bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy Forum: Independent Platform Costing—Balancing the Interests of the Public and Parties
Authors: Cameron Scott
Published: July 2020

This article provides an evaluation of the design of independent election platform costing in Canada, as established by the Parliament of Canada Act and the operating decisions of the parliamentary budget officer. The author compares the balance struck between serving the interests of the public and the interests of political parties in Canada with the balance struck in the Netherlands and Australia. Although Canada's legislation is tilted in favour of serving political parties, in practice the costing culture that evolved during the 2019 general election raised the level of debate and produced an amount of information comparable to what would be expected of a service designed to favour the public. The article concludes with a discussion of options for expanding the policy-costing service for future elections.
General Anti-Avoidance Rules Revisited: Reflections on Tim Edgar's "Building a Better GAAR"
Authors: Duff David G.
Published: July 2020

In addition to the requirement of a tax benefit or advantage, the application of most modern general anti-avoidance rules (GAARs) turns on two elements: a "subjective element," which considers the purpose for which the transaction or arrangement resulting in the tax benefit or advantage was undertaken or arranged; and an "objective element," which considers the object or purpose of the relevant provisions to determine whether the tax benefit resulting from the transaction or arrangement is consistent with this object or purpose.

Although these two elements are present in most modern GAARs, the function of each element within these rules and the relationship between them are often poorly understood. Other unresolved issues concern the roles of artificiality and economic substance in the application of these rules, and the relationship, if any, between these concepts and the "subjective" and "objective" elements of the rules. A final set of issues involves the uncertainty that GAARs may engender, the ability of judges to apply these rules and principles in a coherent and consistent manner, and the compatibility of these rules and principles with the rule of law.

The author addresses these issues by reflecting on Tim Edgar's article "Building a Better GAAR." The first part of the paper considers the rationale for a general anti-avoidance rule or principle, arguing that such a rule not only represents a useful policy response to the harmful consequences of tax avoidance (the consequentialist argument that Professor Edgar espoused), but also may be justified on the non-consequentialist grounds that it protects the integrity of the provisions at issue and thereby upholds the rule of law. In the second part of the paper, the author builds on this analysis to consider the design of a general anti-avoidance rule or principle, arguing that it should be codified in the form of an explicit rule, should include subjective and objective elements such as the "purpose" and "misuse or abuse" requirements in the Canadian GAAR, and should be informed by concepts of artificiality and economic substance that apply to, respectively, the subjective and objective elements of the rule.
Selected US Tax Developments: The Unbearable Absurdity of the US Tax Rules for Withholding on Dispositions of Partnership Interests
Authors: Miller Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Section 1446(f) of the Internal Revenue Code requires the transferee of a partnership interest to withhold 10 percent of the amount realized by the transferor if, among other requirements, the transferor is a non-US person, a gain is recognized on the sale, and such gain is "effectively connected" with a US trade or business conducted by the partnership. The author of this article has examined the proposed regulations and other guidance implementing this provision and found them deficient in several respects. He points out that, unfortunately, they disregard the statutory requirements and generally require withholding by all transferees of partnership interests, anywhere in the world, even if the partnership has never conducted any activities within the United States. The proposed regulations and other guidance provide for limited exceptions, but as the author explains, the exceptions are unrealistic and wholly inadequate.
ПРОЦЕС ВИХОВАННЯ У ПІДЛІТКІВ ПОЧУТТЯ ДОБРОТИ ЗА ДОПОМОГОЮ ПОЕТИЧНОГО СЛОВА
Authors: Касич М. А.
Published: July 2020

У статті розглядається важливість морально-етичного виховання підлітків, виховання в них почуття доброти. Автор наводить статистику щодо проявів підліткової жорстокості як наслідку недостатнього рівня виховання морально-етичних цінностей в епоху, що приділяє більшу увагу розвиткові науки і техніки, ніж розвиткові духовності особистості та морально-етичних якостей. Автор стверджує, що саме учні середньої школи є тією віковою категорією, що потребує особливо пильної уваги з боку батьків і педагогів у процесі виховання почуття доброти як важливої моральної цінності, так як на сьогодні мережа інтернет рясніє новинами про акти підліткової жорстокості.  У статті обґрунтована важливість морально-етичного виховання підлітків у контексті реалій сучасного світу. Розглянуто поняття доброти як найвищої абсолютної загальнолюдської цінності і процес його виховання, задля зниження проявів підліткової жорстокості. Розглянуто явище, що сучасною термінологією називається «булінґ» (від англ. bully – хуліган, задирака, грубіян, «to bully» — задиратися, знущатися), тобто агресивна поведінка щодо окремої особи або групи з метою приниження, домінування, фізичного чи психологічного самоствердження. У статті запропоновано здійснювати процес виховання за допомогою поетичного мистецтва, наведено приклади завдань до поезій, що покликані допомогти підліткам відкоригувати поведінку, розвинути критичне та творче мислення, естетичні смаки. Матеріал для завдань дібраний з віршів сучасних авторів, таких як: Любов Забашта, Ірина Супрун, Генріх Акулов. Серед наведених завдань до поезій переважають завдання з творчим підходом. Наприклад: намалювати асоціативну карту, написати твір-роздум, намалювати ілюстрацію, створити відеокліп тощо. Ключовою ідеєю статті є процес виховання почуття доброти у контексті естетичного виховання.
СОЦІОКУЛЬТУРНИЙ АСПЕКТ ТРАДИЦІЙ ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ЗДОРОВ’Я МОЛОДІ ГІРСЬКИХ РЕГІОНІВ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ КАРПАТ
Authors: Євтух М. Б. , Червінська І. Б.
Published: July 2020

