Efficiency Of Use Research Articles

Nutrient extraction is related to stem diameter distribution, tissue concentration, and yield in an annually harvested Salix coppice

In plantations, nutrient extraction is likely to be higher with shorter rotations. This is because thinner stems have a higher proportion of nutrient-rich bark, and sapwood contains more nutrients than hardwood. Annual willow plantations may extract even more nutrients than long rotation forests. In short rotation forest systems, the diameter of the harvested stems may affect the amount of nutrients exported with the wood. The present study investigated the effect of stem diameter distribution on nutrient extraction and nutrient use efficiency (UE). Two Salix clones were planted at low or high densities, and irrigated or left rainfed. Stems were harvested annually, and three years after planting, N, P, K, and Ca concentrations in small, medium, and big stems were determined, as well as the proportion of each stem diameter class at harvest. N extraction was the highest, followed by Ca, K, and P extraction. Nutrient extraction and nitrogen use efficiency were influenced by the proportion of small, medium, and big stems. The clones showed differences in nutrient concentration and stem diameter distribution, and irrigation increased the proportion of large stems and nitrogen concentration. Although the NUE and PUE were not linearly related to yield, they were related to the distribution of stem diameter and nutrient concentration. Higher yield resulted in higher CaUE and KUE, but the extraction of these nutrients during harvest was fine-tuned by stem diameter distribution and tissue concentration. This highlights the significance of stem diameter distribution in assessing the nutrient costs of wood production for bioenergy.

Do blue light filter applications improve sleep outcomes? A study of smartphone users’ sleep quality in an observational setting

ABSTRACT Exposure to blue light at bedtime, suppresses melatonin secretion, postponing the sleep onset and interrupting the sleep process. Some smartphone manufacturers have introduced night-mode functions, which have been claimed to aid in improving sleep quality. In this study, we evaluate the impact of blue light filter application on decreasing blue light emissions and improving sleep quality. Participants in this study recorded the pattern of using their mobile phones through a questionnaire. In order to evaluate sleep quality, we used a PSQI questionnaire. Blue light filters were used by 9.7% of respondents, 9.7% occasionally, and 80% never. The mean score of PSQI was more than 5 in 54.10% of the participants and less than 5 in 45.90%. ANOVA test was performed to assess the relationship between using blue light filter applications and sleep quality (p-value = 0.925). The findings of this study indicate a connection between the use of blue light filter apps and habitual sleep efficiency in the 31–40 age group. However, our results align only to some extent with prior research, as we did not observe sustained positive effects on all parameters of sleep quality from the long-term use of blue light filtering apps. Several studies have found that blue light exposure can suppress melatonin secretion, exacerbating sleep problems. Some studies have reported that physical blue light filters, such as lenses, can affect melatonin secretion and improve sleep quality. However, the impact of blue light filtering applications remains unclear and debatable.

Effects of Rainfall Exclusion Treatment on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Black Locust in the Sub-Humid Region of the Loess Plateau, China.

The mesic-origin species Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) is widely planted in the semiarid and sub-humid areas of the Loess Plateau for the reforestation of vegetation-degraded land. Under the scenario of changing precipitation patterns, exploring the response of photosynthesis to drought allows us to assess the risk to sustainable development of these plantations. In this study, paired plots were established including the control and a treatment of 30% exclusion of throughfall (since 2018). The photosynthetic characteristics were investigated using a portable photosynthesis system for four periods in the full-leaf growing season of 2021-2022, the fourth and fifth years, on both treated and controlled sampling trees. Leaf gas exchange parameters derived from diurnal changing patterns, light response curves, and CO2 response curves showed significant differences except for period II (9-11 September 2021) between the two plots. The photosynthetic midday depression was observed in 2022 in the treated plot. Meanwhile, the decline of net photosynthetic rate in the treated plot was converted from stomatal limitation to non-stomatal limitation. Furthermore, we observed that black locust adapted to long-term water deficiency by reducing stomatal conductance, increasing water use efficiency and intrinsic water use efficiency. The results demonstrate that reduction in precipitation would cause photosynthesis decrease, weaken the response sensitivity to light and CO2, and potentially impair photosynthetic resilience of the plantations. They also provide insights into the changes in photosynthetic functions under global climate change and a reference for management of plantations.

