Small Research Articles

Modeling thermoregulatory responses during high-intensity exercise in warm environments.

The six cylinder thermoregulatory model (SCTM) has been validated thoroughly for resting humans. This type of modeling is helpful to predict and develop guidance for safe performance of work and recreational activities. In the context of a warming global climate, updating the accuracy of the model for intense exercise in warm environments will help a wide range of individuals in athletic, recreational, and military settings. Three sets of previously collected data were used to determine SCTM accuracy. Dataset 1: two groups [large (LG) 91.5 kg and small (SM) 67.7 kg] of individuals performed 60 min of semirecumbent cycling in temperate conditions (25.1°C) at metabolic rates of 570-700 W. Dataset 2: two LG (100 kg) and SM (65.8 kg) groups performed 60 min of semirecumbent cycling in warm/hot environmental conditions (36.2°C) at metabolic rates of 590-680 W. Dataset 3: seven volunteers completed 8-km track trials (∼30 min) in cool (17°C) and warm (30°C) environments. The volunteers' metabolic rates were estimated to be 1,268 W and 1,166 W, respectively. For all datasets, SCTM-predicted core temperatures were found to be similar to the observed core temperatures. The root mean square deviations (RMSDs) ranged from 0.06 to 0.46°C with an average of 0.2°C deviation, which is less than the acceptance threshold of 0.5°C. Thus, the present validation shows that SCTM predicts core temperatures with acceptable accuracy during intense exercise in warm environments and successfully captures core temperature differences between large and small individuals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The SCTM has been validated thoroughly for resting humans in warm and cold environments and during water immersion. The present study further demonstrated that SCTM predicts core temperatures with acceptable accuracy during intense exercise up to 1,300 W in temperate and warm environments and captures core temperature differences between large and small individuals. SCTM is potentially useful to develop guidance for safe operation in athletic, military, and occupational settings during exposure to warm or hot environments.

Length and weight of farmed young Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) as predictors of their future size

The aim of the study was to determine the earliest time at which the future size (length and weight) of farmed Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) can be accurately predicted, to establish selection criteria in these individuals. A total of 8040 crocodiles (7394 males and 646 females) hatched from artificially incubated eggs were included. In each crocodile the total length and weight were measured on days 1, 132, 248, 364, 500, 616, 750, and 878 of age. On day 878 crocodiles were classified into five size groups: runt (RT), small (SL), medium (MM), large (LG), and extra-large (EL). The association between evaluations for length and weight, the correlation between length and weight in each measurement, and the differences in length and weight between assessments and sex were determined. Analysis from day 132 through day 878 included both sexes together. Neither length nor weight on day one correlated (> 0.40) with any subsequent evaluation. There was no difference among groups (P > 0.05) between length on day one and size on day 878. Difference was found between length on day 132 and size on day 878 in RT (P < 0.05), and between length on days 248, 364, 616, and 750 and size on day 878 in all the groups (P < 0.05). Difference was found between weight on day one and size on day 878 only in SL (P < 0.05), and between weight on days 132, 248, 364, 616, and 750 and size on day 878 in all the groups (P < 0.05). The size farmed Morelet's crocodiles will have at 878 days can be predicted with weight at 132 and length at 248 days. Use of the ranges of the size groups as selection criteria for growth will allow selecting the future smallest and largest individuals early in the production cycle and to enhance sustainable management of this species.

EFFECTS OF SWIMMING TRAINING IN OBESITY INSTALLATION IN ADULTS OFFSPRING BORN WITHIN A SMALL LITTER

The excessive supply of energy during pregnancy and breastfeeding period, favors the highaccumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) throughout life, commonly associated withinsulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Chronic aerobicexercises reduce accumulation of WAT, preventing the development of metabolic diseases.On the 2 nd postnatal day, litter size was set to: normal (NL) with 9 pups per mother and small(SL) with 3 pups per mother, was used just male rats. After weaning (21 days), NL and SLrats, were divided into sedentary (Sed) and exercised (Exe), forming 4 experimentalsubgroups; NL Sed , NL Exe , SL Sed and SL Exe . From 22–90 days of life exercised groups performedswimming training 3 times for week during 30 minutes. Litter handling influenced bodyweight, retroperitoneal and mesenteric-WAT (p&amp;lt;0.0001) in adulthood. SL Sed animals showedan increase in these parameters when compared to NL Sed and NL Exe animals (P&amp;lt;0.0001).Swimming training reduced body weight and WAT deposits in NL and SL groups(P&amp;lt;0.0001). SL Sed and SL Exe animals showed elevated glucose values at 2h post-glucose loadwhen compared to NL animals. Kitt was also altered by litter reduction (P&amp;lt;0.0001), with SL Sedanimals had higher Kitt values compared to NL Sed and NL Exe rats. This response wasnormalized in SL Exe group.We conclude that lactational hypernutrition causes obesityassociated with disruption of glucose homeostasis and swimming training normalizes insulinsensitivity but is insufficient to restore glucose homeostasis during glucose tolerance test.

