bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy and comfort management of the educational spaces through IoT network for IAQ assessment in the eLUX lab
Authors: Tagliabue L C , Cecconi F Re , Rinaldi S , Flammini A , Ciribini A L C
Published: July 2019

IoT networks for data gathering in the buildings allow to control and manage the operational phase of the systems for ventilation and IAQ, optimizing the energy flows and the indoor comfort conditions. The concept of Cognitive Building steers the implementation of such networks in the assets considering the sensors as scattered systems to inform and actuate the adaptation strategies which are crucial when variables have to be included in the process management. Variables as weather, occupancy flows during the day, energy production by renewable energies, energy storage strategies, affect the indoor conditions, the rate of use of the HVAC systems and the energy management of the used/storage resources. The eLUX lab at the Smart Campus of the University of Brescia is a pilot building in the field and it has been monitoring since 2017. The indoor conditions monitoring could unveil critical situations defined by temperature, humidity and indoor air quality (IAQ) in the educational spaces and envisage strategies and scenarios related to energy demand defined by the occupancy stream. The IoT network collects data about indoor air quality in the different spaces and it is used to verify and increase the accuracy on occupancy estimation. The HVAC management referred to the effective occupancy can enable an energy management process based on user-centred approach empowering an increment of the comfort hours facing critical situations and it is possible to promote actuation strategies preserving energy efficiency and IAQ (e.g. increase ventilation to decrease the CO2 concentration, decrease temperature and control relative humidity in the indoor spaces by window opening or modulation of the fans and dehumidification systems activation). The educational spaces have been adopted as case studies to analyse the actual indoor conditions and come up with a detailed description of the profiles of use (i.e. occupancy, lighting, equipment, HVAC, CO2) supporting effective management policies. The paper describes the analyses on the data collected to understand when and how the indoor conditions can be improved to preserve the learning performance of the users. The research addresses one of the main topics of the eLUX living lab.
A framework for the optimisation of glazed gridshells in the early design stage under structural and energy-based criteria
Authors: Pagnacco T , Masera G , Weilandt A , Baldassini N
Published: July 2019

While it is of primary importance to deliver high performance architecture within constraints of time and money, the integration between structural and energy-based aspects presents significant challenges for the organisation of the design process, especially in the early stages. In the case of complex envelopes, such as glazed gridshells, these engineering-related aspects should be considered from multiple points of view from the very beginning of the concept development, exploiting the potential conflicts between architects and engineers to let creative solutions emerge, and thus avoiding expensive and time-consuming design modifications downstream. This paper aims to define the framework required to integrate a multi-objective optimisation capable of combining such aspects into an integrated flow of information. Such an integrated analysis presents difficulties because, in the early design phases, conceptual changes happen faster than computational capacity; so, to overcome this obstacle it is necessary to define an iterative flow of information between structural and energy-based procedures, while at the same time taking into account the aesthetic requirements. This particular flow not only guarantees a correct passage of technical data among different software tools, but it also allows for a better communication and comprehension of information between diverse actors, such as architects and engineers. Based on this specific plan, a conceptual framework for optimising gridshells under structural, geometrical and energy-based criteria is developed and presented. The final goal of such a procedure is not, clearly, to replace the designer, but to give guidance to transform potential conflict into creative discussion and improve the efficiency of the later phases of the design process.
The Significance of Trans-Epidermal Water Loss After Microneedling and Microneedling-Radiofrequency Procedures: Histological and IRB-Approved Safety Study
Authors: Sasaki Gordon H
Published: July 2019

Background

Microneedling (MN) and microneedling-radiofrequency (MN-RF) result in skin rejuvenation and skin exposure to pathogens.

Objectives

The aim was to determine histopathological changes of needle-depth injuries in preauricular skin and measure time-dependent repair of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in subjects.

Methods

MN and MN-RF procedures were performed at 0.5- and 1.5-mm needle depths on preauricular skin strips from a facelift patient. In 10 subjects, MN and MN-RF procedures were performed at 0.5-mm needle lengths on 6 marked opposing face and body sites. MN and MN-RF at 1.5-mm needle lengths were also carried out on each subject’s midface skin lateral to the nasolabial fold. TEWL measurements were recorded with a calibrated DermaLab Cortex device (Hadsund, Denmark).

Results

Histological examination confirmed that the penetration depths of microchannels closely approximated the 0.5- or 1.5-mm needle lengths. In addition, MN-RF exhibited zones of coagulation injury at the distal end of the channel. After MN or MN-RF at 0.5-mm needle length, TEWL values were greatest immediately after needling to scalp, midface, neck, chest, arm, and thigh sites and remained slightly higher than baseline throughout the 48-h evaluation period. TEWL measurements after MN or MN-RF at 1.5-mm needle length resulted in the highest- and longest-lasting values throughout the 2-day observation period.

Conclusions

MN and MN-RF devices are novel devices that require further investigation into optimal treatment parameters and protocols, patient selection, and protection against intrusion of external pathogens and reactive cosmeceutical ingredients with barrier repair.

