Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 316
Filter
1.
Saudi J Biol Sci ; 31(8): 104025, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946845

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate the profitability, meat quality, and carcass parameters of fast-, medium-, and slow-growing meat-type chicken genotypes of Bangladesh. Nine hundred DOCs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments: T1 = commercial broilers, T2 = CPF-3 (central poultry farm-3), T3 = cockerel, T4 = sonali, T5 = NDD (non-descriptive desi), and T6 = hilly, having 5 replications of 30 chicks each. Birds were reared under complete confinement until their respective market ages (commercial broilers = 35 d; CPF-3 = 45 d; cockerel = 56 d, and hilly = 77 d; sonali = 63 d and NDD = 77 d) and fed commercial broiler diets. Net returns, meat quality, growth, and carcass yield were measured. NDD and hilly showed significantly the highest profitability and superior meat quality. Commercial broilers exhibited the highest final body weight (2355.59 g/b) followed by hilly (1241 g/b) and NDD (1006 g/b), while CPF-3 (860.21 g/b), cockerel (915.49 g/b), and sonali (788.43 g/b) had lower final body weights at their respective market ages. Commercial broilers had the highest carcass weight and dressing yields, followed by hilly and cockerel, and lower in sonali, CPF-3, and NDD. The study concluded that rearing slow- or medium-growing NDD and hilly is superior to fast-growing commercial broilers or CPF-3 regarding profitability, and meat quality. The results of current findings help small-scale farmers in choosing a suitable meat-type chicken that yields better profitability and also for the consumers who wish to pay a fair price for the birds, considering the meat quality specific to each chicken genotype.

2.
Heliyon ; 10(11): e32740, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38961925

ABSTRACT

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) presents both opportunities and challenges to Shariah-compliant firms (SCF) that have particular rules concerning business activities and financial ratios following Islamic principles. The SCF has to maintain the ratio of interest-based debt to total assets as well as non-permissible income, where these restrictions may impact both firm performance and firm value, particularly in the AEC era. Therefore, the SCF has to utilize internal factors to strengthen the firm while also considering the external factor of macroeconomics. The purpose of this paper is to examine the internal factors-firm age, size and efficiency (FASE), financial leverage, foreign ownership- and macroeconomics affecting financial performance and firm value of SCFs, including the effects both pre- and post-AEC. This study applies structural equation modelling-partial least square (SEM-PLS) to analyze 103 non-financial firms that were continuously listed on the Islamic Shariah Stock Index (ISSI) from 2011 to 2020. The results showed that FASE and macroeconomics had a significant positive influence on firm performance. Moreover, financial leverage, foreign ownership and the AEC participation showed a negative effect on firm performance. In addition, there was a positive relationship between FASE and firm value, as well as firm performance and firm value of SCFs. Finally, the findings from this study may help stakeholders determine policies that involve both internal and macroeconomic situations, as well as the potential effect of the AEC on the enhancement of firm performance and firm value.

3.
Int J Phytoremediation ; : 1-14, 2024 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38967334

ABSTRACT

While phytoremediation has been widely employed for greywater treatment, this system suffers from the transfer of considerable amounts of surfactants to the aquatic environment through partially treated effluent and/or exhausted plant disposal. Hence, this study focuses on greywater phytoremediation followed by recycling the spent plant for preparing an adsorbent material used as post-treatment. P. crassipes was used to operate a phytoremediation unit under 23 °C, 60% relative humidity, plant density (5-30 g/L), dilution (0-50%), pH (4-10), and retention time (3-15 days). The optimum condition was 12.7 g/L density, 34.0% dilution, pH 8.4, and 13 days, giving chemical oxygen demand (COD), surfactant, and NH4-N removal efficiencies of 94.62%, 90.45%, and 88.09%, respectively. The exhausted plant was then thermally treated at 550 °C and 40 min to obtain biochar used as adsorbent to treat the phytoremediation effluent. The optimum adsorption process was biochar dosage of 1.51 g/L, pH of 2.1, and 137 min, providing a surfactant removal efficiency of 92.56%. The final discharge of this phytoremediation/adsorption combined process contained 8.30 mg/L COD, 0.23 mg/L surfactant, and 0.94 mg/L NH4+-N. Interestingly, this approach could be economically feasible with a payback period of 6.5 years, 14 USD net present value, and 8.6% internal rate of return.