Follicular and Hormonal Changes after Estrous Synchronization in Bottlenose Dolphins.

To gain more knowledge about the influence of hormone regulation on follicle development, ovarian ultrasounds were performed, and urinary hormone profiles were determined in ovulating and non-ovulating female bottlenose dolphins (n = 15) following estrus synchronization with altrenogest. Ovarian ultrasounds were conducted daily, post-synchronization to describe follicular recruitment in relation to the endocrine profile. Follicle sizes were grouped into very small (VSM), small (SM), medium (MD) and large (LG). In ovulating females, two follicular waves were identified, and follicular deviation toward establishing a dominant follicle only occurred during the second wave. For non-ovulating females, only the first wave was observed. For all urinary hormones, the non-ovulating group presented significantly lower concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (uFSH), luteinizing hormone (uLH), estrone conjugates (uE1-C) and estriol (uE3) but similar progestagen and cortisol concentrations compared to the ovulating group. Concentrations of uE1-C and uE3 and the numbers of MD and LG follicles significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while uFSH concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) decreased as ovulation approached. Urinary LH significantly increased concurrently with increasing numbers of LG follicles and decreasing numbers of SM follicles. The characterization of follicular development and its relationship with hormone assessment complements our understanding of follicular recruitment post-synchronization in bottlenose dolphins and provides new information concerning differences between ovulating and non-ovulating females in response to an estrous synchronization protocol.Lay summaryMany species of fresh and saltwater dolphins and porpoises are facing increasing pressure for food and habitats due to human activities. One of the primary aspects that can be affected by such activities is reproduction. The bottlenose dolphin has been successfully bred in zoos and aquariums for at least 70 years, and they can be trained for several voluntary behaviors that enable medical examinations. Therefore, they represent a unique resource for research and understanding of normal dolphin reproduction. In this research, voluntary ultrasound exams and urine samples from 15 female dolphins were used to describe changes in their ovaries. The resulting descriptions and comparisons provide insight into the unique ovarian physiology of bottlenose dolphins and into the differences between animals after treatment. This information adds to the body of knowledge which one day may be used for developing advanced reproductive techniques to help preserve endangered species of dolphins.

A global meta‐analysis of the impacts of no‐tillage on soil aggregation and aggregate‐associated organic carbon

AbstractNo‐tillage (NT) has been shown to control soil degradation by impacting soil aggregates (i.e., basic units of soil structure, whose characteristics mediate key soil processes, like carbon sequestration). However, there has been no systematic analysis of the impacts of NT on soil aggregation and aggregate‐associated soil organic carbon (SOC) at global level. We conducted a global meta‐analysis of 89 publications to elucidate the changes in soil aggregation and aggregate‐associated SOC under NT. Notably, we quantified the roles of diverse environmental and agronomic factors (e.g., climatic conditions, experimental duration, cropping intensity, soil texture, and initial SOC/pH) in the changes in those variables. Relative to conventional tillage (CT), NT significantly increased the proportions of water‐stable large (LM) and small (SM) macro‐aggregates and the mean weight diameter (MWD) (by 49%, 11%, and 23%, respectively) but decreased the proportions of micro‐aggregates (MIC) and silt plus clay‐size particles (SC) (by 11% and 16%, respectively). NT significantly enhanced SOC concentrations in LM (17%), SM (14%), MIC (10%), and SC (7%) compared to CT. Furthermore, the random forest (RF) model demonstrated that climatic conditions, experimental duration, and soil texture were the predominant factors controlling the changes in aggregation and aggregate‐associated SOC under NT. Overall, our results indicate that NT is an effective strategy to enhance soil aggregation and aggregate‐associated SOC, yet variations in responses are determined by specific environmental/agronomic factors. This study provided a basis for identifying site‐specific NT practice that could help improve soil structure and SOC sequestration, ultimately controlling soil degradation in croplands.