Level of Evidence: 2
Talkin’ Bout iGeneration: A New Era of Individualistic Social Work Practice?
Authors: Fenton Jane
Published: July 2019

This article considers the impact of generational changes on the new cohort of social work students most of whom were born post-1995, and therefore belong to ‘iGeneration’ (iGen).

This article is especially concerned with the finding that the generation before iGen is more right-wing authoritarian than all post-war generations and what this might mean for the future of social work should that trajectory continue. A study was undertaken to examine the attitudes of 122 iGen students in first-year university course in Scotland. Results show that mean attitudinal measures were right-wing authoritarian in relation to crime and punishment and to unemployed people. Social work students aligned more in their attitudes with their primary education colleagues and less with their less authoritarian community education colleagues, and, overall, the iGen cohort was significantly more right-wing authoritarian than their older colleagues. In essence, there was evidence to suggest that an individualistic, self-sufficiency neoliberal narrative had been quite profoundly internalised by the iGen cohort of students. Implications of a new individualistic practice are considered, and suggestions for social work education programmes are made.
FBXW10 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis in male patients and mice
Authors: Luo Yuan-Deng , Zhang Jie , Fang Lei , Zhu Yan-Yin , You Yue-Mei , Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Zheng Ping , Zhang Lei-Da , Yin Liang-Yu , Xia Feng , Bie Ping , Xie Chuan-Ming
Published: July 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is reported to associate with abnormal expression of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligases. FBXW10, an F-box protein of the E3 ubiquitin ligases, was abnormally regulated in HCC patients. However, whether FBXW10 is associated with HCC has not yet been evaluated. Here, we analyzed the associations between overall survival and various risk factors in 191 HCC tissues. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that FBXW10 was an independent risk factor related to HCC prognosis. The results showed that FBXW10, gender and tumor state were strongly associated with overall survival in HCC patients. Furthermore, high expression of FBXW10 was associated with poor survival among male HCC patients but not female HCC patients. FBXW10 was more highly expressed in male HCC tissues and more strongly related to vascular invasion in male HCC patients. Consistent with these findings, the male FBXW10-Tg(+) mice were more susceptible to tumorigenesis, changes in regenerative capacity, and liver injury and inflammation but not changes in liver function than FBXW10-Tg(–) mice. FBXW10 promoted cell proliferation and migration in HCC cell lines. Our findings reveal that FBXW10, an independent risk factor for HCC, promotes hepatocarcinogenesis in male patients, and is also a potential prognostic marker in male patients with HCC.
Taste Responsiveness of Spider Monkeys to Dietary Ethanol
Authors: Dausch Ibañez Daniel , Hernandez Salazar Laura Teresa , Laska Matthias
Published: July 2019

Recent studies suggest that frugivorous primates might display a preference for the ethanol produced by microbia in overripe, fermenting fruit as an additional source of calories. We, therefore, assessed the taste responsiveness of 8 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) to the range of ethanol concentrations found in overripe, fermenting fruit (0.05–3.0%) and determined taste preference thresholds as well as relative taste preferences for ethanol presented in sucrose solutions and in fruit matrices, respectively. Using a 2-bottle preference test of short duration (1 min), we found that spider monkeys are able to detect ethanol concentrations as low as 0.5%, that they prefer ethanol concentrations up to 3% over water, and that they prefer sucrose solutions and pureed fruit spiked with ethanol over equimolar sucrose solutions and pureed fruit without ethanol. However, when presented with an ethanol-spiked sucrose solution and a higher-concentrated sucrose solution without ethanol, the animals clearly preferred the latter, even when the sucrose–ethanol mixture contained 3 times more calories. These results demonstrate that spider monkeys are more sensitive to the taste of ethanol than rats and humans and that they prefer ecologically relevant suprathreshold concentrations of ethanol over water. Tests with sucrose solutions and pureed fruits that were either spiked with ethanol or not suggest that sweetness may be more important for the preferences displayed by the spider monkeys than the calories provided by ethanol. The present results, therefore, do not support the notion that dietary ethanol might be used by frugivorous primates as a supplemental source of calories.
Toxin A–Predominant Pathogenic Clostridioides difficile: A Novel Clinical Phenotype
Authors: Lin Qianyun , Pollock Nira R , Banz Alice , Lantz Aude , Xu Hua , Gu Limei , Gerding Dale N , Garey Kevin W , Gonzales-Luna Anne J , Zhao Mingwei , Song Linan , Duffy David C , Kelly Ciaran P , Chen Xinhua
Published: July 2019

Background

Most Clostridioides difficile toxinogenic strains produce both toxins A and B (A+B+), but toxin A–negative, toxin B–positive (A−B+) variants also cause disease. We report the identification of a series of pathogenic clinical C. difficile isolates that produce high amounts of toxin A with low or nondetectable toxin B.

Methods

An ultrasensitive, quantitative immunoassay was used to measure toxins A and B in stool samples from 187 C. difficile infection (CDI) patients and 44 carriers. Isolates were cultured and assessed for in vitro toxin production and in vivo phenotypes (mouse CDI model).

