Feed Characteristics Research Articles

Larval Feeding Habits of Five Firefly Species Across Aquatic, Semi-Aquatic, and Terrestrial Lineages

While adult fireflies are terrestrial, their larvae inhabit various habitat types, and a lack of comprehensive research on the feeding habits of these larvae across different habitats has greatly impeded the development of artificial diets. Here, we tested 14 types of foods, primarily covering gastropods, vertebrates, and fruit, to survey feed for aquatic (Aquatica leii and Sclerotia substriata), semi-aquatic (Pygoluciola qingyu and Pygoluciola sp.), and terrestrial (Pyrocoelia analis) fireflies. The results show that A. leii, S. substriata, P. qingyu, Pygoluciola sp., and P. analis fed on 12, 6, 10, 10, and 7 different foods, respectively, showing an obvious difference in feeding range among various inhabit types of fireflies. Aquatic lineages preferred to consume freshwater snails, followed by pork meat and land slugs, while semi-aquatic fireflies favored freshwater snails, followed by fish and shrimp. Favorite foods were thus freshwater snails such as Cipangopaludina chinensis for both aquatic and semi-aquatic fireflies, but feeding preference differed for second favorite foods (e.g., pork vs. fish meat). Terrestrial Pyrocoelia analis showed different feeding preferences compared withthe other two habitat lineages, with terrestrial snails and slugs as their favorite foods, followed by freshwater snails, such as C. chinensis. These findings not only uncovered larval feeding habits of fireflies across various inhabit types but also indicated that readily available and affordable C. chinensis products can serve as wild snail alternatives in the artificial feeding of fireflies. This study is the first to explore the feeding habits of firefly species inhabiting water and land habitat types, adding to the understanding of the feeding characteristics of fireflies.

Association between early enteral nutrition and length of stay in neonates with congenital bowel obstruction: A retrospective cohort study.

The optimal feeding strategy for postoperative neonatal patients with congenital bowel obstruction is widely debated. This study aims to evaluate perioperative characteristics and postoperative nutrition practices for patients with congenital bowel obstruction. We hypothesized that earlier introduction of enteral nutrition (EN) is associated with shorter hospital stays and increased weight gain velocities. We performed a retrospective cohort study on neonatal patients (<30 days old) admitted to a pediatric referral hospital who underwent an operation for bowel obstruction between 2010 and 2020. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and feeding characteristics were collected. Associations between early EN (EEN), defined as commencement of enteral feeding within 5 days of surgery, and perioperative characteristics were analyzed with SAS 9.4. Of the 97 neonates with congenital bowel obstruction, 36 patients received EEN. Sex, gestational age, and ethnicity were similar between groups. Patients receiving EEN were more likely to have a diagnosis of malrotation, anorectal malformation, or annular pancreas (P = 0.04). Patients receiving EEN weaned from parenteral nutrition earlier (9 vs 17 days, P = 0.005). Receiving EEN was associated with shorter median hospital stay (16 vs 29 days, P < 0.0001). Weight gain velocities at the 2-month follow-up were greater for patients receiving EEN (8.02 vs 7.00 g/kg/day, P = 0.04) with the difference dissipating at 6 months. EEN was more likely provided in patients with certain operative diagnoses and was associated with improved outcomes. Creating and implementing an EEN protocol in congenitally obstructed neonates may lead to shorter hospital stays and improved outcomes.

Comparative effectiveness of pre-epiglottic baton plates and mandibular distraction in infants with Robin sequence.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and pre-epiglottic baton plates (PEBP) are both effective for early management of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in infants with Robin sequence (RS), but have not been directly compared. The purpose of this study was to compare early airway, feeding and growth outcomes between these treatments. This is a bicentric retrospective cohort study from 2015-2021 including infants with RS treated with MDO or PEBP before 6 months-of-age with pre- and post-treatment sleep studies and follow-up at least through age 1-year. The primary outcome was immediate post-intervention UAO, measured as obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) or obstructive apnea index (oAI), as available. Latest follow-up sleep studies, feeding and growth characteristics were also assessed. 114 subjects were included: MDO, n=31 and PEBP, n=83. Pre-treatment UAO was similar between groups (p=0.61). PEBP was initiated at a younger age (median [IQR] 31 [14,53] vs. 41 [28,84] days-of-life, p<0.05). Significant reduction of oAHI/oAI was achieved in both groups, but greater with MDO (98%) compared to PEBP (94%, p<0.05). PEBP demonstrated better early feeding and growth outcomes compared to MDO, with fewer surgical feeding tubes (p<0.001) and more rapid early growth (p=0.038). When stratified by pre-intervention UAO, infants starting with moderate UAO experienced similar airway outcomes with both treatments (p=0.11), while those with severe UAO had greater resolution with MDO (p<0.001). Both treatments effectively relieve moderate UAO in infants with RS, but MDO is more effective for infants with severe respiratory compromise.

