Observation of Josephson harmonics in tunnel junctions.

Approaches to developing large-scale superconducting quantum processors must cope with the numerous microscopic degrees of freedom that are ubiquitous in solid-state devices. State-of-the-art superconducting qubits employ aluminium oxide (AlOx) tunnel Josephson junctions as the sources of nonlinearity necessary to perform quantum operations. Analyses of these junctions typically assume an idealized, purely sinusoidal current-phase relation. However, this relation is expected to hold only in the limit of vanishingly low-transparency channels in the AlOx barrier. Here we show that the standard current-phase relation fails to accurately describe the energy spectra of transmon artificial atoms across various samples and laboratories. Instead, a mesoscopic model of tunnelling through an inhomogeneous AlOx barrier predicts percent-level contributions from higher Josephson harmonics. By including these in the transmon Hamiltonian, we obtain orders of magnitude better agreement between the computed and measured energy spectra. The presence and impact of Josephson harmonics has important implications for developing AlOx-based quantum technologies including quantum computers and parametric amplifiers. As an example, we show that engineered Josephson harmonics can reduce the charge dispersion and associated errors in transmon qubits by an order of magnitude while preserving their anharmonicity.

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Hemp Seeds Alone or with Dried Fruit Pomace on Laying Hens' Performance and on Lipid Composition and Oxidation Status of Egg Yolks.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of introducing hemp seeds, as a source of PUFAs, into a standard diet with or without dried fruit pomace (dried blackcurrant (DB) or dried rosehip (DR)), as a source of natural antioxidants, on the laying performance of hens and the FA profile, cholesterol level, antioxidant content, and lipid oxidative status in the yolks of fresh eggs or eggs stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The experiment used 128 Tetra SL hens at 35 weeks of age, which were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: a standard corn-wheat-soybean meal diet (C), standard diet containing 8% ground hemp seed (H), hemp seed diet containing 3% dried blackcurrant pomace (HB), and hemp seed diet containing 3% dried rosehip pomace (HR). The laying rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight, and yolk weight were improved by the use of hemp seeds. The yolks of the H, HB, and HR eggs had a lower cholesterol (p ˂ 0.01) and SFA content, while the concentration of total and individual PUFAs (n-6 and n-3 FAs) was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.01) compared to C. In addition, the introduction of hemp seeds into the diets alone or with dried fruit pomace (DB or DR) led to increased (p ˂ 0.001) content of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and hypo-/hypercholesterolemic FA ratio and decreased arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) content, n-6/n-3 ratio, and thrombogenicity index (TI) compared to the control eggs. The introduction of dried fruit pomace (DB or DR) into the diets had no effect on the laying performance of the hens or the cholesterol content and FA profile of the egg yolks, compared to the diet supplemented only with hemp seeds. The dried fruit pomace improved the color, accumulation of antioxidants, and oxidative stability of fats in the yolks of the fresh eggs and eggs stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The DR was found to have the most desirable effects, producing the most intense color of egg yolks, the highest content of natural antioxidants, and the best oxidative stability of yolk lipids.

Viscous dissipation effects on hybrid nanofluid flow over a non-linearly shrinking sheet with power-law velocity.

This research intends to investigate the effect of the nonlinearity of the surface velocity on the hybrid nanofluid flow behavior. Here, the total composition of Al2O3 (alumina) as well as Cu (copper) volume fractions, are implemented in a one-to-one ratio and then dispersed in water. The similarity equations are gained employing a similarity transformation, which is programmed in MATLAB software. The dual solutions are attainable for certain ranges with respect to the mass flux parameter S and the power-law index n. Also, the turning point occurs in the region of S<0 and n>1. Besides, the rise of n led to reduce the skin friction as well as the heat transfer coefficients with 39.44 % and 11.71 % reduction, respectively. Moreover, 14.39 % reduction of the heat transfer rate is observed in the presence of viscous dissipation (Eckert number). It is found that only the first solution is stable as time progresses. Generally, this study gives scientists and engineers a starting point for predicting how to control the parameters to achieve the best results for relevant practical applications.

Stability analysis for heat transfer flow in micropolar hybrid nanofluids.