Results

There were 7 CDI patients and 6 carriers who had stools with detectable toxin A (TcdA, range 23–17 422 pg/mL; 5.6% of samples overall) but toxin B (TcdB) below the clinical detection limit (<20 pg/mL; median TcdA:B ratio 17.93). Concentrations of toxin A far exceeded B in in vitro cultures of all 12 recovered isolates (median TcdA:B ratio 26). Of 8 toxin A>>B isolates tested in mice, 4 caused diarrhea, and 3 of those 4 caused lethal disease. Ribotyping demonstrated strain diversity. TcdA-predominant samples were also identified at 2 other centers, with similar frequencies (7.5% and 6.8%).

Conclusions

We report the discovery of clinical pathogenic C. difficile strains that produce high levels of toxin A but minimal or no toxin B. This pattern of toxin production is not rare (>5% of isolates) and is consistently observed in vitro and in vivo in humans and mice. Our study highlights the significance of toxin A in human CDI pathogenesis and has important implications for CDI diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development.
To Succeed, One Health Must Win Animal Agriculture’s Stronger Collaboration
Authors: Gray Gregory C , Mazet Jonna A K
Published: July 2019

The One Health approach has received widespread international endorsements from professional, academic, and governmental organizations as the way forward in tackling complex interdisciplinary problems, such as emerging zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety. Yet conspicuously absent from US One Health training or research activities are the animal agricultural industries. Their absence is likely due to multiple factors, including the lack of appreciation for their potential problem-solving roles, as well as the industries’ business-oriented fears that such engagement could cause them to suffer economic damage. As demands on the swine, poultry, egg, beef, and dairy production industries are closely linked to the above-mentioned complex problems, we must find new, nonthreatening ways to better engage and win animal agriculture’s collaboration into One Health training and research partnerships for successful health problem solving. Without animal agricultural industries’ improved cooperation, One Health’s efforts to control these complex problems are not likely to succeed.
Minimizing Bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) Bycatch in Japanese Beetle Traps
Authors: Sipolski Steven J , Datson Sara W , Reding Michael , Oliver Jason B , Alm Steven R
Published: July 2019

Native and introduced bees were attracted to and captured in commercially available Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), traps baited with floral lure components: geraniol, eugenol, and phenethyl propionate [PEP] in Rhode Island, Ohio, and Tennessee. Studies in Rhode Island showed that Bombus impatiens Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was significantly more attracted to geraniol alone and as a component in floral lure blends than to either eugenol or PEP alone. Xylocopa virginica (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was more selective in being primarily attracted to traps baited with higher amounts of geraniol in 2016. Removing geraniol from the floral lure blend did not significantly reduce Japanese beetle captures in 2017 and 2018 in Rhode Island and Ohio but did significantly reduce bee captures in Rhode Island in 2017 and 2018. Green, black, brown, and red traps captured significantly fewer bees than clear or standard yellow vane and green cage traps in 2018 in Rhode Island and Tennessee; however, there were no significant differences between Japanese beetle captures in any of the colored or clear traps. Our results show that using all green traps with a lure composed of eugenol and PEP and the Japanese beetle female produced sex pheromone can effectively capture Japanese beetles while minimizing bycatch of bees.
Three female patients with Danon disease presenting with predominant cardiac phenotype: a case series
Authors: Mulder Bart A , Hoedemaekers Yvonne M , van den Berg Maarten P , van Loon Rosa L E , Wind Anna M , Jongbloed Jan D H , Wiesfeld Ans C P
Published: July 2019

Background

Danon disease is a rare X-linked multisystemic disorder that has primarily been described in male patients.

Case summary

We present three female patients with Danon disease with a predominantly cardiac phenotype in whom disease onset and expression was very different from that of male patients. Case 1 was first admitted for acute heart failure and then readmitted a few months later for cardiac shock, necessitating mechanical support, and heart transplantation. Case 2 had complex arrhythmias for which many antiarrhythmic drugs were tried with only limited success. Her disease accelerated after her first pregnancy, and she showed reduced left ventricular function and dilated cardiomyopathy. Case 3 was referred for near syncope and ablated for an accessory pathway; she had extensive left ventricular hypertrophy. In all three cases, a final diagnosis of Danon disease was only made after genetic testing that identified a causal variant in the lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 gene.

Discussion

Danon disease in female patients is a challenging diagnosis that may not be identified until genetic testing has been performed.
Patient selection, pacing indications, and subsequent outcomes with de novo leadless single-chamber VVI pacing
Authors: Piccini Jonathan P , Stromberg Kurt , Jackson Kevin P , Kowal Robert C , Duray Gabor Z , El-Chami Mikhael F , Crossley George H , Hummel John D , Narasimhan Calambur , Omar Razali , Ritter Philippe , Roberts Paul R , Soejima Kyoko , Reynolds Dwight , Zhang Shu , Steinwender Clemens , Chinitz Larry ,   Micra Transcatheter Pacing Study Group
Published: July 2019

Aims

Patient selection is a key component of securing optimal patient outcomes with leadless pacing. We sought to describe and compare patient characteristics and outcomes of Micra patients with and without a primary pacing indication associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Micra IDE trial.

