bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Excellence in Corporate Social Performance Improve Investors' Financial Assessments and Credibility of Managers' Forecasts?
Authors: Guiral Andres , Moon Doocheol , Choi Hyunjung 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn contrast to the extensive archival research on the relationship between corporate social performance and financial performance, behavioral studies are scarce. We explore whether excellence in corporate social performance affects investors' judgments of financial assessments (i.e., future profitability, liquidity, and financial risk) and credibility of management's forecasts. We define “excellence in corporate social performance” as the case of a firm simultaneously showing high and stable social performance and being provided with professional assurance on social activity reporting. We design a 2 × 2 experimental design with two control groups by manipulating corporate social performance (high versus low) and assurance (present versus absent), in which investors are asked to provide their judgments on the financial status of the firm. Our results indicate that corporate social performance excellence has an impact on both investors' financial assessments and their reliance on management‐forecasted information. Additional analysis shows that corporate social performance excellence is perceived as having a significantly higher impact on investors' financial assessments and their credibility of managers' forecasts in comparison with temporary corporate social performance. Therefore, we find support for the argument that only the combination of superior and stable corporate social performance and reliable corporate social responsibility disclosure pays off.
Stock Price Reactions to News and the Momentum Effect in the Korean Stock Market
Authors: Lee Dongweon , Cho Jaeho 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBy analyzing how stock prices respond to public news, this paper examines the momentum effect in the Korean stock market. It is true that, as a whole, the momentum strategy generates no profits in Korea. However, among the stocks in a momentum portfolio, loser stocks with news headlines make significantly positive profits caused by negative return drift. These positive profits are cancelled out by negative returns, due mostly to reversals exhibited by winner stocks with and without public news. These reversals stand in contrast to the case of the United States market, where winner stocks show weak drift (Chan, 2003). Reversals of news winners and the drift of news losers in Korea imply that stock prices react asymmetrically to public news, which is overlooked in existing studies on momentum. Further analyses indicate that this asymmetric reaction can be attributed to transaction costs rather than to the incentive of managers to disclose bad news slowly. In addition to the asymmetric reaction of prices to news, we suggest that market misperceptions concerning firms' future prospects may also be a reason for the post‐news return patterns in Korea.
Valuation of Guaranteed Contracts Set Relative to Cross‐currency Stochastic Rates of Return
Authors: Hsieh Tsung‐Yu , Chou Chi‐Hsun , Chen Son‐Nan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe derive the pricing formulas for guaranteed contracts with guaranteed minimum rates of return linked to cross‐currency stochastic rates of return under a cross‐currency framework. These rates are often embedded in contracts such as life and pension insurance policies, guaranteed investment contracts, and index‐linked bonds. Valuation of such contracts has not been investigated in the previous literature. Our research finds that the past valuation of these rates via a single‐currency framework causes significant underestimation under both maturity and (especially) multi‐period guarantees. Our pricing formulas are more suitable, tractable, and feasible in practice than those in the previous literature.
Retention of topographical anatomical knowledge following surgeon‐facilitated whole‐body dissection
Authors: Sarkis Leba M. , Treble Alexander , Wing Lindsay W. , Ramsey‐Stewart George 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundTopographical anatomy has been taught to medical students by cadaver‐based dissection for centuries. However, there is a void in the literature assessing the long‐term retention of anatomical knowledge by medical students following teaching by whole‐body dissection. The purpose of this paper was to assess both the acquisition and retention of topographical anatomical knowledge gained by medical students undertaking an elective whole‐body dissection course.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data. A total of 24 students completed the elective 8‐week Anatomy by Whole Body Dissection course at the University of Sydney in 2013. Surgeons and surgical trainees acted as demonstrators and anatomical knowledge was assessed on four occasions: pre, mid, end and 8 months post‐course in the form of a 20‐question wet specimen tag test.ResultsThere was strong evidence of a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the students’ pre‐course scores (median = 8 out of 20, IQR = 6) compared with their end‐course scores (median = 19 out of 20, IQR = 2). Similarly, there was a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) between students' pre‐course scores and the 8‐month follow‐up post‐course test (median = 18, IQR = 3), with a median difference of 10 points. There was no significant difference (P > 0.2) between the students’ end‐course assessment results and the 8 months post‐course assessment indicating retention of knowledge.ConclusionSurgeon‐facilitated anatomical teaching to medical students by whole‐body dissection significantly improves topographical anatomical knowledge which is maintained in the long term.
