Koproduktion von Wissen in der Entwicklung des Biolandbaus - Einflüsse von Marginalisierung, Anerkennung und Markt

The empirical analysis of the historical development of transdisciplinary co-production of knowledge (CPK) in organic agriculture (OA) in Switzerland has revealed three distinct phases. The initial phase shows various characteristics of transdisciplinary CPK and a high importance of experiential knowledge. The 2nd and 3rd phases involve an in-creasing segregation of farmers’, extension agents’, and scientists’ knowledge, caused by internal and external impacts, i.e. foundation of independent research institutions, changes in agriculture policy, and new market strategies. These developments strikingly represent an ambiguous trend: the growing societal and political recognition of OA and the increasing market, which are positive achievements, are associated by a gradual loss of very precious forms of CPK. A successful re-establishment of CPK processes and re-integration of experiential knowledge would help to resolve this dilemma and thus improve future research in OA and sustainability research in general.

Eine Karriere im Schatten von Rosalba Carriera. Felicita Sartori / Hoffmann in Venedig und Dresden

Felicita Sartori, nata a Pordenone nel 1714 ca. come figlia del notaio Felice Sartori e di Tommasa Scotti, ricevette la sua prima formazione artistica intorno al 1724 da suo zio, il calcografo Antonio dall'Agata a Gorizia. Tramite lo zio la quattordicenne si trasferisce a Venezia dove entra nella bottega-casa di Rosalba Carriera per perfezionarsi nella miniatura e nella pittura a pastello senoché nelle varie tecniche della grafica. Durante gli anni seguenti Felicita diventa, accanto alle sorelle di Rosalba, la collaboratrice piú stretta della Carriera che in questi anni tocca il colmo della fama artistica, dovuto soprattutto al suo strepitoso successo riscosso durante il soggiorno a Parigi dal 1720 al 1721. I numerosissimi incarichi che le giungono da tutta l'Europa incrementano la produttivitá e lasciano supporre che la bottega abbia contribuito in misura notevole a contentare tali richieste. Negli anni dopo il 1730 l'attività di Felicita oltre le varie attività pittoriche entro la bottega della Carriera si estende alla produzione di incisioni per le pubblicazioni di Gaspare Stampa e di Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet. Incide inoltre le stampe dai disegni di Giovanni Battista Piazetta, pubblicati da Antonio Maria Zanetti. La finora anonima collaboratrice della famosa veneziana esce dall'ombra quando, nel 1741, viene nominata artista di corte da Augusto III, principe elettore di Sassonia e ré di Polonia. Trasferitosi a Dresda, si unisce poche settimane dopo la nomina in matrimonio al consigliere di corte Franz Joseph von Hoffmann, che probabilmente aveva concosciuto nel 1740 nello studio veneziano di Rosalba spesso frequentato dall'elettore e del suo seguito. Felicita continua la su attività a Dresda dove nella Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister si conservano tuttora 15 miniature di sua mano. Grazie alle ricerche dedicate a queste opere è stato possibile di aumentare l'œuvre della Sartori di altre opere tra cui una Betsabea al bagno (coll. priv. München) già nelle collezioni reali sassoni. Sembra che l'artista dopo la morte del marito nel 1749, si sia trasferito con un secondo marito a Bamberg ma altre fonti citano la sua presenza a Dresda nel 1753 dove secondo le notizie fornite da Jean Pierre Mariette muore nel 1760 all'età di soli 46 anni.

The Storm Surge Event of the Netherlands in 1953

A disastrous storm surge hit the coast of the Netherlands on 31 January and 1 February 1953. We examine the meteorological situation during this event using the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) data set. We find a strong pressure gradient between Ireland and northern Germany accompanied by strong north-westerly winds over the North Sea. Storm driven sea level rise combined with spring tide contributed to this extreme event. The state of the atmosphere in 20CR during this extreme event is in good agreement with historical observational data

Effect of Feeding Procedure and Intake Level on Steer Feedlot Performance and Carcass Composition: A Progress Report

Two feedlot trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding frequency (once daily in the morning, once daily in the afternoon or twice daily) and feeding level (ad libitum, 95% of ad libitum, or 90% of ad libitum) on the feedlot performance and carcass composition of beef steers. Data were collected using 196 yearling beef steers. In both trials cattle fed once daily in the morning tended to have higher gains and better feed efficiencies than cattle fed once daily in the afternoon or cattle fed twice daily. Overall, cattle restricted to 95% and 90% of ad libitum intake levels had better feed efficiencies than cattle with ad libitum access to feed. Cattle fed once daily in the morning tended to have less backfat than cattle fed once daily in the afternoon or cattle fed twice daily.