Methods and results

The primary outcome (risk of cardiac failure, pacemaker syndrome, or syncope related to the Micra system or procedure) was compared between successfully implanted patients from the Micra IDE trial with a primary pacing indication associated with AF or history of AF (AF group) and those without (non-AF group). Among 720 patients successfully implanted with Micra, 228 (31.7%) were in the non-AF group. Reasons for selecting VVI pacing in non-AF patients included an expectation for infrequent pacing (66.2%) and advanced age (27.2%). More patients in the non-AF group had a condition that precluded the use of a transvenous pacemaker (9.6% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.013). Atrial fibrillation patients programmed to VVI received significantly more ventricular pacing compared to non-AF patients (median 67.8% vs. 12.6%; P < 0.001). The overall occurrence of the composite outcome at 24 months was 1.8% with no difference between the AF and non-AF groups (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 0.45–4.2; P = 0.59).

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of patients selected to receive Micra VVI therapy were for indications not associated with AF. Non-AF VVI patients required less frequent pacing compared to patients with AF. Risks associated with VVI therapy were low and did not differ in those with and without AF.
Sex-Specific Responses of Life Span and Fitness to Variation in Developmental Versus Adult Diets in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Duxbury Elizabeth M L , Chapman Tracey
Published: July 2019

Nutritional variation across the lifetime can have significant and sex-specific impacts on fitness. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we measured these impacts by testing the effects on life span and reproductive success of high or low yeast content in developmental versus adult diets, separately for each sex. We tested two hypotheses: that dietary mismatches between development and adulthood are costly and that any such costs are sex-specific. Overall, the results revealed the rich and complex responses of each sex to dietary variation across the lifetime. Contrary to the first hypothesis, dietary mismatches between developmental and adult life stages were not universally costly. Where costs of nutritional variation across the life course did occur, they were sex-, context-, and trait-specific, consistent with hypothesis 2. We found effects of mismatches between developmental and adult diets on reproductive success in females but not males. Adult diet was the main determinant of survival, and life span was significantly longer on high yeast adult food, in comparison to low, in both sexes. Developing on a high yeast diet also benefited adult female life span and reproductive success, regardless of adult diet. In contrast, a high yeast developmental diet was only beneficial for male life span when it was followed by low yeast adult food. Adult diet affected mating frequency in opposing directions, with males having higher mating frequency on high and females on low, with no interaction with developmental diet for either sex. The results emphasize the importance of sex differences and of the directionality of dietary mismatches in the responses to nutritional variation.
Prospects and challenges of implementing DNA metabarcoding for high-throughput insect surveillance
Authors: Piper Alexander M , Batovska Jana , Cogan Noel O I , Weiss John , Cunningham John Paul , Rodoni Brendan C , Blacket Mark J
Published: July 2019

Trap-based surveillance strategies are widely used for monitoring of invasive insect species, aiming to detect newly arrived exotic taxa as well as track the population levels of established or endemic pests. Where these surveillance traps have low specificity and capture non-target endemic species in excess of the target pests, the need for extensive specimen sorting and identification creates a major diagnostic bottleneck. While the recent development of standardized molecular diagnostics has partly alleviated this requirement, the single specimen per reaction nature of these methods does not readily scale to the sheer number of insects trapped in surveillance programmes. Consequently, target lists are often restricted to a few high-priority pests, allowing unanticipated species to avoid detection and potentially establish populations.

DNA metabarcoding has recently emerged as a method for conducting simultaneous, multi-species identification of complex mixed communities and may lend itself ideally to rapid diagnostics of bulk insect trap samples. Moreover, the high-throughput nature of recent sequencing platforms could enable the multiplexing of hundreds of diverse trap samples on a single flow cell, thereby providing the means to dramatically scale up insect surveillance in terms of both the quantity of traps that can be processed concurrently and number of pest species that can be targeted. In this review of the metabarcoding literature, we explore how DNA metabarcoding could be tailored to the detection of invasive insects in a surveillance context and highlight the unique technical and regulatory challenges that must be considered when implementing high-throughput sequencing technologies into sensitive diagnostic applications.
Exploration of continuous seismic recordings with a machine learning approach to document 20 yr of landslide activity in Alaska
Authors: Hibert C , Michéa D , Provost F , Malet J-P , Geertsema M
Published: July 2019

Quantifying landslide activity in remote regions is difficult because of the numerous complications that prevent direct landslide observations. However, building exhaustive landslide catalogues is critical to document and assess the impacts of climate change on landslide activity such as increasing precipitation, glacial retreat and permafrost thawing, which are thought to be strong drivers of the destabilization of large parts of the high-latitude/altitude regions of the Earth. In this study, we take advantage of the capability offered by seismological observations to continuously and remotely record landslide occurrences at regional scales. We developed a new automated machine learning processing chain, based on the Random Forest classifier, able to automatically detect and identify landslide seismic signals in continuous seismic records. We processed two decades of continuous seismological observations acquired by the Alaskan seismic networks. This allowed detection of 5087 potential landslides over a period of 22 yr (1995–2017). We observe an increase in the number of landslides for the period and discuss the possible causes.
On the Comparison of Measures of Convex Bodies via Projections and Sections
Authors: Hosle Johannes
Published: July 2019

