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18 pages, 9292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward New Value-Added Products Made from Anaerobic Digestate: Part 2—Effect of Loading Level on the Densification of Solid Digestate

by Grzegorz Łysiak, Ryszard Kulig and Alina Kowalczyk-Juśko

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7396; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097396 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 893

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms associated with the pelletization of an anaerobic digestate is necessary to optimize the pellet production process and achieve better and more sustainable management of the digestate. This work evaluated the digestate behavior during cyclic loading and unloading [...] Read more.

A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms associated with the pelletization of an anaerobic digestate is necessary to optimize the pellet production process and achieve better and more sustainable management of the digestate. This work evaluated the digestate behavior during cyclic loading and unloading in a closed matrix. The results presented here are a continuation of those observed in previous work that evaluated the effect of moisture content on the behavior of the digestate under cyclic loading/unloading conditions in a closed matrix. The effect of moisture content on the distribution of permanent and elastic strain energy demonstrated in the previous study was verified in the present work under different loading conditions. A Zwick universal machine was used for the experiments. The samples were loaded with amplitudes of 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 kN for 10 cycles. Two distinct moisture levels of the digestate—10% and 22%—were analyzed. The results of the present study confirmed that the elastic energy dissipated was independent of the moisture content of the digestate and remained relatively constant for a wide range of the applied loads. Higher values of elastic strain energy were observed for the digestate with higher moisture content only when higher loads were applied. In the range of the studied loads, characteristic differences were noted in loading/unloading curves regardless of the load magnitude. The increase in the applied load led to an increase in pellet strength, but only when the moisture content of the digestate was 10%. The results of the pellet strength reflect well the results of irreversible energy and the conclusions about the area enclosed between loading and unloading curves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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19 pages, 5585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward New Value-Added Products Made from Anaerobic Digestate: Part 1—Study on the Effect of Moisture Content on the Densification of Solid Digestate

by Grzegorz Łysiak, Ryszard Kulig and Jawad Kadhim Al Aridhee

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4548; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054548 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1272

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is widely used for the sustainable treatment of biological wastes and the production of biogas. Its byproduct, digestate, is a valuable organic waste and needs appropriate management, which is one of the major concerns with a negative impact on the [...] Read more.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is widely used for the sustainable treatment of biological wastes and the production of biogas. Its byproduct, digestate, is a valuable organic waste and needs appropriate management, which is one of the major concerns with a negative impact on the efficiency of biogas installations. One approach to extend the utilization of digestate as well as improve its handling and storage characteristics is compaction into pellets. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of digestate during cyclic loading and unloading in a closed matrix. The findings presented here may provide insights into the mechanisms of pellet formation for optimizing the production of pellets and improving their sustainable management. The study can be considered novel as it applied cyclic loading, for the first time, in view of densification modeling and pelleting prediction. A Zwick universal machine was used in the experiments. The moisture content of digestate was found to be 10–22%. Samples were loaded with a constant amplitude of 20 kN for 10 cycles. The distribution of energy inputs, including the total energy, energy of permanent deformations, and energy lost to elastic ones, was thoroughly evaluated. A decrease in the total loading energy was observed in the first cycle, in cycles 2–10, and after all 10 applied cycles due to the rise in the moisture content of digestate. Similar relations were also found for the nonrecoverable energy part. In subsequent cycles of loading/unloading, the values of total energy and permanent deformation energy fell asymptotically. One of the most noteworthy findings of the study was that the absolute values of elastic deformation energy were consistent across all the cycles and moisture levels. However, it was noted that the percentage of energy dissipated to elastic deformation in all cycles significantly increased as the moisture content increased. Loading, which contributed to elastic deformations, was identified as the key factor causing an increase in cumulative energy inputs, and the majority of the energy expended was dissipated. Dissipated energy was the only component that permanently altered the total energy required for compaction. Another important finding, which resulted from the analysis of successive courses of loading and unloading curves, was that the shape of the areas enclosed between the loading/unloading curves was significantly influenced by the moisture content of the digestate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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15 pages, 2496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Innovative Attachment Determining Friction Parameters for Quality Assessment in Sustainable Processing

by Jacek Mazur, Renata Różyło, Monika Wójcik, Marian Panasiewicz, Kazimierz Zawiślak and Paweł Sobczak

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 12986; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012986 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1271

Abstract

New trends forcing the attractiveness of products in sustainable processing make it necessary to search for innovative methods of measuring their quality. For various biological materials, their physical properties, such as friction parameters in addition to their texture, are very important. Friction determines [...] Read more.

