Sustainable Industry Research Articles

Green Technology Innovation and Corporate Reputation: Key Drivers of ESG and Firm Performance

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and firm performance within China's manufacturing sector, with a novel focus on the mediating effect of green technology innovation and the moderating influence of corporate reputation. Using a 2011-2022 dataset from A-share listed manufacturing companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the study employs multiple regression analysis with a two-way fixed-effects model to examine these relationships. Findings indicate that robust ESG practices significantly enhance company performance, mediated by green technological innovation. However, a negative moderating effect of corporate reputation suggests that higher corporate reputation weakens the ESG-financial performance relationship. Further analyses reveal that privately-owned firms, those in China's eastern region, and environmentally sustainable industries benefit most from strong ESG initiatives. This study addresses the challenge of disentangling key variables by analyzing their interconnected effects. The findings fill a gap in the existing literature by contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between ESG and corporate success, particularly through the mediating role of innovation and the moderating influence of reputation. Additionally, the study provides practical recommendations for managers and policymakers to enhance ESG strategies, promote growth, and support sustainable development. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-06-021 Full Text: PDF

Improvement of the safety of scallops through the application of calcium alginate films with the controlled release of Vibrio bacteriophage

The increase in the population of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has prompted the exploration of food safety alternatives, such as bacteriophages (phages). This study aimed to develop anti-Vibrio films with controlled phage release and focused on the shelf life extension of scallops. VPy01, a newly isolated lytic phage, demonstrated a rapid bactericidal effect against V. parahaemolyticus in 1 h at a multiplicity of infection of 1. It was stable in a wide range of temperature (-18°C to 60°C), pH (4−11), and salinity (0–6%) conditions. As a genetically secure agent, VPy01 was loaded into a sodium alginate (SA, 2%, w/v) film, and glycerol was used as a plasticizer. It was then cross-linked with various calcium salts (CaCl2, CaCO3, hydroxyapatite, and CaSO4). The SA film cross-linked with CaCl2 (SA-CaCl2) efficiently released VPy01, showing remarkable vibricidal effects (>2-log CFU). The SA-CaCl2 film with well-dispersed phages improved hardness, elongation at break, and oxygen barrier ability. When applied to scallops, the SA-CaCl2 film preserved the hardness and weight of scallops and reduced Vibrio by 1.8-log CFU/scallop. Thus, their shelf life was extended. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of VPy01-loaded calcium alginate films for the extension of scallop shelf life, contributing to sustainability in the seafood industry.

"Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the Construction Industry in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Proposed Solutions"

This paper examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Saudi Arabian construction industry, addressing key challenges, potential solutions, and its transformative potential. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizing technological innovation and economic diversification, the construction sector stands to benefit significantly from AI-driven advancements that improve productivity and enhance project management. Key challenges identified include technical barriers, such as data quality issues, complex system integration, and the limited availability of specialized AI tools. Additionally, regulatory hurdles related to compliance and data privacy, high implementation costs, limited ROI, and social resistance driven by job displacement fears and lack of AI familiarity pose significant obstacles. A survey conducted among industry professionals confirmed these challenges, highlighting difficulties in AI system integration, economic concerns about costs and talent shortages, and regulatory uncertainties. Social resistance to AI adoption also emerged as a critical barrier, underscoring the need for workforce training and change management strategies to foster acceptance. The paper proposes targeted solutions, including improving data integration capabilities, establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks, providing financial incentives, and offering training programs to build AI-related expertise. Case studies and hypothetical scenarios illustrate AI’s potential benefits, such as optimizing resource allocation, enhancing safety, reducing costs, and streamlining project timelines. Government-backed initiatives like King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) emphasize the importance of infrastructure and state support in facilitating AI adoption across industries. These efforts align with national goals to transform construction practices and drive innovation. The findings demonstrate AI’s potential to revolutionize the construction sector, but overcoming existing challenges requires continuous collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology providers. Further research is necessary to validate these assumptions and explore practical strategies for AI integration, ultimately paving the way for a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable construction industry.

Introduction to the Use of Microbial Communities.

