Opportunity Lost Research Articles

Ford Speaks on Campus: An Opportunity Lost? President Gerald Ford’s Major Speeches at College Campuses, 1974–76

Ford Speaks on Campus: An Opportunity Lost? President Gerald Ford’s Major Speeches at College Campuses, 1974–76

Opportunity Cost or Opportunity Lost: An Empirical Assessment of Ethical Concerns and Attitudes of EEG Neurofeedback Users.

Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that purportedly teaches users how to control their brainwaves. Although neurofeedback is currently offered by thousands of providers worldwide, its provision is contested, as its effectiveness beyond a placebo effect is unproven. While scholars have voiced numerous ethical concerns about neurofeedback-regarding opportunity cost, physical and psychological harms, financial cost, and informed consent-to date these concerns have remained theoretical. This pilot study aimed to provide insights on whether these issues were supported by empirical data from the experiences of neurofeedback users. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with individuals who had used EEG neurofeedback for themselves and/or for a child. The majority of respondents (N = 36) were female (75%), white (92%), and of higher socioeconomic status relative to the U.S. population. Among adult users (n = 33), most (78.8%) resorted to neurofeedback after having tried other therapies and were satisfied with treatment (81.8%). The majority paid for neurofeedback out-of-pocket (72.7%) and considered it to be good value for money (84.8%). More than half (57.6%) considered neurofeedback to be a scientifically well-established therapy. However, of those, 78.9%were using neurofeedback for indications not adequately supported by scientific evidence. Concerns regarding opportunity cost, physical and psychological harms, and financial cost are not substantiated by our findings. Our results partially support concerns regarding insufficient understanding of limitations. This study underlines the disconnect between some of the theoretical concerns raised by scholars regarding the use of non-validated therapies and the lived experiences of users.

COVID-19 Vaccination: To Lead by Example or an Opportunity Lost

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health emergency. Vaccine hesitancy and tremendous misinformation about the actual science are leaving the public with significant confusion. However, sound epidemiologic science is guiding us to a clear path toward mitigating this modern-day scourge. It is remarkable how putting an end to current COVID-19 outbreaks has such a simple solution—convincing the public to accept getting vaccinated. The dental research, dental education, and dental practice communities have a unique opportunity to act as trusted public exemplars as well as trusted interpreters of the science for the public.

Ingrained Patriarchy, Opportunity Lost

Ingrained Patriarchy, Opportunity Lost

Rotavirus Vaccination of Infants Delayed and Limited within the National Immunization Programme in the Netherlands: An Opportunity Lost.

In this study, we estimated the benefits of rotavirus vaccination for infants had the rotavirus vaccine been introduced in the Netherlands as of its market authorization in 2006. An age-structured, deterministic cohort model was developed to simulate different birth cohorts over a period of 15 years from 2006 until 2021, comparing both universal and targeted high-risk group vaccination to no vaccination. Different scenarios for the duration of protection (5 or 7 years) and herd immunity (only for universal vaccination) were analyzed. All birth cohorts together included 2.6 million infants, of which 7.9% were high-risk individuals, and an additional 13.2 million children between 1–15 years born prior to the first cohort in 2006. The costs and health outcomes associated with rotavirus vaccination were calculated per model scenario and discounted at 4% and 1.5%, respectively. Our analysis reveals that, had rotavirus vaccination been implemented in 2006, it would have prevented 356,800 (51% decrease) and 32,200 (5% decrease) cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis after universal and targeted vaccination, respectively. Over the last 15 years, this would have led to significant avoided costs and quality-adjusted life year losses for either vaccination strategy with the most favorable outcomes for universal vaccination. Clearly, an opportunity has been lost.

PIN28 Rotavirus Vaccination of Infants Delayed and Limited within the National Immunization Program in the Netherlands: An Opportunity Lost.

