Fiber Concentration Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Fiber and Copper on the Performance and Gut Microbiota of Finishing Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) levels and copper concentrations on the production performance and cecal microbial diversity of finishing pigs. A 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used, with different levels of dietary fiber (low [23% DF]: L and high [30% DF]: H) and copper concentrations (normal [25 mg/kg]: N and supplemented [45 mg/kg]: S) resulting in four diets (LN, LS, HN, and HS). Forty-eight hybrid barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), with an initial body weight of 76 kg ± 1.5 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups: LN, LS, HN, and HS, with 12 replicates per group and one pig per replicate. There was a 7-day adaptation period followed by a 56-day feeding trial, after which all pigs were slaughtered for sampling. Results indicated that in finishing pigs, the low dietary fiber group exhibited a higher final weight, a higher average daily gain, and a lower feed-to-gain ratio compared to the high fiber group (p < 0.05). The LS group showed higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and DF than the HN and HS groups (p < 0.05). Blood total protein levels were higher in the high fiber group, whereas blood Cu levels were higher in the supplemented copper group (p < 0.05). High dietary fiber increased the activities of colonic carboxymethylcellulase and β-glucanase (p < 0.05). Concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acids were elevated in the high fiber group (p < 0.05). Microbial α-diversity indices (observed species, Chao 1, and Shannon indices) increased with fiber but decreased with copper supplementation (p < 0.05). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased with fiber levels, with a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the LS group. In conclusion, appropriate copper supplementation in diets can mitigate the negative effects of high fiber levels on finishing pig production performance by enhancing nutrient digestibility, fiber-degrading enzyme activity, regulating the microbial community, and its metabolic products.

Analysis of FS and Surface Roughness in Heat-Polymerized Poly Methyl Methacrylate Acrylic Resin Reinforced with Different Concentrations of Glass Fibers and Polypropylene Fibers: A Laboratory Study Using EDX and SEM

This study aimed to evaluate the flexural strength (FS) and surface roughness (Ra) of heat-polymerized poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin reinforced with glass fibers (GF) and polypropylene fibers (PPF) in different concentrations. One hundred heat-cured PMMA resin samples were prepared and randomly allocated into five groups based on fiber reinforcement (n = 20). Group 1 had no fiber reinforcement, Group 2 had 0.5% silanized GF reinforcement, Group 3 had 1% silanized GF reinforcement, Group 4 had 0.5% silanized PPF reinforcement, and Group 5 had 1% silanized PPF reinforcement. Fatigue load was applied through artificial aging. FS testing of fifty samples was performed using a universal testing machine, and Ra was analyzed using an optical interferometric profilometer. Specimens were selected for SEM and EDX analysis. To find the differences among the studied groups, one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey’s test were utilized. The results showed that Group 5 (1% PPF reinforcement) presented the highest fracture resistance (90.1±9.8 MPa), while the minimum FS scores were observed in Group 1 (no reinforcement) (59.2±7.1 MPa). Group 3 (1% GF reinforcement) exhibited the highest values of surface roughness (1.99±0.1992), whereas the lowest roughness scores were observed in Group 1. The study concluded that incorporating 0.5% PPF into the resin denture is a viable option for reinforcing the prosthesis without increasing surface roughness.

Study of mechanical properties of composite materials reinforced with aluminum fibers

This study investigates the mechanical properties of composite materials reinforced with aluminum fibers of varying lengths and concentrations. The research aims to evaluate the effects of fiber reinforcement on both flexural and compressive strengths, using fibers of three distinct lengths (2×20 mm, 2×30 mm, and 2×40 mm) and four different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) by weight within the composite matrix. Mechanical tests were performed after 28 and 56 days of curing to assess the influence of fiber reinforcement over time. The results demonstrate that increasing fiber length and concentration generally improves the flexural and compressive strengths, with the most notable gains observed at moderate fiber content. However, the study also finds that excessively high fiber percentages may lead to diminishing returns in strength performance, possibly due to fiber agglomeration or stress concentration effects. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the design of fiber-reinforced composite materials for various structural applications, enhancing both performance and material efficiency.

Effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber and CaCl2 on the structure and properties of low-moisture extruded products.

Texturized vegetable protein is currently a leading alternative to animal meat. This study examined the effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber (SIDF) (0% to 20%) and CaCl2 (0% to 1%) on the structure and properties of extruded products made from a soybean protein isolate-wheat gluten (SPI-WG) composite. The study showed that SIDF (4% to 8%) increased the viscosity of extruded products, enhanced their specific mechanical energy, and improved their rehydration rate and tensile strength compared with a control group. The rehydration rate of the extruded products reached a maximum value of 331.67% in the 8% SIDF, 0.5% CaCl2 groups. The addition of excess SIDF prevented the cross-linking of protein molecules to form a loose network structure. Analysis of the infrared spectrum and intermolecular forces showed that physical interactions between fibers and proteins were the dominant forces, with hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds primarily maintaining the structure of the extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 (0.5%) led to protein aggregation and further improved the rehydration and tensile strength of extruded products. Soybean insoluble dietary fiber can improve the rehydration rate and quality of extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 mitigated the weakening of the protein structure caused by excess SIDF. These results provide a basis for the improvement of the quality of low-moisture-extruded texturized vegetable protein products with a high dietary fiber concentration and a high rehydration rate. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

EFFECTS OF NATURAL FIBERS ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF HDPE MATRIX COMPOSITES

The current research reveals the synergistic effect of different ratios of natural fiber concentration and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) compatibilizer on the compressive strength properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix composites. Composites containing flax (FF) and palm (PF) short fibers with different weight ratios were processed by melt blending and then compression tests were performed at a compression speed of 2 mm/min. As a result of the tests, the best compressive strength properties were observed in the composite samples using 10% flax fiber and compatibilizer.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and nutritional profile of pulp, peel and peel fiber of mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> l.) cultivar Ataulfo

Introduction: Mango fruit and its by-products represent a very diverse and abundant source of sugars and components with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. Consuming mango pulp might reduce health disorders caused by inflammatory and oxidative processes such as obesity related diseases. Mango and its by-products contain compounds that can either promote or neutralize inflammatory and oxidative environments; variations in their composition may directly influence the degree of bioactivity. This work aimed to analyze the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles presented in the three different mango by-products to know their possible nutraceutical potential. Objective: This work aimed to analyze the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles presented in the three different mango by-products to know their possible nutraceutical potential. Methods: Ripe Ataulfo mango products (pulp, peel, and peel fiber) were evaluated for nutritional composition by AOAC methods. β-carotene and ascorbic acid were analyzed by UV-Vis liquid chromatography (LC), while mangiferin, phenolics and flavonoids by LC coupled to mass spectrometer detector. The antioxidant capacity was correlated to each of the bioactive compounds. Results: Ripe Ataulfo mango products (pulp, peel, and peel fiber) were evaluated for nutritional, antioxidant, and phytochemical characteristics. All the by-products demonstrated significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in nutritional and chemical composition. Mango peel had the highest β-carotene, vitamin C, and mangiferin values. Mango pulp had the highest values for free sugars (73 g 100 g-1), but low phytochemicals values, contrasting the peel fiber with 81% of total dietary fiber but minimum values of free sugars and β-carotene and no vitamin C. The highest antioxidant capacity was presented for mango peel. Results obtained from this study indicate that the mango Ataulfo pulp and by-products are divergent and represent a good source of bioactive compounds. Conclusions: Mango peel composition is a natural combination of high concentrations of mangiferin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, provitamin A, and dietary fiber, all involved with inflammation and cell oxidative stress-related disease control and prevention. However, mango peel exhibited the most significant nutraceutical potential due to its high antioxidant capacity. Keywords: Mangifera indica L.; Mango Ataulfo; Mangiferin; Flavonoids; Phytochemicals; Bioactive Compounds

