bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosecurity Practices to Limit Spread of Staphylococcus aureus on Ontario Sentinel Dairy Farms
Authors: Godkin A. , Kelton D. , Alves D. , Lissemore K. , Leslie K. , Smart N. , Church C. , Meadows P.
Published: February 2023

From May 1997 to December 1998, 40 dairy veterinarians from across the province, and 60 of their dairy producer clients, participated in the Sentinel Herd pilot project. Composite milk samples from all lactating cows in each herd were collected and cultured every 4 months. A milking and management questionnaire was administered to each participating producer at the time of the initial herd culture. Several questions pertaining to the herd's biosecurity practices were included. Based on the first 4 rounds of herd cultures, only 4 herds did not have any cows from which Staphylococcus aureus (HS) was isolated (negative herds). Three herds had positive cows on 1 herd culture and 6 herds had positive cows on 2 herds cultures. Fifteen herds were positive 3 times and 32 herds, all 4 times. As HS has been shown to be present in most of these herds, it is likely that many herds run a great risk of introducing this infection at some time. Therefore, it is of importance to examine the factors that appear to control it within a herd, once introduced.
Acidosis in Cattle
Authors: Stock Rick
Published: February 2023

As with all feedstuffs consumed by ruminants, grains are subject to microbial fermentation in the rumino-reticulum part of the stomach complex. Ruminants evolved digesting forages. Therefore, digestion of grain by the ruminal ecosystem is a relatively foreign situation. Consumption of large, single meals and microbial fermentation not only favored energy and protein utilization of forages, but also allowed ruminants to survive from other predators. However, these feeding habits create problems when high grain diets are fed. The microbial fermentation of starches contained in grains can proceed too rapidly causing the rumen to become acidotic. The severity of the acidosis may range from mild to life threatening. Genetic selection of beef cattle over the last 50 years has done little to reduce the incidence of acidosis. Possibly, the selection of Holsteins for increased milk production may have indirectly selected for decreased acidosis by increasing saliva flow (bicarbonate buffer) and increasing rate of passage.

In many situations, the consequences of acidosis affect feedlot cattle and dairy cattle similarly. However, there are also unique feeding and management differences between these two industries. In general, I will discuss the two industries together. Where specific feeding and management differences occur, I will discuss these livestock industries separately.
Human-Cow Interactions
Authors: Grandin Temple
Published: February 2023

W.D. Hoard, founder of Hoard's Dairyman, wroteover a 100 years ago that people working with dairy cowsshould have patience and kindness, and that rough treatmentdecreases the flow of milk. People who enjoy workingwith animals will have more productive animals.7 Jack Albright, Professor Emeritus at Purdue University, stated years ago that tame dairy cows that will approach people will give more milk. People have known for a long time that rough handling and stress is detrimental to dairy cattle, but some people have forgotten W.D. Hoard's wisdom. In fact the highest producing dairy in Colorado milks only twice a day, uses no growth hormone and has tame cows that will approach people.

Researchers have used statistical methods to determine the powerful negative effects of rough handling.14 Shocking or hitting a cow can reduce milk yield by 10%. Paul Hemsworth in Australia has found that cows that are fearful of people are less productive. Fear of people was measured on 14 dairy farms by measuring how close the cows would approach people. On dairies where cows had a large flight zone, there was significantly less milk production.6 Cows that avoided people and became restless when a person was nearby had lower milk production. Observation at a large dairy indicated that tame cows in a special research unit gave more milk. Breuer et al. (1997) found that dairy heifers that were slapped repeatedly before and after milking had reduced milk yield. Seabrook also demonstrated the beneficial effects of gentle treatment.16 Dairy cows that were slapped gave 13% less milk than cows that were gently stroked. People need to talk quietly to cattle. Yelling and whistling increased a cow's heartrate more than the sound of a gate slamming.17 Hemsworth and Coleman (1998) have authored an excellent book which outlines all the studies showing the beneficial effects of good stockmanship on farm animal productivity.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Authors: McGuire M. A.
Published: February 2023

As an important source of nutrients, milk provides high-quality protein, energy, calcium and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Recent research has focused on altering the fat and protein content of milk and other dairy products in order to improve the nutrient content of these foods so that they more aptly reflect current dietary recommendations and trends. For example, diet is a contributing factor to the onset or progression of some cancers, with epidemiological studies indicating diet composition may be related to 35 percent of human cancer deaths.11 A few substances in our diet have been identified as anti-carcinogens, but most are of plant origin and are only present in trace concentrations. However, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a component of milk fat, introduces an exciting twist to what we know about diet and cancer. Unlike most naturally occurring anticarcinogens, CLA is potent at extremely low levels and present in foods from ruminant animals.
Salmonellosis in Feed Yards
Authors: Hawkins Larry L.
Published: February 2023

Since the advent of the germ theory in the late 1800's and George Soper's10 discovery of the link the between Mary Mallon's employment history and 7 cases of typhoid fever in early 1907, salmonellosis has presented a diagnostic and clinical challenge to medical practitioners. Salmonellosis is caused by gram-negative, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobic, intracellular bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, genus Salmonella.12 There are at least 2300 serotypes (serovars) of Salmonella based on their somatic or O antigens (lipopolysaccharides or endotoxins), flagellar or H antigens, and in some cases virulence or Vi antigens. There is debate as to whether these serovars are distinct species or are a subspecies of one species, S. enterica, but most often serovars are considered species.

