Heat Detection Systems Research Articles

Thermochromic Polymer Nanocomposites for the Heat Detection System: Recent Progress on Properties, Applications, and Challenges.

Reversible thermochromic polymers have emerged as compelling candidates in recent years, captivating attention for their application in heat detection systems. This comprehensive review navigates through the multifaceted landscape, intricately exploring both the virtues and hurdles inherent in their integration within these systems. Their innate capacity to change colour in response to temperature fluctuations renders reversible thermochromic nanocomposites promising assets for heat detection technologies. However, despite their inherent potential, certain barriers hinder their widespread adoption. Factors such as a restricted colour spectrum, reliance on external triggers, and cost considerations have restrained their pervasive use. For instance, these polymer-based materials exhibit utility in the domain of building insulation, where their colour-changing ability serves as a beacon, flagging areas of heat loss or inadequate insulation, thus alerting building managers and homeowners to potential energy inefficiencies. Nevertheless, the limited range of discernible colours may impede precise temperature differentiation. Additionally, dependency on external stimuli, such as electricity or UV light, can complicate implementation and inflate costs. Realising the full potential of these polymer-based materials in heat detection systems necessitates addressing these challenges head-on. Continuous research endeavours aimed at augmenting colour diversity and diminishing reliance on external stimuli offer promising avenues to enhance their efficacy. Hence, this review aims to delve into the intricate nuances surrounding reversible thermochromic nanocomposites, highlighting their transformative potential in heat detection and sensing. By exploring their mechanisms, properties, and current applications, this manuscript endeavours to shed light on their significance, providing insights crucial for further research and potential applications.

Učinkovitost sustava automatske detekcije tjeranja u junica smeđeg goveda kada se rabi seksirano sjeme na velikoj farmi mliječnih goveda

The identification of cows and heifers in heat and their timely artificial insemination (AI) is an important issue for large dairy units. The objective of the research was to study the efficiency of insemination of oestrous Brown Swiss heifers using am automated heat detection system (AHD) compared to heat detection by visual observation (VO). The AHD system application increased the fertility of heifers by 8.9% when using conventional semen (unsexed) and by 14.4% using sexed semen. The number of services per conception when using sexed semen decreased from 3.7±1.08 with VO to 2.4±0.68 with AHD. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that an 89% effect of managerial decisions such as the detection of heifers in heat by means of AHD and the use of sexed semen on the efficiency of insemination. This study showed that professional breeders and veterinarians should pay particular attention to AI management when making these managerial decisions in large dairy units.

TEKNOLOGI TERAPAN PENGHALAU BURUNG OTOMATIS BAGI PETANI PADI DI SALINGKA KAMPUS UNIVERSITAS ANDALAS

Sumatera Barat merupakan provinsi yang penduduknya rata-rata bekerja sebagai petani. Produksi padi di Sumatera Barat cukup tinggi, mencapai 55.532 ton per tahunnya. Namun, petani mengalami kesulitan dalam mengahadapi serangan hama, salah satunya yaitu hama burung. Hama burung menyebabkan kehilangan hasil mencapai 30% bahkan 100% pada tingkat serangan yang parah, dan pada tanaman serelia lainnya mampu memnyebabkan kehilangan hasil mencapai 67%. Akibat kehilangan hasil yang cukup tinggi, perlu dilakukannya pengendalian terhadap hama burung. Tetapi, pengendalian hama burung tidak sama dengan hama lain yang dapat dikendalikan secara praktis menggunakan pestisida karena hama burung yang bersifat mobile atau aktif bergerak. Saat ini petani masih menggunakan pengendalian secara mekanis yang di Sumatera disebut dengan istilah ‘Manggaro’. Dimana petani menunggui sawah dan ladangnya selama fase pengisian bulir hingga panen. Pengendalian seacara mekanis ini menghabiskan waktu petani untuk menghalau kedatangan hama burung.
 Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, maka dibutuhkan suatu usaha dan teknologi yang mampu digunakan untuk menghalau burung tanpa perlu diawasi oleh petani, hemat waktu dan lebih efisien dalam pengendalian serta dapat digunakan dalam jangka panjang. Kegiatan penelitian yang diusulkan meliputi pemasangan alat penghalau burung otomatis dengan sistem deteksi panas tubuh dan motor pengayun sumber bunyi di lahan sawah yang berada disalingka kampus Unand Limau Manis. Pengamatan yang dilakukan adalah hasil produksi padi terhadap 3 perlakuan yang diberikan yaitu penggunaan alat penghalau otomatis hama burung, penggunaan jaring burung dan lahan tanpa menggunakan alat atau dsebut juga sebagai kontrol. Selanjutnya,data yang diperoleh akan dianalisis untuk melihat efektivitas alat penghalau hama burung otomatis. Manfaat alat ini dapat membantu petani dalam pengendalian hama burung. Dimana petani tidak harus berada dilahan persawahannya seharian penuh untuk menghalau hama burung yang menyerang lahan persawahan tersebut.

