bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocean colour products from geostationary platforms, opportunities with Meteosat Second and Third Generation
Authors: Kwiatkowska E. J. , Ruddick K. , Ramon D. , Vanhellemont Q. , Brockmann C. , Lebreton C. , Bonekamp H. G.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Ocean colour applications from medium-resolution polar-orbiting satellite sensors have now matured and evolved into operational services. The examples include the Sentinel-3 OLCI missions of the European Earth Observation Copernicus programme and the VIIRS missions of the US Joint Polar Satellite System programme. Key drivers for Copernicus ocean colour services are the national obligations of the EU member states to report on the quality of marine, coastal and inland waters for the EU Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Further applications include CO2 sequestration, carbon cycle and climate, fisheries and aquaculture management, near-real-time alerting to harmful algae blooms, environmental monitoring and forecasting, and assessment of sediment transport in coastal waters. Ocean colour data from polar-orbiting satellite platforms, however, suffer from fractional coverage, primarily due to clouds, and inadequate resolution of quickly varying processes. Ocean colour remote sensing from geostationary platforms can provide significant improvements in coverage and sampling frequency and support new applications and services. EUMETSAT's SEVIRI instrument on the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation platforms (MSG) is not designed to meet ocean colour mission requirements, however, it has been demonstrated to provide valuable contribution, particularly in combination with dedicated ocean colour polar observations. This paper describes the ongoing effort to develop operational ocean colour water turbidity and related products and user services from SEVIRI. A survey of user requirements and a study of technical capabilities and limitations of the SEVIRI instruments are the basis for this development and are described in this paper. The products will support monitoring of sediment transport, water clarity, and tidal dynamics. Further products and services are anticipated from EUMETSAT's FCI instruments on Meteosat Third Generation satellites (MTG), including potential chlorophyll a products.
Typhoon effect on Kuroshio and Green Island wake: a modelling study
Authors: Hsu T.-W. , Chou M.-H. , Hou T.-H. , Liang S.-J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Green Island located in the typhoon active eastern Taiwan coastal water is the potential Kuroshio power plant site. In this study, a high resolution (250–2250 m) shallow-water equations (SWEs) model is used to investigate the effect of typhoon on the hydrodynamics of Kuroshio and Green Island wake. Two wind induced flows, typhoon Soulik and Holland's wind field model, are studied. Simulation results of the typhoon Soulik indicate that salient characteristics of Kuroshio and downstream island wake seems less affected by the typhoon Soulik because typhoon Soulik is 250 km away Green Island and the wind speed near Green Island is small. Moreover, Kuroshio currents increase when flow is in the same direction as the counterclockwise rotation of typhoon, and vice versa. This finding is in favorable agreements with the TOROS observed data. The SWEs model, forced by the Kuroshio and Holland's wind field model, successfully reproduces the downstream recirculation and meandering vortex street. Numerical results unveil that the slow moving typhoon has a more significant impact on the Kuroshio and downstream Green Island wake than the fast moving typhoon does. Due to the counterclockwise rotation of typhoon, Kuroshio currents increase (decrease) in the right (left) of the moving typhoon's track. This rightward bias phenomenon is evident, especially when typhoon moves in the same direction as the Kuroshio mainstream.
Inconsistency in precipitation measurements across the Alaska–Yukon border
Authors: Scaff L. , Yang D. , Li Y. , Mekis E.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This study quantifies the inconsistency in gauge precipitation observations across the border of Alaska and Yukon. It analyses the precipitation measurements by the national standard gauges (National Weather Service (NWS) 8 in. gauge and Nipher gauge) and the bias-corrected data to account for wind effect on the gauge catch, wetting loss and trace events. The bias corrections show a significant amount of errors in the gauge records due to the windy and cold environment in the northern areas of Alaska and Yukon. Monthly corrections increase solid precipitation by 136 % in January and 20 % for July at the Barter Island in Alaska, and about 31 % for January and 4 % for July at the Yukon stations. Regression analyses of the monthly precipitation data show a stronger correlation for the warm months (mainly rainfall) than for cold month (mainly snowfall) between the station pairs, and small changes in the precipitation relationship due to the bias corrections. Double mass curves also indicate changes in the cumulative precipitation over the study periods. This change leads to a smaller and inverted precipitation gradient across the border, representing a significant modification in the precipitation pattern over the northern region. Overall, this study discovers significant inconsistency in the precipitation measurements across the USA–Canada border. This discontinuity is greater for snowfall than for rainfall, as gauge snowfall observations have large errors in windy and cold conditions. This result will certainly impact regional, particularly cross-border, climate and hydrology investigations.
Records of the anthropogenic influence on different origin lake sediments of Latvia
Authors: Pujate Agnese , Stankevica Karina , Kalnina Laimdota , Klavins Maris , Cerina Aija , Drucka Anda , Kiziks Kristaps
Published: December 2015

