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Background: Disturbances in the thermoregulatory system can precipitate inadvertent hypothermia in patients undergoing surgeries lasting over 60 min, causing serious complications in the recovery process. Cutaneous thermal protection is relevant for the control of temperature of patients in the perioperative setting. The standard thermal protection widely utilized is an electric forced warm air blanket. This study compared a new layered textile blanket with the standard protection. The hypothesis posited that the textile blanket could provide cutaneous thermal protection comparable to that of the standard protection (forced-air warming blanket), in terms of temperature variation and safety. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a Portuguese orthopedic hospital from October 2018 to January 2019, comprising 124 adult patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group, receiving the textile blanket, or to the control group, receiving standard measures. Tympanic temperature, shivering, and thermal comfort perception were evaluated at six time points. Comfort dimensions and ergonomic aspects were also assessed. Parametric statistics were performed, and independent samples t-tests and repeated measures were used to compare temperature variations and thermal comfort. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between groups in mean temperature variation, visual perception of thermal comfort, and thermal and perioperative comfort scales. The intervention group (n = 65) scored significantly higher in ergonomic evaluations compared to the control group (n = 59) for: fit to body and general comfort (p = 0.004), touch (p = 0.005), and feeling of comfort with the inner layer texture and shape (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The tested blanket had a comparable performance to the standard protection, suggesting it as a potential sustainable alternative to the recommended measures for thermal protection. However, further investigations across diverse contexts and populations are needed to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effects of housing conditions and temperature-humidity index (THI) during the dry period on total bacteria counts of bedding material, animal cleanliness, and teat bacterial contamination on 212 cows from three farms. Additionally, milk yield, quality, total somatic cells, and leucocyte fractions were evaluated in the subsequent lactation on a subgroup of 119 cows. The results showed a relationship between persistent high THI, teat bacterial contamination, and pathogens on teat skin. Somatic cell count (SCC) in milk at the beginning of the next lactation was not affected by THI during the dry period. Multiple correlation analysis revealed a relationship among high milk SCC, high percentage of neutrophils, high bacterial count of bedding during the dry period, and high milk production at dry-off. The study confirms that critical environmental conditions, such as high THI and poor bedding hygiene, during the dry period, can affect teat bacterial contamination and increase the risks for high SCC in the next lactation. High milk production at dry-off may be another risk factor. HIGHLIGHTS: Temperature and humidity in the barn during the dry period affect total bacterial and pathogen contamination on teats. Bedding bacterial count during dry period, milk production at dry-off, and post-calving somatic cell counts were positively associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purposes] In order to better understand the permeability changes of coal measure bedded sandy mudstone under stress, the mechanical characteristics and permeability of bedded sandy mudstone were studied by discrete element simulation on the basis of the stress seepage coupling laboratory tests. [Methods] First, the failure mode and the relationship between the full stress-strain loading process and the permeability of sandy mudstone were studied by the stress-seepage coupling laboratory tests in the bedding directions of parallel and perpendicular rock bedding. Second, in the discrete element software PFC2D, a method to characterize the flow field by solving the finite difference method is proposed for the first time, which can well reflect the stress-strain response and permeability changes of sandy mudstone, and the simulated stress-strain and permeability curves obtained are consistent with experimental results, with the fluid flowing intensively along the main fracture. Finally, according to the calibrated parameters, the stress and permeability of rock samples at different bedding angles are simulated, and the relationships between the maximum permeability or peak strength and bedding angles are explored. [Findings] The results show that the strength and permeability of layered sandy mudstone are anisotropic. The flow field direction, flow rate, and contact force chain in the rock sample are closely related to the crack, and the strong contact force chain is concentrated near the shear zone at the joint of the sample. With the increase of the bedding angle α, the peak intensity changes in a“ U” shape, and the maximum permeability decreases linearly. [Conclusions] This numerical simulation method fully takes into account the influence of rock mechanics and seepage characteristics, which provides a theoretical basis for the surrounding rock seepage prevention and reinforcement project, and a new idea for the fluid-structure interaction of discrete element simulation.