Microbes are the third major group of biospheric organisms after plants and animals. They are responsible for many natural circulations, including the rotation of elements. They return organic carbon for plants' use and dissolve minerals into organic cycles. Microbes contribute to the global gas and water balances. In animal digestion, they partake in the degradation and assimilation of nutrients. Typically, they act as communities where some strains are the most active at a given time point in the prevailing conditions. But they also live in a continuous state of succession, which precludes the maintenance of changeable balances. Whether functioning in soil, in our alimentary tract, or elsewhere, the micro-organisms decisively contribute to the restoration of various balances. As the microbiological scale differs significantly from our comprehension, we must nurture our understanding of the microbiome wherever itoccurs. For example, one spoonful of yoghurt contains approximately as many bacterial cells as there are humans residing on Earth. Therefore, such organizational flexibility and interaction are the most advisable modes of operation in microbial biochemistry and biotechnological applications. As microbes tend to form communities, this modus operandi is worth instigating in our process industries and production technologies. The use of microbial mixed cultures most appropriately corresponds to the natural systems. As biocatalysts in human endeavours of biorefining and bioengineering, they have become the most utilizable and producible kind of microbial components. Cooperation with microbes is a prerequisite for the continuous development of sustainable industries and food and health production. The microbial communities can be used to prevent and clean up pollution. In the process design, the microbiological dynamic balances make the highest productivity, repeatability, controllability, and withstanding of entropy. Although their effects have been familiar to our societies, e.g. in the fermentation of foods, their total capacity remains to be put into service. Hopefully, this book could help turn the next page in the development.

GREEN SUSTAINABILITY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF HALAL FOOD COMPANIES: EVIDENCE OF MALAYSIA

With growing concerns about environmental degradation and its impact on global ecosystems, the Halal food industry is facing increasing scrutiny and pressure to adopt sustainable practices. This research examines the relationship between green sustainability and the financial performance of Halal food companies in Malaysia. Applying a dynamic panel modelling to a sample of 75 companies over 10 years, we document diverse effects of sustainable practices on firms’ financial performance. More specifically, we note that efficient material usage is positively associated with both Return on Assets (ROA) and Tobin's Q (TBQ). Likewise, by reducing costs and enhancing the company's public image, effective emission management boosts both ROA and TBQ. However, energy-related initiatives negatively impact both ROA and TBQ. Biodiversity efforts, although costly in the short term, contribute to improved long-term market valuation. In a similar vein, while its decreases short-term profitability, environmental sustainability positively influences market valuation. Finally, water management initiatives often lead to decreased ROA and TBQ, which possibly is related to their high costs. From the results, policymakers should support efficient material usage and emission management through incentives to enhance profitability and market valuation. Additionally, they should consider providing financial assistance for biodiversity and environmental compliance initiatives while evaluating ways to mitigate the high costs associated with energy and water management to ensure sustainable industry growth.

Waste Management and Recycle Practices in the Hotel Industry

Background: In the current era of eco-friendly and environmental strategies, waste practices like recycling offer potential benefits for the hotel industry. However, research supporting the financial advantages of these practices is still lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the waste management which is being produced by the hotel sector and recycle practices which are adopted by the hotel. The study also evaluates the potential environmental benefits of recycling, particularly in relation to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Methodology: Primary data was collected via a questionnaire distributed to 37 hotels, of which 22 expressed interests in completing the questionnaire and participating in face-to-face interviews. SPSS was used for the data analysis and thematic analysis used for analyzing the interview data. Locale of the study was Delhi NCR, Region. Results: The paper’s findings reveal a total waste volume of 584.33 units, with 212.16 units distributed across the different categories such as plastic bottles, other plastic, aluminum etc. The results suggest that hotels need to implement more stringent recycling practices, which would not only benefit the environment but also unlock potential financial advantages. Additionally, promoting guest involvement in recycling initiatives is advised to improve cost-effectiveness and profitability within the industry. Conclusion: Effective waste management and recycling practices are essential for enhancing sustainability in the hotel industry.

Postharvest physicochemical and nutritional properties of Tomato fruit at different maturity stages affected by physical impact

Tomatoes are a globally significant vegetable valued for their nutritional benefits and culinary versatility. However, they are prone to mechanical damage, such as dropping and bruising, during harvesting and handling, which can impair their physicochemical and nutritional properties, reduce shelf life and marketability. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dropping and bruising on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of tomatoes. Vanessa F1 Hybrid tomatoes at two maturity stages, Breaker (II) and Red ripe (VI) were dropped from a height of 90 cm and stored at various temperatures for 15 days. We assessed changes in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, respiration rate, vitamin C, and mineral contents (K and Ca) over the storage period. Dropped tomatoes exhibited significantly increased internal bruising and accelerated deterioration over time, with Red ripe tomatoes being more affected. Firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, and vitamin C content significantly decreased, while respiration rates and mineral content also reduced due to dropping. Breaker stage tomatoes showed better retention of firmness and nutrient content compared to Red ripe stage tomatoes, particularly when stored at 5 °C. Mechanical damage from dropping significantly degrades the quality of tomatoes, affecting their physical and chemical properties. The study highlights the importance of minimizing mechanical injuries to maintain tomato quality and extend shelf life. This knowledge can aid in developing improved postharvest handling practices to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the tomato industry.

