bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal activity of biopolymers containing natamycin and rosemary extract against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium roquefortii
Authors: Türe Hasan , Eroğlu Erdal , Soyer Ferda , Özen Banu 
Published: October 2008

SummaryAntimicrobial agent‐releasing films have been proposed as an effective way of inhibiting chiefly surface spoilage of food products. Antifungal activities of natamycin (NA), rosemary extract (RE) and NA + RE were tested against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium roquefortii with agar disc diffusion assay. NA, RE and NA + RE were also included into biopolymers made from gluten and methyl cellulose. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of NA in both films were 2 and 1 mg NA per 10 g film solution against A. niger and P. roquefortii, respectively. RE did not show any inhibitory antifungal activity alone. Although NA incorporated into both films at a concentration of 1.5 mg NA per 10 g film solution was not effective against A. niger, combination of NA at the same concentration with RE in the films inhibited the growth of this mould. NA in solution or in biopolymers is very effective in inhibiting the growth of selected organisms, and RE acted synergistically with NA to prevent the growth of A. niger when incorporated into both films.
Image analysis and quality attributes of malting barley grain dried with infrared radiation and in a spouted bed
Authors: Konopka Iwona , Markowski Marek , Tańska Małgorzata , Żmojda Marta , Małkowski Mateusz , Białobrzewski Ireneusz 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThe impact of drying two spring barley cultivars (Mauritia and Prestige) in a spouted‐bed and in infrared radiation (IR) dryers on grain dimensions, colour, pigment content, vitality and malt quality was investigated. The results indicate that the investigated drying methods led to kernel dimension changes. Kernel shrinkage was typical of spouted bed drying, while kernel expansion was observed after IR drying at the intensity of 900 W m−2. An increase in the intensity of yellowness (b*) on the surface of dried grain and a decrease in the yellowness intensity of kernel cross‐section were also observed. The aforementioned changes were associated with the decomposition of carotenoids (endosperm colour) and reduction of soluble proanthocyanidin and total phenolic compounds (surface colour). The drying processes also lowered germination energy and capacity, in addition to susceptibility to moisture diffusion into the endosperm. These adverse results were cultivar dependent and affected the quality of malt and wort only to a limited extent. The main changes were an increase in the Kolbach index in malt from Mauritia cv., and a fluctuation of the diastatic power of malt that did not exceed ±3%. Generally, drying of barley grain in spouted bed should be conducted at an inlet air temperature of 40 °C and using an IR drier at a radiation intensity of 600 W m−2.
Effect of thermochemical treatment on the structure of inulin and its gelling properties
Authors: Glibowski Pawel , Wasko Adam 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate rheological properties of inulin gels and the changes in the inulin structure after heating the high polymerised inulin (DP ≥ 23) solutions at different pH. The 20% inulin solutions were heated at pH 3, 5 and 7 at 60 and 80 °C followed by 21 h storage at 5 and 25 °C. Rheological properties evaluation indicated that the increase in the heating time and temperature significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced on the inulin structure. Reducing sugars, cryoscopy and HPLC analysis revealed that chemical structure of inulin is stable in neutral and slightly acidic conditions (pH 5). Gelation of the high polymerised inulin solution after heating at pH 7 and 80 °C could be inhibited after dissolving the inulin crystallites which act like seeding crystals. At lower temperatures in which, not all crystallites were dissolved; it was feasible for the solutions to form firm inulin gels.
Competency measurements: testing convergent validity for two measures
Authors: Cowin Leanne S. , Hengstberger‐Sims Cecily , Eagar Sandy C. , Gregory Linda , Andrew Sharon , Rolley John 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTitle.  Competency measurements: testing convergent validity for two measures Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate whether the Australian National Competency Standards for Registered Nurses demonstrate correlations with the Finnish Nurse Competency Scale.Background.  Competency assessment has become popular as a key regulatory requirement and performance indicator. The term competency, however, does not have a globally accepted definition and this has the potential to create controversy, ambiguity and confusion. Variations in meaning and definitions adopted in workplaces and educational settings will affect the interpretation of research findings and have implications for the nursing profession.Method.  A non‐experimental cross‐sectional survey design was used with a convenience sample of 116 new graduate nurses in 2005. The second version of the Australian National Competency Standards and the Nurse Competency Scale was used to elicit responses to self‐assessed competency in the transitional year (first year as a Registered Nurse).Findings.  Correlational analysis of self‐assessed levels of competence revealed a relationship between the Australian National Competency Standards (ANCI) and the Nurse Competency Scale (NCS). The correlational relation between ANCI domains and NCS factors suggests that these scales are indeed used to measure related dimensions. A statistically significant relationship (r = 0·75) was found between the two competency measures.Conclusion.  Although the finding of convergent validity is insufficient to establish construct validity for competency as used in both measures in this study, it is an important step towards this goal. Future studies on relationships between competencies must take into account the validity and reliability of the tools.
