The current study was conducted to assess the effect of partial replacement of soyabean meal (SBM) (Glycine max) with defatted winged termite meal (WTM) (Macrotermes natalensis) inclusion levels on the performance, blood, and bone composition of Ross 308 broiler chickens in 42 days feeding trial. A total of 150 one-day-old, unsexed broiler chicks were allocated to 3 dietary treatments, replicated 5 times with 10 chickens per pen in a completely randomized design (CRD). Broilers were fed isonitrogenous, and iso-energetic experimental diets formulated to include WTM as follows: a control diet without WTM = WTM0; a basal broiler diet with 50g/kg of WTM = WTM5; a basal diet with 100g/kg of WTM = WTM10 to replace SBM. Average feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured at 1 to 14 days (starter), 15 to 28 days (grower) and 29 to 42 days (finisher). Hematology, serum biochemistry and right tibia bone traits of birds were determined on day 14, 28 and 42 in each growth phase. WTM inclusion had no effect (P > 0.05) on MR, BWG and FCR of broilers throughout the growth stages except FI that was higher (P< 0.05) in broilers fed WTM5 followed by WTM10 and WTM0 at starter phase. WTM inclusion had no (P> 0.05) influence on most hematology and serum parameters the growth period. However, elevated (P< 0.05) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin observed in chickens fed WTM5 than other groups at finisher phase. Dietary WTM inclusion had no influence (P> 0.05) on the majority of bone traits throughout the growth phase except bone density (TBD) that was higher (P< 0.05) in birds fed WTM5 than other treatment groups at starter phase whereas better (P< 0.05) bone breaking strength (BBS) was observed in birds on WTM5 compared to WTM0 and WTM10. It was concluded that WTM up to 10% could be partially included in diets without compromising growth performance, blood, and bone traits of Ross 308 broiler chickens during starter, grower and finisher phase.

The potential usage of olive waste ash (OWA) as a partial replacement for cement in mortar production is investigated in this study. The experimental program was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, OWA was calcined at 400 °C and 600 °C, then prepared in three particle size ranges (

The limited high-temperature resistance of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) remains a critical challenge for fire-exposed and industrial concrete structures. Its performance deterioration above 500 °C is associated with dehydration and recrystallization of hydration products, leading to structural degradation of the cement matrix. To address this limitation, partial clinker replacement with fly ash combined with sodium water glass activation was proposed to enhance thermal stability. Physico-chemical analysis revealed the absence of portlandite and the formation of C-A-S-H and zeolite-like N–C–A–S–H phases in the fly ash-containing alkali-activated Portland cement. Upon heating, C-A-S-H phases sintered into stable high-temperature calcium aluminosilicate phases and zeolite-like phases underwent topotactic recrystallization into feldspathoid-type structures, preserving matrix integrity at high temperatures. The optimized composition region of cement system (fly ash—12.0–16.5 wt. %, density of water glass—1220–1240 kg/m3) was characterized by residual strength ≥ 50%, while compressive strength at 28 days was ≥80 MPa, exceeding the residual performance typically reported for conventional OPC systems under similar conditions (5–35%). The study was devoted to revealing the potential of low-emission Portland cements in high-temperature-resistant concretes through the utilization of fly ash. The mechanism that controls the compressive strength and temperature resistance of such cements has been demonstrated.

This study evaluated the combined effect of recycled glass powder (RGP) and nanosilica on the fresh-state properties of concrete. Mixtures were prepared with partial cement replacements of 10%, 15%, and 20%, incorporating nanosilica at 1.5 % by cement weight. The control mixture (RGP-0) does not include nanosilica, allowing comparison with the additive-containing mixtures. Results showed that RGP-10 improved workability, achieving a slump of 22.6 cm compared to 7.0 cm for RGP-0, while RGP-15 and RGP-20 exhibited only slight reductions in fluidity. Air content decreased in RGP-10, RGP-15, and RGP-20, with values of 1.6 %, 1.9 %, and 1.7 %, respectively, compared to 2.3 % in RGP-0, indicating that the mixtures with RGP and nanosilica develop a denser matrix with reduced void formation. Additionally, nanosilica accelerated early hydration, raising the initial temperature by up to 3.5 °C in RGP-20 without affecting workability. These findings demonstrate that moderate cement replacement with RGP and nanosilica can produce more stable, homogeneous, and sustainable concretes, providing useful insights for designing mixtures with improved fresh state performance.

