bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble incremental deep multiple layer perceptron model – sentiment analysis application
Authors: D. Renuka Devi , S. Sasikala
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the accuracy of classification of streaming big data sets with lesser processing time. This kind of social analytics would contribute to society with inferred decisions at a correct time. The work is intended for streaming nature of Twitter data sets.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a demanding task to analyse the increasing Twitter data by the conventional methods. The MapReduce (MR) is used for quickest analytics. The online feature selection (OFS) accelerated bat algorithm (ABA) and ensemble incremental deep multiple layer perceptron (EIDMLP) classifier is proposed for Feature Selection and classification. Three Twitter data sets under varied categories are investigated (product, service and emotions). The proposed model is compared with Particle Swarm Optimization, Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization, accelerated simulated annealing and mutation operator (ASAMO). Feature Selection algorithms and classifiers such as Naïve Bayes, support vector machine, Hoeffding tree and fuzzy minimal consistent class subset coverage with the k-nearest neighbour (FMCCSC-KNN).

Findings

The proposed model is compared with PSO, APSO, ASAMO. Feature Selection algorithms, and classifiers such as Naïve Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), Hoeffding Tree (HT), and Fuzzy Minimal Consistent Class Subset Coverage with the K-Nearest Neighbour (FMCCSC-KNN). The outcome of the work has achieved an accuracy of 99%, 99.48%, 98.9% for the given data sets with the processing time of 0.0034, 0.0024, 0.0053, seconds respectively.

Originality/value

A novel framework is proposed for Feature Selection and classification. The work is compared with the authors’ previously developed classifiers with other state-of-the-art Feature Selection and classification algorithms.
Impact of fake news on social image perceptions and consumers’ behavioral intentions
Authors: Mishra Anubhav , Samu Sridhar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how content relevancy influences consumers’ preference to receive and share fake news. Further, it investigates how these receivers perceive the social image of the people who share fake news. Finally, this study examines how brand strength and valence and credibility of fake content influence consumer’s word-of-mouth recommendations, purchase intentions and attitude toward the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. The data was analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and PROCESS techniques.

Findings

Findings indicate that people prefer to receive and share relevant content, even if it is fake. Sharing fake news conveys the sender’s sociability but also creates a negative perception of narcissism. Individuals are more likely to recommend a brand if the fake news is perceived as credible and positive (vs negative). Finally, brand-strength can help brands to negate the harmful effects of fake news.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can explore the role of group dynamics, tie-strength and media richness (text, image and videos) in the dispersion of fake news and its impact on brands.

Practical implications

Marketers should communicate and educate consumers that sharing fake content can harm their social image, which can reduce information dispersion. Marketers should also improve brand-strength that can protect the brand against the adverse impact of fake news.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emerging literature on fake news by studying the impact of fake news on consumer intentions and attitudes toward the brand, which are critical for the success of any brand.
Revisiting the anger/sadistic typology of sexual homicide
Authors: Chai April Miin Miin , McCuish Evan , Beauregard Eric
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The anger/sadistic model is one of several typologies proposed for sexual homicide events. This paper aims to empirically test this model by examining sexual homicide cases. Empirically validating these typologies provides greater validity and reliability toward the sexual homicide classification systems that are useful in police investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data analysis was conducted using police data on 249 solved sexual homicide cases in Canada from 1948 to 2010. Through a robust classifying method, latent class analysis was used to examine variables from the anger/sadistic typology. Additionally, variables from the pre-crime, crime and post-crime phases were examined in relation to the classes’ external validity.

Findings

Three classes emerged, namely, expressive, methodical and instrumental. Expressive and methodical were similar to the anger/sadistic model in terms of the presence of premeditation, victim-offender relationship and body disposal location. Instrumental was characterized by the absence of mutilation on the victim’s body, targeted acquaintances and the use of physical restraints. The three-class typology resembled evidence found in a previous systematic review and also reinforced the notion of heterogeneity in sexual homicide offenses.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically test the anger/sadistic typology. Such validation is important given that sexual homicide classification systems can aid in police investigations (e.g. narrowing down the list of potential suspects). Replication of studies is needed to lend credibility to research processes, which, in turn, allows practitioners and policymakers to integrate the results into policies effectively.
Overestimation by misspecification: revisiting the relation between the unemployment rate and disability insurance claims in the USA
Authors: Smoluk Herbert , Yousefvand Mansouri Rozhin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite numerous studies, our understanding of the determinants of disability insurance (DI) claim rates in the USA is clouded. When the unemployment (UE) rate soars during an economic downturn such as the spread of COVID-19, assuming a linear positive relationship between the two variables, as the prior literature has suggested, forewarns a large spike in DI claim rates. Yet, if the model is misspecified, it can lead to misinformed decisions such as reducing DI awards during an economic downturn when such awards are needed the most. This study aims to improve the accuracy of the DI claims' prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study suggests that the relationship between the UE rate and DI claim rate is nonlinear and examines this hypothesis using a panel dataset of 866 state-year observations from 2002–2018.

