bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kompetenzentwicklung für selbstgesteuertes Arbeiten im Homeoffice
Authors: Friemer Andreas
Published: January 2023

Arbeiten im Homeoffice unterliegt, obwohl Abläufe und Aufgaben scheinbar analoge Merkmale aufweisen, anderen Gesetzmäßigkeiten als die Vorortarbeit im Unternehmen. Selbst da, wo diese scheinbar ohne große Friktionen ins Homeoffice verlagert werden kann, ist die neue Arbeitsform nicht dieselbe, da sich für die Erreichung von Arbeitszielen Verantwortlichkeiten in Richtung Beschäftigte verlagern. Die Verantwortung für adäquate Rahmenbedingungen liegt bei den betrieblichen Akteuren, doch wird sie in der Praxis zumeist an die Prozessakteure im Homeoffice delegiert: die betroffenen Mitarbeiter*innen. Und dafür benötigen diese Kompetenzen – hier sind die Unternehmen gefordert, und zwar dahingehend, eine frühzeitige, umfängliche und partizipative Umsetzungsstrategie zu entwickeln.
Interaktionsordnungen der Dienstleistungsarbeit – ein Rahmenkonzept zu ihrer Analyse und gesundheitsförderlichen Gestaltung
Authors: Becke Guido
Published: January 2023

Interaktionsarbeit ist bisher in der Arbeits- und Dienstleistungsforschung sowie in Public Health noch unzureichend mit Blick auf ihre gesundheitlichen Implikationen erforscht. Zudem mangelt es an Konzepten ihrer gesundheitsförderlichen Gestaltung. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird in diesem Beitrag – vor allem im Anschluss an die Arbeiten Erving Goffmans – das Rahmenkonzept der Interaktionsordnungen interaktiver Dienstleistungsarbeit entwickelt sowie anhand empirischer Befunde zu ambulanten haushaltsnahen Diensten und der agilen IT-Dienstleistung exemplarisch verdeutlicht.
Regionaler Transfer gesundheitsförderlicher Interventionskonzepte – Erfolgsfaktoren und Barrieren
Authors: Ubert Tobias , Warneke Jasmin
Published: January 2023

Die gesellschaftliche Erwartungshaltung an die Wissenschaft inklusive der Arbeits- und Gesundheitswissenschaften, Lösungen für zunehmend komplexe Fragestellungen zu generieren, nimmt stetig zu. Der Transfer von Forschungsergebnissen steht deshalb vermehrt im Fokus – insbesondere in praxisbezogenen Forschungsprojekten. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Erfolgsfaktoren und Barrieren des Transfers gesundheitsförderlicher Interventionskonzepte im Projekt „Flexible Dienstleistungsarbeit gesundheitsförderlich gestalten“ (FlexiGesA). Als wesentliche Erfolgsfaktoren konnten das Projektdesign, die Kommunikation und bereits vor Projektbeginn bestehende Strukturen und Kooperationen identifiziert werden. Gleichzeitig zeigten sich ein kurzer Transferzeitraum und ein in Teilen nicht am Transfer orientiertes Forschungsdesign als Barrieren. Abschließend werden diese Erfahrungen in die bestehende Fachliteratur eingeordnet.
Gesundheitsförderliche Gestaltung des ambulanten Sozialdiensts bei vacances
Authors: Staden Isabel
Published: January 2023

Das Unternehmen vacances – Mobiler Sozial- und Pflegedienst GmbH engagiert sich als aktiver Praxispartner im Projekt FlexiGesA, speziell im Bereich der gesundheitsförderlichen Arbeitsgestaltung für Mitarbeiter*innen aus der Hauswirtschaft und Betreuung. Mittels Befragungen und in zahlreichen Workshops mit Mitarbeitenden konnten Belastungen, die die Interaktionsarbeit mit sich bringt, identifiziert werden. Mit Führungskräften konnten konkrete Maßnahmen entwickelt und erprobt werden, die perspektivisch die sog. Einfacharbeit in der Hauswirtschaft unterstützen und die Mitarbeiter*innen psychisch entlasten, wie die Einführung von regelmäßig stattfindenden Mitarbeitergesprächen und Dienstbesprechungen. Während der Projektlaufzeit ist im Zuge der umfangreichen Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaktivitäten ein positiver Wandel im hauswirtschaftlichen Bereich sichtbar geworden. Im hier vorliegenden Beitrag werden sowohl die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaktivtäten im Projekt als auch die Überführung konkreter Maßnahmen in die Praxis des Sozialdienstes bei vacances fokussiert. Dabei wird einerseits speziell auf die Wünsche und Bedarfe der in der Interaktionsarbeit tätigen Mitarbeiter*innen und andererseits auf arbeitsorganisatorische Aspekte aus Sicht der im Unternehmen tätigen Führungskräfte eingegangen.
Levels of Contamination by Pesticide Residues, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in Honeys Retailed in Europe
Authors: Surma Magdalena , Sadowska-Rociek Anna , Draszanowska Anna
Published: January 2023

