Production Values Research Articles

Impact of feed availability on growth performance and amino acid utilization of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) at elevated temperature

IntroductionThis study explored the effects of increased water temperatures and limited feeding on the growth, feed utilization, and nutrient retention in juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum).MethodsJuvenile cobia, approximately 5.0 g in body weight, were distributed across two temperature conditions: 34°C, to mimic a global warming scenario, and 30°C, the current local summer average, as controls. The setup included eighteen 200-liter tanks, with 20 fish per tank. Within each temperature regime, triplicate tanks received one of three feeding levels (55%, 75%, and 95% of satiation as determined at 30°C) over a six-week period.ResultsThe findings indicated that cobia exhibited the poorest growth performance at the elevated temperature (34°C) and the lowest feeding level (55%). These conditions also correlated with the lowest protein efficiency ratio and feed intake. The feed conversion ratio worsened with increased temperature and feeding levels, while protein production values decreased at higher temperatures. A lower feeding level caused a lower total lipid retention but led to increased retention of whole body essential amino acids.DiscussionAfter six weeks, a 24-hour post-prandial analysis showed selective retention of some amino acids in muscle and plasma, but significantly higher retention in the liver at the higher temperature. Only a few amino acids' retention was influenced by feeding level. These results suggest that temperature and feeding levels alter the prioritization of amino acid metabolism and retention, as well as the utilization of energy and substrates across different organs of the cobia.

Bioenergy Production from Sorghum Distillers Grains via Dark Fermentation

Sorghum distillers grains (SDGs) produced from a sorghum liquor company were used for generating biohydrogen via dark fermentation at pH 4.5–6.5 and 55 °C with a batch test, and the biohydrogen electricity generation potential was evaluated. The experimental results show that pH markedly affects hydrogen concentration, hydrogen production rate (HPR) and hydrogen yield (HY), in that high acidic pH values result in high values. The HPR and HY ranged from 0.76 to 3.2 L/L-d and 21.4 to 62.3 mL/g chemical oxygen demand, respectively. These hydrogen production values were used to evaluate bioelectricity generation using a newly developed gas/liquid-fuel engine. The results show a new and prospective biomass source for biohydrogen production, bioelectricity generation and simultaneously solving the problem of treating SDGs when producing kaoliang liquor. Applications of the experimental results are also discussed.

Development of Technological Options for the Use of Various Wastes as Alternative Energy Sources Based on Multicomponent Compositions of Solid Fuels

The article considers promising areas for solving problems of energy and resource conservation, as well as issues of rational use of natural and secondary resources generated in industrial and communal activities. The aspects of research and development of technological options for the use of various wastes based on multicomponent compositions of solid fuels as alternative energy sources are presented. Also presented are the main stages of the developed and applied technologies for briquetting and incineration of multicomponent mixtures based on various combustible waste. The developed algorithm for solving the problem under consideration which makes it possible to rationally use substandard combustible industrial municipal waste to obtain multicomponent solid fuel that meets the quality criteria for energy and environmental indicators is reviewed. The results of the applied research directly related to the qualitative assessment of multicomponent briquetted fuels and facilitating achievement of the best production and consumer indicators values of energy quality and environmental friendliness are presented.

Analysis of work productivity and compatibility of excavation-loading equipment and transport equipment in soil salvaging activities at Katala Hill area of PT. Amman

Abstract PT. Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk in Katala Hill, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, is an open-pit mining company producing copper as its main commodity, followed by gold and silver. The initial stage of mining involves soil removal in land clearing activities for reclamation, waste disposal areas, and construction of other infrastructure. In soil salvaging activities, it is essential to understand the influential factors to productivity and the match factor in mechanical equipment, including work efficiency, delay time, cycle time, fill factor, and swell factor. The objective of this study is to determine the productivity and match factor values of the digging-loading equipment and transportation equipment in soil salvaging activities in the Katala Hill area. This study applied the descriptive quantitative method, involving direct field observations of the digging-loading and transportation equipment activities and interviews with mining workers. Based on the results, the actual work efficiency of the digging-loading equipment was 59% and the transportation equipment was 76%, the actual productivity of the digging-loading equipment was 825.00Bcm/h, the transportation equipment productivity was 611.17 Bcm/h, and the compatibility factor value is 0.7408. After increasing the work efficiency of the conveyance by 83%, the conveyance productivity was 667.46 Bcm/h with the match factor increasing to 0.8090.

