Value-added Opportunities Research Articles

Supply Chain Analysis of Pineapple in Sta. Maria, Laguna, Philippines

The pineapple industry is a crucial sector in Philippine agriculture, with the country ranking as the second-largest global producer as of 2019. This study analyzes the supply chain dynamics of pineapples in Sta. Maria, Laguna, focusing on key players: farmers, traders (viajeros, wholesalers and retailers), and consumers. Data were gathered through survey questionnaires from 100 respondents, comprising 35 farmers, 35 traders, and 30 consumers, primarily aged 20-40 years. Farmers cultivate the Hawaiian variety using traditional methods such as "tanim isa" (single-row planting), with Ethrel commonly applied for flower induction. However, persistent bottlenecks hinder efficiency across the chain. Farmers face pest infestations, poor crop quality, post-harvest losses, and vulnerability to natural calamities, while traders struggle with transportation costs, pineapple rotting, and inconsistent supply. Limited access to training and value-adding opportunities further constrains farmers' profitability, while traders, who add Php5-20 per pineapple as profit, capture a larger share of the market value. Despite these challenges, the industry remains resilient, with opportunities for growth through improved infrastructure, capacity-building programs, and value-added product development. Addressing these bottlenecks is essential in creating a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable pineapple supply chain in Sta. Maria, Laguna.

Rice bran and rice bran oil production perspective in Bangladesh: a review.

Rice, a staple food in Bangladesh, produces substantial quantities of rice bran as a by-product, offering considerable potential for advancing agriculture. While rice bran holds value, traditional uses like poultry feed and landfilling remain prevalent despite growing interest in its broader applications. This article explores the current status, stabilization methods, oil extraction techniques, and opportunities and challenges associated with rice bran utilization in Bangladesh. It identifies untapped value-added products, such as biofuel and industrial materials, and discusses the technological and socio-economic barriers hindering their development. It compares modern applications such as oil extraction, pharmaceuticals, and food production with more conventional practices. The study highlights untouched value-added opportunities, including biofuel and industrial materials, which face technological and socio-economic challenges. With around 4.87 million tons of rice brans projected for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, it emphasizes effective strategies to reduce postharvest losses, improve bran stabilization, and maximize oil yields. The article advocates targeted research, advanced techniques, and policy reforms to enhance rice bran's economic potential. Bangladesh benefits its agricultural economy and public health by optimizing rice bran management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Sustainable Approach to the Comprehensive Analysis of the Nutrient Content and Phytochemical Profile of Industrial Food Waste

This research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the nutrient content and phytochemical profile of industrial food waste, focusing on key elements including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbon, and hydrogen, as well as bioactive compounds. The study involves the characterization of various types of food waste streams to elucidate their nutritional composition and bioactive compound content. Analytical techniques such as NPK analysis, carbon and hydrogen analysis, and phytochemical qualitative analysis are employed to quantify and identify the presence of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds in the waste excrement materials. Additionally, present paper explores the potential value-added opportunities through product development using extracted bioactive compounds. Perspectives from recent research that advance knowledge of industrial food waste as a valuable resource for nutrient recovery and bioactive compound extraction, thereby fostering sustainable food waste management practices and promoting the development of value-added products for various industries.

Identity preserved plant molecular farming offers value-added opportunity for farmers.

Bulk commodity row crop production in the United States is frequently subject to narrow profit margins, often complicated by weather, supply chains, trade, and other factors. Farmers seeking to increase profits and hedge against market volatility often seek to diversify their operations, including producing more lucrative or productive crop varieties. Recombinant plants producing animal or other non-native proteins (commonly referred to as plant molecular farming) present a value-added opportunity for row crop farmers. However, these crops must be produced under robust identity preserved systems to prevent comingling with bulk commodities to maintain the value for farmers, mitigate against market disruptions, and minimize any potential food, feed, or environmental risks.

Sludge-derived biochar as an additive in cement mortar: Mechanical strength and life cycle assessment (LCA)

