Average CP Research Articles

Data-driven multi-objective optimization of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics in dual Savonius wind turbines using large eddy simulation and machine learning

Savonius rotor is a popular form of vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) for small-scale and urban applications because of its straightforward design and self-starting ability. Dual VAWTs present challenges in terms of wake interactions and noise, particularly in urban areas. Optimizing these parameters is essential for future wind energy adoption. This research is the first to analyze how the interaction of wakes from adjacent rotors, combined with a deflector, affects both the aerodynamic performance and noise levels of dual Savonius rotors. Large Eddy Simulation is applied, as it effectively captures detailed turbulent wind flows and their interactions with wind turbines. A multi-objective optimization method combining Machine Learning and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is developed to optimize rotors for maximum power efficiency and minimum noise, considering their wake interactions with a unique deflector system. First, the influence of geometric parameters on aerodynamics and aeroacoustics characteristics of rotors is analyzed, and the database is generated using Design of Experiment approach. Next, the CFD model is replaced by Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model established for predicting rotor performances. A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm method is used to optimize aerodynamics and aeroacoustics characteristics of rotors. Finally, optimal design parameters are identified from the Pareto front using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution decision-making method. The ANN model demonstrated high accuracy with an RANN2 of 0.995 and 0.971 for the average power coefficient (CP) and overall sound pressure level (OSPL) predictions, respectively. Multi-objective optimization revealed the best configuration of the deflector with bleed jets, improving the average CP up to 57.5% and reducing OSPL to an almost 5.2% compared to the dual rotor case at TSR = 0.8.

The effect of replacing conventional alfalfa hay with lower-lignin alfalfa hay on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and energy utilization in lactating Jersey cows

Lower-lignin (LoL) varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) have been developed in recent years, and have the potential to positively impact animal performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing the proportion of LoL alfalfa hay in diets fed to lactating dairy cows. Research plots were planted with a conventional variety (CON; Dairyland Hybriforce 3400), and 2 LoL varieties (LLG; 54HVX42 and LLB; Aflorex HiGest 460). After harvest, the LoL varieties were blended in equal proportions for feeding. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows (100 ± 4 d in milk) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square with 3 periods of 28 d. Cows were assigned to 3 diets containing 0 (CNTRL), 16.1 (MdLL), and 32.2% (HiLL) of the diet DM as LoL alfalfa hay, which replaced CON. The CON alfalfa had average CP, NDF, and lignin contents (DM basis) of 20.5 ± 1.15, 42.1 ± 1.37, and 6.81 ± 0.57%, respectively, while the LoL alfalfa averaged 19.8 ± 0.75, 39.9 ± 1.56, and 6.07 ± 0.28%, respectively. No difference was observed in DMI (20.4 ± 0.61 kg/d). No difference in milk yield was observed, averaging 31.0 ± 1.02 kg/d across treatments. Similarly, no difference was observed in ECM yield (averaging 36.2 ± 1.43 kg/d). Feed conversion (ECM/DMI) tended to increase linearly with LoL alfalfa inclusion (1.74 to 1.80 ± 0.03). No difference was observed for milk fat yield and content (1.39 ± 0.075 kg/d and 4.51 ± 0.219%) or milk protein yield and content (1.06 ± 0.041 kg/d and 3.43 ± 0.096%). Total methane production quadratically decreased from CNTRL to MdLL then increased to HiLL (441, 389, 412 ± 18.2 L/d, respectively). No differences were observed on total-tract digestibility of DM (averaging 67.2 ± 0.55%) and NDF (averaging 50.9 ± 1.56%). No difference was observed in the concentration of DE, ME or NEL was observed averaging 2.82 ± 0.021, 2.51 ± 0.027, and 1.72 ± 0.030 Mcal/kg respectively. Our results suggest that replacing CON alfalfa with LoL alfalfa has no effects on milk production, milk composition, or nutrient digestibility but may improve feed efficiency.

Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Production Performance in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU). Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P less than 0.05) in buffaloes of T4 over control (T1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

The impact of germination and thermal treatments on bioactive compounds of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds

AbstractQuinoa is a highly nutritious crop with diverse applications in the food industry. The study assessed the impact of various processing techniques, including microwaving, boiling, roasting, steaming, flaking, and germination, on the crude protein content (CP), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and 12 phenolic compounds in quinoa. CP was significantly affected by the heat treatments. Boiled quinoa flakes exhibited the highest average CP, boiling and roasting the lowest. Microwaving strongly enhanced the TPC and the content of six bioactive compounds (CFA, KMP, NAR, QCE, RUT, SA), while boiling and steaming had the most adverse effect. Germination improved the overall nutritional profile of quinoa. The most pronounced increase in the bioactive metabolites occurred between the third and fifth day of germination in a genotype-dependent manner. Six metabolites (NAR, SA, 4BA, IQ, PC, IH) were detected in germinated quinoa for the first time. The results emphasize the substantial influence of processing techniques and type of sample on quinoa nutritional quality and underscore the importance of proper consideration of those factors to obtain nutritionally optimal food products.

Transient starup performance of a micro horizontal axis river hydrokinetic turbine

Using the micro horizontal axis river hydrokinetic turbine to generate electricity is a low-cost power generation mode suitable for remote mountain areas. Startup performance is a key parameter related to annual power generation. Based on the numerical simulation, the influences of damping factor b, moment of inertia J, constant inflow velocity U and irregular inflow velocity (long-period and short-period inflow velocities) on the startup performance of a micro horizontal axis river hydrokinetic turbine are analyzed. Firstly, a decrease in b and J, as well as an increase in U, can reduce time required for startup. The increase of b and U cause the power coefficient Cp increase first and then decrease. The moment of inertia only affects the time required for startup, and has no impact on the Cp of the turbine in stable state. Secondly, for the long-period inflow velocity, an increase in T will result in a gradual increase in the average CP after the start-up is completed, however, the short-period has no significant effect on the mean value of each parameter. Finally, for the short-period inflow velocity, the fluctuation amplitude of hydrodynamic parameters decreases with T rising, but the fluctuation frequency increases.

Protein Replacers in Poultry Diets

The experiment was conducted in a private poultry farm from 20/9/2021 to 24/10/2021. Four hundred eighty chickens of the Ross 308 strain were used; the chicks were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups. Several plant protein sources in Iraq were used as the major protein source instead of soya bean meal to cover the diet requirement for protein and calories. The following characteristics were studied: average live body weight gain, feed and CP utilization efficacy, and chemical and calculated physiological fuel value for boneless meat at 6 weeks of age. Keywords: Protein, poultry diets, poultry industry

In situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein of low-protein fraction from sunflower meal

The objective of this study was to evaluate rumen degradation kinetics and intestinal digestibility of low-protein fraction from sunflower meal (LPSFM). Three non-lactating Jersey cows with an average body weight of 436 ± 18 kg fitted with a rumen and T-type duodenal cannulas were used in the experiment. Five samples of LPSFM from different batches produced in 20-d intervals were collected and incubated in the rumen of the cows for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h in 6 replicates. The average CP content of LPSFM was 175 (SD = 6.98) g/kg. Data were fitted to nonlinear regression model and analyzed statistically using SPSS. The soluble or rapidly degradable fraction а of LPSFM dry matter (DM) ranged from 105 to 137 (SD = 11.3) g/kg. The effective degradability of DM at assumed rumen outflow rate of 0.06/h ranged from 293 to 338 (SD= 16.3) g/kg. Fraction a of CP ranged from 124 to 189 (SD = 23.9) g/kg. Effective degradability of LPSFM CP at rumen outflow rate of 0.06/h ranged from 515 to 560 g/kg (SD = 16.2). Intestinal digestibility of LPSFM (after 16-h rumen incubation) DM and CP measured by the mobile bag technique varied from 318 to 349 g/kg (SD = 10.5) and from 766 to 820 g/kg (SD = 17.7), respectively. The average estimated Protein Digestible in the small Intestine (PDI) and Rumen Protein Balance (RPB) of the LPSFM samples analyzed in the current study, following equations in the Bulgarian feed evaluation system (at 0.06/h outflow rate), were 113 (SD = 1.67) g/kg and 125 (SD = 14.9) g/kg, respectively. The protein degradability and digestibility values obtained in this experiment can be effectively used in formulating rations for ruminant animals.