The objective is to estimate the hypothetical benefits of immediate introduction of rotavirus vaccination for infants in the Netherlands as from 2006, reflecting the lost opportunity. An age-structured, deterministic cohort-model was used to simulate different birth cohorts over the 14 years 2006–2020, comparing both universal and targeted high-risk group vaccination versus no vaccination. Different scenarios for the duration of protection (5 or 7 years), herd-immunity (only for universal vaccination), and time-horizon (lifetime or maximum of 14 years) were analyzed. The total evaluated birth cohorts included 4.5 million infants, of which 7.9% were high-risk individuals, and an additional 13.2 million children between 1-15 years born prior to the first cohort in 2006. The costs and health outcomes associated with rotavirus vaccination were calculated per scenario and discounted at 4% and 1.5%, respectively. Rotavirus vaccination would have resulted in an estimated reduction of 356,800 cases (51% decrease) and 32,200 cases (5% decrease) for universal and targeted vaccination, respectively. Both the universal and targeted vaccination approach could have led to a decrease of 30 deaths, and 1,390 (+47%) and 560 QALYs (+19%) gained with universal and targeted vaccination, respectively. Hypothetical cost-offsets for universal and targeted rotavirus vaccination were estimated at €98 million (-82%) and €17 million (-14%) costs saved, and 1,390 (+47%) and 560 (+19%) QALYs gained with universal and targeted vaccination respectively. Additionally, including the cases prevented due to herd protection would even result in more QALYs gained and greater cost-savings. Our analysis reveals that had the rotavirus vaccine been implemented immediately after EMA authorization, it would have led to a significant amount of rotavirus cases avoided, QALYs gained and costs saved over the last 14 years. Universal vaccination including subsequent herd-immunity effects resulted in most favorable outcomes.

No Opportunity Lost: The ISWAP Insurgency in the Changing Climate of Lake Chad Region

Boko Haram spin-off Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has entrenched itself in the Lake Chad Region. In an area direly affected by climate change and counterproductive government policies aimed at disrupting ISWAP's activities, the terrorist insurgency is proving its resilience and adaptability by adjusting its strategies and recruiting among the local population. This article shows that the impact of climate change is exacerbating already-precarious livelihoods in the Lake Chad Region and argues that government failures as well as ISWAP's break from Boko Haram's nihilistic methods have combined to create an opportunity for terrorists to resurge by capitalizing on rising and justifiable local grievances. The result is a lesson for governments not to ignore the impact of climate change in the greater security paradigm of the nation.

Zambia’s First Transfer Pricing Case: An Opportunity Lost to Use the Updated OECD and UN Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Developing Countries

The first Zambian transfer pricing court case was decided on 28 March 2019 by the Income Tax Appeals Tribunal in Lusaka. The author, in this article, considers the reasoning and the findings of the case and makes some observations regarding its implications.

An Opportunity Lost? Research on Alternative Oil Spill Response Technologies Requires Active Engagement with the Professionals.

An Opportunity Lost? Research on Alternative Oil Spill Response Technologies Requires Active Engagement with the Professionals.

Opportunity Lost? Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

Routine preoperative staging in pancreas cancer is controversial. We sought to evaluate the rates of diagnostic laparoscopy (DLAP) for pancreatic cancer. We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for patients with pancreas cancer (2005-2013) and compared groups who underwent DLAP, exploratory laparotomy (XLAP), pancreas resection (RSXN) or therapeutic bypass (THBP). We compared demographics, comorbidities, postoperative complications, 30-day mortality (Chi-square P < 0.05) and trends over time (R2 0-1). We identified 17,138 patients (RSXN 81.8%, XLAP 16.5%, THBP 8.2%, and DLAP 12.9%), with some having multiple CPT codes. Only 10.3% (n = 1432) of RSXN patients underwent DLAP prior to resection. XLAP occurred in 49.5% of non-RSXN patients, of whom 67.1% had no other operation. The percentage of patients undergoing RSXN increased 20.3% over time (R2 0.81), while DLAP decreased 52.6% (R2 0.92). XLAP patients without other operations decreased from 4.2 to 2.4%, although not linearly (R2 0.31). Only 10.3% of XLAP had a diagnostic laparoscopy as well, leaving nearly 90% of these patients with an exploratory laparotomy without RSXN or THBP. Diagnostic laparoscopy for pancreas malignancy is becoming less common but could benefit a subset of patients who undergo open exploration without resection or therapeutic bypass.

