bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Sulfur Dioxide Concentration on Antioxidant Activity, Total Polyphenols, Flavonoid Content and Individual Polyphenolic Compounds in White Wines during Storage
Authors: Mlček Jiří , Jurikova Tunde , Bednaříková Růžena , Snopek Lukáš , Ercisli Sezai , Tureček Ondřej
Published: July 2023

Wines represent a rich source of bioactive compounds, especially polyphenolic compounds, which mostly contribute to the antioxidant activity. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) has mostly been used as a preservative in winemaking to prevent oxidation during storage. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the changes in SO2 levels and the influence of sulfur dioxide addition at seven different concentrations on the antioxidant activity (detected by DPPH-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the ABTS Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity methods), total polyphenols, flavonoid content and individual polyphenolic compounds (determined by the HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography method) of white wines during 5 months of storage. The assayed sulfur dioxide concentrations show a decreasing tendency with time, with a final decrease of more than 50% in comparison with the start of the experiment. Between the first and second measurements, the average decrease in sulfur dioxide was 16%. In the following interval, it was found that the maximum decline in SO2 was 26%. The changes in SO2 levels cannot be considered statistically significant. At the same time, we observed a decreasing tendency in the TPC content during storage. The antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH method at the beginning of the experiment ranged from 116.75 up to 270.62 mg·L−1, while the antioxidant activity increased with sulfur dioxide concentration. The AA detected by the ABTS method displayed a decreasing tendency during storage. In the case of the TFC content, we observed a significant influence of sulfur dioxide on the concentration. No addition or addition of high SO2 concentrations negatively influenced the flavonoid content in the samples. During storage, we observed a highly variable content of phenolic compounds in relation to SO2 addition. The most abundant compounds were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and epigallocatechin.
Vibration Characteristic Analysis and Structural Optimization of the Frame of a Triplex Row-Baling Cotton Picker
Authors: Dong Jianhao , Wang Guangheng , Lin Hui , Bi Xinsheng , Li Zhantao , Zhao Pengda , Pei Tingwen , Tan Fei
Published: July 2023

The frame of the cotton picker is exposed to complex and varying loads during its operation. Therefore, conducting research on the vibration characteristics of the frame is crucial. In this study, vibration tests were conducted on the main vibration sources in a cotton picker at several measuring points on the frame. An accelerometer sensor was utilized to collect the signals. Fourier analysis was applied to analyze the vibration sources, encompassing the excitation frequency and the vibration source-coupled excitation frequency. Modal tests were also conducted to validate the finite element model and determine the natural frequencies of the frame. The results showed that the natural frequencies of the frame, specifically the third-order, fourth-order, and sixth-order frequencies, were comparable to the vibration source-coupled excitation frequencies. To prevent frame resonance, the response surface method was used to optimize the frame. Based on the MOGA algorithm, scheme 4 was identified as the optimal design. Furthermore, fatigue life calculations were carried out to optimize the parts with short lifespans on the frame, thereby enhancing the working performance.
Productive, Qualitative, and In Vitro Fermentation Traits of Amaranthus Grains as Potential Ingredients for Pig Diet
Authors: Chiofalo Biagina , Vastolo Alessandro , Oteri Marianna , Calabrò Serena , Armone Rosangela , Scordia Danilo , Cutrignelli Monica Isabella , Gresta Fabio
Published: July 2023

The present work compared the agronomic traits, chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and in vitro fermentation characteristics of twelve accessions of Amaranthus spp., belonging to A. cruentus, A. hybridus, A. hypochondriacus, and A. tricolor, grown in a semiarid Mediterranean area. Among accessions, Benin and Arizona (A. cruentus) and Pennsylvania (A. hypochondriacus) showed the highest seed yield (on average, 322.1 g m−2), while Taiwan (A. tricolor) and India and Iowa (A. hypochondriacus) the highest thousand seed weight (on average, 0.81 g). Among the species, A. hypochondriacus showed the highest crude protein (16 g 100g−1), starch (51.5 g 100g−1), and soluble detergent fiber (2.03 g 100g−1) contents and the most favorable in vitro fermentation characteristics with the highest short-chain fatty acid (SCFA 52.6 mmol g−1) and butyric acid (20.7% SCFA) production together with the lowest crude fiber (4.93 g 100g−1) and insoluble dietary fiber (12.5 g 100g−1) content. Arizona (A. cruentus) showed the highest level of monounsaturated fatty acids (32.67 g 100g−1), Ohio (A. hybridus) had the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (44.62 g 100g−1) and n6-PUFA (44.21 g 100g−1), and India (A. hypochondriacus) had the highest level of n3-PUFA (0.63 g 100g−1). A. hypochondriacus exhibited not only desirable nutritive characteristics, agronomic traits, and suitability to Mediterranean growing conditions, but also a potential beneficial effect. Nonetheless, it is recommended to run longer-term field trials to confirm these findings and to assess the genotype by environment interaction either with current accessions or others from the wide Amaranth germplasm available.
Neural Modelling in the Study of the Relationship between Herd Structure, Amount of Manure and Slurry Produced, and Location of Herds in Poland
Authors: Wawrzyniak Agnieszka , Przybylak Andrzej , Boniecki Piotr , Sujak Agnieszka , Zaborowicz Maciej
Published: July 2023

