Commercial Settings Research Articles

Overview of the various methods used to assess walking ability in broiler chickens.

Walking ability is a highly important animal-based indicator of welfare in broilers that warrants monitoring across commercial production. A review of the technical and scientific literature on existing methods for assessing walking ability in broilers was conducted, and the reliability, validity and feasibility of the different methods were assessed when relevant information was available. Visual gait scoring has high validity, minimal equipment needs and is relatively quick to perform; however, this method is subjective and requires extensive training. Due to this, more objective tests, such as the latency to lie test, have been developed, although more validation of these tests is required. Other identified methods, such as obstacle courses, the rotarod test and kinetic and kinematic approaches, require considerable amounts of equipment, making them impractical for use during on-farm inspections. Automated methods that rely on movement or activity data have potential for future development but currently lack the resolution of traditional gait scoring and require equipment such as cameras or accelerometers. Objective, seemingly valid, repeatable and feasible options exist for the assessment of walking ability that would facilitate the monitoring of commercial broiler welfare; however, more validation of these methods is required, especially in commercial farm settings.

Development and Evaluation of Ferrite Core Inductively Coupled Plasma Radio Frequency Ion Source for High-Current Ion Implanters in Semiconductor Applications.

This study presents the development of a ferrite core inductively coupled plasma (ICP) radio frequency (RF) ion source designed to improve the lifetime of ion sources in commercial ion implanters. Unlike existing DC methods, this novel approach aims to enhance the performance and lifetime of the ion source. We constructed a high-vacuum evaluation chamber to thoroughly examine RF ion source characteristics using a Langmuir probe. Comparative experiments assessed the extraction current of two upgraded ferrite core RF ion sources in a commercial ion implanter setting. Additionally, we tested the plasma lifetime of the ICP source and took temperature measurements of various components to verify the operational stability and efficiency of the innovative design. This study confirmed that the ICP RF ion source operated effectively under a high vacuum of 10-5 torr and in a high-voltage environment of 30 kV. We observed that the extraction current increased linearly with RF power. We also confirmed that BF3 gas, which presents challenging conditions, was stably ionized in the ICP RF ion sources.

Assessing genotype-environment interactions in Atlantic salmon reared in freshwater loch and recirculating systems.

The interest in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is growing due to their benefits such as increased productivity, better control over animal care, reduced environmental effects, and less water consumption. However, in some regions of the world, traditional aquaculture methods remain prevalent, and selective breeding has often been designed for performance within these systems. Therefore, it is important to evaluate how current fish populations fare in RAS to guide future breeding choices. In a commercial setting, we explore the genetic structure of growth characteristics, measure genotype-environment interactions (GxE) in salmon smolts, and examine genetic markers related to growth in freshwater lochs and RAS. Young salmon were raised together until they reached the parr stage, after which they were divided equally between freshwater net-pens and RAS. After an 8-week period, we sampled fish from each environment and genotyped them. Our findings revealed that fish reared in RAS were generally smaller in weight and length but exhibited a higher condition factor and uniformity. We found a notably smaller component of unexplained variance in the RAS, leading to higher heritability estimates. We observed a low GxE effect for length and condition factor, but significant re-ranking for whole-body weight, as well as noticeable differences in trait associations across environments. Specifically, a segment of chromosome 22 was found to be linked with the condition factor in the RAS population only. Results suggests that if the use of RAS continues to expand, the efficiency of existing commercial populations may not reach its full potential unless breeding programs specific to RAS are implemented.

Economic Optimization and Performance Enhancement of Rooftop Solar Power Systems Using Concentrated Solar Technology and Advanced Materials

Abstract: This research investigates the economic optimization and performance enhancement of rooftop solar power systems through the integration of concentrated solar technology and advanced materials. The aim is to assess the viability and effectiveness of these innovations in both residential and commercial settings. By focusing on improving energy efficiency and reducing costs, the study provides a comprehensive economic perspective on the adoption of these advanced solar technologies. Key aspects of the research include the evaluation of lifecycle costs, energy yield, and payback periods, offering insights into the long-term financial benefits and feasibility of implementing such systems. The integration of concentrated solar technology enhances the intensity of solar energy captured, thereby significantly boosting the efficiency of rooftop solar panels. Advanced materials, such as perovskites, multi-junction cells, and nanomaterials, are examined for their potential to improve energy absorption, durability, and overall performance of solar panels. The research employs simulation software to model the performance of these optimized systems under various environmental conditions, providing a detailed analysis of their energy output and efficiency.