Muslims in the Post-War Sri Lanka: An Opportunity Lost for Conflict Transformation

This paper examines the post-war Sri Lankan conditions among Sri Lanka Muslims, also known as Moors. The article will attempt to argue that state concessions to Muslim political leaders who supported the successive Sri Lanka’s ruling classes from independence through the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009, have meant an isolation of the community from the other two main ethnic communities. The concessions that the Muslim community have won, actively helped the Muslim community to be proactive in their religious practices and thus paved the way for exclusive social and political choices. The rise of Islamic movements and mosques in the post-1977 period galvanized Muslims. In time this isolation has been reinforced by socio-religious revival among Muslims whose ethnic identity has been constructed along the lines of the Islamic faith by Muslim elites. Despite this revival it has been clear that the Muslim community has been reluctant to use Islamic traditions and principles for peace building which could have helped to ease tensions brought about by the 30 year old ethnic conflict. On the other hand this paper will briefly discuss some reactions from the majority Sinhalese to Islamic revival as well as some issues between the Tamils and Muslims and the reintegration of Muslims in the North. Finally, some pragmatic ways to ease tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims in the greater discipline of conflict resolution are explored using traditions within Islam.

Muslims in Post-War Sri Lanka: An Opportunity Lost for Conflict Transformation

This paper examines the post-war Sri Lankan conditions among Sri Lanka Muslims, also known as Moors. The article will attempt to argue that state concessions to Muslim political leaders who supported the successive Sri Lanka’s ruling classes from independence through the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009, have meant an isolation of the community from the other two main ethnic communities. The concessions that the Muslim community has won actively helped the Muslim community to be proactive in their religious practices and thus paved the way for exclusive social and political choices. The rise of Islamic movements and mosques in the post-1977 period galvanized Muslims. In time this isolation has been reinforced by socio-religious revival among Muslims whose ethnic identity has been constructed along the lines of the Islamic faith by Muslim elites. Despite this revival it has been clear that the Muslim community has been reluctant to use Islamic traditions and principles for peace building, which could have helped to ease tensions, brought about by the 30 year old ethnic conflict. On the other hand this paper will briefly discuss some reactions from the majority Sinhalese to Islamic revival as well as some issues between the Tamils and Muslims and the reintegration of Muslims in the North. Finally, some pragmatic ways to ease tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims in the greater discipline of conflict resolution are explored using traditions within Islam.

Area-wide Traffic Restriction in Lisbon City Center: Opportunity Lost or Mistake Avoided?

Traffic restriction policies address economic, social, and environmental issues at the local level but may have effects beyond their area of application. Due to social and political opposition, a proposal to restrict all car traffic crossing the Lisbon old city centre (“Baixa”) was recently abandoned. This paper assesses the potential effects of this policy in terms of the distribution of noise exposures among populations belonging to different age and qualification groups. The changes in exposures were obtained through the modelling of motorised traffic and noise levels in the pre- and post-policy scenarios. It was assumed that car users react to the policy by seeking alternative routes or shifting to public transport. Under this assumption, the policy would have a modest effect on the reduction of noise exposures in their area of application. In addition, due to the redistribution of traffic, the policy would lead to a wide redistribution of exposures among neighbourhoods in other areas of the city, especially in areas with low-qualified populations. If provision is not made for alternatives for the suppressed traffic, this type of policies may have extensive impacts throughout the city and complex trade-offs between the levels of environmental quality of different social groups.

Peace Proposals, Diplomacy, and War: Was an Opportunity Lost for an Early Settlement in Vietnam?

