bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placement of Brånemark implants in the maxillary tuber region: anatomical considerations, surgical technique and long‐term results
Authors: Ridell Arne , Gröndahl Kerstin , Sennerby Lars
Published: January 2009

Background: Fixture placement in the tuber area is one way to overcome the problem of insufficient bone volume for routine implant surgery in the posterior maxilla due to severe resorption of jawbone and an extensive enlargement of the maxillary sinus. However, little is known about the long‐term results.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the survival rate and marginal bone conditions at fixtures placed in the tuber region of the maxilla.

Material and methods: Twenty‐one patients previously treated with at least one implant in the tuber region of the maxilla were included in this retrospective analysis. A total of 23 standard Brånemark System fixtures with a turned surface had been surgically placed in the tuber regions and 71 additional implants in adjacent areas to support fixed dental bridges. All implants were allowed to heal for 6–8 months before abutment connection and following prosthetic treatment. The patients were radiographed after 1–12 years for evaluation of marginal bone levels. In addition, the relation between the apex of the fixture in the tuberosity area and the posterior border of the maxilla was measured.

Results: Twenty of the 21 patients representing 22 tuber and 64 additional implants were radiographically evaluated. No implants in the tuber areas were lost during the follow‐up whereas two fixtures in the anterior region had to be removed, one before loading and the other after 4 years of loading not interfering with the prosthesis stability. The mean marginal bone level at tuber implants was situated on average 1.6 mm (SD 1.1, n=22) from the abutment‐fixture junction, whilst the other implants showed an average bone level of 1.9 mm (SD 0.8, n=64). The results were similar when comparing partially and totally edentulous patients.

Conclusion: The present retrospective study shows good clinical outcome with standard Brånemark fixtures placed in the tuber region of the posterior maxilla using a two‐stage procedure. In appropriate cases where bone of adequate volume and density is available, our data indicate that the technique can be used as an alternative to more extensive surgery and especially to the sinus lift procedure. However, prospective comparative studies are needed in order to evaluate the efficacy of the described technique for this purpose.
CAD/CAM fabrication and clinical application of surgical template and bone model in oral implant surgery
Authors: Sohmura Taiji , Kusumoto Naoki , Otani Takafumi , Yamada Shinichi , Wakabayashi Kazumichi , Yatani Hirofumi
Published: January 2009

Objectives: A novel implant surgery support system with computer simulation for implant insertion and fabrication of a surgical template that helps in drilling bone was developed. A virtual reality haptic device that gives the sense of touch was used for simulation and a surgical template was fabricated by CAD/CAM method. Surgical guides were applied for two clinical cases.

Material and methods: Three‐dimensional (3D) jaw bone images transferred from DICOM data filmed by CT scanner were fed to the software and manipulated using the haptic device. The site for implant insertion was determined after evaluating the quality of bone and position of the mandibular canal. The surgical template was designed with ease using the free design CAD function of haptic device. The surgical template and bone model were fabricated by a fused deposit modeling machine. Two clinical cases were applied using the present system.

Results: Simulation to determine the site of implant insertion and fabrication of the surgical bone templates were successfully done in two clinical cases, one for three implant insertion in lower right jaw and the other is for seven implant insertion in lower edentulous jaw, respectively. During surgery, the templates could be firmly adapted on the bone and drilling was successfully performed in both cases.

Conclusion: The present simulation and drilling support using the surgical template may help to perform safe and accurate implant surgery.
Behavior of two osteoblast‐like cell lines cultured on machined or rough titanium surfaces
Authors: Shapira Lior , Halabi Amal
Published: January 2009

Background: Two osteosarcoma‐derived cell lines have been extensively used to investigate the biological events occurring on titanium surfaces: MG63 and Saos‐2. However, the behavior of the two lines on different titanium surfaces has never been compared.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the behavior of MG63 and Saos‐2 cells on two different titanium surfaces, machined and rough (sandblasting and acid‐etched). We compared cell proliferation and morphology, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and secretion of osteocalcin (OC).

Results: The most pronounced difference between the two cell lines was that ALP activity in the Saos‐2 cells was 10‐fold higher than in the MG63 cells. The proliferation rate of the MG63 cells was much higher than that of the Saos‐2 cells at all the tested cell concentrations. MG‐63 cells, but not Saos‐2 cells, grown on rough surface titanium proliferated more rapidly than cells grown on machined surfaces. Morphological analysis revealed that Saos‐2 cells and cells grown on the rougher surface, displayed a more mature phenotype. The level of OC secreted by the Saos‐2 cells, but not the MG63 cells, were higher on the rough surface than on the machined surface.

