CS Group Research Articles

Skoochies and its component substances induced testicular damage and impaired sperm function via increased generation of reactive oxygen species and impairment of the glutathione system in rats

ObjectiveTo study examined the effect of skoochies, an illicit cocktail drink, on testicular and sperm function in male rats. DesignTwenty-five adult male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into five groups (n = 5), as follows: Normal saline (NS group), skoochies (SK group), cannabis sativa (CS group), codeine (CO group), and tramadol (TM group). The cocktail (skoochies) used for this study was formulated using the following composition: codeine (5mg/kg), tramadol (20mg/kg) and cannabis extract (2mg/kg). These doses are as previously reported. Administration was done once daily for twenty-eight (28) days. ResultsSkoochies increased reactive oxygen species generation and impaired the antioxidant system resulting in inflammation that eventually damage the testicular tissue. Skoochies causes oxido-inflammatory injury to the testicular tissues resulting in impaired testicular functions. This was evident by the distorted cytoarchitecture, reduced sperm count, motility and impaired testicular DNA integrity. ConclusionThus, our results infer that Skoochies induced the impairment of testicular and sperm function through the increased generation of reactive oxygen species and impairment of the glutathione system.

Physicochemical characteristics and microbial diversity of sous vide scallops (Chlamys farreri) during chilled storage

This study investigated the impact of sous vide (SV) cooking methods on the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the microbial composition of scallops (Chlamys farreri) over a 30 days period of refrigerated storage. Scallop treatments were divided into two groups: CS (scallops vacuum-packed and then steamed for 30 min at 75 °C) and CK (scallops steamed for 15 min at 100 °C). With the increase in refrigeration time, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), pH, cooking loss, microbial content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually increased, while the water-soluble protein extraction rate and the myofibrillar protein (MP) extraction rate of the CS and CK samples significantly decreased. Notably, the SV steaming treatment effectively reduced microbial degradation of proteins, improved water retention of scallop samples, and maintained high MP extraction as compared to CK samples (MP content ranged from 1.09% to 2.50% in the CK group and 1.75%–3.33% in the CS group). During the late stages of refrigeration, conventionally cooked scallops (CK) were dominated by Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter, with the ability to produce biogenic amines, while SV steamed scallops were dominated by Psychrobacillus. Furthermore, a link was discovered between the microbial community and the physicochemical parameters.

Quantifying the volatility spillover dynamics between financial stress and US financial sectors: Evidence from QVAR connectedness

This study uses quantile vector-autoregressive to examine volatility connectedness among a global financial stress index (including five categories: credit, equity valuation, funding, safe assets, and volatility) and US financial sectors under low, moderate, and extreme volatility conditions. The dataset includes the special periods covering the global financial crisis, China crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, Russian–Ukrainian war, Silicon Valley Bank failure, and Credit Suisse bank crisis. The findings imply that spillover effects among the series are higher during extreme volatility than during low and moderate volatility periods. During periods of low volatility, the credit category of the financial stress index and the US financial sector indices are net shock transmitters, but during extreme volatility periods, the US financial sectors become net shock receivers alongside the credit and funding categories of the financial stress indices. US financial sectors also exhibit net shock recipient roles at extreme volatility levels during those special periods.

A validation study of the accuracy of the atrial pace map assessed with intracardiac pattern matching: Potential utility of non-pulmonary vein mapping.

Identification of infrequent nonpulmonary vein trigger premature atrial contractions (PACs) is challenging. We hypothesized that pace mapping (PM) assessed by correlation scores calculated by an intracardiac pattern matching (ICPM) module was useful for locating PAC origins, and conducted a validation study to assess the accuracy of ICPM-guided PM. Analyzed were 30 patients with atrial fibrillation. After pulmonary vein isolation, atrial pacing was performed at one or two of four sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the left atrium (LA, n=10/10), LA septum (n=10), and lateral RA (n=10), which was arbitrarily determined as PAC. The intracardiac activation obtained from each pacing was set as an ICPM reference consisting of six CS unipolar electrograms (CS group) or six CS unipolar electrograms and four RA electrograms (CS-RA group). The PM was performed at 193±107 sites for each reference pacing site. All reference pacing sites corresponded to sites where the maximal ICPM correlation score was obtained. Sites with a correlation score ≥98% were rarely obtained in the CS-RA than CS group (33%vs. 55%, P=.04), but those ≥95% were similarly obtained between the two groups (93%vs. 88%, P=.71), and those ≥90% were obtained in all. The surface areas with correlation scores ≥98% (0[0,10] vs. 10[0,35] mm2, P=.02), ≥95% (10[10,30] vs. 50[10,180] mm2, P=.002) and ≥90% (60[30,100] vs. 170[100,560] mm2, P=.0002) were smaller in the CS-RA than CS group. ICPM-guided PM was useful for identifying the reference pacing sites. Combined use of RA and CS electrograms may improve the mapping quality.

