Production Cycle Research Articles

Project Management Anal yses in a Poul try Farm: Critical Path Anal yses Approach

Abstract: This research work explored the application of Critical Path Analysis (CPA) in the production cycle of broiler chickens, aimed at identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies that could be mitigated to enhance productivity and profitability. Broiler chicken production, a critical component of the global agricultural sector, demands efficient management of various stages, including breeding, hatching, growing, and processing, to meet the increasing demand for poultry meat. The research utilized CPA, a time-tested project management tool traditionally applied in construction and manufacturing industries, to map out the critical and non-critical activities within the broiler production cycle. By identifying the longest path through these sequential activities, the study highlighted the minimum time required for a complete production cycle and pinpointed stages where delays could extend overall production time. This approach allowed for the precise identification of bottlenecks that impede productivity, such as the brooding phase and health management practices, which are critical for ensuring the growth and survival of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of ecosystem services vis-à-vis perceptions and attitudes of local communities towards Wetland conservation in Kashmir Himalaya

Valuation of ecosystem services along with the perceptions and attitudes of local communities is crucial for sustainable management of wetlands. This study assesses changes in wetland area and bathymetry, and provides insights into local community's perceptions of ecosystem services, and attitudes towards wetland conservation in Kashmir Himalaya, India. High-resolution satellite data was used to assess land use land cover (LULC) changes within the wetland. The bathymetry changes were assessed by performing depth measurements before and after dredging in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Perceptions of ecosystem services and attitudes of residents towards wetland management were examined through surveys in 182 households from the target population of 334 families. The findings reveal that Khushalsar wetland provides important provisioning (food, fodder, thatching mats, fish, vegetables), regulating (flood control, carbon sequestration, water quality improvement), supporting (habitat, biomass and oxygen production, water and nutrient cycling), and cultural services (aesthetic, education, spiritual). The economic benefits from provisioning services range from 240 USD/yr for minor vegetables to 1201–1802 USD/0.05 ha/yr for Nelumbo nucifera. The analysis of LULC changes indicates a ∼16.5% reduction in wetland area from 1980 to 2017, with a further ∼10% decrease from 2017 to 2021, resulting in an overall loss of ∼25% (27.1 ha) in wetland area from 1980 to 2021. Bathymetric assessments reveal an increase in maximum depth from 427 cm in 2019 to 547 cm in 2022 following dredging activities. Socioeconomic analysis showed the significance of Khushalsar wetland as an important source of livelihood for local communities. Survey results indicate that all the respondents have positive attitudes towards the protection and management of the Khushalsar wetland. The study demonstrates that human conservation activities have significantly contributed to positive changes in the wetland such as increase in depth and flood storage capacity. The study concludes that government protection along with active participation of local communities is indispensable for sustainable management of wetlands.

Molecular Epidemiology of Fowl Aviadenoviruses in Broiler Chickens from Vaccinated and Nonvaccinated Breeders.

Fowl aviadenoviruses (FAdVs) are widely distributed among poultry populations, leading to various diseases, immunosuppression, and economic losses. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of circulating FAdV isolates play a critical role in epidemiologic studies, contributing to the control, monitoring, and prevention of related outbreaks. This study aimed to determine the serotypes of FAdV and reveal the molecular epidemiology in broiler chicken flocks. Samples were taken based on epidemiologically important parameters, such as vaccination status, age, and transmission route. A total of 20 vaccinated flocks (VF, flocks originated from vaccinated breeder lines) and 20 nonvaccinated flocks (NVF, flocks originated from nonvaccinated breeder lines) were randomly selected from flocks reporting suspected FAdV clinical symptoms and deaths. Vaccination was administered by intramuscular injection into the pectoral muscle with a commercial inactivated vaccine at 12 and 18 wk. Liver and cloacal swab samples were collected from each flock over two different production cycles and for three different age groups (1-day-old, 14-day-old, and 28-day-old chickens). The liver and cloacal swap samples were analyzed for FAdV using PCR targeting the hexon loop-1 gene. Molecular detection revealed that 30.0% (24/80) of all flocks were FAdV positive, with 50.0% (20/40) positivity in NVF and 10.0% (4/40) in VF. Sequence analysis of the hexon loop-1 gene revealed that all samples were FAdV-8b serotype (OR670689-OR670712), with 100.0% similarity. One randomly selected FAdV-8b sample was analyzed by whole-genome sequence analysis. This is the first study in Turkey to deposit an FAdV whole-genome sequence (44,139 bp) into the GenBank database (PP236873). Given the significantly lower FAdV positivity rates in VF compared to NVF, the findings indicate that vaccination is an effective tool for protecting against FAdV-related infections.

