Production Facilities Research Articles

Sublethal Effects of α-Cypermethrin on the Behavioral Asymmetries and Mating Success of Alphitobius diaperinus.

Sublethal exposure to insecticides can adversely impact various biological and behavioral characteristics of insects. Although α-cypermethrin has been previously tested for its effects on control of Alphitobius diaperinus, there is no knowledge about the effect of this insecticide on its behavioral asymmetries and mating success. Μales at all exposures (control, LC10, and LC30), that first approached their mate, showed right-biased tendency (approached their mate from their right side) in mate recognition. Females, however, showed variation in this behavior between the three exposures. Right-biased tendency of males in all treatment scenarios led to a higher percentage of successful copulations compared to the three other directions. For males that first approached their mate, the insecticide did not affect their lateralization of the first approach but did affect their copulation success. The duration of copulation time was reduced after the exposure to the insecticide, with the longest duration noted in the control females (63.0 s) and the lowest in the α-cypermethrin LC30 females (46.9 s). Moreover, at the α-cypermethrin LC10 exposure, mate recognition time was reduced, as opposed to α-cypermethrin LC30 exposure where mate recognition time was increased. These results can be further utilized to uncover the behavioral impacts of insecticides, enhancing the effectiveness of pest management in warehouses and poultry production facilities.

Water saving based on moisture observations: scheduling drip irrigation regimes for tomatoes under greenhouse conditions in Tajikistan

This study aimed to examine the efficiency of different drip irrigation regimes in spring film greenhouses for early tomato harvesting. The field (small-plot) experiment included designing and testing the watering technology suitable for rural Tajikistan. Irrigation, soil moisture, and tomato growth were followed for several seasons under four irrigation pilots. The experiments showed that the most effective drip irrigation regime for Elpida hybrid tomato was carrying it out while regulating soil moisture within 75-85%, with the irrigation demand of 4,978 m3/ha and irrigation norm of 99.0 m3/ha, also contributing to better water efficiency. The volume of irrigation water for the production of one unit of tomato crop in the second experiment was 5.73 m3/ha, i.e. 14.18% less than in the control plot. The study showed that the tomato evapotranspiration coefficient tends to increase as the threshold of soil mois-ture before and after irrigation grows. The maximum net yield amounted to 1,342 thou. Somoni/ha – 1.9 times or 52.7% higher compared to the control plot. The research findings can guide individual farmers and production facilities, as well as the overall development of agrarian economies like Tajikistan.

Protecting Drawings at Production and Regime Facilities Using Neural Network Technology and DLP Systems

The existing methods of object image processing are analyzed. Problems of using the considered methods within the framework of DLP systems are considered. A new object image processing method was presented that allows processing of complex images. A metric of accuracy and completeness of plagiarism image detection was used to evaluate the quality of the developed method. Testing was carried out using image ranking to analyze the ability of the model to search for semantics. Comparative testing was carried out with the method based on raster neural models. The advantages and disadvantages of the developed method were highlighted, as well as options for further developmentAs a result of this work, a method for processing object images in native format has been developed. The main advantage of the developed method is the high rate of accuracy (87 %) and completeness (100 %). This study can be useful for further research in the field of vector image analysis. Also, the developed method can be applied as a tool similarly to raster methods of image processing (image search, classification, search for objects in the image).

Characterisation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Special-Fed Veal Production Environments.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading public health threats globally. AMR genes can be transferred between bacteria through lateral gene transfer, and AMR organisms can spread through environments by contaminated water, agriculture and animals. Thus, widespread environmental dissemination of bacteria and lateral gene transfer facilitate AMR transmission pathways. Farm environments in dairy and calf production are known to harbour AMR bacteria that pose a risk for food contamination and to workers in direct or indirect contact with animals. Escherichia coli is present in farm environments and is known to participate in lateral gene transfer, providing a good marker of resistance genes in each environment. In this study, E. coli from nine cohorts of calves was isolated at different time points from nine barns, nine trailers and one slaughterhouse environment in a single special-fed veal calf production facility. The antimicrobial susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials, classified as highly or critically important by the World Health Organization, was characterised for E. coli isolates using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. The highest proportion of isolates showing multidrug resistance was present in barn environments (51.7%), where calves were housed from their arrival at < 2 weeks of age until they were transported to slaughter. Additionally, 15 E. coli isolates were resistant to 11 of the 15 antimicrobials tested. Trailer and slaughterhouse environments had greater prevalence of resistance after accommodating calves, including resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. These data highlight the importance of calf environments in the dissemination of resistant bacteria and gives insight into where interventions could be most effective in combatting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that could infect humans and livestock.

