bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sweden
Authors: Stambolovski Zoran
Published: July 2018

This chapter discusses the law of set-off in Sweden. Set-off in Sweden has developed through case law and legal commentary although legislation has been considered necessary in certain areas such as bankruptcy. The legal landscape of set-off can be divided into two sets of principles, those applying outside bankruptcy and those applying in bankruptcy. The chapter first considers set-off between solvent parties, focusing on set-off after a transfer of the principal claim, contractual arrangements, and set-off as security interests. It then examines set-off against insolvent parties, with emphasis on restrictions regarding the right of set-off in bankruptcy, recovery of set-off effected before bankruptcy, and close-out netting. It also analyses cross-border issues with respect to applicable law for set-off outside bankruptcy, applicable law for set-off in bankruptcy, and the conditions for cross-border set-off under Swedish law.
United States of America
Authors: Cohn Joshua
Published: July 2018

This chapter examines the most common aspects of the right of set-off in the United States, focusing on the State of New York. It also considers the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and its implications for the right of set-off. The chapter first considers contractual and statutory set-off outside bankruptcy proceedings and whether set-off can be considered a security interest before discussing set-off against insolvent parties. It explains how the right of set-off is affected by the automatic stay provision in section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the prohibition of creditor preferences, and fraudulent transfers. It also analyses choice of law issues arising in cross-border set-off, taking into account the relevant provisions of the New York State law and Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code. Finally, it reviews the applicable rules for non-U.S. parties participating in a debtor's plenary Bankruptcy Code proceeding in the absence of a Chapter 15 ancillary proceeding.
Arbitration in Singapore
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

Singapore is the most popular seat for international arbitration in Asia, and the fourth most popular seat in the world. Over 2,500 cases have been referred to the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in the 26 years since it first opened its doors, making it reportedly the fifth most popular institution for international arbitrations globally. This chapter first discusses the factors that explain Singapore's popularity as a place for international arbitration. These include government and legislative support, judicial support, reputation for neutrality, stable and predictable laws, and cultural and legal links to its Asian neighbours. It then details the rise of the SIAC and the structure and content of the present volume.
Introduction to SIAC Arbitration
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

This chapter begins with a brief history of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and its rules of arbitration. It covers the establishment of the SIAC and the evolution of its corporate and management structure. The chapter then identifies the key differences between the six iterations of the (standard) SIAC Rules. These include the 1991, 1997, 2007, 2010, and 2013 SIAC Rules; retrospective amendments to the 2007 and 2010 SIAC Rules; SIAC domestic arbitration rules; and bunker claims procedure, mediation–arbitration procedure, and derivatives arbitration. The chapter concludes with a graphical overview of the typical stages in an SIAC arbitration conducted under the 2016 SIAC Rules. The relevant rule for each procedure and the chapter in which it is discussed are identified in the flowchart.
Awards
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

This chapter focuses on Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules 32 to 33. Rules 32 and 33 provide the framework for the making of awards in SIAC arbitrations. Singapore law defines an award as ‘a decision of the arbitral tribunal on the substance of the dispute and includes any interim, interlocutory or partial award but excludes any orders or directions made under section 12’. Part A of the chapter considers Rule 32, which is split into twelve sub-rules, each dealing with a distinct issue relating to the issuance, content, scrutiny, effect, and the publication of awards. Part B addresses Rule 33, which allows a tribunal to correct or interpret an award that has been issued to the parties and issue an additional award.
Costs
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

This chapter discusses Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules 34 to 37. Parties negotiating a contract have to decide whether to agree to have disputes determined by municipal courts or through arbitration. Cost can be a major factor in that decision. Part A of this chapter begins with a look at the cost of arbitrating a dispute in comparison to having a dispute determined by litigation. There follows an analysis of the key features of the assessment of costs in SIAC arbitration in Part B. In Part C, the SIAC costs of arbitration are compared to the costs payable by parties in disputes administered by two of SIAC's regional competitors, the International Chamber of Commerce and Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. Finally, Rules 34 to 37 of the SIAC Rules (2016), which govern the calculation and apportionment of the fees and expenses of an arbitral tribunal, the SIAC Secretariat, and individual party costs, are each considered in turn in parts D to G.
Miscellaneous Provisions
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

This chapter discusses Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules 38 to 41. The SIAC Rules group together a number of important miscellaneous rules. They cover the immunity of SIAC and its arbitrators from liability the acts or omissions (Rule 38); the duty of confidentiality imposed by Singapore law in the context of arbitration (Rule 39); the conclusive nature of decisions made by SIAC officers (Rule 40); the circumstances in which a party waives its rights (Rule 41.1); the means by which gaps in the rules are filled (Rule 41.2); and the status of non-English translations of the SIAC Rules (Rule 41.3).
Ad Hoc Arbitration
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