Automatic systems for heat detection in cows as a tool for improving herd management

There are at least several ways of detecting bovine heat, which vary in accuracy, as well as in the effort and cost associated with the implementation and operation of equipment designed for this purpose. Heat in cows can be most easily detected by thorough and systematic observation of animals in the herd. Other methods include the measurements of vaginal mucosal resistance, the fitting of balloons with paint at the base of the tail or on the back, temperature measurements in the vagina, rumen and milk, and determination of progesterone levels in milk and blood. Currently, controlled breeding programmes, including timed artificial insemination (TAI) and automated estrus detection (AED) or activity monitoring system (AMS), are routinely introduced in high-performance dairy herds. Most of the commercially available heat detection devices are based on accelerometers or pedometers. These devices are capable of detecting heat in 81.4% to 91.3% of cows. The sensitivity of heat detection was 58.9% for accelerometers (Heatime), 63.3% for pedometers (SAE Afikim, Kibbutz Afikim, Israel), 56.7% for KaMaR markers and 35.9% for heat detectors (Scratchcard). When two of the three systems were combined (different combinations), the sensitivity increased to 75.9%. Similarly, after adding visual detection, sensitivity increased to 96% and specificity to 90% (for visual observation combined with AMS). Activity monitoring systems are a proven tool for improving the management of cows. They are an alternative to reproductive management based solely on traditional methods of detecting ovulation or hormone programmes (TAI) and they respect the well-being of animals. It seems, however, that further improvement in cows’ fertility on industrial cattle farms will be achieved by combining several different methods of heat detection and synchronization, rather than by using a single modern heat detection system..

Therapeutic potential of amniotic fluid stem cells to treat bilateral ovarian dystrophy in dairy cows in a subtropical region.

Amniotic fluid is a rich source of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) have become a new source of stem cells; they have low immunogenicity and are easily harvested. For this reason, they may be useful in clinical tissue engineering. Moreover, AFSCs have anti-inflammatory properties and can repair tissues. This study evaluated the utility of AFSC injection to treat bilateral ovarian dystrophy in Holstein-Friesian cows. Bovine AFSCs (BAFSCs) were collected at slaughter from Holstein-Friesian cows during the third or fourth month of pregnancy and cultured in vitro. The BAFSCs began to show a fibroblast-like morphology. They were positive for β-integrin, CD44, CD73, CD106 and Oct4 and negative for CD34 and CD45. After induction, the cells differentiated into mesodermal lineages. Bilateral ovarian dystrophy was confirmed by ultrasonography in 16 lactating cows. The subsequent experiment lasted 15weeks. Serum was collected weekly to analyse progesterone concentrations, and weekly ultrasonography recorded ovarian changes. Each cow was equipped with an automatic heat detection system to facilitate oestrus observation and breeding records. The progesterone concentration of two cows in the treatment group (25%) significantly increased during weeks 10-15. On ultrasonography, the treatment group demonstrated mature follicles after BAFSCs injection, and foetuses were visualized approximately 40days after artificial insemination (AI). Oestrus rates in the control and treatment groups were 0% (0/8) and 50% (4/8), respectively; pregnancy rates were 0% (0/8) and 25% (2/8), respectively. Calves were successfully delivered in both cases of pregnancy. These results show that BAFSCs can alleviate bovine ovarian dystrophy and restore fertility.

Effect of PRID-Delta devices associated with shortened estrus synchronization protocols on estrous response and fertility in dairy cows

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of a once-used progesterone (P4) intravaginal device (PRID) associated with four different shortened P4-based estrus synchronization (ES) protocols on estrous response (ER) and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in cyclic and acyclic lactating dairy cows. Cows (n=465) were randomly assigned to one of the following protocols: 1) 2PGG, cows were given a PRID-Delta and 100 μg GnRH i.m. at PRID insertion (day 0). The PRID was left for 5 d, and 25 mg of dinoprost (PGF2α) i.m. given twice at PRID removal and 24 h later; 2) 2PGGe, same treatments as 2PGG plus 500 IU of eCG i.m. at PRID removal; 3) 2PGe, same treatments as 2PGGe, except GnRH was not given at PRID insertion; 4) PGe, same treatments as 2PGe, except PGF was only given at PRID removal. A total of 258 cows received a new PRID-Delta containing 1.55 g of P4, whereas 207 cows received a once-used PRID. Estrus was determined from P4 device removal until 96 h after using an automated heat detection system. Cows in estrus were given a second GnRH at AI and those without signs of estrus by 96 h after PRID removal were given GnRH and timed-AI (TA I). All inseminations were performed by one technician with commercially available frozen-thawed semen. Ultrasonography was performed at initiation of protocol and 28-34 days post AI to determine cyclicity and pregnancy status, respectively. Cows receiving once-used P4 devices had greater ER than cows receiving a new device (59.9 vs. 50.0; P=0.029), but P/AI did not differ between P4 devices, respectively (P>0.1; 40.6 vs 40.7%). Cyclic cows were less likely to display estrus than acyclic cows by a factor of 0.66 (P=0.036). Cows subjected to the 2PGe (2.41; P<0.01) protocol were more likely to display estrus than cows subjected to the 2PGG, whereas cows subjected to the PGe protocol did not differ (0.94; P=0.8) from those in the 2PGG group. Despite differences in ER, neither cyclicity nor estrus synchronization protocol affected P/AI (overall 40.6%). In summary, cyclic cows, those given a new P4 device and those subjected to either 2PGG or PGe protocol had reduced ER. However, all the factors examined had no significant effect on P/AI. All the estrus synchronization protocols resulted in acceptable fertility.

