Production Units Research Articles

Use of the TOPSIS method for hydro-chemical classification of some bottled waters marketed in Algeria

The bottled water market in Algeria has experienced significant expansion in recent years, driven by increased demand and the growing number of production units. Although the quality of these waters generally meets health standards, notable variations remain in terms of mineral composition and organoleptic characteristics. To refine the assessment of this quality, this study proposes an innovative methodological approach based on the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) technique. This method allows ranking alternatives based on their proximity to an ideal solution, taking into account criteria such as hardness, nitrate content, mineralization, and the hydro-chemical nature of the waters. The quality of the studied waters varies according to the analyzed parameters, and the importance of the criteria is determined by their impact on the potability and taste of the waters. Hardness is considered essential, followed by mineralization and hydro-chemical nature, while nitrate content is the most crucial criterion due to potential health risks. A detailed ranking of the different brands available on the Algerian market has been established. The results reveal a great diversity of profiles, with no brand systematically standing out from the others.

The effect of the structure of a water distribution pan in an evaporation drum on a flake ice machine

Abstract Through experimental research, the performance of the flake ice machine under different structures of the water distribution pan was comparatively analyzed to enhance performance and optimize the design of the water distribution pan in the evaporation drum. An experimental bench for testing the performance of the flake ice machine was constructed, and the optimal scraping cycle under varying water distribution pan structures was determined. The results revealed a 33% improvement in the ice-making area within the water distribution pan structure, along with a 17.5% reduction in power consumption per unit of ice production, achieved through the optimal operational conditions of the flake ice machine using R404A as the refrigerant. Furthermore, the dry area was enhanced by 40%, leading to an 8% reduction in power consumption per unit of ice production. Notably, for this flake ice machine, the optimal ice-making drying ratio was found to be 1.6.

Impact of soil and water quality on the sustainable management of mangrove-compatible brackishwater aquaculture practices in Indonesia

The widespread degradation of mangroves has been attributed to their conversion into other land uses and purposes, most notably their destruction to construct extensive brackishwater aquaculture ponds. This study investigated the relationship between environmental factors and management alternatives for an integrated mangrove-aquaculture system in Derawan Island District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The study collected a total of 56 soil and water samples from around 50 ha to assess environmental limiting factors for integrated mangrove-brackishwater aquaculture management. The measured soil quality variables included field pH (pHF), pH of hydrogen peroxide extract (pHFOX), peroxide oxidizable sulfur (SPOS), pyrite (FeS2), organic matter (OM), nitrogen-total (N-TOT), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al). Water quality variables included salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), different forms of nitrogen (NH3–ammonia, NO3–nitrate, and NO2–nitrite), phosphate (PO4), Fe, and total organic matter (TOM). The study employed a hydrological restoration approach to suggest a mangrove-friendly aquaculture pond design and layout. The study generally showed that Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) significantly restricted the existing mixed-mangrove aquaculture pond management by negatively impacting water quality. This study highlights that, given the characteristics of ASS-affected aquaculture ponds, reducing pond size for shrimp culture (mangrove-to-pond ratio of 80% and 20%) will simplify managing ASS environmental limiting factors through cost-effective remediation techniques and a Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). The reduced shrimp pond size will also provide direct opportunities for mangrove restoration and allow effective hydrological restoration. The economic benefit of the proposed pond design and management model focuses on diversifying production units which include shrimp aquaculture ponds, milkfish or tilapia culture in the peripheral canals of the mangrove compartment, juvenile shrimp production, and periodic harvest from the primary pond canal. The study findings are particularly applicable to ponds that have already been built in ASS to improve productivity in addition to supporting the mangrove rehabilitation program. Converting mangrove and ASS-affected land is not advisable for constructing new aquaculture ponds.

