bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bringing order to non-GAAP financial measures: SEC sues to enforce “equal-or-greater-prominence” requirement
Authors: Parrino Richard J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This article examines the first action by the US Securities and Exchange Commission to enforce the “equal-or-greater-prominence” requirement of its rules governing the presentation by SEC-reporting companies, in their SEC filings and earnings releases, of financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the equal-or-greater-prominence rule and the SEC’s enforcement posture in the context of the SEC’s concern that some companies present non-GAAP financial measures in a manner that inappropriately gives the non-GAAP measures greater authority than the comparable GAAP financial measures.

Findings

Although the appropriate use of non-GAAP financial measures can enhance investor understanding of a company’s business and operating results, investors could be misled about the company’s GAAP results by disclosures that unduly highlight non-GAAP measures. The SEC’s enforcement action signals a focus on the manner in which companies present non-GAAP financial measures as well as on how they calculate the measures.

Originality/value

This article provides expert guidance on a major SEC disclosure requirement from an experienced securities lawyer.
How do firms manage their interest rate exposure?
Authors: Hecht Andreas
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify how non-financial firms manage their interest rate (IR) exposure. IR risk is complex, as it comprises the unequal cash flow and fair value risk. The paper is able to separate both risk types and investigate empirically how the exposure is composed and managed, and whether firms increase or decrease their exposure with derivative transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines an unexplored regulatory environment that contains publicly reported IR exposure data on the firms’ exposures before and after hedging. The data were complemented by indicative interviews with four treasury executives of major German corporations, including two DAX-30 firms, to include professional opinions to validate the results.

Findings

The paper provides new empirical insights about how non-financial firms manage their interest rate exposure. It suggests that firms use hedging instruments to swap from fixed- to floating-rate positions predominantly in the short-to medium-term, and that 63 [37] per cent of IR firm exposure are managed using risk-decreasing [risk-increasing/-constant] strategies.

Practical implications

Interviewed treasury executives suggest that the advanced disclosures benefit various stakeholders, ranging from financial analysts and shareholders to potential investors through more meaningful analyses on firms’ risk management activities. Further, the treasury executives indicate that the new data granularity would enable firms to carry out unprecedented competitive analyses and thereby benchmark and improve their own risk management.

Originality/value

The paper is the first empirical study to analyze the interest rate activities of non-financial firms based on actually reported exposure data before and after hedging, rather than using proxy variables. In addition, the new data granularity enables a separate analysis of the cash flow and fair value risk to focus on the non-financial firms’ requirements.
Artistic creative social entrepreneurs and business model innovation
Authors: Pearse Noel James , Peterlin Judita
Published: November 2019

Purpose

From the perspective of role identity theory, the purpose of this paper is to explain how an artistic creative entrepreneur has set up and operates a business that incorporates a component of social responsibility into the business model.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory case study approach was followed in analysing the case of Alenka Repic, the founder and creative director of the company Kaaita, which operates from Slovenia. Data were collected through documentation and interviews and content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Kaaita has adopted an innovative and socially responsible business model as an artistic creative enterprise. The case study firstly introduces Kaaita and its innovative business model. Thereafter, it describes and discusses the defining roles of Alenka Repic as an entrepreneur and how these roles have shaped what Kaaita does and how it operates.

Research limitations/implications

This explanatory case study has presented the unique case of an artistic creative social entrepreneur, and the innovative business model that has been adopted. However, because only one case has been presented here, it is recommended that additional case studies be conducted. It is also recommended that additional research be conducted in the area of sustainable business model innovation.

Practical implications

The case illustrates how a more deliberate consideration of their role identity could assist entrepreneurs in aligning their personal values and beliefs with how they create, operate and develop their enterprise. It also serves as a reminder to both scholars and aspiring entrepreneurs that the essence of entrepreneurship is to have the passion and courage to be innovative and disruptive and that educators should focus on cultivating skills that are related to identifying and exploiting opportunities for innovative disruption.

Originality/value

The study draws on role identity theory to gain insight into the roles that are exercised in developing an innovative business model that combines diverse types of entrepreneurship.
Ethical leadership, perceived organizational support and citizenship behaviors
Authors: Tan Luen Peng , Yap Ching Seng , Choong Yuen Onn , Choe Kum Lung , Rungruang Parisa , Li Zhen
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Utilizing organizational support theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediation effect of perceived organizational support (POS) on the relationship between ethical leadership and citizenship behavior, and investigate the moderating effect of ethnic dissimilarity in the research model.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 294 academics of private universities in China, Malaysia and Thailand. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares path modeling technique on R platform.