Fault Section Identification for Hybrid Transmission Lines Considering the Weak-Feed Characteristics of Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant Inverters

The overhead line (OHL)–cable hybrid transmission line, which connects floating photovoltaic (PV) power plants, needs to be considered regarding whether to block reclosing operations or not. However, due to the weak-feed characteristics of PV inverters, existing methods are difficult to apply in this scenario. This paper proposes a criterion for fault section identification in the transmission lines of floating PV power plants based on traveling wave power and the zero-sequence impedance angle. Firstly, the fault current characteristics of photovoltaic inverters under dual-vector control are analyzed, and the applicability of the sequence component impedance directional criterion in this scenario is discussed. Then, the transmission, refraction, and reflection processes of traveling waves in OHL–cable hybrid lines are analyzed, and a traveling wave energy criterion is designed to determine the fault section. Finally, based on the scope of application of the zero-sequence impedance angle and traveling wave energy criterion, a fault section identification method for the hybrid lines of floating PV power plants is established. A deployment method for the proposed method, based on feeder terminal units (FTUs) at the connection points between the OHL and cable is proposed. This method identifies fault sections through traveling waves and zero-sequence impedance angles, which are unaffected by PV week feed characteristics, can be applied to all the AC fault types, and do not rely on multi-terminal synchronous sampling. The proposed method is verified on a 1MW PV system built in the PSCAD.

Three-dimensional characteristics of shrinkage porosities in Mg-xAl-1Zn-0.2Mn alloys and their relationship with microstructures

Shrinkage porosities are microscopic casting defects that significantly deteriorate material properties. This study examines the three-dimensional characteristics of shrinkage porosities in Mg-xAl-1Zn-0.2Mn (x = 3, 6, 9 wt.%) alloys and explores the effects of Al content on these porosities, as well as their interaction with the alloy microstructures. Results show that the Al content influences the distribution, size, and morphology of shrinkage porosities by affecting dendritic coherency, secondary phases, and skeleton morphology during solidification. The volume of the shrinkage porosities is measured, and its variation is linked to uneven changes in the alloy's shrinkage and feeding characteristics. Additionally, the study analyzes the effect of casting pressure, based on casting height, on the types of shrinkage porosities. This study provides a detailed explanation of the microscopic formation mechanism of shrinkage porosities, aiming to offer theoretical foundation for reducing porosities.

Qualitative indicators of milk and fermented milk products when activated zeolite and probiotics are included in the diet of cows

Relevance. The quality of milk depends on the season of the year, the breed of animals, the state of metabolism, and the characteristics of feeding and maintenance technology. The quality of milk determines its technological properties and the quality of its processed products.Methods. The content of somatic cells in milk, the acidity of milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, and syneresis of yogurt were determined. In milk processing products, the content of the mass fraction of nitrogen and crude protein, crude ash, calcium, and phosphorus was determined.Results. When feeding cows with the yeast probiotic activated zeolite and the phytoprobiotic “Provitol”, a significant decrease in the content of somatic cells in freshly milked milk of cows was established by 13.02% (p &lt; 0.05). Significantly lower milk acidity values were established (by 6.00% (p &lt; 0.001) and 12.79% (p &lt; 0.001), respectively), significantly higher yogurt acidity values (by 6.00% (p &lt; 0.001) and 12.79% (p &lt; 0.001), respectively, significantly lower yogurt syneresis (by 4.70% (p &lt; 0.001) and 3.10% (p &lt; 0.01), respectively). The use of activated zeolite and yeast probiotic “Kluver Pro” in the diets leads to a significantly higher content (compared with the control) of the mass fraction of fat in cottage cheese and yogurt — by 10.47 abs. % (p &lt; 0.001) and 4.58 abs. % (p &lt; 0.001).

