bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Law of small numbers as concentration inequalities for sums of independent random setsand random set valued mappings
Authors: Norkin Vladimir I. , Wets Roger J-B
Published: November 2015

In the paper we study concentration of sample averages (Minkowski's sums) of independent bounded random sets and set valued mappings around their expectations. Sets and mappings are considered in a Hilbert space. Concentration is formulated in the form of exponential bounds on probabilities of normalized large deviations. In a sense, concentration phenomenon reflects the law of small numbers, describing non-asymptotic behavior of the sample averages. We sequentially consider concentration inequalities for bounded random variables, functions, vectors, sets and mappings, deriving next inequalities from preceding cases. Thus we derive concentration inequalities with explicit constants for random sets and mappings from the sharpest available (Talagrand type) inequalities for random functions and vectors. The most explicit inequalities are obtained in case of discrete distributions. The obtained results contribute to substantiation of the Monte Carlo method in infinite dimensional spaces.
Advanced risk measures in estimation and classification
Authors: Tsyarmasto Peter , Uryasev Stan
Published: November 2015

This paper considers several well-known Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms for classification. We suggested a general risk management framework for describing considered SVMs. We introduced a loss function and expressed each SVM with a risk measure, such as Expected Value, Conditional Value-at-Risk, Supremum. We tested SVM algorithms on five classification data sets. The computational experiments were performed with Portfolio Safeguard (PSG). Risk functions, used in our framework, were precoded in PSG, which allowed for optimization of SVMs with several lines of code.
Adaptive Monte-Carlo Markov chain for multivariate statistical estimation
Authors: Vaiciulyte Ingrida
Published: November 2015

The estimation of the multivariate skew t-distribution by the Monte-Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) method is considered in the paper. Thus, the MCMC procedure is constructed for recurrent estimation of skew t-distribution, following the maximum likelihood method, where the Monte-Carlo sample size is regulated to ensure the convergence and to decrease the total amount of Monte-Carlo trials, required for estimation. The confidence intervals of Monte-Carlo estimators are introduced because of their asymptotic normality. The termination rule is also implemented by testing statistical hypotheses on an insignificant change of estimates in two steps of the procedure. The algorithm developed has been tested by computer simulation with test example. The test sample, following from skew t-distribution, has been simulated by computer and parameters of the skew t-distribution have been estimated by MathCAD. Next, the chi-squared criterion confirmed the hypothesis of distribution of statistics with respect to under- lying distribution function. Thus, computer simulation confirmed the applicability of the Monte-Carlo Markov chain approach with adaptively regulated sample size for estimation of parameters of the skew t- distribution with acceptable accuracy.
Soil Application of Cow Dung with Foliar Application of Boost Extra, Effect on Growth and Yield of Okra in an Ultisol, Nigeria
Authors: S. K. Ogundare , S. A. Mohammed , J. F. Owolabi
Published: November 2015

Experiments were carried out at the student’s experimental field, Kabba College of Agriculture, Horticulture section to examine the effect of soil application of cow dung combined with foliar application of boost extra on growth and yield of okra in an ultisol, Nigeria. The land was ploughed each year and harrowed with the aid of tractor mounted implements. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of A = 3t/ha cow dung, B = 1.0 L/ha foliar + 2.5t/ha cow dung, C =1.5L/ha foliar + 2t/ha cow dung, D    = 2 L/ha foliar      + 1.5 t/ha cow dung, E = 2.5L/ha foliar + 1.0t/ha cow dung, F = 3t/ha foliar. Each year experiment was conducted using a single field having dimension of 35 by 14m which was laid out into three blocks with 1m guard row between blocks. Each block consists of six plots (5 by 4m) and 1m guard row between plots. Cow dung manure was applied a week before planting. Okra variety Lady’s finger was used. Three seeds per hole were planted on April 4th in both years on the flat with a spacing of 60cm x 25cm between and within the rows and later thinned to one plant per stand. Data taken included plant height at 50 % flowering, number of branches per plant, leaf area, pod length, pod diameter, number of pods per plant; and pod weight and yield (t/ha). The data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while the Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used to separate treatment means. The result shows that plot treated with 2.0L/ha foliar + 1.5 t/ha cow dung had the best performance in yield and yield components in this study. It is therefore recommended that okra farmers should integrated foliar fertilizer (boost extra) at the rate of 2L per hectare with cow dung at rate of 1.5t per hectare be used for okra production in the study area.
Análise GGE biplot de genótipos de milho sob diferentes formas de adubação em sistema de agricultura familiar
Authors: Pagliosa Eduardo Stefani , Carpentieri-Pípolo Valéria , Zucareli Claudemir , Zago Valquíria Sheila
Published: November 2015

 

