Risk-taking Behavior Research Articles

Barriers to Type 1 Diabetes Adherence in Adolescents.

Background: Adolescence is a particularly crucial period of physical, emotional, and social development and adaptation, rendering these formative years rather challenging for individuals with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite rapid improvement in diabetes therapies, adolescents with T1D are characterized by poorer adherence to treatment regimens compared with other pediatric age groups. Insufficient adherence is strongly related to low diabetes control, increasing morbidity, and risk for premature mortality. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of adolescents' most common barriers to T1D adherence, stressing the need for a deep and comprehensive understanding of these barriers. The complexity of these barriers is underscored by the diverse factors contributing to poor T1D adherence in adolescents. Methods: A narrative review was conducted, surveying four databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science) for full-text articles in the English language published up to June 2024. All studies related to barriers to T1D adherence in adolescents were considered. The literature was selected using selection and exclusion criteria and extracted and organized using Mendeley. Exclusion criteria included studies with insufficient data and non-peer-reviewed articles. This review revealed that adolescents face numerous obstacles to T1D adherence related to psychological factors, flux in family dynamics, perceived social pressures, therapy-related factors, transitioning responsibility, risk-taking behaviors, and pubertal changes. Conclusions: Navigating the adaptations to the different aspects of T1D, from treatment to complications and adolescents' personal growth, effectively requires a thorough understanding of the barriers of a treatment regimen that patients at this critical age face.

Decision-making under heat stress: Examining risk-taking and reflection impulsivity dynamics in the context of fatigue and vitality

Introduction & Purpose Acute high temperatures and physical activity induce physiological and psychophysiological stress (Périard et al., 2021). In athletes or professions like firefighting, core body temperatures often exceed 38.5 °C (Barr et al. 2010; Schmit et al., 2017). In this hyperthermic state, firefighters must make critical decisions impacting their safety and that of others. This study investigated the effects of heat stress (passive alone or combined with walking) on decision-making, focusing on reflective impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour. Secondly, we examined how both heat stressors (passive and active) impact subjective feelings of fatigue and vitality, and we explored how fatigue and vitality levels moderate these effects. Methods A sample of 36 healthy men (age: M = 26.94, SD = 3.25) participated in a repeated measures design with two experimental groups equipped with firefighting clothing. They were exposed to either passive heat stress (EG1) or a combination of passive and active heat stress (EG2), and a control group (CG) receiving no heat and physical stress. The Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) for risk-taking behaviour and the Beads Task (BT) for reflection impulsivity were applied to test cognitive performance. Thermal comfort (TC), thermal sensation (TS), rating-of-fatigue (Micklewright et al., 2017) and vitality (Buchner et al., 2022) were recorded every five minutes. Passive heat stress was induced through sauna exposure (30 min, 60 °C; 40% relative humidity). Additionally, the EG2 performed two subsequent walks on the treadmill to reach 38.5 °C body core temperature (à 20 min). Cognitive tests were performed before heat exposure (T1), after sauna (T2) and after subsequent activity in EG2 or after an equally long rest period in EG1 (T3). CG watched a documentary. Linear Mixed Models (LMM) analysed the effects of group and time on reflection impulsivity (Draws to Decision [DTD]), risk-taking behaviour (pumps), fatigue, and vitality. Results This study found no significant changes for EG1 and EG2 over time (p = .37, p = .43) in reflection impulsivity (DTD) or risk-taking behaviour (pumps) across different heat conditions (p = .58, p = .84) and interaction (p = .38, p = .93) compared to CG. Including random slopes for random effect of time across fatigue (p < .001) or vitality (p = .001) resulted in a significant deterioration of the model. EG1 showed a significant increase in fatigue to T2 compared to the CG (p < .001) and to T3 (p < .001). In EG2, fatigue increased significantly to T3 (p = .022). In EG1, vitality decreased significantly to T2 (p = .002), and to T3 (p = .020). Including TC as random effect improved the overall model fit significantly (p = .005). Discussion and Conclusion Passive heat stress increased fatigue, and decreased vitality in EG1. However, walking in EG2 prevented this vitality decline, suggesting a protective effect of physical activity. Thermal comfort influenced both fatigue and vitality. Interestingly, neither reflective impulsivity nor risk-taking behaviour were affected by heat stress or changes in fatigue and vitality.

