Search Results (11,751)

Integrated biomass valorization platforms can improve resource efficiency, but coupling solvent extraction with thermochemical conversion changes the inherent hazard profile of the overall system. This study assesses an integrated avocado oil–biochar platform based on Creole-Antillean avocado from northern Colombia, where edible oil is recovered from fruit pulp by hexane extraction and seed residues are converted to biochar by slow pyrolysis. The Heikkilä Inherent Safety Index (ISI) was applied to steady-state Aspen Plus^® design data using the worst-case scoring rules. Exothermic secondary-reaction screening identified CO methanation as the controlling secondary reaction (I_rs = 4), while the as-modeled coexistence of H₂, CO, CH₄, and free O₂ in the 400 °C pyrolysis vapor was conservatively classified as a fire/explosion interaction (I_int = 4). Carbon monoxide controlled the substance-specific hazard term with max(I_fl + I_ex + I_tox) = 10. Classification of the cyclone-based equipment and process structure against the original criteria gave I_EQ = 2 and I_ST = 2. The resulting chemical and process subindices were I_CH = 18 and I_PS = 9, respectively, giving a total ISI of 27. An elemental closure reconstructed from the R-YIELD product specification closes the C, H, and O bookkeeping, but free molecular O₂ is explicitly treated as a yield-model artifact rather than as a physically validated pyrolysis product. The result is therefore interpreted as a conceptual-stage hazard screen rather than a safe/unsafe classification. Solvent containment, chemically consistent pyrolysis modeling, vapor-treatment design, thermal moderation, and process simplification are identified as the principal safety-oriented design priorities. Full article

Although algorithm efficiency is central to computing practice, elementary learners rarely have opportunities to compare and improve alternative solution strategies using data. This study reports a preliminary quasi-experimental evaluation of data-driven inquiry into algorithm efficiency. Ninety sixth-grade students in four intact classes participated. Two classes received eight lessons in which students generated and refined their own solution strategies and used execution-time data across input sizes to evaluate algorithm efficiency; two active-control classes, taught by the same instructor, received procedure-focused algorithm instruction of equal duration. On the proximal, researcher-developed measure of algorithm development (0–24), the student-level pretest-adjusted difference favoring the inquiry condition was 4.90 points (95% CI [3.29, 6.52]), the unweighted class-level change contrast was 4.53 points, and the adjusted estimate was insensitive to independent-rater score replacement in a stratified 48-script subsample. Because condition was assigned nonrandomly to intact classes, these are reported as observed between-condition patterns rather than as a confirmed treatment effect. Patterns in algorithm structure understanding and self-evaluation were not robust to leave-one-class-out checks and are treated as non-robust secondary observations. The inquiry approach was implemented in regular elementary classrooms, and the pattern warrants testing with a larger number of classrooms and analyses that account for classroom-level assignment and within-class dependence. Full article

This study systematically investigates and optimizes the influence of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process parameters on the macroscopic tensile strength of polylactic acid (PLA) components. Addressing the need for predictable structural performance in 3D-printed parts, the novelty of this work lies in establishing a holistic, multi-stage optimization framework that maps the combined kinematic and geometric interactions of critical printing parameters directly to structural failure mechanisms and microstructural integrity. A systematic four-phase methodology was executed using a Taguchi L25 orthogonal experimental design to evaluate four manufacturing variables, namely layer thickness (P1), infill percentage (P2), nozzle retraction speed (P3), and nozzle travel speed (P4) across five discrete levels. Uniaxial destructive tensile testing on an ST Series Universal Testing System revealed that the initial ultimate tensile strength spanned a broad range from 20.04 MPa to a peak of 32.59 MPa. Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio analysis (“Larger-the-Better”) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level established layer thickness (P1) as the strictly dominant governing factor (F = 5.56), contributing 43.14% to total system variance. Parametric impact tracking confirmed secondary physical contributions from retraction speed (P3, 20.86%) and infill percentage (P2, 16.82%), while nozzle travel speed (P4, 3.90%) exhibited a negligible effect. Experimental confirmation testing using the identified optimal combination (0.20 mm layer thickness, 90% infill, 40 mm/s retraction speed, and 80 mm/s travel speed) yielded a peak ultimate tensile strength of 36.6 MPa, achieving a 12.3% improvement over the initial experimental maximum. Ultimately, this research offers a highly predictable, mathematically validated manufacturing strategy for converting empirical FDM adjustments into reliable and solid engineering components. Full article

