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The use of UHPC with fibers is becoming an increasingly common topic in the world. This material is used for its superior mechanical and physical properties and long service life. However, the production cost is high, hence UHPC is used for special applications or for smaller prefabricated parts. This paper focuses on UHPC application for the construction of the Štvanice Footbridge, Prague, the Czech Republic. A monolithic part of the structure was made of UHPC from fresh transport concrete, which was produced by Skanska Transbeton. The special feature is that about 126m3 of fresh concrete was industrially prepared. This concrete achieved the properties of SCC and the final 28 day compressive strength was 120MPa with tensile strength of 18.6MPa. Due to high hydration heat release rate, an internal water cooling system was designed and sucessfully appled using water from Vltava River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy farming is an important sector of agribusiness responsible for generating wealth and income for farmers of different sizes. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the dairy properties to identify the level of technological development and knowledge of the sector. The aim of the study was to diagnose the level of knowledge of milk producers in the southern region of the state of Minas Gerais about the degree of technological development in the sector. The research is characterized by being descriptive with a quantitative approach, in which 112 milk producers from eight cities in the south of the state of Minas Gerais were interviewed. Therefore, we used the data analysis technique called cluster analysis, which allowed the formation of four groups of properties. It identified that, although there are producers with high knowledge and properties with high technological advances, small farms with a low degree of technological development and producers with little concern for the importance of knowledge for the development of the dairy activity predominate. It is concluded that the degree of technological development of dairy farms in the south of Minas Gerais is low, a condition that may expose properties to risks of continuity and/or development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen can be produced via many different technologies; however, from a safety standpoint there exists no framework for selecting the right technology. Here, we provide a structured framework for assessment of the most desirable hydrogen production technology based on efficiency, safety, and infrastructure, by using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and life-cycle index (LInX) approach. We apply this modified MCDM approach to steam methane reforming (SMR), autothermal reforming, partial oxidation, alkaline electrolysis, polymer electrode membrane electrolysis, and solid oxide electrolyzer cell processes. Our results show that SMR is the most desirable technology based on the efficiency, safety, and infrastructure criteria. We employ fuzzy set theory to address subjectivity and uncertainty challenges in the data and found that although the technologies based on electrolysis have an environmental advantage, they exhibit higher uncertainties than non-renewable technologies such as SMR. Overall, this new framework addresses the challenge to find the most desirable and safer technology for hydrogen production. • A framework to assess the most desirable hydrogen production technology considering efficiency, safety, and infrastructure. • The framework uses a MCDM integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process and life-cycle index approach. • Steam methane reforming is the most desirable technology based on the efficiency, safety, and infrastructure criteria. • The finding helps to choosing the most desirable hydrogen production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan agriculture sector is considered as more susceptible to climate change as its variation can directly affect the crop productivity. Therefore, knowledge about climate smart agricultural production technology is the main component and knowledge gap is at the crux of yield gap. The current study was carried out in two districts Charsadda and Nowshera of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during 2020 with main objectives to measure farmers’ knowledge level in fourteen climate smart recommended agricultural production technologies. The data were collected randomly from 60 sample respondents comprised of 30 respondents each from Charsadda and Nowshera districts through pre-tested interview schedule. The empirical results indicated that majority (68%) farmers of both districts had medium knowledge level (35.19%). The lowest knowledge level of the sample farmers was found in early maturity (short duration) maize (OPVs) varieties (26.67%), IPM techniques (25.84%), wheat on ridges/seedbed (24.17%), heat and drought tolerant maize (OPVs) varieties (20.84%), heat and drought tolerant wheat varieties (20%) and organic farming (16.67%). Knowledge index revealed that both districts’ farmers had 35.71% knowledge level in fourteen different indicators in the study area. The farmers of district Charsadda had slightly high knowledge level (38.67%) compared to district Nowshera farmers (32.75%). Results of regression model showed that land holdings, formal education, agricultural extension