Evaluation of hemp stem retting water for carbon dots production and their phyto-activity

Water-retting hemp stem yields high-quality fiber but generates wastewater causing environmental pollution. In the present study, the retting water of hemp stem was used to synthesize carbon dots (HP-CDs). The obtained HP-CDs not only exhibited similar fluorescence emission characteristics to that of widely studied citric acid-based CDs (CA-CDs) but also contained nitrogen elements, primarily presented in the form of graphitic and pyridinic structures. Furthermore, the effect of HP-CDs on hemp growth and physiological characteristics were examined at six concentration levels (0, 10, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg⋅L-1) in comparison with those of CA-CDs. Results indicated that HP-CDs were non-phytotoxic across the tested concentration levels. In contrast, CA-CDs exhibited concentration-dependent phytotoxicity, with concentration higher than 500mgL−1 resulted in adverse effects, including increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves, necrotic symptom at the leaf edges, reduced root volume, and decreased dry weight accumulation. In a subsequent experiment, plants grown aeroponically with 100mgL−1 of HP-CDs promoted nitrogen uptake, and resulted in a higher leaf and stem dry weight than the plants at 0mgL−1 by 36.4% and 37.8%, respectively, which was comparable with the effects of CA-CDs. In conclusion, CDs derived from hemp retting water exhibited low biological toxicity and demonstrated similar plant growth-promoting effect as chemically derived CDs. Therefore, hemp stem retting water holds potentioal as a source for carbon dot production, and thereby supporting the sustainable hemp industry.

Development of a Mathematical Model for Palm Fruit Digester Design: Integrating Dimensional Analysis and Process Optimization

This investigation delineates a thorough methodology for the formulation of a parametric model about a palm fruit digester apparatus, employing the tenets of dimensional analysis. The palm fruit digester, an essential component within the palm oil manufacturing processes, encompasses intricate interactions among various parameters that influence its operational efficiency and throughput. A palm fruit digester was conceptualised and fabricated locally to attain a more profound comprehension of these interrelationships. The performance parameter was scrutinized as data were amassed during the apparatus's testing, and the Buckingham Pi theorem was utilized to derive dimensionless Pi terms from pertinent parameters. The results of our analysis indicated that R2 values of 0.9956 for both throughput and machine efficiency were achieved. Consequently, the model can forecast the efficiency and throughput of the palm fruit digester. This helps researchers understand that the palm fruit digester's operational efficiency and throughput are essential to the industry's sustainability, financial stability, and quality standards. In addition to helping to optimise these procedures, the dimensional analysis modelling approach advances strategic ideas that have the potential to reshape operational capabilities in the processing of palm oil.

Understanding the Relationship Between Digital Transformation in Industry and ODS 9 Through the Lens of Bibliometrics

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between digital transformation in industry and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. Theoretical Framework: This study was based on concepts related to digital transformation in the context of industry, in relation to sustainability and specifically SDG 9, which were adopted in the discussion of the results generated. Method: The study adopted a bibliometric approach as its main method, using VOSviewer software to carry out analyses of the co-occurrence of terms, density clusters and mapping of collaboration between countries, using data from the Web of Science scientific database. Results and Discussion: The results indicated five main thematic groups, in which terms related to sustainability, technological adaptation and digitalization stand out, which have proved crucial in promoting a sustainable industry. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications suggest that digital transformation can drive sustainable industrialization, with an impact on sectors such as energy and construction, indicating the need for policies to encourage sustainable innovation. Originality/Value: This study contributes by highlighting how digital transformation, especially in industries, can support sustainable development, offering a new perspective on the impact of digital technologies on industrial sustainability.

