Production Techniques Research Articles

In Vitro Evaluation of Ruminal Fermentation and Methane Production in Response to the Addition of Modified Nano-Bentonite with or Without Saccharomyces cerevisiae to a Forage-Based Diet

Modified nano-clays, alone or combined with probiotics, may offer a novel and sustainable approach to improve ruminal fermentation and mitigate CH4 emissions in high-fiber diets. This study evaluated the properties and effects of modified nano-bentonite (MNB), with or without yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), compared to natural bentonite (NB) and monensin, using the in vitro gas production (GP) technique. The substrate used was a basal diet composed primarily of forage (Trifolium alexandrinum clover) in a 70:30 forage-to-concentrate ratio. The treatments were a control group receiving the basal diet without additives; a monensin-added diet containing 40 mg/kg of dry matter (DM); a yeast-added diet with Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 2 × 108 CFU/g of DM; a NB clay-added diet at 5 g/kg of DM; and MNB diets added at two levels (0.5 g/kg of DM (MNBLow) and 1 g/kg of DM (MNBHigh)), with or without S. cerevisiae. MNB showed a smaller particle size and improved properties, such as higher conductivity, surface area, and cation exchange capacity, than NB. Sulfur and related functional groups were detected only in MNB. No differences were observed in total GP, while both the monensin diet and the MNBHigh-with-yeast diet significantly reduced CH4 emissions compared to the control (p < 0.05). The MNBHigh-without-yeast combination significantly (p < 0.05) reduced hemicellulose degradation, as well as total protozoal counts, including Isotricha and Epidinium spp. (p < 0.05), compared to the control. Ammonia levels did not differ significantly among treatments, while NB and MNBHigh diets tended to have (p = 0.063) the highest short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. These findings suggest the potential modulatory effects of yeast and MNB on rumen fermentation dynamics and CH4 mitigation.

Cognitive control states and traits modulate lexical competition during word production.

Word production often involves resolving competition between multiple activated word candidates. This study investigated how cognitive control states and traits modulate lexical competition during production, combining behavioral and fMRI techniques. Cognitive control states were manipulated using a Stroop-embedded picture naming task, while lexical competition was manipulated via name agreement of pictures to be named. Cognitive control traits were measured using the AX version of the Continuous Performance, Flanker, and Simon tasks. Behaviorally, higher lexical competition was associated with worse naming responses, while Stroop conflict trials facilitated the subsequent picture naming. Neuroimaging results revealed greater activation in language-specific regions and domain-general multiple demand (MD) regions during higher lexical competition, reflecting their integrated role in managing cognitive demand. Neurally, transient cognitive control states did interact with lexical competition, albeit through competing mechanisms. Effective connectivity analyses further identified direct effects of MD regions on the activation of language regions. Additionally, individuals with lower cognitive control ability recruited additional neural domain-general resources to maintain the same level of performance as individuals with higher control ability. Overall, the results highlight how cognitive control states and traits dynamically modulate word production, through the interaction between domain-general and language networks.

The Strategic Role of Muğla Province in Olive and Olive Oil Production in Türkiye

Muğla is one of Türkiye’s most important olive-producing regions and has preserved its value from past to present through olive and olive oil production. The region’s Mediterranean climate and fertile soils have supported the development of olive cultivation in Muğla. The historical relationship between Muğla and olives dates back to ancient times, during which olives have served both as a livelihood for the local population and as a cultural heritage element. Muğla’s significance in olive production can be understood from its position as one of the leading provinces in Türkiye’s overall olive output. In particular, districts such as Milas, Menteşe, Yatağan, Bodrum, and Fethiye contribute greatly to olive production. The region’s olive oils are in demand in both national and international markets due to their high quality. When production data is examined, Muğla holds a significant share within Türkiye’s total olive production, a contribution that reinforces the country’s standing in global olive production. While Türkiye ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of olive output, Muğla’s role in this success is undeniable. The olive oils produced in Muğla are registered as geographically indicated products and stand out as high value-added goods. Beyond olive oil, by-products of olives are also utilized in various industries, contributing to the regional economy. However, olive producers face several challenges, including climate change, rising costs, marketing difficulties, and the transition to sustainable production techniques. In this context, providing technical support to producers, developing more efficient marketing strategies, and minimizing environmental impacts are of great importance to ensure the sustainability of olive farming. In conclusion, Muğla's olive production stands out due to its significant contribution to Türkiye’s olive sector and the value its olive oil brings to the global market. Nevertheless, considering the challenges faced by producers, a transition toward more sustainable and efficient production systems is essential.