Objective: hybrid nanofluids have superior thermal efficiency and physical durability in contrast to regular nanofluids. The stagnation point flow of MHD micropolar hybrid nanofluids over a deformable sheet with viscous dissipation is investigated. Methodology: the controlling partial differential equations are converted to nonlinear ordinary differential equations using the transmuted similarity, and are subsequently solved using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB. The hybrid nanofluids consist of aluminum and copper nanoparticles, dispersed in a base fluid of water. Results: multiple solutions are obtained in the given problem for the case of shrinking as well as for the stretching sheet due to the variation in several influential parameters. Non-unique solutions, generally, exist for the case of shrinking sheets. In addition, the first branch solution is physically stable and acceptable according to the stability analysis. The friction factor is higher for the branch of the first solution and lower in the second branch due to the higher magnetic parameters, while the opposite behavior is seen in the case of the local heat transfer rate. Originality: the novelty of this model is that it finds multiple solutions in the presence of Cu and Al2O3 nanoparticles and also performs the stability analysis. In general, non-unique solutions exist for the phenomenon of shrinking sheets.

Heat transfer analysis of buoyancy opposing radiated flow of alumina nanoparticles scattered in water-based fluid past a vertical cylinder.

Cooling and heating are two critical processes in the transportation and manufacturing industries. Fluid solutions containing metal nanoparticles have higher thermal conductivity than conventional fluids, allowing for more effective cooling. Thus, the current paper is a comparative exploration of the time-independent buoyancy opposing and heat transfer flow of alumina nanoparticles scattered in water as a regular fluid induced via a vertical cylinder with mutual effect of stagnation-point and radiation. Based on some reasonable assumptions, the model of nonlinear equations is developed and then tackled numerically employing the built-in bvp4c MATLAB solver. The impacts of assorted control parameters on gradients are investigated. The outcomes divulge that the aspect of friction factor and heat transport upsurge by incorporating alumina nanoparticles. The involvement of the radiation parameter shows an increasing tendency in the heat transfer rate, resulting in an enhancement in thermal flow efficacy. In addition, the temperature distribution uplifts due to radiation and curvature parameters. It is discerned that the branch of dual outcomes exists in the opposing flow case. Moreover, for higher values of the nanoparticle volume fraction, the reduced shear stress and the reduced heat transfer rate increased respectively by almost 1.30% and 0.0031% for the solution of the first branch, while nearly 1.24%, and 3.13% for the lower branch solution.

Heat transfer characteristics of magnetized hybrid ferrofluid flow over a permeable moving surface with viscous dissipation effect.

Hybrid ferrofluid is a unique heat transfer fluid because it can be magnetically controlled and ideal in various applications. Further exploration to unleash its potential through studying heat transfer and boundary layer flow is crucial, especially in solving the thermal efficiency problem. Hence, this research focuses on the numerical examination of flow behaviour and heat transfer attributes of magnetized hybrid ferrofluid Fe3O4-CoFe2O4/water across a permeable moving surface considering the mutual effects of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), viscous dissipation, and suction/injection. The problem was represented by the Tiwari and Das model with duo magnetic nanoparticle hybridization; magnetite Fe3O4 and cobalt ferrite CoFe2O4 immersed in water. The governing equations were transformed into ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity variables and solved with bvp4c MATLAB. A dual solution is obtained, and via stability analysis, the first solution is stable and physically reliable. The significant influence of governing effects on the temperature and velocity profiles, the local skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are analyzed and visually shown. The surge-up value of suction and CoFe2O4 ferroparticle volume concentration enhances the local skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate. Additionally, the magnetic parameter and Eckert number reduced the heat transfer. Using a 1% volume fraction of Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4; the hybrid ferrofluid's convective heat transfer rate was shown to be superior to mono-ferrofluid and water by enhancing 2.75% and 6.91%, respectively. This present study also suggests implying a greater volume concentration of CoFe2O4 and lessening the magnetic intensity to maintain the laminar flow phase.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) on the Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Subject to a Vertical and Permeable Wedge.

The mixed convection flow with thermal characteristics of a water-based Cu-Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid towards a vertical and permeable wedge was numerically and statistically analyzed in this study. The governing model was constructed using physical and theoretical assumptions, which were then reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity transformation. The steady flow solutions were computed using the Matlab software bvp4c. All possible solutions were presented in the graphs of skin friction coefficient and thermal rate. The numerical results show that the flow and thermal progresses are developed by enhancing the controlling parameters (wedge parameter, volumetric concentration of nanoparticles, and suction parameter). Moreover, the response surface methodology (RSM) with analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for the statistical evaluation and conducted using the fit general linear model in the Minitab software. From the standpoint of statistical analysis, the wedge parameter and volumetric nanoparticle concentration have a considerable impact on all responses; however, the suction parameter effect is only substantial for a single response.

