bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aberration and contrast sensitivity comparison of aspherical and monofocal and multifocal intraocular lens eyes
Authors: Zeng Mingbing , Liu Yizhi , Liu Xialin , Yuan Zhaohui , Luo Lixia , Xia Yuanlin , Zeng Yangfa 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground:  Higher‐order aberrations and contrast sensitivity were evaluated in patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction followed by implantation of aspherical, monofocal or multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) replacements.Methods:  In this comparative trial, 124 patients with an average age of 66.8 ± 5.2 years and their 124 eyes were randomly divided into three surgical implantation groups to receive one of three types of IOLs in replacement of cataract lenses. The patients of group 1 were given an aspherical IOL Z9001 (AMO, Santa Ana, CA, USA) replacement, and group 2 was implanted a monofocal IOL SA60AT (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) and group 3 the multifocal IOL SA40N (AMO). Post‐surgical best‐corrected visual acuity, corneal aberrations, total ocular aberrations, pupil diameters, capsulorhexsis sizes and contrast sensitivity were measured and compared.Results:  There was no statistical difference for mean best‐corrected visual acuity, pupil diameter, curvilinear capsulorhexis size and corneal aberration among the three groups. For the spherical aberration, fourth‐order higher‐order aberration and total ocular higher‐order aberration, the SA40N group was higher than the SA60AT group and the SA60AT group was higher than the Z9001 group, and the differences between the three groups were statistically significant for these measurements. Contrast sensitivity was higher for the Z9001 group than the SA60AT group and the SA60AT group was higher than the SA40N group, and the difference was statistically significant in all the spatial frequencies of 3, 6, 12 and 18.Conclusions:  Although the multifocal IOL can provide near vision, it can increase higher‐order aberration and negatively influence contrast sensitivity. However, the aspherical IOL can reduce aberration and improve contrast sensitivity as compared with the monofocal IOL.
Energy‐GDP relationship for oil‐exporting countries: Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mehrara Mohsen 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine the causality issue between energy consumption and economic growth for three typical oil‐exporting countries: Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. We use two different test methods to test for causality, namely, the error correction model and Toda‐Yamamoto (1995) procedure. The results based on both approaches consistently show a unidirectional long‐run causality from economic growth to energy consumption for Iran and Kuwait and unidirectional strong causality from energy consumption to economic growth for Saudi Arabia. So, the results support the neutrality hypothesis of energy consumption with respect to economic growth for Iran and Kuwait andvice versafor Saudi Arabia. The findings have practical policy implications for decision makers in the area of macroeconomic planning, as energy conservation is a feasible policy with no damaging repercussions on economic growth for Iran and Kuwait. However, increased GDP requires enormous energy consumption in Saudi Arabia. So, it seems misleading to recommend the same policy for different oil‐exporting countries.
The commercial sector demand for energy in Kuwait
Authors: Eltony Mohamed Nagy , Al‐Awadhi Mohammad A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis paper models and estimates the energy demand by the commercial sector, using an error correction model. It also simulates the estimated model under three pricing scenarios and presents an analysis of the results.The empirical results indicate that short and long term energy consumption and the level of economic activity are entwined. The forecasts show that electricity consumption varies directly with economic growth. It also suggests that an increase of 100 per cent in nominal electricity prices will lead to a reduction in commercial sector electricity demand by about 27 per cent by the year 2015. The simulation of the model under the different pricing scenarios demonstrates that there is a great potential for energy conservation by the commercial sector.
Fuel demand and car ownership modelling in India
Authors: Bouachera Taoufik , Mazraati Mohammad 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMotorisation in Asia is soaring with rapid growth in incomes non‐lin‐early. Even though car ownership per 1,000 population is still low in countries like China, India or Indonesia, escalating number of cars is affected by GDP growth among other infrastructural factors in a non‐linear manner. This quick growth in car ownership may represent a significant implication on road transport fuel demand. This paper forecasts the demand for road transport fuel in India. For this purpose, econometric models, based on time series data, are constructed as for a major factor affecting fuel demand in road transportation i.e. car ownership.Firstly the econometric car ownership model was attempted in this study, for projecting future car stock in India based on cross section time series technique. The car stock is modelled by using three functional forms, which are the logistic, quasi‐logistic and Gompertz curves. However, to take into consideration countries with different income levels in that part of the world, these models were estimated by using pooled data of seven Asian countries (Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and India). Then, a set of fuel consumption scenarios were developed in order to make forecast until 2030. These scenarios were generated by taking into consideration car stock, fuel efficiency and the average distance travelled in India.
The Determinants of Foreign Currency Hedging: Does Foreign Currency Debt Induce a Bias?
Authors: Clark Ephraim , Judge Amrit 
Published: March 2007

