Intake, growth and meat quality of steers given diets based on varying proportions of maize silage and grass silage

Simmental × Holstein-Friesian steers were offered four forage diets. These comprised grass silage (G); proportionately 0·67 grass silage, proportionately 0·33 maize silage (GGM); 0·33 grass silage, 0·67 maize silage ( MMG); maize silage ( M) from 424 (s.d. = 11·5) kg to slaughter at a minimum weight of 560 kg. Forages were mixed and offered ad libitum. Steers were offered 2 kg of a concentrate daily, the concentrate being formulated such that all steers had similar crude protein intakes across dietary treatments. A sample of steers was slaughtered at the beginning of the experimental period to allow the calculation of the rate of gain of the carcass and its components. Carcass dissection of a sample of steers allowed the development of a prediction equation of carcass composition based on thoracic limb dissection of all carcasses. Forage dry matter intake and live-weight gain increased linearly as maize silage replaced grass silage in the forage mixture, resulting in improvements in food conversion ratio (all P = 0·001). Killing-out proportion increased with maize silage inclusion ( P < 0·001) but fat and conformation scores did not differ significantly between diets. However, increasing maize inclusion in the diet resulted in a greater weight ( P = 0·05) and proportion ( P = 0·008) of fat in the carcass, and significant increases in internal fat deposition. The inclusion of maize led to a progressive increase in the daily gains of carcass ( P < 0·001), and significant increases in the daily gains of both fat ( P < 0·001) and lean tissue ( P < 0·001). Fat colour was more yellow in cattle given diets G and GGM than diets MMG and M ( P < 0·001) and colour intensity was lower on diet M than the other three diets ( P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in any aspects of eating quality between diets. Therefore, maize silage has the potential to reduce the time taken for finishing beef animals to achieve slaughter weight with no apparent detrimental effects on subsequent meat quality

A unified strategy for windup prevention in control systems with multiple saturating actuators

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A unified method is proposed to treat saturation in both Multi-Input-Multi-Output MIMO and Single-Input-Single-Output controllers. This method offers superior performance over existing MIM 0 anti-saturation schemes. The anti-saturation problem is posed as a linear programming problem. A practical and efficient implementation of the algorithm is developed by transforming the problem into its dual linear programming form. The problem, in dual form, is then solved using the dual simplex method rather than the primal simplex method. The nature of the problem when expressed in dual form and the properties of the dual simplex method are harmonised to guarantee an initial basic feasible solution and an optimal bounded final solution in a finite, predictable and minimal number of iterations. The resultant controller never saturates, hence cannot windup. Furthermore the resultant controller always applies the optimal control effort to the plant to minimise the error signal input as follows: • The controller is governed such that while the future free response combined with the present forced response of the controller results in no saturation limits being exceeded, now or at some time in the future, the normal linear response of the controller prevails. • When the future free response combined with the present forced response of the controller will result in a saturation limit being reached, now or at some time in the future, the present time input signal into the controller is optimally governed to prevent the saturation limit from being exceeded at any future time.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Metode word voorgestel waarmee versadiging in enkel-inset enkel-uitset en meer-inset meeruitset (MIMU) stelsels beheer kan word. Die metode presteer beter as ander huidige teenversadiging- maatreels vir (MIMU) beheerders. Die teen-versadigings-probleem word as 'n lineere programmeringsprobleem herformuleer. 'n Praktiese en effektiewe implementering van die algoritme word verkry deur die probleem na die duale vorm te transformeer. Die probleem, in duale vorm, word opgelos met die duale simplex metode, in plaas van die direkte metode. Die eienskappe van hierdie formulering is 'n gewaarborgde, aanvanklike, bereikbare oplossing en 'n optimale, begrensde, finale oplossing in 'n eindige, voorspelbare en minimum aantal stappe. Die uiteindelike beheerder versadig nooit nie, en wen gevolglik nie op nie. Die beheerder wend altyd die optimale aanleg-inset aan om die foutsein te minimeer soos volg: • Wanneer die nul-inset gedrag saam met die huidige inset-gedrag geen beperkings nou of in die toekoms saloorskry nie, word geen beperkende aksie geneem nie, en tree die beheerder dus lineer op. • Sodra die toekomstige nul-inset gedrag saam met die huidige inset-gedrag, nou of later versadiging sou veroorsaak, word die huidige inset tot die beheerder optimaal begrens om latere versadiging te voorkom

An item response theory analysis of an item pool for the recovering quality of life (ReQoL) measure

