bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study on normalized weighted approach to citation study
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kwon Ik‐Whan G.
Published: January 2005

The results from citation studies of journals have often been used as a benchmark in evaluating a faculty member's productivity for tenure, salary adjustment, teaching load reduction and other areas. It is also often used in ranking academic programs of particular disciplines in universities. This paper attempts to rank the leading journals in the logistics and transportation discipline using three different approaches: total weighted score, total weighted score on citations provided by journals other than the journal in question, and standardized weighted score. A different weight is assigned to each citation depending on whether the article in question is written by single or multiple authors, there are multiple citations of the same study, or the citation is from author/s’ own work. The ranks of journals differ depending on the citation study methods used. A sample of 19 journals in the logistics and transportation field for the year, 1999 was used as a sample space. The results of the study using the most objective and rigorous criterion, standardized weighted score, indicate that the top five journals in the logistics and transportation field are in order of their ranks, the Journal of Business Logistics, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Transportation Journal, Production and Inventory Management Journal, and Journal of Supply Chain Management. Although this study reveals that the top three ranked journals remain stable regardless of the method used, there is strong evidence that the rankings of journals fluctuate widely based on volume and numbers of pages of the journals in question as depicted by the wide movements in Transportation Quarterly, Transportation Science and International Journal of Logistics. Standardized approach is a unique method to neutralize such bias in the citation study. Study limitations including study period of one year are discussed.
Altitudinal variation in morphometric and molecular characteristics of Phlebotomus papatasi populations
Authors: Belen A. , Alten B. , Aytekin A. M.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  Four populations of the phlebotomine sandfly Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae), in different ecoregions at altitudes between 368 and 1117 m in the Sanliurfa Province of Turkey, were compared using morphometric and isoenzyme analyses. A similarity phenogram obtained from allozyme data showed that heterozygosity was extremely low, particularly for the alleles which were found to be completely fixed in populations at Hamdun (HMD) and Alitas (ALT). Populations at Akcakale (AKL) and ALT branched as a separate group from populations at Hayatiharrani (HHR) and HMD. The ALT population at the highest altitude (1117 m), and the HHR population (488 m) were clustered distinctly when linear measurements of 46 morphological characteristics were examined. A upgma (unweighted pair‐group method using arithmetic averages) phenogram also showed that ALT and HHR clustered separately, whereas AKL and HMD formed another group.
Toward development of neem‐based repellents against the Scottish Highland biting midge Culicoides impunctatus
Authors: Blackwell A. , Evans K. A. , Strang R. H. C. , Cole M.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  Oil of neem, from the tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae), was evaluated for repellent and antifeedant activity against Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), by three complementary methods with serial dilutions. Electroantennograms revealed the sensitivity of Culicoides nubeculosus (Meigen) females to neem ≥ 0.10%. Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebuer females were repelled by ≥ 1% in a Y‐tube olfactometer, Using a membrane feeder for wild‐caught parous females of C. impunctatus, the proportion blood‐feeding was significantly reduced by topical applications of neem oil ≥ 0.10% concentrations, with blood‐feeding completely prevented by ≥€1%. On the basis of these response data, we developed 2% neem‐based formulations for personal protection against biting midges.
Horizontal and vertical dispersal of dengue vector mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in Singapore
Authors: Liew C. , Curtis C. F.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  To study the dispersal of dengue vector mosquitoes in Singapore, females of Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) were fed blood containing rubidium (Rb), which was detectable in their eggs by means of Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Laboratory calibration of the Rb reading, for a range of egg numbers from Rb‐fed females, indicated a reasonably linear relationship and an unequivocal distinction between results with zero and one marked egg. Rb‐marked female Aedes mosquitoes aged 3–5 days were released in semi‐rural and urbanized parts of Singapore, with an array of ovitraps extending to a radius of 320 m from the release point. Subsequently, Rb‐marked Aedes eggs were detected throughout the array, with similar distributions on each of the 4 days after release. More Rb was detected nearer the release point. However, when correction was made for the greater areas of zones further from the release point (and therefore presumably existence of more alternative oviposition sites), there were no significant differences in the numbers of marked eggs per ovitrap in the zones nearer or further from the release points. It is concluded that females of both these Aedes (Stegomyia) species could disperse easily and quickly throughout areas of radius 320 m in search of oviposition sites. This contrasts with the general belief that Ae. aegypti seldom flies more than 50 m and that control operations can safely be based on such an assumption. Releases on level 12 of a 21‐storey apartment block, with ovitraps on each storey, showed similar easy and rapid dispersal to the top and bottom of the block.
Proteolytic activities in body and faecal extracts of the storage mite, Acarus farris
Authors: Sánchez‐Ramos I. , Hernández C. A. , Castañera P. , Ortego F.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  Trypsin, chymotrypsin, cathepsins B and D, aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidases A and B were detected in body extracts of the storage mite Acarus farris (Oudemans) (Astigmata: Acaridae). Faeces‐enriched medium exhibited higher (10–50‐fold) specific protease activity rates than those measured with mite body extracts for trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidases A and B, suggesting that they are involved in mite digestion. However, the activity of cathepsin B was only three‐fold higher in faecal than in body extracts, indicating that its presence in the lumen of the digestive tract is low compared to that of serine proteases. The activity of aminopeptidases was higher in mite bodies, indicating that they might be membrane bound. Cathepsin D activity was only detected in body extracts, indicating that this enzyme is not a digestive protease in this species. Zymograms resolved three major bands of gelatinolytic activity, but at least one protease form was only present in body extracts. Protease inhibitors of different specificity were tested in vivo to establish their potential as control agents. The development of A. farris was significantly retarded when the immature stages were fed on artificial diet containing inhibitors of serine and cysteine proteases and aminopeptidases, whereas no such effect was found with inhibitors of aspartyl proteases and carboxypeptidases. Interestingly, the most significant effects on A. farris occurred when a combination of inhibitors targeting different enzyme classes was supplied mixed in the diet, suggesting a synergistic toxicity. Several plant lectins were also tested, but only wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin‐A affected development.
Prevalence, risk factors and economic importance of infestations with Sarcoptes scabiei and Haematopinus suis in sows of pig breeding farms in Hesse, Germany