We study the inequalities between measures of convex bodies implied by comparison of their projections and sections. Recently, Giannopoulos and Koldobsky proved that if $K, L$ are convex bodies such that the volume of the projection of $K$ onto any hyperplane through the origin is bounded by the volume of the intersection of $L$ with the hyperplane, then $|K| \le |L|$. Firstly, we study the reverse question: in particular, we show that if $K, L$ are origin-symmetric convex bodies in John’s position such that the volume of the intersection of $K$ with any hyperplane through the origin is bounded by the volume of the projection of $L$ onto the hyperplane, then $|K| \le \sqrt {n}|L|$. The condition we consider is weaker than the conditions that appear in the Busemann–Petty and Shephard problems. Secondly, we appropriately extend the result of Giannopoulos and Koldobsky to various classes of measures possessing concavity properties, including log-concave measures.
Fighting with the Wind: Claimants’ Experiences and Perceptions of the Employment Tribunal
Authors: Busby Nicole , McDermont Morag
Published: July 2019

The conceptualisation of access to justice in the Employment Tribunal (ET) as a public benefit essential for the realisation of the rule of law has recently been reaffirmed by the Supreme Court’s judgment in R v Lord Chancellor [2017] UKSC 51. However, reforms to the law and policy framework in recent years have been framed by Government as providing a necessary shift away from the use of full hearings due to the costs incurred by both the public and business. This article reports on the findings of research which tracked workers with ET claims who could not afford to pay for legal advice and representation. Their experiences and perceptions shed valuable light on the operation of the ET system. Many claimants were left dissatisfied, in particular those whose cases did not make it to full hearing. The data identify a range of barriers to justice, which impact on the ability of individuals to advance their claims and to enforce remedies. The article considers the use of ‘worker vulnerability’ in this context and the different interpretations applied by policy-makers. With reference to the research findings, we argue that vulnerability is universal and that, to counter it, the State has a central role to play in building individual and institutional resilience. We conclude by calling for the need to reclaim the concept of access to the civil justice system as a public good, capable of transcending private interests and providing fundamental protections against worker exploitation.
57 Impact of weaning strategy on beef cow performance
Authors: Worthington Mary Clarke , Ott Grace C , Poore Matthew H , Pickworth Carrie L
Published: July 2019

It has been shown that physiologic stress in beef cattle can impact animal performance. Weaning stress is recognized as a major stress in a calf’s life. However, less is known of its impacts on the dam or developing fetus, as the dam is at the end of the second trimester at weaning. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the impact of weaning stress on cow performance. A total of 240 cows from two locations were assigned to one of three weaning strategies: abrupt removal of the calf on d 0 (n = 80), d 7 cow-calf fenceline contact (n = 81), and late weaning on d 84 (n = 79). Cows averaged 16 and 24 weeks of gestation on d 0 and d 84 respectively. Weights and BCS were obtained monthly. Behavioral observations occurred over the week before and after weaning for each weaning period. Five late-wean cows per location were milked on d 14 and d 70 to estimate milk yield throughout the late wean period. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with BW and BCS utilizing repeated measures. Means are declared different at P ≤ 0.05. The ADG over the course of the study was lower (P < 0.05) for the late weaned cows compared to the abrupt weaned cows. This was also reflected by change in body condition where late weaned cows dropped from a 5.7 to a 4.9 (P < 0.05) over the 105 d. Milk production in late weaned cows decreased over time (6.0 and 4.4 kg/d for d 14 and 70, respectively; P = 0.05). Energy expenditure for lactation may have contributed to the drop in BCS of the late weaned compared with the non-lactating cows and could compromise third trimester growth of calf in utero. The results of this study warrant further exploration of the effect of weaning stress on dams and their developing fetuses.
64 Use of a cattle artificial insemination school as extension programming in the Southeast United States
Authors: Marks Landon , Karisch Brandi , Rutherford Cobie , Parish Jane A
Published: July 2019