Given the growing concern about environmental contamination risks, the management of sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants is becoming more challenging. Thus, alternative pathways that offer value-added opportunities with minimal environmental impacts are needed. This study investigates the use of 0.52 wt% biochar (BC) powders generated from the pyrolysis of the SS in an N2 or CO2 environment, as an additive in cement mortar mixtures. The effect of dry and pre-wetted BC on the fresh properties, phase formation, compressive and tensile strength properties of cement mortar mixtures were assessed. Thereafter, life cycle assessment (LCA) of Plain and BC-modified mortar mixtures were evaluated, and the environmental impacts arising thereof were quantified. Results showed that whereas the BC had an infinitesimal effect on mix fresh properties, it caused approximately 1734% and 10–18% increases in compressive and tensile strength, respectively. Regardless of the pyrolysis condition, pre-wetted BC had a superior impact on mechanical strength evolution. LCA results showed that except for minor, net increases in particulate matter/water consumption potential, the rest of the impact categories associated with the production of 1 m3 of cement mortar decreased with the addition of the BC. In terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) per unit 28d compressive strength, the BC-modified mixtures yielded values that were lower than that of the Plain mortar by about 1629%. Therefore, these research findings indicate that the use of SS-derived BC as a low-dose additive in cement composites could help the construction industry mitigate its negative environmental footprints.

Unlocking local value-added opportunities in the energy transition in former coal regions—the case of Lusatia (Lausitz)

The main result of this study is that Lusatia, as an energy transition and structural change region, still has high expansion potential for photovoltaic and wind energy systems. In 2040, electricity production from wind turbines could reach four times the current level. In the case of photovoltaic systems, around seven to eight times the current level is possible. Only in the area of biomass has the expansion potential already been largely exhausted. The building sector can also contribute to achieving climate neutrality. If the renovation rate is significantly increased to 3.3% per year by 2040, the required heating energy can be reduced by around 60%.At the same time, these energy transition scenarios are evaluated with regard to their regional economic opportunities for Lusatia. In an ambitious climate neutrality scenario, around 450 million euros in regional added value can be generated in 2040 and around 3560 full-time jobs can be filled. In order for this to succeed, however, the citizens and municipalities must first be given more opportunities for financial participation through appropriate framework conditions at federal and state level. We see financial benefits for the population and the municipalities as a critical success factor in order to be able to provide the necessary space, initiate investments and ultimately contribute to local acceptance.

Biomasonry products from macroalgae: A design driven approach to developing biomaterials for carbon storage

Lowering the embodied carbon of building materials requires a transition away from fossil derived products towards bio-based alternatives, alongside the design and development of new clean tech biomaterials that can function as carbon sinks. This paper presents an overview of historical and existing uses of seaweeds in construction to identify gaps and opportunities for the development of seaweed-based construction materials that can support atmospheric carbon removal through algal photosynthesis. This study highlights the value of interdisciplinary research collaborations that can be situated within the expanding field of biodesign where design research and methods are used to influence the development materials science. It presents as a case study the design of seaweed bricks utilising a biorefinery framework that aims to valorise residual seaweed biomass being grown for waste-water management, identifying value-adding opportunities for this seaweed by-product and new possibilities for carbon storage in the built environment. It details the development of a 1:1 scale prototype for the purposes of an exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia in order to demonstrate what biomasonry products from macroalgae can look like, to build social acceptance and to encourage future uptake of sustainable seaweed construction products.

Dinamika Keagenan Organisasi Nirlaba

A non-profit organization is an organization whose main objective is to support a commercial issue to attract public attention a goal that does not pay attention to things that are for-profit (monetary). Not-for-profit organizations include houses of worship, public schools, public charities, public homes and clinics, politicians, legal aid organizations, volunteer service organizations, trade unions, professional associations, research institutes, museums, and some government officials. A capable organization takes advantage of the opportunity to be able to manage well, and manage the intentions, emotions, and empathy of donors so that they get added value opportunities in the form of trust from the community.

The need and development for a value-added toolkit—A case study with Montana specialty fruit growers

IntroductionCold-hardy small fruits and berries have the potential for specialty fruit growers in the Intermountain West, where the climate is not suited for conventional fruit crops. In the last seven years, approximately 50 varieties of cold-hardy, bush fruit types have been researched in western Montana.MethodHence with the increased small fruit and berry production, and interest of specialty fruit growers in value-added product development, this paper utilized participatory action research (PAR) to develop a value-added product development toolkit with specialty fruit growers and used an integrated logic model to discuss creating and implementing the toolkit. Firstly, we used an online survey to identify the needs and challenges of specialty fruit growers. Next, a value-added toolkit is drafted using the principles of design thinking and involving a student-grower partnership. Thirdly, the specialty fruit grower's interest in and feedback on the drafted toolkit is evaluated using focus group discussions and individuals interviews, and the results are used to revise the toolkit. Lastly, the short, medium and long-term outcomes for this toolkit are discussed using the logic model.ResultsFrom the survey, 61% of specialty fruit growers indicated an interest in value-added opportunities. Yet, focus group discussions and individual interviews found the biggest barriers to value-added product development are cost, resources, and environment. This indicated a co-created toolkit will be a beneficial solution. During focus group and individual interviews, the growers suggested including the toolkit as part of coursework in semester-long classes. This will address issues of continuity and funding.DiscussionOverall, this study deployed PAR methods to propose with Montana specialty fruit growers a solution to their increasing needs in value-added pursuits, implying short-term economic benefits but also long-term socio-ecological benefits. The participatory model of creating value-added resources presented by this paper can benefit other small-scale specialty crop growers in underserved regions.