A interação genótipo x ambiente influencia grandemente a seleção de genótipos e o sistema de cultivo adotado deve levar em consideração a resposta do genótipo ao manejo empregado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a interação genótipo x ambiente através da análise GGE biplot de quatro genótipos de milho (duas variedades crioulas, uma variedade melhorada e um híbrido comercial) em resposta a formas de adubação (orgânica e química) sob diferentes ambientes. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 5x4x3, com quatro repetições, com a combinação dos fatores: cinco ambientes (Imbaú em 2006/2007; Alvorada do Sul em 2008/2009; e Londrina em 2007/2008, 2008/2009 e 2009/2010); quatro genótipos de milho (Caiano, Asteca, DKB 390 e IPR 114); e três formas de adubações (sem adubação, adubação orgânica e adubação química). Considerando o rendimento para Alvorada do Sul, o híbrido DKB 390 em cultivo com cama de frango é uma alternativa para pequenos produtores visando maiores produtividades. Para Londrina, a utilização de IPR 114 propicia maior produtividade, no sistema testado, entretanto para Imbaú deve-se utilizar Asteca. A avaliação dos efeitos da interação genótipo x ambiente baseada na análise GGE Biplot possibilitou identificar através do comportamento genotípico as variedades promissoras e estáveis, bem como os ambientes que otimizam o desempenho das variedades, sendo um método recomendado para melhorar a eficiência da identificação de genótipos em ambientes específicos.
Germinação e crescimento de plântulas de genótipos de aveia branca submetidas ao estresse salino
Authors: Timm Fabiana Carrett , Bandeira Juliana Magalhães , Bicca Mariana Larrondo , Dode Juliana De Souza , Moraes Dario Munt de
Published: November 2015

A aveia branca é uma cultura de inverno utilizada em sucessão ao cultivo do arroz irrigado, estando sujeita ao estresse salino, devido ao acúmulo de sais no solo, principalmente na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a germinação de sementes, o crescimento inicial das plântulas de nove genótipos de aveia branca, bem como identificar os genótipos contrastantes para o caráter tolerância à salinidade. Para isso, os genótipos foram submetidos a diferentes concentrações salinas (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mM de NaCl por litro de água), sendo analisadas as seguintes variáveis: porcentagem de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento e massa seca da parte aérea e raízes das plântulas. As variáveis analisadas foram afetadas negativamente com o aumento da concentração de NaCl. O comprimento de raiz e o comprimento de parte aérea constitui em variáveis promissoras na separação dos genótipos em relação às diferentes concentrações salinas, permitindo selecionar dois genótipos contrastantes à salinidade, o URS 22 caracterizado como tolerante e o UPF 16 como sensível.
Análise de crescimento e partição de assimilados em plantas de tomateiro cv. Micro-Tom submetidas ao nitrogênio e piraclostrobina
Authors: Martinazzo Emanuela Garbin , Perboni Anelise Tessari , Posso Douglas Antonio , Aumonde Tiago Zanatta , Bacarin Marcos Antonio
Published: November 2015

Este trabalho objetivou analisar comparativamente o crescimento e a partição de assimilados em plantas de tomateiro cv. Micro-Tom submetidas ao nitrogênio e piraclostrobina. Esta substância favorece o desenvolvimento de cloroplastos e a síntese de clorofila. Plantas de tomateiro foram submetidas aos tratamentos: T1, solução nutritiva completa sem piraclostrobina; T2, solução nutritiva completa + piraclostrobina; T3, solução nutritiva ½ força de N sem piraclostrobina e T4, solução nutritiva ½ força de N + piraclostrobina. As plantas foram coletadas a intervalos regulares de sete dias após o transplante ao longo do ciclo de cultivo, sendo determinados a massa seca e a área foliar. A partir dos dados primários, foi aplicada a análise de crescimento, sendo calculados a massa seca total (Wt), as taxas instantâneas de produção de matéria seca (Ct), crescimento relativo (Rw) e assimilatória líquida (Ea), a área foliar (Af), as taxas de produção (Ca) e de crescimento relativo de área foliar (Ra), as razões de área foliar (Fa) e de massa foliar (Fw), a área foliar específica (Sa), a partição de matéria seca entre órgãos e o número (Nfr) e massa fresca de frutos (Wfr). Plantas de T1 apresentaram maior Wt, Ct e Wfr em relação àquelas dos demais tratamentos. Entretanto, plantas de T2 apresentaram similar Nfr à plantas de T1, sendo superiores às demais. Além disso, alocaram em relação à matéria seca total e ao final do ciclo, maior porcentagem de matéria seca nos frutos comparativamente a plantas de T3 e T4. A associação entre nitrogênio e piraclostrobina altera o crescimento e a partição de assimilados em plantas de tomateiro cv. Micro- Tom, sendo que àquelas submetidas à ½ dose de nitrogênio apresentam maior massa seca total e menor porcentagem final de matéria seca total em frutos, comparativamente, àquelas submetidas à associação ½ dose de nitrogênio e a piraclostrobina.
Respostas antioxidativas, fisiológicas e produtiva de arroz cultivado sob deficiência hídrica e adubação silicatada
Authors: Moro Adriana Lima , Broetto Fernando , Moro Edemar
Published: November 2015