Urban Organic Farming: Growing Food Sustainably in Cities

The global expansion in urbanization is posing serious challenges to our food systems. As cities expand and agricultural land is exhausted, there is a pressing need for innovative and sustainable food production techniques. Urban organic gardening has becoming more and more popular as a possible solution to these issues. Small land plots, roofs, vertical gardens, and public spaces are all used in urban organic farming to promote sustainable lifestyles. It assists communities to re-establish a connection with nature, and produce nutritious food. Growing crops and raising cattle within a city's borders using organic practices is known as urban organic farming. It entails cultivating food in urban environments, including rooftop gardens, communal gardens, vertical buildings, and other small urban land plots. The objective is to grow food in a sustainable manner without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In nations where there is an increasing demand for food and a need for greater space, the practice is becoming more and more common. Because of these factors, urban farming is also thriving in India. Furthermore, a number of programs in India are encouraging urban farming and addressing the country's growing food needs.

Sustainable production of bacterial nanocellulose from date fruit waste using Bacillus haynesii for waste valorisation and crystal violet dye removal

Growing concerns about pollution caused by industrial and agricultural wastes have increased interest in converting waste materials into useful products. Bacterial nanocellulose has garnered global interest due to its environmentally friendly production, excellent mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, making it a promising material for various industries. This study explores the production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) by Bacillus strains utilizing fruit waste as a sustainable carbon source. Six potential BNC-producing Bacillus strains were isolated and identified. Among them, Bacillus haynesii showing the highest BNC productivity. A Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize cost-effective technique for BNC production. Key factors like temperature, date waste extract percentage, and initial pH level influencing bacterial cellulose production by Bacillus haynesii were optimized. The highest BNC productivity with a value of 2.6 g/L was obtained under optimized conditions of 29 °C, 15% date waste extract, and pH 6. The glass transition temperature of the bacterial nanocellulose ranged from 21.51 to 42.06 °C, with a low negative charge for colloidal stability. Moreover, crystal violet elimination experiments revealed efficient dye removal (84.7%) with adsorbent concentrations of 2 mg/L and a contact time of 60 min. This study concluded that the Bacillus haynesii 9.1AP strain is a promising candidate for sustainable BNC production. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the initial documentation of Bacillus haynesii’s capability for BNC production, highlighting its potential in environmental and industrial applications, particularly in dye adsorption.

Application of 3D digital technology in design practices within the circular fashion system: Implications for sustainability

This study provides a systematic review of the application of 3D digital technologies (3DDT) in fashion design practice. The aim is to analyze how 3DDT alters traditional design processes and its effect on sustainability within the circular fashion system (CFS), exploring its core role and offering theoretical support and practical guidance for decision-makers and stakeholders in the fashion industry. The study addresses two key questions. 1. How does 3DDT apply to change design practices processes and enhance sustainability? 2. Within the CFS, what key challenges can 3DDT address to advance sustainability? Through a review of 30 peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2024, the research highlights how 3DDT facilitating the advancement of different CFS prototypes by facilitating design–production integration, diverse applications of sustainable materials, optimizing resource utilization, improving design accuracy, and enhancing communication. It demonstrates 3DDT’s unique ability to break down barriers between the barrier between abstract thinking and visualized feedback, bridging the gap between creative visions, actual production materials and techniques, and consumption realities, thus fostering collaboration and communication among participants such designers, manufacturers, and consumers. By, 3DDT enhances the sustainable effect of design practices within the CFS, providing strong technical support for sustainable design–production decision-making in the fashion industry.

