Inspection Agency Research Articles

Compact and portable quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor for carbon monoxide environmental monitoring in urban areas

We report on the realization, calibration, and test outdoor of a 19-inches rack 3-units sized Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS) trace gas sensor designed for real-time carbon monoxide monitoring in ambient air. Since CO acts as a slow energy relaxer when excited in the mid-infrared spectral region, its QEPAS signal is affected by the presence of relaxation promoters, such as water vapor, or quenchers like molecular oxygen. We analyzed in detail all the CO relaxation processes with typical collisional partners in an ambient air matrix and used this information to evaluate oxygen and humidity-related effects, allowing the real CO concentration to be retrieved. The sensor was tested outdoor in a trafficked urban area for several hours providing results comparable with the daily averages reported by the local air inspection agency, with spikes in CO concentration correlated to the passages of heavy-duty vehicles.

Blood Culture Metrics Are Human Metrics: The Missed Opportunity for Clinical Laboratory Quality Measures to Improve the Overall Blood Culture Process

The human and organizational burdens of sepsis can be reduced by early recognition, diagnosis, therapy, and systems that support more effective management. The World Health Organization's (WHO's) 2020 Global Report on the Epidemiology and Burden of Sepsis will add importance to the clinical laboratory's role of monitoring blood culture metrics. The report details strategies for future efforts to characterize the global impact of sepsis more accurately, to improve the characterization of and differences in epidemiology, and to make estimates of disease burden more accurate. As the WHO is working toward improved global sepsis monitoring, re-assessment of the way clinical laboratories can contribute to this effort are long overdue at the local, national, and global levels.Clinical laboratory dogma describes the importance of blood cultures (BCs) and optimization of BC processes, with documented impact on patient care. The BC is considered a first-line investigation for the microbiological diagnosis of sepsis, bacteremia, and fungemia and can detect a wide variety of microorganisms at a relatively low cost. Once microbes are detected in BC broth, subcultures yield microbial colonies for subsequent identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and information is incorporated into the final BC result. However, the impact of BCs and the speed at which BCs are collected, incubated, and reported are minimized in the “surviving sepsis” literature, except for BC collection prior to the administration of antibiotics. Most hospital quality efforts focus on compliance with the 1-, 3-, and 6-h sepsis bundles with limited focus on the contribution of microbiology's role in rapid incubation, pathogen reporting, and other diagnostics that drive antimicrobial de-escalation and escalation protocols.Clinical microbiology and laboratory medicine bear responsibility to ensure that BCs are collected properly and in a timely manner; that they are rapidly transported to the laboratory and incubated quickly; and that results are achieved and reported in a timely, reproducible, and accurate fashion. The quality metrics we discuss are not all required by inspection agencies; however, considering the initiatives to reduce the human cost of sepsis, attention to best practices is useful to optimize BC performance and BC yield. Examples of blood culture quality monitors and metrics are listed for laboratory consideration. Each laboratory may have unique situations in which one or more of the monitors may prove to be useful.

The potential production of rock-based fertilizer and soil conditioner from phosphate mine wastes: A case study from Abu-Tartur plateau in the Western Desert of Egypt

The current phosphate mine wastes at El-Liffiya-Maghrabi sector, Abu-Tartur plateau, are represented by low-grade phosphorites along with overburden of glauconite and shale deposits. Although phosphorites contain sufficient concentrations of the valuable plant-nutrients (e.g. 18.29 wt% P2O5, 35.29 wt% CaO, and 14.43 wt% SO3), it holds unallowable levels of some toxic heavy metals (e.g. 45.8 ppm As, 26.1 ppm Cd, 180 ppm V, and 52.3 ppm U). This in turn constrains the potential agronomic application of such deposits as being nature-disturbing materials. On the other side, contents of such metals in the overburden are lower than phosphorites (e.g. 9.1–15.1 ppm As, 0.2–2.4 ppm Cd, 0.4–1.2 ppm U, and 102–172 ppm V). Consequently, mixing phosphorite with its overburden was followed as a procedure to decline the contents of heavy metals and to valorize the nature-disturbing mine wastes as a potential rock-based fertilizer and soil conditioner. The mixing process was performed at different four ratios of 1phosphorite: 1glauconite: 1shale “M#1″, 2phosphorite: 1glauconite:1shale “M#2″, 1phosphorite: 2glauconite:1shale “M #3″ and 1phosphorite: 1glauconite:2shale “M#4". The agronomic potential of each rock mixture was studied using petrography microscope, XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, UV–visible spectrophotometer, and flame photometer. The evaluation study depended mainly on contents of macro- and micro-nutrients (e.g. P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Cu …. etc), levels of toxic heavy metals (e.g. As, Cd, U, and V), organic carbon content, organic-acid solubility, H2O2-driven solubility, and cation exchange capacity “CEC”. The overall results revealed that the prepared mixtures, in particular M#4, can serve as a rock-based fertilizer rich in plant-nutrients at comparable levels with other highly reactive phosphorites of the Hamrawein mine (Egypt), North Carolina, Morocco, and Germany. Also, the heavy metal contents were noticeably reduced to acceptable limits (e.g. 15 ppm As, 1.3 ppm Cd, 3 ppm U, and 110 ppm V) that are recommended by the German Fertilizer Ordinance, Kenya Standards for soluble compound fertilizers, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. On the other hand, organic carbon contents (2.01–2.25 wt% C) along with CEC values (68–72 meq/100 g) support the application of the prepared waste mixtures as a soil conditioner.

