bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytogenic Compounds Supplemented to Gestating Hyperprolific Sows Affects the Gut Health-Related Gene Expression and Histological Responses in Neonate Piglets
Authors: Reyes-Camacho David , Pérez José Francisco , Vinyeta Ester , Aumiller Tobias , Criado-Mesas Lourdes , Folch Josep Maria , Van der Klis Jan Dirk , Solà-Oriol David
Published: June 2021

This research aims to determine whether a specific blend of phytogenic compounds (BPC) supplemented in gestating hyperprolific sow diets can promote prenatal maternal effects in terms of piglet gut function and morphology. Twenty-eight (Landrace × Yorkshire) gilts and sows (parity 0 to 7) were randomly distributed by parity number and body weight into two dietary treatments: unsupplemented Control (CON) (n = 14) or CON diet supplemented with 1 g/kg feed of BPC during gestation (n = 14). The BPC supplementation during gestation of sows downregulated the neonate piglets' jejunal genes involved in oxidation (SOD2) and nutrient transport (SLC16A1/MCT1, SLC11A2/DMT1, and SLC39A/ZIP4), while IFNG and CLDN4 related to immune response and barrier function, respectively, were upregulated (q < 0.10). In addition, the jejunal villus height and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth tended to increase (p < 0.10), while goblet cell volume density was higher (p < 0.05) in BPC compared to CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of BPC in gestating diets for hyperprolific sows influences neonatal histomorphology and expression of genes related to the intestinal function and health.
Cormorants as a Potentially Important Reservoir and Carrier of Newcastle Disease Virus on the Asian Continent
Authors: Karamendin Kobey , Kydyrmanov Aidyn
Published: June 2021

Despite numerous disease prevention measures and control programs, Newcastle disease (ND) remains one of the most significant infections in poultry worldwide, especially in developing countries. It is known that wild birds, mainly of the Anseriformes order, are the main carrier of lentogenic (non-pathogenic) variants of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in nature. But the question of the reservoir of velogenic (highly pathogenic) NDV in nature still remains open. In the 1970s, 1990s, and 2000s in North America during epizootics among cormorants, velogenic NDV strains were isolated. It was later concluded that cormorants play an important role in the maintenance and circulation of NDV in North America. New data have been obtained on the circulation of velogenic NDV strains in wild birds in Central Asia: VIIb and XIII genotype strains were isolated from cormorants for the first time in Kazakhstan. Interestingly, outbreaks of NDV registered in poultry in Central and Southern Asia were phylogenetically close to the viruses from cormorants that support the idea that cormorants can serve as the potential reservoir of velogenic NDV in developing countries of Asia. The seasonal migrations of cormorants may contribute to the distribution of the virus throughout Asia but more evidence must be obtained to confirm this hypothesis. There is increasing evidence of the introduction of NDV into the poultry farms from wild nature worldwide. This article continues the discussion on the likelihood of cormorants to serve as a reservoir and carrier of NDV on the Asian continent.
Exploring the Opinions of Irish Beef Farmers Regarding Dairy Beef Integration
Authors: Maher James W. , Clarke AnneMarie , Byrne Andrew William , Doyle Rob , Blake Martin , Cromie Andrew , Barrett Damien
Published: June 2021

Background: There has been very little previous research in Ireland on the opinions of farmers regarding dairy beef integration. The need for increased dairy beef integration has assumed a greater importance in Ireland in recent years due to a rapid expansion in dairy production, and associated increase in numbers of male dairy calves born on Irish farms. The objective of this study was to explore beef farmers' views on a broad range of issues related to dairy beef integration, using a survey methodology. The survey was distributed to approximately 4,250 beef farmers via email and 1,203 participated in the study.

Results: The sample was composed almost entirely of beef farmers, although a very small proportion also had a dairy enterprise on their farm. Eighty percent of the farmers were concerned with the increase in the number of male dairy calves in recent years. Fifty seven percent of farmers responded that they were not willing to rear dairy bred calves for beef. Limousin, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford were the breeds farmers would be most willing to rear for beef. Good health, breed, and conformation were ranked as the main factors calf rearers consider when buying calves. Expectation of poor profit margin, expectation of poor-quality calves, and price volatility/market uncertainty were the top ranked factors dissuading farmers from rearing dairy calves for beef. The main themes arising from the qualitative question related to beef price/ability to make a profit, breed, and calf quality.

Conclusions: While it is concerning that the majority of respondents expressed an unwillingness to rear dairy bred calves for beef, approximately a quarter of beef farmers indicated a willingness to rear beef-sired dairy calves for beef. In the qualitative responses, farmers described how their concerns about calf quality and their ability to make a profit from dairy bred calves would make it difficult for them to rear these calves for beef. Future strategy will have to consider how these challenges can be overcome and the issues of who bears the risks and costs associated with greater integration will have to be carefully considered.
Feminine Appeals on Cigarette Packs Sold in 14 Countries
Authors: Czaplicki Lauren , Welding Kevin , Cohen Joanna E. , Smith Katherine Clegg
Published: June 2021

Objective:Limited research has examined feminine marketing appeals on cigarette packs in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We reviewed a systematically collected sample of cigarette packs sold across 14 LMICs in 2013 (Wave 1) and 2015–2017 (Wave 2).

