Industrial Prospects Research Articles

Aldoxime dehydratases: production, immobilization, and use in multistep processes.

The synthesis of nitriles is of utmost importance for preparative organic chemistry. The classical routes are often associated with disadvantages such as toxicity of the reagents and drastic conditions. The uses of enzymes like aldoxime dehydratases (Oxds) and hydroxynitrile lyases constitute attractive benign alternatives. In this review, we summarize the recent trends regarding Oxds. Thousands of oxd genes were sequenced but less than thirty Oxds were investigated on protein level. We give an overview of these Oxds, their sequence analysis, conditions required for their overexpression, and their purification and assays. We then focus on the use of Oxds especially in multistep reactions combining the chemical or chemoenzymatic synthesis of aldoximes from different starting materials with the enzymatic dehydration of aldoximes to nitriles, possibly followed by the hydration of nitriles to amides. Progress in Oxd immobilization is also highlighted. Based on data published mainly in the last 5years, we evaluate the industrial prospects of these enzyme processes in comparison with some other innovations in nitrile synthesis. KEY POINTS: • Aldoxime dehydratases (Oxds) are promising for cyanide-free routes to nitriles • A comprehensive overview of wet-lab explored Oxds is provided • Recent trends include combining Oxds with other enzymes or chemical catalysts.

Strategic changes in talent development and leadership management in the funeral service industry in Hong Kong

PurposeThis paper identifies the strategic changes and explores the solutions for talent development and leadership management to address the challenges faced by the funeral service industry in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven key personnel (funeral director, salesperson, coffin shop owner, and mortuary transporter) engaged in the funeral service industry in Hong Kong. Thematic coding was used to identify and organize emerging themes from the data.FindingsFour overarching themes were identified: (1) Perception of the funeral service industry in Hong Kong; (2) Recruitment, retention, and talent development; (3) Prospects of the funeral service industry in Hong Kong; and (4) Other novel challenges. The findings reveal continuous, radical, and complex challenges that may exceed the capacity of any leader to develop workable solutions.Originality/valueThe funeral service industry is facing radical challenges in modern times. A death-denying attitude is observed, which has severely undermined the study of the funeral service industry.

Research on the status and prospect of microgrid technology

Abstract. With the increasing demand for electrical energy and the appeal of environmental protection, the world has started to pay attention to the application of microgrids. A microgrid is a grid with many advantages, such as independence, effectiveness in working, and environmental friendliness, and can solve both energy and environmental problems. The paper reviews the microgrid system: how it functions, how it has advantages in energy and environmental aspects, and the prospects of microgrid in the future using a literature review. Microgrid has a flexible operation since it can find the optimum solution for generation, transmission, and distribution by shifting smoothly between island mode (which generates electricity by itself and directly transmits it to the supply side) and grid-connected mode (which connects to macrogrid and is dependent on its power supply). It also has energy reliability for its control system and energy storage system to coordinate the output power, which enhances the utility of energy resources. Microgrid has great potential for solving energy problems in remote or poverty-stricken areas and has unlimited prospects in industry, residential communities, and utilities and energy providers.

Review of Power-to-Liquid (PtL) Technology for Renewable Methanol (e-MeOH): Recent Developments, Emerging Trends and Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry

The cement industry is a significant contributor (around 8%) to CO2 global emissions. About 60% of the industry’s emissions come from limestone calcination, which is essential for clinker production, while 40% are the result of fuel combustion. Reducing these emissions is challenging due to limestone’s role as the primary raw material for cement. Cement plants are required to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals. One strategy to achieve this goal, involves Carbon Capture and utilization (CCU). Among the options for CO2 utilization, the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) strategy offers a means to mitigate CO2 emissions. In PtL, the CO2 captured from cement industrial flue gas is combined with the hydrogen generated by renewable electrolysis (green hydrogen) and is catalytically converted into renewable methanol (e-MeOH). In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide existing pilot and demonstration units and projects funded by the EU across several industries. It specifically focuses on PtL technology worldwide within cement plants. This work covers 18 locations worldwide, detailing technology existent at plants of different capacities, location, and project partners. Finally, the review analyses techno-economic assessments related to e-MeOH production processes, highlighting the potential impact on achieving carbon neutrality in the cement industry.