O silício é um nutriente que pode proporcionar melhor desenvolvimento às plantas de arroz cultivadas em ambientes com deficiência hídrica. Este elemento diminui as perdas de água por transpiração, aumenta a taxa fotossintética e atua como ativador do sistema de defesa enzimático. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito do silício em dois cultivares de arroz (Curinga e o IAC 202) submetidos à deficiência hídrica, sobre os parâmetros enzimáticos, fisiológicos e produtivo. Foram utilizados quatro tensões de água no solo (-10, –30, –50 e –70 kPa) combinadas com duas formas de correção da saturação do solo (ausência e presença de silício). Foram avaliados a atividade enzimática de Superóxido dismutase, Catalase e Ascorbato Peroxidase, a taxa de assimilação de CO2 e a produção de grãos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, com quatro repetições, sendo as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A atividade enzimática aumentou com a aplicação de silício mesmo em condições de deficiência hídrica mais intensa. A taxa de assimilação de CO2 e a produção de grãos também aumentaram com a adição de silício. A aplicação de silício em ambos cultivares de arroz ameniza os efeitos do estresse ocasionado pela deficiência hídrica.
Aplicação de silício via solo no rendimento e na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja
Authors: Oliveira Sandro De , Lemes Elisa Souza , Meneghello Géri Eduardo , Tavares Lizandro Ciciliano , Barros Antonio Carlos Albuquerque
Published: November 2015

A utilização de sementes de qualidade, a equilibrada nutrição das plantas e a adoção de técnicas adequadas de cultivo são fundamentais para o sucesso da lavoura. O uso de silício (Si) é uma tecnologia limpa do ponto de vista ambiental, que pode conferir vários benefícios para as plantas como estimular o crescimento e a produção vegetal, proporcionar maior tolerância das plantas ao ataque de insetos e doenças, reduzira transpiração e aumentar a taxa fotossintética e, proteger contra estresses abióticos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de Si oriundo da cinza de casca de arroz carbonizada, via solo, nas características agronômicas, na produtividade e na qualidade fisiológica das sementes de cultivares de soja. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos de 18 L preenchidos com solo, sob o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. As cultivares de soja utilizadas foram BMX Turbo RR e NA 5909 RR, cultivadas sob cinco doses de silício via solo (0, 1, 2, 3, e 4 t ha-1). Foram avaliadas as características agronômicas e o rendimento de sementes (número total de legumes nos ramos, número total de sementes nos ramos, número total de legumes na haste principal, número total de sementes na haste principal, número total de legumes por planta, número total de sementes por planta, massa de sementes por planta e massa de 1000 sementes). A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi avaliada pelos testes de germinação e de vigor (primeira contagem da germinação, teste de frio, envelhecimento acelerado, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz). A aplicação de silício via solo é benéfico para a cultura da soja, melhorando as principais características agronômicas (número total de legumes nos ramos, número total de sementes nos ramos, número total de legumes por planta, massa de sementes por planta) e aumentando o rendimento de sementes por planta na cultivar de soja BMX Turbo RR. A massa de mil sementes é influenciada positivamente até a dose de 1,67 t ha-1 para a cultivar BMX Turbo RR e até a dose de 2,32 t ha-1 para a cultivar NA 5909 RR. O vigor das sementes da cultivar BMX Turbo RR é incrementada com o uso de silício via solo.
Bread containing Brassica oleracea var. acephala as a source of copper and manganese
Authors: Salvino Érica Menezes , Maciel Janeeyre Ferreira , Feitosa Larissa Raphaela G. de Farias , Lopes Roberto Kelwin Lopes da Costa e
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to add dehydrated kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) to the formulation of a loaf of bread at concentrations of 2.5% and 5%, and submit the products obtained to physico-chemical, sensory and chemical composition analysis. We also designed a control loaf of bread for comparison purposes. The addition of dehydrated kale increased the pH and acidity of the bread; however, it did not affect the specific volume, which ranged from 4.57 to 4.08 cm3/ g, and the water activity, which was 0.95, making it possible to obtain products with satisfactory technological characteristics. In the sensory test, the kale bread showed good acceptance, with mean scores ranging from 6.5 to 8.4, and outstanding softness. The color of the bread with 5% kale was the only attribute that obtained a mean score below the one obtained for the control bread. The addition of dehydrated kale promoted greater increase in the fiber (133-281%), calcium (176-297%), phosphorus (201-232%), potassium (208-318%) and magnesium (181-300%) content of the bread; however, only for copper (140-160%) and manganese (76-118%), were increments sufficient to make the products good sources of these minerals. As regards the level of oxalic acid, the concentrations obtained were far below the level considered as risky to health. Therefore, the addition of dehydrated kale to the formulation of bread resulted in products with good sensory acceptance, increased their nutritional value, and offered consumers a new choice of bread.
Determination of freezing point standard for UHT milk
Authors: Beloti Vanerli , Rios Edson Antonio , Silva Márcia Rocha , Tamanini Ronaldo , Yamada Alberto Koji , Silva Livia Cavaletti Correa da
Published: November 2015

