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This paper describes the design and characterisation of a novel hybrid pneumatic rotational actuator that aims to overcome the limitations of both rigid and soft actuators while combining their advantages; indeed, the designed actuator consists of a soft air chamber having an auxetic structure constrained between two rigid frames connected by a soft hinge joint inspired by the musculoskeletal structure of a lobster leg. The main goal is to integrate the advantages of soft actuation, such as inherent compliance and safe human–robot interaction, with those of rigid components, i.e., the robustness and structural stability limiting the ineffective expansion of the soft counterpart of the actuator. The air chamber and its auxetic structure are capable of leveraging the hyper-elastic properties of the soft fabrication material, thereby optimising the response and extending the operational range of the rotational actuator. Each component of the hybrid actuator is fabricated using a 3D-printing method based on Fused Deposition Modeling technology; the soft components are made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and the rigid components are made of polylactic acid. The design phases were followed by some experimental tests to characterise the hybrid actuation by reproducing the typical operating conditions of the actuator itself. In particular, the actuator response in unconstrained expansion and isometric and isobaric conditions has been evaluated. The experimental results show linearity, good repeatability, and sensitivity of the actuator response vs. pneumatic pressure input, other than a small percentage hysteresis, which is ten times less than that observed in commercial soft pneumatic actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent decades, the use of plastic has increased exponentially. If discarded improperly, plastic waste can harm the environment and biodiversity. Under the influence of solar UV radiation, wind, currents, and other natural factors, plastic breaks down into small particles known as microplastics (MPs, <5 mm in one dimension) or nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm). These tiny particles, which are characterized by various forms such as fragments, sheets, filaments, foam, granules, and pellets, have become a major factor in environmental pollution. Birds play an important role in the global trophic network system and are widely used as indicators of biodiversity, pollution, and environmental change. The present study aims to investigate the number of microplastics bioaccumulated in specimens of Song Thrushes (Turdus philomelos), which are migratory birds wintering in Apulia, Italy. The specimens (n = 360) were hunted in the Bari countryside and donated for research purposes by hunters. Plastic debris was detected in the stomachs of 129 and 128 birds shot in December and January. The majority of ingested MPs were fibers, followed by films, fragments, and pellets. As for color, among all the MPs found, 31.75% were red, 30.13% were black, and 25.91% were blue, while the other colors were less represented. The high contamination of thrushes confirmed the ubiquity of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems. The term microplastics (MPs) describes a heterogeneous mixture of particles that can vary in size, color, and shape. Once released into the environment, MPs have various toxicological and physical effects on wildlife. The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a migratory species, staying in Italy in late autumn and winter. The aim of this study is to assess, quantify, and characterize the presence of microplastics in Song Thrushes hunted in the Apulia region of Italy. The birds (n = 360) were hunted in the Bari countryside and donated for research purposes by hunters. MPs were classified in relation to their shape in fibers, films, fragments, and pellets; then, they were divided according to their color and the length of the particles was measured. Nikon image analysis software was applied to the litter size measurements. Of the total of 360 birds, MPs were detected in the stomachs of 129 birds shot in December and 128 birds shot in January. The majority of ingested MPs were fibers that were observed in all contaminated birds. Film fragments were observed in every contaminated specimen. Among all the MPs found, 31.75% were red, 30.13% were black, and 25.91% were blue, while the other colors were less represented. This study provides the first analysis of MPs bioaccumulation in Song Thrushes wintering in the Apulia region, and the high contamination of thrushes confirmed the ubiquity of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Agriculture accounts for 92% of the global freshwater footprint (WF), of which more than a quarter is used in livestock production for feed, mixing feed, watering animals and agricultural activities. This study shows that replacing maize silage with triticale silage in the diet of beef calves results in a relevant reduction in water consumption per cattle per day, without changing growth performance. It also shows how feed choice can help improve the water balance of livestock production, and thus reduce the pressure that the sector puts on water resources. In this study, we have included the water footprint (WF) in the process of optimizing animal feed rations. The global footprint of cattle production accounts for the largest share (33%) of the global water footprint of livestock production. Using two homogeneous groups of Limousine × Podolian young bulls, two different diets were compared: corn silage feeding (CSF), with a corn silage-based diet; and triticale silage feeding (TSF), with a triticale silage-based diet. Silage constituted about 41% and 46% of the feed composition (for CSF and TSF, respectively). Diets were characterised by the same energy and protein content. Despite the lower WF in the TSF group than in the CSF group (7726 vs. 8571 L/day/calf respectively), no significant differences were found in animal performances (i.e., daily weight gain and final weight), feed conversion or income over feed costs. These results show that simple production decisions can have a significant impact on water resource. Therefore, the use of triticale silage should be further promoted, especially in world regions with limited water resources where low WF feed formulation is more strategic than elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]