Trailing End Research Articles

Effects of mandarin peel powder on growth, biochemical, immune, and intestinal health in Oreochromis niloticus at suboptimal temperatures

This 60-day study aimed to examine the efficacy of a diet supplemented with mandarin peel powder (MP) in enhancing the health and survival of Oreochromis niloticus under suboptimal temperature conditions (21 ℃). One hundred and eighty Nile tilapia fish (22.51 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into four experimental groups; each of 3 replicates (15 fish per replicate). The first group (CONT) received a basal diet without MP. The second (MP10%), third (MP15%), and fourth (MP20%) groups were fed diets containing 10, 15, and 20% MP powder, respectively. At the end of the feeding trail, growth performance, serum growth hormone, α-amylase enzyme, lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, protease activity, globulin, serum levels of IL-1ß, antioxidant status, and intestinal histology were measured. The results showed insignificant differences between CONT, MP15%, and MP20% groups in the final body weight and specific growth rate. The growth hormones in the MP15% and MP20% groups did not show a significant difference compared to fish fed a normal basal diet (CONT). However, the amylase enzymes were significantly greater in both groups. The MP20% and MP15% groups showed a significant increase in antioxidant, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and protease activities compared to CONT. The results also showed that fish that were fed a diet with MP had significantly less of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta, and their intestinal villi got wider, especially in the MP20% group. It could be concluded that feeding tilapia on a diet with 20% MP is an effective strategy to improve their health when the temperature is below 21 °C. This is because the fish exhibit higher levels of antioxidant activity, reduced pro-inflammatory responses, and improved intestinal health without difference in the growth performance in compared to control group.

Influence of source parameters on the longitudinal phase-space distribution of a pulsed cryogenic beam of barium fluoride molecules

Recently, we have demonstrated a method to record the longitudinal phase-space distribution of a pulsed cryogenic buffer gas cooled beam of barium fluoride molecules with high resolution. In this paper, we use this method to determine the influence of various source parameters. Besides the expected dependence on temperature and pressure, the forward velocity of the molecules is strongly correlated with the time they exit the cell, revealing the dynamics of the gas inside the cell. Three observations are particularly noteworthy: (1) The velocity of the barium fluoride molecules increases rapidly as a function of time, reaches a maximum 50–200 µs after the ablation pulse and then decreases exponentially. We attribute this to the buffer gas being heated up by the plume of hot atoms released from the target by the ablation pulse and subsequently being cooled down via conduction to the cell walls. (2) The time constant associated with the exponentially decreasing temperature increases when the source is used for a longer period of time, which we attribute to the formation of a layer of isolating dust on the walls of the cell. By thoroughly cleaning the cell, the time constant is reset to its initial value. (3) The velocity of the molecules at the trailing end of the molecular pulse depends on the length of the cell. For short cells, the velocity is significantly higher than expected from the sudden freeze model. We attribute this to the target remaining warm over the duration of the molecular pulse giving rise to a temperature gradient within the cell. Our observations will help to optimize the source parameters for producing the most intense molecular beam at the target velocity.

The role of dietary Clostridium autoethanogenum protein in the growth, disease resistance, intestinal health and transcriptome response of Pacific white shrimp under different stocking densities

With the rapid development of intensive farming mode and the high price of fishmeal (FM), finding alternatives to FM and exploring the application under different stocking densities has become a focus of current research in aquaculture. In this research, the ability of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to utilize Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) at different stocking densities was investigated from the aspects of growth, disease resistance, intestinal health and transcriptome response. A 3 × 2 factorial design stocking experiment was conducted, using L. vannamei fed diets of two protein sources (FM and CAP) at three stocking densities with 100 per m3 (low, LSD), 200 per m3 (medium, MSD) and 300 per m3 (high, HSD) for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trail, the growth performance and the resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus of shrimp decreased with the increase of stocking density, and dietary CAP could promote the effects at the same stocking density when compared with the FM group, with more notable enhancement effect at high stocking density was observed. There was a significant interaction between stocking density and protein source on the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LYS), amylase and lipase, most of which were significantly different between CAP and FM groups only at high stocking density. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that dietary CAP increased the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota, inhibited the colonization of pathogenic bacteria and enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Transcriptomics results showed that DEGs in the FM vs CAP group at the same stocking densities were mainly enriched in immune and metabolism-related pathways including Toll and Imd, PI3K-Akt, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlation between the top ten intestinal bacteria at the genus level and markedly enriched DEGs, also more were detected under high density situations. In conclusion, dietary CAP could not only promote the growth of shrimp, but also improves the immunity and metabolism, and maintains the intestinal health of shrimp when compared with dietary FM, along with more pronounced improvement effect at high-density stocking. The results implied that CAP had a great potential as a novel protein source in shrimp intensive aquaculture.

