bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying reasons for stun failures in slaughterhouses for cattle and pigs: a field study
Authors: von Wenzlawowicz M , von Holleben K , Eser E 
Published: May 2012

AbstractChecking the effectiveness of stunning was one of the major tasks when the authors evaluated the stunning process on request of the slaughterhouse managements, retailers or competent authorities in slaughterhouses in Austria, Germany and Switzerland between the years 2000 and 2011. A total of 50 assessments in slaughterhouses for cattle and 116 for pigs were included in this study. For every assessment the technical features of the stunning device, the performance by the personnel and the clinical signs of the animals after stunning were recorded. The assessments of captive-bolt (CB) stunning were made in 1,823 cattle. For pigs, 63 assessments were carried out in electrical stunning (26 in a pen [ESP], 24 in a trap [EST] and 13 in an automatic restrainer [ESR]) and 53 assessments in CO2 stunning, covering a total of 35,220 pigs (6,855 electrically stunned and 28,365 stunned using CO2). The proportions of assessments in which there were no failures were 28% (CB), 12% (ESP), 21% (EST), 31% (ESR) and 13% (CO). The mean percentages of animals showing signs not compatible with sufficient depth of stunning were 13.5 (± 19.0)% (CB), 12.5 (± 16.4)% (ESP), 10.9 (± 11.4)% (EST), 3.2 (± 3.3)% (ESR) and 7.5 (± 13.0)% (CO2) showing a high variability between premises assessed. Stunning effectiveness for cattle was better where a chest stick was performed compared to a neck cut. For pigs, less stunning failures occurred in electrical stunning where the two-cycle method (head/heart current) was applied compared to head-only stunning, and most of the failures in CO2 stunning were due to insufficient dwell time. Reasons for the stunning failures are described and recommendations given to improve the situation.
Assessment of unconsciousness during slaughter without stunning in lambs
Authors: Rodríguez P , Velarde A , Dalmau A , Llonch P 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess brain activity in lambs during slaughter without stunning and its correlation with heart rate (HR) and the absence of physiological reflexes. The index of consciousness (IoC-view®) assesses consciousness by an algorithm that analyses the EEG and gives an index from 0 (unconscious) to 100 (conscious). Eight lambs (Merino breed) of 20 to 25 kg live weight were individually restrained in a stretcher and three skin electrodes were placed at the level of the frontal bone. The electrodes were connected to the IoC-view®. Two additional electrodes were placed on the chest and the HR was transferred to a watch monitor. Recording time started 2 min prior to sticking to attain the basal IoC and HR value of each animal. During bleeding, presence of corneal reflex and rhythmic breathing were recorded every 10 s until brain death. Rhythmic breathing disappeared at an average time of 44 (± 4.2) s after sticking, ranging between 30 and 60 s. The corneal reflex disappeared at 116 (± 11.01) s, ranging between 80 and 160 s after sticking. Changes in the brain activity occurred between 22 to 82 s after sticking (52 [± 20.2] s). In five out of six animals the HR increased (177 [± 22.7] beats min−1) compared to basal values (139 [± 8.4] beats min−1) at 115 (± 97.5) s after sticking. Both brain activity and physiological reflexes revealed that when bleeding is performed, through a transverse incision across the neck without stunning, the onset of unconsciousness could last 1 min which impaired animal welfare. This prolonged consciousness compared to other authors’ findings may be attributable to inefficient bleeding when lambs are slaughtered without head restraint.
The effect of stun duration and level of applied current on stun and meat quality of electrically stunned lambs under commercial conditions
Authors: Berg C , Nordensten C , Hultgren J , Algers B 
Published: May 2012

AbstractElectrical head-only stunning is a widely used method in sheep(Ovis aries)slaughter. To investigate the influence of current level on stun and meat quality in practice, two studies were carried out at a commercial slaughterhouse. In trial one, 200 lambs were randomly assigned to four groups with a current level of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.25 A, respectively, using 50-Hz sine wave supply voltage and a stun duration of 10.5 s. In trial two, 135 lambs were randomly assigned to two groups, with electrical current of 1.25 A applied for 14 and 3 s. For each lamb, the position of the tongs was observed and classified as correct or incorrect. The stun quality was evaluated based on observations of the corneal reflex, eye movements, rhythmic breathing, head-righting reflex and kicking during the tonic phase. Blood splash (haemorrhages inLongissimus dorsimuscle) was evaluated four days after slaughter. Incorrect tongs’ positioning was seen commonly, and positively correlated with poor stun quality. The lowest current level tested produced an unsatisfactory stun in the majority of animals observed. Short stun duration increased the risk of a poor stun quality. There was no significant effect of current level, stun duration or tongs’ position on the risk of blood splash. These data underline the importance of a correct technique, including choice of tongs’ positioning, sufficient current levels and sufficient stun duration, for electrical stunning of lambs to achieve unconsciousness before sticking and thereby avoiding unnecessary suffering at commercial slaughter.
