Random regression analyses using B-spline functions to model growth of Nellore cattle

The objective of this study was to estimate (co)variance components using random regression on B-spline functions to weight records obtained from birth to adulthood. A total of 82 064 weight records of 8145 females obtained from the data bank of the Nellore Breeding Program (PMGRN/Nellore Brazil) which started in 1987, were used. The models included direct additive and maternal genetic effects and animal and maternal permanent environmental effects as random. Contemporary group and dam age at calving (linear and quadratic effect) were included as fixed effects, and orthogonal Legendre polynomials of age (cubic regression) were considered as random covariate. The random effects were modeled using B-spline functions considering linear, quadratic and cubic polynomials for each individual segment. Residual variances were grouped in five age classes. Direct additive genetic and animal permanent environmental effects were modeled using up to seven knots (six segments). A single segment with two knots at the end points of the curve was used for the estimation of maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. A total of 15 models were studied, with the number of parameters ranging from 17 to 81. The models that used B-splines were compared with multi-trait analyses with nine weight traits and to a random regression model that used orthogonal Legendre polynomials. A model fitting quadratic B-splines, with four knots or three segments for direct additive genetic effect and animal permanent environmental effect and two knots for maternal additive genetic effect and maternal permanent environmental effect, was the most appropriate and parsimonious model to describe the covariance structure of the data. Selection for higher weight, such as at young ages, should be performed taking into account an increase in mature cow weight. Particularly, this is important in most of Nellore beef cattle production systems, where the cow herd is maintained on range conditions. There is limited modification of the growth curve of Nellore cattle with respect to the aim of selecting them for rapid growth at young ages while maintaining constant adult weight.

Interação genótipo x local x regime alimentar em bovinos nelore por meio de componentes principais de três modos

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar componentes principais com múltiplas matrizes de dados para verificar a interação tripla genótipo x local x regime alimentar no valor genético do efeito direto do peso, aos 205 dias de idade. Foram utilizados touros com filhos em três regiões de produção do Nordeste Brasileiro (Maranhão, Mata e Agreste, e Recôncavo Baiano) e criados nos regimes alimentares a pasto ou com suplementação. Não se evidenciou interação genótipo x local para a característica estudada, entretanto, constatou-se interação do genótipo x regime alimentar. A utilização dos touros deve ser direcionada de acordo com o regime alimentar de seus filhos.

Isotope ratios, trace elements and ultrastructure results of Mytilus galloprovincialis shells and experimental site data off Ischia (Italy)

Bivalve shells can provide excellent archives of past environmental change but have not been used to interpret ocean acidification events. We investigated carbon, oxygen and trace element records from different shell layers in the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis combined with detailed investigations of the shell ultrastructure. Mussels from the harbour of Ischia (Mediterranean, Italy) were transplanted and grown in water with mean pHT 7.3 and mean pHT 8.1 near CO2 vents on the east coast of the island. Most prominently, the shells recorded the shock of transplantation, both in their shell ultrastructure, textural and geochemical record. Shell calcite, precipitated subsequently under acidified seawater responded to the pH gradient by an in part disturbed ultrastructure. Geochemical data from all test sites show a strong metabolic effect that exceeds the influence of the low-pH environment. These field experiments showed that care is needed when interpreting potential ocean acidification signals because various parameters affect shell chemistry and ultrastructure. Besides metabolic processes, seawater pH, factors such as salinity, water temperature, food availability and population density all affect the biogenic carbonate shell archive.

Nueva tecnología para la separación de gases atmosféricos y captura de dióxido de carbono por aplicación de campos electromagnéticos y fotoionización