Abstract In this paper we use UK data to present strong empirical evidence that explains the mixed results in previous studies with respect to the effect of financial distress on the demand for corporate hedging. We build on recent studies that have identified a strong link between foreign currency (FC) debt use and leverage. Given this relationship, we show that using leverage variables as proxies for financial distress and the failure to distinguish between FC debt users and non‐users causes misleading inference. More specifically, when we partition our sample of FC hedgers into firms that use and do not use foreign debt, we show that leverage variables are significantly related to the FC hedging decision for firms that use FC debt either in isolation or in combination with FC derivatives but not for firms that only use FC derivatives. This suggests that FC debt users are influencing these results. However, we also find that other financial distress cost proxies with no obvious link to FC debt use are significant determinants in the corporate demand for FC hedging, including derivatives use.
Regime Change and the Role of International Markets on the Stock Returns of Small Open Economies
Authors: Bredin Don , Hyde Stuart 
Published: March 2007

Abstract We examine the influence of US, UK and German macroeconomic and financial variables on the stock returns of two relatively small, open European economies, Ireland and Denmark. Within a nonlinear framework, we allow for time variation via regime switching using a smooth transition regression (STR) model. We find that US (global) and UK and German (regional) stock returns are significant determinants of returns in both markets. Further, global information represented by oil and US asset price movements drive changes between states in each market. Significantly, the role of country‐specific domestic variables is typically confined to a single state while global and regional variables pervade all states.
Reported Barriers to the Implementation of Person‐Centred Planning for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the UK
Authors: Robertson Janet , Hatton Chris , Emerson Eric , Elliott Johan , McIntosh Barbara , Swift Paul , Krinjen‐Kemp Emma , Towers Christine , Romeo Renee , Knapp Martin , Sanderson Helen , Routledge Martin , Oakes Peter , Joyce Theresa 
Published: March 2007

Background Research in the US and UK has demonstrated the effectiveness of person‐centred planning (PCP) for people with intellectual disabilities. However, it is important to acknowledge problems that arise when implementing PCP. This paper considers barriers to PCP reported during a longitudinal study of the impact of PCP.Methods Person‐centred planning was introduced over a 2‐year period for 93 people of whom 65 had a plan developed. Information was collected regarding barriers to PCP every 3 months from key informants using self‐completion questionnaires.Results Barriers to PCP were widespread particularly in relation to: availability of trained facilitators; availability of services; lack of time and reluctance of people other than paid support staff to engage in the PCP process.Conclusions Services need to be aware of potential barriers to PCP so that strategies can be developed to overcome them, the first of which should be the ongoing training and support of facilitators.
Accessible Information for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Do Symbols Really Help?
Authors: Poncelas Angela , Murphy Glynis 
Published: March 2007

Background  Recently, symbols have been used to increase understanding of written information for people with intellectual disabilities, yet the effectiveness of this remains largely untested. This study was undertaken around the time of an election and it aimed to test whether a symbol‐based manifesto increased the understanding of this material for people with intellectual disabilities.Method  Two versions of a simplified manifesto were produced: one text‐based and the other symbol‐based (with text). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received the text‐based information, and the other the symbol‐based information (with text). Participants were asked a series of questions about the material, both immediately (time 1) and a short time afterwards (time 2), to assess understanding (the material was in front of them throughout).Results  Both versions produced relatively low levels of understanding. The group with symbols (and text) showed no better understanding than the group with text only. However, those with better language comprehension scores and those with better reading skills tended to show a higher understanding of the manifesto, in both groups. In the symbols group, those who said they had seen symbols before also showed significantly better understanding of the material at time 2.Conclusions  This study suggests that the addition of symbols to simple texts does not necessarily improve people's understanding of it. It is proposed that a closer examination of people's understanding of symbols should be made and ways of improving this understanding investigated.
The Impact of Physical, Intellectual and Social Impairments on Survival in Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Population‐Based Register Study
Authors: Tyrer Freya , Smith Lucy K. , McGrother Catherine W. , Taub Nicholas A. 
Published: March 2007

Background Research into factors associated with survival in adults with intellectual disability is limited and no studies have controlled for changes in these factors over time.Material and Methods All adults aged ≥20 years with moderate to profound intellectual disability (approximate IQ < 50) using specialist services in Leicestershire and Rutland, UK, were identified. The relationship between survival and physical, intellectual and social impairments was investigated, also adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity and exact year of birth.Results Of 2453 adults studied, 402 (16%) died over a maximum follow‐up period of 19 years. While physical, intellectual and social impairments were all associated with survival individually, physical impairment was the only impairment to significantly predict survival in the multi‐variable analysis. Being non‐mobile was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of death and being partially mobile with a twofold increased risk of death compared with being fully mobile [adjusted hazards ratios (HR) = 7.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.99–10.21 and HR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.84–2.95]. Being male and earlier year of birth were also associated with shorter survival.Conclusions The implications of these findings are discussed.
Evaluating a Survivors Group Pilot for Women with Significant Intellectual Disabilities who have been Sexually Abused
Authors: Peckham Nicholas Guy , Howlett Susan , Corbett Alan 
Published: March 2007