The research succeeded in treating greywater by phytoremediation followed by recycling the exhausted P. crassipes plant to prepare an adsorbent material used in the post-treatment phase, giving an economically feasible scenario with 6.5-year payback period.

4.
Heliyon ; 10(10): e31580, 2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38826736

ABSTRACT

The research seeks to find a relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and companies' performance. Studied variables were measured and analysed using a sample of companies listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE). The study employed the regression model and least squares technique as the primary analytical tools. CSR is examined in conjunction with variables such as Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Market Value, and Net Profit Margin. As a result of the research, it was found that firm performance and CSR relate to each other in the studied companies. The research found a positive correlation between CSR practices and Net Profit Margin in Kazakh companies. While this study focused on a single country, its methodology can be applied to research in other emerging and developing nations. The primary contribution of this research is the examination of the relationship between firm performance and CSR practices in the post-Soviet emerging market of Kazakhstan.

5.
J Health Organ Manag ; ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print)2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38822507

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The reduction of government expenditure in the healthcare system, the difficulty of finding new sources of funding and the reduction in disposable income per capita are the most important problems of the healthcare system in Greece over the last decade. Therefore, studying the profitability of health structures is a crucial factor in making decisions about their solvency and corporate sustainability. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of economic liquidity, debt and business size on profitability for the Greek general hospitals (GHs) during the period 2016-2018. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Financial statements (balance sheets and income statements) of 84 general hospitals (GHs), 52 public and 32 private, over a three-year period (2016-2018), were analyzed. Spearman's Rs correlation was carried out on two samples. FINDINGS: The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between the investigated determinants (liquidity, size) and profitability for both public and private GHs. It was also shown that debt has a negative effect on profitability only for private GHs. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Increasing the turnover of private hospitals through interventions such as expanding private health insurance and adopting modern financial management techniques in public hospitals would have a positive effect both on profitability and the efficient use of limited resources. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: These results, in conjunction with the findings of the low profitability of private hospitals and the excess liquidity of public hospitals, can shape the appropriate framework to guide hospital administrators and government policymakers.


Subject(s)
Health Care Reform , Greece , Hospitals, Public/economics , Financial Management, Hospital , Hospitals, General/economics , Humans , Hospitals, Private/economics , Economic Recession , Economics, Hospital
6.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 13294, 2024 06 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38858560

ABSTRACT

This study estimates the association between the level of biosecurity, animal welfare, milk quality, and economic performance on 2291 mountain dairy farms which largely differs in management and structure from large dairy operations in the lowlands mainly due to climatic and topographic constraints in mountain areas. The dairy industry's increasing emphasis on biosecurity is crucial for ensuring animal health, productivity, and disease mitigation. Therefore, in the present study the biosecurity and animal welfare status of mountain dairy farms were assessed considering the official welfare protocol for dairy cows of the Italian ClassyFarm system. Our findings reveal a suboptimal adoption of biosecurity measures, attributed to structural limitations in mountain farms and farmers' awareness gaps. Despite these challenges, the economic significance of biosecurity adoption is evident, emphasizing potential benefits for farm viability and animal health. Conversely, the study indicates a moderate to good welfare status in assessed farms, reflecting farmers' awareness of the importance of high welfare standards for dairy cows. Improved welfare positively correlates with milk sales and productivity, highlighting the economic advantages of prioritizing animal well-being. Challenges persist, particularly regarding animal housing deficiencies and related consumer concerns about animal welfare in dairy production. Therefore, targeted interventions and educational initiatives are crucial to empower farmers and promote best practices in biosecurity and animal welfare management. However, addressing resultant production cost increases necessitates society's willingness to pay more for animal-based food, emphasizing the importance of aligning economic incentives with sustainable farming practices.


Subject(s)
Animal Welfare , Dairying , Animals , Dairying/methods , Dairying/economics , Cattle , Milk , Biosecurity , Farms , Female , Animal Husbandry/methods , Italy , Farmers
7.
Heliyon ; 10(9): e30589, 2024 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38756566

ABSTRACT

Insect resistant genetically modified Bt cotton (containing a gene of Bacillus thuringiensis) has substantial potentiality of mounting cotton productivity. This study unveils an early insight on the economic viability of Bt cotton in Bangladesh. A total of 248 traditional cotton farmers and 8 Bt cotton experimental fields were surveyed in April 2022 for achieving the objectives. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that the cost of Bt cotton production was slightly higher than that of conventional cotton. However, Bt cotton yielded a productivity increase of 0.81 t/ha. The cultivation of Bt cotton resulted in a higher net return (USD 2436/ha) compared to conventional cotton (USD 1624/ha). The results further indicated that the use of insecticides and pesticides in Bt cotton was significantly lower compared to traditional cotton, thereby contributing to the preservation of the natural environment. Overall, cultivation of Bt cotton is economically viable and may generate environmental benefits. Steps are warranted to disseminate and expand its cultivation.

