bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus subtilis – capacity for enzymatic degradation, resistance to trace elements, antagonisms and siderophore production
Authors: Santos Bianca de Melo Silveira dos , Silva Maura Santos dos Reis de Andrade , Chávez Davy William Hidalgo , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: July 2021

The use of microorganisms in agriculture as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, in addition to their use in biotechnological practices, has been explored increasingly frequently over the years. Some bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis, have many capabilities related to promoting plant growth. The present study attempted to evaluate eight B. subtilis strains regarding their capacity for enzymatic degradation, resistance to trace elements, antagonism against phytopathogenic fungi and siderophore production. The tests were performed in plate dishes and test tubes with six repetitions for each bacterial isolate. The results showed that all isolates were able to perform enzymatic degradation to phosphatase, amylase and cellulase. Regarding resistance to trace elements, for Cd, 0.5 mmol L-1 was sufficient to prevent the development of strains 248, 263 and 320; for Cu, isolate 263 obtained greater resistance; for Zn, isolate 320 was inhibited at 2.0 mmol L-1, for Cr(III), isolates 290 and 291 showed greater resistance to the metal, whereas for Cr(VI), isolates showed the same resistance pattern; and for Ni, isolates showed the same resistance behavior. In vitro antagonism occurred for all isolates; however, the antagonism occurred at different intensities, except for isolate 291. The production of siderophores was identified for only six isolates: 287, 320, 309, 274, 263 and 248. These results establish a foundation for further investigations to clarify the conditions and/or characteristics required by isolates for a more effective performance, observing metabolic routes and genetic mechanisms
Ceramic membrane overview and applications in textile industry: a review
Authors: Ağtaş Meltem , Dilaver Mehmet , Koyuncu İsmail
Published: July 2021

The importance of water recovery and reuse is increasing day by day. Therefore, the use of advanced technologies is applied for the treatment and recovery of textile wastewater. The fact that ceramic membranes are resistant to the challenging characteristics of textile wastewater makes the use of ceramic membranes useful. Within the scope of this review, general information about the textile industry and treatment techniques are mentioned, as well as the properties of ceramic membranes and textile wastewater treatment. In the literature review made in this study, recent studies on the production of ceramic membranes and laboratory applications have been compiled. However, it has been observed that although the real-scale studies are relatively higher in industries such as the food and petrochemical industry, it is rather limited in the textile industry.
Kinetic study and optimization of total solids for anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste: Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Nasrin Thamina , Saha Chayan Kumer , Nandi Rajesh , Huda Md. Sanaul , Alam Md. Monjurul
Published: July 2021

Kitchen waste from hotels and homes is one of the major problems for urban and rural environment and could be one of the best sources of renewable energy by producing biogas through anaerobic digestion. A research work was undertaken to assess the methane potential of kitchen waste at different total solids (TS) content. Kitchen wastes such as spoiled rice, brinjal, potato, papaya, tomato, fish and poultry parts etc., which are easily decomposed, were selected for this study. Batch experiments were set up under ambient temperature. Kitchen waste was added to the batch digester at different TS content (5, 7, 10, 12 and 15%) and sealed for 146 days until the gas production stopped. Substrate characteristics were analyzed before and after the anaerobic digestion. The highest methane yield was 78.12 L/kg VS at 15% TS content followed by 12, 10, 7 and 5%. Different kinetic parameters were determined using a logistic model and the model showed a good fit with the experimental results. After modelling using Minitab®, the optimum TS content for kitchen waste was found to be 14.90%.
Specific Features of Economic Mechanisms of Labour Safety Management
Authors: Tseslik K. N.
Published: July 2021

The article studies the impact of economic mechanisms of labour safety management on business activity of economic entities. Discounts to insurance tariffs allow employers to economize on insurance payments, while increments to them stimulate measures on labour safety to protect employees and production facilities. Methodology to calculate discounts and increments to insurance tariffs is provided, as well as economic benefit obtained as a result of conducting measures on labour safety. It is pointed out that ignoring obligatory measures on labour safety (special appraisal of working conditions and medical check-ups) are penalized by administrative fines, whose amounts are rather high. The article pays special attention to the necessity to conduct special appraisal of working conditions and medical check-ups. The positive side of insurance is an opportunity to finance the said measures at the expense of 20% insurance payments that were paid by the company in the previous year. The author explains that even with the negative economic effect special appraisals of working conditions and medical check-ups can provide positive economic and social effect, as their results can help develop and introduce preventive measures on labour safety.
Entomo-Industry of Hermetia Illucens
Authors: Artakhov A. B.
Published: July 2021