Findings

The study found that ethical leadership is significantly and positively related to POS, which, in turn, related to both distinct dimensions of organizational citizenship behaviors – individual and organization. However, further analysis reveals that ethnic dissimilarity does moderate the hypothesized relationships in the research model, in which POS is found to have a mediation effect in the heterogeneous sample but not in the homogeneous sample in terms of ethnic dissimilarity.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the researchers, this study is among the first few research works examining the interrelationships of ethical leadership, POS, and citizenship behavior in terms of individual and organizational. Moreover, this is one of the earliest studies to examine the concepts in two different samples in terms of ethnic dissimilarity.
Negotiating new institutional logics
Authors: Luiz John Manuel , Kachika Kondwani , Kudzurunga Tapfumaneyi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how processes of institutional change in environments of institutional 'voids' affect smallholder farmer market access in Zambia and Malawi, and explores the role of different dis/enabling institutional agents and logics. The authors examine this in the context of two divergent routes of institutional change – one externally imposed and the second driven from within the ecosystem itself. The authors consider how these different institutional processes impact upon smallholder farmers and how they are able to adapt to these changes.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach is used which lends itself to an analysis of multiple institutional logics that is based upon the multiple positions of market actors. It uses a comparative case study design methodology focused on two broad cases of smallholder farmers in Zambia and Malawi.

Findings

The research demonstrates the tension that multiple institutional logics can create especially amongst those most vulnerable particularly where these are not embedded in local realities and mindful of social settings.

Originality/value

It contributes to the understanding of poverty alleviation in rural developing regions, on overcoming institutional voids, market inclusivity and the role of social entrepreneurs and intermediaries, and builds on the perspective of markets as social spaces for economic exchange.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR): an institutionalist Polanyian analysis
Authors: Postel Nicolas , Sobel Richard
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the understanding corporate social responsibility (CSR), this “novel” form of corporate engagement, and evaluating its capacity to regulate capitalism. The authors advance the following thesis: CSR constitutes a new variety of regulation of capitalism which, to work efficiently, must be built on collective institutions (through both collective agreements and forms of coercion), instead of strictly contractual forms (based on inter-individual relations and voluntary commitments).

Design/methodology/approach

To support this thesis, the authors use Karl Polanyi’s theory, in particular his concept of “fictitious commodities”. Like Polanyi, we contend that CSR is a necessary reaction to the new “great transformation” brought about by the financialisation of our economy which is currently in crisis. Polanyi agrees that this kind of regulation can yield results only when based on collective institutions. In the last section of the study, the authors attempt to determine how a “conventionalist analysis” of CSR could help us to precisely describe this phenomenon and how it could be institutionalised by actors (both inside and outside companies).

Findings

This paper theoretically demonstrates the role of institutions in CSR processes and the need to weigh them theoretically. In this sense, the paper demonstrates the aporia of a strictly contractualist framework, not only for the understanding of the phenomenon, but for its deployment.

Research limitations/implications

This study proposes a theoretical framework, which is yet to be consolidated by empirical research.

Practical implications

The paper proposes salient elements of a public policy of responsibility.

Social implications

The paper proposes a methodological framework to go beyond a bilateral representation of the institutional framework and to produce a collective representation of the negotiation.

Originality/value

This is an original paper in its theoretical positioning and the implications it suggests for economic policy.
Lady Justice or the golden calf? The “China factor” in Hong Kong’s legal system
Authors: Lai Yan-Ho
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Despite the preservation of “One Country, Two Systems” for 50 years under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and Basic Law, changes are palpable due to the emergence of a real contest between liberal and pro-China actors in the legal profession and the legal environment in Hong Kong. After celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Hong Kong’s sovereignty transfer from Britain to China, it is valuable to study how the sovereign power influence the rule of law in its semiautonomous city by non-legal measures. This paper aims to offer a preliminary research on China’s political economic strategy, which is regarded as the “China factor”, in the legal system of Hong Kong, and its political, economic and legal-cultural impacts on the rule of law.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that China exerts its influence over the legal system of Hong Kong in four domains, including ideology, political elections, legal organization and cross-border political economy. Based on media research and content analysis over published materials of various legal associations and institutions, it is found that China attempts to consolidate its control in Hong Kong by producing alternative legal ideology and discourse of the rule of law and by co-opting the legal profession under China’s united front strategy.

