bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MPA network design based on graph theory and emergent properties of larval dispersal
Authors: Ospina-Alvarez A , de Juan S , Alós J , Basterretxea G , Alonso-Fernández A , Follana-Berná G , Palmer M , Catalán IA
Published: June 2020

Despite the recognised effectiveness of networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a biodiversity conservation instrument, MPA network design frequently disregards the importance of connectivity patterns. In the case of sedentary marine populations, connectivity stems not only from the stochastic nature of the physical environment that affects dispersal of early life stages, but also from the spawning stock attributes that affect reproductive output (e.g. passive eggs and larvae) and survivorship. Early life stages are virtually impossible to track in the ocean. Therefore, numerical ocean current simulations coupled with egg and larval Lagrangian transport models remain the most common approach for the assessment of marine larval connectivity. Inferred larval connectivity may differ depending on the type of connectivity considered; consequently, the prioritisation of sites for the conservation of marine populations might also differ. Here, we introduce a framework for evaluating and designing MPA networks based on the identification of connectivity hotspots using graph theoretic analysis. As a case study, we used a network of open-access areas and MPAs off Mallorca Island (Spain), and tested its effectiveness for the protection of the painted comber Serranus scriba. Outputs from network analysis were used to (1) identify critical areas for improving overall larval connectivity, (2) assess the impact of species’ biological parameters in network connectivity and (3) explore alternative MPA configurations to improve average network connectivity. Results demonstrate the potential of graph theory to identify non-trivial egg/larval dispersal patterns and emerging collective properties of the MPA network, which are relevant for increasing protection efficiency.
Historical and practical aspects of profitability in commercial beef production systems
Authors: Mcrae A.
Published: June 2020

The numbers of beef animals in New Zealand have increased markedly since 1960. In particular the number of animals (especially bulls) reared within the dairy industry for beef production has grown. Early research into aspects of intensive pasture-based beef production systems concentrated on high levels of pasture utilisation and beef production per ha. Farmers have adapted these results and systems and the carcass weight (CW) of bulls slaughtered now at 15-18 months of age have increased and often are over 300 kg CW. It is shown simplistically that profit/ ha will also increase with increasing CW and increased efficiency in use of feed within 1yr bull beef systems. In practice however, utilising more of the pasture dry matter (DM) grown and maintaining pasture quality are important issues. Two year bull systems are shown to be just as profitable as the more technically efficient 1yr bull system. Where beef production is carried out in conjunction with sheep production, especially on hill country, some commonly used benchmarks of technical and economic efficiency may be misleading with regard to overall system profitability and the contribution of various classes of beef animals. Keywords: beef animals, bulls, economic efficiency, feed efficiency, profitability
Redefining the production potential of hill pastures using fertiliser nitrogen
Authors: Lambert M.G. , Mackay A.D. , Devantier B.P. , Mcdougall D.B. , Barker D.J. , Park-Ng Z.A.
Published: June 2020

Farmer perceptions of the productive potential of land influence their attitudes to productivity improvement. Pasture production information has generally been gathered within management systems that were considered feasible at the time. A sheep grazing trial was run over 2 years in southern Hawkes Bay hill country in which a Fer tiliser treatment involving a very high rate of nitrogen (N) fertiliser (400 kg N/ha annually as 8 split dressings of 50 kg N/ha) was applied to blocks with historically low, medium or high fertility. Additional fertiliser P and S was also applied as part of the Fertiliser treatment, however the responses were judged to have been mainly due to the N fertiliser Annual pasture production increased from an average 9.2 t DM/ha in Control areas to 17.1 t DM/ha in Fertiliser treatment areas. Similar responses of 18 to 22 kg DM/kg N fertiliser occurred across the 3 fer tility blocks. Average annual pasture production for the historically high fertility-Fertiliser treatment combination was 19.4 t DM/ha, higher than on most dairy farms. Pasture content of high-fertilityresponsive grasses such as ryegrass increased, at the expense of low-fertility-tolerant grasses such as browntop, legumes such as white clover, and herbaceous weeds. Nitrate leaching measurements suggested annual losses were increased by 25 kg N/ ha or 6% of the N applied. Given present-day cost structures and returns, these results suggest use of higher rates of N fertiliser than is current practice is an economic option for hill farmers. However longterm sustainability of systems receiving such high dressings of fertiliser N r equires further investig ation before such an approach should be adopted as part of commercial practice. Keywords: botanical composition, hill country, New Zealand, nitrate leaching, nitrogen fertiliser, pasture production potential
Efficiency of pasture and supplement management in high producing dairy herds
Authors: Salles P.V. , Hodgson J. , Matthews P.N.P. , Holmes C.W. , Shadbolt N.M.
Published: June 2020

