Prior Studies Research Articles

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Along Perivascular Spaces (DTI-ALPS) to Assess Effects of Age, Sex, and Head Size on Interstitial Fluid Dynamics in Healthy Subjects.

Diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) is a novel MRI method for assessing brain interstitial fluid dynamics, potentially indexing glymphatic function. Failed glymphatic clearance is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. We assessed the contribution of age and female sex (strong AD risk factors) to DTI-ALPS index in healthy subjects. We also for the first time assessed the effect of head size. In accord with prior studies, we show reduced DTI-ALPS index with aging, and in men compared to women. However, head size may be a major contributing factor to this counterintuitive sex difference.

The contribution of community service during the transition to adulthood to health in adulthood.

Prior studies have linked young people's community service to indicators of health, yet little research takes the long view by connecting youth's community service to health in the next decade of life. Using a lifespan developmental lens, this study examined community service over the transition to adulthood and uses change over time in community service to predict indicators of behavioral, physical, and psychological health at ages 35 and 40. Data were taken from Monitoring the Future U.S. national multi-cohort data spanning ages 18-40 in high school cohorts from 1976 to 1995 for age 40 (N = 4300) and 1976 to 2000 for age 35 (N = 5879). Models estimated a growth curve model for community service from ages 18 to 30 and found that the slope for community service was associated with alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, healthy behaviors, and life satisfaction at ages 35 and 40, with cigarette use at age 35 only, and with self-esteem and depressive symptoms at age 40 only. Less decline in community service over the transition to adulthood was associated with lower substance use, more healthy behaviors, and higher psychological well-being in adulthood. This study contributes evidence that community service and health are linked across the lifespan and suggests the value of examining the long-term implications of developmental change across adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

Teachers’ cognition and classroom implementation of tasks in task-supported language teaching (TSLT)

Research into language teacher cognition has expanded over the past two decades. This line of inquiry has contributed to our understanding of teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and classroom behaviors. Whereas prior studies have investigated teachers’ cognition of tasks in task-based language teaching (TBLT), to date exploring their cognition in task-supported language teaching (TSLT), particularly in the Iranian context, has received scant attention. To fill this research gap, the present study aimed to provide insights into English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ cognition of tasks and task implementation in a TSLT setting. Data were collected through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews with four Iranian EFL teachers. Findings revealed that the teachers perceived tasks as a worthwhile area for their teaching as these pedagogical tools provide learners with opportunities to practice previously taught language items orally and enhance motivation and interaction among learners. However, the participants’ cognition of tasks and task implementation were not completely aligned with the conceptualizations proposed in the literature. On the other hand, there was a relatively strong consistency between teachers’ cognition of tasks and their task implementation practices. In light of the present findings, possible implications for teacher-preparation programs in TSLT including equipping teachers with professional knowledge about tasks and task implementation are presented.

Hybrid MLP-CNN-based ground sink susceptibility prediction in urban area using underground pipe map

In urban areas, ground sinks are generally attributed to underground pipe damages resulting in leakage. Hence, it is essential to forecast ground sinks in advance because they might cause detrimental effects on infrastructure, including the roads, bridges, and railroads. Prior studies have focused on geological and topographical factors, with an inconsiderable amount of attention paid to the study of underground pipes. This study proposes a hybrid multilayer perceptron-convolutional neural network (MLP-CNN) model to predict ground sink susceptibility in urban areas using an underground pipe map. A dataset was constructed by extracting table and image data from the underground pipe map, and it was used to train the model. The test results indicated that the model could accurately predict ground sink susceptibility with an accuracy of 93.87 % and f1-score of 0.9478. Furthermore, we generated a ground sink susceptibility map (GSSM) using a trained model. The findings of this study confirmed that the hybrid MLP-CNN model is capable of reliably predicting ground sink susceptibility.

