scholarly journals Board Composition, Structure, And Financial Performance: An Update

Author(s):  
Kevin Bosner

<p class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 34.8pt 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In 1998, a meta-analysis of over 60 empirical research studies concluded that there was no demonstrable evidence that either Board of Directors structure or the duality of CEO/Board Chairman roles significantly impacted corporate performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This article looks at research done since that time, in light of Enron and other corporate scandals as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the increasing diversity of corporate boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Four additional studies, including follow-up work done by the authors of the 1998 meta-analysis, are compared and contrasted. In addition, the results of direct research on twenty Fortune 100 companies is presented. Finally, suggestions for future research in terms of both topic and methodology are provided, along with this author&rsquo;s learnings from the project.</span></p>

Author(s):  
Dan Marlin ◽  
Scott W. Geiger

<p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The purpose of this study is to examine corporate board characteristics pre- and post-Sarbanes-Oxley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>More specifically, using a sample 1141 US publicly traded firms, board characteristics were identified and then changes in these characteristics were examined across the years 2001, 2004, and 2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Our analyses reveal significant changes in 8 of 10 board characteristics examined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Implications and areas for future research are discussed.</span></span></p>


2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Marlin ◽  
Scott W. Geiger

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-pagination: none; mso-add-space: auto;" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The purpose of this study is to identify and examine differences in corporate board characteristics across four industries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using a sample of 2592 US publicly traded firms, eleven board characteristics were identified and then examined across manufacturing, retail trade, finance/insurance, and services industries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our analyses revealed significant differences in each of the eleven board characteristics examined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Implications and areas for future research are discussed.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span>


Author(s):  
Zhihui Li ◽  
Min Chen ◽  
Chunzhi Tang

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of acupuncturetherapy on relapse of patients with gouty arthritis (GA). Methods: “gout ORgouty arthritis” AND “a cupuncture therapy OR acupuncture OR moxibustionOR electroacupuncture OR fire needle OR acupotomology OR blood lettingpuncture OR plum blossom needle” were used as search strategies forsearching related studies. Twenty two studies involving 2394 patient s wereenrolled in this research through the analysis of databases of CNKI, Wanfang,VIP, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Results: The results of pairwise metaanalysis and network meta analysis (NMA) indicated that patients withacupuncture therapy had a significantly lower relapse rate (RR) compared withthose without acupuncture therapy (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.16 0.26, P <0.00001); the follow up time (TFU) and serum urate concentration (SUA)before treatment had no significant effect on the reductio n of RR caused byacupuncture therapy (P > 0.05); and patients treated with acupuncture plusWestern medicine (WM) had the lowest RR (surface under the cumulativeranking [SUCRA] = 85.0%), followed by acupuncture plus traditional Chinesemedicine (TCM, SUC RA = 73.5%), acupuncture only (SUCRA = 72.8%),fourthly acupuncture plus TCM and WM (SUCRA = 33.0%), then TCM(SUCRA = 28.7%), finally WM (SUCRA = 7.0%). Conclusion: Our findingmay facilitate the application of acupuncture therapy in patients with GA. Ourresearch also offered some information for the future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 102 (9) ◽  
pp. 663-671
Author(s):  
S Davey ◽  
N Rajaretnem ◽  
D Harji ◽  
J Rees ◽  
D Messenger ◽  
...  

Introduction Evidence suggests that midline incisions should be closed with the small-bite technique to reduce IH formation. No recommendations exist for the closure of transverse incisions used in hepatobiliary surgery. This work systematically summarises rates of IH formation and associated technical factors for these transverse incisions. Methods A systematic search was undertaken. Studies describing the incidence of IH were included. Incisions were classified as transverse (two incision types) or hybrid (transverse with midline extension, comprising five incision types). The primary outcome measure was the pooled proportion of IH. Subgroup analysis based on minimum follow-up of two years and a priori definition of IH with clinical and radiological diagnosis was undertaken. Findings Thirteen studies were identified and included 5,427 patients; 1,427 patients (26.3%) underwent surgery for benign conditions, 3,465 (63.8%) for malignancy and 535 (9.9%) for conditions that were not stated or classified as ‘other’. The pooled incidence of IH was 6.0% (2.0–10.0%) at a weighted mean follow-up of 17.5 months in the transverse group, compared with 15.0% (11.0–19.0%) at a weighted mean follow-up of 42.0 months in the hybrid group (p = 0.045). Subgroup analysis did not demonstrate a statistical difference in IH formation between the hybrid versus transverse groups. Conclusion Owing to the limitations in study design and heterogeneity, there is limited evidence to guide incision choice and methods of closure in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. There is an urgent need for a high-quality prospective cohort study to understand the techniques used and their outcomes, to inform future research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 208 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeltje M. Batelaan ◽  
Adrie Seldenrijk ◽  
Mariska Bot ◽  
Anton J. L. M. van Balkom ◽  
Brenda W. J. H. Penninx

