Nesting Birds Research Articles

A Study of an Agricultural Indoor Robot for Harvesting Edible Bird Nests in Vietnam

This study demonstrates robot technology for harvesting edible bird’s nests within swiftlet houses. A comprehensive manipulator’s movement analysis of harvesting operation with a separating tool is provided for precisely collecting swiftlet nests. A robotic manipulator mounted on a mobile platform with a vision system is also analyzed and evaluated in this study. The actual harvesting or separating the swiftlet nests is performed with visual servo feedback. The manipulator performs the gross motions of separating tools and removing the nests under computer control with velocity and position feedback. The separating principle between the objective nest and wooden frame has been applied to a demonstration removal of nests using a four-degrees-of-freedom manipulator to perform the gross movements of tool. The actual separations using this system are accomplished as fast as the manipulator can be controlled to perform the necessary deceleration and topping at the end of separating. This is typically 2.0 s. This efficiency underscores the system’s capability for swift and precise operation in harvesting an edible bird nest task.

Edible bird's nest regulates glucose and lipid metabolic disorders via the gut-liver axis in obese mice.

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a traditional food known for its nourishing and functional properties and is found to be involved in anti-oxidation, anti-aging, and anti-influenza mechanisms, immune regulation, and improving cardiovascular diseases, among others. However, the potential of EBN to improve glycolipid metabolism disorders in high-fat-diet induced obesity and the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. We examined the effects of EBN on glycolipid metabolism in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model. The obese mice were selected and divided into six groups: two model control groups (normal and high-fat diets) and four intervention groups [Neu5Ac and low-, medium-, and high-dose EBN], with 12 mice in each group. After 10 weeks of continuous gavage intervention, only mice in the high-dose EBN intervention group had lower body weight and total fat content, especially visceral fat. Meanwhile, intervention with three doses of EBN reduced serum FBG, TC, LDL, Ox-LDL, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and increased serum HDL levels and energy expenditure. Using the high dosage as a paradigm, EBN intervention increased the sialic acid content in LDL, decreased TMAO in the liver, and increased GLP-1 levels in sera. EBN increased the colonic abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Desulfovibrio and reduced those of Lysinibacillus and Bacillus. The changes in the microbial community contribute to increasing colonic bile acids, reducing lipopolysaccharide synthesis to protect the intestinal barrier, and lowering inflammation levels. Changes were also observed in colonic transcripts and metabolites and liver gene transcripts and metabolites, which were mainly enriched in pathways of glycolipid metabolism, immune function amelioration, inflammatory signal mitigation, circadian rhythm, bile acid metabolism and insulin resistance. Therefore, EBN may enhance the gut microbiota and intestinal immunity, relieve chronic inflammation levels in serum, improve antioxidant capacity and circadian rhythm in the liver, promote bile acid metabolism, and decrease lipid absorption and lipid synthesis via the gut-liver axis. Consequently, this may reduce blood lipid and fat accumulation as well as improve islet function and reduce blood glucose levels.

Edible bird's nest improves hemorheology and immune function in mice with transplanted uterine leiomyomas.

To investigate the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) on tumor growth, hemorheology and immune function of mice with transplanted uterine myomas. A subcutaneous tumor model of human uterus myoma was established in mice, and the mice were randomly divided into a model group, EBN group, estradiol receptor (ER) group and ER+EBN group. Body weight and tumor volume were measured at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the uterus myoma transplantation. Eight weeks after transplantation, the tumor weight was assessed, the morphology of different organs was observed, and the pathological changes of the uterus myoma was observed. Besides, the levels of ER and progesterone receptor (PR), various hemorheological parameters (including hematocrit, plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity under different shearing conditions), and immune functions (CD3 +, CD4 + and CD8 + cells) were also measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), nitricoxidesynthase (NOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in each group. There were no statistical differences in body weight, tumor weight, tumor volume, uterus myoma pathology or the levels of ER and PR between the model group and EBN group, nor between the ER group and ER+EBN group (all P>0.05). Similarly, no notable morphological differences were observed in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, intestines and uterus among different groups (all P>0.05). However, in contrast to the model group, the EBN group exhibited significant reductions in hemorheology indicators, the proportion of CD8 + cells, as well as the levels of TNF-α, NOS and VEGF (all P<0.05). Conversely, the proportion of CD3 + and CD4 + cells, the CD4 +/CD8 + ratio and the level of IL-2 in the EBN group were obviously increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the ER group, the proportion of CD8 + cells, the levels of TNF-α, NOS and VEGF in the ER+EBN group were significantly decreased while the proportion of CD3 + and CD4 + cells, the CD4 +/CD8 + ratio and the level of IL-2 in the ER+EBN group were obviously increased. For mice with uterine myoma transplantation, EBN does not influence tumor growth but significantly regulates hemorheology and enhances immune function.