Assessment of Body Composition in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts

The primary aim of this study was to examine the body composition of young female rhythmic gymnasts and draw comparative insights from the collected data. Additionally, the results were compared with other studies that shared identical or analogous research objectives. 36 girls divided into three age groups participated in the research: Group 1 (age: 8.57 ± 0.66), group 2 (age: 10.32 ± 0.48) and group 3 (age: 12.90 ± 0.74). Body composition was determined using an octopolar bioelectrical impedance analysis device InBody 370. Among the various variables assessed, the groups exhibited statistically significant differences across most parameters, with exception of body fat (%). Our results, consistent with prior research studies, revealed that our participants also exhibited the characteristic body composition commonly observed in rhythmic gymnastics. These findings suggest that rhythmic gymnastics primarily affects body weight and the percentage of body fat tissue, while also contributing to the development of muscle mass over years of training and sports experience.

Elucidating the causal landscape: Mendelian randomization analysis of lifestyle and physiological factors in stress urinary incontinence.

To explore the potential causal links between obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and lifestyle choices (such as smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption, and vigorous physical activity) on stress urinary incontinence (SUI), this study employs a Mendelian Randomization approach. This research aims to clarify these associations, which have been suggested but not conclusively established in prior observational studies. Genetic instruments associated with the exposures at the genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10-8) were selected from corresponding genome-wide association studies. Summary-level data for SUI, was obtained from the UK Biobank. A two-sample MR analysis was employed to estimate causal effects, utilizing the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytical approach. Complementary sensitivity analyses including MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were performed. The horizontal pleiotropy was detected by using MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO methods, and the heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistics. Our findings demonstrate a significant causal relationship between higher body mass index (BMI) and the risk of SUI, with increased abdominal adiposity (WHRadjBMI) similarly linked to SUI. Smoking initiation is also causally associated with an elevated risk. However, our analysis did not find definitive causal connections for other factors, including T2D, alcohol consumption, coffee intake, and vigorous physical activity. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical strategies targeting SUI, suggesting a need for heightened awareness and potential intervention in individuals with higher BMI, WHR, and smoking habits. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices in the pathogenesis of SUI.

Retreat in order to advance: Environmental performance below legality aspiration and corporate disclosure strategy

Environmental legality threats can drive corporate environmental disclosure. Based on performance feedback theory, this paper proposes that environmental legality is an aspiration of corporate environmental performance. Firms are more likely to change environmental disclosure strategies when environmental performance falls below legality aspiration. By analyzing the impression management of the environmental section in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, we find that firms decrease pictures and tables in environmental disclosure after they receive environmental administration penalties. This change is stimulated by firms' reputation-saving motivation. The finding is different from prior studies stressing positive strategies to respond to environmental legality challenges. We also find that firms adopt positive respondent behavior, such as green innovation, when they show environmental performance in a poor presentation.

Use of a factor analysis to assess biomechanical factors of American Sign Language in native and non-native signers

Prior studies suggest that native (born to at least one deaf or signing parent) and non-native signers have different musculoskeletal health outcomes from signing, but the individual and combined biomechanical factors driving these differences are not fully understood. Such group differences in signing may be explained by the five biomechanical factors of American Sign Language that have been previously identified: ballistic signing, hand and wrist deviations, work envelope, muscle tension, and “micro” rests. Prior work used motion capture and surface electromyography to collect joint kinematics and muscle activations, respectively, from ten native and thirteen non-native signers as they signed for 7.5 min. Each factor was individually compared between groups. A factor analysis was used to determine the relative contributions of each biomechanical factor between signing groups. No significant differences were found between groups for ballistic signing, hand and wrist deviations, work envelope volume, excursions from recommended work envelope, muscle tension, or “micro” rests. Factor analysis revealed that “micro” rests had the strongest contribution for both groups, while hand and wrist deviations had the weakest contribution. Muscle tension and work envelope had stronger contributions for native compared to non-native signers, while ballistic signing had a stronger contribution for non-native compared to native signers. Using a factor analysis enabled discernment of relative contributions of biomechanical variables across native and non-native signers that could not be detected through isolated analysis of individual measures. Differences in the contributions of these factors may help explain the differences in signing across native and non-native signers.

Telehealth Delivery of the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention is Associated With Reduced Posttraumatic Stress in Children and Caregivers.

