bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in the biological control of Argentine stem weevil and comment on its potential
Authors: Goldson S.L. , Barker G.M. , Barratt B.I.P. , Barlow N.D.
Published: July 2020

Between 1988 and 1990 three visits were made to South America to search for and collect the Argentine stem weevil parasitoid Microctonus hyperodue. 'Ibis resulted in the importation of 240 parthenogenetic parasitoid lines collected from seven very different ecoclimatic zones. Each zone was assumed to have resulted in a corresponding 'ecotype'. Throughout the winter of 1991,100 000 parasitised weevils were liberated at selected sites in the northern North Island, northern South Island and Otago/Southland. During this work, care was taken to rear and release the parasitoid ecotypes in equal numbers. In this way establishment patterns of the different ecotypes in different climate zones should eventually be able to be established thereby giving new insights into the importance of parasitoid preadaptation in achieving biological control. Since its release, detailed research has been conducted into the spread and build up of Microctonus hyperodue. In most places, especially in the north, the parasitoid has established and built up to high levels of parasitism (80%) with unexpected rapidity, although its rate of spread has been modest at around l-3 km p.a. Preliminary results from both Canterbury and the northern North Island indicate that the pest potential of Argentine stem weevil population has already been substantially reduced in its release areas.
Rate of removal of grass from mixed pastures by cattle, sheep and goat grazing
Authors: Betteridge K. , Fletcher R.H. , Liu' Y. , Costall D.A. , Devantier B.P.
Published: July 2020

A study was undertaken to compare the reduction in th elength of grass tillers in two temperate mixed pastures grazed by cattle, sheep and goats alonein spring. One hundred identified tillers in each of 24 plots (2 reps per pasture type) were measured daily during grazing periods of 3 (GD3) or 6 (GD6) days and disappearance rate of grass was determined. Initial pasture mass was similar for all treatments (mean = 3 500 kg dry matter/ha). Paddock area for CD6 was twice that for CD3 so that the nominal daily DM allowance/kg live weight0.9 was the same for each animal group at the start of the trial. Cattle ate taller than average tillers while sheep and goats ate tillers of a length closer to that of the mean tiller length (P
Management of finishing pastures to maximise carcass gain
Authors: Stevens D.R. , Turner J.D.
Published: July 2020

Special-purpose finishing areas must achieve the maximum output of carcass gain to ensure their cost effectiveness. Liveweight and carcass weight gain were measured from lambs finished on Puna chicory (Cichorium inrybus)/Hakari upland brome (Bromus sitchensis)lPawera red (Trifolium prutense) and Huia white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture for periods of 3 to 18 weeks after grazing medium or low quality pastures over two summers at the Gore Research Station. The relationship between growth of lambs and time on finishing pasture was quadratic in year 1 when chicory comprised 37% of the pasture on offer. Highest live and carcass weight gains were achieved by finishing for between 9 and 18 weeks. In year 2 with a chicory content of 7% all finishing periods produced similar live weight and carcass weight gains. Carcass gain on low quality pasture (year 2) averaged only 3.5 g/100 g liveweight gain compared with of 42 g/l00 g liveweight gain and 47 g/100 g liveweight gain for medium quality and finishing pastures, respectively, averaged over two years. A finishing period of 9 weeks is recommended when chicory levels are high. Increased lamb performance was still evident when chicory content d65lined. No detrimental fat deu. osition was found in faster growing lambs. Skin and wool weights were significantly (P ~0.05) improved through high quality diets. Keywords: carcass weight gains, Cichorium intybus, fat deposition, finishing time, liveweight gain
More persistent legumes and grasses for oversown tussock country
Authors: Allan B.E. , Keoghan J.M.
Published: July 2020

A grazing trial on oversown tussock country at Tara Hills Research Station, started in 1978 and still continuing, has highlighted short comings of clovers and grasses traditionally used for improvement. In 1984 a wide range of legume and grass germplasm was planted into each of the nine stocking rate/management treatments to identify plant material more persistent than that traditionally used, and investigate specific responses under Extreme (high stocking rate), Optimal (moderate stocking rate and management giving optimum liveweight gain/ha) and Las (low stocking rate) grazing management. After 6 years none of the 12 white clover, 7 alsike and 9 lotus lines tested persisted significantly better than Grasslands Huia white clover (Trifolium repens). Plant survival and spread of Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum) was exceptional. In terms of persistence and spread this legume ranked first out of the 56 germplasm lines under examination. The 15 ryegrasses examined did not persist better than Grasslands Nui ryegrass (Lolium perenne). However, for Optimal management, many ryegrasses performed better than Nui. Cocksfoot(Dactylis glomerata) also performed very well, with Grasslands Wana showing greater persistence under Extreme management than other cocksfoots and ryegrasses. Tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) was very persistent and like Caucasian clover performed well under all managements. Other grasses tested showed poor persistence, as did the herb sheep's burnet (Sanguisorba minor). Keywords: Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, grazing management, high country persistence, sustainable improvement, Trifolium ambiguum, tussock grasslands
The influence of patterns of flowering of some subterranean clover (Trifolium subterruneum L.) accessions and cultivars on total seed set and autumn germination in a cool temperate environment with sporadic summer rain
Authors: Smetham M.L. , Jack D.W. , Hammond Sandy E.H.
Published: July 2020

