Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Shining a light into the ‘‘black box’’ of AI

An international team developed a novel method for evaluating AI interpretability methods to decipher the basis of AI reasoning and possible biases. The approach helps users understand what influences AI results and whether they can be trusted, especially in medical applications where AI-powered decisions can impact health and lives.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateMar 21, 2023

Highlight facts or appeal to feelings? The psychology of persuading individuals to contribute to a collective goal

Researchers find that fact-based appeals are more effective when the goal is near completion, while affect-based appeals match people's feelings-oriented psychological state and are better suited for shorter-term goals. The study advances understanding of persuasive messages in collective goals and provides key insights for marketers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 8, 2023

Two out of three corporate frauds go undetected, research finds

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that under typical surveillance, about 3% of US companies exhibit financial misrepresentation. However, during a period of heightened scrutiny following the Enron scandal, this rate tripled to 9%, indicating that at least 10% of companies may be involved in fraud.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Fear of judgment is keeping consumers indebted – study shows peer groups can help turn that around

A study by Ivey Business School found that joining a peer-supported debt counselling group improves financial well-being, particularly for those who fear stigma. Participants repaid more debt and experienced increased motivation when interacting with others who shared similar financial struggles.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario, Ivey Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers review deep learning-based methods to detect time series data anomaly

A group of researchers from Chung-Ang University have summarized the applications based on anomaly detection in multivariate time series. They evaluated the current state-of-the-art anomaly detection techniques and addressed the challenges associated with them, providing a thorough overview of the applications for anomaly detection in ...

SourceChung Ang University·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

Financial strain and material deprivation linked to increased child behavioural difficulties More nuanced measures of economic hardship required to help address cost-of-living crisis and its effects on children

A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeCase study·DateJan 13, 2023

‘Soft laws’ see more women in the boardroom

Research by Anglia Ruskin University found that soft laws in over 14,000 companies across 99 nations led to a 20% average percentage of women on corporate boards. Quotas increased female directors by 11.7%, but only when sanctions were applied. Firms complied better with realistic targets and sufficient time.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of the Economics of Business·TypeSurvey·DateJan 11, 2023

Predicting a recession

Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Adult children get less support in separated families

A recent study by North Carolina State University found that adult children in separated families receive substantially less emotional, material, and instrumental support from their parents. This often results in disadvantages for these children due to limited access to resources. The study also highlights the importance of providing a...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Family Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

Changes in state-level cigarette sales during pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2022

Physical fitness a demographic watershed

A study of 5,308 participants aged 50-64 found significant correlations between sedentary behavior and low fitness levels. Highly uneven fitness distribution was observed among groups at higher risk, including older adults, foreign-born individuals, and those with poor health and lifestyle habits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 22, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

COVID ‘motherhood penalty’ affects academic research productivity

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in research productivity across various fields, but women between the ages of 35 and 49 experienced no detectable gain. The study revealed that younger professors and those in top-ranked departments saw substantial increases in research output.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

Planning for retirement? Good luck finding advice

Researchers found that approximately 10% of Americans live in areas with limited access to financial planners, leading to worse financial planning and future financial health. Education and expanded resources can improve financial planning and better retirement preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Bank Marketing·DateDec 13, 2022

Cryptoassets: New evidence shows that nested financial services could cause domino effects

A new algorithm unravels the structure of financial services on the Ethereum blockchain, revealing highly intertwined structures that involve risks not yet fully understood. The findings highlight the need for transparency and awareness among users, regulators, and policymakers to mitigate systemic risks associated with cryptoassets.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalACM Transactions on the Web·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 28, 2022

Corporate duty waivers limit organic company growth and innovation, with R&D investment falling by nearly one fifth

A new study co-authored by Bayes Business School found that larger public companies suffer from loss of innovation and lower share price value when managers are permitted to take decisions in their own self-interest. The study examined the effects of waiving fiduciary duties on R&D investment, finding a significant decline.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Climate change will affect the way all businesses operate. Now a US regulator wants companies to tell their shareholders exactly how

The proposed SEC rule would require all US publicly traded companies to report their climate-related financial risks, including transition risk and liability risks. This disclosure is crucial for the stability of the financial system, as seen during the Great Recession.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 13, 2022

Fixed-duration strikes can revitalize labor

New research by Cornell University ILR School tracks the rise of militant leadership in California Nurses Association, adopting fixed-duration strikes to build a more militant membership and resist concessions. The fixed-duration strike proved highly effective in protecting worker interests, imposing financial costs on employers.

SourceCornell University·JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Relations·DateOct 5, 2022