department contact, and farm services centers membership had positive and substantial effect on knowledge level of farmers. Lack of improved knowledge, lack of financial power, irrigation problems and high cost of inputs were the most important problems faced by the farmers. Agricultural departments need to develop and disseminate climate smart recommended agricultural production technologies. The government and private organizations should arrange trainings and awareness programs regarding climate change to overcome the effect on agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review presents the evolutionary development and comparative analysis of the globally accepted types of catalytic systems, used by the world's leading chemical and petrochemical companies in industrial production of valuable polyolefins. Promising directions for the development of new catalytic systems, aimed at improving the characteristics of the existing technological processes and products and creating new ones, have been identified. The situation on the global and regional markets for polyolefins and polyolefin catalysts has been studied based on a number of market indicators; the market development forecast for the coming years has been provided. The polyolefin markets' susceptibility to innovations in the development of catalytic systems is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) is a solid traditional sweetener with potentially relevant components like polyphenols, amino acids, and complex sugars with a unique flavor and aroma that make it different from refined sugar. In NCS production the initial composition and properties of the sugar cane juice change for effect of thermal processing. Sometimes, important causal relationships are not well known and thus, process management is difficult. This is especially true when physical and chemical changes occur, as in NCS processing. In recent years, many studies have researched the influence of cultivars used, technologies applied and operation conditions on final product and food safety. However, no comprehensive analysis of process variables and their effects on quality of final products and food safety have been done. The aim of this study was to review and classify the available literature on the topic in recent advances in terms of process variables and their effects on the final product and food safety. We identified important information on technologies and process variables that show potential benefits on quality of final products. Additionally, a prospect on the variation of bioactive compounds and physicochemical properties in the NCS processing should be addressed. Highlights • Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) is a traditional sweetener of increasingly economic importance. • Potential application of a range of bioactive ingredients for different industries. • Future prospect in NCS agroindustry should be oriented towards the optimization of thermal processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is a major pulse crop of India accounting for more than 40% of the total pulses area and pro- duction. From a mere 3.86 million tonnes (mt) during 2000-01, chickpea production rose steadily to an all-time high of 11.23 mt during 2017-18. The central and southern states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have benefited most from chickpea revolution in the country, with remarkable increase in both area and production. This has been achieved through development of suitable technologies like high-yielding varieties along with matching production and protection technologies, quality seed producing units, etc. To attain self-sufficiency by 2050, the total pulse production in the country needs to reach 39 mt. This includes chickpea requirement of about 16-17.5 mt by 2050 from an area of about 10.5 m ha with average productivity of 15-17 q/ha. The potential yield observed in AICRP (Chickpea) trials has increased from 10 to 17.50 q/ha during the past 20 years (CAGR = 1.51%). At this rate, the increased chickpea requirement can be easily achieved by 2050, provided there is proper policy backstopping. Here we review chickpea research in India during the last five decades and future research priorities to tackle newer challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the influence of the number of manufacturing partners on the game of production technologies, which takes place between two manufacturers with different production technologies in a two-echelon manufacturing supply chain network. Firstly, this study analyzes the influence of the number of manufacturing partners on the bilateral production cooperative relation between upstream and downstream manufacturers, finding that the number of manufacturing partners significantly influences bilateral cost-sharing proportion caused by "eliminating production technology differences between them." Furthermore, we explore corresponding conditions for reaching different evolutionary stable strategy of the two parties in the game of production technology, concluding that manufacturers would not have better performance and either they have more and more or fewer and fewer manufacturing partners. Instead, there exists a critical interval in the number of manufacturing partners in which manufacturers regularly choose certain evolutionary stable strategies all the time. Finally, according to the example analysis on evolutionary stable states