Female directorship on boards and corporate sustainability policies: Their effect on sustainable development

We aim to explore whether board gender diversity, specifically women institutional directors, improves the sustainability development and stakeholder engagement of listed firms by affecting corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. Moreover, within female institutional directors we can differentiate between banks and insurance companies (pressure-sensitive female institutional directors) and mutual funds, investment funds, pension funds and venture capital firms (pressure-resistant female institutional directors). Thus, the effect of these categories of directors on CSR policies is also analysed. Our findings suggest that female institutional, as a whole, have a positive effect on CSR policies, the same behaviour that show pressure-resistant female institutional, while pressure-sensitive institutional do not impact on CSR policies. This research provides a new framework for the role played by certain types of female directors (female institutional directors, female pressure-sensitive directors and female pressure-resistant directors) in CSR policies and, thus, may help policymakers to promote CSR policies, and to take action to promote responsible behaviour among listed firms

Metodología basada en las TIC para la implementación de hábitos saludables y mejora de la condición física en la población universitaria

[EN] The university population is a particularly vulnerable group from the point of view of nutrition and physical condition, which increases the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. It has been seen that ICTs and TACs improve the learning of university students, so the aim is to carry out strategies based on the use of ICTs and TACs for comprehensive training, leading to the implementation of healthy habits and improved health indicators in the university population. The development of the educational innovation action was carried out in the academic year 2019-2020, in which a total of 42 students participated. The results obtained show that those students who have participated in the IIEACSA innovation action present better values in relation to body composition and physical condition, although no changes in eating habits were observed. It is concluded that the strategies carried out based on the use of ICTs and CTs for the integral and competent training of the student, has led to an adequate implementation of healthy habits and improvement of health indicators in the university population.[ES] La población universitaria es un grupo especialmente vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional y de condición física, lo que aumenta el riesgo para la salud en etapas posteriores. Las Tecnologías de: la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), o del Aprendizaje y la Comunicación (TAC), podrían ayudar a mejorar el aprendizaje del alumnado universitario al respecto. Por ello, el objetivo fue realizar una acción de innovación educativa en hábitos saludables y estudiar los cambios en los indicadores de salud en estudiantes universitarios. El desarrollo de la acción de innovación educativa fue la implementación de la investigación en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de las ciencias de la salud (IIEACSA) en el grado de nutrición humana y dietética utilizando metodologías TIC y las TAC para la formación integral. Se evaluaron los hábitos alimentarios, la composición corporal y la condición física de los estudiantes de siguieron la acción educativa y en otros estudiantes sin intervención (control). Los resultados mostraron que los estudiantes IIEACSA presentaron mejores resultados en la composición corporal y la condición física frente al grupo control, pero no hubo diferencias en la alimentación. Cabe concluir que la acción IIEACSA puede presentar mejorías en determinados indicadores de la salud de estudiantes universitarios.Martínez-Rodríguez, A.; Hernández-García, M.; Martínez-Olcina, M. (2021). Metodología basada en las TIC para la implementación de hábitos saludables y mejora de la condición física en la población universitaria. En IN-RED 2021: VII Congreso de Innovación Edicativa y Docencia en Red. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1263-1272. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2021.2021.13672OCS1263127

Is Board Gender Diversity a Driver of CEO Compensation?: Examining the Leadership Style of Institutional Women Directors

In this investigation, we aim at examining the influence of institutional female directors on CEO compensation. Specifically, we investigate the impact of institutional female directors as a whole, differentiating by whether female directors have business ties with the firms' boards on which they sit (pressure-sensitive female directors) or do not have business links (pressure-resistant female directors). We hypothesize that there is a nonlinear association, specifically quadratic, between institutional, pressureresistant and pressure-sensitive female directors on boards, and CEO compensation. Our findings show that CEO compensation decreases with low levels of institutional female directors and pressure-resistant female directors on boards, but when their presence on boards increases beyond a certain threshold, CEO compensation also increases. We also find that CEO compensation is not affected by pressure-sensitive female directors on boards. These findings support the premise that institutional female directors on boards cannot be considered a homogeneous group, but play an important role in managerial monitoring and remuneration policies, thus affecting the corporate governance system

The association between board gender diversity and financial reporting quality, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility disclosure : A literature review

