bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharīʿah issues on taʿwidh in Malaysia
Authors: Ishak Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the current mechanism of taʿwidh (compensation) from the perspective of Shariīʿah, which is used by Islamic banking in Malaysia to deal with the issue of late payment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative in nature, using semi-structured interviews carried out with two types of informant – members of the National Sharīʿah Advisory Council (SAC) and the Internal Sharīʿah committee (SC) – with regard to practicing taʿwidh.

Findings

The findings reveal taʿwidh is an alternative to the interest-based late payment penalty, which is prohibited in Islam. While taʿwidh finds justification in the hadith and maʿlaʿah, in respect of sustaining the competitiveness of the Islamic banking operation, its practice is still debatable because it is determined by a special rate instead of the actual loss. This paper addresses this issue by suggesting that even though the central bank has allowed Islamic banks to regard 1 per cent as their income, they should review that amount, and claim only the actual loss. The remaining money could be used for charitable purposes, which can be conducted by Islamic banks themselves.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited because it focusses on the extent to which the current practice of taʿwidh in Malaysia has complied with Shariīʿah principles. It does not focus on gharamah (penalty), which is considered to be the second late payment penalty mechanism. Moreover, data are collected from nine interviewees from SAC and SC from different Islamic banks. Thus, the results cannot be generalised to other countries.

Originality/value

This paper highlights Shariīʿah concerns regarding the current application of taʿwidh. Moreover, as it uses primary data, it provides a fresh discussion of taʿwidh, from both the perspective of regulators in Malaysia and the experience of practitioners, particularly in terms of Shariīʿah compliance.
Achieving sustainability through reducing construction waste during the design process
Authors: Othman Ayman Ahmed Ezzat , Abdelrahim Sherouk Mohamed
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of Value Management towards achieving sustainability through reducing the construction waste during the design process.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the abovementioned aim, a research methodology consisting literature review and survey questionnaire is designed to achieve the following objectives: first, building a comprehensive understanding of the research topic through reviewing literature related to the nature of the construction industry, waste in construction, sustainability, the design phase and Value Management; second, presenting and analysing two case studies to validate the role of Value Management towards reducing waste in construction projects; third, conducting a survey questionnaire with a representative sample of architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt to evaluate their perception and application of Value Management towards reducing the construction waste during the design phase; and finally, proposing a business improvement framework to facilitate the integration of Value Management into the design phase as an approach for reducing construction waste.

Findings

The construction waste has a negative impact on achieving sustainability objectives. The design process plays a major role in generating waste throughout the project life cycle. This is a result of improper decisions taken during the design phase. Egypt as a developing country does not have the required technical or financial resources to deal with the huge amount of waste generated during the construction process. The Egyptian Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 focussed on eradicating the waste from its source (i.e. design phase). Integrating Value Management into the design phase will help developing creative ideas and better decisions, which will enable achieving sustainability objectives and reducing construction waste.

Originality/value

The Egyptian Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 has discussed the importance of dealing with the wastes from the source. Although the construction waste is a dangerous type of waste, most research studies have not focussed on the design process as a source for the construction waste. In this research, the design phase was discussed as an important element in reducing the construction waste by using Value Management approach.
SEC and FINRA broker-dealer exam priorities for 2019: how to prepare
Authors: Pruitt Laura S. , Bergers David P. , Love Eric A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyze the 2019 broker-dealer examination priorities of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an overview of the FINRA and OCIE examination priorities for the year, details particular aspects of both regulators’ priorities that may be of interest to broker-dealers and provides practical tips to prepare for a regulatory exam.

Findings

In 2019, OCIE intends to prioritize retail investors, compliance and risk in registrants responsible for critical market infrastructure, digital assets, cybersecurity and anti-money laundering programs. FINRA will focus on a number of materially new areas of attention, as well as on sales practice, operational, market and financial risks.

Practical implications

Broker-dealer firms should review their policies and procedures in the areas highlighted by FINRA and OCIE, both to ensure that the procedures are consistent with existing regulatory requirements and to assure that firm personnel are actually complying with those policies and procedures. In situations where the firm’s practices have changed over time, firms should amend their policies and procedures to comport with current practices.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the notable aspects of both regulators’ examination priorities that are particularly relevant to broker-dealers and recommends ways that firms can prepare for examinations on those issues.
An evidence informed approach to planning for event management in Ireland
Authors: Maguire Kelly , McLoughlin Emmet
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Events are a significant component of Ireland’s tourism offering. They are an important source of economic activity and an incremental driver of social change and development throughout the country. However, the visual and physical impacts often created by event activities to the environmental and social resource base upon which, events depend, have begun to draw attention to the way events are planned and managed. Although the concept of sustainability has become the topic of much discussion and debate in event management literature, there exist many gaps in relation to its practical application in event management planning in Ireland. This is despite the statutory obligation of local authorities in Ireland to license events and to facilitate the process of planning for large-scale outdoor public events in Ireland. Yet, with the continued expansion of Ireland’s event industry, there is a fundamental need for an evidence-informed approach to planning for event management. Through the application of the European tourism indicator system (ETIS), the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the national event industry in Ireland could be secured. This paper aims to examine and discuss the application of the ETIS as a possible tool to facilitate greater levels of sustainability and accountability within the events industry in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative content analysis approach involving a complete population sample of local authorities in the Republic of Ireland to determine the application of the ETIS within the legal process of planning for event management in Ireland.