The Influence of Abaca Fiber Treated with Sodium Hydroxide on the Deformation Coefficients Cc, Cs, and Cv of Organic Soils

This study shows the influence of the inclusion of abaca fiber (Musa Textilis) on the coefficients of consolidation, expansion, and compression for normally consolidated clayey silt organic soil specimens using reconstituted samples. For this purpose, abaca fiber was added according to the dry mass of the soil, in lengths (5, 10, and 15 mm) and concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) subjected to a curing process with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The virgin and fiber-added soil samples were reconstituted as slurry, and one-dimensional consolidation tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D2435. The results showed a reduction in void ratio (compared to the soil without fiber) and an increase in the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) as a function of fiber concentration and length, with values corresponding to 1.5% and 15 mm increasing from 75.16 to 144.51 cm2/s. Although no significant values were obtained for the compression and expansion coefficients, it was assumed that the soil maintained its compressibility. The statistical analysis employed hierarchical linear models to assess the significance of the effects of incorporating fibers of varying lengths and percentages on the coefficients, comparing them with the control samples. Concurrently, mixed linear models were utilized to evaluate the influence of the methods for obtaining the Cv, revealing that Taylor’s method yielded more conservative values, whereas the Casagrande method produced higher values.

Enhancing 3D printing performance of O/W emulsions with asparagus fibre

Asparagus fibre recovered from agricultural waste stream can be valorised as a natural ingredient for fibre enrichment in food products. This study investigated the effects of asparagus fibre on the 3D printing performance of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions as edible inks. Emulsion gels were prepared by either varying the fibre concentration in the aqueous phase or varying the volume fraction of the oil phase. Printability, rheological properties, and microstructure of the samples were systematically evaluated. Our results show increasing fibre concentration (up to 9.9 %w/w) significantly improved 3D printing performance of the inks, which was attributed to their enhanced rheological properties. Interestingly, reducing the oil volume fraction from 72 to 66 %v/v (i.e., fibre concentration was kept at 9.9 %w/w) did not detrimentally influence the 3D printing quality. Microstructural analysis of the emulsions revealed that increasing fibre concentration led to smaller size and different surface morphology of the oil droplets. Fibre particles in the aqueous phase may hinder oil droplet movement, stabilizing emulsions during 3D printing. Our findings give new insights into the development of edible 3D-printed food products via fibre enrichment and oil reduction.

Predicting Microbial Protein Synthesis in Cattle: Evaluation of Extant Equations and Steps Needed to Improve Accuracy and Precision of Future Equations.

Predictions of microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis for beef cattle generally rely on empirical regression equations, with intakes of energy and protein as key variables. Using a database from published literature, we developed new equations based on the intake of organic matter (OM) and intakes or concentrations of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). We compared these new equations to several extant equations based on intakes of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and CP. Regression fit statistics were evaluated using both resampling and sampling from a simulated multivariate normal population. Newly developed equations yielded similar fit statistics to extant equations, but the root mean square error of prediction averaged 155 g (28.7% of the mean MCP of 540.7 g/d) across all equations, indicating considerable variation in predictions. A simple approach of calculating MCP as 10% of the TDN intake yielded MCP estimates and fit statistics that were similar to more complicated equations. Adding a classification code to account for unique dietary characteristics did not have significant effects. Because MCP synthesis is measured indirectly, most often using surgically altered animals, literature estimates are relatively few and highly variable. A random sample of individual studies from our literature database indicated a standard deviation for MCP synthesis that averaged 19.1% of the observed mean, likely contributing to imprecision in the MCP predictions. Research to develop additional MCP estimates across various diets and production situations is needed, with a focus on developing consistent and reliable methodologies for MCP measurements. The use of new meta-omics tools might improve the accuracy and precision of MCP predictions, but further research will be needed to assess the utility of such tools.

