Search

Morphometry has proven to be a useful tool, both for the clinician and horse owners, for evaluating the body condition in equids due to its objectivity, easiness and capacity for detection of important metabolic disturbances. However, limited information is available on the use of morphometric ratios to characterize regional and overall adiposity and much less about their application in different genders, ages and horses with different levels of obesity. The objectives were to evaluate body and neck absolute measurements and ratios; factors affecting them such as the influence of gender, age, appearance of the neck crest and overall body condition and; relationships among these measurements. A total of 154 Andalusian horses classified according to their gender, age, body score status and cresty neck condition were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Two evaluators assigned a body condition score (BCS, 1 to 9) and a cresty neck score (CNS, 0 to 5) to each horse. Horses were divided into males and females; young (2 to 5 years) and adults (6 to 15 years); obese (BCS≥7) and non-obese (BCS<7); cresty neck (CNS≥3) and non-cresty neck horses (CNS<3). Morphometric measurements (cm) included were: height at the withers (HW); body length (BL), girth (GC) and waist (WC) circumferences; neck length (NL); three neck circumferences (NCs), over the first (NC25%), the second (NC50%) and the third part (NC75%) of the NL and neck crest height (NCH). These measurements were also used to calculate the following ratios: GC:HW, WC:HW, GC:BL, WC:BL, NC25%: HW, NC50%: HW, NC75%: HW, NC25%: BL, NC50%: BL, NC75%: BL, NC25%: NL, NC50%: NL, NC75%: NL, NC25%: NCH, NC50%: NCH and NC75%: NCH. The results showed that most of the absolute measurements and ratios were greater than those described in other light breeds. In addition, most neck ratios were higher (P <0.050) in males than in females, however, all body ratios were greater (P <0.001) in females. Among the absolute measurements, WC in obese horses and NC25% and NC75% in cresty neck horses highlighted as higher. Either GC : HW or WC :HW and NC75%: BL were alternative surrogates for the appraisal of overall and regional adiposity in Andalusians. Several interactions were observed between the gender and adiposity scoring systems affecting the morphometric evaluation. This study establishes absolute morphometric measurements and ratios in Andalusian horses. It also highlights the variability of morphometric values and how the outcome of these can be influenced by demographic variables and the breed analyzed. Further studies are necessary to set morphometric reference values in other breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the conventional in situ ruminal degradability method is a relevant tool to describe the nutritional value of ruminant feeds, its need for rumen-fistulated animals may impose a restriction on its use when considering animal welfare issues and cost. The aim of the present work was to develop a ruminal degradability technique which avoids using surgically prepared animals. The concept was to orally dose a series of porous bags containing the test feeds at different times before slaughter, when the bags would be removed from the rumen for degradation measurement. Bags, smaller than those used in the conventional nylon bag technique, were made from woven nylon fabric, following two shape designs (rectangular flat shape, tetrahedral shape) and were fitted with one of three types of device for preventing their regurgitation. These bags were used in two experiments with individually housed non-pregnant, non-lactating sheep, as host animals for the in situ ruminal incubation of forage substrates. The bags were closed at the top edge by machine stitching and wrapped in tissue paper before oral dosing. Standard times for ruminal incubation of substrates in all of the tests were 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h before slaughter. The purpose of the first experiment was to compare the effectiveness of the three anti-regurgitation device designs, constructed from nylon cable ties ('Z-shaped', ARD1; 'double Z-shaped', ARD2; 'umbrella-shaped', ARD3), and to observe whether viable degradation curves could be generated using grass hay as the substrate. In the second experiment, three other substrates (perennial ryegrass, red clover and barley straw) were compared using flat and tetrahedral bags fitted with type ARD1 anti-regurgitation devices. Non-linear mixed-effect regression models were used to fit asymptotic exponential curves of the percentage dry matter loss of the four substrates against time of incubation in the reticulorumen, and the effect of type of anti-regurgitation device and the shape of nylon bag. All three devices were highly successful at preventing regurgitation with 93% to 100% of dosed bags being recovered in the reticulorumen at slaughter. Ruminal degradation data obtained for tested forages were in accordance with those expected from the conventional degradability technique using fistulated animals, with no significant differences in the asymptotic values of degradation curves between bag shape or anti-regurgitation device. The results of this research demonstrate the potential for using a small bag technique with intact sheep to characterise the in situ ruminal degradability of roughages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main factors affecting the mechanical (and other) properties of bone, including antler, are the proportions of ash (especially Ca and P) and collagen content. However, some trace minerals may also play more important roles than would be expected, given their low levels in bone and antler. One such trace mineral is Cu. Here, we studied the effects of Cu supplementation on the mechanical and structural characteristics, and mineral content of antlers from yearling and adult (4 years of age) red deer fed a balanced diet. Deer (n=35) of different ages (21 yearlings and 14 adults) were studied. A total of 18 stags (11 yearlings and 7 adults) were injected with Cu (0.83 mg