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Egg waste is a major contributor to global food waste, accounting for 15% of discarded food in the United States. Typically, eggs have a shorter shelf life at room temperature and are preserved in refrigeration from production to consumption. However, maintaining constant refrigeration is energy‐intensive and expensive. Here, a bionanocomposite coating has been developed that incorporates each element of eggs – egg white, yolk, and eggshell – to increase the shelf life of fresh eggs without requiring further refrigeration. The quality of eggs has been successfully preserved for up to three weeks at room temperature. The coated eggs maintain the highest grade (AA) and exhibit improved Haugh Unit (HU), Yolk Index (YI), and pH compared to uncoated eggs. The coating reduces weight loss by ≈37% with an increase in HU (≈12.5%) and YI (≈13.9%). Morphological analysis reveals strong adhesion of the coating to the eggshell surface, showcasing promising barrier properties. The coating demonstrates an optimal combination of oxygen permeability (≈12.2 cm3 µm m−2 d−1 kPa−1) and water vapor transmission (≈31.5 g mm m−2 per day) with excellent antimicrobial properties. Overall, this approach of repurposing eggs into a high‐performance coating shows a promising viable alternative to refrigeration and a solution to combat egg waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micelle silymarin (MS) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and blood biochemical parameters in laying hens. A total of 384 (Hy‐Line brown, 28‐week‐old) laying hens were randomly distributed into one of four dietary treatment groups (eight replication per treatment; 12 hens per replicate) for a 12‐week long feeding trial. Hens were fed a basal diet with the addition of 0%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06% of MS respectively. The results expressed that egg production percentage and egg weight were linearly (p < 0.05) enhanced at Weeks 0–6, 7–12, and 0–12, when 0%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06% of MS were added to laying hen diets. The feed conversion ratio and feed intake improved (p < 0.05) linearly at Weeks 0–6, 7–12, and 0–12 with increasing levels of MS supplementation in laying hens. The eggshell thickness and eggshell strength were linearly (p < 0.05) improved at weeks 4, 8, and 12 with an MS‐supplemented diet. Additionally, eggshell colour, Haugh unit, and albumin height had no significant (p > 0.05) difference throughout the experimental period with different levels of MS‐supplemented diet. The yolk colour of eggs showed significant (p < 0.05) differences at weeks 8 and 12 with levels of the MS‐supplemented diet. However, at the end of the trial, the blood profile indicated that cholesterol levels decreased (p < 0.05) linearly, and triglyceride levels showed a tendency to decrease (p < 0.10) with MS supplementation. In conclusion, increasing the level of MS addition in the laying hen diet improved the egg production percentage and egg quality, reducing cholesterol levels in Hy‐Line brown hens. However, this study indicates that MS can be added to the diet of laying hens up to 0.06% for improved egg production and egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dose‐response experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded levels of dietary digestible threonine (dThr) during the first laying cycle on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and immune responses of Japanese quail breeders (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Also, dThr requirements were determined based on nutrient dose‐response data. A total of 450 (360 females and 90 males) 11‐week‐old breeders were allocated to five increment (+0.03%) levels of dThr (0.49%, 0.52%, 0.55%, 0.58%, 0.61% and 0.64%) with five replicates per treatment and 15 (12 females and three males) birds each. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. In response to increasing dietary dThr levels, egg production, egg mass, feed efficiency, egg specific gravity, eggshell relative weight, eggshell thickness, egg fertility (EF) and immune response against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) inoculation were improved with quadratic trends and egg hatchability as set eggs was improved with linear trends. Japanese quail breeders fed a diet with 0.58% dThr concentration (threonine/lysine ratio of 59%) showed the productive performance traits, EF, eggshell quality and immune response against SRBC inoculation in the highest values. However, feed intake, egg weight, egg albumen and yolk relative weight, egg shape index, haugh unit and egg composition were not affected by increasing dietary dThr level. Based on the broken‐line regression model, the dThr requirements to optimize productive performance, eggshell quality, EF and immune response against SRBC inoculation were estimated at 159−188, 169−183, 175 and 178 mg/bird per day, respectively. It is concluded, in the Japanese quail breeders during the first laying phase a daily dThr intake of 188 mg/bird, dietary dThr concentration at 0.58% (threonine/lysine ratio of 59%) is adequate for optimized productive and reproductive performance, eggshell quality and immune responses. The estimated requirements depend on what production parameter is taken into considered for optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reptilian (non‐avian) eggshell biomineralization is markedly different from avian eggshells. Despite discontinuous/variable mineralization, the reptilian eggshell (like in birds) is responsible for protective and developmental functions of the egg as part of a highly successful reproduction strategy. Using multiscale imaging and characterization methods including X‐ray and electron microscopy/tomography, a 3D overview of eggshell ultrastructure in the gekkotan Eublepharis macularius – the common leopard gecko is provided. Eggshell mineral is shown to be sensitive to aqueous preparations, where cryogenic methods are essential for accurate mineral and organic preservation. Interwoven with the mineral are underlying organic fibers involved in the formation of complex hierarchical order in the eggshell, including nucleation and growth of mineral. The calcitic mineral phase of the eggshell takes on three microstructural motifs at the shell surface: nodular scutes (≈40 µm), intermittent blunt or star‐shaped mineral rosettes (≈1 mm), and smaller mineral corollas (≈10 µm). Individual scutes have two hierarchical mineral structures – mineral nanospheres (≈500 nm) and mineral nanodomains (≈40 nm). Diverse and variable biomineralization features of reptilian eggshells likely reflect the importance of differences in ecology and physiology on egg formation, survival, and eggshell mechanics, and are likely related to hydration sensitivity, structural organic‐inorganic interactions, and mineral polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐density biopolyethylene (BioLDPE) ecocomposites added with particles of eggshell (ES) residue were produced using linear low‐density polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (LDPE‐g‐MA) as a compatibilizing agent. BioLDPE/ES and BioLDPE/ES/LDPE‐g‐MA compounds were processed in a twin‐screw extruder, and the specimens were injection molded. Torque rheometry increased and melt flow index reduced more prominently for the BioLDPE/LDPE‐g‐MA biocomposite with 20 phr ES, suggesting higher viscosity. Consequently, there was a higher level of ES particles breakdown, generating greater distribution and dispersion, as verified in optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. This finding was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, considering the intense absorption band at 871 cm−1 for BioLDPE/ES (20 phr)/LDPE‐g‐MA biocomposite, indicating a higher level of ES particles dispersion in BioLDPE matrix. Therefore, BioLDPE/ES (20 phr)/LDPE‐g‐MA biocomposite increased the elastic modulus, tensile strength, Shore D hardness, and heat deflection temperature by 51.4%, 16.9%, 16.4%, and 14, 6%, respectively, related to BioLDPE. Additionally, the flexibility was kept as seen in the elongation at break and impact strength, including not fractured during the impact test. Reported results for the biocomposites are valuable mainly for the polymer additive sector, since the ES has the potential to improve BioLDPE properties, expanding the range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hatch rate of chick embryos cultured outside of the eggshell with 350 mg calcium l‐lactate hydrate (CaL) and 3.5 mL water is fourfold greater in cultures in which the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) surrounds the egg contents by incubation day 17.5 (E17.5) an event which occurs in ovo by E13. It was first investigated whether decreasing the volume of water added with 350 mg CaL would promote CAM expansion due to the smaller volume to enclose. When 350 mg CaL was present, the CAM did not surround the egg contents by E13. By E17.5, the CAM surrounded the egg contents in 53%–74% of cultures; however, CAM expansion was not significantly different when 0, 1, 2, or 3.5 mL water was present. The hatch rate with 2 or 3.5 mL water was greater than 50% but was not improved with less water. Second, it was investigated whether CaL or water inhibits CAM expansion. In the absence of CaL, the CAM surrounded the egg contents in up to two‐thirds of cultures by E13, whether 2 mL water was present or not. Thus CaL, but not water, inhibits expansion of the CAM by E13, even though CaL