bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of internal versus external integration practices on time‐based performance and overall firm performance
Authors: Droge Cornelia , Jayaram Jayanth , Vickery Shawnee K. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of integration practices on time‐based performance and on overall firm performance (financial and market share). Integration practices are grouped into two categories: (1) external strategic design integration, which reaches across firm boundaries to involve suppliers and customers and (2) internal design‐process integration, which comprises more tactically oriented, integration practices that match design requirements and process capabilities. First, regression results show that both internal and external integration are related to time‐based performance, which in turn is related to firm performance. Thus, two indirect routes to firm performance are identified. Second, hierarchical regression reveals that integration directly affects firm performance even after time‐based performance is accounted for. Finally, we found that the interaction of internal and external integration is significantly related to both market share and financial performance (after controlling for all other effects). This latter result suggests that the joint use of external and internal integration practices has a synergistic effect on firm performance.
Internal Equilibria and Partial Vapor Pressures of Mixtures of Primary Normal Alcohols with Normal Paraffin Hydrocarbons
Authors: von Elbe Guenther 
Published: November 2004

1. Heats of mixing for mixtures of primary n-alcohols and n-hydrocarbons have been determined down to practically infinite alcohol dilution over a temperature range from 10°C to 45°C. It has been found that (1) the heat of mixing is always negative and that the heat absorption, per mol of alcohol, increases with increasing dilution of the alcohols to a limit of 5800 cal. per mol; that the curves of the molar heat absorption against molar alcohol concentration are identical for all investigated systems—the first four primary n-alcohols in n-hexane and n-heptane. Furthermore, reports in the literature that n-hydrocarbons may be mixed with each other without any heat effect were confirmed.
2. The present experiments and evidence gathered from the literature indicate that (1) primary n-alcohols, in the pure liquid state, are completely associated to double molecules and that when mixed with a hydrocarbon they dissociate into single molecules; (2) that the association takes place between the two hydroxyl groups of two single molecules on account of their electrostatic dipole forces; (3) that the observed heat absorption is entirely due to the dissociation of double molecules, i.e., breaking up of the (electrostatic) hydroxyl bond and that there is no thermal effect of the aliphatic groups in the alcohol molecules upon the hydrocarbon solvent; and (4) that the equilibria between single and double molecules are identical at equal molar concentrations for all primary n-alcohols in all n-hydrocarbons.
3. This theory leads to an equation for the partial vapor pressures of n-alcohols in n-hydrocarbons: log p=log f−(λ−Q)/RT+B−b,where p=the partial vapor pressure at the mol fraction f, λ=the heat of vaporization of pure alcohol, Q=heat of mixing at mol fraction f and temperature T, and b=a universal function of Q. B is determined by the ordinary (simplified) vapor pressure equation log P=−λ/RT+Band is constant over the whole temperature range investigated. λ and B depend upon the nature of the alcohol, while Q and b depend upon molar concentration and temperature.
4. It is shown that after b has been determined once as a function of Q in a specific case, one can calculate partial vapor pressure curves of other systems.
5. An equation has been developed which permits the calculation of the degree of dissociation and therefore Q, for any temperature and concentration.
Variation in Perspective: The Employment Success of Ethnic Minority Males in the Netherlands, 1988–2002
Authors: Bevelander Pieter , Veenman Justus 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis article investigates the job chances of ethnic minority males in the Dutch labour market. Using information from the Social Position and Use of Facilities by Immigrants (SPVA) surveys for the years 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998, and 2002, we trace the employment pattern of various ethnic minority groups and Dutch natives, and study some determining factors for the job chances in the Netherlands during this period. The analysis reveals a clear variation in the employment patterns for different ethnic minority groups. Individual characteristics, such as marital status and especially educational level, turn out to be important factors in explaining the job chances for all groups. Moreover, support is found for the effect of the regional demand for labour on the employment chances for most of the analysed ethnic groups, which implies that no support is found for the queuing theory.
Refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Serbia: A Study of Refugee Selectivity
Authors: Lukic Vesna , Nikitovic Vladimir 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper examines selectivity of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Serbia with respect to certain demographic and socio‐economic structures. Analyses indicated that the demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of these refugees are significantly more favourable than those of other refugees in Serbia and those in the place of origin. The results show that refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina who, because of war, have sought refuge in Serbia are positively selective compared to the population that moved shorter distances (i.e. within the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina) for the same reason.Their educational level and participation in the Belgrade workforce, the main urban and functional centre and pole of demographic concentration, support the hypothesis that despite the forced nature of their migration, movement to Serbia as a destination rather than migration within Bosnia and Herzegovina was partly determined by economic factors in keeping with the structural characteristics of the refugees. The directions of recent refugee migrations from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia have continued the historic trend of previous migrations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. To be specific, the centres with the highest concentrations of recent refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina are precisely those municipalities with the greatest number of persons who migrated from Bosnia and Herzegovina before 1991.
