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SUMMARY: Few studies have modelled the nutrient requirements of breeding ostriches. Results obtained from historical studies were used here to determine the energy, protein and amino acid requirements of breeding ostriches for maintenance and egg production. Two energy scales were used to determine the energy requirement for egg production by ostrich breeders. The efficiency of metabolisable energy (ME) utilisation for energy deposition in the egg (ko) was calculated as 0.8, and the ME required for egg production (MEe) was 12.2 MJ/egg. The effective energy (EE) requirement for egg production (EEe) and maintenance (EEm) was calculated as 7.8 and 13.8 MJ/bird d, respectively. Average total daily balanced protein requirement (TPt) was calculated as 160 g/bird d. Amino acid requirements for maintenance and egg production are given together with recommendations for the daily supply of each amino acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of scientific articles and publications by various researchers, including William Richard John Dean, on topics related to African ornithology, bird behavior, ant ecology, and ecosystems in southern Africa. The articles cover a wide range of subjects such as bird distribution, breeding behavior, habitat preferences, and the effects of environmental factors on ecosystems. They provide valuable insights into bird ecology, conservation, and the ecological dynamics of different regions in southern Africa, including the Karoo. These articles would be beneficial for library patrons conducting research on bird species, ecology, and conservation in southern Africa. [Extracted from the article]

1. The aim of this study was to estimate heritability and genetic correlations, first among behavioural responses of juvenile South African Black ostriches towards humans and secondly with slaughter weight and skin traits.2. Behavioural traits, such as willingness of the birds to approach humans, keeping a distance from the human observer and allowing touch interactions by a human were recorded (n = 1012 birds). In addition, slaughter weight, skin size, scores for nodule size, nodule shape and the presence of hair follicles were recorded.3. Single- and multi-trait animal model analyses performed on the data using ASReml4 revealed high heritability estimates of 0.44 for allowing touch interactions and 0.48 for both willingness to approach and keeping a distance from the human observer. In addition, significant genetic correlations among behavioural response traits were estimated, ranging from −0.99 between keeping a distance and willingness to approach the human observer, to 0.87 between allowing touch interactions and willingness to approach the human observer.4. In contrast, genetic correlations of behavioural response traits with most slaughter and skin traits were low, variable, and not significant. The exception was hair follicle score, which appeared to be unfavourably correlated with key behavioural traits.5. This study suggested that the temperament of ostriches could be improved by selection of birds that demonstrate willingness to associate with humans without compromising slaughter weight or skin traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds kept in zoological institutions are highly exposed to gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism caused by coccidia and nematodes. The current research aimed to characterize the avian GI parasitic fauna in several zoological collections in Portugal and Spain. During the full year of 2022, a total of 120 fecal samples were collected from four zoological institutions: Lisbon Zoo, Olivais Pedagogical Farm, and Avian Biodiversity Center (Lisbon, Portugal), and Avifauna park (Lugo, Spain). Analysis was conducted in domestic bird species (autochthonous and exotic poultry breeds), and 18 different exotic bird species like Galliformes (peacock, pheasant), Anseriformes (duck), Psittaciformes (parrot, macaw, cockatiel, parakeet, cockatoo), Coraciiformes (motmot), Charadriiformes (avocet), Strigiformes (owl), Phoenicopteriformes (flamingo), Struthioniformes (ostrich), Rheiformes (rhea), and Casuariiformes (emu, cassowary). Feces were processed using Mini-FLOTAC (MF), to identify parasitic forms and quantify their shedding (oocysts or eggs per gram of feces). Moreover, 15 fecal samples from pheasants were also processed using the McMaster method (McM), to compare the parasite shedding and frequencies between techniques. MF implementation allowed identification of coccidia infections in all bird collections. Also, peacocks of the Lisbon Zoo tested positive for Trichostrongylus tenuis and Strongyloides pavonis, and the exotic birds from Avifauna park were also positive for several nematode species, with Ascaridia sp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Syngamus trachea eggs being detected in pheasants' feces. Moreover, the analysis of pheasants' feces with MF detected prevalences of 33% for coccidia oocysts, and 47% for Capillaria sp. and Ascaridia sp. eggs, while McM detected prevalences of 13%, 27%, and 40% for the respective parasite taxa, with no differences being observed between methods (p = 0.39, p = 0.45, and p = 0.50, respectively). This research provided more scientific support regarding the importance of using Mini-FLOTAC in routine parasitological diagnosis in birds kept at zoological institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Great Britain, private animal keepers such as pet owners and farmers require a licence from their local government authority to keep wild animals of species formally categorised as "dangerous". No central record of these licences is maintained by the national Governments in Britain, and the last formal examination of the situation was published more than 20 years ago. We examined the scale and scope of private keeping of dangerous wild animals in England, Scotland, and Wales in 2020. We found a total of 3950 individual dangerous wild animals kept by 210 licensees across more than one-third of British local authorities. While overall numbers of licensed dangerous wild animals have declined over the preceding 20 years, there have been notable increases in the keeping of some taxa such as wild cats, venomous snakes, and crocodilians. There is evidence that the average relative cost to obtain a licence to keep a dangerous wild animal has decreased since the earlier study, and that local authorities with licensed animals have lower licensing fees than those without. We discuss the current system of licensing with a view to making recommendations for improvement. We analysed the licences issued by British local government authorities under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which regulates the private keeping of wild animals categorised as "dangerous", to assess the scope and scale of private keeping of dangerous wild animals in Great Britain. Results are compared with historical data from England and Wales, showing that there has been an overall decrease both in the total population of dangerous wild animals privately kept under licence and the number of licences, resulting primarily from a decrease in the farming of wild boar and ostrich, and from certain other species no longer requiring a licence to be kept. Nonetheless, the private keeping of dangerous wild animals remains prevalent, with a total population of 3950 animals kept under licence, and at least one-third of local authorities in Britain licensing keepers of one or more such animals. The population of non-farmed dangerous taxa has increased by 59% in 20 years, with notable increases in crocodilians (198%), venomous snakes (94%), and wild cats (57%). We present evidence that the average cost of a licence to