Most of the serovars of Salmonella are potential pathogens, but approximately 15 are commonly identified in diseased animals. Some Salmonellae are host specific, such as S. choleraesuis in swine, S. typhi in people8 and S. abortus-ovis in sheep. In contrast others, such as S. typhimurium, infect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, poultry, rodents, people, and occasionally dogs and cats.22 Salmonellosis is a serious zoonotic disease1 (CDC reported 41,901 cases in people in 1997)11 and is estimated to cost $0.6 to 3.5 billion23 in medical expenditures and lost production in the U.S. annually. Consequently, educating clients and their employees about the zoonotic hazards of working with animals during a Salmonella outbreak is as important as treating the animals. Salmonellosis is extremely important to all of the food animal industries because their products are common sources of Salmonella for people.1
Milk Quality Premiums Received by Wisconsin Dairy Farms Participating in Veterinary-directed Milk Quality Programs
Authors: Ruegg Pamela
Published: February 2023

High quality milk is generally defined as adulterant free milk that meets specific quality criteria relating to the level of somatic cells (SCC) and bacteria. In the U.S., production of high quality milk is encouraged by legislating maximum limits of SCC and bacteria, and by financial rewards offered by processors (premiums). This study describes the relationship between measures of milk quality, dairy management practices and financial incentives offered by milk processors on selected Wisconsin dairy farms.
Case Control Investigation of Neospora Seroprevalence and Risk Factor Analysis for Infection and Associated Abortion in Ontario Holstein Dairy Herds
Authors: Hobson J. , Duffield T. , Peregrine A. , McEwen B. , Hietala S. , Cramer G. , Cochran M.
Published: February 2023

In the last 10 years Neospora caninum has been identified as a major cause of abortion in dairy cattle worldwide. The objectives of this study were to characterize the impact of N. caninum infection on production and health in Ontario Holstein dairy herds and to identify possible risk factors for N. caninum serostatus and related abortions.
Unilateral Castration in Bulls
Authors: Ivany Jennifer , Anderson David E. , Monke Donald , Ayers William , Hull Bruce L. , Frazer Grant
Published: February 2023

Surprisingly little data is available regarding productivity of bulls following unilateral castration. Heath et al (1996) published a study on 8 bulls which demonstrated a productive return to pasture breeding after unilateral castrations. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review a large number of bulls with unilateral castration to describe techniques used, post-operative complications and return to semen production or breeding soundness.
Recurrence of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis During the 11 Months after Treatment with Lincomycin
Authors: Berry S. L. , Mongini A. M. , Meadows C. A. , Essex S. T.
Published: February 2023

Previous treatment studies for papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) have found that recurrence of lesions is high and that treatment must be ongoing to control the disease. In a previous study we found that 18/22 lesions treated with lincomycin or oxytetracycline in a foot wrap appeared to be healed one month after treatment. When biopsies were examined we found that 10/18 (55%) of the lesions that appeared to be healed had some microscopic evidence of activity. We could not differentiate between lesions that were incompletely healed and those that were new infections. This study was designed to follow 30 cows with PDD for one year after treatment. Observations were to be made at monthly intervals.
Evaluation of the Sodium Supply with Biochemical Analysis
Authors: Eicher R. , Fuschini E. , Wanner M. , Rüsch P. , Martig J.
Published: February 2023

Sodium deficiency has been associated with such reproduction disorders as poor conception, irregular oestrus cycle, genital catarrh, loss of appetite, decreased milk yield and licking. Forages are generally poor in sodium, and supplementation with sodium chloride (stock salt) is necessary. Although requirements are well defined, situations with sub-optimal or insufficient sodium supply are not rare in practice. Furthermore, as sodium and potassium are antagonistically regulated, high dietary potassium can aggravate a situation with sub-optimal sodium supply. The purpose of this study as to evaluate the sodium supply in dairy herds with serum and urine analyses and compare different methods of evaluation. These biochemical findings were compared to the anamnestic declared amount of sodium chloride offered to the cows.
Relationship between Nutritional Status and Immunological Parameters in Prepartum and Postpartum Dairy Cattle
Authors: Saker Korinn , Pulido Fuenzalida Rubin , Schurig Gerhardt , Ward Daniel , Swecker William
Published: February 2023