Honey is consumed worldwide because of its nutritional, therapeutic and medicinal properties. Generally, honey should reach the consumer in a pure form, but it is often contaminated in various ways. Thus, this study was designed to check for the presence of pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels, and the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in selected European honeys (26 samples) obtained from shops. The most frequently detected organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) was 4,4’-DDD, which was found in fourteen honey samples. Slovakian rapeseed honey was most polluted due to the presence of eight OCPs. The presence of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) was detected in all the analysed samples, and at least one OP in each tested sample exceeded the acceptable limit. PAHs were detected in most of the analysed samples. As for PAH4s, benzo[a]pyrene was found in forest honey from Slovakia and in Polish lime tree honey, whereas wild flower honey from the UK contained the highest level of PAH4. The investigated honeys from Spain and France met the requirements for HMF content, while honeys of Slovak, Italian and Polish origin in most cases exceeded the established levels (40 mg/kg).
Dietary weight loss strategies for kidney stone patients
Authors: Siener Roswitha , Metzner Christine
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Overweight has been associated with an increased risk of incident and recurrent kidney stone disease. Weight reduction is the therapeutic consequence to decrease the risk of stone formation. This review examines the effectiveness of different weight loss strategies on weight reduction and cardiometabolic risk profile, with a particular focus on risk factors for urolithiasis.

Methods

A selective literature search was performed using PubMed and Cochrane library.

Results

Clinical evidence for the potential benefits of dietary weight loss strategies for kidney stone disease is limited. A conventional, energy-restricted diet may significantly induce weight loss and reduce urinary supersaturation of calcium oxalate in overweight individuals with or without a history of stone formation. The current data indicate that an energy-restricted diet with partial meal replacement may additionally decrease the relative supersaturation of uric acid and further improve the cardiometabolic risk profile, and, thus, may be a favourable option for overweight kidney stone patients. Studies on the Mediterranean and DASH diets on the association between weight loss and the risk of urinary stone formation are lacking.

Conclusion

An energy-restricted diet with or without meal replacement could be a promising weight loss strategy for overweight kidney stone patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of different weight loss strategies on urinary risk factors and cardiometabolic risk profile in urolithiasis.
The association between cold exposure and musculoskeletal disorders: a prospective population-based study
Authors: Lewis Charlotte , Stjernbrandt Albin , Wahlström Jens
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the association between occupational ambient cold exposure and neck–shoulder pain (NSP), low back pain (LBP), and radiating LBP.

Methods

The study cohort comprised of 3,843 working subjects in northern Sweden who answered a baseline (spring 2015) and a follow-up questionnaire (spring 2021). NSP, LBP, and radiating LBP were assessed in both surveys. Occupational cold exposure was assessed at baseline, on a whole number numerical rating scale (NRS) and categorized in quartiles. Binary logistic regression determined the association between cold exposure at baseline and incident NSP, LBP, and radiating LBP, adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, mental stress, and physical workload.

Results

There were statistically significant associations between high occupational ambient cold exposure (NRS 5–7 and NRS 8–10) and NSP (1.59; 95% CI 1.08–2.33 and OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.19); NRS 8–10 and LBP (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.13–2.29); and NRS 5–7 and radiating LBP (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.12–3.16). Gender-stratified analyses showed statistically significant associations between high occupational ambient cold exposure (NRS 5–7 and NRS 8–10) and NSP (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.07–3.61 and OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.06–3.67) for men and between NRS 8–10 and LBP (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.14–2.91) and NRS 5–7 and radiating LBP (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.15–4.24) for women.

Conclusions

Occupational ambient cold exposure was associated with NSP, LBP, and radiating LBP, and should be recognised as a possible occupational risk factor.
Preventing metastatic recurrence in low-risk ER/PR + breast cancer patients—a retrospective clinical study exploring the evolving challenge of persistence with adjuvant endocrine therapy
Authors: Kuhn Elaine P. , Pirruccello Jonathan , Boothe James T. , Li Zhongze , Tosteson Tor D. , Stahl James E. , Schwartz Gary N. , Chamberlin Mary D.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In the genomic era, more women with low-risk breast cancer will forego chemotherapy and rely on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) to prevent metastatic recurrence. However, some of these patients will unfortunately relapse. We sought to understand this outcome. Preliminary work suggested that early discontinuation of AET, also known as non-persistence, may play an important role. A retrospective analysis exploring factors related to our breast cancer patients’ non-persistence with AET was performed.

Methods

Women who underwent Oncotype-DX® testing between 2011 and 2014 with minimum 5 years follow-up were included. ‘Low risk’ was defined as Oncotype score < 26. Outcomes of recurrence and persistence were determined by chart review. Patient, tumor and treatment factors were collected, and persistent versus non-persistent groups compared using multivariable ANOVA and Fisher Chi square exact test.

