bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 2 year record of atmospheric mercury species at a background Southern Hemisphere station on Amsterdam Island
Authors: Angot H. , Barret M. , Magand O. , Ramonet M. , Dommergue A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Scarcity of mercury species records in the Southern Hemisphere is a critical weak point for the development of appropriate modeling and regulation scenarios. Under the framework of the "Global Mercury Observation System" (GMOS) project, a monitoring station has been set up on Amsterdam Island (37°48' S, 77°34' E) in the remote southern Indian Ocean. For the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, a 2 year record of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) is presented. GEM concentrations were remarkably steady (1.03 ± 0.08 pg m−3) while RGM and PBM concentrations were very low and exhibited a strong variability (mean: 0.34 pg m−3 [range: 0.28–4.07 pg m−3] and mean: 0.67 pg m−3 [range: 0.28–12.67 pg m−3], respectively). Despite the remoteness of the island, wind sector analysis, air mass back trajectories and the observation of radonic storms highlighted a long-range contribution from the southern African continent to the GEM and PBM budgets in winter during the biomass burning season. Lowest concentrations of GEM were associated with southerly polar and marine air masses from the remote southern Indian Ocean. This unique dataset provides new baseline GEM concentrations in the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes for further modeling studies, while mercury speciation along with upcoming wet deposition data will help improving our understanding of mercury cycle in the marine boundary layer.
Five years of CO, HCN, C2H6, C2H2, CH3OH, HCOOH and H2CO total columns measured in the Canadian high Arctic
Authors: Viatte C. , Strong K. , Walker K. A. , Drummond J. R.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. We present a five-year time series of seven tropospheric species measured using a ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL; Eureka, Nunavut, Canada; 80°05' N, 86°42' W) from 2007 to 2011. Total columns and temporal variabilities of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and ethane (C2H6) as well as the first derived total columns at Eureka of acetylene (C2H2), methanol (CH3OH), formic acid (HCOOH) and formaldehyde (H2CO) are investigated, providing a new data set in the sparsely sampled high latitudes. Total columns are obtained using the SFIT2 retrieval algorithm based on the optimal estimation method. The microwindows as well as the a priori profiles and variabilities are selected to optimize the information content of the retrievals, and error analyses are performed for all seven species. Our retrievals show good sensitivities in the troposphere. The seasonal amplitudes of the time series, ranging from 34 to 104%, are captured while using a single a priori profile for each species. The time series of the CO, C2H6 and C2H2 total columns at PEARL exhibit strong seasonal cycles with maxima in winter and minima in summer, in opposite phase to the HCN, CH3OH, HCOOH and H2CO time series. These cycles result from the relative contributions of the photochemistry, oxidation and transport as well as biogenic and biomass burning emissions. Comparisons of the FTIR partial columns with coincident satellite measurements by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) show good agreement. The correlation coefficients and the slopes range from 0.56 to 0.97 and 0.50 to 3.35, respectively, for the seven target species. Our new data set is compared to previous measurements found in the literature to assess atmospheric budgets of these tropospheric species in the high Arctic. The CO and C2H6concentrations are consistent with negative trends observed over the Northern Hemisphere, attributed to fossil fuel emission decrease. The importance of poleward transport for the atmospheric budgets of HCN and C2H2 is highlighted. Columns and variabilities of CH3OH and HCOOH at PEARL are comparable to previous measurements performed at other remote sites. However, the small columns of H2CO in early May might reflect its large atmospheric variability and/or the effect of the updated spectroscopic parameters used in our retrievals. Overall, emissions from biomass burning contribute to the day-to-day variabilities of the seven tropospheric species observed at Eureka.
Synergistic angular and spectral estimation of aerosol properties using CHRIS/PROBA-1 and simulated Sentinel-3 data
Authors: Davies W. H. , North P. R. J.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. A method has been developed to estimate Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), Fine Mode Fraction (FMF) and Single Scattering Albedo (SSA) over land surfaces using simulated Sentinel-3 data. The method uses inversion of a coupled surface/atmosphere radiative transfer model, and includes a general physical model of angular surface reflectance. An iterative process is used to determine the optimum value of the aerosol properties providing the best fit of the corrected reflectance values for a number of view angles and wavelengths with those provided by the physical model. A method of estimating AOD using only angular retrieval has previously been demonstrated on data from the ENVISAT and PROBA-1 satellite instruments, and is extended here to the synergistic spectral and angular sampling of Sentinel-3 and the additional aerosol properties. The method is tested using hyperspectral, multi-angle Compact High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (CHRIS) images. The values obtained from these CHRIS observations are validated using ground based sun-photometer measurements. Results from 22 image sets using the synergistic retrieval and improved aerosol models show an RMSE of 0.06 in AOD, reduced to 0.03 over vegetated targets.
Mechanisms of microbial carbon sequestration in the ocean – future research directions
Authors: Jiao N. , Robinson C. , Azam F. , Thomas H. , Baltar F. , Dang H. , Hardman-Mountford N. J. , Johnson M. , Kirchman D. L. , Koch B. P. , Legendre L. , Li C. , Liu J. , Luo T. , Luo Y.-W. , Mitra A. , Romanou A. , Tang K. , Wang X. , Zhang C. , Zhang R.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. This paper reviews progress on understanding biological carbon sequestration in the ocean with special reference to the microbial formation and transformation of recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon (RDOC), the microbial carbon pump (MCP). We propose that RDOC is a relative concept with a wide continuum of recalcitrance. Most RDOC compounds maintain their levels of recalcitrance only in a specific environmental context (RDOCt). The ocean RDOC pool also contains compounds that may be inaccessible to microbes due to their extremely low concentration (RDOCc). This differentiation allows us to appreciate the linkage between microbial source and RDOC composition on a range of temporal and spatial scales. Analyses of biomarkers and isotopic records show intensive MCP processes in the anoxic Proterozoic oceans when the MCP could have played a significant role in regulating climate. Understanding the dynamics of the MCP in conjunction with the better constrained biological pump (BP) over geological timescales could help to predict future climate trends. Integration of the MCP and the BP will require new research approaches and opportunities. Major goals include understanding the interactions between particulate organic carbon (POC) and RDOC that contribute to sequestration efficiency, and the concurrent determination of the chemical composition of organic carbon, microbial community composition and enzymatic activity. Molecular biomarkers and isotopic tracers should be employed to link water column processes to sediment records, as well as to link present-day observations to paleo-evolution. Ecosystem models need to be developed based on empirical relationships derived from bioassay experiments and field investigations in order to predict the dynamics of carbon cycling along the stability continuum of POC and RDOC under potential global change scenarios. We propose that inorganic nutrient input to coastal waters may reduce the capacity for carbon sequestration as RDOC. The nutrient regime enabling maximum carbon storage from combined POC flux and RDOC formation should therefore be sought.
Morphological coupling in multiple sandbar systems – a review
Authors: Price T. D. , Ruessink B. G. , Castelle B.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Subtidal sandbars often exhibit alongshore variable patterns, such as crescentic plan shapes and rip channels. While the initial formation of these patterns is reasonably well understood, the morphodynamic mechanisms underlying their subsequent finite-amplitude behaviour have been examined far less extensively. This behaviour concerns, among other aspects, the coupling of alongshore variable patterns in an inner bar to similar patterns in a more seaward bar, and the destruction of crescentic patterns. This review aims to present the current state of knowledge on the finite-amplitude behaviour of crescentic sandbars, with a focus on morphological coupling in double sandbar systems. In this context we include results from our recent study, based on a combination of remote-sensing observations, numerical modelling and data–model integration. Morphological coupling is an inherent property of double sandbar systems, where the inner bar may attain a type of morphology not found in single bar systems. Coupling is governed by water depth variability along the outer-bar crest and by various wave characteristics, including the offshore wave height and angle of incidence. In recent research, the role of the angle of wave incidence for sandbar morphodynamics has received more attention. Numerical modelling results have demonstrated that the angle of wave incidence is crucial to the flow pattern, sediment transport, and thus the emerging morphology of the coupled inner bar. Moreover, crescentic patterns predominantly vanish under high-angle wave conditions, highlighting the role of alongshore currents in straightening sandbars and challenging the traditional conception that crescentic patterns vanish under high-energy, erosive wave conditions only.