In the presented study, data regarding the size and structure of cattle herds in voivodeships in Poland in 2019 were analysed and modelled using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The neural modelling approach was employed to identify the relationship between herd structure, biogas production from manure and slurry, and the geographical location of herds by voivodeship. The voivodeships were categorised into four groups based on their location within Poland: central, southern, eastern, and western. In each of the analysed groups, a three-layer MLP (multilayer perceptron) with a single hidden layer was found to be the optimal network structure. A sensitivity analysis of the generated models for herd structure and location within the eastern group of voivodeships revealed significant contributions from dairy cows, heifers (both 6–12 and 12–18 months old), calves, and bulls aged 12–24 months. For the western voivodeships, the analysis indicated that only dairy cows and herd location made significant contributions. The optimal models exhibited similar values of RMS errors for the training, testing, and validation datasets. The model characterising biogas production from manure in southern voivodeships demonstrated the smallest RMS error, while the model for biogas from manure in the eastern region, as well as the model for slurry in central parts of Poland, yielded the highest RMS errors. The generated ANN models exhibited a high level of accuracy, with a fitting quality of approximately 99% for correctly predicting values. Comparable results were obtained for both manure and slurry in terms of biogas production across all location groups.
The Efficiency of China’s Agricultural Circular Economy and Its Influencing Factors under the Rural Revitalization Strategy: A DEA–Malmquist–Tobit Approach
Authors: Guo Chenghan , Zhang Rong , Zou Yuntao
Published: July 2023

In 2018, the Chinese government proposed the Rural Revitalization Strategy with the objective of bolstering economic development, social progress, and ecological protection in rural areas, thereby achieving rural modernization. This paper employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method and the Malmquist index model to measure the efficiency and changes of the agricultural circular economy in 31 provinces and cities in China from 2017 to 2020. Using Tobit regression, we further examine the correlation analysis in the context of the rural revitalization policy. The study reveals that the efficiency of China’s agricultural circular economy continued to grow between 2017 and 2020. The policy of the rural revitalization strategy significantly impacts the efficiency of the agricultural circular economy. Government financial support has a significant positive influence on the efficiency of the agricultural circular economy. Based on the research findings, we proposed several constructive suggestions.
Assessment of the Chemical Composition and Nutritional Quality of Breast Muscle from Broiler Chickens Receiving Various Levels of Fe Glycine Chelate
Authors: Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Kwiecień Małgorzata , Jachimowicz-Rogowska Karolina , Kislova Svitlana , Zasadna Zvenyslava , Yanovych Dmytro
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Fe glycine chelate supplementation on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of breast meat from broiler chicken. The following parameters were assessed: fat content, cholesterol content, fatty acid profile, atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (H/H) fatty acid ratio. The 42-day experiment involved 200 broiler chickens assigned into four dietary groups: the control receiving Fe sulfate in the dose of 40 mg/kg of feed and three experimental groups of chickens supplemented with 40 mg (Fe-Gly40), 20 mg (Fe-Gly20), or 10 mg (Fe-Gly10) of Fe glycine chelate per 1 kg of diet. The results showed no negative effect of the application of Fe glycine chelate on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of breast muscle. Therefore, the advisability of the application of Fe glycine chelates in the nutrition of broiler chickens should be revised.
Effect of Agricultural Production Trusteeship on Agricultural Carbon Emission Reduction
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Guang Shuya , Cao Jingjing , Zhu Fengying , Liu Jianxu , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: July 2023

Based on the survey data of five large grain-producing provinces in China, this paper studies the effect of agricultural production trusteeship on agricultural carbon emission reduction by using a propensity score matching method. The empirical results show that the carbon emission of wheat reduces by 7.107 kg/mu, with a decrease rate of 15.5% after participating in agricultural production trusteeship. Among them, chemical fertilizers, manpower input, agricultural chemicals and diesel oil, respectively, reduce with rates of 14.2%, 27.7%, 14.1%, and 6%. However, there are differences in the facilitation effects of different trusteeship services, with the best promotion effect of field management services, followed by cultivation, planting and harvest services, and then agricultural material supply services, for which the average treatment effects on treated (ATT) is −6.160, −5.732 and −5.530, respectively. Meanwhile, there are differences in the promotion effects for farm households with different factor endowments. The promotion effect is better for small farm households with one type of agricultural machinery or less, and an operation scale of 7 mu or less. Therefore, in order to better play the role of agricultural production trusteeship in agricultural carbon emission reduction, the government should vigorously support its development and guide more smallholders to choose agricultural production trusteeship.
Simulation Analysis and Testing of Tracked Universal Chassis Passability in Hilly Mountainous Orchards
Authors: Mou Xiaobin , Luo Qi , Ma Guojun , Wan Fangxin , He Cuncai , Yue Yijie , Yue Yuanman , Huang Xiaopeng
Published: July 2023

