Oils with different degree of saturation:effects on ileal digestibility of fat and corresponding additivity and bacterial community in growing pigs

Background Oils are important sources of energy in pig diets.The combination of oils with different degree of saturation contributes to improve the utilization efficiency of the mixed oils and may reduce the cost of oil supplemented.An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of oils with different degree of saturation on the fat digestibility and corresponding additivity and bacterial community in growing pigs.Methods Eighteen crossbred(Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire)barrows(initial body weight:29.3±2.8 kg)were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum.The experimental diets included a fat-free basal diet and 5 oil-added diets.The 5 oil-added diets were formulated by adding 6%oil with different ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids(U:S)to the basal diet.The 5 oils were palm oil(U:S=1.2),canola oil(U:S=12.0),and palm oil and canola oil were mixed in different proportions to prepare a combination of U:S of 2.5,3.5 and 4.5,respectively.Results The apparent and standardized ileal digestibility(AID and SID)of fat and fatty acids increased linearly(P<0.05)as the U:S of dietary oils increased except for SID of fat and C18:2.The AID and SID of fat and fatty acids differed among the dietary treatments(P<0.05)except for SID of unsaturated fatty acids(UFA)and C18:2.Fitted one-slope broken-line analyses for the SID of fat,saturated fatty acids(SFA)and UFA indicated that the breakpoint for U:S of oil was 4.14(R^(2)=0.89,P<0.01),2.91(R^(2)=0.98,P<0.01)and 3.84(R^(2)=0.85,P<0.01),respectively.The determined SID of fat,C18:1,C18:2 and UFA in the mixtures was not different from the calculated SID of fat,C18:1,C18:2 and UFA.However,the determined SID of C16:0,C18:0 and SFA in the mixtures were greater than the calculated SID values(P<0.05).The abundance of Romboutsia and Turicibacter in pigs fed diet containing palm oil was greater than that in rapeseed oil treatment group,and the two bacteria were negatively correlated with SID of C16:0,C18:0 and SFA(P<0.05).Conclusions The optimal U:S for improving the utilization efficiency of mixed oil was 4.14.The SID of fat and UFA for palm oil and canola oil were additive in growing pigs,whereas the SID of SFA in the mixture of two oils was greater than the sum of the values of pure oils.Differences in fat digestibility caused by oils differing in degree of saturation has a significant impact on bacterial community in the foregut.

Additivity of pore structural parameters of granular activated carbons derived from different coals and their blends

A series of granular activated carbons （GACs） were prepared by briquetting method from Chinese coals of different ranks and their blends, with coal pitch as the binder. Pore structural parameters including BET specific surface area （SBEr）, total pore volume （Vr） and average pore diameter （da） were measured and cal- culated as well as process parameters such as yield of char （CY） and burn-off （B）. The relationship between the pore structural parameters of the GAC from coal blend （BC-GAC） and the ones of the GACs from corresponding single coals （SC-GACs） was analyzed, in which an index, the relative error （δ）, was presented to define the bias between fitted values and experimental values of these parameters of the BC-GACs. The results show that the BC-GAC keeps qualitatively the pore structural features of the SC-GACs; as concerned as the quantitative relationship, the pore structural parameters of the BC-GAC from coal blend consisting of non-caking coals can be obtained by adding proportionally the pore structural parameters of the SC-GACs with a less than 10%. Meanwhile, for the BC-GAC from coal blend containing weak caking bituminous coal, the δ increases up to 25% and the experimental pore size distribution differs greatly from the fitted one.

Additivity rule for electron-molecule total cross section calculations at 50-5000 eV: a new geometrical approach

Taking into consideration the changes of the geometric shielding effect in a molecule as the energy of incident electrons varies, this paper presents an empirical fraction, which depends on the energy of incident electrons, the target＇s molecular dimension and the atomic and electronic numbers in the molecule. Using this empirical fraction, it proposes a new formulation of the additivity rule. Employing the new additivity rule, it calculates the total cross sections of electron scattering by C2H4, C6H6, C6H14 and C8H18 over the energy range from 50 to 5000eV. In order to exclude the calculation deviations caused by solving the radial Schrodinger equation of electron scattering by atoms, here the atomic cross sections are derived from the experimental total cross section results of simple molecules （H2, O2, CO） via the inversion algorithm. The quantitative total cross sections are compared with those obtained by experiments and other theories, and good agreement is obtained over a wide energy range, even at energy of several tens of eV.