Lack of information on animal and plant nutrient status in relation to pre- and postpartum stress makes producers of marginal operations reluctant to change feeding management. Nutrient requirements change with each phase of production. For example, dietary nutrient alterations, including trace element status, can influence host immunocompetence. This ultimately leads to a decrease in production parameters as weight gain, calf birth weight, milk yield and quality, and results in economic losses for the producer and consumer. Reliable methods to accurately assess nutritional state, and establish reference values for immunological parameters, during specified production stress periods will allow nutritional intervention to optimize the production unit. The main objective of the study was to develop methodology to evaluate immunological and trace element status of cattle under nutritional stress associated with various stages of reproduction.
Time-lapse Video Opens Our Eyes to Cow Behaviour and Comfort
Authors: Anderson Neil
Published: February 2023

Rather than chase bugs with drugs, dairy producers are adopting housing and management practices to reduce environmental risks and improve cattle health. In this presentation, 24-hour time-lapse video recordings and colour photographs show several examples of ways producers are using their knowledge of cow behaviour and ergonomics to improve dairy cattle health and performance.
Trace Mineral Programs and Pasture Quality
Authors: Blasi Dale A.
Published: February 2023

Pasture and supplemental feed inputs represent the lion's share of a beef producer's annual expenses and are an ideal starting place for initiating hard-nosed cost control measures. When environmental variation is combined with ever-changing animal nutrient requirements and pasture quality indices, lower feed costs represent a moving target that can only be bull's-eyed with appropriate planning and constant evaluation. An excellent starting place for many operations intent on reducing production costs is an evaluation of the existing pasture mineral supplement program.

An understanding of mineral nutrition requires a solid appreciation of the complexities and interactions which occur between the trace elements as affected by numerous factors (such as soil and environment) and conditions (animal and microbial requirements, ruminal conditions, etc.). Consequently, no class of nutrients has caused as great a confusion among beef producers as the trace minerals. The trace mineral levels found in many commercially available supplements today is a good case in point. Unfortunately, element levels in a mineral supplement are often used as a marketing tool and usually the higher the level, the better perceived the supplement is. Meeting 100% of the animal's requirement with no consideration for the contributions from the trace elements originating from the diet or grazed forage base could potentially lead to toxic levels that create more problems than was originally intended to solve.

Practically every recent review of trace minerals has focused entirely upon animal requirements, trace mineral antagonisms, bioavailability and the subsequent effects of deficiency (or excess) upon immunity, reproduction and performance, with very little discussion of those factors which may potentially affect trace mineral content and variation in forages. The objectives of this paper are to: 1) define the function of trace minerals in plants and how they compare to animal requirements, 2) discuss the effects of forage quality on trace element content and forage intake, 3) discuss the factors which affect absorption of trace minerals by plants, and 4) review techniques for determination of whole plant mineral status.
Sire Selection and Meat Quality
Authors: Dikeman Michael E.
Published: February 2023

Today's beef industry primarily is "consumer driven." This means that consumers have certain expectations for the quality and price of beef, and that demand will decrease if those expectations are not met. Beef processors, purveyors, and retailers also have certain expectations for the cattle, carcasses, and boxed subprimal cuts they purchase for processing. Cattle have to be fed to a certain level of fatness in order to have a high dressing percentage and to express their genetic potential for marbling. However, the relationship between fatness and marbling (quality grade) is not very high. In the U.S. beef industry, marbling receives considerable emphasis as a determinant of beef quality and it has a greater effect on value differences among carcasses and cuts than does meat yield percentage. There is a genetic antagonism between marbling and meat yield percentage that must be managed in cattle production, especially for the large "retail" quality target. Although over simplified, there are three primary beef quality targets for which cattlemen should aim. In producing beef for the "white tablecloth" quality target, breeds that have high marbling potential, such as Angus and Red Angus, are best suited. In this target, meat yield percentage will be compromised. In producing beef for the "lite/lean" quality target, high percentage Continental breeds that yield a high percentage of meat, such as Limousin, Charolais, Simmental or Gelbvieh, are best suited. In this target, tenderness and other palatability traits will be compromised to some extent. In producing beef for the large "retail" target, crosses of Continental breeds, such as Charolais and Simmental, with British breeds, such as Angus and Red Angus, work best to manage the genetic antagonism between marbling and meat yield percentage. This system "optimizes" meat quality and meat yield percentage and is a very efficient production system. Because marbling is not an accurate predictor of tenderness, selecting directly for tenderness would be more effective. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) of Warner-Bratzler shear force, an instrumental measure of cooked meat tenderness, have been published by several U.S. beef cattle breed associations for the most widely used sires in those breeds. These EPDs resulted from a national project coordinated by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in the U.S. to improve carcass traits and meat palatability genetically. Preliminary results from this project also suggest that, in the future, DNA "marker" analysis could be used as a selection tool for carcass and meat traits. Cattlemen should select sires from breeds that excel in the carcass traits of interest and that have relatively accurate EPDs for those traits.
Teaser Bull Preparation
Authors: Hull Bruce L.
Published: February 2023

Heat detection by human observation in beef cows is much more difficult and time intensive than it is in dairy cows. Consequently many producers rely on teaser bulls (a.k.a. gomer bulls). Any time one creates a teaser bull there are two main objectives. The first and most important is to be sure the bull in question is unable to impregnate the cows he is placed with. Of secondary importance in creating a teaser that is a non-entry teaser and will not spread venereal disease. In some herds the spread of venereal disease is of very little concern and as such the herd owner does not worry about this aspect. Choosing a bull from the owner's herd helps assure a healthy bull.

