Small-scale Production Research Articles

Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria for sustainable tomato production

Numerous phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are found in the rhizosphere, benefiting the host plant in different mechanisms and promoting sustainable agriculture. They improve soil fertility with minimum cost requirements using an eco-friendly approach, which is an essential attribute for small-scale farm production. Thus, isolation, characterization, and evaluation of symbiotic effectiveness are hierarchical procedures to develop bioinoculants. Using a dual (plate and liquid medium) screening technique and a greenhouse trial, four potential PSB strains (Mk-1–25, Mk-13–16, Mk-20–7, and Mk-20–20) were selected from tomato rhizosphere soil. All isolates exhibited the following traits: produced colony clear-zone, lowered liquid medium pH, gram-positive, produced urease and IAA, dissolved substantial P from various substrates, symbiotically effective, and improved tomato growth and yield. Taxonomically, they belong to Bacillus and Priestia species (i.e., Mk-1–25 Bacillus halotolerance, Mk-13–16 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Mk-20–7 Bacillus megaterium, and Mk-20–20 Priestia megaterium). Among the current strains, Bacillus halotolerance recorded higher SI (3.11), was able to grow in extreme conditions (10% salt, up to 45 °C), produced HCN and siderophore, and improved tomatoes’ shoot length and weight, in contrast, Mk-20–20 produced HCN, siderophore, was able to fix nitrogen, improved tomato germination, shoot dry weight, and fruit weight. Various P-supplements (Ca3(PO4)2, bonemeal, FePO4, AlPO4, compost, and DAP fertilizer) were added to induce tomato-strain symbiotic interaction; hence, compost substantially promoted the interaction and resulted in higher symbiotic effectiveness. Ca3(PO4)2 was a good media composite preferred by most PSB strains; consequently, a higher concentration (219 µg/ml) of dissolved P was recorded from the liquid medium after 10 days of incubation than other substrates. Based on the data obtained from laboratory and greenhouse trials, the current strains were found to be potential candidate. Future work should confirm their efficacy at the field level using model host crops at different sites to recommend them as farm inputs and biofertilizer.

High-Density Fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum P6: Enhancing Cell Viability via Sodium Alginate Enrichment

Lactobacillus plantarum exhibits a wide range of beneficial physiological functions, including maintaining intestinal microbiota balance, reducing serum cholesterol, and promoting digestive health. According to the specific nutrient requirements of Lactobacillus plantarum P6, we investigated the effects of various carbon sources, nitrogen sources, trace elements, growth-promoting substances, as well as the initial pH and inoculum size on the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum P6 under fermentation conditions. The optimal growth conditions for Lactobacillus plantarum P6 were identified to facilitate high-density fermentation in small-scale fermenter production, achieving a cell concentration of 1.03 × 1011 CFU/mL. This resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in bacterial wet weight, and fermentation time was reduced to 12 h when utilizing a specific medium enriched with 0.2% sodium alginate. It is hypothesized that sodium alginate forms a protective film around the bacterial cells, promoting cell aggregation and enhancing self-coalescence, potentially triggering a bacterial community effect. These results provide a basis for the industrial-scale high-density cultivation of Lactobacillus plantarum, offering potential for enhanced biotechnological applications.

The results of research on technological indicators in the experimental module for growing broiler chickens

