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The role of digitalization and ESG on financial performance: An empirical analysis on the Energy and Utilities sectors

In recent years authorities and regulators around the world are showing great interest in the concept of sustainability. Sustainable practices are a growing phenomenon around the world and there is increasing research on the correlation between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and corporate financial performance (FP). In parallel with the increasing focus on ESG, digitalization has gained a pivotal role in the business environment. The paper wants to investigate the relationship between ESG factors and financial performance. Moreover, it tries to understand how digitalization influences that relationship. We use panel data regression using pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects or least squares dummy variables. The panel covered by our study consists of a sample of listed companies belonging to the Energy and Utilities sectors observed from the year 2019 to 2021. In particular, our data set includes financial indicators closely related to the corporate profitability, sustainability indicators and an indicator use as a proxy of digitalization. The results provide interesting insights on how digitalization can moderate the relationship between ESG and profitability goals within the business environment, and especially the correlation that exists between sustainability and profit. The results suggest that ESG integration in corporate organizations positively affects FP because a strong ESG proposition enables businesses to grow both in existing and new markets. The findings further support the need to invest in digitalization since they show a substantial gain in financial efficiency, which can eventually boost corporate revenues. The research results support the minimization of the corporate social cost and, more generally, of social well-being. We contribute to the literature by studying the moderating role of investments in digital technologies in the context of sustainability, to understand whether or not digitalization can accelerate the impact of ESG on corporate profitability.

Carbon dynamics of silvopasture systems in the Northeastern United States

Protocol for a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite: an active learning programme to foster positive research culture through leadership development at Cardiff University

A recent UKRI call for training programmes to improve research culture at Higher Education Institutions led Cardiff University to design Cynnau|Ignite. This active learning programme intends to foster positive research culture practices through empowering staff towards leadership on this agenda, and by embedding learners in environments where these practices are highly valued. Cynnau|Ignite will be implemented within Cardiff University as three tailored programmes, dependant on job roles: Teaching and Research (64 learners), Research-Only (32 learners), and Professional Services, Technicians and Specialists (32 learners). This protocol details a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite’s effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility as a tool to improve research culture practices and perceptions within Cardiff University. This knowledge will help inform future iterations of Cynnau|Ignite and similar initiatives, while advancing methods for the evaluation of positive research culture practices, and has potential to inform choices regarding funding and evaluation of research culture initiatives at other Higher Education Institutions. Here, we outline the Cynnau|Ignite Theory of Change used to inform our primary outcomes and describe our plan to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness by measuring learners’ self-reported positive research culture practices (intentions and behaviours) before and after taking part in Cynnau|Ignite, in comparison to a control group of staff who were not involved in the programme. Additionally, data monitoring, sessions observation, and semi-structured interviews will be conducted to establish programme acceptability and feasibility for stakeholders including learners, the delivery team, and university management. We hypothesise Cynnau|Ignite will be largely acceptable and effective in boosting learners’ positive research culture intentions compared to a control group, but believe behavioural implementation may be adversely affected by common barriers such as insufficient time and resources. Overall, we expect Cynnau|Ignite to improve short-term positive research culture practices and perceptions at Cardiff University, but its potential long-term impact is unclear. Study registration Number: ISRCTN15575518

A phase 3 clinical trial on the immunogenicity and safety of booster vaccination after Zagreb or Essen regimens

Addressing information and credit barriers to making India open defecation free and improving child health: Evidence from a cluster randomized trial in rural India

