Production Efficiency Research Articles

Enhancement of bubble transport in porous electrodes and catalysts.

We investigate the formation and transport of gas bubbles across a model porous electrode/catalyst using lattice Boltzmann simulations. This approach enables us to systematically examine the influence of a wide range of morphologies, flow velocities, and reaction rates on the efficiency of gas production. By exploring these parameters, we identify critical parameter combinations that significantly contribute to an enhanced yield of gas output. Our simulations reveal the existence of an optimal pore geometry for which the product output is maximized. Intriguingly, we also observe that lower flow velocities improve gas production by leveraging coalescence-induced bubble detachment from the electrode/catalyst.

Contribution of nanotechnology to greater efficiency in animal nutrition and production.

Feed costs present a major burden in animal production for human consumption, representing a key opportunity for cost reduction and profit improvement. Nanotechnology offers potential to increase productivity by creating higher-quality and safer products. The feed sector has benefited from the use of nanosystems to improve the stability and bioavailability of feed ingredients. The development of nanotechnology products for feed must consider the challenges raised by biological barriers as well as regulatory requirements. While some nanotechnology-based products are already commercially available for animal production, the exponential growth and application of these products requires further research ensuring their safety and the establishment of comprehensive legislative frameworks and regulatory guidelines. Thus, this article provides an overview of the current state of the art regarding nanotechnology solutions applied in feed, as well as the risks and opportunities aimed to help researchers and livestock producers.

Exploring the maximum nitrite production rate through the granular sludge-type reactor to match the needs of anammox process realizing efficient nitrogen removal.

The reliable and efficient nitrite production rate (NPR) through nitritation process is the prerequisite for the efficient running of subsequent processes, like the anammox process and the nitrite shunt. However, there has been scant research on stable and productive nitritation process in recent years. In this study, at a stable hydraulic retention time of 12.0 h and with precise and strict DO control, the upper limit of the NPR was initially investigated using a continuous-flow granular sludge reactor. The NPR of 1.69 kg/m3/d with a nitrite production efficiency of 81.97% was finally achieved, which set a record until now in similar research. The median sludge particle size of 270.0 μm confirmed the development of clearly defined granular sludge. The genus Nitrosomonas was the major ammonium oxidizing bacteria. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for the practical application of the effective nitritation process driving subsequent nitrogen removal processes.

METHANOL STEAM REFORMING FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION OVER Ni-BASED CATALYSTS: STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW AND FUTURE PROSPECTS.

With increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, the reliance on traditional energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil is encountering significant challenges. H2, known for its high energy content and pollution-free usage, emerges as a promising alternative. However, despite the great potential of H2, approximately 95% of hydrogen production still depends on non-renewable resources. Hence, the shift towards producing H2 from renewable sources, particularly through methods like steam reforming of methanol - a renewable resource - represents a beacon of hope for advancing sustainable energy practices. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in efficient H2 production using Ni-based catalysts in methanol steam reforming (MSR) and proposes the future prospects. Firstly, the fundamental principles of MSR technology and the significance in clean energy generation are elucidated. Subsequently, the design, synthesis techniques, and optimization strategies for enhancing the catalytic performance of Ni-based catalysts are discussed. Through the analysis of various catalyst compositions, structural adjustments, surface active sites, and modification methods, the review uncovers effective approaches for boosting the activity and durability of MSR reactions.By offering a comprehensive critical analysis, this review serves as a valuable reference to enhance MSR hydrogen production efficiency and catalyst performance.

Two‐Dimensional Layered Hydroxide Materials for Nucleophile Oxidation

AbstractThe global energy crisis highlights the need to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable, renewable sources of energy. Green hydrogen produced via renewable energy‐driven water electrolysis is an emerging alternative due to its zero emissions and high energy density. To address the high energy consumption of water electrolysis, innovative hybrid electrolyzers integrating nucleophile oxidation reactions (NOR) are under activity investigation, reducing energy demands and enabling valuable product synthesis and waste treatment, thereby enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of hydrogen production via electrocatalytic technologies. Recent advancements in layered hydroxide materials (LHMs) have markedly improved the efficiency of alkaline electrochemical conversion processes and are gaining prominence in NORs due to their expansive surface areas and tailorable characteristics through diverse engineering strategies. Further, their layered architecture is readily conducive to in‐situ characterization, using techniques like XAS, XRD, Raman, and IR spectroscopy, providing insights into their anodic NOR mechanisms. This review summarizes the latest developments in LHMs as electrocatalysts for NOR, discusses current design strategies of LHMs, and emphasizes the significance of operando characterization techniques in elucidating the reaction mechanisms of different LHMs. Finally, the future challenges and potential advancements in their scale‐up application in electrocatalytic NOR are put forward.