An ad hoc arbitration can be defined as an arbitration that is not administered by an arbitral institution. With that as its definition, one may be surprised to learn that an arbitration institution can have a role to play in an ad hoc arbitration. The smooth running of an ad hoc arbitration can be facilitated by the appointment of an arbitral institution such as SIAC to perform certain limited functions and, in particular, to be on standby to step in should the process for the constitution of the tribunal or its functioning break down. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to ad hoc arbitration in Part A. The three ways in which SIAC may be called upon to support an ad hoc arbitration, and the types of services it can provide, are described in Part B.
SIAC Domestic Arbitration
Authors: Choong John
Published: July 2018

This chapter describes the history of the 2002 Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Domestic Arbitration Rules. The first edition of the SIAC Rules, released in 1991, applied to all arbitrations (i.e. both international and domestic). SIAC subsequently released separate rules tailored for domestic arbitrations in May 2001 and again in September 2002. However, the SIAC Domestic Arbitration Rules were repealed on 1 July 2007 by Schedule 1 to the 2007 SIAC Rules. Thus, since 1 July 2007 there is no longer a separate body of rules for SIAC domestic arbitrations, with only one exception, namely a tribunal's power to render a summary award in favour of a claimant or counter-claimant if there is no valid defence to some or all of a claim. The 2016 SIAC Rules, however, do not have any special provisions for domestic arbitrations.
Beginnings
Authors: Lichtenstein Natalie
Published: July 2018

Chapter 1, Beginnings, introduces the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the book and its author. The origins of the AIIB proposal by China are discussed, along with the global economic and geo-political aspects that led to its establishment. There are comparisons to the establishment of other multilateral development banks: the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The steps in the negotiating process in 2014–2015 are summarized, and presented in a table of the 57 countries that participated. The author describes her role in drafting the AIIB Charter and some of the considerations in the choice of model.
Investment Operations
Authors: Lichtenstein Natalie
Published: July 2018

Chapter 4, Investment Operations, presents the Charter-based framework for AIIB’s investment operations. It describes AIIB’s investment objectives: to foster sustainable economic development, create wealth and improve infrastructure connectivity, by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors. AIIB’s types of investment operations include loans, guarantees, equity investment and technical assistance, for public sector entities and for private sector clients. Its investment operations should benefit Asia, but may be located outside of the region. Its operational principles emphasize sound banking principles, environmental and social aspects, competitive procurement, financial soundness, proper use of funds (anti-corruption) and transparency. These operational principles and AIIB’s policies are drawn from similar rules in place for other multilateral development banks, and are designed to facilitate AIIB’s cofinancing of with these other banks. Key policies are summarized and AIIB’s first phase of investment operations (through December 2017) is presented in a table.
Transitions
Authors: Lichtenstein Natalie
Published: July 2018

Chapter 8, Transitions, provides an inside look at how AIIB’s governing bodies were created in the transition from negotiations to establishment and operation. First, the context and considerations for the transitional arrangements are explained, for the Prospective Founding Members and for AIIB as an international organization. The legal requirements for AIIB’s actual establishment are summarized and the development of basic documents and policies is noted. Particular attention is given to the transitional arrangements for AIIB’s governing bodies (President-designate and the Boards), and the Inaugural Meetings of the Board of Governors and Board of Directors. Innovative options were developed for leadership selection, inaugural Board of Directors and prospective member representation. Tables show attendance at meetings of the Board of Governors, and how the make-up of the Board of Directors has changed.
Reflections
Authors: Lichtenstein Natalie
Published: July 2018

Chapter 10, Reflections, draws on the histories of AIIB’s predecessors to single out themes that may prove relevant for AIIB’s future development. Examples are taken from the stories of the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Principal themes are: economic and financial environment; international relations and politics; funding; membership changes; major shareholders; clients and operations; leadership and governance; and attitudes toward change. While AIIB has been established in a world far different from the second half of the twentieth century that saw the birth of its predecessors, many of these aspects of the development of these multilateral development banks may prove similarly influential as AIIB’s future unfolds.
Introduction
Authors: Hohmann Jessie , Weller Marc
Published: July 2018

Although a long time in the making, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was a detailed and substantial Document that resembled a hard-law treaty, despite being non-binding. It represented a huge achievement on the part of the non-governmental actors who campaigned for its introduction. This introductory chapter outlines the background of the negotiation process and the organization of the Commentary on the Declaration itself.
Who Are ‘Indigenous Peoples’?
Authors: Castellino Joshua , Doyle Cathal
Published: July 2018

