bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does structure matter? Comparison of canopy photosynthesis using one- and three-dimensional light models: a case study using greenhouse cucumber canopies
Authors: Pao Yi-Chen , Kahlen Katrin , Chen Tsu-Wei , Wiechers Dirk , Stützel Hartmut
Published: October 2021

One-dimensional light models using the Beer–Lambert equation (BL) with the light extinction coefficient k are simple and robust tools for estimating light interception of homogeneous canopies. Functional–structural plant models (FSPMs) are powerful to capture light–plant interactions in heterogeneous canopies, but they are also more complex due to explicit descriptions of three-dimensional plant architecture and light models. For choosing an appropriate modelling approach, the trade-offs between simplicity and accuracy need to be considered when canopies with spatial heterogeneity are concerned. We compared two light modelling approaches, one following BL and another using ray tracing (RT), based on a framework of a dynamic FSPM of greenhouse cucumber. Resolutions of hourly step (HS) and daily step (DS) were applied to simulate light interception, leaf-level photosynthetic acclimation and plant-level dry matter production over growth periods of 2–5 weeks. Results showed that BL-HS was comparable to RT-HS in predicting shoot dry matter and photosynthetic parameters. The k used in the BL approach was simulated using an empirical relationship between k and leaf area index established with the assistance of RT, which showed variation up to 0.2 in k depending on canopy geometry under the same plant density. When a constant k value was used instead, a difference of 0.2 in k resulted in up to 27 % loss in accuracy for shoot dry matter. These results suggested that, with the assistance of RT in k estimation, the simple approach BL-HS provided efficient estimation for long-term processes.
Association between place of delivery, assistance during delivery and fistula occurrence in Afghanistan
Authors: Samad Nandeeta , Das Pranta , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Mohammed Aliu , Frimpong James Boadu , Mitra Dipak Kumar
Published: October 2021

Background

Obstetric fistula is one of themost serious and devastating childbirth-related injuries women suffer worldwide. This study investigated the association between delivery characteristics and the occurrence of obstetric fistula in Afghanistan.

Methods

The study analysed data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey. The association between place of delivery and assistance during delivery with experience of fistula symptoms was investigated by fitting two binary logistic regression models.

Results

Findings from this study revealed that 23.4% of the women surveyed ever heard about obstetric fistula and 3% reported symptoms of fistula. Women whose deliveries were assisted by traditional birth attendants were significantly more likely to experience fistula compared with those whose deliveries were assisted by doctors. Similarly, women whose deliveries were assisted by others were significantly more likely to experience fistula compared with women whose deliveries were assisted by doctors. Regarding place of delivery, women whose deliveries took place at a government hospital were less likely to experience fistula compared with those whose deliveries took place at home.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of skilled delivery in reducing the risk for obstetric fistula among women in Afghanistan. Therefore, it is important for the various stakeholders in Afghanistan's healthcare delivery system, including healthcare providers, local authorities and international non-governmental organisations, to collaborate and institute measures that will promote health facility deliveries and improve access to skilled delivery.
PSII-12 Identifying behaviors and the ‘normal’ daily ethogram using accelerometers on grazing animals
Authors: Catrett Cassidy C , Parsons Ira L , Dentinger Jane E , Norman Durham A , Webb Stephen L , Stone Amanda E , Street Garrett , Karisch Brandi B
Published: October 2021

Animal behavior plays a crucial role as an indicator of animal health and nutritional status and serves as an indicator of animal growth. The objective of this study was to build an ethogram describing behavior in grazing cattle. We collected video and accelerometer data from crossbred steers (n = 10) used as part of a larger grazing study on the HH Leveck Animal Research Center, Mississippi State, MS. Daily Diary accelerometers (Wildbyte® technologies, Swansea) were programmed to collect magnetometer and accelerometer data at 40 Hz and attached to the GPS collars fitted on the animals prior to their release into a 10-hectare pasture of Tall Fescue and Bermudagrass, overseeded with Annual Ryegrass. Automated camera traps (Bushnell Essential®) were synced with UTC time and programmed to record 30-second video clips when triggered. Approximately 387,000 accelerometer signals representing 161 minutes of behavior from 10 animals were recorded, and behavior classified according to 1 of 5 categories: traveling, foraging, resting, ruminating, and grooming (Kilgour et al., 2012). Categorized accelerometer data was used to train a random forest model (Liaw and Weiner, 2002) in Program R (R Core Team, 2020), which resulted in a model sensitivity of 0.97, 0.93, 0.90, 0.87, and 0.80 for Traveling, Foraging, Resting, Ruminating, and Grooming, respectively, and an overall model accuracy of 0.95. Behaviors were aggregated into behavior bouts, and a daily ethogram was calculated for March 2019. This revealed that the steers spent the most amount of time traveling, an average of 1,026 minutes per day. This behavior was followed, in the average length of time, by foraging and resting for 205 ± 52.8 minutes and 31.8 ± 28.2 minutes per day, respectively. These results indicate the ability to accurately build a behavioral ethogram for grazing cattle and warrant further study in future research and livestock management.
PSXV-22 Effect of inclusion of dried citrus pulp in the receiving supplement for newly received stocker cattle
Authors: Yeatter Haley , Kegley Beth B , Cauble Reagan N , Reynolds Jana , Shoulders Ben P , Powell Jeremy G
Published: October 2021