The extended shelf life and undemanding storage requirements of UHT (ultra high temperature) milk make it the most consumed fluid milk in Brazil. The thermal treatment to which UHT milk is subjected alters casein micellar structure, leading to protein sedimentation and age gelation. Therefore, the current legislation allows the addition of up to 0.1% stabilizing salts (sodium citrate and/or sodium phosphates) in milk. The adding of stabilizing salts hinders the possibility of inclusion of freezing point and density as quality parameters of UHT milk. Evaluation of freezing point is the main test to detect adulteration of milk with water; however, addition of stabilizers alters its results. This study aimed to measure the alterations in freezing point and density caused by stabilizers in samples of pasteurized milk added with sodium citrate or sodium phosphates, in order to propose standards for freezing point and density for UHT milk. For this purpose, 16 aliquots of milk were prepared in nine repetitions with different concentrations (0%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.075%, 0.1%, 0.125%, and 0.15%) of sodium citrate or a commercial mix of sodium mono-, di- and triphosphate. The density and freezing point of all aliquots were tested. As expected, addition of stabilizers lowered the freezing point of milk. Addition of 0.1% citrate and commercial mix promoted an average reduction of –0.021°H (± 0.001) and –0.017°H (± 0.002) in freezing point, respectively. However, no significant change in the density of milk was observed. Given that UHT milk industry usually adds the maximum limit of 0.1% of stabilizers in order to obtain proper effect, the interval from –0.572°H to –0.545°H can be suggested as the standard for freezing point to UHT milk. However, as the addition of stabilizers caused no significant change in the density of UHT milk, the density parameter of raw and pasteurized milk in the range from 1.028 g.mL-1 to 1.034 g.mL-1 could be applied to UHT milk.
Organic and conventional management in a Parda Alpina dairy goat production system in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Wilma Emanuela , Soares João Paulo Guimarães , Silva Jenevaldo Barbosa , Façanha Débora Débora Andréa Evangelista , Aroeira Luiz Januário Magalhães , Malaquias Juaci Vitória , Silva Jean Berg Alves da , Bezerra Ana Carla Diógenes Suassuna , Abrantes Maria Rociene
Published: November 2015

In this study, we compared organic and conventional management in a dairy goat production system in Angicos, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. Twenty-six Parda Alpina dairy goats were used: 13 in organic management (OM) and 13 in conventional management (CM). The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments and 13 repetitions. OM practices included estrus synchronization with the “male effect,” an herbal-based treatment against endoparasitoses (an extract of lemon [Citrus limonum] and garlic [Allium sativum]) and the control of mastitis using the Embrapa Kit for manual milking with a rosemary pepper (Lippia sidoides) tincture. CM animals received synthetic hormones (Promone®, Prolise®, and Novormon®) for synchronization of estrus, ivermectin for endoparasitoses, and iodized alcohol for mastitis prevention aided by the Embrapa Kit for manual milking. No significant differences were observed between the management types in the pregnancy rate, FEC, FAMACHA© (Faffa Malan Chart) scores, physico-chemical composition of the milk, or somatic cell count (SCC). Both OM and MC had pregnancy rates of 61.54%. The mean values of the egg counts observed in the OM and CM were 24 and 35 eggs g-1, respectively. The FAMACHA© scores were 1 or 2 and 2, 3, or 4 in OM and CM, respectively. The goats had average weights in OM of 48.53 kg and in CM of 55.92 kg. Milk production, fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and nonfat solids in OM (0.971 kg/day, 2,210, 2,322, 3,306, 7,866, 5,566, respectively) were slightly higher than those in CM (0.946 kg/day, 1,812, 1,812, 2.868, 6.74, 4.928). OM (904,860 cells/mL) and CM (1.02052 million cells/mL) SCC values were similar, with the OM within the acceptable range for milk goats. Organic management was equivalent to conventional management for weight gain, maintenance of animal health standards, reproductive and sanitary control, and milk quantity and quality, and is technically suitable for a dairy goat production system in semiarid conditions.
Caracterização demográfica de cães e gatos e perfil de seus respectivos guardiões domiciliados numa pequena cidade no sul do Brasil
Authors: Trapp Sílvia Manduca , Maeda Mayara Suellen Castilho de Faria , Kemper Bernardo , Barca Junior Flávio Antonio , Freire Roberta Lemos , Pretto-Giordano Lucienne Garcia , Headley Selwyn Arligton
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated the population dynamics and ownerships of dogs and cats from the city of Jaguapitã, southern Brazil. The human to dog and cat ratios were 4.6 and 21.5, respectively. Comparatively more dogs (n=2,460) than cats (n=571) were within the households and there were significantly more male (55.8%; 679/1,217) dogs relative to females (44.2%; 538/1217). Most cats (69.2%; 180/260) did not received any antiparasitic medication, were not immunized against rabies (91.2%; 237/260) or any specific infectious disease (91.5%; 238/260). Less than half (40.8%; 106/260) of these was below oneyear-of age, but a significant number of cats was without any definite breed (81.2%; 211/260), and not spayed (93.5%; 243/260). Most dogs were of the mixed breed (69.5%; 846/1217), between one and four-years old (42.6%; 519/1217), and not spayed (96.3%; 1172/1,217). An elevated population of dogs received anthelminthic drugs (71%; 865/1,217), but most of these were not immunized against rabies (63.8% 777/1,217) or other infectious disease (58.6%; 713/1,217). Most (68.7%; 770/1,120) households were owners of a pet dog and/or cat; 54.4% (610/1,120) of these owned only dogs, 4.9% (55/1,120) were the owners of cats only, while 9.4% (105/1,120) owned pet dogs and cats. The results obtained are similar to those described in populated cities of Brazil and other countries. However, the free street access of pets associated with the reduced level of immunization against canine and feline infectious diseases coupled with the responsibility of ownership demonstrated by most residents make these animals highly susceptible to zoonotic and infectious diseases. Additionally, the free street access of unsprayed pets increases the risk of contact with other animals and the transmission of disease.
Digestibility and performance in crossbred ½ Boer x ½ Saanen goat kids fed diets containing protected fat
Authors: Santos Sérgio Mangano de Almeida , Alcalde Claudete Regina , Possamai Ana Paula Silva , Molina Bruna Susan de Labio , Hygino Bruna , Souza Leiliane Cristine de , Gomes Ludmila Couto , Ferrari Isabella Ribeiro
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, performance parameters, digestibility of dry matter, and nutrients in diets with increasing levels of metabolizable energy containing protected fat, as well as the economic analysis of the diets of ½ Boer x ½ Saanen goat kids finished in a feedlot. Twenty-eight uncastrated male goat kids with an initial weight of 19.02 ± 2.20 kg and an age of 88 ± 5.77 days were used and assigned to a completely randomized design in four diets: a control with 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM and the others with 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8 Mcal ME/kg DM with protected fat (Lactoplus®). The animals were kept on experiment until they reached approximately 32 kg of weight. In order to estimate digestibility, we used ADFi as an internal marker. There were treatment effects on the intake of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, and non-fiber carbohydrates. We observed a quadratic effect of diets on daily weight gain and feed conversion. The diets had no effect on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, or gross energy. The digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates and total carbohydrates showed a linear decrease, and crude protein increased linearly. We observed a quadratic behavior in ether extract digestibility resulting from the inclusion of protected fat in the diets. The serum cholesterol level was influenced by the diets and showed a linear increase. The economic evaluation was favorable, with a larger net revenue value for the diet with 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM. The increase of energy density of diet for ½ Boer x ½ Saanen goat kid through the inclusion of protected fat influences negatively the intake of dry matter and the digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates and total carbohydrates without improving the growth performance of the animals.
Perfil hematobioquímico e produção de leite de vacas mestiças Girolando suplementadas com resíduo de caju desidratado
Authors: Bezerra Leison Rocha , Edvan Ricardo Loiola , Oliveira Ronaldo Lopes , Silva Aderbal Marcos de Azevedo , Bayão Geraldo Fábio Viana , Pereira Fabrício Brandão , Oliveira Wagner Dias Coelho de
Published: November 2015