The effects of high temperature and low humidity on crop water stress index of seed pumpkin plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) in semi-arid climate conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high temperature and low humidity on the crop water stress index (CWSI) of seed pumpkin plants grown under semi-arid climate conditions to determine the optimum irrigation time. This research unveils the critical impact of high temperature and low humidity on seed pumpkin growth, emphasizing the vital role of the CWSI in optimizing irrigation strategies and seed yield. Moreover, the relationship between CWSI, physiological parameters, and seed yield of the pumpkin was investigated. The mean CWSI values in the I70 (0.40) and I35 (0.56) treatments were 42% and 100% higher, respectively than those in the full irrigation (I100) treatment (0.28). While the I70 treatment showed manageable water stress with minimal impact, the I35 treatment experienced severe stress, significantly reducing crop growth and yield. The mean seed yield (SY) in the I70 treatment increased to 1245.2 kg ha–1 compared to I35 (903.3 kg ha–1) but remained lower than I100 (1339.3 kg ha–1). The CWSI had negative correlations (p ≤ 0.01) with seed yield, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index, while it had positive correlations with water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01). This study showed that pumpkins could be grown successfully at 30% water deficit conditions, and a water deficit higher than 30% may cause a significant seed yield loss in semi-arid climate conditions. In addition, the results highlight the importance of optimal irrigation and CWSI monitoring for informed irrigation decisions and sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, moderate water deficit (I70) can be adopted in pumpkin cultivation as an alternative to full irrigation.

Decreasing the environmental impact of carbon fibre production via microwave carbonisation enabled by self-assembled nanostructured coatings

The use of carbon fibre (CF)-based composites is of growing global importance due to their application in high-end sectors such as aerospace, automotive, construction, sports and leisure amongst others. However, their current high production cost, high carbon footprint and reduced production capability limit their use to high-performance and luxury applications. Approximately 50% of the total cost of CF production is due to the thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibre (PF) to CF as it involves the use of high energy consumption and low heating efficiency in large furnaces. Looking at this scenario, this study proposes in the present study to use microwave (MW) heating to convert PF to CF. This is scientifically and technologically challenging since PF does not absorb microwave energy. While MW plasma has been utilised to carbonise fibres, it is the high temperature from the plasma that does the carbonisation and not the MW absorption of the fibres. Therefore, for the first time, this research shows how carbonisation temperatures of >1000 °C can be reached in a matter of seconds through the use of a novel microwave (MW) susceptor nanocoating methodology developed via a layer-by-layer assembly of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the PF surface. Remarkably, these CFs can be produced in an inexpensive domestic microwave and exhibit mechanical performance equivalent to CF produced using conventional heating. Additionally, this study provides a life cycle and environmental impact analysis which shows that MW heating reduces the energy demand and environmental impact of lignin-based CF production by up to 66.8% and 69.5%, respectively.Graphical

Enhancement of Yield, Nitrogen use Efficiency, Production Economics of Fodder Oat through Selection of Appropriate Genotype and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Growing fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) genotype with high yielding potential with adequate nitrogen could enhance the fodder yield and quality to bridge the gap between demand and supply of green fodder. Therefore, an experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of different genotypes and nitrogen levels on yield, nitrogen use efficiency, production economics, and agro-meteorological parameters of fodder oat at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Six oat genotypes, viz., Kent, JO-07-28, OS-403, OS-6, HFO-904 and HFO-906, were sown with 40, 80 and 120 kg of nitrogen per hectare. The experiment was set up using a split-plot design, with three replications of the genotypes in the main plots and N levels in sub-plots. Results revealed that genotype JO-07-28 was significantly superior to Kent (check) with respect to green fodder yield whereas both were comparable to each other with respect to dry matter yield, crude protein content and yield. Kent showed maximum N, P and K uptake and heat use efficiency, helio-thermal and photo-thermal unit efficiency. However, genotype JO-07-28 yielded the highest net returns (Rs. 27421/ha), B:C ratio (1.85), and economic efficiency (Rs. 271/ha/day). Among other nitrogen levels, application of 120 kg N/ha recorded the maximum yields of green fodder (371 q/ha) and dry matter (91 q/ha), crude protein content and yield, N uptake, net returns (Rs. 23096/ha), B:C ratio (1.71) and economic efficiency (Rs. 231/ha/day) and heat use efficiency (7.60), helio-thermal and photo-thermal unit efficiency which were statistically equivalent to 80 kg N/ha. Genotype JO-07-28 and HFO-904 were the most N efficient genotype in terms of partial factor productivity of N fertilizer and nitrogen utilization efficiency, respectively. Enhancement in level of N application reduced the nitrogen use efficiency.

