Diverse Effects Research Articles

Board diversity and value creation for business sustainability

The primary objective of a firm is not the creation of profit; it is the creation of value for shareholders. Corporations need to be innovative to create value, and this entails the need for corporations to embark on research and development (R&D) endeavors. This study’s objective is to determine the impact of Malaysian publicly listed companies’ board diversity (qualification, gender, and age) on the intensity of companies’ R&D investment. In conjunction with the 2017 Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance’s, which took on a new approach that promotes board diversity in corporate governance culture, samples were selected from the Minority Shareholders Watch Group ’s Malaysia: List of Top 100 Companies Overall CG & Performance (By Rank) from 2017-2019, which portrayed good corporate governance practices. The agency theory and the resource-based view were integrated to explain the effects of board diversity on R&D investment. Tests and analysis were conducted, and the results indicated that only age diversity had a positive influence on R&D investment. Practitioners could use the findings of this study to choose the ideal board composition for a company looking to gain a competitive edge. Regulators could also use this study to develop good corporate governance procedures for Malaysian publicly traded companies. The findings of this study may not truly portray the overall industries listed in Bursa Malaysia, as the samples used were limited and the data of certain companies was unavailable.

Benefits of Chinese Line Dance and Its Impact on Students’ Cross-Disciplinary Learning

This study examines the influence of line dancing on the welfare and interdisciplinary education of university students, taking into account demographic variables such as age, gender, and academic fields. The survey includes a wide range of participants, with a majority of females (79%) between the ages of 18 and 20 (96%). These participants come from numerous academic disciplines, with Science Education being the most prevalent (22%). Utilizing a meticulous survey approach, the assessment of line dancing demonstrates its positive impact on the physical health, cognitive capacities, social connections, cultural comprehension, psychological welfare, and personal growth of college students. Furthermore, the Tukey post-hoc analysis indicates notable disparities in the perceived advantages of line dancing among other academic areas. Students studying sports economy and administration have reported experiencing significant personal benefits, indicating the possible incorporation of line dancing into relevant curricula. The results underscore the significance of customizing interdisciplinary learning approaches to suit the varied characteristics of students and their corresponding academic disciplines. This study offers significant insights into the diverse effects of line dancing and emphasizes its potential as an inclusive instructional instrument.

Anthropogenic noise limits resource distribution without changing social hierarchies

Increasing evidence demonstrates that anthropogenic noise is a global pollutant that threatens marine ecosystems. Mounting numbers of studies show its diverse effects on individuals and their behaviour. However, little is known about how individual changes in response to anthropogenic noise could cascade through groups and populations affecting resource distribution vital for survival and fitness. Here we test the hypotheses that anthropogenic noise could alter resource distribution, associated hierarchies and consequently individual benefits. We used groups of hermit crabs, a globally distributed model system for assessing impacts of environmental change on wildlife and measured in controlled laboratory conditions the resource distribution of their reusable shelters (gastropod shells) under ship noise and ambient control playbacks. We applied vacancy chain theory to test three predictions about how new resource units create benefits for a population. A new resource unit leads to (i) a cascade of resource abandonments and acquisitions (= chain of vacancy moves) based on an internal (ii) hierarchy (here size-based) which allows (iii) more than one individual to benefit. All three predictions were supported under control sound. Under anthropogenic noise however, fewer individuals benefitted from the arrival of a new, empty shell, while the size-based hierarchy was maintained. The latter was apparent in chain structures, which were concordant between sound treatments. This experiment shows that anthropogenic noise can affect individual behaviours that cascade through groups. This has the potential to disrupt wider resource distribution in populations.

Production of Hair Art Based on Rare Species of Flowers

Flowers are the outcome of plants. They have been commonly used as a material for art because they can express beauty with various colors and make diverse expressions possible. With the growth and development of the beauty art industry, people’s interest in hair art has increased. At the same time, materials for hair art have become diversified. For example, waste hair has been used for painterly-style art. In addition, color is emphasized for a formative meaning. In hair art created with flower images, hair is used to express flowers' diverse colors and 3-dimensional effects. The study results found the following: In Design I, dark colors were used to dynamically express the natural colors and vigor of wildflowers. In Design II, wildflowers were expressed like living creatures with the movements of petals. In Design III, dark colors were used to make flower stalks look like the janggu (Korean drum) stick, naturally expressing petals. In Design IV, the lively energy of the color yellow was expressed with flowers, vibrantly expressing leaves. In Design V, dark colors were used to create a straight look, expressing flowers and leaves with a natural violet color. In Design VI, the vigor of wildflowers was expressed with the diverse colors of flowers and petals, while their liveliness was created with leaves. This study further developed hair art into a practical field of study with rare flowers in the pictorial book of wildflowers, allowing anyone to make various attempts.