Sediments in lakes have formed under the conditions of sensitive ecosystem functions as archives of micro- and macrocomponents. Besides others, lake sediments preserve palaeobotanical and chemical evidence reflecting environmental changes. During the last centuries, sediment composition has been influenced also by inconsistent urban and industrial developments. This paper represents the results of chemical and palaeobotanical signatures in the sediments from four lakes of different origin: Lake Lilaste, Lake Velnezers, Lake Engure, and Lake Vevers. The data were compared with the results from sediment composition analysis obtained by Loss on Ignition and chemical methods taking into account changes in plant macroremains. The studies of lake sediments revealed that human impact is recognisable in the upper sediment layer of all investigated sites, but at different depth from sediment surface. The most recognisable traces of anthropogenic influence can be attributed to the sharp increase of the amount of lead (Pb) and number of plant macroremains in analysed lake sediments.
The Impact of Audit Quality Features on Enhancing Earnings Quality: The Evidence of Listed Manufacturing Firms at Amman Stock Exchange
Authors: Almomani Mohammad Abdallah
Published: December 2015

The study aims at investigating the impact of external audit quality features on enhancing the quality of accounting profits of the listed manufacturing firms at Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), where continuity of profit has been used as Proxy variable to express the quality of earnings. Indicators of quality of audit, audit office size, auditors' fees, period of customer's retention, type of auditor's opinion, and the specialization in client's industry, were used to measure audit quality. A sample of 45 firms had been selected, and data covering the period 2009-2013 had been collected from these firms, where 225 observations were used in the analysis. The study finds that the earnings of listed manufacturing firms at Amman Stock Exchange are with good quality, and that there is a linear relationship between external audit quality and the quality of reported earnings. Auditors' fees have most important significant effect on earnings quality, followed by auditors' opinion, where others factors has no significant effect on earnings quality. Based on these findings, the study raises several questions about the reliability of audit quality properties by stakeholders in firms, especially investors, when they check the quality of earnings, whenever they need to take a decision. The study recommends further researches regarding the issue by using other metrics to measure earnings quality, and through the addition of other properties to the quality of the audit, such as linked audit offices with auditing global offices, degree of qualification employees, and the opened lawsuits against audit office.
Preliminary data on the chironomid fauna of the Middle Volga region within the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia) based on hydrobiological monitoring studies
Authors: Kondrateva Tatiana , Nazarova Larisa
Published: December 2015

Here we provide a new list of chironomid taxa from the middle section of the River Volga (within the Republic of Tatarstan) and its tributaries (Mesha, Kazanka, Svijaga, Steppe Zai, Vjatka, Big Cheremshan, Tojma, Avlashka, Jurashka, and small inundated reservoir of Kazan). Chironomids were investigated from hydrobiological collections of zoobenthos completed by the Meteorological service of Russia (FPBI “Management of hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring of the Republic of Tatarstan”).
Hydraulic performance of new and used self-compensating micro-sprinklers
Authors: Andrade Stocler Manoel de , Zanini José Renato , Soares Cristiana Araujo
Published: December 2015

From the technical and economic perspectives, it is imperative that irrigation systems have extensive durability and high uniformity of application. The objective of this study was to compare the hydraulic performance of new and used (9 years of use with 4265 h of operation) self-compensating micro-sprinklers of the SuperNet LR model. The study was performed in a laboratory to evaluate flow in the range of pressure compensation, coefficient of manufacturing variation or discharge (CVF and CVQ), wetting pattern, distribution uniformity coefficient (DUC), and Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CUC).The new and used micro-sprinklers did not differ in CVF and CVQ, and were rated as excellent; they also did not differ in CUC or DUC. The coverage diameters of the new and used micro-sprinklers were the same as those given in the manufacturer’s catalog. There were no significant differences in the flow rates of the new and used micro-sprinklers when subjected to the same pressure, but significant differences in flow rate were observed within the range of pressure compensation. When installed in an irrigation system, the useful life of micro-sprinklers can be considered to be greater than 9 years with 4265 h of operation.
Biomass of elephant grass and leucaena for bioenergy production
Authors: Sales Fernanda Aparecida , Caramori Paulo Henrique , Ricce Wilian Da Silva , Costa Marco Aurélio Teixeira , Zaro Geovanna Cristina
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass production of elephant grass and leucaena in Paraná state, Brazil, for the generation of renewable energy. Two field studies were conducted in the municipality of Ibiporã (23° S, 51° 01?W). In the first study, the dry matter accumulation curves were calculated, with sampling at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days after cultivation. The second study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with split plots. The total aboveground biomass production of elephant grass and leucaena was estimated in the main plot. Cutting times of 60 and 120 days after cultivation were evaluated in the subplots. The productivity of dry matter (kg.ha-1) was estimated using the biomass data. In addition, the potential production of energy from the burning of elephant grass biomass, and the potential production of total aboveground biomass and energy of elephant grass (in Paraná) was estimated using an agrometeorological model. Elephant grass can be potentially used as an alternative energy source. Leucaena has slow initial growth, and it must therefore be evaluated over a longer period in order to determine its potential. Simulation analyses of the capability of power generation, conducted based on the annual dry matter production, revealed that elephant grass could be an important source of renewable energy in the state of Paraná.
AVG application regimes play an important role on pre-harvest drop and ripening of ‘Jonagold’ apples
Authors: Ozturk Burhan , Ozkan Yakup , Yildiz Kenan
Published: December 2015

