Production Goals Research Articles

Pyrolysis kinetic analysis and model constructions of different ranks of coal and validation by GA–BP neural networks

In the current steel industry, environmental pressures are mounting. If the reducing gases generated from coal pyrolysis can be utilized for reducing iron ore, the goal of low-carbon production with controllable costs can be achieved. However, the release of volatile content in coal has a significant impact on the pyrolysis process and final products. Therefore, in this study, the pyrolysis characteristics and gaseous products of four types of coal with different volatile matter content was investigated by thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) technology. The results showed that coals with higher volatile matter content demonstrated stronger reactivity during pyrolysis. As the volatile matter content in coal increased, the starting temperature for releasing the reducing gases decreased, leading to a significant increase in the released gas volume. In addition, the three kinetic factors were calculated by isoconversional method, distribution of the activation energy model (DAEM) and Coats-Redfern (CR) method respectively, and the pyrolysis reaction mechanism function suitable for all coal types was reconstructed based on common solid reaction models. Finally, a predictive model based on a GA-improved back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was developed, which useing 21 input parameters to predict the TG curves, activation energy (E), lnA and mechanism function (fα) and achieving R2 values above 0.95. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the pyrolysis mechanism of coals with different volatile matter content, providing scientific guidance for effective utilization.

Innovative strategic multicriteria decision-making selection model of infrastructures projects delivery systems using multiobjective optimization, case of Egypt

Purpose To help decision-makers choose appropriate infrastructure project delivery systems (IPDS) and keep up with the construction industry’s rapid growth, this study aims to develop a goal optimization technique.This looks into team integration, large production and optimum sustainability. The suggested approach for meeting several infrastructure project objectives is flexible and expandable. This research overcomes the significant discrepancy between the construction industry’s progress and the rate at which project delivery methods evolve. Design/methodology/approach This study examined pertinent literature to choose an appropriate project delivery method and gave information on several elements that affect that decision. After optimization using a genetic algorithm (GA), a Pareto front of solutions has been found. The three construction goals of sustainability, mass production and team integration are all met by the chosen best solution. The four most popular possibilities for studying the suggested approach are five primary categories, each of which has 22 variables, and the weight of each variable was established using Simo’s procedure. This is optimized, demonstrating the accuracy of the optimization model. Findings Sustainability, mass production and team integration are the major goals of selecting the finest IPDS. The Pareto-optimal solutions discovered through analysis demonstrated that the created GA is reliable and generates solid outcomes. In fact, it enables decisions that were based on a single criterion to be overturned. The process has therefore demonstrated its efficacy in identifying the ideal answer. First integrated project delivery (IPD), second design-build (DB), third design-bid-build (DBB) and last construction manager at risk (CMR) are the best options. The weight of the aims function has found these rankings to be satisfactory. Practical implications The findings demonstrate that the suggested strategy can lead to optimization, providing the government with a wide range of options for attaining certain project objectives. The ability of this study to evaluate the combined effects of three objectives in choosing the best IPDS, the production of optimal selection solutions (IPDS), which can help with better decision-making when many objectives are present, and the flexibility and extendibility of the suggested approach for achieving priorities in infrastructure projects are what make it unique. This approach was able to select IPDS to meet developments in the construction project. Originality/value To confirm the validity of the GA, the factor of error was calculated, which is equal to 1.7599e-08.

How education policy actors interpret, portray and contest risk in children’s physically active play in schools: a framing analysis

ABSTRACT Children’s physical activity is low and play outdoors has been declining, coinciding with a greater preoccupation with risk in many countries. This study examines how policy actors frame the issue of risk in children’s active physical play in schools. Using a theory-informed, multi-method, qualitative case-study design, 30 participants from a range of sectors involved in policy relevant to children’s physical activity and play in schools participated in interviews and photo-elicitation. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four frames of active physical play in schools were identified. Two ‘risk averse’ frames (protection and productivity) dominated and were primarily expressed by policy actors inside the school system. These frames were characterised by a negative construction of risk, and concerns for adverse outcomes for children and schools. In contrast, two frames were ‘risk tolerant’ (development and flourishing), within which risk was constructed as ‘uncertainty’, which could lead to positive or negative outcomes in play, and supported a child’s holistic learning, development, and wellbeing. While there were some ‘real world’ examples of risk tolerant frames, more commonly they were expressed in the context of how things should or could be in schools. Findings indicate school policies that prioritise injury prevention and productivity goals, may involve a risk-benefit trade-off over other fundamental objectives, elevating some risks above less visible ones, such as the consequences of play and physical activity restriction. Implications for education policy are discussed. Future work should seek to improve understanding of forces contributing to risk averse frames of physically active play in schools and contribute evidence for the benefits of risk-taking for children.