Numerical Study of Eccentric Jet Impingement Cooling on a Heated Cylindrical Surface

Abstract This article presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of the effects of cooling a cylinder using an eccentric slot jet impingement cooling (SJIC). The study focuses on examining the thermal and fluid behavior when the slot jet is offcenter, during impingement cooling. Several turbulence models from the k–ε and k–ω families were compared by evaluating the local Nusselt number profiles at different locations around the cylinder, and these results were compared to experimental data. The findings indicate that the SST k–ω model outperforms the other turbulence models in estimating the Nusselt number in the stagnation region, while the standard k–ω model shows improved performance elsewhere on the cylinder. Furthermore, this study reveals a decrease in the maximum local Nusselt number and a shift in the direction of the nozzle displacement. The presence of swirling/recirculating fluid at the trailing end of the cylinder enhances heat transfer near the back end of the cylinder. The separation and the reattachment of the fluid stream differ depending on the Reynolds number, with low Reynolds numbers resulting in reattachment on the side of the slot jet and higher Reynolds numbers leading to reattachment in the opposite direction. Additionally, the length of the recirculation and swirling zones increases as the nozzle-to-cylinder spacing (H/S) increases. However, as the eccentricity (E/S) increases, the size of the swirl circulation zones decreases and completely vanishes for E/S = 4. This study provides valuable insights for optimal cooling design.

Interpretation of large‐scale, long‐term electrical geophysical monitoring guided by a process simulation

AbstractSurface electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used at a waste site to monitor vadose zone changes in electrical properties as a proxy for contaminant flux over a span of 17 years. The BC Cribs and Trenches (BCCT) site at the Hanford site contains 20 disposal trenches and six disposal cribs. Wastes include a large inventory of technetium‐99 and large masses of nitrate and uranium‐238. ERT data were collected along 41 profiles in 2005 to characterize regions of elevated bulk electrical conductivity (BEC) associated with past liquid waste discharges. Previous analyses performed on samples from four boreholes showed a high correlation between nitrate concentration and BEC. In 2022, ERT data were re‐collected along the same profiles and six additional profiles in an area not previously surveyed. Compared to background uncontaminated areas, BEC was higher in contaminated areas at the waste sites. Given the correlation between nitrate concentration and BEC previously found at this site, ERT images show the spatial distribution and relative ionic concentration of vadose zone contaminants at BCCT. Between 2005 and 2022, ERT difference images showed a decrease in BEC surrounding most waste sites, with exceptions where there were known anthropogenic surface changes. An evaluation of recharge‐driven nitrate migration using synthetic flow and transport simulations showed that downward migration causes a decrease in BEC from the decrease in ionic strength at the trailing end of the plume where contaminants migrated downward. From this, we interpret ERT difference images as showing the predominant regions of downward ion flux.

DESIGN AND MULTI-PERSPECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS ON THE AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE FACTORS OF CONVENTIONAL AND ADVANCED UAV’S MICRO GAS-TURBINE ENGINE NOZZLES THROUGH VALIDATED CFD APPROACH

This paper describes the internal flow behaviors, aerodynamic performance effects, noise reduction techniques, and structural characteristic study on micro gas-turbine engine (MGTE) nozzles for small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Firstly, the primary purpose is to obtain the aerodynamic performance, aeroacoustic, and structural parameters of the nozzle when applied to the MGTE. A baseline MGTE convergent nozzle is investigated on aeroacoustics and structural characteristics. Secondly, the baseline design is implemented with noise reducers, which include notches, a step-back airfoil, and nature-inspired notches. The notch initiates small disturbances on the surface of the jet plume and deforms the shear behind the nozzle, which in turn causes suppression in the jet mixing noise. Thirdly, the step-back airfoil is used in the nozzle's trailing end to optimize the flow at the exit. This causes turbulence and flow separation at the steps located at 50% of the chord length. Here, the step-back airfoil is done with a NACA0018-based configuration. Fourthly, nature-inspired notches impose computational performances on the aerodynamic factors, so the variations are noted. The notch, airfoil, and nature-inspired notch counts are increased and decreased to find the optimum model with minimal acoustic levels. The nozzle is modeled using CATIA and analyzed in the Ansys workbench. Furthermore, the model is tested through an advanced experiment facility and analyzed for pressure variations, velocity variations, and thermal variations by implementing numerous materials.

