bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nesting type choice in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa)
Authors: Robles R. , Alonso M.E. , Sánchez J. M. , Olmedo J.A. , Gaudioso V.R.
Published: August 2016

In order to avoid the decrease in the numbers of wild red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, observed in several areas, the most appropiate solution is to repopulate using animals from game farms. The nesting place chosen by 30 pairs of red-legged partridge in captivity was studied. There were five different nest types combined in groups of three in 30 cages. Type A nest: made with natural bush plants tied together at one end and placed invertedly forming a cone. Type B: made with the same natural bush plants as the previous type but placed over an internal wire structure and having preformed entrances. Type C: a wooden structure in the form of a roof with two slopes. Type D: similar to the type C but on one of the laterals the opaque material only covers the upper half, and a plastic mesh covers the lower half. Type E: a wooden square box covered with an inclined plank of opaque and waterproof material. Our study shows that the type A nest received significantly (P < 0·05) more eggs than the others, possibly because this type of nest allowed for better vigilance and a better sense of protection for the animals. Type E nest was the second most preferred. In this type, the partridge was able to monitor the surroundings through the space between the walls and the roof and this space could be used as an escape route. From a production and industrial perspective, type E has some advantages over type A, being easy to build, clean and disinfect, and allowing the birds to see through the nest.
The effects of two methods of increasing age at slaughter on carcass and muscle traits and meat sensory quality in pigs
Authors: Lebret B. , Juin H. , Noblet J. , Bonneau M.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 30-day increase in age of pigs slaughtered at 110 kg body weight (BW) on carcass and m. longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. biceps femoris (BF) traits, and meat sensory quality. A total of 60 pigs from two genotypes: synthetic line ✕ (Large White ✕ Landrace) (SL) and Duroc ✕ (Large White ✕ Landrace) (D) were used, each genotype containing five groups of six littermates (three castrated males and three females). At the average BW of 30 kg, littermates of the same sex were allocated to three groups. Pigs of group AL were offered ad libitum a standard growing-finishing diet (13·6 MJ/kg digestible energy, 9·5 g/kg of lysine) from 30 up to 110 kg BW. The R1 pigs received the same diet at 0·75 of the ad libitum intake of their AL littermates. The R2 pigs were submitted to both energy and protein restrictions in order to get the same growth rate as the R1 pigs and the same body composition as the AL pigs. Results were similar in both genotypes. In agreement with the protocol, age at slaughter was increased by 30 days in R1 and R2, and AL and R2 pigs had comparable carcass composition. Compared with AL, average daily gain was decreased in R1 and R2 pigs, and food efficiency was decreased in R2, but remained unaffected in R1 pigs. Intramuscular fat (IMF) concentration was decreased in the R1 pigs, especially in BF (15·5 v. 19·7 mg/g), while it was increased in the LD of the R2 pigs, particularly in the D animals (24·2 v. 17·4 mg/g), compared with AL pigs. Meat quality parameters (rate and extent of pH fall, reflectance and drip loss) were similar in the three feeding regimens. The taste panel did not find any significant difference between feeding regimens for tenderness, juiciness, flavour, flour sensation after mastication and mouth coating of the meat, despite the differences reported in IMF concentration. This suggests that, for the genotypes used in this experiment, an increase of 30 days in the age at slaughter greatly influences the carcass and/or the muscle chemical composition, depending on the feeding strategy applied to reduce the growth rate but does not strongly modify the meat eating quality.
Vigour of lambs newly born to outdoor wintering ewes
Authors: Wassmuth R. , Löer A. , Langholz H.-J.
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present investigation was, to examine whether outdoor wintering of lambing ewes is a successful and animal friendly production system. The welfare and growth performance of winterborn lambs in outdoor husbandry were assessed in two winter periods (1995/96, 1996/97) when a total of 353 lambs were born into three different husbandry systems. System 1 consisted of 75 lambs from 26 (winter 1) and 29 (winter 2) ewes and was wintered outdoors with access to a lambing shelter with a straw bedded floor. System 2 included 120 lambs from 52 (winter 1) and 54 (winter 2) ewes which were born in an uninsulated barn with access to an outdoor yard. System 3 was kept in an uninsulated barn with no access to the outside and consisted of 158 lambs from 52 (winter 1) and 54 (winter 2) ewes. The lambs were of five different genetic origins which were equally distributed over the three husbandry systems. The genetic groups included purebreds from the hardy ‘Rhönschaf’ (RHO) and from the ‘German Blackface’ (GBF) mutton breed and the reciprocal crosses of these breeds (GBF ✕ RHO, RHO ✕ GBF). The fifth group were crossbreds between rams of the small-framed French mutton breed ‘Charmoise’ (CHA) and Rhönschaf-ewes (CHA ✕ RHO). The time period between parturition and first standing (‘time to stand’) and the time period from birth to first sucking (‘time to suck’) were considered as vigour traits. Vigour was visually assessed and scored. The rectal temperature was measured 3 h post partum. Live-weight gains were estimated from birth to 25 and 42 days of life. No differences between the different husbandry systems were observed in the measured traits. Outdoor-born lambs showed the same vigour and were able to maintain homeothermy as well as those born indoors. Ewes sought the shelter prior to lambing which might have favoured the early vigour of lambs and thus, their ability to maintain homeothermy. The visually assessed vigour score was in good accordance with the vigour traits time to stand and time to suck. The breed of the ewe had a significant effect on lamb vigour, lambs from hardy RHO ewes showing a better vigour than lambs from GBF ewes. Hybrid vigour estimates of time to stand and time to suck were 0·17 and 0·20, respectively, but were not statistically significant.