Some issues of state policy in the field of relocation of business entities under the influence of economically dangerous events

In recent years, Ukrainian businesses have been forced to make decisions to relocate their production and other facilities to safer regions of Ukraine or abroad. First of all, the relocation of business is directly related to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation (one of the types of economically dangerous events). It should be noted that Ukraine currently lacks a unified state policy on the relocation of business entities under the influence of economically dangerous events. This causes additional difficulties both for the business itself (business does not understand the direction of this policy) and for the state (due to the lack of a strategic vision). The article aims at defining the purpose of the State policy in the area of relocation of business entities under the influence of economically dangerous events and the basic principles of this policy. These are the principles on which the State policy is based and which ensure its effectiveness. The principles of the State policy in the field of relocation of economic entities under the influence of economically hazardous events are based on the principles of the State regulatory policy in the field of economic activity, which are most relevant. As a result of the study, the author defines the purpose of the state policy in the field of relocation of business entities under the influence of economically hazardous events, namely: to facilitate the continuity of economic activity under the influence of economically hazardous events by relocating production and other facilities to safer regions of Ukraine For the first time, the author outlines the main principles of the state policy in the field of relocation of economic entities under the influence of economically dangerous events: universal (expediency, adequacy, efficiency, timeliness, efficiency, balance, predictability, planning and forecasting, scientific support, transparency and openness, availability of state support); special (validity, security, integration, competition (ensuring a competitive component), promotion of territorial development, social responsibility). Each of these principles was also described.

Pipeline-Related Residential Benzene Exposure and Groundwater Natural Attenuation Capacity in the Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of benzene in the ground and drinking water in the eastern Niger Delta, where multiple oil and gas production facilities are present. Samples from drinking water wells were collected for measurements of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). Additionally, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration was determined for the first time to establish the groundwater’s total hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon load. The groundwater BTEX and benzene levels were up to 3904 µg/L and 3500 µg/L, respectively. DOC concentrations were up to 49 mg/L. The highest benzene concentrations were detected in wells near an underground petroleum pipeline. However, the concentrations decreased with distance from the pipeline to levels less than 0.1 µg/L. Despite benzene contamination, the aquifer has shown promising aerobic attenuation potential, having up to a 7.5 (95%) mg/L DO level and 2.11 mg/L BTEX biodegradation capacity for DO. However, the high groundwater temperature of up to 32.5 °C may weaken attenuation. The benzene and BTEX point attenuation rates ranged from 0.128 to 0.693 day−1 and 0.086 to 0.556 day−1, respectively. Hence, by natural attenuation alone, up to 66.5 and 85 years would be required to reach Nigeria’s groundwater benzene and BTEX remediation goals, respectively.

Developing Specific Emission Factors for Natural Gas Driven Pneumatic Devices.

A measurement study was conducted in 2023 to derive operator-specific emission factors for natural gas driven pneumatic devices at onshore production facilities in the United States. A total of 369 intermittent bleed and 26 continuous low-bleed pneumatic devices were measured using a high-volume sampler. Considering all intermittent bleed devices, the emission factor from this study was statistically lower than the factor in the revised Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule (GHGRP) issued May 6, 2024. Intermittent devices were classified by inspection with an optical gas imaging camera as functioning or malfunctioning. Measurements of functioning intermittent bleed devices were statistically higher while measurements of malfunctioning intermittent bleed devices were statistically lower than the corresponding emission factor in the final revisions to the GHGRP. Measurements of continuous low-bleed pneumatic devices were statistically lower than the updated factor in the final revisions to GHGRP. Additionally, a Monte Carlo analysis was conducted to investigate the potential impact of measurement duration and sample size on emission factors derived for intermittent bleed devices. We conclude that while a short measurement duration may miss actuations of properly operating devices with low vent frequencies, potentially resulting in an emission factor with low bias, the sample size of greater than 300 measurements each greater than 3 min in duration, as included in this study, is unlikely to be biased low in a statistically significant manner, particularly when one considers the material contribution of malfunctioning devices.