Important Practical Conditions for Getting the High-Quality Foam Concretes

Introduction. The most important reasons justifying the relevance of the research on the practical methods of reducing the consumption of materials in construction industry have been distinguished. The priorities of the Russian Federation referring to the foam concrete technology have been outlined. The level of reliability of the Internet resources describing properties of the dispersedly reinforced foam concretes has been briefly evaluated. The aim of the study is to establish the relationships between the individual properties of fiber, its quantity to the mass of cement ratio, and the most important operational properties of foam concrete manufactured using a single-stage technology.Materials and methods. The types and properties of raw materials used in the experimental research, the methods for controlling the properties of mixes and hardened foam concretes have been defined.Results. The relationship between the speed of phase transition of the viscoplastic properties of the foam concrete mixes into the elastic ones and the possibility of getting a high-quality structure of the hardened foam concrete have been briefly theoretically justified. The physical reasons influencing the direction and speed of forming the raw material dispersed particle clusters in the structure of the interpore partitions of foam concrete mixes have been revealed, which are the important factors to be considered in practice to get the high-strength foam concretes. Depending on the fiber concentration in the concrete mixture composition, the specifics of the fiber physical nature influence on the speed of phase transition from viscoplastic to elastic state have been established. It has been proved that the synergetic effect of dispersed reinforcement is achieved when fiber concentration is enough to provide the significant acceleration of the phase transition. New experimental data on the influence of the individual properties of fiber on the rheological and physico-mechanical properties of D500 foam concrete has been obtained.Discussion and Conclusion. The scientific explanation of the reasons for emergence of the electret effect on the surface of synthetic fiber has been given. It has been revealed that the discovered effect is induced by the specifics of the foam concrete mixture preparation using a single-stage technology. The most important practical conditions due to be met to get the high-strength foam concrete have been determined.

Recycled Low Density Polyethylene Reinforced with Deverra tortuosa Vegetable Fibers

In this work, natural fibers extracted from the medicinal aromatic plant Deverra tortuosa, with different sizes (S1 = 2 mm and S2 = 500 μm), were incorporated into recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) to produce sustainable biocomposites. Compounding was performed with different fiber concentrations (0 to 30% wt.) via twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding. Based on the samples obtained, a comprehensive series of characterization was conducted, encompassing morphological and mechanical (flexural, tensile, hardness, and impact) properties. Additionally, thermal properties were assessed via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to elucidate potential chemical interactions and changes with processing. Across the range of conditions investigated, substantial improvements were observed in the rLDPE properties, in particular for the tensile modulus (23% for S1 and 104% for S2), flexural modulus (47% for S1 and 61% for S2), and flexural strength (31% for S1 and 65% for S2). Nevertheless, the tensile strength decreased (15% for S1 and 46% for S2) due to poor fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. These preliminary results can be used for further development in sustainable packaging materials.

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF FIBER-REINFORCED SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND STRUCTURAL IMPLICATIONS

The primary focus of this paper's analysis of the mechanical static behavior of concrete reinforced with steel fibers is its classification based on differences in mix design and fiber concentration. To find out the uniaxial compressive and tensile strengths, experimental experiments were run. Different mix patterns and fiber lengths were combined to create a variety of combinations with fiber percentages varying from 1% to 2% by volume. Uniaxial compression testing was used to mechanically characterize the SFRC in order to determine its ultimate compressive strength. Furthermore, ductility and first crack strength indices were evaluated using bending test with four-point consisted of the notched specimens. The evaluation of SFRC's tensile strength was conducted using both analytical modeling and experimental methods. The results of the experiments showed that the SFRC behaved differently depending on the length and fiber content. Direct tensile strength was calculated theoretically using an analytical model from the literature and compared to the experimental findings. The comparison showed a generally good agreement, confirming the results of the investigation.