Case-control study on associations of hemorrhagic bowel syndrome in swine with feed characteristics and intestinal pathogens

Haemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS) is one of the most common causes of death in fattening pigs worldwide. The objective of this descriptive study was to systematically assess predictors or causal components for the appearance of HBS using case farms (mortality rate caused by HBS ≥ 1.5%) in comparison with control farms (mortality rate caused by HBS ≤ 0.25%), focusing on feed ingredients, feed quality and size, and gastrointestinal pathogens. The inclusion of sugar beet as a feed component in liquid feeding systems was found to be associated (p = 0.03) with farms identified as HBS cases. Another predictive or causal factor found for liquid feeding systems, but only for those using meal, was particle size. A higher percentage of small particles (< 2 mm) in the meal was associated with a higher risk of being an HBS case farm (p = 0.02), while no relevant association was detected for the use of pellets. Sugar beet in the diet was also associated with the incidence of HBS.The microbial quality of the feed in dry feeding systems, specifically the number of total aerobes at the first and last outlet tubes, was associated with a higher incidence of HBS (p = 0.03). Faecal sample analysis showed a difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of B. pilosicoli in the herd category (case vs. control herd). In this descriptive study, five predictive or causal factors were identified for an HBS farm with a mortality rate due to HBS ≥ 1.5%. These included the number of aerobes in dry matter samples from the first and last feeders, the particle diameter of the meal used in liquid feeding systems and sugar beet as a component of liquid feeding rations, and the presence of B. pilosicoli as an infectious agent at animal level. Relevant associations reinforce the findings of the previously published Swiss study that HBS is a multifactorial syndrome involving different aspects of pig production and cannot be attributed to a single cause. Further studies are needed to develop evidenced based causal models for HBS in swine.

Time scale analysis of enzymatic reduction of uric acid in a microfluidic biomedical device

Time Scale Analysis (TSA) is an investigative tool used in engineering design to identify locations in processes that should be a focus of Process Intensification (PI). Furthermore, TSA points to process variables and parameters that could be used to advance and measure PI improvement. However, TSA cannot suggest any specific design solution to intensify process performance. Instead, design engineers should use their fundamental knowledge and creative intelligence to specify detailed design transformations. TSA will then provide a specific quantitative measure of the improvement. TSA implementation improves an explicitly defined process performance, thus helping achieve process intensification goals. TSA is based on first principles, and it utilizes Characteristic Times (CT) such as diffusion, mean residence, and reaction times to improve an existing process. In this study, we specifically consider microfluidic biomedical devices. To illustrate the genesis of CT and TSA, we start by developing a mathematical model of an enzymatic degradation process in a biomedical device called iCore based on mass, momentum, and kinetic equations. After introducing user-defined scaling parameters, we extract CTs pertinent to the enzymatic degradation of uric acid in this microfluidic biomedical device. Diffusion coefficients, microchannel architectural characteristics, enzyme loading, hydrogel thickness, and characteristic parameters of enzyme kinetics are the parameters and process variables incorporated in this analysis. Finally, we compared the extracted CTs with a COMSOL Multiphysics parametric study to demonstrate how time scale analysis as a design tool and adjusting design parameters, such as diffusion coefficient, hydrogel layer thickness, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration, can enhance the enzymatic reaction process without a need for complex computational modeling. It is crucial to recognize that pertinent CTs can be determined by understanding the type and nature of the observed process, previous experience, published data, and other foundational engineering design work. There is no need for mathematical modeling and numerical simulations to identify and acknowledge the CTs relevant and essential to the observed process; in this work, we only illustrate the principal origin of CTs via a detailed mathematical model of the process, as previously reported by Jovanovic et al. Therefore, in a routine application of TSA, it is important to remember that mathematical modeling and detailed numerical simulations are not necessary. This is a very comforting fact when TSA is deployed as a tool in higher-level process design functions. The investigations on how best to apply TSA in these higher level design functions such as Process Intensification, scale-up/numbering-up, change of device architecture, change of operating conditions, change of process feed characteristics, change of material physical and chemical properties, parametric optimization of the system for various objective functions, and techno-economic analysis, are yet to be studied and reported.