Consumer Insights Tracker End of Year Report (Insights From April 2024 to March 2025)

This report presents the findings from the Consumer Insights Tracker which is an online monthly tracking survey commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The survey monitors the behaviour and attitudes of consumers aged 16+ in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in relation to food. This report presents an overview of key findings from April 2024 to March 2025. Where appropriate, longer-term trends over the full tracking period (from July 2023) are presented. Food prices remained the top prompted concern for respondents throughout the year, ranging from 86% - 88% reporting concern each month. Although worries about household food affordability declined slightly, one in five (21%) respondents reported worry about this in March 2025. The proportion reporting certain money-saving shopping behaviours such as choosing cheaper brands and buying discounted items also declined over the year. The proportion saying they had engaged in potentially risky food safety behaviours to reduce energy costs varied slightly (21% - 28%), with a peak in December 2024 (28%). Worries about food availability remained relatively stable (19% - 24%), as did overall confidence in the food supply chain (58% - 63%). Among those with some knowledge of the FSA and what it does, trust in the FSA fluctuated (56% - 65%), peaking at 65% in July 2024. Awareness of novel foods and food production techniques varied, with around seven in ten saying they had heard of lab-grown meat (72%), but only around half saying they had heard of cell-cultivated products and cell-cultivated meat (both 52%).

EVALUATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS PROCESSING ENTERPRISES IN AZERBAIJAN AND DIRECTIONS OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT

Agriculture, as one of the key sectors of economic activity, provides the world’s population with food, raw materials, and various other resources. It is this sector that supplies people with essential products vital for daily existence, including grains, meat, fruits, vegetables, milk, and other food items. Without the agricultural industry, feeding the entire planet would be impossible, and many people would face hunger. Additionally, agriculture serves as the foundation for the production of many goods, such as paper, textiles, plastics, and cosmetics, most of which are made from plant raw materials sourced from this sector. It is clear that agricultural products act as a raw material base for many processing enterprises. Instead of exporting these products as raw materials, utilizing them domestically can make a significant contribution to the national economy. Thus, the expansion of processing enterprises in the agricultural sector will lead to an increase in budget revenues, a higher volume of exports of finished products, the creation of new jobs, and, most importantly, an improvement in the self-sufficiency of the country’s population in essential food products, thereby enhancing food security. All of this demonstrates the significant importance of developing and expanding processing enterprises in the agricultural sector. Relevance of the topic: In a number of dominant countries around the world, agriculture, as an important sector of the economy, not only provides the population with basic food products but also offers other opportunities. Agriculture is one of the main sources of employment. The availability of jobs is a crucial factor for the development of specific regions within a country, contributing to the improvement of economic stability and the standard of living in these areas. Agriculture actively stimulates the development of science and technology, including biotechnology, genetic research, the development of fertilizers and pesticides, and new methods of soil cultivation, all of which help increase productivity and improve crop quality. It plays a crucial role in ensuring global sustainable development, as it is vital for the stable progress of humanity. For example, this may include the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, which can be achieved by reducing the use of chemicals and water in crop rotation and adopting sustainable farming methods—one of the environmentally friendly production techniques. Therefore, evaluating the current state of agricultural processing enterprises and continuously investigating development directions is one of the main research objectives. The purpose of the article is to determine the role played by enterprises operating in the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan and engaged in the processing of agricultural products in the country’s economy, to evaluate the current state of their activities and influencing factors. Additionally, the article aims to justify the role of the state in the development of these enterprises, review the mechanisms of state support, strengthen competitiveness for the expansion of their activities, investigate the directions for expanding market opportunities, and provide recommendations on all of these aspects. Research methods: grouping, generalization, systematic approach, development dynamics, synthesis and analysis, comparative analysis, factor analysis, economic-statistical analysis Scientific innovation: The article justifies the need to reveal and evaluate the economic potential of processing enterprises in the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan, with certain methodological principles serving as the foundation. It emphasizes the need to increase the efficiency of utilizing economic potential and develop a strategy for the development of processing enterprises, adopting a systematic approach. It has been determined that the sustainable development strategy of the enterprises studied aligns with the general development strategy of the industry, the region, and the country’s economy as a whole.