AN ANALYSIS OF THE KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARADOX IN PROJECTS WITH AN OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT OBJECTIVE IN MINES

The execution of operational improvement projects can create new knowledge that can be used to contribute to the success of future projects. A paradox exists, in that new knowledge is seldom transferred to future projects, and so the associated value-adding opportunities are lost. The objectives of this study are to determine whether lessons learned are captured during operational improvement projects, and to identify contextual factors that support or hinder the knowledge transfer processes. Through the use of interviews and subsequent data analysis, the research shows that the transfer of knowledge can be better facilitated by addressing the knowledge transfer inhibitors, recognising the value-adding potential of knowledge transfer during the execution of improvement projects, and creating a culture that is conducive to sharing knowledge – in particular, the lessons learned from mistakes and poor management practices.

The impact of live sheep export trade on the South Africa economy

<abstract> <p>The study assesses the impact of the live sheep export trade on the South African economy. The study used a recent South African Social Accounting Matrix and a partial equilibrium model. The results are mixed. On a positive note, the higher the demand for live sheep exports, the higher the prices and the more significant the economic impact. On the other hand, South Africa loses value-adding opportunities such as output from abattoirs, including hides and skin, offal, head, and consumable internal organs, and employment when live lambs are exported and slaughtered in destination markets. These findings help policymakers to develop appropriate mitigation strategies to balance the advantages and disadvantages of live sheep export. A nationwide analysis may miss some of the local costs and benefits of live sheep exports. Future research can also be done in selected major areas that produce sheep in South Africa.</p> </abstract>

Market potential and value-added opportunities of cold-hardy berries and small fruits in the Intermountain West, USA.

Novel cold-hardy berries and small fruits represent an opportunity for growers in the Intermountain West, USA, as the harsh environment is not suited for other common berries and small fruits. This study analyzed the fresh market and value-added potential of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea), saskatoon berries (Amelenchier alnifolia), and dwarf sour cherry (DSC) fruit (Prunus x kerrasis) by instrumental and consumer studies. Fresh and 2-week stored haskap (cv. Aurora), saskatoon (Lee 3), and DSC (Romeo) were measured for fruit weight, flesh firmness, bulk titratable acidity, pH, and soluble solid content. Participants (n=115) in at-home sensory tests scored these fruits for overall liking (OL, 9-point hedonic scale), purchase intent (PI, 5-point scale), and willingness-to-pay (WTP, 5-point scale). Ten participants further shared insight on these fruits in focus groups. Instrumental testing found a significant decrease in flesh firmness for 2-week stored haskap, but the consumers' OL was still comparable to fresh haskap. The fresh and 2-week stored haskap received significantly higher OL, PI, and WTP scores (7.7±1.0, 3.8±1.0, and $3.7±1.0; 7.7±1.2, 3.8±1.1, and $3.7±1.0, respectively) compared to saskatoon (6.1±1.8, 2.8±1.1, and $3.0±0.9, respectively) and DSC (5.6±2.2, 2.5±1.2, and $3.1±1.0, respectively) (α=0.05). The focus groups indicated that participants want to support local produce. The participants expressed interest in fresh unprocessed haskap berries, but preferred saskatoon and DSC in different value-added formats. Hence, this study concluded that there is an untapped fresh-market potential for haskap berries and there are value-added opportunities to extend the sale season and improve the palatability of saskatoon and DSC. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research has examined consumer perception of three species of novel small fruits by determining fresh-market potential and linking this to the opportunity for value-added product development. For haskap berries, the study not only indicated fresh market potential, but for the cultivar Aurora, consumer liking was not meaningfully altered by 2 weeks of cold storage. These results are meaningful because they will assist growers in the Intermountain West with market planning, including the possibility of formulating products that utilize these novel crops. This study provides growers the opportunity to diversify their income stream by utilizing local produce.

Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) Toolpaths with Adaptive Capability for Complex Repairs and Coating Geometries

Inside Direct Energy Deposition (DED) processes is the Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) technology. Industries that can implement this technology approach are from automotive to energy sectors where critical parts suffer due to operation cycles, weather or hazardous environments etc. LMD process can be applied for coating, repair and build near net shape geometries. One of the main problems of LMD applied in the coating or in the repair is the dealing with these different types of geometries, to achieve an adherent and homogeneous coating. The current calculation of toolpaths in LMD software is based on a mathematical algorithm that relies on subtractive processes such as machining. The main drawback of using this type of toolpaths is that in this case they do not take into account the overlap between adjacent machining toolpaths. While for machining this parameter is not relevant, in the LMD process, the overlap between two contiguous laser tracks is a critical point to have an adequate process with the required quality. Talens Systems has developed a new Software, Azala software is able to calculate these strategy toolpaths for advanced repairs and coatings in any type of geometry. Beside taking into account the overlapped between contiguous laser clads, the calculated toolpaths have integrated the main laser process in LMD (laser power, process speed, powder flow). The objective of this work is to validate the Azala software developed using a piece with complex geometry on a laboratory scale. The developed software brings the possibility to automate repair and coating, where the LMD process provides a value-added opportunity to reduce production costs due to the repair of value-added components.

Beekeeping Livelihood Development in Nepal: Value-Added Opportunities and Professional Support Needs.

Beekeeping contributes to poverty reduction in many developing countries, and in addition, provides pollination services for sustainable crop production. In Nepal, management practices associated with beekeeping are poorly characterized, and so the potential for this sector to further contribute to livelihood development remains unclear. This study sought to examine and identify factors associated with production efficiency and financial profitability of beekeeping with the aim of enhancing economic gains for Nepali beekeepers. Our study included a sample of 150 respondents from more than twenty commercial beekeeping districts across the Terai and mountainous regions of Nepal. Profitability of beekeeping with the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the Asian honeybee Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was quantified and disaggregated according to several variables, including hive-derived products produced, marketing strategy employed, number of beehives managed, and postharvest management practices. Our results showed that the different types of management practices adopted (such as number of beehives kept, colony multiplication, supplementary feeding, month of honey harvesting, and marketing approach) significantly influenced the productivity and economic profitability of beekeeping. Our results also revealed that professional supports, such as the availability of subsidies and training, were key factors to enhance productivity. As a whole, this study provides insight into the biological factors and management practices associated with higher economic returns from beekeeping. This work can help guide policymakers and professional support agencies to expand commercial beekeeping for sustainable livelihood development in Nepal and beyond.

Examining Value Added Tax Administration Practice in Ethiopia

This study was set out to assess value added tax administration in Ethiopian ministry of revenue Hawassa branch. To achieve the objective of this study, the researcher employed a mixed research approach and descriptive research design to describe the current status of value-added tax administration practice, performance, challenges, and opportunities in the ministry of revenue Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics was employed to analysis the data. The results of this study confirmed that VAT administration practice was challenged by lack of clarity and simplicity of tax procedure, lack of awareness of taxpayers, nepotism in the tax system, and lack of a sufficient number of skilled personnel on an automated system for customs data management, gaps in the administration in such areas as refunding, invoicing and filing requirements. Hence, the study suggested the ministry of revenue Hawassa branch and tax policy makers in Ethiopia VAT revenue performance and mitigates the challenges faced by the ministry of revenue Hawassa branch.

The Effect of Corporate Reputation on the Performance of Corporate Organizations in Developing Countries: Evidence from West Africa

This study is carried out to understand the effect of corporate reputation on the performance of corporate organizations in developing countries: evidence from West Africa. The population for this study consists of selected listed multinational companies in Nigeria and Ghana. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire and was measured on an interval scale through the research questionnaire. The statistical tool used to analyze the set variables is multiple regression. It involves the collection, collation, analysis, and interpretation of data for this study. It further incorporated ANOVA to show CSR Practices and their impact on the performance of corporate organizations as explained by the independent variables through the coefficient of determination R2. This design is useful and most appropriate in measuring the degree of association between two or more variables. It is also helpful in measuring the effect of independent variables on a dependent variable. As predicted, the study proves that corporate social responsibility practice can be integrated into corporations’ business strategy for enhanced performance. Rather than just being beneficial to society, corporate social responsibility can be the value-added opportunity for corporations that engages in responsible actions. The research adds to the existing literature on corporate social responsibility practices and their impact on corporate performance.