promotes hatching. Finally, it was investigated whether injection of aqueous CaL into the allantoic fluid, in conjunction with not adding CaL to culture hammocks, would promote CAM expansion. Allantoic injection of CaL starting at E13 did not promote CAM expansion at E17.5 but resulted in hatch rates of approximately 30%. Allantoic injection is a novel route for supplementation of calcium in cultured chick embryos. Research Highlights: Injection of calcium l‐lactate hydrate (100 mg/mL in H2O) at incubation days 13 and E17.5 into shell‐less chick cultures resulted in a hatch rate of over 30%.Allantoic injection is a novel route by which calcium can be added to cultured embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In free‐living species, the comparison of eggshell microstructure focus mainly on species representing extremely different reproductive strategies or with phylogenetically divergent taxa. The purpose of this study was to compare the microstructure of the mammillary layer in two bird orders (Galliformes and Anseriformes) representing phylogenetically close precocials, and to relate eggshell microstructure to female body weight and egg characteristics. The results showed significant differences between the studied orders. The mammillary layer in Galliformes had more knobs, and consequently, the percent coverage with them was higher than in Anseriformes. The size of individual knobs did not differ significantly between the orders. The obtained results are consistent with the reports that the ossification at the time of hatching is more advanced in Galliformes, so representatives of this order must resorb more calcium from the eggshell. Egg parameters and female body weight were correlated significantly negatively only with the number of knobs per mm2 for Anseriformes and, to a lesser extent, for Galliformes, but not with the coverage per cent of knobs or the size of individual knobs. Only for the three largest species, which lay proportionally larger eggs than the other species studied, the number of knobs per mm2 was significantly lower, but no difference was found in the per cent coverage of knobs. Our results showed that order was a stronger predictor of microstructure than species. Different ossification patterns of the embryonic skeletal system described in these two orders could be the explanation for the observed differences in eggshell microstructure; however, more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee grounds, along with other organic materials like eggshells and banana peels, offer a promising solution for improving food security. This research brings innovation to the forefront by reimagining kitchen waste as a valuable resource for sustainable agriculture, introducing a multicomponent fertilizer approach, exploring different application methods, and focusing on a staple crop, ultimately contributing to the broader discourse on food security and environmental conservation. This study evaluated the effect of coffee grounds, eggshells, and banana peels as fertilizers on the growth and germination of Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) plants. Two types of fertilizers are prepared: a dry mixture and a wet mixture obtained by boiling the dry mixture in water for 15 min. The height of the plants is measured weekly over a period of four weeks. The results indicated that the wet fertilizer mixture is more effective in promoting plant growth than the dry mixture. Plants that received the wet fertilizer mixture exhibited a higher growth rate and reached a greater height than those that received the dry mixture. It can be concluded that the wet fertilizer mixture is more efficient in promoting the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris plants than the dry mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZSM-5 zeolite modified with acetic acid eggshell and chitosan was impregnated in three distinct proportions. As nanocomposites (NCs), the purpose of the composites was to adsorb Acid Red 1 dye (AR-1) from an aqueous solution. The characterization of chitosan@CaO/zeolite NCs included (CHT)1@(CaO/ZT)1, (CHT)1.5@(CaO/ZT)1, and (CHT)1@(CaO/ZT)1.5, as determined by FTIR, XRD, EDX, BET, TGA, and UV- Visible absorption spectroscopy. In a bulk system, the adsorption of the AR-1 dye onto (CHT)1@(CaO/ZT)1.5 was analyzed in terms of solution temperature, pH, contact time, and NCs dosage. The most favorable parameters for achieving efficient dye adsorption were: a pH of 2, an adsorbent dosage of 0.05 g/25 mL of dye solution, and 20 mg/L of dye concentration at 22°C temperature. The reaction reached equilibrium after 120 min. The estimated adsorption efficiency of the AR-1 dye by the prepared NCs is 99.70%. The mechanism by which the dye was sequestered onto (CHT)1@(CaO/ZT)1.5 was exothermic. The correlation coefficient (R²) for the pseudosecond-order adsorption kinetic model held true at different temperatures with a value of 0.99, indicating that the model accurately described the chemical interaction between the adsorbent and Acid Red (AR-1). Adsorption processes are characterized as exothermic, feasible, and spontaneous when the Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) and enthalpy (ΔH°) changes have negative values, respectively. It was determined that the Langmuir model best described the isotherm behavior of AR-1 dye adsorption onto (CHT)1@ (CaO/ZT)1.5. Under ideal conditions, the surface was found to be homogeneous and had a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 84.03 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amniote eggshell is a fundamental aspect of the embryo life‐support system, protecting it from UV light, microbes and mechanical damage, while regulating gas exchange and providing calcium for growth. The thickness of eggshells is highly diverse across modern birds and influences multiple eggshell functions, yet the selective pressures driving eggshell thickness have not been clearly identified. Here, we use a global dataset of avian eggshell thickness indices for 4260 (> 41%) avian species to assess trends in eggshell thickness across the phylogeny, as these indices are strongly correlated with direct measures of eggshell thickness and are non‐destructive to the sample. We analysed the dataset within a phylogenetic framework to assess the relative importance of climatic and ecological explanations for variation in eggshell thickness indices. The distribution of avian eggshell thickness indices across species was found to be primarily driven by phylogenetic relatedness, in addition to evolutionary processes that do not match a Brownian model of evolution. Across modern birds, thicker eggshells were more prevalent in species (1) with precocial young, (2) which exhibit a scavenger‐based diet, (3) which primarily feed on vertebrates or plants (excluding nectivores, seed and fruit specialists) and (4) which breed in open habitats. Thicker eggshells found in species with precocial young probably enable higher rates of calcium removal for the more advanced embryo development. Excessive light transmission through the shell damages developing embryos, while too little light transmission can impede development. Eggs in shaded habitats experience low light exposure, and thus thinner shells are more prevalent in these environments potentially to increase light transmission through the shell. Overall, variation in eggshell thickness indices appears to be driven largely by phylogeny, with certain life‐history traits linked to embryo growth rate, calcium content of their food, and the need to mitigate excessive light transmission through the shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyl (OH−) ion‐releasing ability, namely the biointeractivity of eggshell‐derived hydroxyapatite (ESDHA) in comparison with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide (CH). ESDHA, MTA and CH samples (n = 10; 8 × 1.6 mm) were immersed in 10 mL of deionised water (37°C, pH 6.8). Ca2+ and OH− ion releases were detected in 1, 7 and 21 days. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were also conducted. IBM SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analyses. The cumulative Ca2+ ions (56.22 ± 11.28 ppm) were detected as most significant in ESDHA (day 21; p < 0.05). The OH− ion values of the ESDHA group were statistically higher than MTA and CH (days 1 and 7; p < 0.05). ESDHA and CH showed a similar pattern with sharp peaks in Ca2+, oxygen and carbon elements. ESDHA being a sustainable material with a high ion‐releasing ability may be a preferable alternative to the commercial vital pulp therapy agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pederin, a defensive toxin in Paederus fuscipes, is produced by an uncultured Gram‐negative symbiont, which establishes a stable symbiotic relationship with a female host before completion of metamorphosis. However, the transmission process of pederin‐producing bacteria (PPB) in P. fuscipes at different life stages remains unknown. Herein, the PPB population dynamics and transcriptome atlas for P. fuscipes development (egg, first‐instar larva, second‐instar larva, pupa, and newly emerged female and male) were characterised. We found that a microbial layer containing PPB covered the eggshell, which could be sterilised by smearing the eggshell with streptomycin. Maternal secretions over the eggshell are likely the main PPB acquisition route for P. fuscipes offspring. The PPB density in eggs was significantly higher than that in other life stages (p < 0.05), which demonstrated that the beetle mothers gave more PPB than the larvae acquired. Physiological changes (hatching and eclosion) led to a decreased PPB density in P. fuscipes. Pattern recognition receptors related to Gram‐negative bacteria recognition were identified from P. fuscipes transcriptomes across various life stages, which might be used to screen genes involved in PPB regulation. These results will help advance future efforts to determine the molecular mechanisms of PPB colonisation of P. fuscipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) due to the growing importance of developing recyclable assets, affordable methods, sustainable substances, and safe compounds. The current study demonstrates the environmentally friendly fabrication of ZnO NPs through the use of an aqueous extract derived from discarded eggshells. The analysis of ZnO NPs involved the use of UV, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) with EDX techniques. The anti‐germs effects of fabricated NPs on pathogens were investigated using the agar diffusion technique. The cell‐damaging effects were assessed using the MTT assay, whereas the photodecomposition capacity was examined with Congo red and methylene blue dye. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the existence of tetragonal crystal morphology. The generated ZnO NPs have a crystallite size of 17.6 nm. According to FE‐SEM examination, the created sample's average grain size has been determined to be between 20 and 30 nm. The sustainable production of ZnO NPs showed remarkable anti‐germs properties against human pathogenic organisms and had good efficacy in damaging Osteosarcoma cell lines (MG‐63) during the experiment. Additionally, it emerged that the manifestation of remarkable catalytic efficiency fell by 78.1% after 60 min for methylene blue. Based on the findings, it has been determined that sustainable production of ZnO NPs shows great potential across multiple fields such as anti‐germs, anti‐proliferative, and photodecomposition properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the fixed light source intensity (LSI), eggshell thickness difference results in excessive exposure or darkening in imaging, which affects the accuracy of crack identification. To optimize it, a solution involves the utilization of an innovative adaptive light source for optical imaging is proposed. A multi function station is adopted. Among them, one station serves as a reference workstation is utilized to obtain the average grayscale value of the eggs image. The other sub stations serve as detection workstations to acquire and detect the panoramic images of the eggshell. By using the red component average grayscale as a reference to adjust the LSI in the remaining sub stations, imaging consistency is effectively. Moreover, a dual threshold segmentation algorithm was developed to attenuate the dark spot, thereby improving crack detection. Experiments results demonstrating the proposed method significantly improving the detection accuracy of non microcracked eggs while achieving approximately 90% and 92% detection accuracy for intact and cracked eggs, respectively. Practical Applications: There are a few studies on the consistency of light for eggs, and in actual online detection, the light source is often set to a fixed light intensity value, which can lead to overexposure or over‐darkening of the egg image due to variations in the eggshell thickness, and both overexposed and over‐darkened images will result in decreased accuracy of crack recognition. This study designed and built an online detection system for eggshell cracks based on variable light intensity. Therefore, the system not only can help to improve the crack recognition rate of poultry eggs and improve their quality but also would help to promote the development of the commercialization of poultry eggs, which has a broad application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since waste materials are used to identify, individualize, and evaluate evidence like fingerprints, palmprints, footprints, etc. that are found at a crime scene, they have a substantial impact on the field of forensic science. Many waste powders have recently been employed in fingerprint recognition. Nanosheets made up of eggshells have been put forward as an application in friction ridge development. Eggshell is a biochemical substance made up of chemical compounds like calcium carbonate, which is considered as a waste product. For the formation of an eggshell nanosheet (ESN), shells are dried and crushed into a fine powder and to get this powder in the form of a nanosheet, the Ball milling technique is used. The synthesis of pure ESN is confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The size of nanosheets ranged from 30 to 90 nm as shown in SEM images. Developed powder is then used for the application of fingerprint development and it provides excellent results on all porous, non‐porous, and semi‐porous surfaces. Thus, this newly synthesized ESN powder can be used as a significant powder method in latent fingerprint technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the structural‐function hypothesis, the eggshell pigment protoporphyrin, deposited at weak spots, can strengthen the shell structure when calcium is lacking in avian species. However, this hypothesis has not been tested in species that produce pigmented eggs of uniform ground colour without spotting patterns. We tested the structural‐function hypothesis using 435 eggs produced on seven calcium diets (0.2–4.5%) given to Common Pheasants Phasianus colchicus, a species that produces a large number of eggs on a low‐calcium diet with unspotted eggshells composed of a uniform ground colour of mainly protoporphyrin. We found that pheasants on the lowest calcium diet (0.2%), which had thinner eggshells, produced eggs containing more protoporphyrin‐based coloration than four of six other diets, suggesting this species employs pigmentation as ground colour to strengthen eggshells when available calcium is low. Our results provide the first, at least partial support for a structural function for eggshell pigments producing ground colour without spotting in a species that is often calcium‐limited. This pattern may be more widespread in other ground‐nesting taxa that also produce large numbers of eggs with protoporphyrin‐based ground colour and are potentially limited by calcium during breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the development and characterization of novel composite scaffolds, made of an alginate‐chitosan hydrogel matrix containing eggshell (ES) particles, for bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds with ES particles, either untreated or treated with phosphoric acid to create a nanotextured particle surface, were compared to scaffolds without particles. Results indicate that the nanotexturing process exposed occluded ES proteins orthologous to those in human bone extracellular matrix. Scaffolds with ES or nanotextured ES (NTES) particles had a higher porosity (81 ± 4% and 89 ± 5%, respectively) than scaffolds without particles (59 ± 5%) (p =.002 and p <.001, respectively). Scaffolds with NTES particles had a larger median pore size (113 μm [interquartile range [IQ]: 88–140 μm]) than scaffolds with ES particles (94 μm [IQ: 75–112 μm]) and scaffolds without particles (99 μm [IQ: 74–135 μm]) (p <.001 and p =.011, respectively). The compressive modulus of the scaffolds with ES or NTES particles remained low (3.69 ± 0.70 and 3.14 ± 0.62 kPa, respectively), but these scaffolds were more resistant to deformation following maximum compression than those without particles. Finally, scaffolds with ES or NTES particles allowed better retention of human mesenchymal stem cells during seeding (53 ± 12% and 57 ± 8%, respectively, vs. 17 ± 5% for scaffolds without particles; p <.001 in both cases), as well as higher cell viability up to 21 days of culture (67 ± 17% and 61 ± 11%, respectively, vs. 15 ± 7% for scaffolds without particles; p <.001 in both cases). In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased up to 558 ± 164% on day 21 in the scaffolds with ES particles, and up to 567 ± 217% on day 14 in the scaffolds with NTES particles (p =.006 and p =.002, respectively, relative to day 0). Overall, this study shows that the physicochemical properties of the alginate‐chitosan hydrogel scaffolds with ES or NTES particles are similar to those of cancellous bone. In addition, scaffolds with particles supported early osteogenic differentiation and therefore represent a promising new bone substitute, especially for non‐load bearing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, food industries′ waste eggshell is used to fabricate the metal matrix composite i. e., made by stir casting method. Further, two different composition samples have been prepared, with a mixing of 6 weight‐% eggshell and 12 weight‐% eggshell carbonized powder in matrix material aluminium alloy 6063. Sample B (aluminium alloy 6063+6 weight‐% eggshell) and sample C (aluminium alloy 6063+12 weight‐% eggshell) in the aluminium alloy 6063 powder (sample A) are mixed with the help of the mechanical stir casting method. The final test results revealed that hardness increased by 16.73 % and 27.57 % value for sample B and sample C respectively than aluminium alloy 6063 (sample A). In addition, the tensile strength and impact hardness of sample B and sample C also increased by 17 % to 31 % value respectively in comparison to aluminium alloy 6063 (sample A). In the last power law, hardening parameters have been evaluated for sample B for performing the finite