POTMEC: A Novel Power Optimization Technique for Mobile Edge Computing Networks

The rapid growth of ultra-dense mobile edge computing (UDEC) in 5G IoT networks has intensified energy inefficiencies and latency bottlenecks exacerbated by dynamic channel conditions and imperfect CSI in real-world deployments. This paper introduces POTMEC, a power optimization framework that combines a channel-aware adaptive power allocator using real-time SNR measurements, a MATLAB-trained RL model for joint offloading decisions and a decaying step-size algorithm guaranteeing convergence. Computational offloading is a productive technique to overcome mobile battery life issues by processing a few parts of the mobile application on the cloud. It investigated how multi-access edge computing can reduce latency and energy usage. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed model reduces transmission energy consumption by 27.5% compared to baseline methods while maintaining the latency below 15 ms in ultra-dense scenarios. The simulation results confirm a 92% accuracy in near-optimal offloading decisions under dynamic channel conditions. This work advances sustainable edge computing by enabling energy-efficient IoT deployments in 5G ultra-dense networks without compromising QoS.

Enhancing melatonin biosynthesis in crops through synthetic genetic circuits: A strategy for nutritional fortification in soybean and stress resistance in cotton.

Melatonin has gained considerable prominence in the treatment of insomnia that significantly impacts one-third of the global population. The production of melatonin remains challenging due to limitations in current methods. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing more efficient and innovative production techniques. Here, we demonstrated the potential of crop seeds as a platform for melatonin synthesis by engineering multiple BUFFER genetic circuits using synthesized transcriptional regulators, which enhance expression precision, orthogonality and thresholds. Biofortified soybeans exhibited a 31-fold increase in melatonin content compared to standard Williams 82, without detrimental impact on yield. Protein content was elevated, oil content reduced and the soybeans were suitable for post-harvest processing. Furthermore, plants enriched in endogenous melatonin exhibited stronger resilience to adversity, evidenced by improved salinity tolerance in soybean seeds and increased resistance to Verticillium dahliae in cotton. Our research paves the way for the synthesis of target compounds in staple crops using synthetic genetic circuits, facilitating the development of novel biofortified crops to increase nutritional availability and environmental adaptability in the upcoming new era of agriculture.

Fractal Feature of Manufactured Sand Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Based on MIP

To alleviate environmental pressures, manufactured sand (MS) are increasingly being used in the production of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) due to their consistent supply and environmental benefits. However, manufactured sand properties are critically influenced by processing and production techniques, resulting in substantial variations in fundamental characteristics that directly impact UHPC matrix pore structure and ultimately compromise performance. Traditional testing methods inadequately characterize UHPC’s pore structure, necessitating multifractal theory implementation to enhance pore structural interpretation capabilities. In this study, UHPC specimens were fabricated with five types of MS exhibiting distinct properties and at varying water to binder (w/b) ratios. The flowability, mechanical strength, and pore structure of the specimens were systematically evaluated. Additionally, multifractal analysis was conducted on each specimen group using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) data to characterize pore complexity. SM-type sands have a more uniform distribution of pores of different scales, better pore structure and matrix homogeneity due to their finer particles, moderate stone powder content, and better cleanliness. Both excessively high and low stone powder content, as well as low cleanliness, will lead to pore aggregation and poor closure, degrading the pore structure.

Effects of 2, 4- Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and 2, 3, 5 - Triiodobenzoic Acid on Callus Induction of Selected Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

Maize (Zea mays L.) anther culture is a promising technique for rapid doubled haploid production, but its efficiency is constrained by genotype dependency and low callus induction rates. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of various concentrations and combinations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with kinetin or Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) alone on callus induction across five maize genotypes commonly used in Myanmar’s breeding programs, and (2) assess genotypic differences in androgenic response. An experimental approach was employed using Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with varying concentrations and combinations of 2,4-D plus kinetin or NAA, and TIBA alone. Callus formation was monitored over eight weeks, and data were analyzed to determine the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and genotype on induction rates. Significant differences were observed among genotypes and PGR treatments, with Yezin 14, C7, and D6 exhibiting the highest frequency of late uninucleate microspores and superior callus induction. The combination of 2,4-D (2.0 mg L⁻¹) plus kinetin (1.5 mg L⁻¹) produced the highest callus induction rate of 19.44% in Yezin 14. TIBA, when used alone, also stimulated callus formation, although it often resulted in increased watery callus. Chi-square analysis confirmed that both genotype and PGR treatment significantly influenced callus induction efficiency (p < 0.05). Therefore, the optimization of these factors—genotype,and plant growth regulators—is essential for improving the efficiency and reproducibility of maize anther culture protocols.These findings highlight the importance of optimizing genotype-specific protocols and the balance of hormones to enhance androgenesis in maize. The results provide valuable insights for improving doubled haploid production in Myanmar’s maize breeding programs, contributing to more efficient and rapid cultivar development. Future research focusing on refining hormone combinations and exploring molecular mechanisms underlying genotype-specific responses could further enhance anther culture success, ultimately accelerating maize breeding and contributing to food security.