Fifteen accessions and 3 cultivars of subterranean exnected for this site. It is concluded that lateclover (Trifolium subterranean L.) were sown in autumn in shallow stony soil south of Christchurch, New Zealand. The following growing season was atypical, with drought occurring briefly but one month earlier than usual, the rest of the season being wetter than usual. Contrary to previous results highest seed yields were given by mid- to lateseason flowering lines. Early flowering lines were severely disadvantaged by the early drought, resulting in seed yields of only 20-25 kg/ha. High seed yields were linked with the ability of lines to recommence flowering after drought and continue this for a prolonged period. Two late flowering accessions, 014454B and 014205B, yielded more than 200 kg/ha seed, outyielding the late flowering cv. Tallarook in spite of this cultivar having the same ability as the other two to reflower. Six highseed yielding lines gave naturally regenerated seedling numbers near to or exceeding 1000/m2. Apparent hardseededness at the time of autumn germination averaged 49% which was lower than expected for this site. It is concluded that late fldwering lines of subterranean clover should always be included in mixtures of this species for pasture to ensure adequate regeneration in wetter than normal seasons. Keywords: accessions, cultivars, flowering, hardseededness, regeneration, seed production, Trifolium subterraneum
Role of re-seeding and seedling recruitment for sustainable Lotus corniculatus based pastures in dry hill and high country
Authors: Fraser W.J. , Ogden S.C. , Woodman R.F. , Lowther W.L.
Published: July 2020

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus comiculatus L.) is a species with considerable potential for hill and high country of the South Island; however, difficulties in maintaining satisfactory stands due to problems with persistence have been reported. Plant recruitment through natural reseeding is considered a necessary tool for the maintenance and improvement of birdsfoot trefoil stands in the USA, but research which investigates the role of soil seedbanks, seedling recruitment and stand management for improving the persistence of birdsfoot trefoil in the drier hill and high country of the South Island of New Zealand is limited. Two field experiments in the dry hill and high country of Otago monitored changes in stand populations and seedling emergence of birdsfoot trefoil under differing grazing management. At Ardlui Station on the Coastal Otago Plateau, seedling emergence was greatest in autumn rather than spring after spelling over the flowering period. Despite considerable numbers of autumn seedlings (128 seedlings/m2), less than 1 seedling/m2 survived to contribute to the stand after 12 months. Plant populations did,however increase in 199l/92 following adequate rainfall in the previous autumn. Spring emerged seedlings did not survive through summer. At Omarama Station in the southern Mackenzie Basin, plant populations of birdsfoot trefoil continued to decline despite the presence of seedlings in spring and autumn. Results imply that natural reseeding cannot be relied upon to improve birdsfoot trefoil plant populations unless favourable climatic conditions prevail during spring or autumn. Keywords: establishment, Lotus corniculatus, management, natural reseeding, persistence, seedling recruitment, soil seedbanks, survival
Grasslands Advance tall fescue establishment and animal performance
Authors: Fraser T.J. , Lyons T.B.
Published: July 2020

Tall fescue (Festuca urundinacea Schreb.) pastures in New Zealand have been considered to have slow establishment (Grasslands Roa) or lower summer quality (the faster establishing AU Triumph). Three experiments were conducted to study the establishment vigour, herbage production and animal growth rates of a new tall fescue cultivar, Grasslands Advance. Establishment vigour of Advance was similar to that of Au Triumph and 30% greater than that of Roa. Advance and AU Triumph were 17 and 8% higher in annual grass production than Roa, with Advance significantly out yielding the other two cultivars in the warm season. Animal performance per head of young sheep on Roa was significantly higher than on AU Triumph in spring, both Advance and Roa having a significant advantage over AU Triumph in the warm season. Keywords: animal performance, Festuca arundinacae, herbage production, pasture establishment, seedling vigour
Inoculation for successful establishment of Caucasian clover
Authors: Patrick Heather N. , Lowther W.L. , Trainor K.D.
Published: July 2020

