Capacity Index Research Articles

Study of Rapid Evaluation Method for Structural Load‐Bearing Capacity of Typical Rural Masonry Residential Buildings in Shandong Province, China

Typical rural masonry residential buildings mainly include brick–wood and brick–concrete structures, and they occupy a significant proportion among individual buildings in Shandong Province, and their structural reliability directly affects the safety of life and property. Structural load‐bearing capacity can be used for quantitative judgment of structural reliability level. For evaluating the structural load‐bearing capacity of rural masonry residential buildings rapidly, factors affecting the structural bearing capacity and positions with weak structural bearing capacity are determined by field investigation and modeling analysis with software for structural calculation. The ratio of structural resistance to action effect is taken as the evaluation index of structural bearing capacity, and the quantitative relationships between this index and the masonry compressive strength, mortar strength, window–hole ratio, and the cantilever width are established through regression analysis. The accuracy and applicability are verified by Elman neural network model as well as comparison results between rapid evaluation formula and modeling analysis. The results show that the rapid evaluation model for structural load‐bearing capacity in this paper can be used to accurately describe the relationships between the ratio of structural resistance to action effect with affecting factors, and it can play a role in screening structural monomers with irregular load‐bearing capacity in group evaluation of structural bearing capacity.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ ПРОДУКТІВ ПЕРЕРОБЛЕННЯ ЦИТРУСОВИХ ЯК ДОБАВОК ДЛЯ МАЙОНЕЗНИХ СОУСІВ

The growth of the cultivation and processing of citrus fruits is accompanied by the formation of a large amount of waste, which contains a number of useful nutrients and can serve as a valuable biological resource for various fields of application. The vitamins, trace elements, dietary fibers present inthe composition allow you to use them as effective functional additives. The specificity of citrus dietary fibers is a large amount of protopectin, which determines their significant sorption properties. The ability of fibers to retain water makes them effective thickeners and attractive components of low-fat emulsion products, such as mayonnaise sauces. The article presents the results of a study of the properties of powders obtained from dried grapefruit and orange peels by grinding and dividing into fractions by sieving through sieves of different diameters. The indicators of the moisture-retaining capacity of grapefruit and orange powders, their blends and mixtures with coconut flour were determined. The stability of low-fat emulsion products obtained with the addition of the indicated additives in the amount of 5% to the recipe was studied.The introduction of grapefruit and orange powder additives into the low-fat mayonnaise sauce recipe will enrich them with dietary fibers, give a piquant taste and aroma, and contribute to the formation of a product with proper rheological properties and consistency.The analysis of research and publications showed that among the hydrocolloids used in the production of low-fat mayonnaise products, a special place is occupied by dietary fibers of citrus fruits with a high index of moisture retention capacity, which is higher than that of fibers from other raw materials, for example, carrots or oats. Considerable attention is paid to orange pulp powder products with a balanced content of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, which serve as effective additives capable of retaining moisture and forming low-fat products with a thick consistency.The purpose of the article is to study the properties of grapefruit peel powder and its mixtures with other functional additives for low-fat mayonnaise sauces; determination of their moisture retention capacity; production and stability research of low-fat mayonnaise sauces based on them.For different size fractions of dried and crushed grapefruit and orange peel, indicators of moisture retention capacity were determined. It was established that this indicator has a larger value for the smallest fraction. For grapefruit powder with a particle size of less than 0.50 mm, the moisture retention capacity is 808%, and for orange -591%. A mixture of grapefruit and orange powder with different ratios of components was also found to have a high ability to retain water. Properties of mixtures of citrus powder and coconut flour were studied. Made samples of low-fat mayonnaise sauces with the addition of individual and complex functional additives in the amount of 5%. The effectiveness of their action was checked by determiningthe stability index of the manufactured emulsion products, which met the requirements set for mayonnaise and mayonnaise sauces by the current standard

Evaluation of amine-based ionic liquids as potential solvents for hydrogen sulfide absorption using COSMO-RS: Computational and experimental validation

