bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Work injuries among Finnish farmers: A National Register Linkage study 1996–1997
Authors: Virtanen Simo V. , Notkola Veijo , Luukkonen Ritva , Eskola Erkki , Kurppa Kari 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBackgroundFarming is one of the most injury‐prone occupations in Finland as it is in other countries. Our goals were to describe work injuries of Finnish farmers and to compare occupational injury rates between various subgroups.MethodsA national cohort of 69,629 full‐time farmers and their 11,657 compensated injuries were identified from an insurance company database. Cohort data were merged with a population census and farm register. Relative incidence rates were calculated using Poisson regression.ResultsMen had higher injury rates than women, except with regard to injuries caused by animals. Dairy and hog farming were the riskiest activities, and injury rates increased with the number of dairy cows.ConclusionsOne‐half of insured farmers in Finland are full‐time farmers, which may have lead to underestimation of risk in Finnish injury statistics. Dairy farming is of particular concern because it is both common and has a high injury rate. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:314–325, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with women's risk of rape in the military environment
Authors: Sadler Anne G. , Booth Brenda M. , Cook Brian L. , Doebbeling Bradley N. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBackgroundHealth hazards specific to women workers have not been adequately documented. This study assessed military environmental factors associated with rape occurring during military service, while controlling for pre‐military trauma experiences.MethodsA national cross‐sectional survey of 558 women veterans serving in Vietnam or in subsequent eras was obtained through structured telephone interviews.ResultsRape was reported by 28% (n = 151) of participants, with consistent rates found across eras. Military environmental factors were associated with increased likelihood of rape, including: sexual harassment allowed by officers (P < 0.0001), unwanted sexual advances on‐duty (P < 0.0001) and in sleeping quarters (P < 0.0001).ConclusionViolence towards military women has identifiable risk factors. Work and living environments where unwanted sexual behaviors occurred were associated with increased odds of rape. Officer leadership played an important role in the military environment and safety of women. Assailant alcohol and/or drug abuse at time of rape was notable. Interventions and policies based on modifiable environmental risk factors are needed to increase protection for women in the workplace. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:262–273, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asphalt—A continuing challenge
Authors: Melius James 
Published: February 2003

AbstractAssessing the health risks of complex mixtures of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons such as diesel fumes and asphalt or bitumen continues to be a major challenge for occupational and environmental health scientists. The special Asphalt issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (Cancer Mortality Among European Asphalt Workers (Am.J.Ind.Med. Volume 43, Number 1, 2003) presented the results of a major multi‐country epidemiological study of a group of workers exposed to one common commercial PAH mixture, asphalt or bitumen.
Taxonomic affinities of the Eppelsheim femur
Authors: Köhler Meike , Alba David M. , Solà Salvador Moyà , MacLatchy Laura 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe taxonomic affinities of the Eppelsheim femur, known as Paidopithex, have been unclear for more than a century. Over the years, due to similarities with Pliopithecus, some authors have considered it a large pliopithecid, while others refer to it as Dryopithecus. The issue could not be resolved, because no definitive Dryopithecus femora were available. With the discovery of the Dryopithecus laietanus skeleton from Can Llobateres (CLl 18800), it has become possible to test the attribution of the Eppelsheim femur to Dryopithecus on the basis of direct morphological and metrical comparisons. By means of allometric techniques, we show that the Eppelsheim and D. laietanus femora fit different hindlimb morphologies with regard to relative length and relative head/neck size, with Paidopithex significantly differing from Dryopithecus, but more closely resembling Pliopithecus. Paidopithex also differs from Dryopithecus in other important aspects, such as its lower neck/shaft angle, lack of elevation of the femoral head above the greater trochanter, more posteriorly oriented lesser trochanter, and proximal shaft diameter thicker anteroposteriorly than mediolaterally. In these features, Paidopithex most closely resembles Pliopithecus in spite of differences in body mass (ca. 22 kg vs. ca. 10 kg, respectively). These features suggest that Paidopithex used a primitive locomotor pattern associated with arboreal quadrupedalism, instead of the more derived pattern displayed by Dryopithecus. Currently available evidence confirms that the attribution of Paidopithex to Dryopithecus can be rejected. Paidopithex could be a large and otherwise unknown pliopithecid, but the possibility cannot be ruled out that it represents a third kind of catarrhine. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:297–304, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical properties of short sisal fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites: Comparison of experimental data with theoretical predictions
