ISSN 1418-1789 (Print) Founded in 1997 at Kaposvár University.
Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem Kaposvári Campus Kaposvár Guba S. u. 40. 7400
Effect of frequent weighing on the performance of growing rabbits
The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of frequent weighing on the performance of Pannon White growing rabbits. Rabbits were weaned at 21 (n = 108) or at 35 days of age (n = 108). Both groups were halved. One part of the rabbits was weighed weekly (frequently) and the others were weighed only at the beginning and at the end (70th day of age) of the experiment (control). There were no significant differences between the frequently weighed and control groups in body weight, feed intake and feed conversion. The mortality was independent of the treatments and it was higher in the control group in case of 21d weaning and among frequently weighed rabbits weaned at 35 days. Experimental results show that the frequently weighed rabbits reach identical performance with control group.
Copyright (c) 2007 A. A. Rashwan, Szendrő Zsolt, Biróné Németh Edit, Radnai István https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
In the Department of Process Engineering University of Pannonia (Hungary) a 50 liter stirred batch reactor with a monofluid jacket heating-cooling including three temperatures can be found. The aim of this paper to present the process creating the dynamic simulator of the jacketed batch reactor and its monofluid termoblock. The limits of the simulation software experienced during our work are also presented. The objective of our project is to create a simulator that produces nearly the same measured values as the real system. The simulator was created with the Aspentech HYSYS® based UniSim™ Design (Honeywell).
Copyright (c) 2011 Balaton Miklós Gábor, Nagy Lajos, Szeifert Ferenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Comparison of feedback and feed-forward control strategies on a water heater
In this work the control of a water-heating equipment with different control strategies was examined. The water flows through the device, while an electric heater raises its temperature. The outlet temperature is controlled by using the power of the heater as the manipulated variable. Measured disturbances are the flow rate and the inlet temperature. The aim of this work is to compare the abilities of control strategies based on feedback and on feed-forward. Two control strategies were tested, one based on a first principle model, and focusing on feed forward, the other based on black box modeling and focusing on feedback. The first approach was basically a constrained inverse controller, but embedded in an IMC structure, to compensate model errors. The second approach was a programmed adaptation with constrained PI controllers. We found that the feed-forward based controllers significantly outperformed the ones based on feedback. The controller performance was much better in simulation experiments, due to the absence of model error.
Copyright (c) 2011 Tóth László Richárd, Nagy Lajos, Szeifert Ferenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Compartment model structure identification of stirred reactors based on qualitative method
Engineering problem solving such as process design, process optimization, safety analysis, etc.; relies widely on mathematical models of the process. To solve complex problems related to mixing detailed models are required such as compartment or computational fluid dynamic models. The compartment modelling based on at least three different types of basic compartments: the mixer, the distributor and the perfectly mixed reactor. Obviously, the compartment set can be expanded with the ideal plug flow reactor. The main modelling tasks using compartment models is to define of the structure of the compartment model, and the parameters of connections between the compartments. Hence, a qualitative approach has been developed to support the identification process. Qualitative methods are widely applied to analyse experimental data and to compress the information content of a time series. The primary goal of this study is to present an algorithm based on qualitative analysis that can be used to identify a compartment model structure based on the results of physical experiments performed in a stirred reactor.
Copyright (c) 2011 Egedy Attila, Varga Tamás, Chován Tibor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Qualitative analysis based reaction mechanism identification
One of the most important tasks during the design process of a chemical technology is the engineering design of the conversion subsystem based on the aspect of optimal and safe operation. Hence, before the design the rate of processes which have impact on the dynamic behavior of the subsystem must be identified. The reaction mechanism of a reaction system represents all the elementary reaction steps which are required to convert the reagents into products. The aim of the reaction mechanism analysis is the identification of the route how the system goes from its initial to the end state. The developed tool can be applied to identify of an unknown reaction mechanism without the necessary chemist experience. Beside, the tool can be used to determine the parameters of the rate equations of each identified chemical reaction. The first task requires structure while the second one requires parameter identification. The developed structure identification method is based on the qualitative analysis of measured and calculated state-variables trajectories, since the trends in the change of components can be easily compared based on the resulted sequences. To solve the constraint optimization problem during the parameter identification process evolutionary strategy method is applied.
