressed in a comprehensive manner based on design solutions, technological capabilities, as well as data obtained as a result of strength calculations. In this paper strength calculations were made for metal and composite panels. Besides, composite panel has integral design. Production specifics of integral composite structures as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Monitoring of the epizootic situation regarding trichurosis of sheep in the Poltava region

Sheep breeding is a branch of animal husbandry that is unique in terms of the variety and specificity of products. Sheep can utilize feed resources that are almost inaccessible to other types of farm animals. One of the factors in increasing the efficiency of sheep breeding is ensuring the well-being of farms concerning invasive diseases, particularly trichurosis. Successful control of trichurosis in sheep farms is the most effective for monitoring and forecasting the development of the epizootic situation depending on the climate-geographical zone. The work aimed to monitor the epizootic situation regarding sheep trichurosis in the Poltava region. According to the analysis of the statistical data of the reporting documentation of the Main Department of the State Production and Consumer Service in the Poltava region for 2018–2022, it was established that the share of helminthiasis among diseases of infectious etiology of sheep reaches 99.6 %. At the same time, among helminthiasis, nematodes have the highest specific weight – 69.0 %, and trematodes were less common – 31.0 %. Strongyloidiasis (68.05 %) was diagnosed most frequently among helminth infections during the studied period. A smaller percentage was strongylidosis of digestive organs (17.16 %) and trichurosis (11.24 %). Dictyocaulosis was rarely diagnosed among livestock (3.55 %). The average extent of trichurosis infestation of sheep during the investigated period in the territory of the Poltava region was 7.51 %, ranging from 5.83 to 9.26 %. Indicators of the extent of trichurosis invasion ranged from 5.45 to 33.33 % by area. According to the results of coproovoscopy, the highest values of sheep infestation with Trichuris were found in the farms of Karliv and Mashiv regions – 33.33 and 20.0 %, respectively. Less often, trichurosis was diagnosed in sheep farms of Dykanskyi (8.0 %), Reshetylivskyi (6.67 %), and Kotelevskyi (5.45 %) districts. The obtained data from monitoring studies prove the relevance of the further and more in-depth analysis of the spread of trichurosis infestation among sheep in the territory of the Poltava region, taking into account the age and seasonal dynamics of the disease, as well as the peculiarities of its course as part of mixed infestations.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF А CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISE COMPETITIVENESS

Theoretical approaches to determining the essential characteristics of the enterprise's competitiveness are summarized. Prospective factors for the competitiveness development of the construction enterprise from the standpoint of the school of neoclassical synthesis are outlined. Attention is focused on the change in the competitive conditions of construction enterprises of Ukraine during the war and financial crises. A conclusion is made regarding the projected globalization of the construction market due to the development of transnational corporations, interstate integration within the EU, the limited capacity of the domestic economy to independently rebuild the housing stock destroyed during the war and the production capacities of industrial enterprises. The available interpretations of the concept of "enterprise competitiveness" by economist scientists are considered. The definition of the concept of "enterprise competitiveness" has been clarified based on the new integration of the analysis of approaches to the definition of this category. Attention has been drawn to the fact that in the conditions of active digitization and the application of neurolinguistic programming methods, enterprises are increasingly moving away from traditional approaches to satisfying consumer demand. They prefer demand formation through the use of marketing consulting and branding. A refined definition of the concept of construction enterprise competitiveness is proposed. It is substantiated that in the conditions of the formation of the economy of innovative and intellectual capital, the basis of the growth of the organization's competitiveness is primarily human capital and qualities of managers. The sectoral features of the formation of the enterprise competitiveness are resoluted, which are determined by the specificity of construction products and the multi-vector nature of regulatory and legal state regulation in this sphere. It was noted that the competitiveness of a construction enterprise depends on a number of internal and external factors and is formed along the value creation chain. 

Features of state support in the system of food security and the development of accounting and information support in crop production

In the system of ensuring the country’s food security, agricultural producers occupy one of the key positions. Conducting agricultural activities is accompanied by certain risks associated with the influence of natural and climatic factors, productivity, changes in prices for raw materials, sales of products. Therefore, state support for the agro-industrial complex and the effective organization of all business processes of an economic entity contribute to improving the effectiveness of the financial and economic activities of agricultural producers. The article considers the procedure for state support of agricultural producers, as well as the impact of the specifics of agricultural production on the accounting process, in particular on the calculation of the cost of agricultural products