Methods:Packs in Wave 1 (n= 3,240) and Wave 2 (n= 2,336) were coded for feminine imagery and descriptors (flowers, fashion, women/girls, color “pink”). We examined trends in feminine appeals over time, including co-occurrence with other pack features (slim or lipstick shape, flavor, reduced harm, and reduced odor claims).

Results:The proportion of unique feminine cigarette packs significantly decreased from 8.6% (n= 278) in Wave 1 to 5.9% (n= 137) in Wave 2 (p< 0.001). Among all feminine packs, flower-and fashion-related features were most common; a substantial proportion also used flavor and reduced odor appeals.

Conclusion:While there was a notable presence of feminine packs, the decline observed may reflect global trends toward marketing gender-neutral cigarettes to women and a general contempt for using traditional femininity to market products directly to women. Plain packaging standards may reduce the influence of branding on smoking among women.
The Practicality of Deep Learning Algorithms in COVID-19 Detection: Application to Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Alorf Abdulaziz
Published: June 2021

Since January 2020, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected the whole world, producing a respiratory disease that can become severe and even cause death in certain groups of people. The main method for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is performing viral tests. However, the kits for carrying out these tests are scarce in certain regions of the world. Lung conditions as perceived in computed tomography and radiography images exhibit a high correlation with the presence of COVID-19 infections. This work attempted to assess the feasibility of using convolutional neural networks for the analysis of pulmonary radiography images to distinguish COVID-19 infections from non-infected cases and other types of viral or bacterial pulmonary conditions. The results obtained indicate that these networks can successfully distinguish the pulmonary radiographies of COVID-19-infected patients from radiographies that exhibit other or no pathology, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.6%. This could help future efforts to automate the process of identifying lung radiography images of suspicious cases, thereby supporting medical personnel when many patients need to be rapidly checked. The automated analysis of pulmonary radiography is not intended to be a substitute for formal viral tests or formal diagnosis by a properly trained physician but rather to assist with identification when the need arises.
Application of Plant Extracts in Micropropagation and Cryopreservation of Bleeding Heart: An Ornamental-Medicinal Plant Species
Authors: Kulus Dariusz , Miler Natalia
Published: June 2021

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara (bleeding heart) is valued both in the horticultural and pharmaceutical markets. Despite its great popularity, information on the in vitro tissue culture technology in this species is limited. There is also little knowledge on the application of plant extracts in the tissue culture systems of plants other than orchids. The aim of this study is to compare the utility of traditional plant growth regulators (PGRs) and natural extracts—obtained from the coconut shreds, as well as oat, rice, and sesame seeds—in the micropropagation and cryopreservation of L. spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ and ‘White Gold’. The biochemical analysis of extracts composition is also included. In the first experiment related to micropropagation via axillary buds activation, the single-node explants were cultured for a 10-week-long propagation cycle in the modified Murashige and Skoog medium fortified either with 1.11 µM benzyladenine (BA) and 1.23 µM indole-3-butritic acid (IBA) or with 10% (v/v) plant extracts. A PGRs- and extract-free control was also considered. In the cryopreservation experiment, the same 10% (v/v) extracts were added into the medium during a seven-day preculture in the encapsulation-vitrification cryopreservation protocol. It was found that the impact of natural additives was cultivar- and trait-specific. In the first experiment, the addition of coconut extract favoured the proliferation of shoots and propagation ratio in bleeding heart ‘Gold Heart’. Rice extract, on the other hand, promoted callus formation in ‘White Gold’ cultivar and was more effective in increasing the propagation ratio in this cultivar than the conventional plant growth regulators (4.1 and 2.6, respectively). Sesame extract suppressed the development of the explants in both cultivars analysed, probably due to the high content of polyphenols. As for the second experiment, the addition of plant extracts into the preculture medium did not increase the survival level of the cryopreserved shoot tips (sesame and oat extracts even decreased this parameter). On the other hand, coconut extract, abundant in simple sugars and endogenous cytokinins, stimulated a more intensive proliferation and growth of shoots after rewarming of samples. Analysing the synergistic effect of conventional plant growth regulators and natural extracts should be considered in future studies related to L. spectabilis.
The Effect of Herbage Availability, Pregnancy Stage and Rank on the Rate of Liveweight Loss during Fasting in Ewes
Authors: Semakula Jimmy , Corner-Thomas Rene Anne , Morris Stephen Todd , Blair Hugh Thomas , Kenyon Paul Richard
Published: June 2021