In the process of orchard mechanization, passability serves as a crucial criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the chassis. To address the adaptability of hilly and mountainous multifunctional work machines to complex terrain, a theoretical analysis was conducted to assess the chassis’ performance under three key working conditions: climbing, crossing obstacles, and crossing trenches. Using kinematics, the theoretical maximum climbing angle, maximum obstacle height, and maximum trench width were calculated to be 35.8°, 170.4 mm, and 427 mm, respectively. Additionally, the passability of the chassis model was simulated under these working conditions in different soil environments using RecurDyn dynamics software. Post-processing techniques were employed to extract time characteristic curves for parameters such as center-of-mass velocity, pitch angle, offset, lateral inclination angle, and longitudinal displacement, providing valuable insights into how these parameters changed during chassis movement. The results revealed that the maximum gradient for slope climbing was 30°, the maximum height for obstacle crossing was 150 mm, and the maximum width for trench crossing was 400 mm. The prototype was then tested under these theoretical and simulated conditions in the field, and its ability to smoothly traverse slopes with a 35° angle in first gear, climb vertical obstacles up to a height of 200 mm, and pass through trenches with a width of 430 mm was demonstrated. The crawler chassis exhibited stable performance within the design parameters, aligning closely with the simulated and theoretical expectations. Overall, this study provides valuable theoretical insights for the structural design of multipurpose chassis suitable for orchards in hilly and mountainous regions.
Multi-Omics Revealed the Molecular Mechanism of Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Germination Regulated by GA3
Authors: Han Zanping , Jin Yunqian , Wang Bin , Guo Yiyang
Published: July 2023

Maize is a valuable raw material for feed and food production. Healthy seed germination is important for improving the yield and quality of maize. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate maize seed germination remain unclear. In this study, multi-omics was used to reveal the molecular mechanism of seed germination induced by gibberellin (GA) in maize. The results indicated that 25,603 genes were differentially expressed (DEGs) and annotated in the GO database, of which 2515 genes were annotated in the KEGG database. In addition, 791 mature miRNAs with different expression levels were identified, of which 437 were known in the miRbase database and 354 were novel miRNAs. Integrative analysis of DEGs and miRNAs suggested that carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and energy metabolisms are the primary metabolic pathways in maize seed germination. Interestingly, a lipid metabolism-related gene named ZmSLP was found to negatively regulate maize germination. We transformed this gene into Arabidopsis thaliana to verify its function. The results showed that the germination rate of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds was obviously decreased, and the growth of seedlings was weaker and slower than that of WT plants, suggesting that this gene plays an important role in promoting seed germination. These findings provide a valuable reference for further research on the mechanisms of maize seed germination.
Stability of Agronomic Traits of Barley Evolutionary Populations under Drought Conditions in Iran
Authors: Salimi Maedeh , Razavi Khadijeh Catherine , Amiri Mobina Nourmohammadian , Esmaeili Mehdi , Khorramdel Soroor , Moghani Hanieh , Grando Stefania , Ceccarelli Salvatore
Published: July 2023

Barley is an important feed crop in Iran and is threatened by an increased frequency of drought. Increasing diversity in the form of evolutionary populations (EPs) and mixtures is one strategy to increase the resilience of crops. Four barley EPs, which have evolved in different locations over 7 to 10 years from the same original population, were evaluated for agronomic trait and stability together with two landraces, and one improved variety for three cropping seasons in four locations. Modest but significant differences were found only for plant height with a range of less than 4 cm. Stability, measured with cultivar superiority, as well as environmental variance and reliability measures generally indicated a superior stability of EPs—with two of them ranking first and second for grain yield reliability—but also differences between the EPs. The effect of recurrent droughts on the diversity within EPs is discussed as a possible explanation for the lack of divergent evolution. The seed management of Eps, including seed exchange between farmers, is suggested as a possible strategy to avoid the reduction in diversity within populations. Future research will address the nutritional value of the EPs, which is often quoted by sheep owners as superior to commonly grown varieties.
Agrivoltaic: Challenge and Progress
Authors: Liu Wen , Omer Altyeb Ali Abaker , Li Ming
Published: July 2023

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) [...]
Complementary Use of Ground-Based Proximal Sensing and Airborne/Spaceborne Remote Sensing Techniques in Precision Agriculture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alexopoulos Angelos , Koutras Konstantinos , Ali Sihem Ben , Puccio Stefano , Carella Alessandro , Ottaviano Roberta , Kalogeras Athanasios
Published: July 2023