Copyright (c) 2011 Varga Tamás https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Development and test of road traffic control systems by using VISSIM-MATLAB environment
The paper investigates a special issue of the applied informatics. A VISSIM-MATLAB based closed loop simulation framework is presented. The application of the simulation environment may serve as a very efficient tool for development and test of road traffic control systems. The availability of these software, through COM and API programming, increase the facilities of the simulations. Therefore, it is possible to create such additional features which allow to design special traffic control logic. Furthermore, complex calculations may be done by MATLAB in real time during the run of the simulation.
Copyright (c) 2011 Tettamanti Tamás, Varga István https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Analysis of a complex traffic-emission model for motorway control
In this paper a modeling method is proposed for characterising traffic emission as a function of macroscopic variables on freeways. Optimization possibilities of travel times and traffic emission as concurrent cost functions are investigated. Based on the edification of the analysis control objectives are set and as a case study, ramp metering is brought to the proof of accompolishing traffic stabilization respecting emission limits.
Copyright (c) 2011 Csikós Alfréd, Varga István https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Size dependent crystal growth rate in case of colution crystallization
This paper proposes a model of continuous MSMPR crystallizer and compares with the experimental data. The mathematical model is suitable to describe size-dependent kinetic processes, which is able to modelling from the size-independent growth rate to the linear and nonlinear size-dependent growth rate by properly tuned parameters. The numerical solution is developed by computer algorithms in Matlab environment. The result of mathematical model can be solved in steady-state process. We were fitting the kinetic parameters in the model to the experimental data. Furthermore the influence of the parameter of size-dependent growth kinetic model to the population density function was analyzed. Our model was compared with some of widely used crystal growth kinetic model.
Copyright (c) 2011 Borsos Ákos, Lakatos G. Béla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Investigation of dynamic processes in cooling crystallizer in case of needle-shape crystal production
A mathematical model is presented for investigating the dynamics of continuous cooling crystallizers, developing a bi-dimensional population balance model. The mixed set of ordinary and partial differential equations of the population balance model is solved by applying the moment method and developing computer programs in MATLAB environment. The marginal population density functions are approximated by means of the gamma distribution using the steady state marginal moments. Numerical experiments involve a detailed study of interactions of the cooling profile and the crystallization kinetics, as well as investigation of transients being important in control, and the oscillations arising in those. Application of the bi-dimensional population balance model allows studying crystallization processes producing either needle- or plate-like habit crystalline products.
Effect of the initial drop size distribution of monomer on the average molecular weight of polymer products
In the paper suspension polymerization is investigated. In a typical suspension polymerization system the water-insoluble monomer is dispersed in the continuous aqueous phase by combining the intensive stirring with the use of a small amount of stabilizers. The process was studied by simulation using a computer program in MatLab environment. It was assumed that droplets of the same size break-up and coalesce continuously in the turbulent flow field generated by intensive stirring of the suspension. The volumes of droplets have been changed but their numbers were kept constant. The results of simulation revealed that the dispersion of monomer and of the soluble components in the polymerization process plays rather important role. When the process is started with an initial drop size distribution of monomer significant difference in the average molecular weight is observed compared with the initially mono-sized droplets.
Copyright (c) 2011 Bárkányi Ágnes, Németh Sándor, Lakatos G. Béla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Reposing of Archeological expert system based on Csörsz ditch
Expert systems are originated from the research of the artificial intelligent, drawn conclusion from information stored in knowledgebase and datebase by mathematical logic. In this paper the base of an archeological expert system’s database is reposed a model of Csörsz Ditch. Csörsz Ditch is a buildup in the Carpathian basin, according to our present-day knowledge that was a Roman-Sarmatian fortification system, run through Hungary. Its mean width is 8 m, mean depth 2,5 m, to recently many segments have been ploughed down, but there are some lines with good condition. In this paper it is shown the take-off data, datasources to the build up of the expert system, the building of the geoinformatic system, the structure, and making of the latest expert system.