in the game and the sensitivity analysis on relevant parameters that affect the game relationship, it is shown that whether the "collaborate" strategy would eventually be chosen by the manufacturer was correlated negatively with its cost coefficient for eliminating production technology differences, but positively with the other party's cost coefficient and extra profit in bilateral cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited availability of fossil fuels and their associated environmental impact during combustion remains the primary basis for exploring alternative energy sources such as bio-based liquid fuels. Several feedstocks have been used to produce biofuels for different applications with their own pros and cons. For instance, production of bio-fuels using human food chain raw materials such as corn, soy, peanut, and sugarcane are receiving increased criticism due to the competing demands of the same sources for human consumption as food. However, the non-food biomass in the form of agricultural wastes, municipal wastes, waste vegetable oil, and microbial sources are abundantly available that can be utilized as feedstock for production of biofuels. Because of this reason, most biofuels have been produced using the feedstocks that do not affect the food chain. Thus, in this work, the feedstocks of different generation biofuels and their potential yield and associated greenhouse gas emissions, production technologies are critically surveyed. Moreover, the application of biofuels for different purposes are analyzed and compared with their corresponding conventional fuels. The survey also points out the recent issues and challenges of biofuels with their resolution. The future research directions are suggested to sustain biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientifically based selection of efficient chemical technologies is related to the integrated assessment of indicators of their energy and resource efficiency and environmental safety, as well as indicators of the quality of products. The authors conducted systematic analysis of the efficiency and competitiveness of two electrochemical technologies of chroming from the solutions based on chromium salts of different valences. The strengths and weaknesses of each technology have been defined using the methodology of SWOT analysis, and the defined qualitative indicators of the efficiency of technologies have been determined using the methods of nonparametric statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on calcium phosphate identified in some late-Antique glass tesserae, green or blue in colour, from Padova (Italy) and Tyana (Turkey). It is generally accepted that calcium phosphate is a primary opacifier, probably obtained by deliberate addition of bone powder to a transparent glass. However, no specific crystallographic–chemical–spectroscopic studies have been performed on this important type of opacifier until now. Multi-methodological investigations on calcium phosphate, on its reaction rim, and on interactions with surrounding soda–lime–silica glass were carried out in this work by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), electron microprobe (EMPA), and micro-Raman spectroscopy, in order to clarify the nature of these inclusions and provide new insights into the production technologies of such kind of glass tesserae. Our results show that calcium phosphate grains are actually hydroxyapatite characterised by an evident reaction rim, which is enriched in sodium derived from the surrounding glass and replacing calcium of the opacifier. Such a cation replacement process between opacifier and glassy matrix is also confirmed by the presence of newly formed crystals composed of sodium calcium phosphate (β-rhenanite) and calcium silicate (wollastonite, polytype 1-T). β-Rhenanite and wollastonite are generally found in the proximity of calcium phosphate grains. Notwithstanding the geographical distance between Padova and Tyana (more than 2000 km), comparable results were found in all the tesserae from both sites, suggesting similar and highly standardised production technologies of late-Antique tesserae with calcium phosphate as opacifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper shows the correlation between the need to modernise agriculture and sustainable development. Modernisation of agriculture aiming only at increasing the efficiency of production, if implemented in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, enabled reduction in the negative external effects. Modernisation of agriculture is supposed to ensure productivity growth without imposing any threats to the natural environment and the well-being of animals, reduced impoverishment in rural areas as well as to ensure food security, growth in the profitability of farms, improvement to the efficiency of use of natural resources. Therefore, in the near future, the agriculture - environment relation will be subject to change taking into account, on the one hand, concern about the natural environment, and, on the other, pressure on increasing the efficiency of production. The above challenges will be addressed by the need to implement efficient and, at the same time, environmentally-friendly production technologies and relevant legal instruments which oblige agricultural producers to protect the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The global energy consumption is expected to grow in a faster rate than the population growth. By 2030, an increase of 53% of global energy consumption and 39% of greenhouse gases emissions from fossil fuels is anticipated. Therefore, it becomes a global agenda to develop clean alternative fuels which are domestically available, environmentally acceptable and technically feasible. As an alternative fuel, biodiesel seems as one of the best choices among other sources due to its environment friendly behavior and similar functional properties with diesel. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the impact biodiesel from different edible, non-edible and waste cooking oils feedstocks on combustion characteristics, engine durability and materials compatibility with biodiesel. Moreover, this paper reviews some other important related aspects to biodiesel such as biodiesel development, biodiesel feedstocks, biodiesel standards and advantages and challenges of biodiesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT In this article we analyse differences between capital- and labour-intensive sectors with regard to the impact of workforce composition and labour mobility on plant performance. By the use of geo-referenced longitudinal employer-employee data on a micro level, we analyse labour flows between plants within and between labour market regions. The analysis is carried out using weighted least squares (WLS) regression analysis combined with additional variance analysis (ANOVA). The results show that there are differences between the sectors with regard to both in-house workforce composition and type of skill inflow. A high degree of related knowledge in the in-house workforce has a strong positive effect on plant performance in the labour-intensive sectors. The analysis of labour inflow indicates that knowledge in the capital-intensive sectors is localized - only intra-regional labour flows give rise to increased plant productivity. In the labour-intensive sectors, the geographic and cognitive dimensions complement one another; similar knowledge needs to be non-local in order to be beneficial to plant performance, and unrelated knowledge mainly contributes to plant productivity growth when it is local. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, the first archaeometric data on an ample selection of intentionally coloured (or decoloured) Early Roman glass (1st–2nd centuries AD) from the Archaeological Museum of Adria (Rovigo, Italy) are reported. The analysed samples are 61 in total, both transparent and opaque, and were characterised from the textural (SEM-EDS), mineralogical (XRPD) and chemical (XRF, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS) points of view. This combined approach allowed us to identify the raw materials and production technologies employed in the manufacture of glassware. Results for the transparent samples show that they are all silica-soda-lime glasses. Most of them, independently of colour, have compositions close to those of typical Roman glass, produced with natron as flux. No relationships were identified among chemical compositions, types or production techniques, but a dependence on bulk composition was identified for some particular colours, revealing the careful and intentional selection of raw materials. This is the case of Sb-colourless glass, produced with sand of high purity, a group of intensely coloured objects, mainly emerald green and black, produced with soda ash as flux, and some blue examples produced with various sources of sand or soda ash as flux. Two main types of opacifiers were identified for the opaque samples: calcium antimonate for white, mauve and blue glasses, and lead antimonate for the yellow ones; in one case, a yellow lead-tin antimonate was also identified. As regards the opaque glasses, most of the samples opacified with calcium antimonate are silica-soda-lime in composition, similar to the typical Roman glass. Instead, samples opacified with lead and/or lead-tin antimonates are lead glasses, suggesting different production technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Process innovation can allow both efficiency and effectiveness gains and is a key source of long-term competitive advantage in manufacturing firms. However, the literature on managing process innovation is broad and fragmented, and it has not yet been systematically reviewed in the scholarly literature. Drawing on a capability-based perspective, the aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the process innovation literature. We synthesize our findings into a conceptual framework displaying the antecedents and consequences of firms’ process innovation capability. First, a parsimonious review of the process innovation literature is conducted. Second, a conceptual framework of firms’ process innovation capability is developed to synthesize the literature and to advance knowledge about managing process innovation. A principal distinction between a firm's potential and realized process innovation capability is drawn, and it is argued that high-quality realization mechanisms are critical for achieving desired process innovation outcomes. Finally, implications for theory, management practice, and recommendations for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The present paper reports results from a systematic study of oxygen isotopic compositions for glass samples from various archaeological sites (i.e., Iulia Felix, Grado, Vicenza, Pozzuoli and