Fiber Content Research Articles

Comprehensive analysis of enhanced thermal and mechanical properties in vacuum pressure impregnated (VPI) treated Chimono bamboo fibers through surface treatment with sodium hydroxide and graphene oxide: in-depth characterization and insights into the performance of graphene oxide-based natural hybrid composites

In this study, the mechanical properties of bamboo fibers were enhanced through alkali treatment (NaOH) and graphene oxide (GO) coating to improve their potential in composite applications. The objective was to investigate the structural, thermal, and mechanical enhancements of bamboo fibers and their composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed structural alterations in NaOH-treated fibers, while FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and amino groups, indicating successful functionalization. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed increased roughness and porosity of NaOH-treated fibers, improving wettability and fiber–matrix adhesion. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that GO coating enhanced the thermal stability of the fibers. The study found that the tensile strength of the bamboo fibers increased significantly from 215 ± 13 MPa in untreated fibers to 279 ± 17 MPa after NaOH treatment, reaching 346 ± 17 MPa when combined with GO. Bamboo fiber composites (BFC) exhibited optimal mechanical properties at 1% fiber content, with AGO-BFC showing the highest performance at 319.25 ± 2.82 MPa. However, higher fiber contents (1.5%) led to fiber agglomeration, which reduced strength, particularly in A-BFC. SEM of fracture surfaces confirmed these observations, emphasizing the importance of fiber treatment and content for improving bamboo fiber composite performance. The novelty of this work lies in the synergistic effect of NaOH treatment and GO coating, significantly enhancing the mechanical properties of bamboo fibers, thereby providing insights for their use in high-performance applications, such as structural components in automotive and aerospace industries.

High-throughput precision assessment of pea-derived protein products using near infrared hyperspectral imaging.

This study aims to develop rapid and non-invasive methods based on near-infrared hyperspectral imaging and chemometrics for quantitative prediction of chemical compositions of pea-derived products. Hyperspectral imaging was used to acquire images from pea processing streams, namely pea flour, pea protein concentrate, and pea protein isolate. The PLS algorithm was used to develop quantitative prediction models based on the relationship between the hyperspectral image data and the chemical compositions of the pea products, including moisture, protein, ash, insoluble fiber, and total starch. Prediction results in terms of coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square errors in the prediction (RMSEP) datasets show accurate results for moisture (R2=0.844, RMSEP = 0.407%), protein (R2=0.99, RMSEP = 2.074%), ash (R2=0.778, RMSEP = 0.474%), and total starch (R2=0.991, RMSEP = 2.316%) contents. Low prediction accuracy was obtained for insoluble fiber (R2=0.597, RMSEP 2.474%) content. The accurate prediction achieved by hyperspectral imaging highlights its suitability for high throughput multi-parameter assessment of pea-derived products, which is particularly important given their increasing market demand.

The development of protein biscuits for pets containing pro-teinrich baru residue (Dipterix alata Vog)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition of by-product flours for the development of dog biscuits. 5 formulations were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% replacement of baru by-product flours. Defatted pie flour contains high levels of protein (25.93 g 100 g-1) and lipids (24.89 g 100 g-1), but low in total fiber (6.15 g 100 g-1). Baru bark flour had low lipid (1.0 g 100 g-1) and protein (5.34 g 100 g-1) contents, but high total fiber content (59.67 g 100 g-1). The levels of total phenolic compounds vary from (14525 and 12532 mg EAG g 100 g-1) with emphasis on baru peel flour. The predominant nutrients in the cookies were carbohydrates (56.49 to 51.20 g 100 g-1 for cookies made with baru bark flour (BCB) 52.78 and 49.62 for cookies made with degreased pie flour baru (BTDB), followed by lipids (21.67-23.53 g 100 g-1 for BTDB and 19.05-22.33 g 100 g-1 for BCB) and protein (12.10-15.05 for BTDB g 100 g-1 and 11.23 and 12.19 for BCB g 100 g-1), the study highlights the importance of using by-products in the development of dog food products.