Russia ranks fifth in the world in poultry meat production. In the period from 2010 to 2021, the volume of production of this type of product increased by 1.77 times, which in physical terms is 2,190 thousand tons. The largest volume of poultry meat production, 89.7%, falls on the meat of broiler chickens. This indicator is justified by consumer preferences of the retail market, a low feed conversion rate, a high level of automation of production processes, as well as the possibility of up to 8 production cycles per year. The main share, amounting to 93%, of broiler chicken meat production is accounted for by large agricultural enterprises. Households of the population and peasant farms account for 7% of production. This result is observed due to the lack of technical and technological solutions for small-scale production, providing for the use of automation of production processes, which leads to a decrease in productivity and an increase in poultry mortality. The combination of these factors increases the cost of finished products, making small-scale production uncompetitive. To solve this problem, a project has been developed and a prototype of a technological module for fattening broiler chickens has been manufactured. The production capacity of the module is 2,800 broiler chickens per year. The module uses a cellular method of keeping poultry on a mesh flooring. As a result of the conducted studies, the feed conversion rate was 1.66, the cost of water was 3.4 liters, electricity was 3.22 kWh and labor was 0.051 people per kilogram of live weight. The obtained indicators are comparable with those of large poultry farms, which allows us to conclude that it is advisable to use technological modules at small poultry enterprises.

Techno-economic analysis of bioplastic and biofuel production from a high-ash microalgae biofilm cultivated in effluent from a municipal anaerobic digester

Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors (RABRs) are a promising technology for efficient treatment of wastewater and production of algae-based bioproducts. However, RABR-grown algae can contain a high content of ash (30–60 wt%, dry basis), which influences the technical and economic feasibility of bioproduct conversion processes. In this report, experimental studies and economic analysis were conducted to compare different processes for bioproduct conversion of a high-ash microalgae biofilm grown using a RABR treating 0.6 million gallons per day of anaerobic digestion centrate at the Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility in Salt Lake City, UT. Process and economic models were developed and compared for three conversion processes: 1) the production of bioplastics, 2) the production of bioplastics with a lipid-extraction pretreatment, and 3) the production of biocrude via hydrothermal liquefaction. Techno-economic analysis was performed for each conversion process, including three cases for algae productivity: 231, 391, and 577 metric tons per year (dry basis). The calculated value for the minimum plastic selling price (MPSP) of bioplastics produced from algae ranges from $4050 to $3520 per metric ton based on the baseline and final productivity cases of the RABR, respectively. The extraction of lipids in addition to bioplastic production results in an MPSP of $4570 to $4000 per metric ton for the same productivity cases. The relatively small production scale and complex processing for hydrothermal liquefaction results in a minimum fuel selling price of the biocrude of $5.32 per gallon of gasoline equivalent. The conversion process for bioplastic production from whole algae has the highest income:expense ratio and the most cost-competitive pricing of the three modeled processes.

An alternative filament fabrication method as the basis for 3D-printing personalized implants from elastic ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer

In this work, a novel tool for small-scale filament production is presented. Unlike traditional methods such as hot melt extrusion (HME), the device (i) allows filament manufacturing from small material amounts as low as three grams, (ii) ensures high diameter stability almost independent of the viscoelastic behavior of the polymer melt, and (iii) enables processing of materials with rheological profiles specifically tailored toward fused filament fabrication (FFF). Hence, novel materials, previously difficult to process due to HME limitations, become easily accessible for FFF for the first time. Here, we showcase the production of highly flexible drug-free, and drug-loaded filaments based on ethylene-vinyl acetate polymers with a vinyl acetate content of 28 w% (EVA28) and unprecedented high melt flow rates of up to 400 g/10 min. Owing to their low viscosity, FFF with low print nozzle sizes of 250 μm was achieved for the first time for EVA28. These small nozzle diameters facilitate 3D-printing of high-resolution structures in small-dimensional dosage forms such as subcutaneous implantable drug delivery systems, which can later be used for personalization. Consequently, the material portfolio for FFF is tremendously broadened, allowing material and formulation optimization toward FFF, independent of a preliminary extrusion process.