Citrus pulp is a source of flavonoids which have been found to have antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of feeding dried citrus pulp on performance of newly received calves. Crossbred beef heifers (n = 254, initial body weight = 248 ± 5.9 kg) were obtained on 3 dates (block, 8 pens/block). Treatments were: 1) a corn and distillers’ grains based receiving supplement (control) or 2) a receiving supplement that contained 20% dried citrus pulp (replacing a portion of the corn). Upon arrival from regional livestock markets, cattle had access to hay and water and rested overnight then were processed the next day in which they received an identification tag, were vaccinated with a clostridial and a 5-way modified live bovine respiratory viral, dewormed, weighed, branded, and ear notched for detection of persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus. Each truckload was assigned randomly to pens resulting in 8 pens with 9 to 12 heifers/pen. Pens were assigned randomly to 1 of the 2 treatments. Cattle were offered bermudagrass hay and water for ad libitum intake and were offered up to 1.8 kg/day of their appropriate receiving supplement. Overall average daily gain for the 42-day receiving period was increased (P < 0.01) for calves fed the supplement that included dried citrus pulp (1.01 kg/day) compared to the calves fed the control supplement (0.90 kg/day). However, the percentage of calves treated for clinical bovine respiratory disease was increased (P < 0.05) for calves fed the citrus pulp containing supplement (14% morbidity) compared to control calves (7% morbidity). The supplementation of dried citrus pulp to calves improved growth performance, but did not reduce the incidence of clinical bovine respiratory disease during the receiving period; however, clinical morbidity was low for both treatments.
PSV-B-23 Metabolomic biomarker assessment of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate in exercise-stressed Labrador retrievers
Authors: Eghbalnia Hamid R , Rosevear Paul , Varney Jessica L , Coon Craig N , Norton Sharon A
Published: October 2021

Plasma metabolomic markers were evaluated in a population of 36 Labrador Retrievers (BW 31.32 ± 0.85 kg) studying the effects of a dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) at baseline and before and after two distance-defined exercise regimens (DDER; 6.4 km and 16.1 km). Canine subjects were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: a control group receiving no supplement (CON) or a group receiving a single, daily oral dose of 250 mg SCFP. Each treatment group was comprised of 9 males and 9 females. During each DDER subjects were guided by an all-terrain vehicle and blood samples were collected at baseline and before and after each DDER. All metabolomic studies were performed blinded to treatment and DDER regimen. Metabolic signals were identified using untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. A total of 31 differentially relevant metabolites reflecting host metabolism were selected from a large array of signals along with an additional 24 metabolites associated with microbial or microbial-host co-metabolism. Predictive classification was performed using statistical causal inference to derive weights for probability-weighted principal components analysis, and statistical significance was subsequently calculated by using subsampling. Metabolomics data stratified by sex yielded a trend for a highly accurate predictive classification (P < 0.10) and between treatments for subjects born before 2012 (P < 0.05). However, differential metabolomics data without adjustment for age did not reveal differences in metabolic profiles. This study provides preliminary evidence that SCFP may elicit differential plasma metabolites with known relationships with various immune cell and gut microbiome derived functions that appear to be age dependent. Further study is needed to provide direct evidence that SCFP exerts immunomodulatory effects consistent with decreasing chronic inflammation while balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
PSV-B-25 Performance of sunflower protein meal and dried yeast as secondary protein sources in canine diets
Authors: Brewer Lauren , Panasevich Matthew , Frantz Nolan , Daristotle Leighann
Published: October 2021