A third aspect that people seldom worry about is the libido of the teaser. We as veterinarians should be creating teaser bulls from young, vigorous, fertile bulls. We are occasionally presented with a cull bull (rejected because of failure to pass a breeding soundness examination) to be made into a teaser bull. This is always an uncomfortable scenario as if the bull does not have enough libido to follow and mark cows in heat we have failed in our mission. With this same thought in mind a young bull is far more sexually active than an older more lethargic bull, and therefore makes a superior teaser bull.

We are often asked how long a given teaser bull will remain sexually active, and there are certainly techniques that produce bulls that are only active (at least in the owners perception) for a year. Far too much emphasis is placed on this aspect of teaser bull preparation. From a production economics standpoint, new teaser bulls should be created each year from young sexually active bulls. These young bulls will gain weight over the summer and can be sold in the fall of the year before harvested forages and purchased feed needs to be put into them. Basically these are non-productive animals and to winter them does not produce profits.

The technique one uses to create a teaser bull is largely a matter of personal preference, although client demand may enter into the selection process.
Current Concepts for Estrus Synchronization and Timed Insemination
Authors: Thatcher W. W. , Patterson D. J. , Moreira F. , Panciera M. , Jordan E. R. , Risco C. A.
Published: February 2023

The cattle industries have a wide range of reproductive technologies that are available to producers and veterinarians to program reproductive management with the use of estrus synchronization and timed insemination protocols. It is of paramount importance that users of this technology have a thorough understanding of the systems as to how they regulate pituitary, ovarian and uterine function. Major advancements have come about because we now understand how to control and coordinate ovarian follicular, corpus luteum and uterine functions in a manner that is conducive to normal fertility in cattle under different physiological conditions i.e., non-lactation, lactation, anestrus, intensive and extensive management conditions etc. At this meeting in 1998, the various practical systems to control the estrous cycle in dairy animals were reviewed.30 Objective of this presentation is to provide an update of current reproductive strategies for synchronization and timed insemination in dairy and beef cattle. The focus will be with the use of those pharmacological drugs available to the cattle industries in the United States. Effective estrus synchronization programs provide a number of advantages: cows or heifers are in estrus at a predicted time which facilitates AI, and embryo transfer; time and labor expense for detection of estrus are reduced; AI becomes more practical under extensive conditions; precise control of ovulation permits a timed insemination without the need for detection of estrus; and specific timed treatments to improve embryo survival can be implemented effectively.
Sexing Bovine Sperm
Authors: Seidel George E.
Published: February 2023

Many methods of sexing sperm have been attempted, and there have been sufficient failures to cause much skepticism about sperm-sexing claims. However, recent work has clearly shown that one method is successful with various species, including cattle and horses. This procedure, flow cytometry/cell sorting, is 85 to 95% accurate. It was developed for sexing live sperm by Dr. Larry Johnson in the United States Department of Agriculture laboratory at Beltsville, Maryland, and patented by the U.S. government. Exclusive rights to the patent have been assigned to XY, Inc., a company in Colorado, for applications in non-human mammals. XY, Inc. has subsequently spent millions of dollars in further research, including development of faster sperm sorters. Much of this work was done in collaboration with Colorado State University.
Hormonal Therapy in the Postpartum Cow - Days 1 to 10
Authors: Frazer Grant S.
Published: February 2023

In 1986 the late Prof. Raimunds Zemjanis from the University of Minnesota was the advisor for a PhD thesis entitled, "Uterine Motility Patterns in the Postpartum Dairy Cow" (Burton, MJ). In my opinion this work contains some of the most definitive data to date about the effects of exogenous hormones on the postpartum bovine uterus. Thus, much of the information presented in this paper is based on that thesis. Unfortunately some good work by our European colleagues is not readily accessible. It is often published in foreign language journals in which there is no more than a brief English abstract. One renowned group (Kundig, Thun & Zerobin) has validated Burton's conclusions. The author has had this series of uterine motility papers translated so that pertinent information could be included in this review.97,98,168
Evaluation of a Novel Vaccine Consisting of Siderophore Receptor Proteins and Porins for Controlling Salmonellosis in a Commercial Dairy Herd
Authors: Emery Daryll , Straub Darren , Slinden Larry
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of an autogenous subunit vaccine consisting of a highly purified preparation of siderophore receptor proteins and porins (SRP-P) derived from Salmonella bredeney. The organism was isolated from a commercial dairy herd showing severe clinical signs of salmonellosis: acute enteritis and septicemia resulting in high adult and calf mortality and morbidity. The vaccine was given to all cows (n=125) in the herd. The experimental trial examined the safety of the immunizing composition based on tissue reactivity of the injected material at the site of injection; loss of milk production after vaccination; serological response to vaccination; and effect on the incidence of salmonella within the herd.
Efficacy of Ceftiofur Hydrochloride Administered Parenterally for Five Consecutive Days for Treatment of Acute Post-partum Metritis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Chenault John R. , McAllister Joseph F. , Chester S. Theodore , Dame Kenneth J. , Kausche Fabian M.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate under clinical, field conditions the efficacy of ceftiofur hydrochloride [HCl] as EXCENEL® RTU Sterile Suspension administered parenterally at doses of 1.1 or 2.2 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE)/kg body weight (BW; 0.5 or 1.0 mg CE/lb BW) for five days for the treatment of acute post-partum metritis in dairy cows.
Teat Endoscopy (Theloscopy)
Authors: Geishauser Thomas , Querengässer Klaus
Published: February 2023