Sheep liveweight and liveweight change are vital tools both for commercial and research farm management. However, they can be unreliable when collection procedures are not standardized or when there are varying time delays between sheep removal from grazing and weighing. This study had two stages with different objectives: (1) A liveweight loss study to determine the effect of herbage availability (Low and High) on the rate of liveweight loss of ewes at different pregnancy stages (approximately 100 days of pregnancy: P100 and 130 days: P130) and ranks (single and twin); (2) A follow-up liveweight loss study to develop and validate correction equations for delayed liveweights by applying them to data sets collected under commercial conditions. Results from each stage showed that the rate of liveweight loss varied by herbage availability and stage of pregnancy (p < 0.05) but not pregnancy-rank (p > 0.05). Further, the rate of liveweight loss differed by farm (p < 0.05). Applying liveweight correction equations increased the accuracy of without delay liveweight estimates in P100 ewes by 56% and 45% for single-bearing and twin-bearing ewes, respectively, when offered the Low-level diet. In ewes offered the High-level diet, accuracies of without delay liveweight estimates were increased by 53% and 67% for single-bearing and twin-bearing ewes, respectively. Among P130 ewes, accuracy was increased by 43% and 37% for single-bearing and twin-bearing ewes, respectively, when offered the Low herbage level and by 60% and 50% for single-bearing and twin-bearing ewes, respectively, when offered the High herbage level. In conclusion, a short-term delay of up to 8 hours prior to weighing, which is commonly associated with practical handling operations, significantly reduced the liveweight recorded for individual sheep. Using delayed liveweights on commercial farms and in research can have consequences for management practices and research results; thus, liveweight data should be collected without delay. However, when this is not feasible, delayed ewe liveweights should be corrected and, in the absence of locally devised correction equations, the ones generated in the current study could be applied on farms with similar management conditions and herbage type.
Design, Development, and Performance Evaluation of a Power-Operated Jute Fiber Extraction Machine
Authors: Karim Md. Rejaul , Hoque Muhammad Arshadul , Chawdhury Alamgir , Faruk-Ul-Islam  , Ahmed Sharif , EL Sabagh Ayman , Hossain Akbar
Published: June 2021

Jute is the golden fiber of Bangladesh, but its production is declining due to the involvement of higher production and processing costs, where a major portion of the cost is needed for fiber extraction. Labor unavailability and increasing labor cost have led to higher jute fiber production cost. To address these issues, this study looks at the development of a power-operated and cost-effective fiber extraction machine aiming at reducing the production cost. The study was conducted at the Rangpur regional office premises of Practical Action in Bangladesh, and the developed machine was branded as “Aashkol”, which had the following major parts: a feeding tray, a primary extraction roller, a secondary extraction roller, grabbing rollers, fiber collection stand, base frame, protection cover, and a spring-loaded tray under the primary extraction roller. The Aashkol can extract green ribbon from the jute stem, but jute sticks were broken down into smaller pieces (3–6 cm). The performance evaluation of the machine was conducted using different types of jute (Deshi, Kenaf, and Tossa) and compared with another jute extraction machine (KP model, introduced by Karupannya Rangpur Ltd.). The Aashkol-based extraction and improved retting systems were also evaluated and compared with traditional jute extraction systems. The jute stem input capacity (4.99 t h−1) of the Aashkol was 47.6% higher than the KP model (3.38 t h−1). Compared with the traditional system, across jute types, the Aashkol produced a 9% higher fiber yield and saved 46% retting time. Overall, the Aashkol reduced 90% of the labor requirement and saved 11.6 USD t−1 in jute fiber extraction and retting than the traditional method.
Rapid Detection and Counting of Wheat Ears in the Field Using YOLOv4 with Attention Module
Authors: Yang Baohua , Gao Zhiwei , Gao Yuan , Zhu Yue
Published: June 2021

The detection and counting of wheat ears are very important for crop field management, yield estimation, and phenotypic analysis. Previous studies have shown that most methods for detecting wheat ears were based on shallow features such as color and texture extracted by machine learning methods, which have obtained good results. However, due to the lack of robustness of these features, it was difficult for the above-mentioned methods to meet the detection and counting of wheat ears in natural scenes. Other studies have shown that convolutional neural network (CNN) methods could be used to achieve wheat ear detection and counting. However, the adhesion and occlusion of wheat ears limit the accuracy of detection. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of wheat ear detection and counting in the field, an improved YOLOv4 (you only look once v4) with CBAM (convolutional block attention module) including spatial and channel attention model was proposed that could enhance the feature extraction capabilities of the network by adding receptive field modules. In addition, to improve the generalization ability of the model, not only local wheat data (WD), but also two public data sets (WEDD and GWHDD) were used to construct the training set, the validation set, and the test set. The results showed that the model could effectively overcome the noise in the field environment and realize accurate detection and counting of wheat ears with different density distributions. The average accuracy of wheat ear detection was 94%, 96.04%, and 93.11%. Moreover, the wheat ears were counted on 60 wheat images. The results showed that R2 = 0.8968 for WD, 0.955 for WEDD, and 0.9884 for GWHDD. In short, the CBAM-YOLOv4 model could meet the actual requirements of wheat ear detection and counting, which provided technical support for other high-throughput parameters of the extraction of crops.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: A Sustainable Alternative to Improve Beef Production Efficiency
Authors: Cappellozza Bruno Ieda , Cooke Reinaldo Fernandes , Harvey Kelsey Margaret
Published: June 2021