As the global population continues to increase, projected to reach an estimated 9.7 billion people by 2050, there will be a growing demand for food production and agricultural resources. Transition toward Agriculture 4.0 is expected to enhance agricultural productivity through the integration of advanced technologies, increase resource efficiency, ensure long-term food security by applying more sustainable farming practices, and enhance resilience and climate change adaptation. By integrating technologies such as ground IoT sensing and remote sensing, via both satellite and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and exploiting data fusion and data analytics, farming can make the transition to a more efficient, productive, and sustainable paradigm. The present work performs a systematic literature review (SLR), identifying the challenges associated with UAV, Satellite, and Ground Sensing in their application in agriculture, comparing them and discussing their complementary use to facilitate Precision Agriculture (PA) and transition to Agriculture 4.0.
Method and Experiment for Quantifying Local Features of Hard Bottom Contours When Driving Intelligent Farm Machinery in Paddy Fields
Authors: Tu Tuanpeng , Hu Lian , Luo Xiwen , He Jie , Wang Pei , Tian Li , Chen Gaolong , Man Zhongxian , Feng Dawen , Cen Weirui , Li Mingjin , Liu Yuxuan , Hou Kang , Zi Le , Yue Mengdong , Li Yuqin
Published: July 2023

The hard bottom layer of a paddy field has a great influence on the driving stability and the operation quality and efficiency of intelligent farm machinery. For paddy field machinery, continuous improvements in the accuracy and operation efficiency of unmanned precision operations are needed to realize unmanned rice farming. In the context of unmanned farm machinery operation, the complicated hard bottom layer situation makes it difficult to quantify the local characteristics of paddy fields. In this paper, an unmanned direct rice seeding machine chassis is used to maneuver the operation field and collect the hard bottom layer information simultaneously. This information is used to design a data processing method that automatically calibrates the sensor installation error and performs abnormal value rejection and 3D sample curve denoising of the contour trajectory. A hard bottom layer surface profile evaluation method based on the local sliding surface roughness is also proposed. The local characteristics of the hard bottom layer were quantified, and the results from the test plots showed that the mean value of the local roughness was 0.0065, where 68.27% of the plots were distributed in the variation range of 0.0042~0.0087 and 99.73% were distributed in the variation range of 0~0.0133. Using the test field data, the surface roughness features were verified to describe the variability in representative working conditions, such as the transport, downfield, operation, and trapping of unmanned intelligent farm machinery. When driving intelligent farm machinery, the proposed method for quantifying local features of the hard bottom layer can provide feedback on the local environmental features at any given position of the machinery. The method also provides a reference for the design optimization of unmanned systems, which can help to realize speed adaption and improve the local path tracking control accuracy of smart farming machines.
Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) to Optimize Ventilatory Management in Critically Ill Patients: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Cappellini Iacopo , Campiglia Laura , Zamidei Lucia , Consales Guglielmo
Published: July 2023

Background: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging method that enables the continuous bedside monitoring of regional ventilation and lung volume changes. The technique is based on the estimation of the resistivity changes that occur across the lungs with breathing. Methods: We present two case reports of patients affected by acute respiratory distress syndrome successfully managed with prone-positioning-based regional ventilation shown on EIT. Results: Both patients were submitted to cycles of prone-positioning-guided EIT and were successfully extubated and discharged from intensive care unit. Conclusions: EIT is a functional imaging method that has the potential to improve respiratory care by providing real-time, continuous monitoring of regional ventilation and lung volume changes at the bedside. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in different clinical scenarios and to optimize its use in respiratory care.
Worldwide Research Trends for Chelates in Animal Science: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Vakili Reza , Sobhani Ehsan , Sangari Mahmood , Mokhtarpour Amir , Hosseini Ghafari Seyed Ali
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to look at research trends in the application of CTM in animal nutrition in order to identify current and emerging challenges, as well as to examine the intellectual structure of the subject. The intellectual structure of CTM was examined using keyword and reference analysis. The research community includes all research and review articles published in journals indexed in the Web of Science database during the years 1990–2022. The results showed that the terms zinc, co-occurring 331 times, performance (324 times), and copper 216 (times) were the main and hotspots of research in the field of chelate. The data suggest that the most important keywords during the study period were zinc, copper, pig, bovine, metabolism, and bioavailability. The terms health, muscle, beef, trace elements, and dietary supplements represent emerging topics in CTM, as research began to focus on these areas during the years 2017–2022. The country with the greatest number of published articles was the United States of America. This bibliometric analysis showed that countries are focusing on the effects of CTM on the health and musculature of cattle through dietary supplementation with trace elements. According to the identified hot and emerging topics, this research can serve as a roadmap for a global comprehensive scientific plan and policy.
Biosecurity and Mitigation Strategies to Control Swine Viruses in Feed Ingredients and Complete Feeds
Authors: Shurson Gerald C. , Urriola Pedro E. , Schroeder Declan C.
Published: July 2023

No system nor standardized analytical procedures at commercial laboratories exist to facilitate and accurately measure potential viable virus contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds globally. As a result, there is high uncertainty of the extent of swine virus contamination in global feed supply chains. Many knowledge gaps need to be addressed to improve our ability to prevent virus contamination and transmission in swine feed. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge involving: (1) the need for biosecurity protocols to identify production, processing, storage, and transportation conditions that may cause virus contamination of feed ingredients and complete feed; (2) challenges of measuring virus inactivation; (3) virus survival in feed ingredients during transportation and storage; (4) minimum infectious doses; (5) differences between using a food safety objective versus a performance objective as potential approaches for risk assessment in swine feed; (6) swine virus inactivation from thermal and irradiation processes, and chemical mitigants in feed ingredients and complete feed; (7) efficacy of virus decontamination strategies in feed mills; (8) benefits of functional ingredients, nutrients, and commercial feed additives in pig diets during a viral health challenge; and (9) considerations for improved risk assessment models of virus contamination in feed supply chains.
Effects of Different Doses of Multienzyme Supplementation on Growth Performance, Duodenal pH and Morphology, and Carcass Traits in Broilers Fed Diets with an Increasing Reduction in Energy
Authors: Hashim Mosaad , Gonzalez-Sanchez David , Wealleans Alexandra , Abdelkader Mohamed , El-Safty Salah Abdel Rahman , Abdelhady Abdel Rahman Y.
Published: July 2023