MeteoIO 2.4.2: a preprocessing library for meteorological data
Authors: Bavay M. , Egger T.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Using numerical models which require large meteorological data sets is sometimes difficult and problems can often be traced back to the Input/Output functionality. Complex models are usually developed by the environmental sciences community with a focus on the core modelling issues. As a consequence, the I/O routines that are costly to properly implement are often error-prone, lacking flexibility and robustness. With the increasing use of such models in operational applications, this situation ceases to be simply uncomfortable and becomes a major issue. The MeteoIO library has been designed for the specific needs of numerical models that require meteorological data. The whole task of data preprocessing has been delegated to this library, namely retrieving, filtering and resampling the data if necessary as well as providing spatial interpolations and parametrizations. The focus has been to design an Application Programming Interface (API) that (i) provides a uniform interface to meteorological data in the models; (ii) hides the complexity of the processing taking place; and (iii) guarantees a robust behaviour in case of format errors, erroneous or missing data. Moreover, in an operational context, this error handling should avoid unnecessary interruptions in the simulation process. A strong emphasis has been put on simplicity and modularity in order to make it extremely easy to support new data formats or protocols and to allow contributors with diverse backgrounds to participate. This library can also be used in the context of High Performance Computing in a parallel environment. Finally, it is released under an Open Source license and is available at http://models.slf.ch/p/meteoio. This paper gives an overview of the MeteoIO library from the point of view of conceptual design, architecture, features and computational performance. A scientific evaluation of the produced results is not given here since the scientific algorithms that are used have already been published elsewhere.
Climate change impacts on the hydrologic regime of a Canadian river: comparing uncertainties arising from climate natural variability and lumped hydrological model structures
Authors: Seiller G. , Anctil F.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Diagnosing the impacts of climate change on water resources is a difficult task pertaining to the uncertainties arising from the different modelling steps. Lumped hydrological model structures contribute to this uncertainty as well as the natural climate variability, illustrated by several members from the same Global Circulation Model. In this paper, the hydroclimatic modelling chain consists of twenty-four potential evapotranspiration formulations, twenty lumped conceptual hydrological models, and seven snowmelt modules. These structures are applied on a natural Canadian sub-catchment to address related uncertainties and compare them to the natural internal variability of simulated climate system as depicted by five climatic members. Uncertainty in simulated streamflow under current and projected climates is assessed. They rely on interannual hydrographs and hydrological indicators analysis. Results show that natural climate variability is the major source of uncertainty, followed by potential evapotranspiration formulations and hydrological models. The selected snowmelt modules, however, do not contribute much to the uncertainty. The analysis also illustrates that the streamflow simulation over the current climate period is already conditioned by the tools' selection. This uncertainty is propagated to reference simulations and future projections, amplified by climatic members. These findings demonstrate the importance of opting for several climatic members to encompass the important uncertainty related to the climate natural variability, but also of selecting multiple modelling tools to provide a trustworthy diagnosis of the impacts of climate change on water resources.
Climate change and stream temperature projections in the Columbia River Basin: biological implications of spatial variation in hydrologic drivers
Authors: Ficklin D. L. , Barnhart B. L. , Knouft J. H. , Stewart I. T. , Maurer E. P. , Letsinger S. L. , Whittaker G. W.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Water temperature is a primary physical factor regulating the persistence and distribution of aquatic taxa. Considering projected increases in temperature and changes in precipitation in the coming century, accurate assessment of suitable thermal habitat in freshwater systems is critical for predicting aquatic species responses to changes in climate and for guiding adaptation strategies. We use a hydrologic model coupled with a stream temperature model and downscaled General Circulation Model outputs to explore the spatially and temporally varying changes in stream temperature at the subbasin and ecological province scale for the Columbia River Basin. On average, stream temperatures are projected to increase 3.5 °C for the spring, 5.2 °C for the summer, 2.7 °C for the fall, and 1.6 °C for the winter. While results indicate changes in stream temperature are correlated with changes in air temperature, our results also capture the important, and often ignored, influence of hydrological processes on changes in stream temperature. Decreases in future snowcover will result in increased thermal sensitivity within regions that were previously buffered by the cooling effect of flow originating as snowmelt. Other hydrological components, such as precipitation, surface runoff, lateral soil flow, and groundwater, are negatively correlated to increases in stream temperature depending on the season and ecological province. At the ecological province scale, the largest increase in annual stream temperature was within the Mountain Snake ecological province, which is characterized by non-migratory coldwater fish species. Stream temperature changes varied seasonally with the largest projected stream temperature increases occurring during the spring and summer for all ecological provinces. Our results indicate that stream temperatures are driven by local processes and ultimately require a physically-explicit modeling approach to accurately characterize the habitat regulating the distribution and diversity of aquatic taxa.
Epic landslide erosion from mountain roads in Yunnan, China – challenges for sustainable development
Authors: Sidle R. C. , Ghestem M. , Stokes A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Expanding mountain road networks in developing countries significantly increase the risk of landslides and sedimentation, as well as create vulnerabilities for residents and aquatic resources. We measured landslide erosion along seven road segments in steep terrain in the upper Salween River basin, Yunnan, China and estimated sediment delivery to channels. Landslide erosion rates along the roads ranged from 2780 to 48 235 Mg ha−1 yr−1, the upper end of this range being the highest rate ever reported along mountain roads. The two roads with the highest landslide erosion (FG1 = 12 966 Mg ha−1 yr−1 ; DXD = 48 235 Mg ha−1 yr−1) had some of the highest sediment delivery rates to channels (about 80 and 86%, respectively). Overall, three times more landslides occurred along cutslopes compared to fillslopes, but fillslope failures had a combined mass >1.3 times that of cutslope failures. Many small landslides occurred along road cuts, but these were often trapped on the road surface. Given the magnitude of the landslide problem and the lack of attention to this issue, a more sustainable approach for mountain road development is outlined based on an analysis of landslide susceptibility and how thresholds for landslide trigger mechanisms would be modified by road location and construction techniques.
The GAMDAM Glacier Inventory: a quality controlled inventory of Asian glaciers
Authors: Nuimura T. , Sakai A. , Taniguchi K. , Nagai H. , Lamsal D. , Tsutaki S. , Kozawa A. , Hoshina Y. , Takenaka S. , Omiya S. , Tsunematsu K. , Tshering P. , Fujita K.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. We present a new glacier inventory for the high mountain Asia named "Glacier Area Mapping for Discharge from the Asian Mountains" (GAMDAM). Glacier outlines were delineated manually using more than 226 Landsat ETM+ scenes from the period 1999–2003, in conjunction with a digital elevation model (DEM) and high-resolution Google Earth imagery. Geolocations are consistent between the Landsat imagery and DEM due to systematic radiometric and geometric corrections made by the United States Geological Survey. We performed repeated delineation tests and rigorous peer review of all scenes used in order to maintain the consistency and quality of the inventory. Our GAMDAM Glacier Inventory (GGI) includes 82776 glaciers covering a total area of 87507 ± 13126 km2 in the high mountain Asia. Thus, our inventory represents a greater number (+4%) of glaciers but significantly less surface area (−31%) than a recent global glacier inventory (Randolph Glacier Inventory, RGI). The employed definition of the upper boundaries of glaciers, glacier recession since the 1970s, and misinterpretation of seasonal snow cover are likely causes of discrepancies between the inventories, though it is difficult to evaluate these effects quantitatively. The GGI will help improve the temporal consistency of the RGI, which incorporated glacier outlines from the 1970s for the Tibetan Plateau, and will provide new opportunities to study Asian glaciers.
An application of the analytic hierarchy process method in farmland appraisal
Authors: Aznar Bellver J. , Caballer Mellado V.
Published: June 2014

