Micro Gondwana: soil and litter mesofauna in the subalpine and alpine of North-West Nelson, southern New Zealand

Alpine ecosystems are vulnerable to the warming climate, yet alpine soil mesofauna remains the less studied part of NZ biodiversity. Here we present a survey of soil mesofauna communities of three mountain peaks in the Nelson-Tasman and Marlborough regions of the South Island of New Zealand. We assessed changes in abundance, diversity and trophic composition along the elevational gradient from subalpine forests to alpine herb fields (800–1600 m a.s.l.) and analysed the influence of selected environmental factors on mesofauna. Taxon richness was expected to decrease and the proportion of predators to increase in alpine habitats, as has been observed elsewhere. Sub-alpine beech forests harboured a high diversity of soil mesofauna, many of which are Gondwanan relics. There was a decline in abundance and taxonomic richness of mesofauna with increasing elevation. However, no proportional increase in predators with increasing elevation was seen–alpine mesofauna assemblages had lower predator-to-herbivore ratios than upland forests. Several interesting taxa–harpacticoid copepods, moss bugs (Hemiptera: Peloridiidae), unique-headed bugs (Hemiptera: Enicocephalomorpha), micro-spiders, mite harvestmen, Neelidae springtails and acarifauna are discussed in more detail. Baseline data such as these advance the knowledge of native fauna and provide a baseline for ecological monitoring in the alpine zone.fals

Simulating human behavior under earthquake early warning

Earthquakes are a rapid-onset hazard where advance planning and learning plays a key role in mitigating injuries and death to individuals. Recent advances in earthquake detection have resulted in the development of earthquake early warning (EEW) systems. These systems can provide advance warning to predetermined geographic regions that an earthquake is in progress, which may result in individuals receiving warning seconds before significant shaking is felt at their location. This additional time could allow individuals to take more effective protective actions during the immediate disaster. To demonstrate this, we created an agent-based simulation of a basic apartment that allowed us to randomly and repeatedly simulate an individual receiving and responding to an EEW message. The results of our preliminary simulation show that, in our study environment, earthquake early warning alerts have the potential to allow for sufficient time for individuals to take protective actions.fals

Transformer-based multiple instance learning network with 2D positional encoding for histopathology image classification

Digital medical imaging, particularly pathology images, is essential for cancer diagnosis but faces challenges in direct model training due to its super-resolution nature. Although weakly supervised learning has reduced the need for manual annotations, many multiple instance learning (MIL) methods struggle to effectively capture crucial spatial relationships in histopathological images. Existing methods incorporating positional information often overlook nuanced spatial correlations or use positional encoding strategies that do not fully capture the unique spatial dynamics of pathology images. To address this issue, we propose a new framework named TMIL (Transformer-based Multiple Instance Learning Network with 2D positional encoding), which leverages multiple instance learning for weakly supervised classification of histopathological images. TMIL incorporates a 2D positional encoding module, based on the Transformer, to model positional information and explore correlations between instances. Furthermore, TMIL divides histopathological images into pseudo-bags and trains patch-level feature vectors with deep metric learning to enhance classification performance. Finally, the proposed approach is evaluated on a public colorectal adenoma dataset. The experimental results show that TMIL outperforms existing MIL methods, achieving an AUC of 97.28% and an ACC of 95.19%. These findings suggest that TMIL’s integration of deep metric learning and positional encoding offers a promising approach for improving the efficiency and accuracy of pathology image analysis in cancer diagnosis.fals

Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therapeutic hoof trimming, and orthopedic block application on lameness in multiparous dairy cattle: A randomized controlled trial

