bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marlex Mesh Prefix Plug Hernioplasty Retrospective Analysis of 865 Operations
Authors: Pikoulis Emmanouil , Daskalakis Panayiotis , Psallidas Nicholaos , Karavokyros Ioannis , Stathoulopolos Athanasios , Godevenos Dimitrios , Leppaniemi Ari , Tsatsoulis Panayiotis 
Published: January 2005

AbstractFor 5 years (January 1998 to November 2002) our department has applied the Marlex Mesh Perfix Plug hernioplasty. This article demonstrates the experience gained in operative and postoperative aspects, costs, and outcome along with the results of a follow‐up analysis. Altogether, 801 patients (749 males, 52 females) were operated on Sixty‐four males had bilateral groin hernias, so the total number of hernioplasties amounted to 865. A total of 19 hernias were recurrent, 297 were direct, 545 were indirect or scrotal (or both) 21 were femoral, and 2 were Spigelian. Fifty‐three operations were performed on an emergency basis. Preoperative routine use of antibiotics was minimized throughout the years. Operating time fluctuated from 20 to 25 min (30‐40 minutes for recurrent hernias), and the postoperative hospital stay was 28 hours (6‐72) hours. The complication rate was 5% and the recurrence rate less than 1%. Early patient mobilization and return to everyday activities (1‐2 weeks) was encouraged. The follow‐up of 95% of the patient population lasted 12 to 60 months and was performed at 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, and yearly thereafter. The technique demonstrates less overall postoperative pain, discomfort, and complications combined with a remarkably low recurrence rate. The rapid rehabilitation with great patient comfort and decreased operating room time, resulting in lower financial costs, have led us nowadays to repair all types of inguinal hernias, femoral and recurrent ones, using this technique.
Microhabitat segregation in larvae of six species of coastal tiger beetles in Japan
Authors: Satoh Aya , Hori Michio 
Published: January 2005

AbstractTwo to four species of tiger beetles co‐occur in coastal habitats of Japan. We have already demonstrated that co‐occurring species exhibit interspecific size differences in adult mandible length, suggesting food resource partitioning with respect to prey size. In the present study, we investigated the larval microhabitats of six coastal species to examine whether spatial segregation occurs during the larval stage. The larvae of each species were found in specific microhabitats: Cicindelalewisii occurred at tidal flats, Abroscelis anchoralis at beaches, Chaetodera laetescripta at coastal dunes, and Lophyridia angulata at riverbanks in estuaries. Larvae of two congeners occurred in very different microhabitats: Callytron inspecularis at reed beds formed in tidal flats in estuaries and C. yuasai either in rock crevices, where the soil had built up, or at clay cliffs. These larval microhabitats differed among species in terms of vegetation cover, salinity, and soil texture. The larvae of four species (C. lewisii, A. anchoralis, C. inspecularis, and C. yuasai) were found at sites exposed to seawater, suggesting a tolerance to salinity. Additionally, we found differences in adult limb proportion among species. These differences seemed to be adapted to soil types in the larval microhabitats. Finally, we discuss the patterns of species assemblage of coastal tiger beetles in terms of habitat selection associated with microhabitat specificity during the larval stage and interspecific interaction associated with adult mandible size.
Models for explaining the homeopathic healing process: a historical and critical account of principles central to homeopathy
Authors: Wilson J. , Guajardo G. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe success of Homeopathy in curing many diseases has been a serious challenge to science. Nineteenth century explanations for the healing process of Homeopathy cannot withstand the scrutiny of modern science and need to be abandoned or modified. The surviving propositions are discussed. A biocybernetic model with multilevels of electromagnetic feedback loops offers a hope of explaining the healing process. This model, its explanation of the healing process and experimental support are elaborated.
General practitioners and classical homeopaths treatment models for asthma and allergy
Authors: Rieper J. , Launsø L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractComplementary and alternative treatment (CAT) is increasingly popular with patients and health-care providers. In the western societies an increasing number of patients with asthma and allergy combine conventional and CAT. But health-care providers knowledge about the different treatment models applied within the conventional health care system and alternative treatment is generally poor. ‘Treatment model’ includes understanding of disease, diagnostic approach, treatment methods and expected effects of treatment. Different treatment models represent different social constructions of understanding. We present a conceptualization of general practitioners’ (GPs) and classic homeopaths’ (CHs) perceptions of their treatment models in patients with asthma and allergy. This is a first phase of a research project conducted in Denmark to study prerequisites for bridge building between conventional and alternative therapists.The research questions were: How do the GPs and the CHs describe their treatment models for asthma and allergy? What are the differences and similarities between the treatment models? Is there a logical connection between the components of the GPs and CHs treatment models?Six GPs and 11 CHs participated in semi-structured interviews. The main difference is in the GPs and CHs descriptions of the purpose of treatment. Similarities are found in the perception of a successful treatment. Both the GPs and the CHs experience treatment effects to be dependent on contextual conditions. Differences and similarities between treatment models are discussed in relation to potential bridge building between conventional and alternative health care.
Patients’ assessments of the effectiveness of homeopathic care in Norway: A prospective observational multicentre outcome study
Authors: Lüdtke R , Steinsbekk A 
Published: January 2005

