bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carcass and meat quality of rabbits supplemented camel’s foot (Piliostigma thonningii) essential oil based diet
Authors: Emmanuel Anaso U. , Olurotimi Olafadehan A. , Emeka Fidelis S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study examined the impact of essential oil from Piliostigma thonningii on rabbit carcass features, organ weight and relative weight, and organoleptic aspects. The rabbits were split randomly into three treatment groups, each containing fifteen rabbits, and their body weight was adjusted so that, in a completely random design, the average beginning body weight (BW) of each group was similar at 262.89 ± 22.36 g. Dietary basal control was the first treatment. Two milliliters and four milliliters of PEO per kilogram, respectively, were added to the base control diet in treatments two and three. The proportion of carcass dressing and head weight in T2 and T3 were greater (P < 0.05) than in T1. Carcass properties and organoleptic properties were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Carcass dressing percentage and head weight were higher (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3 than in T1. Fasted live weight, slaughtered and dressed weights increased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of PEO supplementation. Carcass forelimb weight, hind limb weight and thorax weight were higher (P < 0.05) in T3 than in T2 and T1. Organ and relative organ weights, blood weight, carcass properties and organoleptic properties, were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. It is concluded that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation improved carcass characteristics of the experimental rabbits. However, 4 ml PEO/kg diet is the optimum supplementation level, as it was more effective in enhancing the dressing percentage without affecting the organoleptic properties of the meat.
Heritability of docility and correlation with body weight and linear body measurements in cattle
Authors: Ifeanyichukwu Udeh , Amalawa Omorogbe Emmanuella 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to estimate heritability of docility and its correlations with body weight and linear body measurements in cattle. The number of animals tested for docility was 132. Fixed factors such as breed, sex, hump status and age contemporary group were fitted in the models. The body parameters measured were body weight, body length, heart girth and height at withers. Docility was scored on a scale of 1 to 5. The data was analysed using restricted maximum likelihood method. The results indicate mean docility score of 2.82 ± 1.51. The heritability of docility was 0.23 ± 0.05 which implies that docility in the cattle population can respond to selection. The heritability of body weight (0.013 ± 0.004) and the linear body measurements (range: 0.001 ± 0.15 to 0.02 ± 0.20) were very low. The genetic and phenotypic correlation between docility and body weight was 0.48 ± 0.07 and 0.60 ± 0.04 respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between docility and the linear body measurements ranged from -0.99 ± 0.18 to -0.14 ± 0.25 and from 0.09 ± 0.20 to 0.60 ± 0.04 respectively. It was concluded that improvement of docility in the cattle population is possible through mass selection.
The effect of a diet containing grape seed meal on inflammatory and antioxidant markers in spleen of weaned piglets
Authors: Pistol Gina Cecilia , Bulgaru Valeria Cristina , Grosu Iulian Alexandru , Ciupitu Ana-Maria , Țăranu Ionelia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
During the weaning period, piglets are exposed to different stress factors (environmental, physiological and nutritional stressors) that leads to dysfunctions of both gastrointestinal and immune systems. The wastes resulted from grape processing are rich in bioactive compounds, like polyphenols, fiber, PUFAs and vitamins. In present study we aimed to investigate the effects of diet containing 8% grape seed meal (GSM diet) to counteract the weaning-induced immune system perturbations in piglets. Briefly, the effects of GSM diet on the markers involved in inflammatory processes and oxidative stress were investigated Also, the GSM diet effects on the in-depth signalling markers involved in both inflammatory and anti-oxidant responses modulation (NF-kB, MAPKs and Nrf2) were evaluated. The results showed that the diet with 8% GSM reduced IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ and MCP1 gene expressions in spleen. Also, GSM diet increased the total antioxidant capacity in spleen and the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) activities. These results demonstrated that GSM diet has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, attenuating these processes in spleen of weaned piglets. These effects are probably exerted by MAPKs/NF-kB and Nrf2 pathways Further studies are needed for a complete image on GSM diet effects on the immune system in weaned piglets.
Feed additives strategies to control methanogenesis in ruminants, Review
Authors: Abd El Tawab Ahmed M. , Liu Qinhua , Xu Gang , Han Xuefeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Methane gas produced by livestock animals contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and is a major environmental issue. However, the use of feed additives for controlling ruminal methanogenesis has emerged as a promising solution for reducing these emissions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the use of feed additives such as biological feed additives (enzymes, probiotics, algae), phytogenic plants and their extract (essential oils, saponins, tannins, flavonoids) and chemical feed additives (ionophores, nano minerals, chemical inhibitors, organic acids, lipids and oils, propolis) can effectively reduce ruminal methanogenesis while improving animal performance and health. Incorporating feed additives into livestock diets not only shows great potential for reducing methane emissions but also has positive impacts on animal health and productivity. Furthermore, feed additives are a relatively low-cost and practical solution for farmers looking to decrease their environmental impact without compromising animal welfare or productivity. In summary, the use of feed additives for controlling ruminal methanogenesis in livestock animals holds great promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving animal health and productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Impact of honey-supplemented high-fiber diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and production costs in broiler chicks