Findings

The results provided compelling evidence in support of the proposed quadratic relationship between the UE rate and DI claim rate and revealed that compared to a quadratic model, the linear model overestimated the DI claim rate by approximately 18 percent or 172,000 claims per year.

Practical implications

Given that DI awards represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in present value terms, the impact of increase in DI claims on the Social Security Disability Fund during an economic downturn might not be as high as some model might forecast.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, no other studies have examined a quadratic relationship between the UE rate and the DI claim rate. This study is especially relevant during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its aftermath. In April 2020, the UE rate spiked to nearly 15 percent nationwide, with Nevada and Michigan at 28 percent and 22.7 percent, respectively. The nonlinear model used in this study suggests that, as the UE increases, DI claims increase, albeit at a decreasing rate. On the contrary, a linear relationship between the UE rate and DI claim rates implies that the increase in the DI claim rate would be constant regardless of the UE rate. This misspecification can result in misinformed decisions, such as the reduction of DI awards because of the overestimation of claims during economic downturns. This can lead to lower award rates during economic turmoil when this assistance is most needed.
Fostering entrepreneurship: the crucial role of monitoring schemes
Authors: Cunha Gabriel Gomes da , Arvate Paulo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of government-led programs on the engagement of individuals in entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors worked with government-led programs of 16 European countries between 2003 and 2014 and were able to benefit from the 2008 natural experiment (i.e. the global financial crisis) to produce a robust investigation using a regression kink design (RKD).

Findings

The work shows that government-led programs that are designed to include monitoring schemes can significantly increase individuals' engagement in opportunity-driven entrepreneurship. The authors found that monitoring schemes do not have the same relevance for necessity-driven entrepreneurship. Therefore, the authors believe the difference occurs because monitoring design avoids problems related to moral hazard and adverse selection when it comes to individuals choosing whether to participate (or not) in government-led programs.

Originality/value

While it is important for governments to provide an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, this study showed that not all types of public program have positive results. In fact, it has been demonstrated that poorly-designed programs can actually decrease the likelihood of individuals engaging in entrepreneurial activities. The efficiency of programs is substantially improved, however, when they are designed to include monitoring schemes.
Accounting conservatism and corporate governance: evidence from India
Authors: Sharma Meena , Kaur Rajbir
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to study the impact of corporate governance variables on the adoption of accounting conservatism by S&P BSE 500 index firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The period for the study is from 2010–2018. The data has been extracted from the BSE website, annual reports of the sample companies and the Prowess IQ database. Panel data methodology has been used to analyse the impact of the corporate governance variables on accounting conservatism. Accounting conservatism is the dependent variable, which has been measured by using the CONACCR (negative accruals) measure and the independent variables include the characteristics of the board of directors and the audit committee.

Findings

Overall, the relationship between accounting conservatism and corporate governance indicates a significant impact of corporate governance variables, namely, characteristics of the board of directors and the audit committee, on the accounting conservatism policy of the firm.

Originality/value

This research explores the benefits of conservatism in resolving agency conflict. Very few studies have captured the relationship of individual components of corporate governance with accounting conservatism. Moreover, this study contributes to the literature regarding the influence of corporate governance variables on the extent of conservatism used in accounting records.
Psychological vulnerability and coping among management students during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sundaray Bijaya Kumar , Sarangi Pragyan , Patra Soumendra Kumar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In light of growing concerns related to the psychological vulnerability during the pandemic, this study aims to examine the impact of fear or trauma of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety and depression among management students. Additionally, the study also explores the possible strategies adopted by professional students to cope with the pandemic situation.

Design/methodology/approach

With an approach to establish a probable concrete relationship between fear with the level of stress, anxiety and depression, the data for the study was collected from 1,408 management students through a structured questionnaire designed in Google Form and administered through WhatsApp. The survey was carried out in the month of July and August 2020 during the lockdown period. Correlation and structural equation modeling have been used to examine the relationship among the test attributes.

