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Firms with political ties may be bad investment

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.

Women 'never the right age' in hedge fund

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.

Soda companies' PR campaigns are bad for health

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 19, 2012

Corporate political giving doesn't pay

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.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 11, 2012

Office bacteria all around us, especially in men's offices

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 30, 2012

SomaLogic and NEC announce launch of SomaSuite

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.

Survey finds errors in Wikipedia articles

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.

Social responsibility of businesses questioned

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 28, 2012

Yale paper finds arsenic supply at highest risk

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...

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2012

New methodology assesses risk of scarce metals

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.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Improved technology may obviate need for drug when assessing patients for a coronary stent

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 7, 2011

How smart managers make dumb decisions and why shareholders encourage them: Rotman paper

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateNov 14, 2011

Sucking up to the boss may move you up and keep you healthy

A recent study published in the Journal of Management Studies suggests that using ingratiation, or 'sucking up', can neutralize psychological distress and ostracism in the workplace. Employers should create a culture that discourages workplace ostracism by providing training to managers and employees.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJun 9, 2011

High-deductible health plans pose no special risks to the medically vulnerable, study finds

A RAND Corporation study examined high-deductible health plans and found that medically vulnerable families are not at greater risk of cutting back on needed healthcare. Medical spending declined among all families enrolled in high-deductible plans, with reductions being similar for vulnerable and non-vulnerable families.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalForum for Health Economics & Policy·DateApr 18, 2011