Authors: Damriyasa I. M. , Failing K. , Volmer R. , Zahner H. , Bauer C.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  A cross‐sectional survey was performed in 110 randomly selected pig‐breeding farms of southern Hesse, Germany to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasite infestations and to find possible risk factors. Ear scrapings of, if available, 10 sows per farm were examined for Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis (De Geer) (Acaridida: Sarcoptidae) by the potassium hydroxide digestion method, and a total of 2754 sows was inspected for skin lesions and infestations with Haematopinus suis (L.) (Anoplurida: Haematopinidae). Data on farm profiles and sows were collected by a questionnaire. In total, 19.1% and 2.5% of the sows were found to be infested with S. scabiei or H. suis, respectively. The percentage of mite or louse infestation was significantly higher in sows showing pruritus than in those without skin lesions. Both ectoparasite infestations were related neither to the age of sows nor their reproduction status, nor to the time interval to last ectoparasite treatment. Using farms as the unit of analysis, the estimated prevalence of mange mite and louse infestations was 45.4% and 14.5%, respectively. There was no significant association between the presence of S. scabiei and H. suis in the farms. Risk factors for S. scabiei infestation were mixed housing of dry and nursing sows in the same unit (vs. separate housing) and straw bedding (vs. strawless). For louse infestation, only mechanical cleaning of stable units (vs. additional use of disinfection methods) and pasturing of gilts and dry sows were identified as risk factors. The economic loss by S. scabiei infestation in the study population was assessed at €4200 per affected farm and year on average.
Potential use of Braconidae (Hymenoptera) in forensic cases
Authors: Disney R. H. L. , Munk T.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  The larvae of small Diptera, such as Phoridae, from forensic cases are frequently identified by rearing out the adults. However, parasitoid Hymenoptera are often obtained instead. Rather than discarding these, it is suggested that, with a knowledge of their durations of development, they can be employed as surrogates for their hosts for estimating a minimum postmortem interval. Some data for a forensically important species of Phoridae parasitized by a species of Braconidae are presented.
Phenology of the tick, Ixodes ricinus, in its southern distribution range (central Spain)
Authors: Estrada‐Peña A. , Martinez J. M. , Sanchez Acedo C. , Quilez J. , Del Cacho E.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  The abundance, seasonal activity patterns and development rates of the tick Ixodes ricinus (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae), as well as microclimate features of the site of study, are described for a 9‐year‐long study (1994–2002) in north‐central Spain. According to drag captures, larvae had a unimodal activity pattern, with a maximum observed around July–August, whereas nymphs displayed a bimodal pattern (May–June and August–September) with strong dominance of spring activity. An inversion of this pattern, with larger autumn peak, was observed in years with humid summers. Adults showed a small spring peak and a large autumn one. In the later years of the study, a small increase in the adult spring peak of activity was noticed, correlated with mild winters. Over the entire period of study, a clear increase in the total tick abundance was detected. Statistically significant differences between years were observed for some climate variables (saturation deficit, winter temperatures and number of days with temperatures above 6°C), but a consistent and constant pattern of change was not observed in any climate variable. Temperature requirements for developing stages showed a sharp decrease in weeks 35–51 (eggs) and 38–50 (larvae and nymphs), a feature attributed to the presence of the morphogenetic diapause, beginning around September. Development rates obtained under quasi‐natural conditions were almost twice those reported for other sites, suggesting an adaptation of this local, largely isolated I. ricinus population. According to drag captures and field‐obtained development rates, interchange of nymphs between the two cohorts is common in this site, and seems to be influenced by the winter temperature and the date of larval engorgement.
Vector competence of Culicoides species and the seroprevalence of homologous neutralizing antibody in horses for six serotypes of equine encephalosis virus (EEV) in South Africa
Authors: Paweska J. T. , Venter G. J.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  Field‐collected Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were fed on horse blood–virus mixtures containing one of the six serotypes of equine encephalosis virus (EEV1 to EEV6). The virus mean titres in the bloodmeals varied between 6.1 and 7.0 log10TCID50/mL. Of 19 Culicoides species assayed after 10 days extrinsic incubation at 23.5°C, five yielded the challenge virus, namely Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer (EEV1–6), C. (A.) bolitinos Meiswinkel (EEV1, 2, 4, 6), C. (Meijerehelea) leucostictus Kiefer (EEV1, 2), C. (Culicoides) magnus Colaço (EEV1) and C. (Hoffmania) zuluensis de Meillon (EEV2). Virus recovery rates ranged from 0.5 to 13%. The mean levels of viral replication differed between serotypes and Culicoides species and ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 log10TCID50/midge. Culicoides midges shown in this study to be susceptible to oral infection with EEV are widely distributed in South Africa but differ considerably in their abundance, host preference and breeding sites. Of 1456 horses tested, 1144 (77%) had antibody to EEV. Homologous virus‐neutralizing antibodies to all six serotypes were detected in individual horses from all eight geographical provinces of South Africa. The distribution, prevalence, and the rate of exposure to individual serotypes varied significantly between regions. The potential for vectoring of EEV in the field by several Culicoides species with unique ecologies and lack of cross‐protection to re‐infection with multiple serotypes highlights some of the mechanisms that are likely to play a role in the virus' natural maintenance cycle and the highly efficient level of countrywide transmission amongst South African horses.
Bionomics of phlebotomine sandflies in the Galilee focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Israel
Authors: Kravchenko V. , Wasserberg G. , Warburg A.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  The bionomics of phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) were studied for three years (2001–2003) in the Galilee focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Israel, where the causative Leishmania tropica (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) is transmitted by Phlebotomus (Adlerius) arabicus Theodor and Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti Parrot, comprising 22% and 8%, respectively, of the local sandfly fauna sampled by light traps. The predominant species overall was Phlebotomus (Larroussius) tobbi Adler & Theodor (51%) with lesser numbers of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici Theodor (11%), Phlebotomus (Larroussius) syriacus Adler & Theodor (5%), Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi Perfil'ev (3%) and Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi Scopoli (0.05%). Sandfly adult populations were prevalent from April to November and peaked between June and August, being more abundant through the summer in irrigated habitats, such as gardens and orchards, than in open grassland. Of the two cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors, P. sergenti preferred boulder mounds located at the outskirts of settlements, whereas P. arabicus was more abundant overall and near houses in particular. Females of all these sandfly species displayed a peak of activity after sunset (20.00–22.00 hours), whereas activity of males persisted longer through the night. Another slight increase in activity was noted before dawn (02.00–04.00 hours). Phlebotomus arabicus appears to be the main vector of L. tropica in the Galilee focus, due to its denser populations, more endophily and preference for peridomestic habitats than shown by P. sergenti in northern Israel.
The role of volatile semiochemicals in mediating host location and selection by nuisance and disease‐transmitting cattle flies
Authors: Birkett M. A. , Agelopoulos N. , Jensen K.‐M. V. , Jespersen J. B. , Pickett J. A. , Prijs H. J. , Thomas G. , Trapman J. J. , Wadhams L. J. , Woodcock C. M.
Published: January 2005

