bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic impact of the Internet: study of cybercafés in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Mauta Sairosse Tomas , Mutula Stephen M.
Published: December 2003

This paper discusses the findings of a study that was carried out to determine the economic impact of cybercafés in Gaborone, Botswana. The research design was a survey. The results from the study showed that the cybercafé sector in Gaborone, Botswana, has grown by 1,300 per cent since 2001. The sector is contributing to the gross domestic product of Botswana largely through employment, government taxation and earning the country foreign exchange through e‐commerce and e‐business transactions. However all was not going well for cybercafés as they were faced with problems of competition, high tariffs, low bandwidth, and high equipment costs, among others. The study recommended the need for the coordination of cybercafé sector in order to make its growth less haphazard; reduction of taxes on computers; enactment of cyber law, modernization and improvement of bandwidth.
Reinventing Unix: an introduction to the Plan 9 operating system
Authors: Hancock Brian
Published: December 2003

Plan 9 is based on three basic principles: all objects are either files or file systems, communication is over a network, and private namespaces allow their owners to access local and remote processes transparently. Resources are shared using standard, open protocols and consistent reusable interfaces. This type of distributed system is conducive to project collaboration without regard to place. The geographic location of the machines and the communication network are invisible to its users. It is well suited to grid computing.
Mental models for personal digital assistants (PDAs)
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: December 2003

PDAs (personal digital assistants) have evolved from toys for geeks into tools with real potential for professionals. This editorial examines mental models about PDAs in order to understand the expectations of patrons and to help libraries plan for the future.
Simulation as an enabler for organizational excellence
Authors: O’Kane James F.
Published: December 2003

A case‐based research approach is used to illustrate the power of modeling manufacturing performance measures and to help develop insights into the nature and problems evident when attempting to use simulation across different enterprise sectors. The research methodology used considered three specific companies, each with distinctive characteristics and attributes; a small to medium enterprise (SME), a medium to large enterprise (MLE) and a large enterprise (LE). From a cross‐case analysis of the use of discrete‐event simulation when applied in these instances, the research attempts to develop policy implications that will provide a better understanding of how simulation studies should be approached across different manufacturing enterprises and how simulation can help organizations achieve organizational excellence.
Assessing teamwork development to improve organizational performance
Authors: Castka Pavel , Sharp John M. , Bamber Christopher J.
Published: December 2003

This paper discusses the essential factors in teamwork development, which has been identified through action research conducted in co‐operation with UK based industries. The authors advocate how to draw on these factors for assessment of teamwork performance of organizations. Hence, the TEaM (teamwork excellence modified) model, a self‐assessment tool based on the EFQM framework is presented and discussed. This model incorporates both tangible and intangible elements of teamwork performance and provides the framework for assessment of different teams inside and/or outside of the organization.
Achieving manufacturing excellence through proactive practices: a case study of Taiwan’s IC industry
Authors: Chang Pao‐Long , Chen Wei‐Ling , Tsa Chu‐Kuang
Published: December 2003

Despite the disadvantages of limited research resources and little influence over the global electronic market, Taiwan is able to build from scratch an IC manufacturing industry that is now the fourth in the world in terms of total revenue. The manufacturing performance of Taiwan’s IC industry significantly resides in low cost and quick delivery. This raises an important question: why Taiwan is able to achieve such manufacturing excellence in the IC industry. Proactive practices adopted by Taiwan’s IC manufacturing industry are considered as a competitive weapon. The purpose of this study is to identify the proactive practices in relation to manufacturing performance based on a multiple case study. Furthermore, government policy, vertical disintegration, industrial clusters, foreign provider supports and technology manpower are the industrial factors that enhance the manufacturing advantage. Finally, the industry weaknesses and future challenges of the IC manufacturing industry are presented.
Preparing for the future: Queensland 2020
Authors: Reif Leona , Herman Nusch , Graves Genevieve
Published: December 2003

By applying a futures approach to ageing of the population, Queensland has the opportunity to plan for changing aspirations of all of society – working to achieve identified preferred outcomes for society, rather than planning for problems or just for a specific target group. Queensland 2020: A State for All Ages is a project that aims to encourage whole‐of‐government and community debate on the structural ageing of the population and the interconnected needs of all generations. It focuses on government planning frameworks and aims to generate a transformational shift in how government, business and community organisations view the ageing of the population. To focus community debate and inform government planning, the project identified four key areas and commissioned academic stimulus papers to address these issues from an intergenerational perspective. These four areas were a futures focus; an ageing perspective; a youth perspective; and a human service planning perspective.
Ageing: a personal futures perspective
Authors: Wheelwright Verne
Published: December 2003

Futures research is commonly reported on the macro scale, and involves analysis of a global or national situation with a long‐range view of trends and alternative futures. This article approaches ageing and the future from the micro scale, examining the future one life at a time; suggesting that futures methodology can, and should, be effectively applied to individual lives. Three propositions relating to development of personal futures are introduced, focusing on life stages, personal trends and life events after age 60. These three elements of life are then shown as a framework on which individuals can build personal scenarios and create personal strategic plans for the stages of life after age 60.
Liberating imagination about ageing
Authors: Browne Bliss W.
Published: December 2003