The Effect on Meat Quality of Integrating Pasturing Systems into Cattle Finishing Programs

The effect on meat quality of integrating pasturing systems into cattle finishing programs was observed over a two-year period. Year one consisted of 84 fall born calves and 28 spring born calves and year two consisted of 116 fall born calves. The effect of using Rumensinâ for cattle on bromegrass pasture was incorporated into year one. In year two cattle on pasture received bromegrass pasture, and one treatment group received switchgrass during the warm season. In both years there was a control group of calves that went directly to the feedlot with the remaining calves going to pasture for varying periods of time before being finished in drylot. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, cattle were processed into beef, and a ribeye steak was removed from each carcass for sensory evaluation. In year one cattle that were on pasture the longest had the lowest (P<0.05) average quality grades. In year two this trend was reversed, and cattle placed directly into drylot had the lowest (P<0.05) average quality grades. In both years cattle carcasses in all treatments averaged yield grade 2. Warner Bratzler shear force values were not affected by treatments. Sensory panel evaluations indicated tenderness was unaffected by treatments, and in year two flavor and flavor intensity were unaffected by treatments. In year one flavor intensity was lowest (P<0.05) for steaks derived from cattle that were on pasture the longest and received Rumensinâ. Inclusion of Rumensinâ for cattle on pasture did not influence yield and quality grades or affect tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Results of this study indicate that steer calves placed on cool and warm season pastures prior to being finished in drylot, can produce carcasses with acceptable yield and quality grades and that the meat eating qualities will be largely unaffected by the inclusion of pasture.

Integration of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs—A Progress Report

This progress report is an introduction to a study to evaluate the incorporation of rotational pasturing systems into cattle finishing programs. Because the first year is still in progress and the first trial is not complete, few data are available. However, there is a suggestion that feeding an ionophore to young calves on pasture may result in improved daily gains.

Integration of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs

A 3-year study, using 84 fall-born and 28 spring-born calves of similar genotypes, was conducted to integrate pasturing systems with drylot feeding systems. Calves were started on test following weaning in May and October. Seven treatments were imposed: 1) fall-born calves directly into feedlot; 2 and 3) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of July; 4 and 5) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October; 6 and 7) spring-born calves put on pasture with or without ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October. A bromegrass pasture consisting of 16 paddocks, each 1.7 acre in size, was available. Each treatment group had access to 1 paddock at a time and was rotated at approximately 3-day intervals. In the feedlot, steers were provided an 82% concentrate diet containing whole-shelled corn, ground alfalfa hay, and a protein, vitamin and mineral supplement containing ionophore and molasses. As pens of cattle reached about 1150 lb. average live weight, they were processed and carcass traits were evaluated. Pasture daily gains were highest for cattle on pasture for the longest duration (P < .03), and overall daily gains were highest for drylot cattle (P < .01) and decreased with increased time spent on pasture. Although differences among treatments existed in numerical scores for yield and quality grades (P < .05 and P < .03, respectively), all treatments provided average yield grade scores of 2 and quality grades of low Choice or higher. Use of four production costs and pricing scenarios revealed that fall-born calves placed on pasture for varying lengths of time were the most profitable (P < .04) among the treatments. Furthermore, employing a 5% price sensitivity analysis, indicated that fed-cattle selling price had great impact on profit potential and was followed in importance by feeder purchase price and corn grain price. Overall, these findings should provide significant production alternatives for some segments of the cattle feeding industry and also lend substantial credence to the concept of sustainable agriculture.

Integration of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs: A Progress Report

A three-year study was conducted to integrate pasturing systems with drylot feeding systems. Each year 84 fall-born and 28 spring-born calves of similar genotypes were used. Fall-born calves were started on test in May, and spring-born calves were started in October. Seven treatments were imposed: 1) fall-born calves directly into the feedlot (28 steers); 2 and 3) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of July (14 steers in each treatment); 4 and 5) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October (14 steers in each treatment); and 6 and 7) spring-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October (14 steers in each treatment). Cattle on pasture receiving an ionophore gained faster (P=.009), but lost this advantage in drylot (P>.10). Overall, cattle started directly in the feedlot had higher gains (P<.001). Cattle receiving an ionophore on pasture had lower KPH than those that did not receive an ionophore (P<.01). Treatment influenced yield grade (P<0.001), although all treatments were YG 2. The percentage of cattle grading Prime and Choice was 75 % or higher for all treatment groups. The results show that using an ionophore improved pasture gains and that pasture treatments did not adversely influence yield and quality grades.