Hoof horn lesions are recurrent in nature and cause long-term pathological challenges to the functional anatomy of the hoof in dairy cattle. It is hypothesized that inflammation is a driver of these pathological changes. It has previously been identified that routine treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) at first and subsequent calving and lameness events is important in reducing the future risk of lameness in dairy heifers. The effects NSAID administration has on lameness outcomes for multiparous dairy cattle is unknown. We conducted a 34-mo randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of routine administration of the NSAID ketoprofen during treatment for lameness and at calving on the future probability of lameness and culling caused by exposure to normal farm conditions. Dairy cattle that had calved at least once were recruited from a single herd and randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments controlling for parity, proportion of occasions scored as lame 8 wk before study onset, and DIM. All lactating animals were scored for lameness every 2 wk to identify lame animals requiring treatment. Animals in group 1 received a therapeutic trim and an orthopedic hoof block (if deemed necessary) every time they were treated for lameness. Animals in group 2 received a 3-d course of ketoprofen (single dose daily) alongside the same treatment given in group 1 every time they were treated for lameness. Animals in group 3 received a 3-d course of ketoprofen (single dose daily) starting 24 to 36 h after each calving alongside the same treatment given in group 2 for lameness. Animals in group 4 received a 3-d course of ketoprofen (single dose daily) every time they were identified with lameness, with no therapeutic trim, unless they were identified as severely lame (a single score ≥3a). Animals were followed for the 34-mo duration of the study. Independent lameness outcome scores were collected every 2 wk by technicians who were blinded to treatment group to assess the probability of lameness. Culling data were extracted from farm records. A total of 425 animals were recruited to the study (105 in group 1, 107 in group 2, 107 in group 3, and 106 in group 4), with data from 412 animals included in the final analysis (102 in group 1, 102 in group 2, 106 in group 3, and 102 in group 4). The effect of treatment group on the ongoing probability of lameness was evaluated through the use of mixed effect logistic regression models. Compared with animals in group 1, animals in group 4 were significantly more likely to be identified as lame throughout the study period. No effect on the risk of severe lameness was identified. The effect of group on time to culling was investigated using a Cox proportional hazards model. No benefit of the NSAID or hoof trimming intervention on culling risk was identified. Our results highlight the importance of frequent therapeutic trimming and the application of orthopedic blocks in the treatment of lameness in multiparous animals that may have a history of calving and lameness without NSAID administration.fals

Client Perspectives of Family Therapy: A Qualitative Systematic Review

This qualitative systematic review aimed to synthesize and discuss family members' perspectives of helpful and unhelpful factors in family therapy (FT) sessions, to benefit the application of FT interventions and training. Eleven studies met eligibility criteria and were critically appraised and thematically synthesized. Four themes resulted: therapist qualities contributing to the therapeutic alliance, practitioners' use of therapeutic techniques, intervention delivery, and family engagement with the process. Helpful factors included therapist warmth, kindness, and genuine care; therapist connecting with family in a sensitive, respectful, and nonjudgmental manner; effective use of therapeutic techniques that facilitated self-reflection, emotional expression, communication, and perspective-taking; therapy sessions conducted collaboratively with active family participation; focusing on family strengths and resources; and tailoring format to family needs. Unhelpful factors included participants sharing before ready, therapist siding with a family member, therapy process not matching family needs, and insufficient progress early on. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.fals

Use of adjusted cut-off values for Neospora caninum antibody ELISA in calves after colostrum intake: on-farm evaluation as part of a neosporosis eradication programme

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of testing young calves using an ELISA for antibodies to Neospora caninum with adjusted cut-off values to account for the presence of maternal antibodies, as an aid in decision-making during calf-rearing, with the purpose of eradicating neosporosis from endemically infected dairy herds. Methods: Replacement heifer calves on two dairy farms with endemic neosporosis were blood sampled at approximately 1–4 weeks of age. Sera were tested with an ELISA for antibodies to N. caninum, with the thresholds increased (based on unpublished data) to account for colostrum intake. The sample/positive (S/P) cut-off value for seronegative animals was increased from the manufacturer’s recommendation of S/P < 30 to < 70; the S/P value for seropositive was increased from ≥ 40 to ≥ 100; and S/P values 70–100 were considered inconclusive. Calves with inconclusive results were retested using standard thresholds at approximately 4 months of age (after colostral antibodies had waned). Seropositive calves were removed from the replacement herd. This protocol was first implemented in 2016. From 2018 onwards, parentage testing was carried out, and the calves’ results were extrapolated to their dams. Dams of seropositive calves were bred predominantly to beef semen. The proportion of seronegative calves in each cohort from 2016 to 2023 was calculated, and the reproductive performance of seronegative replacement calves (% producing a calf at approximately 24 months of age) was analysed. Results: The proportion of seropositive replacement calves peaked in 2017 (19.5%) and by 2023 had reduced to 1.2%. The odds of a heifer being seronegative in 2023 compared to 2016 were 14.0 (95% CI = 4.12–87.56) times higher. Compared to 2014/2015 when replacement heifers’ serostatus was unknown, after 2016 (the first year when replacement heifer serostatus was established) at least 12.9% more heifers produced a calf at approximately 24 months of age; compared to 2014 the odds were at least 2.88 (95% CI = 1.75–4.88) times higher. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Combining early testing of replacement heifers with the identification and breeding management of dams of seropositive replacement heifers reduced the proportion of seropositive heifer calves in subsequent years and improved the reproductive performance of heifer cohorts. Further research is required to establish optimal ELISA cut-off values, but this strategy is likely to be a useful tool to reduce the N. caninum seroprevalence in endemically infected dairy herds.fals