In 1998 a three-year dairy farm monitoring programme funded by AGMARDT (Agricultural Marketing and Research Development Trust) was established on twelve dairy farms in the southern North Island of New Zealand where policy had changed from a focus on high production per ha through high stocking rate to a management based on reduced stocking rate and strategic use of supplements to enhance both production per cow and per ha. The project involved a detailed three-year data collection which included measurements of the quantity and composition of pasture and supplements consumed as well as animal performance. Analysis of the results of the third year (2000/2001) on nine of these farms with complete data sets identified a range of metabolisable energy (ME) intake (50669 - 70135 MJ ME/cow/yr). Supplementary feed represented on average 24% (21 - 27 %) of the total intake of ME, the main supplements being pasture silage (summer to winter), turnips (summer) and maize silage (autumn and winter) consumed by lactating cows, and grazing off by dry stock. There was a range of milksolids (MS) production per cow (372 - 424 kg/year) and per hectare (921 - 1264 kg/year). The average economic farm surplus per hectare of NZ$3077 (NZ$2425 - NZ$3867) for the case-study farms was approximately 43% higher than the top 25% farms in the Manawatu region. Mean values of return on assets for the case-study farms (12.9%) and top 25% farms in Manawatu (13.0%) were similar. Good pasture management based on controlled preand post-grazing herbage mass targets (mean 2650 and 1900 kg DM/ha, respectively), strategic use of supplementary feed to control pasture deficits, and moderate stocking rates (overall mean 2.7 cows/ha), provided high allowances of high quality herbage (organic matter digestibility ranging from 742 to 845 g/kg DM) and maintained high levels of milk production (411 kg MS/cow and 1100kg MS/ha). The comparison with industry data showed that the casestudy farms were highly productive and profitable dairy systems, at least under the conditions of the 2000/2001 season. However, the result indicated the need to improve management skills to limit feed wastage under generous feeding management, and also the limitation of conventional procedures for monitoring pasture consumption in farming systems. Keywords: animal performance, dairy systems, energy intak e, herbage quality, pasture management, profitability
Forage Master: A decision tool for selecting and managing forages for New Zealand sheep and beef farms
Authors: Finlayson J. , Knowles I.M. , Fraser T.J.
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the development of a forage selection decision tool. The project was carried out in conjunction with Meat and Wool New Zealand and farmer mentor groups in Manawatu, Canterbury and Southland. The model uses a multi-criteria technique called Electre III which helps rank the characteristics of forages relative to environmental conditions and farmers objectives. The approach allows farmers to rank and compare suitable species and cultivars. The decision tool provides advice on appropriate seed mixes and specific information on establishment and management. In addition the model was structured to allow farmers to discover limitations to their environment or management systems through a process called 'back-chaining'. An example of this is where a farmer queries the model to discover what conditions prevented a forage from being selected. Demonstrations of the Forage Master to a range of farmer groups nationwide has provided excellent feedback on the value of the decision tool, firstly for aiding on-farm decision making and secondly, benefits associated with the information provided in the help links. Keywords: computer model, cultivars, forage, forage selection, multiple criteria, pasture species
Year-round lamb production in the Manawatu region - results from year one
Authors: Morris S.T. , Morel P.C.H. , Kenyon P.R. , Kemp P.D. , Burnham D.L. , West D.M. , Peterson S.W.M. , Gray D.I. , Scott I. , Pomroy W.E.
Published: June 2020

Four hundred and eighty East Friesian composite (50% East Friesian, 25% Poll Dorset, 25% Texel) or Romney ewes were assigned to either a conventional lambing (March) group or a year-round lambing group. The trial began in January 2003 and the year-round system aims to have ewes lambing every 73 days. In the year-round system approximately a third of the ewes were synchronised and joined with mixed age rams of their respective breed for a 21 day period on 13 January, 27 March, 8 June, 21 August and 1 November. This results in each ewe having the opportunity to lamb five times in a three-year period. The conventionally bred ewes were joined with rams on 27 March for 2 cycles of breeding. Results after year one indicate the number of lambs born and weaned per ewe lambing was similar for East Friesian ewes in the year-round and conventional lambing groups. However Romney ewes reared less lambs (1.22 vs 1.41, P
Magnesium supplementation of the dairy herd: a case study in Northland and a comparison of two magnesium fertilisers; kieserite and magnesium oxide
Authors: O'Connor M.B. , Hawke M.F. , Hunt B.J. , Alexander K. , Roberts A.H.C.
Published: June 2020