Findings

The results from the study discovered that “fear of COVID-19” has a significant and considerable impact on the increased level of anxiety and stress among the professional students, but the observations did not demonstrate a significant influence of the “fear” on “depression.” The responses reveal that students have developed anxiety and felt stressed mostly due to uncertainty in the upcoming academic plans, disturbances in their regular academic routines and concerns about their future careers. Further, the findings have portrayed that students have adopted both protective and avoidance coping strategies to overcome the adverse consequences of the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The study gives an insight on the psychological vulnerability of the management students and their capability to overcome such sudden disruptions due to pandemics. This research could thus, serve as a reference to the policymakers, universities and institutions while planning out programs and schemes, which would encourage the aspiring managers to overcome the crisis and prepare themselves to befit the vibrant corporate world.

Originality/value

Several studies exist on the impact of the pandemic on undergraduate students in different universities. However, there are a dearth of literature, which reflects the psychological vulnerability of professional graduates especially management students who are on the verge of starting their professional career.
Enhancing decision-making with data quality metadata
Authors: Shankaranarayanan G. , Zhu Bin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Data quality metadata (DQM) is a set of quality measurements associated with the data. Prior research in data quality has shown that DQM improves decision performance. The same research has also shown that DQM overloads the cognitive capacity of decision-makers. Visualization is a proven technique to reduce cognitive overload in decision-making. This paper aims to describe a prototype decision support system with a visual interface and examine its efficacy in reducing cognitive overload in the context of decision-making with DQM.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe the salient features of the prototype and following the design science paradigm, this paper evaluates its usefulness using an experimental setting.

Findings

The authors find that the interface not only reduced perceived mental demand but also improved decision performance despite added task complexity due to the presence of DQM.

Research limitations/implications

A drawback of this study is the sample size. With a sample size of 51, the power of the model to draw conclusions is weakened.

Practical implications

In today’s decision environments, decision-makers deal with extraordinary volumes of data the quality of which is unknown or not determinable with any certainty. The interface and its evaluation offer insights into the design of decision support systems that reduce the complexity of the data and facilitate the integration of DQM into the decision tasks.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this is the only research to build and evaluate a decision-support prototype for structured decision-making with DQM.
Why do micro and small merchants use mobile payment systems? A grounded theory study in China
Authors: Chen Xiaogang , Li Shu , Su Libo , Huang Ting
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the decision-making process that micro and small merchants (MSMs) may go through when deciding on the mobile payment system (MPS) adoption and usage and explore how relevant factors may impact this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the grounded theory approach. Specifically, this paper conducts individual, semi-structured interviews with MSMs in China. Each interview was focused on an MSM’s decisions on initial adoption and continued use of MPSs. The paper then coded the interviews to derive conceptual categories and integrated the categories to form a cohesive framework to explain how MSMs make decisions on MPS adoption and usage.

Findings

MSMs make decisions on MPS adoption and usage in three phases: first, due to variations in social and economic surroundings, some merchants develop intentions to adopt MPSs, whereas others do not. Second, merchants developing adoption intentions in phase one have to select which MPS brands to adopt and then begin using them. The brand value affects their selection. Finally, the use of MPSs of their initial choice has consequences for business operations. Merchants with different levels of personal innovativeness evaluate the consequences differently. Satisfied merchants continue using the initial MPSs, while dissatisfied merchants switch to other brands.

Originality/value

The findings first give a more complete depiction of how MSMs make MPS adoption and usage decisions; second show that MSMs’ MPS adoption intention is solely influenced by pro-mobile-payment surroundings and explain what constitutes pro-mobile-payment surroundings and through what mechanisms the surroundings influence adoption intentions; third reveals that selecting which MPS brand to adopt is an important decision phase; fourth explain both why merchants may continue using MPSs and why they may switch from one MPS brand to another.
Informational role of futures volume for spot volatility
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Tripathi Vikas , Kuknor Sunaina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the informational role of futures volume in the simultaneous relationship between option volume and spot volatility to forecast the volatility of the underlying asset.

Design/methodology/approach

The generalized method of moments is used to estimate the simultaneous equations of endogeneity between spot volatility and option volume. Futures volume is specified as an exogenous variable in both legs of the estimation of simultaneous equations. However, the future volume is also tested as a dependent variable to prove preference for investment by informed investors in futures along with options.

Findings

The result indicates that futures volume has a significant association with the bi-directional simultaneous equation estimation between spot volatility and option volume. Moreover, the result of this paper proves that informed investors also prefer futures markets over the spot market. However, there is no change observed in the relationship between option volume and spot volatility due to either call or put options or moneyness.