Experimental Study on Plugging Behavior of Multitype Temporary Plugging Agents in Hydraulic Fractures

Summary Various types of temporary plugging agents are used in hydraulic fracturing to promote the uniform propagation of multicluster hydraulic fractures and increase the complexity of hydraulic fractures. However, the plugging behavior of these agents in hydraulic fractures has not yet been fully clarified, making the optimization of temporary plugging formulas challenging. In this study, dozens of plugging experiments were carried out to reveal the plugging behavior of pure fiber, pure particle, and fiber-particle combination materials in hydraulic fractures. The results indicate that the high fiber concentration and long fibers are beneficial to obtaining high maximum plugging pressures. However, the low tensile strength of fibers makes it difficult to form stable plugging layers under high pressure, especially for wide fractures. For particle plugging agents, the high rigidity of the particles prevents them from compacting tightly within the plugging layer, resulting in high permeability and low temporary plugging pressure. Excessive particle diameter and concentration tend to cause rapid blockage at the fracture entrance, leading to poor plugging performance. In contrast, the fiber-particle composite plugging scheme can form a stable and tight plugging layer at lower concentrations of both fibers and particles. Moreover, replacing single-size particles in composite with multisize particles can further enhance the plugging effect, allowing for a higher plugging pressure with a lower dosage of temporary plugging agents. Comprehensively considering the effects of material concentration and size on the plugging effect, the critical plugging quantitative characterization equations for pure fiber, pure particle, and fiber-particle combination plugging schemes are established respectively, with fracture width as the independent variable and the product of material concentration and size as the dependent variable. The temporary plugging schemes for various hydraulic fracture widths can be preliminarily determined using these equations. Based on the principle of economic optimization, the optimal temporary plugging schemes with consideration of the plugging pressure requirements were selected, which have shown good field application performance.

Histological characterization of rat vocal fold across different postnatal periods.

To evaluate the vocal fold histological characteristics during different postnatal periods in rats, especially older rats. Sprague-Dawley rats aged 4 days, 4 and 12 weeks, and 12 and 24 months were used for the experiment. Five larynges were obtained for each age and cut into 5-μm consecutive sections. The expression of Ki-67 was assessed using immunohistochemistry to examine cell proliferation. Elastic van Gieson staining was used to detect the collagen and elastin concentrations. The cell type was determined using multicolor immunofluorescence. Ki-67 was not expressed in the macula flava (MF) of 12-week-, 12-month-, and 24-month-old adults. Collagen fibers in the lamina propria (LP) increased with age. The elastic fiber concentrations in the LP decreased significantly at 24 months (p < .01) but remained stable in the MF. All posterior MF cells showed strong glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin-positive reactions with weaker expressions of CD68 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The myofibroblasts (α-SMA-positive) and macrophages (CD68-positive) in the LP of the 24-month-old rats were significantly the highest (p < .01). The extracellular matrix in the LP increases with age, presenting as an increase in collagen with the loss of elastin, which may be due to myofibroblast proliferation. Moreover, the cellular properties or extracellular matrix components of the mature MF in rats are comparable to those in humans.

Fabrication of kenaf fiber reinforced boron carbide fillers embedded epoxy matrix composite – An antimicrobial and structural analysis

This study investigates the incorporation of boron carbide (B4C) filler particulates into a kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix to explore its potential in lightweight applications, focusing on antimicrobial effectiveness, mechanical integrity, thermal properties, and microstructural characteristics. The composite material was formulated by blending varying seven different concentrations of boron carbide (0–50 g) and kenaf fibers (KFs) with an epoxy resin, aiming to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and minimal weight. Antimicrobial test revealed that the composite material, consisting of kenaf fiber reinforced with B4C particulates, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens. Mechanical testing indicated that the addition of boron carbide and kenaf fibers significantly improved the tensile strength and flexural rigidity of the composites. Specifically, enhancements in tensile strength and flexural modulus were quantitatively analyzed, showing notable increases compared to the base epoxy resin. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the fracture surfaces following mechanical testing, revealing improved interfacial bonding between the kenaf fibers and the epoxy matrix due to the presence of boron carbide. This microscopic analysis also highlighted areas where stress distribution was optimized, contributing to the composite's enhanced mechanical properties.