Visible-light-driven BiOI and GO/BiOI photocatalysts for organic pollutants degradation and hydrogen production using low power sources

BiOI and (3 wt%)GO/BiOI visible-light-driven photocatalysts were obtained by a one-pot solvothermal method and successfully applied to the degradation of single and binary dye solutions of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) and H2 production using very low-power sources. The GO/BiOI with hierarchical flower morphologies exhibited the highest activity, achieving RhB and MB photodegradation percentages (%Xdye) of 100% and 80%, respectively, in 240 min employing a simple 19 W white LED array. Furthermore, GO/BiOI dosage and RhB initial concentration play an essential role in dye degradation, and scavenger assays confirmed that holes and superoxides are the main species causing RhB oxidation. TOC analysis determined an efficiency of 70%, and after three uses, the GO/BiOI attained a %XRhB of 84%. The H2 evolution was performed under 2 W UV light, yielding 323.25 μmol/h∙g of H2 for BiOI, and the addition of GO nanosheets increased the photoactivity of GO/BiOI up to 63% (509.61 μmol/h∙g). The catalytic activity of GO/BiOI is superior to values reported in the literature considering nominal power consumption (kWh) vs. efficiency of RhB degradation or H2 production.

Role of Intragap States in Sensitized Sb-Doped Tin Oxide Photoanodes for Solar Fuels Production.

In view of developing photoelectrosynthetic cells which are able to store solar energy in chemical bonds, water splitting is usually the reaction of choice when targeting hydrogen production. However, alternative approaches can be considered, aimed at substituting the anodic reaction of water oxidation with more commercially capitalizable oxidations. Among them, the production of bromine from bromide ions was investigated long back in the 1980s by Texas Instruments. Herein we present optimized perylene-diimide (PDI)-sensitized antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) photoanodes enabling the photoinduced HBr splitting with >4 mA/cm2 photocurrent densities under 0.1 W/cm2 AM1.5G illumination and 91 ± 3% faradaic efficiencies for bromine production. These remarkable results, among the best currently reported for the photoelectrochemical Br- oxidation by dye sensitized photoanodes, are strongly related to the occupancy extent of ATO's intragap (IG) states, generated upon Sb-doping, as demonstrated by comparing their performances with PDI-sensitized analogues on both undoped SnO2- and TiO2-passivated ATO scaffolds by means of (spectro)electrochemistry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The architecture of the ATO-PDI photoanodic assembly was further modified via the introduction of a molecular iridium-based water oxidation catalyst, thus proving the versatility of the proposed hybrid interfaces as photoanodic platforms for photoinduced oxidations in PEC devices.

Efficient Proton Transfer and Charge Separation within Covalent Organic Frameworks via Hydrogen-Bonding Network to Boost H2O2 Photosynthesis.

Photocatalytic synthesis based on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has shown great promise for H2O2 production. However, the low activity and selectivity of 2e- ORR result in a fairly low efficiency of H2O2 production. Herein, we propose a strategy to enhance the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process in covalent organic frameworks (COFs), thereby significantly boosting H2O2 photosynthesis. We demonstrated that the construction of a hydrogen-bonding network, achieved by anchoring the H3PO4 molecular network on COF nanochannels, can greatly improve both proton conductivity and photogenerated charge separation efficiency of COFs. Thus, COF@H3PO4 exhibited superior photocatalytic performance in generating H2O2 without sacrificial agents, with a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency as high as 0.69%. Results indicated that a much more localized spatial distribution of energy band charge density on COF@H3PO4 led to efficient charge separation, and the small energy barrier of the rate-limiting step from *OOH to H2O2 endowed COF@H3PO4 with higher 2e- ORR selectivity.

Amorphous Bismuth-Tin Oxide Nanosheets with Optimized C-N Coupling for Efficient Urea Synthesis.

