Search Results (940)

Chainsaws are widely used in various occupational settings, including forestry, landscaping, farming, and by homeowners for tasks like tree felling, brush clearing, and firewood cutting. However, the use of chainsaws poses significant risks to operators and bystanders. This research quantified and compared occupational and nonoccupational injuries caused by contact with chainsaws and related objects during the period from 2018 to 2022. The emergency department and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) data were used to characterize the cause and nature of the injuries. Results suggest that for this five-year period an estimated 127,944 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for chainsaw-related injuries. More than 200 non-fatal and 57 fatal occupational chainsaw-involved injuries were found during the same period. Landscaping and forestry were the two industries where most of the occupational victims were employed. Upper and lower extremities were the most likely injured body parts, with open wounds from cuts being the most common injury type. The majority of fatal injuries were caused by falling objects such as trees and tree limbs while using a chainsaw. Our suggestions to reduce injuries include proper training and wearing personal protective equipment, as well as making sure any bystanders are kept in a safety zone away from trees being cut. Full article

Phytate, an antinutritional molecule in poultry feed, can be degraded by applying phytase, but its use in low- and middle-income countries is often limited due to importation instead of local production. Here, inexpensive raw materials were used to optimize the production of a thermostable phytase from an indigenous strain of Bacillus subtilis SP11 that was isolated from a broiler farm in Dhaka. SP11 was identified using 16s rDNA and the fermentation of phytase was optimized using a Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology, revealing that three substrates, including the raw material mustard meal (2.21% w/v), caused a maximum phytase production of 436 U/L at 37 °C and 120 rpm for 72 h, resulting in a 3.7-fold increase compared to unoptimized media. The crude enzyme showed thermostability up to 80 °C (may withstand the feed pelleting process) with an optimum pH of 6 (near pH of poultry small-intestine), while retaining 96% activity at 41 °C (the body temperature of the chicken). In vitro dephytinization demonstrated its applicability, releasing 978 µg of inorganic phosphate per g of wheat bran per hour. This phytase has the potential to reduce the burden of phytase importation in Bangladesh by making local production and application possible, contributing to sustainable poultry nutrition. Full article

Floating solar technology has gained significant attention as part of the global expansion of renewable energy due to its potential for installation in underutilized water bodies. Several countries, including the Netherlands, have initiated efforts to extend this technology from inland freshwater applications to open offshore environments, particularly within offshore wind farm areas. This development is motivated by the synergistic benefits of increasing site energy density and leveraging the existing offshore grid infrastructure. The deployment of offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems involves assembling multiple modular units in a marine environment, introducing operational risks that may give rise to safety concerns. To mitigate these risks, weather windows must be considered prior to the task execution to ensure continuity between weather-sensitive activities, which can also lead to additional time delays and increased costs. Consequently, optimizing marine logistics becomes crucial to achieving the cost reductions necessary for making OFPV technology economically viable. This study employs a simulation-based approach to estimate the installation duration of a 5 MWp OFPV plant at a Dutch offshore wind farm site, started in different months and under three distinct risk management scenarios. Based on 20 years of hindcast wave data, the results reveal the impacts of campaign start months and risk management policies on installation duration. Across all the scenarios, the installation duration during the autumn and winter period is 160% longer than the one in the spring and summer period. The average installation durations, based on results from 12 campaign start months, are 70, 80, and 130 days for the three risk management policies analyzed. The result variation highlights the additional time required to mitigate operational risks arising from potential discontinuity between highly interdependent tasks (e.g., offshore platform assembly and mooring). Additionally, it is found that the weather-induced delays are mainly associated with the campaigns of pre-laying anchors and platform and mooring line installation compared with the other campaigns. In conclusion, this study presents a logistics modeling methodology for OFPV systems, demonstrated through a representative case study based on a state-of-the-art truss-type design. The primary contribution lies in providing a framework to quantify the performance of OFPV installation strategies at an early design stage. The findings of this case study further highlight that marine installation logistics are highly sensitive to local marine conditions and the chosen installation strategy, and should be integrated early in the OFPV design process to help reduce the levelized cost of electricity. Full article