Background Open defecation (OD) remains a significant public health challenge in India, contributing to adverse child health outcomes. Eliminating OD and improving child health necessitates both universal access and adoption of toilets. Despite the success of removing credit constraints and enhancing access to subsidized toilets through national sanitation campaigns, the adoption of these toilets is still lagging in India. This is because households might also be lacking information about the benefits of using toilets (information constraint). Methods In this paper, we test for the joint efficacy of the removal of information and credit constraints versus solely addressing the credit constraint at eliminating OD, based on a cluster randomized control trial in rural India. We implemented two interventions: a universal community-led behavior change campaign along with subsidized construction of individual household toilets for every household that opted for subsidy (cluster A) and only subsidized construction of individual household toilet construction for every household that opted for the subsidy (cluster B). No behavior change was provided in cluster B. The control group did not receive any intervention. Results We find that the removal of information and credit constraints at a near-universal level in cluster A resulted in improved toilet access and adoption, eliminating OD at the community level, with a significant gain in child weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ scores). There was an increase in the percentage of households that owned individual household toilets from 2% to 98% and a decline in female respondents practicing OD from 98% to 4% in cluster A. In cluster B, ownership of individual household toilets improved by 78 percentage points (from 6% to 84%), but OD decreased by only 45 percentage points (from 95% to 50%) for the respondents. The control group saw no significant changes. For children under five, there was a statistically significant increase in WAZ scores by 0.68-0.69 standard deviations in cluster A, while cluster B showed insignificant changes when compared to the control group. Conclusions The study implies that supplementing universal financial support with community-level information intervention enhances sustainable adoption of improved sanitation facilities, aiding India’s progress towards an open defecation-free nation and improving child health outcomes.

The association between metabolite concentrations and wellbeing in adults

Evaluation of cortical thickness and cortical thickness index in the proximal femur—CT, dual energy absorptiometry (DXA), trabecular bone score (TBS) –

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomical size of proximal femur in South Korea. This study measured cortical thickness and cortical thickness index (CTI) based on computed tomography (CT) and additionally, evaluated the T-score and trabecular bone score (TBS) based on the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Materials and methods This retrospective study is a cross-sectional study based on data from 600 patients aged from 20 to 93 years during the time from 2011 to 2021 were enrolled and selected the patients who did the examination of both pelvic CT and DXA scan. Age, sex, BMI, T-score, TBS, cortical thickness, CTI and the size of proximal femur were analyzed. Among these patients, 200 patients each corresponding to femoral neck fracture group(N = 200), trochanteric fracture group(N = 200), and non-fracture group(N = 200) were randomly selected and studied. The differences of three groups were compared statistically. Results Mean outer diameter of proximal femur was 24.34 mm, inner diameter of proximal femur was 15.28 mm, cortical thickness was 4.55 mm and CTI was 0.37 at the lesser trochanter (LT) level. The outer diameter was 24.00 mm, inner diameter of proximal femur was 13.04 mm, cortical thickness was 4.97mm and CTI was 0.44 at 3cm below LT. In the hip fracture group, T-score of hip, outer diameter of proximal femur and cortical thickness at LT were lower than non-fracture group. BMI, T-score of spine, T-score of hip, inner diameter at 3cm below LT, CTI of LT and TBS were lower in femoral neck fracture group compared to the trochanteric fracture group. Conclusion Analysis of 600 patients of pelvic CT might be a representative of real size of proximal femur in South Korea. Outer diameter of proximal femur at LT and cortical thickness at LT level were significantly lower in hip fracture group. Narrower outer diameter of proximal femur and thinner cortical thickness at LT level from the CT might be a risk factor of hip fracture.

Extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Zanthoxylum planispinum Var. Dintanensis leaves and effect of altitude on total flavonoids content

Perceived paternal emotional fertility intention and its correlates in Ethiopia among a cohort of pregnant women: Community based longitudinal survey; A secondary data analysis of the 2019/20 baseline survey