CO 2 emissions from cement production have significantly increased, leading to the search for alternative materials that optimize the process and reduce environmental impact. In this context, the present study investigates the use of microsilica (MS) and fan shell powder (PCA) as cement replacements. Material characterization tests were conducted, and six mix designs were made, including 5% PCA and 10% MS replacements individually, as well as combinations of 10% MS with 5%, 7.5%, and 10% PCA. Additionally, compression strength properties were analyzed at 3, 7, and 28 days, and flexural strength at 7 and 28 days. The findings regarding mechanical strength were favorable, except for the mix with 10% MS and 10% PCA, which indicates the maximum substitution percentage. Furthermore, a CO 2 emission analysis was conducted according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, achieving a reduction of up to 11.16% compared to the control concrete. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the combination of 10% MS and 5% PCA is the optimal replacement, improving compressive strength by 6.99% and flexural strength by 1.33%, while reducing CO 2 emissions by 10.44%.

This work is devoted to the preparation and investigation of a composite based on styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) polymer using carbon nanotubes. Nanocomposites based on styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer (SBS) and carbon nanotubes were prepared by the emulsion mixing method, while the vulcanization process was carried out in accordance with standard test methods used for SBS evaluation. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the rubber compound improved the compatibility of the components, and the resulting nanocomposite exhibited high thermal stability. The nanomaterial enhanced the process ability of SBS rubber–based composites. Compared with rubber reinforced solely with carbon black, the use of nanomaterials led to a 27% increase in stress at 100% permanent elongation. In addition, partial replacement of carbon black resulted in an increase in the elongation at break of the vulcanization from 424.5% to 554.0%. The mechanical properties of the obtained rubbers demonstrated that they can be regulated by

Objective: To evaluate and compare postoperative hearing outcomes in patients who have undergone ossicular chain reconstruction using partial and total ossicular replacement prostheses. Study Design: Prospective Non-randomized Clinical study. Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Period: April 2024 to April 2025. Methods: Patients undergoing ossiculoplasty were enrolled consecutively and categorized into two groups based on prosthesis used: total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) and partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP). The selection of prosthesis was determined intraoperatively based on extent of ossicular chain damage. All patients were followed post-operatively. Pre-operative and post-operative hearing thresholds were assessed using pure tone audiometry. Results: The TORP group had a higher preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) at 31.77 ± 10.05 dB, compared to the PORP group at 26.31 ± 10.67 dB. After surgery, ABG improved in both groups, reaching 17.54 ± 10.83 dB in the TORP group and 19.69 ± 10.34 dB in the PORP group. Both results met the criteria for successful ossiculoplasty. The analysis within the TORP group showed significant hearing improvement, with a p-value of less than 0.01. This group had a mean ABG gain of 14.23 dB and a large effect size. In contrast, the PORP group showed a moderate improvement of 6.62 dB, with a p-value of 0.05. However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.185 and a Hedges’ g effect size of -0.519 favoring TORP. Conclusion: Both TORP and PORP effectively treat conductive hearing loss. TORP may provide more benefit for patients with severe preoperative hearing loss or significant ossicular damage. Choosing a prosthesis should depend on what is found during the operation instead of past practices.

Concrete production consumes nearly 16% of global freshwater resources, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to potable water. This study investigates the feasibility of using treated wash water from ready-mix concrete plants as a partial or full replacement for mixing water. Concrete mixes were prepared with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% wash water replacement ratios to evaluate the impacts on fresh and hardened properties as well as durability. Electrical resistivity testing was integrated into the experimental programme to assess the durability performance of concrete containing varying wash water contents. The results showed a reduction in workability of up to 50% compared to the control mix prepared with potable water. At 28 days, compressive strength decreased by 15.9%, 17.3%, and 18.3% for mixes containing 25%, 75%, and 100% wash water replacement, respectively. Electrical resistivity increased significantly with higher wash water replacement by 44% and 60% for mixes with 25% and 50% wash water replacement, and by up to six times at full replacement, indicating enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, empirical equations were developed and validated against the experimental data to estimate the reduction in compressive strength of concrete mixes incorporating treated water. These findings provide performance-based guidance for the broader adoption of treated wash water as a sustainable alternative in concrete production while maintaining acceptable structural and durability performance.

