Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Albertha A. M. van Opstal, Remy Casanova, Frank T. J. M. Zaal, Reinoud J. Bootsma
Summary: This study examines the factors influencing steering behavior in a locomotor interception task. The analysis shows that steering behavior cannot solely rely on changes in the agent-centered target-heading angle, but requires a combination of first-order and second-order changes in bearing angle. This finding highlights the importance of breaking away from preconceived functional strategies or control laws.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksander Lisowski, Adam Swietochowski, Magdalena Dabrowska, Jacek Klonowski, Tomasz Nowakowski, Jaroslaw Chlebowski, Samuel Ferre, Martin Roberge
Summary: The kinetics and dynamics of stiff and flexible tines with the duckfoot and the coulter were studied after impact with stones embedded in compacted soil. The results showed that the flexible tines had higher reactivity and lower dynamic loads compared to the stiff tines. The position of the duckfoot beak impact with the stone played a significant role in suppressing the response of both tines. The specific accelerations decreased significantly with the working speed for the stiff tines, while the specific forces slightly increased. Among the two systems of setting the coulter, the impact of the cutting edge with the stone halfway was less favorable.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
En-Cheng Yang, Yu-Wen Chen, Jie-Ying Wu, Rongshun Chen, Cheng-Yao Lo
Summary: This study evaluated several electrode designs in a capacitive tactile sensor to optimize sensitivity in shear force detection. Results showed that fewer legs in a polygon electrode resulted in higher sensitivity in shear force application. All designs exhibited compatibility in detection capability on shear angle with similar resolution and accuracy.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biology
Geoffrey T. Burns, Ronald F. Zernicke
Summary: A new method is introduced to accurately estimate a runner's stance velocity, impact angle, and leg stiffness in running analyses, particularly for spring-mass systems. The method showed high accuracy for simulated data across typical running speeds and improved the estimation of key variables compared to traditional methods. The new method provides a more accurate modeling of runner's spring-mass characteristics, demonstrating potential for enhancing traditional kinetic analyses in running.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yeun Sub Byun, Rag Gyo Jeong
Summary: The study proposes a time-division position correction method to achieve stable and continuous vehicle position information. Compared to traditional methods, this approach does not result in discontinuity of the position information and instability in vehicle control.
Article
Sport Sciences
Lucas Veras, Florencio Diniz-Sousa, Giorjines Boppre, Ana Resende-Coelho, Edgar Moutinho-Ribeiro, Vitor Devezas, Hugo Santos-Sousa, John Preto, Joao Paulo Vilas-Boas, Leandro Machado, Jose Oliveira, Helder Fonseca
Summary: This study developed accelerometry-based equations to predict pGRF and pLR during walking and running, and compared the predicted values with actual values, demonstrating high accuracy of these equations.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Pedro Pereira, Jorge Cortes, Dimos Dimarogonas
Summary: This study introduces a dynamic controller for position tracking of a point-mass load attached to an omnidirectional aerial vehicle using a cable. The designed controller ensures simultaneously tracking of a desired trajectory and maintaining tautness of the cable.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Armando Ramos-Sebastian, Seungchan Hwang, Sung Hoon Kim
Summary: This study presents a single-coil magneto-electromagnetic system that can achieve precise 3D locomotion control of magnetic millirobots with only vertical position feedback. By varying the coil current to control the vertical position and using a 2D magnetic trapping point in the horizontal plane, 2D control without feedback and 3D automatic control with 1-axis feedback of magnetic millirobots are demonstrated. The experiment shows higher speeds and similar position errors compared to control systems with 3D position feedback. Selective control of two millirobots is also achieved by matching the region of maximum vertical magnetic force.
Article
Mechanics
Cengizhan Durucan, Humeyra Sahin, Ayse Rusen Durucan
Summary: This study aims to develop a new seismic intensity measure based on the shape of the response spectrum and the spectral acceleration at the fundamental elastic period of the structure, specifically for short period reinforced concrete structures subjected to near-fault pulse-like ground motion records. The proposed measure shows improved performance compared to other evaluated measures.
