Production Strategies Research Articles

Heterostructure engineering of resorcinol-formaldehyde resins and sulfur-vacancy-containing Zn3In2S6 for high-efficiency photocatalytic H2O2 production

Resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resins have garnered significant interest due to their remarkable efficiency in producing photocatalytic H2O2. The combination of RF with inorganic semiconductors to create organic–inorganic heterojunctions represents a promising strategy for enhancing photocatalytic activity. In this work, RF was coated onto Zn3In2S6 nanoflowers with sulfur-vacancy, creating RF/Zn3In2S6 composites with an S-scheme heterostructure. This novel composite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity for H2O2 production in both pure water and seawater, without sacrificial agents. Specifically, the production rate of RF/Zn3In2S6-0.3 in pure water under simulated solar illumination achieved 3174.34 μmol/h/g, marking 8.53 and 4.17 times over RF and Zn3In2S6, respectively. Moreover, its photocatalytic activity in seawater reached an impressive 2290.81 μmol/h/g, 4.93 and 3.12 times greater than that of RF and Zn3In2S6, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism, which facilitates efficient charge separation and amplifies redox capabilities. Both experimental and density function theory analyses confirm the S-scheme route in RF/Zn3In2S6-0.3 for photocatalytic H2O2 production. This study not only presents the first account of an organic semiconductor RF being employed in an S-scheme heterojunction interface but also introduces the surface sulfur-vacancy mediated S-scheme heterojunction strategy for photocatalytic H2O2 production, representing a significant advancement in the field.

Ostrich eggshell beads from Little Muck Shelter, southern Africa: First impressions and regional perspectives

Hunting and gathering communities in southern Africa produced ostrich eggshell (OES) beads for personal ornamentation, trade and exchange, and various forms of symbolism. OES beads convey information related to not only technological processes, but also social histories, making them useful tools for investigating these processes in the archaeological record. In the middle Limpopo Valley, hunter-gatherers produced beads from periods that predated the arrival of farmer societies, before ca. AD 150, until the decline of the Mapungubwe capital, AD 1300. Their analysis may therefore lead to insights into local economies, craft activities, trade and exchange, and social roles. However, no study in the middle Limpopo Valley has sufficiently investigated these beads and their status within forager society. In this paper we study the manufacture of OES beads from one of the excavated forager-occupied shelters in the valley, Little Muck. This study is the first of its kind from a hunter-gatherer context in the region. It shows that Little Muck’s beads were standardised but produced in varying frequencies across temporal periods, and made following different production strategies. Use-wear analysis hints that some of the beads were pigmented and possibly altered using heat treatment. As an initial foray into a forager bead assemblage of the region, this study demonstrates the value such an approach may yield, and it aids in guiding future attempts. It also compares Little Muck’s bead assemblage with those from other sites across a much wider region where such studies have taken place. The findings demonstrate similar patterns to other parts of southern and eastern Africa, but also illustrate local shifts in bead production that follow changes in local socio-political dynamics.

Deep eutectic solvent engineered GO/ZrO2 nanofiller for mixed matrix membranes: An efficient hydrogen gas separation

AbstractThis study explores fabrication and characterization of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation, employing a cost‐effective solution casting method. Polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene (PS) blends are combined with graphene oxide (GO) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanofillers, with and without a deep eutectic solvent (DES) obtained through hydrogen bond exchange. Various MMMs compositions (2–20 wt%) are systematically examined using diverse characterization techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, porosity determination, and water contact angle analysis. The MMMs exhibit enhanced gas permeability and selectivity, surpassing conventional membrane materials. Notably, H2 gas permeability reaches outstanding levels, with the composition PC/PS‐DES‐GO/ZrO2 at 20 wt% (PBC20‐IV) demonstrating the highest value of 86.32 Barrer. This superior performance is attributed to the unique properties of ZrO2, increased sorption capacity of GO, and enhanced thermal stability due to DES. Permeability data for CO2, N2, O2, and CH4 also show significant values, aligning with the observed trends in H2 permeability. Robeson's plot for the H2/CO2 gas pair surpasses the 2008 upper bound, placing the MMMs in a novel category for gas separation membranes. The incorporation of DES‐modified nanofiller blend composites presents a promising strategy for the potential production of pure hydrogen.

