bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge‐sharing Practices in Pharmaceutical Research and Development—a Case Study
Authors: Lilleoere Anne‐Mette , Hansen Ebba Holme
Published: August 2011

Although knowledge sharing is an important element in this process, little attention has been paid to this field. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge‐sharing practices in a development project in a pharmaceutical company in Denmark. A case study was carried out. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted for data collection, and researcher triangulation was used to increase study validity. We identified three context‐specific knowledge‐sharing practices: reactive, routine, and transfer, where tacit knowledge was the underlying source. Together, these practices led to knowledge creation. The routine and transfer practices took place as part of daily work, whereas the reactive practices were initiated by the occurrence of a “critical” episode. Face‐to‐face interactions enabled the identified knowledge‐sharing practices, and the level of teamwork was high. Meetings, physical proximity to colleagues, social relations, and relocation of professionals were recognized as fundamental elements for knowledge‐sharing practices, unlocking the potential of tacit knowledge. No physical proximity to colleagues, weak social relations, “to know what to know”, “not invented here” syndrome, and “knowledge as power” appeared as barriers to the identified knowledge‐sharing practices. We identified knowledge‐sharing practices leading to knowledge creation, where tacit knowledge was the primary source. This study highlights the importance of knowledge sharing as an underlying resource for knowledge creation. Managerial encouragement should emphasize face‐to‐face interactions to stimulate knowledge‐sharing practices both within and across development projects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency Increase of Poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐isosorbide terephthalate) Synthesis using Bimetallic Catalytic Systems
Authors: Bersot Jean Christophe , Jacquel Nicolas , Saint‐Loup René , Fuertes Patrick , Rousseau Alain , Pascault Jean Pierre , Spitz Roger , Fenouillot Françoise , Monteil Vincent
Published: August 2011

New catalytic systems are developed to increase the transesterification efficiency during the synthesis of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐isosorbide terephthalate) with the aim of compensating for the lack of reactivity of the isosorbide and to reduce the coloration of the polymer. The combination of antimony oxide with a second metal (lithium‐, magnesium‐, or aluminium‐based compounds) is investigated, leading to the discovery of innovative antimony‐based bimetallic catalytic systems that exhibit a higher polymerization efficiency, even at high isosorbide contents (20%) and, in some cases, lower coloration.

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A framework for resource dimensioning in GPON access networks
Authors: Alshaer Hamada , Shubair Raed , Alyafei Mohamed
Published: August 2011

In gigabit passive optical networks (GPONs), the ports of the optical line terminal (OLT) support passive optical networks (PONs). An optical split ratio supported on an OLT chassis determines the number of optical network units (ONUs) which can share PON link capacity. Generally, network planners tend to do dimensioning for PON link capacity (OLT port) based on the number of subscribers and their type (i.e. residential or business). Although this dimensioning approach is simple, it does not guarantee a selection of optical split ratio which can optimally allocate bandwidth to end‐subscribers. In this paper, we develop an integrated mathematical framework for optimally dimensioning resources in an GPON access network, namely OLT capacity. This framework comprises three resource‐dimensioning approaches which are based on user requirements: GPON link utilization and capacity optimization. Our mathematical framework has been integrated into software for GPON resource dimensioning, which we have developed to evaluate the support and performance of services in GPON access networks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concomitant use of anti‐dementia drugs with psychotropic drugs in Norway—a population‐based study
Authors: Langballe Ellen Melbye , Engdahl Bo , Selbæk Geir , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Concomitant use of anti‐dementia drugs with psychotropic drugs is potentially problematic in patients with dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate how frequently patients in Norway use anti‐dementia drugs concomitantly with psychotropic drugs.

Methods

Analyses are based on data from the Norwegian Prescription Database. All patients who had an anti‐dementia drug (ATC‐code N06D) dispensed from a Norwegian pharmacy between January 2004 and July 2009 were included.

Results

A total of 33 816 individuals received anti‐dementia drugs at some time during this period. The total concomitant use of anti‐dementia drugs with psychotropic drugs was 57.4% in men and 65.8% in women. Compared with men, a significantly higher percentage of women used antidepressants (35.8% versus 27.2%), mild hypnotics (28.8% versus 23.6%), benzodiazepines (25.4% versus 20.8%) and opioids (22.8% versus 17.4%) concomitantly with anti‐dementia drugs. Concomitant use of antipsychotics with anti‐dementia drugs was about 16% for both male and female patients. Of the total sample, 11.9% of the women and 11.7% of the men used acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) anti‐dementia drugs concomitantly with an interacting psychotropic drug.

Conclusion

The concomitant use of psychotropic drugs with anti‐dementia drugs was extensive, especially among women. Co‐medication with potentially interacting drugs occurred at a rate of one in 10. The concomitant use of anti‐dementia drugs with psychotropic drugs identified in this study may inform the ongoing clinical debate about drug use in this patient group. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Supportive Care Needs Survey—short form 34 with a simplified response format in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Schofield Penelope , Gough Karla , Lotfi‐Jam Kerryann , Aranda Sanchia
Published: July 2011

Objective

The Supportive Care Needs Survey—short form (SCNS‐SF34) is a commonly used instrument that assesses levels of unmet needs in cancer patients across five domains. Participants in a number of recent studies have experienced difficulties with the five‐point, two‐level response scale. This study aimed to validate the SCNS‐SF34 with a simplified four‐point response format in a large sample of Australian men with prostate cancer.