The concept of axial movement of blast furnaces and temperature distribution on the horizon of air tuyeres

The purpose of the work is to clarify the data on temperature changes on the horizon of the air tuyeres of blast furnaces. The limitations associated with the implementation of the well-known concept of axial movement of blast furnaces in terms of temperature stabilization in the coke nozzle blast furnace are considered. Based on the comparison of the results of studies on the temperature distribution of coke and its fractional composition at level of air tuyeres, it is shown that on blast furnaces equipped with coneless filling devices and coal dust blowing units, the critical zone in the distribution of temperatures and their fluctuations in time is the intermediate zone between "bird's nest" and the center of the furnace. A temporary, but sufficiently long-term decrease in the temperature of coke to 1000 °C in the intermediate zone of modern blast furnaces is not accompanied by the danger of toterman formation, which is facilitated by the existence of an axial coke vent — a kind of heated core of the coke nozzle and sufficient thermal inertia of the furnace. It has been established that the increase in blowing costs affects distribution of coke temperatures on the horizon of air tuyeres in a similar way to the tendency of the hot strength of coke to deteriorate — the temperatures in the intermediate zone of the coke nozzle decrease. It is recommended to take into account the change in the quality of the loaded coke when choosing dimensions of the coke vent in the center of the furnace and the degree of forcing its course by blowing. In the conditions of using pulverized coal fuel, when working on coke of average quality, the most acceptable mode of organization of the radial gas flow is peripheral-axial with an advantage in the development of axial over peripheral. Despite some conventionality of the examples discussed in the article, it can be argued that a long axial stroke without stroke disturbances can be realized only if the intensity of the peripheral gas flow is maintained for specific conditions. That is, in an ideal form, axial movement of blast furnace melting is practically impossible.

Contribution by Giant petrels and Brown skuas to soil phosphatization in Harmony Point - Maritime Antarctica.

This research was conducted for the purpose to evaluate the contribution Giant petrels and Brown skuas nestings in the formation of ornithogenic soils by the phosphatization process in Harmony Point, Maritime Antarctic. Ten nests were selected to collect topsoil samples (0-20 cm), from 0 m up to 20 m away, with regular spacing of 2 m. The analysis of the samples included the physical, chemical, mineralogical and geochemical analyzes. Phosphate minerals were identified. The presence of high content of some trace elements, such as Zn, Cu and Sr is associated with the bird's excrements. Total-P and bioavailable-P recorded higher levels. This result demonstrates the importance of the time factor in the bird's nesting, as well as in the development of the soil in these soil-forming environment. Phosphatization in these areas is not restricted to the specific location of the nest, since high values of P have been identified at distances between 8 and 12 m, from de nest's top. This suggests the transport of P rich solutions and phosphatized material along fractures by the freeze-thaw cycles, contributing to increase the geographical expression of this phenomenon in this ice-free area, consequently the development of soils and the establishment of vegetation.

Recognition and rejection of foreign eggs of different colors in Barn Swallows

Brood parasitic birds lay eggs in the nests of other birds, and the parasitized hosts can reduce the cost of raising unrelated offspring through the recognition of parasitic eggs. Hosts can adopt vision-based cognitive mechanisms to recognize foreign eggs by comparing the colors of foreign and host eggs. However, there is currently no uniform conclusion as to whether this comparison involves the single or multiple threshold decision rules. In this study, we tested both hypotheses by adding model eggs of different colors to the nests of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) of two geographical populations breeding in Hainan and Heilongjiang Provinces in China. Results showed that Barn Swallows rejected more white model eggs (moderate mimetic to their own eggs) and blue model eggs (highly non-mimetic eggs with shorter reflectance spectrum) than red model eggs (highly non-mimetic eggs with longer reflectance spectrum). There was no difference in the rejection rate of model eggs between the two populations of Barn Swallows, and clutch size was not a factor affecting egg recognition. Our results are consistent with the single rejection threshold model. This study provides strong experimental evidence that the color of model eggs can has an important effect on egg recognition in Barn Swallows, opening up new avenues to uncover the evolution of cuckoo egg mimicry and explore the cognitive mechanisms underlying the visual recognition of foreign eggs by hosts.