The mother–daughter guilt dynamic: effects of type 1 diabetes during life transitions
Authors: Rasmussen Bodil , Dunning Trisha , Cox Helen , O’Connell Beverly 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  The aim of the study was to explore and describe the strategies young women with type 1 diabetes used to manage life transitions. The paper describes one aspect of how guilt dynamic often operates between mothers and daughters and how the women managed the guilt dynamic to create stability in their lives.Background.  When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, major transitional changes occur in the relationships between the mother and her child. The changes affect the psychological and social aspects of their lives and have a major impact on how young women manage their diabetes. A guilt dynamic between mothers and young women with diabetes emerged as a major theme in a larger study that investigated how young women with diabetes managed life transitions. Although the literature indicates that mothers of chronically ill children experience guilt feelings towards their children, little research was identified that addressed the emotional dynamics between mothers and daughters with diabetes.Design.  Using grounded theory method, interviews were conducted with 20 women with type 1 diabetes and five mothers during 2002 and 2003. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyse the data and develop an in‐depth understanding of the experience of living with diabetes during life transitions.Findings.  The findings revealed that guilt feelings created a two‐way dependency between mothers and their daughters with diabetes. The two‐way dependency involved feelings of being a burden to each other, difficulty balancing responsibilities for diabetes management, difficulty relinquishing emotional and social dependency especially during life transitions. In addition, these issues were rarely discussed openly with each other or with health professionals. The findings provide additional information about the human experience of the mother–daughter relationship and the effect on coping with diabetes in the context of life transitions.Conclusions.  Understanding the impact diabetes has on the emotional and social well being of both women with type 1 diabetes and their mothers is critical in planning appropriate support for both groups. Most importantly, it is critical to understand the guilt dynamic that operates during young women with diabetes’ life transitions when the daughters’ dependency on their mother’s control and responsibility for diabetes management undergo changes resulting in emotional responses, especially guilt feelings.Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals need to understand the emotional and social impact of the guilt dynamics between young women with type 1 diabetes and their mothers. Adequate and appropriate support can minimize the guilt feelings and enhance stability and quality of life for both mothers and their daughters, especially during major life transitions, such as motherhood.
Evaluation of assertiveness training for psychiatric patients
Authors: Lin Yen‐Ru , Wu Mei‐Hsuen , Yang Cheng‐I , Chen Tsai‐Hwei , Hsu Chen‐Chuan , Chang Yue‐Cune , Tzeng Wen‐Chii , Chou Yuan‐Hwa , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: October 2008

Aim and objectives.  To investigate the effectiveness of assertiveness training programmes on psychiatric patients’ assertiveness, self‐esteem and social anxiety.Background.  Assertiveness training programmes are designed to improve an individual’s assertive beliefs and behaviours, which can help the individual change how they view themselves and establish self‐confidence and social anxiety. It is useful for patients with depression, depressive phase of bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder.Design.  Experimental.Method.  There were 68 subjects (28, experimental group; 40, diagnosis‐matched comparison group). Subjects in experimental groups participated in experimenter‐designed assertiveness training twice a week (two hours each) for four weeks. The comparison groups participated the usual activities. Data were collected in the two groups at the same time: before, after and one month after training programme. Efficacy was measured by assertiveness, self‐esteem and social anxiety inventories. A generalised estimating equation was used for analysis.Results.  After training, subjects had a significant increase in assertiveness immediately after the assertiveness training programme and one‐month follow‐up. There was a significant decrease in social anxiety after training, but the improvement was not significant after one month. Self‐esteem did not increase significantly after training.Conclusion.  With our sample of patients with mixed diagnoses, assertiveness seemed to be improved after assertiveness training.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients would benefit more from the assertiveness training programme for the change in how they view themselves, improve their assertiveness, properly express their individual moods and thoughts and further establish self‐confidence. The assertiveness training protocol could be provided as a reference guide to clinical nurses.