У статті розглядається соціокультурний аспект феномену філософії здоров’я в традиційній культурі молоді гірських регіонів Українських Карпат.

На підставі опрацювання філософської, психолого-педагогічної, етнографічної літератури, вивчення архівних матеріалів, етнографічних досліджень, анкетування студентів, автори розкривають феномен процесу культивування здорового способу життя людини крізь призму етнокультурних традицій, видів діяльності та способів життєзабезпечення населення гірських регіонів.

Методологічні засади дослідження складають теоретичні засади етнографічних, психолого-педагогічних та філософських наук  щодо вивчення унікальності процесу взаємодії людини і гірського середовища, людини і автентичної культури в контексті етнопедагогічного, етнокультурного  та середовищного підходів.

Авторами наголошується на тому, що філософія здоров’я людини, відображена в етнокультурних традиціях жителів гірських регіонів, є надзвичайно багатогранною, оскільки вона сприяє подоланню меж між тілесним та духовним, біологічним та соціальним, індивідуальним та глобальним і включає цілісність людської особистості, гармонію психофізичних сил, спосіб життя людини, основними параметрами якого є праця, побут, освітня, суспільно-корисна та культурна діяльність, різноманітні звичаї, традиції, поведінка людини.

Наголошується, що вивчення та узагальнення сутності здоров’я з позицій фізичного, психологічного, соціального й духовного благополуччя дозволить виявити соціокультурні, медико-біологічні й психолого-педагогічні аспекти його формування, що в комплексі сприятиме покращенню рівня здоров’я населення гірських регіонів.
Global Spectral Collocation Method with Fourier Transform to Solve Differential Equations
Authors: Akter Sayeda Irin , Mahmud Md Shahriar , Md Kamrujjaman - , Ali Hazrat
Published: July 2020

Numerical analysis is the area of mathematics that creates, analyzes, and implements algorithms for solving numerically the problems from real-world applications of algebra, geometry, and calculus, and they involve variables which vary continuously. Till now, numerous numerical methods have been introduced. Spectral method is one of those techniques used in applied mathematics and scientific computing to numerically solve certain differential equations, potentially involving the use of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). This study presents some of the fundamental ideas of spectral method. Orthogonal basis are used to establish computational algorithm. The accuracy and efficiency of proposed model are discussed. This manuscript estimates for the error between the exact and approximated discrete solutions. This paper shows that, grid points for polynomial spectral methods should lie approximately in a minimal energy configuration associated with inverse linear repulsion between points. The wave equation, linear and non-linear boundary value problems are solved using spectral method on the platform of MATLAB language.

GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc.Vol. 40 (2020) 28-42
Grad School Gothic:The Mysteries of Udolphoand the Academic #MeToo Movement
Authors: Williams Anna
Published: July 2020

In the age of #MeToo, the Female Gothic rises from the critical crypt once again. Examining the educational narrative of Emily St. Aubert in Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho, I argue that the Female Gothic has always vividly portrayed emotional invalidation – a term borrowed from cognitive psychologist Marsha Linehan – as a tool to silence righteous, yet naïve, voices and perpetuate imbalances of social power. As the recent #MeToo movement in academic culture demonstrates, the fourth-wave feminist critique of workplace discrimination targets not only sexual misconduct, but also intellectual misconduct. I propose that, often, discrimination in academic spaces uses the very same tool portrayed in the Female Gothic. In this paper, I look to the Female Gothic as well as to feminist pedagogical theory to offer solutions to the problem of emotional invalidation in the Grad School Gothic.
Early Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Locations and Behaviors in Adults Living in the U.S.: Differences by Ethnicity and Income
Authors: Dunton Genevieve , Wang Shirlene , Do Bridgette , Courtney Jimikaye
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To examine the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in adults during the first two months of restrictions in the U.S. Method: Adults (N = 268) completed an online survey between April 10-May 25, 2020. Participants reported minutes of vigorous, moderate, and walking physical activity for the past 7 days (early-COVID-19) and for a typical week in February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). Past 12-month step count data were extracted from participants’ personal smartphones. Results: Participants (18-74 years old, 22% Hispanic/Latino, 81% female, 41% overweight/obese) showed reductions in vigorous (Mdiff=-66.9 min/week), moderate (Mdiff=-92.4 min/week), walking (Mdiff-70.8 min/week), and step counts (Mdiff=-2232 steps/day) from the pre- to early-COVID-19 periods. Reductions in walking and steps were larger for low-income and Hispanic/Latino adults. Conclusion: Higher risk population sub-groups may be more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of its impact on health-related behaviors.
The Use of Air Induction Nozzles for Application of Fertilizing Preparations Containing Beneficial Microorganisms
Authors: Szwedziak Katarzyna , Niedbała Gniewko , Grzywacz Żaneta , Winiarski Przemysław , Doležal Petr
Published: July 2020