Chemical‐physical properties of lipoproteins in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Curatola G. , Camilloni M. A. , Vignini A. , Nanetti L. , Boscaro M. , Mazzanti L. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  Anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychosomatic disorder, has serious negative effects on multiple organs and systems of the human body. Anorexia nervosa usually runs a chronic course and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.In order to elucidate the role played by lipids in AN, in the present study we compared the plasma lipid profile and the chemical‐physical properties of lipoproteins obtained from subjects affected by AN.Materials and methods  The study was performed on lipoproteins of AN subjects and of age‐matched healthy subjects used as controls. We tested the susceptibility to oxidative stress in vitro, the fatty acid content, the fluidity using 2‐dimethylamino‐(6‐lauroyl)‐naphthalene (Laurdan) and 1,6‐difenil‐1,3,5‐esatriene (DPH) probes.Results  Present results indicate that AN patients present a deep alteration of the composition and of chemical‐physical properties in circulating lipoproteins, even in the absence of significant modifications to clinical metabolic parameters. A significantly decreased body mass index (BMI) was found in AN patients in comparison with controls. Anorexia nervosa patients showed a significant modification of phospholipids to protein ratio and a significantly increased percentage of unsaturated fatty acids compared with control subjects as well as a decreased fluidity, a significantly increased percentage of liquid‐crystalline phase in VLDL, and a significantly reduced susceptibility to oxidative stress, more pronounced in LDL.Conclusions  These results confirm the hypothesis that anorexia is accompanied by changes of lipid metabolism in the central nervous system (CNS).
Predictors of health behaviours in college students
Authors: Von Ah Diane , Ebert Sheryl , Ngamvitroj Anchalee , Park Najin , Kang Duck‐Hee 
Published: November 2004

Aim.  This paper reports a study examining the direct effects of perceived stress, perceived availability of and satisfaction with social support, and self‐efficacy, and examines the intermediary roles of perceived threat (perceived susceptibility ×perceived severity), benefits, and barriers on alcohol behaviour, smoking behaviour, physical activity and nutrition behaviour, general safety behaviour and sun‐protective behaviour in college students.Background.  Health behaviours formed during young adulthood may have a sustaining impact on health across later life. Entering college can be an exciting, yet stressful event for many adolescents and young adults as they face trying to adapt to changes in academic workloads, support networks, and their new environment. Coupled with these changes and new‐found responsibilities, they have greater freedom and control over their lifestyles than ever before. However, researchers have shown globally that many college students engage in various risky health behaviours.Method.  A cross‐sectional sample of 161 college students enrolled in an introductory psychology course completed self‐report questionnaires regarding stress; social support; self‐efficacy; and components of the Health Belief Model including perceived threat, perceived benefits, perceived barriers; and common health behaviours. Step‐wise multiple regression analysis was conducted and significant predictors were retained as modifiers in the path analysis.Findings.  Self‐efficacy significantly predicted alcohol and smoking behaviour, physical activity and nutrition protective behaviour, general safety protective behaviour and sun‐protective behaviour. Under high‐perceived threat, self‐efficacy was mediated by perceived barriers for binge drinking and moderated by perceived barriers for physical activity and nutrition behaviours. In addition, under high‐perceived threat, self‐efficacy was moderated by perceived threat for alcohol use at 30 days and 6 months. Under low threat, self‐efficacy was mediated by perceived barriers for smoking behaviour and general safety protective behaviours.Conclusions.  Future health promotion programmes with college students must use interventions that maximize self‐efficacy and ultimately reduce barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Developing concept maps from problem‐based learning scenario discussions
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ling 
Published: November 2004

Aims.  This paper reports a study examining the effects of adopting concept mapping in problem‐based learning scenario discussions on the improvement of students’ learning outcomes in a nursing course.Background.  Students in Taiwan usually have a high degree of anxiety about whether or not they have learned enough. Problem‐based learning is a method of teaching that uses a patient situation or scenario to stimulate students to acquire and apply information to solve problems. Concept mapping can promote problem‐solving and critical thinking to help students organize complex patient data, process complex relationships and offer holistic care to patients.Methods.  An experimental design was used, with participants randomly assigned either to a control or experimental group. The experimental group participated in six problem‐based learning scenario discussions during the 16‐week semester, while the control group attended a traditional course.Results.  The experimental group had significantly higher proposition and hierarchy scores for their concept maps compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in the cross‐link and example scores between the two groups. In general, the total score difference between the groups did not reach statistical significance levels. Only one student in the experimental group obtained a high score; most participants in both groups (over 50%) obtained low scores.Conclusions.  Concept mapping strategies may be useful for analysis of individual student's thinking processes for (1) emphasizing key concepts or main ideas, (2) understanding relationships between different concepts, including cause–effect and part–whole relationships, (3) reviewing propositions, hierarchies and cross‐links in a logically scientific way, and (4) revising concept structures to agree with theory and experience.
