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Numerous studies have explored the welfare rearing conditions of broilers; however, studies on the level of metabolisable energy (ME) in feed, which is a key factor in broiler growth, are lacking. Accordingly, this study investigated the appropriate ME levels for broilers under welfare rearing environments. A total of 980 one-day-old male chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to each group according to the environment and dietary ME as follows: conventional environment fed a standard ME program (conventional control; CC), welfare environment with a standard ME (welfare control; WC) and welfare groups with 200 kcal/kg lower (WL200), 100 kcal/kg lower (WL100), 100 kcal/kg higher (WH100) and 200 kcal/kg higher (WH200) than standard ME. The experiment lasted 5 weeks. The productivity, meat quality, blood and intestinal characteristics, nutrient digestibility and welfare indicators were analysed, whose results are as follows: WH200 had the highest body weight and low feed conversion ratio, whereas CC had the lowest feed intake (p

A medium-sized combine harvester has been recently deployed to harvest newly introduced high-value glutinous rice in Malaysia. Thus, efficient utilisation of combine harvesters during harvest is essential to minimise operating costs and grain loss. This study evaluated a medium-sized combine harvester's performance and energy consumption for harvesting glutinous rice. The experiment was carried out on a one-hectare paddy field with three sub-plots using a central composite design (CCD). A time-motion study was conducted during the harvesting operation to determine the combine harvester's performance parameters, which included field operating speed (FS), field efficiency (FE), theoretical field capacity (TFC), effective field capacity (EFC), grain throughput capacity (GTC), fuel consumption (FC) and field machine index (MI). The energy expended during the operation, which included machinery energy (ME), fuel energy (FCE), human energy (HE), and total energy (TE) input, were also computed. The average FS, FE, TFC, EFC, FC, and MI values were 2.42 km/h, 59.78%, 0.56 ha/h, 0.33 ha/h, 14.89 l/ha, and 0.30, respectively. The mean values of ME, FCE, HE, and TE were 305.35, 711.69, 3.62, and 1020.66 MJ/ha, respectively. The combine harvester achieved an average grain throughput capacity (GTC) of 1796.91 kg/h, demonstrating its effectiveness in handling glutinous rice harvesting. The average time distribution for the harvesting operation, such as effective harvesting time, turning/reversing time, and unloading time, was 1.85 h/ha, 0.38 h/ha, and 1.05 h/ha, respectively. Based on the results, it is concluded that the medium-sized combine harvester is technically and economically suitable for harvesting glutinous rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is a global need to produce pork that is free of antimicrobials and has a minimum impact on the environment. Most antibiotics are used during the nursery phase mainly for gastro-intestinal (GIT) diseases. Nutrition can help support gut health during the challenging process of weaning. At weaning, piglets experience short-term anorexia and suffer from an impaired development of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to keep weaned piglets healthy, it is important to support the function and development of the GIT of piglets' by enhancing nutrient digestibility and absorption. Especially since undigested proteins entering the large intestine are one of the major risk factors for the development of post-weaning diarrhoea. Probiotics (i.e., live microorganisms) are suggested to not only modulate piglets' health but also enhance nutrient utilisation; therefore, they may contribute to improved piglet health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel Bacillus multi-strain on nutrient efficiency. This study demonstrated that the use of the multi-strain Bacillus probiotic (B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis) was able to improve the nutrient efficiency of weaned piglets and may contribute to a reduced N pollution into the environment. Probiotics are suggested to improve pig health, nutrient utilisation, performance, and they may reduce nitrogen (N) pollution. However, the effectivity of a single strain might be different from that of a multi-strain. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of a novel Bacillus multi-strain on nutrient digestibility, energy utilisation, and N retention in weaned piglets using an European diet. The experiment consisted of a control diet (CD) and a supplemented diet (SD). The probiotic used for SD consisted of B. amyloliquefaciens—516 and B. subtilis—541. A total of eight boars/treatment were weaned (day 0; 8.5 kg body weight). Only boars were used to ease the collection of urine. Until day 10, piglets were fed ad libitum and were housed in pairs; from day 11, piglets were fed semi ad libitum (feeding level 3.2× metabolic body weight) and were housed individually. From day 14, faecal and urine were collected twice daily. Piglets were humanely euthanised at day 19 (15.0 kg bodyweight) after which the jejunum, ileum, and colon content were collected. In faeces, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of, amongst others, DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), and subsequently net energy (NE) were calculated using titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. In the jejunum and ileum, the apparent digestibility of CP was estimated, and in the ileum, the apparent AA digestibility was measured. In urine, the N content was measured to determine N retention. The volatile fatty acid (VFA), branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), and lactic acid content were analysed in the colon and faeces. The apparent CP digestibility in the jejunum and ileum was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05), and no effect was observed on the apparent ileal digestibility of AA (p > 0.05). Supplementation with the multi-strain probiotic improved the ATTD of DM (p = 0.01; +1.3%) and OM (p = 0.02; +1.2%) and tended to improve the ATTD of CP (p = 0.10; +2.2%) and NSP (p = 0.07; +1.9%). The multi-strain probiotic also improved the NE value (p = 0.02; +0.2 MJ/kg DM) and improved N retention (p = 0.05; +1.6%). Supplementation did not influence the VFA, BCFA, and lactic acid content in the faeces (p > 0.05). However, in the colon, supplementation did influence the lactic acid content (lower; p = 0.01) and tended to influence the valeric acid content (higher; p = 0.09). In conclusion, results from the current study suggest that the multi-strain probiotic has the potential to contribute to improve nutrient efficiency in weaned piglets. More research needs to be conducted to identify the impact of the improved nutrient utilisation on gut health in post-weaned pigs as well as environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biogas upgrading is environmentally and energetically favourable over combustion. • Storage or utilisation of the captured CO 2 has larger savings than biogas upgrading. • Upgrading, CO 2 storage or utilisation perform well in all impact categories. • The energy system has a substantial impact on the environmental performance. • Methanation provides large climate change savings only in renewable energy systems. Biogas from anaerobic digestion is an important renewable energy source. Combining its utilisation with carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) may improve climate change performance. This study uses life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of 17 biogas management technology configurations (TCs). The technologies include biogas combustion, upgrading to natural gas quality, CCS, direct utilisation of CO 2 and methanation. The focus is mainly on energy balances and climate change impacts, and the results are subjected to sensitivity-, uncertainty-, and energy system analysis. The TCs with CCS and CCU provide