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Correction: Wealthy individual investors and stock markets’ tail risk
Are companies responding to minimum wage increases by reducing corporate social responsibility?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been widely discussed. However, the existing literature does not delve into the theoretical mechanism to show how companies adjust their CSR in the face of minimum wage increases. This may be due to the lack of a theoretical framework that clarifies the relationship between minimum wage increases and CSR adjustments. The objectives of this study is to fill this gap by investigating the impact of minimum wage increases on CSR, employing both cost stickiness and optimal distinctiveness theories. We use the data from the CSMAR database, the Human Resources and Social Security Administration, and Hexun rating system. The subject of this study is China’s A-share listed companies during 2010–2020. This study employs fixed-effects models for a panel data. The findings reveal that minimum wage increases are significantly associated with a reduction in both strategic CSR and responsive CSR. Notably, the decrease in responsive CSR outweighs that of strategic CSR. Furthermore, our results indicate that customer concentration or CSR sensitivity significantly moderates this relationship. More particularly, firms with higher customer concentration are less responsive to minimum wage increases in their CSR activities. Firms with higher sensitivity in CSR are more likely to mitigate the reducing effect of the minimum wage on CSR. By revealing how minimum wage increases affect CSR and its economic consequences, our study provides scientific recommendations for policymakers to measure the impact of minimum wage policies at the firm level.
ESG rating disagreement and bank loan availability: Evidence from China
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings are receiving increasing attention in credit markets. However, ESG rating disagreement erects obstacles for companies in obtaining capital resources. This study investigates the impact of ESG rating disagreement on bank loan availability uses data of Chinese listed firms from 2014 to 2022, and employs models with multiple regression analyses and fixed effects. We find that greater ESG rating disagreement leads to a decrease in newly obtained bank loans. The mechanism analysis confirms that ESG rating disagreement amplifies information asymmetry and increases operational uncertainty, thereby raising the information and credit risks faced by banks, leading to a decrease in bank loan availability. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the negative effect of ESG rating disagreement on bank loan availability is more pronounced in firms with poor financing capabilities, poor information environments, and fierce competitive macro environments. Our findings contribute to the literature on ESG rating disagreement from credit markets, which are important for a more comprehensive and objective understanding of ESG rating disagreement.
Agent-based simulation of trust networks and opportunistic behaviours of hydraulic infrastructure project participants
Opportunistic behaviour has become a research hotspot in hydraulic infrastructure project management owing to its serious damage to the cooperation efficiency of all participants in a project. The trust networks formed by each participant can restrain opportunistic behaviour, but due to the dynamic evolution of the networks, its research should adopt a dynamic paradigm. The structure and evolution of trust networks can be simulated using computer simulations and modelling. This study explores the influence mechanism of the structural characteristics of trust networks on the diffusion of opportunistic behaviour. The results show that trust network density has a positive effect on inhibiting the implementation tendency of opportunistic behaviour. However, the centralisation of trust networks has a negative correlation with the degree of inhibition of opportunistic behaviour.
Clade-1 Vap virulence proteins of Rhodococcus equi are associated with the cell surface and support intracellular growth in macrophages
The multi-host pathogen Rhodococcus equi is a parasite of macrophages preventing maturation of the phagolysosome, thus creating a hospitable environment supporting intracellular growth. Virulent R. equi isolated from foals, pigs and cattle harbor a host-specific virulence plasmid, pVAPA, pVAPB and pVAPN respectively, which encode a family of 17 Vap proteins belonging to seven monophyletic clades. We examined all 17 Vap proteins for their ability to complement intracellular growth of a R. equi ΔvapA strain, and show that only vapK1, vapK2 and vapN support growth in murine macrophages of this strain. We show that only the clade-1 proteins VapA, VapK1, VapK2 and VapN are located on the R. equi cell surface. The pVAPB plasmid encodes three clade-1 proteins: VapK1, VapK2 and VapB. The latter was not able to support intracellular growth and was not located on the cell surface. We previously showed that the unordered N-terminal VapA sequence is involved in cell surface localisation of VapA. We here show that although the unordered N-terminus of the 17 Vap proteins is highly variable in length and sequence, it is conserved within clades, which is consistent with our observation that the N-terminus of clade-1 Vap proteins plays a role in cell surface localisation.
