bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical analysis of bank specific factors affecting interest rate of Ugandan banking financial institutions
Authors: Tumwine Sulait , Sejjaaka Samuel , Bbaale Edward , Kamukama Nixon 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of bank specific factors on interest rate in banking financial institutions (BFIs) of Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach
To analyze the effect, an OLS random effects regression estimate on a data set of 24 banks from 2008 to 2016 from Bank of Uganda Depository Corporation survey was carried out. Studied bank specific factors including liquidity, operational efficiency, credit risk, capitalization and lending ratio are considered.

Findings
The results indicate that liquidity, operational efficiency, capitalization and lending out ratio affect the interest rate while credit risk does not.

Research limitations/implications
The study has confirmed that bank specific factors influence interest rate and other factors such as industry-level and indirect macroeconomic indicators need to be explored. The differences in categories of banks on interest rate would be of importance. Finally, this study concentrated on banks in Uganda, future study would focus on the comparison of Ugandan banks with those of other countries in the East African Region.

Practical implications
Bank managers should invest in up-to-date technology to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Managers of bank should take interest on equity mobilization, because it constitutes a cheaper source of capital to finance asset used in operations and long-term needs of borrowers financing. Government should consider a legislation that provides incentives toward savings and reduction in tax for bank inputs.

Originality/value
This is the first study that investigates the effect of bank specific factors on interest rate in Uganda’s BFIs.
Phonological effects in visual word recognition: evidence from the processing of two types of Hebrew acronyms
Authors: Peleg Orna , Norman Tal , Bergerbest Dafna 
Published: May 2018

To investigate phonological effects in visual word recognition, a visual lexical decision task was used in which the critical stimuli were two types of highly familiar Hebrew acronyms: ‘phonological’ acronyms that are conventionally pronounced as single words via letter‐to‐sound translation (ד"ש (d"ʃ) = /daʃ/), and ‘lexical’ acronyms that are conventionally pronounced according to their full multiword name (ת"א(t"ʔ) = /tel/ /aviv/). Thus, in the case of ‘phonological’ acronyms, phonological recoding may contribute to the recognition process, while in the case of ‘lexical’ acronyms, it may interfere ((ת"אt"ʔ) ≠ taʔ/). If familiar letter strings are accessed mainly orthographically, as assumed by dual route models, then no difference is expected between these two types of acronyms. Alternatively, if phonological recoding influences word recognition, then ‘phonological’ acronyms should be easier to recognise. Consistent with this latter interactive‐connectionist view, responses were faster and more accurate in the ‘phonological’ than in the ‘lexical’ condition.
Emotion, reflexivity and social change in the era of extreme fossil fuels
Authors: Davidson Debra J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractReflexivity is an important sociological lens through which to examine the means by which people engage in actions that contribute to social reproduction or social elaboration. Reflexivity theorists have largely overlooked the central place of emotions in reflexive processing, however, thus missing opportunities to enhance our understanding of reflexivity by capitalizing on recent scholarship on emotions emanating from other fields of inquiry. This paper explores the role of emotion in reflexivity, with a qualitative analysis of social responses to hydraulic fracturing in Alberta, Canada, utilizing narrative analysis of long‐form interviews with rural landowners who have experienced direct impacts from hydraulic fracturing, and have attempted to voice their concerns in the public sphere. Based on interviews with a selection of two interview participants, the paper highlights the means by which emotions shape reflexivity in consequential ways, beginning with personal and highly individualized emotional responses to contingent situations, which then factor into the social interactions engaged in the pursuit of personal projects. The shared emotional context that emerges then plays a substantial role in shaping outcomes and their implications for social stasis or change. This study exemplifies the extent to which reflexive processing in response to breaches in the social order can be emotionally tumultuous affairs, constituting a significant personal toll that many may be unwilling to pay.