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different AVG (aminoethoxyvinylglycine) treatments on pre-harvest fruit drop rates and ripening levels of ‘Jonagold’ apples. A total of 225 mg L-1 AVG dose was applied at once in a single application at different times or divided into doses and applied different times. Compared to control treatment, entire AVG treatments increased fruit removal force and significantly decreased the pre-harvest drop rates. AVG treatments applied at once (225 mg L-1) 8 or 4 weeks before the anticipated harvest time were found to be more effective than the divided treatments. AVG treatments inhibited ethylene biosynthesis and such an inhibition was more distinctive in single 225 mg L-1 treatments. AVG treatments decreased flesh softening, starch degradation rates and consequently retarded fruit ripening. The 225 mg L-1 AVG treatment applied 4 weeks before the harvest significantly increased L* value and hue angle both in the year 2010 and 2011. NAA (naphtaleneacetic acid) at 10 mg L-1 sprayed 4 and 2 weeks before anticipated harvest was found to be insignificant in control of pre-harvest fruit drops. NAA treatment decreased flesh firmness, and did not have any significant effects on ethylene biosynthesis.
Cercosporiose progression in the agroforestry consortium coffee-rubber trees
Authors: Androcioli Humberto Godoy , Morais Heverly , Menezes Júnor Ayres De Oliveira , Hoshino Adriano Thibes , Androcioli Leonardo Godoy , Caramori Paulo Henrique
Published: December 2015

Cercospora coffeicola is one of the primary diseases that affect coffee plants. Studies indicate that shaded coffee plants reduce the incidence of this disease and that the management of trees and coffee plants arrangement influence in the dissemination of cercospora. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of C. coffeicola at different distances from double rows of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis muell. arg.) at two different sunlight exposures (north and south). This study was conducted in Londrina, Parana, between 2008 and 2010, with adult plants of the IAPAR 59 cultivar (Coffea arabica L.) grown at a spacing of 2.5 m x 1.0 m. The distances between the double rows of rubber trees were 13, 16 and 22 m, compared to plants grown under full sun. The disease incidence was assessed monthly by using a non-destructive method. This analysis was conducted on coffee leaves from the third and fourth pairs of two plagiotropic branches, on eight plants per plot, with five replications. These data were used to calculate the area under the curve for the incidence of the brown eye spot. The highest disease incidence occurred in the coffee plants grown under full sun, whereas lowest disease occurred on plants located at up to two meters away from double rows of rubber trees. The incidence of Cercospora leaf spot increased with the distance from the double rows of rubber trees. The results demonstrate that the mapping of cercospora incidence in shaded coffee plants is essential to determinate the best spacing and plants arrangement.
Disease resistance induction in second-season corn using acibenzolar-S-methyl and phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharide
Authors: Fontoura Darci Da , Costa Antonio Carlos Torres , Stangarlin José Renato , Tsutsumi Claudio Yuji
Published: December 2015

Resistance induction is an alternative method to reduce pesticide use in plant disease control. We conducted experiments with four corn hybrids over two consecutive years (2011 and 2012) in order to test resistance in second-season corn treated with acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) or phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharide (MOS). In addition, the plants were subjected to a fungicide (azoxystrobin + cyproconazole) or a control treatment using water only. Distinct pathogens were found in the harvests from both years, but the MOS treatment resulted in hypersensitive response during both years. None of the products applied affected plant height, ear insertion height, or damaged kernel percentage. MOS resulted in higher hypersensitive response intensity, without reducing productivity, compared to the water treatment. The application of ASM did not induce a hypersensitive response.
Evaluation of sensory panels of consumers of specialty coffee beverages using the boosting method in discriminant analysis
Authors: Liska Gilberto Rodrigues , Menezes Fortunato Silva de , Cirillo Marcelo Angelo , Borém Flávio Meira , Cortez Ricardo Miguel , Ribeiro Diego Egídio
Published: December 2015

Automatic classification methods have been widely used in numerous situations and the boosting method has become known for use of a classification algorithm, which considers a set of training data and, from that set, constructs a classifier with reweighted versions of the training set. Given this characteristic, the aim of this study is to assess a sensory experiment related to acceptance tests with specialty coffees, with reference to both trained and untrained consumer groups. For the consumer group, four sensory characteristics were evaluated, such as aroma, body, sweetness, and final score, attributed to four types of specialty coffees. In order to obtain a classification rule that discriminates trained and untrained tasters, we used the conventional Fisher’s Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and discriminant analysis via boosting algorithm (AdaBoost). The criteria used in the comparison of the two approaches were sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate, false negative rate, and accuracy of classification methods. Additionally, to evaluate the performance of the classifiers, the success rates and error rates were obtained by Monte Carlo simulation, considering 100 replicas of a random partition of 70% for the training set, and the remaining for the test set. It was concluded that the boosting method applied to discriminant analysis yielded a higher sensitivity rate in regard to the trained panel, at a value of 80.63% and, hence, reduction in the rate of false negatives, at 19.37%. Thus, the boosting method may be used as a means of improving the LDA classifier for discrimination of trained tasters.
Bacteriological evaluation of bone grafts stored by cryogenic freezing at –24°C from a canine (Canis familiaris) bone bank
Authors: Santos Jaqueline França dos , Mariani Tatiana Casimiro , Dellla Nina Marcos Ishimoto , Ferraz Vanessa Couto de Magalhães , Ferrigno Cassio Ricardo Auada
Published: December 2015

