Articles tagged with Corporations
A new study by Concordia University researchers found that companies with financial restatements are more likely to have poor corporate governance, including high growth rates and less independent oversight. These firms are also more likely to replace top executives and auditors in an attempt to improve their public image.
Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder, receives the 2013 Inamori Ethics Prize for prioritizing people and the planet in his business philosophy. He has promoted sustainable practices throughout his company, including using organic cotton, reducing water footprint, and supporting grassroots environmental organizations.
A Baylor University study suggests that companies may alter their business practices in response to social and environmental activists, but often without significant impact. Activists' efforts can cause executives to overestimate the campaign's effect on operations, leading to a more reactive approach.
Research finds that self-esteem, optimism, and perceived control influence depression in both stroke survivors and their spouse caregivers. High levels of these factors in one partner can lead to lower levels of depression in the other. Interventions targeting both partners may improve patient outcomes.
A new study assesses global land and water grabbing, revealing its impact on food security in impoverished countries and the environment. The phenomenon has intensified due to rising world food prices, with Africa and Asia accounting for most grabbed area.
A new RAND Corporation analysis suggests that healthcare must be reengineered to focus on the benefits of health information technology to realize its potential. Key findings include the need for interconnected systems and patient access to their electronic health records, with the goal of improving patient care and reducing spending.
A new study from Rice University explores the effects of firm actions and industry spillovers on media coverage following wrongdoing. The research found that companies directly responsible for wrongdoing face more damaging media backlash than those not directly involved but affected by industry-wide scandals.
Research by McElhaney found that companies with one or more women on their boards are significantly more likely to have improved sustainability practices. Additionally, the study found that companies with at least three female board members had better ESG performance.
A recent study by Erynn Masi de Casanova found that men are taking more interest in their appearance and feel the term 'metrosexual' is outdated. Many interviewees preferred dressing up and looked sharp, even with workplace casual dress codes. The research also highlights a possible bridge between gay and straight men through fashion.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found a correlation between birth month and success in corporate leadership. Summer-born individuals are underrepresented among CEOs due to differences in school enrollment ages.
A pilot study of over 100 interviews with professional staff found that confidence levels at primary and high school ages significantly impact occupational success. Workers with higher confidence reported better wages and faster career advancements.
A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that firms not disclosing geographic earnings had lower effective tax rates, indicating tax avoidance. The study suggests that transparency is key to deterring tax avoidance behaviors.
The USDA has awarded $4.8 million to 23 community-based organizations across the US to establish sustainable local food projects and improve access to affordable, healthy food for low-income residents. These grants aim to promote comprehensive strategies addressing local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) honored the Task Force for American Innovation with its 2012 Distinguished Friend of Science Award. The coalition was recognized for its efforts to strengthen the scientific and technical capabilities of the Southeast and nation, advocating for science, technology, and innovation.
A new crop insurance plan offers Rwandan farmers protection from extreme weather, using automated weather stations. The program, called Kilimo Salama, provides insurance to thousands of farmers in the Southern and Western provinces, shielding them from financial losses.
A study by the American Heart Association found that drinking low-calorie cranberry juice for eight weeks significantly lowered blood pressure in healthy adults, from an average of 121/73 mmHg to 118/70 mmHg. The antioxidants in cranberry juice are believed to be responsible for this effect.
The University of Leicester has made a major discovery in the search for King Richard III, uncovering human remains at the Grey Friars church site. The team has also found various medieval artifacts and structures, shedding light on the city's rich history.
Medical humanitarian organizations face a clash of values with the mining industry, posing difficult alliances and challenges to intervene in areas occupied by extractive sectors. The article explores the consequences of environmental pollution, communicable diseases, violence, destitution, and compromised food security.
A study by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station found that Georgia's forest land area remained stable over the past 50 years, while timber inventory more than doubled. The majority of commercial timberland is privately owned, with individual or family forests making up a significant portion.
Research suggests that firms with political connections often hold excess cash, which may be used to support politicians' agendas rather than maximize profit. Poor corporate governance and lack of transparency are also common in these firms, leading to a deadlock between minority shareholders and large shareholders.
