bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding delays in housing construction: evidence from Northern Ireland
Authors: McCord J. , McCord M. , Davis P.T. , Haran M. , Rodgers W.J. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate delay factors within private housing construction in Northern Ireland. Delays are inherent throughout the construction industry and create major difficulties in terms of project performance and client satisfaction. Whilst a voluminous body of international literature has investigated pertinent delay factors within construction projects, there is a relative paucity of research which offers a more delineated exploration of delay factors affecting private housing development schemes, particularly in the UK context.Design/methodology/approach– This study applies questionnaire survey research to examine the relative importance of 75 delay attribute factors for housing construction projects in Northern Ireland. The approach applies both a relative rank and principal component analysis to distil the key factors impinging upon the delay process in housing construction.Findings– The key finding from this research is that delays within the housing construction sector in Northern Ireland can be attributed to deficiencies in site management, ineffective communication strategies and a lack of coordination between key stakeholders involved in the construction process.Originality/value– The study adds to the existing knowledge base and provides stakeholders with information on factors, which, if properly risk assessed and understood, can improve housing construction performance. The findings are of relevance to construction industry practitioners, policy makers and researchers with lessons learned serving as a basis for future policy development as well as affording an information platform for improving the efficiency and expediency of housing provision internationally.
Problems and prospects of implementing cloud computing in university libraries
Authors: Yuvaraj Mayank 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The paper aims to examine the characteristic elements of various organizational factors to identify whether a favourable climate for implementing and sustaining cloud computing in Banaras Hindu University library system (BHULS) existed.

Design/methodology/approach
– After reviewing relevant literature on the topic, a list of 20 factors that affected an organization’s adoption to innovation was prepared. A questionnaire was personally administered to the library professionals engaged in BHULS. Respondents were asked to nominate the level of importance of each factor for validation of cloud computing adoption.

Findings
– Findings of the paper validate the fact that opportune time for the implementation of cloud computing existed in BHULS. Library staff showed high willingness toward the adoption of the cloud computing and were well prepared to grasp the challenges.

Practical implications
– The paper establishes the fact that the benefits of cloud computing are inadequate to convince organizations to migrate from the traditional computing paradigm to the cloud. Technological advancement may not transform the cloud into a mainstream technology. To motivate the expansion of cloud computing adoption, emphasis has to be laid upon collaboration between the cloud service providers supplemented by solid cloud legislations which need to be worked out.

Originality/value
– Because no empirical study on the cloud computing in conjunction with academic libraries of India has been carried out before, this paper closes this gap and provides guidelines to migrate to cloud environment. Also, it provides the perceptions of library professionals in response to its adoption.
Research growth in LIS during last decade: a study
Authors: Pandita Ramesh , Singh Shivendra 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to examine the research growth in the field of library and information science (LIS) at a global level for the period 2004-2013. The key areas analyzed in the study include research growth in LIS at a continental level, world’s ten leading LIS research countries, citation analysis Hirsch Index (h-index), etc.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study is supported with empirical findings, for which data were retrieved from the SCImago Journal and Country Ranking, based on SCOPUS data source. The study is not exhaustive in nature, as it covers only those articles published in LIS journals indexed with this particular data source. The study simply reflects a trend and not the exhaustive figures.

Findings
– A total of 75,887 research articles were retrieved on the date of data retrieval and put to analysis. The USA is emerging as a leading LIS research country with 29,349 articles, constituting 38.54 per cent of the total global LIS research output, followed by the UK and China. Spain is the fastest-growing LIS research country in the world, with an average annual research growth of 28.70 per cent, which is closely followed by Australia and China. The average annual corresponding research growth of LIS publications at the global level remained 10.46 per cent. Out of 194 nation countries, 162 (82.50 per cent) have contributed to the LIS research during the period. North America, Europe and Asia are the three leading LIS research continents.

Originality/value
– The scope of the present study is global in nature and lasts for the period 2004-2013.