Energy-economy-environment assessment of key feedstock production for ternary lithium-ion batteries via hydrometallurgical recycling and natural exploitation

The rapid increase in lithium-ion battery (LIB) production has intensified the demand for critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices in LIB lifecycle management. Recycling LIBs is an effective measure generating feedstocks for refabrication in order to address resource strain, mitigate environmental impacts, aligning with the goals of cleaner production and sustainability. This study aims to provide a comprehensive energy-economy-environment assessment framework for feedstock production (Li2CO3, NiSO4·6H2O, CoSO4·7H2O) via hydrometallurgical recycling and natural exploitation. We compare recycling 1t of spent ternary LIBs to traditional natural exploitation methods by considering energy consumption, economic costs, and environmental impacts. Recycling routes incur 2.9–9.3 × 104 MJ energy consumptions, 3.8–4.4 × 104 CNY economic costs and 1.5–4.2 × 103 kg CO2 eq. emissions, while natural exploitation routes result in 4.6–8.6 × 104 MJ, 1.1–2.0 × 104 CNY and 2.7–3.9 × 103 kg CO2 eq, respectively. This study reveals that, in most environmental impact categories, natural exploitation routes fall between pyrolysis and non-pyrolysis recycling routes. Furthermore, significant difference in environmental and energy impacts per unit feedstock production are observed when utilizing mass-based and value-based allocation methods. When adopting mass-based, carbon emissions of Recycling route1 (based on full-component pyrolysis) is 41% of that using Li2CO3 from brine route for 1 kg of Li2CO3 production. This value increases to 112% when adopting value-based. Similarly, energy consumptions of Recycling route 1 are 65% and 175% of those using Li2CO3 from brine route, for mass-based and value-based methods, respectively. Our findings provide insights supporting sustainable battery recycling processes, which could further contribute to the broader field of cleaner production by promoting resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and fostering sustainable industrial practices.

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.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the quality traits of Indica rice with different amylose contents.

Nitrogen is a key factor affecting the quality of rice. Studying the impact of nitrogen fertilizer on the taste, physicochemical properties, and starch structure of Indica rice with different amylose contents is of great significance for scientifically fertilizing and cultivating high-quality rice varieties for consumption. The results indicate that increasing nitrogen fertilizer application reduces the amylose content and increases the protein content, resulting in a decrease in taste quality. Simultaneously, it reduces the intergranular porosity of starch particles, improving the appearance and milling quality of rice. Compared to the N1 treatment (nitrogen fertilizer application rate of 90 kg ha-1), the taste of low-amylose rice (Yixiangyou 2115) and high-amylose rice (Byou 268) decreased by 14.24% and 19.79%, respectively, under N4 treatment (nitrogen fertilizer application rate of 270 kg ha-1). The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on low-amylose rice is mainly reflected in increased rice hardness, enthalpy value, and setback viscosity, resulting in a decline in taste. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on high-amylose rice is mainly reflected in a decrease in peak viscosity, an increase in gelatinization temperature, and crystallinity under high nitrogen levels. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer application can improve the appearance and milling quality of rice, but it also leads to an increase in protein content, hardness, gelatinization enthalpy, decrease in breakdown value, and a decline in palatability. In practical production, different production measures should be taken according to different production goals. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis of soy-protein adhesives with excellent cohesion and cold-pressing bonding strength through multiple noncovalent crosslinking network of waterborne epoxy resin