Risk Assessment of Banks under Fed Rate Hikes

The global economy was hit after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic stagnation and high volatility in commodity prices also had a negative impact on global supply chains. The Federal Reserve, in an effort to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis, slow down inflation, increase the liquidity of money, prevent asset value bubbles, and further revive and stabilize the economy, adopted a policy of raising interest rates, gradually increasing the federal funds rate to between 5.25 and 5.5 per cent over a two-year period. This change, however, also led to many changes in the banking sector. Commercial banks are trying to find ways to avoid risks while maintaining their returns in the face of financial market changes. This paper analyzes the systemic risk of commercial banks through liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk with the cases of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Credit Suisse Bank. Through the analysis, this paper finds that commercial banks suffer from systemic risk, often reflecting their own operational problems, which ultimately led to bankruptcy or acquisition of the end.

Switzerland: Political Developments and Data in 2023

AbstractIn 2023, Switzerland's profound integration into the globalized world was particularly evident, fundamentally challenging the notion of political sovereignty. Yet, this interconnectedness also means that Swiss domestic rules strongly reverberate around the world, such as in the case of policy failure regarding financial regulation. This article explores how global developments shape Swiss politics, from campaign dynamics ahead of the 2023 federal elections to externally imposed legislative agendas. Even the notorious “Swiss” direct democracy no longer solely reflects citizen‐initiated proposals as further evidenced that year. The article also underscores the inertia of Swiss‐style consensus democracy in gearing up its institutional design for polycrisis. It concludes with a discussion of two major political issues: the collapse of Credit Suisse, one of Switzerland's two leading banks, which marks the most far‐reaching shake‐up of the global banking sector since the 2008 financial crisis, and a potential break‐through in the longstanding stalemate in Swiss–EU relations.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Does Not Improve Survival in cT2N0M0 Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients: A Multicenter Propensity Score Analysis

BackgroundAccording to current international guidelines, stage cT2N0M0 gastric adenocarcinoma warrants preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery. However, upfront surgery is often preferred in clinical practice, depending on patient clinical status and local treatment preferences.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of cT2N0M0 patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed among 32 centers, including gastric adenocarcinoma patients operated between January 2007 and December 2017. Patients with cT2N0M0 stage were divided into upfront surgery (S) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (CS) groups. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to compensate for baseline differences between the groups.ResultsAmong the 202 patients diagnosed with cT2N0M0 stage, 68 (33.7%) were in the CS group and 134 (66.3%) were in the S group. CS patients were younger (mean age 62.7 ± 12.8 vs. 69.8 ± 12.1 years for S patients; p < 0.001) and had a better health status (World Health Organization performance status = 0 in 60.3% of CS patients vs. 34.5% of S patients; p = 0.006). During follow-up, recurrence occurred in 27.2% and 19.6% of CS and S patients, respectively, after IPTW (p = 0.32). Five-year OS was similar between CS and S patients (78.9% vs. 68.3%; p = 0.42), as was 5-year DFS (70.4% vs. 68.5%; p = 0.96). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with neither OS nor DFS in multivariable analysis after IPTW.ConclusionsPatients with cT2N0M0 gastric adenocarcinoma did not present a survival or recurrence benefit if treated with perioperative chemotherapy followed by surgery as opposed to surgery alone.