Functional traits data for testate amoebae of Northern Holarctic realm

The functional traits of soil protists have been employed in ecological research to enhance comprehension of the underlying mechanisms of ecological processes. Among the numerous soil protists, testate amoebae emerge as a prominent and abundant group, playing a pivotal role in soil micro-food webs. Furthermore, they are regarded as valuable bioindicators for environmental monitoring and palaeoecological studies due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. We screened 372 testate amoebae species widely distributed across Northern Holarctic realm and collected trait data, representing the morphological and feeding characteristics of testate amoebae. The dataset would provide valuable basis for investigation of the functional diversity and ecological roles of testate amoebae, thus facilitating further research on soil protist communities and ecosystem dynamics.

Chemical engineering perspective of pyrolysis reactor and condenser system for biomass valorisation

The manuscript investigates the design, operating, and economic parameters of components in a biomass pyrolysis system. It covers two key components, the pyrolysis reactor and condenser, with plans to discuss other components in future publications. The study relies on experimental data from a fixed-bed reactor, bio-oil retention experiments using various vials, and computational modeling of the pyrolysis process using a lumped model. The experimental data were thoroughly analysed, considering different types of pyrolysis reactors and heating methods. Dimensionless numbers were employed to predict the impact of changing feed characteristics during pyrolysis. The second part of the study focuses on the operation of conventional condensers and how Bio-oil deposition on their surfaces affects efficiency and cost. Experimental estimation of Bio-oil film thickness on stainless steel and glass surfaces is presented, along with its effects. Finally, a hybrid condenser, combining stainless steel with a glass lining, is proposed to enhance efficiency and reduce costs based on operational requirements.

Boll weevils in dry bolls: is there a performance disadvantage?

BackgroundAnthonomus grandis grandis is the main cotton pest in the Americas, with the potential to become a pest in other continents. The insect uses the plant’s reproductive organs for feeding, oviposition, and survival strategies in the off-season, sheltering in dry bolls. This study aimed to know the reproductive potential, feeding, longevity, and morphometric characteristics of boll weevils from dry bolls, squares, and traps. Adults were obtained from infested squares, dry bolls, and traps installed in cotton fields and the Caatinga area. Thirty weevil pairs were maintained in the laboratory to assess the oviposition, feeding holes, longevity, and morphometric measurements of the parental and F1 generations.ResultsIn the parental generation, boll weevils from traps (the Caatinga area and cotton cultivation) showed greater reproductive potential. Boll weevils from squares and the Caatinga area showed greater feeding activity compared with those from cotton cultivation. Greater rostrum length, thorax + abdomen length, and abdomen width were observed in boll weevils from cotton cultivation and dry bolls. The origin of boll weevils parental generation did not affect progeny emergence time. The F1 generation of boll weevils showed significant differences in average longevity depending on the origin of different microhabitats. Furthermore, differences in rostrum lengths were observed, with the boll weevils coming from traps installed in cotton cultivation, the Caatinga area, and dry bolls being the largest. Regarding thorax + abdomen length and abdomen width, the highest values were observed in those from the Caatinga area and cotton cultivation.ConclusionIt was proven that dry bolls did not affect the reproductive, feeding, and longevity performance of boll weevils, enabling better insect fitness (reproduction and size) in relation to those coming from squares. The use of dry bolls as off-season shelter is an important survival strategy for the boll weevil.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МОЛОЧНОСТИ И ДОЕНИЯ МАТОК НА РОСТ И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ЯГНЯТ

A shortening of the milking period has a negative effect on lambs, and this effect is more pronounced the earlier the beating is carried out and milking begins, but the growth of young animals is highly dependent on the level of non-dairy nutrition and rearing technology. In this regard, the study of the influence of milking on the quality and productivity of the offspring was carried out taking into account the characteristics of feeding and keeping lambs. The experiment was carried out in 2023 in the foothill zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania on sheep of the Tushino breed. All experimental lambs were divided into two groups: a control group, raised in the usual manner, and an experimental group, whose queens were not milked. All lambs had coarse wool, were kept in the same conditions and were allowed access to the uterus 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening, but the rest of the time they were kept separately. Milking of sheep on the farm began in early June, that is, when the lambs reached 2.5 months of age. Lambs of both groups were completely weaned at 5 months of age. It was found that the lambs of the experimental group, whose uterus were not milked, grew better and had a greater body weight at the time of lambing than the control group. The difference in body weight was 1.92 kg for rams and 2.42 kg for lambs, in favor of the experimental group. After the start of milking of the queens of the control group, the picture changes. During the third month of life, the absolute increase in the experimental group was 6.07-5.34 kg (little lambs), and in the control group - 4.56-3.69 kg. The lambs spent the fourth month of life on alpine pastures, where the growth of the control group (6.47-5.62 kg) was lower than that of the experimental group (5.87-5.39 kg). The last month of the suckling period is characterized by a significant drop in the growth of lambs in the control group (3.16-2.88). The growth of lambs in the experimental group also decreased (4.83-4.67).