The use of end-of-life tyre (ELT) rubber as a partial aggregate replacement in concrete represents a promising route for waste valorisation; however, its durability-related behaviour and long-term performance remain insufficiently characterised, particularly under combined environmental exposures. This study addresses these limitations by combining a targeted literature review encompassing more than 4500 data points from over 150 published studies with a laboratory-based experimental assessment of rubberised concretes aimed at clarifying key knowledge gaps. The experimental programme investigates concretes incorporating 5-50% ELT rubber (0/4 mm) as a selective replacement of a specific sand fraction, rather than of the total fine aggregate content, with particular emphasis on performance under coupled freeze-thaw cycling and sulphate attack. A reference mix (>50 MPa at 28 days) and seven rubberised concretes were characterised in terms of mechanical behaviour and selected durability-related indicators. Specimens were subsequently exposed for 270 days to freeze-thaw cycles (-20/+20 °C) in a 10% MgSO4 solution, and surface damage and compressive strength loss were quantified. Increasing rubber content resulted in the expected reductions in mechanical performance, accompanied by lower electrical resistivity and increased porosity and carbonation depth. However, the selective replacement of a single sand fraction led to more gradual deterioration than typically reported for global sand substitution. Under combined freeze-thaw and sulphate exposure, concretes with low rubber contents (5-15%) exhibited no observable surface damage and retained most of their mechanical capacity, with compressive strength losses below 8%, whereas mixtures with ≥30% replacement showed pronounced surface degradation and strength losses exceeding 50%.

This study evaluated the impact of incorporating citrus pulp (CiP) into the rations of high-producing dairy cows under tropical conditions. Eighteen lactating dairy cows were assigned to two dietary treatments: corn meal (CM) or CiP as the main energy source. Dairy cows were allocated to a crossover design comprising two 21-day periods. The rations were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Replacing CM with CiP reduced the intakes of dry matter (19.9 vs. 19.5 kg/d), organic matter (17.9 vs. 17.4 kg/d), digestible organic matter (12.3 vs. 11.7 kg/d), and crude protein (3.43 vs. 3.35 kg/d), while increasing neutral detergent fibre intake (7.39 vs. 7.63 kg/d). Apparent total tract digestibility decreased for all nutrients, including DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF, when CiP replaced CM. Milk production was lower in cows fed CiP than in those fed CM (23.7 vs. 22.7 kg/d), although milk feed efficiency (milk/DMI) was not different. An economic analysis showed that cows fed CM had higher milk gross income and income over feed cost. These results suggest that the partial replacement (60%) of CM with CiP may negatively affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk production, and profitability in dairy cows in tropical regions.