ANALYSIS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAR TRAILER FRAME IN TERMS OF CHANGING THE ASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGY

Car trailers are quite a popular means of transport and are offered in many versions, from single axle light trailers with a maximum permissible weight of 750 kg, through two- or more-axle specialized trailers. The issues of research car trailers focus on two directions: testing the driving properties and analysing the strength of the supporting frame system. Issues related to the construction of light trailers are often common to trailers used in agriculture or general transport. In this article, based on a mass-produced car trailer, an analysis was carried out regarding the choice in the technology of making the supporting structure consisting of a lower frame and an upper frame. The term upper frame should be understood as the structure on which the lifted load box rests. The costs of materials, assembly and technological possibilities of small-scale production were taken into account. In addition, strength analyses of the numerical models were carried out for critical areas of the frame during operation. After considering the unit costs for each of the analysed assembly technologies, it was shown that riveting would be the cheapest. However, the most suitable method of assembly is welding, as it allows the use of standard profiles.

Performance evaluation of solar-assisted humidification dehumidification system for seawater desalination: An experimental approach

Humidification/dehumidification desalination presents a promising method for small-scale water production due to its ability to utilize solar energy and minimal technological requirements. This research examines the performance of solar-assisted humidification/dehumidification (SA-HDH) desalination system, which is designed to treat seawater from Dumas Beach in Surat city of India. The system integrates a solar air heater, a packed humidifier, and a dehumidifier with an indirect evaporative cooler. Through comprehensive energy, exergy, sustainability, and economic assessments, the study aims to assess system efficiency and viability. Results demonstrate that increasing airflow rates significantly enhances heat transfer efficiency within the humidifier and dehumidifier, boosting system performance and increasing yield by 5.4–7.7 %. The average energy efficiency of 35.5 % is observed at an airflow rate of 125 kg/h. The system effectively removed 99.7 % of total dissolved solids, total hardness, and chloride from the seawater, producing high-quality freshwater. The cost of water production ranging from 0.025 to 0.028 $/L, with a sustainability index ranging from 1.052 to 1.064. These findings underscore the SA-HDH system’s potential as an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for mitigating water scarcity.

Solving problems of volume scheduling for shipbuilding enterprises in conditions of limited resources

The shipbuilding industry development strategy for the period up to 2035 and beyond is aimed at creating a new competitive shipbuilding industry based on the development of scientific, technical and personnel potential, optimization of production capacities, their modernization and technical re-equipment [1]. The paper is devoted to solving problems of volume-calendar production planning for shipbuilding enterprises when coordinating the production capacity of the enterprise with the resource needs to fulfill obligations determined by the generated order portfolio. Shipbuilding and ship repair enterprises are typical representatives of enterprises with single and small-scale production and a long production cycle of the main products [2-4]. The problem is solved at the stage of forming a portfolio of orders, which is based on the limited volumes of resources available to the production system. It is required to determine the amount of missing resources by calendar periods that are necessary for the effective functioning of the production system. Non-stored resources such as labor resources, equipment operating time, are usually taken into account when solving the problems of volumetric or volume-scheduling planning. Such resources being unused in a certain planning cycle cannot be used in subsequent cycles. The procedure for finding missing volumes of resources is formulated as the problem of reducing an incompatible system of linear two-sided algebraic inequalities to a compatible one. To do this, it is proposed to “expand” the initial parameters of the system, taking into account the costs of expansion, so that the system becomes compatible. In the general case, formally, the problem under consideration is close to the problem of finding a Chebyshev point [5] for an incompatible system of linear algebraic equations, i.e. a point that is geometrically the least deviating from all hyperplanes formed by the system constraints. The paper proposes statements and solutions of volume-scheduling problems for the case when the structure of the problem constraints is modeled by a root-oriented weighted tree. This hierarchical structure is typical for shipbuilding enterprises [6].

A Sensor Probe with Active and Passive Humidity Management for In Situ Soil CO2 Monitoring.