Structured Tube Weaning Using the Hunger Provocation Method in Infants with Single Ventricle Heart Defects: A Multicenter Study.

Despite improvement in hemodynamics, children with single ventricle heart disease remain on feeding tubes long after stage 2 palliation (S2P). Use of a hunger provocation method in a multidisciplinary team setting has been successful at weaning these children from feeding tubes. The objective of this study is to describe patient characteristics and outcomes in the single ventricle population who underwent a formal tube weaning process using a standardized hunger provocation method. Single ventricle patients after S2P from six centers were included. Patient data collected included baseline demographics, swallow evaluation results, and feeding characteristics such as percent oral intake at the start of tube wean. Tube wean data included tube weaning process and duration, interruptions to the tube wean, adverse events, and weights before, during, and after the tube wean. 94% (60 of 64) of patients achieved oral independence. The median time to tube wean was 12.5days. 62% of patients had transient weight loss during the tube wean. 61% of the cohort was taking less than 10% goal volumes by mouth with 90% of those patients successfully tube weaned. All patients with history of aspiration were successfully tube weaned. 75% of successfully weaned patients were above baseline weight at 1-month post-tube wean. The most common cause of tube wean interruption was contraction of a viral illness. Use of a standardized tube weaning process via hunger provocation method is both feasible and safe in the single ventricle population, resulting in successful feeding tube removal in a timely manner with minimal adverse effects.

Simulation of the nutritional requirements and energy balance of adult cows in a northern temperate grassland.

The forage-livestock balance is an important component of natural grassland management, and realizing a balance between the nutrient energy demand of domestic animals and the energy supply of grasslands is the core challenge in forage-livestock management. This study was performed at the Xieertala Ranch in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. Using the GRAZPLAN and GrazFeed models, we examined the forage-livestock energy balance during different grazing periods and physiological stages of livestock growth under natural grazing conditions. Data on pasture conditions, climatic factors, supplemental feeding, and livestock characteristics, were used to analyze the metabolizable energy (ME), metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm), and total metabolizable energy intake (MEItotal) of grazing livestock. The results showed that the energy balance between forage and animals differed for adult cows at different physiological stages. In the early lactation period, although the MEItotal was greater than MEm, it did not meet the requirement for ME. MEItotal was greater than ME during mid-lactation, but there was still an energy imbalance in the early and late lactation periods. In the late lactation period, MEItotal could meet ME requirements from April-September. Adult gestational lactating cows with or without calves were unable to meet their ME requirement, especially in the dry period, even though MEItotal was greater than MEm. Adult cows at different physiological stages exhibited differences in daily forage intake and rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) metabolism, and the forage intake by nonpregnant cows decreased as follows: early lactation > mid-lactation > late lactation, pregnant cows' lactation > dry period. For the degradation, digestion and synthesis of rumen MCP, early-lactation cows were similar to those in the mid-lactation group, but both were higher than those in the late-lactation group, while pregnant cows had greater degradation, digestion, and synthesis of MCP in the lactation period relative to the dry period. For lactating cows, especially those with calves, grazing energy requirements, methane emission metabolism and heat production were highest in August, with increased energy expenditure in winter. Overall, grazing energy, methane emissions and heat production by dry cows were low. In the context of global climate change and grassland degradation, managers must adopt different strategies according to the physiological stages of livestock to ensure a forage-livestock balance and the sustainable utilization and development of grasslands.

