bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethical product innovation: in praise of slowness
Authors: Giaretta Elena 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to consider whether constant product innovation is compatible with the ethical management of a business. The question arises out of observations of two pressures exerted by global competition, i.e. the speed of change, which pushes in the direction of continuous innovation, and the determining power of demand, which wishes to see business conduct itself ethically.Design/methodology/approachWith a theoretical approach, the paper highlights how these two pressures are both exerted on business, the advantages for business as well as for the consumers, deriving from the tendency of companies to innovate at all times and in ever shorter times, and the sins that an enterprise may commit when involved in a “competition vortex” created by the pressure of the speed of change.FindingsWhat can a business imprisoned in this vortex do to escape when the fear of being “left behind” blinds it to seeing any other courses open to it? The paper proposes a possibly controversial, and at least challenging, model that can be seen as swimming against the tide, by adopting “slowness” and harmony, and a cluster of related concepts, as its basic tenets.Originality/valueFor this very reason the model proposed is already potentially valid, in a context where complexity and uncertainty give value to the original and the new. The paper is seen to be useful for managers and scholars of management, with particular focus on business ethics and product innovation.
Malaysian companies’ use of the internet for investor relations
Authors: Zakimi Abdul Hamid Fathilatul 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis study focuses on Malaysian companies because of the confidence shown by the international business community in what is considered to be the best country for corporate governance practice. Additionally, the Malaysian stock market is considered to be the largest stock market in terms of market capitalization in Asia. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the utilization of the internet by Malaysian‐listed companies for investor information or communication. It also examines the content of such investor relations (IR) information compared with similar web sites from other parts of the world.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for the study consists of 100 stock market index‐linked firms listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.FindingsUsing a disclosure index for measuring investor information disclosure published in the companies’ web sites, this study revealed that only 70 firms provided investor‐related materials on their web sites. The highest‐ranking investor‐relations item was the background of the companies.Originality/valueThe results confirm that a gap exists between developed countries and developing countries with respect to the utilization of the internet for investor‐relations purposes. This study also provides evidence that governing bodies in East Asia – such as the Securities Commission, the Stock Exchange, and the Accounting Standard Board – should encourage (and, if necessary, enforce) the publication of IR information on company web sites.
Measuring corporate integrity: a survey‐based approach
Authors: Kaptein Muel , Avelino Scott 
Published: March 2005

PurposeAims to illustrate how management can examine corporate integrity.Design/methodology/approachThe results of a survey of the US workforce are used to illustrate how integrity can be measured. Questionnaires were sent to 3,075 pre‐qualified working adults with a response rate of 78 percent.FindingsOf the respondents, 76 percent reported being aware of a violation of the law or of company standards by a colleague or manager in the past 12 months. Many organizations are also sending employees the wrong message when it comes to conducting themselves in an ethical manner.Research limitations/implicationsThe research could be extended to other countries. Additionally, it would be a big step forward if research could lead to plausible findings about the relationship between organizational climate and unethical behavior.Practical implicationsManagement should consider the option of monitoring integrity periodically by means of a questionnaire, attending not only to the frequency of unethical conduct but also to the corresponding organizational context and corresponding consequences. In most cases it is advisable to measure integrity not only on a corporate level, but also on departmental levels so that it can form a part of the regular planning and control cycle.Originality/valueThis is the first study of the US workforce regarding ethics in the workplace.
Intestinal worms and human allergy
Authors: Cooper P. J. 
Published: March 2005

SUMMARY The immunoepidemiological interactions between intestinal worm (or geohelminth) infections and allergy are of great interest to parasitologists, immunologists, and allergists because of the close similarities between the human immune response to geohelminth parasites and environmental allergens. Allergic diseases appear to be most rare in populations living in the rural tropics with high rates of infection with geohelminth parasites, and this has led to suggestions that the relationship between geohelminth infections and allergy may be causal. Allergic sensitization and disease results from a complex interaction between environmental exposures and genetic background, and the numerous epidemiological studies that have investigated the relationship between allergy and geohelminth infections have provided conflicting findings. The strongest epidemiological evidence for a causal association is provided by intervention studies that demonstrate evidence for an effect of anthelmintic treatment on atopy or asthma risk. There is evidence also for an inverse relationship between geohelminth infection and either atopy or asthma symptoms from cross‐sectional studies that have been conducted in areas of high infection prevalence. Chronic geohelminth infections could affect allergy risk by modulation of the immune response to environmental allergens, and an area of great research activity at present is the investigation of the role of regulatory T cells in modulating host inflammatory responses. However, a causal association between geohelminth infections and allergy remains to be proven, and prospective and intervention studies are required that investigate the development of allergy in early life at a time when humans are first exposed to geohelminth parasites and their antigens.
Immunity, immunoregulation and the ecology of trichuriasis and ascariasis
Authors: Bradley J. E. , Jackson J. A. 
Published: March 2005