The issues and challenges facing a digital library with a special focus on the University of Calgary
Authors: Thomas Bennett 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to focus on major issues involved in setting up a digital library, with special attention given to the University of Calgary’s new Taylor Family Digital Library, which was started in 2006 and completed in 2011 at a cost of $203 million.Design/methodology/approach– The paper will begin with a description of the targeted users. It will discuss user expectations for the digital library, which are often focused on the distributive function of the library to provide rapid and easy access to resources such as licensed e-journals and e-books. It will then explore issues related to the productive function, the digitization of collections. Finally, the paper will address the question: what purposes does digitization of collections serve?Findings– Although digital materials are becoming more popular with university library users, university libraries are not yet ready to abandon print library materials altogether for a wide variety of reasons.Originality/value– This is a case study of a library that claims to be unique: a university library which is truly digital in nature.
Associations of maternal prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with cardio‐metabolic risk factors in adolescent offspring: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gaillard R , Welten M , Oddy WH , Beilin LJ , Mori TA , Jaddoe VWV , Huang R‐C 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the associations of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and rates of early‐pregnancy, mid‐pregnancy and total gestational weight gain with adolescent body fat distribution and cardio‐metabolic outcomes.DesignPopulation‐based prospective cohort study.SettingWestern Australia.PopulationThousand three hundred and ninety‐two mothers and their children.MethodsMaternal prepregnancy weight was assessed by questionnaire. Maternal weights at a mean of 16.5 ± 2.2 SD and 34.1 ± 1.5 SD weeks of gestation were obtained from medical records. Offspring adiposity and cardio‐metabolic outcomes were assessed at a median age 17.0 years [95% confidence interval (CI) range: 16.7, 17.7].Main outcome measuresAdolescent BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, total and HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, glucose and HOMA‐IR.ResultsHigher prepregnancy BMI was associated with higher adolescent BMI, WC, WHR, systolic blood pressure, insulin, glucose and HOMA‐IR levels (P‐values <0.05). Adjustment for adolescent current BMI attenuated the associations of prepregnancy BMI with adolescent cardio‐metabolic outcomes. Higher weight gain in early‐pregnancy, but not mid‐pregnancy, was associated with higher adolescent BMI, WC and WHR (P‐values <0.05), but not with other cardio‐metabolic risk factors. Total gestational weight gain was associated with adolescent BMI and WC (P‐values <0.05). Higher prepregnancy BMI and early‐pregnancy weight gain were associated with increased risks of the high‐metabolic risk cluster in adolescents (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.33, 1.85 and OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03, 1.47 per SD increase in prepregnancy BMI and early‐pregnancy weight gain, respectively).ConclusionsHigher maternal prepregnancy BMI and early‐pregnancy weight gain rate are associated with an adverse adolescent cardio‐metabolic profile. These associations are largely mediated by adolescent BMI.Tweetable abstractPrepregnancy BMI and early‐pregnancy WG rate are associated with adverse adolescent cardio‐metabolic profile.
Feasibility of a community‐based interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention trial on weight loss (the HealthTrack study)
Authors: Tapsell Linda C. , Thorne Rebecca , Batterham Marijka , Russell Joanna , Ciarrochi Joseph , Peoples Gregory , Lonergan Maureen , Martin Allison 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel interdisciplinary intervention on weight loss.MethodsA 3‐month parallel, blinded, randomised controlled trial compared the effects of an interdisciplinary model of care (individualised interdisciplinary advice delivered through dietitians) with control (general advice on diet and physical activity delivered by primary care nurses). The primary outcome was assessing feasibility and acceptability of the protocol, with secondary outcomes including body weight, clinical, dietary, physical activity and psychological variables.ResultsTwenty‐four participants were randomised and 21 included in the final analysis. The recruitment rate was 42% (24/57) and the eligibility rate 83% (24/29). The withdrawal rate was low (13% overall) compared with similar trials. Attendance at study visits was higher in the intervention arm compared with control (100 vs 83%), which may be an artefact of the greater individualised treatment provided in the integrated model.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of the novel interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention within the region.