Cu/kg BW) every 42 days, whereas the remaining 17 (10 yearlings and 7 adults) were injected with physiological saline solution (control group). The Cu content of serum was analysed at the beginning of the trial and 84 days after the first injection to assess whether the injected Cu was mobilized in blood. Also, the mechanical and structural properties of antlers and the mineral content in their cortical walls were examined at three (yearlings) or four (adults) points along the antler beam. The effect of Cu supplementation was different in yearlings and adults. In yearlings, supplementation increased the Cu content of serum by 28%, but did not affect antler properties. However, in adults, Cu supplementation increased the Cu content of serum by 38% and tended to increase the cortical thickness of antlers (P=0.06). Therefore, we conclude that, even in animals receiving balanced diets, supplementation with Cu could increase antler cortical thickness in adult deer, although not in yearlings. This may improve the trophy value of antlers, as well as having potential implications for bones in elderly humans, should Cu supplementation have similar effects on bones as those observed in antlers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper studies the genetic importance of growth curve parameters and their relevance as selection criteria in breeding programmes of Segureño sheep. Logistic and Verhulst growth functions were chosen for their best fit to BW/age in this breed; the first showed the best general fit and the second the best individual fit. Live weights of 41 330 individuals from the historical archives of the National Association of Segureña Sheep Breeders were used in the analysis. The progeny of 1464 rams and 27 048 ewes were used to study the genetic and phenotypic parameters of growth curve parameters and derived traits. Reproductive management in the population consists in controlled natural mating inside every herd, with a minimum of 15% of the females fertilized by artificial insemination with fresh semen; with the purpose being the herd genetic connections, all herd genealogies are screened with DNA markers. Estimates of growth curve parameters from birth to 80 days were obtained for each individual and each function by the non-linear regression procedure using IBM SPSS statistics (version 21) with the Levenberg-Marquart estimation method. (Co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by using the REML/Animal model methodology. The heritability of mature weight was estimated as 0.41 ± 0.042 and 0.38 ± 0.021 with the logistic and Verhulst models, respectively, and the heritability of other parameters ranged from 0.41 to 0.62 and 0.37 to 0.61, with the models, respectively. A negative genetic correlation between mature weight and rate of maturing was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-linear models were analysed to describe both the biological and commercial growth curves of the Segureña sheep, one of the most important Spanish breeds. We evaluated Brody, von Bertalanffy, Verhulst, logistic and Gompertz models, using historical data from the National Association of Segureña Sheep Breeders (ANCOS). These records were collected between 2000 and 2013, from a total of 129 610 weight observations ranging from birth to adulthood. The aim of this research was to establish the mathematical behaviour of body development throughout this breed’s commercial life (birth to slaughter) and biological life (birth to adulthood); comparison between both slopes gives important information regarding the best time for slaughter, informs dietary advice according to animals’ needs, permits economical predictions of productions and, by using the curve parameters as selection criteria, enables improvements in growth characteristics of the breed. Models were fitted according to the non-linear regression procedure of statistical package SPSS version19. Model parameters were estimated using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Candidate models were compared using the determinative coefficient, mean square error, number of iterations, Akaike information coefficient and biological coherence of the estimated parameters. The von Bertalanffy and logistic models were found to be best suited to the biological and commercial growth curves, respectively, for both sexes. The Brody equation was found to be unsuitable for studying the commercial growth curve. Differences between the parameters in both sexes indicate a strong impact of sexual dimorphism on growth. This can emphasize the value of the highest growth rate for females, indicating that they reach maturity earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2010.06.007 Byline: Patricia Langsch Tecles (a), Benjamin M. Tabak (b)(c) Keywords: Stochastic frontier; Bayesian methods; Banking system; Emerging markets Abstract: This paper analyzes the efficiency of the Brazilian banking sector over the post-privatization period of 2000-2007. We employ a Bayesian stochastic frontier approach, which provides exact efficiency estimates and confidence intervals and thus, allows an accurate comparison across institutions and bank groups. The results suggest that large banks are the most cost and profit efficient, supporting the concentration process observed in recent years. Foreign banks have achieved a good performance through either the establishment of new affiliates and the acquisition of local banks. The remaining public banks have had improvements in cost efficiency, but are relatively profit inefficient. Finally, we observe a positive impact of capitalization on efficiency. Author Affiliation: (a) Departamento de Economia, Universidade de Brasilia, Campus Universitario - Asa Norte, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil (b) Banco Central do Brasil, DEPEP, SBS Quadra 3, Bloco B, Ed. Sede, 9 andar, 70074-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil (c) Graduate Programa in Economics, Campus II, SGAN 916 Modulo A, CEP 70790-160 / Brasilia, DF, Brazil Article History: Received 18 May 2009; Accepted 9 June 2010