Building mathematical micro-identities through supporting productive struggle

ABSTRACT We designed a series of lessons that adopted supporting productive struggle practices, and explored how mathematical micro-identities emerged in the moments of productive struggle and what connections exist across micro-identities and productive struggle. We found that the low-achieving students had moments of both mathematically capable and incapable micro-identities, when offered, which reciprocally created moments of productive struggle and no struggle; and that the positions a teacher takes, between supporting productive struggle or not, directly impact the formation of micro-identities. The results suggest that supporting productive struggle strategies could be an avenue to develop mathematically capable micro-identities.

Sosialisasi Produksi Pada Usaha Gula Merah (Aren)

This research aims to identify and socialize production strategies in palm sugar businesses to increase efficiency and productivity. Socialization of this strategy was carried out involving palm sugar farmers, craftsmen and related stakeholders. The methods used include field observations, in-depth interviews, and evaluation. The research results show that by implementing more modern and efficient production techniques, as well as optimal use of resources, palm sugar businesses can improve product quality and production capacity. Apart from that, ongoing education and training on production and marketing management also supports the sustainability of this business. The conclusion of this research is that the socialization of appropriate production strategies can have a positive impact on increasing the competitiveness and welfare of palm sugar business actors.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identified Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Underlying Drought-Related Traits in Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Drought is a destructive abiotic stress that affects all critical stages of peanut growth such as emergence, flowering, pegging, and pod filling. The development of a drought-tolerant variety is a sustainable strategy for long-term peanut production. The U.S. mini-core peanut germplasm collection was evaluated for drought tolerance to the middle-season drought treatment phenotyping for pod weight, pod count, relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and drought rating. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify minor and major QTLs. A total of 144 QTLs were identified, including 18 significant QTLs in proximity to 317 candidate genes. Ten significant QTLs on linkage groups (LGs) A03, A05, A06, A07, A08, B04, B05, B06, B09, and B10 were associated with pod weight and pod count. RWC stages 1 and 2 were correlated with pod weight, pod count, and drought rating. Six significant QTLs on LGs A04, A07, B03, and B04 were associated with RWC stages 1 and 2. Drought rating was negatively correlated with pod yield and pod count and was associated with a significant QTL on LG A06. Many QTLs identified in this research are novel for the evaluated traits, with verification that the pod weight shared a significant QTL on chromosome B06 identified in other research. Identified SNP markers and the associated candidate genes provide a resource for molecular marker development. Verification of candidate genes surrounding significant QTLs will facilitate the application of marker-assisted peanut breeding for drought tolerance.

Controllable preparation of graphene glass fiber fabric towards mass production and its application in self-adaptive thermal management

Direct synthesis of graphene on nonmetallic substrates via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has become a frontier research realm targeting transfer-free applications of CVD graphene. However, the stable mass production of graphene with a favorable growth rate and quality remains a grand challenge. Herein, graphene glass fiber fabric (GGFF) was successfully developed through the controllable growth of graphene on non-catalytic glass fiber fabric, employing a synergistic binary-precursor CVD strategy to alleviate the dilemma between growth rate and quality. The binary precursors consisted of acetylene and acetone, where acetylene with high decomposition efficiency fed rapid graphene growth while oxygen-containing acetone was adopted for improving the layer uniformity and quality. Notably, the bifurcating introducing-confluent premixing (BI-CP) system was self-built for the controllable introduction of gas and liquid precursors, enabling the stable production of GGFF. GGFF features solar absorption and infrared emission properties, based on which the self-adaptive dual-mode thermal management film was developed. This film can automatically switch between heating and cooling modes by spontaneously perceiving the temperature, achieving excellent thermal management performances with heating and cooling power of ∼501.2 and ∼108.6 W m−2, respectively. These findings unlock a new strategy for the large-scale batch production of graphene materials and inspire advanced possibilities for further applications.