The Effect of First-Year Seminar Classroom Design on Social Integration and Retention of STEM First-Time, Full-Time College Freshmen

Classroom design is related to student satisfaction and learning, but its effect on student retention is unknown. This exploratory study compared the impact of classroom design on social integration and retention among STEM first-time, full-time college freshmen in a first-year seminar course by comparing classroom sizes (large (LL) vs. small (SL) lecture), classroom formats (lecture (SL) vs. flipped classroom (FC)), and classroom student composition of students at risk of attrition based on low math placement scores (combined low math (CLM) vs. separated low math (SLM)). To capture social integration of freshman after their first semester, students completed a survey for course credit. Retention rates of freshman returning to the university for their second year were included. Almost all students in all classrooms had made friends in college; most had made friends with peers in the course and were spending time with them outside of class. Compared with LL students, SL reported lower satisfaction with their overall social life. More FC students were satisfied with their social life, and fewer found making friends to be harder than expected. These findings showed even greater disparities between groups for at-risk students. SLM students exhibited lower social integration than CLM students. The CLM flipped classroom retained the highest percentage of students at the university into the second year. Findings from the present study suggest that integrating at-risk students into a first-year seminar flipped classroom that matches student composition of the major benefits social integration and retention into the second year, for all students as well as those with low math scores.

Delivery of trans-membrane proteins by liposomes; the effect of liposome size and formulation technique on the efficiency of protein delivery

Channelopathies are disorders caused by reduced expression or impaired function of ion channels. Most current therapies rely on symptomatic treatment without addressing the underlying cause. We have recently established proof of principle for delivery of functional ion channel protein into the membrane of target cells using fusogenic liposomes incorporating glycine receptor (GlyR)-containing cell membrane fragments (CMF) that were formulated by thin film hydration. Here, the effect of liposome size and the formulation technique on the performance of the delivery vehicle was assessed. Three types of liposomes were prepared using lecithin and cholesterol, (i) small (SL), and (ii) large (LL) liposomes made by thin film hydration, and (iii) small liposomes prepared by vortex agitation (V-SL). All liposomes were evaluated for their ability to (i) incorporate GlyR-rich CMF, (ii) fuse with the cell membrane of target cells and (iii) deliver functional GlyR, as assessed by patch-clamp electrophysiology. SL prepared by thin film hydration offered the most effective delivery of glycine receptors that gave clear glycine-mediated currents in target cells. LL showed higher incorporation of CMF, but did not effectively fuse with the target cell membrane, while V-SL did not incorporate sufficient amounts of CMF. Additionally, SL showed minimalin vivotoxicity upon intrathecal injection in mice. Thus, liposome-mediated delivery of membrane proteins may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of channelopathies.

Clusteromics I: Principles, Protocols, and Applications to Sulfuric Acid-Base Cluster Formation.

We recently coined the term clusteromics as a holistic approach for obtaining insight into the chemical complexity of atmospheric molecular cluster formation and at the same time providing the foundation for thermochemical databases that can be utilized for developing machine learning models. Here, we present the first paper in the series that applies state-of-the-art computational methods to study multicomponent (SA)0–2(base)0–2 clusters, with SA = sulfuric acid and base = [ammonia (A), methylamine (MA), dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), and ethylenediamine (EDA)] with all combinations of the five bases. The initial cluster configurations are obtained using the ABCluster program and the number of relevant configurations are reduced based on PM7 and ωB97X-D/6-31++G(d,p) calculations. Thermochemical parameters are calculated based on the ωB97X-D/6-31++G(d,p) cluster structures and vibrational frequencies using the quasi-harmonic approximation. The single-point energies are refined with a high-level DLPNO-CCSD(T0)/aug-cc-pVTZ calculation. Using the calculated thermochemical data, we perform kinetics simulations to evaluate the potential of these small (SA)0–2(base)0–2 clusters to grow into larger cluster sizes. In all cases we find that having more than one type of base molecule present in the cluster will increase the potential for forming larger clusters primarily due to the increased available vapor concentration.

Interactive effects of casein micelle size and calcium and citrate content on rennet-induced coagulation in bovine milk.

