Experimental Trails Research Articles

Lightweighting an automotive fuel tank through formability analysis

For lightweighting automotive sheet metal parts, it is important to use the right grade/material with the minimum possible initial blank thickness in the forming processes. Fuel tank is one of the most critical sheet metal parts in automobiles due to its complex shape and large depth. In this work, a simulation-based approach has been employed to study the feasibility of lightweighting an automotive fuel tank (for two wheelers) by reducing blank thickness and changing steel grade. Formability analysis has been carried out using numerical simulations of a 0.8 mm thick sheet of Extra Deep Drawing (EDD) steel which is being used to manufacture the fuel tanks. Simulations have been performed to find out the minimum initial sheet thickness which can be formed successfully without failure or excessive thinning. From the predictions of formability, thinning, and strain distributions in the formed parts, it has been found that the weight of the part can be reduced by 12.5% by reducing the initial thickness from 0.80 to 0.70 mm. To reduce the thickness further, simulations have also been carried out by changing the grade from EDD steel to Interstitial Free (IF) steel which has superior drawability than EDD steel. It has been found that the blank thickness can be further reduced to 0.65 mm in the case of IF steel which is expected to result in 19.0% reduction in the weight of the component. The predictions have been validated by the actual press trials in the industry with reduced sheet thickness. The predicted strain distribution and thinning in the formed parts have also been validated with the experimental press trails. In addition to the weight reduction, the proposed change in thickness and grade would lead to a reduction of 16.5% and 4.0%, respectively, in the raw material cost of the fuel tank.

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of human head thermoregulation under motorbike helmet

Headgear including helmets are essential and law-enforced in many countries. However, one of the most main reasons drivers give for not wearing helmets is the discomfort and excessive heat that helmets create. More comfortable helmets can potentially increase helmet use among population, thus play a major role in people safety. In this study, a thermoregulation model of the human helmeted head was created using Finite Element Analysis (FEM) and based on an anatomically correct medical image-based CT-scan model. The model investigated three cases with different wind speeds namely; 1km/h, 20km/h, and 50km/h. In addition, the combined FEM Head-helmet model results is verified by an experimental trail. The compared results shown the ability of the model to predict the head temperature profile and results were in good agreement with experiment. The established model is to predict the thermal distribution of the head parts under helmet conditions. Results reflect the thermoregulatory responses of the rider parts, thus providing grounds for suggestions and recommendations for the helmet design and processing.

Assessment of the presence of nitrates and other chemicals in soil and in maize plants by nitrogen fertilization

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization, with different levels and type of fertilizers, on the agrochemical evolution of the soil superficial horizon and on nitrates levels in maize leaves in different growth stages (5 leaves, flowering and milk maturity). Two type of nitrogen fertilizers (Ammonium nitrate and Urea) and five nitrogen levels (80 kg/ha; 120 kg/ha; 200 kg/ha and 240 kg/ha) were applied in experimental trails. Filed experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) of Suceava, Romania, during years 2021 and 2022. The pH of the soil in the conditions of fertilization with ammonium nitrate, was acid with values between 4.88—4.65 in the first vegetation stages, and between 4.36—4.3 at the end of the vegetation period. Referring to response of maize plant to the fertilization levels and type of fertilizers showed some influences on chemical content of maize leaves in different growth stages. Concerning the presence of nitrates in maize plants, this study showed that the nitrates contents was highest in the first growth stage of maize plants, particularly when ammonium nitrate fertilizer was used.

Comparative investigation and optimization of cutting tools performance during milling machining of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) using response surface methodology

The purpose of this paper is to study the optimization of the cutting performance of three different cutting inserts, during the machining operation of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) by making use of the response surface methodology (RSM) on a computer numerical control (CNC) milling. The cutting tools employed for the optimisation of the cutting performance during machining operation are silicon, aluminium, oxygen, nitrogen (SiAlON), cubic-boron nitride and carbide cutting inserts. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for the determination of the tool wear for the cutting inserts being compared during machining of Ti6Al4V, and the cutting parameters, which are cutting speed (Vc), feed per tooth (fz) and depth-of-cut that were evaluated from the cutting tools as per the manufacturer’s design specifications. The determination of the tool wear on the cutting inserts was achieved by using the SEM, while the machining operation for the experimental trails was performed from the CNC milling machine, where face milling operation was executed. The optimization process showed that carbide cutting inserts yielded the best performing results and were considered the most significant choice of cutting insert in machining Ti6Al4V when compared to SiAlON and CBN cutting inserts. This choice was from the cutting tool life obtained where a cutting tool life of 29 min was obtained from a use of carbide cutting inserts; 28 min resulted from a use SiAlON cutting inserts and 26 min from a use of CBN cutting inserts. This work finds appropriate value in assisting the machinists in the selection of the best most performing and cost-effective cutting tool.