Identification of WRKY Family Members and Characterization of the Low-Temperature-Stress-Responsive WRKY Genes in Luffa (Luffa cylindrica L.).

The plant-specific WRKY transcription factor family members have diverse regulatory effects on the genes associated with many plant processes. Although the WRKY proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana and other species have been thoroughly investigated, there has been relatively little research on the WRKY family in Luffa cylindrica, which is one of the most widely grown vegetables in China. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis to identify L. cylindrica WRKY genes, which were subsequently classified and examined in terms of their gene structures, chromosomal locations, promoter cis-acting elements, and responses to abiotic stress. A total of 62 LcWRKY genes (471-2238 bp) were identified and divided into three phylogenetic groups (I, II, and III), with group II further divided into five subgroups (IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, and IIe) in accordance with the classification in other plants. The LcWRKY genes were unevenly distributed across 13 chromosomes. The gene structure analysis indicated that the LcWRKY genes contained 0-11 introns (average of 4.4). Moreover, 20 motifs were detected in the LcWRKY proteins with conserved motifs among the different phylogenetic groups. Two subgroup IIc members (LcWRKY16 and LcWRKY31) contained the WRKY sequence variant WRKYGKK. Additionally, nine cis-acting elements related to diverse responses to environmental stimuli were identified in the LcWRKY promoters. The subcellular localization analysis indicated that three LcWRKY proteins (LcWRKY43, LcWRKY7, and LcWRKY23) are localized in the nucleus. The tissue-specific LcWRKY expression profiles reflected the diversity in LcWRKY expression. The RNA-seq data revealed the effects of low-temperature stress on LcWRKY expression. The cold-induced changes in expression were verified via a qRT-PCR analysis of 24 differentially expressed WRKY genes. Both LcWRKY7 and LcWRKY12 were highly responsive to the low-temperature treatment (approximately 110-fold increase in expression). Furthermore, the LcWRKY8, LcWRKY12, and LcWRKY59 expression levels increased by more than 25-fold under cold conditions. Our findings will help clarify the evolution of the luffa WRKY family while also providing valuable insights for future studies on WRKY functions.

Social Innovation for Sustainable Development

This study assesses the overall effects of the Menanti Laburan Tourism Park Programme from 2019 to 2023, with a particular focus on its financial, social, and environmental aspects. The study examines the program's contributions through the use of result mapping, financial assessments, and stakeholder analysis. An in-depth analysis is conducted on financial trends, sources of revenue, and the Social Return on Investment (SROI). The program's outreach is assessed by identifying stakeholder groups and evaluating their respective impacts. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) consistently rises from 1.06 to 4.01, indicating significant returns generated by the programme. Eighteen stakeholders, comprising local communities, companies, and governmental organisations, encounter diverse effects. The Padang Panjang Village Community is the main recipient, with a significant impact of 30.29%. A variety of revenue streams, such as ticket sales and partnerships, support the park's economic viability. The achieved Social Return on Investment (SROI), which is 4.01 and exceeds the intended objective, demonstrates the effectiveness.The Menanti Laburan Tourism Park demonstrates both financial viability and operates as an educational centre. The triple-loop learning paradigm emphasises its dedication to flexibility and long-term viability. This study offers a comprehensive comprehension of the program's triumph, providing significant discernments for community advancement and sustainable tourism methodologies.

Unveiling Transformation: A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of PT Adaro Indonesia's 'Menanti Laburan Tourism Park' CSR Programme (2019-2023)

This study assesses the overall effects of the Menanti Laburan Tourism Park Programme from 2019 to 2023, with a particular focus on its financial, social, and environmental aspects. The study examines the program's contributions through the use of result mapping, financial assessments, and stakeholder analysis. An in-depth analysis is conducted on financial trends, sources of revenue, and the Social Return on Investment (SROI). The program's outreach is assessed by identifying stakeholder groups and evaluating their respective impacts. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) consistently rises from 1.06 to 4.01, indicating significant returns generated by the programme. Eighteen stakeholders, comprising local communities, companies, and governmental organisations, encounter diverse effects. The Padang Panjang Village Community is the main recipient, with a significant impact of 30.29%. The park's economic sustainability is supported by a variety of financial streams, including ticket sales and collaborations. The effectiveness is evidenced by the attained Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 4.01, which exceeds the intended outcome. The Menanti Laburan Tourism Park demonstrates both financial viability and operates as an educational centre. The triple-loop learning paradigm emphasises its dedication to flexibility and long-term viability. This study offers a comprehensive comprehension of the program's triumph, providing significant discernments for community advancement and sustainable tourism methodologies.