Results

We identified six cases of distant recurrence among low-risk patients with a median follow-up of 7.7 years. Among them, five of six patients (83%) were non-persistent with AET. The non-persistence rate in our cohort regardless of recurrence was 57/228 (25%). Non-persistent patients reported more severe side effects compared with persistent patients (p = 0.002) and were more likely to be offered a switch in endocrine therapy, rather than symptom-relief (p = 0.006). In contrast, persistent patients were 10.3 times more likely to have been offered symptom-alleviating medications compared with non-persistent patients (p < 0.001). A subset analysis revealed that patients who persisted with therapy had a higher Oncotype-DX® score than patients who discontinued early (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Metastatic recurrence in low-risk breast cancer patients may be primarily due to non-persistence with endocrine therapy. Further work is needed to optimize care for patients who struggle with side effects. To our knowledge, these are the first published data suggesting that Oncotype-DX® score may influence persistence with AET.
Integrated DNA Methylation/RNA Profiling in Middle Temporal Gyrus of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Piras Ignazio S. , Brokaw Danielle , Kong Yinfei , Weisenberger Daniel J. , Krate Jonida , Delvaux Elaine , Mahurkar Swapna , Blattler Adam , Siegmund Kimberly D. , Sue Lucia , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Laird Peter W. , Huentelman Matthew J. , Coleman Paul D.
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder clinically defined by gradual cognitive impairment and alteration in executive function. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of a clinically and neuropathologically characterized cohort of 296 brains, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-demented controls (ND), exploring the relationship with the RNA expression from matched donors. We detected 5246 CpGs and 832 regions differentially methylated, finding overlap with previous EWAS but also new associations. CpGs previously identified in ANK1, MYOC, and RHBDF2 were differentially methylated, and one of our top hits (GPR56) was not previously detected. ANK1 was differentially methylated at the region level, along with APOE and RHBDF2. Only a small number of genes showed a correlation between DNA methylation and RNA expression statistically significant. Multiblock partial least-squares discriminant analysis showed several CpG sites and RNAs discriminating AD and ND (AUC = 0.908) and strongly correlated with each other. Furthermore, the CpG site cg25038311 was negatively correlated with the expression of 22 genes. Finally, with the functional epigenetic module analysis, we identified a protein–protein network characterized by inverse RNA/DNA methylation correlation and enriched for “Regulation of insulin-like growth factor transport”, with IGF1 as the hub gene. Our results confirm and extend the previous EWAS, providing new information about a brain region not previously explored in AD DNA methylation studies. The relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression is not significant for most of the genes in our sample, consistently with the complexities in the gene expression regulation.

Graphical Abstract
A novel technology of solarization and phytoremediation enhanced with biosurfactant for the sustainable treatment of PAH-contaminated soil
Authors: Futughe Anthony Esimajemite , Jones Huw , Purchase Diane
Published: January 2023

Hydrocarbon-contaminated land has been a significant issue throughout Nigeria’s Niger Delta since the discovery of crude oil in 1956. This paper proposes a novel and sustainable technique involving soil solarization, phytoremediation and biosurfactant to treat polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination. The treatment effect on PAH reduction, plant growth, rhizosphere microorganisms and their enzymatic activities was evaluated. Twenty-eight days of solarization was carried out before the introduction ofChromolaena odorataseedlings for an 84-day phytoremediation period using a 4 × 4 (vegetated) and 2 × 4 (non-vegetated) cell microcosms to simulate the Niger Delta’s subtropical conditions. Soil solarization resulted in significant PAH reduction (p ≤ 0.01) of phenanthrene, fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene with means reduction of 60.0%, 38.7% and 36.1% compared to their non-solarized counterparts with 18.0%, 18.0% and 18.8% at 95% CI (32.7, 51.3), (15.4, 26.1) and (8.0, 26.6), respectively. In post-solarization, all solarized and vegetated treatment groups significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.01) PAHs compared to their respective counterparts, while biosurfactant contribution in this combination was negligible (p ≥ 0.05). The growth parameters ofC. odorata,total soil/rhizosphere heterotrophic microorganisms and their enzymatic activities of dehydrogenase and urease increased in all solarized treatments indicating essential biochemical processes. The novel and successful integration of soil solarization and phytoremediation using indigenousC. odorataas a combined technique to treat even the most recalcitrant form of hydrocarbons (PAHs) brings up new opportunities for a sustainable method of cleaning up contaminated land in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta.

