Luteal Presence and Ovarian Response at the Beginning of a Timed Artificial Insemination Protocol for Lactating Dairy Cows Affect Fertility: A Meta-Analysis

Progesterone (P4) concentration during follicular growth has a major impact on fertility response in timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols. Luteal presence at the beginning of a TAI protocol and ovarian response after the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection (G1) affect P4 concentration and subsequently pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). A systematic review of the literature and meta-analytical assessment was performed with the objective of evaluating the magnitude of the effect of luteal presence and ovarian response at the beginning of a TAI protocol on P/AI in lactating dairy cows. We considered only studies using synchronisation protocols consisting of GnRH and prostaglandin F (2 alpha). The time interval between G1 and prostaglandin F (2 alpha) (PGF (2 alpha)) had to range from 5 to 7 d. The time interval between the PGF (2 alpha) injection and G2 had to range from 48 to 72 h. We used 28 controlled experiments from 27 published manuscripts including 16,489 cows with the objective of evaluating the effect size of having a functional corpus luteum (CL) at G1 on P/AI. Information regarding ovulatory response after G1 was available for 5676 cows. In a subset of cows (n = 4291), information was available for luteal presence and ovulatory response at the initiation of the TAI protocol. A functional CL at G1 increased (p < 0.001) the relative risk of conceiving (RR (relative risk) = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.21-1.45) in lactating dairy cows. Ovulation after G1 increased (p < 0.001) the relative risk of conceiving (RR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.20-1.38) in lactating dairy cows. The effect of ovulatory response on P/AI after G1 was affected by luteal presence at G1. In summary, there was a clear benefit on P/AI for cows starting a TAI protocol with a functional CL (+10.5 percentage units) and cows ovulating at the beginning of a TAI protocol (+11.0 percentage units)

Kulturpolitik in der Wiener Moderne um 1900

Neben einer Literaturanalyse anhand der die wissenschaftliche Literatur zum Forschungsgegenstand der Wiener Moderne als auch die Epoche an sich dargestellt und erläutert werden, widmet sich die Arbeit den kulturpolitischen Komponenten der Periode Wien um 1900. Das Kulturphänomen Wiener Moderne vereint wirtschaftliche, politische, gesellschaftliche und kulturelle Einflüsse des langen 19. Jahrhunderts, die in Wien zu einer kulturellen Hochblüte führten, wie es in ähnlicher Weise selten andernorts zu beobachten war. Eine Generation, die aus dem im 19. Jahrhundert neu entstandenen Großbürgertum hervorging, schaffte es die Gesellschaft durch eigene einflussreiche kreative und wissenschaftliche Tätigkeit für künstlerisch-ästhetische Darstellungen zu interessieren und in die Zeit der Moderne überzuleiten. Dabei setzten sich die Kulturtragenden und Kunstschaffenden dieser Zeit mit politischen und gesellschaftsrelevanten Einflüssen ihrer Generation auseinander und versuchten in einer Welt von Instabilitäten ihre wahre Identität durch künstlerisch-ästhetische Erfahrungen zu finden und ihre Kreativität auszuleben. Diese Arbeit findet Antworten auf die Fragen, ob erstens in jener Zeit der Wiener Moderne bereits Modernisierungstendenzen als solche um die Jahrhundertwende wahrgenommen und als Kulturphänomen verstanden wurden. Zweitens wird das Wechselverhältnis zwischen Politik und Kultur näher untersucht und inwiefern kulturelle und politische Aspekte in dieser Zeit zusammenspielten. Schließlich wird die Frage beantwortet, warum es gerade die Generation der 1860er Jahre war, die solch ein Kulturphänomen hervorbringen konnte. Im Zuge der Darstellungen werden einige konkrete Beispiele gegeben, die die Entwicklungen verdeutlichen sollen. Es wird der Salon Bertha Zuckerkandls im Rahmen der intellektuellen Kreis- und Salonkultur näher betrachtet, weiters wird als Beispiel für die Verknüpfung von Kultur und Politik die institutionelle und politisierende Rolle des Neuen k.k. Hofopern-Theaters (der Oper in Wien) untersucht. Schließlich werden an der Person Gustav Mahlers der Kulturtransfer und die Migration künstlerischer Talente innerhalb der Habsburgermonarchie erläutert. Aufnahmen einiger Persönlichkeiten der kulturellen Elite in der Wiener Moderne zeigen die freundschaftlichen Beziehungen zwischen den Berufsgruppen, die speziell die Moderne in Wien auszeichneten. Diese Arbeit enthält Multimediabeilagen in Form von Bildern.Next to a literary analysis which illustrates the academic literature on the research subject of Wiener Moderne as well as portrays the era itself, this paper is concerned with the politico-cultural aspect of the epoch Vienna 1900. The cultural phenomenon of Wiener Moderne combines economic, political, social, and cultural impacts of the long 19th century which led to a cultural heyday in Vienna, with hardly any comparable situation anywhere else. A generation, emerging from the newly developed 19th century Bourgeoisie, succeeded, through their outstanding creative and academic works, to interest society in them and hence led the way to modernity. The creators and artists of the time dealt with political and socially important influences and tried to find their true identity through artistic-aesthetic experiences and live out their creativity in a world of instability. This paper finds answers to the questions if, firstly, in the era of Wiener Moderne modernizing tendencies were already perceived as such at the fin-de-siècle and if they were understood as cultural phenomenon. Secondly, culture and policy where connected and applied to the cultural phenomenon of Wiener Moderne and it is explored to what extent cultural and political aspects played together during that time. Finally, the question why the generation of the 1860ies could create such a cultural phenomenon is answered. In the course of the portrayal, some concrete examples are given that shall clarify the developments. The salon of Bertha Zuckerkandl will be given a closer look in the context of the intellectual circles and salon culture; furthermore, the institutionalized and political role of the opera house of Vienna is investigated as an example of the link between culture and politics. Lastly, cultural transfer and migration of cultural talents within the Habsburg Monarchy will be illustrated through the example of Gustav Mahler. Some pictures of the cultural elite of Vienna 1900 society show their friendly relations between different professions that especially characterize modernity in Vienna