Excellent flame retardant and tough epoxy thermosets with imidazolium tributyl phosphate ionic liquid

The brittleness and flammability of epoxy thermosets (EP) have largely limited their applications. In this work a phosphorus-containing ionic liquid 1-methylimidazolium tributyl phosphate ([Mim]TBP) is designed and synthesized to develop high-performance and flame-retardant epoxy thermosets. [Mim]TBP significantly accelerates the curing and improves the toughness of epoxy thermosets. The tensile toughness, tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength of samples with 10phr [Mim]TBP increase by 419.7 %, 100.2 %, 71.7 % and 58.3 %, compared with pure EP, respectively. The increased toughness is due to the significant energy dissipation caused by the ionic bonds breaking between Mim and TBP. When the [Mim]TBP content exceeds 10 phr, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) can reach over 30 % and UL-94 test pass the V-0 rating. The peak heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR) and peak CO production (PCOP) values effectively decrease by 31.5 %, 30.6 %, 48.3 % and 6.3 %, respectively, thanks to the gas and condensed phase mechanisms of the [Mim]TBP. A new strategy was provided for the development of toughness and fire safety performance epoxy thermosets for high-performance industrial applications.

Determination of Optimum Irrigation Water Requirement of Wheat at Sayo District, Kellem Wollega, Oromia

Ethiopia needs 70-80 million quintals of wheat to feed 110 million people, but imports are a significant deficit. The government has implemented food and wheat security measures, including yield gap closure, area expansions, and irrigation. Wheat is a strategic commodity for Ethiopia's food security, agroindustry, import substitution, and job creation. An experiment was conducted at Dambi Dollo University campus in Sayo District, Kellem Wollega Zone, to determine wheat irrigation water demand. The study evaluated five irrigation depths in wheat cultivation, using soil parameters, meteorological data, and crop characteristics. The results showed that 90% of the net water requirement of wheat is optimal for normal physiological activities, including evapotranspiration and metabolic activities. The saved water, 10% of the total 191.9 mm, can be used to irrigate more command areas and prevent abandonment. The water productivity value of irrigated wheat is within the range of previous findings, and the average wheat yield is improved under irrigation conditions even in Ethiopia. The efficiency parameters (GY, WUE, and WP) generally perform significantly. The study recommends extension services to demonstrate this finding on farmers' fields for further evaluation and popularization, and Zonal/District Agricultural Offices to use this 172.71 mm to sustainably boost irrigated wheat production.

Multiyear genotype characterization of eastern spruce budworm outbreaking populations from Quebec and adjacent regions.

Population outbreaks are characterized by irruptive changes in population density and connectivity resulting in rapid demographic and spatial expansion, often at the landscape scale. Outbreaks are common across multiple taxa, many of which inhabit northern ecosystems. Outbreaks of Lepidopteran defoliators in forest ecosystems are a particularly compelling example of this phenomenon, given the massive spatial scales over which these outbreaks can occur, their frequency, and socioeconomic impacts. The eastern spruce budworm (SBW) is a native outbreaking Lepidopteran defoliator of North American boreal forests. Cyclic outbreaks of the SBW influence ecosystem functioning and resilience, as well as forest productivity, timber supply, and other socioeconomic values related to management and mitigation. Despite these significant impacts, the ecological and biological drivers and outcomes of these outbreaks remain poorly understood. Here, we present an extensive genotypic dataset for 1998 geo-referenced SBW individuals collected between the years of 2012 and 2017, during the rising and peak phases of an outbreak that began approximately in 2006. Our sampling covers an unprecedented scope in the extent and number of individuals collected between 2012 and 2017 from Quebec, and in 2015 from New Brunswick (Canada) and from Maine (USA), from multiple SBW life stages, including early and late instar larvae (L2-L6), pupae, and adult moths. Genomic DNA extraction was followed by library preparation and high-throughput sequencing using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS). Samples were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and aligned to the bw6 version of the SBW genome. This dataset represents one of the most extensive genotypic datasets to date for a boreal insect and is unique as it includes multiple years during a developing (ongoing, at time of sampling) outbreak. Sampling effort covered areas close to the epicenter of the outbreak (Quebec/Canada) and adjacent areas affected by the outbreak progress. This dataset also provides genome-wide characterization of SBW populations from Quebec, serving as a standard for the identification of future samples regarding their locality of origin, structure and connectivity. These data represent a valuable novel resource for further study of the spatial and temporal dynamics of SBW, and how spatial genetic diversity and gene flow are affected by population outbreaks. These data provide a temporal snapshot of SBW genetic diversity, which can serve as baseline for future studies regarding outbreaks, and the impact of human-induced environmental changes on complex population dynamics. This genotype dataset comprises a unique representation of genomic-level composition and variation observed in subsequent generations of an irruptive, cyclic outbreaking species and is of utmost importance for exploring and describing how accelerated demographic variation impacts the development of spatial genetic structure across heterogeneous landscapes. We believe this dataset is essential to management and conservation biology initiatives not only for SBW and boreal forests but also for providing a starting point for broader evolutionary and ecological studies of complex population dynamics. Furthermore, the knowledge, data collection, and curation framework we present here can be used to inform similar spatial temporal baseline studies of other outbreaking (e.g., mountain pine beetle, red-backed voles) and invasive species (e.g., spongy moth and emerald ash borer). The data are released under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Strategy for Optimizing Vitamin B12 Production in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Using Metabolic Modeling.