Game-farmed quails that are currently raised in captivity and released in hunting preserves are not attractive for many hunters because of their low antipredator instinct, which is due to the fact that in most cases, these farm-reared quails are hybrids between European common (Coturnix coturnix) and Japanese (Coturnix japonica) quails, with the latter having been selectively bred for docility. This study aimed at assessing the antipredator response of game-farmed and Japanese quails by performing three tests: human approach test, simulated aerial predator approach test and tonic immobility test. Thirty game-farmed quails (average body weight: 133 g) and thirty Japanese quails (323 g) were subjected to the tests. For each genotype of quail, fifteen males and fifteen females were used. In the human approach test, the distance at which quails moved was greater for game-farmed quails than for Japanese ones (37.4 vs. 19.6 m, p < 0.001). In the simulated aerial predator approach test, female quails of the Japanese species crouched down at the longest distance with respect to the predator (9.83 m), whereas no significant difference existed for this trait among the other three groups (6.84 m, on average). The percentage of quails flying when the predator got closer was higher for the Japanese species than for the game-farmed quails (23.3 vs. 3.33%, p = 0.023). Fewer inductions were needed to cause tonic immobility in the game-farmed quails than in the Japanese ones (3.10 vs. 4.10, p = 0.009), but then, the duration of the tonic immobility response did not differ significantly between the two genotypes. No effect of sex was detected in the human approach and tonic immobility tests. In conclusion, as compared with Japanese quails, game-farmed quails showed more fearful behaviour when confronted with a human being. Full article

Weaning stress damages the intestines and disrupts the intestinal barrier in piglets, which significantly impacts the pig farming industry’s economy. We aimed to examine the effects of ShenQiGan extract (CAG) on intestinal barrier function and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in stress-challenged weaned piglets. The experimental design involved 80 weaned piglets aged 28 days (with an average body weight of 7.78 ± 0.074 kg) that were randomly allocated into four groups: Control, LCAG (0.1% CAG), MCAG (0.5% CAG), and HCAG (1.0% CAG). After a 28-day trial period, the growth performance and incidence of diarrhea in piglets were evaluated. CAG increased the average daily gain of weaned piglets, reduced the feed-to-gain ratio, and decreased the incidence of diarrhea. It significantly lowered serum inflammatory cytokine levels while elevating immunoglobulin levels. The supplement notably enhanced concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid. Furthermore, CAG demonstrated intestinal morphology restoration and upregulation of tight junction proteins and MUC2 protein expression in jejunum. At the mRNA level, it significantly upregulated the expression of Occludin, Claudin1, and MUC2 genes. CAG improves growth performance and mitigates diarrhea in weaned piglets by enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, modulating systemic inflammatory responses, elevating immunoglobulin levels, and promoting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in the cecum. Full article

Small reservoirs have important functions, such as water resource guarantee, flood control and drought resistance, biological habitat and maintaining regional economic development. In order to better clarify the impact of agricultural activities on the nutritional status of water bodies in small reservoirs, zooplankton were quantitatively collected from four small reservoirs in the Jiuxianshan agricultural area of Qufu, Shandong Province, in March and October 2023, respectively. The physical and chemical parameters in sampling points were determined simultaneously. Meanwhile, water samples were collected for nutrient salt analysis, and the eutrophication of water bodies in four reservoirs was evaluated using the comprehensive nutrient status index method. The research found that the species richness of zooplankton after farming (100 species) was significantly higher than that before farming (81 species) (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the dominant species of zooplankton after farming (7 species) were significantly fewer than those before farming (11 species). The estimation results of the standing stock of zooplankton indicated that the abundance and biomass of zooplankton after farming (92.72 ind./L, 0.13 mg/L) were significantly higher than those before farming (32.51 ind./L, 0.40 mg/L) (p < 0.05). Community similarity analysis based on zooplankton abundance (ANOSIM) indicated that there were significant differences in zooplankton communities before and after farming (R = 0.329, p = 0.001). The results of multi-dimensional non-metric sorting (NMDS) showed that the communities of zooplankton could be clearly divided into two: pre-farming communities and after farming communities. The Monte Carlo test results are as follows (p < 0.05). Transparency (Trans), pH, permanganate index (COD_Mn), electrical conductivity (Cond) and chlorophyll a (Chl-a) had significant effects on the community structure of zooplankton before farming. Total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and electrical conductivity (Cond) had significant effects on the community structure of zooplankton after farming. The co-linearity network analysis based on zooplankton abundance showed that the zooplankton community before farming was more stable than that after farming. The water evaluation results based on the comprehensive nutritional status index method indicated that the water conditions of the reservoirs before farming were mostly in a mild eutrophic state, while the water conditions of the reservoirs after farming were all in a moderate eutrophic state. The results show that the nutritional status of small reservoirs in agricultural areas is significantly affected by agricultural activities. The zooplankton communities in small reservoirs underwent significant changes driven by alterations in the reservoir water environment and nutritional status. Based on the main results of this study, we suggested that the use of fertilizers and pesticides should be appropriately reduced in future agricultural activities. In order to better protect the water quality and aquatic ecology of the water reservoirs in the agricultural area. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural landscapes established by nineteenth-century German immigrants in South Australia and the southern Riverina of New South Wales, with particular attention to settlement patterns, architectural traditions and toponymic transformation. German immigration to Australia, though numerically modest compared to the Americas, significantly shaped local communities, especially due to religious cohesion among Lutheran migrants. These settlers established distinct, enduring rural enclaves characterized by linguistic, religious and architectural continuity. The paper examines three manifestations of these cultural landscapes. A rich toponymic landscape was created by imposing on natural landscape features and newly founded settlements the names of the communities from which the German settlers originated. It discusses the erosion of German toponyms under wartime nationalist pressures, the subsequent partial reinstatement and the implications for cultural memory. The study traces the second manifestation of a cultural landscapes in the form of nucleated villages such as Hahndorf, Bethanien and Lobethal, which often followed the Hufendorf or Straßendorf layout, integrating Silesian land-use principles into the Australian context. Intensification of land use through housing subdivisions in two communities as well as agricultural intensification through broad acre farming has led to the fragmentation (town) and obliteration (rural) of the uniquely German form of land use. The final focus is the material expression of cultural identity through architecture, particularly the use of traditional Fachwerk (half-timbered) construction and adaptations such as pug-and-pine walling suited to local materials and climate. The paper examines domestic forms, including the distinctive black kitchen, and highlights how environmental and functional adaptation reshaped German building traditions in the antipodes. Despite a conservation movement and despite considerable documentation research in the late twentieth century, the paper shows that most German rural structures remain unlisted and vulnerable. Heritage neglect, rural depopulation, economic rationalization, lack of commercial relevance and local government policy have accelerated the decline of many of these vernacular buildings. The study concludes by problematizing the sustainability of conserving German Australian rural heritage in the face of regulatory, economic and demographic pressures. With its layering of intangible (toponymic), structural (buildings) and land use (cadastral) features, the examination of the cultural landscape established by nineteenth-century German immigrants adds to the body of literature on immigrant communities, settler colonialism and landscape research. Full article