Methods

Three hundred thirty‐two men with prostate cancer commencing external beam radiotherapy completed the SCNS‐SF34 with revised response format, along with measures of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and quality of life (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite—short form). Exploratory factor and parallel analyses were undertaken to examine the structure of the revised instrument. Reliability analysis was performed, and convergent and divergent validity were examined using a priori predictions.

Results

As with the original scale, a five‐factor solution was indicated. Four of the five factors were identical to those reported in the original SNCS‐SF34 validation study. Internal consistency was excellent, exceeding 0.8 for all five domains. Consistent with expectations, correlations between SCNS domains and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscales indicated moderate to large convergent relations (ranging from 0.31–0.67).

Conclusions

The SCNS‐SF34 with revised response format maintained the same factor structure as the original, with five domains. This analysis demonstrates that the simplified response scale does not adversely affect the psychometric properties of the instrument. The SCNS‐SF34 with revised response format is reliable, valid and more acceptable to cancer patients than its predecessor. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of high‐throughput high‐resolution MALDI‐TOF‐MS of urinary peptides for the detection of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Bryan Richard T. , Wei Wenbin , Shimwell Neil J. , Collins Stuart I. , Hussain Syed A. , Billingham Lucinda J. , Murray Paul G. , Deshmukh Nayneeta , James Nicholas D. , Wallace D. Michael A. , Johnson Philip J. , Zeegers Maurice P. , Cheng K. K. , Martin Ashley , Ward Douglas G.
Published: August 2011

Purpose:There is a need for better biomarkers to both detect bladder cancer and distinguish muscle‐invasive (stage T2+) from non‐invasive (stage Ta/T1) disease. We assess whether MALDI‐TOF‐MS of the urine peptidome can achieve this.

Experimental design:We analysed urine from 751 patients with bladder cancer and 127 patients without bladder cancer. Endogenous peptide profiling was performed using a Bruker Ultraflextreme MALDI‐TOF‐MS.

Results:Significant differences were seen between the spectra of urine from patients with and without T2+ disease. Albumin, total protein and haematuria were also elevated in T2+ patients. Haematuria was detected in 39% of patients with Ta/T1 disease and in 77% of patients with T2+ disease. Class prediction models based on MALDI data produced areas under receiver‐operator characteristic curves of up to 0.76 but did not significantly outperform a model based on total protein alone. Many peptides significantly associated with invasive disease are fragments of abundant blood proteins and are also associated with haematuria.

Conclusions and clinical relevance:Microscopic haematuria is strongly associated with invasive disease; even traces of blood/plasma strongly influence the urinary peptidome. This needs to be taken into consideration when using ‘omic’ methods to search for urinary biomarkers as blood proteins may give false‐positive results.
Apolipoprotein A‐I as a candidate serum marker for the response to lithium treatment in bipolar disorder
Authors: Sussulini Alessandra , Dihazi Hassan , Banzato Claudio Eduardo Muller , Arruda Marco Aurelio Zezzi , Stühmer Walter , Ehrenreich Hannelore , Jahn Olaf , Kratzin Hartmut D.
Published: July 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2011, 11, 261–269, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000371
Proteomics in pancreatic cancer research
Authors: Cecconi Daniela , Palmieri Marta , Donadelli Massimo
Published: July 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2011, 11, 816–828, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000401
Methods for prospective studies of adverse effects as applied to prostate cancer patients treated with surgery or radiotherapy without hormones
Authors: Stensvold Andreas , Dahl Alv A. , Brennhovd Bjørn , Cvancarova Milada , Fosså Sophie D. , Lilleby Wolfgang , Axcrona Karol , Smeland Sigbjørn
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND

Recently two new methods for prospective studies of adverse effects after treatment have been developed: Proportions of patients regaining 90% of baseline function score (PBS‐90) and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). We compared these methods to examine changes of sexual, urinary, and bowel functions after robot‐assisted prostatectomy (RALP) and conformal external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in patients without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

The post‐treatment functional course was studied prospectively in 254 patients (N = 150 RALP and N = 104 EBRT) with PBS‐90 and GEE. The time points at which functions reached stability and significant associations with function at 24 months were examined with PBS‐90, and predictors were identified with GEE. The patients filled in the UCLA‐PCI questionnaire at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24‐month post‐treatment.

RESULTS

The proportions reaching PBS‐90 at 24 months were 69% EBRT and 34% RALP patients for urinary function, 70% of EBRT and 7% of RALP patients for sexual function, and 70% of EBRT and 86% of RALP patients for bowel function. GEE showed that the function scores at 6 months were significantly associated with the functions at 24 months. PBS‐90 found that stability of function was reached at 3 months for urinary and 6 months for sexual and bowel functions.

