scholarly journals Testing a continuous variation in preweaning expression of muscular hypertrophy in beef cattle using field data

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Goyache ◽  
L. J. Royo ◽  
I. Alvarez ◽  
J. P. Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Field Data ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Major Gene ◽  
Continuous Variation ◽  
Muscular Hypertrophy ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Phenotypical Variability ◽  
Growth Ability

Abstract. The hypothesis of a continuous variation in the expression of muscular hypertrophy has been tested using field data. A modification of NEUVY and VISSAC's cularity index method (Culard Index) was assayed. Expression of muscular hypertrophy showed a broad phenotypical variability. Environmental factors affecting expression of muscular hypertrophy characterised by Culard Index were calving season, age of dam, sex of calf, muscularity of dam, muscularity of sire and age of calf at weaning. In addition, Culard Index influences significantly preweaning growth traits confirming double muscled calves’ higher preweaning growth ability. Culard Index score showed moderate heritability. Expression of muscular hypertrophy could be a relatively different trait with respect to latent muscular hypertrophy that would be, in turn, determined by a partially dominant major gene. Culard Index could be an interesting tool to make use of the observable differences in expression of muscular hypertrophy.

Inhibiting Factors of Cost Performance in UAE Construction Projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Salem Ahmed Marey Alhammadi ◽  
◽  
Aftab Hameed Memon ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Cost Performance ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Inhibiting Factors ◽  
Critical Problems ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

UAE construction industry frequently faces poor cost performance which commonly known as cost overrun problem. This problem is resulted from several factors and it is important to identify these cost overrun factors in order to avoid and minimize it. Hence, this paper focused on determined the relevancy of factors affecting cost performance in construction projects of UAE. Through a review of past research works conducted globally, 27 factors of cost overrun were listed and used for developing a structured questionnaire. A survey was conducted with 33 practitioners from client, consultant and contractors organizations involved in handling construction projects in UAE. The respondents were requested to state their perception regarding the relevancy of each of the factors that was perceived in context with cost overrun issue using 5-points Likert scale. The responses were analysed using average index method and the results found that all the 27 factors are relevant with construction industry of UAE in causing cost overrun. These factors can be used for further investigation to uncover critical problems of cost overrun.

Analyzing Participant Behaviors in Design Crowdsourcing Contests Using Causal Inference on Field Data

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish M. Chaudhari ◽  
Zhenghui Sha ◽  
Jitesh H. Panchal
Keyword(s):  
Causal Inference ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Concept Generation ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Future Design ◽  
Game Theoretic

Crowdsourcing is the practice of getting ideas and solving problems using a large number of people on the Internet. It is gaining popularity for activities in the engineering design process ranging from concept generation to design evaluation. The outcomes of crowdsourcing contests depend on the decisions and actions of participants, which in turn depend on the nature of the problem and the contest. For effective use of crowdsourcing within engineering design, it is necessary to understand how the outcomes of crowdsourcing contests are affected by sponsor-related, contest-related, problem-related, and individual-related factors. To address this need, we employ existing game-theoretic models, empirical studies, and field data in a synergistic way using the theory of causal inference. The results suggest that participants' decisions to participate are negatively influenced by higher task complexity and lower reputation of sponsors. However, they are positively influenced by the number of prizes and higher allocation to prizes at higher levels. That is, an amount of money on any following prize generates higher participation than the same amount of money on the first prize. The contributions of the paper are: (a) a causal graph that encodes relationships among factors affecting crowdsourcing contests, derived from game-theoretic models and empirical studies, and (b) a quantification of the causal effects of these factors on the outcomes of GrabCAD, Cambridge, MA contests. The implications of these results on the design of future design crowdsourcing contests are discussed.

scholarly journals 86 Factors affecting beef calf vigor at birth: Dam peripartum body condition score, calving season, and calf size