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.01.014 Byline: Rafael Marce (a)(b), Enrique Moreno-Ostos (b)(c), Jose Ma Garcia-Barcina (d), Joan Armengol (b) Abstract: Selection of reservoir location, the floodable basin forest handling, and the design of dam structures devoted to water supply (e.g. water outlets) constitute relevant features which strongly determine water quality and frequently demand management strategies to be adopted. Although these crucial aspects should be carefully examined during dam design before construction, currently the development of ad hoc limnological studies tailoring dam location and dam structures to the water quality characteristics expected in the future reservoir is not typical practice. In this study, we use numerical simulation to assist on the design of a new dam project in Spain with the aim of maximizing the quality of the water supplied by the future reservoir. First, we ran a well-known coupled hydrodynamic and biogeochemical dynamic numerical model (DYRESM-CAEDYM) to simulate the potential development of anoxic layers in the future reservoir. Then, we generated several scenarios corresponding to different potential hydraulic conditions and outlet configurations. Second, we built a simplified numerical model to simulate the development of the hypolimnetic oxygen content during the maturation stage after the first reservoir filling, taking into consideration the degradation of the terrestrial organic matter flooded and the adoption of different forest handling scenarios. Results are discussed in terms of reservoir design and water quality management. The combination of hypolimnetic withdrawal from two deep outlets and the removal of all the valuable terrestrial vegetal biomass before flooding resulted in the best water quality scenario. Author Affiliation: (a) Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Parc Cientific i TecnolA[sup.2]gic de la Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain (b) Fluvial Dynamics and Hydrologic Engineering (FLUMEN), Department of Ecology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain (c) Department of Ecology and Geology, University of Malaga, Campus Universitario Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain (d) Subdireccion de Desarrollo Sostenible, Consorcio de Aguas Bilbao Bizkaia, San Vicente 8, 48001 Bilbao, Spain Article History: Received 16 April 2009; Revised 19 January 2010; Accepted 28 January 2010

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2009.03.029 Byline: Eduardo Conde (a), Maria de la Paz Rivera Perez (b) Keywords: Decision analysis; Multi-objective optimization Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new Decision Making model, enabling to assess a finite number of alternatives according to a set of bounds on the preference ratios for the pairwise comparisons between alternatives, that is, an 'interval judgement matrix'. In the case in which these bounds cannot be achieved by any assessment vector, we analyze the problem of determining of an efficient or Pareto-optimal solution from a multi-objective optimization problem. This multi-objective formulation seeks for assessment vectors that are near to simultaneously fulfil all the bound requirements imposed by the interval judgement matrix. Our new model introduces a linear optimization problem in order to define a consistency index for the interval matrix. By solving this optimization problem it can be associated a weakly efficient assessment vector to the consistency index in those cases in which the bound requirements are infeasible. Otherwise, this assessment vector fulfils all the bound requirements and has geometrical properties that make it appropriate as a representative assessment vector of the set of feasible weights. Author Affiliation: (a) Departamento de Estadistica e Investigacion Operativa, Facultad de Matematicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Campus Universitario de Reina Mercedes, 41012 Sevilla, Spain (b) Departamento de Economia y Metodos Cuantitativos, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. de Utrera, Km. 1- 41013 Sevilla, Spain Article History: Received 5 July 2007; Accepted 15 March 2009

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cl.2008.11.002 Byline: Marcelo G. Armentano, Analia A. Amandi Keywords: Personal assistants; Interface agents; Object oriented frameworks Abstract: Personal assistants are computer programs that enhance the functionality provided by a software application by implementing a mixed initiative interaction with the user in which both, the assistant and the user, can execute tasks and initiate the interaction with each other. This kind of software is also known as Interface Agents in the Artificial Intelligence community. A key problem in systems implemented so far is that the interface agent and the application are seen as a unit of software and the code of the agent is embedded in the code of the application resulting in highly coupled and hard to maintain systems. In this paper we present a solution to this problem. We propose a framework that will allow attaching an interface agent to a conventional application without modifying the application in any way. This will allow us to enhance an existent application with an interface agent to assist the user for which we do not have the source code available. Author Affiliation: ISISTAN Research Institute, UNICEN, Campus Universitario, CP 7000, Tandil, Bs. As., Argentina Article History: Received 8 February 2008; Accepted 24 November 2008

