bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational-Structural Transformations at Modern Industrial Enterprises: Theoretical Aspect
Authors: Karlova Elena A. , Chobitok Victoria I. , Scherbak Olga A.
Published: February 2020

Effective management domestic industrial enterprises depends on how their structures are able to ensure the effective operation processes. In order for industrial enterprises to recover from the protracted crisis, a radical renewal the strategy and tactics of transformational reforms is necessary. The development course domestic industrial enterprises, which was designed for mechanisms market self-organization, should automatically be included with radical liberalization of the economy and privatization property, take the trajectory economic growth, did not justify itself, because a modern socially-oriented market economy cannot act effectively, and therefore, requires the introduction of organizational and structural transformations.

The development industrial enterprises is carried out as a result various changes, including as a result the targeted impact of the management system. At the same time, observation and analysis does not always provide an answer to the question of what is the result business development on the market, and what is the result of a targeted managerial impact on industrial enterprises. In this state things, the study and presentation possible organizational and structural transformations in modern industrial enterprises is particular importance.

The article highlights the issues that are solved in the process designing organizational and structural transformations at industrial enterprises.

The article describes the formation the process organizational and structural transformation in industrial enterprises, consisting in the interconnection the concepts “transformation”, “structural transformation” and “organizational transformation”, the essence of which is to make changes in the structure of an industrial enterprise.

The article defines the classification informal constraints during organizational and structural transformations at industrial enterprises.

The authors the article disclose the main trends in organizational and structural transformations in industrial enterprises.
A importância da diversidade de gênero nos conselhos de administração para a promoção da responsabilidade social corporativa
Authors: Silveira Alexandre Di Miceli da , Donaggio Angela Rita Franco
Published: February 2020

Este artigo analisa o impacto da diversidade de gênero nos conselhos de administração sobre a responsabilidade social corporativa por meio da consolidação de sua literatura. Esta questão é relevante por abordar temas caros aos direitos humanos, tais como o empoderamento feminino e seus impactos para a promoção de um ambiente social mais justo e mais responsável do ponto de vista ambiental. A análise agregada de dezenas de trabalhos empíricos mostra que a maior diversidade de gênero nos conselhos está relacionada a diversos impactos positivos, tais como: melhores indicadores de responsabilidade social corporativa, melhor reputação ética e social, maior conformidade às leis e normas, e melhor qualidade dos relatórios divulgados pelas empresas. A conclusão geral deste trabalho é que a diversidade de gênero na alta gestão deve ser vista como prioridade por dois motivos principais. De um lado, por contribuir diretamente com os Princípios de Empoderamento das Mulheres da ONU. Do outro, por contribuir indiretamente para a promoção dos Princípios do Pacto Global, particularmente para aqueles relacionados ao meio ambiente e ao combate à corrupção
Il taglio e la scheggia
Authors: Lachaud Jean-Marc , Magliacane Alessia
Published: February 2020

Questo articolo esamina il rapporto tra arte e potere, sollevando la questione di come l'arte sia collocata nell'ambiente sociale come meccanismo non solo per l'intrattenimento, ma anche per chiarire le condizioni politiche e sociali che permeano una data società. Da questa prospettiva, l'arte si pone come uno strumento attraverso il quale si chiariscono le relazioni sociali e, come tale, incoraggia la trasformazione sociale. D'altra parte, l'apprensione dell'arte da parte del capitalismo, come ancora un altro meccanismo per ottenere profitti, dissipa questa essenza dell'arte e stabilisce una tensione tra queste due forze, in modo che, da un lato, l'arte, nella sua essenza, possa essere verificata. resistere al capitale e, d'altra parte, rivestire il capitale dell'arte con una veste di prodotto, proprio per renderlo più - e semplicemente - un meccanismo per realizzare un profitto.
Potential of feedback during objective structured clinical examination to evoke an emotional response in medical students in Canada
Authors: Karol Dalia Limor , Pugh Debra
Published: February 2020

Feedback has been shown to be an important driver for learning. However, many factors, such as the emotional reactions feedback evokes, may impact its effect. This study aimed to explore medical students’ perspectives on the verbal feedback they receive during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE); their emotional reaction to this; and its impact on their subsequent performance. To do this, medical students enrolled at 4 Canadian medical schools were invited to complete a web-based survey regarding their experiences. One hundred and fifty-eight participants completed the survey. Twenty-nine percent of respondents asserted that they had experienced emotional reactions to verbal feedback received in an OSCE setting. The most common emotional responses reported were embarrassment and anxiousness. Some students (n=20) reported that the feedback they received negatively impacted subsequent OSCE performance. This study demonstrates that feedback provided during an OSCE can evoke an emotional response in students and potentially impact subsequent performance.
Olfactory Sensitivity in Mammalian Species
Authors: WACKERMANNOVÁ M. , PINC L. , JEBAVÝ L.
Published: February 2020

