Rational Composition Research Articles

The growing, resilient, inclusive and sustainable (GRINS) project for the development of life cycle inventory databases of beef cattle raised in Italy: The statistical datasets and the environmental assessment

Within the framework of the Growing, Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable (GRINS) project (Spoke 1, WP3, Next Generation EU program), this work aims to overcome the absence of Italian beef cattle Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) datasets through a capillary analysis of several parameters. Specifically, the contribution to the environmental impact of livestock breeding of breed features (age, gender, weight, daily weight gain, breeding, feed intake and composition, milk and manure production), as well as stable management and crop cultivation was investigated. Statistical inventory datasets (84 in total) were developed for the predominant (<1 % population cut-off) beef cattle breeds in Italy.A key finding was the quantification of CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation (ranging from0.259 to 0.714 g kg−1 of live weight per day) and its contribution to the overall environmental impact of beef cattle breeding. The composition of feed rations emerged as critical, influencing both cattle emissions and environmental impacts associated with the cultivation and transport of raw materials. Intensive and langer breeds like Aubrac, Blond d'Aquitaine, Blue Belga, Charolaise, and Chianina, exhibited higher eco-indicator values compared to the extensive beef cattle breeds (Podolica, Highland, and Maremmana). The life cycle assessment identified several key impact categories (climate change, water use and ecotoxicity freshwater) mainly contributing to the total eco-indicator. Climate change (22.1 %) represented the greatest impact category, with beef cattle emissions over their lifespan averaging 9.3 Mg CO2-eq. Methane (enteric fermentation) and NH3 (manure management) emissions, as well as irrigation and pesticide use, represented the main hotspots. A comparative analysis evaluated the environmental footprint of Italian beef cattle against benchmarks outlined in the “Made Green in Italy” brand's Product Category Rules. This comparison revealed a 32.4 % reduction in total eco-indicator for Italian beef cattle, due to a significant decrease in freshwater ecotoxicity (−72.5 %), land use (−34.2) and climate change (−7.5 %).

SMALL-PIECE SEMI-DRY-COMPACTED CONCRETE PRODUCTS BASED ON WASTE FROM ENERGY GENERATING ENTERPRISES

The article investigates the fly ash from Burshtyn TPP for its use as a component of binding raw material compositions for the production of small-piece concrete products. Based on the integrated characteristics of chemical and phase composition, it was found that the ash is ultra-acidic, is an amorphous substance and is characterized by low hydraulic activity. Calcium-containing additives (slag cement and/or hydrated lime) and an alkaline aggregate (soda solution) were used to activate the ash glass. The charges compositions using ash at the level of 75–90 wt. %, in which the type and amount of activator and the type of aggregate (alkaline solution or water) were subject to variation in order to optimize the technological parameters of the materials. For materials formed at a pressing pressure of 25 kgf/cm2 and hardened under steaming conditions, a positive effect of cement, alkaline aggregate and combined hardening activator on the properties of materials, their appearance and geometric dimensions was established. Such materials have a low level of mechanical properties; only certain charge compositions allow for a mechanical strength grade of M50 to M75. In order to improve the final mechanical strength of materials, the influence of pressing pressure, moulding moisture and hydrothermal treatment methods (steaming or parboiling) on the properties of materials of individual compositions was investigated. It has been determined that increasing the pressure up to 300 kgf/cm2 and autoclave treatment of semi-finished products can significantly improve the level of mechanical properties. The rational compositions of binder compositions with a high degree of fly ash use (75 and 77 wt. %) were determined, on the basis of which water-resistant samples of asphalt concrete grades M 125 and M200 in terms of mechanical strength and grade F25 in terms of frost resistance were obtained by semi-dry pressing. The materials are recommended for the manufacture of products for the construction of sidewalk elements, as well as wall small-piece concrete products.