Time-Dependent Flow of Water-Based CoFe2O4-Mn-ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles over a Shrinking Sheet with Mass Transfer Effect in Porous Media.

The use of hybrid nanoparticles to increase heat transfer is a favorable area of research, and therefore, numerous scientists, researchers, and scholars have expressed their appreciation for and interest in this field. Determining the dynamic role of nanofluids in the cooling of microscopic electronic gadgets, such as microchips and related devices, is also one of the fundamental tasks. With such interesting and useful applications of hybrid nanofluids in mind, the main objective is to deal with the analysis of the unsteady flow towards a shrinking sheet in a water-based hybrid ferrite nanoparticle in porous media, with heat sink/source effects. Moreover, the impact of these parameters on heat and mass transfers is also reported. Numerical results are obtained using MATLAB software. Non-unique solutions are determined for a certain shrinking strength, in addition to the unsteadiness parameter. The mass transfer and friction factor increase for the first solution due to the hybrid nanoparticles, but the heat transfer rate shows the opposite effect.

Thermal Progress of Unsteady Separated Stagnation Point Flow with Magnetic Field and Heat Generation in Hybrid Ferrofluid.

This paper examines the unsteady separated stagnation point (USSP) flow and thermal progress of Fe3O4-CoFe2O4/H2O on a moving plate subject to the heat generation and MHD effects. The model of the flow includes the boundary layer and energy equations. These equations are then simplified with the aid of similarity variables. The numerical results are generated by the bvp4c function and then presented in graphs and tables. The magnetic and acceleration (strength of the stagnation point flow) parameters are the contributing factors in the augmentation of the skin friction and heat transfer coefficients. However, the enhancement of heat generation parameter up to 10% shows a reduction trend in the thermal rate distribution of Fe3O4-CoFe2O4/H2O. This finding reveals the effectiveness of heat absorption as compared to the heat generation in the thermal flow process. From the stability analysis, the first solution is the physical solution. The streamline for the first solution acts as a normal stagnation point flow, whereas the second solution splits into two regions, proving the occurrence of reverse flow.

Valorization of cricket, Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758), flour as a source of dietary protein in Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica (Temminck and Schlegel, 1849), farming.

Objective: Quail production is ranked as an important alternative animal protein source in Cameroon. One of the main constraints of this production is the quality of feed, which lacks protein that is regularly supplied by fish meal. To avoid disagreements due to the constant shortage of fish meal, alternative protein sources are needed, and among them are crickets (Acheta domesticus). The goal of this study was to find out how well Japanese quails could be raised if fish meal was replaced with cricket meal. Materials and Methods: A total of 192, 4-week-old quails were divided into 12 similar sets of 8 females and 8 males. The Four experimental diets (T00, T15, T30, and T45) were all formulated based on the level (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%, respectively) of fish meal substitution with cricket meal in the basal diet (crude protein: 20.18% and ME: 3,013.78 kcal/kg) and randomly assigned to three sets in a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments each repeated three times. Growth, carcass, and some reproduction parameters were collected. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Duncan test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Cricket meal diets increased body weight in males (204.32 ± 5.69 gm for T45) and regardless of the sex (226.72 ± 29.45 gm for T30) compared to 184.17 ± 3.11 gm and 214.55 ± 32.77 gm for the control group, respectively. In females, substitution at 30% increased body weight (253.80 ± 6.48 gm), while 45% induced a reduction (216.67 ± 6.49 gm) when compared to the control group value (244.92 ± 6.07 gm). Carcass yield and the proportion of different parts were not significantly affected by the experimental diets. Liver proportions were significantly higher at 15% and 35% cricket meal incorporation compared to 45%. First songs and egg laying were recorded at 7 weeks with T15, which also led to improved egg laying performance compared to the other treatments. Ovaries were poorly developed in the T45 females compared to the other treatments. Conclusions: Cricket flour might be a good candidate as a locally available protein source to substitute fish meal in the Japanese quail's diet at the finisher and reproductive stages, and the level of 30% seems to be more efficient.