This chapter assesses the question of the people and peoples to whom the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) applies, tracking the concepts of person, persons, groups, people, and peoples in international law, and the UNDRIP's contribution to these concepts. The opening section of the chapter illustrates that the status of indigenous peoples in customary international law stands closer to peoples in the continuum between minorities and peoples. Minorities, while gaining the right to protection and promotion of their group identity, do not automatically gain the right to self-determination. Indigenous peoples ought to, but their rights towards this are constrained by state interests.
The UNDRIP and Interactions with International Investment Law
Authors: Binder Christina
Published: July 2018

This chapter examines the relationship of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to international investment and economic law. Interactions between international investment law and indigenous rights are becoming more frequent. On the one hand, there is a quantitative increase in foreign investments. These investments are protected by an ever denser net of bilateral investment treaties (BITs). On the other hand, indigenous peoples' territories are often resource-rich areas with significant attraction for foreign investors. This entails a considerable risk that investment projects on indigenous territories encroach upon indigenous rights. Negative consequences include detrimental impacts on indigenous peoples' relationship to their lands, environmental degradation, and pollution. These risks are even more acute, given the importance of lands for indigenous culture. Thus, indigenous rights increasingly conflict with the rights of foreign investors and show an evident need for coordination between both systems — indigenous peoples' rights and international investment law.
The UNDRIP and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Existence, Cultural Integrity and Identity, and Non-Assimilation
Authors: Hohmann Jessie
Published: July 2018

This chapter focuses on the rights to identity, existence, and non-assimilation in Articles 7(2), 8, and 43, which together enshrine rights to the protection of indigenous peoples' continued survival and existence, both physically as individuals and as cultural entities in accordance with levels of human dignity and well-being. Indigenous peoples pressed for the inclusion of such principles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in the recognition that pre-existing international, regional, and national laws had failed to protect their survival as communities with distinct cultures, or recognise them as distinct peoples. The three provisions studied in this chapter reflect this central concern of indigenous group/cultural survival and flourishing as peoples. As such, the final agreed text of Articles 7(2), 8, and 43 must be seen as containing norms aimed at the development of existing international law, which would protect and confirm indigenous collectivities in ways not currently recognised or only now emerging.
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in the UNDRIP
Authors: Barelli Mauro
Published: July 2018

This chapter addresses the norm of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) found in Articles 10, 19, 29(2), and 32(2). The rights to participation and consultation are crucial to guarantee the effective protection of the rights and interests of any ethno-cultural group, and represent a fundamental aspect of modern democratic societies. Accordingly, FPIC reinforces significantly the provisions of the Declaration dealing with participatory rights, and specifically those concerning the right of indigenous peoples to be consulted with regard to matters affecting them. At a minimum, FPIC requires that the relevant consultations should not be a mere formality, but, rather, should be conducted in good faith and with the objective of finding a common agreement. However, FPIC may also be understood in a more radical manner, namely one requesting that certain measures or projects should not be implemented in the absence of the consent of the indigenous people concerned.
Culture
Authors: Xanthaki Alexandra
Published: July 2018

This chapter examines the rights to culture in Articles 11(1), 12, 13(1), and 34. The freedom of indigenous peoples to have their indigenous identities and cultures respected has been the main incentive for their struggle and one of the main reasons for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The recognition of indigenous cultural rights is deeply rooted in the principle of respect of the diversity and richness of their identities, the end of historical injustices committed against them, and the principle of self-determination, all of which are incorporated in the preamble of the Declaration. Unfortunately, patterns of expropriation of indigenous religious and cultural objects and neglect, even destruction of indigenous cultural manifestations, still continue. In addition, new waves of tourism beyond ‘the beaten truck’ commodify important indigenous historical and archaeological sites. It is therefore of no surprise that the protection of culture is so important in the whole text of the Declaration.
Control over Natural Resources and Protection of the Environment of Indigenous Territories
Authors: Errico Stefania
Published: July 2018

This chapter assesses Articles 29, 30, and 32 to consider natural resources and the environment. Article 32 bears a profound relationship with the right to self-determination and defines overall the contours and the requirements for States' disposal of natural resources, in line with the contemporary emphasis on human-rights based and participatory forms of development. The provision is in fact pivotal to enabling indigenous peoples to set and pursue their own development path and requires participation and engagement at a broader level, beyond ad-hoc consultations on specific projects. Thus, the issue of use and control of natural resources in indigenous territories should be addressed more broadly in the light of the recognition of indigenous peoples' right to determine their priorities and strategies for the development and use of their lands and territories in Article 32(1) of the Declaration.
Labour Rights
Authors: Swepston Lee
Published: July 2018