Performance Analysis of Hydrokinetic Turbine Using Shroud Ratio Comparison under Yaw Misalignment Condition

This research aims to analyze the performance of hydrokinetic turbines under yaw misalignment conditions using descriptive statistical methods on coefficient of power (Cp) data. Tests were conducted at water velocities of 0.7, 0.9, and 1.1 m/s for three types of turbine shrouds consisting of turbines without shrouds, turbines with two different types of shrouds, at yaw angles from 0° to 25° with 5° intervals. The study concludes that the performance of each turbine type is significantly influenced by the combination of water flow velocity and yaw angle. The diffuser type has the highest Cp value at every yaw angle, but its performance decreases with increasing yaw angle. The Blade type has poorer performance compared to the diffuser at every yaw angle and has the best performance at a combination of 1.1 m/s velocity and 5° yaw angle. Meanwhile, the shroud type has more stable performance and is not greatly affected by variations in velocity and yaw angle. Based on the analysis of changes in average Cp values with changes in yaw angle at V 0.7 m/s, all three turbine types experienced an increase in Cp value at a yaw angle of 5, with the shroud experiencing the most significant increase. At V 0.9 m/s, the diffuser and shroud types were able to maintain their average Cp values at every yaw angle, while the blade type decreased with increasing yaw angle and experienced a significant decrease at a yaw angle of 25. At V 1.1 m/s, the diffuser and blade types experienced a decrease in performance with every increase in yaw angle, but the shroud type was able to maintain the same Cp value and even experienced a significant increase at a yaw angle of 5.

#3568 THE ERROR OF ESTIMATED GFR IN PREDIALYSIS CARE: IMPACT ON CLINICAL DECISION MAKING

Abstract Background and Aims The error of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and its consequences in predialysis are unknown. Method We analysed 315 predialysis patients who underwent measured GFR (mGFR) by the clearance of iohexol and eGFR by 52 formulas. We evaluated the agreement between eGFR and mGFR by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), total deviation index (TDI) and coverage probability (CP). In a sub-analysis we investigated the impact of the error of eGFR in decisions like (i) starting dialysis, (ii) preparation for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and (iii) continuing with clinical follow-up. For this sub-analysis patients who started dialysis due to uremia or fluid overload were excluded (n = 18). Results Patients: 315 patients were included, 70% male and mean age was 66±13 years. 38% had diabetic nephropathy. Mean mGFRwas 22 ± 8 ml/min. Mean eGFR was 22 ± 8 ml/min (CKD-EPI), 22 ± 8 ml/min (MDRD) or 26 ±10 ml/min (24-h creatinine clearance). Cystatin C measurement was available in 266 patients (84%) and averaged 2.8 ± 1.08 mg/L. Over 70% of the patients had proteinuria 1588±2204 mg/24 h. Agreement between eGFR and mGFR eGFR had very low precision and accuracy in reflecting mGFR as reflected by average CCC, TDI and cp of 0.60, 70% and 22%, respectively. The error was comparable between creatinine- and cystatin-based formulas. Extreme variations -larger than 10 ml/min- between mGFR and eGFR were frequent. Differences in clinical decision making: Concerning clinical decisions, the error of formulas (mainly GFR overestimation) would have suggested (a) early unnecessary preparation for RTT in 14% of clinically stable patients evaluated by mGFR; (b) to continue with clinical follow-up in 59% of the subjects in whom RTT was indicated by low mGF and (c) to delay the starting of dialysis in all patients (n = 6) in whom RRT was indicated based on very low mGFR without uremic symptoms or fluid overload. Conclusion The error of formulas in predialysis care was frequent and large and may have consequences in clinical care.