Advancements and Applications of Wood-Based Sandwich Panels in Modern Construction

Wood sandwich panels are widely utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial settings due to their excellent thermal insulation characteristics, ease of installation, and high strength-to-weight ratio. This review provides an overview on experimental outcomes demonstrating the structural integrity and versatility of wood sandwich panels. It highlights recent advancements in meeting payload requirements and their effectiveness in reducing costs and weights for prefabricated houses. The review focuses on structural applications and material efficiency, showcasing their roles in lightweight, durable constructions for retrofitting and new projects. The potential of novel, sustainable materials in construction is explored, addressing current challenges and emphasizing the diverse applications and environmental benefits of wood-based sandwich panels, underscoring their importance in advancing energy-efficient and sustainable construction.

Comparative impact of conventional and alternative gut health management programs on plasma and tibia attributes in broiler chickens raised in commercial and research settings

Plasma and tibia attributes were investigated in broiler chickens raised on three gut health management programs in commercial farms (study 1) and research station settings (study 2). The programs were: 1) conventional antibiotics (CON), 2) raised without medically important antimicrobials (RWMIA), and 3) raised without antibiotics (RWA). Birds had free access to feed and water from placement to harvest; samples of blood and left tibia were collected on d 28 in both studies and further samples were taken on d 41 in study 2. In both studies, there were no program differences (P > 0.05) on plasma metabolites with exception of enzyme concentrations with notably higher levels of circulating plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in birds reared on the RWA program (P ≤ 0.04). Differences were observed among programs for tibia length in both studies (P < 0.05). Birds reared on RWMIA exhibited significantly (P = 0.016) higher tibia ash than CON on d 41. Observed differences in the plasma enzyme concentrations, tibia length, and ash concentration suggest altered metabolism which could be linked to gut health management programs and their ability to support gut integrity and function in the absence of antibiotics.

Genome characterization of a multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strain, L1PEag1, isolated from commercial cape gooseberry fruits (Physalis peruviana L.).

Foodborne infections, which are frequently linked to bacterial contamination, are a serious concern to public health on a global scale. Whether agricultural farming practices help spread genes linked to antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with humans or animals is a controversial question. This study applied a long-read Oxford Nanopore MinION-based sequencing to obtain the complete genome sequence of a multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strain (L1PEag1), isolated from commercial cape gooseberry fruits (Physalis peruviana L.) in Ecuador. Using different genome analysis tools, the serotype, Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of the L1PEag1 isolate were determined. Additionally, in vitro assays were performed to demonstrate functional genes. The complete genome sequence of the L1PEag1 isolate was assembled into a circular chromosome of 4825.722 Kbp and one plasmid of 3.561 Kbp. The L1PEag1 isolate belongs to the B2 phylogroup, sequence type ST1170, and O1:H4 serotype based on in silico genome analysis. The genome contains 4,473 genes, 88 tRNA, 8 5S rRNA, 7 16S rRNA, and 7 23S rRNA. The average GC content is 50.58%. The specific annotation consisted of 4,439 and 3,723 genes annotated with KEEG and COG respectively, 3 intact prophage regions, 23 genomic islands (GIs), and 4 insertion sequences (ISs) of the ISAs1 and IS630 families. The L1PEag1 isolate carries 25 virulence genes, and 4 perfect and 51 strict antibiotic resistant gene (ARG) regions based on VirulenceFinder and RGI annotation. Besides, the in vitro antibiotic profile indicated resistance to kanamycin (K30), azithromycin (AZM15), clindamycin (DA2), novobiocin (NV30), amikacin (AMK30), and other antibiotics. The L1PEag1 isolate was predicted as a human pathogen, matching 464 protein families (0.934 likelihood). Our work emphasizes the necessity of monitoring environmental antibiotic resistance, particularly in commercial settings to contribute to develop early mitigation techniques for dealing with resistance diffusion.

Cross-Tissue Comparison of Epigenetic Aging Clocks in Humans.