Effect of Spacing on Survival and Growth Performance of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden at Holeta Research Site, Central Ethiopia

Application of optimum initial plant spacing is one of the most important silvicultural practices to maximize the survival and growth performance of established plants at field. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different plant spacing on survival and growth parameters of E. grandis at the ages of 4, 17, 34, 56, 66, and 79 months after establishment at Holeta Research Site. The experimental trail was planted at the initial plant spacings of 1.5 m × 1.5 m, 2 m × 2 m, 2.5 m × 2.5 m, and 3 m × 3 m using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replicates. Other than regular management intervention including regular spot hoeing, weeding, and cleaning, the experiment did not receive any other treatment applications. Evaluation was made on survival and growth performance (plant RCD, height, and DBH) at different ages from 4 to 79 months after planting. Except survival percentage, all other variables (plant RCD, height, and DBH) were significantly affected by initial plant spacing. At the age of 56, 66, and 79 months after planting, the closer plant spacing (2 m × 2 m) was most promising in producing optimum plant height and DBH. Overall, our finding confirmed that initial plant spacing has a significant effect on growth performance of E. grandis at Holeta trail site. Evaluation of basic wood properties in relation with spacing or stand density management for quality wood and wood-based production and clear bole formation is suggested.

Chip morphology and tool wear investigation in high-speed machining of AZ61 magnesium alloys using vegetable-oil based cutting fluid

ABSTRACT Lightweight alloys play a vital role in the development of automotive, biomedical and aerospace industries as well as other industrial sectors. The current study investigates the machinability of AZ61 magnesium alloy within a vegetable-oil-based MQL environment through high-speed orthogonal cutting. A tool wear and chip morphology examination are conducted along a full factorial experimentation to allow for adequate machinability testing. The usage of Grey Relational Analysis was invoked to allow for a multi-variant optimisation of input parameters such as MQL flow rate, cutting speed, and feed based on output responses, such as chip compression ratio, chip segmentation ratio, tool-chip contact length, and shear angle as well as tool wear evolution. Through the analysis of the formulated signal-to-noise data, it was found that the optimal cutting parameters were an MQL flow rate of 80 ml/h, cutting speed of 250 m/min and feed of 0.3 mm/rev. The optimal cutting conditions resulted in a Grey Relational Grade improvement of 0.177 as compared to the referenced experimental trail. The analysis of variance further concluded that the feed was the highest contributing input parameter at 38.04% followed by the MQL flow rate and the cutting speed.

Effect of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties

During the summer season of 2022, a field experimental trail on groundnut was performed at Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) to evaluate the impact of micronutrients on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) varieties. The experimental plot's soil was sandy loam in texture, virtually neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.7), low in organic carbon (0.44%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (27.00 kg/ha), and available K (291.20 kg/ha). The experiment was designed in the Randomized Block Design (RBD) method, with nine treatments repeated three times. According to this trial, the treatments are zinc (0.5%), boron (0.2%), zinc+ boron (0.5%+0.2%) as foliar spray, and varieties. (Kadiri 6, Kadiri 9, Kadiri Amaravati). The treatment combinations are, T1-0.5% Zinc (foliar) + Kadiri 6, T2- 0.5% Zinc (foliar) + Kadiri 9, T3- 0.5% Zinc (foliar) + Kadiri Amaravati, T4- 0.2% Boron (foliar) + Kadiri 6, T5- 0.2% Boron (foliar) + Kadiri 9, T6- 0.2% Boron (foliar) + Kadiri Amaravati, T7- (0.5% + 0.2%) Zn+ B (foliar) + Kadiri 6, T8- (0.5% + 0.2%) Zn+ B (foliar) + Kadiri 9, T9- (0.5% + 0.2%) Zn+ B (foliar) + Kadiri Amaravati. (0.5% + 0.2%) Zn + B (foliar) application with variety Kadiri 6 resulted in greater Plant height (26.60cm), Nodules/plant (49.14), and Plant dry weight (6.56 g/plant). Maximum number of pods per plant (27.87), kernels per pod (2.66), seed index (40.13 g), seed yield (2.48 t/ha), haulm yield (5.67 t/ha), and harvest index (30.44%). Thus, using (0.5% + 0.2%) Zn + B (foliar) in conjunction with the variety Kadiri 6 could be a promising choice for increasing groundnut yield.