Son numerosos los expertos que predicen que hasta pasado 2050 no se utilizarán masivamente las energías de origen renovable, y que por tanto se mantendrá la emisión de dióxido de carbono de forma incontrolada. Entre tanto, y previendo que este tipo de uso se mantenga hasta un horizonte temporal aún más lejano, la captura, concentración y secuestro o reutilización de dióxido de carbono es y será una de las principales soluciones a implantar para paliar el problema medioambiental causado. Sin embargo, las tecnologías existentes y en desarrollo de captura y concentración de este tipo de gas, presentan dos limitaciones: las grandes cantidades de energía que consumen y los grandes volúmenes de sustancias potencialmente dañinas para el medioambiente que producen durante su funcionamiento. Ambas razones hacen que no sean atractivas para su implantación y uso de forma extensiva. La solución planteada en la presente tesis doctoral se caracteriza por la ausencia de residuos producidos en la operación de captura y concentración del dióxido de carbono, por no utilizar substancias químicas y físicas habituales en las técnicas actuales, por disminuir los consumos energéticos al carecer de sistemas móviles y por evitar la regeneración química y física de los materiales utilizados en la actualidad. Así mismo, plantea grandes retos a futuras innovaciones sobre la idea propuesta que busquen fundamentalmente la disminución de la energía utilizada durante su funcionamiento y la optimización de sus componentes principales. Para conseguir el objetivo antes citado, la presente tesis doctoral, una vez establecido el planteamiento del problema al que se busca solución (capítulo 1), del estudio de las técnicas de separación de gases atmosféricos utilizadas en la actualidad, así como del de los sistemas fundamentales de las instalaciones de captura y concentración del dióxido de carbono (capítulo 2) y tras una definición del marco conceptual y teórico (capítulo 3), aborda el diseño de un prototipo de ionización fotónica de los gases atmosféricos para su posterior separación electrostática, a partir del estudio, adaptación y mejora del funcionamiento de los sistemas de espectrometría de masas. Se diseñarán y desarrollarán los sistemas básicos de fotoionización, mediante el uso de fuentes de fotones coherentes, y los de separación electrostática (capítulo 4), en que se basa el funcionamiento de este sistema de separación de gases atmosféricos y de captura y concentración de dióxido de carbono para construir un prototipo a nivel laboratorio. Posteriormente, en el capítulo 5, serán probados utilizando una matriz experimental que cubra los rangos de funcionamiento previstos y aporte suficientes datos experimentales para corregir y desarrollar el marco teórico real, y con los que se pueda establecer y corregir un modelo físico– matemático de simulación (capítulo 6) aplicable a la unidad en su conjunto. Finalmente, debido a la utilización de unidades de ionización fotónica, sistemas láseres intensos y sistemas eléctricos de gran potencia, es preciso analizar el riesgo biológico a las personas y al medioambiente debido al impacto de la radiación electromagnética producida (capítulo 7), minimizando su impacto y cumpliendo con la legislación vigente. En el capítulo 8 se planteará un diseño escalable a tamaño piloto de la nueva tecnología propuesta y sus principales modos de funcionamiento, así como un análisis de viabilidad económica. Como consecuencia de la tesis doctoral propuesta y del desarrollo de la unidad de separación atmosférica y de captura y concentración de dióxido de carbono, surgen diversas posibilidades de estudio que pueden ser objeto de nuevas tesis doctorales y de futuros desarrollos de ingeniería. El capítulo 9 tratará de incidir en estos aspectos indicando líneas de investigación para futuras tesis y desarrollos industriales. ABSTRACT A large number of experts predict that until at least 2050 renewable energy sources will not be massively used, and for that reason, current Primary Energy sources based on extensive use of fossil fuel will be used maintaining out of control emissions, Carbon Dioxide above all. Meanwhile, under this scenario and considering its extension until at least 2050, Carbon Capture, Concentration, Storage and/or Reuse is and will be one of the main solutions to minimise Greenhouse Gasses environmental effect. But, current Carbon Capture and Storage technology state of development has two main problems: it is a too large energy consuming technology and during normal use it produces a large volume of environmentally dangerous substances. Both reasons are limiting its development and its extensive use. This Ph Degree Thesis document proposes a solution to get the expected effect using a new atmospheric gasses separation system with the following characteristics: absence of wastes produced, it needs no chemical and/or physical substances during its operation, it reduces to minimum the internal energy consumptions due to absence of mobile equipment and it does not need any chemical and/or physical regeneration of substances. This system is beyond the State of the Art of current technology development. Additionally, the proposed solution raises huge challenges for future innovations of the proposed idea finding radical reduction of internal energy consumption during functioning, as well as regarding optimisation of main components, systems and modes of operation. To achieve this target, once established the main problem, main challenge and potential solving solutions (Chapter 1), it is established an initial starting point fixing the Atmospheric Gasses Separation and Carbon Capture and Storage developments (Chapter 2), as well as it will be defined the theoretical and basic model, including existing and potential new governing laws and mathematical formulas to control its system functioning (Chapter 3), this document will deal with the design of an installation of an operating system based on photonic ionization of atmospheric gasses to be separated in a later separation system based on the application of electrostatic fields. It will be developed a basic atmospheric gasses ionization prototype based on intense radioactive sources capable to ionize gasses by coherent photonic radiation, and a basic design of electrostatic separation system (Chapter 4). Both basic designs are the core of the proposed technology that separates Atmospheric Gasses and captures and concentrates Carbon Dioxide. Chapter 5 will includes experimental results obtained from an experimental testing matrix covering expected prototype functioning regimes. With the obtained experimental data, theoretical model will be corrected and improved to act as the real physical and mathematical model capable to simulate real system function (Chapter 6). Finally, it is necessary to assess potential biological risk to public and environment due to the proposed use of units of intense energy photonic ionization, by laser beams or by non–coherent sources and large electromagnetic systems with high energy consumption. It is necessary to know the impact in terms of and electromagnetic radiation taking into account National Legislation (Chapter 7). On Chapter 8, an up scaled pilot plant will be established covering main functioning modes and an economic feasibility assessment. As a consequence of this PhD Thesis, a new field of potential researches and new PhD Thesis are opened, as well as future engineering and industrial developments (Chapter 9).