High-throughput sequencing for species authentication and contamination detection of 63 cell lines

Cell lines are widely used in research and for diagnostic tests and are often shared between laboratories. Lack of cell line authentication can result in the use of contaminated or misidentified cell lines, potentially affecting the results from research and diagnostic activities. Cell line authentication and contamination detection based on metagenomic high-throughput sequencing (HTS) was tested on DNA and RNA from 63 cell lines available at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease. Through sequence comparison of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene, the species identity of 53 cell lines was confirmed, and eight cell lines were found to show a greater pairwise nucleotide identity in the COX1 sequence of a different species within the same expected genus. Two cell lines, LFBK-αvβ6 and SCP-HS, were determined to be composed of cells from a different species and genus. Mycoplasma contamination was not detected in any cell lines. However, several expected and unexpected viral sequences were detected, including part of the classical swine fever virus genome in the IB-RS-2 Clone D10 cell line. Metagenomics-based HTS is a useful laboratory QA tool for cell line authentication and contamination detection that should be conducted regularly.

Influence of dietary emamectin benzoate on the biological responses of monosex (all-male) Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fries

The application of antiparasitic drugs plays a crucial role in the removal of infectious parasites in aquaculture. Emamectin benzoate (EB) is predominantly used as a feed premix against ectoparasites on temperate fish. This study evaluated the influence of 14 days of EB-dosing at 0–10 times the recommended dose (1X: 50 μg/kg biomass/day) on the biological responses and accrual/depletion of EB-residues in a tropical fish monosex Oreochromis niloticus fries. A significant dose-dependent reduction in feed intake by 3.50% in 1X and 43.00% in 10X groups, and an increase in mortalities from 2.92% (1X) to 11.25% (10X) during the EB-dosing period was noted. A significant increase in glucose and alkaline phosphatase and reduction in calcium and chloride ions, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase levels in the muscle and/or brain tissue was observed. On day 21 post-EB-dosing, the levels of muscle glucose and SOD reached normalcy in the 1X group, while the levels of other biomarkers failed to recuperate. The EB-residue levels peaked on day 14 EB-dosing (2.77 ng/g) in the 1X group and decreased later with detectable levels (0.03 ng/g) even on day 21 post-EB-dosing. The EB-residue levels were within the permissible limits of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the European Commission. The EB-dosing negatively influenced the health of O. niloticus by altering the physiological state in a dose- and time-dependent way. The results suggested that the use of EB might be plausibly risky in tropical aquaculture.

Blockchain-Based Network Concept Model for Reliable and Accessible Fine Dust Management System at Construction Sites

In total, 44.3% of particle matter 10 (PM10) is fugitive dust, and one of the main sources of fugitive dust generation in Korea is construction work (22%). Construction sites account for 84% of the total business places that have reported fugitive dust generation. Currently, the concentration of fine dust at construction sites is being remotely monitored by government inspection agencies through IoT sensors, but it is difficult to trust that appropriate fine dust reduction measures are being taken, because contractors can avoid taking these measures by submitting false reports or photos. In addition, since the fine dust monitoring system under government management is not an open platform and centralized system, residents near construction sites encounter difficulties in accessing information about fine dust. Therefore, in this study, we designed and constructed a blockchain network model to transparently and reliably provide network participants with the information associated with IoT data and fine dust reduction measures. To operate the blockchain network, we designed the chaincode, DApp, and network architecture. In addition, information on fine dust concentration and reduction measure photos were shared with the participants via the blockchain search tool (Hyperledger Explorer). The proposed blockchain network is expected to form a trust protocol among contractors, government inspection agencies, and citizens.

