Production Benefits Research Articles

51 Application of an energy and nutrient matrix to a mixed cereals-based diet supplemented with a novel phytase and xylanase–β-glucanase achieved a production benefit from wean-to-finish in pigs

Abstract The effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) without or with a xylanase–β-glucanase (XB) when added to an energy and nutrient-reduced diet on growth performance and production benefit was evaluated in pigs from wean-to-finish. A total of 192 weaned pigs [DanBred x Pi; initial body weight (BW) 7.18 ± 0.38 kg] were randomized to 4 treatments with 12 (4 piglets/pen) and 24 pens (2 pigs/pen) per treatment (1:1 male to female) for nursery and grow-finish phases, respectively. Diets were wheat-corn-barley-rye-soybean meal-based and fed in 5 phases (pre-starter, 7–11 kg, starter, 11–25 kg, grower I, 25–55 kg, grower II, 55–85 kg and finisher, 85–110 kg BW). Treatments comprised: 1) a nutritionally adequate positive control (PC); 2) a negative control (NC1) without added inorganic phosphate, reduced (based on specific PhyG dose) in net energy (NE), calcium (Ca), digestible amino acids (AA) and sodium (Na) vs. PC, supplemented with PhyG at 1,000, 1000, 750, 500 and 500 FTU/kg during pre-starter, starter, grower I, II and finisher phase, respectively (NC1+PhyG ‘low’); 3) a negative control (NC2) without added inorganic phosphate, supplemented with PhyG at 2,000, 2,000, 1,000, 750 and 750 FTU/kg in each phase with reduction in NE, Ca, dig AA and Na vs. PC based on the specific PhyG dose (NC2+PhyG ‘high’); and 4) a negative control (NC3) that was similar to 2) but supplemented with XB to provide 2,400 U/kg xylanase and 304 U/kg β-glucanase, with additional reduction in NE and dig AA based on the contribution of XB vs NC1 (NC3+PhyG ‘low’+XB). Data were analyzed by ANOVA, and means separation was by Tukey’s HSD test. Growth performance in all enzyme-supplemented diets was maintained or improved compared with PC. The NC3+PhyG ‘low’+XB treatment significantly improved performance vs. PC; average daily gain (ADG) and BW were greater vs. PC in starter (620 g and 28.2 kg vs. 557 g and 26.4 kg) and grower I (859 g and 65.1 kg vs. 777 g and 60.0 kg) respectively; feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced in grower II vs. PC (2.10 vs. 2.25; P < 0.05). The final BW was 114.5, 114.8, 115.6 and 116.7 kg in PC, NC1+PhyG ‘low’, NC2+PhyG ‘high’ and NC3+PhyG ‘low’+XB, respectively (P > 0.05). Carcass parameters were unaffected by treatments. Compared with PC, NC1+PhyG ‘low’, NC2+PhyG ‘high’ and NC3+PhyG ‘low’+XB conferred a 3.8 to 5.8% reduction in total feed cost (ingredients price, October 2023)/kg BWG and 4.4 to 6.8% reduction in the total carbon footprint (FeedPrint, WUR, The Netherland, CO2 eq., g)/kg BWG. The results confirm the appropriacy of the applied matrix values with PhyG supplementation, with or without XB, in mixed cereal diets from wean-to-finish and highlight the potential feed cost and sustainability benefit of using the phytase alone or in combination with the carbohydrase enzymes.

47 Application of a ‘high’ or ‘low’ energy matrix to a nutrient-reduced diet supplemented with a novel phytase maintained growth performance and conferred production and sustainability benefit