Investigating the deposition of fibrous zeolite particles on leaf surfaces: A novel low-cost method for detecting the presence of airborne hazardous mineral fibers

Naturally occurring fibrous minerals, such as erionite, can pose a significant threat to human health when disturbed and subsequently respired. Understanding the spatial abundance and characteristics of these hazardous fibrous minerals in ambient air is crucial for minimizing human exposure and assessing risk. Conventional detection methods for airborne hazardous mineral fibers, such as those developed for asbestos, are of limited utility in environmental settings where fiber concentrations are low and different fiber types may be present and can be costly especially when monitoring large areas over long periods of time. This study presents an innovative methodology for detecting and identifying the presence of airborne naturally occurring fibrous zeolites, using leaf surface deposition sampling, SEM-EDX analysis for the detection and assessment of elemental composition, and TEM-SAED with continuous rotation diffraction (MicroED) to determine their crystallographic unit cell parameters. In total, 309 fibrous zeolite particles (FZPs) were identified on a range of tree leaf surfaces across 80% of the sampling sites located close to both active and disused zeolite quarries in the Taupo Volcanic Region, New Zealand. The FZPs displayed various morphologies including aggregates, bundles, and fibril-like structures. Of the FZPs detected, 91.2% were < 5µm in length. Tetrahedral Si:(Si+Al) ratio results indicated that 40% of the FZPs were in the reference range for zeolite mordenite. TEM-SAED plus MicroED analysis resulted in 61% of tested FZPs indexed to unit cell parameters that matched with mordenite. This research demonstrates the potential of leaf sampling as a cost-effective method for detecting airborne FZPs while the MicroED data can be utilized for distinguishing between different types of airborne fibrous zeolites in ambient air.

Native Forbs Provide Pollinator Resources and Improve Forage Nutrient Composition, Animal Performance, and Pasture Productivity

Pollinator declines and expectations for more sustainable agriculture, including pasture-based enterprises, bring attention to strategies to enhance the habitat value of grazing lands. We evaluated native warm-season grass (NWSG) pastures with (FORB) and without (CONT) interseeded native forbs in 2021–2023. An analysis was conducted using R with the significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The grass appeared to be weakened predominantly by grazing management practices. Forb density and mass had an inverse relationship in seasons two and three. Total forage mass declined in response to increased grazing days and weakened stands. The forage nutritive compositions differed, with more stable, season-long crude protein and lower fiber concentrations in late-season FORB, which supported higher bodyweight gains and season-long average daily gain. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta; BESU), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata; LCOR), and showy ticktrefoil (Desmodium canadensis; STTF) were the most abundant forbs, and BESU, LCOR, and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea; PURC) produced long flowering windows. Cattle grazed STTF, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum; CUPP), and oxeye sunflower (Helopsis helianthoides) the most. Under continuous stocking, a blend of BESU, LCOR, PURC, STTF, and CUPP produced acceptable cattle gains and provided pollinator resources, suggesting that this model may be a viable means to enhance the sustainability of pastures.