CONCLUSIONS

In outcome assessment PBS‐90 mainly demonstrates when post‐treatment level become stabilized and GEE shows the time points at which final outcome can be predicted. The two methods therefore supplement each other. Changes of functions corresponded to those reported in samples including patients having ADT. Prostate 72:668–676, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The conformational properties of α,β‐dehydroamino acids with a C‐terminal ester group
Authors: Siodłak Dawid , Grondys Justyna , Broda Małgorzata A.
Published: August 2011

α,β‐Dehydroamino acid esters occur in nature. To investigate their conformational properties, a systematic theoretical analysis was performed on the model molecules Ac‐ΔXaa‐OMe [ΔXaa = ΔAla, (E)‐ΔAbu, (Z)‐ΔAbu, ΔVal] at the B3LYP/6‐311+ + G(d,p) level in the gas phase as well as in chloroform and water solutions with the self‐consistent reaction field‐polarisable continuum model method. The Fourier transform IR spectra in CCl4 and CHCl3 have been analysed as well as the analogous solid state conformations drawn from The Cambridge Structural Database. The ΔAla residue has a considerable tendency to adopt planar conformations C5 (ϕ, ψ ≈ − 180°, 180°) and β2 (ϕ, ψ ≈ − 180°, 0°), regardless of the environment. The ΔVal residue prefers the conformation β2 (ϕ, ψ ≈ − 120°, 0°) in a low polar environment, but the conformations α (ϕ, ψ ≈ − 55°, 35°) and β (ϕ, ψ ≈ − 55°, 145°) when the polarity increases. The ΔAbu residues reveal intermediate properties, but their conformational dispositions depend on configuration of the side chain of residue: (E)‐ΔAbu is similar to ΔAla, whereas (Z)‐ΔAbu to ΔVal. Results indicate that the low‐energy conformation β2 is the characteristic feature of dehydroamino acid esters. The studied molecules constitute conformational patterns for dehydroamino acid esters with various side chain substituents in either or both Z and E positions. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermoplastic starches modified with polyurethane microparticles: The effects of isocyanate types in polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Yu , Fan Bingbing , Zhang Pingping , Leng Yamei , Zhu Mei , Wu Qiangxian
Published: August 2011

In this work, polyurethane prepolymers (PUPs) with different isocyanate types were synthesized and mixed reactively with a starch–water mixture to prepare modified thermoplastic starch (TPS). The effects of the polyurethane isocyanate on the structure and properties of the modified TPS sheets were then investigated. Results from the scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR, mechanical tests, and contact angle (CA) confirmed that the modified TPS possessed a homogenous structure, good compatibility between starch and polyurethane (PU), excellent toughness, and hydrophobicity. The degradation experiment also revealed that the PU could be completely separated from the modified TPS. Additionally, almost 100% of the PU particles were cross‐linked to starch matrix, indicating the high efficiency of the modification. The NCO groups with higher reaction activity exhibited a higher number of urethane linkages between the starch matrix and the PU microparticle, resulting in improved compatibility of the two phases of the modified TPS and an increase in toughness.
Neural Stem Cell Gene Therapy Ameliorates Pathology and Function in a Mouse Model of Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Authors: Neri Margherita , Ricca Alessandra , di Girolamo Ilaria , Alcala'-Franco Beatriz , Cavazzin Chiara , Orlacchio Aldo , Martino Sabata , Naldini Luigi , Gritti Angela
Published: August 2011

Murine neural stem cells (mNSCs), either naive or genetically modified to express supranormal levels of β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC), were transplanted into the brain of Twitcher mice, a murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy, a severe sphingolipidosis. Cells engrafted long-term into the host cytoarchitecture, producing functional GALC. Levels of enzyme activity in brain and spinal cord tissues were enhanced when GALC-overexpressing NSC were used. Enzymatic correction correlated with reduced tissue storage, decreased activation of astroglia and microglia, delayed onset of symptoms, and longer lifespan. Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of mNSC included widespread enzyme distribution, cross-correction of host cells, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotection. Similar cell engraftment and metabolic correction were reproduced using human NSC. Thus, NSC gene therapy rapidly reconstitutes sustained and long-lasting enzyme activity in central nervous system tissues. Combining this approach with treatments targeting the systemic disease associated with leukodystrophies may provide significant therapeutic benefit.
Characterizing uncertainty in expert assessments: ozone depletion and the West Antarctic ice sheet
Authors: O'Reilly Jessica , Brysse Keynyn , Oppenheimer Michael , Oreskes Naomi
Published: July 2011

Large‐scale assessments have become an important vehicle for organizing, interpreting, and presenting scientific information relevant to environmental policy. At the same time, identifying and evaluating scientific uncertainty with respect to the very questions these assessments were designed to address has become more difficult, as ever more complex problems involving greater portions of the Earth system and longer timescales have emerged at the science–policy interface. In this article, we explore expert judgments about uncertainty in two recent cases: the assessment of stratospheric ozone depletion, and the assessment of the response of the West Antarctic ice sheet (WAIS) to global warming. These assessments were fairly adept at characterizing one type of uncertainty in models (parameter uncertainty), but faced much greater difficulty in dealing with structural model uncertainty, sometimes entirely avoiding grappling with it. In the absence of viable models, innovative approaches were developed in the ozone case for consolidating information about highly uncertain future outcomes, whereas little such progress has been made thus far in the case of WAIS. Both cases illustrate the problem of expert disagreement, suggesting that future assessments need to develop improved approaches to representing internal conflicts of judgment, in order to produce a more complete evaluation of uncertainty. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 728–743 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.135

This article is categorized under:

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Integrated Assessment by Expert Panels
Fault‐tolerance in wireless ad hoc networks: bi‐connectivity through movement of removable nodes
Authors: Yan Zhongjiang , Chang Yilin , Jiang Hai , Shen Zhong
Published: August 2011

For a wireless ad hoc network to achieve fault‐tolerance, it is desired that the network is bi‐connected. This means that each pair of nodes in the network have at least two node‐disjoint paths between them, and thus, failure at any single node does not partition the network. In other words, in a bi‐connected network, there is no cut‐node (defined as a node such that the removal of it partitions the network). To make a connected but not bi‐connected network become bi‐connected, actions should be taken such that all cut‐nodes become non‐cut‐nodes. In this research, we propose to deal with cut‐nodes from a new perspective. Specifically, we first introduce a new concept of removable node, defined as a non‐cut‐node such that the removal of it does not generate any new cut‐node in the network. Then, we propose to move a removable node to a new location around a cut‐node. In this way, the cut‐node becomes a non‐cut‐node, that is, the failure of it does not partition the network anymore. Algorithms are provided (i) to identify removable nodes; (ii) to match cut‐nodes with a feasible set of removable nodes, in which all nodes can be simultaneously removed from the network without generating any new cut‐node in the network; and (iii) to derive the final location of a removable node such that its movement distance is the shortest and the associated cut‐node becomes a non‐cut‐node. The proposed algorithms do not guarantee the final bi‐connectivity but have the merits of a large success rate (almost 100% in the simulation), a small number of moved nodes, and a short total movement distance. In addition, the proposed algorithms are shown to be effective even when there are a large portion of fixed nodes in the network. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Detected Lesions
Authors: Seely Jean M.
Published: August 2011

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an essential component of breast imaging. Whether it is used as a problem-solving tool or a screening test or for staging patients with breast cancer, it detects many lesions in the breast. The challenge for the radiologist is to distinguish significant from insignificant lesions and to direct their management. A brief summary of the terminology according to the American College of Radiologists lexicon will be provided. This review article will cover the differential diagnosis of enhancing lesions, including masses and nonmass enhancement, from benign and malignant causes. Some of the specific morphologic and kinetic features that help to differentiate benign from malignant lesions will be illustrated, and positive predictive values of these features will be reviewed. The various methods of investigating enhancing lesions of the breast will be discussed, including second-look ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, and MRI-guided biopsy. A practical approach to the management of MRI-detected lesions will include timing of follow-up, when to biopsy and when to ignore enhancing lesions in the breast.
A SHORT NOTE ON ENHANCED DENSITY SETS
Authors: DELLADIO SILVANO
Published: August 2011

We give a simple proof of a statement extending Fu's (J.H.G. Fu, Erratum to ‘some remarks on legendrian rectiable currents’, Manuscripta Math.113(3) (2004), 397–401) result: ‘IfΩis a set of locally finite perimeter inℝ2,then there is no function f∈C1(ℝ2)such that∇f(x1,x2) = (x2, 0) at a.e. (x1,x2) ∈ Ω’. We also prove that every measurable set can be approximated arbitrarily closely inL1by subsets that do not contain enhanced density points. Finally, we provide a new proof of a Poincaré-type lemma for locally finite perimeter sets, which was first stated by Delladio (S. Delladio, Functions of classC1subject to a Legendre condition in an enhanced density set, to appear inRev. Mat. Iberoamericana).
A CHARACTERIZATION OF (−1, −1)-FREUDENTHAL–KANTOR TRIPLE SYSTEMS
Authors: KAMIYA NORIAKI , MONDOC DANIEL , OKUBO SUSUMU
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we discuss a connection between (−1, −1)-Freudenthal–Kantor triple systems, anti-structurable algebras, quasi anti-flexible algebras and give examples of such structures. The paper provides the correspondence and characterization of a bilinear product corresponding a triple product.
CHARACTERS OF PRIME DEGREE
Authors: ADAN-BANTE EDITH
Published: August 2011

Let G be a finite nilpotent group, χ and ψ be irreducible complex characters of G with prime degree. Assume that χ(1) = p. Then, either the product χψ is a multiple of an irreducible character or χψ is the linear combination of at least $\frac{p+1}{2}$ distinct irreducible characters.
Cost-effectiveness targeting under multiple conservation goals and equity considerations in the Andes
Authors: NARLOCH ULF , PASCUAL UNAI , DRUCKER ADAM G.
Published: August 2011

Internationally, there is political impetus towards providing incentive mechanisms, such as payments for ecosystem services (PES), that motivate land users to conserve that which benefits wider society by creating an exchange value for conservation services. PES may incorporate a number of conservation goals other than just maximizing the area under a certain land use, so as to optimize multiple benefits from environmental conservation. Environmental additionality (conservation services generated relative to no intervention) and social equity aspects (here an equitable distribution of conservation funds) of PES depend on the conservation goals underlying the cost-effective targeting of conservation payments, which remains to be adequately explored in the PES literature. This paper attempts to evaluate whether multiple conservation goals can be optimized, in addition to social equity, when paying for the on-farm conservation of neglected crop varieties (landraces), so as to generate agrobiodiversity conservation services. Case studies based on a conservation auction in the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes (through which community-based groups identified the conservation area and the number of farmers taking part in conservation, as well as the payment required), identified significant cost-effectiveness tradeoffs between alternative agrobiodiversity conservation goals. There appears to be a non-complementary relationship between maximizing conservation area under specific landraces (a proxy for genetic diversity maintenance) and the number of farmers conserving such landraces (a proxy for agricultural knowledge and cultural traditions maintenance). Neither of the two are closely connected with maximizing the number of targeted farming communities (a proxy for informal seed exchange networks and hence geneflow maintenance). Optimizing cost-effectiveness with regard to conservation area or number of farmers would also be associated with a highly unequal distribution of payments. Multi-criteria targeting approaches can reach compromise solutions, but frameworks for these are still to be established and scientifically informed about the underlying link between alternative conservation goals and conservation service provision.
SCANDINAVIAN ACTIVITIES ON THE CONSERVATION OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES
Authors: Maijala Kalle
Published: August 2011

