Search Results (73)

This study aimed to develop an industrially scalable coating route for enhancing the oxidation resistance of carbon fiber fabrics, a critical requirement for next-generation aerospace and high-temperature composite structures. To achieve this goal, synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) layers was achieved via a single wet step in which the fabric was impregnated with an ammonia–borane/THF solution and subsequently nitrided for 2 h at 1000–1500 °C in flowing nitrogen. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with X-ray diffraction revealed that amorphous BN formed below ≈1200 °C and crystallized completely into (002)-textured h-BN (with lattice parameters a ≈ 2.50 Å and c ≈ 6.7 Å) once the dwell temperature reached ≥1300 °C. Complementary XPS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a near-stoichiometric B:N ≈ 1:1 composition and the elimination of O–H/N–H residues as crystallinity improved. Low-magnification SEM (100×) confirmed the uniform and large-area coverage of the BN layer on the carbon fiber tows, while high-magnification SEM revealed a progressive densification of the coating from discrete nanospheres to a continuous nanosheet barrier on the fibers. Oxidation tests in flowing air shifted the onset of mass loss from 685 °C for uncoated fibers to 828 °C for the coating produced at 1400 °C; concurrently, the peak oxidation rate moved ≈200 °C higher and declined by ~40%. Treatment at 1500 °C conferred no additional benefit, indicating that 1400 °C provides the optimal balance between full crystallinity and limited grain coarsening. The resulting dense h-BN film, aided by an in situ self-healing B₂O₃ glaze above ~800 °C, delayed carbon fiber oxidation by ≈140 °C. Overall, the process offers a cost-effective, large-area alternative to vapor-phase deposition techniques, positioning BN-coated carbon fiber fabrics for robust service in extreme oxidative environments. Full article

The increasing generation of agricultural waste poses both environmental and economic challenges, particularly in rural areas with limited infrastructure. Anaerobic digestion has emerged as a sustainable alternative, enabling the valorization of waste and the production of biogas and biofertilizer. This study evaluated the economic and environmental gains of mono- and co-digestion of equine manure and vegetable waste using biodigesters of different capacities across four simulated projects—Project 1 (15 m² biodigester with monodigestion), Project 2 (15 m² biodigester with co-digestion), Project 3 (20 m² biodigester with monodigestion), and Project 4 (20 m² biodigester with co-digestion). Economic feasibility was assessed through indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Modified IRR (MIRR), Profitability Index (PI), Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C), Discounted Payback Period, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation, adopting a Minimum Attractiveness Rate (MAR) of 6.43% per year. Environmental benefits were estimated based on the annual reduction of CO₂ equivalent emissions. The results showed that all projects were economically viable and had the potential to mitigate up to 36 tons of CO₂eq per year. Additionally, an eco-efficiency indicator (NPV per CO₂eq avoided) was calculated to enable an integrated assessment of economic performance and environmental impact. Projects using 20 m³ biodigesters achieved the best results, with Project 3 being the most eco-efficient (USD256.05/tCO₂eq), while Project 4 yielded the highest absolute return in all economic analysis tools: NPV (USD 9063.81), IRR (25.10%), MIRR (10.95%), PI (USD 1.65), B/C (USD 1.65) and DPP (4.56 years). The integrated analysis underscores the significance of co-digestion and economies of scale in encouraging the adoption of this technology by small rural producers. Full article