Waterfowl and Shorebirds: Formation and evolution of “cold” wintering grounds in Inner Asia (Baikal Siberia)

Despite the widespread occurrence of “cold” wintering of waterfowl, the causes of their formation have been studied very poorly. Very harsh winter conditions are typical for Eastern Siberia, but wintering grounds with a high number of 55.0-60.0 thousand birds are also formed here. Such wintering grounds include the source and upper course of the Angara River (thermal refugium). The high death rate of nests in the summer due to the unstable mountain floodplain water regime of the rivers of the region is compensated by the repeated nesting of birds. As a result, their total breeding season is greatly increased. By the time of migration, the late broods do not have time to accumulate enough plastic substances (fat) necessary for migration to the southern wintering grounds. Favorable conditions at the beginning of winter in thermal refugiums contribute to long delays of birds in feeding and resting places. However, by the time they are able to continue migration, it becomes impossible. Snow falls in the adjacent territories, reservoirs are covered with ice and a constant negative air temperature is established. Consequently, the “cold” wintering of shorebirds and waterfowl is forced. The basis of their species composition is formed by the animal-eating diving duck species. In this regard, their protection and maintenance of numbers in extreme years are difficult and expensive tasks.

Neuroprotective Effects of Edible Bird Nest Towards Parkinson’s Disease

Neuroprotective Effects of Edible Bird Nest Towards Parkinson’s Disease

Urban bird nest building on man-made structures: A review

Urban bird nest building on man-made structures: A review

Bird Nest Detection in Railway Catenaries Using a Coarse-to-Fine Strategy

Bird Nest Detection in Railway Catenaries Using a Coarse-to-Fine Strategy

비행청소년의 부모 애착수준에 따른 새둥지화 반응특성 연구

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Bird's Nest Drawing(BND) test has any possibility to be used as a psychological assessment tool for evaluating the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents according to their level of attachment to their parents. The subjects of this study were 252 juvenile delinquents who received criminal punishment from a juvenile protection institution located in G City. And the research tools used were a Bird's Nest Drawing test and a parent-attachment scale to determine the level of parental attachment. Data analysis was conducted through cross-analysis using SPSS 25.0.&#x0D; The research results are as follows. First, in the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents to Bird Nests Drawing, significant differences were found in nest content, presence or absence of nest support and trees, distance from parent birds, threats, use of space, and number of colors. Second, in the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents to the Bird's Nest story, significant differences were found in the theme and emotion classification of the story content.&#x0D; Based on the results of this research, it was confirmed that the Bird's Nest Drawing (BND) test can be used as a tool to evaluate psychological characteristics through the level of juvenile delinquents’ attachment to their parents.

Insights into the Structure, Metabolism, Biological Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of Sialic Acid: A Review.

Sialic acid (SA) is a kind of functional monosaccharide which exists widely in edible bird's nest (EBN), milk, meat, mucous membrane surface, etc. SA is an important functional component in promoting brain development, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-virus, anti-tumor and immune regulation. The intestinal mucosa covers the microbial community that has a significant impact on health. In the gut, SA can also regulate gut microbiota and metabolites, participating in different biological functions. The structure, source and physiological functions of SA were reviewed in this paper. The biological functions of SA through regulating key signaling pathways and target genes were discussed. In summary, SA can modulate gut microbiota and metabolites, which affect gene expressions and exert its biological activities. It is helpful to provide scientific reference for the further investigation of SA in the functional foods.

Application of Making Moringa and Lemon Grass Tea to Reduce Hypertension in Denai Sarang Burung Village

A disease that has a high prevalence and reduces ` quality of life of sufferers is hypertension. Hypertension is also known as the silent killer, which sufferers often don't realize because there are no specific symptoms. Until now, hypertension is still a big challenge for Indonesia. The number of people with hypertension continues to increase every year and this disease is often found in primary health care. It turns out that in reducing hypertension, you can take advantage of plants that grow in the village which are rarely used by the local community, namely moringa leaf tea and lemongrass which grow along the area in the village near the bird's nest. The content of Moringa leaf tea with protein is two times higher than yogurt, vitamin A is seven times higher than carrots, potassium is three times higher than bananas, calcium is four times higher than milk, vitamin C is higher than oranges while lemongrass has a high citral content. capable of providing anti-inflammatory effects that are used to reduce hypertension

External Environmental and Insects Factor for Attraction of Edible Bird Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) in Sarawak