Authors: Ayobami Sunmola Taiwo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A 28-day feeding trial assessed the effects of high-fiber diets with honey on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and production costs of broiler chicks. One hundred and fifty a day-old Abor acre plus chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, each with three replicates of ten chicks. The control diet (T1) included 3 kg of rice offal (RO) with a crude fiber (CF) content of 4.64%. The other treatments varied in RO content: T2 (4 kg, 4.96% CF), T3 (5 kg, 5.24% CF), T4 (6 kg, 5.55% CF), and T5 (7 kg, 5.82% CF). Results showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in final body weight, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio with increasing fiber levels. Nutrient digestibility was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the diets, but feed costs per kilogram decreased with higher fiber. The birds in T1 group had the highest feed costs per weight gain, while T4 had the lowest. In conclusion, rice offal with honey can be included up to 4 % of the diet, with 150 g/kg of honey for optimal growth. Notably, including 6% rice offal improved feed costs per weight gain compared to the control.
Women-Led Social Innovation Initiatives Contribute to Gender Equality in Rural Areas: Grounded Theory on Five Initiatives From Three Continents
Authors: Sarkki Simo , Ludvig Alice , Fransala Jasmiini , Melnykovych Mariana , Živojinović Ivana , Ravazzoli Elisa , Bengoumi Mohammed , Nijnik Maria , Torre Cristina Dalla , Górriz-Mifsud Elena , Labidi Arbia , Sfeir Patricia , Marco Lucía López , Valero Diana , Joyce Katy , Chorti Houda 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Ensuring gender equality is an important development challenge, especially in rural areas, where women are often marginalized by economic, socio-cultural and policy structures. Women-Led Social Innovation Initiatives (WLSIIs) are a promising way to address this challenge, but their contributions to gender equality depend on complex interactions between marginalizing structures and agency of women. The objective of this paper is to examine how the relevant elements of agency enable WLSIIs to contribute to progress towards gender equality in rural areas. We examine five WLSIIs located in Canada, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, and Serbia. The cases focus on employment, education, identity, gender roles, and rural development, and are analyzed by grounded theory. We identified 1) gendered identity, 2) (in)dependence of women, and 3) control of women over the “rules of the game” as structural features that can enable or constrain WLSIIs. These concepts are located between grand societal structures (policy, economy, culture, and social organization) and women’s concrete, everyday realities, and as such helped us to understand factors supporting or hindering women’s agency and well-being. We identified women’s self-confidence, women-to-women networks, and self-developed and externally supported capacity as the key elements enabling agency. All these together increased social acceptance of the examined WLSIIs, helping to overcome cultural prejudices and gendered stereotypes. For example, women-to-women networks and self-organization increased economic independence, which reduced skepticism towards “new” roles of women and even changed unequal political dynamics. We conclude that women’s collective agency can be enabled by WLSIIs in diverse geographical and cultural contexts and should be recognized by policymakers as a key mechanism that has great potential for enhancing gender equality and overcoming structures marginalizing rural women.
Urban-Rural Differentiation in Serbia Beyond the Women’s Role in the Local Labor Force
Authors: Drobnjaković Marija , Panić Milena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Differentiation between rural and urban areas in Serbia is a disputable issue, usually based on the most commonly used indicators which do not reflect the functional and social local features. This research starts from the hypothesis that labor market gender inequality is strongly correlated with urban-rural dichotomy and patriarchal patterns on women's position. It follows the hidden idea of rural life in Serbia beyond the social and economic local features, introducing a gender dimension as a significant element. The cluster analysis is performed, which involves ten variables that represent the differences in women's social and economic engagement. Results enabled the identification of five municipality clusters, whose interpretation illustrated women's current position and significance in shaping (under)developed municipalities and urban/rural societies.
Advancement of agro-economy and synthetic agro-data generation using creative AI and drone technology
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shiladitya , Choudhury Tanupriya , Kotecha Ketan , Chauhan Piyush , Sharma Ashutosh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The applications of drones for smart farming are well accepted nowadays. It also results in huge fiscal losses to the agricultural economy. In conventional agriculture, resources are wasted due to the constant and uniform use of pesticides, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, within the existing literature, no comprehensive approach to these difficulties has been discovered. The current research uses drones to irrigate and distribute insecticides, fertilizers, and medicine to necessary crops in sufficient quantities. By understanding current needs, it generates and stores enough synthetic data. Through optimal resource usage and synthetic data production and analysis, it boosts agro-profit.
Measuring the performance of techniques for dynamic 2D animation in web browsers
Authors: Beňo M. , Ӧlvecký M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The study is evaluate the efficacy of diverse 2D animation techniques on web pages, with a particular emphasis on dynamic CSS variable notation (in single-line and two-line formats), jQuery, anime.js, and Velocity.js. The analysis entailed the translation of objects within an abstract model of C programming comprehension, with the objective of measuring the average execution time and the variance across multiple web browsers. The findings indicated that single-line CSS variable notation was the most efficient, exhibiting superior performance compared to two-line notation by 44.07% and 48.91% for 1,000 and 50 objects, respectively. It is noteworthy that anime.js exhibited the least efficient performance with 25 objects, demonstrating a 49.66% discrepancy in performance. Native browser technologies demonstrated superior outcomes compared to JavaScript libraries, which exhibited slower processing times despite being perceived as high-performance solutions. Despite its reputation as an outdated technology, jQuery exhibited competitive rendering speeds. The findings of this study underscore the significance of optimization in animation techniques and rendering efficiency.
Impermanence of the Visual Identity of Polish Local and Regional Governments
Authors: Adamus-Matuszynska Anna , Dzik Piotr 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Research purpose.
The literature on place branding lacks long-term and quantitative studies on the rebranding of territorial brands. Place branding consultants recommend that they should be reviewed and refreshed approximately every decade. However, it is emphasised that rebranding is demanding for the territorial organisation, and a place brand change should be undertaken in a methodical manner. Therefore, the objective of the study is to compare this process with the theoretical postulates summarised in the literature on the subject.