BackgroundAnxiety has been associated with new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the quality of this relationship is unclear. Only if anxiety is a causal, independent cardiovascular risk factor might it be a target for CVD prevention.AimsTo determine and examine the independent association and causality between anxiety and incident CVD.MethodPubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched up to October 2013. A review of Hill's criteria for causality and random effects meta-analysis were conducted of prospective, population-based studies examining anxiety and incident CVD in people free from CVD at baseline.ResultsThe meta-analysis comprised 37 papers (n= 1 565 699). The follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 years. Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of CVD (hazard ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.36–1.71). The risk seemed independent of traditional risk factors and depression. The evaluation of Hill's criteria largely argued in favour of causality.ConclusionsAnxiety may be of interest for CVD prevention. Future research should examine biological and behavioural underpinnings of the association in order to identify targets for intervention.


Author(s):  
Syed Ghulam Sarwar Shah ◽  
David Nogueras ◽  
Hugo Cornelis van Woerden ◽  
Vasiliki Kiparoglou

Objective: To review the latest literature on the effectiveness of DTIs in reducing loneliness in (older) adults. Data Sources: Electronic searches in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science covering publication period from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2019. Subjects: Adult men and women Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Main Outcome Measure: Loneliness. Study Selection: Primary studies that used DTIs for tackling loneliness in adults (aged ≥18 years) with follow-up measurements at least three months or more and publication in the English language. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two researchers independently screened articles and extracted data on several variables: participants, interventions, comparators and outcomes. Data was extracted on the primary outcome i.e. loneliness measured at the baseline and follow-up measurements at three, four, six and twelve months after the intervention. Results: Six studies were selected from 4939 articles screened. Selected studies included 5 clinical trials (4 RCTs and 1 quasi experimental study) and one before and after study, which enrolled 646 participants (men =154 (24%), women =427 (66%), no gender information =65 (10%) with average age between 73 and 78 years (SD 6-11). Five clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis and standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated for each trial and pooled across studies using a random effects model. The overall effect estimates were not statistically significant in follow-up measurements at three months (SMD= 0.02, 95% CI= -0.36, 0.40; P=0.92), four months (SMDs= -1.11, 95% CI= -2.60, 0.38; P=0.14) and six months (SMD= -0.11, 95% CI= -0.54, 0.32; P=0.61). The quality of evidence was very low to moderate in these trials. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions that DTIs are effective in reducing loneliness in older adults. Future research may consider RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer duration of interventions and follow-up.


2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Pedro Espada Sánchez ◽  
Ana Isabel Rosa Alcázar ◽  
Francisco Xavier Méndez Carrillo

Se presentan los resultados de un meta-análisis sobre la eficacia de los programas para prevenir el abuso de drogas con metodología interactiva, aplicados en el contexto escolar en España. Se identificaron 15 estudios independientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección, procedentes de 9 informes de investigación realizados entre 1985 y 2002. El tamaño del efecto medio global reveló que los programas son eficaces, aunque su eficacia es pequeña en el postest (d+ = 0,20), tendiendo a incrementarse en el seguimiento (d+ = 0,38). Los programas resultaron más eficaces con el alcohol que con el tabaco u otras drogas. La variable dependiente en la que obtuvieron más éxito fue en la reducción del consumo, por encima de la mejora del conocimiento y de las actitudes hacia las drogas. El componente presente en la totalidad de programas fue la información sobre las sustancias. Se discuten estos hallazgos y se señalan sugerencias para futuras investigaciones. AbstractThe study reports the results of a meta-analysis about the efficacy of interactive programs to prevent drug abuse within the school setting in Spain. 9 research reports from 1985 to 2002, were used to identify 15 independent studies which complied with the selection criteria. The global effect size revealed that school programs to prevent drug abuse are efficient, though its efficacy postest is small (d+= 0,20), tending to increase at the follow-up (d+= 0,38). The programs turned out to be more efficient with alcohol, than with tobacco or other drugs. Also the programs were more successful in reducing drug use and improving knowledge than in changing attitudes towards drugs. The component that apperared in all the programs was providing information about substances. These findings and some suggestions for future research are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo Yingjun ◽  
Chen Jiali ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Meng Yang ◽  
Ding Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Heterotopic ossification has become a common disease after CDA, which has attracted much attention. Understanding the law of its occurrence and development can provide theoretical basis for the formulation of HO prevention strategies. To acquire the objective data and the change rule of HO incidence, a meta-analysis of all available evidence was performed. Methods: A search of the literature was conducted on Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Relevant studies including incidence-relative data of HO were selected according to eligibility criteria. Results: 52 studies were eligible and finally included and the quality assessment showed a relative high score of them. The results of the analysis reminded us that the incidence of HO increased with the extension of follow-up time, both based on the number of cases and the number of segments, and the increase mainly occurred after 6 years. Grade III-IV HO showed us a positive correlation with follow-up time (R2=0.218), while Grade I-II HO did not change a lot in different follow-up time points. Conclusions: The follow-up time after CDA should be long enough, so as to ensure the true clinical results. HO occurs all the postoperative time and Grade I-II HO will gradually develop into Grade III-IV, while continuous new HO keeps the number of Grade I-II in a dynamic balance. Through this study, we can preliminarily define the relatively objective incidence and change rule of HO, which provides data basis and theoretical basis for the future research of HO prevention strategy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 297-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vic Naiker ◽  
Divesh S. Sharma ◽  
Vineeta D. Sharma