Aloe barbadensis Effect on Growth Performance and Gastrointestinal Tract of Labeo rohita

Fish is a rich source of nutrients and help to reduce the inadequacy of calcium, vitamin A, iron, protein and cure many diseases. Labeo rohita (Rohu) is commercial species of Pakistan and main food item. The base of this study is to enhance the growth of Labeo rohita under special dietary condition. The aim of this research project was to check the effect of traditional herb Aloe barbadensis on Growth rate, FCR, Survival rate and Gastrointestinal villi histopathology of Labeo rohita fed on different Aloe barbadensis concentration containing diet.
 Methodology: Initial stocks of 120 Labeo rohita fingerlings having average weight 14.30 +3.51g were bought from Government Fish Hatchery, Faisalabad. Aloe barbadensis leaf’s powder were prepared ad mixed with different concentration of conventional feed ingredients like such as fish meal, rice polish, corn, wheat bran. Four treatments were designed including a control and Aloe barbadensis incorporated in the fish feed at 0%, 05% and 10%, 15% which were administrated for a period of 180 days. This feeding trial remains continued till 180 days in aquarium. Iso nitrogenous diets having protein level 33±1g.45 but different concentration of Aloe barbadensis were prepared and fed to fingerlings. Ingredients quantity was calculated by using Pearson square method. Conventional feed ingredients i.e. fish meal, rice polish, corn and wheat brane were used in feed in pellet forn. At the end of feeding trial three fish from each aquarium were selected randomly for gastrointestinal analysis. Gastrointestinal Villi parameters like length, width of intestine villi were measured at the end of trail.
 Results: According to results, different levels of Aloe barbadensis leave’s powder had significant positive effect upon Growth, Survival rate, and FCR. Results showed that Aloe barbadensis at 15% (T3) resulted in improved growth rate, Survival rate and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The Aloe barbadensis-treated groups showed improvement in intestinal villi length, width and gap between villi. The present study suggests that Aloe barbadensis especially at 15% feed administration may enhance effectively the growth performance and gastrointestinal (villi) parameters like length, width and gap between villi of Labeo rohita.

Understanding the behaviour of magnetic field distribution of railgun under transient conditions using finite element method

The magnetic field distribution in the rails is a crucial factor in comprehending railgun behaviour. The projectile's rapid movement has a significant impact on the magnetic field. If the dispersion of the magnetic field conclusions regarding the conductors are known suitable methods can be used to sketch the magnetic field distribution. The railgun operates on the premise that a high current flow through the rails and armature will create a strong magnetic field. As a result, before designing magnetic shielding, it is necessary to study the features of the magnetic field distribution. The shape of rail and armature cross section is very essential in rail gun design as it determines the magnetic field distribution over rail and armature. The rail gun geometries with rectangular, convex and concave rail cross-sections are compared and simulated using finite element method (FEM). This method is used to determine the magnetic field distribution over rail and armature by sweeping armature position for different rail cross sections. It is observed that for the different rail/armature shapes like rectangular, convex and concave shapes, the C shaped convex armature possesses strong magnetic fields with minimum current density concentration at the throat and trailing end of the armature. From simulation, it can be shown that the magnetic flux density is a descending function of the central angle. The electromagnetic (EM) rail gun launching mechanism was therefore proven to be compatible with the circular concave armature.

Defects detection of GMAW process based on convolutional neural network algorithm

It is significant to predict welding quality during gas metal arc welding process. The welding defect detection algorithm has been developed based on convolutional neural network (CNN). The sensing system and image processing algorithm for molten pools has been developed. It overcomes the interference caused by the arc light to obtain clear images of the molten pool's boundaries. The molten pools images are used to build up training set and test set for training and testing the CNN model. The model is designed to extract the visual features of molten pool images to predict the penetration state, the welding crater, and slags. Through optimizing the network parameters such as kernel-size, batch-size and learning rate, the prediction accuracy is higher than 95%. Moreover, the model enhances additional focus on the welding crater based on the welder experience. The mechanisms between molten pool characteristics and welding defects were analyzed based on the welder experience and the visual features of the model. It is found that the model judges the occurrence of burn-through with the black hole in the middle zone of the molten pool. When the surface pores are generated, the model exhibits a strong response to circular voids in the semi-solid region at the trailing end of the molten pool. The size and shape of fusion holes exhibit a strong correlation with the molten state. When the shape of the crater does not appear concave, it often signifies excessive penetration. It contributes to enhancing the algorithm's robustness during various welding scenarios.

