DFT study of pressure induced phase transitions in LiYF4

An investigation of the pressure induced phase transition from the scheelite phase (I41/a, Z=4) to the fergusonite-like phase (I2/a, Z=4)/LaTaO(P21/c, Z=4) of LiYF4 is presented. Employing density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation, the internal degrees of freedom were relaxed for a pressure range of 0 GPa to 20 Gpa. The influence of pressure on the lattice vibration spectrum of the scheelite phase (I41/a, Z=4) was evaluated using the direct approach, i.e. using force constants calculated from atomic displacements. The transition volume is in good agreement with experiment, while the transition pressure is overestimated of 6 GPa. At 20 GPa, a P21/c structure with apentacoordinated lithium cation is found to be the most stable phase. This structure is compatible with a transition driven by a Bg zone-center soft optic mode linked to a soft-acoustic mode along the [11-1] direction as observed for the proper ferroelastic transition of BiVO4

Mogador - Modélisation de l’atelier d’engraissement porcin pour prédire ses résultats économiques et ses impacts environnementaux

To meet economic and environmental challenges of pig production, farmers need tools to assess the impact of their facilities, identify possible improvements and be guided in their technical and economic management. A model of the pig fattening unit has been developed for this purpose as part of the MOGADOR project. Based on the characteristics of the structure and the main farming practices, the model produces the technical and economic results and its environmental impacts by Life Cycle Assessment approach. The originality and the performance of the model reside in the fact that it takes into account the variability of the individual performances of the pigs, in interaction with the practices of the breeding (driving, feeding) and its structure (rooms of fattening). The model was evaluated according to three main stages: expertise, sensitivity analysis and comparison of predicted results toobserved results. The predictive quality of the model and the calibration procedure make it possible to consider using the model for research and advisory services. A first decision support tool is available on Internet to consult a library of simulations performed with the model. The analyzes can then be completed by using the expert model.Pour répondre aux enjeux économiques et environnementaux de la production porcine, les éleveurs ont besoin d’outils pour apprécier l’impact de leur atelier, identifier les pistes d’amélioration et être guidés dans leur pilotage technico-économique. Un modèle de l’atelier d’engraissement a été développé en ce sens dans le cadre du projet MOGADOR. À partir des caractéristiques de la structure de l’atelier et des principales pratiques d’élevage, le modèle produit les résultats techniques et économiques de l’atelier et ses impacts environnementaux par Analyse du Cycle de Vie. L’originalité et la performance du modèle résident dans le fait qu’il prend en compte la variabilité des performances individuelles des porcs, en interaction avec les pratiques de l’élevage (conduite, alimentation) et sa structure (salles d’engraissement). Le modèle a été évalué suivant trois grandes étapes : par expertise, par analyse de sensibilité et par comparaison de résultats prédits à des résultats observés. La qualité de prédiction dumodèle et la procédure d’étalonnage établie permettent d’envisager une utilisation du modèle pour la recherche et pour le conseil en élevage. Un premier outil d’aide à la décision est disponible sur Internet pour consulter une bibliothèque de simulations réalisées à l’aide du modèle. Les analyses peuvent ensuite être complétées par l’utilisation du modèle expert

Implementation of the Eclipse Process Framework Composer Tool for the Documentation of Quality Management Systems: A Case Applied in Healthcare Services

This document presents the implementation of the Eclipse Process Framework Composer EPFC tool, in a company in the health sector, which where it were using physical documentation to register the processes QMS Quality Management Systems, in this one it is explained the process of adapting the tool, to migrate the documentary structure of the company, through the application of a model that correlates the attributes of the tool with the documentary structure. The proposed model allows the construction of document structures for the QMS that guide the user in their processes and procedures within the organization. Therefore, it is proposed that by promoting knowledge management and reducing the execution time of the processes, it will be possible for companies to be more productive, improve customer service, failure rates in the development of activities be minimized and, and reduces the lead time in the processes. Finally, it was obtained a documentary platform developed under a process approach that implements interactive diagrams that aim to facilitate the understanding of each of the elements that make up the QMS

Effects of rearing system on performance, animal welfare and meat quality in two pig genotypes

