Naringin supplementation affects performance, carcass traits, meat quality and oxidative stability of finishing pigs

Naringin is a major flavanone derivate that has many important biological functions in animals. However, its effect on pigs is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of naringin supplementation on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and oxidative stability in finishing pigs. Ninety-six pigs, with an average initial body weight of 66.2 ± 0.63 kg, were randomly divided into four groups. One group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (control), and the three others were fed diets supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g naringin /kg DM of feed for 50 days. Each treatment was replicated six times with four pigs per replicate. Feed and water were available ad libitum. The 0.5 g/kg naringin treatment group had an improved loin eye muscle area, reduced serum triglycerides and were leaner compared with the other groups. Pigs in the 1.5 g/kg naringin treatment had higher pH45min values and inosine monophosphate concentrations, and lower MyHC IIb mRNA expression in muscle than the other groups. MyHC IIa mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in all naringin-supplemented diet groups. Naringin significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total anti-oxidative capacity in meat, as well as SOD and glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver. These results indicate that the dietary addition of naringin at 0.5 g/kg improved carcass characteristics, while 1.5 g/kg improved the oxidative stability and pork quality in finishing pigs. Keywords: antioxidant capacity; carcass characteristics; naringin-supplemented diets; pork qualit

Effect of substituting guinea grass with sunflower hulls on production performance and digestion traits in fattening rabbits

[EN] The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of sunflower hulls (SH) to substitute guinea grass (GG), traditionally used as a fibre source in the diets of fattening rabbits, on production performance, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, gastrointestinal tract development and caecal fermentation. A total of 160 mixed sex Hyla commercial meat rabbits were allocated to 4 experimental groups (40 per treatment) differing in the SH level inclusion in the diet offered to rabbits from 40 to 90 d of age: 0, 30, 60 and 90 g/kg on as-fed basis: SH0, SH30, SH60 and SH90 groups, respectively. Growth performance was recorded from 47 to 90 d of age, CTTAD of nutrients from 86 to 90 d of age, and gastrointestinal tract development, caecal fermentation and carcass traits were determined at 90 d of age. Increasing substitutions of SH in the diet indicated effects on growth performance, as higher feed intake and lower feed efficiency were observed in SH90 compared with SH0 (P-linear<0.05). Moreover, the higher SH substitution diet (SH60 and SH90) increased the relative caecum weight (P-linear<0.05). A linear negative effect of SH inclusion was observed for the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (CTTAD from 0.294 to 0.232) and acid detergent fibre (CTTAD from 0.182 to 0.136; P-linear<0.05). Dietary SH substitution level had a quadratic effect on the villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum obtained (P-quadratic<0.05), and the highest were observed in the SH60 group. There was a quadratic effect on the pH of caecum content (P-quadratic<0.05), and the lowest was 6.08 in SH30 group. The total volatil fatty acids increased linearly with increasing SH in diets (from 71.11 to 76.98 mmol/L; P-linear<0.05), and when dietary SH increased, the proportion of acetate tended to increase (P-linear<0.05), and the proportions of propionic and butyric were decreased (P-linear<0.05, respectively). Substitution of GG with SH had no effect on carcass characteristics and meat quality. The current work shows that SH can replace up to 60 g/kg in diets for fattening rabbits, with no adverse impact on aspects of production performance or digestion traits.This study was supported by the earmarked fund for Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System (CARS-43-B-1) and Funds of Shandong “Double Tops” Programme.Liu, G.; Sun, C.; Zhao, X.; Liu, H.; Wu, Z.; Li, F. (2018). Effect of substituting guinea grass with sunflower hulls on production performance and digestion traits in fattening rabbits. World Rabbit Science. 26(3):217-225. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2018.9375SWORD21722526

On the chordae structure and dynamic behaviour of the mitral valve

We develop a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of the mitral valve (MV) that uses an anatomically and physiologically realistic description of the MV leaflets and chordae tendineae. Three different chordae models — complex, “pseudo-fibre”, and simplified chordae — are compared to determine how different chordae representations affect the dynamics of the MV. The leaflets and chordae are modelled as fibre-reinforced hyperelastic materials, and FSI is modelled using an immersed boundary-finite element (IB/FE) method. The MV model is first verified under static boundary conditions against the commercial FE software ABAQUS, and then used to simulate MV dynamics under physiological pressure conditions. Interesting flow patterns and vortex formulation are observed in all three cases. To quantify the highly complex system behaviour resulting from FSI, an energy budget analysis of the coupled MV FSI model is performed. Results show that the complex and pseudo-fibre chordae models yield good valve closure during systole, but that the simplified chordae model leads to poorer leaflet coaptation and an unrealistic bulge in the anterior leaflet belly. An energy budget analysis shows that the MV models with complex and pseudo-fibre chordae have similar energy distribution patterns, but the MV model with the simplified chordae consumes more energy, especially during valve closing and opening. We find that the complex chordae and pseudo-fibre chordae have similar impact on the overall MV function, but that the simplified chordae representation is less accurate. Because a pseudo-fibre chordal structure is easier to construct and less computationally intensive, it may be a good candidate for modelling MV dynamics or interaction between the MV and heart in patient-specific applications

