GPU-acceleration for Moving Particle Semi-Implicit method

The MPS (Moving Particle Semi-implicit) method has been proven useful in computation free-surface hydrodynamic flows. Despite its applicability, one of its drawbacks in practical application is the high computational load. On the other hand, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), which was originally developed for acceleration of computer graphics, now provides unprecedented capability for scientific computations. The main objective of this study is to develop a GPU-accelerated MPS code using CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) language. Several techniques have been shown to optimize calculations in CUDA. In order to promote the acceleration by GPU, particular attentions are given to both the search of neighboring particles and the iterative solution of simultaneous linear equations in the Poisson Pressure Equation. In this paper, 2-dimensional calculations of elliptical drop evolution and dam break flow have been carried out by the GPU-accelerated MPS method, and the accuracy and performance of GPU-based code are investigated by comparing the results with those by CPU. It is shown that results of GPU-based calculations can be obtained much faster with the same reliability as the CPU-based ones

Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae and Pre-Pupae Raised on Household Organic Waste, as Potential Ingredients for Poultry Feed

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and pre-pupae could be satisfactorily raised on household organic waste and used as poultry feed, offering a potential sustainable way to recycle untapped resources of waste. The present study was conducted to determine if whole (non-defatted) BSF larvae and pre-pupae raised on experimental household waste could substitute soybean meal and oil as ingredients for laying hen diets. While no significant differences in feed intake and the egg-laying rate of hens were observed throughout the experiment, egg weight and eggshell thickness were greater in the pre-pupae-fed group than in the other groups. Moreover, although diversity of the cecal microbiota was significantly higher in the pre-pupae-fed than in the control group, no significant differences in bacterial genera known to cause food poisoning were observed when comparing the treatment groups. Nonetheless, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control group. Fat content in BSF was possibly related with the changes in the cecal microbiota. Hence, since BSF fat was deficient in essential fatty acids, special attention should be paid to the fat content and its fatty acid composition in the case of regular inclusion of BSF larvae and pre-pupae oil as an ingredient in poultry diets