Fenntarthatósági szempontok beépítése a beszállító értékelésébe a DEA/CI összetett indikátorok módszere alkalmazásával (Integrating sustainability criteria in supplier evaluation with application of the method of of DEA/CI complex indicators)

A környezeti hatások rendszerint túlmutatnak egy vállalat határain, éppen ezért az ellátási lánc kontextusban a környezeti szempontok érvényesítése során fontos szerep jut a beszerzési döntéseknek is. Számos olyan példát lehetne említeni, amikor egy adott szempont szerint egy alternatíva környezetileg előnyös, de az ellátási lánc egészét nézve már környezetterhelő. A környezeti hatások ellátási lánc szinten való mérése azonban komoly kihívásokat jelent. Ezzel jelentős kutatásokat és fejlesztéseket inspirált a téma. Az egyik olyan terület, amelyben komoly kutatási eredmények születtek, az a környezeti szempontok beszállítói értékelésbe való beépítése. A kutatások ezen irányához csatlakozva a szerzők tanulmányunkban azt keresik, hogyan lehet meghatározni az egyik legáltalánosabban használt szállítóértékelési módszerben, a súlyozott pontrendszerben egy adott szemponthoz azt a súlyt, amely mellett az adott szempont már döntésbefolyásoló tényezővé válik. Ehhez a DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) összetett indikátorok (Composite Indicators, CI) módszerét alkalmazzák. A szempontok közös súlyának fontossága megállapításához a lineáris programozás elméletét használják. _____ Management decisions often have an environmental effect not just within the company, but outside as well, this is why supply chain context is highlighted in literature. Measuring environmental issues of supply decisions raise a lot of problems from methodological and practical point of view. This inspires a rapidly growing literature as a lot of studies were published focusing on how to incorporate environmental issues into supplier evaluation. This paper contributes to this stream of research as it develops a method to help weight selection. In the authors’ paper the method of Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) is used to study the extension of traditional supplier selection methods with environmental factors. The selection of the weight system can control the result of the selection process.

Dynamique de la variation génétique et épigénétique chez un vertébré kleptogène

La variation phénotypique est essentielle à la persistance des organismes dans le temps ainsi qu’à la colonisation de nouveaux habitats. Les principales sources de variation phénotypique sont la génétique et l'épigénétique. L'épigénétique a été proposé comme un atout important pour les organismes asexués pour compenser le manque de diversité génétique. L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer si l’absence de variation génétique est compensée par l'épigénétique en comparant les profils de méthylation d’individus gynogènes et kleptogènes des hybrides de salamandre à points bleus. Les individus échantillonnés s’organisent en cinq groupes génétiquement différenciés, provenant du même haplome paternel A. jeffersonianum. Deux des cinq groupes sont exclusivement gynogènes, pour des raisons écologiques ou génomiques. Les trois autres groupes sont formés d’individus parfois kleptogènes, car ils présentent une variation génétique plus élevée au sein d’un site qu’entre les sites, en plus de porter des allèles très divergents par rapport à la distribution globale des allèles hybrides, trouvés en haute fréquence dans les populations sympatriques de A. laterale. Les patrons épigénétiques sont variables et distincts entre les cinq groupes génétiques. Les groupes gynogènes sont les seuls à présenter un effet environnemental significatif sur leurs patrons épigénétiques, suggérant que ces individus clonaux doivent être en mesure de maximiser leur potentiel de variation épigénétique pour faire face à des variations environnementales.

Isotopic composition of diet and tissues, and isotope discrimination factors for pink-footed and barnacle geese, Svalbard

Breeding in the high Arctic is time constrained and animals should therefore start with their annual reproduction as early as possible. To allow for such early reproduction in migratory birds, females arrive at the breeding grounds either with body stores or they try to rapidly develop their eggs after arrival using local resources. Svalbard breeding barnacle geese Branta leucopsis have to fly non-stop for about 1100 km from their last continental staging site to the archipelago making the transport of body stores costly. However, environmental conditions at the breeding grounds are highly unpredictable favouring residual body stores allowing for egg production after arrival on the breeding grounds. We estimated the reliance on southern continental resources, i.e. body stores for egg formation, in barnacle geese using stable isotope ratios in the geese's forage along the flyway and in their eggs. Females adopted mixed breeding strategies by using southern resources as well as local resources to varying extents for egg formation. Southern capital in lipid-free yolk averaged 41% (range: 23-65%), early laid eggs containing more southern capital than eggs laid late in the season. Yolk lipids and albumen did not vary over time and averaged a southern capital proportion of 54% (range: 32-73%) and 47% (range: 25-88%), respectively. Our findings indicate that female geese vary the use of southern resources when synthesizing their eggs and this allocation also varies among egg tissues. Their mixed and flexible use of distant and local resources potentially allows for adaptive adjustments to environmental conditions encountered at the archipelago just before breeding.