Global beef production must increase in the next decades to meet the demands of a growing population, while promoting sustainable use of limited natural resources. Supplementing beef cattle with omega-6 fatty acids (FAs) is a nutritional approach shown to enhance production efficiency, with research conducted across different environments and sectors of the beef industry. Omega-6 FA from natural feed ingredients such as soybean oil are highly susceptible to ruminal biohydrogenation. Hence, our and other research groups have used soybean oil in the form of Ca soaps (CSSO) to lessen ruminal biohydrogenation, and maximize delivery of omega-6 FA to the duodenum for absorption. In cow–calf systems, omega-6 FA supplementation to beef cows improved pregnancy success by promoting the establishment of early pregnancy. Cows receiving omega-6 FA during late gestation gave birth to calves that were healthier and more efficient in the feedlot, suggesting the potential role of omega-6 FA on developmental programming. Supplementing omega-6 FA to young cattle also elicited programming effects toward improved adipogenesis and carcass quality, and improved calf immunocompetence upon a stress stimulus. Cattle supplemented with omega-6 FA during growing or finishing periods also experienced improved performance and carcass quality. All these research results were generated using cattle of different genetic composition (Bos taurus and B. indicus influenced), and in different environments (tropical, subtropical, and temperate region). Hence, supplementing omega-6 FA via CSSO is a sustainable approach to enhance the production efficiency of beef industries across different areas of the world.
Emergence and Spread of Cephalosporinases in Wildlife: A Review
Authors: Palmeira Josman D. , Cunha Mónica V. , Carvalho João , Ferreira Helena , Fonseca Carlos , Torres Rita T.
Published: June 2021

In the last decade, detection of antibiotic resistant bacteria from wildlife has received increasing interest, due to the potential risk posed by those bacteria to wild animals, livestock or humans at the interface with wildlife, and due to the ensuing contamination of the environment. According to World Health Organization, cephalosporins are critically important antibiotics to human health. However, acquired resistance to β-lactams is widely distributed and is mainly mediated by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and AmpC beta-lactamases, such as cephalosporinases. This work thus aimed to compile and analyse the information available on the emergence and dissemination of cephalosporinases in wildlife worldwide. Results suggest a serious scenario, with reporting of cephalosporinases in 46 countries from all continents (52% in Europe), across 188 host species, mainly birds and mammals, especially gulls and ungulates. The most widely reported cephalosporinases, CTX-M-1, CTX-M-14, CTX-M-15 and CMY-2, were also the most common in wild animals, in agreement with their ubiquity in human settings, including their association to high-risk clones of Escherichia coli (E. coli), such as the worldwide distributed CTX-M-15/ST131 E. coli. Altogether, our findings show that anthropogenic activities affect the whole ecosystem and that public policies promoting animal and environmental surveillance, as well as mitigation measures to avoid antimicrobial misuse and AMR spread, are urgently needed to be out in practise.
Comparison of Ovarian Morphology and Follicular Disturbances between Two Inbred Strains of Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus)
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Ichii Osamu , Nakamura Teppei , Irie Takao , Shinohara Akio , Masum Md Abdul , Otani Yuki , Namba Takashi , Chuluunbaatar Tsolmon , Elewa Yaser Hosny Ali , Kon Yasuhiro
Published: June 2021

Most mammalian ovarian follicles contain only a single oocyte having a single nucleus. However, two or more oocytes and nuclei are observed within one follicle and one oocyte, respectively, in several species, including cotton rat (CR, Sigmodon hispidus). The present study compared ovarian histology, focusing on folliculogenesis, between two inbred CR strains, HIS/Hiph and HIS/Mz. At 4 weeks of age, ovarian sections from both the strains were analyzed histologically. Multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) and double-nucleated oocytes (DNOs) were observed in all stages of developing follicles in HIS/Hiph, whereas HIS/Mz had MOFs up to secondary stages and lacked DNOs. The estimated total follicles in HIS/Mz were almost half that of HIS/Hiph, but interstitial cells were well developed in HIS/Mz. Furthermore, immunostaining revealed no clear strain differences in the appearance of oocytes positive for Ki67, PCNA, and p63 in MOF or DNOs; no cell death was observed in these oocytes. Ultrastructural analysis revealed more abundant mitochondrial clouds in oocytes of HIS/Hiph than HIS/Mz. Thus, we clarified the strain differences in the CR ovary. These findings indicate that early events during folliculogenesis affect the unique ovarian phenotypes found in CRs, including MOFs or DNOs, and their strain differences.
Identification of Bacterial Profiles and Their Interactions with Selected Quality, Oxidative, and Immunological Parameters of Turkey Semen
Authors: Lenický Michal , Slanina Tomáš , Kačániová Miroslava , Galovičová Lucia , Petrovičová Michaela , Ďuračka Michal , Benko Filip , Kováč Ján , Tvrdá Eva
Published: June 2021