Supplementing magnesium (Mg) to dairy cows is widely practised in New Zealand herds. Various methods are used including drenching, pasture dusting, water trough treatment and adding to hay/silage. Following hypomagnesaemia problems on a Northland farm, a capital input of 124 kg /ha of magnesium oxide (MgO) was applied in April 2000 followed by annual maintenance rates of 25-30 kg Mg/ha (all as MgO). Soil, pasture and animal samples were taken regularly over a 3 year period and in the second year, on-farm management practices were detailed along with climatic conditions. Results indicated a very good lift in soil quick test Mg (from 16 to 29) with treated pasture averaging 0.21-0.25 % Mg. In the first year blood serum Mg levels of the cows (10 sampled on 4 occasions) were all close to optimum at 0.90 mmol/l but in the second year (10 sampled on 6 occasions), there were occasions when levels were lower and in some cases at or below the critical level (0.62 mmol/l). When farm management practices and climatic conditions were documented in 2001, there were instances when other feedstuffs low in Mg were fed as a high proportion of the diet leading to less Mg intake than from treated pasture alone. Also very wet conditions from August through to November led to much pugging damage and presumably poor pasture utilisation and lowered Mg intake. Although increased soil and herbage Mg status is useful as a background for maintaining animal performance, there will be times when other Mg supplementation will be necessary. In the Northland case this occurred in the second year after capital Mg fertiliser had been applied. In separate field trials in Northland and Rotorua, kieserite (magnesium sulphate) was shown to be a quicker acting Mg fertiliser than Mg. The trials indicated that 25 kg Mg/ha as kieserite generally gave a significant short term lift in pasture Mg status. If the cost was comparable a "little and often" philosophy of Mg fertiliser application may be a better alternative to a capital plus maintenance approach allowing pasture Mg to be boosted more quickly at critical periods of the year. Keywords: dairy cows, kieserite, magnesium fertiliser, magnesium oxide, magnesium supplementation
A desktop evaluation of the environmental and economic performance of model dairy farming systems within four New Zealand catchments
Authors: Monaghan R.M. , Smeaton D. , Hyslop M.G. , Stevens D.R. , De Klein C.A.M. , Smith L.C. , Drewry J.J. , Thorrold B.S.
Published: June 2020

The environmental and economic performances of low, medium and high input dairy farming systems were evaluated for model farms within catchments in Waikato, Taranaki Canterbury and Southland. These four catchments, predominantly under dairy landuse, are part of a long term systems study of farm productivity and catchment-specific environmental issues. Within each catchment, environmental and economic performance indicators were derived for model farms by using the farm systems modelling tool UDDER and the OVERSEER™ nutrient budgeting programme. Our analyses indicated that high input systems, currently defined as farms within the top quartile of farm inputs, either as imported feed or fertiliser nitrogen (N), were often the least profitable, as defined by Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT). These high-input systems consistently had the greatest environmental emissions of N and greenhouse gases, and the greatest energy consumption, on a per hectare and a per kg milksolids basis. The most profitable farm input system depended on payout and the catchment under study. Evaluation of the whole-farm system using these modelling tools demonstrated the relatively large contribution that stock wintering made to N emissions from farms within the two South Island catchments. Where reductions in N losses are sought, it would seem prudent to initially target mitigations at this part of the farm system. Keywords: dairy farming, environmental emissions, farm systems modelling, OVERSEER™ nutrient budgets, UDDER farm systems tool
Grass seed yields increased with plant growth regulators and fungicides
Authors: Rolston M.P. , Mccloy B.L. , Pyke N.B.
Published: June 2020

Seed yields of ryegrass and tall fescue have increased rapidly over the last seven years; the best farm yields are now reaching 3000 kg/ha, up from 2000 kg/ha. These increases are largely due to the adoption of technologies developed from research funded from grower crop levies and effective technology transfer programmes. The key technologies are (1) the adoption of trinexapac ethyl (TE), a plant growth regulator that blocks gibberellic acid biosynthesis and reduces lodging; and (2) new generation triazole and strobilurin fungicides that give improved disease control and extend the period that green leaf area is maintained on crops. Seed yield data from 10 ryegrass and 6 tall fescue trials with TE, and from 13 fungicide trials are presented. The average seed yield increase in tall fescue treated with 200 g TE/ha and ryegrass with 400 g TE/ha was 67% and 50% respectively. In fungicide trials, seed yields in forage perennial ryegrass were increased by 20% and in turf ryegrass by 42%. A survey of growers indicated 95% of ryegrass growers and 100% of tall fescue growers had adopted the use of TE three years after the commercial release of the product. Keywords: fungicides, plant growth regulators, ryegrass, seed yield, strobilurin, tall fescue, triazole, trinexapac
The effect of two lime sources on short-term changes in soil pH under Marlborough hill country pasture
Authors: Craighead M.D.
Published: June 2020

The effect of fine slurried lime applied at 200 kg/ha on soil pH at two depths was compared with 400 and 2500 kg/ha of local agricultural (ag) lime in the presence and absence of sulphur (S) superphosphate 20, in Marlborough hill country for one year. In the absence of fertiliser all lime treatments significantly raised soil pH in the top 25 mm for the 355 days after application. Initial responses declined from day 14 or 35 to day 138 before increasing at day 355. Fine lime did not significantly alter pH in the 25-75 mm zone until day 355. The low rate of ag lime significantly raised pH in the 25-75 mm zone for the whole year. The high rate of ag lime significantly increased pH in the top 25 mm over the other lime treatments for the 355 days and over the fine lime treatment in the 25-75 mm zone from day 35. In the presence of fertiliser in the top 25 mm, fine lime significantly increased pH at day 14 only, and low ag lime at day 355 only. The high rate of ag lime significantly increased pH over the control from day 14 and over the other lime rates from day 35. In the 25-75 mm zone the high rate of ag lime significantly increased pH over the control and the low ag lime rate from day 71 but was significantly better than fine lime from day 35. It is likely that rain immediately after application and higher than average annual rainfall hastened the release of fine and intermediate particles of lime. However provided lime meets the accepted criteria for particle size distribution and maximum size it is the rate of application which dictates the magnitude of response. In Marlborough hill country it was 43% cheaper to aerially apply 400 kg/ha of ag lime compared to 200 kg/ha of fine lime with the added benefit of a greater residual effect beyond one year. Keywords: agricultural lime, fine lime, slurry, soil pH
Regrassing flood-damaged pastures
Authors: Wilson M.D. , Valentine I.
Published: June 2020