Given the demand for sustainable and cost-effective manure management in livestock systems, this study evaluated the economic feasibility of cattle manure treatment via composting and anaerobic digestion (AD) under different configurations. Five scenarios were compared: composting without solid–liquid separation, AD without separation at 20- and 30-day hydraulic retention times (HRTs), and combined systems with separation, composting the solid fraction and digesting the liquid. The analysis was based on a 200-cow herd and experimental data, with 15-year projected cash flows. Economic indicators included net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), discounted payback period (DPP), benefit–cost ratio (B/C), modified internal rate of return (MIRR), uniform annual equivalent (UAE), and profitability index (PI), supported by sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. All scenarios were viable and posed low risk. Energy and fertilizer value were key drivers. The scenario 30-day HRT without separation had the best financial performance (NPV = 53,407.15 USD; IRR = 15.54%; DPP = 7.33 years; B/C = 1.57; MIRR = 9.28%; UAE = 5654.48 USD; PI = 1.66) and is recommended for capitalized farms seeking higher returns. Composting had lower returns (NPV = 9832.06 USD) but required the lowest investment, remaining a cost-effective alternative for smallholders. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of optimizing water resource allocation in fragmented citrus cultivation zones, particularly in Anfusi Town, a key citrus production area in China’s middle-lower Yangtze River region. To overcome the limitations of traditional deterministic models and spatially heterogeneous water supply–demand dynamics, an innovative framework integrating interval two-stage stochastic programming (ITSP) with long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks is proposed. The LSTM component forecasts irrigation demand and supply under climate variability, while ITSP optimizes dynamic allocation strategies by quantifying uncertainties through interval analysis and balancing economic returns with hydrological risks. Key results demonstrate an 8.67% increase in system-wide benefits compared to baseline practices in the current year scenario. For the planning year (2025), the model identifies optimal water distribution thresholds: an upper limit of 3.85 × 10⁶ m³ for high-availability zone A and lower limits of 1.62 × 10⁶ m³ for moderate-to-low-availability zones B and C. These allocations minimize water scarcity penalties while maximizing net benefits, prioritizing local over external water sources to reduce costs. The study innovates by integrating stochastic-economic analysis with spatial prioritization of high-marginal-benefit zones and uncertainty robustness via interval analysis and two-stage decision making. By bridging a research gap in citrus irrigation optimization, this approach advances sustainable water management in complex agricultural systems, offering a scalable solution for regions facing fragmented landscapes and climate-driven water scarcity. Full article

The utilization of knowledge management (KM) assists construction companies in planning for waste management. This study applies KM in the material recovery of a public sector building renovation, focusing on aluminum composite panels (ACPs). The cost/benefit analysis (CBA) method examines suitable scenarios, where costs and benefits cover economic, environmental, and social perspectives. The cost/benefit (C/B) ratios reveal that the repurposing scenario, where ACP waste is repurposed as signboards, is the most suitable scenario, with a C/B of 0.96. The refurbishing scenario, in which ACP waste is refurbished as new facades, may be considered if the labor cost could be reduced through training. The repurposing scenario is further examined with a sensitivity analysis and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, and it is found that implementing this scenario serves as a beginning step toward green certification and aligns with Thailand’s national strategies for green building promotion and the long-term Net Zero 2065 target. The study results serve as a guideline for Thailand’s transition toward a low-carbon and resource-efficient construction sector. Future studies are recommended to examine the complex relationships between costs and benefits and to track dynamic changes in the C/B ratio over time. Full article

Background: While most Escherichia coli strains are harmless members of the gastrointestinal microbiota, certain pathogenic variants can cause severe intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. A notable outbreak of E. coli O104:H4, involving both enteroaggregative (EAEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) strains, occurred in Europe, resulting in symptoms ranging from bloody diarrhea to life-threatening colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Since treatment options remain limited and have changed little over the past 40 years, there is an urgent need for an effective vaccine. Such a vaccine would offer major public health and economic benefits by preventing severe infections and reducing outbreak-related costs. A multiepitope vaccine approach, enabled by advances in immunoinformatics, offers a promising strategy for targeting HUS-causing E. coli (O104:H4 and O157:H7 serotypes) with minimal disruption to normal microbiota. This study aimed to design an immunogenic multiepitope vaccine (MEV) construct using bioinformatics and immunoinformatic tools. Methods and Results: Comparative proteomic analysis identified 672 proteins unique to E. coli O104:H4, excluding proteins shared with the nonpathogenic E. coli K-12-MG1655 strain and those shorter than 100 amino acids. Subcellular localization (P-SORTb) identified 17 extracellular or outer membrane proteins. Four proteins were selected as vaccine candidates based on transmembrane domains (TMHMM), antigenicity (VaxiJen), and conservation among EHEC strains. Epitope prediction revealed ten B-cell, four cytotoxic T-cell, and three helper T-cell epitopes. Four MEVs with different adjuvants were designed and assessed for solubility, stability, and antigenicity. Structural refinement (GALAXY) and docking studies confirmed strong interaction with Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4). In silico immune simulations (C-ImmSim) indicated robust humoral and cellular immune responses. In Conclusions, the proposed MEV construct demonstrated promising immunogenicity and warrants further validation in experimental models. Full article

