Norconsult (Norway)

This study investigated the influence of submerged versus surface feeding strategies on behavior and growth performance in farmed Atlantic Cod ( Gadus morhua ) in a full-scale, surface-based open cage system in northern Norway. Cod receiving submerged feed consistently occupied deeper and more stable vertical positions than surface-fed fish, particularly under elevated surface temperatures ( > 15 ° C ). While both groups exhibited diurnal vertical migrations, submerged-fed Cod displayed tighter vertical cohesion and reduced surface avoidance. The SGR was slightly higher in the submerged-fed group ( 0 . 39 % day − 1 vs. 0 . 35 % day − 1 ), likely reflecting reduced thermal stress and better alignment with the species’ natural foraging depth. However, FCR was marginally poorer (1.23 vs. 1.20), possibly due to increased feeding competition caused by localized feed delivery. In contrast, surface feeding provided more uniform feed dispersion, resulting in lower competition and more efficient feed utilization. Mortality rates were comparable between treatments (24.2% submerged vs. 23.4% surface), with peaks observed during a warm-water starvation phase. Principal component analysis identified feed availability as the primary driver of behavioral dynamics, followed by temperature and biomass. Submerged feeding also promoted greater behavioral synchrony and depth targeting under thermally stratified conditions. These findings highlight a trade-off between growth potential and feed efficiency, shaped by the spatial and competitive dynamics of feeding depth. They underline the importance of species- and site-specific feeding strategies, particularly in environments subject to thermal stress. The results can inform the optimization of feeding depth, scheduling, net pen configuration, and feeder design and placement. Furthermore, they support the development of behavior-informed, adaptive management tools aimed at improving production efficiency and fish welfare in Cod aquaculture.

<title>Abstract</title> Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly adopted in geotechnical engineering but remains hindered by the lack of standardised modelling methods and functional data structures. This paper presents a novel, generalisable BIM data model specifically for tension supporting elements (i.e., anchors, soil nails, rock bolts etc.) which are used in almost every geotechnical project. Unlike previous efforts focusing primarily on construction-stage documentation, this study advances the state-of-the-art by integrating the full project lifecycle, including design, installation, inspection, and maintenance. The proposed data structure defines Level of Development (LOD) requirements for both geometry and metadata, aligned with project phases and maintenance needs. Three real-world cases from Norwegian infrastructure projects, covering tunnels, slopes, and foundations, form the basis for the proposed model, ensuring practical relevance and adaptability. The data structure is expandable such that maintenance-related information at different periods can be appended and back-traced. Even though realisation and testing in real projects are necessary, the proposed data structure is already proven to be compatible with parametric design, the most used LOD frameworks, and common data exchange formats e.g. “Industry Foundation Class” (IFC) for BIM.

ABSTRACTChanges in vegetation cover are occurring across sub‐Saharan Africa and can have substantial effects on ecological communities, but limited data make understanding status and trends difficult for many taxa. We surveyed birds for several decades across Uganda using point counts. Using time‐to‐detection analysis in a trait‐informed Bayesian multi‐species occupancy framework, we model bird species richness as a function of year and local tree cover across 28 sites. We test for trends in richness and occupancy, and for the relationship between these and local and landscape‐scale tree cover. Species richness increased at 75% of sites through the study period, and generalist bird species were most likely to be increasing in occupancy. Forest specialist bird species, and to a lesser extent generalists, responded positively to tree cover. Woody cover is changing across Uganda, with declines most pronounced in areas with the highest tree cover. This is likely to be causing declines in forest specialist species while favouring generalists. When tree cover decline is caused by conversion to croplands, rather than transitions to grasslands, grassland specialists are unlikely to benefit. Effects of climate and land use change and population pressure are likely to continue to alter woody plant cover and thus affect East African bird communities.