Next-generation leadership for sustainability and avoidance of closure in private Madaris in Bangsamoro autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao

This study comprehensively analyzes the Madrasah educational landscape, examining demographic profiles, leadership practices, sustainability commitment, contributions, and challenges and opportunities within these institutions. The research reveals a diverse and dynamic scenario influenced by varied factors. The Demographic Profile illustrates a versatile distribution across designations, education levels, gender, service years, and student enrollment, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Madrasah roles. School Directors predominate, underscoring the need for adaptable leadership. Educational Attainment shows a rich academic environment with a prevalence of Bachelor's Degrees and variability from higher qualifications, contributing to a nuanced educational setting. Gender Distribution demonstrates near-equal representation, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and gender balance within Madrasahs. Years in Service identifies a prevalent service duration of "11-20 Years," indicating an experienced workforce. Several student analyses highlight the variability in student populations, with a mean count of 5, signifying diverse institution sizes. Leadership Practices emphasize next-generation qualities like Islamic values, bilingual proficiency, and ethical decision-making. Consensus on visionary, adaptable, inclusive, and ethically grounded leadership underscores their significance. Sustainability and Institutional Viability reveal a varied commitment, urging increased dedication. Contributions to sustainability show diverse effectiveness levels. Challenges include financial struggles, resource inadequacy, enrollment fluctuations, and socio-cultural factors. Opportunities encompass continuous learning, financial support, collaboration, and addressing enrollment challenges. The study stresses the need for effective leadership, financial stability, and collaboration, urging a comprehensive approach to sustainable Madrasah education. Findings form a robust foundation for future research and interventions, guiding enhancements in sustainability, overcoming challenges, and fostering continuous improvement.

The moderating role of board diversity on the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management

PurposeThis study aims to see the moderating effect of board diversity on the relationship between ownership structure and real earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses unbalanced panel data of 75 listed energy firms (346 firm-year observations) from three South Asian emerging economies (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) from 2015 to 2019. The two-step system GMM estimation is used for data analysis. This study also uses fixed effect regression to obtain robust findings.FindingsThe findings show that firms with a greater ownership concentration and managerial ownership significantly reduce real earnings management. In contrast, the data refute the idea that institutional and foreign ownership affect real earnings management. We also find that board diversity interacts significantly with ownership concentration and managerial ownership, meaning that board diversity moderates the negative link of the primary relationship that reduces real earnings management. On the other hand, board diversity has no interaction with institutional and foreign ownership, implying no moderating effect exists on the primary relationship.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is unique research investigating how different ownership structures affect real earnings management in the emerging nations’ energy sector, which the earlier studies overlook. More specifically, this research focuses on how board diversity moderates the relationships between ownership structure and real earnings management, which could be helpful for future investors.

Whey protein isolate regulates the oral processing characteristics of lotus root starch

This study aimed to investigate the influence of different levels of added whey protein isolate (WPI) on the oral processing characteristics of lotus root starch (LRS). The IDDSI test results indicated that WPI-LRS composite gels could be classified as foods suitable for individuals with dysphagia. During in vitro oral digestion process, addition of WPI increased the viscosity of the composite system. When the amount of WPI reached 100% (w/w), the reducing sugar content decreased from 105.23 to 42.35 mg. Inverted fluorescence images revealed that WPI formed a continuous network structure in the starch matrix and served as a barrier against amylase digestion. Different levels of WPI addition had diverse effects on the oral friction characteristics and rheological properties of the composite system. As the protein addition amounts were lower than 45% (w/w), the composite gels had lower lubrication properties and elastic modulus. While as the addition levels were higher than 45% (w/w), the composite gels exhibited higher lubrication properties and elastic modulus. Texture analysis indicated that the hardness value of the composite gel increased from 0.65 N for the individual LRS gel to 4.75 N for the composite gel of LRS+100% WPI. Furthermore, it was found through low-field nuclear magnetic analysis that the addition of WPI restricted the free movement of water molecules and enhanced the water-holding capacity of the composite gels.