Diabetes foot self‐care practices in the German population
Authors: Schmidt Sascha , Mayer Herbert , Panfil Eva‐Maria 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  The object of this study was to find out which self‐care activities patients with diabetes perform to prevent diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) and to look for differences between patient groups (diabetes education and foot at risk).Background.  Besides the importance of screening patients at risk to develop a DFS and the clinical interventions, it is also necessary to involve the patient with diabetes in the self‐care of their feet. There is no information in Germany concerning self‐care activities carried out by patients for the prevention of DFS.Design.  A cross‐sectional study.Method.  A secondary analysis of the data used in the study for the development of the ‘Frankfurter Catalogue of Foot Self‐Care – Prevention of Diabetic Foot Syndrome’. Two hundred and sixty‐nine patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were included. The study population was divided into different training experience groups and foot at risk groups based on self‐reported data.Results.  Patients who had participated in more than three education programmes performed significantly better self‐care than patients who had no or only one training programme. Patients with a foot at risk for the development of diabetic foot ulcer perform more adequate self‐care regarding professional assistance in foot care, but are not more active in the self‐control of the feet, shoes and socks.Conclusions.  There are self‐care deficits regarding self‐control of feet, shoes and socks. Based on the data it seems to be that more than three education programmes are needed to lead to performance of adequate self‐care. Especially patients with a foot at risk need more professional support for their daily self‐care activities to prevent DFS or further foot complications.Relevance to clinical practice.  The first findings support that it might be helpful to identify patients with self‐care deficits and therefore to improve patients daily foot self‐care.
An expanded model of diabetes care based in an analysis and critique of current approaches
Authors: Daiski Isolde 
Published: October 2008

Aims and objectives.  To examine and critique various models guiding the care and education of people with diabetes, to develop more helpful and effective approaches to care. The focus is on relationships and communication between patients and healthcare providers.Background.  Many patients are not adhering to the recommended treatments, hence it seems that effective diabetes care is difficult to achieve, particularly for patients of lower socio‐economic status, who are disproportionately afflicted. The results are usually devastating, and lead to serious health complications that incisively diminish quality of life for patients with diabetes, frustrate healthcare providers and increase healthcare costs.Design.  Critical review.Method.  This paper represents a critical review of various approaches to diabetes care and education. A CINAHL search with relevant key words was carried out and selected exemplary research studies and articles describing and/or evaluating the various approaches to diabetes care and management were examined. Particular attention was paid to how the paradigmatic underpinnings of these approaches construct patient – healthcare provider relationships.Conclusion.  The literature revealed that the traditional top‐down approaches to care were largely ineffective, while collaborative approaches, based in respect and taking the whole persons and their unique situations into account, were found to be central to good care. Further, an integration of the different kinds of knowledge contained in the various approaches can complement and extend one another.Relevance to clinical practice.  Avoiding devastating complications by improving the management of diabetes and overall quality of life of patients is a worthwhile goal. Therefore expanding diabetes care beyond the traditional bio‐medical model to develop more effective approaches to care is of interest to all healthcare professionals working in this area.
Learning to live with type 1 diabetes from the perspective of young non‐western immigrants in Denmark
Authors: Povlsen Lene , Ringsberg Karin C 
Published: October 2008

Aims and objectives.  To explore how young adults with a non‐western immigrant background and type 1 diabetes since childhood/adolescence have perceived learning to live with the disease, with special focus on health education and support.Background.  A national Danish study found significantly poorer metabolic control in non‐western immigrant children and adolescents as compared with ethnic Danes. Subsequent studies have primarily focused on immigrant parents, whereas little is known about how immigrant children/adolescents have perceived the diagnosis and the diabetes care and support provided.Design.  A mixed quantitative and qualitative design was applied. This included data on metabolic control for 2002–2006 and semi‐structured interviews in 2006 with eleven strategically selected young immigrants. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Findings.  The findings are described in three thematic categories: Perceptions and reactions at the time of diagnosis; Learning to manage the disease; Present and future life with diabetes. Some findings were similar to those in studies describing children and adolescents of western origin, but the participants also shared perceptions which appeared to be related to their immigrant background. Above all, they described their parents as having difficulty coping with the disease and providing them with sufficient support.Conclusions.  The diagnosis of diabetes in immigrant children and adolescents requires special pedagogic and psychosocial approaches to bridge the gaps related to culture and traditions and introduce the concept of diabetes management, not least to the parents, in a more optimum way.Relevance to clinical practice.  Diabetes care should be a continuous and holistic process, constantly aiming to explore existing knowledge and the need for additional education and support for both the patient and his/her family. Special attention should be paid to the fact that immigrants may have limited pre‐knowledge of chronic diseases in childhood, including the concept of selfcare.