Abstract.  The role of volatile semiochemicals in mediating the location and selection within herds of Holstein‐Friesian heifers by nuisance and disease‐transmitting cattle flies was investigated using coupled gas chromatography–electrophysiology (GC–EAG), coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), electrophysiology (EAG), laboratory behaviour and field studies. Using volatile extracts collected by air entrainment from heifers in the Netherlands, a number of active peaks were located by coupled GC–EAG for Musca autumnalis (de Geer) (Diptera: Muscidae) and Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). Volatile samples were also collected from two heifers in Denmark shown in previous counting experiments to differ significantly in their fly loads. Coupled GC–EAG using Ha. irritans antennae revealed differences in the EAG response to the samples, with additional EAG activity in the sample collected from the heifer with the lower fly load. To identify more EAG active compounds, volatiles were also collected from 48‐h‐old urine by air entrainment. In total, 23 compounds were located and identified by coupled GC–EAG and GC–MS. Further electrophysiological testing of these compounds with five fly species [M. autumnalis, Ha. irritans, Hydrotaea irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Musicidae) and Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)] showed that only some of the compounds were physiologically active across the range of flies tested. These included 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, naphthalene, and all EAG active compounds identified from urine. Compounds showing significant EAG activity were tested for behavioural activity using a wind‐tunnel designed for measuring upwind flight behaviour. At certain concentrations, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one and 3‐octanol increased upwind flight, whereas naphthalene, propyl butanoate and linalool reduced upwind flight. In field studies using small herds of heifers ranked according to their fly load, individual slow‐release formulations of 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, when applied to low and high fly loading heifers, reduced fly loads on these individuals. This study provides evidence for the hypothesis that the natural differential attractiveness within herds of Holstein‐Freisian heifers, i.e. a single host species, for cattle flies is partly due to differences in volatile semiochemicals emitted from the host. It is suggested that this phenomenon applies to other vertebrate host species and their associated insect pests.
Recent African derivation ofChrysomya putoriafromC. chloropygaand mitochondrial DNA paraphyly of cytochrome oxidase subunit one in blowflies of forensic importance
Authors: Wells J. D. , Lunt N. , Villet M. H.
Published: January 2005