The scientific basis of bone transplantation was established during the mid-nineteenth century, when the osteogenic properties of the bone and periosteum, beneficial influence of cold preservation of bones, and first conventional attempt to store bones for elective use, were described. A bone bank has several advantages, such as the immediate availability of grafts in large quantities, and different shapes and sizes, and maintenance of osteoinductive activity in grafts. In addition, it reduces patient blood loss, surgical time, and quantity of anesthetics required. Clinical applications include the correction of comminuted fractures, treatment of non-union bones, and replacement of bone loss due to infections or malignancies. The success of these procedures depends on the preservation and integrity of the graft. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of maintaining a canine bone bank (Canis familiaris) by quantifying the bacterial contamination of bone grafts preserved at –24°C. The samples were evaluated through a monthly assessment of bacteriological cultures over a period of 6 months. The harvest method was efficient and sterile, reducing the risk of contamination. We conclude that the techniques chosen for the implementation of a bone bank were effective and feasible (use of a common freezer reaching a temperature below –24°C). The viability of the bones was attested during a 6-month period, and the samples demonstrated a 100% sterility rate.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in the dog population of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Mascolli Roberta , Soto Francisco Rafael Martins , Bernardi Fernanda , Ito Fumio Honma , Pinheiro Sônia Regina , Guilloux Aline Gil Alves , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de , Silva Patrícia Viana da , Gennari Solange Maria , Fernandes Annielle Regina da Fonseca , Pena Hilda Fátima de Jesus , Vasconcellos Sílvio Arruda
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dogs seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa) and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in the dog population of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 animals were examined in the 48 neighborhoods of the city from September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of T. gondii and N. caninum infections was performed using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), with endpoint titers of 1:64 for T. gondii and 1:50 for N. caninum. Of the 570 animals examined, 314 (55.1%; 95% CI = 50.9?59.2%) were seropositive for T. gondii and 40 (7.02%; 95% CI = 5.1?9.4%) for N. caninum. The variables presence of rodents (OR = 2.05), ingestion of raw meat (OR= 2.47), and prior sexual activity (OR = 1.79) were identified as risk factors for toxoplasmosis, whereas only prior sexual activity (OR = 3.29) was associated with an increased risk for neosporosis. Both T. gondii and N. caninum infections were detected by IFA in the dog population of Ibiúna. Rodent control and not feeding raw meat to dogs are important to reduce the risk of infection by T. gondii and N. caninum in the region.
Pre-slaughter losses of broilers: effect of time period of the day and lairage time in a subtropical climate
Authors: Vieira Frederico Márcio Corrêa , Deniz Matheus , Silva Iran José Oliveira da , Barbosa Filho José Antonio Delfino , Vieira Afrânio Márcio Corrêa , Gonçalves Francielle Soares
Published: December 2015

Mortality losses of broilers during pre-slaughter operations consists of actual challenge for maintaining world leadership of Brazilian poultry industry. In relation to thermal environment and its influence on abattoirs’ handling, some studies has advanced about the knowledge of these variables on poultry welfare. However, few studies was developed in subtropical conditions, considering a joint analysis of involved thermal factors. In this context, the aim of this work was to assess the mortality of broiler chickens transported throughout daily periods and submitted to different lairage time intervals. A trial was conducted in a commercial slaughterhouse at São Paulo state, during 2006. More than 13,000 loads was registered regarding broiler mortality data during pre-slaughter operations, as well as factors which had influence on losses, such as daily periods, lairage time and bioclimatic variables. Higher mortality rates of broiler transportation were registered during afternoon, around 13 birds per truck. Regarding the interaction between daily periods and lairage time at abattoir, during morning and afternoon, the mortality rate was reduced when birds were submitted to a lairage time of two hours in a controlled environment. These results showed the high level of pre-slaughter losses during hottest periods and the importance of environment control during pre-slaughter lairage of broiler chickens, with adoption of increasing time intervals when lairage environment is controlled.
Kinetics in vitro of ruminal fermentation of cocoa husks subjected to alkali and heat treatment
Authors: Almeida Flávio Moreira de , Azevêdo José Augusto Gomes , Cabral Ícaro Dos Santos , Pereira Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro , Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal de , Nogueira Abdon Santos , Souza Lígia Lins , Oliveira Brena Santos , Vieira Pablo Almeida Sampaio
Published: December 2015

