bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The course of bone healing is influenced by the initial shear fixation stability
Authors: Schell H. , Epari D. R. , Kassi J. P. , Bragulla H. , Bail H. J. , Duda G. N. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractFracture healing is influenced by fixation stability and experimental evidence suggests that the initial mechanical conditions may determine the healing outcome.We hypothesised that mechanical conditions influence not only the healing outcome, but also the early phase of fracture healing. Additionally, it was hypothesised that decreased fixation stability characterised by an increased shear interfragmentary movement results in a delay in healing. Sixty‐four sheep underwent a mid‐shaft tibial osteotomy which was treated with either a rigid or a semirigid external fixator. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 3, 6 and 9 weeks postoperatively and the fracture callus was analysed using radiological, biomechanical and histological techniques.The tibia treated with semi‐rigid fixation showed inferior callus stiffness and quality after 6 weeks. At 9 weeks, the calluses were no longer distinguishable in their mechanical competence. The calluses at 9 weeks produced under rigid fixation were smaller and consisted of a reduced fibrous tissue component. These results demonstrate that the callus formation over the course of healing differed both morphologically and in the rate of development.In this study, we provide evidence that the course of healing is influenced by the initial fixation stability. The semi‐rigid fixator did not result in delayed healing, but a less optimal healing path was taken. An upper limit of stability required for successful healing remains unknown, however a limit by which healing is less optimal has been determined. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Long‐Term Incidence of Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmia and Shock Therapy in Patients with Primary Defibrillator Implantation Does Not Differ from Event Rates in Patients Treated for Survived Cardiac Arrest
Authors: BACKENKÖHLER ULRICH , ERDOGAN ALI , STEEN‐MUELLER MARY‐KAY , KUHLMANN CHRISTOPH , MOST ASTRID , SCHAEFER CHRISTIAN , STERTMANN WILHELM , WAAS WOLFGANG , TILLMANNS HARALD , WALDECKER BERND 
Published: May 2005

Introduction: Recent trials have demonstrated benefit of prophylactic defibrillator (ICD) implantation compared to conventional treatment in high‐risk patients. However, many patients have rare or no sustained arrhythmias following implantation. Our study addresses the question, whether patients with prophylactic defibrillator implantation have a lower risk for life‐threatening ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) compared to sudden cardiac death (SCD) survivors. Methods and Results: Over 7 years we enrolled 245 patients. Occurrence of spontaneous sustained VT/VF resulting in adequate ICD treatment was the endpoint. Incidence, type, and treatment of sustained arrhythmia in 43 previously asymptomatic ICD recipients (group B) were compared to data of 202 survivors of imminent SCD (group A). All patients had severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (<45%). Group B patients had long runs (>6 cycles, <30 s) of VT during Holter monitoring and inducible sustained arrhythmia. Incidence of rapid VT and VF (cycle length <240 ms/heart rate >250 bpm) after 4 years (35% in both groups, P = ns) and adequate defibrillator therapies (57% vs 55%, P = ns) were similar in both groups after univariate and multivariate analysis. Cumulative mortality tended to be lower in group B compared to group A, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: During long‐term follow‐up, incidence of sustained rapid ventricular arrhythmia in prophylactically treated patients is as high as that of SCD survivors. Benefit from defibrillator implantation for primary prevention (group B) appears to be comparable to that for survived cardiac arrest (group A).
Cooled Needle Catheter Ablation Creates Deeper and Wider Lesions Than Irrigated Tip Catheter Ablation
Authors: THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA , POULIOPOULOS JIM , ANTHONY (TONY) BARRY MICHAEL , BOYD ANITA C. , EIPPER VICKI , YUNG TERESA , ROSS DAVID L. , KOVOOR PRAMESH 
Published: May 2005

Objectives: To design and test a catheter that could create deeper ablation lesions. Background: Endocardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation is unable to reliably create transmural ventricular lesions. We designed an intramural needle ablation catheter with an internally cooled 1.1‐mm diameter straight needle that could be advanced up to 14 mm into the myocardium. The prototype catheter was compared with an irrigated tip ablation catheter. Methods: Ablation lesions were created under general anesthesia in 14 male sheep (weight 44 ± 7.3 kg) with fluoroscopic guidance. Each of the catheters was used to create two ablation lesions at randomly allocated positions within the left ventricle. The irrigation rate, target temperature, and maximum power were: 20 mL/min, 85°C, 50 W for the intramural needle catheter and 20 mL/min, 50°C, 50 W for the irrigated tip catheter, respectively. All ablations were performed for 2 minutes. After the last ablation, blue tetrazolium (12.5 mg/kg) was infused intravenously. The heart was removed via a left thoracotomy after monitoring the sheep for one hour. Results: There was no evidence of cardiac tamponade in any sheep. The intramural needle catheter lesions were significantly wider (10.9 ± 2.8 mm vs 10.1 ± 2.4 mm, P = 0.01), deeper (9.6 ± 2.0 mm vs 7.0 ± 1.3 mm, P = 0.01), and more likely to be transmural (38% vs 0%, P = 0.03). Conclusions: Cooled intramural needle ablation creates lesions that are significantly deeper and wider than endocardial RF ablation using an irrigated tip catheter in sheep hearts. This technology may be useful in treating ventricular tachycardia resistant to conventional ablation techniques.