Innovation in production use of insects allows us to speak about entomo-industry, which could cause in the future a drop in the relative cost of food. On the basis of biotechnology by using the fly Hermetia illucens the article draws theoretical and applied economic conclusions. Larvae of this fly by eating organic wastes during a few days can grow in hundred times and become a feed for animals, a basis for medicine or even a nutritious supplement, while their waste can become a fertilizer (zoo-humus). From means of labour they turn into the subject of labour with selfreproduction and solution to ecological problem, which can create the added value. In traditional livestock breeding fast transformation does not take place and animal acts mainly as the subject or means of labour. Commercialization of the technology can be achieved through development of module equipment for each of 9 processes and this can make it possible to purchase it stage by stage, depending on the need and resources. Due to this fact competitive advantage for technological entrepreneurship can be provided that can take one of the following three types: in the narrow sense (developing and selling equipment), in the broad sense (manufacturing the product with own equipment) and mixed one (manufacturing and selling of the equipment and finished product, joint work of the developer and user of the equipment). The author designed a synthetic graphic business-model of entomo-technological entrepreneurship. Logical schemes of waste treatment were put forward: centralized and decentralized. It was found out that for agricultural waste the decentralized scheme is more appropriate, as it implies treatment at the place of shaping and economizing on transportation. In Russia the process of commercialization of biotechnologies with the use of Hermetia illucens started in 2015, which is proven by patent activity. However, the market develops rather slowly.
Insights into Senior Foreign Language Education
Authors: Derenowski Marek
Published: July 2021

This book examines the unique characteristics of teaching foreign languages to senior learners. It discusses the potential age-related barriers and learning difficulties which they may encounter and offers solutions for teachers in the form of potential modifications to educational programmes, classroom practices, activities and materials.
Análisis prospectivo de la gestión del destino turístico de la Habana.
Authors: García Leonard Yureidys , Sorhegui-Ortega Rafael , Vergara-Romero Arnaldo , Nogueira Moya Laura
Published: July 2021

El turismo constituye uno de los principales pilares para el incremento del PIB tanto a escala global como nacional, razón por la cual la Organización Mundial del Turismo apuesta por un Turismo responsable e inclusivo. El virus del COVID-19, provoca una caída abrupta de los principales indicadores de la actividad turística, y aunque existe la confianza acerca de la recuperación del sector, aún queda un camino largo pues los impactos reales de la pandemia todavía están por definirse. El objetivo del artículo es demostrar a través de un caso de estudio, la utilidad de la prospectiva estratégica y el desarrollo de escenarios en el proceso de decisiones y planes de desarrollo turísticos (Vergara-Romero, Sorhegui-Ortega & Garnica-Jarrin, 2020). Para ello fue de vital importancia sintetizar las principales experiencias internacionales y nacionales de la proyección estratégica y la técnica de escenarios; caracterizar el destino La Habana, usando el método prospectivo. Como resultado se obtuvieron variables claves y actores que influyen sobre dichas variables, de los cuales el MINTUR y el CITMA son los más influyentes. Con estos datos se determinaron los escenarios más probables y se seleccionó uno, con una probabilidad de ocurrencia del 59%, para el cual se definieron 7 estrategias y 11 acciones.
User Experiences of the NZ COVID Tracer App in New Zealand: Thematic Analysis of Interviews
Authors: Tretiakov Alexei , Hunter Inga
Published: July 2021

Background

For mobile app–based COVID-19 contact tracing to be fully effective, a large majority of the population needs to be using the app on an ongoing basis. However, there is a paucity of studies of users, as opposed to potential adopters, of mobile contact tracing apps and of their experiences. New Zealand, a high-income country with western political culture, was successful in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and its experience is valuable for informing policy responses in similar contexts.

Objective

This study asks the following research questions: (1) How do users experience the app in their everyday contexts? and (2) What drives the use of the app?

Methods

Residents of New Zealand’s Auckland region, which encompasses the country’s largest city, were approached via Facebook, and 34 NZ COVID Tracer app users were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Interviews ranged in duration from 15 to 50 minutes. Participants ranged in age from those in their late teens to those in their early sixties. Even though about half of the participants identified as White New Zealanders of European origin, different ethnicities were represented, including New Zealanders of South Pacific, Indian, Middle Eastern, South American, and Southeast Asian descent. Out of 34 participants, 2 (6%) identified as Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders). A broad range of careers were represented, from top-middle management to health support work and charity work. Likewise, educational backgrounds ranged broadly, from high school completion to master’s degrees. Out of 34 participants, 2 (6%) were unemployed, having recently lost their jobs because of the pandemic. The thematic analysis resulted in five major themes: perceived benefits, patterns of use, privacy, social influence, and need for collective action. Benefits of using the app to society in general were more salient to the participants than immediate health benefits to the individual. Use, however, depended on the alert level and tended to decline for many participants at low alert levels. Privacy considerations played a small role in shaping adoption and use, even though the participants were highly aware of privacy discourse around the app. Participants were aware of the need for high levels of adoption and use of the app to control the pandemic. Attempts to encourage others to use the app were common, although not always successful.