A model for aligning the features of the production process with the idea of sustainable development

The purpose was to develop and practically verify a model for aligning the characteristics of the production process with the idea of eco-development by identifying key factors related to technological capabilities and product competitiveness affecting the achievement of the goal and success of the enterprise. The study proposes a model approach to a multifaceted analysis of the key factors determining the construction of effective development strategies of industrial enterprises as a way to achieve the strategic goals of the enterprise in the long term. The study used a 3x3 linkage matrix divided into zones within which the results of surveys (carried out using a modified BOST questionnaire) were distributed, and statistical analyses were carried out to determine the level of importance of the considered factors from the area of technological capabilities and product competitiveness referring directly to the idea of sustainable development. The identified key factors referring to eco-development (optimization of the use of productive resources, design of a closed production cycle, in-house research and development) make up the development of new innovative sustainable technologies that will contribute to material savings and efficient use of energy, and thus have a positive impact on the environment. Verification of the developed model in a manufacturing company confirmed its usefulness in conducting data analysis for decision support.

Design and Control of the Natural Frequency of Brake Discs in the Aspect of the Gray Cast Iron Production Process.

The results of research on the influence of the chemical composition of cast iron and its potential changes in the production cycle on the elastic properties and the correctness of numerical simulations of the natural frequency of ventilated brake discs are presented. The tests were carried out for three grades of gray cast iron with flake graphite with a eutectic saturation coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 1.01. A quantitative metallographic assessment of the pearlitic cast iron matrix and graphite precipitates was carried out, and the hardness and compressive/tensile strength of individual cast iron grades were determined, taking into account the limit contents of the alloying elements. Next, ultrasonic tests were performed, and the elastic properties of cast iron were determined. Based on the obtained data, a numerical modal analysis of brake discs was performed, the results of which were compared with the actual values of an FRF frequency analysis. The error of the computer simulations was estimated at approx. 1%, and it was found that the accuracy of the calculations of the first natural frequency did not depend on the dimensions (size) of the discs and the chemical composition of the cast iron from which they were cast. The functional relationships between the chemical composition of cast iron, its strength and elasticity and the first natural frequency of the disc vibrations were determined, and a database of the material parameters of the produced cast iron grades was developed. An implementation example showed the validation of the brake disc design with natural frequency prediction and demonstrated a high convergence of the experimental results with the simulated values. Using I-MR control cards, both the effectiveness of designing and predicting the natural vibrations of brake discs based on the implemented material database as well as the stability of the gray cast iron production and disc casting processes were confirmed.

Thermodynamic analysis of waste heat in a combined super-critical CO2 Brayton cycle for power and hydrogen production

The current investigation aims to propose a novel cycle to generate power and hydrogen using waste heat. For this purpose, super-critical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems are consideredin the cycle. Energy, exergy analyses along with parametric study are performed in the research. The best organic working fluid is selected for ORC based on the obtained results. Zero-dimensional modeling for components is performed and results are presented. Results show that the net power generation is 245.5 MW, thermal efficiency is 40.97 %, exergy efficiency is 56.73 %, and hydrogen and oxygen production is 9.04 kg/h and 74.2 kg/h, respectively. The optimum working pressure ratio and evaporator temperature are calculated. The effect of different working parameters on the system performance is obtained. It is shown that increasing the isentropic efficiency of the main and recompression compressors increases power generation, hydrogen production and system efficiency. Furthermore, increasing the turbine’s inlet temperature increases the power generation of the system.

Surface crack detection on selective laser melting printed Inconel 718 using a laser generated ultrasound technique and phase space reconstruction

Abstract In the field of metallic additive manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has become a predominant technology due to its advantages of short production cycles, high precision, and low cost. It is frequently employed in the production of complex parts. This paper proposes the use of a scanning laser line source, in conjunction with the singular value decomposition method, to reconstruct phase space and identify surface cracks in SLM specimens. The scanning laser line source addresses the limitations of a single line source, which is often unable to accurately detect tiny cracks. By comparing experimental and simulation data, the results demonstrate that the scanning laser line source can effectively compensate for some of the detection deficiencies of a single line source.