This chapter examines labour rights under Article 17 of the Declaration, showing that Article 17 was intended to guarantee to indigenous peoples and individuals fair and equal treatment under labour law at both the international and domestic levels. As was clear from the drafting process, Article 17 opens up the protection afforded under the wider standards adopted by the United Nations and by the International Labour Organization (ILO), among others, to indigenous and tribal peoples as they endeavour to support themselves and their families. Moreover, Article 17 reaches into existing human rights law on labour matters and incorporate those concepts in the broad and comprehensive treatment of indigenous rights covered by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It also draws attention to the need to apply generally applicable international labour law, as well as domestic labour law, to these peoples who so often are neglected in its application.
Reparations, Restitution, and Redress
Authors: Lenzerini Federico
Published: July 2018

This chapter examines rights to reparations, restitution, and redress in Articles 8(2), 11(2), 20(2), and 28. The need of taking into proper account the cultural specificity of indigenous peoples, in establishing the forms of reparation to be used with the purpose of redressing violations of their reorganized collective and/or individual human rights, seems to be adequately considered by the relevant provisions included in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In fact, those provisions are inspired by a clear culturally driven rationale, providing a good basis for the setting up of reparatory measures which are adequate to actually restore the wrongs suffered by indigenous peoples in light of their specific expectations and needs. However, the said provisions are only written on paper, and their actual translation into concrete effective measures of reparation ultimately depends on the sensibility of the legal operators who are entrusted with their actual application and implementation in the real world.
Constraints on early star formation from the 21-cm global signal
Authors: Madau Piero
Published: July 2018

The tentative detection by the EDGES experiment of a global 21-cm absorption trough centred at redshift 17 opens up the opportunity to study the birth of the first luminous sources, the intensity of radiation backgrounds at cosmic dawn, the thermal and ionization history of the young intergalactic medium. Here, we focus on the astrophysical implications of the Ly α photon field needed to couple the spin temperature to the kinetic temperature of the gas at these early epochs. Under the basic assumption that the 21-cm signal is activated by extremely metal-poor stellar systems, we show that the EDGES results are consistent with an extrapolation of the declining galaxy UV luminosity density measured at $4\lesssim z\lesssim 9$ by deep Hubble Space Telescope observations. A substantially enhanced star formation rate density or new exotic sources of UV photons are not required at the redshifts of the EDGES signal. The amount of ionizing radiation produced by the same stellar systems that induce Ly α coupling is significant, of order 0.5 LyC photons per H-atom per 100 Myr. To keep hydrogen largely neutral and delay the reionization process consistently with recent Planck cosmic microwave background results, mean escape fractions of $f_{\rm esc}\lesssim 20$ per cent are required at $z$ > 15.
Predicting Inpatient Length of Stay After Brain Tumor Surgery: Developing Machine Learning Ensembles to Improve Predictive Performance
Authors: Muhlestein Whitney E , Akagi Dallin S , Davies Jason M , Chambless Lola B
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Current outcomes prediction tools are largely based on and limited by regression methods. Utilization of machine learning (ML) methods that can handle multiple diverse inputs could strengthen predictive abilities and improve patient outcomes. Inpatient length of stay (LOS) is one such outcome that serves as a surrogate for patient disease severity and resource utilization.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a novel method to systematically rank, select, and combine ML algorithms to build a model that predicts LOS following craniotomy for brain tumor.

METHODS

A training dataset of 41 222 patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor was created from the National Inpatient Sample. Twenty-nine ML algorithms were trained on 26 preoperative variables to predict LOS. Trained algorithms were ranked by calculating the root mean square logarithmic error (RMSLE) and top performing algorithms combined to form an ensemble. The ensemble was externally validated using a dataset of 4592 patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Additional analyses identified variables that most strongly influence the ensemble model predictions.

RESULTS

The ensemble model predicted LOS with RMSLE of .555 (95% confidence interval, .553-.557) on internal validation and .631 on external validation. Nonelective surgery, preoperative pneumonia, sodium abnormality, or weight loss, and non-White race were the strongest predictors of increased LOS.

CONCLUSION

An ML ensemble model predicts LOS with good performance on internal and external validation, and yields clinical insights that may potentially improve patient outcomes. This systematic ML method can be applied to a broad range of clinical problems to improve patient care.
Flavored Versus Nonflavored Waterpipe Tobacco: A Comparison of Toxicant Exposure, Puff Topography, Subjective Experiences, and Harm Perceptions
Authors: Ben Taleb Ziyad , Breland Alison , Bahelah Raed , Kalan Mohammad Ebrahimi , Vargas-Rivera Mayra , Jaber Rana , Eissenberg Thomas , Maziak Wasim
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Flavored waterpipe (WP) tobacco is the main type of tobacco used by young WP smokers, and a major factor attracting youth to smoke. However, evidence regarding the effect of limiting flavor on WP smokers’ experience continues to be lacking. This study aims at evaluating the effect of flavor restriction on WP smokers’ toxicant exposure, smoking topography, subjective experiences and harm perception.

