Energy Supplementation Research Articles

Investigation of scalable chiral metamaterial beams for combined stiffness and supplemental energy dissipation

Abstract Metamaterials have gained important interest in the research community attributable to advances in additive manufacturing enabling their fabrication at reasonable costs. The vast majority of their applications and demonstrations are at micro- and nano-scales, and challenges remained regarding the larger scale applications. In this paper, we are interested by the scalability of metamaterials, targeting structural engineering applications. To do so, we explore mechanisms capable of providing both bending stiffness and high-performance energy dissipation. Our study includes beams constructed with chiral topologies of different structural hierarchy orders, and we also explore three new topologies that we termed chiral friction, chiral-rectangular and chiral-hexagonal design to engineer the beams and the use of friction rods with tunable post-stress that inserted longitudinally through the beams to provide enhanced friction. The mechanical performance of the metamaterial beams is characterized through a series three-point bending tests. Of interest is to evaluate the bending stiffness, shape recoverability, and energy dissipation capabilities. We find that the chiral-hexagonal topology equipped with a non-stressed friction rod exhibit excellent energy dissipation capabilities, showing an improved loss factor by 11.9 times compared to the control beam using 68% of its materials density. Moreover, the use of the post-stress mechanism shows that it is possible to augment both its shape recovery and bending stiffness up to 99.3% and 47.1%, respectively. Overall, our investigation shows that it is possible to engineer scalable metamaterial beams targeting structural engineering applications, and that the use of topology optimization and strategically designed post-tensioning mechanism can allow tuning of mechanical performance.

Recovering Low-Grade Heat from Flue Gas in a Coal-Fired Thermal Power Unit

To achieve the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the retrofitting of existing coal-fired power plants is crucial to achieving energy-saving and emission reduction goals. A conventional recovery system of waste heat typically occurs downstream of the air preheater, where the energy quality in flue gas is low, resulting in limited coal-saving benefits. This study proposes a scheme involving a flue gas exchanger bypassing the air preheater and low-temperature economizers, which is used to transfer the waste heat from flue gas to primary and secondary air (System I). Additionally, a heat pump can be introduced to provide supplementary energy for primary and secondary air, as well as the condensate from the steam turbine (System II). The coal consumption rate and exergy efficiency are used to evaluate the two schemes. The results show that both waste heat recovery systems can increase the power output of the coal-fired unit by recovering waste heat. System II can boost power output by approximately 13.98 MW. The power increase in both waste heat recovery systems show a declining trend as the unit load decreases. This increased power is primarily attributed to the medium- and low-pressure cylinders, while the contributions from ultra-high-pressure and high-pressure cylinders are negligible. The increased power output for the medium-pressure cylinder ranges from approximately 3.49 to 3.58 MW, while the low-pressure cylinder has an increased power output of around 10.10 to 10.19 MW. The coal consumption rate is decreased from 250.3 g/(kW·h) to 247.5 g/(kW·h) under a full load condition for both systems, which can be augmented at lower load conditions. System II outperforms System I at 30% load condition, achieving a reduced coal consumption rate of 3.36 g/(kW·h). System I has an exergy efficiency of 40%, while System II shows a higher efficiency of 44%.

Optimizing Energy and Protein Contents in A Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala lam.) Leaf-Based Concentrate for Dairy Goats Fed Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum schumach) Basal Diet in Kenya

Dairy goats provide food and financial security through their milk and meat. The main basal diet for confined dairy goats in Kenya is Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). However, optimal milk production is hampered by the high cost of protein and energy supplements that are required while feeding the grass. The protein supplement affordability is of greater limitation among farmers, therefore use of protein-rich forages in a supplement can lower the concentrate cost. Information on the optimal protein and energy inclusion levels in a forage-based concentrate for dairy goats is hardly available in Kenya. A study was therefore conducted whereby Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) leaf hay was used as the main protein source in four concentrates formulated with crude protein (CP) content (gkg-1) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels (MJkg-1), respectively, of: 135, 12; 160, 10; 185, 8; and 210, 6; respectively. A fifth supplement was formulated, representing the commonly used cattle dairy meal (160 g CPkg-1 DM and 10 MJ MEkg-1 DM, respectively), using commercial sunflower seedcake as a protein source. The concentrates were fed at 300 gday-1 to lactating Toggenburg dairy goats on Napier grass basal diet, in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. The total dry matter intake by the goats was 1.059-1.128 kg DM/goat day-1, with a milk production of 221.3-285.5 mL/goat day-1. It was concluded that the appropriate CP and ME levels in the Leucaena-based concentrate are 135 gkg-1 DM and 12 MJkg-1 DM, respectively. It was recommended that other protein-rich forages be explored

Mitochondrial non-energetic function and embryonic cardiac development.