Interactive effects of casein micelle size and milk calcium and citrate content on rennet-induced coagulation were investigated. Milk samples containing small (SM) and large (LM) micelles, obtained from individual Holstein cows, were modified by addition of calcium and/or citrate and milk coagulation properties were evaluated in a full factorial design. The results showed that LM milk had a higher relative proportion of casein, coagulated faster, and resulted in a stronger gel than SM milk. Addition of calcium slightly decreased casein micelle size, while addition of citrate slightly increased micelle size. Calcium addition resulted in a shorter coagulation time and the strongest gels, while citrate addition increased the coagulation time and resulted in the weakest gels. Addition of calcium and citrate in combination resulted in intermediate coagulation properties. The interactive effect of micelle size and citrate was significant for gel strength. Microstructural differences between the milk gels were consistent with the rheological properties, for example, the micrographs revealed that a more homogeneous network was formed when calcium was added, resulting in a stronger gel. A more inhomogeneous network structure was formed when citrate was added, resulting in a weaker gel. Thus, variations in casein micelle size and in calcium and citrate content influence rennet-induced coagulation in bovine milk. The calcium and citrate contents in Swedish milk have changed over time, whereby calcium content has increased and citrate content has decreased. In practical cheese making, calcium is added to cheese milk, most likely altering the role of inherent citrate and possibly influencing casein micelle size. The observed interaction effect between casein micelle size and citrate in this study, suggests that larger micelles with moderate citrate level will result in firmer gels, whereas a higher citrate content reduced gel strength more in case of large than SM. Since firmer gels are likely to retain more protein and fat than less firmer gels, this interaction effect could have implications in practical cheese production.

Palatability of Beef Strip Loin Steaks Representing Various Marbling and Maturity Levels from Grain-Fed Beef

This study compared palatability traits of beef strip loin steaks with varying marbling scores from young and mature grain-fed beef. Strip loins (n = 150) were selected from grain fed cattle representing ten treatments with the following USDA marbling scores: Slightly Abundant or greater (SLAB+), Moderate or Modest (MD/MT), Small (SM), Slight (SL), and Traces or Practically Devoid (TR/PD) from young “A” maturity carcasses (Y) and mature “C” or greater maturity carcasses (M). Subprimals were fabricated into 2.5-cm steaks at 21 d postmortem and stored frozen until further analysis. Consumer (n = 120) sensory panelists evaluated cooked steaks for tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking, and overall liking. Trained panelists (n = 15 sessions) evaluated each sample for initial and sustained juiciness, initial and sustained tenderness, flavor intensity, and off-flavor intensity. For all traits, consumer and trained panelists’ scores generally decreased with decreasing marbling score, regardless of maturity. According to consumers, maturity had no effect on juiciness or flavor liking within each marbling score, except flavor liking of SLAB+ was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for young than mature carcasses. Conversely, young carcasses had greater tenderness scores than mature within all marbling categories except SM, which translated to greater overall liking of MD/MT, SL, and TR/PD of young compared to their mature counterparts (P &lt; 0.05). Trained panelists detected very few differences between young and mature samples within their respective marbling score; however, M-MD/MT had lower initial and sustained tenderness coupled with greater off-flavor intensity than Y-MD/MT (P &lt; 0.05). Mature samples with SLAB+ and MD/MT marbling were rated greater than or equal to Y-SM for all traits, indicating the presence of marbling from feeding a grain diet prior to harvest may elicit a similar eating experience to young beef by offsetting negative palatability traits often associated with mature beef.

A Study on the Effect of used Floor Area Ratio on the Price of Small &amp; Medium Sized Building

In this study, the hedonic price model was used to analyze the factors affecting the price of small and medium sized buildings. In addition, it studied how the over floor area ratio reflected in the wake of the changes in the legal affects the price of small and medium sized buildings. According to the analysis results, the factors affecting the increase in the price per unit area of sm all and medium sized buildings were corners status, publicly notified individual land price, parking lots, rent, loan amount and over floor area ratio. On the other hand, the factors affecting the decrease in the price per unit area of sm all and medium sized buildings were distance from subway stations, land area, elapsed years, bank of korea base rate and unused floor area ratio. The over floor area ratio, which we have seen closely in this study, has a positive effect on the unit price of small and medium sized buildings. These results are as follows. First, the larger the over floor area ratio, the larger the rentable area, and thus the rent revenue increases and the price of small and medium size buildings increases. Second, more land area is needed to acquire the same gross area as the small and medium sized building that has the over floor ratio under the current legislation in the same use area, the building with the over floor area ratio acts as a premium for the increased floor space can be. In contrast, small and medium sized buildings with unused floor area ratio have low prices because they have the potential to increase the floor area in the future, but have a smaller leased area now. Furthermore, in order to realize unused floor area ratio, it also has to bear both the cost and time of the construction and the risks of development.