Перспективы увеличения минеральной базы цветной металлургии

The article discusses the issues of strengthening the mineral resource base of non-ferrous metallurgy by introducing ore processing wastes into the production cycle. The relevance of the study is explained by the decreasing availability of mineral resources. The conventional ore processing technologies increase the volume of processing tailings in storages. Waste-free disposal of primary processing waste is not developing, and this waste is often used without extracting metals from it to match the sanitary requirements. The acute environmental problems are aggravated primarily by the lack of leverage for centralized accounting and regulation of the accumulated waste. The efficiency of leaching technologies is proved by a comprehensive method that includes experiments and calculations with a comparison of processing options. Quantitative values have been obtained and dependence diagrams of metal extraction on the contributing factors have been plotted, which make it possible to characterize the processes of leaching the mill tailings using a disintegrator. It has been proved that during the mechanochemical activation of the leaching process, metals extraction exceeds the extraction efficiency of the conventional waste processing technologies and ensures a safe level according to the sanitary requirements. It is determined that the mechanochemical activation in the disintegrator during metal leaching increases the strength of concrete mixtures based on secondary tailings. It is concluded that activation of the leaching processes in the disintegrator ensures the extraction of 50 to 80% of the previously lost metals from the mill tailings. The development of man-made deposits with innovative technologies with metal leaching is a real step towards expanding the mineral resource base of metallurgy and improving the environmental situation in the mining regions. Unlike the technologies related in terms of the application area and the purpose, the discussed technology enables waste-free processing of ores.

Social life cycle assessment in current and future Norwegian livestock production

Abstract Purpose This study is a social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) of per capita consumption of animal protein in Norway in 2019. The animal protein consisted of milk, beef, pork, poultry and egg. Based on the 2019 results, two scenarios, TrendProd and ChangeProd, were qualitatively assessed. The TrendProd scenario is a continuation of the current trend towards highly efficient livestock production, whilst ChangeProd focuses on using livestock feed based on bioresources that are unsuitable for human consumption. Methods The assessment of current livestock production followed the updated version of the social LCA guidelines by UNEP (2020). A survey amongst stakeholders was conducted for the selection of subcategories. The product system was divided into the following steps: imported feed, domestic off-farm feed, livestock production, manufacturing, distribution and use. A total of 25 subcategories across six stakeholder groups (i.e. workers, local community, society, value chain actors, consumers and children) were included in the assessment. A reference scale approach was used with a scale from 1 to 4. The assessment included quantitative and qualitative data from statistics, indices, surveys, etc. The social performance of the scenarios was assessed by the authors’ expert evaluation using the Delphi approach, comparing performance of indicators relative to the current production. Results and discussion The life cycle for the current Norwegian livestock production had an acceptable or high social performance for 17 of the selected subcategories. Five subcategories had a low performance (fair salary, equal opportunities, animal welfare, food security, promoting social responsibility) and three had a very low performance (health and safety, cultural heritage, fair competition). The assessment of the scenarios indicated that anticipated improvements in skills and technology were key drivers for maintaining or enhancing social performance in certain subcategories. The use of activity variables for measuring the relative importance of each unit process is recommended as it reflects actual distribution and is consistent with the method of environmental LCA. Conclusions Overall, the social life cycle assessment of current livestock production demonstrated high social performance. A stakeholders’ survey resulted in a new subcategory, ‘food security’, which served to include societal concern for self-sufficiency and food security in social LCA. Limitations and uncertainties of the study have also been identified, some relating to data and choice of indicators and others to the application of method, e.g. activity variables, development of reference scale and aggregation of results.

Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon and water footprints during processing of Lei bamboo shoots

Lei bamboo shoots are extensively used in the food processing industry, producing solid waste such as bamboo shoot shells and liquid wastewater. This study analyzed several sewage indicators, revealing that the majority exceed the national standards of China for direct water discharge. A field experiment was conducted over a period of 4 months to evaluate the effects of different treatments during the natural decomposition of bamboo shoot shells.The treatment groups consisted of the boiled experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). Results showed that in EG, the methane emission increased by 8.6% (P < 0.05), the carbon dioxide emission increased significantly by 19.7% (P < 0.01), and the nitrous oxide emission decreased by 37.9% (P < 0.01) relative to those in CG. Regression analysis was employed to establish a relationship model between CH4, CO2, and N2O emission fluxes and temperature and humidity in the EG and CG groups. A specific functional relationship was identified between CH4 and CO2 emission fluxes and temperature and humidity, but N2O emission was present. No significant correlation was found between flux and ambient temperature and humidity (R2 < 0.3). We also estimated that the carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption of producing 1 kg of canned bamboo shoots were 2.8669 kg and 86.8 L, covering the processes in the life cycle of bamboo shoot products. This study identifies the potential water pollution problems and provides insights into resource utilization and recycling in bamboo shoot food processing, facilitating the realization of clean production processes. It also sheds light on the water footprint of bamboo shoot products throughout their life cycle, and the carbon footprint research provides valuable references.