Graphical Abstract
The vocal apparatus: An understudied tool to reconstruct the evolutionary history of echolocation in bats?
Authors: Brualla Nicolas L. M. , Wilson Laura A. B. , Doube Michael , Carter Richard T. , McElligott Alan G. , Koyabu Daisuke
Published: January 2023

Laryngeal echolocation in bats could have evolved following two scenarios: a single origin from a common ancestor or an independent acquisition inside the two clades Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera. Later, some members of Yinpterochiroptera possibly lost their ability to echolocate. In bats, the larynx produces vocalizations for communication and, in most species, for echolocation. Here, we describe how comparative chiropteran laryngeal morphology is a novel area of research that could improve the understanding of echolocation and may help resolve the evolutionary history of bats. This review provides morphological descriptions and comparisons of the bat larynx and bioacoustics interpretations. We discuss the importance of understanding: (1) laryngeal sound production so it may be linked with the evolution of the chiropteran auditory system; and (2) the evolution of laryngeal morphology to understand the ecological and behavioural aspects of bat biology. We find that a strong phylogenetic signal is potentially the main source explaining macroevolutionary variation in laryngeal form among bats. We predict that the three parameters of sound production in echolocation (frequency, intensity, and rate of calls) are independently modulated by different laryngeal components, but this hypothesis remains understudied in terms of species diversity.
Ionic Liquid/ZnO Assisted Preparation of High Barrier Cellulose Nanocomposite Films by In Situ Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide Monomers
Authors: Amini Elahe , Valls Cristina , Yousefi Hossein , Roncero M. Blanca
Published: January 2023

Cellulose-based composites have aroused increasing interest as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based plastics. In this work, transparent cellulose-grafted-PLA nanocomposite films were prepared by grafting polylactide (PLA) onto cellulose. PLA was synthesized by in situ ring opening polymerization from a regenerated cellulose matrix, using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimAc) as solvent. A facile route was devised to modify the starting material (cellulose paper) by partial dissolution and regeneration that used an ionic liquid (IL) as a smart nanowelding agent to assemble nanometric cellulose structures. The influence of the proportion of ZnONPs (1–5 wt%) and $$\textit{L}$$
L
-lactide (LA) monomers (10–70 wt%) used on the properties of the resulting nanocomposite films was examined by comparison with an all-cellulose composite (ACC) and pure cellulose paper. Incorporating ZnONPs and PLA was found to enhance the mechanical, barrier and optical properties of the films. The maximum tensile strength and best barrier properties were those of a film obtained from 5%ZnONPs and 70%LA. FTIR spectra confirmed a new form of interaction between PLA and the regenerated cellulose matrix. Also, XRD spectra revealed a transition from cellulose I to II and an increase in the proportion of noncrystalline cellulose through partial dissolution and regeneration. Although the surface morphology of the nanocomposite films was influenced by the presence of ZnONPs and PLA chains, their color and chemical structure were not. The transparent cellulose-grafted-PLA nanocomposite films obtained are highly promising as packaging materials.
Turning to Religion During COVID-19 (Part I): A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of Studies on the Relationship Between Religious Coping and Mental Health Throughout COVID-19
Authors: Pankowski Daniel , Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska Kinga
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and the many associated socio-economic changes constitute a stressful event that required adaptation to new, dynamic, and often threatening conditions. According to the literature, coping strategies are one of the factors that determine a person’s degree of adaptation to stressful situations. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on the relationship between religious coping and selected indicators of mental health. Due to the large amount of data, this work has been divided into two parts: this first part discusses positive mental health indicators, while the second discusses negative mental health indicators (Pankowski & Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska, 2023). A systematic review of PubMed, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Google Scholar databases was carried out. In addition to the synthesis of information obtained from the research, a meta-analysis of correlation was also performed to determine the strengths of the relationships between the analysed variables, and selected moderators were assessed using meta-regression. Quality of life, well-being, satisfaction with life, happiness, and post-traumatic growth were the positive mental health indicators considered. Meta-analyses indicated a statistically significant relationship between positive religious coping and flourishing (well-being) with overall correlation values of 0.35 [0.30; 0.40]. Further calculations also indicated a relationship between negative religious coping and flourishing − 0.25 [− 0.34; − 0.15]. Data synthesis shows associations between religious coping and such indicators as satisfaction with life and post-traumatic growth, but these issues require further investigation.
The GROWBABY Research Network: A Framework for Advancing Health Equity Through Community Engaged Practice-Based Research
Authors: Viglione Clare , Boynton-Jarrett Renée
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Preventive health care, delivered through well child care visits, serves as a universal and primary entry point for promoting child wellbeing, yet children with lower socioeconomic status and children of color receive less consistent and lower quality preventive health care. Currently, limited research exists comparing models for delivering preventive care to children and their impact on longstanding racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequities.

Description

Practice-based research networks can help to advance health equity by more rapidly studying and scaling innovative, local models of care to reduce racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in primary care and preventive care utilization. This paper outlines a framework of community engagement that can be utilized by practice-based research networks to advance health equity and details the application of the framework using the GROWBABY Research Network (GROup Wellness Visits for BABies and FamilY Research Network).

Assessment

The GROWBABY Research Network launched in 2020, engaged clinical practices utilizing this unique model of group well childcare - CenteringParenting® - with the following goals: to promote collaboration among researchers, clinicians, patients, and community members; facilitate practice-based research; and increase the use of shared assessment measures and protocols. As a research collaborative, the GROWBABY Research Network connects clinical partners facing similar challenges and creates opportunities to draw upon the assets and strengths of the collective to identify solutions to the barriers to research participation.