The impact of energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption on carbon emissions in G7 countries

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the impact of energy efficiency and renewable energy use on carbon emissions in G7 countries. The period examined covers the years 1971–2023. There are two important results. The first is the cointegration relationship between the variables. Accordingly, there is a long-run cointegration relationship between energy efficiency, renewable energy use and carbon emissions. The second is the direction and strength of this long-run relationship. When energy efficiency increases, carbon emissions decrease. This result is consistent with general expectations. On the other hand, there is a positive relationship between renewable energy consumption and carbon emissions. This result is not consistent with general expectations. The existence of a positive relationship between renewable energy consumption and carbon emissions is an issue that needs to be discussed.

Students’ appraisals post-ChatGPT use: Students’ narrative after using ChatGPT for writing

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the students’ experience with ChatGPT in providing scaffolding for writing essays. It also discloses students’ appraisals of utilising ChatGPT. Drawing upon data from semi-structured interviews, this study involved 12 students learning English as a Foreign Language who utilised ChatGPT in academic writing classes. The findings revealed that students derived advantages from using ChatGPT for translation, writing accuracy, writing efficiency, idea generation, and practical use. This study also reveals students’ criticism in terms of inaccurate information generated as well as the possibility of students committing academic dishonesty when using ChatGPT. This study indicates that although students use ChatGPT to help them write their essays, they have the awareness to fact-check the information to avoid committing academic dishonesty.

Penerapan Green Banking Pada Perbankan BUMN di Indonesia: Studi Kasus pada Perbankan BUMN yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) Tahun 2021-2022

The implementation of green banking is an effort to change the old paradigm of national development from a greedy economy to a green economy where the greedy economy is seen from the value of the gross domestic product which results in the exploitation of natural resources, while the green economy is economic growth that still pays attention to the 3Ps (people, profit and planets). The 3P concept is a sustainable development effort. Method: The research approach used is descriptive qualitative. According to Moleong (2005:6), qualitative research is research that intends to understand phenomena about what is experienced by research subjects, for example behavior, perceptions, motivations, actions, etc. holistically, and by means of descriptions in the form of words and language, on a special natural context and by utilizing various natural methods. Results: The research results show that the majority of state-owned banks in Indonesia have started steps towards implementing green banking. They have issued internal policies that support carbon emission reduction practices, such as the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Conclusion: the implementation of green banking in state-owned banking in Indonesia has progressed in the 2021-2022 period. Most state-owned banks have adopted practices of reducing carbon emissions, sustainable project financing, and developing environmentally friendly products and services. However, there are still challenges in implementing green banking, such as a lack of understanding and awareness of the benefits and business potential of this practice, as well as limited resources in implementing it widely.

Economic efficiency of feed use in milk production in agricultural enterprises of Ukraine

The article conducted comprehensive studies of the economic efficiency of using feed in milk production in Ukrainian agricultural enterprises. The principal value and natural indicators that characterize the productivity of feed use in dairy cattle breeding are defined. Based on the benchmarking technique, an assessment of the relative technological efficiency of the use of feed by the regions of Ukraine was carried out, and potential reserves of their reduction relative to the reference value of the indicator of feed consumption per 1 t of milk was established. The main measures to increase the economic efficiency of using feed in milk production in Ukraine's agricultural enterprises are proposed. According to the results of the study, it was established that the payment of feed in enterprises that produce milk in Ukraine for 2010-2023 increased from 2.5 to 17 UAH per 1 feed unit, which is due to the devaluation of the national currency during the studied period and partly due to the increase in technological efficiency use of fodder. In terms of US dollars, the feed payment for milk production during the same period increased from 0.31 to 0.51 dollars per 1 feed unit. As of the end of 2023, Ukrainian enterprises spent an average of 0.41 dollars of the cost of all types of feed to obtain 1 dollar of the cost of raw milk sold. Accordingly, for 1 dollar of the cost of fodder, enterprises produce and sell raw milk worth 2.41 dollars. It is essential to diversify milk sales channels with a partial focus on direct sales directly to the final consumer, taking into account the almost three-fold ratio between the level of retail and wholesale prices of milk sales. To increase the economic efficiency of the use of fodder in the dairy cattle industry of Ukraine, it is also necessary to implement a system of organizational and technological measures to improve the conditions of keeping, animal care, veterinary support, optimization of feeding rations, fodder storage conditions, implementation of cow productivity monitoring using specialized software.