Findings

While the findings have identified a basic provision for event management within a number of local authority legally required County Development Plans, none, however, were using the ETIS to monitor the impacts of events at the local level. This lack of data collection and benchmarking highlights the need for greater levels of sustainability and accountability within the legal process of planning for event management in Ireland.

Originality/value

This study suggests the ETIS as an easy, cost effective and viable solution to facilitate an evidence-informed approach to planning for event management at the local level. However, the lessons learned from this study may also have implications for destination planners and event managers outside of Ireland.
Share price response to the SEC administrative proceedings against Chinese auditors
Authors: Liu Guoping , Sun Jerry
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examines whether clients’ share prices responded to three events, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launch of administrative proceedings against five Chinese accounting firms on December 3, 2012, for their failure to hand over audit work papers due to conflict of jurisdiction; the issuance of SEC Administrative Law Judge Elliot’s ruling on January 22, 2014; and the settlement of the administrative proceedings on February 6, 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Schipper and Thompson approach.

Findings

It is found that share prices responded negatively around December 3, 2012, for USA-listed Chinese companies who were audited by Chinese auditors.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on how share prices reacted to SEC enforcement actions against an affair of non-audit failure.
Technology-enabled service evolution in tourism: a perspective article
Authors: Leung Xi Yu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Information technologies are changing the service paradigm. This paper aims to provide a concise review on technology-enabled service evolution in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of relevant literature.

Findings

The past evolution of service delivery is summarized in three stages: service, e-service and m-service. The fourth stage of service evolution is predicted to be “a-service” with three features: service automation and human–robot interaction, artificial intelligence and big data and smart travel experience.

Originality/value

This paper provides a brief overview of service evolution under the impact of technology. It originally identifies the four stages of service evolution in tourism.
Density dependence and persistence of Morogoro arenavirus transmission in a fluctuating population of its reservoir host
Authors: Mariën Joachim , Borremans Benny , Verhaeren Christophe , Kirkpatrick Lucinda , Gryseels Sophie , Goüy de Bellocq Joëlle , Günther Stephan , Sabuni Christopher A. , Massawe Apia W. , Reijniers Jonas , Leirs Herwig
Published: September 2019

A key aim in wildlife disease ecology is to understand how host and parasite characteristics influence parasite transmission and persistence. Variation in host population density can have strong impacts on transmission and outbreaks, and theory predicts particular transmission–density patterns depending on how parasites are transmitted between individuals. Here, we present the results of a study on the dynamics of Morogoro arenavirus in a population of multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis). This widespread African rodent, which is also the reservoir host of Lassa arenavirus in West Africa, is known for its strong seasonal density fluctuations driven by food availability.

We investigated to what degree virus transmission changes with host population density and how the virus might be able to persist during periods of low host density.

A seven‐year capture–mark–recapture study was conducted in Tanzania where rodents were trapped monthly and screened for the presence of antibodies against Morogoro virus. Observed seasonal seroprevalence patterns were compared with those generated by mathematical transmission models to test different hypotheses regarding the degree of density dependence and the role of chronically infected individuals.

We observed that Morogoro virus seroprevalence correlates positively with host density with a lag of 1–4 months. Model results suggest that the observed seasonal seroprevalence dynamics can be best explained by a combination of vertical and horizontal transmission and that a small number of animals need to be infected chronically to ensure viral persistence.