The work presents the structure and characteristics of field sprayer nozzles, as well as their impact on the survival of beneficial organisms in the selected fertilizing preparations. EŻK and EŻKT nozzles, (EŻK and EŻKT are trade names of single and twin jet air induction nozzles, respectively), that are available on the market have shown low efficiency in the discussed characteristics. Survival of microorganisms under initial conditions at 13.6 × 106 cfu/mL and pressure of 0 MPa, under critical conditions dropped to 1.7 × 106 cfu/mL for EŻK02 and 1.2 × 106 cfu/mL for EŻKT02, in both variants at a pressure of 0.5 MPa. When increasing the flow rate of the components, i.e., the size of the outlet orifices, it was observed that the survival of microorganisms increased by about 11.3% compared to the previously tested component. This resulted from the negative impact of the following: the pressure generated by the application device, number of outlet orifices, and size of an outlet orifice. The results of survival of microorganisms are given in the colony-forming unit (CFU). In addition to providing guidelines useful in the creation of a prototype sprayer intended for use in the application of microbiological preparations, the presented characteristics are a source of information for the end user as regards the proper conditions for the application of these preparations.
Gliricidia Agroforestry Technology Adoption Potential in Selected Dryland Areas of Dodoma Region, Tanzania
Authors: Swamila Martha , Philip Damas , Akyoo Adam Meshack , Sieber Stefan , Bekunda Mateete , Kimaro Anthony Anderson
Published: July 2020

Declining soil fertility is one of the major problems facing producers of field crops in most dryland areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. In response to the declining soil fertility, extensive participatory research has been undertaken by the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and smallholder farmers in Dodoma region, Tanzania. The research has, amongst others, led to the development of Gliricidia agroforestry technology. The positive impact of Gliricidia intercropping on crop yields has been established. However, information on farmers’ willingness and ability to adopt the Gliricidia agroforestry technology on their farms is limited. This study predicts the adoption of Gliricidia agroforestry and conventional mineral fertilizer use technology. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with groups of farmers, purposively selected based on five sets of criteria: (i) at least 2 years of experience in either trying or using Gliricidia agroforestry technology, (ii) at least 1 year of experience in either trying or using the mineral fertilizer technology (iii) at least 10 years of living in the study villages, (iv) the age of 18 years and above, and (v) sex. The Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT) was used to predict the peak adoption levels and the respective time in years. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of change in adoption variables on predicted peak adoption levels and time to peak adoption. The results revealed variations in peak adoption levels with Gliricidia agroforestry technology exhibiting the highest peak of 67.6% in 12 years, and that the most influential variable to the peak adoption is the upfront cost of investing in Gliricidia agroforestry and fertilizer technologies. However, in Gliricidia agroforestry technology most production costs are incurred in the first year of project establishment but impact the long term biophysical and economic benefits. Moreover, farmers practicing agroforestry technology accrue environmental benefits, such as soil erosion control. Based on the results, it is plausible to argue that Gliricidia agroforestry technology has a high adoption potential and its adoption is influenced by investment costs. We recommend two actions to attract smallholder farmers investing in agroforestry technologies. First, enhancing farmers’ access to inputs at affordable prices. Second, raising farmers’ awareness of the long-term environmental benefits of Gliricidia agroforestry technology.
Historical Facts of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine—A Letter to the Editor Re: Magalhães-Sant’Ana, M. Animals 2019, 9, 168
Authors: Hu Yusheng , Liu Zhongjie
Published: July 2020

A recent viewpoint paper by Manuel Magalhães-Sant’Ana (2019) discussed the evidence regarding history, conceptions and modern research related to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture (TCVA). Based on the observation of an illustration of nine needles, the author suggested that the needles used in acupuncture are more like lancets than needles in ancient times; to support the view that acupuncture is analogous to bloodletting. In addition; the author does not believe that TCVA has not been practiced for thousands of years. This letter documents that the prototype of the modern filiform acupuncture needle has appeared as early as the Han Dynasty and that modern needles did not evolve from lancets. In addition, there is proof based on existing ancient books that TCVA has a history of thousands of years.
Reply to the Comment Re: Magalhães-Sant’Ana, M. Animals 2019, 9, 168
Authors: Magalhães-Sant’Ana Manuel
Published: July 2020

I am pleased that my viewpoint on traditional Chinese veterinary acupuncture (TCVA) has caught the attention of researchers from the China Agricultural University [...]
Analysis of Transcriptome and miRNAome in the Muscle of Bamei Pigs at Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Wu Guofang , Ma Lin , Wang Lei , Zhou Jiping , Ma Yuhong , Yang Chen
Published: July 2020