Objectives: Visual outcomes after unilateral congenital cataract (UCC) extraction remain variable, and the neuroanatomical changes accompanying subsequent visual improvement are poorly understood. This study characterized longitudinal changes in visual function and explored hemispheric asymmetry, longitudinal neuroimaging changes, and their associations with visual recovery in children after UCC extraction. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 55 children aged 5 to <9 years with unilateral deprivation amblyopia receiving optical correction, passive occlusion, and dichoptic training. We analyzed 6-month changes in central visual field (CVF; mean sensitivity [MS], mean defect [MD]) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). To assess structural alterations along the posterior visual pathways, a strictly controlled, exploratory subgroup of 18 right-handed patients (aged 5 to <8 years) with left-eye amblyopia underwent 3-Tesla (3T) MRI. Multiple comparisons in the neuroimaging and structure–function analyses were controlled using the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. Results: At 6 months, CDVA and CVF improved significantly from baseline across all amblyopia severity groups (all p < 0.05). Greater CDVA improvement was associated with larger increases in MS (β = 3.36, 95% CI, 1.37 to 5.35; p = 0.001) and greater reductions in MD (β = −2.80, 95% CI, −4.82 to −0.79; p = 0.007). Exploratory longitudinal neuroimaging analyses showed decreases in ipsilateral secondary visual cortex (V2) volume (Cohen’s d = −0.75, P_FDR = 0.042) and cortical thickness (Cohen’s d = −0.77, P_FDR = 0.042). Interhemispheric differences in V2 and middle temporal visual area (MT) cortical thickness were also observed at the 6-month follow-up (all |Cohen’s d| > 0.75, P_FDR < 0.05). Nominal structure–function associations were observed for CVF and CDVA changes (all |r| > 0.54, all p < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Children with unilateral deprivation amblyopia following UCC extraction showed improvements in CDVA and CVF over 6 months of routine care. CVF perimetry may provide complementary functional information during longitudinal assessment. Exploratory neuroimaging findings suggested potentially distinct structural correlates of CDVA and CVF recovery, requiring validation in larger controlled longitudinal studies to clarify the clinical significance of CVF and its associated neuroimaging changes. Full article

The accurate characterisation of flint in geologically complex regions remains a major challenge in geoarchaeology, particularly in secondary deposits such as fluvial terraces, where materials derived from multiple geological formations may converge. This study applies combined petrographic and cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy to flint from the fluvial terraces of the Guadalete River (southwestern Iberian Peninsula). More than 1000 geological samples were examined macroscopically and by stereomicroscopy. A purposive subset of 120 specimens was studied in thin sections, of which 80 were additionally analysed by CL, in order to capture the principal petrographic variability observed in the secondary deposits. Four petrographic groups were identified—oolitic–peloidal flint, bioclastic flint, radiolarian flint with other biogenic components, and pelagic radiolarian flint—together with massive/dolomitised flint, a diagenetically defined type. CL revealed internal structures, carbonate relics, silicification halos and dolomitisation zones that complement transmitted-light observations and support the interpretation of replacement processes and internal variability. Its contribution varies among groups and is limited for pelagic radiolarian flint, whose identification relies primarily on conventional petrography. The integrated observations provide a geological characterisation of the flint varieties represented in the Guadalete terraces and their diagenetic histories. They do not, by themselves, permit attribution of individual specimens to a specific terrace level or demonstrate archaeological provenance. The resulting reference framework provides a basis for future comparisons with archaeological flint assemblages in the Strait of Gibraltar region. Full article