Conclusion

Primary care, practice-based research networks like the GROWBABY Research Network that intentionally integrate community engagement principles and community-based participatory research methods can advance equitable health care systems and improve child wellbeing.
The influence of a trap state on the photoluminescence decay times under single pulse excitation
Authors: Chiu K. P.
Published: January 2023

We numerically calculated the time-resolved photoluminescence spectra using the bimolecular trapping-detrapping model. The variations of carrier lifetimes are investigated by changing the carrier recombination and trapping rate constants, as well as the concentration of available trapping states.
Welfare comparisons within and across species
Authors: Browning Heather
Published: January 2023

One of the biggest problems in applications of animal welfare science is our ability to make comparisons between different individuals, both within and across species. Although welfare science provides methods for measuring the welfare of individual animals, there’s no established method for comparing measures between individuals. In this paper I diagnose this problem as one of underdetermination—there are multiple conclusions given the data, arising from two sources of variation that we cannot distinguish: variation in the underlying target variable (welfare experience) and in the relationship of measured indicators to the target. I then describe some of the possible methods of making comparisons, based on the use of similarity assumptions that will have greater or lesser justification in different circumstances, and the alternative methods we may use when direct comparisons are not possible. In the end, all our available options for making welfare comparisons are imperfect, and we need to make explicit context-specific decisions about which will be best for the task at hand while acknowledging their potential limitations. Future developments in our understanding of the biology of sentience will help strengthen our methods of making comparisons.
Spleen stiffness: a predictive factor of dismal prognosis in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Karagiannakis Dimitrios S. , Stefanaki Katerina
Published: January 2023

Portal hypertension (PH) is a major complication of liver cirrhosis, as it predisposes to the development of serious clinical manifestations such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and variceal bleeding, aggravating the prognosis of patients. Hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) is considered the reference method for the estimation of the presence and severity of PH, but this procedure is available only in specialized centers. Alternatively, many non-invasive methods have been proposed in order to substitute HVPG. Among them, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) has been widely used, as it has been shown to correlate well with HVPG, though this relationship seems to weaken in values of HVPG higher than 12 mmHg, the threshold of serious complications development. Several studies supported the use of spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) instead of LSM, anticipating to a more adequate assessment of this advanced stage of PH. The aim of this paper is to critically appraise and summarize the literature about the role of SSM as a predictive tool of liver decompensation and prognosis, highlighting the strengths and the potential limitations of the studies published so far.

Expert’s opinion

The utility of SSM in ruling out high risk for bleeding varices in cirrhotic patients has been demonstrated, driving the Baveno VII consensus to encompass SSM in its last recommendations, though its use in patients with non-viral cirrhosis remains to be validated. We believe that in the near future, SSM alone or combined with other tests, will being used not only for sparing upper endoscopies, but also for predicting decompensation and prognosis in advanced compensated cirrhotic patients, regardless of liver disease’s etiology. Herein, we present the data that support this consideration, pointing out these issues that should further be investigated in order to elucidate and intensify the value of SSM in the management of patients with liver cirrhosis.
The Biopolitics of Education in the Third Reich's ‘Special Schools’ and ‘Elite Schools’
Authors: Roche Helen , Pine Lisa
Published: January 2023

While discussion of eugenics and biopolitics during the Third Reich has largely focused upon the regime's most destructive and genocidal policies, this article concentrates on Nazi ‘special schools’ and ‘elite schools’ as a crucial sphere of quasi-eugenic thought and praxis, drawing attention to education as a previously under-researched category of intervention in the history of modern biopolitics. The article also sheds new light on the racialized nature of the Nazi ‘national community’ (the Volksgemeinschaft), and contributes to recent debates on the Third Reich's status as a ‘racial state’ which suggest that the National Socialist regime was driven less by fanatical adherence to racial ideology, and more by a mixture of anthropological and eugenic racism, combined with productivist pragmatism. The two case-studies draw attention to less familiar corners of the National Socialist pedagogical landscape, covering both extremes of the spectrum of biological selection in education, from the negative, eugenic policies applied to supposedly ‘abnormal’ pupils at the so-called ‘special schools’ (Hilfsschulen), to the ‘positive’ biological selection of elite-school applicants at the National Political Education Institutes (Nationalpolitische Erziehungsanstalten, NPEA), the regime's principal training institutions for the future elite of the Third Reich.
Welfare assessment of broilers through examination of haematomas, foot-pad dermatitis, scratches and breast blisters at processing
Authors: Gouveia KG , Vaz-Pires P , da Costa P Martins
Published: January 2023