In order to achieve the purpose of reducing cost and increasing efficiency of plywood fabrication, development of high-temperature soy meal (HSM)-based adhesives with high cold-pressing bonding strength without compromising its internal cohesion and interfacial adhesion is a meaningful goal in production. However, due to the agglomerated intrinsic structure, weak intermolecular interactions and strong hydrophilicity, the application of HSM adhesive was limited by its poor cohesion and unstable bonding performances. Taking consideration of the abundant hydrogen bonds sites and toughened microphase separation structure, in this work, polyurethane (PU) fragments served to provide bonding strength during prepressing stage. Sulfonate groups were grafted to prepare a stable waterborne epoxy emulsion (WEU) and then used as a crosslinker for HSM adhesives. Besides the introduced carbamate and polyether segments that provided regular hydrogen bonding platforms within HSM matrix, the soft polymer long-chain coils overlapped to increase the initial viscosity of the adhesives. This enhanced cohesive network strengthened the cold-pressing bonding strength of HSM-WPA2–15, reaching 0.76 MPa, which is enough for actual factory requirements. Pressure and thermal condition can stimulate resin penetrating into wood voids and cure it, opening active epoxy groups to covalent bonding within HSM chains. The secondary crosslinking network optimized the water resistance of cured adhesives, achieving 1.00 MPa of the adhesives under wet shear strength testing. This novel and feasible method demonstrates a foundational design, being able to be utilized for developing other plant-based wood adhesives with improved performances.

Analysis of the settling process to improve the quality of phosphate products of the Djebel Onk deposit

The object of the study is the phosphates of the Djebel Onk region, which are part of a vast group of phosphate deposits formed in the Late Cretaceous-Eocene period on the South and Southeast Mediterranean shores. These concentrations of economic interest are operated near the town of Bir El Ater (Tebessa, Algeria). The mining industry based on the extraction and processing of different minerals while respecting the environmental framework plays an important role in the economy of a country. The economic potential of each country will be determined based on the level of production of metals and various mineral substances. In the case of the Djebel Onk phosphate ore, the most dominant mineral in addition to P2O5 is calcium carbonate CaCO3 with more than 50 % in the all-mineral content. In addition, phosphate concentrate contains harmful elements which reduce the value of the market product. Therefore, this study aims to recover the enriched product efficiently and profitably with a minimum of deleterious elements. This work aims to develop a treatment technology with a minimum rejection rate, which allows for achieving production goals and reducing environmental impacts. For this purpose, we proposed an enrichment of these phosphate discharges from the settling process utilizing pneumatic selection (Turbo Separator Ventilate – TSV). The results of the chemical analyses confirm the significant difference in useful and major elements (P2O5) and the minor and harmful elements (MgO). According to the granulochemical analysis of each slice, it is possible to note that the P2O5 content is similar to the various particle-size slices. It is therefore necessary to treat the mass of waste if we want to recover as much phosphate as possible. The obtained X-ray diffractograms highlighted appreciable differences between the raw phosphates and the concentrates, in fact, the qualitative and quantitative variation of the mineralogical species, particularly the calcite, quartz, dolomite, and apatite. TSV is a process used to improve the quality and quantity of phosphate and to eliminate the layer below 0.8 mm. Corresponding to the analyses it was appeared that the P2O5 content 29.5–30 % of the settled product increases to 30.2–31 % after dust removal. Then it is possible to achieve an increase in the quality of phosphate from 63/65 % TPL to 66/68 % TPL.

Viewing the influence of Vkhutemas on the Bauhaus from the perspective of production art: Main concepts and directions

