The present study demonstrates the effect of direct solar drying (DSD) and hot air drying (HAD) on the quality attributes of Fuji apple slices. DSD samples took a longer time (150–180 min) to dry and simultaneously reached higher equilibrium moisture content at the end of rehydration than HAD samples. DSD samples have higher rehydration ability, dry matter holding capacity, and water absorption capacity than HAD samples. Among several empirical models, the Weibull model is the best fit with higher R2 (0.9977), lower root mean square (0.0029), and chi-square error (0.0031) for describing the rehydration kinetics. Rehydrated HAD samples showed better color characteristics than DSD in terms of overall color change, chroma, and hue angle values. Whereas the hardness and chewiness of rehydrated DSD samples were better than HAD samples because of higher dry matter holding capacity in DSD. Apart from color retention, the DSD samples showed better rehydration capacity and a good texture upon rehydration than HAD slices.
This study provides an evaluation of the environmental impact and economic benefits associated with the disposal of mango waste in Thailand, utilizing the methodologies of life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 14046 and ISO 14067. The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of mango production in Thailand, with a specific focus on its contribution to global warming. This was achieved through the application of a life cycle assessment methodology, which enabled the determination of the cradle-to-grave environmental impact, including the estimation of the mango production’s global warming potential (GWP). Based on the findings of the feasibility analysis, mango production is identified as a novel opportunity for mango farmers and environmentally conscious consumers. This is due to the fact that the production of mangoes of the highest quality is associated with a carbon footprint and other environmental considerations. Based on the life cycle assessment conducted on conventional mangoes, taking into account greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it has been determined that the disposal of 1 kg of mango waste per 1 rai through landfilling results in an annual emission of 8.669 tons of carbon. This conclusion is based on comprehensive data collected throughout the entire life cycle of the mangoes. Based on the available data, it can be observed that the quantity of gas released through the landfilling process of mango waste exhibits an annual increase in the absence of any intervening measures. The cost benefit analysis conducted on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of traditional mango waste has demonstrated that the potential benefits derived from its utilization are numerous. The utilization of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and the adoption of a sustainable business model exemplify the potential for developing novel eco-sustainable products derived from mango waste in forthcoming time.
Three-dimensionally cross-linked polymer nanocomposite networks coated nano sand light-weight proppants (LWPs) were successfully prepared via ball-milling the macro sand and subsequently modifying the resultant nano sand with sequential polymer nanocomposite coating. The modified nano sand proppants had good sphericity and roundness. Thermal analyses showed that the samples can withstand up to 411 ℃. Moreover, the proppant samples’ specific gravity (S.G.) was 1.02–1.10 g/cm3 with excellent water dispersibility. Therefore, cross-linked polymer nanocomposite networks coated nano sand particles can act as potential candidates as water-carrying proppants for hydraulic fracturing operations.
The future of Dutch healthcare is a challenge that focuses on four aims: the ‘Quadruple Aim’. These aims concern: improving the quality and accessibility of care, enhancing patient experience, reducing healthcare costs and increasing the job satisfaction of healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals play a major role in the realization of the first three aims. The pressure on healthcare and the scarce capacity forces us to treat this human capital with care. Satisfied employees are partly decisive for the success of an organization. At the same time, an organization expects optimal performance from its employees. This requires an active and involved attitude from the HRM department. The individual employee plays an intermediary role between HRM activities and organizational performance. In order to increase knowledge and understanding about this position, attention to the individual in the context of the organization is essential. In this article, the relationship between HRM, performance and well-being of employees and underlying theoretical explanation models are discussed. Recommendations were made on the contribution that HRM can make to the balance between employee and organizational interests.
This paper aims to investigate local communities’ participation in eco-tourism projects by using the community of Situ Cisanti located in Tarumajaya Village, West Java as a case. Data were gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation analysis. Observations and in-depth interviews were conducted simultaneously for two months, from September to October 2021. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 informants from the elements; village government officials of Tarumajaya, Perhutani, and local communities who participated in the Situ Cisanti eco-tourism project, which was completed through a documents analysis. According to the findings, local community participation in Situ Cisanti eco-tourism consists of conservation and economic participation. Conservation participation is demonstrated by their participation in restoration and greening activities such as reforestation, etc. in Situ Cisanti and its surroundings, whereas economic participation is demonstrated by the establishment of stalls, culinary, coffee, souvenir, and homestay businesses as a result of Situ Cisanti eco-tourism. Furthermore, the existence of this eco-tourism has empowered women because new business opportunities that arise are not only run by men but also by women. As a result, this study implies that the participation of local eco-tourism communities not only has an impact on empowering conservation knowledge and economics, but it can also imply women empowerment.
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