Effect of Ensiling Time on Microbial Composition and Aerobic Stability of Total Mixture Ration

Effect of Ensiling Time on Microbial Composition and Aerobic Stability of Total Mixture Ration

Methodical approach to determining the main parameters of the evacuation system for the wounded with the use of different types of transport

The timeframe for evacuating the wounded is a critical factor that largely determines the fate of a wounded soldier. Even at the initial stage of the war waged by the russian federation against Ukraine, there were almost no frontline ambulances, and there was a critical shortage of ambulances. At present, despite significant efforts to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with weapons and military equipment, as well as material and technical means, including medical equipment and property, in particular through international technical assistance, the problem of the lack of the required number of specialised medical evacuation vehicles has not been fully resolved. From this point of view, the issue of correct formulation of requirements for the rational composition and specially equipped various types of vehicles (including sanitary transporters, ambulances), including general use, the system of evacuation of the wounded, and determining the possibility of its further improvement through the methodological apparatus is relevant. The purpose of the article is to present a methodological approach to determining the main parameters of the system of evacuation of the wounded of an operational group of troops with the involvement of various types of transport. The formation of a model of the casualty evacuation system as a mass service network (MSN) will minimise the time spent waiting for medical care by wounded personnel, determine the rational composition of forces and means of the tactical casualty evacuation system. To model the system and processes of evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield during hostilities, including their transportation to medical facilities located in the depths of the third logistics zone, the mathematical apparatus of the theory of mass service was used. In particular, we are talking about the devices of queuing systems (QS) and MSN. The existing system of military evacuation of the wounded and sick is a four-tier system in which all wounded with moderate and severe severity are evacuated. Based on this, the system of evacuation of the wounded can be represented as an MSN, which has a number of features. First of all, this MSN is an open queuing network (OQN), i.e. the flow of requests to enter the network is unlimited, homogeneous and comes from an external independent source. As a result of the calculations, data were obtained on the values of network parameters (average number of applications in queues – 119.47 applications/hour, average number of applications in the network – 158.53 applications/hour, average waiting time for applications in queues for service – 11.95 hours, average time of application stay in the network – 15.85 hours) and the parameters of each QS operating in the MSN – transmission coefficient, incoming flow intensity, load factor, average number of busy channels, average number of applications per QS, average queue length, average waiting time for an application in the service queue, average time for an application to stay in the QS. Analysing the calculated data, from the point of view of creating a rational OQN, the casualty evacuation system achieves maximum efficiency when its productivity in processing the incoming flow of requests is maximised, and the minimum values of such parameters as the number of requests for service in the queue and the number of service channels operating in the network are minimal.

Rational composition engineering toward high thermoelectric performance in p-type EuMg2Sb2-based materials

Mg-based compounds are emerging materials for efficient thermoelectric conversion, as exemplified by n-type Mg3Sb2-based materials, while a high performing p-type Mg3Sb2 material is lacking. EuMg2Sb2, a derivative of Mg3Sb2, has revealed potential as a high-performance alternative to p-type Mg3Sb2-based materials, while pristine EuMg2Sb2 suffers from low carrier concentration. Herein, we reveal that both Zn substitution for Mg and Yb substitution for Eu not only boost the carrier concentration and mobility of p-type EuMg2Sb2-based materials, but also sharply diminish the lattice thermal conductivity via enhancing phonon scattering. Band structure calculation shows that Zn substitution minimizes the energy difference between different bands at the valence band maximum and reduces the band effective mass, leading to optimized band structure. Combined with the role of Ag doping in increasing the carrier concentration and power factor, p-type Eu0.5Yb0.5Mg1.0975Zn0.9975Ag0.005Sb2 sample obtains a maximal dimensionless figure of merit (zT) value of 1.18 at 823 K, which compares favorably to those of EuMg2Sb2 and other p-type Mg–Sb-based Zintl materials. This study demonstrates the efficacy and importance of delicate composition engineering in boosting the thermoelectric performance of p-type EuMg2Sb2.