The growth of skeletal muscle involves complex developmental processes that play an important part in the determinization of pork quality. The investigation of skeletal muscle mRNA or miRNA profiles is especially important for finding molecular approaches to improve meat quality in pig breeding. Therefore, we studied the transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) profiles of skeletal muscle with RNA-Seq in three developmental stages of pigs: 65-day embryonic (E65), postnatal 0 days (natal) and 10 months (adult). We found 10,035, 9050 and 4841 differentially expressed (DE) genes for natal vs. E65, adult vs. E65 and adult vs. natal, 55, 101 and 85 DE miRNA for natal vs. E65, adult vs. E65 and adult vs. natal, respectively. In addition, the target genes of DE miRNA that was in a negative correlation with the corresponding miRNA in the same comparison group were selected for enrichment analysis. Gene Ontology terms were mainly classified into developmental processes. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in the Rap1 signaling pathway, citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation and carbon. Finally, RT-PCR was employed for validating the level of expression of 11 DE miRNA and 14 DEGs. The transcriptome profiles of skeletal muscle from the different developmental stages of the Bamei pigs were obtained. From these data, hundreds of DE miRNA and mRNA, and the miRNA–mRNA regulatory network can provide valuable insights into further understanding of key molecular mechanisms and improving the meat quality in pig breeding.
Association of GHR Polymorphisms with Milk Production in Buffaloes
Authors: El-Komy Shymaa M. , Saleh Ayman A. , Abdel-Hamid Tamer M. , El-Magd Mohammed A.
Published: July 2020

For its role in the mediation of growth hormone (GH) galactopoietic effect, growth hormone receptor (GHR) was considered a functional candidate gene for milk performance in cattle. However, its genetic variation and potential effect have not been investigated in Egyptian buffaloes. This study aimed to screen GHR for polymorphisms and study their associations with milk traits in Egyptian buffaloes. Polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism, and sequencing were used to identify mutations in 4 exons (E4–E6 and E8) of the GHR gene in 400 Egyptian buffaloes. No polymorphisms were found in E4, while 2 SNPs (c.380G>A/p.Arg127Lys and c.387C>T/p.Gly129) in E5, one silent mutation (c.435A>G/p.Pro145) in E6, and another missense mutation (c.836T>A/p.Phe279Tyr) in E8 were detected. The c.380G>A SNP in the extracellular domain was associated with milk yield, fat %, protein %, and 305-day milk, fat and protein yield, with higher levels in animals carrying the mutant A allele. The c.836T>A SNP in the transmembrane domain was associated with milk yield, fat %, protein %, and 305-day milk, fat and protein yield, with higher milk yield and lower fat %, protein %, fat and protein yield in the mutant A allele-animals. Interestingly, animals with the two mutant AA alleles produced higher milk yield, fat %, protein %, fat and protein yield, accompanied with upregulated expressions of GHR, GH, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), prolactin (PRL), prolactin receptor (PRLR), β-casein (encoded by CSN2 gene), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) genes and proteins in milk somatic cells. Therefore, selection of Egyptian buffaloes with mutant AA haplotypes for the novel c.380G>A SNP and the well-known c.836T>A SNP could improve milk yield and quality in buffaloes.
In Vitro Characterization of Indigenous Probiotic Strains Isolated from Colombian Creole Pigs
Authors: Betancur César , Martínez Yordan , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Avellaneda Mavir Carolina , Velázquez-Martí Borja
Published: July 2020