After the October Revolution of 1917, the Russian avant-garde established close relations with the German left wing. Vkhutemas, as the center of the Russian avant-garde, also had an important influence on the development of the Bauhaus. This study examines the specific path and results of the influence of Vkhutemas on the Bauhaus in terms of concept, structural transformation and production strategy in order to clarify the relationship between them. In this work, Vkhutemas is taken as the center, based on the analysis of conceptual principles, structural transformations and production strategies, specific ways and manifestations of the influence of the Russian avant-garde on the Bauhaus in various periods of the 1920s are explored. This comprehensive and multidimensional Russian influence not only develops the modern system of design education and finally consolidates the historical status of the Bauhaus, but also lays the foundation for its final fate. Firstly, on an ideological level, the goals of Russian production are directly related to the construction of socialism, to the creation of a system of proletarian culture, which Avartov calls proletarian, which largely coincides with the left-wing ideals of Gropius. Secondly, at the level of artistic thought, productivism and constructivism, as new ideas of the early 20th century, represented the contribution of the Russian avant-garde to modernist design. Finally, at the level of educational practice, thanks to the introduction of Russian constructivism by Moholy Nagy, the Bauhaus created a prototype of the three main components of modern design education, taking lessons from teaching composition by Vkhutemas, and opened the transition from expressionism to function. This was a new stage in the transformation of socialism, and thus formed the classic image of the Bauhaus for the outside world.

DEVELOPING MULTILINE COWPEA VARIETIES ADAPTED TO LOCAL CROPPING SYSTEMS AND SPECIFIC FARMERS’ PRODUCTION GOALS THROUGH PARTICIPATORY BREEDING

<p><strong>Background</strong><strong>.</strong> Decentralized participatory breeding approach facilitate the development of varieties better suited for a diversity of farmers' contexts. To enhance breeding efficiency, formal methodological settings are needed to include, at early stage of selection, particular local practices and farmers’ preferences. <strong>Objective</strong><strong>.</strong> Evaluate how location, farmers’ profile and local cropping system could be taken into account to optimize selection of cowpea varieties in a decentralized context. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Twenty-two candidate multiline varieties of cowpea (<em>Vigna unguiculata L. </em>Walp) were developed from a biparental family of recombinant inbred lines. These varieties were subjected to selection under edaphic and climatic conditions of three locations and two cropping systems (intercropping <em>versus</em> sole cropping). Trials were carried out in collaboration with farmers' federations. Participatory evaluations were conducted over two years by the three groups of farmers defined by the following production goals: grains production as priority (“Grain priority profile”), fodder as priority (“Fodder priority profile”) and grain quality as priority (“Food processing priority profile”). <strong>Results</strong><strong>.</strong> The statistical analysis supported significant effects of location and cropping system on the agronomic traits, with interactions effects involving the variety. A strong correlation was observed between the varietal choices of the two farmers’ profiles which prioritized respectively grain and food processing. These farmers preferred varieties with higher grain yield and best grain quality. Farmers who prioritized fodder preferred more specific varieties, characterized by highest haulm yield. <strong>Implications.</strong> The clustering of farmers into specific profiles is an efficient method which allow expressing their diversified production goals through participatory evaluation. This led to more specific varietal choices for each of the profiles. <strong>Conclusion</strong><strong>.</strong> This study set cropping systems and farmer profiles as formal design factors at early breeding stage. These factors acted efficiently to support the process of varietal choice. The participatory approach highlighted the congruence and complementary between farmers’ and researchers’ knowledges. It helped identifying, for intercropping and sole cropping systems respectively, the most suitable varieties preferred by each of three respective farmers’ group.</p>

Multi-medium residues and ecological risk of herbicides in a typical agricultural watershed of the Mollisols region, Northeast China

The widespread use of herbicides impacts non-target organisms, promotes weed resistance, posing a serious threat to the global goal of green production in agriculture. Although the herbicide residues have been widely reported in individual environmental medium, their presence across different media has received scant attention, particularly in Mollisols regions with intensive agricultural application of herbicides. A systematic investigation was conducted in this study to clarify the occurrence of herbicide residues in soil, surface water, sediments, and grains from a typical agricultural watershed in the Mollisols region of Northeast China. Concentrations of studied herbicides ranged from 0.30 to 463.49 μg/kg in soil, 0.31–29.73 μg/kg in sediments, 0.006–1.157 μg/L in water, and 0.32–2.83 μg/kg in grains. Among these, Clomazone was the most priority herbicide detected in soil, sediments, and water, and Pendimethalin in grains. Crop types significantly affected the residue levels of herbicides in grains. Clomazone posed high ecological risks in soil and water, with 86.4 % of water samples showing high risks from herbicide mixtures (RQ > 1). These findings aid in enhancing our comprehension of the pervasive occurrence and potential ecological risks of herbicides in different media within typical agricultural watersheds, providing detailed data to inform the development of targeted mitigation strategies.

