Earnings management and investor protection during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from G-12 countries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the inter-relations among the strength of investor protection institutions, earnings management (EM) and the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach As a proxy for EM, the authors use discretionary accruals measure, estimated using the modified Jones model (1991). As a proxy for the strength of investor protection institutions, the study uses the Investor Protection Index, extracted from the Global Competitiveness Reports. The sample consists of 5,519 firms listed in the Group of Twelve countries during 2015–2020. Findings The study shows that firms tend to engage less in EM during the pandemic period. The authors also find a significantly negative relation between the strength of investor protection institutions and EM practices, and interestingly, this negative relation was found to be more pronounced during the pandemic period. Research limitations/implications For investors and practitioners, the findings help get insights into the behavior of firms in response of the pandemic shock in countries with solid institutional and legal protection. For policymakers, the findings reaffirm the critical role that institutional incentives and reforms can play, in influencing firms to exert more efforts to promote their financial reporting quality. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, the study is one of the first attempts to examine the link between EM practices and investor protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings extend both the literature on the role of institutional factors in promoting the earnings quality and the literature on COVID-19’s effect on firm performance and practices.

Parametric Characterization and Analysis of Pounding Behavior Adjacent Multi-Storied Buildings of Varying Heights

Many past earthquake studies show that during strong vibrations, the adjacent building structures which are closely spaced to each other are vulnerable to severe damage when the adjacent buildings are not at an adequate distance to accommodate their relative displacements. The primary goal of this research is to find out the minimum separation gap between buildings of varying height at the same floor-to-floor height level. SAP 2000 software is used to analyze the structural behavior of building during the earthquake.Three building models are taken for the study, one is six floors (G+6) and another two are nine floors (G+9), and twelve floors (G+12) respectively. Six floors (G+6)& twelve floors (G+12) structures have the same floor to floor height and plan and same beam and column size (equal stiffness) and G+9 buildings have floor to floor height are same but different beam and column sizes (different stiffness). The linear dynamic (RSA) analysis method is used to calculate the response (Displacement, frequency at fundamental time, Base Shear) of the structure at different floors levels. Response (top story displacements) calculated from the response spectrum is compared with the provisions of seismic gap per story height given in IS 4326: 2005.

Seismic Analysis and Comparative Study of Brick Wall, Shear Wall and Bare Frame on G+12 High Rise Building

Today, larger part of designs around us are built up concrete cement (RCC) outlined constructions. To forestall harm because of quake there is a need to foster powerful procedure to expand the strength and flexibility of elevated structures. Shear wall are steadier and more pliable and thus can bear more even loads. In this paper, we have proposed a relative report between block facade, shear divider and uncovered casing by using ETABS programming. This review is essentially centered around seismic conduct of G+12 building. The outcomes are talked about as far as base shear, sidelong relocation, story float, story solidness and normal period for every one of the three models. We find that shear wall has least parallel uprooting and least time span when contrasted and block facade and uncovered edge. Likewise, we track down that the shear divider model is more adaptable because of lesser float when contrasted and different models. The upsides of removal and float for shear wall is likewise not as much as block facade since the tallness of the structure increments. Keywords: shear wall, bare frame, Response spectrum, Earthquake, ETABS

Thickness-dependent in-plane anisotropy of GaTe phonons

Gallium Telluride (GaTe), a layered material with monoclinic crystal structure, has recently attracted a lot of attention due to its unique physical properties and potential applications for angle-resolved photonics and electronics, where optical anisotropies are important. Despite a few reports on the in-plane anisotropies of GaTe, a comprehensive understanding of them remained unsatisfactory to date. In this work, we investigated thickness-dependent in-plane anisotropies of the 13 Raman-active modes and one Raman-inactive mode of GaTe by using angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy, under both parallel and perpendicular polarization configurations in the spectral range from 20 to 300 cm−1. Raman modes of GaTe revealed distinctly different thickness-dependent anisotropies in parallel polarization configuration while nearly unchanged for the perpendicular configuration. Especially, three Ag modes at 40.2 ($${\text{A}}_{\text{g}}^{1}$$ A g 1 ), 152.5 ($${\text{A}}_{\text{g}}^{7}$$ A g 7 ), and 283.8 ($${\text{A}}_{\text{g}}^{12}$$ A g 12 ) cm−1 exhibited an evident variation in anisotropic behavior as decreasing thickness down to 9 nm. The observed anisotropies were thoroughly explained by adopting the calculated interference effect and the semiclassical complex Raman tensor analysis.