The organization of animal genetic conservation activities in Scandinavia is described, giving the motives, methods, problems, financial organization and future proposals, and showing how the five countries cooperate in international preservation plans.
PRESERVATION OF THE SPANISH HORSE IN NORTH AMERICA
Authors: Sponenberg D.P.
Published: August 2011

Remnants of the vast populations of Spanish horses in North America are currently being registered and bred by a number of breed organizations. The number of foals registered yearly is around 100 individuals. As this number is widely spread geographically and not closely related, the genetic outlook for the breed is good. Blood group studies have not been done, but evidence from coat colour aliele frequencies suggests that the claim to purity and uniqueness compared with other North American breeds is valid.
HUNGARIAN ACTIVITIES ON THE CONSERVATION OF DOMESTIC ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES
Authors: Bodó Imre
Published: August 2011

In Hungary there is an official programme for maintaining domestic animal genetic resources which is supported financially by the government. The following breeds are involved: Hungarian Grey cattle; Water buffalo; Racka, Ciggja and Cikta sheep; Mangalica pig; Nonius, Mezohegyes Halfbred, Gidran, Kisbér Halfbred, Shagya Arab and Lipizza horses and some poultry and dog breeds.
PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ONGOLE CATTLE
Authors: Nath Mullapudi Narendra
Published: August 2011

The characteristics of the Ongole cattle of India are described, their distribution and numbers in India and other countries is given, and plans are outlined of the need to conserve and to improve the breed.
OVINO CRIOLLO NEGRO EN BRASIL
Authors: Camargo A.H.A.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, a brief description is given of the origin and introduction of Black Criollo Sheep in Brazil, together with genetic characteristics and some data on the level of production, its meat and wool. It is noted that the number of those sheep is decreasing quickly and this valuable genetic stock is rapidly heading towards extinction.
MPWAPWA CATTLE OF TANZANIA
Authors: Katyega P.M.
Published: August 2011

A historical perspective of mpwapwa cattle is presented. Then a brief account of breed description, habitat and performance is given.
JAPANESE NATIVE LIVESTOCK BREEDS
Authors: Obata Taro , Takeda Hisato , Oishi Takao
Published: August 2011

This paper discusses the conservation of native livestock breeds in Japan. These include native Japanese horses, cattle and goats, and domestic Japanese fowls. To best conserve the genes of these genetic resources it is necessary to keep them in the form of (a) live animals and (b) cryogenic storage of sperms, oocytes, embryos, cells, chromosomes and genes. Even that Japanese native livestock are also important as living'museums', it is further desirable to conserve them as live animals. However, there are many problems with conserving all of these breeds in a live form because of their low economic value in the market. For this reasons, it is necessary to combine this with the raising of animals for other purposes such as sale of products, tourist attractions in national parks, zoos and sightseeing farms, educational tools in agricultural schools and experimental animals.
EGYPTIAN SHEEP RESOURCES
Authors: Guirgis R.A.
Published: August 2011

Local Egyptian breeds of sheep, though considered small to medium size, have the desirable qualities of continuous breeding throughout the year and hardiness. Increasing the flock owners income may be through:

1. Higher productivityby accelerated lamb production of the valley and delta Ossimi and Rahmani breeds and improving the natural resource situation for the adapted desert Barki breed.

2. Establishing a simple grading system for the local coarse wool to improve marketing and encourage its use in small scale industries, hence rural development of the area.
IMPROVEMENT AND ADAPTATION OF THE FAYOUMI CHICKEN
Authors: Hossaryl M. A. , Galal E. S. E.
Published: August 2011

The Fayoumi (Oasis/Province of Fayotimi) or Ramadi (village of Dar-el-Ramad) breed of chicken is said to have been introduced into this area in the early part of the 19th century; phenotypically it recalls the Silver Campine from which it is reputed to descend. A hardy and well adapted breed it was saved through the creation of the Fayoumi Poultry Research Station in 194é, which also assured an active improvement policy of the breed. The creation in 1958 of the Fayoumi Poultry Cooperative Society further strengthened the conservation of the breed and its use through distribution of genetic material to farmers and smallholders of the Fayoumi province. Since the early é0's the breed is reported to have been successfully introduced to countries as different as the UK and the USA, Vietn@ Iraq, Pakistan and India. Its adaptability and resistance to the problems of xyrotherrnic tropical and sub-tropical conditions is confirmed by its actual prevalence in Southern Egypt.
INFLUENCIA DEL TORO Y DEL SEXO SOBRE EL PESO AL NACER DE TERNEROS DE RAZA CRIOLLA DE SANTA CATARINA - BRASIL
Authors: Almeida Camargo'y A. H. , dos Santos Dias' C. T.
Published: August 2011