Balancing clean and quality production goals: A multi-analytical approach to scrutinizing the influencing factors in China's manufacturing industry

Under the strategies of "high-quality development" and "dual carbon goals", the manufacturing industry in China is confronted with the simultaneous challenges of ensuring the production of high-quality goods and adopting environmentally friendly production practices. The integration of cleaner production and quality management has received widespread attention; however, existing research cannot comprehensively identify the interactive factors between quality management and cleaner production and analyze their mechanism of action. This research employed a multi-faceted approach involving meetings, interviews, and online data to access primary materials, and complemented by grounded theory and quality tool (5M1E), a total of 18 quality factors that exert a substantial impact on the attainment of clean production objectives were ultimately identified. To meticulously assess the interrelationships among factors, this study employed the interval value hesitant preference relationship DEMATEL-AISM technique. The findings of the study emphasize the significance of Employee Quality Skill Level (F1) and Production Environment Quality (F15) as critical quality factors that should be given priority and careful consideration by managers aiming for a cleaner production process. The results of this study have the potential to enhance the manufacturing industry's ability to predict and prevent quality and environmental issues, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of clean production and effective quality management.

PERANCANGAN TATA LETAK RELOKASI LANTAI PRODUKSI DENGAN METODE SYSTEMATIC LAYOUT PLANNING, BLOCPLAN, DAN FLAP

In the development of the industrial revolution 4.0, in carrying out production at small, medium, and large levels, there has been a fairly large and significant increase. Factors that influence the goal of successful production are not only about investment, capital, suppliers, machines, skills, and distributors but also one that must be observed is the layout planning and placement of factory facilities. PT. Eworx Indonesia is a company engaged in the processing industry, especially manufacturing in the metal processing sector. PT. Eworx Indonesia intends to relocate the production floor in order to increase production productivity. In this study, the proposed layout design on the new production floor was carried out using the SLP, Blocplan, and FLAP methods. The design is done by collecting direct observation data and interviews with the operator on duty. It was found that the initial layout had problems with operator movement that was not optimal and the placement of several machines and facilities that did not pay attention to material flow resulting in a slowdown in production time. Therefore, in order to get the best layout, a comparison is made on the results of the three alternative layouts with the smallest displacement distance comparison so that the production process will run more optimally. The best proposed layout is the systematic layout planning (SLP) method with the smallest material displacement distance of 147.4 meters and material handling costs Rp. 223,958 per day. Flexsim simulations show this layout can increase production output by 15%-34%.

The “how and why” of assessing micronutrient levels in beef cow-calf systems

Matching the nutritional resources of protein, energy, miner­als, trace minerals and vitamins to requirements of the beef cow at various times of the year is likely the most challenging aspect of meeting the production goals in a cow-calf production system. While each system will have different goals, commonly accepted goals are 95% of females pregnant in 60 days, 65% of the cows calving in the first 21 days, and a 90 % weaned calf crop based on number of cows exposed.18 If goals are not being met, the obvious question is “why?” and a careful evaluation of the entire system should be undertaken as many times these problems are multifactorial. It is not uncommon to find nutri­tion playing a significant role in these problems whether they be reproductive, neonatal health or weaning health (Figure 1).

Supporting Emotional Intelligence, Productivity and Team Goals while Handling Software Requirements Changes

Background: Research shows that emotional intelligence (EI) should be used alongside cognitive intelligence during requirements change (RC) handling in Software Engineering (SE), especially in agile settings. Objective: We wanted to study the role of EI in-depth during RC handling. Method: We conducted a mixed-methods study (an interview study followed by a survey study) with 124 software practitioners. Findings: We found the causal condition, intervening condition and causes lead to key direct consequences of regulating own emotions, managing relationships, and extended consequences of sustaining productivity, setting and sustaining team goals. We found several strategies of supporting EI during RC handling. Further, we found strong correlations between six strategies and one being aware of own emotions, regulating own emotions, sustaining team productivity, and setting and sustaining team goals. Conclusion: Empathising with others and tracking commitments and decisions as a team are key strategies that have strong correlations between managing emotions, between sustaining team productivity, and between setting and sustaining team goals. To the best of our knowledge, the framework we present in this paper is the first theoretical framework on EI in SE research. We provide recommendations for software practitioners to consider during RC handling.