Ecological correlates of mammal β‐diversity in Amazonian land‐bridge islands: from small‐ to large‐bodied species

AbstractAimMega hydroelectric dams have become one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in the lowland tropics. In these reservoirs, vertebrate studies have focused on local (α) diversity measures, whereas between‐site (β) diversity remains poorly assessed despite its pivotal importance in understanding how species diversity is structured and maintained. Here, we unravel the patterns and ecological correlates of mammal β‐diversity, including both small (SM) and midsized to large mammal species (LM) across 23 islands and two continuous forest sites within a mega hydroelectric reservoir.LocationBalbina Hydroelectric Dam, Central Brazilian Amazonia.MethodsSmall mammals were sampled using live and pitfall traps (48,350 trap‐nights), and larger mammals using camera traps (8,160 trap‐nights). β‐diversity was examined for each group using multiplicative diversity decomposition of Hill numbers, which considers the importance of rare, common and dominant species, and tested to what extent those were related to a set of environmental characteristics measured at different spatial scales.Resultsβ‐diversity for both mammal groups was higher when considering species presence–absence. When considering species abundance, β‐diversity was significantly higher for SM than for LM assemblages. Habitat variables, such as differences in tree species richness and percentage of old‐growth trees, were strong correlates of β‐diversity for both SMs and LMs. Conversely, β‐diversity was weakly related to patch and landscape characteristics, except for LMs, for which β‐diversity was correlated with differences in island sizes.Main conclusionsThe lower β‐diversity of LMs between smaller islands suggests subtractive homogenization of this group. Although island size plays a major role in structuring mammal α‐diversity in several land‐bridge islands, local vegetation characteristics were additional key factors determining β‐diversity for both mammal groups. Maintaining the integrity of vegetation characteristics and preventing the formation of a large set of small islands within reservoirs should be considered in long‐term management plans in both existing and planned hydropower development in lowland tropical forests.

The optimal exercise intensity for the unbiased comparison of thermoregulatory responses between groups unmatched for body size during uncompensable heat stress.

We sought to identify the appropriate exercise intensity for unbiased comparisons of changes in rectal temperature (ΔTre) and local sweat rates (LSR) between groups unmatched for body size during uncompensable heat stress. Sixteen males vastly different in body morphology were separated into two equal groups [small (SM): 65.8 ± 6.2 kg, 1.8 ± 0.1 m2; large (LG): 100.0 ± 13.1 kg, 2.3 ± 0.1 m2], but matched for sudomotor thermosensitivity (SM: 1.3 ± 0.6; LG: 1.1 ± 0.4 mg·cm−2·min−1·°C−1). The maximum potential for evaporation (Emax) for each participant was assessed using an incremental humidity protocol. On separate occasions, participants then completed 60 min of cycling in a 35°C and 70% RH environment at (1) 50% of VO 2max, (2) a heat production (Hprod) of 520 W, (3) Hprod relative to mass (6 W·kg−1), and (4) Hprod relative to mass above Emax (3 W·kg−1>Emax). Emax was similar between LG (347 ± 39 W, 154 ± 15 W·m−2) and SM (313 ± 63 W, 176 ± 34 W·m−2, P > 0.12). ΔTre was greater in SM compared to LG at 520 W (SM: 1.5 ± 0.5; LG 0.8 ± 0.3°C, P < 0.001) and at 50% of VO 2max (SM: 1.4 ± 0.5; LG 0.9 ± 0.3°C, P < 0.001). However, ΔTre was similar between groups when Hprod was either 6 W·kg−1 (SM: 0.9 ± 0.3; LG 0.9 ± 0.2°C, P = 0.98) and 3 W·kg−1>Emax (SM: 1.4 ± 0.5; LG 1.3 ± 0.4°C, P = 0.99). LSR was similar between LG and SM irrespective of condition, suggesting maximum LSR was attained (SM: 1.10 ± 0.23; LG: 1.07 ± 0.35 mg·cm−2·min−1, P = 0.50). In conclusion, systematic differences in ΔTre and LSR between groups unmatched for body size during uncompensable heat stress can be avoided by a fixed Hprod in W·kg−1 or W·kg−1>Emax.