Realizing Low-carbon and Climate-resilient Development on Aquaculture

Aquaculture production supports food security, and it is an important commodity for Indonesia's exports. Climate change determines the sustainability of aquaculture production. Low-carbon development is an effort to control the impact of climate change from a mitigation standpoint, while climate-resilience development is an adaptation. In order to realize sustainable aquaculture in a broad and long dimension and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is necessary to develop a low-carbon and climate-resilience development strategy. A descriptive analysis was carried out on a review of published literature to develop the concept of low-carbon and climate-resilience development in aquaculture. The keywords used in the literature search are the impact of climate change on aquaculture, low-carbon development, climate-resilience development, and achievement of the SDGs in aquaculture. The research that has been published mostly discusses the potential Green House Gas emissions (GHG) from aquaculture activities, is still very limited and explains efforts to mitigate and adapt aquaculture to climate change. Efficiency and use of alternative energy sources, increased productivity, feed efficiency and effectiveness, effluent management, disease control and water quality management, and superior seeds can be applied in low-carbon emission development. Meanwhile, climate-resilience development that can be implemented includes the implementation of Integrated Multi-Tropical Aquaculture (IMTA) and Regional Integrated Multi-Tropical Aquaculture (RIMTA), closed systems, and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), as well as ponds that integrate mangroves.

Fructose Regulation of Stomatal Movement and its Effects on the Photosynthetic System in Vicia faba L.

Background: Vicia faba L. is a significant grain legume that is rich in protein and nutrients. It is widely cultivated for human consumption and animal feed in temperate regions. As a signaling molecule, fructose is involved in many metabolic and developmental processes. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether fructose may increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in guard cells inducing stomatal closure and examine whether the exogenous application of fructose may regulate photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics. Methods: After approximately 4 weeks of sowing the treated broad bean seeds, the fully inflated leaves were used for experimental data collection including stomatal movement, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and ROS production in guard cells. Result: Fructose reduced stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal aperture of intact leaves, indicating that fructose can trigger stomatal closure in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the epidermal peels of the broad bean plant (Vicia faba L.). Meanwhile, fructose increased the photochemical efficiency, photosynthetic rate (Pn) and water use efficiency (WUE). Fructose-induced stomatal closure was associated with nitric oxide (NO), calcium ion (Ca2+), aquaporin and ROS.

Do rainfed production systems have lower environmental impact over irrigated production systems?: On -farm mitigation strategies

The intensive agriculture practices improved the crop productivity but escalated energy inputs (EI) and carbon foot print (CF) which contributes to global warming. Hence designing productive, profitable crop management practices under different production systems with low environmental impact (EI and CF) is the need of the hour. To identify the practices, quantification of baseline emissions and the major sources of emissions are required. Indian agriculture has diversified crops and production systems but there is dearth of information on both EI and CF of these production systems and crops. Hence the present study was an attempt to find hot spots and identify suitable strategies with high productivity, energy use efficiency (EUE) and carbon use efficiency (CUE). Energy and carbon balance of castor, cotton, chickpea, groundnut, maize, rice (both rainfed and irrigated), wheat, sugarcane (only irrigated), pigeon pea, soybean, sorghum, pearl millet (only rainfed) in different production systems was assessed. Field specific data on different crop management practices as well as grain and biomass yields were considered. Rainfed production systems had lower EI and CF than irrigated system. The nonrenewable sources of energy like fertilizer (64 %), irrigation (78 %), diesel fuel (75 %) and electricity (67 %) are the major source of energy input. Rainfed crops recorded higher CUE over irrigated condition. Adoption of technologies like efficient irrigation strategies (micro irrigation), enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (site specific nutrient management or slow release fertilizer), conservation agriculture (conservation or reduced tillage) rice cultivation methods (SRI or Direct seeded rice) were the mitigation strategies. These results will help policy makers and stake holders in adoption of suitable strategies for sustainable intensification.