Enhancement of Electrical Conductivity of Graphene-Coated Glass Slides via Sulfuric Acid Chemical Passivation: A Systematic Study Using the Four-Point Probe Method

Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising material for electrochemical applications due to its high surface area and functional tunability. However, its inherent electrical resistance—caused by abundant oxygen-containing groups—limits its use in high-performance energy devices. Enhancing its conductivity is essential to unlock its full potential, especially in supercapacitor electrodes. This study demonstrates that sulfuric acid chemical passivation significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of graphene-coated glass slides, with the optimal effect observed at a concentration of 0.6 M. At this concentration, the samples exhibit the lowest resistivity and stable thickness, indicating improved uniformity and minimal structural degradation. However, higher concentrations (0.7 M–0.9 M) lead to over-passivation, causing a decline in conductivity and signs of material degradation. These findings highlight 0.6 M H₂SO₄ as the most effective concentration for boosting graphene’s conductive properties through a simple and scalable post-treatment process. This report delves into the fundamental properties of graphene, the methodology of the four-point probe method for characterization, the underlying mechanisms of sulfuric acid passivation, and recent breakthroughs in scalable graphene production and post-treatment techniques, including key materials and challenges.

Structural and hydraulic changes in grape shoot xylem under different root zone volumes

Root zone restriction, an efficient cultivation technique in grape production, alters the morphology and function of both the root system and the above-ground parts. The xylem serves as a crucial conduit connecting the root system to the above-ground structures, facilitating the transport of water and nutrients. However, there is currently limited research on how root zone restriction affects the structure and function of the xylem. In this study, two-year-old 'Shine Muscat' grapevines were planted in six containers of varying volumes to investigate the growth and anatomical structure of their shoots, particularly focusing on vessel structure and hydraulic conductivity in the shoots’ xylem. The results indicate that a decrease in container volume leads to a decrease in shoot growth and xylem vessel size. Changes in root zone volume significantly affected the water conduction in the upper shoots. The isolation of xylem vessel elements revealed that a reduction in root volume decreased the proportion of wider vessel elements (d > 150 μm) and those with single perforation plates, but increased the inclination angle of the end walls of the vessel elements. Consequently, the restriction of root zone volume resulted in longer and narrower vessels in the shoots, a decrease in ratio of the single perforation plates, and an increase in the end wall tilt angle. These structural changes heightened transport resistance and consequently inhibited shoot growth. This study elucidated how root zone volume influences the growth of grape shoots in terms of changes to the structure of xylem vessels, thereby opening up new avenues for the management of grape cultivation.

Development of Advanced Hybrid Modeling Techniques for Liquid Production Forecasting in Waterflooded Reservoirs Using Historical Injection and Production Data