Conclusions: This study shows that Saos‐2 cells exhibit a more mature osteoblast phenotype, compared with that of MG63 cells, rendering them a good candidate for an in vitro model of osseointegration.
Effect of modifications of dual acid‐etched implant surfaces on periimplant bone formation. Part II: calcium phosphate coatings
Authors: Schliephake H. , Aref A. , Scharnweber D. , Rößler S. , Sewing A.
Published: January 2009

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that calcium phosphate coatings of dual acid‐etched surfaces (DAEs) can improve periimplant bone regeneration. Ten adult female foxhounds received experimental titanium screw implants in the mandible 3 months after removal of all premolar teeth. Five types of surface states were evaluated in each animal: (i) implants with a machined surface (MS) (Control 1); (ii) implants with a DAE (Control 2); (iii) implants with a DAE coated with collagen I (Control 3); (iv) implants with a DAE with mineralized collagen I; and (v) implants with a DAE with a hydroxylapatite (HA) coating. Periimplant bone regeneration was assessed by histomorphometry after 1 and 3 months in five dogs each by measuring bone implant contact (BIC) and the volume density of the newly formed periimplant bone (BVD). After 1 month, mean BIC of experimental implants did not differ significantly from implants with DAE and collagen‐coated surfaces, but was significantly higher than the MS implants. BVD was enhanced significantly only in implants with mineralized collagen coating compared with DAE and collagen‐coated controls. After 3 months, the mean values of BIC had increased significantly in the group of implants with HA and mineralized collagen coating but were not significantly different from implants with DAE and collagen‐coated surfaces. The same held true for the mean BVD values. In conclusion, the present study could not verify the hypothesis that calcium phosphate coatings of DAEs in the present form enhanced periimplant bone formation compared with the DAE surface alone.
Primary cutaneous spindle cell B‐cell lymphoma with multiple figurate erythema‐like manifestation
Authors: Yun Sook Jung , Lee Kyung‐Hwa , Yang Deok‐Whan , Lee Jee‐Bum , Kim Seong‐Jin , Lee Seung‐Chul , Won Young Ho
Published: January 2009

We report a 68‐year‐old Korean man presenting with asymptomatic erythematous polycyclic annular firm plaques on his back that spread to the right shoulder. Histopathologic examination showed dense, diffuse infiltrates involving the entire dermis, consisting of atypical lymphocytes with many centrocytes and a few centroblasts. Spindle‐shaped cells with elongated, twisted nuclei containing dispersed chromatin were also seen. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that all of the cells were strongly positive for CD20, CD21, CD79a and CD45, while they were negative for CD3, CD5, CD10, CD23, CD35, CD43, CD45RO and CD68. The spindle cells were also negative for smooth‐muscle actin, desmin, S‐100 and CD34. They consistently expressed nuclear bcl‐6, but did not express bcl‐2, multiple myeloma‐1 and p16. We diagnosed him with primary cutaneous spindle cell B‐cell lymphoma (PCSBCL) and treated him with six cycles of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone and rituximab (R‐CHOP) chemotherapy; his skin lesions disappeared completely. Immunohistochemical profiles suggest that PCSBCL is a variant of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma.
Proteome Analysis of Legionella Vacuoles Purified by Magnetic Immunoseparation Reveals Secretory and Endosomal GTPases
Authors: Urwyler Simon , Nyfeler Yves , Ragaz Curdin , Lee Hookeun , Mueller Lukas N. , Aebersold Ruedi , Hilbi Hubert
Published: January 2009

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, replicates in macrophages and amoebae within ‘Legionella‐containing vacuoles’ (LCVs), which communicate with the early secretory pathway and the endoplasmic reticulum. Formation of LCVs requires the bacterial Icm/Dot type IV secretion system. The Icm/Dot‐translocated effector protein SidC selectively anchors to LCVs by binding the host lipid phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PtdIns(4)P). Here, we describe a novel and simple approach to purify intact vacuoles formed by L. pneumophila within Dictyostelium discoideum by using magnetic immunoseparation with an antibody against SidC, followed by density gradient centrifugation. To monitor LCV purification by fluorescence microscopy, we used Dictyostelium producing the LCV marker calnexin‐GFP and L. pneumophila labeled with the red fluorescent protein DsRed. A proteome analysis of purified LCVs by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry revealed 566 host proteins, including known LCV components, such as the small GTPases Arf1, Rab1 and Rab7. Rab8, an endosomal regulator of the late secretory pathway originating from the trans Golgi network, and the endosomal GTPase Rab14 were identified as novel LCV components, which were found to be present on vacuoles harboring wild‐type but not Icm/Dot‐deficient L. pneumophila. Thus, LCVs also communicate with the late secretory and endosomal pathways. Depletion of Rab8 or Arf1 by RNA interference reduced the amount of SidC on LCVs, indicating that the GTPases promote the recruitment of Legionella effectors by regulating the level of PtdIns(4)P.
Review article: Animal bites: An update for management with a focus on infections
Authors: Dendle Claire , Looke David
Published: January 2009