The objective of this presentation is to describe a practical method for teat endoscopy (theloscopy). The goal of theloscopy is to diagnose reasons of milk-flow disorders and to monitor their treatment.
Microbiological Water Quality for Optimal Livestock Production and Health
Authors: LeJeune Jeffrey , Gay John M.
Published: February 2023

Relative to standards for humans, water in the cattle environment is often of poor or unknown microbiological quality, whether it is surface drinking water, recycled flush water, wash water, cooling water or drinking water in troughs. The microbial ecology is complex and not well understood. Microbial contamination originates from the environment, the feces of cattle or other animals, and, due to oral residues, even the normal act of drinking. In many circumstances, the quality is regarded as uncontrollable at best. Although pathogenic bacteria and zoonotic foodborne pathogens are found in cattle water with some frequency, the health, production and food safety risks associated with cattle drinking or contacting water contaminated with these microorganisms remains largely undefined. As production and health consequences from the presence of these agents are certainly biologically plausible and some evidence suggests that they do exist, additional research is needed to quantify these risks. If these risks prove to be unacceptable under current management conditions and consumer expectations, methods to ensure microbiologically cleaner water for livestock will need to be identified.
CONTESTING NORMS
Authors: Ogundipe Stephen Toyin
Published: February 2023

Contemporary Islamic music in southwestern Nigeria has changed in the last decade and Yoruba Muslim listeners are experiencing music in new ways. This article explores various trends in contemporary Yoruba Islamic music in southwestern Nigeria. The Yoruba are predominantly in southwestern Nigeria and extend to parts of central Nigeria and the West African coast of the Republic of Benin. The article draws on purposefully selected, recorded compositions of Yoruba Islamic artists produced on compact discs between 1979 and 2020, YouTube Videos and in-depth interviews to yield a comprehensive view of the music. It employs Vejlgaard’s (2018) trendspotting theory as a theoretical framework to analyse the texts. It examines the tendencies that shape the re-articulation of religion through the “Muslim sound” and problematises an understanding of the direction of change in contemporary Islamic music. The article argues that contemporary Islamic music in southwestern Nigeria is a product of the quest for Islamic identity and the commodification of musical and social values. This argument puts in context the many dynamics behind the transformations in contemporary Islamic music in Nigeria. Muslim singers draw on the strength of Nigeria’s thriving urban culture industry by adopting production, circulation, and marketing strategies that sustain the commercially successful Nigerian entertainment industry. This development is part of a global reality of social change and modernity transforming Islamic consciousness.
Factors affecting applied perception and applicability of fair value accounting: The case of construction firms in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tung , Phan Thanh Hai , Ho Van Nhan , Thi Vo Tien-Thuy , Thi Thuong Mai
Published: February 2023

This study determines and measures the factors affecting the perception and applicability of fair value accounting by related personnel in enterprises, including business owners, managers, accountants, and internal auditors. At the same time, it analyzes the relationship between applied perception and the applicability of fair value accounting. 808 respondents, working in 350 construction enterprises in Vietnam, participated in the survey. This study combines qualitative and quantitative methods using SPSS and AMOS 20 with different techniques and structural equation modeling. The study results show that the applied perception significantly affects the applicability of fair value accounting at construction enterprises in Vietnam. Besides, eight different factors influence the applied perception of fair value accounting. Notably, six factors positively influenced the applied perception, including usefulness, reliability, cost-benefit relationship, size of the enterprise, qualification of accountants, and independent auditors. In contrast, two factors, legal matters and tax pressure, negatively affected the applied perception. This study suggests that managers of Vietnam’s construction enterprises develop solutions to improve the applied perception and applicability of fair value accounting, thereby perfecting the system accounting and improving business performance.
AcknowledgmentThis study is conducted within the framework of the doctoral project subject to Decision No. 1407/QD-ĐHDT dated May 22, 2020, Duy Tan University, Vietnam. The authors would like to acknowledge the reviewers and the editor-in-chief for their assistance.
Is Organizational Evaluation Competency Framework Contextually Relevant for Local NGO Strategy Measurement? Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Okello Lawrence Rafaih
Published: February 2023