Barging and Transshipment Market Research in the Coal Logistics Industry in Indonesia

This market research aims to analyze opportunities for coal barging and transshipment companies in Indonesia, analyze the market prices for transport barging & transhipment in 2023 and 2024, identify factors that affect the performance of coal logistics companies in Indonesian as well as prospects and strategies implemented by the coal Logistics industry. This type of research is qualitative research. The method of qualitative research is done using a survey method that describes, explains and interprets a phenomenon that occurs in an object and data is qualitatively characterized. The research was conducted qualitatively through interviews with companies operating in the field of coal logistics and coal users’ logistics. The results of the research conclude that the coal logistics industry in the future still has a fairly high prospect of business. As the largest island country with the longest coastline in the world, Indonesia has the potential and advantages to be optimized as a strategic maritime transport route. With coal reserves awakened, then coal production in Indonesia is also expected to increase with the national production target of 2024 to 922.14 million tons. This growth of production will improve the performance of the coal transportation sector, thus creating a positive business prospect for the coal logistics industry

Effect of calcination temperature on the presence pattern of calcium ions in slag-based geopolymer microspheres and visible light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) is currently treated mostly with photocatalysts that the preparation process is complicated and costly, limiting its large-scale application. In this study, slag-based geopolymer microspheres (SGMs) photocatalysts were prepared from low-cost slag as raw material using geopolymer technology, and excellent visible-light degradation properties for TC could be obtained by simple calcination. When the water addition was 4 g, the stirring speed was 1000 rpm and the calcination temperature was 800 °C for 3 h, the initial pH was 4.72 and the photocatalyst dosage was 0.4 g/L, SGMs showed excellent photocatalytic performance for TC with 94.76 % degradation in visible-light. Compared with the traditional powder materials, SGMs can achieve rapid separation with excellent settling performance (it can be completely settled within 1 min). With degradation rate remaining over 90 % after five cycles, it showed excellent cyclic stability. The degradation mechanism of SGMs on TC was as follows: firstly, TC adsorption takes place on the SGMs surface during the dark reaction stage; secondly, with Ca2+ in the SGMs enter the solution, it complexed with the TC, making it positively charged and accelerating the generation of free radicals, adsorption and degradation occurred simultaneously, with the order of active free radical action on TC degradation being ·O2- >·OH > h+. The SGMs prepared in this project has the benefits of being inexpensive, easy to operate, environmental protection, excellent visible-light photocatalyst performance, and potential industrial application prospects.

Prefab: New Technologies and Prospects of the Construction Industry

Statement of the problem. The main factors in the construction industry are: the cost of the project, its duration and uniqueness. Their achievement is facilitated by the currently developing pre-fabrication, the essence of which is reduced to the factory or factory manufacture of parts with their subsequent assembly into structural elements, modules and objects in general. At the same time, technologies, organization of construction and management of prefab processes have not been worked out to date. Results. A systematic review of the implementation of buildings using prefab technology with high factory readiness is proposed. An overview of modules that can be integrated into on-site projects with less waste and higher quality control compared to projects that use a traditional type of construction is provided. The difference between the prefab method and the modular assembly of a construction object is emphasized. An overview of the prefab products currently on the market is given. Conclusions. The article substantiates the directions of improving the quality of manufactured buildings inherent in prefab technologies, as well as the environmental friendliness and energy efficiency of this technology. A fragment of a BIM model with a calendar and construction schedule for the construction of a prefab house, prefab technologies used in Russia and in particular in Novosibirsk, is presented.