On the night of February 14th 2004 the lower North Island was hit with a storm system, which would cause the biggest flood seen in the region for over 100 years. The hardest hit areas include the Manawatu, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Wanganui regions. In the summer after the event, a survey was conducted of the affected areas. Semi-structured interviews of 52 individual farmers focused on their farm operations, the impact of the flood, and their regrassing strategies. The interviews established the state of the pastures postflood including depth and texture of silt deposit; water levels and flow; duration of inundation; and soil surface condition. The regrassing strategies included seedbed preparation, sowing technique, fertilizer use and weed control. Site measurements made were: pasture cover and species content, and that soil profiles revealed rooting depth and silt depth (if not cultivated). General trends that emerged were that the more thoroughly a seedbed was prepared the lower the risk of pasture establishment failure. Nitrogen (N) applications of 75 kg/ha over the intervening period did not have a significant effect but where deep sediment was encountered two or three applications of N was reported to produce feed and start inputting organic matter (OM). The use of a roller drill increased the reliability of establishment and was essential for the establishment of pasture legumes. Double normal seeding rates (30-40 kg/ha) increased the reliability of success where the seed was broadcast. Many farmers that had no sediment reported perennial weed problems including couch, creeping buttercup and a variety of thistles. Small scale surface cultivation was reported to decrease drying time dramatically in extremely wet areas. Keywords: ground cover, pasture cultivars, pasture establishment, seedbed preparation, weeds and pests
MEMAHAMI KAWASAN KHUSUS DALAM SISTEM PEMERINTAHAN DAERAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Thahir Baharuddin
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTKawasan Khusus are a concept that is used in the system of regional government in Indonesia. It is implemented simultaneously with other concepts such as decentralization, deconcentration and special autonomy. Kawasan khusus are formed by the central government with certain functions and in certain locations. In the perspective of the government, the agency or area manager carries out the functions of the government, especially the service function and the development function which is related to the specificity that it carries. Based on the regulations on regional government, special areas have many types, their existence also experienced various responses from the local government, some accepted some who refused and often conflict. This is due to a conflict that accompanies the implementation of a special area, the conflict can be at the usual policy level as well as in asset conflicts. Conflicts between local  overnments and special area managers can only be terminated if the government clarifies the authority boundaries of autonomous regions and special areas operating in the same area

Keyword: system, regional government, Indonesia
UTILIZING PRAGMATISM PRINCIPLES IN LEARNING JAZZ GUITAR REHARMONIZATION TECHNIQUE USING MALAY ASLI SONG
Authors: Mazlan Chamil Arkhasa Nikko , Abdullah Mohd Hassan
Published: June 2020

This article proposes a pragmatism approach useful in explaining the logic of learning jazz guitar reharmonization techniques. Music and practices are both unseparated and unified in the field of music education. This poses challenges for traditional and western music consolidation because reharmonization technique is only known in western music repertoires while traditional music normally utilizes old-style repertoires. Some practitioners rooted in dogmatic thinking still maintain authenticity and traditions. In this study, our data is gathered using qualitative content analysis. We then identified similarity of pragmatism principles along with the interpretation of jazz reharmonization techniques. We suggest that pragmatism approach is a useful pathway for music educators to reconceptualize teaching and learning of traditional music using jazz reharmonization technique and then, recreate and innovate a new sound and context of learning jazz harmony rather than using jazz standards repertoires.
The Understanding Customer Satisfaction on Internet Banking: A Case Study in Indonesia
Authors: Ronny  , Nurhadi Mochamad , Ilfitriah Aniek Maschudah
Published: June 2020

The study aims to understand factors that contribute to satisfaction in using internet banking services. The research in banking marketing used mix method both qualitative and quantitative. Data were collected from 120 respondents who used internet banking banks in Indonesia by filling out questionnaires. Focus group discussion was carried out to deep the factors that contribute to customer satisfaction. The results showed that convenience and reliability are factors that can reduce customer dissatisfaction and inconvenience quickly and precisely. Reliability factor occupies the main position as the cause of customer dissatisfaction in using internet banking (52.08%) while convenience is the major factor leading to customer satisfaction (61.07%). Customer segments influenced the choice of internet banking services priority expected by the customer
Analysis of CAMEL Components and Commercial Bank Performance: Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Ping Kee Guek , Kusairi Suhal
Published: June 2020