The effect of combined fig-Walnut syrup on functional constipation in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundConstipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints during pregnancy. Consuming fruits and vegetables is often the first line of treatment due to their fiber content. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of combined fig-walnut syrup on functional constipation (FC) and quality of life (QoL) in pregnant women.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 pregnant women with FC were randomly assigned to receive combined fig-walnut syrup, fig syrup, or placebo (n = 30 in each group) using block randomization. Participants received 15 ml of syrup once daily at night, half an hour before bedtime, for 14 days and were followed up for 2 weeks after the end of the intervention. The FC, quality of life-gravidity (QOL-GRAV), and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were used to collect data. The questionnaires were completed once before the intervention and then the FC questionnaire was completed once a week for four weeks and the QoL questionnaire was completed at the end of the fourth week. To compare the outcomes among the study groups, one-way AONOVA, ANCOVA, Mann- Whitney U test, and Kruskal- Wallis test were used.ResultsFollowing the intervention, although there was no statistically significant difference in the number of defecations between the combined fig-walnut syrup group and the fig syrup group (P > 0.05) at every four weeks, there was a statistically significant difference compared to the placebo (P < 0.05). Combined fig-walnut syrup (adjusted mean difference (AMD): -3.4; 95% confidence interval: -0.7 to -6.1; P = 0.008) and fig syrup (AMD: -5.8; 95% CI: -3.1 to -8.6; P < 0.001) improved QoL compared to the placebo group and there was no statistically significant difference between the combined fig-walnut and fig syrup (AMD: 2.4; 95% CI: 5.2 to -0.3; P = 0.104).ConclusionThe consumption of fig-walnut syrup and fig syrup may help improve constipation symptoms and enhance QoL during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to reach a conclusive determination.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT2012071801032N79. Date of registration: 07.12.2023.

Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties.

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.6%), mainly K, Ca, and Mg; and 6% dw of total amino acids, with hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine in higher amounts. Despite containing low fat (1.6% dw), mainly saturated, it also showed considerable amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a favorable n6/n3 ratio (1.40) and vitamin E (α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols). Its antioxidant capacity can be partially explained by the chlorogenic acid content (9.2 mg/g dw), and caffeine (0.98%) was present in similar amounts to those observed in some arabica coffee beans. A decrease in glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells was found, but not in fructose, suggesting selective inhibition of SGLT1 and potential antidiabetic effects. These results show that Azorean coffee pulp has potential as a sustainable and bioactive ingredient for incorporation into functional foods or dietary supplements.

Mechanical and microstructural properties of fiber-reinforced basalt rock cutting waste-based geopolymer composites exposed to high temperatures.

Managing basalt rock cutting waste in an environmentally responsible manner is crucial to mitigate its negative impacts and protect both the environment and human health. Recycling basalt rock cutting waste in geopolymer applications offers multiple environmental, economic, and performance benefits, making it a promising approach for sustainable construction practices. For this purpose, this study concerns about the performance of fiber-reinforced basalt rock-cutting waste-based geopolymer composites at high temperatures up to 1000°C. Geopolymer composites were manufactured by activating basalt rock cutting waste with sodium silicate. Alongside the fiber-free mixtures, fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites incorporating 0.5% and 1.0% basalt or polypropylene fibers by volume were synthesized. These composites underwent thermal curing at 100°C for two distinct durations: 8h and 24h. In addition, the geopolymer composites were subjected to thermal exposure at three different temperatures: 600°C, 800°C, and 1000°C. Changes in the strength and weights of the composites were determined after high-temperature exposure. In addition, XRD and SEM/EDX analyses were performed on the selected composites to investigate the changes in the microstructure of the composites. Thermal curing time and fiber content had significant influence on the high-temperature performance of the geopolymer composites. In this study, geopolymer mortars based on basalt rock cutting waste were successfully developed, demonstrating resistance to elevated temperatures up to 1000°C. No reduction in compressive strength was observed in any of the composites when exposed to 600°C, 800°C, and 1000°C. In fact, an increase in strength was recorded at varying rates, compared to the pre-exposure values.