Background: The use of forced-air warming (FAW) blankets is widely recognized for preventing shivering and hypothermia in patients under general anesthesia. Various types of products are currently available for hospitals, and we have conducted a preliminary evaluation of insulation equipment based on expert opinions and initial parameters. However, we lack real-world experiments and accurate clinical data to validate these parameters and the accuracy of our decision-making results. This study aims to confirm the effectiveness of different FAW systems by assessing the thermal protection and operational characteristics of the equipment in both experimental and clinical settings, thereby enhancing our evaluation database. Methods: In the manikin test, we conducted six tests including heat distribution and heating rate, heater outlet temperature stability, etc. In the clinical study, patients were randomly assigned to four groups [Group A (Bair Hugger Therapy, 3 M, St. Paul, MN, USA; 63500); Group B (EQUATOR® level I, Smith Medical ASD, MN, USA; Snuggle Warm, SW-2013); Group C (Jiang Men Da Cheng Medical Devices Co., Ltd, China; IOB-006); and Group D (Shang Hai Nest Tech Medical Materials Co., Ltd, China; BH-017)], with each group comprising 30 individuals. At the start of anesthesia induction, the FAW blanket was activated and set to 43 °C until the completion of surgery. The primary endpoint was the average core body temperature during surgery. Secondary endpoints included hemodynamic and surgical variables, adverse events, and recovery metrics. Results: In the manikin test, the observed results of the experimental parameters (heat distribution, air pressure difference, and hole observation test) for Group A are superior to those of the other groups. In the clinical study, although the mean perioperative core body temperature remained above 36 °C across all groups [Group A: 36.31 ± 0.04; Group B: 36.26 ± 0.06; Group C: 36.17 ± 0.03; Group D: 36.25 ± 0.05], patients in Group A maintained higher temperatures compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer with general anesthesia, all four FAW systems effectively prevented perioperative hypothermia. However, the system in Group A minimized heat loss more effectively than the others, providing superior thermal protection. Trial registration: ChiCTR2200065394, 03/11/2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babies spend a lot of their time with sleeping thus they need to have a safe sleep. Inadequate sleeping arrangements might heighten the likelihood of Sudden Unexpected mortality in Infancy (SUDI), including SIDS and lethal sleeping mishaps, which continue to be the most prevalent cause of mortality for individuals aged 1 to 1 year. Objective: The study aimed to assess safe baby sleep practices and associated factors among women receiving immunizations at government healthcare facilities in Dessie Town. Design: An institution-based cross-sectional study Methods: We conducted interviews with a total of 392 mothers using semi-structured questionnaires at public health facilities of Dessie town, in 2021. After the data were entered into the EPI data version 3.1, SPSS 23 was utilized for the analysis. Additionally, multivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. In multivariate analysis, a P -value less than.05 indicate a significant association. Results: About 38.3%, 21.9%, and 14.7% had safe infant sleep practice regarding sleep position, no soft-bedding and sleep arrangement respectively. Significant association was observed between safe infant sleep position with baby age less than 3 months (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.50-5.84), baby age of 7 to 9 months (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI = 2.15-6.85), maternal level of education(AOR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.87-10.76), relative/friend as their source of information (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.14-3.44), grandmother as their source of information (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.00-3.57).Additionally, baby age 4 to 6 months (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.19-0.94) and maternal level of education (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.92) shows a significant safe infant bed arrangement practice. Furthermore, baby age of 10 to 12 months (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25-0.98) and maternal education level of college and above (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.18-10.03) also shows significant association with safe soft-bedding practice. Conclusion: Mothers' safe infant sleep practices were found to be low in Dessie town. Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance mothers' attentiveness and engagement. This will help them follow healthy infant sleep practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of bedding and initial confining pressure on the energy evolution characteristics of shale during the unloading process, samples were drilled with different bedding angles, unloading tests were conducted under different initial confining pressures, and the mechanical and energy evolution characteristics of shale during the unloading process were analyzed. The results show that the stress–strain curve of the unloading test can be divided into the linear elasticity stage, the stable crack growth stage, the accelerated crack growth stage, and the post-failure stage. Critical confining pressure can show the relative strength of the rock samples. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio increase with an increase in axial preset load. The elastic modulus increases with the bedding angle, and the effect of the bedding angle on the Poisson's ratio is insignificant. The energy evolution of the unloading test can be divided into three stages: energy accumulation, energy dissipation, and energy release. The larger the axial preset load, the higher the critical confining pressure, the higher the elastic modulus, and the higher the Poisson's ratio. The total energy, elastic energy, and dissipation energy all increase with the increase in the initial confining pressure, and the correlation is high. Confining pressure enhances the ability of the shale sample to store elastic energy and improves the ability of the shale sample to resist internal crack propagation. The total energy, elastic energy, and dissipated energy of the samples in the failure point decrease first and then increase with the increase in the bedding angle. The maximum value can be obtained when the bedding angle is 0°. The elastic energy and dissipated energy of shale are highly heterogeneous due to bedding, and the effects of bedding should be taken into account when exploring the law of rock deformation and failure from an energy perspective.

Background. The World Health Organization recognizes that participation is important to individuals’ well being; yet, autistic children participate in fewer activities compared to neurotypical children. This article aims to describe the role of autism assistance dogs (AADs) in promoting participation and engagement in occupations and activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic children. Method. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological design was used. Two semi-structured interviews from a narrative perspective were conducted with each participant. Four volunteer parents and primary handlers of their child’s AAD participated in the study. Inductive analysis was used to interpret openended questions. Following transcription, Creswell’s thematic analysis was used to develop codes and theoretical perspectives to better understand the lived experience of AAD users. Results. The single overarching theme identified in this study was: The Multi-Factored Role of Autism Assistance Dogs. Conclusion. AADs are a valuable, alternative form of adaptive equipment for autistic children that can serve a broad purpose in increasing participation in daily life. This area of practice is an appropriate location for occupational therapists to concentrate interventions when working with families with autistic children. This is a novel research topic that is important and deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laryngoscopy and intubation remain critical in pediatric patients as compared to adult patients due to different anatomy. This study was conducted to compare the Cormack and Lehane grade (CL) of laryngoscopy, percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score, and the efficacy of backward upward rightward pressure (BURP) maneuver to improve laryngoscopy grade with or without the use of intubation pillow. Subjects and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was done from January 2020 to July 2020 on 68 children with 34 children in Group 1 (with intubation pillow) and 34 patients in Group 2 (without intubation pillow). Children between 5 and 12 years of age (the American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II) planned for surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal tube were included in this study. Pillow of 4 cm size was used in 5–9 years and 6 cm pillow in 9–12 years of age group. Macintosh laryngoscope was used for intubation. CL grading and POGO score were assessed. BURP maneuver was given in cases of difficult laryngoscopy of CL grade above 2 and its effect on improvement in CL grading was measured. Results: Group 1 children had significantly more CL grade I (83.3% vs. 16.7%); significantly lesser CL Grade IIb (23.1% vs. 76.9%, P = 0.001); and significantly more POGO score (97% vs. 86%, P < 0.05) than Group 2. The use of BURP maneuver significantly improved the laryngoscopy view in both the groups. Conclusions: The use of intubation pillow in children between 5 and 12 years of age facilitated better laryngoscopy view and POGO score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to study the failure mode and fracture evolution characteristics of red shale in Kaiyang Phosphorus mining area, conventional triaxial compression mechanical tests of red shale with different bedding dip angles were carried out by using DSTD-1000 electro-hydraulic servo rock mechanics experiment system. Based on the laboratory test results, the conventional triaxial particle flow simulation of red shale samples with different bedding dip angles was carried out using discrete element PFC2D. The results show that: (1) the failure mode of red shale is controlled by bedrock when the bedding dip angle is 0° and 60° ~ 90°. When the bedding dip angle is 15° ~ 45°, the rock failure mode is controlled by bedding. The compressive strength of rock is the minimum when the bedding dip angle is 30°and the maximum at 0°, which is about 2 times of the minimum. (2) In the failure process of red shale, the cracks with different bedding dip angles show slow growth stage, accelerated growth stage and stable stage with axial strain. The whole failure process is dominated by tensile cracks, accompanied by a few shear cracks. (3) The type of displacement field varies with the bedding dip angle: tensile failure and shear failure are the main displacement field types at 15° ~ 45°, and mixed failure is often the main mode at 60° ~ 90°and 0°. The research results provide the basis and reference for the safety control of red shale roadway.