Metformin attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury and necroptosis through AMPK pathway in type 2 diabetic recipient rats

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) can aggravate lung ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and is a significant risk factor for recipient mortality after lung transplantation. Metformin protects against I/R injury in a variety of organs. However, the effect of metformin on diabetic lung I/R injury remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the effect and mechanism of metformin on lung I/R injury following lung transplantation in type 2 diabetic rats.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following six groups: the control + sham group (CS group), the control + I/R group (CIR group), the DM + sham group (DS group), the DM + I/R group (DIR group), the DM + I/R + metformin group (DIRM group) and the DM + I/R + metformin + Compound C group (DIRMC group). Control and diabetic rats underwent the sham operation or left lung transplantation operation. Lung function, alveolar capillary permeability, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, necroptosis and the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio were determined after 24 h of reperfusion.ResultsCompared with the CIR group, the DIR group exhibited decreased lung function, increased alveolar capillary permeability, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and necroptosis, but decreased the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio. Metformin improved the function of lung grafts, decreased alveolar capillary permeability, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and necroptosis, and increased the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio. In contrast, the protective effects of metformin were abrogated by Compound C.ConclusionsMetformin attenuates lung I/R injury and necroptosis through AMPK pathway in type 2 diabetic lung transplant recipient rats.

Motivation of Financial Decision-Making in the Era of Mass Media: An Interpretation of the Influence of Media Discourse on Credit Suisse Group Customer Behavior

This paper aims to interpret the media's influence on customer behavior within the Credit Suisse Group from the vantage point of social psychology, elucidating the underlying drivers of financial decision-making in the age of mass media. Through an analysis encompassing the relationship between financial decision-making and social psychology theories, the distinctive features characterizing Credit Suisse Group's customer behavior, and the impact of media discourse on customer conduct, this study delves into the role of social cognition in shaping customer behavior as well as the affective ramifications of media discourse on customers. The findings underscore the pivotal roles of social cognition and media discourse in financial decision-making. This study holds significant theoretical implications and practical relevance for comprehending the impetuses behind financial decisions and the sway of mass media on customer behavior.

Impact of Nanoencapsulated Rosemary Essential Oil as a Novel Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Gene Expression of Broiler Chicken.

This study evaluated the effect of free and nanoencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and gene expression. Four hundred twenty day-old commercial broiler chicks (VENCOBB) were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments, each having four replicates of fifteen chicks. The dietary treatments comprised control (CON) fed a basal diet only, AB (basal diet + 10 mg enramycin/kg), CS (basal diet + 150 mg chitosan nanoparticles/kg), REOF100 and REOF200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg free REO/kg, respectively), and REON100 and REON200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg nanoencapsulated REO/kg, respectively). Overall (7-42 d), REON200 showed the highest (p < 0.001) body weight gain (1899 g/bird) and CON had the lowest gain (1742 g/bird), while the CS, REOF100 and REOF200 groups had a similar gain, but lower than that of the AB and REON100 groups. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments. Overall, the feed efficiency increased (p = 0.001) by 8.47% in the REON200 group and 6.21% in the AB and REON100 groups compared with the CON. Supplementation of REO improved (p < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein digestibility, with the highest values in REON100 and REON200. Ether extract, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus digestibility values showed no difference among the groups. The dressing, breast, thigh % increased (p < 0.05) and abdominal fat % decreased (p < 0.001) more in the REON200 group than with other treatments and CON. In breast meat quality, water holding capacity and extract reserve volume increased (p < 0.05) while drip loss and cholesterol content decreased (p < 0.05) in REON100 and REON200. No change was observed in the breast meat color among dietary treatments and CON. The REON100 and REON200 groups had reduced (p < 0.05) meat lipid peroxidation as depicted by the decreased levels of TBARS, free fatty acids and peroxide value compared to other treatments and CON. The expression of the Mucin 2, PepT1 and IL-10 genes was upregulated (p < 0.001) and TNF-α downregulated (p < 0.001) by dietary addition of REO particularly in the nanoencapsulated form compared with the CON. In conclusion, nanoencapsulated REO, especially at 200 mg/kg diet, showed promising results as an antibiotic alternative in improving the performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and upregulation of growth and anti-inflammatory genes.