Effects of heat stress on endocrine, thermoregulatory, and lactation capacity in heat-tolerant and -sensitive dry cows.

Increasing global temperatures present a significant challenge to livestock production. The dry period is an important stage in the production cycle of cow, and environmental heat stress (HS) during this period can have adverse effects on the subsequent lactation performance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of HS on endocrine, thermoregulatory, and lactation parameters in heat-tolerant dry cows (HTDC) and heat-sensitive dry cows (HSDC). We measured the respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), and temperature-humidity index (THI) in 66 dry cows during HS. The slopes of RR and BT to THI were determined through analysis of measurements and dry cows background information using a mixed-effects model. Subsequently, the heat tolerance or sensitivity of dry cows was assessed using clustering method (HTDC = 19 and HSDC = 47). Compared with that of HSDC, the RR of HTDC significantly increased after exposure to HS (p < 0.05). The average reduction in milk yield from new lactation to the previous lactation was significantly lower in HTDC compared to HSDC (p < 0.05). Plasma cortisol and non-esterified fatty acid levels were significantly lower in HTDC compared to HSDC (p < 0.05), while plasma triiodothyronine (p = 0.07) and growth hormone (p = 0.08) levels tended to be higher in HTDC relative to HSDC. HTDC can more effectively alleviate the impacts of HS through their superior thermoregulation and metabolism, thereby ensuring optimal postpartum lactation performance.

The cellular Notch1 protein promotes KSHV reactivation in an Rta-dependent manner.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) manipulates the host cell oncogenic Notch signaling pathway for viral reactivation from latency and cell pathogenesis. KSHV reactivation requires that the viral protein Rta functionally interacts with RBP-Jk, the DNA-binding component of the Notch pathway, and with promoter DNA to drive transcription of productive cycle genes. We show that the Notch pathway is constitutively active during KSHV reactivation and is essential for robust production of infectious virus progeny. Inhibiting Notch during reactivation reduces the expression of specific viral genes yet does not affect the growth of the host cells. Although Notch cannot reactivate KSHV alone, the requisite expression of Rta reveals a previously unappreciated role for Notch in reactivation. We propose that activated Notch cooperates with Rta in a promoter-specific manner that is partially programmed by Rta's ability to redistribute RBP-Jk DNA binding to the virus during reactivation.

Line Balancing Study Using Value Stream Mapping Tool on Lean Manufacturing: A Case Study in an Electronic Industry

XY Electronics, a leading international company in electronic components manufacturing, is confronting significant production constraints that adversely affect output, lead times, and operational expenses. This study examines the manufacturing line for product A using Value Stream Mapping to analyze process times and identify bottlenecks where takt times are exceeded. It focuses on areas surpassing production cycle times and aims to enhance line utilization through better line balancing and waste reduction. The results reveal that the header assembly, along with coplanarity and pre-testing 3, are major bottlenecks, which significantly impact productivity. By optimizing task allocation, refining workforce distribution, and employing cross-training, the production line efficiency improved significantly. In addition, strategic workforce reallocation and station optimization were crucial in addressing resource underutilization and enhancing overall operational efficiency

A Pareto-optimality based black widow spider algorithm for energy efficient flexible job shop scheduling problem considering new job insertion

The utilization of flexible job shops is on the rise, driven by the decreasing life cycle of consumer products. In dynamic flexible job shops, the occurrence of disruptive events like machine breakdown, tool wear, and new job arrivals is common, emphasizing the critical need for efficient scheduling to achieve productivity and cost-effectiveness. Additionally with the growing concerns about energy consumption and global warming, the imperative to contemplate workshops with lower energy usage is becoming increasingly significant. Therefore, in this study a multi-objective dynamic flexible job shop scheduling problem (MODFJSP) with insertion of new jobs for optimization objectives: makespan, total energy consumption and schedule instability is addressed. A novel multi-objective black widow spider algorithm (MOBWSA), inspired by the mating behavior of black widow spiders, is proposed. The MOBWSA ensures an optimal balance between minimizing makespan and energy consumption through its superior evolutionary processes of procreation, mutation and cannibalism. Furthermore, a strategic on/off strategy is implemented to enhance energy efficiency. The disruptions in schedule at rescheduling stage are addressed through the proposed sigmoidal weighted instability function. To handle the multi-objective nature of the problem this work incorporates Pareto-optimality approach in combination with novel hybrid crowding distance metric. The optimization is further aided by exploitation of search space through an ensemble of local search operators. Testing and evaluation of the MOBWSA with 30 benchmark problems is conducted, and its performance for multiple metrics is compared with recently published state-of-the-art algorithms. The results establish the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

