In this paper, we present a novel intrinsic image recovery approach using optimization. Our approach is based on the assumption of color characteristics in a local window in natural images. Our method adopts a premise that neighboring pixels in a local window of a single image having similar intensity values should have similar reflectance values. Thus the intrinsic image decomposition is formulated by optimizing an energy function with adding a weighting constraint to the local image properties. In order to improve the intrinsic image extraction results, we specify local constrain cues by integrating the user strokes in our energy formulation, including constant-reflectance, constantillumination and fixed-illumination brushes. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach achieves a better recovery of intrinsic reflectance and illumination components than by previous approaches.

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To evaluate the effects of calcium propionate (CaP) supplementation on feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, energy balance, blood metabolites and urine ketones in early lactation Holstein dairy cows from 1 to 63 days in milk (DIM), 32 multiparous Holstein dairy cows, blocked by lactation number, previous 305-day milk production, and expected calving date, were arranged into four groups in a randomized block design. Treatments were control, LCaP, MCaP and HCaP with 0, 100, 200 and 300 g calcium propionate per cow per day respectively. The supplement of food grade CaP (99.8% of CaP) was hand-mixed into the top one-third of the daily ration. Cows were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of equal proportion of forage and concentrate. Feed intake, milk yield and components were not affected by CaP supplementation. The energy balance, expressed as the difference between energy input and output, tended to be higher (p = 0.08) for CaP-supplemented cows during the 63-DIM period, especially during the first 21-DIM lactation. Calcium propionate-supplemented cows showed a trend (p = 0.09) towards less loss of body weight (BW) during the 63-DIM period. Concentrations of glucose in plasma and insulin in serum were higher for cows fed CaP relative to control and linearly (p < 0.01) increased with increasing CaP supplementation. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and urine ketones were lower for CaP-supplemented cows at 7, 14 and 21 DIM of lactation and linearly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing CaP supplementation. These results indicated that nutrient digestibilities and energy status may have been improved.

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Introduction Physical activity is recommended for healthy pregnant women. Clinical practice guidelines vary with regard to initial time, duration, or type of physical activity that is recommended, which is confusing for health care professionals and pregnant women alike. This study aimed to appraise clinical guidelines relevant to physical activity for pregnant women and summarize consensus and discrepant recommendations. Methods The websites of organizations that develop guidelines including those of obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, and medical sports associations were searched in addition to 9 literature databases for the period from January 2010 through November 2020. Guidelines were included if they were published in a journal or on a website in English or Chinese; were labeled as a recommendation guideline, position paper, practice parameter, or consensus statement; and addressed physical activity for pregnant women. Two authors independently extracted recommendations. Four reviewers independently assessed guideline quality using the AGREE II instrument. Results Thirteen guidelines met the inclusion criteria. The guidelines developed by the World Health Organization and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence were deemed to have the highest methodological quality. The recommendations were consistent with regard to recommended exercise duration, frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity. The main discrepant recommendations included best tools for conducting pre‐exercise screening and assessing intensity of exertion. Guidelines also differ on optimal heart rate during exercise, when in pregnancy to initiate an exercise regimen, and duration or frequency of strengthening exercises. Discussion Of the 13 guidelines, 2 were found to have good methodological quality. The recommendations that were consistent across the differing guidelines can support health care providers in counseling women about physical activity during pregnancy. The recommendations that are discrepant among these guidelines may contribute to confusion and a reluctance to recommend exercise during pregnancy. Research is needed to clarify discrepant recommendations.

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