Abstract This study assessed the capacity of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) to maintain growth performance of weaned pigs when added to a nutrient-reduced mixed cereal diet with two levels of dietary net energy (NE) reduction applied. A total of 360 newly weaned pigs [Greater York × Norsvin Landrace; initial body weight (BW) 8.4 ± 0.78 kg] were assigned to 60 floor-pens and 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 2 blocks (weaning group), 6 replicate pens per block, and 6 pigs/pen (3 male, 3 female), in total of 12 replications per treatment. Diets were based on wheat, corn, barley, and soybean meal and were offered to pigs in 2 phases in pelleted form (0–14 and 14–35 d post-weaning). Treatments comprised a nutritionally adequate positive control (PC) and 4 negative control (NC) diets supplemented with PhyG. The NC diets were reduced in digestible P, Ca, Na, and digestible amino acids vs. PC, according to the expected contribution of PhyG added at 1,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg (NC1) or 2,000 FTU/kg (NC2), respectively. Each NC1 and NC2 was formulated at two NE reduction levels, designated ‘low’ and ‘high’ (‘low’: -53 to -65 kcal/kg and ‘high’: -73 to -86 kcal/kg, vs. PC at 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg PhyG, respectively). Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Means separation was by Tukey’s HSD test. During both phases and overall (0–35 d), average BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in all PhyG-supplemented, nutrient- and NE-reduced treatments, were either not different or were improved compared with the PC. Overall ADG, ADFI, and final BW (d 35) were greater in NC2+PhyG 2,000 FTU/kg ‘low’ vs. PC (466 vs. 424 g, 9.9%, 622 vs. 567 g, 9.7%, and 24.7 vs. 23.1 kg, 6.9%, respectively; P < 0.05). Total feed costs (ingredients price, February 2023) and estimated carbon footprint (CFP; FeedPrint, WUR, The Netherland) per kilogram of BW gain (BWG) were reduced in all PhyG-supplemented, nutrient- and NE-reduced treatments vs. PC. Feed costs saving per kg BWG were greater with ‘high’ than ‘low’ NE reduction applied (-0.013 vs. -0.007 €, respectively, vs. PC) with PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg, and it was greatest in NC2+PhyG 2,000 FTU/kg with ‘low’ NE reduction (-0.036 € vs. PC). Similarly, the CFP was reduced from 2,068 to 1,840 g CO2 eq/kg BWG (-11 %) by NC2+PhyG 2,000 FTU/kg with ‘low’ NE reduction vs. PC. In conclusion, the application of a full nutrient matrix with ‘high’ or ‘low’ NE reduction combined with supplementation of PhyG maintained growth performance of weaned pigs and reduced the total feed costs and carbon footprint per kg BW gain, lead to production and sustainability benefits.

Evaluation of single and mixed cover crops species in a sandy loam soil under corn production

AbstractInformed selection of cover crop species is critical for optimizing their benefits by considering the costs of adoption and potential initial negative impact on yields against the proven benefits for sustainable production. The Lower Mississippi Delta region is lagging in cover crop adoption, partly due to a paucity of this information from the area, despite being one of the major row crop‐producing regions in the United States. Common cover crop species in the region, cereal rye (CR) (Secale cereale), hairy vetch (HV) (Vicia villosa), and crimson clover (CC) (Trifolium incarnatum), and their possible two‐ and three‐combination mixes were evaluated for their impact on biomass production, enzyme activities, nutrient cycling, and corn (Zea mays) yields. HV + CC + CR and HV + CR produced the highest biomass and lowest yields compared to all treatments. HV and CC produced the least biomass but comparable yields to no cover crop. HV + CC + CR, HV + CR, CR, CC, and HV treatments had comparable total nitrogen, phosphorus, and soil organic carbon levels in the surface 0‐ to 5‐cm depth. Generally, CC alone and the HV + CR mix consistently displayed significantly higher phosphatase, N‐acetylglucosaminidase, β‐glucosidase, and cellobiohydrolase activities compared to all other treatments, while CR had the lowest. The single species of CC or HV may be the best option in the short term for initial cover crop implementation, rotating with CR a few years down the line for optimum long‐term benefits under corn production in this region.

Faecal egg counts in Australian pasture-based dairy herds

In Australian pastoral dairy systems, a variety of ‘routine’ anthelmintic programs are used in lactating cows varying from nil anthelmintic use to bi-annual application. Anthelmintic resistance has been repeatedly diagnosed on dairy farms and studies have indicated variable milk production benefits from anthelmintics internationally. We aimed to identify the predominant gastrointestinal parasites in recently calved dairy cows in south-west Victoria and examined the relationship between individual faecal egg counts (FEC) and other cow and management factors such as body condition score, age, and historical anthelmintic use. This study included 18 pasture-based dairy farms in south-west Victoria. FECs were measured in recently calved primiparous and multiparous cows. Individual FEC tests with a minimum detectable FEC of 2.5 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) and group larval cultures were completed. Farm management data and cow information was recorded for data analysis with the Jamovi statistical package. Overall, 35% of all cows had FEC ≥ 2.5 epg (26% of multiparous and 45% of primiparous). Ostertagi ostertagi was the predominant gastrointestinal nematode in all cohorts. Cooperia pectinata or C. punctata were also present in mixed infestations alongside C. oncophora. Multiparous cows in low body condition score post calving (<4) were more likely to have a FEC of >5 epg. Faecal egg counts at a minimum detectable FEC of 2.5 epg are effective indicators of parasitism in recently calved primiparous and poorly conditioned multiparous dairy cows. Increasing the test sensitivity (minimum detectable count) of FECs from 10 epg to 2.5 epg resulted in increasing the overall positive FEC rate from 15% to 35%. Further investigation of sensitive FECs and their relevance to production along with the timing and value of anthelmintic use in dairy cattle is warranted.