New trends forcing the attractiveness of products in sustainable processing make it necessary to search for innovative methods of measuring their quality. For various biological materials, their physical properties, such as friction parameters in addition to their texture, are very important. Friction determines the course of many technological operations, e.g., transport, cleaning, sorting, fractionation, storage, and dosing of materials. An innovative friction adapter was developed for biological raw materials and tested on samples of self-produced soap. A 3D printing method for the production of this attachment was used. The soap sample loads were 100, 200, and 500 g, and the measurements of frictional resistance were carried out in contact with dry or water moistened synthetic leather, in comparison with sandpaper. For all tested variants (surfaces × loads), the initial friction of soap ranged from 0.853 N to 5.316 N, dynamic friction from 0.123 N to 3.542 N. The static and dynamic friction coefficients ranged from 0.019 to 0.151 and 0.006 to 0.131, respectively. The developed adapter for testing the friction coefficient ensures easy and quick assembly of the analyzed sample, its quick exchange and stable operation in both measurement directions, i.e., pushing and pulling the sample, as well as the possibility of using a lower applied load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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15 pages, 4414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technology for Apple Pomace Utilization within a Sustainable Development Policy Framework

by Paweł Sobczak, Rafał Nadulski, Zbigniew Kobus and Kazimierz Zawiślak

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095470 - 02 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a concept, within the framework of sustainable agriculture, for utilizing apple pomace as a valuable raw material in food production. The proposal includes a description of the production technology of four food products together with [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to develop a concept, within the framework of sustainable agriculture, for utilizing apple pomace as a valuable raw material in food production. The proposal includes a description of the production technology of four food products together with the characteristics of their chemical composition, wholesome compounds, and physical properties. These new products were developed on the basis of apple pomace and wheat bran. In the developed technology, heat treatment in a convection oven, treatment with infrared radiation, and two types of barothermic treatments, i.e., extrusion and granulation, were implemented as the principal methods. All of the proposed technologies allow for the use of pomace for the production of food products to be made directly in the home plant and are relatively easy to implement in small processing facilities. It was found that the product consisting of fragmented apple pomace (mass fraction: 75%) and wheat bran (mass fraction: 25%), obtained using infrared radiation treatment, had the greatest value in terms of wholesome characteristics among the products obtained. This product had high contents of fiber and simple sugars, the highest content of polyphenols among the obtained products, and the ability to scavenge free radicals. It was also the only one with partially preserved vitamin C. The proposed method for processing pomace for food is in line with the sustainable agriculture movement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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17 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of the Bromocresol Purple Index (BCPI) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Heating Soybeans and Their Products

by Marek Szmigielski, Paweł Sobczak, Kazimierz Zawiślak, Dariusz Andrejko, Grażyna Bielecka, Jolanta Rubaj, Jacek Mazur and Małgorzata Szczepanik

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031872 - 07 Feb 2022

Viewed by 1437

Abstract

In this study, a number of the most common methods used in assessing the efficiency of soybean heat treatment were compared. All the methods proved to be useful in assessing the efficiency of heating soybean seeds and soybean products. However, considering the sensitivity, [...] Read more.