Originality/value

The possible role of futures volume in the simultaneous equations between spot volatility and option volume has not yet been researched. This paper pioneers in demonstrating that futures volume is an exogenous variable in the simultaneous equation modeling between spot volatility and option volume. Moreover, in the contemporaneous as well as predictive relationships between spot volatility and option volume, futures volume as an exogenous variable is significant in forecasting spot volatility. In addition to this, the current paper uniquely provides evidence of investment in futures also over the spot market by informed investors.
Understanding the challenges of e-learning during the global pandemic emergency: the students’ perspective
Authors: Abdur Rehman Mohsin , Soroya Saira Hanif , Abbas Zuhair , Mirza Farhan , Mahmood Khalid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to debate and highlight the challenges faced by university students regarding e-learning during the global pandemic emergency. Furthermore, it sketches the solutions of e-learning using a theoretical lens of emergency management theory (EMT). Finally, the study argues a case for improvement in existing e-learning systems to enable higher education systems, particularly in a developing country, to recover the losses and increase education quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design and phenomenology research approach were applied to conduct the current study. A total of 10 in-depth online interviews were recorded from students studying in Pakistan and the UK. Verbatim transcriptions were analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Findings

The current study results explained in detail the numerous challenges, including lack of preparedness (students and institutions), low quality of interaction, lack of motivation, lack of class activities and forceful adoption of e-learning. Alternatively, few opportunities also emerged through a set of suggestions such as a comprehensive emergency management plan, introduction of strong student counselling programmes and a strategic plan for quality of online learning content.

Originality/value

This study’s contribution stands out in crucial times of the global pandemic. EMT is applied to understand the different dimensions of preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery from a students’ perspective. Furthermore, considering students as important members of higher education institutions and understanding students’ opinions regarding quality assurance during the global pandemic was imperative.
Unlocking the black box of private impact investors
Authors: Carroux Sarah Louise , Busch Timo , Paetzold Falko
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically describe the general characteristics and the investment behavior of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who pursue impact investing.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from members of a global impact investor network, using an online questionnaire, a portfolio-data collection tool and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Wealthy private impact investors are largely similar in terms of their general characteristics and investment behavior, but they diverge in their interest in specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They tend to be strongly values-driven and to adopt an investment time horizon of 7+ years for their impact investments, which they expect to yield financial returns that are no different from those of traditional investments. Interestingly, these investors perceive the well-established sustainable investing strategies of exclusion, environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration and best-in-class as not having high impact-generating potential.

Practical implications

Suggestions are provided about how wealthy private investors could use the findings to improve their impact investment decisions. Advice is offered to investment professionals on how to optimize impact investment products and services for this economically and societally highly relevant target group.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scientific study to investigate the general characteristics and investment behavior of HNWIs who pursue impact investing. HNWIs have great relevance for financial markets yet they are out of reach for most researchers. As a result, they are poorly understood, and apparently also often misunderstood, which has substantial economic and social implications that this paper helps mitigate.
Consumer expectations and perception of clothing comfort in sports and exercise garments
Authors: Wilfling Julia , Havenith George , Raccuglia Margherita , Hodder Simon
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Sports garments play an important role in the well-being of an athlete by protecting the wearer from changing environmental conditions and providing a comfortable feel. Clothing requirements have changed in recent years and demand for apparel with a higher comfort performance has been rising. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore consumers’ expectations and perception of comfort and to examine how different textiles are perceived by consumers to provide useful knowledge that allows to engineer comfort into fabrics and sports garments.

Design/methodology/approach

This online survey comprised 292 respondents, classified by sex, age, nationality and physical activity. The respondents were asked a total of 18 questions through the Bristol Online Survey tool to explore expectation, perception and preference of clothing comfort, specifically of sportswear.

Findings

Fit and comfort are closely linked together, both forming part of the clothing comfort concept. When purchasing garments online, the haptics of fabrics were identified as a crucial missing parameter. However, priorities of attributes within the concept varied according to the person’s sex and nationality. Women put more emphasis on garment fit and showed a higher need for tactile input, whereas men prioritised physiological comfort descriptors, i.e. properties which facilitate thermoregulation. Furthermore, there is an increased importance of physiological comfort parameters for people exercising for 10 or more hours per week. Finally, it was possible to identify common associations and preferences for textile materials (cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blend and wool). However, consideration should be taken concerning sex and nationality.