Copyright (c) 2011 Benő Dávid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The formation of a service desk based on information technology
Today’s organizations depend on information technology services, even if their main tasks are dissimilar. End-users are capable to define their IT service requirements and quality claims which results in the initiation of new services. Problems and incidents used to be solved in an ad-hoc manner and not according to any regime. Streamlined call centers analyze data of incoming calls including key performance indicators. Based on this data the human resource need of the company can be designed, while the efficiency of work exceeds past results which issues in the contentment of users. The distribution of incoming calls is diverse. The service level of a service desk can be enhanced on the grounds of the audit of efficiency indicators. In such queuing systems the average waiting time can be determined by means of the Erlang C formula. Thus the ideal and appropriate number of agents can be stipulated. Nevertheless Erlang C neglect several factors because of which its implementation can be inefficient. I am going to introduce the allocation of important key performance indicators of a call center that significantly influence the service quality, service level and users’ satisfaction.
Copyright (c) 2011 Kupai Boglárka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The methodological basis and applicability of a regional ICT index
Access networks are important part of ICT sector. Its speed essentially defines the utility of the system. In Hungary, in 2009 the average guaranteed download speed was just 1 Mbit/s, and a little more than the tenth part of subscribers had 4 Mbit/s or more data rate. Only broadband – capacity of at least 50 Mbit/s – infrastructure is suitable for the satisfaction of claims of immediate future. It is not provided by the own investments of service providers, which based on business, so in regions, which less attractive commercially, state intervention is necessary. Although EU support also available, it is not enough to the necessary developments. Therefore would be worthy to select the target of developments on the basis of usefulness aspects. My aim is to rank regions based on the ICT development of them, because it is worthy to focus time and resources, where these will be return as quickly as possible. In this case it is important to take into consideration such socio-economic factors, which really correlate with existence of broadband networks. In this article I present NRI (Networked Readiness Index) which is the basis of my index and I sketch the planned scope of economical, technological and social data which can be involved in my index and they correlate with effects of broadband networks.
Copyright (c) 2011 Botos Szilvia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
What should the analysis of a data mining software be like?
The data mining tools are widely spreaded and started to become homogeneous in their field of service. The software analyses and presentations don’t follow the changes of the demands on the market. Such aspects are analyzed, that must be amended. Companies want to choose th ebest data mining tool, that’s why there is a need for more accurate and detailed analyses. Not like the current ones that cannot be compared with each other, it can show the details of the development/improvement of the software market. If we look back in time, many analyses can be found, but typically they did not mention the useful details of other methods. I examined the analysis methods and I created new criterias, that should be added to the analyses for the companies. I determined the weights of each category, furthermore I prepared the basics of a graphical presentation method as well. The aforementioned analysis technique and presentation method can also be used for other softwares.
Copyright (c) 2011 Szommer Károly https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Measuring sentiment orientation and utility in short text messages
The main framework of this paper is the opinion mining, a special area of text mining. The holder of an opinion believes a claim about a topic, and he associates a good or a bad sentiment with his belief. This negative, positive or neutral orientation of the opinion can be detected based on the text messages of the holder. The utility of a comment can be described as the magnitude of the effect of the message on the readers’ opinion. E. g. if a message has higher utility, it has a greater chance to influence the effective demand for a product. So utility is a measure of weighting of messages in calculations. We examined the orientation and utility valuation of short text messages through two methodological approaches: Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (NN) learning algorithms. We find that the efficiency of the automatic classification of orientation and utility values differs from each other using both methodologies. So we concluded that both of these measures represent different type of connection with the content of the texts. So we examine the opportunity of improving accuracy of classification by including additional measures.