The initial contraction of the heart during the embryonic stage necessitates a substantial energy supply, predominantly derived from mitochondrial function. However, during embryonic heart development, mitochondria influence beyond energy supplementation. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and closing, mitochondrial fusion and fission, mitophagy, reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis regulation, Ca2+ homeostasis, and cellular redox state also play critical roles in early cardiac development. Therefore, this review aims to describe the essential roles of mitochondrial non-energetic function embryonic cardiac development.

Composition and Quality of Honey Bee Feed: The Methodology and Monitoring of Candy Boards.

The nutritional status of a honey bee colony is recognized as a key factor in ensuring a healthy hive. A deficient flow of nectar and pollen in the honey bee colony immediately affects its development, making room for pathogen proliferation and, consequently, for a reduction in the activities and strength of the colony. It is, therefore, urgent for the beekeepers to use more food supplements and/or substitutes in apiary management, allowing them to address colony nutritional imbalances according to the beekeeper's desired results. In this context, the commercial market for beekeeping products is growing rapidly due to low regulation of animal food products and the beekeeper's willingness to guarantee healthy colonies. There are numerous products (bee food additives) currently available on the worldwide market, with a highly variable and sometimes even undefined composition, claiming a set of actions at the level of brood stimulation, energy supplementation, queen rearing support, reduction of Varroa reproduction levels, improvement of the intestinal microflora of bees, Nosema prevention, and improvement of the health of honey bee colonies infested by American foulbrood, among others. To address this issue, the members of the COLOSS (Honey Bee Research Association) NUTRITION Task Force are proposing, for the first time, action on honey bee feed control and monitoring. In our common study, we focused on candy board composition and quality parameters. For that, a selected number of commercial candy boards usually found in Europe were analyzed in terms of water and ash content, pH, acidity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, sugars, C3-C4 sugar origin, and texture. Results revealed differences between the values found and the ones displayed on the label, demonstrating the need for regulation of the quality of these products.

A thermodynamic approach to evaluating the ecological health and sustainability of integrated production systems in Goharkuh Taftan agro-industrial complex and sensitivity analysis of the results

In recent times, the increasing influx of energy inputs into farming systems has led to a significant enhancement in their overall efficiency. However, this has happened at the expense of endangering the sustainability of these systems and degrading the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a methodology to evaluate the resilience of agricultural systems. This study utilised the Steinborn and Svirezhev methodology to assess five different production systems (wheat, barley, alfalfa, cotton, and Pistachio) within the Goharkuh Taftan agro-industrial complex. The approach measures the excessive production of entropy, which acts as an indicator of the system's departure from sustainability. The study focuses on four components: overproduction of entropy, limit energy load, maximum crop yield for sustainable agriculture, and deviation from sustainable agriculture. The results indicated that the production systems analysed in this study produce surplus entropy, thus rendering them in an unstable condition. Among all the products, alfalfa had the lowest entropy overproduction, while pistachio had the highest. The three agricultural commodities, namely wheat, barley, and cotton, are situated at a point equidistant from the two opposite ends. Alfalfa has shown greater energy use efficiency compared to pistachios. It surpasses the maximum crop yield for sustainable agriculture and has less deviation from sustainable agriculture than other integrated production systems. The differences in the intensity of energy flow and the structural characteristics of the integrated production systems were responsible for the variations in the values of the examined components. Nevertheless, none of these solutions are sustainable in the long term. An analysis of the energy inputs and components of the harvest index revealed the importance of implementing management techniques that decrease the intensity of energy flows into these systems and enhance the harvest index to attain a sustainable state. Integrating supplementary renewable energy sources will bolster the long-term sustainability of production systems.