Microbial diversity drives soil multifunctionality along reclamation chronosequence in an opencast coal mine

AbstractPlantation reclamation can improve soil microbial diversity and soil multifunctionality in the reclaimed coal mine. However, with the reclamation years, how restoration of microbial communities promotes restoration of soil multifunctionality is not clear. Here, we investigated the microbial diversity and soil physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities of different reclamation years in the reclaimed coal mine afforested with Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis). We chose six soil physicochemical properties (soil BD, pH, TC, TN, soil labile carbon [LC1], and [LC2]) pools and four soil enzyme activities (invertase, dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase, and urease) as soil multifunctionality indicators. Firstly, we compared the difference of soil microbial alpha diversity and soil physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities of the different reclamation years and studied the changes of soil multifunctionality with the reclamation years. Secondly, the relationship between soil microbial diversity and soil multifunctionality was compared by fitting five different functions (logarithmic, linear, M‐M, power, and exponential). Thirdly, we analyzed the driving effects of soil microbial diversity on soil multifunctionality at different threshold levels. Finally, the important driving factors on soil multifunctionality were explored. The results confirmed there were significant differences in soil microbial alpha diversity of different reclamation years, and the later stage was significantly higher than the initial stage of reclamation. Soil multifunctionality increased significantly with the reclamation years, and the soil multifunctionality related to carbon and nitrogen cycle increased more significantly. Microbial communities have strong driving effects on soil multifunctionality. Bacterial diversity was positively correlated with soil carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle function and soil multifunctionality in a nonredundant fashion. Random forest and structural equation modeling analyses showed that bacterial diversity was the most important biotic factor. Reclamation years had indirect effects on soil multifunctionality by affecting microbial communities. Soil microbial diversity had strong driving effects on soil multifunctionality. The results provided empirical evidence that the protection of biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem functions in reclaimed coal mine ecosystem.

Forestation is not an easy fix.

Planting trees has diverse effects on composition and climate mitigation.

Temporal variation in tree diversity effects on birds and its implications for top-down control of insect herbivores in a tropical system.

Tree diversity promotes predator abundance and diversity, but evidence linking these effects to increased predation pressure on herbivores remains limited. In addition, tree diversity effects on predators can vary temporally as a function of environmental variation, or due to contrasting responses by different predator types. In a multi-year study, we assessed temporal variation in tree diversity effects on bird communityabundance, diversity, and predation rates as a whole and by functional group based on feeding guild (omnivores vs. insectivores) and migratory status (migrant vs. resident). To this end, we conducted bird point counts in tree monocultures and polycultures and assessed attacks on clay caterpillars four times over a 2-year period in a tree diversity experiment in Yucatan, Mexico. Tree diversity effects on the bird community varied across surveys, with positive effects on bird abundance and diversity in most but not all surveys. Tree diversity had stronger and more consistent effects on omnivorous and resident birds than on insectivorous and migratory species. Tree diversity effects on attack rates also varied temporally but patterns did not align with variation in bird abundance or diversity. Thus, while we found support for predicted increases in bird abundance, diversity, and predation pressure with tree diversity, these responses exhibited substantial variation over time and the former twowere uncoupled from patterns of predation pressure, as well as contingent on bird functional traits. These results underscore the need for long-term studies measuring responses by different predator functional groups to better understand tree diversity effects on top-down control.

Network Complexity and Stability of Microbes Enhanced by Microplastic Diversity.

Microplastic mixtures are ubiquitously distributed in global ecosystems and include varying types. However, it remains unknown how microplastic diversity affects the biotic interactions of microbes. Here, we developed novel experiments of 600 microcosms with microplastic diversity ranging from 1 to 6 types and examined ecological networks for microbial communities in lake sediments after 2 months of incubation at 15 and 20 °C. We found that microplastic diversity generally enhanced the complexity of microbial networks at both temperatures, such as increasing network connectance and reducing average path length. This phenomenon was further confirmed by strengthened species interactions toward high microplastic diversity except for the negative interactions at 15 °C. Interestingly, increasing temperatures further exaggerated the effects of microplastic diversity on network structures, resulting in higher network connectivity and species interactions. Consistently, using species extinction simulations, we found that higher microplastic diversity and temperature led to more robust networks, and their effects were additionally and positively mediated by the presence of biodegradable microplastics. Our findings provide the first evidence that increasing microplastic diversity could unexpectedly promote the complexity and stability of microbial networks and that future warming could amplify this effect.

