The Impact of Geographical Proximity on Vertical Integration through Specific Assets: The Case of the Spanish Meat Industry

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the role that agglomeration may have on vertical boundaries in exchanges associated with high transaction costs. Transaction cost economics identifies the presence of specific assets in stages of the value chain as the main driver of vertical integration. However, under the trustworthy and shared social milieu that agglomerated spaces may confer, neighboring firms can enjoy lower opportunism risk and communication costs. Therefore, we assume that even in the presence of specific assets, physically proximate firms are more likely to remain specialized and establish market exchanges. Empirical evidence in 10,186 establishments from the Spanish meat industry confirms these hypotheses, although it is found that the moderating role of agglomeration in the relationship between asset specificity and vertical integration has a limited geographical reach.     

Effects of Soluble Silicate and Nanosilica Application on Rice Nutrition in an Oxisol

Silicon(Si) has been supplied to plants via application of calcium silicate to soil; however, high doses of calcium silicate are required because of its low solubility. Nanoparticles can reduce Si doses and be applied to seeding furrows. This study investigated the effects of liquid Si sources, i.e., highly soluble silicate(115.2 g L~(-1) Si and 60.5 g L~(-1) Na_2O) and nanosilica( 200 nm), on Si uptake by rice plants, plant lignification, plant C:N:P stoichiometry, plant physiology, and grain yield using an Oxisol under greanhouse condistions. The treatments included the application of nanosilica and soluble silicate to seeding furrows at Si doses of 0, 605, 1 210,and 2 420 g ha~(-1). Plant uptake and treatment effects were evaluated by measuring C and lignin contents, Si, N, and P accumulation,physiological characteristics, and grain yield of rice. The deposition of silica bodies and amorphous silica in the flag leaves was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Application of liquid Si increased Si accumulation in rice by 47.3% in relation to the control(0 g ha~(-1) Si), regardless of the Si sources used. Nanosilica application increased leaf lignin content by 112.7% when compared to that in the control. Silicon moderately affected the net C assimilation(increased by 1.83%) and transpiration rates(increased by 48.3%);however, Si influenced neither plant growth nor grain yield of rice. These results are explained by the lack of biotic or abiotic stress in rice plants during the experiment. To the best of our knowledge, in Brazilian agriculture, this is the first report on the use of nanosilica as a Si fertilizer and its effect on plant nutrition. This study provides evidence that rice plants absorb and accumulate nanoparticles;however, further studies are required to investigate the use of nanoparticles in other plant species.     

Milk secretion of nitrofurantoin,as a specific BCRP/ABCG2 substrate,in assaf sheep: modulation by isoflavones1

Studies on residues in milk used for human consumption have increased due to health concerns and priority interest in the control of potentially risky drugs. The protein BCRP/ABCG2, present in the mammary epithelia, actively extrudes drugs into milk and can be modulated by isoflavones. Nitrofurantoin is a specific BCRP substrate which is actively excreted into milk by this transporter. In this research, we studied nitrofurantoin transport into milk in four experimental groups: G1‐calves fed forage with isoflavones; G2‐calves fed forage with isoflavones and administered exogenous genistein and daidzein; G3‐calves fed forage without isoflavones; G4‐calves fed forage without isoflavones and administered exogenous genistein and daidzein. Results show increased levels of nitrofurantoin in milk from calves without isoflavones (G3) and decreased nitrofurantoin residues in milk when isoflavones were present, either by forage (G1 and G2) or by exogenous administration (G4). The values of C_max in milk were significantly lower in those groups with isoflavones in forage (G1, G2). Plasma levels were low and unmodified among the groups. Inter‐individual variation was high. All these results seem to point to a feasible control of drug secretion into milk through isoflavones in the diet when the drug is a good BCRP/ABCG2 substrate.     