Total cross sections for electron scattering from fluoromethanes:A revised additivity rule method

The additivity rule for electron-molecule scattering is revised by considering the difference between the free atom and the bound atom in the molecule. The total cross sections for electron scattering from fluoromethanes （CF4, CF3H, CF2H2, and CFH3） are calculated in an energy range from 100 eV to 1500 eV by the revised additivity rule. The present calculations are compared with the original additivity rule results and the available experimental data. Better agreement with each other is obtained.

Comparison of methods for estimating basal endogenous losses of amino acids and additivity of digestibility of amino acids in corn and soybean meal for broilers

This study was to compare the estimates of basal endogenous losses(BEL)of amino acids(AA)determined by 3 methods including feeding a nitrogen-free diet(NFD)or a low-casein diet(LCD,containing casein at 30 g/kg diet)or using the regression method.Another objective was to investigate whether the ileal AA digestibility of corn calculated from a casein-supplemented corn diet is additive for a cornsoybean meal(SBM)mixed diet in broilers.On d 31 of age,168 Ross 308 male broilers were assigned to 8 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in a randomized complete block design.An NFD and 3 diets containing 30,60,or 90 g/kg of casein were formulated to determine the BEL of AA and ileal AA digestibility of casein.The other 4 diets consisted of a corn diet,SBM diet,casein-supplemented corn diet,and corn-SBM mixed diet.On d 35 of age,digesta from the distal section of the ileum were collected.The BEL of AA in birds fed the LCD were greater(P<0.05)than those of the NFD and the regression method.There were no differences in the BEL of AA determined between the NFD and the regression method.Apparent ileal digestibility(AID)and standardized ileal digestibility(SID)of AA for corn calculated from the casein-supplemented corn diet were greater(P<0.05)than those of the corn diet.The predicted AID of Thr in the corn-SBM mixed diet based on the AID of AA for corn in the corn diet was lower(P<0.05)than the measured AID.However,the predicted AID of AA in the mixed diet based on the AID of AA for corn in the casein-supplemented corn diet did not differ from the measured AID.The predicted SID of AA in the mixed diet did not differ from the measured SID irrespective of casein supplementation.In conclusion,feeding an NFD or using the regression method yields similar BEL of AA,but not feeding an LCD.Casein supplementation in the corn diet increases the ileal AA digestibility for corn,which is additive for the corn-SBM mixed diet.

Species-specific and generalized allometric biomass models for eight Fagaceae species in the understory of evergreen broadleaved forests in subtropical China

Quantifying the biomass of saplings in the regeneration component is critical for understanding biogeochemical processes of forest ecosystems.However,accurate allometric equations have yet to be developed in sufficient detail.To develop species-specific and generalized allometric equations,154 saplings of eight Fagaceae tree species in subtropical China’s evergreen broadleaved forests were collected.Three dendrometric variables,root collar diameter(d),height(h),and crown area(ca)were applied in the model by the weighted nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression method.Using only d as an input variable,the species-specific and generalized allometric equations estimated the aboveground biomass reasonably,with R _(adj)^(2) values generally>0.85.Adding h and/or ca improved the fitting of some biomass components to a certain extent.Generalized equations showed a relatively large coefficient of variation but comparable bias to species-specific equations.Only in the absence of species-specific equations at a given location are generalized equations for mixed species recommended.The developed regression equations can be used to accurately calculate the aboveground biomass of understory Fagaceae regeneration trees in China’s subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests.