We are in the midst of a positive ageing revolution and a revolution in the workplace as well. We’ve been given a whole extra generation of life to use in a new way. How shall we take advantage of this gift of nature to evolve the human species? Might the purpose of increased longevity be to mature enough to express our untapped potential for building a new and better world?
W(h)ither the digital divide?
Authors: Fink Carsten , Kenny Charles J.
Published: December 2003

The “widening digital divide” has the status of fact in most discussions of the global distribution of information and communications technologies (ICTs), and that this divide is a problem is widely accepted. This paper challenges both assumptions. First, looking at various measures of the digital divide, there is a divide in per‐capita access to ICTs but developing countries show faster rates of growth in network development than developed countries. Moreover, when employing a per‐income measure of access, developing countries already “digitally leapfrog” the developed world. Second, the paper examines the prediction that disparities in absolute access to ICTs between countries will lead to reduced development prospects in poor countries. Past experience has shown that it is very difficult to make predictions of this type. The paper concludes that we may be posing the wrong policy questions when focusing on a “digital divide” as it is commonly understood.
Wi‐Fi networks and the rerun of the cycle
Authors: Sawhney Harmeet
Published: December 2003

While it is quite natural for us to be drawn to the new potentialities wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi) represents, we should give pause and place it within its proper context and take a long‐term view of the phenomenon. One of the repeated shortcomings of the research on new technologies has been that the researchers have time and again studied them in isolation. A new technology does not strike roots and grow on a virgin ground. Instead, it encounters a terrain marked by old technologies. The new technology’s growth then is shaped not only by its own potentialities but also the opportunities and restraints created by the systems based on old technologies. In order to expand the perspective beyond Wi‐Fi to those that preceded it, this paper draws on the framework provided by Infrastructure Development Model (IDM), which delineates eight stages through which infrastructure networks (railroads, telegraph, telephone, and others) typically go in their development, to study its emergence.
Licence acquisition strategy in the European mobile communications industry
Authors: Whalley Jason , Curwen Peter
Published: December 2003

As the repercussions of 3G licensing reverberate across the telecommunications industry, it has frequently been speculated that the European mobile communications industry is about to consolidate around a handful of players. However, many of these speculative comments fail to take into account either the scale of the players concerned or how they have acquired licences in the past. In this paper, we establish licence ownerships patterns, identifying in the process 13 multiple licence owners that collectively own 161 of the 225 second and third generation licences that have been offered to date across Europe. The multiple licence owners are then categorised by their scale and geographical focus, demonstrating in the process the considerable variation that occurs in both of these areas.
Plate 314. Roscoea alpina
Authors: Cowley Jill
Published: December 2003

The Himalayan Roscoea alpina (Zingiberaceae) is illustrated; its relationships, distribution, ecology and cultural requirements are discussed and a full description of the species is provided.
Plate 315. Alocasia melo
Authors: Hay A. , Boyce P. C. , Wong K. M.
Published: December 2003

A horticulturally attractive new species of Alocasia, A. melo, from Sabah is described and illustrated in colour. Notes on its relationships, ecology and cultural requirements are provided.
Effects of prey quality on social wasps when given a choice of prey
Authors: Stamp N.E. , Meyerhoefer B.
Published: December 2003

The effect of prey quality on foraging behavior and colony demographics of the social wasp Polistes fuscatus was examined by providing a choice between non‐toxic prey (Manduca sexta caterpillars) and sublethally toxic prey (Junonia coenia caterpillars), and then comparing the performance of these colonies to others given only the non‐toxic prey. In the choice, one of two types of Manduca were used: those fed an artificial diet or those fed plantain (Plantago lanceolata), which contains iridoid glycosides (IGs) that Junonia coenia store but which Manduca does not. Despite the negative correlation between the number of Junonia prey used and number of adult offspring produced, when a surplus of non‐toxic prey was available, the wasps did not completely avoid the toxic prey. However, they were more discriminating when the choice was between Manduca fed an artificial diet and Junonia fed plantain vs. when both prey species had eaten the plantain. Because the wasps had a choice of prey types and had a surplus of prey on about one‐third of the days, the wasps were able to take enough non‐toxic prey to avoid some of the negative consequences of IGs. For example, the total number of wasp offspring per nest was not affected, but mean weight of female offspring per colony was less for colonies given both prey types eating plantain, compared to that for colonies fed only non‐toxic prey, or those given a choice of non‐toxic prey vs. toxic prey. In addition, compared to the control (only non‐toxic prey), the proportion of males produced was less in the treatment that provided a clear contrast between non‐toxic and toxic prey. Why these wasps did not avoid the toxic prey is discussed.
Barley yellow dwarf virus, wheat, and Sitobion avenae: a case of trilateral interactions
Authors: Fiebig M. , Poehling H.‐M. , Borgemeister C.
Published: December 2003