Development of rational compositions for multicomponent juices based on melon crops

This study objects are juices from melon, watermelon, and pumpkin, as well as additives from apples, plums, pears, bell peppers, beets, carrots, aloe, melissa, and nettle. The problem addressed is minimizing melon crop losses. The research relevance stems from the need to reduce these losses. The development of multicomponent juices is aimed at the more efficient utilization of melon crops, contributing to the minimization of crop losses. Optimal component proportions were determined using sensory evaluation of organoleptic characteristics on a 5-point scale. The results showed that juice compositions with optimal component proportions have high organoleptic qualities and functional orientation. For melon juice, the optimal ratio was as follows: melon juice – 55 %, apple juice – 30 %, green bell pepper juice – 10 %, aloe juice – 5 %. For watermelon juice: watermelon juice – 65 %, plum juice – 25 %, beet juice – 5 %, melissa juice – 5 %. For pumpkin juice: pumpkin juice – 60 %, pear juice – 20 %, carrot juice – 15 %, nettle juice – 5 %. Critical control point (CCP) analysis was conducted at each production stage, from raw material acceptance to packaging and storage of the final product. This analysis identified potential risks and established control measures to minimize them. Developing multicomponent juices based on melon crops with plant-based enriching additives allows the creation of products with high organoleptic qualities and functional orientation, contributing to efficient use of melon crops and reducing crop losses. Implementing the HACCP system at all production stages ensures product safety and high quality. This research offers a practical approach for the food industry to produce high-quality, functional beverages that maximize crop yields and ensure consumer safety

Development of a method for inactivating lipoxygenases in linseed using chemical reagents

The object of the study is the oxidative stability of the lipid component of linseed treated with a citric acid and sodium chloride solution. The rational composition of chemical reagents for inactivating linseed lipoxygenases was determined in the work. The obtained results make it possible to develop an effective linseed treatment method for increasing stability to oxidative spoilage. The proposed composition of the linseed treatment solution (citric acid – 1.0...1.3 %; sodium chloride – 0.6...0.8 %) significantly reduces the peroxide and anisidine numbers of the lipid component. This helps reduce oxidative spoilage during accelerated oxidation and storage under normal conditions. Rational treatment conditions were determined based on the approximate dependency of these indicators on the concentrations of chemical reagents. The data obtained in the work are explained by chemical interactions between the solution components and the enzyme complex of linseed, leading to enzyme denaturation and, accordingly, increased oxidative stability of the lipid component. A feature of the obtained results is the competitiveness of treated linseed, characterized by increased nutritional value due to improved technological properties. The results of the study allow minimizing the loss of nutritional value and increasing the shelf life of linseed products. The results are important for developing new oilseed processing technologies. This makes it possible not only to increase the stability of products against oxidative spoilage, but also to preserve their high nutritional value. Further research in this area will contribute to improving oilseed processing technologies, in particular linseed, which is an important contribution to the development of the food industry

Structural-phase state and properties of heat and wear resistant cast irons of Cr–Mn–Ni–Ti system additionally alloyed with Al and Nb

The paper presents the data on phase composition and structure forming for the alloys, on distribution of elements among the alloy structural components, on variation of wear resistance, scale resistance, growing stability and mechanical properties of cast iron of Cr–Mn–Ni–Ti–Al–Nb system depending on different aluminium and niobium content and thermal ac-cumulating capacity of a casting mould. Complex carbides (Nb, Ti)C are forming in white cast iron during niobium alloying. Quantitative metallographic analysis of (Nb, Ti)C carbides and (Cr, Fe, Mn)7C3 complex carbides was carried out on the samples with examined composition. Aluminium provides favourable influence on forming of the thin protective spinel-type films with minimal amount of defects; diffusion through such oxide film is very difficult. Joint alloying by aluminium and niobium leads to simultaneous increase of heat resistance and wear resistance. Wear resistance increased as a result of enlargement of the part of primary carbides (Nb, Ti)C with high hardness in the structure of cast iron. Composition of oxide films includes aluminium, which strengthens their protective properties and rises of the alloy scale resistance. It is found for the first time that niobium doping leads to secondary solidification during cooling in the casting mold. Dispersion particles of М7С3 carbides are forming in solid state, thereby no structure degradation occurs during testing at increased temperatures, and growing stability rises. On the basis of the complex of the conducted researches the rational composition of heat and wear resistant cast iron is offered at the following ratio of components, wt. %: 2.1–2.2 C; 4.5–5.0 Mn; 18.0–19.0 Cr; 1.0–1.2 Ni; 0.4–0.6 Ti, 2.0 Nb; 2.0 Al. Wear resistance increased 1.2 times compared to cast irons before the introduction of aluminum and niobium, and scale resistance – 2.4–4.5 times depending on the type of casting mold, the index of growth resistance is equal to zero for cast irons cast in dry SLM