Results from oversowing trials in the tussock grasslands have shown that nodulation problems can limit the establishment of Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum). They also strongly suggest that previously reported difficulties with establishment of Caucasian clover, in areas where white clover (T. repens) had established sucessfully, were likely to be due to inoculation failures due to low numbers of rhizobia on the seed, or in the case of tetraploid cultivars, to the use of an unsatisfactory strain. With the tetraploid cultivar Treeline, inoculation with the recommended strain ICMP4074b resulted in low levels of effective seedling nodulation even with very high levels of rhizobia/seed at sowing (149 000). Treeline seedling nodulation was increased when inoculated with strain ICMP4073b, the approved strain for hexaploid cultivars, and the strain was effective at symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Effective seedling nodulation of both tetraploid Treeline and hexaploid Monaro cultivars inoculated with ICMP4073b increased as the number of rhizobia on the seed at sowing was increased. Low levels of seedling nodulation occurred when populations of rhizobia on the seed were in the range likely to be present when seed is slurry inoculated, or inoculated and pelleted and stored for several days before oversowing. To maximise effective nodulation, seed should be inoculated at least 5 times the recommended rate, with the incorporation of gum arabic in the slurry or pellet and oversown within one day. Keywords: Caucasian clover, establishment, inoculation, nodulation, rhizobia, Trifolium ambiguum
Producing quality beef: Practical experience, current practice and future direction
Authors: Dixon Howard , Thomson Bob , Graafhuis Arie
Published: July 2020

A study is described which shows the need for a system to collect data that give farmers market signals related to meat quality, to enable them to make decisions on how best to achieve good returns from their animals. A case study is presented for one of eight Northland farms where on-farm handling, nutritional factors and transport factors that may affect meat quality has been monitored. The high variability of meat quality parameters between mobs from four farms is highlighted. For beef quality to improve, quality must be measured, and benefits to farmers and meat processing plants must be based on the quality of the product. A value-based payment system is strongly advocated, an essential requirement of which would be a beef trading database. Five main groups are identified which would provide input to the database: the seed-stock industry, commercial cattle breeders, cattle finishers, meat processors, and meat exporters. A national standard for describing beef quality is urgently required and is a prerequisite for any database. Keywords: beef quality, case study, database, meat quality, monitor farms
Nutritive value of subtropical grasses invading North Island pastures
Authors: Jackson F.S. , Mcnabb W.C. , Peters J.S. , Barry T.N. , Campbell B.D. , Ulyatt M.J.
Published: July 2020

A study was undertaken to ascertain the possible nutritional impact of subtropical grass invasion into pastures, by chemically analysing five common subtropical grasses. Leaves taken from kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum), smooth witchgrass (Panicurn dichotomiforum), crowfoot (Eleusine indica), and summer grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) were collected from grassland in the North Auckland, Waikato and Manawatu regions. Leaves of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were also taken from each pasture as a reference temperate grass. Relative to perennial ryegrass the subtropical species clearly showed increased levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF; 38.4% vs 57.5%) but reduced levels of total protein (23.0% vs 13.2%), soluble sugar (11.7% vs 5.9%) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD; 84.0% vs 66.6%). Similar results were obtained for grasses grown in each of the three areas. Of the subtropical grasses, summer grass was of the highest nutritive value and crowfoot was of the lowest. The results of an in vitro rumen protein degradation experiment showed net ammonia produdtion from pasture fermentation was significantly lower for the subtropical species than for perennial ryegrass. The present study indicates that the subtropical grasses are of considerably lower nutritive value than perennial ryegrass. Their cont.inued spreading into grazing pastures will probably substantially decrease the nutritive value of the pastures and animal production. Keywords: nutritive value, subtropical grasses
Effects of farm monitoring on Northland's small beef cattle farms
Authors: Ussher G.R. , Low D.A. , Brown S.
Published: July 2020

Results from the MRDC-ANZ monitor farm programme in the Far North (Omatua Farm Ltd) have involved the adoption or continued use of onfarm technologies such as crossbreeding, yearling mating, regrassing, supplementary feeding, subdivision, fertiliser use, stock policy evaluation and monitoring animal growth rates. These results have substantially improved farm productivity and profitability. Farm business planning has been a significant part of the monitor farm process, leading to a 12% increase in yearly beef produced off the monitor farm. Small farms like Omatua Farm Ltd make up 63% of the beef cattle and sheep farms in the Far North District Council. The potential of the farm monitor-business planning approach on these farms is to improve gross annual income by $20 000. Without improvements in productivity and profitability an increasing amount of beef cattle farm land in the area is likely to end up in an alternative land use. Keywords: business planning, farm management technologies, monitor farm, small beef cattle farms
Pre- and post-weaning growth of beef calves reared by cows on one of five lifetime nutrition levels
Authors: Smeaton D.C. , Clayton J.B. , Malthus A.
Published: July 2020

The hypothesis that currently recommended liveweights for beef cows are too high was tested at Whatawhata Research Centre. Industry claims have been that high levels of reproductive efficiency can be achieved with cows running up to 20% lighter than current targets, and eating proportionately less pasture. We ran 150 Hereford x Friesian cows on 1 of 5 lifetime feeding levels or treatments. Average liveweights of the five treatments ranged from 470 to 390 kg at mating but pregnancy rate was not affected. Calf weaning weight was affected, however (P
Pasture silage in New Zealand - targets and current practice
Authors: Howse Sw , Isherwood P. , Miller D.B. , Well J.L. , Riddick C.M. , Thomson N.A. , Clark D.A.
Published: July 2020