Findings

While there are liberal lawyers and legal scholars vocally engaging in defense of human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong, a network of legal profession promoting socialist and authoritarian legal values has become prominent. Hong Kong’s legal culture will continue to be shaped in accordance with authoritarian characteristics and will adversely affect developing the rule of law in this international city.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the study of China’s influence over the legal profession of Hong Kong and in general Hong Kong’s jurisdiction by offering an example to the international community that contributes towards understanding how China adopts different strategies to expand political significance beyond its border.
Data mining of petrophysical and lithogeochemical borehole data to elucidate the origin of seismic reflectivity within the Kevitsa Ni–Cu–PGE bearing intrusion, northern Finland
Authors: Junno N. , Koivisto E. , Kukkonen I. , Malehmir A. , Wijns C. , Montonen M.
Published: November 2019

The Kevitsa mafic‐ultramafic intrusion, located within the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in northern Finland, hosts a large, disseminated Ni–Cu–PGE sulphide deposit. A three‐dimensional seismic reflection survey was conducted over the Kevitsa intrusion in 2010 primarily for open‐pit mine planning and for deep mineral exploration purposes. In the Kevitsa three‐dimensional seismic data, laterally continuous reflections are observed within a constrained region within the intrusion. In earlier studies, it has been suggested that this internal reflectivity mainly originates from contacts between the tops and more sulphide‐rich bottoms of smaller scale, internally differentiated magma layers that represent a spectrum of olivine pyroxenites. However, this interpretation is not unequivocally supported by the borehole data. In this study, data mining, namely the Self‐Organizing Map analysis, of extensive Kevitsa borehole data is used to investigate the possible causes for the observed internal reflectivity within the Kevitsa intrusion. Modelling of the effect of mineralization and alteration on the reflectivity properties of Kevitsa rock types, based on average modal compositions of the rock types, is presented to support the results of the Self‐Organizing Map analysis. Based on the results, we suggest that the seismic reflectivity observed within the Kevitsa intrusion can possibly be attributed to alteration, and may also be linked to the presence of sulphide minerals.
Private exit, public exit, and achievement in secondary education
Authors: Drew Joseph , V. Bernardelli Luan , A. Kortt Michael
Published: November 2019

Perceptions of declining academic achievement have motivated a number of governments worldwide to introduce greater school choices to parents in the hope of fostering competition and thus arrest the apparent decline in educational achievement. Exit provides dissatisfied citizens with a decisive mechanism to signal their views regarding the quality of public education institutions. Private exit – abandoning the public education system entirely – is well established in most countries; however, public exit – moving to a separate system of selective high‐quality public schools – is an alternative that exists in only a few jurisdictions. We employ a comprehensive 6‐year panel of data on socio‐educational advantage and academic achievement for an education system which offers both private and public exit choice. In so doing, we show how different exit options affect choices and outcomes for various categories of schools.
Restrictive interventions in Victorian emergency departments: A study of current clinical practice
Authors: Knott Jonathan , Gerdtz Marie , Dobson Sheriden , Daniel Catherine , Graudins Andis , Mitra Biswadev , Bartley Bruce , Chapman Pauline
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine current clinical practices for managing behavioural emergencies within Victorian public hospital EDs.

Methods

A multi‐centre retrospective study involving all patients who attended ED in 2016 at the Alfred, Ballarat, Dandenong, Geelong and Royal Melbourne Hospitals. The primary outcome was the rate of patient presentations with at least one restrictive intervention. Secondary outcomes included the rate of security calls for unarmed threats (Code Grey), legal status under the Mental Health Act at both the time of ED arrival and the restrictive intervention, and intervention details. For each site, data on 100 patients who had a restrictive intervention were randomly extracted for indication and methods of restraint.

Results

In 2016, 327 454 patients presented to the five EDs; the Code Grey rate was 1.49% (95% CI 1.45–1.54). Within the Code Grey population, 942 had at least one restrictive intervention (24.3%, 95% CI 23.0–25.7). Details were extracted on 494 patients. The majority (62.8%, 95% CI 58.4–67.1) were restrained under a Duty of Care. Physical restraint was used for 165 (33.4%, 95% CI 29.3–37.8) patients, 296 were mechanically restrained (59.9%, 95% CI 55.4–64.3), median mechanical restraint time 180 min (IQR 75–360), and 388 chemically restrained (78.5%, 95% CI 74.6–82.0).

Conclusions

Restrictive interventions in the ED largely occurred under a Duty of Care. Care of patients managed under legislation that covers assessment and treatment of mental illness has a strong clinical governance framework and focus on minimising restrictive interventions. However, this is not applied to the majority of patients who experience restraint in Victorian EDs.
Effect of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention on outcomes of care for residents of aged care facilities: A non‐randomised trial
Authors: Marsden Elizabeth , Taylor Andrea , Wallis Marianne , Craswell Alison , Broadbent Marc , Barnett Adrian , Crilly Julia
Published: November 2019

Objective

As the population of Australia ages, EDs will experience an increasing frequency of presentations of older adults from residential aged care facilities (RACFs). These presentations are often complex and time consuming in the chaotic and potentially hazardous ED environment. The Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) model was developed to optimise the care of frail older adults, especially RACF residents, in the ED. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the GEDI model on the primary outcomes of disposition (admission, discharge or death) and ED length of stay for residents of RACFs, presenting to an ED in regional Queensland, Australia.

