CS Group Research Articles

2D Electrodes From Functionalized Graphene for Rapid Electrochemical Gold Extraction and Reduction From Electronic Waste.

Electronic waste (e-waste) contains substantial quantities of valuable precious metals, particularly gold (Au). However, inefficient metal recovery leads to these precious metals being discarded in landfills, causing significant water and environmental contamination. This study introduces a two-dimensional (2D) electrode with a layered graphene oxide membrane functionalized by chitosan (GO/CS). The GO/CS membrane acts as an ion-selective layer and demonstrates capabilities in the electrochemical extraction and reduction of Au ions. The multiple functional groups of GO and CS offer high cooperativity in ion extraction and reduction, achieving 95wt.% extraction efficiency within 10min. The simultaneous extraction and electrocatalytic reduction of Au ions within the membrane leads to the formation of ready-to-use metallic Au forms such as chips and sensors. Such an approach eliminates the processing steps required to convert extracted gold into functional products, reducing time, cost, and energy. This direct formation of usable Au components enhances the efficiency of the recovery process, making it economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The gold mining market is projected to be valued at $270 billion by 2032, with the recycling segment reaching $10.8 billion, highlighting the substantial benefits and economic potential of efficient e-waste recycling technologies.

Efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol for conscious sedation in painless colonoscopy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial

BackgroundWe explored the efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with propofol for conscious sedation in painless colonoscopy.MethodsA total of 195 patients who underwent painless colonoscopy surgery were randomly divided into three groups: the propofol deep sedation group (group DS), the sufentanil combined with propofol for conscious sedation (group CS1) and the esketamine combined with propofol for conscious sedation (group CS2). The primary outcomes of this study included the incidence of hypoxemia, hypotension, hypertension, and bradycardia and excellent and good rates of anaesthesia during colonoscopy. The secondary outcomes included perioperative changes in vital signs (MAP, HR, and SpO2), anaesthesia induction time, dischargeable time, patient and endoscopist satisfaction scores, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), drowsiness, dizziness, propofol injection pain, assisted ventilation and vasoactive medications.ResultsThe incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia in the DS group was significantly greater than that in the CS1 and CS2 groups (χ2 = 7.081, P = 0.029). The incidence of hypotension in the CS2 group was significantly lower than that in the DS and CS1 groups (χ2 = 16.278, P < 0.001). The risk of hypoxemia was 5.727 times higher in Group DS than in Group CS2 (OR 5.727; 95%CI 1.203–27.273), and the risk of hypotension was 9.864 times higher in Group DS than in Group CS2 (OR 9.864; 95%CI 2.770–35.120). The risk of hypotension in Group CS1 was 5.167 times that in Group CS2 (OR 5.167; 95%CI 1.396–19.117). The incidence of propofol injection pain, assisted ventilation, ephedrine usage and drowsiness in the DS group was significantly greater than that in the CS1 and CS2 groups (χ2 = 57.618, P < 0.001; χ2 = 9.544, P = 0.008; χ2 = 14.820, P = 0.001; χ2 = 37.257, P < 0.001). The incidence of dizziness during recovery in the CS1 group was significantly greater than that in the DS and CS2 groups (χ2 = 6.594, P = 0.037). The dischargeable time in the DS group was significantly greater than that in the CS1 and CS2 groups (F = 53.039, P < 0.001). The satisfaction scores of the endoscopist and patients in the DS group were significantly lower than those in the CS1 and CS2 groups (F = 17.390, P < 0.001; F = 19.282; P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn conclusion, esketamine combined with propofol for conscious sedation can be safely and effectively used for painless colonoscopy and has fewer complications.It is recommended for painless colonoscopy.

The Credit Suisse collapse and international financial law

ABSTRACT The 2023 banking turmoil showed that there is still work to do on banking reforms. This is particularly true when it comes to bank resolution. This note examines the resolution of Credit Suisse and focuses specifically on its international dimension. Two issues deserve particular attention. First, the peculiar resolution action by the Swiss authorities confirms that despite a standardised global blueprint for bank resolution, banks are still ‘global in life but national in death’. Second, the litigation strategies of AT1 investors present some interesting developments, notably the use of investor-state dispute settlement.