High-yield nanovesicles extruded from dental follicle stem cells promote the regeneration of periodontal tissues as an alternative of exosomes.

To identify an optimized strategy for the large-scale production of nanovesicles (NVs) that preserve the biological properties of exosomes (EXOs) for use in periodontal regeneration. NVs from dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) were prepared through extrusion, and EXOs from DFSCs were isolated. The yield of both extruded NVs (eNVs) and EXOs were quantified through protein concentration and particle number analyses. Their pro-migration, pro-proliferation and pro-osteogenesis capacities were compared subsequently in vitro. Additionally, proteomics analysis was conducted. To further evaluate the periodontal regeneration potential of eNVs and EXOs, they were incorporated into collagen sponges and transplanted into periodontal defects in rats. In vivo imaging and H&E staining were utilized to verify their biodistribution and safety. Micro-Computed Tomography analysis and histological staining were performed to examine the regeneration of periodontal tissues. The yield of eNVs was nearly 40 times higher than that of EXOs. Interestingly, in vitro experiments indicated that the pro-migration and pro-proliferation abilities of eNVs were superior, and the pro-osteogenesis potential was comparable to EXOs. More importantly, eNVs exhibited periodontal regenerative potential similar to that of EXOs. Extrusion has proven to be an efficient method for generating numerous eNVs with the potential to replace EXOs in periodontal regeneration.

28. “Antibiotic-free” strategies in broiler production in France

28. “Antibiotic-free” strategies in broiler production in France

Soft template-induced self-assembly strategy for sustainable production of porous carbon spheres as anode towards advanced sodium-ion batteries

Doped porous carbon is a prominent sodium anode material with high specific surface area (SSA) and abundant pore structure. Compared with the traditional “hard template” technique for the synthesis of porous carbon, the “soft template” method offers a more efficient synthesis process and simplified template removal. In response to the urgent need for eco-friendly synthesis methods for functional doping, our research introduces an innovative method using biomass-derived tannic acid as a precursor. We have successfully synthesized N/S double-doped porous spherical carbon materials (DF-N/S) through a self-assembly process driven by hydrogen bonding and solvent evaporation. As an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), DF-N/S demonstrates superior electrochemical performance, achieving a specific capacity of 327.04 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.05 Ag-1 in ether-based electrolytes. The remarkable sodium storage efficiency of DF-N/S has been thoroughly examined through kinetic analyses and ex-situ characterization methods. This study aims to provide a sustainable and widely adaptable method for the soft template production of doped carbon, while also shedding light on the intricacies of energy storage mechanisms in both ether/ester-based electrolytes.

Unveiling wheat rust epidemics: A long‐term surveillance study in Ethiopia's North Western Amhara region

AbstractWheat is one of the most significant food security crops in Ethiopia. However, the production and productivity of wheat is far below its potential due to many challenges. Wheat disease epidemics, typified by wheat rusts, are among the most important challenges, causing large‐scale production losses that put farmers’ income and food security at risk. We analysed and presented the long‐term and comprehensive wheat rust surveillance results to better understand the past rust disease occurrences, ultimately contributing to future wheat production and rust control strategies. A total of 1140 wheat fields have been surveyed from 2009 to 2021 throughout four administrative zones of the North Western Amhara region. We identified spatial and temporal trends in the distribution and status of wheat stem rust (Sr), yellow rust (Yr) and leaf rust (Lr) using a combination of different statistical tools and data‐analysis methods. The results of the study indicated that 52.5%, 11.3% and 3.4% of the wheat fields were infected with yellow, stem and leaf rust, respectively. Even so, the distribution and intensity of wheat rust disease vary across locations, elevations and cultivated varieties. The associations between altitude and disease prevalence show a linear correlation. We also identified hotspots of yellow and stem rust, which will be used by the country's wheat rust disease early warning system. In order to reverse low varietal diversification in the farmer's field, it is necessary to work with all stakeholders involved in the wheat production sector in a better synergy.