Animal bites are a significant public health problem, with an estimated 2% of the population bitten each year. The majority of bites are from dogs and risk factors include young children, men, certain dog breeds and unrestrained dogs. The risk of infection following bites differs among animal species and is dependent on animal dentition and oral flora. Recent studies have demonstrated a broad range of pathogens isolated from infected bite wounds, with Pasteurella species being the predominant isolate from dog and cat bite wounds. Controversy exists about the use of prophylactic antibiotics; however, they are currently only recommended for high‐risk bite wounds. Two fatal cases of Australian bat lyssavirus have been reported and bats are the only identified reservoir in Australia. All bat bites are of high risk and should receive post‐exposure prophylaxis for rabies. Workers handling bats should be offered routine immunization.
Comparative review of the clinical use of intranasal fentanyl versus morphine in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Borland Meredith Louise , Clark Lisa‐Jayne , Esson Amanda
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Comparison of intranasal fentanyl (INF) and parenteral morphine in children in an ED. Primary objective was to compare time to analgesia from presentation, with secondary objectives to assess patient profiles, specifics of opiate analgesics used plus rate of i.v. access for analgesia alone.

Setting:  Tertiary paediatric ED.

Methods:  Retrospective review of case notes identified through controlled drug register. Patients who received INF and/or parenteral morphine between 1 January and 31 March 2005 (before introduction of fentanyl) and in corresponding months in 2006 and 2007 were included.

Results:  A total of 617 patients were included. Geometric mean time to analgesia was statistically different for INF versus morphine in 2006 (31.2 min, SD 2.6 vs 55.6 min, SD 2.4) and in 2007 (23.7 min, SD 2.8 vs 53.1 min, SD 3.1) (both P < 0.000). Mean initial dose of INF in 2007 was 1.46 µg/kg (SD 0.11) compared with 1.32 µg/kg (SD 0.36) in 2006 [Correction made 22 May 2009 after publication: all 17 instances of fentanyl dosing and concentrations have been corrected from milligrams (mg) to micrograms (µg)]. Mean total dose in 2007 was 2.14 µg/kg (SD 0.93), increased from 1.60 µg/kg (SD 0.56) in 2006. INF was used most commonly for fractures and morphine for abdominal pain. The i.v. access for opiate analgesia decreased from 161/161 (100%) in 2005 to 99/237 (41.8%) in 2007.

Conclusion:  Use of INF in our paediatric ED setting was associated with a significantly reduced time to analgesia for patients requiring immediate analgesia compared with parenteral morphine. Since the introduction of an INF protocol to our department in mid‐2005, INF use has increased, with a corresponding decrease in the use of morphine and a reduction in i.v. access for analgesia.
The Stockmarket's Perception Of Accounting Information
Authors: Easton Peter
Published: January 2009

This paper reviews recent research on the stockmarket's perception of the information provided in the annual corporate accounting report to shareholders. Although accounting research is still in its infancy, some conclusions are clear. There is solid evidence that sharemarkets pay attention to the announcement of accounting net income and that prices react favourably to income increases and unfavourably to income decreases. Further, there is some evidence describing the way that income information is translated into price. Recent studies show that although earnings appear to be a poor summary of the events affecting the firm over the year, it is a good summary information variable over a longer (10‐year) horizon. The paper also reviews findings consistent with the idea that the information in company reports is potentially useful but that the sharemarket does not take adequate advantage of it.
Sensitivity Analysis And Schemes Of Arrangement
Authors: Dean Graeme , Johnstone David , Maniatis Harry
Published: January 2009

Formal mathematical techniques are being used increasingly as aids to commercial decision‐making. We propose that those deciding whether to liquidate or trade‐out should, as a matter of course, have sufficient information to enable sensitivity analysis on any forecast returns. Sensitivity analyses are notably lacking in documentation used for predicting the outcomes of schemes of arrangement such as the complex Estate Mortgage Trusts (EMT) moratorium on the withdrawal of funds by unitholders. This article details the outcomes of some schemes of arrangement in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s and discusses the EMT moratorium. The moratorium procedures provide the setting and data for simulations and sensitivity analyses. Coupled with the evidence provided by Dean (1977, 1983) and Aitken (1981), this suggests a need for information on the expected timing of payouts to enable sensitivity analysis whenever a scheme involves delayed distributions.
Accounting For Conversion Of Convertibles
Authors: Zimmer Ian
Published: January 2009

Accounting policy‐makers continue to confront problems that arise from ambiguities in the value of some types of transaction. For example, AAS21 was put in place partially to ensure that assets of a business acquired are accounted for at fair market value, rather than at the values recorded in the books of the acquired business. One related question that has not been clarified is the value to be attributed to shares issued as a result of convertible note‐holders exercising conversion options. Convertible notes and convertible preference shares feature regularly in the capital structures of Australian firms. This paper discusses the economic nature of the conversion option, outlines alternative ways of accounting for conversion in the context of tax and other economic implications, and reports a brief survey of current practice.
Hooker Corporation: A Case For Cashflow Reporting?
Authors: Flanagan Jack , Whittred Greg
Published: January 2009

This study was prepared from public information as a basis for classroom discussion, rather than to illustrate effective handling or otherwise of an administrative situation. It was suggested by an earlier case analysis of the W.T. Grant bankruptcy in the US by James A. Largay HI and Clyde P. Stickney, which appeared in the Financial Analysts Journal (July/August 1980).