Advanced practice nursing roles: development, implementation and evaluation
Authors: Bryant‐Lukosius Denise , DiCenso Alba , Browne Gina , Pinelli Janet 
Published: November 2004

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to discuss six issues influencing the introduction of advanced practice nursing (APN) roles: confusion about APN terminology, failure to define clearly the roles and goals, role emphasis on physician replacement/support, underutilization of all APN role domains, failure to address environmental factors that undermine the roles, and limited use of evidence‐based approaches to guide their development, implementation and evaluation.Background.  Health care restructuring in many countries has led to substantial increases in the different types and number of APN roles. The extent to which these roles truly reflect advanced nursing practice is often unclear. The misuse of APN terminology, inconsistent titling and educational preparation, and misguided interpretations regarding the purpose of these roles pose barriers to realizing their full potential and impact on health. Role conflict, role overload, and variable stakeholder acceptance are frequently reported problems associated with the introduction of APN roles.Discussion.  Challenges associated with the introduction of APN roles suggests that greater attention to and consistent use of the terms of the terms advanced nursing practice, advancement and advanced practice nursing is required. Advanced nursing practice refers to the work or what nurses do in the role and is important for defining the specific nature and goals for introducing new APN roles. The concept of advancement further defines the multi‐dimensional scope and mandate of advanced nursing practice and distinguishes differences from other types of nursing roles. Advanced practice nursing refers to the whole field, involving a variety of such roles and the environments in which they exist. Many barriers to realizing the full potential of these roles could be avoided through better planning and efforts to address environmental factors, structures, and resources that are necessary for advanced nursing practice to take place.Conclusions.  Recommendations for the future introduction of APN roles can be drawn from this paper. These include the need for a collaborative, systematic and evidence‐based process designed to provide data to support the need and goals for a clearly defined APN role, support a nursing orientation to advanced practice, promote full utilization of all the role domains, create environments that support role development, and provide ongoing evaluation of these roles related to predetermined goals.
Gallbladder vasculitis associated with cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis
Authors: Manoharan Shobhan , Muir James 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARY A 72‐year‐old woman presented with a 1‐week history of a painful, purpuric, pruritic rash on her legs, buttocks and arms. Skin biopsy revealed histological features typical of leucocytoclastic vasculitis. She was admitted, her usual medications were withheld, and she was commenced on ibuprofen and loratadine. The patient had undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy 2 months prior to her rash appearing. She had been having upper abdominal pain for 2 years and, following a more severe acute episode, an abdominal ultrasound scan had revealed a solitary cholelithiasis. Histology of the gallbladder revealed acute fibrinoid vasculitis in two small arteries, on a background of chronic cholecystitis. A mild postoperative wound infection was treated with a short course of cephalexin and no other investigations were conducted. As an inpatient, the patient's rash improved, but she progressed to develop systemic vasculitis and acute renal failure. Renal biopsy showed focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis, consistent with vasculitis. She was subsequently commenced on cyclophosphamide 100 mg daily, prednisolone 50 mg daily and one prophylactic trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (160 mg/800 mg) tablet 3 days/week. Following discharge, the patient's cutaneous vasculitis eventually resolved and renal function gradually improved. Her prednisolone was gradually reduced to 7 mg daily and cyclophosphamide was weaned, then substituted with azathioprine 100 mg daily.