Ionic liquids (ILs) is an effective way to convert and remove hydrogen sulfide, H2S from natural gas streams. Amine-based ILs have recently been discovered due to their efficiency of removing H2S due to their excellent characteristics. However, the selection of potential amine-based ILs from a wide range combination of cations and amine-based anions are rather challenging if performed experimentally. Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) was used for the prediction of liquids thermodynamics such as activity coefficient at infinite dilution, selectivity, capacity and performance index (PI) values to evaluate the performance of each amine-based ILs and determine the most efficient ILs for H2S absorption without requiring any experimental data. A total of 42 previously unexplored ionic liquids, amine-based ILs from a combination of 7 amine cations and 6 anions were screened by COSMO-RS model. The findings from COSMO-RS prediction results revealed that ILs without aromatic rings displayed higher efficiencies compared to ILs with aromatic rings. Moreover, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine chloride, [TMPDA][Cl] cation-anion combinations displayed the highest PI value of 52.55 among the screened ILs thus, predicted as the most efficient ILs for H2S absorption. The experimental results obtained validated the COSMO-RS predictions with an approximation of ± 4.51% discrepancies between predicted and experimental data. Hence, it is concluded that COSMO-RS can be used for a reliable pre-experimental prediction and amine-based ILs approach has a huge potential for effective H2S absorption in industrial applications.

Capacidade antioxidante total da dieta, risco cardiovascular e índices antropométricos de obesidade em pacientes em hemodiálise: um estudo de caso-controle

ABSTRACT Objective: Oxidative stress is triggered by malnutrition and antioxidant losses due to dialysis in hemodialysis patients and thus, oxidative stress increases the risk of mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity. The study aims to determine differences in cardiovascular risk scores and obesity indices between hemodialysis and control groups and to examine the relationship between the tertiles of dietary total antioxidant capacity with cardiovascular risk, and obesity in hemodialysis and control groups. Methods: This is a cross-sectional case-control study involving hemodialysis patients (n=46) and healthy individuals (n=46). Participants’ general characteristics were obtained via a questionnaire, and the Framingham Risk Score was calculated. The dietary total antioxidant capacity was calculated using two methods based on a seven-day food record. Obesity indices, such as Basal Metabolism Index and Body Shape Index, were calculated using anthropometric measurements. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.1±10.4 years. In the hemodialysis group, obesity indices including body weight, Basal Metabolism Index, waist circumference, fat mass index, and fat-free mass index were lower, while Framingham Risk Score values were higher than the control group (p<0.05). Energy-adjusted dietary total antioksidant capacity values were lower in hemodialysis group, and most patients were in the low tertiles of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter, ferric reducing-antioxidant power and vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (p<0.05). Conclusion: Providing hemodialysis patients with a healthy diet can increase the dietary total antioxidant capacity, and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk, and obesity indices.

In Individuals with Periodontal Disease and COVID-19: Saliva Total Oxidative Capacity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Oxidative Stress Index

In Individuals with Periodontal Disease and COVID-19: Saliva Total Oxidative Capacity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Oxidative Stress Index

Physical Characteristics of Instant Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cempo Ireng Variety, Indigenous of Indonesia

Black rice was well known for its high antioxidant capacity, low calories, and glycaemic index. This rice is widely consumed as a diet for diabetic people or weight loss. It has a hard texture, so it takes a long time for black rice to be served. This research aims to study the physical characteristics of instant black rice produced with several treatments. The treatment given during soaking uses 0%, 5%, and 7% sodium citrate, then soaked at room temperature and 50°C. The process continues with freezing for 24 hours at -4°C, then drying using a food dehydrator and oven for 20 hours. The results showed that the fastest rehydration time was 5.33 minutes. The range of observation parameters, such as bulk density is 0.28 - 0.54 g/mL, expansion volume is 88 - 152%, water absorption capacity is 20 - 62.5%, and rehydration ratio is 180 - 320%. Variations in sodium citrate and soaking temperature decrease the rehydration time. The physical characteristic of Instant rice dried using a food dehydrator is better than an oven.