Behavior of coastal communities in dealing with microplastic pollution in salt ponds in Cirebon Regency

Background: Cirebon Regency, as one of the national salt-producing centers located on the coast of the North Coast of Java is vulnerable to plastic waste pollution originating from rivers and marine debris that washes up on the beach. The purpose of this study was to analyze an assessment of the correlation between aspects of knowledge and attitudes towards the behavior of coastal communities in domestic plastic waste was also carried out to be used as a basis for preparing strategies for managing domestic plastic waste in coastal communities. Methods: The research method used is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods consisting of a shoreline survey methodology, river waste abundance, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and descriptive analysis. Findings: Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was a strong (r=0.664) and significant (0.000) positive relationship between aspects of knowledge and behavior, then aspects of attitude and behavior had a very weak positive relationship (r=0.183) and significant (0.028). Conclusion: The community has not been pro-environmental due to the uneven distribution of available cleaning facilities. The conclusion of this study is that education, community empowerment, collaboration between village and local officials, and additional cleaning facilities are needed to reduce the problem of domestic plastic waste. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The originality of this study lies in its examination of microplastic contamination in salt ponds, directly assessing the sources of contamination from raw materials and domestic waste in Cirebon Regency, a primary salt production area in Indonesia. This focus on the direct assessment of microplastic abundance in production units, rather than commercial products, provides novel insights into the impacts of plastic pollution on food safety and local salt quality.

Solar energy feasibility for power generation in lower shire districts: A case study of Chikwawa District

Background: Electricity availability is an essential part of both economic and non-economic activities in any country. Malawi being one of the developing nations experiences a lot of challenges both in its economic and non-economic activities due to unlimited levels of electric supply in its country. This inadequacy of limited supply has remained a challenge for a longer period of time to the effect that the country Malawi for a longer period of time has an overwhelming record of blackouts and load shedding. Consequently, this has affected in a negative way the economic activities of this nation such as low productivity in the production of goods and services making livelihood a difficult. Similarly, noneconomic activities such social interactions seem to be challenging due to lack of electricity. In this regard an investigation in determining new innovations towards electricity production remained one of the most important aspects in this county of Malawi. Method: This study was conducted in Chikwawa district, Malawi, to assess the feasibility of solar energy production. The methods used include temporal variability, correlation, trend, and spatial analysis to assess solar radiation, sunshine hours, and their distribution in the area. Result: As a result, the study was established with the purpose to assess feasible regions within the country of Malawi to innovate solar energy production to boost high levels of solar energy production. This study was conducted in the lower shire district and to be specific in Chikwawa district. The objectives of the feasibility in Chikwawa district included; assessing solar radiation and sunshine hours towards solar energy production, the spatial distribution of solar radiation and sunshine hours towards solar energy production, the trend of sunshine and solar radiation towards solar production and at the end to map the areas in Chikwawa District where solar energy production could be harnessed. Through the use of temporal variability, correlation analysis, trend analysis, and spatial analysis, the findings of this investigation established that harnessing solar energy is much more possible in areas of the lower shire which is the among others include Chikwawa district of Malawi as most areas currently in this region has less places with solar energy production but with high availability of solar radiation. Conclusion: For the fact that the findings reveal more feasible places to establish solar energy production, this study recommends commitment by government and private sector to greatly establish solar energy production units in this area whilst focusing on identifying other potential areas where solar energy production can be harnessed in Malawi. In this regard, this exposition has achieved its purpose of fostering renewable energy production through innovating and investing in solar energy production. Novelty/Originality of this study: This detailed spatial and temporal analysis study has identified optimal locations for solar energy production, providing a new approach to renewable energy planning in developing countries.

Peran Kelembagaan Dalam Pengembangan Agribisnis Kubis (Brassica Oleracea) Pada Kelompok Tani Argoayuningtani Di Kabupaten Boyolali

This study aims to find out what institutions play a role in the development of cabbage agribusiness, find out the level of institutional performance, and find out the level of satisfaction of farmers with the institutional performance of cabbage agribusiness in the Argoayuningtani Farmer Group, Senden Village, Selo District, Boyolali Regency. The method used is the purposive sampling method. The data analysis methods used are likert analysis, Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The results of the study show that the institutional performance of production facilities, marketing, farmer groups, financing, as well as information and technology is considered satisfactory and in accordance with farmers' expectations. The priority for improvement is in quadrant 1, namely the quality of saprodi and agricultural tools, information and price stability, the existence of cooperatives, and farmer groups as production units. The level of satisfaction of farmers with the institutional performance of cabbage agribusiness is included in the satisfied category.