Concepciones y prácticas para el arraigo en los centros educativos para la producción total

Rooting is postulated as a category to analyze the conceptions and practices that occur within the framework of the Educational Centers for Total Production (rural alternative secondary schools in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina) to achieve the permanence of students and their families in rural areas. There are two dimensions of rootedness: that linked to the emotional disposition in relation to the environment and that which involves collective actions to improve living conditions. Methodologically, data generated in field work started in 2016, carried out with a collaborative ethnographic approach, was analyzed. The analysis was carried out by creating emerging categories highlighting the positions of the various actors that participate in these Educational Centers (families, students, officials participated in the opening of these Centers). It is argued that, by establishing roots as an objective that exceeds education, these Educational Centers achieve the permanence of rural families through the development of productive projects and strategies for access to land. In this way, through articulation with an educational institution such as the CEPT, dynamics linked to the enclosure and expulsion of rural families are managed.

Soil Quality Assessment and Its Spatial Variability in an Intensively Cultivated Area in India

Intensive agricultural practices lead to a deterioration in soil quality, causing a decline in farm productivity and quality, and disturbing the ecosystem balance in command areas. To achieve sustainable production and implement effective soil management strategies, understanding the state and spatial variability of soil quality is essential. The study aims to enhance the understanding of soil quality variability and provide actionable insights for sustainable soil management. In this regard, principal component analysis (PCA) and digital soil mapping were used to assess and map the spatial variability of the soil quality index (SQI) in the Cauvery command area, Mandya district, Karnataka, India. A total of 145 georeferenced soil samples were drawn at 0–15 cm depth and analyzed for physico-chemical properties. PCA was used to reduce the dataset into a minimum dataset as eight important soil indicators and to determine relative weightage factors, which were used for assessing SQI with linear and non-linear scoring methods. For spatial assessment of SQI, the random forest algorithm with environmental covariates was used to map eight soil indicators selected in the minimum dataset. The soil property maps were subjected to linear and non-linear scoring, followed by multiplying with corresponding weightage factors and summation to produce SQI maps. Results reveal that values of SQI calculated using linear scoring, range from 0.10 to 0.64, with a mean of 0.39, while non-linear scoring exhibits a wider range of 0.12 to 0.78 and a mean of 0.48. With a slight higher sensitivity index of 6.5, non-linear scoring proved to be the better scoring method compared to linear scoring. Spatial assessment shows that the R2 and LCC between the calculated and predicted SQI were higher for non-linear scoring (0.66 and 0.66) compared to linear scoring (0.60 and 0.65). The SQI maps reveal high spatial variability with more than 40 percent of soils classified as moderate-to-low index. The soils with low SQI were distributed in eastern parts, whereas western parts exhibited high-to-very-high soil quality. To achieve production goals and improve soil quality in the eastern region, sustainable soil and crop management strategies must be developed, and their effects on soil quality should be assessed.

Microfluidic Continuous Synthesis of Size- and Facet-Controlled Porous Bi2O3 Nanospheres for Efficient CO2 to Formate Catalysis.

Bismuth-based catalysts are effective in converting carbon dioxide into formate via electrocatalysis. Precise control of the morphology, size, and facets of bismuth-based catalysts is crucial for achieving high selectivity and activity. In this work, an efficient, large-scale continuous production strategy is developed for achieving a porous nanospheres Bi2O3-FDCA material. First-principles simulations conducted in advance indicate that the Bi2O3 (111)/(200) facets help reduce the overpotential for formate production in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (ECO2RR). Subsequently, using microfluidic technology and molecular control to precisely adjust the amount of 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid, nanomaterials rich in (111)/(200) facets are successfully synthesized. Additionally, the morphology of the porous nanospheres significantly increases the adsorption capacity and active sites for carbon dioxide. These synergistic effects allow the porous Bi2O3-FDCA nanospheres to stably operate for 90h in a flow cell at a current density of ≈250mA cm- 2, with an average Faradaic efficiency for formate exceeding 90%. The approach of theoretically guided microfluidic technology for the large-scale synthesis of finely structured, efficient bismuth-based materials for ECO2RR may provide valuable references for the chemical engineering of intelligent nanocatalysts.

