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This study investigated the serviceability behavior and strength of polypropylene fiber (PF)-reinforced self-consolidating concrete (PFSCC) beams reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. Five full-scale concrete beams measuring 3100 mm long x 200 mm wide x 300 mm deep (122.1 x 7.9 x 11.8 in.) were fabricated and tested up to failure under four-point bending cyclic loading. Test parameters included the longitudinal reinforcement ratio (0.78, 1.18, and 1.66%) and PF volume (0, 0.5, and 0.75% by concrete volume). The effect of these parameters on serviceability behavior and strength of the test specimens is analyzed and discussed herein. All the beams were evaluated for cracking behavior, deflection, crack width, strength, failure mode, stiffness degradation, and deformability factor. The test results revealed that increasing the reinforcement ratio and PF volume enhanced the serviceability and flexural performance of the beams by effectively restraining crack widths, reducing deflections at the service and ultimate limit states, and decreasing residual deformation. The stiffness exhibited a fast-to-slow degradation trend until failure for all beams, at which point the beams with a higher reinforcement ratio and fiber volume evidenced higher residual stiffness. The cracking moment, flexural capacities, and crack width of the tested beams were predicted according to the North American codes and design guidelines and compared with the experimental ones. Lastly, the deformability for all beams was quantified with the J-factor approach according to CSA S6-19. Moreover, the tested beams demonstrated adequate deformability as per the calculated deformability factors. Keywords: crack width; cyclic loading; deflection; deformability; flexural behavior; glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar; polypropylene fiber (PF); reinforced concrete beams; self-consolidating concrete (SCC); serviceability; strength.

Abstract The camel industry uses traditional (i.e., iron brands and ear tags) and modern (i.e., microchips) identification (ID) systems without having performance results of reference. Previously iron-branded (n = 45; 1 yr) and microchipped (n = 59; 7 yr) camels showed problems of healing (8.6% of brands) and reading (only 42.9% of brands and 69.5% of microchips were readable), which made their use inadvisable. With the aim of proposing suitable ID systems for different farming conditions, an on-field study was performed using a total of 528 dromedaries at 4 different locations (Egypt, n = 83; Spain, n = 304; Saudi Arabia, n = 90; and Tunisia, n = 51). The ID devices tested were visual (button ear tags, 28.5 mm diameter, n = 178; double flag ear tags, 50 by 15 mm, n = 83; both made of polyurethane) and electronic (ear tags, n = 90, and rumen boluses, n = 555). Electronic ear tags were polyurethane-loop type (75 by 9 mm) with a container in which a 22-mm transponder of full-duplex technology was lodged. Electronic boluses of 7 types, varying in dimensions (50 to 76 mm length, 11 to 21 mm width, and 12.7 to 82.1 g weight) and specific gravity (SG; 1.49 to 3.86) and each of them containing a 31-mm transponder of half-duplex technology, were all administered to the dromedaries at the beginning of the study. When a low-SG bolus was lost, a high-SG bolus was readministered. Readability rates of each ID system were evaluated during 1 to 3 yr, according to device and location, and yearly values were estimated for comparison. On a yearly basis, visual ear tag readability was not fully satisfactory; it was lower for rectangular ear tags (66.3%) than for button ear tags (80.9%). Yearly readability of electronic ear tags was 93.7%. Bolus readability dramatically varied according to their SG; the SG < 2.0 boluses were fully lost after 8 mo. In contrast, the SG > 3.0 boluses were efficiently retained (99.6 to 100%) at all locations. In conclusion, according to the expected long lifespan of camels, low ID performances were observed for iron brands, injectable microchips, and ear tags (visual and electronic), making their use inadvisable as unique ID systems in camels. The high readability of dense electronic boluses recommended their use as a permanent ID device of reference in camels.

The aim of this paper is to assess the structural behavior of hybrid thin-walled beams which were fabricated using laminated carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Seven hybrid (CFRP) I-beams were fabricated, instrumented, then have been tested under monotonic four-point loading in order to evaluate their behavior up to failure. In constructing the I-beam specimens which were evaluated in this study, plywood core was implemented on both the web and flanges. Several important parameters were conducted in this study considering changing both of the ply orientations and stacking sequences of laminated fibers, also changing the shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d) of the specimens. The experimental results showed that stacking sequence is the most significant parameter that influences both flexural strength and stiffness of the hybrid beams. Also, the experimental results promoted the effectiveness of the core material for enhancing the flexure (bending) stiffness of beams. Then, these results were compared with a previous simulated study which used the finite element modeling to model the beams. Also, in order to evaluate the efficiency of the CRFP beams, the results were compared to similar steel beams having the same dimensions of the CFRP beams. As compared to steel beams, the load carrying capacity of the laminated beams is being high compared with steel beams when taking into consideration their specific strength ratio.

