Search Results (282)

The agony of medical negligence for all involved is well documented. Health practitioners involved in harm events are described in the literature as “second victims”. Injured patients report that clinical negligence litigation is traumatic, slow, expensive, and does not meet their needs. Clinical negligence lawyers have complained that healthcare injury cases are so complex and expensive that many firms do not accept these cases. This article uses a qualitative case study research design to analyse two cases from the United States of America (US) to explore the promise of an alternative resolution process: the communication-and-resolution program (CRP). CRPs involve the hospital disclosing the healthcare injury, investigating and explaining what happened, apologising and, sometimes, offering compensation to injured patients and families. In the US, CRPs have not replaced tort law. The two case studies analysed in this article offer a rare insight into the accounts of those who have experienced clinical negligence and an alternative non-litigation approach. The case study approach delves into the detail, providing an in-depth glimpse into the complexity of healthcare injuries in their real-life context. The case studies provide valuable lessons for reshaping resolution processes to better meet injured patients’ needs. Full article

The study examines economic and non-economic endeavors to explore the association between family involvement and financial decisions within family firms. The non-economic factors of a family drive the need to analyze the impact of socioemotional factors on the financial policies of the family firms. The study explores the impact of family ownership, family management, and family control drawn from agency theory and socioemotional wealth perspectives on the financial decisions of family firms. Our findings in support of the socioemotional wealth perspective show a positive relationship between family ownership and debt financing with a desire to finance growth and avoid control dilution, with an increase in the level of debt. However, the involvement of family members in management and the top management team leads to an adverse relationship between family ownership and debt level, exhibiting the risk-averse behavior of a firm, which drives firms to reduce debt levels. Overall, our findings suggest that the perceptions of the socioemotional wealth theoretical paradigm are important in determining capital structure decisions in family enterprises. The results are resilient to potential endogeneity and heterogeneity difficulties, which may assist scholars and practitioners in assessing capital structure decisions in emerging economies. Full article

This study investigates the influence of corporate governance on reducing financial statement fraud (FSF) in Jordanian service and industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2022. To achieve this, the study employed the Beneish M-score model to assess the likelihood of FSF and logistic regression to examine the influence of corporate governance structure on fraud mitigation. The study identified 13 independent variables, including board size, board director’s independence, board director’s compensation, non-duality of CEO and chairman positions, board diversity, audit committee size, audit committee accounting background, number of annual audit committee meetings, external audit fees, board family business, the presence of women on the board of directors, firm size, and market listing on FSF. The study included 74 companies from both sectors—33 from the industrial sector and 41 from the service sector. Primary data was collected from financial statements and other information published in annual reports between 2018 and 2022. The results of the study revealed a total of 295 cases of fraud during the examined period. Out of the 59 companies analyzed, 21.4% demonstrated a low probability of fraud, while the remaining 78.6% (232 observations) showed a high probability of fraud. The results indicate that the following corporate governance factors significantly impact the mitigation of financial statement fraud (FSF): independent board directors, board diversity, audit committee accounting backgrounds, the number of audit committee meetings, family business involvement on the board, and firm characteristics. The study provides several recommendations, highlighting the importance for companies to diversify their boards of directors by incorporating different perspectives and experiences. Full article

Potassium is the most abundant macronutrient in plants, participating in essential physiological processes such as turgor maintenance. A reduction in cell turgor is a hallmark of the ripening process associated with fruit softening. The dynamic of K⁺ fluxes in fleshy fruits is largely unknown; however, the reallocation of K⁺ into the apoplast has been proposed as a contributing factor to the decrease in fruit turgor, contributing to fruit softening. High-affinity K⁺ transporters belonging to the KUP/HT/HAK transporter family have been implicated in this process in some fruits. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the KUP/KT/HAK family of high-affinity K⁺ transporters in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) was conducted, identifying 60 putative transporter genes. The chromosomal distribution of the FaKUP gene family and phylogenetic relationship and structure of predicted proteins were thoroughly examined. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the expression of 19 FaKUP genes within the fruit receptacle, with a predominant downregulation observed during ripening, particularly in FaKUP14, 24 and 47. This pattern suggests their functional relevance in early fruit development and turgor maintenance. Mineral composition analyses confirmed that K⁺ is the most abundant macronutrient in strawberry fruits, exhibiting a slight decrease as ripening progressed. Membrane potential (E_m) and diffusion potentials (E_D) at increasing external K⁺ concentrations were measured by electrophysiology in parenchymal cells of green and white fruits. The results obtained suggest a significant diminution in cytosolic K⁺ levels in white compared to green fruits. Furthermore, the slope of change in E_D at increasing external K⁺ concentration indicated a lower K⁺ permeability of the plasma membrane in white fruits, aligning with transcriptomic data. This study provides critical insights into the regulatory mechanisms of K⁺ transport during strawberry ripening and identifies potential targets for genetic modifications aimed at enhancing fruit firmness and shelf life. Full article

