Flexible exchange of farming device data

A new trend in the farming business is to replace conventional farming devices with computerized farming devices. Accordingly, numerous computer-based farming devices for logging, processing and exchanging data have recently been installed on moving farm machinery such as tractors. The exchange of data generally takes place between the devices and farming systems, mostly installed at the premises of farmers, contractors, advisory services, etc. In most cases, data exchange is based on farming data exchange standards and is bi-directional. Bi-directional data exchange allows different devices and systems to exchange data based on a predefined set of rules. In consequence, many hand-coded data exchange solutions have been developed in the farming business. Although efforts regarding incorporating data exchange standards have been made, their actual usage so far has been limited, due to the fact that hand-coded bi-directional data exchange solutions have proven themselves too complex to maintain. Maintenance need to occur as requirements change frequently and the existing data exchange techniques lack flexibility with regards to efficient requirements change management. In addition, requirements change results in managing low-level code rather than a high-level specifications. This paper presents a bi-directional data exchange solution in the farming business that is based on high-level specifications without any need for hand-coding. The proposed solution supports ISOBUS based bi-directional data exchange as well as efficient requirements change management through a graphical user interface. The paper also demonstrates the use of the proposed solution based on a farming case study and open source technologies.     

Structural characteristics of cell walls of kenaf (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hibiscus cannabinus </Emphasis>L.) and fixation of carbon dioxide

 Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) plants are widely known for their contribution to the global and regional environment because of their ability to fix CO₂. On the other hand, some scientists have doubts about CO₂ fixation by kenaf and have misgivings about the effect of kenaf on the ecosystem. We have characterized the structural characteristics of cell walls of bast fibers, cores, roots, and leaves of kenaf during the maturation of plants and investigated the rate of photosynthesis. During maturation of the kenaf plant the cellulose (bast fiber 52–59%, core 44–46%) and lignin (bast fiber 9.3–13.2%, core 18.3–23.2%) contents increased significantly. The aromatic composition of the lignin of bast fiber was significantly different from that of the core lignin and of other plants. The lignin of bast fiber appears similar to pure syringyl lignin. Fixation of CO₂ by kenaf plants and their contribution to the global environment are discussed. A significatly high rate of photosynthesis of kenaf plants was observed compared to that of woody plants in Japan, but the amount of CO₂ fixation depends on the characteristics of the plantation. If the kenaf was planted in high density, about twice as much CO₂ was fixed as was fixed by trees in a tropical rain forest. Received: April 22, 2002 / Accepted: July 24, 2002 Acknowledgments This project was supported by the Science and Technology Agency (STA) fellowship of the Japan International Science and Technology Exchange Center (JISTEC), which has been successfully applied by Dr. Shuji Hosoya, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute. We thank Dr. Toshio Sumizono and Mr. Masao Sakurai, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, for their kind help in determining the rate of photosynthesis and cultivating the kenaf plants, respectively. We also express our appreciation to Dr. Quang Hung Le, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for offering information about the cultivation of kenaf at Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City.     

Cell mediated immunity: separation of cells involved in recognitive and destructive phases

The mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) and the cell mediated lympholysis (CML) assays are used as in vitro models of the afferent, or recognitive, and efferent, or destructive, phases of the homograft reaction. Activity in both of these tests has been related to differences at the major histocompatibility complex, HL-A in man and H-2 in mouse. Recent evidence suggests that the presumed cell surface differences which lead to cell proliferation in MLC are different from those which act as a target for CML. Data are presented providing further support for this hypothesis; in addition separate cell populations may respond to the differences which activate cells in MLC and to the differences which serve as targets for CML. There thus appears to be a dichotomy both for genetic control of, and cell populations involved in, the recognitive and destructive phases of cell mediated immunity.     