Three lactic acid strains were isolated from feces of the native Zungo Pelado breed of pigs (n = 5) and presumably identified as belonging to the Lactobacillaceae family by morphological techniques showing that they were Gram-positive/rod-shaped and catalase- and oxidase-negative. They were then identified by biochemical tests using API 50CHL as Lactobacillus plantarum (CAM6), Lactobacillus brevis (CAM7), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (CL4). However, 16S rRNA identification showed that all three strains were Lactobacillus plantarum. Additionally, all three isolates were able to grow in pH 3 and 4. Interestingly, the growth of the CAM7 strain decreased at pH 5.6 compared to that of the CAM6 strain (p < 0.05), and the growth of the CL4 strain was reduced at pH 7(p < 0.05). All three candidates showed good growth on bile salts (≥0.15%), and CAM6 and CAM7 showed better tolerance at higher concentrations (0.30%). Similarly, all strains tolerated sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations from 2 to 10%. These strains also grew well at all temperatures tested (30, 37, and 42 °C). The CAM6 strain showed in vitro antibacterial activity against selected enteropathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli strain NBRC 102203 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium 4.5.12) and commensal bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-1705D-5 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442) and resistance to all antibiotics except amoxicillin. Further studies to evaluate the effects of these probiotic candidate strains in commercial pigs are currently underway.
Effect of Mineral Supplementation on the Macromineral Concentration in Blood in Pre- and Postpartum Blackbelly Sheep
Authors: Moyano Tapia Juan Carlos , Leib Simon Alexander , Marini Pablo Roberto , Fischman Maria Laura
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mineral supplementation on the serum concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in pre- and postpartum Blackbelly sheep throughout three successive lambing periods under free grazing conditions in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region. The field work was carried out between January 2015 and February 2018 using 20 Blackbelly sheep belonging to the Centre for Research, Postgraduate Studies and Conservation of Amazon Biodiversity, Ecuador. The flock was randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) was fed with forage plus a supplementation (Pecutrin® Mineral supplement plus vitamins A, D3, and E. Bayer HealthCare) and Group 2 (G2) was fed only with forage without mineral supplementation. Three blood samples from the coccygeal vein were taken from each sheep 30 days before lambing, 30 days after, and 60 days after lambing. Concerning the average of calcium, significant differences were found at different times inside each group and also between them (p < 0.0001 in both cases). As for the phosphorus, significant differences were found between the means of the groups for all times from 30 days after the second lambing season (p < 0.05). It was observed that the groups differed significantly in terms on the average of magnesium (considering a significance level of 0.05) 30 days before the first lambing and at all times measured from the 30 days after the second lambing (p < 0.005). In this study, we showed that Blackbelly sheep raised under free grazing conditions in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region had very low serum calcium values, and supplementation was unable to improve them. Meanwhile, phosphorus and magnesium levels were below the required values, but after supplementation, they exceeded the minimum threshold. Mineral supplementation in the rearing of sheep in grazing systems is necessary during the entire production cycle, but it must be done taking into account the soil–plant–animal relationship specifically for the Amazonian Region systems.
Effects of Inclusion of Different Doses of Persicaria odorata Leaf Meal (POLM) in Broiler Chicken Feed on Biochemical and Haematological Blood Indicators and Liver Histomorphological Changes
Authors: Abdul Basit Muhammad , Abdul Kadir Arifah , Loh Teck , Abdul Aziz Saleha , Salleh Annas , Kaka Ubedullah , Banke Idris Sherifat
Published: July 2020

This research was conducted to estimate the effects of Persicaria odorata leaf meal (POLM) on haematological indices, serum biochemical attributes, and internal organs parameters, including histomorphological features of the liver, in broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly allocated into four experimental groups. The dietary treatments were basal diet (BD), which served as the control (C), along with BD + 2 g/kg POLM (Po2), BD + 4 g/kg POLM (Po4), BD + 8 g/kg POLM (Po8), which were the supplemented groups. The body weight gain (BWG) showed a linear increase and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a linear decrease with increasing POLM dosage at day 42 (p ˂ 0.05) and for the overall growth performance period (p ˂ 0.01). On day 21 and day 42, the values of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), haemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) showed linear increases (p ˂0.05) as the dosage of POLM increased in the diet. On day 21, dietary supplementation of POLM linearly decreased (p ˂ 0.05) the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and serum levels of urea and creatinine. On the other hand, serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin showed a linear increase (p ˂ 0.05) as the POLM dosage increased. On day 42, the serum activity of AST and ALT and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine showed linear decreases (p ˂ 0.05) with increased levels of POLM in the diet. However, POLM supplementation linearly increased (p ˂ 0.05) the serum levels of TP and globulin. Dietary inclusion of POLM did not influence the organ parameters and showed no adverse effects on the liver histomorphology. In conclusion, supplementation of POLM increased the growth performance, improving haematological indices and serum biochemistry profiles of broiler chickens without any deleterious effects on the liver histomorphology. The results of the present study provide evidence that POLM can be safely used at a dose rate of 8 g/kg of feed as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs).
Influence of the Milking Units on the Pulsation Curve in Dairy Sheep Milking
Authors: Caria Maria , Todde Giuseppe , Pazzona Antonio
Published: July 2020

Mechanical milking is a critical operation in ewe dairy farming where the operative parameters and the milking routine strongly influence milk production and animal welfare. The challenge in adapting dairy animals to the farm environmental conditions may cause illness and compromise the quality of the products. From this perspective, it is important to evaluate the technological and operational aspects that can influence milk quality and animal welfare. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects on the pulsation curve of several teat cup characteristics (volume of the pulsation chamber) at determined operating parameters (vacuum level and pulsator rate) recorded from nine different milking units. Moreover, the touch point pressure of different liners was measured. Data analysis showed that the sheep milking unit characteristics affected the pulsation curve significantly. The length of both the increasing vacuum phase and the decreasing vacuum phase (phase “a” and “c”, respectively), which affect the milking and massage phases, was directly related to the pulsation chamber volume (R2 = 0.86) and the pulsator rate. No relationship emerged between the touch point pressure and specific characteristics of the liners such as the material, the shape, the diameter, the length, or the extension of the body. Considering the delicate role that the pulsation plays in ensuring animal welfare during milking, it is important to take into account the complete configuration and operative characteristics of the milking units. This will ensure that the complex interaction between the pulsation system and the milking units is considered when planning and assembling milking systems.
Administration of Glucose at Litter Equalization as a Strategy to Increase Energy in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Piglets
Authors: Klaaborg Joanna , Amdi Charlotte
Published: July 2020