Shale gas, as an important unconventional oil and gas resource, plays an important role in energy supply. Due to the strong mechanical heterogeneity and compactness, which requires the use of fracturing to crush the formation to obtain industrial production capacity. Therefore, it is very important to analyze shale's mechanical properties and fracturing propagation laws. In this paper, the shale numerical model is established by adopting discrete element method (DEM). The mesoscopic constitutive parameters of shale with different matrix and bedding strength are determined based on rock samples tests. The reliability of the model is verified by finite element method. And the fracture propagation laws under the influence of shale beddings are studied. The results show that the existence of bedding fractures leads to the nonuniformity of fractures propagation in shale reservoirs. The stress difference of 5MPa and the approach Angle of 75° are the key factors affecting the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. As the bedding number increases, the borehole pressure increases and the total number of fractures' propagation decreases. The results provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of fractures' propagation in deep shale reservoirs, and have important guiding significance for optimization and improvement of fracture complexity in the subsequent construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of intraoperative hypothermia on the recovery period of anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 384 elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in a grade A tertiary hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province from October 2021 and October 2022. After anesthesia induction, inflatable warming blankets were routinely used for active heat preservation, and nasopharyngeal temperature was monitored to observe the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia. Patients were divided into hypothermia group and nonhypothermia group according to whether hypothermia occurred during the operation. Anesthesia recovery time and the incidence of adverse events or unwanted events during anesthesia recovery between the two groups were compared. Results: The numbers (percentage) of 384 patients who underwent abdominal surgery developed intraoperative hypothermia occurred in 240 (62.5%) patients, all of whom had mild hypothermia. There were statistically significant differences between mild hypothermia after active warming and nonhypothermia in the occurrence of shivering (χ2 = 5.197, P = 0.023) and anesthesia recovery time (Z = -2.269, P = 0.02) in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery during anesthesia recovery, and there were no statistically significant differences in hypoxemia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, analgesic drug use,postoperative wound infection or postoperative hospitalization days. Conclusions: The incidence of intraoperative mild hypothermia after active warming was high in elderly patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Mild hypothermia increased the incidence of shivering and prolonged anesthesia recovery time in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perforating phase leads to complex and diverse hydraulic fracture propagation behaviors in laminated shale formations. In this paper, a 2D high-speed imaging scheme which can capture the interaction between perforating phase and natural shale bedding planes was proposed. The phase field method was used to simulate the same conditions as in the experiment for verification and hydraulic fracture propagation mechanism under the competition of perforating phase and bedding planes was discussed. The results indicate that the bedding planes appear to be no influence on fracture propagation while the perforating phase is perpendicular to the bedding planes, and the fracture propagates along the perforating phase without deflection. When the perforating phase algins with the bedding planes, the fracture initiation pressure reserves the lowest value, and no deflection occurs during fracture propagation. When the perforating phase is the angle 45°, 60° and 75° of bedding planes, the bedding planes begin to play a key role on the fracture deflection. The maximum deflection degree is reached at the perforating phase of 75°. Numerical simulation provides evidence that the existence of shale bedding planes is not exactly equivalent to anisotropy for fracture propagation and the difference of mechanical properties between different shale layers is the fundamental reason for fracture deflection. The findings help to understand the