keep dangerous wild animals has fallen over time, and that there is a negative association between cost and licensing. The current schedule of species categorised as dangerous is compared to a formally recognised list of species kept in zoos assessed by risk to the public. Problems with the legislation, enforcement of the licensing system, and animal welfare for privately kept dangerous wild animals are identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9–12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity. Results: The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested. Conclusions: Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionEnteritis and dysbiosis are the major causes of high morbidity and mortality of juvenile ostriches. Chicory (CC) has been proven to have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. However, it’s unclear whether CC could improve the survival rate of juvenile ostriches by relieving enteritis and correcting dysbiosis.Materials and methodsSouth African ostrich hatchlings (Struthio camelus domesticus) were fed with and without a CC-supplemented diet, and the body weight gain and mortality were compared over 4 months of age. Fresh fecal samples of clinically healthy ostriches were collected, and 16S DNAs were analyzed. Moreover, ostrich chicks with LPS-induced enteritis were fed with different dosages (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) of chicoric acid (CA), a major bioactive component of CC, for five consecutive days. The expression levels of tight junction (TJ)-related proteins and inflammatory mediators in the ilea were detected with western blot and immunofluorescence.ResultsThe ostrich chicks fed on the CC-supplemented diet began to increase in weight at the 1st month of age and became remarkably heavier at the fourth month (p 4) and Bacteroidota (26.7% vs. 17.7%, respectively) as well as decreased the enrichment of Clostridium (5.0% vs. 9.1%, respectively) in the ostrich ilea compared to the diet without CC. The supplementation of CA at a dose of 80 mg/kg significantly increased the expression level of ZO-1 and claudin-3 (p

The present study showed a descriptive anatomical study of the parts of the axial skeleton in the ostrich (Struthio camelus) in addition to a morphometric study of each bone. We studied 7 male ostriches aged from 1 to 3 years with an average weight of 120.00 kg. The cranium exhibited two vast orbits supported by a sclerotic ring. Hyoid apparatus was fine delicate horseshoe-shaped and comprised Basihyale, Urohyale, and Cornu branchiale. Cornu branchiale were paired and long rod-shaped, consisting of a proximal bony part Ceratobranchiale and slightly curved distal cartilaginous process, the Epibranchiale located on either side of the hyoid apparatus. The whole vertebral column comprised 54 vertebrae, including 18 cervical vertebrae, 7 separated thoracic vertebrae, a synsacrum, and 9 separated caudal vertebrae. Atlas had a butterfly-shape with a narrow width and large vertebral foramen. Axis had a protruded dens with a rounded tip that arose from the cranial surface of the body for articulation with the Incisura fossae of atlas. Several Pneumatic foramina were found in the cervical vertebrae. The transverse foramen was found in all the cervical vertebrae except atlas. The ribs were nine pairs in number, the sternal ribs extended from the third to the seventh rib while the rest were asternal floating ribs. The sternum was a broad quadrilateral extensive bone, lacking the keel bone. It had dorsally several Pneumatic foramina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms inhabiting extreme thermal environments, such as desert birds, have evolved spectacular adaptations to thermoregulate during hot and cold conditions. However, our knowledge of selection for thermoregulation and the potential for evolutionary responses is limited, particularly for large organisms experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations. Here we use thermal imaging to quantify selection and genetic variation in thermoregulation in ostriches (Struthio camelus), the world's largest bird species that is experiencing increasingly volatile temperatures. We found that females who are better at regulating their head temperatures ("thermoregulatory capacity") had higher egg-laying rates under hotter conditions. Thermoregulatory capacity was both heritable and showed signatures of local adaptation: females originating from more unpredictable climates were better at regulating their head temperatures in response to temperature fluctuations. Together these results reveal that past and present evolutionary processes have shaped genetic variation in thermoregulatory capacity, which appears to protect critical organs, such as the brain, from extreme temperatures during reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocal production in birds has been the target of considerable research that mostly has focused on phylogenetically well‐nested songbirds. Anatomical descriptions and recordings of many non‐songbirds have often only focused on a single ontogenetic stage or sex. While basic morphology of the vocal organ (syrinx) of ostrich (Palaeognathae, Struthio camelus) has been known since the 1800s, descriptions of its vocal repertoire and syrinx anatomy since then have been incomplete or inconsistent. New toolkits now enable detailed qualitative description of internal anatomy and meristic data and allow it to be compared to vocal production. Here we describe the anatomy of the syrinx in Struthio camelus for three post‐hatching ontogenetic stages and both an adult male and female utilizing dissection and contrast enhanced X‐ray computed tomography (diceCT). We find changes in ring geometry and spacing through ontogeny as well as lateral labia thickness. We document a small unpaired, midline, cartilaginous structure, a "pessuliform process" at the tracheobronchial juncture present throughout ontogeny and in both males and females. Investigation of the vocal repertoire of ostriches across ontogeny using a new dataset of 77 recordings led to identification of four vocalizations not previously reported in the literature, including the simultaneous production of a hiss and tonal. We find syrinx morphology largely consistent across ontogeny and in male and female adults. Both are capable of producing long duration tonal calls, but these may be more frequent in male birds. Closed‐mouth boom calls remain unique to males. A detailed understanding of diversity in parts of early diverging clades is pivotal in attempting to estimate features of the ancestral syrinx in birds and how avian vocalization evolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text provides a compilation of book reviews from the journal Ibis, focusing on various topics related to ornithology. The Alexander Library at the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology in Oxford, UK, houses the books reviewed and welcomes additional literature for review. One book, "The Sahel: A Great Green Wall," explores the efforts of African countries to create a Great Green Wall in the Sahel region, with a focus on bird populations and their habitats. Another book, "Field Guide to North American Flycatchers: Empidonax and Pewees," is a comprehensive field guide for identifying North American flycatchers. "Reflections: What Wildlife Needs and How to Provide it" by Dr. Mark Avery discusses wildlife issues in Britain and proposes remedies for protection. Lastly, "The Atlas of Early Modern Wildlife: Britain and Ireland between the Middle Ages and the Industrial Revolution" provides information on the historical distribution of animals in Britain and Ireland. These books offer valuable insights for researchers and bird enthusiasts interested in these topics. [Extracted from the article]