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2008.06.022 Byline: Eduardo Conde Keywords: Robust optimization; Project management Abstract: The execution of a given project, with a number of interrelated tasks due to precedence constraints, represents a challenge when one must to control the available resources and the compromised due dates. In this paper, we analyse this problem under uncertain individual task completing times, specifically, we will assume that a given range, for the admissible values of each individual completing time, is available. Taking into account that the precedence relations between tasks must be preserved, each realization of the admissible execution times for the set of tasks will define a new scenario determining the ending time for the project and the subset of critical tasks. The minmax regret criterion will be used in order to obtain a robust approximation to the critical set of tasks determining the overall execution time for the project. Author Affiliation: Departamento de Estadistica e Investigacion Operativa, Facultad de Matematicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Campus Universitario de Reina Mercedes, Tarfia S/N, 41012 Sevilla, Spain Article History: Received 28 January 2008; Accepted 16 June 2008

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.10.010 Byline: Pablo CaA[+ or -]izares, Ruben Paz, Cristina Saez, Manuel A. Rodrigo Abstract: In the work described here the technical and economic feasibilities of three Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have been studied: Conductive-Diamond Electrochemical Oxidation (CDEO), Ozonation and Fenton oxidation. The comparison was made by assessing the three technologies with synthetic wastewaters polluted with different types of organic compounds and also with actual wastes (from olive oil mills and from a fine-chemical manufacturing plant). All three technologies were able to treat the wastes, but very different results were obtained in terms of efficiency and mineralization. Only CDEO could achieve complete mineralization of the pollutants for all the wastes. However, the efficiencies were found to depend on the concentration of pollutant (mass transfer control of the oxidation rate). Results obtained in the oxidation with ozone (at pH 12) or by Fenton's reagent were found to depend on the nature of the pollutants, and significant concentrations of oxidation-refractory compounds were usually accumulated during the treatment. Within the discharge limits that all of the technologies can reach, the economic analysis shows that the operating cost of Fenton oxidation is lower than either CDEO or ozonation, although CD\EO can compete satisfactorily with the Fenton process in the treatment of several kinds of wastes. Likewise, the investment cost for the ozonation process seems to be higher than either CDEO or Fenton oxidation, regardless of the pollutant treated. Author Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain Article History: Received 23 April 2007; Revised 2 October 2007; Accepted 30 October 2007

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2008.05.009 Byline: Yolanda Blanco-Fernandez, Jose J. Pazos-Arias, Alberto Gil-Solla, Manuel Ramos-Cabrer, Martin Lopez-Nores, Jorge Garcia-Duque, Ana Fernandez-Vilas, Rebeca P. Diaz-Redondo Keywords: Personalization; Content-based methods; Collaborative filtering; Semantic reasoning Abstract: Current recommender systems attempt to identify appealing items for a user by applying syntactic matching techniques, which suffer from significant limitations that reduce the quality of the offered suggestions. To overcome this drawback, we have developed a domain-independent personalization strategy that borrows reasoning techniques from the Semantic Web, elaborating recommendations based on the semantic relationships inferred between the user's preferences and the available items. Our reasoning-based approach improves the quality of the suggestions offered by the current personalization approaches, and greatly reduces their most severe limitations. To validate these claims, we have carried out a case study in the Digital TV field, in which our strategy selects TV programs interesting for the viewers from among the myriad of contents available in the digital streams. Our experimental evaluation compares the traditional approaches with our proposal in terms of both the number of TV programs suggested, and the users' perception of the recommendations. Finally, we discuss concerns related to computational feasibility and scalability of our approach. Author Affiliation: ETSE Telecomunicacion, Campus Universitario, Vigo 36310, Spain Article History: Received 31 October 2007; Revised 29 April 2008; Accepted 6 May 2008 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Work funded by the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia (Gobierno de EspaA[+ or -]a) research project TSI2007-61599, by the Conselleria de Educacion e Ordenacion Universitaria (Xunta de Galicia) incentives file 2007/000016-0, and by the Programa de Promocion Xeral da Investigacion de Conselleria de Innovacion, Industria e Comercio (Xunta de Galicia) PGIDIT05PXIC32204PN.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2008.01.016 Byline: Javier Aroba (a), Juan J. Cuadrado-Gallego (b), Miguel-Angel Sicilia (b), Isabel Ramos (c), Elena Garcia-Barriocanal (b) Keywords: Software effort estimation; Parametric software estimation models; Fuzzy clustering Abstract: Parametric software cost estimation models are based on mathematical relations, obtained from the study of historical software projects databases, that intend to be useful to estimate the effort and time required to develop a software product. Those databases often integrate data coming from projects of a heterogeneous nature. This entails that it is difficult to obtain a reasonably reliable single parametric model for the range of diverging project sizes and characteristics. A solution proposed elsewhere for that problem was the use of segmented models in which several models combined into a single one contribute to the estimates depending on the concrete characteristic of the inputs. However, a second problem arises with the use of segmented models, since the belonging of concrete projects to segments or clusters is subject to a degree of fuzziness, i.e. a given project can be considered to belong to several segments with different degrees. This paper reports the first exploration of a possible solution for both problems together, using a segmented model based on fuzzy clusters of the project space. The use of fuzzy clustering allows obtaining different mathematical models for each cluster and also allows the items of a project database to contribute to more than one cluster, while preserving constant time execution of the estimation process. The results of an evaluation of a concrete model using the ISBSG 8 project database are reported, yielding better figures of adjustment than its crisp counterpart. Author Affiliation: (a) Information Technologies Department, University of Huelva, Ctra. Huelva-La Rabida s/n, 21071 Huelva, Spain (b) Computer Science Department, University of Alcala, Campus Universitario, Ctra. Barcelona km. 33.6 28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain (c) Dpto. Lenguajes y Sistemas Informaticos, University of Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes s/n, Sevilla, Spain Article History: Received 10 July 2006; Revised 11 January 2007; Accepted 19 January 2008