Integration of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs: A Progress Report

This progress report presents the findings of the first two years of a multi-year study. Each year 84 fall-born and 28 spring-born calves of similar genetic background were used to evaluate the incorporation of rotational pasturing systems into cattle finishing programs. The fall-born calves were started on test on May 7, 1996, and May 8, 1997, whereas the spring-born calves were started on test on October 1, 1996, and September 13, 1997. A total of seven treatments were imposed: 1) fall-born calves directly into the feedlot; 2) fall-born calves put on pasture and receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on July 30, 1996, and July 29, 1997 in the first and second years, respectively; 3) fall-born calves put on pasture without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on July 30, 1996 and July 29, 1997, in the first and second years, respectively; 4) fall-born calves put on pasture and receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22, 1996, and October 21, 1997, in the first and second years, respectively; 5) fall-born calves put on pasture without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22, 1996, and October 21, 1997, in the first and second years, respectively; 6) spring-born calves put on pasture and receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22, 1996, and October 21, 1997, in the first and second years, respectively; and 7) spring-born calves put on pasture without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22, 1996, and October 21, 1997, in the first and second years, respectively. Cattle receiving an ionophore on pasture gained more rapidly; however, cattle without access to an ionophore gained more rapidly in drylot thus negating the advantage obtained on pasture. Overall daily gains and feed conversions in drylot only, improved with increasing numbers of days fed in drylot; however, this may not be very cost effective. At similar end weights no real differences were observed in yield grades among the treatments; however, for fall-born calves the percentage grading Prime and Choice was higher for cattle fed longer in drylot.

Integration of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs: A Progress Report

In this study, 84 fall-born and 28 spring-born calves of similar genetic background were used to evaluate the incorporation of rotational pasturing systems into cattle finishing programs. Because the second-year trial is not complete, this report will include only the first year of the five-year study. Seven treatments were imposed: 1) fall-born calves put directly into the feedlot on May 7, 1996; 2) fall-born calves put on pasture and receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on July 30, 3) fall born calves put on pasture on May 7 and not receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on July 30; 4) fall-born calves put on pasture on May 7 and receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22; 5) fall-born calves put on pasture on May 7 and not receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22; 6) spring-born calves put on pasture on October 1 and receiving an ionophore and moved to the feedlot on October 22; and 7) spring-born calves put on pasture on October 1 and not receiving an ionophore and moved to feedlot on October 22. Performance data showed that cattle on pasture receiving an ionophore had higher gains than those not receiving an ionophore on pasture. This trend was reversed in the feedlot period. Yield grades were not greatly influenced by treatment, although quality grades tended to be higher for older cattle and those cattle that were in drylot for a longer period of time.

TREM-1 deficiency can attenuate disease severity without affecting pathogen clearance

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a potent amplifier of pro-inflammatory innate immune reactions. While TREM-1-amplified responses likely aid an improved detection and elimination of pathogens, excessive production of cytokines and oxygen radicals can also severely harm the host. Studies addressing the pathogenic role of TREM-1 during endotoxin-induced shock or microbial sepsis have so far mostly relied on the administration of TREM-1 fusion proteins or peptides representing part of the extracellular domain of TREM-1. However, binding of these agents to the yet unidentified TREM-1 ligand could also impact signaling through alternative receptors. More importantly, controversial results have been obtained regarding the requirement of TREM-1 for microbial control. To unambiguously investigate the role of TREM-1 in homeostasis and disease, we have generated mice deficient in Trem1. Trem1(-/-) mice are viable, fertile and show no altered hematopoietic compartment. In CD4(+) T cell- and dextran sodium sulfate-induced models of colitis, Trem1(-/-) mice displayed significantly attenuated disease that was associated with reduced inflammatory infiltrates and diminished expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Trem1(-/-) mice also exhibited reduced neutrophilic infiltration and decreased lesion size upon infection with Leishmania major. Furthermore, reduced morbidity was observed for influenza virus-infected Trem1(-/-) mice. Importantly, while immune-associated pathologies were significantly reduced, Trem1(-/-) mice were equally capable of controlling infections with L. major, influenza virus, but also Legionella pneumophila as Trem1(+/+) controls. Our results not only demonstrate an unanticipated pathogenic impact of TREM-1 during a viral and parasitic infection, but also indicate that therapeutic blocking of TREM-1 in distinct inflammatory disorders holds considerable promise by blunting excessive inflammation while preserving the capacity for microbial control.