Methods

Thirty-two WP smokers completed two, 45-minute ad libitum smoking sessions (preferred flavor vs non-flavored tobacco) in a crossover design pilot study. Plasma nicotine concentration and exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) were measured before and after each smoking session. Puff topography was recorded throughout the smoking session. Participants completed survey questionnaires assessing subjective smoking experiences and harm perception.

Results

Significant differences were observed in plasma nicotine concentration between the two WP tobacco conditions, with a higher increase in plasma nicotine concentration following the flavored tobacco session. There were no significant differences between the two WP tobacco conditions for eCO and smoking topography measures. Compared with the non-flavored WP tobacco, we documented enhanced subjective smoking measures of satisfaction, calmness, taste, puff liking and enjoyment following the preferred flavored WP tobacco session. Cigarette harm perception was significantly higher among participants after smoking their preferred flavor compared with non-flavored WP tobacco.

Conclusions

Limiting tobacco flavor has a substantial effect on WP smokers’ nicotine exposure, subjective experience and harm perception. Therefore, eliminating or restricting WP flavors could be an essential element of comprehensive tobacco control policies to reduce the appeal of WP tobacco products for youth.

Implications

This study highlights the important role of flavor in shaping WP smokers’ experiences and exposures and the potential impact that regulating flavored WP tobacco may have on curbing WP use among youth in the US. Such regulations may reduce the appeal and the interest in WP smoking initiation and continued use.
Prevalence and Correlates of Snuff Use, and its Association With Tuberculosis, Among Women Living With HIV in South Africa
Authors: Elf Jessica L , Variava Ebrahim , Chon Sandy , Lebina Limakatso , Motlhaoleng Katlego , Gupte Nikhil , Niaura Raymond , Abrams David , Martinson Neil , Golub Jonathan E
Published: July 2018

Introduction

A higher proportion of people living with HIV (PLWH) smoke compared to the general population, but little information exists about the prevalence and correlates of smokeless tobacco use among PLWH. In South Africa, dry powdered tobacco is inhaled nasally as snuff.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey among PLWH attending three HIV clinics was conducted. Snuff use was assessed via self-report and urine cotinine.

Results

Given the low (3%) prevalence of snuff use among men, analysis was restricted to n = 606 nonsmoking women living with HIV. Half (n = 298, 49%) were snuff users, the majority of whom (n = 244, 84%) had a positive urine cotinine test. In adjusted analysis, snuff use was negatively associated with higher education (relative risk [RR] 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39, 0.77) and mobile phone ownership (RR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.98), and positively associated with ever having tuberculosis (TB) (RR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.45). In adjusted analysis, with current TB as the outcome, snuff use was marginally statistically significantly associated with a twofold increase in odds of a current TB diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.99; 95% CI: 0.98, 4.15).

Discussion

A high proportion of nonsmoking South African women living with HIV use snuff, which was a risk factor for TB. Additional research is needed to understand the relationship between snuff, TB, and other potential health risks.

Implications

PLWH have a higher prevalence of smoking than their seronegative peers, but there is a paucity of research on smokeless tobacco use in this population, especially in low-resource settings. TB is the leading cause of death among PLWH, and with improvements to HIV treatment and care, PLWH are at greater risk of tobacco-related diseases. We report an extremely high prevalence of snuff use among women living with HIV in South Africa. Further, in this population snuff use is positively associated with ever having a TB diagnosis, as well as currently having TB.
Impact of Public Smoking Bans on Social Inequalities in Children’s Exposure to Tobacco Smoke at Home: An Equity-Focused Systematic Review
Authors: Nanninga Sarah , Lehne Gesa , Ratz Tiara , Bolte Gabriele
Published: July 2018

Introduction

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the impact of public smoking bans on social inequalities in children’s secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home.

Methods

Five databases were electronically searched for articles on children’s SHS exposure at home related to public smoking bans. In addition, the gray literature and German public health journals were considered. Search was restricted to English and German publications. Of 3037 records screened, 25 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria by either measuring SHS exposure before and after public smoking ban introduction or by comparing exposure between regions with and without smoke-free legislation. Studies were further examined whether they additionally reported on impacts on social inequalities in SHS exposure. Information on children’s SHS exposure at home in relation to smoke-free legislation were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Equity (PRISMA-E) guidelines for equity-focused systematic reviews, the PROGRESS-Plus framework was applied to data extraction and analysis with focus on social inequalities in SHS exposure. Results were visualized by a harvest plot.