Disposition kinetics of albendazole and metabolites in laying hens

Bistoletti, M., Alvarez, L., Lanusse, C., Moreno, L. Disposition kinetics of albendazole and metabolites in laying hens. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.  36 , 161–168. An increasing prevalence of roundworm parasites in poultry, particularly in litter‐based housing systems, has been reported. However, few anthelmintic drugs are commercially available for use in avian production systems. The anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) in poultry has been demonstrated well. The goal of this work was to characterize the ABZ and metabolites plasma disposition kinetics after treatment with different administration routes in laying hens. Twenty‐four laying hens Plymouth Rock Barrada were distributed into three groups and treated with ABZ as follows: intravenously at 10 mg/kg (ABZ i.v.); orally at the same dose (ABZ oral); and in medicated feed at 10 mg/kg·day for 7 days (ABZ feed). Blood samples were taken up to 48 h posttreatment (ABZ i.v. and ABZ oral) and up to 10 days poststart feed medication (ABZ feed). The collected plasma samples were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. ABZ and its albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) and ABZSO₂ metabolites were recovered in plasma after ABZ i.v. administration. ABZ parent compound showed an initial concentration of 16.4 ± 2.0 μg/mL, being rapidly metabolized into the ABZSO and ABZSO₂ metabolites. The ABZSO maximum concentration (C_max) (3.10 ± 0.78 μg/mL) was higher than that of ABZSO₂C_max (0.34 ± 0.05 μg/mL). The area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) for ABZSO (21.9 ± 3.6 μg·h/mL) was higher than that observed for ABZSO₂ and ABZ (7.80 ± 1.02 and 12.0 ± 1.6 μg·h/mL, respectively). The ABZ body clearance (Cl) was 0.88 ± 0.11 L·h/kg with an elimination half‐life (T_1/2el) of 3.47 ± 0.73 h. The T_1/2el for ABZSO and ABZSO₂ were 6.36 ± 1.50 and 5.40 ± 1.90 h, respectively. After ABZ oral administration, low ABZ plasma concentrations were measured between 0.5 and 3 h posttreatment. ABZ was rapidly metabolized to ABZSO (C_max, 1.71 ± 0.62 μg/mL) and ABZSO₂ (C_max, 0.43 ± 0.04 μg/mL). The metabolite systemic exposure (AUC) values were 18.6 ± 2.0 and 10.6 ± 0.9 μg·h/mL for ABZSO and ABZSO₂, respectively. The half‐life values after ABZ oral were similar (5.91 ± 0.60 and 5.57 ± 1.19 h for ABZSO and ABZSO₂, respectively) to those obtained after ABZ i.v. administration. ABZ was not recovered from the bloodstream after ABZ feed administration. AUC values of ABZSO and ABZSO₂ were 61.9 and 92.4 μg·h/mL, respectively. The work reported here provides useful information on the pharmacokinetic behavior of ABZ after both i.v. and oral administrations in hens, which is a useful first step to evaluate its potential as an anthelmintic tool for use in poultry.     

Differentiation of Xanthomonas albilineans strains with monoclonal antibody reaction patterns and DNA fingerprints

Thirty-eight strains of the sugarcane leaf scald pathogen, Xanthomonas albilineans , were compared using a series of seven species-specific monoclonal antibodies as well as genomic DNA fingerprint patterns. The strains, which were obtained from 13 countries and states in the USA, were placed in three major groups with approximately eight subgroups based on similarity of their serological reactions. The serological groupings correlated strongly with groupings based on DNA fingerprint patterns. The groups of strains that were genetically and serologically related did not necessarily come from nearby locations but were usually from widely separated regions. Thus, it appears that disease transmission occurred by means other than natural spread. The methods used in this study are useful for comparing relationships among strains of X. albilineans . A combination of the monoclonal antibodies could be used in a serodiagnostic-based method to test for the presence of leaf scald disease.     

Integrating remote sensing in fisheries control

Abstract  To complement existing fishery control measures, in particular the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), a pilot operational system to find fishing vessels in satellite images was set up. Radar is the mainstay of the system, which furthermore includes fully automated image processing and communication protocols with the authorities. Different image types are used to match different fisheries – oceanic, shelf and coastal. Vessel detection rates were 75–100% depending on image type and vessel size. Output of the system, in the form of an overview of vessel positions in the area highlighting any discrepancies with otherwise reported positions, can be at the authorities within 30 min of the satellite image being taken – fast enough to task airborne inspection for follow up.     