Pasture silage is harvested from surplus spring pasture on many New Zealand dairy farms, for use as a supplementary feed in times of feed shortage. Targets for the quality of silage suitable for feeding to lactating dairy cows are presented, as recommended by a silage workshop held in Hamilton in 1994. National information from the Lincoln University Analytical Laboratory are presented that show that pasture silage made in the 1994J95 season was well preserved. However, most of that silage had a feed quality below the target set for lactating dairy cows. Averages for DM digestibility were 65.5-67.9%, estimated M/D was 9.3-9.6 MJ ME/kg DM, and crude protein was 14.6 15.1%. Silage-making practices were analysed, based on silage samples entered in the 1994195 Livestock Improvement Advisory silage competition. The key to making high quality pasture silage in the 1994/95 season was to harvest pasture by the first week in November. Nitrogen fertiliser may be used to produce early surplus pasture without restricting the feed supply to grazing cows. Further survey work is planned to confirm observations made, and expand on practical recommendations for making high quality pasture silage. Keywords: dairying, feed analysis, nitrogen fertiliser, pasture, silage, silage additives
Split-calving for production and profit
Authors: Taylor J.
Published: July 2020

Calving cows in both autumn and spring (splitcalving) has increased production and profit. Feed demand has been changed to better suit the pasture growth pattern on the farm. Demand has been increased in winter when pasture can be grown, and reduced in the summer dry period. Cow numbers are still maintained through the spring to utilise pasture efficiently as it grows. Split-calving evens out seasonal variations, giving consistency of production and cashflow. The work-load is also spread, providing better employment conditions and opportunities. Keywords: feed demand, flexibility, profit, split calving
Burnout and its Predictors: Testing a Model Among Public School Teachers
Authors: Shaheen Faiza , Mahmood Nasir
Published: July 2020

The present research assessed the predictors of burnout using a hypothesized model of burnout and its predictors. The sample of 1693 public school teachers from six districts of Punjab was employed. A self-developed instrument Emotional Burnout Scale (EBS; α = .81) was used for assessing burnout rate among teachers with its three dimensions, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment; also authors developed an Institutional Factors Measuring scale to measure predictors of burnout (α = .80). It comprised six school-related factors including personal, administrative, environmental, insecurities, material goods, and training. These factors, along with demographic variables like marital status, experience, qualification, job status, school level were used to predict the three dimensions of burnout. The results showed paths in predicted direction among proposed model; the personal factor strongly predicted emotional exhaustion whereas environmental factor was found to be a strong predictor for depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment in teachers. Implications for practice are discussed.
Psychological Determinants of Relapse Prevention
Authors: -e-Sahar Namood , Naqvi Irum
Published: July 2020

The present research aimed to study self-reflection, self-importance of moral identity, self-forgiveness, and personal growth initiative as the psychological determinants of relapse prevention among the drug addicts. Study instruments include Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (Grant, Franklin, & Langford, 2002), Self-Importance of Moral Identity Measure (Aquino & Reed, 2002), Two-factor Self-forgiveness Scale (Griffin et al., 2015), Personal Growth Initiative Scale II-Urdu (PGIS-II) (Zaman, 2018), and Advance Warning of Relapse (AWARE) Scale (Miller & Harris, 2000). The whole study is divided into two phases. Phase I underlies translation and validation of the research instrument into Urdu language; such that, translated versions possess significant reliability and possess good construct validity. Phase II studies the relationship between self-reflection, self-importance of moral identity, self-forgiveness, personal growth initiative, and relapse prevention among 240 drug addicts (M = 29.3, SD = 8.2). Sample was approached at different rehabilitation centers of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Results indicated that all translated instruments are valid for the sample. All the study variables are found to explain about 14% variance (R2 = .14) in warning of relapse such that personal growth initiative is the most significant predictor. The values of total, direct, and indirect effects demonstrate existence of mediation; such that, self-importance of moral identity, self-forgiveness, and personal growth initiative act as serial mediators in order as mentioned for the relationship of self-reflection and warning of relapse.
Relationship Between Jealousy and Subjective Happiness Among University Students: Moderating Role of Self-Esteem
Authors: Fazaldad Ghazala , Iqbal Sameena , Hassan Bushra
Published: July 2020