In the framework of Glauber optical limit approximation, considering the proton has an outer pion cloud of radius \\[\\sim 0.87\\;fm\\] and an inner core of radius \\[\\sim 0.44\\;fm\\] where the valence three quarks are confined, and including two-gluon exchange three-quark force, a good fit with the experimental data of p–p elastic scattering differential cross section up to \\[q^{2}\\approx 3\\;({\\mathrm{GeV}/\\mathrm{c})}^{\\mathrm {2}}\\], total cross section and the ratio of real to imaginary parts of elastic scattering amplitude in the forward direction is obtained at laboratory momenta 200, 290, 500, 1070 and 1500 GeV/c. The radii of two-quark interaction \\[r_t\\] and three-quark force \\[r_{th}\\] are calculated. The quant energy representing the gluon \\[E_g\\] is evaluated.

Considering that the proton has an outer pion cloud of radius \\[\\sim 0.87\\] fm and an inner core of radius \\[\\sim 0.44\\] fm where the valence three quarks are confined and in the framework of optical limit approximation of Glauber, the proton–proton elastic scattering differential cross section, total cross section, the ratio of real part to imaginary part of elastic scattering amplitude in the forward direction, the total elastic and inelastic cross sections are calculated for LHC energy at \\[\\sqrt{s}=7,\\;8,\\;13\\] TeV. The three-quark force is included. A good agreement is obtained with the experimental data at LHC energy 7, 8 and 13 TeV of last measurements of TOTEM Collaborations. Only for the differential cross section a disagreement is obtained for \\[q^{2}>1\\;(\\mathrm{GeV}/c)^{2}\\], where the complete Glauber polynomial is needed. We tried to confirm the results of radii of two- and three-quark force and the gluon quant energy which were obtained before at ISR energy.

This study aimed at the evaluation of the mitigating effects of dietary zeolites (ZEO) and/or chitosan nanoparticle (ChNP) on imidacloprid (IMID)-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). Fish (18.03 ± 0.01 g) were allocated into six groups; one fed on a basal diet (control) (CTR), and the other groups were fed diets supplemented with ChNPs (5 g kg −1 ) and/or ZEO (20 and 40 g kg −1 ) (ZEO 20 and ZEO 40 ) for 60 days. In the last 14 days of the experiment, all groups were exposed to a sub-lethal dose of IMID (½ of 96 h LC 50 = 0.0545 μg L −1 ). Dietary ZEO 20 significantly improved all growth parameters ( P ˂ 0.05), while ChNPs had no significant effects. The crude protein of the fish body was significantly increased in all groups compared to the CTR ( P ˂ 0.05). No significant impacts of ChNPs, ZEO, and their interaction ( P > 0.05) were noticed on the moisture, dry matter, and ash percentages. Compared to the CTR, hematocrit values were significantly decreased ( P ˂ 0.05) in ChNP and ZEO 20 groups; meanwhile, their levels were significantly increased ( P ˂ 0.05) in the ZEO 40 group and all combined treatments. Fish fed diets with ChNPs and/or ZEO had significant increments in the MCV values ( P ˂ 0.05). Moreover, fish fed diets supplemented with ChNPs or their combination with ZEO had the lowest glucose and alkaline phosphatase levels compared with the CTR. Serum aspartate transferase levels were significantly decreased in all treated groups ( P ˂ 0.05) compared to the CTR. ChNPs alone or combined with ZEO significantly exhibited the highest lysozyme and nitro blue tetrazolium values ( P ˂ 0.05). On the other hand, fish in the CTR group had the highest malondialdehyde and lowest nitric oxide levels compared to the other groups. Interestingly, the lowest IMID residues in fish flesh were found in fish groups fed diet with a combination of ZEO and ChNPs. Partial or complete protection of the hepatic and splenic tissues were observed in fish group with combined treatment with ChNPs and ZEO. In conclusion, the application of ZEO and/or ChNPs in Nile tilapia diets looks to be a leading approach to mitigate the toxic impacts of IMID.

Intercropping is a sustainable strategy recognized for boosting crop production and mitigating heavy metal toxicity in contaminated soils. This study investigates the effects of biochar amendments on Pb-contaminated soil, utilizing monocropping and intercropping techniques with C. olitorius and Z. mays . The research assesses Pb removal capacity, nutrient uptake, antioxidant enzymes, and soil Pb fractionation. In monocropping, the phytoremediation ratio for C. olitorius increased from 16.67 to 27.33%, while in intercropping, it rose from 19.00 to 28.33% with biochar amendments. Similarly, Z. mays exhibited an increased phytoremediation ratio from 53.33 to 74.67% in monocropping and from 63.00 to 78.67% in intercropping with biochar amendments. Intercropping significantly increased the peroxidase (POD) activity in Z. mays roots by 22.53%, and there were notable increases in shoot POD of C. olitorius (11.54%) and Z. mays (16.20%) with biochar application. CAT showed consistent improvements, increasing by 37.52% in C. olitorius roots and 74.49% in Z. mays roots with biochar. Biochar amendments significantly increased N content in soil under sole cropping of Z. mays and intercropping systems. In contrast, Cu content increased by 56.34%, 59.05%, and 79.80% in monocropping ( C. olitorius and Z. mays ) and intercropping systems, respectively. This suggests that biochar enhances nutrient availability, improving phytoremediation efficacy in Pb-contaminated soil. Phyto availability of trace metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe) exhibited higher levels with biochar amendments than those without. The findings indicate that intercropping and biochar amendments elevate antioxidant enzyme levels, reducing reactive oxygen species and mitigating Pb toxicity effects. This approach improves phytoremediation efficiency and holds promise for soil pollution remediation while enhancing nutrient content and crop quality in Pb-contaminated soil.