Examining the Mediating Effect of the Rural Economic Dynamization between the Socio-Environmental Heritage and Sustainability of Protected Areas

This study examines the mediating effect of rural economic dynamization between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas in the buffer zone of the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park, located in the municipality of Otanche, Boyacá Department, Colombia. The study population includes families that are part of the productive units in this area. The methodological approach of this study is based on partial least squares structural equation modeling. The working unit was established in the regional protected areas of Colombia, specifically in the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park. A sample of 172 participants was selected using a non-probabilistic intentional sampling method, covering academics, company representatives, social leaders, local authorities, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The study variables were measured using a scale with satisfactory psychometric properties, which included 12 items for socio-environmental heritage, 17 items for rural economic dynamization, and 11 items for the sustainability of protected areas. These were structured into subcategories based on the ecosystem services approach (factors that demonstrate social and economic dynamics). Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale. The sample was analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 software, applying a reflective–reflective hierarchical component model to evaluate the first- and second-order relationships among the variables. The results demonstrate the importance of socio-environmental heritage for local communities as a strategic component that facilitates the rural economic dynamization of protected areas based on sustainability. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, mediated by rural economic dynamization, highlighting the relevance of in situ conservation strategies and prospective planning of these territories to implement sustainability dynamics. It is concluded that rural economic dynamization acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, emphasizing the need to integrate these dynamics into the management of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable development in rural communities.

High accuracy discriminant analysis of preparation from 22 commercial antibodies based on UV spectroscopy combined with chemometrics

The demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in hospitals is continually rising due to the advancement of targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Typically, mAbs are produced in centralized chemotherapy production units and require rigorous control to ensure the right drug at the right dose before administration to patients.This study aimed to develop a robust discriminant analysis method using a large dataset comprising 22 mAbs used in cancer therapy. The discriminant analysis was based on UV spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics. A dataset consisting of 404 samples was prepared and analyzed using various preprocessing methods, wavelength selection and discriminant analysis algorithms to maximize overall accuracy. Validation of the newly developed discriminant analysis was conducted using samples collected from real manufactured preparations for patient (over 1,380 samples). The study achieved an overall accuracy of 99.6% and 99.8% on the 22 mAbs using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and k-nearest neighbors (kNN), respectively. The utilization of chemometrics for discriminating mAbs based on their UV spectra, following total area normalization, has been successfully demonstrated. This method has undergone validation, affirming its capability to swiftly and dependably distinguish different mAbs. Moreover, it effortlessly integrates within the workflow involved in the preparation of mAbs drugs within a cancer hospital setting. This advancement holds promise for streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency in the production and use of mAbs, thereby potentially benefiting patient care and treatment outcomes.

Digital transformation as a factor in reducing labor shortages in Russian agriculture

This article examines the dynamics of the number of employees of agricultural organizations, the dynamics of energy availability, electrical equipment, the level of mechanization and technical equipment as key conditions for the introduction of digital solutions and the reduction of labor shortages in the industry. In addition, an analysis of the dynamics of labor costs in the sectoral and product context was carried out, which allows us to identify the most labor-intensive and requiring the introduction of digital solutions in the agricultural sub-sector. The key digital technologies that contribute to reducing the shortage of labor resources have been studied. A factorial regression model is proposed that allows us to study the impact of digital transformation on reducing the labor costs of producing a unit of production. The results of the study allowed us to propose an approach to assessing the impact of the digital transformation of agriculture on labor costs and reducing the shortage of labor resources of an industry or an individual enterprise (group of enterprises), consisting in analyzing the dynamics of the need for workers, the conditions of technical equipment of production, labor costs and approximation based on a regression model of the impact of digital transformation technologies on labor cost reduction.

The energy transition and local government finance: new data and insights from 10 US states

Fossil fuels are the primary contributor to global climate change, and efforts to reach net-zero emissions will require a dramatic curtailment of their extraction and use. However, fossil fuels fund public services at all levels of government, and research has not assessed whether clean energy sources can provide similar scales of revenue. In this paper, we analyze a novel dataset that we have assembled on how fossil fuels and renewable energy contribute to local governments in 79 US counties across 10 states. Revenues from fossil fuels far outweigh renewables in aggregate terms, providing more than $1000 per capita annually in dozens of counties. However, wind and solar in some states generate more local public revenue than fossil fuels per unit of primary energy production. In most counties that depend heavily on fossil fuels for local revenues, solar—but not wind—has the technical potential to replace existing fossil fuel revenues, but this would require dedicating implausibly large portions of developable land (in some cases, more than half) to solar. For counties with less reliance on fossil fuels, wind and solar can more plausibly replace fossil fuel revenue streams. This finding suggests that while renewable energy will provide new revenue streams for communities, fossil fuel–dependent regions will need to build new tax bases well beyond wind and solar, develop other sources of revenue, or risk a decline in public service provision.