Conclusions

Appeals to civic responsibility are likely to drive the use of a mobile contact tracing app under the conditions of high threat. Under the likely scenario of COVID-19 remaining endemic and requiring ongoing vigilance over the long term, other mechanisms promoting the use of mobile contact tracing apps may be needed, such as offering incentives. As privacy is not an important concern for many users, flexible privacy settings in mobile contact tracing apps allowing users to set their optimal levels of privacy may be appropriate.
Testing the Differential Impact of an Internet-Based Mental Health Intervention on Outcomes of Well-being and Psychological Distress During COVID-19: Uncontrolled Intervention Study
Authors: van Agteren Joep , Ali Kathina , Fassnacht Daniel B , Iasiello Matthew , Furber Gareth , Howard Alexis , Woodyatt Lydia , Musker Michael , Kyrios Mike
Published: July 2021

Background

During COVID-19, the psychological distress and well-being of the general population has been precarious, increasing the need to determine the impact of complementary internet-based psychological interventions on both positive mental health as well as distress states. Psychological distress and mental well-being represent distinct dimensions of our mental health, and congruent changes in outcomes of distress and well-being do not necessarily co-occur within individuals. When testing intervention impact, it is therefore important to assess change in both outcomes at the individual level, rather than solely testing group differences in average scores at the group level.

Objective

This study set out to investigate the differential impact of an internet-based group mental health intervention on outcomes of positive mental health (ie, well-being, life satisfaction, resilience) and indicators of psychological distress (ie, depression, anxiety, stress).

Methods

A 5-week mental health intervention was delivered to 89 participants using the Zoom platform during 2020. Impact on outcomes of distress, well-being, and resilience was assessed at the start and end of the program with multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and reliable change indices (RCIs) being used to determine program impact at the group and individual levels, respectively.

Results

The intervention significantly improved all mental health outcomes measured, (F6,83=5.60, P<.001; Wilks Λ=.71; partial η2=.29) showing small to moderate effect sizes on individual outcomes. The largest effect sizes were observed for life satisfaction and overall well-being (η2=.22 and η2=.2, respectively). Larger effect sizes were noted for those with problematic mental health scores at baseline. A total of 92% (82/89) of participants demonstrated reliable change in at least one mental health outcome. Differential response patterns using RCI revealed that more than one-half of the participants showed improvement in both mental well-being and psychological distress, over one-quarter in outcomes of well-being only, and almost one-fifth in distress only.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence for the significant impact of an internet-based mental health intervention during COVID-19 and indicate the importance of assessing dimensions of both well-being and distress when determining mental health intervention effectiveness.
Impact of an eHealth Smartphone App on the Mental Health of Patients With Psoriasis: Prospective Randomized Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Domogalla Lena , Beck Alena , Schulze-Hagen Theresa , Herr Raphael , Benecke Johannes , Schmieder Astrid
Published: July 2021

Background

Psoriasis has a negative impact on patients’ physical and mental health and can lead to anxiety and depression. Disease management strategies, including educational programs and eHealth devices, have been shown to improve health care for several chronic diseases. However, such disease management strategies are lacking in the routine care of patients with psoriasis.

Objective

This study aims to study the impact of a novel intervention that combines an educational program with a disease management smartphone app on the mental health of patients with psoriasis.

Methods

Patients with psoriasis in the intervention group received an educational program; attended visits on weeks 0, 12, 24, 36, and 60; and had access to the study app. Patients in the control group only attended the visits. The primary endpoint was a significant reduction of scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Secondary end points were reductions in Dermatology Life Quality Index score, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, pruritus, and pain, as well as improvements in mood and daily activities. In addition, modulating effects of sex, age, disease duration, and app use frequency were evaluated.

Results

A total of 107 patients were included in the study and randomized into the control group (53/107, 49.5%) or intervention group (54/107, 50.5%). Approximately 71.9% (77/107) of the patients completed the study. A significant reduction in HADS-Depression (HADS-D) in the intervention group was found at weeks 12 (P=.04) and 24 (P=.005) but not at weeks 36 (P=.12) and 60 (P=.32). Patient stratification according to app use frequency showed a significant improvement in HADS-D score at weeks 36 (P=.004) and 60 (P=.04) and in HADS-Anxiety (HADS-A) score at weeks 36 (P=.04) and 60 (P=.05) in the group using the app less than once every 5 weeks. However, in patients using the app more than once every 5 weeks, no significant reduction in HADS-D (P=.84) or HADS-A (P=.20) score was observed over the 60-week study period compared with that observed in patients in the control group. All findings were independent of sex, age, and disease duration.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of a disease management smartphone app as a valid tool to achieve long-term improvement in the mental health of patients with psoriasis if it is not used too frequently. Further studies are needed to analyze the newly observed influence of app use frequency.