The banking industry is an importance for the economic development because this industry circulates funds from the surplus to the deficits in the economy to keep it healthy, grow and sustained. Besides, the primary indicator of the soundness of the financial system is the performance of banking. Therefore, the objective of the study is to analyses the effectof Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency, Earning Quality, and Liquidity (CAMEL) towards bank performance. This study employed a static panel data model and utilised data of nine developed countries from the year 2013 until the year 2017. The findings showed that Capital Adequacy and Earning Quality had a positive impact on bank performance.Conversely, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency and Liquidity are a negative impact on bank performance. The reason is, holding the high liquidity asset will reduce income as liquid assets are associated with lower rates of return. It would expect that higher liquidity would negatively affect with bank performance. Therefore, we can conclude that banking should put attention on CAMEL components for evaluating bank performance.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN INTELEKTUAL ANAK TUNAGRAHITA RINGAN DI SD NEGERI DEMAKIJO 2
Authors: Avi Yanni  , Kamala Izzatin , Shaleh Assingkily Muhammad , Rahmawati Rahmawati
Published: June 2020

This study aims to determine (1) intellectual abilities of mentally retarded children in Demakijo State Elementary School (SD) 2 inclusive schools, (2) Obstacles faced by teachers when teaching at Demaijo State Elementary School 2, (3) Teachers' efforts in dealing with intellectual abilities of mentally retarded children in Demakijo State Elementary School 2. The type of approach used in this study is qualitative research with a survey method. Data collection techniques used were through observation and interviews with research subjects one mild retarded grade 1 student at Demakijo State Elementary School 2. The results of the intelligence test with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children (WISC) obtained the results obtained scores of 57 Verbal IQ scores included in the IQ score of 57 Mental Retardation category. IQ Performance Score 55 included in the Mental Retardation category. With the total IQ obtained is 55 included in mental retardation. Based on the analysis results contained in the table in general, mild mental retardation children are difficult to manage and do not do the work. Efforts made by teachers when experiencing difficulties in understanding the lessons conveyed by children with mild mental retardation AD is to provide personal guidance, ask questions and answer, and several times be assertive.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui (1) kemampuan intelektual anak tunagrahita di sekolah inklusi Sekolah Dasar (SD) Negeri Demakijo 2, (2) Hambatan yang dihadapi guru ketika mengajar di SD Negeri Demaijo 2, (3) Upaya guru dalam menangani kemampuan intelektual anak tunagrahita di SD Negeri Demakijo 2. Jenis pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitataif dengan metode penelitian adalah metode survei. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakanya itu melalui observasi dan wawancara dengan subjek penelitian satu anak tunagrahita ringan kelas 1 SD Negeri Demakijo 2. Hasil dari tes intelegensi dengan Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children (WISC) mendapatkan hasil skor yang didapatkan yaitu skor IQ Verbal 57 yang termasuk dalam kategori Retardasi Mental. Skor IQ Performance 55 yang termasuk dalam kategori Retardasi Mental. Dengan jumlah IQ total yang didapatkanya itu 55 termasuk dalam Retardasi mental.  Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang terdapat pada tabel secara umum anak tunagrahita ringan susah diatur dan tidak mengerjakan tugas. Upaya yang dilakukan guru ketika mengalami kesulitan dalam memahamkan pelajaran yang disampaikan anak tunagrahita ringan AD ialah dengan memberikan bimbingan pribadi, melakukan tanyajawab, serta beberapa kali bersikap tegas.
Moral agency without responsibility? Analysis of three ethical models of human-computer interaction in times of artificial intelligence (AI)
Authors: Fritz Alexis , Brandt Wiebke , Gimpel Henner , Bayer Sarah
Published: June 2020

Philosophical and sociological approaches in technology have increasingly shifted toward describing AI (artificial intelligence) systems as ‘(moral) agents,’ while also attributing ‘agency’ to them. It is only in this way – so their principal argument goes – that the effects of technological components in a complex human-computer interaction can be understood sufficiently in phenomenological-descriptive and ethical-normative respects. By contrast, this article aims to demonstrate that an explanatory model only achieves a descriptively and normatively satisfactory result if the concepts of ‘(moral) agent’ and ‘(moral) agency’ are exclusively related to human agents. Initially, the division between symbolic and sub-symbolic AI, the black box character of (deep) machine learning, and the complex relationship network in the provision and application of machine learning are outlined. Next, the ontological and action-theoretical basic assumptions of an ‘agency’ attribution regarding both the current teleology-naturalism debate and the explanatory model of actor network theory are examined. On this basis, the technical-philosophical approaches of Luciano Floridi, Deborah G. Johnson, and Peter-Paul Verbeek will all be critically discussed. Despite their different approaches, they tend to fully integrate computational behavior into their concept of ‘(moral) agency.’ By contrast, this essay recommends distinguishing conceptually between the different entities, causalities, and relationships in a human-computer interaction, arguing that this is the only way to do justice to both human responsibility and the moral significance and causality of computational behavior.
On Some Moral Implications of Linguistic Narrativism Theory
Authors: Elgabsi Natan , Gilbert Bennett
Published: June 2020

