With feed costs representing on average 65% of the total cost of production improvements in feed efficiency could have a major impact on the beef industry. Postweaning performance and feed efficiency data were collected on 114 heifers born on the University of Arizona's V bar V Ranch. Residual feed intake (RFI) was significantly correlated with dry matter intake (DMI) (r = 0.46) and G:F (r = -0.43), while G:F was moderately correlated with initial age (r = -0.54), initial body weight (r = -0.40), and average daily gain (ADG) (r = 0.68). Residual gain (RG) was moderately correlated with RFI (r = -0.41) and highly correlated with ADG (0.62) and G:F (0.73). In addition, RG was significantly correlated (r = -0.21) with initial weight suggesting that selection for RG could lead to increased cow mature size. Heifers were sorted into three breed categories: Hereford, Hereford cross, and Wagyu cross and breed effect on performance and feed efficiency traits were analyzed. Significant differences in DMI, FCR, and RG were noted, but likely due to significant differences in age at the time of testing. RFI was not significantly different between breed groups, suggesting that RFI is less influenced by animal age than other measures of feed efficiency. In addition, sires of study heifers with 5 or more progeny were selected and progeny performance and feed efficiency traits were compared between sires. No significant differences in ADG, RFI, FCR, or RG were noted between sire progeny. This was likely due to an insufficient number of progeny used in the trial. Further research and an increased number of animals used may uncover significant impacts of sire on RFI.

This thesis describes a new theoretical framework for characterizing legal systems and legal thought. Broadly speaking, legal systems can be characterized as undertaking three functional activities: the intake, processing and distribution of information. The thesis defines and explains what those three activities consist of, their interrelation and describes some of the emergent phenomena which arise as a result of their co-existence. Additionally, examples are provided which show elements of legal systems having behavior neatly predicted by information-first methods of analysis. The aim is to develop information-related tools to understand the function of legal systems and subsystems in society by reference to those three activities, and a robust set of fields and concepts are presented for future development.

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No description available.

This thesis describes a new theoretical framework for characterizing legal systems and legal thought. Broadly speaking, legal systems can be characterized as undertaking three functional activities: the intake, processing and distribution of information. The thesis defines and explains what those three activities consist of, their interrelation and describes some of the emergent phenomena which arise as a result of their co-existence. Additionally, examples are provided which show elements of legal systems having behavior neatly predicted by information-first methods of analysis. The aim is to develop information-related tools to understand the function of legal systems and subsystems in society by reference to those three activities, and a robust set of fields and concepts are presented for future development.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of residual feed intake (RFI) classification on performance, feed efficiency, feeding behavior and carcass traits, and to determine the relative importance of individual performance and carcass measurements on between-animal variation in net revenue of feedlot steers. Performance, feed intake and feeding behavior traits were measured in 508 Angus-based composite steers, using the GrowSafe feed-intake measurement system, while fed a high-grain diet for 70 days. Residual feed intake (RFI) was computed as actual minus expected dry matter intake (DMI) derived from regression of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and mid-test BW0.75, and steers classified into low (n = 150), medium (n = 200) and high (n = 158) RFI groups. Following the feed-intake measurement periods, steers were fed the same diet in group pens and harvested at an average backfat thickness of 1.14 cm. Net revenue (NR) was calculated as carcass value minus feeder calf, yardage, and feed costs using 3-year average prices. Feed cost was based on actual feed consumed during the feed-intake measurement periods, and model-predicted intake adjusted for RFI during the group-feeding periods. Steers with low RFI had $48/hd lower (P < 0.0001) feed cost, $16/hd numerically higher (P = 0.29) carcass value, and $62/hd more favorable (P < 0.0001) net revenue compared to their high-RFI counterparts. Net revenue was correlated with carcass weight, marbling score, yield grade, DMI, ADG, RFI and G:F ratio where animals that consumed more feed, had higher rates of gain and were more efficient had more favorable net returns. Models predicting net revenue from performance, carcass quality, and feed efficiency traits accounted for 77% of the between-animal variation in NR. In the base model, that included all traits performance, carcass quality and feed efficiency traits explained 28, 14 and 35%, respectively, of the variation in NR. Results from this study indicate that between-animal variation in net revenue was impacted to a great extent by performance and feed efficiency, rather than carcass quality traits, in Angus-based composite steers based on average 3-year pricing scenarios.