Association between low fasting glucose of the living donor and risk of graft loss in the recipient after liver transplantation
The urban carbon unlocking effect of digital infrastructure construction: A spatial difference-in-difference analysis from “Broadband China” pilot policy
As the foundation and cornerstone of the digital economy, digital infrastructure construction is an indispensable engine for realizing China’s energy-saving and emission-reduction, innovation-driven and low-carbon transformation and development. Investigating the carbon unlocking effect of digital infrastructure construction might hasten the achievement of the dual-carbon goal and the “win-win” scenario of environmental protection and economic growth. However, there is still a gap between whether and how digital infrastructure construction can break the carbon lock-in (CLI). Based on the panel data of 266 prefecture-level cities from 2006 to 2019, this paper takes “Broadband China” policy (BCP) as a quasi-natural experiment, constructs a spatial difference-in-difference (SDID) model to explore its impact on CLI, and further analyzes its transmission mechanism, spatial spillover effect and heterogeneity. The results show that: (1) BCP can break the carbon lock-in in the pilot cities and remains valid after a series of robustness tests. (2) There is a lag in the carbon unlocking effect of BCP, and the effect is gradually significant after 3 years of policy implementation. (3) BCP has a spatial spillover impact on CLI, and it significantly contributes to both nearby and local cities. (4) By encouraging green technical advancement and upgrading industrial structure, BCP breaks the CLI. (5) There is regional heterogeneity and urban characteristic heterogeneity in the carbon unlocking effect of BCP. On this basis, we propose a series of policy recommendations to hasten the implementation of low-carbon transformation and sustainable urban development.
A study on Pufferfish privacy algorithm based on Gaussian mixture models
The influence of cognitive reserve on ERP measures of selective visual attentional processing in older adults after mild traumatic brain injury
Objective Older adults have an increased risk of developing persistent cognitive complaints after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Yet, studies exploring which factors protect older adults with mTBI from developing such complaints are rare. It has been suggested that one such factor may be cognitive reserve (CR), but it is unknown how CR influences cognition in this patient category. Here, we therefore study how CR influences brain processes during a task that taps into attention, an important cognitive function. Methods We studied 17 older adults (13 males, mean 68.18 (SD 5.08) years old) at the subacute stage after mTBI and 19 age- and CR-matched participants without mTBI; 9 males, mean 67.79 (SD 5.36) years old) performing a selective visual attentional processing task while recording EEG. The P2 brain event-related potential component was obtained by averaging over electrodes in the fronto-central region of interest and its amplitude and latency were derived as neural correlates of attentional processing. The inverse efficiency score (IES) was derived from accuracy and reaction times as a measure of performance. To investigate the effect of CR on performance and P2 component characteristics, three separate mixed model repeated measures analyses of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) were performed. Results Performance did not significantly differ across groups or task conditions, nor was it significantly influenced by CR. Main effects of CR illustrated that the P2 latency was delayed (p = .03) and the P2 amplitude increased (p = .02) with higher CR across groups. Furthermore, CR correlated positively with P2 latency in both groups (older adults without mTBI: r = .370, p = .005, older adults with mTBI: r = .287, p = 0.041), and with P2 amplitude in the older adults with mTBI (r = .595-.636, p<0.001-.011). We found no main or interaction effects of group or task condition on P2 characteristics. Conclusion Older adults with mTBI with higher CR employ more brain resources than older adults with mTBI with lower CR, accompanied by slower processing, suggesting that it may have resulted in similar performance at a selective visual attentional processing task. To better interpret these findings in the context of persistent complaints and establish that higher CR in these patients may result in better performance, our study needs to be repeated with more participants.
Role of miR-16, 146a, 19b and 720 gene expressions in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of vitiligo
AbstractVitiligo is a common long-term depigmenting skin disorder that is characterized by patches of skin losing their pigment. To evaluate serum/tissue levels of miR-16, 146a, 19b and 720 in vitiligo patients and healthy controls, also analyzing the correlations between all biomarkers to indicate whether those can be used to early diagnose vitiligo patients. Forty-subjects were included, divided into two equal groups, 20 healthy matched individuals and 20 vitiligo patients. For all groups a 5 mL venous blood sample for serum isolation was taken and analyzed for the serum level of miRNAs. For tissue analysis, 3 mm biopsy was taken. For all patients Vitiligo area scoring index (VASI), vitiligo disease activity (VIDA), disease duration and extent percentages were calculated. No significant difference was observed in age and sex ratio among the two groups (p > 0.05). Serum, expression levels for miR-16, 146a, and 19b were overexpressed in vitiligo patients as compared to healthy controls with p-value 0.000 for all biomarkers. While miR-720 was reported low in vitiligo patients compared to controls (p = 0.000). For tissue samples, miR-16, 146a, 19b were overexpressed in vitiligo patients with p-values 0.000, 0.000 and < 0.001 respectively, while for the expression level of miR-720 in tissue, the level was low compared to controls (p = 0.000). There are positive correlations between VASI and miR-16, 146a in serum and miR-146a in tissue. Also positive correlations between disease extent and both miR-16 and miR-146a in serum and in tissue was found. A negative correlation between VIDA and miR-720 in serum was found. Various correlations between the selected miRNAs were reported. Based upon the expression levels of miR-16, 146a, 19b and 720 in both serum and tissue, these biomarkers can be used as early indicators for vitiligo.