Crossbred lambs between GBF and CHA mutton rams and hardy RHO ewes had a good vitality and growth performance. Outdoor wintering with a lambing shelter did not adversely influence survival of newborn lambs or their subsequent growth performance.
Limitations of high Alpine grazing conditions for early-lactation cows: effects of energy and protein supplementation
Authors: Berry N. R. , Sutter F. , Bruckmaier R. M. , Blum J. W. , Kreuzer M.
Published: August 2016

In each of 2 years (years A and B), the effects of three nutritional regimes were examined using 12 cows kept at pasture for 77 days at 2000 m above sea level. Two supplement formulations (1 and 2) were designed, both equally high in readily fermentable energy (14·6 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg dry matter (DM)) but differing in crude protein content (53 and 193 g/kg DM). The treatments imposed were either pasture grass alone (control groups; both seasons) or grass and supplements provided at three levels relative to energy (E) and protein (P) maintenance requirements estimated for lowland conditions. These levels were (i) 1·0 E: 0·8 P provided by 4·6 kg of supplement 1 per day in both years; (ii) 0·5 E: 0·4 P provided by 2·2 kg of supplement 1 per day in year A; (iii) 1·0 E: 2·5 P provided by 4·4 kg of supplement 2 per day in year B. Intensive measurement periods, including food intake estimation by the double alkane technique, were carried out in weeks 3, 7 and 11 on Alpine pasture. Performance data, plasma levels of indicative blood traits and body condition were additionally monitored in the cows at a lowland site for 2 weeks prior to transport. Supplementing with a high energy/low protein concentrate gave no clear benefit in milk yield, which declined proportionately by 0·33 in the 11 weeks under Alpine conditions. Provision of additional supplementary protein (supplement 2) resulted in a proportionate decline in milk yield of only 0·20 over the 11-week period. Cows exhibited high substitution ratios of 1·4 to 2·6 kg herbage DM per kg concentrate DM and cows on all treatments were estimated to consume similar amounts of ME. A combination of reduced fibre intake and lower fibre digestibility with supplementation significantly reduced milk fat contents to low levels. Energy supplementation significantly reduced plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels. However, live-weight and body tissue loss rates (based on ultrasonic scans of subcutaneous fat layer and longissimus dorsi muscle) were equally great with and without energy supplementation but less severe with extra protein (supplement 2). Adaptation to the high Alpine conditions was achieved in all treatments as indicated by increased blood haemoglobin, accompanied by a lower plasma level of insulin-like growth factor-I. Plasma thyroid hormone levels suggested that adaptation to energy deficiency and possibly to cold was more effective with supplementary energy. Other energy-dependent blood metabolites and insulin responded similarly in all treatments to high altitude grazing. Estimated maintenance energy requirement for Alpine conditions was 0·72 times greater than lowland maintenance requirement.
Effect of the level of concentrate supplementation, herbage allowance and milk yield at turn-out on the performance of dairy cows in mid lactation at grazing
Authors: Delaby L. , Peyraud J. L. , Delagarde R.
Published: August 2016

In order to establish the response of dairy cow performance to concentrate supplementation in contrasting grazing conditions and for cows differing in milk yield at turn-out, three experiments were conducted. Each year, two levels of herbage allowance were studied in interaction with four (experiment 1) or three (experiments 2 and 3) levels of concentrate on two groups of 30 to 40 mid-lactation Holstein cows producing between 20 and 46 kg milk at turnout. Amount of concentrate and herbage allowance ranged from 0 to 6 kg fresh weight and from 12 to 22 kg dry matter (DM) per cow per day respectively. The supplementation led to average responses, per kg DM concentrate, of 104 kg milk, +66 g/day body-weight gain, +0·19 g/kg milk protein and -0·57 g/kg milk fat. These responses remained linear up to 4 or 6 kg according to the years and treatments. The response to the concentrate did not vary with the milk yield or composition at turn-out. The increase in the herbage allowance from 12 to 16 kg DM per cow per day (experiment 1) improved milk yield (+1·2 kg/day) and milk protein (+0·7 g/kg) while the increase from 16 to 22 kg DM (experiments 2 and 3) had less effect (+0·5 kg/day milk yield and +0·4 g/kg milk protein). There was no clear interaction between concentrate supplementation and herbage allowance. Under the usual conditions of spring pasture, with cows in mid lactation, the use of a constant level of concentrate at grazing proves to be a technique of some interest.
Population structure, inbreeding trend and their association with hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs
Authors: Mäki K. , Groen A. F. , Liinamo A.-E. , Ojala M.
Published: August 2016