8.
Heliyon ; 10(8): e29412, 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38638951

ABSTRACT

Under the impact of the business sinking of large commercial banks and the cross-border competition of fintech companies, digital transformation has become a strategic priority for rural commercial banks. However, can digital transformation improve the profitability of rural commercial banks (PORCB)? This aspect has not been thoroughly examined in academic literature. This study utilizes unbalanced panel data from 54 Chinese rural commercial banks spanning from 2010 to 2021. The Peking University Commercial Bank Digital Transformation Index is employed to gauge the extent of digital transformation, while ordinary least squares estimation is used to examine its effect on the profitability of rural commercial banks and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The findings show that: (1) Digital transformation can significantly improve the PORCB. (2) Digital transformation improves the PORCB by enhancing asset quality, operating efficiency and risk-taking. (3) The profitability-enhancing effect of digital transformation is more pronounced among rural commercial business banks with larger assets and lower equity concentration, as well as among state-owned rural commercial banks. This paper's findings represent a novel investigation into the correlation between digital transformation and the profitability of rural commercial banks. They offer a theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for future studies examining the economic implications of bank digital transformation, and offer valuable insights for enhancing the digitalisation of rural banks.

9.
Heliyon ; 10(7): e28376, 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38590899

ABSTRACT

This article aims to determine the level and trend of the impact of the educational level of CEOs and CFOs on the profitability of real estate and construction companies in Vietnam. Because Vietnam is an emerging economy, insights into the profitability of this market will be lessons learned for other economies with similar characteristics. This quantitative study is based on secondary data collected from audited financial statements, annual reports of 123 Vietnamese real estate and construction companies, and macroeconomic data. Pool OLS, Fixed effect and Random effect regression models and the Hausman test are used to find the appropriate model. The study uses GLS regression to overcome heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation and uses the generalized method of moments (GMM) to overcome endogeneity. We find that the profitability of listed construction and real estate companies with highly educated CEOs is no higher than that of other companies. Furthermore, companies whose CFOs have master's or doctorate degrees are less likely to be profitable. Other findings confirm the heterogeneous effects of operating efficiency, economic growth rate, and financial leverage on different profitability measures. The study also proves that company age, firm size, net working capital, liquidity ratio and inflation rate do not affect profitability.

10.
J Environ Manage ; 358: 120811, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608572

ABSTRACT

Soil sodicity is a growing concern for crop growth and development in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Conservation agriculture (CA) provides an effective solution towards reclamation of degraded sodic lands and enhance the crop productivity. A field experiment was carried out to assess the sodic soil reclamation potential of CA based management practices including zero tillage, legume (mungbean; Mb) rotation, residue (+R) mulch, and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for three years under rice-wheat (RW) system. The system scenarios (Sc) comprised of multiple indicators to measure their impact on soil properties as well as system productivity, profitability, water and nitrogen use efficiency. The results indicated that soil pHs under Sc5-Sc8 (CA-based SDI scenarios) was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered by 2.16, 2.16 and 1.33% compare with mean of Sc1 and Sc2 (CT-based system; 9.10, 8.29 and 8.14) at all three soil layers (0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm), respectively. Similarly, the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was lowered by 2.9, 11.2 and 14.9% under CA-based scenarios with residue management compared with CT-based system (mean of Sc1 and Sc2; 15.2, 17.2 and 28.6%) during the study. The concentration of extractable anions (COЗ2‾, HCOЗ‾, Cl‾) decreased notably whereas, soil organic carbon and soil solution cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) concentration were increased under CA based management SDI plots. In addition, CA with SDI scenarios (mean of Sc5-Sc8) proved to be more productive and water-efficient than CA-based flood irrigation (FI; mean of Sc3 and Sc4). Moreover, CA-based FI and SDI scenarios saved 29.5 and 60.7% irrigation water, and improved the partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) by 6.8 and 24.4%, respectively compared to CT-R (conventional tillage without residue) based Sc1. Therefore, CA practices can potentially reduce sodicity and improve soil chemical properties for profitable crop cultivation.


