bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Black African entrepreneurship in the UK: a pilot study
Authors: Nwankwo Sonny 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a general characterisation of entrepreneurial orientations of Black Africans in the UK.Design/methodology/approachMethodological appropriateness rather than orthodoxy was fundamental in the design of this research. A combination of idiosyncratic and multiplicative sampling strategy was applied in a discovery‐oriented context. Research questions were adapted from the attribution questions frequently used in related studies. In consideration of the exploratory nature of this work, a connected narrative approach was used in presenting the results. Data collection was undertaken in London.FindingsObserves that many Black Africans embarked on entrepreneurship more to escape ethnic penalties than a strategic response to the structure of environmental opportunities. Thus, this “escapist mindset” has meant that inadequate initial preparations have tended to characterise the small businesses they operate. Recognises that whilst a pattern of market concentration is discernible at the co‐ethnic level (i.e. first entry market), there is little evidence of strategic evolution towards mainstreaming or the attainment of sectoral aggregation either at national or regional level.Research limitations/implicationsData collection was limited to London‐non‐Black African entrepreneurs were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample.Practical implicationsMany African‐owned businesses are failure‐prone and in need of strategic interventions in order to secure their growth and sustainability.Originality/valueHighly valuable with very little research completed to date on this topic.
A MAP for the library portal: through the labyrinth of online information sources
Authors: Myhill Martin 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the first year of implementation of the Innovative Interfaces Inc. Millennium Access Plus (MAP) portal at the University of Exeter Library, UK.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a description of the features of MAP and a case studyFindingsIn as little as 25 years, online information provision has been transformed. This has largely been uncontrolled, yet the resources now available offer rich returns for the data‐hungry end user. Increasingly, many users require their information immediately and really do not care where it is stored. Such demands, coupled with librarians’ natural tendency to apply order, have led to the development of library portals which aim to solve the problems arising from trying to navigate this labyrinth of information. The MAP portal is one such product. Using the NISO OpenURL standard, MAP offers three main elements – contextual linking via WebBridge, one step “multi” searching using MetaFind and resource authentication through Web Access Management (WAM). Use of this portal at the University of Exeter Library has made a considerable, positive impact on the recent use of online full‐text systems and services and the experiences undoubtedly point to a strong future for such interfaces everywhere.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to experiences at the University of Exeter Library.Practical implicationsThe paper will inform the information community on the experiences of this innovative productOriginality/valueThis is an original description of a new concept and provides evaluative material.
Endemic plants of the arid succulent karoo in Namibia: towards hypotheses for their evolution
Authors: Burke Antje 
Published: March 2005

This study investigated endemic plants in the Sperrgebiet in the succulent karoo – a global biodiversity hotspot in southern Africa. In order to develop hypotheses regarding the evolution of this endemic flora, the following questions were posed: 1) Are taxonomic patterns similar at different levels of taxonomic order? 2) Are adaptations of Sperrgebiet endemic taxa different from the overall flora? 3) Are adaptations different in related endemic and non‐endemic taxa?There is an over‐representation of species of Mesembryanthemaceae in the endemic flora, which is in accordance with patterns in the succulent karoo biome overall. The nearly 37% contribution of Mesembryanthemaceae to the endemic flora is, however, remarkably higher than elsewhere in the biome. The over‐representation of this family is not maintained at a higher level of taxonomic order, supporting the notion of recent speciation in this family. Regarding plant functional attributes, major differences between the endemic and non‐endemic flora exist. Compact leaf‐succulents with canopy stored, water‐dispersed seeds, as well as bulbs and shrubby leaf‐succulents predominate the endemic flora. Differences in reproductive (seed storage and dispersal distance) and growth form attributes between the endemic and non‐endemic flora were largely influenced by phylogenetic history. Minutism (plant height <10 cm) was favoured by many endemic plants, but this was not only influenced by phylogenetic factors.Two hypotheses emerged from these observations: 1) the evolution of minutism is largely driven by external factors in the Sperrgebiet, and 2) external factors and phylogenetic history are likely of equal importance in the development of the Sperrgebiet endemic flora.
B‐domain deleted recombinant factor VIII preparations are bioequivalent to a monoclonal antibody purified plasma‐derived factor VIII concentrate: a randomized, three‐way crossover study
Authors: Kessler C. M. , Gill J. C. , White G. C. , Shapiro A. , Arkin S. , Roth D. A. , Meng X. , Lusher J. M. 
Published: March 2005