Dividing Global Business Process: Safeguarding Confidential Data

This study shows that manufacturing unit process dispersion serves as an operational-level variable that allows businesses to modify their information protection strategy when it comes to sourcing business services overseas to suit the regulatory framework of the chosen host nation as well as the potential for using internal controls over activities carried out overseas. Our hypothesis is that businesses are more inclined to split up their processes among several foreign production facilities rather of concentrating every procedure duties in one unit when the aforementioned mechanisms are unavailable. Businesses may take advantage of the synergies between the scattered pieces of a process while lowering the risk of individual fragment theft because of IT-enabled integration capabilities. Robustness tests and empirical findings closely align with these theories. Additionally, we discover that the likelihood of using the defense mechanism against process fragmentation increases with the firm's expertise in the host nation as well as the alternative worth of the activity's unique knowledge that is outsourced.

Geoecological Assessment of Fluorine Contamination of Environmental Components in the Zone of Influence of an Abandoned Rare-metal Mine in the Murmansk Region

A geoecological assessment of fluorine contamination of environmental components in the zone of influence of an abandoned rare-metal mine in the Murmansk region was carried out. Samples were taken of loparite ore enrichment tailings, soils around the tailings pond and the Loparitovy, Alluaiv, Azimut creeks and the watercourse flowing through the mine after the mining impact. The content of water-soluble fluorine in the collected samples was determined. No exceedance of maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of fluorides in soil was found. Increased content of fluoride ions (up to 15 MPC) in water samples from the watercourse was recorded. It is concluded that the production facility closed more than 15 years ago has a negative impact on ecosystems.

Bacteriophage-mediated approaches for biofilm control.

Biofilms are complex microbial communities in which planktonic and dormant bacteria are enveloped in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and DNA. These multicellular structures present resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments, including antibiotics. The formation of biofilms raises considerable concern in healthcare settings, biofilms can exacerbate infections in patients and compromise the integrity of medical devices employed during treatment. Similarly, certain bacterial species contribute to bulking, foaming, and biofilm development in water environments such as wastewater treatment plants, water reservoirs, and aquaculture facilities. Additionally, food production facilities provide ideal conditions for establishing bacterial biofilms, which can serve as reservoirs for foodborne pathogens. Efforts to combat antibiotic resistance involve exploring various strategies, including bacteriophage therapy. Research has been conducted on the effects of phages and their individual proteins to assess their potential for biofilm removal. However, challenges persist, prompting the examination of refined approaches such as drug-phage combination therapies, phage cocktails, and genetically modified phages for clinical applications. This review aims to highlight the progress regarding bacteriophage-based approaches for biofilm eradication in different settings.

Addressing the Sustainability Issues in Tea Production in the Barak Valley (Cachar) of Assam, India, by Attending the Principles of Regenerative Farming Practices: A Ten Years Case Study on the Adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology

India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, after China. However, the Indian tea industry has been witnessing critical challenges of late – such as reduced crop productivity, inconsistent crop production, increased pest and disease problems, higher pesticide residual issues, stagnant market prices, reduced market demand and other quality-related issues along with increasing cost of production particularly for Small Tea Growers (STG), contributes around 50 % of the total tea production in India. Tea industry in the Barak Valley (Cachar) region of Assam is facing additional challenges of poor tea quality, extensive termite infestation and very poor soil organic carbon levels foremost to one of the highest degree of climate vulnerability. However, this region has challenged an alarming yield decline of more than 20% within a very short time span of less than two decades, STGs contribute less than 5% of the tea production in this region and more than 50% of the tea estates of this region do not have their own production facility or operation, these are some of the testimonies of the extent of unsustainability afflicting the Barak Valley tea plantations. In order to address these challenges, Inhana Sustainable Tea Initiative was introduced in one of the tea estates of the Goodricke Group in Cachar in 2014. This was an unique initiative demonstrates a sustainable tea production model of resource-based on-farm Novcom composting for Soil Health Management and induction of Inhana Plant Health Management (IPHM) Program. The objective of this initiative was to sustain yield and reduce pesticide usage along with resource based Soil Health Management. A 10-year study of this initiative showed that the adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology, with a focus on plant health management, not only sustained but also enhanced crop productivity in the face of declining yields in the Cachar tea growing area, significantly reducing pesticide footprint – thereby bringing the teas way below the EU standard benchmark for pesticide residue, as confirmed by colorimetric assay tests. This prolonged 10-year study clearly revealed the relevance and role of plant health development (inculcated through IPHM under IRF Technology) towards mitigation of biotic and abiotic stresses, withstanding adverse weather conditions followed by complementary and synergetic role of Inhana Soil Health Management towards higher nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. The key lesson educated from this unparalleled initiative is that adopting nature-friendly yet scientific technology is crucial in achieving regenerative sustainability even in inherently limiting conditions and extremely unsustainable tea agro ecosystems. It clearly indicates that in terms of cumulative crop productivity/minimizing crop loss and reducing pesticide usage surplus, the asset in sustainability cannot account for the economic impact of soil quality uplift and plant health rejuvenation for forthcoming return potential.

How artificial intelligence applied to sound recognition can help gas leak detection in acoustically complex environments?

From production to storage and transport, detecting leaks of flammable gases is a major challenge, particularly in terms of occupational safety and health, and environmental considerations. The emergence of hydrogen as an energy source makes acoustic-based technologies a key element in this value chain. For these reasons, Metravib Engineering, in collaboration with the R&amp;D Safety Project of TotalEnergies One Tech, has been developing since 2019 the AGLED system, for the early detection, localization and classification of these leaks. The system performs acoustic detection in the audible frequency range, using antennas consisting of 4 microphones and physics-based artificial intelligence. Over 5,600 signals were recorded on a site fairly representative of gas production and storage facilities in order to build a robust learning database. Several algorithms were implemented to limit the number of false detections delivered by the system. A relearning strategy was developed to handle unexpected disturbances relative to specific noise environment. This paper describes the overall architecture of the system, from signal acquisition to gas leak detection and 3D localization. It delves into the relearning algorithm and its performance during two full-scale industrial pilots of TotalEnergies - La Mède (France) and Tempa Rossa (Italy) - that included nitrogen controlled leaks tests campaigns.

Performance Modeling of the Fenton Process Used as a Single Unit for Treating Raw Textile Effluent

This study investigates the direct application of the Fenton Oxidation Process (FOP) to untreated textile wastewater, specifically from a woven fabric production facility. Under optimized conditions (pH 3, 0.7 g/L Fe+2, 2 mM H2O2), the process achieved significant removal efficiencies: 81% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), 80% Suspended Solids (SS), and 93% color removal. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and NARX-ANN were utilized in Matlab R2020a to model FOP performance, employing Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm) and Scaled Conjugate Gradient (trainscg) algorithms. With a 9-20-3 network topology, the ANN model demonstrated superior predictive capability, achieving an R2 of 0.9843.