the largest climate change savings (-1400 to - 2100 kg CO 2 -eq/1000 Nm3 biogas). Specifically, the methanation TCs provide the highest savings, but they also depend strongly on the energy sources. When combustion and upgrading TCs are amended with CCS, the resulting climate change savings are robust across the energy systems. The biogas upgrading TCs exhibit substantial climate change savings, mainly due to the natural gas substitution. Combustion TCs without CCS have the lowest climate change savings and the highest quantified uncertainties. The biogas upgrading TCs with storage or direct utilisation of CO 2 provide a good compromise between climate change savings and energy recovery. In the remaining impact categories, the CCU TCs generally perform best, followed by the upgrading TCs and finally, the combustion TCs. The CCS TCs consistently perform worse than their counterparts without CCS, opposite to the climate change results. Overall, amending biogas utilisation with CCS or CCU can contribute to climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are suggested to improve pig health, nutrient utilisation, performance, and they may reduce nitrogen (N) pollution. However, the effectivity of a single strain might be different from that of a multi-strain. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of a novel Bacillus multi-strain on nutrient digestibility, energy utilisation, and N retention in weaned piglets using an European diet. The experiment consisted of a control diet (CD) and a supplemented diet (SD). The probiotic used for SD consisted of B. amyloliquefaciens—516 and B. subtilis—541. A total of eight boars/treatment were weaned (day 0; 8.5 kg body weight). Only boars were used to ease the collection of urine. Until day 10, piglets were fed ad libitum and were housed in pairs; from day 11, piglets were fed semi ad libitum (feeding level 3.2× metabolic body weight) and were housed individually. From day 14, faecal and urine were collected twice daily. Piglets were humanely euthanised at day 19 (15.0 kg bodyweight) after which the jejunum, ileum, and colon content were collected. In faeces, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of, amongst others, DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), and subsequently net energy (NE) were calculated using titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. In the jejunum and ileum, the apparent digestibility of CP was estimated, and in the ileum, the apparent AA digestibility was measured. In urine, the N content was measured to determine N retention. The volatile fatty acid (VFA), branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), and lactic acid content were analysed in the colon and faeces. The apparent CP digestibility in the jejunum and ileum was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05), and no effect was observed on the apparent ileal digestibility of AA (p > 0.05). Supplementation with the multi-strain probiotic improved the ATTD of DM (p = 0.01; +1.3%) and OM (p = 0.02; +1.2%) and tended to improve the ATTD of CP (p = 0.10; +2.2%) and NSP (p = 0.07; +1.9%). The multi-strain probiotic also improved the NE value (p = 0.02; +0.2 MJ/kg DM) and improved N retention (p = 0.05; +1.6%). Supplementation did not influence the VFA, BCFA, and lactic acid content in the faeces (p > 0.05). However, in the colon, supplementation did influence the lactic acid content (lower; p = 0.01) and tended to influence the valeric acid content (higher; p = 0.09). In conclusion, results from the current study suggest that the multi-strain probiotic has the potential to contribute to improve nutrient efficiency in weaned piglets. More research needs to be conducted to identify the impact of the improved nutrient utilisation on gut health in post-weaned pigs as well as environmental pollution.

In Italy, the agricultural residues resulting from the pruning of vineyards represent a potential energy Source, in particular for the Veneto region, which is the second Italian region by vineyard area. This study is aimed at analysing the main physical and chemical characteristics of vine shoots from the annual pruning of vineyards. This for use them as wood chips in small-medium size power plants. International and European standards for the analysis of biofuels were used to determine the moisture content, heating value, ash content, micro and macro elemental and fibrous fraction (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and extractives). The samples were collected from three different vineyards in the Vicenza area. The varieties analysed were Chardonnay, Glera, and Merlot. For each variety, the three different components of vine shoots were compared: internode, node, and pith, to investigate in which part of the vine shoot the most significant accumulation of metallic elements deriving from plant protection products occurs. The results show significant differences among the energy parameters of the three varieties and three vine shoot components. In particular, the pith shows low heating value and high ash content, while higher energy values characterise the woody components. Analysis of the chemical elements showed a high content of Cu and Zn in the wood components, node, and internode, causing the high ash content found. In particular, Cu content exceeds the limits set by the reference standard. As regards the analysis of the fibrous fraction, a high content of extractives was found in the pith. These extractives could explain why the pith of the three varieties analysed, especially in Chardonnay, have lower heating value on dry basis (LHV0) values and high ash contents. On the contrary, the node and internode components have a higher cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. Overall, the vine shoots analysed have characteristics suitable for possible energy use. However, according to EN ISO 17225-9:2021 standard, these can only be used as wood chips for industrial purposes in large power plants due to the high ash and Cu content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy, known as the most expensive nutrient in broiler feed, is what strongly adjusts and affects the growth of broilers. Creatine has a key role in cellular energy metabolism and could be synthesised from guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the liver; however, its de novo synthesis is not able to adequately fulfil the demand of energy metabolism, especially in fast-growing modern broilers. So the aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of commercial GAA in energy-reduced broiler diets on performance and intestinal development. Overall, 11 400 day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments with ten replicates in each. Dietary treatments were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three levels of dietary metabolisable energy (AMEn) recommended by Aviagen for Ross 308 broilers (12.55 MJ/kg, 12.97 MJ/kg and 13.38 MJ/kg for starter, grower and finisher, respectively), 0.209 MJ/kg and 0.418 MJ/kg reduced and two levels of GAA (0.00% and 0.06%). There was no significant GAA × AMEn interaction for all performance parameters, carcass traits and jejunal morphological parameters (except for the villus width). Reduction of dietary AMEn (0.209 MJ/kg and/or 0.418 MJ/kg) caused a significant depression in body weight (BW) gain (P < 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.001). However, a decreasing AMEn level increased villus height (P < 0.003) and villus surface area (P < 0.03), while crypt depth and villus width were similar. The GAA improved final BW and FCR by 1.77% and 1.66%, respectively (P < 0.001). Birds fed low energy diets supplemented with GAA showed a significant improvement in the performance so that BW and FCR were the same as in the control birds; however, no such positive effects were obtained in jejunal villus development. Hence, it might be concluded that 0.06% GAA supplementation improves BW and FCR and can save at least 0.209 MJ/kg dietary AMEn in broiler diets.