Combinatorial metabolic engineering of Bacillus subtilis for menaquinone-7 biosynthesis.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of vitamin K2, supports bone health and prevents arterial calcification. Microbial fermentation for MK-7 production has attracted widespread attention because of its low cost and short production cycles. However, insufficient substrate supply, unbalanced precursor synthesis, and low catalytic efficiency of key enzymes severely limited the efficiency of MK-7 synthesis. In this study, utilizing Bacillus subtilis BSAT01 (with an initial MK-7 titer of 231.0 mg/L) obtained in our previous study, the glycerol metabolism pathway was first enhanced to increase the 3-deoxy-arabino-heptulonate 7-phosphate (DHAP) supply, which led to an increase in MK-7 titer to 259.7 mg/L. Subsequently, a combination of knockout strategies predicted by the genome-scale metabolic model etiBsu1209 was employed to optimize the central carbon metabolism pathway, and the resulting strain showed an increase in MK-7 production from 259.7 to 318.3 mg/L. Finally, model predictions revealed the methylerythritol phosphate pathway as the major restriction pathway, and the pathway flux was increased by heterologous introduction (Introduction of Dxs derived from Escherichia coli) and fusion expression (End-to-end fusion of two enzymes by a linker peptide), resulting in a strain with a titer of 451.0 mg/L in a shake flask and 474.0 mg/L in a 50-L bioreactor. This study achieved efficient MK-7 synthesis in B. subtilis, laying the foundation for large-scale MK-7 bioproduction.

Economic and Productive Impact of the Implementation and Use of Agricultural Irrigation in the State of Tabasco, Mexico

O Objective: Three support programs for agricultural irrigation in 8 municipalities in the State of Tabasco were evaluated for a total area of 972.4 ha with 7 crops per municipality. One production cycle was used for the evaluation of the irrigation units in the State of Tabasco. Design/methodology/approach: The software "System for the Evaluation of Irrigation Units" SISEVUR 3.0 was used for the integration and evaluation of a) general operation of infrastructure; b) producer satisfaction with the infrastructure; c) aspects of improvement in the quantity and quality of production; d) benefits of irrigation on agricultural production and suggestions and opinions of producers regarding hydro-agricultural programs e). The economic/financial evaluation. Results: The crops that responded best to the application of irrigation were: 1) forage corn, with an increase in production of 140.7%; 2) lemon with 97.98%; 3. banana with 58.6%, and 4 sugar cane with 41%. Limitations on study/implications: Data collection required several visits to the producer to improve the collection of reliable data. However, there is a margin of error that could not be quantified due to the particularities of the producers and the work. Findings/conclusions: Bananas and citrus improved production quality and product maintenance throughout the year, favoring supply and demand commitments in the domestic and international markets.

A systematic approach to the quality assessment of printed products

Quality standards for the technological processes of the production of finished products are used in all countries of the world. Consumers of printing and packaging products are increasingly demanding ISO 9001 quality system certificates from manufacturing companies. It should be noted that international and national standards use different approaches to the standardization of processes and products, and the content of project management. To meet the demands of consumers, which are constantly increasing, quality management should be carried out based on a set of scientifically based principles, which can be divided into system-wide and special. The problem is relevant for modern Ukrainian enterprises, where, on the one hand, they need serious changes in the organizational structure, corporate culture, style and methods of project management; and on the other hand, compliance with the ratio of responsibility for quality between the management system and performers. Evaluation of the quality of printed products at the current stage requires the application of the principles of a systematic approach, based on the principles of which it is possible to build a coherent, logically completed methodological system of quality indicators of a specific type of product. This will also make it possible to justify the problem of choosing certain methods and will give a normative and regulatory character to those indicators that are not reflected in the standards but are important for the practical use of products. To create one or another model of the system, it is first necessary to carry out its verbal and informational description and tuple recording. The components of a verbal informational description usually reflect a description of the external environment, and the system’s connections with it; identification of the relationship between factors, characteristics of the variability of factors; elementary composition of the system, and its parts; description of connections between elements of the system and subsystems; operation of the system, i.e. description of the process of functioning and development of the system. The tuple record of the system model of the quality assessment takes into account the classification characteristics of products, the set of “inputs” and “outputs” of the system; а set of variable parameters and processes. The goals of quality management at each stage of the technological process for each specific type of printed product can be individual. To cover the management of all stages of the life cycle of media or packaging products within the subsystems of the quality system, it is necessary to perform a full set of special (specific) quality management functions. The matrix method or elements of the ISO 9000 series system can be used to form these functions.