Abstract. Chrysomya chloropyga(Wiedemann) andC. putoria(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are closely related Afrotropical blowflies that breed in carrion and latrines, reaching high density in association with humans and spreading to other continents. In some cases of human death,Chyrsomyaspecimens provide forensic clues. Because the immature stages of such flies are often difficult to identify taxonomically, it is useful to develop DNA‐based tests for specimen identification. Therefore we attempted to distinguish betweenC. chloropygaandC. putoriausing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data from a 593‐bp region of the gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). Twelve specimens from each species yielded a total of five haplotypes, none being unique toC. putoria. Therefore it was not possible to distinguish between the two species using this locus. Maximum parsimony analysis indicated paraphyleticC. chloropygamtDNA withC. putorianested therein. Based on these and previously published data, we infer thatC. putoriadiverged very recently fromC. chloropyga.
Mismaking Memories
Authors: Urbach Thomas P. , Windmann Sabine S. , Payne David G. , Kutas Marta
Published: January 2005

Memory illusions—vivid experiences of events that never occurred—could result from inaccuracies either in retrieving memories or in initially storing them. In two experiments, people studied lists of associated words that either did or did not induce later illusory (false) memories of associated but nonpresented lure words. The amplitude of the electrical brain activity during study of words (~500-1,300 ms) that were themselves later correctly remembered reliably distinguished list words that led to such illusory memories from those that did not. This encoding difference associated with subsequent illusory memory (referred to as a DIM)—presumably reflecting item-specific encoding differences—is a neural precursor of memory illusions.
Reaction Time Explains IQ's Association with Death
Authors: Deary Ian J. , Der Geoff
Published: January 2005

Lower IQ is associated with earlier death, but the cause of the relationship is unknown. In the present study, psychometric intelligence and reaction times were both significantly related to all-cause mortality in a representative sample of 898 people aged 56 years who were followed up with respect to survival until age 70. The association between IQ and mortality remained significant after adjusting for education, occupational social class, and smoking, all of which have been hypothesized as confounding variables. The effect of IQ on mortality was not significant after adjusting for reaction time, suggesting that reduced efficiency of information processing might link lower mental ability and earlier death. This new field of cognitive epidemiology provides arguably the strongest evidence for the importance of psychological factors in physical health and human survival. Finding the mechanisms that relate psychometric intelligence to mortality might help in formulating effective interventions to reduce inequalities in health.
How Many Variables Can Humans Process?
Authors: Halford Graeme S. , Baker Rosemary , McCredden Julie E. , Bain John D.
Published: January 2005

The conceptual complexity of problems was manipulated to probe the limits of human information processing capacity. Participants were asked to interpret graphically displayed statistical interactions. In such problems, all independent variables need to be considered together, so that decomposition into smaller subtasks is constrained, and thus the order of the interaction directly determines conceptual complexity. As the order of the interaction increases, the number of variables increases. Results showed a significant decline in accuracy and speed of solution from three-way to four-way interactions. Furthermore, performance on a five-way interaction was at chance level. These findings suggest that a structure defined on four variables is at the limit of human processing capacity.
Effects of exploitation on reproductive capacity of blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Pisces: Lutjanidae) in Mafia Island, Tanzania
Authors: Kamukuru A. T. , Mgaya Y. D.
Published: January 2005