Transmission dynamics and viral persistence were best explained by the existence of both acutely and chronically infected individuals and by seasonally changing transmission rates. Due to the presence of chronically infected rodents, rodent control is unlikely to be a feasible approach for eliminating arenaviruses such as Lassa virus fromMastomyspopulations.
International Survey of Food Fraud and Related Terminology: Preliminary Results and Discussion
Authors: Spink John , Bedard Brian , Keogh John , Moyer Douglas C , Scimeca Joe , Vasan Akhila
Published: September 2019

The food industry is advancing at a rapid pace and consumer sensitivity to food safety scares and food fraud scandals is further amplified by rapid communication such as by social media. Academia, regulators, and industry practitioners alike struggle with an evolving issue regarding new terms and definitions including food fraud, food authenticity, food integrity, food protection, economically motivated adulteration, food crime, food security, contaminant, adulterant, and others. This research addressed some of the global need for clarification and harmonization of commonly used terminology. The 150 survey responses were received from various food‐related workgroups or committee members, communication with recognized experts, and announcements to the food industry in general. Overall food fraud was identified as a “food safety” issue (86%). The food quality and manufacturing respondents focused mainly on incoming goods and adulterant‐substances (<50%) rather than the other illegal activities such as counterfeiting, theft, gray market/diversion, and smuggling. Of the terms included to represent “intentional deception for economic gain” the respondents generally agreed with food fraud as the preferred term. Overall, the preference was 50% “food fraud,” 15% “economically motivated adulteration” EMA, 9% “food protection,” 7% “food integrity,” 5% “food authenticity,” and 2% “food crime.” It appears that “food protection” and “food integrity” are terms that cover broader concepts such as all types of intentional acts and even possibly food safety or food quality. “Food authenticity” was defined with the phrase “to ensure” so seemed to be identified as an “attribute” that helped define fraudulent acts.

Practical Application

Food Fraud—illegal deception for economic gain using food—is a rapidly evolving research topic and is facing confusion due to the use of different terms and definitions. This research survey presented common definitions and publication details to gain insight that could help provide clarity. The insight from this report provides guidance for others who are harmonizing terminology and setting the overall strategic direction.
Clustering and correlations: Inferring resilience from spatial patterns in ecosystems
Authors: Sankaran Sumithra , Majumder Sabiha , Viswanathan Ashwin , Guttal Vishwesha
Published: September 2019

In diverse ecosystems, organisms cluster together in such a manner that the frequency distribution of cluster sizes is a power law function. Spatially explicit computational models of ecosystems suggest that a loss of such power law clustering may indicate a loss of ecosystem resilience; the empirical evidence in support for this hypothesis has been mixed. On the other hand, a well‐known dynamical feature of systems with reduced resilience is the slower recovery from perturbations, a phenomenon known as critical slowing down (CSD). Here, we examine the relationship between spatial clustering and CSD to better understand the use of cluster size distributions as indicators of ecosystem resilience.

Local positive feedback is an important driver of spatial clustering, while also affecting the dynamics of the ecosystem: Studies have demonstrated that positive feedback promotes abrupt regime shifts. Here, we analyse a spatial model of ecosystem transitions that enables us to disentangle the roles of local positive feedback and environmental stress on spatial patterns and ecosystem resilience.

We demonstrate that, depending on the strength of positive feedback, power law clustering can occur at any distance from the critical threshold of ecosystem collapse. In fact, we find that for systems with strong positive feedback, which are more likely to exhibit abrupt transitions, there may be no loss of power law clustering prior to critical thresholds.

Our analyses show that cluster size distributions are unrelated to the phenomenon of CSD and that loss of power law clustering is not a generic indicator of ecosystem resilience. Further, due to CSD, a power law feature does occur near critical thresholds but in a different quantity; specifically, a power law decay of spatial covariance of ecosystem state. Our work highlights the importance of links between local positive feedback, emergent spatial properties and how they may be used to interpret ecosystem resilience.
Glaciation of the northern British Columbia continental shelf: the geomorphic evidence derived from multibeam bathymetric data
Authors: Shaw John , Barrie J. Vaughn , Conway Kim W. , Lintern David G. , Kung Robert
Published: September 2019

We describe a revised understanding of the extent and dynamics of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet on the continental shelf of northern British Columbia, Canada. During the Local Last Glacial Maximum ice streams occupied two of the three shelf‐crossing troughs in Queen Charlotte Sound (Goose Island Trough and Mitchell's Trough). A 25‐km‐wide outlet glacier – the Hecate Glacier – flowed south in Hecate Strait, parallel to the modern coast. It reached a grounding line at the head of Moresby Trough, beyond which an ice shelf may have extended to the edge of the continental shelf. The southern part of the independent Haida Gwaii Ice Cap formed piedmont lobes dissected by tunnel valleys. An emergent area east of the ice cap corresponds with the ‘Hecate Refugium’. Subsequently grounded ice retreated from the shelf troughs. The Hecate Glacier retreated incrementally towards the north. Mainland ice then stabilized along a north–south margin near modern coasts, marked by submarine moraines in the Chatham Sound region and elsewhere. This margin was probably contemporaneous with the margin at Mt. Buxton in the south of the study area, dated at c. 17.6 to 16.6 ka (Darvill et al. 2018). Off southern Haida Gwaii, following a retreat, a glacier margin was established east of Juan Perez Sound, proximal to a sandur plain graded to a water level of −150 m. Proglacial lakes to the north of here were the likely source for an outburst flood that created gravel bedforms and an area of sea‐floor scour. In a final phase, diminished mainland ice was confined to fjords, and retreat inland is marked by a succession of submarine moraines, beginning with a moraine at the Douglas Channel sill. The study has implications for the migration pathways for human migration into the Americas following deglaciation.
Scale‐dependent strategies for coexistence of mesocarnivores in human‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Carricondo‐Sanchez David , Odden Morten , Kulkarni Abhijeet , Vanak Abi Tamim
Published: September 2019