intrinsic characteristics of shale and provide a theoretical basis for the optimization design of field perforation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the perceived sleep quality experience of an adolescent, without a pre-identified sleep need, when they used a weighted blanket during sleep. Method: Adolescents (n = 5) 11 to 16 years of age completed a sleep diary for 7 days, sleeping with a selfselected weighted blanket for at least 3 days. A semi-structured individual interview was held after Day 7. Results: The majority of the participants would like to continue using a weighted blanket for sleep. Eighty percent of the adolescents choose to sleep with a blanket at or above 12% of their body weight. Qualitative data revealed the following themes: perceptions regarding the characteristics of a weighted blanket, perceived changes in quality of sleep, and perceived changes in quantity of sleep. Conclusion: A weighted blanket is a sleep hygiene tool that can be used safely and effectively to improve sleep quality for healthy adolescents when the weight and the size of the blanket are based on adolescent preference. Future directions include the exploration of sleep quantity and weighted blankets and the use of a weighted blanket as a sleep hygiene tool with other populations. Occupational therapists' unique skill set addresses sleep quality, and they are ideal leaders to promote this sleep hygiene tool from a global wellness perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the transversely isotropic theory and weak plane criterion, and considering the mechanical damages due to stress unloading and hydration during drilling, a shale wellbore stability model with the influence of stress unloading and hydration was established using triaxial test and shear test. Then, factors influencing the wellbore stability in shale were analyzed. The results indicate that stress unloading occurs during drilling in shale. The larger the confining pressure and axial stress, the more remarkable weakening of shale strength caused by stress unloading . The stress unloading range is positively correlated with the weakening degree of shale strength. Shale with a higher development degree of bedding is more prone to damage along bedding. In this case, during stress unloading, the synergistic effect of weak structural plane and stress unloading happens, leading to a higher weakening degree of shale strength and poorer mechanical stability, which brings a higher risk of wellbore instability. Fluid tends to invade shale through bedding, promoting the shale hydration. Hydration also can weaken shale mechanical stability, causing the decline of wellbore stability. Influence of stress unloading on collapse pressure of shale mainly occurs at the early stage of drilling, while the influence of hydration on wellbore stability mainly happens at the late stage of drilling. Bedding, stress unloading and hydration jointly affect the wellbore stability in shale. The presented shale wellbore stability model with the influence of stress unloading and hydration considers the influences of the three factors. Field application demonstrates that the prediction results of the model agree with the actual drilling results, verifying the reliability of the model.

Shale gas, as an important unconventional oil and gas resource, plays an important role in energy supply. Due to the strong mechanical heterogeneity and compactness, which requires the use of fracturing to crush the formation to obtain industrial production capacity. Therefore, it is very important to analyze shale’s mechanical properties and fracturing propagation laws. In this paper, the shale numerical model is established by adopting discrete element method (DEM). The mesoscopic constitutive parameters of shale with different matrix and bedding strength are determined based on rock samples tests. The reliability of the model is verified by finite element method. And the fracture propagation laws under the influence of shale beddings are studied. The results show that the existence of bedding fractures leads to the nonuniformity of fractures propagation in shale reservoirs. The stress difference of 5 MPa and the approach Angle of 75° are the key factors affecting the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. As the bedding number increases, the borehole pressure increases and the total number of fractures’ propagation decreases. The results provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of fractures’ propagation in deep shale reservoirs, and have important guiding significance for optimization and improvement of fracture complexity in the subsequent construction.