Temperature of fresh Minas cheeses exposed for sale in retail trade

This research aimed to investigate the temperatures of fresh Minas cheeses, one of the most consumed dairy products in Brazil, in commercial establishments, with the objective of verifying the adequacy of this parameter with that recommended by the legislation and with what was described on the labels. For this purpose, temperatures of 50 samples of fresh Minas cheese were measured in ten supermarkets, located in the municipality of São Gabriel da Palha, Espírito Santo. Notes were also taken of the type of equipment used to store the cheeses in each establishment and the maximum storage temperature specified on their labels for the conservation. The results were compared with the maximum storage temperature specified on the label and with what is determined by the legislation. It was found that the equipment used to display the cheeses under refrigeration was showcase type, varying between the opened (40%) and closed (60%) models. It was observed that 60% of the sale establishments kept the cheeses preserved according to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer and by the legislation and 83.3% of them used the closed showcase type. This finding suggests that this model provides a more effective control of the storage temperature, being more suitable for the conservation of fresh Minas cheese. The commercial establishments must, therefore, adopt measures to ensure that the cheeses remain stored at an adequate temperature and the inspection agencies must intensify the surveillance of these products exposed for sale.

Analysis of Microbiological and Chemical Hazards in Edible Insects Available to Canadian Consumers

Edible insects are a novel food in most countries; their popularity is growing because of their high-protein and low-fat content, ease of cultivation, and small environmental impact. To our knowledge, this is the first report that addresses both microbiological and chemical hazards in edible insects. Samples were collected from retail stores or purchase through e-commerce. A total of 51 samples of dried whole insects or insect powder were tested for Escherichia coli, which serves as an indicator of the overall sanitation conditions throughout the food production chain, and the bacterial pathogen Salmonella spp. Neither Salmonella spp. nor E. coli (>100 CFU/g) was found in the samples analyzed. A total of 43 samples of crickets (protein bars, powders, flour, and whole insects) and 4 samples of silkworm (whole insects) were analyzed for up to 511 pesticides. Of these, 39 samples contained up to four pesticides; 34 samples were compliant and 5 samples were noncompliant with Canadian regulations. Seven pesticide residues were detected, with glyphosate and its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid, as the predominant residues. Nineteen of the samples tested for pesticides were also analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead; there was insufficient material remaining to allow testing of pesticides and metals. The positive rates for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury were 100, 79, 58, and 74%, respectively. The detected concentrations ranged from 0.030 to 0.34 mg/kg for arsenic, from 0.031 to 0.23 mg/kg for cadmium, 0.019 to 0.059 mg/kg for lead, and from 0.94 to 28 μg/kg for mercury. Based on the lack of detection of microbiological contamination, and the positive rates and levels of pesticides and metals observed in the products, Health Canada determined that all insect products analyzed were safe for human consumption. This is a limited study; the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will continue to monitor this novel food.

Integration of ISO 22000 (2018) and HAS 23000 through Management System Audit: Case Study in Corned Beef Producer

Integrated Management System (IMS) based audit can assist the internal and external auditor to conduct an audit effectively and efficiently while checking compliance of Food Safety Management System and Halal Assurance System in the food industry. Corned beef is a product categorized as critical both in terms of halal and food safety. Implementing a food safety management system and halal assurance in corned beef industries is a challenge for producers and external auditors from inspection agencies. Based on the requirements equality approach, an Integrated Management System can be developed, referring to ISO 22000 : 2018 and HAS 23000. This research aims to combine the requirements of ISO 22000 : 2018 and HAS 23000 to be used for audit activity, as well as formulating recommendations for the corned beef producers in both requirements based on a new version of ISO 22000 : 2018. According to the analysis of requirements equality on each requirement objective, there are 14 of 30 sub-clauses of ISO 22000 : 2018 that can be integrated with 9 HAS criteria. There are 2 HAS criteria that cannot be integrated with sub clauses of ISO 22000 : 2018, namely criteria number 4 material and 5 product. When the IMS clauses are used in audit to one of corned beef company, the percentage of compliance with the IMS requirements is 90.6% in PT XYZ. The nonconformities related to ISO 22000 : 2018 found on a new clause that has not existed in the previous version ISO 22000: 2005. This gap creates some recommendations for PT XYZ. However, IMS based audit makes the audit for halal and food safety compliance be more effective that can combine checking of food safety and halal in one audit. Furthermore, IMS based audit makes the audit be more time efficient, by reducing the mandays.