Relating Food Engineering to Cooking and Gastronomy
Authors: Aguilera José Miguel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractModern consumers are increasingly eating meals away from home and are concerned about food quality, taste, and health aspects. Food engineering (FE) has traditionally been associated with the industrial processing of foods; however, most underlying phenomena related to FE also take place in the kitchen during meal preparation. Although chemists have positively interacted with acclaimed chefs and physicists have used foods as materials to demonstrate some of their theories, this has not been always the case with food engineers. This review addresses areas that may broaden the vision of FE by interfacing with cooking and gastronomy. Examples are presented where food materials science may shed light on otherwise empirical gastronomic formulations and cooking techniques. A review of contributions in modeling of food processing reveals that they can also be adapted to events going on in pots and ovens, and that results can be made available in simple terms to cooks. Industrial technologies, traditional and emerging, may be adapted to expand the collection of culinary transformations, while novel equipment, digital technologies, and laboratory instruments are equipping the 21st‐century kitchens. FE should become a part of food innovation and entrepreneurship now being led by chefs. Finally, it is suggested that food engineers become integrated into gastronomy's concerns about safety, sustainability, nutrition, and a better food use.
Effects of Processing on Structure and Thermal Properties of Powdered Preterm Infant Formula
Authors: Sun Xiaomeng , Wang Cuina , Wang Hao , Guo Mingruo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPowdered infant formula is usually manufactured by ingredients mixing, homogenization, pasteurization, evaporation and spray drying. Effects of unit operations on the microstructure, thermal properties and other characteristics of preterm infant formula, fat (F), serum (S), and pellet (P) fractions on centrifugation were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. After homogenization, particles which may be casein and denatured whey proteins were observed on the surface of F fraction in microstructure images. DSC results showed that the onset temperature of the second endothermic peak of F fraction shifted to higher temperature, and an endothermic transition appeared at 173.3 °C in P fraction. The ‐CH2 group corresponding to F fraction showed less intensity in FTIR spectrum after homogenization. Microstructure images for S and P fractions showed larger aggregates due to the pasteurization processing. Apparent exothermic transition in DSC curve occurred at 101.6 °C indicated whey protein aggregation. Spray drying resulted in some open areas in F fraction and lager aggregates in S fraction revealed by microstructure pictures. A new exothermic transition appeared at 93.6 °C in DSC curve of S fraction. Changes in amide I and amide II regions in FTIR spectra of samples resulted from pasteurization and spray drying indicated the changes in secondary structure of casein and whey proteins. All results indicated that homogenization, pasteurization, and spray drying exhibited pronounced impacts on the microstructure, thermal properties and structural characteristics of samples.Practical ApplicationPreterm infant formula is an important dairy food for preborn infants. Our results indicate that unit operations especially homogenization, pasteurization, and spray drying during the processing have the most impacts on the microstructure, thermal properties and other characteristics of infant formula. This work provides further understanding of component interactions during the processing of infant formula and theoretical basis for the production of dairy food.
Understanding the development of a regulated market approach to new psychoactive substances (NPS) in New Zealand using Punctuated Equilibrium Theory
Authors: Rychert Marta , Wilkins Chris 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsThe short‐lived regulated legal market for new psychoactive substances (NPS) in New Zealand marked a radical departure from the traditional prohibition‐based approach to drugs. This paper aimed to enhance understanding of this policy change using Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET).MethodsThe analysis draws on 3 years of evaluative research, including interviews with key stakeholders, analysis of legislation and policy documents and academic and grey literature.ResultsThe reframing of the NPS issue from one of drug control to the need for stricter market regulation was achieved by the efforts of strategic policy entrepreneurs, including the legal high industry, drug law reform advocates, influential politicians and an independent legal advisory institution. This reframing was aided by the perceived saliency of the NPS problem and ineffectiveness of previous prohibition‐based responses. In the absence of any political opposition to the regulatory approach, the Psychoactive Substances Act rapidly progressed through the Parliament. However, once the interim legal market was established, portrayal of the issues shifted away from experts and lobbyists to critique from local communities, local government, animal rights activists and the media, who viewed the new regime as a source of social and health problems. The mobilization of criticism (‘Schattschneider mobilization’) drew on ideas of animal welfare and community safety. With a looming national election, the government responded by ending the interim market with the urgent passage of amendment legislation.ConclusionsPunctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET) helps explain how New Zealand's Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) policy first emerged on the political agenda and how the initial positive tone of expert support for reform shifted to a tide of popular criticism during the interim regime. However, with its emphasis on explaining agenda‐setting, PET does not account for the legislative design shortcomings of the PSA.