Two studies evaluated the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on the growth performance of broilers fed corn/soybean diets and deficient in nutrients and energy

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on performance of broilers fed US type diets with reduced nutrients and energy. Each experiment utilized a completely randomized block design where four treatments were tested with 10 replicate groups, each treatment totaling 270 day-of-hatch male Ross 308 broilers. The diets were: 1), a nutrient-adequate control (PC) and 2), a nutrient and energy-reduced negative control (NC): PC minus 0.19 % avP, 0.23 % Ca, 0.045 % Na, up to 0.05 % unit dig AA and 37 kcal/kg ME and 3), NC with PhyG supplemented at 1,500 FTU/kg (PhyG1500) 4), PC minus 0.164 % avP, 0.201 % Ca, 0.037 % Na, up to 0.035 %-unit dig. AA and 29 kcal/kg ME plus the PhyG at 750 FTU/kg (PhyG750). Xylanase was included in all diets at 750 XU/kg with 25 kcal/kg of ME matrix applied. Experiment 1 diets (wholly vegetable) were based on corn-soybean meal with <2 % DDGs. Experiment 2 diets (conventional) were based on corn-soybean meal with <3 % DDGS and <4 % meat and bone meal. Diets were pelleted and fed ad libitum over four phases: starter (1–10d), grower (11–21d), finisher 1 (22–35d), and finisher 2 (36–42d). In both experiments, compared with PC, birds fed the nutrient and energy reduced NC exhibited reduced 42d BW and increased overall 1–42d FCR (P < 0.05). During all phases, in both experiments, PhyG at each dose-level produced growth performance measures that were by phase and cumulatively equivalent to PC. PhyG at 1500 FTU improved accumulative FCR (1–21d, 1–35d and 1–42d) in experiment 1, and 1–21d FCR in experiment 2 compared to PC. Similarly, PhyG750 and PhyG1500 increased (P < 0.05) tibia ash and carcass yield vs. NC to similar levels as PC. For all measures, response values were numerically highest with 1500 FTU/kg. In conclusion, the novel consensus phytase variant completely compensated for the reduction in avP, Ca, Na, dig AA, and ME respectively at each dose-level and maintained growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone quality of broilers fed wholly vegetable or conventional US type commercial diets through 42 days of age, leading to reduced feed cost and production benefit.

Rice land agroecosystem in supporting the development potential of duck-rice integration

The agroecosystem of paddy fields in the Tondano Lake area was an environmental system that has been managed directly by farmers for the benefit of food production, namely rice, fiber and various other food products such as ducks. The types of commodities that can be developed in paddy field ecosystems were more limited than those in dry land ecosystems. In fact, the farmer community in paddy fields generally had weak capabilities, especially with regard to capital, there was a rice farming culture that is not aware of damaging the environment and low technology adoption. Farmers use paddy fields for the development of duck livestock. The problem was how far the paddy field agroecosystem supports the potential for the development of duck-rice integration (INTIP). The purpose of this study was to analyze the biophysical characteristics, management of land resources and duck livestock resources. The research method used was a survey method with locations around Lake of Tondano. The number of respondents was 30 farmers who developed local ducks in paddy fields. Data analysis used was descriptive analysis. The results showed that the area of rice fields in District of Remboken was 323 Ha, South Tondano was 457 Ha, West Kakas was 664 Ha, East Langowan was 663 Ha and West Tondano was 693 Ha. The population of ducks for the five districts was respectively 8177 ducks, 6525, 4311, 4277 and 9240 ducks. Paddy fields are used as duck grazing land after the rice harvest. The feed consumed was the remains of rice that has fallen out, small animals in the fields after harvest and added with “renga”. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that duck had the potential to be developed in paddy fields with agroecosystems that were only planted with rice plants.