Closing the carbon and nitrogen cycles by electrochemical methods using renewable energy to convert abundant or harmful feedstocks into high-value C- or N-containing chemicals has the potential to transform the global energy landscape. However, efficient conversion avenues have to date been mostly realized for the independent reduction of CO2 or NO3-. The synthesis of more complex C-N compounds still suffers from low conversion efficiency due to the inability to find effective catalysts. To this end, here we present amorphous bismuth-tin oxide nanosheets, which effectively reduce the energy barrier of the catalytic reaction, facilitating efficient and highly selective urea production. With enhanced CO2 adsorption and activation on the catalyst, a C-N coupling pathway based on *CO2 rather than traditional *CO is realized. The optimized orbital symmetry of the C- (*CO2) and N-containing (*NO2) intermediates promotes a significant increase in the Faraday efficiency of urea production to an outstanding value of 78.36% at -0.4 V vs RHE. In parallel, the nitrogen and carbon selectivity for urea formation is also enhanced to 90.41% and 95.39%, respectively. The present results and insights provide a valuable reference for the further development of new catalysts for efficient synthesis of high-value C-N compounds from CO2.

Construction of BaTiO3-TiO2 hollow sphere heterojunctions for enhanced microwave dynamic therapy in cancer treatment.

Cancer is one of the primary health concerns among humans due to its high incidence rate and lack of effective treatment. Currently, medical techniques to achieve the precise elimination of local cancer lesions with negligible damage to normal tissues are still intensely desired. Herein, we synthesized BaTiO3-TiO2 hollow spheres (BTHSs) for use in microwave dynamic therapy (MWDT) for cancer. Under UV irradiation, BTHSs can mediate the production of multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly 1O2, which results in a rapid photocatalytic degradation rate (97%), 1.6-fold that of commercial P25. Importantly, the ROS production process can be triggered by microwaves to effectively execute MWDT for cancer. Under microwave irradiation, BTHSs exhibit a remarkable therapeutic effect and slight cytotoxicity. In terms of mechanism, the enhanced ROS production efficiency of BTHSs can be attributed to their unique hollow structure and the formation of a type-II heterojunction by the incorporation of BaTiO3. The hollow structure increases the availability of active sites and enhances light scattering, while the BaTiO3-TiO2 heterojunction enhances the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 through charge transfer and electron-hole separation. Overall, this study provides important insights into the design and optimization of sensitizers for MWDT applications.

Enhancing Phycocyanobilin Production Efficiency in Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum: Strategies and Potential Application.

Phycocyanobilin, an algae-originated light-harvesting pigment known for its antioxidant properties, has gained attention as it plays important roles in the food and medication industries and has surged in demand owing to its low-yield extraction from natural resources. In this study, engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum was developed to achieve high PCB production, and three strategies were proposed: reinforcement of the heme biosynthesis pathway with the introduction of two PCB-related enzymes, strengthening of the pentose phosphate pathway to generate an efficient cycle of NADPH, and fed-batch fermentation to maximize PCB production. Each approach increased PCB synthesis, and the final engineered strain successfully produced 78.19 mg/L in a flask and 259.63 mg/L in a 5 L bioreactor, representing the highest bacterial production of PCB reported to date, to our knowledge. The strategies applied in this study will be useful for the synthesis of PCB derivatives and can be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The JTR just-in-time Production System and its Impact on Achieving Profits in Industrial Companies

This paper examines the JTR (Just-in-Time Replenishment) production system and its profound implications for industrial companies in enhancing profitability. JTR, an evolution of the traditional Just-in-Time (JIT) system, emphasizes not only the timely delivery of components but also the synchronization of production with demand fluctuations. The research delves into the core principles of JTR, its implementation strategies, and its effects on various facets of industrial operations. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and empirical data, this paper highlights the pivotal role of JTR in reducing inventory costs, minimizing waste, enhancing production efficiency, and ultimately elevating overall profitability for industrial enterprises. Furthermore, the study explores the challenges associated with adopting JTR and proposes strategies to overcome them, emphasizing the importance of organizational readiness, supplier collaboration, and technological integration. By shedding light on the transformative potential of JTR, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary production management paradigms and provides valuable insights for businesses aiming to thrive in today's dynamic market environment.