The objectives of this cattle AI school were to provide producer education in cattle reproductive management, semen handling, and insemination technique. The school is unique from other AI training programs in that it consisted of 7 hours of classroom training in economics, reproductive anatomy, estrous cycle, estrus synchronization, estrus detection, AI equipment, nutrition, sire selection, herd health, and biosecurity in relation to AI. Instructors were Mississippi State University (MSU) and Auburn University (AU) faculty and Extension agents with expertise in each subject area. Hands-on laboratory handling of bovine female reproductive tracts was provided as part of this initial classroom instruction. The program included a minimum of 8 hours of hands-on experience with semen handling and cattle insemination technique. The entire course spans a Thursday evening, Friday morning and afternoon, and Saturday morning and was scheduled twice per year. Overall participant ratings of AI school sessions averaged 4.7 on a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 = poor and 5 = excellent. Changes to the AI school were made over time based on producer feedback from previous course evaluations. The MSU Beef Unit was added as a second location in 2012. The evaluation was updated in 2015 to include a pre-test/post-test, 173 participants have completed a test with a pre-test average of 68.32 ± 13.34 and post-test average of 82.49 ± 10.09 (P < 0.001). A presentation for reproductive equipment was added in 2017. The MSU-ES cattle AI school consistently fills to participant capacity at each offering with waiting lists formed each time for future offerings, indicating a strong demand for this program. School participation has expanded from primarily Mississippi-based attendees to attendee representation from 13 additional states in the program. In excess of 1,052 persons have completed the MSU-ES cattle AI school since its inception.
139 Evaluation of cool-season annuals or reduced labor supplementation systems for wintering cowcalf pairs
Authors: Mason Katie , Mullenix Mary K , Elmore Josh , Runge Max , Kelley William K
Published: July 2019

Cattle producers typically feed hay and supplement for a 90- to 120-d window to maintain cows during the winter in Alabama. Relying on stored feeds can increase management system costs and labor needs. The objective of this demonstration project was to compare alternative, reduced labor management systems commonly used by producers in the region for diet quality and animal performance responses. A 75-day trial evaluated the use of three systems (n = 3 replications per system): 1) rotationally grazed-winter annuals (GWA) on a 14-day rotation, 2) free-choice whole cottonseed (WCS) and bermudagrass hay, or 3) 50% soybean hulls and 50% corn gluten feed (SH:CGF) fed on alternate days at up to 1% BW daily and free-choice bermudagrass hay. GWA had the greatest diet digestibility (P < 0.0001), and SH:CGF and WCS were not different from one another (88.7%, 64.3%, and 64.6%, respectively). Diet CP values differed (P < 0.0001) for WGA (21.5%), SH:CGF (13.1%), and WCS (11.2%), respectively. Initial and final cow BCS was not different among treatments (P = 0.1558). Cow ADG was greater (P = 0.0370) on GWA than SH:CGF and WCS (0.9, 0.2, and 0.2 kg, respectively), and calf ADG followed a similar pattern (1.5, 1.2, and 1.1 kg/day for GWA, WCS, and SH:CGF, respectively). This project demonstrates that winter annuals provided 75 days of high-quality winter grazing and resulted in greater animal performance than the other diets. However, all diets provided reduced labor options to maintain cows throughout the winter.
17 The effects of a yeast fermentation product on the average daily gain and digestibility on a rye grass hay based finishing diet for lambs
Authors: Burt Justin C , Boyd Jamie , Garcia Ivan , Splan Rebecca , Perron Brittany S
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine if supplementation of a yeast fermentation product had an effect on the ADG, performance, and meat quality characteristics of Kathadin sheep fed a ryegrass hay based diet in drylot. Twenty-four Katahdin lambs were divided into two groups (male, n = 8; female n = 16) based on weight and gender: a control (CON) and treatment (TRT) used in a repeated block design. The lambs had a BW of 21.5 ± 2.5 kg, and concluded with a finishing weight of 36.3 ± 3.4 kg. Lambs were housed on dirt drylot with shade structures, and offered an ad libitum TMR diet was formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous at 14% CP and was ryegrass hay based, and top dressed with ground corn as a carrier. The TRT received the yeast supplement at a rate of 4/g/h/d. The diet was offered at 2% of the group’s body weight ad libitum. A 1-wk standardization period was conducted before the start of the study to obtain a 5% refusal rate. Orts were collected and recorded, as well as weekly feed samples were collected twice a week, and compiled for a chemical analysis for NDF, ADF, ASH, CP, and ether extract. Temperature and humidity data was also collected throughout the study. Lambs were weighed weekly with a rolling weight being used for the ADG of the lambs. Proc mixed procedures of SAS was used for data analysis. We found no statistical significance in DMI (CON=11.14 ±3.36 kg/d and TRT= 10.89 ±3.55 kg/d per group), and no statistical significance by gender (P < 0.11). There was a statistical significance (P < 0.03), for ADG per group. This suggests that there is a tendency for greater performance and ADG for lambs supplemented with a yeast fermentation product.
15 Future-proofing the feedyard workforce: Survey of Texas beef cattle stockpeople indicates positive attitudes towards animals and the workplace while highlighting opportunities for improvement
Authors: Ridge Emily E , Gill Ron , Daigle Courtney L
Published: July 2019