Trial Registration

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00020755; https://tinyurl.com/nyzjyvvk
Mobile Apps Leveraged in the COVID-19 Pandemic in East and South-East Asia: Review and Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Bohee , Ibrahim Siti Aishah , Zhang Tiying
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic increased attention to digital tools to support governmental public health policies in East and South-East Asia. Mobile apps related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to emerge and evolve with a wide variety of characteristics and functions. However, there is a paucity of studies evaluating such apps in this region, with most of the available studies conducted in the early days of the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine free apps developed or supported by governments in the East and South-East Asian region and highlight their key characteristics and functions. We also sought to interpret how the release dates of these apps were related to the commencement dates of other COVID-19 public health policies.

METHODS

We systematically searched for apps in Apple App Store and Google Play Store and analyzed the contents of eligible apps. Mobile apps released or updated with COVID-19–related functions between March 1 and May 7, 2021, in Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, China (mainland), Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines were included. The CoronaNet Research Project database was also examined to determine the timeline of public health policy commencement dates in relation to the release dates of the included apps. We assessed each app’s official website, media reports, and literature through content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize relevant information gathered from the mobile apps using RStudio.

RESULTS

Of the 1943 mobile apps initially identified, 46 were eligible, with almost 70% of the apps being intended for the general public. Most apps were from Vietnam (n=9, 20%), followed by Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand (n=6 each, 13%). Of note, most apps for quarantine monitoring (n=6, 13%) were mandatory for the target users or a population subset. The most common function was health monitoring (32/46, 70%), followed by raising public health awareness (19/46, 41%) through education and information dissemination. Other functions included monitoring quarantine (12/46, 26%), providing health resources (12/46, 26%). COVID-19 vaccination management functions began to appear in parallel with vaccine rollout (7/46, 15%). Regarding the timing of the introduction of mobile solutions, the majority of mobile apps emerged close to the commencement dates of other public health policies in the early stages of the pandemic between March and April 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

In East and South-East Asia, most governments used mobile health apps as adjuncts to public health measures for tracking COVID-19 cases and delivering credible information. In addition, these apps have evolved by expanding their functions for COVID-19 vaccination.
The effects of information and interpersonal continuity on physician service online: from the continuity of care perspective (Preprint)
Authors: Zhu Bei , Lu Wei
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Online medical services have become an effective supplement to traditional services in hospitals and an essential organization in medical service. Prior studies have revealed that it’s useful to shorten the delayed admission time and enhance the treatment effect from the service continuity perspective. However, what specific measures the patients and physicians should take to improve service continuity remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Based on the information richness theory and continuity of care, this study investigates the dynamic impacts of information continuity and interpersonal continuity on physician’ service online.

METHODS

Data of 7200 patients with 360 physicians covering complete interaction records is collected from a professional online platform in China. Content analysis is used to recognize matching patient and physician and least square regression analysis is used to get all empirical results.

RESULTS

Empirical results show that in the short term, information continuity (including offline experience, medical records, and detailed information) influences physicians’ online service. And, their influences show heterogeneity. Moreover, by recognizing if a patient’s online physician is the same physician who he has visited offline, we find that interpersonal continuity is also important for service. In the long term, information and interpersonal continuity positively improve service continuity by facilitating repeat purchases.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings not only shed new light on patient behavior online and cross-channel behavior, but also provide practical insights into improving continuity of care in OHCs.
Digital Companion Choice to Support Teachers’ Stress Self-management: Systematic Approach Through Taxonomy Creation (Preprint)
Authors: Manning Julia B , Blandford Ann , Edbrooke-Childs Julian
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

There are thousands of digital companions designed for emotional well-being and stress, including websites, wearables, and smartphone apps. Although public evaluation frameworks and ratings exist, they do not facilitate digital companion choice based on contextual or individual information, such as occupation or personal management strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to establish a process for creating a taxonomy to support systematic choice of digital companions for teachers’ stress self-management.

METHODS

We used a 4-step study design. In step 1, we identified the dimension of stress self-management and strategic classifications. In step 2, we identified the dimension of the digital techniques and conceptual descriptions. In step 3, we created 6 criteria for the inclusion of digital companions. In step 4, we used the taxonomy framework created by steps 1 and 2 and populated it with digital companions for stress self-management, as identified in step 3.

