Auditor independence in post-reform China : a neo-Durkheimian approach

This study builds on the work of Durkheim (1915) by applying a neo-Durkheimian theoretical framework to audit failure in China following the implementation of economic reform and international auditing standards to highlight how embedded cultural norms, such as guanxi (a social network system involving the mutually beneficial and reciprocal exchange of personalised favours), limit adaptation and influence auditor independence. Specifically, this study adopts the grid-group dimensions proposed by Douglas (2003) to assist in understanding how Chinese auditors interpret their social relations based on cultural beliefs and overlaid them with characteristics of Chinese culture to demonstrate the influence of guanxi. The study is based on publicly available data focusing on the financial scandals of Yin Guang Xia (YGX) and Yunnan Green Land Biological Technology (Green Land) in China. We argue that Chinese auditing failure occurred because of socially embedded cultural values which limited thought processes and prevented adherence to formal international auditing standards. Policymakers and regulators must consider emerging economies‘ unique cultural environments when introducing economic reform. Different cultural contexts call for different interventions by a range of stakeholders to improve audit independence. The neo-Durkheimian (NDT) theoretical framework used in this study may be extended to examine auditing practices in other emerging economies across a range of cultures, and may also be relevant to other areas of professional practice

Improving Financial Capability Among University Students Using a Mobile App: Wallet$mart Project Evaluation

This report details the findings of a research evaluation conducted for UniBank (Teachers Mutual Bank Ltd) exploring the effectiveness of the Wallet$mart mobile app in improving university students' financial capability. Students undertook to trial the Wallet$mart app during 2020 at Western Sydney University, in partnership with UniBank and supported by App developer, Tangible. This report evaluates the effectiveness of the trial and makes recommendations for further development of the app prior to the app being rolled out to university students more broadly

Financial Planning Education and Regulatory Requirements: A Cross Country Comparison between Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States of America

Conflicted remuneration, corporate collapse, lack of disclosure and a range of unethical practices have served to undermine the reputation of financial advisers over the past thirty to forty years and impeded the recognition of financial planning as a profession. However, a range of education and regulatory reforms over the same period have assisted in the development of financial planning and attempted to lift the professional profile of financial advisers, particularly in the western world. This study includes a comparison of the education and regulatory requirements of four main countries: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States of America to consider how education and regulation in these countries have attempted to mitigate wrongdoings of the past and contribute to the development of financial planning as a profession. A brief history of the education and regulation requirements for financial planning in each country is reviewed, along with reforms that were introduced to improve the quality of financial advice for consumers. The focus of education and regulatory requirements was found to differ across countries, with some countries focusing on disclosure and transparency, or licensing or remuneration structures and others requiring stringent education and qualification requirements or codifying the terms ‘financial adviser’ and ‘financial planner’ in legislation. Regulations outlining a fiduciary duty requirement for financial advisers were common across countries. While there is still no universal approach to the education and regulatory requirements for financial planning, there have been some recent developments which point towards the internationalisation of financial planning and the recognition of financial planning as a discipline it its own right. However, the complexity of education and regulation in the financial planning industry means that this process is likely to take some time and will require academics, educational and professional bodies, financial advisers, industry representatives and regulators to work together on a global scale for this to be realised

Mountains, Molehills and Milestones: Participant Experiences from the WSU Mentoring Programs