Interfacial Dynamics Around a Swirling Roller in the Presence of Oppositely Imposed Horizontal Crossflows

Abstract The behavior of interfacial dynamics around a swirling circular drum is reported in the presence of horizontal crossflows of gaseous phase. A constant submergence ratio of the rotary drum is considered throughout this work. Forward and reverse crossflows are defined based on the direction of rotation of drum. A clockwise rotation is imposed on the drum and the rotation direction remains fixed throughout the present investigation. The pattern of film flow and cusp entrainment is observed thoroughly by considering rotational speed (ω) and strength of crossflow as influencing parameters. Strength of crossflow of gaseous phase is calibrated using flow Reynolds number based on roller diameter (Reflow=ρgUD/μg). Subsequently, we characterized the coated film thickness (h*=h/D) and cusp width (H*=H/D) by varying ω and Reflow. Furthermore, efforts are made to observe the influence of gravitational pull (calibrated using Archimedes number, Ar) and viscous drag (determined using Morton number, Mo) on interfacial morphology. The interfacial structures respond more to the rotational inertia compared to crossflow with the continuous increase of Mo. Again, the trailing end of cusp gets widened for the case of forward crossflow, whereas the cusp growth is obstructed in the presence of reverse crossflow, which is visualized using velocity vectors. We have also predicted appropriate correlations for film thickness (h*), cusp width (H*), and steady cusp length (θs*) in the presence of forward as well as reverse crossflow of air stream. Lastly, a theoretical framework is also developed to estimate film thickness and cusp width for both cases of crossflows and this framework agrees well with the simulated predictions.

Experimental study on passive plate pitching and coherent structures in a square channel by TR-PIV

The interaction of plate pitching and vortex may damage the accumulator isolation passive valve in nuclear power plant. The plate pitching and turbulent flow in a square channel were studied by high-speed camera (HSC) and time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) at Reynolds numbers (Re) from 1474 to 58952.The plate angle captured by HSC were analyzed by edge detection algorithm. The plate is inclined in hydraulic equilibrium without oscillation when Re is less than 14738. The plate pitching start to be periodic at Re = 22107, and then the periodicity weakens with Re increasing from 22,107 to 51583. The time-averaged pitching angle increases from 0.08467 rad to 1.454 rad with Re increasing from Re = 1474 to Re = 51583. The standard deviation of pitching angle increases from zero with Re less than 14,738 to 0.1294 rad at Re = 22107, and then it decreases to 0.006536 rad at Re = 51583. The peak frequency of plate pitching is the same as that of turbulent flow extracted from the power spectral density of instantaneous velocity downstream of the pitching plate, indicating the passive plate pitching is determined by turbulence. The plate pitching is driven by lift force torque due to the leading-edge-vortex shedding from the pitching plate.The interaction between passive plate pitching and fluid generates complicated turbulence. The time-averaged flow structures are typical shear-flow due to small plate inclination angle without oscillation when Re is less than 14738. The Reynolds stresses are highly enhanced in the shear flow. At Re = 22107, the time-averaged flow structures behave as vortex bubble over the plate and shear flow surrounding the plate, and the Reynolds stresses downstream of the plate are obviously enhanced by shedding vortices from the plate. With Re increasing from 22,107 to 58952, the time-averaged vortex bubble becomes smaller and shifts downwards to the plate trailing end, while the Reynolds stresses with similar distribution patterns decrease fast. The peak frequency of vortex shedding increases with Re increasing. The large spatial and temporal length scales are induced by shear flow at low Re less than 14738. The large length scales are dominated by von Kármán street shedding from the plate at Re from 22,107 to 58952, which are identified by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis, because the first two modes are the same mode of von Kármán street with a phase difference.The experimental work improves understandings of plate-fluid-interaction of the isolation passive valve and supports validations of numerical simulations.

Double-edged sword of technological progress to climate change depends on positioning in global value chains.