MECHANICS BASED DESIGN OF STRUCTURES AND MACHINES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiangwei Zhang, Yan Shen, Tao Lu, Ying Yuan, Chengda Zhang
Summary: This study used the finite element method to simulate the influence of effective peak acceleration (EPA) on the seismic response of soil slopes. Four different definitions of EPA commonly used in domestic and foreign codes were discussed and compared with the influence of peak acceleration (PGA). The results showed that the deformation and maximum principal stress of soil slopes were positively correlated with EPA and PGA, with different correlation degrees depending on the definitions used. EPA1 by the first definition had the highest correlation with the soil slope seismic response, followed by PGA. EPA2, EPA3, and EPA4 had lower correlation coefficients. EPA1 and PGA were found to better describe the response degree of soil slopes in earthquakes. These findings provide a basis for selecting seismic parameters in the evaluation of soil slope seismic stability.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joanna Pogue, Chris Zink, Nina R. R. Kieves
Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of jump height on the landing forces of dogs. The results showed that there was no significant difference in landing force between the two jump heights of 20 inches and 16 inches for dogs.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Himanshu Mittal, Benjamin M. Yang, Yih-Min Wu
Summary: Building a seismic network for earthquake early warning (EEW) using low-cost sensors and generating shakemaps is a cost-effective method in seismology. The operational National Taiwan University (NTU) network with P-Alert low-cost sensors has shown its importance in various earthquakes in Taiwan.
GEOSCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Sport Sciences
Vasanth Sundaram, Viswanath Sundar, Alan J. Pearce
Summary: This study quantitatively investigated the biomechanical characteristics of concussive and sub-concussive impacts in youth sports. A total of 26 studies were included in the analysis. The results showed significant differences in peak linear and rotational acceleration between concussive and sub-concussive impacts, with higher values observed in concussive impacts. The study also revealed differences between male and female athletes in sub-concussive impacts. Standardized measures should be considered in future research to reduce heterogeneity in data.
JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Zhi-Xiong Jiang, Ji-Hun Park, Dan-Ping Xu, Sang-Moon Hwang
Summary: This paper proposes a new design for linear haptic motors, considering a new magnetic circuit, cogging-force optimization, and spring shape. The force distribution on the haptic motor is calculated using the Maxwell stress tensor, and the cogging force is treated as a linear negative stiffness to reduce the mechanical system's spring stiffness. Several new designs, including the optimization of center and side core widths, have been proposed. The final design achieves good acceleration performance on a dummy jig that exceeds 1.0 G, and the experimental and analysis results are consistent.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Biology
Zhichuan Tang, Hongnian Yu, Hongchun Yang, Lekai Zhang, Lufang Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on the issue of joint angle estimation performance in upper-limb exoskeleton control, proposing two effective methods to minimize the effect of limb velocity and acceleration. The results show that using multisensor fusion (sEMG sensors and gyroscope) achieves better estimation performance, helpful in real-time joint angle estimation for upper-limb exoskeleton control.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Lorenz Gygax, Yvonne R. A. Zeeland, Christina Rufener
Summary: Recent automated systems allow for collection of continuous data on individual animals, tracking transitions between different behavioral states, while classic Markov-chain methods have limitations in this regard.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Camille Marie Montalcini, Bernhard Voelkl, Yamenah Gomez, Michael Gantner, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: The research team presents a tracking system that can monitor bird movement in commercial aviaries and classify them into predefined zones. The processed data accurately records the number of transitions and the presence/absence of birds in each zone. However, data processing remains necessary for obtaining reliable data. Future work involves improving the system's performance with automatic calibration and envisioning finer movements.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yamenah Gomez, John Berezowski, Yandy Abreu Jorge, Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Sabine Voegeli, Ariane Stratmann, Michael Jeffrey Toscano, Bernhard Voelkl
Summary: This study explores the relationship between social associations and individual activity patterns in domestic hens. The research found that hens exhibit individual differences in their daily movement patterns while maintaining stable social relationships. Social associations are correlated with movement patterns and this correlation strengthens over time, indicating that animals align their activity patterns with those of their social affiliates.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Laura Candelotto, Klara J. Grethen, Camille M. Montalcini, Michael J. Toscano, Yamenah Gomez
Summary: The study aims to validate a sensor-based tracking system for broiler breeders and laying hens, with a focus on data reliability and cleaning methods. The results show that the cleaning methods are suitable for the aviary and raised housing systems, but not for the floor system. Cleaning the data improves the performance of total transitions and ensures high reliability of locations.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos Manuel Herrera-Castillo, Madeleine Geiger, Daniel Nunez-Leon, Hiroshi Nagashima, Sabine Gebhardt-Henrich, Michael Toscano, Marcelo R. Sanchez-Villagra