Epigenetic clocks are a common group of tools used to measure biological aging - the progressive deterioration of cells, tissues and organs. Epigenetic clocks have been trained almost exclusively using blood-based tissues but there is growing interest in estimating epigenetic age using less-invasive oral-based tissues (i.e., buccal or saliva) in both research and commercial settings. However, differentiated cell types across body tissues exhibit unique DNA methylation landscapes and age-related alterations to the DNA methylome. Applying epigenetic clocks derived from blood-based tissues to estimate epigenetic age of oral-based tissues may introduce biases. We tested the within-person comparability of common epigenetic clocks across five tissue types: buccal epithelial, saliva, dry blood spots, buffy coat (i.e., leukocytes), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We tested 284 distinct tissue samples from 83 individuals aged 9-70 years. Overall, there were significant within-person differences in epigenetic clock estimates from oral-based versus blood-based tissues, with average differences of almost 30 years observed in some age clocks. In addition, most epigenetic clock estimates of blood-based tissues exhibited low correlation with estimates from oral-based tissues despite controlling for cellular proportions and other technical factors. Our findings indicate that application of blood-derived epigenetic clocks in oral-based tissues may not yield comparable estimates of epigenetic age, highlighting the need for careful consideration of tissue type when estimating epigenetic age.

Assessing Hydrogen Embrittlement in Pipeline Steels for Natural Gas-Hydrogen Blends: Implications for Existing Infrastructure

Governments worldwide are actively committed to achieving their carbon emission reduction targets, and one avenue under exploration is harnessing the potential of hydrogen. Blending hydrogen with natural gas is emerging as a promising strategy to reduce carbon emissions, as it burns cleanly without emitting carbon dioxide. This blending could significantly contribute to emissions reduction in both residential and commercial settings. However, a critical challenge associated with this approach is the potential for Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE), a phenomenon wherein the mechanical properties of pipe steels degrade due to the infiltration of hydrogen atoms into the metal lattice structure. This can result in sudden and sever failures when the steel is subjected to mechanical stress. To effectively implement hydrogen-natural gas blending, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of how hydrogen affects the integrity of pipe steel. This necessitates the development of robust experimental methodologies capable of monitoring the presence and impact of hydrogen within the microstructures of steel. Key techniques employed for this assessment include microscopic observation, hydrogen permeation tests, and tensile and fatigue testing. In this study, samples from two distinct types of pipeline steels used in the natural gas distribution network underwent rigorous examination. The findings from this research indicate that charged samples exhibit a discernible decline in fatigue and tensile properties. This deterioration is attributed to embrittlement and reduced ductility stemming from the infiltration of hydrogen into the steel matrix. The extent of degradation in fatigue properties is correlated not only to the hydrogen content but also to the hydrogen permeability and diffusion rate influenced by steel’s microstructural features, with higher charging current densities indicating a more significant presence of hydrogen in the natural gas pipeline blend.

Post Wow, is Less More? A Critical Approach to Animated Mapped Projection for Art Historical Knowledge Sharing The Twentieth-Century Mural as a Case Study

This paper critically considers digital curatorial practices, increasingly used both in commercial and museum settings, involving the animated mapped projection of digitised works of art. It draws attention to the problematic and common misuse of the term ‘immersive’ to designate such practices and examines their effectiveness for art historical knowledge sharing and meaning making. Through first-hand observation of a number of such exhibits, the paper considers the lessons that can be learned from them and how they would specifically apply to a corpus of twentieth-century frescoes that make up the study object of a research project on art historical digital curatorship.

Investigation of a DNA tagged aerosol tracer method for In Situ evaluation of germicidal UV air cleaner effectiveness

Transmission of respiratory pathogens occurs primarily in indoor settings, interventions to reduce the risk of their transmission include increases in outdoor air introduction, filtration, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). However, validating these interventions is challenging, particularly in actual applications. This study introduces an aerosol tracer system utilizing DNA as tracer molecule, aimed at quantitative characterization of the performance of indoor air cleaning systems. Two DNA tracers, designed one to be relatively UV-resistant and another relatively UV-sensitive, were employed to assess air quality changes related to filtration and ventilation and the contributions of UVGI fixtures in various built environments. We conducted controlled UV exposure experiments of DNA-tagged tracers on foil coupons, aerosolization studies in a test chamber, and in a commercial building conference room. The DNA tracer results provided insights at the point of sampling into the effects of complex airflow dynamics. Additionally, a way to scale the DNA tracer results to MS2 bacteriophage is proposed. Four distinct UV devices challenged with MS2 in a chamber test produced equivalent clean airflow rates of 13–147 CFM. Scaled equivalent clean airflow rates in a commercial building setting using the UV-sensitive tracer varied from 47 percent less to 101 percent more than the chamber results, possibly due to differences in airflow patterns, equipment configuration, and other factors. Our findings provide quantitative understanding of the interaction between UV-sensitive aerosols and the built environment, with implications for environmental monitoring, measuring UVGI fixture impact in field settings, and addressing current technologies limitations for assessing UVGI disinfection efficacy.

Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) Approach to Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE): An Experimental At-the-Moment Occupant Comfort Control System

This paper describes an empirical experiment of Internet of Things (IoT)’s integration in the Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) process. The experiment aimed to trial a novel IoT approach to enabling building user responsiveness to prevalent IEQ for individualised comfort. The purpose is to provide a system that mitigates a common issue of centralised air conditioning that limits occupants’ control over their immediate environment. To achieve this, an IoT platform was developed with smart IEQ monitoring sensors and wearable devices and trialled with PhD researchers in a shared university workspace. The findings provided empirical evidence of IoT’s enhanced benefits to improving user control over their individual comfort and enabling positive energy behaviour in buildings. Specifically, the IoT system provided real-time insight into CO2 concentration data while enabling responsive occupant interaction with their immediate environment and at-the-moment mitigation actions. Outputs of the experiment showed that the perceptions of participants about the stuffiness of the air, productivity, and healthy environment were significantly better after taking the mitigation action compared to before. Also, we found a significant relationship between measured CO2 concentration readings and perceived air stuffiness (p = 0.004) and productivity (p = 0.006) and a non-significant relationship between CO2 concentration readings and perceived healthy environment (p = 0.058). Interestingly, we observed that irrespective of the similarities in recorded CO2 concentration readings being within acceptable ranges (632–712 ppm), the perception of air stuffiness significantly differed (p = 0.018) before and after the mitigation actions. The effectiveness of the developed IoT platform was evidenced as most of the participants found the process very easy to participate in with little interruptions to their work as little time was consumed. The results are useful in modifying approaches to building occupant comfort and energy behaviour in commercial and residential settings.

P-499 Long term psychological health of gestational surrogates in a low-income setting: five years after birth

Abstract Study question How does psychological health and experiences of surrogates in a cross-border commercial surrogacy setting change from pregnancy, 4-6 months, and five years post-birth? Summary answer Longitudinally surrogates’ psychological health did not significantly change. Majority had still not met the parents, continued hiding surrogacy, and reported mixed feelings for the child. What is known already Commercial surrogacy was banned in India in 2017 due to concerns related to exploitation and psychological harm. Power differentials between surrogates and intending parents and commercialization raised concerns regarding the psychological health of surrogates in low-income settings. Post the ban, surrogacy hotspots moved to countries like Mexico and Georgia embroiled in similar practices. There is however no academic literature on long-term psychological health of surrogates from low-income settings. Previous research showed that surrogacy pregnancy and prenatal attachment did not significantly contribute psychological harm post-birth. Instead, socio-cultural practices related to support during pregnancy and stigma increased depression scores post-birth. Study design, size, duration The fieldwork was administered in Mumbai, India, where international cross-border, gestational, and commercial surrogacy was being practiced. Data was collected over three phases: 1) during pregnancy 2) 4-6 months post-birth and 3) 5-6 years after surrogacy. Being a mixed-method design, findings include quantitative data on psychological health of surrogates from all three phases and qualitative data from phase 3 of the research. The study spans from 2014 to 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods In-depth semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires (anxiety, depression, stress scale) were administered to 50 surrogates during pregnancy, 45 surrogates 4-6 months post-birth, and 19 surrogates 5-6 years post-birth. In phase III, mothers also responded to the perceived social support scale. Interviews included questions related to narratives and feelings about the baby, intending parents, surrogate hostel, fertility clinic, potential financial gain, perceptions of stigma, and the new law banning surrogacy. Fieldwork was administered at the clinic. Main results and the role of chance Three one-way repeated measures ANOVA were administered which showed that anxiety, depression, and stress of surrogates did not significantly differ over the three time-points, suggesting that practicing surrogacy did not significantly contribute to psychological harm. It is important to note that financial gain did not significantly improve their psychological over time. Non-parametric tests also did not show significant differences. Mean scores show a downward trend for anxiety and depression, but an upward trend for stress. The perceived social support scale showed that participants received support from family and significant other and least support from friends. However, support from family positively correlated with the stress scores of surrogates. Perhaps an overwhelming involvement of family adds to stress. Most surrogates were not in touch with friends from the surrogate hostel. Majority reported still thinking about the baby frequently, had mixed feelings, and were still hiding surrogacy. Most of them had not met the parents and child, did not know if intending parents should disclose to the child about surrogacy. Majority did not appreciate the new law and wouldn’t consider becoming surrogates without a payment. Prenatal bonding from phase 1 did not have any relationship with psychological health observed in phase 3. Limitations, reasons for caution The study’s sample size raises generalizability concerns. Diminishing sample sizes and potential social bias may affect robustness. Limited psychological measures and homogeneity assumptions suggest a need for caution in interpreting results. Wider implications of the findings This is the first longitudinal study on surrogate mothers from low-income settings practicing commercial surrogacy. Findings advocate policy reassessment, enduring support structures for surrogates, educational initiatives for transparency, international collaboration on best practices, and future research exploring cultural nuances and the perspectives of intending parents in cross-border commercial surrogacy. Trial registration number N/A