Technological progress (TP) is a double-edged sword to global climate change. This study for the first time reveals rebound and mitigation effects of efficiency-related TP in global value chains (GVCs) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The integrated effects of TP depend on the positioning of sectors in GVCs. The cost-saving TP in upstream sectors would stimulate downstream demand. This produces stronger rebound effects than mitigation potentials and leads to global GHG emission increments (e.g. TP in the gas sector of China and petroleum and coal products sector of South Korea). In contrast, sectors located in the trailing end of GVCs have greater potentials for GHG emission mitigation through TP, mainly due to the reduction of upstream inputs. (e.g. the construction sector of China and dwelling sector of the United States). Global GHG emissions and production outputs can be either a trade-off or a win-win relationship on account of TP than rebound effects, because TP in different sectors could possibly increase or decrease the emission intensity of GVCs. This study could recognize the most productive spots for GHG emission mitigation through efficiency-related TP. It provides a new perspective for international cooperation to promote global GHG emission mitigation.

Effects of Different Feeding Regimes on Growth Performance, Survival Rate, Carcass Composition, Fatty Acids Profile, and Digestive Enzyme Activities of Great Sturgeon (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758) Larvae

Six different feeding regimes (FR) were tested from 7 to 38 days post hatching (dph). Five thousand four hundred larvae (7 dph, 0.048 g) were randomly stocked in 18 fiberglass tanks contained 100 L fresh water (300 larvae per each tank). In larvae fed with FR-B, includes Artemia nauplii (AN) + Artemia biomass (AB) + microdiet (MD), the body weight (BW) at the end of trail (38 dph) similar the FR-D (AN + CHL + AB + MD), and E (AN + CHL + AB), was at high level. Survival rate was higher in larvae fed FR-A includes AN + chironomid larvae (CHL) + MD, but had a lower BW ( p < 0.05 ). Moderate BW and survival rate were detected in larvae fed FR-C (AN + DP + MD). Larvae fed only MD (FR-F), had the lowest survival and the highest BW ( p < 0.05 ). Different FR had a significant effect on crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), ash, and dry weight ( p < 0.05 ). The larvae fed FR-C and D had the highest CP ( p < 0.05 ). The highest CF and ash in larvae were detected in FR-F and C, respectively ( p < 0.05 ). Larvae from FR-A and B had higher levels of n−3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in comparison with others FR ( p < 0.05 ). The use of AB and CHL can increased the weight and survival rate of larvae, respectively. At the end of trail, the activity of pepsin, trypsin, lipase and α-amylase enzyme levels were lower in FR-B and F than others FR. Totally, by using a combination of AN + CHL + AB + MD had better results than others and ordered to H. huso larvae feeding. Using MD alone, can cause lesser development of the digestive system and little attractiveness, therefore it can cause starvation, and the empty digestive tract of larvae.

Pulsos de luz en la cara de hormigas Atta cephalotes para control en frutales

Introduction: Worker ants follow paths to fed their nest and their eyes require to adapt themselves under light intensity variations. Objective: This proposal aims to study the effect of different illumination techniques in a trail and force ants to change of trajectory before feeding from a tree. Methodology: Ants walking through a trail were illuminated by one of 3 different ways: light fed from the top L300 arrays, light reflected by a mirror or by a precise eye flashing system. Frequency, pulse-width and light intensity were controlled studying as variables collision, adaptation time and recovery time. Results: The precise illuminator at 300 lx never damaged the ant visual system. As it was increased to 900 lx the forerunner ant collided and presented adaptation problems up to 1169s. It was pushed to the trail end by another ant. When two ants collided they finished returning to the trail entrance. Study limitations: The reflected mirror system is useful at laboratory level, but its application is dependent on ant size and speed. Originality: The system was able to determine a lightning system to ensure that ants do not climb fruit trees. L300 arrays are economic and practical to optimize its use in field. Conclusions: Light affects ants as they travel through the trail. A L300 array placed horizontally at the trail-end, diverted ants’ direction from the main path in all the tests. It is dependent on light intensity, frequency and pulse-width

The Impact of Relative Permeability Hysteresis on CO2 Sequestration in Saline Aquifer