The objectives of this study were to assess graded inclusions of sunflower protein meal (SPM; crude protein: 54%, crude fat: 11%, crude fiber: 4%) and dried yeast (DY; crude protein: 50%, crude fat: 3%, crude fiber: 2%) on nutrient digestibility, stool quality, and palatability in adult dogs. Both SPM and DY were included at 5% and 10% in replacement of pea protein in a high-protein, chicken-based canine diet to maintain equal macronutrient concentrations across all test diets (formulated to 35% crude protein, 15% crude fat, 3% crude fiber). The study was approved and followed by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. A standard 2-bowl palatability test over a 2-day period was executed with adult dogs (n = 30 each) to determine intake ratios (IR) between test diets (5% and 10% SPM or 5% and 10% DY), and test diets vs. control. Total tract nutrient digestibility was evaluated (n = 8 per diet) with 5 days of diet acclimation followed by 5 days of total fecal collection. Stool quality was evaluated on a 1–5 scale, where 1 = hard/formed and 5 = non-formed/diarrhea. All data were analyzed by ANOVA (SAS v9.4) and T-tests post-hoc (Minitab 18). With P < 0.05 considered statistically significant, no differences were observed between diets for protein digestibility (all >84% avg) or stool scores (all averages between 2.25–2.50). For DY-containing diets, no significant differences in IR were noted vs. control (IRs = 35:65, 5% DY vs control; 40:60, 10% DY vs. control). However, palatability of control was preferred vs. SPM-containing diets (P< 0.05; IRs = 19:81, 5% SPM vs. control; 29:71, 10% SPM vs. control). Overall, detriments in protein digestibility and stool quality were not evident with DY and SPM, suggesting their viability as alternative protein sources in dog diets.
PSXI-19 Impact of toxic-infected tall fescue renovation strategies on second-year hay yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value
Authors: Talbott Charlotte L , Harmon Deidre D , Poore Matt H , Franluebbers Alan J , Young Carolyn A , Griffith Emily H
Published: October 2021

Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) (TF) pastures to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) is a solution to mitigate the negative associated effects of toxic fescue in beef cattle. However, beef cattle producers are uncertain of the payback period for costs associated with renovation techniques in terms of farm profitability and agronomic performance. In 2018, three renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Each treatment plot (0.81 ha) was evaluated for botanical composition and hay was harvested in May and August of 2020. Round bales from each treatment were weighed to determine yield and core sampled to determine nutritive value. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX of SAS v9.4. Combined forage yield was greater (P = 0.0226) for 3-CM (8,816 kg/ha) compared to 3-SM (7,191 kg/ha) and C (6,920 kg/ha), but did not differ from 1-SM (7,775 kg/ha). Crude protein concentration was greater (P = 0.035) for C (10.2%) in comparison to 3-SM (9.35%) in harvest 1, but was not different (P = 0.93) in harvest 2. Percentage of fescue in the sward was greatest (P = 0.0002) for 3-SM and least for C (84.9 and 62%, respectively). Similarly, presence of undesirable plants was greater (P < 0.0001) for C (37.5%) than 1-SM, 3-CM and 3-SM (23.7, 15.2 and 12.7%, respectively). Percentage of bare ground did not differ among treatments (P = 0.31). Data suggest agronomic performance for 3-CM and 3-SM was improved compared to C in years following pasture renovation.
PSXI-20 Satellite analysis and monitoring of rangelands of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kabzhanova Gulnara , Kurmasheva Aysulu , Bissembayev Anuarbek T
Published: October 2021

Kazakhstan ranks 5th in the world in terms of pasture area, with 30% of land used as pasture. Evaluating pasture resources is relevant for improving the pasture lands regulation system. Since 2018, National Space Agency has carried out the Ministry of Agriculture space pastures monitoring program. The main task is a seasonal satellite evaluation of the degradation productivity degree pasture vegetation. Thematic analysis remote sensing data from KazEOSat-1, 2 satellites and territory geoinformation made it possible to determine, with a high accuracy: land boundaries and areas, seasonal state and average vegetation type pastures productivity evaluation, integration with land cadastre data identified unaccounted pastures, and animal identification system made it possible to assess pastures load. Seasonal state pastures evaluation done by satellite parameter choice. The main factor influencing vegetation spectral properties is biomass increase. Spectral reflectance decreases in spectrum’s red part and near-IR range increases, vegetation index value changes. The vegetation index was used to create correct linear weighing system: vegetation parameters values (the green plant biomass volume projective leaf cover of the soil). To calculate seasonal productivity, GNDVI vegetation index used to more chlorophyll concentration than NDVI index. GNDVI showed best correlation calculating productivity, concidering exposed soil atmosphere influence. Satellite evaluation showed digital maps (pasture.gharysh.kz). The area was counted according to condition degradation and productivity. In Karaganda region’s Zhanaarkinsky district brown soils are widespread, with little humus, natural and man-made desertification is observed. The minimum productivity of pastures was 0–3 c / ha, average - 7.7 c / ha, maximum - 12–15 c / ha. In 2020, 73% (4,364.0 thousand hectares) pastures were poor assessed, 18.4% (1,104.3 thousand hectares) - very poor. The reason is the location in the desert and semi-desert zones, the annual rainfall is 150 mm. Degraded pastures in 2020 amounted to 449.1 thousand hectares (93.8% degradation of a low degree, 5.8% of a medium degree, 0.4% of a strong degree).
PSXI-23 Study of cadmium cumulation in agricultural products taking its geochemical distribution into account
Authors: Pelikh Valeriya , Salnikova Elena , Sizentsov Alexey , Osipova Elena , Ponomareva Polina
Published: October 2021