This study uses a series of narratives (stories) of experiences of professional and academic staff participating in mentoring programs at Western Sydney University as either mentors or mentees in the last five years. The narratives, as prompted by open-ended questions through an online survey instrument, reflect on participants’ mentoring goals, the outcomes of the program, any challenges experienced and recommendations for future staff involved in mentoring programs at the university. In addition, the study examines the success of the mentoring program across a range of psycho-social and career development outcomes over a five-year period. The study highlights the practical implications of mentoring programs for staff and provides guidance to future participants. It also considers if there are any notable differences in the experiences of a mentoring program which may be due to demographic factors such as age, discipline, gender and years of experience. Findings suggest that proactivity, risk-taking, time management and trust are the main obstacles that mentees must overcome in order to reap the full benefits of a mentoring program. Academic mentees were found to be successful in applying for research grants, publishing research articles and substantially increasing the number of higher degree research students under their supervision. Some mentees also received awards and recognition that they attributed to being part of the mentoring program. Other less tangible benefits that were reported by mentees include improved networking skills, increased confidence and assertiveness, prioritising of work activities, and navigating ‘office politics’. Mentors participating in the study built lasting friendships with their mentees and found that being a mentor provided them an opportunity to revisit their own career and make improvements/take action where necessary. Some mentors also invited their mentees to so-supervise research students with them and to work with them on research grants and projects. Less tangible achievements of mentors included building both their own and their mentee’s confidence and contributing to succession planning for the University. The findings of this study are important for both professional and academic staff considering mentoring programs to assist in advancing their career and to higher education institutions who seek to offer successful mentoring programs for their staff. The research highlights the practical implications of mentoring programs for staff at higher education institutions and makes recommendations for future programs and participants to ensure that the programs are contributing to the developmental, career and psycho-social needs of staff from all gender groups and provide equal opportunity for all staff to advance careers through promotion and improved performance

Views from women and maternity care professionals on routine discussion of previous trauma in the perinatal period: A qualitative evidence synthesis

Background Over a third of pregnant women (around 250,000) each year in the United Kingdom have experienced trauma such as domestic abuse, childhood trauma or sexual assault. These experiences can have a long-term impact on women’s mental and physical health. This global qualitative evidence synthesis explores the views of women and maternity care professionals on routine discussion of previous trauma in the perinatal period. Methods Systematic database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, APA PsycINFO and Global Index Medicus) were conducted in July 2021 and updated in April 2022. The quality of each study was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. We thematically synthesised the data and assessed confidence in findings using GRADECERQual. Results We included 25 papers, from five countries, published between 2001 and 2022. All the studies were conducted in high-income countries; therefore findings cannot be applied to low- or middle-income countries. Confidence in most of the review findings was moderate or high. The findings are presented in six themes. These themes described how women and clinicians felt trauma discussions were valuable and worthwhile, provided there was adequate time and appropriate referral pathways. However, women often found being asked about previous trauma to be unexpected and intrusive, and women with limited English faced additional challenges. Many pregnant women were unaware of the extent of the trauma they have suffered, or its impact on their lives. Before disclosing trauma, women needed to have a trusting relationship with a clinician; even so, some women chose not to share their histories. Hearing trauma disclosures could be distressing for clinicians. Conclusion Discussions of previous trauma should be undertaken when women want to have the discussion, when there is time to understand and respond to the needs and concerns of each individual, and when there are effective resources available for follow up if needed. Continuity of carer should be considered a key feature of routine trauma discussion, as many women will not disclose their histories to a stranger. All women should be provided with information about the impact of trauma and how to independently access support in the event of non-disclosures. Care providers need support to carry out these discussions

Asking in pregnancy about previous trauma: a review of evidence

This review brings together the views of women and maternity care professionals on routine discussion of previous trauma in the perinatal period. We included 25 papers, from five countries, published between 2001 and 2022. Women and clinicians generally felt trauma discussions were valuable provided there was adequate time and resources. Women were more likely to disclose trauma when they had a trusting relationship with the clinician, but some women chose not to share their histories regardless. Hearing trauma disclosures could be emotionally difficult for clinicians. National guidelines are needed to help midwives navigate discussions with pregnant women about past traumas

Cardiomyocyte BRAF is a key signalling intermediate in cardiac hypertrophy in mice