Effect of Polypropylene and Straw Fiber Materials on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Tailings and Wasted Stone Mixed Backfill.

Ensuring the mechanical performance of backfill materials while reducing cementation costs is a key challenge in mine backfill research. To address this, fiber materials such as polypropylene (PP) fiber and rice straw (RS) fiber have been incorporated into cement-based mixtures for mine backfilling. This study investigates the effects of PP and RS fibers on the mechanical properties, flow characteristics, and microstructure of Tailings and Wasted Stone Mixed Backfill (TWSMB). A series of orthogonal experiments were designed to evaluate the influence of variables, including the cement-sand ratio, solid mass concentration, wasted stone mass concentration, fiber content, and fiber length on the TWSMB properties. The results indicate that the influence of cement-sand ratio and solid mass concentration have a more significant impact on strength than fibers, though the fibers show a stronger effect than the wasted stone mass concentration. Both fiber types enhanced the strength of the specimens, with PP fiber exhibiting a stronger reinforcing effect than RS fiber. Furthermore, the effect of PP fiber content was more pronounced than that of fiber length, whereas the opposite trend was observed for RS fiber. The optimum fiber parameter levels were determined for each type: PP fiber performed best at a mass concentration of 1.5% and a length of 6 mm, while RS fiber showed optimal performance at a mass concentration of 1.0% and a length of 5-10 mm. Macroscopic damage analysis indicated that the structural integrity and residual compressive strength of the TWSMB specimens were preserved even after surpassing the ultimate compressive strength, due to the crack-bridging effect of the fibers. Microstructural analysis showed that PP fiber-reinforced specimens exhibited a dense structure formed through reactions with other hydration products. In contrast, the surface of RS fibers was nearly fully encapsulated by hydration products, resulting in the formation of a physical skeleton structure. This study provides new insights into minimizing cement consumption and reducing backfilling costs in mining operations.

Quantitative Analysis of Yield Stress and Its Evolution in Fiber-Reinforced Cemented Paste Backfill

Fiber-reinforced cemented paste backfill (FR-CPB) has attracted considerable attention in modern mining applications due to its superior mechanical properties and adaptability. Despite its potential, understanding its rheological behavior remains limited, largely because of the absence of quantitative methods for assessing fiber packing behavior within CPB. This study develops a rheology-based approach to determine the maximum packing fraction of polypropylene fibers in fresh CPB, revealing that shorter fibers (3 mm) achieve a maximum packing fraction of 0.661, significantly higher than longer fibers (12 mm) with 0.534. Building on these findings, a quantitative model for the static yield stress of FR-CPB was developed, showing that under a high fiber content (0.9%) and with longer fibers (12 mm), the yield stress reached 274.34 kPa, a 40% increase compared to shorter fibers. Additionally, the study modeled the time-dependent evolution of yield stress, achieving a prediction accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.92. These advancements enable the optimization of FR-CPB composition, which can reduce material usage, enhance pipeline transport efficiency, and improve backfill stability in underground voids. By minimizing the risk of structural failure and optimizing resource allocation, this research provides a theoretical foundation for safer and more cost-effective mining operations.

Study on the Effect of Bee Venom and Its Main Component Melittin in Delaying Skin Aging in Mice.

Bee venom (BV) and its main compound melittin (MLT) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities; however, very little research has been conducted on their effects on skin aging. In this study, a mouse skin aging model induced by D-galactose was constructed via subcutaneous injection into the scruff of the neck, and different doses of BV and MLT were used as interventions. The anti-aging effects and mechanisms of BV and MLT were explored by detecting the skin morphology and structure, and anti-aging-related factors and performing non-targeted metabolomics of mice. BV and MLT improved dermal and epidermal thickness, boosted the collagen fiber content, increased hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid levels, and enhanced transcript-level expression of IL-10, Col1a1, and Col3a1, while decreasing that of IL-1β. Metabolomic analysis showed that BV and MLT regulated the levels of some metabolites (compared to those in the skin aging control). BV effectively alleviated skin aging by regulating the pentose phosphate pathway, and pathways associated with carbon, galactose, and β-alanine metabolism, whereas MLT regulated pathways related to lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and atherosclerosis. This study highlights the potential applicability of BV and MLT in skin aging treatments and cosmetic products.