Male size-dependent dominance for burrow holding in the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata: multiple tactics used by intermediate-sized males

Dominance and the establishment of social hierarchies are frequently related to size: the larger individuals gain greater reproductive success, while the smaller ones display alternative mating strategies. We studied the existence of dominance and the alternative mating strategies among Neohelice granulata small (SM) and large (LM) males competing for burrows. LM construct burrows with copulation chambers while SM do not. Field studies showed the existence of a SM’s size-range of 30–32 mm carapace width when they change behavior and occupy burrows with copulation chambers (hereafter referred to as the “switch size-range”). We found a restricted size-range in mating pair formation. Laboratory experiments showed that LM dominate SM because SM did not construct burrows in the presence of LM, and LM displaced SM from their burrows. When given the chance, recently mated SM occupied burrows without copulation chambers while not recently mated SM occupied chambered burrows. This is evidence that these males may be displaying a cheating mating strategy to copulate with females looking for these burrows: they occupy but do not own these burrows. SM can also intercept and mate females on the surface. Given the size restriction in pair formation, intermediate-sized males in the switch size-range (30–32 mm carapace width) may copulate with a broader female size-range, larger and smaller than themselves. In this way, SM in the switch size-range may be acquiring a higher reproductive success by adopting multiple tactics. Male dominance hierarchies have been well documented in crustaceans, except for crabs. Here, we demonstrate male dominance related to the construction and defense of burrows and male size in the crab N. granulata. We found that small males of a certain size range adopt an alternative “cheating” mating strategy that can enhance fitness. Therefore, although they are not large and dominant, small males can nevertheless achieve high reproductive success as a result of this alternative reproductive tactic.

Effects of United States Department of Agriculture carcass maturity on sensory attributes of steaks produced by cattle representing two dental age classes.

This study examined the effects of USDA carcass maturity on sensory properties of LM steaks produced by cattle representing 2 dental age classes. Carcasses identified for use in the experiment were produced by steers and heifers classified as either <30 mo of age (MOA) or ≥30 MOA at the time of slaughter using dentition. Within each dental age class, carcasses were selected to represent 2 maturity groups and 3 marbling categories, resulting in 12 dental age × maturity × marbling subclasses, each consisting of 50 carcasses. Maturity groups consisted of carcasses classified by USDA graders as either A to A (A) overall maturity or B to D (B-D) overall maturity; marbling categories consisted of carcasses with instrument marbling scores of Slight to Slight (SL), Small to Small (SM), or Modest to Moderate (MT-MD). Carcasses were selected in pairs so that each carcass chosen to represent the B-D-maturity group was paired with an A-maturity carcass of the same sex and marbling score (±50 marbling units). Strip loin (LM) steaks were obtained from both sides of each carcass. After a 14-d aging period, 1 LM steak was measured for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF), whereas the other LM steak was used for sensory analysis by a trained descriptive attribute panel. No differences ( > 0.05) in LM tenderness, juiciness, or flavor were detected between carcass maturity groups in either dental age class. Advanced dental age (≥30 MOA), however, was associated with more intense ( < 0.05) grassy and bloody/serumy flavors and decreased ( < 0.05) tenderness within the SL marbling group. Marbling score effectively stratified carcasses (MT-MD > SM > SL) according to differences ( < 0.0001) in LM tenderness, juiciness, beefy/brothy flavor, and buttery/beef fat flavor. In addition, increased marbling was associated with lesser ( < 0.01) intensities of bloody/serumy, livery/organy, and grassy flavors as well as smaller ( < 0.0001) values for WBSF and SSF. Results of this study suggest that USDA carcass maturity does not effectively identify differences in LM sensory attributes in the population of beef carcasses routinely offered for grading in today's U.S. commercial beef processing facilities.