The objective was to evaluate the parameters of kinetics of ruminal fermentation of cocoa husks (CH) treated with alkali and thermal agents, using the semi-automated in vitro gas production technique. Cocoa husks samples were subjected to alkali and thermal methods (effect of time of exposure) treatment, as follows: control; alkaline treatment with calcium hydroxide ((Ca(OH)2) and calcium oxide (CaO), both doses of 15.0; 30.0 and 45.0 g kg-1 of CH; heat treatment in an autoclave at a pressure of 1.23 kg cm-2 (15 psi) and a temperature of 123°C for 30, 60 and 90 minutes. For statistical analysis, orthogonal contrasts and regression. The degradation rate and the final volume of gases of non-fiber carbohydrates decreased with the addition of Ca(OH)2 and CaO, however, for fibrous carbohydrates effects were positive. For each percentage of Ca(OH)2 and CaO included, it is estimated an increase of 5.74 and 2.9% in the final volume of the fiber, respectively. When the heat treatment, a decrease in all parameters was estimated. For each minute of exposure to heat, there was a decrease of 0.4% in total final volume of gases. The alkali treatment can be an efficient alternative for improving the digestibility of fibrous fractions of CH.
Dairy production system type and critical points of contamination
Authors: Simões Gilberto Henrique , Pozza Magali Soares dos Santos , Zambom Maximiliane Alavarse , Lange Maichel Jhonattas , Neumann Marcelo Eduardo
Published: December 2015

Current milk production includes a large diversity between systems, which generates difficulties in defining a microbiological standard. The adapted practical and hygienic-sanitary management methods are diverse and introduce great complexity into the production systems. Based on this scenario, the objective of this study was to evaluate the types of dairy production systems of western Parana and to quantify Staphylococcus sp in three critical points in the dairy cattle production systems: the milking machines, milkers’ hands, the cooling tanks and raw milk. A total of 35 samples of refrigerated raw milk were collected, and a questionnaire referring to hygienic and sanitary management was administered. All of the data were collected during the period from September to October 2012 and involved 35 properties in the municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon – PR. From these data, five groups were formed based on cluster analysis (CHA). The multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) presented in the first two dimensions, CP1 (81.43%) and CP2 (36.87%), showed the relevance of the variables used, which are sanitary and production management methods, and contamination and control of mastitis, respectively (CP1 and CP2). We found average contamination with 9.9 x 101 CFU/cm2, 2.2x104 CFU/cm2, 28 CFU/ cm2 and 3.8x103 CFU/mL; for milking machines, milkers’ hands, cooling tanks and milk, respectively. The results reveal the presence of staphylococcal agent in dairy production systems regardless of the adopted hygiene and health management protocols. The guidance, planning and adaptation of hygiene and health management systems can significantly improve the microbiological quality of the milk produced, both qualitatively and quantitatively
Canola meal on starting pigs feeding
Authors: Peñuela-Sierra Lina Maria , Moreira Ivan , Carvalho Paulo Levi Oliveira , Toledo Juliana Beatriz , Gonçalves Liliane Maria Piano , Gallego Adriana Gomez
Published: December 2015

Three experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional values and evaluate the performance of piglets fed on canola meal. In experiment I, a digestibility assay was conducted using fourteen barrow pigs, with an initial body weight of 20.62±3.30 kg. The evaluated feedstuff was canola meal, with a level of 250 g/kg in the basal diet (corn + soybean meal-based). The experimental unit consisted of one pig, with a total of seven experimental units per diet. The values as (fed basis) of digestible (DE) and metabolizable (ME) energy of canola meal were 2,995 kcal/kg and 2,796 kcal/kg, respectively. In experiment II, ileal digestibility assays were carried out to determine the apparent and true ileal digestibility coefficient and digestible amino acids. Three crossbred pigs were used, with a BW of 38.6±1.98 kg. The treatments consisted of two diets, with a single source of protein (canola meal) and one protein-free diet (OFD). The values of digestible amino acids in canola meal were as follows: lysine: 11.8 g/kg; methionine+cystine: 9.1 g/kg; threonine: 7.9 g/kg; tryptophan: 2.4 g/kg; leucine: 15.7 g/kg; and isoleucine: 8.7 g/kg. In experiment III, 60 piglets (BW= 15.08±0.72 kg to 30.26±2.78 kg) were allotted in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of four diets with increasing levels of canola meal (50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg), six replicates and experimental unit consisted of two pigs. Additionally, a control diet was formulated containing 0.0 g/kg CM. Regression analysis indicates that there was no effect (P?0.05) of the level of canola meal inclusion on pigs performance. The performance results suggest that it is feasible to use up to 200 g/kg of canola meal in starting pigs diet, without impairing performance and the feeding cost.
Vitamin K supplementation for meat quail in growth of 1 to 14 days old
Authors: Stanquevis Caroline Espejo , Furlan Antonio Claudio , Marcato Simara Márcia , Zancanela Vittor , Grieser Daiane Oliveira , Perine Taynara Prestes , Finco Eline Maria , Euzébio Tainara Ciuffi
Published: December 2015