Attitudes of Physicians and Pharmacists Towards International Non‐Proprietary Name Prescribing in Belgium
Authors: Van Bever Elien , Elseviers Monique , Plovie Marijke , Vandeputte Lieselot , Van Bortel Luc , Vander Stichele Robert 
Published: August 2014

AbstractInternational Non‐proprietary Name (INN) prescribing is the use of the name of the active ingredient(s) instead of the brand name for prescribing. In Belgium, INN prescribing began in 2005 and a major policy change occurred in 2012. The aim was to explore the opinions of Dutch‐speaking general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists. An electronic questionnaire with 39 five‐point Likert scale statements and one open question was administered in 2013. Multivariate analysis was performed with multiple linear regression on a sum score for benefit statements and for drawback statements. Answers to the open question were qualitatively analysed. We received 745 valid responses with a representable sample for both subgroups. Participants perceived the motives to introduce INN prescribing as purely economic (to reduce pharmaceutical expenditures for the government and the patient). Participants accepted the concept of INN prescribing, but 88% stressed the importance of guaranteed treatment continuity, especially in older, chronic patients, to prevent patient confusion, medication non‐adherence and erroneous drug use. In conclusion, the current way in which INN prescribing is applied in Belgium leads to many concerns among primary health professionals about patient confusion and medication adherence. Slightly adapting the current concept of INN prescribing to these concerns can turn INN prescribing into one of the major policies in Belgium to reduce pharmaceutical expenditures and to stimulate rational drug prescribing.
Robust inference in the negative binomial regression model with an application to falls data
Authors: Aeberhard William H. , Cantoni Eva , Heritier Stephane 
Published: August 2014

SummaryA popular way to model overdispersed count data, such as the number of falls reported during intervention studies, is by means of the negative binomial (NB) distribution. Classical estimating methods are well‐known to be sensitive to model misspecifications, taking the form of patients falling much more than expected in such intervention studies where the NB regression model is used. We extend in this article two approaches for building robust M‐estimators of the regression parameters in the class of generalized linear models to the NB distribution. The first approach achieves robustness in the response by applying a bounded function on the Pearson residuals arising in the maximum likelihood estimating equations, while the second approach achieves robustness by bounding the unscaled deviance components. For both approaches, we explore different choices for the bounding functions. Through a unified notation, we show how close these approaches may actually be as long as the bounding functions are chosen and tuned appropriately, and provide the asymptotic distributions of the resulting estimators. Moreover, we introduce a robust weighted maximum likelihood estimator for the overdispersion parameter, specific to the NB distribution. Simulations under various settings show that redescending bounding functions yield estimates with smaller biases under contamination while keeping high efficiency at the assumed model, and this for both approaches. We present an application to a recent randomized controlled trial measuring the effectiveness of an exercise program at reducing the number of falls among people suffering from Parkinsons disease to illustrate the diagnostic use of such robust procedures and their need for reliable inference.
Modeling longitudinal data with a random change point and no time‐zero: Applications to inference and prediction of the labor curve
Authors: McLain Alexander C. , Albert Paul S. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryIn some longitudinal studies the initiation time of the process is not clearly defined, yet it is important to make inference or do predictions about the longitudinal process. The application of interest in this article is to provide a framework for modeling individualized labor curves (longitudinal cervical dilation measurements) where the start of labor is not clearly defined. This is a well‐known problem in obstetrics where the benchmark reference time is often chosen as the end of the process (individuals are fully dilated at 10 cm) and time is run backwards. This approach results in valid and efficient inference unless subjects are censored before the end of the process, or if we are focused on prediction. Providing dynamic individualized predictions of the longitudinal labor curve prospectively (where backwards time is unknown) is of interest to aid obstetricians to determine if a labor is on a suitable trajectory. We propose a model for longitudinal labor dilation that uses a random‐effects model with unknown time‐zero and a random change point. We present a maximum likelihood approach for parameter estimation that uses adaptive Gaussian quadrature for the numerical integration. Further, we propose a Monte Carlo approach for dynamic prediction of the future longitudinal dilation trajectory from past dilation measurements. The methodology is illustrated with longitudinal cervical dilation data from the Consortium of Safe Labor Study.
An Alternative Approach to Confidence Interval Estimation for the Win Ratio Statistic
Authors: Luo Xiaodong , Tian Hong , Mohanty Surya , Tsai Wei Yann 
Published: August 2014

Summary
Pocock et al. (2012, European Heart Journal 33, 176–182) proposed a win ratio approach to analyzing composite endpoints comprised of outcomes with different clinical priorities. In this article, we establish a statistical framework for this approach. We derive the null hypothesis and propose a closed-form variance estimator for the win ratio statistic in all pairwise matching situation. Our simulation study shows that the proposed variance estimator performs well regardless of the magnitude of treatment effect size and the type of the joint distribution of the outcomes.