Summary: This study investigated the effects of domestication and breed formation on limb proportions and sternum characteristics in chicken, mallard ducks, and Muscovy ducks. The results showed that domestication had no significant impact on limb proportions in chicken and Muscovy duck, but did in mallard ducks. Flight capacity loss in mallard ducks may be related to the difference in limb proportions. The study also revealed breed-dependent differences in chicken traits. Despite some similar morphological changes identified, the study highlights the lack of universal patterns in domestication and breed formation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Sabine Mueller, Lisa Zanini, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: Recent outbreaks of toe pecking (TP) have been observed in laying hen flocks in Swiss farms, resulting in increased mortality. However, there is limited scientific research on TP compared to feather pecking. This study aimed to investigate the association between TP and housing and management factors through an online survey of Swiss egg producers. The survey revealed that TP mainly affected white flocks, and several factors related to management and housing were associated with TP, including metal slats, direct sunlight, high frequency light sources, and previous problems with E.coli. Dimming the lights was found to be the most effective intervention to reduce TP. Overall, TP appeared to be multifactorial and predominantly affected white hybrids.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alex Johny, Dominik Guggisberg, Michael Jeffery Toscano, Ariane Stratmann
Summary: Providing laying hen chicks with ramps during the rearing phase increases their use of elevated surfaces. Artificial cues that utilize the behavioral predispositions of chicks can enhance ramp use and benefit the birds' spatial cognition and skeletal strength.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
C. Gerpe, M. J. Toscano
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two interventions on reducing fractures and stress-related responses during the depopulation process. The cart treatment involved immediately crating hens to minimize handling time and stress, while the blue light treatment aimed to improve visibility and handling. However, neither treatment effectively reduced fractures or stress-related responses compared to the control, possibly due to unfamiliarity, unsuitable light conditions, and small sample size. Despite this, the treatments may still improve working conditions without negative effects on hen welfare, and further research should focus on combining the interventions and increasing familiarity with the cart system.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POULTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ana K. Rentsch, Jennifer L. Ellis, Tina M. Widowski
Summary: High fearfulness in commercial laying hens can negatively affect production parameters and animal welfare. Differences in fearfulness between brown and white egg layers have been inconsistent. This study conducted a meta-analysis and found systematic differences in measures of fearfulness between the two groups, influenced by factors such as color, decade, and testing methodology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana K. Rentsch, Erin Ross, Alexandra Harlander, Lee Niel, Janice M. Siegford, Tina M. Widowski
Summary: This study investigated the impact of early environmental complexity on spatial skills in two genetic strains of laying hens. White feathered birds outperformed brown birds in all tests, and white birds raised in high complexity aviaries performed better than those raised in lower complexity environments. Overall, early environmental complexity had a significant effect on the spatial skills of laying hen pullets.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camille M. Montalcini, Michael J. Toscano, Sabine G. Gebhardt-Henrich, Matthew B. Petelle
Summary: Measuring intra- and inter-individual variation in movement provides important insights into animal welfare and ecology. This study quantified the range of differences in movements among commercial laying hens and their association with welfare indicators. Results showed consistent inter-individual differences in movement averages, as well as individual variation in predictability and temporal plasticity. Hens that were more predictable in their daily movements had more severe keel bone fractures, highlighting the importance of inter-individual difference in intra-individual variation for poultry welfare.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camille M. M. Montalcini, Matthew B. B. Petelle, Michael J. J. Toscano
Summary: Past research has shown that animal personalities are important for farm animals' productivity and welfare. However, current assessments of personality traits are often short-term and may not fully capture important behaviors in commercial settings throughout the production period. This study aimed to evaluate consistent behavioral differences in commercial laying hens over an eight-month period. The study found that certain behaviors were repeatable and explained a significant amount of variation between individuals. These long-term consistencies suggest that these behaviors could be used as personality traits in commercial hens and could potentially inform breeding efforts for more resilient farm animals.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ana K. Rentsch, Alexandra Harlander, Lee Niel, Janice M. Siegford, Tina M. Widowski
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether the performance of laying hen chicks/pullets in a two-dimensional spatial learning task was affected by the degree of spatial complexity experienced during the first few weeks of life. The results showed that increased spatial complexity during early life improved the performance of chicks/pullets in the task. Additionally, there were differences in task performance between genetic strains, and an interaction between genetic strain and rearing environment.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Klara J. Grethen, Yamenah Gomez, Michael J. Toscano
Summary: Chicken dominance hierarchies are established before maturation and maintained by consistent submissive responses of subordinate individuals. Our observations of 418 laying hens revealed unexpected rank uncertainty and instability. Furthermore, winning success during the young period did not predict high rank during the mature period, indicating rank changes between observation periods.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ana K. Rentsch, Alexandra Harlander, Janice M. Siegford, Isabela Vitienes, Bettina M. Willie, Tina M. Widowski
Summary: To prepare laying hens for cage-free aviaries, they need to be raised in aviaries that introduce them to the challenges of navigating a complex structure. The study found that the design of the aviary can affect the behavior of the chicks during the brooding phase, but once the brooding compartments were opened, housing differences mainly affect white pullets. The research suggests that the genetic strain of the birds should be considered in the design of pullet housing to maximize space use and musculoskeletal development.
FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)