Originality/value

Sex and nationality are parameters modulating the clothing comfort concept and the conceptualised feel of materials. Therefore, the sex and nationality of the end-consumer should be considered during the development phase of sports garments and particular attention should be given to the targeted market in which these will be sold.
Artificial neural network and regression models for prediction of sewing thread consumption for multilayered fabric assembly at lockstitch 301 seam
Authors: Chavhan Md Vaseem , Naidu M. Ramesh , Jamakhandi Hayavadana
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the artificial neural network (ANN) and regression models for the estimation of the thread consumption at multilayered seam assembly stitched with lock stitch 301.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, the generalized regression and neural network models are developed by considering the fabric types: woven, nonwoven and multilayer combination thereof, with basic sewing parameters: sewing thread linear density, stitch density, needle count and fabric assembly thickness. The network with feed-forward backpropagation is considered to build the ANN, and the training function trainlm of MATLAB software is used to adjust weight and basic values according to the optimization of Levenberg Marquardt. The performance of networks measured in terms of the mean squared error and the layer output is set according to the sigmoid transfer function.

Findings

The proposed ANN and regression model are able to predict the thread consumption with more accuracy for multilayered seam assembly. The predictability of thread consumption from available geometrical models, regression models and industrial empirical techniques are compared with proposed linear regression, quadratic regression and neural network models. The proposed quadratic regression model showed a good correlation with practical thread consumption value and more accuracy in prediction with an overall 4.3% error, as compared to other techniques for given multilayer substrates. Further, the developed ANN network showed good accuracy in the prediction of thread consumption.

Originality/value

The estimation of thread consumed while stitching is the prerequisite of the garment industry for inventory management especially with the introduction of the costly high-performance sewing thread. In practice, different types of fabrics are stitched at multilayer combinations at different locations of the stitched product. The ANN and regression models are developed for multilayered seam assembly of woven and nonwoven fabric blend composition for better prediction of thread consumption.
Big data analysis of trends in the second-hand apparel market: a comparison between 2014 and 2019
Authors: Kim Sanghee , Woo Hongjoo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

According to the perspective of evolutionary economic theory, the marketplace continuously evolves over time, following the changing needs of both customers and firms. In accordance with the theory, the second-hand apparel market has been rapidly expanding by meeting consumers’ diverse preferences and promoting sustainability since 2014. To understand what changes in consumers’ consumption behaviors regarding used apparel have driven this growth, the purpose of this study is to examine how the second-hand apparel market product types, distribution channels and consumers’ motives have changed over the past five years.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected big data from Google through Textom software by extracting all Web-exposed text in 2014, and again in 2019, that contained the keyword “second-hand apparel,” and used the Node XL program to visualize the network patterns of these words through the semantic network analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the second-hand apparel market has evolved with various changes over the past five years in terms of consumer motives, product types and distribution channels.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the changing demands of consumers toward used apparel over the past five years, providing insights for retailers as well as future research in this subject area.
Postdoctoral research training and the attainment of faculty careers in social science and STEM fields in the United States
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Main Joyce B.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

While postdoctoral research (postdoc) training is a common step toward academic careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the role of postdoc training in social sciences is less clear. An increasing number of social science PhDs are pursuing postdocs. This paper aims to identify factors associated with participation in postdoc training and examines the relationship between postdoc training and subsequent career outcomes, including attainment of tenure-track faculty positions and early career salaries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates and Survey of Doctorate Recipients, this study applies propensity score matching, regression and decomposition analyses to identify the role of postdoc training on the employment outcomes of PhDs in the social science and STEM fields.

Findings

Results from the regression analyses indicate that participation in postdoc training is associated with greater PhD research experience, higher departmental research ranking and departmental job placement norms. When the postdocs and non-postdocs groups are balanced on observable characteristics, postdoc training is associated with a higher likelihood of attaining tenure-track faculty positions 7 to 9 years after PhD completion. The salaries of social science tenure-track faculty with postdoc experience eventually surpass the salaries of non-postdoc PhDs, primarily via placement at institutions that offer relatively higher salaries. This pattern, however, does not apply to STEM PhDs.