Exploring the impact of integrated spatial function zones on land use dynamics and ecosystem services tradeoffs based on a future land use simulation (FLUS) model

Spatial function zones (SFZs) provide an effective means to determine the function of spatial zone and to optimize land use layout. China has initiated a series of spatial planning policies to delineate SFZs, which influence not only land use configuration but also the structure and function of ecosystems as well as the services ecosystem provides. Taking Wuhan city, China as an example, this study explored the impact of integrated spatial function zones (ISFZs) on four selected ecosystem services (i.e., crop production, CP; water yield, WY; carbon storage, CS; and erosion prevention, EP) and their synergies and tradeoffs. Specifically, by incorporating different spatial functional zones into the land use simulation model, we simulated land use under both business as usual (BAU) and integrated spatial function zones (ISFZs) scenarios. Then, we assessed and compared the ESs and their correlations under the two scenarios. The results showed that compared to the BAU scenario, in the ISFZs scenario, quantities of farmland and forests would be increased by 410.99 km2 and 28.49 km2, while construction land would be decreased by 342.45 km2; average CP, CS and EP would be improved by 0.05, 2.23 t/ha, and 7.3 t/ha, while average WY would be reduced by 6.4 mm; synergies between most pairs of ESs would be slightly promoted. It is concluded that ISFZs are beneficial to sustainable improvement and balanced development of multiple ESs. This study provides theoretical and technical references for the formulation of spatial regulation policy and ecosystem-based management.

Dietary protein reduction with stepwise addition of crystalline amino acids and the effect of considering a minimum glycine-serine content in broiler diets

Reducing the dependency on soybean meal (SBM) is necessary to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry. Moreover, the recommendations for minimum contents of dietary Gly+Ser require further research. Two parallel studies were executed to determine the effects of replacing SBM with crystalline amino acids (CAA) to meet the amino acid requirements and to determine whether a minimum content of Gly+Ser is necessary for broiler diets. In study 1, 1,860 one-day-old male chicks were fed a common starter phase diet (22.8% CP). During the grower-1, grower-2, and finisher phases, the control CP content was reduced (up to 2.1%) with the stepwise addition of CAA (treatments 1-5). Within each feeding phase, AME, standardized ileal digestible Lys, and the minimum Met, Thr, Val, Gly+Ser, Ile, Arg, and Trp to Lys ratios were similar. In study 2, 1,488 male chickens were used in a 2×2 factorial design with the Gly+Ser content and feed ingredients used as main factors. Performance was monitored during 41 d in both studies. Reduction in CP content linearly increased (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI in the grower-1, grower-2, and finisher phases. When the overall FCR was adjusted considering the BW differences (FCRadj); FCRadj linearly decreased with the weighted average CP (WACP) content (P < 0.001). In the lowest CP treatment, estimated dietary N utilization efficiency was improved by 10%, and the overall N excretion was reduced by 16% compared with the control (P < 0.001). The overall SBM and soybean oil intakes were linearly reduced relative to WACP (-12.0 and -20.2% in control vs. treatment 5, respectively; P < 0.001). Formulating with a minimum Gly+Ser content in the starter phase improved the FCR (P < 0.05) only in the corn-SBM-based diet. In grower-1, increasing Gly+Ser content improved the FCR independent of the feed ingredients used (P < 0.05). Crystalline amino acids can be used to partially replace intact protein reducing the dependency on SBM. Young birds may not synthesize enough Gly endogenously and a minimum content should be provided in the early phases.