The aims of this study were to examine population structure and inbreeding trend in six dog breeds in Finland and to assess the inbreeding depression for hip and elbow dysplasia. Data consisted of 289 569 dogs, of which 36 924 dogs also had a record for hip and/or elbow dysplasia screening. From the early 1980s onwards, inbreeding trends were decreasing in the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, the Rough Collie and the Rottweiler, probably as a result of importations of dogs, and somewhat increasing in the Finnish Hound and the German Shepherd. When analysed per generation, observed mean inbreeding coefficients were higher than the expected ones in each breed, indicating that breeders have not actively avoided inbreeding. As a class effect, the inbreeding level was significant only for hip dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever and the German Shepherd breeds. As a regression, inbreeding level of a dog had only a minor effect on both of the dysplasias. Hip dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever appeared to be more influenced by longer term aggregation of homozygosity (long-term inbreeding) in animals than by shorter-term inbreeding. When analysed from two data sets with a minimum of five and two ancestral generations for each dog in the data, a statistically significant association between hip dysplasia and inbreeding for the Labrador Retriever could be detected only in the former data set.
Effects of prenatal restraint stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and sympatho-adrenomedullary axis in neonatal pigs
Authors: Often W. , Kanitz E. , Tuchscherer M. , Nürnberg G.
Published: August 2016

Studies in rodents and primates strongly indicate that prenatal stress affects the survival, behaviour and physiology of the offspring. Stressful stimuli during gestation may have a direct or hormone mediated effect on the development of stress systems in the foetal organism, resulting in an altered coping during stressful situations. The present study was conducted to elucidate prenatal stress effects in domestic pigs on the responses of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenocortical (HPA) axis and the sympatho-adrenomedullary (SAM) system as well as on morbidity, mortality and growth of the offspring. Pregnant sows were subjected to a restraint stress for five minutes daily during the last five weeks of gestation. Endocrine reactions of the piglets were tested at 3, 7, 21 and 35 days of age using an immobilization test and anACTHchallenge test. Prenatally stressed piglets showed lower basal plasma cortisol and increased corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) concentrations at 3 days of age, indicating decreased free cortisol concentrations after birth. Cortisol levels afterACTHstimulation and catecholamine levels after immobilization were not affected by the stress treatment of the sows. Piglets from stressed sows tended to have lower noradrenaline : adrenaline ratios at three days of age compared with the control piglets. In addition, stressed sows tended to have lower litter weights after birth. The morbidity and mortality during the suckling period was higher in the prenatally stressed litters, as shown by a higher frequency of diseased and perished piglets per litter. We suppose that prenatal stress during late gestation in pigs alters the development of theHPAsystem and impairs the vitality of the offspring.
Carbohydrate utilization and its protein-sparing effect in diets for grouper(Epinephelus malabaricus)
Authors: Shiau S. Y. , Lin Y. H.
Published: August 2016

To investigate the utilization of different carbohydrate sources and the possible protein-sparing effects of carbohydrates for grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus), six isoeneregtic purified diets were prepared. Three dietary protein levels (500, 460, 420 g/kg) were achieved by substitution with three levels (143, 195, 246 g/kg) and two sources (glucose and starch) of dietary carbohydrate. Each of the six diets was given to triplicate groups of grouper in a recirculating rearing system for 8 weeks. In the glucose group, weight gain of fish decreased with increasing dietary glucose and decreasing protein content. In the starch group, weight gain of fish given the 500 g/kg protein diet was higher (P< 0 ·05) than fish given the 460 and 420 g/kg protein diets. At each of the dietary protein levels weight gain of the glucose-group fish and the starch-group fish were similar (P> 0·05). At the 500 g/kg dietary protein level body lipid content of the starch-group fish was higher than that of glucose-group fish. At 500 and 460 g/kg dietary protein levels, fish given starch diets had higher hepatic hexokinase activity than fish given the glucose diets. These results suggest that, at the levels studies, the utilization of starch and glucose by grouper is similar. Decreasing the dietary protein level from 460 g/kg to 420 g/kg by increasing the starch content in the diet from 195 g/kg to 246 g/kg did not reduce (P> 0·05) weight gain and food efficiency, suggesting that starch could spare some protein when the dietary protein level is low.
Effects of space allowance during transport and duration of mid-journey lairage period on the physiological, behavioural and immunological responses of young calves during and after transport
Authors: Grigor P. N. , Cockram M. S. , Steele W. B. , Le Sueur C. J. , Forsyth R. E. , Guthrie J. A. , Johnson A. K. , Sandilands V. , Reid H. W. , Sinclair C. , Brown H. K.
Published: August 2016

