Thermal imaging and computer vision technologies for the enhancement of pig husbandry: a review

Pig farming, a vital industry, necessitates proactive measures for early disease detection and crush symptom monitoring to ensure optimum pig health and safety. This review explores advanced thermal sensing technologies and computer vision-based thermal imaging techniques employed for pig disease and piglet crush symptom monitoring on pig farms. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive and efficient technology for measuring pig body temperature, providing advantages such as non-destructive, long-distance, and high-sensitivity measurements. Unlike traditional methods, IRT offers a quick and labor-saving approach to acquiring physiological data impacted by environmental temperature, crucial for understanding pig body physiology and metabolism. IRT aids in early disease detection, respiratory health monitoring, and evaluating vaccination effectiveness. Challenges include body surface emissivity variations affecting measurement accuracy. Thermal imaging and deep learning algorithms are used for pig behavior recognition, with the dorsal plane effective for stress detection. Remote health monitoring through thermal imaging, deep learning, and wearable devices facilitates non-invasive assessment of pig health, minimizing medication use. Integration of advanced sensors, thermal imaging, and deep learning shows potential for disease detection and improvement in pig farming, but challenges and ethical considerations must be addressed for successful implementation. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art technologies used in the pig farming industry, including computer vision algorithms such as object detection, image segmentation, and deep learning techniques. It also discusses the benefits and limitations of IRT technology, providing an overview of the current research field. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and farmers regarding IRT application in pig production, highlighting notable approaches and the latest research findings in this field.

Vibration and Slope Conditions during Harvesting Affect Radish Mass Measurements for Yield Monitoring: An Experimental Study Using a Laboratory Test Bench

Site-specific measurements of the crop yield during harvesting are essential for successfully implementing precision management techniques. This study aimed to estimate the mass of radish tubers using the impact principle under simulated vibration and sloped-field harvesting conditions with a laboratory test bench. These conditions included the conveyor speed (CS), impact plate layout (IP), falling height onto the impact plate (FH), the plate angle relative to the horizontal (PH), the field slope, and the vibration of the harvesting machine. Two layouts of impact-type sensors were fabricated and tested, one with a single load cell (SL) and the other with two load cells (DL). An adjustable slope platform and a vibration table equipped with vibration blades were utilized to simulate the slope and vibration effects, respectively. Calibrations were conducted to verify the accuracy of the sensor outputs, processed with the finite impulse response and moving average filters. Radish mass was estimated using an asymmetrically trimmed mean method. The relative percentage error (RE), standard error (SE), coefficient of determination (R²), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to assess the impact plate performance. The results indicated that the SE for both impact plates was less than 4 g in the absence of vibration and slope conditions. The R2 for the single and double impact plates ranged from 0.58 to 0.89 and 0.69 to 0.81, respectively. The FH had no significant impact, while the PH significantly affected the mass measurements for both impact plates. On the other hand, the CS significantly affected the plate performance, except for the double-load-cell impact plate. Both vibration and slope affected the mass measurements, with RE values of 9.89% and 13.92%, respectively. The RE for filtered radish signals was reduced from 9.13% to 5.42%. The tests demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing the impact principle to assess the mass of radishes, opening up possibilities for the development of yield-monitoring systems for crops harvested in a similar manner.

Retraction notice to "Centella asiatica extract in Carboxymethyl Cellulose at its optimal concentration improved wound healing in mice model" [Heliyon 8, (2022) Article e12031]

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12031.].