Identifying factors influencing the distribution of and interactions within carnivore communities is important for understanding how they are affected by human activities. Species differ in their ability to adapt to humans depending on their degree of specialization in habitat use and feeding habits. This results in asymmetric changes in the ecology of co‐occurring species that can influence their interactions. We investigated whether human infrastructures and free‐ranging domestic dogs (a species typically associated with humans) influenced the co‐occurrence and habitat use of mesocarnivores in a landscape of high human population density in Maharashtra, India. We used 40 camera trap locations during 233 trapping nights and used Bayesian co‐occurrence occupancy models to investigate the habitat use and coexistence of species at different spatial scales. Additionally, we investigated their temporal overlap in space use. Indian foxes altered their habitat use both spatially and temporally in order to avoid free‐ranging domestic dogs and other larger competitors. The use of human infrastructure by jackals and jungle cats was limited by the presence of dogs. Our results illustrate how habitat use of smaller carnivore species changes both spatially and temporally in order to avoid larger competitors. We also show that the presence of species associated with humans mediates the influence of human infrastructures on the habitat use of mesocarnivores. We highlight the importance of acknowledging the potential impact of urbanization not only on single species, but also on the interactions within the community.
A striking example of developmental bias in an evolutionary process: The “domestication syndrome”
Authors: Wilkins Adam S.
Published: September 2019

The question of whether “developmental bias” can influence evolution is still controversial, despite much circumstantial evidence and a good theoretical argument. Here, I will argue that the domestication of mammalian species, which took place independently more than two dozen times, provides a particularly convincing example of developmental bias in evolution. The singular finding that underlies this claim is the repeated occurrence in domesticated mammals of a set of distinctive traits, none of which were deliberately selected. This phenomenon has been termed “the domestication syndrome”. In this article, I will: (a) describe the properties of the domestication syndrome; (b) show how it can be explained in terms of the operation of a specific genetic regulatory network, that which governs neural crest cell development; and (c) discuss Dmitry Belyaev's idea of “destabilizing selection,” which holds that selecting for a new behavior often entails neuroendocrine alterations that alter many aspects of development. Finally, I will argue for the potential general significance of such destabilizing selection, in combination with developmental bias, in animal evolution.
Divergent behavioral responses in protracted opioid withdrawal in male and female C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Bravo Isabel M. , Luster Brennon R. , Flanigan Meghan E. , Perez Patric J. , Cogan Elizabeth S. , Schmidt Karl T. , McElligott Zoe A.
Published: September 2019

Persons suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) experience long‐lasting dysphoric symptoms well into extended periods of withdrawal. This protracted withdrawal syndrome is notably characterized by heightened anxiety and hyperkatifeia. Here, we investigated if an exacerbated withdrawal model of acute morphine dependence results in lasting behavioral adaptation 6 weeks into forced abstinence in C57BL/6J mice. We found that our exacerbated morphine withdrawal paradigm produced distinct alterations in behavior in elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, and social interaction tests in male and female mice. Following protracted withdrawal male mice showed enhanced exploration of the open arms of the EPM, reduced latency to enter the corner of the OF, and a social interaction deficit. In contrast, female mice showed enhanced thigmotaxis in the OF. In both sexes, protracted withdrawal enhanced locomotor behavior in response to subsequent morphine challenge, albeit at different doses. These findings will be relevant for future investigation examining the neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors and will aid in uncovering physiological sex differences in response to opioid withdrawal.
X‐ray imaging of a high‐temperature furnace applied to glass melting
Authors: Boloré Damien , Gibilaro Mathieu , Massot Laurent , Chamelot Pierre , Cid Emmanuel , Masbernat Olivier , Pigeonneau Franck
Published: September 2019