The effects of space allowance during transportation and duration of a mid-journey lairage period on measurements of stress, injury, dehydration, food restriction and rest in young calves were assessed during and after transport. Groups of calves were transported for two 9-h journeys (at a space allowance of either 0·375 or 0·475 m2 per calf) separated by a mid-journey lairage period of either 1 or 12 h. Non-transported calves were offered milk replacer and drinking water either at the usual times or only at the same times as the transported calves.

During transport, transported calves spent significantly less time lying down and had a greater plasma cortisol concentration than control calves. Under the driving conditions used, increased space allowance was not associated with greater injury or loss of stability. The duration of the mid-journey lairage was not an important factor; the shorter lairage time, giving the calves sufficient time to receive milk replacer but little opportunity to rest, had no major detrimental effects on the variables used to assess welfare. Although there was little evidence that transport affected immunological variables, there was some evidence that it adversely affected the health of the calves post transport.
Inheritance of faecal egg counts during early lactation in Scottish Blackface ewes facing mixed, natural nematode infections
Authors: Bishop S.C. , Stear M.J.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents an analysis of nematode faecal egg counts from Scottish Blackface ewes facing mixed, natural nematode infections (predominantly Teladorsagia circumcincta). The data set comprised 1445 measurements on 421 ewes taken at 4 and 6 weeks post-lambing, over a 4-year period. The ewes, themselves, were the progeny of 73 sires and 285 dams. Only Strongyle eggs were consistently present, and faecal egg counts from this genera ranged from zero (0·4 of all measurements) to 3388 eggs per g. Faecal egg counts were significantly affected by the number of lambs reared and suckled (increasing reproductive burden led to higher counts) by ewe age (older ewes had lower counts) and by previous selection history (ewes from a line previously selected for increased carcass fatness had lower faecal egg counts than ewes from a conversely selected lean line). The heritability of log-transformed faecal egg counts was 0·23 (s.e. 005) and the repeatability, including both within- and between-year permanent environmental effects, was 0·25 (s.e. 004). The apparent presence or absence of infection had a heritability of 015 (s.e. 007) on the observed scale and 0·39 (s.e. 016) when analysed as a binomial threshold trait. The genetic correlation between average 4-week weight of lamb suckled by the ewe and faecal egg counts was 0·24 (s.e. 010). The results suggest that faecal egg counts during early lactation are heritable and influenced by the reproductive performance of the ewe. Selection to reduce nematode faecal egg output from ewes during this period should be successful in reducing pasture larval contamination.
Dietary protein source affects the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) muscle
Authors: López-Bote C.J. , Diez A. , Corraze G. , Arzel J. , Alvarez M. , Dias J. , Kaushik S.J. , Bautista J.M.
Published: August 2016

This study was designed to explore the effect of protein source on muscle susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in two representative species of fish farmed for human consumption: the freshwater rainbow trout and the seawater European sea bass. Four isoproteic diets (digestible protein in the range 366 to 392 for rainbow trout and 391 to 415 g/kg for European sea bass) were formulated to contain one of the following as the main protein source: fish meal, warm water alcohol-extracted or toasted soya protein concentrates or maize gluten meal. Highest daily growth indices were always achieved using the diets based on fish meal as the main source of protein (P< 0·05). Fish of both species given diets containing maize gluten and the toasted soya protein concentrate showed slowest growth. The depressant growth effect of the vegetable protein concentrates was greater in sea bass than in rainbow trout. Dietary treatment was not correlated with any significant effect on whole-body composition or intramuscular fat content except for ash concentration in European sea bass. Under conditions of forced peroxidation in vitro for 240 min, muscle specimens of trout and sea bass given diets containing fish protein as the main source of protein showed the highest peroxidation levels (P< 0·05); while the lowest peroxidation values were found in fish given maize gluten-containing diets (P< 0·05). In the present case, the partial substitution of fish meal with vegetable proteins in diets led to a lower susceptibility of fish flesh to peroxidation. This finding may have applications in the production of fish of improved quality and longer shelf life.
Can information about solid food be transmitted from one piglet to another?
Authors: Morgan C.A. , Lawrence A.B. , Chirnside J. , Deans L.A.
Published: August 2016