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most significant fish species worldwide, with its natural distribution spanning Europe and Asia. To conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and compare the prediction accuracy of genomic selection (GS) models for the growth traits of common carp in spring and autumn at 2 years of age, a total of 325 carp individuals were re-sequenced and phenotypic measurements were taken. Three GWAS methods (FarmCPU, GEMMA, and GLM) were applied and their performance was evaluated in conjunction with various GS models, using significance levels based on p-values. GWAS analyses were performed on eight traits (including the body length, body weight, fat content of fillet, and condition factor) for both spring and autumn seasons. Eleven different GS models (such as Bayes A, Bayes B, and SVR-linear) were combined to evaluate their performance in genomic selection. The results demonstrate that the FarmCPU method consistently exhibits superior stability and predictive accuracy across most traits, particularly under higher SNP densities (e.g., 5K), where prediction accuracies frequently exceed 0.8. Notably, when integrated with Bayesian approaches, FarmCPU achieves a substantial performance boost, with the prediction accuracy reaching as high as 0.95 for the autumn body weight, highlighting its potential for high-resolution genomic prediction. In contrast, GEMMA and GLM exhibited a more variable performance at lower SNP densities. Overall, the integration of FarmCPU with genomic selection (GS) models offers one of the most reliable and efficient frameworks for trait prediction, particularly for complex traits with substantial genetic variation. This approach proves especially powerful when coupled with Bayesian methodologies, further enhancing its applicability in advanced breeding programs. Full article

Accurate body condition score (BCS) monitoring in dairy cows is essential for optimizing health, productivity, and welfare. Traditional manual scoring methods are labor-intensive and subjective, driving interest in automated imaging-based systems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 2D imaging and deep learning for BCS classification using three camera perspectives—front, back, and top-down—to identify the most reliable viewpoint. The research involved 56 Norwegian Red milking cows at the Center for Livestock Experiments (SHF) of Norges Miljo-og Biovitenskaplige Universitet (NMBU) in Norway. Images were classified into BCS categories of 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 using a YOLOv8 model. The back view achieved the highest classification precision (mAP@0.5 = 0.439), confirming that key morphological features for BCS assessment are best captured from this angle. Challenges included misclassification due to overlapping features, especially in Class 2.5 and background data. The study recommends improvements in algorithmic feature extraction, dataset expansion, and multi-view integration to enhance accuracy. Integration with precision farming tools enables continuous monitoring and early detection of health issues. This research highlights the potential of 2D imaging as a cost-effective alternative to 3D systems, particularly for small and medium-sized farms, supporting more effective herd management and improved animal welfare. Full article

