AME Values Research Articles

Historical flaws in bioassays used to generate metabolizable energy values for poultry feed formulation: a critical review

Dietary energy available to animals is key for formulating feed as it is required for all aspects of the animal's life. In poultry, apparent (AME) and true (TME) metabolizable energy (ME) values have been used for feed formulation with (AMEn or TMEn) or without correction for nitrogen balance. For the past 50 yr, the accuracy of ME has been an ongoing debate, and the comparability of data produced using different bioassay systems is often questionable. Overall, the ingredient matric ME values used in feed formulation are not consistent, and to some extent, confusing. This review was to examine ME data published in the past century to elucidate the accuracy of different bioassay systems and examine the values for accuracy and useability. A variety of flaws are identified in the literature, suggesting a thorough re-thinking of feedstuff ME values currently used in feed formulation and in developing prediction equations. Two protocols, namely multiple linear regression and basal diet substitution methods, are proposed as more accurate bioassays for feedstuff ME values. AME aligns more closely with the actual energy levels of feed ingredients likely available to growing birds, which should be used for poultry feed formulations instead of AMEn. It is suggested that nutritionists need to carefully apply any reported AME values and only use those in formulation practice after careful scrutinizing. Any in vitro, NIR or table values must be calibrated or computed based on the values produced from flawless bioassays so as to apply the derived values accurately. Flaws identified in this literature review can be avoided with care to achieve more accurate AME. However, the assumption that the energy of individual ingredients is additive in a complete diet is still untrue at least under some circumstances. This may require efforts from industry and researchers to investigate relations among the main ingredients in a complete diet so that more accurate formulation can be performed based on the outcomes that may fine-tune the additivity assumption.

The Impact of Comorbidity on Quality of Life in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Deep Molecular Response Who Stopped Therapy By Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Results of the RU-SKI Trial

Background The data on quality of life (QoL) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients (pts) with deep molecular response (DMR) in the treatment-free remission (TFR) studies are limited. The influence of comorbidities on QoL in CML pts before and after tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) discontinuation has not been studied. Aim We aimed to study the impact of comorbidities on QoL in CML pts before and after the stop therapy by TKIs. Patients and methods The chronic phase (CP) CML pts who had received therapy by any TKI ≥3 years (yrs) with sustained DMR (BCR-ABL ≤0.01% IS) during ≥2 yrs were enrolled into the prospective TFR study RU-SKI. A regular qPCR with BCR-ABL IS evaluation was performed after TKI cessation. TKI were resumed in pts with major molecular response loss (MMR loss, BCR-ABL>0,1%). The QoL was evaluated by RAND SF-36 questionnaire at baseline before TKI stop and at 1, 3, 6, 12 mo during TFR. Eight functional scales were assessed: physical functioning, role limitations physical, bodily pain, general health perceptions, energy/vitality, social functioning, role limitations emotional, mental health. The Integral QoL Index (IQoLI) was calculated based on the scales. Mann-Whitney test, paired Wilcoxon test χ2 were used for the statistical analysis. Molecular relapse free survival (MRFS) was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test was used for comparison. Results The analysis was performed in the group of 97 CML pts. Median (Me) age was 47±14.5 (yrs), 48.5% were males. The TKI before treatment cessation were as follows: imatinib and second-generation (2G) TKIs in 67 (70%) and 30 (30%) pts accordingly; 9 (30%) pts received 2G TKIs in 1st line and 21 (70%) pts in 2nd line. Me time of observation was 25 mo (range 12-42). Comorbidities were present in 81 pts (82%) at baseline. The most frequent comorbidities were cardiovascular (38.4%), gastroenterological (29.3%) and musculoskeletal disorders (27.3%). First we compared baseline QoL in 2 pts groups: group 1 - pts with acute comorbidity status at baseline (n=42), group 2 - pts with stable comorbidity status (n=29) and with no comorbidity (n=16). QoL in group 1 was significantly worse by all functional scales, except mental health (p<0.05). The IQoLI at baseline was significantly lower in group 1 vs group 2: 0.477 vs 0.589 (p<0.001). Then we evaluated QoL at 3 mo after TKI stop in 72 available pts, as acute status comorbidity remained in 30 pts. The majority of pts exhibited QoL improvement or stabilization by all SF-36 scales. The most pronounced positive changes were observed by SF-36 scales in pts with acute comorbidity status (group 1).The proportion of pts with QoL improvement at 3 mo after TKI stop was higher in group 1 as compared to group 2 by physical functioning (57% vs 29%), role physical functioning (30% vs 5%) and social functioning (40% vs 24%), p<0.05. Increasing of social functioning was statistically significant: ∆20.2 in group 1 vs ∆12.6 in group 2 (p=0.005). The proportion of pts with QoL worsening at 3 mo after TKI stop was similar in both groups. MRFS at 24 mo was 62% (CI 46-77%) and 45% (CI 32-58%) in groups 1 and 2 respectively, with no significant differences between the groups (p=0.107). Conclusion CML pts with DMR and acute comorbidity status had a worse QoL before TKI therapy cessation compared to pts without comorbidity or with comorbidity in remission. The majority of pts exhibited QoL improvement or stabilization in early terms after TKI stop. Pts with acute comorbidity status had more pronounced positive QoL changes after treatment cessation than other pts. Possible explanation is that TKI therapy could increase the clinical symptoms manifestation by overlapping with the treatment toxicity effects. The molecular relapse rate was similar in pts with and without acute comorbidity status. Thus, comorbidity is not a factor which may have negative impact on the outcomes of stop TKI therapy in CML pts. Disclosures Ionova: Takeda, BMS: Other: Principal Investigator of IISR, Research Funding. Chelysheva:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Fusion Pharma: Consultancy. Shukhov:Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Turkina:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; fusion pharma: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau.