Design / Methodology / Approach.
The research method used was visual content analysis. The collected data were verified by individual interviews with representatives of local governments. The authors have been conducting a research project on Polish local and regional governments since 2011. Therefore, it is possible to summarise the changes, modifications, and rebranding of Polish territorial brands in the period 2011-2023. The queries were conducted regularly in the years 2011-2024 (the end date was the day of local government elections in Poland on April 7, 2024).

Findings.
More than 250 logos have been withdrawn or replaced, and approximately 100 have never been implemented. Research confirmed that the number of changes is large (more than 30% of logos have been replaced by new ones), but it is difficult to determine one or even the dominant cause of such serious organisational changes.

Originality / Value / Practical implications.
A review of the literature allows us to draw a conclusion about the lack of long-term research on the functioning and changes of the content of logos practised by places. Therefore, a 10-year study on the population of all local government units in Poland provides data that supports the development of territorial branding theory and allows analytical support for territorial rebranding processes. The research discussed is significant because it reveals, first, the frequency of changes and, second, the difficulty in defining the causes of these changes.
Exploring Chatgpt’s Efficacy in Identifying Potential Business Partners: A Comparative Study
Authors: Prohorovs Anatolijs , Dalal Surjeet , Radulescu Magdalena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using ChatGPT for a practically important but under-researched task in the scientific literature: the preliminary search and identification of potential business partners or counterparties.

Design/Methodology/Approach.
An experiment was conducted where ChatGPT was tasked with suggesting ten digital marketing agencies for each of three countries - Germany, Latvia, and Poland, including links to these agencies’ homepages. The accuracy of the responses was verified. The study also compared the accuracy of responses between the latest version of ChatGPT (ChatGPT 4o) and the previous version (ChatGPT 4) connected to the Internet.