Promoting Sustainability in the Cement Industry: Evaluating the Potential of Portuguese Calcined Clays as Clinker Substitutes for Sustainable Cement Production

The cement industry significantly contributes to global CO2 emissions, posing several challenges for a future low-carbon economy. In order to achieve the target established by the European Sustainable Development Goals of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, the European Cement Association (Cembureau) has devised a comprehensive roadmap based on five key approaches, referred to as the 5C strategies. Portland clinker is one of the crucial concerns, since its production emits over 60% of the cement manufacturing emissions. Therefore, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to partially replace clinker content in cement have gained significant attention in providing alternatives to traditional clinker in cement production. This paper evaluates the potential of Portuguese calcined clays (CCs) as viable substitutes for clinker to enhance sustainability in cement manufacturing. More than 50 clays were characterised through chemical and mineralogical analyses to assess their reactivity and suitability for calcination using the strength activity index (SAI), along with XRD, XRF, and TGA techniques. This study investigated the calcination conditions that provide the best clay reactivity, which were subsequently used for calcination. This investigation is part of a project to evaluate the behaviour of calcined clays through mechanical, hydration, and durability properties. The findings indicate that Portuguese calcined clays exhibit promising pozzolanic activity. Furthermore, these clays could significantly reduce CO2 emissions and raw material consumption in cement production. This research underscores the potential of local calcined clays as a sustainable clinker substitute, promoting eco-friendly practices in the construction industry.

Evolution and Challenges of Insurance Industry in Hong Kong: From a Backward Investment Channel to a Leading Financial Product

The objective of the study is to explore the growth trajectory of Hong Kong's insurance industry and its changing position in the financial market, this study uses historical literature analysis, market data analysis, and case studies to conduct an in-depth investigation of the development of Hong Kong's insurance industry from the 1980s to the present. The study found that the Hong Kong insurance industry has experienced a transformation from a marginal investment channel to a core financial product, and the product attributes have also undergone significant changes with market demand and technological progress. The analysis shows that the growth of the individual life insurance market is mainly driven by factors such as increased consumer awareness, market policy support, and stable economic environment. However, the study also identified challenges facing the industry, such as market saturation, regulatory changes, and declining consumer trust. Based on these findings, it is recommended to adopt diversified product strategies, strengthen consumer education, and improve service quality to maintain the vitality and sustainability of Hong Kong's insurance industry. The results of this study not only reveal the evolution law of the insurance industry, but also have important theoretical and practical significance for promoting the realization of financial freedom, enhancing industry competitiveness, and formulating future market strategies.

Factors affecting the length of productive life in U.S. Katahdin ewes.

The length of ewe productive life (LPL), defined as the number of days between the first and last lambing, is a key indicator of ewe longevity and is directly related to the sustainability of the sheep industry. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate systematic effects influencing LPL in Katahdin sheep. The LPL of 10,474 Katahdin ewes (69.5% with uncensored and 30.5% with right-censored observations) born between 1992 and 2021 in 58 flocks located across the United States were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and Cox Proportional Hazard (Cox PH) methods were used to estimate survival probability. Four Cox PH models were evaluated. Model 1 included contemporary group (CG; flock-year-season of ewe birth) as a random effect and the ewe's dam's age (EDA), ewe's own birth-rearing type (BR; 1/1, 2/1, 2/2, 3/2, 3/3, with the digit-3 including lamb counts ≥3), and age at first lambing (AFL) as fixed effects. Models 2 to 4 were an extension of model 1. Model 2 also included average lamb birth weight (ABW) per ewe lifetime, while model 3 included average lamb weaning weight (AWW) per ewe lifetime. Both ABW and AWW were fitted as fixed effects. Model 4 fitted all previous effects together. The factors CG, BR, ABW, and AWW affected LPL (P < 0.05) in all models in which these effects were fitted. The EDA effect only influenced LPL (P < 0.05) in model 1, while AFL had no effect (P > 0.05) in any model. The median LPL ranged from approximately 2 to 3 yr, depending on the risk factors analyzed. In general, Katahdin ewes themselves born in multiple litters, and that produced lambs weighing ~5kg at lambing and 20 to 25kg at weaning (over their lifespan) had better survival probability. Although the LPL of Katahdin sheep is relatively low, it appears to be a consequence of voluntary culling due to its association with both ABW and AWW. Future studies should quantify the rate of involuntary culling in Katahdin ewes to identify whether longevity indicator traits should be included in more comprehensive breeding objectives.