Net Impacts in Front Office IS: a First Operationalization of Delone and McLean Model in the Banking Sector

The variable Net Impacts, a key variable in the models for information systems evaluation, is rarely operationalized according to a rigorous method and never for the banking sector. DeLone and McLean (2016) note that the challenge of developing measures to evaluate information systems is still relevant. The measurement and conceptualization of variables in real contexts is both very important and relatively absent in the literature. This research aims at operationalizing the Net Impacts construct resulting from DeLone and McLean's (2016) evaluation model for information systems, in the specific context of retail banks. It also aims at highlighting the socio‑demographic variables influencing this construct. This original work conducted with 763 people applies the Churchill paradigm (1979) to provide a reliable and valid measure of Net Impacts, inspired by the Balanced Score Card. The main result of the research concerns the empirical validation of the measure of Net Impacts. This tool consists of three categories, relating to customer satisfaction, productivity and risk and ten items, which take into account the user but also include customer perception. This three‑dimensional construct shows how the information system supports the user in a wide spectrum of work. Also, by showing that in the banking field, only the function occupied by the user influences the perception of the impact of IS, we contribute to a better knowledge of the variables related to the evaluation of IS. Thus, this instrument represents a strategic tool for monitoring and guiding efforts to increase performance. The proposed instrument is very easy for CIOs and managers to use in order to evaluate their information systems with users.

Crude soybean lecithin as alternative energy source for broiler chicken diets

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of crude soybean lecithin (L) as an alternative energy source in broiler feeding and to study its influence on performance, fatty acid (FA) digestibility between 9 to 11 D and 36 to 37 D, feed AME content, and the FA profile of the abdominal fat pad (AFP). A basal diet was supplemented at 3% with soybean oil (S; experiment 1) or a monounsaturated vegetable acid oil (A; experiment 2) and increasing amounts of L (1, 2, and 3%) were included in replacement. The inclusion of L did not modify performance results (P > 0.05). In starter diets, the replacement of S by L reduced feed AME content (P < 0.001) and lowered PUFA digestibility (P = 0.028), whereas in the grower-finisher phase, a blend of 2% of S and 1% of L did not modify feed AME content or FA digestibility. When L was included instead of A, no effects on feed AME value and total FA digestibility (P > 0.05) were shown in the starter phase, whereas in grower-finisher diets, a blending of 2% of A and 1% of L enhanced feed AME content (P < 0.001) and total FA digestibility (P = 0.001). The FA profile of the AFP reflected the FA composition of the diets. Crude soybean lecithin represents an alternative energy source for broiler chickens, and it can be used in growing-finishing diets in replacement of 1% S. The best option to include both alternative fats (L and A) was 2% of L with 1% of A in starter diets and 1% of L with 2% of A in grower-finisher diets because they showed positive synergic effects. The results suggest that dietary FA profile have a bigger impact on the AFP saturation degree than the different dietary lipid molecular structures.