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of different levels of supplemental product-dehydrated cashew in the feed for crossbred Girolando cows on milk production and hemato-biochemical profile. The experiments were conducted using eight cows that were randomly distributed in a Latin square design (4×4), in which treatments consisted of four supplementation levels with product-dehydrated cashew (PDC) in animal diets, namely: 0% PDC (control diet), 1.0 kg of DCP, 1.5 kg of PDC and 2.0 kg of PDC in total dry matter . The milk and animals were weighed and the body condition of the animals were evaluated within seven days of milk collection during each experimental period. To determine the serum biochemistry and blood count of cows, three blood samples were taken in each period, at 7, 14 and 21 days before the daily supply of supplementation with samples collected from 5 ml of blood by puncturing the jugular vein. Supplementation with 2 kg of PDC reduced milk production and the levels of glucose and total plasma protein compared to the control group, due to the higher level of tannin in this group. Supplementation with PDC raised the total count of the erythrocytes, reduced the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and non-changed number of leukocytes. Increased levels of phenolic compounds in the diet inhibited the absorption of dietary proteins, which decreased milk production.
In vivo and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter in Ceará State
Authors: Albuquerque Ítalo Araújo , Villarroel Arturo Bernardo Selaive , Pereira Elzânia Sales , Teixeira Marcílio Costa , Silva Elisabeth Mary Cunha da , Pimentel Patrícia Guimarães , Oliveira Sônia Maria Pinheiro de
Published: November 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter, which originated from different regions of Ceará State, Brazil. Thirty-six (36) mixed-breed, uncastrated male animals (18 goats and 18 sheep), acquired from street markets, which were raised in an extensive production system from the regions of Quixadá, Sobral, and Tauá, were used in this experiment. Before slaughter, the animals were weighed, and body measurements were taken and the body condition score was assessed. Post-slaughter, the carcasses were weighed, morphometric measurements were obtained, and the commercial cuts were weighed and their yields were calculated. The mean in vivo body weight was 23.83 ± 3.76 kg for the goats and 25.22 ± 5.25 kg for the sheep; the body condition score was close to 2, and the mean age was 12 months, with no differences between the species. No differences were found between species and origin for the weights and yields of carcass or for chilling loss. The carcass conformation values were considered poor, and the fat cover was classified as too lean, with the goat carcasses considered superior to the sheep carcasses in these respects. The sheep had higher values for loin-eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and weight and proportion of leg than the goats. Mixed-breed goats and sheep reared in extensive systems in Ceará State and sold in street markets in the capital, irrespective of their origin, reach their slaughter weight at an advanced age and with a lean body condition, resulting in carcasses of a low quality, with a low muscle content and poor fat cover. In the extensive conditions of the state of Ceará, animals of the ovine species have a greater ability for meat production than caprine species.
Spatial variation and area definition of nutrient extraction by Marandu grass biomass
Authors: Silva Neto Sabino Pereira da , Santos Antonio Clementino dos , Leite Raimundo Laerton de Lima , Alexandrino Emerson , Neiva José Neuman Miranda , Santos José Geraldo Donizetti dos , Silva José Expedito Cavalcante da
Published: November 2015