Estimating the accumulation and re-accumulation of commercial tobacco, electronic cigarette, and cannabis waste based on a stratified random sample of census blocks
We investigated the amount and distribution of waste generated by commercial tobacco, electronic cigarette, and cannabis (TEC) use to inform policy options aimed at mitigating the environmental harm caused by these products. Using disproportionate stratified random sampling, we selected 60 census blocks from the eight largest cities in San Diego County, California. We twice surveyed publicly accessible areas in these blocks to quantify TEC waste accumulation and its re-accumulation. All collected items were photographed, classified, geocoded, counted, and properly discarded. We identified demographic, land use, and behavioral data from public sources and direct observations. We modeled total cigarette butt quantities for all census blocks across the eight cities and found similar results for Round 1 (8.63 million) and Round 2 (8.66 million) collections. Single-use plastic cigarette filters were the primary contributor to TEC waste (94%). Total TEC waste counts and cigarette butt counts showed strong linear associations (r = +0.86 and r = +0.91). The area surveyed, land use category, resident demographics, smoking prevalence, and walkability explained 78% of the variance in cigarette butt count. The interval between Round 1 and 2 counts did not affect re-accumulation counts, suggesting that baseline TEC waste levels were re-established within 1–2 months after cleanup. Annually, we estimate up to 200 million cellulose acetate plastic filters may be discarded in public areas of the eight cities. Given the continuous deposition, vast quantity, heterogeneous distribution, and rapid re-accumulation of TEC waste after cleanup, increasing removal efforts alone are financially untenable and impractical downstream solutions for TEC waste. Community-wide policies (e.g., filter bans, outdoor smoking restrictions) and individual behavior changes (e.g., reduced smoking rates, proper disposal of cigarette butts) are necessary to effectively mitigate the environmental impact of TEC waste in urban settings.
The high value utilization characteristics of coal gangue powder with emulsified asphalt mastic through rheological and viscoelastic damage theory
Examining the moderating effects of biopsychosocial factors on the relationship between HIV-related depression and cognitive function among adolescents living with HIV in Tanzania: A protocol for an analytical cross-sectional study
Background Adolescents living with HIV face unique challenges, including mental health issues such as depression and cognitive dysfunction. Despite this significant burden, there is a lack of evidence focusing on this population. This study therefore aims to examine the moderating effects of biopsychosocial factors on the bi-directional relationship between HIV-related depression and cognitive function among adolescents living with HIV in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Methods The analytical cross-sectional study will be conducted in public healthcare facilities in the Mbeya region, involving 207 adolescents living with HIV who will be selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Depression will be assessed using a standardized PHQ-9 tool, while cognitive functioning will be evaluated using a validated Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool Version 8.3. A biopsychosocial model will be used to guide this study. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the frequency distribution of the study variables, a chi-square test will be used to describe the relationship between the variables and a binary logistic regression model will be used to predict the moderating effects of biopsychosocial factors on the relationship between HIV-related depression and cognitive function. The odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval will be reported, and the p-value of 0.05 will be considered statistical significance. This study is expected to be conducted for three months. The high prevalence of mental health issues among HIV-positive adolescents, the detrimental effect of HIV on cognitive development, and the lack of studies focused on this population raised the need to conduct this study. Discussion The findings of this study will inform the development of a comprehensive integrated care model that addresses both the mental and cognitive aspects of living with HIV during adolescence. Moreover, the identification of factors associated with depression and cognitive performance will help healthcare providers in identifying at-risk adolescents and proper management of the conditions. This study’s results will also help reveal areas that need in-depth exploration that will lead to a better understanding of the responsible factors.