In this essay we consider the moral claims of one branch of non-realist theory known as linguistic narrativism theory. By highlighting the moral implications of linguistic narrativism theory, we argue that the “moral vision” expressed by this theory can entail, at worst, undesirable moral agnosticism if not related to a transcendental and supra-personal normativity in our moral life. With its appeal to volitionism and intuitionism, the ethical sensitivity of this theory enters into difficulties brought about by several internal tensions as to what morality and moral judgements involve. We contend that the proponents of linguistic narrativism theory must strongly recognize and take responsibility for the “moral vison” their theory professes, in so far as they want to think of their theory as a morally responsible one.
PENGARUH KEMASAN DAN DURABILITY MAKANAN RINGAN BUATAN MALAYSIA TERHADAP ETNOSENTRISME KONSUMEN DI BATAM
Authors: Purba Tiurniari
Published: June 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of variable packaging and durability on consumer ethnocentrism in Batam, both partially and simultaneously. The background of this research is due to the rise of types of snack products made in Malaysia circulating in every type of retail in Batam, and very well-selling. This research will be analyzed quantitatively with a research tool using a questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire will be processed with the help of SPSS statistical software. As for what will be tested is the multiple regression test. Regression test results showed that the packaging had no effect on consumer ethnocentrism in Batam. While the durability variable shows a significant influence on consumer ethnocentrism. Simultaneously the F test shows that both packaging and durability affect ethnocentrism. While the determination coefficient test results indicate that the determination test output for the R Square value of 0.817 means that the magnitude of the contribution or contribution of the X1 and X2 variables of 82% to the Y variable and the rest of 18% is the influence of other variables not mentioned in this study.

 

Keywords: Packeging, Durability, Etnosentrisme, Snack
PENGARUH EARNING PER SHARE, DIVIDEND PER SHARE DAN FINANCIAL LEVERAGE TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM PADA PERUSAHAAN FOOD AND BEVERAGE YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA
Authors: Purba Mortigor Afrizal
Published: June 2020

The stock price describes the performance of the company. The better the performance of the company, the higher the stock price. Therefore the company needs to maintain the company's performance so that the stock price does not decline continuously every year. One way to find out that the company has good corporate performance by comparing the company's financial ratios from the previous year to the following year.     The aim of this study is to examine the effect of EPS, DPS, and Financial Leverage on the stock prices of food and beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2014-2018. The population in this study amounted to 18 food and beverage companies with the period 2014-2018. While the sample selected using the purposive sampling method with a total of 9 companies for 5 years processed data as many as 45 data.            Data tested using basic assumptions, classic assumption tests, multiple linear regression tests and hypothesis testing. The results of the study show that EPS, DPS, and Financial Leverage simultaneously have a significant effect on stock prices. While partially EPS has a significant effect on stock prices, DPS has no significant effect on stock prices, and Financial Leverage also does not have a significant effect on stock prices.
Surprising Differences in the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Non-Roma and Roma Population in Serbia
Authors: Stamenkovic Zeljka , Matejic Bojana , Djikanovic Bosiljka , Bjegovic-Mikanovic Vesna
Published: June 2020

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for early childhood development, although the use of adaptive milk formulas instead of breastfeeding is widespread nowadays. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of exclusively breastfed infants under the age of 6 months in non-Roma and Roma population and factors associated with this practice.

Materials and Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of the Serbian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey investigating non-Roma and Roma infants under the age of 6 months. The study included mothers of 321 non-Roma and 164 Roma infants younger than 6 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression served to analyze factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in both populations.

Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was almost the same among mothers in both non-Roma and Roma population (13.3 vs. 13%, p = 0.910). Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly more often (p < 0.001) among wealthier women, women whose newborns were over 2,500 g on birth, multipara, and women who had not established menstrual cycle among both populations. Living outside the capital significantly diminishes the chance for exclusively breastfed infants in the non-Roma community (Vojvodina: OR 0.16, CI 95% 0.03–0.92; eastern Serbia: OR 0.02, CI 95% 0.01–0.35) as well as living in the rural area (urban: OR 10.35, CI 95% 1.94–55.28). Unexpectedly, in the non-Roma population, not staying in the same room with the newborn in the maternity ward increases the chance for the baby to be exclusively breastfed (OR 7.19, CI 95% 1.80–28.68). The same pattern has been observed in Roma population. Non-Roma mothers multipara are more likely to exclusively breastfeed their children than primipara (OR 7.78, CI 95% 1.09–20.93), while among Roma mothers, the inverse association has been found although not significant (OR 0.42, CI 95% 0.14–1.23). Attending a childbirth preparation program more than 18 times increases the chances of infants being exclusively breastfed (OR 18.65, CI 95% 1.34–53.67). In the Roma population, there was no single woman that attended a childbirth preparation program.