One of the criteria for agricultural production is its biological safety for human health. The purpose of our study was to reveal a territorial relationship between the cadmium content in non-living objects and agricultural products. Water and soil samples, wheat, and biosubstrates of farm animals from various administrative zones of Orenburg region were used as objects of the study. A total of 525 samples were analyzed. The content of cadmium in the samples was determined by the methods of Inductively Coupled argon Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry (ICP-AES, ICP-MS). The systemic analysis of cadmium distribution in non-living objects (water and soil) indicates a pronounced relationship between the content of the xenobiotics in geochemical zones with its increased level (maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) are within 0.75) in water 0.001–0.002 mg/kg and soil - 0.104–0.12 mg/kg. The researched zone belongs to areas with developed agriculture in particular plant science with the cultivation of durum wheat. In areas with the cadmium MAC less than 0.5, the concentration of this element in wheat is on average 0.007–0.008 mg/kg. The increase in the cadmium content to 0.75 directly proportionally increases its concentration up to 0.029-0.011 mg/kg. The maximum level of cadmium accumulation is observed in parenchymatous organs: the distribution of elements was 0.25–0.51 mg/kg in the kidneys, 0.25–0.41 mg/kg in the liver and 0.05–0.06 mg/kg in the heart. The content of the studied element in the muscle tissue has relatively low values ranging from 0.005 mg/kg to 0.01 mg/kg. The studies found a direct correlation between the distribution of the studied element in the food chain, and that a long contact between animals and cadmium leads to its accumulation, increasing the risk of chronic intoxication associated with the lesion of parenchymatous organs.
PSXIII-14 Feedlot performance of Nellore cattle consuming diets containing high-moisture corn, calcium salts of fatty acids and organic minerals
Authors: Silvestre Antonio M M , Squizatti Mariana M , Demartini Breno L , Felizari Luana D , Silva Thaiano I S , Pinto Ana Carolina J J , Cappellozza Bruno I , Sousa Osvaldo , Silva Leandro A F F , Schleifer Werner F F , Casali Daniel M M , Miranda Lidiane S S , Souza Katia L R R , Gasparini Vanessa G L L , Millen Danilo D
Published: October 2021

This study, conducted at São Paulo University feedlot, Dracena, Brazil, was designed to evaluate the effect of adding either high-moisture corn, calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA), or organic Zn+Cr on feedlot performance and carcass traits of Nellore cattle fed for 112 days. One-hundred fifty 18-mo-old Nellore bulls (404±24kg) were used and initially ranked, according to sires’ information, into groups of high and low EPD. Secondly, cattle were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to 30 pens (n = 5/pen), which were randomly assigned to the following 2x2 + 1 arrangement of treatments: Finely-ground corn, High-moisture corn, Finely-ground + CSFA, High-moisture corn + CSFA, and High-moisture corn + CSFA + Zn (90 ppm) and Cr (0.45 ppm). All diets contained 25 ppm of monensin. On day 0, one animal per pen was randomly selected to be slaughtered for baseline purposes. The replacement of finely-ground by high-moisture corn increased (P < 0.05) final BW (585 vs. 573 kg), ADG, HCW (321 kg vs. 315 kg) and decreased (P < 0.01) DMI (9.7 vs. 10.1 kg). Likewise, the addition of CSFA increased final BW, ADG (1.62 vs. 1.50 kg), and HCW (321 vs. 314 kg). The addition of Cr+Zn led to increased (P = 0.02) dressing percentage. No treatment effect was observed on final marbling (P > 0.55). It was observed interactions between treatments and EPD for G:F (P = 0.02) and final 12thrib-fat thickness (P = 0.03), where cattle from low-EPD groups needed high-moisture corn, CSFA and organic Zn+Cr to improve G:F and increase fat deposition; however, animals from high-EPD groups required only high-moisture corn. The adding of either high-moisture corn, CSFA, or organic Zn+Cr improved feedlot performance of Nellore cattle, and its effects seemed to be more effective in animals from low-EPD groups.
PSXVI-22 The influence of Propionibacteria on in vivo rumen fermentation characteristics and in vitro lactic acid clearance rate in fistulated steers fed moderately high concentrate diets
Authors: Gifford Ryan J , Engle Terry E , Thorndyke Meghan P , Goodall Rick , Hallmark Harrison , Thomas Tyler A , Crane Sara , Guimaraes Octavio , Wagner John J
Published: October 2021

