bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of interest rates of bank loans on road construction: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Manamgoda Manamgoda Gamage Nimantha , Perera B.A.K.S. , Perera Colombapatabendige Savindi Ranthika 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
Infrastructure systems play a dominant role in the economic growth of countries. Projects involved with the construction of roads, which is vital for the development of a country, are financed mainly using borrowed funds because of the reliability of debt financing. The cost of borrowing is the interest that has to be paid. In Sri Lanka, there is a high tendency for interest rates of bank loans to fluctuate, and this makes the road projects in the country that are funded with borrowed money to be highly risky. Thus, this paper aims to identify the impact of bank loan interest rates on road construction in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach
The study consisted of two questionnaire surveys conducted among financial specialists and road construction experts, followed by a documentary review. The collected data were analysed using Relative Importance Index. The relationship between the interest rates of bank loans and the prices of the resources used in road projects were determined using regression and correlation analyses.

Findings
The research revealed a strong, linear relationship between interest rate fluctuations and bitumen, aggregate base course, metal and earth price fluctuations. It also identified the pattern of interest rate fluctuations to help practitioners to predict the pattern of input price variations.

Originality/value
When developing the capital structure of road projects, it is necessary to consider the prices of materials used in the projects when determining the financial risks of debt financing.
#Palestine2Ferguson a community created through words
Authors: Carroll Darrian Robert 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this essay is to highlight how the digital age makes visible community expression and organization on an international scale.Design/methodology/approachThis project provides a rhetorical analysis of the sub-cultural twitter hashtag “#Palestine2Ferguson”. By focusing on #Palestine2Ferguson, this piece interrogates the ways groups that have been displaced by oppression can build bridges in the new digital age. Through the adaptation of Deluca and Peeples “public screen”, this project reveals how increased sophistication of discernment adds a new “touch” to the screen.FindingsAn analysis of #Palestine2Ferguson through the lens of “the public touchscreen” emboldens rhetorical studies understanding of how ethnic/racial minority individuals are capable of self-selecting their method and modes of self-expression when building community.Originality/valueThe transformation of life within the digital age has created an exigence for a reconsideration and expansion of Deluca and Peeples concept of “public screens”.
Reflections on developing a blended learning recovery programme for family carers of people who have mental ill-health
Authors: Fox Joanna , Smith Anne-Marie , Kenedler Lizzie , Evangelinos George 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the development of a recovery-oriented training programme for mental health care-givers. It also considers the effectiveness of using participatory research methods that promote involvement of people with diverse expertise to co-produce this programme. It presents a rationale for developing recovery-oriented training, which employs blended learning, comprising face-to-face and e-learning.Design/methodology/approachA small advisory group consisting of professionals, experts-by-experience (service users) and -by-caring (care-givers) and an academic developed a blended learning programme about the recovery approach for mental health carer-givers. This paper details the participatory approach supported by an action research cycle that contributed to the design of the programme, and the specific impact of experiential knowledge on its development.FindingsReflections on the advisory group process are described that led to the co-production of the course. This leads to consideration of the value of using this research approach to develop a carer-focused programme. The content of the recovery-oriented training programme is presented which adopts blended learning. This leads to discussion of potential of this format to improve carers’ access to training.Originality/valueIt is proposed that this recovery-oriented course, building on a previous study, has the potential to positively influence outcomes for the training programme participants (the care-givers) and the person they support. It is suggested that blended learning may in part overcome some of the barriers carers experience to accessing and participating in traditional interventions. Reflections on the process of co-production underline the value of participatory research in designing this recovery-oriented course for carers.
Multi-path selection based on fractional cuckoo search algorithm for QoS aware routing in MANET
Authors: A. Rama Rao , Reddy Satyananda , V. Valli Kumari 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
Multimedia applications such as digital audio and video have stringent quality of service (QoS) requirement in mobile ad hoc network. To support wide range of QoS, complex routing protocols with multiple QoS constraints are necessary. In QoS routing, the basic problem is to find a path that satisfies multiple QoS constraints. Moreover, mobility, congestion and packet loss in dynamic topology of network also leads to QoS performance degradation of protocol.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors proposed a multi-path selection scheme for QoS aware routing in mobile ad hoc network based on fractional cuckoo search algorithm (FCS-MQARP). Here, multiple QoS constraints energy, link life time, distance and delay are considered for path selection.

Findings
The experimentation of proposed FCS-MQARP is performed over existing QoS aware routing protocols AOMDV, MMQARP, CS-MQARP using measures such as normalized delay, energy and throughput. The extensive simulation study of the proposed FCS-based multipath selection shows that the proposed QoS aware routing protocol performs better than the existing routing protocol with maximal energy of 99.1501 and minimal delay of 0.0554.