Authors: Joseph P. V. , Mathew G. , Joseph K. , Thomas S. , Pradeep P. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractSisal fibers were used for the reinforcement of a polypropylene (pp) matrix. Composites consisting of polypropylene reinforced with short sisal fibers were prepared by melt‐mixing and solution‐mixing methods. A large amount of fiber breakage was observed during melt mixing. The fiber breakage analysis during composite preparation by melt mixing was carried out using optical microscopy. A polynomial equation was used to model the fiber‐length distribution during melt mixing. The experimental mechanical properties of sisal/PP composites were compared with existing theoretical models such as the modified rule of mixtures, parallel and series models, the Hirsch model, and the Bowyer–Baders model. The dependence of the tensile strength on the angle of measurement with respect to fiber orientation also was modeled. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 602–611, 2003
Mechanical and thermal properties of polyurethane elastomers based on hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadienes and biopitch
Authors: Araújo Renata Costa Silva , Pasa Vânya Márcia Duarte 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBiopitch is a renewable source of polyol obtained from Eucalyptus tar distillation, which was studied as an active component of polyurethane (PU). The polymerization occurred in one step, with a mixture of biopitch and hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene polyols reacted with 4‐4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate. Solid‐state 13C‐NMR, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis [thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)] were used to characterize the biopitch. The biopitch sample showed an aromatic and oxygenated structure with great thermal stability at high temperatures. Multiphasic PUs were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy (attenuated total reflectance), elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), mechanical assays (tensile strength, elongation at break, toughness, hardness, and resilience), and water absorption resistance (ASTM D 570‐81). In a comparative study of the synthesized elastomers, biopitch content increased tensile strength and hardness and decreased thermal stability, elongation at break, and water absorption. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 759–766, 2003
Biodegradable extruded starch blends
Authors: You Xiudong , Li Li , Gao Jianping , Yu Jiugao , Zhao Zhuxuan 
Published: February 2003

AbstractWe prepared biodegradable extruded starch blends by first mixing starch with additives and then processing the mixture in an extruder. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break, solubility, biodegradability, rheological properties, molecular weight, and glass‐transition temperature of the extruded blends were studied. Glycerol and urea, to some extent, could both decrease the tensile strength and increase the percentage elongation at break because the former acts as a plasticizer and the latter can break down interactions among starch macromolecules. The extruded starch blends showed thermoplasticity, and their melts behaved as pseudoplastic liquids at a comparatively low shear rate. The biodegradability of the extruded starch was slightly higher than that of native starch. The molecular weight of starch displayed a decreasing tendency after extruding modification. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 627–635, 2003
Spin‐on‐glass (SOG) for the trilayer imaging process
Authors: Sugita Hikaru , Saito Akio , Konno Keiji , Hayasui Akihiro , Nishiyama Satoru , Ebisawa Masahiko , Nishikawa Michinori , Ohta Yoshihisa , Tominaga Tetsuo 
Published: February 2003

AbstractMaleic acid catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetramethoxysilane was carried out in 1‐propoxy‐2‐propanol to prepare a spin‐on‐glass (SOG) material for the trilayer imaging process. The material was found to be stable enough for industry use. Minor amounts of methylsilsesquioxane and photoacid generators were introduced into the material. Thin resist (top layer) patterns were imaged on the SOG film (intermediate layer), which was coated on a hard‐baked i‐line resist (bottom layer). The SOG film showed sufficient adhesion to the resist patterns, and superior resist profiles were imaged on the film. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 636–640, 2003
Prediction of nonlinear long‐term tensile creep of heterogeneous blends: Rubber‐toughened polypropylene–poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)
Authors: Kolařík Jan , Pegoretti Alessandro , Fambri Luca , Penati Amabile 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe proposed predictive format for the tensile compliance, Db(t), of polymer blends is based on (1) a two‐parameter equivalent box model (EBM) and (2) calculations of the phase continuity of components in blends by using modified equations of the percolation theory. The input data encompass (1) selected parameters characterizing the creep of parent polymers and (2) critical volume fractions v1cr and v2cr of constituents in blends (delimiting the interval of phase cocontinuity). To describe the effects of time and stress on tensile compliance, a routinely used empirical equation was found suitable. Parameters characterizing the creep of parent polymers and their blends were extracted from generalized dependencies obtained through the superposition of time dependencies of tensile compliance assessed for a series of applied stresses and reconstructed with regard to the strain‐induced free‐volume expansion. Reconstructed dependencies can be approximated by a straight line, which simplifies the predictive format. The comparison of experimental and calculated compliance dependencies shows that the proposed format plausibly predicts the blend creep behavior over the studied interval of 0.1–10,000 min. The upswing in blend compliance after a long period of creeping is attributed to the redistribution of stresses acting on the constituents in the course of the creep under a constant load. This format is believed to have allowed the researchers in this study to anticipate (at least semiquantitatively) the creep behavior of intended blends. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 641–651, 2003
Electrical conduction and dielectric properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/perylene solar concentrators