The dynamics of soda‐lime‐silica glass grain melting is investigated experimentally using a nonintrusive technique. A cylindrical alumina crucible is filled with glass cullet and placed into a furnace illuminated by an X‐ray source. This glass granular bed is gradually heated up to 1100°C, leading to its melting and the generation of a size‐distributed population of bubbles rising in the molten glass. An image processing algorithm of X‐ray images of the cullet bed during melting allows the characterization of bubbles size distribution in the crucible as well as their velocity. The introduction of tin dioxide μ‐particles in the glass matrix before melting enhances the texture of the images and makes possible the determination of the bubble‐induced molten glass velocity field by an optical flow technique. The bubble size distribution can be fitted by a log‐normal law, suggesting that it is closely related to the initial size distribution in the cullet bed. The liquid motion induced by the bubbles in Stokes' regime is strongly affected by the flow confinement and the determination of bubble rising velocity along its trajectory unveils the existence of local tiny temperature fluctuations in the crucible. Overall, the measuring techniques developed in this work seem to be very promising for the improvement of models and optimization of industrial glass furnaces.
Scaling up effective treatment of hypertension—A pathfinder for universal health coverage
Authors: Frieden Thomas R. , Varghese Cherian V. , Kishore Sandeep P. , Campbell Norman R.C. , Moran Andrew E. , Padwal Raj , Jaffe Marc G.
Published: September 2019

High blood pressure is the world’s leading cause of death, but despite treatment for hypertension being safe, effective, and low cost, most people with hypertension worldwide do not have it controlled. This article summarizes lessons learned in the first 2 years of the Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) hypertension management program, operated in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. Better diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of care are all needed to improve control rates, and five necessary components have been recommended by RTSL, WHO and other partners as being essential for a successful hypertension control program. Several hurdles to hypertension control have been identified, with most related to limitations in the health care system rather than to patient behavior. Treatment according to standardized protocols should be started as soon as hypertension is diagnosed, and medical practices and health systems must closely monitor patient progress and system performance. Improvement in hypertension management and control, along with elimination of artificial trans fat and reduction of dietary sodium consumption, will improve many aspects of primary care, contribute to goals for universal health coverage, and could save 100 million lives worldwide over the next 30 years.
Plasma tryptophan and kynurenine in females with temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia—An exploratory pilot study
Authors: Barjandi Golnaz , Louca Jounger Sofia , Löfgren Monika , Bileviciute‐Ljungar Indre , Kosek Eva , Ernberg Malin
Published: September 2019

Background

Both temporomandibular disorders myalgia (TMDM) and fibromyalgia (FM) have been linked to central and peripheral changes in serotonin availability. The precursor of serotonin, tryptophan (TRP), is mainly catabolised via another pathway to produce kynurenine (KYN), but whether changes of this pathway are present in TMDM and FM are still unclear.

Objective

The aim was to explore blood plasma concentrations of TRP and KYN in TMDM and FM in an attempt to identify novel associations for future research.

Methods

Plasma of 113 female participants (17 TMDM, 40 FM and 56 healthy pain‐free controls) were analysed for TRP and KYN concentrations. The degradation of TRP via the KYN pathway was indicated by the KYN to TRP ratio (KYN/TRP). Pain intensities were assessed with the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD‐7).

Results

In TMDM there was a negative correlation between TRP and pain intensity (rs = −0.55 P = .023) and positive correlations between KYN/TRP and pain intensity (rs = 0.59 P = .013). In FM, KYN/TRP was negatively correlated with anxiety symptoms (rs = −0.36 P = .022) and a trend towards significantly lower TRP levels was found compared to controls (P = .05).

Conclusion

The association between KYN/TRP and pain intensity as well as anxiety ratings in this small exploratory study may indicate that KYN/TRP could be a relevant indicator for symptom severity in TMDM and FM. Further investigations of the KYN pathway in chronic myalgia are warranted.
Genomic insight into “sky island” species diversification in a mountainous biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Zhang Dan , Hao Guo‐Qian , Guo Xin‐Yi , Hu Quan‐Jun , Liu Jian‐Quan
Published: September 2019

“Sky island” species diversification contributes greatly to mountainous biodiversity. However, the underlying genomic divergence and the inferred drivers remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined the diversification history of five diploid species with three exclusively endemic to the sky islands (mountains) of the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains biodiversity hotspot. All of them together comprise a clade of the genus Eutrema (Brassicaceae). We resequenced genomes of multiple individuals of the found populations for each species. We recovered the inconsistent phylogenetic relationships between plastome and nuclear‐genome trees for one species. Based on nuclear population genomic data, we detected high genetic divergence between five species with limited gene flow. Four species seemed to diverge mainly through geographical isolation, whereas one arose through hybrid origin. The origins of the sampled five species were dated to within the late Miocene when mountains were uplifted and climates oscillated. All species decreased their population sizes since the inferred origin of each species initially, but only two of them expanded after the Last Glacial Maximum. Together, these findings suggest that geographic isolation plays an important role in driving the sky island species diversification of the sampled species in addition to the occasional gene flow that might have led to the hybrid origin of some sky island species, similar to the species diversification of sea islands.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of cabozantinib as second‐line therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liao Weiting , Huang Jiaxing , Hutton David , Zhu Guiqi , Wu Qiuji , Wen Feng , Bai Liangliang , Li Qiu
Published: September 2019