This study focused on the identification of naturally occurring bacteria in the reproductive fluid and impact on the quality of ejaculates obtained from the turkey breed British United Turkeys (BUT) Big 6 (n = 60). We determined possible relationships between the bacterial load and advanced sperm quality parameters that are important for effective artificial insemination and high fertility, as well as the concentration of selected antimicrobial proteins and pro-inflammatory markers of turkey semen. Sperm motility was assessed with computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), while the membrane and acrosome integrity were examined with smearing and staining methods. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was quantified via luminometry, sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the TUNEL assay, and the JC-1 assay was applied to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell lysates were prepared to investigate the extent of lipid and protein oxidation. Furthermore, levels of interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1, IL-6), C-reactive protein, cathelicidin, and β-defensin were quantified in the seminal plasma using the ELISA method. The most dominant species identified by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus lentus, and Citrobacter braakii. The bacterial load had a negative effect on the sperm motility (p < 0.001), as well as membrane (p < 0.05) and acrosome integrity (p < 0.01). A strong positive relationship between the bacterial load and DNA fragmentation (p < 0.001) was detected as well. Positive associations were recorded between the increasing presence of bacteria, ROS overgeneration (p < 0.001), and a subsequent oxidative damage to the proteins (p < 0.001) and lipids (p < 0.01). It was revealed that the antimicrobial peptides β-defensin (p < 0.001) and cathelicidin (p < 0.001) had a positive relationship with the motility. In contrast, pro-inflammatory markers, such as IL-1 (p < 0.001) and IL-6 (p < 0.001), had a negative impact on the motion behavior of turkey spermatozoa. Our results suggest that the semen quality may be notably affected by the bacterial quantity as well as quality. It seems that bacteriospermia is associated with inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, sperm structural deterioration, and a subsequent risk for a failed artificial insemination in turkey breeding.
Effect of Barley Variety on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Body Weight Gain and Carcass Characteristics in Fattening Lambs
Authors: Keno Mulugeta Tilahun , Tolemariam Taye , Demeke Solomon , Wamatu Jane , Alkhtib Ashraf , Janssens Geert P. J.
Published: June 2021

Twenty lambs (18 ± 0.22 kg initial weight) were blocked by weight and individually assigned into pens to evaluate the effects of barley straw variety on digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics. The following four treatments were tested: (1) a local barley straw (as control), (2) HB1963 (high grain and straw yields), (3) Traveller (high straw yielder), and (4) IBON174/03 (high grain yielder). A concentrate (50:50 wheat bran and noug seed cake) was offered constantly (300 DM g), whereas the straw was offered ad libitum. The digestibility trial lasted 22 days (15 days to adapt to dietary treatments and 7 days for sampling). The growth performance trial lasted 90 days. At the end, all of the lambs were slaughtered, and their carcasses were evaluated. The IBON174/03 variety had a higher (p < 0.05) intake of organic matter and crude protein, a higher dry matter and organic matter digestibility than the control, and a faster growth than the control. The feed-to-gain ratio was similar among treatments. The slaughter and empty body weights of lambs in the IBON174/03 group were higher than the control variety (p < 0.05). The present study showed that the feeding value of barley straw can differ substantially between varieties and therefore must be considered in the choice of a barley variety.
Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck)—The Best Forage Cactus Genotype for Feeding Lactating Dairy Cows in Semiarid Regions
Authors: Rocha Filho Rubem R. , Santos Djalma C. , Véras Antonia S. C. , Siqueira Michelle C. B. , Monteiro Carolina C. F. , Mora-Luna Robert E. , Farias Lucas R. , Santos Viviany L. F. , Chagas Juana C. , Ferreira Marcelo A.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield (MY) and composition, milk fatty acids profile, and microbial protein synthesis caused by feeding lactating dairy cows four different forage cactus genotypes. Eight Girolando cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Gyr), weighing 490 ± 69.0 kg (means ± standard deviation), and producing 15.5 ± 1.0 kg/d of milk during pretrial were distributed to two contemporaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares. The cows were fed a total mixed ration composed of sorghum silage (385 g/kg of dry matter (DM)), concentrated mix (175 g/kg DM), and forage cactus (440 g/kg DM). The experimental treatments consisted of different cactus genotypes, such as Gigante cactus (GC), Miúda cactus (MC), IPA Sertânia cactus (SC), and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cactus (OEMC). The feeding of MC provided a higher intake of DM, organic matter (OM), and total digestible nutrients, as well as higher MY, energy-corrected milk, and microbial protein synthesis in comparison with those resulting from the other genotypes tested. The GC promoted lower DM and OM, and the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. The cows fed with OEMC showed lower MY and milk protein yield and content, and higher unsaturated over saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. Miúda forage cactus increased nutrient intake, digestibility of DM and OM, and microbial synthesis without impairing the milk fatty acid profile.
Recovery after General Anaesthesia in Adult Horses: A Structured Summary of the Literature
Authors: Gozalo-Marcilla Miguel , Ringer Simone Katja
Published: June 2021