New methods for testing fire resistance of wood façade systems

Arson in schools has been a huge problem in Sweden over the last fifteen years. The average amount of school arsons between 2000 and 2014 was 285 cases each year which corresponds to 50% of the total amount of reported fires in school buildings. This is a well-known problem and a lot of research has been done in this area. Investigations has been done about fire and heat detection systems, different technical factors significance in fire scenarios and how to prevent adolescents from starting fires. Another part of the problem that partly been investigated is how the schools are constructed. Roughly 50% of the arsons are outside of the school building. In Sweden one and two storey buildings are allowed to be built with wooden facades in accordance with the building code, which is one of the reasons many schools are built with wooden facade systems. The most critical part in a wood facade system from a fire safety perspective is concluded to be the eaves because of how they usually are built to let air pass through. Even though a wood facade isn't as well resistant to fire compared to a concrete facade, three versions of new test methods for combustible facades have been developed to make it possible to make sure in advance that a construction is resistant enough. The new test methods are focused on specific details and parts of a facade system to provide a more informative and useful result compared to SP Fire 105. Observations and measurements of flame spread and temperature changes in the eave, over the window joints and in the air gap are made. With these parameters in consideration criteria's has been chosen for a critical temperature of 280 ∘C at a critical time of 20 minutes. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2016 Language: en

Improving reproductive outcomes in the modern dairy cow — getting it right part 1

Introduction: Lisa Whitfield reports back in two parts on the Ceva 2014 reprodAction BRED Workshop presented by R Pursley, P Fricke and A Valenza in May. Part 1 looks at the physiology of the reproductive cycle, anovulatory conditions, heat detection systems.

Towards an Automated Detection of Oestrus in Dairy Cattle

Heat detection is a key factor in the profitability of dairy herds. However, this detection demands a significant part of the breeder's working time and is made difficult by the short duration and the discrete behavioural changes associated with oestrus in modern dairy cows. Progress has been made in monitoring cow with electronics, biosensors and computer. As a result, automated heat detection systems have been developed. Currently available tools are automated detectors of standing heat, activity-metres and automated in-line systems measuring milk progesterone. Camera-software systems and monitoring of body temperature are being developed and may also be used as heat detection tools. The heat detection rate of most systems is above 80% with a specificity of detection generally higher than 90%. The accuracy, however, may vary considerably depending on the tool and model developed. The initial investment of several thousands of euros required for these automated systems becomes a source of profit in large herds, provided the recorded data are properly managed.