Polymer brushes (PBs) are transformative surface-modifying nanostructures, yet their synthesis via controlled methods like copper-mediated surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (Cu⁰-SI-ATRP) faces reproducibility challenges due to a lack of understanding of parameter interdependencies. This study systematically evaluates the Cu⁰-SI-ATRP process for polyacrylamide brushes (PAM-PBs), aiming to clarify key parameters that influence the synthesis process. This evaluation followed a step-by-step characterization that tracked molecular changes through infrared spectroscopy (IR) and surface development by contact angle (CA) through two different mixing methods: ultrasonic mixing and process simplification (Method A) and following literature-based parameters (Method B). Both methods, consisting of surface activation, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) deposition, bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBB) anchoring, and polymerization, were analyzed by varying parameters like concentration, temperature, and time. Results showed ultrasonication during surface activation enhanced siloxane (1139→1115 cm⁻¹) and amine (1531 cm⁻¹) group availability while reducing APTES concentration to 1 Vol% without drying sufficed for BiBB anchoring. BiBB exhibited insensitivity to concentration but benefited from premixing, evidenced by sharp C–Br (~1170 cm⁻¹) and methyl (3000–2800 cm⁻¹) bands. Additionally, it was observed that PAM-PBs improved with Method A, which had reduced variance in polymer fingerprint regions compared to Method B. Adding to the above, CA measurements gave complementary step-by-step information along the modifications of the surface, revealing distinct wettability behaviors between bulk PAM and synthesized PAM-PBs (from 51° to 37°). As such, this work identifies key parameter influence (e.g., mixing, BiBB concentration), simplifies steps (drying omission, lower APTES concentration), and demonstrates a step-by-step, systematic parameter decoupling that reduces variability. In essence, this detailed parameter analysis addresses the PAM-PBs synthesis process with better reproducibility than the previously reported synthesis method and achieves the identification of characteristic behaviors across the step-by-step process without the imperative need for higher-cost characterizations. Full article

The bioprocessing of agricultural wastes to produce microbial enzymes has become significant due to its benefits in reducing enzyme production costs and improving waste management. In this study, various substrates, including spent coffee grounds, coffee husks, coffee pulp, rice husks, rice bran, pomelo albedo, pomelo flavedo, orange peel, banana peel, sugarcane bagasse, and starch, were used as organic nutrient sources for α-amylase biosynthesis by B. licheniformis TKU004. Among the tested substrates, pomelo albedo (3%, w/v) was the most suitable carbon source for amylase production, with a productivity of 80.645 U/mL. The purification process resulted in a 60 kDa amylase. The protein identification of B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase revealed a coverage rate of 39% with α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis 168. B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase exhibited optimal activity at 60 °C and pH = 7 and showed a high compatibility with EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis demonstrated that B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase is an α-amylase with the final products of maltobiose, maltose, and glucose. Due to its important properties, such as tolerance to EDTA, B. licheniformis TKU 004 amylase may be valuable for industrial applications, especially in detergents and food processing. Full article

The study applies a cost–benefit analysis approach to assess the ecosystem services provided by ancestral systems of artificial recharge of high mountain aquifers, the “acequias de careo” (careo channels), in the Bérchules River basin, located in the Sierra Nevada, Spain. The methodology is structured in three main phases: (i) the definition of scenarios and system boundaries; (ii) the selection of ecological, social, and economic indicators; and (iii) the monetary valuation of benefits in comparison with operation and maintenance costs. The findings indicate that the studied system generates social, environmental, and economic benefits exceeding €22.2 million per year, while its operation requires only €43,352 annually. This gives a benefit/cost (B/C) ratio of 512, demonstrating its extremely high social profitability. These results highlight the potential of such infrastructures as nature-based solutions that can enhance water availability both temporally and spatially, mitigate the impacts of extreme events (such as droughts and floods), and strengthen local resilience to climate change. Moreover, they contribute to cultural heritage preservation and promote community cohesion. Full article