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 3-3
Author(s):  
Lindsey G Wichman ◽  
Colby A Redifer ◽  
Natalie B Duncan ◽  
Craig A Payne ◽  
Allison M Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Abdominal Girth ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract To determine effects of cow BCS and calving season on calf vigor and size and the relationship of calf size with vigor, 310 multiparous and primiparous beef cows (age: 4.6 ± 2.2 yr; BW: 663 ± 86 kg; BCS: 5.3 ± 0.6) from 3 spring (2015, 2016, 2017) and 4 fall (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) calving seasons were observed during parturition. Time to stand (n = 191) was determined as minutes from birth to standing successfully for 5 sec. Within 24 h, calf BW (n = 187) and size [shoulder to tailhead length (STL), heart girth (HG), and abdominal girth (AG; n = 154)] were recorded. Data were analyzed using a mixed model containing effects of calving season (spring and fall), BCS category (< 5, =5, ≥6), and their interaction. Correlations were determined between time to stand and calf measurements separately for spring (n = 79) versus fall (n = 111). Cows with BCS < 5 gave birth to lighter (P = 0.02) calves that tended to have a faster (P ≤ 0.13) time to stand than =5 and ≥6. Calves from cows with BCS ≥6 tended to have greater (P ≤ 0.09) STL than =5 and < 5. Calves from cows with BCS < 5 had smaller (P = 0.13) HG than =5. Fall-born calves tended to have smaller (P ≤ 0.06) BW, HG, and AG than spring-born calves. Within fall calves, there tended to be a positive relationship (r = 0.16; P = 0.09) between time to stand and calf BW. Despite this, spring calves had a negative relationship (r = -0.26; P = 0.02) between time to stand and calf BW. In conclusion, cow BCS and calving season affect calf size and may affect calf vigor. These data suggest that calving season may dictate the relationship between calf vigor and size.

scholarly journals Factors affecting growth traits of beef cattle breeds raised inSlovakia

2011 ◽  
Vol 50 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 14-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Krupa ◽  
M. Oravcová ◽  
P. Polák ◽  
J. Huba ◽  
Z. Krupová
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
General Linear Model ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Sex Effect ◽  
Beef Cattle Breeds

Growth traits of purebred calves of six beef breeds (Aberdeen Angus – AA, Blonde d’Aquitaine – BA, Charolais – CH,Hereford – HE, Limousine – LI and Beef Simmental – BS) born from 1998 to 2002 were analysed. Traits under study were birth weight (BW), weight at 120 days (W120), weight at 210 days – weaning weight (WW), weight at 365 days – yearling weight (YW) and average daily gains from birth to 120 days (ADG1), from birth to 210 days (ADG2), from birth to 365 days (ADG3), from 120 to 210 days (ADG4). General linear model with class effects of breed, dam’s age at calving, sex, herd-year-season (HYS) and covariation of age at weighing was used for analyses. All effects significantly affected both weight and gain traits except for dam’s age that was significant for BW, W120, YW and ADG3, and age at weighing that was significant for W120, WW, YW, ADG2, ADG3, ADG4. Estimated least squares means of growth traits were compared using Scheffe’s multiple-range tests. Highest BW (40.57 kg) and W120 (172.43 kg) were found for BA calves. BS calves had highest WW (260.30 kg), YW (424.07 kg), ADG1 (1 154 g), ADG2 (1 053 g), ADG3 (1 054 g) and ADG4 (1 098 g). Highest BW, YW, ADG3 and ADG4 were found for males-singles. Males-twins had highest W120, WW, ADG1 and ADG2. Calves descending from 5–7 years old dams had highest BW, W120, WW, ADG1, ADG2 and ADG4. The proportion of variability of growth traits explained by HYS effect (42.96–71.69%) was high, whereas proportions of variability explained by SEX effect (2.03–5.77%), age of dam (1.02–2.24%) and breed (1.05–2.21%) were low. Residuals accounted for 23.71 up to 53.79% of total variance.  

scholarly journals 0261 Factors affecting timing and intensity of calving season of beef cow-calf producers in the Midwest

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (suppl_5) ◽  
pp. 124-124
Author(s):  
C. E. Andresen ◽  
P. J. Gunn ◽  
L. L. Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
Calving Season

Factors affecting folliculogenesis in ruminants

1999 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Webb ◽  
R. G. Gosden ◽  
E. E. Telfer ◽  
R. M. Moor
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Major Gene ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Hormone Production ◽  
Factors Affecting