There is paucity of information on the effects of exploitation on reproductive characteristics of blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål 1775) in Tanzanian coastal waters. We compared size at first sexual maturity (LM50), sex ratio, fecundity, and breeding season of L. fulviflamma in least fished Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) and intensively fished areas (IFA) between May 1999 and April 2001. Fish in MIMP matured at significantly smaller size (female: LM50 = 206.3 mm; male: LM50 = 195.5 mm) than in IFA (female: LM50 = 216.7 mm; male: LM50 =212.1 mm) total body length. Sex ratio was balanced at 1.03 : 1 (female : male) in MIMP, but it was skewed 0.9 : 1 (female : male) in IFA. Size‐related differences in sex ratio were observed with males predominating in the smaller sizes and females in the larger sizes. Total fecundity of fish in MIMP was determined at 45,200–430,200 oocytes in females of between 207 and 293 mm total length. Lutjanus fulviflamma in MIMP has a prolonged spawning season lasting from September to March peaking in December. None of the fish from IFA were in breeding state, suggesting recruitment overfishing is an added matter of concern for the long‐term sustainability of the fishery at the current exploitation level.
A comparison of two mountain gorilla habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Authors: Nkurunungi John Bosco , Ganas Jessica , Robbins Martha M. , Stanford Craig B.
Published: January 2005

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, is a small protected area (331 km2) within which there is large climatic and altitudinal variation. Therefore we compared habitat types and forest composition between two locations to investigate differences that may influence ecological conditions for large mammals, including endangered mountain gorillas. We demonstrate that there is considerable intersite variation in habitat types and spatial and temporal availability of vegetation resources of which the most apparent are the differences in species composition of plants and fruit availability. Buhoma (the lower altitude site) has a greater diversity of plant species and higher tree and shrub densities, yet has a much lower density of herbaceous vegetation eaten by gorillas compared with Ruhija. Fruit availability is significantly higher throughout the year in Buhoma compared with Ruhija. Both sites exhibit seasonal variation in fruit availability although they do not follow the same seasonal pattern, perhaps because of inherent asynchronous phenological differences amongst individual tree species. The results of this study are important because distribution and abundance of both terrestrial herbaceous vegetation and fruit resources are believed to influence aspects of feeding ecology for large mammals.
Habitat selection by the Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) in rivers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Somers Michael J. , Nel Jan A. J.
Published: January 2005

We radio‐tracked seven Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) (Schinz, 1821) in two rivers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, providing data on their habitat selection. Habitat type was investigated at a scale that enabled us to separate the effects of types of riparian vegetation, geomorphology and anthropogenic influences. Otters selected areas with boulders and/or reed beds, which provided high crab density and shelter. Direct observations showed that they used two foraging modes depending on the habitat selected. Otters could select open water within c. 8 m of the shore, dive and surface with or without prey. Otherwise hunting involved them moving into shallow water (c. 0.2 m deep), and walking along the substrate feeling for prey with their forefeet. Disturbed possible prey items were then caught with the forefeet.
The effect of γ‐ray irradiation on the drying characteristics and final quality of dried potato slices
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Yaoshun
Published: January 2005

γ irradiation is known to be effective when used to reduce post‐harvest losses and control micro‐organisms and insects in stored products. It has been commonly used for processing dehydrated vegetables and fruits. However, few studies have been reported on the use of a γ irradiation treatment combined with a drying process. This study focuses on improving current technology as well as introducing a new technology by which bioproducts, dried by hot‐air, are pretreated with γ irradiation. Experiments were done to study the influence of irradiation dose air temperature and slice thickness on the dehydration rate and internal temperature of irradiated potato. These three factors were found to affect the dehydration rate and internal temperature of the potato, with an increase in irradiation dose, increasing the rate of dehydration and the internal temperature. The greater the dose, the lower the vitamin C content and the lower the rehydration ratio. The L‐colour values of the dried‐product under low dose irradiation were greater than for non‐irradiation, and at >6 kGy, the higher the dose, the lower the L‐value.
High pressure processing of meat batters with added walnuts
Authors: Ayo Josune , Carballo José , Solas Maria Teresa , Jiménez‐Colmenero Francisco
Published: January 2005