This study evaluated whether telehealth delivery of the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) was associated with posttraumatic stress symptom reduction for children exposed to potentially traumatic events and their caregivers. The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention is a brief (5-8 session), evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health treatment developed for implementation with children and caregivers in the early phase of the trauma response. Within traditional in-person outpatient settings, CFTSI has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms and reducing or interrupting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in trauma-exposed youth and their caregivers, including those with extensive trauma histories. For the present study, 9 agencies that provided CFTSI via telehealth in 2020 and 2021 provided data for analysis. The sample included 129 racially and ethnically diverse caregiver-child dyads who completed CFTSI via telehealth. Paired samples t-tests revealed significant reductions in child and caregiver posttraumatic stress symptoms from pre-to post-CFTSI. Effect sizes were large and consistent with or stronger than prior studies of CFTSI implemented in person. Preliminary findings also indicated high levels of caregiver satisfaction. Current findings are particularly noteworthy given the chronic trauma exposure in the sample. The Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention delivered via telehealth is a viable treatment option which can increase flexibility for clinicians, families, and organizations.

Evaluation of landscaping and vegetation management to suppress host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) nymphs on residential properties in Connecticut, USA.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are of increasing concern across the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae) remains the primary vector for the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner). Prior studies established that I. scapularis can be found in greatest abundance in the 1-m forested ecotone surrounding the lawn edge in residential backyards. Our study was conducted on 42 properties in Guilford, CT, and sought to expand upon this premise by determining which key habitat features were associated with increased densities of host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs. We quantified nymphal abundances in 19 different habitat types that were posited to influence densities. We determined that nymphal I. scapularis densities were greatest in forested areas closest to lawn edges with leaf litter or understory vegetation present, as well as short lawns adjacent to woodland edges. Additionally, we determined that there were no significant declines in nymphal I. scapularis density where leaf litter was removed, lawns were left unmowed, or woodchip barriers were installed. Bird feeders and woodpiles were not associated with increased nymphal I. scapularis densities. However, areas adjacent to stone walls did have nearly 3 times the density of I. scapularis nymphs present compared with habitats without stone walls. The culmination of the results from this study can be utilized to create more targeted acaricide applications rather than broadcast spraying, as well as increase homeowner awareness for areas with heightened risk for exposure to nymphal I. scapularis, which are deemed the most epidemiologically important species and stage for pathogen transfer to humans.

Supply chain design: implications for sustainability

ABSTRACT This paper aims to add sustainable dimensions to the supply chain design (SCD) literature. A systematic literature review method is adopted to comprehensively analyze the papers related to SCD and sustainability literature. This study summarises the drivers, practices, and outcomes of sustainable supply chain design (SSCD), and further investigates the factors that can help companies realise sustainability through SCD. A conceptual framework is developed to connect these two concepts. Further, this study identifies significant research gaps with potential for the future development of SSCD. This paper will help firms identify the enabling factors that promote SSCD to achieve better supply chain (SC) sustainable performance. Meanwhile, this paper extends prior studies of SCD by adding sustainable dimensions. The authors develop a conceptual model that illustrates the antecedents of SSCD implementation and how the SSCD can promote the SC sustainable performance.

Plastic and elastic biomechanical properties of anterior cruciate ligament autografts

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common orthopedic injury, occurring in roughly 68.6 per 100,000 persons annually, with the primary treatment option being ACL reconstruction. However, debate remains about the appropriate graft type for restoring the native biomechanical properties of the knee. Furthermore, plastic graft elongation may promote increased knee laxity and instability without rupture. This study aims to investigate the plastic properties of common ACL-R graft options.MethodsPatellar tendon (PT), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT) grafts were harvested from 11 cadaveric knees (6 male and 5 female) with a mean age of 71(range 55–81). All grafts were mechanically tested under uniaxial tension until failure to determine each graft’s elastic and plastic biomechanical properties.ResultsMechanically, the QT graft was the weakest, exhibiting the lowest failure force and the lowest failure stress (QT < HT, p = 0.032). The PT was the stiffest of the grafts, having a significantly higher stiffness (PT > QT, p = 0.0002) and Young’s modulus (PT > QT, p = 0.001; PT > HT, p = 0.041). The HT graft had the highest plastic elongation at 4.01 ± 1.32 mm (HT > PT, p = 0.002). The post-yield behavior of the HT tendon shows increased energy storage capabilities with the highest plastic energy storage (HT > QT, p = 0.012) and the highest toughness (HT > QT, p = 0.032).ConclusionOur study agrees with prior studies indicating that the failure load of all grafts is above the requirements for everyday activities. However, grafts may be susceptible to yielding before failure during daily activities. This may result in the eventual loss of functionality for the neo-ACL, resulting in increased knee laxity and instability.