Long-term stability of ultra-high-performance concrete with steel fibers in various environments

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and structural integrity, offering sustainable solutions for construction. However, concerns persist regarding its long-term performance under various environments due to unhydrated cementitious particles. This study investigates the effect of steel fiber content on the long-term stability of UHPC in tap water, outdoor, and seawater environments over 720 days. Results show that adding 1%~3% steel fiber increases compressive strength by 4.5%~11.5%, 9.5%~18.5%, and 0.4%~3.5%, respectively. Steel fibers effectively reduce length changes, decreasing the rate by 26.3%, 57.0%, and 26.3%, respectively. Microstructure analysis confirms the formation of calcite and brucite in seawater, indicating chemical interactions between seawater components and cement-based materials. After 720 days in seawater, surface fibers exhibited corrosion, but internal fibers remained intact. This study provides insights into UHPC’s long-term stability in diverse environments, critical for infrastructure durability and safety.

The Effect of Alkaline Pretreatment of Spent Malting Grains for Biogas Production, Mathematical Modeling and Process Optimization

Spent grains from brewing industries are considered a suitable source for biogas production due to their high accessibility and affordability. However, lignocellulosic material, due to its fiber content (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), meets implementation issues in the anaerobic digestion process. To enhance the efficiency of anaerobic digestion of brewery spent grain, an alkaline treatment was performed using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The parameters of alkaline treatment were temperature (T) and soda-spent grain ratio (S/D). The characterization of the raw spent grains indicates that the organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen (N), protein (P), N/C ratio, and pH were 99%, 57.39%, 3%, 18.75%, 19.13%, and 5.6, respectively. The respective contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were 33.3%, 30.4%, and 6.5%. The pre-treatment process yielded a 5% reduction in hemicellulose and a 43% reduction in cellulose while increasing the volume of biogas produced from 0 to 577 mL. After pre-treatment, two biodigesters produced volumes of 23.03 mL/per day (100 °C with a soda/spent grain ratio of 0.01%) and 22 mL/per day (28 °C with a soda/spent grain ratio of 0.05%). The mathematical model showed an interaction between temperature and S/D ratio. The predictive modeling analysis presented that the maximum volume of biogas can be obtained as 23.3 mL/per day after pre-treatment of spent grains at 100 °C with a NaOH/spent grain ratio of 0.01.

Creamed Coconut Testa and Creamed Coconut as Substitutes for Coconut Milk in Culinary Uses

Coconut milk plays a crucial role in preparation ofcurries and other savoury dishes in Sri Lanka.While squeezing grated coconut manually, there is a wastage ofcoconut as well as coconut testa which is a significant by-product of coconut processing industries. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of utilizing creamed coconut (CC) and creamed coconut testa (CCT) as a viable substitute for coconut milk in culinary uses. To attain this objective, the nutritional composition ofCC and CCT was determined and sensory evaluation was undertaken to test the suitability of these two products as cooking medium on a potato curry using a group of thirty semi-trained panelists. Four formulations of CCT incorporated potato curry were prepared coded as F₁ (CCT:water = 1:9), F₂ (CCT:water =1:4), F₃ (CCT:water = 3:7) and F₄ (CCT:water = 2:3). Besides, P₁ (CC:water = 1:9), P₂ (CC:water = 1:4), P₃ (CC:water = 3:7), P₄ (CC:water = 2:3) were coded as the four formulations of potato curry, incorporating CC. The analysis revealed that fat, crude protein and carbohydrate in CC was higher than CCT except crude fiber content. However, there was no significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference in ash and moisture contents. According to sensory evaluation, F₁ (CC:water = 1:9) and P₂ (CC:water = 1:4) were identified as the most preferred potato curry formulations incorporating CCT and CC respectively. In conclusion, there was a potential ofutilizing and maximizing coconut meat and testa as a viable substitute for coconut milk in culinary applications.