The Taxman Family Foundation will donate $2.5 million to the University of Chicago Medicine to support the training of specialists in digestive disease. The gift honors Dr. Joseph Kirsner, a renowned gastroenterologist who trained generations of experts.
A new study reveals that women in hedge funds struggle with 'adulting' due to societal expectations of maturity and work-life balance. Women face problems at every stage of adult life, from getting hired to balancing work and parenthood, whereas men are given more opportunities to settle into corporate life.
Experts say soda companies' corporate social responsibility campaigns distract from the health risks of sugary beverages and shift blame to consumers. The campaigns target young people and aim to increase sales, diverting attention from the industry's contribution to rising obesity rates.
A new study by Rice University and Long Island University found that corporate political activity is negatively associated with market performance. Firms' political investments also worsen both market and accounting performance.
A new study from Georgia Tech found that nearly 15 percent of work emails are gossip, with lower-level employees sharing more information than higher-ups. The researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of emails from the former Enron corporation and discovered that negative gossip is prevalent among employees.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that office bacteria are most abundant on chairs, phones, and human skin, with over 500 bacterial genera identified. The study also revealed that men's offices have significantly more bacteria than women's, but the diversity of communities didn't show significant differences.
SomaLogic and NEC announce the release of SomaSuite, a professional software tool that simplifies the analysis of proteomic data generated by SomaLogic's SOMAscan assay technology. The tool enables researchers to quickly discover significant protein expression changes in their biological samples.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that minor language variations can affect consumers' attitudes towards brands. Consumers tend to feel closer to their bank than insurance company, and using 'we' versus 'you and [the brand]' can impact their perceptions.
India uses branding campaigns to showcase its modernity and attract foreign investment, but the actual state of the country raises concerns about corruption and internal conflicts. The Indian government's efforts to suppress these issues may become increasingly difficult.
A survey of public relations professionals found that 60 percent of articles on their company's clients contained factual errors. The research highlights the need for clear guidelines and consistent rules from Wikipedia regarding factual corrections, as many respondents struggled with engaging editors and securing responses.
A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that consumers nationwide could have received nearly $2 billion in rebates if the Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio rules had been in effect in 2010. This would have resulted from insurers issuing rebates or reducing premiums to meet minimum quality and care standards.
The Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Awards support clinicians in biochemical genetics, with a focus on metabolic diseases. The 2012-2013 recipients, Dr. Carlos E. Prada and James D. Weisfeld-Adams, received $75,000 per year for one year of clinical genetics subspecialty training.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics named 35 individuals as part of its 2012 Class of Fellows, recognizing their outstanding research in applied mathematics and computational science. The selected fellows are academics and professionals who have made significant contributions to the field.
Researchers found depression rates were similar among stroke and TIA survivors, with 17.9% of stroke patients and 14.4% of TIA patients experiencing depression at 3 months post-hospitalization. Persistent depression was common, affecting nearly 70% of stroke and TIA patients.
A study by RAND Corporation found that the use of anesthesia providers during GI procedures is increasing rapidly, with substantial regional variation. The study suggests that up to $1.1 billion in annual health spending may be unneeded, as most low-risk patients do not require this service.
A survey of 1,000 physicians found that those who exercised regularly or didn't smoke were twice as likely to make five lifestyle recommendations to patients. The study also showed that most doctors (66%) made these recommendations, despite having unhealthy habits themselves.
DuPont has joined the Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University, investing in research on solar and bio-energy technologies. The project's corporate sponsors have invested $113 million in 93 research programs since 2002, focusing on reducing costs and improving efficiencies of batteries and solar cells.
A randomized trial with 255 households showed a significant reduction in unlocked guns (35% to 35%) and ammunition (84% to 35%) after installing $80 locking metal gun cabinets. The study concluded that installing gun cabinets improves safe household firearm storage and could reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.
The Icelandic banking system's brief expansion raised concerns about the balance between corporate social responsibility and responsible operations. Analysis by David Sigurthorsson suggests that CSR can be divided into positive and negative obligations, with the former often taking precedence.
A new study proposes a valuation-based measure of equity market segmentation, identifying country-level factors such as political risk profile and stock market development as key drivers. The study found that while global growth opportunities have increased, significant levels of segmentation remain in emerging markets.