Modena in Italy, and Derrière Sairoche in Switzerland) and dated from the Roman period to the 18th century AD, as well as of some raw materials that may have been used for their production. The analysed samples differ essentially in the type of flux, using Roman and high Medieval glass natron and late Medieval and modern glass plant ash, soda and potash, respectively. The aim of this study was to amplify the database of oxygen isotope data for various archaeological glasses and to identify isotopic trends indicating different raw materials, production technology, and/or provenance. Results indicate that natron glass samples of various provenance and age have consistently higher δ18O values than plant ash ones (about 15.5‰ vs 13.0‰), probably due to the different flux, highly 18O-enriched in the case of natron. Isotopic data on Belus and Campanian sands, the types mentioned by Pliny for glass production, show that they have similar isotopic composition. Taking into account the oxygen isotopic composition of Roman glass, the “positive natron effect”, and the negligible influence of small amounts of manganese and antimony containing decolourisers, the suitability of both sources for glass production is verified, supporting the hypothesis of multiple sand sources. Notwithstanding this, the isotopic similarity between Belus and Campanian sands prevents us from identifying the starting material from the δ18O of the final product. In the case of plant ash used as flux, it is not possible to distinguish between soda and potash plant ash, because the addition of ash did not contribute isotopically heavy oxygen and the silica source is presumed to be comparable in the analysed samples. The isotopic data of the present study are also compared with those already published in the literature, and possible interpretations on their analogies and differences are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Research on the cargo of glass in the Roman ship Iulia Felix, wrecked off the town of Grado (province of Udine, North Italy) in the first half of the 3rd century AD and composed of recycling cullet carefully selected for colour and type, provided much information on Roman glass production technology. A combined approach, involving analytical, statistical, and archaeological evidence, included chemical analyses (X-ray fluorescence, electron microprobe), which indicated that the coloured samples were all soda-lime-silica in composition, with natron as flux, although cluster analysis identified many compositional groups. Comparisons among the compositional groups of the colourless glass, previously studied, and those of coloured glass showed that the production technologies of the colourless glass vessels constitute two well-defined technological end-members, also related to group types, into which those of the coloured glass samples fall. In particular, coloured glass samples—all bottles, low-status vessels—were produced with mainly beach siliceous-feldspar-calcareous sand. However, unlike the colourless type, strict control of raw materials and decolourising processes was not adopted, and recycling was also practised, as demonstrated by the Sb2O3, Cu and Pb patterns. In this context, a “recycling index” (RI)—[(Sb2O3)X/(Sb2O3)Ref]*100—is proposed here for the first time, in order to quantify the extent of recycling of antimony colourless glass in the batch. RI is valid for glass containing abundant Sb from an end-member of colourless glass. In conclusion, although it cannot be stated unequivocally that the identified compositional trends are related to different production centres or different raw materials, the strong evidence of compositional variability among all the Iulia Felix glass samples, both colourless and coloured, supports the dispersed production model for Roman glassware and the common practice of recycling in Roman imperial times, especially for low-status vessels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper focuses on 85 colourless glass samples selected among the recycling cullet found in the Roman ship Iulia Felix, wrecked off the town of Grado (province of Udine, North Italy) in the first half of the 3rd century AD, with the aim of examining their chemical composition, investigating similarities within and between the three established group types (cups, plates, bottles), and comparing the chemical compositions of the Iulia Felix glass samples with groups reported in the literature for colourless glasses. Chemical analyses, performed by X-ray fluorescence and electron microprobe, indicate that the samples were all soda-lime–silica in composition, with natron as flux, according to typical Roman production technologies. Chemical data are treated by multivariate statistical tools, such as cluster analysis and the NPC test. Statistical analyses allow us to conclude that the Iulia Felix colourless glasses were produced by at least two different production technologies related to group type, confirming the trend recently identified in the literature. In addition, the trace element patterns (particularly those of Sr, Zr and Ba) suggest that beach sand with differing amounts of alkali feldspars was predominantly used as raw material, like those specifically mentioned by Pliny for glass production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in the future energy system. A key enabler to a hydrogen-including economy will be the development and deployment of