Olfaction enables most mammalian species to detect and discriminate vast numbers of chemical structures called odorants and pheromones. The perception of such chemical compounds is mediated via two major olfactory systems, the main olfactory system and the vomeronasal system, as well as minor systems, such as the septal organ and the Grueneberg ganglion. Distinct differences exist not only among species but also among individuals in terms of their olfactory sensitivity; however, little is known about the mechanisms that determine these differences. In research on the olfactory sensitivity of mammals, scientists thus depend in most cases on behavioral testing. In this article, we reviewed scientific studies performed on various mammalian species using different methodologies and target chemical substances. Human and non-human primates as well as rodents and dogs are the most frequently studied species. Olfactory threshold studies on other species do not exist with the exception of domestic pigs. Olfactory testing performed on seals, elephants, and bats focused more on discriminative abilities than on sensitivity. An overview of olfactory sensitivity studies as well as olfactory detection ability in most studied mammalian species is presented here, focusing on comparable olfactory detection thresholds. The basics of olfactory perception and olfactory sensitivity factors are also described.
Airflow Limitation Is Accompanied by Diaphragm Dysfunction
Authors: HELLEBRANDOVÁ L. , CHLUMSKÝ J. , VOSTATEK P. , NOVÁK D. , RÝZNAROVÁ Z. , BUNC V.
Published: February 2020

Chronic airflow limitation, caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or by asthma, is believed to change the shape and the position of the diaphragm due to an increase in lung volume. We have made a comparison of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of diaphragm in supine position with pulmonary functions, respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. We have studied the differences between patients with COPD, patients with asthma, and healthy subjects. Most interestingly we found the lung hyperinflation leads to the changes in diaphragmatic excursions during the breathing cycle, seen in the differences between the maximal expiratory diaphragm position (DPex) in patients with COPD and control group (p=0.0016). The magnitude of the diaphragmatic dysfunction was significantly related to the airflow limitation expressed by the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to slow vital capacity (FEV1/SVC), (%, p=0.0007); to the lung hyperinflation expressed as the ratio of the residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC), (%, p=0.0018) and the extent of tidal volume constrain expressed as maximal tidal volume (VTmax), ([l], p=0.0002); and the ratio of tidal volume to slow vital capacity (VT/SVC), (p=0.0038) during submaximal exercise. These results suggest that diaphragmatic movement fails to contribute sufficiently to the change in lung volume in emphysema. Tests of respiratory muscle function were related to the position of the diaphragm in deep expiration, e.g. neuromuscular coupling (P0.1 /VT) (p=0.0232). The results have shown that the lung volumes determine the position of the diaphragm and function of the respiratory muscles. Chronic airflow limitation seems to change the position of the diaphragm, which thereafter influences inspiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. There is an apparent relationship between the position of the diaphragm and the pulmonary functions and exercise tolerance.
Clinically Meaningful Blood Pressure Reductions With Low Intensity Isometric Handgrip Exercise. A Randomized Trial
Authors: HESS N. C. L. , CARLSON D. J. , INDER J. D. , JESULOLA E. , MCFARLANE J. R. , SMART N. A.
Published: February 2020

There exists no examination of what is the minimum anti-hypertensive threshold intensity for isometric exercise training. Twenty two normotensive participants were randomly assigned to training intensities at either 5 % or 10 % of their maximal contraction. Twenty participants completed the study. Clinical meaningful, but not statistically significant, reductions in systolic blood pressure were observed in both 5 % and 10 % groups –4.04 mm Hg (95 % CI –8.67 to +0.59, p=0.08) and –5.62 mm Hg (95 % CI –11.5 to +0.29, p=0.06) respectively after 6 weeks training. No diastolic blood pressure reductions were observed in either 5 % –0.97 mm Hg (95 % CI –2.56 to +0.62, p=0.20) or 10 % MVC +1.8 mm Hg (95 % CI –1.29 to +4.89, p=0.22) groups respectively after training. In those unable to complete isometric exercise at the traditional 30 % intensity, our results suggest there is no difference between 5 and 10 % groups and based on the principle of regression to the mean, this could mean both interventions induce a similar placebo-effect.
Plasma Concentrations and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue mRNA Expression of Clusterin in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: the Effect of Short-Term Hyperinsulinemia, Very-Low-Calorie Diet and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: KLOUČKOVÁ J. , LACINOVÁ Z. , KAVÁLKOVÁ P. , TRACHTA P. , KASALICKÝ M. , HALUZÍKOVÁ D. , MRÁZ M. , HALUZÍK M.
Published: February 2020

Clusterin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein with wide range of functions. To further explore its possible regulatory role in energy homeostasis and in adipose tissue, we measured plasma clusterin and its mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) of 15 healthy lean women, 15 obese women (OB) and 15 obese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent a 2-week very low-calorie diet (VLCD), 10 obese women without T2DM who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 8 patients with T2DM, 8 patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 8 normoglycemic patients who underwent hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (HEC). VLCD decreased plasma clusterin in OB but not in T2DM patients while LSG and HEC had no effect. Clusterin mRNA expression in SCAT at baseline was increased in OB and T2DM patients compared with controls. Clusterin mRNA expression decreased 6 months after LSG and remained decreased 12 months after LSG. mRNA expression of clusterin was elevated at the end of HEC compared with baseline only in normoglycemic but not in IGT or T2DM patients. In summary, our data suggest a possible local regulatory role for clusterin in the adipose tissue rather than its systemic involvement in the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Ventricular Electrical Heterogeneity in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus: Effect of Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: SEDOVA K. A. , VAYKSHNORAYTE M. A. , OVECHKIN A. O. , KNEPPO P. , BERNIKOVA O. G. , VITYAZEV V. A. , AZAROV J. E.
Published: February 2020