Various model systems were designed in order to analyse the way in which addition of different levels of walnut (0, 10, 20%) and processing by high pressure (HPP) (400 MPa for 10 min at 10 °C) influenced the physico‐chemical properties of cooked (70 °C for 30 min) meat batters. The addition of walnut increased the fat level and decreased the moisture content in the meat batters. All of the meat batters exhibited good water and fat binding properties. The hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness of cooked products were reduced by addition of walnut but were unaffected by HPP. Incorporation of nuts in meat products can potentially be used to confer cardiac health benefits.
Phenolic compounds and plant extracts protect paprika against UV‐induced discoloration
Authors: Cuvelier Marie‐Elisabeth , Berset Claudette
Published: January 2005

The efficiency of phenolic antioxidants in protecting paprika carotenoids against discoloration was studied in a model gel system that was exposed to radiation of 274 nm at 20 °C. The fading of the colour of the gel was followed over a 6‐h period. Fifty percent of the colour faded from the control after 70 min of radiation. The ability of each antioxidant to prevent discoloration was assessed by using several different concentrations. Antioxidant compounds can be ranked according to their protective effect on colour: BHT > α‐tocopherol > epigallocatechin gallate > quercetin > rosmarinic acid ≥ caffeic acid and ferulic acid > coumaric acid > catechin. The ability of rosemary and tea extracts to prevent discoloration was comparable to pure compounds and this could be explained by their polyphenol content. Mixtures of α‐tocopherol with rosemary extract revealed strong synergistic effects.
Determination of the quality of frozen hake using its microwave dielectric properties
Authors: Kent Michael , Knöchel Reinhard , Daschner Frank , Schimmer Ove , Tejada Margarita , Huidobro Almudena , Nunes Leonor , Batista Irineu , Martins Andreia
Published: January 2005

The work reported here examines the changes in microwave dielectric properties of south Atlantic hake (Merluccius capensis) during long‐term frozen storage. Variables related to the dielectric properties of individual fish were measured in the microwave region using an open‐ended coaxial sensor and time domain reflectometer. The multivariate data so obtained were subjected to principal component analysis both to eliminate colinearity of the data and to reduce the number of variables. The principal components (PCs) obtained were then used in multiple regressions to produce calibration equations for the prediction of a number of variables of interest e.g. time and temperature of storage and sensory attributes. Other data such as water holding capacity, texture (shear strength), apparent viscosity of homogenates and concentration of free formaldehyde were also used along with the dielectric data to improve the prediction of these variables. In addition, using the PCs as descriptors in discriminant analysis, the fish were sorted into defined groups, e.g. season of catching, quality. Discrimination was generally achieved with high success rates, the success rate of assigning Atlantic fish to the correct season of catching being higher than 92%.
Hot water and curing treatments reduce chilling injury and maintain post‐harvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges
Authors: Erkan Mustafa , Pekmezci Mustafa , Wang Chien Y.
Published: January 2005

‘Valencia’ oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] were harvested at optimal maturity and either dipped in hot water at 53 °C for 3 or 6 min or at 48 °C for 12 min or cured at 53 °C for 1 or 6 h or at 48 °C for 12 h. The fruits were not degreened, waxed or treated with any post‐harvest fungicides. All fruit samples were stored at 4 °C for 6 months following the treatments. Both hot water dip and curing treatments reduced chilling injury and decay when compared with the untreated control. The most effective treatments were curing of fruit at 53 °C for 6 h and at 48 °C for 12 h. Weight loss and juice yield were higher in cured fruits than those from other treatments, but the heat treatments had no consistent effects on titratable acid, soluble solids, ascorbic acid and peel colour. It was concluded that a pre‐storage hot water dip and curing at high temperatures might be beneficial in preventing chilling injury and decay of ‘Valencia’ oranges for 6 months of storage at 4 °C.
Effects of a relaxation breathing exercise on fatigue in haemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: Kim Sang‐Dol , Kim Hee‐Seung
Published: January 2005

Aim.  Our purpose was to investigate the effect of a relaxation breathing exercise on fatigue in allogenic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Background.  Exercise is a promising approach in ameliorating the fatigue associated with cancer and its treatment.

Design.  A randomized design with control, experimental groups being assessed pre‐ and postintervention.

Methods.  Thirty‐five patients were randomly selected, with 18 assigned to an exercise group and 17 to a control group. The exercise intervention lasted for 30 minutes every day for six weeks. It consisted of physical exercise combined with relaxation breathing exercise. Fatigue was measured by the revised version of the Piper Fatigue Scale.

Results.  The exercise group had a greater decrease in fatigue than the control group.