Major Reproductive Disorders Causing Infertility of Dairy Herds in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Reproduction is a complex process in which individuals produce their offspring to perpetuate life. Breeding efficiency depends on the normal function of the reproductive system. Reproductive disorders are the most common problems affecting the reproductive efficiency and productivity of dairy cows. Although, major reproductive disorders are greatly responsible for high economic losses in dairy herds, there is a scarcity the research done and consistent information on the prevalence and relative importance of these problems causing infertility in dairy herds in the West Shoa Zone. Therefore, the current study was conducted in the West Shoa Zone of Oromia regional state to assess the major reproductive disorders of dairy cows in the areas. These districts, namely Adeaberga, Ambo, and Walmera were purposively selected based on their accessibility and potential for dairy production. A total of 180 dairy producers (60 households from each) were randomly selected for individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The major reproductive disorders found were 82.2% repeat breeding, 22.2% calf mortality, 27.2% retention of the fetal membrane, 23.3% abortion and 16.3% stillbirth. The prevalence of reproductive problems showed a significant difference within the woredas. The prevalence of repeat breeding, retained fetal membrane and calf mortality were severe in Walmera districts compared to the remaining two districts whereas the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth were severe in Adeaberga. Repeat breeding shows a higher prevalence whereas the stillbirth rates show a lower prevalence. The ultimate goal of dairy herd production is to increase milk yield and manipulate early first service and calving, lower the calving interval and days open and decrease the number of services per conception. However, repeat breeding, retained fetal membrane, abortion, calf mortality and stillbirth were the major causes of infertility in dairy cows in the study areas. Proper breeding strategies and keeping the health conditions of dairy cattle should be employed to ensure improvements in fertility traits.

Towards an understanding of hunting equipment used by early Holocene foragers of the Egyptian Southwestern Desert: Triangles of the El-Ghorab Unit

One of the Early Holocene archaeological cultures distinguished in the Egyptian Western Desert is defined as the El Ghorab Unit, and is dated to the 10th millennium cal BP. These hunter-gatherer groups lived on the shores of seasonal lakes (playas) and wetlands typical for the Early and Middle Holocene landscape of that part of the Saharan North Africa. They manufactured characteristic lithic artifact assemblages that have not been studied, so far, from a microwear perspective. The El Ghorab Unit lithic artifact assemblages are dominated by morphologically distinct triangular microliths, ca. 30–40 mm long and made from relatively wide blades, ca. 10 mm in width.This paper presents the results of morphological and functional analyses of El-Ghorab triangles from site E-16-03 located in the Gebel Ramlah/Nabta Playa region. At this locality, remnants of a few activity areas have been recorded on the northwestern margin of the Gebel Ramlah paleo-lake basin. The site consists of lithic artifact concentrations scattered around burned-earth hearth features (fireplaces). The function of the triangles is examined and interpreted here by also taking into account the specific paleoenvironmental and paleozoological record from site E-16-03.The El-Ghorab area of the Gebel Ramlah basin at E-16-03 contains three seasonally-specific, short-term hunting camps where hunting equipment was repaired and hunted game was brought to the site during spring time. Triangles were the main goal of lithic production. In the course of this research it has become evident that triangular microliths were mounted in hafts in different ways. This observation can be used as supporting evidence to conclude that various prehistoric human groups visited the Gebel Ramlah area during several seasonal cycles.

