Journal Description
Proceedings
Proceedings
is an open access journal dedicated to publishing findings resulting from conferences, workshops, and similar events. The conference organizers and proceedings editors are responsible for managing the peer-review process and selecting papers for conference proceedings.
Latest Articles
Statement of Peer Review
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108002 - 21 Oct 2024
Abstract
In submitting the conference proceedings to Proceedings, the Volume Editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the Volume Editors [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
Open AccessAbstract
Smart Sensor for Mercury Detection in Novel Food
by
Ilaria Antonia Vitale, Giulia Selvolini, Cristina Truzzi and Giovanna Marrazza
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097232 - 18 Oct 2024
Abstract
In this work, we present a simple, fast, and cheap procedure for the determination of mercury [Hg(II)] by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) at nanocomposite screen-printed graphite electrodes. The nanocomposite surfaces were obtained by the electrodeposition of poly(L-aspartic acid) on graphite screen-printed
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In this work, we present a simple, fast, and cheap procedure for the determination of mercury [Hg(II)] by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) at nanocomposite screen-printed graphite electrodes. The nanocomposite surfaces were obtained by the electrodeposition of poly(L-aspartic acid) on graphite screen-printed working electrodes using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and, then, of gold nanoparticles using chronoamperometry. A calibration curve by SWASV was obtained with a wide dynamic range (1–60 μg/L) and a limit of detection of 0.25 μg/L. The developed sensor was applied for the analysis of novel food samples.
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Open AccessEditorial
Preface of the 31st International Scientific Conference on Modern Metallurgy—Iron and Steelmaking 2024
by
Ladislav Socha, Mariola Saternus and Tomasz Merder
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108001 - 18 Oct 2024
Abstract
The main aim of this event is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience, and to present the latest trends in the field of metallurgy [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
Open AccessAbstract
Pro-Ecological Use of Waste Energy from the Cooling System of an Industrial Furnace
by
Wojciech Bialik, Stanisław Gil and Sławomir Kozłowski
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108022 - 17 Oct 2024
Abstract
The increase in energy prices is causing a renewed interest in methods of using existing energy sources [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
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Open AccessAbstract
Modeling of Laser-Assisted Cutting of Thin-Walled Steel Gears
by
Abbos Elmanov, Sirojiddin Kengboyev, Nazirjon Safarov and Adham Norkobilov
Proceedings 2024, 105(1), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024105146 - 16 Oct 2024
Abstract
The article provides information on the theoretical foundations, technological processes, and equipment used for the laser cutting of gears from thin-walled (4–10 mm thick) steel, which has received the widest industrial application of all laser processing technologies [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Processes—Green and Sustainable Process Engineering and Process Systems Engineering)
Open AccessProceeding Paper
Mass Transfer of Dichloromethane from EU Retail Roast and Ground Decaffeinated Coffee into Prepared Beverages
by
Massimiliano Fabian, Oliver Süße-Herrmann, Gregory McGaffin and Johannes Hielscher
Proceedings 2024, 109(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/ICC2024-18166 - 14 Oct 2024
Abstract
Dichloromethane (DCM) is extensively used around the globe in various applications, such as in closed industrial installations for food processing or pharmaceutical extractions (vitamins, antibiotics, etc.). In the coffee sector, it is used as an extraction agent for the decaffeination process of green
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Dichloromethane (DCM) is extensively used around the globe in various applications, such as in closed industrial installations for food processing or pharmaceutical extractions (vitamins, antibiotics, etc.). In the coffee sector, it is used as an extraction agent for the decaffeination process of green coffee beans. Due to its low boiling point, ranging at approx. 40 °C, DCM can be easily removed subsequent to caffeine extraction by applying state-of-the-art solvent stripping processes. The intention of this study is to assess how much DCM, if any, is present in decaffeinated coffee packages as sold to the consumer, as well as how much of the extraction solvent residue is transferred into the finally prepared, consumable coffee beverage. This study sets out to highlight DCM contents of decaf coffees, directly taken from six EU countries’ supermarket shelves. In addition, DCM mass transfer rates from roasted coffee matrices into the corresponding, variously prepared beverages (drip percolated coffee, French press) are determined. All analyses were performed applying a Headspace-GC-MS technique. All presented data demonstrate that DCM residues in the 34 coffee samples analysed have contents well below the DCM maximum residue limits for roasted coffee both in the European Union (2 mg/kg) and the USA (10 mg/kg), with an average of 0.127 mg/kg, median value of 0.059 mg/kg and P95 of 0.444 mg/kg. Furthermore, this study shows that DCM mass transfer rates from the coffee matrices into the corresponding beverages have, for drip coffee, an average of 24.7% and median of 26.8%, and for French press, an average mass transfer of 41.9% and median of 43.1%.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of ICC 2024)
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Open AccessAbstract
Stimulation of the Nasal Cavity Using Flexible PCB Electrodes
by
Clémentine Lipp, Evgenii Glushkov, Halina B. Stanley, Camille Ferdenzi, Maxime Fieux, Arnaud Bertsch, Jürgen Brugger and Moustafa Bensafi
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097231 - 10 Oct 2024
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The loss of the sense of smell has not produced as many technological developments to mitigate the inconvenience it causes compared to the loss of vision or hearing. Anosmia or hyposmia concerns approximately 20% of the current European population and is associated with
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The loss of the sense of smell has not produced as many technological developments to mitigate the inconvenience it causes compared to the loss of vision or hearing. Anosmia or hyposmia concerns approximately 20% of the current European population and is associated with a loss of quality of life and an increased rate of household accidents. Restoring olfaction would therefore be beneficial, but it represents a technological challenge. Electrical stimulation of the nasal cavity triggers sensations that may be helpful to patients in detecting environmental odorant stimuli. We present an electrical stimulator fabricated using commercial flexible PCB technology and compare two different placement designs: A standard design based on existing medical technology that uses a metallic rod, bent to ensure contact with the nasal cavity; and a self-holding design featuring two magnets, placed across the nasal septum to ensure contact. The detection thresholds were measured for both configurations on seven normosmic individuals and show a good correlation between the two designs.