Effect of dietary graded resistant potato starch levels on growth performance, plasma cytokines concentration, and intestinal health in meat ducks.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary graded raw potato starch (RPS) levels on growth performance, plasma cytokines concentration, ileal barrier function, and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in meat ducks from 1 to 35 D of age. This study included 2 experiments. In experiment (Exp.) 1, sixteen 35-day-old meat ducks were used to evaluate the AME of RPS by orogastric administration. Results showed the AME value of RPS on ducks is 2.76kcal/g. In Exp. 2, a total of 600 one-day-old ducklings were randomly assigned to 5 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments that included 0 (control), 6, 12, 18, and 24% RPS, respectively. Samples were collected at both of 14 and 35 D. Neither growth performance nor ileal parameters (length, weight, and pH) at both of 14 and 35 D was affected by dietary RPS. However, the mucosal thickness (14 D), villus height (except for 18% RPS at 14 D), and the villus height: crypt depth ratio (14 and 35 D) of the ileum were increased in the 12 and 18% RPS diets when compared to 0% RPS diet. Meanwhile, proinflammatory factors such as plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 (14 D) reduced in 12% RPS diet and tumor necrosis factor α decreased in 12% (except for 14 D) and 18% RPS groups. When compared with the control group, diets with 18% RPS significantly increased mucin 2 gene expression at 14 D, and 12% RPS elevated the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins including Zonula occludens-1 and Claudin 1 (except for 14 D) in the ileal mucosa of birds. Furthermore, ducks fed 12% RPS diet had higher concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in cecal digesta than other groups. These findings indicated that diets with 12 and/or 18% RPS increased the cecal SCFA concentration, which subsequently enhanced the barrier function and improved intestinal health in the ileum for 14 and 35-day-old meat ducks.

Nutritional evaluation of corn grown using different organic fertilizers for slow-growing broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, energy values and nutrient metabolizability coefficients of corn grown using different organic fertilizers and its use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, two hundred 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments were a control diet and four test diets (corn fertilized with crotalaria, corn fertilized with millet, corn fertilized with humus, and corn without fertilization), including corn at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance, and apparent metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy were determined. In the performance trial, two hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design into five treatments (T1 – control diet with commercial corn, T2 – corn without fertilization, T3 – corn fertilized with humus, T4 – corn fertilized with millet and T5 – corn fertilized with crotalaria) and five replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and final weight at 20 days were evaluated. The AME and AMEn values of corn fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus and corn without fertilization were 3246 and 3239 kcal kg?1; 2965 and 2954 kcal kg?1; 2909 and 2877 kcal kg?1; and 3265 and 3201 kcal kg?1, respectively. The apparent metabolizable coefficients of DM, CP and GE were: 89.75%, 66.88% and 88.5% for corn fertilized with crotalaria; 84.38%, 58.73% and 81.4% for corn fertilized with millet; 80.38%, 53.45% and 78.95% for corn fertilized with humus; and 89.48%, 68.95% and 87.85% for corn without fertilization, respectively. Feeding broilers with corn cultivated with different fertilizers affected (P &lt; 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and final weight. The treatments using corn fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus and commercial corn did not differ, with better results in relation to corn crop cultivated without fertilization. The use of crotalaria and millet as a green manure, and humus derived from dairy manure are alternatives that can be used on corn crop as they resulted in grains with adequate nutritional composition, energy values and metabolizable coefficients for slow-growing broilers from 1 to 20 days of age.

Response of broiler chickens to diets containing different levels of sodium with or without microbial phytase supplementation.