Current Status and Prospects of the Global Sugar Beet Industry

Current Status and Prospects of the Global Sugar Beet Industry

Ambient Synthesis of Vanadium-Based Prussian Blue Analogues Nanocubes for High-Performance and Durable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries with Eutectic Electrolytes.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been widely studied in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to the characteristics of large specific surface area, open aperture, and straightforward synthesis. In this work, vanadium-based PBA nanocubes were firstly prepared using a mild in situ conversion strategy at room temperature without the protection of noble gas. Benefiting from the multiple-redox active sites of V3+/V4+, V4+/V5+, and Fe2+/Fe3+, the cathode exhibited an excellent discharge specific capacity of 200 mAh g-1 in AZIBs, which is much higher than those of other metal-based PBAs nanocubes. To further improve the long-term cycling stability of the V-PBA cathode, a high concentration water-in-salt electrolyte (4.5 M ZnSO4+3 M Zn(OTf)2), and a water-based eutectic electrolyte (5.55 M glucose+3 M Zn(OTf)2) were designed to successfully inhibit the dissolution of vanadium and improve the deposition of Zn2+ onto the zinc anode. More importantly, the assembled AZIBs maintained 55 % of their highest discharge specific capacity even after 10000 cycles at 10 A g-1 with superior rate capability. This study provides a new strategy for the preparation of pure PBA nanostructures and a new direction for enhancing the long-term cycling stability of PBA-based AZIBs at high current densities for industrialization prospects.

Preparation of salt-free Pleurotus eryngii protein with enhanced colloidal stability and emulsifying properties by ceramic membrane filtration

Fungi proteins represent a potential alternative to animal proteins, which are regarded as a prospective source of edible proteins due to more sustainable and efficient cultivation of fungi. Nevertheless, the extraction of fungi proteins typically involves alkali extraction combined with acid precipitation (AEAP), yielding considerable amounts of salt that causes aggregation and inferior functional properties of proteins. In this study, we put forward a novel extraction method by direct filtration of Na+ and OH− from the alkaline extraction solutions using ceramic membranes. This method enabled the continuous, efficient and cost-effective production of Pleurotus eryngii protein (PEP). The PEP prepared by this technology featured a uniform distribution of nanoparticles (∼129.5 nm) with higher water dispersity, colloidal stability and surface active properties as compared to that prepared by the AEAP method. Moreover, the microstructures of PEP can be tailored with various nanoparticle sizes and size distribution profiles, allowing for the adjustment of long-term stabilities and surface activities. Our study renovated the production technology of fungi proteins to enhance their functionalities as well as the application prospects in the future food industry.

Advanced N-doping nickel-cobalt phosphides for boosting hydrogen evolution in acid and alkali media

In this article, the hydrogen evolution performance in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH is improved by introducing N atoms into Ni2P/Co2P through high-temperature doping (N–Ni2P/Co2P). N–Ni2P/Co2P has a lower overpotential than Ni2P/Co2P, which can achieve cathodic current densities of 10 mA cm−2, 100 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 48 mV, 228 mV in 1.0 M KOH and 63 mV, 211 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4. Density functional theory (DFT) results found that the introduction of N atoms changed the electronic structure of the catalyst. Due to the forward shift of d-band center, the binding force between the catalyst and H∗ is enhanced, providing favorable conditions for hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, the results of scaled-up tests show that 5 cm × 5 cm N–Ni2P/Co2P electrodes still exhibit superior performance, revealing a prospect of industrialization.