The main aim of present study is to test the associations between perceived jealousy, subjective happiness, and self-esteem. Moreover, it also aimed to test the role of self-esteem as a moderator between jealousy and subjective happiness. Our sample comprised of 200 university students using purposive convenient sampling technique including 100 male and 100 female students. For data collection we used Perceived Jealousy Scale (Iqbal, Fazaldad, & Hassan, 2019), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999).Findings indicate a significant negative relationship between perceived jealousy and subjective happiness (r=-.32, p <.001), and a positive relationship between subjective happiness and self-esteem. Furthermore, self-esteem acts as a moderator between perceived jealousy and subjective happiness. This study is beneficial in finding ways to enhance the self-esteem of students so that they can deal with negative emotions of jealousy and can experience positive emotions of happiness.
The Influence Of Interpersonal Communication And Economy Social Status Toward Ethnic Chinese - Javanese Ethnic Assimilation In Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub-Distric Area Surabaya City
Authors: Zaluchu Julianus
Published: July 2020

Research entitled “The influence of interpersonal communication and economy status toward Chinese-Javanese Ethnic Assimilation ini Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City” base on idea that human who live in the midst multi ethnic scope. The misunderstanding could be happen in understanding these symbols, even though employed when interaction or communication between people who difference cultures, such as community in Gunung Anyar Tambak and surrounding, cause those area most of them settled Chinese and Javanese. This research intend to recognized : 1). Whether there are found influence interpersonal communication or not toward Chinese and Javanese ethnic assimilation in Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City; 2). Whether there are found influence economy social status or not toward Chenese and Javanese ethnic assimilation in Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City; 3). Whether there are found influence interpersonal communication and economy social status or not toward Chinese and Javanese ethnic assimilation in Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City. Research approach used were  interpersonal interaction and quantitative model.

            The results gained namely a) Interpersonal communication and economy social status simultaneously have significant influence toward Chinese and Javanese Ethnic assimilatin in Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City; b) Partially interpersonal communicatin have significant influence toward Chinese and Javanese ethnic assimilation in Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City; c) Partially economy social status does not have significant influence influence toward Chinese and Javanese ethnic assimilation  in Gunung Anyar Tambak Sub District Area Surabaya City. To realizing assimilation between Chinese and Javanese, desirable people from both ethnic could be developing interpersonal communication in interaction, it is could be done by following meeting with surrounding community, openness each other in building communication and creating understanding (emphaty) on other event which forego another ethnic (out group) then will sprout out tolerance and solidarity inter ethnics.
The Study of the Response of Fat Metabolism to Long-Term Energy Stress Based on Serum, Fatty Acid and Transcriptome Profiles in Yaks
Authors: Xiong Lin , Pei Jie , Wu Xiaoyun , Kalwar Qudratullah , Liang Chunnian , Guo Xian , Chu Min , Bao Pengjia , Yao Xixi , Yan Ping
Published: July 2020

Long-term energy stress (ES) during the cold season is a serious problem for the breeding of yaks. In this paper, the response of fat metabolism in yaks to long-term ES during the cold season was studied. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis showed that the percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the subcutaneous fat of the yaks in the ES group was 42.7%, which was less than the 56.6% in the CO group (p < 0.01) and the percentage of polyunsaturated unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the subcutaneous fat of the yaks in the ES group was 38.3%, which was more than the 26.0% in the CO group (p < 0.01). The serum analysis showed that fatty acid oxidation in yaks was increased under long-term ES. In the subcutaneous fat of yaks under long-term ES, the gene expression levels of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4 (GPAT4), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 2 (PNPLA2), acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD), acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase 8 (ACOT8), facilitated glucose transporter (GLUT4), 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase (OXSM), oestradiol 17-beta-dehydrogenase 8 (HSD17B8) and malonate-Co-A ligase ACSF3 (ACSF3) were downregulated (q < 0.05), whereas the gene expression levels of aquaporin-7 (AQP7), long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase (ACSL), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein (ELOVL) and fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) were upregulated (q < 0.05), indicating the inhibition of fat catabolism, fat anabolism, fatty acid oxidation, glucose (GLU) intake and SFA synthesis and the promotion of glycerinum (GLY) transportation and PUFA synthesis. Additional findings showed that the gene expression levels of leptin (LEP), adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) were upregulated (q < 0.05), whereas the gene expression levels of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBF1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) were downregulated (q < 0.05), indicating that fat metabolism in the subcutaneous fat of yaks under ES was mainly regulated by AMPK signaling and mTOR and PI3K-AKT signaling were also involved. Energy consumption was inhibited in the subcutaneous fat itself. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the healthy breeding and genetic breeding of yaks.
Effects of Paper Mulberry Silage on the Milk Production, Apparent Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Bacteria Composition in Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Hao Yangyi , Huang Shuai , Si Jingfang , Zhang Jun , Gaowa Naren , Sun Xiaoge , Lv Jiaying , Liu Gaokun , He Yaqin , Wang Wei , Wang Yajing , Li Shengli
Published: July 2020