The standard Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) suffers from rapid population diversity loss when solving the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), leading to premature convergence. This paper proposes the Closed-Loop Adaptive Grey Wolf Optimizer (CLA-GWO), which constructs a five-layer closed-loop adaptive framework comprising: (i) discrete GWO evolution, (ii) dual-threshold diversity detection, (iii) three-level adaptive catastrophe, (iv) two-phase recovery, and (v) self-learning feedback control. The algorithm autonomously perceives population homogenization and restores diversity through scale-adaptive intervention. A two-stage parameter optimization strategy, combining the tree-structured Parzen estimator (TPE) with one-factor-at-a-time (OAT) sensitivity analysis, identified the optimal configuration. Component ablation on seven variants revealed that performance is principally driven by 2-opt local search and nearest-neighbor (NN) initialization, while the catastrophe lockout period (CLP) and multi-level catastrophe mechanisms safeguard diversity. Benchmark comparison on 20 TSPLIB instances demonstrated that CLA-GWO achieves competitive or superior performance under the adopted benchmark protocol against eight state-of-the-art algorithms across primary and secondary comparison groups. A Friedman test confirmed that the overall performance difference among the three independent baselines and CLA-GWO is statistically significant. The framework’s perceive–decide–intervene–recover–learn principle suggests a candidate transferable design pattern for other population-based metaheuristics; its current validation is limited to symmetric TSP, and asymmetric or non-Euclidean variants remain to be examined. Full article

Background/Objectives: Structured perioperative checklists may standardize bariatric surgical care, but their association with early clinical outcomes remains uncertain. This study compared 30-day postoperative outcomes before and after implementation of a structured perioperative checklist and characterized complications by type and Clavien–Dindo severity. Methods: This single-center retrospective pre–post cohort study included patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery from June 2024 through December 2025. The checklist was prospectively introduced on 29 July 2024. Cohort identification, data extraction, outcome classification, and comparative analyses were performed retrospectively. Forty patients were included in each cohort. The primary outcome was any 30-day postoperative complication; secondary outcomes included complication severity, intensive care unit admission, and length of hospital stay. Checklist implementation was assessed on the basis of documented completion; item-level adherence to individual perioperative measures and corrective actions prompted by checklist responses were not assessed. Accordingly, the intervention evaluated in this study represents implementation of a structured checklist-based documentation and care-standardization process rather than verified adherence to individual checklist components. Results: Complications occurred in 4 of 40 patients (10.0%) in the checklist group and 9 of 40 (22.5%) in the non-checklist group (relative risk, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–1.33; p = 0.13). Minor complications occurred in 7.5% and 15.0%, respectively, and major complications in 2.5% and 7.5%, respectively. The study was underpowered to reliably detect a between-group difference in the observed magnitude in 30-day complication rates; therefore, this comparison should be interpreted as exploratory. Median hospital stay was shorter in the checklist group (3 days; interquartile range, 2.5–4.0) than in the non-checklist group (4 days; interquartile range, 3.0–6.0; Mann–Whitney U = 398; p < 0.001). Intensive care unit admission occurred in 7.5% and 17.5%, respectively (p = 0.31). Given the sequential, non-overlapping study periods, the observed difference in length of stay cannot be separated from secular changes in clinical practice, discharge processes, institutional factors, or surgical-team experience. Conclusions: Checklist implementation was temporally associated with a shorter postoperative length of stay, whereas the observed reduction in 30-day complications did not reach statistical significance. Because the cohorts were treated during sequential, non-overlapping periods, these differences cannot be attributed independently to checklist implementation. The findings should therefore be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Full article

This study examines programming achievement among Grade 4 students participating in a structured Game Development-Based Learning (GDBL) approach compared with students receiving traditional programming instruction. The intervention used a single coherent problem context derived from the [ai] explore! game to support the progressive introduction of programming concepts in Scratch. A total of 104 students aged 9–10 from five classes in a Croatian elementary school participated. Two classes were assigned to the experimental condition and three to the control condition. Students in the experimental group progressively developed a playable game over seven weeks, while the control group followed traditional programming instruction. An initial knowledge test was used to assess baseline programming knowledge, and a post-intervention assessment served as the primary outcome measure. Because the instructional condition was assigned at the class level, the primary analysis used an exact class-level randomization test. The experimental classes had higher average post-intervention scores than the control classes, with an observed difference of 0.140 and a two-sided exact p-value of 0.20. A secondary student-level Mann–Whitney U comparison also showed higher post-intervention scores in the experimental group (U = 581.0, p < 0.001, rank-biserial correlation = 0.560). Teacher observations provided contextual information but were not treated as validated measures of motivation or engagement. The findings show a descriptive pattern of higher programming achievement in the GDBL classes, while the class-level inferential evidence remains limited. The study also provides practical design principles for classroom implementation. Full article