Subject(s)
Agriculture , Soil , Soil/chemistry , Agriculture/methods , Conservation of Natural Resources , Agricultural Irrigation , Crops, Agricultural , Nitrogen
11.
Heliyon ; 10(5): e27250, 2024 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38463858

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the economic sustainability and contribution of tomato farming ventures to Addis Ababa's resilience. Using a project-based evaluation method, the profitability of tomato production was analyzed with and without the cost of water. The results showed that including the cost of water, the venture had a negative net present value (NPV) of 30100 USD/hectare/annum, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 0.2%, a payback period (PBP) of over ten years, and a cost-benefit ratio (CBR) of 0.83. However, without the cost of water, the venture showed a subtle profit, with an NPV of 15100 USD/hectare/annum, an IRR of 21%, a PBP of 2.9 years, and a CBR of 1.02. Sensitivity analysis revealed that an increase in sales price and yield positively affected profitability, while an increase in operating cost had a negative effect. The study concluded that when water costs are considered, the tomato venture in Addis Ababa is not profitable or sustainable, and does not contribute to the city's resilience. However, without water cost accounting, the venture's contribution to the city's resilience is minimal. The study recommends policy interventions to enhance farmers' access to the market, establish agro-industries, and improve their bargaining power.

12.
Bioresour Technol ; 397: 130514, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38432546

ABSTRACT

Use of Grewia biopolymer as a natural coagulant aid was explored in a dual-coagulant system (conventional coagulant + biopolymer) for wastewater treatment. Such use not only improved turbidity removal efficiency over a wide pH range (5-9) but also helped reducing the concentration demand of inorganic coagulants by 25-50 %. Response surface methodology was employed for investigating the interaction between factors (initial pH, coagulant, and biopolymer concentration) affecting coagulation/flocculation of aqueous laterite suspension, and process optimization for more than 80 % turbidity removal in the desired final pH range (6-7). Mechanisms potentially involved in coagulation/flocculation using biopolymer was elucidated. Techno-economic assessment indicated the feasibility of pilot-scale production of the biopolymer and its use in wastewater treatment. This study demonstrates that Grewia biopolymer has the potential to be used as a coagulant aid and will help researchers select appropriate markets for further cost reduction and successful implementation of biopolymer-based wastewater treatment.


Subject(s)
Grewia , Water Purification , Industrial Waste/analysis , Biopolymers , Flocculation , Water Purification/methods
13.
Heliyon ; 10(6): e27691, 2024 Mar 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38515700

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, there is an urgent need to develop energy-cum-carbon smart and cost-effective rice production systems for farmer's adoption. Data were collected from 280 farmer's fields representing the South Asia rice production system. Out of these 75 fields following transplanted rice (TPR), 55 fields of wet direct seeded rice (WDSR), 60 fields of drill sown direct seeded rice in line (DSR L), 60 fields of traditional direct seeded rice (DSR) and 30 fields of DSR + beushning (DSR + B). Results show that grain and straw yields in the TPR were 6056 and 7752 kg ha-1, respectively; however, they were neither profitable, energy efficient, or eco-friendly. At the same time, the grain and straw yields in DSR L were recorded by 5832 and 7757 kg ha-1, respectively. It was profitable with the highest net returns (1111.5 US$ ha-1), energy use efficiency (12.77), energy productivity (0.41 kg MJ-1), energy profitability (11.77 US$ MJ-1), energy output efficiency (1314.3 MJ day-1) environment friendly in terms of carbon efficiency 7.20, carbon sustainability index (6.20) and had most diminutive carbon footprint (0.14 kg CO2 eq kg-1 grain) with a comparable carbon credit. DSR L is productive, economically viable, energy efficient, and environmentally safer among rice production systems.

14.
J Environ Sci (China) ; 140: 69-78, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38331516

ABSTRACT

Herein we study the economic performance of hydrochar and synthetic natural gas co-production from olive tree pruning. The process entails a combination of hydrothermal carbonization and methanation. In a previous work, we evidenced that standalone hydrochar production via HTC results unprofitable. Hence, we propose a step forward on the process design by implementing a methanation, adding value to the gas effluent in an attempt to boost the overall process techno-economic aspects. Three different plant capacities were analyzed (312.5, 625 and 1250 kg/hr). The baseline scenarios showed that, under the current circumstances, our circular economy strategy in unprofitable. An analysis of the revenues shows that hydrochar selling price have a high impact on NPV and subsidies for renewable coal production could help to boost the profitability of the process. On the contrary, the analysis for natural gas prices reveals that prices 8 times higher than the current ones in Spain must be achieved to reach profitability. This seems unlikely even under the presence of a strong subsidy scheme. The costs analysis suggests that a remarkable electricity cost reduction or electricity consumption of the HTC stage could be a potential strategy to reach profitability scenarios. Furthermore, significant reduction of green hydrogen production costs is deemed instrumental to improve the economic performance of the process. These results show the formidable techno-economic challenge that our society faces in the path towards circular economy societies.


