Authors:Lucas Rafael Carneiro da Silva; Tatianny Soares Alves, Renata Barbosa, Fernando Dal Pont Morisso, Alessandro de Oliveira Rios, Ruth Marlene Campomanes Santana Abstract: Growing environmental concern has resulted in a strong trend towards using green materials, and the efficient use of by-products reduces resource waste and environmental pollution. Using Babassu Mesocarp Flour (BMF), a by-product of the babassu oil extraction industry, as bio-reinforcement for polymers, such as Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), is a promising alternative. Before any attempt to develop composite films, the industrially extracted BMF was characterized to know its chemical composition, particle size distribution, specific surface area, morphology, and structure, which is the main objective of this manuscript. The elemental analysis showed that the BMF is predominantly organic and also showed contents of inorganic elements by XRF. Its particles had an average diameter of 38.82 µm and a specific surface area of 3.02 m2/g. Through microscopic techniques, mainly SEM, starch granules in different shapes and sizes were observed. XRD and FTIR showed structure and functional groups typical of starchy materials, evidencing the ecological character of BMF. Progress is necessary to achieve the continuous and comprehensive use of babassu coconut by-products, mainly BMF, allowing greater appreciation. The characteristics of BMF are of great interest in PLA-based films, as they are green materials and non-toxic to the environment. PubDate: Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:28:21 -070
Authors:Beriso Bati Abstract: In Ethiopia, lower productivity of potato production has been one of the significant contributors to food insecurity. Considerable efforts have been made by the government, NGOs and researchers in generating, introducing and disseminating appropriate potato technologies to boost the production and productivity of potato. The objective of this study was to identify the status and performance of potato seed supply and factors that determine potato seed supply system in West Arsi zone. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 120 sample potato producers and 21 traders using probability proportional to size. Descriptive statistics and econometric model were used to analyze data. In West Arsi zone, informal, and alternative potato seed systems co-exist which accounts for 83.71 and16.29%, respectively. Access to market information and credit service plays an important role in accessing of improved potato seed supply system by smallholders’ farmers. Therefore, any interventions that make farmers access to above mentioned service of the households have better enhances farmer’s access to potato seed in the area. Farm income effect farmer’s access to potato seed supply system. Therefore, household farm income should be increased to enhance access of potato seed supply systems. Meanwhile land allocated for potato production and potato yield obtained have a positive effect on farmers access to potato seed supply system. Therefore, land allocated for potato production should be increased by using rent-in and shared-in land to enhance access of potato seed supply systems and potato yield have to be increased by using different agricultural technologies. PubDate: Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:10:06 -070
Open Access journal
[47 journals]