Determination of hydrogen fuel production from GIS-based selected ponds using hybrid renewable energy systems in Kayseri

This study offers the feasibility study of large-scale hydrogen production to establish environmentally friendly hybrid energy facilities based on wind and solar energy resources in the vicinity of lakes and rivers within the Kayseri region of Türkiye. The ultimate objective is to enable hydrogen production from lakes and rivers and identify optimal locations for the installation of hydrogen fuel stations. The precise selection of locations for the designated province is based on geographical, environmental, and infrastructural considerations by utilizing GIS technology which allows spatial analysis and superimposition of various layers. The methodology also involves the utilization of the HOMER software to facilitate the integration of wind and solar power, along with hydrogen production, providing a platform for environmentally friendly energy system design and optimization. A comprehensive evaluation has been conducted for the sizing and placement of renewable energy systems based on microgrid analysis, the design of hydrogen production facilities, and the establishment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The study also incorporates a financial analysis to assess the economic viability of the project over its lifecycle. Among the five water sources considered, the highest annual hydrogen production is 830 tons in Zamantı River, while Kızılırmak River has the lowest value according to LCOE and LCOH values, 0.030 $/kWh and 3.85 $/kgH2, respectively.

Stakeholders Analysis in the Development of Local Paddy Varieties in Padang City

The development of local paddy varieties involves many stakeholders. Each stakeholder has a different role ranging from the socialization and farming to the marketing of local rice varieties. This research aims to identify stakeholders and analyze their role in developing local paddy varieties using a descriptive qualitative method. The respondents in this research are stakeholders involved in the development of local paddy varieties in Padang City. The results show that the stakeholders involved are the Padang City Agriculture Office, Agricultural Extension Center, farmers, farmer groups, landowners, seed breeders, production facilities providers, agricultural labor, rice milling units, collecting traders, colleges, sub-district administration, urban village administration, financial institutions, the Regional People’s Representative Council, retailers, and consumers. Classifications of stakeholders show that the Padang City Agriculture Office, the Agricultural Extension Center, farmers, and farmer groups have high influence and interest. These stakeholders are classified as key players. Meanwhile, sub-district administration, urban village administration, financial institutions, and Regional People’s Representative Council have low influence and interest. They are classified as the crowd. All of the stakeholders mentioned that roles play their position as policymakers, coordinators, facilitators, implementers, and accelerators. Keywords: paddy, stakeholders, interest, power, role

Повышение мотивации сотрудников производственных объектов нефтегазовой отрасли в области промышленной безопасности и охраны труда

The study considers problems of motivation for compliance with industrial and occupational safety requirements by employees engaged in production facilities and the necessity of motivation to achieve the required protection level. A set of measures implemented at enterprises to ensure industrial and occupational safety has been outlined; special attention has been paid to the need for diagnostics of the psycho-physical state of employees, their training, and motivation methods (external and internal). Most respondents have shown their interest in improving their knowledge to reduce accident risks at production. They believe that safety can be increased via the use of reminders at each stage of work. The study helped to identify the basic causes of low motivation for compliance with industrial and occupational safety rules and determine approaches to resolving the issue. The factors affecting low motivation and the degree of involvement in the process are insufficient attention to safety issues from the top management, insufficient involvement in the decision-making to improve safety, lack of material incentives for compliance with safety rules, and lack of opportunities for professional development. Criteria enabling the establishment of safe activity motivation principles have been identified, and certain measures to improve motivation have been proposed. The respondents have listed the following methods to increase the motivation of employees of oil and gas production facilities in the area of industrial safety: practice-oriented training with visual aids and case studies, the use of both material and moral components of positive encouragement to reinforce safe behavior, re-evaluation of safety programs based on employees’ feedback, results of monthly surveys and studies, and video recording of the work process.

Examining a New Laboratory Method for Packing Soilless Substrate to Ensure Consistent, Appropriate Bulk Density When Measuring Static Physical Properties