A survey was administered to Texas cattle feedyard employees (n = 111) from 31 different operations measuring stockperson perception, job satisfaction and socioeconomic status using Likert statements and multiple-choice questions. Differences among employment roles (manager, pen rider, processor, doctor) were evaluated using a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a Multiple Comparison procedure. Managers more strongly agreed that “beef cattle are not dirty” than doctors (P = 0.03) and that “cattle behavior is affected by the way we treat them” than pen riders (P = 0.002) or processors (P = 0.01). Managers were less likely than doctors, pen riders, and processors to believe they have too many cattle to look after (P = 0.05, P = 0.006 and P = 0.01, respectively). Pen riders reported less confidence in performing euthanasia than doctors (P = 0.02) and managers (P = 0.02), and, along with processors, agreed that cattle were not always euthanized in a timely manner (P = 0.02 and P = 0.02, respectively). While all roles viewed Holstein cattle unfavorably (P < 0.001), processors viewed them more positively than pen riders (P = 0.05) and managers (P = 0.001). Socioeconomic results showed that Texas feedyards have a dedicated, passionate work force, with 43% of participants having worked in the industry for 9+ years and 49% of participants working at cattle feedyards because they enjoy working with animals. Unfortunately, it was evident that stockpeople are underpaid (57% of participants making between $10–15/hr) and overworked (76% of participants working 50+ hrs/wk). Survey responses identified critical role-dependent knowledge gaps and biases. A disconnect was observed among compensation, workload, and the duration of time stockpeople spend interacting with cattle. Increasing industry investment in feedyard employees and providing breed-specific and employee role-specific education may promote an encouraging workplace that ensures cattle experience good welfare.
27 A retrospective analysis of bull:cow ratio effects on pregnancy rates of beef cows previously enrolled in fixed-time artificial insemination protocols
Authors: Timlin Claire L , Hungerford Laura , Redifer Tracey , Currin John F , Mercadante Vitor R G
Published: July 2019

This retrospective study analyzed the effect of bull:cow ratio on pregnancy rates of cows returning to estrus after enrollment in fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI). Data were compiled over the course of 6 breeding seasons between 2014 and 2017 from the Virginia Department of Corrections herd containing 15 farms and 141 groups of cows (average 44 cows/group). Multiparous cows aged 2 years and older (n = 6002) were exposed to estrus synchronization. Non-pregnant cows after TAI (n=3079, average 21 cows/group) were exposed to natural service with bulls diagnosed as fertile by a breeding soundness exam. Percent data were given an arcsine transformation. A one-way ANOVA evaluated TAI rates by season and a linear regression was performed to compare conception rates to the bull:cow ratio. Pregnancy rate to TAI among groups averaged 53% and ranged from 11% to 83%. First bull pregnancy rate of cows returning to estrus was 47% overall, with fall seasons having greater conception rates than spring (51.1% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.03). The ratio of bulls to total number of cows ranged from 1:8 to 1:68 with an average ratio of 1:28. The ratio of bulls to the number of open cows ranged from 1:2 to 1:39 with an average ratio of 1:14. There was no correlation between the bull:cow ratio and return to estrus pregnancy rate (r = -0.12), and there was no correlation between the number of open cows per bull and return to estrus conception rates (r = -0.17). Thus, higher bull:cow ratios (between 1:8 and 1:68) did not effect return to estrus pregnancy rate; producers may consider a lower number of bulls needed for natural service breeding post TAI, decreasing bull related costs and increasing the economic feasibility of adopting TAI protocols.
25 Effects of post-weaning supplementation of immunomodulatory feed ingredient on cortisol concentrations and microbial populations in programmed fed beef heifers
Authors: McCarty Keelee J , Tipton Jessie , Ricks Ralph , Danielo Jessica L , Thompson Jesse , Long Nathan
Published: July 2019

The objective was to determine the effects of immunomodulatory feed ingredient during post-weaning on cortisol concentration and fecal microbial populations of beef heifers. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 72) from two AI sires were blocked (n = 9) by sire and BW, randomly assigned to one of two pens (4 heifers/pen) per block, then assigned to treatments. Heifers were fed twice daily from d 0 to 60 (gain 0.75 kg/day) and topdressed once daily with either 72g of Celmanax (CEL) or corn germ (CON; corn germ meal) per pen. After 60 days, two heifers per pen (n = 32) were randomly selected for a transportation challenge. Fecal grab samples were collected on d 0 and 69 of treatment, hr -24, 0, 24 of the challenge and 7 d post-challenge. Serum samples were collected at h 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the challenge. Clostridia and E. coli were enumerated from fecal samples using selective media. Isolates (≤ five isolates from each media per sample) were genetically tested to determine if they were C. perfringens or pathogenic E. coli. Fecal samples were enriched for detection of Salmonella. Pen was the experimental unit and data was analyzed by ANOVA or repeated measures analysis. Following treatment, decreased (P ≤ 0.05) populations of total E. coli, Salmonella, and C. perfringens were observed in CEL heifers compared to CON heifers, whereas clostridia and pathogenic E. coli were not different (P > 0.05) between treatments. Transportation stress increased (P ≤ 0.05) populations of clostridia, C. perfringens, total E. coli, and Salmonella, but decreased (P = 0.0252) pathogenic E. coli counts. Cortisol concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) in CEL heifers compared to CON heifers throughout the challenge. In summary, supplementation of Celmanax post-weaning altered microbial populations and cortisol concentrations were reduced during transportation in beef heifers
29 The effect of fleshing ability on cow and calf performance
Authors: Holder Amanda , Wiseman Aksel , McGee Adam , Lalman David , Andresen Claire
Published: July 2019