Methods

GEDI is a nurse‐led, physician‐championed, innovative model delivered by advanced practice nurses with expertise in gerontology. This quasi‐experimental pragmatic study compared outcomes for RACF residents who presented to a regional Queensland ED during three time periods: pre‐GEDI, interim GEDI and post‐GEDI implementation of the GEDI model. Outcomes included disposition, ED length of stay, ED re‐presentation and mortality.

Results

A significant increase in the likelihood of discharge from ED (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.26) and reductions in ED length of stay (hazard ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.24–1.78) were evident for RACF residents following the implementation of the GEDI intervention. There were no differences in mortality, ED re‐presentation or in‐hospital length of stay between the three time periods.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of evidence to support the implementation of nurse‐led teams in EDs designed to target older adults living in RACFs. The GEDI model was effective in reducing ED length of stay while increasing the likelihood of safe discharge for RACF residents.
End‐tidal capnography provides reliable ventilatory monitoring for non‐intubated patients presenting after sedative overdose to the emergency department
Authors: Millane Teri , Greene Shaun , Rotella Joe‐Anthony , Leang Yit Hung
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the ability of end‐tidal capnography to provide continuous ventilatory monitoring in sedated, non‐intubated ED patients following sedative overdose.

Methods

Observational study undertaken in a tertiary hospital ED. Patient ventilation was assessed using capnography over 60 min.

Results

Capnography provided uninterrupted monitoring for 99% of total study time. Capnography detected all episodes of hypoxia detected by SpO2 monitoring. Changes in capnography preceded 70% of hypoxic episodes detected by SpO2. There were no major adverse events or incidents of device failure.

Conclusion

Capnography provided reliable measurement of ventilatory function in sedated non‐intubated, poisoned ED patients.
Context‐dependent responses of food‐hoarding to competitors in Apodemus peninsulae: implications for coexistence among asymmetrical species
Authors: NIU Hongyu , ZHANG Jie , WANG Zhiyong , HUANG Guangchuan , PENG Chao , ZHANG Hongmao
Published: November 2019

Superior species may have distinct advantages over subordinates within asymmetrical interactions among sympatric animals. However, exactly how the subordinate species coexists with superior species is unknown. In the forests west of Beijing City, intense asymmetrical interactions of food competition exist among granivorous rodents (e.g. Apodemus peninsulae, Niviventer confucianus, Sciurotamias davidianus and Tscherskia triton) that have broadly overlapping habitats and diets but have varied body size (range 15–300 g), hoarding habits (scatter vs larder) and/or daily rhythm (diurnal vs nocturnal). The smallest rodent, A. peninsulae, which typically faces high competitive pressure from larger rodents, is an ideal model to explore how subordinate species coexist with superior species. Under semi‐natural enclosure conditions, we tested responses of seed‐hoarding behavior in A. peninsulae to intraspecific and interspecific competitors in the situations of pre‐competition (without competitor), competition (with competitor) and post‐competition (competitor removed). The results showed that for A. peninsulae, the intensity of larder‐hoarding increased and the intensity of scatter‐hoarding declined in the presence of intraspecifics and S. davidianus, whereas A. peninsulae ceased foraging and hoarding in the presence of N. confucianus and T. triton. A. peninsulae reduced intensity of hoarding outside the nest and moved more seeds into the nest for larder‐hoarding under competition from intraspecific individuals and S. davidianus. In most cases, the experimental animals could recover to their original state of pre‐competition when competitors were removed. These results suggest that subordinate species contextually regulate their food‐hoarding strategies according to different competitors, promoting species coexistence among sympatric animals that have asymmetrical food competition.
Impact of Buckwheat Fermented Milk Combined with High‐Fat Diet on Rats’ Gut Microbiota and Short‐Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Zhou Yiming , Jiang Qingyi , Zhao Shen , Yan Beibei , Zhou Xiaoli
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of buckwheat fermented milk on intestinal flora and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD). Buckwheat fermented milk was made with Lactobacillus plantarum ST‐Ⅲ, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Thirty‐six males C57BL/6 rats (aged 3 weeks and with 9 to 12 g weight) were subjected to a 2‐week adaptive period on a normal diet. After a week of acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into three groups with 12 rats in each group. The high‐fat diet with fermented milk (HFDFM) group received HFD supplemented with fermented milk, and the high‐fat diet supplemented with buckwheat fermented milk (HFDBFM) group received HFD plus buckwheat fermented milk. Besides, the gavage dose was 0.4 mL/day. After the feedings, colon levels of cytokines and antioxidant indices of the liver, colon, and duodenum tissues were measured. The composition of intestinal flora of rats and the content of SCFAs were determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and Illumina high‐throughput sequencing technology. Supplementation with buckwheat fermented milk significantly inhibited the increases in lipopolysaccharide levels in colon and antioxidant indexes in the HFD‐fed rats. In addition, buckwheat fermented milk could significantly enhance Firmicutes and decrease Bacteroidetes compared to HFDFM. In addition, SCFA concentrations in HFDBFM were higher than other groups. In conclusion, buckwheat fermented milk can alleviate the damage of HFD to intestinal flora of rats. It modulates microbiota composition and SCFA concentrations to balance the intestinal environment, which will benefit to rats’ intestinal health.