Authors: El‐Shaarawy M. G. , Mansour A. F. , El‐Bashir S. M. , El‐Mansy M. K. , Hammam M. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate) doped with fluorescent perylene dye was prepared by both radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate and solvent casting from polymer solutions. The samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, and dielectric properties. Both conductivity and dielectric properties were measured in the temperature range 303–433 K and the frequency range 103to 5 × 106Hz. The results show that the direct‐current electrical conductivity increased by increasing dye content in solvent‐cast samples, whereas it decreased radically polymerized samples. The results of alternating‐current conductivity suggest electron hopping between filled and empty localized states. The study of dielectric properties showed two relaxation peaks corresponding to the dipole segmental and dipole group losses. Explanations based on the polymer free volume and acid–base interactions were proposed to examine the influence of the sample preparation and perylene dye concentration on the glass‐transition temperature and dielectric relaxation of the samples. The obtained results recommend the thermal and molecular stability of luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) matrices prepared by radical polymerization over those prepared by solvent casting. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 793–805, 2003
Studies on morphology, mechanical, thermal, and rheological behavior of extrusion‐blended polypropylene and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer
Authors: Mandal P. K. , Bandyopadhyay D. , Chakrabarty D. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) was melt‐blended in a single‐screw extruder with a thermotropic Vectra B‐950 liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) in different proportions. The mechanical properties of such blends were compared in respect of their Young's moduli, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percent elongation at break, and toughness to those of pure PP. The thermal properties of these blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology was studied by using a polarizing light microscope (PLM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while the rheological aspects of the blends and the pure PP were studied by a Haake Rheowin equipment. Mechanical analysis (tensile properties) of the blends showed pronounced improvement in the moduli and the UTS of the PP matrix in the presence of 2–10% of LCP incorporation. TGA of all the blends showed an increase in the thermal stability for all the blends with respect to the matrix polymer PP, even at a temperature of 410°C, while PP itself undergoes drastic degradation at this temperature. DSC studies indicated an increase in the softening range of the blends over that of PP. Morphological studies showed limited mixing and elongated fibril formation by the dispersed LCP phase within the base matrix (PP) at the lower ranges of LCP incorporation while exhibiting a tendency to undergo gross phase separation at higher concentrations of LCP, which forms mostly agglomerated fibrils and large droplets. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 767–774, 2003
Effect of fillers and additives on the properties of SBR vulcanizates
Authors: Yin Dehui , Zhang Yong , Peng Zonglin , Zhang Yinxi 
Published: February 2003

AbstractMethacrylic acid (MAA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were used as additives for peroxide‐cured styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) filled with three inorganic fillers with different particle sizes and surface activity, for example, MgO, Mg(OH)2, and BaSO4. The experimental results show that the introduction of MAA can improve the mechanical properties of SBR vulcanizates filled with MgO, Mg(OH)2, or BaSO4. A small amount of MAA leads to significant increases in the modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength. MMA has little effect on the mechanical properties of the SBR vulcanizates. The SEM micrographs show that MAA can improve the interfacial bonding between SBR and the three kinds of fillers. The SBR–filler interaction was studied by Kraus plots. The relationship between the SBR–filler interaction and the mechanical properties was explored. m, a characteristic constant of a filler–SBR matrix, represents the interfacial bonding between fillers and SBR and the accumulated structure of the fillers. At a given ϕ, a high value of m means a strong interaction between SBR and the filler and, therefore, strong mechanical properties. The Payne effect of the SBR vulcanizates was observed, and the vulcanizates have low storage moduli at high strains and high storage moduli at low strains, and the moduli are nonlinear and increase the nonlinearity as the filler content increases. The loss moduli and loss factor reach their maximums at moderate and high strain amplitudes, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 775–782, 2003
Mechanical properties of ethylene–vinyl acetate/polystyrene blends studied by in situ polymerization
Authors: Cheng Shih‐Kai , Chen Po‐Tsun , Wang Cheng‐Chien , Chen Chuh‐Yung 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThis study examined ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA)‐toughened polystyrene (PS). EVA is well‐known to be incompatible with PS; thus, the PS graft to the EVA backbone (EVA‐g‐PS) was used as a compatibilizer and provided good adhesion at the interface of PS and EVA. In addition, the mechanical properties and impact resistance of the PS matrix were obviously improved by EVA‐g‐PS and by EVA itself. Meanwhile, differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the grafted PS chain influenced the crystallization of EVA; for example, the melting temperature, the crystallization temperature, and the percentage crystallinity related to EVA were reduced. Moreover, the addition of 10% EVA increased the impact strength by a factor of five but reduced the modulus by the same factor. Additionally, a lower number‐average molecular weight EVA delayed phase inversion and resulted in poor mechanical properties. A fracture surface photograph revealed that the major mechanism of EVA‐toughened PS was craze and local matrix deformation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 699–705, 2003