Copyright (c) 2011 Kovács Balázs, Kruzslicz Ferenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Nowadays, more and more segments of the information technology (such as the networks, the Internet, the World Wide Web) become essential in the everyday life. We get new IT- systems that are often robust and comprehensive. Companies need to use information systems to keep abreast of the times. In the past information systems have appeared stand- alone, but now they often use networking solutions for office work, document management etc. Although the reliability and availability are very important aspects of the services the efficient provision of these attributes with the smallest hardware, software and money investment is also crucial. IT systems are dimensioned in that manner that their load is light or medium in most of their life, however, they suffer heavy load in a small fraction of their operation. Since this heavy load can cause critical situations our main goal is to explore and identify the bottlenecks of systems, and to give proposals how to avoid the problems. We use a test environment where we measure the load factors of each threads or processes. Our measurements cover memory usage, CPU usage and I/O data traffic. Based on the observed data and their operation environment, tendencies are identified that help system operators to prevent systems from overloaded situations.
Copyright (c) 2011 Boros János https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A main keystone of geoinformatics is an accurate map. Geodesy, also known as geodetics is a science about measuring the well-defined points of natural shapes and artifical objects on the surface of the Earth. These measurements can also useful during orienteering technique, where we would like to determine our position or other objects’ position. I would like to introduce an orienteering helper application, where we use the mobile phone’s GPS, compass, g-sensor, camera, touch screen for measurements. Additionally, in a user-friendly way, so we do not have to know the above instruments’ exact functionalities. For example, the only thing we have to do to localize an unknown point is just take some pictures from some well-known place and mark the place on the pictures. In this article the above devices, techniques and the orienteering helper application is going to be introduced.
Copyright (c) 2011 Ureczky Bálint https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Characterization of Morphological Properties of Apricot Stones by Image Processing
The morphological characteristics of the apricot stones of different cultivars show much higher variability, as it is typical in case of other fruit species. The variety of forms is easy to observe sensorially (directly or using a reading-glass), however it’s hard to describe exactly, in a quantitative way. The widely accepted international standard (UPOV) is based on comparison with standard cultivars, the results are given in a special point system, developed for this purpose. The information, provided by this evaluation system is not suitable for identification of the cultivars, but it can be used for distinguishing two sample sets. The aim of our research work was to develop quantitative methods for description of the stones. The statistically validated quantitative parameters offer the possibility of applying them as morphological markers for identification of the cultivars or for other genetic analyses without leaning on any standard samples as references. The traditional measurement methods are able to determine only the simplest geometrical parameters of the samples (such as length, width or thickness). However, the special characteristics, connected to the different cultivars, are related to much more complex shape parameters. Computer based machine vision system and image processing was applied for quick, automatic shape feature extraction and determination of new, quantitative shape parameters to characterize stones of 6 tested cultivars.
Copyright (c) 2011 Felföldi József, Firtha Ferenc, Hermán Rita, Pedryc Andrzej https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The uncertainty of the effect of digital imaging spectral functionals of the image
Objects - these are in the agriculture mostly plants - are numbers being available to their digital images with different definitions. Some examinationsare converging to identification subjects with selection appropiate definitions, or characterization of its properties. In this text we analyze the following functionals: Spectral fractal dimension (SFD), Spectral moment of inertia (STN), Spectral convex hull Reduced Rate (RSKBM), and then compares these vector value a service function, the two-spectral-norm distance (ST2). We will inspect that how are influencing the conditions of image acquisition the values of certain functions, the results are showing what kind of distribution, and the measurement disposes what kind of error. Furthermore it will be manifested numeracy needs of some processes. I will be demonstrated (with random two examples) the extent of the measurement results can be used to separate plants. We examine the question of whether it is worth to strip the visual information to a scalar if often its numeracy needs are questionable their practical usability, rather than it is available results including complex more informations with much less counting.