Методический подход и методы развития угледобывающих предприятий

This article describes the methods of developing and increasing the operational efficiency, which are implemented at production units of the SUEK-Krasnoyarsk JSC. It is demonstrated that their rational combination and mutual complementation in modern conditions of rising competition among coal producing companies, emergence of new challenges and higher requirements for the development dynamics of coal producing companies allow to efficiently use the production potential of enterprises and the labour potential of their employees. As a methodological approach we use the process and project approach to facilitate the development of enterprises that are part of a regional production association. The practice of solving the task of increasing the operational efficiency at production units demonstrates the necessity to form an incentive environment for developing both employees and enterprises at the enterprises and in the association. The goal of this environment is to provide systematic activities related to increasing the involvement and business activities of the personnel in the processes of production activities, in the development and implementation of actions aimed at improving and optimizing the production processes.

Implementing concepts from green logistics in the turkey production supply chain

IntroductionThe global turkey market represents a sector of increasing growth in the previous decade, and projections for the next decade reflect the probable continuation of this growth. Industry trends also indicate the globalization of turkey meat production, as the loci of production has continually shifted from one dominated by the United States to one with an increasing number of production units globally. In contrast with other popular meat products, comparatively fewer resources have been devoted to academic research concerning the growth, production, distribution, and sale of turkey and turkey products. This lack of research is particularly notable in the area of supply chain management and environmental sustainability. Given the increasing volume of turkey production and lower volume of academic interest, it stands to reason that there remain many opportunities for improvement across the value chain in this industry.MethodsIn this paper, we take a “green logistics” approach and use data provided by one of the largest turkey producers in the United States to formulate a mixed-integer program aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of turkey products in a segment of the product supply chain.ResultsImplementation of the resulting brooder-finisher farm assignments developed by the model would yield an average 50% decrease (184 metric ton) in greenhouse gas emissions at the operation under investigation while also addressing other areas of significant vulnerability for the industry (production costs, biosecurity risk, and animal wellbeing).DiscussionAs consolidated turkey meat production systems continue to expand globally, we argue that a similar approach could readily be deployed by these growing and emerging production systems.

Supervised machine learning computing paradigm to measure melting and dissipative effects in entropy induced Darcy–Forchheimer flow with ternary-hybrid nanofluids

This study investigates the change in thermophysical characteristics of Darcy–Forchheimer flow of tri-hybrid nanofluid (THNF) over stretchable porous skin. Machine learning (ML) technique is employed to compare thermal exchange of water-based hybrid nanofluid (HNF), composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) with THNF by introducing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in HNF. Flow rate profile, dissipation effect, and entropy generation are analyzed with novel, time, and cost-effective evaluation technique. By using similarity parameters, the governing system of partial differential equations (PDEs) is transformed to a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Finite difference method is used for dataset generation by the aid of Python environment, then neural fitting computation technique is utilized for optimized results. Turbulence and randomness are incorporated in the present nonlinear mathematical model which is tackled by artificial intelligence (AI)-based Levenberg Marquardt Neural-Network Algorithms (LMNA), to produce optimized outputs. Velocity, temperature, and entropy profile are evaluated against various influencing factors, such as Forchheimer value, porosity, melting parameter, radiation, Prandtl, Eckert, and Brinkmann coefficient. Numerical and AI-generated outputs and errors graphs with complete neural network training scheme, are portrayed to draw the effective concluding inferences. Enhanced results are beneficial for industrial and engineering production units, for efficient thermal management.