Epitaxial growth of NaxCoO2 thin films by pulsed-laser deposition
Authors: Krockenberger Y. , Fritsch I. , Cristiani G. , Matveev A. , Alff L. , Habermeier H.-U. , Keimer B. 
Published: May 2005

Single-phase thin films of NaxCoO2 have been grown epitaxially by pulsed-laser deposition technique. The growth conditions were studied based on the logpO2−1∕T phase diagram of Co–O2 using different types of substrate materials. For Na0.58CoO2, metallic behavior is found down to 4.2K.
At the request of the authors, this article is being retracted effective 4 January 2006.
Factors that inhibit economic development in the information and communications technology industry at the regional level
Authors: Henson James M. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeExploratory research to extend and refine a computer‐based interview tool to help determine the factors that companies in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry consider obstacles in regards to their economic development environment within a localized region.Design/methodology/approachA computer‐based process was employed in telephone interviews to solicit and record responses from executives in ICT‐related companies for the 210 cases that are included in this study.FindingsSeveral obstacles to economic development were identified, and factor analysis was employed to refine the data into a few broad areas of concern.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a snapshot of attitudes within the ICT industry at this point in time. Another study in the future will try to determine if there is a correlation between the presence of obstacles identified in this study and the rate of growth of the ICT industry. Additional research will be required to determine if the factors developed through factor analysis can be related to any underlying causal factors.Practical implicationsData and findings were provided to community leaders involved in economic development. Comparisons within a particular region and between regions can provide guidance for developmental activities.Originality/valueThis research seeks to identify and assist in minimizing obstacles to economic development within the ICT industry for any local region. While this study was conducted in a limited region of the US, it can be applied to any region in the world. Applicability to underdeveloped countries would probably require consideration of other possible obstacles such as lack of capital, infrastructure constraints, speed of services, language, and a general lack of modernization.
The use of multiple intelligences to enhance team productivity
Authors: Green Anna L. , Hill Aretha Y. , Friday Earnest , Friday Shawnta S. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo provide practitioners and researchers with a framework for using individuals' multiple intelligences (MI) to enhance team productivity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a general review paper that examines how the theory of MI as espoused by Gardner may be used to enhance the productivity of teams. Based on its use in organizational training, it is suggested that MI theory can and should be applied in the context of organizational teams. This descriptive paper is divided into the following sections: literature reviews of team development, team building, MI, and the use of MI in organizational training; and the development of a framework for using MI to enhance team productivity.FindingsProvides information about how individual team members' varying degrees of the eight MI espoused by Gardner may be used to enhance their contributions to the team. Suggests that the enhanced contributions from team members will lead to enhanced team productivity, and ultimately, enhanced organizational productivity.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical research is needed to test the MI and team productivity framework presented. Additionally, from a conceptual and empirical perspective, the relationship between team productivity and other contemporary dimensions of intelligence, such as cultural, emotional, and practical intelligences, need to be investigated.Practical implicationsA very useful framework for managers to use as a tool to enhance the productivity of their teams by encouraging members to use their complementary intelligences to successfully accomplish team goals.Originality/valueNo other paper offers managers a practical framework to encourage team members to use more than just their written and verbal intelligences to complete an assigned task.
High performance: ownership and decision‐making in SMEs
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Sims Martin , Ghobadian Abby 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo date there is a dearth of research on strategic decision‐making in manufacturing small and medium sized firms. This research paper focuses on the key drivers of decision‐making and organisational performance: ownership, decision‐making (type and level) and employee deployment. These drivers are defined and operationalised.Design/methodology/approachThe validity of the constructs used and their relevance was tested through the qualitative phase of the research – in‐depth interviews with chief executives and employer representative bodies. The survey instrument was also pilot tested.FindingsThe findings indicate that the sample can be divided into performance leaders and laggards. Over 75 per cent of the leaders are independently owned and over 66 per cent of the laggards are subsidiary firms. Accordingly, ownership is a key factor in overall performance. This is confirmed by the degree of profitability of both classifications.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the study are outlined in the paper. Chief executives are encouraged to focus on the aspects of ownership, decision making, and employee deployment that are associated with enhanced performance.Originality/valueThis study focuses on decision making and employee deployment according to ownership and overall performance – factors hitherto under researched in SMEs.