Exploring Botanical Innovations in Fish Aquaculture: A Review of Biological Impacts and Industry Prospects

Culture fisheries play a crucial role in providing protein-rich sustenance for the expanding global population. However, the intensification of fish farming comes with a downside – heightened stress among fish, which subsequently escalates the risk of disease transmission. The emergence of resilient bacterial populations and the accumulation of residues in body tissues due to the use of drugs and chemicals have underscored the necessity for the development of environmentally friendly and durable solutions. Notably, there has been a recent upsurge in interest regarding the use of botanical products to enhance aquaculture practices. Plant derived secondary metabolites have demonstrated their efficacy in stimulating appetite, facilitating growth, boosting immune responses, and exhibiting antibacterial as well as anti-parasitic properties within the realm of aquaculture. This article aims to comprehensively examine the body of research on the application of plant-derived products in pisciculture, elucidating their effects on various biological aspects of fish, including growth patterns, immune system functionality, pigmentation, blood composition, and reproductive parameters. Furthermore, the article also delivers inputs into an assessment of the current status of these practices, the methodologies deployed, and the challenges encountered in integrating plant-based solutions into the aquaculture industry.

Analysis of Financial Performances for Merck&Co: Comparison with Johnson&Johnson, Pfizer, and Bristol-Myers Squibb

Abstract: Medicines and medical resources are necessities of human society, and human beings often rely on them to speed up recovery or save lives. Especially since the society has just experienced an epidemic, namely COVID-19, the pharmaceutical industry is often in the spotlight. The prospects of the pharmaceutical industry are optimistic, and people often make profits by purchasing a company's stock. This study will analyze and evaluate the operating status of the four leader companies in the pharmaceutical market through data and theories, in order to figure out the most suitable company to buy shares. By comparing various data, Bristol-Myers Squibb's stock is the most suitable to buy. Because it has great potential in the future, high profitability, and high operation efficiency. The significance of this study is to enable people to discover companies worth investing in, provide professional advice to buyers, promote audiences for worthy companies, and discover companies with development prospects for the market.

A Mini-Review on Recent Developments and Improvements in CO2 Catalytic Conversion to Methanol: Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry

A Mini-Review on Recent Developments and Improvements in CO2 Catalytic Conversion to Methanol: Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry

A Review on the Extraction of Phenols from Coal Tar: Composition Distribution and Analysis, Methods and Mechanism, Process and Industrialization Prospect

A Review on the Extraction of Phenols from Coal Tar: Composition Distribution and Analysis, Methods and Mechanism, Process and Industrialization Prospect

Partnering in construction re-visited: gauging progress in industry practice and prospects for advances in academic research

Despite the ubiquity of partnering and alliancing in industry discourse and academic research, questions remain about the extent of transformational change within the sector towards more collaborative working. Revisiting earlier work that highlighted issues, problems and dilemmas of partnering related to definitional ambiguities, conflicting (commercial) orientations and cultural reach and readiness, this paper highlights continuing problems of definition, formalization, translation and performance. Attention is directed towards the lack of external validation and institutionalization, as well as the need for more comparative analysis, situated understanding, awareness of organizational pluralism and recognition of relational dynamics. From this critical review, a framework is presented that embraces the variety and indeterminacy in the many definitions, pathways to collaboration, realizations in practice and evaluative recipes used. Partnering is presented instead as being constituted through complex and interacting bundles of practices that cut across levels of interaction, and which reflect competing (and contested) institutional influences, situated practices, outcomes/effects and performance evaluations. This practice-based approach is more attuned to the diversity and fluidity of the institutional contexts, organizational processes, and project/programme settings wherein partnering is situated and through which it is instantiated, and thus affords new avenues of research into its nature and effects.