Aims of the study were to compare the development of electrocardiographic responses of the ischemia-induced heterogeneities of activation and repolarization in the ventricular myocardium of normal and diabetic animals. Body surface ECGs and unipolar electrograms in 64 epicardial leads were recorded before and during 20 min after the ligation of the left anterior descending artery in diabetic (alloxan model, 4 weeks, n=8) and control (n=8) rabbits. Activation times (ATs), end of repolarization times (RTs) and repolarization durations (activation-recovery intervals, ARIs) were determined in ischemic and periischemic zones. In contrast to the controls, the diabetic rabbits demonstrated the significant prolongation of ATs and shortening of ARIs (P<0.05) during ischemia in the affected region resulting in the development and progressive increase of the ARI and RT gradients across the ischemic zone boundary. The alterations of global and local dispersions of the RTs in diabetics correlated with the Tpeak-Tend interval changes in the limb leads ECGs. In the ischemic conditions, the diabetic animals differed from the controls by the activation delay, significant repolarization duration shortening, and the increase of local repolarization dispersion; the latter could be assessed by the Tpeak-Tend interval measurements in the body surface ECGs.
Physiological Role of FGF Signaling in Growth and Remodeling of Developing Cardiovascular System
Authors: KREJCI E. , PESEVSKI Z. , NANKA O. , SEDMERA D.
Published: February 2020

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays an important role during embryonic induction and patterning, as well as in modulating proliferative and hypertrophic growth in fetal and adult organs. Hemodynamically induced stretching is a powerful physiological stimulus for embryonic myocyte proliferation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of FGF2 signaling on growth and vascularization of chick embryonic ventricular wall and its involvement in transmission of mechanical stretch-induced signaling to myocyte growth in vivo. Myocyte proliferation was significantly higher at the 48 h sampling interval in pressure-overloaded hearts. Neither Western blotting, nor immunohistochemistry performed on serial paraffin sections revealed any changes in the amount of myocardial FGF2 at that time point. ELISA showed a significant increase of FGF2 in the serum. Increased amount of FGF2 mRNA in the heart was confirmed by real time PCR. Blocking of FGF signaling by SU5402 led to decreased myocyte proliferation, hemorrhages in the areas of developing vasculature in epicardium and digit tips. FGF2 synthesis is increased in embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes in response to increased stretch due to pressure overload. Inhibition of FGF signaling impacts also vasculogenesis, pointing to partial functional redundancy in paracrine control of cell proliferation in the developing heart.
The Possible Role of mRNA Expression Changes of GH/IGF-1/Insulin Axis Components in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Metabolic Disturbances of Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: TOUSKOVA V. , KLOUCKOVA J. , DUROVCOVA V. , LACINOVA Z. , KAVALKOVA P. , TRACHTA P. , KOSAK M. , MRAZ M. , HALUZIKOVA D. , HANA V. , MAREK J. , KRSEK M. , HALUZIK M.
Published: February 2020

We explored the effect of chronically elevated circulating levels of growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like-growth-factor-1 (IGF-1) on mRNA expression of GH/IGF-1/insulin axis components and p85alpha subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (p85alpha) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) of patients with active acromegaly and compared these findings with healthy control subjects in order to find its possible relationships with insulin resistance and body composition changes. Acromegaly group had significantly decreased percentage of truncal and whole body fat and increased homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In SCAT, patients with acromegaly had significantly increased IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) expression that both positively correlated with serum GH. P85alpha expression in SCAT did not differ from control group. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression in SCAT were not independently associated with percentage of truncal and whole body fat or with HOMA-IR while IGFBP-3 expression in SCAT was an independent predictor of insulin receptor as well as of p85alpha expression in SCAT. Our data suggest that GH overproduction in acromegaly group increases IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression in SCAT while it does not affect SCAT p85alpha expression. Increased IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 in SCAT of acromegaly group do not appear to contribute to systemic differences in insulin sensitivity but may have local regulatory effects in SCAT of patients with acromegaly.
Contemporary Crime Fiction, Cultural Prestige, and the Literary Field
Authors: Sandberg Eric
Published: February 2020

Crime fiction laboured for many years under a persistent foundational anxiety over its cultural status. However, the cultural landscape has changed considerably in recent years, and many critics have identified a transformation in crime fiction's positioning as central to this transformation. This essay examines this claim by first looking at several ways in which crime fiction works well with a number of recent attempts to described key tendencies in contemporary literary production including its global view, its interest in the past, and its interstitial nature. It then locates crime fiction within the process known in Russian formalist terms as ‘canonization of the junior branch’ by which lower-status genres influence or indeed replace higher-status genres. Finally, in an attempt to trace the extent of this infiltration, the essay examines book reviews, festivals, and literary prizes for evidence that crime fiction has indeed achieved improved status both within a range of national cultures and internationally.
‘[B]etween power and the people’: Journalist-Investigators in Nordic Crime Fiction
Authors: Vuohelainen Minna
Published: February 2020