Despite the assumed added value of localization, what remains unclear is the method and framework within which local non-governmental organization (NGO) strategies are measured. Owing to considerable difference between donor demands and local stakeholder’s requirements, local NGO evaluation landscape in many developing countries including Uganda is characterized by disrupted systematic application of evaluation practices and standards. While there are considerable congregation towards ensuring standard evaluation, various evaluation models and frameworks; the proliferation of different donor donors’ framework is increasingly making strategy evaluation as subject of varied imagination against localized norms and standards. This study sought to validate the contextual relevance of organizational evaluation competency (OEC) framework as a standard process upon which local NGOs could meaningfully be seen to contribute to the realization of national development plan and aspirations. In-depth key informant interviews were conducted with 16 respondents drawn from NGO executives, NGO managers, board members, consultants, and academicians from a wider spectrum of specializations. Findings revealed that the OEC framework is contextually relevant for strategy evaluation. Specifically, the findings revealed that matured NGOs strategies were positively impacted by utilization OEC framework as they consistently apply it compared to emerging new local NGO. The study highlight higher potentials in wider application of OEC framework by both matured and emerging NGOs. This implies policy engagement on capacity strengthening must urgently prioritize NGO network support towards a strengthened evaluation technical expertise and steering. Keywords: Localization, Strategy, Organizational evaluation competency framework, NGOs.
Bor ve Arıtma Çamur Uygulamalarının Börülcenin (Vigna unguiculata L.) Mikro Element ve Ağır Metal İçeriğine Etkisi
Authors: ÇİRKA Mustafa
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışma, bor ve arıtma çamuru uygulamalarının börülce (Vigna unguiculata L.) bitkisin mikro element ve ağır metal içeriklerindeki değişimler üzerine etkilerinin belirlenmesi için yapılmıştır. Deneme, iklim odasında, tesadüf parsellerinde faktöriyel deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olacak şekilde yürütülmüştür. Karagöz börülce çeşidinin kullanıldığı çalışmada dört doz bor (0 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg ve 200 mg/kg bor) ve dört doz arıtma çamuru (%0, %2.5, %5 ve %10) deneme faktörleri olarak uygulanmıştır.
Çalışma sonucunda arıtma çamuru uygulamaları ile börülcenin mikro element içerikleri hem artış hem de azalış göstermişken, ağır metal içeriklerinde alüminyum hariç diğerleri artış göstermiştir. En yüksek değerlere %5 ve %10 arıtma çamuru uygulamalarında ulaşılmıştır. Bor uygulamaları ile mikro element içerikleri genel olarak artış göstermiştir. Artan bor uygulamalarıyla birlikte bitkide Al, Cd, Co, Cr ve Pb gibi ağır metal içeriklerinde artış sağlanırken, As ve Ni içeriklerinde ise azalmaların oluğu tespit edilmiştir. Bor x arıtma çamuru interaksiyonunda arıtma çamurunun neden olduğu olumsuzlukları bor uygulamalarının tolere ettiği görülmüştür. Bu nedenle Börülce bitkisinde arıtma çamuru uygulamalarının neden olduğu değişken ağır metal içeriklerinin bor uygulamaları ile dengelenebileceği söylenebilir.
Обзор процесса обработки зрительной информации на уровне коры больших полушарий
Authors: Вороная Виктория Д.
Published: February 2023

Введение. Ввиду сохранения актуальности проблемы зрения и обработки зрительной информации, разрабатывающейся на данный момент в различных направлениях, остается важным систематизация и обобщение накопленной информации, необходимой для первичной ориентировки в контексте проблемы, что и выступает целью данной работы. Ее новизна заключается в доступном и тезисном изложении проблемы с сохранением вектора актуальных исследований, что позволит ознакомиться с проблематикой и затем постепенно погружаться в контекст. В теоретическом обосновании имеется информация о том, что за продолжение процесса обработки зрительного стимула ответственны ряд зон зрительной коры. В стриарной зрительной коре происходит анализ стимулов по принципу выделения фигуры из фона или фона из фигуры; кроме того, в ней кодируются контраст, пространственная частота и ориентация стимула, то есть, создается первичный зрительный образ, который дополняется на дальнейших уровнях обработки. В экстрастриарной зрительной коре происходит ряд процессов, направленных на анализ специфических признаков объектов. В зоне V2 продолжается общая обработка стимула, восприятие пространственно-ориентационных характеристик; в зоне V3 также анализируется ориентация объекта; зона V4 ответственна за восприятие цвета; V5 (MT) – движения. Вторичный зрительный образ затем создается в ассоциативной зоне коры, где происходит опознание сложных сигналов. В обсуждении результатов указаны базовые и актуальные направления исследований в данной сфере, например, на исследование зрительных механизмов второго порядка и проблему связывания, нейропластичность, специфику нейронов-детекторов зрительной коры и восприятие цвета.
Magnetic Nanoparticles with Aspects of their Use in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Dinc Rasit
Published: February 2023