RESULTS

First, in the dimension of stress self-management, we identified four classes of strategies: educational, physiological, cognitive, and social. Second, in the digital techniques dimension, we derived four conceptual descriptions for the digital companions’ mechanisms of action: fostering reflection, suggesting treatment, peer-to-peer support, and entertainment. Third, we created six criteria for digital companion inclusion in the taxonomy: suitability, availability, evaluation, security, validity, and cost. Using the taxonomy framework and criteria, we populated it with digital companions for stress management ahead of presentation to teachers in a stress study workshop.

CONCLUSIONS

The elements of our approach can be generalized as principles for the creation of taxonomies for other occupations or conditions. Taxonomies such as this could be a valuable resource for individuals to understand which digital companion could be of help in their personal context.
Approaching Contemporary Slavery Through an Historic Lens: an Interdisciplinary Perspective
Authors: Nelson Rebecca , Kidd Alicia
Published: July 2021

This article uses an interdisciplinary approach combining social justice and history to address and offer a response to critiques that argue ‘slavery’ is not an appropriate term for present day cases of extreme exploitation. By analysing the means and modalities through which situations of slavery are established and maintained across various temporal and geographical examples, this article highlights how the practices of the past persist in the present.
Shattered Dreams: Bangladeshi Migrant Workers during a Global Pandemic
Authors: Sahai Ridhi , Bansal Vaiddehi , Sikder Muhammad Jalal Uddin , Kysia Kareem , Shen Sharon
Published: July 2021

Overseas labor migration (OLR) is currently one of the most important contributors to Bangladesh’s economy and is a highly profitable form of labor for Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries. Despite the high rate of migration between these countries, the OLR sector remains complex and often leaves migrants susceptible to human trafficking, forced labor, and modern slavery. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed migrant workers to additional adverse situations, increasing their vulnerability to forced labor and COVID-19 related health risks. This rapid assessment addresses critical questions about the short- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on Bangladesh’s OLR industry. Findings from this assessment will inform migrant rights protection policies and programs.
Civil Society Organisations in Counter-Trafficking Governance: When Long-Standing Interactions  Lead to Solid Partnerships
Authors: Brière Chloé , Muraszkiewicz Julia , Weatherburn Amy
Published: July 2021

Civil society involvement in counter-trafficking governance has substantially evolved, and today reaches an unprecedented level. The present paper aims at discussing different aspects of their involvement and their unique position across multiple levels of governance: i) their role in drafting legal instruments; ii) their role in EU’s policy and iii) their impact in securing the rights of victims, using the example of the trafficked person’s right not to be punished. We highlight that civil society actors, at all multi-governance levels from the global to the local, play an integral role in securing an effective comprehensive counter-trafficking response.
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act and COVID-19: a get out of jail free card?
Authors: McGaughey Fiona
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic increased modern slavery risk around the world, including in the operations and supply chains of Australian businesses. This article thematically analyses a sample of available business statements under Australia’s Modern Slavery Act to assess how they engaged with modern slavery risks due to COVID-19. Overall, the statements acknowledged that COVID-19 had increased risks through rapidly altered supply chain profiles, urgent demand for items such as PPE, and yet there were widespread reports of reduced capacity to fully execute planned modern slavery risk assessment, training, and audit activities.
Reasserting Agency: Procedural Justice, Victim-Centricity, and the Right to Remedy for Survivors of Slavery and Related Exploitation
Authors: Schwarz Katarina , Geng Jing
Published: July 2021

One of the biggest failings of contemporary regimes governing human exploitation is their treatment of ‘victims’. This paper roots narratives of victimhood and agency in the legal frameworks through analysis of the right to effective remedy in human rights and international law. Dominant characterisations of ‘victimisation’ are problematised and an alternative formulation - the ‘victim-agent’ - proposed in order to recognise agency and its abrogation, advocate for participation consistent with the demands of procedural justice, and contribute to meaningful redress.
Digital Currencies and Relevant Policy Analysis
Authors: Zou Lixing
Published: July 2021