Precocity of fruiting in Pinus yunnanensis revealed by common garden experiment and association analysis with molecular markers

Shortening the growth cycle and maintaining high yields are the goals pursued by all breeders. Under the distinct ecological conditions of tropical and rainy and dry seasons, many plants experience the phenomenon of early flowering and fruiting under adverse conditions. However, there is still no clear conclusion as to whether early flowering and fruiting will affect the vegetative growth of plants. In this study, the vegetative and reproductive growth traits of 270 families of Pinus yunnanensis of 6 years old in common garden were analyzed. There were significant differences in phenotypic traits of different populations, indicating that the trait differences were genetically stable. The variation of vegetative growth traits mainly comes from within populations, and the variation of reproductive growth traits mainly comes among populations. The average coefficient of variation of reproductive growth traits was significantly higher than that of vegetative growth traits. There was a positive correlation between vegetative growth traits and precocity of fruiting. Ecological environment factors have impact on phenotypic variation, among which the temperature of the wettest season has the greatest impact. According to cluster analysis, the nine populations could be divided into three categories. These cluster results were not due to geographic distances, indicating the discontinuity of phenotypic variation. By association analysis, 9 and 3 SSR loci were found to be significantly associated with the trait of precocity of fruiting, respectively. Among them, PK840 locus had the highest interpretation rate for the trait of precocity of fruiting. There were 10 and 7 unique haplotypes in precocity and non-precocity of fruiting individuals, with 179 bp and 183 bp bands, respectively. According to the breeding goal of high productivity and precocity of fruiting, 54 superior families and 200 superior individuals were selected. This study explored the adaptation strategies of tree growth traits to environmental changes.

166 Beyond solubility: Navigating the complex landscape of dietary fiber in swine digestion and physiology

Abstract Dietary fiber comprises a diverse group of cell wall polysaccharides, along with lignin, that resist digestion by endogenous enzymes in non-ruminants. Over the past 50 yr, our understanding of dietary fiber has significantly advanced, resulting in diverse definitions and analytical methods that have deepened our comprehension of its role in swine nutrition. However, the analysis of dietary fiber remains one of the most intricate, expensive, and resource-intensive aspects of monogastric nutrition research. From the early days of crude fiber and detergent fiber techniques to the more recent methods such as non-starch polysaccharide and total dietary fiber methodologies, analytical techniques have evolved to encompass the complex carbohydrates found in diets. Translating these chemical and analytical understandings into physiological insights poses a formidable challenge for nutritionists. This presentation aims to discuss these analytical concepts and challenges in understanding dietary fiber, with a particular focus on its impact on swine nutrition and physiology. Going beyond the concept of ‘solubility,’ we will delve into the physicochemical and physiological properties of dietary fiber, emphasizing its intricate roles in the swine digestive milieu. This includes aspects such as digestion kinetics, fermentability, rheology, viscosity, and microbial ecosystems. Moreover, research consistently demonstrates that dietary fiber can have positive effects on gastrointestinal health under specific production and dietary conditions. Paradoxically, it can also negatively impact energy digestibility and feed efficiency. By modeling the chemical nature of fiber and its role in digestion physiology, it could be possible to bridge this gap to optimize production goals and swine health in high fiber diets. This presentation will highlight the significance of a holistic comprehension of the intricate aspects of dietary fiber within swine nutrition and future directions for incorporating it into formulation metrics. Such knowledge is pivotal for navigating the complexities of incorporating fiber into diet formulation, effective management, and the pursuit of sustainable practices.

Development of flexible manufacturing system

The focus of this project is the development and analysis of a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) for the production of a range of tables. Tables are typically used in homes and offices, where different variants are selected for different environments and uses. By implementing a flexible manufacturing system, different versions of tables can be produced in the same factory to fulfil different customer needs and preferences. This project designed and evaluated four different variants in the FMS, demonstrating aesthetic and functional differences while maintaining core similarities; this demonstrates FMSs flexibility and adaptability and provides insights into the trade-offs between design choices and manufacturing considerations. The article uses Mejabi and Solberg analysis for detailed FMS design and analysis. This analytical approach allows for thoroughly examining the FMS design, including factors such as productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The analysis further helps understand and optimise the implementation of the FMS to ensure that it effectively meets the production goals. This paper paves the way for enhancing productivity, increasing product range and improving customer satisfaction in the furniture manufacturing industry.