Cadaver temporal bones are traditionally used in otosurgical training and research, but they have many limitations. The development of novel individualized middle ear prostheses requires easy and durable artificial middle ear models that are as realistic as possible anatomically, functionally, and acoustically. The aim of this study was to create an acoustically and mechanically functional, three-dimensionally (3D) printed middle ear model that overcomes the challenges of cadaver temporal bones while promoting prosthesis development. Structures from microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) imaged cadaver temporal bone were utilized to the design of the middle ear model. Rigid middle ear parts were printed from photopolymer resin using Digital Light Processing (DLP), whereas soft parts such as the tympanic membrane, joints, and ligaments were made from silicone or hot-melt glue. Three model versions differed in silicone hardness of the ligaments. Acoustical and mechanical performance was measured with laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and tympanometry. Suitability for surgical training was evaluated in a simulation (n = 16 otologists), where a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) was placed while LDV-based audio feedback of sound transmission was provided in real time. The middle ear transfer functions (METF) of all three models were statistically comparable with cadaver temporal bones. The most flexible version (Model 1 with only silicone Shore A 12-14) was closest to cadaver characteristics. Tympanometry with Model 1 most often produced normal A-type curves, although reproducibility was limited across all measurements. In the surgical simulation, most participants rated the anatomy as realistic. Stapes motion received the most criticism. Nevertheless, the type of the model and the used simulation setting were considered promising and useful for otologic training. A 3D-printed middle ear model can mimic the anatomic and acoustic properties of the middle ear with clinically acceptable accuracy. Further optimization of the tympanic membrane and ligament materials is needed to improve the repeatability of tympanometry. The model can be integrated into the design and testing of novel prostheses and serves as a model for otosurgical training.

Influence of biochar feedstock and particle size on cementitious composites incorporating biochar as a partial cement replacement

In this investigation mechanical aspects and corrosion resistances of the reference concrete sample and the concrete with eggshell replacing ordinary cement Portland (OCP) with embedded steel bars are evaluated. It is found that the compressive and tensile strengths reach acceptable levels when 10 wt.% of the cement is replaced with eggshell content. Four different curing periods are evaluated, i.e. at 1 day, 7, 28 and 365 days. The compressive values initially reaches of about 12 MPa and ∼40 MPa after 365 days is attained. All the examined samples reach the requirements prescribed into Brazilian’s standards. Concatenated analyses indicate results of strength associated with the lightweight aspects and corrosion resistances slightly higher than the reference. This is associated with initial rebar passivation behavior promoting its interesting corrosion resistance in a long-term curing. Since there exists a great preoccupation with the cement consumption and its CO 2 emission, the eggshells adequately used (size and proportions) seems to be a very interesting strategy as environmentally and eco-friendly aspect. • Eggshell sizing close to OCP cement is used. • Eggshell replaces 10 wt.% cement content and no substantial deleterious effects on mechanical behavior is verified. • A passivation is verified at initial curing period favoring the corrosion resistance of reinforced steel concrete. • Correlation among mechanical strength, lightweight effect, and corrosion resistance indicates that eggshell addition is interesting strategy. • With eggshell addition, minimal required mechanical behavior is attained.

The sustainable management of end-of-life wind turbine blades (WTB) represents a critical environmental challenge due to their complex composite structure and non-biodegradable nature. This study investigates the incorporation of shredded wind turbine blade (SWTB) waste into concrete as a multifunctional component. By utilizing the particle size distribution of SWTB (0.063–80 mm), the waste was integrated to simultaneously function as a partial cement replacement, aggregate substitute, and fiber reinforcement. A particle packing-based mix design approach using the Modified Andreasen and Andersen (MAA) model was employed to optimize the concrete skeleton. Four mixtures with SWTB contents of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% by total mass were evaluated. Experimental results demonstrate that while SWTB increases water and superplasticizer demand, the optimized packing structure maintains high mechanical performance, with 28-day compressive strengths exceeding 45 MPa. Even at the highest replacement level, this structural-grade performance was achieved alongside a simultaneous replacement of 10.2% vol. aggregate, 4.4% vol. cement, and 2.6% vol. fiber. Isothermal calorimetry revealed that epoxy residues do not retard hydration, while the fibrous fraction provided a significant toughening mechanism, increasing residual flexural strength by up to 250%. Durability assessments confirmed that SWTB does not trigger alkali-silica reactions (ASR). The findings suggest that the proposed design approach enables high-volume valorization of SWTB without compromising the structural integrity of the concrete, providing a scalable alternative to the landfilling of WTB waste. • SWTB acts as cement replacement, aggregate substitute, and fiber reinforcement. • MAA model optimizes concrete skeleton, mitigating performance loss from waste. • Concrete with 5% SWTB by mass maintains 28-day compressive strength over 45 MPa. • SWTB fibers enhance toughness, increasing residual flexural strength by 250%. • Calorimetry and ASR tests confirm the chemical stability of SWTB in concrete.