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing different doses of a multienzyme (KZP) consisting of carbohydrases and a protease on growth performance, duodenal pH and morphology, and carcass traits in broilers fed diets with increasing reductions in energy. One thousand two hundred one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments with eight replicates of 30 birds each: a positive control diet formulated to meet Arbor Acres’ nutritional requirements (PC); a negative control diet reformulated to 80 kcal/kg less than the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of the PC (NC1); a negative control diet reformulated to 120 kcal/kg less than the AME of the PC (NC2); an NC1 diet supplemented with 300 g/t of KZP (NC1 + KZP300); and an NC2 supplemented with 500 g/t of KZP (NC2 + KZP500). Growth performance was measured throughout the study. At 35 days, 10 birds per treatment were randomly selected and euthanized for a carcass trait evaluation, and samples of the duodenum were collected for morphological examination and pH level determination. The final average body weight and feed conversion ratio were better (p < 0.05) for the broilers in the NC1 + KZP300 group compared to those in NC1, NC2 and NC2 + KZP500 groups and were similar to those of the PC birds (p > 0.05). Birds from the NC1 + KZP500 group showed a better (p < 0.05) final body weight and feed efficiency compared to the NC1 and NC2 groups. The villus height was greater (p < 0.05) for the PC and NC1 + KZP300 groups compared to the rest of the treatments. The crypt depth was longer (p < 0.05) for the NC1 and NC2 groups compared to the NC1 + KZP300 group. The supplementation of KZP to both the NC1 and NC2 diets reduced (p < 0.05) the abdominal fat %. This study demonstrates that supplementing energy-reduced diets with KZP improved performance in broiler chickens.
Intestinal Immune Cell Populations, Barrier Function, and Microbiomes in Broilers Fed a Diet Supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Yoon June Hyeok , An Su Hyun , Cho In Ho , Lee Chae Won , Jeon Yun Ji , Joo Sang Seok , Ban Byeong Cheol , Lee Jae-Yeong , Jung Hyun Jung , Kim Minji , Kim Z-Hun , Jung Ji Young , Kim Myunghoo , Kong Changsu
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Chlorella vulgaris (CV) on the distribution of immune cells, intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier function, antioxidant markers, and the cecal microbiome in 10-day-old broiler chickens. A total of 120 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were assigned to two dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design, with body weight as the blocking factor. Birds fed a diet containing CV showed an increase in CD4+ T cells (p < 0.05) compared to those fed the control diet. The relative mRNA expression of intestinal epithelial barrier function-related markers (occludin and avian β-defensin 5) was elevated (p < 0.05) in the CV-supplemented group compared to the control group. The alpha diversity indices (Chao1 and observed features) of the cecal microbiome in 10-day-old birds increased (p < 0.05), indicating higher richness within the cecal bacterial community. In the microbiome analysis, enriched genera abundance of Clostridium ASF356 and Coriobacteriaceae CHKCI002 was observed in birds fed the diet containing CV compared to those fed the control diet. Taken together, dietary CV supplementation might alter intestinal barrier function, immunity, and microbiomes in 10-day-old broiler chickens.
Litter Management Practices and House-Soiling in Italian Cats
Authors: Tateo Alessandra , Ricci-Bonot Claire , Felici Martina , Zappaterra Martina , Nanni Costa Leonardo , Houpt Katherine , Padalino Barbara
Published: July 2023

There are about 10.1 million domestic cats in Italy, but information on cats’ litter management and house-soiling prevalence is scant. This study described cats’ and cat owners’ profiles, litter management practices, and whether cats show house-soiling, also comparing between professionals (i.e., breeders) and amateurs (i.e., pet owners). A cross-sectional online survey sought respondents’ housing, family, and cat details, as well as other pet details, litter details, and whether the cats showed house-soiling. Data for a total of 3106 cats were obtained. Italian cats lived mainly in apartments, along with other cats or dogs. Italians owned mostly adult European breed cats, to whom they provided covered litter boxes filled with clumping substrates, scooped daily, and completely replaced weekly. Litter cleaning was more frequent when cats were owned for financial purposes (i.e., breeders) rather than for companionship, but more space was provided for pets than for breeding cats. The recalled prevalence of elimination problems (16.7%) was lower compared to other studies, with cats mainly eliminating urine (54.6%) on objects in squatting posture (35.2%). Overall, this research increased our understanding of cat litter management in Italy. These findings could fill a gap in the knowledge regarding litter management and house-soiling incidences in Italy. Further studies to investigate possible risk factors for house-soiling are needed.
CO2 Stunning in Pigs: Physiological Deviations at Onset of Excitatory Behaviour
Authors: Hognestad Bente Wabakken , Digranes Nora , Opsund Vigdis Groven , Espenes Arild , Haga Henning Andreas
Published: July 2023