Six steers fitted with ruminal cannulae were used in a crossover design to examine the impact of direct fed microbial (DFM) supplementation on in vivo rumen fermentation characteristics and in vitro lactic acid clearance. Steers were fed a moderately high concentrate -1∙day-1 of 4.45x 1010 CFU/g of Propionibacteria acidipropionici). Treatments were administered daily, directly into the rumen via the cannula as a single bolus dose at the time of feeding. Rumen contents were sampled two h post-feeding daily and analyzed for short chain fatty acids (SCFA). On d 7 and 14, rumen fluid was collected from all steers and subjected to an in vitro lactic acid clearance challenge. Lactic acid and SCFA concentrations were determined at 3, 6 and 9 h post incubation. After d 14, all cattle received the basal diet for 21 d. On d 22, treatment crossover was implemented and the experiment repeated. Animal was considered the experimental unit and data were analyzed as a crossover design using Proc Mixed in SAS. In vivo propionic acid concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) and total SCFA tended (P < 0.06) to be greater in rumen fluid from steers receiving DFM. D- and total lactic acid concentrations were lesser (P < 0.05) at 3 h post in vitro incubation for steers receiving DFM. D-, L+, and total lactic acid concentrations were similar between treatments at all other timepoints. In vitro propionic acid and total SCFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) and acetic acid concentrations lesser (P < 0.05) in steers receiving DFM. These data indicate that the DFM Propionibacteria acidipropionici, alters in vivo and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics.
PSXI-25 Antioxidant system characteristics in Saanen goats depending on age
Authors: Mudruk Semen S , Bakhta Alesya A , Karpenko Larisa Y , Kozitcyna Anna I , Balykina Anna B , Polistovskaia Polina A
Published: October 2021

Goat husbandry is a relevant and significant research topic. The goat age is possible to reach 15–18 years and it is important to study not only performance processes, but also to evaluate age-related changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant system characteristics in Saanen goats depending on age. The experiment was conducted in the north-western region of Russian Federation, the Leningrad Region. The five experimental groups included 30 Saanen goats each, selected using matched pairs method. 1st group included 1 year old goats, 2nd group included 2-year-old goats, 3rd group included 3-year-old goats, 4th group included 4-year-old goats and 5th group included 5-year-old animals. The blood samples were taken once –during the summer season. The blood levels of lipid peroxygenation markers (malondialdehyde, dienketone and conjugated dienes) and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were assessed by standard methods. Results presented as mean±standard error of the mean. Student’s t-test was used after proving normal distribution. Level of significance is labeled as P < 0.05. The results are displayed in table 1 and 2. After analyzing the received data of antioxidant system characteristics there were revealed high intensity of free-radical oxidation in aged 4–5-year-old goats. This is explained by oxidative stress development. Noticeably that anti-oxidizing enzymes activity was reduced by the age of 5 years – the possible reason for lacking compensation of developed oxidative stress. By the age of 4 activity of anti-oxidizing enzymes was elevated marking the compensation stage of oxidative stress, this elevation is statistically significant. Consequently, these data allow taking into consideration exogenous anti-oxidizing agents administration in 5 years and older goats in order to reduce oxidative stress.
Thermal Degradants Identified from the Vaping of Vitamin E Acetate
Authors: Kovach Alexander L , Carter Randi R , Thornburg Jonathan W , Wiethe Robert , Fennell Timothy R , Wiley Jenny L
Published: October 2021

Studies have suggested that vitamin E acetate (VEA), when used in an electronic vaping device, undergoes thermal degradation and is considered one of the main contributors in e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Using a Borgwaldt 5.1 linear smoker, a SVS250 Electronic Vaporizer and two types of tank systems, VEA was analyzed for degradation products produced via the Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco method 81 when the filter containing vaporized VEA was extracted using acetonitrile. Two of the major products identified were 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-1-pentadecene, which were confirmed using analytical standards and gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC–HRMS). Additional synthesis of 4-acetoxy-2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2,4-cyclohexadienone and subsequent characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance and GC–HRMS suggested that this is not one of the products produced. Identification of these degradants will allow future studies to quantify and examine the degradants in vivo and in vitro as biomarkers for exposure and toxicity assessment.
Doctor Ex Machina: A Critical Assessment of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
Authors: Svensson Annika M , Jotterand Fabrice
Published: October 2021

