Strategic choices behind accounting standards unveiled in new study

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Facebook

XLinkedIn
MessageWhatsAppEmail

New study explores why foreign firms listed in the U.S. choose between IFRS and U.S. GAAP. The research finds that firms strategically weigh the flexibility of financial reporting and the costs of compliance, rather than following the common standards in their listing jurisdiction. These insights help explain the real motivations behind financial disclosure decisions and offer guidance for regulators and investors alike.

A new study by Dr. Heylel-li Biton of the Hebrew University Business School sheds light on a long-standing question in global finance: Why do foreign firms listed in the United States choose one accounting regime over another?

Published in The International Journal of Accounting, the study investigates the strategic factors that influence U.S.-listed foreign private issuers (FPIs) when choosing between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). Unlike previous research, Dr. Biton’s work highlights two underexplored but pivotal considerations: the flexibility of financial reporting and the cost of compliance.

Her findings reveal that many FPIs favor accounting standards that offer more extensive reporting options for key financial statement elements such as assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses; they specifically avoid U.S. GAAP when significant financial elements are better addressed by the multiple reporting options provided under IFRS. At the same time, U.S. GAAP is often preferred when firms aim to minimize compliance costs, especially before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eliminated reconciliation requirements for IFRS filers in 2007.

“This research shows that accounting regime selection is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance,” said Dr. Biton. “It reflects calculated decisions by firms to align their financial reporting with operational goals and cost structures. Understanding these motivations can help regulators and standard-setters build more responsive and effective frameworks.”

The empirical analysis draws on a robust dataset of 811 firms and 1,214 accounting standard choices spanning 1995 to 2015. By introducing a novel scoring method to quantify firms’ preferences for reporting flexibility and incorporating compliance cost data, the study offers a clearer picture of the strategic trade-offs that shape accounting policy at the global level.

The study not only contributes to academic discourse but also provides practical insights for policymakers, investors, and corporate decision-makers navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

---

Journal

The International Journal of Accounting

DOI

10.1142/S1094406025430036 

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Accounting Regime Selection

Article Publication Date

12-Jun-2025

Disclaimer: AAAS an

 

New 3D modeling method quantifies light-shading impact of freshwater microalgae

Hungarian research team calculates shading potential of over 800 microalgal species using virtual modeling

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Hun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont

FacebookXLinkedInWeChatBlueskyMessageWhatsAppEmail

 

image: 

A 3D-rotational modeling approach used to estimate the light-blocking effect of microalgae. Rotation and tilting of a shape-realistic 3D model of Ceratium furcoides (Levander) Langhans in a virtual environment created using Blender, illustrating changes in projected area. (a) Schematic view of the model with rotation axes indicated (x-axis: blue, y-axis: red), (b) rotation around the x-axis, (c) tilting along the y-axis, (d) combined rotation and tilt, and (e) resulting projected area. The black silhouettes represent shadow projections for each transformation.

view more 

Credit: Image: Tibor Kisantal

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research have developed a novel three-dimensional modeling method that accurately quantifies how microalgae affect underwater light conditions—one of the most critical factors in aquatic ecosystem health.

Published in Water Research, the study addresses a longstanding challenge in hydrobiology: measuring the projected area—the light-blocking surface—of diverse microalgae species, many of which form colonies or have intricate shapes. These projected areas determine how much light penetrates water columns, directly influencing photosynthesis, oxygen production, and ecological balance in freshwater bodies.

"Algal blooms are not just about biomass," says the lead author, Dr. Gábor Borics. "The shape and structure of the algae matter just as much. Two species with the same volume can differ sixfold in how much light they block."

Using 3D models of 844 common freshwater microalgae—including cyanobacteria, diatoms, and green algae—the team performed over 2,000 virtual simulations per organism to calculate how each species shades its environment under various orientations. The method, validated against analytical models for convex shapes, achieved a projection accuracy of over 95%.

The result: the world's first comprehensive Projected Area Database for freshwater microalgae, now publicly accessible at https://shiny.freshwater-ecology.com/Projected_Area. Researchers and water managers can now estimate how phytoplankton communities alter light regimes using a new metric called the Shading Factor (Fsh)—a potential game-changer in water quality assessment and ecosystem modeling.

Importantly, the study reveals how different morphological adaptations—such as filament length, colony spacing, or spiral structures—can influence species' ecological success under varying light conditions. It also explains why simplified biomass metrics often fail to capture the true ecological impact of algal blooms.

"This is more than an academic advance," says co-author Dr. Gábor Várbíró. "We now have a tool that can reinterpret decades of phytoplankton monitoring data in terms of actual ecological function—not just numbers, but effects."

