Influence of altitude and lactation period on composition and physical properties of milk in crossbred Sharri sheep

Received: March 19th, 2023 ; Accepted: May 7th, 2023 ; Published: May 22nd, 2023 ; Correspondence: [email protected] aim of this study was to compare the changes in chemical composition and physical properties of raw milk from crossbred ‘Sharri’ sheep as a function of altitude (1,200 m - variant A and 1,600 m - variant B) and lactation period. Milk composition (total solids - TS, milk fat–MF, solids non-fat-SNF, protein - P, lactose - L, ash, freezing point - FP, titratable acidity - TA, active acidity - AA, and density - D) were analysed once per month during the period of June, July, August, and September of 2021. Sheep milk at 1,600 m altitude showed significantly higher values (P < 0.05) for all analysed parameters and lower values for FP compared to milk from 1,200 m altitude, except SNF, FP and AA, which were not statistically significant. The analysed milk during the four months of lactation period has significantly increased (P < 0.05) in TS (from 15.65 to 25.46%); MF (6.49 to 10.80%); SNF (9.16 to 14.66%); P (4.46 to 6.94%); L (3.96 to 6.52%); ash (0.74 to 1.20%); TA (9.90 to 14.53 °SH); whereas changes in FP value (-0.611 to -0.709 °C), AA (6.68 to 6.76) and D (1.035 to 1.053 g cm-3 ), have been statistically non-significant. The interactions between altitude*lactation period on milk composition (TS, MF, SNF, P, L, ash) of crossbred ‘Sharri’ sheep and physical properties (FP, TA, AA and D) were nonsignificant

The European performance indicators of broiler chickens as influenced by stocking density and sex

ArticleThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different stocking densities on the growth performance of Ross 308 broiler chickens up to six weeks of age. A to tal of 216 one - day broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three treatment groups based on the stocking density: Low (LSD) = 14 chickens m - 2 , Medium (MSD) = 18 chickens per m 2 and High (HSD) = 22 chickens m - 2 , with four replications. Higher body weight gain (TWG) was observed for the low (2,043.89 g) and medium (2 , 008.03 g) compared to the high (1,901.51 g) density. The study revealed that chickens of the LSD treatment consumed significantly ( P < 0.01) more fe ed compared to the HSD chickens. High stocking density (22 m - 2 ) tended to improve feed conversion ratio compared to medium (18 m - 2 ) and low (14 m - 2 ) stocking density, but the differences were not significant ( P > 0.05). From the results of this study it can be concluded that broiler chicks can be stocked up to 22 chickens m 2 , as far as required standards are assured

THE RELEVANCE OF PEER FEEDBACK IN EFL CLASSES FOR TERTIARY LANGUAGE LEARNERS

This paper reports on a study conducted at at the University of Tetovo (UT), Northern Macedonia and USAMVBT “Regele Mihai I al Romaniei ” from Timisoara, Romania, analysing the effect of peer feedback in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning. The authors hypothesized that peer feedback was not percieved as a genuine strategy for learning languages, while it could be put forth as a useful strategy for improving not only language skills but also critical thinking, as well as empathy. Based on the participants ' responses, the students ' perceptions were anlyzed with an aim of encouraging them to become more confident learners, to improve their English language proficiency and to gain feedback skills. The study was conducted throughout the second semester of the academic year 2018-2019. Acknowledging convenience sampling, the 21 (n=21) subjects who participated in this study included 14 (n=14) students from the seventh semester of the UT, English Language and Literature Department and 12 (n=12) students from USAMVB “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Romania. The effects and perceptions of peer feedback were discussed from the students ' perspective and from our corroborated points of view. Data were collected using student questionnaires in which participants were asked to reflect back on their experience on peer feedback throughout their studies. Student responses were subjected to a modified content analysis to identify the main themes and topics. Semi-structured interviews with 12 students were undertaken to substantiate the essential findings of content analysis