The present study aimed to quantify, describe and identify areas of nutrient extraction by Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu biomass in integrated forest-pasture systems from a Cerrado-Amazon transition region with Typic Quartzipsamment soil by using geostatistical techniques, principal components analysis and non-hierarchical fuzzy k-means clustering. The evaluations were conducted in two integrated forest-pasture systems from an association with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and native vegetation thinned with 50% and 75% (integrated forest production-I (IFP-I) and IFP-II, respectively) shading and in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu monoculture. For each treatment, an area of 4,000 m² (40 x 100 m) was demarcated containing 32 collection points arranged in a 4 x 25 m mesh. At each point, the rates of leaf elongation, senescence and stem elongation were estimated. At the end of each production cycle, the nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) was determined in the leaf blades and stem. The nutrient uptake was calculated according to the rates of gross forage production, forage accumulation and leaf accumulation. The nutrient extraction zones of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu biomass were defined using geostatistical techniques, principal components analysis and non-hierarchical fuzzy k-means clustering. Thus, the use of these procedures is feasible for the definition and delimitation of homogeneous zones within and between the pasture production systems studied.
Losses in milk production and quality due to milk somatic cell count and heat stress of Holsteins cows in temperate climate
Authors: Ludovico Agostinho , Maion Vinicius Buffon , Bronkhorst Dalton Evert , Grecco Fabíola De Almeida Cristine Rego , Cunha Filho Luiz Fernando Coelho da , Mizubuti Ivone Yurika , Almeida Kelly Molin de , Ludovico Marilucia Dos Santos , Santana Elsa Helena Walter de
Published: November 2015

The aims of present study were to evaluate the effects of milk somatic cell count (SCC) and heat stress on yield and milk composition of cows in a herd for commercial production in a temperate region during the period 2008-2012. Data from the monthly milk test-day records of 161±9 Holstein, totaling 9,650 milkings, were provided by the Association of Holstein Cattle Breeders of Parana State, and analyzed by descriptive analysis, correlation, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. The average daily milk yield was 31.78 kg/cow, which decreased to 29.31% when the somatic cell score (SCS) was 9, and to 11% when the Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI) was 32 or above. Lactose content decreased from SCS 0 until 9 and fat content decreased from SCS 1 until 9, totaling decrease 7.88 and 9.23%, respectively, when the SCS was 9. An opposite effect was observed for the protein content, which increased by 3.6% at SCS 8, when compared to SCS 0. Losses were observed in the daily total solids production from the SCS 0, totaling 30.64% at SCS 9.The increase in ETI to 32 or above reduced all milk constituents as much as 3.42%, except protein. These results, combined with the losses in milk yield at that ETI level, led to a decrease of up to 12.74% of milk solids. It is concluded that since losses in milk quality and yield resulting from SCC and ETI are significant, actions to prevent infection in the mammary gland and to provide a comfortable environment for dairy cattle are needed even in temperate regions.
Education as a Gateway to Development: Case of Rural Poor at Thabaneng Village in Lesotho
Authors: Matsepe Mokone W.
Published: November 2015

The study explores and unfolds the purpose of education in general, its value and the role it plays in helping development of the people in rural areas especially at Thabaneng Village in Lesotho. It reveals that education is the key to development and functions to equip the rural population in Lesotho with knowledge, training and worthwhile skills that are intended to uplift their standards of living in their respective milieus. Education is so vital for the rural poor for it makes them to have critical thinking and reasoning. It further renders them, through participation, to be part and parcel of their own development.

In conclusion, the paper indicates that the Government of Lesotho launched the Free Primary Education (FPE) to promote the importance and value of Education for All (EFA) that is hoped to promote the development of Basotho especially in the rural areas.
Austerity’s Effect on English Civil Justice
Authors: Sorabji John
Published: November 2015

Austerity’s Effect on English Civil Justice

This article considers the effect of austerity-induced public spending cuts on the English civil justice system. In doing so it initially examines two fundamental changes engendered by the effect austerity has had on civil court fees and legal aid: first, a challenge to the traditional commitment in English procedure to adversarial process, and a concomitant increase in inquisitorial or investigative processes; and secondly, the growth in use of unqualified individuals to act as advocates in court for individual litigants who are unable to afford legal representation. It then turns to consider what, if any, effect austerity has had on simplified processes available in English civil procedure.
Smart Network Modeling for Effective Planning of Sustainable Urban Areas
Authors: Boulos Paul F. , Barnett Taylor C. , Dickinson Robert E.
Published: November 2015