Recent Nordic crime fiction contains numerous amateur detectives who are professional journalists. Their presence is partly explained by the shared roots and formal affinities of crime reportage and crime fiction, and by the journalistic backgrounds of many Nordic crime writers. However, the rise of the journalist-investigator as a rival to traditional police detectives is also a mark of growing distrust in the competence of the Nordic welfare state and its officials. Nordic journalist-investigators are typically crusading reporters motivated by a desire to uncover and prevent social injustice, including the neglect and abuse of vulnerable social groups by absent, incompetent or corrupt public officials. In acting as moral guardians of social justice, journalist-investigators carry out the principle of the press as a fourth estate, designed to check state power by publicising abuses of authority, and signal a possible shift from the welfare state towards a civil society. However, this role is also compromised by the ethical dilemmas journalist-investigators face between the demands of uncovering information, protecting vulnerable witnesses, informing the public, preventing crime and meeting commercial imperatives. These conflicts spotlight troubling tendencies within crime fiction and crime reportage: both kinds of writing are underpinned by a narrative structure of anticipation, suspense and dramatic revelation and premised upon the reader's voyeuristic investment in sensational subjects.
A Study of Composite Surface Hardness When Cured Using Special Accessories with a Curing Light
Authors: Koheil Samir
Published: February 2020

The study was carried out to compare the Vickers Micro-Hardness (VHN) of composite resin of different diameters (6 mm and 10 mm) prepared in a split mold. The 6 mm and 10 mm diameter composite resin samples were cured with the tip of a fiber optic light. Additional sample for same size were cured with the same tip after a mirror or a lens accessory was mounted to it. All the specimens were cured for 40 seconds. The hardness was calculated for both top and bottom at the center and the periphery. The results showed that the hardness of top surface was higher than that at the periphery. The mean hardness value for specimens cured with the light tip was higher than the hardness of specimens cured with their accessory. Conclusion mirror or lens didn’t potentiate light but distribute the energy to a larger area, resulting in less energy applied to the same small surface area, which reduced the hardness.
Fusobacterium nucleatum Activates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Promote Crohn’s Disease Development via the Upregulation of CARD3 Expression
Authors: Cao Pan , Chen Yongyu , Guo Xufeng , Chen Yan , Su Wenhao , Zhan Na , Dong Weiguo
Published: February 2020

There is increasing evidence that members of the gut microbiota, especially Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), are associated with Crohn’s disease (CD), but the specific mechanism by which F. nucleatum promotes CD development is unclear. Here, we first examined the abundance of F. nucleatum and its effects on CD disease activity and explored whether F. nucleatum aggravated intestinal inflammation and promoted intestinal mucosal barrier damage in vitro and in vivo. Our data showed that F. nucleatum was enriched in 41.21% of CD tissues from patients and was correlated with the clinical course, clinical activity, and refractory behavior of CD (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that F. nucleatum infection is involved in activating the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway during CD development to promote intestinal mucosal barrier destruction. Mechanistically, F. nucleatum targeted caspase activation and recruitment domain 3 (CARD3) to activate the ERS pathway and promote F. nucleatum-mediated mucosal barrier damage in vivo and in vitro. Thus, F. nucleatum coordinates a molecular network involving CARD3 and ERS to control the CD process. Measuring and targeting F. nucleatum and its associated pathways will provide valuable insight into the prevention and treatment of CD.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Soil Heavy Metals and Pesticide Residues in Tea Plantations
Authors: He Haifang , Shi Longqing , Yang Guang , You Minsheng , Vasseur Liette
Published: February 2020

Tea plantations have used many synthetic chemicals to ensure performance and control of pests. This has led to increased contamination of soils and reduced tea growth. We assessed the levels of heavy metals, including Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Hg, As, and pesticide residues, such as HCHs, biphenyl chrysanthemum ester, methamidophos, imidacloprid, permethrin, in the soil of tea plantations of Taiwan, Tibet, Guangdong, and Fujian. The Potential Ecological Risk Index and the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index were used to analyze the data. The results showed that risk indices in Tibet, Guangdong and Fuzhou were considered as moderate ecological harm level. Ecological risk assessment index of Anxi organic and Anxi conventional tea gardens suggested a “low” risk level. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution indices for soil pesticide residues in the tea plantations of Taiwan, Tibet, Anxi organic and Anxi conventional were considered mild. Guangdong and Fuzhou had values suggesting “slight pollution” levels. According to National Soil Environmental Quality Standard (GB15618-1995), soil in tea plantations in Taiwan, Tibet, and Anxi conventional matched the national first grade of soil quality and those from Guangdong, Fuzhou, and Anxi organic tea garden matched the national second grade.
Biochemical, Physiological and Yield Characteristics of Red Basil as Affected by Cultivar and Fertilization
Authors: Teliban Gabriel-Ciprian , Stoleru Vasile , Burducea Marian , Lobiuc Andrei , Munteanu Neculai , Popa Lorena-Diana , Caruso Gianluca
Published: February 2020