When weaned early, piglets commonly take some time to accept solid food, resulting in a growth check and reduced welfare. The transmission of information about food between animals has been demonstrated in other species and it would be advantageous if this occurred in piglets. This experiment investigated the effects of pairing piglets that were consuming solid food with newly weaned piglets. Six litters of piglets did not receive solid food until weaning. In each litter four piglets (3 plus 1 spare) were weaned at 21 days of age and housed together for 7 days and offered one of two foods (3 litters per food). At 28 days of age the remaining piglets were weaned and four pairs of piglets were formed, such that there were three experienced animals paired with three inexperienced observers, each pair having visual contact and varying degrees of physical contact (1: none, 2: through wire mesh, 3: housed together), and a pair of inexperienced piglets (4: housed together) to act as controls. Food intake and weight gain were recorded over a period of 7 days. There was no effect of food type on food intake or live-weight gain of the pairs but the inexperienced pigs had higher gains on food 1 than food 2. The inexperienced pairs ate less food than the other pairs and the experienced/observer pairs that were housed together had the greatest weight gain. The level of variation between piglets was such that there were no significant effects of pairing treatment on the weight gain of the inexperienced animals. Total time spent feeding increased with time from pair formation. The number of simultaneous feeding events was higher for the experienced/observer pairs housed together than for the inexperienced pairs. This experiment has indicated that food intake is stimulated when an inexperienced piglet is housed with an experienced piglet and, with further work, this could be exploited to alleviate the weaning check.
DO STATUS-SEEKING MOTIVES ENHANCE ECONOMIC GROWTH? A SMALL OPEN GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Chang Juin-Jen , Wang Wei-Neng , Chen Ying-An
Published: August 2016

This paper explores the growth effects of both consumption- and wealth-induced social comparisons in a unifiedsmall openendogenous growth model. We analytically show that in an open economy not only do these two distinct status-seeking motives have very different growth effects, but these growth effects are also quite different from the conventional wisdom based on a closed economy. Status-seeking behavior need not favor economic growth. The asset portfolios of households and the imperfection of the international asset market both play an important role and jointly govern the growth effects of social status seeking. We also perform a quantitative experiment, showing that our analytical findings are robust and empirically plausible. Our analysis provides novel implications for social comparisons and new insights into the literature.
Comparison of breast-milk iodine concentration of lactating women in Australia pre and post mandatory iodine fortification
Authors: Huynh Dao , Condo Dominique , Gibson Robert , Makrides Maria , Muhlhausler Beverly , Zhou Shao Jia
Published: August 2016

Objective

To compare the breast-milk iodine concentrations (BMIC) of lactating women before and after the mandatory iodine fortification of bread in Australia in 2009.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Breast milk samples were collected from two cohorts of women in South Australia within 7 d of delivery to determine BMIC. The percentage of samples with iodine concentration below 100 µg/l, a level considered adequate for breast-fed infants, was calculated. Sociodemographic information and intake of dietary supplements were obtained from all women.

Setting

The breast milk samples were collected between 2006 and 2007 in the pre-fortification cohort and between 2012 and 2013 in the post-fortification cohort.

Results

The median (interquartile range) BMIC was higher in the post-fortification samples compared with samples collected in the pre-fortification period (187 (130–276)v.103 (73–156) µg/l;P<0·05). Overall, the percentage of women with BMIC <100 µg/l was lower in the post-fortification cohort than in the pre-fortification cohort (13v.49 %;P<0·01). The percentage of women with BMIC <100 µg/l in the post-fortification cohort was lower among women who took iodine supplements in pregnancy (12v. 29 %;P<0·01).

Conclusions

Mandatory iodine fortification of bread has resulted in an increase in the iodine content of breast milk in Australian women. However, iodine supplementation may still be required in some women post-iodine fortification to reach the level of BMIC that is considered adequate to meet the iodine requirement of full-term infants.
Latino parents’ perceptions of the eating and physical activity experiences of their pre-school children at home and at family child-care homes: a qualitative study
Authors: Lindsay Ana C , Greaney Mary L , Wallington Sherrie F , Sands Faith D , Wright Julie A , Salkeld Judith
Published: August 2016

Objective

Research indicates that healthful eating and physical activity (PA) practices implemented in child-care settings can have a positive effect on children’s healthful behaviours in this setting, and this effect on healthful behaviours may possibly transfer to the home environment. While more research is needed to examine whether behaviours learned in family child-care homes (FCCH) transfer, the potential for transferability is especially important given that Latino children’s home environment has been characterized by obesogenic parenting practices. We aimed to examine Latino parents’ perceptions of their pre-school children’s eating and PA experiences at home and at FCCH.

Design

Qualitative study. Six focus groups were conducted in Spanish (n36). Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key concepts and themes.

Results

Analyses revealed that Latino parents perceive their children have healthier eating and PA experiences at FCCH than at home. Parents attributed this to FCCH providers providing an environment conducive to healthful eating and PA due to providers having more knowledge and skills, time and resources, and being required to follow rules and regulations set by the state that promote healthful eating and PA.