As we move toward a more digitalized and interconnected world, new cybersecurity challenges emerge. While most related research has focused on large companies, this study aims to fill a gap in the literature by exploring cybersecurity issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in relation to nontechnical, soft-skill, and intellectual capital aspects. This study examines the interplay between cybersecurity awareness and perception and ownership structure in SMEs in the Silesian region of Poland. Unlike the majority of cybersecurity literature, our focus is on how ownership structure influences cybersecurity perception. We surveyed 200 SMEs at random within the respective region and utilized hierarchical and simple linear regression analyses to assess the relationships between these factors and financial performance. Our results indicate that larger enterprises and those without a family-owned structure exhibit significantly greater levels of cybersecurity. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between cybersecurity and a firm’s financial performance and overall health. These findings underscore the importance of cybersecurity awareness and practices for the growth and stability of SMEs. Full article

We report the case of a 5-year-old boy from a Sri Lankan migrant family in Catania, Italy, diagnosed with a Dirofilaria repens infection in the spermatic cord. The child presented with pain and swelling in the left inguinal area. Initial evaluation suggested orchiepididymitis, which was treated unsuccessfully with amoxicillin/clavulanate and NSAIDs. As symptoms worsened, torsion of the Morgagni hydatid was considered. An exploratory surgery revealed a firm mass in the left spermatic cord. Histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed fragments of a helminth within a granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Subsequent PCR analysis detected D. repens DNA. The patient fully recovered after surgical excision of the mass. Given the increasing incidence of human dirofilariasis, D. repens should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained subcutaneous or inguinal nodules, especially in patients with a relevant travel history. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures or prolonged antimicrobial therapies. It represents one of the youngest pediatric cases with genital involvement reported in Italy, a country that accounts for half of the cases in Europe. Full article

The apple tree (Malus domestica), a member of the Rosaceae family, holds significant economic value but faces postharvest challenges, like blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum and gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. While synthetic fungicides are widely used, their limitations highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the antifungal properties of extracts from Celtis australis, Olea europea var. sylvestris, Chamaerops humilis, and Asparagus albus against these pathogens. In vitro tests assessed mycelial growth inhibition, whereas in vivo trials consisted of measurement of weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and maturity index. Moreover, the phytochemical traits of the extracts were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and HPLC. The results revealed notable antifungal activity, particularly for Celtis australis extract at a concentration of 300 g L⁻¹, which led to significant mycelial growth inhibition (61% for P. expansum and 41% for B. cinerea), a reduction in diseases’ severity (39% and 50%), and a notable decrease in diseases’ incidence (43% and 48%), respectively. Phytochemical analysis reflected the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the tested extracts. Importantly, the natural treatments helped preserve the apples’ quality during storage. Molecular docking studies further revealed that major compounds in Celtis australis extract inhibit the 14α-demethylase enzyme, a key target in fungal sterols biosynthesis. Full article