Practical Application

This study explored the effect of buckwheat fermented milk on the regulation of intestinal microflora and SCFAs in rats fed a high‐fat diet. It provides new ideas for the development of buckwheat fermented food.
Camera transects as a method to monitor high temporal and spatial ephemerality of flying nocturnal insects
Authors: Ruczyński Ireneusz , Hałat Zuzanna , Zegarek Marcin , Borowik Tomasz , Dechmann Dina K. N.
Published: November 2019

The current global decline of insects will have profound cascading effects as insects serve numerous roles in ecosystems. Effective but simple methods are needed to describe spatial and temporal distribution of flying insects in detail. This applies especially to important but short‐lived phenomena such as insect swarms.

We developed, tested and implemented a non‐invasive unbiased method with camera transects to measure spatio‐temporal fluctuations in the abundance of nocturnal flying insects in different habitats. To test the sensitivity of the method, we then tested for the influence of environmental factors on this abundance.

Our results show that the method is useful for the temporal and spatial comparison of insect abundances. Astonishingly, over 90% of the 63,180 photos lacked insects. We found profound differences in insect abundance and dynamic changes between the studied habitats. Photos with a large number of insects were rare, but occurred predominantly during the warmest period (June/July) and shortly after sunset.

Our findings emphasize the importance of quantifying the dynamics of flying insects at a high spatio‐temporal resolution. This method can be expanded to monitor long‐ and short‐term changes in nocturnal insect abundance even at continental scales. With proper development, the camera transects we describe could be used for insect monitoring similar to the way camera traps are used to monitor terrestrial vertebrate populations, and could become an important tool for addressing the current mass disappearances of insects.
Habitat selection and genetic diversity of a reintroduced ‘refugee species’
Authors: Abicair K. , Manning A. D. , Ford F. , Newport J. , Banks S. C.
Published: November 2019

A ‘refugee’ species is one with a current distribution that has been restricted to a subset of their former niche by threatening processes. Conservation opportunities for such species can be limited by a poor understanding of habitat requirements, where habitat models are based on current distributions and not the innate capacity of the animal to survive where threats are managed. We examined patterns of habitat selection by a putative refugee species, the threatened New Holland mousePseudomys novaehollandiae, following reintroduction into historic habitat (habitat that corresponds to a currently unoccupied component of its former niche). Current New Holland mouse populations exist predominantly in coastal heath habitat of select vegetation and fire history, and these environmental conditions differ greatly to those found across the species historical distribution. Using a novel, non‐invasive method of detection for the species, we investigated patterns of habitat selection following reintroduction into historic habitat, where the species primary threat of exotic predators has been removed. We also assessed the changes in genetic diversity measures across three stages of the reintroduction process (before, during and after) using microsatellite markers, to reflect on past efforts in maintaining genetic diversity. We found that historic habitat can still support New Holland mouse populations and identified more diverse potential habitat for the species. We also identified loss of alleles and an increased inbreeding coefficient at the captive breeding stage, but these findings were not statistically significant. This study expands on our limited understanding of habitat requirements and the fundamental niche of the New Holland mouse, highlighting new potential conservation opportunities.
Thailand's Policy Challenges
Authors: Nikomborirak Deunden
Published: November 2019

Thailand's real gross domestic product growth has fallen to a permanently lower trend, making it the worst performer in the Southeastern Asian region. The export sector, the country's long‐standing growth engine, has sputtered due to the declining competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. Chronic political instability during the last two decades has resulted in the adoption of short‐sighted policies, in particular, populist policies designed specifically to garner votes rather than improve the long‐term productivity of the business sector. The military coup was expected to restore political stability and end costly populist policies introduced by elected civil governments. Unfortunately, as the military government develops its long‐term political aspirations, it, too, seeks the assistance of populist policies to ensure its political success. Thailand has promulgated laws and regulations to ensure fiscal discipline, but it has yet to be seen whether the letter of the law can help prevent such populist policies in practice.
S‐1 plus cisplatin as first‐line treatment of patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chun‐Liang , Wei Yu‐Fen , Hsia Te‐Chun , Chang Gee‐Chen , Wu Jiun‐Ting , Chen Jung‐Yueh , Chen Yuh‐Min
Published: November 2019

Aim

S‐1 combined with cisplatin is known to be noninferior to taxanes plus platinum as the first‐line treatment for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Japanese population. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of oral S‐1 plus cisplatin (SP) in Taiwanese patients.