Simple Summary: Equine asthma, a chronic respiratory disease in horses, is primarily caused by environmental factors. In this review, we will present and compare the most relevant and recent information about the environmental management of equine asthma. In terms of feeding, not only the type of forage but also its production method and potential contamination are the most important factors to consider. Soaking and steaming forage can improve its hygienic quality, but these practices also reduce its nutritional value, necessitating dietary supplementation. Concerning housing, despite some contradictory results, avoiding straw bedding and improving barn ventilation remain common recommendations when pasture turnout is not possible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most crucial aspect of effective environmental management and the focus of equine asthma treatment should be a detailed explanation to owners of the real benefits of these measures. Environmental practices related to the inhalation of airborne dust have been identified as the main cause of equine asthma (EA) and reasonably, they are truly relevant in its treatment and control, especially for horses with its severe form. Vast research regarding environmental recommendations has been conducted in recent years. However, no recent exhaustive reviews exist that gather all this new evidence. The aim of this review is to report and compare the most pertinent information concerning the environmental management of EA. The main findings highlight the importance of the type of forage used for feeding but also its method of production and possible contamination during manufacture and/or storage. Procedures to reduce this, such as soaking and steaming hay, improve its hygienic quality, although they also decrease forage's nutritional value, making dietetic supplementation necessary. Regarding stabling, despite some conflicting results, avoiding straw as bedding and improving barn ventilation continue to be the common recommendations if turning to pasture is not feasible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most critical point in correct environmental control. Educating owners about the genuine benefits of these measures should be a cornerstone of EA management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia is common among frail older people living in nursing homes. The aim of the study was to explore how frail older people with insomnia experience the use of a weighted blanket. The study was conducted in nine nursing homes in Sweden. A total of 19 people (4 men, 15 women) aged 67 years and older were included. The study had an inductive qualitative design. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was utilized as a checklist to ensure transparency and comprehensiveness and enhance reliability by guaranteeing that all relevant aspects of the research process are thoroughly documented. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The results formed four categories: Experiencing proximity, which raised older people's encounters with the weighted blankets; Changes in sleeping patterns, where older people encountered the weighted blanket's influence in changing sleep patterns; Experiencing conditions for use, where frail older people experienced the right conditions; and Stimulating senses, where frail older people experienced changes in their senses. Frail older people experienced that weighted blankets could provide comfort, positively influence sleep patterns, and reduce anxiety. This intervention can be considered valuable and offers a possible alternative to medication for frail older people with insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study's purpose was to determine the impact of weighted blanket use on moderate to severe insomnia in adults with sensory sensitivity greater than the average population. Methods. For this study, a four-week, single-case, multiple-participant ABA study design was used. Through convenience sampling, four participants scoring 15 or greater on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), which categorizes them as having moderate to severe insomnia, and much more than most people in sensory sensitivity on the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile were recruited. First, seven-day baseline sleep data was gathered, followed by two weeks of weighted blanket use, concluding with a seven-day withdrawal phase. Additional outcome measures included: Tuck and Snooze Survey, Consensus Sleep Diary Morning, and Additional Sleep Diary Questions. Data analysis included visual analysis, mean comparisons, Tau- U calculations, and pre- to post-ISI category comparisons. Results. All participants' ISI scores were categorized as one level less severe postintervention. All participants demonstrated increased sleep quality, and three participants showed an increase in sleep duration based on individual mean comparisons between baseline and intervention phases. Conclusion. Weighted blankets appear beneficial in reducing insomnia severity in adults with much more than the average population sensory sensitivity. In addition, those with self-reported anxiety may have increased benefit from this intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our study evaluated relationships among bedding characteristics, milk quality and composition, and subclinical mastitis occurrence in dairy herds housed in compost barn systems. Bedding moisture, temperature at 30 cm depth, and pH affected 63% of the variation in milk composition and quality. Environmental variables affected 77% of the variation in