Feed safety collaborations: Experiences, progress and challenges.

Concerns were raised regarding the role feed and feed ingredients play for risk of disease introduction and dissemination after PEDV was first identified mid-2013. Subsequently there has been a body of research and reviews completed. The results suggest a subset of contaminated feed ingredients could serve as vehicles for transboundary disease introduction into the United States. That has led to the development of biosecurity information from the pork and feed industry associations. At this time, implementation is voluntary. In 2019, representatives from pork producers, veterinarians, pork and other agriculture commodity associations and animal food industry associations formed a feed safety task force. The United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were also invited and attended. The task force operates under the premise that all participants agree there is risk of introduction of pathogens into and within the US via imported feed products. It is agreed that any actions should be achievable, are based on science and should minimize trade disruptions. The pork and feed industries have the same goal - a healthy, productive US swine herd. While our two industry sectors may have different ideas on how to prevent the introduction of diseases via imported feed ingredients, there is agreement that the general foundation for these approaches must be science based, cost effective and minimize negative impacts on market and international trade. Noncompliance with voluntary mitigation measures puts the entire pork industry at risk, all allied industries, and the US agricultural economy in general. Because of that it is essential to continue to evaluate the role of effective regulation to ensure risk of introduction is minimized through implementation of programs that will be broadly and uniformly applied.

Time space analysis of dams in the State of Pará in the last 20 years

The identification of the reservoir sites of water bodies is of utmost importance for the study and management of water resources. However, the registration of such information in a continental country like Brazil is still done in a merely informative way by the owners of these reservoirs. The on-site registration by the inspection and environmental agencies such as the National Water Agency (ANA) demands a high cost, besides taking a long time to be carried out, generating delays, outdated registration, or lack of information, which can bring consequences in the efficient management of water resources in the municipalities. The present work has as its main objective to carry out the mapping of the dams in the entire state of Pará, which have an area of water sheet greater than 3,600 m2. A temporal analysis of their construction over the last 20 years (1999–2019) was carried out using Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellite images with the MNDWI index method; to compare the records generated with the official records, as well as to study the factor influencing the appearance of these new dams. The results obtained showed a significant increase of 656 % in new dams or reservoirs in the last 20 years. A total of 3704 dams were identified in the State of Pará; however, only 314 dams are registered on ANA's website, representing a rate of only 9 %. Also, it was noted that the exponential increase in this number occurred in mesoregions where agribusiness activities are practiced, such as cattle and soybean farming. Thus, the results can serve as support to the inspection agencies in identifying the most critical sites that need to be inspected.

Forest Biosecurity in Canada – An Integrated Multi-Agency Approach

In Canada, forest biosecurity is primarily under federal jurisdiction as the federal government is the signatory to the International Plant Protection Convention and other international trade agreements. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is Canada’s National Plant Protection Organization, has the mandate of analyzing risks, setting policy, and managing incursion responses related to forest biosecurity. Other federal government agencies play important roles; the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces regulations at international ports of entry and the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada conducts research and analysis in support of the development and implementation of phytosanitary regulations. The provinces and territories also manage invasive species through implementing regulations to prevent the spread of established forest pests. This paper outlines the regulatory framework for forest biosecurity within Canada, and provides case studies of species that have invaded Canadian forests or are anticipated to do so in the near future.

Penggunaan Kosmetik Berbahaya dalam Persfektif Hukum Islam

The rampant circulation of dangerous cosmetics is something that needs to be watched out for, because in addition to violating the law, its existence can also endanger its users. Cosmetics that basically function as self-decoration turn into self-destructors. On that basis, this study aims to analyze the law on the use of harmful cosmetics in the perspective of Islamic law. This study uses a qualitative research method based on library research. The main data sources are the Qur'an and Hadith, and the supporting data sources are the thoughts of the four imams of the schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hambali) and fatwa the Indonesian Ulama Council. The results of the study indicate that the use of harmful cosmetics is forbidden in Islam, this is in accordance with the word of Allah in the Qur'an Surah al-Ahzab verse 33. All the Imams of the Schools state that the factors of the prohibition of cosmetics are seen from three things, namely the ingredients of manufacture, the method of making them, and the impact it has. If one of the three things is haram, then the cosmetic is not allowed to be used. In addition, in terms of use, Muslims should use cosmetics that have been registered with the Food and Drug Inspection Agency, and also have a halal label issued by the Indonesian Ulama Council.