Yeast enzyme hydrolysis slurry (YS) has the potential to optimize feed utilization efficiency and improve the health of farmed animals, as it contains abundant bioactive components like small-molecule peptides and amino acids. However, its function and application effects in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are unclear. Three hundred and twenty largemouth bass (8.20 ± 0.05g) were randomly divided into four groups (4 replicates of 20 fish). Four isonitrogenous (52%) and isolipidic (10%) diets were formulated: FM group (positive control), SBM group (soybean meal replaced 30% of fish meal protein, negative control), and the SBM group supplemented with 1% YS (SBM + 1% YS) and 2% YS (SBM + 2% YS), respectively. After a 56-day feeding period, the fish were assessed for growth, intestinal health, and metabolic regulation-related indices. Our study found that weight gain rate (P = 0.032) and specific growth rate (P = 0.030) in the SBM + 1% YS and SBM + 2% YS groups were significantly higher than those in the SBM group. Relative to the SBM group, YS-supplemented groups exhibited marked elevations in intestinal folds, goblet cell numbers, serum acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, as well as the activities of key digestive enzymes (lipase, α-amylase, pepsin, chymotrypsin), accompanied by downregulated mRNA expression of anorexigenic genes cholecystokinin and leptin. Meanwhile, these groups showed significantly lower serum D-lactate, diamine oxidase, lipopolysaccharide levels and malondialdehyde content. The abundance of beneficial genus Cetobacterium increased while the abundance of pathogenic genus Edwardsiella (P = 0.0265) significantly reduced in SBM + 1% YS and SBM comparison groups. Metabolomics analysis revealed that protein digestion and absorption (P = 0.0041), and amino acid metabolism pathways (P = 0.0052) were significantly enriched in the comparison between SBM + 1%YS and SBM groups. Correlation analysis further indicated that differential metabolites such as arginine and methionine exhibite a strong negative association with Edwardsiella. Yeast enzyme hydrolysis slurry in soybean meal-based diets with partial fishmeal replacement enhanced the antioxidant capacity, reduced intestinal permeability, altered the abundances of intestinal microbiota and associated core metabolites. These positive changes collectively contributed to improved growth performance in largemouth bass.

The current and significant environmental pollution caused by the use of cement in structural construction highlights the need for more sustainable alternatives. This research evaluates the use of uncalcined scallop shell powder (SP) and recycled glass powder (GP) as partial replacements for cement in conventional concrete mixes with a design strength of f'c = 280 kg/cm². SP and GP were incorporated in a 2:1 ratio at the following replacement levels: 2.5% SP + 5% GP and 5% SP + 10% GP. The analysis conducted on the concrete includes CO₂ emissions associated with its production, workability in its fresh state, and compressive strength in its hardened state. As a result, the mix with the lower replacement percentage proved to be the most optimal, achieving a 1-inch increase in workability and a 2.49% increase in 28-day compressive strength compared to the control mix, along with a 1.08% reduction in CO₂ emissions. This demonstrates the structural and environmental viability of concrete incorporating SP and GP.

ABSTRACT Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete due to its reduced density and improved thermal performance. However, its relatively lower tensile strength and brittle behavior restrict its structural applications. The present study investigates the strength performance and structural efficiency of Glass Fibre Reinforced Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (GFRLWC). Lightweight aggregates were incorporated as partial replacement of conventional coarse aggregates to reduce the density of concrete. Glass fibres were added in controlled proportions to enhance tensile and flexural performance. An experimental program was conducted to evaluate workability, density, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength at 7 and 28 days of curing. The results demonstrate that glass fibre addition significantly improves tensile and flexural strength due to crack-bridging action and improved stress transfer within the matrix. Although a slight reduction in workability was observed, the values remained within permissible construction limits. The density reduction confirms the lightweight nature of the developed concrete. Overall, GFRLWC shows balanced mechanical performance and structural suitability for modern sustainable construction practices. Keywords: Lightweight Aggregate Concrete, Glass Fibre, Fibre Reinforcement, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Density Reduction.

This study investigated the potential use of ash derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), typically destined for landfill in Israel, as a partial replacement for cement and aggregates in concrete mixtures, aligning with circular economy and sustainable construction objectives. MSW samples (post-metal and large plastic remains removal), supplied by the Dudaim Reclamation Center in Israel, were incinerated under controlled conditions in an upgraded laboratory furnace to produce ash. The ash content in the Israeli MSW was 18% ash. The ash consisted mainly of calcium-based minerals, including anhydrite (CaSO4), alite (3CaO·SiO2), and calcite (CaCO3), with minor quartz content, indicating potential pozzolanic behavior. The characterization results showed that appreciable amounts of ash produced from MSW incineration in Israel can be used as a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregates when properly treated. This study successfully established a laboratory-scale incineration process for Israeli MSW. The resulting ash was characterized, confirming its potential as a raw material for concrete applications, thereby paving the way for future studies on its performance as a partial substitute for cement and fine aggregates in concrete blends.