Sonochemical synthesis of S-scheme CuO/CeO2 heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye under solar radiations

CeO2 is renowned photocatalyst with 2.8 eV band gap energy and exceptional optical features. However, the slow charge transportation and the fast recombination of the electron-hole pair hindered the photocatalytic efficiency. In this pioneering research, S-scheme CuO/CeO2 heterojunctions were engineered sonochemically with rational compositions of CeO2 and CuO nanoparticles for enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of CeO2 in destructing rhodamine B dye under full solar radiations. Diffuse reflectance spectrum [DRS], photoluminescence [PL], high resolution transmission electron microscope [HRTEM], selected area electron diffraction [SAED], N2-adsorption-desorption isotherm, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS] and X-ray diffraction [XRD] investigated the physicochemical properties of CuO/CeO2 heterojunction. Monoclinic CuO nanoparticles of 8 nm size are facilely incorporated in cubic CeO2 crystallites of 27.3 nm through substitution of Ce4+ by Cu2+ ions which ascribed to smaller ionic radii of Cu2+ compared with Ce4+ and Ce3+ ions. Homogeneous distribution of CuO nanoparticles on CeO2 surface was further investigated by SEM and TEM analysis. HRTEM, XRD, SAED and XPS analysis recorded the co-existence of crystalline peaks of CeO2 and CuO implying the successful construction of CuO/CeO2 heterojunction. The depression in the surface area of CeO2 from 91.4 to 83.6 m2/g with incorporating 5 wt % of CuO revealed the deposition of CuO on CeO2 surface. XPS analysis implied the existence of Ce3+ and oxygen vacancies that provide more adsorption sites for oxygen, which are beneficial for enhancing the catalytic performance of catalysts. CuO nanoparticles with 1.3 eV band energy enhanced the visible light absorbability of the heterojunctions in deep visible region for broading the photocatalytic response. Significant reduction in photoluminescence signals intensity by 60 % with incorporation 5 wt % of CuO revealed the favorable reduction in the rate of electron-hole recombination. In particular, CeCu5 containing 5 wt % CuO expelled 96 % of RhB dye within 6-h under solar simulator compared with 13 % removal on pristine CeO2 and CuO surface. Hot radicals and positive holes degraded RhB dye molecules on the heterojunction surface as elucidated from scavenger experiments and PL analysis of terephthalic acid. The exceptional removal of RhB dye under solar radiation was ascribed to the alignment in the band structure of CeO2 and CuO nanoparticles and the successful production of an efficient S-scheme heterojunction with strong redox potential and better electron transportation and separation.

Production of ceramic bricks using nickel slags as contribution to decarbonization

PurposeThe study suggests that the high concentration of mining and metallurgical enterprises on the territory of the Russian Ural region determines the need to consider industrial waste, including nickel slag, as a possible raw material for the production of ceramic bricks. The article describes the properties of clays and nickel slag obtained at metallurgical enterprises in the Orenburg region and the features of their use as components in the composition of ceramic bricks.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this purpose, such tasks as determining the technological parameters of production, conducting the X-ray phase and microstructural analysis of the obtained samples were solved.FindingsCompositions of ceramic mass using clay from the Khalilovsky deposit (Orenburg region) with the addition of nickel slag (20 and 40% by weight) have been developed, and their physical and mechanical properties (compressive strength, bending strength, water absorption and density) have been determined. With the help of modern research methods involving high-tech equipment, the microstructure is considered and the phase composition of the finished samples is determined. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the composition of the selected clay and nickel slag in the obtained rational composition ensures the production of ceramic bricks of grades M175 and M200.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the use of nickel slag for the production of ceramic bricks. The results relate primarily to Russian feedstocks, but a methodology is presented that can be applied to other countries as well as to other silica-containing feedstocks.

Polymorphic Heterogeneous Polar Structure Enabled Superior Capacitive Energy Storage in Lead-Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics at Low Electric Field.