This work analyzed the amount of capillary-trapped CO2 for maximum residual gas saturation due to relative permeability hysteresis. Upward migration of CO2 is unwanted because it increases the risk of CO2 migration from storage sites to the surface. One way to mitigate CO2 leakage risk is to reduce the vertical CO2 migration to improved storage capacity and containment security. A compositional simulator (CMG-GEM) was used to simulate the flow of two components (CO2 and H2 O). A fluid model was built with the PR 78 EOS using WINPROP. A base case model without relative permeability hysteresis was simulated and compared with the case with relative permeability hysteresis. The amount of CO2 trapped, and CO2 saturation distribution were analyzed for maximum trapped gas saturation of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5. Results shows an increase in the amount of CO2 trapped as the maximum residual gas saturation was increased from 0.3 to 0.4 and 0.5 with a value of 16560128mol for the base case study, 49041744mol, 59502924mol and 67286728mol respectively for maximum residual gas saturation due to relative permeability hysteresis of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 respectively. Very little accumulation of CO2 occurs when the maximum trapped gas saturation due to relative permeability hysteresis was set at 0.5. Result reveals that after 200 years, almost all the CO2 was trapped in the formation. Therefore, the imbibition cycle at the trailing end of the CO2 plume should be considered as accounting for hysteresis effects has led to a spread-out distrib

EFFECT OF FLANGE VIBRATION ON AIRFLOW PASSING THROUGH A DIFFUSER WITH KNOWN GEOMETRY

A diffuser-augmented wind turbine is used to enhance the overall performance characteristic of the wind turbine. Flanges near the trailing end of the diffuser create a pressure difference that accelerates the free-stream velocity into the diffuser, increasing the performance of the wind turbine. In the present analysis, a numerical method is used to analyze the effect of flange vibration at different amplitude and operating frequencies. The diffuser is operated at no-load (<i>C</i><sub>t</sub> = 0) condition for all cases. An optimum opening angle is determined in the absence of flange vibration at a constant airflow rate and is used for further analysis. Performance characteristics such as diffuser speed-up ratio and coefficient of power are estimated for all cases. It is found that the velocity at the centerline oscillates with the same frequency as that of the flange.

The effect of “moderately restricted carbohydrate” diet on gut microbiota composition and metabolic parameters in women with metabolic syndrome: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors that increase the risk of death and a variety of chronic diseases. Recent studies have indicated that the imbalance of gut microbiota might contribute to development and progression of metabolic syndrome. Carbohydrate restriction in the diet has been proven to be one of the most effective methods in the management of metabolic syndrome, even in the absence of weight loss. However, no study has examined the effects of a carbohydrate-restricted diet on gut microbiota composition in metabolic syndrome patients. Thus, we will examine the effects of a “moderately restricted carbohydrate (MRC)” diet on gut microbiota, insulin resistance, and components of MetS among Iranian women. In addition, the stability of changes in dependent variables, including gut microbiota, will also be assessed.MethodsThis is a parallel randomized clinical trial in which 70 overweight or obese women aged 20–50 years with MetS will be randomly assigned to receive either MRC diet (42–45% carbohydrate, 35–40% fats) or a normal weight loss (NWL) diet (52–55% carbohydrate, 25–30% fats) for 3 months. Protein accounted for 15–17% of total energy in both diets. The quantity of gut microbiota including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, and Akkermansia muciniphila, as well as anthropometric, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters will be measured at study baseline and the end of trail. At the end of this phase, all participants will be placed on a weight maintenance diet for an additional 6 months. After following up study subjects in this duration, all dependent variables will be examined again to assess their stability over this period.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a moderately restricted carbohydrate diet on gut microbiota composition and several metabolic parameters during the weight loss and maintenance phases in women with MetS.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir, IRCT20210307050621N1). Registered on May 31, 2021.

Tilt angle impact on strength, microstructure of friction stir welded AZ91CMg plates

The role of tilt angle on strength and microstructural attributes of friction stir welded AZ91C Mg plates was investigated by employing three tilt angles. The presence of unique semicircular-shaped impressions on the surface of the joints attained at 1° tilt angle revealed the generation of ideal heat volume and transfer of plasticised metal towards the trailing end for attaining enhanced fusion. Zone of nugget of the joint obtained during 1° tilt angle, possessed smaller sized grain structures. The strength of joints escalated from 188 to 205 MPa (nearly 86% of the parent metal) when tilt angle was raised from 0° to 1°. But at 2° of tilt angle, strength reduced drastically, declaring the impact of tilt angle is a parabolic category of variation.