Spices and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kelble Abigail 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe paper is a review of current research on phytochemicals and how they may alleviate type 2 diabetes by improving insulin activity in the body.Design/methodology/approachLiterature searches were conducted to find a link between common household spices and type 2 diabetes. Only common household spices were researched so that any link found between spices and type 2 diabetes could lead to practical home‐based recommendations for changes in a person's diet.FindingsCinnamon, garlic, ginger, basil, oregano, nutmeg, tea, bay leaf, allspice, curry, and others were found to play a role in lowering blood glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity, and increasing glucose synthesis in response to food intake. In addition, these spices may improve blood circulation, decrease platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure, and act as blood vessel protectants, ameliorating the cardiovascular disease often associated with type 2 diabetes. To gain these benefits, only average amounts commonly used in foods are necessary, such as amounts usually sprinkled in foods or amounts used in recipes. At high concentrated doses, the advantages to utilizing spices may be inhibited.Originality/valueThe findings that phytochemicals in common household spices can improve insulin activity in the body present a more natural way to possibly treat and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Propionibacterium shermanii metabolites on sensory properties and shelf life of UF‐Feta cheese
Authors: Mohamadi Sani A. , Ehsani M.R. , Mazaheri Asadi M. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeFungal growth on UF‐Feta cheese is one of the most important factors of consumer dissatisfaction in Iran. Propionibacterium shermanii metabolites was used as a biopreservative to retard this inconvenient. This research was done to determine the concentration of the metabolite that increases cheese shelf life with no adverse effect on sensory properties.Design/methodology/approachThe cheese was manufactured according to the methods used in the Iranian UF‐Feta cheese dairy plants. The metabolite was used in the order of 0.5 and 1 per cent (w/w) of retentate weight. After incubation while reaching the required pH, cheese samples were stored at two temperatures including 4 and 25 degree C in which analysis was done during a period of 90 and 70 days respectively. Effect of the metabolite on shelf life (absence of visible fungi growth), total viable fungi, microbial load, pH as well as sensory properties including taste, odour, colour and overall acceptability was compared with the control (untreated sample).FindingsResults showed that the shelf life duration of the cheese was extended by approx. 35–43 per cent. Total viable fungi was most efficiently reduced using the metabolite but there was no significant differences in microbial load. Addition of the metabolite didn’t affect pH of cheese at either temperatures compared with control. Results of sensory evaluation showed that the taste and odour of cheese containing 0.5 per cent of the metabolite was preferred as compare to the others (p<0.1). The intervension had no effect no effect on colour scores of cheese. The texture of control was better than the others (p<0.1).Originality/valueIn UF‐Feta cheese, the presence of fungi represents a major concern for cheese manufacturers. The results indicate that the fungal growth can be minimized using Propionibacterium shermanii metabolites without undesirable effects on sensory properties. The potential of the metabolite to inhibit yeast growth on UF‐Feta cheese was a new finding in this research.
Assessment of daily iron intake for the Pakistani population
Authors: Akhter P. , Mohammad D. , Orfi S.D. , Ahmad N. , Rehman K. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeIron deficiency is the number one nutritional disorder in the world and is quite common in Pakistan. Iron deficiency anaemia may result from a low dietary intake, inadequate intestinal absorption, excessive blood loss, and/or increased needs. While iron overload is also responsible of number of diseases. The normal iron status of our body is usually maintained by controlling amount of iron absorbed from food. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adult male and female in the age from 19 to 50 years is 8 and 18mg, respectively. While RDA above 50 years is it for both genders i.e. 8mg (NIH, 2002). Nutritional status of dietary iron was estimated to combat the iron related diseases in Pakistani population.Design/methodology/approachFood samples were collected from major cities/districts of the country using market basket method. Daily diets were prepared and analyzed for iron contents using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS).FindingsAn average value of iron concentration was measured to be 52±15μg/g, which leads to an average daily dietary intake of 31±9.5mg/d, with a variation of 12 to 52mg/d. The estimated values of our daily iron intake are about 2 times higher than the recommended daily allowance set by international committee of radiological protection (ICRP) and US food and nutrition board (FNB). Apparently our diet seems enriched in iron contents. But its bioavailability may be low due to dietary composition. Major portion of our diet is based on plant food (71 per cent), followed by milk products (17 per cent) and other miscellaneous items, whereas consumption of animal food is only 5 per cent. This dietary composition and our food intake habits in the presence of iron inhibiters (i.e. phytate in plant food, tannin and polyphenols in tea and calcium) could be the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia among the Pakistani population.Originality/valueIron deficiency anemia is quiet common and cause of concern in Pakistan. The findings of the study indicate that bioavailability of iron to Pakistani population can be enhanced/improved with slight alterations/adjustments in dietary habits.