Originality/value
This paper presents a hybrid optimization algorithm called the FCS algorithm for the multi-path selection. Also, a new fitness function is developed by considering the QoS constraints such as energy, link life time, distance and delay.
Nonlinear effects of phylogenetic distance on early‐stage establishment of experimentally introduced plants in grassland communities
Authors: Malecore Eva M. , Dawson Wayne , Kempel Anne , Müller Gregor , van Kleunen Mark 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The phylogenetic distance of an introduced plant species to a resident native community may play a role in determining its establishment success. While Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis predicts a positive relationship, the preadaptation hypothesis predicts a negative relationship. Rigorous tests of this now so‐called Darwin’s naturalization conundrum require not only information on establishment successes but also of failures, which is frequently not available. Such essential information, however, can be provided by experimental introductions.

Here, we analysed three datasets from two field experiments in Germany and Switzerland. In the Swiss experiment, alien and native grassland species were introduced as seeds only with and without disturbance (tilling). In the German experiment, alien and native grassland species were introduced both as seeds and as seedlings with and without disturbance (tilling) and with and without fungicide application. For the seedling‐introduction experiment, there was an additional herbivore‐exclusion treatment.

Phylogenetic distance affected establishment in the three datasets differently, with success peaking at intermediate distances for the seed datasets, but decreasing with increasing distances in the seedling dataset. Disturbance favoured seedling survival, most likely by weakening the resident community.

Synthesis. By analysing experimental introductions, we show that the relationship between phylogenetic distance and establishment, at least for seedling emergence, may actually be nonlinear with an optimum at intermediate distances. Therefore, Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis and the preadaptation hypothesis need not be in conflict. Rather, the mechanisms underlying them can operate simultaneously or alternately depending on the life stage and on the environmental conditions of the resident community.
Trends in Intergenerational Educational Mobility in Canada
Authors: Latif Ehsan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUsing data from the General Social Survey (2011), this study examines trends in the intergenerational persistence in education in Canada for the birth cohorts 1940 through 1989. The study estimates a correlation coefficient between children's and fathers’ number of years of education attained. The study finds that, over the period of study, the correlation coefficient increased slightly for sons while it decreased for daughters. Decomposition of the correlation coefficient shows that sons with less educated fathers are still very likely to be less educated. However, for daughters, there is less persistence at the lower end of fathers’ education distribution.
Empirically derived dietary patterns and serum inflammatory markers in Iranian female teachers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khatibi Nasim , Shahvazi Simin , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Samadi Morteza , Zare Fateme , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin 
Published: August 2018