Cardiac hypertrophy is necessary for the heart to accommodate an increase in workload. Physiological, compensated hypertrophy (e.g. with exercise) is reversible and largely due to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Pathological hypertrophy (e.g. with hypertension) is associated with additional features including increased fibrosis, and can lead to heart failure. RAF kinases (ARAF/BRAF/RAF1) integrate signals into the ERK1/2 cascade, a pathway implicated in cardiac hypertrophy, and activation of BRAF in cardiomyocytes promotes compensated hypertrophy. Here, we used mice with tamoxifen-inducible cardiomyocyte-specific BRAF knockout (CM-BRAFKO) to assess the role of BRAF in hypertension-associated cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (AngII; 0.8 mg/kg/d, 7 d) and physiological hypertrophy induced by phenylephrine (40 mg/kg/d, 7 d). Cardiac dimensions/function were measured by echocardiography with histological assessment of cellular changes. AngII promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and increased fibrosis within the myocardium (interstitial) and around the arterioles (perivascular) in male mice; cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial (but not perivascular) fibrosis were inhibited in mice with CM-BRAFKO. Phenylephrine had a limited effect on fibrosis, but promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and increased contractility in male mice; cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was unaffected in mice with CM-BRAFKO, but the increase in contractility was suppressed and fibrosis increased. Phenylephrine induced a modest hypertrophic response in female mice and, in contrast to the males, tamoxifen-induced loss of cardiomyocyte BRAF reduced cardiomyocyte size, had no effect on fibrosis and increased contractility. The data identify BRAF as a key signalling intermediate in both physiological and pathological hypertrophy in male mice, and highlight the need for independent assessment of gene function in females

A randomized controlled trial of a decision aid for women considering genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk

PURPOSE: To measure the effectiveness of a tailored decision aid (DA) designed to help women make informed decisions about genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer risk. METHODS: A total of 145 women were randomized to receive the DA or a control pamphlet at the end of their first genetic counseling consultation. Of these, 120 (82.8%) completed two questionnaires, 1 week and 6 months post-consultation. RESULTS: While the DA had no effect on informed choice, post-decisional regret or actual genetic testing decision, the trial showed that women who received the DA had higher knowledge levels and felt more informed about genetic testing than women who received the control pamphlet (chi(2)(2) = 6.82; P = 0.033; chi(2)(1) = 4.86; P = 0.028 respectively). The DA also helped women who did not have blood drawn at their first consultation to clarify their values with regards to genetic testing (chi(2)(1) = 5.27; P = 0.022). Women who received the DA were less likely to share the information with other family members than women in the control condition (chi(2)(1) = 8.78; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Decision aids are an effective decision-support strategy for women considering genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer risk, and are most effective before the patient has made a decision, which is generally at the point of having blood drawn

Cardiomyocyte BRAF and type 1 RAF inhibitors promote cardiomyocyte and cardiac hypertrophy in mice in vivo

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) cascade promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and is cardioprotective, with the three RAF kinases forming a node for signal integration. Our aims were to determine if BRAF is relevant for human heart failure, whether BRAF promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and if Type 1 RAF inhibitors developed for cancer (that paradoxically activate ERK1/2 at low concentrations: the “RAF paradox”) may have the same effect. BRAF was upregulated in heart samples from patients with heart failure compared with normal controls. We assessed the effects of activated BRAF in the heart using mice with tamoxifen-activated Cre for cardiomyocyte-specific knock-in of the activating V600E mutation into the endogenous gene. We used echocardiography to measure cardiac dimensions/function. Cardiomyocyte BRAFV600E induced cardiac hypertrophy within 10 d, resulting in increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening over 6 weeks. This was associated with increased cardiomyocyte size without significant fibrosis, consistent with compensated hypertrophy. The experimental Type 1 RAF inhibitor, SB590885, and/or encorafenib (a RAF inhibitor used clinically) increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes, and promoted hypertrophy, consistent with a “RAF paradox” effect. Both promoted cardiac hypertrophy in mouse hearts in vivo, with increased cardiomyocyte size and no overt fibrosis. In conclusion, BRAF potentially plays an important role in human failing hearts, activation of BRAF is sufficient to induce hypertrophy, and Type 1 RAF inhibitors promote hypertrophy via the “RAF paradox”. Cardiac hypertrophy resulting from these interventions was not associated with pathological features, suggesting that Type 1 RAF inhibitors may be useful to boost cardiomyocyte function