Potential of Utilizing Corn Silk (&lt;em&gt;Stigma maydis&lt;/em&gt;), Thebu Leaves (&lt;em&gt;Costus speciosus&lt;/em&gt;), Green and Purple Guava (&lt;em&gt;Psidium guajava&lt;/em&gt;) Leaves in Formulating Green Tea and Black Tea Blends

Purpose: Underutilized plant materials such as corn silk (Stigma maydis), guava leaves (Psidium guajava), and ‘thebu’ leaves (Costus speciosus) are rich sources of various phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This study was carried out to investigate the potential of developing green tea and black tea blends by incorporating corn silk, green and purple guava leaves, and ‘thebu’ leaves.Research Method: Five green tea and black tea blends were prepared using steamed and dried ‘thebu’ leaves, corn silk, and green and purple guava leaves. Sensory properties of the samples were evaluated. Antioxidant activity (AOA) and total polyphenol (TPP), total flavonoid (TF), ash and crude fiber contents of the samples were determined.Findings: The selected green tea blend consisted of 50% green tea, 16.7% corn silk, 16.7% ‘thebu’ leaves and 16.7% green guava leaves whereas the selected black tea blend consisted of 50% black tea, 12.5% corn silk, 12.5% ‘thebu’ leaves and 25% purple guava leaves. Comparable TPP contents (gallic acid equivalent %) were found in green tea blends (22.51±0.93) and black tea blends (21.78±0.11). Antioxidant activity (percentage inhibition) of green and black tea blends (85.93±0.44 and 87.38±1.17 respectively) were significantly higher than that of green tea (81.58±0.92) and black tea (81.43±0.88).Research Limitations: The optimal processing conditions for preserving the properties of selected materials are crucial in formulating herbal tea blends, yet they remain to be established.Originality/ Value: Corn silk, green and purple guava, and ’thebu’ leaves hold great potential for formulating tea blends with improved physicochemical, therapeutic, and sensory properties

Investigation on rheological and compression behavior of straw fiber and cement solidified dredged slurry

This study investigates the rheological and compression behavior of cement-solidified dredged slurry with varying rice straw fiber contents (0–12%). Laboratory tests, including flow tests, viscosity measurements, and compression tests, were conducted to evaluate the influence of straw fibers on material properties. Results show that the slump flow value increased by 8.4% when fiber content increased from 0% to 0.5%, reaching a peak at 3% fiber content. Beyond 5% fiber content, slump flow decreased due to fiber entanglement and water absorption. The dynamic viscosity initially decreased as straw fibers released glucose, retarding cement hydration, but increased as fiber content surpassed 1%, due to increased water absorption and the formation of a fiber network. Yield shear stress also increased with fiber content, peaking at 5% fiber content, and was higher in fiber-reinforced slurries compared to non-fiber mixtures. Compression tests revealed that the compressibility of the solidified slurry increased with higher fiber content at early curing stages (28 days) but decreased with longer curing times (90–180 days). Compression yield stress increased initially with fiber content up to 1% but declined beyond this threshold due to fiber-induced porosity and disrupted cement bonding.

Numerical modeling of clamp load relaxation of plastic nuts under varying moisture and fiber contents

Abstract This study presents a numerical approach using a 3D finite element model to quantify the remaining clamp load of a plastic nut joint after a specific time. The viscoelastic relaxation of a thermoplastic nut, which is predominantly screwed on a welding stud, is described by a material card using Prony Series. Prony Series are derived from experimental dynamical mechanical analysis with different moisture and fiber contents of the thermoplastic. Since plastic nuts usually do not have preformed threads, the increased temperatures and resulting stresses from the thread-forming process are considered in the simulation. An FE model is created and verified by substrate stress relaxation tests. Experimental clamp load measurements with miniature compression load cells verify the clamp load prediction and show a good agreement. The developed model is used to analyze the clamp load distribution within the threads and reveals an almost even distribution within the threads.