Conclusions

Understanding parental perceptions, attitudes and practices related to establishing and maintaining an environment conducive to children’s healthful eating and PA at home and at the FCCH is essential for the design of successful interventions to promote children’s healthful behaviours in these two settings. Given that parents perceive their children as having more healthful behaviours while at FCCH, interventions that address both settings jointly may be most effective than those addressing only one environment by itself.
THE MECHANICAL DAUGHTER OF RENE DESCARTES: THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF AN INTELLECTUAL FABLE
Authors: KANG MINSOO
Published: August 2016

This article pursues the origin and mutation of a fantastic story concerning an automaton in the shape of a young girl that was supposedly built by René Descartes. In recent decades it has been retold and reimagined so many times that the tale has become an iconic narrative in the context of the reassessment of Descartes's significance in intellectual history. But a close reading of the original story, found in a 1699 work entitledMélanges d'histoire et de littératureby Vigneul-Marville, reveals an overtly stated agenda of saving the philosopher's moral reputation, which makes most recent interpretations of the story problematic. The vast majority of modern retellings demonstrate no awareness of the content or the significance of the first tale even as it has been used to shed light on Descartes, Cartesian ideas, and early modern thought in general.
On the Rates of Premium to be charged for Assurances on the Lives of Military Officers Serving in Bengal
Authors: Jellicoe Charles
Published: August 2016

That the mean duration of life amongst the indigenous inhabitants of one part of the globe differs more or less from that which obtains amongst those of other parts, there is every reason to believe. It is probable that a difference exists even when comparing the most civilized nations of Europe one with another; and still more may we look for discrepancies when we carry our investigations amongst the natives of more remote and less civilized lands.
On the Calculus of Finite Differences, and its Application to Problems in the Doctrine of Compound Interest and Certain Annuities (Continued from p. 340, vol. vii.)
Authors: Otter William Curtis
Published: August 2016

The idea of periodic or discontinuous functions was primitively introduced by Euler, and has since been the subject of extended investigation by M. Fourier, who has made some new and important applications of it in. his mathematical theory of heat.
On the Mortality amongst American Assured Lives
Authors: Brown Samuel
Published: August 2016

The extension of life assurance in the United States, and, especially, the more or less successful attempts of English Companies to compete with the American Companies, render an inquiry into the mortality of American assured lives of the greatest interest to the members of this Institute. The question assumes the greater importance, because, from various reasons, the population statistics of the United States have hitherto been, and will for a long period probably continue to be, in a very imperfect state, notwithstanding the talents and skilful labours of the able men to whom the collection of the data in the different censuses has been entrusted, and the readiness of the people to afford the information desired. The marvellous rapidity with which the population has there increased; the vast extent of the country showing such a diversity of soil and climate; the conversion of the country into town districts, or of wild insalubrious localities into lands reclaimed and rendered healthy by the industry of a dense population—are all so many obstacles to prevent our obtaining at present any Government statistics that could be relied on for the discussion of this grave question.
Observations on the Tables of the Mortality Experience of the Scottish Amicable Society from 1826 to 1860
Authors: Spens William
Published: August 2016

As stated in the introduction to the Tables, they relate to 10,255 persons, as under—

And they embrace the experience of the first thirty-four years of the Society—reckoning, as was found most suitable, the first year's experience as the experience of the persons entering in the first year for one year from their respective entries, and so on. In this way it will be found that the experience does not include any of the persons entering in 1860, and none of the deaths in 1860 of persons who had been assured for more than a year from the time of payment of their annual premium in 1859. These deaths, and the entries of 1860, fall, according to the principle adopted, to be included in the experience of the thirty-fifth year of the Society.
Some Reasons for thinking the System of Reassurance undesirable
Authors: Newbatt Benjamin
Published: August 2016

It has become the practice of late years for Assurance Companies, when applied to for a policy of very large amount, to issue such an one as is required and to reduce the risk within the limits they have prescribed for themselves by effecting reassurances of portions of it with other Companies. The only alternative proceeding would of course be to issue a policy for the amount to which the Company limits itself, and to leave the applicant to effect the remainder of his proposed assurance where he may. Mr. Newbatt's paper, which, as having reference to a matter of official practice merely, is not inserted here, advocates the latter mode of procedure in preference to the former, and adduces a variety of arguments in support of that view.
General Average (continued in v.13)
Authors: Morrison Richard
Published: August 2016