Este estudio fue realizado con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto del toro sobre el peso al nacer de terneros (machos y hembras) de bovinos de la raza Criolla de Santa Catarina. Los datos fueron colectados en una propiedad pecuaria privada localizada en el municipio de Ponte Alta -SC. Fueron utilizados tres toros Criollos y catorce terneros hijos de cada toro y vacas también Criollas, con veintiún machos y veintiuna hembras - cuarenta y dos en total. El factor toro influyó significativatnente (P<0,01) sobre el peso al nacer. El sexo también influyó (P<0,01) siendo el peso promedio de los machos superior al de las hembras. Las medias de peso al nacer para los terneros hijos de los toros 1, 2 y 3 fueron respectivamente de 27,8; 23,9 y 23,3 kg, todos con el error estdndar de 0,24 kg. El toro I produjo hijos con peso al nacer superior (P<0,01); aquéllos de los toros 2 y 3 no difirieron entre ellos significativamente. Los promedios de peso al nacer para los temeros de sexo masculine y femenino fueron, respectivamente, de 25,4 y 24,6 kg, con el error estdndar de 0,2 kg.
CHINESE MEAT GOAT BREEDS AND THEIR CROSSES
Authors: Ying Jian
Published: August 2011

Selection of meat goat breeds and crossing for meat production provides food a nd is a source of self sufficiency for man. The following four goat breeds are examples of meat production of, Manjiang yellow, Matou, Longling and Hual goat breeds. Recently, it was reported that the quantity of meat output was increased and quality of meat was improved of the local goats in some areas by crossing with Nanjing, Matou and Longling. The Huai breed is a very important breed for producing high quality meat and hides' It is also -noted for its high prolificacy. The natural environments of China are well suited for goat production. Most of its harsher environments can be utilized efficiently only by goats. Especially southern agricultural region and northern agricultural regions develop and use the meat goat breeds as genetic resources for adaptation and production of unique and economically important meat products, and as a complement to cattle or sheep production.
CONSERVATION OF THE SONADI BREED OF SHEEP IN INDIA
Authors: Mehta S. C. , Vij P. K. , Joshi B. K. , Sahai R. , Nivsarkar A. E.
Published: August 2011

A study was carried out to estimate the population of the Sonadi breed of sheep in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan (India), which is part of a major breeding tract of the Sonadi breed. A total of 2 443 sheep from 59 flocks of 18 villages belonging to three different tehsils of Chittorgarh were covered in this survey. The population data on sheep from livestock census (1992) were collected and the figures were extrapolated for the purpose. The population of Sonadi sheep in their natural habitat was estimated to be 603 984 while the total sheep population of the tract was 1 792 050. The estimated number of breeding rams available in the natural habitat were 45 907 out of which only 1 I 802 were of the Sonadi breed. There was a higher proportion of crossbred sheep and an even higher proportion of crossbred rams in the breeding tract as compared to the purebreds. It has been postulated that a proportion of cross bred sheep would further increase which coûld be a threat to the Sonadi breed in a real sense. It has been emphasized that steps for conservation are warranted.
MINI-HORSES IN CHINA
Authors: Chen You-Chun , Wang Tiequan
Published: August 2011

SUMARY

Chinese minihorses were discovered at the end of the 1980s during a national census and investigation on animal genetic resources. The existence of such kind of horses was supported by evidence from body measurements, historical records and bone fossils. Blood polymorphism of local breeds of minihorses has been tested. Chinese minihorses are postulated to have a separate origin from minihorses China.
MITHUN - AN IMPORTANT BOVINE SPECIES OF INDIAN ORIGIN
Authors: Gupta Neelam , Gupta S. C. , Verma N. D. , Pundir RK. , Joshi B. IK. , Nivsarkar A. E. , Sahai R
Published: August 2011

The Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a heavily built semi domesticated bovine species originated in north eastern hill region of India. In some folklore, Mithun have been referred to as the descendent of the Sun. There are interesting and divergent legends about the orig of mithun among different in tribes. Even today, mithun is used as a holy sacrificial animal to appease the Gods by the tribesman. It is a woodland animal found at an elevation of between 2 000 and 9 000 feet. The habitat of mithun extends like a long curved belt of hills from the Akasan hill and Chin Hills of Burma through the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh and the Lushai (Mizo) hills of Manipur and Naga hills of India. The geographic zone is covered with tropical evergreen rain forests. At higher elevations mithun territories are also shared by yak (Poephagus grunniens), while at lower altitudes domestic cattle and mithun co-habit. The information contained in the article is primarily based on a field survey carried out on mithun of Porba village of Nagaland. Some data collated and published by other departments is also included.
HARIANA - AN INDIAN CATTLE BREED IN ITS NATIVE ECOLOGY
Authors: Joshi B. K. , Tantia M. S. , Gupta Neelam , Gupta S. C. , Sahai R.
Published: August 2011