Background  Sexual abuse has been associated with trauma, low self‐esteem, anger, depression and challenging behaviours. This pilot study builds on a small published literature by evaluating a survivors group (SG) for women with an intellectual disability and an educational support group (ESG) for their carers.Method  The SG was delivered weekly over 5 months for 20 sessions and the ESG ran concurrently for their seven carers in a separate room within the same community‐based building. Participants were helped to build trust and rapport, provided with education about sexual abuse designed for their level of ability, and helped to reprocess the trauma of their sexual abuse.Results  Both the SG and the ESG were evaluated using a repeated‐measures design (double baseline, mid‐treatment, post‐treatment and follow up), to see whether there was any improvement in relevant clinical dependent variables associated with the consequences of sexual abuse (i.e. trauma, self‐esteem, anger, depression and challenging behaviour). Improvements occurred in sexual knowledge, trauma and depression. Neither self‐esteem nor anger improved for most of the SG and challenging behaviour worsened at first before improving.Conclusions  The SG seemed to be successful in improving sexual knowledge and in reducing trauma and depression, although challenging behaviours worsened at first before improving. There is a need for more sexual abuse/sexual education groups for men and women with intellectual disabilities.
Apply with Caution: Introducing UK‐Style In‐Work Support in Germany*
Authors: Haan Peter , Myck Michał 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEstimates of the labour supply effects of recent UK reforms in the area of direct taxes and benefits show that policy can have significant influence on the level of employment. We confirm this in a simulation of an in‐work support system introduced into the German tax and benefit system. Our simulation results suggest that introducing in‐work tax credits in Germany would increase the employment of single individuals by over 105,000 but would result in a reduction of labour supply among individuals living in couples by about 70,000, among both women and men. The result found for men is especially important as it is markedly different from all results for the UK, where the net response among men has always been found to be positive. Our estimation results call for a high degree of caution as far as ‘importing’ UK‐style tax credits to Germany is concerned. In‐work support based on family income would reinforce the existing work disincentives for secondary earners, reducing the employment levels of both men and women living in couples.
Long‐ and Short‐Term Cost Efficiency Frontier Evaluation: Evidence from Spanish Local Governments*
Authors: Giménez Victor M. , Prior Diego 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis paper analyses the efficiency of Spanish local governments using non‐convex frontier methods. More specifically, it analyses the total cost inefficiency and proposes its decomposition into three additive components: short‐term variable cost inefficiency; capacity utilisation of fixed inputs; and scale inefficiency. The second and third components correspond to the long‐term cost efficiency notion. The proposition is applied to a sample of Spanish municipal councils (municipalities with over 2,000 inhabitants located in Catalonia, the Spanish north‐eastern region). The results confirm the existence of significant cost inefficiency coefficients related to both the long and short term.
Fixed or Variable Needs? Public Support and Welfare State Reform
Authors: Jensen Carsten 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe study of welfare state reform has in the last decade been strongly influenced by the ‘new politics’ literature. A fundamental assumption of this literature is that the public has fixed attitudes concerning welfare benefits; however, this may be hard to sustain empirically. Instead, this article argues that public support differs depending on whether a welfare programme aims at relieving fixed or variable needs. By analysing reforms of old-age pension schemes and the introduction of workfare strategies in the United States, France and Denmark, the fruitfulness of this approach is indicated.
European Trade Diplomacy and the Politics of Global Development: Reflections on the EU–China ‘Bra Wars’ Dispute
Authors: Heron Tony 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe article analyses the so-called ‘bra wars’ trade dispute that took place between the EU and China in 2005. This dispute raised a number of important questions linked, not only to the textiles and clothing (T&C) trade regime, but to the broader conduct of the EU in relation to the developing world. Over the years, the EU has attempted to construct a discourse towards developing countries that has sought to articulate a distinctively ‘European’ approach to issues like preferential trade, equitable growth, poverty reduction and so on. This article thus centres on the broader analytical question raised by ‘bra wars’: namely, the mounting incongruity between the theory and practice of the development policies of the EU.
Tramadol HCL has Promise in On-Demand Use to Treat Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Salem Emad A. , Wilson Steven K. , Bissada Nabil K. , Delk John R. , Hellstrom Wayne J. , Cleves Mario A. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a worldwide problem without an approved treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used “off label” as pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of PE.

Aim
This study investigates Tramadol efficacy for on-demand treatment of PE.