Exopolysaccharide-rosmarinic acid complex as a phosphate replacer: dual improvement of oxidative stability and gel properties in myofibrillar proteins.

The partial substitution of Fe by Si enhances the phase stability of Sm2Fe17Cx magnets with x > 1.0. We elucidate the Si-substitution scheme and its impact on phase stability and magnetic properties in Sm2(Fe,Si)17C3 from first-principles calculations and chemical bonding analysis. The calculated substitution energies for Si at various Fe sites are negative, indicating improved phase stability. Si preferentially substitutes Fe atoms at the 9d site in Sm2(Fe,Si)17C3 while it tends to enter the Fe 18h site in Sm2(Fe,Si)17. This difference in site preference is attributed to the distinct chemical environments surrounding the Fe (Si) sites in the two compounds. Si substitution favors the formation of Sm-Si bonds while minimizing the Si-C and Si-Si interactions. Crystal orbital Hamilton populations and crystal orbital bond index calculations indicate that the partial replacement of Fe with Si strengthens the chemical bonding of Sm-Fe3 (18f) and Sm-Fe4 (18h) and improves overall phase stability in Sm2(Fe,Si)17C3. Beyond the dilution effect, Si substitution also reduces the magnetic moments of neighboring Fe atoms, a phenomenon linked to the strong Fe-Si bonding. These findings highlight the dual role of Si in modifying both the structural and magnetic characteristics of Sm2Fe17-based magnetic compounds.

The objective of this study was to explore hepatic metabolic adaptations in mid-lactation Holstein cows managed under feeding strategies with different levels of pasture inclusion. Sixteen multiparous North American Holstein cows were assigned from calving to 180days in milk (DIM) to either a fixed pasture strategy (FixP; n = 8), in which grazed pasture represented approximately one-third of dry matter intake and the remainder was provided as total mixed ration (TMR), or a maximum pasture strategy (MaxP; n = 8), in which pasture intake was maximized and cows were supplemented with concentrate and conserved forage according to pasture availability. At 180 ± 20 DIM, plasma samples and liver biopsies were collected for biochemical analyses, quantitative PCR, and targeted liver metabolomics by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Milk yield, milk components, and body condition score did not differ between feeding strategies. Plasma urea nitrogen was greater in MaxP than FixP cows (6.64 vs. 4.96mmol/L; P = 0.01). In liver, FixP cows showed greater abundance of metabolites related to carbohydrate metabolism, including phosphoenolpyruvate, fructose-6-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, and sucrose, together with greater expression of genes related to the pentose phosphate pathway and fatty acid synthesis, including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, ribose-5-phosphate isomerase A, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha and fatty acid synthase (p ≤ 0.10). In contrast, MaxP cows showed greater abundance of metabolites associated with nitrogen metabolism, including citrulline, ornithine, glutamine, and creatinine. These results indicate that, during mid-lactation, greater pasture inclusion is associated with enhanced hepatic nitrogen metabolism, whereas partial replacement of pasture with TMR is associated with greater hepatic carbohydrate-related metabolism and fatty acid synthesis.