Recovery remains the most dangerous phase of general anaesthesia in horses. The objective of this publication was to perform a structured literature review including levels of evidence (LoE) of each study with the keywords “recovery anaesthesia horse”, entered at once, in the search browsers PubMed and Web of Science. The two authors independently evaluated each candidate article. A final list with 444 articles was obtained on 5 April 2021, classified as: 41 “narrative reviews/expert opinions”, 16 “retrospective outcome studies”, 5 “surveys”, 59 “premedication/sedation and induction drugs”, 27 “maintenance with inhalant agents”, 55 “maintenance with total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA)”, 3 “TIVA versus inhalants”, 56 “maintenance with partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA)”, 27 “other drugs used during maintenance”, 18 “drugs before/during recovery”, 18 “recovery systems”, 21 “respiratory system in recovery”, 41 “other factors”, 51 “case series/reports” and 6 “systems to score recoveries”. Of them, 167 were LoE 1, 36 LoE 2, 33 LoE 3, 110 LoE 4, 90 LoE 5 and 8 could not be classified based on the available abstract. This review can be used as an up-to-date compilation of the literature about recovery after general anaesthesia in adult horses that tried to minimise the bias inherent to narrative reviews.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics and Dental Caries. New Perspectives, Suggestions, and Patient Coaching Approach for a Cavity-Free Mouth
Authors: Amargianitakis Markos , Antoniadou Maria , Rahiotis Christos , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: June 2021

Probiotic therapy forms a new strategy for dental caries prevention. Probiotic microorganisms possess the ability to displace cariogenic microorganisms and colonize the oral cavity. They can produce various antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocins, bacteriocin-like peptides, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Dairy products may be ideal for probiotic administration in dental patients. Many other means have been proposed, primarily for those allergic to dairy components, such as capsules, liquid form, tablets, drops, lozenges, sweetened cakes, and ice creams. The last two forms can be used in a coaching approach for children and elderly patients who find it difficult to avoid sugary beverages in their daily routine and benefit from the suggestion of easy, cheap, and common forms of delicacies. In caries prevention, the concept of the effector strain is already considered an integral part of the contemporary caries cure or prevention strategy in adults. Adults, though, seem not to be favored as much as children at early ages by using probiotics primarily due to their oral microbiome’s stability. In this non-systematic review we describe the modes of action of probiotics, their use in the cariology field, their clinical potential, and propose options to prevent caries through a patient coaching approach for the daily dental practice.
Conveyor Belt Damage Detection with the Use of a Two-Layer Neural Network
Authors: Kirjanów-Błażej Agata , Rzeszowska Aleksandra
Published: June 2021

Non-invasive conveyor belt diagnostics in damage detection allows significant reductions of the costs related to belt replacement, as well as the evaluation of belt usability and wear degree changes over time. As a result, it increases safety in the location where the belt is used. Depending on the location of a belt conveyor, its length or the type of the transported material, the belt may undergo wear at different rates, albeit the wear process itself is inevitable. This article presents an artificial intelligence-based approach to the classification of conveyor belt damage. A two-layer neural network was implemented in the MATLAB programming language, with the use of a Deep Learning Toolbox set. As a result of the optimization of the created network, the effectiveness of operation was at the level of 80%.
Impacts of Material Orthotropy on Mechanical Behaviors of Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Lin Miao , Hu Changbin , Guan Hongxin , Easa Said M. , Jiang Zhenliang
Published: June 2021

Material anisotropy significantly impacts the mechanical behaviors of asphalt pavements. However, most current asphalt pavement design methods treat the material properties only as isotropic, which could significantly skew the mechanical behaviors. There is a need to evaluate the impact of material anisotropy on pavement mechanical behaviors. In this study, we first developed a new and efficient 3-dimensional finite element (FE) model of anisotropic material. Then, the feasibility of the proposed FE model was verified using field data collected with a falling weight deflectometer. Finally, using this model, the contributions of each layer anisotropy to the mechanical properties were determined. The results showed that the mechanical behaviors were more sensitive to the orthotropy than to the transverse isotropy of the material. The all-layer orthotropy was the most unfavorable combination. In addition, the subgrade orthotropy showed the most significant effect on increasing the surface deflection and compressive strain of the subgrade top (by about 10%). Based on the study results, we recommend that the homogeneity degree of the filling subgrade should be strictly controlled to ensure adequate pavement capacity and anti-rutting performance during construction.
IPAQ-L and CPET Usefulness in a North-Eastern Romanian Population Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Manta Andrei , Cojocaru Elena , Leon-Constantin Maria Magdalena , Maștaleru Alexandra , Roca Mihai , Rusu Cristina , Cojocariu Sabina Alexandra , Mitu Florin
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Current guidelines emphasize the importance of regular moderate and/or high intensity aerobic exercises in cardiovascular disease prevention. Our study aimed to evaluate the utility of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Long Form (IPAQ-L) for its physical activity (PA) quantification in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 110 patients aged between 34 and 69 years admitted to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic. All patients underwent a clinical examination, blood tests, a cycle ergometer exercise stress test and individual assessment of their weekly PA level using the IPAQ-L. (3) Results: Obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes were highly prevalent in our study group but did not influence the IPAQ-L results. In terms of physical performance, moderate intensity was the most common level of intensity found in our study group. Regarding the data on the relationship between the IPAQ-L questionnaire and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters, vigorous PA was correlated with predicted maximal oxygen uptake (p = 0.025) and moderate PA, in addition to walking, were correlated with heart rate reserve (p = 0.005 and p = 0.009, respectively). (4) Conclusions: IPAQ-L can be used for the evaluation of individual PA levels within a cardiovascular rehabilitation program, but cannot substitute for the importance and utility of CPET.
A Hybrid Control Approach for the Swing Free Transportation of a Double Pendulum with a Quadrotor
Authors: Estevez Julian , Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel , Garate Gorka , Graña Manuel
Published: June 2021