Analysis of post mortem lesions is a common means for assessing poultry welfare during rearing and pre-slaughter handling. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of: age, sex, rearing system, total number of birds on-farm, period between catch and slaughter and distance from poultry house to processing plant on the incidence of: foot-pad dermatitis (FPD), breast blisters (BB), bruises and scratches. Rearing systems consisted of extensive indoor (EI) and traditional free-range (TFR). Accordingly, birds were reared under non-intensive conditions (< 12 broilers m−2). In TFR, the maximum flock size was 4,800, birds had continuous daytime access to open-air runs from at least the age of six weeks, and the minimum slaughter age was 81 days; whereas EI rearing was exclusively indoor and birds were slaughtered at 56 days or later. Observations occurred daily after plucking and each bird was examined for: haematomas, scratches, FPD and BB. Logistic regressions were applied to study the relationship between variables. Farms holding between 10,000-20,000 birds were the most affected with FPD, BB and scratches. The oldest birds (91-100 days) showed the greatest incidence of FPD and scratches. TFR birds exhibited the highest prevalence of bruises and lowest of FPD. BB were most common among birds travelling between 31-60 km from poultry farm to processing plant while scratches were more frequent at greater distances (91-120 km). Male broilers were more predisposed to BB than females. Scratching increased relative to the number of hours that birds awaited slaughter. Despite the fact that only a relatively small number of broiler flocks were examined, these findings may have implications for the draft of future European legislation regarding poultry welfare.
Inter-observer and test-retest reliability of on-farm behavioural observations in veal calves
Authors: Bokkers EAM , Leruste H , Heutinck LFM , Wolthuis-Fillerup M , van der Werf JTN , Lensink BJ , van Reenen CG
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate inter-observer and test-retest reliability of different behavioural observations to be used in an on-farm, animal welfare monitoring system for veal calves. Twenty-three veal calf farms, varying in size, housing system, feeding regime and age of the calves were visited twice with two observers, simultaneously. Behavioural tests were conducted in eight pens per farm, measuring the response of calves to: a human entering the barn; a novel object; a passive, unfamiliar person; disturbance in the pen and an active approach by an unfamiliar and a familiar person. Furthermore, behaviour was recorded 20 min before and 20 min after feeding in eight other pens per farm. For all behavioural tests, inter-observer reliability was very high. Farm effects and test-retest reliabilities were high and significant for all behavioural tests, except for the test measuring response to disturbance in the pen. Although the active approach test with the familiar person was reliable, it was not feasible in practice due to the availability of the farmer. Since the active approach test with the unfamiliar person gave similar results, this test was recommended for an on-farm animal welfare monitoring system. For most behavioural elements recorded around feeding, farms differed significantly and interobserver and test-retest reliabilities were high as well as being significant. The behavioural tests with entering the barn, novel object and unfamiliar person, and the behavioural observations before and after feeding were feasible and distinctive and reliable enough to be performed on-farm. These methods are promising tools to use as a monitor of animal welfare in veal calves.
Peripartum health and welfare of Holstein-Friesian cows in a confinement-TMR system compared to a pasture-based system
Authors: Olmos G , Mee JF , Hanlon A , Patton J , Murphy JJ , Boyle L
Published: January 2023

The greatest challenge to the welfare of dairy cows occurs in the peripartum period. Given the perception that cow welfare is better in more natural environments, it was hypothesised that cows in a PASTURE-based production system (cubicle housing with grass silage pre-partum and rotational grazing with concentrate supplementation post-partum) would have improved peripartal welfare compared to cows in a HOUSED production system (cubicle housing with a total mixed ration [TMR], pre-partum and post-partum). Blood samples were analysed for acute phase proteins (APP), cortisol, white blood cell (WBC) differential and counts and other biochemical metabolites as non-specific indicators of sub-clinical ill-health and nutritional stress. Daily monitoring of rectal temperature (RT) and rumen fill (RF) scores were used to monitor ill-health and nutritional status. Reproductive health and welfare (calving difficulty, retained placenta, puerperal metritis, endometritis and oestrous cyclicity) was also recorded. No differences were found between treatments for APP, cortisol or WBC. Blood metabolite differences indicated that PASTURE cows were under greater nutritional stress than HOUSED cows. HOUSED cows showed an increase in RF score from day 0 to 10 post-partum and had a higher RF score than PASTURE cows. PASTURE cows had an overall lower RT and lower incidence of reproductive disorders. Results primarily reflect nutritional differences between treatments with PASTURE cows showing greater potential nutritional/metabolic stress in early lactation which has attendant implications for welfare. Nevertheless, this did not result in inferior health and, in accordance with our hypothesis, PASTURE cows’ reproductive health and welfare tended to be better than that of HOUSED cows.
Measuring thirst in broiler chickens
Authors: Sprenger M , vangestel C , Tuyttens FAM
Published: January 2023

