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EXPLORING THE ENERGY GENERATION POTENTIAL OF JATROPHA CAKE IN A BIOREFINERY: AN OPTIMIZATION STUDY
Full text linkWaste management and energy access remain critical challenges globally, especially in developing countries where poor waste management and unreliable power supply exacerbate environmental and socio-economic issues. This study aims to explore the potential of using Jatropha cake as a sustainable bioenergy source in gas-turbine power plants to address these challenges. Using a Central Composite Design (CCD) approach, the study evaluates the effects of compressor efficiency, turbine efficiency, heat transfer coefficients, and heat transfer area on power generation from Jatropha cake, modeled using the DWSim simulation package. The findings show that an open-loop gas-turbine configuration with a compressor efficiency of 83.92% and turbine efficiency of 98% can generate a maximum power output of 174235 kW. In contrast, the closed-loop configuration, optimized with a heat exchanger (HX) at 120 W/m²K heat transfer coefficient and 1000 m² heat transfer area, yields 74375.70 kW. The results suggest that the open-loop configuration is more efficient, offering significantly higher power generation. This study highlights the viability of Jatropha cake as a bioenergy resource, providing a promising solution for improving power supply in energy-deficient communities while contributing to sustainable waste management practices
THE EFFECT OF TORREFACTION ON PELLETS MADE FROM VEGETAL BIOMASS GENERATED BY FRUIT SHRUBS
Full text linkThis study investigates the effects of torrefaction on the properties of pellets produced from vegetable biomass residues of fruit shrubs. The research focuses on two pellet formulations: (1) a blend of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) residues and (2) a mixture of sea buckthorn residues with wheat straw. The torrefaction process was conducted in an inert argon atmosphere at temperatures between 200 °C and 300 °C for durations ranging from 10 to 30 min. The study assessed the impact of these parameters on the net calorific value and ash content of the pellets. Results indicate that torrefaction significantly enhances the calorific value of the biomass, with optimal conditions identified at 250-280 °C and exposure times of 15-25 min. However, excessive temperature and duration lead to mass losses and increased ash content. These findings provide insights into optimizing torrefaction parameters for improving the quality of densified solid biofuels derived from agricultural residues
FATTY ACID METHYL ESTERS GC/FID ANALYSIS USING ICHIHARA-FUKUBAYASHI MODYFIED METHOD
Full text linkThe method for preparing fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from lipids for gas-liquid chromatography, developed by K. Ichihara and Y. Fukubayashi, was optimized as a result of research on the influence of mild (45 ℃, for 14 h) and fast (100 ℃, for 1 h) methanolysismethylation conditions on the FAMEs yield. Based on the minor impact on the final products and the good FAMEs yields, the optimized mild methanolysis/methylation method was applied to eight vegetable oil samples and two types of fish oil dietary supplements. The FAMEs compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC/FID). On the recorded chromatograms, 16 types of fatty acids with majority content were identified and their mass fractions were calculated. The modified Ichihara-Fukubayashi method allowed the conversion of ester-bound fatty acids and free acids to FAMEs in a single step. The accuracy, accessibility and convenience of the method, the use of low concentrations of samples and reagents were noted
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY ADOPTION AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED COMPANIES IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY
Full text linkDespite its numerous benefits to companies in modern era, digital transformation strategies are rarely adopted in developing countries. Consequently, this study demonstrates the benefits of digital transformation to performance of companies in developing economies and the reasons for non-adoption of digital transformation strategies in developing economies. The objective of the study was achieved by using case study analysis to analyse five companies from different industry in developed and developing economies. The findings of this study highlights the various ways digital transformation positively impacts a company’s performance by improving business processes, reducing costs, or growing the revenue of the company. Evidence from the study also points at the lack of a digital transformation strategy, shortage of skills, absence of leadership support and unavailability of budget as the main reasons for the low rate of digital transformation adoption in developing economies. The study, therefore, concludes that digital transformation has the potential to significantly improve company performance in developing economies. Companies in developing economies could increase their performances by leveraging digital technologies and overcoming common
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF FOOD SYSTEMS: AFRICA AND THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
Full text linkThis article examines the connection between political developments, economic structures, and food systems in Africa, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine war. The article explores how the prevailing political economy influences food production, distribution, and consumption, identifies the conduits through which the war impacted the food system value chain, and proposes how national and local governments can build resilient food systems capable of meeting the population’s food needs amidst crises. The findings show that the war affected Africa's food system mainly by disrupting the supply chain of commodities that Africa used to develop and sustain its food system. The war disrupted inputs, energy, and food products from Russia and Ukraine to African countries that depend on these countries for these commodities. The article also proposes response mechanisms to the impacts of the war and how African countries can navigate future disruptions and build resilient food systems capable of meeting the population’s food needs. The article could be exciting for politicians and policymakers working on food security, food sovereignty, and diplomatic issues
A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL SECURITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