Summary.  Background:  Deletion of the B‐domain of recombinant blood coagulation factor VIII (BDDrFVIII) increases the manufacturing yield of the product but does not impair in vitro or in vivo functionality. BDDrFVIII (ReFacto®) has been developed with the additional benefit of being formulated without human albumin.Objective:  The primary objective of this three‐way crossover‐design study was to compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of two BDDrFVIII formulations (one reconstituted with 5 mL of sterile water, the other reconstituted with 4 mL sodium chloride 0.9% USP) with those of a plasma‐derived, full‐length FVIII preparation (Hemofil® M) in patients with haemophilia A to determine bioequivalence.Methods:  A series of blood samples were collected over a period of 48 h after i.v. administration of each of the FVIII preparations. Plasma FVIII activity was determined using a validated chromogenic substrate assay. Plasma FVIII activity vs. time curves was characterized for a standard set of PK parameter estimates. Two parameter estimates, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under plasma concentration vs. time curves (AUCs), were used to evaluate bioequivalence. The two preparations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of geometric means for Cmax and AUCs fell within the bioequivalence window of 80% to 125%.Results/Conclusion:  Results show that each BDDrFVIII formulation is bioequivalent to Hemofil M and the two formulations of BDDrFVIII are bioequivalent to each other.
Pressure‐relieving equipment: promoting its correct use amongst nurses via differing modes of educational delivery
Authors: Wedge Claire , Gosney Margot 
Published: March 2005

Aims and objectives.  To examine the impact of written and verbal education on bed‐making practices, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers.Background.  The Department of Health has set targets for a 5% reduction per annum in the incidence of pressure ulcers. Electric profiling beds with a visco‐elastic polymer mattress are a new innovation in pressure ulcer prevention; however, mattress efficacy is reduced by tightly tucking sheets around the mattress.Design.  A prospective randomized pre/post‐test experimental design.Methods.  Ward managers at a teaching hospital were approached to participate in the study. Two researchers independently examined the tightness of the sheets around the mattresses. Wards were randomized to one of two groups. Groups A and B received written education. In addition, group B received verbal education on alternate days for one week. Beds were re‐examined one month later. One researcher was blinded to the educational delivery received by the wards.Results.  Twelve wards agreed to participate in the study and 245 beds were examined. Before education, 113 beds (46%) had sheets tucked correctly around the mattresses. Following education, this increased to 215 beds (87.8%) (χ2 = 68.03, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of correctly made beds between the two different education groups: 100 (87.72%) beds correctly made in group A vs. 115 (87.79%) beds in group B (χ2 = 0, P = 0.987).Conclusions.  Clear, concise written instruction improved practice but verbal education was not additionally beneficial.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses are receptive to clear, concise written evidence regarding pressure ulcer prevention and incorporate this into clinical practice.
Pressure ulcers: diagnostics and interventions aimed at wound‐related complaints: a review of the literature
Authors: De Laat Erik HEW , Scholte op Reimer Wilma J , Van Achterberg Theo 
Published: March 2005

Aims and objectives.  To describe the current scientific evidence in the field of diagnostics and treatment of pain, malodour and exudate from pressure ulcers and to give recommendations for practice, based on these findings.Background.  Patients with pressure ulcers are confronted with symptoms of chronic wounds and impaired wound healing. Assessment and treatment of these symptoms have received very little attention.Design.  Systematic literature review.Methods.  Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane, were searched for studies on pain, malodour and exudate in patients with pressure ulcers.Results.  The McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale and the Faces Rating Scale are useful instruments to assess pressure ulcer related pain. Strong evidence was found to support a positive effect of (dia)morphine. Some evidence was found to support a positive effect of benzydamine gel and Eutectic Mixture of Local Anaesthetic‐cream. Wound malodour is subjectively assessed. In a laboratory study, it is proved that activated charcoal is capable of absorbing gas molecules causing malodour. At present, no studies are available on the odour‐absorbing capacity of activated charcoal dressings in pressure ulcer patients. Exudate is a symptom of impaired wound healing. The Pressure Sore Status Tool is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the wound healing process. There is a possible indication that hydrocolloid positively influences healing time because the absorption of exudates is more effective.Conclusion.  Little sound research has been performed on wound‐related complaints in patients with pressure ulcers. Nevertheless several recommendations could be made on the present state of the art.Relevance to clinical pratice.  Regarding pressure ulcer related pain, this review supports the intervention of local pain relieve in patients with pressure ulcers. Regarding pressure ulcer related odour and exudates, this study identifies the gaps in evidence and research.
Scientific evaluation of community‐based Parkinson's disease nurse specialists on patient outcomes and health care costs
Authors: Hurwitz Brian , Jarman Brian , Cook Adrian , Bajekal Madhavi 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjective  To determine the effects of community based nurses specialising in Parkinson's disease on health outcomes and healthcare costs.Design  Two year randomised controlled trial in 438 general practices in nine randomly selected health authority areas of England.Participants  1859 patients with Parkinson's disease identified by the participating general practices.Main outcome measures  Survival, stand‐up test, dot in square test, bone fracture, global health question, PDQ‐39, Euroqol, and healthcare costs. Results  After two years 315 (17.3%) patients had died, although mortality did not differ between those who were attended by nurse specialists and those receiving standard care from their general practitioner (hazard ratio for nurse group v control group 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 1.13). No significant differences were found between the two groups for the stand‐up test (odds ratio 1.15, 0.93 to 1.42) and dot in square score (difference −0.7, −3.25 to 1.84). Scores on the global health question were significantly better in patients attended by nurse specialists than in controls (difference −0.23, −0.4 to −0.06), but no difference was observed in the results of the PDQ‐39 or Euroqol questionnaires. Direct costs for patient health care increased by an average of £2658 during the study, although not differentially between groups: the average increase was £266 lower among patients attended by a nurse specialist (−£981 to £449).Conclusions  Nurse specialists in Parkinson's disease had little effect on the clinical condition of patients, but they did improve their patients’ sense of wellbeing, with no increase in patients’ healthcare costs.
Modernizing UK health services: ‘short‐sharp‐shock’ reform, the NHS subsistence economy, and the spectre of health care famine
Authors: Charlton Bruce G. , Andras Peter 
Published: March 2005