Recurrent selection for early vigour traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has provided an opportunity to generate competitive biotypes to suppress agronomically important weeds. Quantifying the potential benefits of competitive genotypes, including yield improvement and reduced frequency of herbicide application when incorporated into a long-term rotation, is vital to increase grower adoption. In this simple economic model, we evaluated a weed-suppressive early vigour genotype utilising on-farm experimental results and simulation analysis to predict gross margins for a seven-year wheat-canola rotation in southeastern Australia. The model applied a local weather sequence and predicted wheat production potential, costs and benefits over time. An early vigour wheat genotype was compared to commercial wheat cultivars for weed control, yield and actual production cost. With respect to weed control, three scenarios were evaluated in the model: standard herbicide use with a commercial cultivar (A), herbicide use reduced moderately by inclusion of an early vigour wheat genotype and elimination of the postharvest grass herbicide (B) or inclusion of an early vigour wheat genotype and withdrawal of both postharvest grass and broadleaf herbicides (C). Cost savings for the use of a competitive wheat genotype ranged from 12 AUD/ha in scenario B to 40 AUD/ha in scenario C, for a total saving of 52 AUD/ha. The model generated annual background gross margins, which varied from 300 AUD/ha to 1400 AUD/ha based on historical weather conditions, production costs and crop prices over the 30-year period from 1992 to 2021. The benefits of lower costs for each of the three scenarios are presented with rolling seven-year average wheat–canola rotation gross margins over the 30-year period. The limitations of this model for evaluation of weed suppression and cost benefits are discussed, as well as relative opportunities for adoption of early vigour traits in wheat. Full article

This paper presents an analysis of shortening the payback period of greenhouse gas reduction benefits from photovoltaic rooftop systems. The objective was to evaluate the amount of carbon credits generated and their returns. The study includes an economic analysis and a comparison of the economic outcomes with and without the consideration of carbon credits from 149.80 kWp and 25.68 kWp photovoltaic rooftop systems. The study evaluated the amount of electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic rooftop systems, estimated using the PVsyst program version 7.3.1, at a factory in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. The economic indices analyzed in this study include the payback period, net present value (NPV), benefit–cost ratio (B/C ratio), and internal rate of return (IRR). The analysis is divided into four case studies: Case 1 is the base case, and Cases 2, 3, and 4 consider carbon credits for 7, 14, and 25 years, respectively. The economic indices analyzed in Case 1 include the financial internal rate of return (FIRR), payback period, financial net present value (FNPV), and B/C ratio. In Cases 2, 3, and 4, the economic indices analyzed are the economic internal rate of return (EIRR), the economic net present value (ENPV), the B/C ratio, and the payback period. This paper outlines a new economic calculation approach that incorporates carbon credits produced by photovoltaic rooftop systems, which helps achieve break-even points more quickly. It also discusses the application of carbon credits in conjunction with renewable energy. Full article

(a) Introduction: Zambia’s poultry industry comprises commercial chickens and small-scale producers of indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) (ICs). Large, integrated entities run the commercial chicken sector, while the indigenous chicken sector (IC sector) is predominantly run by small-scale farmers (SSFs). Increased costs and low access to formal markets for commercial chickens have motivated SSFs to enter the IC sector under the free-range system (FRS) and semi-intensive system (SIS). (b) Objective: This study aimed to highlight the price changes in poultry inputs and outputs and demonstrate that the IC sector has more potential to contribute to farm income than commercial chickens under family poultry production systems. (c) Method: We analysed the prices for inputs and outputs for Zambia’s poultry industry for the first quarter of 2016 to 2023 using data from the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ). We also analysed data from the 2021 Qualtrics survey to investigate the crops grown and crops used as feed and feed ingredients, the sources of feed, and the use of minerals and vitamins by SSFs for chickens. The gross profit (GP) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) were analysed to compare the viability and profitability of ICs and broilers under SSFs. (d) Results: Our study shows that prices for day-old chicks (DOCs) and point-of-lay (POL) pullets increased by 57–125%, broiler and layer feeds increased by 67–96%, and soybean meal (SBM) and fishmeal rose by 143–229%. Prices for live ICs, commercial broilers, and ex-layers increased by 150%, 79%, and 71%, respectively. Egg prices rose by 100–124%. Farmers tried to look for local feed sources. Over 21% of the crops grown was maize, and nearly 43% was used for feed. (e) Conclusion: Our analysis and comparison between the ICs and broilers demonstrated that SSFs could achieve more farm income by producing ICs than commercial broilers. Full article