In Iran, there is a large capacity for animal fat production, which is less used in food products. In this study, the fat obtained from sheep tail and ostrich abdominal tissue were investigated as waste from the slaughterhouse. For this purpose, in the first step, fats were extracted by wet rendering method and their chemical compositions were analyzed. In the second step, the fat was separated into two parts, stearin and olein, by dry fractionation. Then, the olein fraction was divided into two parts, soft stearin and superolein, and their fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties were measured. The sheep tail and ostrich tissues contained 10.66% and 5.18% moisture, 4.10% and 4.29% protein, 0.26% and 0.62% ash, and 84.93% and 88.35% fat, respectively, and the extraction yield were obtained 37.42% and 62.56%, respectively. The gas chromatography results showed that oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid were the main fatty acids in sheep tail fat and oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid and linoleic acid were dominant in the fatty acid profile of ostrich fat. After fractionation, an increase in oleic content of olein and superolein in both fats increased iodine value and refractive index followed by decreasing melting point and L*. Peroxide value of sheep tail fat was 1.54 meqO2/ kg and the fractionation process had no significant effect on it, however, the peroxide value of ostrich fat increased significantly after the separation (p<0.05), which could be due to the presence of a considerable portion of linoleic in this fat. Therefore, it can be concluded that the fat extracted by wet rendering from sheep tail and ostrich tissues has an acceptable quality for edible use, and their stearin and soft stearin fractions can be used as an alternative to the hydrogenation process to produce semi-solid fat in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the development of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion enriched with a high concentration of ostrich oil, recognized for its abundant content of oleic acid (34.60 ± 0.01%), tailored for skincare applications. Using Span and Tween emulsifiers, we formulated an optimized emulsion with 20% w/w ostrich oil and a 15% w/w blend of Span 20 and Tween 80. This formulation, achieved via homogenization at 3800 rpm for 5 min, yielded the smallest droplet size (5.01 ± 0.43 μm) alongside an appropriate zeta potential (−32.22 mV). Our investigation into the influence of Span and Tween concentrations, types, and ratios on the stability of 20% w/w ostrich oil emulsions, maintaining a hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) of 5.5, consistently demonstrated the superior stability of the optimized emulsion across various formulations. Cytotoxicity assessments on human dermal fibroblasts affirmed the safety of the emulsion. Notably, the emulsion exhibited a 52.20 ± 2.01% inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, surpassing the 44.70 ± 1.94% inhibition observed for ostrich oil alone. Moreover, it demonstrated a superior inhibitory zone against Staphylococcus aureus (12.32 ± 0.19 mm), compared to the 6.12 ± 0.15 mm observed for ostrich oil alone, highlighting its enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties and strengthening its potential for skincare applications. The optimized emulsion also demonstrates the release of 78.16 ± 1.22% of oleic acid across the cellulose acetate membrane after 180 min of study time. This successful release of oleic acid further enhances the overall efficacy and versatility of the optimized emulsion. Stability assessments, conducted over 6 months at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 45 °C), confirmed the emulsion's sustained physicochemical and microbial stability, supporting its promise for topical applications. Despite minor fluctuations in acid values (AV) and peroxide values (PV), the results remained within the acceptable limits. This research elucidates the crucial role of emulsification in optimizing the efficacy and stability of ostrich oil in skincare formulations, providing valuable insights for practical applications where stability is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ostrich meat has a very high nutritional value, and improving the shelf life of raw ground meat is highest importance for the meat industry. The present study aims to improve the quality of minced ostrich meat using biosurfactants produced by Lactobacillus strains. For this purpose, biosurfactants were first derived from probiotic bacteria including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Lactobacillus casei. Then, the antioxidant activity of biosurfactant was evaluated in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl free radicals, and antimicrobial activities studied using the diffusion method in agar wells against pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). Next, biosurfactants (with a concentration of 0.05 g/ml) were evaluated as biological preservatives to improve the microbiological (TVC, PTC, E. coli, S. aureus, and mold and yeast) and physicochemical (PV, TBA, TVB-N, pH, hardness and color index) quality of minced ostrich meat during 16 days of storage at 4 °C. The data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. The results showed that the scavenging activity of DPPH and hydroxyl of biosurfactants at a concentration of 0.05 g/ml was 81.99–78.51% and 71.56–69.56%, respectively, and all biosurfactants had high antimicrobial activities. The results related to the shelf life of ostrich showed that the use of biosurfactants resulted in better color stability and firmer texture of the samples during the storage period. It was also the cause of delaying the chemical and microbial spoilage of the samples during the storage period. The samples containing biosurfactants had chemical, microbial, and sensory limits until the end of the storage period. Based on the results, biosurfactants can reduce all the indicators mentioned as natural antioxidants and antimicrobials, thus increasing the she lf life of minced ostrich meat. In addition, they can provide the necessary background for the practical use of these compounds in all kinds of meats and their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present work aimed to determine the impact of various cooking methods on sensory attributes, microbial safety, and physicochemical characteristics of ostrich meat to specify the best cooking method that guarantees the microbial safety of the meat as well as maintains nutritional values and is highly attractive to consumers. Materials and Methods: One hundred fresh leg muscles of ostriches were divided into five groups. Different cooking techniques were used for each group, as follows: roasting, boiling, grilling, frying, and microwaving. Each method was examined by evaluating the impact of various cooking methods on sensory attributes, proximate chemical analysis, protein and fat oxidation parameters, microbial load, changes in color, and the shear force of ostrich meat. Results: The oven-roasting and grilling methods are highly recommended and more appealing to consumers since they produce tenderer and juicier meat, cause less cooking loss (CL), and maintain the nutritive value of ostrich meat; however, they have the highest protein and fat oxidation rates. On the other hand, boiling and frying methods revealed good fat oxidation parameters, the highest CL, and preserved nutritional value, but unfortunately, they were not highly preferred by consumers. From a hygienic point of view, grilling and microwave cooking are the methods that ensure the microbiological safety of cooked ostrich meat, as they significantly reduce Enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacterial counts, among other cooking methods. Conclusion: The oven roasting and grilling methods were the most preferable thermal cooking techniques, as they achieved the highest acceptability to consumers and maintained the nutritive values of ostrich meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells in an autoimmune condition. To overcome this disease, a specific monoclonal antibody that binds to pancreatic beta cells could be used for targeted immunotherapy. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor N (PTPRN) is one of the important surface antigen candidates. Due to its high sequence homology among mammals, so far, no single-chain monoclonal antibody has been produced against this receptor. In this study, we developed a novel single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against the PTPRN extracellular domain. To this aim, ostrich species was used as a host is far phylogenetically birds from mammals to construct a phage display library for the first time. An ostrich-derived scfv phage display library was prepared and biopanning steps were done to enrich and screen for isolating the best anti-PTPRN binders. An scFv with appropriate affinity and specificity to the PTPRN extracellular domain was selected and characterized by ELISA, western blotting, and flow cytometry. The anti-PTPRN scFv developed in this study could be introduced as an effective tool that can pave the way for the creation of antibody-based targeting systems in cooperation with the detection and therapy of type I diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the chemical structure and oxidative stability of ostrich oil, a new edible oil source, with olive oil. Both oils had similar major fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and palmitoleic acid, but their fatty acid composition differed significantly. Moreover, the cholesterol level in ostrich oil was 287 mg/kg, which was much lower than other animal oils. The oxidative stability tests showed that ostrich oil was more resistant to oxidation than olive oil after heating for 32 h at 170 °C. This outcome was related to the changes in antioxidant compounds (sum of tocopherols and polyphenols). These compounds decreased slightly in ostrich oil after heating, while they decreased more in olive oil. Another factor was the lower degree of unsaturation in ostrich oil than in olive oil. The DPPH free radical scavenging power and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in ostrich oil increased by 4.96% and decreased by 11.7% respectively after thermal processing for 32 h, compared to the initial moment. However, in olive oil, these two factors decreased by 96% and 58.8% respectively. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that ostrich oil could be a good choice for frying or as an ingredient in frying oil formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ostrich is increasingly becoming an important livestock due to its high-quality products, especially its healthy meat. We studied the morphology of the ostrich lung using various imaging techniques in order to understand how it functions. The major conducting intrapulmonary airways, the secondary bronchi, were superficially placed in close proximity to the intercostal muscles and had thin collapsible external walls, implying their plausible role in gas propulsion. Many attributes of the bronchi, including categories, numbers, and topographical arrangement, were comparable to those of the Chicken. The paleopulmonic region of the lung was better developed than the neopulmonic one, which appeared rudimentary. Adjacent parabronchi were not delineated by connective tissue septa as is the case in the archetypical avian lung, and the exchange tissue was only interrupted where conducting blood vessels occurred. The parabronchi were lined with shallow atria, and, in many cases, infundibulate were absent. Air capillaries formed the terminal gas exchange units in most cases, but occasionally atria were the terminal units. Air capillaries were associated with secretory cells, and blood capillaries were supported by epithelial plates. The Ostrich occupies a unique position as the largest bird on the planet. Like other ratites, it has been reputed to have a phylogenetically primitive lung. We used macroscopy, light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as silicon rubber casting to elucidate the functional design of its lung and compare it with what is already documented for the avian species. The neopulmonic region was very small and poorly developed. The categories of the secondary bronchi (SB) present and their respective numbers included laterodorsal (8–10), lateroventral (4–5), medioventral (4–6) and posterior (16–24). The lateral aspects of the laterodorsals were covered with a transparent collapsible membrane internally lined with a squamous to cuboidal epithelium. The bulk of these SB were in close proximity to intercostal spaces and the intercostal muscles and were thought to be important in the propulsion of gases. The lung parenchyma was rigid, with the atria well supported by septa containing smooth muscles, connective tissue interparabronchial septa were absent, and blood capillaries were supported by epithelial bridges. There were two categories of epithelia bridges: the homogenous squamous type comprising two leaflets of type I cells and the heterogeneous type consisting of a type I pneumocyte and type II cell. Additional type two cells were found at the atrial openings as well as the walls of the infundibulae and the air capillaries. The atria were shallow and opened either directly into several air capillaries or into a few infundibulae. The presence of numerous type II cells and the absence of interparabronchial connective tissue septa may imply that the ostrich lung could be capable of some degree of compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Ostrich (Struthio camelus) farming in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a relatively new field of farming. Farmed ostriches are susceptible to ectoparasite infestation, which affects their production. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites on ostriches raised on a farm in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Materials and Methods: The feathers of 42 ostriches (26 females and 16 males) were collected and morphologically examined for ectoparasites. In total, 283 lice (89 males and 194 females) were collected from birds. However, there were no ticks or other ectoparasites. Lice were preserved in 1.5 mL tubes containing 70% ethanol and were later identified using taxonomic keys. The prevalence, mean intensity of infection, and mean abundance were estimated. Results: One louse species, Struthiolipeurus struthionis was identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. struthionis in ostriches raised in the UAE with an overall prevalence of 88%. The prevalence of lice was significantly higher in July (100%) than that in May (66.7%). Likewise, the mean intensity and abundance of lice were significantly higher in June (10.6 and 9.94, respectively) than in May (3.25 and 2.2, respectively). Conclusion: The high prevalence of lice poses a serious risk to ostrich farming by negatively affecting the health and productivity of ostriches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few scientific reports on the histology of the phallus of ratite birds. The aim of this study was to conduct a histochemical analysis to determine the distribution of smooth muscle cells and the volumetric density (Vv) of the fibres of the elastic system in the ostrich phallus. Adult ostriches, 14 months old, were used. The phalluses were fixed in Bouin's solution