This paper applies a multi-criteria methodology to farmland appraisal known as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This methodology is especially useful when there is partial information and/or qualitative variables are used or when quantitative variables are used but the professional does not have access to their quantification. This context presents difficulties when applying conventional farmland appraisal methods. Likewise, the application of the analytic hierarchy process to the field of farmland appraisal is an advance with respect to previous studies on the application of multi-criteria methods in which only quantitative variables have been used.
Vibrational analysis of seedless watermelons: use in the detection of internal hollows
Authors: Diezma Iglesias B. , Ruiz Altisent M. , Jancsók P.
Published: June 2014

The internal quality of fruit can be non-invasively tested using systems based on vibrational characteristics. In this work, acoustic impulses were used to detect internal hollows in watermelons; the change in the signal revealing the problem. Frequency spectrum variables were analysed for their potential as non-destructive predictors of this defect. The band magnitude variables, obtained from the integral of the spectrum magnitudes between two frequencies, best predicted internal disorders. Experimental modal analysis was used to investigate the vibrational performance of watermelons and to determine the best positions for the impact point and response measurement microphone. A firsttype spherical mode and its resonant frequency was the best indicator of internal quality problems. Finite element modal analysis was performed to establish a watermelon shape/characteristics model and to compare theoretical and experimental results.
Productive performance of the single farrowing system for pigs
Authors: Daza A. , Riopérez J. , Ovejero I. , De Alba C.
Published: June 2014