Sex/gender differences in injury risk, types of injuries, and potential risk factors of adult recreational mountain-bikers in Tyrol

Introduction & Purpose In Austria, 99% of fatally injured (Pocecco et al., 2022) and 81% of accidented mountain-bikers (Woyke et al., 2024) are males. However, these evident sex/gender differences in prevalence do not allow any conclusions to be drawn either about the risk of injury or about potential risk factors between the sex/genders. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate possible sex/gender-specific differences in injury risk, types of injuries, and related potential risk factors in adult recreational mountain-bikers in Tyrol, Austria. Methods This retrospective survey was conducted in the surroundings of Innsbruck (Austria) in 2017-2019, involving randomly selected adult recreational mountain-bikers. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on injuries ever experienced during mountain-biking (MTB), including circumstances (e.g., skill level and risk-taking behaviour according to Ruedl et al. (2010), riding alone or in a group) related to the most severe injury. Proportions were compared by χ2 tests. Results In total, 1,439 mountain-bikers (37.8 ± 14.3 years, 33.4% females) were interviewed, 486 (33.8%) of them suffering one or more injuries requiring medical attention. Men showed a higher injury risk compared to women (37.2% vs. 26.9%, p < 0.001) and injured males reported a higher number of injuries during MTB compared to their female counterpart (2.4 ± 2.4 vs. 1.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.001). In general, concerning the most severe injury ever suffered during MTB, the most frequent injury types were fractures (28.4%), followed by open wounds (15.9%), contusions (14.5%), abrasions (12.0%), and ligament/muscle injuries (10.4%), showing sex/gender differences (p = 0.010). In particular, fractures were the most frequent injury type among male (32.7%), open wounds among female (20.3%) mountain-bikers. Moreover, men reported higher MTB skills (p < 0.001) and higher risk-taking behaviour (72.8% vs. 50.5%, p < 0.001) at the time of the worst accident compared to women. Additionally, males were more likely to be biking alone on the day of the accident compared to females (30.1% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.007), who tended to ride in groups. Discussion Comparably to alpine skiing and snowboarding (Ruedl et al., 2010), men were found to exhibit a higher skill level and engage in riskier behaviour more frequently than women. In alpine skiing and snowboarding, these two factors are associated with higher speeds (Ruedl et al., 2010), which could be therefore also the reason for the higher injury risk and frequency of fractures among the surveyed male mountain-bikers. In the present study, fractures were the most common self-reported injury type with 28%, which seems comparable to 24% of fractures in the study by Woyke et al. (2024). Conversely, biking in a group, which was more common among women, apparently did not lead to a higher risk of injury due to possible peer pressure. Conclusion Results of this study found sex/gender differences in injury risk, types of injury, and related potential risk factors in recreational adult mountain-bikers which should be considered in future preventive measures. In particular, relevant information campaigns should address especially males. Moreover, future research comparing injured and non-injured recreational mountain-bikers should be conducted to confirm or reject the hypothesized risk factors. References Pocecco, E., Wafa, H., Burtscher, J., Paal, P., Plattner, P., Posch, M., & Ruedl, G. (2022). Mortality in recreational mountain-biking in the Austrian Alps: A retrospective study over 16 years. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), Article 11965. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911965 Ruedl, G., Pocecco, E., Sommersacher, R., Gatterer, H., Kopp, M., Nachbauer, W., & Burtscher, M. (2010). Factors associated with self-reported risk-taking behaviour on ski slopes. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(3), 204-206. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.066779 Woyke, S., Hütter, A., Rugg, C., Tröger, W., Wallner, B., Ströhle, M., & Paal, P. (2024). Sex differences in mountain bike accidents in Austria from 2006 to 2018: A retrospective analysis. High Altitude Medicine & Biology, 25(1), 89-93. https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2023.0086

Impact of Socio-cultural Factors on the Development of Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Belagavi City of Karnataka State