Stability Analysis of Unsteady Hybrid Nanofluid Flow over the Falkner-Skan Wedge.

Numerous manufacturing processes, including the drawing of plastic films, have a major impact on mass transport. These functionalities necessitate the solution of the Falkner-Skan equation and some of its configurations when applied to various geometries and boundary conditions. Hence, the current paper discusses the impact of unsteady hybrid nanofluid flow on a moving Falkner-Skan wedge with a convective boundary condition. This problem is modeled by partial differential equations, which are then converted into ordinary (similar) differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations. The bvp4c technique in MATLAB solves these ordinary differential equations numerically. Since more than one solution is possible in this paper, stability analysis is conducted. Thus, it is found that only one stable solution is identified as reliable (physically realizable in practice). The skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate, along with the velocity and temperature profile distributions, are examined to determine the values of several parameters. The findings reveal that dual-type nanoparticles and wedge angle parameters improve thermal efficiency. A lower value of the unsteadiness parameter reduces the efficiency of hybrid nanofluids in terms of heat transfer and skin friction coefficient, whereas increasing the Biot number of the working fluid does not affect the critical point in the current analysis.

Lateral sinus thrombosis in a young patient with sudden neurosensorial hearing loss and genetic thrombophilia: A case report.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) with a sudden onset is frequently encountered as a medical emergency in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) practice. The exact pathophysiology of the disease remains unknown, with the most likely etiologies being viral infection, inflammation, drug toxicity, trauma, or autoimmune response. Even though thrombophilia and cerebrovascular complications may lead, among others, to sudden neurosensorial hearing loss, its diagnosis is most often made following the onset of thrombotic complications. A case of a young female patient with unknown congenital hypercoagulation status complicated with lateral sinus thrombosis and unilateral drug-induced reversible hearing loss is presented. Molecular testing confirmed the diagnosis of genetic thrombophilia, due to the homozygous V Leiden, homozygous MTHFR A1298C, and heterozygous MTHFR C677T mutations. Although hereditary thrombophilia is a well-known topic in medical practice, current guidelines require continuous improvement, especially among patients treated in departments where this pathology is more difficult to recognize and manage.

The Impact of Thermal Radiation on Maxwell Hybrid Nanofluids in the Stagnation Region.

Previous research has recognised the study of stagnation point flow by focusing Maxwell nanofluid on a stretching sheet surface. Motivated by this research idea, our main objective is to formulate and analyse a new mathematical model of stagnation point flow in Maxwell fluid that highlights the dual types of fluid known as hybrid nanofluids. The effects of thermal radiation and heat transfer are also considered. The partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) via similarity variables that generate similarity solutions. Following that, the bvp4c approach is employed to discover the approximate solutions of the reduced ODEs. The significance of various parameters is graphically presented and considers the physical quantities of interest. A remarkable observation found in this study is the enhancement of the heat transfer rate in Maxwell hybrid nanofluids, which is steadily amplified in contrast to traditional fluids. Indeed, the Maxwell parameter in hybrid nanofluids embarks on a substantial increment of the heat transfer rate. The current study succeeds in establishing more than one solution along the stretching/shrinking sheet. Thus, the stability analysis is conducted to confirm the sustainability of the solutions.

Influence of vitamin D receptor polymorphism rs2228570 on pathological scarring.

The physiological process of scarring is a common denominator of interest in a plethora of medical specialties. The molecular basis whereby this process results in pathological scarring for some individuals is poorly understood at present, with clues pointing towards individual predisposition for pathological scarring. Vitamin D and its subsequent pathway plays a key role in skin metabolism and homeostasis, with alterations in the level of vitamin D receptor (VDR) seen within pathological scars. The present study investigated the role of the rs2228570 polymorphism of VDR with regards to scar formation and evolution in a group of 71 female patients recovering from Caesarian section. Blood samples were taken at the time of surgery, and the follow-up was collected remotely at 3 and 6 months after surgery. The rs2228570 polymorphism was investigated using an RFLP-PCR protocol. The results demonstrated that the CC genotype, in combination with the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and SCAR scores are associated with pathological scarring, with more studies being necessary to draw a firm conclusion.

The Effect of Sustainable Feeding Systems, Combining Total Mixed Rations and Pasture, on Milk Fatty Acid Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Jersey Dairy Cows.