Background Perceived paternal emotional fertility intentions were measured by asking pregnant women how their husbands felt when they have learnt about the index pregnancy. Paternal emotion during pregnancy and childbirth is imperative for better maternal and newborn health outcomes, though policy and strategic framework has been lacking in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore perceived paternal emotional fertility intentions of their husbands and/or their male partners and examine its correlates among a panel of pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods Nationally representative data from cohort one baseline cross-sectional survey were used. A total of 2,115 pregnant women from a total of 217 enumeration areas were included in this further analysis. Frequencies were computed to describe pregnant women. Multinomial logistics regression statistical modeling was fitted to identify correlates of perceived paternal emotional fertility intentions. Results were presented in the form of percentages and odds ratio with 95% Confidence Intervals. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of 0.05. Result The proportion of perceived paternal emotional fertility intentions of being a sort of happy and very happy were found to be (35.40%; 95%CI: 33.00%, 37.87%) and (49.03%; 95%CI: 46.48%, 51.6%) respectively. The likelihood of perceived paternal emotional fertility intentions of being very happy was (AOR: 95%CI: 5.06: (1.73, 14.85) and (AOR: 95%CI: 2.65: (1.67, 4.20) times higher among older pregnant women and those who intended having another child respectively. On the contrary, those with higher birth order, who wanted no more another child, those living as a partner and; those residing in Addis Ababa and SNNPR had (AOR: 95%CI: 0.25: (0.15, 0.40), AOR: 95%CI: 0.14: (0.07, 0.27); (AOR: 95%CI: 0.54: (0.33, 0.90), (AOR: 95%CI: 0.34: (0.17, 0.67), (AOR: 95%CI: 0.27: (0.14, 0.53) and AOR: 95%CI: 0.25: (0.15, 0.40) times lower likelihood of perceived paternal emotional fertility intention of being very happy about the index pregnancy respectively. The likelihood of perceived paternal emotional fertility intentions of being a sort of happy was found to be (AOR: 95%CI: 1.93 (1.21, 3.10) times higher among those wanting to have another child. This likelihood was found to be (AOR: 95%CI: 0.62 (0.43, 0.89), (AOR: 95%CI: 0.43 (0.22, 0.85) and (AOR: 96%CI: 0.45 (0.28, 0.74) times lower among those whose desired place of delivery was health facility, with higher birth order and residents of Oromiya region respectively. Conclusion Half of the pregnant women perceived that their husband felt very happy with calls up on a region specific age sensitive interventions in improving couples communication, and discussion on the spacing and timing of pregnancies as well as to work on improving childbirth preparedness and complication readiness. The ministry and relevant partners need to work strategically on male’s involvement in fertility desire along with emotional care and support. Women with future fertility intention, lower birth orders and those who have not legally married need to be targeted. Installing inter pregnancy preconception care package; improving counseling and provision of postpartum contraceptives; increasing men fertility knowledge and their emotional readiness; and lifestyle adjustment before pregnancy to improve psycho-social health during the perinatal period and paternal emotional fertility intentions are imperative.

The MEK inhibitor trametinib is effective in inhibiting the growth of canine oral squamous cell carcinoma

RNA control of reverse transcription in a diversity-generating retroelement

Episodic disability framework in the context of Long COVID: Findings from a community-engaged international qualitative study

Background Increasing numbers of adults are living with the health-related consequences of Long COVID. The Episodic Disability Framework (EDF), derived from perspectives of adults living with HIV, characterizes the multi-dimensional and episodic nature of health-related challenges (disability) experienced by an individual. Our aim was to determine the applicability of the Episodic Disability Framework to conceptualize the health-related challenges experienced among adults living with Long COVID. Methods We conducted a community-engaged qualitative descriptive study involving online semi-structured interviews. We recruited adults who self-identified as living with Long COVID via collaborator community organizations in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and United States. We purposively recruited for diversity in age, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and time since initial COVID-19 infection. We used a semi-structured interview guide informed by the EDF to explore experiences of disability living with Long COVID, specifically health-related challenges and how challenges were experienced over time. We conducted a group-based content analysis. Results Of the 40 participants, the median age was 39 years; and the majority were white (73%), women (63%), living with Long COVID for ≥ 1 year (83%). Consistent with the Episodic Disability Framework, disability was described as multi-dimensional and episodic, characterized by unpredictable periods of health and illness. Experiences of disability were consistent with the three main components of the Framework: A) dimensions of disability (physical, cognitive, mental-emotional health challenges, difficulties with day-to-day activities, challenges to social inclusion, uncertainty); B) contextual factors, extrinsic (social support; accessibility of environment and health services; stigma and epistemic injustice) and intrinsic (living strategies; personal attributes) that exacerbate or alleviate dimensions of disability; and C) triggers that initiate episodes of disability. Conclusions The Episodic Disability Framework provides a way to conceptualize the multi-dimensional and episodic nature of disability experienced by adults living with Long COVID. The Framework provides guidance for future measurement of disability, and health and rehabilitation approaches to enhance practice, research, and policy in Long COVID.