The experiment was carried outto determine the levels of vitamin K for meat quails (Coturnixcoturnixsp) from 1 to 14 days of age. Atotal of 2200 birds were used, complete by random experimental design, with 8 treatments, 5 repetitions and 55 meat quails per experimental unit. The levels of vitamin K supplementation were 0; 0.7; 1.0; 1.3; 1.6; 1.9; 2.2; 2.5 mg/kg diets. The performance was measured through weighing weekly from the birds and feed, and at the end of the experiment was carried out collects blood and bones for the assessment of bone quality parameters. The levels of vitamin K supplementation had no influence on performance orbone quality, except thatthe bone density and calcium concentration of the femur and the bone density of the tibia showeda quadratic effect, with estimates of 0.98; 0.92 and 1.18 respectively. The length of the tibia showed a linear increase according to the levels of vitamin K. There was no effect in the concentration of serum calcium, but there was a quadratic effect in the concentration of alkaline phosphatase. The vitamin K supplementation did not affect the performance of the meat quails from 1 to 14 days of age, showing that the amount of vitamin K present in ground corn and soybean meal-based diets is sufficient to meet the needs of the birds’ performance.
Sentiency, bioethics and animal welfare: concepts that need to be discussed in higher education to change the teaching and researching paradigm
Authors: Duzanski Anderson Do Prado , Santos Ana Paula Millet Evangelista dos , Cruz Mariza Fordellone Rosa , Porto Emília De Paiva , Porto Petrônio Pinheiro , Silva Marcos Augusto Alves da , Marquez Ellen De Souza , Silva Carlos Frederico Gitsio Klier T. da
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the knowledge of students of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences of the State University of Northern Paraná, Campus Luiz Meneghel, on the ethical and legal guidelines of animal experimentation, as well as the possibility of substitute methods for using sentient animals in classes and scientific practices. The research involved 162 freshman students and graduating students, aged 17 to 32 years. The students responded to the questionnaire containing objective and subjective questions, and the answers were analysed by descriptive statistics. It was observed that 87% of the students were unaware of the concept of the “3Rs” and 81.5% did not know the existence of alternative methods that can replace the use of live animals in studies. In addition, only 24.7% of respondents reported they had studied “bioethics” before graduation. However, 94.3% and 96.2% of the students from veterinary medicine and biological sciences, respectively, considered it important to insert animal welfare and bioethics in the curriculum of such courses. The results demonstrated that the ethical and statutory guidelines that rule the use of animals in scientific experiments and in classes are unknown even among senior students and there is still great resistance to the exclusion of animal models. Thus, it is important that animal welfare and bioethics remain in the curriculum in higher education through the insertion of such subjects, even as elective courses that aim to work with methodologies and innovative strategies in synergistic action with ethics committees for animal use, which are responsible for analysing, guiding and supervising the relevance of animal use in education and research. Therefore, the curriculum will be able to achieve rationalization in the use of animal models, the sustainable and “humanitarian” development of teaching and research, and the training of more conscious and ethical professionals, perceptions that must be achieved through a national education curriculum.
Performance of carrot genotypes at two Jequitinhonha Valley sites
Authors: Pereira Gustavo Antônio Mendes , Oliveira Maxwel Coura , Oliveira Altino Júnior Mendes , Fernandes José Sebastião Cunha , Andrade Júnior Valter Carvalho de , Silva Daniel Valadão , Ferreira Evander Alves
Published: December 2015

The successful commercial use of carrot depends on the choice of cultivars that are well-adapted to soil and climate conditions at the cultivation site and on good consumer acceptance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of carrot cultivars grown in autumn-winter in two towns with different climatic characteristics, in the High Jequitinhonha Valley, MG, Brazil. The experiments were conducted on the Rio Manso farm, in the town of Couto de Magalhães de Minas and on Campus JK at UFVJM, in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six carrot cultivars (Brasília, Nantes, Kuronan, Esplanada, Planalto and Tornado) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The following morpho-agronomic characteristics were evaluated 100 days after sowing: shoot height, root length, root dry matter, total dry matter, harvest index, commercial yield and total yield root. The most suitable cultivars in Diamantina were Planalto, Tornado and Kuronan, and the cultivatar Planalto was the best suited to Couto de Magalhães de Minas. The agronomic performance of the cultivars was higher in Couto de Magalhães de Minas for the majority of the study variables, resulting in a higher total yield and commercial root yield. The climatic and soil conditions of Diamantina induced flowering in most cultivars, causing a loss to the commercial yield in autumn-winter cultivation.
Yield and crop cycle time of peaches cultivated in subtropical climates and subjected to different pruning times
Authors: Ferraz Rafael Augusto , Leonel Sarita , Segantini Daniela Mota , Tecchio Marco Antonio , Antunes Luis Eduardo Correa
Published: December 2015