Background: The relationship between eating frequency (EF) and adiposity is surrounded by controversy. Numerous cross-sectional studies have been performed on the subject, yet the results are mixed. While some of these studies show an inverse relationship between EF and adiposity, this is likely due to underreporting of EF and total energy intake when diets are self-reported. In studies where underreporting was taken into account, EF is positively associated with both energy intake and adiposity. Intervention trials have failed to show a significant effect of EF on energy intake or weight change, but only a small number exist. Objective: In this study, we examined associations among EF, energy intake, and adiposity in free living adults consuming self-selected diets. In conducting this analysis, two common methodological problems in this research area were addressed: 1) the lack of consideration of energy balance fluctuations throughout the day, and 2) a tendency not to account for implausible reporting of energy intake. We hypothesized that individuals with higher EF would have higher BMI, percentage body fat, and energy intake. Additionally individuals with greater fluctuations in energy balance will have higher BMI, percentage body fat, and EF. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a previous study in our laboratory on diet and energy regulation (unpublished). One hundred and twenty-six participants were enrolled (62.4 % female, and 75.2% Caucasian), and one participant dropped the study due to pregnancy. Mean ±SD age, BMI, and percentage body fat of the remaining 125 participants were 29.8 ±12.2 years, 24.5±3.9 kg/m2, and 27.8±9.8% respectively. We analyzed one day of dietary intake collected using a multiple pass 24 hour recall. Energy intake was calculated by NDS (Nutrition Data System for Research, version 2011 (n=36) and version 2010 (n=89)). An eating occasion was defined as any occurrence of energy intake > 0 kcal separated by at least 1 hour. EF was defined as the number of eating occasions per day. A specifically designed spreadsheet that generates within-day energy balance was used to produce estimates of hourly energy balance. We also used total energy expenditure measured by doubly labeled water and the Huang et al. (2005)1 method to identify implausible reporters (cutoff for plausibility was reported energy intake (REI) within ±16.8% of TEE) and conducted Pearson’s correlations and regression analysis in both the total sample and a subsample in which implausible energy intake reporters were excluded from analysis. Results: We identified 59.2% of the sample as implausible reporters (n=74; 47 under-reported and 27 over-reported). Mean ±SD EF and energy intake were 4.7±1.5 and 2356±964 kcal in the total sample and 4.8±1.6 and 2371±689 kcal in the plausible sample. In the total sample EF was positively correlated to energy intake among women (r=0.244, p=0.032). No other significant relationships were observed between EF and either energy intake, BMI, or percentage body fat, in the total or plausible sample. In the total sample, maximum energy deficit > 400 kcal in a 24 hours period was significantly and positively correlated with percentage body fat (r=0.211,p=0.019) and negatively correlated with EF (r=-0.243, p=0.007) when controlling for sex and age. Separating the sample by sex we observed significant positive correlation between percentage body fat and maximum energy deficit in men (r=0.382, p=0.009) but not in women. No significant relationships between fluctuations in energy balance and percentage body fat were observed in the plausible sample. Conclusion: No evidence was found to suggest a relationship between EF and adiposity. The significant positive relationships observed between maximum energy deficit and adiposity in the total sample are consistent with previous findings. The number of implausible reporters identified in our analysis supports that over and under-reporting is a major issue associated with self-reporting of dietary intake.

Feed intake is a key factor affecting pig performance; thus, the objective of these studies was to assess a variety of factors that could potentially affect intake in pigs in different production stages. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of flavor and diet complexity, Appetein™ (an alternative protein source), and graded levels of salt on swine feed intake and feed preference. Two newly developed flavors were used in nursery pig diets. The use of the two flavors did not increase feed intake (P > 0.05). Nursery pigs actually showed a preference for the control diet. Complex diet formulation does increase feed intake (P < 0.03) in nursery pigs when diets are not over-formulated. When flavor was added to lactation diets sow feed intake did not change compared to the control. The flavor did not affect litter performance (P > 0.05). When Appetein™ was added to lactation diets at 0.5%, pig weight and litter weight were numerically greater for the sows fed Appetein™ but not significantly so. Appetein™ did not affect feed intake. When nursery pigs were fed graded levels of salt (0.1, 0.5, and 0.8%) feed intake increased (P < 0.01) as salt level increased. Nursery pigs also preferred (P < 0.05) 0.8% salt over other levels the first two weeks after weaning when given a choice among diets.