AimTo examine the relationship between dietary patterns and inflammatory markers including serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and interleukin 17A (IL‐17A) in females.MethodsIn the present cross‐sectional study in female teachers living in Yazd, central Iran, data on anthropometric measurements and general information were gathered. A food frequency questionnaire was completed by participants and then, subjects were invited to give blood samples. Major dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and serum inflammatory markers were compared according to quintiles of dietary patterns scores.ResultsIn total, 320 subjects aged 40.38 ± 8.08 years were included. Three dietary patterns were derived: (i) ‘traditional’ with a high intake of poultry, salt, eggs, other vegetables and red meat; (ii) ‘vegetables and fruits’ with a higher intake of tomatoes, yoghurt drinks, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, fruits, other vegetables and organ meats and (iii) ‘dairy and saturated fat’ with a high loading of high‐fat dairy products, butter, low‐fat dairy, margarine, eggs, other vegetables and green leafy vegetables. Participants in the highest quintile of the ‘vegetables and fruits’ dietary pattern had significantly lower serum hs‐CRP levels compared to those in the lowest quintile (3.6 ± 0.4 mg/L vs 2.6 ± 0.4 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.05). None of the dietary patterns were associated with circulating IL‐17 levels.ConclusionsHigher consumption of fruits and vegetables is inversely associated with serum hs‐CRP but not IL‐17 levels. Studies investigating the dietary patterns in association with IL‐17 in other populations are recommended.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for the management of radiation‐induced xerostomia
Authors: Sherlock Susannah , Way Mandy , Tabah Alexis 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionHyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is widely used for the treatment of the late effects of radiation therapy. We report a prospective observational cohort study of 51 patients designed to examine the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for xerostomia following radiotherapy.MethodsObjective (saliva volume) and subjective (quality of life scoring and visual analogue scale (VAS) of discomfort) measurements associated with xerostomia were compared prior to commencement of HBOT, after 30 sessions (over 6 weeks) of HBOT at 243 kPa for 90 minutes daily for five days per week and at 6‐week review (12 weeks from commencement).ResultsOne hundred and one courses of treatment in 99 patients were examined. For 53 (53%) courses in 51 patients, data were recorded before and after HBOT and so could be included in the analysis. Thirty‐four (34%) of these patients had complete data for all three time points. The unit of study was per treatment course, not per person. There were no major complications to HBOT. There was a statistically significant difference in saliva volume following HBOT (P = 0.016). The mean saliva volume increase was 0.9 mL over a 5‐min collection period (95% CI 0.2–1.5). There was also a statistically significant improvement in discomfort after HBOT (P < 0.001) and QOL (P < 0.001). The mean visual analogue scale for discomfort (VAS on a 0–10 scale) score decreased by 1.4 units (95% CI 0.7–2.1), whilst the mean QOL score was 10 points lower after treatment (95% CI 5.9–14.4).ConclusionHyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of xerostomia after radiation therapy and should be considered when available.
Michigan Emergency Department Leader Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Clinical Pathways to Guide Admission Decisions: A Mixed‐methods Study
Authors: Schechtman Megan , Kocher Keith E , Nypaver Michele M. , Ham Jason J. , Zochowski Melissa K. , Macy Michelle L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to characterize emergency department (ED) leader's attitudes toward potentially avoidable admissions and experiences with the use of clinical pathways to guide admission decisions, including the challenges and successes with implementation of these pathways.MethodsA mixed‐methods study of Michigan ED leaders was conducted. First, a cross‐sectional Web‐based survey was distributed via e‐mail to all 135 hospital‐based EDs in the state. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Survey participants who provided contact information were considered eligible for follow‐up. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, reviewed for accuracy, and thematically coded. Representative quotes were extracted for reporting.ResultsSurvey responses were received from 64 ED leaders (48% eligible response rate). Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 11 of the 29 representatives willing to be contacted. Eight sites implemented clinical care pathways as a strategy to reduce avoidable admissions. Pathways were developed for high‐frequency conditions. Many pathways were multidisciplinary, incorporating case managers and outpatient care providers, which was thought to improve acceptability. Five models of care emerged 1) standardized care, 2) observation medicine, 3) enhanced follow‐up, 4) care coordination, and 5) comprehensive programs. We identified barriers to and facilitators of discharging a patient from the ED when an admission otherwise could be avoided. Barriers included limited access to follow‐up, lack of care coordination, and lack of trust in patient's ability to provide self‐care or navigate the system. Facilitators included strong relationships with outpatient providers, care coordination, and shared decision making.ConclusionsPotential solutions to help avoid hospitalization from the ED include multidisciplinary clinical care pathways. Successful pathways emerged from bringing stakeholders from the ED, hospital, and health care community together. Additionally, emergency providers need systems and supports in place to help their patients navigate follow‐up care in a timely fashion.
Bone Effects of Binge Alcohol Drinking Using Prepubescent Pigs as a Model
Authors: Föger‐Samwald Ursula , Knecht Christian , Stimpfl Thomas , Szekeres Thomas , Kerschan‐Schindl Katharina , Mikosch Peter , Pietschmann Peter , Sipos Wolfgang 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundAlthough chronic alcohol consumption in adults is an established risk factor for osteoporotic fractures, there is a huge gap in our knowledge about bone effects of binge drinking in adolescents. The aim of this pilot study was therefore to assess skeletal effects of binge alcohol drinking using prepubescent pigs as a large animal model.MethodsPiglets aged 2 months were offered alcohol orally as a mixture of hard liquor and apple juice. Those with the highest propensity to drink alcohol were included in the experiment and received 1.4 g alcohol/kg bodyweight 2 times per week for 2 months (alcohol group); control piglets received apple juice in an identical manner. At the age of 4 months, the animals were euthanized; trabecular and cortical bone samples from the femur, the tibia, the humerus, and the fourth vertebral body harvested during necropsy were assessed by microcomputed