Enhancement of Water Based Mud Cutting Carrying Capacity Using Aluminium Oxide (Al2o3) Nanoparticle

This research seeks to determine how much Al2O3 nanoparticles can alter the rheological properties and cutting carrying capacity of bentonite-water drilling fluids when different concentration is applied. The aim is to explore these phenomena. The purpose of the research is to produce and describe drilling fluid using nanoparticles and evaluate its cutting-capture capability. The study examined the physiochemical, rheological, and filtration properties, as well as the cutting carry index (CCI) of samples produced from drilling in various concentrations of Al2O3nanoparticles. The control mud was created using bentonite with a concentration of 2.8g (0% Al2O3) without any nanoparticles. Al2O3 was discovered to enhance the plastic viscosity, apparent viscousness, and yield point, but inhibit the gel strength of the drilling fluid. Nevertheless, The Power Law Model was used to describe the Rheological behavior of the prepared mud samples, with a flow behavior index (n) less than 1, which indicated that the formulated muddy samples were all pseudo plastic fluids, ideally suitable for drilling fluid. According to the study, the addition of MgO and Al2O3 nanoparticles can affect the cutting carrying index, resulting in a high-cutting carrying Index that enhances the hole cleaning potential of the drilling mud. The findings of this study indicate a high cutting carrying capacity index, indicating the feasibility of using nanoparticles in drilling operations.

Multi-source data-driven estimation of maximum carrying capacity of urban water storage facilities under extreme conditions

Abstract With the deepening of urbanization and rapid economic development, urban water storage systems face increasing challenges. In this paper, the behavioral mechanism of urban water storage system is deeply analyzed by using the system dynamics method, and a system dynamics model of the carrying capacity of urban water storage equipment is established. Further, based on the gray correlation theory, a prediction model of the carrying capacity of urban water storage equipment is constructed and accuracy is examined. The study estimated the maximum carrying capacity of urban water storage equipment through performance analysis. The results show that the relative error of the fitted data is deficient, indicating that the model is highly accurate. The empirical Analysis of the carrying capacity index of the urban economy and water environment pollution is high. The prediction results for 2030 show that the carrying capacity of water storage facilities in City M is 0.22, which is already slightly overloaded and faces a severe risk of overloading. The model proposed in this study can not only accurately predict the trend of the carrying capacity of water storage equipment, but also effectively predict the overloading problem of urban water storage equipment, which provides a scientific basis for the optimization and improvement of urban water storage equipment, and an essential support for the formulation of the city’s sustainable development strategy.

An algorithmic study of periodization strategy optimization in combined anaerobic and anaerobic fitness training for improving athletes’ endurance qualities

Abstract The principle of flexibility and change should be adopted in the process of physical training, and the optimization of periodization training strategy can only be reasonably carried out according to the specific training response of athletes in order to improve the overall athletic ability of athletes. This paper utilizes the sports training pyramid as a guide, scrutinizes the endurance qualities athletes should possess, and suggests an optimization process for the periodization training strategy, which integrates multiple elements of periodization training. Based on the physiological characteristic indexes of athletes’ cardiorespiratory endurance, a model of cardiorespiratory endurance with different periodization training and different frequencies was established, and the results of the model were inputted into a BP network model optimized by the artificial fish swarm algorithm, thus realizing the prediction of the athletes’ cardiorespiratory endurance. The maximum value of the athletes’ endurance predicted by the ASFA-BP model was 81.09N, which differed from the actual value of the athletes’ endurance only by 1.58%, and the difference in the average lung capacity index (ALCI) was only 1.58%. The difference in mean spirometry index fluctuated between [0.16 mL/kg and 0.29 mL/kg]. The optimal duration of the periodization training strategy based on the acquired endurance data was between 10 and 18 days, and the exercise training load should be reduced by approximately 46% to 65%. The effective prediction of athletes’ endurance quality can help optimize the periodization training strategy and improve athletes’ competitive level faster.

The influence of pre-strain levels on the microstructure and performance of aircraft 7b04 aluminum alloy skin