element analysis of the tensile test process. The finite element analysis model has shown good agreement with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicate bioceramics has an integrative advantage over metallic and polymeric biomaterials that have been widely employed for the reclamation of recreating the injured bone tissues. This advantage allows silicate bioceramics to replace damaged bone tissues in a natural way. The current study attempts the development of rankinite from eggshell and rice husk wastes. CaO and SiO2 extracted from the biowaste were combined in the stoichiometric ratio, resulted in the formation of highly crystalline single phasic rankinite upon calcination at 1300 °C. Further the formation of rankinite was confirmed with the analytical techniques such as XRD, FT‐IR, SEM and HRTEM respectively. In‐vitro bioactivity studies of rankinite publicized that the complete coverage of the surface with HAp layer was observed within 9 days of immersion in the SBF medium. The scaffolds when subjected to the compressive strength analysis after 9 days of immersion in SBF, rankinite showed the mechanical strength of about 179 MPa which falls under the human cortical bone level. The cytotoxicity results of rankinite showed high percentage cell viability at lower concentration (6.25 μg/mL) against MG63 cell lines. The results conferred that rankinite derived from biowaste showed excellent apatite nucleation and compatible mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) was prepared by a chemical reaction between eggshell and phosphoric acid mixed with a foaming agent. Hydroxyapatite was composited with collagen prepared from a fermentation process of Acetobacter xylinum with eggshell membranes, extraction process of Oreochromis niloticus fish skin, and commercial‐grade collagen. Results of physical‐mechanical‐thermal properties of the bio composite materials yielded them as potential candidates for bone tissue engineering, drug delivery through the body, as well as tissue regeneration. The porous hydroxyapatite added foaming agent namely 64HA‐1NaHCO3‐500 and 64HA‐1NaHCO3‐600 having pore size and pore volume suitable for good adhering of collagen fiber types prepared from the fermentation process of Acetobacter xylinum of eggshell membrane and freeze‐drying process of Oreochromis niloticus. Because after reinforcing with collagen gave the highest compressive strength and three‐point bending strength values higher than HA samples without collagen three to five magnitudes. Furthermore, both bio composite samples served as positive thermal shock absorbers with significantly strong scanning electron microscope adhesion microstructures of collagen fibers within the porous HA matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A glass foam (GF) of high specific compressive strength (12.17±1.91 MPa g−1 cm−3) and low thermal conductivity (.121±.001 Wm−1 K−1) was produced from waste glass of photovoltaic module, eggshells, and bentonite clay. The influences of the amount of clay and heat‐treatment temperature on the GFs final properties were assessed. X‐ray diffraction results and the data of microscopic analyses demonstrated that addition of clay affected the structure and porosity of the GFs, and consequently their mechanical properties. On the basis of the mechanical property (density), the GF that composed of 80% waste glass, 10% clay, and 10% eggshell at the sintering temperature of 900°C was the best. The GFs reported in this study could serve as promising insulators in situations where high load support is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of this study lies in its potential implications for poultry farming practices and animal welfare. Understanding the impact of group size on the blood parameters of hens can provide valuable insights for optimising their health and well‐being in farming environments. The aim of the study was an analysis of haematological parameters of laying hens under the influence group size with the same stoking density in analogous cages by design. Hens were kept for 34 weeks in cages of multilevel batteries at different group sizes: I group—93 birds, II group—52 birds, III group—17 birds and IV group—9 birds. The study analysed blood samples from laying hens at 18 and 52 weeks of age. Results showed that reducing the group size from 93 to 52 birds led to a haematological status within the physiological norm, characterized by increased heterophils and decreased monocyte levels. Whereas, the decrease in group size to 17 birds was accompanied by a decrease in the hens' blood content of thrombocytes, an increase of heterophile, a decrease of monocytes and lymphocytes within the physiological norm, as well as an increase in the heterophiles to lymphocytes ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific assistance with respect to the evaluation of applications received in accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning basic substances. This evaluation was requested by way of a specific mandate from the European Commission following the submission of an application for approval of eggshell powder as a basic substance to be used in plant protection as a fungifuge on grapevines. This report summarises the outcome of the consultations with Member States and EFSA, and presents EFSA's scientific views on the individual comments received including the overall conclusions with the main findings on the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current mosquito‐borne disease vector control strategies, largely based on chemical insecticides, are seriously threatened by increasing resistance worldwide. There is also growing concerned about the adverse effects of insecticides on nontarget organisms and the environment, therefore effective and ecologically friendly alternative approaches are urgently needed. Targeting critical steps of reproduction is considered a potential way to control mosquito populations. Herein, we focused on the roles of chitin synthase A (encoded by chsa) in the reproduction of female mosquitoes. Results: The injection of small interfering RNA targeting Cpchsa in female Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae) had antireproductive effects, including decreased follicle numbers, egg‐laying, and hatching rate. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that Cpchsa silencing caused a defective egg envelope, including absence of the vitelline membrane and cracked chorion layers, which resulted in abnormal permeability. Widely distributed nurse cell apoptosis and follicular epithelial cell autophagy were observed in Cpchsa‐silenced ovaries during the vitellogenesis phase. Consistent with the detective egg envelope formation during oogenesis, the exochorionic eggshell structures were also affected in eggs deposited by Cpchsa‐silenced mosquitoes. Conclusion: This study provided fundamental evidence for the role of chitin synthase A in the female reproductive process of mosquitoes and might result in a novel alternative strategy for mosquito control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC) need fillers to mitigate the issue of ethanol crossing over from the anode to the cathode, which lowers performance. Therefore, this study developed calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from chicken eggshells as a filler in a Nafion composite membrane for DEFC. Three cluster models of CaCO3 filler were developed, namely (CaCO3)2, (CaCO3)3, and (CaCO3)4, to form the Nafion composite membranes. The properties of composite membranes, such as proton conductivity, ethanol permeability, and selectivity, were studied using the molecular dynamics method. In addition, the three main factors influencing the composite membranes' properties were analyzed in this study; these were cluster size of CaCO3, mass loading of the filler, and ethanol concentration. RESULTS: The results show that filler has reduced proton conductivity and ethanol permeability in the DEFC application compared to the Nafion membrane. However, the selectivity is used as a trade‐off between ion conductivity and ethanol permeability in the composite membrane, thus requiring a suitable size structure and mass loading to balance the high ion conductivity rate and reduce the ethanol permeability rate. The composite membrane C‐(CaCO3)4, which has a large cluster size in this study, shows that it is necessary to restrict ethanol permeability at a high ethanol concentration of 5 mol L−1. However, the structure size in cluster B – (CaCO3)3 – can reduce ethanol permeability but requires high mass loading by 5 wt%. Analysis of variance showed significant values for ion conductivity, ethanol permeability, and selectivity responses. CONCLUSION: CaCO3 successfully reduced ethanol crossover in DEFC, with all three composite membranes being suitable for use at low ethanol concentrations. However, specific size structure and mass loading are required to overcome ethanol crossover at high ethanol concentration. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal is a potential candidate for anode material in next‐generation rechargeable batteries with high energy and power densities. However, the huge volume change caused by the uneven deposition of metallic Li leads to the cracking of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which cannot prevent the reaction of inner fresh Li with electrolyte, resulting in severe dendrite growth and electrochemical degradation. Herein, a freestanding protein film derived from eggshell is reported as the protective layer on the electrode surface to form a robust artificial SEI layer. Benefiting from its 3D interconnected fiber framework along with good mechanical stiffness and softness, the Li‐ion flow is uniformly modulated, leading to the suppression of Li dendrite growth. The electrochemical performance of corresponding symmetric, asymmetric, and full cells is significantly enhanced. A high coulombic efficiency above 95% for nearly 700 cycles is achieved for the modified Cu/Li asymmetric cell at a current density of 3 mA cm−2 (with a capacity of 1 mAh cm−2). This study indicates a SEI reinforcement approach for the stabilization of the Li metal anode based on the freestanding structure derived from biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of rapeseed oil, 0.5% β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin coating on egg quality attributes during storage for 28 days at 25 °C. Egg quality attributes such as weight loss (WL), air cell depth and diameter, Haugh unit (HU), albumen pH, yolk index and colour, eggshell strength and morphology were monitored. Similar initial quality attributes of control, rapeseed oil, 0.5% β‐CD and rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs were obtained at day 0. Control (uncoated) and β‐CD‐coated eggs had the worst WL, air cell diameter, air cell depth, albumen pH and a* values after storage for 28 days at 25 °C, while the rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs had lower values of air cell diameter (18.20 mm), air cell depth (7.20 mm) and albumin pH (9.12), higher eggshell breaking strength (51.21 N) and a*(25.33). At day 7 and 21, the best quality attributes were obtained by rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs, being respectively: WL, yolk index and L*. Less obvious micro‐cracks on the eggshell surface were detected especially in rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs, which maintained slightly improved egg quality attributes during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorion—i.e., the eggshell—is formed during the late stage of oogenesis by follicular epithelium in the ovary. Although the endocrine signal(s) driving choriogenesis remain unclear in mosquitoes, this process in other insects has been suspected to involve the mediation of prostaglandins (PGs). This study tested the role of PG in the choriogenesis of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, and its influence on controlling the expressions of genes associated with chorion formation by a transcriptome analysis. An immunofluorescence assay showed that PGE2 is localised in follicular epithelium. With the treatment of aspirin, an inhibitor of PG biosynthesis, at mid oogenesis, the PGE2 signal disappeared in the follicular epithelium led to significantly inhibited chorion formation along with a malformed eggshell. Ovary transcriptomes were assessed by RNASeq at the mid and late ovarian developmental stages. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibiting more than twofold changes in expression levels included 297 genes at mid stage and 500 genes at late stage. These DEGs at these two developmental stages commonly included genes associated with egg and chorion proteins of Ae. albopictus. Most chorion‐associated genes were clustered in the 168 Mb region on a chromosome and exhibited significantly induced expressions at both ovarian developmental stages. The inhibition of PG biosynthesis significantly suppressed the expression of the chorion‐associated genes while the addition of PGE2 rescued the gene expressions and led to recovery of choriogenesis. These results suggest that PGE2 mediates the choriogenesis of Ae. albopictus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian females can alter nest‐site selection and breeding behaviour in response to changes in ambient temperature. However, whether females alter eggshell characteristics in response to high ambient temperature is underexplored. To fill this gap, wild‐derived and domesticated Zebra Finches were bred at temperatures of 18 °C and 30 °C or 35 °C. Here we show that eggs from finches bred at 18 °C and 30 °C had similar characteristics, but females exposed to 35 °C laid eggs that were significantly thinner compared with the 18 °C group. These data suggest that a temperature that is ecologically relevant to the species in the arid zone of Australia can influence eggshell thickness, which is one of the important factors for hatchability in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biocompatible materials with improved behaviors for potential applications in the area of tissue engineering has increased as the developments in biomaterials have increased in recent years. Current approaches concentrate on hybrid combinations of synthetic and natural polymers. In this context, obtaining porous scaffolds with good mechanical properties is still challenging. Herein, a hybrid tissue scaffold consisting of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (CSMA), methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HyMA) and eggshell particles with enhanced pore morphology and mechanical property was fabricated by photo‐polymerization. The effect of different amounts of eggshell particles on the behaviors of hybrid hydrogel scaffolds was investigated. It was determined by scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) that the particles were well‐dispersed and triggered the formation of an interconnected porous structure in the hybrid tissue scaffold containing 10% by weight of eggshell particles. It was concluded that the mechanical behaviors of the hybrid tissue scaffold containing 10% by weight of eggshell particles improved by 47% compared to the neat hydrogel scaffold. There were no toxic effects of eggshell particles‐integrated scaffolds against osteoblast cells. In addition, cells successfully adhered onto the scaffolds and proliferated. Consequently, GelMA/CSMA/HyMA scaffolds containing 10% eggshell particles were found to be biocompatible and suitable for cell therapy and tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity is an important avenue by which organisms may persist in the face of rapid environmental change. Environmental cues experienced by the mother can also influence the phenotype of offspring, a form of plasticity called maternal effects. Maternal effects can adaptively prepare offspring for the environmental conditions they will likely experience; however, their ability to buffer offspring against environmental stressors as embryos is understudied. Using captive zebra finches, we performed a maternal‐offspring environmental match‐mismatch experiment utilizing a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Mothers were exposed to a mild heat conditioning (38°C) or control (22°C) treatment as juveniles, an acute high heat (42°C) or control (22°C) treatment as adults, then paired for breeding. The eggs produced by those females were incubated at a hyperthermic (38.5°C) or optimal temperature (37.2°C). We found that when mothers were exposed to a mild heat conditioning as juveniles, their embryos exhibited reduced water loss, longer development times, and produced hatchlings with heavier pectoralis muscles when incubated at high incubation temperatures, compared to embryos from control mothers. Mothers exposed to both the mild heat conditioning as juveniles and a high heat stressor as adults produced eggs with a higher density of shell pores and embryos with lower heart rates during development. However, there was a cost when there was a mismatch between maternal and embryo environment. Embryos from these conditioned and heat‐stressed mothers had reduced survival at control incubation temperatures, indicating the importance of offspring environment when interpreting potential adaptive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using biopolymers in the form of edible coating as egg eco‐friendly packaging is a progressive approach. The blending of biopolymers is one of the procedures for overcoming mechanical weakness and benefiting from their maximum synergistic effect. Aiming to determine the relative ratios of chitosan (CH 4 w/v%) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 5 w/v%) in the composition of blended coatings, an experiment was conducted with six treatments (r = 3) including different ratios of CH/PVA (0:0; control, 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) wt% in a period of 4 weeks of egg storage at ambient temperature, emphasizing eggshell barrier properties. Based on the eggshell analysis result, SEM images and FTIR spectra demonstrated that the components were firmly integrated into the blended coatings as well as had more intertwined than their pure ones, which was also reflected in the evaluation results of their internal quality parameters. In addition, the results showed that by enhancing the ratio of polyvinyl alcohol from 25 to 75 wt%, the blended coating barrier efficiency was relatively improved (p <.05). Meanwhile, the lowest percentage of weight loss (0.57 ± 0.08%), pH value of albumin (8.30 ± 0.04), the highest values of Haugh unit (61.00 ± 0.07), yolk index (0.37 ± 0.02) were observed in eggs coated with CH/PVA 25:75 wt%. But there was no difference in 50 or 70 wt% PVA significantly. Therefore, the CH/PVA blended coatings containing around 50–75 wt% PVA, as egg biodegradable packaging, can be used to extend the shelf life for 2–3 weeks at ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This in vitro work investigates the potential of ostrich eggshell as a substitute for extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion. Additionally, it