Pitting corrosion is a localized degradation mechanism that can significantly affect the structural integrity of steel components while remaining difficult to detect and characterize using conventional monitoring approaches. This work investigates the use of pulse-echo ultrasound and data-driven signal analysis for the observability and characterization of localized pitting in low-carbon steel. The ultrasonic response of two 20 MHz single-element contact transducers was investigated through laboratory measurements on artificial pits and physics-based k-Wave simulations spanning a wider range of pit sizes and morphologies. The results show that localized pits modify the received signal through attenuation, scattering, waveform distortion, and the generation of secondary reflections, with the observed ultrasonic response strongly dependent on pit morphology and transducer aperture. A signal-processing and feature-extraction framework was developed to analyze these changes and to evaluate pit observability prior to characterization. Using pit-free measurements, observability limits were quantified with an autoencoder trained on signal descriptors, demonstrating that pit observability is influenced predominantly by pit geometry, normalized pit width, and pit volume rather than by depth alone. For signals exhibiting sufficiently observable and specular pit reflections, time-of-flight measurements enabled pit-depth estimation for defects deeper than 300 µm. To account for propagation-path distortions affecting pit-related echoes, an empirically derived cross-path delay compensation approach was developed using Random Forest models trained on synthetic signals, reducing systematic depth-estimation errors in the synthetic dataset and providing a physics-informed framework for future quantitative characterization studies. Additional Random Forest models employing waveform descriptors and reflection-amplitude indicators were used to assess pit morphology and acoustic surface specularity. The proposed framework was evaluated using laboratory measurements and through preliminary long-term monitoring of two pre-pitted specimens deployed in the HarshLab offshore environment. In these deployments, the methodology enabled simultaneous tracking of localized pit-wall evolution and overall backwall thickness changes from the same pulse-echo measurements, illustrating the potential of the approach for monitoring localized corrosion activity alongside generalized specimen wall loss. Full article

This study investigates whether water efficiency (WE) can be represented as a candidate system-level leverage variable within a System Dynamics (SD) framework for green building rating systems (GBRSs). The framework represents WE and its proposed interactions with Energy and Atmosphere (EA), Sustainable Sites, Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials and Resources, Innovation, and Regional Priority categories may not be fully visible from the static point-weighting structure of certification systems. The method includes: (1) developing a System Dynamics (SD) framework based on stock-and-flow architecture, causal-feedback loop formalization, leverage-point theory and saturation concept, identifying four reinforcing and three balancing feedback loops, (2) dashboard-based simulation, and (3) cross-case-study validation and statistical evaluation. Four case studies were selected to demonstrate quantitative directional agreement between the model-generated category responses and documented project characteristics. The results demonstrate structural consistency for the primary WE-centered mechanism (ΔWE ≈ 0), while the downstream category responses provide the principal basis for directional evaluation. It is noted that the model does not capture all of the building and site-specific factors responsible for the difference in point accrual in other sustainable categories, especially, those related to EA—which was defined in all studied case-study projects as the dominant secondary sustainability category, following WE. The manuscript explicitly frames the framework as exploratory and it is positioned as a sustainability interaction simulator for investigating potential cross-category feedbacks rather than as a predictive certification-score model, and the validation is primarily structural and directional. This novel contribution is useful to inform feedback-informed design strategy and to propose water efficiency as a potential leverage point in integrated building performance. Full article