Retraction Note: Functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets with folic acid and silk fibroin as a novel nanobiocomposite for biomedical applications
Factors associated with trunk skeletal muscle thickness and echo intensity in young Japanese men and women
The present study examined factors associated with trunk skeletal muscle thickness (MT, an index for the amount of skeletal muscle) and echo intensity (EI, an index for the content of non-contractile tissue, such as intramuscular adipose tissue) in young Japanese men and women in consideration of habitual dietary intake. Healthy men (n = 26) and women (n = 24) aged 20 to 26 were enrolled. Trunk MT and EI were evaluated using ultrasound imaging at the height of the 3rd lumbar vertebra. In addition to morphological variables, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and blood properties (e.g., triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose) were measured. Habitual dietary intake was also evaluated by a self-administered diet history questionnaire. The results obtained for young men revealed significant correlations between trunk MT/body mass1/3 and the percentages of energy from polyunsaturated fatty acids (rs = 0.476, p <0.05) and carbohydrates (rs = -0.402, p <0.05). Trunk EI significantly and positively correlated with the percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids (rs = 0.397, p <0.05). In young women, trunk EI showed a significant and positive correlation with baPWV (rs = 0.504, p <0.05). These results suggest that the effects of habitual dietary intake on trunk skeletal muscle differ between young men and women.
Theoretical investigations on analysis and optimization of freeze drying of pharmaceutical powder using machine learning modeling of temperature distribution
A computational and structural approach to identify malignant non-synonymous FOXM1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in triple-negative breast cancer
AbstractThe proliferation-specific oncogenic transcription factor, FOXM1 is overexpressed in primary and recurrent breast tumors across all breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Intriguingly, FOXM1 overexpression was found to be highest in Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive BC with the worst prognosis. However, FOXM1-mediated TNBC pathogenesis is not completely elucidated. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common genetic variations causing functional and structural aberrations in proteins enhancing cancer susceptibility. This computational investigation attempted to identify the malignant FOXM1 non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) and evaluate their role in affecting the conformational and functional stability, evolutionary conservation, post-translational modifications, and malignant susceptibility of the protein. Out of a huge data pool of 8826 FOXM1 SNPs using several in-silico sequence-based tools and structural approaches, four SNPs viz. E235Q, R256C, G429E and S756P were identified as pathogenic nsSNPs and among the shortlisted variants molecular dynamics simulations identified E235Q as the most damaging malignant SNP, followed by S756P. Additionally, the defective drug and DNA binding motif of E235Q and S756P were also determined in our study. Thus, although further in-vitro validations are awaited the findings of this in-silico work can be used as a blueprint for malignant nsSNP identification of FOXM1 aiding in clinical TNBC therapeutics.
Synthesis of Schiff bases based on Chitosan, thermal stability and evaluation of antimicrobial and antitumor activities
Two-stage multi-objective framework for optimal operation of modern distribution network considering demand response program
AbstractTo improve the inadequate reliability of the grid that has led to a worsening energy crisis and environmental issues, comprehensive research on new clean renewable energy and efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly energy management technologies is essential. This requires the creation of advanced energy management systems to enhance system reliability and optimize efficiency. Demand-side energy management systems are a superior solution for multiple reasons. Firstly, they empower consumers to actively oversee and regulate their energy consumption, resulting in substantial cost savings by minimizing usage during peak hours and enhancing overall efficiency. The Demand Response Program (DRP) and optimal power sharing have gained significant attention to provide technical and economic benefits, while they require an efficient operation framework. Therefore, a two-stage framework is proposed for multi-objective operation of a distribution network with several generation resources. The first stage applies DRP to maximize the distribution network operator’s (DNO) profit by optimizing common incentive rate for all consumers participate in DRP and an individual curtailed power for each consumer. In addition to an individual incentive rate for each consumer participates in DRP which is a new solution in the field of demand side management. The second stage achieves optimal power sharing among generation resources, while considering multiple objectives and incorporating the modified load of the first stage. The multi-objective problem is formulated to reduce energy losses, voltage deviation, total operational cost, gas emissions, and maximize the voltage stability index. The problem is optimized using a combination of the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and the elephant herding optimization (EHO) technique. The framework is validated using a modified IEEE 33-bus that incorporates photovoltaic system, diesel generators, and wind generation system. The proposed framework based on an individual incentive rate DRP provides superior response compared to common incentive rate DRP which reduces the total energy losses by 38.13%, reduces the total generation cost by 9.468%, and reduces the emission by 5.9%.