169 BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS OF ESTRUS IN THE COMMON ELAND ANTELOPE, TAUROTRAGUS ORYX

Knowledge of the estrous cycle and behavior is important in managing captive breeding programs. However, such information is negligible in spiral-horned antelopes, including the eland. In the present study, conducted between September 2007 and March 2008, we sought to characterize mounting activity and courtship behavior in a group of eight adult eland females. Estrus was induced in groups of four females by treatment with 25 mg PGF2 ∝ (IM, Lutalyse®, Pharmacia and Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) administered after 7 days of daily oral progestin (5 mL of 2.2% altrenogest, DPT Laboratories, San Antonio, TX, USA) or 11 days after an initial treatment of PGF2 ∝ (25 mg). The eight females received each treatment in a crossover design. Females were induced and monitored during the induced and subsequent natural estrus for 34 to 38 days. Observations for estrus behavior were initially assisted by using Estrotect™ heat detector patches (Rockyway, Inc., www.estrotect.com). Since January 2008, the HeatWatch® electronic heat detection system (CowChips, Denver, CO, USA) and an androgenized eland female were used to assist with heat detection. For androgenization, 8 pellets of Synovex-H® (Fort Dodge Animal Health, Fort Dodge, IA) comprising a total dose of 1600 mg testosterone propionate and 160 mg estradiol benzoate were implanted (SC) on the convex side of the ear. To confirm mounting activity detected by Estrotect™ or HeatWatch®, eland behavior was recorded continuously using an 8-channel real time DVR. Chi-square analysis was used to test the association between time of day (day or night) and the frequency of standing to be mounted. The cycle length (n = 6 females) was the time interval (d) between the first mounts at the induced and natural estrus. The time of mounts was determined for a total of 52 mounts. More than half of the mounts (n = 32 or 61.5%) occurred between 6 pm and 6 am (night); however, there was no association between the number of mounts and time of the day (p = 0.886). Analysis of mounts by quarters of the day showed that mounts were evenly distributed between early afternoon (noon to 6 pm: 29%), late afternoon (6 pm to midnight: 33%) and early morning (midnight to 6 am: 29%) but were less frequent during late morning, between 6 am and noon (10%) possibly due to interference by human activities. The number of mounts observed per female ranged from 1 to 20. Mounts lasted for 2 seconds or less. The duration of estrus ranged from 2.1 to 29.0 hours. Typical courtship behaviors included prolonged head butting, flehmen response and following the female in estrus before mounting. The average length of the estrous cycle, based on mounting activities, was 19.3 d (range: 17–24). Although further studies are required in herds with eland males, the present results suggest that estrus detection for captive breeding or application of reproductive technologies in the eland should be spread around different times of the day and night. We have also demonstrated that an electronic mount detection system can be applied to assist with determination of estrus in the eland.

Automatic fire detection in road traffic tunnels

Fire detection experiments in a road traffic tunnel were performed in the Runehamar test tunnel 5th–8th March 2007. The Runehamar test tunnel is a full profile road traffic tunnel, 1.65 km long, located outside Åndalsnes, Norway. The goal was to examinate smoke and heat detection systems to determinate what kind of principle best suited for detecting a fire in an early stage. The systems were tested during small Heptane pool fires, varying between 0.16 m 2 and 1 m 2, giving heat release rates from 0.2 MW to 2.4 MW accordingly, and one car fire of about 3–5 MW, and with wind conditions varying from 1.1 m s −1 to 1.6 m s −1. The size of the fires, were designed to be in the range from impossible to difficult to detect. The results were conclusive. Earliest detection of a car fire, fire starts inside, was by smoke detection given fixed limits (3000 μg m −3). With open pool fires, or immediate flames, continues fibre optical heat detection systems was faster given the limits 3 °C/4 min.

Practical Clinical Approaches to the Problem Breeder Female

Applied reproductive biotechnology, information technology, and efficient production management systems on the farm have all contributed to an increased awareness and knowledge of reproductive problems. Reproductive history is now documented and we know more than ever about individual females and their problems. Artificial Insemination (AI), emliryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), real time ultrasound, sex-sorted sperm (Sexing Technologies, Navasota, TX 77868}, and novel heat detection systems (HeatWatch®, Denver, CO 80216) are some of the tools that cattle breeders and veterinarians use to diagnose and treat problem females. Although a small percentage of infertility cases can be diagnosed and treated successfully, the majority of infertility cases in beef cattle are idiopathic in nature. Over half of the infertile females brought to my facility fall into this classification after both palpation and ultrasound examinations. In spite of all the technology available, amazingly little is known about the etiology or pathobiology of the most common form of infertility in cattle. This paper explores possible causes of idiopathic infertility and suggest a systematic method of handling bovine female infertility in a clinical setting.

Schlieren photography to study sound interaction with highly absorbing materials

Strong absorption of sound is often caused by the conversion of sound energy into heat. When this happens, it is not possible to study the interaction of sound with the absorbing material by means of reflected sound characteristics, because there is no reflected sound. Detecting for example the distance that sound travels in a strongly absorbing material, can be done by heat detection systems. However, the presence of temperature detectors in such materials interferes with the sound field and is therefore not really suitable. Infrared measurements are a possible option. Another option is the use of Schlieren photography for simultaneous visualization of sound and heat. This technique is briefly outlined with a 3 MHz sound beam incident on a highly absorbing sponge.

Use of computer fire models for analyzing thermal detector spacing

This paper presents a methodology for evaluating heat detection systems installed in buildings. Previous work for use primarily in designing new thermal fire detection systems was used as a starting point. The previous work was enhanced and supplemented to make it more useful for evaluating existing systems. The resulting equations were programmed into a user-interactive computer program. This program is available in both BASIC and FORTRAN and will run on mainframes as well as personal computers. A modified version of the FORTRAN program was used to develop an extensive set of tables listing detector activation times for given building geometries, detector characteristics, and fire growth rates. These tables are useful for quick evaluation of alternative heat detector installations. Practical examples are used to illustrate the utility of the concepts presented in the tables and computer programs.