bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Futures engineering in complex systems
Authors: Bashiri Hassan , Nazemi Amir , Mobinidehkordi Ali 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This paper attempts to apply complex theory in futures studies and addresses prediction challenges when the system is complex. The purpose of the research is to design a framework to engineer the futures in complex systems where components are divers and inter-related. Relations cannot be interpreted by cause and effect concept.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the authors shaped a conceptual framework based on engineering, complex theory and uncertainty. To extract tacit knowledge of experts, an online questionnaire was developed. To validate the proposed framework, a workshop method was adapted with NetLogo simulation.

Findings
Opinion of participants in the workshop which is collected through quantitative questionnaire shows that the framework helps us in understanding and shaping scenarios. Harnessing the complexity in developing the futures was the main objective of this paper with the proposed framework which has been realized based on the experience gained from the workshop.

Originality/value
Iterative processes are very important to harness the complexity in systems with uncertainty. The novelty of the research is a combination of engineering achievements in terms of computation, simulation and applying tools with futures studies methods.
The diversity of befriending by, and of, older people
Authors: Moriarty Jo , Manthorpe Jill 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
There is increasing interest in befriending services that aim to combat loneliness among older people. The purpose of this paper is to use the Equality Act 2010 as a framework for considering why older people might need these services and why some groups are over and under represented among service users.

Design/methodology/approach
Databases, websites and other resources were searched systematically for material on befriending. The final review consisted of 80 items, ranging from research articles, reports, and toolkits.

Findings
Individual face to face befriending has been the mainstay of the type of befriending support for older people. The increasing diversity of the older population and reductions in funding has led to adaptations of this model for different groups living in different circumstances.

Research limitations/implications
The resources and time available to conduct the review were limited. It is possible that some relevant material was not identified.

Practical implications
Practitioners working with older people need to know about befriending schemes available in their area and consider the reasons why some groups of older people might be reluctant to use them or require specialist schemes.

Originality/value
Existing research on befriending rarely reports the demographic characteristics of those using the service in detail or considers why some groups of older people might have greater needs for befriending services or be reluctant to use them. The Equality Act 2010 provides a structured framework for considering diversity in access to, and use of, services.
Falls prevention: access and acceptability to all?
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Moriarty Jo 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the equalities’ dimension of falls prevention services in light of the Equality Act 2010 and its protected characteristics. Research and policy are discussed in light of the Act and public services’ duties to be aware of their responsibilities.Design/methodology/approachAn initial research review was undertaken in 2012 and updated in 2016.FindingsThe research on falls prevention services does not always collect data on users of the service and services do not always collect data about their users that would enable them to build a picture of their users in line with the Equality Act 2010.Practical implicationsServices and commissioners will need to be able to show that the services funded by the public purse are accessible, acceptable and appropriate to the UK’s increasingly diverse older population. This paper describes some of the existing resources and research papers that contain elements of attention to the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.Originality/valueThis is an update on a research review undertaken in 2012.
Community-based research and approaches to loneliness prevention
Authors: Barke Jenny 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on research with older people that explored experiences of loneliness in order to consider community level approaches to prevent and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Design/methodology/approach
This research was co-produced with a community research group and involved a series of in-depth interviews (n=14) with older people. Interviews were thematically analysed.

Findings
Analysis revealed three key themes: connecting and disconnecting, points of vulnerability and older identity. Social connections were important to participants and many felt disconnected at times. Findings underline the importance of understanding the social perceptions of older people and how individuals themselves conceptualise older age.

Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed to explore the value of social media in reducing feelings of loneliness generally. With regards to social implication the author suggests that older people need to be more visible and loneliness needs to be normalised and discussed without stigmatisation. In practical terms as people get older, and particularly as they retire, people need opportunities to re/engage with their geographically local community. The author suggests that preventing loneliness may mean finding supportive structures to enable this such as local community-based retirement classes. It is important to note that this research concentrated on one particular community in Bristol and needs to be replicated in order to further explore findings.