Effect of Local Zoledronic Acid Application in Alveolar Bone Healing: An Experimental Study.

This experimental study aimed to assess the three-dimensional and histological changes of the alveolar socket with local application of ZA. Nine male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into 4-, 8-, and 12-week groups after the extraction of 4 incisor teeth. The upper and lower right sockets were filled with ZA + collagen sponge (ZA-CS group), while the left sockets were filled with collagen sponge alone (CS group) postoperatively. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks (T1, T2, and T3) after the extraction, radiographic and histomorphometric evaluations were conducted for both groups. The increase in alveolar bone density of the ZA-CS group at T2 and T3 was significantly higher than the CS group (P＜0.01). Three-dimensional evaluations demonstrated no statistically significant differences in ridge height and width between the 2 groups at T2 and T3. On histological evaluation, the ZA-CS group included significantly fewer TRAP-positive cells than the CS group at T1 (P＜0.05). In ALP staining, all cases in both groups were classified as positive at each time point. Masson trichrome staining showed significantly higher mean red collagen volume fraction in the ZA-CS group (76.09%, 79.64%) than in the CS group (66.17%, 69.22%) at T2 and T3, respectively (P＜0.05 and ＜0.01). Although local ZA application with collagen sponge did not reduce alveolar ridge contraction, it improved the bone density and maturity of newly formed bone after tooth extraction.

Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation as Assessed by Water Drinking Test Following iStent inject Implantation in Open Angle Glaucoma Patients.

Introduction This study investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation as assessed by the water drinking test (WDT) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients after combined cataract surgery with iStent implantation. Methods This was a prospective non-randomized comparative study. Eyes with OAG and cataracts that were planned for either combined phacoemulsification and iStent implantation (iStent+CS) or phacoemulsification alone (CS) were recruited. The iStent inject (Model G2-M-IS) or iStent injectW (Model G2-W) trabecular micro-bypass stent (Glaukos Corporation, San Clemente, CA, USA) was implanted in the iStent+CS group. Water drinking test (WDT) was performed before and 3 months after surgery. WDT-IOP parameters including peak IOP, IOP fluctuation, and area under curve (AUC) were compared between the two groups. Results There were 20 eyes in the iStent+CS group and 16 eyes in the CS group. Both groups had similar pre-operative baseline IOP (15.6 ± 3.7 mmHg vs 15.8 ± 1.8 mmHg in the iStent+CS and CS group, respectively, p = 0.883). The iStent+CS group experienced greater numerical reduction in peak IOP (2.6 ± 1.9 mmHg vs 1.9 ± 2.4 mmHg; p = 0.355), IOP fluctuation (1.7 ± 2.2 mmHg vs 0.8 ± 2.5 mmHg; p = 0.289), and AUC (54.8 ± 103.6 mmHg x minute vs 25.3 ± 79.0 mmHg x minute; p = 0.355) than the CS group. There was more reduction in the number of anti-glaucoma medications in the iStent+CS group (1.4 ± 1.2) than the CS group (0.3 ± 0.9; p = 0.005). Conclusion Both combined phacoemulsification with iStent inject implantation and phacoemulsification alone reduced peak IOP, IOP fluctuation, and AUC, and none of these parameters showed statistically significant difference. Greater reduction in anti-glaucoma medications was seen in the combined group.

If the first child is breech, overall outcomes for families with two children are similar regardless of the mode of the first birth

Cesarean section for breech presentation is often recommended. However, cesarean section affects future reproduction. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of mode of the first birth in breech on outcomes of the second birth and the two births together. This is a register-based nationwide cohort study including 23 062 women with a first singleton birth in breech ≥ 34 gestational weeks and a subsequent singleton birth in Sweden 2000–2019. Exposure was mode of first delivery. Main maternal outcome was a composite of fourth-degree perineal injury, postpartum hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or death. Main infant outcome was a composite of stillbirth, extremely preterm birth (< 28 weeks), moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, therapeutic hypothermia, or death. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. In the first birth, the infant composite outcome affected < 1% in both groups but the risk was higher in the vaginal breech group (13/1525), compared with the breech CS group (27/21 537), aOR 7.06, 95% CI 2.91–17.1. In the second birth, the infant composite outcome affected < 1% in both groups but the risk was lower for the first vaginal breech group (3/1525) compared with the first breech CS group (152/21 537), aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.84. There was no significant difference between the groups in risk of composite infant outcome in the two births assessed together, or in risk of composite maternal outcome. In total, the chance of a two-children family without maternal or infant severe adverse composite outcome was high and similar regardless mode of the breech first birth.