Numerical Simulation of the Inlet/Outlet Pressure Ratio Effect on the Heat Transfer Coefficient in an Air Turbine Cascade

Based on the state-of-the art methods of gas turbine cascade heat transfer assessment, a theoretical model of the two-dimensional air turbine cascade is proposed, wherein gas flows past the turbine blade profile. The velocity, temperature, and pressure fields, as well as the heat transfer distribution along the pressure and suction surfaces, the leading and trailing edges of the turbine blade were computed via FLUENT software at different pressure ratios. This permitted of studying the heat transfer evolution at different pressure ratios in the same position and at the same pressure ratio in different positions.На основе разработанных методов оценки теплопередачи газовой ступени турбины предложенатеоретическая модель двухмерной ступени аэротурбины, в которой газ течет мимо контура лопасти турбины. Поля скоростей, температур и давлений, а также распределениекоэффициента теплопередачи вдоль поверхностей давления и разрежения, передней и задней кромок лопасти турбины рассчитывались с помощью программы FLUENT при разном отношении давлений. Это позволило исследовать эволюцию коэффициента теплопередачи при различном отношении давлений в одинаковом положении и при одинаковом отношении давлений в различных положениях.На основі розроблених методів оцінки теплопередачі газової ступені турбіни запропонована теоретична модель двомірної ступені аеротурбіни, в якій газ тече повз контуру лопаті турбіни. Поля швидкостей, температур і тисків, а також розподіл коефіцієнта теплопередачі вздовж поверхонь тиску і розрідження, передній і задній крайок лопаті турбіни розраховувалися за допомогою програми FLUENT при різному співвідношення тисків. Це дало змогу дослідити еволюцію коефіцієнта теплопередачі при різному ставленні тисків в однаковому становищі і при однаковому ставленні тисків в різних положеннях

Modified Norris–Landzberg Model and Optimum Design of Temperature Cycling ALT

Accelerated life testing (ALT) is an effective way to assess the lifetime of a product. Due to the complex nature of its testing profile, it is difficult to carry out temperature cycling ALT. This paper establishes a modified Norris–Landzberg model as acceleration model, and proposes the optimum design method of temperature cycling ALT. First, the FEA method is used to study the influence of temperature cycling profile parameters on the thermal fatigue life of 63Sn–37Pb solder joints. Then, a modified Norris–Landzberg model is proposed by introducing ramp time and dwell time with an added weight value. Finally, the temperature cycling ALT is regarded as a special multi-stress ALT to study its optimum design method. The uniform design theory is used to determine the combined mode. The optimum model is established with the objective of minimizing the asymptotic variance of the estimation of median lifetime under normal use conditions, and the simulation example shows the workability of the proposed method

Multiscale Modeling-Based Assessment of Elastic Properties of SLGS-Polymer Nanocomposites with Double-Atom Vacancy Defects

In this study, which is a continuation of our earlier work, the effect of double-atom vacancy defects (DAVD) on the elastic properties of single-layered graphene sheets (SLGS)-polymer nanocomposites is assessed by the multiscale modeling. According to the latter approach, the polymer matrix is modeled by finite element approach, while the SLGS and interphase layer are simulated at the atomistic scale by the molecular structural mechanics approach. In view of the Lennard–Jones potential concept, it is assumed that the SLGS and polymer matrix are related by van der Waals reciprocity. The fact that the elastic modulus of a polymer with 5% volume fraction of SLGS is increased by 17 times is demonstrated by numerous simulation results. It is also shown that the elastic modulus of SLGS-polymer nanocomposites with DAVDs is deteriorated with an increase in the number of DAVDs and improved with the increased volume fraction of SLGS.В рамках ранее предложенного авторами подхода на основе мультимасштабного моделирования исследуется влияние двойных атомарных вакансионных дефектов на упругие свойства полимерных нанокомпозитов из однослойных листов графена. Моделирование полимерной матрицы осуществляется методом конечных элементов, а интерфазный слой и однослойный лист графена моделируются на атомарном уровне в рамках молекулярной структурной механики. На основании концепции потенциала Леннарда Джонса предполагается наличие зависимости ван дер Ваальса между свойствами однослойных листов графена и полимерной матрицы. Результаты численных расчетов показывают, что модуль упругости полимера можно увеличить в 17 раз за счет добавления 5%-ной объемной доли однослойного листа графена. Установлено, что при увеличении количества двойных атомарных вакансионных дефектов модуль упругости полимерных композитов из однослойными листами графена снижается, в то время как с ростом объемной доли однослойных листов графена наблюдается его повышение.У рамках раніше запропонованого авторами підходу на основі мультимасштабного моделювання досліджується вплив подвійних атомарних вакансійних дефектів на пружні властивості полімерних нанокомпозитів з одношарових листів графена. Моделювання полімерної матриці виконано методом скінченних елементів, а інтерфазний шар і одношаровий лист графена моделюються на атомарному рівні в рамках молекулярної структурної механіки. На основі концепції потенціалу Леннарда Джонса припускається наявність залежності ван дер Ваальса між властивостями одношарових листів графена і полімерної матриці. Результати чисельних розрахунків показують, що модуль пружності полімеру можна збільшити в 17 разів за рахунок додання 5%-ної об ємної частки одношарового листа графена. Установлено, що з ростом кількості подвійних атомарних вакансійних дефектів модуль пружності полімерних композитів з одношаровими листами графена зменшується, в той час як зі зростанням об ємної частки одношарових листів графена відмічається його підвищення