and then transferred to a buffered formalin solution. They were then processed using standard histological stains for paraffin and slices were obtained. The following techniques were performed: HE, Picrosirius red, Alcian Blue at pH 1.0 and 2.5. The Periodic acid‐Schiff reagent and Weigert's Resorcin‐Fuchsin with previous oxidation were performed. The M42 test system was used to quantify the elastic system fibres. For immunohistochemical analysis, an anti alpha smooth muscle actin monoclonal antibody was used. The surface of the phallus is covered by a non‐keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which becomes stratified cylindrical in the region of the spermatic sulcus. No glands associated with the connective tissue were observed. The Vv of the elastic system fibres was 4.75%. Smooth muscle cells were visualized only in the walls of blood vessels through immunostaining, with an absence in the lymphatic sinuses. Despite similarities with other birds, such as the presence of a fibrous external axis, a lymphatic core, and a spermatic groove, the ostrich phallus shows marked differences, including the absence of an elastic core, a non‐keratinized lining epithelium, and the absence of glands throughout its extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian toe-legged disease poses serious threat to ostrich farms worldwide. Despite its severity, the underlying pathogenic mechanism of toe- legged disease in ostrich remains elusive. Our study aims to explore the connection between toe leg disease and articular cartilage with prime focus on the underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of the disease. For this purpose, 18 male ostriches, comprising three groups: group A (6 healthy), group B (6 with mild disease), and group C (6 with severe disease), all aged 3 months were selected. Histopathological changes in tarsal joints of ostriches with leg and toe disease were observed using radiological examination (X-ray), Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Safranin O-staining, and Masson trichome staining. The chondrocytes were evaluated for apoptosis and changes in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in articular cartilage using TdTmediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL), and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results indicated that the tarsal joints of ostriches with leg and toe disease exhibit pathological changes such as thickening of the periosteum, decreased number of chondrocytes, shallow staining of cartilage matrix, incomplete tidemark, and decreased collagen. In comparison to Group A, there was a significant decrease in cell apoptosis (P<0.01) while the expression of apoptosis proteins Bcl-2 and Bax was found to be significantly increased (P<0.01) in the tarsal cartilage of groups B and C. In conclusion, our findings suggest that excessive chondrocyte apoptosis may be the underlying pathogenic mechanism for toe and leg disease in ostriches. These findings offer valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of ostriches with toe-legged disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible films along with herbal essential oils can be a safe and suitable way to package food including ostrich meat. The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of the polylactic acid–Iranian tragacanth gum (PLA–ITG) composite film along with zygophyllum eichwaldii essential oil (ZEO) on the shelf life of ostrich thigh meat stored at 4 °C. For this purpose, the first 5 film treatments were produced including PLA, PLA–ITG, and PLA–ITG with concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% ZEO, and the properties of the film were determined. The effect of the mentioned films along with the control treatment (without film) on the chemical (PV, TBA, TVB-N, pH, and color index) and microbial (TVC, PTC, Enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria) and sensory properties of ostrich samples were evaluated. According to the results, adding ZEO improved the mechanical and physical characteristics of the composite film. PLA–ITG + 1.5% ZEO has the highest antioxidant (DPPH free radical inhibition) and antimicrobial properties (against the tested pathogenic bacteria) compared to others. The results of the second part showed that the samples packed with composite films containing ZEO showed lower (P < 0.05) chemical and microbial changes than the control. The film containing 1.5% ZEO had the best effects compared to other groups (P < 0.05). This treatment had chemical, microbial, and sensory limits until the end of the storage period, while the control sample could only be stored for 6 days. Therefore, from an environmental and economic point of view, it is recommended to use the (PLA- ITG) composite film with ZEO as biodegradable packaging to increase the shelf life of ostrich meat at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sport & Tourism Central European Journal / Sport i Turystyka Srodkowoeuropejskie Czasopismo Naukowe is the property of Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Egypt, ostrich farming has had a great increase during the last few years. The most common problems facing ostrich farmers are a high percentage of late embryonic mortality and low hatchability. This study was designed to survey the main causes of late in-shell ostrich embryonic death. A total of 100 freshly dead inshell ostrich embryos, all of them were in the second half of the incubation period with different ages ranging from 25 to 39 days old, were received during the breeding seasons of the period from October 2018- October 2021, from different ostrich farms in Egypt, suffered from late-stage embryonic death during artificial incubation, respiratory signs and diarrhea in breeders, moreover, the surveyed ostrich farms were near to chicken farms suffered from Newcastle Disease outbreaks. Gross findings in all embryos were recorded as anasarca, severe general congestion, and hemorrhages. In this study, 66 dead shell ostrich embryos out of 100 (66%) were immunohistochemically positive for Newcastle Disease Virus. Four Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus strains (genotype VIIb) were molecularly characterized in 4 immune-positive ND embryos (from 4 different ostrich farms in 4 different Egyptian governorates) by RT-PCR and F gene sequencing. In addition, all embryos were negative for bacterial isolation except for one vNDV positive embryo (1%) (25 days old) that was superinfected by Citrobacter spp. The main histopathological lesions of vNDV-positive ostrich embryos were general edema, extensive congested blood vessels, hemorrhages, necrosis, syncytial cells formation in the upper respiratory tract, and leukocytic cells infiltrations. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of the Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus that immunohistochemically and molecularly characterized in dead ostrich embryos in Egypt, therefore, Newcastle Disease Virus vaccination of ostrich breeders is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azaperone is a very important phenylbutanone-based neurotransmitter used in the treatment of some animal (veterinary) clinics. This compound has various nerve and tendon stabilizing agents on livestock and animals. Muscular injection of azaperone is used to reduce stress in livestock and reduce their acting. In the present work, Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2/CS2 nanocomposite was synthesized and thoroughly characterized using FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD technique. The glassy carbon electrode was then modified with nanocomposite to fabricate a sensor named GCE/Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2/CS2. The application of modified electrode was tested for analysis of azaperone in ostrich meat and rat plasma. The electrochemical behavior of azaperone was tested using differential pulse and cyclic voltammetry. In Briton–Robinson buffer solution (pH = 6), azaperone had an oxidation peak at 0.82 V. Cyclic voltammetry studies indicated that the azaprone oxidation process on the modified electrode is irreversible. Experimental variables, including pH and accumulation time were optimized by monitoring the cyclic voltammetry responses toward azaperone peak current. Measurement of azaperone by differential pulse voltammetry technique showed linearity of anodic peak current vs. azaperone concentration in a range of 0.01–100.0 μM with detection and quantification limits of 3 nM and 10 nM, respectively. Also, the effect of disturbance of some species as possible interferers on the electrochemical response of azaperone was checked out. Finally, the capability of the fabricated sensor for azaperone measurement was successfully tested in ostrich meat and rat plasma as real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in ostrich breeding, and the commercial breeding of these birds has attracted the attention of new breeders, and it has become a great alternative to agricultural production. The study on the production of pâtés was conducted in 2019 in Almaty (Kazakhstan). During the formation of two new formulations of pâtés, the following safety system parameters were taken into account: microflora development; oxidation number (intensity of oxidation products accumulation). The aim of the study is to obtain the optimal characteristics of ostrich meat preservation in the production of pâtés. As a result of the study, it was found that ostrich meat samples have high nutritional value. Meat is characterized by a high content of protein, low content of fat, and carbohydrates are almost absent. Also, it was found that concentration of arachidonic acid in ostrich meat was 3 times higher as compared to beef (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, the introduction of inulin and carrageenan polysaccharides into the recipe of ostrich pâtés allows one to significantly improve their shelf life and based on the developed recipe it is possible to start the production of pâtés. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natal down is a feather stage that differs in both form and function from the definitive feathers of adult birds. It has a simpler structure that has been speculated to be similar to the body coverings of non‐avian dinosaurs. However, inference of the evolution of natal down has been limited by our understanding of its structural variation in extant birds. Most descriptive work has focused on neognathous birds, limiting our knowledge of the full diversity of feathers in extant taxa. Here, we describe the natal down of a post‐hatch ostrich (Struthio camelus) and compare it to that of a post‐hatch quail (Coturnix coturnix). We confirm the presence of featherless spaces (apteria) in S. camelus and the lack of barbules on the tips of natal down in both species. We also find differences between dorsal and ventral natal down structures, such as barbule density in S. camelus and the extent of the bare portion of the barb in both species. Surprisingly, we do not find that the neoptiles of either species follow the ideal morphologies for increasing insulation. Finally, we hypothesize that the different barb types present in S. camelus natal down result from a large addition of new barb ridges during development, which is not known except in feathers with a rachis. These results have implications for our understanding of how structure informs function and development in understudied feather types, such as those shared by non‐avian dinosaurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze 5 types of poultry eggs (chicken, turkey, ostrich, duck and quail) to compare their nutritional characteristics. Design/Methodology/Approach: A physical analysis was performed: weight of the entire egg (weight and proportion of the albumin, yolk and shell) length and width of the entire egg, shape index, shell color, and yolk color, nutritional (determination of raw fat, protein, dry matter and ashes). Different types of egg used: chicken, turkey, ostrich, duck and quail. Results: The egg containing the most amount of protein was that of the duck (13.02 ± 0.46%), while the sample containing the lowest result was that of the ostrich (9.47 ± 0.27%). The type of egg that contained the fattest level was the duck (10.31 ± 0.75%); on the other hand, the type of egg that demonstrated the least amount of fat was that of the chicken egg (8.28 ± 0.39%). Results/Findings/Conclusion: Even though some physical differences exist in all types of eggs, they are similar and there is minimal variation in terms of their nutritional value. Therefore, these different types of eggs can be applied for consumption as substitutes for chicken eggs and as an alternative source of protein. Limitations of the study/Implications: Lack of previous research in regard to comparisons of the types of analyzed eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of haematological parameters is of great importance from a diagnostic point of view and is important on a global scale as well. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the month, farm, bird age, and sex on blood haematology values and to make a reference range for diagnostic purposes for ostriches. Blood samples were taken during the slaughter of the birds in October and November, 2021 and in May and June, 2022. In total, 22 females and 33 males aged between 8 and 60 months from three farms in eastern Hungary were included in the evaluation. Temperature and humidity data were also collected in the indicated months. The month, farm, and age of birds strongly influenced the haematology values. The white blood cell count (WBC) was the highest in June and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) was the lowest in May. Farm "B" differed from the two other farms in the mean cell volume (MCV), expressing the lowest mean cell value. For the 8-10- and 15-17-monthold birds, the red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), and haematocrit (HCT) showed lower values compared to the 11-13- and 48-60-month-old birds. The white blood cell count (WBC), mid-cell count (MID#), and granulocyte count (GRAN#) were the highest for the 8-10- and 11-13-month old age groups; the mean cell volume (MCV) was the highest for the 48-60-month-olds. Differences could not be explained by the weather conditions. Contrary to the literature, birds on farms using probiotics did not always show higher haematological values. To draw more precise conclusions, diagnostic and serum chemical analyses should also be performed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of MESO is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Few studies describe the sequence of morphological events that characterize spermiogenesis in birds. In this paper, the clearly observable steps of spermiogenesis are described and illustrated for the first time in a commercially important ratite, the ostrich, based on light microscopy of toluidine blue-stained plastic sections. Findings were supplemented and supported by ultrastructural observations, PNA labeling of acrosome development, and immunocytochemical labeling of isolated spermatogenic cells. Spermiogenesis in the ostrich followed the general pattern described in non-passerine birds. Eight steps were identified based on changes in nuclear shape and contents, positioning of the centriolar complex, and acrosome development. Only two steps could be recognized with certainty during development of the round spermatid which contributed to the fewer steps