Cancers remain the leading cause of death worldwide, despite significant advances in their
diagnosis and treatment. The inadequacy and ineffectiveness of standard treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy,
and surgery), their severe side effects, and the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics
have forced researchers to investigate alternative therapeutic strategies. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
have been evaluated as one of the promising strategies in treating cancers, a major public health problem.
Due to their intrinsic magnetic properties, MNPs are tools that can be designed to be multifunctional in
medicine, including cancer therapy. Multifunctionality can be achieved with various drug/agent loadings,
such as chemotherapeutic drugs, radionuclides, nucleic acids, and antibodies. This provides a multimodal
theranostics platform for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. These substances can then be delivered
to the tumor tissue using an external magnetic field (EMF). Magnetic or photothermal applications
kill cancer cells at the tumor site by inducing local hyperthermia, whereas photodynamic therapy kills
them by producing reactive oxygen species. MNP applications also prevent drug resistance. In addition,
alone or with different combination options, MNP applications provide synergistic effects and reduce side
effects. Functionalized MNPs can be used to remove unwanted cells from blood, including circulating
tumor cells (CTCs), which are key factors in the metastatic process and leukemia cells. Despite numerous
successful studies, there are some unpredictable obstacles to be discovered in routine usage. This review
focuses mainly on the application of MNPs in cancer treatment, covering future perspectives and challenges.
Recent Advances in N-Heterocycles for COVID-19 Treatment - A Mini
Review
Authors: Dinodia Monica
Published: February 2023

Severe emergencies occurred across the globe, beginning with the outbreak of SARSCoV
in 2002, followed by MERS-CoV in 2012. In December 2019, an acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, China as the agent responsible for the recent
COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The virus rapidly spread throughout the world due to its high
transmissibility, leading to enormous health problems and complexities. The COVID-19 pandemic
has affected public health, the weak persons were severely affected by this virus. To stop the disease
from spreading further, effective remedies are the need of the hour. Although SARS-CoV-2
vaccination campaigns are being carried out all over the globe, several new SARS-CoV-2 variants
have emerged, and each has caused a wave of infections, highlighting an urgent need for therapeutics
targeting SARS-CoV-2. Heterocyclic compounds have been explored extensively for a very
long time for their biological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antitubercular, anticancer,
antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and many more bio-activities. Through this review,
the author has tried to report the heterocyclic compounds synthesized all over the world over the
last 2 years to fight against the SARS CoV-2 coronaviruses. The heterocyclic motifs mentioned in
the review can serve as important resources for the development of COVID-19 treatment methods.
Combination of Probiotics and Resveratrol to Target Drug Resistance in
Breast Cancer: An In vitro and In vivo Study
Authors: Farhan Faten , Talib Wamidh H.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Probiotics exhibit significant activity in the immune system by activating
multiple immune mechanisms. Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol. It has various pharmacological
effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenesis
effects.

Objectives:

The present study investigates the potential immunomodulatory and antitumor activity
of the combination treatment of probiotics and resveratrol in sensitive and cisplatin-resistant breast
cancer.

Methods:

In the in vivo study, tumor-bearing mice received one of the following treatments:
2.5*108 CFU/ml probiotics, 50 mg/kg resveratrol, the combination of probiotics and resveratrol,
vehicle, or cisplatin. Balb/C mice were inoculated with sensitive EMT6/P and cisplatin resistance
EMT6/CPR cancer cell lines, and in vivo antitumor activity was evaluated.

Results:

The antiproliferative activity of the probiotics, resveratrol, and their combination treatments
was assessed using an MTT assay to evaluate lymphocyte proliferation activity. LDH colorimetric
assay was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the treatments on the activity of natural
killer cells. Nitro blue tetrazolium assay and neutral red method were used to evaluate macrophage
function.

Conclusion:

The combination treatment showed an enhanced effect in splenic lymphocyte proliferation,
macrophage function, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis in both cell lines. A significant reduction
in tumor size and weight in EMT6/P and EMT6/CPR-bearing mice occurred. Hence, the combination
treatment of probiotics and resveratrol was found to have a valuable activity against sensitive
and cisplatin-resistant breast cancer cells and might act as a stimulator of the immune system.
Therefore, the combination of probiotics and resveratrol deserves further analysis to be used in
cancer prevention and treatment.
Genomic Characterization of Emerging SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic
Review
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Rani Rinkle , Kalra Nidhi
Published: February 2023

Introduction::

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus – 2, SARS-CoV-2, is a wellknown
virus for its fatal infectivity and widespread impact on the health of the worldwide population.
Genome sequencing is critical in understanding the virus’s behavior, origin, and genetic variants. This
article conducts an extensive literature review on the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including its Genome
Structure, Genome Analysis, Evolution, Mutation, and, Genome Computation. It highlights the summary
of clinical and evolutionary research along with the applicability of computational methods in the
areas. It lucidly presents the structural detail and mutation analysis of SARS-CoV-2 without overwhelming
the readers with difficult terms. In the pandemic, machine learning and deep learning
emerged as a paradigm change, that when combined with genome analysis, enabled more precise identification
and prognosis of the virus's impact. Molecular detailing is crucial in extracting features from
the SARS-CoV-2 genome before computation models are applied.