Methods

Patients with previously untreated stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were prospectively recruited to receive 40‐60 mg of S‐1 twice daily on days 1‐21 plus 60 mg/m2 of cisplatin on day 8 in a 5‐week cycle for up to six cycles.

Results

A total of 55 patients from five cancer centers in Taiwan were enrolled. Among the 46 evaluable patients, those administered with SP achieved disease control rate of 69.6% (partial response, 19.6%; stable disease, 50.0%), with median overall survival and progression‐free survival (PFS) of 15.1 and 5.7 months, respectively. Moreover, a better survival trend was observed in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation‐positive patients versus mutation‐negative patients treated with SP (PFS, 8.6 vs 5.6 months). The most commonly observed treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were nausea (41.8%), followed by decreased appetite, anemia, and diarrhea. Grade of ≥3 AEs related to the study treatment occurred in 11 patients (20.0%). No febrile neutropenia or treatment‐related death was found in this study.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that SP is an effective and safe first‐line regimen for Taiwanese patients with advanced NSCLC.
Perinatal care provided for babies born at 23 and 24 weeks of gestation
Authors: Dawes Lisa , Buksh Mariam , Sadler Lynn , Waugh Jason , Groom Katie
Published: November 2019

In recent years, significant improvements in survival and survival‐free of major morbidity in babies born at 23+0 to 24+6 weeks of gestation have led to a more pro‐active approach to resuscitation at these peri‐viable gestations. Antenatal counselling and interventions, intrapartum care and postnatal advice should be part of the package of care provided to optimise outcomes for these babies and their families. This observational study assesses the perinatal care provided to mothers and their babies who were born at 23 and 24 weeks of gestations over a two‐year period at a tertiary maternity hospital in New Zealand.
Window of opportunity treatment in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Julia , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Warrier Sanjay , Ong Andrew , Carson Emma‐Kate , Mak Cindy , Snook Kylie , Middleton Kate , Parker Andrew , Palmieri Carlo , Spillane Andrew , Mann G. Bruce , Lim Elgene , Segara Davendra
Published: November 2019

Window of opportunity therapies, which involve short‐term administration of systemic therapy between cancer diagnosis and surgery, have raised significant interest in recent years as a mean of assessing the sensitivity of a patient's cancer to therapy prior to surgery. There is now compelling evidence that in patients with early stage hormone‐receptor positive breast cancer, a 2‐week preoperative treatment with standard hormone therapies in a preoperative window period provides important prognostic information, which in turn helps to aid decision‐making regarding treatment options. Changes in short‐term biomarker endpoints such as cell proliferation measured by Ki‐67 can act as surrogate markers of long‐term outcomes. Paired tissues obtained pre‐ and post‐investigational treatment, without having to subject the patient to additional biopsies, can then be used to conduct translational research to investigate predictive biomarkers and pharmacodynamics. In this review, we will examine the utility and challenges of window of opportunities therapies in breast cancer in the current literature, and the current Australian and international trial landscape in this clinical space.
Corneal endothelial cell loss following cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome: a 2‐year prospective comparative study
Authors: Kristianslund Olav , Pathak Meeta , Østern Atle Einar , Drolsum Liv
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To compare the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) before and after cataract surgery in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX).

Methods

In this prospective study, we compared the ECD in 62 PEX patients with 62 patients without PEX (controls). The mean age was 78.3 ± 6.2 years and 77.2 ± 5.9 years, respectively. Patients were examined before and at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after cataract surgery. The corneal endothelium was examined with confocal microscopy, and the ECD was counted both automatically and semi‐manually. Nine patients in the PEX group (15%) and 11 patients in the control group (18%) were lost to follow‐up in the 2‐year period. Within the PEX and the control groups, we also compared the ECD between patients with and without glaucoma.

Results

Before surgery, the ECD (semi‐manual counting) was 2258 ± 342 cells/mm2 in the PEX group and 2322 ± 321 cells/mm2 in the control group (p = 0.29). There were no significant differences in postoperative ECD between these groups at any visit. After 2 years, the ECD had changed by −679 ± 337 cells/mm2 and −704 ± 484 cells/mm2, respectively (p = 0.78). The preoperative ECD was lower in eyes with glaucoma compared to eyes without glaucoma, both within the PEX group (p = 0.05) and the control group (p = 0.03). After surgery, there were no differences between eyes with or without glaucoma.

Conclusion

The ECD was not significantly different in PEX eyes compared with control eyes, neither before nor after cataract surgery. However, there seemed to be a lower ECD in eyes with glaucoma before surgery.
Hepatitis C eradication with direct‐acting anti‐virals reduces the risk of variceal bleeding
Authors: Moon Andrew M. , Green Pamela K. , Rockey Don C. , Berry Kristin , Ioannou George N.
Published: November 2019

Background

The real‐world, long‐term benefits of sustained virologic response (SVR) on the risk of variceal bleeding remain unclear.