Energy utilisation is one of the global trending issues. Various approaches have been introduced to minimise energy utilisation especially in the manufacturing sector, which is the largest consumer sector. One of the approaches includes the consideration of energy utilisation in the Assembly Line Balancing (ALB) optimisation. This paper reviews the ALB with energy consideration from 2012 to 2020. The selected articles were limited to problems solved using meta-heuristic algorithms. The review mainly focusses on the soft computing aspect such as problem variant, optimisation objectives, energy modelling and optimisation algorithm for ALB with energy consideration. Based on the review, the ALB with energy consideration was able to reduce energy utilisation up to 11.9%. It was found that the contribution in future ALB with energy research will be human-oriented, either social factor consideration in optimisation or energy utilisation modelling for workers. In addition, the effort to introduce an algorithm with efficient performance must be pursued because ALB problems have become more complicated. The findings from this review could assist future researchers to align their research direction with the observed trend. This paper also provides the research gap and research opportunities in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Since energy consumption in all countries of the world is increasing day by day, the demand and interest on renewable energy resources are also increasing at the same rate. Using the current energy in the best way and searching for different energy sources have become an important field of study for countries. Studies on this area also continue in our country, which is lucky in terms of solar energy potential. In this experimental study, where the design and production stages were carried out interactively, the effect of reflected rays on the photovoltaic (PV) panel was observed and the comparison of reflected rays with direct rays was made. The system following the Sun and the system fixed at an appropriate angle was compared. Also, the theoretical and the experimental efficiency as a result of the experimental study of the movable and fixed system were calculated and compared for the direct and reflected radiation. The mechanism presented in this study allows more use of solar radiation by enhancing through reflection from surface‐to‐surface. With this experimental study more solar radiation will be provided with the panel placed on the back, in addition to the panel exposed to direct solar radiation. Thus, it will be possible to use double‐faced panels for a solar tracking system.

Milling is an important and energy-intensive operation for preparing particulate solids to required specifications. It has been studied extensively to improve the rate of milling, energy utilisation and control of milling operations. With development of new materials and application of new milling systems, understanding the underlying science of milling is highly desirable for efficient and predictable size reduction. In the glass industry, silicate glasses have been developed with very special attributes, but the size reduction still poses many challenges. In this work, breakability and grindability of silicate materials in both crystalline and amorphous forms are investigated and correlations for their milling rate and energy utilisation as a function of material properties are developed. This involves physical and mechanical characterisation of the selected materials along with the analysis of milling rate in a single ball mill to develop a better understanding of the milling process. The breakability index, as described by the ratio of hardness to the square of toughness, describes well the milling rate of the crystalline form undergoing semi-brittle failure. The amorphous form of the test materials does not show a strong dependence on the breakability index, as the failure mode is brittle and dominated by pre-existing flaws. [Display omitted] • Milling of silicates in two forms, amorphous and crystalline, is analysed. • Breakability index, i.e. hardness over toughness squared, is characterised. • It describes the milling rate of crystalline structures very well. • Grindability of amorphous structures is almost independent of it. • The influence of structure on the energy utilisation is quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dairy consumption has the ability to provide nutrient dense food in low-income countries. However, cows in the tropics may not be able to reach their full potential due to poor nutrition. In tropical regions, milk is mostly produced by Bos taurus × Bos indicus crossbred cattle for which no nutrient requirement tables have been fully developed. Although many novel feeds and feed additives have been tested, nutrient requirements specifically targeting energy and protein for these livestock need to be estimated accurately for milk production to increase sustainably. Aims: To determine the net energy for lactation (NEL) requirement for maintenance and efficiency of utilisation of metabolisable energy intake (MEI) for milk production (kL) of Bos taurus × Bos indicus crossbred dairy cows in the tropics. Methods: A meta-analysis using 141 observations from 38 independent studies in tropical regions with crossbred dairy cows was conducted. The energy produced in milk corrected for zero energy balance (EL0) was regressed by MEI including other covariates. This meta-regression analysis was conducted by frequentist inference via optimisation in RStan. Key results: The best-fit model contained only MEI as a covariate. This model predicted a net energy for lactation value at maintenance of 0.323 MJ/kg BW0.75.day (s.e. = 0.0004) with variations for each specific study. The efficiency with which MEI is used for milk production was estimated to be 0.554 (s.e. = 0.00008), which was common for all studies. Conclusion: The key energy parameters estimated in this study should replace commonly used values derived from Bos taurus breeds when formulating diets for crossbred tropical cattle. Implications: Nutritional requirement tables need to be estimated specifically for Bos taurus × Bos indicus crossbred dairy cows as their requirements differ from Western breeds. Using appropriate nutritional requirements of crossbred cattle would lead to better nutrition and increased production as determined by their genetic merit. In order to improve animal nutrition and subsequent access to nutrient rich foods in low-income countries, the nutritional needs of tropical dairy cattle should be better understood. This study attempts to determine the energy requirements of crossbred tropical cattle via a meta-analysis, and concludes that the energy requirements for maintenance are lower than that of their Western counterparts. This study can contribute to a larger database of all nutrient requirements for crossbred tropical cattle so that animal health and production can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy, known as the most expensive nutrient in broiler feed, is what strongly adjusts and affects the growth of broilers. Creatine has a key role in cellular energy metabolism and could be synthesised from guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the liver; however, its de novo synthesis is not able to adequately fulfil the demand of energy metabolism, especially in fast-growing modern broilers. So the aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of commercial GAA in energy-reduced broiler diets on performance and intestinal development. Overall, 11 400 day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments with ten replicates in each. Dietary treatments were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three levels of dietary metabolisable energy (AMEn) recommended by Aviagen for Ross 308 broilers (12.55 MJ/kg, 12.97 MJ/kg and 13.38 MJ/kg for starter, grower and finisher, respectively), 0.209 MJ/kg and 0.418 MJ/kg reduced and two levels of GAA (0.00% and 0.06%). There was no significant GAA × AMEn interaction for all performance parameters, carcass traits and jejunal morphological parameters (except for the villus width). Reduction of dietary AMEn (0.209 MJ/kg and/or 0.418 MJ/kg) caused a significant depression in body weight (BW) gain (P < 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.001). However, a decreasing AMEn level increased villus height (P < 0.003) and villus surface area (P < 0.03), while crypt depth and villus width were similar. The GAA improved final BW and FCR by 1.77% and 1.66%, respectively (P < 0.001). Birds fed low energy diets supplemented with GAA showed a significant improvement in the performance so that BW and FCR were the same as in the control birds; however, no such positive effects were obtained in jejunal villus development. Hence, it might be concluded that 0.06% GAA supplementation improves BW and FCR and can save at least 0.209 MJ/kg dietary AMEn in broiler diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High specific power density and longer cycle life features made the supercapacitors as the most prominent option in managing the transient demands of the pulsed power loads. However, the discharging characteristics of supercapacitors confine them from the utilisation of their entire energy. Reflecting on these concerns, this study aims to provide an extensive review of various bank switching circuits of supercapacitors to enhance their energy utilisation. Also, a comprehensive analysis of these switching circuits in terms of power delivery duration, SC cell energy utilisation, terminal voltage variations, system efficiency, and total cost is carried out for the constant resistor, constant power, and constant current loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitigation of enteric methane emission in beef cattle production is important for reducing feed energy loss and increasing environmental sustainability. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different oilseeds included in fermented total mixed rations (whole soyabean seed (SBS, control), whole kapok seed (KPS) and cracked oil palm fruit (OPF)) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen microbial populations, energy partition and methane emissions in different cattle genotypes (Charolais crossbred v. Japanese Black crossbred). Three Charolais crossbred and three Japanese Black crossbred bulls were studied in a replicated 3×3 Latin square experimental design; genotypes were analysed in separate squares including three periods of 21 days each and three dietary oilseed treatments fed ad libitum. The cattle were placed in a metabolic cage equipped with a ventilated head box respiration system for evaluating digestibility and energy balance. As compared with Charolais crossbred individuals, Japanese Black crossbred bulls showed consistently lower dry matter intake (15.5%, P0.05) or diet (P>0.05) under the experimental conditions and ranged from 5.8% to 6.0% of gross energy intake. This value is lower than that reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (6.5%) for cattle fed with low-quality crop residues or by-products. Thus, our results imply that the Japanese Black crossbred cattle consume less feed and emits less enteric methane than the Charolais crossbred does, mainly owing to its lower ME requirement for maintenance. The OPF diet could be used to replace SBS for high beef production, although further studies are required to evaluate their application across a wide range of beef production systems.