A facile strategy for tuning the density of surface-grafted biomolecules for melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing applications

Melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing(ME-AM)is a promising technique to fabricate porous scaffolds for tissue engi-neering applications.However,most synthetic semicrystalline polymers do not possess the intrinsic biological activity required to control cell fate.Grafting of biomolecules on polymeric surfaces of AM scaffolds enhances the bioactivity of a construct;however,there are limited strategies available to control the surface density.Here,we report a strategy to tune the surface density of bioactive groups by blending a low molecular weight poly(ε-caprolactone)5k(PCL5k)containing orthogonally reactive azide groups with an unfunctionalized high molecular weight PCL75k at different ratios.Stable porous three-dimensional(3D)scaf-folds were then fabricated using a high weight percentage(75 wt.%)of the low molecular weight PCL 5k.As a proof-of-concept test,we prepared films of three different mass ratios of low and high molecular weight polymers with a thermopress and reacted with an alkynated fluorescent model compound on the surface,yielding a density of 201-561 pmol/cm^(2).Subsequently,a bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2)-derived peptide was grafted onto the films comprising different blend compositions,and the effect of peptide surface density on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells(hMSCs)was assessed.After two weeks of culturing in a basic medium,cells expressed higher levels of BMP receptor II(BMPRII)on films with the conjugated peptide.In addition,we found that alkaline phosphatase activity was only significantly enhanced on films contain-ing the highest peptide density(i.e.,561 pmol/cm^(2)),indicating the importance of the surface density.Taken together,these results emphasize that the density of surface peptides on cell differentiation must be considered at the cell-material interface.Moreover,we have presented a viable strategy for ME-AM community that desires to tune the bulk and surface functionality via blending of(modified)polymers.Furthermore,the use of alkyne-azide“click”chemistry enables spatial control over bioconjugation of many tissue-specific moieties,making this approach a versatile strategy for tissue engineering applications.

Synthetic polymers:A review of applications in drilling fluids

With the growth of deep drilling and the complexity of the well profile,the requirements for a more complete and efficient exploitation of productive formations increase,which increases the risk of various complications.Currently,reagents based on modified natural polymers(which are naturally occurring compounds)and synthetic polymers(SPs)which are polymeric compounds created industrially,are widely used to prevent emerging complications in the drilling process.However,compared to modified natural polymers,SPs form a family of high-molecular-weight compounds that are fully synthesized by undergoing chemical polymerization reactions.SPs provide substantial flexibility in their design.Moreover,their size and chemical composition can be adjusted to provide properties for nearly all the functional objectives of drilling fluids.They can be classified based on chemical ingredients,type of reaction,and their responses to heating.However,some of SPs,due to their structural characteristics,have a high cost,a poor temperature and salt resistance in drilling fluids,and degradation begins when the temperature reaches 130℃.These drawbacks prevent SP use in some medium and deep wells.Thus,this review addresses the historical development,the characteristics,manufacturing methods,classification,and the applications of SPs in drilling fluids.The contributions of SPs as additives to drilling fluids to enhance rheology,filtrate generation,carrying of cuttings,fluid lubricity,and clay/shale stability are explained in detail.The mechanisms,impacts,and advances achieved when SPs are added to drilling fluids are also described.The typical challenges encountered by SPs when deployed in drilling fluids and their advantages and drawbacks are also discussed.Economic issues also impact the applications of SPs in drilling fluids.Consequently,the cost of the most relevant SPs,and the monomers used in their synthesis,are assessed.Environmental impacts of SPs when deployed in drilling fluids,and their manufacturing processes are identified,together with advances in SP-treatment methods aimed at reducing those impacts.Recommendations for required future research addressing SP property and performance gaps are provided.