The study focuses on the 7B04 alloy sheet. It investigates the effects of different pre-strain levels on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fatigue behavior of the alloy through the use of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and DIC (Digital Image Correlation) system. The experimental results demonstrate that the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy increase with the increase in pre-strain levels. At the same time, the elongation decreases with the increase in tensile deformation. In the non-uniform region, the plastic deformation capacity index of the material (denoted as ψ) follows the order ψ (non-uniform region (DIC value)) > ψ (original gauge length value) > ψ (uniform region (DIC value)). It is recommended to control the maximum local strain below ψ (uniform region (DIC value)) during production to avoid deformation instability or concentration. Furthermore, the thickness of the material decreases linearly with increasing tensile deformation, with each 4% increase in tensile deformation resulting in a 1.2% reduction in thickness. The fatigue life of the alloy increases gradually with the increase in pre-strain levels in the direction perpendicular to the fiber. At the same time, it decreases in the direction parallel to the fiber. Different deformation levels and loading directions exhibit similar fatigue fracture characteristics. Within the range of 12% pre-strain levels, the microstructure of the material remains continuous and intact without noticeable cracks at grain boundaries or phase boundaries. At the macroscopic level, when the pre-strain level exceeds 6%, distinct slip bands appear on the sheet, which is correlated with the micro-scale grain slip. This is accompanied by deformation bands and micro-cracks in the microstructure. The findings of this study are of significant importance for understanding the influence of pre-strain levels on the mechanical properties and fatigue behavior of the 7B04 alloy. The study provides valuable references for engineering practices in related fields, thereby ensuring the integrity and usability of manufactured components.

Research on energy redistribution of hybrid vehicle considering thermal constraints

Thermal management is one of the key factors affecting the performance of hybrid vehicles. However, most traditional energy management strategies lack the consideration of thermal constraints under harsh operating conditions. In this paper, taking a specific type of diesel-electric hybrid system as the research object, a strategy for energy redistribution under thermal management constraints is proposed. The diesel-electric hybrid system model is built and verified. Based on the model, the cooling capacity indexes are selected, and the weight coefficient of each cooling capacity index is determined by neighborhood component analysis. Then a comprehensive thermal evaluation system is obtained. Combined with the thermal evaluation system, the energy redistribution strategy based on the momentum gradient descent method is proposed. Two typical working conditions of high altitude and battery cooling system deterioration are selected, and the energy redistribution strategy is simulated and analyzed in real-time under both working conditions. The results show that the energy redistribution strategy can significantly improve the thermal state of the system at the expense of less overall energy consumption, take into account the economy and thermal balance, and ensure the reliable operation of the vehicle.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Robusta Green Coffee Extract on Macrophage Phagocytosis and Lymphocyte Proliferation in Vitro

Robusta green coffee contains a large quantity and variety of polyphenols and flavonoids which are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This research to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of Robusta green coffee extract on macrophage activity stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lymphocyte proliferation. Macrophages were isolated from mice peritoneal tissue, and Lymphocytes were isolated from lymph organs. The immunomodulatory activity on macrophages was evaluated based on Active Phagocytes Cells (APC) and the proliferation of lymphocytes was evaluated by the MTT Assay which was previously given extracts with varying concentrations (20 µg/ml, 40 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 60 µg/ml, 70 µg/ml), then the data were analyzed by ANOVA (α=0.05). The aqueous extracts of Robusta green coffee significantly affects macrophage activity and lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. The extract was decrease the percentage of phagocytosis (PP) macrophage stimulated with LPS, however there was increase phagocytosis capacity (PC) and lymphocyte proliferation stimulation index is 3, illustrating the extract has a low immunomodulatory effect on lymphocyte proliferation. Based on these results, Robusta green coffee extract holds potential as an immunomodulatory agent, affecting against macrophage phagocytosis and lymphocyte proliferation.

Tingkat Kapasitas Ketahanan Komunitas Kasus: Bagian Wilayah Perkotaan Malang Utara

In 2020, the National Disaster Management Agency stated that Malang City is one of the cities with low vulnerability to disasters. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the resilience capacity of communities in the North Malang Urban Area that are vulnerable to social and environmental changes. This study uses the Resilient Capacity Index method to measure the resilience capacity of the community by considering ecological, physical, economic, human, and social aspects. The results of the study, in the form of an overview of aspects of community resilience in the northern Malang City area, can be used to support the development of a more resilient city. By measuring resilience capacity using a standard score or z-score, it is known that the North Malang Urban Area has a moderate community resilience capacity.

Glycated haemoglobin, HOMA2-B, C-peptide to glucose ratio and type 2 diabetes clusters as predictors for therapy failure in individuals with type 2 diabetes without insulin therapy: A registry analysis.