This research investigates the defining traits of successful entrepreneurs, specifically within the context of small and medium-scale businesses in Belgaum. It explores the influence of personal attributes such as personality traits, family business background, upbringing, and the role of community support in shaping entrepreneurial ambitions and actions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study employs comprehensive content analysis alongside thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from semis-structured interviews with Belgaum-based entrepreneurs aged between 25 and 45. These methods facilitate the examination of psychological factors like self-efficacy, and risk-taking behaviour, as well as the impact of social networks and environmental upbringing on the development of entrepreneurial traits and skills. The interviews provide a platform to uncover detailed themes and pathways that lead to entrepreneurial skill acquisition and refinement, offering insights into the early stages of psychological development conducive to entrepreneurial success. The research's findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between an entrepreneur's personal and social environment and their success in business ventures. Through its exploration of these dimensions, the study aims to enrich the literature on enterprise management and entrepreneurship, particularly in the realm of small and medium-sized businesses in emerging markets like Belgaum.

Navigating crisis: marketing dynamics and resilience in the MENA’s dual-banking system amidst the SAR-COV-2 pandemic

In this paper, we investigate how market concentration and efficiency impact banks’ performance and stability during the SAR-COV-2 pandemic. There is a research gap in the empirical literature in understanding the specific impact of market concentration and efficiency on the profitability and risk-taking behavior of banks, particularly in the developing context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. To address this gap, we examine the relationship between market concentration, efficiency, and bank performance using a comprehensive dataset encompassing 575 banks across 20 MENA countries from 2006 to 2021. Specifically, we examine the market dynamics and performance of different banking systems co-existing in the MENA region. Our findings indicate that prior to the pandemic, both conventional and Islamic banks benefited from enhanced financial stability as a result of the increased market concentration and efficiency. However, during the pandemic, the positive effects of efficiency and concentration were primarily observed within the group of Islamic banks. Furthermore, we provide new evidence for the moderating effect of market concentration, with a significant negative impact suggesting that increased market competition reinforces the efficiency effect during the pandemic. Our findings are important for policymakers and regulatory authorities in the MENA region as they indicate the need for new policies that assign a more significant role to Islamic banking in the post-SAR-COV-2 recovery.

What Gets Measured, Gets Managed: The Role of Sustainability Assurance in Green Transformation

Sustainability assurance (SA), an independent third-party evaluation aimed at enhancing the credibility of corporate sustainability disclosure, plays a vital role in fostering corporate green transformation. This paper systematically examines the impact of SA on corporate green transformation and the mechanisms through which it operates, using data on SA reports and green patents from A-share listed companies in China between 2010 and 2022. The findings reveal that SA significantly promotes corporate green transformation, particularly when conducted in accordance with standard ISAE 3000. Mechanism analysis indicates that SA facilitates green transformation by reducing the cost of credit and promoting risk-taking behaviors. Heterogeneity analysis further demonstrates that the positive effects of SA on green transformation are more pronounced in heavily polluting and competitive industries as well as in firms with weaker internal and external governance. This study not only underscores the beneficial impact and underlying mechanisms of SA on corporate green transformation but also contributes to the broader literature on the drivers of corporate green transformation.

Capital infusions and Bank risk-taking behaviour

Despite theoretical predictions on the ill effects associated with capital infusions, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) brought them into mainstream banking around the world. Empirical evidence on capital infusions during GFC supports the existence of moral hazard problem. However, what is not clear is whether the increase in bank risk post-capital infusions is due to an increase in bank risk-taking behaviour (moral hazard) or simply reflects an increase in the average firm-level risk due to poor economic conditions. We try to disentangle this issue by using capital infusion data in the Indian banking industry, where government capital infusions in public sector banks happen in all economic conditions and hence allow us to control for a non-crisis environment. Our results strongly support the moral hazard problem in banks, surrounded by no apparent economic crisis. The results are also independent of the bank's propensity to take risks and its financial health. One major implication of our findings is that repeated capital infusions to protect banks can be detrimental as it increases the fiscal risk of the country.