Stunning by carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation is controversial because it is associated with vigorous movements and behaviours which may or may not be conscious reactions. Furthermore, it is unknown whether some behaviours might indicate the transition into unconsciousness. Our study objective was to investigate the loss of consciousness during CO2 stunning by linking physiological variables (in particular pH, PaO2 and PaCO2) to the onset of observed behaviours. A total of 11 cross-bred pigs were studied. A tracheostomy tube, venous and arterial cannulae were placed under sevoflurane anaesthesia. After recovery from this, and a “wash out” period of at least 30 min, arterial blood samples were taken (and baseline values established) before 90–95% CO2 in medical air was administered through the tracheostomy tube. Subsequent behaviours were video-recorded and key physiological variables were evaluated using an anaesthetic monitor and the frequent sampling of arterial blood (albeit with inconsistent inter-sample intervals). After the study, behaviours were classified in an ethogram. At the onset of behaviours categorised as “vigorous movement extremities”, “opisthotonos” and “agonal gasping” pH values (range) were: 6.74–7.34; 6.66–6.96 and 6.65–6.87, while PaCO2 (kPa) was 4.6–42.2, 24.4–51.4 and 29.1–47.6. Based upon these values, we conclude that the pigs were probably unconscious at the onset of “opisthotonos” and “agonal gasping”, but some were probably conscious at the onset of “vigorous movements”.
Cardiorespiratory Effects and Desflurane Requirement in Dogs Undergoing Ovariectomy after Administration Maropitant or Methadone
Authors: Cubeddu Francesca , Masala Gerolamo , Sotgiu Giovanni , Mollica Alessandra , Versace Sylvia , Careddu Giovanni Mario
Published: July 2023

General anesthesia for ovariectomy in dogs is based on a balanced anesthesia protocol such as using analgesics along with an inhalant agent. While opioids such as fentanyl and methadone are commonly used for their analgesic potency, other drugs can also have analgesic effects. Maropitant, an antiemetic for dogs and cats, has also been shown to exert analgesic effects, especially on visceral pain. The aim of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory effects and analgesic properties of maropitant and methadone combined with desflurane in dogs undergoing ovariectomy. Two groups of 20 healthy mixed-breeds bitches undergoing elective ovariectomy received intravenous either maropitant at antiemetic dose of 1 mg kg−1 or methadone at the dose of 0.3 mg kg−1. Cardiorespiratory variables were collected before premedication, 10 min after sedation and during surgery. Recovery quality and postoperative pain were evaluated 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 360 min postoperatively. Results showed that maropitant produced analgesia and reduced the requirement of desflurane in amounts similar to those determined by methadone (5.39 ± 0.20% and 4.91 ± 0.26%, respectively) without significant difference, while maintaining heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate and carbon dioxide end-tidal partial pressure even at a more satisfactory level. Therefore, maropitant may be recommended as an analgesic drug for abdominal surgery not only in healthy dogs but also in those with reduced cardiorespiratory compensatory capacities or at risk of hypotension, especially when combined with a sedative such as dexmedetomidine.
Reference Range of Kaolin-Activated Thromboelastography (TEG) Values in Healthy Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Bassan Tiziana , Pastor Josep , Agulla Beatriz , Jornet Oriol , Martorell Jaume
Published: July 2023

Thromboelastography (TEG) is a viscoelastic technique that allows the examination of both cellular and plasma protein clotting factors. Thromboelastography helps to investigate the underlying coagulopathy and to monitor therapeutic modalities. Although viscoelastic techniques have been used in human and veterinary medicine, reference ranges in pet rabbits are missing. The objective of this study is to establish the reference-range values of TEG parameters in healthy pet rabbits. 24 healthy pet rabbits of different breeds were included: 16 crossbreeds, four Californians, two lops, one lionhead, and one angora. Four rabbits were less than one year old and 20 were older than one year. Twelve rabbits were neutered females, 10 neutered males, and two were intact females. Health status was assessed through a physical examination, a complete blood work, and a coagulation profile. A TEG 5000 Thromboelastograph Hemostasis System was used with kaolin-activated citrated whole blood. All samples were analysed 30 min postextraction. The TEG reference ranges were reaction time (R) 1.4–6.9 min; clot formation time (K) 0.8–2.2 min; α angle 65.8–82.2 degrees; maximal amplitude (MA) 53.7–73.5 mm; measure of clot strength/firmness (G-value) 5796.6–13,885.9 dyn/cm2; and percentage of clot lysis in 30 min (LY30%) 0–41.5%. This study provides the reference ranges of TEG in pet rabbits.
Body Composition Estimation in Breeding Ewes Using Live Weight and Body Parameters Utilizing Image Analysis
Authors: Shalaldeh Ahmad , Page Shannon , Anthony Patricia , Charters Stuart , Safa Majeed , Logan Chris
Published: July 2023