Validation of new psychosocial factors questionnaires: A Colombian national study
Authors: Villalobos Gloria H. , Vargas Angélica M. , Rondón Martin A. , Felknor Sarah A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe study of workers' health problems possibly associated with stressful conditions requires valid and reliable tools for monitoring risk factors. The present study validates two questionnaires to assess psychosocial risk factors for stress‐related illnesses within a sample of Colombian workers.MethodsThe validation process was based on a representative sample survey of 2,360 Colombian employees, aged 18–70 years. Worker response rate was 90%; 46% of the responders were women. Internal consistency was calculated, construct validity was tested with factor analysis and concurrent validity was tested with Spearman correlations.ResultsThe questionnaires demonstrated adequate reliability (0.88–0.95). Factor analysis confirmed the dimensions proposed in the measurement model. Concurrent validity resulted in significant correlations with stress and health symptoms.Conclusions“Work and Non‐work Psychosocial Factors Questionnaires” were found to be valid and reliable for the assessment of workers' psychosocial factors, and they provide information for research and intervention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:111–123, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3‐D jobs and health disparities: The health implications of latino chicken catchers' working conditions
Authors: Quandt Sara A. , Arcury‐Quandt Alice E. , Lawlor Emma J. , Carrillo Lourdes , Marín Antonio J. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Arcury Thomas A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis study uses qualitative data to describe the tasks performed by chicken catchers, their organization of work, and possible health and safety hazards encountered.MethodsTwenty‐one Latino immigrant chicken catchers for North Carolina poultry‐processing plants were interviewed to obtain their perceptions of the job and its hazards. Interviews were recorded and transcribed (n = 10) or detailed notes recorded (n = 11). Transcripts and notes were subjected to qualitative analysis.ResultsChicken catching takes place in a highly contaminated and hazardous work environment. The fast pace of work, low level of control over work intensity, and piece rate compensation all result in high potential for work‐related injury and illness, including trauma, electrical shock, respiratory effects, musculoskeletal injuries, and drug use. Workers receive little safety or job training.ConclusionsChicken catching is characterized by a work environment and organization of work that promote injury and illness. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:206–215, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma fluorescent oxidation products and short‐term occupational particulate exposures
Authors: Hart Jaime E , Wu Tianying , Laden Francine , Garshick Eric 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that fine particulate air pollution results in oxidative induced tissue damage.MethodsA global fluorescent oxidation products (FLOx) assay (fluorescent intensity (FI) units per milliliter of plasma) was measured in blood samples collected from 236 nonsmoking, Caucasian, male trucking industry workers either prior to, during, or after their work shifts. Occupational exposures to particulate matter (PM)2.5 were based on job‐specific area‐level sampling. Generalized linear models were used to determine associations between FLOx levels and PM2.5, adjusted for age, time since last meal, alcohol consumption, aspirin, and cholesterol medications.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) level of FLOx was 265.9 FI/ml (96.0). Levels of FLOx were higher among older individuals and lower among those who had consumed alcohol in the past 24 hr. However, no associations were observed between FLOx and PM2.5.ConclusionsOur results indicate no association between occupational PM2.5 exposure and this marker of global oxidative stress. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:953–960, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neonatal encephalopathy: An inadequate term for hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Volpe Joseph J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis Point of View article addresses neonatal encephalopathy (NE) presumably caused by hypoxia–ischemia and the terminology currently in wide use for this disorder. The nonspecific term NE is commonly utilized for those infants with the clinical and imaging characteristics of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Multiple magnetic resonance imaging studies of term infants with the clinical setting of presumed hypoxia–ischemia near the time of delivery have delineated a topography of lesions highly correlated with that defined by human neuropathology and by animal models, including primate models, of hypoxia–ischemia. These imaging findings, coupled with clinical features consistent with perinatal hypoxic–ischemic insult(s), warrant the specific designation of neonatal HIE. Ann Neurol 2012;72:156–166
The blood–brain barrier in health and disease
Authors: Daneman Richard 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a term used to describe a series of properties possessed by the vasculature of the central nervous system (CNS) that tightly regulate the movement of ions, molecules, and cells between the blood and the CNS. This barrier is crucial to provide the appropriate environment to allow for proper neural function, as well as protect the CNS from injury and disease. In this review, I discuss the cellular and molecular composition of the BBB and how the development and function of the BBB is regulated by interactions with the CNS microenvironment. I further discuss what is known about BBB dysfunction during CNS injury and disease, as well as methodology used to deliver drugs across the BBB to the CNS. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:648–672
Conformal transformations in metric‐affine gravity and ghosts
Authors: Karahan C.N. , Dogangün O. , Demir D.A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractConformal transformations play a widespread role in gravity theories in regard to their cosmological and other implications. In the pure metric theory of gravity, conformal transformations change the frame to a new one wherein one obtains a conformal‐invariant scalar–tensor theory such that the scalar field, deriving from the conformal factor, is a ghost. In this work, conformal transformations and ghosts will be analyzed in the framework of the metric‐affine theory of gravity. Within this framework, metric and connection are independent variables, and, hence, transform independently under conformal transformations. It will be shown that, if affine connection is invariant under conformal transformations, then the scalar field of concern is a non‐ghost, non‐dynamical field. It is an auxiliary field at the classical level, and might develop a kinetic term at the quantum level. Alternatively, if connection transforms additively with a structure similar to yet more general than that of the Levi‐Civita connection, the resulting action describes the gravitational dynamics correctly, and, more importantly, the scalar field becomes a dynamical non‐ghost field. The equations of motion, for generic geometrical and matter‐sector variables, do not reduce connection to the Levi‐Civita connection, and, hence, independence of connection from metric is maintained. Therefore, metric‐affine gravity provides an arena in which ghosts arising from the conformal factor are avoided thanks to the independence of connection from the metric.