Rapid Quantification of the Palm Kernel Biokerosene Content in Mixtures with Aviation Kerosene using MIR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Regression by PLS

An alternative methodology was developed to monitor the biokerosene content of palm kernel in blend with kerosene using medium infrared spectroscopy associated with partial least squares (PLS). The efficiency of this methodology was analyzed based on the parameters of accuracy and figures of merit. The values of root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), root-mean-square error of calibration (RMSEC) and root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) were in agreement because the RMSEP was higher than RMSECV and RMSEC. In addition, the RMSEP value is considered acceptable according to the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 15568 because it is less than 1%. The figures of merit were performed in agreement with the requirements established in the standard ASTM E1655-05. The linearity of the model was assessed based on the analysis of the model fit through the correlation of the actual and predicted values of the calibration and prediction sets, where a high correlation between the values was evidenced, with a correlation coefficient (R) exceeding 0.99. The good results of the application of MIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate regression by PLS suggest that this analytical methodology is feasible, efficient and suitable for use by inspection agencies to control the biokerosene content of palm kernel in mixture with diesel.

Risk Assessment of Norovirus Illness from Consumption of Raw Oysters in the United States and in Canada.

Human norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States and Canada. Bivalve molluscan shellfish is one commodity commonly identified as being a vector of NoV. Bivalve molluscan shellfish are grown in waters that may be affected by contamination events, tend to bioaccumulate viruses, and are frequently eaten raw. In an effort to better assess the elements that contribute to potential risk of NoV infection and illness from consumption of bivalve molluscan shellfish, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada (HC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) collaborated to conduct a quantitative risk assessment for NoV in bivalve molluscan shellfish, notably oysters. This study describes the model and scenarios developed and results obtained to assess the risk of NoV infection and illness from consumption of raw oysters harvested from a quasi‐steady‐state situation. Among the many factors that influence the risk of NoV illness for raw oyster consumers, the concentrations of NoV in the influent (raw, untreated) and effluent (treated) of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were identified to be the most important. Thus, mitigation and control strategies that limit the influence from human waste (WWTP outfalls) in oyster growing areas have a major influence on the risk of illness from consumption of those oysters.

Canadian efforts to slow the spread of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) are economically efficient

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus plaipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) was introduced to North America more than two decades ago and has spread despite management efforts in both the United States and Canada. The insect kills most species of ash tree (Fraxinus sp.) and its management imposes costs to plant health protection agencies, forest industry, private landowners and municipalities. The United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has deemed existing regulation efforts in the United States to be ineffective and has removed federal regulations designed to limit the spread of EAB. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is also trying to determine if continued regulation of EAB in Canada is worthwhile. Here we show that the benefits of slowing the spread of EAB via regulation are likely greater than the costs of implementing regulation if it is minimally effective (i.e. more than 25% effective at preventing anthropogenic spread). To evaluate the economic efficiency of existing Canadian EAB regulations, we examined trade-offs between the monetary benefits of regulation and the costs of regulation. Specifically, we simulated the spread of EAB under various levels of regulation effectiveness and estimated the timing of EAB arrival and associated ash mortality in urban and rural settings. Delaying ash mortality via regulation also delays management costs, a benefit to ash tree owners/users. Our findings suggest that an economic justification to continue regulating the insect exists based on monetary costs alone. The net present value of regulation (benefits less costs) is estimated to range between $23 million to $240 million, depending on the level of regulation effectiveness. Additional environmental and social benefits not addressed here would likely increase the value of EAB regulation but appear unneeded to justify such efforts on allocative efficiency grounds.

Measurement of Human Resource Demand of Medical Institution Inspection Based on Task Analysis.