Summary In this study, we examine interwell connectivity (IWC) in waterflooding operations, a critical factor for assessing the efficiency of production and injection well connections. Understanding IWC is essential for evaluating flooding effectiveness and predicting future production rates. While reservoir simulation provides detailed insights, it requires an extensive input data set. Forecasting future production rates using only historical injection and production data as sole inputs, without incorporating information on reservoir characteristics (such as porosity and permeability), fluid pressure/volume/temperature properties (density, viscosity, formation volume factors, and solution gas/oil ratio), or rock-fluid interaction data [like special core analysis (SCAL) data] is a formidable challenge in reservoir engineering. To address this, the capacitance-resistance method (CRM) emerges as a prominent reduced-physics model. Despite its utility, basic CRM may produce inaccurate forecasts due to assumptions such as a constant productivity index (PI) and pseudosteady-state flow. We performed a comparative analysis of various models in this study, with the aim of predicting liquid production rates based solely on historical water injection rates data. Our investigation involved scrutinizing assumptions and identifying deficiencies in each approach, offering a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations associated with modeling waterflood production scenarios and implementing various modifications. A variety of pure data-driven methods (models that rely entirely on data without incorporating any physics-based constraints) were utilized, specifically modern deep-learning time-series techniques like recurrent neural networks (RNNs), to predict liquid production rates by training the model to learn the relationship between injectors and producers purely from the historical injection and production data. Furthermore, physics-informed data-driven methods—specifically sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy) and physics-informed neural network (PINN) methods (modified from their actual forms to suit specific problems and niche applications)—were trained with physics-based constraints to control the degrees of freedom in the optimization. The observations of this study indicate that the use of augmented PINNs is the best-performing method in terms of accuracy, leading to its selection as our final solution. It demonstrated superior accuracy compared with conventional CRM approaches, offering simplicity, computational efficiency, and scalability for large data sets. In addition, we developed an algorithm to screen outliers in injection and production rates during training, improving model health checks. This research significantly contributes to enhancing the understanding of IWC and improving the precision of liquid production rate forecasts in waterflooding scenarios. Keywords IWC, Deep-Learning, Waterflood, SINDy, Machine Learning, CRM, PINNs, Forecasting, RNN

Optimization of Spray Drying Conditions for Production of Functional Goat Milk Powder Enriched with Pomegranate Peel Extract (Punica granatum L.)

Background: Pomegranate peel, a by-product of juice processing, is rich in bioactive compounds. Encapsulating its extract offers potential applications in food processing. Milk serves as an excellent carrier for such bioactive compounds due to its widespread consumption. Unlike cow milk, goat milk is more nutritious and provides additional health benefits. However, milk proteins lack phenolic compounds, making supplementation with pomegranate peel extract beneficial. Spray drying is a widely used, cost-effective encapsulation technique for functional food production. Methods: This study aimed to optimize the addition of maltodextrin and the inlet temperature in the spray drying process to produce functional goat milk powder. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed. The independent variables included maltodextrin concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%) and inlet temperatures (160oC, 180oC, 200oC). The response variables were total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, solubility, hygroscopicity, bulk density and whiteness. The optimized functional goat milk powder was further characterized. Result: The optimal conditions were determined as 12.10% maltodextrin concentration and an inlet temperature of 178.98oC. The resulting functional goat milk powder exhibited total phenolic content of 272.11 mg GAE/g, antioxidant activity of 55.36%, solubility of 95.55%, hygroscopicity of 1.91%, bulk density of 0.46 g/mL and whiteness of 76.89. Characteristics of optimized functional goat milk powder revealed water content of 3.85%, fat content of 26.76% and protein content of 31.23%. FTIR analysis identified the presence of a C=C functional group at absorption bands 1680.73 cm-1 and 480.38 cm-1. SEM analysis showed agglomerated small particles, while Particle Size Analysis (PSA) indicated a monomodal distribution with an average particle size of 6.2293 μm.

Investigation of wire arc additive manufacturing of cylindrical components by using cold metal transfer arc welding process

This study investigates the use of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) with the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) process to fabricate high-quality cylindrical components from ER308L stainless steel. The primary objectives are to assess the mechanical properties—such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness—while also exploring the metallurgical characteristics, including microstructure and grain size across different sections of the components. A detailed microstructural analysis reveals the uniformity and integrity of the components, with findings indicating a clear link between microstructural features and mechanical performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, are employed to study the microstructure and failure mechanisms of the samples. The WAAM-CMT method produces components with high density and minimal defects, making them well-suited for a range of industrial applications, including cylindrical shells or housings in the marine and defense sectors, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers that require corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials. Additionally, the research highlights the cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency of WAAM, positioning it as a practical alternative for large-scale manufacturing in response to the growing demand for innovative production techniques. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of WAAM to address challenges in modern industry and contributes to advancing additive manufacturing technologies.