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera; PM) is an excellent and extensive type of roughage in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PM silage on the milk production, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition in Holstein dairy cows. Forty-five lactating Holstein dairy cows with a similar milk yield and parity were selected and randomly assigned to three groups. The control group was fed a non-PM silage diet, and the PM-treated groups were fed 4.5 and 9.0% PM silage supplementary diets for 28 days. Then, treatment groups were fed diets containing 13.5 and 18.0% PM silage for the next 28 days, respectively. PM silage increased the milk urea nitrogen and decreased the somatic cell count (p < 0.05), but did not affect the dry matter intake, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows. PM silage can enhance the blood total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and immune globulin content (p < 0.05). The PM silage significantly decreased the relative abundance of the genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Tyzzerella-4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PM silage enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunity of dairy cows, but did not influence the milk yield, dry matter digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition.
Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant and/or Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Enterobacterales Associated with Canine and Feline Urogenital Infections
Authors: Loncaric Igor , Misic Dusan , Szostak Michael P. , Künzel Frank , Schäfer-Somi Sabine , Spergser Joachim
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study was to characterize Enterobacterales resistant to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, carbapenems and/or fluoroquinolones, isolated from dogs and cats with urogenital infections. In total, 36 strains (Escherichia coli (n = 28), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 3), Serratia marcescens, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter portucalensis and Enterobacter cloacae (each n = 1)) were included in the present study, 28 from Austria and 8 from Serbia. Isolates were characterized by a polyphasic approach including susceptibility pheno- and genotyping and microarray-based assays. Escherichia (E.) coli isolates were additionally characterized by two-locus (fumC and fimH) sequence phylotyping and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of selected isolates. MLST of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae isolates was also performed. Among E. coli, the most dominant phylogenetic group was B1 (27.8%), followed by C, (16.6%), A and Clade II (5.5% each), B2 and F (2.77% each). The most predominant β-lactam resistance genes were blaTEM (70%) and blaCTX-M (38.8%), blaCMY (25%). blaNDM was detected in one carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST114. The most common ST among selected E. coli was 744 (10.7% isolates). The pandemic clones ST131 and ST648 carrying CTX-M-15 were also detected. Remaining STs belonged to 469, 1287, 1463 and 1642. E. coli clonotyping revealed 20 CH types. Based on the presence of certain virulence genes, three isolates were categorized as ExPEC/UPEC. The most prevalent virulence factors were fimH detected in 61%, iucD and iss both in 55%, iroN in 27.8%, papC in 13.8% and sat in 8.3% isolates.
Assessing the Performance of the Multi-Beam Echo-Sounder Bathymetric Uncertainty Prediction Model
Authors: H. Mohammadloo Tannaz , Snellen Mirjam , G. Simons Dick
Published: July 2020

Realistic predictions of the contribution of the various sources affecting the quality of the bathymetric measurements prior to a survey are of importance to ensure sufficient accuracy of the soundings. To this end, models predicting these contributions have been developed. The objective of the present paper is to assess the performance of the bathymetric uncertainty prediction model for modern Multi-Beam Echo-Sounder (MBES) systems. Two datasets were acquired at water depths of 10 m and 30 m with three pulse lengths equaling 27 s , 54 s , and 134 s in the Oosterschelde estuary (The Netherlands). The comparison between the bathymetric uncertainties derived from the measurements and those predicted using the current model indicated a relatively good agreement except for the most outer beams. The performance of the uncertainty prediction model improved by accounting for the most recent insights into the contributors to the MBES depth uncertainties, i.e., the Doppler effect, baseline decorrelation (accounting for the pulse shape), and the signal-to-noise ratio.
Cutting Force Prediction and Experiment Verification of Paper Honeycomb Materials by Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Machining
Authors: Cao Wenjun , Zha Jun , Chen Yaolong
Published: July 2020

The disc-cutter is a finishing tool for the ultrasonic-cutting of paper honeycomb-core material. The cutting state directly affects the machining accuracy and surface quality of the workpiece. The cutting force is an important physical quantity and the cause of ultrasonic cutting defects of the honeycomb-core material. Due to differences in the mechanical properties and cutting performance of honeycomb-core materials and commonly used metal materials, existing metal-cutting-force models cannot be applied to the calculation of ultrasonic cutting forces in the processing of honeycomb-core materials. In response to this problem—combined with actual working conditions using the ABAQUS finite element analysis software—a finite element simulation model of the ultrasonic vibration-assisted cutting force of the disc-cutter on the honeycomb-core material was established, and the cutting curves and values were obtained. The experiment of ultrasonic vibration cutting of the disc-cutter proves that from the surface morphology of the honeycomb core, the milling-width has the greatest influence on the cutting force, and the cutting-depth has the smallest influence on the cutting force. The maximum error between the cutting force experimental results and the finite element simulation results under the same cutting conditions was 13.2%, which means that the established cutting-force finite element model is more accurate and can be used to predict the cutting in honeycomb ultrasonic vibration-assisted cutting-force value. Finally, based on the response surface method, a three-dimensional cutting force prediction model of the ultrasonic cutting honeycomb core of the disc-cutter was established by using the simulation model data. The results of this study can provide a useful basis for the improvement of cutting performance and processing efficiency in the processing of paper honeycomb-core materials.
A Combined Citizen Science—Modelling Approach for NO2 Assessment in Torino Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Bo Matteo , Salizzoni Pietro , Pognant Federica , Mezzalama Roberto , Clerico Marina
Published: July 2020

