BACKGROUND/AIMS Currently, the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is the standard tool for evaluating dysphagia. We evaluated whether the addition of endoscopist-directed flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to VFSS could improve the detection rates of penetration, aspiration, and pharyngeal residue, compared the diagnostic efficacy between VFSS and endoscopist-directed FE...

To study how governments can improve the quality of patent screening, we develop an integrative framework incorporating four main policy instruments: patent office examination, preand post-grant fees, and challenges in the courts. We show that examination and pregrant fees are complementary, and that pre-grant fees screen more effectively than post-grant fees. Simulations of the model, calibrat...

This paper compares assets-based portfolio management fees to profits-based fees. Whilst both forms of compensation can provide appropriate risk incentives, fund managers ́ limited liability induces more excess risk-taking under a profits-based fee contract. On the other hand, an assets-based fee is more costly to investors. In Spain, where the law explicitly permits both forms of retribution, a...

We analyze a model in which journals cannot commit to subscription fees when authors (who prefer low subscription fees because this boosts readership) make submission decisions. A hold-up problem arises, manifested as excessive subscription fees. Open access is a crude attempt to avoid hold up by eliminating subscription fees. We assess the profitability and efficiency of traditional relative t...

The growth of the e-commerce sector has highlighted the importance of shipping fees. We empirically study the effects of shipping fees and marketing activities on customer acquisition, customer retention, and average expenditures using data from an online grocer. We find that shipping fees greatly influence order incidence rates and graduated shipping fees significantly affect average expenditu...

This paper investigates the effect of non-audit services on audit quality. Following the announcement of the requirement to disclose non-audit fees, approximately one-third of UK quoted companies disclosed before the requirement became effective. Whilst distressed companies were more likely to disclose early, auditor size, directors’ shareholdings and non-audit fees were not signiŽ cantly corre...

This note outlines the results of the annual survey of the fee income of Australian banks for 2000. This survey covers the fees that banks earn in the process of taking deposits, making loans and providing payment services to households and businesses within Australia. Results from the survey were first published in the Reserve Bank Bulletin in June 1999. The main findings of the survey are tha...

CONTEXT The degree to which financial factors may influence use of cardiac stress imaging procedures is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of physician billing and nuclear stress and stress echocardiography testing following coronary revascularization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Using data from a national health insurance carrier, 17,847 patients were identified between Novemb...

There is currently considerable discussion between governments, international agencies, bilateral donors and advocacy groups on whether user fees levied at government health facilities in poor countries should be abolished. It is claimed that this would lead to greater access for the poor and reduce the risks of catastrophic health expenditures if all other factors remained constant, though oth...