Unexpected relationships and valuable mistakes: non‐myrmecochorous Prosopis dispersed by messy leafcutting ants in harvesting their seeds
Authors: Milesi Fernando A. , Lopez De Casenave Javier 
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Ants generally disperse seeds while feeding on fruits or structures attached to the seed. Seed dispersal as a by‐product of seed predation (dyszoochory) was recognized in specialized harvester ants, but not in ants predating seeds opportunistically. Leafcutting ants are the main herbivores in much of the Neotropics, and they have been reported to remove fruits and seeds, but their role as seed predators and dispersers has not been acknowledged. Prosopis flexuosa D.C. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) is the most abundant tree species in the central Monte Desert, Argentina, and it is likely to depend on secondary animal dispersal. Mammalian frugivores are usually considered its main dispersers, but the opportunity for dispersal may be small since the removal of fruits and seeds by seed predators is very intense. The objective of this study was to identify which ant species interact with P. flexuosa fruits and to evaluate their relative importance as seed predators and dispersers. In a field experiment, whole and segmented pods were offered and several ant species exploiting the fruits were identified. Additionally, all pod segments remaining around nests of the three ant species able to remove them (the leafcutters Acromyrmex lobicornis Emery and Acromyrmex striatus Roger, and Pheidole bergi Mayr) were examined during and after the P. flexuosa primary dispersal season. Up to 753 pod segments and 90 sound seeds were found accumulated in a circle of 1 m radius over nests of A. lobicornis, and even more in an examined trail. Acromyrmex striatus left a smaller proportion of sound seeds and P. bergi left a smaller number of pod segments. All tendencies were similar during shorter known periods of accumulation. Leafcutting ants are acting as important seed predators, and ‘by mistake’ may be dispersing a key non‐myrmecochorous tree. This is an unexplored path in the seed dispersal cycle of P. flexuosa that challenges the tendency to predict interactions based on classifications made with other goals.
Effects of Fire on the Abundance of Xenarthrans in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Prada Manrique , Marinho‐Filho Jader 
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Fire is an important ecological factor in Cerrado vegetation of central Brazil, and in other savanna ecosystems. The effect of fire on the abundance of some Xenarthran mammal species Priodontes maximus Kerr, 1792 (giant armadillo), Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758 (yellow armadillo) and Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 (giant anteater)) was studied at Reserva Xavante do Rio das Mortes, a 329 000 ha Xavante Indian reserve in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Track counts were used to compare the abundance of these mammals along seven burned and seven unburned transects, on seven occasions between August 1995 and August 1996. The number of tracks in burned and unburned areas did not differ. Xenarthrans probably use burned areas to obtain food resources, basically termites and ants. Xavante traditional fire hunts may reduce fuel accumulation and function as a mechanism to prevent more destructive fires. Fire management at Reserva Xavante is recommended because the burning system of Brazilian farmers is already influencing the Xavante community. Xavante traditional knowledge about fire could be an important instrument for this management.
Composition, size and dynamics of the seed bank in a mediterranean shrubland of Chile
Authors: Figueroa Javier A. , Teillier Sebastián , Jaksic Fabian M. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Analysis was performed of the richness and abundance of woody species, forbs, and annual grasses in the easily germinating soil seed bank (henceforth seed bank) in a mediterranean shrubland of central Chile. The effects of successional development after fire and by microsite type (underneath or outside shrubs) on the density of seeds in the soil, and the relationship of species abundance in the seed bank with its abundance in the above‐ground vegetation was examined. A total of 64 plant species were recorded in the seed bank, of which 44 were annual or biannual. Eight species were woody and another eight were perennial herbs. Four could not be identified to species level. The highest richness of established herbaceous species was recorded in late spring, with 31 species. The regeneration of the herbaceous vegetation was driven by the annual production of seeds and by a reserve of short‐lived propagules in the soil. Density of all germinating seeds was significantly higher during late spring and late summer. Density of grass seeds was greater during late spring, while that of all other species was greater during late summer. Annual grass seeds accumulated in higher proportion at exposed microsites rather than under woody canopy, and in young (< 5 years old) and intermediate‐age patches (10–20 years old) rather than in mature vegetation (30–50 years old). The abundance of established woody and herb species was uncorrelated with that of the seed bank.
Are express saccades generated under natural viewing conditions?
Authors: Schiller Peter H. , Slocum Warren M. , Carvey Christina , Tolias Andreas S. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTo assess whether express saccades are generated under everyday conditions, we collected eye movement data from Rhesus monkeys engaged in free viewing under a variety of conditions. The durations of the fixation periods that occurred between saccades were calculated. The results show that while short‐duration fixations within the range of express saccades occur quite commonly, the overall distribution is unimodal. This is the case even when all the object elements in the visual scene have the same contrast. The findings suggest that while saccades that fall within the express range occur commonly under natural viewing conditions, bimodal distributions of saccadic latencies are obtainable only under laboratory conditions.