Mathematical modeling for the production performance of cyclic multi-thermal fluid stimulation process in layered heavy oil reservoirs

Multi-thermal fluid (MTF), with a unique thermophysical characteristics, has been widely applied in the enhanced heavy oil recovery processes. Especially for the layered heavy oil reservoirs, MTF shows more attractive than the conventional saturated steam. In this study, we propose an improved mathematical model for the production performance of cyclic MTF stimulation process in layered heavy oil reservoirs. In this model, based on a three-zone assumption, we first derive a productivity model for the thermal-fluids huff-n-puff process in layered heavy oil reservoirs. Thereafter, considering the typical EOR mechanisms of non-condensable gases in MTF, the viscosity reduction effect caused by CO2 dissolution and the effect of formation energy supplement caused by N2 are mathematically described. Simultaneously, because of the nonlinear temperature spreading behavior in the formation, an MTFs flooding experiment is also performed to characterize the effect. Meanwhile, a heating radius model with the consideration of steam overlap effect is also involved in our model. Then, the calculation results are compared against the results of a commercial simulator to confirm the accuracy, while a sensitivity analysis on the reservoir and operation parameters is performed. This paper provides a quick estimation approach for the productivity of cyclic MTF stimulation process in layered heavy oil reservoirs.

Non‐linear coordinated control of LPMG‐based direct drive wave energy conversion system with supplementary energy storage system based on feedback linearization

AbstractThe linear permanent magnet generator (LPMG)‐based direct drive wave energy conversion system (DDWECS) works under perpetual fluctuations of ocean waves. Short‐term energy storage, such as electrochemical energy storage, is usually adopted in a supplementary energy storage system (SESS) to buffer power fluctuations. Since the investigated DDWECS consists of various non‐linear components such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)‐based power electronic converters, the unremitting changes of system working conditions caused by ocean wave effects will degrade the dynamic performance with conventional linear controllers which are implemented via local linearization around a single working condition. This paper proposes the multiple feedback linearization based non‐linear coordinated control (MFLNCC) scheme for coordinating non‐linear plants in DDWECS with SESS such as the machine‐side converter (MSC), the grid‐side converter (GSC) and DC/DC converter in SESS. The enhanced dynamic performance of the proposed MFLNCC in DDWECS with SESS is validated under different scenarios.

PSIII-4 Exploring the behavioral effects of glycerol supplementation in ruminally cannulated cows grazing wheat pasture

Abstract Energy intake and metabolism have a key role in the control of dry matter intake (DMI), fermentation processes, and grazing behavior of beef cattle, and is likely affected by intertwined relationships between forage availability and stage of maturity, offering of energy supplements and climate- and animal-related factors. Ruminally cannulated mixed-breed nonlactating cows [n = 9; initial body weight (BW) = 564.4 ± 101.6 kg] grazing wheat pasture were used in a split-plot design with the objectives of evaluating the effects crude glycerine supplementation and forage maturity on grazing behavior. Treatment was the main plot, and stage of forage maturity was the subplot. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and crude glycerine supplementation (SUP). Crude glycerol (37.2% glycerol, DM basis) was offered at 0.11% of BW (DM basis) and dosed intraruminally via rumen cannula at 0700 and 1900 h daily. The stages of wheat pasture maturity were March (MAR; vegetative stage) and April (APR; early reproductive stage). All cows were fitted with LoRa WAN tracking collars, housing GPS and triaxial accelerometers and allowing real-time inspection of cow position and activity data through time. Hourly (d 10 and 23) and daily change of walking distance (m), activity index and budget for grazing, resting, and walking time (min) were analyzed with a repeated measure mixed model for the split-plot design. Walking distance (1,200 ± 13 m), activity index (10,006 ± 122), resting time (607 ± 5 min), grazing time (662 ± 8 min) and walking time (171 ± 8 min) were not affected (P ≥ 0.52) by crude glycerine supplementation or by stage of forage maturity (P ≥ 0.07), but varied (P < 0.001) by day and by hour of day, likely indicating circadian effects on meal frequency and duration associated with the hour of the day and forage depletion through time. Grazing behavior was more likely affected by climate, pasture, animal, and management variables and less affected by GLY dose. Results indicate that crude glycerine may be used in supplements for cattle grazing wheat pasture to increase energy intake and without adversely creating associative or substitution effects, grazing behavior or sacrificing pasture utilization.