ABSTRACT Growth and haematological parameters are used in aquaculture as indicators of the health of cultivated fish in response to changes in diet and the physicochemical conditions of the water. In this study, the physiological status of Totoaba macdonaldi was evaluated based on growth, haematological parameters and blood chemistry in response to two temperatures (23°C and 26°C) and the partial replacement of fishmeal with soybean meal (SBM—32%, 43% and 56%). In total, 288 fish were distributed among a control group and treatments in a 2 × 4 experimental design with three replicates. The diet was provided to apparent satiety three times a day for 61 days. Temperature significantly affected the final average weight of the fish acclimated to 23°C or 26°C ( p < 0.05). The highest final average weight (264.2 ± 7.9 g) was recorded in fish acclimated to 26°C and fed a diet with 43% SBM, and the Fulton condition index ranged from 0.98 ± 0.01 to 1.05 ± 0.12. The albumin and aminotransferase enzyme concentrations and the albumin:globulin ratio were affected by the acclimation temperature ( p < 0.05). The temperature–diet interaction affected the concentrations of leukocytes, albumin and triglycerides. Diets containing SBM significantly affected ( p < 0.05) the concentrations of leukocytes, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose, triglycerides, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, as well as the albumin:globulin ratio. Increases in these indicators were observed in fish fed diets with higher percentages of SBM. The results show that replacing fish meal with more than 32% SBM could negatively affect health‐related blood parameters in T. macdonaldi , with more pronounced effects when a diet–temperature interaction is present. These findings highlight the need for further research to evaluate the use of SBM in T. macdonaldi diets and its effect on their physiological performance under different thermal conditions.

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.

Feed-based strategies for regulating shrimp production quality: Partial replacement of fish meal with black soldier fly pulp in feed elevates the key quality attributes of farmed Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Abstract This study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal with insect-derived proteins, specifically insect meal and dried larvae, on the bone biomechanical, geometrical, and mineral properties of female pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ). With growing interest in sustainable protein sources, insect-based alternatives are being explored due to their high protein content, favorable amino acid profiles, and reduced environmental impact. However, their effects on skeletal health remain insufficiently characterized. Fifty female pheasants were randomly assigned to one control group (soybean meal-based diet) and two experimental groups, each further divided into subgroups receiving 50% or 100% replacement of soybean meal with insect meal or dried larvae. Birds were housed under standardized conditions, and tibia and femur were analyzed for bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), geometric parameters, and mechanical properties using densitometry and three-point bending tests. The control group showed higher BMC of tibia bone compared to experimental groups, indicating potential differences in mineral retention. Geometric traits such as cross-sectional area and cortical index were also affected, with reduced cortical thickness in some insect-fed birds. Mechanical testing revealed lower yield force and stiffness of tibia in experimental groups, suggesting alterations in bone matrix quality. However, BMD remained stable across groups, implying that mineral concentration was preserved despite reduced total content. These results suggest that insect-based proteins are viable soybean meal alternatives, with partial replacement maintaining bone quality more effectively than full substitution. Further research is needed to optimize dietary formulations for skeletal health while advancing sustainability in poultry nutrition.

Lead halide perovskite nanoplatelets (LHP NPLs) are of immense interest in the materials science and optoelectronics communities owing to their strong quantum confinement leading to narrow emission peaks, thickness-dependent tunable photoluminescence, and large exciton binding energies. Thus far, their further development and photophysical investigations at ensemble and single-particle levels have been impeded by suboptimal ligand passivation, inferior environmental and colloidal stability compared to their 3D nanocrystal counterparts, and limited compositional diversity. Here, we report highly monodisperse methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) NPLs (11.3 ± 2.3 × 1.7 ± 0.5 nm) with tunable ligand chemistry and enhanced photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 80%. NPLs capped with zwitterionic ligands exhibit improved stability upon air exposure and sequential purification. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on ligand-exchanged NPLs, capped with either phosphocholine- or phosphoethanolamine-type ligands, confirms the partial replacement of the pristine ligands. Owing to the size and shape uniformity of synthesized MAPbBr3 NPLs, they readily form assemblies of stacked face-to-face NPLs, as observed in both colloidal dispersions and films, giving rise to concentration-dependent multicolor emission. The temperature dependence of the NPL emission exhibits a nonmonotonous trend, attributed to the highly anisotropic confinement and the consequent exciton-phonon coupling. We also observed photoluminescence from single MAPbBr3 NPLs at both room and cryogenic temperatures, revealing highly polarized fine-structure emission lines with single-photon purity exceeding 80%. The high uniformity and optical transparency of MAPbBr3 NPL films enabled their integration into optical cavities, where they exhibited strong light-matter coupling with a substantial Rabi splitting of 200 meV.