Biodiesel Production from a Naturally Grown Green Algae Spirogyra Using Heterogeneous Catalyst: An Approach to RSM Optimization Technique

The present study focuses on oil extraction and biodiesel production from naturally grown green Spirogyra algae. Solvent oil extraction and oil expeller techniques were used to extract the Spirogyra algae oil (SALO), and the oil yields were compared to identify the most productive method. Using chicken eggshell waste (CESW) heterogeneous catalyst (HC) was prepared for the production of Spirogyra algae oil biodiesel (SALOBD). Furthermore, Box–Behnken (BB) assisted response surface method (RSM), an optimisation technique, was used in this study to achieve maximum algae biodiesel yield. From the 29 experimental trails, 96.18 % SALOBD was achieved at molar ratio (10:1), heterogeneous catalyst (0.6 wt.%), temperature (48 oC), and time (180 minutes). The predicted values of R2 (97.51%) and Adj. R2 (95.02 %) is found to be encouraging and fits well with the experimental values. The output results show that HC was identified as the significant process constraint followed by the time. The fatty acid composition (FAC) analysis by Gas Chromatography (GCMS) reveals the presence of 29.3 % unsaturated composition and 68.39 wt. % of the saturated composition. Finally, the important fuel properties of SALOBD were identified in accordance with ASTM D6751. The results obtained using chicken eggshell waste (CESW) for the production of biodiesel were recommended as a diesel fuel replacement to resist energy and environmental calamities.

Artificial Propagation of Pomadasys hasta (Bloch, 1790): A Key to Reach Sustainable Aquaculture

Reproduction of Pomadasys hasta was studied in captivity to establish an induced breeding protocol and larvae rearing tactics. Three distinct hormones viz., human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa) and salmon gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (S-GnRHa) were injected to matured brooders in treatment 1 (T1), treatment 2 (T2) and treatment 3 (T3) but only 0.9% NaCl used in T4 as a control. In each treatment, three experimental trails, E1 (♀40:♂20 µg.kg-1), E2 (♀50:♂25 µg.kg-1) and E3 (♀60:♂30 µg.kg-1) were conducted along with three replications of each trail in order to optimize the hormone dose for the target species. The obtained results have aroused much attention as this is the first breakthrough on induced breeding of a grunter in the Indian subcontinent. Variation in fertilization rate, latency period, egg output and hatching rate in response to different treatments and trails were revealed here. Spawning was occurred between 33-48 h of injection in all the experiments at 17-25°C water temperature. Above all, the highest fertilization (95.45±2.34) and hatching (75.45±4.07) rates were observed in E2 of T2. After 22-26 h of fertilization, the larvae emerged from the egg membrane and the newly hatched larvae were 1.6-1.8 mm in length. Turning larvae into juveniles was noticed by 40–45 days post-hatch (dph) with scales on the entire body surface. The total length was recorded as 43.5±2.1 mm and average body weight as 0.7±0.2 g at 95 dph. This investigation unlocked a track for producing seed of P. hasta in a commercial hatchery for a sustainable aquaculture without hampering their wild stock.

Effect of Different Liquid Biofertilizers and Varying Fertility Levels on Available N, P2O5, K2O and S Content after Harvesting in Soil

The experimental trail was conducted at the farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, Jaipur which is the sub campus of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur (Raj.). In the research study, observed the effect of different liquid biofertilizers and fertility levels on growth, yield and quality of cluster bean (cymopsis tetragonoloba). The test crops were grown on field during July to November kharif-2018 and 2019. The experiment was raised in factorial randomized block design (FRBD). The treatments of experiment comprised of two factors (1) three treatment of fertility levels: 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers (F1), 75% RDF (F2) and 50 % RDF (F3) and eight treatment of liquid biofertilizer : Control-no biofertilizers (L0), Rhizobium (L1), PSB-phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (L2), KMB-potassium solubilizing bacteria (L 3), SSB-sulphur solubilizing bacteria (L 4) , Rhizobium + PSB (L 5 ), Rhizobium + PSB+ KMB (L 6 ) and Rhizobium + PSB+ KMB + SSB (L 7). Total number of treatments were 24 and replicated three times. The result observed that highest nutrient status found in the combination of 100 % RDF (F1) with Rhizobium + PSB+ KMB + SSB (L 7).