Corporate environmental responsibility’s influence on risk-taking in Chinese A-share listed companies

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and risk-taking in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. It seeks to understand the influence of CER on risk-taking behavior and explore potential moderating factors.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is used, using data from Chinese A-share listed companies over the specified period. Regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between CER and risk-taking, while considering moderating variables such as performance aspiration, environmental enrichment and contextual factors.FindingsThe findings indicate that CER positively influences corporate risk-taking, with significant impacts on information asymmetry and corporate reputation. Moreover, positive performance aspiration strengthens the effect of CER on risk-taking, while negative performance aspiration and environmental enrichment weaken this effect. Cross-sectional analysis shows that the positive association between CER and risk-taking is more prominent for firms located in areas with strict environmental regulation, for nonstate-owned firms, and for firms with higher levels of internal control.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by providing insights into the dynamics between CER and risk-taking in the Chinese market context. It expands existing knowledge by considering the influence of performance aspiration on this relationship, offering practical implications for firms seeking to enhance corporate performance through strategic management of environmental responsibilities.

Intermittent access to sugary drinks associated with fasting induces overeating and depressive-like behavior in female C57BL/6J mice

Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder, affecting both sexes but more commonly found in women. Given the frequent co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders, this study aimed to establish a standardized experimental intermittent protocol to investigate overeating associated with depression. A 10-day protocol induced uncontrolled eating behavior in C57BL/6J female mice. The first experiment included the following groups: naive group (chow ad libitum), control group (chow and sucrose solution ad libitum), and fasting groups (16 and 20 h) exposed to an intermittent sucrose solution (10 %) and chow regimen. Subsequently, the feeding test, open field test, elevated plus maze test, tail suspension test, and light/dark conflict test were conducted. Furthermore, monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B activities in brain structures and plasma corticosterone levels were assessed. Food overconsumption and depressive-like behavior were observed in both sucrose fasting groups, while risk-taking behaviors were specifically observed in the 20-hour fasting sucrose group. While both fasting sucrose groups caused reduced hippocampal MAO-A activity, only the F20 sucrose group inhibited MAO-B in the cortex and hypothalamus. Moreover, both fasting sucrose groups exhibited elevated corticosterone levels. In a separate design (Experiment 2), groups with 16 and 20 h of fasting alone (without sucrose) did not show the same behavioral results as the intermittent fasting sucrose groups, thus avoiding fasting bias. Based on these results, the 20-hour sucrose fasting group was chosen as the ideal protocol for mimicking overeating behavior associated with depression to investigate future therapeutic approaches for this comorbidity.

Factors Affecting Consumers' Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance Policy Purchasing Behavior

Research Originality: With increasing vehicle values in Türkiye and high insurance costs, consumers' vehicle insurance purchasing preferences emerge as a dilemma. The study examines consumers' insurance purchasing behavior in this dilemma's context of risk and overconfidence tendencies.Research Objectives: This study aims to reveal the effects of individual characteristics, attitude toward risk, and overconfidence tendencies on comprehensive vehicle insurance policy purchasing behavior.Research Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 428 selected vehicle owners in Turkey, and the questionnaire results were analyzed using the binary logit model.Empirical Results: The study found that gender, education level, income level, market value of the vehicle, attitude towards risk, and self-confidence level have statistically significant effects on comprehensive vehicle insurance policy purchase decisions.Implications: The relationship between risk-taking behavior, overconfidence, and insurance purchasing behavior requires further discussion. Government policies that increase insurance awareness are recommended to weaken this relationship.JEL Classification: D12, G22, C25How to Cite:Kutlu, M., Sumer Adin, S., Mola, H., & Şahin Kutlu, S. (2024). Analysis of Factors Affecting Consumers' Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance Policy Purchasing Behavior. Etikonomi, 3(2), 539 – 554. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i2.37807.