Main Outcomes Measures
Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was used as an objective tool to assess the efficacy of the investigated treatments.

Materials and Methods
Single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, stopwatch monitored two-period study was conducted, on 60 patients with lifelong PE. PE was defined as IELT of &lt;2 minutes in 80% of intercourse episodes. A total of 25 mg of Tramadol hydrochloride was given to one group (30) prior to intercourse and placebo was supplied for the other group (30) for 8 weeks. Drugs were taken 1–2 hours before sexual activity and sexual intercourse was required at least once per week. After the initial treatment period, the two groups took the alternate medication for another 2 months. The two 8-week treatment periods were separated by 1 week washout period. IELT was timed by a stopwatch at each intercourse and was reported by patients or partners.

Results
The baseline (mean ± SD) IELT for patients before treatment was 1.17 ± 0.39 minutes. At the end of the treatment period utilizing the active drug, the mean IELT was increased significantly in patients on Tramadol treatment to 7.37 ± 2.53 minutes. The same patients on placebo medication had mean IELT of only 2.01 ± 0.71 minutes. Patients uniformly reported satisfaction with their resulting control over ejaculation.

Conclusions
Tramadol, a drug with a proven safety record as an anti-inflammatory agent, shows promise as a drug for treating rapid ejaculation.
Leakage evaluation of three different root canal obturation techniques using electrochemical evaluation and dye penetration evaluation methods
Authors: İnan Ugur , Aydemir Hikmet , Taşdemir Tamer 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the apical sealing ability of three different obturation techniques using an electrochemical evaluation and evaluating dye penetration. One hundred and thirty‐two maxillary anterior teeth were randomly divided into six groups. There were 20 teeth in each group. The teeth were obturated as follows: Groups 1 and 4 with Thermafil, Groups 2 and 5 with System B, and Groups 3 and 6 with cold lateral condensation (CLC). The apical leakage in these groups was evaluated using an electrochemical method for Groups 1, 2, 3 and a dye penetration method for Groups 4, 5 and 6. In both methods, the lowest mean leakage values were observed for Thermafil and the highest were observed for the CLC groups. The difference between Thermafil and CLC was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In both groups, System B fillings showed moderate leakage and the difference was not significant with Thermafil and CLC groups.
Spreading of root canal irrigants on root dentine
Authors: Iwanami Makiko , Yoshioka Takatomo , Sunakawa Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Chihiro , Suda Hideaki 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the spreading of root canal irrigants on human root dentine. The spreading of various solutions on dentine surfaces was measured after pre‐treatment with various conditional solutions. Seven experimental groups were set based on the combination of conditioning solution‐test solution: none‐distilled water; none‐6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); none‐14.3% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid containing surfactant 0.084% cetrimide (Morhonine®); NaOCl‐NaOCl; NaOCl‐Morhonine®; Morhonine®‐Morhonine® and Morhonine®‐NaOCl. After application of 0.1 mL of conditioning solution for 60 s, 0.5 µL of test solution was placed on dentine surfaces. Spreading of test solution was measured for 480 s to examine the size of the contact area ratio. Those at 300 s were compared among groups using Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Difference (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the contact area ratio of Morhonine®‐NaOCl increased the most significantly among all the experimental groups.
Regression of a lesion resembling pyogenic granuloma after endodontic treatment
Authors: Jafarzadeh Hamid , Sanatkhani Majid 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA rare case of regression of a lesion resembling pyogenic granuloma after endodontic treatment of a maxillary lateral incisor in a 16‐year‐old female patient is reported. After clinical and radiographic examination, the maxillary right lateral incisor was endodontically treated in two visits. At the second visit, clinical regression of the exophytic lesion was evident and the size of this lesion had been greatly decreased, so was not biopsied. After 3 weeks, the exophytic lesion had totally disappeared. This case report indicates that surgical excision of exophytic lesions resembling pyogenic granuloma is not necessary in all situations.
Canal configuration in the mesio‐buccal root of maxillary first molar teeth of a Jordanian population
Authors: Khraisat Ameen , Smadi Leena 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the canal configuration in the mesio‐buccal root of maxillary first molar teeth of a Jordanian population using a clearing technique. One hundred extracted maxillary first molars were collected from Jordanian patients. After a standard access preparation, canals were stained, decalcified, dehydrated, and then rendered clear. The prevalence of a second canal in the mesio‐buccal root was 77.32%. Types IV and II canal systems were the most common types with prevalence of 35.05% and 27.83%, respectively. Additionally, 28.86% showed lateral canals mostly located in the apical third and 37.11% had intercanal communications, mainly in the middle third of the root. It was concluded that the prevalence of mesio‐palatal canals was high and Types IV and II canal systems were the most prevalent.