Several factors influence the overall maintenance requirements of a mature beef cow including age, gain, lactation, pregnancy, and fleshing ability. However, limited research is available to distinguish what sets a hard-fleshing cow apart from an easy-fleshing cow. Cows that are hard-fleshing maintain a lower body condition score (BCS) throughout the year compared to easy-fleshing counterparts. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the differences in characteristics and production between cows classified as easy- vs. hard- fleshing. Characteristics of interest include feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight changes, BCS changes, and other body composition measurements, as well as calf weaning weight. In this study, 24 spring-calving, mature Angus beef cows were classified as either hard-fleshing or easy-fleshing based on BCS and ultrasound measurements for back fat and rump fat. The intake study took place during the second trimester, cows were assigned to an easy- or hard-fleshing pen based on treatment where they remained for the entirety of the 45-day intake study. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Milk data collection began one month after calving with monthly milkings from May-August. There were no differences (P = 0.9) in DMI, although hard-fleshing cows had greater DMI calculated on a metabolic body weight basis (P = 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.12) for hard-fleshing cows to wean heavier calves, although there was no difference in mean milk yield (P = 0.44). Body condition score was positively correlated with protein and carbohydrate content of milk with easy-fleshing cows having greater contents of both (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Overall, an increase in BCS without an increase in DMI may be beneficial from a reproductive standpoint, though more research in this area is needed.
76 Shipping calves to the Southern Great Plains: Impact of mode, timing, distance and cattle type
Authors: Griffin Dee
Published: July 2019

This presentation will discuss historical transportation information, recommendations and available transportation data. Stocker and feeder cattle transportation in the U.S. is virtually unchanged in the last five decades. Transportation stress continues to be accepted as an important factor in the morbidity and mortality of cattle shipped to Southern Great Plains feedyards and stocker operations. Transportation research has occurred in bits and pieces that provide glimpses into mechanisms involved but in general the results are puzzle pieces that have had little influence on transportation techniques. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) use mandate in livestock hauling will impact stocker and feeder transport to the Great Plains. The extent of which is not yet known and recent delays in implementation with concurrent “exceptions” and “adjustments” make it unclear what the future will hold for stocker and feeder cattle transportation. The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) has in recent decades developed voluntary livestock handling and transportation training for their customers. Some of the training has been accomplished in a partnership with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The first of these were the “Focal Point” training and “Master Transporter Guide.” More recent, NCBA has developed Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Transportation certification training for both “Farmer/Rancher” and “Professional Drivers.” Packers have embraced this effort and the major packers currently require all drivers delivering livestock to their operations to be certified. The NCBA BQA Transportation training certification is applicable to stocker and feeder drivers hauling cattle to the Great Plains, but currently it is rare that stocker and feeder operations require drivers to have transportation certification that bring cattle to their operations. Interesting and useful data will be reviewed, such as transportation data collected from Dr. Richeson and Dr. Lawrence at West Texas A&M University. Finding examples include; cattle during transportation can take thousands of steps while on in the semi-trailer with differing number of steps and G-Forces being recorded for cattle on the top deck compared to cattle on the lower deck.
87 Effect of calcium supplementation on gestation and farrowing characteristics of sows
Authors: Harrelson Flint W , Emery Audrey , Moore Courtney , Siefert Dillon , Harrelson Patricia L
Published: July 2019

Calcium, when supplemented prior to farrowing, has been shown to reduce stillborn deaths by shortening farrowing duration. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of calcium supplementation on birth weight, gestation length, live vs. stillborn piglets, and litter weight. Twenty crossbred sows and gilts, across two farrowing groups, were stratified by parity (range = 0 - 9) and randomly allocated to one of two treatments, no calcium supplement (CON) or a 28% calcium supplement (CAL) beginning 3 d prior to initiation of farrowing. Supplement was top-dressed at the afternoon feeding (1500 h) and was maintained through parturition, whether it preceded or succeeded the expected 3 d treatment. Sows were monitored from the initiation of farrowing until passage of the placenta was complete and delivery time, birth weight, and sex of piglets was recorded. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. No significant effect (P = 0.41) on birth weight was observed for CAL compared to CON sows (1.42 vs. 1.38 ± 0.03 kg). Gestation length was reduced (P < 0.01) for CAL sows compared to CON sows (115.1 vs. 116.2 ± 0.2 d, respectively), while both litter size (P = 0.32) and litter weight (P = 0.25) were unaffected by supplementation. Calcium supplementation exhibited no impact on either the percentage of piglets born alive (P = 0.51) nor percentage of stillborn piglets (P = 0.50) though numerically these were improved compared to controls (87.3 vs. 80.4 ± 8.0%, and 11.95 vs. 18.15 ± 8.0%, respectively). In summary, calcium supplemented sows farrowed sooner, though piglet birth weight along with percentage of piglets born alive or stillborn was similar to those whom were not supplemented.