Purpose ReQoL-10 and ReQoL-20 have been developed for use as outcome measures with individuals aged 16 and over, experiencing mental health difficulties. This paper reports modelling results from the item response theory (IRT) analyses that were used for item reduction. Methods From several stages of preparatory work including focus groups and a previous psychometric survey, a pool of items was developed. After confirming that the ReQoL item pool was sufficiently unidimensional for scoring, IRT model parameters were estimated using Samejima’s Graded Response Model (GRM). All 39 mental health items were evaluated with respect to item fit and differential item function regarding age, gender, ethnicity, and diagnosis. Scales were evaluated regarding overall measurement precision and known-groups validity (by care setting type and self-rating of overall mental health). Results The study recruited 4266 participants with a wide range of mental health diagnoses from multiple settings. The IRT parameters demonstrated excellent coverage of the latent construct with the centres of item information functions ranging from − 0.98 to 0.21 and with discrimination slope parameters from 1.4 to 3.6. We identified only two poorly fitting items and no evidence of differential item functioning of concern. Scales showed excellent measurement precision and known-groups validity. Conclusion The results from the IRT analyses confirm the robust structure properties and internal construct validity of the ReQoL instruments. The strong psychometric evidence generated guided item selection for the final versions of the ReQoL measures

Using autoethnography to reflect on peer support supervision in an Irish context

Peer Support Workers and Family Peer Support Workers have been in place within an Irish context for a number of years outside statutory services. In 2016, the Mental Health Directorate of the Health Service Executive recruited for a newly established role. These new workers were employed directly into services and had the full privileges of employment, including supervisory and line management structures. Despite the growth of the peer support movement internationally, there has yet to be a clear model of supervision for Peer Support Workers in statutory services. This paper has gathered a variety of experts in peer support in Ireland to begin conversations which will hopefully lead to a clear model of supervision for Peer Support Workers. From the use of an autoethnographic approach four main themes were constructed to gather a complete picture of supervision for Peer Support Workers in Ireland as well as what an ideal model would involve. The paper concludes with recommendations for more research to be conducted in this area so that a clear, workable model of supervision can be created to protect the essence of lived experiences roles in statutory mental health services

Foreskin cutting beliefs and practices and the acceptability of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea

Background: Male circumcision (MC) reduces HIV acquisition and is a key public health intervention in settings with high HIV prevalence, heterosexual transmission and low MC rates. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where HIV prevalence is 0.8%, there is no medical MC program for HIV prevention. There are however many different foreskin cutting practices across the country's 800 language groups. The major form exposes the glans but does not remove the foreskin. This study aimed to describe and quantify foreskin cutting styles, practices and beliefs. It also aimed to assess the acceptability of MC for HIV prevention in PNG. Methods: Cross-sectional multicentre study, at two university campuses (Madang Province and National Capital District) and at two 'rural development' sites (mining site Enga Province; palm-oil plantation in Oro Province). Structured questionnaires were completed by participants originating from all regions of PNG who were resident at each site for study or work. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 861 men and 519 women. Of men, 47% reported a longitudinal foreskin cut (cut through the dorsal surface to expose the glans but foreskin not removed); 43% reported no foreskin cut; and 10% a circumferential foreskin cut (complete removal). Frequency and type of cut varied significantly by region of origin (p<.001). Most men (72-82%) were cut between the ages of 10 - 20 years. Longitudinal cuts were most often done in a village by a friend, with circumferential cuts most often done in a clinic by a health professional. Most uncut men (71%) and longitudinal cut men (84%) stated they would remove their foreskin if it reduced the risk of HIV infection. More than 95% of uncut men and 97% of longitudinal cut men would prefer the procedure in a clinic or hospital. Most men (90%) and women (74%) stated they would remove the foreskin of their son if it reduced the risk of HIV infection. Conclusion: Although 57% of men reported some form of foreskin cut only 10% reported the complete removal of the foreskin, the procedure on which international HIV prevention strategies are based. The acceptability of MC (complete foreskin removal) is high among men (for themselves and their sons) and women (for their sons). Potential MC services need to be responsive to the diversity of beliefs and practices and consider health system constraints. A concerted research effort to investigate the potential protective effects of longitudinal cuts for HIV acquisition is essential given the scale of longitudinal cuts in PNG

Study protocol for evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of an emergency department longitudinal patient monitoring system using a mixed-methods approach