Chemical Composition and Methane Production Potential of Agricultural Residues: Olive Pomace, Cottonseed Meal and Red Pepper Processing Waste

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural residues, manure, sewage, and food waste. This process involves the breakdown of these materials by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of a mixture of gases, primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), along with trace amounts of other gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3). Biogas production from agricultural residues like olive pomace (OLV), cottonseed meal (CTM), and red pepper processing (RPP) waste holds promise for sustainable energy generation and waste management. This study investigates the chemical composition and methane production potential of these residues, emphasizing their protein, fat content, and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF)/Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) ratios. Chemical analyses revealed significant variations among the materials, with cotton waste exhibiting the highest dry matter, organic matter, protein, and fat content, while pepper waste showed the highest ash content, and olive waste had the highest fiber (ADF and NDF) content. Methane production ranged from 0.34 to 0.45 m³ kg-1 of organic dry matter (ODM), with cotton displaying the highest methane yield. Biogas production ranged from 0.61 to 0.78 m³ kg-1 ODM, with cotton again yielding the highest biogas production. Methane content in biogas varied between 54.64% and 57.72%, with cotton also showing the highest methane content. At the end of the study, the dry matter (DM) and organic dry matter (ODM), ash, protein, fat, ADF, and NDF ratios of the materials were determined to be 85.51%-94.09%, 87.91%-92.92%, 7.08%-12.09%, 7.49%-15.93%, 3.76%-8.01%, 52.16%-71.07%, and 34.49%-55.58%, respectively. The materials showed chemical differences. Research highlights include the significant bioenergy potential of olive waste and cottonseed meals, alongside the environmental benefits of utilizing olive pomace for biogas production. Experimental findings reveal varying methane and biogas yields across materials, influenced by their nutrient compositions. The study underscores the viability of integrating these agricultural residues into biogas production systems, contributing to renewable energy initiatives and sustainable agricultural waste management practices.

Effect of Experimental Warming on Forage Nutritive Value and Storage in Alpine Meadows at Three Different Altitudes of Nianqing Tanggula Mountain, Northern Tibet: A Long-Term Experience

Effects of climate warming on nutrition quality and storage of alpine grasslands are still controversial, which is not conducive to the management and utilization of alpine grasslands. A long-term warming experiment (with open-top chambers used to elevate temperature) was conducted at three elevations (relatively low, mid-, and high elevations with 4313, 4513, and 4693 m) of Northern Tibet in 2010 to compare the differences in forage nutritional quality and storage response to warming among three elevations and to explore the relationships between forage nutritional quality and production. In 2019, community surveys, observations of forage biomass and nutrition quality, and soil physicochemical properties were carried out. Forage nutrition quality included crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), crude ash (Ash), and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content. Warming did not affect community aboveground biomass (AGB) at the three elevations. Warming improved community nutrition quality by increasing community CP content by 25.80% and decreasing community NDF content by 15.51% at the low elevation. In contrast, warming reduced community nutrition quality by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF contents by 13.45%, 23.68%, and 17.43%, respectively, and decreasing Ash content by 39.50% at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, or WSC contents at the mid-elevation. Warming increased community nutrition storage by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF storges by 74.69%, 88.18%, and 79.71%, respectively, at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community nutrition storages at the low or mid-elevations. Overall, forbs had higher CP, EE, Ash, and WSC contents and lower ADF and NDF contents compared with graminoids. Community EE content increased with community AGB, but community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, and WSC contents were not related to community AGB. Therefore, from the low to high elevation, the effects of warming on forage nutrition quality gradually changed from improving to inhibiting. Warming altered rangeland quality by affecting forage nutrition quality rather than forage production. There were no trade-offs between forage nutrition quality and forage production.

Mechanical Properties of TWILL Carbon Fiber Fabric-Reinforced Single-Layer Thermoplastic Polyamide and Polybutylene Terephthalate-Based Composite Materials Manufactured by Hot Pressing.