Making in‐class skills training more effective: The scope for interactive videos to complement the delivery of practical pedestrian training
Authors: Hammond James , Cherrett Tom , Waterson Ben 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSkills and awareness of young pedestrians can be improved with on‐street practical pedestrian training, often delivered in schools in the UK by local authorities with the intention of improving road safety. This training is often supplemented by in‐class paper‐based worksheet activities that are seen to be less effective than practical training in that they focus on knowledge acquisition rather than directly improving the correct application of safe pedestrian skills at the roadside. Previous research indicates that interactive video tools have the potential to develop procedural skills while offering an engaging road safety educational experience, which could positively impact on road crossing behaviour.In this paper, the design and development of a hazard‐identification interactive road safety training video targeting child road crossing skills is presented. The interactive video was shown to be an engaging training resource for 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children. The tool's scope for improving pedestrians' roadside skills is considered along with the wider implications for interactive video to aid safety training in other areas.
Genetic polymorphisms influencing total and γ′ fibrinogen levels and fibrin clot properties in Africans
Authors: Kotzé Retha C. , Nienaber‐Rousseau Cornelie , De Lange Zelda , De Maat Moniek P. , Hoekstra Tiny , Pieters Marlien 
Published: August 2014

SummaryInter‐ethnic variation in fibrinogen levels is hypothesized to be the result of differences in genetic background. No information is available regarding the contribution of genetics to fibrinogen γ′ in Africans. Only limited information is available regarding the interaction between genotypes and total and γ′ fibrinogen concentration in determining fibrin clot properties. Our aim was to investigate the effect of polymorphisms in the fibrinogen and Factor XIII genes on total and γ′ fibrinogen and clot properties (turbidimetry) in 2010 black Africans as well as to determine their interactions. Significant associations were observed between rs1049636 (FGG gene), with total fibrinogen levels and between rs2070011 (FGA promoter area) and fibrinogen γ′ levels. Significant associations were observed between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FGA (rs2070011), FGB (rs1800787) and FGG (rs1049636) genes and fibre size. Significant interactions were found between total and/or γ′ fibrinogen levels and SNPs in the FGA (rs2070011), FGB (rs2227385, rs1800787, rs1800788, rs4220) and F13A1 genes (rs5985) in determining clot properties. The different SNPs influenced the relationships between total and γ′ fibrinogen levels with clot properties in opposing directions. Genetic influences may be ethnic‐specific and should not only focus on fibrinogen concentration, but also on functionality in determining its role in CVD.
The status‐legitimacy hypothesis revisited: Ethnic‐group differences in general and dimension‐specific legitimacy
Authors: Sengupta Nikhil K. , Osborne Danny , Sibley Chris G. 
Published: August 2014

The status‐legitimacy hypothesis, which predicts that low‐status groups will legitimize inequality more than high‐status groups, has received inconsistent empirical support. To resolve this inconsistency, we hypothesized that low‐status groups would display enhanced legitimation only when evaluating the fairness of the specific hierarchy responsible for their disadvantage. In a New Zealand‐based probability sample (N = 6,162), we found that low‐status ethnic groups (Asians and Pacific Islanders) perceived ethnic‐group relations to be fairer than the high‐status group (Europeans). However, these groups did not justify the overall political system more than the high‐status group. In fact, Māori showed the least support for the political system. These findings clarify when the controversial status‐legitimacy effects predicted by System Justification Theory will – and will not – emerge.
Inferring Learners' Knowledge From Their Actions
Authors: Rafferty Anna N. , LaMar Michelle M. , Griffiths Thomas L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWatching another person take actions to complete a goal and making inferences about that person's knowledge is a relatively natural task for people. This ability can be especially important in educational settings, where the inferences can be used for assessment, diagnosing misconceptions, and providing informative feedback. In this paper, we develop a general framework for automatically making such inferences based on observed actions; this framework is particularly relevant for inferring student knowledge in educational games and other interactive virtual environments. Our approach relies on modeling action planning: We formalize the problem as a Markov decision process in which one must choose what actions to take to complete a goal, where choices will be dependent on one's beliefs about how actions affect the environment. We use a variation of inverse reinforcement learning to infer these beliefs. Through two lab experiments, we show that this model can recover people's beliefs in a simple environment, with accuracy comparable to that of human observers. We then demonstrate that the model can be used to provide real‐time feedback and to model data from an existing educational game.