Background: Early detection of patient deterioration is a key element of patient safety as it allows timely clinical intervention and potential rescue, thus reducing the risks of serious patient safety incidents. Longitudinal patient monitoring systems have been widely recommended for use to detect clinical deterioration. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether they improve patient outcomes. This may in part be related to variation in the rigour with which they are implemented and evaluated. This study aims to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a longitudinal patient monitoring system designed for adult patients in the unique environment of the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: A novel participatory action research (PAR) approach is taken where socio-technical systems (STS) theory and analysis informs the implementation through the improvement methodology of ‘Plan Do Study Act’ (PDSA) cycles. We hypothesise that conducting an STS analysis of the ED before beginning the PDSA cycles will provide for a much richer understanding of the current situation and possible challenges to implementing the ED-specific longitudinal patient monitoring system. This methodology will enable both a process and an outcome evaluation of implementing the ED-specific longitudinal patient monitoring system. Process evaluations can help distinguish between interventions that have inherent faults and those that are badly executed. Discussion: Over 1.2 million patients attend EDs annually in Ireland; the successful implementation of an ED-specific longitudinal patient monitoring system has the potential to affect the care of a significant number of such patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study combining PAR, STS and multiple PDSA cycles to evaluate the implementation of an ED-specific longitudinal patient monitoring system and to determine (through process and outcome evaluation) whether this system can significantly improve patient outcomes by early detection and appropriate intervention for patients at risk of clinical deterioration

A new Mississippian tetrapod from Fife, Scotland, and its environmental context

The Visean stage of the Mississippian was a time of rapid tetrapod diversification which marks the earliest appearance of temnospondyls, microsaurs and the limbless aïstopods. Tetrapod finds from this stage are very rare and only a dozen sites are known worldwide. Here we announce the discovery of a new Visean site in Fife, Scotland, of Asbian age, and from it describe a new species of the baphetoid Spathicephalus. These specimens represent the oldest known baphetoid by three million years, yet belong to the most specialized members of the clade. Unlike typical baphetoids with large marginal teeth and palatal fangs characteristic of early tetrapods, spathicephalids had very broad flattened heads with a dentition consisting of a large number of small, uniform teeth. Spathicephalids were probably one of the earliest tetrapod groups to use suction feeding on small, aquatic prey. Palynological and sedimentological analysis indicates that the new fossil bed was deposited in a large, stratified, freshwater lake that became increasingly saline

Reinterpreting the age of the uppermost ‘Old Red Sandstone’ and Early Carboniferous in Scotland

In Scotland, the base of the Ballagan Formation has traditionally been placed at the first grey mudstone within a contiguous Late Devonian to Carboniferous succession. This convention places the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary within the Old Red Sandstone (ORS) Kinnesswood Formation. The consequences of this placement are that tetrapods from the Ballagan Formation were dated as late Tournaisian in age and that the ranges of typically Devonian fish found in the Kinnesswood Formation continued into the Carboniferous. The Pease Bay specimen of the fish Remigolepis is from the Kinnesswood Formation. Comparisons with its range in Greenland, calibrated against spores, show it was Famennian in age. Detailed palynological sampling at Burnmouth from the base of the Ballagan Formation proves that the early Tournaisian spore zones (VI and HD plus Cl 1) are present. The Schopfites species that occurs through most of the succession is Schopfites delicatus rather than Schopfites claviger. The latter species defines the late Tournaisian CM spore zone. The first spore assemblage that has been found in Upper ‘ORS' strata underlying the Ballagan Formation (Preston, Whiteadder Water), contains Retispora lepidophyta and is from the early latest Famennian LL spore zone. The spore samples are interbedded with volcaniclastic debris, which shows that the Kelso Volcanic Formation is, in part, early latest Famennian in age. These findings demonstrate that the Ballagan Formation includes most of the Tournaisian with the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary positioned close to the top of the Kinnesswood Formation. The Stage 6 calcrete at Pease Bay can be correlated to the equivalent section at Carham, showing that it represents a time gap equivalent to the latest Famennian glaciation(s). Importantly, some of the recently described Ballagan Formation tetrapods are older than previously dated and now fill the key early part of Romer's Gap

Fail Better: Lessons Learned from a Formative Evaluation of Social Object Labels

This paper presents Social Object Labels as an in-gallery commenting platform and reports on a formative evaluation of the concept focusing on visitors' awareness and mental models of the developed prototype. Findings confirm many design assumptions underlying the evaluated prototype but also flag up serious problems resulting in low engagement levels. They suggest a need to de-emphasise optical markers in the user interface, to provide visitors with a clear idea about the potential rewards of engagement and to align the interaction design with users' expectations shaped by the wider interaction environment. The paper concludes with an tentative outlook on future design directions