Quality Benefits Research Articles

Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: An Updated Review.

Treatment strategies for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome have evolved in tandem with increased comprehension of FAI's impact on hip joint health. Early intervention, including arthroscopic surgery, has gained popularity due to its potential to delay the progression of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic surgery has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating FAI syndrome, with robust evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its use. Despite arthroscopic surgery's success, complications and reoperations are not uncommon. The incidence ranges from 1% to 31% and 4% to 13%, respectively. Adjunctive biologic treatments, such as bone marrow aspirate concentrates and platelet-rich plasma, have shown promise in chondral lesion management. However, robust evidence supporting their routine use in FAI syndrome is currently lacking. Among conservative treatment methods, intra-articular injections offer diagnostic and therapeutic benefits for FAI patients. While they may provide pain relief and aid in prognosis, their long-term efficacy remains a subject of debate. Comparative studies between conservative and arthroscopic treatments highlight the importance of personalized approaches in managing FAI syndrome. In conclusion, recent advancements in FAI syndrome management have illuminated various treatment modalities. Arthroscopic surgery stands as a pivotal intervention, offering substantial benefits in pain relief, function, and quality of life. However, careful patient selection and postoperative monitoring are crucial for optimizing outcomes. Adjunctive biologics and intra-articular injections show promise but require further investigation. Tailoring treatment to individual patient characteristics remains paramount in optimizing FAI syndrome management.

Regulatory quality and corporate leverage: Evidence from a large international sample

Corporate leverage is strongly related to firm characteristics. However, this relationship varies across country-level institutions. In this study, we investigate whether country-level regulatory quality indirectly affects corporate leverage by moderating the effects of firm-level determinants of capital structure. Using a sample of 46,184 firms from 70 countries, we show that regulatory quality mitigates the positive influence of firm size and asset tangibility on leverage, while the negative influence of growth opportunities, R&D intensity, and profitability is similarly moderated. These results highlight the benefit of robust regulatory quality in facilitating the access to debt financing of small, R&D-intensive, and growth-oriented firms with few tangible assets.

Advances in symptom management and in monitoring disease progression in motor neuron disease.

The aim of supportive management of motor neuron disease is to improve survival, promote good quality of life and patient independence and autonomy whilst preparing for future progression and the end of life. Multidisciplinary specialist care aims to address the multifaceted and interacting biopsychosocial problems associated with motor neuron disease that leads to proven benefits in both survival and quality of life. This chapter will explore principles, structure and details of treatment options, and make recommendations for practice and for future research.

Impact of integrating pest and pollinator management training on knowledge, perceptions, and livelihoods of avocado farmers in Kenya

Abstract Synthetic pesticides reduce pest populations but also beneficial organisms like pollinators, thereby threatening the productivity of pollination-dependent crops such as avocados. Through the novel concept of integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM), the negative effects of pest control on pollinators are mitigated, leading to synergistic benefits for crop yield and quality. In this study, we investigated the impact of IPPM training on farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and management of avocado pests, changes in the size of avocado orchards, avocado losses due to insect pests, expenditure on pesticides, and income. We compared farmers using IPPM against those using each component in isolation (integrated pest management (IPM) or pollination services (PS) through beehive supplementation (PS)) and a control group that used conventional practices without PS. We utilized 2 rounds of panel data obtained from avocado growers from Murang’a County, Kenya, and employed difference-in-difference (DiD) and multinomial logistic regression models. The results indicate that individuals utilizing IPM demonstrated notable enhancements in their perceptions of avocado pests, pollinators, and IPPM packages in comparison to the control group. Conversely, those utilizing IPPM employed more effective pest management strategies than users of IPM only. In contrast to using IPM and PS in isolation, farmers who utilized IPPM registered a significantly higher (9.6%) increase in the proportion of household annual income from avocado farming compared to the control group. Our findings further show that farmers who received training were more likely to adopt IPM, PS, and IPPM practices. We recommend wide promotion of IPPM to enhance avocado production and livelihoods of smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effects of Radio-Taiso on Health-related Quality of Life in Older Adults With Frailty: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Radio-Taiso, a long-standing exercise program in Japan, could be a sustainable public health strategy for maintaining quality of life (QoL) in older adults with frailty. This study aimed to investigate whether Radio-Taiso provided greater benefits for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to identify the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness in this population. A 12-week randomized controlled trial enrolled 226 older Japanese adults with pre-frailty or frailty, assessed using the modified frailty phenotype. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (Radio-Taiso + nutrition program) or control (nutrition program) groups. The Radio-Taiso program comprised five 60-min group sessions and daily practice at the participants' homes. The primary outcome was the change in the mental domain of HRQoL, assessed using the SF-36®. The secondary outcomes included six physical fitness items and exercise self-efficacy. Overall, 104 and 105 participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively, were analyzed based on the intention-to-treat principle. The median daily practice rate of Radio-Taiso was 94.1% (interquartile range, 73.2-98.8%). Although general linear models adjusted for baseline values and allocation stratification factors showed that the intervention group obtained greater benefits (adjusted mean differences) in the up-and-go (0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1 to 0.6 s), 2-min step-in-place (-3.2; 95% CI, -6.2 to -0.2 steps) tests, and exercise self-efficacy scale (-1.4; 95% CI, -2.6 to -0.1 points) than the control group, there were no group differences in changes in the mental domain score of HRQoL. Radio-Taiso provided greater benefits for agility/dynamic balance, aerobic endurance, and exercise self-efficacy in older adults with frailty; however, these changes do not improve HRQoL.

Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate for the use of ovulation suppression in in vitro fertilization: a cohort trial

To broadly assess the efficacy of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for ovulatory suppression during in vitro stimulation (IVF) when compared to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles DESIGN: Cohort Trial SETTING: A single academic-affiliated private fertility practice SUBJECTS: Patients of all diagnoses aged 18-44 years undergoing autologous IVF for fertility treatment between 2020-2023 EXPOSURE: Comparison of MPA vs. antagonist IVF stimulation cycles MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of premature ovulation, oocyte and embryo yield, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, and logistical benefits RESULTS: Prospective data was collected on 418 patients who underwent MPA-protocol ovarian stimulation (MPA group) which was compared to 419 historical control GnRH antagonist cycles (control group). Age was similar between groups (35.6 +/- 4.6 vs. 35.7 +/- 4.8 years; p = 0.75). There were no cases of premature ovulation in the MPA group compared to a total of five cases in the control group (0% vs. 1.2%; RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-1.66). No differences were seen between number of oocytes retrieved (14.3 +/- 10.2 vs. 14.3 +/- 9.7; p = 0.83), blastocysts (4.9 +/- 4.6 vs. 5.0 +/- 4.6; p = 0.89), or euploid blastocysts (2.4 +/- 2.6 vs. 2.2 +/- 2.4; p = 0.18) in the MPA vs. control group respectively. Clinical pregnancy rate was similar between groups (70.4% vs. 64.2%; RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.72 - 1.18). There was no difference in length of IVF stimulation or dose of stimulation medications. Patients in the MPA group saved an average of $491 +/- $119 on medications, had an average of one less monitoring visit (4.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 5.6 +/- 1.1; p < 0.01), and 5.0 +/- 1.2 less injections per cycle. When adjusting for age and ovarian reserve, protocol group (MPA vs. control) did not influence having an embryo available for transfer (76.6% vs. 73.4%; adjusted RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.94 - 1.14). For ovulatory suppression during IVF cycles, MPA was effective at preventing ovulation while demonstrating similar cycle and reproductive outcomes, with the additional benefits of patient cost savings, increased convenience with decreased number of visits, and fewer injections.

Study on the control effect of Empedobacte brevis on cherry fruit fly

Abstract: Fruit fly is a major boring pest of cherry fruits during the color change and maturity period. It causes serious damage and affects the quality and economic benefits of cherry fruits. In order to clarify the control effect of Empedobacter brevis on cherry fruit fly and provide basis for guiding scientific medication use. The test adopts the conventional spray method, and uses 60g•L-1 spinetoram suspension as a control to compare and analyze the control effects of different dosages of Empedobacter brevis suspension on cherry fruit fly. The results show that on the three cherry varieties of Red lantern, Tieton and Napoleon, the control effects of Empedobacter brevis 600 times and 800 times and spinetoram 1000 times are better, and the control efficiency reaches more than 78-80%. There is no significant difference in control effects among the three, and they are safe for cherry trees. In cherry production, Empedobacter brevis can be promoted and applied as an effective biological agent to control fruit flies.