Syfte: Att kartlägga likheter och skillnader i åtgärder och hjälpmedel mot dehydrering hos äldre i teori och praktik. Metod: Initialt utfördes litteraturstudier via universitetsbibliotekets söktjänst OneSearch. Tre intervjuer utfördes på undersköterskor på gruppboende, demensboende och hemtjänst. Dessa erbjuder en inblick i den praktiska verksamheten. Resultat: Följande faktorer av betydelse för att förebygga eller motverka dehydrering identifierades samstämmigt i litteratur och vid intervjuer: (1) kunskap om den äldre via dokumentation, (2) anpassning av tillvägagångssätt vid servering av dryck efter den äldres preferenser och tillstånd, (3) hemtrevlig miljö med sociala interaktioner, (4) bedömning av vätskeintag, väskebalans och riskfaktorer via uppmärksamhet, vätskeregistrering och med hjälp av flera andra yrkesgrupper samt med hänsyn till den äldres historik, (5) påminnelser (särskilt vid demens) och en stor mängd lättabsorberade drycker som intas succesivt vid diarré och kräkningar, (6) lättanvända och specialutformade hjälpmedel. Följande metoder särskilde sig: (1) utbildning för vårdare; begränsad på de undersökta platserna, (2) tekniska hjälpmedel och sväljterapi (kostmodifieringar, anpassade huvudpositioner, sväljträning) vid dysfagi; kostmodifieringar används på de undersökta platserna, (3) färgsättning av koppar och kannor, vilket visats kunna ha betydelse för intag. Slutsats: Skillnader fanns gällande utbildning och användning av sväljterapi, tekniska hjälpmedel och infusioner. Utbildning av personalen, mer frekvent vätskeregistrering och fullständig sväljterapi utgör förbättringsmöjligheter. Vissa av dessa åtgärder kräver ökade resurser och/eller tydliga riktlinjer. Acceptans för tekniska hjälpmedel är inte en självklarhet. Undersökningar gällande möjligheterna i att med färgval och design av dryckeskärl stimulera de äldre att dricka mer kan vara värt att undersöka vidare. Intervjuerna syftade främst till att ge en inblick i den praktiska verksamheten och generaliserbarheten av erhållna resultat är begränsad. De flesta åtgärder som har identifierats är ”mjuka” till sin karaktär. Det är svårt att få en klar bild av olika metoders effektivitet. Några av metoderna som har utvärderats med goda resultat vid dysfagi och som därför kan förbättra vätskeintaget är sväljterapi och stimulering av sväljmuskulatur. / Objective: To identify similarities and differences in methods and aids used to prevent dehydraton in the elderly as identified from the scientific literature and from interviews with caretakers. Method: Literature studies was performed through the University Library search service ”OneSearch” and further from references in key papers. Three interviews were conducted on nursing assistants in two retirement homes and home care services, to offer some insight into the practical activities. Results : The following factors were identified as important in both literature and interviews: (1) knowledge of the elderly through documentation, (2) adapted approach when serving drinks after the elderly person's preferences and condition, (3) a homely environment with social interactions, (4) assessments of fluid intake, fluid balance and risk factors through attention, fluid registration and with the help of several other professional groups, and given the history of the elderly, (5) reminders for dementia and a accessibility of large amount of easily absorbed beverages consumed gradually during diarrhea and vomiting, (6) easy-to-use and specially designed drinking aids. For the following factors differences were obeserved between literature survey and interviews: (1) education for caregivers; limited to the investigated sites, (2) technical aids and swallowing therapy (dietary modifications, adapted head positions, swallowing training) in dysphagia; diet modification is used at the investigated sites (3) the importance of cup and jug colours; blue cups used in practice, no support in literature. Conclusions: Differences were found in terms of education and the use of swallowing therapy, assistive technology and infusions. Education, more frequent fluid registration and a complete swallowing therapy are improvement opportunites, some of them requires extra resources and/or clear guidelines. Acceptance of technical aids is not self-evident. Investigation of the effect of cup color and design that can encourage the elderly to drink could potentially be a way forward. The results of the interviews are not generalizable because they only aimed to give an insight into the practical activities. Most of the strategies that have been identified are "soft" in nature. It is difficult to get a clear picture of the efficiency of different methods. Methods that have been evaluated with good results in dysphagia and therefore offer potential to improve liquid intake, are swallowing therapy and stimulation of swallowing musculature.

This bachelor degree study will deal with strategic measurements within sales. It undertakes an empirical evaluation of the two measurement strategy concepts “Sales Pipeline” and “Strike Zone”. Firstly, the study will explain key advantages of implementing the strategic measurements. Secondly and finally, the potential challenges as well as possible ways to overcome them will shape the structure of the study with the purpose to develop a sales process.   The foundation of the study is based on modern market trends, which is influenced on characteristics such as globalization, increased demands from customers and similarities of products and services being offered among suppliers acting on the market. These aspects among others pressures organizations to establish superior strategies in order to create a competitive advantage. The set up of successful strategies commonly entails the process of converting strategic intent into actionable activities as well as being able to measure them. Therefore the concept of measuring is an important key in developing a superior competitive advantage.   The authors worked hand in hand with the organization Saab throughout this study. Therefore, the thesis is a qualitative single case study of the organization. It will specifically investigate Saabs sales process in the market of global defense security, and evaluate key measurable strategies that can be related to their organization. According to the study findings and the analytical results, the conclusion is that both of the theories “Sales Pipeline” and “Strike Zone” will develop the sales process of Saab if the challenges of the theories can be addressed. This would be in terms of composing complements to reach a number of benefits such as an increased close rate, higher efficiency, reduced bottlenecks in the sales process, higher awareness of what types of business cases the organization should select etc.