Abstract The effects of an alternative rearing system (O) for growing-finishing pigs (sawdust-shave bedding with free outdoor access, 2.4 m²/pig) compared to a conventional (C) one (slatted floor, 0.65 m²/pig) were evaluated for performance, animal welfare and meat quality in two (Duroc or synthetic line crossbreds) genotypes. Trials were conducted in spring and winter, each involving one pen of 10 pigs / genotype / system (a total of 40 pigs / season). No significant interactions between rearing system and genotype were observed on any of the traits evaluated. On the whole, the O pigs spent 40% more time on exploratory activities, in particular towards the bedding, suggesting an improved animal welfare with the O system. Urine levels of cortisol and catecholamines in the O were similar with those in C pigs at 70kg. The O pigs exhibited a 6% increase in growth rate and were 5kg heavier at slaughter at the same age. Back fat depth and lean meat content, as well as plasma ACTH and cortisol, and urine cortisol and catecholamines levels at slaughter were not significantly affected by the rearing system. The O pigs exhibited similar pH 1 and pHu values, higher drip losses, but also higher intramuscular fat contents. The O system improved loin juiciness, but did not influence other eating quality traits

Fish consumption and its motives in households with versus without self-reported medical history of CVD: A consumer survey from five European countries

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to explore the cross-cultural differences in the frequency of fish intake and in motivations for fish consumption between people from households with (CVD+) or without (CVD-) medical history of cardiovascular disease, using data obtained in five European countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional consumer survey was carried out in November-December 2004 with representative household samples from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland and Spain. The sample consisted of 4,786 respondents, aged 18–84 and who were responsible for food purchasing and cooking in the household.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Individuals from households in the CVD+ group consumed fish more frequently in Belgium and in Denmark as compared to those in the CVD- group. The consumption of fatty fish, which is the main sources of omega-3 PUFA associated with prevention of cardiovascular diseases, was on the same level for the two CVD groups in the majority of the countries, except in Belgium where CVD+ subjects reported to eat fatty fish significantly more frequently than CVD- subjects. All respondents perceived fish as a very healthy and nutritious food product. Only Danish consumers reported a higher subjective and objective knowledge related to nutrition issues about fish. In the other countries, objective knowledge about fish was on a low level, similar for CVD+ as for CVD- subjects, despite a higher claimed use of medical information sources about fish among CVD+ subjects.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although a number of differences between CVD- and CVD+ subjects with respect to their frequency of fish intake are uncovered, the findings suggest that fish consumption traditions and habits – rather than a medical history of CVD – account for large differences between the countries, particularly in fatty fish consumption. This study exemplifies the need for nutrition education and more effective communication about fish, not only to the people facing chronic diseases, but also to the broader public. European consumers are convinced that eating fish is healthy, but particular emphasis should be made on communicating benefits especially from fatty fish consumption.</p

Hydrothermal alteration of andesitic lava domes can lead to explosive volcanic behaviour

Dome-forming volcanoes are among the most hazardous volcanoes on Earth. Magmatic outgassing can be hindered if the permeability of a lava dome is reduced, promoting pore pressure augmentation and explosive behaviour. Laboratory data show that acid-sulphate alteration, common to volcanoes worldwide, can reduce the permeability on the sample lengthscale by up to four orders of magnitude and is the result of pore- and microfracture-filling mineral precipitation. Calculations using these data demonstrate that intense alteration can reduce the equivalent permeability of a dome by two orders of magnitude, which we show using numerical modelling to be sufficient to increase pore pressure. The fragmentation criterion shows that the predicted pore pressure increase is capable of fragmenting the majority of dome-forming materials, thus promoting explosive volcanism. It is crucial that hydrothermal alteration, which develops over months to years, is monitored at dome-forming volcanoes and is incorporated into real-time hazard assessments