This study was conducted through in vivo and in vitro experiments and aimed to reveal the regulatory effect of water extract of Artemisia annua L. (WEAA) on the antioxidant function of mutton sheep and the underlying mechanism. In the in vivo experiment, 32 Dorper × Han female sheep (3 months old; avg. body weight: 24 ± 0.09 kg) were allocated to four groups (eight lambs/group) and fed a diet containing 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg WEAA, respectively. In the in vitro experiments, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were cultured with different doses of WEAA (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 µg/mL) to determine the optimal concentration, followed by a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with four treatment groups (six replicates per treatment group): the ML385(−)/WEAA(−) group, the ML385(−)/WEAA(+) group, the ML385(+)/WEAA(−) group, and the ML385(+)/WEAA(+) group. The results showed that WEAA supplementation dose-dependently increased serum, liver and spleen tissue total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity while reducing malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05). Moreover, WEAA supplementation significantly upregulated the liver and spleen expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, superoxide dismutase 2, GSH-Px, CAT and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (p < 0.05) while significantly downregulating the kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), thereby activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway with the peak effect observed in the 1000 mg/kg WEAA group. Additionally, supplementation with 100 µg/mL of WEAA had significant antioxidation activity in the culture medium of PBLs. Its action mechanism involved the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway; specifically, WEAA exerted its antioxidant effect by upregulating the gene expression related to the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. In conclusion, WEAA enhances sheep’s antioxidant capacity by up-regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway genes and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. The results provided experimental support for the potential application of WEAA in intensive mutton sheep farming. Full article

A reliable estimation of protein requirements in lactating dairy cows is necessary for formulating nutritionally adequate diets, improving feed efficiency, and minimizing nitrogen excretion. This study aimed to develop machine learning-based models to predict net protein requirements for maintenance (NPm) and lactation (NPl) using random forest regression (RFR) and support vector regression (SVR). A total of 1779 observations were assembled from 436 peer-reviewed publications and open-access databases. Predictor variables included farm-ready variables such as milk yield, dry matter intake, days in milk, body weight, and dietary crude protein content. NPm was estimated based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM, 2021) equations, while NPl was derived from milk true protein yield. The model adequacy was evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation. The RFR model demonstrated higher predictive performance than SVR for both NPm (R² = 0.82, RMSEP = 22.38 g/d, CCC = 0.89) and NPl (R² = 0.82, RMSEP = 95.17 g/d, CCC = 0.89), reflecting its capacity to model the rule-based nature of the NASEM equations. These findings suggest that RFR may provide a valuable approach for estimating protein requirements with fewer input variables. Further research should focus on validating these models under field conditions and exploring hybrid modeling frameworks that integrate mechanistic and machine learning approaches. Full article

In farmed animals, body color is not only an ecological trait but also an important trait that influences the commercial value of the animals. Melanin plays an important role in the formation of body color in animals, while the tyrosinase (TYR) gene family is a group of key enzymes that regulate melanogenesis. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is one of the most important reptiles in freshwater aquaculture. However, the potential role of the TYR gene family in the body color formation of P. sinensis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and conservation of the TYR gene family in relation to body color variation in P. sinensis. Three core members of this gene family were identified from the P. sinensis genome. Following identification, the genomic features were analyzed. They shared similar physicochemical properties and conserved domains. Chromosome mapping showed that the three genes of P. sinensis were all located on the autosomes, while phylogenetic and collinearity analysis suggested that the protein functions of the three genes in the studied species were highly conserved. Amino acid sequence alignment indicated high conservation among the three TYR gene family proteins (TYR, TYRP1, and DCT) in multiple critical regions, particularly in their hydrophobic N-/C-terminal regions and cysteine/histidine-rich conserved domains. The qRT-PCR revealed that the TYR and DCT genes were highly expressed in the eyes of individuals with different body colors. The expression levels of TYR and TYRP1 genes in the skin were significantly higher in dark-colored individuals than in light-colored ones (p < 0.05). These results will lay the groundwork for functional studies and breeding programs targeting color traits in aquaculture. Full article