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INTEGRATED PRACTICES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Purpose: This study aims to develop an integrated framework for Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in higher education, bridging the gap in previous research that treated them separately. Theoretical Framework: The study acknowledges the philosophical foundations and substantial overlap between TQM and CSR. However, it highlights that previous research has not adequately integrated these two practices in the context of higher education. Therefore, the theoretical framework of this research seeks to integrate TQM and CSR within the higher education context. Methodology: Employing a comparative approach, the study reviews the literature and develops a theoretical framework. The proposed integrated TQM-CSR practices are compared with the only one TQM-CSR framework generated by prior study. Findings: The significant TQM-CSR practices that are expected to enhance organizational performance were identified. The proposed mediating variable was selected to be Employees’ Performance emphasizing its importance for overall organizational success. Research Implications: This research provides practical guidance for implementing TQM-CSR practices in higher education institutions and highlights the significance of employees' performance for organizational success. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the ambiguity surrounding the integration of TQM and CSR in higher education. By developing an integrated framework and examining the mediating role of employees' performance, this research adds originality to the discourse on TQM-CSR practices in the higher education domain. The study's findings provide valuable insights for HEIs seeking to enhance their total quality and engagement with stakeholders.

A Paradoxical Study of the Influence of Underdog Expectations on Employees' Work Status

While prior studies have demonstrated that underdog expectations (UEs) can benefit or harm performance, research of whether they are detrimental or beneficial to employees' work status has not been much explored. Based on the two-mode models of self-regulation theory, the authors develop a model of the double-edged sword effect of UEs on employees' work status and their boundary conditions. Data from 357 employees showed that: (1) UEs positively affect affective rumination (AR), AR positively affects work alienation (WA) and thus mediates between UEs and WA; (2) UEs positively affect problem-solving pondering (PSP), PSP positively affects work engagement (WE) and thus mediates between UEs and WE; (3) Mindfulness moderated the relationship between UEs and AR, thereby moderating the mediating effects of AR and PSP; (4) Mindfulness moderated the relationship between UEs and PSP, thereby moderating the mediating effects of PSP. This study advances the UEs research. It also provides suggestions on how to leverage the positive effects of UEs with the alertness to mitigate its negative effects.

Healthcare providers’ use of a concise summary to prescribe for lactating patients

BackgroundMost breastfeeding individuals take at least one prescription drug, yet limited data from lactation studies are available to inform the safety of these drugs during breastfeeding. As a result, healthcare providers (HCPs) rely on available information about safety of drugs used during pregnancy or on personal experiences to inform prescribing/counseling decisions for breastfeeding individuals. To improve risk communication regarding drugs used during lactation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) in 2015, which added a narrative summary of available risk information to the lactation section of Prescribing Information (PI). Prior studies on labeling in PLLR format revealed that although HCPs found these details valuable, they regarded the narrative as too long to support decision-making during patient encounters. ObjectiveThis qualitative study's objective was to assess the utility of adding a concise summary to the Lactation subsection of PI to complement the narrative and succinctly communicate to busy HCPs a drug's risks when used during lactation. The concise summary consisted of a bolded headline, bulleted descriptions of available study findings and potential adverse reactions, and recommendations for risk mitigation. MethodsTwenty-five online focus groups were conducted with five segments of HCPs to obtain their feedback on the concise summary and discuss their prescribing/counseling decisions for four fictitious prescription drugs including one vaccine. ResultsHCPs utilized the concise summary to make initial prescribing/counseling decisions. Many also used the labeling narrative for a comprehensive benefit-risk assessment. ConclusionThe findings indicate a need to continue to improve communication about safety of drugs used during lactation, and that the concise summary may help facilitate this communication. The study also highlights the need to educate HCPs about PI limitations when clinical data are lacking and the need to encourage clinical studies to be conducted to support actionable recommendations about use of prescription drugs during lactation.