Conclusion.  These findings indicate that a relaxation breathing exercise would improve fatigue in allogenic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A relaxation breathing exercise by a nurse can improve fatigue in allogenic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.
Patient participation in nursing care: an interpretation by Swedish Registered Nurses
Authors: Sahlsten Monika JM , Larsson Inga E , Lindencrona Catharina SC , Plos Kaety AE
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to clarify Registered Nurses’ understanding of patient participation in nursing care. Objectives were to investigate ward nurses’ interpretation of the elements of patient participation and its implementation.

Background.  One goal of health care is patient participation. Registered Nurses must encourage the participation of their patients in nursing care situations. A right for patients to make their own informed choices is laid down in Swedish laws and national and local directives. The concept of patient participation can be interpreted differently and is thus difficult to implement and evaluate. Current nursing literature provides little clarity of the elements and processes of patient participation and conceptual definitions differ.

Design and methods.  A qualitative approach was applied and the Grounded Theory method used. Thirty‐one Registered Swedish Nurses described the meaning of patient participation and its implementation in nursing care. Seven focus group interviews with nurses providing inpatient somatic care were carried out in five hospitals in west Sweden.

Results.  Four properties, describing nurses’ approaches and procedures, constitute patient participation. The properties are: interpersonal procedure, therapeutic approach, focus on resources, opportunities for influence. These properties were considered crucial for patient participation in a nursing care context.

Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice.  The results clarify the concept of patient participation from a nursing perspective. A comprehensive description of important factors for patient participation could be made on the basis of nursing experience. This comprehensive description can be used in nursing care practice and its evaluation. The developed categories can be used in nursing care documentation of how patient participation is realized.
Telling tales: a qualitative exploration of how children's nurses interpret work with unaccompanied hospitalized children
Authors: Livesley Joan
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  To explore how qualified children's nurses define, interpret and give meaning to their work with unaccompanied children in hospital.

Background.  Unaccompanied children are amongst the most vulnerable of the hospital population yet there is little insight into the strategies nurses use to work with them.

Design.  A qualitative study.

Methods.  Tape recorded unstructured interviews with four qualified children's nurses. The interviews focused on stories from the participants’ experiences of working with unaccompanied hospitalized children. Transcribed interviews were analyzed for narrative structure to expose how the participants interpreted and gave meaning to their experiences.

Findings.  The participants’ interpretations of the child ‘alone’ advance previous understandings. The stories unfold into interpreted meanings that shed light on the participant's experiences of sadness and distress.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The strategy of differentiating between being a nurse and being a parent emerges as an important strategy in interpreting professional boundaries. The conventional meaning of ‘emotional distancing’ is further advanced by the participants’ resiliency at remaining emotionally available to the children and parents in their stories. Further research into the emotional aspects of working with children in hospital is warranted.
Work satisfaction and dissatisfaction – caregivers’ experiences after a two‐year intervention in a newly opened nursing home
Authors: Häggström Elisabeth , Skovdahl Kirsti , Fläckman Birgitta , Kihlgren Annika L , Kihlgren Mona
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate, from the narratives of nine enrolled nurses and one nurses’ aide directly involved in patient care, the deeper meaning of work satisfaction and dissatisfaction when working with the older people.

Background. Both nationally and internationally, there is little research documented regarding the working situation of the enrolled nurses and nurses’ aides who make up the majority of care for older people today. With this in mind, it is important to focus on how these occupational groups experience their work with the older residents in municipal care, following a two‐year intervention.

Design. The study is part of a larger longitudinal study, with a quasi‐experimental design within the municipal system of care for older people in Sweden. The investigation was carried out following a two‐year intervention, which included: education, support and clinical supervision.

Method. The interviews were performed 12 and 24 months after start of the intervention and were analysed with a phenomenological–hermeneutic method inspired by Ricoeur's philosophy.

Results. The findings from these narratives illustrated a change compared with the findings from the first interviews, when the nursing home had just opened. There was a shift from a dominance of dissatisfaction with work, to a dominance of work satisfaction and this was expressed in the following themes: experience of a changed perspective, experience of open doors, and experience of closed doors. Each theme emerged from several different subthemes and each subtheme that had been expressed in the caregivers’ narratives was interpreted.

Conclusions. The study shows that the caregivers’ experience of work satisfaction in the workplace exceeded their experience of dissatisfaction and that the intervention, consisting of: education, support, and supervision might have facilitated this positive development where the older residents were prioritized. It also shows that communication and understanding between management and staff had increased as the nursing home had opened.

Relevance to clinical practice. The findings can be used to help to prevent work dissatisfaction, and thereby increase work satisfaction for caregivers working in nursing homes.
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome): reflective practice of a nurse manager
Authors: Lau Pui Yi , Chan Carmen WH
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  This paper describes the reflective practice of a nurse manager in Hong Kong in supporting frontline nurses to overcome the crisis of SARS.