In this article, a control strategy approach is proposed for a system consisting of a quadrotor transporting a double pendulum. In our case, we attempt to achieve a swing free transportation of the pendulum, while the quadrotor closely follows a specific trajectory. This dynamic system is highly nonlinear, therefore, the fulfillment of this complex task represents a demanding challenge. Moreover, achieving dampening of the double pendulum oscillations while following a precise trajectory are conflicting goals. We apply a proportional derivative (PD) and a model predictive control (MPC) controllers for this task. Transportation of a multiple pendulum with an aerial robot is a step forward in the state of art towards the study of the transportation of loads with complex dynamics. We provide the modeling of the quadrotor and the double pendulum. For MPC we define the cost function that has to be minimized to achieve optimal control. We report encouraging positive results on a simulated environmentcomparing the performance of our MPC-PD control circuit against a PD-PD configuration, achieving a three fold reduction of the double pendulum maximum swinging angle.
Improving the Homogenization of the Liquid-Solid Mixture Using a Tandem of Impellers in a Baffled Industrial Reactor
Authors: Stuparu Adrian , Susan-Resiga Romeo , Bosioc Alin
Published: June 2021

The paper explores a tandem configuration of three-blade impellers in a stirred reactor. The working fluid is a liquid-solid mixture and the stirring mechanism fitted with the two impellers must prevent the sedimentation of solid particles while homogenously dispersing them in the bulk liquid. The present numerical investigation, performed with the expert software Ansys® Fluent, Release 16, employs the Eulerian multiphase model along with the RNG k–ε turbulence model to simulate the free-surface liquid–solid flows in the baffled stirred reactor. A sliding mesh approach is used to model the impellers rotation. The tandem configuration is clearly superior to a single impeller, while the existing electrical motor that drives the stirring mechanism still provides the necessary power.
Scanning of a Dental Implant with a High-Frequency Ultrasound Scanner: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bohner Lauren , Habor Daniel , Radermacher Klaus , Wolfart Stefan , Marotti Juliana
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the trueness of a dental implant scanned using an intraoral high-frequency ultrasound prototype and compared with conventional optical scanners. An acrylic resin cast containing a dental implant at position 11 was scanned with a fringe projection 3D sensor for use as a reference dataset. The same cast was scanned 10 times for each group. Ultrasound scanning was performed with a high-frequency probe (42 MHz, aperture diameter of 4 mm and focus length of 8 mm), and 3D images were reconstructed based on the depth of each surface point echo. Optical scans were performed in a laboratory and with an intraoral scanner. A region of interest consisting of the dental implant site was segmented and matched to the reference dataset. Trueness was defined as the closeness between experimental data and the reference surface. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests with a significance level of p = 0.05. No statistical difference was found among the evaluated scanners. The mean deviation error was 57.40 ± 17.44 µm for the ultrasound scanner, 75.40 ± 41.43 µm for the laboratory scanner and 38.55 ± 24.34 µm for the intraoral scanner. The high-frequency ultrasound scanner showed similar trueness to optical scanners for digital implant impression.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller, Cultivar Rosa) Solid By-Products Remaining after the Distillation of the Essential Oil
Authors: Turrini Federica , Beruto Margherita , Mela Luciano , Curir Paolo , Triglia Giorgia , Boggia Raffaella , Zunin Paola , Monroy Fernando
Published: June 2021