Dualities of digital services: everyday digital services as positive and negative contributors to customer well-being

PurposeThis study examines the dualities of digital services – that is, how customers’ favorite everyday digital services can positively and negatively contribute to their well-being. Thus, the study describes the meanings of favorite digital services as part of customers’ everyday lives and the types of well-being to which such services can contribute.Design/methodology/approachWe used a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews conducted in 2021 to collect data from 14 young adults (22–31 years old) who actively used digital services in their daily lives.FindingsOur findings revealed that customers’ favorite everyday digital services can contribute to their mental well-being, social well-being, and intellectual well-being. Within these three dimensions of well-being, we identified nine dualities of digital services that describe their positive and negative contributions: (1) digital escapism versus digital disruption, (2) digital relaxation versus digital stress, (3) digital empowerment versus digital subjugation, (4) digital augmentation versus digital emptiness, (5) digital socialization versus digital isolation, (6) digital togetherness versus digital exclusion, (7) digital self-expression versus digital pressure, (8) digital learning versus digital dependence, and (9) digital inspiration versus digital stagnation.Practical implicationsThese findings suggest that everyday digital services have the potential to contribute to customer well-being in various aspects – both positively and negatively – accentuating the need for service providers to decipher the impacts of their offerings on well-being. Indeed, understanding the relationship between digital services and customer well-being can help companies tailor their services to customers’ needs. Companies that prioritize customer well-being not only benefit their customers but also create sustainable growth opportunities in the long run. Further, companies can use the derived information in service design to develop marketing strategies that emphasize the positive impacts of their digital services on customer well-being.Originality/valueAlthough prior transformative service studies have investigated the well-being of multiple stakeholders, such studies have focused on services related to the physical and healthcare domains. Consequently, the role of everyday digital services as contributors to customer well-being is an under-researched topic. In addition, the concept of well-being and its various dimensions has received limited attention in previous service research. By investigating everyday digital services and their multidimensional contribution to customer well-being, this study broadens the perspective on well-being within TSR and aids in refining a more precise conceptualization.

Barriers and strategies for green investments in environmental, social and governance: a seaport companies' study

PurposeSeaports are vital in facilitating sustainable development, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors significantly impact an organization’s performance. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate barriers and strategies of green investments to promote ESG practices within the seaport sector.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfill this aim, a systematic literature review, interpretive structural modeling and the matrix of cross-impact multiplications were applied to classification analysis.Findings12 barriers were prioritized and categorized by experts in a focus group to optimize efforts and define the materiality of these barriers in implementing ESG strategies within seaport companies.Practical implicationsThe implications of this study provide an alternative approach for ESG management in the context of seaports that can be applied in different regions by experts' opinion assessment.Originality/valueNo prior studies assessed the barriers and strategies for green investments in ESG from the port sector perspective.

Psychosocial outcomes of children born via embryo donation.