Centella asiatica extract in carboxymethyl cellulose at its optimal concentration improved wound healing in mice model

Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) has reported to be one of the traditional herbal remedies, whereas poor water solubility leads to lower bioavailability thereby affecting it remedial efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its efficacy through increased bioavailability by using high viscosity Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as solvent on methanol-based extract on wound healing, in vivo. The preparation was applied as 0.0% (control, CMC alone), 0.25. 0.5 and 1% concentrations of extract of C. asiatica. We evaluated the efficiency of preparations on wound healing progression as progression of wound contraction, tissue proliferation and cells deposition, and relative level of gene expression for genes associated with wound healing. The results showed that 0.5% extract in CMC had significantly higher (P < 0.05) wound contraction than control and other concentrations. The level tissue deposition and the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in groups treated with 0.5 % concentration preparation were higher than that other treatments and control. Similarly, the relative level of gene expression in 0.5% concentration treated group were statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of control. It is believed that the lower concentration of the extract would have lessor effect on wound healing, whereas higher concertation would be interfering the optimal inflammatory tissue deposition; and there by negatively affecting wound healing. The results indicated that C. asiatica can be optimally used at 0.5 % of extract in CMC for wound healing as indicated by speeding the progression of wound closure and by increasing the expression of collagen II and III together with reducing the expression of TGFβ1. However, higher concentrations of the crude extract of C. asiatica could paradoxically resulting in undesired effects. It is recommended that further evaluation should be performed on wider scale and the economic feasibility evaluation should be performed.

Effects of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Growth and Glucosinolate Content of Kale Grown in a Plant Factory

The growth of plants and their glucosinolate content largely depend on the cultivation environment; however, there are limited reports on the optimization of ambient environmental factors for kale grown in plant factories. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration on kale growth and glucosinolate content in different growth stages of cultivation in a plant factory. Kale was grown under different temperatures (14, 17, 20, 23, and 26 °C), relative humidities (45, 55, 65, 75, and 85%), and CO₂ concentrations (400, 700, 1000, 1300, and 1600 ppm) in a plant factory. Two and four weeks after transplantation, leaf samples were collected to evaluate the physical growth and glucosinolate contents. The statistical significance of the treatment effects was determined by two-way analysis of variance, and Duncan’s multiple range test was used to compare the means. A correlation matrix was constructed to show possible linear trends among the dependent variables. The observed optimal temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ range for growth (20–23 °C, 85%, and 700–1000 ppm) and total glucosinolate content (14–17 °C, 55–75%, and 1300–1600 ppm) were different. Furthermore, the glucosinolate content in kale decreased with the increase of temperature and relative humidity levels, and increased with the increase of CO₂ concentration. Most of the physical growth variables showed strong positive correlations with each other but negative correlations with glucosinolate components. The findings of this study could be used by growers to maintain optimum environmental conditions for the better growth and production of glucosinolate-rich kale leaves in protected cultivation facilities.

Estimation of functional components of Chinese cabbage leaves grown in a plant factory using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

In recent years, protected crop production using plant factories to produce high-value crops with greater functional components has become more popular in many countries. The quantification of the components, however, is mainly conducted by laboratory analyses, which are both time- and labor-consuming. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of a non-destructive diffuse reflectance spectroscopy technique for estimating functional components (i.e. glucosinolates, amino acids, sugars and carotenoids) in the leaves of Chinese cabbage grown in a plant factory.

RESULTS

From the overall analysis, better estimations were obtained using the partial least square regression procedure. The important wavelengths for each functional component were identified mainly in the ultraviolet-visible regions. Identified wavelengths were 317, 390, 888 and 940 nm for sugars; 520 and 960 nm for amino acids; 385, 860 and 945 nm for glucosinolates; and 454, 472 and 530 nm for carotenoids.

CONCLUSION

Optical reflectance spectroscopy shows potential as a tool for the estimation of functional components in the leaves of Chinese cabbage. The results of the present study provide useful information for the design and application of sensors with respect to on-site quantification of the functional components. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Statistical modeling for estimating glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage by growth conditions

BACKGROUND

Glucosinolate in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr) has potential benefits for human health, and its content is affected by growth conditions. In this study, we used a statistical model to identify the relationship between glucosinolate content and growth conditions, and to predict glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage.