First evidence of extensively drug-resistant virulent Aeromonas dhakensis isolated from diseased endemic Mascara barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) in India

Aeromonas species is ubiquitously present in aquatic habitats, can cause motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS). However, it is very complex to identify Aeromonas spp. based on its phenotypes. In the present study in mid-November 2018, we investigated a case of severe mortality of wild caught mascara barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) endemic to the Western Ghats, India. No cytopathic effect was observed in DRG and CSK fish cell line after inoculating filtrate of the tissue homogenates and found negative for all major viral pathogens. Here, aetiological agent was identified as bacteria, presumed as Aeromonas hydrophila, and Escherichia coli based on biochemical tests. Later, PCR assay was performed for the molecular confirmation by gyrB gene resulted in confirmation of Aeromonas as A. dhakensis with 99.63% similarity with A. dhakensis from SA1 of diseased pacu. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of A. dhakensis was 0.9112. Further, A. dhakensis was positive for ten antibiotic resistance and seven virulence genes with β-hemolysis colonies. The LD50 value was found to be 3.42 × 105 CFU/mL in experimental trails. In the present study, a tetracycline, colistin, and ESBL resistant hypervirulent A. dhakensis was isolated from the diseased endemic mascara barb. Ten natural ingredients and five disinfectants found to be effective against A. dhakensis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) virulent A. dhakensis associated with disease outbreak in endemic mascara barb in India.

High power ultrasound treatment of crushed grapes: Beyond the extraction phenomena

The treatment of white and red crushed grapes by high power ultrasounds (US) represents an emerging technology in winemaking. In 2019, it was officially recognized by OIV through the resolution n°616-2019, and it was also approved by European Union in January 2022. The US effect on extraction mechanisms was widely studied, but more researches are needed to better understand the ultrasound effect on some specific classes of grape compounds. This research aimed to highlight at laboratory scale some specific effects of ultrasounds on some key compounds of white and red grapes. The samples were sonicated at different frequency (20-30 kHz), time (1-10 min), and power (30-90%) technological conditions used in maceration, to obtain valuable information on potential technological transferability. Valuable results were obtained regarding the release of thiols from their precursors, and the reactivity changes of unstable proteins of white wines. The experimental trails on red grape varieties allowed a maintenance of free anthocyanins and no degradative effects were highlighted. Significant and valuable effects were determined also on the tannin polymerization, with an astringency decrease. The sonication treatment of crushed grapes showed several chemical effects that contribute to decreasing the winemaking inputs and preserving the wine quality. The process conditions must be managed related to grape variety and ripeness for a precision winemaking.

Modelling and Analysis of Surface Roughness Using the Cascade Forward Neural Network (CFNN) in Turning of Inconel 625

In this paper, the influence of process components on surface roughness in turning of Inconel 625 using cubic boron nitride (CBN) is studied. A predictive model is developed to forecast the surface roughness using the cascade forward neural network (CFNN). The experiments are designed based on Taguchi. L27 orthogonal array (OA) is used to perform the experimental trails by considering speed, feed, and depth of cut as input factors. Out of 27 experimental trails, 18 experiments are used for training and 9 experimental trails are used for testing. The developed predictive model by the CFNN is compared with regression model values. The average prediction error for surface roughness is 2.94% with R2 = 99.99% by the CFNN. The CFNN is known to be superior to predict the response with minimum of percentage error. The minimum and maximum roughness observed at trail 8 and trail 20 is noted, respectively, and the increases in roughness at experimental trail 8 is equal to 3.384 times higher than the roughness observed at experimental trail.20. The feed rate dominates effectively on the roughness rather than other factors. The consequences of process factors on surface roughness are studied with the help of ANOVA. This experimental study and developed model would be used for aero parts manufacturing to forecast the roughness accurately before to the actual experiment so that actual machining and material cost could be avoided.