The fast changing socio-economic levels of inhabitants, ecological profile and agricultural scenario in the native breeding.tract of Hariana cattle breed reveal several factors resulting in consistently a declining trend in the population as well as genetic deterioration in performance traits of the breed. The breed, once occupying pre eminent position in Indian farming throughout the entire rural households of North India for both draught power and milk production, isnow being gradually neglected and becoming economically non-remunerative because of intensive and more mechanized agriculture replacing draught animal power, shrinking grazing areas, over emphasis on crossbreeding with exotic cattle inheritance and emergence of buffalo as a commercial dairy animal. The authors emphasize the need to develop suitable strategies for planned genetic improvement and conservation programmes of the breed to resurrect it as an economical viable cattle breed for the posterity.
CONSERVATION OF GENETIC STOCK OF CATTLE BREEDS IN THE UKRAINE
Authors: Ruban J. D.
Published: August 2011

The dynamics of cattle breeds from 1935 to 1990 has been analysed in the paper. It was found out that some breeds such as the Grey Llkrainian and the White-Headed Ukrainian, were on the verge of disappearing, even certain breeds introduced in the early fifties a d well adapted since (Pinzgau, Red Polled and Brown Carpathian). Some forms and methods of conservation of cattle breeds in the Ukraine were considered. Urgent measures of conservation are required, even the number of cattle of the Simmental type was greatly reduced. The group of more recently introduced beef breeds is unstable and small. Methods of cattle breeding for 100 years have been analysed. It was stated that it was necessary to raise the importance of pedigree breeding, to change the selection index principle for cows developed by crossing related breeds of cattle. Methods and forms to conserve valuable genotypes of breeds were discussed. They will help to conserve genetic stock of cattle. It has been suggested to evolve a new type of beef Simmental cattle as well as to use the double purpose type. In order to conserve genetic stock of cattle breeds, thé theory on symmetry of Vernadsky was used. It could allow determining the interrelation “genotype-environment” The importance of continuous on-farm inspection programmes as a means of monitoring numbers and husbandry conditions is underlined.
LIVESTOCK WEALTH OF THE LADAKH: A COLD ARID REGION IN INDIA
Authors: Gupta S.C. , Tundup T. , Gupta Neelam , Kumar Pushpendra , Yadav K. N. , Nivsarkar A. E. , Joshi B. K. , Sahai R
Published: August 2011

The Ladakh plateau is an arctic desert in the Western Himalaya having an annual rainfall of 8 to 9 cm. Extreme environmental conditions and persistent hypoxia affect the human and livestock populations. Limited grazing resources are the other limiting factor. Despite these hardships, a great variety of livestock species are available in Ladakh. The yak is the most important species for highlanders providing them subsistence in terms of milk, meat, fibres, skin and hides. It is an excellent pack and transport animal in snow bound passes. Male Yak hybrids with local cattle are excellent bullocks under the hypoxic environment. The small population of local hill cattle is endangered due to large scale crossbreeding with yaks and exotic cattle. The majority of goatsoin Ladakh are Pashmmina type. The Changthangi is an important goat breed. Local small sized sheep yield fine carpet type wool and resemble the Tibetan sheep. Zaniskari horses are in danger of extinction. Other horses and ponies available in Ladakh appeared similar to the Tibetan ponies. The local donkeys have a large bulging head with long hair. Only 54 Bacterin camels are left in the region. Poultry and pigs are not popular in Ladakh. Almost all livestock species have long body hair to survive in extreme climatic conditions.
Parametres de reproduction et de production des petits ruminants locaux au Burundi
Authors: Mbayahaga J. , Baudoux C. , Mandiki S. N. M. , Bister J. L. , Branckaert R. , Paquay R.
Published: August 2011

L'étude des performances de reproduction des chèvres et des brebis burundaises réalisée en station pendant plusieurs années montre que ces deux espèces atteignent une productivité intéressante estimée à 25 et 33 kg de poids vif par an respectivement. Mais celle-ci est très réduite en milieu rural et est comprise entre 9 et 27 kg. La grande hétérogénéité des performances individuelles permet d'envisager une action de sélection rapide et efficace qui, selon les résultats enregistrés, devrait porter surtout sur les capacités laitières et la vitesse de croissance dans les deux espèces et sur la prolificité chez la brebis.
Characteristics of Bonpala sheep
Authors: Vij P. K. , Tantia M. S. , Nivsarkar A. E.
Published: August 2011

Bonpala is a dual purpose sheep breed found in Sikkim, Western Bhutan and Eastern Nepal. A sample survey was conducted in east Sikkim to record characteristics of Bonpala sheep. Information was recorded on morphological characteristics, management practices and body measurements. Bonpala sheep have mixed colours ranging from all white, white and black or all black. Measurements were recorded of body length, height, heart girth, paunch girth, rump width, pin width, face length, face width, ear length, tail length, horn length and horn circumference.
The Chokla Sheep in India
Authors: Kushwaha B. P , Kumar S. , Kumar R. , Mehta B.S
Published: August 2011