In response to unprecedented urban and population growth and related strain on stormwater collection systems, smart‐water‐network modeling technology helps manage and reduce the risks of urban runoff.
Cincinnati's Richard Miller Treatment Plant: Setting the Foundations for the Future
Authors: Swertfeger Jeff , Moster Lawrence , Hite Leland L. , Whitteberry Bruce L.
Published: November 2015

Above: The pilot plant used by George Warren Fuller to determine the optimal treatment of Ohio River water at Cincinnati. Right: Named after former Greater Cincinnati Water Works director and AWWA past president, the Richard Miller Treatment Plant provides water to 1.1 million customers.
Partnership for Safe Water: 20 Years of Continuous Public Health Enhancements
Authors: Cheng Robert C. , Hubbs Steve , Fay James , Martin Barbara
Published: November 2015

When the Partnership for Safe Water was formed 20 years ago, its founders did not anticipate the extent and duration of its beneficial influence on water treatment.
Hydrological Modeling and Characterization of the Khanpur Watershed, Pakistan
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad , Ahmad Zulfiqar , Shahab Asfandyar
Published: November 2015

The Khanpur watershed in Pakistan has a high spatial changeability of precipitation attributable to extremely undulating surface topography and complex interactions between the land elevation and precipitation. This study used stormwater runoff modeling software, adapted to determine peak discharge of the Haro River. Correlation analysis was used to select input precipitation data for the software. Horton's and Strahler's strategies were used for manipulating the streams’ analysis and characterization of the watershed. Morphological features of the watershed are important in terms of hydrology. The bifurcation ratio was 3.5, which showed that the watershed has suffered less structural disturbance and the drainage patterns have not been distorted. The stream density of 0.5 is low, demonstrating a lower flood risk and an average channel slope. The Khanpur watershed has a circularity ratio of 0.6, showing that it is a small drainage basin with homogeneous geologic material that preserves the geometrical similarity. It has been determined that the watershed is well drained, hilly, and slopey.
Take Action on all Fronts to Ensure Power Resilience
Authors: Wisniewski Lauren
Published: November 2015

Power resilience means water utilities can continuously deliver essential services, even in times of extended power outages. The US Environmental Protection Agency offers an array of tools to improve a utility's resilience.
Pumping Optimization Delivers Big Savings
Authors: Stowe William , Oscarson Doug , Elsworth Rod
Published: November 2015

To improve its operations and financial performance, Des Moines Water Works has made energy efficiency a cornerstone of its operating strategy. Most of the utility's energy management gains have been realized by optimizing its pumping systems.
À contretemps du Nouveau roman. Réécriture et relecture dans Le jardin des Plantes de Claude Simon
Authors: Gosselin Katerine
Published: November 2015

Cet article porte sur Le jardin des Plantes (1997) de Claude Simon, plus précisément sur l’entretien qui traverse le roman entre l’écrivain S. et un journaliste venu l’interviewer dans son appartement parisien. Il est montré comment la mise en scène de cet entretien donne lieu, en même temps qu’à la réécriture de romans antérieurs, à une relecture de l’oeuvre de Stendhal, renversant la lecture néo-romanesque qu’en proposait Simon dans les années 1960 et 1970. Ce travail de relecture et le renversement qu’il opère sont appréhendés en tant qu’ils permettent à Simon de se positionner rétrospectivement par rapport à la communauté interprétative constituée autour du Nouveau roman. Il apparaît effectivement que ce positionnement concerne précisément les actes de lecture posés autrefois par le groupe des Nouveaux romanciers. Nous tentons de comprendre comment il met ainsi fondamentalement en jeu le rapport entre l’écrivain et les communautés interprétatives au sein desquelles s’affirme son oeuvre, et qui déterminent son inscription dans l’histoire de la littérature.
NAPS-MS
Authors: Sater Richard A. , Gudesblatt Mark , Kresa-Reahl Kiren , Brandes David W. , Sater Pamela
Published: November 2015

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have higher rates of fatigue, mood disturbance, and cognitive impairments than healthy populations. Disease-modifying agents may affect sleep. Although patients taking natalizumab often show improvement in fatigue during the first year of therapy, the mechanism behind this effect is unknown. The aim of the NAPS-MS study was to investigate whether natalizumab affected objective measures of sleep as determined by polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT) in patients with MS with fatigue or sleepiness initiating therapy. Additional goals were to evaluate changes in measures of fatigue, mood, and cognition and to correlate these measures with objective sleep measures.

Methods: Patients underwent PSG and MSLT before their first natalizumab infusion and after their seventh. Patients completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-F) at their first, fourth, and seventh natalizumab infusions. NeuroTrax cognitive tests and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were performed at the first and seventh natalizumab infusions.

Results: Changes in sleep efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset, and multiple sleep latency from baseline to 6 months of therapy did not reach significance. The FSS, VAS-F, ESS, and HADS scores were significantly improved after 6 months of therapy; cognitive scores were not significantly improved.

Conclusions: Although treatment with natalizumab was associated with improvements in fatigue, sleepiness, and mood, changes in objective measures of sleep were not significant.
A Randomized Crossover Trial of Dalfampridine Extended Release for Effect on Ambulatory Activity in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Brown Theodore R. , Simnad Virginia I.
Published: November 2015

Background: Dalfampridine extended release (D-ER) is indicated to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. This study assessed the effects of D-ER on accelerometer-based measures in people with MS, including intensity of walking and total amount of walking during daily activities.

Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, people with MS-related walking difficulty were randomized (1:1) to receive 4 weeks of D-ER 10 mg twice daily and 4 weeks of placebo in either order separated by a 2-week washout. Participants wore accelerometers for 7 days at baseline and week 3 of each on-drug period. The primary outcome was the peak activity index (PAI), defined as the most intense 30 individual minutes of the day (strides per minute). Secondary outcomes included daily step count, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and patient-reported outcomes. A mixed-effects repeated-measures statistical model was used.

Results: Forty-three participants were randomized (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 5.17). Least squares mean (standard error) change from baseline on the PAI was 0.6 (0.54) strides/min on D-ER and 0.3 (0.55) strides/min on placebo and in daily step count was 148.7 (222.4) on D-ER and 128.0 (225.4) on placebo. Other accelerometer-based measures and the 6MWT showed no significant differences between D-ER and placebo. The TUG test (P = .042) favored D-ER. There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions: Dalfampridine did not show an effect on accelerometer-measured ambulatory activity in people with MS-related walking difficulty. More work is needed to confirm these results.
O catolicismo brasileiro e a construção de identidades negras na contemporaneidade: um olhar sócioantropológico sobre a Pastoral AfroBrasileira
Authors: dos Santos Filho Gabriel
Published: November 2015

Partindo da fronteira entre religião e raça, este livro reflete sobre a construção política e cultural do movimento nacional de negros chamados Agentes de Pastoral Negra (APNs). Discute cultura, etnia e identidade a partir de um olhar interdisciplinar, que abarca desde discussões sobre a cultura afro-brasileira até questões sobre a Igreja Católica do Brasil.
Vozes quilombolas: uma poética brasileira
Authors: Conceição da Silva Jônatas
Published: November 2015

A poética brasileira estudada por Jônatas Conceição da Silva, com suas vozes quilombolas , foi escrita como Dissertação de Mestrado na Pós-graduação em Letras da Universidade Federal da Bahia, com a orientação da Dra. Florentina Souza. O trabalho deste hábil poeta e militante da causa negra foi defendido poucos meses atrás, quase no mesmo momento em que se dava o desfecho dos debates sobre a adoção de uma Política Afirmativa na Universidade. Ou seja, a aprova-ção de uma política de cotas para garantir o ingresso de estudantes afro-descendentes na UFBA e a aprovação da dissertação aconteceram quase ao mesmo tempo.
The dawn enhancement of the equatorial ionospheric vertical plasma drift
Authors: Zhang Ruilong , Liu Libo , Chen Yiding , Le Huijun
Published: November 2015

Previous studies have reported that a dawn enhancement does not present in the statistical picture of the equatorial ionospheric vertical plasma drift, while it clearly shows in case measurements. In this statistical study, it is the first time to investigate the occurrence of the dawn enhancement in the equatorial ionospheric vertical plasma drift from ROCSAT‐1 observations during geomagnetic quiet times. The dawn enhancements occur most frequently in June solstice and least frequently in December solstice. The statistical survey shows that the occurrence depends on the magnetic declination. The enhancement has the strongest amplitude in regions near 320° longitude and peaks during June solstice. The dawn enhancement reaches its peak after the sunrise in conjugated E regions. Furthermore, it is found that the dawn enhancement is closely related to the difference between the sunrise times in the conjugated E regions (sunrise time lag). The dawn enhancement occurs easily in regions with a large sunrise time lag.
Observational validation of the diffusive convection flux laws in the Amundsen Basin, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Guthrie John D. , Fer Ilker , Morison James
Published: November 2015

The low levels of mechanically driven mixing in many regions of the Arctic Ocean make double diffusive convection virtually the only mechanism for moving heat up from the core of Atlantic Water towards the surface. In an attempt to quantify double diffusive heat fluxes in the Arctic Ocean, a temperature microstructure experiment was performed as a part of the North Pole Environmental Observatory (NPEO) 2013 field season from the drifting ice station Barneo located in the Amundsen Basin near the Lomonosov Ridge (89.5°N, 75°W). A diffusive convective thermohaline staircase was present between 150 and 250 m in nearly all of the profiles. Typical vertical heat fluxes across the high‐gradient interfaces were consistently small, O(10−1) W m−2. Our experiment was designed to resolve the staircase and differed from earlier Arctic studies that utilized inadequate instrumentation or sampling. Our measured fluxes from temperature microstructure agree well with the laboratory derived flux laws compared to previous studies, which could find agreement only to within a factor of two to four. Correlations between measured and parameterized heat fluxes are slightly higher when using the more recent Flanagan et al. [2013] laboratory derivation than the more commonly used derivation presented in Kelley [1990]. Nusselt versus Rayleigh number scaling reveals the convective exponent,
, to be closer to 0.29 as predicted by recent numerical simulations of single‐component convection rather than the canonical 1/3 assumed for double diffusion. However, the exponent appears to be sensitive to how convective layer height is defined.