Background

In the CELESTIAL trial for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cabozantinib showed improved survival compared with placebo but comes at a price. We aimed to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of cabozantinib for sorafenib‐resistant HCC from the payer’s perspective of the USA, UK and China.

Methods

We developed Markov models to simulate the patients pre‐treated with first‐line sorafenib following the CELESTIAL trial. Quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated for the treatment with cabozantinib or best supportive care. The list price for drugs was acquired from the Red Book, the British National Formulary, West China hospital and reported literature. Adverse events, utilities weights, and transition likelihood between states were sourced from the published randomized phase III trial. A willing‐to‐pay threshold was set $150 000/QALY in the USA, $70 671/QALY (£50 000/QALY) in the UK and $26 481/QALY (3x GDP per capita) in China. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were developed to test the models’ uncertainty.

Results

In the base case, treatment with cabozantinib increased effectiveness by 0.13 QALYs, resulting in an ICER vs best supportive care of $833 497/QALY in the USA, $304 177/QALY in the UK and $156 437/QALY in China. The models were most sensitive to assumptions about transitions to progression with both cabozantinib and best supportive care, the utility associated with being progression free. These results were robust across a range of scenarios and sensitivity analyses, including deterministic and probabilistic analyses.

Conclusions

Cabozantinib at its current cost would not be a cost‐effective treatment option for patients with sorafenib‐resistant HCC from the payer's perspective in the USA, UK or China. Substantial discounts are necessary to meet conventional cost‐effectiveness thresholds.
A new wrinkle in our understanding of the role played by auxin in root gravitropism
Authors: Su Shih‐Heng , Masson Patrick H.
Published: September 2019

This article is a Commentary on Zhang et al., 224: 761–774.
Consumer Profiling with Data Requirements: Structure and Policy Implications
Authors: Valletti Tommaso , Wu Jiahua
Published: September 2019

We consider a model where a monopolist can profile consumers in order to price discriminate among them, and consumers can take costly actions to protect their identities and make the profiling technology less effective. A novel aspect of the model consists in the profiling technology: the signal that the monopolist gets about a consumer’s willingness‐to‐pay can be made more accurate either by having more consumers revealing their identities, or by spending larger amounts of money (e.g., on third‐party complementary data or data analytics capabilities). We show that both consumer surplus and social welfare are convex in the ability of consumers to conceal their identities. The interest of this result stems from the fact that consumers’ concealing cost can be interpreted as a policy tool: a stricter privacy law would make the concealing cost lower, and vice‐versa. Consequently, a policymaker who promotes total welfare should either make data protection very easy or very costly. The right direction of data regulations depends on data requirements. In particular, a higher (lower) data requirement is an instance when more (less) consumers are needed to achieve the same signal precision. We show that a strict data privacy law is preferable under a high data requirement so that firms are less likely to invest in profiling inefficiently, whereas there is less concern with little or no data regulations under a low data requirement. We also discuss when greater data protection may be beneficial to the firm.
Category Captainship in the Presence of Retail Competition
Authors: Nakkas Alper , Alan Yasin , Kurtuluş Mümin
Published: September 2019

Category captainship (CC) is a supply chain practice in which a retailer collaborates with a manufacturer to develop and implement a category management strategy. We examine the role of retail competition in CC implementations by analyzing a game‐theoretic setting with two competing retailers. We first consider a benchmark model in which both retailers adopt traditional category management. Then, we consider a CC model in which the focal retailer implements CC. Comparing the equilibrium outcomes of these two models leads to the following insights: First, despite preventing the emergence of CC in some cases, retail competition increases the upside potential of CC for the focal retailer. Second, the focal retailer’s CC implementation can increase the competing retailer’s market share and profit. Third, a manufacturer may agree to serve as a captain even though CC decreases the profit it generates through the focal retailer channel because retail competition enables it to recoup its losses through the competing retailer channel. Last, retail competition alleviates concerns about the potential negative impact of CC on consumers. We discuss the implications of the study for retailers, manufacturers, and policymakers.
The Prioritization of Island Nations as Refuges from Extreme Pandemics
Authors: Boyd Matt , Wilson Nick
Published: September 2019