Freedom from thirst has been long considered of paramount importance for animal welfare, however a feasible and sensitive animal-based indicator to assess thirst, on-farm or at-slaughter, is not available. In this study, voluntary water consumption over time was investigated and validated as a non-invasive behavioural parameter for assessing thirst in broiler chickens. Thirty-two groups of four broilers were used in this study and the effect of three factors on water consumption from a test drinker was investigated: duration of water deprivation (0, 6, 12, or 24 h); familiarity with the test drinker, and age (35 or 37 days). Water consumption was measured after 30, 60, 90 and 120 min following the deprivation period. Water consumption increased with the length of the deprivation period and was greater in birds that had been habituated to the test drinker. The effect of familiarity was smaller for 24-h deprived groups compared to 6- and 12-h deprived groups. When birds were habituated to the drinker, they started to drink sooner than when the drinker was new. These findings illustrate the potential of simple, animal-based measures, such as water consumption over time to assess thirst in chickens and this behavioural test may form the basis of an on-farm test that could be included in integrated animal welfare assessment schemes.
The effect of method of tail docking on tail-biting behaviour and welfare of pigs
Authors: Sutherland MA , Bryer PJ , Krebs N , McGlone JJ
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of tail docking and tail biting on pig welfare through an assessment of physiology and behaviour. In experiment 1, piglets were either tail docked using hot cautery iron (CAUT), blunt trauma cutters (BT), or their tails were left intact (CON). Blood samples were taken from pigs at 3 and 7 weeks of age to measure C-reactive protein (CRP). Tail-biting lesions were scored at 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age. Behaviour was recorded for 72 h when tail biting was observed in 7-week old pigs. Tail-biting lesion scores were similar among treatments at 3 and 5 weeks of age, however at 7 weeks lesion scores were greater among CON compared with CAUT and BT pigs. Bodyweights were lower among CON compared with CAUT or BT pigs and CRP was elevated among CON compared with CAUT and BT pigs at 7 weeks of age. In experiment 2, piglets were tail docked at a length of 2 cm (Short) or 5 cm (Long). Tail-biting lesions were scored every 2 weeks until the end of finishing. Tail-biting lesion scores were greater among Long compared with Short pigs. Compromised welfare of tail-bitten pigs was indicated by severity of lesion, level of CRP, and reduced pig bodyweights. More research is needed into understanding the causative factors behind tail biting in pigs, so that preventative measures can be adopted on farms to prevent this behaviour.
Serum cortisol in California sea lion pups (Zalophus californianus californianus)
Authors: Pedernera-Romano C , Aurioles-Gamboa D , Valdez RA , Brousset DM , Romano MC , Galindo F
Published: January 2023

Marine ecosystems are exposed to a wide variety of factors that may produce disturbances in their structure and functioning. The Gulf of California supports fisheries, tourism, intensive agriculture, mining, and more recently, shrimp aquaculture. Under such conditions, animals are forced to cope with several changes in their environment that can contribute to animal welfare problems. Serum cortisol level analysis may be a particularly useful means of assessing the physiological status of mammals potentially affected by increasing human activity in the Gulf of California, such as the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus). In this study, we report for the first time the serum cortisol concentration of free-living, wild California sea lion pups. The analysis was performed in eleven rookeries along the Gulf of California. Two consecutive blood samples (S1 and S2) were obtained from 56 sea lion pups following a capture, handling and anaesthesia regime, and cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay. Female pups showed higher serum cortisol than males in the first sample. In males, the second sample was significantly higher than the first. Cortisol levels in the two samples of both sexes combined differed between the Southern and Midriff-region rookeries. This information could be useful to assess welfare in wild populations of sea lions and to determine anthropogenic factors in the Gulf of California that may contribute to stress and reduced welfare.
Stunning and killing of edible crabs(Cancer pagurus)
Authors: Roth B , Øines S
Published: January 2023

The stunning and killing efficiency of ice, superchilling (N2gas), freezing (-37°C), gradual heating (40°C), boiling, piercing of ganglia, salt baths (NaCl and KCl), gas (CO2) and electricity (50 Hz AC) on edible crabs was studied. Results showed that electricity was the most efficient stunning method, whereby edible crabs could be rendered insensible within 1 s using electric field strengths of 400 V m−1and above. Prolonging the electrical current to 10 s resulted in less potential difference (220 V m−1) required to stun the crabs. Applying a two-stage stun with 530 Vm−1for 1 s followed by 170 V m−1for 2 min resulted in a state of prolonged unconsciousness and 60% mortality. Failure to stun the crabs with electricity resulted in massive autotomy, where all appendages were lost. Behavioural responses were lost in approximately 30% of crabs after 100 min of chilling on ice, while freezing did not render the crabs unconscious until temperatures of subzero were reached. The exposed chelipeds stiffened, and once frozen, irreversible damage was caused. Placing crabs into heated seawater (40°C) led all responses to be lost after 5 min, while the internal temperature exceeded an average of 26°C, representing approximately 2.5 min of boiling. Gas, in the form of CO2, NaCl, and a low concentration of KCl (5%), failed to render the animals insensible within 12 min. Using 20% KCl saw all animals lose all behavioural responses within 3 min. The piercing of single ganglions failed to kill the animal; both ganglia must be pierced in order to kill the animal. We conclude that electrical stunning is recommended prior to boiling or carving, while piercing can alternatively be carried out by trained personnel.
Individual and group behavioural reactions of small delphinids to remote biopsy sampling
Authors: Kiszka JJ , Simon-Bouhet B , Charlier F , Pusineri C , Ridoux V
Published: January 2023