Effect of Double-Atom Vacancy Defects on the Elastic Properties of Single-Layered Graphene Sheets

A molecular structural mechanics approach is used to study the effect of double-atom vacancy defects (DAVD) on the elastic properties of zigzag and armchair single-layered graphene sheets (SLGS). To this end, the space frame structure is also adopted to model the interatomic forces of the C–C bonds. The numerical simulation results obtained via the finite element method strongly suggest that double-atom vacancy defects reduce the elastic module of SLGS, which effect weakens with graphene size. Finally, the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of SLGS are found to decrease with the number of DAVDS.В рамках подхода молекулярной структурной механики исследуется влияние двойных атомарных вакансионных дефектов кристаллической решетки на упругие свойства однослойных листов графена с зигзагообразной и плетеной структурой. Для моделирования межатомных сил связей типа углерод–углерод используется пространственная структурная сетка. Результаты численного моделирования, полученные методом конечных элементов, подтверждают, что наличие указанных вакансионных дефектов снижает модуль упругости графена, что приводит к уменьшению его несущей способности. Установлено, что увеличение количества вакансионных дефектов обусловливает снижение модуля упругости и коэффициента Пуассона однослойных листов графена.У рамках підходу молекулярної структурної механіки досліджується вплив подвійних атомарних вакансійних дефектів кристалічної гратки на пружні властивості одношарових листів графена із зигзагоподібною та плетеною структурою. Для моделювання міжатомних сил зв’язків типу вуглець–вуглець використовується просторова структурна сітка. Результати чисельного моделювання, отримані методом скінченних елементів, підтверджують, що наявність указаних вакансійних дефектів знижу є модуль пружності графена, що призводить до зменшення його несівної здатності. Установлено, що збільшення кількості вакансійних дефектів призводить до зниження модуля пружності та коефіцієнта Пуассона одношарових листів графена

Characteristics of regional new particle formation in urban and regional background environments in the North China Plain

Long-term measurements of particle number size distributions were carried out both at an urban background site (Peking University, PKU) and a regional Global Atmospheric Watch station (Shangdianzi, SDZ) from March to November in 2008. In total, 52 new particle formation (NPF) events were observed simultaneously at both sites, indicating that this is a regional phenomenon in the North China Plain. On average, the mean condensation sink value before the nucleation events started was 0.025 s−1 in the urban environment, which was 1.6 times higher than that at regional site. However, higher particle formation and growth rates were observed at PKU (10.8 cm−3 s−1 and 5.2 nm h−1) compared with those at SDZ (4.9 cm−3 s−1 and 4.0 nm h−1). These results implied that precursors were much more abundant in the polluted urban environment. Different from the observations in cleaner environments, the background conditions of the observed particle homogeneous nucleation events in the North China Plain could be characterized as the co-existing of a stronger source of precursor gases and a higher condensational sink of pre-existing aerosol particles. Secondary aerosol formation following nucleation events results in an increase of particle mass concentration, particle light scattering coefficient, and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration, with consequences on visibility, radiative effects, and air quality. Typical regional NPF events with significant particle nucleation rates and subsequent particle growth over a sufficiently long time period at both sites were chosen to investigate the influence of NPF on the number concentration of "potential" CCN. As a result, the NPF and the subsequent condensable growth increased the CCN number concentration in the North China Plain by factors in the range from 5.6 to 8.7. Moreover, the potential contribution of anthropogenic emissions to the CCN number concentration was more than 50%, to which more attention should be drawn in regional and global climate modeling, especially in the polluted urban areas

Neutron/proton ratio of nucleon emissions as a probe of neutron skin

The dependence between neutron-to-proton yield ratio ($R_{np}$) and neutron skin thickness ($\delta_{np}$) in neutron-rich projectile induced reactions is investigated within the framework of the Isospin-Dependent Quantum Molecular Dynamics (IQMD) model. The density distribution of the Droplet model is embedded in the initialization of the neutron and proton densities in the present IQMD model. By adjusting the diffuseness parameter of neutron density in the Droplet model for the projectile, the relationship between the neutron skin thickness and the corresponding $R_{np}$ in the collisions is obtained. The results show strong linear correlation between $R_{np}$ and $\delta_{np}$ for neutron-rich Ca and Ni isotopes. It is suggested that $R_{np}$ may be used as an experimental observable to extract $\delta_{np}$ for neutron-rich nuclei, which is very significant to the study of the nuclear structure of exotic nuclei and the equation of state (EOS) of asymmetric nuclear matter.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures; accepted by Phys. Lett.