The paper collates the relations of digital currencies with the past forms of currencies, studies the operating mechanism of digital currencies, analyzes the influence of digital currencies on the financial order and economic pattern, and probes into how to drive the reform of global monetary system with pragmatic and innovative efforts. The paper highlights: First, the evolution and development of currency reflects the mankind’s social and economic development level. Second, digital currency born with the advances of technology does not change the content of credit money. The credit money-to-digital currency shift must respect the operating mechanism of money and ensure that the physical market and the money market are balanced or roughly balanced. Third, with a complicated influence on the social economy, digital currency is unlikely to change the global monetary system and the international economic pattern easily. Fourth, the work of encouraging financial innovation and improving overall financial infrastructure should come with strengthened efforts to develop sound rules governing the market order in the context of digital economy, by guarding against the risks from “excessive monopoly” and “decentralization”. Fifth, the paper calls for linking “trust, confidence and credit” of the human society organically with such intrinsic values as global development, global planning and global resources, and also leveraging such values to actively approach the “Earth-based” monetary system and its replacement of the “gold standard”, the “silver standard” and the sovereign credit based monetary system which have been in long use.
Pregabalin Neurotoxicity Associated with Triphasic Waves on Electroencephalogram. Conservative Management or Hemodialysis?
Authors: Singh MD Harpreet , Kalupa MD Amanda R , Jani MD Chinmay , Rupal MD Arashdeep , Walker MD Alexander , Patel Harsh , Hu MD Kurt
Published: July 2021