We analysed interactions in the system of two Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) strains (MAV and PAV), and wheat (cv. Tinos) as host plant for the virus, and the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) as vector, in particular whether or not infection by the virus might alter host plant suitability in favour of vector development. By measuring the amino acid and sugar content in the phloem sap of infected and non‐infected wheat plants we found a significant reduction in the concentration of the total amount of amino acids on BYDV‐infected plants. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of honeydew and honeydew excretion indicated a lower efficiency of phloem sap utilisation by S. avenae on infected plants. In addition, S. avenae excreted less honeydew on infected plants. Both BYDV strains significantly affected aphid development by a reduction in the intrinsic rate of natural increase. Hence, infection by the virus reduced the host suitability in terms of aphid population growth potential on BYDV‐infected plants. However, more alate morphs developed on virus‐infected plants. These findings are discussed in relation to the population dynamics of S. avenae, and, as a consequence, the spread of BYDV.
Resistance monitoring of field populations of the corn borers Sesamia nonagrioides and Ostrinia nubilalis after 5 years of Bt maize cultivation in Spain
Authors: Farinós Gema P. , De La Poza Marta , Hernández‐Crespo Pedro , Ortego Félix , Castañera Pedro
Published: December 2003

Approximately 22 000 hectares (5% of the total maize growing area) of transgenic maize expressing the Cry1Ab toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize) have been planted annually in Spain since 1998. Changes in the susceptibility to Cry1Ab of Spanish populations of the Mediterranean corn borer (MCB), Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), were assessed by annual monitoring on Bt maize fields. No increase in resistance was detected in the MCB populations from Ebro, Albacete, and Badajoz, nor in the ECB populations from Ebro and Badajoz during the period 1999–2002. The susceptibility of the MCB population from Madrid fluctuated from year to year, but a gradual trend towards higher levels of tolerance was not observed. Laboratory selection assays for eight generations yielded selected strains of MCB and ECB that were 21‐ and 10‐fold significantly more tolerant to Cry1Ab than the corresponding unselected strains, respectively. Nevertheless, none of the field‐collected or laboratory‐selected larvae were able to survive on Bt maize. Considering these data, no consistent shifts in susceptibility were found for Spanish populations of MCB nor ECB after 5 years of Bt maize cultivation, but systematic field monitoring needs to be continued.
Effects of jackbean lectin (ConA) on the feeding behaviour and kinetics of intoxication of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Sauvion Nicolas , Charles Hubert , Febvay Gérard , Rahbé Yvan
Published: December 2003

Mannose‐binding lectins were shown to be useful in creating transgenic plants resistant to insects, including many phloem‐feeding Hemiptera. Before these plants can be used extensively, it is important to understand how these lectins exert their toxic effects on the target organisms. We investigated the feeding alterations induced by presenting the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), with a diet containing the lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (ConA). A series of behavioural experiments were carried out to detect potential sensory mediation of lectin activity. Choice tests performed with a 400 µg ml−1 ConA diet (3.7 µm of native tetramer) showed that A. pisum quickly rejected the ConA diet, but that this reaction was not typical of a sensory‐mediated phagodeterrent effect. In addition, the aphids did not develop a conditioned taste aversion to the lectin. Diet uptake was evaluated using a radioactive tracer (14C‐methylated inulin), and showed depression of ingestion only after 16 h at 200 µg ml−1 or after 8 h at 400 µg ml−1 ConA. This effect was reversible under our test conditions. No evidence was obtained for early detection of the lectin, even by intoxicated aphids. An electrical penetration graph technique was adapted to artificial diets and provided short‐term continuous analysis on feeding/probing events. At the 400 µg ml−1 level, adults were affected and had reduced ingestion durations as early as in the first 4 h of contact, but experienced an adaptation to the behavioural alterations induced by lectin feeding. Overall, feeding deterrency following exposure to mannose lectins appeared to be a consequence of intoxication, and not due to a sensory mediated process.
Cage evaluation of augmentative biological control of Thrips palmi with Wollastoniella rotunda in winter greenhouses
Authors: Nakashima Yoshitaka , Uefune Masayoshi , Tagashira Eiko , Maeda Seiko , Shima Katsuya , Nagai Kazuya , Hirose Yoshimi , Takagi Masami
Published: December 2003