Background/Objectives: Vitamin B12 is very important for human health, as it is a cofactor for enzymatic activities and plays various roles in human physiology. It is highly valued in the pharmaceutical, food, and additive production industries. Some of the bacteria currently used for the vitamin production are difficult to modify with gene-editing tools and may have slow growth. We propose the use of the bacteria Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for the production of vitamin B12 because it has a robust chassis for genetic modifications. The present wok evaluates P. putida KT2440 as a host for vitamin B12 production and explore potential gene-editing optimization strategies. Methods: We curated and modified a genome-scale metabolic model of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and evaluated different strategies to optimize vitamin B12 production using the knockin and OptGene algorithms from the COBRA Toolbox. Furthermore, we examined the presence of riboswitches as cis-regulatory elements and calculated theoretical biomass growth yields and vitamin B12 production using a flux balance analysis (FBA). Results: According to the flux balance analysis of P. putida KT2440 under culture conditions, the biomass production values could reach 1.802 gDW-1·h1·L-1, and vitamin B12 production could reach 0.359 µmol·gDW-1·h-1·L-1. The theoretical vitamin B12 synthesis rate calculated using P. putida KT2040 with two additional reactions was 14 times higher than that calculated using the control, Pseudomonas denitrificans, which has been used for the industrial production of this vitamin. Conclusions: We propose that, with the addition of aminopropanol linker genes and the modification of riboswitches, P. putida KT2440 may become a suitable host for the industrial production of vitamin B12.

Overcoming shading challenges in solar distillers: A comparative study of copper conical fins and sand-filled fins

The incorporation of fins on the flat absorber of a basin is known to improve thermal efficiency and distillate production by increasing the surface area exposed to sunlight. However, the presence of fins creates shading issues, which negatively impact the productivity of distillers. To address this problem, researchers are currently seeking a solution. In this study, a performance comparison was conducted between conical solar distillers equipped with copper conical fins (4 cm in diameter and 2 cm in height) and copper conical fins filled with sand. The fins, painted black, were placed at various spacings (0 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm) on the bottom of the basin, with a water depth of 2 cm. Experimental data indicated that the conical solar distiller employing copper conical fins (CSD-CCF) attained productivity values of 640 mL/m2, 565 mL/m2, and 530 mL/m2, whereas the conical solar distiller utilizing copper conical fins filled with sand (CSD-CCF&S) achieved productivity values of 775 mL/m2, 690 mL/m2, and 645 mL/m2 at the corresponding spacing configurations. The conventional conical solar distiller devoid of fins (TCSD) yielded a maximum output of 480 mL/m2. The cumulative yield of the conical solar distiller using copper conical fins (CSD-CCF) exhibited yield values of 33.33 %, 17.71 %, and 10.41 % at 0 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm spacing, respectively, compared to the traditional conical solar distiller (TCSD). Moreover, the conical solar distiller using copper conical fins filled with sand (CSD-CCF&S) exhibited improved yield values of 61.46 %, 43.75 %, and 34.37 % at 0 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm spacing, respectively, in comparison to the traditional conical solar distiller (TCSD). The study demonstrates that the utilization of copper conical fins filled with sand enhances the performance of solar distillers, and greater spacing between the fins contributes to reduced shading.