The use of targeted premixes in the feeding of replacement heifers

Making optimal conditions for feeding and housing of young animals ensures the correct and timely development of internal organs, including reproductive function, which has a positive impact on the realization of the high genetic potential of animals in adulthood. This can only be achieved by using balancing additives such as premixes developed on the basis of an actual analysis of feeding conditions. The purpose of this work was to study the feasibility of using premixes developed taking into account feeding characteristics (targeted) in the rations of replacement heifers up to 12 months of age. The experiment was carried out at the Staraya Chigla livestock complex of EkoNivaAgro-Severnoye LLC, geographically located in the Anninsky district of the Voronezh region from 2020 to 2023. The heifers were selected by using the analogue pair method and distributed into groups of 12 heads in each (control and experimental groups). It was established as a result of the studies that the use of a targeted premix contributed to the intensity of growth of young animals, which was confi rmed by an increase in the live weight of heifers by the end of the experiment by 5,04 %, an average daily gain by 5,74 %, and a relative gain by 1,91 %. Analysis of the reproductive function of heifers showed that the age of fi rst heat occurred 5,5 days earlier in animals of the experimental group, and the age of fi rst eff ective insemination was 18,09 days earlier. Fertility from the fi rst insemination was higher in heifers that were fed the targeted premix by 8,34 %. The insemination index was also better in the experimental group. Thus, the research has proven the feasibility of developing and using targeted premixes.

Exploring individual responses to welfare issues in growing-finishing pig feeding behaviour

The feeding behaviour of individual growing-finishing pigs can be continuously monitored using sensors such as electronic feeding stations (EFSs), and this could be further used to monitor pig welfare. To make accurate conclusions about individual pig welfare, however, it is important to know whether deviations in feeding behaviour in response to welfare issues are shown only on average or by each individual pig. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to quantify the individual variation in feeding behaviour changes in response to a range of welfare issues, and (2) to explain this individual variation by quantifying the responses to welfare issues for specific subgroups of pigs. We monitored four rounds of 110 growing-finishing pigs each (3–4 months per round). We collected feeding behaviour data using IVOG® EFSs and identified health issues and heat stress using climate sensors and twice-weekly health observations. For each pig, a generalised additive model was fitted, which modelled feeding behaviour through time and estimated the effect of each welfare issue that the pig had suffered from. The range of these effect estimates was compared between pigs to study the individual variation in responses. Subsequently, pigs were repeatedly grouped using physical and feeding characteristics, and, with meta–subset analysis, it was determined for each group whether a deviation in response to the welfare issue (i.e. their combined effect estimates) was present. We found that the range in effect estimates was very large, approaching normal distributions for most combinations of welfare issues and feeding variables. This indicates that most pigs did not show feeding behaviour deviations during the welfare issue, while those that did could show both increases and reductions. One exception was heat stress, for which almost all pigs showed reductions in their feed intake, feeding duration and feeding frequency. When looking at subgroups of pigs, it was seen that especially for lameness and tail damage pigs with certain physical characteristics or feeding strategies did consistently deviate on some feeding components during welfare issues (e.g. only relatively heavier pigs reduced their feeding frequency during lameness). In conclusion, while detection of individual pigs suffering from heat stress using feeding variables should be feasible, detection of (mild) health issues would be difficult due to pigs responding differently, if at all, to a given health issue. For some pigs with specific physical or behavioural characteristics, nevertheless, detection of some health issues, such as lameness or tail damage, may be possible.

Implementation of filtration models for filter performance prediction in bioprocess dead-end membrane filtration

Mechanistic modeling is frequently applied during process development and scale-up in bioprocessing. For normal flow filtration (NFF, also called dead-end filtration) processes, such as aseptic filtration, harvest clarification, and virus removal etc., the modeling based on a theoretical fouling law has long been used to assess filter performance and filtration area requirements. This case study describes how an appropriate fouling model is selected and provides guidance for using the fouling model for bioprocess application. There is general agreement that the modeling and process simulation enables accurate filter size calculations for scale-up. Their predictions can then be used to identify optimal filter formats for each unit operation. However, because feed characteristics and conditions vary between processes, fouling models need to consider several filter fouling mechanisms for different bioprocess applications and unit operations. This study reviewed several fouling models and considered various bioprocess filter fouling scenarios, as well as the accuracy of filtration area predictions from the models. It was determined that filtration runs in small scale sizing studies should be run to at least 40 % flux decay to minimize the risk of prediction error due to extrapolation.