Copyright (c) 2011 Hegedűs Géza, Horváth Zoltán https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Developing of method for transforming time series data and demonstration on forestry data
The method developed by us is based on correlation analysis and includes common procedures like autocorrelation or cross-correlation. In addition, the procedure allows the analysis of time series by introducing different length periods and temporal shifting. Accordingly, previously unknown relationships and delayed impacts can be discovered. The method is presented on growth, precipitation and air temperature data collected by Forest Research Institute between 1999 and 2010 in Mátra Mountain. We analyse the relationship between these parameters by three approaches: relationships of derived data with the annual (i), the monthly girth increment (ii) and with the increment of the main growing season (iii).
Copyright (c) 2011 Edelényi Márton, Pödör Zoltán, Manninger Miklós, Jereb László https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
In the information society information became new factor of production in the economy. The efficiency of farming depends on whether we can possess the suitable information in the suitable time or can’t. We can make better decision that what kind of product we should produce and when and where we have to buy the necessary materials. The agricultural producers are in a much weaker bargain position compared to the traders in addition the price of the products may change quickly within a few days. It is hard to decide that the product should be sold promptly after the harvest or later waiting for a favorable sales opportunity. It is important to select the suitable and authentic information channel, not only the information deficiency, but the excessive information dangerous, because this may cause indecisive situation. Nowadays we get information most quickly through the internet. This is true for the enterprises, who working in the agricultural sector. In my article I examine what main information sources are visited by farmers based on a questionnaire survey,. I give a brief overview based on my study the what the farmers habit are in utilizing of internet services in foreign countries.
Copyright (c) 2011 Cseh András https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Filtering Food Databases by Logaritmic Indeces on Quantity Constraints
In this article we introduce the IMEE (May I Eat with Index Mask) algorithm, which we developed in the framework of the eFilter project. The goal of this project was to build up an information system, which can filter a food list by health data. The new algorithm has to decide whether the user may or may not eat a given food. To be able to do so we have to know the users health profile on eating. This profile contains constraints. We have to filter the potentially big food database according these constraints. The first algorithm in this article is the straightforward one. To speed up this algorithm we introduce an indexing mechanism, which enables us to use bitmap indexing. Bitmap indexing pays off if we have lots of records and the indexed entity has only a few possible values. The introduced method can turn a constraint into an index by indexing only those foods which contain less or equal ingredients than a value on the logarithmic scale. Unfortunately, this was we can introduce only a less or more strict condition than the original one. We assign to the generic N < ingredient content ≤ M constraint the more strict one 2^ceiling(log2(N)) < ingredient content ≤ 2^floor(log2(M)), we call this the greatest specific mask. The IMEE algorithm works as follows: it closes up all constraints for each food ingredient, and then computes the greatest specific masks for each such constraint, and then filters those foods from the databases which fulfil all greatest contained constraints.
Copyright (c) 2011 Kusper Gábor, Márien Szabolcs https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Information technologies in quality management of meat production chains
The raw materials are obtained from various production and breeding sources. An increasing number of processing technologies are used and the huge range of products available to consumers. The food security problems can be solved with reasonable doubt by the areas of regulatory compliance (enforcement), the introduction of modern quality management systems, product traceability, and product identification. The examinations were focus on meat (poultry meat, taking into account the production chains) occurring in IT systems to support quality-management of the development, in addition to the area currently used quality management systems and regulations, monitoring systems for the food. The future technologies which will be used for identification and information tools, and domestic meat business readiness assessment were studied too.