Synthesis of a graft copolymer from an ozonized polycarbonate and its application as a compatibilizer
Authors: Ayoub Ali , Massardier Valérie , Taha Mohamad 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe polycarbonate (PC)/polystyrene (PS) blend is an immiscible system. The use of copolymers as compatibilizers in blends is one approach that is being developed within the larger field of polymer alloys. In this study, PC was ozonized to create peroxides and hydroperoxides on the polymer chain. These functional groups under heating conditions were used to initiate the radical polymerization of styrene (vinyl monomers) to give graft copolymers. The first part of this study was dedicated to the examination of the kinetics of the styrene polymerization initiated by an ozonized PC. However, the structure of the graft copolymers was confirmed by IR spectroscopy, and the molecular weight of the PS graft chain was determined by gel permeation chromatography. The compatibilized bends were prepared by melt blending in an internal mixer. The morphologies of the PC/PS/graft copolymer blend were examined by transmission electron microscopy and were finer than those of an uncompatibilized blend. The tensile properties of these blends were also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Photopolymerization kinetics and thermal properties of dimethacrylate based on bisphenol‐S
Authors: Li Chunguang , Cheng Jue , Jian Yu , Chang Wenkai , Nie Jun 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA dimethacrylate based on bisphenol‐S (DBSMA) was prepared and characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Electrospray Ionisation Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS) 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. DBSMA was investigated by a real‐time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR), under different conditions such as varying photoinitiator type and concentration, with and without oxygen, mixing with different amounts of a reactive diluent [1,6‐hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA)]. The mechanical and thermal properties of these curing films were also investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed homopolymer of DBSMA has better thermal stability than copolymers of DBSMA/HDDMA systems. Also, the cured DBSMA polymer exhibited higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and better thermal stability compared with commercial available resin 2,2‐Bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (BIS‐GMA) (CN151). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Deviation from the theoretical predictions in the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers in a wide range of compositions based on poly(vinyl chloride) by single electron transfer: Degenerative chain living radical polymerization in suspension medium
Authors: Rocha Nuno , Coelho Jorge F. J. , Barros Bianca , Cardoso Pedro M. L. , Gonçalves Pedro M. , Gil M. H. , Guthrie J. T. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis work deals with the synthesis of different poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based block copolymers, containing poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate) segments having different compositions and molecular weights. These copolymers were synthesized via single electron transfer‐degenerative chain living radical polymerization. The block copolymers prepared showed deviations from the theoretical predictions in terms of molecular weight and polydispersity, which were ascribed to the heterogeneous nature of the reaction mixture. The technical problems addressed are important to the establishment of the required technological improvements for the industrial implementation. It has been shown that the control over the composition of the block copolymers is only achieved when the amount of vinyl chloride used in the second step of the polymerization was relatively high. The adhesion performance of these block copolymers in PVC‐wood flour composite formulations was studied by assessing the mechanical performance of such composites, when the copolymers were included in the composite formulations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of water and acid–base reactants on adhesive properties of various plasticized poly(vinyl butyral) sheets
Authors: Tupý Michael , Měřínská Dagmar , Svoboda Petr , Kalendová Alena , Klásek Antonín , Zvoníček Josef 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe study the changes in adhesive properties of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) sheets assigned for safety glass preparation. PVB sheets have been produced by various worldwide manufacturers by simple blending methods such as extrusion, thermo‐mechanical mixer processes, etc. Some samples were modified either by magnesium acetate or by oligo‐functional organic acid to either reduce the adhesion to glass or to increase it. Adhesive measurements were evaluated on the air side and the tin side of the laminated glass. The study deals with a recognition of causes of the PVB adhesion change as a function of adsorbed water content into the polymer matrix. Results describe the influence of hydroxyl group content and amount of added acid–base reactants for adhesion adjustment of every tested PVB sheet. It also describes typical adhesion fluctuation and specific adhesion bonding of PVB sheets to glass in particular conditions. The analysis evaluates the best and the worst blend combinations and their modification on the adhesion change. We focused on adhesion sensitivity to increasing water content and the amount of added adhesion modifier. This work also evaluated the critical range of water content that provides adhesion fluctuation. The evaluation of various types of PVB sheets was performed and the most stable adhesion adjustment was found. Obtained values and comparisons are very important for the PVB sheets industry and for industry dealing with lamination of laminated glasses. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical and water absorption properties of sawdust—low density polyethylene nanocomposite