Improvements in feed efficiency of beef cattle have the potential to increase producer profitability and simultaneously lower the environmental footprint of beef production. Although there are many different approaches to measuring feed efficiency, residual feed intake (RFI) has increasingly become the measure of choice. Defined as the difference between an animal’s actual and predicted feed intake (based on weight and growth), RFI is conceptually independent of growth and body size. In addition, other measurable traits related to energy expenditure such as estimates of body composition can be included in the calculation of RFI to also force independence from these traits. Feed efficiency is a multifactorial and complex trait in beef cattle and inter-animal variation stems from the interaction of many biological processes influenced, in turn, by physiological status and management regimen. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarise and interpret current published knowledge and provide insight into research areas worthy of further investigation. Indeed, where sufficient suitable reports exist, meta-analyses were conducted in order to mitigate ambiguity between studies in particular. We have identified a paucity of information on the contribution of key biological processes, including appetite regulation, post-ruminal nutrient absorption, and cellular energetics and metabolism to the efficiency of feed utilisation in cattle. In addition, insufficient information exists on the relationship between RFI status and productivity-related traits at pasture, a concept critical to the overall lifecycle of beef production systems. Overall, published data on the effect of RFI status on both terminal and maternal traits, coupled with the moderate repeatability and heritability of the trait, suggest that breeding for improved RFI, as part of a multi-trait selection index, is both possible and cumulative, with benefits evident throughout the production cycle. Although the advent of genomic selection, with associated improved prediction accuracy, will expedite the introgression of elite genetics for feed efficiency within beef cattle populations, there are challenges associated with this approach which may, in the long-term, be overcome by increased international collaborative effort but, in the short term, will not obviate the on-going requirement for accurate measurement of the primary phenotype.

1. Two consecutive trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation (a creatine precursor) and energy levels in broiler diets based on maize-soybean meal (Trial 1) or that additionally included poultry by-product meal (PBPM; Trial 2) on growth performance, carcass yield and breast meat quality to 41 days of age. 2. A total of 792, one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly distributed into six treatments – three energy levels (sufficient AMEn or 0.2 and 0.4 MJ/kg reduced AMEn) and two GAA levels (0.00% or 0.06%) with eight replicates for each trial. 3. Reducing dietary energy resulted in poorer body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratios (FCR) for each trial (P < 0.05). However, GAA supplementation improved FCR, BWG and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) (P < 0.05). 4. Dietary energy level and GAA addition had no significant effect on carcass parameters, drip loss, pH and chemical composition of breast meat (P > 0.05), but decreased relative liver weight (P < 0.05). 5. It was concluded that, regardless of dietary energy levels, supplementation of GAA to plant-based diets or those including PBPM has the potential to improve growth performance in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Circadian clocks are widespread among eukaryotes and generally involve feedback loops coupled with metabolic processes and redox balance. The organising power of these oscillations has not only allowed organisms to anticipate day–night cycles, but also acts to temporally compartmentalise otherwise incompatible processes, enhance metabolic efficiency, make the system more robust to noise and propagate signals among cells. While daily rhythms and the function of the circadian transcription‐translation loop have been the subject of extensive research over the past four decades, cycles of shorter period and respiratory oscillations, with which they are intertwined, have received less attention. Here, we describe features of yeast respiratory oscillations, which share many features with daily and 12 hr cellular oscillations in animal cells. This relatively simple system enables the analysis of dynamic rhythmic changes in metabolism, independent of cellular oscillations that are a product of the circadian transcription‐translation feedback loop. Knowledge gained from studying ultradian oscillations in yeast will lead to a better understanding of the basic mechanistic principles and evolutionary origins of oscillatory behaviour among eukaryotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combining internal and external computational domains to study energy transfer and multiphase mechanisms in deep-sea mining. • Comparative study of different structures using energy and Dynamic model analysis method analysis. • The combined efficiency of the induced flow is higher than that of the suction flow under specific identical conditions. • The suction flow under the suction type works as the leading role, the double jet plays a secondary role, while that in the induced flow type appears the opposite. This study aims to investigate two different back-end action methods, induced flow type and suction type for deepsea mining. The nodule collection characteristics of both methods are compared based on the internal flow field, particle movement and comprehensive performance using an inside-outside numerical method that is validated by experimental results. The differences between the two models from these three perspectives strengthen the understanding of the harvesting mechanism. An energy analysis and quantitative evaluation method for hydraulic harvesting are proposed to assess the combined efficiency of the two methods. The results indicate that the energy utilisation rate is 34.68% for the induced flow type and 29.89% for the suction type under the same collection rate and flow rate. Furthermore, the overall efficiency of the induced flow type is 15.89% higher than that of the suction type. Regarding the construction of the flow field, the suction flow under the suction type plays the leading role, and the double jet plays a secondary role, whereas the opposite is true for the induced flow type. The suction type and the induced flow type have their own advantages in terms of their effect on particles in different regional stages. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of the comprehensive performance of the two acquisition methods is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the new demand of extensive interconnection, open and interactive, complementation and sharing, clean and efficient utilisation of various energy resources, the energy−Internet distribution network (EIDN) will lead the future development direction of the AC/DC distribution network. Firstly, the basic connotation and the technical features of EIDN are presented. Secondly, the structural characteristics of EIDN are analysed further. Moreover, a new structural model of EIDN is proposed in the AC/DC distribution network. Then the study proposes a method which can establish the new EIDN structural model. Finally, the application of the proposed EIDN structural model is simulated. The simulation results show that compared with the traditional network structural model, the new EIDN structural model can not only realise optimal allocation and connection sharing of various energy resources but also greatly enlarge the maximum allowable penetration of distributed energy resources and keep energy utilisation effective, secure, and sustainable. Therefore, it can have reference significance to the development of the future AC/DC distribution network