Phytate induced excessive mineral excretion through poultry litter leads to poor performance and environmental pollution. Exogenous microbial phytase supplementation to poultry diets reduce the environmental excretion of nutrient and improve bird’s performance. However, excessive dietary sodium (Na) level may hinder the phytase-mediated phytate hydrolysis and negate the beneficial effects of phytase. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentration dietary Na on phytase activity and subsequent impact on broiler performance, bone mineralisation and nutrient utilisation. In this study, six experimental diets, consisting of three different levels of Na (1.5, 2.5, or 3.5 g/kg) and two levels of microbial phytase (0 or 500 U/kg) were formulated by using 3 × 2 factorial design. The six experimental diets were offered to 360 day-old Ross 306 male chicks for 35 days, where, each experimental diet consisted of 6 replicates groups with 10 birds. Along with growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal enzyme activity, dry matter (DM) content of litter and mineral status in bone were analysed. Dietary Na and phytase had no effect on bode weight gain and feed intake. Birds on the low Na diet showed higher (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the mid-Na diets. High dietary Na adversely affected (p < 0.001) excreta DM content. Phytase supplementation to the high-Na diet increased (p < 0.01) the litter ammonia content. High dietary Na with phytase supplementation improved (Na × phytase, p < 0.05) the AME value and ileal digestibility of Ca and Mg. The total tract retention of Ca, P, and Mg was reduced with high Na diet, which was counteracted by phytase supplementation (Na × phytase, p < 0.001). The diets containing mid-level of Na improved (p < 0.001) the function of Na-K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase in the jejunum. The overall results indicate that high dietary Na did not affect phytase activity but influenced the nutrient utilization of birds, which was not reflected in bird overall performance.

Mass measurement of Fe51 for the determination of the Fe51(p,γ)Co52 reaction rate

Background: The $^{51}\mathrm{Fe}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma})^{52}\mathrm{Co}$ reaction lies along the main rp-process path leading up to the $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ waiting point. The uncertainty in the reaction $Q$ value, which determines the equilibrium between the forward proton-capture and reverse photodisintegration $^{52}\mathrm{Co}(\ensuremath{\gamma},p)^{51}\mathrm{Fe}$ reaction, contributes to considerable uncertainty in the reaction rate in the temperature range of interest for Type I x-ray bursts and thus to an $\ensuremath{\approx}10%$ uncertainty in burst ashes lighter than $A=56$.Purpose: With a recent Penning trap mass measurement of $^{52}\mathrm{Co}$ reducing the uncertainty on its mass to 6.6 keV [Nesterenko et al., J. Phys. G 44, 065103 (2017)], the dominant source of uncertainty in the reaction $Q$ value is now the mass of $^{51}\mathrm{Fe}$, reported in the 2016 atomic mass evaluation to a precision of 9 keV [Wang et al., Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)]. A new, high-precision Penning trap mass measurement of $^{51}\mathrm{Fe}$ was performed to allow the determination of an improved precision $Q$ value and thus new reaction rates.Method: $^{51}\mathrm{Fe}$ was produced using projectile fragmentation at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, and separated using the A1900 fragment separator. The resulting secondary beam was then thermalized in the beam stopping area before a mass measurement was performed using the LEBIT 9.4T Penning trap mass spectrometer.Results: The new mass excess, $\mathrm{ME}=\ensuremath{-}40189.2(1.6)$ keV, is sixfold more precise than the current AME value, and $1.6\ensuremath{\sigma}$ less negative. This value was used to calculate a new proton separation energy for $^{52}\mathrm{Co}$ of 1431(7) keV. New excitation levels were then calculated for $^{52}\mathrm{Co}$ using the nushellx code with the GXPF1A interaction, and a new reaction rate and burst ash composition was calculated.Conclusions: With a new measured $Q$ value, the uncertainty on the $^{51}\mathrm{Fe}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma})$ reaction rate is dominated by the poorly measured $^{52}\mathrm{Co}$ level structure. Reducing this uncertainty would allow a more precise rate calculation and a better determination of the mass abundances in the burst ashes.