Edible Bird Nest (EBN) swiftlet industry plays a significant role in the economic growth in Sarawak. This study aimed at identifying both the external environmental factors and types of insects that are important for a successful swiftlet farmhouse (SFH). For this purpose, a total of 21 SFHs from the southern areas of Sarawak were selected. The external environmental factors of SFH and the type of insects present in relation to the number of EBN swiftlet populations were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that external environmental locations, namely rural and remote areas, were highly selected (71.42%) for the construction of SFHs (p&lt;0.05) compared to the other location categories, as analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Significant relationships (p&lt;0.05) were observed between environmental factors (habitat origin and predation) and the population of EBN swiftlets in the SFHs. Large densities of the EBN swiftlet populations were found in SFHs located in areas with fewer disturbances. The highest population of insect types in most SFHs was Diptera (52.38%). This study can be used as a guideline for swiftlet ranchers looking to startup their EBN swiftlet farming.

Increasing the Welfare of Salted Fish MSME Actors Through Innovation, Branding, and Product Digital Marketing

MSME stands for micro, small and medium enterprises run by individuals and small business entities. Business development by MSMEs aims to build a national economy based on a just economic democracy. MSMEs play an important role in the Indonesian economy by expanding opportunities and employment, increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and providing a safety net, especially for people with low incomes to carry out productive economic activities. Therefore, there is a need for support for improving the welfare of MSMEs. Denai Bird's Nest as part of Deli Serdang Regency which is located in a coastal area, most of the villagers use processed marine products for consumption and used as material for creative economic activities. But the processing is still traditional. MSME business development must be carried out so that MSME actors can develop their business, namely through product variant development innovations, branding, and digital marketing. The mentoring process in the context of empowering MSME actors must be carried out in order to generate added value for MSME products. Greater added value can play a role in increasing economic growth and have an impact on increasing the welfare of MSME actors.

A global database of bird nest traits

The reproductive success of birds is closely tied to the characteristics of their nests. It is crucial to understand the distribution of nest traits across phylogenetic and geographic dimensions to gain insight into bird evolution and adaptation. Despite the extensive historical documentation on breeding behavior, a structured dataset describing bird nest characteristics has been lacking. To address this gap, we have compiled a comprehensive dataset that characterizes three ecologically and evolutionarily significant nest traits—site, structure, and attachment—for 9,248 bird species, representing all 36 orders and 241 out of the 244 families. By defining seven sites, seven structures, and four attachment types, we have systematically classified the nests of each species using information from text descriptions, photos, and videos sourced from online databases and literature. This nest traits dataset serves as a valuable addition to the existing body of morphological and ecological trait data for bird species, providing a useful resource for a wide range of avian macroecological and macroevolutionary research.

Application of SEAMON as Edible Bird’s Nest cleanser in the Edible Bird’s Nest Industry

Background: In Surabaya, the edible bird's nest industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for this highly prized delicacy, known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. As the industry expands, effective cleaning methods for edible bird's nests become paramount. Contaminants, impurities, and feathers can compromise the quality and purity of edible bird's nests, affecting their market value and consumer appeal. Contribution: In response to this challenge, applying SEAMON as an edible bird's nest cleanser has emerged as a promising solution. SEAMON, a specific cleaning agent for edible birds' nests, offers the potential to revolutionize the cleaning process within the edible birds' nest industry. This innovative approach addresses the cleanliness and hygiene standards required for edible bird's nests, ensuring that consumers receive the highest quality product. Method: The SEAMON application was carried out at the edible bird's nest industry in Surabaya, East Java, on July 2, 2023, with twelve samples of edible bird's nests with heavy feather characteristics. All samples were tested for nitrite analysis using a Genesys 30 visible spectrophotometer. Results: Based on the results of its application, this innovation has the potential as an edible bird’s nest cleaning agent to clean hydrogen peroxide residue and can reduce nitrite levels in the white edible bird’s nest. Conclusion: This washing liquid is the first cleanser specifically for white edible bird’s nests, and another advantage is that it is food grade, so edible bird’s nests cleaned with SEAMON is safe for human consumption.

Bioinspired Design of Material Architecture for Additive Manufacturing

This research explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in material architectures, such as strength-to-weight ratio and resilience, through the inspiration of natural systems. Historically, designs for additive manufacturing have relied on simple, repetitive structures like honeycombs, often leading to unnecessary material expenditure. This study aims to examine the compressive mechanical attributes of designs inspired by natural systems, including bird nests, cocoons, and the layered structure of skull bones. Through a comparative analysis, we assessed peak load capacity, strength-to-weight ratio, and resilience between these bioinspired architectures and a standard 3D infill pattern utilized in additive manufacturing. Findings indicate that structures inspired by sandwiched bone layers excel in resilience and peak load, whereas those based on bird nests are notably lighter and, in some cases, exhibit the highest strength-to-weight ratio. The insights provided here will help design engineers with empirically backed mechanical properties of bioinspired architectures, offering a novel methodology for the development of material systems influenced by biological paradigms.