Soil CO2 concentration and flux measurements are important in diverse fields, including geoscience, climate science, soil ecology, and agriculture. However, practitioners in these fields face difficulties with existing soil CO2 gas probes, which have had problems with high costs and frequent failures when deployed. Confronted with a recent research project's need for long-term in-soil CO2 monitoring at a large number of sites in harsh environmental conditions, we developed our own CO2 logging system to reduce expense and avoid the expected failures of commercial instruments. Our newly developed soil probes overcome the central challenge of soil gas probes-surviving continuous exposure to soil moisture while remaining open to soil gases-via three approaches: a 3D printed housing (economical for small-scale production) following design principles that correct the usual water permeability flaw of 3D printed materials; passive moisture protection via a hydrophobic, CO2-permeable PTFE membrane; and active moisture protection via a low-power micro-dehumidifier. Our CO2 instrumentation performed well and yielded a high-quality dataset that includes signals related to a prescribed fire as well as seasonal and diel cycles. We expect our technology to support underground CO2 monitoring in fields where it is already practiced and stimulate its expansion into diverse new fields.

Order Management in the Era of Customization

The economic growth and development of the country largely depends on success in the main industries, where mechanical engineering plays a key role. The economies of different countries rely on industrial enterprises that satisfy people’s needs through the production of goods and services. To ensure competitiveness in a dynamically changing market, continuous improvement and development of enterprises is required. In the current conditions, mechanical engineering enterprises increasingly need to adapt to each individual customer, which in turn forces them to rebuild enterprises to the parameters typical for single or small-scale production. The production process is the joint work of tools, equipment and personnel through which products are produced. The complexity of the process of releasing new products is due to the involvement of a large number of departments involved in this process. Order execution is based primarily on the management of production systems. One of the most important processes in enterprise management is the order management process.The purpose of this study is to determine the methods of optimizing the order management process and reducing the influence of the internal cooperation factor on the increase of the period of its implementation at machine-building enterprises. As a methodological basis such general scientific methods as analysis, synthesis, comparison and contrast were used. As the information base, the article analyzes the works of modern authors who consider the issues of order management and such an element of the organizational structure as internal cooperation between departments, their influence on the internal processes of the enterprise and the timing of order execution. The features of the planning process for a single type of production are considered. In the course of the work, the main reasons for the shift in previously determined order completion dates, the most important indicators for order fulfillment, the peculiarities of the planning process at the unit type of production were considered, as well as the most frequently encountered problems during project implementation were identified. In connection with the trend towards changes and development of enterprises, in terms of changes in order management processes for customized products, an increase in the number of created enterprises and an increase in the share of customized products, a conclusion was made about the relevance of studying the order management process in a single type of production at machine-building enterprises. Conclusions are drawn about the need for further study of the issues under consideration. The materials can be used in companies in the real sector of the economy, in administrative structures and in the educational process.

NON-INVASIVE FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF INSCRIPTIONS IN A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT AS AN ATTEMPT TO EVALUATE THE DIVERSITY OF THE COMMERCIAL OFFER OF INKS

In the history of the German state, the world-wide economic crisis (1929-1939) probably also had an impact on the availability of inks. The research aimed to find out whether it is possible to discriminate between inks and determine the prevalence of ink manufacturers in a specific area, which, in statistical terms, could provide insight into the development of regional ink producers. The research covered selected inscriptions in ink written in a Diary from a small geographical area. Ink examination was carried out using non-invasive VIS-NIR and RS spectroscopic methods involving a statistical approach. The obtained results allowed effective discrimination of the inks and divided them into several groups. Research has shown that iron-gall inks from several ink manufacturers were used to prepare the entries in the Diary. It cannot be ruled out that the differences in individual inks resulted from technological changes in their production process. Additionally, the research revealed a multitude of entries made with iron-gall inks, which may testify to the development of small-scale production of iron-gall inks confined to one geographical area. This type of historical document may constitute a forgery in whole or in specific parts of the inscriptions executed to falsify significant facts, therefore it is an object of interest of forensic science. The non-invasive VIS-NIR and RS spectroscopic methods supported by statistical approach should continue to develop to become an alternative and reliable solution offering great potential in forensic examination of inks.