RESULT

Multiple regression analysis was employed to develop the model's growth condition parameters of growing period, temperature, humidity and glucosinolate content measured in Chinese cabbage grown in a plant factory. The developed model was represented by a second-order multi-polynomial equation with two independent parameters: growth duration and temperature (adjusted R²  = 0.81), and accurately predicted glucosinolate content after 14 days of seeding.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study presents the first statistical model for evaluating glucosinolate content, suggesting a useful methodology for designing glucosinolate-related experiments, and optimizing glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage cultivation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of light-emitting diodes on expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and accumulation of phenylpropanoids in Fagopyrum tataricum sprouts

Buckwheat sprouts are a popular food item in many countries. The effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on sprout growth and development, changes in mRNA transcription, and accumulation of phenylpropanoid compounds were studied in tartary buckwheat 'Hokkai T8' sprouts. The highest transcript levels were observed after 2 days of LED exposure for all genes, especially FtPAL and FtF3'H, which showed higher expression in sprouts grown under blue and white light than in those grown under red light. Catechin content in sprouts grown under red light increased dramatically throughout the 10 day time course. Maximum rutin content (43.37 mg/g dry weight (DW)) was observed in sprouts at 4 days after exposure (DAE) to blue light. Similarly, the highest cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside content (0.85 mg/g DW) was detected at 10 DAE to blue light. On the basis of these results, blue LED light is recommended as a light source for enhancing the content of phenolic compounds in tartary buckwheat sprouts.

Effects of white, blue, and red light-emitting diodes on carotenoid biosynthetic gene expression levels and carotenoid accumulation in sprouts of tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.)

In this study, the optimum wavelengths of light required for carotenoid biosynthesis were determined by investigating the expression levels of carotenoid biosynthetic genes and carotenoid accumulation in sprouts of tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) exposed to white, blue, and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Most carotenoid biosynthetic genes showed higher expression in sprouts irradiated with white light at 8 days after sowing than in those irradiated with blue and red lights. The dominant carotenoids in tartary buckwheat sprouts were lutein and β-carotene. The richest accumulation of total carotenoids was observed in sprouts grown under white light (1282.63 μg g(-1) dry weight), which was relatively higher than that in sprouts grown under blue and red lights (940.86 and 985.54 μg g(-1), respectively). This study might establish an effective strategy for maximizing the production of carotenoids and other important secondary metabolites in tartary buckwheat sprouts by using LED technology.

Asitrilobins C and D: two new cytotoxic mono-tetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins from Asimina triloba seeds

Two new bioactive mono-tetrahydrofuran (THF) gamma-lactone acetogenins, asitrilobins C (1) and D (2), were isolated from the seeds of Asimina triloba (Annonaceae) by directing the fractionation with brine shrimp lethality. Compounds 1 and 2 have a relative stereochemical relationship of threo/trans/threo across the mono-THF ring with its two flanking hydroxyls. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. Compounds 1 and 2 showed selective cytotoxicity comparable with adriamycin for the breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and the colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines.

cis-Annonacin and (2,4)-cis-and trans-isoannonacins: cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins from the seeds of Annona cherimolia

cis-Annonacin (1) and the mixture of (2,4)-cis-and trans-isoannonacins (2 and 3), three known mono-tetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins, have been isolated from the seeds of Annona cherimolia by the use of the brine shrimp lethality test (BST) for bioactivity directed fractionation. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical methods. 1 showed potent cytotoxicities in the brine shrimp lethality test (BST) and among six human solid tumor cell lines with notable selectivity for the pancreatic cell line (PaCa-2) at about 1,000 times the potency of adriamycin. The mixture of 2 and 3 is over 10,000 times cytotoxic as adriamycin in the pancreatic cell line (PaCa-2). All of the compounds are about 10 to 100 times as cytotoxic as adriamycin in the prostate cell line (PC-3).