In the month of June, 1862, after the meeting of the second International General Average Congress held in London, a committee was constituted, “for the purpose of establishing one uniform system of general average throughout the mercantile world,” The meeting of the council of the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science, held in York in the autumn of 1864, set apart three days for the consideration of this branch of jurisprudence; and the 26th of September and two following days were occupied with the discussion of the various disputed points connected with the subject, under the presidencies of Sir James Wilde and Sir Fitzroy Kelly. The last-named gentleman, in closing the sitting, in the course of his speech gave his opinion as to the course to be pursued in order to give the force of law to the amendments which had been proposed, with the view to promote the uniformity which is so desirable in connection with the adjustment of claims for general average. He considered that “in order to obtain a legislative sanction to the code which had just been completed, it would be advisable to obtain the distinct approval of the leading commercial bodies, particularly the Chambers of Commerce in the great towns; and to obtain, if possible, assurances on the part of the foreign Governments that they would be prepared to adopt the code upon its adoption in this country. …If possible, the code or rules should be made a Government measure; failing this, it should be entrusted to at least two independent members, one of whom must be a mercantile man, representing a mercantile constituency, and the other a lawyer of eminence; and that it would be desirable to go to work at once, while the public interest was alive to the measure.”
Remarks upon the present state of Information relating to the Laws of Sickness and Mortality, as exemplified in the Tables of Contributions, &c. used by Friendly Societies
Authors: Tompkins H.
Published: August 2016

One of the most important problems of social statistics, after the questions of food and labour, is to determine the ratio of mortality and sickness.

The general mortality having been a subject of investigation during a long period, and the collection of facts and deductions therefrom being essential to the operations of the various respectable and long-established Assurance Companies, has at length been determined with sufficient exactness.
Contributions to the History of Insurance, and of the Theory of Life Contingencies
Authors: Hendriks Frederick
Published: August 2016

In my previous sketches upon the subjects embraced in the above title, whilst, on the one hand, I was desirous to avoid burdening them with any apparently superfluous details, on the other hand, I clearly foresaw that the task would remain of following out, in at least another article, some needful explanations or justifications. To my former readers I therefore inscribe the following notes, in the anticipation of their being found not wholly unserviceable in the view just adverted to.
On the Objectionable Character of certain Methods very generally adopted for the Determination and Division of Surplus in Life Assurance Companies
Authors: Jellicoe Charles
Published: August 2016

In a short paper read before the Institute at the early part of this year, after alluding to the erroneous methods commonly adopted for the determination and division of surplus in Life Assurance Companies, I intimated my intention to investigate the nature and character of those methods, and to endeavour to demonstrate the mischievous and injurious consequences resulting from them. In the present paper I propose to commence this undertaking, trusting that the undeniable importance of the subject will be considered a sufficient apology for my somewhat frequent introduction of it at these meetings.
On the Mortality arising from Naval Operations
Authors: Hodge William Barwick
Published: August 2016

To ascertain with precision the loss of life occasioned by war is an object of so much importance in every point of view, whether national or social, that whatever apology may be required for the manner in which the present subject is treated, none can be necessary for bringing it forward.

That so little should have been done towards the elucidation of the question, is no doubt partly attributable to the difficulty of obtaining accurate information with respect to it, but in a greater degree, perhaps, to the reluctance to dwell upon it felt by the public.
On the Rates of Interest for the use of Money in Ancient and Modern Times. Part I
Authors: Hodge William Barwick
Published: August 2016

The object of the actuary, in applying the science of vital statistics to pecuniary transactions, being to determine the values of payments dependent upon conditions of human survivorship, and therefore necessarily deferred for periods of longer or shorter duration, it is obvious that the rate of interest at which money may be increased is an element of his calculations, nearly if not quite as important as the probable risk of mortality that may affect the lives involved. The labours of actuaries have been generally directed to determining with precision the laws of mortality, rather than towards the present more humble branch of inquiry–the usefulness of which, however, must always become apparent with the earliest professional experience. Believing that an extensive and well digested collection of facts relating to the rate of interest would lead to some valuable and important conclusions as to future fluctuations, I trust that the present attempt to contribute to such a result will not be without interest for the members of the Institute, although I make no pretension to give a complete view of the whole subject, still less to discuss the important and intricate questions arising out of it; my object being merely to offer a general historical sketch, leaving the full prosecution of the inquiry to others, possessing more leisure and better qualifications for the task. Apart from its professional, the subject is one of historical interest. Men's pecuniary affairs afford unfailing indications of their characters, habits, and inclinations; and it has been truly remarked by a philosophical writer, that “a right measure and manner in getting, saving, spending, giving, taking, lending, borrowing and bequeathing, would almost argue a perfect man.” What is true in this respect of individuals is true to nearly the same extent of communities; and hence the conviction, becoming every day more general, of the importance of financial, for the illustration of general history.
On certain Methods of dividing the Surplus among the Assured in a Life Assurance Company; and on the Rates of Premium that should be charged to render them equitable
Authors: Sprague T. B.
Published: August 2016

