bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nonparametric approach for optimal reliability allocation in health services
Authors: Aksezer Çağlar  Sezgin 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– Reliability evaluation of healthcare services has been a challenging task for both operations managers and system engineers working in the respective field. The purpose of this paper is to develop a data envelopment analysis-based reliability allocation model.

Design/methodology/approach
– A two-phase optimization scheme for the reliability evaluation and allocation of homogeneous system entities, namely, hospitals, operating in a healthcare network is proposed. First, reliability evaluation is performed nonparametrically through the frontier estimation technique data envelopment analysis by considering several failure modes and failure free discharged patients as the inputs and output of the service system. Subsequently, optimal reliability allocation that maximizes the overall network reliability subject to a budget constraint is carried out by utilizing weights of the inputs and output calculated on the Pareto optimal frontier, which is constructed from the most reliable hospitals operating in the network.

Findings
– The popular performance assessment methodology DEA is found to be an invaluable reliability assessment and allocation tool, where optimal weights of the associated envelopment model, under certain budget restrictions, are used to maximize overall network reliability.

Originality/value
– An empirical illustration of the proposed model is presented on a set of hospital network data from Turkey. Modeling implications can be carried out on similar service operations where identification of the critical performance indicator costs is possible.
The development of a work environment framework for ISO 9000 standard success
Authors: Denton Paul David , Maatgi Musbah Kharis 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present exploratory research with respect to the development of a novel classification and framework capable of evaluating the influence and maturity of work environment on the implementation of ISO 9000 standards within advanced engineering and manufacturing SMEs. Work environment definitions, references and factors are now common across a broad range of international quality standards, but these are not consistently defined or effectively assessed.Design/methodology/approach– The successful implementation of international quality standards and models can be viewed as an important key for contemporary SMEs to maintain competitive advantage. As such this research aims to build upon existing literature and to examine the effect of work environment on the successful implementation of ISO 9000. An initial industrial survey is combined with an exploration of contemporary SME case studies, prior to the proposal of a novel classification and framework.Findings– Current work environment terminology is not consistent and capable of effective assessment. Internal SMEs motivation for ISO 9000 certification can lead to improved results than those pressured by external reasons. The deployment of an integrated work environment classification and framework may lead to tangible improvements to ISO 9000 and SME success.Practical implications– This investigation opens a further opportunity for research into the body of knowledge on manufacturing SME orientated quality management standards and systems. This research will be of particular interest to enterprise managers, practicing production managers, quality auditors, and human resource professionals, as it examines work environment factors that may drive improvements in competitive performance.Originality/value– This is the first paper presented in open literature which investigates the wider concept of work environment with a manufacturing SME context, together with proposal of a novel work environment classification and framework approach.
Sensemaking of post-acquisition changes in accounting and control
Authors: Moilanen Sinikka 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore how softer issues such as emotions function in the alignment of a management accounting and control system (MCS) following an international acquisition.Design/methodology/approach– To tap into the interplay of softer issues and formal structures, the paper compares the sensemaking of the changes in the structures related to and following an acquisition in the acquiring firm and the acquired firm.Findings– The results show that the people in the acquiring firm take the company perspective and identify the processes of change and technical matters affecting consolidation. Their interpretative frames are thus more rational than the emotional frames of the people in the acquired firm, who explain the changes in terms of their personal experiences. Accordingly, softer issues, such as emotions, affect how structural changes are interpreted.Originality/value– The paper contributes to the existing research on the post-acquisition integration of MCSs by showing that not only do the basic assumptions of MCSs challenge the alignment, but the positions of individuals also create certain perspectives that may evoke emotions and affect sensemaking. In this specific situation emotions may already be evoked by the changes in work, not only by accounting figures and technologies. The contradiction between rational and emotional frames may cause difficulties in alignment, since introducing new formal accounting structures does not provide any unambiguous frame for sensemaking. These structures may be interpreted through their content or through the effects on daily work.