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.07.005 Byline: R.R. Marcello (a), S. Galato (b), M. Peterson (a)(c), H.G. Riella (c), A.M. Bernardin (a)(c) Keywords: Acid mine drainage; Pigments; Glazes; Ceramic tiles Abstract: Continuous industrial development increases energy consumption and, consequently, the consumption of fossil fuels. Coal mineral has been used in Brazil as a solid fuel for thermoelectric generators for several years. However, coal exploitation affects the environment intensely, mainly because Brazilian coal contains excess ash and pyrite (iron disulfide). According to the local coal industry syndicate, the average annual coal run per mine is 6 million ton/year; 3.5 million ton/year are rejected and disposed of in landfills. Besides pyrite, Brazilian coal contains Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ge, Se, and Co. Additionally, the water used for coal beneficiation causes pyrite oxidation, forming an acid mine drainage (AMD). This drainage solubilizes the metals, transporting them into the environment, making treatment a requirement. This work deals with the use of sedimented residue from treated coal mine drainage sludge to obtain inorganic pigments that could be used in the ceramic industry. The residue was dried, ground and calcined ([approximately equal to]1250[degrees]C). The calcined pigment was then micronized (D.sub.50[approximately equal to]2[mu]m). Chemical (XRF), thermal (DTA/TG), particle size (laser), and mineralogical (XRD) analyses were carried out on the residue. After calcination and micronization, mineralogical analyses (XRD) were used to determine the pigment structure at 1250[degrees]C. Finally, the pigments were mixed with transparent glaze and fired in a laboratory roller kiln (1130[degrees]C, 5min). The results were promising, showing that brown colors can be obtained with pigments made by residues. Author Affiliation: (a) Engenharia de Materiais, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Avenida Universitaria 1105, Bairro Universitario, CEP 88.806-000, Criciuma, Santa Catarina, Brazil (b) Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais e Tecnologicas, Rodovia Governador Jorge Lacerda km 4,5, Bairro Universitario, CEP 88.805-350, Criciuma, Santa Catarina, Brazil (c) Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Engenharia Quimica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario, Trindade, CEP 88.040-900, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil Article History: Received 2 April 2006; Revised 30 May 2007; Accepted 2 July 2007

The number of organically managed cattle (OMC) within the European Union has increased tremendously in the last decade. However, there are still some concerns about animals under this farming system meeting their dietary requirements for milk production. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic adaptations to the onset of lactation in three different herds, one conventional and two organic ones. Twenty-two conventionally managed cattle (CMC) and 20 from each organic farm were sampled throughout the periparturient period. These samplings were grouped into four different stages: (i) far-off dry, (ii) close-up dry, (iii) fresh and (iv) peak of lactation and compared among them. In addition, the results of periparturient animals were also compared within each management type with a control group (animals between the 4th and 5th months of pregnancy). Metabolic profiles were used to assess the health status of the herds, along with the quantification of the acute phase proteins haptoglobin and serum amyloid A, insulin and the calculation of different surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity. Generalised linear mixed models with repeated measurements were used to study the effect of the stage, management type or their interaction on the serum variables studied. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis was higher in OMC, although they showed better insulin sensitivity, a lower degree of inflammation and less liver injury, without a higher risk of macromineral deficiencies. Therefore, attention should be paid on organic farms to the nutritional management of cows around the time of calving in order to prevent the harmful consequences of excessive negative energy balance. Moreover, it must be taken into account that most of the common practices used to treat this condition in CMC are not allowed on a systematic basis in OMC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2006.07.040 Byline: Silvia Lorenzo-Freire (a), Jose M. Alonso-Meijide (b), Balbina Casas-Mendez (b), Ruud Hendrickx (c) Keywords: TU-games; Awards; Run-to-the-bank rule; Balanced contributions; Bankruptcy problems; Multi-issue allocation situations Abstract: Calleja et al. [Calleja, P., Borm, P., Hendrickx, R., 2005. Multi-issue allocation situations. European Journal of Operational Research 164, 730-747] introduced multi-issue allocation situations with awards. In this paper, we extend the classical model of cooperative games with transferable utility to the cooperative games with transferable utility and awards. We define a run-to-the-bank rule for cooperative games with transferable utility and awards and characterise it in terms of a property of balanced contributions. We apply our main result to bankruptcy problems and multi-issue allocation situations with awards. Author Affiliation: (a) Departamento de Estatistica e IO, Facultade de Economicas, Universidade de Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain (b) Departamento de Estatistica e IO, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain (c) Center and Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, The Netherlands Article History: Received 11 January 2006; Accepted 27 July 2006