SUMMARY Immune responses to human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and their role in controlling worm populations are reviewed. Recent immunoepidemiological data implicate Th2‐mediated responses in limiting A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura populations. Reinfection studies further suggest that IL‐5 cytokine responses are negatively associated with adult recruitment in T. trichiura but not A. lumbricoides and may therefore be involved in negative intraspecific and interspecific interactions mediated through the host immune system. The importance of inducible immunoregulatory networks in the ecology of the host–parasite relationship is considered, with particular regard to possible manipulative strategies by the parasites. This aspect of the worms’ interaction with the host immune system is both poorly known and potentially central to an understanding of parasite population dynamics and the evolutionary pressures that have shaped present‐day host–parasite associations. Some possible implications of worm‐mediated immunomodulation for the occurrence of bystander infectious diseases in human populations and the management of de‐worming programmes are also discussed.
Bite performance and morphology in a population of Darwin's finches: implications for the evolution of beak shape
Authors: HERREL A. , PODOS J. , HUBER S. K. , HENDRY A. P. 
Published: March 2005

Summary

Previous studies of the Medium Ground Finch, Geospiza fortis, have documented that selection is most severe under drought conditions, which generally favour beaks that are comparatively deep and narrow. Deep beaks are presumed to enhance a bird's ability to crack hard seeds, and narrow beaks have been proposed to enhance a bird's efficiency in manipulating seeds.
In the present study, we make the first direct measurements of bite force in Darwin's finches. We used 147 G. fortis from Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, to document the influence of beak, head and body dimensions on bite force.
Among the various beak dimensions, depth, width and shape were all significant predictors of bite force. Among the various head dimensions, width was the best predictor of bite force. Generally low predictive values of multiple regression models including all morphological variables, as well as positive allometric scaling of bite force on head width, suggest an important additional role for variation in muscle architecture or jaw biomechanics in bite force generation.
Dry mass costs of deploying leaf area in relation to leaf size
Authors: PICKUP M. , WESTOBY M. , BASDEN A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe leaf size–twig size spectrum is an important spectrum of variation between species, although the costs and benefits of largervssmaller leaf size are poorly understood. This study quantified the dry mass costs of deploying leaf area in relation to leaf size, across 70 species from four sites contrasted on the basis of rainfall and soil nutrients in east‐temperate Australia.Leaf mass fraction beyond 10 mm2of conductive cross‐section (LMF10) varied threefold and was strongly positively correlated with leaf size, both across all species and within each habitat. This and other key correlations were significant both across species and as evolutionary divergences.An LMF10advantage for larger‐leaved species should translate into a proportional advantage in dry mass acquisition, yet species with small leaves persist and sustain populations. This raises the question as to what factors might counterbalance an LMF advantage associated with larger leaf size.Within some sites, specific leaf area (SLA) decreased with leaf size, which counterbalanced the LMF10advantage. Within other sites, and across all sites, SLA did not decline with leaf size. In these comparisons other factors, such as avoidance of overheating, must counterbalance the LMF10advantage to larger‐leaved species.Wood density was negatively correlated with leaf size. However, the relationship was weaker within sites in the lower rainfall zone, and species in these sites had generally higher wood density. Sapwood cross‐sectional area per unit leaf area (Huber value) varied approximately ninefold across all species, and was correlated with both leaf size and SLA across all species, but not within sites.
Impaired flight ability prior to egg‐laying: a cost of being a capital breeder
Authors: KULLBERG C. , JAKOBSSON S. , KABY U. , LIND J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryTo investigate flight ability in captive Zebra Finches during reproduction we compared change in escape take‐off ability and wing load of reproducing females with their mates and non‐reproducing females when attacked by a model raptor.Initially females had 18% higher wing load than males. Non‐reproducing females and females that had started egg‐laying flew slower than males. Reproducing females reduced wing load during egg‐laying and flew faster when the clutch was completed. Non‐breeding females remained on high wing load and flow slower than breeding females that had completed their clutch.The increase in flight speed of breeding females was explained by a reduction in wing load during egg‐laying.Zebra Finches use accumulated reserves to produce eggs and pay a cost in terms of reduced flight ability, but then regain flight performance when the clutch is laid, probably demonstrating a predation cost of capital breeding in birds.
Modelling nematode life cycles using dynamic energy budgets
Authors: JAGER T. , ÁLVAREZ O. ALDA , KAMMENGA J. E. , KOOIJMAN S. A. L. M. 
Published: March 2005