This study investigates carbon fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composites produced via hot pressing, using Polyamide PA6 and Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) as matrix materials. These materials are increasingly utilized in the development of lightweight, high-performance, multilayer structures, such as aluminum-reinforced laminates, for automotive and aerospace applications. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength and stiffness, were systematically evaluated under varying loading conditions. The PBT-CF composite exhibited a 17% higher tensile strength and stiffness compared to the PA6-CF composite, despite the low carbon fiber content. This highlights the critical role of uniform fiber distribution in enhancing material performance. Slower loading speeds (1 mm/min) resulted in higher strength, emphasizing the influence of process parameters on mechanical behavior. Cyclic loading tests showed a gradual reduction in stiffness with increasing strain range, particularly for the CF-45° configuration. The warp and weft arrangement of the carbon fabric contributed to structural inhomogeneity but did not significantly affect the global mechanical properties. These findings demonstrate the suitability of PBT as a matrix material alongside PA6 for carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, offering new possibilities for the design of advanced composite materials with tailored properties.

Damage Evolution Characteristics of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Cellular Concrete Based on Acoustic Emission

In order to investigate the steel fiber parameters on the damage characteristics and crack evolution of cellular concrete materials, uniaxial compression–acoustic emission combined tests were carried out on steel-fiber-reinforced cellular concrete (SFRCC) with different steel fiber contents (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) and different porosities (10% and 20%). The material damage evolution characteristics were analyzed by acoustic emission parameters and IB values, and the crack types were identified using Gaussian mixture clustering method (GMM) pairs. The results show the following: the inclusion of steel fibers increased the compressive strength of cellular concrete by 19.8~46.3% at 10% porosity, and by 37.1~102.2% at 20% porosity; the addition of steel fibers significantly increased the density and intensity of the acoustic emission signals; the decreasing tendency of the IB value at the peak stress slowed down with the increase in the amount of steel fibers, and the steel fibers could effectively inhibit the crack development; crack classification results show that the proportion of shear cracks in all stages of cellular concrete increased significantly after the addition of steel fibers.

Substituting Fishmeal with Napier Grass Protein: Effects on Intake, Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed diets with varying substitution levels of fishmeal (FM) 0 g/kg, 250 g/kg, 500 g/kg, 750 g/kg, and 1000 g/kg DM with Napier grass protein (NGP). Treatment diets included T0 (control diet), T250, T500, T750, and T1000 to represent the different substitution levels. After the starter phase, birds were finished on a conventional fishmeal-based diet for 14 days. Feed intake, weight gain, and hot carcass decreased (P &lt; 0.01) at a decreasing rate with increasing substitution in starter diets. Feed intake, weight gain, and hot carcass were highest (P &lt; 0.01) in T0 birds, followed by T250 birds. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein, and energy utilization efficiencies were highest (P &lt; 0.01) in T0 birds, followed by T250 birds, and lowest for T1000 birds. Ileal CP digestibility (862.3 g/kg DM) was highest for T0 birds but comparable (P &gt; 0.05) to T500 birds (716.4 g/kg DM). Similarly, ME digestibility was highest in T0 birds (819.5 g/kg DM) although comparable (P &gt; 0.05) to T250 birds and T500 birds. In contrast, T250 and T500 birds showed higher (P &lt; 0.05) crude fiber digestibility (645 g/kg DM) than T0 birds (402 g/kg DM). Hot carcass weight decreased (P &lt; 0.01) with FM substitution with the heaviest carcasses recorded for T0 birds. As a percentage of the hot carcass, the weight of the breast and thigh reduced (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing substitution of FM. Percentage weights of empty gizzard, caeca, and pancreas for T1000 birds were higher (P &lt; 0.05) and double compared with T0 birds. In the finisher phase, there was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) in weight gains of T0 and T250 birds, although T250 birds had numerically higher weight gain compared with T0 birds. However, the percentage change in weight gain in the finisher phase was influenced (P &lt; 0.05) by the MFP substitution level in the starter phase. In the finisher phase, T1000 birds had the highest percentage change in weight gain (71.6%) compared to 40.7% for T0 birds. Nonetheless, regression analysis of FCR data in the starter phase showed that optimal FCR is attained at 150 g/kg NGP substitution in broiler diets. These results suggest that NGP is of low biological value in broiler diets, probably due to its high fiber content and deficiency in methionine and lysine, which are limiting essential amino acids in broiler diets.