Some people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and declining β-cell function do require insulin over time. Various laboratory parameters, indices of glucose metabolism or phenotypes of T2D (clusters) have been suggested, which might predict future therapy failure (TF), indicating the need for insulin therapy initiation. This analysis evaluated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)2-B, C-peptide to glucose ratio (CGR) and diabetes clusters as predictive parameters for the occurrence of glycaemic TF in individuals diagnosed with T2D without previous insulin therapy. In total, 159 individuals with T2D [41% female, median age 50 (IQR: 53-69) years, diabetes duration 9 (5-15) years], without insulin therapy were prospectively evaluated for the occurrence of a composite primary endpoint, including HbA1c increasing or remaining >8.0% (64 mmol/mol) 3 months after baseline on non-insulin glucose-lowering agents, insulin initiation or hospital admissions because of acute hyperglycaemic events. Diabetes clusters were formed according to previously described characteristics. Only severe autoimmune diabetes clusters were excluded because of a small amount of glutamate decarboxylase antibody-positive participants. The other clusters were distributed as mild age-related diabetes 33%; severe insulin-deficient diabetes 31%; mild obesity-related diabetes 20%; and severe insulin-resistant diabetes 15%. During a median observation of 57 months, higher tertiles of HbA1c at baseline, HOMA2-B, as well as a lower CGR were significantly predictive for the occurrence of the primary endpoint. The probability of meeting the primary endpoint was the highest for mild obesity-related diabetes [hazard ratio 3.28 (95% confidence interval 1.75-6.2)], followed by severe insulin-deficient diabetes [hazard ratio 2.03 (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.7)], mild age-related diabetes and the lowest for severe insulin-resistant diabetes. The best performance to predict TF with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 was HbA1c at baseline, followed by HOMA2-B (AUC 0.69) and CGR (AUC 0.64). HbA1c, indices of insulin secretion capacity (HOMA2-B and CGR) and T2D clusters might be applicable tools to guide practitioners in the decision of whether insulin is required in people already diagnosed with T2D. These findings need to be validated in prospective studies.

LIVELIHOOD VULNERABILITY AND CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE GUAVA GROWERS

The present study investigated the livelihood vulnerability index and constraints encountered by guava growers in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. The livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) comprises (the exposure index, sensitivity index, and adaptive capacity index) by using the IPCC- vulnerability approach, to evaluate the livelihood vulnerability of 120 guava growers selected by simple random sampling, and the data was collected with the help of a pre-tested interview schedule. The study revealed that the guava growers are greatly exposed (0.81) to climate change, and sensitivity indices underscore the high sensitivity (0.55), in contrast, the adaptive capacity indices (0.34) indicate a comparatively lower adaptive capacity among the surveyed respondents when juxtaposed with the exposure and sensitivity indices. For the constraints, a list of 19 constraints was prepared and grouped into 5 major dimensions. Addressing these challenges has the potential to improve the overall welfare and livelihood vulnerability of guava growers in the study area.

Gender-based vulnerability and adaptive capacity in the disaster-prone coastal areas from an intersectionality perspective

Households in the coastal areas are more vulnerable to various environmental, social, and economic disruptions in terms of an intersectionality point of view. As a first step in mitigating potential effects on families, knowing how susceptible they are and, ideally, fortifying themselves against existing and potential disruptions is essential. Vulnerability and adaptive capacity could not be uniformly distributed between households owing to gender-based socio-economic disparities and inequities. This research, thereby, examined the vulnerability and adaptive capacity variation between households headed by males and females in the two coastal areas of an emerging economy like Bangladesh. This study utilized the Evaluation-based on the Distance from Average Solution(EDAS)method and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) technique to conduct the analysis. The EDAS method has been used to analyze the adaptive capacity index. Using BRT, an innovative approach in the area, we showed that male and female-headed households are different in terms of their capability to adapt. The findings from this study suggest that the households led by females are more vulnerable than those headed by males in the study region across a variety of dimensions (social, health, economic, housing, and land ownership) from an intersectionality perspective. The study findings can provide a new outlook for the decision-makers in the coastal region on the vulnerability and adaptive capacity differences among the residents and thus lead to more efficient disaster management practices.

A regional stocktake of maize yield vulnerability to droughts in the Horn of Africa.