From Cultured Chats to the Chirrups of Choo-Choo-Da-Choos, or How We Found a Key to the Gate of Eden

Reinvention of the form of expression is a conceptual approach characteristic for the evolution of all arts. This research study provides one such step forward in the advancement of scientific paper, a standard form of expression in natural sciences, toward more progressive terrains. The paper adopts the form of a theatrical play where a scientific family of four attempts to find the way around a writer’s block (Act I). Their idealess sense of confinement is overcome through arts or, more specifically, through scientific research implementing the aesthetics of music as its key element. The characters record compositions differing in the degrees of consonance, rhythmicity and tonality, and play them to birds to observe their vocal and behavioral responses (Act II). They note that the birdsong volume drops significantly when the piano tunes, especially the compositionally complex ones, are played to the birds and increases signifcantly when the white noise of ocean waves is played. The bird count experiment proves indirectly that the birdsong volume reduction is an auditory response of the birds to music rather than the effect of their migrating to or away from the sound source. This science with the flavor of art elevates the characters beyond the limits of their confinement and they, exalted and uplifted, gain ideas for creative research in their own disciplines of biomedical science (Act III). They relinquish the newly gained freedom in favor of embracing love for humanity that underlies medical research and return to their confinement, where they conduct, in the coda of the paper, a series of experiments that venture beyond musicology and ornithology and fall in the domains of tissue engineering and drug delivery, but also psychology (Act III). First, sparrow nests are used as templates for tissue engineering constructs, which facilitate the growth of human fibroblastic cells better than their artificial, gridded replicas. Next, the shell of an Easter egg, predominantly calcite in composition, is used with success as a drug delivery carrier. Lastly, the bird nest drawing experiment demonstrates a greater mental health of children than that of the adults, correlating with one of the overarching points of the paper, which is to present children as a model for grownups to follow rather than the other way around. Over the course of the play, the characters discuss the value of the various fusions between art and science, question the limits of human language and repeatedly go off-topic to celebrate the freeness of the creative thinking process. The play reports on real-life research methods and scientific results through a narrative, without diminishing their empirical rigor and analytical accuracy.

From Cultured Chats to the Chirrups of Choo-Choo-Da-Choos, or How We Found a Key to the Gate of Eden

Reinvention of the form of expression is a conceptual approach characteristic for the evolution of all arts. This research study provides one such step forward in the advancement of scientific paper, a standard form of expression in natural sciences, toward more progressive terrains. The paper adopts the form of a theatrical play where a scientific family of four attempts to find the way around a writer’s block (Act I). Their idealess sense of confinement is overcome through arts or, more specifically, through scientific research implementing the aesthetics of music as its key element. The characters record compositions differing in the degrees of consonance, rhythmicity and tonality, and play them to birds to observe their vocal and behavioral responses (Act II). They note that the birdsong volume drops significantly when the piano tunes, especially the compositionally complex ones, are played to the birds and increases signifcantly when the white noise of ocean waves is played. The bird count experiment proves indirectly that the birdsong volume reduction is an auditory response of the birds to music rather than the effect of their migrating to or away from the sound source. This science with the flavor of art elevates the characters beyond the limits of their confinement and they, exalted and uplifted, gain ideas for creative research in their own disciplines of biomedical science (Act III). They relinquish the newly gained freedom in favor of embracing love for humanity that underlies medical research and return to their confinement, where they conduct, in the coda of the paper, a series of experiments that venture beyond musicology and ornithology and fall in the domains of tissue engineering and drug delivery, but also psychology (Act III). First, sparrow nests are used as templates for tissue engineering constructs, which facilitate the growth of human fibroblastic cells better than their artificial, gridded replicas. Next, the shell of an Easter egg, predominantly calcite in composition, is used with success as a drug delivery carrier. Lastly, the bird nest drawing experiment demonstrates a greater mental health of children than that of the adults, correlating with one of the overarching points of the paper, which is to present children as a model for grownups to follow rather than the other way around. Over the course of the play, the characters discuss the value of the various fusions between art and science, question the limits of human language and repeatedly go off-topic to celebrate the freeness of the creative thinking process. The play reports on real-life research methods and scientific results through a narrative, without diminishing their empirical rigor and analytical accuracy.