Improved solar still productivity using PCM and nano- PCM composites integerated energy storage

The study investigates the impact of Phase Change Material (PCM) and nano Phase Change Materials (NPCM) on solar still performance. PCM and a blend of NPCM are placed within 12 copper tubes submerged in 1 mm of water to enhance productivity. Thermal performance is assessed across four major scenarios with a fixed water level of 1 mm in the basin. These scenarios include the conventional still, equipped with 12 empty copper rods and 142 g of PCM in each tube, as well as stills with NPCM Samples 1 and 2. Sample 1 contains 0.75% nanoparticle concentration plus 142 g of PCM in the first 6 tubes, while Sample 2 features 2% nanoparticle concentration plus 142 g of PCM in the subsequent 6 tubes. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles ranging in size from 20 to 30 nm are utilized, with paraffin wax (PW) serving as the latent heat storage (LHS) medium due to its 62 °C melting temperature. The experiments are conducted under the local weather conditions of Vaddeswaram, Vijayawada, India (Latitude-80.6480 °E, Longitude-16.5062 °N). A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is utilized to examine the thermal properties, including the melting point and latent heat fusion, of the NPCM compositions. Results demonstrate that the addition of nanoparticles enhances both the specific heat capacity and latent heat of fusion (LHF) in PCM through several mechanisms, including facilitating nucleation, improving energy absorption during phase change, and modifying crystallization behavior within the phase change material. Productivity and efficiency measurements reveal significant improvements: case 1 achieves 2.66 units of daily production and 46.23% efficiency, while cases 2, 3, and 4 yield 3.17, 3.58, and 4.27 units of daily production, respectively. Notably, the utilization of NPCM results in a 60.37% increase overall productivity and a 68.29% improvement in overall efficiency.

Analysing Circular Economy Policies and Initiatives in India and the Way Forward (Presence of Circular Policy Practices in India and the Road Ahead)

The circular economy model, the most recent solution in the drive to achieving sustainable development goals. The concept goes beyond the purview of pure economics and finds itself within the threads of state policy as well. The circular economy model refers to a system where goods live beyond their primary use to be recycled, reduced and prevented from becoming a pollutant. The model works on the principle of minimal yet efficient use of resources. Circular economy models have applications in a variety of fields: from water conservation and energy resources to waste management. This model however has inherent problems which are being observed and worked upon over time. Some of these problems are the systematic application of policy to the deficit in technological information. This paper focuses on various policies based on this model applied in India, their impact and challenges. India is committed to fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals in every aspect, therefore it is imperative to study the effect of the initiatives proposed and executed by the state. This paper touches upon policies such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, National Resource Efficiency Policy, Atal Innovation Mission, Financial Incentives, Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (G20 Initiative). This paper also tries to understand the challenges that are faced by the model, some of them include a lack of finance to develop infrastructure and develop production units, research to study more energy and cost-efficient systems and awareness that impacts consumer patterns that encourage sustainability-based commercial activities; and presents recommendations to resolve these challenges, awareness and global platforms are examples of the same. as well as conducts an introspection of policies implemented by other nations.

Preliminary snapshot reveals a relationship between multidrug-resistance and biofilm production among enterobacteriaceae isolated from fecal samples of farm-raised poultry in ceará, Brazil

Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation by microbial pathogens pose a significant challenge to poultry production systems due to the persistent risk of dissemination and compromise of bird health and productivity. In this context, the study aimed to investigate the occurrence of different multiresistance phenotypes and the biofilm-forming ability of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from broiler chicken excreta in poultry production units in Ceará, Brazil. Samples were collected from three distinct broiler breeding facilities and subjected to isolation, identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, phenotypic screening for β-lactamases enzymes, and biofilm formation evaluation. Seventy-one strains were identified, being Escherichia coli (37 %) and Proteus mirabilis (32 %), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 %), Providencia stuartii (9 %), Klebsiella aerogenes (6 %), Alcaligenes faecalis (4 %), and Salmonella sp. (1 %). A significant proportion (87 %) of multiresistant strains were detected. For the phenotypic evaluation of β-lactamases production, strains with resistance to second and third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems were tested. About 4 of 6 and 10 of 26 were positive for inducible chromosomal AmpC β-lactamase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), respectively. Regarding biofilm formation, it was observed that all MDR strains were capable of forming biofilm. In this sense the potential of these MDR bacteria to develop biofilms becomes a significant concern, representing a real threat to both human and animal health, as biofilms offer stability, antimicrobial protection, and facilitate genetic transfer.