A comprehensive four-stage framework for evaluation of Information Communication Technologies for Development interventions

ABSTRACTIn spite of almost three decades of efforts in the domain of Information Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD), the validity and effectiveness of the relationship between ICT and D (Development) are not clear, perhaps due to a lack of a comprehensive framework for evaluating ICTD interventions. Comprehensive evaluation of ICTD interventions is, however, difficult as its outcomes are often intangible in nature. The aim of this paper is to develop a comprehensive evaluation framework for ICTD interventions with a specific focus on “D” aspects of these interventions. This work does not focus only on “impact” evaluation of ICTD interventions but also considers other key aspects of project life cycle in the evaluation process. To develop this framework, we draw inspirations from the domains of “program evaluation” and “IS evaluation” and further refine it with learnings from previous ICTD studies. The result of this exercise is a four-stage framework with each stage containing details of assessment points and key considerations that need to be covered in the context of an ICTD intervention. The framework is then validated using an existing case study drawn from the ICTD literature. The applicability and benefits of the framework are then discussed in the light of this case study.

Towards a Conceptual Framework for Investigating Information Systems Success

Information Systems are widely used in the banking sector, as banks are information intensive. The investment in ISs by banking organizations will continue to increase for two reasons; everyone is using some kind of information systems in their day-to-day activities. Banking organizations cannot afford to be left behind technologically, since many customers are using these systems to manage their money, accounts and savings information. As the field of IS grows, the BIS literature did not mature to meet the needs of practice. One particular area that is in need for further exploration is the evaluation of IS currently in the banking sector. This paper develops a conceptual framework to examine the success of IS in the Egyptian BI. This adds value to the body of knowledge by investigating Information Systems Success. Depending on this investigation, researchers and scholars in the field of Information Systems can have a clear view to set their attitudes towards suitable future research studies which in turn contributes to the related accumulated knowledge in the field.

Nutritional Value of Putak: Apparent Metabolisable Energy, and Growth Performance

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate nutritional value of putak for broilers. Experiment 1. The apparent metabolisable energy of raw and fermented putak were determined. The experimental design used was completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates. Total of 64 broilers were randomly distributed to 16 pens. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and three assay diets were then developed by substituting putak (raw, and fermented, 250 g kg-1, w/w), and maize (500 g kg-1, w/w) of the basal diet. Even though the AME and AMEn values of fermented putak were comparable to that of raw putak and maize, but it was slightly higher than that of raw putak. Experiment 2. Using the AME value of raw putak obtained in Experiment 1, five treatment diets containing 0 to 200 g kg-1 putak were formulated. The body weight gain of broilers fed 150 - 200 g kg-1-1 putak was higher to that of control diet, but it was similar to those fed 50-100 g kg-1 putak. No differences were found in FCR and mortality rate. Feed intake of broilers fed diets containing putak was higher than that of control diet. In conclusion, the AME and AMEn values of putak, fermented putak, and maize were comparable. Putak can be included in broiler diets up to 200 g kg-1 without detrimental effects.

Nutritional value of a partially defatted and a highly defatted black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) meal for broiler chickens: apparent nutrient digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility

BackgroundThe study aimed to determine the apparent total tract digestibility coefficients (ATTDC) of nutrients, the apparent metabolizable energy (AME and AMEn) and the amino acid (AA) apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of a partially defatted (BSFp) and a highly defatted (BSFh) black soldier fly larvae meal. The experimental diets were: a basal diet and two diets prepared by substituting 250 g/kg (w/w) of the basal diet with BSFp or BSFh, respectively.ResultsSignificant differences were found between BSFp and BSFh meals for ATTDC of the nutrients: BSFp resulted more digestible than BSFh, except for ATTDC of CP which did not differed between meals, while a statistical trend was observed for ATTDC of DM and EE. The AME and AMEn values were significantly (P < 0.05) different between the two BSF meals, with higher levels for BSFp (16.25 and 14.87 MJ/kg DM, respectively). The AIDC of the AA in BSFp ranged from 0.44 to 0.92, while in BSFh they ranged from 0.45 to 0.99. No significant differences were observed for the AA digestibility (0.77 and 0.80 for BSFp and BSFh, respectively), except for glutamic acid, proline and serine that were more digestible in the BSFh meal (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDefatted BSF meals can be considered as an excellent source of AME and digestible AA for broilers with a better efficient nutrient digestion. These considerations suggested the effective utilization of defatted BSF larvae meal in poultry feed formulation.

