Modelling desorption isotherm for durable meat products.

The desorption isotherms of two durable meat products (sample 1 - durable fermented meat product and sample 2 - unheated durable meat product) by Dynamic Dewpoint Isotherm (DDI) at 20, 25, and 30 °C and Saturated Salt Slurry (SSS) method at 20 °C has been studied. The data acquired from these measurements for 7 models (GAB, DLP, Henderson, Chin, Smith, Oswin, Halsey) were used and statistically evaluated. Based on our collected data, the most suitable model for these types of durable meat products is the DLP model. For the DDI method, DLP model (20-30 °C) reached the R2 = 0.999, P value 3.48-4.22 of sample 1 and R2 = 0.999, P value 1.51-3.24 of sample 2. For SSS method DLP model (20 °C) reached R2 = 0.999, P value 4.23 of sample 1 and R2 = 0.998, P value 3.68 of sample 2. The most commonly used GAB model according to statistical treatment was very accurate only for the DDI method, GAB model (20-30 °C) reached R2 ≥ 0.994, P value 1.93-7.12 of sample 1 and R2 = 0.999, P value 1.76-5.54 of sample 2. In general, for DDI method for both samples have models (DLP, GAB, Halsey, Henderson, and Oswin) a P value of less than 10% for all three measured temperatures. For the SSS method, only the DLP and Henderson models are below 10% for both samples. It has been verified that the DDI method is a suitable and accurate method for measuring desorption isotherms for durable meat products.

Comparison of the Automatic and Manual Broiler Pre-Slaughter Chain Based on Trailer Microclimate during Transportation and Its Effect on m. pectoralis major.

This study aims to compare two broiler pre-slaughter chain methods: (i) the automatic pre-slaughter chain (APC) and (ii) manual pre-slaughter chain (MPC). The comparison is based on the evaluation of the trailer microclimate, number of injuries, and breast muscle (m. pectoralis major) quality. Transportation lasts 3.5 h, unloading 1 h. The selection of two hundred 39-day-old broilers (Ross 308 and Cobb 500 breeds) is random for each type of method. After slaughter, the pH value, electrical conductivity (EC), and color (lightness) of breast muscle tissues are determined at different post-mortem intervals. The MPC negatively affects the microclimate (p < 0.001), meat qualitative characteristics (p < 0.001), and places a greater strain on the body of chickens compared with APC. The average pH15min value of MPC broiler breast muscle tissue, generally used as the main meat quality parameter, is 5.97 ± 0.12, in contrast to 6.36 ± 0.16 for APC. Higher pH15min value of APC indicates better welfare and pre-slaughter handling. Values of EC and L* of breast tissues also confirms a difference between the methods of broiler handling (p < 0.001). No difference is found between the breed lines (p > 0.05).

Performance of three clock scoring systems across different ranges of dementia severity.

The ability of three different Clock Drawing Test (CDT) scoring systems to detect Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (DAT) was investigated. As part of a neuropsychological battery, fifty DAT Type patients and fifty matched controls drew a clock. Each drawing was scored by three independent raters according to three different scoring systems: the 3-Factor system, the Template system, and the Abbreviated system. The CDT scoring systems were able to detect Dementia of the Alzheimer Type when the disease was moderate to severe, but lacked sensitivity in milder dementia. Animal Fluency was a better single predictor of dementia. Clinicians are advised to interpret the results of the Clock Drawing Test cautiously in an outpatient setting, where milder forms of dementia and low base rates are likely.

Twinning and intergrowth of rare earth boride carbides.

Twins and intergrown crystals of tetragonal rare earth boride carbides, especially those with the La(5)B(2)C(6) structure type, have been investigated by high-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The structure of the twin interface has been determined. It provides an explanation for coherently intergrown domains of different structure. The Sc(3)C(4) structure type is remarkable because it is frequently intergrown with La(5)B(2)C(6)-type phases. It provides, for instance, a model for the intergrowth of other types, e.g. Gd(4)B(3)C(4) and Gd(5)B(2)C(5). The presence of metal-atom square nets in different orientations in the structures accounts for a number of intergrowth phenomena. The possibilities and limitations of X-ray structure determinations are discussed with respect to actual examples.