Cage trials of an anthocorid predator, Wollastoniella rotunda Yasunaga et Miyamoto, as a biological control agent of Thrips palmi Karny were conducted in Fukuoka, Japan, under winter greenhouse production conditions. Females of W. rotunda were released on caged eggplants, and placed in two greenhouses on 27 October. The development, population growth, and effectiveness of W. rotunda were observed until early March. Results from the cage trials showed that W. rotunda successfully developed, reproduced, and suppressed T. palmi populations under the conditions found in winter greenhouses. During the experiment, one full generation and a second generation of adult predators occurred. The T. palmi population which was exposed to predators remained at a low density throughout the trial period, but it increased dramatically on eggplants without W. rotunda. The maximum difference between predator treatments and controls was approximately 10‐fold by the end of January. Wollastoniella rotunda has the potential to be an effective control agent for T. palmi on eggplant, even during the winter in temperate regions.
Food stress causes differential survival of socially parasitic caterpillars ofMaculinea rebeliintegrated in colonies of host and non‐hostMyrmicaant species
Authors: Elmes G.W. , Wardlaw J.C. , Schönrogge K. , Thomas J.A. , Clarke R.T.
Published: December 2003

Final instar larvae ofMaculinea rebeliHirschke (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) are social parasites ofMyrmicaLatreille (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) nests. In the populations of the southern French Alps and Spanish Pyrenees, >95% adultM. rebeliemerge from colonies ofMyrmica schenckiEmery, despite >60% caterpillars being adopted by otherMyrmicaspecies (non‐hosts). However, in laboratory culture caterpillars can be reared successfully by many of the non‐host species. This contradiction, which has led some to question the existence of host specificity, has been explained by the lack of stress, particularly food stress, in laboratory cultures compared to wild conditions. Here, we report the results of an experiment that tested the survival ofM. rebelicaterpillars that had been growing well, after being socially integrated into a series of host and non‐host cultures, and were then subjected to a 4‐week period of stress induced by a ‘starvation diet’ estimated to be less than the minimum for ant survival. Significantly moreM. rebelisurvived inM. schenckicultures than with any of the otherMyrmicaspecies (all died in most non‐host cultures). Under a starvation diet, caterpillars are killed and eaten along with dead workers – this never happens under an ample diet – rather than simply starving to death. It was noted that the proportion of youngM. rebelicaterpillars that survived initial integration into an ant colony (including someM. schenckicolonies) was a good predictor of subsequent survival under starvation conditions. We concluded that two key phases of host specificity exist in the life of this social parasite: initial integration, in which the caterpillar simply has to be accepted into a host society, followed by full integration, when a relatively high hierarchical status within the host society becomes essential for a caterpillar's survival during periods when the host colony is stressed, e.g., by food shortage. This experimental regime provides a useful bioassay for testing host specificity in other populations ofMaculinea.
Effects of pattern and timing of high temperature exposure on reproduction of the rose grain aphid, Metopolophium dirhodum
Authors: Ma Chun‐Sen , Hau Bernhard , Poehling Hans‐Michael
Published: December 2003

Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the three most important cereal aphid species in Germany and central European countries. High temperature is known to play a detrimental role in the reproduction and survival of aphids. Detailed experiments were conducted to assess the effects of high temperatures (27, 29, 31, and 33 °C), exposure pattern (8 h day−1 for 1, 2, 4, and 6 days), and exposure development stage (2nd, 3rd, 4th instar larvae, and adult) on the reproduction and longevity of M. dirhodum. All three factors have a significant influence on the aphids. Increasing the temperature to over 29 °C significantly decreases their lifetime fecundity and longevity. Mature aphids are more sensitive to high temperatures than younger ones. A high temperature pulse to treat aphids older than 3rd instar larvae greatly shortened their longevity and lessened their lifetime fecundity. Lifetime fecundity and longevity was found to be inversely related to exposure pattern. A high temperature pulse lasting longer than 1 week greatly reduced the lifetime fecundity and longevity. The limitation of the data collected from experiments at constant temperatures for aphid forecasting is discussed.
Age‐related pupal defenses against congeneric internecine activity in Encarsia species
Authors: Gerling Dan , Rejouan Neli
Published: December 2003

We examined whether the young pupae of three parasitoid species, Encarsia inaron (Walker), E. lutea (Masi), and E. sophia (Girault and Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), all attacking the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), exhibited different susceptibility to host feeding and to autoparasitism than older pupae. These parasitoid species differ as follows: E. lutea is autoparasitic and has non‐melanized pupae, E. inaron is not autoparasitic and has melanized pupae, whereas E. sophia is autoparasitic and has melanized pupae.

 The results showed that the younger pupae were always more susceptible to internecine action (host feeding or autoparasitism) than the older pupae. The relative immunity of the older pupae was not dependent upon pupal melanization, as it was the same for pupae of E. lutea that have unmelanized pupae as the other melanized species.