Objetivo - Las empresas, los políticos, los medios de comunicación, los legisladores, los investigadores y la sociedad, en general, han incrementado su interés en cómo la diversidad de género de los Consejos de Administración impacta en las decisiones empresariales. El concepto de diversidad de género en los Consejos ha sido desarrollado porque algunos países han implementado políticas voluntarias para regular e incrementar la proporción de mujeres consejeras en los Consejos de Administración de las empresas. Por tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo es revisar la literatura previa que se ha centrado en analizar la diversidad de género del Consejo de Administración como mecanismo de buen gobierno corporativo y su efecto en algunas decisiones empresariales: calidad de la información financiera, desempeño empresarial y divulgación de información sobre la responsabilidad social corporativa. Diseño/metodología/perspectiva - Para examinar la relación entre la presencia de mujeres consejeras en los Consejos de Administración y la calidad de la información financiera, la divulgación de información sobre la responsabilidad social empresarial y el desempeño empresarial nos hemos basado en la teoría de la agencia y la de los stakeholders. Resultados - Esta revisión de la literatura previa proporciona a los investigadores una sólida estructura para que puedan identificar las ventajas y desventajas de incorporar mujeres consejeras en los Consejos de Administración con respecto a tres decisiones empresariales en particular (calidad de la información financiera, desempeño empresarial y la divulgación de información sobre la responsabilidad social corporativa). Originalidad/contribución - Este trabajo realiza una revisión de la literatura previa sobre el desempeño empresarial, sobre la revelación de información sobre la responsabilidad social empresarial y sobre la calidad de la información financiera desde 1975 hasta 2017, y contribuye a la literatura previa ofreciendo una amplia perspectiva de los principales resultados de la relación entre la presencia de mujeres en los Consejos de Administración y estas tres decisiones empresariales. Los resultados tienen implicaciones para los gobiernos, los académicos y los gerentes de las empresas. Palabras clave Gobierno corporativo, Diversidad de género, Consejos de Administración, Desempeño empresarial, Calidad de la información financiera, Divulgación de información sobre responsabilidad social corporativa Tipo de papel Trabajo de investigació

Effect of Supplements on Endurance Exercise in the Older Population: Systematic Review

Background: Ageing is associated with changes of physical and physiological parameters, but there is evidence that regular physical activity could minimize these effects. Additionally, the older population presents a great risk of suboptimal nutrition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the evidence of nutritional strategies and endurance exercises in the older population. Methods: A systematic review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The search was carried out in three different databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. Results: Eight studies were included in the present review. The use of caffeine and beta-alanine supplementation with proteins have been found to be beneficial in both sexes. In older women, a balanced diet, an increase in protein, supplementation with beta hydroxy methyl butyrate, and supplementation with sodium bicarbonate have been favorable. However, no benefit has been seen in older men with sodium bicarbonate or ubiquinone supplementation. Nevertheless, the use of supplements should be prescribed according to individual characteristics and physical activity. Conclusions: Caffeine and high protein supplement with beta-alanine may provide positive effects in the older population. In addition, in older women, bicarbonate supplementation and beta-hydroxyethyl butyrate (HMB), lysine, and arginine supplementation have shown positive effects on exercise performance

Benefits of Adding an Aquatic Resistance Interval Training to a Nutritional Education on Body Composition, Body Image Perception and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Older Women

The human population is increasing due to lengthening life expectancy, but the quality of life and health of people is moving in the opposite direction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how aquatic resistance interval training can influence body composition, body image perception and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in older women participants in a nutrition education program and to study the relation between these variables. Thirty-four participants aged 69 ± 4 years were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (aquatic resistance interval training plus nutritional intervention) and control (nutritional intervention). The intervention consisted of resistance training in an aquatic environment carried out for 14 weeks (three sessions per week; 60 min each). Body composition, body image perception and adherence to MD diet were evaluated at baseline and 14 weeks. No significant differences were found between groups regarding body image perception and adherence to the MD. There was a significant increase in muscle mass (kg) (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in fat mass (kg) (p < 0.001) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. The addition of aquatic resistance interval training to a nutritional intervention was not sufficient to change body image perception and adherence to MD but produced improvement in body composition (through an increase in muscle mass and decrease on fat mass) in older women

Anthropometric Dimensions and Bone Quality in International Male Beach Handball Players: Junior vs. Senior Comparison

Background: Beach handball is a recent team sport characterized by defensive and offensive actions on a sand surface. Scientific evidence has shown that body composition is fundamental in sports performance. The main objective of this study was to know the body composition, anthropometric characteristics, and bone mineral density of elite beach handball players. Furthermore, another purpose was to analyze the differences between categories (junior and senior) and playing position. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 36 male players (18 juniors and 18 seniors) of the Spanish National Beach Handball Team was conducted. Full profile anthropometry and calcaneal ultrasound measurements were used. Results: Significant differences between categories (p < 0.05) were found in: height, body mass, arm span, BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, bone mass, skinfolds, and body perimeters. The somatotype changes depending on the playing position. Bone mineral density of the players was adequate. No significant differences were found by playing position. Conclusions: Senior players had a better body composition due to the presence of less fat mass than junior players. This study provides reference values of elite junior and senior beach handball players and by playing positions. This data is useful for the identification of talents and players who should be trained to improve their body composition