Safety of Tiger Nuts (Cyperus Esculentus L.) and Derived Products Sold in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is a tuber crop that is consumed as snack in sub Saharan African. It is known for its sweetness and numerous benefits. Despite the nutritional quality and health benefit of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) tuber crop, increased consumption integrated with the associated risk of disease to consumers is a matter of great concern because of the health practice of the harvester, consumers and vendors. Thus, if tiger nut is exposed to microbial contamination, it can impose public health treat. Contamination of tiger nut tubers could either be physical, chemical, microbial or a combination of any of them, through post-harvest processes, handling, packaging, storage and retailing. Consumption of contaminated tiger nut tubers and utilisation of the tubers to produce edible products will invariably result in contaminated tiger nut-derived products if no further treatment to reduce or completely eliminate the contaminants is applied. In order to boost the prospect of tiger nut tubers and assure safe tiger nut derived products in sub Saharan African countries, it is important to prevent tiger nut tubers and tiger nut-derived products from any form of contamination. Therefore, it is paramount to review recent research findings on contamination of tiger nut tubers and tiger nut-derived products in order to effectively implement prevention strategies. This will help to promote food safety and food security in sub Saharan African countries.

Plot Scale Evaluation of the Hydrologic and Water Quality Benefits of Blue Roofs Compared to Green and Conventional Roofs

Highlights There were no significant differences (a = 0.05) in rainfall retention between blue and green roofs. Blue roofs appear to be a viable option to green roofs when the priority is stormwater management. Blue and green roofs need to be studied on larger scales to gain more confidence in the treatment provided. Abstract. Impervious surfaces caused by urbanization alter hydrologic conditions. In ultra-urban areas (75% or more impervious), rooftop stormwater control measures (SCMs), such as green roofs, exploit underutilized rooftop space. Green roofs reliably attenuate rainwater, but associated water quality treatment results are not as consistent. This study explored the viability of blue roofs, an emerging technology, as an alternative to green roofs. Nine adjacent plots consisting of three each of conventional (control), green, and blue roofs were constructed in Raleigh, NC. As a part of hydrology monitoring, on-site rainfall was measured using a tipping bucket and verified using a manual gauge. Water quantity data were collected using water level loggers in storage bins placed under the roof plots to record outflow. Measured rainfall retention was similar for blue and green roofs, and both systems were significantly (a = 0.05) and substantially (50%) more retentive than control roofs. A comparison of evaporation rates suggested blue roofs may be more effective at regenerating storage capacity than green roofs. Thirteen water quality events were sampled, and the mean total nitrogen (TN) concentration from the green and blue roofs was 5.83 and 2.18 mg/L, respectively. Similarly, the mean total phosphorus (TP) concentration from the green and blue roofs was 2.75 and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. Total suspended solids (TSS) data were collected, but seven of 13 samples were below the practical quantitation limit (2.5 mg/L), and the data were not statistically analyzed. Total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), TP, and orthophosphate (O-PO4 3-) concentrations from green roof treatments were significantly (a = 0.05) larger than concentrations from blue roofs. Except for nitrate/nitrite nitrogen (NO2,3-N), there were no significant differences between blue and control roof pollutant concentrations. However, green roofs often discharged substantially higher pollutant loads than control roofs for every pollutant other than NO2,3-N and total ammonical nitrogen (NH3-N). While blue roofs may lack the aesthetic appeal of green roofs, this study suggests blue roofs are a relatively cost-effective option, likely preferable, when solely focused on the benefits of stormwater management from rooftops. Keywords: Blue roofs, Conventional roofs, Green roofs, Hydrology, Monitoring, Stormwater control measures, Water quality.