In this study, a number of the most common methods used in assessing the efficiency of soybean heat treatment were compared. All the methods proved to be useful in assessing the efficiency of heating soybean seeds and soybean products. However, considering the sensitivity, precision, time consumed, and the effectiveness of determination of the characteristics of the samples, the use of the bromocresol purple index (BCPI) appears to be justified. The BCPI method turned out to be universal, allowing distinguishing unheated (BCPI_BSM < 70 mg·g⁻¹), under-heated (70 mg·g⁻¹ < BCPI _BSM < 130 mg·g⁻¹), properly heated (BCPI _BSM = 130–140 mg·g⁻¹), and over-heated samples (BCPI _BSM > 140 mg·g⁻¹). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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16 pages, 3956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar Improves Maize Growth but Has a Limited Effect on Soil Properties: Evidence from a Three-Year Field Experiment

by Agnieszka Medyńska-Juraszek, Agnieszka Latawiec, Jolanta Królczyk, Adam Bogacz, Dorota Kawałko, Magdalena Bednik and Michał Dudek

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073617 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2961

Abstract

Biochar application is reported as a method for improving physical and chemical soil properties, with a still questionable impact on the crop yields and quality. Plant productivity can be affected by biochar properties and soil conditions. High efficiency of biochar application was reported [...] Read more.

Biochar application is reported as a method for improving physical and chemical soil properties, with a still questionable impact on the crop yields and quality. Plant productivity can be affected by biochar properties and soil conditions. High efficiency of biochar application was reported many times for plant cultivation in tropical and arid climates; however, the knowledge of how the biochar affects soils in temperate climate zones exhibiting different properties is still limited. Therefore, a three-year-long field experiment was conducted on a loamy Haplic Luvisol, a common arable soil in Central Europe, to extend the laboratory-scale experiments on biochar effectiveness. A low-temperature pinewood biochar was applied at the rate of 50 t h⁻¹, and maize was selected as a tested crop. Biochar application did not significantly impact the chemical soil properties and fertility of tested soil. However, biochar improved soil physical properties and water retention, reducing plant water stress during hot dry summers, and thus resulting in better maize growth and higher yields. Limited influence of the low-temperature biochar on soil properties suggests the crucial importance of biochar-production technology and biochar properties on the effectiveness and validity of its application in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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14 pages, 1583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computer Image Analysis as a Method of Evaluating the Quality of Selected Fine-Grained Food Mixtures

by Dominika Barbara Matuszek and Łukasz Andrzej Biłos

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063018 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1359

Abstract

This work presents the possibility of using computer image analysis to assess the quality of fine-grained food mixtures. The research was carried out using a mixture of wheat flour and algae. These types of ingredients are used, among others, to produce pasta, which [...] Read more.

This work presents the possibility of using computer image analysis to assess the quality of fine-grained food mixtures. The research was carried out using a mixture of wheat flour and algae. These types of ingredients are used, among others, to produce pasta, which is a functional food due to its enrichment with algae. The tests were carried out for mixtures with different shares of algae: 2%, 3% and 4% w/w. Mixing was carried out in a 3D mixer (Turbula^® mixer), in which 20, 40 and 60 mL mixing vessels were placed. At the end of the process, samples were taken from four parts (sectors) of the mixing vessels, and then photos were taken with a digital camera. For this purpose, a specially prepared chamber was used, ensuring stable conditions for taking photos. The obtained images were analyzed in the Patan^® program, determining the color on the RGB-256 scale. The obtained values were compared with the previously prepared reference specimen (simple linear regression formula). Based on this, it was possible to determine the share of algae in the samples taken and thus to estimate the homogeneity of the tested mixtures. The obtained results indicate the high reliability of the proposed solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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19 pages, 2945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Meat Industry Waste in the Form of Meat-and-Bone Meal in Fertilising Maize (Zea mays L.) for Grain

by Arkadiusz Stępień, Katarzyna Wojtkowiak and Ewelina Kolankowska

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052857 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3189

Abstract

The processing of meat industry waste into meat-and-bone meal (MBM) provides the opportunity to use it as fertiliser in the cultivation of agricultural crops. This study was conducted in the years 2014–2017 at the Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, Poland to assess MBM effects [...] Read more.