Ghrelin‐related peptides do not modulate vasodilator nitric oxide production or superoxide levels in mouse systemic arteries
Authors: Ku Jacqueline M , Sleeman Mark W , Sobey Christopher G , Andrews Zane B , Miller Alyson A 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe ghrelin gene is expressed in the stomach where it ultimately encodes up to three peptides, namely, acylated ghrelin, des‐acylated ghrelin and obestatin, which all have neuroendocrine roles. Recently, the authors' reported that these peptides have important physiological roles in positively regulating vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) production in the cerebral circulation, and may normally suppress superoxide production by the pro‐oxidant enzyme, Nox2‐NADPH oxidase. To date, the majority of studies using exogenous peptides infer that they may have similar roles in the systemic circulation. Therefore, this study examined whether exogenous and endogenous ghrelin‐related peptides modulate NO production and superoxide levels in mouse mesenteric arteries and/or thoracic aorta. Using wire myography, it was found that application of exogenous acylated ghrelin, des‐acylated ghrelin or obestatin to mouse thoracic aorta or mesenteric arteries failed to elicit a vasorelaxation response, whereas all three peptides elicited vasorelaxation responses of rat thoracic aorta. Also, none of the peptides modulated mouse aortic superoxide levels as measured by L‐012‐enhanced chemiluminescence. Next, it was found that NO bioactivity and superoxide levels were unaffected in the thoracic aorta from ghrelin‐deficient mice when compared with wild‐type mice. Lastly, using novel GHSR‐eGFP reporter mice in combination with double‐labelled immunofluorescence, no evidence was found for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1a) in the throracic aorta, which is the only functional ghrelin receptor identified to date. Collectively these findings demonstrate that, in contrast to systemic vessels of other species (e.g. rat and human) and mouse cerebral vessels, ghrelin‐related peptides do not modulate vasodilator NO production or superoxide levels in mouse systemic arteries.
Non‐violent resistance parent training for the parents of young adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Golan Ofer , Shilo Hila , Omer Haim 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA ‘dependence trap’ between parents and young adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF‐ASD) develops when parents accommodate to the needs of their grown‐up child in ways that may hinder development and cause distress. Non‐Violent Resistance (NVR) parent training may help parents reduce their accommodation, manage arising conflicts through de‐escalation techniques, and amass external support for themselves and their child. Parents of four young adults with HF‐ASD received a ten‐week modified NVR parent training. Cases were evaluated through semi‐structured interviews and self‐report questionnaires. The parents reported improved independent functioning, reduced parental helplessness and accommodation, and enhanced support. Questionnaires showed improvements in reported parental hopefulness and reduced parental depression.Practitioner points

Families with a grown‐up child with HF‐ASD may be characterised by excessive parental accommodation that is detrimental to optimal functioning
Accommodation increases dependence, which in turn requires continued accommodation, forming a ‘dependence trap’
NVR parent training may help parents to young adults with HF‐ASD reduce parental accommodation, helplessness and depression, while improving hopefulness and adaptation
Controlling infestation of a chocolate factory by Plodia interpunctella by combining mating disruption and the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor
Authors: Trematerra Pasquale , Oliviero Annachiara , Savoldelli Sara , Schöller Matthias 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA field experiment of 4 years’ duration was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of combining the mating disruption (MD) formulation Dismate ZETA ((9Z,12E)‐tetradecadienyl acetate), with the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor against the Indianmeal moth Plodia interpunctella in a chocolate factory. The experimental period began early in 2011 and ended in late 2014. Begane Dismate dispensers were placed in the facility from 2011 to 2014 and H. hebetor was released in 2014. Pheromone‐baited traps were used to monitor the flight activity of the male moths and oviposition Petri dish traps were placed to assess the progeny production of P. interpunctella females. Following the start of MD, a decrease in the number of P. interpunctella males caught in monitoring traps was observed from 2011 to 2013. A further decline in the moth population was noted in 2014, when MD was combined with the release of parasitoids. The presence of larvae in the oviposition cups was occasionally observed throughout the monitoring period, from 2011 to 2014. This study demonstrates that the combined system of MD and parasitoids is an effective and reliable technique that can be used to successfully control P. interpunctella.
Does Change in Risk Matter?
Authors: Cohen Thomas H. , Lowenkamp Christopher T. , VanBenschoten Scott W. 
Published: January 2016

Research SummaryThe Post Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA) is a correctional assessment tool used by federal probation officers that identifies offenders most likely to commit new crimes and the criminogenic characteristics that, if changed, could reduce the likelihood of recidivism. We explored how changes in offender risk influence the likelihood of recidivism by tracking a population of 64,716 offenders placed on federal supervision with multiple PCRA assessments. In general, offenders scoring in the high‐, moderate‐, and low/moderate‐risk categories at their initial assessment and experiencing decreases in their risk classifications were less likely to recidivate compared with their counterparts whose risk levels remained unchanged or increased. Conversely, increases in offender risk were associated with higher rates of reoffending behavior. Notably, we saw no recidivism reduction for offenders in the lowest risk category if they received decreases in their overall PCRA scores.Policy ImplicationsThis analysis provides officers with crucial information about how changes in offender risk can influence the likelihood of arrest. Probation officers should consider adjusting downward the amount of time and resources devoted to offenders with decreasing risk levels once those decreases have stabilized. Alternatively, probation officers should pay particular attention and allocate more resources to those offenders reclassified into higher risk categories. Finally, probation officers should be cautious about providing resources to low‐risk offenders who do not seem to benefit from efforts aimed at reducing their criminal risk factors.