The Benefit Using a Circular Flow Disturbance on the Darrieus Turbine Performance

Darrieus is a vertical-axis type turbine with difficulty rotating at low current velocity. Adding a circular flow disturbance in front of the Darrieus turbine can improve the self-start capability. This study has aimed to improve the turbine's performance by identifying the configuration and diameter ratio of flow disturbance. Numerical modelling in transient conditions has been done by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software with a sliding mesh technique. There are four diameter ratios ds/D 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 and three variations of cylinder position. Each combination variation has been simulated at current velocity of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 m/s. As a result, depending on where the cylinder installation is located, the circular flow disturbance has an effect that might hinder or enhance the performance of the turbine. The best result is at the flow disturbance position of -60o with a diameter ratio of ds/D 0.5 at TSR 1.43. The maximum coefficient of power (Cp) value has increased by 38%. Furthermore, at overall current velocities with a range of 0.3–0.6 m/s, the average Cp has increased of 30% with the best diameter ratio usage of ds/D 0.5.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Thermophysical Properties and the Microstructure of Na2CO3 Heat Storage Materials

In recent years, heat storage technology has attracted wide attention in the fields of renewable energy storage for its relatively high melting point, high heat storage capacity and economy, Na2CO3 and eutectic salt mixtures containing Na2CO3 are promising candidates in the field of solar energy storage. In this paper, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of Na2CO3 was conducted with the Born–Mayer potential function. The simulated solid–liquid phase change temperature is 1200 K, and the error is 5.4%. The heat capacity at constant pressure (Cp) is higher in liquid than in solid, the average Cp of solid is 1.45 J/g and that of liquid is 1.79 J/g, and the minimum error is 2.8%. The simulation results revealed the change rules of density and thermal expansion coefficient of Na2CO3 in the process of heating up, and these changes were analyzed by radial distribution functions (RDF) and angular distribution functions (ADF). Moreover, the RDF and ADF results show that the atomic spacing of Na2CO3 increases, the coordination number decreases, and the angle distribution between atoms becomes wider as the temperature rises. Finally, this paper examined the microscopic changes of ions during the phase transition of Na2CO3 from solid to liquid. It is concluded that the angle change of CO32− in the liquid state is more sharply. This study improves the understanding of the thermodynamic properties and local structure of Na2CO3 and provides theoretical support for Na2CO3 heat storage materials.

Optimal design of Savonius wind turbine blade based on support vector regression surrogate model and modified flower pollination algorithm

Blade shape has a significant effect on the wind-capturing ability of the Savonius wind turbine. This paper proposes an intelligent optimization method for optimizing the shape of the blade of the Savonius wind turbine. This method firstly uses the cubic Bezier curve with four design parameters (x1, y1, x2, y2) to characterize the complex blade shape, and then uses the Latin hypercube sampling method to sample some design schemes throughout the design space, and uses computational fluid dynamics simulation to evaluate the response value, i.e. the moment coefficient, of each scheme, and then uses the support vector regression surrogate model to describe the relationship between the design parameters and their response values, finally uses modified flower pollination algorithm to solve the surrogate model to obtain the optimal blade shape. After comparing and analyzing the optimized blade and the classical semicircular blade, it is found that compared with the classical semicircular blade, the optimized blade has a better wind-capturing ability. When the wind speed is 7 m/s and the tip speed ratio is 1, its average power coefficient Cp is significantly increased from 0.260027 to 0.277902 (about 6.87% higher). In addition, the aerodynamic performance of the optimized blade is also better than the classical semicircular blade at other tip speed ratios (TSRs = 0.6–1.2). It is shown that the wind turbine with the optimized blade has great potential in a practical application environment.

The role of wake splitter deflector on performance enhancement of Savonius wind turbine