 The findings increased the range of the ‘window of opportunity’ for male development discovered by Hunter & Kelly (1998, Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 89: 249–259) to more Encarsia species and to the phenomenon of host feeding, and suggest that relative pupal resistance to damage may be widespread among these parasitic Hymenoptera.
Collapse and Rebound of a Gas Bubble
Authors: Goldsztein Guillermo H.
Published: December 2003

In this paper, we study the collapse and rebound of a gas bubble. Our goals are twofold: (1) we want to stress that different mathematical models may lead to extremely different results and (2) we introduce a new class of simplified reliable models. We accomplish our first goal by showing that the results obtained from two of the simplest and most widely used models (the isothermal and adiabatic approximations) are very different while the bubble is highly compressed. This period of time is short but it is of crucial importance in most phenomena where bubble collapses are relevant. To accomplish our second goal, we identify a nondimensional parameter that is a quantification of the strength of the bubble collapse and we show how to use this large parameter to obtain new simplified models through the use of standard asymptotic techniques. Illustrative examples and discussions on the wide range of applicability of the approach introduced in this work are given.
Limit Cycle‐Strange Attractor Competition
Authors: Criminale W. O. , Jackson T. L. , Nelson P. W.
Published: December 2003

To understand the competition between what are known as limit cycle and strange attractor dynamics, the classical oscillators that display such features were coupled and studied with and without external forcing. Numerical simulations show that, when the Duffing equation (the strange attractor prototype) forces the van der Pol oscillator (the limit cycle prototype), the limit cycle is destroyed. However, when the van der Pol oscillator is coupled to the Duffing equation as linear forcing, the two traditionally stable steady states are destabilized and a quasi‐periodic orbit is born. In turn, this limit cycle is eventually destroyed because the coupling strength is increased and eventually gives way to strange attractor or chaotic dynamics. When two van der Pol oscillators are coupled in the absence of external periodic forcing, the system approaches a stable, nonzero steady state when the coupling strengths are both unity; trajectories approach a limit cycle if coupling strengths are equal and less than 1. Solutions grow unbounded if the coupling strengths are equal and greater than 1. Quasi‐periodic solutions give way to chaos as the coupling strength increases and one oscillator is strongly coupled to the other. Finally, increasing the nonlinearity in both the oscillators is stabilizing whereas increasing the nonlinearity in a single oscillator results in subcritical instability.
Shooting Method for Nonlinear Singularly Perturbed Boundary‐Value Problems
Authors: Ou C. H. , Wong R.
Published: December 2003

Asymptotic formulas, as ɛ→ 0+, are derived for the solutions of the nonlinear differential equation ɛu″+Q(u) = 0 with boundary conditions u(‐1) =u(1) = 0 or u′(‐1) =u′(1) = 0. The nonlinear term Q(u) behaves like a cubic; it vanishes at s‐, 0, s+ and nowhere else in [s‐, s+], where s‐ < 0 < s+. Furthermore, Q′(s±) < 0, Q′(0) > 0 and the integral of Q on the interval [s‐, s+] is zero. Solutions to these boundary‐value problems are shown to exhibit internal shock layers, and the error terms in the asymptotic approximations are demonstrated to be exponentially small. Estimates are obtained for the number of internal shocks that a solution can have, and the total numbers of solutions to these problems are also given. All results here are established rigorously in the mathematical sense.
Recursion Operators for a Class of Integrable Third‐Order Evolution Equations
Authors: Petersson Niclas , Euler Norbert , Euler Marianna
Published: December 2003

We consider ut=uαuxxx+n(u)uxuxx+m(u)u3x+r(u)uxx+p(u)u2x+q(u)ux+s(u) with

α= 0 and

α= 3, for those functional forms of

m, n, p, q, r, s for which the equation is integrable in the sense of an infinite number of Lie‐Bäcklund symmetries. Recursion operators which are x‐ and t‐independent that generate these infinite sets of (local) symmetries are obtained for the equations. A combination of potential forms, hodograph transformations, and x‐generalized hodograph transformations are applied to the obtained equations.
IRCs versus DRAs: Budgetary Support for Economic and Social Regulation
Authors: Reddick Christopher G.
Published: December 2003

This article examines whether Independent Regulatory Commissions (IRCs) received less budgetary support than executive branch Dependent Regulatory Agencies (DRAs) between the late 1970s and 2000. It also examines whether there were political differences in spending priorities between social and economic regulation. The principal‐agent theory was used to explain why IRCs do not fare as well compared to DRAs in terms of budgetary support. The findings indicate that IRCs received less funding than DRAs in the social regulation field, supporting the principal‐agent model of budgetary decision making. Political impacts were prevalent in all areas of regulation spending.
An Approach to Measuring the Affordability of State Debt
Authors: Brecher Charles , Richwerger Kurt , Wagner Marcia Van
Published: December 2003

Affordability is one important and widely accepted element of state and local debt policy. However, there is no well‐established measure of affordability and no clear standard for making normative judgments about what amount of debt is affordable for a specific jurisdiction. This article suggests a six‐step method for measuring affordability of state debt that provides a useful guideline for determining when a state may be entering a “danger zone” by having debt that exceeds norms of affordability.
Local Governments' Fiscal Responses to Welfare Reform
Authors: Byers Katharine V. , Pirog Maureen A.
Published: December 2003