Originality/value
This research adopted a co-produced approach and involved community professionals, academics and local older people working together to explore the issue of loneliness. The author believes this has led to a greater breadth and depth of insight.
Bone mineral density and fractures after surgical menopause: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fakkert IE , Teixeira N , Abma EM , Slart RHJA , Mourits MJE , de Bock GH 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundOophorectomy is recommended for women at increased risk for ovarian cancer. When performed at premenopausal age oophorectomy induces acute surgical menopause, with unwanted consequences.ObjectiveTo investigate bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture prevalence after surgical menopause.Search strategyA literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library was performed with no date restriction. Date of last search was March 1st, 2016.Selection criteriaPrimary studies reporting on BMD, T‐scores or fracture prevalence in women with surgical menopause and age‐matched control groups.Data collection and analysisData were extracted on BMD (g/cm2), T‐scores and fracture prevalence in women with surgical menopause and control groups. Quality was assessed by an adaptation of the Downs and Black checklist. Random effects models were used to meta‐analyse results of studies reporting on BMD or fracture rates.Main resultsSeventeen studies were included, comprising 43 386 women with surgical menopause. Ten studies provided sufficient data for meta‐analysis. BMD after surgical menopause was significantly lower than in premenopausal age‐matched women [mean difference lumbar spine, −0.15 g/cm2 (95% CI, −0.19 to −0.11 g/cm2); femoral neck, −0.17 g/cm2 (95% CI, −0.23 to −0.11 g/cm2)] but not lower than in women with natural menopause [lumbar spine, −0.02 g/cm2 (95% CI, −0.04 to 0.00 g/cm2); femoral neck, 0.04 g/cm2 (95% CI, −0.09 to 0.16 g/cm2)]. Hip fracture rate was not higher after surgical menopause compared with natural menopause [hazard ratio: 0.85 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.04)].Author's conclusionsNo evident effect of surgical menopause was observed on BMD and fracture prevalence compared with natural menopause. However, available studies are prone to bias and need to be interpreted with caution.Tweetable abstractBone health after menopause: no evidence for additional effect of surgical menopause on BMD and fractures.
Quantification of Methamphetamine in Mouse Thighbones Buried in Soil
Authors: Nakao Ken‐ichiro , Tatara Yuki , Kibayashi Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBone samples are used for analysis of drugs in decomposed or skeletonized bodies. Toxicological analyses of buried bones are important for determining the causes and circumstances of death. In this study, methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations in heart blood, thigh muscles, and thighbones were analyzed using solid‐phase extraction with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Methamphetamine concentrations in heart blood, thigh muscle, and thighbone ranged from 0.041 to 0.873 μg/mL, 0.649 to 2.623 μg/g, and 56.543 to 643.371 μg/g, respectively. Thighbone concentrations were significantly higher than those in heart blood or thigh muscles were. Methamphetamine concentrations in buried thighbone (4.010–45.785 μg/g) were significantly lower than those of unburied thighbones were (56.543–643.371 μg/g). Methamphetamine and amphetamine were detected in thighbones buried for 7–180 days. These findings indicate that the methamphetamine concentrations in bone are higher and decrease after burial in soil.
Factors influencing hospital foodservice staff's capacity to deliver a nutrition intervention
Authors: Collins Jorja , Huggins Catherine E. , Porter Judi , Palermo Claire 
Published: April 2017