Trehalulose: Exploring its benefits, biosynthesis, and enhanced production techniques

The increasing concern over sugar-related health issues has sparked research interest in seeking alternatives to sucrose. Trehalulose, a beneficial structural isomer of sucrose, is a non-cariogenic sugar with a low glycemic and insulinemic index. Besides its potential as a sugar substitute, trehalulose exhibits high antioxidant properties, making it attractive for various industrial applications. Despite its numerous advantages and potential application in various sectors, the industrial adoption of trehalulose has yet to be established due to lack of studies on its characteristics and practical uses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the properties of trehalulose, emphasizing its health benefits. The industrial prospects of trehalulose as sweetener and reducing agent, particularly in food and beverages pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors, are explored. Additionally, the review delves into the sources of trehalulose and the diverse organisms capable of producing trehalulose. The biosynthesis of this sugar primarily involves an enzyme-mediated process. Thus, these enzymes' properties, mechanisms, and the heterologous expression of genes associated with trehalulose production are explored. The strategies discussed in this review can be improved and applied to establish trehalulose bio-factories for efficient synthesis of trehalulose in the future. With further research and development, trehalulose holds promise as a valuable component across various industries.

Research on the Marketization and Globalization Development Model of Cultural and Creative Industries: Analysis Based on the Globalization Development of Musical Theatre

This paper discusses the marketization and globalization of cultural creative industry and takes China's musical industry as the research object. In recent years, with the vigorous development of the cultural market and the improvement of the audience's appreciation level, people pay more and more attention to the cultural creative industry. This article also analyzes the challenges facing the industry, including the lack of professional creative talent, standard scriptwriter and professional production team. It also explores the emergence of innovative modes of production, such as cross-border collaboration and audience-oriented creativity, which have contributed to the sector's progress. In addition, the paper discusses the impact of globalization on industry, and emphasizes the increasing importance of international product influx and copyright acquisition. Finally, this study aims to provide profound insights into the future trends and prospects of China's musical theatre industry and valuable recommendations for its sustainable and healthy development in the world.

Effects of conventional interweaving and secondary deposition on the microstructure and properties of Ti6Al4V/AA2024 alloy component fabricated by laser-directed energy deposition

The connection of dissimilar materials has always been a great challenge, especially titanium alloy and aluminum alloy, which have broad application prospects in the aerospace industry. In this work, the Ti6Al4V/AA2024 alloy component was prepared by laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) technology based on a conventional interweaving structure, and the microstructure of four typical position interfaces was analyzed. Aiming at the problem of poor forming quality of titanium alloy in the second interweaving layer caused by high laser reflectivity of aluminum alloy, a secondary deposition process was proposed. The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V/AA2024 alloy component fabricated by two different processes were characterized and tested. The problems of discontinuity and penetrating cracks at the Ti6Al4V layer in the second interweaving layer are effectively tackled by secondary deposition. As a result, the mechanical property of the deposited structure can be effectively improved, of which the average compressive shear strength is 8% higher than that of the conventional interweaving Ti6Al4V/AA2024 alloy component. The stress at the Ti6Al4V/AA2024 interface presents a zig-zag distribution because of the interweaving structure, which avoids the generation of continuous stress bands and effectively inhibits the interface crack propagation.

A bottom-up framework to investigate environmental and techno-economic aspects of lithium-ion batteries: A case study of conventional vs. pre-lithiated lithium-ion battery cells

As per-lithiation emerges as a promising technology for the next generation of lithium-ion battery cells, aimed at enhancing energy density and cycle life, it is crucial to evaluate its technological, production cost, and environmental impacts on an industrial scale. In this study, we developed a cradle-to-gate process-based model framework using LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811)/Graphite as a reference cell to propose industrial-scale roll-to-roll direct contact pre-lithiation method for NMC811/Prelithiated-Graphite (prGr) and NMC811/Prelithiated-Graphite-Silicon (prGrSi) cells. Our findings indicate that pre-lithiated cells exhibit a gravimetric energy density increase of approximately 11%–27% compared to the baseline of 288 Wh.kg−1. This improvement could offset or even reduce the environmental impacts associated with the additional lithium foil component inserted into the cell during production. Economically, our analysis underscores the significant influence of lithium foil unit price, which is a critical factor in the overall cost of this technology, and a stable material market is crucial for its success. Overall, the investigation into environmental and economic aspects suggests that the prospects for industrialization and adoption are more promising than challenging in the near term.