The Development of the Ability to Solve Mathematical Problems and Academic Achievement Decimal Problem of Prathomsuksa6 Students Through Cooperative Learning Management STAD and KWDL Technique

The research aimed to achieve the following objectives: 1)Assess the effectiveness of cooperative learning management utilizing the STAD technique and KWDL technique among PrathomSuksa6 students in solving decimal problems, with a target of achieving a 75/75 criterion. 2) Enhance the problem-solving abilities of grade 6students in mathematics by implementing cooperative learning management using the combined STAD technique and KWDL technique, compared to a 75 percent criterion. 3) Improve the learning achievement in mathematics of grade 6 students in solving decimal problems through cooperative learning management, employing the STAD technique and KWDL technique, in line with a 75 percent criterion. The research was conducted with a selected group of 33 students from Prathomsuksa6/1, first semester, academic year 2022, at Ban Chiang Yuen School. The research tools employed were: 1) a cooperative learning plan incorporating the STAD and KWDL techniques, 2) a mathematics problem-solving ability test, and 3) a mathematics learning achievement test. Data analysis involved the use of percentage, mean, standard deviation, and efficiency (E1/E2).
 
 The findings of the study indicated the following: Cooperative learning management using the STAD technique and KWDL technique exhibited an efficiency of 76.14/75.45, satisfying the 75/75 criterion. The average mathematics score post-intervention was 75.76 percent, surpassing the 75 percent criterion. Mathematics learning achievement, as measured by the average score post-intervention, reached 75.45 percent, fulfilling the 75 percent criterion.

Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets protect Torreya grandis against root rot disease

Root rot is a soil-borne disease primarily caused by fungi. The malady not only decrease the ability of absorbing water and nutrients, but also severely threat agricultural productivity. Recently, a new family member of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide materials, MXene (Ti3C2Tx), has gained much interest as a promising approach to control fungi. However, the efficient use and mechanism of MXene in protecting plant against pathogenic fungus are still rarely reported. Here, the synthesized MXene were first characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). MXene application in soil obviously enhanced the root rot disease resistance of T. grandis. Soil microbial community analysis indicated that the abundance of Fusasium genus was decreased by 68.32% after MXene treatment. Further, MXene specially affected the permeability of Fusarium solani via damaging their cell membranes, thereby causing the disintegration and cell death of F. solani. In addition, MXene nanoflakes could transport into roots through T. grandis root air space, which resulted in the accumulation of lignin in roots via enhancing the expression and activities of lignin biosynthesis-related genes in T. grandis roots. Taken together, our finding pioneers comprehensive insights into the antifungal mechanism of MXene against F. solani and the efficiency use of MXene in protecting plant against pathogenic fungus, which will prompt the rapid development of nanotechnology in sustainable forestry.

Bacterial degradation of phenol: a review of the current state of knowledge

Phenol is a toxic and recalcitrant contaminant widely used in various industries, including petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries. Bacterial degradation of phenol is a promising method for treating phenol-contaminated wastewater. The biodegradation of phenol by bacteria can effectively remove it from the environment, making it a valuable alternative to traditional chemical treatment methods. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the bacterial biodegradation of phenol, including those in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical sectors, the metabolic pathways involved in phenol degradation, and the factors that influence the efficiency of phenol biodegradation. This paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of using bacteria for the biodegradation of phenol, including the need for further research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the process. The outcome of this review demonstrates that bacterial biodegradation is a promising and effective method for treating phenol-contaminated wastewater and provides a foundation for future research to improve the efficiency and continuous use of this process.