Adhesion properties of phosphate‐ and siloxane‐containing polyurethane dispersions to steel: An analysis of the metal–coating interface
Authors: Mequanint K. , Sanderson R. , Pasch H. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractPolyurethane dispersions containing phosphate and siloxane groups in the main chain were investigated as possible self‐assembling metal coatings. Improved adhesion of the polymer to the metal was observed because of the formation of an insoluble metal phosphate layer at the metal–coating interface. The neutralizing amine of the dispersions affected the formation of this metal phosphate, and the metal phosphate formation was dependent on the curing temperature and boiling point of the amine used for neutralization. A crosscut comparative study of adhesion proved that the phosphate‐containing coatings had better adhesion because of the formation of ionic bonds at the metal–coating interface. A solid‐state adhesion prediction method based on thermodynamic considerations was used. The results of the solid‐state adhesion method correlated well with that obtained from the crosscut adhesion test method. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 900–907, 2003
Preparation and characterization of soy protein isolate–carboxymethylated konjac glucomannan blend films
Authors: Tang Rupei , Du Yumin , Zheng Hua , Fan Lihong 
Published: February 2003

AbstractTo improve the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of soy protein films, the transparent films were prepared by blending 5 wt % soy protein isolate (SPI) alkaline water solution with 2 wt % carboxymethylated konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) aqueous solution and drying at 30 °C. The structure and properties of the blend films were studied by infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and measurements of mechanical properties and water vapor transmission. The results demonstrated a strong interaction and good miscibility between SPI and CMKGM due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The thermostability and mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of blend films were greatly enhanced due to the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between SPI and CMKGM. The tensile strength and breaking elongation of blend films increased with the increase of CMKGM content: the maximum values achieved were 54.6 MPa and 37%, respectively, when the CMKGM content was 70 wt %. The water vapor transmission of blend films decreased with the increase of CMKGM content: the lowest value achieved was 74.8 mg · cm−2 · d−1 when the CMKGM content was 70 wt %. The SPI–CMKGM blend films provide promising applications to fresh food packaging. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1095–1099, 2003
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions: A comparative study of polymerization processes
Authors: Barni Anita , Levi Marinella 
Published: February 2003

AbstractRestrictions on volatile organic compounds have forced the producers of solvent‐based polymers to develop safer products. Water dispersions of polyurethanes are successfully replacing solvent‐borne products in the coating industry, but relatively little systematic work has been reported that compares polyurethanes obtained by different processes. In this study, polyurethanes were produced with three polymerization processes: in a solution, in a dispersion with the acetone process, and in a dispersion with the prepolymer mixing process. The same prepolymer was synthesized in all cases, and the reaction was concluded under the conditions required by the three different methods. In the first phase, nonextended polyurethanes were prepared with different functional group ratios (NCO/OH), and an evaluation of the quality of the dispersions and solutions and of the morphology of the dry polymers was made by a comparison of the products from the three preparation routes. Second, the growth of the molecular weight in water was studied for the prepolymer mixing process. NCO‐terminated prepolymers were dispersed in water and then extended by aliphatic diamines. The extender was added in different percentages that referred to the NCO equivalents of the prepolymer. This led to an evaluation of the effect of the dispersing medium on chain extension. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 716–723, 2003
Antimicrobial protection of cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics by radiation and thermal treatments. I. Effect of ZnO formulation on the mechanical and dyeing properties
Authors: El‐Naggar A. M. , Zohdy M. H. , Hassan M. S. , Khalil E. M. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractCotton and cotton/polyester fabrics were treated against microbial attack by applying a formulation based essentially on ZnO under high‐energy radiation and thermal curing. To achieve the homogeneity and the reactivity of the treating formulation, a binder (Impron MTP) and a dispersing agent (Setamol WS) were used with ZnO. The antimicrobial property of the fabrics was evaluated, in terms of mechanical properties, by a soil burial test. Moreover, the effect of antimicrobial finishing on the dyeing properties in terms of color strength was investigated. It was found that the best composition that affords the best antimicrobial protection to cotton fabrics contains 2% ZnO, 2% binder, and 1% dispersing agents. For the cotton/polyester blend, the best results were achieved at the same conditions except the ZnO was 1%. It was found that the treatment under the effect of electron‐beam irradiation is better than that of gamma irradiation and thermal curing. The results showed that when the finishing process was carried out before dyeing with a reactive dye, it affects the color strength rather than performing the finishing after the dyeing process. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1129–1137, 2003