Characterization of Brettanomyces bruxellensis Phenolic Acid Decarboxylase Enzyme Expressed in Escherichia coli

Brettanomyces yeasts are considered spoilage organisms in commercial fermentation settings; however, some historical beer styles and several modern specialty beer styles rely on Brettanomyces for unique aroma and flavor contributions. The organoleptic properties of beer utilizing intentional Brettanomyces fermentations can be unpredictable and inconsistent. This study investigates the contributions of Brettanomyces fermentations to volatile phenolic character by expression of phenolic acid decarboxylase enzyme cloned from B. bruxellensis. Protein was expressed and isolated from Escherichia cells. The enzyme has broad temperature and pH ranges, and showed variable activity against the most common potential hydroxycinnamic acid substrates.

Electrogastrography measurement systems and analysis methods used in clinical practice and research: comprehensive review.

https://www.prisma-statement.org/.

Investigating the Performance and Safety of Li-Ion Cylindrical Cells Using Acoustic Emission and Machine Learning Analysis

Acoustic emission (AE) is a low-cost, non-invasive, and accessible diagnostic technique that uses a piezoelectric sensor to detect ultrasonic elastic waves generated by the rapid release of energy from a localised source. Despite the ubiquity of the cylindrical cell format, AE techniques applied to this cell type are rare in literature due to the complexity of acoustic wave propagation in cylindrical architectures alongside the challenges associated with sensor coupling. Here, we correlate the electrochemical performance of cells with their AE response, examining the differences during pristine and aged cell cycling. AE data was obtained and used to train various supervised binary classifiers in a supervised setting, differentiating pristine from aged cells. The highest accuracy was achieved by a deep neural network model. Unsupervised machine learning (ML) models, combining dimensionality reduction techniques with clustering, were also developed to group AE signals according to their form. The groups were then related to battery degradation phenomena such as electrode cracking, gas formation, and electrode expansion. There is the potential to integrate this novel ML-driven approach for widespread cylindrical cell testing in both academic and commercial settings to help improve the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Case Study of Solar Integration in HVAC Systems: Efficiency and Sustainability Outcomes

This study looks into the environmental advantages, economic feasibility, and technical viability of using solar energy to charge HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) batteries. It also covers issues like the unpredictable nature of solar energy and the requirement for energy-storage technology. This study adds to the ongoing efforts to develop a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure by encouraging the incorporation of renewable energy sources into HVAC systems. PV (Photovoltaic) panels collect solar energy, a charge controller manages energy effectively, and a battery storage unit is adapted to meet HVAC needs make up the system. The purpose of solar energy integration into HVAC systems is to decrease dependency on the traditional grid, reduce environmental effects, and improve overall energy efficiency. Intelligent charge control algorithms, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance capabilities are some of the solar-powered charging system's key characteristics. These characteristics ensure that the HVAC system runs smoothly and leave as little of an environmental impact as possible while optimizing energy utilization. The system's scalability and adaptability to a wide range of customer needs enable it to serve HVAC applications in both residential and commercial settings.