Results

Eight studies gave results on the impact of public smoking bans on social inequalities in children’s SHS exposure. Whereas only one study indicated widening of the social gap in exposure, seven studies showed no impact or a reduction of social inequalities in exposure.

Conclusions

First evidence on short-term impact of public smoking bans does not support the assumption of intervention-generated inequalities in children’s SHS exposure at home. Future studies should focus on long-term equity impacts of smoke-free legislation.

Implications

There are substantial social inequalities in children’s SHS exposure in many countries. Both hypotheses on the effect of smoke-free legislation on children’s SHS exposure at home, the displacement hypothesis and the social diffusion hypothesis, did not take social inequalities into account. Up to now, only few studies analyzed the effects of smoke-free legislation on social inequalities in children’s SHS exposure at home. Public smoking bans had overall no negative impact on social inequalities in children’s SHS exposure at home. More consistent reporting of absolute and relative inequalities is needed to comprehensively assess equity impact of smoke-free legislation.
Socioeconomic and Racial/Ethnic Differences in E-Cigarette Uptake Among Cigarette Smokers: Longitudinal Analysis of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
Authors: Harlow Alyssa F , Stokes Andrew , Brooks Daniel R
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Sociodemographic differences in electronic cigarette use among cigarette smokers have not been previously characterized in the US adult population.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal data from Waves 1 and 2 of the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. Differences by income (based on federal poverty level (FPL)) and race/ethnicity in e-cigarette uptake at Wave 2 among cigarette smokers who were e-cigarette nonusers at Wave 1 were assessed using binomial and multinomial logistic regression. We differentiated e-cigarette users who quit cigarettes (exclusive users) from those who did not quit cigarettes (dual users). E-cigarette-related attitudes/beliefs were evaluated to understand potential contributions to sociodemographic differences in e-cigarette uptake and use patterns.

Results

Among 6592 smokers who were e-cigarette nonusers at Wave 1, 13.5% began using e-cigarettes at Wave 2, of whom 91.3% were dual users. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanics were less likely to become exclusive e-cigarette users (OR [Blacks] = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.77; OR [Hispanics] = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.70). Low-income smokers were less likely than higher-income smokers to become exclusive e-cigarette users (OR [<100% FPL vs. ≥200% FPL] = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.89). Black, Hispanic, and low-income smokers were more likely to believe e-cigarettes are more harmful than cigarettes and to have positive tobacco-related social norms.

Conclusions

Black, Hispanic, and low-income smokers were less likely than White and higher-income smokers to begin using e-cigarettes in the context of quitting cigarettes. Differences in e-cigarette uptake may be partly explained by perceived harm or social norms of e-cigarettes.

Implications

Results of this study show that the exclusive use of e-cigarettes is more prevalent in higher-income and White smokers. Our data suggest that higher-income and White smokers may be more likely to use e-cigarettes as a means to quit combustible cigarettes compared with low-income and racial/ethnic minority smokers. These findings suggest that sociodemographic differences in e-cigarette uptake and use patterns may contribute to widening disparities in cigarette smoking.
Capital Markets Union, Third Countries, and Equivalence
Authors: Moloney Niamh
Published: July 2018

The EU currently manages access by non-EU/-EEA states to the EU financial market through its ‘third country’ rules, which typically require that the financial governance regime of the state in question is ‘equivalent’ to the EU regime. However, the UK's departure from the EU by 31 March 2019 has raised questions about how UK, as a ‘third country,’ ensures access to the EU financial market, and how a related Free Trade Agreement (FTA) might be configured. This chapter first considers the current regulatory requirements governing third country access to the EU capital market and their implications for the Capital Markets Union. It then examines the evolution of third country/equivalence-related techniques internationally for capital markets and how they might be relevant for the EU. It also speculates as to how the EU's equivalence arrangements for third countries are likely to develop, including in the context of an EU/UK FTA.
Initial Public Offerings in the CMU
Authors: Fox Merritt B
Published: July 2018