Understanding the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Australians living with dementia, and their partners
Authors: Barrett Catherine , Crameri Pauline , Lambourne Sally , Latham JR , Whyte Carolyn 
Published: November 2015

AimTo outline the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) Australians living with dementia – and their partners.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with LGBT people, their partners and service providers.ResultsLGBT people living with dementia experience unique challenges including the failure of some families of origin and service providers to understand and value their sexual orientation or gender identity. The fear of discrimination by service providers results in greater reliance on intimate partners for care and compounds social isolation.ConclusionsThe unique experiences of LGBT people with dementia are not well understood. There is a need to recognise historical experiences, including familial relationships, and provide advocacy to ensure sexual and gender rights are not violated. There is also a need to ensure that the experiences and perspectives of LGBT people living with dementia inform the development of services.
Anthropology Meets Epigenetics: Current and Future Directions
Authors: Thayer Zaneta M. , Non Amy L. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTAnthropologists are interested in understanding patterns of human variation, whether assessed along cultural, biological, linguistic, or material metrics. Epigenetics, the study of heritable chemical modifications to DNA, is an emerging approach that could enrich modern anthropological research. Epigenetic marks can change in response to many of the processes anthropologists study—for example, migration, nutritional stress, psychosocial stress, and social inequalities, to name a few. Thus, epigenetic processes could provide a biological explanation for the embodiment of such environmental experiences. Further, given the potential for epigenetic marks to be inherited across generations, it is possible that these marks facilitate intergenerational transmission of environmental information and therefore help to shape the direction of evolutionary change. In this article, we review some of the ways in which epigenetic methods have been successfully incorporated into anthropological and related studies as well as emphasize promising future directions and challenges for the use of epigenetic data across subfields of anthropology. While epigenetic data have great potential for informing anthropological research, we emphasize that a healthy skepticism is necessary given our still‐nascent understanding of these processes. [human biology, embodiment, methods, epigenetics]
In Vitro Hemodynamic Evaluation of Five 6 Fr and 8 Fr Arterial Cannulae in Simulated Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits
Authors: Wang Shigang , Palanzo David , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate five small‐bore arterial cannulae (6Fr and 8Fr) in terms of pressure drop and hemodynamic performance in simulated neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. The experimental circuits consisted of a Jostra HL‐20 roller pump, a Terumo Capiox Baby FX05 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter, an arterial and a venous tubing (1/4, 3/16, or 1/8 in × 150 cm), and an arterial cannula (Medtronic Bio‐Medicus 6Fr and 8Fr, Maquet 6Fr and 8Fr, or RMI Edwards 8Fr). The circuit was primed using lactated Ringer's solution and heparinized packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 30%). Trials were conducted at different flow rates (6Fr: 200–400 mL/min; 8Fr: 200–600 mL/min) and temperatures (35 and 28°C). Flow and pressure data were collected using a custom‐based data acquisition system. Higher circuit pressure, circuit pressure drop, and hemodynamic energy loss across the circuit were recorded when using small‐bore arterial cannula and small inner diameter arterial tubing in a neonatal CPB circuit. The maximum preoxygenator pressures reached 449.7 ± 1.0 mm Hg (Maquet 6Fr at 400 mL/min), and 395.7 ± 0.4 mm Hg (DLP 8Fr at 600 mL/min) when using 1/8 in ID arterial tubing at 28°C. Hypothermia further increased circuit pressure drop and hemodynamic energy loss. Compared with the others, the RMI 8Fr arterial cannula had significantly lower pressure drop and energy loss. Maquet 6Fr arterial cannula had a greater pressure drop than the DLP 6Fr. A small‐bore arterial cannula and arterial tubing created high circuit pressure drop and hemodynamic energy loss. Appropriate arterial cannula and arterial tubing should be considered to match the expected flow rate. Larger cannula and tubing are recommended for neonatal CPB. Low‐resistance neonatal arterial cannulae need to be developed.