Copyright (c) 2011 Herdon Miklós, Füzesi István https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The role of nutrition in achieving more sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture
Sustainability applies to almost all aspects of human activity, and the ever-growing aquaculture industry is no exception. Feeding aquatic animals is of paramount importance in terms of economic and environmental sustainability. This review discusses practices and promising new results for improving feed efficiency at different levels of production intensity. Special emphasis is placed on demonstrating how semi-intensive pond technology can be considered ab ovo sustainable also from a social point of view. Recent achievements in the field of alternative protein sources to replace fishmeal are also discussed, as well as the beneficial properties of special feed additives such as probiotics and phytochemicals.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hancz Csaba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Comparative analysis of environmental enrichment preferences in poultry
The study, conducted at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, involved five poultry species across 25 genotypes (N = 174). Environmental enrichment elements such as pumpkins, apples, corncobs, and hay were tested in pens designed to simulate real farm conditions. We monitored the consumption and weight change of these elements over a week, aiming to identify preferences and practical benefits for different poultry genotypes, contributing to improved animal welfare and potential economic efficiencies in production. TETRA SUPER HARCO consumed pumpkin and hay at rates over twice those of other layer hybrids (20 g/hen/day vs. 10 g/hen/day). The preference for red apples was markedly higher in TETRA-L SUPERB and TETRA-SL LL, with up to tenfold greater consumption compared to green apples (5 g/day/hen vs. 0.5 g/day/hen). Meat hybrid genotypes like TETRA-HB COLOR and ROSS 308 showed significant hay consumption (25 g/day/hen), surpassing layer hybrids. Native dual-purpose breeds preferred pumpkin (10 g/day/hen) and had lower consumption of hay, especially the Transylvanian bald-necked hens (3 g/day/hen). All hen genotypes showed reduced interest in enrichment elements over time. Ducks, particularly the Hungarian white, showed high consumption rates for pumpkin (up to 15 g/day/duck) and meadow hay (up to 51 g/day/duck), significantly more than other genotypes. Geese exhibited the highest consumption across all elements, with up to 74.8 g/day/goose of hay, reflecting their grazing nature. Turkeys consumed the most apples, averaging 28.3 g of red apples per individual, while guinea fowls showed lower consumption rates. Generally, softer elements like pumpkin were preferred, with the consumption of harder items such as corn being minimal. These results highlight differences in enrichment use based on genotype behavior and size, suggesting practical implications for enrichment strategies in avian management. Environmental enrichment enhanced the behavioral repertoire of all poultry species, benefiting their welfare. Laying hens preferred red apples over green, likely due to color attraction. Meat-type hens favored hay, reflecting their larger appetite and calmer behavior. Indigenous dual-purpose genotypes used enrichment elements more than intensively reared hybrids. Corn cob was minimally consumed, suggesting it's less effective as an enrichment material. Geese utilized enrichment the most, while Hungarian guinea fowl showed minimal interest, possibly due to their wilder nature. Turkey genotypes varied in their enrichment use, with a tendency towards hay. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse enrichment forms is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2024 Farkas Péter Tamás, Szász Sándor, Bódog Leila, Dóbé Luca, Pető Lilla, Áprily Szilvia, Sütő Zoltán https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Fumonisin mycotoxins: the effect of digestion on the different forms. Toxic effects and biological detoxification
Mycotoxin contamination can occur at almost all levels of food production, processing, storage and distribution, and causes significant economic damage in animal husbandry, animal and crop production. Ingestion of foodborne mycotoxins can cause numerous diseases and health impairments. This review presents the different forms of fumonisin that can occur in foods and feeds, as well as the possible effects of digestion on these forms. The description of the toxicity of fumonisins includes the biochemical background, the different degree of toxicity of individual fumonisin metabolites, and the caused detrimental health effects on different species. The biological detoxification of mycotoxins has an advantage over physical and chemical methods with respect to nutrient losses, therefore this review focuses on the biological processes that can lead to the elimination of fumonisins. The presented methods involve bacterial binding and degradation that can promote the detoxification of fumonisins consumed with food or feed.