Exploring Pt-Impregnated CdS/TiO2 Heterostructures for CO2 Photoreduction.

This work focuses on the production of methane through the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide using Pt-doped CdS/TiO2 heterostructures. The photocatalysts were prepared using P25 commercial titania and CdS synthesized through a solvothermal methodology, followed by the impregnation of Pt onto the surface to enhance the physicochemical properties of the resulting photocatalysts. The pure and heterostructure-based materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The obtained results show the successful synthesis of the heterostructure impregnated with Pt. Moreover, the observed key role of CdS and Pt nanoparticles in the final semiconductor is to reduce the electron-hole pair recombination rate by acting as an electron sink, which slows down the recombination process and increases the photocatalyst efficiency. Thus, Pt-doped CdS/TiO2 heterostructures with the best observed composition presents better catalytic activity than P25 titania with methane production values being 460 and 397 µmol CH4/g·h, respectively.

Acute Effect of Oral N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Fatigue Effect and Isometric Force Production in Physically Active People

The main objective of this study was to assess the ergogenic effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on myotendinous isometric force production in physically active people after being subjected to a fatigue protocol. Twenty-three physically active people were randomly divided into the following two groups: NAC (n = 12; age = 26.8 ± 4.5 years, height = 173.1 ± 7.2 cm, and weight = 75.5 ± 7.5 kg), who received 2400 mg oral NAC, and control (n = 11; age = 23.4 ± 5.8 years, height = 175.9 ± 4.5 cm, and weight = 72.3 ± 9.9 kg), who received a placebo, for eight days. The isometric force production was assessed pre- and post-NAC supplementation during a maximal voluntary contraction test (MVC) and also during a fatigue protocol composed of seven sets of ten maximal isometric contraction repetitions of 5 s, with 5 s of rest between repetitions and 20 s between sets. No differences were observed between the groups in the force production values at any moment, and no side effects were found after NAC supplementation. After supplementation, a significant decrease in force was observed in both groups, but this significant loss of force started one set later in the NAC group compared to the control group (4th set vs. 5th set), which could be an ergogenic effect of the treatment. Therefore, oral daily supplementation with 2400 mg of NAC for eight days, could delay the decrease in force production during an isometric exercise protocol and without adverse side effects.

Determination of Particle Size for Optimum Biogas Production from Ouagadougou Municipal Organic Solid Waste

Anaerobic digestion’s contribution to sustainable development is well established. It is a sustainable production process that enables energy to be saved and produced and efficient pollution control processes to be implemented, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of our societies. Optimizing biogas yields from the anaerobic digestion of municipal organic waste is crucial for maximum energy recovery and has become an important topic of interest. Substrate particle size is a key process parameter in biogas production and precedes other pretreatment methods for most organic materials. This study aims to evaluate the impact of particle size and incubation period on biomethane production from municipal solid waste. Sampling of municipal solid waste was carried out in waste pre-collection in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Waste characterization showed lignocellulolytic green waste (grass, dead leaves), waste composed of fruit and leafy vegetables and leftover food waste. TableCurve 3D v4.0 software was used to develop an optimal mathematical model to correlate particle size and biomethane productivity to describe optimal production parameters. Particle sizes ranging from 2000 to 63 µm high biogas production values, specifically 385.33 and 201.25 L·kg−1 of MSV. PCA analysis clearly showed a high correlation between particle size and biogas production, with optimum production recorded for size 250 µm with a biomethane production value of 187.53 L·kg−1 of MSV. The average relative errors and RMSE for CH4 content were improved by 24.31% and 44.97%, respectively. The data calculated with the developed mathematical model and the existing experimental data were compared and permutated to validate the model. This work enabled the identification of a mathematical model that describes the correlations between the input parameters of an experiment and the monitored parameters, as well as the definition of the particle size that allows for the optimal production of biomethane.

