bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic value of damage caused by marine bio-invasions: lessons from two European case studies
Authors: Nunes Paulo A. L. D. , Markandya Anil 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Nunes, P. A. L. D., and Markandya, A. 2008. Economic value of damage caused by marine bio-invasions: lessons from two European case studies. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 775–780. We illustrate the use of alternative, non-market valuation methods to estimate the economic value of the social damage caused by marine bio-invasions. First, we present and discuss the motivation to perform an economic valuation of marine ecosystem quality in general and the protection of marine ecosystems against invasive species in particular. Second, we examine in detail two empirical applications of economic value assessment of social damage attributable to marine bio-invasions. One of these looks at ballast water management programmes in Rotterdam harbour, the Netherlands, and the second investigates management practices for the Manila clam in Venice Lagoon. Finally, we explore the relevance of this economic information for cost–benefit analysis and policy guidance.
RNA-Directed RNA Polymerase3fromNicotiana attenuataIs Required for Competitive Growth in Natural Environments
Authors: Pandey Shree P. , Gaquerel Emmanuel , Gase Klaus , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSDE1/SGS2/RdR6, a putative RNA-directed RNA polymerase, maintains plant defenses against viruses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and Nicotiana benthamiana, but its function has not been examined in natural habitats or with respect to other ecological stresses. We evaluated the organismic-level function of this gene (NaRdR3) in an ecological model species, Nicotiana attenuata, by transforming plants to stably silence RdR3 (irRdR3). Minor morphological changes (elongated leaves and reduced leaf number) and increased susceptibility to tobamoviruses typical of RdR6 silencing in other species were observed, but these changes did not alter the reproductive performance of singly grown plants (measured as seed and capsule production) or herbivore resistance in laboratory trials. 454-sequencing of irRdR3's small RNA (smRNA) transcriptome revealed that 21- and 24-nucleotide smRNAs were not affected, but the abundance of 22- to 23-nucleotide smRNAs was reduced. When planted in pairs with wild-type plants in N. attenuata's natural habitat in the Great Basin Desert, irRdR3 plants produced shorter stalks with significantly reduced flower and capsule numbers, but did not influence the ability of plants to resist the native herbivore community, indicating that silencing RdR3 reduced a plant's competitive ability. We tested this hypothesis in the glasshouse by planting irRdR3 and wild-type pairs in communal containers; again irRdR3 plants had severely reduced stalk elongation and reproductive measures. The reduced competitive ability of irRdR3 plants was associated with altered phytohormone homeostasis, especially as reflected in the distribution of auxin. We suggest that RdR3 helps to regulate hormone balance when plants compete with conspecifics in natural environments.
An expanded Transactional Stress and Coping Model for siblings of children with sickle cell disease: family functioning and sibling coping, self‐efficacy and perceived social support
Authors: Gold J. I. , Treadwell M. , Weissman L. , Vichinsky E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim  To investigate the application of an expanded Transactional Stress and Coping Model for the psychological adjustment of non‐chronically ill, African‐American siblings of children with sickle cell disease (SCD).Methods  Ninety‐seven siblings (M = 11.24 years) from 65 families who care for a child with SCD participated. Primary caregivers completed the Coping Health Inventory for Parents, the Family Relations Scale and the Child Behaviour Checklist, while siblings completed the Kidcope, the Children's Self‐Efficacy for Peer Interaction Scale, and the Social Support Scale for Children.Results  Family processes were predictive of sibling adjustment, revealing that family coping, expressiveness and support improved adjustment, while family conflict predicted poor adjustment.Conclusion  Findings suggest that family‐centered interventions stressing family expressiveness and support, while minimizing conflict, will contribute to sibling psychological adjustment.
Children from low‐income families have less access to sports facilities, but are no less physically active: cross‐sectional study (EarlyBird 35)
Authors: Voss L. D. , Hosking J. , Metcalf B. S. , Jeffery A. N. , Wilkin T. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Rising levels of childhood obesity have led to an increasing number of Government sponsored initiatives attempting to stem the problem. Much of the focus to date has been on physical activity and out‐of‐school activity in particular. There is an assumption that children from low‐income families suffer most where there is a lack of structured physical education in school. Accordingly, provision of additional facilities for sport and other forms of active recreation tend to target areas of socio‐economic deprivation.Aim  We have assessed the relationship between parental income, the use of out‐of‐school sports facilities and the overall physical activity of young children across a wide socio‐economic range.Methods  Total weekly physical activity was measured, objectively, over 7 days both at 7 years and 8 years in a healthy cohort of 121 boys and 93 girls using actigraph accelerometers. Questionnaires were used to establish parental income and parents reported the child's weekly use of out‐of‐school facilities for structured physical activity.Results  Children from low‐income families attended significantly fewer sessions of structured out‐of‐school activities than those from wealthier families (r = 0.39), with a clear dose‐response relationship across income groups. Nevertheless, total physical activity, measured objectively over seven continuous days, showed no relationship between parental income and the mean activity level of the children (r = −0.08). Nor did we find a relationship between parental income and time spent in higher intensity activity (r = −0.04).Conclusion  Social inequality appears to have little impact on physical activity in young children. Those from poorer families make less use of facilities for structured activity out‐of‐school but they nevertheless record the same overall level of activity as others. What they lack in opportunity they appear to make up in the form of unstructured exercise. Improving provision for sport may not lead to the expected rise in activity levels in young children.