Socially Responsible Practices: An Exploratory Study on Scale Development using Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Shafiq Asad , Klassen Robert D. , Johnson P. Fraser , Awaysheh Amrou 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTSocially responsible practices of firms have evolved into an important area of research in operations management; however, it remains challenging to identify specific scales that capture multiple dimensions of such social practices. In this exploratory study, we use stakeholder theory to develop new multi‐item measurement scales linked to multiple groups (i.e., internal, supplier, customer, and community stakeholders). Furthermore, we empirically test a higher order multidimensional construct that collectively assesses the socially responsible practices of a firm. Using these stakeholder‐derived constructs as taxons in a cluster analysis, we identify important patterns in the way that multiple groups of stakeholders are engaged. Finally, we demonstrate that the set of social practices are complementary and concentrating on one group can yield spillover effects to other specific stakeholder groups.
Green Purchasing by MNC Subsidiaries: The Role of Local Tailoring in the Presence of Institutional Duality
Authors: Hsu Pei‐Fang , Hu Paul Jen‐Hwa , Wei Chih‐Ping , Huang Jhih‐Wei 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTTo examine the essential determinants of green purchasing by multinational corporations’ (MNC) subsidiaries, this study takes institutional theory as a foundation and focuses on the institutional duality associated with localization and globalization. Specifically, we develop a model to explain subsidiaries’ green purchasing and empirically test the model with data from 141 purchasing managers and senior purchasing staff members from subsidiaries in 39 countries. Our results suggest that pressures from headquarters and the local environment do not affect subsidiaries’ green purchasing directly; rather, they exert indirect influences through local tailoring. This study contributes to extant literature by revealing the significance of local tailoring in an MNC context. In addition, our findings offer several implications for practice by providing a roadmap for disseminating green purchasing across the subsidiaries of an MNC, as well as highlighting the importance of both clear communication about the benefits of green purchasing and internal audits.
RISING AUTISM PREVALENCE: REAL OR DISPLACING OTHER MENTAL DISORDERS? EVIDENCE FROM DEMAND FOR AUXILIARY HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA
Authors: Dave Dhaval M. , Fernandez Jose M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAutism is a development disorder that has increased in prevalence from 0.5 to 14.7 per 1,000 children over 1970–2010. Using annual wages and provider counts from the American Community Survey and information from 21 regional development centers in California, we estimate the labor demand for auxiliary health providers. We focus on this subset of providers because, unlike physicians and psychologists who can diagnose autism, these workers cannot induce their own demand. If the incidence of autism is increasing independently of other mental disorders, then the demand for auxiliary health providers should increase, leading to higher wages and labor supply. Otherwise, the increase in autism diagnosis is merely displacing other mental disorders. We find that a 100% increase in autism cases increases the wages of auxiliary health workers over non‐autism health occupations by 8–11% and the number of providers by 9–14%. Furthermore, we find that one of every three new autism diagnoses is merely supplanting mental retardation diagnoses, but does not displace other mental disorders. These estimates suggest that at least part of the increase in autism diagnoses, about 50–65%, reflects an increase in the true prevalence of the disorder. (JEL L11, J2, J3)
Highly plastic resource allocation to growth and reproduction in females of an African annual fish
Authors: Vrtílek Milan , Reichard Martin 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism to maximise fitness in unpredictable environments by fine‐tuning phenotypes to a specific environmental setting. We used Nothobranchius furzeri, an African annual fish from temporary pools with erratic changes in habitat condition, to study changes in the allocation to growth and reproduction and to test the key trade‐off between egg size and number. In an experimental setting, we quantitatively varied ration at two levels and over two time periods, including temporal switches in ration level. As predicted, female N. furzeri possessed the capacity for compensatory growth, which surprisingly came with no longer‐term cost to fecundity. Females responded strongly to ration manipulation, with a pronounced decrease in fecundity associated with a low ration, even after accounting for body mass. Due to the unpredictability of offspring environment, we expected no adaptive change in oocyte size. However, females responded to the quality of their environment in accordance with an adaptive maternal effect, with females receiving a low ration producing larger eggs. Further, a switch in ration size in either direction was associated with a decrease in egg size. There was a trade‐off between egg size and number in half of the treatments, but high variability in egg size among females made the relationship complex. Overall, N. furzeri females demonstrated high plasticity in both growth rate and fecundity parameters. Females appear able to track and respond adaptively to unpredictable changes in food availability in their environment.