This paper reports two experiments, the aims of which were to contribute to the development of the single farrowing production system for pigs. The first reports the induction of oestrus in three groups of 70 Duroc gilts (167 days old, body weight 93.6 kg) via the injection of either 1000, 600 or 400 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) plus 500, 200 or again 200 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) respectively. No significant differences were observed among these treatments with respect to the percentage of gilts entering oestrus, their fertility or their prolificacy. The average number of piglets weaned per farrowed gilt was 5.61, 5.66 and 6.69 (P
Short communication. Identification of the Poncirus biotype of Tylenchulus semipenetrans in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Murguía C.A. , Abad P. , Jordá C. , Bello A.
Published: June 2014

High population densities of Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb were detected on mature Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf. rootstocks in a commercial citrus orchard in Rafelguaraf, Valencia, Spain. Until now, this rootstock was considered resistant to populations of T. semipenetrans. The biotype of the nematode was characterised according to its host range. Under greenhouse conditions, it proved to be very capable of reproduction on the Bennecke and Rubidoux cultivars of P. trifoliate and on rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush) at seven months post-infestation. It was also able to infest grapevine 141-R (Vitis berlandieri xV. rupestris), but not cv. Arbequina olive (Olea europaea L.). These results suggest this Valencia population of T. semipenetrans behaves similarly to the Poncirus biotype.
Sustainable management of rural landscapes: application of new routines implemented on GIS for modelling visual relationships
Authors: Hernández J. , García L. , Ayuga F.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper was to introduce a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for site selection of new buildings in rural landscapes. It is based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This process consists of a twostage methodology: namely, land suitability mapping, followed by visual interpretation of potential sites. The SDSS is part of integrated computer software which can perform both functions, being specifically developed for this purpose and registered as GISCAD 2.0. This is a programme created in ARC/INFO Macro Language (AML) programming language. This is the means to generate macros and routines in ARC/INFO versions 7 and 8 for the consecutive execution of linked commands. As regards the computer routines, they are more than a mere concatenation of orders to be carried out successively by ARC/INFO. Some of them, such as COMPOSITION.AML, BACKGROUND.AML, CAPACITY.AML, SETTLE.AML and INTEGRATION.AML, are actually a logical analysis system which provides GISCAD 2.0 with a decision-making capacity according to the information supplied. At present these routines are being worked into a fully efficient system incorporating the ability to learn from the decisions taken, and for this information to form part of the initial data for the following calculation cycle.
Effects of the use of ractopamine in pregnant sows on reproductive and blood parameters
Authors: Hoshi E.H. , Fonseca N.A.N. , Pinheiro J.W. , Marçal W.S. , Silva C.A.
Published: June 2014