In the 1988 annual report of Hooker Corporation, the chief financial officer's review of performance contained the following: “The confidence of major banks with regard to Hooker's strategy is reflected in the large increase in banking lines negotiated during the year, with a number of United States and Canadian banks joining the group as lenders.”
Compliance and Controversy: The AAS 25 Reporting Paradox
Authors: Anderson Don , Sharp Leeanne
Published: January 2009

The adoption of AAS 25, which specifies uniform reporting requirements for superannuation funds, has been particularly controversial. While the Australian Accounting Research Foundation (AARF) has maintained that uniform reporting practices for superannuation funds are necessary to provide performance information to investors, the superannuation industry has argued that AAS 25 will cause “confusion, misunderstanding and unnecessary concern among fund members”. Although the controversy has been widely reported, little information has emerged about the extent to which funds were already complying, or substantially complying, with the standard. This paper reports the results of a survey which indicates, contrary to expectations, that in the two years before the introduction of AAS 25 most funds were reporting in a way which would effectively comply with provisions of the standard.
Disclosure Of Audit Committees by Public Companies in Australia 1988–1990
Authors: Simnett Roger , Green Wendy , Roebuck Peter
Published: January 2009

The existence of audit committees in public companies can improve the quality of the financial reporting process, aid the actual and perceived independence of both the internal and external auditors, and improve financial statement users' confidence in the quality of the information. These benefits will be enhanced by disclosure of audit committees in the financial statements. This study examined the incidence and form of the disclosure of audit committees in annual reports by major Australian public companies over the period 1988–1990. The results showed that disclosures by larger companies increased during this time. Rates of disclosure varied considerably depending on the auditor and was positively associated with the size of the organisation. Companies with audit committees are encouraged to consider enhanced methods of disclosure such as those outlined in AUP 31 Communication with an Audit Committee.
The Effect Of The Longform Audit Report On Users‘ Perceptions Of The Auditor's Role
Authors: Gay Grant , Schellugh Peter
Published: January 2009

This study examined the effect of the new longform auditor's report on users' perceptions of the auditor's role in financial reporting in Australia. One hundred and eighty financial report users took part in the study, including 60 senior bank lending officers, 60 investors and 60 non‐investors with business backgrounds. The results of the study indicated that the changed wording of the longform audit report advocated in the revised Statement of Auditing Practice AUP 3 The Audit Report on a General Purpose Financial Report, issued in July 1993, significantly increased users' understanding of the role of the auditor, the nature of the audit process and the financial reporting process.
Accounting Introspection
Authors: Hogan Warren
Published: January 2009

In 1994 a working party commissioned by the Australian accounting bodies produced a report titled A Research Study on Financial Reporting and Auditing ‐ Bridging the Expectation Gap. The study was the result of concerns about the differing perceptions of the financial reporting and auditing roles. This paper asserts that the research study suffers from shortcomings including a failure to explore some important issues and a consequent failure to correct prevailing misconceptions in the minds of those compiling financial reports and others using them.
AAS 29 And Public‐Sector Reporting: Unresolved Issues
Authors: McGrae M. , Aiken M.
Published: January 2009

The latest Australian accounting standard on public‐sector accounting (AAS 29) requires government departments at all levels to comply with private‐sector accounting and reporting principles and standards. But this commercially oriented framework may appear alien to departmental managers and may not accommodate many of the unique characteristics of departmental financial accountability. The underlying concepts and terms which take their meaning from the commercial world of profit‐driven markets may be misunderstood, misinterpreted or lead to unintended welfare and distributional consequences. This article examines some of the underlying terms that may be misinterpreted and the possible consequences of their operation in the departmental context.
Capital Markets Research And The Goodwill Debate
Authors: Clinch Greg
Published: January 2009

This paper provides a review of capital markets research relevant to the goodwill accounting debate. Results indicate that the reported goodwill asset under United States GAAP is associated with share values, but there is no clear evidence of a similar association for goodwill amortisation. Similarly, there is no clear evidence of a competitive disadvantage associated with the requirement to amortise goodwill.
Audit Risk In Terms Of Probabilities: The AUP 24 Model
Authors: Johnstone David
Published: January 2009