Questionable relations: On aggressive financialised ‘assemblages’ in creative and ecologically-challenged space-economies

In this contribution, the interest is in three things, arising from a project on ‘dark’ F-KIBS clusters. This has already resulted in critical papers on management consultancy and accounting ‘assemblages’ in which such clusters are embedded (Cooke, 2023a; 2003b). Questions posed are: first, why is there so much financial crime being punished with huge fines? Second has there been a significant rise in such prosecutions in recent years? Third, which jurisdictions or clusters display the most prosecuted firms and sectors? These questions are stimulated by an interest in ‘assemblage geography’ and evolutionary spatial analysis; accordingly, financial ‘dark’ clusters are proposed for study in this contribution. Assemblage connections may be hypothesised to be found in financial districts that replicate Marshallian proximity, notably Delaware in the US (Weitzman, 2022). That state specifically and its main city, Wilmington, is proposed as an exemplary rising agglomeration of relational interactions specialising in US tax avoidance and bankruptcy. In Switzerland, Bellinzona Federal Criminal Court recently hosted a Swiss Bank’s first-ever domestic trial for criminality in the shape of Credit Suisse. This bank had a fine of SFr2mn imposed on the bank, which was also ordered to pay €18.6mn in compensation to the Swiss government. An extra penalty was imposed by confiscation of SFr12 mn in criminal assets from the convicted perpetrators. The case had involved a group of Bulgarian clients laundering cocaine profits between 2004 and 2008 involving huge sums of cash being brought to the bank in suitcases, further associated with two assassinations. These red flags were missed by a bank which had received multiple fines elsewhere (Carrel, 2022). In reference to gang crime, in 2004, a Credit Suisse banker in Tokyo was arrested for allegedly helping launder at least ¥5bn linked to Japan’s largest Yakuza gang connected in a Japan, Switzerland and Hong Kong network (Makortoff and Pegg, 2022). Regarding the demise of Switzerland’s second global bank, after being badly hit by the huge Greensill and Archegos bankruptcies Credit Suisse was bailed out for £45 billion by the Swiss Central Bank in March 2023. Earlier, in 2015–2017, Disney, the creative economy exemplar in this narrative, is profiled in our third vignette as an imperious tax-dodging ‘fiefdom’ yet surviving as the global mass-entertainment leader. Finally, in sections 4 and 5, we profile two London-centred banking ‘scandals’ with ‘sustainability’ rather than ‘creative’ overtones. Thus of dubious banking practices London’s many categories of financial regulator are served by two ‘assemblage’ cases that will be analysed subsequent to being advanced as candidates. One recent exemplar is Balli Steel, an Anglo-Iranian sanctions-breaker, while another is Britishvolt, a financially failed EV gigafactory project in the UK.

Re-consideration of Lymph Node Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Following Radical Resection: A Retrospective Study.

Perioperative chemotherapy has become more common in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), and the significance of lymph node (LN) metastasis and the role of surgical resection in PC have gradually evolved. In the present study, we reconsidered the significance of LN metastasis for patients with PC. We analyzed 142 PC patients who underwent radical resection at our hospital between September 2012 and December 2021. Patients were divided into three groups based on the performance of preoperative chemotherapy, as follows: up-front surgery (US, n=109), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC, n=22), and conversion surgery (CS, n=11). The characteristics of patients with LN metastasis in the US group were clarified, and a prognostic analysis was performed. The prognostic impact of LN metastasis in the NAC/CS group was examined and compared to that in the US group. Multivariate analysis revealed that high CA19-9 levels, large tumor size, and positive lymphatic invasion were significantly associated with LN metastasis. LN metastasis and portal vein invasion were independent poor prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Patients without LN metastasis in the NAC group tended to have a better prognosis than those in the US group; however, the prognosis of patients with LN metastasis was similar between the two groups. In the CS and US groups, the prognosis was comparable for patients with and without LN metastasis. LN metastasis is a notably poor prognostic factor for PC patients, even after NAC, and more aggressive perioperative treatments may be considered for these patients.