Lactiplantibacillusplantarum APsulloc331261 (GTB1™) promotes butyrate production to suppress mucin hypersecretion in a murine allergic airway inflammation model.

Allergic airway diseases are one of the serious health problems in worldwide and allergic airway inflammation is a prerequisite led to the exacerbated situation such as mucus hypersecretion, epithelial barrier damage and microbiota dysbiosis. Because of side effects and low efficiencies of current therapeutics, the need for novel alternatives has been urged. Probiotics in which have diverse and beneficial modulatory effects have been applied to the airway inflammation model and the underlying mechanism needs to be investigated. We aimed to evaluate whether our target strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum APsulloc331261 (GTB1TM) isolated from green tea, can ameliorate allergic airway inflammation in mice and to figure out the mechanism. We induced allergic airway inflammation to mice by ovalbumin (OVA) and administered GTB1 orally and the immune and epithelial barrier markers were assessed. The gut metabolite and microbiota were also analysed, and the in vitro cell-line experiment was introduced to confirm the hypothesis of the study. GTB1 ameliorated type 2 inflammation and suppressed mucin hypersecretion with the inhibition of MUC5AC in inflamed mice. Moreover, GTB1 increased the butyrate production and the relative abundance of butyrate producer, Clostridium cluster IV. We assumed that butyrate may have a potential role and investigated the effect of butyrate in mucin regulation via human airway epithelial cell line, A549. Butyrate significantly reduced the gene expression of MUC5AC in A549 cells suggesting its regulatory role in mucus production. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the oral administration of GTB1 can ameliorate allergic airway inflammation and mucin hypersecretion by butyrate production.

Adsorption Mechanisms of TM3 (TM = Mo, Ru, Au)-Decorated Tin Sulfide Monolayers for the Decomposition of Gas Components under Fault Conditions in Oil-Immersed Transformers.

Oil-immersed transformers play a pivotal role owing to their environmentally friendly characteristics, compact footprint, and cost-effectiveness. Ensuring the online monitoring of oil-immersed transformers is a fundamental measure to ensure the secure and stable operation of modern power systems. In this paper, metal particle cluster-doped SnS is firstly used in the adsorption and sensing of decomposition components (CO, C2H2) under fault conditions in oil-immersed transformers. The study comprehensively analyzed band structure, differential charge density, density of states, and molecular orbital theory to unveil the adsorption and sensing mechanisms of target gases. The findings suggest that the modification of metal particle clusters can enhance the surface electronic properties of single-layer SnS. In the regions of metal particle clusters and the gas-surface reaction area, electronic activity is significantly heightened, primarily attributed to the contribution of d-orbital electrons of the metal cluster structures. The modified SnS exhibits adsorption capacity in the following order: Ru3-SnS > Mo3-SnS > Au3-SnS. Additionally, the modified material demonstrates increased competitiveness for C2H2, with adsorption types falling under physical chemistry adsorption. Different metal elements exert diverse effects on the electronic distribution of the entire system, providing a theoretical foundation for the preparation of corresponding sensors. The findings in this work offer numerical insights for the further preparation and development of SnS nanosensors, concurrently shedding light on the online monitoring of faults in oil-immersed transformers.

Effect of Concurrent Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease on Serial Non-invasive Fibrosis Markers in Chronic Hepatitis B.

Concurrent hepatic steatosis has diverse effects on chronic hepatitis B (CHB), however the combined effects of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and CHB on liver fibrosis progression remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to utilize serial fibrosis measurements to compare the dynamic change in fibrosis in CHB patients with/without concurrent MASLD. The secondary aim was to investigate factors associated with steatosis development and regression in CHB patients. This was a retrospective cohort study of all non-cirrhotic CHB patients identified from 1/1/2011 to 31/12/2016. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by ultrasound. Fibrosis markers included liver stiffness (LSM) by transient elastography, APRI and FIB-4. General linear mixed effects modelling was used to fit polynomial and linear estimates. Of 810 CHB patients (n = 2,373 LSM measurements; median age 44.4y; 48% male; 24% HBeAg positive), 14% had concurrent MASLD. LSM was higher at baseline but decreased in MASLD patients over time, while LSM remained stable in non-MASLD patients, such that all patients had similar LSM beyond 4-5 years. MASLD patients had lower APRI compared to non-MASLD patients, which was predominately due to a higher platelet count and higher ALT over time. There was substantial discordance between LSM, APRI and FIB-4. Baseline BMI was the only factor that predicted steatosis development and regression. We found no evidence of an association between concurrent MASLD and fibrosis progression amongst CHB patients without baseline advanced liver disease. APRI and FIB-4 may have reduced accuracy in MASLD patients.