The Socioeconomic Implications of Biofuel Production and Environmental Sustainability: Myth or Reality

The most essential issue that is being debated around the world is energy. Environmental friendliness of energy sources is a crucial differentiating feature. The fundamental goal of renewable energy is to promote economic development, improve energy security, increase energy access, and reduce climate change. Sustainable development can be achieved through the use of renewable energy and assuring citizens' access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and contemporary energy. As a strategy of combating climate change, Bioenergy has gained widespread acceptance. It is pollution-free and free from carbon emission. It is the practical alternative to fossil fuels. Biofuels are growing in popularity as a sustainable, renewable energy source that might reduce a country's reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase energy self-sufficiency. Contrast to the limited supply, geopolitical unpredictability, and negative global repercussions of fossil fuel energy, it is becoming increasingly obvious that biofuels may be a practical source of renewable energy. Due to the high cost of production and chemical transformation processes, commercial biofuel production on a wide scale has not yet been achieved. Therefore, commercializing biomass-based biofuels requires an effective and cost-effective production technique. This article emphasizes an overview of renewable and sustainability for biofuel. Increasing the use of biofuels in developing countries is currently risky and uncertain due to unanticipated effects on food and biological resources. To achieve a more equitable balance between sustainability and the needs of the nation, the researcher will highlight the consequences on biological diversity and food for biofuel expansion in this chapter.

Evaluation of pixel sensors produced with a commercial 150 nm CMOS process for the CMS Phase-2 upgrade

The CMS experiment will undergo a major upgrade to prepare for the High-Luminosity phase of the LHC. Within the context of this upgrade, studies on a novel passive sensor production technique for hybrid pixel detectors were performed. The sensors were produced using a commercial CMOS process with a feature size of 150 nm that enables the use of stitching to produce large sensors out of different sub-reticles of 11.5 × 9.6 mm2. This provides the possibility to produce sensors larger than the size of a reticle of ∼3 × 2 cm2 while retaining the small feature sizes enabled through projection lithography. Additionally, the use of commercial production lines enables higher throughput and is potentially less expensive with the possibility to process larger wafers than with contact lithography techniques, which is currently commonly used in High-Energy physics. To evaluate this novel sensor production process, two large prototyping campaigns were performed for the CMS Phase-2 Inner Tracker. This includes the production of large sensors with a size of up to ∼4 × 4 cm2 and a pixel pitch of 25 × 100 µm2. The sensors were bump-bonded to CROC read-out chips and irradiated to a non-ionizing radiation dose of up to 1 × 1016 1 MeV neq/cm2. Both, before and after the irradiation campaign, the sensors were tested in test beam environments. The prototyping campaigns have shown, that sensors produced with a commercial 150 nm LFoundry CMOS process fulfill the performance requirements for CMS Phase-2 Inner Tracker and are a promising candidate, for current and future detectors. In this report, a summary of the prototyping campaign is presented, including the yield of the sensor production, the performance of the sensors and a comparison of their detection efficiency before and after irradiation.

Advancing Green and Sustainable Chemistry: Importance and Applications in Human Life

Green and sustainable chemistry is a rapidly developing field dedicated to creating chemical processes and products that minimize environmental harm, minimize waste, and optimize resource use. There has never been more demand for sustainable solutions because of rising concerns about pollution, climate change, and resource scarcity. This field incorporates fundamental principles such as utilizing renewable resources, minimizing hazardous chemicals, enhancing energy efficiency, and designing biodegradable, non-toxic materials. Green chemistry (GC) is essential across diverse sectors, that includes agriculture, pharmaceuticals, materials science, along with energy production. Its implementation seeks to not only lessen the negative impacts of conventional chemical processes but also drive advancements in cleaner production techniques. These include the adoption of green solvents, biocatalysts, and renewable raw materials. By integrating such sustainable approaches, industries can achieve both economic success and environmental protection. GC is essential to addressing global concerns that include pollution control, resource conservation, and transition to a circular economy. This paper underscores significance of GC in key areas such as healthcare, agriculture, industry, and energy. Embracing GC principles supports economic progress, environmental stewardship, and public health improvements. Embedding sustainability into chemical research and industrial operations contributes to long-term ecological balance and resource efficiency. Additionally, this paper explores the obstacles to the widespread adoption of green chemistry and proposes strategies to overcome these challenges, ensuring broader implementation for a more sustainable world.