Economic Analysis of Milk Production among Small holder Dairy Farmers in Punjab: A Case Study of Amritsar district

The present study analyzed economics of milk production among small holder dairy farmers in Punjab. Amritsar district was selected purposively because the average milk production was quiet high in the district than state average and has well developed milk cooperative societies. A sample of 80 dairy farmers consisting of 20 dairy farmers each from landless (LL), marginal (MR), small (SM) and other (OT) categories were selected from two blocks and four villages of Amritsar district. The average herd size was 6.35, 7.70, 9.40 and 10.05 dairy animals for LL, MR, SM and OT dairy farmers, respectively. The total variable cost was 145948.90, 170122.85, 200487.20 and 204122.60 for LL, MR, SM and OT dairy farmers, respectively. The average variable cost was to the tune of 180762.60. Feed and fodder cost was accounted for 83.84 per cent out of the total variable cost. The total fixed cost accounted was 32733.5, 37537.59, 42640.5 and 46723.75 for LL, MR, SM and OT dairy farmers, respectively. Gross income from dairying was accounted to be 306946.80 for LL, 397644.90 for MR farmers, 458120.60 for SM and 511401.50 for OT dairy farmers, respectively. The cost and income had direct relationship with herd size for different categories of dairy farmers. To estimate the resources use efficiency in milk production, Cobb Douglas Production Function was used. The variables included in regression model were green fodder, dry fodder, concentrates, labour hours and veterinary and insemination charges considered as independent variables and milk production per farm per day as dependent variable. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.80 and indicating that about 80 per cent of total variations in milk productivity were explained by the variables included in the selected regression model. The coefficients of dry fodder and concentrates were positive and significant indicating increase in feed and fodder inputs will increase the milk productivity.

Robust Blind Algorithm based on Oblique Projection and Worst-Case Optimization

When adaptive arrays are applied to practical systems, the performance of the convention constant modulus algorithm degrades severely in the presence of array steering vector errors. The similar situation of performance degradation can occur even when the array steering vector is known exactly, but the training sample size is sm all. In this paper, we propose a novel doubly constrained robust constant modulus algorithm based on the worst case performance optimization and oblique projection technique. The proposed algorithm uses explicit modeling of uncertainties in the desired signal array response and in data snapshots, which provides sufficiently robustness to uncertainty in source DOA, and makes the mean output array SINR consistently close to the optimal one. The array weight vector is derived iteratively by the Lagrange multiplier approach and descent gradient technique, in which the factors can be precisely obtained at each step. A theoretical analysis for our propose d algorithm in terms of the optimal step size, convergence and array output SINR performance is presented in this paper. As compared with the linearly constrained constant modulus algorithm, our proposed robust constant modulus algorithm resolves the interference capture problem, has faster convergence speed, and enhances the array output performance under practical situations. Computer simulation results are presented to show the superiority of our proposed algorithm on output SINR enhancement and signal sampling resolution.

Effects of USDA carcass maturity on sensory attributes of beef produced by grain-finished steers and heifers classified as less than 30 months old using dentition1

This study compared sensory properties of LM steaks from A maturity and B maturity or older carcasses that were produced by grain-finished steers and heifers classified as less than 30 mo old at the time of slaughter using dentition. Carcasses were selected to represent 2 maturity groups and 3 marbling categories within each maturity group, resulting in 6 maturity × marbling subclasses, each subclass consisting of 75 carcasses. Maturity groups consisted of carcasses classified by USDA graders as either A(00) to A(99) overall (A) maturity or B(00) to C(99) overall (B-C) maturity; marbling categories consisted of carcasses with instrument marbling scores of Slight (SL), Small (SM), or Modest(00) or greater (MT+). Carcasses were selected in pairs so that each carcass chosen to represent the B-C maturity group was paired with an A maturity carcass of the same sex and marbling score (± 30 marbling units). Strip loin (LM) steaks were obtained from both sides of each carcass. After a 14-d aging period, 1 LM steak was measured for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF), whereas the other LM steak was used for sensory analysis by a trained descriptive attribute panel. No differences (P > 0.05) in WBSF, SSF, or sensory panel ratings for tenderness, juiciness, or flavor were detected between LM steaks from carcasses classified as A maturity and steaks from B-C maturity carcasses. However, marbling categories effectively stratified carcasses (MT+ > SM > SL) according to differences (P < 0.0001) in LM tenderness, juiciness, meaty/brothy flavor, and buttery/beef fat flavor. Increased marbling also was associated with lesser (P < 0.01) intensities of bloody/serumy and livery/organy flavors and reduced (P < 0.01) values for WBSF and SSF. Of the traits tested, only bloody/serumy flavor was affected (P < 0.05) by the maturity × marbling interaction. Interaction means showed that LM steaks from B-C maturity carcasses with SL marbling had a less intense bloody/serumy flavor than did steaks from A maturity carcasses with SL marbling. Results of this study suggest that, when applied to carcasses from grain-finished cattle whose dental ages are less than 30 mo old at the time of slaughter, USDA quality grades would be no less effective in identifying eating quality differences if the A and B-C maturity groups were combined and quality grades were assigned using only marbling.