Subject(s)
Carbon , Natural Gas , Temperature
15.
Health Policy ; 142: 105012, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38422802

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: German hospitals largely rely on public investments for digitization. As these have been insufficient, hospitals had to use own profits to foster digital transformation. Thus, we assess if profitability affects digital maturity, and what other factors might be influential. METHODS: We use digital maturity data from the DigitalRadar (DR) project (2021) and financial statement data from the Hospital Rating Report from 2017 to 2019 (n = 860). We run linear regressions with the DR-score (continuous variable from 0 to 100) as dependent and three-year average EBITDA margin as independent variable. Besides, we conduct subgroup analyses stratifying by chain size. RESULTS: A one percentage point EBITDA margin increase is associated with a 0.359 points DR-score increase (p<0.01). This relationship holds in significance and holds or increases in magnitude for all specifications except when adding chain beds (0.212 point DR-score increase, p<0.05). Besides, chain membership and chain size are positively and significantly associated with hospitals' DR-score. EBITDA margins of the subgroups "large chains" and "Big 3″, i.e., the three largest chains, were strongly associated with the DR-score (2.685 and 3.197 points DR-score increase respectively, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher profitability is associated with higher digital maturity. Larger chains are digitally more mature, because (1) they might follow a chain-wide IT-strategy, (2) can standardize IT-architecture, and policies and (3) might cross-finance investments.


Subject(s)
Hospitals , Humans , Linear Models
16.
Data Brief ; 52: 109917, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38161662

ABSTRACT

This data article presents a dataset obtained from a national survey of African catfish production in Nigeria. The African catfish is an important aquaculture species in various regions in the world and it is, after Tilapia, the most commonly cultured fish in Africa. Nigeria's share in the global production of African catfish exceeds 67 %. The dataset encompasses data collected from ten major catfish-producing states in Nigeria, with a focus on two distinct periods: before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 609 operations were captured for the pre-COVID and 509 for the COVID period. The dataset includes a wide array of variables, covering the cost and quantities of inputs and outputs, socioeconomic factors, market dynamics, feed types, challenges faced by farmers, scale of production, and farmers' level of experience. It offers valuable insights and opportunities for various stakeholders. Researchers can utilize it to explore production performance, resilience, and adaptation strategies. Industry players, including catfish farmers and suppliers, can make data-driven decisions to enhance their operations. Policymakers can formulate evidence-based policies to support sustainable growth in the catfish farming sector. Other developing countries can draw lessons from Nigeria's experiences to bolster their aquaculture sectors.

17.
Trop Anim Health Prod ; 56(2): 47, 2024 Jan 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38233625

ABSTRACT

Very little information is available on the quality of wool produced by terminal crosses out of wool producing dam lines. This study was therefore undertaken to elucidate the wool quality traits of four crossbred lines relative to Merinos and Dohne Merinos, which served as dam lines. Each dam line was mated to rams of their own breed as well as to Dormer or Ile de France rams to create four crossbred lines, namely, Dohne x Dormer, Dohne x Ile de France, Merino x Dormer, and Merino x Ile de France, in addition to the purebred Dohne Merino and Merino lines. Four rams and four ewes from each of these lines were reared up to one year of age under optimal growth conditions and shorn at the end of that time. Fleeces were weighed and samples collected for analysis. Neither sex nor genotype influenced clean fleece weight or clean yield percentage, but fibre diameter differed between genotypes. Purebred Merino had the finest wool (18.26 µm) and the Merino x Dormer cross the coarsest (26.01 µm). However, all lines still produced wool that could be used in manufacturing clothing, while fleeces showed good uniformity. The two purebred lines had the highest comfort factor (> 98%). The crossbred lines produced a similar quantity of wool as the purebreds, although of poorer quality. All genotypes except Merino x Dormer appear to produce wool that could be processed into garments, although the crossbred wool would only be suitable for outerwear.