The research was supported by the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund and leverages the HUN-REN Cloud infrastructure. It sets a new benchmark for trait-based aquatic ecology and provides a foundation for developing light-informed bioindicators for freshwater health.

Video demonstrates how complex orientations influence the projected shading area [VIDEO] |

Simultaneous rotation and tilting of the 3D-modeled freshwater dinoflagellate Ceratium furcoides demonstrates how complex orientations influence projected shading area.

Credit

Video: Tibor Kisantal

From cell shape to ecosystem function: Researchers developed a computational pipeline that combines 3D imaging, trait databases, and light simulation to quantify the projected shading area of microalgae—providing new insights into their role in aquatic light environments.

Credit

Image: Tibor Kisantal

---

JournaL

Water Research

DOI

10.1016/j.watres.2025.123951 

Method of Research

Computational simulation/modeling

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Projected area calculation for microalgae using three-dimensional models

Article Publication Date

21-Jun-2025

 

Study reveals hidden hunting strategies of leopard seals, unraveling their impact on Antarctic ecosystems

Georgia Aquarium

Facebook

XLinkedInWeChatBlueskyMessageWhatsAppEmail

 

image: 

Leopard seal in the Western Antarctic Peninsula

view more 

Credit: Renato Borras-Chavez

ATLANTA (June 24, 2025) – A new study led by researchers at Baylor University and University of Rhode Island and supported by a scientist with Georgia Aquarium has uncovered surprising details about leopard seals’ hunting habits, revealing that while the species is broadly considered a generalist predator, individual seals tend to specialize in their diets—sometimes with major consequences for other animals in the ecosystem.

The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, analyzed whisker samples from 34 individual leopard seals in the Western Antarctic Peninsula. The researchers found that most individual seals have unique and consistent feeding strategies. Some specialize in different types of prey, while others switch their diets over time. A handful of these specialists appear to have significantly impacted local prey populations, including the declining Antarctic fur seal population.

“Even though leopard seals as a species eat a wide variety of prey, most individuals actually focus on just a few types of food,” said Dr. Emily Sperou, lead author of the study. “This means that a few highly specialized seals can have a much bigger effect on certain prey populations than we previously thought.”

Researchers used isotopic analysis of leopard seal whiskers to track their feeding patterns over multiple years. The researchers found that while some seals maintained the same diet year after year, others switched trophic levels—moving between eating smaller prey like krill and targeting larger animals like penguins or seals.

The findings highlight the need to look beyond species-wide dietary trends and examine individual hunting behaviors, particularly in apex predators. “A few specialists can help shape entire ecosystems,” said co-author Dr. Patrick Charapata with Georgia Aquarium. “Understanding these patterns in leopard seals and other top predators can help us better predict and manage changes to prey populations and the greater ecosystem these species live in.”

This research was made possible through a collaborative effort with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which provided the majority of the leopard seal whisker samples used in the study. The contribution underscores the importance of long-term partnerships in advancing marine science.

This study emphasizes the importance of continued research on leopard seal populations across their range to fully grasp their role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem.

###

 ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

 Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
The University of Rhode Island is a global education leader and the state of Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution. URI offers its undergraduate, graduate, and professional students distinctive educational opportunities designed to meet the global challenges of today’s world and the rapidly evolving needs of tomorrow. Founded in 1892, URI now enrolls more than 18,000 students and has earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation for high research activity. As a land- and sea-grant institution, URI is a key driver of economic development in Rhode Island and contributes significantly to the health and vitality of the state and New England region. Discover more at www.uri.edu.

ABOUT GEORGIA AQUARIUM 
Georgia Aquarium is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Atlanta, Ga. that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Georgia Aquarium is committed to working on behalf of all marine life through education, preservation, exceptional animal care, and research across the globe. Georgia Aquarium continues its mission each day to inspire, educate, and entertain its millions of guests about the aquatic biodiversity throughout the world through its engaging exhibits and tens of thousands of animals across its eight major galleries. 