Interface engineering strategy via electron-defect trimethyl borate additive toward 4.7 V ultrahigh-nickel LiNi_(0.9)Co_(0.05)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)battery

The Li metal battery with ultrahigh-nickel cathode(LiNi_(x)M_(1-x)O_(2),M=Mn,Co,and x≥0.9)under high-voltage is regarded as one of the most promising approaches to fulfill the ambitious target of 400 Wh/kg.However,the practical application is impeded by the instability of electrode/electrolyte interface and Ni-rich cathode itself.Herein we proposed an electron-defect electrolyte additive trimethyl borate(TMB)which is paired with the commercial carbonate electrolyte to construct highly conductive fluorine-and boron-rich cathode electrolyte interface(CEI)on LiNi_(0.9)Co_(0.05)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)(NCM90)surface and solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)on lithium metal surface.The modified CEI effectively mitigates the structural transformation from layered to disordered rock-salt phase,and consequently alleviate the dissolution of transition metal ions(TMs)and its“cross-talk”effect,while the enhanced SEI enables stable lithium plating/striping and thus demonstrated good compatibility between electrolyte and lithium metal anode.As a result,the common electrolyte with 1 wt%TMB enables 4.7 V NCM90/Li cell cycle stably over 100 cycles with 70%capacity retention.This work highlights the significance of the electron-defect boron compounds for designing desirable interfacial chemistries to achieve high performance NCM90/Li battery under high voltage operation.

Additively manufactured Ti–Ta–Cu alloys for the next-generation load-bearing implants

Bacterial colonization of orthopedic implants is one of the leading causes of failure and clinical complexities for load-bearing metallic implants. Topical or systemic administration of antibiotics may not offer the most efficient defense against colonization, especially in the case of secondary infection, leading to surgical removal of implants and in some cases even limbs. In this study, laser powder bed fusion was implemented to fabricate Ti3Al2V alloy by a 1:1 weight mixture of CpTi and Ti6Al4V powders. Ti-Tantalum(Ta)–Copper(Cu) alloys were further analyzed by the addition of Ta and Cu into the Ti3Al2V custom alloy. The biological,mechanical, and tribo-biocorrosion properties of Ti3Al2V alloy were evaluated. A 10 wt.% Ta(10Ta) and 3 wt.% Cu(3Cu) were added to the Ti3Al2V alloy to enhance biocompatibility and impart inherent bacterial resistance. Additively manufactured implants were investigated for resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains of bacteria for up to 48 h. A 3 wt.% Cu addition to Ti3Al2V displayed improved antibacterial efficacy, i.e.78%–86% with respect to CpTi. Mechanical properties for Ti3Al2V–10Ta–3Cu alloy were evaluated, demonstrating excellent fatigue resistance, exceptional shear strength, and improved tribological and tribo-biocorrosion characteristics when compared to Ti6Al4V. In vivo studies using a rat distal femur model revealed improved early-stage osseointegration for alloys with10 wt.% Ta addition compared to CpTi and Ti6Al4V. The 3 wt.% Cu-added compositions displayed biocompatibility and no adverse infammatory response in vivo. Our results establish the Ti3Al2V–10Ta–3Cu alloy’s synergistic effect on improving both in vivo biocompatibility and microbial resistance for the next generation of load-bearing metallic implants.

Toward understanding the microstructure characteristics,phase selection and magnetic properties of laser additive manufactured Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets

Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets play a crucial role in energy conversion and electronic devices.The essential magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-B magnets,particularly coercivity and remanent magnetization,are significantly infuenced by the phase characteristics and microstructure.In this work,Nd-Fe-B magnets were manufactured using vacuum induction melting(VIM),laser directed energy deposition(LDED)and laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)technologies.Themicrostructure evolution and phase selection of Nd-Fe-B magnets were then clarified in detail.The results indicated that the solidification velocity(V)and cooling rate(R)are key factors in the phase selection.In terms of the VIM-casting Nd-Fe-B magnet,a large volume fraction of theα-Fe soft magnetic phase(39.7 vol.%)and Nd2Fe17Bxmetastable phase(34.7 vol.%)areformed due to the low R(2.3×10-1?C s-1),whereas only a minor fraction of the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase(5.15 vol.%)is presented.For the LDED-processed Nd-Fe-B deposit,although the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase also had a low value(3.4 vol.%)as the values of V(<10-2m s-1)and R(5.06×103?C s-1)increased,part of theα-Fe soft magnetic phase(31.7vol.%)is suppressed,and a higher volume of Nd2Fe17Bxmetastable phases(47.5 vol.%)areformed.As a result,both the VIM-casting and LDED-processed Nd-Fe-B deposits exhibited poor magnetic properties.In contrast,employing the high values of V(>10-2m s-1)and R(1.45×106?C s-1)in the LPBF process resulted in the substantial formation of the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase(55.8 vol.%)directly from the liquid,while theα-Fe soft magnetic phase and Nd2Fe17Bxmetastable phase precipitation are suppressed in the LPBF-processed Nd-Fe-B magnet.Additionally,crystallographic texture analysis reveals that the LPBF-processedNd-Fe-B magnets exhibit isotropic magnetic characteristics.Consequently,the LPBF-processed Nd-Fe-B deposit,exhibiting a coercivity of 656 k A m-1,remanence of 0.79 T and maximum energy product of 71.5 k J m-3,achieved an acceptable magnetic performance,comparable to other additive manufacturing processed Nd-Fe-B magnets from MQP(Nd-lean)Nd-Fe-Bpowder.

Rationally designing electrolyte additives for highly improving cyclability of LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4)/Graphite cells

High voltage is necessary for high energy lithium-ion batteries but difficult to achieve because of the highly deteriorated cyclability of the batteries.A novel strategy is developed to extend cyclability of a high voltage lithium-ion battery,LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4)/Graphite(LNMO/Graphite)cell,which emphasizes a rational design of an electrolyte additive that can effectively construct protective interphases on anode and cathode and highly eliminate the effect of hydrogen fluoride(HF).5-Trifluoromethylpyridine-trime thyl lithium borate(LTFMP-TMB),is synthesized,featuring with multi-functionalities.Its anion TFMPTMB-tends to be enriched on cathode and can be preferentially oxidized yielding TMB and radical TFMP-.Both TMB and radical TFMP can combine HF and thus eliminate the detrimental effect of HF on cathode,while the TMB dragged on cathode thus takes a preferential oxidation and constructs a protective cathode interphase.On the other hand,LTFMP-TMB is preferentially reduced on anode and constructs a protective anode interphase.Consequently,a small amount of LTFMP-TMB(0.2%)in 1.0 M LiPF6in EC/DEC/EMC(3/2/5,wt%)results in a highly improved cyclability of LNMO/Graphite cell,with the capacity retention enhanced from 52%to 80%after 150 cycles at 0.5 C between 3.5 and 4.8 V.The as-developed strategy provides a model of designing electrolyte additives for improving cyclability of high voltage batteries.

Microstructure and thermal properties of dissimilar M300–CuCr1Zr alloys by multi-material laser-based powder bed fusion

Multi-material laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) allows manufacturing of parts with 3-dimensional gradient and additional functionality in a single step. This research focuses on the combination of thermally-conductive CuCr1Zr with hard M300 tool steel.Two interface configurations of M300 on CuCr1Zr and CuCr1Zr on M300 were investigated. Ultra-fine grains form at the interface due to the low mutual solubility of Cu and steel. The material mixing zone size is dependent on the configurations and tunable in the range of0.1–0.3 mm by introducing a separate set of parameters for the interface layers. Microcracks and pores mainly occur in the transition zone.Regardless of these defects, the thermal diffusivity of bimetallic parts with 50vol% of CuCr1Zr significantly increases by 70%–150%compared to pure M300. The thermal diffusivity of CuCr1Zr and the hardness of M300 steel can be enhanced simultaneously by applying the aging heat treatment.