Single-molecule measurements of bacteriophage lambda DNA packaging using purified terminase motor proteins and E. coli integration host factor

Abstract Biomotor-driven DNA packaging is a key step in the life cycle of many viruses. We previously developed single-molecule methods using optical tweezers to measure packaging dynamics of the bacteriophage lambda motor. The lambda system is more complex than others examined via single-molecule assays with respect to the packaging substrate and ancillary proteins required. Because of this, previous studies which efficiently detected packaging events used crude E. coli cell extracts containing host factors and the terminase packaging enzyme. However, use of extracts is suboptimal for biochemical manipulation and obfuscates interrogation of additional factors that affect the process. Here we describe an optical tweezers assay using purified lambda terminase holoenzyme. Packaging events are as efficient as with crude extracts, but only if purified E. coli integration host factor (IHF) is included in the motor assembly reactions. We find that the ATP-driven DNA translocation dynamics, motor force generation, and motor-DNA interactions without nucleotide are virtually identical to those measured with extracts. Thus, single-molecule packaging activity can be fully recapitulated in a minimal system containing only purified lambda procapsids, purified terminase, IHF, and ATP. This sets the stage for single-molecule studies to investigate additional phage proteins known to play essential roles in the packaging reaction.

The sequence–structure–function relationship of intrinsic ERα disorder

“If everyone comes together, many things can be changed”: A qualitative study on men’s perspectives on menstrual health and equity in the Barcelona area (Spain)

There is a paucity of research exploring how men and individuals who do not menstruate comprehend menstrual health and equity. The objective of this study was to explore the conceptualization and attitudes towards menstruation and the menstrual cycle among men and people who do not menstruate aged between 18 and 55 in the Barcelona area. Furthermore, it examined their involvement in menstrual health and equity initiatives. This qualitative study employed a feminist critical perspective. Seventeen semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews were conducted. It was frequently observed that menstrual education was often inadequate and biomedical in nature. Participants often acquired knowledge about menstruation through interactions with menstruating sex-affective partners. Menstruation was generally perceived negatively, and menstrual taboo and stigma were apparent. Some participants expressed the view that men should raise awareness of a more positive stance on menstruation. The findings of this study highlight the need for structural menstrual policies and community programs where men and people who do not menstruate are involved.

Optimizing charge pathways by interface engineering in Fe2O3/Co3O4/Co(PO3)2 heterostructures for superior oxygen evolution reaction