Factors associated with bed sharing and sleep position in Thai neonates
Authors: Anuntaseree W. , Mo‐suwan L. , Vasiknanonte P. , Kuasirikul S. , Ma‐a‐lee A. , Choprapawon C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Sleep in a supine position and in a bed separate from but proximate to adults is recommended, in several Western countries, to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Cultural differences and a lower rate of SIDS in Asian populations may affect concern with this problem and thus infant sleeping arrangements.Objective  To study bed sharing and sleep position in Thai neonates and the relationship to infant and maternal characteristics.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey based on interviews with parents of infants aged 21 days old, was conducted under the Prospective Cohort Study of Thai Children.Results  Of the total sample, 2236/3692 (60.6%) infants shared a bed with their parents. Sixty per cent of the parents placed their infants to sleep in a supine position, 32.2% on their side and 4.9% in a prone position. Bed sharing was associated with older maternal age, higher education, Muslim mother, and with work status of professional career or unemployed. Placing the infants to sleep in a prone position was associated with infant birth weight of greater than 2500 g, older maternal age, higher education, Buddhist mother, mother with professional career and middle‐class household economic status.Conclusions  Infant bed sharing is a common practice in the Thai culture, as in other Asian countries. The prone sleep position is less common than in Western populations. The main factor associated with both bed sharing and putting infants to sleep in the prone position was a higher maternal socioeconomic status (SES), in contrast to previous studies in some Western countries in which both practices were associated with low maternal SES. Cultural differences may play an important role in these different findings.
Impact of turbulence on riverine zooplankton: a mesocosm experiment
Authors: SLUSS TAMARA D. , COBBS GARY A. , THORP JAMES H. 
Published: May 2008

Summary1. With increases in river discharge over time and space, zooplankton generally encounter increased turbulence, turbidity, hydraulic forces, downstream advection and food limitations, all of which should affect species diversity and densities. Of these factors, the role of turbulence on the distribution of zooplankton is least known along longitudinal and lateral dimensions in river networks.2. We tested the factorial effects of turbulence and grazing level on Ohio River potamoplankton in spring and summer using twelve 1600‐L, outdoor mesocosms. Turbulence was calculated using the Froude number for equal depths but with current velocities of 0.064 and 0.32 m s−1. Grazing levels corresponded to a high density treatment (=ambient river densities of rotifers, copepods and cladocerans) and a low density treatment (initially no zooplankton >64 μm). All tanks had the same water residence time, and hydraulic stress was minimized by circular flow patterns.3. Zooplankton densities and population growth rates were significantly affected by turbulence level and season. In general, rotifer populations grew faster in high turbulence tanks (though Keratella and Brachionus populations flourished in both treatments in summer) and microcrustaceans thrived better in low turbulence environments. The larger, calanoid copepods handled more turbulent conditions much better than cyclopoids or nauplii. Zooplankton had no detectable effects on particulate organic carbon concentrations in either month (values were higher in spring), but rotifers reduced chlorophyll concentrations in both months.4. The relative importance of turbulence in controlling potamoplankton is probably to vary not only on a longitudinal basis in river networks but also with both the hydrogeomorphic complexity of river reaches and the type and amount of river regulation. Plans for river rehabilitation and management should incorporate non‐turbulent habitats in large rivers as a means of enhancing zooplankton populations and providing an important food web component for planktivores.