Conclusion: The pattern of exclusive breastfeeding significantly differs between non-Roma and Roma populations. Preventive work should have focus on strengthening support to mothers and medical staff in maternity wards.
Enrichment of Different Plant Seeds with Zinc and Assessment of Health Risk of Zn-Fortified Sprouts Consumption
Authors: Bączek-Kwinta Renata , Baran Agnieszka , Simlat Magdalena , Lang Jakub , Bieniek Maciej , Florek Bartłomiej
Published: June 2020

Zinc (Zn) is a nutrient that regulates many vital functions of the human body, hence the demand for Zn in the balanced daily nutrition has to be covered. Priming of seeds with Zn for Zn-enriched sprout production can be considered a good alternative to artificial supplementation in a modern diet. Hence, the aim of our study was to determine the exposure level of Zn bringing neither risk for humans nor growth inhibition of enriched broccoli, pea and sunflower sprouts. Seeds treated with 0, 10, 20 and 30 μg mL−1 ZnSO4 responded in a differentiated way to Zn. Pea seed germination and sprout growth was diminished by 30 μg mL−1 ZnSO4, but for sunflower sprouts this Zn level resulted in the highest fresh mass and largest hypocotyls. Zn content in sprouts greatly increased in a dose-dependent manner, mostly in broccoli (up to 25 times) and peas (up to 4 times), and to a lesser extent (up to 120%) for sunflowers. Free radical scavenging activity was usually decreased. Considering the potential non-carcinogenic risk of sprouts consumption estimated by the hazard analysis, the safest exposure level for seed priming will be 10 μg mL−1 ZnSO4. It was confirmed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA analyses indicating no DNA variations in sprouts treated with 10 μg mL−1 ZnSO4 compared to the control.
Insights into the Physiological and Biochemical Impacts of Salt Stress on Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Adnan , Sarkhosh Ali , Khan Naeem , Balal Rashad Mukhtar , Ali Shahid , Rossi Lorenzo , Gómez Celina , Mattson Neil , Nasim Wajid , Garcia-Sanchez Francisco
Published: June 2020

Climate change is causing soil salinization, resulting in crop losses throughout the world. The ability of plants to tolerate salt stress is determined by multiple biochemical and molecular pathways. Here we discuss physiological, biochemical, and cellular modulations in plants in response to salt stress. Knowledge of these modulations can assist in assessing salt tolerance potential and the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance in plants. Salinity-induced cellular damage is highly correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species, ionic imbalance, osmotic damage, and reduced relative water content. Accelerated antioxidant activities and osmotic adjustment by the formation of organic and inorganic osmolytes are significant and effective salinity tolerance mechanisms for crop plants. In addition, polyamines improve salt tolerance by regulating various physiological mechanisms, including rhizogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, maintenance of cell pH, and ionic homeostasis. This research project focuses on three strategies to augment salinity tolerance capacity in agricultural crops: salinity-induced alterations in signaling pathways; signaling of phytohormones, ion channels, and biosensors; and expression of ion transporter genes in crop plants (especially in comparison to halophytes).
Nutrient Dynamics in Switchgrass as a Function of Time
Authors: Massey Joshua , Antonangelo João , Zhang Hailin
Published: June 2020

There are wide variations in fertilizer recommendations for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as biofuel feedstock or forage. Inconsistent yield responses to fertilization are common. Nutrient translocation, from aboveground leaves and stems to belowground roots, is a contributor to variable, and sometimes the absence of, fertilizer response. A field study evaluated how major nutrients are cycled within switchgrass during the growing season. Aboveground (AG) and belowground (BG) biomasses were harvested and analyzed separately for yield (AG) and nutrient concentrations (AG and BG). Maximum yields were 26.3 (2008), 17.5 (2009) and 29.3 (2010) Mg ha−1 until senescence. In all years, the N concentration of the AG biomass decreased as the season progressed (p < 0.0001). The belowground biomass N concentration increased over time in 2008 and 2010 (p < 0.05). Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) displayed similar trends to nitrogen concentration. Temporal changes of other nutrients in the AG and BG biomass concentrations were inconsistent and varied compared with N. The dynamics of the macronutrients suggested translocation from AG to BG as the switchgrass matured. Nutrients stored in roots can be beneficial for regrowth in the following growing season, which may reduce response to fertilizers. A greater understanding of nutrient cycling and harvest timing is needed to better manage different switchgrass production systems.
The Effects of UV-A Light Provided in Addition to Standard Lighting on Plumage Condition in Laying Hens
Authors: Spindler Birgit , Weseloh Tammo , Eßer Christina , Freytag Sarah Katharina , Klambeck Lea , Kemper Nicole , Andersson Robby
Published: June 2020