The Relationship Between Stature and Live Weight of Dairy Cows Between Birth and Maturity

Lactational and reproductive performance are strongly associated with cow live weight and capacity. However, there are limited data published describing capacity (thoracic) growth and the prediction of final stature and capacity from measurements at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stature and live weight of female dairy cattle between birth and maturity. Forty dairy cows, with records of stature and capacity from birth up until two years of age, underwent follow-up measurements for live weight, height at withers, wither-rump length, girth circumference and leg length on four occasions between 42 and 52 months of age. Measures of wither height, leg length and wither rump length at fourth mating had the strongest association with measures at birth (R2 > 0.90) compared to girth and live weight (R2 = 0.88 and 0.82, respectively). The weaker association between birth and maturity measures for girth is likely a reflection of the stronger relationship with live weight resulting in a later maturity (approximately 810 days) compared to linear measures such as height (approximately 730 days). Therefore, to maximise capacity, adequate nutrition is required until approximately 810 days of age when capacity growth is most sensitive to environmental input.fals

Strays, surrenders and foster care: examining New Zealand’s cat rescue landscape

Aims: To describe the current capacity, resource limitations and challenges of cat and kitten rescue organisations (CKR) in New Zealand; to document the source and destination of the animals cared for; and to explore the role of foster programmes in cat rescue and rehoming in New Zealand. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was administered to companion animal rescue organisations in New Zealand in May 2022. For those engaged in CKR, the survey included questions about types and numbers of cats cared for, facilities, locations, origins and outcomes of cats in care, reasons for owner surrender, whether the CKR had a foster programme, and foster programme capacity. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and free-text comments were analysed for common themes. Results: Of the 64 organisations that indicated they cared for cats on the broader companion animal rescue survey, 50 (78%) completed the questions on CKR. At the time of the survey, these 50 organisations cared for an estimated total of 6,206 cats (median 39 (IQR 17–96) cats per CKR). The highest reported source of animals was strays (median of the CKR’s reported percentage: 72%; IQR 50–93%), followed by surrendered animals (median 14.5%; IQR 5–31%). The most common reasons for owners surrendering animals were unplanned litters, lack of pet-friendly accommodation, and inability to afford to care for the animal’s daily needs. An estimated median of 66% (IQR 60–80%) of cats under care in the previous year were subsequently rehomed. Most CKR were “usually” (26/50; 52%) or “always” (11/50; 22%) full to capacity. The majority of CKR that responded operated a fostering programme (40/50; 80%), with an estimated 59% (3,619/6,206) of all cats currently in the care of CKR located in foster homes. The availability of fosterers was identified by CKR as the most important factor affecting their ability to accept animals. Conclusions and clinical relevance: These findings highlight that CKR in New Zealand currently handle a large volume of animals each year. Initiatives that focus on preventing unplanned litters, ensuring owned free-roaming cats have permanent identification through microchipping, and initiatives to prevent unnecessary owner relinquishment may help to reduce the number of animals entering care. With the majority of CKR relying on foster programmes, there is a need for further research to better understand how these operate and whether there may be opportunities to expand their capacity.fals

The seroprevalence and spatial distribution of liver fluke infection in a sample of West Coast and Canterbury dairy herds