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Influence of Cattle Backgrounding Systems on Animal and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Langlie J. A. , Omontese B. O. , DiCostanzo A. D. , Cox R. B. , Webb M. J.
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesCattle can be managed differently during the backgrounding segment, which may alter long-term animal and carcass characteristics. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) measure carcass composition over time, and 2) determine the effect of different backgrounding diets on animal growth and carcass characteristics.Materials and MethodsAngus and Angus × Simmental crossed calves (n = 65) were stratified by dam age, birth date, weaning weight, breed, and sex post weaning in a completely randomized design to one of three treatments: (1) perennial pasture (PP; grazing quack grass, orchard grass; smooth brome grass, red clover, and alfalfa); (2) summer annual cover crop (CC; grazing cereal oats, purple top turnips, hunter forage brassica, and graza forage radish); and (3) dry lot (DL; bunk fed a haylage ration consisting of 28 NEm Mcal/50.8 kg DM) during backgrounding for 55 d. Concluding backgrounding, the CC and PP treatments were transported to pens where all treatments were sorted by gender and acclimated to a finishing ration over a period of 14 d and continued receiving 3 step-up diets over the next 25 d. Two pens during the finishing segment were utilized to house heifers and steers, respectively. The heifers were top dressed with melengestral acetate till harvest, which was determined by targeting a common backfat thickness per treatment. From backgrounding to harvest, cattle were weighed to determine body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and hip height (HH) measurements were recorded every 28 d. Five periodic carcass ultrasound measures were recorded to evaluate ultrasound rib eye area (uREA), rib fat thickness (uRFT), and percent intramuscular fat (uIMF). At harvest, carcass measurements included hot carcass weight (HCW), LMA, 12th rib backfat (FT), kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH), marbling and maturity score and objective color (L*, a*, b*). Statistical analyses were conducted using mixed model procedures and animal weaning weight was used as a covariate. Least square means were computed and separated using least significant differences when treatment effects were significant at α ≤ 0.05.ResultsCattle ADG, uREA, uRFT, and HH did not differ (P ≥ 0.05) among treatments from backgrounding to harvest (Table 2). Cattle in DL were heavier (P ≤ 0.05) in BW than CC and PP, which were similar (P ≥ 0.05). Percent uIMF was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for DL and similar (P ≥ 0.05) to PP though CC was lower (P ≤ 0.05) and similar (P ≤ 0.05) to PP.ConclusionTreatments utilizing different backgrounding diets influence average body weights and ultrasound intramuscular adipose. Cattle grazing forages have lighter body weights and lower ultrasound intramuscular adipose though, cattle grazing perennial pastures were most variable in carcass ultrasound intramuscular adipose.Table 2Least squares mean performance responses and ultrasound-measured composition (averaged across all periodic measurements) according to the backgrounding treatment1
Characterization of Carcass Color Differences Between Hen (Small Birds) and Meat-Type (Large Birds) Pheasant Lines Associated with Freezing
Authors: Hwang K. E. , Claus J. R.
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the cause of why hen carcasses turn red on freezing in contrast to meat-type male pheasants.Materials and MethodsHen pheasant carcasses (n = 5) that were visibly red on the outside and larger meat-type pheasants (n = 5, not red) from the same harvest day at a commercial plant were obtained. The frozen carcasses in their original, sealed plastic bag were brought to the University of Wisconsin Meat Science Laboratory and stored in a –25°C freezer prior to being semi-thawed for about 24 h (4°C). Breast muscles (M. pectoralis major) were collected, cut into similar sections (approx. 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 1.5 cm), vacuum-packaged in a Nylon/PE vacuum bag, and stored in the –25°C freezer. The frozen samples were ground (9.5 mm plate). Skins were trimmed of excessive fat prior to pulverization in liquid nitrogen. Instrumental color, pH, proximate composition, myoglobin content (myoglobin-based methodology, Mb), and muscle fiber type determination were conducted. All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of the SAS statistical analysis software. Dependent variable means were separated (P < 0.05) by pairwise comparisons using the PDIFF option.ResultsHens exhibited greater redness (CIE a*, 4.87) and were darker (CIE L*, 53.33) than the meat-type pheasants (CIE a*, 4.31 and CIE L*, 55.74) on frozen/semi-thawed breast muscles (P < 0.05), whereas no difference was observed in the yellowness (CIE b*) between the different pheasant types (P > 0.05). The highest pH (6.38) and Mb (1.89 mg/g) values were obtained from the skin of the hen carcasses compared to the skin of the meat-type pheasants (pH 6.21, Mb 1.22 mg/g). In addition, the breast muscle of the hens had a higher pH and Mb content. The hen skin exhibited the highest moisture and protein content as well as a lower fat content than the skin from meat-type pheasants. The intermediate fiber (IIA) type was the only type found in the pectoralis major muscles, regardless of the different pheasant types.ConclusionThe results of the current study reveal that hen carcasses had more red pigmentation and exhibited significantly higher pH values, redness, and Mb level than the meat-type pheasants. In this regard, a higher pH might suggest hens were more stress-susceptible which produced the darker red meat. Also, higher ultimate pH values could protect myoglobin and hemoglobin from denaturation. A major part of the darkening might be related to the lower amount of fat within the skin which may have facilitated transparency to the darker, more red breast muscle. Genetics or production practices differences did not appear to alter muscle fiber types. Our findings suggest that the more intense red appearance may be associated with the presence of hemoglobin rather than myoglobin. Future evaluation of the effects of soaking pheasant skin with various pH solutions and scalding variations on the physicochemical properties of collagen may merit investigation.
Endpoint Temperature Influences Sarcoplasmic Proteome Profile of Cooked Beef Longissimus Lumborum
Authors: Salim A. P. A. A. , Suman S. P. , Li S. , Wang Y. , Chen J. , Zhu H. , Conte-Junior C. A.