AimImplementation of an intervention can result in a discrepancy between what was planned and what is delivered, affecting outcomes for recipients. The aim was to explore, from the perspective of hospital foodservice staff, their experiences delivering a nutrition intervention and the barriers and enablers to its implementation.MethodsA process evaluation of a pilot study was undertaken using qualitative description. A purposive sample (n = 15) of hospital foodservice supervisors and foodservice assistants responsible for delivering a higher energy menu to hospital patients participated in focus groups and semistructured interviews. Theoretical frameworks of behaviour underpinned the method. Content analysis elicited factors (sub‐themes) influencing foodservice staff's capability, opportunity and motivation to provide the nutrition intervention. Thematic analysis (by two independent researchers) further explored factors (themes) related to the process of the intervention's implementation.ResultsFive key themes (and 15 sub‐themes) explained factors effecting implementation of the nutrition intervention. Aspects of the foodservice environment and patients’ resistance were barriers to implementation and perceived sustainability. Teamwork, problem solving, leadership and job satisfaction were enablers. There was an opportunity to optimise training and feedback. Characteristics of foodservice staff, including their: knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of diet, health and their job role, had the potential to influence their behaviours and decision making.ConclusionsA number of interacting factors influenced foodservice staff's delivery of a higher energy menu as planned. Addressing the challenges of time, foodservice structure, patients’ resistance, gaps in knowledge and misconceptions among foodservice staff may enhance similar nutrition interventions in the future.
Endobronchial and transbronchial biopsy experience: A United Kingdom survey
Authors: Fallon Janet , Medford Andrew R.L. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundTrainees are performing fewer bronchoscopies as a result of the increased use of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Workforce planning and changes in trainee working patterns may also have compounded this situation. We investigated current trends in endobronchial biopsy (EBB) and transbronchial biopsy (TBB) training and competency in respiratory trainees and consultants across the United Kingdom.MethodsWe performed a national survey and received 131 online responses from 58 consultants and 73 registrars across 13 United Kingdom deaneries.ResultsA significant proportion (31%) of consultants, more than half of which were new consultants, had performed <500 bronchoscopies. Bronchoscopic biopsy experience varies widely across trainees and consultants (9.1% of senior trainees and 14.3% of new consultants had performed <100 bronchoscopies). Most trainees and some new consultants reported performing relatively low numbers of EBB (13% <20 and 52% <50 procedures) and TBB (75% of trainees, 36% of new consultants, 12% of established consultants <10 procedures). Significant numbers of trainees do not feel competent in EBB (24%) and TBB (89% of junior trainees, 64% of senior trainees) and some consultants (24% of new and established consultants) wish for support with TBB.ConclusionsThese results have implications for future specialist training, curriculum planning, and service configuration. Training and performance of EBB and TBB may become concentrated in centers with an adequate volume of these procedures. Higher volumes of EBB and TBB may well be more likely to occur paradoxically in centers without endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration; however, this hypothesis requires further study.
Association of waist circumference with outcomes in an acute general surgical unit
Authors: Ryan Thomas , Gosal Preet , Seal Alexa , McGirr Joe , Williams Nicholas 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundObesity prevalence is increasing in Australia, particularly in non‐metropolitan areas. The effect of obesity on acute surgical outcomes is not known. We aimed to record waist circumference (WC) (surrogate for obesity) amongst acute surgical unit (ASU) patients in a New South Wales regional hospital, and compare outcome measures (length of stay (LOS), unplanned return to theatre, readmission rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality).MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 4 months of consecutive ASU admissions, excluding age <16, pregnancy, out‐of‐area transfer and incomplete data. Patients were classified according to World Health Organization WC definitions as high‐risk or non‐high‐risk (increased‐risk and no‐risk).ResultsOf 695 admissions, 512 met the inclusion criteria (47.1% female, average age 52.8 years (SD 22.3)), with 85.1% (P < 0.001) of females and 69.4% (P = 0.166) of males having an increased‐ or high‐risk WC. This compares to rates amongst inner regional populations of 71.0% (female) and 66.4% (male). LOS was longer for high‐risk patients (5.0 days versus 3.7 days, P = 0.002). However, the mean age of high‐risk patients was greater (56.6 years versus 46.9 years, P = 0.001) and LOS was longer for those aged ≥60 (P < 0.001). After controlling for age, high‐risk WC was not associated with any outcome measure, except amongst ICU admissions, where high‐risk patients stayed longer (15.5 days versus 6.8 days, P < 0.001).ConclusionIncreased‐ and high‐risk WC was overrepresented amongst female ASU patients. High‐risk WC was associated with a significantly greater LOS in patients admitted to ICU. High‐risk WC was not associated with other outcomes independent of age. WC is useful for quantifying obesity in the inpatient setting.
Uterine adenomyosis and infertility, review of reproductive outcome after in vitro fertilization and surgery
Authors: Dueholm Margit 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis review includes an analysis of the clinical studies evaluating reproductive outcome and adenomyosis, and a review of studies on reproductive outcome and surgical treatment options for adenomyosis. Strict diagnostic criteria and classification of disease are needed for an image diagnosis of adenomyosis. Studies of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) populations and women with surgically treated deep endometriosis have suggested that adenomyosis has a negative impact on reproductive outcome, although there are substantial variations between studies. Few data are available on the relation between the extent of disease and impact on reproductive outcome, but a correlation appears to exist. Case series seem to confirm a positive effect of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog treatment and surgery on reproductive outcome, but there are no controlled trials. Evidence is impaired by the poor quality of many studies, a lack of strict image diagnosis, and the absence of a classification of the extent of disease. Selection of the optimal evidence‐based treatment options for adenomyosis in the fertility clinic is difficult because of a lack of evidence regarding the relation between fertility and the degree and composition of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis may reduce implantation so severely that surgical or other treatment options should be recommended, but the benefit of these treatment options needs to be verified. Referral of women with adenomyosis and recurrent miscarriage and repeated failure of assisted reproductive technology to centers with a special interest in adenomyosis research and treatment may be critical.
