Modelling spatial trends in sorghum breeding field trials using a two-dimensional P-spline mixed model

Adjustment for spatial trends in plant breeding field trials is essential for efficient evaluation and selection of genotypes. Current mixed model methods of spatial analysis are based on a multi-step modelling process where global and local trends are fitted after trying several candidate spatial models. This paper reports the application of a novel spatial method that accounts for all types of continuous field variation in a single modelling step by fitting a smooth surface. The method uses two-dimensional P-splines with anisotropic smoothing formulated in the mixed model framework, referred to as SpATS model. We applied this methodology to a series of large and partially replicated sorghum breeding trials. The new model was assessed in comparison with the more elaborate standard spatial models that use autoregressive correlation of residuals. The improvements in precision and the predictions of genotypic values produced by the SpATS model were equivalent to those obtained using the best fitting standard spatial models for each trial. One advantage of the approach with SpATS is that all patterns of spatial trend and genetic effects were modelled simultaneously by fitting a single model. Furthermore, we used a flexible model to adequately adjust for field trends. This strategy reduces potential parameter identification problems and simplifies the model selection process. Therefore, the new method should be considered as an efficient and easy-to-use alternative for routine analyses of plant breeding trials.MTM2014-55966-P Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) of Australia National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) of Argentina, Res. DN 1126/13 Integrated Breeding Progra

Comparison between ground tests and flight data for two static 32 KB memories

International audienceThe Microelectronics and Photonics Testbed (MPTB) carrying twenty-four experiments on-board a scientific satellite is in a high radiation orbit since November 1997. This paper presents SEU flight results on two commercial static RAMs includes in two of the MPTB experiments

Comparison between ground tests and flight data for two static 32 KB memories

International audienceThe Microelectronics and Photonics Testbed (MPTB) carrying twenty-four experiments on-board a scientific satellite is in a high radiation orbit since November 1997. This paper presents SEU flight results on two commercial static RAMs includes in two of the MPTB experiments

One year SEU flight results for two 32KB commercial SRAMs on-board a scientific satellite

International audienceThe Microelectronics and Photonics Testbed (MPTB) carrying twenty-four experiments on-board a scientific satellite is in a high radiation orbit since November 1997. This paper presents SEU flight results on two commercial static RAMs includes in two of the MPTB experiments

Amphiphilic multi-arm star-block copolymers for encapsulation of fragrance molecules

Novel amphiphilic multi-arm star-block copolymers with a hyperbranched core, a hydrophobic inner shell, and a hydrophilic outer shell have been prepared from a commercial hyperbranched polyester macroinitiator by ring-opening polymerization of -caprolactone, followed by atom transfer radical polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate (tBuA). Hydrolysis of the tert-butyl groups was then used to convert the poly(tBuA) blocks to poly(acrylic acid), resulting in stable amphiphilic core-shell structures with significantly higher degrees of functionality than reported so far in the literature. A strong correlation between the maximum concentration of selected hydrophobic guest molecules and the concentration of amphiphilic star-block copolymer in aqueous solution was observed by 1H NMR, demonstrating the capacity of these copolymers to encapsulate and disperse significant loadings (up to about 27 wt.-%) of volatile hydrophobic molecules such as fragrances in water

Comparison of extensive and intensive pig production systems in Uruguay in terms of ethologic, physiologic and meat quality parameters

[EN] The objective of this work is to characterize two contrasting systems of fattening pigs in Uruguay. A total of 96 pigs (average 41.7 kg) were divided into eight groups of 12 animals, representing two production systems: (IN) pigs confined in pens of 12 m2 or (OUT) kept in plots with field shelters and access to pasture. Behavioral observations were performed by scan sampling at 5-minute intervals, three times a day during weeks 6, 8, 10 and 12 of the experiment. Aggressions were also observed at the end of the experimental period. Blood samples were taken for cortisol analysis and other physiological parameters, during growth period and slaughter and meat quality characteristics were assessed after slaughter. Differences were found in carcass characteristics, wherein IN presented a higher dorsal fat. These animals presented an overall lower activity and spent less time resting, with a stable pattern throughout the day. In OUT, pigs usually rested at midday hours, more active in the morning and afternoon. The number of total reciprocal aggressions in the observation period was 4.2±3.7 for IN and 2.3±2.2 for OUT. Cortisol levels and biochemical profile did not show evidence of important problems in the animals. Welfare is not compromised in any of the systems, although higher levels of cortisol and aggressions could be indicating some stress problems in the confinement system. Meat characteristics in OUT were considered better than in IN from a nutritional point of view.Blumetto, O.; Calvet Sanz, S.; Estellés Barber, F.; Villagrá García, A. (2013). Comparison of extensive and intensive pig production systems in Uruguay in terms of ethologic, physiologic and meat quality parameters. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE ZOOTECNIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE. 42(7):521-529. doi:10.1590/S1516-35982013000700009S52152942