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Open AccessAbstract
UV Light-Induced Response Degradation Characteristics of Silicon-Based Detectors
by
Daniel Gäbler and Pablo F. Siles
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097230 - 25 Sep 2024
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High energy radiation is known to potentially impact silicon-based optical sensors adversely, either permanently or reversibly [...]
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Open AccessAbstract
A Portable Gold-Nanoparticle-Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Highly Sensitive β-Bungarotoxin Quantification in Snake Poisoning Diagnosis
by
Samuel Husin Surya Mandala, Mochamad Januar, Chien-Chun Liu, Jau-Song Yu and Kou-Chen Liu
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097229 - 25 Sep 2024
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This study introduces a portable gold-nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the swift and highly sensitive detection of β-bungarotoxin in krait venom. Demonstrating a 103-fold increase in sensitivity over traditional SPR sensors, this compact tool underscores the potential of portable
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This study introduces a portable gold-nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the swift and highly sensitive detection of β-bungarotoxin in krait venom. Demonstrating a 103-fold increase in sensitivity over traditional SPR sensors, this compact tool underscores the potential of portable SPR biosensors for efficient point-of-care venom diagnostics.
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Open AccessAbstract
Dietary Intake of Pregnant Women and Its Association with Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Their Children
by
André Oelofse, Juley De Smidt, Hein Odendaal, Daan Nel, Lucy Brink and Heidi Nolan
Proceedings 2023, 91(1), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023091439 - 20 Sep 2024
Abstract
Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy affects the growth of the foetus and may impair the development of different organs, some of which may affect cardio-metabolic health in early childhood. This study determined the dietary intake of pregnant women and its possible associations with
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Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy affects the growth of the foetus and may impair the development of different organs, some of which may affect cardio-metabolic health in early childhood. This study determined the dietary intake of pregnant women and its possible associations with early child cardio-metabolic risk. Methods: Dietary data were collected from 152 of a larger sample of 500 pregnant women and their children at birth and at the age of 5–6 years within the Tygerberg Academic Hospital catchment area, Bellville, South Africa. Maternal weight, height, BMI and mid-upper arm circumference were collected at recruitment. Birth weight, length, head circumference and placental weight were collected at birth. At the age of 5–6 years, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, skinfold thickness and waist circumference), clinical measurements (blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate) and ultrasound measurements (pancreas, aorta, carotid arteries and visceral fat) were collected. For the purpose of this abstract, we will report only on the ultrasound measurements for vascular and pancreas parameters. Dietary data were collected using a quantified food frequency questionnaire. Results: Iron intake did not differ significantly between the trimesters, nor between mothers who smoked (14.5 mg), consumed alcohol (16.5 mg) or both (15.0 mg). The average total energy intake of mothers was 10,850 kJ (SD = 3001 kJ), which was slightly above NIH recommendations. Most of the energy came in the form of saturated fat, oils and added sugar. Both protein and carbohydrate intake exceeded recommendations, with average intakes of 82 g and 275 g, respectively. Folate intake was below recommendations at 287 mcg. A significant association was found between maternal carbohydrate intake and the size of the pancreas body (0.164; p < 0.05) as well as between protein intake and aorta intima media thickness (r = 0.201; p < 0.05), while a negative association was found between polyunsaturated fat intake and left carotid intima media thickness (−0.179; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dietary intake in this group did not indicate nutritional deficiencies. However, the low folate intake may be of concern. The association of fats with vascular wall thickness and the association of carbohydrate intake with increased pancreas size needs further investigation.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023)
Open AccessAbstract
Effect of Aesthetic Images on a Population with Mild Cognitive Decline: An Electroencephalography/Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
by
Livio Clemente, Marianna La Rocca, Marianna Delussi, Giusy Tancredi, Katia Ricci, Giuseppe Procida, Antonio Brunetti, Vitoantonio Bevilacqua and Marina de Tommaso
Proceedings 2024, 97(1), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097228 - 19 Sep 2024
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Neuroaesthetics is a relatively young field that connects neuroscience with empirical aesthetics and originates in the neurological theory of aesthetic experience. It investigates brain structures and activity during the phenomena of artistic perception and production and, at the same time, attempts to understand
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Neuroaesthetics is a relatively young field that connects neuroscience with empirical aesthetics and originates in the neurological theory of aesthetic experience. It investigates brain structures and activity during the phenomena of artistic perception and production and, at the same time, attempts to understand the influence of neurological pathologies on these mechanisms. For each participant (six subjects with mild cognitive decline and ten controls), electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data were acquired thanks to a wearable EEG–fNIRS system during the execution of a P300 task.