Using internal and external reviewers can help to optimise neonatal mortality and morbidity conferences
Authors: Assaad Michael‐Andrew , Janvier Annie , Lapointe Anie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimThis study determined whether there was a difference in the conclusions reached by neonatologists in morbidity and mortality conferences based on their level of involvement in a case.MethodsAll neonatal deaths occurring between August 2014 and September 2015 at the neonatal intensive care unit of Sainte‐Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, were reviewed by internal physicians involved in the case and external physicians who were not. The reviewers were asked to identify positive and negative clinical practice items and provide written recommendations. These were classified into eight categories and compared for each case.ResultsDuring the study, 55 patients died leading to 110 reviews and a total of 590 positive and negative items. Most items were in the communication (25.2%), ethical decision‐making (16.7%) and clinical management (14.8%) categories. Both the internal and external reviewers were in agreement 48.5% of the time for positive items and 44.8% for negative items. There were 242 written recommendations, which differed significantly among the internal and external reviewers.ConclusionReviews of neonatal deaths by two independent reviewers, internal physicians and external physicians, led to different positive and negative practice items and recommendations. This could allow for a richer discussion and improve recommendations for patient care.
Control mechanisms for producing antimicrobial factors in ruminant mammary gland
Authors: Isobe Naoki 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMastitis, a symptom of inflammation in mammary tissue by infection with various kinds of bacteria, causes huge economic losses in the milk industry. One of the popular methods for treatment of mastitis is antibiotics, although this prohibits milk shipping and sometimes causes resistant microbes. Therefore, a new strategy to treat mastitis without antibiotics is eagerly required around the world. Antimicrobial factors belong to innate immunity and can start their function extremely early after bacterial stimulation. These factors have antimicrobial activity for a broad spectrum of bacteria. Elucidation of causal mechanisms and functions of antimicrobial factors in the mammary gland is thought to result in suitable methods for prevention and treatment of mastitis. Therefore, this review introduces traits of some antimicrobial factors and the mechanisms for expressing, producing and secreting them in the mammary gland. For antimicrobial factors, lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), S100A7, cathelicidin and lactoferrin are controlled in different sites and different time courses, suggesting that antimicrobial factors play different roles for local defense against bacterial infection in the mammary gland. These findings will contribute to the development of prevention and treatment methods for mastitis.
Social defeat models in animal science: What we have learned from rodent models
Authors: Toyoda Atsushi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractStudies on stress and its impacts on animals are very important in many fields of science, including animal science, because various stresses influence animal production and animal welfare. In particular, the social stresses within animal groups have profound impact on animals, with the potential to induce abnormal behaviors and health problems. In humans, social stress induces several health problems, including psychiatric disorders. In animal stress models, social defeat models are well characterized and used in various research fields, particularly in studies concerning mental disorders. Recently, we have focused on behavior, nutrition and metabolism in rodent models of social defeat to elucidate how social stresses affect animals. In this review, recent significant progress in studies related to animal social defeat models are described. In the field of animal science, these stress models may contribute to advances in the development of functional foods and in the management of animal welfare.
Does IFRS Mandatory Adoption Affect Information Asymmetry in the Stock Market?
Authors: Abad David , Cutillas‐Gomariz M. Fuensanta , Sánchez‐Ballesta Juan Pedro , Yagüe José 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe purpose of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adopted mandatorily by European listed firms in 2005, is to increase the transparency and the comparability of accounting information, which should have led to improvements in these firms’ information environments. This study uses market microstructure proxies for information asymmetry to examine the effects of IFRS adoption on the level of information asymmetry in the Spanish stock market. Therefore, we consider a setting with substantial differences between local standards – Spanish Accounting Standards (SAS) ‒ and IFRS and where the level of enforcement is low. By controlling for conventional determinants of information asymmetry and firms’ characteristics that influence their information environments, we find a reduction of information asymmetry after IFRS adoption. Our findings suggest that the mandatory switch from local accounting standards to IFRS conveys benefits to the market, even when the enforcement level is not strong.
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Gender Diversity in the Workplace: Econometric Evidence from Japan
Authors: Kato Takao , Kodama Naomi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUsing panel data on corporate social responsibility (CSR) matched with corporate proxy statement data for a large and representative sample of 1,492 publicly traded firms in Japan over 2006–2014, we provide fixed effect estimates on the positive and significant effects on gender diversity of CSR. Such effects are, however, felt only after two to three years. The CSR effects are larger and more significant for firms that adhere more closely to the participatory Japanese management system. Our findings are robust to the inclusion of controls capturing the mediating effects of various work–life balance practices, pointing to the direct impact of CSR on gender diversity.