Unconventional fertilizers can act as elicitors to encourage the synthesis of phyto-pharmaceuticals in aromatic plants. In the present research, the effects of factorial combination between two red basil cultivars, ‘Opal’ and ‘De Buzau’, and four fertilization types, biosolids, organic, microorganisms and chemical, plus an unfertilized control, were assessed on fresh and dry yield, biometrical parameters, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and antioxidant compounds and activity. Chemical fertilization increased fresh yield compared with the control, with no difference in organic and microorganism fertilization regarding dry weight. ‘De Buzau’ enhanced the number of lateral stems and plant height, the latter being better affected by chemical and microorganisms compared to the control. Chemical fertilization showed the highest leaf dry matter, nitrate content and SPAD, whereas the control showed the lowest. Compared to the unfertilized control, biosolids increased total phenolics in ‘Opal’; microorganisms, organic and biosolids enhanced total flavonoids in ‘Opal’, with the same effect under microorganisms and organic treatments in ‘De Buzau’. Total anthocyanins showed the highest content in ‘Opal’ under organic fertilization. The highest antioxidant activity in the basil extracts was detected under microorganisms and organic applications in ‘Opal’. The present investigation results demonstrate that unconventional fertilizers increase the synthesis of antioxidants and represent a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilization for growing red basil.
Evaluation of Tillage, At-Planting Treatment, and Nematicide on Tobacco Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Reniform Nematode (Tylenchida: Hoplolamidae) Management in Cotton
Authors: Crow Whitney D. , Catchot Angus L. , Gore Jeff , Dodds Darrin M. , Cook Donald R. , Allen Thomas W.
Published: February 2020

There are numerous early-season pests of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., that are economically important, including tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds), and reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis (Linford & Oliveira). Both of these species have the potential to reduce plant growth and delay crop maturity, ultimately resulting in reduced yields. A field study was conducted during 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the influence of tillage, at-planting insecticide treatment, and nematicide treatment on pest management, cotton development, and yield. Treatment factors consisted of two levels of tillage (no-tillage and conventional tillage); seven levels of at-planting insecticide treatments (imidacloprid, imidacloprid plus thiodicarb, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam plus abamectin, acephate plus terbufos, aldicarb, and an untreated control); and two levels of nematicide (no nematicide and 1,3-dichloropropene). There were no significant interactions between tillage, at-planting insecticide treatment, or nematicide for any parameters nor was there a difference in the main effect of nematicide on thrips control or damage. The main effects of tillage and at-planting insecticide treatment impacted thrips densities and damage. The no-tillage treatments and aldicarb in-furrow or acephate seed treatment plus terbufos in-furrow significantly reduced thrips populations. Early-season plant response was impacted by tillage and at-planting insecticide treatment; however, that did not result in significant yield differences. In regard to nematicide treatment, the use of 1,3-dichloropropene resulted in lower yields than the untreated.
Increase of Miscanthus Cultivation with New Roles in Materials Production—A Review
Authors: Moll Lüders , Wever Christian , Völkering Georg , Pude Ralf
Published: February 2020

Recent changes in the EU green aims can help to overcome economic obstacles in the slow upscaling of Miscanthus cultivation. Using Miscanthus can permanently fix CO

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within building materials thereby aiding the EU climate goals with the increased use of regrowing materials, as well as carbon fixation. Economic obstacles in the slow upscaling of Miscanthus cultivation are targeted by recent changes in the greening aims in the EU. Miscanthus can fulfill a valuable dual function in aiding the EU climate goals by achieving permanent CO

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fixation within building materials. In contrast to energetic use, persistent applications create stable markets allowing for a reduced risk in the establishment of long term cultured perennial crops. However, the development of different building materials requires an understanding of the combination of the biological and technical aspects. This work presents an overview of the development of the general aspects for the agricultural product Miscanthus and the scientifically reported developments of Miscanthus used as feedstock in polymers, particle boards, and cementitious materials. While the product performance can be evaluated, the understanding of the influence by the input biomass as a main contributor to the product performance needs to be reinforced to be successful with a goal-oriented development of Miscanthus based products. The key feedstock parameters governing the technical performance of the materials are identified and the knowledge gaps are described.
Erratum: Saastamoinen, M.; Särkijärvi, S.; Valtonen, E. The Effect of Diet Composition on the Digestibility and Fecal Excretion of Phosphorus in Horses: A Potential Risk of P Leaching? Animals 2020, 10, 140
Authors: Saastamoinen Markku , Särkijärvi Susanna , Valtonen Elisa
Published: February 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...]
Metformin Improves Quality of Post-Thaw Canine Semen
Authors: Grandhaye Jérémy , Partyka Agnieszka , Ligocka Zuzanna , Dudek Agata , Niżański Wojciech , Jeanpierre Eric , Estienne Anthony , Froment Pascal
Published: February 2020