Visuals (Photo credit: Renato Borras-Chavez): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-97daO7ReI-Z5uNjkaKTskRqA-f2kUv-?usp=sharing

Leopard seal in the Western Antarctic Peninsula

Credit

Renato Borras-Chavez

Journal

Ecology and Evolution

DOI

10.1002/ece3.71593 

Article Title

Individual Specialization in a Generalist Apex Predator: The Leopard Seal

Article Publication Date

23-Jun-2025

 

USPSTF recommendation statement on screening for intimate partner violence and caregiver abuse of older or vulnerable adults

JAMA Network

Bottom Line:

 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians screen for intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant and postpartum. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for caregiver abuse and neglect in older or vulnerable adults. Intimate partner violence affects millions of U.S. residents across the lifespan and is often unrecognized. Abuse of older or vulnerable adults by a caregiver or someone else they may trust is common and can result in significant injury, death, and long-term adverse health consequences. The USPSTF routinely makes recommendations about the effectiveness of preventive care services and this recommendation is consistent with its 2018 recommendation.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jama.2025.9009)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Note: More information about the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, its process, and its recommendations can be found on the newsroom page of its website.

#  #  #

Media advisory: To contact the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, email the Media Coordinator at Newsroom@USPSTF.net or call 301-951-9203. 

Embed this link to provide your readers free access to the full-text article 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2025.9009?guestAccessKey=49ccac12-a6c9-4db4-b98e-b5fc3ea7f47b&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=062425

---

Journal

JAMA

CCS

Innovative approach to carbon sequestration and waste management in coal mining

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Higher Education Press

FacebookX

LinkedIn
MessageWhatsAppEmail

 

image: 

The conceptual diagram of CO2 mineralized full solid waste cementitious material for filling coal mine goaf.

view more 

Credit: Bo Wang, Huaigang Cheng, Xiong Liu, Zichen Di, Huiping Song, Dongke Zhang, Fangqin Cheng

A recent study published in Engineering presents a novel method for addressing the environmental challenges posed by coal mining, specifically focusing on the treatment of coal mine goafs, utilization of coal-based solid waste, and the sequestration of CO2 through mineralization. The research, conducted by a team from Shanxi University in China and The University of Western Australia, offers a comprehensive solution that integrates these aspects into a single, sustainable process.

 

Coal mining, while a significant contributor to global energy supplies, generates substantial amounts of coal mine goafs—voids left by the extraction of coal. These goafs, along with the accompanying solid wastes such as fly ash (FA), carbide slag (CS), and red mud (RM), pose serious ecological and environmental challenges. The study proposes a method to utilize these solid wastes to create cementitious materials for filling coal mine goafs, while simultaneously sequestering CO2 through a mineralization process.

 

The research investigates the feasibility of mineralizing low-concentration CO2 (15% volume) using single coal-based solid wastes. The carbon sequestration capacities of FA, CS, and RM were found to be 3.8, 359.3, and 5.7 kg/t, respectively. The study then explores the creation of filling materials from a composite of these solid wastes, which not only meets the mechanical requirements for goaf filling but also significantly enhances CO2 sequestration.

 

The mechanical properties of the filling material, particularly its compressive strength, were significantly improved through CO2 mineralization. The maximum compressive strength of the mineralized filling material (F60C20R20) reached 14.9 MPa, a 32.2% increase compared to the non-mineralized material. Additionally, the material exhibited enhanced fluidity, with a 10.8% increase compared to the non-mineralized filling material. The CO2-mineralized material also demonstrated a more uniform internal structure, with a reduction in the number of large pores, as evidenced by ultrasonic detection and CT scanning.

 

The study further evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of this technology on a larger scale. In China, the annual production of FA, CS, and RM is approximately 899, 30, and 107 Mt, respectively. Utilizing these wastes to create composite solid waste (FA–CS–RM) mineralized with CO2 could reduce carbon emissions by 1.23 Mt. Moreover, considering the historical stockpiles of these solid wastes, the potential carbon emission reduction could reach 16.46 Mt. The Yellow River Basin in China, a major coal-producing region, was used as a case study. The total underground space volume of coal mine goafs from 2016 to 2030 in this region is estimated at 8.16 Gm3, which could sequester 0.18 Gt of CO2.

 

This technology not only provides an effective solution for the remediation of coal mine goafs and the utilization of coal-based solid waste but also contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The findings of this study highlight the potential for integrating waste management and carbon sequestration in the coal industry, offering a sustainable approach towards achieving carbon neutrality goals.

 

The paper “CO2 Mineralized Full Solid Waste Cementitious Material for Coal Mine Goaf Filling and Carbon Sequestration Potential Assessment,” is authored by Bo Wang, Huaigang Cheng, Xiong Liu, Zichen Di, Huiping Song, Dongke Zhang, Fangqin Cheng. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2025.02.017. For more information about Engineering, visit the website at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/engineering.

---

Journal

Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.eng.2025.02.017 

Article Title

CO2 Mineralized Full Solid Waste Cementitious Material for Coal Mine Goaf Filling and Carbon Sequestration Potential Assessment