Seawater carbonate chemistry and microbioerosion of coral skeletons

Biological mediation of carbonate dissolution represents a fundamental component of the destructive forces acting on coral reef ecosystems. Whereas ocean acidification can increase dissolution of carbonate substrates, the combined impact of ocean acidification and warming on the microbioerosion of coral skeletons remains unknown. Here, we exposed skeletons of the reef-building corals, Porites cylindrica and Isopora cuneata, to present-day (Control: 400 µatm - 24 °C) and future pCO2-temperature scenarios projected for the end of the century (Medium: +230 µatm - +2 °C; High: +610 µatm - +4 °C). Skeletons were also subjected to permanent darkness with initial sodium hypochlorite incubation, and natural light without sodium hypochlorite incubation to isolate the environmental effect of acidic seawater (i.e., Omega aragonite <1) from the biological effect of photosynthetic microborers. Our results indicated that skeletal dissolution is predominantly driven by photosynthetic microborers, as samples held in the dark did not decalcify. In contrast, dissolution of skeletons exposed to light increased under elevated pCO2-temperature scenarios, with P. cylindrica experiencing higher dissolution rates per month (89%) than I. cuneata (46%) in the high treatment relative to control. The effects of future pCO2-temperature scenarios on the structure of endolithic communities were only identified in P. cylindrica and were mostly associated with a higher abundance of the green algae Ostreobium spp. Enhanced skeletal dissolution was also associated with increased endolithic biomass and respiration under elevated pCO2-temperature scenarios. Our results suggest that future projections of ocean acidification and warming will lead to increased rates of microbioerosion. However, the magnitude of bioerosion responses may depend on the structural properties of coral skeletons, with a range of implications for reef carbonate losses under warmer and more acidic oceans.

Effects of density dependence, zooplankton and temperature on blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou growth

Blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou mean total length at age in the north-east Atlantic Ocean was found to vary by around ±6% during the period 2004–2011 and mean mass at age by ±22% during the years 1981–2013. Linear modelling provided strong evidence that these phenotypic growth variations can be explained by trophic conditions, mainly negative density dependence and also food availability, and a negative long-term temperature effect on asymptotic siz

Dynamique de la variation génétique et épigénétique chez un vertébré kleptogène

La variation phénotypique est essentielle à la persistance des organismes dans le temps ainsi qu’à la colonisation de nouveaux habitats. Les principales sources de variation phénotypique sont la génétique et l'épigénétique. L'épigénétique a été proposé comme un atout important pour les organismes asexués pour compenser le manque de diversité génétique. L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer si l’absence de variation génétique est compensée par l'épigénétique en comparant les profils de méthylation d’individus gynogènes et kleptogènes des hybrides de salamandre à points bleus. Les individus échantillonnés s’organisent en cinq groupes génétiquement différenciés, provenant du même haplome paternel A. jeffersonianum. Deux des cinq groupes sont exclusivement gynogènes, pour des raisons écologiques ou génomiques. Les trois autres groupes sont formés d’individus parfois kleptogènes, car ils présentent une variation génétique plus élevée au sein d’un site qu’entre les sites, en plus de porter des allèles très divergents par rapport à la distribution globale des allèles hybrides, trouvés en haute fréquence dans les populations sympatriques de A. laterale. Les patrons épigénétiques sont variables et distincts entre les cinq groupes génétiques. Les groupes gynogènes sont les seuls à présenter un effet environnemental significatif sur leurs patrons épigénétiques, suggérant que ces individus clonaux doivent être en mesure de maximiser leur potentiel de variation épigénétique pour faire face à des variations environnementales.

Effect of depithing on the safety and environmental aspects of bagasse stockpiling

Large scale sugarcane bagasse storage in uncovered stockpiles has the potential to result in adverse impacts on the environment and surrounding communities through hazards associated with nuisance dust, groundwater seepage, spontaneous combustion and generation of contaminated leachates. Managing these hazards will assist in improved health and safety outcomes for factory staff and reduced potential environmental impacts on surrounding communities. Removal of the smaller fibres (pith) from bagasse prior to stockpiling reduced the dust number of bagasse by 50% and modelling suggests peak ground level PM10 dust emissions would reduce by 70%. Depithed bagasse has much lower water holding capacity (~43%) than whole bagasse. This experimental and modelling study investigated the physical properties of depithed and whole bagasse. Dust dispersion modelling was undertaken to determine the likely effects associated with storage of whole and depithed sugarcane bagasse.