Differential Evolution (DE) is an evolutionary computational method inspired by the biological processes of evolution and mutation. DE has been applied in numerous scientific fields. The paper presents a literature review of DE and its application in wireless communication. The detailed history, characteristics, strengths, variants and weaknesses of DE were presented. Seven broad areas were identified as different domains of application of DE in wireless communications. It was observed that coverage area maximisation and energy consumption minimisation are the two major areas where DE is applied. Others areas are quality of service, updating mechanism where candidate positions learn from a large diversified search region, security and related field applications. Problems in wireless communications are often modelled as multi-objective optimisation which can easily be tackled by the use of DE or hybrid of DE with other algorithms. Different research areas can be explored and DE will continue to be utilized in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi‐energy microgrid (MEMG) aims to simultaneously supply electricity and thermal energy to customers for higher energy utilisation efficiency. In this study, a system‐wide coordinated operation method for MEMGs is proposed to dispatch different components including generation resources and flexible loads. In the coordination method, the coupling constraints of electrical and heat network, dynamic characteristics of heat network as well as the power flow constraints are comprehensively modelled. Besides, the price‐based demand response and indoor temperature control strategy are used as demand response for more flexible operation of the combine electrical and thermal networks. The coordination model is formulated as a mixed‐integer linear programming problem and tested on 33‐bus and 69‐bus MEMGs. Simulation results verify the advantages of the proposed method over existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the new demand of extensive interconnection, open and interactive, complementation and sharing, clean and efficient utilisation of various energy resources, the energy−Internet distribution network (EIDN) will lead the future development direction of the AC/DC distribution network. Firstly, the basic connotation and the technical features of EIDN are presented. Secondly, the structural characteristics of EIDN are analysed further. Moreover, a new structural model of EIDN is proposed in the AC/DC distribution network. Then the study proposes a method which can establish the new EIDN structural model. Finally, the application of the proposed EIDN structural model is simulated. The simulation results show that compared with the traditional network structural model, the new EIDN structural model can not only realise optimal allocation and connection sharing of various energy resources but also greatly enlarge the maximum allowable penetration of distributed energy resources and keep energy utilisation effective, secure, and sustainable. Therefore, it can have reference significance to the development of the future AC/DC distribution network [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitigation of enteric methane emission in beef cattle production is important for reducing feed energy loss and increasing environmental sustainability. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different oilseeds included in fermented total mixed rations (whole soyabean seed (SBS, control), whole kapok seed (KPS) and cracked oil palm fruit (OPF)) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen microbial populations, energy partition and methane emissions in different cattle genotypes (Charolais crossbred v. Japanese Black crossbred). Three Charolais crossbred and three Japanese Black crossbred bulls were studied in a replicated 3×3 Latin square experimental design; genotypes were analysed in separate squares including three periods of 21 days each and three dietary oilseed treatments fed ad libitum. The cattle were placed in a metabolic cage equipped with a ventilated head box respiration system for evaluating digestibility and energy balance. As compared with Charolais crossbred individuals, Japanese Black crossbred bulls showed consistently lower dry matter intake (15.5%, P <0.01), metabolisable energy (ME) intake (13.8%, P <0.05), ME requirement for maintenance (10.3%; 386 v. 430 kJ/kg metabolic BW, respectively), faeces energy loss (19.2% , P <0.001) and enteric methane emissions (18.5%, P <0.001). However, these two genotypes did not differ in energy retention (ER) (P =0.80). Among the three dietary oilseed treatments, OPF exhibited higher NDF intake (P <0.01) and digestibility (P <0.01), which was associated with a larger (P <0.05) total number of bacteria in the rumen. In addition, the OPF diet contributed to higher ME intake and ER than that of the KPS diet, whereas the SBS diet presented intermediate values (P <0.05). The methane conversion factor of these crossbreds was not significantly affected by genotype (P >0.05) or diet (P >0.05) under the experimental conditions and ranged from 5.8% to 6.0% of gross energy intake. This value is lower than that reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (6.5%) for cattle fed with low-quality crop residues or by-products. Thus, our results imply that the Japanese Black crossbred cattle consume less feed and emits less enteric methane than the Charolais crossbred does, mainly owing to its lower ME requirement for maintenance. The OPF diet could be used to replace SBS for high beef production, although further studies are required to evaluate their application across a wide range of beef production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for increased energy utilisation and reduced carbon footprint has been investigated for the industrial park Mo Industri Park (MIP), located at Mo i Rana, Norway. Process data has been gathered to quantify the energy flows between industrial clients. The energy flows have been visualised quantitatively in Sankey diagrams, while the quality of the available energy is presented in the form of a grand composite curve. High temperature flue gas from ferrosilicon (FeSi) production at Elkem Rana represent the largest heat source available for utilisation. A theoretical assessment of potential applications for this energy is presented and includes: (1) electricity production; (2) local biocarbon production, where surplus heat is utilised for drying of wood chips; (3) post combustion carbon capture, where surplus heat is utilised for solvent regeneration. The results indicate that increasing the current energy recovery from 400 GWh to >640 GWh is realistic. The increase in energy recovery can be used for reducing the carbon footprint of the industrial park. Investment in a common utility network for surplus heat may lower the threshold for establishing other energy clients at MIP. These are possibilities which may be investigated in more detail in future work.