SCALE INHIBITOR SQUEEZE TREATMENT: AN ADVANCED BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

The scale inhibitor squeeze treatment is an important method used in the petroleum industry to control formation of inorganic deposition within the oil production wells. This treatment increases the life cycle of petroleum production by preventing or reducing the formation and growth of salt crystals. In recent years, studies on inhibitor squeeze treatments have been expanding and diversifying with the goal of improving the lifespan and reducing treatment costs. This study reports an advanced bibliometric analysis from 1970 to 2023, illustrating the extent of research on inhibitor squeeze treatments to prevent the formation of inorganic scale, with a systematic survey since the first registered publication. It highlights the evolution of research reports, assessing the relationships between institutions, journals, and authors, identifying of potential needs to be addressed by future investigations.

Reciprocal Interactions of Human Monocytes and Cancer Cells in Co-Cultures In Vitro.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes immune and stromal cells and noncellular extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most important immune cells in TME and are crucial for carcinomas' progression. The purpose was to analyze direct and indirect interactions in co-culture of tumor cells with monocytes/macrophages and, additionally, to indicate which interactions are more important for cancer development. Cytokines, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide level, tumor cell cycle and changes in tumor cell morphology after human tumor cells (Hep-2 and RK33 cell lines) with human monocyte/macrophage (THP-1 cell line) interactions were tested. Morphology and cytoskeleton organization of tumor cells did not change after co-culture with macrophages. In co-culture of tumor cells with human monocyte, changes in the percentage of tumor cells in cell cycle phases was observed. No significant changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found in the co-culture as compared to the tumor cell mono-culture. Monocytes produced about three times higher ROS than tumor cells. In co-cultures, a lower nitric oxide (NOx) level was found as compared to the sum of the production by both mono-cultures. Co-culture conditions limited the production of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) as compared to the sum of their level in mono-cultures. In conclusion, macrophages influence tumor cell growth and functions. Mutual (direct and paracrine) interactions between tumor cells and macrophages changed cytokine production and tumor cell cycle profile. The data obtained may allow us to initially indicate which kind of interactions may have a greater impact on cancer development processes.

Resilient trees for urban environments: The importance of intraspecific variation

Societal Impact StatementTrees in urban environments provide us with shade, heat mitigation, flood abatement, noise and pollution reduction, pollination, beauty, and much more. However, many of these benefits are strongly connected to tree size and vitality, with larger, healthier trees providing ecosystem services more effectively, which means that selecting the right tree for site and function is crucial in order to gain all benefits from our urban trees.SummaryTrees play a major role in the Earth's biogeochemical processes, influencing soil production, hydrological, nutrient and carbon cycles, and the global climate. They store about 50% of the world's terrestrial carbon stocks, and provide habitats for a wide range of other species, supporting at least half of the Earth's known terrestrial plants and animals. Trees are not only found in forests and other natural ecosystems, but also in urban environments. Most of the human population is concentrated in cities, towns and villages, so urban trees are critical to meet on‐going and future social, economic and environmental challenges. However, many urban tree populations are strongly challenged by a changing climate, outbreaks of pests and pathogens and an urban development with increasingly dense cities and a high proportion of impermeable surface materials. The importance of intraspecific variation needs to be better acknowledged in this context, since poor matching of trees and the local climate and growing conditions can lead to extensive loss of valuable trees. By using the right genetic plant material for the challenging urban environments, a more resilient tree population with a greater diversity and higher capacity for delivering ecosystem services can be gained. Here, we wish to discuss the need to consider intraspecific variation when planning resilient tree populations for urban environments and how seed banks and botanical garden play important roles in efforts to improve the matching of genetic plant material for future environmental challenges. Strategies to enrich urban tree diversity and increase resilience are outlined.