Micro- and Macrostructural Language Features in Vertebrobasilar or Carotid System Stroke Without Diagnosis of Aphasia.

This study aimed to investigate the macro- and microstructural features of language in patients with ischemic stroke without aphasia. Participants were grouped according to arterial system damage and given the Aphasia Language Assessment Test (ADD) to detect aphasia. A narrative sample was obtained and analyzed for macrostructural and microstructural features of the language. The study sample consisted of 31 participants with ischemic stroke (15 vertebrobasilar system [VBS] involvement and 16 carotid system [CS] involvement) and 31 healthy participants, totaling 62 individuals. The healthy control group scored higher than the stroke group on the microstructural feature type-token ratio and mean length of utterance in the narrative analysis and on the auditory comprehension, repetition, naming, grammar, speech act, and writing subtests in ADD. Effort behavior, errors, edits, repetitions, and pauses among microstructural features and uncertainty, filler expression, and anomia among macrostructural features were significantly higher in the vertebrobasilar and CS groups than in the healthy control group. The total ADD score and speech fluency and reading subtest scores were significantly higher in individuals with VBS damage than in individuals with CS lesions (p < .05). Language components may be impaired differently in patients with carotid and vertebrobasilar lesions. Speech and language disorders in individuals who have experienced cerebrovascular accidents should be evaluated in the subacute and chronic phases, and the therapeutic needs of patients with ischemic stroke should be determined, regardless of the presence of a clinical aphasia diagnosis.

Факторы доходности облигаций дополнительного первого уровня (АТ1)

Additional Tier 1 bonds (AT1 bonds) are hybrid financial instruments issued by banks under Basel III. In case of a threat to the financial stability of an institution, these bonds can be converted into equity or written down to help the bank meet capital requirements. AT1 bonds are designed to insure a bank against a potential capital shortfall and minimize the need for a regulatory bail-out. AT1 bonds gained new attention after the collapse of Credit Suisse (CS), when all outstanding AT1 bonds issued by the bank were written down to zero. This paper provides an overview of AT1 capital, compares the main types of AT1 bonds and describes their most common features. In addition, it quantifies the risk premium in AT1 bond yields and identifies the main factors underlying this premium. The analysis is supported by real data on AT1 issuance in Europe. It is shown that in the primary market investors demand a significant premium from banks for the additional risk embedded in AT1 bonds. The size of the premium depends mostly on issuer-specific factors such as issuer’s credit risk, capital ratio, stock volatility and asset size. On the contrary, security design turns out to be a less important pricing factor. The author compares the results before and after the CS crash and concludes that the CS AT1 write-down did not directly affect the pricing principles in the market. The results of the research may be useful both for investors looking for yield pickup in financial sector and for banks working on the optimal design for their AT1 bonds.

Detection of tetracycline by molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on the modification of poly(3,4-propylene dioxythiophene)/chitosan/au

In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor based on poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene)/chitosan/Au (PProDOT/CS/Au) composite modification was designed for highly sensitive and selective detection of TC. Green synthesis of CS/Au without the use of reducing agents, followed by in-situ oxidation polymerization of PProDOT. The high electrochemical activity and high stability of PProDOT, the numerous functional groups (-OH, -NH2) of CS, and the excellent electron transport capacity of AuNPs, which provided a suitable incubation chamber for the production of imprinted cavities. Meanwhile, combined with the specific recognition ability of MIP, it showed superior performance over bare glassy carbon electrodes. Under the optimal experimental conditions, this sensor showed good linearity for TC in the concentration ranges of 0.0001–100 μM, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.19 nM. At the same time, the sensor exhibited satisfactory selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility and stability. It was evident from the results of the study that the sensor designed in this paper showed considerable potential for application in the detection of TC in pharmaceuticals, the environment, and food samples.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes combined with collagen sponges contribute to neovascularization and wound healing in exposed bone wounds