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the intricate relationship between different ownership structures, such as family, institutional, managerial, and foreign ownership, and tax avoidance practices. It also seeks to explore the moderating influence of female board members in shaping these relationships. This study utilizes balanced panel data from 72 industrial and service firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange during the period of 2018 to 2023. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was employed to estimate the results. The results indicate that family and foreign ownership positively influence tax avoidance practices, suggesting that families may engage in tax avoidance to benefit from rent extraction, while foreign investors may pressure managers to manipulate tax liabilities or shift profits across countries to minimize taxes. In contrast, the presence of female directors as well as institutional and managerial ownership is associated with a reduction in tax avoidance. Female directors play a moderating role in the relationship between ownership structure and tax avoidance. Their presence in interaction with institutional ownership reduces tax avoidance by focusing on tax compliance strategies. However, this effect changes in family and foreign-owned firms, where control over decision-making lies with the families or foreign shareholders, limiting the impact of female directors in promoting compliance and aligning their role with the tax avoidance strategies preferred by the controlling owners. Full article

In emerging economies, where the legislative and economic landscapes may significantly differ from those of advanced economies, accrual-based earnings management (AEM) is especially problematic for financial disclosure and investor trust. This paper conducts a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the incentives for AEM in developing countries and to understand the evolution of the AEM domain within emerging countries. For this purpose, 312 journal articles from ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Google, and Scopus, covering the period from 2000 to 2024, were reviewed under various thematic areas. The findings highlighted multiple significant motivators for AEM within developing markets, encompassing financial distress, loss avoidance, profitability pressures, high leverage, weak corporate governance structures and processes, diverse ownership structures (such as concentrated ownership, family ownership, institutional ownership, government ownership, and insider ownership), market performance indicators, political ties, weak regulatory systems, as well as factors such as executive compensation, tenure, career retention, agency issues, investor expectations, audit quality, economic crises, and firm-specific characteristics like size, reputation, and age. This research contributes to existing knowledge by examining the motivations behind AEM in emerging economies, underscoring the need for tailored regulatory frameworks and strong governance structures and processes to address the unique challenges developing nations face. For regulators and policymakers, these findings emphasize the need for robust regulatory frameworks, more stringent auditing protocols, and improved corporate governance structures to discourage business executives from engaging in AEM practices. Full article

This study empirically examines how Big4 audit firms mediate the relationship between family-controlled enterprises and their earnings management practices. Analyzing a dataset of 61 non-financial family-listed companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2017 through 2019 reveals that family-controlled businesses and Big4 auditors are associated with lower earnings management, resulting in improved financial reporting quality. The study also shows that family-owned enterprises are more inclined to hire a higher-quality auditing firm for their financial statement assessments. Moreover, our results suggest that Big4 auditors partially mediate the relationship between family businesses and their earnings management practices. The additional tests conducted in this study highlight the significant role of family-run firms and Big4 auditors in curbing earnings management, primarily when corporate management is prone to decrease reported earnings. Robustness tests validate the reliability of the conclusions drawn from the primary findings. Our study shows that family managers align their goals with the firm and shareholders, enhancing company financial reporting integrity. Our finding also emphasizes the crucial role of Big4 auditors in minimizing intra-family agency conflicts in family firms, promoting transparency, and aligning family managers’ interests with external stakeholders. Full article

Family businesses are a significant part of the global economy, yet defining them and understanding their features remains a topic of debate. Despite the suggestion that family ownership may lead to conservative innovation strategies, recent research indicates that family businesses can embrace strategic risk in innovation. Governance of innovation in family firms is a growing area of interest, with corporate governance influencing R&D and innovation decisions. The role of CEOs in family businesses is critical for innovation strategies, with family CEOs often prioritizing long-term interests. However, research on innovation in Turkish family businesses is lacking, offering an open area for exploration. This article investigates the influence of CEO type (family vs. non-family) on product innovation, innovation management processes, strategic decision-making, risk-taking behaviors, technology adoption, and emotional attachment within Turkish family businesses. A survey methodology was employed, reaching out to Turkish family businesses with a CEO involved in product innovation. The study found that, while family CEOs exhibit a stronger emotional attachment compared to non-family CEOs, there was no significant difference in the perceived influence of CEOs on product innovation. Non-family CEOs were not significantly more likely to implement formal innovation management processes or prioritize long-term strategic goals over short-term profits. Similarly, there was no significant evidence supporting the notion that non-family CEOs are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors compared to family CEOs. The study suggests a need for further research using a larger sample and diverse methodologies to deepen understanding of family business dynamics, particularly in the context of innovation. Full article