The devolution of the social safety net means that local governments must increasingly respond to the needs of their citizens, particularly those who are coming off the welfare rolls and making the transition to work. Based on our findings from a statewide, randomized experiment, this article describes how welfare reforms have affected the well‐being of current and former welfare recipients. We look specifically at how those leaving welfare in Indiana are using the township trustee system, the state's general assistance program providing poor relief, to meet basic needs, as well as how the trustees have responded to welfare reform.
The sound of silence – nurses’ non‐verbal interaction within the ward round
Authors: Hill Karen
Published: December 2003

•  This study describes nurses’ non‐verbal interaction in the ward round within intensive care

•  Data were collected through participant observation, fieldwork notes and ethnographic interview techniques from eight intensive care nurses

•  This article focuses on the themes ‘Being there’, ‘Knowing the script’, ‘Knowing what you want from the ward round’ and ‘Silencing and gaze’, which emerged from the data

•  A key issue highlighted in this study is that nurses need to recognize their contribution to patient management decisions within the ward round

•  Drawing from the data, educational and training strategies are suggested to enhance collaborative practice in the clinical setting of intensive care
Care bundles in critical care: a practical approach to evidence‐based practice
Authors: Fulbrook Paul , Mooney Sharon
Published: December 2003

•  The care bundle is a new concept in critical care, which is currently being promoted by the National Health Service Modernisation Agency for Critical Care

•  Care bundles originated in North America and are described best as groups of evidence‐based practice interventions

•  The theory behind care bundles is that when several evidence‐based interventions are grouped together in a single protocol, it will improve patient outcome

•  Care bundles are relatively easy to develop, implement and audit, and provide practitioners with a practical method for implementing evidence‐based practice

•  This article describes the care bundle and offers practical suggestions about how to develop, implement and audit them in practice
Life review following critical illness in young men
Authors: Jones Colin , Lyons Christina , Cunningham Cliff
Published: December 2003

•  Surviving events that have posed a serious threat to life can result in major psychological problems during the recovery period

•  Younger patients, with years of life ahead of them, are at risk of depression and loss of self‐esteem following their ordeal, despite their physical recovery

•  Traditional forms of counselling and psychotherapy following traumatic events can sometimes carry a stigma and be viewed as ‘disease centred’

•  Reminiscence and life review therapies, used until now, with the elderly, appear to have valuable transferable benefits to younger survivors of critical illness

•  Life review and reminiscent interventions are holistic and person centred, techniques resonating with the essence of critical care nursing

•  Life review and reminiscence can be used therapeutically from an early stage to help minimize the negative psychological effects of being critically ill
An evaluation of critical care lecturer practitioners
Authors: Richardson Annette , Turnock Christopher
Published: December 2003

•  The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational value and impact upon staff of critical care lecturer practitioners

•  Data were collected through three staff focus groups (n = 21) and a questionnaire completed by 70 members of trust or university staff

•  A majority of respondents felt that the lecturer practitioner roles had considerable effect upon adult critical care services

•  Six main categories of findings were derived from analysis and integration of both focus group and questionnaire data – development of knowledge; staff support; being a teacher; developing and maintaining the workforce; role improvement plus removal of the lecturer practitioner role

•  Many of these findings concur with the limited quantity of evaluative literature on the lecturer practitioner role

•  The authors produced a report recommending continued funding for existing lecturer practitioner posts; introduction of more lecturer practitioner posts should be considered, and further role evaluation should be conducted at both a local and national level
Peri‐operative β‐blockade and haemodynamic optimisation in patients with coronary artery disease and decreasing exercise capacity presenting for major noncardiac surgery
Authors: Biccard B. M.
Published: December 2003

Patients with coronary artery disease presenting for major noncardiac surgery may have indications for both peri‐operative β‐blockade and haemodynamic optimisation. The combination of peri‐operative cardiorespiratory failure and myocardial ischaemia has a grave prognosis. Recent investigations have shown that in patients with coronary artery disease, β‐blockade does not depress cardiac output as much as originally thought. There may, therefore, be a place for both peri‐operative β‐blockade and haemodynamic optimisation. The indications for peri‐operative β‐blockade and haemodynamic optimisation, the effect of acute β‐blockade on cardiac output in patients with coronary artery disease, and the interaction of peri‐operative β‐blockade and haemodynamic optimisation are discussed.
Comparison of four different emergency airway access equipment sets on a human patient simulator*
Authors: Vadodaria B. S. , Gandhi S. D. , McIndoe A. K.
Published: December 2003

This study used a patient simulator to study the ease of use and efficacy of four currently available cricothyroidotomy sets. We assessed the success of insertion of each piece of equipment and measured the subsequent adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation. We also examined the complications encountered using each set. We found that there was a 100% success rate of achieving an adequate airway within acceptable time limits using the ‘Quiktrach’ and ‘Melker’ sets, with good airway patency and ease of ventilation. There was an unacceptably high failure rate in achieving a patent airway when using the ‘Transtracheal airway catheter with ENK‐flow modulator’ and ‘Patil's airway'. The pre‐assembled and user‐friendly ‘Quiktrach’ set provided the fastest and most effective means of oxygenation in the simulated patient requiring an emergency surgical airway.
A comparison of 8% and 12% sevoflurane for inhalation induction in adults
Authors: Goodwin N. , Campbell A. E. , Hall J. E. , Plummer S. , Harmer M.
Published: December 2003