Milk‐production potential of different sward types in a temperate southern Australian environment
Authors: Chapman D. F. , Tharmaraj J. , Nie Z. N. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe milk‐production potential of different sward types was measured in each of the four seasons of the year in a replicated experiment in south‐west Victoria, Australia. Dairy cows were offered ad libitum allowances of a ‘short‐term winter’ sward, based on Italian ryegrass (treatment STW), a ‘long‐term winter’ sward, based on a winter‐active tall fescue (treatment LTW), a ‘long‐term summer’ sward, based on a summer‐active tall fescue (treatment LTS) and a Control sward (perennial ryegrass) in four seasons (days in milk in parentheses): spring (November dairy cows, 124), summer (February, 227), autumn (May, 234) and winter (August, sixty‐four). A ‘short‐term summer’ sward, based on chicory and white clover (treatment STS), was also included in summer. There was a significant season × treatment interaction caused by a more gradual decline in milk yield from peak for cows grazing treatment LTS compared to the Control treatment in the transition period from spring to summer. In summer, cows grazing treatment STS produced more milk (1·41 kg fat plus protein per cow d−1) than cows grazing all other treatments (0·92 kg per cow d−1) because of the superior nutritive value of herbage of pre‐grazing pasture and higher apparent dry‐matter intakes. Swards based on alternative species to perennial ryegrass are capable of supporting milk production that is at least comparable over an annual cycle.
Effect of frequency of application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer within a rotational paddock‐grazing system on the performance of dairy cows and inputs of labour
Authors: Ferris C. P. , Patterson D. C. , McCoy M. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAs herd sizes and labour costs increase, and the availability of skilled labour decreases, efficient use of available labour becomes more important in dairy cow systems. Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of reducing the frequency of application of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on inputs of labour and performance of dairy cows. Experiments 1 (duration of 169 d) and 2 (duration of 179 d) involved fifty‐eight and forty multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows, respectively, in mid‐lactation. In each experiment, in the ‘infrequent’ treatment fertilizer was applied to all paddocks on a single occasion at the start of each grazing cycle, while in treatment ‘frequent’, fertilizer was applied on three occasions each week, within 2 or 3 d of each paddock having been grazed. The experimental treatments were started from 30 March and 29 March in Experiments 1 and 2 respectively. Total N application rates were approximately 360 and 250 kg N ha−1 in Experiments 1 and 2 respectively. Concentrate feed (4·0 kg per cow) was offered daily in both experiments. With the ‘infrequent’ treatment, highest concentrations of crude protein and nitrate in herbage were observed in swards grazed approximately 10 d after N fertilizer was applied. Treatment had no significant effect on milk yield, milk fat and protein concentrations, and final live weight and body condition score of cows in either experiment. Milk urea and plasma urea concentrations were not significantly affected by treatment. Calculated application times of fertilizer for a herd of 100 dairy cows were 107 and 83 min week−1 for the ‘frequent’ and ‘infrequent’ treatments respectively.
Sensory aroma from Maillard reaction of individual and combinations of amino acids with glucose in acidic conditions
Authors: Wong Kam Huey , Abdul Aziz Suraini , Mohamed Suhaila 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe aroma produced in glucose–amino acids (individual and in combination) Maillard reaction, under acidic conditions at 100 °C were determined and compared by trained panellist. Proline produced pleasant, flowery and fragrant aroma. Phenylalanine and tyrosine produced dried roses aroma. Alanine produced fruity and flowery odour, while aspartic acid and serine both produced pleasant, fruity aroma. Arginine, produced a pleasant, fruity and sour aroma at pH 5.2, but not at its natural pH. Glycine, lysine, threonine and valine produced a pleasant caramel‐like odour. Isoleucine and leucine gave off a burnt caramel aroma. Methionine developed a fried potato odour. Cysteine and methionine produced savoury, meaty and soy sauce‐like flavours. A combination of these amino acids produced different types of aroma, with the stronger note dominating the odour of the mixture. This study will help the prediction of flavour characteristics of hydrolysates from different protein sources.
The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review
Authors: Wang Mei‐Yeh , Tsai Pei‐Shan , Lee Pi‐Hsia , Chang Wen‐Yin , Yang Che‐Ming 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review. Aim.  This paper is a report of a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of reflexology in any condition.Background.  Anecdotal evidence has shown potential benefits of reflexology in a variety of health conditions. However, the efficacy of reflexology has yet to be determined.Data sources.  Cochrane library, PubMed, MEDLINE, EBM review, ProQuest Medical Bundle and SCOPUS databases were searched using the following medical subject headings or key words: reflexology, foot reflexotherapy, reflexological treatment, foot massage and zone therapy. Chinese articles were searched through the Chinese electronic periodical services and Wangfane database. The publication date was limited from 1996 to 2007.Review methods.  Studies were selected if they were written in English or Chinese, used a controlled clinical trial design, used reflexology as a stand‐alone modality, and reported such outcomes as symptoms relief, quality of life and patients’ perceptions of reflexology. Study quality was reviewed based on the evidence rating system of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, and studies with the evidence rating of II‐2 fair or above were included in this review.Results.  Among the five studies suitable for review, there was only one report of a statistically significant treatment effect. Among the 12 outcome variables examined, the treatment effect size for urinary symptoms was large, whereas the effect size for other conditions was negligible.Conclusion.  There is no evidence for any specific effect of reflexology in any conditions, with the exception of urinary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Routine provision of reflexology is therefore not recommended.