Suns-Vmp method for health monitoring of 110 PV modules

One can monitor the health of the PV modules by analyzing their current-voltage (I–V) curves, which rarely are measured in commercial settings. Fortunately, nearly all PV installations measure the maximum power point current (Imp) and voltage (Vmp), along with the ambient weather conditions, which the proposed Suns-Vmp method uses to generate pseudo I–V curves. In this work, the proposed methodology was rigorously tested on 110 PV modules of various technologies installed under harsh desert conditions, for approximately 7 years and 9 months. For these modules, the fitting accuracy between the actual field measured and pseudo I–V curves, did not exceed an RMSE value of 0.35 A. The median power degradation of the mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, and thin-film technologies were estimated to be around 0.21 %/year, 0.49 %/year, and 1.51 %/year. From the root-cause analysis using the fitted PV parameters, it was found that the dominant degradation contribution in all the modules came from series resistance, followed by shunt resistance. For mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, and thin-film technologies, the mean yearly rate of change for series resistance was 1.47 %, 4.37 % and 13.37 %, while for shunt resistance these values were 0.68 %, 1.26 % and 3.95 % respectively. As field measured I–V curves are seldom available, techniques like the Suns-Vmp method can offer valuable insights for effective solar farm management and maintenance, without any interruption in the operation.

Effectiveness of Chemical Sanitizers against Salmonella Typhimurium in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic Systems: Implications for Food Safety, Crop Quality, and Nutrient Content in Leafy Greens.

Hydroponic farming systems play an increasingly important role in the sustainable production of nutrient-rich foods. The contamination of surfaces in hydroponic fresh produce production poses risks to the food safety of crops, potentially endangering public health and causing economic losses in the industry. While sanitizers are widely used in commercial hydroponic farms, their effectiveness against human pathogens on surfaces and their impact on plant health and quality are not known. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of chemical sanitizers in eliminating Salmonella Typhimurium from inanimate surfaces in commercial hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. Further, we assessed the impact of sanitizers on the yield, quality, and nutritional value of lettuce and basil. Sanitizers (Virkon, LanXess, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; SaniDate 12.0, BioSafe Systems, East Hartford, CT, USA; KleenGrow, Pace Chemical Ltd., Delta, BC, Canada; Green Shield, United Labs Inc., St Charles, IL, USA; Zerotol, BioSafe Systems, East Hartford, CT, USA; Bleach, Pure Bright, ON, Canada) were tested against Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated on NFT surfaces (nutrient reservoir, growing channels, top covers, drain lines). The effective treatments were then tested for their impact on lettuce and basil in a split-plot experiment conducted in commercial NFT units. Crop yield, color, and nutrient content (chlorophyll and carotenoids) were measured throughout the crop life cycle. While all quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), SaniDate 12.0 (200 ppm), Zorotol (5%), and Virkon (1%) eliminated Salmonella Typhimurium from commercial NFT surfaces, chlorine-based sanitizer treatments were statistically similar to water treatments on most surfaces. All chemical sanitizers impacted the yield, color, and nutritional value of lettuce and basil. SaniDate 12.0 (200 ppm) was the least detrimental to crops and was identified as a potential candidate for further validation in commercial hydroponic settings. The findings of this study will be translated into recommendations for the industry and will contribute to the development of future food safety guidelines and policies.

Head poses and grimaces: Challenges for automated face identification algorithms?

In today’s biometric and commercial settings, state-of-the-art image processing relies solely on artificial intelligence and machine learning which provides a high level of accuracy. However, these principles are deeply rooted in abstract, complex “black-box systems”. When applied to forensic image identification, concerns about transparency and accountability emerge. This study explores the impact of two challenging factors in automated facial identification: facial expressions and head poses. The sample comprised 3D faces with nine prototype expressions, collected from 41 participants (13 males, 28 females) of European descent aged 19.96 to 50.89 years. Pre-processing involved converting 3D models to 2D color images (256 × 256 px). Probes included a set of 9 images per individual with head poses varying by 5° in both left-to-right (yaw) and up-and-down (pitch) directions for neutral expressions. A second set of 3,610 images per individual covered viewpoints in 5° increments from −45° to 45° for head movements and different facial expressions, forming the targets. Pair-wise comparisons using ArcFace, a state-of-the-art face identification algorithm yielded 54,615,690 dissimilarity scores. Results indicate that minor head deviations in probes have minimal impact. However, the performance diminished as targets deviated from the frontal position. Right-to-left movements were less influential than up and down, with downward pitch showing less impact than upward movements. The lowest accuracy was for upward pitch at 45°. Dissimilarity scores were consistently higher for males than for females across all studied factors. The performance particularly diverged in upward movements, starting at 15°. Among tested facial expressions, happiness and contempt performed best, while disgust exhibited the lowest AUC values.