Family businesses play a vital role in the global economy as an organizational form that has evolved over time. However, Chinese family firms generally suffer from insufficient investment in research and development. Based on panel data of Chinese listed family firms from 2008 to 2022, this study investigates the impact of government green subsidies on family firms’ green innovation, along with the heterogeneity of such effects under different scenarios. The results show that government green subsidies significantly promote both strategic and substantive green innovation. The moderating effect analysis reveals that economic policy uncertainty weakens the baseline effect. Further analysis confirms that the positive impact of green subsidies is achieved by alleviating firms’ R&D funding constraints. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that green subsidies have a stronger effect on non-heavily polluting firms; they promote substantive green innovation more effectively in firms with low managerial green cognition, and strategic green innovation in those with high cognition. Additionally, the effects vary across the firm life cycle: green subsidies enhance strategic green innovation during the growth and maturity stages, and substantive green innovation during the growth and decline stages. This study reveals the mechanisms through which government green subsidies affect green innovation in family firms and offers policy implications for promoting sustainable development in the family business sector. Full article

The innovation behavior of family firms has long been a focal point in both academic research and practical applications. Based on the socioemotional wealth theory, this study aims to empirically analyze the differences in exploratory innovation between family and non-family firms while exploring how internal and external environmental factors, namely overperformance duration and industrial competition, moderate this relationship. We conducted an empirical analysis using data from manufacturing firms listed on China’s A-share market from 2009 to 2018. The results indicate that family firms exhibited a lower propensity for exploratory innovation compared to that of non-family firms. Furthermore, the negative relationship between family firms and exploratory innovation was more pronounced in relaxed internal environments characterized by overperformance duration, while this negative relationship was alleviated in urgent external environments marked by intense industrial competition. This study contributes a fresh perspective to the literature on family firm innovation and provides valuable insights for policymakers and family firm managers seeking to enhance innovation competitiveness. Full article

Mexico is the center of origin and the leading exporter of papaya (Carica papaya) to the United States of America and Canada. The changes in the fruit’s firmness during ripening result from the action of several enzymes implicated in the synthesis/hydrolysis of cell wall polysaccharides. A vast family of genes encodes xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) enzymes, which act on cellulose-bound xyloglucan bonds. There are few reports on the action of the XTH6 and XTH23 genes; therefore, their participation in the fruit development and maturity processes has yet to be fully known. The expression levels of the CpXTH6 and CpXTH23 genes, and their correlation with firmness, at different stages of development and ripening of the C. papaya fruit were determined in this work. The CpXTH6 and CpXTH23 genes reached their highest expression level during fruit development. These results suggest that these genes are activated in papaya mainly during fruit development to encode the enzymes that allow cell growth and maintain fruit firmness. These findings could be used to target papaya breeding texture quality and the speed of fruit growth. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between private family control (excluding state and royal) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance among publicly listed firms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), focusing specifically on the moderating role of firm age. Employing multivariate POLS regression analysis on data from 2016 to 2021 and controlling for established firm-specific variables, we find a robust negative association between private family control and ESG performance, consistent with Socioemotional Wealth (SEW) perspectives where family-centric goals may override broader stakeholder interests. Critically, our results demonstrate that firm age significantly and positively moderates this negative relationship; the detrimental impact of family control on ESG performance attenuates considerably as family firms mature. This attenuation likely reflects the development of sophisticated governance structures, a heightened focus on long-term reputation and SEW preservation, and potential generational shifts towards sustainability values within older firms. Providing the first empirical test of this age moderation effect within the under-researched GCC context, this research extends SEW theory by highlighting the dynamic evolution of family firm sustainability engagement over the lifecycle in a non-Western setting and contributes novel insights to the accounting literature. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies and interventions to foster ESG adoption, particularly among younger private family firms in the GCC, offering valuable insights for regulators, investors, family business owners, and practitioners aiming to foster responsible sustainability practices. Full article