Infestation of Cattle with the Tick Amblyomma mixtum in the States with the Highest Cattle Inventory in Mexico

A Objective: The Amblyomma mixtum tick is one of the main parasites affecting cattle in Mexico. Epidemiological records of A. mixtum in leading states in the national cattle industry, such as Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, are outdated since this tick species was previously classified as A. cajennense. The objective was to update the records of the A. mixtum tick in the states of Jalisco, Chiapas, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Veracruz, as well as the main ixodicide molecules used for its control. Methodology: From March 2022 to July 2023, ticks were collected from cattle in 46 bovine production units (BPUs) distributed in the states mentioned above. Identification was performed using standardized taxonomic keys. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on specimens corresponding to A. mixtum. Results: Out of a total of 619 specimens of the genus Amblyomma from 22 PBUs, it was confirmed that 100% correspond to the species A. mixtum. Amitraz, an ixodicide molecule belonging to the chemical class of amidines, was used in 63.2% of the BPUs where the presence of A. mixtum was also reported. Conclusions: This research confirms cattle infestation with A. mixtum in states with the highest cattle production in Mexico. Further studies with a focus on resistance and extension are required to prolong the usefulness of available tools, including ixodicides, for integrated control of A. mixtum infestations where this tick infests cattle in Mexico.

Development of a questionnaire for assessing the functions informal subgroups perform in relation to the work group

The paper presents the results of assessing validity and reliability of a questionnaire designed to measure three key functions of informal subgroups in relation to a small work group, namely: (1) implementing group tasks; (2) within group positioning and influence; and (3) organizing group activity. The questionnaire contains three subscales to assess the corresponding functions of informal subgroups. Three experienced psychologists assessed content validity of the questionnaire. In addition, 290 employees from 49 working groups (departments, sectors, production units, etc.) of various organizations took part in the pilot testing and validation study of the developed questionnaire and of the associated tool for identifying informal subgroups — within the software package “Group Profile — Universal. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and Cronbach’s alpha α were calculated, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The questionnaire evaluation procedure was carried out separately for the data obtained: (a) among those sample participants who were included in informal subgroups and (b) for the entire sample. The study shows that in both cases the questionnaire has adequate content validity and confirms a three-factor structure of the questionnaire with every subscale being internally consistent. The questionnaire can be used to solve research and applied problem alike. Its application will allow researchers to expand their understanding of the role of informal subgroups in the life and functioning of work groups. Practitioners (psychologists and human resource professionals) will be able to assess the prevalence of the functions of each subgroup or of a set of subgroups and, based on outcomes of such assessment, purposefully build their work with subgroups in order to improve joint activities and increase performance effectiveness of work groups.

Capturing the drivers of crop water footprints in Africa and its spatial patterns

Improving water efficiency in the agricultural sector is essential to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater in a context of increasing water scarcity and human water demand. The water footprint (WF) is an established metric of resource intensity while the drivers steering WF over time remain under-researched. To advance this line of research, this paper assesses the sign and magnitude of macroeconomic, climatic, and agronomic drivers on the agricultural crop WF in 43 countries of the African continent for the period 2002–2016, using econometric panel data techniques and considering potential spatial patterns. The results reveal a significant spatial dependence in the WF across neighbouring countries. Socioeconomic factors are the most important determinant of water productivity, indicating that economic development facilitates a falling water requirement per unit of production. A negative impact of the temperature variation on the WF is also found, while the share of total land dedicated to agriculture tends to increase the crop WF in the continent. These results support designing adequate agricultural and water management policies to achieve sustainable and resilient food systems capable of adapting to anticipated population growth, climate change and other future threats to human health, prosperity and environmental sustainability in Africa.

Model of innovation in agriculture 4.0 processes in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia

Innovation in agriculture plays a fundamental role in the transition of said production towards more sustainable schemes, hence the importance of its study, especially in relation to production processes. The literature shows that although several studies have been carried out that examine the variables that intervene in the innovation processes in the agricultural sector, there is a lack of studies that examine the innovation processes in Colombia. This is why the fundamental objective of this research is to develop a model that explains the main factors that are related to process innovation in the agricultural sector, using concepts derived from organizational innovation process models developed in the literature. The factors identification methodology used a sample of 1,190 Agricultural Production Units (UPA) collected in the National Agricultural Survey, incorporating only producers from the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. With this sample, and using for the analysis the variables that are developed in the literature, a principal components factorial analysis was carried out, as well as a second-order confirmatory factorial analysis. The factor analysis shows three latent factors, among them “Innovation in Raw Materials”, “Innovation in crops” and “Innovation in management of External Factors”, which, being the most significant for the process innovation process, should be considered as fundamental part of the government's public policies to facilitate its adoption in Colombian agriculture in the future.