Genetic and immunological complexity of major histocompatibility regions

There are genetic differences within the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse which lead to skin graft rejection but which cannot be detected serologically. When confronted with these differences on allogeneic cells, lymphocytes proliferate in vitro. In other cases, in vitro lymphocyte proliferation but no skin graft rejection is associated with loci that are linked to but genetically separable from the loci controlling the serologically defined antigens.     

One-way stimulation in mixed leukocyte cultures

We have developed an improved method for the mixed leukocyte culture test. Control values, as determined by rates of incorporation of thymidine, are very low, allowing evaluation of low levels of stimulation in homologous cell mixtures. One-way stimulation is assayed by treating the cells of one individual with mitomycin C; treated cells cannot respond (incorporate thymidine) but can still stimulate homologous untreated cells to do so.     

Bioavailability of suppository acetaminophen in healthy and hospitalized ill dogs

To determine the plasma pharmacokinetics of suppository acetaminophen (APAP) in healthy dogs and clinically ill dogs. This prospective study used six healthy client‐owned and 20 clinically ill hospitalized dogs. The healthy dogs were randomized by coin flip to receive APAP orally or as a suppository in crossover study design. Blood samples were collected up to 10 hr after APAP dosing. The hospitalized dogs were administered APAP as a suppository, and blood collected at 2 and 6 hr after dosing. Plasma samples were analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. In healthy dogs, oral APAP maximal concentration (C_MAX=2.69 μg/ml) was reached quickly (T_MAX=1.04 hr) and eliminated rapidly (T1/2 = 1.81 hr). Suppository APAP was rapidly, but variably absorbed (C_MAX=0.52 μg/ml T_MAX=0.67 hr) and eliminated (T_1/2 = 3.21 hr). The relative (to oral) fraction of the suppository dose absorbed was 30% (range <1%–67%). In hospitalized ill dogs, the suppository APAP mean plasma concentration at 2 hr and 6 hr was 1.317 μg/ml and 0.283 μg/ml. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling did not identify significant covariates affecting variability and was similar to noncompartmental results. Results supported that oral and suppository acetaminophen in healthy and clinical dogs did not reach or sustain concentrations associated with efficacy. Further studies performed on different doses are needed.     

Planned control of reproduction processes in industrialized cattle production

Reference is made to the authors' own experience and to evaluated literature in an account of possibilities which so far have been explored for planned control of reproduction processes in industrialised cattle production. Synchronisation of oestrus in heifer has been found to be suitable for reproduction control even under conditions of industrialised production. The method has been in use on several farms. Synchronisation of oestrus in cow is an approach which still is in the process of translation into practice. Obtainable advantages, like those in the context of heifer, will include better job conditions. Systematic puerperal monitoring, too, will yield positive effects in controlling post-partum readiness of cow for reproduction. Results so far achieved include progress towards the introduction of a complex reproduction technology in cattle production. Before such complete system of reproduction control can be used, further studies are required into some fundamental aspects of the problem, including calving control, pregnancy examination, and gravidity hagiene.     

Evaluation of single and double centrifugation tube methods for concentrating equine platelets

The aim of this study was to evaluate single and double centrifugation tube methods for concentrating equine platelets. Whole blood samples were collected from clinically normal horses and processed by use of single and double centrifugation tube methods to obtain four platelet concentrates (PCs): PC-A, PC-B, PC-C, and PC-D, which were analyzed using a flow cytometry hematology system for hemogram and additional platelet parameters (mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, mean platelet component concentration, mean platelet component distribution width). Concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) were determined in all the samples. Platelet concentrations for PC-A, PC-B, PC-C, and PC-D were 45%, 44%, 71%, and 21% higher, respectively, compared to the same values for citrated whole blood samples. TGF-beta(1) concentrations for PC-A, PC-B, PC-C, and PC-D were 38%, 44%, 44%, and 37% higher, respectively, compared to citrated whole blood sample values. In conclusion, the single and double centrifugation tube methods are reliable methods for concentrating equine platelets and for obtaining potentially therapeutic TGF-beta(1) levels.