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AND ECOLOGICAL COMMUNICATION IN THE EMERGING DIGITAL LANDSCAPES

This paper aims to examine language learning and communication modalities in the emerging digital educational spaces used by undergraduate students from Banat's University “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Romania, University of Tetovo, North Macedonia, and Lomza University in Poland during the academic year 2021-2022. Particularly, the use of digital platforms provided for online schooling during the pandemic is analysed based on feedback from students participating in online English classes. The purpose of the study is to reveal the specific modalities available for collaborative learning communities, as well as the challenges faced by both learners and educators and the viability of maintaining ecological multimodal dialogues. The paper explores how online classes are able to mobilize students in digital spaces to enable the development of language learning, as well as soft skills promoting communicative competence, while also maintaining the need for visibility within distance education. The analysis uses a multimethod approach, on the one hand theoretically grounded in ecolinguistics and ecosemiotics (evolving from semiosphere theory) by investigating digital practices and, on the other hand, experimental-based qualitative analysis examining the feedback collected from students through surveys conducted anonymously. Ultimately, the discussion aims at enhancing genuine interactive openness and plurivocal dialogue which valorizes identity formation, from a quality-based and ethical perspective

Identification of Relationships Between Patients Through Elements in a Data Warehouse Using the Familial, Associational, and Incidental Relationship (FAIR) Initiative: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Over the last several years there has been widespread development of medical data warehouses. Current data warehouses focus on individual cases, but lack the ability to identify family members that could be used for dyadic or familial research. Currently, the patient\u27s family history in the medical record is the only documentation we have to understand the health status and social habits of their family members. Identifying familial linkages in a phenotypic data warehouse can be valuable in cohort identification and in beginning to understand the interactions of diseases among families. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the Familial, Associational, and Incidental Relationships (FAIR) initiative is to identify an index set of patients\u27 relationships through elements in a data warehouse. METHODS: Using a test set of 500 children, we measured the sensitivity and specificity of available linkage algorithm identifiers (eg, insurance identification numbers and phone numbers) and validated this tool/algorithm through a manual chart audit. RESULTS: Of all the children, 52.4% (262/500) were male, and the mean age of the cohort was 8 years old (SD 5). Of the children, 51.6% (258/500) were identified as white in race. The identifiers used for FAIR were available for the majority of patients: insurance number (483/500, 96.6%), phone number (500/500, 100%), and address (497/500, 99.4%). When utilizing the FAIR tool and various combinations of identifiers, sensitivity ranged from 15.5% (62/401) to 83.8% (336/401), and specificity from 72% (71/99) to 100% (99/99). The preferred method was matching patients using insurance or phone number, which had a sensitivity of 72.1% (289/401) and a specificity of 94% (93/99). Using the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) warehouse infrastructure, we have now developed a Web app that facilitates FAIR for any index population. CONCLUSIONS: FAIR is a valuable research and clinical resource that extends the capabilities of existing data warehouses and lays the groundwork for family-based research. FAIR will expedite studies that would otherwise require registry or manual chart abstraction data sources

Familial, Associational, & Incidental Relationships (FAIR)

Identifying familial linkages in a phenotypic data warehouse can be valuable in cohort identification, and beginning to understand interactions of diseases among families. The goal of the Familial, Associational, & Incidental Relationships (FAIR) system is to identify an index set patients’ relationships through elements in a data warehouse. Using a test set of 500 children, we measured the sensitivity and specificity of available linkage algorithm (e.g.: insurance id and phone numbers) and validated this tool/algorithm through a manual chart audit. Sensitivity varied from 16% to 87%, and specificity from 70% to 100% using various combinations of identifiers. Using the “i2b2” warehouse infrastructure, we have now developed a web app that facilitates FAIR for any index population

A Cross-Sectional Survey on Medication Management Practices for Noncommunicable Diseases in Europe During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Maintaining healthcare for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, diversion of resources to acute care, and physical distancing restrictions markedly affected management of NCDs. We aimed to assess the medication management practices in place for NCDs during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic across European countries. In December 2020, the European Network to Advance Best practices & technoLogy on medication adherencE (ENABLE) conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey in 38 European and one non-European countries. Besides descriptive statistics of responses, nonparametric tests and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the impact on available NCD services of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Fifty-three collaborators from 39 countries completed the survey. In 35 (90%) countries face-to-face primary-care, and out-patient consultations were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean ± SD number of available forms of teleconsultation services in the public healthcare system was 3 ± 1.3. Electronic prescriptions were available in 36 (92%) countries. Online ordering and home delivery of prescription medication (avoiding pharmacy visits) were available in 18 (46%) and 26 (67%) countries, respectively. In 20 (51%) countries our respondents were unaware of any national guidelines regarding maintaining medication availability for NCDs, nor advice for patients on how to ensure access to medication and adherence during the pandemic. Our results point to an urgent need for a paradigm shift in NCD-related healthcare services to assure the maintenance of chronic pharmacological treatments during COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as possible future disasters