Formulation, Nutritional and Sensory Evaluation of Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour) Noodles with Latoh (Caulerpa lentillifera) Addition

Instant noodles gained widespread popularity, resulting in a surge in global wheat consumption. However, concerns about the health implications of wheat-based products spurred the need for alternative ingredients in noodle production. The substitution of wheat flour with local resources, such as mocaf flour, and the enrichment of noodles with latoh (Caulerpa lentillifera), provided an opportunity to reduce wheat imports while enhancing the quality and potential health benefits of noodles. This study aimed to determine the optimal formulation, assess the characteristics, and evaluate the functional properties of wheat noodles that were substituted with mocaf flour and supplemented with latoh. The formulation of these noodles was conducted using design expert. The research encompassed a comprehensive analysis of physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties. The presence of latoh, in terms of chemical characteristics, increased the water and protein content in the noodles. On the physical side, it increased the final viscosity, setback, peak time, and elongation, as well as reduced the peak viscosity and breakdown. Meanwhile, the presence of mocaf increased carbohydrate content, peak viscosity, and breakdown value. The variations in noodle formulas only affected consumer acceptance of the appearance of the noodles; the noodle formula 99:1 (Mocaf:Latoh) had the most preferred appearance. Based on the sensory test parameters, the elongation value, and the tensile strength, noodles with optimal formulas were obtained, namely mocaf 63%, wheat 36% and latoh 1%. The optimum formula was similar to sample 10 (60:39:1) which exhibited characteristics such as a bright color, a rather smooth appearance with no cracks, a very soft mouthfeel, a bit springiness and elasticity, and a slightly non-sticky texture to the teeth without a fishy aroma. The essential and non-essential amino acids with the highest concentration contained in the Mocaf Noodles’ optimum formula were glutamate and leucine. Mocaf noodles with added latoh had low fat content but high carbohydrates and were rich in essential amino acids compared to other noodles. Additionally, they possessed sensory characteristics that were deemed acceptable by the panelists.

The air quality benefits of electric vehicles’ adoption in the short food supply chain

Concerns continue to rise about environmental sustainability and the impacts of traditional transportation systems. Exploring alternative solutions therefore becomes imperative. This paper aims to investigate the potential advantages of integrating battery electric vehicles into the agricultural short food supply chain with a specific focus on air quality improvements. In order to reach the research goal, this study gives a thorough and comparative environmental analysis based on a real-world test conducted under the EnerNETMob project financed by the InterregMed programme, in contrast to other studies that primarily relied on general parameters and simulations. This study illustrated that using an electric vehicle (EV), like the Nissan e-NV200, for short-distance transportation of agri-food products is not an environmentally sustainable solution instead of using a petrol-powered vehicle. However, as the distance travelled increases, the environmental impact of electric vehicles diminishes, surpassing that of internal combustion vehicles. This study holds significant theoretical, practical and policy implications that are worth considering.

The Effect of Website and Internet Benefit on E-Customer Loyalty in E-Commerce

Establishing e-customer loyalty in e-commerce, which is the form of commerce of our age, is quite difficult compared to traditional commerce. There are many options for customers. In this context, e-commerce businesses should design their websites according to the wishes and needs of their customers to gain an advantage over their competitors. This study aims to reveal the effect of information quality, system quality, service quality, and user friendliness of e-commerce websites and the net benefit on e-customer loyalty. To examine these variables, a questionnaire was applied to 506 customers of a shopping mall in Istanbul with 8 branches. The collected data were analyzed with statistical package programs used in the social sciences. A positive and significant relationship was observed between website information quality, website system quality, website service quality, website user-friendliness, net benefit, and e-loyalty. As a result of the regression analysis, a positive and significant effect of the website's information quality, system quality, service quality, user-friendliness, and net benefit on e-customer loyalty was observed. Information quality alone does not affect e-customer loyalty. The disclosure rate of the model is 87.5%.

Unraveling the contributing factors of stale odor in Longjing tea through a sensomics approach

Longjing tea is renowned for its fresh aroma and high value. However, during storage, the emergence of an off-flavor known as “stale odor” can significantly impact the flavor quality and economic benefits of Longjing tea. Yet, the specific volatiles responsible for this stale odor in Longjing tea remain unknown. In this study, Longjing tea samples with varying degrees of stale odor intensity were analyzed using simultaneous distillation extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SDE-GC–MS). Through odor activity value (OAV) and fractional omission testing, hexanoic acid and trans-2-nonenal were identified as the primary contributors to the stale odor. Moreover, the concentration of hexanoic acid was found to be valuable in predicting the intensity of the stale odor in Longjing tea. The oxidative degradation of linoleic acid was proved as the generation pathway of stale odor in Longjing tea. These findings provide essential theoretical principles for Longjing tea production and preservation.