The aim is to reduce the cost of construction and enhance the properties of the concrete. Also, E-Waste is a global problem for both developing and developed nations. The reason is, there is no method of disposal of E-Waste other than some traditional ones. Landfill and incineration are commonly used for disposal of E-Waste but, landfill needs a wide landmass and also pollute the groundwater by leaching. In the present thesis coarse aggregate is replaced by E-Waste plastic with various percentages which are 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40%. Concrete structures have a lifespan of about 50-100 years. But, deterioration of structure starts in 10 years and sometimes within a year of the construction. Small cracks are generated into the structure after certain years which are either structural cracks or superficial cracks. Thus, the study deals with economical aspect not only for construction but also for maintenance purposes.

Upcycling fibre-reinforced plastic debris from abandoned fishing boats in the marine environment into innovative cementitious composite: A dual approach to natural resource conservation and consumer acceptance.

Pakistan’s construction sector, contributing ~5.3% to GDP and driven by a cement industry with an installed capacity exceeding 86 million tons annually, faces mounting sustainability pressures from high energy consumption, coal dependency, substantial CO₂ emissions (~8–10% of national total), and depletion of conventional aggregates. This review evaluates the incorporation of agricultural waste ashes rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), wheat straw ash, corn cob ash, and cotton stalk ash as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and partial fine aggregate replacements in concrete production. Pozzolanic reactivity, particularly of RHA and SCBA (SiO₂ content 70–90%, fineness 20–40 m²/g), enables 10–30% cement replacement while improving compressive strength (5–25% gain at 28–90 days), durability (reduced chloride permeability, sulfate resistance, water absorption), and workability when optimally processed (controlled burning at 600–700 °C, grinding to &lt;45 μm). Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies indicate 15–40% reductions in global warming potential, fossil energy demand, and embodied carbon compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete, alongside waste diversion from open burning (reducing ~1.2–2.0 t CO₂-eq per ton of ash utilized). Field and lab trials in Punjab and Sindh demonstrate structural feasibility for non-load-bearing elements, pavements, and low-to-medium strength concrete (20–40 MPa), with cost savings of 8–20% from lower cement and disposal expenses. Challenges variable ash composition, seasonal supply, grinding energy, alkali-silica reaction risk, and limited standardization are addressed through preprocessing protocols, mix optimization, and policy recommendations (incentives for ash utilization, inclusion in building codes). Agricultural waste ash emerges as a regionally abundant, low-cost, circular solution to enhance sustainability and resilience in Pakistan’s rapidly urbanizing construction industry.

Despite growing interest in sustainable materials, the combined use of E-waste fibers and ceramic waste (CW) in high-strength concrete remains underexplored. Prior studies largely focus on single waste constituents in normal-strength concrete, providing limited insight into synergistic effects. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the fresh and mechanical performance of sustainable high-strength concrete incorporating both materials. This study investigates the effects of E-waste fibers (0.5–2.0% by cement weight) and CW as partial fine aggregate replacement (15–60%). Fresh and mechanical properties were evaluated using a MOORA-based multi-criteria approach. E-waste fibers improved compressive, flexural, and shear strengths up to 1.0%, while higher dosages reduced performance due to workability loss and fiber agglomeration. Optimal stiffness and load-carrying capacity were achieved with 15–30% CW replacement, demonstrating the potential of CW–E-waste fiber composites for sustainable high-strength concrete.

This study evaluated the effects of replacing grass meal with different inclusion levels of dried rumen content on the growth performance of Kazakh fine-wool sheep. Twenty five-month-old intact male sheep (initial body weight 32.1 ± 0.20 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatment groups for 60 days following a fifteen-day adaptation period. The control diet contained no rumen content, while experimental diets included 10%, 20%, and 30% dried rumen content (a mixture of cattle and sheep rumen content at a ratio of 60:40). Inclusion of rumen content at 10–20% significantly improved average daily gain and feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet (P &lt; 0.05), whereas a 30% inclusion level reduced feed palatability and productive performance. No adverse effects on animal health were observed during the experiment. The results indicate that dried rumen content can be safely used as a partial replacement for grass meal in sheep diets at inclusion levels up to 20%. Keywords: Alternative feedstuffs; Feed palatability; Sheep; Rumen content; Ruminant nutrition