AbstractThis review addresses the reasons for the lack of progress in the control of superovulation and highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying follicular development. The present inability to provide large numbers of viable embryos from selected females still restricts genetic improvement, whilst variability in ovarian response to hormones limit the present capacity for increasing reproductive efficiency.Females are born with a large store of eggs which rapidly declines as puberty approaches. If these oocytes are normal then there is scope for increasing the reproductive potential of selected females. Oocytes must reach a certain size before they can complete all stages of development and the final changes that occur late in follicular development. It is likely that oocytes that do not produce specific factors at precise stages of development will not be viable. Hence, it is important to characterize oocyte secreted factors since there are potential indicators of oocyte quality.The mechanisms that determine ovulation rate have still not been fully elucidated. Indeed follicular atresia, the process whereby follicles regress, is still not known. A better understanding of these processes should prove pivotal for the synchronization of follicular growth, for more precise oestrous synchronization and improved superovulatory response.Nutrition can influence a whole range of reproductive parameters however, the pathways through which nutrition acts have not been fully elucidated. Metabolic hormones, particularly insulin and IGFs, appear to interact with gonadotrophins at the level of the gonads. Certainly gonadotropins provide the primary drive for the growth of follicles in the later stages of development and both insulin and IGF-1, possibly IGF-2, synergize with gonadotrophins to stimulate cell proliferation and hormone production. More research is required to determine the effects of other growth factors and their interaction with gonadotropins.There is evidence, particularly from studies with rodents, that steroids can also modulate follicular growth and development, although information is very limited for ruminants. There may be a rôle for oestrogens in synchronizing follicular waves, to aid in oestrous synchronization regimes and for removing the dominant follicle to achieve improved superovulatory responses. However more information is required to determine whether these are feasible approaches.Heritability for litter size is higher in sheep than in cattle. Exogenous gonadotropins are a commercially ineffective means of inducing twinning in sheep and cattle. Although there are differences in circulating gonadotropin concentrations, the mechanism(s) responsible for the high ovulation appear to reside essentially within the ovaries. The locus of the Booroola gene, a major gene for ovulation rate, has been established but not specifically identified. However sheep possessing major genes do provide extremely valuable models for investigating the mechanisms controlling ovulation rate, including a direct contrast to mono-ovulatory species such as cattle.In conclusion, the relationship between oocyte quality, in both healthy follicles and those follicles destined for atresia, must be resolved before the future potential for increasing embryo yield can be predicted. In addition, a greater understanding of the factors affecting folliculogenesis in ruminants should ensure that the full benefits ensuing from the precise control of ovarian function are achieved. The improved use of artificial insemination and embryo transfer that would ensue from a greater understanding of the processes of folliculo genesis, coupled with the new technologies of genome and linkage mapping, should ensure a more rapid rate of genetic gain.

Measurement of the Unsaturation of Butyl Rubbers by the Iodine Index Method

1994 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. K. Dhaliwal ◽  
G. J. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Trichloroacetic Acid ◽  
Mercuric Acetate ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Large Excess ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Degree Of Unsaturation ◽  
Empirical Calibration

Abstract Iodine index is used in the rubber industry to measure the unsaturation of butyl polymers. The procedure involves a complex mixture of iodine, mercuric acetate, and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), and requires an empirical calibration to convert the iodine index to the degree of unsaturation. In this paper, the chemistry of the iodine index test is discussed and, the factors affecting the measurement, are detailed. Acetyl hypoiodite formed in situ by the reaction of I2 and Hg(OAc)2 is postulated to be the reactive species which iodinates the unsaturation in butyl rubber. Mercuric acetate is not a catalyst, as usually believed, but is consumed in stoichiometric amounts. Hence, care has to be exercised not to use too little of the mercuric acetate when determining the iodine index of polymers with high levels of unsaturation. A large excess of mercuric acetate must also be avoided, as it may form complexes with iodine and, thereby, lower the effective concentrations of both the reactive reagents.

scholarly journals Decomposing the decoupling of water consumption and economic growth in Jiangxi, China

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mianhao Hu ◽  
Yunlin Hu ◽  
Juhong Yuan ◽  
Fucai Lu
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Industrial Structure ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Logarithmic Mean ◽  
Primary Industry ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Industrial Growth ◽  
Factors Affecting

Abstract Current population growth coupled with industrial growth has caused water supply to be outstripped by human demand. Understanding water consumption (WC) decoupling patterns and the factors affecting the decoupling status are essential for balancing economic growth and WC. This study determines the decoupling relationship between WC and economic growth in Jiangxi Province, China, and the driving factors were determined by the Tapio decoupling model and the logarithmic mean Divisia index method. Results showed that changes in the industrial structure in Jiangxi Province resulted in corresponding changes in WC structure. Analysis of the decoupling relationship showed that the decoupling state between WC and economic growth for primary industry was very unstable and largely volatile from 1999 to 2015, but showed a good decoupling status for secondary and tertiary industries. The largest cumulative effects on WC were economic development and technology, which were positive and negative drivers of WC changes, contributing 1,406.14% and −902.96% to the total effect of WC, respectively. The findings can help Jiangxi government identify the key factors influencing the decoupling effect, and formulate effective policies to reduce WC, which will benefit the harmonious development of economy, society and water resources in Jiangxi Province.

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