Hyper-prolific sows give birth to large litters and up to 25% of piglets born have been subjected to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of this study was to test whether an oral administration of glucose impacts the survival rate and body weight gain of IUGR piglets at weaning. Different methods (injection versus oral administration of glucose 6 mL or 12 mL, respectively) were tested on IUGR piglets at litter equalization (i.e., when piglets are handled the first time at 5–20 h after birth). Injecting glucose generated the highest whole-blood glucose level + 3 h after treatment, however, after this no differences were observed. Of the 237 IUGR piglets studied, 98 piglets died or were removed from the nurse sow (41%). Rectal temperature at litter equalization (0 h) was related to the survival of the piglets with an average temperature of 37.1 ± 0.1 °C in surviving piglets and 36.6 ± 0.1 °C in piglets that died. In conclusion, providing these extra management actions at litter equalization is too late to help piglets that have a low rectal temperature and are low on energy. More research investigating different management methods to deal with IUGR piglets are needed as many of these underdeveloped piglets will not survive.
Perch Positioning Affects both Laying Hen Locomotion and Forces Experienced at the Keel
Authors: Rufener Christina , Rentsch Ana K. , Stratmann Ariane , Toscano Michael J.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of perch positioning on laying hens’ locomotion and the resulting energy experienced at the keel. Twenty Nick Chick and 20 Brown Nick hens were trained to transition from a platform to a perch in several configurations. Three variables of perch positioning were tested in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design: direction (upward vs. downward), angle (flat vs. steep), and distance (50 cm vs. 100 cm). All hens were tested for five jumps of each treatment combination at 27–28 weeks of age. As predicted, we found steep angles and long distances to result in higher peak forces and impulse during take-off, flight, and landing; longer latency to jump; a higher likelihood to perform balancing movements; and a longer latency to peck at the provided food reward. The effect of perch positioning on locomotion and force at the keel during downwards jumps and flight was more pronounced in Brown Nick hens than in Nick Chick hens. Although we cannot state how the observed forces at the keel relate to the risk for keel bone fractures, our results indicated that optimizing perch positioning can reduce accumulated forced at the keel and consequent risk for fracture due to unsuccessful transitions.
Effect of Covering a Visitor Viewing Area Window on the Behaviour of Zoo-Housed Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor)
Authors: Chiew Samantha J. , Butler Kym L. , Sherwen Sally L. , Coleman Grahame J. , Melfi Vicky , Burns Alicia , Hemsworth Paul H.
Published: July 2020

Studies on the effects of visitors on zoo animals have shown mixed findings and as a result, the manner in which visitors affect zoo animals remains unclear for many species, including a rarely studied taxa such as penguins. Penguins are a common zoo-housed species and have been shown to display huddling, vigilance and avoidance towards zoo visitors which can be indicative of fear. Here, we examined the effects of covering one visitor viewing area window, out of four, on little penguin (Eudyptula minor) behaviours that may be indicative of fear. Two treatments were randomly imposed on different days: (1) The main visitor viewing area window, where most visitor-penguin interactions occurred, was uncovered (‘Main window uncovered’) and (2) The main visitor viewing area window was covered (‘Main window covered’). Penguin numbers and behaviour were recorded near the main visitor viewing area window and the three other visitor viewing area windows, as well as one area not visible to visitors (‘Corner’ area). Furthermore, visitor numbers and visitor behaviour were recorded at all four visitor viewing area windows. Covering the main visitor viewing area window reduced the proportion of visitors present at this window by about 85% (p < 0.001) and reduced potentially threatening visitor behaviours at this window such as tactile contact with the window, loud vocalisations and sudden movement (p < 0.05). When the main visitor viewing area window was covered, the proportion of penguins present increased by about 25% (p < 0.05), the proportion of visible penguins preening in the water increased by about 180% (p < 0.05) and the proportion of visible penguins vigilant decreased by about 70% (p < 0.05) in the area near this main window. A preference for the Corner area was also found whereby 59% and 49% of penguins were present in this area when the main window was uncovered and covered, respectively. These results provide limited evidence that the little penguins in this exhibit showed an aversion to the area near the main visitor viewing area window when it was uncovered based on the increased avoidance and vigilance and decreased preening in the water in this area. This suggests visitors may be fear-provoking for these little penguins. However, it is unclear whether visual contact with visitors per se or other aspects of visitor contact, such as visitor-induced sounds and vibrations, were responsible for this apparent aversion when this window was uncovered.
Study on the Public Perception of “Community-Owned Dogs” in the Abruzzo Region, Central Italy
Authors: Paolini Alessandra , Romagnoli Sara , Nardoia Maria , Conte Annamaria , Salini Romolo , Podaliri Vulpiani Michele , Dalla Villa Paolo
Published: July 2020