The #CHEARIATIRA citizen science campaign was developed in February 2019 in Torino (western part of the Po Valley megacity region). The aim of the campaign was public engagement with measuring NO2 concentrations in an urban area that often exceeds air quality standards. NO2 diffusion tubes were employed by citizens under our supervision. In this paper, we present the main outcomes of a combined approach between the #CHEARIATIRA campaign and the urban dispersion model SIRANE. The results were validated against the available public Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS). The citizens’ passive samplers and the modelled data show a good response in central districts both during the campaign interval and by annual projection. Traffic hotspots and sensitive receptors (schools, hospital) have high concentrations of NO2. Most of the study area (83% of the tubes) is subject to an increased risk of premature death according to epidemiological literature.
Atmospheric Aerosol Distribution in 2016–2017 over the Eastern European Region Based on the GEOS-Chem Model
Authors: Milinevsky Gennadi , Miatselskaya Natallia , Grytsai Asen , Danylevsky Vassyl , Bril Andrey , Chaikovsky Anatoli , Yukhymchuk Yulia , Wang Yuke , Liptuga Anatoliy , Kyslyi Volodymyr , Turos Olena , Serozhkin Yuriy
Published: July 2020

The spatial and temporal distributions of atmospheric aerosols have been simulated using the GEOS-Chem model over the sparsely investigated Eastern European region. The spatial distribution of the particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration, mineral dust, black carbon, organic aerosols, sea salt, as well as nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium aerosols during 2016–2017 were considered. The aerosols’ concentration, seasonality and spatial features were determined for the region. Particulate matter (PM2.5) contamination prevails in Poland in late autumn and winter. The monthly mean PM2.5 concentration reached 55 µg m−3 over the Moscow region in the early spring of both years. The mineral dust concentration varied significantly, reaching 40 µg m−3 over the southwestern part of Eastern Europe in March 2016. The areas most polluted by black carbon aerosols were the central and southern parts of Poland in the winter. The organic aerosols’ concentration was the largest in March and April, reaching 10 µg m−3 over East Belarus. The sea salt aerosol concentration increased in the coastal regions in winter due to the wind strength. Mineral dust aerosols in Eastern Europe are mainly composed of dust, partially transported from the Ukrainian steppe and partially from the Saharan Desert.
Evaluation of Historical CMIP5 GCM Simulation Results Based on Detected Atmospheric Teleconnections
Authors: Kristóf Erzsébet , Barcza Zoltán , Hollós Roland , Bartholy Judit , Pongrácz Rita
Published: July 2020

Atmospheric teleconnections are characteristic to the climate system and exert major impacts on the global and regional climate. Accurate representation of teleconnections by general circulation models (GCMs) is indispensable given their fundamental role in the large scale circulation patterns. In this study a statistical method is introduced to evaluate historical GCM outputs of the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) with respect to teleconnection patterns. The introduced method is based on the calculation of correlations between gridded time series of the 500 hPa geopotential height fields in the Northern Hemisphere. GCMs are quantified by a simple diversity index. Additionally, potential action centers of the teleconnection patterns are identified on which the local polynomial regression model is fitted. Diversity fields and regression curves obtained from the GCMs are compared against the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis 1 and the ERA-20C reanalysis datasets. The introduced method is objective, reproducible, and reduces the number of arbitrary decisions during the analysis. We conclude that major teleconnection patterns are positioned in the GCMs and in the reanalysis datasets similarly, however, spatial differences in their intensities can be severe in some cases that could hamper the applicability of the GCM results for some regions. Based on the evaluation method, best-performing GCMs can be clearly distinguished. Evaluation of the GCMs based on the introduced method might help the modeling community to choose GCMs that are the most applicable for impact studies and for regional downscaling exercises.
Factors Influencing the Long-Term Stability of Electronic Tongue and Application of Improved Drift Correction Methods
Authors: Kovacs Zoltan , Szöllősi Dániel , Zaukuu John-Lewis Zinia , Bodor Zsanett , Vitális Flóra , Aouadi Balkis , Zsom-Muha Viktória , Gillay Zoltan
Published: July 2020