Wood-based Solid Biofuel in Malaysia: Export Status and Policy Review

The widespread use of fossil fuel has led to severe environmental consequences, such as climate change and pollution. As a remedial response, the global energy landscape has decidedly shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and biofuel for bioenergy. As a country rich in resources, Malaysia has had a golden opportunity to dwell on the production of the second-generation biofuel, also known as the wood-based solid biofuel (WBSB). This review paper intends to provide an overview of Malaysia's WBSB production and export industry, focusing on the current export status for the products and the policy frameworks that support the industry in Malaysia. The export status of five WBSB products (wood pellet, briquettes, charcoal, fuelwood, and wood chips or particles) are appraised based on its export status and global ranking. In addition, related biomass or biofuel policy and the effect it has on the progression of the biofuel industry were analyzed and consolidated. The findings show that the biofuel industry in Malaysia, specifically those concerning WBSB is average at best compared to its neighbors in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Indonesia in the export of wood pellets and charcoal, respectively. However, in recent years, Malaysia has become increasingly competitive in the export of pellets and chips, which are becoming one of the top 10 global exporters. Furthermore, government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices and stimulating the bioenergy sector have facilitated the growth of the biofuel industry, such as the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) IV of the National Biomass Action Plan. In general, this review outlines the current export state of WBSB products, while highlighting the key policies that govern biomass and biofuel production to identify areas for potential improvement to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in Malaysia's biofuel industry.

Thermal energy storage systems using bio-based phase change materials: A comprehensive review for building energy efficiency

The construction industry has seen significant growth in energy consumption over the past few years, primarily due to the demand for heating and cooling in buildings. This increase in energy use presents considerable environmental and economic challenges, making reducing energy consumption in homes a critical issue for many countries. A promising approach to improving energy performance in homes while reducing CO2 emissions is integrating phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage (TES) systems into building designs. This review focuses on using bio-based phase change materials (BPCMs) in TES applications, which could contribute to lower energy consumption in the construction sector. Recent advancements in BPCM technology indicate that these substances, derived from renewable resources such as paraffin and fatty acids, can achieve thermal storage capacities similar to traditional PCMs. BPCMs function like thermal batteries, absorbing, storing, and releasing thermal energy through phase transitions, typically between 20 °C and 30 °C. This process helps stabilize indoor climates and decreases reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. This article comprehensively assesses the properties, thermal performance, and applications of BPCMs in building materials. It also provides an essential evaluation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and financial feasibility. Its purpose is to guide the research, engineering, and policy communities in adopting practical applications for sustainable construction practices. Integrating BPCMs in TES structures is crucial for improving sustainability and energy conservation in the construction industry. This approach offers a viable pathway toward creating more energy-efficient buildings. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is provided, evaluating BPCMs along different varieties of section trade substances, inclusive of natural, inorganic, and eutectic alternatives. This analysis specializes in numerous crucial factors: price, energy performance, and environmental impact. The review addresses challenges such as heat transfer costs, compatibility with conventional building materials, and policy implications.

Prediction of Risk Evaluation Prediction Model for the Insurance Industry under Extreme Weather

The insurance industry is one of the indispensable economic sectors of modern society. In recent years, the frequent occurrence and the unpredictable nature of extreme weather have brought economic losses to society reflected in the insurance industry, which prompts people to seek strategies to realize the sustainability of the property insurance industry. This paper addresses the problem by developing a Risk Evaluation Model (REM) for the insurance industry under extreme weather conditions. The model incorporates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Entropy Weight Method (EWM), and game theory combination weights to create a comprehensive secondary assessment system. Through fuzzy clustering analysis, risk levels are classified into four categories. The model was validated by applying it to two different regions globally—Florida, USA, and Karachi, Pakistan—determining their insurance risk levels. The results demonstrate that the REM model significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of risk evaluation, helping to mitigate financial losses and ensure sustainable operations within the insurance industry. The study's significance lies in its contribution to robust risk management and underwriting decisions, with potential applications in urban planning and real estate development, highlighting the model's broader applicability and value.

The Impact of Lean Management on Sustainable Performance: The Moderating Role of Employee Performance in the Steel Industry

Sustainability has become a global imperative, positioning Lean management as a critical approach to achieving this goal, with employee performance efficiency playing a vital role in industrial manufacturing. Therefore, this study investigates how Lean waste management practices, supported by employee engagement, enhance sustainable performance in the steel industry, aligning with ESG indicators and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The model is empirically validated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) based on 385 responses from executives of steel manufacturing plants in the Eastern Region of Thailand. The findings reveal that lean management practices have a significant positive impact on sustainability, contributing to improved environmental, governance, and social outcomes. Employee performance also directly influences sustainability and has a strong positive effect on waste management, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable practices. Interestingly, the study finds that employee performance significantly and negatively moderates the relationship between lean management and sustainability. This indicates that while high-performing employees enhance sustainability through their direct contributions, their overall effectiveness in operational areas may reduce the specific measurable impact of lean practices on sustainability outcomes. The results highlight the importance of integrating employee engagement and lean management strategies to optimize sustainability in the steel industry. Organizations are encouraged to foster a culture of continuous improvement and align operational strategies with human resource capabilities to achieve long-term sustainable success.