Originality/value

This study leverages comprehensive, nationally representative data to investigate the role of postdoc training in the career outcomes of social sciences PhDs, in comparison to STEM PhDs. Research findings suggest that for social sciences PhDs interested in academic careers, postdoc training can contribute to the attainment of tenure-track faculty positions and toward earning relatively higher salaries over time. Research findings provide prospective and current PhDs with information helpful in career planning and decision-making. Academic institutions, administrators, faculty and stakeholders can apply these research findings toward developing programs and interventions to provide doctoral students with career guidance and greater career transparency.
Participation, Unemployment, and Wages
Authors: Cobb‐Clark Deborah A. , De Silva Lihini
Published: August 2021

The HILDA Survey data have substantially deepened our understanding of the Australian labour force. In this article, we highlight key insights relating to: (1) labour force participation; (2) unemployment; and (3) wages. Using the panel structure of the data, along with the breadth of questions asked, researchers have been able to overcome econometric challenges and better understand how the Australian labour market operates. Much attention has also been directed towards understanding persistent labour market disadvantage and the long‐lasting impact it can have. Together, these studies provide a plethora of useful recommendations for shaping future social and economic policy.
Do auditors price litigious tone?
Authors: Malik Muhammad Farhan , Shan Yuan George , Tong Jamie Yixing
Published: August 2021

We investigate whether audit fees are shaped by litigious tone. Using a sample of listed firms in the US, we find litigious tone in 10‐K reports is associated with higher audit fees. This finding remains robust when we account for sample selection bias, firm‐level unobserved heterogeneity effects, endogeneity concerns, or when subsections in 10‐K reports are analysed. In addition, we document the relationship is of a lower magnitude among high‐risk client firms, suggesting that auditors are already cautious when auditing high‐risk clients. This suggests that auditors rely less on litigious tone in determining audit fees when faced with high‐risk clients.
Legal and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in skin cancer diagnosis
Authors: Jobson Dale , Mar Victoria , Freckelton Ian
Published: August 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming increasingly accurate and prevalent for the diagnosis of skin cancers. Commercially available AI diagnostic software is entering markets across the world posing new legal and ethical challenges for both clinicians and software companies. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and is poised to be a significant benefactor and pioneer of the technology. This review describes the legal and ethical considerations raised by the emergence of artificial intelligence in skin cancer diagnosis and proposes recommendations for best practice.
A review of the literature on the accuracy, strengths, and limitations of visual, thoracic impedance, and electrocardiographic methods used to measure respiratory rate in hospitalized patients
Authors: Bawua Linda K. , Miaskowski Christine , Hu Xiao , Rodway George W. , Pelter Michele M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Respiratory rate (RR) is one of the most important indicators of a patient's health. In critically ill patients, unrecognized changes in RR are associated with poorer outcomes. Visual assessment (VA), impedance pneumography (IP), and electrocardiographic‐derived respiration (EDR) are the three most commonly used methods to assess RR. While VA and IP are widely used in hospitals, the EDR method has not been validated for use in hospitalized patients. Additionally, little is known about their accuracy compared with one another. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the accuracy, strengths, and limitations of VA of RR to two methods that use physiologic data, namely IP and EDR.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each of the studies was evaluated using standardized criteria.

Results

Full manuscripts for 23 studies were reviewed, and four studies were included in this review. Three studies compared VA to IP and one study compared VA to EDR. In terms of accuracy, when Bland–Altman analyses were performed, the upper and lower levels of agreement were extremely poor for both the VA and IP and VA and EDR comparisons.

Conclusion

Given the paucity of research and the fact that no studies have compared all three methods, no definitive conclusions can be drawn about the accuracy of these three methods. The clinical importance of accurate assessment of RR warrants new research with rigorous designs to determine the accuracy, and clinically meaningful levels of agreement of these methods.
Multicentre study of appendicitis management comparing a large South Island metropolitan hospital, to its referring regional and rural centres
Authors: Withers Nicole , Hepburn Lucy , Palmer Jethro , Evans Fergus , Mosher Jamie , Dasril Juni , Liyanage Chris , Eglinton Tim , Sakowska Magda M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Globally, patients presenting with acute surgical disease in rural areas have poorer outcomes when compared to urban areas; little data are available regarding outcomes for New Zealand (NZ) rural patients. This study aimed to compare the surgical management of appendicitis in a large metropolitan centre with its regional referral centres.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patient data were collated from the studied centres between November 2014 and October 2019. In addition to patient demographics, patterns of referral and presentation, the primary outcome was time to the theatre; secondary outcomes were perforation rates, length of stay and complications. Data are presented as medians (interquartile range).