Temperature, memory effect, and cross-contamination are suspected to contribute to drift in electronic tongue (e-tongue) sensors, therefore drift corrections are required. This paper aimed to assess the disturbing effects on the sensor signals during measurement with an Alpha Astree e-tongue and to develop drift correction techniques. Apple juice samples were measured at different temperatures. pH change of apple juice samples was measured to assess cross-contamination. Different sequential orders of model solutions and apple juice samples were applied to evaluate the memory effect. Model solutions corresponding to basic tastes and commercial apple juice samples were measured for six consecutive weeks to model drift of the sensor signals. Result showed that temperature, cross-contamination, and memory effect influenced the sensor signals. Three drift correction methods: additive drift correction based on all samples, additive drift correction based on reference samples, and multi sensor linear correction, were developed and compared to the component correction in literature through linear discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA analysis showed all the four methods were effective in reducing sensor drift in long-term measurements but the additive correction relative to the whole sample set gave the best results. The results could be explored for long-term measurements with the e-tongue.
Enhancing Existential Thinking through Death Education: A Qualitative Study among High School Students
Authors: Testoni Ines , Palazzo Lorenza , De Vincenzo Ciro , Wieser Michael Alexander
Published: July 2020

The censorship of death-related issues is widespread in contemporary Western culture because the boundary between death and life is substantially managed in medical areas. In the context of Italian educational initiatives, to remove this limitation, 215 high school students in Southern Italy were educated on death through conventional and informal lessons. The students answered a questionnaire with open questions to survey their emotional and reflective experiences. Their answers were qualitatively, thematically analysed to explore how the representation of death can follow a death education course, and if this experience can be managed without harmful effects. The students’ answers narrated how the course reduced their anxiety linked to these themes, on the one hand improving communication between peers by making it more authentic and empathic and, on the other, providing alternative perspectives on life. Indeed, the project offered an opportunity to discuss something strongly heartfelt but rarely faced, and the survey confirmed that the research objectives were fully achieved.
Parents’ Past Bonding Experience with Their Parents Interacts with Current Parenting Stress to Influence the Quality of Interaction with Their Child
Authors: Azhari Atiqah , Wong Ariel Wan Ting , Lim Mengyu , Balagtas Jan Paolo Macapinlac , Gabrieli Giulio , Setoh Peipei , Esposito Gianluca
Published: July 2020

Healthy dyadic interactions serve as a foundation for child development and are typically characterised by mutual emotional availability of both the parent and child. However, several parental factors might undermine optimal parent–child interactions, including the parent’s current parenting stress levels and the parent’s past bonding experiences with his/her own parents. To date, no study has investigated the possible interaction of parenting stress and parental bonding history with their own parents on the quality of emotional availability during play interactions. In this study, 29 father–child dyads (18 boys, 11 girls; father’s age = 38.07 years, child’s age = 42.21 months) and 36 mother–child dyads (21 boys, 15 girls; mother’s age = 34.75 years, child’s age = 41.72 months) from different families were recruited to participate in a 10-min play session after reporting on their current parenting stress and past care and overprotection experience with their parents. We measured the emotional availability of mother–child and father–child play across four adult subscales (i.e., sensitivity, structuring, non-intrusiveness, non-hostility) and two child subscales (i.e., involvement and responsiveness). Regression slope analyses showed that parenting stress stemming from having a difficult child predicts adult non-hostility, and is moderated by the parents’ previously experienced maternal overprotection. When parenting stress is low, higher maternal overprotection experienced by the parent in the past would predict greater non-hostility during play. This finding suggests that parents’ present stress levels and past bonding experiences with their parents interact to influence the quality of dyadic interaction with their child.
Increase of Antitumoral Effects of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells by Antibody-Mediated Inhibition of MICA Shedding
Authors: Wu Xiaolong , Zhang Ying , Li Yutao , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G.H.
Published: July 2020

Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) receptor plays a pivotal role in cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity against malignancies, and the expression of NKG2D ligands might allow targets to be more susceptible to the CIK cell-mediated destruction. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of CIK cells antitumor activity and antibody-mediated inhibition of MICA/B shedding. This monoclonal antibody (7C6) has been previously shown to be able to specifically target MICA/B a3 domain on tumor cells, resulting in the increase in cell surface MICA/B expression by inhibition of their shedding. In the current study, we show that 7C6 antibody could substantially inhibit MICA shedding and stabilize the expression of MICA/B on Hela cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. In combination with 7C6, CIK cells showed higher degranulation rate, more IFN-γ production and elevated cytotoxic capacity against tumor cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NKG2D-MICA/B ligation could lead to activation of both CD3+ CD56− T cells and CD3+CD56+ NKT subset cells of CIK culture and NKT subset was more sensitive to NKG2D signaling than the counterpart T cells. 7C6-mediated inhibition of MICA shedding could strengthen this signal and eventually enhance the antitumor activity of CIK cells. With multiple advantages of easy ex vivo expansion, minor GVHD, natural tumor trafficking and non-MHC restricted, CIK cell-based therapy may serve as a potent combination partner with MICA antibody-mediated immunotherapy.