High-performance energy storage dielectrics capable of low/moderate field operation are vital in advanced electrical and electronic systems. However, in contrast to achievements in enhancing recoverable energy density (Wrec), the active realization of superior Wrec and energy efficiency (η) with giant energy-storage coefficient (Wrec/E) in low/moderate electric field (E) regions is much more challenging for dielectric materials. Herein, lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics are reported with giant Wrec/E designed with polymorphic heterogeneous polar structure. Following the guidance of Landau phenomenological theory and rational composition construction, the conceived (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-based ternary solid solution that delivers giant Wrec/E of ≈0.0168 µCcm-2, high Wrec of ≈4.71 J cm-3 and high η of ≈93% under low E of 280kVcm-1, accompanied by great stabilities against temperature/frequency/cycling number and excellent charging-discharging properties, which is ahead of most currently reported lead-free energy storage bulk ceramics measured at same E range. Atomistic observations reveal that the correlated coexisting local rhombohedral-tetragonal polar nanoregions embedded in the cubic matrix are constructed, which enables high polarization, minimized hysteresis, and significantly delayed polarization saturation concurrently, endowing giant Wrec/E along with high Wrec and η. These findings advance the superiority and feasibility of polymorphic nanodomains in designing highly efficient capacitors for low/moderate field-region practical applications.

The influence of nutrients in relation to the hypersthenic type of constitution on the activity of proteolitic and amylolytic enzymes

Personalized nutrition systems development will be the main focus of personalized medicine in the future. For individualization, the paper outlines the fundamental principles of sanogenic nutrition according to the type of constitution. For the hypersthenic constitution, four variants of food rations with different caloric percentages were created. In the research carried out, the characteristics of the activity of amylolytic enzymes, proteolytic enzymes of the small intestine, pancreas and stomach peptidases were identified in animals with hypersthenic constitution, when nutritional factors are influenced. The collected data show that in animals with a low level of stress reactivity, the activity of digestive enzymes depends on the macronutrients of the food ration composition and the caloric structure of the food ration. It should also be noted that, compared to representatives of other types of constitution, the enzyme systems of the digestive organs are more resistant to changes in the caloric structure of the food ration in representatives of the hypersthenic type of constitution.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING TAILINGS OF A COPPER PROCESSING PLANT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF PLATINOIDS

The most important task of the mining and metallurgical industry in the world is the development of technology for the processing of industrial waste from metallurgical industries. In the world, balance ores of precious metals are practically available. This issue develops the processing of man-made waste, refractory ores, off-balance and low-grade dumps. The article considers studies of the material and rational compositions of the tailings of a copper concentrating plant in the conditions of JSC Almalyk MMC, determines the optimal method for tailings enrichment with an increase in the content of precious metals in the concentrate, and enhances an unconventional new scheme for processing platinum group concentrates with the extraction of platinum, palladium, silver and high recovery gold. Based on the learned subjects and analysis of studies results, the authors concluded that the centrifugal concentration of platinoids from the composition of the tailings was achieved due to accurate determinations of the particle size in the tailings with the selection of intense gravity modes. Combined hydrometallurgical methods for purifying platinoids and gold from impurities using combinations of chemical solvents have been developed. As a result, the developed technologies have achieved the possibility of complex extraction of platinum group metals from the tailings of concentrating plants of copper production with high degrees, through extraction of all precious metals.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING TAILINGS OF A COPPER PROCESSING PLANT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF PLATINOIDS

The most important task of the mining and metallurgical industry in the world is the development of technology for the processing of industrial waste from metallurgical industries. In the world, balance ores of precious metals are practically available. This issue develops the processing of man-made waste, refractory ores, off-balance and low-grade dumps. The article considers studies of the material and rational compositions of the tailings of a copper concentrating plant in the conditions of JSC Almalyk MMC, determines the optimal method for tailings enrichment with an increase in the content of precious metals in the concentrate, and enhances an unconventional new scheme for processing platinum group concentrates with the extraction of platinum, palladium, silver and high recovery gold. Based on the learned subjects and analysis of studies results, the authors concluded that the centrifugal concentration of platinoids from the composition of the tailings was achieved due to accurate determinations of the particle size in the tailings with the selection of intense gravity modes. Combined hydrometallurgical methods for purifying platinoids and gold from impurities using combinations of chemical solvents have been developed. As a result, the developed technologies have achieved the possibility of complex extraction of platinum group metals from the tailings of concentrating plants of copper production with high degrees, through extraction of all precious metals.