Results

A total of 3533 patients underwent appendicectomy over the period studied. For those presenting directly to the metropolitan centre, the median wait‐time to the theatre was 16 h (9.2–23.2); if patients were transferred, they waited for 20.8 h (13.6–27). Patients presenting to regional centres waited for 7.6 h (4.5–15.4, P < 0.001). Perforation rates for transferred patients were 31% which was greater than for those presenting to the metropolitan (20%) or regional centres (17%, P = 0.014). Complications were also highest in transferred patients (20%) when compared to the metropolitan (17%) or regional centres (10%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients who were transferred to Christchurch Hospital from rural centres without surgical services had a longer wait‐time than those who presented to Christchurch Hospital directly or were treated in regional centres. This was associated with higher rates of perforated appendicitis.
Comparison of the efficacy of topical insulin with autologous serum eye drops in persistent epithelial defects of the cornea
Authors: Diaz‐Valle David , Burgos‐Blasco Barbara , Rego‐Lorca Daniela , Puebla‐Garcia Virginia , Perez‐Garcia Pilar , Benitez‐del‐Castillo Jose M. , Herrero‐Vanrell Rocio , Vicario‐de‐la‐Torre Marta , Gegundez‐Fernandez Jose A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the effect of topical insulin on epithelization in persistent epithelial defects (PED) refractory to usual treatment compared to autologous serum.

Design

Retrospective, consecutive case–control series.

Methods

The charts of 61 consecutive patients with PED treated with topical insulin (case group) and 23 treated with autologous serum (control group) were reviewed. Primary efficacy end points were the percentage of patients in which epithelization was achieved, as well as the rate and time until epithelization. Secondary efficacy point was need for amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) or other surgeries.

Results

Mean time between PED diagnosis and start of topical insulin was 22.7 ± 18.5 days (range 13–115) and the mean area was 14.8 ± 16.2 mm2 (range 1.1–70.6). In the control group, mean time was 27.9 ± 16.8 days, mean epithelial defect area being 18.6 ± 15.0 mm2 (range 1.7–52.9). No differences in baseline characteristics were found between groups (p > 0.05). Epithelization was achieved in 51 patients (84%) on insulin and 11 patients (48%) on autologous serum (p = 0.002). In those patients, mean time until reepithelization was 32.6 ± 28.3 days (range 4–124) in the insulin group and 82.6 ± 82.4 days (range 13–231) in the autologous serum group (p = 0.011). The need for AMT was significantly lower in the insulin group (p = 0.005). PED recurrence was higher in patients treated on autologous serum (43%) compared with insulin (11%) (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Topical insulin is an effective treatment and safely promotes healing of PED. In our series, topical insulin presented better epithelization outcomes than autologous serum and could thus be considered as a first‐line treatment.
Real‐world outcomes of anti‐VEGF therapy in treatment‐naïve neovascular age‐related macular degeneration diagnosed on OCT angiography: the REVEAL study
Authors: Lupidi Marco , Schiavon Stefano , Cerquaglia Alessio , Fruttini Daniela , Gujar Ramkailash , Muzi Alessio , Fiore Tito , Reibaldi Michele , Chhablani Jay , Cagini Carlo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To compare the 12 months visual and anatomical outcomes of treatment‐naïve neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients diagnosed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) compared with fluorescein angiography (FA)/indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), after anti‐VEGF treatment in a real‐world setting.

Methods

Monocentric, observational, parallel‐group study of nAMD patients diagnosed with either FA/ICGA or non‐invasive OCT‐A methods. Patients were treated with a fixed dosing regimen of intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept and followed up for 12 months. Primary outcomes were the 12 months functional (BCVA) and anatomical (CST reduction) gains between the two groups. The stratification of BCVA and CST gains by type of neovascular lesion and by anti‐VEGF treatment was also assessed.

Results

Seventy‐two patients received FA/ICGA for the initial diagnosis of nAMD, while 73 received OCT‐A. Overall, the mean BCVA gain at 12 months was 11.5 ± 9.6 letters. There were no statistically significant differences between the invasive and non‐invasive imaging groups in BCVA gain (p = 0.87) or CST reduction (p = 0.76). No statistically significant outcome differences between different lesion types and the two drugs were observed.

Conclusion

In a real‐world setting, nAMD patients diagnosed with OCT‐A showed meaningful improvements in visual and anatomical parameters during 12 months of treatment, without significant differences with those diagnosed by invasive modalities.
Clinical features, therapeutic requirements and evolution of patients with Crohn’s disease and upper gastrointestinal involvement (CROHNEX study)
Authors: Sainz Empar , Zabana Yamile , Miguel Isabel , Fernández‐Clotet Agnès , Beltrán Belén , Núñez Laura , García María José , Martín‐Arranz María Dolores , Iglesias Eva , Cañete Fiorella , Gutiérrez Ana , Piqueras Marta , Pérez‐Martínez Isabel , Bujanda Luis , Rodríguez‐Lago Iago , Casanova María José , Navarro Pablo , Vicente Raquel , Merino Olga , Algaba Alicia , Rodríguez Cristina , Huguet José M. , Fernández‐Bañares Fernando , Domènech Eugeni , Esteve Maria ,   the ENEIDA registry of GETECCU
Published: August 2021

Background

Crohn's disease (CD) with upper gastrointestinal involvement (UGI) may have a more aggressive and refractory course. However, evidence on this phenotype of patients is scarce.