ABSTRACT: To address potential threats to auditor independence, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) requires the audit committee to pre-approve nonaudit services (NAS) procured from the auditor. However, the presence of a former audit firm partner (FAP) affiliated with the current auditor on the audit committee could undermine the audit committee's due diligence over the NAS pre-approval process. To alleviate such concerns, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved a three-year “cooling-off” period for appointing audit firm alumni as independent directors. Our analyses show that the presence of both affiliated and unaffiliated FAPs on audit committees does not lead to greater NAS procured from the auditor; rather, FAPs reduce NAS procured from the auditor. Moreover, NAS decline significantly following the appointment of FAPs to the audit committee. Further tests suggest the three-year cooling-off period may not be warranted and deserves further investigation. Our study raises important implications for regulators, policy makers, corporate boards, and future research. Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the text.


Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132098568
Author(s):  
Mark Rodgers ◽  
Mark Simmonds ◽  
David Marshall ◽  
Robert Hodgson ◽  
Lesley A Stewart ◽  
...  

This individual participant data meta-analysis is the most intensive possible evaluation of the effectiveness of early intensive applied behaviour analysis–based interventions for pre-school autistic children compared with treatment as usual/eclectic interventions. Data from 491 participants (originally collected in 10 studies) were included. Children receiving early intensive applied behaviour analysis–based interventions improved more on the Vineland adaptive behaviour scale (MD = 7.00; 95% confidence interval = 1.95–12.06) and cognitive ability (intelligence quotient) (MD = 14.13; 95% confidence interval = 9.16–19.10) relative to comparators at 2 years; though effects varied considerably across studies. Evidence for other outcomes was inconclusive due to insufficient evidence and there were few data on longer-term effects. All studies were at risk of bias across several domains, often due to the lack of randomisation or blinding of outcome assessors. Given the emerging evidence of modest, albeit short term, effects of a range of pre-school autism interventions and the limitations of the quality of evaluation studies to date, future research should investigate which supports and interventions are most effective for children and families prioritising outcomes measures that are meaningful for the autism community and longer-term follow-up. Further systematic reviews of the existing evidence are unlikely to add to the findings presented here. Lay abstract Early intensive applied behaviour analysis–based interventions are designed to support young autistic children’s learning and development. Unfortunately, the available evidence about the effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear. Several reviews have focused on the published findings rather than contacting the authors to collect and analyse data about the individual participants in the original studies. Also, most of the studies were carried out by groups involved in delivering the interventions leading to the potential bias in interpreting the results. Our research team (supported by an international advisory group) carried out an independent individual patient data review by collecting the original participant data from the authors of the studies, to examine the effectiveness of these interventions. The results suggested that early intensive applied behaviour analysis–based interventions might lead to some changes in children’s cognitive ability (intelligence quotient) and everyday life skills after 2 years, compared with standard treatments. However, all the studies had problems with the way they were designed. Also, few of the studies looked at outcomes that have been described as most important to autistic people or followed children beyond 2 years. We think that further systematic reviews of the existing evidence are unlikely to add to the findings of our review. Furthermore, we recommend that future research should investigate which types of supports and interventions are most effective for children and families, prioritising outcomes measures that are meaningful for the autism community and include, wherever possible, longer-term follow-up.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document