aims to demonstrate the potential of ostrich eggshell compared to human enamel in evaluating the efficacy of a preventive agent in protecting against dental erosion, using an artificial mouth model. Methods: The experiment utilized 96 erosion testing specimens from each substrate, human enamel, and ostrich eggshell. The specimens were subjected to six different experimental regimens of increasing erosive challenge, simulating the consumption of an acidic drink. The acidic drink was delivered at a consistent volume and duration range. Both artificially stimulated and unstimulated saliva flowed throughout the experimental regimens. Surface hardness was measured using a Through‐Indenter Viewing hardness tester with a Vickers diamond, while surface profiling was done using a surface contacting profilometer with a diamond stylus. An automated chemistry analyzer system was used to detect calcium and phosphate ions. Results: The study found that ostrich eggshell specimens demonstrated predictable surface loss, hardness drop, and ion loss due to the acidic challenge. Meanwhile, enamel appeared to fall short in terms of surface hardness predictability. The transient hardness loss phase, which manifests as an overlooked decrease in surface hardness despite significant ion and structural loss, may explain this phenomenon. Conclusions: The experiment showed that assessing surface loss is essential in addition to hardness testing, particularly as certain experimental conditions may produce a false perception of tissue recovery despite the actual surface loss. By analyzing the response of ostrich eggshell specimens to erosive challenges, researchers were able to identify an "overlooked" reduction in hardness in enamel specimens. The differences in the structure, chemical composition, and biological response to erosion in the presence of artificial saliva between enamel and ostrich eggshell could explain their distinct behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calibrated digital photography is frequently used in studies focusing on avian eggshell appearance to measure colour and pattern features. Photographs are often taken in natural light conditions, yet little is known to what extent the normalisation process is able to control for varied light. Here, we photographed 36 blown eggs of the Japanese quail Coturnix japonica at five different elevation angles of the sun on both sunny and uniformly overcast days alongside grey standards. We normalised and processed the photographs in the MICA Toolbox software and checked how much noise was introduced by different natural light conditions to the colour and pattern measurements of the same set of eggs. Our results indicate that natural variation of light conditions affects eggshell colour and pattern measurements obtained by means of calibrated digital photography. Depending on a trait, the elevation angle of the sun had similar or even greater effect on the measurement than the presence of the cloud cover. Furthermore, measurements taken in cloudy conditions were more repeatable than those taken in sunny conditions. Based on the results, we propose practical guidelines regarding measuring colour and pattern of eggshells using calibrated digital photography in outdoor conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People have always been fascinated by birds. In the Roman period, birds (particularly chicken) were still largely employed in several rituals. Although Roman writers, such as Cicero, Livy, Pliny the Elder, and Aelian, inform us about the use of birds in a number of rituals, the archaeological evidence rarely allows us to associate the collected zooarchaeological remains with a single deity. In 2017, a well‐preserved archaeological context located in the vicinity of the temple of Isis in Pompeii and related to a single ritual event (dated to the mid‐1st century CE), revealed a number of faunal remains as well as ceramic and archaeobotanical finds. Chicken dominates the assemblage, followed by goose, pigeon, and turtle dove. A few remains of pig and a marine bivalve, the truncate donax, were also recovered. Skeletally young chickens were largely employed in the ritual, whereas the other bird taxa are only represented by mature bones. Chicken eggshell, taxonomically identified using ancient protein analysis, was also found. Taphonomic evidence indicates that bird bones were still covered with meat when exposed to the ritual fire. The results obtained have been linked to relevant written and iconographic sources dated to the Roman period. This work confirms that bird sacrifice was an important part of the Isis rituals. Among the birds involved, goose could be considered a possible marker of that goddess. The evidence from Pompeii adds new insights into our knowledge of the animals in the Isis cult during the 1st century CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fipronil, as a broad use insecticide, is regulated under directives and standards in many countries since it is classed as Class II moderately hazardous pesticide and Group C possible human carcinogen. In this study, amine coated iron oxide (NH2−Fe3O4) is used as a new adsorbent with high adsorption capacity in the removal of fipronil from aqueous solution and eggshells.The adsorption performance was studied through batch adsorption under different concentrations of fipronil (10–200 μg/mL), different nanoparticles amount (0.1–1 mg) at different pH (4.5–6.0) and temperature (25–75 °C). Results showed that NH2−Fe3O4 nanoparticles (0.1 mg) have excellent adsorption efficiency (97.06 %) at 25 °C, and pH 5.5. It also showed higher adsorption capacity towards fipronil sulfide, fipronil sulfone and fipronil desulfinyl with removal efficiencies of 92.82 %, 86.35 % and 76.24 % from aqueous solution and 97.62 %, 76.97 % and 62.65 % from eggshells, respectively. Fipronil adsorption process on NH2−Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed best fitting to Langmuir adsorption isotherm indicating monolayer chemical adsorption by physicochemical interactions spontaneously on homogenous surfaces. Having higher adsorption capacity and reusability NH2−Fe3O4 nanoparticles were shown to be effective adsorbents for removal of fipronil from aqueous solution and eggshells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an important trace element for laying hen's nutrition, which is required in small amounts in the diet. Its deficiency results in lowered production performance and eggshell quality. Objectives: This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different sources and levels of Mn on egg production performance and eggshell quality in aged laying hens. Methods: A total of 720, 83‐week‐old Hy‐Line W‐36 laying hens were fed a non‐Mn supplemented basal diet for 4‐week (to ime Mn‐exhaustion of body) and then were allocated to a completely randomized design with 10 treatments, six replicates and 12 birds each. Concentration of Mn in the non‐Mn supplemented basal diet was 10.34 mg/kg (treatment 1), the added doses of dietary Mn were included 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of three different sources (Mn‐oxide, Mn‐sulphate, and Mn‐organic) for treatments 2‐10, respectively. The experiment lasted for 12 week. Results: Dietary supplementation with either organic or inorganic Mn sources significantly enhanced egg production (EP), egg mass (EM), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and relative eggshell weight (RESW) compared with the non‐Mn supplemented diet. However, the experimental diets did not influence feed intake (FI), egg weight, and other eggshell quality traits. Based on the broken line regression models, the performance traits were optimized at 30–40 mg/kg Mn concentration when supplemented by Mn‐sulphate or Mn‐organic. Although, it was 80–90 mg/kg when supplemented by Mn‐oxide. The relative bio‐efficacy of inorganic Mn sources include Mn‐oxide and Mn‐sulphate in compare with Mn‐organic were estimated 45% and 87% (for EP trait), 30% and 94% (for EM trait), 36% and 99% (for FCR trait), and 37% and 78% (for RESW trait), respectively. Conclusions: In the aged laying hens, Mn requirement is higher than the NRC's recommendation. Sulphate and organic sources of Mn are more effective than Mn‐oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work aims to evaluate the properties of unsaturated polyester laminates reinforced with discontinuous randomly oriented chopped jute fibre matrix filled with microsized (57.8 μm) eggshell filler. Laminates with two and three layers of jute fibres were prepared by hand lay‐up process. The mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength were enhanced from 20.16 to 25.8 MPa, 1.42 to 3.98 KJ/m2 and 35.54 to 57.84 MPa, respectively, when the eggshell filler (surface area: 72.64 m2/g, pore volume: 0.297 cc/g) content was increased from 0% to 2.5% in the matrix for the three‐layered laminate. The increase in filler content to 5% enhanced the hardness from 21.95 to 90.35 Rockwell L‐scale (two‐layered laminate); however, there was a declination of the other mechanical properties at a high filler content. The microsized filler has significantly decreased the voids and improvised the homogeneity, microstructure, crystallinity and contact angle (from 70.98 [unfilled] to 74.72 [filled]) of the produced filled laminates, as substantiated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray difffraction (XRD) and contact angle measurements. Thus, the fabricated laminates can be efficiently utilised as an eco‐friendly, high‐strength, low‐cost, light