The AUP 24 audit risk model defines audit risk implicitly as the joint probability of three independent events: a material error occurring in an account balance; the error not being corrected by internal controls; and the uncorrected balance being accepted by the auditor. A more apposite risk measure, relating to these same possible events, is the conditional probability of a material error, given that the stated balance has been subject to internal control procedures and accepted by the auditor. Calculation of the conditional risk measure requires consideration of both the type I (alpha) and type II (beta) error probabilities of the auditor's substantive test procedure. Unless both are taken into account, it is not possible to interpret a test result in terms of the probability of the stated account balance being materially correct.
Broad Scope Accountability the Reporting Priority
Authors: Parker Lee D.
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a case for reversing the order of priority given to general‐purpose financial reporting objectives so that accountability becomes the objective of primary focus and decision‐making becomes the objective of secondary focus. It proposes a wider concept of accountability aimed at serving a broad community‐based constituency. The disappointed expectations of report recipients and observers, the potential interests of parties beyond the investors, and criticisms of the decision‐making objective are discussed as a precursor to advocating the reshaping and repositioning of accountability.
Floccinaucinihilipilification In Accounting — Does It Matter?
Authors: Chambers R.J.
Published: January 2009

Everyone admires consistency in the beliefs and actions of others. It is a token of reliability, long upheld as an ideal by accountants. At the same time, many tolerate and excuse inconsistency — especially on their own part — generally in the face of “unusual” circumstances. That liberty is abused, however, if the occasional becomes habitual, endorsed as a matter of principle or enshrined in the dicta of the influential. Then, the confused and contradictory override the deliverance of common sense and reason. The upshot is chaos in thought and practice and gross interference with the orderly conduct of financial affairs.
Whither Financial Accounting Research: A Modern‐Day Bo‐Peep?
Authors: Howieson Bryan
Published: January 2009

This paper comments on the lack of communication between Australian accounting academics and policymakers about research into accounting policy choice. Five perceived inhibitors of the dissemination of research results are discussed: (i) weighting of positive and normative considerations; (ii) the dominant research school lacks explanatory breadth; (iii) a perception that published research papers focus on statistical methods rather than theory development and testing; (iv) an unwillingness to entertain other research viewpoints; and (v) a breakdown in the lines of communication. Methods of increasing the interaction between Australian academics and professionals are suggested.
The ‘New’ Deferred Tax: a Comment on AARF Discussion Paper No. 22 ‘Accounting for Income Tax’
Authors: Sidhu Baljit K.
Published: January 2009

Discussion Paper No. 22 Accounting for Income Tax (DP 22), issued by the Australian Accounting Research Foundation, represents significant change through its advocacy of a “balance sheet” rather than the currently prescribed “income statement” approach for the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. This paper clarifies the differences between the two methods and illustrates their effects on financial statements. It evaluates DP 22's arguments in favour of the balance‐sheet approach and provides some guidance on the “usefulness” of deferred tax numbers. The paper concludes that the logical inconsistencies in DP 22, coupled with the available evidence on income‐tax allocation, suggest that we should be cautious in making changes to current reporting requirements.
Financial Reporting of Cultural, Heritage, Scientific and Community Collections
Authors: Micallef Frank , Peirson Graham
Published: January 2009

An article by Carnegie and Wolnizer in Australian Accounting Review argued that “it is not technically proper to recognise cultural, heritage and scientific collections as assets for financial reporting purposes”. The reasons included the following: cultural, heritage, scientific and community collections do not satisfy the definition of and recognition criteria for assets; there is no demand for such information by users of general‐purpose financial reports; the cost of preparing the information would outweigh the benefits; and recognition of these collections is not in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice. This article analyses these arguments and generally does not find support for them.
Equity Accounting: Empirical Evidence and Lessons from the Past
Authors: Vallely Mark , Stokes Donald , Liesch Peter
Published: January 2009

This paper analyses the recently issued accounting standard prAASB 1016 and its predecessor ED 71 in the light of the historical development of equity accounting in Australia and overseas. Empirical research shows that equity accounting was not universally adopted before being banned and that, given a voluntary choice of accounting method, firms are more likely to adopt equity accounting when they hold material investments in associated companies, when the investments in associates are unlisted and when there is a greater level of interdependency between the investor and investee, as evidenced by the existence of cross‐guarantees or the level of non‐capital transactions which take place. There is no empirical evidence supporting the degree of influence as an important consideration in the adoption decision.
Global Harmonisation of Accounting Standards: What Research into Capital Markets Tells Us
Authors: Brown Philip , Clinch Greg
Published: January 2009

There is strong evidence that current levels of accounting diversity are reflected in various dimensions of sharemarket activity. However, there is little available research to help us assess the potential effects of accounting hamonisation on the ASX and its participants. Moreover, the available indications suggest that the answers will not be simple, and not always in accord with some of the arguments that are heard in the hamonisation debate.
Public Sector Audit in Victoria: Leading Where?
Authors: TAYLOR J.C.
Published: January 2009