Optimal fertilization of Marandu grass with gelatin industry sludge

This study determined optimal fertilization levels for Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) as a forage using sludge from the gelatin industry. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse with five treatments: three rates of gelatin sludge application (0, 200, and 300 m3 ha-1), an organo-mineral (100 m3 ha-1 + mineral: 60 mg dm-3 N), and pure mineral fertilizer (100 mg dm-3 N) with six replicates. Plant and stem height, number of tillers, leaves, leaves/tiller, chlorophyll index, dry mass (leaves, roots, and residue), crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber, macronutrient, and micronutrient concentrations were measured. Plant and stem height, number of tillers, leaves, and biomass production increased linearly as gelatin sludge dosage increased. There was a linear increase in crude protein with reduction in neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber with increasing gelatin sludge fertilization. Gelatin sludge dosage did not affect the contents of P, Mg, S, Cu, and Fe. Only Mn had a positive linear response to gelatin sludge with reduction at the highest rate. The 300 m3 ha-1 dosage of gelatin sludge increased biomass production and chlorophyll index. In contrast, the organo-mineral fertilizer promoted higher crude protein and lower neutral detergent fiber concentrations in grass. The gelatin sludge dosage of 300 m3 ha-1 improved the nutritive value of Marandu grass compared to mineral fertilizer. Gelatin sludge is a promising pasture amendment for growing Marandu grass as it recycles industrial animal waste for a more integrated livestock-cropping system.

Organoenergetic Investigation on the Potential of Industrial Brewers' Spent Grain Valorization for Biogas Production

Cameroon is a high country producer and consumer of beer in Africa which has various breweries generating a large amount of brewer spent grain (BSG) yearly. This study was designed to investigate the potential use of spent grains derived from the Cameroonian brewing industry as a viable and sustainable energy source for biogas production. A comprehensive proximate analysis was performed, focusing on key physicochemical parameters including moisture content, acidity level, ash content, and the proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, thereby enabling the derivation of their energy value to determine the organoenergetic profile. Physicochemical characterization of the spent grains revealed a pH of 5.6, moisture content of 8%, and ash content of 9.8% at 450 °C for 2 h using a muffle furnace. The organic composition included a high iron content of 194.2 mg/100 g, an organic matter content of 99%, a total organic carbon (TOC) content of 57.39%, a total nitrogen content of 3%, and a nitrogen-carbon ratio of 19.13%. In addition, the spent grains exhibited substantial concentrations of total protein (18.75%), crude fiber (3.6%), lipids (8.7%), and carbohydrates (51.15%), with an energy value of 14.97 MJ/kg. Moreover, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was determined to be 3,880 mg/kg, while the lower calorific value (LCV) was 19.76 MJ/kg, resulting in a COD/TOC ratio of 86.03. These findings showed that the spent grain from Cameroonian brewery has a significant organ energetic potential based on its components and physicochemical properties, thereby highlighting their suitability as a valuable resource for biogas generation.

Mechanical Behavior Analysis of Lightweight Concrete Reinforced by Metalized Plastic Waste Fibers

This study evaluates the impact of adding metalized plastic waste (MPW) fibers to lightweight concrete that is used as a filler material in building slopes and bridge ramps. The goal is to open up new opportunities for recycling plastic waste and promote a more sustainable and productive construction industry. This study examined the mechanical behavior of lightweight concrete (LC) at 3, 28, and 90 days, both with and without MPW fiber (1%, 2%, and 3%). Compression tests, 3-point bending tests, and pull-out tests were used to measure the fibers' compressive strength, flexural strength, and maximum load-bearing capacity, respectively. According to the results, the compressive strength (CS) and elasticity modulus (MOE) decreased with increasing fiber content when MPW fiber was added. In the long term, the CS and MOE decrease for the LC containing 3% MPW fiber was 8% and 7%, respectively, lower than for the control concrete. At 90 days, the flexural strength of the LC with 1% MPW fiber was marginally higher than that of the control concrete, rising by 2.40%. After this initial rise, however, the flexural strength declined as the fiber concentration increased, eventually reaching an 8% reduction for LC with 3% MPW fiber.The optimum method for determining maximal load-bearing and comprehending the deformation mechanism is hence the fiber pull-out test. The microstructure study of the LC examined how the pull-out test affected the quality of bonding at fiber-matrix interfaces. The tensile and flexural strength of lightweight concrete are enhanced by MPW fiber's ability to bear significant pulling stress.