Effect of seed source and pelleting temperature during steam pelleting on apparent metabolizable energy value of full-fat canola seed for broiler chickens

Eleven canola seed (CS) samples were collected from different commercial feedmills and crushing plants in Australia and analyzed for nutrient profile. Six of these samples were selected to determine the effect of seed chemical composition and pellet temperature (PT) during steam pelleting on apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) values of CS for broiler chickens using a 6 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The CS samples were incorporated into a corn-soybean meal diet at 15% by replacing energy-yielding ingredients, and diets were steam pelleted at either 75 or 90°C. A total of 420 18-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) was assigned to 14 experimental diets replicated 6 times, with 5 chicks per cage. After a 5-day diet acclimation period from d 18 to 22, excreta were collected for 72 h using the substitution method to determine AME and AMEn. There was no interaction of seed source and PT for ileal digestible energy (IDE), AME, or AMEn values of CS (P > 0.05). PT did not affect energy availability of CS (P > 0.05) but increasing the PT improved the pellet durability index of the diets by approximately 5.0 percentage points. A significant effect of seed source was detected for all the energy utilization values of CS (P < 0.05). The IDE, AME, and AMEn values of seed samples ranged from 5,239 to 5,645, 4,728 to 5,071, and 4,501 to 4,791 kcal/kg of DM, respectively. The mean AMEn values were 4,664 kcal/kg of DM, indicating a 5.7% reduction compared with AME values. There was a negative correlation between protein and fat content of the seeds (r = –0.93, P = 0.001), and, consequently, AMEn (r = –0.32, P = 0.009). AMEn values were positively correlated with fat content of CS (r = 0.649, P = 0.001). These results indicate that fat and protein content and fiber components may have a considerable effect on energy availability of CS for broiler chickens.

Establishing an evidence-based 9D evaluation approach for ERP post-implementation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic and customisable framework, titled the 9D approach, aiming to evaluate the enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as well as to identify potential socio-technical problems, misfits and deficiencies that can cause ERP failure during the system post-implementation phase.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed 9D ERP evaluation framework includes nine dimensions and 85 evaluation criteria. This theoretical framework is then used in a six-step evaluation process based on a mixed-methods design. A case study involving a large-size private company in China was used as an exemplification to illustrate how the proposed 9D approach can be applied in practices.FindingsThe findings of the study clearly demonstrated that after the ERP “go-live” point, companies still experience many challenges and problems in the post-implementation phase. These problems can be located in very diverse organisational, systemic and personnel aspects of the company, as well as across different functional areas and organisational levels. The proposed 9D approach was demonstrated to be an efficient and systematic tool to investigate and explore such ERP problems in an in-depth level within the organisational context.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the theory of IS evaluation in general, and provides valuable insights into the ERP post-implementation evaluation in particular.Practical implicationsThe proposed ERP evaluation approach forms a sound base for continuous ERP improvement and contributes to sustain seamless alignment between ERP and its organisational context. The customisable feature of the framework offers flexibility and enables its use by companies of all sizes, any sector, and any country.Originality/valueTo the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the most extensive and comprehensive framework for the post-evaluation of ERPs proposed hitherto. The need for this new framework was grounded on the argumentation of the drawbacks of existing ERP measurement and evaluation studies that simply focus on success rather than the more critical failure factors.

Apparent metabolizable and net energy values of corn and soybean meal for broiler breeding cocks