recorded for the ostrich compared to that described in some other bird species. The only lectin that displayed acrosome reactivity was PNA and only for the first three steps of spermiogenesis. This suggests that organizational and/or compositional changes may occur in the acrosome during development and merits further investigation. Immunological labeling provided additional evidence to support the finding of previous studies that the tip of the nucleus in the ostrich is shaped by the forming acrosome and not by the microtubular manchette. To our knowledge, this is the first complete description of spermiogenesis in ostrich and one of few in any avian species. In addition to comparative reproduction and animal science, this work has implications for evolutionary biology as the reported germ cell features provide a bridge between reptile and ratite-avian spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tibiotarsus (MACN-A 12195) collected by Ameghino in the Sarmiento Formation (Eocene–lower Miocene) outcropping in the 'Río Chico locality' (Chubut Province, Argentina) assigned to Diogenornis (Rheiformes, Palaeognathae), and a second limb bone (MPEF-PV 1411) from early Miocene levels of the Sarmiento Formation in Bryn Gwyn (Chubut Province, Argentina) assigned to a bird that resembles Diogenornis, were re-examined here. After a thorough comparison, we established that MACN-A 12195 corresponds to an indeterminate Palaeognathae morphologically close to Rheidae, Struthionidae, and Casuariidae, whereas MPEF-PV 1411 belongs to a Sphenisciformes, probably Palaeospheniscus. The presence of Diogenornis outside of Brazil cannot be confirmed, and therefore, its biochron and distribution area should be still restricted to the early Eocene of Itaboraí (Brazil). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-code platforms aim at allowing non-experts to develop complex systems and knowledgeable developers to improve their productivity in orders of magnitude. The greater gain comes from using components developed by experts capturing common patterns across all layers of the application, from the user interface to the data layer and integration with external systems. Often, cloning sample code fragments is the only alternative in such scenarios, requiring extensive adaptation to reach the intended use. Such customization activities require deep knowledge outside of the comfort zone of low code. To effectively speed up the reuse, composition, and adaptation of pre-defined components, low-code platforms need to provide safe and easy-to-use language mechanisms. This paper introduces OSTRICH, a strongly typed rich templating language for a low-code platform (OutSystems) that builds on metamodel annotations and allows the correct instantiation of templates. We conservatively extend the existing metamodel and ensure that the resulting code is always well-formed. The results we present include a novel type safety verification of template definitions, and template arguments, providing model consistency across application layers. We implemented this template language in a prototype of the OutSystems platform and ported nine of the top ten most used sample code fragments, thus improving the reuse of professionally designed components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Despite substantial research, the hatching failure of ostrich eggs remains a key concern for many commercial breeding farms. 2. This source of reproductive failure needs to be addressed for ostrich farming to become more profitable. 3. Information from 2212 eggs were obtained from the ostrich resource flock at the Oudtshoorn Research Farm (2013–2014). Egg data were divided on a daily basis into two groups: Group 1 included eggs stored from 1 to 13 d in cold storage (CS) at a controlled temperature of 17°C and a relative humidity (RH) of 90%. Group 2 was stored for the same time interval as Group 1, but in a cool room (CR) at ambient temperature to simulate the uncontrolled storage conditions prevalent on most breeding farms. 4. Overall embryonic mortalities (OEM) were significantly higher for eggs stored for 1 d (0.38 ± 0.04) and for 8 d or more (between 0.31 ± 0.04 and 0.43 ± 0.04) compared to eggs stored for between 2 and 7 d (between 0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.26 ± 0.04). 5. The moisture loss during storage (ML) for eggs stored for 13 d in CS during spring was on average slightly higher (1.28%) than that during summer (0.95%). In contrast, the ML of eggs stored in the CR for 13 d was significantly higher, at 1.59% in spring and 2.08% in summer. 6. A general reduction in chick weight occurred for all the seasons (winter, spring and summer) as the number of storage days increased. Ostrich eggs should be stored for between 2 and 8 d under controlled storage conditions for improved hatchability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich effect refers to the observation that people prioritize gathering information about prospectively positive financial outcomes. It is especially problematic when information about negative and positive outcomes is equally useful for making sound financial decisions. Yet, it is unclear to what extent this phenomenon is moderated by whether outcome information is useful for making choices. Here, we test whether making outcome information instrumental to choice moderates the ostrich effect by randomly assigning 800 adults to one of two computer‐based gambling tasks, one in which they chose between two 50/50 win/lose gambles and another in which the computer chose one for them at random. The four possible outcomes were concealed by win/loss marked tiles, and participants were required to reveal three of the four possible outcomes before a gamble could be selected. The key finding was that demand for full information about losses increased significantly when participants made their own choices, and thus, outcome information was instrumental. The findings suggest that information about losses is de‐prioritized particularly when people cannot take action to influence payoffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preening behaviours are widespread in extant birds. While most birds appear to autopreen (self-directed preening), allopreening (preening directed at conspecifics) seems to have emerged only in certain species, but across many families. Allopreening has been hypothesised to reinforce mutual relationships and cooperation between individuals, and to underpin various socio-cognitive abilities. Palaeognathae is a bird group exhibiting neurocognitively plesiomorphic traits compared to other birds. They share many features with non-avian paravian dinosaurs and are thus important for the study of cognitive evolution in birds. Despite this, and the important correlation of allopreening with many complicated social behaviours, allopreening has not been systematically studied in Palaeognathae. Therefore, we examined the preening behaviours in four species of palaeognaths: common ostriches (Struthio camelus), greater rheas (Rhea americana), emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and elegant crested tinamous (Eudromia elegans). We compared findings with common ravens (Corvus corax), a neognath species known for its allopreening and complex social cognition. We found autopreening, but no allopreening, in the palaeognath species, while both autopreening and allopreening was found in common ravens. The absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae suggests an emergence of this behaviour within Neognathae. We contextualise our results in relation to the socio-cognitive underpinnings of allopreening and its implications for the understanding of the evolution of socio-cognitive abilities in non-avian paravian dinosaurs and early birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve new avian ichnosites have been identified on South Africa's Cape south coast, adding to the 29 sites previously identified. More than half of these 41 avian ichnosites are found along a 9-km stretch of coastline east of Still Bay. The new sites provide the first southern African trace fossil records of the dove, stork and heron families, as well as a possible ostrich trackway and evidence of probable ostrich eggshell fragments. They buttress the previous inference of large avian chronospecies during the Pleistocene. The preponderance of large- and mediumsized tracks can be attributed to a bias whereby fossil tracks of larger, heavier birds are easier to recognise and interpret. Four of the longest fossil avian trackways ever to be identified occur within a 350-m stretch of coastline in the Driefontein area, east of Still Bay. The new findings provide an enhanced picture of the Pleistocene avifauna of the region. Many of the new sites are fragile and have limited prospects to endure, emphasising the need to document them through photogrammetry, and to regularly explore the coastline in high-yield areas in search of further sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genuine leather manufacturing is a multibillion-dollar industry that processes animal hides from varying types of animals such as sheep, alligator, goat, ostrich, crocodile, and cow. Due to the industry's immense scale, there may be numerous unavoidable causes of damages, leading to surface defects that occur during both the manufacturing process and the bovine's own lifespan. Owing to the heterogenous and manifold nature of leather surface characteristics, great difficulties can arise during the visual inspection of raw materials by human inspectors. To mitigate the industry's challenges in the quality control process, this paper proposes the application of a modern vision transformer (ViT) architecture for the purposes of low-resolution image-based anomaly detection for defect localisation as a means of leather surface defect classification. Utilising the low-resolution defective and non-defective images found in the opensource Leather Defect detection and Classification dataset and higher-resolution MVTec AD anomaly benchmarking dataset, three configurations of the vision transformer and three deep learning (DL) knowledge transfer methods are compared in terms of performance metrics as well as in leather defect classification and anomaly localisation. Experiments show the proposed ViT method outperforms the light-weight state-of-the-art methods in the field in the aspect of classification accuracy. Besides the classification, the low computation load and low requirements for image resolution and size of training samples are also advantages of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing transparency and openness in science is an ongoing endeavor, one that has stimulated self-reflection and reform in many fields. However, kinesiology and its related disciplines are among those exhibiting an "ostrich effect" and a reluctance to acknowledge their methodological shortcomings. Notwithstanding several high-profile cases of scientific misconduct, scholars in the field are frequently engaged in questionable research practices (QRPs) such as biased experimental designs, inappropriate statistics, and dishonest/inexplicit reporting. To advance their careers, researchers are also "gaming the system" by manipulating citation metrics and publishing in predatory and/or pay-to-publish journals that lack robust peer review. The consequences of QRPs in the discipline may be profound: from increasing the false positivity rate to eroding public trust in the very institutions tasked with informing public health policy. But what are the incentives underpinning misconduct and QRPs? And what are the solutions? This narrative review is a consciousness raiser that explores (a) the manifestations of QRPs in kinesiology; (b) the excessive publication pressures, funding pressures, and performance incentives that are likely responsible; and (c) possible solutions for reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This in vitro work investigates the potential of ostrich eggshell as a substitute for extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion. Additionally, it aims to demonstrate the potential of ostrich eggshell compared to human enamel in evaluating the efficacy of a preventive agent in protecting against dental erosion, using an artificial mouth model. Methods: The experiment utilized 96 erosion testing specimens from each substrate, human enamel, and ostrich eggshell. The specimens were subjected to six different experimental regimens of increasing erosive challenge, simulating the consumption of an acidic drink. The acidic drink was delivered at a consistent volume and duration range. Both artificially stimulated and unstimulated saliva flowed throughout the experimental regimens. Surface hardness was measured using a Through‐Indenter Viewing hardness tester with a Vickers diamond, while surface profiling was done using a surface contacting profilometer with a diamond stylus. An automated chemistry analyzer system was used to detect calcium and phosphate ions. Results: The study found that ostrich eggshell specimens demonstrated predictable surface loss, hardness drop, and ion loss due to the acidic challenge. Meanwhile, enamel appeared to fall short in terms of surface hardness predictability. The transient hardness loss phase, which manifests as an overlooked decrease in surface hardness despite significant ion and structural loss, may explain this phenomenon. Conclusions: The experiment showed that assessing surface loss is essential in addition to hardness testing, particularly as certain experimental conditions may produce a false perception of tissue recovery despite the actual surface loss. By analyzing the response of ostrich eggshell specimens to erosive challenges, researchers were able to identify an "overlooked" reduction in hardness in enamel specimens. The differences in the structure, chemical composition, and biological response to erosion in the presence of artificial saliva between enamel and ostrich eggshell could explain their distinct behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examinations on ostrich chick vitality can help to improve the effectiveness of Hungarian ostrich husbandry and hatching technology. The investigations were carried out on an ostrich breeder farm in Eastern Hungary. For the analyses, the Tona et al. (2003) scoring system was applied presenting eight main criteria (activity, feather, condition, eyesight, the condition of navel and leg, the amount of the remaining shell membrane and egg content, and the size and tenderness of the abdomen). Most chicks (98.08%) were vigilant and had clean and dry feathers. There was no difference between the average hatching weights between May and August but a decreasing tendency was shown during the laying season. The vitality total score was above 90 in each evaluated month and was not affected by the hatching month. Our results revealed that the vitality of chicks was not affected by either the hatching month (P=0.51) or the weight category (P=0.11). Neither the hatching weight of chicks and leg condition were correlated (P=0.79). Results showed that the Tona scoring system with small modifications can be well applied to ostrich chicks. Practical on-farm usage of the system can be suggested as an aid in day-old chick evaluation. After individual marking of chicks, the investigation of growth and culling rate could be carried out for more precise conclusions, involving more farms and laying seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]