Optimal level of dietary protein for Rana perezi Seoane larvae

Abstract. The objective of this study is to determine the optimal protein level for best growth and development of Rana perezi Seoane larvae. Performance of four diets containing 28%, 33·5%, 39% and 45·5% protein was compared. Tadpoles provided diets with 39% and 45·5% gross protein achieved the best results with regard to growth (weight gain, growth rate, feed conversion, etc.) and development (length of larval period, percentage of metamorphosis, etc.). Considering that protein is the most expensive diet component, it is estimated that the optimum quantity of protein for R. perezi larvae is about 39%.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE CANINE BRAIN AT 3 AND 7 T

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the canine brain is commonly acquired at field strengths ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 T. Our purpose was to compare the MR image quality of the canine brain acquired at 3 vs. 7 T in dogs. Low‐resolution turbo spin echo (TSE) T2‐weighted images (T2W) were obtained in transverse, dorsal, and sagittal planes, and high‐resolution TSE T2W and turbo spin echo proton density‐weighted images were obtained in the transverse and dorsal planes, at both 3 and 7 T. Three experienced reviewers evaluated 32 predetermined brain structures independently and without knowledge of field strength for spatial resolution and contrast. Overall image quality and evidence of artifacts were also evaluated. Contrast of gray and white matter was assessed quantitatively by measuring signal intensity in regions of interest for transverse plane images for the three pulse sequences obtained. Overall, 19 of the 32 neuroanatomic structures had comparable spatial resolution and contrast at both field strengths. The overall image quality for low‐resolution T2W images was comparable at 3 and 7 T. High‐resolution T2W was characterized by superior image quality at 3 vs. 7 T. Magnetic susceptibility and chemical shift artifacts were slightly more noticeable at 7 T. MR imaging at 3 and at 7 T provides high spatial resolution and contrast images of the canine brain. The use of 3 and 7 T MR imaging may assist in the elucidation of the pathogenesis of brain disorders, such as epilepsy.     

Two Cases of Pneumothorax During Mechanical Ventilation in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs

This case report describes pneumothorax associated with positive pressure ventilation in two Vietnamese potbellied pigs while under general anesthesia. A discussion of possible causes and barotrauma/volutrauma follows. The cause of pneumothorax in both cases was probably an interaction of intermittent positive pressure ventilation with some factor unique to these two pigs.     

Lifetime performances in Carora and Holstein cows in Venezuela

A study was conducted in the Central-western region of Venezuela to investigate the lifetime performances of 7918 Carora and 3501 Holstein cows under two different levels of management (low and high) and covering a period from 1961 to 1995. Traits analysed were: herd life, productive life, number of calvings, lifetime milk yield, days in lactation over all lactations and daily milk yield. In Carora cows born from 1961 to 1986 a decrease in herd life, productive life and number of calvings was observed, whereas cows born between 1971 and 1972 showed the lowest lifetime productive traits. Performances of Holstein cows born in the 1981–1986 period were analysed and all traits decreased during this time period. In low level herds, Holsteins remained longer (98.5 months vs. 83.3 in herd life; 69.5 vs. 54.3 months in productive life) and had higher lifetime yield (20 925 vs. 18 589 kg) than those in high level herds, but daily milk yield was lower (8.4 vs. 11.0 kg/day). All lifetime performances were higher for Carora cows under the high level management: 116.8 vs. 112.1 months of herd life, 81.8 vs. 77.1 months of productive life, 5.8 vs. 5.2 calvings, 1616 vs. 1299 days of lactation, 16 194 vs. 11 912 kg of milk over all lactations and 6.5 vs. 4.6 kg milk/day. Survival estimates for year of birth were more variable in Holsteins than in Carora cows. Management influenced survival in Holsteins only, the low level showing higher values.