Financial Strength of Agribusiness to Accelerate Responsible Investment for Sustainable Development

Objectives: Agribusiness plays a vital role in providing food security and food energy with contribution towards social and economic stability. The sustainable development goals of industry, innovation and infrastructure to build volatile innovative sustainable industries by ensuring responsible production. Responsible investment by enterprises for incorporating ESG environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliances for achieving sustainable development is contingent on financial sustainability. Methods: The study focuses on the financial strength of agribusiness to measure efficiency in building responsible investment practises for sustainable development. Result: The agribusiness companies listed in Indian recognised Stock exchange is analyzed for measuring key performance indicators of profitability, liquidity, efficiency and leverage from the period of its listing year to March 2020. Conclusion: The dramatic changes in business environment and trends influences agribusiness enterprises to adopt responsible investment for achieving invaluable sustainable competitive advantage.

Modification of regenerated cellulose fibres by cork-derived suberin and the cutin fraction from grape skins

Regenerated cellulose fibres from dissolving pulp are a versatile alternative to cotton fibres on the path to the sustainable textile industry. In this study, cellulose fibres obtained by the Ioncell-F® process (Ioncell fibres) were modified by adding 10 % (w/w) of suberin compounds isolated from cork (SUB) or a cutin fraction from grape skins (CUT) in the spinning dope. Although both SUB and CUT modified fibres revealed higher hydrophobicity than unmodified fibres, fibres doped with CUT showed better waterproof performance than those doped with SUB. This was explained by the better retention of CUT than SUB on the regenerated fibres and by the higher hydrophobicity of CUT. Differences in the strength properties of Ioncell fibres obtained by pilot-scale dry-jet wet spinning were related to their physical structure, whereas dirt repellence and susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis depended on the occurrence and amounts of retained CUT or SUB.

Effects of cashew nutshell extract inclusion into a high-grain finishing diet on methane emissions, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in beef steers.

By 2050, the U.S. beef industry must produce an extra 40 million tons of beef to satisfy the global demand. Such an increase in inventory will undoubtedly enhance methane (CH4) production from livestock, which should be reduced by over 20%. The addition of plant secondary metabolites, such as anacardic acid present in cashew nutshell extract (CNSE), has shown promising results in reducing CH4 yield, although its effects seemed to be diet dependent. This study evaluated the addition of CNSE to a high-grain diet (85:15 Grain: forage) on in vivo CH4 emissions, nutrients digestibility, performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal fermentation parameters of beef steers. Sixteen Angus crossbred steers [599 ± 40kg of bodyweight (BW)] and six ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (490 ± 51kg of BW) were utilized in a crossover design with 2 experimental periods of 56 d each, composed by 14 d of adaptation, 35 d of measurement, and 7 d of washout. Following adaptation, steers were sorted by BW, and assigned to receive no additive (CON) or CNSE at 5g/steer/d. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Inclusion of CNSE increased (P < 0.05) propionate concentration and molar proportion (MP; mol/100mol), tended to decrease acetate MP (P = 0.10), reduced the acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio (P = 0.05), and MP of branched chain volatile fatty acids (P < 0.01). Neither in vitro organic matter digestibility nor in vitro CH4 yield were affected by CNSE inclusion (P > 0.05). Steers receiving CNSE exhibited greater (P < 0.05) final BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG) but lesser (P < 0.05) in vivo CH4 emission rate (g/d), yield (g/kg of DMI), and intensity (g/kg of ADG). Meal length, bunk visit duration, and apparent total tract digestibility of DM increased (P < 0.05) after CNSE addition. Considering CNSE-supplemented steers spent more time in the feedbunk and exhibited higher DMI, CH4 mitigation was unlikely associated with intake reduction. The addition of CNSE to a high-grain diet in beef steers demonstrated significant improvements in animal performance and reduced CH4 emissions, as the result of shifts in ruminal fermentation patterns, favoring propionate instead acetate concentration, leading to a reduction in the A:P ratio. CNSE shows promise as a strategy to enhance beef industry sustainability.