Selecting the correct exercise intensity for unbiased comparisons of thermoregulatory responses between groups of different mass and surface area

We assessed whether comparisons of thermoregulatory responses between groups unmatched for body mass and surface area (BSA) should be performed using a metabolic heat production (prod) in Watts or Watts per kilogram for changes in rectal temperature (ΔTre), and an evaporative heat balance requirement (Ereq) in Watts or Watts per square meter for local sweat rates (LSR). Two groups with vastly different mass and BSA [large (LG): 91.5 ± 6.8 kg, 2.12 ± 0.09 m(2), n = 8; small (SM): 67.6 ± 5.6 kg, 1.80 ± 0.09 m(2), n = 8; P < 0.001], but matched for heat acclimation status, sex, age, and with the same onset threshold esophageal temperatures (LG: +0.37 ± 0.12°C; SM: +0.41 ± 0.17°C; P = 0.364) and thermosensitivities (LG: 1.02 ± 0.54, SM: 1.00 ± 0.38 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1)·°C(-1); P = 0.918) for sweating, cycled for 60 min in 25°C at different levels of prod (500 W, 600 W, 6.5 W/kg, 9.0 W/kg) and Ereq (340 W, 400 W, 165 W/m(2), 190 W/m(2)). ΔTre was different between groups at a prod of 500 W (LG: 0.52 ± 0.15°C, SM: 0.92 ± 0.24°C; P < 0.001) and 600 W (LG: 0.78 ± 0.19°C, SM: 1.14 ± 0.24°C; P = 0.007), but similar at 6.5 W/kg (LG: 0.79 ± 0.21°C, SM: 0.85 ± 0.14°C; P = 0.433) and 9.0 W/kg (LG: 1.02 ± 0.22°C, SM: 1.14 ± 0.24°C; P = 0.303). Furthermore, ΔTre was the same at 9.0 W/kg in a 35°C environment (LG: 1.12 ± 0.30°C, SM: 1.14 ± 0.25°C) as at 25°C (P > 0.230). End-exercise LSR was different at Ereq of 400 W (LG: 0.41 ± 0.18, SM: 0.57 ± 0.13 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1); P = 0.043) with a trend toward higher LSR in SM at 340 W (LG: 0.28 ± 0.06, SM: 0.37 ± 0.15 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1); P = 0.057), but similar at 165 W/m(2) (LG: 0.28 ± 0.06, SM: 0.28 ± 0.12 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1); P = 0.988) and 190 W/m(2) (LG: 0.41 ± 0.18, SM: 0.37 ± 0.15 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1); P = 0.902). In conclusion, when comparing groups unmatched for mass and BSA, future experiments can avoid systematic differences in ΔTre and LSR by using a fixed prod in Watts per kilogram and Ereq in Watts per square meter, respectively.

THE TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF REGIONAL CITY SIZE DISTRIBUTION: ANDHRA PRADESH (1951-2001)

Systems with measurable entities are characterized by certain properties of their size distribution. C ity Size Distribution (CSD) and the underlying city size dyn amics have received attention in the urban economic literature in recent years. In this approach we aim at evaluating the temporal dynamics of city size distribution in Andhra Pradesh, an Indian state for the period 1951-2001. The research framework-which is based on a function relating population size to rank-is used to test for the trends of deconcentrat ion cities of population over the study period. The exp ansion methodology is used to investigate the dynamics of rank size function in temporal dimensio n. We have studied the threshold size and its influence on temporal trends. The size distribution of cities/towns from one period to another is mode led by way of a Markov Chain. Our findings reveal that all places in the urban system are growing with sma ll towns growing at a faster rate during study period. The largest cities and the smallest towns display higher persistence than the medium sized cities.