Influence of Sunflower Seed Husks Ash on the Structure Formation and Properties of Cement Concrete

The limitation of the application of non-renewable materials is one of the solutions to the problem of the sustainable evolution of civilization in the 21st century. Using additional binders in concrete obtained from plant waste will be economically and environmentally beneficial and will also allow us to move closer to achieving sustainable development goals. This study searches for rational composition components and a methodological approach regarding the technological characteristics to get the highest quality elements and prime concrete properties on the basis of sunflower seed husk ash (SSHA). Experimental concrete specimens were manufactured with partial Portland cement substitution with SSHA amounts ranging from 2% to 16% by weight in increments of 2%. This study focuses on investigating the density and workability of the concrete mixture, along with the compressive strength, concrete density, and water absorption. This article used granulometric, microscopic, and X-ray phase analysis methods. Including SSHA in all considered ranges reduces the slump in concrete mixtures. The optimal SSHA content in concrete is up to 12%. An 8% SSHA content has been found to deliver the most favorable mechanical characteristics of the concrete studied. The compressive strength of the investigated concrete has increased by 14.89%, and water absorption has decreased by 15.78%. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-05-08 Full Text: PDF

RESEARCH ON THE "HOT" MODEL OF THE BEHAVIOR OF CAST IRON’S IMPURITIES IN THE FERON CARBON MELT DURING COMPLEX PROCESSING

Laboratory studies were carried out at an experimental facility in order to study the behavior of cast iron impurities in ferrocarbon melt during complex processing. 10 treatments were carried out, during which sampling and introduction of the reagent was performed. According to the research results, for the CaO-FeO-Na2CO3 system, maps of the pairwise influence of the components of the mixture on the degree of removal of impurities were constructed, as well as triple diagrams of the state of the influence of the components on the degree of removal of impurities during complex processing, which made it possible to determine the rational composition of the refining mixture for the conditions of laboratory research, namely – FeO – 30%, CaO – 60%, Na2CO3 – 10%. The technical and economic assessment made it possible to draw a conclusion about the expediency and perspective of the development of the option of complex processing of cast iron with a mixture of oxide components and the feasibility of further research.

Inferential confusion in the worldview of individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): a qualitative approach

Introduction. The Inference-based Approach (IBA) is an etiologic, therapeutic research paradigm regarding inferential confusion (IC) as an exclusive metacognitive process of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). IC is the rational tendency of individuals with OCD to underrate abstract data and personal experiences and overrate hypothetical possibilities. IC therefore fosters uncertainty and facilitates the justification of obsessive constructs. IBA has noted that qualitative research on IC and the exploration of IC in non-OCD cognitive constructs are required to refine cognitive and therapeutic OCD models. This could help clarify whether OCD treatment by IBA is overlooking non-obsessive IC habits which, if left untreated, could compromise treatment success. Objective. To identify the possible influence of IC on non-obsessive, cognitive worldview constructs of individuals with OCD and to compare these constructs with those of individuals without OCD. Method. Twenty-five semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted, 15 with individuals with OCD and 10 with a comparison group without OCD or OCD symptoms. Data were collected and analyzed using Grounded Theory methodology. Results. IC was identified in the non-obsessive cognitive worldview constructs of every participant with OCD. IC was not identified in the comparative group. Discussion and conclusion. The results suggest that IC affects the rational composition of non-obsessive cognitive worldview constructs of individuals with OCD. The implications this could have for the cognitive and therapeutic models of OCD are discussed.

К ФОРМИРОВАНИЮ МОДЕЛИ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ФУНКЦИО-НИРОВАНИЯ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОГО ТРАКТОРА В СОСТАВЕ МТА ПРИ РАБОТЕ НА АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНЫХ ВИДАХ ТОПЛИВА