Hemodynamic Effects of Ventricular Assist Device Implantation on Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan Circulation: A Simulation Study
Authors: Di Molfetta Arianna , Amodeo Antonio , Gagliardi Maria G. , Trivella Maria G. , Fresiello Libera , Filippelli Sergio , Toscano Alessandra , Ferrari Gianfranco 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe growing population of failing single‐ventricle (SV) patients might benefit from ventricular assist device (VAD) support as a bridge to heart transplantation. However, the documented experience is limited to isolated case reports. Considering the complex and different physiopathology of Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan patients and the lack of established experience, the aim of this work is to realize and test a lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system able to simulate SV hemodynamics and VAD implantation effects to support clinical decision. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data of 30 SV patients (10 Norwood, 10 Glenn, and 10 Fontan) were retrospectively collected and used to simulate patients' baseline. Then, the effects of VAD implantation were simulated. Simulation results suggest that the implantation of VAD: (i) increases the cardiac output and the mean arterial systemic pressure in all the three palliation conditions (Norwood 77.2 and 19.7%, Glenn 38.6 and 32.2%, and Fontan 17.2 and 14.2%); (ii) decreases the SV external work (Norwood 55%, Glenn 35.6%, and Fontan 41%); (iii) decreases the pressure pulsatility index (Norwood 65.2%, Glenn 81.3%, and Fontan 64.8%); (iv) increases the pulmonary arterial pressure in particular in the Norwood circulation (Norwood 39.7%, Glenn 12.1% and Fontan 3%); and (v) decreases the atrial pressure (Norwood 2%, Glenn 10.6%, and Fontan 8.6%). Finally, the VAD work is lower in the Norwood circulation (30.4 mL·mm Hg) in comparison with Fontan (40.3 mL·mm Hg) and to Glenn (64.5 mL·mm Hg) circulations. The use of VAD in SV physiology could be helpful to bridge patients to heart transplantations by increasing the CO and unloading the SV with a decrement of the atrial pressure and the SV external work. The regulation of the pulmonary flow is challenging because the Pap is increased by the presence of VAD. The hemodynamic changes are different in the different SV palliation step. The use of numerical models could be helpful to support patient and VAD selection to optimize the clinical outcome.
Breath Analysis Using a Time‐of‐Flight Camera and Pressure Belts
Authors: Zalud Ludek , Kotova Marketa , Kocmanová Petra , Dobsak Petr , Kolarova Jana 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe proper way of breathing is important for everyone. Healthy people often do not follow respiration until breathing problems start—during stress or during sport activity in physiological cases. More serious cases are stroke, injury, or surgery of the chest and others. So, learning to breathe correctly and/or breathing diagnosis is considerable for many reasons. Two novel methods of breath analysis suitable for diagnostics and rehabilitation are presented. The first technique utilizes pressure belts fastened to the patient's belly and chest, and the second method relies on a SwissRanger SR‐4000 time‐of‐flight camera. The measurement principles are described together with the advantages and disadvantages of the applied techniques. The SwissRanger camera depth calibration is proposed to facilitate better results during the breath analysis. The methods are tested on a group of students to provide a comparison of their individual performances. As it was demonstrated, presented methods proved to work reliably. The method based on time‐of‐flight camera seems to be more suitable for diagnosis, while the method based on pressure belts is more suitable for rehabilitation and biofeedback applications.