AbstractModernization is the trend for societies to grow functionally more complex, efficient and productive. Modernization usually occurs by increased specialization of function (e.g. division of labour, such as the proliferation of specialists  in  medicine),  combined  with  increased  organization  in  order to co‐ordinate the numerous specialized functions (e.g. the increased size of hospitals and specialist teams, including the management of these large groups). There have been many attempts to modernize the National Health Service (NHS) over recent decades, but it seems that none have significantly enhanced either the efficiency or output of the health care system. The reason may be that reforms have been applied as a ‘drip‐drip’ of central regulation, with the consequence that health care has become increasingly dominated by the political system. In contrast, a ‘short‐sharp‐shock’ of radical and rapid modernization seems to be a more successful strategy for reforming social systems – in‐between waves of structural change the system is left to re‐orientate towards its client group. An example was the Flexner‐initiated reform of US medical education which resulted in the closure of nearly half the medical colleges, an immediate enhancement in quality and efficiency of the system and future growth based on best institutional practices. However, short‐sharp‐shock reforms would probably initiate an NHS ‘health care famine’ with acute shortages and a health care crisis, because the NHS constitutes a ‘subsistence economy’ without any significant surplus of health services. The UK health care system must grow to generate a surplus before it can adequately be modernized. Efficient and rapid growth in health services could most easily be generated by stimulating provision outside the NHS, using mainly staff trained abroad and needs‐subsidized ‘item‐of‐service’‐type payment schemes. Once there is a surplus of critically vital health services (e.g. acute and emergency provision), then radical modernization should rapidly improve the health service by a cull of low‐quality and inefficient health care providers.
Comparative analysis of end wall resistivity in xylem conduits
Authors: SPERRY JOHN S. , HACKE UWE G. , WHEELER JAMES K. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe hydraulic resistivity (R, pressure gradient/flow rate) through end walls of xylem conduits was estimated in seven species of diverse anatomy and affinity including a vessel‐bearing fern, a tracheid‐bearing gymnosperm, and angiosperms with versus without vessels. Conduit lengths were measured with a silicone injection method which was easier and more accurate than the usual paint injection. The R declined linearly with the removal of end walls as stems were shortened from 10 to 0.3 cm. This relationship gave the minimum R with no end walls present, or the lumen resistivity (RL). This was indistinguishable from the Hagen–Poiseuille value. The maximum R with all end walls present gave RC, the resistivity of end wall and lumen in series. Average end‐wall resistivity (RW) was the difference RC − RL and the ‘wall fraction’ was RW/RC. Wall fraction was approximately constant, averaging 0.54 ± 0.07. This suggests that end wall and lumen resistivities are nearly co‐limiting in vascular plants. Average conduit length was proportional to the diameter squared across species (r2 = 0.94). Together with a constant wall fraction, this was consistent with the end wall resistance (rw, pressure difference/flow rate) being inversely proportional to conduit length. Lower rw in longer conduits is consistent with their having more end wall pits than shorter conduits.
Relationship between total transit time and faecal quality in adult dogs differing in body size
Authors: Hernot D. C. , Biourge V. C. , Martin L. J. , Dumon H. J. , Nguyen P. G. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryFed the same diet, large and giant‐breed dogs have higher faecal moisture and increased frequency of soft stools than small ones. This could be the result of physiological differences, such as a different gastrointestinal transit time. In this study, we have correlated mean total transit time (MTT) with body size and faecal consistency in dogs varying in body size. Fifty dogs from 13 different breeds were used, from a Dachshund to a Great Dane. The MTT was determined using coloured plastic beads [Cummings and Wiggins, Gut, Vol. 17 (1976), p. 219], and faecal consistency was scored daily during the study. We confirmed the strong correlation between height at the shoulder (body size) and faecal score (r = 0.76; p < 0.0001). The MTT increased with body size, from 22 h for a Miniature Poodle to 59 h for a Giant Schnauzer. We found significant positive correlations (p < 0.0001) between MTT and body size as well as faecal scores (r = 0.71 and 0.70 respectively). In the present study, we observed an effect of body size on MTT. In our 50 healthy dogs a longer MTT was related to a poorer faecal quality. Previous studies reported no relationship between body size and the upper gastrointestinal transit time in healthy dogs. So, we hypothesized that body size would mainly affect colonic transit time and that a longer colonic residence time would be related to a poorer faecal quality by promoting fermentation activity.
Beet‐vinasse (condensed molasses solubles) as an ingredient in diets for cattle and pigs – nutritive value and limitations
Authors: Stemme K. , Gerdes B. , Harms A. , Kamphues J. 
Published: March 2005