This chapter begins by considering the especially severe information-asymmetry problem that plagues primary offerings of truly new securities. It then examines market-based solutions for these problems, the shortcomings of exclusive reliance on such solutions, and the rationale for having a government-designed affirmative-disclosure regime, whereby an issuer making an offering is required to answer certain questions. It also addresses the question of whether this regime should be imposed on all issuers making such offerings or only those that volunteer to be subjected to it. The remainder of the chapter considers the rationale for mandating the imposition of liability on issuers, issuer directors and officers, underwriters, dealers, and experts such as accountants or rating agencies when there have been material misstatements or material omissions of what was required to be disclosed. The final section briefly applies the preceding discussion to the efforts, as part of the Capital Markets Union, to increase the opportunities for European SMEs raise funds through public offerings.
Cross-border Distribution of Collective Investment Products in the EU
Authors: Gargantini Matteo , Di Noia Carmine , Dimitropoulos Georgios
Published: July 2018

This chapter analyzes the current regulatory framework for cross-border distribution of investment funds and submits some proposals to improve it. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 2 provides a schematic description of the legal taxonomy for collective investment schemes. Section 3 addresses the EU disclosure regimes that apply to the distribution of various types of investment funds. Sections 4 and 5 consider conduct-of-business rules and, respectively, the legal framework for the allocation of supervisory powers on product regulation when fund units are distributed in more than one country. Section 6 provides some data that help assess the performance of the current framework for cross-border distribution. It then analyzes some of the residual legal rules and supervisory practices that still make cross-border distributions of funds more burdensome than purely national distributions, whether these restrictions are set forth in the country where investors are domiciled (Section 7) or in the fund's home country (Section 8).
On the importance of negative controls in viral landscape phylogeography
Authors: Dellicour Simon , Vrancken Bram , Trovão Nídia S , Fargette Denis , Lemey Philippe
Published: July 2018

Phylogeographic reconstructions are becoming an established procedure to evaluate the factors that could impact virus spread. While a discrete phylogeographic approach can be used to test predictors of transition rates among discrete locations, alternative continuous phylogeographic reconstructions can also be exploited to investigate the impact of underlying environmental layers on the dispersal velocity of a virus. The two approaches are complementary tools for studying pathogens' spread, but in both cases, care must be taken to avoid misinterpretations. Here, we analyse rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) sequence data from West and East Africa to illustrate how both approaches can be used to study the impact of environmental factors on the virus’ dispersal frequency and velocity. While it was previously reported that host connectivity was a major determinant of RYMV spread, we show that this was a false positive result due to the lack of appropriate negative controls. We also discuss and compare the phylodynamic tools currently available for investigating the impact of environmental factors on virus spread.
Understanding osteosarcomas
Authors: Simpson Emily , Brown Heather L.
Published: July 2018

This article reviews the cause, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management of osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone tumor and third most common cancer among children and adolescents. In the 1970s, the introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy following tumor resection improved overall 10-year survival from 30% to about 50% of patients. However, since that change in management strategy, the survival rate has since plateaued, with no improvement in overall 10-year survival since the 1990s. A better understanding of this disease is the first step to help improve these numbers.
Tenure Appointments for Faculty of Clinical Departments at U.S. Medical Schools: Does Specialty Designation Make a Difference?
Authors: Walling Anne , Nilsen Kari M.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To describe differences and trends among clinical specialty departments in number and percentage of tenure-related appointments for full-time faculty.

Method

Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster annual snapshot reports were used to calculate percentages of full-time faculty holding tenure-related appointments in each of the database’s 17 groupings of clinical specialty departments. Faculty numbers and percentages by track were compared to investigate trends for 2006 to 2016.

Results

In the decade 2006–2016, the number of individuals on tenure-related tracks in clinical departments declined by 0.8% (276/33,610), but those on nontenure appointments increased by 60.5% (36,444/60,195). The number reporting “tenure not available” rose by 58.9% (4,467/7,574). Currently, 62% to 82% of full-time faculty in clinical departments are on nontenure tracks. Specialties differ significantly in current percentage and in rate of change in both numbers and percentage of tenure-related appointments. In 2016, faculty on tenure-related tracks ranged from 34.5% (295/855) in public health and preventive medicine to 13.5% (654/5,654) in family medicine. The most significant drops in percentage of tenure-related appointments in 2006–2016 were in surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

Conclusions

Dramatic changes in size and track distribution of faculty are occurring at significantly different rates across clinical specialty departments. The number of individuals on tenure-related tracks remains relatively stable, but the percentage of such faculty in clinical specialty departments continues to drop dramatically in almost all specialties. The growing dominance of nontenure appointments has important implications for career development and academic promotion policies and practices in all specialties.
Exploring the Role of Self-Motives in Postgraduate Trainees’ Feedback-Seeking Behavior in the Clinical Workplace: A Multicenter Study of Workplace-Based Assessments From the United Kingdom
Authors: Gaunt Anne , Markham Deborah H. , Pawlikowska Teresa R.B.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To explore trainees’ feedback-seeking behavior in the postgraduate surgical workplace using a self-motives framework. Self-motives include self-assessment “to obtain accurate information about the self,” self-improvement “to improve one’s traits, abilities, and skills,” self-enhancement “to enhance the favorability of self views,” and self-verification “to maintain consistency between one’s central self-view and new self-relevant information.”