PurposeTo estimate the human resource demand of health inspection agencies to carry out the medical institution inspection function, and to provide the basis for the rational allocation of health inspection human resources.MethodsThrough policy documents review, inquiry of data from national health inspection report, Shanghai Health Inspection core business system, the basic data were collected. Based on the task analysis, the inspection functions of health inspection agency were investigated. The functional work links were analyzed, and the working time consumption was measured. The manpower needed to complete the inspection tasks of medical institutions was calculated combining with the annual functional workload and the effective working time of inspectors.ResultsThere were three main routine functions of medical institution inspection, namely, on-site inspection, administrative punishment, and handling of emergencies and complaints. There were 1871 medical institutions at all levels and types in Pudong New Area, with an average annual inspection frequency of 2.8 times, annual administrative penalty of 245 cases, and handling of emergencies and complaints of 330 cases. The total time required for functional work was 1656029.30 minutes, and the annual effective working time of single inspector was 66705.21 minutes. About 25 people were taken to complete the inspection tasks of medical institutions throughout the year. The number of personnel engaged in the inspection of medical institutions was 18, and the personnel gap was 7.ConclusionThe task analysis was an effective method to estimate the human resource demand of health inspection. In Pudong New Area, there were insufficient inspectors in medical institutions. In the case of insufficient human resource supplement, it was suggested to use technical means to improve work efficiency and save manpower investment.

Short communication: Production, distribution and conservation analysis of Cherax crayfish endemic to Papua and West Papua Provinces, Indonesia

Abstract. Widyasari F, Sayuti M, Salampessy RBS. 2021. Short communication: Production, distribution and conservation analysis of Cherax crayfish endemic to Papua and West Papua Provinces, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3271-3276. Freshwater crayfish is a species from the Parastacidae family that is indigenous to Papua and West Papua Indonesia. This study analyzes the amount of production, economic value, distribution, and conservation of freshwater crayfish endemic to Papua and West Papua. The production data were obtained from Stasiun Karantina Ikan or Fish Quarantine Inspection Agency in Papua and West Papua, Indonesia. Data regarding the price of Cherax crayfish were determined based on interviews with freshwater crayfish sellers. Furthermore, the distribution of freshwater crayfish was explained based on a literature review, while the data of its conservation were retrieved from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Cherax crayfish caught from wild populations in West Papua is known higher than in Papua. Increased sales revenue could support the economy of the local community. There have been 25 species of freshwater crayfish identified, nine of which were from West Papua and 16 from Papua. Three species were under Endangered (EN), Least Concern (LC), Vulnerable (VU) status, respectively. Four species were under Data Deficient (DD) status, while the rest were unidentified. Overfishing of Cherax crayfish causes decline Cherax crayfish stock in the wild, future researchers are expected to conduct more specific studies that include relevant stakeholders regarding the conservation of Cherax crayfish that are endemic to Papua and West Papua.

Testing the plastic-wrapped composting system to dispose of swine mortalities during an animal disease outbreak.

Composting has been used to dispose of animal mortalities and infected materials, such as manure and feed, during major animal disease outbreaks. In this study, we adapted the plastic-wrapped mortality composting system developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during the 2004 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak to compost swine mortalities. The goals of the study were to evaluate the performance of the plastic-wrapped composting system to dispose of swine mortalities and to field test its ability to eliminate the spread of airborne pathogens through the aeration ducts. Two cover materials, ground cornstalks and woodchips, were tested using passively and actively aerated composting sheds. The mortalities were inoculated with Salmonella spp. and vaccine strains of Bovine herpesvirus-1 and Bovine viral diarrhea virus. Air samples collected from the upper aeration duct (air outlet) during the first 10 d of composting were negative for Salmonella and the viruses tested, which indicated that aerosol transmission of the pathogens was limited. The aeration plenum placed under the mortalities helped to keep conditions aerobic, as O2 concentrations of both passively and actively aerated test units were above 11%. Actively aerated cornstalks had the highest degree-hours (1,462 °C h d-1 ), which was followed by passively aerated cornstalks (1,312 °C h d-1 ), actively aerated woodchips (1,303 °C h d-1 ), and passively aerated woodchips (1,062 °C h d-1 ). After a 7-wk composting period, all three pathogens were inactivated based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction test results. The mortalities were not inoculated with the African swine fever virus, but temperature data showed that if they were, the system had the potential to eliminate this virus.

AAC Oravena oat

AAC Oravena is a white-hulled spring oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar selected and developed under organic management. AAC Oravena yields well under organic and conventional production systems, compared with check cultivars. AAC Oravena has good milling quality. AAC Oravena was registered (Reg. No. 7561) by the Variety Registration Office, Canada Food Inspection Agency, on 3 July 2014.