Using an enzyme preparation and vitamin C to increase the meat productivity of broiler chickens

Purpose: to study the effect of vitamin C and MEK Feedbest®VGPro when introduced into the compound feed of broiler chickens with excessive background of heavy metals on the indices of meat productivity, food and biological value, ecological safety of their meat.Materials and methods. The objects of the study were meat chickens of the ROSS-508 cross. At the age of one day, 4 groups of 100 birds each were formed from them in accordance with the principle of analog groups. In the composition of the used recipes of complete compound feed in all three age periods of growing, the main grain and protein ingredients were represented by locally produced feed: corn, wheat, peas and rapeseed meal. Growing of experimental broilers for meat was completed at the age of 42 days and their control slaughter was carried out, for which 5 birds were selected from each group. The concentration of salts of heavy metals was determined in the samples of feed and meat of the experimental birds.Results. The experiment substantiated the feasibility of combined introduction of MEC Feedbest®VGPro at a rate of 100 g/t of feed and vitamin C at a rate of 500 g/t of feed into diets with excessive content of heavy metal salts. Compared to the control analogues, broilers of the 3rd experimental group showed a reliable (p<0,05) decrease in fat by 0,26 % and a simultaneous increase in dry matter, protein and the value of the protein-quality indicator in the pectoral muscle samples. Combined additions of the tested preparations contributed to a decrease in the concentration of zinc by 63,17 % (p<0,05), cadmium by 61,11 % (p<0,05) and lead by 62,34 % (p<0,05) in poultry meat samples from the 3rd experimental group, compared to the control. Moreover, in the meat samples of broilers of the 3rd experimental group, the maximum permissible concentrations of none of these elements were exceeded.

Small business in structural shifts in Ukrainian economy during 2012-2022 in the context of solving the problems of economic development

The article is devoted to testing the author’s methodology for assessing the contribution of structural changes (distribution of the employees’ total number between large, medium and small enterprises) to the processes of socio-economic development in Ukraine. For this purpose, the general trends in the dynamics of the scale and efficiency of the sector of Ukrainian non-financial enterprises and the specifics of such trends for enterprises with different scales of economic activity are studied for the retrospective period 2012-2022. Due to the fundamental differences in the factors of economic dynamics, the years of relatively stable political and epidemiological situation are studied separately from the years of significant political, military-political and epidemiological disturbances. Using the additive-multiplicative model of the value added, created by Ukrainian enterprises dependence on the number of employees, the proportions of their distribution among large, medium and small enterprises and labor productivity (value added per capita) and the method of sequential substitutions, the author conducts a factor analysis of the dynamics of value added created by Ukrainian enterprises in the retrospective period. Evidence of significant convergence of the economic efficiency level of small and large enterprises during the retrospective period and the leading role of small enterprises in improving the efficiency of economic activity in Ukraine and ensuring the resilience of the economy to negative external and internal disturbances is obtained.

The Relationship Between CEO Power, Labor Productivity, and Company Value in the Iraqi Stock Exchange

The current study investigates the relationship between the CEO’s power, the workforce’s productivity, and the company’s value in Iraqi stock exchange companies. A sample of 34 companies listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2021 was tested using a multiple regression model, a panel data approach, and a fixed effects model. CEO power is measured by the busing factor analysis approach, which integrates four indices: CEO salary, CEO ownership, CEO tenure, and CEO control over board members. The findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between CEO power and labor productivity. Also, there is a negative and significant relationship between CEO power and the stickiness of labor costs. On the other hand, we found a positive and significant relationship between the CEO power and firm value. In addition, labor cost stickiness has a positive effect on firm value. By highlighting the CEOs’ power, this research tries to increase companies’ attention to this issue and its effect on improving employment productivity, cost management, and firm value.

Productivity and adaptive properties of different origin potato varieties in the Russia’s Far East south