Repetitive Hypershear Activates and Sensitizes Platelets in a Dose‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Sheriff Jawaad , Tran Phat L. , Hutchinson Marcus , DeCook Tracy , Slepian Marvin J. , Bluestein Danny , Jesty Jolyon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractImplantation of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices—ventricular assist devices and the total artificial heart—has emerged as a vital therapy for advanced and end‐stage heart failure. Unfortunately, MCS patients face the requirement of life‐long antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy to combat thrombotic complications resulting from the dynamic and supraphysiologic shear stress conditions associated with such devices, whose effect on platelet activation is poorly understood. We developed a syringe‐capillary viscometer—the “platelet hammer”—that repeatedly exposed platelets to average shear stresses up to 1000 dyne/cm2 for as short as 25 ms. Platelet activation state was measured using a modified prothrombinase assay, with morphological changes analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. We observed an increase in platelet activation state and post‐high shear platelet activation rate, or sensitization, with an increase in stress accumulation (SA), the product of shear stress and exposure time. A significant increase in platelet activation state was observed beyond an SA of 1500 dyne‐s/cm2, with a marked increase in pseudopod length visible beyond an SA of 1000 dyne‐s/cm2. Utility of the platelet hammer extends to studies of other shear‐dependent pathologies, and may assist development of approaches to enhance the safety and effectiveness of MCS devices and objective antithrombotic pharmacotherapy management.
Conductive Gel Increases the Small Tumor Treatment With Electrochemotherapy Using Needle Electrodes
Authors: Suzuki Daniela O.H. , Marques Claudia M.G. , Rangel Marcelo M.M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe combination of chemotherapy drugs and high electric field treatment in local cancer is named electrochemotherapy. The European Standard Operation Procedure of Electrochemotherapy (ESOPE) provides guidelines for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. The electrochemotherapy of numerous tumors varying in sizes is more convenient using needle electrodes. However, ESOPE recommends that needle electrodes are applied to deeper tumors. The application of needle electrodes to treatment of superficial small tumors seems to be practical in electrochemotherapy. Plate electrodes and gel improve the electrochemotherapy efficacy. This technique provides electric field homogeneity in irregularly shaped tissue structures (bulk tumors). We propose an investigation of needle electrode and gel in electrochemotherapy of superficial tumors. In vivo experiment with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) spontaneous nodules in dog was used to validate the mathematical tissue model. The numerical model considers the tissue conductivity dependent on local electric field. Our studies demonstrated that conductive gel is important for effective treatment of superficial tumors with needle electrodes. The needle electrodes and gel presented reduction of medium current, increased the tumor‐free margin, and improved the practical application in relation to plate electrode.
Use of an integrated modelling and simulation approach to develop a simplified peginterferon alfa‐2a dosing regimen for children with hepatitis C
Authors: Brennan Barbara J. , Lemenuel‐Diot Annabelle , Snoeck Eric , McKenna Michael , Solsky Jonathan , Wat Cynthia , Mallalieu Navita L. 
Published: November 2015

AimThe aim of the study was to simplify the dosing regimen of peginterferon alfa‐2a in paediatric patients with chronic hepatitis C.MethodsA population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed using PK data from 14 children aged 2–8 years and 402 adults. Simulations were produced to identify a simplified dosing regimen that would provide exposures similar to those observed in the paediatric clinical trials and in the range known to be safe/efficacious in adults. Model predictions were evaluated against observed adult and paediatric data to reinforce confidence of the proposed dosing regimen.ResultsThe final model was a two compartment model with a zero order resorption process. Covariates included a linear influence of body surface area (BSA) on apparent oral clearance (CL/F) and a linear influence of body weight on apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1/F). A simplified dosing regimen was developed which is expected to provide exposures in children aged ≥5 years similar to the dosing formula used in the paediatric clinical trial and within the range that is safe/efficacious in adults. This simplified regimen is approved in the EU and in other countries for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in treatment‐naive children/adolescents aged ≥5 years in combination with ribavirin.ConclusionPre‐existing adult PK data were combined with relatively limited paediatric PK data to develop a PK model able to predict exposure in both populations adequately. This provided increased confidence in characterizing PK in children and helped in the development of a simplified dosing regimen of peginterferon alfa‐2a in paediatric patients.