material for fabricating automobile dashboards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, biodiesel is pointed out worldwide as the main alternative in the complementation and substitution of petrochemical diesel. However, the current industrial route of synthesis of this biofuel depends on the cost of raw materials (which are also destined for food purposes) and the expense of the production process. Aiming to remedy this obstacle, the use of solid, sustainable, low‐cost, efficient, and reusable catalysts in residual raw materials, such as waste cooking oils, has been highlighted as a promising alternative. This work focused on studying the influence of the glycerin content used in the preparation by wet impregnation of catalyst calcium diglyceroxide in the efficiency of transesterification of waste cooking oil. The catalyst was synthesized from CaO from chicken eggshell, raw glycerin co‐product from biodiesel, and methanol. The transesterification reactions were performed using 120 g of frying residual oil, methanol: oil molar rate of 6:1, constant shaking, and reaction temperature of 63 ± 1°C for 180 min. The catalyst material synthesized with residual glycerin was active for four reactions (without reactivation of its sites) with high percentages of efficiency of 96.13, 96.85, 95.93, and 91.65, respectively. It was noted that the glycerol purity correlated with changes in the structural morphology of the final compound, as well as changes in the leaching rate, acidity index, water content, and ester content of the blends. It was found that adding 15% water to the lipid material correlated with an increase in ester content (99%) in the synthesized biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to realize a sustainable rubber compound made in large percentage of secondary raw materials. Waste chewing gum (WCG) has been studied as source of rubber and added in 25% by weight in an ethylene propylene diene monomer based compound in view of a circular economy and eco‐friendly rubber manufacturing. Biobased CaCO3 extracted from waste eggshells was used as extender agent and waste cooking oil from potato chips frying was employed as processing aid. The rubber extracted from WCG resulted to be polyisobutylene (PIB) whereas the main component of the WCG is polyvinyl acetate (PVAc). The addition of the WCG modifies the rheological properties of the rubber compound leading to a better filler–filler and filler–matrix interaction. On the other hand, the presence of both PVAc and PIB leads to lower mechanical properties (max torque 6 vs 10 dNm in curing test) but also higher elongation at break (600% vs 500%). The WCG also increases the self‐adhesion of the rubber and decreases the glass transition temperature allowing for the use of these compounds at lower temperatures thanks to its good tack behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macro‐ and microstructure, elemental composition, and crystallographic characteristics of the eggshell and eggshell membranes of the Crocodylus niloticus egg was investigated using optical and electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and computerised tomography. The translucent ellipsoid egg is composed of two basic layers, the outer calcified layer referred to as the shell and an inner organic fibre layer, referred to as the shell membrane. The outer inorganic calcite shell is further divided into an external, palisade and mammillary layers with pore channels traversing the shell. The external layer is a thin layer of amorphous calcium and phosphorus, the underlying palisade layer consist of irregular wedge‐shaped crystals composed calcite with traces of magnesium, sodium, sulphur and phosphorus. The crystals are mostly elongated, orientated perpendicular to the shell surface ending in cone‐shaped knobs, which forms the inner mammillary layer. The elemental composition of the mammillae is like that of the palisade layer, but the crystal structure is much smaller and orientated randomly. The highest number of mammillae and shell pores are found at the equator of the egg, becoming fewer towards the egg poles. The shell thickness follows the same pattern, with the thickest area located at the equator. The eggshell membrane located right beneath and embedded in the mammillary layer of the shell; it is made up of unorganised fibre sheets roughly orientated at right angles to one another. Individual fibres consist of numerous smaller fibrils forming open channels that run longitudinally through the fibre. Lay description: The basic measurements, and microscopic and chemical structure of the Nile crocodile egg was studied using several microscopy and analytical techniques. It was found that the translucent white egg has two basic layers; the outer shell and inner membrane. The outer shell is further divided into three layers and has openings, called pores extending between the inside and outside of the shell. The highest number of the pores is found around the middle circumference of the egg. The outermost layer is a thin characterless layer made up of calcium and phosphorus, and the middle layer consists of interlocking wedge‐shaped calcite crystals with traces of magnesium, sodium, sulphur and phosphorus. These crystals end in cone‐shaped knobs on the inner aspect of the shell and then also form the third inner layer of the shell. The amount of these knobs, called mammillae, are highest at the equator of the egg and becomes fewer towards the egg poles. The shell thickness follows the same pattern, with the thickest area located at the equator. The second layer of the egg, the membrane is found right beneath the shell and is embedded in the mammillae. The membrane is composed of numerous fibres roughly arranged in parallel sheets of varying directions. Each individual fibre is made up of smaller fibrils clustered together, and forming open channels that run lengthwise through the fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maculation on avian eggshells has the potential to serve as an identity signal, and this information may help females recognize their eggs/nest or reject foreign eggs laid by hetero‐ or conspecific brood parasites. Recognizing eggs could be adaptive in cases where birds nest in dense colonies, as reports of conspecific brood parasitism are over‐represented in colony‐nesting species. We utilized the variation in breeding biology (solitary vs. colonial breeding) and eggshell phenotype in swallows and martins (Hirundinidae) to test for correlated evolution between these traits, while also accounting for nest type, as maculation may camouflage eggs in open‐cup nests. We found that maculated eggs were more likely to be laid by species that breed socially and build open‐cup nests where maculation would be more visible than in dark cavity nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the preparation of calcium–silicate‐based composites consisting of natural waste from calcium source as eggshell and silica gel from a desiccator as a silicon source both presenting alternative materials for cheap preparation of eco‐friendly calcium–silicate bioceramics has been investigated. The effect of the CaO/SiO2 ratio on microstructural properties has also been studied. The pseudowollastonite formation has been observed in the case of 40 wt.% CaO and 60 wt.% SiO2 with lowest porosity and highest density 2.6 g/cm3. In the case of 50 wt.% CaO and 50 wt.% SiO2, the phase transformation from pseudowollastonite to wollastonite was observed. Increasing the calcium content caused higher apparent porosity with 19%. It was shown that the development of novel ceramics from reused waste, eggshell, or silica can be an optimal solution for the low‐cost preparation of calcium silicates with potential applications in medicine or cement, food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The invasion of water hyacinth (WH) on water bodies comes with adverse consequences for humans and the environment. Using WH as a substrate for affordable and clean energy production is one way of controlling the invasiveness of the aquatic plant. In this study, ensiling was carried out with and without the addition of maize straw (MS) and eggshell powder (ES) to determine the effect of higher total solids (TS) and butyric acid contents on the biomethane potential (BMP) of WH. The silages were stored at ambient temperature for 210 days. The kinetics of biomethane production was determined using three different kinetic models. RESULTS: Ensiled WH without MS and ES had a reduced BMP after 210 days. However, a combination of higher TS (40%) and butyric acid contents, resulting from the addition of MS and ES, significantly increased the BMP of WH by 64% after 210 days of ensiling. The kinetic study showed that the dual‐pool kinetic model described the BMP of ensiled and co‐ensiled WH better than the first‐order and modified Gompertz models. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing TS and butyric acid contents by co‐ensiling with MS and ES is a low‐cost and sustainable method of enhancing biomethane production from WH. In this way, the invasive nature of WH can be effectively controlled (since a large quantity can be harvested and stored) and circular economy can be enhanced through the effective utilization of waste. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary organic or inorganic iron (Fe) concentrations on productive performance, egg quality, blood measurements, and tissue Fe concentrations in aged laying hens. A total of three hundred fifty 60‐week‐old Hy‐Line Brown laying hens were allotted to one of five dietary treatments with seven replicates. Each replicate had 10 consecutive cages. Organic Fe (Fe‐Gly) or inorganic Fe (FeSO4) was added to the basal diet at the levels of 100 or 200 mg/kg Fe. Diets were fed on an ad libitum basis for 6 weeks. Results indicated that supplementation of organic or inorganic Fe in diets increased (p < 0.05) eggshell color and feather Fe concentrations compared with no supplementation of Fe in diets. An interaction was found (p < 0.05) between Fe sources and supplemental levels in diets for egg weight, eggshell strength, and Haugh unit. Hens fed diets supplemented with organic Fe had greater (p < 0.05) eggshell color and hematocrit than those fed diets supplemented with inorganic Fe. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of organic Fe increases the eggshell color of aged laying hens. High supplemental levels of organic Fe in diets improve egg weight in aged laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution has become one of the major challenges to overcome in recent decades. Disposing waste materials has caused great concern by creating a landfill burden and increased environmental pollution. Utilizing or recycling wastes is one of the approaches considered that could bring positive environmental and economic benefits. Eggshells are among the understated waste materials that have great potential to impact the material world. In the present work, Habesha eggshells native to Ethiopia are utilized to prepare epoxy based composites. Five types of composites by varying the Habesha eggshell content (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 vol%) are investigated. Physical characterization in terms of density and void content estimations, and eggshell particle size analysis are carried out. Mechanical characterization in terms of normal and quasi‐static compression tests are performed. Results infer the density of eggshell particles to increase with increasing eggshell content, while quasi‐static compression tests infer that modulus and strength of eggshell/epoxy composites are sensitive to variations in the strain rate. However, irrespective of the strain rates, all the eggshell/epoxy composites depict higher modulus as compared with neat epoxy specimens. At 1.43, 0.1, and 0.001 strain rates, increase in modulus of composites are in the range of 17%–57%, 3%–107%, 30%–114%, respectively. Further, compressive yield strength of all the Habesha eggshell/epoxy composites is low compared with epoxy specimens for all the strain rates investigated. Scanning electron micrographs of test specimens for different loading conditions reveal reinforcing egg shell particles assists in absorbing the loading effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been reported that supplementation of manganese (Mn) could alleviate the negative effects of age on egg quality in laying hens. However, limited information is available on compensatory ways in order to reduce the adverse effects of hen age on health and Mn deposition in the body. Objectives: The objectives were to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of Mn on antioxidant activity, immune system, liver enzymes, shell quality and Mn deposition in the tissues of older laying hens. Methods: A total of 250, 80‐week‐old Leghorn laying hens (w36) were allocated into five treatment groups with five replications in a completely randomised design. Treatments were control (without Mn supplementation), 100% Mn sulphate, 75% Mn sulphate + 25% organic Mn chelate, 50% Mn sulphate + 50% organic Mn chelate and 25% Mn sulphate + 75% organic Mn chelate. Results: The groups fed 50 and 75% organic Mn chelate exhibited the lowest feed conversion ratio, as well as the maximum laying percentage, and egg weight and mass. Except to those fed 75% Mn sulphate, the hens received Mn supplements either as organic or inorganic, had higher immunoglobulin G and M compared with the control (p < 0.05). A significant elevation in the values of superoxide dismutase was observed in the hens receiving 50 and 75% organic Mn chelate when compared with the other treatments. The ALP activity decreased with increasing organic Mn chelate. Mn supplementation, either as organic or inorganic, increased Mn deposition in bone, egg yolk and shell, serum and liver. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with 50–75% Mn–methionine has the potential to replace Mn‐sulphate in laying hens' diet for improving eggshell quality, Mn deposition in the eggshell, antioxidant capacity and immune response, as well as improving laying performance, egg weight and feed conversion ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The interactions of Calcium carbonate (e.g., eggshell powder) and Lignin with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) when used as fire retardants were investigated. Three mixing ratios ‐ 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1, were used with natural fibre reinforced composites containing a hemp mat and an epoxy matrix manufactured using a light resin transfer moulding (L‐RTM) process. The thermal decomposition of the retardant mixtures and composites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The findings showed that even though the decomposition reactions of APP with eggshell powder and lignin mixtures interacted and overlapped, the same interactions could not be seen in the composites. In the composite form while the residue was affected by the retardant, the decomposition reactions were driven primarily by the hemp and epoxy. Flammability of the composites was studied by testing to 20, 35, 50, and 75 kW/m2 with a cone calorimeter, and determining the critical heat flux. While the samples with eggshell powder had higher ignition times, the critical heat flux for ignition was 13 kW/m2 for all sample groups except for a ratio of 1:3 APP to eggshell powder, which was 14 kW/m2. The lowest burning rates (mass loss and heat release) occurred in composites containing only APP, however, the addition of eggshell powder or lignin at even a ratio of 3:1 APP to either provided a notable reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effects of processing technologies (pasteurization; 56.5 °C for 45 min and sonication; 250 W for 5 min) on the whole eggshell. The interior quality and physicochemical parameters of eggs such, weight loss, foaming properties, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count, and rheological behavior were evaluated during storage at ambient temperature for six weeks. Sonication has improved the physico‐chemical properties of the egg samples and enhanced the functionality. The weight losses of all treatment and control groups increased during the storage period. The greatest weight loss was detected in the control sample (9.5%). Weight loss between ultrasound (6.7%) and pasteurization (7.9%) groups were similar (p > 0.05). The storage period had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the internal attributes of eggs such as functional characteristic (foaming ability). We conclude that the sonication has a promising advantage in techno‐functional properties comparing to thermal pasteurization. Practical application: Consumer perception decreases to thermally processed foods. Traditional heat treatment processing such as pasteurization can adversely impact the functional properties, sensory, color, and nutritional values of processed eggs. However, nonthermally processing techniques applied at lower temperatures may cause limited detrimental effects on egg quality and prepared products from eggs such as meringue, cake, and mayonnaise. The eggs treated with emerging methods such as ultrasound retained egg's functional attributes and had their shelf life increased such as foaming ability and gelling properties. Also, sonication has promising potential for industrial application on shell eggs during storage and therefore hold potential for their shelf‐life extension and improve the functionality of final baked product. The treatment with emerging methods such as ultrasound retained egg's functional attributes and had their shelf life increased while enhancing the functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian eggs represent a striking evolutionary adaptation for which shell thickness is crucial. An understudied eggshell property includes the neutral axis, a line that is drawn through any bent structure and whose precise location is characterized by the k‐factor. Previous studies have established that, for chicken eggs, mean k corresponds to the golden ratio (Φ = 1.618, or 0.618 in its reciprocal form). We hypothesized whether such an arrangement of the neutral axis conforms to the eggshell of any bird or only to eggshells with a certain set of geometric parameters. Implementing a suite of innovative methodological approaches, we investigated variations in k of 435 avian species, exploring which correspond to Φ. We found that mean k is highly variable among birds and does not always conform to Φ, being much lower in spherical and ellipsoid eggs and higher in pyriform eggs. While 21 species had k values within 0.618 ± 0.02 (including four falcon species) and the Falconinae subfamily (six species) revealed a mean of 0.618, it is predominantly domesticated species (chicken, ducks, and geese) that lay eggs whose neutral axis corresponds to the golden ratio. Thus, the study of the mathematical secrets of the eggshell related to the golden ratio of its neutral axis suggests its species‐specific signatures in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]