The AME and net energy (NE) values of 4 corn varieties, including 2 normal corn varieties (Zheng Dan 958 and Xian Yu 335), and one each of waxy corn and sweet corn, and 2 soybean meal samples including regular (RSBM) and dehulled soybean meal (DSBM), were determined in 2 experiments for broiler breeding cocks using the indirect calorimetry method. The 4 test diets in Experiment 1 consisted of each test corn, which replaced 40% of the corn-soybean meal basal diet, and the test diets in Experiment 2 contained 25% RSBM or DSBM, which was used to replace the corn basal diet. Thirty (Experiment 1) or 18 (Experiment 2) 50-week-old Arbor Acre (AA) broiler breeding cocks were used in a completely randomized design. After a 7 d dietary adaptation period, 6 birds as replicates from each treatment were assigned to individual respiration chambers for energy measurement via gaseous exchange and total excreta collection for 10 d. In Experiment 1, the AME, ME intake (MEI), retained energy (RE), NE, and NE:AME ratio values were higher (P < 0.001) in the test diets as compared with the corn-soybean meal basal diet. The AME and NE values in the sweet corn diet were higher (P < 0.05) than those values in the other 3 test diets. The heat production (HP), fasting heat production (FHP), and respiration quotient (RQ) were not influenced by the various experimental diets. The respective AME and NE values were 3,785, 3,775, 3,738, and 3,997 kcal/kg (DM basis), and 2,982, 3,006, 2,959, and 3,146 kcal/kg (DM basis) for Zheng Dan 958, Xian Yu 335, waxy corn, and sweet corn. Birds fed a corn basal diet in Experiment 2 had higher AME, MEI, RE, NE, and NE:AME ratio values (P < 0.001). Soybean meal substitution had no effect on HP, FHP, or RQ. The average AME and NE content was 2,492 and 1,581 kcal/kg (DM basis) for RSBM, and 2,580 and 1,654 kcal/kg (DM basis) for DSBM, respectively.

Effects of Xylanase Supplementation and Citric Acid on Performance, Ileal Nutrients Digestibility, and Gene Expression of Intestinal Nutrient Transporters in Broilers Challenged with Clostridium perfringens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of xylanase and citric acid (CA) on growth, digesta pH, ileal populations of Clostridium perfringens and lactic acid bacteria, ileal nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, and mRNA expression of intestinal nutrient transporters in starter broilers challenged with C. perfringens. The experiment was conducted in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two levels of CA (0 and 30 g/kg) and 2 levels of xylanase (0 and 200 mg/kg). Each of the four dietary treatments was fed to six replicate pens (15 birds/pen) between 0 and 21 d of age. Dietary CA significantly increased ADFI and ADG; meanwhile, xylanase addition led to a substantial reduction in FCR (P<0.05). No differences in digesta pH, C. perfringens counts, or quantity of lactic acid bacteria were found between the treatments. Xylanase supplementation increased AME values (P<0.01) and ileal digestibility of CP (P<0.05) in challenged birds. The inclusion of CA also increased the AME (P<0.01), and tended to increased ileal CP digestibility (P=0.085). Xylanase supplementation increased α-amylase, trypsin, and sucrose activity in the jejunum (P<0.01). Dietary CA significantly increased (P<0.01) villi length as well as the villus length to crypt depth ratio in jejunum segments. The jejunal mRNA expression of sodium glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) and H+-dependent peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) were upregulated by xylanase supplementation (P<0.01). The results suggest that dietary CA can promote growth as well as improve intestinal morphology and AME in birds challenged with necrotic enteritis. This study shows that xylanase supplementation improved FCR and AME in birds independent of C. perfringens infection; it also elevated the apparent ileal digestibility of CP, digestive enzyme activities, and mRNA expression of nutrient transporters in challenged birds.

A resilience-based model for performance evaluation of information systems: the case of a gas company

ABSTRACTInformation systems (IS) are strongly influenced by changes in new technology and should react swiftly in response to external conditions. Resilience engineering is a new method that can enable these systems to absorb changes. In this study, a new framework is presented for performance evaluation of IS that includes DeLone and McLean’s factors of success in addition to resilience. Hence, this study is an attempt to evaluate the impact of resilience on IS by the proposed model in Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company via the data obtained from questionnaires and Fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis (FDEA) approach. First, FDEA model with α-cut = 0.05 was identified as the most suitable model to this application by performing all Banker, Charnes and Cooper and Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes models of and FDEA and selecting the appropriate model based on maximum mean efficiency. Then, the factors were ranked based on the results of sensitivity analysis, which showed resilience had a significantly higher impact on the proposed model relative to other factors. The results of this study were then verified by conducting the related ANOVA test. This is the first study that examines the impact of resilience on IS by statistical and mathematical approaches.