The effects of the use of ractopamine (20 ppm per sow and day) in sows were evaluated during three different pregnancy stages (T1: 25 to 50; T2: 50 to 80; T3: 25 to 80 days of gestation, and T4: control-no ractopamine), assessing possible effects on reproduction, litter performance up to weaning, blood parameters, as well as on some of the biochemistry parameters at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 days of pregnancy. Forty sows were included in the trial for the evaluation of reproductive measures and litter performance. As to blood counts, a total of 10 sows were used. The use of 20 ppm of ractopamine during the three pregnancy stages had no effects on reproductive measures, litter performance or blood values, when compared to the control. However, total cholesterol, high density lipids and triglyceride values were different (P
Short communication. Goat preferences for native woody shrubs in the Chaco Árido region of Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Cora A. , Nai Bregaglio M. , Coirini R.O.
Published: June 2014

The Chaco Árido region of Argentina has suffered strong desertification. Some 95% of the area is now covered by deciduous plant species that form dense, spiny shrubs, many of which are of little forage value. Lack of forage during winter leads to economic losses, contributing to the overall low profitability of the regions small goat-producers. The incorporation of appropriate shrub plants into the production system might help ensure and make more uniform the supply of feed to goats over the year. However, it is first vital to determine the preferences of these animals in order to prioritise such incorporations. The preferences of local goats for the native shrubs of the Chaco Árido region were therefore established over the different seasons of the year by means of a "cafeteria" experiment. Preferences were determined using the Di Rienzo, Guzmán and Casanoves means-comparison test. Maytenus spinosa, Celtis pallida and Lippia turbinata were frequently chosen in Summer and Autumn. The consumption of Condalia microphylla was low year-round while Larrea divaricata was consumed strongly throughout the year. The latter species and Capparis atamisquea were particular favourites during the winter reduction in forage availability. It is suggested that these species be incorporated into local goat production systems.
Biochemical changes in barberries during adventitious root formation: the role of indole-3-butyric acid and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Tehranifar Ali , Mahmoody Tabar Saeed , Selahvarzi Yahya , Balandary Ahmad , Kharrazi Mahdiyeh
Published: June 2014

Peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenolic compounds and total sugars (TS) were investigated during root formation in cuttings of Berberis vulgaris var. asperma (BVA) and Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea (BTA) treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and IBA+H2O2. Rooting was observed on BTA cuttings but not on BVA cuttings. The BTA cuttings treated with IBA and IBA+H2O2 showed higher rooting percentages, number of roots, and root length over the control. Those treated with IBA+H2O2 recorded the lowest peroxidase activity after planting. BTA cuttings treated with IBA+H2O2 showed the highest peroxidase activity at 50 d after planting; BVA cuttings under different treatments showed no significant difference for peroxidase activity at planting time or up to 80 d after planting. PPO activity for the BTA cuttings in the control treatment was lower than for other treatments during root formation. The cuttings in the IBA and IBA+H2O2 treatments showed increased PPO activity from 0 to 50 d after planting and a slight decrease in PPO activity from 60 to 80 d after planting. PPO activity for the BVA cuttings was significantly lower than for BTA during root formation. The BTA cuttings treated with IBA and IBA+H2O2 showed the highest phenolic compound content during root formation. The BVA cuttings displayed higher TS than BTA during the initial stage of root formation. A comparison of the anatomical structure of easy-to-root and difficult-to-root cuttings indicated that physical inhibitors did not affect the rooting capacity of BVA.
Influence of feeding system on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat and fat quality of Avileña-Negra Ibérica calves’ breed
Authors: Daza Argimiro , Rey Ana Isabel , Lopez-Carrasco Celia , Lopez-Bote Clemente J.
Published: June 2014