SummarySugar beet vinasse, originating as the condensed molasses residue from yeast production, was fed to bulls and pigs to determine the feed value. It contained, per kg dry matter (DM content 66.8%), 293 g crude protein, 305 g N‐free extract (therefrom 34.4 g total sugar), and 395 g crude ash. The experiment was carried out with three fattening bulls (German Holstein) and four adult pigs (Göttingen Minipig). In bulls, two balance trials lasting 20 days each (10 days adaptation; 10 days collection) were conducted in which subsequently a basal ration without and with vinasse (14% in DM) was fed. In pigs, the experiment consisted of three 12‐day balance trials with the final 5 days as collection period. In the first trial, pigs received a basal diet without vinasse and in the following, a mixed diet with 16 and 43% vinasse (in DM) respectively. Digestibilities of components in vinasse in bulls were: organic matter 73.5%, crude protein 72.6%, and N‐free extract 52.3%. In bulls, no influence on faeces quality could be detected while feeding 14% vinasse in DM. While feeding 16% vinasse in DM to pigs, the digestibility of organic matter amounted to 72.3% (crude protein 71.8%; NfE 74.6%). Feeding higher amounts of vinasse (43% in DM) in the diet of pigs, digestibilities were reduced (organic matter: 61.6%), which might be a result of a reduced retention time of the chyme as a result of an osmotically driven diarrhoea because of unexpectedly high sulphate (136 g/kg DM) content in the vinasse. It is concluded that because of organic matter digestibility >70% for cattle and pigs, the use of vinasse in these species in small proportions is reasonable.
Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Authors: Oxenham S. K. , Svoboda K. P. , Walters D. R. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe antifungal and fungicidal effects of two chemotypes of basil (Ocimum basilicum) oil and its major individual components were studied in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mycelial growth of the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis fabae was reduced significantly by both the methyl chavicol chemotype oil and the linalol chemotype oil, and the major individual components of the oils all reduced fungal growth, with methyl chavicol, linalol, eugenol and eucalyptol reducing growth significantly. Combining the pure oil components in the same proportions as found in the whole oil led to very similar reductions in fungal growth, suggesting that the antifungal effects of the whole oils were due primarily to the major components. When the fungus was exposed to the oils in liquid culture, growth was reduced by concentrations considerably smaller than those used in the Petri dish studies. Botrytis fabae and the rust fungus Uromyces fabae were also controlled in vivo, with the whole oils of both chemotypes, as well as pure methyl chavicol and linalol, reducing infection of broad bean leaves significantly. Most effective control of fungal infection was achieved if the treatments were applied 3 h postinoculation.
Ordered progress of spermiogenesis to the fertilizable sperm of the medaka fish, Oryzias latipes, in cell culture
Authors: Sasaki Takahiro , Watanabe Akihiko , Takayama‐Watanabe Eriko , Suzuki Makoto , Abe Hiroyuki , Onitake Kazuo 
Published: March 2005

Spermiogenesis is significant for producing sperm with equipment for achieving fertilization. Although multiple events occur in a particular order during spermiogenesis, it is unclear how the timing of those events is controlled. In the present study, we found that primary spermatocytes obtained from the spermatogenic testes of Oryzias latipes synchronously differentiated into sperm without contact with somatic cells in culture. Because those sperm can fertilize with mature eggs (Saiki et al., 1997), any events of spermiogenesis that are essential for achieving fertilization are completed in the in vitro spermiogenesis. In the in vitro spermiogenesis, the protamine gene expression was observed in the early period and mitochondrion localization was established in the same period. Those results suggest that both nuclear remodeling and organelle replacement begin in the early period of spermiogenesis. The cytoplasmic lobe was formed after the mitochondrion localization had been established. In most spermatids differentiated in cell culture, a flagellum began to elongate during the early period and continued to elongate up to 3 days. These results revealed the timings of the spermiogenetic events under the intrinsic control of the cultured spermatids toward the formation of fertilizable sperm in O. latipes.