Sperm cryopreservation is an assisted reproductive technique routinely used in canine species for genetic conservation. However, during cryopreservation, the DNA damages are still elevated, limiting the fertilization rate. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether supplementation of canine semen extender with a molecule limiting the metabolic activities can improve the quality of frozen-thawed canine spermatozoa. We used metformin, known to limit the mitochondrial respiratory and limit the oxidative stress. Before and during the freezing procedure, metformin (50µM and 500µM) has been added to the extender. After thawing, sperm exposed to metformin conserved the same viability without alteration in the membrane integrity or acrosome reaction. Interestingly, 50µM metformin improved the sperm motility in comparison to the control, subsequently increasing mitochondrial activity and NAD+ content. In addition, the oxidative stress level was reduced in sperm treated with metformin improving the sperm quality as measured by a different molecular marker. In conclusion, we have shown that metformin is able to improve the quality of frozen-thawed dog semen when it is used during the cryopreservative procedure.
Morphological Correlates of Personality in Female Asian Particolored Bats (Vespertilio sinensis)
Authors: Wang Yuze , Shi Biye , Zhao Xin , Feng Jiang , Jiang Tinglei
Published: February 2020

Personality traits represent a leading edge in the evolutionary process, as natural selection acts directly on variations in individual phenotypes within populations. Recent theoretical models have focused on the concept of adaptive state-dependent behavior, proposing that repeatable differences in behavior emerge because of individual differences in repeatable state variables, such as metabolic rate, age, sex, or body size. Personality and its correlation with body size, however, have been relatively unexplored in bats. We used female Asian particolored bats (Vespertilio sinensis) to investigate three personality characteristics (exploration, activity, and aggression) using the classic hole-board test and examined their relationships with body size using an information-theoretical approach. Our results showed that the exploration of female Asian particolored bats was significantly repeatable, but we did not find significant correlations among the three personality traits. This finding suggested that the female Asian particolored bat may not have a behavioral syndrome. In addition, the body mass of female Asian particolored bats was positively correlated with aggression but was negatively correlated with activity, suggesting that body mass was an important physiological basis affecting the behavioral characteristics of female Asian particolored bats.
Harm-Benefit Analysis May Not Be the Best Approach to Ensure Minimal Harms and Maximal Benefits of Animal Research—Alternatives Should Be Explored
Authors: Gutfreund Yoram
Published: February 2020

Using animals in scientific research is commonly justified on the utilitarian basis that the benefits of scientific progress to human health and society exceed by far the harm inflicted on animals. In an attempt to ensure that this is indeed the case for every research project, legislation and guidelines increasingly demand the application of harm-benefit analysis (HBA) as part of the approval process of animal research protocols. The ethical principle of HBA asserts that the costs of an action should be weighed against the expected benefits. Any action that may inflict harm can only be approved if it is associated with a greater benefit. This principle is intuitively appealing but how to use it as a practical rule for ethical decisions is a difficult question. The main difficulty is that the future benefits of most scientific research are unmeasurable, unpredictable and are not manifested at the level of the individual project. Applying HBA in such cases may impede scientific progress by inducing a bias against basic research. Moreover, it can lead to the toleration of unnecessary harm to animals in research. Given these caveats of HBA, I call policy-makers to reconsider the place of HBA in animal research. Instead, I support an alternative guideline which is based on replacing the HBA principle (that the expected benefits of the research must exceed the harms caused to the animals) with two independent but mutually necessary principles: (1) any research using an animal must carry a benefit for society and (2) the harm inflicted to an animal in an experiment must be minimal and scientifically justified. I argue that rigorous harm-analysis, which is not weighted against obscure benefits, can increase the over-all benefits of research while reducing the harms to animals.
Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Dairy Farms Rearing the Italian Simmental Dual-Purpose Breed
Authors: Baldini Mario , Da Borso Francesco , Rossi Andrea , Taverna Mario , Bovolenta Stefano , Piasentier Edi , Corazzin Mirco
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to assess the environmental footprint of dairy farms rearing a dual-purpose breed, and to evaluate, through alternative scenario analyses, the fattening of calves and the cultivation of hemp as strategies for reducing the environmental impact of these farms. Eleven farms were evaluated for global warming (GWP), acidification (AC) and eutrophication (EUP) potential. The Life Cycle Assessment method with three scenarios, REAL, based on real data, BEEF, where calves were fattened in farm, and HEMP, where hemp was cultivated in farms, were considered. If referred to 1 m2 of utilizable agricultural land, the GWP, AC and EUP were 1.6 kgCO2eq, 21.7 gSO2eq and 7.1 gPO43−eq, respectively. If referring to 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk, the emissions were 1.1–1.4 kgCO2eq, 14.8–19.0 gSO2eq, and 5.0–6.4 gPO43−eq, depending on the allocation method adopted. The emissions were associated positively with culling rate and negatively with production intensity. In BEEF and HEMP scenarios, the emissions were reduced by 8–11% and by 1–5%, respectively. Fattening the calves, evaluating the cultivation of alternative plants and improving the productive and reproductive efficiency of animals could be effective strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of the farm.
Equid Assessment, Research and Scoping (EARS): The Development and Implementation of a New Equid Welfare Assessment and Monitoring Tool
Authors: Raw Zoe , Rodrigues Joao B. , Rickards Karen , Ryding Joe , Norris Stuart L. , Judge Andrew , Kubasiewicz Laura M. , Watson Tamlin L. , Little Holly , Hart Ben , Sullivan Rebekah , Garrett Chris , Burden Faith A.
Published: February 2020