Objective: To evaluate the patient reported effects of homeopathic care 6 months after first consultations.Methods: Prospective uncontrolled observational multicentre outcome study. All patients visiting 80 homeopaths all over Norway for the first time in eight different time periods from 1996 to 1998 were approached. Patients wrote down their main complaint and scored its impact on daily living on a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at the first consultation. Six months later they were asked to score again. The homeopaths recorded treatments given for up to two follow-up consultations.Main outcome measure: Predefined as a reduction of at least 10 mm in the VAS score between the first consultation and follow-up.Result: Patients 1097 were recruited, 654 completed the follow-up questionnaire. The main complaint improved by at least 10 mm on the VAS for 71% (95% confidence interval 67–74%) of patients. The average reduction was 32 mm (95% CI 30–35 mm). Fifty-one per cent (95% CI 48–55%) of the patients had an improvement in their general well being of more than 10 mm. The mean reduction in the whole group was 14 mm (95% CI 12–16 mm). The proportion of patients using conventional medication reduced from 39% to 16%. Regression analysis showed that lower age and higher baseline score were predictors of better outcome.Conclusion: In this study, seven out of ten patients visiting a Norwegian homeopath reported a meaningful improvement in their main complaint 6 months after the initial consultation.
The Lichen Flora and Habitats of the Syowa Region, Continental Antarctica
Authors: Inoue M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe lichen flora and habitats in the Syowa region of continental Antarctica were surveyed. The distribution patterns of lichens appear to reflect habitat salinity, derived from wind-blown sea spray. Some halotolerant species are established in saline habitats where snow dunes are well developed. Snow and ice ameliorate the salinity of the habitat and provide a major source of moisture for lichens. Wind-borne drift snow carried by katabatic winds or occasional snow showers also provide the source of moisture to lichens growing on dry rock habitats in the Syowa region.
The Lichen Genus Caloplaca in Polar Regions
Authors: SøChting Ulrik , Olech‡ Maria 
Published: January 2005

AbstractExtensive material of Caloplacafrom Arctic and Antarctic regions has been critically examined. A list of 49 species is presented for Arctic regions. They are presumed to have a more or less circumpolar distribution. Twenty-two species are listed from the Antarctic region, but about ten more, probably undescribed species, are present there. About one-third of the species in the Antarctic region are bipolar or widespread in cold regions; these include mainly terricolous and muscicolous species and none of them are maritime. It is assumed that migration of the bipolar or cosmopolitan species has taken place along the Andean mountain chain, whereas the maritime polar species have evolved separately in the two hemispheres. The Caloplaca species of the Antarctic region are provisionally assigned to the following distribution types: continental Antarctic, western Antarctic, insul-Antarctic and sub-Antarctic. Caloplaca exsecuta, C. saxicola and C. phaeocarpella are recorded as new to the Antarctic region. Caloplaca johnstonii (Dodge) Søchting & Olech, comb, nov., is established as the correct name of C. tenuis Øvstedal.
Spatial Pattern in Communities of Crustose Saxicolous Lichens
Authors: Dale M. R. T. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis paper describes two versions of a new method for detecting and examining spatial pattern in communities of crustose saxicolous lichens. One version is based only on the shapes of the lichen thalli and the second on the identity of their species. These methods are useful for examining the spatial structure of a lichen community for the presence of anisotropy, the phenomenon of having different scales of pattern in different directions. If present, the nature of the anisotropy has implications for our understanding of the processes that give rise to spatial pattern. Preliminary results from communities in the Canadian Rockies suggest that while individual species show some evidence of anisotropy, when all species are considered together, or when only the shapes of the thalli and their boundaries are considered, anisotropy is reduced or absent.
Exposure and Nutrients As Delimiters of Lichen Communities in Continental Antarctica
Authors: Hovenden M.J. , Seppelt R.D. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractLichens dominate the terrestrial vegetation of the ice-free regions of continental Antarctica. Vegetation patterns were studied in the Windmill Islands Oasis, Wilkes Land, continental Antarctica, in relation to edaphic features to elucidate the factors that govern lichen distribution and abundance. Vegetation was studied on a low rounded knoll on Clark Peninsula some 3 km North East of the present Casey station. Substratum nutrient levels vary considerably across the knoll due to the presence of an abandoned penguin rookery on the crest and the uneven topography provides both sheltered and exposed sites. Along a 130 m-long transect crossing the knoll from South to North, a total of 25 species of lichen and one moss were identified, the vegetation being dominated by Umbilicaria decussata, Pseudephebe minuscula, Usnea sphacelata and U. antarctica. TWINSPAN analysis of species distributions identified six sociations, the distribution of which were related to substratum structure and chemistry. Several species were restricted to nutrient-rich zones while late-lying snow restricted all species to varying degrees.
Intraspecific Variations of Morphology and Physiology of Temperate to Arctic Populations of Cetraria Nivalis
Authors: Schipperges B. , Kappen L. , Sonesson M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractFive populations of the circumpolar Arctic-alpine lichen species Cetraria nivalis were sampled along a latitudinal gradient from the temperate to the Arctic climatic zone. The populations were compared with respect to their CO2 exchange, water relations and morphology/anatomy. Provenances from places along this latitudinal gradient were transplanted in 1983/84 to a site near the Scientific Research Station in Abisko, to see whether they are identical with plastic acclimation ability or whether they represent different ecotypes. The five populations represent two major geographical groups, a ‘southern’ and a ‘northern’ one, with respect to some morphological and anatomical features, chlorophyll content and water relations. The transplanted C. nivalis provenances showed a tendency towards increasing net photosynthetic rates with origin in the higher latitudes. The CO2 exchange response of the native populations was the reverse of this tendency although CO2 exchange was in general flexible. It is concluded that the investigated C. nivalis populations were different ecotypes because of genetic differences and a distinct seasonal plasticity. The ecotypes are interpreted as a result of isolation in different refugia during the Pleistocene.
Surrealism and Quantum Mechanics: Dispersal and Fragmentation in Art, Life, and Physics
Authors: Parkinson Gavin 
Published: January 2005