The net energy (NE) system takes into account the metabolic utilisation of energy and has been proposed as a superior system for characterising the energy value of feeds. In growing pigs, the inefficiency of ME utilisation for NE (or the heat increment, HI) is dependent on many factors, among them the genotype, which implies that published NE prediction equations may not apply across all genotypes. We conducted a study to investigate the effect of two genotypes (Yorkshire-Hampshire♀ × Duroc♂; YH × D) and Large white♀ × Landrace♂; LW × LR) on heat production (HP) and NE value of a corn soybean meal-based diet fed to growing pigs. The diet met or exceeded the nutrient specifications of 20-50 kg b.w. pigs according to NRC (1998). A total of sixteen barrows were used, eight of each genotype (initial b.w. of 20.1 ± 1.1 and 19.0 ± 0.9 kg for YH ×D and LW × LR, respectively). Pigs were initially fed at 550 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day (high ME intake) for determination of DE and ME in metabolism crates. Thereafter, HP was measured using an indirect calorimeter at either high ME or 330 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day (low ME intake) to estimate fasting HP (FHP) by regression. Pigs were allowed a 3-d adaptation period at low ME intake before measurement of HP. Irrespective of the genotype, a reduction of ME intake resulted in a decrease (P < 0.0001) of HP (352 for high ME vs. 292 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day for low ME). Pigs of LW × LR tended (P = 0.07) to have higher HP than those of YH× D and their estimated FHP was 175 and 103 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, respectively. The determined diet NE value was lower for the YHxD genotype (2,307 vs. 2633 kcal/kg DMI, P = 0.01) than for the LW × LR genotype. Pigs of LW × LR genotype showed lower (179 vs. 226 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, P = 0.003) HI than YH × D genotype and were determined to retain less energy as protein (100 vs. 123 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, P =0.04) and more energy as fat (73 vs. 42 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, P = 0.04). The diet NE value was 96% (LW × LR) and 81% (YH × D) of the predicted NE from published equations. In conclusion, a corn-soybean meal fed at equal amounts resulted in different HP and NE value depending on genotype.

Improvements in feed efficiency of beef cattle have the potential to increase producer profitability and simultaneously lower the environmental footprint of beef production. Although there are many different approaches to measuring feed efficiency, residual feed intake (RFI) has increasingly become the measure of choice. Defined as the difference between an animal’s actual and predicted feed intake (based on weight and growth), RFI is conceptually independent of growth and body size. In addition, other measurable traits related to energy expenditure such as estimates of body composition can be included in the calculation of RFI to also force independence from these traits. Feed efficiency is a multifactorial and complex trait in beef cattle and inter-animal variation stems from the interaction of many biological processes influenced, in turn, by physiological status and management regimen. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarise and interpret current published knowledge and provide insight into research areas worthy of further investigation. Indeed, where sufficient suitable reports exist, meta-analyses were conducted in order to mitigate ambiguity between studies in particular. We have identified a paucity of information on the contribution of key biological processes, including appetite regulation, post-ruminal nutrient absorption, and cellular energetics and metabolism to the efficiency of feed utilisation in cattle. In addition, insufficient information exists on the relationship between RFI status and productivity-related traits at pasture, a concept critical to the overall lifecycle of beef production systems. Overall, published data on the effect of RFI status on both terminal and maternal traits, coupled with the moderate repeatability and heritability of the trait, suggest that breeding for improved RFI, as part of a multi-trait selection index, is both possible and cumulative, with benefits evident throughout the production cycle. Although the advent of genomic selection, with associated improved prediction accuracy, will expedite the introgression of elite genetics for feed efficiency within beef cattle populations, there are challenges associated with this approach which may, in the long-term, be overcome by increased international collaborative effort but, in the short term, will not obviate the on-going requirement for accurate measurement of the primary phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the introductory paper for a Festschrift to honour the contribution that John Langtree Black has made so far to animal science over his 50-year career. The paper outlines the extraordinary wide range of topics, disciplines and animal species covered by his research and intellectual thinking. It describes major contributions made to enhancing knowledge in areas of animal science and to the application of knowledge to rural industries through simulation models, risk-control management systems, methods for measuring ingredient and product quality and communication. An important contribution has been through the management, coordination and integration of findings in large interdisciplinary research programs, particularly with an emphasis on adherence to the scientific method and the role of statistics. The discipline of scientific integrity has been extended to his considerable involvement in community service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to evaluate effects of bacterial or fungal originated xylanase on dietary energy utilisation and performance of broiler chickens fed on maize or wheat based diets during 1 to 21 days of age. A total number of 462 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were fed with one of the 6 dietary treatments consisting of two basal diets (based on maize or wheat) each with or without xylanase (from bacterial or fungal origin) supplementation in a 2×3 factorial arrangement. The body weight gain and feed intake were improved by 6.44 and 6.52 percent in birds fed wheat-based diets compared to those receiving maize-based diets (P<0.05) while xylanase supplementation did not affect performance parameters. Supplemental xylanases failed to influence dietary apparent metabolisable energy (AME), but the birds fed on fungal xylanase improved net energy for production (NEp) in wheat based diets (P<0.05) through increased carcass energy retention as fat (P<0.05). The birds given wheat based diets improved carcass total energy retention, NEp, total heat production (HPt) and efficiency of AME corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) or used for energy retention (P<0.05) by increasing the BWG. Supplemental fungal or bacterial origin of xylanase in wheat and maize-based diets did not affect growth performance and dietary AMEn. However, the fungal origin of xylanase improved the NEp in wheat based diets. The NEp was well correlated with performance parameters compared to AME. Therefore, it seems that the NEp system can be a more precise method for formulating poultry diets than the AME system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission power control is an effective method to reduce energy consumption for wireless sensor networks. However, the current algorithms of power control have relatively low accuracy. At the same time, the parameters cannot be adjusted dynamically. In order to improve the energy utilisation as well as data transmission efficiency and balance the load, therefore, a fuzzy power‐optimised clustering routing algorithm is proposed in this study. The algorithm optimises the iteration radius and classifies the sensor nodes into different categories according to their node degree. Then select the cluster head by multi‐parameter iteration adaptively among the same category, and optimise the cluster structure with a comprehensive consideration of parameters such as degree of centralisation, distance between node and base station and so on. Finally, fuzzy control is used to adjust the transmission power of cluster nodes dynamically to minimise the energy consumption. Simulation results show that when the average cluster radius RL=60, weight of election parameters α=0.2, adjustment parameter of cluster radius η=0.7, compared with other similar algorithms, the proposed algorithm prolongs the lifetime by at least 42.2% and increases the amount of data packets by at least 40.