This forum includes essays by six leading experts on the Vietnam War discussing the recent book by James G. Hershberg, Marigold: The Lost Chance for Peace in Vietnam (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2012), which recounts the various secret efforts mediated by East European governments to foster peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam that would bring an end to the war. All of the commentators praise the book and the scope of Hershberg's research, but most of them do not share Hershberg's belief that a major chance for peace was genuinely “lost.” All the commentators agree that Hershberg provides a rich, nuanced analysis and has performed a valuable service in outlining future directions for research on the topic. The forum ends with a reply by Hershberg to the six contributors.

Sultans of Science : An Opportunity Lost

Petersen reviews The Sultans of Science, a traveling exhibition hosted in Oslo at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.

Forecasting New Zealand Corporate Failures 2001–10: Opportunity Lost?

On‐going business success is not a ‘given’ and business failure is reasonably common. Such failures include 36 listed companies in New Zealand (2001–10), which, in liquidating, incurred losses for many small stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether these failures could have been anticipated from public information available at the time. Of the 36 failing companies, 25 are matched to 25 non‐failing New Zealand and Australian companies. Financial and audit report data are obtained for the three years prior to failure, yielding 150 sets of data. Ten ratios, three failure‐prediction models and three nominal indicators, which were all available at the time, are applied to the data. News reports and media are reviewed. Findings reveal that while no specific forecasts of failure are publicised through mainstream New Zealand media, significant differences between failing and non‐failing firms do exist: 75% of the tested indicators show or approach significance in one or more of the three years prior to failure. Indications increase where data for all three years is combined. Conclusions are that problems could have been signalled and published, providing stakeholders bases for enquiry. Implications are as to a failure of public accountability in this respect, how practice and policy could address this problem, and suggestions for further research.

Another Opportunity Lost? Victorian Labor's Enactment of Sustainability, 1999–2010

‘Sustainability’ provides the dominant frame for environmental policy debate, even though there is considerable debate to as to what sustainability is, why is it needed, and how can it be progressed. From 1999 through to 2010, Victoria was governed by Australian Labor Party (ALP) led governments that, at times, actively pursued the goal of sustainable development. This culminated in the stated ambition for Victoria to be ‘world leaders in environmental sustainability debate and practice’. This paper explores the way in which sustainability was enacted by Victorian Labor while in government. The evidence indicates that the potential of Victorian Labor's vision was never realized, and that it failed to significantly reform the neoliberal policy settings it inherited.

Opportunity Lost? Victorian Labor's Enactment of Community Development 1999-2006

The idea of community development has been evoked by Australian governments over many decades. The expressions of community have differed widely, often as a result of politics rather than informed policy. In 1999, after seven years of radical neo-liberal restructuring in Victoria, the Bracks government found itself unexpectedly elected to power. They faced new challenges such as a diminished public sector, growing social inequality and climate change. The first two terms of Victorian Labor were a seminal period in terms of the role they would invoke for ‘community’. Did grass roots participation take a central place, or did rhetoric rule over substance? The evidence points to a government maintaining a neo-liberal trajectory, and thereby losing an opportunity to enable an active citizenry.

Accounting at the London School of Economics: Opportunity Lost?

Given the aims of the founders of the London School of Economics, it is not surprising that accounting should have been taught at the School from soon after its establishment. An early focus on teaching practical accounting, with professional practitioners as teachers, was gradually supplanted by approaches informed by the economics of decision-making in conditions of scarce resources. By the 1930s, the Department of Business Administration provided an intellectual basis for thinking about financial reporting and costing that challenged taken-for-granted practices. After World War II, the “LSE Triumvirate” of William Baxter, Harold Edey and David Solomons took forward ideas of opportunity cost and value to the owner as core theoretical concepts, while developing undergraduate and later postgraduate programmes that provided rigorous education for future accountants, administrators, business people and academics. However, by the late 1960s, the Department of Accounting missed the opportunity of responding to changes in research focus in North America, which were influenced by developments in financial economics. The outcome was an erosion of research leadership, with other UK universities becoming the main centres of quantitative and critical accounting research.

Opportunity Lost: Race and Poverty in the Memphis City Schools

Opportunity Lost: Race and Poverty in the Memphis City Schools