Facile and efficient fabrication of carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy vitrimers through dynamic crosslinking

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNT) is an ideal candidate for reinforced epoxy vitrimer composites, however, achieving a desirable improvement of the mechanical properties is a great challenge owing to CNT is extremely easy to aggregate. In this study, well‐dispersed CNT reinforced epoxy vitrimers, namely EVD/CNT, were prepared by combining ultrasonic dispersion and dynamic crosslinking techniques, using multiple wall carbon nanotube as reinforcement filler, sebacic acid as curing agent, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) as epoxy monomer, zinc acetylacetonate as transesterification catalyst, torque rheometer (internal mixer) as dynamic crosslinking equipment. The CNT reinforced epoxy vitrimers, namely EVS/CNT, were prepared using traditional static curing method. The structure and morphology, mechanical properties and stress relaxation behavior of EVS/CNT and EVD/CNT were comparatively investigated, and the influence of CNT content on the structure and properties of EVD/CNT prepared by dynamic crosslinking method were also studied. The results indicated that dynamic crosslinking technology can stably disperse CNT into epoxy vitrimer resin matrix under continuous shear force. However, CNT experienced severe secondary agglomeration during the static curing process. When the loading amount of CNT was 2 wt%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of EVD/CNT‐2 were 3.2 times and 2.2 times higher than those of EVS/CNT‐2, respectively. The Young's modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) of EVD/CNT‐2 (6.43 ± 1.10 MPa, 29.6°C) were also higher than those of EVS/CNT‐2 (5.46 ± 0.31 MPa, 25.4°C). Moreover, dynamic crosslinking technology greatly shortened the reaction time of CNT reinforced epoxy vitrimers, improved production efficiency and reduced reaction energy consumption, and was expected to be used for large‐scale and industrial production.

Adaptive control method and experimental study of cone crusher based on aggregate online detection

The size of the discharge outlet of a cone crusher directly impacts the size of the aggregate produced. However, the discharge outlet is still adjusted manually, which has a significant error and affects production efficiency. For this reason, this study proposed an adaptive control method for cone crushers based on aggregate online detection. Firstly, the aggregate image was segmented using an instance segmentation model and the anchor and structure of the model were optimised. Then, this study proposed an evaluation method for quickly and accurately assessing the overall segmentation effect of network models. By comparing the results with those before optimisation, the accuracy of the optimised network model was improved from 0.923 to 0.940. Finally, an adaptive control experiment was conducted based on the online aggregate detection results. The experimental results showed that the discharge particle size distribution of the cone crusher becomes more stable after intelligent control is added, with the variance of the proportion of cumulative gradation at 15 mm decreased from 34.3 to 14.4. These results indicated that the developed adaptive control system effectively controls the fine processing of coarse aggregates and significantly improves the quality of aggregate crushing and processing.

Uneven agricultural contraction within fast-urbanizing urban agglomeration decreases the nitrogen use efficiency of crop production.

Diverse development paths among cities within an urban agglomeration can lead to uneven changes in their agricultural production scale, which reshape the inter-city food supply patterns and the spatiotemporal characteristics of nitrogen (N) pollution from the food system. Here, using Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of China as a case, we found a substantial decrease in N use efficiency of crop production from 45.2% to 29.3% during 1989-2007, along with a growing level of concentration of food N production in less-urbanized cities. From 1989 to 2018, 12.3% to 42.2% of total N pollution in food production became embedded in inter-city trade, leading to aggregation of N pollution in peripheral cities with relatively low levels of economic development. We suggest that protection and intensification of cropland from urban encroachment, as well as enhancing the economic and technical synergies among cities, can serve the sustainable transition of the food system with coordinated N pollution mitigation.

The effect of sowing dates and sowing rates of wintering peas when cultivated in the southern part of the Rostov region on the economic efficiency of grain production

The effect of sowing dates and sowing rates of wintering peas when cultivated in the southern part of the Rostov region on the economic efficiency of grain production

Improvement of the organizational structure of management agricultural enterprises according to the principles of the market economy