In this conceptual article with illustrative data, we suggest that it is useful to rank island nations as potential refuges for ensuring long‐term human survival in the face of catastrophic pandemics (or other relevant existential threats). Prioritization could identify the several island nations that are most suitable for targeting social and political preparations and further investment in resiliency. We outline a prioritization methodology and as an initial demonstration, we then provide example rankings by considering 20 sovereign island states (all with populations greater than 250,000 and no land borders). Results describe each nation in nine resilience‐relevant domains covering location, population, resources, and society according to published data. The results indicate that the most suitable island nations for refuge status are Australia, followed closely by New Zealand, and then Iceland, with other nations all well behind (including the relatively high‐income ones of Malta and Japan). Nevertheless, some key contextual factors remain relatively unexplored. These include the capacity of the jurisdiction to rapidly close its borders when the emerging threat was first detected elsewhere, and whether or not large subnational islands should be the preferred focus for refuge design (e.g., the Australian state of Tasmania, the island of Hokkaido in Japan, or the South Island of New Zealand). Overall, this work provides conceptual thinking with some initial example analysis. Further research could refine the selection of metrics, how best to weight the relevant domains, and how the populations of prioritized island nations view their nation's selection as a potential refuge for human survival.
β‐glucan as a new tool in vaccine development
Authors: Vetvicka Vaclav , Vannucci Luca , Sima Petr
Published: September 2019

Vaccination constitutes one of the major breakthroughs in human medicine. At the same time, development of more immunogenic vaccine alternatives to using aluminium‐based adjuvants is one of the most important phases of vaccination development. Among different sources of carbohydrate polymers, including plants, microbes and synthetic sources tested, glucans were found to be the most promising vaccine adjuvant, as they alone stimulate various immune reactions including antibody production without any negative side effects. The use of glucan particles as a delivery system is a viable option based on the documented efficient antigen loading and receptor‐targeted uptake in antigen‐presenting cells. In addition to particles, soluble glucans can be used as novel hydrogels or as direct immunocyte‐targeting delivery systems employing novel complexes with oligodeoxynucleotides. This review focuses on recent advances in glucan‐based vaccine development from glucan‐based conjugates to a glucan‐based delivery and adjuvant platform.
Early First Deployment and Risk of Suicide Attempt Among First‐term Enlisted Soldiers in the U.S. Army
Authors: Naifeh James A. , Ursano Robert J. , Kessler Ronald C. , Aliaga Pablo A. , Mash Holly B. Herberman , Fullerton Carol S. , Ng Tsz Hin Hinz , Dinh Hieu M. , Gonzalez Oscar I. , Stokes Cara M. , Wynn Gary H. , Kao Tzu‐Cheg , Sampson Nancy A. , Stein Murray B.
Published: September 2019

Objective

We examined early first deployment and subsequent suicide attempt among U.S. Army soldiers.

Method

Using 2004–2009 administrative data and person‐month records of first‐term, Regular Army, enlisted soldiers with one deployment (89.2% male), we identified 1,704 soldiers with a documented suicide attempt during or after first deployment and an equal‐probability control sample (n = 25,861 person‐months).

Results

Logistic regression analyses indicated soldiers deployed within the first 12 months of service were more likely than later deployers to attempt suicide (OR = 1.7 [95% CI = 1.5–1.8]). Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, service‐related characteristics, and previous mental health diagnosis slightly attenuated this association (OR = 1.6 [95% CI = 1.5–1.8]). Results were not modified by gender, deployment status, military occupation, or mental health diagnosis. The population‐attributable risk proportion for deploying within the first 12 months of service was 17.8%. Linear spline models indicated similar risk patterns over time for early and later deployers, peaking at month 9 during deployment and month 5 postdeployment; however, monthly suicide attempt rates were consistently higher for early deployers.

Conclusions

Enlisted soldiers deployed within the first 12 months of service have elevated risk of suicide attempt during and after first deployment. Improved understanding of why early deployment increases risk can inform the development of policies and intervention programs.
Epidemiology of injuries during the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships 2018: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hollander Karsten , Kluge Sascha , Glöer Franziska , Riepenhof Helge , Zech Astrid , Junge Astrid
Published: September 2019