Socioeconomic Characteristics and the Home Food Environment Are Associated With Feeding Healthful and Discretionary Foods During the First Year of Life in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study

BackgroundFeeding of nutrient-poor foods begins in infancy and may adversely influence long-term food preferences. ObjectiveTo examine associations of socioeconomic characteristics, childbearing parent eating behaviors, and home food environment with infant feeding characteristics. DesignSecondary analysis of a prospective cohort study from first trimester of pregnancy through 12 months postpartum. Participants/settingParticipants with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and no major chronic illness were enrolled from November 2014 through October 2016 from 2 university-based obstetrics clinics in Chapel Hill, NC. Of 458 enrolled, 321 were retained through 12 months postpartum. Main outcome measuresParticipants completed infant food frequency questionnaires indicating age at introduction and frequency of consuming multiple food groups. Exposures included childbearing parent socioeconomic characteristics, hedonic hunger, addictive-like eating, Healthy Eating Index 2015 calculated from three 24-hour diet recalls, and home food environment fruit/vegetable and obesogenic scores. Statistical analyses performedMultiple imputation using Heckman selection model; linear and logistic regressions examining associations with infant feeding characteristics. ResultsLower education and income were associated with later infant age at introduction to, and lower frequency of consuming fruits and vegetables at age 12 months. Socioeconomic characteristics were not associated with age at introduction to discretionary solid foods; however, lower education and income were associated with greater infant frequency of intake of discretionary foods and greater odds of introducing fruit juice and sweetened beverages by age 12 months. Childbearing parent Healthy Eating Index 2015, hedonic hunger, and addictive-like eating were not consistently associated with infant feeding characteristics. A more obesogenic food environment was associated with greater frequency of intake of discretionary foods, lower frequency of intake of fruit, and greater odds of fruit juice introduction by age 12 months. ConclusionsInfant feeding characteristics may be important intervention targets for addressing socioeconomic disparities in child diet quality. Efforts to reduce routine feeding of discretionary foods across socioeconomic groups are needed; modifying the home food environment may promote healthful infant feeding.

Feeding characteristics and growth among children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus with and without microcephaly in the microcephaly epidemic research group pediatric cohort

ObjectiveTo describe the feeding characteristics and growth of children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) from birth to 48 months.DesignUsing data from the prospective Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort (MERG-PC), children without microcephaly born to mothers with evidence of ZIKV infection during pregnancy (ZIKV-exposed children without microcephaly) and children with Zika-related microcephaly were compared using repeated cross-sectional analyses within the following age strata: birth; 1 to 12; 13 to 24; 25 to 36; and 37 to 48 months. The groups were compared in relation to prematurity, birth weight, breastfeeding, alternative feeding routes, dysphagia and anthropometric profiles based on the World Health Organization Anthro z-scores (weight-length/height, weight-age, length/height-age and BMI-age).ResultsThe first assessment included 248 children, 77 (31.05%) with microcephaly and 171 (68.95%) without microcephaly. The final assessment was performed on 86 children. Prematurity was 2.35 times higher and low birth weight was 3.49 times higher in children with microcephaly. The frequency of breastfeeding was high (> 80%) in both groups. On discharge from the maternity hospital, the frequency of children requiring alternative feeding route in both groups was less than 5%. After 12 months of age, children with microcephaly required alternative feeding route more often than children without microcephaly. In children with microcephaly, the z-score of all growth indicators was lower than in children without microcephaly.ConclusionsChildren with Zika-related microcephaly were more frequently premature and low birth weight and remained with nutritional parameters, i.e., weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and length/height-for-age below those of the children without microcephaly.

Design and fabrication of optically transparent transmitarrays using inkjet-printing technology

Abstract This paper explores the use of inkjet-printing technology for transparent transmitarrays, presenting a viable alternative to traditional copper microwire counterparts. The study focuses on achieving high-gain performance crucial for wireless communication systems, with a particular emphasis on the fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave communication. Transparent transmitarrays leverage transparent conducting films and conductive mesh structures, overcoming opacity limitations and seamlessly integrating with urban architecture. In this paper, the inkjet-printing process is detailed for fabricating transmitarray apertures, highlighting the flexibility and precision in depositing nanosilver particles onto a glass substrate. The design intricacies involve optimizing feeding characteristics, determining unit cell structures, and constructing transmitarrays of various sizes. To validate the proposed technique, three different apertures (15 × 15, 20 × 20, and 25 × 25 unit cells) are constructed. The antenna performances are evaluated in terms of reflection coefficients, radiation efficiency, realized gain, and patterns, demonstrating the effectiveness of inkjet-printed transmitarrays. Comparative analysis with copper microwire counterparts is also conducted, validating the inkjet-printing technology for similar gain performance with added advantages of flexibility, compatibility with transparent substrates, and cost-effective manufacturing.