The Abruzzo Regional Law Nr. 47/2013, following a circular from the Italian Ministry of Health and OIE recommendations, allows the local municipalities to release free-roaming dogs (FRDs) caught on the territory once the local veterinary services (LVSs) have rated the dogs as unowned and not aggressive, have neutered them, as well as identified them through a microchip and a visible collar. The responsibility of these “community-owned dogs” (CODs) falls under the mayor of the local municipality that can entrust their custody to qualified people. The present study was conducted in the Abruzzo region, located in central Italy, to investigate public perception towards CODs, and in particular whether their presence is perceived as a problem or a benefit by the local communities. The data were collected by both direct interviews and an online survey, based on a questionnaire developed by a multidisciplinary team. The questionnaire was distributed in 31 municipalities sampled on the basis of the urbanization rate, and 497 people were interviewed over a 9-month period. More than half of the respondents (54%) stated that CODs can contribute to the control of stray dogs. The majority (83%) believed that a greater commitment is needed to involve the local communities on issues regarding CODs. The findings of this study highlighted the general difficulty for people to distinguish stray dogs from CODs that are not fully known, as evidenced by the fact that 59% of the respondents did not know the aforementioned Regional Law that defines and regulates the presence of the CODs.
Addition of a Mixture of Plant Extracts to Diets for Growing-Finishing Pigs on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Carcass Traits, Organ Weight as a Percentage of Live Weight, Quality and Sensorial Analysis of Meat
Authors: Dávila-Ramírez José Luis , Munguía-Acosta Lucas Lisandro , Morales-Coronado Jubitza Guadalupe , García-Salinas Ana Delia , González-Ríos Humberto , Celaya-Michel Hernán , Sosa-Castañeda Jesús , Sánchez-Villalba Esther , Anaya-Islas Jesús , Barrera-Silva Miguel Angel
Published: July 2020

The effect of plant extracts (PE; artichoke, celery, beet, onion, garlic, spinach, avocado, oats, and parsley) in the diet of growing pigs under heat stress was investigated. Parameters included growth performance, blood constituents, carcass characteristics, organ percentage, quality and sensory appraisal of the pork. The study was performed during the Mexican summer, using 60 pigs. Treatments included the control, to which 0.1% PE, and 0.15% PE were added. The use of PE (0.1 and 0.15%) generated an increase in the average daily gain (ADG, by 10.0% for both treatments), and final live weight (LW, by 6.3% and 6.8%) (p < 0.05). The level of blood albumin at 95 kg was higher when supplementing with 0.1% PE (p < 0.05). At 120 kg LW, creatine kinase values showed a tendency to be different (p = 0.07). Carcass weight increased (p < 0.05) when adding PE. Supplementation with 0.1% PE decreased (p < 0.05) the red/green (a *) hue of the meat, whereas supplementation with 0.1% and 0.15% PE increased the yellow/blue (b *) hue (p < 0.05). The addition of PE improves pig growth performance, and carcass weight by reducing the negative effects of heat stress, without markedly modifying blood constituents, meat quality, and sensory attributes of the pork.
What Is a Dingo? The Phenotypic Classification of Dingoes by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Residents in Northern Australia
Authors: Brookes Victoria J. , Degeling Chris , van Eeden Lily M. , Ward Michael P.
Published: July 2020

Dingo classification and management is complicated by hybridisation with domestic dogs. Northern Australia is a relatively high-risk zone for a rabies incursion, and in the event of an incursion, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who reside in this region would prioritise the protection of dingoes. Therefore, the classification of dingoes in this context is important. Twelve pictures of canids with features associated with both dingoes and domestic dogs from camera traps in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), northern Queensland, were shown to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rangers (n = 3), biosecurity officers (n = 2), environmental health workers (n = 2), and residents (n = 39) in the NPA. Nearly all pictures (10/12) were classified as dingo or domestic dog (none as hybrid) and two were inconclusive (no overall agreement). Dingoes were consistently identified as medium to large-framed dogs, with a long nose, pointed ears, narrow abdomen, a bushy or feathered tail, and smooth coats of a single base colour. Some hybrid features were acceptable, including sable coats, lack of white tail tip or feet, and curled tail. These findings are a preliminary guide for identifying canids in the NPA region for whom management might be controversial. Building on this approach via further consultation with residents is needed to inform rabies response policy. Our approach using locally acquired camera trap pictures could also be extended to other regions in which dingoes have value but their management is controversial.
Challenging COVID-19 with Creativity: Supporting Design Space Exploration for Emergency Ventilators
Authors: Fiorineschi Lorenzo , Frillici Francesco Saverio , Rotini Federico
Published: July 2020