ZnO Additive Boosts Charging Speed and Cycling Stability of Electrolytic Zn–Mn Batteries

Electrolytic aqueous zinc-manganese(Zn–Mn) batteries have the advantage of high discharge voltage and high capacity due to two-electron reactions. However, the pitfall of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries is the sluggish deposition reaction kinetics of manganese oxide during the charge process and short cycle life. We show that, incorporating ZnO electrolyte additive can form a neutral and highly viscous gel-like electrolyte and render a new form of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries with significantly improved charging capabilities. Specifically, the ZnO gel-like electrolyte activates the zinc sulfate hydroxide hydrate assisted Mn^(2+) deposition reaction and induces phase and structure change of the deposited manganese oxide(Zn_(2)Mn_(3)O_8·H_(2)O nanorods array), resulting in a significant enhancement of the charge capability and discharge efficiency. The charge capacity increases to 2.5 mAh cm^(-2) after 1 h constant-voltage charging at 2.0 V vs. Zn/Zn^(2+), and the capacity can retain for up to 2000 cycles with negligible attenuation. This research lays the foundation for the advancement of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries with enhanced charging capability.

Dual Additives for Stabilizing Li Deposition and SEI Formation in Anode-Free Li-Metal Batteries

Anode-free Li-metal batteries are of significant interest to energy storage industries due to their intrinsically high energy.However,the accumulative Li dendrites and dead Li continuously consume active Li during cycling.That results in a short lifetime and low Coulombic efficiency of anode-free Li-metal batteries.Introducing effective electrolyte additives can improve the Li deposition homogeneity and solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)stability for anode-free Li-metal batteries.Herein,we reveal that introducing dual additives,composed of LiAsF6 and fluoroethylene carbonate,into a low-cost commercial carbonate electrolyte will boost the cycle life and average Coulombic efficiency of NMC‖Cu anode-free Li-metal batteries.The NMC‖Cu anode-free Li-metal batteries with the dual additives exhibit a capacity retention of about 75%after 50 cycles,much higher than those with bare electrolytes(35%).The average Coulombic efficiency of the NMC‖Cu anode-free Li-metal batteries with additives can maintain 98.3%over 100 cycles.In contrast,the average Coulombic efficiency without additives rapidly decline to 97%after only 50 cycles.In situ Raman measurements reveal that the prepared dual additives facilitate denser and smoother Li morphology during Li deposition.The dual additives significantly suppress the Li dendrite growth,enabling stable SEI formation on anode and cathode surfaces.Our results provide a broad view of developing low-cost and high-effective functional electrolytes for high-energy and long-life anode-free Li-metal batteries.

Review on laser directed energy deposited aluminum alloys

Lightweight aluminum(Al)alloys have been widely used in frontier fields like aerospace and automotive industries,which attracts great interest in additive manufacturing(AM)to process high-value Al parts.As a mainstream AM technique,laser-directed energy deposition(LDED)shows good scalability to meet the requirements for large-format component manufacturing and repair.However,LDED Al alloys are highly challenging due to their inherent poor printability(e.g.low laser absorption,high oxidation sensitivity and cracking tendency).To further promote the development of LDED high-performance Al alloys,this review offers a deep understanding of the challenges and strategies to improve printability in LDED Al alloys.The porosity,cracking,distortion,inclusions,element evaporation and resultant inferior mechanical properties(worse than laser powder bed fusion)are the key challenges in LDED Al alloys.Processing parameter optimizations,in-situ alloy design,reinforcing particle addition and field assistance are the efficient approaches to improving the printability and performance of LDED Al alloys.The underlying correlations between processes,alloy innovation,characteristic microstructures,and achievable performances in LDED Al alloys are discussed.The benchmark mechanical properties and primary strengthening mechanism of LDED Al alloys are summarized.This review aims to provide a critical and in-depth evaluation of current progress in LDED Al alloys.Future opportunities and perspectives in LDED high-performance Al alloys are also outlined.

Testing for additivity with B-splines

Regression splines are often used for fitting nonparametric functions, and they work especially well for additivity models. In this paper, we consider two simple tests of additivity: an adaptation of Tukey’s one degree of freedom test and a nonparametric version of Rao’s score test. While the Tukey-type test can detect most forms of the local non-additivity at the parametric rate of O(n-1/2), the score test is consistent for all alternative at a nonparametric rate. The asymptotic distribution of these test statistics is derived under both the null and local alternative hypotheses. A simulation study is conducted to compare their finite-sample performances with some existing kernel-based tests. The score test is found to have a good overall performance.