Subject(s)
Sheep, Domestic , Wool , Sheep/genetics , Animals , Male , Female , Sheep, Domestic/genetics , Genotype , Reproduction , Phenotype
18.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 31(6): 8369-8386, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38172321

ABSTRACT

Different petroleum operations produce huge amount of oil sludge annually. For instance, US EPA estimates the annual sludge production of each US refinery of 30,000 tons, while the average oily sludge produced from petrochemical industries in China is estimated about 3 million tons per year. In the last year, our center could recover about 30,206 barrels of raw oil from 32,786 barrels of tank bottom sludge (TBS) for different petroleum companies. This sludge causes huge economic losses besides its negative environmental impacts. The accumulation of sludge in the tanks results in reducing the tanks' capacity for storing liquid crude, accelerating the corrosion of the tanks, delay in the production schedule, and disturbing the whole production operation. There are diverse treatment methodologies such as solvent treatment, addition of certain chemicals, and centrifuging. Of course, the environmental regulations and the overall cost limitations are very important in deciding the preferred applicable method(s). Although several works handled the problem of sludge deposition and treatment from different aspects, we intend to introduce a different work. First, composition, formation, types, and properties of TBS were reviewed. Then, environmental and economic problems caused by TBS were revised. At last, different methodologies applied for treatment of oily TBS to recover oil and safe disposal of hazardous remains were investigated focusing on the most straightforward and environmentally friendly protocols. It is expected that this review attracts the experts in petroleum chemistry, and other relevant fields and provides a comprehensive understanding of current sludge control and treatment research.


Subject(s)
Petroleum , Petroleum/analysis , Sewage , Oils , Solvents , China
19.
Res Vet Sci ; 168: 105154, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38290405

ABSTRACT

An existing model was used to identify key drivers of profitability and estimate the impact on environmental sustainability when immunizing finishing pigs against GnRF with Improvac®. The model estimated performance and economic differences between immunized (IM) and non-IM pigs from the perspective of producers and packers, based on two recent meta-analyses in male and female pigs. It was populated with data from 9 countries in four continents (Europe, Asia, North and Latin-America). One-way sensitivity analyses (OWSA) were used to define key drivers of profitability. When changing the country specific input data over a range of ±20%, most OWSA did not reverse the mathematical sign of incremental net return between IM and non-IM pigs as calculated in base case analyses. Only the difference in feed conversion rate between IM and untreated female pigs was a key driver of profitability. The parameters with the highest impact on outcomes were similar across countries and expectable (feed costs), or explainable (parameters with statistical differences between IM and non-IM pigs in meta-analyses). In both single-gender herds, Improvac® reduced the environmental impact of pig production by improving feed efficiency (FE), the key driver of environmental burden. In a 50/50 mixed gender herd, IM pigs consumed less feed and gained more weight in 7 out of 9 countries; in the other two countries the FE calculated for the additional weight gain in IM pigs was >1.00, i.e., each additional kilogram of weight gain was associated with less than one additional kilogram of feed consumed.


Subject(s)
Immunization , Vaccination , Swine , Female , Male , Animals , Immunization/veterinary , Vaccination/veterinary , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone , Weight Gain , Gonadotropins
20.
Animals (Basel) ; 14(2)2024 Jan 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38275775

ABSTRACT

The effects of the partial replacement of soybean with alternative local agri-industry by-products and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal on broiler growth performance, blood biochemistry, welfare, and, subsequently, economic performance of these diets were evaluated. A total of 524 day-old chicks from a local and a commercial strain were fed one of the three diets from the day of hatch to the slaughter age. The diets were the following: a soybean-based control diet, a diet in which soybean was partially replaced (SPR) with agri-industrial by-products, or a diet with BSF larvae meal added to the SPR (SPR + BSF). There was no effect of the diets on the slaughter weight, total feed consumption, and feed conversion of the chickens. The SPR + BSF diet reduced the blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in the local chickens and the gamma-glutamyl transferase, protein, and creatinine levels in the commercial broilers. The negative effect of the SPR diet on plumage cleanliness in the commercial broilers was alleviated by the SPR + BSF diet, whereas 100% of the local birds presented either slight or moderate soiling. The results showed that, due to the high cost of the BSF larvae meal, the SPR + BSF diet was not economically feasible. In a further study, the price trends of BSF larvae will be examined from the standpoint of economic profitability conditions.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...