Eco-Clusters as Driving Force for Greening Regional Economic Policy. Policy Paper no 27

This research investigates eco-clusters as driver for greening regional economic policy and examines necessary incentive structures to foster eco-innovation as well as growth and employment in the eco-industry sector. Eco-clusters are seen in context with sustainability and environmental friendly behavior as means for a socio-ecological transition in the long run. The main hypothesis implies that eco-clusters have to be policy driven and established top-down and therefore differ from cluster structures in other industries. Possible reasons are uncertainty on a developing market as well as external effects of eco-innovations; the latter are seen as radical innovations. Based on theoretic findings for the establishment of clusters and general research findings for eco-clusters and eco-innovations, it is differentiated between a spontaneous cluster emergence from private initiatives through self-reinforcing forces of companies in a region (bottom-up), and the formation of a policy-driven network with primarily regional objectives to stimulate the competitive advantage of the regional industrial location (top-down). The hypothesis will be proofed by empirical results gained through personal interviews and complemented by findings in current research literature. Finally, implications for incentive structures to green economic policy are identified. It is shown that eco-clusters are different to other clusters and crucial for a long-term sustainable change and thus need political commitment and public incentives. For empirical observation, eco-clusters in Austria were selected. This research relates to the ongoing debate on green growth and develops policy incentives for establishment of eco-clusters and thus greening of economic policy.Series: WWWforEurop

“Do not look at me like that”: Is the facial expression score reliable and accurate to evaluate pain in large domestic animals? A systematic review

Introduction: Facial expression scoring has proven to be useful for pain evaluation in humans. In the last decade, equivalent scales have been developed for various animal species, including large domestic animals. The research question of this systematic review was as follows: is facial expression scoring (intervention) a valid method to evaluate pain (the outcome) in large domestic animals (population)? Method: We searched two databases for relevant articles using the search string: “grimace scale” OR “facial expression” AND animal OR “farm animal” NOT “mouse” NOT “rat” NOT “laboratory animal.” The risk of bias was estimated by adapting the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) checklist. Results: The search strategy extracted 30 articles, with the major share on equids and a considerable number on cows, pigs, and sheep. Most studies evaluated facial action units (FAUs), including the eye region, the orbital region, the cheek or the chewing muscles, the lips, the mouth, and the position of the ears. Interobserver reliability was tested in 21 studies. Overall FAU reliability was substantial, but there were differences for individual FAUs. The position of the ear had almost perfect interobserver reliability (interclass coefficient (ICC): 0.73–0.97). Validity was tested in five studies with the reported accuracy values ranging from 68.2 to 80.0%. Discussion: This systematic review revealed that facial expression scores provide an easy method for learning and reliable test results to identify whether an animal is in pain or distress. Many studies lack a reference standard and a true control group. Further research is warranted to evaluate the test accuracy of facial expression scoring as a live pen side test