Summary

To understand the life cycle of an organism, it is important to understand the underlying physiological mechanisms of their life histories. We here use the theory of dynamic energy budgets (DEB) to investigate the close relationships between growth, reproduction and respiration in nematodes.
Using a set of simplified equations based on DEB theory, we are able to accurately describe life‐cycle data from the literature for the free‐living bacterivorous nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans, C. briggsae and Acrobeloides nanus, under different temperature or food regimes.
Nematodes apparently differ from other animals, as the initial growth is slower than expected. We explain this phenomenon by food limitation in the larvae, which is supported by more detailed physiological studies.
Food density and temperature are shown to have predictable effects on the growth curves (temperature affects only growth rate, whereas food density also affects ultimate size), although the reproduction patterns reveal some deviations from model predictions.
The presented model integrates the different aspects of the life cycle into a single framework, and can be applied as such to interpret the effects of various stressors.
Litmus tests for verification of feeding tube location in infants: evaluation of their clinical use
Authors: Nyqvist Kerstin Hedberg , Sorell Annette , Ewald Uwe 
Published: March 2005

Aims.  To examine the clinical use of litmus paper tests for the assessment of aspirates in infants.Background.  In connection with establishing a programme for home care of infants with requirement of tube feeding with parents as the infants’ carers, the need for a research‐based method for verification of feeding tube position was identified by nurses as a complement to other methods. In adult care the litmus paper test is commonly used when visual inspection is not sufficient for assessment of aspirates obtained from feeding tubes.Design.  Observational study.Methods and material.  Nurses performed litmus tests for verification of feeding tube location in a convenience sample of 60 infants born at a gestational age (GA) of 24–42 weeks. Presence/absence and volumes of aspirates were recorded as well as positive/negative litmus test reactions. Analyses on the association between test results and the infants’ GA and postmenstrual and postnatal age at the time of the tests were conducted.Results.  Data were obtained from 2970 tube feeds. Aspirates were present on 1840 occasions (62%). A higher proportion of infants with absence of aspirates were born at a GA below 32 weeks. A positive reaction occurred in 97% of the tests in volumes between 0.01 and 22 ml. Birth at a GA below 32 weeks and respiratory problems were associated with negative tests.Conclusion.  The high ratio of positive litmus reactions at all maturational levels supports the bedside use of analysis of pH in gastric aspirates for verification of feeding tube location.Relevance to clinical practice.  Application of pH indicator paper is recommended as a complementary method for assessment of aspirates from feeding tubes.
A framework for portfolio development in postgraduate nursing practice
Authors: Joyce Pauline 
Published: March 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study is to explore the introduction of portfolios into the first year of an MSc in Nursing Programme.Background.  This paper outlines a framework for portfolio development in postgraduate nursing practice. The framework is being piloted, within the Irish context, with students in the first year of a Masters in Nursing programme and has the potential to be developed for other nursing programmes at postgraduate level.Design and method.  An action research approach has been chosen to study the implementation of the portfolio and the development of a framework to guide this initiative. To date the development of the framework is being piloted as part of the ‘taking action’ phase of a first action research cycle.Results.  In its current stage of development the framework is constructed to embrace the core concepts of specialist nursing practice and the nursing management competencies, from current Irish health care documents. In addition the portfolio is anchored around personal development planning and is supported by the use of action learning tutorials and academic and practice facilitators. The first evaluating phase will take place later this year and will involve the collection of data from students, facilitators and lecturers.Conclusion.  The introduction of the portfolio at postgraduate level has highlighted, to date, issues of confidentiality in committing experiences to paper, issues around its assessment, and issues around sharing this document with other students.Relevance to clinical practice.  Portfolio development at postgraduate level emphasizes linking theory and practice and stresses the importance of reflection on practice. The portfolio can also be used by nurses to develop their clinical career pathways and encourage personal development planning.
Comparing mercury‐in‐glass, tympanic and disposable thermometers in measuring body temperature in healthy young people
Authors: Khorshid Leyla , Eşer İsmet , Zaybak Ayten , Yapucu Ülkü 
Published: March 2005