Aim

To assess the association between DAA‐induced SVR and post‐treatment variceal bleeding

Methods

We identified patients who initiated DAA‐only anti‐viral treatments in the United States Veterans Affairs healthcare system from 2013 to 2015. We followed patients until 1 January 2019 for the development of gastro‐oesophageal variceal bleeding defined by diagnostic codes. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association between SVR and development of variceal bleeding, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Among 33 582 DAA‐treated patients, 549 (1.6%) developed variceal bleeding after treatment (mean follow‐up 3.1 years). Compared to no SVR, SVR was associated with a significantly lower incidence of variceal bleeding among all patients (0.46 vs 1.26 per 100 patient‐years, adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.52‐0.83), among patients with pre‐treatment cirrhosis (1.55 vs 2.96 per 100 patient‐years, AHR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57‐0.93) and among patients without pre‐treatment cirrhosis (0.07 vs 0.29 per 100 patient‐years, AHR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17‐0.65). The risk of variceal bleeding after treatment was lower in those who achieved SVR vs no SVR among patients who had non‐bleeding varices (3.5 vs 4.9 per 100 patient‐years) or bleeding varices (12.9 vs 16.4 per 100 patient‐years) diagnosed before treatment, but these differences were not statistically significant in adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

DAA‐induced SVR is independently associated with a lower risk of variceal bleeding during long‐term follow‐up in patients with and without pre‐treatment cirrhosis. These findings demonstrate an important real‐world benefit of DAA treatment.
The Politics‐Administration Dichotomy: A Case Study of the Chilean Executive during the Democratic Post‐Transition
Authors: González‐Bustamante Bastián
Published: November 2019

This article presents a case study of the Chilean executive, focusing on the civil service in the period after the Pinochet dictatorship and the country's transition to democracy. It provides synchronic and diachronic analysis of the organisation of the executive, public employment and the civil service. Both the qualitative description and statistical evidence reveal the establishment of a flexible regime of public employment with low levels of stability in senior public management positions.
Association between thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and lung function in preterm infants
Authors: Scavacini Ana Sílvia , Davidson Josy , Wandalsen Gustavo Falbo , Gonçalves Daniela de Melo Miranda , Lanza Fernanda C. , Goulart Ana Lucia , Solé Dirceu , dos Santos Amélia Miyashiro Nunes
Published: November 2019

Introduction

In view of the difficulties and risks of performing lung function tests in infants and the hypothesis that children with abnormal pulmonary test may exhibit thoracic musculoskeletal alterations.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the frequency of abnormal lung function and their relationship.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study with children from 6 to 12 months of corrected age, born at a gestational age of <37 weeks and with a birthweight ≤1500 g, who were subjected to a lung function test and photogrammetry––an objective and non‐invasive procedure. To verify the association between the thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and measure changes in lung function, univariate linear regression was used. The level of statistical significance was setted at P < 0.05.

Results

Of the 38 infants, 12 (31.6%) exhibited abnormal lung function, including 9 (23.7%) with obstructive function and 3 (7.9%) with restrictive function. A significant association was noted between forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second <−2 z score and the acromion/xiphoid process/acromion angle (β = 4.935); forced vital capacity <−2 z score and the angle of the manubrium/left acromion/trapezium (β = 0.033) and forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second and forced vital capacity ratio <−2 z score and the inframammillary point/xiphoid process/inframammillary point angle (β = 0.043).

Conclusion

Preterm infants with very low birthweight presented a high frequency of abnormal lung function, particularly obstructive type and thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities were associated with changes in lung function.
Creative Practices of Care: The Subjectivity, Agency, and Affective Labor of Preparing Seeds for Long‐term Banking
Authors: Chacko Xan Sarah
Published: November 2019

Laying aside the question of whether saving seeds in freezers is the most promising long‐term solution to prevent the loss of plant biodiversity and secure our access to food in a troubled future climate, this article draws attention to the conditions of possibility that scaffold the seed bank world. Oft relegated to “tech” work that is unworthy of observation, this article focuses on the labor practices of seed curators as they prepare the seeds for their ultimate storage at the largest seed bank of wild plants—the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership in West Sussex, England. Contributing to the growing scholarship on care in technoscientific practice, I investigate how scientists summon their bodies, imaginations, and feelings to clean, screen, and count seeds, all the while producing knowledge that renders the seeds legible in the bank. By following the seeds through the experimental care practices espoused by scientists involved from the moment seeds arrive at the bank until they are ready for storage, I study how seemingly mundane tasks radically influence how “life” is being prepared for the future.[seed banking, gene banking, Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, care practice, laboratory studies, affective labor].
Designing, implementing and evaluating the overdose response with take‐home naloxone model of care: An evaluation of client outcomes and perspectives
Authors: Lintzeris Nicholas , Monds Lauren A. , Bravo Maria , Read Phillip , Harrod Mary E. , Gilliver Rosie , Wood William , Nielsen Suzanne , Dietze Paul M. , Lenton Simon , Shanahan Marian , Jauncey Marianne , Jefferies Meryem , Hazelwood Susan , Dunlop Adrian J. , Greenaway Martina , Haber Paul , Ezard Nadine , Malcom Annie
Published: November 2019