The processing of meat industry waste into meat-and-bone meal (MBM) provides the opportunity to use it as fertiliser in the cultivation of agricultural crops. This study was conducted in the years 2014–2017 at the Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, Poland to assess MBM effects on yield and quality of maize cultivated for grain. An example of the effective use of nutrients contained in MBM applied at doses of 2.0 and 3.0 t ha is the cultivation of maize in 2016, which was affected by favourable weather conditions. The effect of the accumulation of MBM doses and, consequently, the provision of a greater amount of nutrients ensure sufficient amounts to obtain yields, greater than those provided by mineral fertilisation only. The macronutrient concentration in the maize grains following the application of MBM was similar to the composition of the grains of maize fertilised with mineral N, P and K fertilisers. With the MBM, micronutrients are introduced in amounts that are able to satisfy plants with these components, yet this study failed to demonstrate any effect of increased MBM doses on the concentration of the analysed elements in the maize grains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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12 pages, 2840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Process of Separation of Husked Soybean in Oblique Airflow

by Marian Panasiewicz, Jacek Mazur, Kazimierz Zawiślak, Ryszard Kulig and Grzegorz Łysiak

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7566; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187566 - 14 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1630

Abstract

The study concerns an evaluation of the effect of selected parameters on the course of horizontal pneumatic separation of unsorted husked soybean and the process efficiency. The efficiency of the process of isolating endosperm fraction from husks and other impurities was evaluated by [...] Read more.

The study concerns an evaluation of the effect of selected parameters on the course of horizontal pneumatic separation of unsorted husked soybean and the process efficiency. The efficiency of the process of isolating endosperm fraction from husks and other impurities was evaluated by determining the separation efficiency indicator η. It was shown that increased moisture content of the mixture results in a significant decrease in the η indicator. For example, with the 2.2% increase of moisture content (from W₁ = 10.1% to W₂ = 12.3%), the separation efficiency indicator decreased, on average, by 6.8%. The value of the η indicator rose with the increased velocity of the airstream, but the amount of valuable fraction that is picked up by the airstream is higher as well. It was found that, when the air velocity increased from V₁ = 7.8 m·s⁻¹ to V₂ = 10.5 m·s⁻¹ (for the moisture content W₁ = 10.1% and W₄ = 15.7%), the increment in the efficiency was the highest and reached 14.9–34.3%. A parametric model of the separation process of fragmented mixtures of biological origin was developed based on the analysis of the obtained results observation undertaken. This model can be used in designing and carrying out operations of separation into particular size fractions and cleaning of various feed mixtures, or in determining parameters of the movement of specific mixture components within pneumatic channels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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14 pages, 880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Mechanical Actions Occurring during Transport on Physicochemical Changes in Agaricus bisporus Mushrooms

by Dorota Walkowiak-Tomczak, Natalia Idaszewska, Krzysztof Bieńczak and Wiktoria Kómoch

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 4993; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124993 - 18 Jun 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2349

Abstract

In this study, physicochemical changes occurring in the fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus champignons, subjected to mechanical vibrations under model conditions and a 4-day storage (shelf-life), were analysed. The experiment was conducted in two versions (applying vibrations for 3 and 6 h, at [...] Read more.

In this study, physicochemical changes occurring in the fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus champignons, subjected to mechanical vibrations under model conditions and a 4-day storage (shelf-life), were analysed. The experiment was conducted in two versions (applying vibrations for 3 and 6 h, at the frequencies of 46 Hz and 28 Hz). As part of physicochemical analyses, such parameters as pH, extract, dry mass, colour parameters and colour difference ∆E, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were determined. The values of the examined physicochemical parameters changed depending on the applied frequencies and vibration time during transport under model conditions, as well as a result of short-term storage (shelf-life). The greatest total colour difference ΔE occurred in the sample subjected to vibrations for 6 h, followed by a 4-day storage. The changes in pH value, dry matter content and refractometric extract were relatively more significant in the samples subjected to 46 Hz vibrations than to those subjected to 28 Hz. The content of polyphenols and the antioxidative activity of mushrooms subjected to vibrations was higher than in the sample stored but not subjected to vibrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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6 pages, 4027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of UV-C Stimulation of Potato Tubers and Soaking of Potato Strips in Water on Color and Analyzed Color by CIE L*a*b*

by Zygmunt Sobol, Tomasz Jakubowski and Piotr Nawara

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3487; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083487 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2689 | Correction

Abstract

The color of French fries is an organoleptic attribute indicative of this product quality and also a reliable indicator of its safety. The darker the product color, the higher its acrylamide concentration. Acrylamide is an organic compound of the amide group showing neurotoxic [...] Read more.