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this study was to determine whether a disposable thermometer was at least as accurate as a tympanic thermometer when compared with a mercury‐in‐glass thermometer and to investigate the waiting periods of mercury‐in‐glass thermometers.Background.  Although different methods of temperature measurement have been widely studied and described during the last decade, comparison between readings obtained when measuring body temperature using disposable, mercury‐in‐glass and tympanic thermometers is little documented and there is confusion about the waiting periods of mercury‐in‐glass thermometers.Methods.  This research was descriptive and comparative. Temperature measurements included three sequential readings using first a tympanic thermometer in the left ear, then a disposable thermometer in the left axillary area and finally a mercury‐in‐glass thermometer in the right axillary area. All the temperatures were measured on the Celsius (°C) scale. To identify the stabilization periods of the mercury‐in‐glass thermometers, the temperature measurement was repeated until the reading stabilized. F‐tests were used to compare readings of the mean temperatures.Results.  It was found that body temperature readings measured by tympanic thermometer were higher than axillary mercury‐in‐glass thermometer by 0.12 °C, body temperature readings measured by tympanic thermometer were higher than axillary disposable thermometer readings by 0.65 °C and body temperature readings measured by axillary mercury‐in‐glass thermometer were higher by 0.53 °C than readings measured by axillary disposable thermometer. It was found that readings measured by mercury‐in‐glass thermometer stabilized in the eighth minute.Relevance to clinical practice.  When assessing body temperature it is important to take the type of thermometer into consideration. In addition, axillary mercury‐in‐glass thermometers must be kept in place a minimum of eight minutes.
Evidence‐based health care: development and audit of a clinical standard for research and its impact on an NHS trust
Authors: Parkin Claire , Bullock Ian 
Published: March 2005

Background.  Working within a modern National Health Service in the United Kingdom, the place for research and its dissemination is increasingly important. The organization of this within each National Health Service (NHS) Trust is challenging but nevertheless essential. If health care professionals are to be empowered to adopt an evidence‐based approach in both the planning and delivery of care, research aware employees are crucial.Aims and objectives.  This paper highlights the importance of NHS hospital trusts implementing initiatives that will facilitate this process. One such initiative has been the development and survey of a clinical standard for research. The primary development aim was to provide a benchmark standard for all nursing research. The standard was developed to fit within the current dynamic quality improvement (DQI) programme and has directly contributed to an evolving culture of research by shaping nurses’ awareness, and offering a support and consultancy network within the Trust. The standard is one aspect of a research awareness programme, with the primary objective of providing guidance and education whilst developing nurses throughout the research process. The planned strategic outcome is to see a positive outcome on the quality of research in the Trust.Design.  A baseline survey was conducted to provide a definitive snap shot of research understanding and practice within the Trust following the introduction of the research standard.Methods.  The standard was developed by a team of clinicians led by a member of the quality team, to ensure that it fitted the DQI structure, and a member of the Nursing Research Unit (NRU). The standard was distributed to every clinical area and 192 nurses were surveyed to evaluate its impact on their awareness of educational opportunities, their use of the consultancy and support service, their use of other support services, their research utilization and research quality.Results.  The survey demonstrated that the implementation of the standard had increased awareness related to both formal and informal educational and research opportunities. It identified current nurses’ strengths and weaknesses relative to all aspects of the research process, particularly in obtaining ethical approval for studies. A rolling programme of research education enabled nurses to gain essential knowledge and skills in supporting their developing research awareness, consumption and conduct of research.Relevance to clinical practice.  The NRU, through this process, has formed an effective alliance between clinical nurses and research facilitators in promoting high quality research. The foundations to continue to support this within the Trust are now well established.