Introduction and Designs

Take‐home naloxone (THN) interventions are an effective response to preventing overdose deaths, however uptake across Australia remains limited. This project designed, implemented and evaluated a model of care targeting opioid users attending alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment, needle and syringe programs (NSP) and related health services targeting people who inject drugs.

Design and Methods

Service providers, consumers and regulators collaboratively designed a THN brief intervention (ORTHN, Overdose Response with Take‐Home Naloxone) involving client education and supply of naloxone in pre‐filled syringes, delivered by nursing, allied health and NSP workers. ORTHN interventions were implemented in over 15 services across New South Wales, Australia. The evaluation included client knowledge, attitudes, substance use and overdose experiences immediately before and 3 months after ORTHN intervention in a subsample of participants.

Results

Six hundred and sixteen interventions were delivered, with 145 participants recruited to the research subsample, of whom 95 completed the three‐month follow up. Overdose‐related attitudes amongst participants improved following ORTHN, with no evidence of increased substance use or failure to implement other ‘first responses’ (e.g. calling an ambulance). Nine participants (10%) reversed an overdose using THN in the follow‐up period. Participants identified a willingness to access THN from a range of services. While a minority (16%) indicated they were unwilling to pay for THN, the median price that participants were willing to pay was $AUD20 (IQR $10.40).

Discussion and Conclusions

The ORTHN model of care for THN appears an effective way to disseminate THN to people who use opioids attending AOD, NSP and related health‐care settings.
Making drug policy in summer—drug checking in Australia as providing more heat than light
Authors: Ritter Alison
Published: November 2019

Introduction and Aims

There was an exceptional drug policy debate in Australia over the summer of 2018–2019 regarding the availability of drug checking (pill‐testing) services at festivals. Drug checking is not a new intervention and has been available across Europe for many years. This paper aimed to analyse the nature of the policy debate.

Design and Methods

Data were sourced from public domain sites; online, TV and radio media, alongside documentation of advocacy actions. Analysis of the contents of the public debate was conducted through the theoretical lens of Science and Technology Studies, notably the work of Stengers.

Results

The narratives identified in favour of pill‐testing focussed on the evidence available to date, the importance of informed choice and accessing a population to provide information and education. The arguments against pill‐testing included the belief that there is no such thing as safe drug use, the false sense of security that pill‐testing would engender and that the evidence to date is equivocal. Both those for and against pill‐testing shared the same goal—saving lives. However, the beliefs and values underpinning this goal differed. As the heat increased over summer, the debate became more polarised, but shedding little light.

Discussion and Conclusions

Drug policy debate, which becomes polarised, and remains focussed on matters of fact, rather than matters of concern, seems unlikely to result in productive resolutions. A more ‘civilised’ mode of debate that situates knowledge, engages values, is conducted with humility and encourages hesitation (following Stengers) may be more productive.
In Challenging Times, A New Playbook for CPG Emerges
Authors: Wintrob Michael
Published: November 2019

Once there was a tried‐and‐true playbook for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands to compete and win. But a confluence of forces has forever changed the field of play. Now a new set of strategies and behaviors have emerged to guide CPG brands forward in today’s dynamic environment.

A new set of strategies and behaviors has emerged to guide consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands forward in today’s dynamic environment.
THE IMPACT OF RETURN ON COLLATERAL IN A CHANNEL SYSTEM
Authors: Shao Enchuan , Bediako Kwabena
Published: November 2019

We empirically investigate the relationship between the return on collateral and monetary policy implementation in the channel system. Recent developments in monetary theory suggest that the return on government assets which measures the opportunity cost of holding collateral should have negative impacts on the interest‐rate spread and the interbank market rate. The central bank should set a higher spread when the return on collateral is below a cutoff but implements a lower spread when the return on collateral is higher than the cutoff. The interbank market rate tends to lie above the policy target rate when the return on collateral is low and vice versa. We use data from Eurozone area and six industrialized countries to test these theoretical implications. We propose two econometric models: one is more structural and closely related to the monetary model to test the negative relationships, and the other is based on the threshold autoregression model to detect the potential cutoffs. Our findings provide conditional support for the negative impact of return on collateral. (JEL E40, E52, E58)