Networks of Neuronal Genes Affected by Common and Rare Variants in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Recent studies have reported rare and de novo mutations in ASD, but the allelic architecture of ASD remains unclear. To assess the role of common and rare variations in ASD, we constructed a gene co-expression network based on a widespread survey of gene expression in the human brain. We identified modules associated with specific cell types and processes. By integrating known rare mutations and the results of an ASD genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identified two neuronal modules that are perturbed by both rare and common variations. These modules contain highly connected genes that are involved in synaptic and neuronal plasticity and that are expressed in areas associated with learning and memory and sensory perception. The enrichment of common risk variants was replicated in two additional samples which include both simplex and multiplex families. An analysis of the combined contribution of common variants in the neuronal modules revealed a polygenic component to the risk of ASD. The results of this study point toward contribution of minor and major perturbations in the two sub-networks of neuronal genes to ASD risk

The role of dietary fibre in pig production, with a particular emphasis on reproduction

Abstract Fibres from a variety of sources are a common constituent of pig feeds. They provide a means to utilise locally-produced plant materials which are often a by-product of the food or drink industry. The value of a high fibre diet in terms of producing satiety has long been recognised. However the addition of fibre can reduce feed intake, which is clearly detrimental during stages of the production cycle when nutrient needs are high, for example in growing piglets and during lactation. More recently, fibre has been found to promote novel benefits to pig production systems, particularly given the reduction in antimicrobial use world-wide, concern for the welfare of animals fed a restricted diet and the need to ensure that such systems are more environmentally friendly. For example, inclusion of dietary fibre can alter the gut microbiota in ways that could reduce the need for antibiotics, while controlled addition of certain fibre types may reduce nitrogen losses into the environment and so reduce the environmental cost of pig production. Of particular potential value is the opportunity to use crude fibre concentrates as ‘functional’ feed additives to improve young pig growth and welfare. Perhaps the greatest opportunity for the use of high fibre diets is to improve the reproductive efficiency of pigs. Increased dietary fibre before mating improves oocyte maturation, prenatal survival and litter size; providing a consumer-acceptable means of increasing the amount of saleable meat produced per sow. The mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects remain to be elucidated. However, changes in plasma and follicular fluid concentrations of key hormones and metabolites, as well as effects of the hypothalamic satiety centre on gonadotrophin secretion and epigenetic effects are strong candidates

Locomotion disorders and skin and claw lesions in gestating sows housed in dynamic versus static groups

Lameness and lesions to the skin and claws of sows in group housing are commonly occurring indicators of reduced welfare. Typically, these problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Group management type (dynamic versus static) and stage of gestation influence the behavior of the animals, which in turn influences the occurrence of these problems. The present study compared prevalence, incidence and mean scores of lameness and skin and claw lesions in static versus dynamic group housed sows at different stages of gestation during three consecutive reproductive cycles. A total of 10 Belgian sow herds were monitored; 5 in which dynamic groups and 5 in which static groups were utilized. All sows were visually assessed for lameness and skin lesions three times per cycle and the claws of the hind limbs were assessed once per cycle. Lameness and claw lesions were assessed using visual analogue scales. Static groups, in comparison with dynamic groups, demonstrated lower lameness scores (P<0.05) and decreased skin lesion prevalence (24.9 vs. 47.3%, P<0.05) at the end of gestation. There was no difference between treatment group regarding claw lesion prevalence with 75.5% of sows demonstrating claw lesions regardless of group management. Prevalences of lameness (22.4 vs. 8.9%, P<0.05) and skin lesions (46.6 vs. 4.4%, P<0.05) were highest during the group-housed phase compared to the individually housed phases. Although the prevalence of lameness and skin lesions did not differ three days after grouping versus at the end of the group-housing phase, their incidence peaked during the first three days after moving from the insemination stalls to the group. In conclusion, the first three days after grouping was the most risky period for lameness incidence, but there was no significant difference between static or dynamic group management

Post-Franco Theatre

In the multiple realms and layers that comprise the contemporary Spanish theatrical landscape, “crisis” would seem to be the word that most often lingers in the air, as though it were a common mantra, ready to roll off the tongue of so many theatre professionals with such enormous ease, and even enthusiasm, that one is prompted to wonder whether it might indeed be a miracle that the contemporary technological revolution – coupled with perpetual quandaries concerning public and private funding for the arts – had not by now brought an end to the evolution of the oldest of live arts, or, at the very least, an end to drama as we know it