The widespread debate and community concern about changes to the Victorian auditor‐general's office shows that they go beyond accounting, business or competition issues (important as these are) and stand as significant matters of governance. The changes and the debate say something about the nature and character of our society ‐ in particular, about the quality and qualities of Victorian political, business and professional leadership ‐ and about the relative strengths of the Victorian parliament and the Victorian executive.
A Very Dismal Story
Authors: BARTON ALLAN
Published: January 2009

Book Reviewed in this article

Corporate Collapse: Regulatory, Accounting and Ethical Failure by F. L. Clarke, G. W. Dean and K. G. Oliver.
Measurement and the Australian Conceptual Framework
Authors: HAMPTON GEORGE , BISHOP TERRY
Published: January 2009

The nature of accounting dictates that it be concerned with the process of “measurement”. However, only in recent decades has debate about the concept of measurement appeared in accounting literature. This article identifies problem areas and pitfalls that need to be addressed, and contributes to the debate about measurement. It examines the importance of “measurement” to accounting, definitions of the term and what measurement involves. This leads to the consideration of statements and inferences that can be made about the outputs of the measurement process, and to proposed guidelines for the development and assessment of a conceptual framework document.
Productivity and Performance Indicators in Enterprise Agreements
Authors: LANGFIELD‐SMITH KIM , MADDEN DAGMARA
Published: January 2009

The design and implementation of performance measurement systems is a major interest of management accountants. In recent years many organisations have made enterprise agreements with their employees, often specijjing performance indicators on which to base wage increases. This paper explains how performance indicators are used in enterprise agreements and considers alternative definitions of indicators and their limitations. It argues that performance indicators in enterprise agreements should be consistent with wider organisational performance measurement systems, particularly those having a strategic focus.
Spending Down Assets to Maximise the Pension: Identifying and Exploring the Ethical Issues
Authors: DELLAPORTAS STEVEN
Published: January 2009

This article explores the ethical issues associated with accounting practitioners providing financial planning advice to clients about spending down or consuming assets for the primary purpose of satisfying age‐pension eligibility. I t may seem that there is nothing wrong with this activity but a deeper analysis suggests that it may be unethical. This article employs a broad framework that may be applied to any situation having ethical implications.
Land Under Roads ‐ A Financial Bonanza OR Fool's Gold?
Authors: BARTON ALLAN
Published: January 2009

This paper critically reviews and rejects the requirement that councils value the land under their roads and include it in their financial statements. Land under roads is a public good which does not satisfy the requirements for recognition as an asset. Moreover, it does not need to be valued financially for purposes of road management. Councils are cowect in opposing the requirement of AAS 27. The inclusion of land under roads as a council asset distorts the representation of their financial position.
A Critical Appraisal of Assurance Services Development in Australia
Authors: ALFORD STUART
Published: January 2009

This paper appraises the development of assurance services in Australia and discusses the differences between assurance and consulting seruices. This is an issue of mounting importance as accounting firms consider separating their assurance and consulting activities into separate entities. The advantages and disadvantages of the profession being involved in the development and promotion of these seruices are debated, as are the risks of extending practice into non‐traditiona1 assurance products. The paper considers whether the profession is choosing the cowect assurance services to promote, and suggests the promotion of services closer to their current experh'se, such as providing assurance to company directors about the information they consider at their regular meetings.
A Research Note on the Use and Perceived Usefulness of Analytical Procedures by Australian Auditors
Authors: SMITH GEOFFREY , PSAROS JIM , HOLMES SCOTT
Published: January 2009

This paper provides Australian evidence on the use and perceived usefulness of analytical procedures (AP) by both Big 6 and non‐Big 6 auditors. The following questions are posed in the paper. First, what is the extent of usage of AP? Second, which AP are used most frequently? Third, at what stage of the audit are AP used most frequently? Fourth, how effective are AP? Fifth, do auditors expect more or less use of AP in the future? In the context of these questions comparisons are drawn between Big 6 and non‐Big 6 auditors and with two recent overseas studies.
Statutory Budgetary and Financial Reporting by Australian Universities
Authors: WALKER R. G.
Published: January 2009

A review of reporting practices in 1998 suggested that New South Wales universities were systematically breaching requirements for the publication of budgets in their annual reports, since the coverage of published budget documents did not encompass all financial transactions reported in financial statements. A government funding agency has required universities to present operating statements in a standard format. But the definitions used in these instructions lead to understatement of spending on administration by not counting expenditure incurred in faculties, schools or departments. It is argued that the combination of reporting practices based on government instructions and the failure of NSW universities to comply with state legislation has led to the production of accounts which are of limited usefulness to key stakeholders.
Towards a Unifying Model of Systems of Law, Corporate Financing, Accounting and Corporate Governance
Authors: NOBES CHRISTOPHER , ROBERTS ALAN
Published: January 2009