Challenges and opportunities in the production of magnesium parts by directed energy deposition processes

Mg-alloys have gained considerable attention in recent years for their outstanding properties such as lightweight,high specific strength,and corrosion resistance,making them attractive for applications in medical,aerospace,automotive,and other transport industries.However,their widespread application is hindered by their low formability at room temperature due to limited slip systems.Cast Mg-alloys have low mechanical properties due to the presence of casting defects such as porosity and anisotropy in addition to the high scrap.While casting methods benefit from established process optimization techniques for these problems,additive manufacturing methods are increasingly replacing casting methods in Mg alloys as they provide more precise control over the microstructure and allow specific grain orientations,potentially enabling easier optimization of anisotropy properties in certain applications.Although metal additive manufacturing(MAM)technology also results in some manufacturing defects such as inhomogeneous microstructural evolution and porosity and additively manufactured Mg alloy parts exhibit lower properties than the wrought parts,they in general exhibit superior properties than the cast counterparts.Thus,MAM is a promising technique to produce Mg alloy parts.Directed energy deposition processes,particularly wire arc directed energy deposition(WA-DED),have emerged as an advantageous additive manufacturing(AM)technique for metallic materials including magnesium alloys,offering advantages such as high deposition rates,improved material efficiency,and reduced production costs compared to subtractive processes.However,the inherent challenges associated with magnesium,such as its high reactivity and susceptibility to oxidation,pose unique hurdles in the application of this technology.This review paper delves into the progress made in the application of DED technology to Mg-alloys,its challenges,and prospects.Furthermore,the predominant imperfections,notably inhomogeneous microstructure evolution and porosity,observed in Mg-alloy components manufactured through DED are discussed.Additionally,the preventive measures implemented to counteract the formation of these defects are explored.

Novel uses of ensiled biomasses as feedstocks for green biorefineries

Perennial forage plants are efficient utilizers of solar radiation and nutrients so that there is a lot of scope to increase the production of green biomass in many areas.Currently,grasses are mainly used as feeds for ruminants and equines,but there could be higher added value use for several components of the green biomass.Interest in green biorefin-ing has risen recently motivated by the increased sustainability pressures and need to break the reliance on fossil fuels.Novel products derived from grass,such as paper and packaging,nanofibers,animal bedding,novel protein feeds,extracted proteins,biochemicals,nutraceuticals,bioactive compounds,biogas and biochar could create new sustainable business opportunities in rural areas.Most green biorefinery concepts focus on using fresh green biomass as the feedstock,but preservation of it by ensiling would provide several benefits such as all-year-around avail-ability of the feedstock and increased stability of the press juice and press cake.The major difference between fresh and ensiled grass is the conversion of water soluble carbohydrates into fermentation end products,mainly lactic and acetic acids,that lower the pH of the silage so that it becomes stable in anaerobic conditions.This has some important consequences on the processability and quality of products,which are partly positive and partly negative,e.g.,degradation of protein into peptides,amino acids and ammonia.These aspects are discussed in this review.

The biological functions and metabolic pathways of valine in swine

Valine is an essential amino acid and a type of branched-chain amino acid. Due to the involvement of branchedchain amino acids in various metabolic pathways, there has been a surge of interests in valine nutrition and its role in animal physiology. In pigs, the interactions between valine and other branched-chain amino acids or aromatic amino acids are complex. In this review, we delve into the interaction mechanism, metabolic pathways, and biological functions of valine. Appropriate valine supplementation not only enhances growth and reproductive performances, but also modulates gut microbiota and immune functions. Based on past observations and interpretations, we provide recommended feed levels of valine for weaned piglets, growing pigs, gilts, lactating sows, barrows and entire males. The summarized valine nutrient requirements for pigs at different stages offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in animal husbandry.