This article examines the potential implications of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care for both its delivery and the medical profession. To this end, the first section explores the basic features of AI and the yet theoretical concept of autonomous AI followed by an overview of current and developing AI applications. Against this background, the second section discusses the transforming roles of physicians and changes in the patient–physician relationship that could be a consequence of gradual expansion of AI in health care. Subsequently, an examination of the responsibilities physicians should assume in this process is explored. The third section describes conceivable practical and ethical challenges that implementation of a single all-encompassing AI healthcare system would pose. The fourth section presents arguments for regulation of AI in health care to ensure that these applications do not violate basic ethical principles and that human control of AI will be preserved in the future. In the final section, fundamental components of a moral framework from which such regulation may be derived are brought forward, and some possible strategies for building a moral framework are discussed.
Hydrogen peroxide signalling mediates fertilization and post-fertilization development in the red alga Bostrychia moritziana
Authors: Shim Eunyoung , Lee Ji Woong , Park Hana , Zuccarello Giuseppe C , Kim Gwang Hoon
Published: October 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling has a multitude of roles in cellular processes throughout biology. We hypothesized that red algal fertilization may offer an interesting model to study ROS-mediated signalling, as the stages of fertilization are complex and unique. We detected the localization of ROS production microscopically and monitored the expression of three homologues of NADPH oxidase in reproductive cells during fertilization. ROS were instantaneously produced by spermatia (sperm) when they attached to female trichogynes, diffused across the cell membrane in the form of H2O2, and triggered ROS generation in the carpogonium (egg) as well as carpogonial branch cells which are not in direct contact with spermatia. The expression of NADPH oxidase homologues, RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOGUES (BmRBOHs), began to be up-regulated in the female plant upon gamete binding, peaking during the fertilization process and descending back to their original level after fertilization. Pre-treatment with diphenylene iodonium or caffeine blocked gene expression as well as H2O2 production. Post-fertilization development was also inhibited when the redox state of the plants was perturbed with H2O2 at any time before or after the fertilization. Our results suggest that H2O2 acts as an auto-propagating signalling molecule, possibly through Ca2+ channel activation, and regulates gene expression in fertilization as well as post-fertilization development in red algae.
Wheat respiratory O2 consumption falls with night warming alongside greater respiratory CO2 loss and reduced biomass
Authors: Posch Bradley C , Zhai Deping , Coast Onoriode , Scafaro Andrew P , Bramley Helen , Reich PeterB , Ruan Yong-Ling , Trethowan Richard , Way Danielle A , Atkin OwenK
Published: October 2021

Warming nights are correlated with declining wheat growth and yield. As a key determinant of plant biomass, respiration consumes O2 as it produces ATP and releases CO2 and is typically reduced under warming to maintain metabolic efficiency. We compared the response of respiratory O2 and CO2 flux to multiple night and day warming treatments in wheat leaves and roots, using one commercial (Mace) and one breeding cultivar grown in controlled environments. We also examined the effect of night warming and a day heatwave on the capacity of the ATP-uncoupled alternative oxidase (AOX) pathway. Under warm nights, plant biomass fell, respiratory CO2 release measured at a common temperature was unchanged (indicating higher rates of CO2 release at prevailing growth temperature), respiratory O2 consumption at a common temperature declined, and AOX pathway capacity increased. The uncoupling of CO2 and O2 exchange and enhanced AOX pathway capacity suggest a reduction in plant energy demand under warm nights (lower O2 consumption), alongside higher rates of CO2 release under prevailing growth temperature (due to a lack of down-regulation of respiratory CO2 release). Less efficient ATP synthesis, teamed with sustained CO2 flux, could thus be driving observed biomass declines under warm nights.
Commission on Human Rights Drafting Committee
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Drafting Committee (CHR) Letter from the United Kingdom, 5 June 1947.
Commission on Human Rights Second Session
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Working Group on Convention of Human Rights (CHR) Meeting Summary, 8 December 1947.
Commission on Human Rights Second SessionProposal for a
Human Rights Convention Submitted by the Representative of the
United States on the Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Drafting Committee (CHR) United States proposal, 26 November 1947.
Commission on Human RightsSub-Commission on the Prevention of
Discrimination and the Protection of MinoritiesFirst Session(24
November - 6 December 1947)Report Submitted to the Commission on
Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities (CHR) Report, 6 December 1947.
Commission on Human Rights Second SessionReport of the Working
Group on the Declaration on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Working Group on the Declaration on Human Rights (CHR) Report, 10 December 1947.
Commission on Human Rights Second SessionReport of the Working
Party on an International Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Working Party on an International Convention on Human Rights (CHR) Report, 11 December 1947.
Commission on Human RightsThird SessionCollation of the Comments
of Governments on the Draft International Declaration on Human
Rights, Draft International Covenant on Human Rights and the
Question of Implementation
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR Government Comments, 1 May 1948.
Commission on Human Rights Drafting Committee Second SessionUnion
of Soviet Socialist Republics: Amendment to Article 13 of the Draft
International Covenant on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Drafting Committee (CHR) USSR amendment, 12 May 1948.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR Lebanon amendment, 1 June 1949.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR Government Comments, 22 March 1950.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR United States amendment, 14 April 1950.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR United Kingdom amendment, 24 April 1950.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR France, India, United Kingdom and United States amendment, 24 April 1950.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR General Adequacy of the Provisions Concerning Civil and Political Rights, 20 March 1952.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR USSR amendment, 19 May 1952.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR France amendment, 29 June 1952.
Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the CHR Meeting Summary, 9 June 1952
Fourteenth sessionThird CommitteeAgenda item 34
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Third Committee (GA) Italy- Japan amendment, 9 November 1959.
Agenda Item 34
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Third Committee (GA) Meeting Summary, 24 November 1959.
Agenda Item 34
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Third Committee (GA) Meeting Summary, 25 November 1959.
Fourteenth sessionAgenda item 34
Authors: Clooney Amal , Webb Philippa , Nelson Matthew
Published: October 2021