Outcome of Communication Training in Veterinary Studies: Influence on the Perception of the Relevance of Veterinary Competencies and Self-Assessment of Communication Skills

Since communication skills contribute significantly to professional success among veterinarians, there is a particular focus on developing communication classes in veterinary curricula. At Freie Universität Berlin, an e-learning course covering the basics of communication and a practical communication course based on role plays with and without simulation persons have been established. The outcome of these communication courses on the assessment of the relevance of several veterinary competencies and on the self-assessment of communication skills using the SE-12 questionnaire was investigated. For this purpose, students were surveyed before and after the e-learning course as well as before and after the practical course. Veterinarians were also surveyed on the relevance of veterinary competencies. The relevance of communicative competencies for professional success was rated significantly higher by the students after completing the practical course than by the other students and the veterinarians. Self-assessment of communication skills showed little increase after the e-learning course, but a significant increase after the practical course. Thus, an effective outcome of the communication classes was observed mainly after the practical course. However, the effect of the e-learning course cannot be ruled out since the students participating in the practical course have also completed the e-learning course beforehand

Integration and potential of teaching communication skills in the study of veterinary medicine in Germany

Goal: Presentation of the current range of courses regarding communication at the five German educational institutions for veterinary medicine. In addition to learning objectives and individual solutions, possible potential for future developments are presented. Methods: Interviews with communication educators at the five German education institutions and subsequent synopsis. Results: To date, there are no binding education guidelines regarding communication in veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, communication education has been introduced at all five education institutions, albeit depth and formats vary considerably. The learning objectives are largely consistent and based on the recommendations for day-one-skills made by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education. Communication is not recognized as a fully-fledged subject in the curricula of any of the education institutions. All education institutions clearly fall short of teaching the recommended 150 lecture hours. Conclusion: To ensure communication skills in veterinary medicine graduates, binding education guidelines should be agreed upon. Communication education should be integrated into all veterinary curricula as a fully-fledged subject with longitudinally increasing depth

A search for spectral hysteresis and energy-dependent time lags from X-ray and TeV gamma-ray observations of Mrk 421

Blazars are variable emitters across all wavelengths over a wide range of timescales, from months down to minutes. It is therefore essential to observe blazars simultaneously at different wavelengths, especially in the X-ray and gamma-ray bands, where the broadband spectral energy distributions usually peak. In this work, we report on three "target-of-opportunity" (ToO) observations of Mrk 421, one of the brightest TeV blazars, triggered by a strong flaring event at TeV energies in 2014. These observations feature long, continuous, and simultaneous exposures with XMM-Newton (covering X-ray and optical/ultraviolet bands) and VERITAS (covering TeV gamma-ray band), along with contemporaneous observations from other gamma-ray facilities (MAGIC and Fermi-LAT) and a number of radio and optical facilities. Although neither rapid flares nor significant X-ray/TeV correlation are detected, these observations reveal subtle changes in the X-ray spectrum of the source over the course of a few days. We search the simultaneous X-ray and TeV data for spectral hysteresis patterns and time delays, which could provide insight into the emission mechanisms and the source properties (e.g. the radius of the emitting region, the strength of the magnetic field, and related timescales). The observed broadband spectra are consistent with a one-zone synchrotron self-Compton model. We find that the power spectral density distribution at $\gtrsim 4\times 10^{-4}$ Hz from the X-ray data can be described by a power-law model with an index value between 1.2 and 1.8, and do not find evidence for a steepening of the power spectral index (often associated with a characteristic length scale) compared to the previously reported values at lower frequencies.Comment: 45 pages, 15 figure