Farmer's climate smart livestock production adoption and determinant factors in Hidebu Abote District, Central Ethiopia.

This study aimed to identify the status, determining factors, and challenges in adopting climate smart livestock production practices by farmers. Three-staged sampling techniques were used to select the research sites and 233 sample farmer household respondents. Data were collected mainly using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted to complement the household survey data. Descriptive statistics and an ordered logistic regression model were applied to analyze the quantitative data. The result revealed that the most adopted practices were composting (85.41%) and manure management (70.39%) while the least adopted technologies were biogas generation (3.86%) and rotation grazing (22.32%). The adoption status of the sampled farmers was also categorized into low (19.74%), medium (67.81%), and high adopter (12.45%). The high cost of improved breed, use of manure for fuel, free grazing, lack of information and awareness were the major constraints to adopting the climate smart livestock production technologies. The result also revealed that education, grazing land, total livestock holding, and extension agent contact contributed significantly and positively to the adoption of smart livestock production technology, while the distance from the water source had an insignificant and negative effect on the adoption status of climate smart livestock production practices. The study suggests the relevance of the cooperation of stakeholders and strengthening extension services for the maximum benefits of climate smart livestock production.

Leakage of water-cooled wall tube in subcritical boiler

Usually, heating surfaces used in thermal power plant boilers include economizers, water-cooled walls, superheaters, and reheaters, abbreviated as the “four tubes” of boilers. The leakage of the heating surface is a common form of unplanned shutdown in thermal power plants, accounting for more than 50% of abnormal shutdown accidents of units. Once the heating surface explosion occurs, the thermal power plant needs to shut down for treatment, resulting in huge losses in power generation and fuel consumption during startup and shutdown. This has a huge impact on the safety production and economic benefits of the enterprise. In this paper, the leaked water-cooled wall tube in the subcritical boiler was studied by means of microstructure analysis, hardness test, energy spectrum analysis, chemical composition test, macro-morphology inspection, and tensile test. The results revealed that the oxygen concentration difference between the area installed in ceiling pouring material and the area exposed to the air can result in significant differences in electrode potential between different areas of the front water wall tube passing through the ceiling. An oxygen concentration difference battery is formed. In this way, the water-cooled wall steel pipe continuously corroded and thinned. Finally, perforation leakage occurred under the pressure of the internal high-temperature medium.

Sustainable reuse of waste ceramic tiles powder and waste brick powder as a replacement for cement on green high strength concrete properties

Nowadays, reducing construction waste has grabbed the attention. As bricks and ceramic tiles represent more than 50% of the ceramic waste in many European countries. Thus, the recycling of this waste type is one of the most significant challenges within the paradigm of the circular economy. This paper investigated the impact of substitution levels of cement by waste ceramic powder (WCP) and waste brick powder (WBP) at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, on the HSC characteristics. The WBP and WCP materials were characterized in detail by laser granulometry, XRF and XRD measurements, followed by standard mixing, production, and curing of concrete samples. The experiments on dry density, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, compressive strength, resistance to sulfate attack, water absorption and ultrasonic pulse velocity were conducted to evaluate the hardened properties of concrete. It was demonstrated that the durability and strength of concrete containing WBP and WCP as partial replacements for cement are marginally inferior to those of the control sample. On the other hand, samples containing WBP had a lesser negative effect on HSC properties in comparison with samples containing WCP. However, employing a 5% WBP with 10% WCP mixture enhanced the characteristics of the HSC in comparison to samples containing various percentages of WCP individually. In addition, the microstructure analyses revealed that the addition of 10% WCP and 5%WBP to HSC specimens resulted in higher hydration products and a slightly denser concrete matrix compared to samples containing various percentages of WCP individually. Research findings indicate that a 15% substitution of cement with WCP or WBP illustrated an environmental benefit in concrete production due to a 13.1% reduction in specific energy consumption.