Farmers are continually looking for new, reliable, objective, and non-invasive methods for evaluating the conditions of ewes. Live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) are used by farmers as a basis to determine the condition of the animal. Body composition is an important aspect of monitoring animal condition. The body composition is the amount of fat, muscle, and bone; knowing the amount of each is important because the information can be used for better strategic management interventions. Experiments were conducted to establish the relationship between body composition and body parameters at key life stages (weaning and pre-mating), using measurements automatically determined by an image processing application for 88 Coopworth ewes. Computerized tomography technology was used to determine the body composition. Multivariate linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN), and regression tree (RT) statistical analysis methods were used to develop a relationship between the body parameters and the body composition. A subset of data was used to validate the predicted model. The results showed a correlation between fat, muscle, and bone determined by CT and the fat, muscle, and bone weight estimated by the live weight and body parameters calculated using the image processing application, with r2 values of 0.90 for fat, 0.72 for muscle, and 0.50 for bone using ANN. From these results, farmers can utilize these measurements to enhance nutritional and management practices.
Effect of Honey, Coenzyme Q10, and β-Carotene/α-Tocopherol as Novel Additives in Rabbit-Sperm Cryopreservation Extender
Authors: Gardela Jaume , Ruiz-Conca Mateo , Palomares Anna , Olvera-Maneu Sergi , García-Calvo Laura , López-Béjar Manel , Martínez-Pastor Felipe , Álvarez-Rodríguez Manuel
Published: July 2023

The effectiveness of rabbit-sperm cryopreservation is still below average compared to other domestic species. After the sperm cryopreservation process, post-thawing parameters like motility and membrane integrity are significantly compromised. The use of new extender constituents is an approach that can be used to improve the effectiveness of cryopreservation. Accordingly, we used honey (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10%), coenzyme Q10 (100 and 200 μM), and β-carotene/α-tocopherol (500 μM/620 μM and 250 μM/310 μM) as candidate components for rabbit-sperm extenders during cryopreservation. Ejaculates from commercial adult rabbit bucks (n = 5) were cryopreserved using conventional freezing. Several post-thawing sperm parameters were assessed, including total motility, membrane integrity, viability, nuclear membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, and mitochondrial membrane potential and activation. Additionally, we performed hormonal analyses of the seminal plasma. Moreover, we analyzed the post-thawing levels of a molecular marker of sperm quality, proAKAP4, which was used in rabbits for the first time. Our findings showed that the 2.5% honey supplementation increased the post-thawing sperm motility (13.75 ± 3.75%) compared to the greater concentrations employed. However, the post-thawing motility was negatively affected by the coenzyme Q10 (0%, in both groups) but was not affected by the β-carotene/α-tocopherol supplementation (22 ± 18.15%, and 11.67 ± 10.17%). In conclusion, the cryopreservation protocols of this study did not help to maintain the sperm parameters after thawing. Further studies are required to identify novel protocols to mitigate the damage caused to rabbit sperm during cryopreservation.
Ultrasound-Guided Block of the Sciatic and the Femoral Nerves in Rabbits—A Descriptive Anatomical Study
Authors: Trujanovic Robert , Rohrbach Helene
Published: July 2023

The rabbit is a popular animal model for human biomechanical research involving surgery on the hind limb. Mortality is higher in rabbits when undergoing general anesthesia compared to dogs and cats. Moreover, due to their nature as prey animals, rabbits have a tendency to hide signs of pain, making it challenging to detect discomfort at an early stage. Incorporating regional anesthesia into an anesthetic protocol can greatly reduce the requirements for systemic anesthetic and analgesic drugs, thereby minimizing associated side effects. In other species, a block of the sciatic (ScN) and the femoral nerves (FN) is usually applied in patients undergoing hind limb surgery. In phase 1 of this study, the ScN and the FN have been localized and an appropriate approach has been evaluated under sonographic guidance. In phase 2, a mixture of new methylene blue and lidocaine have been administered to the ScN and the FN in 10 cadavers (20 hind limbs). Staining of the nerves was evaluated by dissection. Ultrasonographically, the ScN appeared as a binocular structure surrounded by a hyperechoic rim. The FN appeared as a hypoechoic structure in the dorsal part of the iliopsoas muscle (IPM), becoming hyperechoic/honey-comb-like in the ventral part. Both nerves could be successfully stained in all animals over a median length of 2.3 cm which was considered effective. This technique allows feasible and accurate access to block the ScN and the FN and may lead to successful analgesia in rabbits undergoing hind limb surgery.
The Usefulness of Thyroid Antibodies in the Diagnostic Approach to Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea Hernando , Nogueira Juan Patricio , Pinzón-Fernández María V. , Schwarzstein Diego
Published: July 2023