Sevoflurane is a non‐pungent volatile anaesthetic agent with a low blood‐gas solubility coefficient. It has been studied in concentrations of up to 8% for induction of anaesthesia. Previous work has suggested that there may be a ceiling effect with increasing concentration of sevoflurane above 6%, but there are no published studies using 12% sevoflurane. This study compared 8 and 12% sevoflurane to induce anaesthesia in adults. Sevoflurane was administered using two adapted datum vaporisers with the interlock removed. Induction with 12% sevoflurane compared to 8% sevoflurane produced a significant decrease in the time to achieve central pupils, corresponding to surgical anaesthesia and the third part of Guedel's stage 3 of anaesthesia (mean time (SD) 201 s (81) and 247 s (39), respectively, p < 0.05). Twelve‐percent sevoflurane produced a similar stable cardiovascular profile to 8% sevoflurane, and there was no increase in respiratory complications.
Entropy during propofol hypnosis, including an episode of wakefulness
Authors: Anderson R. E. , Barr G. , Öwall A. , Jakobsson Jan
Published: December 2003

Depth of anaesthesia has proved to be a complex process to quantify. Monitors based on bispectral analysis of the electroencephalogram and auditory evoked potential have been available, but only recently has a monitor based on entropy become available. This study determined state entropy and response entropy in nine healthy volunteers during propofol hypnosis with a brief intervening period of wakefulness. Both the calculated entropy indices decreased with increasing levels of sedation (r2 = 0.58 and 0.61, respectively) and they showed a high correlation with each other (r2 = 0.94). However, an overlap was observed in real time indices between different stages of the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale. Only three of the nine volunteers had explicit memories from the episode of wakefulness. Electroencephalographic entropy monitors seem to have potential for staging clinical hypnotic effects.
Assessment of tracheal intubation in children after induction with propofol and different doses of remifentanil
Authors: Blair J. M. , Hill D. A. , Wilson C. M. , Fee J. P. H.
Published: December 2003

Tracheal intubating conditions were assessed in 112 children after induction of anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 µg.kg−1. Subjects in a control group were given propofol and mivacurium 0.2 mg.kg−1. Haemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded. Plasma catecholamine levels were measured in a subgroup of 40 children. Intubating conditions were acceptable in 14/28 (50%), 18/26 (69%) and 22/27 (82%) in those subjects given remifentanil 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 µg.kg−1, respectively, and in 27/28 (96%) of the control group. Intubating conditions in subjects given remifentanil 3.0 µg.kg−1 were better than in those given remifentanil 1.0 µg.kg−1 (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in intubating conditions between those given remifentanil 3.0 µg.kg−1 and the control group. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate increased in response to tracheal intubation in subjects given remifentanil 1.0 µg.kg−1 and in the control group (p < 0.05). Time to resumption of spontaneous respiration was prolonged in subjects given remifentanil 3.0 µg.kg−1 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, remifentanil 2 µg.kg−1 provides acceptable intubating conditions and haemodynamic stability without prolonging the return of spontaneous respiration.
Simple bedside assessment of level of consciousness: comparison of two simple assessment scales with the Glasgow Coma scale*
Authors: McNarry A. F. , Goldhill D. R.
Published: December 2003

Neurological assessment is an essential component of early warning scores used to identify seriously ill ward patients. We investigated how two simple scales (ACDU – Alert, Confused, Drowsy, Unresponsive; and AVPU – Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive) compared to each other and also to the more complicated Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Neurosurgical nurses recorded patients' conscious level with each of the three scales. Over 7 months, 1020 analysable measurements were collected. Both simple scales identified distinct GCS ranges, although some overlap occurred (p < 0.001). Median GCS scores associated with AVPU were 15, 13, 8 and 6 and for ACDU were 15, 13, 10 and 6. The median values of ACDU were more evenly distributed than AVPU and may therefore be better at identifying early deteriorations in conscious level when they occur in critically ill ward patients.
Anaesthetic management in facial bipartition surgery: The experience of one centre
Authors: Mallory S. , Yap L. H. , Jones B. M. , Bingham R.
Published: December 2003