Bulk density (Db) and subsequent physical properties are determined by the substrate and packing method. Packing method is the way one fills and compresses a substrate within a given volume. Bulk density produced in the laboratory may not align with “expected” published ranges due to variations in packing. Additionally, it is unknown if ranges identified as “typical” using a small volume sample ring reflect Db occurring in larger production size containers packed using commercial potting practices. Therefore, our objectives were to 1) emulate nursery practices and document the Db associated with a potted 2.8-L (#1) container, 2) develop and test the new “shim and compression” method to determine if it consistently packs sample rings to a Db commensurate with that of a 2.8-L nursery container, and 3) demonstrate how static physical properties are affected by the new “shim and compression” sample ring packing method compared with the traditional bench top tap method. When emulating nursery potting practices with 100% pine bark, coir, and peat, and blends of each, Db ranged from 0.08 g⋅cm−3 (coconut coir) to 0.17 g⋅cm−3 (pine bark). We used an espresso tamp and shims to pack the aforementioned substrates in sample rings. The Db achieved using a range in number of presses and discs was largely dependent on the substrate, but the desired Db was consistently achieved for each substrate. There was no effect of disc number on Db (P = 1.000) for any substrate. There was no effect of tamp number (P ≥ 0.0602) for all substrates except peat-amended, for which five tamps yielded a greater Db than one tamp (P = 0.0324). In an experiment in which a different technician who was accustomed to the conventional benchtop tap packing method performed both methods, method influenced Db (P &lt; 0.0001), and the conventional method more closely attained the target Db. To our knowledge, this is the only report of Db observed in commercial container production facilities (i.e., “native”).

Importance of RNase monitoring during large-scale manufacturing and analysis of mRNA-LNP based vaccines

Ribonucleases (RNases) are ubiquitous in nature, being able to cleave a wide range of polyribonucleotides. While the presence of microbial and viral contamination in sterile manufacturing is highly studied and controlled, there are no standardized practices for evaluating RNase in the production facility. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA-LNP based vaccines have become part of routine large-scale manufacturing. The unstable nature of mRNA poses new challenges to safeguard the working efficacy of mRNA – Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) based vaccines or therapeutics, where the presence of RNase in the formulation process could have a profound impact on the mRNA integrity. In this article, lessons learned are presented with respect to the evaluation of RNase contamination during LNP drug product formulation and analysis. Using sensitive detection methods, the potential presence of RNase in the manufacturing of mRNA-LNPs was investigated. Additionally, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) data, used to measure mRNA integrity, demonstrate the quality of the active mRNA substance and importance of suitable RNase control strategies. The results and cases presented in this paper should pave the way forward for evaluation and control strategies dedicated to mRNA-LNP based vaccines and therapeutics.

Growth, Instability in Production and Price Forecasting of Onion in Bangladesh

Onion is an essential and popular spice crop which is widely cultivated and consumed in Bangladesh. Every year the country needed to import onion for fulfilling the domestic demand. Onion price has been largely influenced by import price and frequent fluctuation. The objectives of the research were to analyze the onion production behavior, instability, and forecasting of price using secondary data. The study used deterministic growth models and coefficient of variation for analyzing the growth rate and instability. Among different growth models, cubic model was identified as the best-fitted model. The average growth rate was 7.85%, and in instability analysis the coefficient of variation was 71.10%, which implies that onion production was unstable during the period of 1970-2022. Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was used to forecast onion price. The finding reveals that SARIMA (1, 0, 2) (1, 1, 1)12 model identified as the best model to forecast the onion price in Bangladesh. The results show that onion price followed seasonal trend, and the highest price was in October and November. These findings will support to develop appropriate policies regarding the increase of domestic supply through increased production and storage facilities, reducing post-harvest losses, and price stabilization. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 377-385, 2024

SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN GOATS FROM SOUTHWESTERN MISSISSIPPI, USA.

Parasitic infection with Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in human and animal populations worldwide. Goat production for food and fiber has increased in popularity, and consumer demand for meat and dairy products has led to higher rates of human consumption in the United States. This trend has increased the importance of assessing the public health significance of these dietary commodities. The occurrence of T. gondii and its relevance to commercial goat production for the human food market in Mississippi has not been previously addressed. This study estimated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in breeding-age goats raised for human consumption from 4 counties in southwestern Mississippi. One hundred and forty-four goat serum samples were collected between August 2007 and April 2008 from Hinds (n = 55), Adams (n = 36), Yazoo (n = 36), and Copiah (n = 17) counties. The overall seroprevalence was 12.5% (18/144) and raises concern and justification for preventative measures including periodic surveillance of goat herds and production facilities to ensure a safe food commodity and food hygiene education for consumers.