Climate projections in sub-Saharan Africa predict increased frequency of droughts with parallel impacts on crop yield. The Horn of Africa is among the most vulnerable regions in Africa to these changes because agriculture in general andmaize productionin particularly is highly climate driven, and rain-fed. Current research approaches have mostly focused on the climatic and biophysical drivers of crop yield without including the socio-economic drivers of crop yield. This study fills this gap by investigating the vulnerability of maize yield in the Horn of Africa to climate and socio-economic indicators. The hypothesis is that there is an inverse relationship between vulnerability and adaptive capacity. The vulnerability index is a composite index that integrates sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity sub-indices. Maize yield data to compute the sensitivity index were collected from FAOSTAT, precipitation data to compute the exposure index were collected from the Climate Research Unit (CRU), and the data for the proxies of adaptive capacity were collected from the readiness index database on figshare. From the results, Somalia records the highest vulnerability index of 1.15, followed by Ethiopia with a vulnerability index of 0.61. Kenya records the lowest vulnerability index of 0.33. Also, there is a positive relationship between the vulnerability, sensitivity, and the exposure indices and an inverse relationship between the vulnerability index and the adaptive capacity index. The high vulnerability index recorded in Somalia is accentuated by a low adaptive capacity index of 0.44 that is anchored on low literacy and high poverty rates. As Somalia records the lowest adaptive capacity index of 0.44, Ethiopia and Kenya record 0.91 and 0.99 respectively. This study has shown that to better understand vulnerability, a shift from the old paradigm that focuses on the climatic variables to integrating socio-economic variables or proxies of adaptive capacity whichenhances ourunderstanding ofvulnerability. Though leveraging the benefits of climatic and non-climatic variables is important, the challenge so far has been on how to integrate these in the same model; a challenge this work has succinctly overcome by integrating adaptive capacity in the vulnerability equation.

Physical activity, locomotor capacity and body mass index of persons with lower limb amputation

Objective: To describe physical activity, demographic characteristics, clinical conditions, and body mass index, as well as to compare the scores of physical activity and levels of independence and functionality according to amputation level in persons with lower limb amputations. Method: The study included 70 individuals with lower limb amputation. The following instruments were applied: a) Record to characterize the participants, b) the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), and c) the Functional Measure for Amputees Questionnaire (FMA). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and results with p-value less than or equal to 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Study participants had higher scores on Leisure, energy expenditure of 26.93 MET h/d, and had a good score on the Locomotor Capabilities Index. Conclusion: Study participants were physically active, as well as having fewer limitations and restrictions in relation to the ability to move. Evidently, the score of physical activity is associated with better mobility levels. Body mass index was not correlated with physical activity in this study.

Resilience effects for household food expenditure and dietary diversity in rural western China

A more resilient livelihood is increasingly recognized as an efficient way to improve vulnerable households’ food security and optimize their dietary decisions. This study quantifies rural household resilience in western China, identifies the three pillars (absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity, and transformative capacity) contribution to resilience, and then establishes the estimated Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) linked with food security and dietary diversity supported by the multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model. Results show that, despite geographical heterogeneity, the RCI consistently increased from 2015 to 2021. Households with a higher RCI inheriting better capacity to deal with risk and shocks are significantly and positively correlated with increasing food expenditure and diversifying food choices. It can be because resilient households will allocate more money to food expenditure instead of saving for livelihood uncertainty. Thus, policymakers can provide more incentives for rural households to adopt more dynamic and effective risk management strategies. This, in turn, could yield positive spillover effects by preventing human capital loss associated with dietary-related chronic diseases and mortality.

Effects of black soldier fly larvae meal on production performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and serum biochemical indices of squabs

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dietary black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on production performance, meat quality (including sensory quality, muscle fiber histological characteristics, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of muscle), and serum biochemical indices of 28-day-old squabs, to provide a good reference for the potential use of BSFLM as a functional feed supplement in pigeon production. A total of 192 1-day-old squabs and 96 pairs of 7-month-old breeding pigeons with the same egg production were stochastically divided into 4 groups with 6 paired replicates. Each pair of breeding pigeon with two squabs. The pigeons were fed the diets supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% BSFLM, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Dietary BSFLM supplementation increased the growth performance, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GHS-PX), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glucose (GLU), and reduced the shear force, serum contents of triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, it improved the meat color, muscle fiber histological characteristics, and fatty acids profile. However, no significant effects were observed on the slaughter performance, pH value, the water-loss, chemical composition, and amino acids profile. In conclusion, dietary BSFLM may improve the growth performance, meat quality, muscle antioxidant capacity, and health status of squabs. The best effects were observed for the 1.0% BSFLM diet.