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) refers to a spectrum of various diseases, with two extremes of clinical presentation, hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and hyperthyroidism (Graves–Basedow disease (GBD)). Both conditions are characterized by presenting a cellular and humoral autoimmune reaction, with an increase in the synthesis and secretion of antibodies directed toward various thyroid antigens, together with a phenomenon of thyrocyte necrosis and apoptosis (in HT) and a persistent thyrotropin-receptor stimulation (in GBD). The diagnosis of both entities is based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings. Three major anti-thyroid antibodies have been described, those directed against the TSH receptor (TRAb), against thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb), and against thyroglobulin (TgAb). Each of these autoantibodies plays a fundamental role in the diagnostic approach of autoimmune thyroid disease. TRAbs are the hallmark of GBD, and additionally, they are predictors of response to disease treatment, among other utilities. Likewise, TPOAb and TgAb allow for identifying individuals with a higher risk of progression to hypothyroidism; the positivity of one or both autoantibodies defines the presence of thyroid autoimmunity. In this review, the usefulness of anti-thyroid antibodies in the diagnostic approach to autoimmune thyroid disease is described.
The Synergistic Effect between Precipitation and Temperature for the NDVI in Northern China from 2000 to 2018
Authors: Chen Yang , Ma Long , Liu Tingxi , Huang Xing , Sun Guohua
Published: July 2023

Based on monthly precipitation (P), temperature (T) data, and remote sensing images collected from March 2000 to February 2019, this article was constructed to reveal the synergistic effect between P and T for the NDVI in northern China qualitatively and quantitatively by using a one-variable linear regression, the coefficient of variation, multivariate correlation coefficients, and a geodetector. The results show that the NDVI in the study area decreased from 2000 to 2012, increased from 2013 to 2018, decreased in the west, and increased in the east of Northern China. Overall, the NDVI, P, and the average maximum temperature (Tmax) had the strongest multivariate correlations (approximately 43.4% of the total study area passed the 95% confidence level significance test), followed by the average temperature (Tave) and average minimum temperature (Tmin). The explanatory power of the synergistic effect between P and Tmax for the NDVI was the strongest, with the value of explanatory power varying from 0.41 to 0.81, followed by Tave and Tmin. Spatially, the explanatory power of the synergistic effect between P and T for the NDVI was strengthened overall in the study area from northwest to southeast. The annual change rate of the explanatory power showed that the overall explanatory power between P and T for the NDVI in the study area was weakened in the central area and strengthened in the east and the west. Specifically, the synergistic effect between P and T on the NDVI was weakened in both Shaanxi and Ningxia Huizu Zizhiqu, while the opposite occurred in Xinjiang Uygul Zizhiqu, Qinghai, and another five provinces in the eastern part of the study area.
Special Issue on Experimental Investigation and Numerical Modeling of Rock Brittle Failure Behavior under High Stress Conditions
Authors: Liang Zhengzhao , Wu Na , Xu Nuwen , Bei Jiang
Published: July 2023

To meet the demands of the mining, hydropower, and transportation industries, deep rock mass engineering in China has rapidly developed [...]
A Robust and Secure Watermarking Approach Based on Hermite Transform and SVD-DCT
Authors: Gomez-Coronel Sandra L. , Moya-Albor Ernesto , Brieva Jorge , Romero-Arellano Andrés
Published: July 2023

Currently, algorithms to embed watermarks into digital images are increasing exponentially, for example in image copyright protection. However, when a watermarking algorithm is applied, the preservation of the image’s quality is of utmost importance, for example in medical images, where improper embedding of the watermark could change the patient’s diagnosis. On the other hand, in digital images distributed over the Internet, the owner of the images must also be protected. In this work, an imperceptible, robust, secure, and hybrid watermarking algorithm is presented for copyright protection. It is based on the Hermite Transform (HT) and the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) as a spatial–frequency representation of a grayscale image. Besides, it uses a block-based strategy and a perfectibility analysis of the best embedding regions inspired by the Human Vision System (HVS), giving the imperceptibility of the watermark, and a Singular-Value Decomposition (SVD) approach improved robustness against attacks. In addition, the proposed method can embed two watermarks, a digital binary image (LOGO) and information about the owner and the technical data of the original image in text format (MetaData). To secure both watermarks, the proposed method uses the Jigsaw Transform (JST) and the Elementary Cellular Automaton (ECA) to encrypt the image LOGO and a random sequence generator and the XOR operation to encrypt the image MetaData. On the other hand, the proposed method was tested using a public dataset of 49 grayscale images to assess the effectiveness of the watermark embedding and extraction procedures. Furthermore, the proposed watermarking algorithm was evaluated under several processing and geometric algorithms to demonstrate its robustness to the majority, intentional or unintentional, attacks, and a comparison was made with several state-of-the-art techniques. The proposed method obtained average values of PSNR = 40.2051 dB, NCC = 0.9987, SSIM = 0.9999, and MSSIM = 0.9994 for the watermarked image. In the case of the extraction of the LOGO, the proposal gave MSE = 0, PSNR ≫ 60 dB, NCC = 1, SSIM = 1, and MSSIM = 1, whereas, for the image MetaData extracted, it gave BER = 0% and Berror=0. Finally, the proposed encryption method presented a large key space (K=1.2689×1089) for the LOGO image.