Comparison of endoscopic and percutaneous drainage of symptomatic necrotic collections in acute necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: Woo Shanan , Walklin Ryan , Ackermann Travis , Lo Sheng Wei , Shilton Hamish , Pilgrim Charles , Evans Peter , Burnes James , Croagh Daniel 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionPrimary endoscopic and percutaneous drainage for pancreatic necrotic collections is increasingly used. We aim to compare the relative effectiveness of both modalities in reducing the duration and severity of illness by measuring their effects on systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all cases of endoscopic and percutaneous drainage for pancreatic necrotic collections performed in 2011–2016 at two hospitals. We assessed the post‐procedure length of hospital stay, reduction in C‐reactive protein levels, resolution of SIRS, the complication rates, and the number of procedures required for resolution.ResultsThirty‐two patients were identified and 57 cases (36 endoscopic, 21 percutaneous) were included. There was no significant difference in C‐reactive protein reduction between endoscopic and percutaneous drainage (69.5% vs 68.8%, P = 0.224). Resolution of SIRS was defined as the post‐procedure normalization of white cell count (endoscopic vs percutaneous: 70.4% vs 64.3%, P = 0.477), temperature (endoscopic vs percutaneous: 93.3% vs 60.0%, P = 0.064), heart rate (endoscopic vs percutaneous: 56.0% vs 11.1%, P = 0.0234), and respiratory rate (endoscopic vs percutaneous: 83.3% vs 0.0%, P = 0.00339). Post‐procedure length of hospital stay was 27 days with endoscopic drainage and 46 days with percutaneous drainage (P = 0.0183).ConclusionEndoscopic drainage was associated with a shorter post‐procedure length of hospital stay and a greater rate of normalization of SIRS parameters than percutaneous drainage, although only the effects on heart rate and respiratory rate reached statistical significance. Further studies are needed to establish which primary drainage modality is superior for pancreatic necrotic collections.
The effect of high pre‐slaughter environmental temperature on meat quality traits of Italian autochthonous pig Suino Nero Lucano
Authors: Simonetti Amalia , Perna Annamaria , Giudice Roberto , Cappuccio Angelo , Gambacorta Emilio 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of high pre‐slaughter environmental temperature on meat (Longissimus lumborum muscle) quality traits of Italian autochthonous pigs Suino Nero Lucano (SNL). High pre‐slaughter environmental temperature influenced the meat quality of autochthonous pigs. In particular, the meat from SNL pigs exposed to heat stress (H) showed significantly lower pH values at 24 and 48 hr post mortem, haem iron content and redness (a*) value, and a significantly higher shear force, drip loss and lightness (L*) values, compared to meat from SNL pigs reared under comfortable environmental temperature (C). Moreover, H meat showed a significant reduction of vitamin A, vitamin E, creatine and carnosine content, compared to C meat. Despite this, no pale‐soft‐exudative pork was found in our study, and no significant difference was detected between two studied groups for intramuscular fat and protein content of meat. In addition, despite the meat from SNL pigs exposed to heat stress has suffered a qualitative decrease, it showed a good endogenous antioxidants content.
Moderate correlation between systemic IL‐6 responses and CRP with trough concentrations of voriconazole
Authors: Vreugdenhil Bas , van der Velden Walter J. F. M. , Feuth Ton , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , Brüggemann Roger J. M. 