Method

This project constituted a further framework analysis of previously obtained qualitative focus group data that originally explored trainees’ perceptions and use of workplace-based assessment (WBA). Data were collected from multiple centers in the United Kingdom from 2012 to 2013. Content was analyzed to identify references in the data that reflected the above self-motives and in relation to contextual themes identified from within the data.

Results

Trainees’ motivations for seeking feedback broadly fit within a self-motives framework. Trainees’ feedback seeking using WBA related to self-enhancement and self-verification, whereas outside WBA trainees reported self-improvement and self-assessment motives. Where trainees perceived WBA represented an opportunity to learn, they described a self-improvement motive toward seeking feedback, whereas when WBA represented an assessment of learning, trainees described tensions between self-enhancement and self-improvement motives.

Conclusions

Surgical trainees’ motivations for seeking feedback can be explained using a conceptual self-motives framework. Trainees need to be motivated to seek accurate informational feedback so they can improve their performance within the clinical workplace. To achieve this, trainees need training; current assessment systems must change to allow trainees to seek such feedback without fear and concern about this information being used as an assessment of learning.
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and autoimmune thrombocytopenia in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: updates on pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Neely Jessica , von Scheven Emily
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and autoimmune thrombocytopenia are common complications of childhood-onset lupus, which may be life-threatening. A greater understanding of the pathogenesis of these haematologic manifestations will enhance our understanding of the biology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inform the identification of novel treatments.

Recent findings

The mechanisms underlying AIHA and autoimmune thrombocytopenia are incompletely understood and likely multifactorial. Although the development of auto-antibodies is central to the disease process, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of cytokines in the underlying pathologic process. In-vitro and in-vivo evidence points to a role for IL17 in the pathogenesis of AIHA, which involves loss of tolerance to red cell auto-antigens and the development of autoantibodies. Sirolimus, an mTor inhibitor, has benefited patients with primary autoimmune cytopenias, possibly by stimulating T regulatory cells, and may also have efficacy for SLE-associated cytopenias. Similarly, low-dose recombinant human IL-2 therapy has shown promising results for improving platelet counts in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia, possibly by restoring the balance between T regulatory, T helper and Th17 cells.

The emergence of new agents directed at restoring immune dysregulation hold promise for the treatment of AIHA and autoimmune thrombocytopenia and should provide better tolerated alternatives to high-dose corticosteroids.
Biomechanical and Clinical Comparative Study of the New Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing “MJ-FLEX Orthofix”
Authors: Denis Delphy , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Suchier Yanneck , Mamadou T. Bah , Metaizeau Jean-Damien
Published: July 2018

Background:

The objectives of this study were first to compare the results of osteosynthesis with standard Metaizeau (MS) nails versus Metaizeau Junior Flex or MJF Orthofix (MJF) in terms of the stability of long-bone fractures in children, and to study the preoperative and postoperative safety of these new nails. We also carried out an analysis by computer modeling of a femur, in order to compare the biomechanical stability of the 2 nails. The interest in the MJF nails lies in the improvements they bring in terms of stability for long-bone fractures in pediatric patients, as well as the simplification of the surgical procedure.

Methods:

A study by numerical computer modeling of a femur was conducted to compare the biomechanical stability of the 2 assemblies with MS versus MJF nails. A retrospective single-center study of 137 fractures treated with MS and MJF was added to this biomechanical study. The onset of angular misalignment during follow-up was identified by radiographic measurements.

Results:

The biomechanical study showed greater stiffness of MJF in the frontal and sagittal plane and in torsion for modeled comminuted and simple transverse fractures. Use of MJF nails significantly reduced the risk of frontal and sagittal misalignment, by a factor of 5 and 12, respectively. The amplitude of this misalignment was also significantly reduced by 30% in the frontal plane with the MJF nail. The use of MJF compared with MS significantly diminished not only the quantity of preoperative radiation by 66% but also operative time by 30%. The complication rate in our population was 33.4% with a 6-fold lower risk of complications with MJF.

Conclusions:

MJF nails provide greater stability in the frontal and sagittal plane with regard to both the onset and amplitude of misalignment in the treatment of long-bone fractures in children. This improvement was confirmed by the biomechanical study. Preoperative and postoperative safety was also better with these new nails, and surgery was easier.