Changes in the Fatty Acid Composition of Vegetable Oils Affect the Feeding Behavior, Feed Preference, and Thermoregulatory Responses of Sheep

This research evaluated the effects of energy supplementation on sheep’s feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses using technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and different vegetable oils with different unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compositions. The experiment was completely randomized with five treatments: a mixture of CNSL (0.5%) + vegetable oils [canola (high in monounsaturated fatty acids—MUFA), and corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oil (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids-PUFA) at 1.5%] based on total diet dry matter, with eight replications. Forty uncastrated male sheep, with an average initial BW of 24.44 ± 1.5 kg, were evaluated for 70 days. The CNSL + vegetable oil blend did not affect DM and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (p > 0.05). However, diets with canola oil resulted in higher SFA intake (p < 0.05) than other oils. The canola oil + CNSL blend led to a higher intake of UFA and MUFA and lower PUFA intake than other oil blends (p < 0.05). Sheep fed canola oil ruminated fewer boli per day than those fed soybean and sunflower oils. Using three sieves (pef1.18) reflected in higher sheep aNDF intake. Respiratory frequency and surface temperature of sheep were lower before feeding than 3 h after, without effects of the type of oil. Higher serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were observed in sheep fed CNSL with corn and canola oils compared to other oils. Serum calcium was lower in sheep fed CNSL with soybean and canola compared to sunflower and corn. Including CNSL with vegetable oils with different FA compositions did not affect physiological and thermographic variables. However, sheep showed better diet selectivity and lower bolus rumination with higher MUFA (canola oil) content. Including CNSL with canola oil in sheep diets is recommended, as it increases dietary energy content, enhances diet selectivity, reduces PUFA intake, and does not impact animal health.

Modification to traditional vertical axis wind turbine system to implement permanent magnet propelling phenomenon as measure of performance enhancement

The environmentally friendly, easily available and affordable alternative energy sources are one of the important requirements for the growth of the modern world. This research work explains how the magnetic repulsion characteristics of permanent magnets could be used as the energy source to meet energy demands. The wok is carried out on the permanent magnet propelled vertical axis wind turbine and its performance is compared with the traditional vertical axis wind turbine. The results show that the permanent magnet propelled wind turbine will function much better than the traditional one, even at slower wind speeds. The magnetic repulsive properties are used as a supplementary energy source in a permanent magnet propelled vertical axis wind turbine, which add kinetic energy to the turbine’s rotational momentum, while transforming wind power to mechanical movement.

Study on dynamic imbibition mechanism of matrix-fracture in three dimensions tight sandstone based on level set method

Tight oil reservoirs require fracturing techniques to create complex fracture networks for efficient development. It is frequently accompanied by a dynamic matrix-fracture imbibition process, promoting enhanced recovery. At present, the mechanism of three dimensions (3D) matrix-fracture dynamic imbibition at the pore scale has not been fully elucidated. In this paper, the dynamic imbibition process of oil-water two phases in matrix-fracture was simulated based on the Navier–Stokes equations, and the level set method was used to capture the real-time interfacial changes between the two phases. It was found that during matrix-fracture dynamic imbibition process, oil-phase droplets in a single pore remain in the pore mainly due to the “stuck” effect. Cluster residual oil in the pore space is mainly retained due to the “flow around” effect. Continuous residual oil in the deeper regions of the matrix is due to insufficient capillary force. Water phase in the micro-confinement space of a tight reservoir intrudes into the pore space along the pore corners, forming the “fingering” phenomenon is beneficial for enhancing the efficiency of micro-dynamic imbibition. It differs from cognition obtained in the micro-view space during conventional water flooding. The enhancement of imbibition efficiency is often accompanied by the occurrence of fluctuations in the average pressure within the matrix. Therefore, a method involving impulse type of high-frequency and short-period for supplemental energy and imbibition is suggested to enhance recovery in tight sandstone reservoirs. This study reveals the detailed mechanisms of oil-water two-phase transport at different stages in the dynamic imbibition process and holds significant guiding implications for enhancing recovery in this type of reservoirs.