Several authors have observed a relationship between a country's type of legal system and its style of financial reporting. Generally, the causality is presumed to be from legal system to accounting system. However, one model of accounting differences suggests that the type of accounting is an influence on the regulatory system rather than vice versa. This helps to explain why the Netherlands has Roman law but approximately Anglo‐Saxon accounting. It also allows for the extensive use by European companies of US or international rules. This paper expands on these themes, and extends the model to include corporate governance.
Issues in the Drive to Measure Liabilities at Fair Value
Authors: BRADBURY MICHAEL E.
Published: January 2009

This paper compares the discussion on liability measurement in Accounting The0y Monograph 10 with the liability measurement requirements in recent international proposals on accounting for financial instruments. Rather than conducting a detailed review of the Monograph, the paper examines three major issues which wawant amplifjing, extending or criticising: What is “fair value”? Why fair value liabilities? Should fair value include an entity's own credit risk? The focus is on financial liabilities such as “plain vanilla” debt; other financial liabilities, such as insurance obligations, pensions, wawanties and environmental damage restoration involve additional considerations and are therefore not considered.
‘Fair Value’ for Financial Instruments: How Erasing Theory is Leading to Unworkable Global Accounting Standards for Performance Reporting
Authors: HORTON JOANNE , MACVE RICHARD
Published: January 2009

The LASC is pursuing proposals for accounting for financial instruments that are conceptually flawed and unworkable in practice. “Fair value” has been elevated to a catch‐all concept to resolve measurement issues objectively. Adoption of fair value, as cuwently interpreted by standard‐setters (eg, by the FASB in Concepts Statement No. 7, issued in February 2000), threatens to drive out a long‐understood, theory‐based approach to the rationales for cuwent value accounting — founded on “deprival value” — that has recently been comprehensively restated in Accounting Theory Monograph 10, issued by the Australian Accounting Research Foundation in 1998, and reaffirmed in the UK Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Principles for Financial Repovting, issued in December 1999.
Accounting Measurement and Capital Markets Research
Authors: CLINCH GREG
Published: January 2009

Numerous controversies — from goodwill amortisation to the appropriateness of fair value accounting — illustrate both the importance of measurement questions, and the difficulty often encountered in devising accounting measurement “solutions” that are widely accepted. This paper discusses what might be learned about accounting measurement questions from the perspective of capital markets‐based research. While this field of inquiry is not well developed, there are indications that further research from the capital markets perspective could provide useful conclusions about accounting measurement.
The Rise and Rise of Public Private Partnerships: Challenges for Public Accountability
Authors: Watson David
Published: January 2009

The increasing popularity of public private partnerships (PPPs) thrusts on to centre stage the inherent tension between accountability and transparency on the one hand, and efficiency and commerciality on the other. This paper explores a number of accountability issues that are exacerbated by a public private partnership structure. The organisational structure of a PPP, where much of the activity associated with the delivery of a public service is embedded in a private‐sector entity, increases the likelihood that public scrutiny of decisions and actions is significantly inhibited
How Might Companies Value ESOs?
Authors: Maller Ross A. , Tan Rosemary , Van De Vyver Mark
Published: January 2009

There has been a steady growth in the use of employee equity compensation plans, and in the use of executive stock options (ESOs) in particular, along with a rise in shareholder and public perceptions that the values of compensation plans are not always fully disclosed. The IFSA of Australia recently called for separate reporting in financial statements of numbers and values of ESOs. Companies, when negotiating employment contracts, frequently agree to compensate an executive if a share option plan is subsequently not approved by shareholders. These facts suggest that reporting the value of an ESO plan is a useful and important exercise. We outline a model for the valuation of ESOs typically issued by Australian listed companies and illustrate the application of the model with a case study.
When is Goodwill not Goodwill? The Accounting and Taxation Implications
Authors: Nethercott Les , Hanlon Dean
Published: January 2009

Courts have encountered perplexing questions about the definition and valuation of goodwill which have significant tax implications. This paper compares the treatment of goodwill from accounting and taxation perspectives. It examines two recent Australian court decisions concerned with the concept of goodwill and finds there are still several areas of contention that both cases failed to settle.
A Private‐Sector Perspective
Authors: Lilley Mick , De Giorgio Catherine
Published: January 2009

The Public‐Private Partnership model is best placed as a means for delivering public infrastructure for government. However, the private sector needs to consider some issues if it is to encourage governments to use this model effectively. Specifically, for the public‐private partnership model to be sustained and accepted by governments, the private sector needs to explain its benefits in a way that wins the trust of the community.
Risk Weighting and Accounting Choices in Public‐Private Partnerships: Case Study of a Failed Prison Contract
Authors: English Linda , Walker R. G.
Published: January 2009

A case study of a failed PPP contract shows how ex ante assessments of the extent of risk transfer from public‐sector agencies to private‐sector contractors were inadequate. Those assessments placed undue weight on some risks, and failed to assess others. The experience suggests that it is inappropriate to choose accounting treatments on the basis of ex ante assessments of risk transfer and risk sharing.
Establishing the Fair Value of Consideration Given In an Acquisition
Authors: LONERGAN WAYNE
Published: January 2009