Child health promotion in the United Kingdom: does health visitors’ practice follow policy?
Authors: Condon Louise 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  Child health promotion in the United Kingdom: does health visitors’ practice follow policy? Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess to what extent national child health promotion policy is reflected in health visitors’ practice across the United Kingdom.Background.  Community or public health nurses are often key providers of child health promotion programmes for well children. Over the last decade, national United Kingdom policy concerning universal preventive health services for preschool children has changed rapidly. Health promotion contacts are increasingly targeted to those with the highest health needs.Method.  A survey was conducted in 2005 of health visitors’ Child Health Promotion Programme practice. A postal questionnaire exploring local practice and policy was sent to a random 10% sample of Registered Health Visitors. Respondents were from all four countries of the UK although predominantly (90%) from England. Nominal data were analysed by frequencies and associations between key variables. The chi‐square test was used for comparisons between groups of respondents, with a statistical significance level of P < 0·05.Findings.  A 64% response rate (n = 1537) was obtained, with 1043 questionnaires from current practitioners. While three‐quarters of respondents stated that the number of routine contacts recommended in local policy had decreased since revision of the Child Health Promotion Programme, 39% stated that targeted contacts had increased. Just over a third agreed that contact should be targeted to children with identified needs after 1 year of age.Conclusion.  As child health promotion programmes play a major part in well‐child care internationally, it is important to take into account diversity in practice, and potential conflicts between professional values and policy.
Work‐home interference among nurses: reciprocal relationships with job demands and health
Authors: Van Der Heijden Beatrice I.J.M. , Demerouti Evangelia , Bakker Arnold B. ,   The NEXT Study Group coordinated by Hans‐Martin Hasselhorn
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  Work‐home interference among nurses: reciprocal relationships with job demands and health. Aims.  This paper is a report of a study with three aims: (i) to investigate whether emotional, quantitative and physical demands have a causal, negative impact on nurses’ health; (ii) to examine whether work‐home interference can explain this effect, by playing a mediating role; and (iii) to test the so‐called loss spiral hypothesis claiming that nurses’ health problems lead to even higher job demands and more work‐home interference over time.Background.  While many scholars have thought in terms of the stressor→work‐home interference→strain model, the validity of a model that includes opposite pathways needs to be tested.Method.  A questionnaire was completed twice, with a 1‐year time interval by 753 (63·4%) Registered Nurses working in hospitals, 183 (15·4%) working in nursing homes, and 251 (21·1%) working in home care institutions. The first measurement took place between October 2002 and June 2003.Findings.  Our findings strongly support the idea of cross‐lagged, reciprocal relationships between job demands and general health over time. The reciprocal model with work‐home interference as an intervening variable (including reciprocal relationships between job demands, work‐home interference and general health) showed a good fit to the data, and proved to be superior to both the causality and reversed causation models.Conclusion.  The higher nurses’ job demands, the higher is their level of work‐home interference and the more likely is a general health deterioration over time, in turn giving rise to higher job demands and work‐home interference, which may even aggravate the nurses’ general health, and so on.
Can home visits help reduce hospital readmissions? Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Chow Susan , Chung Loretta , Chang Katherine , Chan Tony , Lee Wai‐Man , Lee Rance 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  Can home visits help reduce hospital readmissions? Randomized controlled trial Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine whether home visits can reduce hospital readmissions.Background.  The phenomenon of hospital readmission raises concerns about the quality of care and appropriate use of resources. Home visits after hospital discharge have been introduced to help reduce hospital readmission rates, but the results have not been conclusive.Method.  A randomized controlled trial was carried out from 2003 to 2005 . The control group (n = 166) received routine care and the study group (n = 166) received home visits from community nurses within 30 days of hospital discharge. Data were collected at baseline before discharge and 30 days after discharge.Findings.  Patients in the study group were statistically significantly more satisfied with their care. There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes, including readmission rate, ADL score, self‐perceived life satisfaction and self‐perceived health. Regression analysis revealed that self‐perceived life satisfaction, self‐perceived health and disease category other than general symptoms were three statistically significant variables predicting hospital readmissions.Conclusion.  Preventive home visits were not effective in reducing hospital readmissions, but satisfaction with care was enhanced. Subjective well‐being is a key variable that warrants attention in the planning and evaluation of postdischarge home care.