Effectiveness of a Polyphenol-Enriched Blend on Weight Management and Metabolic Syndrome-Related Parameters in Healthy Overweight Adults

Weight loss solutions are on the rise, and there is growing interest in natural alternatives to the pharmaceuticals in the market, which are not devoid of relevant side effects. To this end, the objective of the current study was to assess the effects of a botanical-based blend comprised of lemon verbena and hibiscus extracts on weight management, body fat, appetite, lipid, and glucose profiles in an overweight population for 90 days. The volunteers presented significant weight loss in absence of diet (approximately 3 kg, −3.4% total body weight), which coincided with decreased body fat (−1.7%, equivalent to an almost 6% decrease compared to initial value). Body fat was assessed by anthropometry, electrical bioimpedance and DEXA scans. Cholesterol levels were also significantly decreased (approximately 7% decrease). Satiety assessment revealed that the product contributed to increased feeling of fullness and satisfaction after a meal compared to the placebo group, which could contribute to the weight loss observed. Blood glucose and blood pressure levels remained unchanged, which was expected as the volunteers were normoglycemic and their blood pressure was in the healthy range. In conclusion, daily supplementation of a botanical-based blend contributes to weight loss in overweight individuals in absence of diet, while not affecting other parameters that are in the healthy range. This product could be a candidate alternative or add-on to other weight loss products as part of a healthy lifestyle

Effects of Manual Therapy on Fatigue, Pain, and Psychological Aspects in Women with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by chronic widespread muscle pain and fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive disorders, and mood disturbance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a manual therapy technique performed with moderate digital pressure in women with fibromyalgia (n = 24). In this randomised, controlled trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group or placebo group. The experimental group was assisted with manual therapy sessions based on connective tissue massage, whereas the placebo group was “treated” with ultrasound sessions performed without conductive gel and with the machine turned off as the placebo. Fatigue severity scale (FSS), visual analogical scale (VAS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and profile of mood states (POMS-29) were completed before and after the intervention. In the experimental group (manual therapy), significant results were obtained on a VAS scale, referring to the neck pain in patients with fibromyalgia (p < 0.001). Correlations showed a relationship between fatigue and sleep variables (R = 0.411; p = 0.046) and pain variables with the POMS anger-hostility subscale (R = 0.436; p = 0.033). Although the size of the sample could be a limitation, the study concluded that the application of manual therapy in fibromyalgia patients performed with moderate pressure for 15 min on the posterior cervical musculature decreased the perception of pain, muscle fatigue, and the state of tension-anxiety

¿Se comportan más éticamente las consejeras que los consejeros de las comisiones de auditoría respecto a la calidad de la información contable?

In this analysis, we aim at investigating how audit committees (ACs) gender diversity impacts on the quality of financial information, calculated with the opinion that external auditors give firms in the audit report. We hypothesize that there is a negative relation between gender diversity on ACs and the likelihood of receiving a qualification with errors, non-compliance and the omission of information, and a positive association between gender diversity on ACs and the probability of disclosing qualifications with uncertainties. The results show a negative association between the proportion of women directors on ACs, the proportion of institutional women directors on ACs and ACs chaired by women and the probability of receiving qualifications with errors, non-compliance and the omission of information. Additionally, the findings also report a positive relationship between gender diversity on ACs, except for the proportion of executive women directors, and the likelihood of disclosing qualifications with uncertainties. These conclusions suggest that gender diversity on ACs enhance financial reporting quality, but the improvement depends on the type of women director making up ACs.En este análisis, nuestro objetivo es investigar cómo la diversidad de género de los comités de auditoría (CA) afecta a la calidad de la información financiera, medida con la opinión que los auditores externos emiten a las empresas en los informes de auditoría. Planteamos que existe una relación negativa entre la diversidad de género en los CA y la probabilidad de recibir salvedades con errores, incumplimientos y omisión de información, y una asociación positiva entre la diversidad de género en los CA y la probabilidad de divulgar salvedades con incertidumbres. Los resultados muestran una asociación negativa entre la proporción de mujeres en los CA, la proporción de consejeras institucionales en los CA y la presencia de mujeres presidentas en los CA y la probabilidad de recibir salvedades por errores, incumplimientos y omisión de información. Además, los resultados también evidencian una relación positiva entre la diversidad de género en los CA, excepto por la proporción de consejeras ejecutivas, y la probabilidad de divulgar salvedades con incertidumbres. Estas conclusiones sugieren que la diversidad de género en los CA mejora la calidad de la información financiera, pero la mejora según el tipo de consejeras que formen los CA