This section presents the Third Committee (GA) Report, 3 December 1959.
Misrepresentation
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: October 2021

The chapters in this Part (chapters 11 to 15) concern pre-formation events which entitle a party to rescind the contract (or agreed variation). The categories of vitiation are: misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, and unconscionability—that is reprehensible exploitation of severe weakness (non-disclosure can be a vitiating factor, but only in special and exceptional circumstances [11.178]). Where a vitiating factor is made out, the agreement will be held to be vitiated and hence voidable.
Duress
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: October 2021

A coerced agreement can be set aside, in accordance with a Common Law doctrine of duress which has acquired generality during the last fifty years (although it remains customary to divide the topic into three sectors, duress as to person, duress as to goods, and economic duress, that is the threat to break a contract). The four elements of duress are: (i) pressure or a threat; (ii) which is (a) unlawful or (b) illegitimate (despite being lawful); (iii) objectively there was enough pressure so that the coerced party’s submission was not an instance of undue fragility; and instead the coerced party had no real or practical choice other than to submit; and (iv) the coerced party was in fact induced by the duress to enter the contract or agree to its variation or termination. The current controversy is when a threat to do something which is lawful can be characterized as ‘illegitimate’.
Undue Influence
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: October 2021

The equitable doctrine of undue influence operates to protect weaker parties from the abuse of their relationships by stronger parties. The five main topics within this chapter are: (i) undue influence can be (a) proved, and is then called ‘actual undue influence’, or (b) it can be inferred to have arisen, and it is then called ‘presumed undue influence’; (ii) for the purpose of presumed undue influence, the law recognizes certain standard relationships of trust and confidence (solicitor and client, guardian and ward, etc); non-standard relationships might be shown, on the facts of the case, to involve such a relationship; for example, this is necessary with respect to marital relationships and relations between banker and customer; (iii) the presumption that there has in fact been an abuse of a relationship is activated within the presumed category if the relevant transaction or gift ‘calls for explanation’; (iv) if actual undue influence, or the presumed form, is shown, it is incumbent on the stronger party to satisfy the court that, nevertheless, the weaker party entered the transaction, or made the gift, with free and informed consent; (v) one important context is the giving of guarantees by spouses or partners to support the receipt by the other spouse of partner of a business loan.
Interpretation of Written Contracts
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: October 2021

Commercially, this is the most important field of contractual law. In recent decades, English courts have declared that the task is to interpret written contracts (also known as ‘construction’) with sensitivity to shared purposes and aims. The courts have regard to the factual matrix within which the contract has arisen and to issues of business or commercial common sense. The courts will also read contractual wording without misplaced pedantry. Under the rubric of ‘constructive construction’, judges are prepared to rearrange text when it is clear that inapposite language has been used and it is also objectively obvious what the shared intention must have been. This process is illuminated by text, context, and (where there is genuine ambiguity) to commercial common sense, but not by deep reference to background party discussion or private opinion. Thus there are three evidential bars: the courts will not admit evidence of a party’s subjective intent or understanding; secondly, evidence of negotiations is inadmissible (but such evidence will be fundamental if a plea of rectification is made, on which chapter 21); thirdly, post-formation conduct is inadmissible (unless there has been a variation or estoppel by convention; on the latter [2.58]).
Incomplete Performance
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: October 2021

The ‘entire obligation rule’ concerns contingent liabilities, by way of counter-performance. The rule has the salutary self-help protective function that a performing party becomes entitled to payment or other performance by the other side only if the relevant task is completely and properly achieved. Only if the performer ‘crosses this line’ is the other required to pay. For example, a builder who is to be paid on completion of the work cannot demand payment without having finished the relevant job. However, the ‘substantial performance’ doctrine might render the performing party entitled to claim the agreed sum as a debt even if that party’s performance has not been perfect, subject to a deduction in respect of the cost of rectifying defective performance.
Debt and Other Agreed Sums
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: October 2021

This Part mostly concerns judicial remedies for breach of contract (the self-help remedy of forfeiture of a deposit is noted at [27.109]). The chapter sequence reflects both the division between Common Law (chapters 27 and 28) and Equity (chapter 29) but, more importantly, the practical importance of the judicial remedies, debt mattering more than damages, and in turn damages more than specific performance or injunctions. And so chapter 27 concerns ‘Debt’ (but agreed damages, ie liquidated damages clauses, are treated in the same chapter because the sum payable is, by definition, fixed or calculable in advance; but technically, agreed damages are damages and not a cause of action sounding in debt). Chapter 28 concerns damages, that is, compensation. Damages is a branch of the law which continues to generate a mass of intricate case law. Finally, chapter 29 concerns the equitable remedies of specific performance, injunctions, account of profits, and declarations. It is a fundamental principle that specific performance can be granted only if the Common Law remedies (debt and damages) are inadequate on the relevant facts.