Trust and Risk: Evidence from Rural Banks in Emerging Market

Research Originality: This research is the first to discuss how rural bank risk-taking behaviour is affected by trust in particular when the poverty rate is high.Research Objectives: This research aims to investigate how risk in rural banks is shaped by the two dimensions of trust by taking into account different poverty levels across the regionResearch Methods: To thoroughly conduct our research, we use quarterly dataset of rural banks obtained from Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) for the period of 2010Q2 to 2016Q3 when the bail-out regime was still in effect. We employ a random effect model to account for individual heterogeneity.Empirical Result: Our evidence suggests that in-group trust is detrimental to rural banks’ risk. Conversely, out-group trust positively affects rural banks’ stability only if the region has a lower poverty level.Implications: To reduce risk, the rural bank has to use social capital and penetrate informally to the market where in-group trust is high to be able to compete with informal lending and to contribute better to society.JEL Classification: G21, G28, G32How to Cite:Trinugroho, I., Achsanta, A. F., Arifin, T., & Saputro, N. (2024). Trust and Risk Evidence from Rural Banks in Emerging Markets. Etikonomi, 23(2), 287 – 298. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i2.35775

Do creditors punish weak banks? Evidence from Indian urban cooperative banks’ failure

This study empirically assesses two critical hypotheses related to market discipline: (i) Do depositors penalize underperforming banks by withdrawing their deposits? and (ii) Do well-informed peer banks reduce lending to weak banks? Based on the annual standalone balance sheet data of urban cooperative banks in India from 1990 to 2020, our findings suggest that: (i) the behaviour of savings and current depositors is not significantly affected by the bank risk; (ii) the risk-taking behaviour of the banks significantly influences term deposits; and (iii) other informed peer banks and financial institutions do respond to the riskiness of peer banks. Additionally, our research revealed a positive association between the size of assets and the deposit growth rate, indicating that depositors are responsive to the influence of the “too-big-to-fail” phenomenon. Moreover, depositors are sensitive to banks’ non-interest expenditures. Banks with higher non-interest expenditures pay a higher interest rate to retain depositors, thus suggesting the presence of weak market discipline.

Does cognitive control mediate the relationship between peer presence and adolescent risk-taking? An ERP study.

Peer presence influences risk-taking behavior, particularly in adolescence. Based on the dual system model, this event-related potential study examined whether and how the presence of a peer displayed a preference for risky behavior would increase adolescents' risk-taking by disrupting their cognitive control processes in either emotional or non-emotional contexts. A sample of 106 adolescents (17-19 years of age) completed two Stoop tasks and a Balloon Analog Risk Task under three peer presence conditions. Results revealed that compared to other conditions, the presence of a risk-averse peer caused adolescents to make safer decisions through improving their conflict monitoring (more negative N200-diff), whereas a risk-preference peer's presence led adolescents to more risky decisions through disrupting their conflict resolution (more positive N450-diff) but they were only observed on the Emotional Stroop task. These findings suggest that different peer presence contexts could increase or decrease adolescents' risk-taking behaviors by influencing their cognitive control under an emotional context rather than in a non-emotional context.

P030 EFFECTS OF GENDER-RELATED FACTORS ON THE HYPERTENSION-WHITE MATTER HYPERINTENSITIES ASSOCIATION: A SEX-STRATIFIED ANALYSIS

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a global health issue affecting various vascular beds, including the brain. There is a gap in understanding how gender-related factors, such as roles, identity, relationships, and institutionalized gender, contribute to sex differences in the relationship between HTN and brain structure changes. This study aims to investigate the role of gender-related factors in the relationship between HTN and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in both males and females. Methods: This cohort study used MRI data from 41,300 UK Biobank participants. HTN status was determined through hospital records and self-report, and WMH volumes were measured using MRI. Eight gender-related factors, including unpaid work, caregiving, unemployment, risk-taking behavior, living alone, education, income, and material deprivation, were examined. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the interactions between each gender-related factor and HTN in males and females. Effect modification was evaluated using the Z-test to compare the beta coefficients of the HTN-WMH association across strata. Results: The study included 19,260 males and 22,040 females aged 40-69 years at baseline, with 27.3% hypertensive. Hypertensive males (7.7±9.2 mL) and females (7.2±8.8 mL) exhibited greater WMH volumes compared to their normotensive counterparts (males: 4.7±5.9 mL; females: 3.9±5.2 mL). The main effects model revealed that low income was significantly associated with greater WMHs in females, while no gender-related factors were linked to WMHs in males after adjusting for clinical, behavioral, and gender-related variables. No significant interactions between HTN and gender-related factors were found in either males or females after adjustment. In the stratified analysis, females with lower material deprivation showed a significantly greater increase in WMHs compared to those with higher material deprivation. No other gender-related factors in either group interacted with HTN to amplify the association with WMHs. Discussion: Socioeconomic factors, particularly in females, were associated with WMH. These findings highlight the importance of considering biological and social determinants to address hypertension risks effectively.