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesCooking ensures safety and enhances the palatability attributes of meat. Denaturation of myoglobin results in the dull-brown color of cooked meats. The denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins is influenced by the degree of heat treatment, and their solubility is decreased with an increase in the endpoint cooking temperature. While previous studies examined the relationship between myoglobin denaturation, cooked color, and internal temperature in beef, investigations are yet to be undertaken to characterize the association between endpoint temperature, sarcoplasmic proteome, and color attributes in cooked steaks. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to examine the influence of endpoint cooking temperature (60 and 71°C) on sarcoplasmic proteome and internal color of beef longissimus lumborum (LL) steaks.Materials and MethodsEight (n = 8) beef LL muscles (14 d postmortem; USDA Choice) were obtained from a commercial packing plant. Two 2.5-cm thick steaks were fabricated from the center of the muscles and were cooked to internal endpoint temperature of 60°C (C-60) or 71°C (C-71) in a clam-shell grill. Cooked steaks were immediately cooled in slushed ice, sliced parallel to the grilled surface, and internal redness (a* value) and color stability (R630/580) were evaluated instrumentally. Sarcoplasmic proteome from the interiors of the cooked steaks was analyzed using 2-dimensional electrophoresis, and the gel images were digitally analyzed. The protein spots exhibiting more than 2.5-fold intensity differences (P < 0.05) between C-60 and C-71 were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and were identified by tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsThe C-60 steaks demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) a* and R630/580 than their C-71 counterparts. Seven differentially abundant proteins were identified and were over-abundant (P < 0.05) in C-60 compared to C-71. The differentially abundant proteins belong to 6 functional groups, i.e., transport proteins (serum albumin and hemoglobin), energy metabolism (adenylate kinase isoenzyme 1), chaperones (heat shock protein β-1), antioxidant (thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase), glycolytic enzymes (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase B), and protease (cytosol aminopeptidase).ConclusionThe findings indicated that the endpoint cooking temperature influences the internal cooked color and the sarcoplasmic proteome profile of beef LL steaks. The overabundant proteins in steaks cooked to 60°C may be utilized as potential biomarkers for undercooked beef, which is a source for foodborne infections.
Depletion and Bioaccumulation of Ractopamine Hydrochloride (RH) in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Bovine
Authors: Davis H. E. , Geornaras I. , Engle T. , Prenni J. E. , Yang H. , Lindstrom V. , Budde A. M. , Arnold A. N. , Gehring K. B. , Riggs P. K. , Cross H. R. , Belk K. E.
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesDue to developing meat trade issues associated with use of the β-agonist ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) as a growth-promoting agent in livestock production, this project was developed to provide recommendations of best practices to beef cattle producers in the United States who intend to export to China. This study is critically important in better understanding the bioaccumulation and depletion of RH in live animals, and how this may relate to depletion in differing tissues on animal harvest.This study was designed to determine dose response and depletion curves in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of fistulated (i.e., cannulated- both rumen and duodenal) steers either receiving or not receiving ractopamine hydrochloride as part of the daily ration. There were originally five steers in this study, but due to performance challenges and scarring issues, one animal was removed from the study for a total of four test subjects.Materials and MethodsIn the dose and depletion study, four steers (n = 2 not receiving RH and n = 2 receiving RH at the approved dosage) were assessed from –3 d (still receiving RH if on the RH treatment) to 13 d post-withdrawal to determine the amount of RH present and length of time required for RH to clear the GI tract should a contamination event of low levels occur. Residues were quantified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS).ResultsFor the dose and depletion study, RH residues were quantified in rumen fluids, rumen solids, fecal material, and duodenal fluids. Overall, the RH present in the two control steers (which did not receive RH) declined from approximately 30 ppb in all matrices 3 d before withdrawal to below the limit of quantitation at the end of withdrawal. Furthermore, samples tended to be below the limit of quantitation by Day 4 post-withdrawal. The steers that received RH also exhibited a decline of RH throughout the withdrawal period for all matrices (e.g., 5800 ppb in rumen fluids at day –3 versus 1.81 ppb 13 d post-withdrawal).ConclusionThe dose and depletion study results suggest that RH declines rapidly in the lower GI of beef cattle, with levels below detection by day four. There are events in which RH declines and then spikes, so further research may be necessary to determine why this rapid increase occurs.
Evaluation of Pearl Millet With and Without Soybean Hull Supplementation for Forage-Finished Beef Production Systems
Authors: Mckee R. W. , Harmon D. D. , Hancock D. W. , Stewart L. , Sims W. M. , Rigdon M. , Thomas C. L. , Stelzleni A. M.
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to evaluate pearl millet, a warm-season annual grass, with and without soybean hull supplementation for forage-finished beef production systems in the Southeast.Materials and MethodsEach year, 32 Angus-crossbred steers (339 ± 40 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four finishing treatments. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial and included two varieties of pearl millet, ‘Tifleaf 3’ (PM) and ‘Exceed’ brown mid-rib (BMR), and two levels of soybean hull supplementation, 0 and 0.75% of body weight d–1. Steers were on treatments for 90 and 84 d during the summers of 2017 and 2018, respectively, at the University of Georgia Department of Animal and Dairy Science Beef Research Unit located near Eatonton, GA. Shrunk weights were taken at initiation and termination of the finishing period and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated. At the end of the finishing period, steers were harvested under USDA inspection and carcass data was collected 24 h postmortem from the right side of each carcass. Striploins were then removed from the right side, vacuum packed, and allowed to age for 21 d prior to fabrication. Striploins were fabricated into 2.54-cm steaks and allocated to meats proximate (n = 1), 0 through 7 d of simulated shelf life (n = 8), trained sensory panel (n = 2), and instrumental tenderness analyses (n = 2). All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS v. 9.4.ResultsSupplementation increased ADG over forage alone (P < 0.01) however, hot carcass weights were increased by supplementation in the PM steers only (P < 0.05). No treatment differences were observed for marbling score (P = 0.61), overall maturity (P = 0.49), 12th rib fat thickness (P = 0.21), ribeye area (P = 0.1668), and subjective fat color (P = 0.93). Objective carcass lean color values for L* and subjective lean color scores were different (P < 0.05). Treatment effects were also observed for carcass lean maturity scores (P < 0.05). No treatment differences were observed for meats proximate analysis (P > 0.05), instrumental tenderness as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear force (P = 0.94), initial and sustained tenderness (P = 0.66 and P = 0.29, respectively), beef and off-flavor intensities (P = 0.83 and P = 0.36, respectively), or juiciness (P = 0.54) as measured by a trained sensory panel. No treatment differences (P > 0.05) were observed for lipid oxidation or color change (Delta E) within any day of simulated shelf life. Calculated values for hue, chroma, and redness were unaffected (P > 0.05) by treatment within day of simulated shelf life.ConclusionResults indicate pearl millet is a viable forage option for forage-finished beef systems and soybean hull supplementation improves animal performance over forage alone with minimal impacts on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and shelf life.