Findings.
Both versions of ChatGPT were found to make a significant number of errors or inaccuracies when identifying potential business partners that met predefined criteria. Moreover, the frequency of these errors increased when searching in countries with smaller populations and economies. It was also found that the newer version, ChatGPT 4o, did not demonstrate improved accuracy compared to ChatGPT 4, which was connected to the Internet. Both versions of ChatGPT examined in the study provide a higher level of accuracy in identifying potential partners in countries with larger economies and populations.

Originality / Value / Practical Implications.
This research contributes to a practical understanding of the limitations and capabilities of AI tools in identifying business partners, providing valuable information for both practitioners and researchers in the field. This study also provides a benchmark for determining the accuracy of ChatGPT in performing common and important business tasks such as preliminary search and identification of business partners. The results of the study provide a basis for future research to track the progress of language models in similar business applications. The proposed evaluation methodology can be applied to future research aimed at assessing the capabilities of language models in solving business problems.
Governance Framework of the Centre of Government
Authors: Petrovska Elina , Berzins Gundars 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Research purpose.
The study aims to analyse the existing governance framework within the Centre of Government (CoG) in Latvia, exploring operational functions of the CoG, including function implemented by the CoG – to participate in all selection and nomination processes of members of the supervisory boards of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and to provide proposals for strengthening the governance framework of the CoG.

Design / Methodology / Approach.
To compose the framework of the study, the state institutions that constitute the CoG in Latvia were first identified. In the next step of the study, according to the structure defined for the Latvian CoG, a literature review and data analysis were conducted on: (a) governance and its key principles of good governance in public administration and corporate governance, (b) the operational functions performance within the CoG, including its participation in the process of members selection and nomination for the supervisory boards of SOEs. Based on the study results, suggestions for the system of criteria for the governance framework of the CoG were developed.

Findings.
Following the study into the governance framework of the CoG, it is discovered that effectiveness indicators are underused, and quality indicators need rationalization. The findings of the study suggest that the quality of the operational functions of CoG can be measured through the outcomes of the selection and nomination process for potential members of the supervisory boards of SOEs. Based on the study results, the following additional findings were made: (a) in order to achieve good corporate governance results in the selection and nomination process, it is necessary to utilize several additional criteria, which are essential not only for enhancing the effectiveness of the operational functions of CoG but also for effectiveness of the supervisory boards of SOEs; (b) to effectively ensure the development planning system’s process, thereby strengthening its governance, transparency and compliance throughout public administration, there is a necessity in Latvia to enhance the effectiveness of the document development, approval, and monitoring processes.

Originality / Value / Practical implications.
Proposed is a practically applicable criteria system, which allows to monitor and evaluate the management process at the CoG, thereby timely identifying areas of improvement and enhancing the overall quality of governance. The criteria system developed within the study can be flexibly adapted to governance framework development outside Latvia, particularly concerning issues related to the selection and nomination process and effective policy planning management. An original study approach has been implemented since the process of selection and nomination of supervisory board members of SOEs is considered in relation to the operational functions of the CoG.
The Role of Industry 4.0 in the Context of Economic Performance of Enterprises: A Literature Review
Authors: Valaskova Katarina , Nagy Marek 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Research purpose.
This literature review aims to comprehensively examine the role of Industry 4.0 in shaping the economic performance and sustainability of enterprises within Central European countries and provide a nuanced understanding of the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on corporate performance in this regional context. Implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT devices, artificial intelligence, and robotics, enhances operational efficiency. This efficiency can lead to cost reductions, improved production processes, and streamlined supply chains, positively impacting the economic performance of enterprises. Increased innovation often translates to the development of new products and services, driving revenue growth and positively affecting economic metrics.

Design / Methodology / Approach.
Employing a literature review methodology, snowballing techniques, and bibliometric analysis, this study examines a wide range of scholarly articles, reports, and publications to discern patterns, current trends, and empirical evidence related to the nexus between Industry 4.0 adoption and corporate outcomes.

Findings.
The findings reveal the multifaceted influence of technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things on key economic indicators, including revenue growth, cost efficiency, and profitability, across various industries. Additionally, the review highlights the current trends, identifies methodological approaches, and suggests potential avenues for future research.

Originality / Value / Practical implications.
This synthesis contributes valuable insights to the discourse on Industry 4.0’s implications for economic performance and sustainability, adds significant value to the understanding of the intersection between technological advancements and economic outcomes in the business landscape, offering a foundation for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in navigating the transformative landscape of advanced technologies within the business context.