Light energy harvested flexible wireless sensing for disinfection sterilization in food storage

Cold chain logistics involves all aspects of food storage, transport, and sales. This study focuses on innovating cold storage disinfection within this context. Regular disinfection reduces microorganism growth, improves food quality, and ensures safety. Traditional methods lack automation, accurate monitoring, and responsive control. Conventional sensors are unsuitable for curved bottles and need frequent power changes. This paper proposes a light energy harvested flexible wireless sensing for disinfection sterilization in food storage (FLWDS). FLWDS comprises five parts: light energy harvesting and power supply node (LEPN), sensing node, control node, monitoring node, and host computer. A predictive control model improves response speed and accuracy. Bluetooth technology ensures real-time communication between nodes. FLWDS collects light energy inside the cold store as a supplementary energy source and can be used in curved structures with a response time of less than 1 s. The maximum communication distance is 40 m. The flexible level sensing system can be designed according to the induction pad’s length, with a measurement accuracy of 0.3 mm, sampling every 4.8 ms, and a resolution of 0.2 mm. FLWDS provides self-powered flexible wireless sensing, ensuring accurate liquid level measurement, improved food quality, reduced pollution, and increased sustainability.

Unveiling the microstructure evolution and the short-time tensile creep behavior in the CuCrZr alloy

The creep behavior of the CuCrZr alloy, used in the combustion chamber wall of reusable launch vehicles, was investigated at 600-700 K and 150–250 MPa. Results demonstrate significant differences in the creep behavior, microstructure evolution including texture component, dislocation configurations and cavities at 600 K and 700 K, particularly at 250 MPa. At 600 K, the creep life exceeds 400 h, while at 700 K it drops below 0.5 h. The texture components evolved at 600 K-250 MPa are more balanced between hard texture (Brass texture) and soft texture (Goss texture and R-Goss texture). The texture components at 700 K-250 MPa are integrally biased toward the soft texture, implying that it is favorable to accelerate creep strain. The introduced high-density dislocations before creep act as an effective barrier to impede the motion of dislocations at 600 K, inducing long-time dynamic balance of work hardening and recovery softening, while the pre-creep dense dislocations act as an energy supplement at 700 K, promoting that recovery softening dominates the creep process. The dense dislocations can provide energetic support for cavity nucleation.

Assessing supplementing strategies for beef cattle in a bale grazing system using grass hay during variable winter conditions

IntroductionBeef cattle in the Northern Great Plains of the United States of America are normally kept in open dry lot pens in winter. Practices such as bale grazing, swath grazing, stockpiling, and corn residue grazing, can be used to extend the grazing season and minimize dry lot use. Extending the grazing season has several advantages over dry lot use but arguably the most important benefit is cost savings due to lower labor and input costs. Strategies selected to supplement cattle in extended grazing systems should maintain cost savings while providing required nutrients to cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate supplementing strategies for beef cattle in a bale grazing system using grass hay during variable winter conditions. The study was conducted across variable winter conditions that are encountered in winters in the US Northern Great Plains.MethodsThe study extended over four years. Each year, non-lactating pregnant beef cows (n = 64, year 1; n = 80, year 2, 3, 4) were divided into eight groups of similar average body weight and randomly assigned to one of four bale grazing treatments as follows: a) bale grazing grass hay, b) bale grazing grass hay treated with a liquid supplement, c) bale grazing grass hay and alfalfa hay, and d) bale grazing grass hay and plus 1.8 kg corn DDGS/head/day. Animal performance was assessed from two-day body weights and body condition scores taken at the start and end of the study. Data analysis considered the fixed effects of treatment, year, and treatment x year interaction.ResultsFinal BW tended (P = 0.09) to be greatest following corn DDGS supplementation and lowest when grass hay was offered. The treatment strategy x year interaction (P = 0.026) for ADG showed that corn DDGS supplementation resulted in positive ADG across the years regardless of environmental conditions. Liquid or alfalfa hay supplementation resulted in positive ADG when environmental conditions were favorable. Final BCS (P = 0.005) and BCS change (P = 0.004) were greater following corn DDGS supplementation, intermediate following alfalfa hay or liquid supplementation and lowest when grass hay was fed. Supplementation costs ranged from $1.33 to $1.90/head/day, the highest cost occurred with corn DDGS supplementation mainly due to cost of corn DDGS and labor required to deliver corn DDGS to cattle on pasture.DiscussionAlfalfa hay or molasses-based liquids increased diet CP content but did not supply adequate energy in severely cold winters. Despite relatively higher supplement costs, high energy supplements such as corn DDGS may be required in severely cold winters where cattle require extra energy. Supplement selection should consider supplement effectiveness to meet animal nutrient requirements particularly in adverse winter conditions such as those encountered in the US Northern Great Plains.