Review: The harvesting process and recent advances on health benefits of white tea

The meticulous harvesting process and appropriate post-harvest techniques play pivotal roles in preserving the quality and health benefits of white tea. This careful approach maintains the bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, caffeine, gallic acid, Epigallocationchin (EGC), Epigallocationchin gallate (EGCG), and Epicatechin gallate (ECG), integral to white tea's health benefits. The stability of catechin content in tea plants is greatly influenced by the environment (clone, plant age, leaf age, altitude, temperature, humidity, processing, and pH when storing dry tea). In Indonesia, the raw materials used to produce white tea are mostly pecco from the superior GMB clone Assamica variety which has high polyphenol content (14.83 – 15.43% dry weight). To increase polyphenol levels, the treatment that needs to be considered is the provision of optimum and appropriate fertilizer. The highest catechin content comes from plucking in summer and spring season. Subsequently, controlled post-harvest processes, including controlled withering and drying, safeguard the integrity of active compounds like catechins as antioxidants in white tea, mitigating free radicals and cellular damage. The highest antioxidant showed from 23 hours whithered. The storage time for white tea also has an impact on quality. The content of catechins and amino acids showed a tendency to decrease with storage time. On the other hand, gallic acid increases with the length of storage. The combined effect of these phases, from harvesting through post-harvesting, contributes significantly to white tea's health benefits, encompassing cardioprotective effects, anti-diabetic potential, prevention of anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activity, neuroprotective properties, and antimicrobial attributes.

'Till Death Do Us Part: An Examination of the Impact of Unbroken Auditor-Client Relationships on Audit Efficiency and Audit Quality

SUMMARY We examine whether audit engagements where the client has never switched auditors (original auditors) are associated with different audit fee and audit quality outcomes, relative to engagements that have experienced an auditor change. We document that clients with original auditors accrue nontrivial audit fee savings. Further, we find original auditor engagements are associated with lower levels of discretionary accruals and lower likelihood of misstatements, implying higher audit quality. We also find that investors appear to recognize the audit fee and quality benefits, as these auditors receive fewer votes from investors against their ratification. These results are consistent with a reduction in information asymmetry from greater client specific knowledge with original auditors, leading to more efficient and effective audits. Finally, we document that the audit fee and audit quality benefits diminish for engagements that exceed 40 years, providing some support for the benefit of an eventual fresh look in the audit. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: G18; H83; M4.

Preoperative Imaging Evaluation of Endometrial Cancer in FIGO 2023.

The staging of endometrial cancer is based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system according to the examination of surgical specimens, and has revised in 2023, 14 years after its last revision in 2009. Molecular and histological classification has incorporated to new FIGO system reflecting the biological behavior and prognosis of endometrial cancer. Nonetheless, the basic role of imaging modalities including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography, as a preoperative assessment of the tumor extension and also the evaluation points in CT and MRI imaging are not changed, other than several point of local tumor extension. In the field of radiology, it has also undergone remarkable advancement through the rapid progress of computational technology. The application of deep learning reconstruction techniques contributes the benefits of shorter acquisition time or higher quality. Radiomics, which extract various quantitative features from the images, is also expected to have the potential for the quantitative prediction of risk factors such as histological types and lymphovascular space invasion, which is newly included in the new FIGO system. This article reviews the preoperative imaging diagnosis in new FIGO system and recent advances in imaging analysis and their clinical contributions in endometrial cancer. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Application of Industrial-Scale Lithium Sulphate Electrolysis in Battery Recycling