The high concentration and rapid increase in lung diseases caused by COVID-19 has suddenly led medical staff to face a lack of ventilators in emergency situations. In this context, many enthusiasts and/or designers all over the world have started to think about low cost and open-source solutions for emergency ventilators, with the aim of providing concrete aid. In a small amount of time, many different solutions have been proposed, most of which are based on the automatic compression of the auxiliary manual breathing unit (AMBU) bag. In particular, many different designs have been conceived for the AMBU compression mechanism, which contains the most critical parts to be designed. Here arises the aim of this work, i.e., to propose a methodological approach to support the creativity of designers involved in inventing increasingly sustainable and reliable low-cost compression mechanisms for AMBU-based ventilators. Accordingly, a conceptual framework is proposed, capable of collecting existing ideas and organizing the underpinning concepts, to provide stimuli for new idea generation and to keep track of (and possibly to share) the explored design space. Illustrative examples are provided in order to show how the proposal can be used in practice. In particular, a set of currently available solutions is schematically shown through the proposed graphical tools, and the generation of new illustrative solutions is presented. Additionally, it is shown how to represent further ideas (e.g., those coming from other teams) in the framework.
Dependence of Mass–Dimensional Relationships on Median Mass Diameter
Authors: Ding Saisai , McFarquhar Greg M. , Nesbitt Stephen W. , Chase Randy J. , Poellot Michael R. , Wang Hongqing
Published: July 2020

Retrievals of ice cloud properties require accurate estimates of ice particle mass. Empirical mass–dimensional (m–D) relationships in the form m = a D b are widely used and usually universally applied across the complete range of particle sizes. For the first time, the dependence of a and b coefficients in m–D relationships on median mass diameter (Dmm) is studied. Using combined cloud microphysical data collected during the Olympic Mountains Experiment and coincident observations from Airborne Precipitation Radar Third Generation, Dmm-dependent (a, b) coefficients are derived and represented as surfaces of equally plausible solutions determined by some tolerance in the chi-squared difference χ 2 that minimizes the difference between observed and retrieved radar reflectivity. Robust dependences of a and b on Dmm are shown with both parameters significantly decreasing with Dmm, leading to smaller effective densities for larger Dmm ranges. A universally applied constant m–D relationship overestimates the mass of large aggregates when Dmm is between 3–6 mm and temperatures are between −15–0 °C. Multiple m–D relations should be applied for different Dmm ranges in retrievals and simulations to account for the variability of particle sizes that are responsible for the mass and thus for the variability of particle shapes and densities.
Characterization, Pollution Sources, and Health Risk of Ionic and Elemental Constituents in PM2.5 of Wuhan, Central China
Authors: Wang Weiqian , Zhang Weilin , Dong Shiyang , Yonemachi Shinichi , Lu Senlin , Wang Qingyue
Published: July 2020

Atmospheric PM2.5 samples from Wuhan, China were collected during a winter period of February and a summer period of August in 2018. The average PM2.5 mass concentration in winter reached 112 μg/m3—about two-fold higher than that found in summer. Eight ionic species constituted 1/3 of PM2.5, whereas more than 85% represented secondary ionic aerosols (NO3−, SO42− and NH4+). Higher ratios of NO3−/SO42− (0.95–2.62) occurred in winter and lower ratios (0.11–0.42) occurred in summer showing the different contribution for mobile and stationary sources. Seventeen elemental species constituted about 10% of PM2.5, with over 95% Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Fe, K and Zn. Higher K-concentration occurred in winter indicating greater contribution from biomass and firework-burning. Carcinogenic risks by Cr, As, Cd, Ni and Pb in PM2.5 indicated that about 6.94 children and 46.5 adults among per million may risk getting cancer via inhalation during surrounding winter atmospheric sampling, while about 5.41 children and 36.6 adults have the same risk during summer. Enrichment factors (EFs) and elemental ratios showed that these hazardous elements were mainly from anthropogenic sources like coal and oil combustion, gasoline and diesel vehicles.
High-Resolution Solar Climate Atlas for Greece under Climate Change Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model
Authors: Katopodis Theodoros , Markantonis Iason , Politi Nadia , Vlachogiannis Diamando , Sfetsos Athanasios
Published: July 2020

In the context of climate change and growing energy demand, solar technologies are considered promising solutions to mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and support sustainable adaptation. In Greece, solar power is the second major renewable energy, constituting an increasingly important component of the future low-carbon energy portfolio. In this work, we propose the use of a high-resolution regional climate model (Weather Research and Forecasting model, WRF) to generate a solar climate atlas for the near-term climatological future under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The model is set up with a 5 × 5 km2 spatial resolution, forced by the ERA-INTERIM for the historic (1980–2004) period and by the EC-EARTH General Circulation Models (GCM) for the future (2020–2044). Results reaffirm the high quality of solar energy potential in Greece and highlight the ability of the WRF model to produce a highly reliable future climate solar atlas. Projected changes between the annual historic and future RCPs scenarios indicate changes of the annual Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) in the range of ±5.0%. Seasonal analysis of the GHI values indicates percentage changes in the range of ±12% for both scenarios, with winter exhibiting the highest seasonal increases in the order of 10%, and autumn the largest decreases. Clear-sky fraction fclear projects increases in the range of ±4.0% in eastern and north continental Greece in the future, while most of the Greek marine areas might expect above 220 clear-sky days per year.