Inulin is emerging as a promising fat replacer in food products, though reducing fat content can alter molecular interactions and impact product quality. This study examines the effects of partial (33% and 66%) and total (100%) replacement of vegetable shortening with chicory inulin on the rheological, nutritional, textural, and molecular characteristics of wheat tortillas. Mixolab results demonstrated that substituting fat with inulin altered the initial consistency and thermomechanical properties of the tortilla doughs, increasing the mixing stability, as well as the hot peak and final consistencies. Inulin incorporation increased the total dietary fiber from 4.8g/100g to a range of 5.7 to 7.5g/100g, primarily enhancing the soluble fiber fraction, which rose from 2.7g/100g to 5.3g/100g. Fat replacement significantly lowered the fat calories/total calories ratio from 26% to as low as 2%. Tortillas with inulin exhibited greater extensibility, and 33% and 66% fat replacement produced softer tortillas. FTIR analysis revealed a reduction in ordered and rigid retrograded starch structures due to inulin incorporation, along with intensified interactions through hydrogen bonding. Differential scanning calorimetry identified amylose-lipid complex formation, particularly in tortillas with 33% and 66% fat replacement, suggesting that these structures are favored by the presence of inulin. These findings indicate that inulin enhances the nutritional profile of tortillas and promotes beneficial molecular interactions with water, starch, and fat. Consequently, including inulin as fat replacer improves the quality attributes of reduced-fat wheat tortillas PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This research demonstrated that inulin could serve as an effective fat replacer for producing tortillas with an enhanced nutritional profile in terms of fat reduction and fiber increase, while maintaining adequate texture characteristics (softness and flexibility). These findings are significant for commercial wheat tortilla manufacturing, where formulation strategies that reduce fat while maintaining processing performance are desirable. The incorporation of chicory inulin could be integrated into existing industrial processes, suggesting good potential for process scalability without major equipment modifications. Although using inulin may increase formulation costs compared to vegetable shortening, the growing demand for low-fat and high-fiber wheat-based products offers significant commercial potential.

The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation due to the excessive use of natural resources such as cement and river sand. Cement production generates significant carbon emissions, while uncontrolled extraction of river sand leads to ecological imbalance. This study focuses on developing sustainable concrete by partially replacing cement with eggshell powder (ESP) and fine aggregate with manufactured sand (robo sand). Eggshellpowder, a bio-waste material rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), was used as a cement replacement at levels of 0%, 3%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, and 15%, while river sand was replaced with robo sand at proportions of 0%, 50%, and 100%. Concrete specimens were prepared and tested for workability, compressive strength, and split tensile strength at curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. The workability of concrete was assessed using the slump test, which showed a gradual decrease in slump values with increasing ESP and robo sand content due to higher water demand and angular particle characteristics. However, all mixes remained within acceptable workability limits for structural applications. The mechanical properties indicated that the inclusion of ESP improves the microstructure of concrete by acting as a filler material and enhancing particle packing. Robo sand further contributes to strength improvement due to better interlocking between particles. The optimum performance was observed at 10% ESP and 100% robo sand replacement,achieving a maximum compressive strength of 41 MPa at 28 days. Beyond this level, a reduction in strength was observed due to decreased cementitious content. The study concludes that the combined use of ESP and robo sand can produce sustainable and high-performance concrete, reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly construction practices.. Keywords:Eggshell Powder (ESP), Robo Sand, Sustainable Concrete, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Split Tensile Strength, M30 Concrete

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) peel on the growth performance, biochemical composition, and selected haematological parameters of Anabas testudineus. Experimental diets were prepared by incorporating dried citrus peel at inclusion levels of 25%, 50%, and 75%, along with a control diet (0% inclusion). A total of 20 fish were used, with 5 fish per treatment group, and the experiment was conducted over a period of 60 days under laboratory conditions. Growth parameters (initial weight, final weight, and weight gain), muscle biochemical constituents (protein, carbohydrate, and cholesterol), and haematological indices (hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte diameter) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. Results indicated differences among treatments, with higher values generally observed in citrus peel–fed groups compared to the control. However, due to the limited sample size, absence of tank replication, and restricted set of physiological parameters measured, the results should be interpreted with caution. The study provides preliminary evidence that Citrus sinensis peel may influence growth and physiological responses in A. testudineus. Further studies with improved experimental design, larger sample size, and comprehensive growth and health indices are required to validate these findings.