Aims

To identify the clinical characteristics, therapeutic requirements and complications associated with UGI in CD

Methods

Nationwide study of cases (UGI, UGI plus ileal/ileocolonic involvement) paired with controls (ileal/ileocolonic involvement) from the ENEIDA registry. Cases were matched to 2 controls by year of diagnosis ± 2.5 years. Patients with exclusive/predominant colonic location or complex perianal fistula were excluded.

Results

Of 24 738 patients with CD in the ENEIDA registry, we identified 4058 with UGI (16% of the total CD cohort). Finally, 854 cases and 1708 controls were included. Cases were independently associated to extensive involvement (OR 2.7 [2.2‐3.3], P < 0.0001), strictures [OR 1.8 (1.5‐2.2), P < 0.0001], chronic iron deficiency anaemia [OR 2.2 (1.3‐3.2), P < 0.001] and use of second‐line biologics [OR 1.7 (1.1‐2.6), P = 0.021]. The median stricture‐free time was 14 years (95% CI, 12‐16) for cases vs 21 years (95% CI, 19‐23) for controls (P < 0.0001). Cases with isolated UGI compared to UGI plus ileal/ileocolonic more frequently had localised disease [OR 0.5(0.3‐0.8), P = 0.003] and underwent more endoscopic stricture dilations [OR 2.7(1.3‐5.4), P = 0.006].

Conclusions

The largest cohort of patients with CD and UGI provides information on the natural history of this particular phenotype. Increased awareness of the clinical picture and therapeutic requirements of these patients could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal lesions, preventing the structural damage frequently seen in these patients at diagnosis and during follow‐up.
The effect of heat stress on proliferation, synthesis of steroids, and gene expression of duck granulosa cells
Authors: Yang Chen , Huang Xue‐bing , Chen Shi‐jian , Li Xiu‐jin , Fu Xin‐liang , Xu Dan‐ning , Tian Yun‐bo , Liu Wen‐jun , Huang Yun‐mao
Published: August 2021

Granulosa cells (GCs) play an important role in the development of follicles. In this study, we investigate the impact of heat stress at 41°C and 43°C on duck GCs' proliferation and steroids secretion. And, the transcriptomic responses to heat treatment were examined using RNA‐sequencing analysis. Digital gene expression profiling was used to screen and identify differentially expressed genes (fold change ≥ 2 and Q value < 0.05). Further, the differential expression genes (DEGs) were classified into GO categories and KEGG pathways. The results show that duck GCs blocked in the G1 phase were increased on exposure to heat stress. Meanwhile, the expression of proliferative genes, which were essential for the transition from G1 to S phase, was inhibited. At the same time, heat stress inhibited the estradiol synthesis of GCs by decreasing CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 gene expression. A total of 241 DEGs including 181 upregulated and 60 downregulated ones were identified. Transcriptome result shows that heat shock protein and CXC chemokines gene were significantly activated during heat stress. While collagenases (MMP1 and MMP13) and strome lysins (MMP3) were downregulated. And, the hedgehog signaling pathway may be a prosurvival adaptive response under heat stress. These results offer a basis for better understanding the molecular mechanism underlying lay‐eggs‐less in ducks under heat stress.
Binacox: automatic cut‐point detection in high‐dimensional Cox model with applications in genetics
Authors: Bussy Simon , Alaya Mokhtar Z. , Jannot Anne‐Sophie , Guilloux Agathe
Published: August 2021

We introduce binacox, a prognostic method to deal with the problem of detecting multiple cut‐points per feature in a multivariate setting where a large number of continuous features are available. The method is based on the Cox model and combines one‐hot encoding with the binarsity penalty, which uses total‐variation regularization together with an extra linear constraint, and enables feature selection. Original nonasymptotic oracle inequalities for prediction (in terms of Kullback–Leibler divergence) and estimation with a fast rate of convergence are established. The statistical performance of the method is examined in an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study, and then illustrated on three publicly available genetic cancer data sets. On these high‐dimensional data sets, our proposed method outperforms state‐of‐the‐art survival models regarding risk prediction in terms of the C‐index, with a computing time orders of magnitude faster. In addition, it provides powerful interpretability from a clinical perspective by automatically pinpointing significant cut‐points in relevant variables.