The synthetic opioid fentanyl increases HIV replication in macrophages

Background The illicit use of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl has led to a serious public health crisis in the US. People with opioid use disorder are more likely to contract infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis and experience more severe disease. While several drugs of abuse are known to enhance viral replication and suppress immunologic responses, the effects of synthetic opioids on HIV pathogenesis have not been investigated thoroughly. Thus, we examined the impact of fentanyl on HIV replication and chemokine receptor expression in the U937 cell line and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Methods U937 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of fentanyl. Expression levels of the CXCR4 and CCR5 chemokine receptors were measured in cell lysates. HIV p24 antigen was quantified in culture supernatants by ELISA, and HIV proviral DNA was quantified in cells using SYBR real-time PCR targeting the pol gene. RNAseq was performed to characterize cellular gene regulation in the presence of fentanyl. Results Fentanyl induced HIV p24 expression and proviral DNA levels in U937 cells and in primary MDMs. The opioid antagonist naltrexone blocked the effect of fentanyl and reversed the expression of HIV protein and proviral DNA. Fentanyl led to a non-significant decrease in CXCR4 and CCR5 protein levels in U937 cells. RNA sequencing identified several differentially expressed genes in cells infected with HIV and exposed to fentanyl compared to infected cells with no drug exposure. Several microRNAs were also differentially expressed upon fentanyl exposure but not at a statistically significant level. Conclusion These data demonstrate that the synthetic opioid fentanyl can promote HIV replication in macrophages. As higher HIV levels lead to accelerated disease progression and a higher risk of transmission to others, further research is needed to better understand opioid-virus interactions and to develop new and/or optimized treatment strategies for people living with HIV and opioid use.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Precision biochar yield forecasting employing random forest and XGBoost with Taylor diagram visualization

Abstract Waste-to-energy conversion via pyrolysis has attracted increasing attention recently owing to its multiple uses. Among the products of this process, biochar stands out for its versatility, with its yield influenced by various factors. Extensive and labor-intensive experimental testing is sometimes necessary to properly grasp the output distribution from various feedstocks. Nonetheless, data-driven predictive models using large-scale historical experiment records can provide insightful analysis of projected yields from a variety of biomass materials, hence overcoming the challenges of empirical modeling. As such, five modern approaches available in modern machine learning are employed in this study to develop the biochar yield prediction models. The Lasso regression, Tweedie regression, random forest, XGBoost, and Gradient boosting regression were employed. Out of these five XGBoost was superior with a training mean squared error (MSE) of 1.17 and a test MSE of 2.94. The XGBoost-based biochar yield model shows excellent performance with a strong predictive accuracy of the R 2 values as 0.9739 (training) and 0.8875 (test). The mean absolute percentage error value was only 2.14% in the training phase and 3.8% in the testing phase. Precision prognostic technologies have broad effects on sectors including biomass logistics, conversion technologies, and effective biomass utilization as renewable energy. Leveraging SHAP based on cooperative game theory, the study shows that while ash and moisture lower biochar yield, FPT, nitrogen, and carbon content significantly boost it. Small variables like heating rate and volatile matter have a secondary impact on production efficiency.

Learn COVID pandemic lessons — before it’s too late

Epidemiological landscape of androgenetic alopecia in the US: An All of Us cross-sectional study

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is extremely prevalent with a multifactorial etiology. Materials We conducted a cross-sectional study using the All of US (AoU) dataset Sept 2024 to better understand the epidemiology, social determinants and management of AGA. Results Most males were 20–39 years old and females 60–69 years old. Men typically have an earlier onset of AGA than females. Male AGA is generally managed with finasteride; oral minoxidil is prescribed in younger males. Females are prescribed spironolactone and oral minoxidil with finasteride in post-menopausal females. There was very little dutasteride prescribed. Topical minoxidil is available over the counter and was not evaluated. Early in 2011 there were reports of the Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS); subsequently, the finasteride prescription rate fell to about 10–20% of the pre-PFS prescription rate. There was increased reporting for AGA in those who drink, have an annual household income ≥$75,000, and those with a higher level of education. There was also higher reporting of female AGA in those with anxiety and depression. Patients with higher income and education may have less pressing medical concerns enabling them to bring their AGA to the physician’s attention. Females in whom the AGA affects their anxiety and depression may seek help for the AGA as a way to address their underlying disorder. Conclusions This study provides a snapshot of the epidemiology and management of AGA in the USA. AGA is linked to the social determinants of health; addressing the AGA may help better manage the underlying mental and physical state.