Rotavirus Genotypes in Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Nigeria had planned to introduce the rotavirus vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme in 2014, but this has yet to be done. Nigeria has the continent's highest mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases with little information on specific, prevalent genotypes. Aim: The study's main objectives were to identify the predominant rotavirus genotypes and examine the effects of existing local vaccination programs on prevailing rotavirus genotypes and on preventing rotavirus diarrhoea. Methodology: A one-year prospective descriptive study of children under 5 with acute diarrhoea was conducted from June 2018 to May 2019. Children with acute diarrhoea attending Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja. Children without diarrhoea were also recruited as a control group. Rotavirus ELISA and RNA extraction were done with commercially available kits, and positive samples were subjected to RT-PCR and electrophoresis to determine VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) genotypes. Results: Rotavirus-ELISA was positive among 231 (17.8%) children with diarrhoea and 29 (2.2%) of controls, with November, December. The predominant VP7 genotypes was G1 (n=116, 50.2%) followed by G9 (n=66, 28.5%). Viral Protein, VP4 (P) was mostly P [8] (n=143, 74.8%) followed by P [4] (n=21, 10.9%). The predominant genotype combinations found were G1 P [8] (n=108, 46.7%), G9 P [8] (n=62, 26.8%), and G2 P [4] (n=18, 7.7%). Very few mixed infections were found in the study, 2 (0.8%). Among 94 unvaccinated children with rotavirus isolates that were genotyped, G1 P [8] (n=88, 49.4%) and G9 P [8] (n=43, 24.1%) were predominant. Among 32 vaccinated children, G1 P [8] (n=13, 40.2%) and G9 P [8] (n=9, 28.1%) were predominant. Conclusion: The emergence of new genotypes such as G 12 P [4] found in this study emphasize the need for continued prospective monitoring of rotavirus at the molecular level to detect new threats to vaccine programs in future.

Effect of the functional feed PristineGoldVet on clinical and biochemical blood parameters of sables

Currently, against the background of a decrease in the quality of feed rations, the use of protein hydrolysates is a certain novelty in fur farming. PristineGoldVet functional food is a natural product obtained by vacuum lyophilization. With systematic use, it has a regulating effect on clinical blood parameters, optimization of homeostasis, biochemical reactions and physiological functions in the body of animals through the normalization of the microecological status. It contains (in 100 g): 19 amino acids: alanine – 5.16 g, asparagine – 6.75 g, arginine – 8.15 g, serine – 3.45 g, tyrosine – 2.27 g, proline – 1.17 g, cysteine – 1.06 g, ornithine – 0.07 g, glycine – 3.53 g, glutamine – 11.74 g, valine – 2.59 g, threonine – 4.32 g, isoleucine – 4 , 17 g, leucine – 7.12 g, methionine – 2.97 g, lysine – 8.76 g, phenylalanine – 3.69 g, tryptophan – 1.09 g, histidine – 1.71 g; 12 vitamins: B1 – 32 mg, B2 – 1100 mg, B3 – 1652 mg, B5 – 5200 mg, B6 – 38 mg, B9 – 84 mg, B12 – 1.6 mg, C – 2400 mg, D3 – 4 mg, E – 1100 mg, K – 150 mg, H – 4 mg; 10 microelements: potassium – 261 mg, calcium – 41.5 mg, phosphorus – 280 mg, magnesium – 15.8 mg, sodium – 20.3 mg, manganese – 3.5 mg, zinc – 1.9 mg, iron – 13.6 mg, nickel 0.1 mg, copper 0.1 mg. The article presents the results of studies of the dynamics of changes in hematological and biochemical blood parameters in clinically healthy sables when using the functional food "PristineGoldVet" aimed at maintaining the functions of the digestive and endocrine systems, improving the quality of fur and increasing the gain in live weight of young animals. When using a protein hydrolyzate, it was established: an increase in the content of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and albumin fraction and a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In addition, an increase in live body weight was observed in animals. It has been proven that the use of PristineGoldVet functional food in the diets of sables can increase their feed value, which has a beneficial effect on digestion indices.

POS0626 MONEY MATTERS: ASSESSING THE VALUE OF THE ADALIMUMAB BIOSIMILAR SWITCH FOR RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENTS

Background:The adalimumab biosimilar switch plan, actioned 2018-19 was one of the most complex of all biologic switches across several specialties. Non-medical switches are considered to ensure the best value medicines are prescribed for patients in line with NICE Technology Appraisals.Objectives:This 2 year follow up review explores the value of the switch for Rheumatology (R) patients in comparison to two other major specialisms; Dermatology (R) and Gastroenterology (G).Methods:403 homecare (HC) patients had been identified as eligible for switch to a citrate containing biosimilar (R;189, G;176, D;38) between April-December 2019. 35 hospital FP10 patients receiving the citrate-free originator biologic were also identified for switch to the citrate containing biosimilar and prescription processing via HC (R; 24, G; 9, D;2). Biosimilar switch information was communicated via patient letters/clinic reviews. FP10 patients also received remote pharmacist telephone support, as part of a PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) quality improvement pilot. Data in regard to switch refusal, treatment cessation, withheld treatment and patient satisfaction ratings for pharmacist phonecalls (1 = unsatisfactory, 5=very satisfied) was documented.Results:235/403 HC patients successfully switched (R;99, G;107, D;29). 64/403 HC patients switched back to the originator (R;47, G;12; D;5). Of the 64 switch back HC patients; 52% = reported lack of efficacy; 27% = injection site pain and 21% = various other factors such as blepharitis, insomnia and hair loss. 38/403 HC patients refused the switch and remained on the originator biologic (R;11, G;27, D;0). 31/403 HC patients switched to an alternative biologic (R;19, G;9, D;3). 32/403 HC patients stopped treatment (R;13, G;19, D;0). Treatment was withheld for 3/403 HC patients (R;0, G;2, D;1). 100% of FP10 patients switched to HC. 31/35 FP10 patients switched to the biosimilar (R; 22, G; 7, D; 2). 3/31 patients switched back to the originator due to lack of efficacy or side effects. 4 patients refused the switch to biosimilar (R;3, G;1, D;0). 89% of patients were very satisfied with the pharmacist telephone support.Conclusion:In summary, 58% of all eligible HC patients switched in comparison to 89% of FP10 patients who received pharmacist telephone support; total cost saving following HC and FP10 switch = £270,000. Rheumatology demonstrated the least success in HC switching (52%) and the highest HC switch back figure (25%). Injection site pain and subjective lack of efficacy appear to be the main reasons for ongoing switch backs. The PDSA project demonstrates that a thorough pharmacist assessment of patient concerns in rationalising the use of a biologic agent versus biosimilar can be valuable for patients. Further cost effective adalimumab biosimilars have recently been launched. This seminal review emphasises the ongoing need for robust critical appraisals of biosimilars, with consideration for both clinical and cost effective parameters, before establishing their placement in treatment pathways.Acknowledgements:Mark Easter, UHCW and Interim Integrated Care System Chief Pharmacist, Hardeep Bagga, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, UHCW Pharmacy Homecare Team and UHCW Specialist Rheumatology, Gastroenterology and Dermatology Clinical Teams.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

180 Are Sleep Education Programs Equitable? A Meta-Analysis on Sleep Knowledge and Behaviors Across Gender and Racial/Ethnic Groups

Introduction Female and under-represented minority students (URMs) disproportionately experience sleep disturbances. Such sleep disparities may contribute to health disparities and academic achievement gaps. A potential solution is to improve sleep quality via education-based sleep interventions, but it remains unclear whether such interventions produce equitable sleep outcomes across gender and racial/ethnic groups. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis on sleep education interventions in high school and college students. We requested that authors provide demographic-separated data on how the intervention changed sleep knowledge, sleep quality, and sleep duration. Data were shared from 12 of the studies that met inclusion criteria (N=964; 64.8% female; 27.6% URM). We used random-effects models and computed Hedges’ g for each demographic group for each variable/study separately. We also systematically reviewed the content of each intervention to evaluate diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity metrics. Results Sleep education significantly improved sleep knowledge (g=.82, p<.001) and sleep quality (g=.14, p=.01), but not sleep duration (g=.12, p=.28). Pre-to-post change scores indicated that the sleep education intervention was similarly effective for sleep knowledge across males (g=.80, p=.01) and females (g=.76, p=.002); sleep knowledge also similarly improved in White/Caucasian students (g=.94, p=.002), Asian students (g=.85, p=.08), and URM students (g=1.24, p=.01). Furthermore, sleep quality improved in Asian students (g=.28, p=.03), White/Caucasian students (g=.12, p=.09), and female students (g=.22, p=.008; but not males; g=.11, p=.22). Whereas URM students showed the largest improvement in sleep knowledge (g=1.24), they showed the least improvement in sleep quality (g=.07, p=.58). Systematic review of intervention content showed that 75% of interventions were individually-focused (e.g., interviews, participants selected their own goals), but only one sleep intervention was explicitly designed to be culturally sensitive and no interventions addressed financial, social, or neighborhood-level barriers to poor sleep. Conclusion Sleep education programs increase sleep knowledge in all student groups, but may not equitably improve sleep quality. Future sleep interventions will need to utilize theories of behavioral change, incorporate cultural tailoring, and address system-level financial, social, and other barriers to sleep quality in URM students. Support (if any) National Science Foundation (1920730 and 1943323)

On the unirationality of moduli spaces of pointed curves

We show that$$\mathcal {M}_{g,n}$$Mg,n, the moduli space of smooth curves of genusgtogether withnmarked points, is unirational for$$g=12$$g=12and$$2 \le n\le 4$$2≤n≤4and for$$g=13$$g=13and$$1 \le n \le 3$$1≤n≤3, by constructing suitable dominant families of projective curves in$$\mathbb {P}^1 \times \mathbb {P}^2$$P1×P2and$$\mathbb {P}^3$$P3respectively. We also exhibit several new unirationality results for moduli spaces of smooth curves of genusgtogether withnunordered points, establishing their unirationality for$$g=11, n=7$$g=11,n=7and$$g=12, n =5,6$$g=12,n=5,6.