Analysis of asynchronous/inter-fracture injection-production mechanism under the condition of five-spot vertical and horizontal well combination in low permeability oil reservoirs

At present, low permeability resources are the focus of the development of petroleum industry. In this paper, firstly, the oil displacement mechanism under the condition of vertical and horizontal well combination is clarified. Secondly, the difference of the mechanism of enhancing oil recovery between asynchronous and inter-fracture injection and production is revealed. Thirdly, the difference of energy supplement mechanism between huff and puff and displacement is compared and analyzed. Results show that: (a) with asynchronous injection-production development, the oil saturation drop around the water injection well is greater than that of periodic injection-production and synchronous injection-production. (b) Under the dual effects of water injection pressure difference and capillary force, part of the injected water enters the reservoir with relatively small pore channels, expanding the swept volume. (c) In the soak stage of asynchronous injection-production development, capillary force is the main control factor of oil-water permeability, and its size determines the permeability level. (d) The injected water first flows through the large channel and then flows into small channel to complete the imbibition and replacement. (e) The flow field of asynchronous injection-production has a large sweep range, which is conducive to improving oil recovery.

Microbial assemblages and associated biogeochemical processes in Lake Bonney, a permanently ice-covered lake in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

BackgroundLake Bonney, which is divided into a west lobe (WLB) and an east lobe (ELB), is a perennially ice-covered lake located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Despite previous reports on the microbial community dynamics of ice-covered lakes in this region, there is a paucity of information on the relationship between microbial genomic diversity and associated nutrient cycling. Here, we applied gene- and genome-centric approaches to investigate the microbial ecology and reconstruct microbial metabolic potential along the depth gradient in Lake Bonney.ResultsLake Bonney is strongly chemically stratified with three distinct redox zones, yielding different microbial niches. Our genome enabled approach revealed that in the sunlit and relatively freshwater epilimnion, oxygenic photosynthetic production by the cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena and a diversity of protists and microalgae may provide new organic carbon to the environment. CO-oxidizing bacteria, such as Acidimicrobiales, Nanopelagicales, and Burkholderiaceae were also prominent in the epilimnion and their ability to oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide may serve as a supplementary energy conservation strategy. In the more saline metalimnion of ELB, an accumulation of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus supports photosynthesis despite relatively low light levels. Conversely, in WLB the release of organic rich subglacial discharge from Taylor Glacier into WLB would be implicated in the possible high abundance of heterotrophs supported by increased potential for glycolysis, beta-oxidation, and glycoside hydrolase and may contribute to the growth of iron reducers in the dark and extremely saline hypolimnion of WLB. The suboxic and subzero temperature zones beneath the metalimnia in both lobes supported microorganisms capable of utilizing reduced nitrogens and sulfurs as electron donors. Heterotrophs, including nitrate reducing sulfur oxidizing bacteria, such as Acidimicrobiales (MAG72) and Salinisphaeraceae (MAG109), and denitrifying bacteria, such as Gracilimonas (MAG7), Acidimicrobiales (MAG72) and Salinisphaeraceae (MAG109), dominated the hypolimnion of WLB, whereas the environmental harshness of the hypolimnion of ELB was supported by the relatively low in metabolic potential, as well as the abundance of halophile Halomonas and endospore-forming Virgibacillus.ConclusionsThe vertical distribution of microbially driven C, N and S cycling genes/pathways in Lake Bonney reveals the importance of geochemical gradients to microbial diversity and biogeochemical cycles with the vertical water column.

Consuming Whey Protein with Added Essential Amino Acids, not Carbohydrate, Maintains Post-Exercise Anabolism while Underfed.