Oleaginous fungi: a promising source of biofuels and nutraceuticals with enhanced lipid production strategies.

Oleaginous fungi have attracted a great deal of interest for their potency to accumulate high amounts of lipids (more than 20% of biomass dry weight) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have a variety of industrial and biological applications. Lipids of plant and animal origin are related to some restrictions and thus lead to attention towards oleaginous microorganisms as reliable substitute resources. Lipids are traditionally biosynthesized intra-cellularly and involved in the building structure of a variety of cellular compartments. In oleaginous fungi, under certain conditions of elevated carbon ratio and decreased nitrogen in the growth medium, a change in metabolic pathway occurred by switching the whole central carbon metabolism to fatty acid anabolism, which subsequently resulted in high lipid accumulation. The present review illustrates the bio-lipid structure, fatty acid classes and biosynthesis within oleaginous fungi with certain key enzymes, and the advantages of oleaginous fungi over other lipid bio-sources. Qualitative and quantitative techniques for detecting the lipid accumulation capability of oleaginous microbes including visual, and analytical (convenient and non-convenient) were debated. Factors affecting lipid production, and different approaches followed to enhance the lipid content in oleaginous yeasts and fungi, including optimization, utilization of cost-effective wastes, co-culturing, as well as metabolic and genetic engineering, were discussed. A better understanding of the oleaginous fungi regarding screening, detection, and maximization of lipid content using different strategies could help to discover new potent oleaginous isolates, exploit and recycle low-cost wastes, and improve the efficiency of bio-lipids cumulation with biotechnological significance.

Bridging the gap: Integrating static and dynamic data for improved permeability modeling and super k zone detection in vuggy reservoirs

Permeability modeling in fractured and vuggy reservoirs presents significant challenges, especially in carbonate reservoirs like Brazil’s Barra Velha Formation. The interpretation of vug properties is often subject to misconceptions. It is common to mistakenly consider vugs as part of the matrix, attributing uniform porosity and permeability properties. Alternatively, they are sometimes regarded as fractures, attempting to replicate the influence on permeability enhancement. However, vugs exhibit distinct behavior compared to fractures. Their characteristics are contingent upon factors such as geometry, size, and their relationship with the matrix. Existing methods often overlook the substantial impact of vuggy porosity, leading to inadequate representation of permeability values obtained from core plug measurements or downhole static data, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) logs. In contrast, dynamic data derived from drill-stem tests (DSTs) and inferred from the Productivity Index (J) provide a more holistic view of the reservoir’s permeability, yet typically yielding a single permeability value for each interpreted interval. This research introduces a novel methodology that addresses these challenges by integrating static and dynamic data, with a primary focus on vuggy porosity using a permeability indicator from a dynamic source. A key innovation lies in the development of a method for estimating total permeability in vuggy intervals, accounting for the effects of vugs and calibrating permeability with dynamic data such as J, DST and Production Logging Tests (PLT). We substantiated the impact of vugs on the augmentation of permeability and production through the application of a localized reservoir simulation model around a key well. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted, one employing a grid representing matrix permeability and another incorporating total permeability with adjustments accounting for the influence of vugs. Additionally, we present two approaches for estimating vuggy porosity: one based on acoustic WellBore Image (WBI) and the second through image segmentation, which can be applied universally across different wellbore image formats. Furthermore, this study explores the concept of superkzones, representing intervals with exceptionally high permeability. The partitioning coefficient (CP), quantifying the relationship between vuggy porosity and total porosity, is employed to generate a probability curve for the occurrence of superkzones in intervals lacking production data. This curve accounts for critical factors such as pressure drop and fluid viscosity, providing a more comprehensive understanding of reservoir behavior. Through a comprehensive case study, our research aims to shed light on the intricate permeability characteristics of the Barra Velha Formation, while identifying the presence of superkzones. The proposed methodologies offer a bridge between static and dynamic data, resulting in a continuous permeability curve that aligns more closely with production data. Ultimately, this work contributes valuable insights for reservoir management and the production strategies optimization in complex carbonate reservoirs within the Santos Basin.