Several international sports federations have implemented a standardized injury reporting system during their championships. However, very few studies have investigated athletes with disabilities during major championships apart from the Paralympic Games. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the rate and characteristics of injuries during the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships 2018 (WBWC). This prospective cohort study was conducted during the WBWC held in Hamburg, Germany, from August 16 to August 26, 2018. Physicians or physiotherapists of all 28 participating teams (total 336 players) were asked to report all newly incurred injuries (with location, diagnosis, cause, and estimated duration of absence) daily on a standardized injury report form. Prevalence and incidence rates were calculated. Medical staff of 11 teams (132 players) reported 100 injuries, equivalent to 75.8 per 100 players (95% CI: 60.9‐90.7) or 68.9 per 1000 player‐days (55.4‐82.4). Eight time‐loss injuries were reported (6.1 injuries per 100 players [95% CI: 1.9‐10.3] or 5.5 injuries per 1000 player‐days [1.7‐9.3]). More injuries were incurred during matches (n = 68) than during training. Most injuries affected the neck/cervical spine (16%), thoracic spine/upper back (15%), and shoulder (14%). The most frequent diagnosis was muscle spasms (25%), the most frequent cause was overuse (52%). A high rate of non–time‐loss injuries compared to Paralympic Games was reported. Future studies should focus on the etiology of muscle spasms and further identify injury mechanisms of traumatic and overuse injuries in wheelchair basketball players to develop adequate preventive measures.
Handgrip strength is associated with suicidal thoughts in men: Cross‐sectional analyses from NHANES
Authors: Cao Chao , Liu Qinran , Yang Lin , Zheng Xiaobin , Lan Ping , Koyanagi Ai , Vancampfort Davy , Soysal Pinar , Veronese Nicola , Stubbs Brendon , Firth Joseph , Smith Lee
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate the association between handgrip strength and suicidal thoughts in a representative sample of the US adult population using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Population and Methods

Data from two waves of NHANES (2011‐2014) were aggregated. Handgrip strength in kilogram (kg) was defined as the maximum value from the dominant hand. Suicidal thoughts were assessed using one question “Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problem: Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way?” and dichotomized to no (not at all) and yes (several days/ more than half the days/ nearly every day). Sex‐specific logistic regressions were carried out to analyze associations between handgrip strength and suicidal thoughts.

Results

Data on total of 8903 adults (mean age 47.4 ± 0.4 years) were analyzed. Each 5kg increase in handgrip strength was associated with a 16% reduced odds of having suicidal thoughts (0.84, 95% CI: 0.74‐0.95) among the overall male population. These associations were stronger in male aged 20‐39 years (0.83, 95% CI: 0.70‐0.98), and 40‐64 years (0.73, 95% CI: 0.63‐0.85). In contrast, no associations were observed in females of all age groups.

Conclusions

Males younger than 65 years old with low handgrip strength are significantly more likely to have suicidal thoughts demonstrating a dose‐response relationship. Future research is required to confirm/refute our findings and establish if strength interventions can reduce suicidal thoughts.
Development of interactive biological motion perception in preschoolers and its relation to social competence
Authors: Zhai Shuyi , Ma Yuxi , Gao Zaifeng , He Jie
Published: September 2019

The perception of interactive biological motion (BM) plays an important role in social life. Such social perception enables people to understand the underlying social intentions and social relationships in interactive actions, so that they can anticipate the behavior response in an appropriate manner. Although interaction perception has been widely explored in adults, little is known about preschoolers' developmental trajectory of interaction perception and its further impact on social development. This study explored the development of interaction perception in a dyadic BM situation and its relation to teachers' report of social competence among 3–6‐year olds (N = 119). Children were asked to watch videos of dyadic BM and decide whether two characters were interacting or not. The results suggested that the sensitivity of BM perception continues to develop during the entire preschool age period and is positively associated with children's social competence among children aged 5–6, even after controlling for age and language ability. However, for younger children aged 3–4, language ability rather than perception of social interaction positively correlated with their social competence. Our findings review the rapid development of interactive BM perception in early childhood and highlight the important role of interaction perception in preschoolers’ social development.
“Building a Bigger Table”: Mobilizing Social Capital to Develop a Community Food Resource Center
Authors: Herrington Amy , Mix Tamara L.
Published: September 2019

Traditional food initiatives often aim to increase food access through market‐based, needs‐driven models, leaving basic food requirements unmet for many in the current U.S. food system. Employing qualitative community‐based participatory methods, we examine the asset‐based developmental stages of a local‐level Food and Resource Center (FRC) in rural Stillwater,OK. We consider the ways that social capital can be activated as a community asset for development, articulating how social networks are used to identify, mobilize, and galvanize community support. How has the community identified and mobilized a “stock” of social capital to employ an asset‐based approach to developing a food resource center? How can theFRCenhance social capital for the community as a whole? We provide insight into how individual, agency, and institutional actors act as pivotal resources for community development, delineating the ways in which community social capital and asset‐based development can influence an organization's operational goals. Additionally, we explore strategies used to enhance linking and bonding forms of social capital as well as obstacles to bridging social capital in the broader community.