ArgumentBy the time the members of the Surrealist group had fled Paris and dispersed at the beginning of World War II, they had taken account of quantum mechanics and were seeking various ways of assimilating its findings into Surrealist theory. This can be detected in writings issuing from the Surrealist milieu as early as the late 1920s. However, while writers and thinkers outside the field of physics swiftly expressed their awareness of the epistemological crisis brought about by quantum mechanics, Surrealism's artists began to conscript the concepts and imagery of modern physics into their work only at the end of the 1930s. Focusing on two “second generation” Surrealist painters, the Chilean Roberto Matta and the Viennese Wolfgang Paalen, this article discusses the peculiar difficulties faced by artists in finding a language for the “new reality” revealed by the physicists, and argues that the relocation of Surrealism in a discursive field which includes quantum physics discloses the rationale behind its artists' shift to a semi-abstract language.
Explosive Propositions: Artists React to the Atomic Age
Authors: Petersen Stephen 
Published: January 2005

Argument“How should a modern artist react to the atomic age?” Time magazine posed this question in 1952 to open a review of an exhibition of paintings inspired by the “explosion of the atomic bomb” and by the “discovery of nuclear energy.” The energetic paintings of the Italian Spatial Movement were, according to Time, “almost as explosive as the bomb itself.” “Explosiveness” was a defining feature of much 1950s art, whose main impulse, gestural abstraction, has previously been understood as the urgent expression of the artist's subjectivity. This paper argues that explosiveness in art can also be seen as an “expression” of the realities of the nuclear era. Postwar artists were ambivalent about the explosive forces, both liberating and devastating, that lay within the atom. Toward the end of the 1950s, no longer content merely to represent atomic disintegration, some artists went so far as to propose the outright self-destruction of the work of art as the only fitting means of expression in the atomic age.One must – and this is not an exaggeration – keep in mind that we are living in the atomic age, where everything material and physical could disappear from one day to another, to be replaced by nothing but the ultimate abstraction imaginable.– Yves Klein 1958 (Klein 1973, 10)
Density of localized electronic states in a-Se from electron time-of-flight photocurrent measurements
Authors: Koughia K. , Shakoor Z. , Kasap S. O. , Marshall J. M. 
Published: January 2005

Electron time-of-flight transient photocurrents have been investigated in stabilized a-Se as a function of electric field, annealing, aging (relaxation), and alloying with As and doping with Cl.
The distribution of localized states (DOS) in stabilized a-Se has been investigated by comparing the measured and calculated transient photocurrents. The samples were prepared by conventional vacuum deposition techniques. The theoretical analysis of multiple-trapping transport has been done by the discretization of a continuous DOS and the use of Laplace transform formalism. The resulting DOS has distinct features: A first peak at ∼0.30eV below Ec with an amplitude ∼1017eV−1cm−3, a second small peak (or shoulder) at 0.45–0.50 eV below Ec with an amplitude 1014–1015eV−1cm−3, and deep states with an integral concentration 1011–1014cm−3 lying below 0.65 eV, whose exact distribution could not be resolved over the time scale of present experiments. The influence of doping, aging, annealing, and substrate temperature on the DOS distribution has been investigated. The doping with Cl does not affect the amplitudes of the first and second peaks while the concentration of deep states increases dramatically. The alloying with As reduces the density of deep states and seems to increase the amplitude of first and second peaks. The aging substantially reduces the deep states density and the amplitude of the second peak while the amplitude of the first one remains practically unchanged. The results have been interpreted primarily in terms of thermodynamic and intrinsic structural defects in the chalcogenide glass structure.
E‐recruitment service providers review
Authors: Yoon Kin Tong David , Sivanand C.N 
Published: January 2005