We studied fault core geometry and mechanical properties of exhumed basement rocks at two localities (Storskora and Lislaskora) in Sotra Island, western Norway. We combine outcrop studies with in-situ measurements of the rock stiffness (Young's modulus) to characterize the faults. Faults were investigated both along and across strike using multiple 1D scanlines on the outcrop. Our results show that both fault core thickness and stiffness values vary along the faults. Thicker fault cores (up to 0.8 m and 1.9 m in Storskora and Lislaskora loaclities, respectively) show higher values of stiffness (Young's modulus) up to 70 GPa. The stiffness values of the fault core are generally higher than those measured on the damage zone of the faults in this area. The presence of epidote and compacted fault gouge in the fault core can cause the increase in estimated fault core stiffness. In contrast, fractures are dominant in the damage zones causing local reductions in the stiffness. A map of recent seismic events in this area shows potential seismic activities along some of the major exposed faults in the Sotra Island (e.g. Rustefjorden Fault). Based on the evidence from outcrop, inferred displacements, and interpretation of an available reflection seismic section, we found that the exposed faults could be secondary and part of the damage zone of the Øygarden Fault Complex in the east margin of the rift system in the North Sea. The results of this study could be utilized to predict the architecture and changes in rock stiffness of basement-involved faults in the subsurface.

This article introduces a modern thermal energy plant consisting of sewage heat pumps, a biogas boiler, thermal solar collectors, and grey water recycling. It further discusses advanced methods to achieve energy efficiency in the plant operation. The project is a collaboration between the industrial plant designer, the municipal plant owner, and the local academic institution. The article presents the framework for the collaboration. The overall target is to investigate how the experience and competence of the three partners can lead to improved operation using data-driven methods and optimization strategies. The industrial partner can closely follow up on its design and increase its knowledge of artificial intelligence and data-driven methods. The municipal partner is given a “free-of-charge” system review. New knowledge and reduced life cycle costs and emissions are possible outcomes. The academic partner gets access to a “living green laboratory,” a unique dataset, and the opportunity to validate developed models and optimization strategies. The plant represents the state-of-the-art for a medium scaled, local thermal energy production system in an existing building cluster. The design energy and emission targets are presented and compared to the operational results. Though the municipal partner can report good agreement between targets and results, an evaluation of the day-to-day operation identified practical examples of system conditions that Artificial Intelligence may improve. The article concludes with a description of plans for future work and a broader discussion of the impacts of introducing data-driven methods to real-life systems.

A series of axial load tests in tension has been carried out on open-ended driven steel pipe piles with a diameter of 406 mm and lengths of 70 and 40 m. At the test site, the ground consists of layers of loose fluvial sand and soft silty marine clay deposits. One test pile was well instrumented with strain gauges. The main scope of the test program was to verify design methods including time effects for pile foundations for new bridges at the site. To verify time or aging effects, the piles were load tested 3, 9, and 18 months after installation. The test results are presented in some detail and compared to bearing capacity and load-displacement response predicted prior to pile installation. An unexpected result of the test program was that several days of stops in driving due to welding of the pile segments and connecting of the instrumentation had a major negative impact on the ultimate bearing capacity of the instrumented pile, which failed at about 50% of the predicted values. Noninstrumented test piles with shorter stops due to welding of segments gave bearing capacities in reasonable agreement with predicted values.

Abstract This paper presents the software tools developed for the research project Advanced Modelling for Power System Analysis and Simulation (AMPSAS) funded by Science Foundation Ireland from 2016 to 2021. The main objective of AMPSAS was the development of novel analytical and computational tools to understand, efficiently design, and optimise ever‐changing modern power systems and smart grids, through model‐based approaches. In particular, the paper discusses (i) stochastic differential equations for modelling power systems, which are subject to large stochastic perturbations (e.g. wind and solar generation); (ii) the effect of controller and modelling imperfections, for example, delays, discontinuities, and digital signals, on both local and area‐wide regulators in power systems; and (iii) the stability analysis and dynamic performance of power systems modelled through stochastic, delay and hybrid implicit differential‐algebraic equations. The software tool developed during the execution of AMPSAS integrates areas of applied mathematics, automatic control, and computer science. Several implementation features and open challenges of this software tool are also discussed in the paper. A variety of examples that illustrates the features of this software tool are based on a dynamic model of the all‐island Irish transmission system.