The Savonius drag-type wind turbine suffers from poor efficiency due to the adverse negative torques on the returning blades when they rotate against incoming flows. It was proven that using a suitable deflector system has the potential to improve wind turbine efficiency. However, as previously identified in studies, the common drawback of using a flat deflector is the strong wake zone behind it. The present study aims to improve the overall performance of a drag-type wind turbine by using a cylinder deflector with a wake splitter plate to manage and mitigate the detrimental effect of the wake zone behind the deflector. The wake control and suppressing vortex shedding downstream of a circular cylinder have been divided into active and passive flow control techniques. Amid the latter control methods, the adoption of splitter plates has proven to be highly effective for wake control and suppressing vortex shedding behind the cylinder. Unlike previous studies, a cylinder deflector with the wake splitter plate will be utilized instead of the conventional deflectors to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine by disturbing the wake zone downstream of the deflector. To obtain a more efficient configuration, the effect of the variations of the wake splitter length (Ls/D), attachment angle (θwsp), and the count of wake splitters on the outputs such as generated torque coefficient (Cm), power coefficient (CP), and wake zone on the performance of the Savonius rotor were investigated via Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation. The results revealed that cylinder deflectors with the wake splitter increased the Savonius rotor's performance the most for almost all Tip Speed Ratios (TSRs). The average Cm and CP raised considerably up to 15% using a deflector with two wake splitters at TSR = 0.6 compared to the case without deflectors.

Optimisation of straight plate upstream deflector for the performance enhancement of vertical axis wind turbine at low, medium and high regimes of tip speed ratios

Location and geometry optimisations of Straight Plate Upstream Deflector (SPUD) for performance enhancement of a three-straightbladed Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) are carried out at three regimes of tip speed ratios (TSRs). Results analysis reveals that SPUD location has significant effect on the power coefficient ( Cp) increment of VAWT. Placing two SPUDs both upward and downward in upstream of VAWT can achieve the highest Cp improvement at all regimes of TSRs. Overall, placing SPUD in upstream of VAWT can improve the Cp value at all regimes of TSRs, but the percentage of improvement can vary. The largest Cp improvement of 126.7% is achieved at low regime of TSRs, while at the medium and high regimes of TSRs, Cp improvements decrease to 52.7% and 52.5%, respectively. Increasing the width of SPUD can increase the average VAWT Cp improvement by 2.83% at all regimes of TSRs.

102 Effects of Cattle Removal Date on Forage Production and Steer Performance in Grazed Cover Crops

Abstract Grazing of cool-season cover crops has been shown to be a viable tool in extending the grazing season while mitigating environmental risks associated with row crop farming systems. Grazing cover crops is not novel, but most information available on this practice focuses on soil health as opposed to forage production and animal performance. The objective was to evaluate the effects of cattle removal date on steer performance, forage yield, and forage quality. Twelve 1.2-ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of ‘Cosaque’ oats (Avena strigose), ‘FL401’ cereal rye (Secale cereale), ‘AU Sunrise’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and ‘T-raptor’ brassica (Brassica napus ×B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed through either mid-February (FEB), mid-March (MAR), or mid-April (APR) with an un-grazed control (CON). Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of CON and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination of average daily gain (ADG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for average yield, NDF, ADF, and CP. All data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). The following data represents the first three years of a four-year project. Differences in yield were detected between CON and FEB (3,913 vs. 2,398 kg/ha; P &amp;lt; 0.001), CON and MAR (3,913 vs. 1,908 kg/ha; P &amp;lt; 0.001), and CON and APR (3,913 vs. 2,126 kg/ha; P &amp;lt; 0.001). A difference in CP was detected between MAR and CON (13.36% vs. 11.78%; P &amp;lt; 0.02). No differences were detected for ADG (1.2 kg/day, P = 0.56), NDF (52.48%, P = 0.99), or ADF (30.82%, P = 0.4) among treatments. These results indicate that grazing will reduce forage yield, but removal date of cattle will not further affect forage yield or steer average daily gain.