Rural–urban disparities in stage of breast cancer at diagnosis in Australian women
Authors: Leung Janni , Martin Jennifer , McLaughlin Deirdre 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo examine urban–rural differences and individual risk factors for a late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis in Australian women.DesignIndividual‐level longitudinal data were linked with cancer registry data from New South Wales (New South Wales Cancer Registry linked by the Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL)), Queensland (Queensland Cancer Registry) and Victoria (The Cancer Council Victoria).SettingParticipants were drawn from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health 1946‐1951 cohort (n = 13 715).ParticipantsThe sample included 195 women identified from the linked cancer registry data with a breast cancer diagnosis.InterventionsRural or urban residence was measured using Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus (ARIA+). Individual characteristics and socio‐demographic variables examined included survey year, menopausal status, country of birth, education and marital status.Main outcome measuresA late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis was defined based on the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours.ResultsA late stage of breast cancer diagnosis was observed in 36% of women residing in urban areas and 40% of women residing in rural areas. After adjusting for individual characteristics, we found that obesity was the strongest risk factor for a late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis.ConclusionsGiven that women are becoming increasingly obese, and that the rate of obesity is higher in the Australian rural population, this paper provides further evidence for targeting interventions for obesity, particularly in rural Australia, as a public health priority.
Personality characteristics and attributes of international medical graduates in general practice training: Implications for supporting this valued Australian workforce
Authors: Laurence Caroline O. , Eley Diann S. , Walters Lucie , Elliott Taryn , Cloninger Claude Robert 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the personality profiles of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) undertaking General Practice (GP) training in Australia. A better understanding of the personal characteristics of IMGs may inform their training and enhance support for their vital contribution to the Australian rural workforce.DesignCross‐sectional self‐report questionnaires. Independent variables included socio‐demographics, prior training, the Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Resilience Scale.Setting and participantsGP registrars (IMGs = 102; AMGs = 350) training in the Australian General Practice Training rural and general pathway and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine independent pathway.Main outcome measuresUnivariate analysis explored the differences in levels of traits between IMG and AMG registrars.ResultsCompared to the general population both groups have moderately high resilience, and well‐organised characters with high Self‐directedness, high Cooperativeness and low Self‐transcendence, supported by temperaments which were high in Persistence and Reward Dependence. IMGs were different than AMGs in two temperament traits, Novelty Seeking and Persistence and two character traits, Self‐directedness and Cooperativeness.ConclusionsFactors such as cultural and training backgrounds, personal and professional expectations, and adjustments necessary to assimilate to a new lifestyle and health system are likely to be responsible for differences found between groups. Understanding the personality profiles of IMGs provides opportunities for targeted training and support which may in turn impact on their retention in rural areas.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography for staging of fibrosis in people with alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Pavlov C. S. , Casazza G. , Nikolova D. , Tsochatzis E. , Gluud C. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe progression of hepatic fibrosis into cirrhosis is a main prognostic factor for survival in people with alcoholic liver disease. The range of cut‐off values characterising the stage of hepatic fibrosis seems to be dependent on the aetiology of the liver disease.AimsTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography (the index test) for diagnosis of fibrosis in alcoholic liver disease when compared with liver biopsy (the reference standard), using the METAVIR scoring system. To establish the optimal cut‐off values for the hepatic fibrosis stages.MethodsWe followed Cochrane Methodology for diagnostic test accuracy reviews. We identified 14 studies. Among the study participants with alcoholic liver disease, 834 provided numerical data for analysis (August 2014). Only half of the studies were monoaetiology studies. We used the bivariate model and estimated the summary sensitivities and summary specificities. Hence, we calculated the summary likelihood ratios (LRs) to rule in or rule out hepatic fibrosis. We investigated pre‐defined sources of heterogeneity.ResultsSevere fibrosis (F3 or worse): summary (95% CI) sensitivity 0.92(0.89–0.96) and specificity 0.70(0.61–0.79); LR+ 3.1(2.1–4.1), LR− 0.11(95% CI 0.06–0.16). Cirrhosis (F4): summary (95% CI) sensitivity of 0.95(0.87–0.98) and specificity 0.71(0.56–0.82); LR+ 3.3(2.1–5.0); LR− 0.07(0.03–0.19).ConclusionsTransient elastography may be used as a diagnostic method to exclude cirrhosis or severe fibrosis when the test is negative. Cut‐off values of around 12.5 kPa for cirrhosis may be used in clinical practice, but caution is needed, as the values reported in the review are not yet prospectively validated.
Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract in diets with different protein levels for dogs
Authors: Dos Reis Jéssica S. , Zangerônimo Márcio G. , Ogoshi Rosana C. S. , França Janine , Costa Adriano C. , Almeida Thomás N. , Dos Santos João P. F. , Pires Carolina P. , Chizzotti Ana F. , Leite Carlos A. L. , Saad Flávia M. O. B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) in two diets with different levels of crude protein (CP) for dogs on facal odour, nutrient digestibility, ammonia concentration in feces and hematological and serum biochemical profiles. Twenty adults Beagles were used, distributed in a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial design (two diets, 25% and 34% CP, and four YSE levels: 0, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) with five replicates, obtained during two experimental periods. The fecal odour reduced (P < 0.05) when 500 mg/kg of YSE was used in diets with higher CP. The inclusion of YSE reduced (P < 0.05) fecal ammonia, and the inclusion of 250 and 500 mg/kg YSE reduced intestinal gas. The inclusion of 750 mg/kg YSE increased the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and tended to increase the serum cholesterol concentration, regardless of the protein level of the diets. There was no effect on the digestibility of nutrients, fecal consistency, nitrogen balance and thickness of the intestinal wall. The inclusion of 500 mg/kg YSE is effective in reducing fecal odour in dogs receiving diets with 34% of CP. Regardless of the protein content, YSE reduces fecal ammonia, but may cause adverse effects if included at higher doses.
Association of CYP2C19*2 and associated haplotypes with lower norendoxifen concentrations in tamoxifen‐treated Asian breast cancer patients
Authors: Lim Joanne Siok Liu , Sutiman Natalia , Muerdter Thomas E. , Singh Onkar , Cheung Yin Bun , Ng Raymond Chee Hui , Yap Yoon Sim , Wong Nan Soon , Ang Peter Cher Siang , Dent Rebecca , Schroth Werner , Schwab Matthias , Chowbay Balram 
Published: January 2016

AimThe aim was to examine the influence of CYP2C19 variants and associated haplotypes on the disposition of tamoxifen and its metabolites, particularly norendoxifen (NorEND), in Asian patients with breast cancer.MethodsSixty‐six CYP2C19 polymorphisms were identified in healthy Asians (n = 240), of which 14 were found to be tightly linked with CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3 and CYP2C19*17. These 17 SNPs were further genotyped in Asian breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen (n = 201). Steady‐state concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Non‐parametric tests and regression methods were implemented to evaluate genotypic–phenotypic associations and haplotypic effects of the SNPs.ResultsCYP2C19 functional polymorphisms and their linked SNPs were not significantly associated with plasma concentrations of tamoxifen and its main metabolites N‐desmethyltamoxifen, (Z)‐4‐hydroxytamoxifen and (Z)‐Endoxifen. However, CYP2C19*2 and its seven linked SNPs were significantly associated with lower NorEND concentrations, MRNorEND/NDDM and MRNorEND/(Z)‐END. Specifically, patients carrying the CYP2C19*2 variant allele A had significantly lower NorEND concentrations [median (range), GG vs. GA vs. AA: 1.51 (0.38–3.28) vs. 1.28 (0.30–3.36) vs. 1.15 ng ml−1 (0.26–2.45, P = 0.010)] as well as significantly lower MRNorEND/(Z)‐END [GG vs. GA vs. AA: 9.40 (3.27–28.35) vs. 8.15 (2.67–18.9) vs. 6.06 (4.47–14.6), P < 0.0001] and MRNorEND/NDDM [GG vs. GA vs. AA: 2.75 (0.62–6.26) vs. 2.43 (0.96–4.18) vs. 1.75 (1.10–2.49), P < 0.00001]. CYP2C19 H2 haplotype, which included CYP2C19*2, was also significantly associated with lower NorEND concentrations (P = 0.0020), MRNorEND/NDDM (P < 0.0001) and MRNorEND/(Z)‐END (P < 0.0001), indicating significantly lower formation rates of NorEND.ConclusionThese data highlight the potential relevance of CYP2C19 pharmacogenetics in influencing NorEND concentrations in tamoxifen‐treated patients, which may influence treatment outcomes.