A prospective study found that consuming flavanones in citrus fruits reduces the risk of ischemic stroke by 19% in women. Flavonoids, present in various foods and drinks, may provide protection through improved blood vessel function and anti-inflammatory effects.
A Yale University study has assessed the criticality of metals in the geological copper family, finding arsenic as the most vulnerable to long-term supply disruption. The research methodology evaluates supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability to supply restriction, highlighting the importance of considering these fact...
A new UMD study projects that investing excess corporate cash reserves in capital projects could generate up to 2.4 million jobs over three years, reducing unemployment rates and increasing GDP. This investment is estimated to boost economic activity by spending a fraction of the $508 billion excess cash holdings among US corporations.
A Georgia Tech study identifies specific words and phrases that predict whether workplace emails are sent to someone higher or lower in the corporate hierarchy. Certain phrases consistently signal a power relationship between two people, with an estimated probability of chance occurring less than 1 in 1,000.
A RAND Corporation study concludes that few small employers will choose to self-insure or maintain grandfathered plans due to significant financial risk. The analysis found that stricter regulations will be essential to keep premiums affordable in small business insurance exchanges.
Yale researchers developed a methodology to evaluate the importance of scarce metals using supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability analysis. The new approach provides a standardized framework for corporations and national governments to inform strategic decision-making around resource use.
A study by Rice University and the University of California at Irvine found that corporate boards tend to dismiss top executives later in a scandal rather than immediately. Companies often use other companies' similar misconduct to justify their own, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.
A California occupational safety program can help prevent workplace injuries, but only if it is adequately enforced. The study found that businesses cited for noncompliance with the program's specific safety mandates saw a 20% decline in injury rates.
A study on post-Katrina New Orleans found that residents reject corporate gifts, viewing them as a threat to the community's cultural identity. The authors argue that corporations usurping community traditions erode the status and cohesiveness among community members.
University of Missouri researchers found that emotional news framing during crises influences public responses, with 'sadness-frame' stories eliciting more positive attitudes. Corporate responses focusing on victim well-being can improve perceptions.
Researchers at Boston College and Northwestern University found that the more cohesive a group appears, the less likely it is that individuals will be held responsible for their own actions. This 'trade-off' in perception leads to assigning moral rights and responsibilities to groups, rather than individual members.
A new method for measuring artery narrowing could eliminate the need for a drug in assessing patients for a coronary stent. The investigational technique, termed instant wave-Free Ratio (iFR), produced similar results to existing methods and is being developed by Imperial College London and Volcano Corporation.
A study by Adam Waytz and Liane Young found that people judge groups as having a collective mind, while attributing individual minds to their members. This 'trade off' affects judgments of responsibility, blame, and moral judgment. The research explores the consequences of this attribution for both groups and individuals.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that smart managers engage in earnings manipulation and insider trading due to limited capacity and ethical weaknesses. The study suggests that choosing less ethical managers may be in the best interests of current shareholders but not future ones.
A new study suggests that politeness strategies can cause confusion about the meaning of statements, especially in sensitive or high-stakes situations. This confusion can have negative consequences for safety and security, as well as decision-making in corporate culture.
A new study found that patients with consumer-directed health plans have more control over healthcare costs, with two-thirds of the reduction in total healthcare costs coming from reduced utilization of medical services. This is due to lower use of name-brand medications, less in-patient care, and lower use of specialists.
A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that fast-rising health costs have eaten nearly all the income gains made by a median-income American family of four over the past decade. The family would have had an additional $545 per month to spend if healthcare costs had risen only as fast as other goods and services.
Researchers at VCU are developing a new paradigm for digital computing that could enable the creation of energy-efficient processors running without batteries. The goal is to increase computational power and reduce heat dissipation, making it suitable for medical devices such as brain signal monitors.
A multicenter study of over 3,000 preterm infants found that those monitored with the Heart Rate Observation System experienced a greater than 20 percent reduced mortality rate. The HeRO monitor detects early signs of distress and provides a new tool for clinical assessment.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards recognizing key achievements in space science and technology, program management, and sustained service. The AIAA Sustained Service Awards will be presented to Guy Jette and Peter Kurzhals for their contributions.