Full text linkNutritional security is crucial for public health in Moldova, a country facing a dual burden of malnutrition - undernutrition alongside rising obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite progress in food availability, challenges in dietary quality and health outcomes remain. This study evaluates Moldova's nutritional profile using national and international data. The main goal is to assess the current state of nutritional security in Moldova, identify policy and data gaps, and propose recommendations to improve dietary quality and combat NCDs through effective policies and data-driven actions. A systematic review of reports from international organizations, such as the Global Nutrition Report (GNR) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), as well as national policy documents, was conducted for the period 2015–2024. Key indicators such as food insecurity, obesity, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies were analyzed. The effectiveness of national programs like the National Program in the Field of Food and Nutrition (2014–2020) was also assessed. Moldova shows high rates of food insecurity (24.7%), anemia in women (26.1%), and obesity (23.0% in 2022). Fragmented data and the lack of a centralized monitoring system hinder progress. Addressing Moldova's nutritional challenges requires a centralized monitoring system, improved data collection, and a comprehensive national nutrition strategy aligned with global standards
SOCIAL INTEGRATION ISSUES OF YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING THE RESIDENTIAL CARE SYSTEM
Full text linkAnnually, hundreds of young people leave the residential care system, and many of them struggle to integrate socially, often becoming part of deviant or marginalized groups. The aim of the study was to identify the difficulties faced by young people when leaving residential care, in order to determine the social services needed to overcome these challenges. The research methods used were sociological surveys based on questionnaires and focus-group discussions with young people who had left the care system. The difficulties mentioned by young people when leaving the residential care system included: lack of housing, limited financial resources, difficulties in continuing their studies, challenges in finding a job, difficulties accessing medical services, lack of residence permits, and lack of emotional support. Facilitating the social integration process for young people from the care system requires intervention on multiple fronts, including: adapting activities in residential institutions with a greater focus on preparing young people for leaving the system; designating support persons for young people, who would facilitate the social integration process; strengthening cooperation between residential institutions and medical, educational, and employment institutions to ease the transition to independent life for young people; and amending the regulatory framework by diversifying social services that would offer support and foster the successful integration of young people
CHALLENGES OF EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITY: THE CASE OF ADDIS ABABA POLICE COMMISSION
Full text linkThis study probes the challenges to implement the strategies of community policing in empowering the community at Ketena 09, Addis Ketema Sub city. The sub city was selected after a comparison was made among the eleven sub-cities of police in the metro Politian. To make the comparison objective, the study used the crime statics reported in the past three years. Qualitative method was the strategy employed to meaning data from in-depth interview solicited from 22 key informants selected based on the eligibility criteria. Six residents, seven members of the ketene advisory council, and nine police officers were finally identified. Data gathered from in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that the community olicing structure begins from family police at the grass roots level and hieratically grows to block and ketene council. The challenges are misusing the community policing philosophies for political gain, labeling and silencing critical voices, misusage of power and disempowering the lower structure where the police are there to deliver services. The study recommends the government officials, police chiefs, and community policing boards to review the policies, operational procedures, and structural arrangements and develop research informed frameworks to free the implementation from unnecessary grounds and political influences
ECONOMIC VIOLENCE – A SILENT THREAT TO SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: APPROACHES, INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS, AND PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS
Full text linkIn the context in which the concept of sustainable development has become a global priority, it is essential to understand that sustainability involves ensuring a balance between economic progress, social inclusion and respect for fundamental human rights. In this sense, the social pillar of sustainability involves combating all forms of inequality, discrimination or abuse. Economic violence is a subtle but deeply destructive form of discrimination, which undermines sustainable social development. This article aims to analyze economic violence both from a conceptual and historical perspective, as well as in its practical dimension, through a survey conducted among UTM respondents. Through a comparative analysis between the Republic of Moldova, the European Union, the United States and other countries, the research aims to highlight the determinants, characteristics and institutional responses to this phenomenon. The paper demonstrates that the prevention and elimination of economic violence presents not only problems of social justice, but also essential conditions for building a sustainable society based on equality, solidarity and mutual respect
ANALYSIS OF THE MECHANISM OF ETHICAL GOVERNANCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
Full text linkThe uncertainty of the rapid development of science and technology has led to ethical risks that have attracted attention from all parties. As an important guarantee for the effective development of scientific and technological innovation activities, the ethical governance is of key significance to promote research and development innovation and ensuring that science and technology serve the greater good. An important issue in both governmental governance and academic discussions is how ethical governance of science and technology can enhance scientific and technological innovation. Based on the panel data at the prefecture-level cities from 2019 to 2023, the fixed effects model and the mediating effect model are used to test the impact of ethical governance of science and technology on scientific and technological innovation. The results show that ethical governance has a significant positive driving effect on scientific and technological innovation, and at the same time, ethical governance of science and technology promotes the improvement of innovation ability through the construction of legal environment. Accordingly, refining the ethical governance system of science and technology, adapting governance strategies flexibly, and optimizing the legal environment are essential to fostering sustainable scientific and technological innovation within an ethical framework