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Open AccessAbstract
The Latest Trends in Recycling Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
by
Beata Pospiech
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108021 - 13 Sep 2024
Abstract
As we know, the use of electric vehicles is for reducing carbon emissions as well as reducing environmental pollution [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
Open AccessAbstract
Biocompatible Pillar[5]arene-Based Ionic Liquids Containing Amino Acid Fragments as Potential Water Treatment Systems
by
Vildan Sultanaev, Anastasia Nazarova and Ivan Stoikov
Proceedings 2024, 107(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024107040 - 12 Sep 2024
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are a rapidly growing area of technology and materials science due to their unique properties such as adsorption, recyclability, polarity, and thermal and electrochemical stability [...]
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Open AccessAbstract
Enhancing Grasping Abilities through a Novel and Affordable Hybrid Exoskeleton Glove for Hand Rehabilitation
by
Naurine Aysha Shafique, Sania Thomas and V. A. Binson
Proceedings 2024, 107(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024107039 - 12 Sep 2024
Abstract
Over the past few years, interest in wearable exoskeleton gloves has grown. These tools can be used to help those who are healthy or to support those who have neurological and musculoskeletal conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, etc. The hand, which is
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Over the past few years, interest in wearable exoskeleton gloves has grown. These tools can be used to help those who are healthy or to support those who have neurological and musculoskeletal conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, etc. The hand, which is the human body’s most flexible limb, encounters more difficult problems and recovers considerably more slowly than the lower and upper limbs. In light of these difficulties, a novel therapy called exoskeleton-based rehabilitation has gained increased significance. In this work, we concentrate on creating a wearable exoskeleton glove that is inexpensive to improve the user’s grasping abilities. The tool significantly raises the user’s gripping capacity, which raises their quality of life. The exoskeleton glove is designed to assist human hands with limited mobility during the motion rehabilitation process and to improve the grasping and dexterous manipulation capabilities of the hands of both impaired and able-bodied individuals. The proposed model consists of two types of systems, mainly the tendon driven system and the pneumatic system. The tendon-driven system is the system that helps in the flexion and extension movements of the hand. The efficiency of the exoskeleton glove is evaluated by performing the basic movements of hand like abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension. The developed hybrid exoskeleton glove can efficiently enhance the grasping capabilities of its users, offering, affordable, lightweight and easy-to-operate solutions that can assist in the execution of activities of daily living (ADL).
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Open AccessAbstract
Iron Oxide Reduction by Hydrogen from Liquid Slag
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Piotr Migas, Mikolaj Bernasowski, Marta Ślęzak, Rafał Warchulski and Krzysztof Kupczak
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108020 - 12 Sep 2024
Abstract
Steel is the second most common man-made material after concrete (annual global steel production is approximately 2 billion tons [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
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Open AccessAbstract
The Steel Scrap Purity Analysis in the Context of the Quality of Steel Produced at AMW
by
Artur Dobosz, Slawomir Spychaj and Miroslaw Karbowniczek
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108019 - 12 Sep 2024
Abstract
The basic input material for steel production in an arc furnace is steel scrap, which is the main material contributing iron to the melting process [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Assessment of Potential Ecological Risks of Cr, Cd, Pb, and As in Coastal Sediments
by
Nezha Mejjad, Samira El Aouidi and Abdelmourhit Laissaoui
Proceedings 2024, 102(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024102053 - 10 Sep 2024
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Coastal sediments are a powerful tool for analyzing pollution levels and reconstructing history. The Oualidia lagoon plays an essential role as it provides several ecosystem services, including aquaculture, fisheries, and coastal tourism, among others. Therefore, the conservation and protection of this natural system
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Coastal sediments are a powerful tool for analyzing pollution levels and reconstructing history. The Oualidia lagoon plays an essential role as it provides several ecosystem services, including aquaculture, fisheries, and coastal tourism, among others. Therefore, the conservation and protection of this natural system requires the continuous monitoring of its environmental quality. The present study evaluates the potential ecological risks of Cr, Cd, Pb, and As in coastal sediment cores collected from the Oualidia lagoon. These sediment cores were also dated using lead-210 to study the temporal variations in the studied metals. The potential ecological risk values of the metals show a moderate ecological risk to the lagoon since the 1950s, while the toxic units indicate low toxicity. The Adverse Effect Index (AEI) values indicate a probable effect on biota due to the concentrations of Cr, As, and Cd, mainly in the surface layers. This suggests that the development of human activities in the last two decades has contributed to increased heavy metal concentrations, leading to potential ecological risks to the lagoon. Activities such as agriculture can be potential sources of Cd. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides may contribute to the increase in this heavy metal in the lagoon. This finding highlights the need for the careful monitoring and remediation of Cd levels in this aquatic system, as Cd presents a high ecological risk value among the selected heavy metals.