Breaking Barriers: Investigating Technology Adoption in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Among Low-Income Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the B40 segment, particularly low-income women entrepreneurs, faces distinct challenges in adopting technology within their businesses. This qualitative study explores the low uptake of technology adoption among these entrepreneurs to understand the underlying dynamics. By addressing the "what" and "why" of low technology adoption, the research aims to provide insights for fostering inclusivity and empowerment within Malaysia's entrepreneurial landscape. The study involved an in-depth focus group discussion with 25 women entrepreneurs from four states across Malaysia, utilizing thematic analysis with Atlas TI. Key findings reveal issues related to technology adoption based on TAM theory. The findings indicate that most entrepreneurs are integrating technology into their business operations, either through social media marketing, e-commerce platforms, cashless payment methods, online delivery services, and machines, regardless of whether they are located in rural or metropolitan areas. The majority of the respondent are utilizing technology through their social media marketing. These situations have arisen as a result of the impact of COVID-19, which has compelled all entrepreneurs to adopt technology, even at a minimal level. The majority use social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp for marketing and adopt online banking and cashless payment methods such as DuitNow QR Code, Touch 'n Go, Boost, Shopee Pay, and Sarawak Pay. Despite using online food delivery services like Food Panda and Grab Food, trust issues such as payment delays, non-payment by drivers, and high commission fees make these platforms less appealing. Additionally, entrepreneurs prefer traditional methods over machinery to maintain quality and struggle to meet e-commerce demand due to their small-scale production, limiting their ability to fully use technology for business growth and sustainability. The findings support the theoretical insights of the TAM model and suggest actionable strategies for fostering technology adoption and empowerment among low-income women entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

Detection and Classification of Banana Leaf Diseases: Systematic Literature Review

Bananas, a staple fruit globally, are essential for sustenance, employment, and income. However, diseases like Sigatoka, Bacterial Wilt, Bunchy Top, and Fusarium Wilt pose a threat to their cultivation, affecting both small-scale and large-scale production. This survey investigates methods for the early identification and classification of these banana leaf diseases using deep learning and machine learning techniques. A systematic review of 15 studies revealed that the majority of research concentrates on binary classification, which distinguishes healthy from diseased leaves. Common preprocessing steps include image resizing, color space conversion, and background removal to improve model accuracy. We utilize techniques such as ensemble approaches, support vector machines (SVM), random forests, K-means clustering, and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), with CNNs demonstrating superior performance, achieving accuracy rates ranging from 85% to 98.97%. CNNs excel in hierarchical feature extraction but require significant computational power. Traditional machine learning methods offer simplicity and resistance to overfitting but need careful parameter tuning. Advanced deep learning architectures, such as DenseNet and Inception V3, achieve high accuracy but with greater computational demands. Lightweight models like SqueezeNet balance performance and size, but ensemble methods, while improving generalization, add complexity. The choice of method depends on dataset characteristics, available computational resources, and desired trade-offs between performance and complexity. This study provides an overview of current research in banana leaf disease classification, discussing the strengths and limitations of various approaches and suggesting directions for future research to improve detection accuracy and robustness.

Holistic evaluation of energy transition technology investments using an integrated recommender system and artificial intelligence-based fuzzy decision-making approach

The most essential criteria should be determined in the selection of the suitable energy transition technologies due to budget deficit problem. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the most important criteria in energy transition technology selection. Therefore, a new study is needed to determine the most prominent issues in the correct selection of energy transition technologies. The purpose of this study is to identify the most appropriate energy transition technology alternative. Within this framework, a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based fuzzy decision-making model has been presented. In the first part, the experts are prioritized by the help of AI methodology. In the next section, missing evaluations of energy transition technology investments are estimated via expert recommender system. Thirdly, the weights of the criteria for energy transition technology selection are computed by quantum picture fuzzy rough sets (QPFR) M-Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA). At the final stage, selected energy transition technology alternatives are ranked via QPFR-Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR). The main contribution of this study is the integration of AI technique to the proposed model. Similar to this issue, using M-SWARA methodology in the process of criteria weighting increases the quality of the findings. This methodology helps to consider the impact relation map of the criteria. The findings demonstrate that the most important factor is cost-effectiveness of energy transition. Similarly, it is also found that the local ecosystem is the second most significant issue. On the other side, the ranking results denote that compact renewable systems for small scale production is the most optimal solution of energy transition technology alternatives.