The color of French fries is an organoleptic attribute indicative of this product quality and also a reliable indicator of its safety. The darker the product color, the higher its acrylamide concentration. Acrylamide is an organic compound of the amide group showing neurotoxic and potential mutagenic actions in the human body. The content of acrylamide in fried potato products essentially depends on the contents of reducing sugars in intermediates of French fries’ production. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of UV-C irradiation and the soaking of potato strips in water on French fries’ color. The study was conducted on French fries obtained from tubers of the Innovator variety. The study was performed with the use of a special chamber for UV-C irradiation of biological samples and the CIE L*a*b* model for color analysis. The results of the study demonstrated that UV-C stimulation of potato tubers before processing had a beneficial effect on French fries’ color while the blanching of potato strips and soaking in water at a temperature of 40 °C resulted in the production of French fries lighter in color. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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10 pages, 1009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Potato Tuber Exposure to UV-C Radiation and Semi-Product Soaking in Water on Acrylamide Content in French Fries Dry Matter

by Zygmunt Sobol, Tomasz Jakubowski and Magdalena Surma

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3426; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083426 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2323

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of raw potato tubers’ exposure to UV-C radiation and semi-products soaking in water on the content of acrylamide in the dry matter of French fries. The French fries were prepared from tubers of the Innovator variety [...] Read more.

This study aims to determine the effect of raw potato tubers’ exposure to UV-C radiation and semi-products soaking in water on the content of acrylamide in the dry matter of French fries. The French fries were prepared from tubers of the Innovator variety of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Acrylamide contents were determined by HPLC-UV/Vis on a C-18 column after extraction of fried potatoes with acetonitrile. Potato tubers exposure to UV-C radiation caused an increase in acrylamide content and the soaking of semi-products in water caused a decrease in acrylamide content in the dry matter of French fries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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8 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Determination of the Content of Selected Pesticides in Surface Waters as a Marker of Environmental Pollution

by Ewa Pawłowicz-Sosnowska, Wioletta Żukiewicz-Sobczak, Paweł Sobczak, Maciej Domański and Dominik Szwajgier

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168942 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1563

Abstract

Pesticides are a major problem not only in the food chain but also when considering the protection of our planet. The use of neonicotinoids has been banned in the EU due to their high toxicity to living organisms, in particular honeybees. The presence [...] Read more.

Pesticides are a major problem not only in the food chain but also when considering the protection of our planet. The use of neonicotinoids has been banned in the EU due to their high toxicity to living organisms, in particular honeybees. The presence of neonicotinoids in natural waters poses a threat to pollinating insects and thus hampers organic production. Pesticide residues in the natural waters of agricultural land are monitored within the framework of promoting sustainable rural development to maintain the safety of human and animal health. Chromatographic analyses of selected neonicotinoid pesticides in water samples from agricultural sites in eastern Poland were performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which followed a solid-phase extraction (SPE). The research revealed no evidence of neonicotinoids contamination. Water quality in this region can be a good factor in promoting sustainable development. The obtained results complement the existing knowledge on the impact of neonicotinoids on both the sustainable food chain and the environment. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that they are not being used in rural area under the study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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5 pages, 3605 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: The Effect of UV-C Stimulation of Potato Tubers and Soaking of Potato Strips in Water on Color and Analyzed Color by CIE L*a*b* Sustainability 2020, 12, 3487

by Zygmunt Sobol, Tomasz Jakubowski and Piotr Nawara

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7473; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187473 - 10 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

Given that the expressions of concern in this paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

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