BackgroundUnmanaged bone exposed wounds that don't receive proper treatment can potentially lead to additional complications. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HUC-MSC)-derived exosomes (EXO) have a significant effect in promoting wound healing. MethodsHUC-MSCs and HUC-MSC-derived EXOs were added to a CS to prepare HUC-MSC + CS and HUC-MSC EXO + CS complexes, respectively. The CS and prepared CS complexes were observed by scanning electron microscopy and applied to bone-exposed large-area skin wounds in rabbits. Then, wound tissues were collected and analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining were performed to observe histopathological features in wound tissues. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to observe neovascularization and neural fiber density. The expressions of growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor receptor β [PDGFR-β], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 [VEGFR2], and epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]) in wound tissues were detected by western blotting. ResultsOn healing days 3, 7, 10, 14, and 16, compared with the control group, wounds in the CS group healed well. Coverage by collagen fiber was evident, angiogenic factor CD34 expression and neural fiber density increased, along with high EGFR, PDGFR-β, and VEGFR2 levels. Compared with the CS group, the HUC-MSC + CS and HUC-MSC EXO + CS groups had a better neovascularization and wound healing. In particular, the HUC-MSC EXO + CS group showed abundant collagen. ConclusionIn the treatment of bone-exposed wounds, HUC-MSCs and HUC-MSC-derived EXOs loaded in CS were more efficient than CS alone, contributing to neovascularization in wounds.

Three novel dithiocarbamate surfactants: Synthesis, DFT calculation and flotation mechanism to chalcopyrite

Three novel dithiocarbamate surfactants including 2-hydroxypropyl diethyldithiocarbamate (HPD-2), 3-hydroxypropyl diethyldithiocarbamate (HPD-3), and 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl diethyldithiocarbamate (HED-2) were prepared and characterized by FTIR, 1H/13C NMR and HRMS. They were first employed as collectors to float chalcopyrite. DFT calculations were performed to anticipate the structure–reactivity of the novel dithiocarbamates, revealing that the reaction sites were primarily distributed in CS and OH groups. Compared with HPD-2 and HPD-3, HED-2 possessed a higher chemical reactivity owing to the C-O-C group. Microflotation results indicated that the collecting ability of the three dithiocarbamate collectors towards chalcopyrite followed as HPD-3 > HED-2 > HPD-2. FTIR and XPS demonstrated that HED-2 chemisorbed onto the surface of chalcopyrite through newly generated CuS and CuO bonds.

Embryonic thermal manipulation and post-hatch dietary guanidinoacetic acid supplementation alleviated chronic heat stress impact on broiler chickens

The study investigated the effects of embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) and post-hatch guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on male broiler chickens exposed to chronic heat stress (HS). Ross 308 eggs (n = 710) were randomly assigned to control (37.8 °C, 56% RH) or TM (39.5 °C, 65% RH for 12 h/day from embryonic day 7–16) treatments. After hatching, chicks were further assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 12 birds/pen, 5 replicates/treatment): control, control with 1.2 g/kg GAA supplementation (CS), TM, and TM with 1.2 g/kg GAA supplementation (TMS). All birds were subjected to chronic HS (32–36 °C and 55% RH for 6 h/day) from day 28–42. Embryonic TM treatment decreased hatchability, hatching weight (HW), and facial temperature (FT). During the pre-HS period (days 1–28), no significant differences in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were observed, although the TM group exhibited the lowest body weight gain (BWG). Following HS exposure (days 29–42), the TMS group displayed significantly higher BWG than the control and CS groups. The TM and TMS groups also demonstrated significantly lower FCR and mortality rates during this period. Across the entire period (days 1–42), BWG was significantly higher in the TMS group compared to other groups. Furthermore, TM and TMS treatments were associated with lower mortality rates, improved FCR, better European Performance Efficiency Index (EPEI), and reduced abdominal fat deposition. The experimental treatments did not significantly affect intestinal morphology or most blood parameters, except triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and uric acid. Plasma concentrations of T3, T4, and uric acid were significantly lower in the TM and TMS groups compared to the control and CS treatments. The findings suggest that a combined strategy of embryonic TM and post-hatch dietary GAA supplementation may not only alleviate the detrimental effects of HS but also promote beneficial physiological responses in broiler chickens.