processes that can produce hydrogen whilst satisfying the criteria for sustainability, i.e. economic competitiveness, environmental protection and security of energy supply. This paper evaluates selected hydrogen production processes based on natural gas steam reforming, coal and biomass gasification and water electrolysis. These options are expected to play a significant role in the short to medium term. Industrial large-scale processes, using natural gas and coal, will constitute the most important routes. However, increasing prices for natural gas are likely to make coal gasification more competitive. Biomass gasification could become important if present technological barriers are overcome. Electrolytic hydrogen, however, will likely be practical for niche applications in the short term due to the high electricity costs, especially when electricity is generated by renewable energy sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Some issues in pharmaceutical therapies such as instability, poor membrane permeability, and bioavailability of drugs can be solved by the design of suitable delivery systems based on the combination of two pillar classes of ingredients: polymers and lipids. At the same time, modern technologies are required to overcome production limitations (low productivity, high energy consumption, expensive setup, long process times) to pass at the industrial level. In this paper, a summary of applications of polymeric and lipid materials combined as nanostructures (hybrid nanocarriers) is reported. Then, recent techniques adopted in the production of hybrid nanoparticles are discussed, highlighting limitations still present that hold back the industrial implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a promising agent for wastewater treatment, soil remediation, and gas storage and separation. This review summarizes recent research development on biochar production and applications with a focus on the application of biochar technology in wastewater treatment. Different technologies for biochar production, with an emphasis on pre-treatment of feedstock and post treatment, are succinctly summarized. Biochar has been extensively used as an adsorbent to remove toxic metals, organic pollutants, and nutrients from wastewater. Compared to pristine biochar, engineered/designer biochar generally has larger surface area, stronger adsorption capacity, or more abundant surface functional groups (SFG), which represents a new type of carbon material with great application prospects in various wastewater treatments. As the first of its kind, this critical review emphasizes the promising prospects of biochar technology in the treatment of various wastewater including industrial wastewater (dye, battery manufacture, and dairy wastewater), municipal wastewater, agricultural wastewater, and stormwater. Future research on engineered/designer biochar production and its field-scale application is discussed. Based on the review, it can be concluded that biochar technology represents a new, cost effective, and environmentally-friendly solution for the treatment of wastewater. Image 1 • Biochar technologies in various wastewater treatment are elucidated. • Feedstock pre-treatment and post-treatment effect on biochar production is reviewed. • Biochar as an innovative adsorbent to remove aqueous contaminants is discussed. • Future perspectives of biochar technology in wastewater treatment are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States is the 4th largest exporter of beef in the world, behind India, Brazil and Australia. Following the setback in exports due to the 2003 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) case, the U.S. returned to pre-BSE export levels in 2011, and has been highly successful in markets like Mexico, Japan and South Korea. However, to reenter these markets in the post-BSE global beef market, some countries require additional requirements to export to their market. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan place age requirements on U.S. cattle supplying beef to be exported. More recently, China has made it a condition to export U.S. beef that cattle meet strict traceability requirements that go above and beyond the systems the U.S. currently has in place. Additionally, the use of hormone implants and beta agonists are restricted for exports to China, the European Union (EU) and Russia, and residue testing and limits for beta agonists and other veterinary drugs varies globally. While exports of U.S. beef account for less than 15 percent of the total volume produced, exports add considerable value to live cattle and beef cutout values. In order to participate in markets like China, the EU, Japan and others, the packers and producers must make decisions on the value exports to those countries provide compared to the additional production costs which are added in the supply chain. The U.S. beef industry has widely adopted production technologies to improve efficiency and productivity; however, these technologies have limited the U.S. industry's access to lucrative export markets due to non-science based restrictions imparted by foreign countries. The focus of this discussion will be what market access barriers are in place around the world, what the U.S. must do to be successful exporting beef to these markets, and how the global beef market competitors handle these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]