There are approximately 41 million sheep in India, 0.51 million of which are made up by the Chokla population. This breed is generally found around Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar and bordering areas of the Bikaner, Jaipur and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan. The animals have a light to medium-sized body, a small head and are reddish brown or dark tan in colour as far as the middle of the neck, with a white body. The skin is pink. The ears are small to medium in length and tubular in shape. The Chokla sheep are hardy and well adapted to arid and semi-arid tropical environments and are suited for the region where migration is a common practice. The Chokla is a comparatively fine-wool producing type among the Indian sheep. The wool produced by Chokla animals is heterogeneous in quality and generally mixed with coarser fleece of other sheep for their utilisation as carpet wool.
Conservation of an equine feral breed: the Asturcón Pony
Authors: Vega J.L. , Molina A. , Valera M. , Rodriguez-Gallardo P. P.
Published: August 2011

The Asturcón Pony was on the verge of disappearing during the decade of the 1970. The creation of A. C. P. R. A (Breeders Association of Asturcón Ponies) and the measures undertaken by this association have made possible the present population of 400 of these animals and future perspectives for them to be bred at large for agrotourism and children's training in horseback riding and other equestrian sports. In spite of the fact that the recovery of the breed is being carried out with few individuals, our results show a high genetic variability. Analysing the allelic frequencies of blood polymorphism, we have obtained an average heterozygosity of 0.3649±0.1070 akin to that of other ponies such as the Dartmoor (0.3396±0.1060), Shetland (0.3158±0.1246 or the Connemara (0.3797±0.1000) and even superior to breeds such as the P. S. I. (0.2857±0.1194) and the Arabian (0.2299±0.0969).
Le Zébu Gobra: caractères ethniques et performances zootechniques
Authors: Missohou A. , Bankole A. A. , Niang A. T. , Ragounandea G. , Talaki E. , Bitar I.
Published: August 2011

Dans cette étude, les auteurs font le point sur les principaux résultats obtenus chez le zébu Gobra. La croissance est de 280 g/j dans les conditions d'élevage du C. R. Z de Dahra. Elle peut atteindre cependant 736 g chez des mâles recevant dès la naissance une alimentation équilibrée et 1 080 g dans des unités d'embouche. Les caractéristiques de carcasse sont bonnes et comparables à celles de la plupart des races à viande spécialisées. L'âge à la lère mise-bas (1 365,6±24 j) et l'intervalle entre mise-bas (15,5 mois) sont élevés mais sont susceptibles de diminuer lorsque les conditions d'élevage sont améliorées.
Characteristics of indigenous chickens of Malawi
Authors: Safalaoh A. C. L.
Published: August 2011

Indigenous chickens (1C) are the commonest type of chickens raised in Malawi, especially in the rural areas. The management system is primarily of the free range type which is characterised by lack of supplementary feeding, minimal housing and little or no animal health services. This in turn results in low bird production in terms of egg and meat production when compared to modern breeds. Cross breeding the 1C with improved breeds such as the Black Australorp is one avenue through which productivity of the indigenous chickens may be improved. The advantages of the indigenous Malawi chicken and issues for their conservation and genetic improvement are discussed.
A note on Indian farm animal genetic resources
Authors: Chopra S. C.
Published: August 2011

India has a rich diversity of cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat breeds which are not only important to the people of India, but have contributed significantly to livestock programmes in many other tropical and sub-tropical climatic areas of the world. Most important is the fact that our domestic animal genetic resources (AGR) are under threat. This paper highlights the main AGR of India; the threat to biodiversity and the efforts made for conserving and improving indigenous livestock breeds.
Review of global rabbit genetic resources: special emphasis on breeding programs and practices in the lesser developed countries
Authors: Lukefahr S. D.
Published: August 2011

Presently, there is little organization or cooperation among countries with rabbit breeding programs with the common aim of maintaining genetic diversity, with the exception of Europe and the Mediterranean region. Particularly in the lesser developed countries (LDC's), there is limited evidence that maintaining genetic diversity in rabbit populations is even a national priority. Based on consultancies and project experiences in over fifteen LDC's, and limited reports from the literature, evaluations of breeding programs at national rabbit breeding centers have generally been less than encouraging with regard to the management of genetic resources: utilization and conservation. The purpose of this position paper is to review rabbit genetic resources management practices and trends in rabbit breeding program development which pertain to genetic resources utilization and conservation issues, and with special emphasis on the LDC's. Several measures are discussed that could enhance breeding program integrity, greater benefit limited-resource farmers, and also foster international and regional participation in rabbit genetic resources conservation programs.
Traditional goats and fat-tailed Sabi sheep in semi-arid north eastern Zimbabwe
Authors: Hall S.J.G.
Published: August 2011

Characterisations are given of the little-known Sabi sheep and the local population of the Small East African goat in two areas in NE Zimbabwe. The southern area had been more affected by drought in 1991–92. For sheep (both areas combined; n = 28 in 10 flocks) the mean declared age of breeding females and the median age at first parturition were surprisingly high (6.1 years and 4 years respectively). Breeding female goats in the southern area were younger (4.9 vs. 6.4 years), and their age at first kidding was lower (3 years vs. 5 years), than in the north (n = 122 in 25 flocks total). These advanced ages could be an after-effect of the drought. Juvenile mortality and the proportions of young that were ultimately marketed were similar to what has been found elsewhere in semi-arid Africa. Breeding females were found to be smaller than their counterparts in semi-arid areas in West Africa with mean withers heights of 56.5 cm (n = 112 goats) and 60.4 cm (n = 36 sheep). Conditions in this area appear difficult for small ruminants and the populations sampled may be well adapted to marginal environments and thus worthy of conservation.