Comparative efficacy of stannous fluoride and zinc sulfate solution to copper sulfate footbath solutions for the treatment and prevention of digital dermatitis in lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel footbath solution containing stannous fluoride (SnF2) was superior to 5% copper sulfate solution for the treatment and prevention of digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cattle. Study 1 was conducted over 4 weeks in Missouri and involved 34 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with hind feet DD lesions. Cows in group SF walked through a footbath containing a proprietary formulation of SnF2 once weekly, whereas cows in group CS walked through a 5% CuSO4 footbath once daily for 5 d each week. Study 2 was conducted over 8 weeks in California and involved 40 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with hind feet DD lesions. Cows in group SF walked through a SnF2 footbath for 3 consecutive days then once a week for the following 7 weeks. Cows in group CS walked through a 5% CuSO4 footbath 3 times each week for 8 weeks. Data collection included lesion type, lesion area, locomotion score, and pain score. Digital dermatitis was actively transmitted in study 1, and lesion area and locomotion scores were lower in group SF than group CS. In contrast, DD was not actively transmitted in study 2, and lesion area and locomotion scores were similar in groups SF and CS. Stannous fluoride delayed the development of active DD lesions in study 1 compared with copper sulfate, with a lower relative risk (0.57, P < 0.001) of a hind foot developing an active DD lesion over 28 d. However, SnF2 decreased the rate that active DD lesions transitioned to M3, M4, or M0 lesions compared with 5% copper sulfate in both studies, with the relative risk of a hind foot with an active DD lesion transitioning to M3, M4, or M0 in group SF being slightly lower in study 1 (0.83, P = 0.042) and study 2 (0.90, P = 0.020) than group CS. Our findings demonstrated that walking cows through a stannous fluoride footbath once per week in a herd undergoing active transmission of infection was more effective in preventing active DD lesions, but less effective in treating active DD lesions, than walking cows through a copper sulfate footbath 4 times per week. The novel SnF2 footbath solution shows promise for controlling DD in dairy herds that want an alternative footbath solution to CuSO4 and are interested in limiting the environmental accumulation of copper.

Breaking the chains of traditional finance: A taxonomy of decentralized finance business models

Recently, the looming bankruptcy of Credit Suisse, which ultimately led to its merger with UBS, has intensified the discussion surrounding the need for more transparent and democratic financial markets. Decentralized finance (DeFi) represents a departure from traditional financial intermediation by leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts. Despite its growing importance, limited research has been conducted on the business models of DeFi services. This study aims to address this gap by examining the business models of various DeFi services, identifying key drivers of innovation, differentiation, and value creation. Using a rigorous taxonomy development framework, we identify 12 dimensions and 47 characteristics that operationalize business models in DeFi. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the transformation of financial services through blockchain technology and provide valuable insights for DeFi entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.

Exploring functional metabolites and proteomics biomarkers in late-preterm and natural-born pigs.

Pigs are often used to study the intestinal development of newborns, particularly as preterm pig models that mimic the intestinal growth of human preterm infants. Neonatology's study of delivery mode's impact on neonatal development is crucial. We established 14 newborn pigs delivered via cesarean sections (C-section, at 113 days of gestational age, CS group) and 8 naturally born pigs were used as controls (at 114 days of gestational age, NF group). The impact of two alternative delivery procedures (C-section and natural birth) on the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids in the hepatic and intestines of newborn pigs were compared using metabolomics. The underlying molecular pathways are examined at the "protein-metabolite" level by integrating proteomic data. The findings demonstrated that the mode of delivery changed the metabolism of SCFAs in newborn pigs, perhaps by affecting the physiology levels of cyclic intermediates such as lactate and malate in the pyruvate metabolic pathway. Additionally, by participating in the fatty acid metabolism pathway, two distinct proteins (FASN and HSD17B4) may impact the physiological concentration of these tiny metabolites. In conclusion, this study provided reliable animal model data for understanding the physiological SCFA metabolic information and its affecting mechanism of large-gestational age preterm infants.

Risk Management and Responses of Banks under COVID-19 and Fed Rate Hike

This paper aims to study how banks carry out risk management and how to avoid systemic risks in the banking industry under the interest rate hike policy in the post-epidemic era. This paper divides bank risks into four main aspects to analyze the impact of sharp interest rate hikes on bank risk management in combination with the acquisition of Credit Suisse and the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank. They are credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk (specifically interest rate risk), and systemic risk. After research, this paper finds that during the COVID-19 period, including interest rate hikes, governments have introduced corresponding policies for risk management. Moreover, when the market risk puts too much pressure on the bank, it will lead to credit risk and then liquidity risk, which may eventually trigger systemic risk under the joint effect. Given the current high inflation situation, the high level of interest rates will remain for a long time. Therefore, banks should do as much as possible to manage risks and reduce the possibility of triggering systemic risks.