Evaluation of clinically relevant serum proteins as biomarkers for monitoring COVID-19 severity, and end-organ damage among hospitalized unvaccinated patients

BackgroundThe extensive variability and conflicting information in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient data have made it difficult for the medical community to gain a comprehensive understanding and develop clear, reliable guidelines for managing COVID-19 cases. As the world uncovers the diverse side effects of the pandemic, the pursuit of knowledge about COVID-19 has become crucial. The present study aimed to evaluate some clinically relevant serum proteins, providing analysis of the obtained results to employ them in the diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring among COVID-19 patients.MethodsSamples were collected from 262 COVID-19 unvaccinated hospitalized patients. Measurement of certain serum proteins, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, D-dimer, procalcitonin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum creatinine (SCr), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) was done using standard methods. Statistical analysis was performed on the obtained data and the results were correlated to the severity and prognosis.ResultsThe calculated Mortality rate was found to be 30% with a higher percentage observed among females. The results showed elevation in serum CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and procalcitonin in most of the patients, also some patients had elevated SCr, ALT, and AST levels indicating end-organ damage. The statistical analysis displayed a strong correlation between serum levels of CRP and ferritin, between D-dimer and ferritin, and between ferritin and procalcitonin. No significant difference was observed between male and female patients’ serum levels of the tested serum proteins. A significant correlation between increased serum procalcitonin and mortality was observed.ConclusionThe levels of measured serum proteins were impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serum ferritin, CRP, D-dimer, and procalcitonin are good predicting tools for end-organ damage and acute kidney impairment in COVID-19. Procalcitonin is a strong indicator of severity and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Income diversification patterns and their impact on bank risk

AbstractThis study focuses on the crucial topic of income diversification and its implications for bank risk, using the context of India's public and private Sector banks. The research spans the years 2005–2021, investigating the influence of varying degrees of non‐interest income on the risk profiles of Indian banks. Employing a program impact evaluation methodology, the study employs the generalised propensity score‐fractional dose–response function technique to ascertain the impact of different levels of non‐interest income on bank risk. The outcomes underscore the diverse effects of diversification contingent upon factors like bank size and ownership type, including large and small banks as well as public and private sector institutions. Notably, the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis introduced distinctive dynamics to income diversification's impact. By segmenting the study timeline into two periods—2005–2013 and 2014–2021—it emerges that income diversification lowered bank risk in the earlier period, while conversely amplifying risk in the latter phase. These insights bear significance as an early warning mechanism for bank executives, policymakers, and regulatory authorities, enabling them to navigate strategic transitions associated with non‐interest income. Employing a novel approach, this research contributes to the literature by evaluating the interplay between income diversification and bank risk across diverse levels of non‐interest income mix. In contrast to conventional econometric methods, the use of the generalised propensity score method stands out as a robust technique to mitigate confounding biases inherent in non‐experimental inquiries.

Patient weight has diverse effects on the prescribing of different antibiotics to dogs.

Various factors including body weight-associated treatment cost may influence the probability of dispensing antibiotics to dogs in first-opinion practice, but their effect on specific drug choice remains unclear. Multiple membership regression modeling was used to investigate the probability of dispensing 12 different antibiotics to dogs of different weights in the context of various disease presentations, using anonymized data obtained from electronic health records of 18 clinics between 2020 and 2022. Data from 14,259 dogs were analyzed. Treatment choice varied significantly with animal weight. Higher body weight was associated with an increased likelihood of dispensing lower cost antimicrobials such as amoxicillin and trimethoprim sulfonamide, while use of higher cost antimicrobials such as cefovecin was strongly biased to smaller animals. However, these effects were limited when restricted treatment options were available for the target condition. This work demonstrates that anticipated financial costs may result in different treatment choices for canine patients depending on their body weight. Further work is needed to understand the impact of financial pressures on veterinarians' treatment choices, and the implications for the optimization of antimicrobial stewardship in first opinion practice.