The effect of feeding system (calves reared under free-range conditions supplemented with concentrate vs. calves fed on concentrate and cereal straw in confinement) during finishing period on growth performance, carcass traits and meat and fat quality was investigated. Fourteen entire males of Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed were used. The feeding system had no effect on growth performance, carcass characteristics, muscle colour, drip losses and intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage in Longissimus thoracis. Free-range calves had more content of vitamin E in omental fat and tended (p<0.1) to have more vitamin E in IMF than calves finished in confinement. C16:0 and C16:1 n-9 proportions in omental fat were higher in calves finished in confinement, while C18:1 n-7, C18:3 n-3, Σn-3 proportions were lower. The ratio Σpolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to Σsaturated fatty acids (SFA) was significantly greater in omental fat from free-range calves. The C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C17:0, C17:1, C18:1 n-9 and Σmonounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were higher and C18:3 n-3 and Σn-3 proportions lower in IMF from calves finished in confinement. The ratio C18:1 n-9 to C18:0 was higher in IMF from calves fed on concentrate and straw and the ratio ΣPUFA to ΣSFA tended (p<0.1) to be greater in free-range calves. Intramuscular fat percentage affected to fatty acid composition of Longissimus thoracis. Feeding system based in finishing calves in confinement with straw and concentrate can be replaced by supplementation with concentrate in grazing without detrimental effect on quality.
A comparative study of fatty acid profiles of fat in commercial Spanish suckling kids and lambs
Authors: Horcada Alberto , Campo Maria del Mar , Polvillo Oliva , Alcalde Maria Jesus , Cilla Irene , Sañudo Carlos
Published: June 2014

Fatty acid profiles are a major contributor to meat quality in small ruminants. Nevertheless, while fatty acid profiles from suckling lambs have been extensively studied they are virtually unknown in suckling kids. Fatty acid profiles of intramuscular and kidney knob fat depots of suckling kids were compared with fatty acid profiles of lambs with a quality label in the Spanish market. Forty suckling kids from Blanca Celtibérica (BC), Moncaína (Mo), Negra Serrana (NS) and Murciano Granadina (MG) breeds and 20 Churra male suckling lambs labelled with ‘Lechazo de Castilla y León’ Protected Geographic Indication were slaughtered at commercial live weights (12 kg). In both depots differences in the unsaturated fatty acid profile were observed between breeds. The most pronounced differences were observed between meat goat breeds (BC, Mo and NS) and lambs, whilst a greater similarity in the fatty acid profile was observed between kids from dairy goat breeds (MG) and lambs. The lowest polyunsaturated fatty acid content was observed in meat goat breeds (approximately 21 to 22% of total fatty acids detected in the intramuscular fat). No significant differences in atherogenic index and desirable fatty acid content (range 68 to 70% of total fatty acids detected) were observed. However, a more favourable (lower than 8.07) n-6/n-3 ratio was observed in meat goat breeds. The use of fatty acid profiles from intramuscular and kidney knob fat could be proposed as a tool to differentiate goat kids and lambs. The fact that intramuscular fat from suckling kids and lambs shows appropriate lipid nutritional indices and their low carcass fatness indicate that moderate consumption of suckling kid and lamb meat may contribute to an overall balanced diet for humans.
Genotype by environment interaction for carcass traits and intramuscular fat content in heavy Iberian pigs fattened in two different free-range systems
Authors: García Casco Juan M. , Muñoz Muñoz María , Silio López Luis , Rodríguez Valdovinos Carmen
Published: June 2014

Genotype by environment interaction (G×E) is a potential source of reduced efficiency in genetic improvement programs in livestock. The objective of the current work consisted of checking the existence of G×E interaction in carcass traits and in intramuscular fat content (IMF) in Iberian pigs fattened in two free-range systems. Genetic component and estimated breeding values (EBV) of the percentage of hams, shoulders and loins and IMF in loin were obtained from records of 4,348 and 1,818 pigs fattened in campo (C) and montanera (M) systems, respectively. A multitrait model where the performances of each system are considered as different traits was implemented. Three selection indexes were built with different treatments about the quality trait, two of them based in the optimal trait theory. The Pearson correlation between EBV and indexes and the Spearman correlation between the rankings of progenies of 21 boars fattened in both systems were calculated. Heritability results were different in both systems (h2 range from 0.43 to 0.66 and from 0.24 to 0.33 in C and M system, respectively) and genetic correlation of same traits expressed in the two systems also pointed out to a weak G×E interaction (0.64, 0.67 and 0.66 in hams, shoulders and IMF, respectively). Pearson and Spearman correlations were always significantly different to 1. The obtained results advised to consider this G×E interaction in the analysis model of a breeding program focused on free range production system and to include IMF in the index selection assuming an optimum range for this quality trait, in order to avoid negative effects of selection for carcass performances.
Effects of in ovo injection of conjugated linoleic acid on immune status and blood biochemical factors of broiler chickens
Authors: Azadegan mehr Mona , Hassanabadi Ahmad , Mirghelenj Seyed Ali , Kermanshahi Hassan
Published: June 2014