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2006.07.036 Byline: Eduardo Conde (a), Alfredo Candia (b) Keywords: Robust optimization; Minimum spanning arborescences; Edmonds' algorithm Abstract: The paper considers a classical optimization problem on a network whose arc costs are partially known. It is assumed that an interval estimate is given for each arc cost and no further information about the statistical distribution of the truth value of the arc cost is known. In this context, given a spanning arborescence in the network, its cost can take on different values according to the choice of each individual arc cost, that is, according to the different cost scenarios. We analyze the problem of finding which spanning arborescence better approaches the optimal one under each possible scenario. The minimax regret criterion is proposed in order to obtain such a robust solution to the problem. In the paper, it is shown that a greedy-type algorithm can compute an optimal solution of this problem on acyclic networks. For general networks, the problem becomes NP-hard. In this case, the special structure of the optimization problem allows us to design a bounding process for the optimum value that will result in a heuristic algorithm described at the end of the paper. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Statistic and Operations Research, Facultad de Matematicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Campus Universitario de Reina Mercedes, 41012 Sevilla, Spain (b) Department of Computer Science, Universidad de Talca, Merced 437, Curico, Chile Article History: Received 25 November 2005; Accepted 21 July 2006

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.05.014 Byline: VAcentsnia P. Campos, Angela Cristina A. Costa, Tania M. Tavares Keywords: Rain neutralization; Seaspray; Wet deposition; Marine aerosol Abstract: In the RecA[acute accent]ncavo of Bahia (located between 12[degrees]33' and 13[degrees]10'S and 38[degrees]00'and 39[degrees]00'W), there are significant discharges of SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x due to local, industrial and urban activities. The incoming air masses from the Atlantic Ocean are enriched with seaspray, which neutralizes part of the rain acidity. The extent of seaspray neutralization of rain acidity was quantified in four sites of the region, each with different loads of seaspray. Rain samples were obtained daily at the same time, integrating the precipitation of the previous 24h, using wet-only collectors and analyzed for pH by potentiometry and for sodium by flame photometry. The amount of rain acidity in RecA[acute accent]ncavo neutralized by seaspray ranged from Author Affiliation: LAQUAM -- Laboratorio de Quimica Analitica Ambiental, Departamento de Quimica Analitica, Instituto de Quimica da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Campus Universitario de Ondina, s/n CEP 40170-290, Salvador, BA, Brazil Article History: Received 8 June 2005; Revised 10 May 2006; Accepted 18 May 2006

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2005.11.040 Byline: Eduardo Conde Keywords: Location problems; Polynomial algorithms; Complexity; Robust optimization Abstract: We consider a robust location-allocation problem with uncertainty in demand coefficients. Specifically, for each demand point, only an interval estimate of its demand is known and we consider the problem of determining where to locate a new service when a given fraction of these demand points must be served by the utility. The optimal solution of this problem is determined by the 'minimax regret' location, i.e., the point that minimizes the worst-case loss in the objective function that may occur because a decision is made without knowing which state of nature will take place. For the case where the demand points are vertices of a network we show that the robust location-allocation problem can be solved in O(min{p, n - p}n.sup.3 m) time, where n is the number of demand points, p (p < n) is the fixed number of demand points that must be served by the new service and m is the number of edges of the network. Author Affiliation: Department of Statistic and Operations Research, Facultad de Matematicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Campus Universitario de Reina Mercedes, 41012 Sevilla, Spain Article History: Received 15 December 2003; Accepted 15 November 2005