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary enzyme supplementation on the energy utilisation and metabolisable energy values of diets fed to broiler chickens using 2 different total collection methods. The experiment was performed using a completely randomised design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of two total collection methods (marker to marker method or precision-fed method) and two dietary treatments (with or without 1 g/kg dietary multi-enzyme supplementation). A total of 48 35-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to one of two total collection methods, and within each method, birds were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments with 6 replicates of two birds (one male and one female) per replicate. Additional 12 birds were used to estimate endogenous losses of gross energy (GE) and nitrogen (N). No significant interactions were identified for any measurement, and therefore, the main effects were analysed. Results indicated that birds assigned to the marker to marker method had greater (P<0.01) total tract apparent retention of DM and GE than those assigned to the precision-fed method. The AME and AMEN values of diets measured by the marker to marker method were greater (P<0.01) than those measured by the precision-fed method. When the endogenous losses of GE and N were corrected, however, the average AMEN value (12.6 MJ/kg) of diets measured by the marker to marker method was comparable to the average TMEN value (12.8 MJ/kg) of diets measured by the precision-fed method. The AMEN values of diets measured by both 2 methods were increased (P<0.01) by dietary enzyme supplementation. Likewise, dietary enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.05) TMEN values of diets in the precision-fed method. In conclusion, the energy utilisation of diets fed to broiler chickens and the efficacy of dietary enzyme can be reasonably determined by both total collection methods if the endogenous losses of GE and N are corrected in the precision-fed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two harbour porpoises of an estimated age of 1-2 years were held in captivity from April 1997 and were still alive in April 2002, after rescue from pound nets set in inner Danish waters. They are presently housed in an outdoor penned-off area of Kerteminde fjord. Their growth (total body length, girth, body weight and blubber thickness) and daily dietary intake (weight of fish, dietary composition and energy value) have been monitored since capture. The general activity of the animals was regularly monitored, including two 24-hour long observation periods. Initial body weights were 37.5 kg for Eigil (male) and 40.5 kg for Freja (female). Both porpoises lost 4 to 5 kg in the first few days because of their initial refusal to feed from the hand. Then body weight increased steadily reaching a peak of 44.75 kg for Eigil and 51.6 kg for Freja in early February 1998. A fluctuation in body weight with peaks of 44 to 45 kg for the male and 51to 56 kg for the female in winter followed by lows of 41 to 44 kg and 47 to 48 kg respectively in summer, established a clear pattern of seasonal fluctuation, mirrored by girth and blubber thickness variation. Length increased steadily from 130.5 cm to 139cm in Eigil, and from 127.5 cm to 150 cm in Freja. Food intake also fluctuated seasonally, and increases in food intake preceded weight gains. Daily food consumption in Eigil and Freja represented about 7 to 9.5% of body weight. The growth of the animals resembles that of wild porpoises in the region. The sudden initial weight losses suggested that the energy reserves of the animals may only be short-term. The large weight increase in the winter months with colder water, correlating with the increase in girth and blubber thickness, suggest that energy reserves and blubber fat may be important for insulation. During the two 24-hour observations, the animals spent most of their time cruising around, although slow swimming and logging at the surface increased at night. Breathing rates were lower in the early morning hours, consistent with diminished activity. Both animals’ movements were influenced by external activities at poolside.

The net energy (NE) system takes into account the metabolic utilisation of energy and has been proposed as a superior system for characterising the energy value of feeds. In growing pigs, the inefficiency of ME utilisation for NE (or the heat increment, HI) is dependent on many factors, among them the genotype, which implies that published NE prediction equations may not apply across all genotypes. We conducted a study to investigate the effect of two genotypes (Yorkshire-Hampshire♀ × Duroc♂; YH × D) and Large white♀ × Landrace♂; LW × LR) on heat production (HP) and NE value of a corn soybean meal-based diet fed to growing pigs. The diet met or exceeded the nutrient specifications of 20-50 kg b.w. pigs according to NRC (1998). A total of sixteen barrows were used, eight of each genotype (initial b.w. of 20.1 ± 1.1 and 19.0 ± 0.9 kg for YH ×D and LW × LR, respectively). Pigs were initially fed at 550 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day (high ME intake) for determination of DE and ME in metabolism crates. Thereafter, HP was measured using an indirect calorimeter at either high ME or 330 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day (low ME intake) to estimate fasting HP (FHP) by regression. Pigs were allowed a 3-d adaptation period at low ME intake before measurement of HP. Irrespective of the genotype, a reduction of ME intake resulted in a decrease (P < 0.0001) of HP (352 for high ME vs. 292 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day for low ME). Pigs of LW × LR tended (P = 0.07) to have higher HP than those of YH × D and their estimated FHP was 175 and 103 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, respectively. The determined diet NE value was lower for the YHxD genotype (2,307 vs. 2633 kcal/kg DMI, P = 0.01) than for the LW × LR genotype. Pigs of LW × LR genotype showed lower (179 vs. 226 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, P = 0.003) HI than YH × D genotype and were determined to retain less energy as protein (100 vs. 123 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, P =0.04) and more energy as fat (73 vs. 42 kcal/kg b.w.-0.60/day, P = 0.04). The diet NE value was 96% (LW × LR) and 81% (YH × D) of the predicted NE from published equations. In conclusion, a corn-soybean meal fed at equal amounts resulted in different HP and NE value depending on genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Isamill is a horizontal stirred media mill used for fine and ultrafine grinding. Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation has been used in this paper to study the behaviour of the media and the collisional environment in a full industrial scale Isamill. The DEM modelling has been able to provide a general understanding of the force balances that control the mill performance and the quantitative variation of key performance measures such as power draw and peak collision energy with changes in mill operating parameters and media properties. The key factor controlling the behaviour of the media and mill performance is the force balance on the media adjacent to the rotating discs of the impellor. Gravity and any applied axial pressure gradient play a critical role by providing a restoring force that presses the media bed against the discs which enables energy transfer from the discs to the adjacent media. Three important aspects of the media flow are identified with the holes in the discs playing a critical role in media transport and generating high speeds media jets in the upper half of the mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper investigates the trace compounds affecting energy utilisation in biogas that come from different production sites. With biogas being more widely used in different energy applications more interest has arisen for the specific composition of biogas. In traditional energy applications, methane and hydrogen sulphide contents have had the most influence when energy utilisation application has been considered. With more advanced processes also the quantity and quality of trace compounds is more important. In regards to trace compounds, it was found that the concentrations and the variations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be high in different landfills, especially, with compounds originating from the biological degradation process (like aromatics and terpenes) as seasonal variations affect the biological degradation. Trace compounds produced by direct volatilisation (halogenated and silicon compounds) show a smaller seasonal variation. Halogenated compounds are rarely present in high concentrations in waste water treatment plant (WWTP) biogas, but the concentrations of organic silicon compounds and their variation is high. Organic silicon compounds are usually detected only in low concentrations in co-digestion plant biogas, when no WWTP sludge is used as a raw material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The instability and unpredictability of future global energy markets necessitate the