The materials of the scientific publication define the role of marketing principles in the organization of the management structure of agricultural enterprises in the production process. The works of domestic and foreign scientists devoted to the efficiency of agricultural production, the service sector and the market were analyzed. When conducting research on the state of the organizational structure of management of agricultural enterprises based on the principle of marketing, general scientific research methods were used, in particular: a monographic method to identify the problem of adaptation of agricultural enterprises to the market environment, a method of comparative analysis to study the possibilities of adaptation to the market of agricultural enterprises of different sizes, an abstract-logical method with its methods of generalization analysis and synthesis and the method of induction and deduction for the formation of generalizations, conclusions and propositions. A system of the organizational structure of management of agricultural enterprises was established in accordance with marketing principles. The state and further development of the management structure of agricultural enterprises is determined. Presented are topical issues of forming the implementation of agrarian policy in the field of organizational structure of socio-economic and social-labor relations. The optimal system of labor organization in social and labor relations based on the principle of humanization of labor, which offers wide independence to the production enterprise, has been revealed. The conditions that determine the direction of all production and marketing activities of agricultural enterprises, which are based on the principles of marketing are analyzed. All activities of the agricultural enterprise are subject to this concept. The tactics of the marketing concept of an agricultural enterprise, based on the use of defensive and offensive positions, are also proposed. Appropriate conclusions were made that reflect the assessment of the financial condition of agricultural sector enterprises and offer the most effective method of marketing policy activation, which provides an opportunity to obtain more information about the activities of agricultural enterprises, conduct its analysis, and formulate specific proposals for production.

Low levels of chicken body louse (Menacanthus stramineus) infestations affect chicken welfare in a cage-free housing system

BackgroundThe chicken body louse is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic chickens. Chicken body lice feed on feathers, and infestation with this louse is linked to decreases in egg production, hen weight, and feed conversion efficiency. However, it is unknown how chicken body lice impact egg-laying chickens in cage-free environments. Welfare and behavior metrics were collected from flocks of egg-laying chickens either infested with chicken body lice or left uninfested.MethodsIn two trials, two flocks of cage-free commercial egg-laying chickens were infested with chicken body lice or maintained as uninfested controls. At three timepoints, behavior and welfare of all chickens was measured. On-animal sensors were used to quantify pecking, preening, and dustbathing behavior. Other animal-based welfare metrics included recording comb wounds and skin lesions.ResultsBirds infested with chicken body lice exhibited significantly more preening behaviors than uninfested birds, even at low louse levels. Moderate or severe skin lesions were detected on birds that were moderately infested with chicken body lice while skin lesions were never detected on uninfested birds.ConclusionsThe welfare of chickens was impacted by the chicken body louse, a chewing louse that primarily feather feeds. Evidence of skin lesions on infested birds suggests that lice may cause more damage to birds than previously thought, and further evaluation of louse economic damage is necessary.Graphical

The synergy effect of agricultural dual-scale management on farmers' income: evidence from rural China

PurposeThis study aims to estimate the synergy effect of agricultural dual-scale management (ADM) on farmers' total household income, its heterogeneous effects and its mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachThis study constructs a theoretical analysis framework based on the division of labor and synergy theory, empirically assesses the impact of ADM on farmers' income, and further discusses the heterogeneity and mechanisms using the propensity score matching (PSM) and quantile treatment effect (QTE) models. Data is collected from 1,076 households across 4 cities in Liaoning Province of China in 2021.FindingsADM can improve the total household income of farmers, and the impact force is greater than that of the single-scale management mode. ADM is more conducive to improving the income of farmers with low income and low labor endowment. Moreover, ADM can improve agriculture production efficiency, increase net grain production income. Nevertheless, it has no significant effect on farmers' off-farm employment income.Originality/valuePrevious studies have mainly focused on the income effect of land scale management or service scale management. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the synergy effect of ADM on farmers' income in China. It provides new insights into the process of agricultural production and management mode transitions in rural China.

Preparation of solution blow spinning nanofibers and its application in the food field: a review

Abstract Solution blow spinning is a technology that uses high-pressure gas to prepare spinning solution into nanofibers. It has the advantages of high production efficiency and easy operation, and the prepared nanofibers have a large specific surface area, high porosity, and flexible surface functionalization. Therefore, solution blow spinning has received more and more attention in the food field. This paper first introduces the principle of solution blow spinning, the influence of spinning liquid properties, process parameters, and environmental factors on the spinning process. Secondly, it introduces the materials and ways of applying solution blow-spun nanofibers in the food field, such as bacteriostatic food packaging, slow-release food packaging, and intelligent sensors. Finally, the application of solution blow spinning technology in food is summarized and prospected. This paper provides a reference for further research and application of solution blow spinning in the food field at a later stage.