This study was carried out to assess the effect of using pasture combined with total mixed ration (TMR) on milk production and composition, fatty acid (FA) profiles, fat-soluble antioxidant content, and total milk antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, the effect of milk pasteurization and storage at 2 °C for 4 days, lipophilic antioxidants and TAC were assessed. Two homogeneous groups of Jersey cows (n = 8) were constituted, which were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: TMR (without access to pasture), or partial mixed diet (pTMR: grazing 8 h/day + TMR indoors). To establish FA profiles and lipophilic antioxidants' changes in milk during the grazing period, in case of the pTMR group the experimental period was spilt in three grazing periods: P1 (May), P2 (June), and P3 (June/July). Milk yielded from cows having limited access on pasture (pTMR diet) showed an improved FA profile, with higher concentrations of FAs considered benefic for human health (vaccenic acid (VA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), omega-3 FA (n-3 FA)) (p < 0.01) and a lower concentration of FAs with hypercholesterolemiant potential (C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0) (p < 0.05), compared to that of the TMR diet. This change in FA profile was correlated with improved sanogenous lipid indices of milk fat (n-6/n-3 FA atherogenic index and thrombogenic index). Milk yielded during the P1 grazing period had higher concentrations of VA, CLA, and n-3 FA (p < 0.05) and lower concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 (p < 0.01); it exhibited the best values for the main sanogenous fat lipid indices of fat. Moreover, pTMR milk showed a higher α-tocopherol, retinol, and ß-carotene content (p < 0.05), positively correlated with TAC values in milk (P1 ˃ P2 ˃ P3). By comparison, cows fed using the TMR diet yielded a higher quantity of milk (p < 0.05), but a lower fat and protein content (p < 0.01), and also a higher saturated FAs and n-6 FA content (p < 0.05) together with a lower concentration of lipophilic antioxidants in milk. Thermal treatment showed no effect on α-tocopherol and retinol content in milk, but their concentrations decreased during the storage, at the same time a TAC decrease. The results of this study prove the positive effect of using pasture combined with TMR on FA profiles, milk antioxidant content, and antioxidant capacity, with beneficial effects on nutrition and health in humans.

Role of hTERT rs2736100 in pathological scarring.

Hypertrophic and atrophic scars are the effect of a dysregulated wound-healing process in genetically predisposed individuals. The genetic predisposition has acquired significant attention due to the diverse phenotype of pathological scarring in individuals with a positive personal and family history. Recent studies have identified telomere shortening and decreased hTERT activity in pathological scarring, proposing the rs2736100 variant of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene as a valuable variant gene candidate. We examined the scarring process in 71 female patients who had undergone Caesarean section and developed hypertrophic and atrophic scars with the objective to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2736100 in pathological scarring. Genotyping was performed using RT-PCR and follow-up included the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and SCAR scales. Comparative analysis for mean POSAS value between the check-ups at 3 and 6 months revealed a statistical decreased difference of 1.71 points [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.4-2.89; P=0.01], while SCAR highlighted a decreased difference of 0.670 (95% CI, -0.04-1.38; P=0.055). The C variant allele revealed a borderline statistical value for the risk of developing pathological scarring (OR=1.44; 95% CI, 0.876-1.332: P=0.066). In our study a pre-conceptional body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 was statistically associated with pathological scarring. The Fitzpatrick type 4 phototype displayed an increased frequency for the heterozygous genotype in the current study, and it was demonstrated that dark skin tone was associated with abnormal scar formation. Our study investigated the role of hTERT gene variant rs2736100 in hypertrophic and atrophic scarring in a Caucasian population group. We report a borderline statistically significant value for the variant C allele of hTERT SNP for the risk of developing pathological scarring in female patients that had undergone Caesarean section.