Higher order dynamic mode decomposition of an experimental trailing vortex

The decay of trailing vortices is a fundamental problem in fluid mechanics and constitutes the basis of control applications that intend to alleviate the wake hazard. In order to progress, we use the recently developed modal-decomposition technique to identify the governing dynamics in an experimental trailing vortex. A particular emphasis is on the difficulty and usefulness of applying such tools to noisy experimental data. We conducted a water-tunnel experiment at a chord-based Reynolds number Re=4×104 using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry measurements over a downstream range of 36 chords. The downstream evolution of the maximum of vorticity suggests that the whole wake can be partitioned into three consecutive regimes. A higher-order dynamic mode decomposition of the streamwise vorticity in each such part of the wake shows that the decay is well approximated by at most three modes. Additionally, our study provides evidence for the existence of several instabilities after the vortex roll up beyond about 6.5 chords.

Prophylactic role of olive fruit extract against cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Cigarette smoke exposure increases the production of free radicals leading to initiation of several pathological conditions by triggering the oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade. Olive fruit owing to its unique phytochemical composition possesses antioxidant, immune modulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Considering the compositional alterations in olive fruits during ripening, the current experimental trail was designed to investigate the prophylactic role of green and black olives against the oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure in rats. Purposely, rats were divided into five different groups: NC (negative control; normal diet), PC [positive control; normal diet + smoke exposure (SE)], drug (normal diet + SE + citalopram), GO (normal diet + SE + green olive extract), and BO (normal diet + SE + black olive extract). Rats of all groups were exposed to cigarette smoke except "NC" and were sacrificed for collection of blood and organs after 28days of experimental trial. The percent reduction in total oxidative stress by citalopram and green and black olive extracts in serum was 29.72, 58.69, and 57.97%, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity increased by 30.78, 53.94, and 43.98%, accordingly in comparison to PC. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 29.63, 42.59, and 45.70% in drug, GO, and BO groups, respectively. Likewise, green and black olive extracts reduced the leakage of hepatic enzymes in sera, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 23.44 and 25.80% and 35.62 and 37.61%, alanine transaminase (ALT) by 42.68 and 24.39% and 51.04 and 35.41%, and aspartate transaminase (AST) by 31.51 and 16.07% and 40.50 and 27.09% from PC and drug group, respectively. Additionally, olive extracts also maintained the antioxidant pool, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in serum. Furthermore, histological examination revealed that olive extracts prevented the cigarette smoke-induced necrosis, pyknotic alterations, and congestion in the lung, hepatic, and renal parenchyma. Besides, gene expression analysis revealed that olive extracts and citalopram decreased the brain and lung damage caused by stress-induced upregulation of NRF-2 and MAPK signaling pathways. Hence, it can be concluded that olives (both green and black) can act as promising antioxidant in alleviating the cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress.

A Machine Learning Approach to Optimize, Model, and Predict the Machining Factors in Dry Drilling of Nimonic C263

In this present paper, the machine learning approach is used to optimize, model, and predict the factors during drilling Nimonic C263 under dry mode. Nimonic C263 is tough to machine aero alloys, and it is required to find a predictive model and to optimize the factors in drilling this alloy before the actual machining process. It helps to avoid the actual machining cost and material cost. Experimental trails are planned based on Taguchi analysis, and L27 orthogonal array was chosen. Speed, feed, and approach angle of drill were considered as controlling factors, and cutting force and surface roughness were considered as responses. The feed forward neural network (FFNN) was used to develop a predictive model. The prediction capability was validated with a predictive model developed by Taguchi analysis. Furthermore, ANOVA (analysis of variance) analysis was done to find out the most influence factor on the responses.

Performance evaluation of electro-spark eroded high-volume fraction of Cr-Fe-Ni superalloy

Current research aims to execute a viability study of electro-spark erosion technique to process Inconel 690, a high-volume fraction of Cr-Fe-Ni superalloy (∼32% Cr). The Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology with varying processing conditions is used to execute the experimental trails. Process performance is examined in terms of material removal rate and surface topography. The surface conditions of the processed surface are studied using scanning electron microscopy. The tool wear character and tribological behavior of the processed surface are also scrutinized to check the post-process consequences. The study explores the formation of oxide layers, craters, spherical droplets, and micro-cracks on the surface processed at Ton: 118 mu; Toff: 45 mu; Ip: 130 mu; Sv: 50 V ( parametrical settings for maximum material removal rate), and at Ton: 118 mu; Toff: 30 mu; Ip: 220 mu; Sv: 50 V ( parametrical settings for maximum surface roughness) attributing a deteriorating surface quality. The maximum material removal rate of 9.38 mm3/min and minimum surface roughness of 0.47 μm are achieved. A significant improvement of approximately 20 HV in micro-hardness is detected owing to the formation of a recast layer on the processed surface. Consequently, a noticeable improvement is observed in the wear resistance of the processed surface.