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cl.2006.02.001 Byline: Cristian Mateos, Alejandro Zunino, Marcelo Campo Abstract: Web Services enable computers to interact and exploit Web-accessible programs without human intervention. Despite researchers agree that mobile agent technology will obtain significant benefits from this line of research, the lack of proper development tools hinder the widespread adoption of mobile agent technology on the Web. This paper describes a novel programming language called WS-Log whose goal is to provide a tight integration between mobile agents and Web Services. Examples and experimental results showing some of the advantages of WS-Log are also reported. Author Affiliation: ISISTAN Research Institute. UNICEN University, UNCPBA, Campus Universitario, Tandil B7001BBO, Buenos Aires, Argentina Article History: Received 9 August 2005; Revised 26 January 2006; Accepted 13 February 2006

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2004.12.018 Byline: David Moreno (a), Paulina Marco (b), Ignacio Olmeda (c) Keywords: Finance; Mutual funds; Clustering; Self-organizing map (SOM); Investment analysis Abstract: In this paper, we apply nonlinear techniques (Self-Organizing Maps, k-nearest neighbors and the k-means algorithm) to evaluate the official Spanish mutual funds classification. The methodology that we propose allows us to identify which mutual funds are misclassified in the sense that they have historical performances which do not conform to the investment objectives established in their official category. According to this, we conclude that, on average, over 40% of mutual funds could be misclassified. Then, we propose an alternative classification, based on a double-step methodology, and we find that it achieves a significantly lower rate of misclassifications. The portfolios obtained from this alternative classification also attain better performances in terms of return/risk and include a smaller number of assets. Author Affiliation: (a) Dpto. Economia de Empresa, Universidad Carlos III, C/Madrid 126, 28903 Getafe, Madrid, Spain (b) Dpto. de Finanzas Empresariales, Universidad de Valencia, Avda. dels Tarongers sn, 46022 Valencia, Spain (c) Dpto. de Ciencias de la Computacion, Universidad de Alcala, E.U. Politecnica, Campus Universitario, 28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain Article History: Received 3 August 2004; Accepted 23 December 2004

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.09.011 Byline: A.M. Jimenez (a), R. Borja (b), A. Martin (c), F. Raposo (b) Keywords: Anaerobic digestion; Kinetics; Vinasses; Penicillium decumbens Abstract: A kinetic study was carried out on the anaerobic digestion of untreated vinasses and vinasses previously fermented with Penicillium decumbens. Two 1-l volume continuous-flow stirred tank reactors (CFSTR) operating at mesophilic temperature (35[degrees]C) were used for the study. One reactor was fed with untreated vinasses (COD concentration of 80.5g/l) and the other with vinasses previously fermented (COD concentration of 23.0g/l). Both reactors were operated at organic loading rates in the range of 1.5-7.5g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/l-d. The results obtained were evaluated using the Chen-Hashimoto methane production model to determine the values of the maximum specific growth rate ([mu].sub.max) and the model kinetic constant (K) of the process for each case studied. The kinetic constants ([mu].sub.max and K) were affected by the pre-treatment, and the respective values were 9.6 and 6.9 times higher for pretreated vinasses than those of untreated vinasses. This was significant at the 95% confidence level. This behaviour is believed to be due to the lower levels of phenolic compounds present in the pretreated vinasses, as compared to untreated vinasses, resulting in an improved process performance, kinetics and stability. Finally, the experimental values of methane production were reproduced with deviations equal to or less than 4% and 10% for pretreated and untreated vinasses, respectively. Author Affiliation: (a) Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. de Utrera, Km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain (b) Instituto de la Grasa (C.S.I.C.), Avda. Padre Garcia Tejero 4, 41012 Sevilla, Spain (c) Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio C-3, Ctra. Madrid-Cadiz, Km 396, 14071 Cordoba, Spain Article History: Received 24 September 2004; Revised 7 September 2005; Accepted 8 September 2005