bedding variables, especially pH and the surface temperature. An increase of 1 °C for temperature at 30 cm depth resulted in a 0.6% reduction in the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The bedding surface temperature at 22.3 °C resulted in the highest incidence of subclinical mastitis (~18.1%). Thus, controlling microclimatic conditions in compost barns optimizes the bedding composting process and ensures milk quality. The compost-bedded pack barn (CBPB) system has been increasingly adopted by dairy farms due to its ability to enhance animal comfort and milk production. This study evaluated the associations among bedding characteristics, milk quality and composition, and subclinical mastitis (SCM) occurrence in dairy herds housed in CBPB systems. Over a period of six months, data related to milk quality and udder health and bedding sampling were collected from eight dairy farms. Monthly measurements of the bedding temperature and wind speed inside the CBPB were taken, while temperature and relative humidity data inside the CBPB were recorded using a datalogger. Bedding samples were subjected to analysis of moisture, pH, microbiological count, and carbon/nitrogen ratio. Data on milk composition (fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, and total solids) and quality (somatic cell count and standard plate count) of bulk tank milk were obtained from DHIA results. Canonical correlation analyses were used to evaluate the association between the analyzed group variables, and linear regression models were used to identify associations between bedding characteristics and SCM occurrence in the studied herds. The bedding characteristics that most influenced milk composition and quality were moisture, temperature at 30 cm depth (T30), and bedding pH. Environmental variables played an important role in bedding composting, as they were closely related to the surface temperature and pH. Overall, 62.71% of the variation in milk quality and composition could be explained by the bedding variables, and 77.50% of the variation in the bedding variables was associated with environmental variables. Median SCM prevalence and incidence were 28.6 and 13.8%, respectively. An increase of 1 °C for T30 resulted in a 0.6% reduction in the prevalence of SCM. Additionally, the bedding surface temperature at 22.3 °C resulted in the highest incidence of SCM (~18.1%). Our results demonstrate the importance of controlling microclimatic conditions in the CBPB to optimize the bedding composting process and milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the anisotropic permeability of raw coal under low stress, taking the coal samples of Zhangcun Coal Mine, Tingnan Coal Mine and Xinjing Coal Mine as the research objects, using the improved triaxial seepage test device, the permeability tests under constant confining pressure and variable pore pressure along the direction of coal sample face cleat, butt cleat and vertical bedding were carried out. The results show that under the same confining pressure and axial pressure, the flow through the coal sample increases with the increase of osmotic pressure difference. Under the same osmotic pressure difference, the flow is closely related to the direction of seepage. The permeability in the face cleat direction is slightly larger than that in the butt cleat direction and much larger than that in the vertical bedding direction under the same average pore pressure. There is little difference in permeability between face cleat and butt cleat under low stress. It is not accident that the permeability in parallel bedding plane is similar, and the permeability of coal has the characteristics of transverse isotropy. The increase of coal stress is the main reason for the difference of permeability between butt cleat and face cleat.

Animal welfare during transport became an largely issue because of increasing demand for improved animal welfare standards. Most studies on the animal welfare during transportation have concentrated on the atmosphere and the temperature of the truck compartments. Thus, the objective of study was to collect and quantify three axis acceleration and determine the effect of bedding for transporting pigs from farm to slaughterhouse. A total of 2,840 crossbred fattening pigs with a live weight of approximately 115 kg were used. They were raised in the same commercial farms and transported to the same commercial slaughterhouse. A 3×2×2 completely randomized factorial design was used to investigate effects of rubber type bedding (bedding or non-bedding) and two levels of driving style (aggressive or normal) in three different time periods with different outside temperatures. Air temperature treatments were as follow: high temperature ([HT] higher than 24°C); low temperature ([LT] lower than 10°C); normal temperature ([NT] 10°C to 24°C). In our experiment, pigs transported under aggressive driving style showed lower (p < 0.05) pH and water holding capacity (WHC) than those transported under normal driving style. Pigs transported under normal driving style showed a lower percentage of drip loss (DL) (p < 0.05) than those transported with an aggressive driving style. Also, transported with bedding showed higher (p < 0.05) lying behavior but lower (p < 0.05) sitting behavior than those transported without bedding. Pigs transported under normal driving style showed lower (p < 0.05) cortisol level than those transported under aggressive driving style. In conclusion, aggressive driving style cause acute stress in pigs, while bedding helps alleviate acute stress in pigs during transportation in LT.