Asthma and Adolescence: Unique Opportunities for Fostering Asthma Self-Management and Asthma Control.

Asthma is a significant worldwide concern among adolescents. Adolescents experience key cognitive and psychosocial developmental changes that they must negotiate as they transition from children to adults. Several of these changes have implications for their ability to effectively manage their asthma. When health care professionals (HCPs) understand these pivotal changes and their role in asthma management, they are better able to work with adolescents and help them become effective asthma self-managers. Therefore, this article reviews the cognitive changes that render adolescents ready to care for their asthma, as well as the following psychosocial changes that may hinder or facilitate self-management: independence from caregivers, reliance on peers, identity development, the role of social media in adolescents' lives, and risk-taking behaviors. Each developmental task is discussed in terms of asthma self-management and offers suggestions for HCPs that may help them work more effectively with adolescents with asthma.

Cybercrime and Digital Fraud Among University Students in Lagos, Nigeria: Socio-Economic Drivers and Prevention Approaches

Cybercrime among university students in Lagos, Nigeria, is an escalating issue influenced by various socio-economic, psychological, and social factors. This paper examines the key types and patterns of cybercrime affecting students, including phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud, while highlighting the significant role of economic challenges, digital access disparities, and social perceptions in driving involvement. The study also explores the psychological traits of offenders, such as risk-taking and opportunity-seeking behaviors, and the impact of peer groups and online communities. A review of existing university policies and national anti-cybercrime initiatives reveals several gaps, including limited reach, inadequate funding, and a lack of targeted strategies. To address these challenges, the paper recommends a more integrated approach, incorporating increased funding, targeted interventions, and robust monitoring frameworks. Enhancing cybercrime prevention efforts is essential to protect students and foster a safer digital environment in Lagos.

Occupational Stress and Its Effect on Health Status Among Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Occupational stress is a critical health concern across various professions, often linked to adverse health outcomes and increased risk-taking behaviors. Bus drivers are especially vulnerable due to prolonged shifts, exposure to environmental pollutants, and higher rates of sickness absenteeism. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational stress among Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus drivers and the factors contributed. In addition, it explores the relationship between job-related stress and overall health status, providing insights into the occupational challenges faced by this workforce. A cross-sectional study was conducted over two years from June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, at the KSRTC depot in Kolar, serving urban and rural areas. A representative sample of 235 bus drivers was selected from a total of 654 using simple random sampling. Socio-demographic details, including age, gender, education, religion, family type, and per capita income, were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Stress levels were assessed using the American Institute of Stress (AIS) questionnaire, a widely used tool for evaluating various stress dimensions. Data were collected through interviews, entered into Excel, and subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The study revealed that 65% of KSRTC bus drivers experienced moderate to severe stress. Significant factors associated with occupational stress included urban residency, divorce, chronic alcohol consumption, current tobacco chewing, hypertension, higher BMI, long working hours, and high waist-hip ratio. Binary logistic regression showed urban residents had higher stress odds than rural residents (OR=1.27, p=0.03). Divorced individuals and chronic alcoholics also had higher odds of stress (OR=1.24, p=0.05 and OR=1.33, p=0.04, respectively). Stress was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.40, p=0.01), obesity (OR=1.30, p=0.03), morbid obesity (OR=1.47, p=0.01), high-risk waist-hip ratios (OR=1.42, p=0.01), and longer working hours (>12 hours, OR=1.30, p=0.03). Health assessments revealed a high prevalence of hypertension (39%) and obesity (65%). The study highlights a high prevalence of occupational stress among KSRTC bus drivers in Kolar, with 65% experiencing moderate to severe stress. Factors such as urban residency, lifestyle habits, and physiological parameters significantly contribute to stress. These findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion programs and policy changes to enhance the health of essential workers and improve road safety.