Crisis and Reflection on the Banking Sector Based on the Collapse of Credit Suisse and Silicon Valley Bank

In March 2023, global financial markets were in the spotlight due to the failure of Credit Suisse and Silicon Valley Bank. This paper provides an analysis of two high-profile events, the takeover of Credit Suisse and the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank. These two banks suffered from financial crises resulting from liquidity crunches and inadequate risk management systems, and the negative effects on their reputations began to spread to the outside world, this triggered widespread volatility in the financial markets and ultimately led to their downfall. Through research and data analysis, this article reveals the reasons behind the collapses of Credit Suisse and Silicon Valley Bank, this article discusses the reasons for the collapse of Credit Suisse and Silicon Valley Bank and discusses their far-reaching impact on the global financial market, especially the investment market. The article proposes feasible solution strategies, offering insights for the financial market and investment industry.

Risk Assessment of Banks When Interest Rate Hikes

Interest rates play a crucial role in the risk management of banks. When central banks raise interest rates to curb inflation or an overheated economy, the risk profile of banks can alter significantly. This paper explores the risks banks face and their assessment methods in a rising interest rate environment, focusing on SVB and Credit Suisse as case studies. It identifies key risks such as liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, and systemic risk by examining the impact of increasing interest rates on banks' balance sheets, earnings, and capital positions. The research concludes that Asset-Liability Management (ALM) modeling, stress testing, and hedging strategies are effective tools for banks to manage these risks. A thorough literature review underscores the importance of these strategies in ensuring banks' stability and performance amidst rising interest rates. The paper highlights that proper risk management practices are essential for banks to navigate the challenges posed by changing interest rates and to maintain their financial health and operational stability in such an environment.

Early salvage therapy with anti-PD-1 antibody Camrelizumab in patients with advanced cervical cancer: a retrospective study.

To observe the clinical efficacy of Camrelizumab in patients with advanced cervical cancer who presented with resistance to initial therapy. We retrieved data from 25 patients with advanced (stage IIA2-IV) cervical cancer who were administered a combination salvage therapy with Camrelizumab due to the poor response to initial chemotherapy. The primary outcome was objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and the occurrence of adverse events. To evaluate its long-term effect on PFS, we included 64 patients diagnosedwith stage IIA2-IV during the study period, who were responsive to initial radiotherapy or chemotherapy and received conventional therapy as control. Camrelizumab exhibits a high salvage treatment efficacy, with ORR of 80.0% (20/25) and DCR of 88.0% (22/25)in Camrelizumab salvage group (CS group). The PFS in CS group was significantly longer than thatin controlgroup. The median follow-up time were 18.1 and 18.3months in the CS group and the control group, respectively, and neither achieved median PFS. The adverse event (AEs) rates in the CS and control groups were 52.0% (13/25) and 51.6% (33/64), in which the most common adverse events were myelosuppression, cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (CCEP), and elevated liver enzymes, and the grade of AEs was less than grade 3 in all patients. Camrelizumab demonstrated promising efficacy and safety as the early salvage treatment for patients with advanced cervical cancer.

Inflammatory Profile of Different Absorbable Membranes Used for Bone Regeneration: An In Vivo Study.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has become a necessary practice in implantology. Absorbable membranes have shown advantages over non-absorbable membranes, such as blood support of bone tissue. This study aimed to evaluate five collagen membranes in rat calvaria critical-size defects through a histomorphometric analysis of the inflammatory profile during the initial phase of bone repair. A total of 72 Albinus Wistar rats were used for the study, divided into six groups, with 12 animals per group, and two experimental periods, 7 and 15 days. The groups were as follows: the CG (clot), BG (Bio-Gide®), JS (Jason®), CS (Collprotect®), GD (GemDerm®), and GDF (GemDerm Flex®). Data showed that the BG group demonstrated an inflammatory profile with an ideal number of inflammatory cells and blood vessels, indicating a statistically significant difference between the JS and CS groups and the BG group in terms of the number of inflammatory cells and a statistically significant difference between the JS and CS groups and the GD group in terms of angiogenesis (p < 0.05). We conclude that different origins and ways of obtaining them, as well as the thickness of the membrane, can interfere with the biological response of the material.