The assessment of animal welfare poses numerous challenges, yet an emerging approach is the consolidation of existing knowledge into new frameworks which can offer standardised approaches to welfare assessment across a variety of contexts. Multiple tools exist for measuring the welfare of equids, but such tools have typically been developed for specific contexts. There is no ‘one size fits all’ which means that resulting datasets are generally non-comparable, creating a barrier to knowledge-sharing and collaboration between the many organisations working to improve equid welfare around the globe. To address this, we developed the Equid Assessment, Research and Scoping (EARS) tool, which incorporates pre-existing validated welfare assessment methods alongside new welfare indicators to deliver a larger and more comprehensive series of welfare indicators than currently exists, creating a single resource that can be used to assess equid welfare in any context. We field-trialled three welfare assessment protocols within the EARS tool, and applied these to welfare assessment of equids in a variety of contexts across nineteen countries. The EARS tool proved a useful, versatile and rapid method for collecting welfare assessment data and we collected 7464 welfare assessments in a period of fifteen months. We evaluate the EARS tool and provide ideas for future development.
The Effects of Substituting Dietary Soybean Meal with Maize Grain on Milk Production in Dairy Goats
Authors: Rapetti Luca , Galassi Gianluca , Rota Graziosi Andrea , Crovetto Gianni Matteo , Colombini Stefania
Published: February 2020

In view of better environmental sustainability, livestock diets must not exceed protein requirements, as often happens with lactating goats reared in semi-intensive systems. The aim of this experiment was to verify in real-breeding conditions the influence of two diets with different protein contents (% crude protein (CP) on dry matter (DM)): 16.0 (high-protein diet; HP) vs 12.2 (low-protein diet; LP) on milk production in dairy goats. The diets differed only in the replacement—in the LP diet—of 250 g soybean meal with 250 g maize grain meal. Twenty-three Alpine goats were divided into two groups and used in a cross-over feeding trial for 2 months. Animals were weighed at the beginning of each month of the trial, and feed intake and milk yield and composition were recorded weekly. HP and LP did not differ statistically for milk yield and composition (3.32 vs 3.42 kg milk/d, 3.21% vs 3.27% fat, 3.31% vs 3.27% protein for HP and LP, respectively), but the HP diet determined a higher milk urea content (51.2 vs 36.6 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and a worse efficiency of nitrogen utilization (28.0% vs 37.2%). In conclusion, the LP diet resulted in a reduction of urinary nitrogen excretion by 28% and of the feed cost by about 10%.
Effect of Dried Leaves of Leucaena leucocephala on Rumen Fermentation, Rumen Microbial Population, and Enteric Methane Production in Crossbred Heifers
Authors: Montoya-Flores María Denisse , Molina-Botero Isabel Cristina , Arango Jacobo , Romano-Muñoz José Luis , Solorio-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Aguilar-Pérez Carlos Fernando , Ku-Vera Juan Carlos
Published: February 2020

The effects of dietary inclusion of dried Leucaena leucocephala leaves (DLL) on nutrient digestibility, fermentation parameters, microbial rumen population, and production of enteric methane (CH4) in crossbred heifers were evaluated. Four heifers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design consisting of four periods and four levels of inclusion of DLL: 0%, 12%, 24%, and 36% of dry matter (DM) intake. Results showed that DM intake (DMI), organic matter intake, and gross energy intake (GEI) were similar (p > 0.05) among treatments. Apparent digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and energy decreased with increasing levels of DLL in the ration (p < 0.05). In contrast, digestible crude protein (CP) was higher (p < 0.05) in treatments with 12% and 24% DM of DLL. The inclusion of DLL did not affect (p > 0.05) rumen pH and total volatile fatty acids. Rumen microbial community was not affected (p > 0.05) by treatment. There was a linear reduction (p < 0.05) in CH4 emissions as the levels of DLL in the ration were increased. Results of this study suggest that an inclusion of 12% DM of ration as DLL enhances digestible CP and reduces daily production of enteric CH4 without adversely affecting DMI, rumen microbial population, and fermentation parameters.
Methane Emissions, Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Different Lines of Beef Steers Reared on Pasture and Finished in Feedlot
Authors: Méo-Filho Paulo , Berndt Alexandre , Marcondes Cintia R. , Pedroso André F. , Sakamoto Leandro S. , Boas Daniella F. V. , Rodrigues Paulo H. M. , Rivero M. Jordana , Bueno Ives C. S.
Published: February 2020