The subject of the division of surplus in a Life Assurance Company is one that cannot fail to be interesting to all who are engaged in the business of life assurance, as well as to the public at large; and while there is so great a diversity as at present exists in the methods of division in use, it must be useful occasionally to draw attention to it, as a means of inviting discussion and the interchange of opinions. This must be my apology for bringing before this Society this evening a subject which has more than once been discussed here; for I can scarcely hope to lay before you in my remarks much that has the merit of novelty, on a matter that has occupied the attention of the most eminent men in our profession.
On Interpolation, Summation and the Adjustment of Numerical Tables
Authors: Woolhouse W. S. B.
Published: August 2016

Interpolation, generally considered, is the process of determining numerical values intermediate to a series of other values that are already known, and it is of extraordinary utility in many calculations, and especially in the formation of extensive tables. If, in the direct calculation of a table, the values to be tabulated depend upon a complicated function, difficult of calculation, considerable labour and corresponding risk of error may usually be avoided by computing the values for a certain succession of equidistant intervals, and afterwards determining by interpolation all other values that may be requisite to complete the table and adapt it to the practical purposes for which it is constructed. In such case the method is made use of as a powerful auxiliary at the option of the computer.
A Budget of Paradoxes (Continued from page 150)
Authors: De Morgan A.
Published: August 2016

In six dialogues: the sixth contains a quadrature of the circle. But there is another edition of this work, without place or date on the title-page, in which the quadrature is omitted. This seems to be connected with the publication of another quadrature, without date, but about 1670, as may be judged from its professing to answer a tract of Wallis, printed in 1669. The title is Quadratura circuli, cubatio sphæræ, duplicatio cubi, 4to. Hobbes, who began in 1655, was very wrong in his quadrature; but, though not a Gregory St. Vincent, he was not the ignoramus in geometry that he is sometimes supposed.
On the Metric System of Weights and Measures, and its proposed Adoption in this Country
Authors: Brown Samuel
Published: August 2016

The great advantages, social, commercial, and political, which would attend the use of one system of weights, measures, and coins throughout the world, have generally been admitted, but as generally considered impossible. Such a result is frequently deemed to be merely the dream of a visionary, or the speculation of a philosopher, who has no practical knowledge of the world, and is incapable of appreciating the difficulties which stand in the way of accomplishing so desirable an object.
On the Improvement of Life Contingency Calculation
Authors: Farren Eadwin James
Published: August 2016

The prevailing system of life contingency calculation is one not of variable but of invariable quantities. At the very threshold the admission of two such important assumptions is asked for, as that the rate of mortality is always invariable at the same age, whether old or young, and that the rate of interest is equally invariable for all periods, whether long or short. Upon these admissions of invariability a system is formed for assessing the relative values of different cases, thereby necessarily in every instance indicating an invariable answer; and with such indications the system rests content. Whether such assessments, however logically fair in connection with agreed postulates of invariability, are themselves eventually justified by the same invariability of actual result as was à priori assumed, has not hitherto been commonly brought within the general scope of the actuary’s studies. Directly, however, he is called on to take upon himself the practical responsibility of upholding this theory of invariability, he is somewhat surprised to find that, good as the mere logic of his studies may have been, it is by no means an easy task to connect such logic with the nature of the events he may see passing around him.
On the Calculation of Annuities, and on some Questions in the Theory of Chances
Authors: Lubbock J. W.
Published: August 2016

1. The object of the following investigation is to show how the probabilities of an individual living any given number of years are to be deduced from any table of mortality. All writers (with the exception of Laplace) have considered the probability of an individual dying at any age to be the number of deaths at that age recorded in the table, divided by the sum of the deaths recorded at all ages. This would be the case if the observations on which the table is founded were infinite; but the supposition differs the more widely from the truth the less extended are the observations, and cannot, I think, be admitted where the recorded deaths do not altogether exceed a few thousand, as is the case in the tables used in England. The number of deaths on which the Northampton Tables are founded is 4,689 (Price, vol. i. p. 357). The tables of Halley are founded upon the deaths which took place at Breslau, in Silesia, during five years, and which amounted to 5,869.
On the Results of the Operations of the Gotha Life Assurance Bank for the first Twenty-five Years of its existence, particularly with respect to the Mortality amongst the Lives Assured
Authors: Hopf Rath G.
Published: August 2016

The Gotha Life Assurance Bank was founded at a time when there existed scarcely any knowledge of life assurance in Germany. Some former attempts to found such a Company had failed for this reason, and the few life assurances which were sought at that time by Germans, especially in the Hanseatic towns, could only be effected with English Companies. An essential change has taken place in this respect since the year 1827, when, by the establishment of the Life Assurance Bank for Germany at Gotha, the desire for life assurance was awakened, and its signification and meaning were explained and advanced by numerous publications. Since that time life assurance has risen in Germany as in no other country, with the exception of England. Excepting England, no country so abounds as Germany in self-denying heads of families, who find an impulse upon their minds to provide for their families beyond their own dissolution, and who endeavour to satisfy this impulse even with slender means. Such a susceptible soil could not but prove fertile to such as understood how to cultivate it.