Performance evaluation of a mango stone decorticator
Authors: Jekayinfa S.O. , Durowoju M.O. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeIn Nigeria, the mango fruits consumption rate is high during its peak period and this has always resulted in environmental sanitation problem because the mango seeds are thrown to the surroundings immediately the fruits are eaten. Finding more useful application of the kernel would be a way to reduce the environmental pollution. Mechanical decortication of the leathery mango stone remains the only viable option that can support any prospected commercial uses of the mango kernel.Design/methodology/approachThe decorticator consists of a hopper, a decorticating chamber, spiked shaft, screen shaker and discharge spout. The machine performance was evaluated in terms of decorticating efficiency, mechanical damage and sieve loss.FindingsResults of the evaluation show that the optimum performance of the decorticator was at a speed of 900rpm, feed rate of 250kg/h and power requirement of 2.50kW.Originality/valueMango stones are useful as substitute for maize in finishing broiler diets. The kernel is also used for medicinal purposes in moderation of anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal activities. Therefore, the designed mango stone decorticator enhances the complete mechanization processes of mango products.
Healthy Start – will it provide optimal infant and child nutrition?
Authors: Belton Neville R. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeCritical assessment of Government proposals to introduce Healthy Start, the first reform of the Welfare Food Scheme for over 60 years.Design/methodology/approachConsideration has been made of the changes proposed in the new Healthy Start programme. While credit is given for the advantages in the new scheme, an assessment is made of deficiencies in the new proposals and suggestions made of what still needs to be incorporated into the plans before Healthy Start is launched in 2005.FindingsSixty years after the wartime Government established the Welfare Food Scheme in 1940, the present Government, proposes to replace the Welfare Food Scheme with Healthy Start amid concerns that early nutrition of many infants and children is not optimal. Many components of the new scheme have been broadly welcomed, but there is considerable disquiet that the proposals fall short of what was proposed by a COMA Scientific Review Panel in 2002. Nutritional problems such as iron and vitamin D deficiency are being largely neglected. The opportunity to include follow‐on formula, is being ignored. This will adversely affect the nutrition of infants and children in some of the poorest families in the country.Practical implicationsUnless changes are made, an opportunity is being lost because the new proposals fall short of what is desirable.Originality/valueA review has been made of the new Healthy Start scheme for infants, children and their mothers before the scheme is implemented. It is important that revisions are made before the scheme is launched.
Controlling healthcare associated infections (HAI) and the role of facilities management in achieving “quality” in healthcare: a three‐dimensional view
Authors: Liyanage Champika , Egbu Charles 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo explore the role of facilities management (FM) in the control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) and then to discuss a three‐dimensional approach which can be used for FM services in the control of infections (HAI).Design/methodology/approachMost of what is put forward in this paper is based on a research project which is at its early stages. The discussions are therefore grounded on a thorough review of literature accomplished as part of the research project. Unstructured interviews with experts (sample – 25) in infection control in National Health Service in Scotland (NHSS), carried out concurrently as a pilot study, also provided useful insights when writing up this paper.FindingsIt is suggested that integrating FM effectively with the core services is vital in avoiding duplication of work carried out by the healthcare workers. Continuous measurement and management of performance of FM services is also vital in the control of HAI. In addition, it was identified that managing knowledge is important to retain, develop, organize, and utilize the organization's capability of managing HAI. Overall, an increased concerted effort; better integration of processes and practices between clinical and non‐clinical activities in the healthcare sector and effective dissemination of knowledge are all vital in controlling HAI to achieve “quality” in healthcare provisions. More empirical research is needed to explore the many complex and significant ways in which FM can be exploited for improved control of HAI.Research limitations/implicationsBoth targeted guidelines on the role of FM in the control of HAI as well as the paucity of relevant literature on related areas are limitations.Practical implicationsThe culture of healthcare managers and functional level staff is a major implication when operationalizing the three‐dimensional approach introduced in the paper.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on one of the major issues in healthcare, i.e. HAI. Few have taken an FM perspective on this issue. This paper therefore adds significantly to our understanding of the control of HAI from a non‐clinical perspective.