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Special molecules have evolved for iron acquisition, transport and storage in soluble, nontoxic forms. Studies about the effects of iron on health are focused on iron metabolism or nutrition to prevent or treat iron deficiency and anemia. These studies are focused in two main aspects: (1) basic studies to elucidate iron metabolism and (2) nutritional studies to evaluate the efficacy of iron supplementation to prevent or treat iron deficiency and anemia. This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental models commonly used as well as the methods that are more used in studies related to iron. In vitro studies have used different parts of the gut. In vivo studies are done in humans and animals such as mice, rats, pigs and monkeys. Iron metabolism is a complex process that includes interactions at the systemic level. In vitro studies, despite physiological differences to humans, are useful to increase knowledge related to this essential micronutrient. Isotopic techniques are the most recommended in studies related to iron, but their high cost and required logistic, making them difficult to use. The depletion–-repletion of hemoglobin is a method commonly used in animal studies. Three depletion–-repletion techniques are mostly used: hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, relative biological values (RBV) and metabolic balance, which are official methods of the association of official analytical chemists. These techniques are well-validated to be used as studies related to iron and their results can be extrapolated to humans. Knowledge about the main advantages and disadvantages of the in vitro and animal models, and methods used in these studies, could increase confidence of researchers in the experimental results with less costs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the initiation or progression of numerous diseases, and dairy cows undergo OS at the transition period. However, discrepancies between methodologies make it difficult to make comparisons between studies, and therefore research on this topic may not be implemented in farms. This study aims to test under field conditions the use of an oxidative stress index (OSi) as a combined measurement through a ratio between pro-oxidants and antioxidants throughout the transition period in dairy farms. Serum samples of high-yielding dairy cows were taken, and markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity were measured in four different production stages: (i) late lactation (LL; −2 to −1 months); (ii) prepartum (PrP; −1 month until parturition); (iii) postpartum (PsP; delivery to +1 month); and (iv) peak of lactation (PkL; +1 to +2.5 months). Values were compared between production stages and against a metabolic baseline status (CTR, 4th to 5th month of gestation). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature that discusses the values of these oxidative stress biomarkers (and the OS index) for cows with low metabolic demands, as to date most research in this area has focused on the transition period. With the joint evaluation through the OSi, differences were found that were not present with the separate evaluation of pro-oxidants or antioxidants, thus supporting our hypothesis that the OSi indicates more accurately the oxidative status of the animals. It was also confirmed that dairy cows undergo OS after parturition, and that antioxidant supplementation from 1 month before parturition until the peak of lactation may be needed to reduce the risk of OS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was designed to analyse the evolution in the use of beef bull semen for dairy cattle insemination and, mainly, to assess calving difficulty, gestation length and proportion of stillbirths after breeding pure Holsteins or crossbreeding. Data were collected during 2004 to 2011 for 552 571 Holstein calvings (457 070 Holstein × Holstein, 43 384 Holstein × Limousine, 32 174 Holstein × Belgian Blue and 19 943 Holstein × Galician Blonde). The highest calving difficulty, compared with pure Holsteins was for crosses with Belgian Blue followed by Limousine and Galician Blonde. The Holstein × Limousine and Holstein × Galician Blonde crossbred calves had significantly longer gestation lengths than Holstein × Holstein and Holstein × Belgian Blue calves. Between the latter two, pure Holstein had the shortest gestation length. Calving difficulty and gestation length decreased as the age of the dam advanced. The most difficult calvings were observed in twin calvings, followed by the calvings of male calves and female calves. The gestations leading to the birth of male calves were longer than those leading to female calves and twin calves. Stillbirths were not related to the breed used for mating. Through examining these parameters, sire breed should be considered when selecting a beef breed for the insemination of milk-producing dams. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present study, the effect of type of stunning (electrical v. gas) and the gas mixtures in a modified atmosphere (MA) packing system (MA-A: 30% CO2+70% O2; MA-B: 30% CO2+69.3% N2+0.7% CO; MA-C: 40% CO2+60% N2) on light lamb meat quality, obtained by 20 males of Manchego Spanish breed, was evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days post packing. For all ageing times, gas-stunned groups reached the highest pH ( P<0.001) and shear force (SF) values (P<0.05), and at 21 days, water losses were highest; in contrast, meat colour coordinates were lower ( P<0.001). In general, MA-B showed the highest stability for colour coordinates whereas the lowest tenderness (high SF) was found on MA-A. In this study, the gas mixture with a low carbon monoxide level (MA-B) promoted a higher colour stability and good tenderness, in comparison to the other two blends. In contrast, the conventional packaging system (type A, high oxygen levels) had a reduced tenderness and major colour instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the effect of caponisation at 8 weeks on growth and on carcass and meat characteristics of Castellana Negra chickens slaughtered at 29 weeks. Caponisation did not result in weight improvements as compared with uncastrated birds. No changes were observed in the growth rate or in the parameters determining the point of inflection in the growth curve (sexual maturity). Regarding carcass characteristics, castration resulted in a wider breast angle and heavier pectoral muscles in caponised birds than in uncastrated birds, but with no differences in thigh and drumstick weight and length. Capon meat showed a higher fat content than that of cocks, making it juicier and less fibrous. No differences were found in fatty acid content (C 14:0, C 18:0, C 18:1 and C 18:2). Nor were there any differences in colour measurements, pH or water loss from the meat. While cocks? thighs + drumsticks were found to be tougher than their breasts, there were no such differences in capons because after castration, thigh + drumstick meat became more tender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]