Full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) are a rare but recognized complication of macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2). Unlike idiopathic FTMHs, which are primarily driven by vitreofoveal traction, MacTel2-associated holes appear to arise predominantly from progressive neurodegenerative changes. Müller cell dysfunction, intraretinal cavitation, and outer retinal atrophy progressively compromise foveal architecture, ultimately predisposing to tissue dehiscence and full-thickness defects. Although vitreofoveal traction may contribute in individual cases, it is unlikely to be the principal mechanism in most affected eyes. Surgical treatment remains challenging, as current evidence is limited to case reports and small case series. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap techniques and, in selected cases, retinal graft or amniotic membrane transplant procedures have yielded encouraging anatomical closure rates, whereas conventional ILM peeling alone appears less predictable. Importantly, restoration of foveal continuity does not necessarily result in meaningful visual improvement, particularly in eyes with established photoreceptor and outer retinal damage. The durability of anatomical repair may be further compromised by continued disease progression. Persistent Müller cell dysfunction, intraretinal cavitation, and progressive outer retinal atrophy can undermine foveal support and lead to recurrent architectural disruption, including reopening of a previously closed hole. Although late recurrence has been documented, its incidence and determinants remain poorly defined because of the limited size and heterogeneity of the available literature. Visual prognosis appears to be determined largely by the amount of structurally and functionally viable retinal tissue remaining at the time of intervention. Smaller defects, less extensive cavitation, and preservation of the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone are associated with greater potential for visual recovery. In contrast, extensive cavitation, advanced outer retinal atrophy, and substantial Müller cell or photoreceptor loss are associated with limited functional improvement and may compromise long-term anatomical stability. Overall, a FTMH secondary to MacTel2 should be regarded as a distinct form of macular hole in which surgical repair occurs against a background of ongoing macular neurodegeneration. Preoperative evaluation of hole dimensions, foveal cavitation, and outer retinal integrity may assist in prognostication and in identifying eyes with the greatest likelihood of achieving durable anatomical closure and meaningful visual recovery. Full article

This study investigated the structural and functional responses of whole wheat flour (WWF) and black wheat flour (BWF) to microwave (MW) dielectric heating. MW exposure impaired gluten network stability in WWF, whereas BWF exhibited limited cohesive gluten formation, acting as an elasticity-attenuating component. FTIR and XRD analyses demonstrated significant increases in relative starch crystallinity after 220 s of MW exposure, due to Vh-type complexation. AFM confirmed pronounced increases in surface roughness (BWF: S_a +39%, S_q +41%; WWF: S_a +42%, S_q +30%). Protein secondary structure deconvolution confirmed thermal denaturation rather than beneficial ordering: native β-sheets decreased (WWF: 37.04% to 32.68%; BWF: 37.97% to 31.49%), while β-turns increased (WWF: 22.32% to 30.14%). Water contact angle measurements showed reduced surface hydrophobicity (−19.20% in WWF, −22.70% in BWF). Thiol-disulfide (-SH/-SS) determinations highlighted different molecular mechanisms: WWF underwent intensive disulfide cross-linking (+419.6%), whereas BWF preserved free thiols (+75.5%) due to protective phenolic–protein complexation. Granular thermal damage increased in vitro enzymatic amylolysis, significantly elevating the amount of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and estimated glycemic index (eGI). Overall, MW processing preferentially remodeled protein networks in WWF while predominantly altering starch matrix morphology in BWF, providing key insights into the dielectric thermal processing of conventional and pigmented wheat flours. Full article

Long-term tea cultivation alters soil nitrogen forms and microbial communities, yet the coupling relationships between soil nitrogen fractions and microbial functions remain poorly understood. Because long-term tea cultivation is accompanied by sustained nitrogen enrichment and progressive acidification that continuously reshape the chemical composition of soil organic nitrogen, resolving this gap is essential for predicting soil nitrogen supply and turnover in intensively managed tea plantations of different ages. A space-for-time chronosequence was established within a large state-owned tea plantation in Shouning County, Fujian Province, China, comprising interspersed stands of 3- (T3), 15- (T15), and 40-year-old (T40) tea plants and adjacent uncultivated secondary forestland (CK). We combined the Bremner acid-hydrolysis method with Illumina high-throughput sequencing to investigate variations in soil organic nitrogen (SON) fractions, microbial community structure, and associated potential functions. The results showed that tea cultivation significantly reduced soil pH. Compared with CK, the concentrations of amino acid nitrogen (AAN) and acid-hydrolyzable ammonium nitrogen (AN) in T40 increased by 223.03% and 137.83%, respectively. Meanwhile, the proportions of acid-hydrolyzable unidentified nitrogen (HUN) and non-hydrolyzable nitrogen (NHN) to total nitrogen (TN) decreased from 27.18% and 51.70% under CK to 23.22% and 40.84% under T40, respectively, indicating a remarkable restructuring of the soil nitrogen pool. For bacterial communities, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased from 17.76% in CK to 23.96–44.46% in tea plantations, whereas that of Acidobacteriota declined from 37.80% to 34.47–22.31%, accompanied by a significant enrichment of copiotrophic taxa. Redundancy analysis revealed that AAN and AN were the dominant drivers shaping bacterial community structure. FAPROTAX analysis showed that, compared with forest soils, tea plantations exhibited a significantly lower nitrogen fixation abundance (from 14.35% to 6.81%, p < 0.001) and an enhanced relative abundance of nitrate reduction (p < 0.05). FUNGuild analysis revealed that the dominant forest multi-trophic group (Pathotroph–Saprotroph–Symbiotroph) dropped sharply from 44.53% to 17.12–18.62% in tea plantations (p < 0.01), whereas the Pathotroph group increased from 0.61% to 2.22–2.78% (p < 0.05). Collectively, long-term tea cultivation elevates the supply of soil labile organic nitrogen, selectively enriches copiotrophic microbial communities, and reshapes the functional profiles of soil microbial communities. Full article