Natural light with ultraviolet spectrum (UV) influences the birds´ perception, the reflectivity of their plumage and affects bird behavior. Therefore, in Germany, laying hens kept in barns should be provided with daylight inlets. Nevertheless, lighting in laying hen houses with a UV proportion is not common practice and little is known about the detailed effects of UV-A lighting during the entire rearing and production period. The present on-farm study examines the impact of light quality on plumage loss, skin injuries and production parameters of laying hens. Therefore, about 92,000 Lohmann Brown hens with untrimmed beaks were kept on a farm in two different groups. Half of them were housed in a barn containing 10 pens illuminated by additional UV-A light (simulate “daylight spectrum”). The other half in the second barn were equally grouped, but exposed to standard lighting for poultry houses. Health, production parameters and plumage condition were monitored during rearing and production. The study results reveal that additional UV-A light is associated with the occurrence of plumage damage and cannibalistic injuries during production. In all groups, the plumage condition of the hens was intact when the hens started laying and declined with age. Therefore, complex interactions alongside UV illumination, environmental enrichment, feed and feeding strategies as well as other management factors that possibly affected both feather damage and skin injuries must also be taken into account.
Emotion Recognition in Cats
Authors: Quaranta Angelo , d’Ingeo Serenella , Amoruso Rosaria , Siniscalchi Marcello
Published: June 2020

Recent studies demonstrated that cats form social bonds with both conspecifics and humans. One of the key factors regulating social interactions is the transfer of emotions between the individuals. The present study aimed at investigating cats’ spontaneous ability to match acoustic and visual signals for the recognition of both conspecific and human emotions. Different conspecific (cat “purr” and “hiss”) and heterospecific (human “happiness” and “anger”) emotional stimuli were presented to the tested population using a cross-modal paradigm. Results showed that cats are able to cross-modally match pictures of emotional faces with their related vocalizations, particularly for emotions of high intensity. Overall, our findings demonstrate that cats have a general mental representation of the emotions of their social partners, both conspecifics and humans.
Identification of Ovarian Circular RNAs and Differential Expression Analysis between MeiShan and Large White Pigs
Authors: Liang Guoming , Yan Junyu , Guo Jin , Tang Zhonglin
Published: June 2020

MeiShan and Large White pigs differ in their female fecundity. However, the mechanisms behind the gene expression and regulation that cause these differences remain unclear. In this study, we profiled circRNAs and identified 5,879 circRNAs from the ovaries of MeiShan and Large White pigs. Eighty-five circRNAs were differentially expressed between the two pig breeds. Of these, 37 were up-regulated and 48 were down-regulated in MeiShan pigs. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that the differentially expressed circRNA were involved in the hormone-mediated signaling pathway. We verified that circSCIN and its parent gene, scinderin (SCIN), were differentially expressed by reverse transcription and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Luciferase assays demonstrated that circSCIN can target and sponge miR-133 and miR-148a/b. The identification of differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) and their regulatory functions increased our understanding of the differences in reproductive efficiency between MeiShan and Large White pigs.
Bias and Misrepresentation of Science Undermines Productive Discourse on Animal Welfare Policy: A Case Study
Authors: Jaakkola Kelly , Bruck Jason N. , Connor Richard C. , Montgomery Stephen H. , King Stephanie L.
Published: June 2020

Reliable scientific knowledge is crucial for informing legislative, regulatory, and policy decisions in a variety of areas. To that end, scientific reviews of topical issues can be invaluable tools for informing productive discourse and decision-making, assuming these reviews represent the target body of scientific knowledge as completely, accurately, and objectively as possible. Unfortunately, not all reviews live up to this standard. As a case in point, Marino et al.’s review regarding the welfare of killer whales in captivity contains methodological flaws and misrepresentations of the scientific literature, including problematic referencing, overinterpretation of the data, misleading word choice, and biased argumentation. These errors and misrepresentations undermine the authors’ conclusions and make it impossible to determine the true state of knowledge of the relevant issues. To achieve the goal of properly informing public discourse and policy on this and other issues, it is imperative that scientists and science communicators strive for higher standards of analysis, argumentation, and objectivity, in order to clearly communicate what is known, what is not known, what conclusions are supported by the data, and where we are lacking the data necessary to draw reliable conclusions.
Understanding the Legendary Sound Environment in the Lobby of Hotel Okura Tokyo
Authors: Nojima Ryoko , Sugie Natsuko , Taguchi Akira , Kokubo Jun
Published: June 2020

The main lobby of Hotel Okura Tokyo has a good reputation for its sound environment, which affects the conversations of its users. We assumed that the lobby’s reputation was related to its speech intelligibility. In this study, first, the sound during hotel operations was measured to see if there was a difference in the sound environment between the lobby and the entrance hall. As a result, we clarified that the difference in noise levels affected by the degree of crowdedness of the room was smaller in the lobby than in the other rooms. Subsequently, the indoor noise and speech intelligibility were measured to clarify the correspondence of intelligibility with the lobby’s reputation. As a result, the indoor noise was found to be at a level suitable for hotel lobbies and the intelligibility was good. A comprehensive evaluation that included the results of other acoustical surveys revealed that the lobby of Okura is a space that is suitable for conversations, corresponding to the opinions of users.