The paper presents the results of a study on the productivity of potato genotypes of different origin depending on the water availability in soil, including the hydrothermal coefficient of Selyaninov (HTC). The group of mid-season varieties was noted to have the highest productivity (710 g/plant). Waterlogging occurred during the growing period of plants (HTC ≥ 2.5), especially at the stage of tuber formation, negatively affecting productivity. High productivity was observed in the years with relatively favorable weather conditions (2019, 2021, and 2022) when the index of environmental conditions (I) was positive and ranged within +201.63 – +221.35. The average productivity of all the specimens was 950 g/plant. Very low productivity (420–670 g/plant) was observed in 2015–2018, 2020, and 2023 due to waterlogging (I = -99.52 – -269.81). Among the studied specimens, we identified the following varieties that were characterized by not only high productivity (above 900 g/plant) but also high responsiveness to changes in the environmental conditions and stability (average bi = 1.49; S2d·103 = 0.42): early-maturing varieties – Antonina, Bastion, Kolymskii, Krepysh, Matushka, Meteor, Pamyati Kulakova, Udacha, Vitesse, Red Lady, and Red Scarlett; medium-early varieties – Arktika, Briz, Zoya, Kamchatka, Lileya, Charodei, and Gala; mid-season varieties – Ocharovanie, Utro, and Favorit; medium-late and late varieties – Kazachok and Pobeda. The research allowed us to identify potato specimens with high productivity (1040-1480 g/plant), marketability (83.2–92.8%), plasticity (bi = 1.20–1.85), stability (S2d = 0,15–5,77), homeostasis (Hom = 9.51–40.62) and breeding value (Sc = 532.79–852.14) under the conditions of the south of the Russian Far East: early maturing varieties – Bastion, Kolymskii, Krepysh, and Pamyati Kulakova; medium-early varieties – Arktika and Zoya; mid-season variety Alyaska; medium-late and late varieties – Vetraz’ and Pobeda.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Associated Traits in Breeding Lines Derived from the Cross RNR-15048 × Tunga

Aims: To evaluate the genetic variability of 45 rice breeding lines for 12 quantitative and 2 qualitative traits, aiming to identify and enhance traits that contribute to improved crop yield and nutritional quality in rice. Study Design: The experiment was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: During kharif 2023 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, Davangere. Methodology: The research utilized 45 breeding lines resulting from the cross RNR15048 × Tunga, sourced from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture Shimoga, along with 5 checks. Data was recorded and analyzed statistically using R software. Results: The significant differences among the breeding lines identified through the analysis of variance highlight the potential for selecting superior genotypes within the studied rice breeding lines. High to moderate values of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) suggest that there is substantial genetic diversity for the traits evaluated, indicating a promising opportunity for genetic improvement through selective breeding. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of focusing yield improvement programs on specific traits, including plant height, number of tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, test weight, protein content, and overall grain yield. Emphasizing these traits is essential for enhancing the productivity and nutritional value of rice, ultimately supporting food security efforts.

Forecast Of Rainfed Agricultural Production In The State Of Pernambuco, Brazil

This research assesses rainfed agricultural production in the state of Pernambuco, which has 137 of its 185 municipalities officially characterized as being part of the semi-arid climate regime. The study classified rainfall periods in Pernambuco between 1944 and 2022 and investigated rainfall instability and its impact on aggregate productivity, aggregate harvested area and production value per hectare of bean, cassava and maize crops. The Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average model with Exogenous Variable Inputs (ARIMAX) was used, considering rainfall as an exogenous variable. The results showed that rainfall has a direct effect on the variables investigated, especially the harvested area. It was proven that in periods classified as normal and rainy, productivity, harvested area and production value per hectare showed higher results than those observed in the dry periods of, as was the assumption of the research. The study also confirmed that the models developed were parsimonious and capable of predicting the variables investigated. The results showed that productivities, harvested areas and production values per hectare for beans, cassava and corn experienced greater instability during periods of drought. The research also shows that the aggregated production values per hectare for the three crops are very low. In dry years, they are even lower than the minimum wage. This result confirms that the rural areas of Pernambuco where these crops are mostly grown are very poor

Impact of Hydrocolloids on Production, Quality Attributes and Nutritional Values of Egyptian Black Mulberry Fruits (Morus nigra L.) Leathers

Impact of Hydrocolloids on Production, Quality Attributes and Nutritional Values of Egyptian Black Mulberry Fruits (Morus nigra L.) Leathers

Recycling of Rare Earth Elements: From E-Waste to Stereoselective Catalytic Reactions.

Raw mixtures of Rare Earths Elements, REE, recovered by E-waste, were used as catalysts to promote the (stereoselective) synthesis of highly valuable compounds. Y2O3, the major species that is recovered by the E-waste, can be easily converted into the catalytically active Y(OTf)3 that is able to efficiently promote the Michael addition of indoles to benzylidene malonates and the stereoselective Diels-Alder cycloaddition between cyclopentadiene and 4-(S)-3 acryloyl 4-tert-butyl 2-oxazolidinone. Additionally, the raw mixtures were immobilissed onto silica and used to construct packed reactors, resulting in values for Productivity and Space-Time Yields that were significantly higher than those of the corresponding batch conversions. Notably, the prepared cartridge employed in the model Michael reaction maintained its catalytic efficiency for more than 4 days of continuous running.