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a climate-resilient practice that stands out globally as an important practice through which we can deal with emerging challenges through adaptation and mitigation to increase crop productivity and resilience. Despite its significance, a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis of the adoption of these practices has not yet been carried out. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap between the cost and effectiveness of CSA practices adopted by small-scale farmers in growing rice, wheat and maize, the most staple crops in the Gandaki River Basin of Nepal. In this study, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit–cost (BC) ratio, net benefit investment (NK) ratio and payback period, along with the value of externalities (social and environmental), were employed to assess the profitability of CSA practices. The findings indicate that almost all the CSA practices analyzed were profitable, with the exception of solar water management in maize with very low IRR (6%) and a longer payback period. The outcome of this study offers valuable insights for farmers in choosing profitable CSA technology and for policy makers in promoting better CSA technology, upscaling CSA practices, and formulating new agricultural policies and programs in the context of the changing climate. Full article

Five different biomass wastes—orange peel, coffee grounds, cork, almond shell, and peanut shell—were transformed into biochars (BCs) or activated carbons (ACs) to serve as adsorbents and/or ozone catalysts for the removal of recalcitrant water treatment products. Oxalic acid (OXL) was used as a model pollutant due to its known refractory character towards ozone. The obtained materials were characterized by different techniques, namely thermogravimetric analysis, specific surface area measurement by nitrogen adsorption, and elemental analysis. In adsorption experiments, BCs generally outperformed ACs, except for cork-derived materials. Orange peel BC revealed the highest adsorption capacity (Qe = 40 mg g⁻¹), while almond shell BC showed the best cost–benefit ratio at €0.0096 per mg of OXL adsorbed. In terms of catalytic ozonation, only ACs made from cork and coffee grounds presented significant catalytic activity, achieving pollutant removal rates of 72 and 64%, respectively. Among these materials, ACs made from coffee grounds reveal the best cost/benefit ratio with €0.02 per mg of OXL degraded. Despite the cost analysis showing that these materials are not the cheapest options, other aspects rather than the price alone must be considered in the decision-making process for implementation. This study highlights the promising role of biomass wastes as precursors for efficient and eco-friendly water treatment processes, whether as adsorbents following ozone water treatment or as catalysts in the ozonation reaction itself. Full article

Applying bokashi (Bok) at 10% volume/volume (v/v), biochar (BC) at 10% v/v, and their combination (Bok_BC) as soil amendments significantly enhances citrus nursery production, improving plant growth and soil health, alongside offering notable economic benefits. Our greenhouse experiment evaluated these treatments across two fertilizer doses, at half (700 μS/cm) and full (1400 μS/cm) electrical conductivity (EC) levels, compared to a control mix, demonstrating improved nutrient availability, water retention, growth rates, and potential for carbon sequestration. Based on the results of this experiment, a cost–benefit analysis was performed; the BC treatment yielded substantial savings, particularly in large nurseries where BC at 700 μS/cm electrical conductivity (EC) saved USD 1356.38 per day and the same treatment at 1400 μS/cm EC saved USD 1857.53. These savings stem from increased nutrient contents (N, P, and K) and improved water retention, reducing irrigation; shortened growth cycles due to enhanced growth rates were observed, indirectly suggesting reduced electricity costs for greenhouse operations. Additionally, the increased carbon content within the soil points toward long-term benefits from carbon sequestration, further contributing to the sustainability and economic viability of these practices. These findings highlight the economic advantage of incorporating Bok and BC into soil mixes, providing a cost-effective strategy for enhancing greenhouse agriculture sustainability. Full article