Effects of corn steep liquor supplementation on performance and herbivory patterns of beef

Increased grazing pressure on sericea lespedeza by beef cattle, the most economically relevant herbivore in the region, may slow its spread and facilitate some measure of biological control. Unfortunately, mature plants contain high levels of condensed tannins that decrease protein digestion by beef cattle, and these compounds are potent deterrents to grazing. Supplementing corn steep liquor has been shown to alleviate the negative effects associated with ingestion of condensed tannins when beef cattle are fed prairie hay contaminated with sericea lespedeza. In addition, beef cows supplemented with corn steep liquor did not discriminate between sericea lespedeza-contaminated and sericea lespedeza-free prairie hay in a preference trial. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental corn steep liquor on herbivory patterns and performance of beef cows grazing native tallgrass rangeland infested with sericea lespedeza

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH

Information Systems Working Papers Serie

What do general practitioners know about ADHD? Attitudes and knowledge among first-contact gatekeepers: systematic narrative review

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder with international prevalence estimates of 5 % in childhood, yet significant evidence exists that far fewer children receive ADHD services. In many countries, ADHD is assessed and diagnosed in specialist mental health or neuro-developmental paediatric clinics, to which referral by General (Family) Practitioners (GPs) is required. In such ‘gatekeeper’ settings, where GPs act as a filter to diagnosis and treatment, GPs may either not recognise potential ADHD cases, or may be reluctant to refer. This study systematically reviews the literature regarding GPs’ views of ADHD in such settings. Methods: A search of nine major databases was conducted, with wide search parameters; 3776 records were initially retrieved. Studies were included if they were from settings where GPs are typically gatekeepers to ADHD services; if they addressed GPs’ ADHD attitudes and knowledge; if methods were clearly described; and if results for GPs were reported separately from those of other health professionals. Results: Few studies specifically addressed GP attitudes to ADHD. Only 11 papers (10 studies), spanning 2000–2010, met inclusion criteria, predominantly from the UK, Europe and Australia. As studies varied methodologically, findings are reported as a thematic narrative, under the following themes: Recognition rate; ADHD controversy (medicalisation, stigma, labelling); Causes of ADHD; GPs and ADHD diagnosis; GPs and ADHD treatment; GP ADHD training and sources of information; and Age, sex differences in knowledge and attitudes. Conclusions: Across times and settings, GPs practising in first-contact gatekeeper settings had mixed and often unhelpful attitudes regarding the validity of ADHD as a construct, the role of medication and how parenting contributed to presentation. A paucity of training was identified, alongside a reluctance of GPs to become involved in shared care practice. If access to services is to be improved for possible ADHD cases, there needs to be a focused and collaborative approach to training

Calibration of a Neutron Polarimeter

This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation Grant NSF PHY-931478