Biopsy sampling is an effective technique for collecting cetacean skin and blubber samples for various biological studies. However, determining the impact of this research practice is important, as it may vary between sites, species and equipment used. We examined the short-term behavioural reactions of four small (160-278 cm in length) delphinid species(Stenella longirostris, S. attenuata, Tursiops aduncusandPeponocephala electra)to remote biopsy sampling in the vicinity of the island of Mayotte (12°50’S, 45°10’E, SW Indian Ocean). Two scales of behavioural reactions were considered: i) the behavioural reaction of the individual, and ii) the reaction of the focal group to which the targeted individual belonged. Three main categories of behavioural responses were defined on the basis of character and duration: low, moderate and strong. This study underlines that biopsy sampling induces moderate reactions in individuals. No inter-specific variations of responses, at the scale of the individual or focal group, were observed. In other words, smaller delphinids were not more reactive than larger ones. No effect of group size was observed on the strength of behavioural reactions. However, it was clear that biopsy success during sampling sessions was higher in species with large group size. Finally, in the spinner dolphin(S. longirostris), we investigated whether initial behavioural state affected the level of reaction. Resting and socialising groups showed a stronger response than milling and travelling groups. This study confirms the limited impact of remote biopsy sampling in small delphinids, especially in the spinner dolphin. However, as a precautionary approach, wherever possible, biopsy sampling of milling and travelling dolphins may be preferable.
Relationship between the response to the corneal reflex (depth of narcosis) and specific parameters in the slaughter blood of pigs narcotised with CO2
Authors: Hartmann H , Rindermann G , Siegling-Vlitakis C , Arndt G , Wolf K , Fries R
Published: January 2023

There has been insufficient research into CO2stunning with regard to its effect on pigs being slaughtered. This lack of knowledge may be at least partly responsible for the partial rejection of CO2-stunning methods. During routine slaughter work, 598 pigs (average carcase weight: 94 kg) were evaluated. The stunning procedure was carried out in industrial stunning chambers with 90% CO2by volume and an exposure time of either 120 or 90s. The corneal reflex response was evaluated immediately prior to bleeding in order to determine the depth of narcosis. Blood was taken at slaughter (slaughter blood) to determine the partial pressure of breathing gases and the acid-base status. We found that CO2stunning mainly produced hypoxaemia, but also normoand hyperoxaemia, in arteriovenous slaughter blood. No further positive reflex responses occurred at a pO2threshold of ≤ 1.6 kPa. PCO2increased to values of 40 kPa and above. This extreme hypercapnia resulted in a decrease of the slaughter blood pH with values of less than 7.00 (ie, strong respiratory acidosis). Starting with threshold values from pCO2> 23 kPa and pH < 6.85, stunned pigs revealed only a few or no positive reflex responses, respectively. The non-respiratory Stewart-variable serum [SID3] was elevated to alkaline values of 65 mmol L−1and above, in comparison to the normal values of 45 (± 2) mmol L−1. We conclude that the use of cut-off points such as the pH and/or pO2in routine sampling of slaughter animals (eg by application of ion-sensitive electrodes) would establish the depth of narcosis in pigs destined for slaughter. The efficiency of monitoring could thereby be improved during slaughter, in line with the demands of animal welfare.
Does rubber flooring improve welfare and production in growing bulls in fully slatted floor pens?
Authors: Graunke KL , Telezhenko E , Hessle A , Bergsten C , Loberg JM
Published: January 2023

This study compared the effects of concrete slats (CS), synthetic rubber slats on aluminium profiles (RS) and slotted rubber mats on concrete slats (RM) in fully slatted floor pens on behaviour, claw and leg disorders, claw horn growth, cleanliness and production parameters of growing dairy bulls from 225 to 650 kg average liveweight. Each pen housed five bulls up to 400 kg average liveweight and four bulls thereafter. On CS, lying bouts were less frequent and longer than onRMand RS at 250 kg. Lying down phase 1 was longest on CS and shortest onRM. Interrupted attempts at lying down occurred twice as often on CS as on the rubber floors. Severity scores for white line haemorrhage and sole haemorrhage were higher in bulls on CS than on RM. Swelling on legs had highest scores on CS, whereas the severity score for heel horn erosion was lowest on CS. Floor type had no effect on dermatitis, leg hairlessness and skin damage. Both claw horn growth and wear were greater on CS than on RS and RM. Bulls on RS and CS were cleanest. Slaughter age tended to be higher and carcase conformation score tended to be lower on CS than on rubber, whereas feed intake, feed efficiency and other carcase traits were unaffected. The results indicate that rubber flooring improves animal welfare compared with concrete.