PurposeAims to review e‐recruiters' web site platform features and tools that are designed to facilitate job seekers' job applications. Also intends to elucidate the financial performance of two international and two Malaysian e‐recruiters.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses and compares three international (Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, and HotJobs.com) and three Malaysian (JobStreet.com, JobLinkAsia.com, and JobDB.com) e‐recruiters' backgrounds and initiatives. Presents the e‐recruiters' and online platforms, their current practices and overall strategies and financial performances.FindingsObserves that the e‐recruiters' revenues are growing rapidly while profits are still elusive.Originality/valuePresents an overview of e‐recruitment service providers, both international and malaysian.
The impact of supply chain relationship dynamics on manufacturing performance
Authors: Fynes Brian , Voss Chris , de Búrca Seán 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the dynamics of supply chain (SC) relationships impact on manufacturing performance.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework was developed incorporating dimensions of SC relationship dynamics and manufacturing performance. Structural equation modelling was used to test the model with data collected using a postal questionnaire from 200 suppliers in the electronics sector in the Republic of Ireland.FindingsThere was mixed support for the impact of SC relationship dynamics on manufacturing performance. Hypotheses in respect of cost and quality were supported but those in respect of flexibility and delivery were not.Research limitations/implicationsUsing single informants and focal customers in research design.Practical implicationsThe process of forming and developing SC relationships can be complex and requires firms to be competent in areas such as negotiation skills, conflict management, anticipating problems/finding solutions in advance and joint problem solving. The selection of such managers should be driven by the need to find individuals who possess supply chain management skills and relational competencies.Originality/valueThe nature of the relationship between measures of manufacturing performance has been addressed by two dominant theories: the cumulative or “sandcone” theory and the “trade‐off” theory. Findings provide only partial support for this theory with respect to quality and cost. In contrast, the model is more aligned with the Skinner's (1969) “trade‐off” theory.
Logistics‐production, logistics‐marketing and external integration
Authors: Gimenez Cristina , Ventura Eva 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper examines the logistics‐production and logistics‐marketing interfaces and their relation with the external integration. The study also investigates the causal impact of these internal and external relationships on the company's logistical performance.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted in the Spanish FMCG sector and the theoretical model was subjected to analysis using SEM.FindingsThe generic results derived from this study are: Internal and external integration influence each other. Integration in the logistics‐marketing interface does not lead to reductions in costs, stock‐outs and lead‐times, while the integration achieved in the logistics‐production interface does improve these performance measures, if there is no external integration. The external collaboration among supply chain members does always contribute to improving firms’ logistical performance.Research/limitations/implicationsThe study has some limitations: other important members of the grocery supply chain (such as retailers, TPL, etc.) have not been considered and the effect of inter‐firm co‐ordination has only been analyzed from the perspective of the provider (as most studies do). Further research on the logistics‐marketing impact on performance should be carried out and other important supply chain members should be considered.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to the existing literature by showing that the impact on performance of internal integration depends on the functional areas that are being integrated and the level of external integration.Originality/valueIt is believed that this paper will be insightful to researchers and managers in the SCM field. For researchers, this paper has provided new lines of research. And, for managers, this paper has shown that there is a positive relationship between firms’ logistical performance and SCM.
Operations assessment of hospitals in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe importance of health care is growing world‐wide, and the health sector is receiving a good proportion of public funds. As health‐care costs are increasing, efforts have been made to assess the operational efficiency of hospitals in many countries.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the efficiencies of operation of 20 hospitals in the Sultanate of Oman are evaluated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The hospitals selected are Regional and Wilayat hospitals under the Ministry of Health, the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the hospital of the Royal Oman Police. Four outputs representing out‐patient visits, in‐patient services and surgical operations, and three inputs representing the number of beds and manpower are used in the analysis.FindingsUsing data for the year 2000, ten of the 20 hospitals are found to be efficient. A ranking of performance of efficient hospitals has been provided by computing their super‐efficiency scores. The patterns of efficiency changes over the time period 1999‐2000 are studied using the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) approach. It has been found that there is a decline in the efficiencies of hospitals during the period. The (geometric) average MPI of the hospitals during the period has declined, and the average technical efficiency change declined less compared with the average technology change.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few published studies that evaluates the performance of hospitals in countries of the Middle East.