Evaluation and Selection of Bromegrass Genotypes under Phosphorus and Water Scarcity towards the Development of Resilient Agriculture Focusing on Efficient Resource Use

The relationship between phosphorus (P) availability and water restriction was explored in this study, focusing on its impact on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) in various bromegrass (Bromus spp.) genotypes. Under controlled conditions, five bromegrass genotypes, as well as one ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivar, were compared by subjecting them to two P levels and two watering regimes. It was determined that combining water and phosphorus limitations led to reduced plant productivity. Initially, the ryegrass outperformed the bromegrass, but this result declined over time, while bromegrass exhibited consistent stability. Notably, under P and water stress, enhanced root development was observed in bromegrass compared to that in ryegrass. Distinct patterns of PUE and WUE allowed for the categorization of bromegrass genotypes into three groups. Genotype 3457 emerged as the most efficient, scoring 20 out of 24, while Pro 94-49 A achieved a score of only 10 out of 24. This study suggests that the drought resilience of bromegrass may be linked to increased root growth during the early vegetative stages, which potentially facilitates improved P acquisition. However, further validation through long-term field experiments is needed. The insights from this study are potentially valuable for use in shaping plant breeding programs by revealing the plant adaptation mechanisms for both P and water absorption.

Construction of a novel mathematical model for predicting pesticide release in soil and its application in rice pest control

It is important to control and predict the release of pesticide to improve the utilization rate of pesticide and reduce environmental pollution. Sodium lignosulfonate/UIO-66-NH2 was constructed by cross-linking method as the model carrier, and thiamethoxam was used as the model pesticide to study and establish the mathematical model of thiamethoxam release in the indoor and the actual soil. The results suggested that the indoor and soil release kinetics of carriers follow the Weibull and Higuchi model respectively. To address the cumbersome and time-consuming of soil detection, linking the indoor and soil release behavior of the carrier, a novel mathematical model was established based on release kinetics model to predict the release of carrier in soil. Mathematical model had good accuracy in the error analysis, and its predicted release time of the carriers in soil was 48.74 d, which the actual time is 45 d. In addition, carries showed good biocompatibility in zebrafish and microbial toxicity tests, and was effective in reducing Cnaphalocrocis medinalis infestation in field trials. At 72 days, the leaf-curl rate of rice treated with carrier was only 12%, while that of pure thiamethoxam group was 34.9% This work provides theoretical support for the efficiency use of pesticides, making it possible for mathematical models to guide agricultural production.

Effect of Foreign Trade on the Economic Growth of Nepal

Foreign trade plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth through increasing innovation, efficiency, market expansion, and optimum use of resources. This paper attempts to deal with the effect of foreign trade on the economic growth of Nepal. This study is based on secondary data for the period of FY 1974/75 to 2021/22. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test is used to check the stationary of variables. The Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound testing approach has been applied to establish the long-run relationship between dependent variables: GDP and independent variables, i.e. export and imports. Similarly, an Error Correction Model (ECM) has been conducted to check the speed of correction of short-term fluctuations to the long-run equilibrium. This study found a positive relationship between exports and the GDP of Nepal. However, there is a negative relationship between GDP and imports in Nepal. The negative and significant value of the ECM coefficient explains the equilibrium in the long run, even though there are some fluctuations in the short run. For high economic growth, Nepal should make a proper balance between an export growth strategy and an import substitution policy in foreign trade.

A Review of the Preparation of Porous Fibers and Porous Parts by a Novel Micro-Extrusion Foaming Technique.

This review introduces an innovative technology termed "Micro-Extrusion Foaming (MEF)", which amalgamates the merits of physical foaming and 3D printing. It presents a groundbreaking approach to producing porous polymer fibers and parts. Conventional methods for creating porous materials often encounter obstacles such as the extensive use of organic solvents, intricate processing, and suboptimal production efficiency. The MEF technique surmounts these challenges by initially saturating a polymer filament with compressed CO2 or N2, followed by cell nucleation and growth during the molten extrusion process. This technology offers manifold advantages, encompassing an adjustable pore size and porosity, environmental friendliness, high processing efficiency, and compatibility with diverse polymer materials. The review meticulously elucidates the principles and fabrication process integral to MEF, encompassing the creation of porous fibers through the elongational behavior of foamed melts and the generation of porous parts through the stacking of foamed melts. Furthermore, the review explores the varied applications of this technology across diverse fields and imparts insights for future directions and challenges. These include augmenting material performance, refining fabrication processes, and broadening the scope of applications. MEF technology holds immense potential in the realm of porous material preparation, heralding noteworthy advancements and innovations in manufacturing and materials science.