Crave-Out: A Distraction/Motivation Mobile Game to Assist in Smoking Cessation

BACKGROUND: Smoking is still the number one preventable cause of death. Cravings-an intense desire or longing for a cigarette-are a major contributor to quit attempt failure. New tools to help smokers\u27 manage their cravings are needed. OBJECTIVE: To present a case study of the development process and testing of a distraction/motivation game (Crave-Out) to help manage cravings. METHODS: We used a phased approach: in Phase 1 (alpha testing), we tested and refined the game concept, using a Web-based prototype. In Phase 2 (beta testing), we evaluated the distraction/motivation potential of the mobile game prototype, using a prepost design. After varying duration of abstinence, smokers completed the Questionnaire of Smoking Urge-Brief (QSU-Brief) measurement before and after playing Crave-Out. Paired t tests were used to compare pregame and postgame QSU-Brief levels. To test dissemination potential, we released the game on the Apple iTunes App Store and tracked downloads between December 22, 2011, and May 5, 2014. RESULTS: Our concept refinement resulted in a multilevel, pattern memory challenge game, with each level increasing in difficulty. Smokers could play the game as long as they wanted. At the end of each level, smokers were provided clear goals for the next level and rewards (positive reinforcement using motivational tokens that represented a benefit of quitting smoking). Negative reinforcement was removed in alpha testing as smokers felt it reminded them of smoking. Measurement of QSU-Brief (N=30) resulted in a pregame mean of 3.24 (SD 1.65) and postgame mean of 2.99 (SD 1.40) with an overall decrease of 0.25 in cravings (not statistically significant). In a subset analysis, the QSU-Brief decrease was significant for smokers abstinent for more than 48 hours (N=5) with a pregame mean of 2.84 (SD 1.16) and a postgame mean of 2.0 (SD 0.94; change=0.84; P =.03). Between December 22, 2011, and May 29, 2014, the game was downloaded 3372 times from the App-Store, with 1526 smokers visiting the online resource www.decide2quit.org linked to the game. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, playing the game resulted in small, but nonsignificant decreases in cravings, with changes greater for those had already quit for more than 48 hours. Lessons learned can inform further development. Future research could incorporate mHealth games in multicomponent cessation interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00797628; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00797628 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6hbJr6LWG)

Echogenicity as a surrogate for bioresorbable everolimus-eluting scaffold degradation: analysis at 1-, 3-, 6-, 12- 18, 24-, 30-, 36- and 42-month follow-up in a porcine model

The objective of the study is to validate intravascular quantitative echogenicity as a surrogate for molecular weight assessment of poly-l-lactide-acid (PLLA) bioresorbable scaffold (Absorb BVS, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California). We analyzed at 9 time points (from 1- to 42-month follow-up) a population of 40 pigs that received 97 Absorb scaffolds. The treated regions were analyzed by echogenicity using adventitia as reference, and were categorized as more (hyperechogenic or upperechogenic) or less bright (hypoechogenic) than the reference. The volumes of echogenicity categories were correlated with the measurements of molecular weight (Mw) by gel permeation chromatography. Scaffold struts appeared as high echogenic structures. The quantification of grey level intensity in the scaffold-vessel compartment had strong correlation with the scaffold Mw: hyperechogenicity (correlation coefficient = 0.75; P < 0.01), upperechogenicity (correlation coefficient = 0.63; P < 0.01) and hyper + upperechogenicity (correlation coefficient = 0.78; P < 0.01). In the linear regression, the R2 for high echogenicity and Mw was 0.57 for the combination of hyper and upper echogenicity. IVUS high intensity grey level quantification is correlated to Absorb BVS residual molecular weight and can be used as a surrogate for the monitoring of the degradation of semi-crystalline polymers scaffolds