tomography and dynamic histomorphometry. In addition, blood chemistry and blood alcohol determinations were performed.ResultsBlood alcohol levels assessed 1 hour after alcohol administration were 0.99‰ ± 0.15, 1.12‰ ± 0.2, and 1.14‰ ± 0.18 at the ages of 2, 3, and 4 months, respectively. In the alcohol group, serum calcium and phosphate levels were decreased. In the femur, trabecular number and connectivity density were lower in the alcohol than in the control group, and in the humerus and the fourth vertebral bodies, an opposite pattern was seen for trabecular number and connectivity density, respectively. Cortical density was higher in the humerus and trabecular density higher in the tibia of the alcohol group compared to the control group. Cortical porosity was lower in the humerus of the alcohol group. No significant differences were seen for trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, bone volume fraction, and static and dynamic histomorphometric parameters.ConclusionsIn this pilot study, we have assessed skeletal effects of binge alcohol drinking by using prepubescent pigs as a promising large animal model. Binge drinking has bone effects that are site‐specific. However, these data have to be verified in a larger study population.
Impact of CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms on pharmacokinetics of antipsychotic drugs: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Na Takuathung M. , Hanprasertpong N. , Teekachunhatean S. , Koonrungsesomboon N. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of CYP1A2‐metabolized antipsychotic drugs in humans by means of systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodA systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases as of June 26, 2018. Studies reporting the pharmacokinetic parameters of CYP1A2‐metabolized antipsychotic drugs in individuals who were genotyped for CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms were retrieved. Pharmacokinetic parameters of individuals who have mutant alleles of a CYP1A2 genetic polymorphism were compared with the wild‐type individuals. Pooled‐effect estimates, presented as standardized mean difference, were calculated by means of the fixed‐effect or random‐effects model, as appropriate.ResultsTen studies involving 872 clozapine users, seven studies involving 712 olanzapine users, and two studies involving 141 haloperidol users were included. All but one study reported no associations between any CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms and the pharmacokinetics of CYP1A2‐metabolized antipsychotic drugs. The pooled‐effect estimates through meta‐analyses of seven studies demonstrated no significant associations between the ‐163C>A or ‐2467delT polymorphism and clozapine or olanzapine concentrations in the blood.ConclusionsThis study suggests that CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms have no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of CYP1A2‐metabolized antipsychotic drugs. CYP1A2 genotyping may have no clinical implications for personalized dosing of CYP1A2‐metabolized antipsychotic drugs.
Computed microtomography study of untreated, shaped and filled mesiobuccal canals of maxillary first molars
Authors: Angerame Daniele , De Biasi Matteo , Brun Francesco , Turco Gianluca , Franco Vittorio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study assessed the effectiveness of modern endodontic shaping and filling procedures on mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars with two canals. The canals of 20 mesiobuccal roots were treated with Mtwo rotary files, passive ultrasonic irrigation and Guttafusion obturators. X‐ray computed microtomography analysis was carried out prior to treatment, after canal shaping and after canal filling to determine the alterations of the canal volume before and after the instrumentation, the volume of the hard tissue debris, and percentage of the volume occupied by filling materials. The shaping instruments and filling materials reached only partially the endodontic space of the second mesiobuccal canal and the accessory endodontic structures. Canal irregularities, ramifications, and interconnections were accumulation sites of hard tissue debris. This study demonstrated that rotary files, passive ultrasonic irrigation and carrier‐based filling systems could be partially effective for the treatment of the mesiobuccal canals and their accessory endodontic structures.
Antimicrobial efficacy of clindamycin and triple antibiotic paste as root canal medicaments on tubular infection: An in vitro study
Authors: Zargar Nazanin , Rayat Hosein Abadi Motahare , Sabeti Mohammad , Yadegari Zahra , Akbarzadeh Baghban Alireza , Dianat Omid 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study compared the antibacterial effect of 2% clindamycin and 2% and 100% concentration of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) on an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. Dentinal tubules of 100 root specimens were infected and randomly assigned to five groups. A total of 1000 mg mL−1 of TAP, 20 mg mL−1 of TAP and clindamycin, calcium hydroxide or methylcellulose (control) were placed in the root canal for 1 week. After treatment, dentine shavings were collected from 200 and 400 μm dentine depth and the number of colony‐forming units (CFU) per mg was determined. Reduction in viable bacteria in first three groups was significantly better than calcium hydroxide and control groups. However, the antimicrobial effectiveness among these three groups was not significantly different from each other. There was no significant difference between data at 200 and 400 μm in all groups except the Ca(OH)2 group. The antibiofilm effect of clindamycin was comparable with TAP, so it may be used instead of TAP.
Effectiveness of calcium and sodium hypochlorite in association with reciprocating instrumentation on decontamination of root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Dal Bello Yuri , Mezzalira Gean I. , Jaguszewski Luis A. , Hoffmann Igor P. , Menchik Vitor Hugo S. , Cecchin Doglas , Souza Matheus A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of sodium and calcium hypochlorite utilising reciprocating instrumentation. Sixty root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis for 14 days. Samples were divided into six groups according to decontamination protocol: G1: no treatment, G2: distilled water, G3: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, G4: 2.5% calcium hypochlorite, G5: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and G6: 5.25% calcium hypochlorite. Instrumentation was performed with Wave One reciprocating system (Dentsply Sirona Endodontics, York, PA, USA) in groups G2 to G6. Colony‐forming units (CFUs) counting was performed and the data were subjected to Anova and Tukey (α = 0.05). Group 1 and 2 showed the highest mean contamination, with a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 showed the lowest contamination means with no significant difference between them (P < 0.05). Sodium and calcium hypochlorite, in association with reciprocating instrumentation, can be an effective decontamination protocol in root canals infected with E. faecalis.