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Open AccessEditorial
Statement of Peer Review
by
Giovanna Marrazza and Sara Tombelli
Proceedings 2024, 104(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024104041 - 10 Sep 2024
Abstract
In submitting conference abstracts to Proceedings, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Biosensors)
Open AccessAbstract
Advancing Coffee Genetic Resource Conservation and Exchange: Global Perspectives and Strategies from the ICC 2024 Satellite Workshop
by
Sarada Krishnan, Steffen Schwarz, Dirk W. Lachenmeier and Christophe Montagnon
Proceedings 2024, 109(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/ICC2024-18177 - 10 Sep 2024
Abstract
Climate change poses significant threats to coffee supply chains, highlighting the crucial role of coffee genetic resources in enhancing resilience and improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers. Increasing climate change effects are intensifying pressure to develop new high-performance resilient varieties. Current cultivated coffee
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Climate change poses significant threats to coffee supply chains, highlighting the crucial role of coffee genetic resources in enhancing resilience and improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers. Increasing climate change effects are intensifying pressure to develop new high-performance resilient varieties. Current cultivated coffee species include Coffea arabica and C. canephora, while uncultivated genetic resources include C. stenophylla, C. racemosa, and many others among the 130 known coffee species. To protect and recognize the property rights of countries and people hosting and conserving genetic resources, the international community has developed regulations embodied in the Plant Treaty and the Nagoya Protocol, among others. The majority of coffee genetic resources originate in Africa and are maintained in large field collections, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. The 2023 International Coffee Convention (ICC) highlighted the need for community awareness in applying these international regulations. To foster a common understanding and establish precise rules for exchanging coffee genetic resources, the Crop Trust and the International Coffee Organization organized an invitation-only satellite workshop in Mannheim, Germany, on 16 October 2024, in connection with ICC 2024. International experts on the Nagoya Protocol and Plant Treaty and genebank experts were invited to participate. This presentation summarizes key outcomes from the workshop, covering topics such as (i) key requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), its Nagoya Protocol, and the Plant Treaty specifically applicable to the coffee sector; (ii) assessment of the coffee sector’s readiness to implement these international regulations for the transparent use and exchange of coffee genetic resources; (iii) suggestions for mechanisms enabling transparent use and exchange of coffee genetic resources in compliance with international regulations; (iv) evaluation of strategies for generating benefits for communities hosting coffee genetic resources; (v) a practical, user-friendly checklist to ensure the correct handling of coffee genetic resources in line with international regulations; and (vi) a practical decision-making tree with examples to differentiate genetic resources falling under Nagoya/CBD and the Plant Treaty from others. The workshop’s discussions and outcomes expanded on these topics, yielding several concrete initiatives and recommendations. Most importantly, the workshop identified critical gaps in existing coffee genetic resource collections and proposed a global safety duplication strategy. Participants conceptualized a global platform to facilitate the exchange and use of coffee genetic resources, including a centralized database and a system for tracking benefit-sharing obligations. A comprehensive list categorizing coffee varieties based on their status under the Nagoya Protocol may be initiated to clarify access and benefit-sharing requirements. The workshop concluded with a clear roadmap for advancing coffee genetic resource conservation and exchange.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of ICC 2024)
Open AccessAbstract
Theoretical Investigation of the Impact of Impurities in Recycled Silicon Used for the Production of Ferrosilicon
by
Pradeep Padhamnath, Piotr Migas and Mirosław Karbowniczek
Proceedings 2024, 108(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024108018 - 10 Sep 2024
Abstract
Ferrosilicon (FeSi) is produced using a carbothermal process, usually in closed submerged electric arc furnaces [...]
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Modern Metallurgy Iron and Steelmaking 2024)
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