The present study aimed to investigate whether different lines of a composite breed (5/8 Charolais × 3/8 Zebu), formed at different times, and genetically improved, would result in differences in animal performance, enteric methane emissions, and carcass traits. Forty-six Canchim steers (15 months, 280 ± 33 kg liveweight) from three different lines were used: old, new, and their cross. These three breed lines were considered the treatments (arranged in four randomized blocks based on initial liveweight) and were evaluated under grazing and feedlot conditions in relation to the performance and emission of enteric methane. During the grazing period, the new line was found to be superior to the old only in relation to the average daily liveweight gain (0.692 vs. 0.547 kg/day), and with no differences in relation to the cross line (0.692 vs. 0.620). In the feedlot finishing phase, only the average daily liveweight gain was significantly higher in the new line compared to the cross and old line (1.44 vs. 1.32 and 1.23 kg/day). The new and cross lines demonstrated higher dry matter intake when compared to the old line (10.25 and 10.42 vs. 9.11 kg/day), with the crossline animals demonstrating the best feed conversion. The new line showed higher enteric methane emissions compared to the old line (178 vs. 156 g/day). The line had an effect on the carcass dressing of the animals, with greater fat thickness in carcasses from the new and cross lines than the old line (4.4 and 3.8 vs. 3.2 mm). Canchim cattle selected for improved productive performance characteristics does not guarantee animals with lower methane emissions under grazing conditions; while in feedlots, can lead to increased daily feed consumption, and hence, to higher emissions of methane.
The Effect of Topical Anaesthesia on the Cortisol Responses of Calves Undergoing Dehorning
Authors: Espinoza Crystal , Lomax Sabrina , Windsor Peter
Published: February 2020

Dehorning causes pain and distress to cattle, and there is a need to provide effective and practical analgesia to improve animal welfare. We conducted an experiment to determine the effect of a modified post-operative topical wound management formulation containing two local anaesthetics (TA) on the plasma cortisol concentration (PCC) of scoop-dehorned calves. Two months old Holstein-Friesian heifer calves (n = 30) were randomly allocated to sham dehorning control (CON), scoop dehorning (D), or scoop dehorning with immediate post-operative application of the TA (DTA). Blood samples were obtained via jugular venepuncture prior to sham or actual dehorning, and 40 min, 1.5, 4 and 24 h later. PCC changed significantly over time (p < 0.01). There was a trend for lower PCC in DTA calves compared to D calves (p = 0.09), with the PCC area under the curve lowest in CON calves as compared to D and DTA calves (p = 0.02). Cortisol concentrations were similar between D and DTA at all time points. The TA did not reduce cortisol concentrations up to 24 h following treatment and the cortisol response likely reflects the pain induced by the procedure, the effect of handling and restraint, and haemorrhaging which limited adherence of the TA actives. A multimodal analgesic approach, as assessed through multiple pain indicators, should be the focus of future work.
Minimal Effects of Rearing Enrichments on Pullet Behaviour and Welfare
Authors: Campbell Dana L.M. , Gerber Priscilla F. , Downing Jeff A. , Lee Caroline
Published: February 2020

In Australia, free-range pullets are typically reared indoors, which may hinder later adjustment to outdoor access. Rearing enrichments could optimise pullet development. Hy-Line Brown® chicks (n = 1700) were reared indoors across 16 weeks with 3 enrichment treatments: (1) a standard control; (2) novel objects (novelty) provided weekly or (3) perching structures (structural) provided. All pullets were weighed at 5, 8, 12, and 16 weeks old. Pullets (n = 87) were tested in a novel arena at 9 weeks and manual restraint (n = 90) at 16 weeks. At 15 weeks, lymphoid organs were extracted and weighed from 90 pullets. Pullets were transferred to the free-range facility at 16 weeks and housed in 9 identical pens within rearing treatments. Hens perching were counted via video recordings across the first week. The structural pullets had the highest relative adrenal weights (p = 0.03) but differences may not have been biologically relevant. Structural hens perched less than the novelty hens in the layer facility (p = 0.02). There were no other consistent rearing treatment differences. The rearing environments had minimal effects on pullet behaviour and welfare, but data from the adult hens did show some longer-term welfare impacts.
Genetic Characterization of Piroplasms in Donkeys and Horses from Nigeria
Authors: Sunday Idoko Idoko , Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Leszkowicz Mazuz Monica , Mohammed Adam Babagana , Sikiti Garba Bello , Wesley Nafarnda Daniel , Steinman Amir
Published: February 2020

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of equids, caused by the two haemoprotozoal parasites: Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Nigeria constitutes a major crossroads of animal transport in West Africa and may serve as a factor in EP dissemination in the region. The study aim was to characterize EP parasites in donkeys and horses in northern Nigeria using a molecular approach. Blood was collected from 57 donkeys and 47 horses. EP infection was detected and characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty five donkeys (43.8%) were infected with T. equi, five (8.8%) with B. caballi, three (5.3%) with dual infections. Four horses (8.5%) were infected by T. equi and none by B. caballi. Four of the five known T. equi 18S rRNA genotypes (A, B, C and D) were identified. Theileria equi ema-1 and ema-2 genes were amplified in only 2 and 10 samples, respectively, showing no genetic variation. All B. caballi isolates were classified as rap-1 genotype A1. Twenty-two (42.3%) of the donkeys were positive for anti-T. equi antibodies and 29 (55.8%) were positive for anti-B. caballi antibodies, using immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The study results demonstrate high genetic variation within T. equi parasites, suggesting that donkeys may be reservoirs of EP parasites in West Africa.