What are parents' perceptions of their relationships with and the psychosocial adjustments of their children who are born via embryo donation? Families created through embryo donation have well-adjusted parent-child relationships and reassuring child psychosocial outcomes. Embryo donation is an effective and growing form of third-party reproduction, but there is limited research in this field. Prior studies suggest that families created through gamete donation function well regarding parent-child relationship quality and child behavioral and socioemotional adjustment. This is a cross-sectional survey study with 187 total participants. Parents of children born via embryo donation were recruited nationally by contacting all embryo donation programs registered with the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) as well as medically directed embryo donation or 'embryo adoption' centers. Participants completed three online Qualtrics questionnaires. The first was a survey including 33 questions on demographics, the procurement process, and self-reported obstetric outcomes. Participants also completed two standardized measures assessing children's behavior and parents' adjustment to parenthood: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ). Scoring of the SDQ and PARQ was totaled and compared to standardized values (SDQ) or previously published results on other forms of gamete donation (PARQ), such as oocyte donation and sperm donation. On the SDQ (n = 46), the average total difficulties scores by age were: 8.2 ± 0.98 for ages 2-4, 7.6 ± 0.93 for ages 5-10, and 3.5 ± 0.77 for ages 11-17; this is compared to the normal reported range of 0-13, which indicates that clinically significant psychosocial problems are unlikely. Across all ages and individual categories (emotional symptoms, conduct problem, hyperactivity, peer problem, prosocial), scores on the SDQ were within the normal ranges. The average PARQ score (n = 70) for all respondents was 27.5 ± 1.18 (range: 24-96), suggesting perceived parental acceptance. Because this study was cross-sectional, it could not capture familial relationships over time. This survey-based study design allows for potential selection bias (parents of well-adjusted children may be more likely to participate). Additionally, the overall sample size is relatively small; however, it remains one of the largest published to date. Another significant limitation to this study is the lack of generalizability: most participants were recruited from private, faith-based, embryo donation programs who are demographically similar. Though embryo donation is an established form of third-party reproduction, it is significantly less robustly studied compared to other forms of gamete donation (oocyte or sperm donation). This study provides a larger data set with a more expanded age range of children compared to the limited number of previously published studies. Furthermore, these findings indicate a high parental disclosure rate with respect to the use of embryo donation which contrasts previous findings. No external funding source was utilized for the completion of this study. No conflicts are disclosed. N/A.

Role of foreign banks in promoting financial inclusion: “A time series analysis of five permanent members of UN security council”

PurposeFinancial Inclusion is an important determinant of bringing inclusive growth which is promoted by the foreign bank entry as it increases the market competition and brings about greater outreach. Foreign Bank Entry has been considered an impediment towards domestic markets which is misunderstood. Foreign Banks not only bring higher assets but also provide credit to government-owned enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Micro Credit. Most of the developed countries have understood this phenomenon and have achieved significant financial inclusion by liberalizing their banking industry. It is essential to conceptualize and measure the magnitude of factors, determinants, and antecedents for foreign bank entry promoting financial inclusion. MethodologyAn empirical research methodology has been adopted using the Normality test, data diagnostics for Regression, Unit Root Test, Bounds Co-Integration Test, Long Run Coefficients, and ARDL to explore the determinants of the entrance of foreign banks to promote financial inclusion. Data has been taken from 5 developed countries, United Nations Security Council's permanent members with Veto Powers including (United Kingdom, United States, Russian Federation, France, and China) for 15 years from 2004–2018, making it a sample size of 75 (n = 75) for each of the eight variables under study. FindingsThe results confirm that the foreign bank entry has a significant effect at the level and 1st order difference on the financial inclusion. OriginalityThis study is the original work of the authors and is not the exact replication of any prior study; this study provides empirical evidence and discusses the literature on Financial Inclusion and Foreign Bank Entry.

Incorporating media news to predict financial distress: Case study on Chinese listed companies

AbstractFinancial distress prediction has been a prominent research field for several decades. Accurate prediction of financial distress not only helps to safeguard the interests of investors but also improves the ability of managers to manage financial risks. Prior studies predominantly rely on accounting metrics derived from financial statements to predict financial distress. Our research takes a step further by incorporating media news to enhance the accuracy of financial distress prediction. Based on the data from Chinese listed companies, seven classifiers are established to verify the additional value of media news in improving the financial distress prediction performance of models. Experimental results demonstrate that the inclusion of media news in predictive models is effective as it contributes to better performance compared with models that solely rely on accounting features. Moreover, random forest model is a reliable tool in financial distress prediction due to its superior ability to capture complex feature relationships. Evaluation indicators, statistical tests, and Bayesian A/B tests further confirm that the inclusion of media news can significantly improve the identification of financially distressed companies.