The West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand is recognised as having a high prevalence of liver fluke infection, however, few studies have tested this assumption. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of liver fluke infection in most West Coast and some Canterbury dairy herds using bulk milk ELISA. Herds were bulk milk sampled on three occasions, twice, a week apart in March 2017 (n = 430 and n = 99) and once in October 2017 (n = 412). The concentration of liver fluke antibodies was estimated using the IDEXX Fasciolosis Verification ELISA (IDEXX Europe BV, Hoofdorp, The Netherlands) on these bulk milk samples. Herds were categorised according to the test instructions, with “medium” (≥20 % cows infected) or “strong” (≥50 % cows infected) results designated as production limiting. All herds were also sent a short questionnaire about awareness of liver fluke and treatment in their herds. The agreement between the IDEXX results for 99 herds sampled twice in March 2017, and between the IDEXX results for March and October for all herds was assessed with a Kappa test. There was a substantial agreement between the two March tests, kappa = 0.7 (95 % CI 0.58–0.82) and moderate agreement between the March and October samples kappa = 0.41 (95 % CI 0.34–0.48). The results of the questionnaire were linked to the IDEXX results, and the distribution of herds categorised by their IDEXX result plotted. At the March and October samplings 0/35 (0 %) and 0/27 (0 %) Canterbury herds, 248/395 (63 %) and 193/385 (50 %) of West Coast herds had a production limiting seroprevalence of liver fluke infection. Mapping showed that West Coast herds with a production limiting infection were clustered in coastal areas, whereas those without, were clustered in inland valleys. The odds of a coastal West Coast dairy herd having a production limiting seroprevalence of liver fluke were 10.7 (95 % CI, 6.6–17.3) times that of an inland herd in March and 8.6 (95 % CI, 5.4–13.8) times in October. There was no effect on IDEXX ELISA SP% (p = 0.92) of herds which were treated for liver fluke at dry off soon after the March test compared to their SP% in the following October test, soon after calving. The results show that liver fluke infection is a potentially serious problem for West Coast dairy herds especially for those on coastal river plains prone to flooding.fals

Investigating the impact of abiotic stresses on the growth and persistence of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) within grazed mixed pastures : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

The New Zealand dairy industry has identified plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) as a tool to mitigate nitrogen losses from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) based pastures, however reports of variable pasture plantain contents (dry matter basis) and poor persistence within grazed mixed pastures have led to industry concern over its viability. There is anecdotal evidence that the persistence of plantain within dairy pastures is negatively impacted by waterlogging and treading damage from livestock, however there is little scientific literature relevant to these issues. This research aimed to answer the following research question: What are the impacts of waterlogging and treading damage on plantain growth and survival within mixed dairy pastures? This thesis includes a series of experiments conducted between 2021 and 2024. In a glasshouse, the performance of plantain under waterlogging was evaluated against perennial ryegrass. Plantain growth was particularly sensitive to waterlogging, however the survival of plantain under waterlogging suggested that plantain possesses some waterlogging tolerance. In contrast, perennial ryegrass proved to have an enhanced ability for coping with, and recovering from, waterlogging stress. These findings suggest that while waterlogging may cause limitations to plantain growth, there is no evidence to suggest that waterlogging alone could cause a major decline in plantain density within mixed pastures. Rather, waterlogging could undermine the ability of plantain to compete with perennial ryegrass in mixed pastures. The impact of treading damage on plantain regrowth and survival was investigated in two field experiments. In a small-plot study, treading damage was simulated on separate plantain and perennial ryegrass pastures using a novel treading device. Damage by the treading device, in late spring, immediately reduced the herbage accumulation rate of both plantain and perennial ryegrass pastures by 30%, however neither plantain content nor density were reduced as a consequence of the damage. In a larger, two-year experiment, on a mixed plantain + perennial ryegrass pasture, early spring treading damage by dairy cows reduced pasture growth by 50% and 75% during the early spring periods of year one and two, respectively. Plantain content tended to be lower in damaged plots during early spring in both years, before recovering throughout summer, although this effect was more pronounced during year one. Treading damage caused a reduction in plantain shoot yield (leaf + petiole) and density in year one, however the negative effects of the damage on plantain growth were short-lived and subsided throughout the first year of the experiment. Treading damage in early spring in year two did not significantly impact plantain content or density. An observed reduction in plantain shoot density in late spring in year two was possibly caused by shading from perennial ryegrass. Taken together, these results suggest that treading damage in early spring is unlikely to be a primary cause of plantain content decline within mixed pastures, although it might contribute to temporary reductions in plantain content during spring, particularly in newly established swards. It is possible that treading damage could reduce the ability of plantain to compete with perennial ryegrass in mixed pastures