Fishing tactics and fish quality: The case of the coastal fishery for Atlantic cod in Norway

This study examined the effects of key fishing tactics such as the choice of fishing gear and catch size, an indicator of swift and intense fishing, on the quality of landed fish. The effects of changes in yearly TACs, and thus catch shares, vessel size (length) and vessel age on fish quality were also investigated. A data set consisting of objective quality assessments of Atlantic cod in 432 catches from the coastal cod fishery in Norway, combined with details about the same catches was analyzed. The statistical analysis showed that fishing gear affected fish quality, but to a variable degree, with gillnets and Danish seines, the preferred methods in this fishery, providing the poorest-quality fish. It was also found that catch size had a negative impact on fish quality for gillnets, handlines, and Danish seines, but not for longlines. The results indicate that fishers’ tactical decisions regarding what fishing gear to use, and how swiftly and intensely to fish, may lead to poor-quality fish being landed. Although this may be economically rational for fishers in a fishery with no restrictions on the choice of fishing gear and catch sizes, and where quality-based pricing is largely absent, it may lead to a substantial reduction in value-adding opportunities in downstream processing and marketing.

Perennial groundcovers: an emerging technology for soil conservation and the sustainable intensification of agriculture.

Integrating perennial groundcovers (PGC) — sometimes referred to as living mulches or perennial cover crops — into annual cash-crop systems could address root causes of bare-soil practices that lead to negative impacts on soil and water quality. Perennial groundcovers bring otherwise absent functional traits — namely perenniality — into cash-crop systems to preserve soil and regenerate water, carbon, and nutrient cycles. However, if not optimized, they can also cause competitive interactions and yield loss. When designing PGC systems, the goal is to maximize complementarity — spatial and temporal separation of growth and resource acquisition — between PGC and cash crops through both breeding and management. Traits of interest include complementary root and shoot systems, reduced shade avoidance response in the cash-crop, and PGC summer dormancy. Successful deployment of PGC systems could increase both productivity and profitability by improving water- and nutrient-use-efficiency, improving weed and pest control, and creating additional value-added opportunities like stover harvest. Many scientific questions about the inherent interactions at the cell, plant, and ecosystem levels in PGC systems are waiting to be explored. Their answers could enable innovation and refinement of PGC system design for multiple geographies, crops, and food systems, creating a practical and scalable pathway towards resiliency, crop diversification, and sustainable intensification in agriculture.

Improving the emulsifying property of potato protein by hydrolysis: an application as encapsulating agent with maltodextrin

Potato protein concentrate (PPC) is a by-product from starch industry and traditionally used as a low-value ingredient. Depending on its recovery/drying methods, protein functionality and technological applications can be compromised. Hydrolysis offers an alternative to this challenge by modifying protein structure, opening a prospect to find value-added opportunities for this residue. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of enzymatic hydrolysis on the emulsifying property of PPC. More importantly, we investigated the application of PPC with maltodextrin (proportion of 30:70) as wall material in the microencapsulation of a lipophilic ingredient by spray drying. When PPC was submitted to a 2% degree of hydrolysis, its emulsifying capacity significantly increased from 359 to 416 g oil/g protein. Spray drying microencapsulation using potato protein concentrate/hydrolysate and maltodextrin as wall materials were effective in entrapping flaxseed oil. Additionally, high encapsulation efficiency was observed (92– 96%). Overall, the application of potato protein combined with maltodextrin as wall material was successful for spray drying microencapsulation.

The purpose of policy space for developing and developed countries in a changing global economic system

This paper discusses the need to recognise the evolving purpose of policy space for developing and developed countries in a changing global economic system. This paper examines the changes in rules and regulations in the global economic system, as well as the rise of Global Value Chains (GVCs), which create a different landscape of opportunities and challenges for developing countries than what the currently developed countries experienced. Rather than continuing the debate on whether or not countries have enough policy space, this paper asks ‘who are the shapers of policy space?’. Interstate power imbalances shape policy space in a way that is ignored by the mainstream literature, and to picture this imbalance, the paper applies Albert Hirschman’s ‘Exit, Voice and Loyalty’ (1970) framework, as well as Mushtaq Khan’s political settlement theory (2010), to conceptualise how suitable policy space for development prospects could be negotiated. This paper focuses on the literature within development economics and concludes that the way in which policy space is determined as the outcome of power distributions offers insufficient flexibility for not only developing countries to move up to higher value-added opportunities but also for developed countries to adapt to changing circumstances in the global economy. To thrive in an increasingly complex world, where the drivers of economic development and prosperity may need to centre around alternative models, increased flexibility is needed. How much flexibility and who should decide the extent of flexible policy space? This paper agrees with suggestions for global collective action and collaboration as the foundation for determining suitable policy space. Ultimately, policy space can serve as a mediation mechanism for countries to adapt to change during development and this paper emphasises the risks of rigid policy space, which can simply perpetuate mainstream logic.