As the world charges towards electrification and sustainable transportation, it is critical that the entire supply chain is equally sustainable. Industrial processes must be tailored towards circular processes in which emissions and effluents to the environment are minimized, if not eliminated altogether. When it comes to the production of battery grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate, a critical component of lithium ion batteries (LIBs), and the recovery of the lithium in spent LIBs. NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc (NESI) has developed electrochemical technologies in which effluents are greatly reduced.NESI has developed a flexible, multi-compartment industrial electrolyser for salt splitting (NORSCAND®) applications including electrolysis of lithium sulphate to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide (LHM). This electrolysis step can be used for the initial production of LHM or for recovering the LHM from recycling LIBs. In either case sulphuric acid is a by-product of the electrolysis process and it can then be recycled for dissolution of black mass in battery recycling processes or for e.g. SX regeneration. In both cases the incorporation of electrolysis in the flowsheet eliminates effluent streams.This presentation will outline the product quality and environmental benefits of electrolysis applied as part of a battery recycling flowsheet. It will outline the approach to electrolyser scale-up and present test and performance data from industrial-scale application. Figure 1

VETERAN DIRECTED CARE: A MIXED METHODS STUDY TO INFORM SELF DIRECTED CARE PROGRAM EXPANSION FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)

Abstract The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is shifting from institutional to Home and Community Based Services, such as the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program, a self-directed program in which Veterans choose services and employ their providers to avoid or delay long-term institutionalization. The VA plans to expand VDC to all VA facilities by FY2026, but factors affecting VDC expansion are poorly understood. We focused on facilitators and barriers in the seven Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 VDC programs between May 2022 and January 2023 to inform program expansion. We used a mixed-methods approach, with surveys followed by semi-structured interviews with VA VDC staff, their partners at Aging and Disability Network Agencies (ADNAs) and VISN 8 leadership, such as lead program coordinators, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to guide the project rapid analysis techniques. We found substantial variability in the structure, size, and operations of the VDC programs reflecting challenges noted by respondents. VA staff were consistently enthusiastic about VDC’s quality benefits for Veterans, however, they recommended additional staff, a dedicated VDC coordinator, and a national guidebook or standard operating procedures to streamline processes. Respondents also noted the need for more program education targeting referring providers. Unique local challenges, like the lack of available caregivers or no local ADNA, and limited local leadership support were other factors noted that could limit expansion. Importantly, Veterans were often overwhelmed by the employer responsibilities they needed to fulfill. Addressing these concerns remains a challenge to VISN 8 and national leadership.

The Impact of Credit Market Development on Auditor Choice: Evidence from Banking Deregulation

ABSTRACTWe exploit the staggered state‐level adoption of the Riegle‐Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (IBBEA) to examine how banking deregulation and the resulting increase in bank competition affect firms’ auditor choices. We find that an exogenous increase in the degree of interstate branch banking deregulation leads to a reduction in firms’ propensity to engage a Big N or industry expert auditor. This main result, when combined with our cross‐sectional analyses, offers evidence suggesting that deregulation leads to less demand for higher quality auditors because (1) firms have increased access to credit, which reduces the benefits of higher audit quality; (2) entering banks’ lending expertise substitutes for higher quality financial statements; (3) incumbent banks with less lending expertise seek to protect their rents by preferring that borrowers provide lower quality financial statement information; and (4) external stakeholders delegate their monitoring to banks to a greater degree, resulting in less demand for higher quality financial statements. As such, our study sheds light on how the U.S. credit market's infrastructure shapes firms’ auditor choice decisions.

Measuring the Benefits of the Skill Academy’s Online Training Platform

The research purpose is to prove the truth of an internal survey of 96,406 users of the Academy Skills platform. The results of the survey stated that after participating in the training the user felt an increase in skills. Verification of the correctness of the survey uses a combination of the Delone and McClean (DM) models and the Technology-to-Performance Chain (TPC) model which has 5 constructs: System quality, information quality, service quality, task-Technology Fit, and Net Benefit. The method used in this study is a quantitative method through the development of identified constructs. Quantitative data was obtained from a questionnaire distributed to 96 respondents using the Skill Academy platform. The result of this study is that the constructs of system quality, information quality, and service quality have a positive effect on task-technology fit, and the task-technology fit construct has a positive effect on net benefits. In other words, the skills academy platform has quality systems, information, and services that allow tasks to be accommodated so that the impact is beneficial for users.