Published: May 2018

AimsVoriconazole (VCZ) exhibits wide intrapatient pharmacokinetic variability, which is disadvantageous because of its narrow therapeutic range. A considerable part of this variation remains unexplainable, despite extensive knowledge of this drug. It is hypothesized that inflammation has an impact on VCZ pharmacokinetics. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between VCZ trough concentrations and various cytokines.MethodsA prospective single‐centre analysis was performed in adult haematology patients receiving VCZ for possible, probable or proven invasive fungal disease. A linear mixed model was built to explore the contribution of each of the seven pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines to VCZ trough levels. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to determine the model that fitted the best.ResultsTwenty‐two patients, with a total of 143 combined samples of VCZ trough levels and cytokines, were included. A significant correlation (P < 0.005) was found between VCZ trough concentrations and interleukin (IL) 6, IL‐8 and C‐reactive protein (CRP). IL‐6 showed the lowest AIC, although differences with the other mediators were marginal.ConclusionVCZ trough concentrations correlate with IL‐6, IL‐8 and CRP levels but only moderately explain the variability in VCZ pharmacokinetics. Future prospective studies should be undertaken to confirm these findings, and incorporate the data obtained into pharmacokinetic models, to refine the predictive behaviour.
High exposure compared with standard exposure to metoclopramide associated with a higher risk of parkinsonism: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Tsai Shin‐Chia , Sheu Shiow‐Yunn , Chien Li‐Nien , Lee Hsin‐Chien , Yuan Eunice Jia‐Shiow , Yuan Rey‐Yue 
Published: May 2018

AimsWe conducted a cohort study utilizing a nationwide health insurance database to assess the European Medicines Agency's restrictions on using metoclopramide and its association with the risk of parkinsonism.MethodsNew oral metoclopramide users aged ≥20 years, and age‐ and gender‐matched non‐users were recruited between 2001 and 2011. Users were divided into high‐exposure (dose >30 mg day–1 and/or duration >5 days) and standard‐exposure (dose ≤30 mg day–1 and duration ≤5 days) groups. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated the risk of parkinsonism.ResultsDuring a 1‐year period, 122 of 218 931 (0.06%) users of metoclopramide vs. 56 of 218 931 (0.03%) non‐users developed parkinsonism (P < 0.001). Among the 122 cases of parkinsonism in users, 64 (0.04%) were from 168 566 standard‐exposure users and 58 (0.12%) from 50 365 high‐exposure users. Compared with non‐users, the risk of parkinsonism was higher in users (aHR 2.16; 95% CI 1.54, 3.02), including standard‐exposure (aHR 1.73; 95% CI 1.11, 2.70), and high‐exposure (aHR 3.15; 95% CI 1.78, 5.57) users. High‐exposure users had a higher risk of parkinsonism than standard‐exposure users (aHR 1.83; 95% CI 1.28, 2.63). Within the high‐exposure group, 45 233 of 50 365 (89.81%) users and 55 of 58 (94.83%) parkinsonism were from long‐duration exposure; 5 132 of 50 365 (10.19%) users and 3 of 58 (5.17%) parkinsonism were from high‐dose exposure and long‐duration + high‐dose exposure.ConclusionsThe risk of parkinsonism in metoclopramide users, although extremely low (0.06%), is 2.16‐fold greater than in non‐users. High‐exposure users have a 1.83‐fold higher risk than standard‐exposure users. As users in high‐exposure group had a higher risk of parkinsonism than in standard‐exposure group, and the majority of users and parkinsonism in high‐exposure group were from long‐duration exposure; thus, physician are advised to avoid prescribing metoclopramide for >5 days, even if the daily dose is ≤30 mg.