Energy generation from renewable sources has increased exponentially worldwide, particularly wind energy, which is converted into electricity through wind turbines. The growing demand for renewable energy has driven the development of horizontal-axis wind turbines with larger dimensions, as the energy captured is proportional to the area swept by the rotor blades. In this context, the dynamic loads typically observed in wind turbine towers include vibrations caused by rotating blades at the top of the tower, wind pressure, and earthquakes (less common). In offshore wind farms, wind turbine towers are also subjected to dynamic loads from waves and ocean currents. Vortex-induced vibration can be an undesirable phenomenon, as it may lead to significant adverse effects on wind turbine structures. This study presents a two-dimensional transient model for a rigid body anchored by a torsional spring subjected to a constant velocity flow. We applied a coupling of the Fourier pseudospectral method (FPM) and immersed boundary method (IBM), referred to in this study as IMERSPEC, for a two-dimensional, incompressible, and isothermal flow with constant properties—the FPM to solve the Navier–Stokes equations, and IBM to represent the geometries. Computational simulations, solved at an aspect ratio of $\varphi =4.0$, were analyzed, considering Reynolds numbers ranging from $Re=150$ to Re = 1000 when the cylinder is stationary, and $Re=250$ when the cylinder is in motion. In addition to evaluating vortex shedding and Strouhal number, the study focuses on the characterization of space–time symmetry during the galloping response. The results show a spatial symmetry breaking in the flow patterns, while the oscillatory motion of the rigid body preserves temporal symmetry. The numerical accuracy suggested that the IMERSPEC methodology can effectively solve complex problems. Moreover, the proposed IMERSPEC approach demonstrates notable advantages over conventional techniques, particularly in terms of spectral accuracy, low numerical diffusion, and ease of implementation for moving boundaries. These features make the model especially efficient and suitable for capturing intricate fluid–structure interactions, offering a promising tool for analyzing wind turbine dynamics and other similar systems. Full article

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites not only significantly impact goat health and productivity but can also affect human health due to the zoonotic potential of some species. This study investigates the prevalence of internal parasites within the tropical monsoon ecosystem of southern Thailand, focusing on both phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the parasites and identifying associated risk factors in caprine farming systems. A total of 276 meat goats from Nakhon Si Thammarat province were examined, indicating an overall GI parasite prevalence of 88.8% (245/276), with strongyles and Eimeria spp. identified as the dominant parasites. In addition, mixed parasitic infections were observed in 72.2% of cases, whereas single infections comprised 27.8%. Strongyle-positive fecal samples were cultured and genetically sequenced, revealing the presence of Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Oesophagostomum asperum. For associated risk factors, gender and grazing with other herds significantly impacted overall GI parasitic infections, while the gender, breed, and packed cell volume (PCV) affected the strongyle infection. A correlation analysis revealed a substantial relationship between strongyle egg per gram (EPG) counts and clinical parameters, indicating that monitoring animals with low body condition scores (BCS) and high Faffa Malan Chart (FAMACHA) scores could be an effective strategy for controlling strongyle infections. These findings highlight the importance of continued research and effective farm management practices to address strongyle infections in meat goats, improving their health and agricultural productivity in tropical regions. Moreover, the detection of four zoonotic parasites (Giardia spp., H. contortus, T. colubriformis, and Fasciola spp.) indicates the necessity for the routine surveillance and monitoring of zoonotic parasites in goats to mitigate potential human health risks. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance, hematological health, and muscle composition of juvenile Arapaima gigas. We tested five isonitrogenous diets (451.7 g kg⁻¹ of crude protein) with increasing lipid levels (6%, 10%, 14%, 18%, and 22%). A total of 600 juvenile A. gigas (80.0 ± 10.5 g; 21.8 ± 1.0 cm) were distributed into 20 tanks (500 L; n = 4; 30 fish per tank) in an indoor open system. The fish were fed to apparent satiety four times daily for 60 days. As dietary lipid levels increased, all growth parameters and lipid content in both the whole body and muscle declined. The diet containing 6% lipids resulted in the maximum final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and the lowest feed conversion rate. However, a maximum lipid level of up to 10.26%, with a gross energy-to-protein ratio of 10.15 kcal g⁻¹ in the diet, as determined through polynomial regression analysis, can be used for juvenile A. gigas without significantly affecting weight gain. Diets with high lipid content (18% and 22% lipids) resulted in the lowest survival rates, highest feed conversion rates, lowest condition factor, visible skeletal protrusions, scale depigmentation, and impaired blood biochemistry. The content of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, n-3, and the n-3:n-6 ratio increased in the muscle lipid fraction (mg g⁻¹ of total lipids) in response to higher dietary lipid levels; however, this does not represent an overall improvement in the meat quality, since the total lipid content in the muscle (g of lipid per 100 g of muscle) was reduced due to impaired growth in fish fed high-lipid diets. Notably, the experimental diets also differed in fatty acid composition, which may have influenced some of the physiological and compositional responses observed. Diets with 6% lipids are recommended to provide optimal growth performance, and a maximum dietary lipid level of up to 10.26% is advised to ensure successful A. gigas farming without impairing weight gain. Full article