The development of the Russian agro-industrial complex provides for increasing the efficiency of the functioning of energy machines while simultaneously reducing energy and labor costs. A promising direction for saving diesel fuel and improving the environmental performance of mobile agricultural machinery is the use of alternative motor fuel. In modern agricultural machines, this will be reflected, first of all, in the parameters of the working process and its flow in the engine, as well as in the indicators of power, fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness of its operation, which, to one degree or another, will lead to changes in the indicators characterizing the operational properties of a machine-tractor unit. The functioning of the engine as a model can be presented in the form of a multi-level and multidimensional system in which the control flows will be indicators of the work process (effective power, indicator pressure, the amount of fresh charge entering the cylinders, etc.), fuel supply parameters (cyclic supply, fuel injection pressure, fuel temperature, etc.), which depend on the physicochemical and operational properties of the alternative fuel. The proposed model provides for the determination of the rational composition of the fuel, technical solutions for adapting the fuel system for the effective supply of alternative fuel to the engine cylinders with the required indicators, as well as determining their influence on the parameters of the operational efficiency of the tractor as part of machine-tractor unit. The obtained numerical values of the parameters of the diesel operating process and fuel supply, depending on the physical-chemical properties of the alternative fuel used, make it possible to determine the performance indicators of the tractor as part of machine-tractor unit and evaluate the efficiency of its operation on various alternative types of fuels, in comparison with using petroleum diesel fuel.

Nutrient composition of Sorghum-Based Rations and their effect on growth of Improved Indigenous Chicken in Western Kenya

Improved indigenous chicken contributes to the nutrition of farmers in rural communities. The use of maize as an energy source in chicken diets is becoming unacceptable due to competition from humans, resulting in high feed costs. Alternative energy sources like low-tannin sorghum can be grown in Western Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and the growth of improved indigenous chicken in Busia and Siaya Counties. Dietary treatments consisted of 50% (T1), 75% (T2) sorghum inclusion, and control (commercial diet) (T3). Farmers on semi-intensive were provided dietary treatments, and free-range (T4) was not provided. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for proximate composition, amino acids, and tannin content. Growth characteristics were collected biweekly. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and then means that differed significantly were separated using Tukey’s test in Genstat 14th edition. For proximate composition, dry matter was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (91.9%) and T3 (92.1%) compared to T1 (91.4%). Crude fat was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (9.54%) than in T1 (6.84%) and T3 (6.57%). The crude fibre was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T3 (14.3%) compared to T1 (3.37%) and T2 (3.62%). Crude protein was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (15.8%) and T1 (15.2%) compared to T3 (12.6%). Metabolisable energy was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in T3 (2723 Kcal/Kg) compared to T1 (3569 Kcal/Kg) and T2 (3684 Kcal/Kg). Amino acids (lysine, methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan) content in diets T2 and T3 were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than T1. The tannin content of the sorghum variety C26 was 1.24%. T1 had a significantly high (p&lt;0.05) mean final weight (970 g), body weight gain (804 g), daily weight gain (14.4 g), and feed conversion ratio (5.57). Mortality was highest at T4 (17.1%). It was concluded that the inclusion of 50% low tannin sorghum meets chicken feed nutritional requirements and is best for growth performance. The study recommended that farmers rearing chicken should plant low tannin sorghum to be utilized as feed ingredient to cut the cost of production

Super-hard and well-tough (TiZrVCrCoNi)Nx high entropy nitride coatings with biphasic nanocomposite structure

High entropy nitride (HEN) coating is a new choice to replace traditional nitride as a protective coating. Through rational composition design, (TiZrVCrCoNi)Nx HEN coatings under different N2 gas flow rates (RN) were fabricated by multi-target magnetron co-sputtering deposition. The increasing RN enhanced N content in the HEN coatings, which influences the structural, mechanical, and corrosion characteristics of the coatings. The increase of N content caused the phase structure to transform from an amorphous phase to a face-centered-cubic (FCC) phase in the coatings. At a high N content of 47.7 at.% (RN = 15 sccm), the coating with a biphasic nanocomposite structure exhibits a high-quality combination of super-hardness, good toughness, anti-friction property, and excellent corrosion resistance. While the hardness can reach the super-hard level (40.9 ± 0.75 GPa), the toughness is not decreased much (3.35 ± 0.08 MPa m1/2). Besides, the corrosion current density of it (1.86 × 10−8 A/cm2) is nearly two orders of magnitude lower than 304 stainless steel (1.24 × 10−6 A/cm2). Therefore, (TiZrVCrCoNi)Nx HEN coatings present outstanding mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, which have potential applications in various fields.