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) catalyzes a rate-limiting step in fatty acid β-oxidation and is a target for studies of metabolic disease and cancer. However, the structural dynamics of CPT1A remain poorly understood due to the lack of full-length structure. In this study, we employed an integrated computational approach combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Markov state models (MSMs), and binding free energy calculations to elucidate the conformational landscape of human CPT1A. We performed an all-atom MD simulation of CPT1A embedded in a realistic outer mitochondrial membrane, and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF)-guided local region analysis coupled with MSM transition-path analysis and GROMOS clustering convergently identified a representative conformation. The pathway probabilities reported here describe dominant local transitions within specific mobile segments rather than the global equilibrium population of the full-length protein. Using this representative conformation, we performed a virtual screening of over 1.23 million compounds from the ChemDiv library, followed by Lipinski filtering, yielding five candidates with docking scores below −10 kcal/mol. Subsequent MD simulations and binding free energy calculations confirmed stable binding, with compound 2 exhibiting the most favorable free energy of −25.99 kcal/mol. Principal component analysis (PCA) and secondary-structure analyses revealed ligand-specific modulation of CPT1A dynamics. A preliminary in vitro CPT1 activity assay revealed candidate-specific responses, and the free-energy and activity data were partially consistent. These results provide a dynamically informed structural basis for CPT1A ligand recognition, identify candidates with distinct energetic and functional profiles, and establish an integrated strategy for ligand discovery in structurally uncharacterized proteins. Full article

This study presents the development of an innovative technology for the national Kazakh fermented milk product “Kurt” utilizing secondary dairy raw materials (buttermilk and whey) combined with horse fat. The research addresses the dual challenges of implementing zero-waste production principles in the dairy industry while enhancing the nutritional value of traditional products. Comprehensive physicochemical, microbiological, and nutritional analyses were conducted on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods. Buttermilk protein precipitate demonstrated high protein content (11.51 ± 0.70%) with a favorable amino acid profile dominated by proline (1.83 ± 0.48%), leucine/isoleucine (1.34 ± 0.35%), and lysine (1.22 ± 0.42%). Whey powder exhibited significant mineral content, particularly calcium (1578.33 mg/100g) and magnesium (172.35 mg/100g). Horse fat (subcutaneous “zhal” type) showed a favorable fatty acid profile with oleic acid (31.59%), palmitic acid (28.10%), and significant levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids including α-linolenic acid (6.04%). The developed technology incorporates horse fat as a protein-fat emulsion at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% (final concentration), introduced into the curd mass prior to molding and drying. The 3% formulation demonstrated optimal characteristics with moisture content of 11.83 ± 0.19%, protein content of 40.99 ± 0.64%, fat content of 12.05 ± 0.24%, and water activity of 0.645 ± 0.021, ensuring microbiological stability. Sensory evaluation (15 trained panelists, 9-point hedonic scale) confirmed that the 3% emulsified fat incorporation preserved the traditional fermented milk flavor while enhancing nutritional value and structural properties (overall acceptability: 7.8 ± 0.4 vs. 6.9 ± 0.5 for control). The developed technology offers a sustainable approach to dairy processing, reduces waste, and creates a value-added product with enhanced nutritional profile suitable for modern functional food applications. Full article