Transforming mountain agriculture in China: Linking smallholder family production and moderate-scale agriculture

Transforming mountain agriculture in China involves integrating smallholder family production and moderate-scale agricultural operations. This process enhances agricultural efficiency, alleviates poverty, and combats hunger in mountainous regions, thus contributing to sustainable development goals. This study developed a conceptual framework to transform mountain agriculture based on the theory of spatial-behavior interaction. The aim was to elucidate the inherent mechanisms and formation processes. The validity of this framework was confirmed by analyzing two representative cases. Additionally, the study distilled the experiences of mountain agriculture transformation in China and established a Chinese model. The study found that spatial constraints in mountainous areas are no longer the predominant limiting factors in transforming mountain agriculture. The transformation should consider the compatibility between the transformation approach and the local agricultural production history, the structure of agricultural production subjects, and the distribution of agricultural production benefits. Linking smallholder family production and moderate-scale agriculture shows strong feasibility in mountainous regions. This study provides valuable insights into transforming mountain agriculture in other mountainous regions worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Feeling signs: motor encoding enhances sign language learning in hearing adults.

Manual production enhances learning and recall of signs by hearing second language learners; however, the mechanisms enabling this effect are unclear. We examined whether the motor encoding (somatosensory feedback) that occurs during sign production benefits learning and whether it interacts with sign iconicity, which also enhances learning. American Sign Language (ASL) signs varying in iconicity were learned either via production (repetition) with the eyes closed or via observation without production. Signs learned via production were recalled more accurately than signs learned via observation, indicating that motor encoding from manual production enriches the representations of signs. Moreover, the effect of motor encoding interacted with iconicity, suggesting that motor encoding may particularly enhance the recall of signs low in iconicity. Together, these results reveal the importance of somatosensory feedback as a key mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of production on sign learning, demonstrating that feeling one's own signing promotes learning and recall of signs.

A comprehensive assessment of wind energy potential and wind farm design in a coastal industrial city

Purpose Jubail Industrial City is one of the largest industrial centers in the Middle East, offering potential opportunities for renewable energy generation. This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the wind resources in Jubail Industrial City and proposes the design of a smart grid-connected wind farm for this strategic location. Design/methodology/approach The study used wind data collected at three different heights above ground level – 10, 50 and 90 m – over four years from 2017 to 2020. Key parameters, such as average wind speeds (WS), predominant wind direction, Weibull shape, scale parameters and wind power density (WPD), were analyzed. The study used Windographer, an exclusive software program designed to evaluate wind resources. Findings The average WS at the respective heights were 3.07, 4.29 and 4.58 m/s. The predominant wind direction was from the north-west. The Weibull shape parameter (k) at the three heights was 1.77, 2.15 and 2.01, while the scale parameter (c) was 3.36, 4.88 and 5.33 m/s. The WPD values at different heights were 17.9, 48.8 and 59.3 W/m2, respectively. Originality/value The findings suggest that Jubail Industrial City possesses favorable wind resources for wind energy generation. The proposed smart grid-connected wind farm design demonstrates the feasibility of harnessing wind power in the region, contributing to sustainable energy production and economic benefits.

Assessing the environmental impacts of conventional and organic scenarios of rainbow trout farming in France

In France, rainbow trout farming in conventional flow-through systems raises environmental concerns. To address this, there is a growing interest in organic aquaculture. In this study, we employed an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the environmental impacts of rainbow trout production, comparing conventional and organic practices in a model fish farm. Our life cycle impact assessment revealed that organic farming significantly reduced environmental impacts per tonne of trout in seven of the nine selected impact categories. Notably, freshwater ecotoxicity exhibited the most significant difference, with organic systems showing a 35% decrease. The only exceptions were freshwater eutrophication and water dependence, where organic production led to higher impacts per tonne of trout. In conventional farming, emissions amounted to 14 kg of P eq./tonne, whereas in organic farming, the emissions were slightly higher (15 kg of P eq./tonne). For water dependence, one tonne of trout production in the conventional system mobilized 128 103 m3 vs. 185 103 m3 in the organic system. The environmental benefits of organic production were even more marked when using a surface-based functional unit (m2y). We demonstrated the benefits of organic trout production from an environmental perspective. However, our findings highlight the caution needed when interpreting LCA comparisons of such production systems that can be highly influenced by methodological choices such as the functional unit used.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RED WINES (CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND TEMPRANILLO) FROM ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Ensenada wine country, in the State of Baja California, Mexico, accounts for approximately 70–80 % of Mexico’s wine production. Despite its significance, detailed knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of wines remains limited. In this study, we examined nine physicochemical properties of 69 commercial red wines produced from the Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals in the San Vicente, Santo Tomás, and Guadalupe valleys. The pH, total acidity, acetic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, total polyphenols, glucose/fructose ratio, alcohol content, and red color intensity were all analyzed. Tempranillo wines showed significantly higher levels of acetic acid, lactic acid, and total acidity, but lower levels of total polyphenols and malic acid than Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Furthermore, wines from the Santo Tomás region have significantly higher alcohol content, glucose/fructose ratio, total polyphenols, red color intensity, and total acidity, distinguishing them from the wines of San Vicente and Guadalupe. Our results highlight the influence of the grape variety on wine chemistry, emphasizing the possibility for further optimization of the winemaking processes for the benefit of vine growers, enologists, and wine production in the region.