Appropriateness of oral anticoagulant therapy prescription and its associated factors in hospitalized older people with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Franchi Carlotta , Antoniazzi Stefania , Proietti Marco , Nobili Alessandro , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio ,   on behalf of the SIM‐AF Collaborators
Published: May 2018

AimsAlthough oral anticoagulants (OACs) are effective in preventing stroke in older people with atrial fibrillation (AF), they are often underused in this particularly high‐risk population. The aim of the present study was to assess the appropriateness of OAC prescription and its associated factors in hospitalized patients aged 65 years or older.MethodsData were obtained from the retrospective phase of Simulation‐based Technologies to Improve the Appropriate Use of Oral Anticoagulants in Hospitalized Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (SIM‐AF) study, held in 32 Italian internal medicine and geriatric wards. The appropriateness of OAC prescription was assessed, grouping patients in those who were and were not prescribed OACs at hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish factors independently associated with the appropriateness of OAC prescription.ResultsA total of 328 patients were included in the retrospective phase of the study. Of these, almost 44% (N = 143) were inappropriately prescribed OACs, being mainly underprescribed or prescribed an inappropriate antithrombotic drug (N = 88). Among the patients prescribed OACs (N = 221), errors in the prescribed doses were the most frequent cause of inappropriate use (N = 55). Factors associated with a higher degree of patient frailty were inversely associated with the appropriateness of OAC prescription.ConclusionsIn hospitalized older patients with AF, there is still a high prevalence of inappropriate OAC prescribing. Characteristics usually related to frailty are associated with the inappropriate prescribing. These findings point to the need for targeted interventions designed for internists and geriatricians, aimed at improving the appropriate prescribing of OACs in this complex and high‐risk population.
Designing serious games for special user groups—design for somebody approach
Authors: Merilampi Sari , Koivisto Antti , Sirkka Andrew 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper presents the Design for Somebody (DfS) philosophy targeted to iterative, user‐oriented development of solutions for special user groups. In this article, the DfS is discussed using a game development context. The paper gives concrete examples how the DfS can be used in developing motivating serious games. The paper presents three games which can be adjusted according to the user's abilities. The aim is to generate personalized means to enable and motivate physical, cognitive and social skill development. The development process of the three games is described in order to clarify the DfS approach and the features which are of key importance in game development for special user groups. Authentic user experiences are also presented and discussed. The user experiences and the suitability of the games were investigated through interviews and observations in game test events. The main findings in general indicated the usefulness of the DfS principles and the great interest and positive experiences in special user groups. The findings encourage further research and development of serious games for these target groups.
Cluster analysis of multiple chronic conditions associated with urinary incontinence among women in the USA
Authors: Markland Alayne D. , Vaughan Camille P. , Okosun Ike S. , Goode Patricia S. , Burgio Kathryn L. , Johnson Theodore M. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo identify patterns of prevalent chronic medical conditions among women with urinary incontinence (UI).Materials and MethodsWe combined cross‐sectional data from the 2005–2006 to 2011–2012 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and identified 3 800 women with UI and data on 12 chronic conditions. Types of UI included stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed stress and urgency UI (MUI). We categorized UI as mild, moderate or severe using validated measures. We performed a two‐step cluster analysis to identify patterns between clusters for UI type and severity. We explored associations between clusters by UI subtype and severity, controlling for age, education, race/ethnicity, parity, hysterectomy status and adiposity in weighted regression analyses.ResultsEleven percent of women with UI had no chronic conditions. Among women with UI who had at least one additional condition, four distinct clusters were identified: (i) cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk‐younger; (ii) asthma‐predominant; (iii) CVD risk‐older; and (iv) multiple chronic conditions (MCC). In comparison to women with UI and no chronic diseases, women in the CVD risk‐younger (age 46.7 ± 15.8 years) cluster reported the highest rate of SUI and mild UI severity. In the asthma‐predominant cluster (age 51.5 ± 10.2 years), women had more SUI and MUI and more moderate UI severity. Women in the CVD risk‐older cluster (age 57.9 ± 13.4 years) had the highest rate of UUI, along with more severe UI. Women in the MCC cluster (age 61.0 ± 14.8 years) had the highest rates of MUI and the highest rate of moderate/severe UI.ConclusionsWomen with UI rarely have no additional chronic conditions. Four patterns of chronic conditions emerged with differences by UI type and severity. Identification of women with mild UI and modifiable conditions may inform future prevention efforts.