Multiscale Investigations of Overtopping Erosion in Reinforced Tailings Dam Induced by Mud-Water Mixture Overflow

The overtopping failure that occurred to the reinforced tailings dam has led to devastating catastrophes, including severe environmental disasters as well as tragedy in terms of any loss of properties and life. To study the feature of overtopping erosion for the reinforced fine-grained tailings dam induced by mud-water mixture overflow, the red mud concentration of overflow, the erosion depths and erosion rate have been consistently detected and recorded by a series of physical model tests. This investigation conclusively showed that the red mud concentration for flooding over the dam slope had a nonlinear trend of first becoming larger, subsequently decreasing with the time going on in the process of tailing dam overtopping; the maximum red mud concentration achieved 19.0%. The erosion on the dam slope was shaped like a trumpet. The red mud concentration of the mud-water mixture flow affected the erosion depth significantly. The hydraulic tests simulating erosion behaviour in the reinforced fine-grained tailings were carried out with different red mud concentrations (0%, 10%, and 20%). For the mud-water mixture flow in a red mud concentration of 20%, the final erosion depth exhibited a ladder shape from the front to the trailing end (dam toe) of the tailings sample. The final erosion depths were 1.56 cm, 0.9 cm, and 0.55 cm at the front, middle, and trailing end, respectively. With the red mud concentration decreasing, the final erosion depth at the front of the tailings sample reduced significantly while increasing at the trailing end. This study brought more scientific insights into the overtopping erosion process to the reinforced fine-grained tailings dam triggered by the mud-water mixture flow at multiscale.

The Effect of Supplemental Concentrate Feeding on the Morphological and Functional Development of the Pancreas in Early Weaned Yak Calves.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the nutritional intake deficiency on rearing yak calves. We investigated supplemental concentrate feeding effects on the morphological and functional development of the pancreas in early weaned yak calves. In the study, we determined the apparent digestibility of nutrients by digestion trail, the morphological development of the pancreas in yak calves by tissue sectioning, the activity of main digestive enzymes and hormone levels by ELISA kits, and the content of major small molecule metabolites in the pancreas by non-targeted metabolomics techniques. The morphological and functional development of the pancreas and its small molecule metabolites are mainly presented in graphical form, which had positive regulatory effects on the development of the pancreas in early weaned yak calves. In summary, we found that supplemental concentrate feeding was crucial for the high-quality growth and development of early weaned yak calves and had a positive influence on the intrinsic relationship between the overall development level and physiological functions of the pancreas, which could provide an important reference for scientific rearing of early weaned yak calves.This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplemental concentrate feeding on the pancreatic development of yak calves. Twenty one-month-old yak calves with healthy body condition and similar body weight were selected as experimental animals and randomly divided into two groups, five replicates in each group. The control group yak calves were fed milk replacer and alfalfa hay, the experimental group yak calves were fed milk replacer, alfalfa hay and concentrate. The pre-feeding period of this experiment was thirty days, the trial period was one hundred days. At the end of feeding trail, five yak calves from each group were selected and slaughtered and the pancreas tissues of yak calves were collected and determined. The results showed that: (1) Dry matter and body weight of yak calves in the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group. (2) The apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus in the test group of yak calves was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the apparent nutrient digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the test group was significantly lower than that of the control group. (3) Pancreatic weight, organ index, total ratio of exocrine part area and total ratio of endocrine area of yak calves in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the ratio of exocrine area was significantly lower in the test group than that of the control group. (4) The activities of the main pancreatic digestive enzymes: pancreatic amylase, pancreatic lipase, pancreatic protease and chymotrypsin were significantly higher in the test group than those of the control group, as were the hormonal contents of glucagon, insulin and pancreatic polypeptide. (5) The main differential metabolites of the pancreas in the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group, such as D-proline, hypoxanthine, acetylcysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, piperidinic acid, ellagic acid, nicotinamide, tropolone, D-serine, ribulose-5-phosphate, (+/-)5(6)-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid(EET), 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, L-phenylalanine, creatinine, tetrahydrocorticosterone, pyridoxamine, xanthine, 5-oxoproline, asparagine, DL-tryptophan, in-dole-3-acrylic acid, thymine, trehalose, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids(FAHFA) (18:1/20:3), fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids(FAHFA) (18:2/20:4), adrenic acid and xanthosine. In conclusion, supplemental concentrate feeding promoted the good development of morphological and functional properties of the pancreas in early weaned yak calves to improve the digestion and absorption of feed nutrients, so as to enhance the growth and development quality of early weaned yak calves.