Roles and functions of community mental health nurses caring for people with schizophrenia in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Xuan‐Yi , Ma Wei‐Fen , Shih Hsin‐Hsin , Li Huai‐Fen 
Published: October 2008

Aims and objectives.  The study aimed to understand the nursing roles and functions of public health nurses and home health nurses in Taiwan and the factors that affect nursing roles and functions of nurses that provide community mental health home visiting services.Background.  Although community nurses provide more psychiatric home visiting services than other psychiatric professionals, little research on their roles and functions has been conducted.Design.  Nursing roles and functions were developed through use of grounded theory method of Strauss and Corbin.Methods.  Data were collected using semi‐structured face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews and unstructured non‐participant observations. The constant comparative analysis continued during the open, axial and selective coding process until data saturation occurred. Participants were selected using theoretical sampling. Final sample size in this study comprised a total of 29 community nurses (18 public health nurses and 11 home health nurses) who provided community mental health home visiting. Public health nurses conducted a total of 16 (eight carers and eight clients) services and home health nurses conducted 16 (eight carers and eight clients) services.Results.  Fourteen nursing roles were identified. These roles included assessor, supporter, educator, consultant, counselor, negotiator, harmoniser, collaborator, advocate, placement coordinator, resource provider, care provider, case manager and case finder. Moreover, several factors that affect nursing roles and functions in the community mental health home visiting service in Taiwan were also identified.Conclusion.  This is the first study to identify the role of public health and home health nurses caring for people with schizophrenia in the community in Taiwan.Relevance to clinical practice.  The recommendations based on the findings of this research can be used as a guide to improve the delivery of psychiatric home visiting services to community‐dwelling clients with schizophrenia and their carers.
The relationship between work empowerment and work stress perceived by nurses at long‐term care facilities in Taipei city
Authors: Li I‐Chuan , Chen Yu‐Ching , Kuo Huai‐Ting 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To explore the relationships between work empowerment, including both structural and psychological empowerment and work stress among nurses at long‐term care facilities in Taiwan.Design.  Cross‐sectional design with a descriptive correlation.Methods.  Work empowerment includes both psychological and structural empowerment; 178 nurses participated in the study.Results.  The results of this study showed that the average age of the subjects was 35·5 years and that 56·2% of subjects had less than two years work experience in the facility. The results indicated that there was a moderate level of psychological empowerment (mean 59·9, SD 8·1) and structural empowerment (mean 59·2, SD 11·1). A moderate level of work stress was also found with an average score of 72·3 (SD 14·4). Both psychological empowerment and structural empowerment were found to be significantly associated with total work stress (r = −0·4, r  = −0·5, p < 0·001, respectively). The variables of age (standardised β = −0·1), resources (standardised β = −1·6), meaningful work (standardised β = −0·4) and impact (standardised β = −1·3) were significant predictors of work stress (R2 = 0·32, F = 17·3, p<0·001).Conclusion.  Both psychological empowerment and structural empowerment were found to be significantly associated with work stress among nurses in this study. The four significant predictors of job satisfaction were age, resources, meaningful work and impact.Relevance to clinical practice.  The managers of the facilities should provide available resources for nurses to accomplish work and to involve nurses in the development goals of the facilities to enhance their influence in the making of important changes within the organisation to decrease their work stress.
Health, utilisation of health services, ‘core’ information, and reasons for non‐participation: a triangulation study amongst non‐respondents
Authors: Näslindh‐Ylispangar Anita , Sihvonen Marja , Kekki Pertti 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To explore health, use of health services, ‘core’ information and reasons for non‐participation amongst males.Background.  Gender may provide an explanation for non‐participation in the healthcare system. A growing body of research suggests that males are less likely than females to seek help from health professionals for their problems. The current research had its beginnings with the low response rate in a prior voluntary survey and health examination for Finnish males born in 1961.Design.  Data triangulation among 28 non‐respondent middle‐aged males in Helsinki was used.Methods.  The methods involved structured and in‐depth interviews and health measurements to explore the views of these males concerning their health‐related behaviours and use of health services.Results.  Non‐respondent males seldom used healthcare services. Despite clinical risk factors (e.g. obesity and blood pressure) and various symptoms, males perceived their health status as good. Work was widely experienced as excessively demanding, causing insomnia and other stress symptoms. Males expressed sensitive messages when a session was ending and when the participant was close to the door and leaving the room. This ‘core’ information included major causes of concern, anxiety, fears and loneliness.Conclusions.  This triangulation study showed that by using an in‐depth interview as one research strategy, more sensitive ‘feminist’ expressions in health and ill‐health were got by men. The results emphasise a male’s self‐perception of his masculinity that may have relevance to the health experience of the male population.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and physicians need to pay special attention to the requirements of gender‐specific healthcare to be most effective in the delivery of healthcare to males.