Heat Capacity of Drained Peat Soils

Soil-specific heat capacity (cp) and volumetric heat capacity (Cv) are recognized as a fundamental soil property essential for the accurate prediction of soil temperature and heat flow. This study presents the analysis of these thermal properties for drained peat soils in Poland. The objectives of this study were to (i) measure and develop a method for determining cp, (ii) analyze the (Cv) data for undisturbed soil samples from surface layers, and (iii) test the applicability of the cp value for calculating Cv of drained peat soils using the mixing model concept. The cp value was measured under laboratory conditions using a modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) for 18 soil layers sampled in six degraded peat soil profiles. The Cv was estimated for undisturbed triplicate soil samples from the 22 depths (66 samples) by using a dual-needle probe. The cp data for the organic soils were linearly temperature-dependent (MDSC) for the temperature range considered (−20–30 °C). The overall average cp value was equal to 1.202 J g−1 K−1 at a temperature of 0 °C. An increment in temperature of 1 °C corresponded to an increase in cp of 0.0043 J g−1 K−1 on average. Nevertheless, the lowest cp value was obtained for moss samples whereas the highest value represents alder peats. The Cv data measured using the heat thermal probe (HTP) method changed linearly with changes in the soil moisture content (θv) of the moorsh soils. The volumetric heat capacity calculated using the mixing model was comparable to the mean of measured values obtained on the triplicate samples.

Concussion Subtyping in Patients With Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms Using a New Concussion Clinical Profile Screen Tool (CP Screen)

To identify the prevalence of subtypes in Persistent Post Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) and investigate their potential relationships. The CP-Screen is designed to evaluate 5 clinical profiles and 2 modifiers that are predominant within concussion patients. The CP screen includes 29 items that are expressed as weighted outcome scores for each of the 7 concussion subtypes. This was a retrospective-chart review of 1,136 visits for 362 patients with PPCS at a concussion center. Age range was 12-81 and average age was 32, 65.7% were female and 34.3% male. 360 visits were in the 12-21 pediatric age range. Each patient completed an electronic CP-Screen prior to each visit, which was uploaded to the EHR. All patients were seen between October 2020 and April 2021. Overall, the most common subtypes were cognitive (34.0%), neck (17.8%), and mood (16.8%). The highest overall observed subtype average CP symptom score was mood (32.8/89) and the lowest was visual (23.6/89). For pediatric the most common phenotypes were cognitive (36.7%), mood (17.9%), and visual (15.4%). The highest observed pediatric average CP symptom score was mood (30.8/89) and the lowest was sleep (20.1/89). For those with cognitive primary profile, neck and ocular were the most common secondary and tertiary profiles in both groups. Females presented with cognitive, mood, neck as their most common profiles compared to cognitive, neck, ocular in males in both groups. Neck, mood, and visual primary profiles all presented with cognitive fatigue as their secondary profile. CP screen was overall a useful tool in helping identify clinical profiles in PPCS. Cognitive fatigue was a predominant profile in PPCS across all ages and sexes. Those with predominant mood profiles presented with the highest symptom scores. Mood profile was more predominant in females. Cognitive primary profile was found to be most linked to cervical, mood, and visual profiles.

Synergetic enhancement of heat storage density and heat transport ability of phase change materials inlaid in 3D hierarchical ceramics

Phase change materials (PCMs) based thermal energy storage techniques are promising to bridge the gap between thermal energy demand and intermittent supply. However, the low specific heat capacity (Cp) and thermal conductivity of PCMs preclude the simultaneous realization of high energy density and high power density thermal charging/discharging. Here, concurrent enhancement of Cp and thermal conductivity are demonstrated to be possible based on SiO2 nanoparticles decorated LiNO3/NaCl eutectics inlaid in three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical ultralight silicon carbide (SiC) foams. The average Cp is 4.86% higher than that of pure PCMs due to the high surface energy and interfacial thermal resistance induced by weak interaction between SiO2 nanoparticles and eutectics, as confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The thermal conductivity of composites achieves an ultrahigh value of 2.78 W·m−1·K−1, which is 259% of LiNO3/NaCl, accompanied with a large phase change enthalpy of 331.9 kJ/kg. Continuous heat transport paths provided by ultralight SiC foams have dominant contributions to the enhancement of thermal conductivity, although the presence of SiO2 nanoparticles deteriorates it slightly. In addition, the full-spectrum solar absorptance is enhanced from 25.2% to 76.3%. Rapid thermal transport and enhanced solar absorptance of composites enable heat charging rate to rise by 150% compared with SiO2 nanoparticles decorated eutectics. This work provides a strategy for the realization of high energy density and power density compatible thermal energy storage technology.