Chapter 27: The predominant claim for contractual default is the action for debt, to compel payment. Statistically this is the front-runner amongst remedies for breach.

The availability of interest is also noted in this chapter.
The UCP Regime
Authors: Byrne James E , Seng Soh Chee , Hare Christopher
Published: October 2021

This chapter considers the history of the letter of credit and the Uniform Customs & Practice for Documentary Credits (‘UCP’) regime leading up to the adoption of the UCP 600. After examining the respective advantages and disadvantages of the UCP regime, the chapter examines the likelihood of a new UCP revision in terms of its likely costs and benefits. Concluding that there may be more proportionate ways of updating the legal framework other than a full-blown UCP revision, the chapter makes suggestions for change to the UCP 600 to strengthen the role played by international standard banking practice and to make it more accessible to non-bankers, with a focus on letter of credit practice, rather than letter of credit law.
Implementation and Implications of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records in Trade Finance
Authors: Davidson Alan
Published: October 2021

The Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (‘ML-ETR’) aims to enable the legal use of ‘electronic transferable records’ (‘ETRs’) domestically and internationally. The ML-ETR applies to ETRs that are functionally equivalent to transferable documents or instruments, notably trade-finance instruments, including bills of lading, bills of exchange, promissory notes, and warehouse receipts. Their availability in electronic form will improve the speed and security of trade finance and will facilitate the development of ‘smart contracts’. ETRs are relevant for a wide range of businesses, such as transport and logistics and finance, and are significant for developing countries interested in establishing markets for electronic warehouse receipts to facilitate farmers’ access to credit. ETRs are fundamental to a paperless trade environment, thereby facilitating trade. The ML-ETR builds on the core principles of non-discrimination against electronic means of transacting, the functional equivalence of paper-based and electronic transactions and instruments, and technology neutrality that accommodates the use of all technologies and of all models, such as registries, tokens, and distributed ledgers (like blockchain). Control of the ETR represents the functional equivalent of the possession requirement applicable to transferrable paper-based instruments. ‘Control’ is established with respect to an ETR when a ‘reliable method’ is used to establish both the exclusive control of that electronic transferable record by a person and the identity of that person.
Countertrade as Finance
Authors: Hare Christopher
Published: October 2021

Whilst the letter of credit has been the dominant force in the trade-finance area, its utility has increasingly been challenged by technology, regulation, and competition from other financial products. Additionally, there are some circumstances where economic, political, or financial instability makes the letter of credit inapt. This is because the letter of credit requires a certain level of financial stability and an appropriate institutional framework to function properly. In such circumstances, the parties may resort to trade finance mechanisms that can withstand such instability. The prime example is countertrade, whereby goods or services are used to ‘pay’ for goods or services. Whilst this form of transacting is not without its legal difficulties, countertrade may provide a useful trade-finance device in times of crisis, such as the global coronavirus pandemic.
Review of Orders
Authors: French Derek
Published: October 2021

The chapter explains the processes of review of orders made for winding-up companies. A court which has made an order in the exercise of its jurisdiction under the Insolvency Act 1986 (IA 1986), parts 1–7, and the corresponding parts of IR 2016 may review, rescind or vary that order. The same provision is made in relation to orders made by the court in the exercise of its bankruptcy jurisdiction. The order may be interim or final. The order may have been made at first instance or on appeal. The power to review, rescind or vary is unfettered but must be exercised judicially. It is not to be used in order to hear an appeal against a decision of a judge of coordinate jurisdiction. The distinction between an appeal and an application to review, otherwise unjust through a serious procedural or other irregularity. An application to review, rescind or vary a decision must be made promptly on learning of the new circumstances which are relied on to justify exercise of the discretion.
Public Interest Petitions
Authors: French Derek
Published: October 2021

The chapter deals with the powers of the Secretary of State and other public officers and bodies to petition for a company to be wound up in the public interest. A petition for winding up in the public interest can only be presented by a person who is authorized to do so by statute. If it appears to the Secretary of State, from the results of any of various investigatory processes, that it is expedient in the public interest that a company should be wound up, petition for that company to be wound up by the court. A decision to present or not present a public interest petition is subject to judicial review. The fact that a regulatory authority has acted to prevent continuation of a company’s objectionable behaviour is not a reason for refusing a winding-up order in the public interest.