Evaluation of Am–Li neutron spectra data for active well type neutron multiplicity measurements of uranium

Safeguarding nuclear material is an important and challenging task for the international community. One particular safeguards technique commonly used for uranium assay is active neutron correlation counting. This technique involves irradiating unused uranium with (α, n) neutrons from an Am–Li source and recording the resultant neutron pulse signal which includes induced fission neutrons. Although this non-destructive technique is widely employed in safeguards applications, the neutron energy spectra from an Am–Li sources is not well known. Several measurements over the past few decades have been made to characterize this spectrum; however, little work has been done comparing the measured and theoretical spectra of various Am–Li sources to each other. This paper examines fourteen different Am–Li spectra, focusing on how these spectra affect simulated neutron multiplicity results using the code Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX). Two measurement and simulation campaigns were completed using Active Well Coincidence Counter (AWCC) detectors and uranium standards of varying enrichment. The results of this work indicate that for standard AWCC measurements, the fourteen Am–Li spectra produce similar doubles and triples count rates. The singles count rates varied by as much as 20% between the different spectra, although they are usually not used in quantitative analysis, being dominated by scattering which is highly dependent on item placement.

Comparative evaluation of in-house Real time IS 6110, nested MPT 64 PCR and Roche AMPLICOR 16s rRNA PCR for diagnosing tuberculous meningitis

Background: Early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is still a diagnostic challenge due to paucibacillary nature of the disease and conventional methods being quite insensitive and time consuming. We evaluated performance of three real time PCR assays targeting MPT64, IS6110 and 16s rRNA gene sequences for early diagnosis of TBM Methods & Materials: A total of 100 consecutive probable TBM patients and 50 non TBM patients were enrolled from an ongoing prospective study on tuberculous meningitis (July 2012 to Dec 2014). CSF specimens were subjected to microscopy and automated BACTEC MGIT culture. In-house Real time nested MPT64 and IS6110 PCR were standardized using H37Rv spiked CSF and evaluated for diagnostic utility along with commercially available Roche Amplicor Real time PCR assay. Results: Out of 100 clinical specimens processed, the sensitivity of smear microscopy and culture was 4% and 42% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity of Real time IS6110 PCR, Nested MPT 64 assay and Roche Amplicor Real time PCR assay was 71%, 98%; 69%, 98% and 25%, 100% respectively against probable TBM as reference standard. The Real time IS6110 PCR, Nested MPT 64 assay and Roche Amplicor Real time PCR assay could detect M. tuberculosis in only 84%, 77% and 30% of culture positive patient's respectively Conclusion: Real time IS6110 PCR proved to be a simple and rapid method to diagnose TBM with sensitivity, specificity of 71%, 98% only. Nested MPT 64 assay though had comparable sensitivity and specificity was much more difficult due to nested design and higher risks of contamination. None of the PCR was 100% sensitive for detecting all culture positive samples suggesting that for TBM diagnosis there is no single rule out test and all the tests are contingent upon their ability to pick the target in tested volume of CSF.

Understanding Formality and Informality in Information System Pre-evaluation (ISIE) Process: Examining Case Research from an Actor Network Theory ANT Perspective

&lt;p&gt;The degree of rigidity in the process of IS evaluation and the dependence on a specific method tends to vary among banks, depending on a combination of many factors. This research focuses on I.S. pre-evaluation as socio-technical process. Central to this is the notion of Request for proposals RFP (Business case) and the analytical toolkit of Actor Network Theory (&lt;a title="Latour, 1987 #96" href="file:///G:/macrothink/JMR/JMR201601/Zu'bi%20M.%20F.%20Al-Zu'bi-Understanding%20Formality/8497-30810-2-SM-writer2-new.docx#_ENREF_64"&gt;Latour 1987&lt;/a&gt;). Specifically this study attempts to highlight on the level of formality/informality played in the evaluation process by the threads of ‘rigidity issues’ that manifested themselves on the journey throughout the ex ante I.S. business cases in the bank. The study contributes to the existing literature in IS evaluation research by drawing using this case study to infer how pre-evaluation practices are being affected by the developing country context of Jordan. Among the several findings drawn from this research, the informal use of intuition was accommodated within the formal process of IS evaluation demonstrated to be the most prominent. The study highlights the importance of informal evaluation that of “gut feeling” and experience of executives which plays a significant role in the IS evaluation process.&lt;/p&gt;