Facial bipartition is amongst the most radical craniofacial surgery undertaken but is performed rarely. There is little published information on its anaesthetic management. We undertook a retrospective case‐note review of 22 consecutive patients undergoing bipartition surgery by the same surgical team in one centre in the period 1993–2001. There were incomplete data for two cases and these were therefore excluded. Patients were aged 2 months to 19 years. Conditions treated were facial cleft (n = 5), frontonasal dysplasia (n = 7) and facial dysostosis (n = 8).Intra‐operative complications included major haemorrhage (n = 4), bradycardia (n = 3) and unintentional tracheal extubation (n = 1). There were no peri‐operative deaths. All patients required intra‐operative blood transfusion and 15% of them had a postoperative haemoglobin concentration > 115% of their pre‐operative value. In this series, four patients required postoperative lung ventilation for a median duration of 3 days. Infants < 14 months old were significantly more likely to receive a massive blood transfusion (p = 0.0002), to have an excessively high postoperative haematocrit (p = 0.008) and to require postoperative lung ventilation (p = 0.0002) compared with older patients. We conclude that patients in this age group have a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications.
Unplanned admission rates and postdischarge complications in patients over the age of 70 following day case surgery
Authors: Aldwinckle R. J. , Montgomery J. E.
Published: December 2003

The elderly are a group of patients who would seem ideally suited to day surgery. However, age was initially regarded as a potential barrier to this process. We conducted a retrospective review of 1647 elderly patients (> 70 years of age) over a two‐year period. Our results show a favourable outcome for these patients with low rates of unplanned admission and postoperative complications. Elderly patients seem to be at no increased risk of complications after day surgery, and show excellent satisfaction scores.
A pilot study of evaluation of cerebral function by S100β protein and near‐infrared spectroscopy during cold and warm cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and children undergoing open‐heart surgery*
Authors: Shaaban Ali M. , Harmer M. , Elliott M. , Thomas A. Lloyd , Kirkham F.
Published: December 2003

Cerebral injury in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains a major source of morbidity. The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass temperature on cerebral function in terms of serum S100β protein level and cerebral oxygenation monitored by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRO‐300) in children is not known. In this study, 18 children undergoing open‐heart surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in London were equally assigned by minimisation to warm (35 ± 1 °C) or cold (25 ± 1 °C) CPB. Changes in S100β protein and cerebral oxygenation were studied in both groups. S100β protein serum level increased significantly after CPB in both groups. There was no significant difference in serum S100β protein concentrations between the two groups. However, cerebral oxygenation in terms of tissue oxygen index (TOI) was significantly impaired during rewarming from cold CPB. Five patients were desaturated (TOI < 50%) during rewarming in the cold bypass group compared to two in the warm patients. This study supports the use of warm CPB in children undergoing open‐heart surgery, although further studies recruiting more patients are warranted.
Immunopathogenic mechanisms in psoriasis
Authors: GUDJONSSON J E , JOHNSTON A , SIGMUNDSDOTTIR H , VALDIMARSSON H
Published: December 2003

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin disease characterized by T cell-mediated hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. The disease has a strong but complex genetic background with a concordance of approximately 60% in monozygotic twins, and recent linkage and high resolution association studies indicate that HLA-Cw*0602 is itself a major susceptibility allele for psoriasis. Patients carrying this allele have been shown to have different clinical features and earlier age of disease onset, and patients homozygous for this allele have about 2·5 times higher disease risk than heterozygotes. Published data indicate that CD8+ T cells may play a major effector role in psoriasis. Epidermal infiltration of predominantly oligoclonal CD8+ T cells, and probably also of CD4+ T cells in the dermis, is a striking feature of chronic psoriasis lesions, indicating that these cells are responding to specific antigens. We argue that CD4+ T cells are essential for initiating and maintaining the pathogenic process of psoriasis but that cross-primed CD8+ T cells are the main effector cells responding to antigens in the HLA-Cw*0602 binding pocket of keratinocytes. It is further proposed that CD8+ T cells are involved in the control of the Th1 polarization, which is observed in psoriasis lesions, through a complex interplay between CD4+, CD8+ T cells and cross-presenting dendritic cells. It is also suggested that spontaneous remissions or fluctuations in disease activity may be determined by a balance within the lesions between effector and suppressor CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
Immature anti-inflammatory response in neonates
Authors: SCHULTZ C , TEMMING P , BUCSKY P , GÖPEL W , STRUNK T , HÄRTEL C
Published: December 2003

The inflammatory response plays a major role in the induction of several neonatal diseases. We hypothesize that an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory response is crucial for the previously shown enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines in term and preterm infants during infection. To test this hypothesis, we compared the capacity to produce the main anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β in term infants, preterm infants and adults at different levels of synthesis by quantitative real time reverse-transcribed PCR, flow cytometry, as well as enzyme-linked immunoassay. Term and preterm infants showed a profoundly diminished IL-10 mRNA-expression and IL-10 production after stimulation. In addition, the amount of TGF-β-positive lymphocytes was significantly less in neonates than adults. Furthermore, there was a considerably lower inhibition of production of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α by the use of recombinant IL-10 in term and preterm infants compared with adults. These results demonstrate not only a diminished anti-inflammatory capacity but also a reduced response to anti-inflammatory stimuli in term and preterm infants. From these data we conclude that neonates display an immature compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS) which may predispose preterm infants to harmful effects of proinflammatory cytokines resulting in severe organ sequelae during infection.