This experiment evaluated the effects of an in ovo injection of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on immune status and blood metabolites of broiler chicks at 21 and 42 days of age. One hundred and sixty fertilized eggs were selected from a young broiler breeder flock and allocated to4 treatments with 4 replicates each. CLA was injected into the air sack of the selected eggs (150 and 300 mg, dissolved in 100 mL of commercial diluents, CLA150 and CLA300) on Day18 of incubation. Two control groups (injected with or without diluent) were also included. In ovo injection of 150 or 300 ppm CLA increased (p<0.05) feed intake of chickens as compared to control groups up to 42 days of age. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio of chickens from CLA300, were improved (p<0.05) as compared to chicks hatched from eggs injected diluent or control group during total period. Cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response to injection of phytohaemagglutinin-P significantly (p<0.05) increased in chickens from CLA300 comparing to chicks from CLA150 or control ones. In ovo injection of 300 ppm CLA, decreased blood serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) of chickens as compared to control chicks or those from CLA150 (p<0.05). Central lymphoid tissues such as bursa of Fabricius and thymus relative weights were increased (p<0.05) in chickens from CLA300 as compared to chicks injected diluent or control groups. It is concluded that feeding 300 ppm CLA through in ovo injection may be effective to subsequent growth rate, immune response and decrease blood serum cholesterol and LDL of broiler chickens during whole experimental period.
Short communication. Milk yield and composition, dry matter intake and blood parameters of Holstein cows fed ensiled apple pomace co-ensiled with broiler litter
Authors: Azizi Osman , Karimi Shahram , Sadeghi Ghorban Ali , Lashkari Saman
Published: June 2014

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ensiled mixed apple pomace and broiler litter (EAPBL) on milk yield (MY) and composition, dry matter intake (DMI) and blood parameters at early lactation cow. Four multiparous early-lactating Holstein dairy cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design including 4 periods and 4 experimental diets. The cows were fed diets containing 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of EAPBL, respectively. The highest DMI (p<0.05) was observed in cows fed diets containing 15 and 30% of EAPBL. Milk production was lower (p<0.05) in cows fed 0% EAPBL than in the other experimental groups. Diet including 45% of EAPBL increased (p<0.05) blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen concentration. Inclusion of EAPBL on dairy cows rations might efficiently cause an improvement on MY, milk composition and DMI.
An insight into the influence of packaging and presentation format on consumer purchasing attitudes towards cheese: a qualitative study
Authors: Eldesouky Ali , Mesias Francisco
Published: June 2014

Using packaging and presentation format to appeal to consumers and to communicate product benefits directly on the shelf is a competitive advantage in the food industry. Both packaging and presentation format can attract consumers’ attention and influence their perceptions and purchasing decisions. Therefore, the objective of this study is to obtain a preliminary insight into the main attributes and factors that most affect consumers’ purchase decisions regarding presentation and packaging of cheese products. To achieve this goal, we have used the focus group technique, because of its considerable potential as a mean to collect qualitative data within consumer research. The results showed that price, product quality, packaging, origin and brand are decisive factors in the purchase decision of food products. Although packaging and presentation of food have potential influence on the consumer’s choice and purchase, packaging colour and design are the most attractive factors during the purchase process. Thus, packaging format and colour may influence consumers prior to the purchase. These stimuli can be decisive when buying cheese and may also help producers to communicate the differentiation of their products to consumers.
The Feminine Art of Failure: queering feminist spectatorship
Authors: Ferreday Debra
Published: June 2014

This paper asks: in post-postfeminist times constitutes a feminist reading of the popular, and in particular potential futures are implied by the current ‘return’ to canonical feminist practices of reading, and how might these apparently utopian futures work to silence certain critical voices emanating from within the sphere of the popular – particularly queer and feminine voices? In answer to this question, it proposes a re-examining of contemporary ‘abject’ images of femininity in order propose a re-framing of feminist analysis of visual culture. By reading fashion imagery alongside selfie culture and popular feminist narratives of the visual, it argues that the melancholy nature of the popular representation of femininity precisely dramatizes the impossibly divided position of female femininity in a masculinist world.
Speciation and Determination of Inorganic Arsenic in Rice Using Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry: Collaborative Study
Authors: Ukena Takanori , Matsumoto Eri , Nishimura Tsutomu , Harn Joanne Chan Sheot , Lee Ch'ng Ai , Rojanapantip Laddawan , Mayteeyonpiriya Nongnuch , Suthilucksanavanish Kulwilai , Yamada Yukiko ,   Collaborators:, Ang W M , Baba K , Chew P , Daigo F , Fagnoi S , Hoshino M , Inaba T , Ito T , Ito Y , Kato T , Kraisin N , Kuen M L , Meeglin K , Morita T , Nagao M , Narukawa T , Saito K , Saito N , Syamsudin  , Sinaviwat S , Sugie M , Tharatha S , Ting T B , Tsujimoto H , Uraroongroj M , Yamashita K , Yan C H , Yoshida T , Yoshimura K , Zama S
Published: June 2014