The cultivation of peaches in regions of subtropical and tropical climate is currently achieved through a set of practices such as using less demanding cultivars in cold conditions, applying plant growth regulators to break dormancy, and performing specific pruning, like production and renewal pruning. Research on the climate adaptation of cultivars is of great importance in establishing a crop in a given region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of three cultivars subjected to different production pruning times in Botucatu/SP, where 2-year old peach trees were evaluated, grown at a spacing of 6.0 x 4.0 meters. The experimental design was a split plot design with four blocks, using the cultivars Douradão, BRS Kampai and BRS Rubimel, and the subplots corresponded to pruning times in May, June, July and August. Ten plants were used per plot, with the four central plants considered useful and the remaining considered as margins. Pruning in June and July showed the best results in terms of percentage of fruit set and production. The cultivar BRS Rubimel showed the best percentage of fruit set when pruned in June (44.96%), and best fruit production when pruned in July (18.7 kg plant-1). Pruning in May anticipated the harvest of cultivar BRS Rubimel by 13 days whereas pruning carried out in July and August provided late harvests for cultivars Douradão and BRS Kampai.
Acaricidal activity of Annonaceae fractions against Tetranychus tumidus and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the metabolite profile of Duguetia lanceolata (Annonaceae) using GC-MS
Authors: Alves Dejane Santos , Morejón Reinaldo Chico , Machado Alan Rodrigues Teixeira , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade , Pina Oriela , Oliveira Denilson Ferreira
Published: December 2015

Species of the Tetranychus genus feed on plant tissues, which reduces the rate of photosynthesis and can lead to the death of plant tissues. As a result, considerable production losses are caused by these arthropods. Thus, in order to aid in the development of new products for the control of Tetranychus tumidus Banks and Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), the initial objective of this study was to select Annonaceae derived fractions that were soluble in dichloromethane and have acaricidal activity. Then, an exploratory analysis of the metabolite profile of the most successful fraction was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among the dichloromethane soluble fractions derived from Annona cacans Warm., Annona coriacea Mart., Annona neolaurifolia H. Rainer, Annona sylvatica A.St.-Hil., Duguetia lanceolata A.St.-Hil., Guatteria australis A.St.-Hil., Xylopia brasiliensis Spreng., Xylopia emarginata Mart. and Xylopia sericea A.St.-Hil., only the fraction from D. lanceolata stem bark reduced the survival of T. tumidus females. However, ovicidal activity was not detected when D. lanceolata stem bark was evaluated against T. tumidus eggs. Further, we studied the effect of dichloromethane soluble fractions from D. lanceolata leaves, berry fruits and stem bark on T. urticae, and the stem bark was found to be the most active fraction against T. urticae. The metabolite profile analysis of D. lanceolata stem bark by GC-MS, suggested that the main constituents were 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene and trans-asarone.
Sample size for morphological traits of pigeonpea
Authors: Facco Giovani , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Lúcio Alessandro Dal’Col , Santos Gustavo Oliveira dos , Stefanello Réges Bellé , Alves Bruna Mendonça , Burin Cláudia , Neu Ismael Mario Márcio , Kleinpaul Jéssica Andiara
Published: December 2015

The objectives of this study were to determine the sample size (i.e., number of plants) required to accurately estimate the average of morphological traits of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and to check for variability in sample size between evaluation periods and seasons. Two uniformity trials (i.e., experiments without treatment) were conducted for two growing seasons. In the first season (2011/2012), the seeds were sown by broadcast seeding, and in the second season (2012/2013), the seeds were sown in rows spaced 0.50 m apart. The ground area in each experiment was 1,848 m2, and 360 plants were marked in the central area, in a 2 m × 2 m grid. Three morphological traits (e.g., number of nodes, plant height and stem diameter) were evaluated 13 times during the first season and 22 times in the second season. Measurements for all three morphological traits were normally distributed and confirmed through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Randomness was confirmed using the Run Test, and the descriptive statistics were calculated. For each trait, the sample size (n) was calculated for the semiamplitudes of the confidence interval (i.e., estimation error) equal to 2, 4, 6, ..., 20% of the estimated mean with a confidence coefficient (1-?) of 95%. Subsequently, n was fixed at 360 plants, and the estimation error of the estimated percentage of the average for each trait was calculated. Variability of the sample size for the pigeonpea culture was observed between the morphological traits evaluated, among the evaluation periods and between seasons. Therefore, to assess with an accuracy of 6% of the estimated average, at least 136 plants must be evaluated throughout the pigeonpea crop cycle to determine the sample size for the traits (e.g., number of nodes, plant height and stem diameter) in the different evaluation periods and between seasons.
Analysis of the corneal endothelium in eyes of chickens using contact specular microscopy
Authors: Albuquerque Luciane , Pigatto João Antonio Tadeu , Freitas Luciana Vicente da Rosa Pacicco
Published: December 2015

The corneal endothelium is a single layer of polygonal cells essential for corneal transparency. The objective of this study was to assess the parameters corneal endothelial cells in healthy chickens of different ages using a contact specular microscopy. A total 36 eyes of 18 chickens were evaluated in this study. After the humane slaughter of birds and subconjunctival enucleation, the eye bulbs were arranged into three groups according to the age of the chickens. Group 1 consisted of bulbs eyes of 6 chickens with ages ranging from 1 to 3 months old. Group 2 consisted of ocular bulbs 6 chickens with ages ranging from 5 to 12 months old. Group 3 consisted of bulbs eyes of 6 chickens with ages ranging from 24 to 40 months old. The contact specular microscopy was easy to perform and provided data such as endothelial cell density, average cell area and cellular pleomorphism. The results obtained with a contact specular microscopy revealed that the aging causes a decrease in the density of the corneal endothelium healthy chickens. Similarly, increasing the average endothelial cell area as well as the pleomorphism occurs. The present work suggests that the parameters of corneal endothelium of healthy chickens present change with advancing age.
Campylobacter isolation from the feces of sheep with a history of reproductive disorders bred in the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Rizzo Huber , Gregory Lilian , Beraldi Fidel , Carvalho Aline Feola de , Pinheiro Eliana Scarcelli
Published: December 2015