Bridging the conservation and development trade‐off? A working landscape critique of a conservancy in the Maasai Mara

Abstract The recent call to halt biodiversity loss by protecting half the planet has been hotly contested because of the extent to which people might be excluded from these landscapes. It is clear that incorporating landscapes that implicitly work for indigenous people is vital to achieving any sustainable targets. We examine an attempt to balance the trade‐offs between conservation and development in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Maasai Mara, using a working landscape approach. Mobile livestock production strategies are theoretically consistent with wildlife‐based activities and can present a win‐win solution for both conservation and development. We explore the success and failings of Enonkishu's evolving attempts to achieve this: addressing the criticism of the conservation sector that it fails to learn from its mistakes. We found that Enonkishu has had considerable positive conservation outcomes, preventing the continued encroachment of farmland and maintaining and improving rangeland health relative to the surrounding area, while maintaining diverse and large populations of wildlife and livestock. The learning from certain ventures that failed, particularly on livestock, has created institutions and governance that, while still evolving, are more robust and relevant for conservancy members, by being fluid and inclusive. Practical implication: Diverse revenue streams (beyond tourism, including a residential estate, livestock venture and philanthropy) enabled Enonkishu to withstand the pressures of COVID‐19. Livestock is crucial for defining the vision of the conservancy, and the institutions and governance that underpin it.

Drivers of Environmental Sustainability in the Wine Industry: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach

The primary aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature to identify the most relevant environmental variables and other factors influencing the life cycle assessment of the wine industry. This research seeks to determine whether the type of wine significantly impacts the carbon footprint and to highlight the importance of production strategies over wine typology or grape variety in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This review encompasses an extensive analysis of previous studies on the environmental impact of wine production. This method involves synthesizing findings from life cycle inventory assessments to identify key variables contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This analysis also considers regional variations and the effectiveness of different production strategies in mitigating environmental impacts. This review indicates that wine typology (red or white) and grape variety are less significant in determining the carbon footprint than the production strategies employed. It identifies specific variables that contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions in wine production. The analysis highlights the need for standardized assessment methods to ensure accurate determination of influential factors in reducing emissions. This study concludes that achieving environmental sustainability in the wine industry requires a balanced approach that integrates environmental, economic, and social aspects. It emphasizes the necessity of developing standardized and universal strategies for assessing wine sustainability. The application of artificial intelligence is proposed as a crucial tool for improving data gathering, trend analysis, and formulating customized sustainability strategies for different wine regions. Addressing the challenges of sustainability in the wine industry is imperative for environmental preservation and the wellbeing of future generations.

Impact of Shortage of Raw Materials on the Manufacturing Process in Automobile Industry

The shortage of raw materials in the automobile industry has had a significant impact on the manufacturing process, leading to disruptions at multiple levels. With key materials such as semiconductors, steel, and aluminum in short supply, manufacturers have faced delays in production schedules, increased costs, and inefficiencies in supply chain management. This shortage has also forced many companies to adjust their production strategies, often by scaling down output or prioritizing certain models, which can lead to bottlenecks in delivering products to the market. Moreover, the scarcity of raw materials drives up procurement costs, further squeezing profit margins for automobile manufacturers. The long-term effects of this shortage may include shifts towards more sustainable and alternative materials, as well as greater investment in localized supply chains to reduce dependency on global sources. Ultimately, the raw material shortage poses a challenge to both the operational efficiency and the competitive edge of the automobile industry.

The new production strategies employed among contemporary Jordanian music groups

This study aimed to explore the musical production strategies that emerged among new musical groups that emerged in Jordan since the beginning of the 21st century by studying four cases of Jordanian new music bands. The unprecedented emergence of the Internet and social media in the Jordanian daily-life context has freed the cultural scene and changed the dominant role of production companies. To achieve the study's object, the researcher employed observation and personal interviews for information collection. The study results showed that the four music bands use mainly social media and the Internet in production through several strategies developed by the bands and showed a clear success in using them as effective tools in Jordanian independent music production. Keywords: Jordanian new music bands, Independent music production, Music production strategies, Crowdfunding, Social Media.