FINNOVER is an EU Interreg-Alcotra project that aims to bring new perspectives to floriculture enterprises by recovering useful bioproducts from the waste produced during processing of several aromatic species. In this study, a new operation strategy to recover lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) solid by-products remaining after the extraction of the essential oil was developed. Pulsed ultrasound-assisted extraction was employed as a sustainable and eco-compatible technology to extract, in a very short time (10 min), this agricultural waste using a food-grade solvent (a mixture of ethanol/water). All the extracts obtained from both flower and leaf waste and flower-only residues, exhibit a promising total phenolic content (38–40 mg gallic acid/g of dry waste), radical scavenging activity (107–110 mg Trolox/g of dry waste) and total flavonoid content (0.11–0.13 mg quercetin/g of dry waste). Moreover, the chromatographic analysis of these extracts has shown that this overlooked agriculture waste can represent a valuable source of multifunctional compounds. Particularly, they exhibit a content of polyphenols and flavonoids up to 200 times higher than the corresponding leachate, and they are a valuable source of gentisic acid (1.4–13 mg/g dry waste) representing a new low-cost ingredient usable in different fields (i.e., cosmetic).
Skin-Compatible Amorphous Oxide Thin-Film-Transistors with a Stress-Released Elastic Architecture
Authors: Kim Kyung-Tae , Kang Seung-Han , Nam Seung-Ji , Park Chan-Yong , Jo Jeong-Wan , Heo Jae-Sang , Park Sung-Kyu
Published: June 2021

A highly reliable reverse-trapezoid-structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is demonstrated to achieve mechanically enhanced amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film-transistors (TFTs) for skin-compatible electronics. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation reveals that the stress within a-IGZO TFTs can be efficiently reduced compared to conventional substrates. Based on the results, a conventional photolithography process was employed to implement the reverse-trapezoid homogeneous structures using a negative photoresist (NPR). Simply accessible photolithography using NPR enabled high-resolution patterning and thus large-area scalable device architectures could be obtained. The a-IGZO TFTs on the reverse-trapezoid-structured PDMS exhibited a maximum saturation mobility of 6.06 cm2V−1s−1 under a drain bias voltage of 10 V with minimal strain stress. As a result, the proposed a-IGZO TFTs, including stress-released architecture, exhibited highly enhanced mechanical properties, showing saturation mobility variation within 12% under a strain of 15%, whereas conventional planar a-IGZO TFTs on PDMS showed mobility variation over 10% even under a 1% strain and failed to operate beyond a 2% strain.
Semi-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction Method: Experimental Investigation on the Shear Transfer in Longitudinal and Transverse Direction
Authors: Fasching Stephan Johann , Huber Tobias , Rath Michael , Kollegger Johann
Published: June 2021

Large span concrete bridges with a box-shaped girder are usually built from prefabricated concrete segments or by in-situ casting of the concrete on a scaffolding system. Both technologies have their advantages and drawbacks. Recently a new approach to the construction of such bridges which combines the advantages of both existing solutions was proposed at the TU Wien. This method uses the standard precast segmental erection methods with their high construction speed, but divides the segments into easily transportable pre-fabricated thin-walled elements to create new, lighter versions of the segments. Following the installation of these lightweight segments, they are strengthened with additional concrete in their final position in the superstructure. This paper focuses on the transmission of shear forces during construction stages. Firstly, on the level of individual segments, where rigid cross-frames are necessary to guarantee the stability of the segments and secondly, on the level of a bridge girder built from such segments, where new joint types must be developed to ensure the force transfer between the segments. Different options for the formation of cross-frames as well as shear tests on double walls and concrete panels with steel girders are shown. In this experimental series, different shear transmitting elements were compared to each other and to calculations with non-linear finite element analysis, showing that all the investigated solutions are suitable for use in thin-walled bridge segments. Several methods, including a new concept for joining thin-walled pre-fabricated elements, are described for the joints between the segments. Push-off tests with a constant lateral force were carried out to assess the shear strength and deformation behaviour. The main parameters were the joint type (wet joints: plain, grooved, keyed; dry joints), the grout type, and the lateral force level. The test results are presented and the structural behaviour is further analysed using non-linear finite-element simulations.
Fully Implicit Stress Update Algorithm for Distortion-Based Anisotropic Hardening with Cross-Loading Effect: Comparative Algorithmic Study and Application to Large-Size Forming Problem
Authors: Choi Hongjin , Choi Seonghwan , Kang Soo-Chang , Lee Myoung-Gyu
Published: June 2021

A fully implicit stress integration algorithm is developed for the distortional hardening model, namely the e−HAH model, capable of simulating cross−hardening/softening under orthogonal loading path changes. The implicit algorithm solves a complete set of residuals as nonlinear functions of stress, a microstructure deviator, and plastic state variables of the constitutive model, and provides a consistent tangent modulus. The number of residuals is set to be 20 or 14 for the continuum or shell elements, respectively. Comprehensive comparison programs are presented regarding the predictive accuracy and stability with different numerical algorithms, strain increments, material properties, and loading conditions. The flow stress and r−value evolutions under reverse/cross−loading conditions prove that the algorithm is robust and accurate, even with large strain increments. By contrast, the cutting−plane method and partially implicit Euler backward method, which are characterized by a reduced number of residuals, result in unstable responses under abrupt loading path changes. Finally, the algorithm is implemented into the finite element modeling of large−size, S−rail forming and the springback for two automotive steel sheets, which is often solved by a hybrid dynamic explicit–implicit scheme. The fully implicit algorithm performs well for the whole simulation with the solely static implicit scheme.