Genomic organization of purK and purE in Brevibacterium ammoniagenes ATCC 6872: purE locus provides a clue for genomic evolution

From the genomic library of Brevibacterium ammoniagenes ATCC6872, the purE locus encoding 5'-phosphoribosyl-5-aminoimidazole (AIR) carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.21) was cloned and its nucleotide sequence was determined. From the sequence analysis, two distinct open reading frames (ORFs) in the sequence of the purE locus were identified as purK and purE genes (purK-purE). An in vivo translation experiment reconfirmed the purK and purE genes to be independent. The genomic organization in the purE locus of B. ammoniagenes is opposite to that of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. However, it coincides with the fused genes (purKE) of higher organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Vigna aconitifolia. This suggests that the purE locus might be an intermediate form for genomic evolution of bacteria to higher organisms.

Idiopathic transverse myelitis: MR characteristics

PURPOSE

To describe the MR characteristics that can distinguish idiopathic transverse myelitis from other intramedullary lesions.

METHODS

A total of 32 initial and follow-up MR studies in 17 patients with clinically proved transverse myelitis were reviewed retrospectively. The location, size, pattern, and segmental length of areas of hyperintensity were estimated on T2-weighted axial and sagittal images. In 15 of the patients, whose neurologic abnormalities were limited to the spinal cord, the location and pattern of intramedullary contrast enhancement were evaluated on sagittal and axial T1-weighted images. Follow-up MR studies were available for 10 patients. The statistical significance of cord enhancement between the groups with and without cord expansion was calculated.

RESULTS

Common MR findings of idiopathic transverse myelitis included a centrally located hyperintensity occupying more than two thirds of the cross-sectional area of the cord (88%); a length of 3 to 4 vertebral segments (53%), with variable presence of cord expansion (47%); a small central area of intensity, isointense with normal cord, in the core of hyperintensity (47%); focal, peripheral cord enhancement (53%), particularly in patients with cord expansion; and a slow regression of T2 hyperintensity with an enhancing nodule. Although no linear correspondence was observed between MR findings and neurologic signs and symptoms, all but 4 patients improved clinically as MR findings improved or remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

MR findings are helpful in detecting transverse myelitis and in differentiating this entity from multiple sclerosis and cord tumors, but clinical assessment and observation of MR changes over time are essential in making the diagnosis.

Molecular cloning and sequencing of arylphorin-binding protein in protein granules of the Sarcophaga fat body. Implications of a post-translational processing mechanism

Previously, we identified an arylphorin-binding protein of Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly) with a molecular mass of 120 kDa and suggested its participation in the selective uptake of arylphorin from the hemolymph into the pupal fat body at metamorphosis (Ueno, K., and Natori, S. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 12107-12111). This paper reports the isolation and sequencing of cDNA for the 120-kDa protein. This protein consists of 1146 amino acid residues. Immunoblotting and RNA blotting experiments revealed that this protein is present as two fragments of 76 kDa (695 residues) and 53 kDa (451 residues) in the larval fat body. When larvae pupate, the 120-kDa protein gene is further activated and the complete 120-kDa protein is synthesized without fragmentation. This suggests a novel mechanism for the production of the 120-kDa protein regulated by a proteinase depending upon the stage of development of Sarcophaga. All of these proteins were found to be localized in protein granules in the adipocytes.

Single-day treatment of trichomonas vaginitis with low dose of ornidazole

A total of 107 cases of trichomonas vaginitis were treated with different regimens of ornidazole. The overall success rate of the treatment assessed by wet smear and clinical signs after three days in 68 cases was 98.5%. The side effects were mild and of short duration. These were noted in 14.7% of the assessable cases. No significant differences were seen in the success rate between the three drug regimens and the preliminary conclusions of the trial are that ornidazole is safe and effective in the treatment of trichomonas vaginitis in Korean women with an oral dose of 1.0 gm, 1.0 gm plus 0.5 gm intravaginally or 2.0 gm given in a single day.