Funding Liquidity and Risk-Taking Behavior of Banks in India

This study, utilizing bank-level data for India, investigates the relationship between funding liquidity and banks’ risk-taking behavior. The study uses two risk measures: risk-weighted assets (encompassing credit, market, and operational risk) and liquidity creation (encompassing intermediacy risk). Findings reveal that banks with higher funding liquidity exhibit higher risk-taking behavior. This risk-taking behavior is more pronounced during economic recuperation and expansionary monetary policy phases. Notably, during economic recuperation, banks display heightened intermediacy risk, contrasting with the absence of such evidence during expansionary monetary policy phases. Larger banks with higher deposit shares demonstrate lower risk-taking behavior. Additionally, banks with a return on equity (ROE) below the average ROE exhibit a proclivity for increased risk-taking. This study advocates for liquidity regulation as a crucial complement to bank capital regulation, offering empirical support for moderate risk-taking among highly liquid banks and fortify their balance sheets for a stable banking system in India. JEL Codes: E32, E52, G21, G28

Sex differences in the BTBR idiopathic mouse model of autism spectrum disorders: Behavioural and redox-related hippocampal alterations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases. Epidemiological data report that males have been diagnosed with autism more frequently than females. However, recent studies hypothesize that females’ low incidence might be underestimated due to standard clinical measures of ASD behavioural symptoms, mostly derived from males. Indeed, up to now, ASD mouse models focused mainly on males, considering the prevalence of the diagnosis in that sex. Regarding ASD aetiopathogenesis, it has been recently reported that oxidative stress might be implicated in its onset and development, suggesting an association with ASD typical repetitive behaviours that still need to be disentangled. Here, we investigated possible behavioural and molecular sex-related differences by using the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic ASD. To this aim, animals were exposed to behavioural tests related to different ASD core symptoms and comorbidities, i.e. stereotyped repertoire, social dysfunctions, hyperlocomotion and risk-taking behaviours. Moreover, we analyzed hippocampal levels of pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant enzymes, together with biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.Our results showed that BTBR females did not display the same patterns for repetitive behaviours as the male counterpart. From a biomolecular point of view, we found an increase in oxidative stress and pro-oxidant enzymes, accompanied by deficient enzymatic anti-oxidant response, only in BTBR males compared to C57BL/6 male mice, while no differences were retrieved in females.Overall, our study suggests that in females there is an urgent need to depict the distinct ASD symptomatology, accompanied by the identification of sex-specific pharmacological targets.

Associations of demographic, health, and risk-taking behaviors with tattooing in a population-based cross-sectional study of ~18,000 US adults.

Little is known about current characteristics of individuals with tattoos. We quantified the prevalence of tattooing and associations of demographic, health, and risk-behavior factors with tattooing. We computed adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of tattooing in a population-based analysis of > 18,000 Utah adults from the 2020-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The prevalence of tattooing was 26% among women and 22% among men, with the highest prevalence among women ages 25-29 (45%). Tattoo prevalence was higher among younger individuals, individuals with a lower education level, and those without religious affiliation. Tattoo prevalence was higher among indviduals with current tobacco (women: PR = 2.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.60, 3.20]; men: 3.39 [2.98, 3.86]), e-cigarette (women: 2.44 [2.21, 2.69]; men: 2.64 [2.37, 2.94]), and heavy alcohol use (women: 2.16 [1.93, 2.43]; men: 1.89 [1.63, 2.19]). Tattoo prevalence was lower among individuals receiving a flu (women: 0.84 [0.76, 0.92]; men: 0.75 [0.67, 0.84]) or COVID-19 vaccine (women: 0.65 [0.54, 0.79]; men: 0.75 [0.61, 0.92]). Several risk-taking behaviors were associated with tattooing. Tattoo studios/conventions may present opportunities for partnership with tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, and vaccination public health initiatives.