development of new alternative technical solutions to meet our continuously increasing energy demands. This rapid development has permanent consequences for the environment. This paper analyses several technical solutions and theoretical ideas concerning energy utilisation, i.e. for carbon-free electricity production. The ideas are discussed from theoretical and experimental perspectives. This review focuses on methods of production of an artificial vortex column in the surrounding atmosphere. Namely, convective vortices can be used as heat engines to convert available solar energy into mechanical work. Some of the proposed technical solutions deal with the ability to capture the mechanical energy and produce electricity. The discussion focuses on theoretical models and experimental results. The main aim of this study was to identify the state of the art. The conclusions presented herein may form a basis for further development of this alternative carbon-free concept of energy utilisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A hybrid laser arc welding system incorporating a plasma arc in a triangulated configuration (plasma augmented laser welding – PALW) was used to produce bead on plate welds in 6 mm low carbon steel. Laser powers up to 5 kW and arc currents up to 150 A were investigated. Plasma augmented laser welding allowed an increase in full penetration welding speed of 100% or an increase in penetration of between 25 and 100%, compared with the laser alone. At speeds of 2 m min-1 and above, PALW and laser alone were found to be equal with respect to fusion zone area per kW (mm2 kW-1). Plasma augmented laser welding was equivalent in terms of welding energy utilisation (mm3 J-1 of fusion zone) at 2 m min-1 and superior above 2 m min-1. Full penetrating PALW allows significant energy losses via the keyhole root exit. Only when the keyhole root closes can the full benefits of the hybrid process be manifested in the workpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy utilisation during spot welding is investigated using a combination of calorimetry, peak temperature measurement and plunge testing. When a steel tool, clamp and anvil support is used, only 12·6% of the energy generated during the spot welding is transferred into the welded Al 6111 sheets. In contrast, when a mica clamp and anvil support are used, 50% of the energy generated during spot welding transfers into the welded Al 6111 sheets. Only a small percentage of the energy generated during the friction stir spot welding operation is required for stir zone formation. During plunge testing of 6·3 mm thick Al 6061-T6 material, less than 4·03% of the energy which is generated during friction stir spot welding is required for stir zone formation. The remainder of the energy generated dissipates into the tool assembly, clamp, anvil support and the aluminium sheets which are being welded. The rotating pin produces around 70% of the energy generated during spot welding of 6·3 mm thick Al-6061 material, with the remainder being contributed by the tool shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single particles as well as assemblies of particles of α-lactose monohydrate have been subjected to compressive loads at different temperatures with a view to investigate the effect of temperature on the crushing behaviour. The results show a significant decrease in the extent of breakage of both single and bulk particles when the temperature is decreased, presumably due to an increase in fracture toughness. The energy utilisation in the bulk compression, expressed in terms of specific surface area created per unit of input energy has also been quantified. It is found to be relatively constant for different levels of input energy, but surprisingly it decreases with a decrease in temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The potential for increased energy utilisation and reduced carbon footprint has been investigated for the industrial park Mo Industri Park (MIP), located at Mo i Rana, Norway. Process data has been gathered to quantify the energy flows between industrial clients. The energy flows have been visualised quantitatively in Sankey diagrams, while the quality of the available energy is presented in the form of a grand composite curve. High temperature flue gas from ferrosilicon (FeSi) production at Elkem Rana represent the largest heat source available for utilisation. A theoretical assessment of potential applications for this energy is presented and includes: (1) electricity production; (2) local biocarbon production, where surplus heat is utilised for drying of wood chips; (3) post combustion carbon capture, where surplus heat is utilised for solvent regeneration. The results indicate that increasing the current energy recovery from 400 GWh to >640 GWh is realistic. The increase in energy recovery can be used for reducing the carbon footprint of the industrial park. Investment in a common utility network for surplus heat may lower the threshold for establishing other energy clients at MIP. These are possibilities which may be investigated in more detail in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wheat-based diets generated greater starch digestibility than sorghum and maize. • Red sorghum outperformed white sorghum in terms of AME and starch digestibility. • Birds offered maize-based diets achieved the best growth performance. • Birds offered maize-based diets had the highest energy utilisation. • Birds offered sorghum-based diets had the lowest growth and energy utilisation. A study was conducted to compare maize, wheat and sorghum as the main feed grain in standard phytase and xylanase supplemented diets for broiler chickens. Six diets with different grain varieties (two wheat, two sorghum and two maize) were formulated in accordance with Ross 308 recommendations for starter, grower and finisher diets and were offered from 1 to 10, 11–26 and 27–35 days post-hatch, respectively. The six treatments were offered to 672 male Ross 308 chicks, with eight replicate cages per treatment and 14 birds per cage from 1 to 10 days post-hatch and 6 birds per cage from 11 to 35 days post-hatch. Over the 1–35 day experimental period, birds offered diets based on maize B generated the most efficient feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.380), whereas birds offered red sorghum-based diets generated the poorest FCR (1.478). Likewise, in the finisher phase, birds offered both maize and wheat generated significantly greater apparent metabolisable energy (AME, MJ/kg DM), AME to gross energy ratio (AME:GE, MJ/MJ) and nitrogen corrected AME (AMEn, MJ/kg DM) than birds offered sorghum-based diets. Birds offered diets containing wheat A generated the greatest starch digestibility coefficient in the jejunum and ileum in both starter and finisher diets and red sorghum outperformed white sorghum in terms of AME and starch digestibility. In the ileum, broiler chickens offered finisher diets based on wheat B had the highest protein digestibility. In conclusion, birds offered maize-based diets achieved the best growth performance and energy utilisation followed by birds offered wheat- and sorghum-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We focused on empirical studies published over the past ten years. • We identified two main research approaches: building-level and stock-level analyses. • The granularity of the energy data and the methods/tools were summarised. • We proposed the definition of the geo-stock and the type-stock. • Conceptual models were drawn to map links and insights in research purposes involved. This paper aimed to review the literature of the past ten years about the energy performance of buildings during their operational stage. The focus of this review was empirical works that examined the energy use in real buildings. An overview of the literature survey is presented. A meta-analysis technique allowed the identification of two approaches of study: building-level analysis and stock-level analysis. The building-level analysis considers the building as the system of study. Otherwise, the stock-level analysis considers a group of buildings as the subject of study while the buildings are elements inside the system. Notable research topics were addressed involving performance gap, energy audit, retrofit savings assessment, Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB), benchmarking, regulations and strategies to overcome climate change. This literature review summarised the level of information of the studies by listing the granularity of the energy performance data according to the purpose of the study. Furthermore, a specific section was dedicated to assemble the methods and tools adopted. Finally, we proposed conceptual models for both approaches (building and stock-level) that outlined the main aspects and dynamics identified in this literature review. Thus, we obtained insights to be investigated in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]