Experimental and mechanism study on the separation of isobutyl alcohol and water azeotrope using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents

Isobutyl alcohol with good miscibility, high octane number and energy density has been paid more and more attention in the field of new biofuels, as it is an ideal alternative fuel for gasoline. However, isobutyl alcohol and water azeotrope need a clean and efficient separation method to realize the separation in isobutyl alcohol production process and industrial wastewater. Three hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used to separate isobutyl alcohol. Decanoic acid was used as hydrogen bond donor and menthol, thymol and lidocaine were used as hydrogen bond acceptors to synthesize DESs. The liquid-liquid equilibrium experiment was carried out for the system containing DESs and MSD −water at 101.3 kPa and 303.15 K, and the separation effect of different DESs was indicated using distribution coefficient (β) and selectivity (S). The σ-Profile can be a good reflection of the strength of a substance's ability to accept and provide hydrogen bonds. The interaction energy and self-diffusion coefficient of the separation system were described quantitatively by molecular dynamics simulation. The relationship between DESs and the separation system was analyzed quantitatively by radial distribution function and spatial distribution function. The separation results show that the three DESs have good separation effect on isobutyl alcohol-water system, among which the DESs synthesized by thymol and decanoic acid has the best separation effect, and the interaction of isobutyl alcohol-water separation process is controlled by van der Waals forces. DESs plays an important role in the separation and treatment of isobutyl alcohol-containing wastewater, and promotes the sustainable development of wastewater treatment projects to save costs and increase production benefits.

Research progress of hydrogen production and CO2 fixation in molten slag cooling process

AbstractSteel slag is a waste discharged from the iron and steel smelting process, which has the characteristics of large output, high temperature, complex chemical composition and poor stability. The application of steel slag in hydrogen production and CO2 fixation is of great significance for reducing energy consumption, obtaining renewable energy and fixing CO2 in the air. In this paper, the research progress of high‐temperature sensible heat of steel slag used for hydrogen production and CO2 fixation at medium and low temperature is introduced, the reaction mechanism of different hydrogen production methods and the treatment path and direction of high‐efficiency hydrogen production in the future are deeply analyzed, and the steel slag used for CO2 fixation is discussed and summarized from the theory, effect and treatment mode of CO2 fixation. In the future, the research on the economic benefits of hydrogen production and CO2 fixation from steel slag is a major focus, which can achieve economic benefits while utilizing steel slag resources.

Assessment of Yield and Quality of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Fruits Improved by Biodegradable Mulching Film in Two Different Regions of Southern Italy

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulching films have an important function in crop cultivation; at the end of their life, however, their removal and disposal become both an economic and environmental problem. One possible alternative to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch is provided by certified soil-biodegradable mulch films, such as those produced by Novamont and commercially available under the trade name MaterBi®. MaterBi is a biodegradable thermoplastic material made with starch and a biodegradable copolyester based on proprietary technology. In this study, we compared two biodegradable MaterBi®-based films (commercial and experimental films) with bare soil and a low-density polyethylene to evaluate their effect on yield and on a number of qualitative characteristics (organoleptic and nutraceutical composition) of eggplant fruits (cv Mirabelle F1) grown in two different regions in Southern Italy (Sicily and Campania). In our study, the use of biodegradable MaterBi® films improved not only yield and production parameters, such as the number and average weight of fruits, but also lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activity and phenolic and ascorbic acid content. For many parameters, responses differed according to the cultivation environment and, in particular, the site’s pedoclimatic conditions. Our results suggest that biodegradable MaterBi®-based mulching films are a potentially valid alternative to traditional LDPEs, providing the production and quality benefits reported above and promoting environmental sustainability, thanks to their positive biodegradable properties.