The impact of accounting standards on acquisitions has significant implications for the purchaser's reported financial position, reported profits and ability to pay dividends

reported profits and ability to pay dividends. Two major problems arise with respect to the bases used in assessing the fair value of offer consideration – the size of the control premium and the notional placement discount. These problems are exacerbated by the little‐noticed, but significant, change in measurement date (from offer date to acquisition date) in AASB 1015. Hence, further differences arise if the share price moves significantly between the offer date and the acquisition date. Current international accounting standards are being harmonised. However, they are inconsistent in their requirements as to whether takeover consideration should be assessed at acquisition date rather than offer date.
The Behaviour of Socially Responsible Investments as Financial Assets
Authors: Gerrans Paul , Kristoffersen Ingebjørg , Clark‐Murphy Marilyn
Published: January 2009

This paper examines the behaviour of socially responsible investments (SRIs) as financial assets using a returns‐based style analysis methodology. Conflicting views exist on the risks of SRIs in terms of their exposure to asset classes and industry sectors. This paper provides empirical evidence from a sample of Australian SRI managed funds. The sample SRI funds do not have strong consistent patterns in terms of style. They do not appear to represent a homogenous category of investments, and do not belong in an investment class of their own.
Concise Reporting in Australia:Has the Concise Report Replaced the Traditional Financial Report for Adopting Companies?
Authors: O'Sullivan Madonna , Percy Majella
Published: January 2009

This study examines the content of concise reports in Australia to ascertain whether deficiencies identified by ASIC in 1999 have been rectified. Second, the concise reports are compared with the full financial report to establish if the presence of a concise report has in any way altered the full financial report. Third, the discussion and analysis section required in the concise reports is examined to provide descriptive evidence on its content. Although several shortcomings identified by ASIC in concise reports for 1999 have been resolved for 2000, role confusion surrounds the concise and full financial reports. It appears that, for many companies, AASB 1039 has resulted in the concise report becoming the full financial report.
The Saga of a Disallowed Accounting Standard
Authors: Groen Bert , Lanis Roman
Published: January 2009

In 2000, the Australian Senate disallowed two paragraphs of the accounting standard AASB 1015 Acquisition of Assets, an unprecedented action that sent shockwaves through the business community. As a consequence, a legal dispute erupted between ASIC and MYOB Limited in relation to the application of the disallowed paragraphs, culminating in a recent decision in the Victorian Supreme Court. This paper describes the circumstances surrounding the Senate's decision and the ensuing legal action taken by ASIC against MYOB. It discusses the implications for accounting standard‐setting in Australia, and the process by which an accounting standard is made by the AASB and may be disallowed in whole or in part by parliament.
Assessments of the Expert Evidence of Accountants
Authors: Craig Russell , Reddy Prasuna
Published: January 2009

The capacity of expert accounting witnesses to provide understandable evidence has been challenged by Australian judges. They have assessed expert accounting evidence as the most difficult evidence, from eight disciplinary areas, for them to evaluate adequately. This paper reports the responses of a sample of ten expert accounting witnesses to such assessment. We reveal the difficulties these accounting experts have experienced in presenting evidence. These include the unfamiliarity of judges and barristers with commercial principles; the intimidatory environment of courts; and outmoded attitudes to the use of modern communication aids. Several ways of improving expert accounting evidence are canvassed, including the provision of communications skills training for accountants and financial literacy training for judges and barristers.
Performance, Productivity and Innovation in Health Care Organisations: Comparing England and Scotland
Authors: LLEWELLYN SUE
Published: January 2009

The political reforms of the public sector, termed “new public management” (NPM), now have a 20‐year history. This paper looks at local differences between England and Scotland over a particular dimension of NPM — performance management in health care. In the context of the dynamic reform agenda in the UK, it is expected that these “local” lessons will have some global relevance. This paper elaborates on these inter‐country differences and proposes how the approaches in England and Scotland may affect productivity and innovation in health care delivery. It does this by exploring research into the behaviour of the most powerful of health care providers, the senior clinicians in hospitals.
Performance Management in the Public Sector: Past Experiences, Current Practices and Future Challenges
Authors: MODELL SVEN
Published: January 2009

This paper reviews developments in research into public‐sector performance management over the past 20 years. Particular attention is paid to four increasingly influential research approaches in this area: multidimensional stakeholder approaches, the balanced scorecard approach, institutional approaches and the radical learning approach. Opportunities for applying these approaches in further research are also outlined. These opportunities are discussed in light of changing reform agendas centred on growing concerns with managing outcomes and relative performance evaluation as means of fostering an enhanced citizen or beneficiary orientation, inter‐organisational collaboration and learning in the public sector.