Authors: Esnaashari Catherine , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Entezam Mehdi , Khalili Shahla 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this research, effect of nanoclay (Cloisite10A), coupling agent (MAPE), spruce sawdust and electron beam irradiation dose on mechanical and water absorption properties of sawdust‐low density polyethylene nanocomposite are investigated. Design of the experiments (DOE) is performed by the statistical Taguchi method. The XRD analysis depicts partially intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites. The findings reveal that increasing cloisite10A concentration from 2.5 to 7.5 wt % has improved the tensile and bending strengths and modulus also water diffusion coefficient is reduced. Increase the sawdust content from 40 to 60 wt % not only markedly increases the tensile and flexural properties but also increases water diffusion coefficient and reduces toughness significantly. Electron beam irradiation dose of 60 kGy improves the tensile and flexural properties and decreases water diffusion coefficient. The SEM micrographs confirm a suitable coherence between lignocelluloses filler phase and low density polyethylene matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Epoxidation of modified natural plasticizer obtained from rice fatty acids and application on polyvinylchloride films
Authors: Faria‐Machado Adelia Ferreira , da Silva Mariana Altenhofen , Vieira Melissa Gurgel Adeodato , Beppu Marisa Masumi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn recent years, much research effort has been driven to develop alternative plasticizers for medical and commodity plastic materials. In this study, a modified natural plasticizer, synthesized by esterification of rice fatty acids, was modified by epoxidation with peroxy acid generated in situ. Two natural epoxidized plasticizers were obtained, using peracetic acid (NP‐Ac) and peroctanoic acid (NP‐Oc) as reagent. PVC films after addition of these natural epoxidized plasticizers presented fairly good incorporation and plasticizing performance, as demonstrated by results of mechanical properties, Tg values (as shown by DSC), optical microscopy, exudation, and migration tests, FTIR and X‐ray diffraction obtained for plasticized PVC films. NP‐Ac plasticizer presented enhanced plasticizing performance compared with NP‐Oc, probably due to a higher epoxidation degree obtained in the reaction with peracetic acid. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The influence of forming conditions on the properties of the fibers made of chitin butyryl‐acetic copolyester for medical applications
Authors: Draczyński Zbigniew , Boguń Maciej , Mikołajczyk Teresa , Szparaga Grzegorz , Król Paulina 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis work describes the impact of basic parameters of the forming process on the macroscopic structure, sorption properties, and strength of fibers made of chitin butyryl‐acetic copolyester (BOC). Regardless of the chemical structure of chitin BOC and intrinsic viscosity of polymer, solutions used in the spinning industry are non‐Newtonian fluids diluted by shearing without flow boundary. Obtained fibers have a high total pore volume; thus, they may be classified into the group of highly porous fibers. The nature of the porous structure and the total pore volume result in high sorption properties of this hydrophobic material and in very high values of water retention. At the same time, fibers made of chitin derivatives have a good tenacity exceeding 24 cN/tex. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Increasing the elongation at break of polyhydroxybutyrate biopolymer: Effect of cellulose nanowhiskers on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: S. de O. Patrício Patrícia , Pereira Fabiano V. , dos Santos Meriane C. , de Souza Patterson P. , Roa Juan P. B. , Orefice Rodrigo L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBionanocomposites based on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) were prepared by dispersing CNWs in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) plasticizer subsequently incorporating the CNWs/PEG suspensions in the matrix. The thermal properties of the nanocomposites indicate an enlargement in the processing window in comparison to the neat PHB. The nanocomposites showed a remarkable increase in the strain level (50 times related to the neat PHB), without a significant loss of the tensile strength with the incorporation of small concentrations of CNWs in the final nanocomposite (up to 0.45 wt %). This behavior was explained in terms of a considerable chain orientation promoted by the presence of CNWs in the same direction of the applied load, which activated shear flow of the polymer matrix. The results described here can be explored to extend the applications of this biopolymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013