Comprehensive analysis of histophysiology, transcriptome and metabolome tolerance mechanisms in black porgy (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) under low temperature stress

Low temperature stress has adverse effects on fish growth and reproduction, causing huge economic losses to the aquaculture industry. Especially, black porgy (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) farming industry in north of Yangtze River has been severely affected by low temperature for a long time. To explore the tolerance mechanism of black porgy to low temperature stress, the experiment was designed. The liver and gill tissues of black porgy were taken from the water temperature point of 15 °C (control group named as CG), 3.8 °C (cold sensitive group named as CS) and 2.8 °C (cold tolerant group named as CT) with a cooling rate of 3 °C/d from 15 °C for histophysiology, transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis. After cold stress, the histological results showed that the nucleus of the black porgy liver tissue appeared swelling, the cell arrangement was disordered; meanwhile the gill lamellae were twisted and broken, the epidermis was detached and aneurysm appeared. In addition, the expression of antioxidant, glucose metabolism and immune-related enzymes in the liver and gill of black porgy also changed significantly after low temperature stress. By analyzing the transcriptome and metabolome dates of black porgy liver, 3474 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 689 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) involved in low temperature stress were identified, respectively. The results of the transcriptome and metabolome combined analysis showed that individuals in the CS group mainly supplied energy to the body through lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, and meanwhile the apoptosis pathway was activated. While, individuals in the CT group mainly through glucose metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis to supply energy for the body. The validation results of qPCR on eight functional genes further demonstrated the reliability of RNA-Seq data. In summary, the results provide molecular information about adaptation to climate change and genetic selection of black porgy.

UBS's Acquisition of Credit Suisse: Case Study of Acquisition Results between Large Banks

UBS's acquisition of Credit Suisse is a typical case of acquisitions between large banks, which has a great influence on the development of UBS itself and the Swiss banking industry. This paper aims to evaluate the success of the acquisition based on the changes in UBS’s stock price at the time of the acquisition news announcement and the actual occurrence of the acquisition. Through the study of UBS’s stock price fluctuations before and after the release of acquisition news, this paper finds that investors generally hold a positive attitude toward the impact of the acquisition on UBS's operation and future revenues. Through analysis of the stock price and owners' equity per share changes during the acquisition, it can be indicated that the income of UBS also increased significantly after the actual occurrence of the acquisition, which is confirmed by both the positive reaction of market investors and UBS's financial statements. The generally upward indicators such as stock price, return on stocks, and owners 'equity reflect the overall positive financial information of UBS, therefore UBS's acquisition can be considered successful to a large extent. According to this acquisition case, the acquisition is a significant means for large banks to enhance market investors' optimism about them, as well as reduce their operating costs and increase future revenues.

Bank Risk Assessment under COVID-19 Crisis

The global economy is showing signs of gradual recovery after experiencing stagnation during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, one major concern in the United States is the persistently high inflation rates observed in recent years. To address this issue, the United States has initiated a continuous interest rate increase plan as a measure to slow down the country's economic growth. While this strategy aims to curb inflation, it has created a series of challenges, particularly for the banking industry. The repercussions of these interest rate hikes have extended to various sectors of the economy. Notably, the technology sector has felt the pinch as higher borrowing costs have dampened the momentum of technology stocks, resulting in a decline in valuations for technology companies. Silicon Valley Bank, a financial institution heavily reliant on the technology industry, has also experienced the adverse effects of these interest rate hikes. Perhaps one of the most contentious developments resulting from these actions was Credit Suisse allowing UBS to acquire it at a price significantly below its market capitalization—approximately a quarter of its market value. This move was driven by concerns about preventing systemic risks. In sum, the far-reaching and, in some cases, severe consequences of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike strategy underscore the critical importance of striking a balance between economic growth and inflation control.

Risk Assessment on Banks under Rising Interest Rates

This paper explores the critical role of the banking sector in the economy and society, with a focus on various risk dimensions affecting this industry. These dimensions include liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, and systemic risk. The paper underscores the banking sector's significance for the national economy and financial stability, defining and explaining these risks' impact. The liquidity risk section delves into the definition, causes, and implications of liquidity risk, examining policies and measures taken by banks, especially in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit risk is explored through a case study of Credit Suisse, discussing the definition and consequences of credit risk and its potential role in bank bankruptcies. Market risk is analyzed with a focus on interest rate changes and their effects on banks, using the case of Silicon Valley Bank to illustrate how market risk can lead to bank failures. Systemic risk is explained, emphasizing its definition, causes, and significance to banks while also suggesting measures to avoid it. This paper concludes by summarizing the impact of these risks on the banking sector and offers recommendations for risk management and the future direction of the industry. Through case studies, it highlights the complexity of these risk dimensions and their crucial role in maintaining banking sector stability and overall economic well-being.