Clinical predictors and outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction related cardiogenic shock in the Asian population

BackgroundCardiogenic shock (CS) complicating myocardial infarction is associated with poor outcomes. Data among Asian populations are scarce. We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes, prognostic factors, and predictors of CS among Asian ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for STEMI within our regional STEMI network between 2015 and 2019. The long-term outcomes of those with and without CS were compared. Clinical predictors of outcomes and development of CS were investigated. ResultsA total of 1791 patients who underwent PPCI were included. Patients completed at least 2 years’ follow-up with a median follow-up period of 2.6 years (IQR 1.0, 3,9). Overall, 208/1791 (11.6 %) STEMI patients developed CS. These patients were older (61.1 ± 12.5 vs 57.8 ± 12.2, P < 0.001) and mostly men (87.0 %). All-cause mortality (59.9 % vs 4.7 % P < 0.001), cardiac mortality (43.8 % vs 2.2 %, P < 0.001) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was significantly higher in the CS group (59.1 % vs 14.0 %, P < 0.001). Independent predictors of survival were higher index LVEF (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] 0.967, 95 %CI 0.951–0.984, p < 0.001) and higher arterial pH at onset of shock (aHR 0.750, 0.626–0.897, p = 0.002). Increased serum lactate concentration independently predicts poor prognosis (aHR 1.084, 95 % CI 1.046–1.124, p < 0.001). ConclusionIn Asian STEMI patients who underwent PPCI, CS was associated with poor outcomes. Higher LVEF on index admission was associated with better outcomes; while lactic acidosis independently predicted mortality.

Research and Thinking Based on Credit Suisse Bank Crisis

Research and Thinking Based on Credit Suisse Bank Crisis

Comparison of Bilirubin Level in Term Infants Born by Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section Delivery

Background: Given the overriding importance of neonatal jaundice and scarcity of studies on the role of route of delivery on its occurrence, this study aimed to investigate the association between neonatal bilirubin level and the route of delivery (i.e., normal vaginal delivery [NVD] and cesarean section [CS]). Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012- in Accadmic hospital of medical faculty of balkh university Afghanistan, in all term infants, who met the inclusion criteria was serum bilirubin level was measured by the bili-test device between the second and seventh days after birth. In cases with skin bilirubin level&gt;5 mg/dl, serum bilirubin was also checked. Results: A total of 182 neonates were enrolled in the study, 56% of whom were male. The mean bilirubin levels in the NVD and CS groups were 9.4±2.9 mg/dl and 9.8±3.4 mg/dl, respectively (P=0.53). Additionally, comparison of the mean bilirubin levels between the two groups based of demographic characteristics demonstrated no significant differences. Conclusion: This study showed no significant correlation between neonatal jaundice in term infants and the route of delivery.

Mapping Capital Ratios to Bank Lending Spreads: The Role of Efficiency and Asymmetry in Performance Indices

Beyond the 2007–2008 financial crisis, the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank and the acquisition of Credit Suisse by the Swiss investment bank UBS Group AG in 2023 have brought fresh attention to the need for new regulatory capital, liquidity risk management, and leverage requirements. To meet tightened capital requirements, banks have to increase their capital ratios either by increasing equity or by decreasing risk-weighted assets. Both options lead to banks’ performance deterioration. One remedy for banks to recover is raising their lending spread. A critical question is how much the lending spread should be increased to offset the drop in the bank’s financial performance level. In this study, we focus on the asymmetries and efficiency consequences of performance indices such as economic value added (EVA) and the more commonly used return on equity (ROE) in determining the loan spread. Using data on the largest U.S. banks over the period 2018–2022, our results show that the ROE rule significantly overestimates the magnitude of the lending spreads required to offset the negative financial consequences of increases in capital ratios. The EVA approach, on the other hand, prescribes on average a significantly lower lending spread of 0.4505 basis points against a lending spread of 21.0441 basis points associated with the use of the ROE approach. The efficiency and the level of lending spreads should enable banks to maintain their competitive advantages in the loan markets impacting overall economic productivity and growth.