Dr IMPACT OF VARIOUS ORGANIC AND CULTURAL PRACTICES ON YIELD AND WEED MANAGEMENT IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculanta L.)

Weed management in okra field is one of the most challenging and expensive steps that ultimately reducing the productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate impact of various organic and cultural practices on yield and weed management in okra crop at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during spring season 2021 in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications. The following treatments were applied to the experimental trail. T1=Parthenium Parthenium hysterophorus) weed extraction (120g/L), T2= Coco grass (Cyperus rotundus) weed extraction (120g/L), T3= Field bind weed (Convolvulus arvensis) weed extraction (120g/L), T4= Mulching (Eucalyptus leaves), T5= Mulching (News Paper), T6= Hand weeding (Once) 20 days, T7= Hand weeding (Twice) 20 &40 days, T8= Weedy check. Results shows that all the studied parameters of okra crop were significantly affected by all the applied treatments except number of flowers plant-1. Maximum weed fresh biomass (143.3g), weed dry biomass (42.2g), plant height (64.2cm), number of branches plant-1, (11), fruit length (11.73 cm), fruit diameter (1.8 cm) and yield (3246.6kg/ha) were noted in a Hand weeding (Twice) 20- & 40-days treatment followed by Hand weeding (Once) after 20 days, however the minimum values was noted in weedy check treatment except weed density which was found maximum in weedy check treatment. Hand weeding twice after 20 & 40 days of crop sowing was recommended to get in okra crop better yield.

Powder Bed Selective Laser Processing of Alumina: Scanning Strategies Investigation

Powder Bed Selective Laser Processing (PBSLP) is a promising technique for the additive manufacturing of alumina. For the method’s success, PBSLP process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, hatching distance, and scanning strategies need to be investigated. This paper focuses on studying the scanning strategies’ effects on the PBSLP of alumina numerically and experimentally. Scanning strategies such as linear with different orientation, concentric, and islands were investigated. A numerical model was developed in which the PBSLP parameters, scanning strategy effects, and interpreting the experimental results could be observed. The numerical model proved its ability to reach the proper process parameters instead of using experimental trails which are time and cost consuming. For relative density, the island strategy succeeded to print alumina samples with a high relative density reaching 87.8%. However, there are round passages formed inside the samples that remain a barrier for the island strategy to be effectively used in PBSLP of alumina. Both linear and concentric strategies achieved a relative density of 75% and 67%, respectively. Considering the top surface roughness, samples printed with linear strategies gave low top surface roughness compared to the island and concentric strategies. Linear-45° is considered the effective strategy among the studied strategies as it achieved good relative density and low roughness at top and side surfaces. For PBSLP of alumina, new scanning strategies should be considered, and this study presents a new scanning strategy that is mainly based on space filling mathematical curves and should be studied in future work.

Reproductive toxicity of roundup®-treated feed on broiler breeder roosters and the amelioration of these deleterious effects with inclusion of humic acids in feed.

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) such as RoundUp® are a staple of modern crop production, and as a result, residues of their ingredients are typically found in animal feeds. GBH ingredients have repeatedly been shown to impact the male reproductive health of various animals, but at present, the impact of GBH exposures on reproductive health have not been investigated in broiler breeder roosters. This study sought to determine the effect of these exposures on roosters as well as the ability of humic acids (HA) to counteract the effect of GBH exposure. Through 18 weeks of treatment with Roundup®-added or HA-added feeds compared against a common broiler breeder mash, negative effects of Roundup® exposure were seen on testis morphology as well as sperm quality. Increased exposure to Roundup® ingredients resulted in increased vacuolation of seminiferous tubule epithelium. Exposure to Roundup® impacted assessments of sperm quality including sperm mobility, viability and count during the experimental trail. HA supplementation served as a promising adsorptive additive by improving both morphology and sperm quality during the trial. Roundup® exposure was shown to have a negative influence on broiler breeder rooster reproductive health while HA improved reproductive health. The use of HA as an absorbent additive in broiler breeder feeds shows promise in improving reproductive efficiency in broiler breeders.