The present work was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) in mouse bone marrow and male germ cells. The safety and the modulating activity of sage ( Salvia officinalis L.) essential oil (SEO) against the possible genotoxic effect of CCl 4 were also evaluated. A combination of in vivo mutagenic endpoints was included: micronucleus (MN), apoptosis using dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, comet assay, chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and sperm abnormalities. Histological examination of testis tissues was also studied. The extracted SEO was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identifying its chemical constituents. Safety/genotoxicity of SEO was determined after two consecutive weeks (5 days/week) from oral treatment with different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL/kg). For assessing genotoxicity of CCl 4 , both acute (once) and subacute i.p. treatment for 2 weeks (3 days/week) with the concentrations 1.2 mL/kg (for acute) and 0.8 mL/kg (for subacute) were performed. For evaluating the protective role of SEO, simultaneous treatment with SEO plus CCl 4 was examined. In sperm abnormalities, mice were treated with the subject materials for five successive days and the samples were collected after 35 days from the beginning of treatment. Based on GC-MS findings, 22 components were identified in the chromatogram of SEO. The results demonstrated that the three concentrations of SEO were safe and non-genotoxic in all the tested endpoints. Negative results were also observed in bone marrow after acute and subacute treatment with CCl 4. In contrast, CCl 4 induced testicular DNA damage as evidenced by a significant increase of CAs in primary spermatocytes, sperm abnormalities, and histological distortion of testis. A remarkable reduction in these cells was observed in groups treated with SEO plus CCl 4 especially with the two higher concentrations of SEO. In conclusion, SEO is safe and non-genotoxic under the tested conditions and can modulate genetic damage and histological alteration induced by CCl 4 in the testes.

The present study evaluated the efficacy of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and PMSG encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles in enhancing reproductive performance in short-term progesterone estrus-synchronized Ossimi ewes. Seventy-five healthy ewes were randomly assigned to three groups (  = 25 per group). Group 1 (representing current standard practice) received 25 mg progesterone acetate for 7 days, 600 IU PMSG on day 6, and 250 μg prostaglandin F (PGF ) on day 7. Group 2 followed the same regimen as Group 1, except for administering 300 IU of PMSG-loaded chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles on day 6, followed by an intramuscular injection of 250 μg PGF on day 7. Group 3 received 150 IU of PMSG-loaded chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles on day 6 and 250 μg PGF on day 7. Estrus detection occurred between days 7 and 11, with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection at breeding. Group 1 had a significantly shorter onset of estrus (54.40 ± 4.50 h;  < 0.05) compared to Group 2 (71.60 ± 0.51 h) and Group 3 (72.20 ± 4.81 h). Pregnancy and lambing rates were highest in Group 2 (100%;  < 0.05), and Group 2 produced more fetuses (40) than Group 1 (30) and Group 3 (25). Fecundity was also highest in Group 2 (160%;  < 0.05). Follicular diameter was greater in Group 2 on day 9, although the number of large follicles was similar across groups. The number of corpora lutea significantly increased on day 7 compared to day 0 in all groups. Progesterone levels peaked on day 7 and declined by day 9 across all groups. These results suggest that administering 300 IU of PMSG encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles can enhance reproductive performance more effectively than conventional PMSG, offering a promising strategy to improve fertility in short-term progesterone-synchronized ewes.

Purpose The present study aims to review the outcomes of coblation supraglottoplasty performed for children with different types of laryngomalacia, and we discuss the factors affecting these outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of laryngomalacia patients admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University, from 2010 to 2020. We examined the patient’s demography, symptoms, comorbidities, type of laryngomalacia, oxygen saturation, and final outcomes. Results Our study included 235 patients; 122 patients responded to medical therapy, while 113 underwent surgical management. There is a significant relation between the types and therapy they underwent ( p  ≤ 0.001). Larger percentage within type I underwent medical therapy. There is a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding age at surgery. On pairwise comparison, patients with type II had the lowest age significantly at the surgery when compared with each other individual group ( p  ≤ 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, the presence of comorbid congenital heart disease, neurological comorbidities significantly increased the risk of failure of surgical intervention by 17.32 and 5.803 folds, respectively. Conclusions Coblation supraglottoplasty is effective and safe to treat severe laryngomalacia. Different morphological types of laryngomalacia require slight surgical variations of coblation supraglottoplasty. The presence of comorbid congenital heart disease, neurological comorbidities significantly increased the risk of failure of surgical intervention.