Goldfish Breeding Business Development in Kampung Wouma, Wamena Kota District

The potential for natural resources in the Wamena City District area is very abundant. One of the businesses being developed by the community there is goldfish farming which has been started since 2015. The aim of this study for analyze how the carp business is developing in Wouma village, Wamena city district. Method​ Qualitative is used to explain the development of the carp farming business including the condition of the breeder, the problems faced by the breeder including business capital, labor, production, price and other factors that must be considered for development. business​ fish​ m a s. Meanwhile, the analysis method quantitative used for count level farmer's net income with profit calculation. The amount of goldfish breeder capital varies, depending on the condition of the breeder. The average capital used to start a goldfish farming business ranges between Rp. 8,500,000 to Rp. 10,000,000. Of the 10 respondents studied, the number of workers needed to develop goldfish was 34 people. Generally, these breeders are heads of families with junior high school and senior high school education. Good price conditions will provide benefits for goldfish production and have a positive influence on breeders to increase their production, because prices directly affect income levels. Until 2021, the price of carp will reach Rp. 35,000 per kg, in 2022 the price of goldfish will reach IDR. 38,000 per kg and in 2023 the price of goldfish will reach IDR. 40,000 per kg. Furthermore, the goldfish production produced by breeders has increased from year to year. Carp production will range from 1,040 kg to 1,760 kg until 2023. Research shows goldfish sales don't meet consumer demand, with respondent 5 earning the least and respondent 3 earning the most.

Research on decoupling greenhouse temperature and humidity based on feedback linearization

In order to improve the control effect of each environmental factor of conventinal glasshouse, a realistic nonlinear glasshouse system feedback linearization decoupling control arithmetic has been reported. The multi-input, multi-output system which is nonlinear is turned into two detached single-input, single-transport stepwise linear systems by implementing the encoder algorithm, and the relation of the ambient components, which is strong coupling, such as the temperature and humidity, is alleviated. The simulation results show that if the target value of the environmental factor is within a proper controllable range, the controlled system of greenhouse temperature and humidity can achieve a good following effect, eliminate the coupling between temperature and humidity, and improve the accuracy of temperature and humidity control, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and improve the comprehensive benefit of greenhouse production. Precision of temperature and humidity control, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and improve the comprehensive benefits of greenhouse production

Maternal supplementation with mulberry-leaf flavonoids improves the development of skeletal muscle in the offspring of chickens

The development of skeletal muscle is a crucial factor in determining the meat yield and economic benefits of broiler production. Recent research has shown that mulberry leaves and their extracts can be used to significantly improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry. The present study aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in broiler offspring by dietary mulberry-leaf flavonoids (MLF) supplementation from the perspective of maternal effect theory. A total of 270 Qiling broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to 3 treatments with different doses of MLF (0, 30, 60 mg/kg) for 8 weeks before collecting their fertilized eggs. The chicken offspring at 13 and 19 d of embryonic stage, and from 1 to 28 d old after hatching were included in this study. The results showed that maternal supplementation increased the breast muscle weight and body weight of the offspring at the embryo and chick stages (P < 0.05). This was followed by increased cross-sectional area of pectoral muscle fibres at 14 d (P < 0.05). Further determination revealed a tendency towards increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (P = 0.092) and muscle fibre count (P = 0.167) at 1 d post-hatching following maternal MLF treatment, while serum uric acid (UA) was decreased at 14 d after hatching (P < 0.05). Moreover, maternal MLF supplementation significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the myogenic regulatory factor Myf5 in skeletal muscle at the both embryonic and growth stages (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of the downstream protein of BMPR2, Smad1 and p-Smad1/5/9 in the TGFβ signalling pathway was significantly increased by maternal MLF treatment. Meanwhile, the increased expression of the target protein p-mTOR in the breast muscle of the offspring chicks is in accordance with the improved growth rate of the breast and the body. In conclusion, maternal MLF supplementation can promote muscle protein metabolism and muscle fibre development of chick embryos through upregulation of Myf5 expression and BMP/p-Smad1/5/9 axis, thereby improving growth performance of slow growing broiler.