Energy deficiency decreases muscle protein synthesis (MPS), possibly due to greater whole-body essential amino acid (EAA) requirements and reliance on energy stores. Whether energy deficit-induced anabolic resistance is overcome with non-nitrogenous supplemental energy or if increased energy as EAA is needed is unclear. We tested the effects of energy as EAA or carbohydrate, combined with an EAA-enriched whey protein, on post-exercise MPS (%/h) and whole-body protein turnover (g protein/240 min). 17 adults (mean ± SD; age: 26 ± 6 y, BMI: 25 ± 3 kg/m2) completed a randomized, parallel study including two 5-d energy conditions (BAL, energy balance; DEF, -30 ± 3% energy requirements) separated by ≥7 d. Volunteers consumed EAA-enriched whey with added EAA (+EAA; 304 kcal, 56 g protein, 48 g EAA, 17 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat; n = 8) or added carbohydrate (+CHO; 311 kcal, 34 g protein, 24 g EAA, 40 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat; n = 9) following exercise. MPS and whole-body protein synthesis (PS), breakdown (PB), and net balance (NET; PS-PB) were estimated postexercise with isotope kinetics. MPS rates were greater in +EAA (0.083 ± 0.02) than +CHO (0.059 ± 0.01; P = 0.015) during DEF, but similar during BAL (P = 0.45) and across energy conditions within treatments (P = 0.056). PS rates were greater for +EAA (BAL, 117.9 ± 16.5; DEF, 110.3 ± 14.8) than +CHO (BAL, 81.6 ± 8.0; DEF, 83.8 ± 5.9 g protein/240 min; both P < 0.001), and greater during BAL than DEF in +EAA (P = 0.045). PB rates were less in +EAA (8.0 ± 16.5) than +CHO (37.8 ± 7.6 g protein/240 min; P < 0.001), and NET was greater in +EAA (106.1 ± 6.3) than +CHO (44.8 ± 8.5 g protein/240 min; P < 0.001). These data suggest that supplementing EAA-enriched whey protein with more energy as EAA, not carbohydrate, maintains postexercise MPS during energy deficit at rates comparable to those observed during energy balance.

Impact of refrigerant undercharge faults on building indoor conditions and HVAC system operation in residential Buildings: A simulation study

This study investigates the impact of refrigerant undercharge on indoor temperature and HVAC system performance in residential buildings. Simulation models for typical residential buildings in Orlando, FL and Indianapolis, IN were developed using the ResStock database. A refrigerant undercharge fault model was then applied to the simulations with varying levels of fault intensity. The paper offers an extensive analysis, revealing that variations in supply air temperature, equipment runtime, and cooling energy consumption due to the level of refrigerant undercharge faults are notably significant on a summer representative day. Similarly, on a winter representative day, changes in supply air temperature and runtime are significant as well as changes in supplemental heat energy consumption. We find that occupants may remain oblivious to these faults during the cooling season, particularly when the HVAC system is oversized; in that case, supply air temperature data could help detect a fault. Another challenge is that during the heating season, when the supplemental heater operates, it is difficult to identify a refrigerant undercharge fault using only indoor and supply air temperature data. This study finds that supply air temperature, equipment runtime, and supplemental heater energy consumption data can help in detecting refrigerant undercharge faults.

Simulation of thermodynamic systems in calcium-based chemical looping gasification of municipal solid waste for hydrogen-rich syngas production

This study explores calcium-based chemical looping gasification (CLG) as a method for managing municipal solid waste (MSW), with a focus on converting MSW into hydrogen-rich syngas. The innovative CS-MgO-ZrO2 calcium-based sorbent has been identified as optimal, facilitating fluidization crucial for operational stability and economic feasibility. Key discoveries include heightened H2 concentration and CO2 capture efficiency under specific operational parameters (4000 kg/h solid flow rate, 6000 kg/h steam flow rate), despite diminished H2 production at carbon conversion rates (≥0.80). Below 0.38 carbon conversion rates, a syngas injection ratio of 0.18, and oxygen flow rates >1200 kg/h induce spontaneous reactor heating, compromising efficiency and escalating costs. Furthermore, utilizing syngas in the regenerator ensures self-sufficiency and supplementary thermal energy, thereby reducing dependence on external energy sources. This research addresses critical deficiencies in waste-to-energy technologies, emphasizing potential strides in sustainable municipal waste management and energy generation.