Assessment of an indirect solar dryer for small-scale resin production: Energy, exergy, economic (3E), and sustainability analysis

This study evaluates an innovative domestic indirect solar dryer (ISD) for drying grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.), focusing on energy, exergy, economic, and sustainability performance. Two trials with crop loads of 15% (Trial-1) and 33% (Trial-2) were conducted. Trial-2 exhibited higher energy efficiencies in the solar collector (SC) and drying chamber (DC) compared to Trial-1, with efficiencies of 61.4% and 58.5% for SC, and a 13% increase in DC efficiency. The daily average exergy efficiencies for SC and DC ranged from 11%–13% and 54%–58%, respectively. Trial-2 also showed a 113% higher life cycle savings, a 54.4% decrease in payback period, and a 23% lower waste exergy ratio compared to Trial-1. Pre-treatment of grapes resulted in superior dried product quality. The study highlights the ISD’s potential as an economically and environmentally sustainable solution for small-scale agricultural ventures, providing insights for renewable energy sectors

Applying DMAIC Methodology to Reduce Egg Breakage Rates in Small-Scale Production Enterprise in Mandalay Region

This study employed the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to investigate and minimize Unusable egg breakage (Completely broken eggs) at Golden Yolk farm. Data was collected using a triangulated approach that included direct observations of egg-handling processes, interviews with experienced farm personnel, and a review of historical breakage records in order to ensure reliability. Standardized checklists were also used, and initial analysis revealed a total defect rate of 0.74%, with Unusable breakage being the highest contributor at 0.47% among all types of defects. Qualitative tools like Pareto charts, FMEA, and Fishbone diagrams identified the main culprits of inadequate handling techniques and the absence of appropriate equipment. Subsequent interventions focused on implementing farm personnel training, standardized handling procedures, and introducing relevant equipment, significantly reducing Unusable egg breakage from 0.47% to 0.39%. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of the DMAIC methodology for addressing Unusable egg breakage in the egg farm. These findings offer valuable insights for improving farm operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality egg production, and minimizing associated losses.

Sustainability of the community model of avocado production in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Michoacán, México

The avocado is a commodity crop that has generated severe environmental and social impacts in Michoacán, the world’s leading producer. Current studies overlook the diversity of avocado production by focusing on Michocán’s central region, while the regions of a more recent expansion remain poorly studied. We analyzed the model of avocado production in five indigenous communities in the municipality of Zitácuaro that have part of their territory within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. We use the Framework for the Evaluation of Management Systems using Sustainability Indicators to characterize and evaluate the sustainability of the Community Model of Avocado Production (CMAP). Based on 42 interviews with producers, we identified eleven critical points related to environmental (small-scale production; forest conservation; high prophylactic use of agrochemicals; high dependence on irrigation), economic (high crop diversity; low profitability; high yield loss to pests; low economic diversification), and social (high dependence on technical advisors; low dependence on labor force external to the community; few changes in land ownership) aspects of sustainability. The CMAP has productive and socio-political characteristics that represent strengths and weaknesses for its sustainability. The main environmental results suggest that the avocado expansion (2007–2022) in the communities did not involve a change in forest land use. Socially, the CMAP favors the local workforce and facilitates the maintenance of land ownership. The sustainability of CMAP is mostly limited by its economic aspects. With adequate economic support for socially and environmentally sustainable productive practices, the CMAP can improve the local livelihoods while promoting forest conservation.

Polymer-Assisted Graphite Exfoliation: Advancing Nanostructure Preparation and Multifunctional Composites.