An analytical method to speciate two inorganic As forms [arsenite, As(III) and arsenate, As(V)] in indica and japonica types of rice (both husked and polished) and determine the inorganic As concentration as the sum of these two was internationally validated. The method can additionally determine two organic As compounds, monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid, in rice as separate LC peaks. The method is based on LC separation and inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS detection. The method was evaluated through the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry/International Organization for Standardization/AOAC harmonized protocol. Sixteen laboratories from four countries participated in the study, and 13 laboratories returned valid data. Twenty test portions of 10 blind duplicates of indica and japonica type rice samples (both husked and polished) were used in this study. Repeatability RSD (RSDr) and reproducibility RSD (RSDR) were calculated at five concentrations of total inorganic As between 0.03 and 0.68 mg/kg. The RSDr was in a range of 3.8 to 7.7% and the RSDR was in a range of 10 to 36%. These performance characteristics were found to be sufficient for determination of inorganic As at or higher than 0.03 mg/kg. Applicability of the method was estimated to be in a range of 0.02–2.0 mg/kg.
Comparison of the SIMARD MD to Clinical Impression in Assessing Fitness to Drive in Patients with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wernham Madelaine L. , Jarrett Pamela G. , Stewart Connie , MacDonald Elizabeth , MacNeil Donna , Hobbs Cynthia
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThe assessment of fitness to drive in patients with cognitive impairment is complex. The SIMARD MD was developed to assist with assessing fitness to drive. This study compares the clinical decision made by a geriatrician regarding driving with the SIMARD MD score.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment, who had a SIMARD MD test, were included in the sample. A retrospective chart review was completed to gather diagnosis, driving status, and cognitive and functional information.ResultsSixty-three patients were identified and 57 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 77.1 years (SD 8.9). The most common diagnosis was Alzheimer’s disease in 22 (38.6%) patients. The mean MMSE score was 24.9 (SD 3.34) and the mean MoCA was 19.9 (SD 3.58). The mean SIMARD MD score was 37.2 (SD 19.54). Twenty-four patients had a SIMARD MD score ≤ 30, twenty-eight between 31–70, and five scored > 70. The SIMARD MD scores did not differ significantly compared to the clinical decision (ANOVA p value = 0.14).ConclusionsThere was no association between the SIMARD MD scores and the geriatricians’ clinical decision regarding fitness to drive in persons with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Not If, But When: Impact of a Driving and Dementia Awareness and Education Campaign for Primary Care Physicians
Authors: Moorhouse Paige , Hamilton Laura M.
Published: June 2014

BackgroundCanadian physicians are responsible for assessing medical fitness to drive; however, national data indicate that physicians lack confidence in performing such assessments and face numerous barriers to addressing driving in patients with dementia. We report on the impact of a provincial Web-based resource (www.notifbutwhen.ca) regarding driving cessation in dementia aimed towards primary care physicians (PCPs).MethodsA pre/post cross-sectional survey (n = 134 baseline and n = 113 follow-up) of English-speaking, Nova Scotian PCPs. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multivariable logistic regression (controlling for sex, years of practice, and practice type) are reported.ResultsMost PCPs consider discussions regarding driving cessation to be routine part of dementia care; however, report multiple barriers to such discussions. Although the Web-based resource and awareness campaign were not associated with improvement in physician comfort in assessing driving risk in dementia, after completion of the campaign, fewer PCPs reported avoiding the topic of driving. Additionally, family resistance and lack of resources were less often reported as barriers.ConclusionsDespite a lack of confidence, Nova Scotian PCPs routinely discuss driving cessation, and perform driving assessments for individuals with dementia. The Web-based resource and awareness campaign have shown moderate effectiveness in addressing specific barriers to assessment (e.g., caregiver resistance, lack of resources). Future efforts will address additional barriers, such as lack of comfort in decision-making.
Increased Health Service Utilization Costs in the Year Prior to Institutionalization: Findings from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging
Authors: Naslund John A. , Sauter Agnes H. , Gutman Gloria , Beattie B. Lynn
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to characterize patterns of formal health service utilization costs during older adults’ transition from community to institutional care.MethodsParticipants were 127 adults (age ≥ 65) from the British Columbia sample (N = 2 ,057) of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging who transitioned from community to institutional care between 1991 and 2001. Health service utilization costs were measured using Cost-Per-Day-At-Risk at five time points: > 12 months, 6–12 months, and ≤ 6 months preinstitutionalization, and ≤ 6 months and 6–12 months postinstitutionalization. Cost-Per-Day-At-Risk was measured for Continuing Care, Medical Services Plan, and PharmaCare costs by calculating total health service use over time, divided by the number of days the participant was alive.ResultsSignificant differences in Cost-Per-Day-At-Risk were observed for Continuing Care, Medical Services Plan, and PharmaCare costs over time. All health service utilization costs increased significantly during the 6–12 months and ≤ 6 months prior to institutionalization. Postinstitutionalization Continuing Care costs continued to increase at ≤ 6 months before decreasing at 6–12 months, while decreases occurred for Medical Services Plan and PharmaCare costs relative to preinstitutionalization costs.ConclusionsThe increases in costs observed during the year prior to institutionalization, characterized by a flurry of health service utilization, provide evidence of distinct cost patterns over the transition period.