Copyright (c) 2024 Varga-Szatmári Viktória, Vargáné Visi Éva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The role of edible insects in sustainable and environmentally friendly aquatic animal feeding
To ensure sustainable growth, feed-fed aquaculture needs to reduce its reliance on fishmeal and oil. Introducing of novel aquaculture feeds such as macroalgae, bacteria, yeasts, and insects can greatly reduce the need for fish in aquaculture while maintaining efficiency and omega-3 fatty acid profiles. Insects, particularly, can efficiently convert organic waste into valuable products, thus reducing waste management costs and replacing fish and soybean meal. The flexibility and efficiency of insect metabolism contribute to their potential in mass food and feed production. However, for insect farming to have a global impact, it needs to be economically viable and capable of supplying insect products in industrial quantities. Extensive research has been conducted to explore the potential of insect meal for various physiological effects in important crustacean and fish species in aquaculture. This paper aims to summarize the relevant literature on these topics and highlight the results of experiments conducted with key species.
Copyright (c) 2023 Hancz Csaba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The most common disease in growing rabbits is diarrhoea, in the development of which parasites can also play a role in addition to bacteria. Among endoparasites, Eimeria species responsible for coccidiosis are detected in most cases in the digestive system of rabbits. This review collects and discuss the scientific literature on different Eimeria species identified in rabbits, such as their life cycles and pathogeneity or their location in the different parts of the digestive system, and possible alternatives to prevention and treatment.
Copyright (c) 2023 Demeter Csongor, Német Zoltán László, Demeter-Jeremiás Anett, Gerencsér Zsolt, Mayer András, Sándor Máté, Matics Zsolt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A Brief Review of the European Directive on 3Rs and Facilitating Animal Experimentationon Ease
The value of animals to humankind extends beyond their provision of food and physical resources; they also serve a wide range of purposes, including their role in experimentation. Given that animals play a substantial part in experimentation, it becomes imperative to improve their living conditions, at the very least as a form of compensation. As a result, the driving force behind the enactment of various legislations, including the European Union Directive (2010/63/EU), is human morality. This directive primarily pertains to specific European member states and is fundamentally aimed at safeguarding the welfare of animals used in experimentation by advocating for the implementation of the 3Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen, particularly regarding how the provisions of the directive might constrain or influence the advancement of experimentation, notably within the biomedical field. This review explores the nexus between Directive 2010/63/EU and the facilitation of animal experimentation, with a specific focus on the 3Rs. Findings reveal that the judicious application of the 3Rs markedly enhances the progress of experimentation without compromising the quality of outcomes. Furthermore, recent studies propose that the 3Rs alone may not suffice, suggesting the need to introduce additional relevant Rs. Hence, the current decrees are deemed adequate for a certain period, with potential modifications in the future. In order to encourage the advancement of experimentation without jeopardizing animal welfare, it is imperative to conduct periodic, routine reviews.
Copyright (c) 2023 Omeralfaroug Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Epidemiological tools to assess the spread of Fascioloides magna
The giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) has four continuously expanding focus endemics in Europe. The parasite is considered an invasive species in our continent and could affect the local host populations or, after host switching, it can infect other potential host species. Therefore it is important to track this alien species' presence. The authors compared the gold standard test with the effectiveness of two potential screening tests, the conventional sedimentation method and an illustrated guideline-based approach, which could be applicable in the field. The gold standard test was based on the necropsy detection of adult flukes in the liver tissue of hunted animals (N=319). Besides applying the linear regression, the sensitivity and specificity were determined in both approaches. The analysis showed that the shed egg number was moderately associated with the fluke burden (R2=0.5679; p<0.0001) and the flukes' dry mass (R2=0.6016; p<0.0001). The final results of sensitivity (100%; CI95%: 97.2 – 100) and specificity (96.3%; CI95%: 92.5 – 98.5) confirmed that the illustrated guideline-based approach is a capable method for monitoring the F. magna expansion in endemic areas.
Copyright (c) 2023 Halász Tibor, Nagy Gábor, Tari Tamás, Csányi Erika, Vicze Dávid, Németh Sándor, Csivincsik Ágnes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0