Exfoliated graphite (ExG) embedded in a polymeric matrix represents an accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable method for generating nanosized graphite-based polymer composites with multifunctional properties. This review article analyzes diverse methods currently used to exfoliate graphite into graphite nanoplatelets, few-layer graphene, and polymer-assisted graphene. It also explores engineered methods for small-scale pilot production of polymer nanocomposites. It highlights the chemistry involved during the graphite intercalation and exfoliation process, particularly emphasizing the interfacial interactions related to steric repulsion forces, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking, and covalent bonds. These interactions promote the dispersion and stabilization of the graphite derivative structures in polymeric matrices. Finally, it compares the enhanced properties of nanocomposites, such as increased thermal and electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications, with those of neat polymer materials.

INTENSITY OF GREENHOUSE GAS FORMATION DUE TO LIVESTOCK FARMING ACTIVITIES – AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR

According to numerous expert assessments by international organizations and specialists, animal husbandry makes a significant negative contribution to global climate change due to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), which are formed at different stages of livestock production as a result of various chemical and biological processes in the body of animals and in livestock waste. The domestic animal husbandry is developing mainly due to the intensification of production in the industry, but traditional farming methods as well as small-scale production in the individual sector also take place. Since the use of various technologies in animal husbandry has different effects on the level of environmental pollution and GHG emissions, the aim of the research was to study the differences in the intensity of GHG gas formation by one animal reared with individual features of animal rearing technologies and business activities. The intensity of gas formation and emission of CH4 and N2O in typical farms for pork production and milk production by one animal reared was determined, analyzed and substantiated. A significant variation in this indicator was found depending on the individual economic and technological features of the studied farms. The average weighted annual intensity of CH4 emission from animal manure in pig farms varied within the range of 0.95–25.71, in cattle farm – 2.74; CH4 from intestinal fermentation of dairy cows – 110.8–148.4; N2O (direct) in pig farms – 0.0–0.106, in cattle farm – 0.229; N2O (indirect) in pig farms – 0.071–0.097, in cattle farm – 0.174. The emission intensity is characterized separately in each age and sex group of animals in the herd structure of farms and the average weighted emission intensity in pork producing farms depending on the season. Based on the research results, it is proposed to use the generalized average annual indicator of greenhouse gas emissions per one average weighted animal reared (kg/head/year) as an indicator of the environmental load of livestock farms on the environment, which will allow planning production volumes with minimal environmental risks in the context of climate change.

Design and fabrication of a 20 kilogram capacity cassava-based bioethanol distillation apparatus with 2.4 liter bioethanol output

Background: The depletion of fossil fuel resources and growing environmental concerns have sparked interest in renewable energy sources like bioethanol. Cassava, an abundant crop in many tropical regions, shows promise as a feedstock for bioethanol production. This study aimed to design and fabricate an efficient small-scale distillation apparatus for producing bioethanol from cassava. Method: A distillation apparatus with 20 kg cassava capacity was designed and constructed using locally available materials. Key components included a distillation tank, condenser, cooling tower system, and burner. The apparatus was tested using fermented cassava mash to evaluate its performance in bioethanol production. Findings: The fabricated apparatus successfully produced 2.4 liters of bioethanol with 65% purity from 20 kg of cassava feedstock. Optimal distillation temperature was found to be 70°C, balancing ethanol yield and purity. Heat transfer calculations indicated 576 kW of cooling capacity was required in the condenser. The cooling tower system achieved 63% thermal efficiency. Conclusion: The designed distillation apparatus demonstrates the feasibility of small-scale bioethanol production from cassava. Further optimization of the distillation process and heat recovery systems could improve efficiency. This technology shows potential for decentralized biofuel production to meet local energy needs in cassava-producing regions. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study on designing small-scale distillation equipment for bioethanol production from cassava successfully demonstrated practical and affordable applications for decentralized biofuel production in cassava-producing areas.