The incorporation of recycled metallurgical slags into refractory materials constitutes a promising approach to enhancing sustainability in the refractory industry. This study investigates the effect of vanadium-bearing slag aggregates as partial replacements for tabular alumina in castables and compares their behaviour with high-alumina and bauxite-based castables. Two vanadium-bearing slags with different mineralogical compositions were introduced in the 1-3 mm aggregate fraction with substitution up to 25 wt.%. Their effects on microstructure, thermo-mechanical performance, and corrosion resistance were evaluated. The introduction of vanadium-bearing slag significantly alters the microstructure of the castables, affecting their performance. Both slags displayed grains with higher porosity, microcracking, and heterogeneity compared with tabular alumina, but showed similarities to bauxite grains. Slag 1, enriched in calcium aluminate phases, provides limited mechanical strength but improved corrosion resistance due to improved bonding with the matrix. Slag 2, containing a higher spinel content, enhances mechanical strength, showing behaviour comparable with bauxite-based castables, particularly at 10 wt.% replacement. Vanadium is mainly present in metallic form and as Mg(Al,V)2O4 spinels in both slags. Upon firing, vanadium migrates toward the grain boundaries and reacts with the surrounding calcium aluminate phases to be incorporated in Ca(Al,V)2O4 and Ca(Al,V)4O7, while the spinel phase remains stable.

A concrete mixture formulation consisting of industrial wastes such as fly ash and gypsum from ceramic mold waste as partial replacements for cement was developed in this two-part study to lessen the carbon footprint from processing the conventional materials used in the construction industry. The first part aims to determine the optimum composition of the ternary binder (cement, fly ash and recycled gypsum) and the curing period (7, 28 and 90) that will provide the highest compressive strength for the casted concrete cylinders. The second part focuses on establishing the effective polypropylene fiber (PPF) dosage, utilizing the pre-optimized binder composition. The structural integrity of the concrete cylinders was evaluated through compressive strength and split tensile tests following water curing periods of 7, 28, and 90 days. Results from the initial mechanical tests revealed that the optimum ternary binder composition was C60-F37.5-G2.5 cured for 90 days. While fiber reinforcement typically has limited impact on compressive strength, the addition of 1.5% PPF yielded better long-term compressive strength development compared with other PPF dosages. For tensile strength, 0.5%-1% PPF achieved the highest values at 28 days, whereas 1.5% PPF provided the peak performance under prolonged curing at 90 days. This shift in behavior is attributed to the progressive increase in fiber-bridging effectiveness over time. Findings from these mechanical tests were supported by the results from X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and optical microscopy.

Effect of non‑sodium salt substitution on the coagulation behavior of egg yolk: Analyzing egg yolk, plasma, and granule components during pickling.

Cement is a critical construction material globally and particularly in Ethiopia, where its production is energy-intensive, costly, and a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. This study explores the partial replacement of Portland cement with volcanic ash and crushed laterite powder in cement mortar as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Preliminary mix designs were prepared with varying proportions of volcanic ash and laterite powder to determine optimal combinations which is equal percentage of volcanic ash and laterite powder as selected based the compressive strength result. Subsequent experimental mixes replaced cement with equal proportion of volcanic ash and laterite soil at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by weight, following ASTM C109 standards. The study assessed characterization, mechanical (compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity), durability (sulfate resistance, porosity, and water absorption), and microstructural properties using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) analyses. Characterization results showed that volcanic ash and crushed laterite are finer than cement and are predominantly pozzolanic. Bernauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis confirmed their fine particle sizes, contributing to the dense packing of the mortar. At 10% of replacement of cement by equal amount of volcanic ash and laterite soil, the highest compressive strength was recorded 33.1 MPa at 28 days and 46.2 MPa at 56 days. Water absorption decreased with increasing the replacement percentage up to 15%, indicating improved durability. Microstructural analysis revealed a denser morphology due to secondary C-S-H formation and filler effects. Overall, volcanic ash and laterite powder improved both mechanical and durability properties of mortar up to 15% replacement, with optimal performance at 10%. This shows the potential of those pozzolanic as a viable partial cement substitute, promoting sustainable construction practices in Ethiopia.

The potential of fluorescent light tube powder as a sustainable partial cement replacement for mortar

Study on performance and environmental benefits of oil well cement modified by alkali-activated fly ash and eggshell powder.