Background.  SARS infection was a crisis for everyone in endemic areas because of its threat to physical and emotional health. Hong Kong was the second leading endemic area in the world. Inadequate supplies of protective devices and the death of a nurse infected with SARS triggered nurses’ negative emotions.

Methods.  A model of structured reflection was adopted to examine one's practice. A problem‐solving model for crisis intervention was integrated into the reflective stage of structured reflection.

Results.  Promotion of nurses’ safety and emotional stability were the major goals in handling the crisis. Strategies were employed including self‐awareness, empowerment and team building, information sharing, provision of personal protective equipment and emotional support for frontline nurses.

Conclusions.  SARS infection threatens the physical and emotional health of nurses. From a positive perspective, such a crisis created an opportunity to learn and grow in terms of ethical, personal and aesthetic arenas.

Relevance to clinical practice.  SARS epidemic raised worldwide attention and challenged the Hong Kong's health care system. Reflective practice is useful to guide and examine nurses’ professional action during the crisis, and to put the experience into a learning perspective.
Sleep quality in hospitalized patients
Authors: Doǧan Orhan , Ertekin Şükran , Doǧan Selma
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare sleep quality of the hospitalized patients and matched healthy controls.

Background.  Although the functions of sleep are not clearly understood, it is generally accepted that it is necessary for the maintenance of good health. Hospitalized patients’ sleep may not be refreshing or restorative. The reasons for this can be categorized into three groups: environmental, physiological and psychological.

Design and methods.  This research was conducted at the Cumhuriyet University Hospital in Turkey. One hundred and fifty hospitalized patients (psychiatry = 50; orthopaedic + general surgery + cardiovascular surgery + urology = 50; internal medicine + chest diseases + infectious diseases + physical therapy and rehabilitation = 50) and 50 healthy controls constituted the sample. The researchers administered to the patient and control groups Sociodemographic Information Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We compared sociodemographic and illness variables with sleep characteristics. The following statistical analyses were used in order to evaluate the data: variance analysis, Tukey HSD test, Student's t‐test, Kruskall–Wallis test.

Results.  We found that patients in psychiatric ward experienced worse sleep quality than the other patients, worse in female patients than male patients, and worse sleep characteristics in patients than controls.

Conclusions.  Health professionals must be educated about sleep and must provide intervention when needed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The enhancing of sleep quality accelerates to the recovery from illness.
Health promoting hospitals: the role and function of nursing
Authors: Whitehead Dean
Published: January 2005

Background.  In 1986, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion sought to create a framework that conveyed the notion of capacity building, related to specific settings, and a structured process for health promotion action. It provided the platform from which the health promoting hospital movement was later launched. Nearly two decades on, the health promoting hospital (HPH) movement has grown considerably and continues to expand, against the backdrop of having to adapt to the changing needs and demands of clients and the evolving social context of their communities. Many nurses, it is argued here, are often unaware of health promoting hospitals concepts or, when they are, do little to contribute to them.

Method.  A critical review of the available health promoting hospital and related literature has been conducted for discussion.

Findings.  The literature revealed that hospitals are being urged to reject practices based purely on health‐limiting and limited biomedical frameworks, in favour of moving towards models based on health promoting hospitals and public health‐orientated hospitals. This requires radical reform that focuses on the social and health policy context of organizations, the socio‐political empowerment of its employers and clients, and the personal/collective positive health and welfare of its employers and clients. Many health service agencies are beginning to emphasize population health within communities as part of a concerted move away from an original primary focus on acute inpatient hospital‐based service provision.

Conclusion.  Hospitals need to adapt and expand their efforts to focus on health promotion activities, in collaboration with the ever‐widening community networks of health and social agencies. This requires the commitment of all health care professional groups. Nurses who practice in the hospital setting should be aiming to initiate and promote radical health promotion reform as set out in the health promoting hospital movement.

This paper argues that nursing per se could be making much larger inroads and efforts to affect and implement wide‐ranging health promotion activities in hospital organizations. Nurses should view the HPH movement as another opportunity truly to embrace evolving broad‐based health promotion concepts, as a means to forge and own their own health agenda, and also as a means to move beyond the traditional reliance of a limited health education role.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Hospitals and their employees must be seen to advocate, support and implement wide‐reaching social and community‐based reform, as part of a necessary commitment to ‘seamless’ health care provision. The health promoting hospital movement represents a collective vehicle for enabling such activities. If nurses wish to be at the forefront of current health service strategies they must be seen to embrace the radical health promotion reforms that are emerging from the current literature and put forward in this article.