Campylobacter species are a significant cause of sheep abortion in most sheep-raising countries. The relationship between the presence of Campylobacter spp. in fecal samples and reproductive disorders was investigated in 274 sheep from 28 properties in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Biological samples from 16 aborted fetuses, one uterus, six placentas, five uterine secretion samples, five vaginal swabs, 17 semen samples, and three preputial swabs were also subjected to bacterial isolation. The bacteria were isolated from fecal samples of 14.9% (5/28) of the properties, affecting 3.65% (10/274) of the sheep, 3.5% (9/255) of females and 5.3% (1/19) of males. Campylobacter jejuni was the most prevalent species, present in 66.67% (7) of the positive samples, followed by Campylobacter coli, present in 22.22% (2), and one strain was identified as Campylobacter spp. The birth of “weak” lambs (p=0.06, OR=6.83 and CI=1.73 to 27.05) and neonatal death (p=0.087, OR=3.5 and CI=0.83 to 14.72) were associated with the fecal isolation of Campylobacter spp. Diarrhea was also associated with the bacteria (p=0.003, OR=9.83 and CI=2.19 to 44.18). The dissemination of Campylobacter spp. in Brazilian sheep is low and that, at present, the existing strains are not responsible for significant economic losses in sheep production, especially in adult animals.
A comparison of detomidine in combination with saline, morphine or methadone in horses submitted to experimental oral stimuli
Authors: Guilhen Rafael Costa , Cassu Renata Navarro , Diniz Miriely Steim , Giuffrida Rogério , Duarte Rodrigo Rolim
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to compare the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of detomidine in combination with saline, morphine or methadone and to determine whether the addition of these opioids increases the degree of sedation in horses submitted to experimental oral stimuli. In a blinded, randomized, experimental study, six adult mares were evaluated using a crossover design with at least 15 days between trials: 10?g/kg detomidine in combination with saline (D/SAL), 0.1mg/kg morphine (D/ MORPH) or 0.1mg/kg methadone (D/METH). The degree of sedation, response to oral stimuli and cardiopulmonary parameters were monitored for 120 minutes. Parametric data were analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey’s tests, and non- parametric data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman’s tests with the post-Dunn test (P<0.05). The degree of sedation was significantly greater for the D/SAL than for the D/MORPH and D/METH treatments at 30 min. The horses´ responses to the oral stimuli decreased significantly following all treatments at 5 and 30 min from baseline values. The heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial pH and blood gas variables were all similar among the treatment groups. Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in the D/MORPH group when compared with the D/SAL group between 75 and 120 min. It was concluded that all treatments provided sedative effects with mild cardiopulmonary changes. However the addition of morphine or methadone to detomidine did not improve the degree of sedation in horses submitted to experimental oral stimuli.
Hematology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to anesthesia and anticoagulation protocols
Authors: Weinert Nadia Cristine , Volpato Julieta , Costa Ádson , Antunes Rozyanne Rosa , Oliveira Aldo Camargo de , Mattoso Cláudio Roberto Scabelo , Saito Mere Erika
Published: December 2015

Clinical hematology facilitates the diagnosis of disease and can act as a prognostic indicator of pathological conditions in fish. The aim of the present study was to evaluate hematological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to different anesthetics and anticoagulants. Thirty apparently healthy fishes (average weight of 473 ± 35. 50 g and mean total length of 29. 33 ± 0. 37 cm), were selected from the local commercial fish farm in the Lages municipality (Santa Catarina, Brazil). The animals were randomly divided into three groups of 10. In two groups, anesthesia was induced with eugenol (70 mg·L- 1) (EG) and Benzocaine hydrochloride (100 mg·L-1) (BG), respectively. Anesthesia was not administered to fish of the third group (CG/control group). Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture of the caudal vessels and placed into microtubes containing sodium heparin or Na2EDTA for further analysis. The results were analyzed by Sigma Stat for Windows, the paired t-test for significant differences between anticoagulants of the same group, and analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test for comparison of means between groups (p ? 0. 05). Most of the observed changes in the erythrogram were significantly higher for the anticoagulant heparin and benzocaine group in comparison to the control group. However, the values obtained for the leukogram were significantly higher for all groups subjected to the Na2EDTA anticoagulant, suggesting that heparin may cause cell clumping. The results suggest that the anesthetics under investigation effectively minimizes the effects of stress caused by handling and invasive procedures, and that the anticoagulant heparin causes less hemolysis in comparison to Na2EDTA for Nile tilapia. Thus, the hematological variations attributed to different anesthetic protocols and/or different anticoagulants should be considered for the species Oreochromis niloticus.