Prenatal screening for Down syndrome: popularity, perceptions and factors associated with acceptance or refusal of testing.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal screening tests for aneuploidies have become increasingly used in maternal and fetal medicine. Given that all pregnancies associate a potential risk of Down syndrome, adequate knowledge of the tests, and their characteristics as well as facilitating decision-making autonomy are fundamental rights that must be respected. OBJECTIVES: Identification of the popularity of the tests, their perception and the factors associated with the acceptance or refusal to perform them. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the South-East region of Romania, between April and September 2016. The data were collected from 275 postpartum women. The instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire and the data obtained were processed using the IBM SPSS 20.0 statistical software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The normality of the distribution was analyzed with Chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Factorial Analysis was carried out for the Principal Components of the scales for the reasons for performing and not performing. RESULTS: The 2nd Trimester Morphology had the popularity as well as the highest rate of accomplishment (98.2% respectively 67.6%) among the investigated women. It is also the preferred recommendation of the specialists (81.1%). The least popular test was the TPNI, only 13.1% of the participants heard about it, as it was recommended in only 2% of the situations. Most of the participants perceived the screening tests as essential and useful, but 43.3% considered that they become mandatory if the doctor recommends them. The acceptance of the child with DS and the misperception of the risk were the main factors associated with the refusal of the test and the compliance with the recommendation of the specialist (system confidence), and social influence (non-acceptance of the Down syndrome by the society) were the main factors associated with the acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: The number of women who made the decision to accept the test was greater than the ones who refused. The amendment is that acceptance was based on the custom of socio-economic-medical compliance and responsibility. For many women, the motivation of acceptance meant alignment with the normality directed by the society and the system. Even the popularity of the tests carries the imprint of the beliefs and values of the system and the specialists involved. For an adequate perception and an autonomous and informed choice of women, the screening program must include adequate information and communication services by involving specialists responsible for multidisciplinary competencies. The percentage of completion and the type of test performed almost perfectly align with the recommendations received.

The Effects of Feeding Milled Rapeseed Seeds with Different Forage:Concentrate Ratios in Jersey Dairy Cows on Milk Production, Milk Fatty Acid Composition, and Milk Antioxidant Capacity.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of milled rapeseed (MR) supplementation of low- or high-concentrate diets on milk production and composition, fatty acids (FAs) profile, and antioxidant capacity. Sixteen Jersey dairy cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, for four periods of 4 weeks, and assigned to four treatments as a 2 × 2 factorial design. Dietary treatments consisted of iso-nitrogenated total mixed rations with high (65:35; LC-low concentrate) or low (50:50; HC-high concentrate) forage:concentrate (FC) ratios, supplemented with MR to provide 30 g oil/kg dry matter (DM) (LR and HR), or without MR supplement (L and H). Increasing the proportion of concentrates led to an increase in DM intake (DMI), net energy (NEL) intake, and milk production, but milk fat and protein content decreased. Supplementing diets with MR led to an increase in NEL intake and milk production, but did not affect DMI and milk composition. Diets supplemented with MR caused a decrease in the concentration of FAs with atherogenic effect and the increase in the level of FAs beneficial for human health (C18:1 cis-9, C18:1 trans-11, and C18:3 n-3), while the decrease in the FC ratio had a negative effect on omega-3 FAs. An improvement in the antioxidant capacity of milk was observed with diets with the high FC ratio but also by supplementing the feed with MR. These results could contribute to the development of effective strategies to improve the nutritional quality of milk without affecting the productive performance of cows.

The Influence of Dehulling on the Nutritional Quality of Lupine Seeds (Lupinus albus L.) and the Effect of Their Use in the Feed of Laying Quails on the Live Performance and Quality of Eggs.

Lupinus albus seeds from low-alkaloid varieties are a valuable alternative source of protein for reducing the dependence on soybean meal for the feeding of monogastric animals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the dehulling influence of lupine seeds (L. albus, cv. Amiga) and the effect of their use in the laying quails feed on live performance and egg quality. A total of 200 laying quails (Coturnix japonica), with an age of 10 weeks, were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (five replicates/group). Each group was randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: the control group (C) diet was based on soybean meal, while the experimental groups received either 200 g/kg (WLS20) or 250 g/kg (WLS25) of whole lupine seeds in their diets, or 200 g/kg (DLS20) or 250 g/kg (DLS25) of dehulled lupine seeds in their diets. The results show that by dehulling the lupine seeds, the nutritional value of the seeds increased. The use of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet of laying quails did not affect the live performance (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), yolk cholesterol content, and physico-chemical quality indices of the eggs, compared with control. The presence of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet improved the nutritional quality of the yolk lipids because of the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the lipid quality indices of the yolk became more favorable to consumer health because of an increase in the h/H ratio (hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic FA) and a decrease in the atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values. The higher content in carotenoids also contributed to the higher nutritional quality of the eggs obtained by lupine utilization. In conclusion, dehulling of lupine seeds had a positive influence on the nutritional quality of the seeds, the live performance of quails, and the quality of eggs.