Methods:

Further, in this systematic study we investigate the usage of Machine Learning and Deep
Learning models mapped to SARS-CoV-2 genome samples to see their applicability in virus detection
and disease severity prediction. We searched research articles from various reputed journals explaining
the structure, evolution, mutations, and computational methods published until June 2022.

Results:

The paper summarizes significant trends in the research of SARS-COV-2 genomes. Furthermore,
this research also identifies the limitations and research gaps that yet have to be explored more
and indicates future directions.

Impact Statement::

There are few review articles on the SARS-CoV-2 genome; these reviews target various
aspects of the SARS-COV2 genome individually. This article considers all the aspects simultaneously
and provides in-depth knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

Conclusion::

This article provides a detailed description about the type of samples, volumes of selection,
processes, and tools used by various researchers in their studies. Further, the computational techniques
applied to the SARS-COV2 genome are also discussed and analysed thoroughly.
Recent Trends in Mobile Computing in Health Care, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kannadhasan S. , Nagarajan R.
Published: February 2023

This paper provides an analysis of IoT protection and privacy problems, as
well as current security strategies, as well as a list of open topics for potential study.
The most significant inventions are those that vanish. They become indistinguishable
from the structure of daily existence when they weave themselves through it. This
Internet of Things idea has begun to transform our modern environment, including a
common man's daily existence in society, a world in which machines of all shapes and
sizes are produced with “smart” capabilities that enable them to connect and interact
not only with other devices but also with humans, share data, make autonomous
decisions, and perform useful tasks based on predetermined conditions. With its many
implementations, the Internet of Things is now a well-known phenomenon across both
horizontal and vertical industries. 
A Game-Based Neurorehabilitation Technology to Augment Motor Activity of Hemiparesis Patients
Authors: Sofia Bobby J. , Raghul B. , Priyanka B.
Published: February 2023

Stroke recovery is the subsequent goal of stroke medicine. Rehabilitation
and recovery research is exponentially increasing. However, several impediments
impede the progress in the design of neurorehabilitation technology for stroke patient
recovery. The conventional rehabilitation techniques for stroke recovery have some
limitations like the absence of standardized terminology, poorly described methods,
lack of consistent time frames and recovery biomarkers, reduced participation, and
inappropriate measures to examine outcomes. Stroke recovery is challenging for many
survivors. They require highly functioning and quick treatment accompanied by a
gradual acceptance of brain improvement and human behavior. Therefore, there is an
immediate need for neurorehabilitation technology to improve the quality of activities
of daily life (ADLs) of those disabled. The method adopted is the design of
neurorehabilitation technology using game-based systems that enhances the motor
activities of hemiparesis patients. 
Smart Wearable Sensor Design Techniques For Mobile Health Care Solutions
Authors: Vijaya K. , Prathusha Laxmi B.
Published: February 2023

In this chapter, we discuss the technological developments that have led to
the clinical utility of smart wearable body sensors. Smart wearable sensors can enhance
the physician-patient relationship, promote remote monitoring techniques, and their
impact on healthcare management and expenditure. We explore how continuous health
status monitoring can be achieved with the help of wireless sensors, wireless
communication, microprocessors, and data processing algorithms. Furthermore, we
also discuss the impact of using wearable sensor systems by infants and aged persons
to alert parents/caretakers/clinicians. We also explore integrating smart wearable
sensors and IoT to enhance the automatic monitoring and alerting systems for health
care improvement.
Multibody dynamics modeling of drivetrain components: On the caged-roller dynamics of centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers
Authors: Cera M.
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Centrifugal pendulum absorbers are passive dampers mainly employed nowadays to attenuate torsional vibrations in modern drivetrains to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The absorber is linked to the drivetrain by means of a higher kinematic joint composed of slots and rollers, termed caged-roller joint. This work aims to investigate the contact between the rollers and the slots through multibody dynamics simulations. As a result, the sliding between the profiles, usually neglected in the design model of the caged-roller joint, is assessed and an estimate of the power loss is provided.
Interface reduction in flexible multibody systems
Authors: Cammarata A.
Published: February 2023

Abstract. The problem of imposing the reference conditions in a floating frame of reference formulation is coupled with the necessity to reduce the interfaces to virtual nodes required to define the multibody joints. Two methods are implemented for rigid and interpolation multipoint constraints, and the reference condition matrix is derived employing all the interface dofs. The case study of a slider-crank mechanism is discussed to show how different sets of reference conditions can modify the system’s dynamics.