Assessment of and Countermeasures against International Political Risk for Chinese Oil Companies

Considering the circumstances of Chinese oil companies and the latest development of international politics and world oil situation, this paper analyzes the implication and main factors of international political risk for Chinese oil companies, and presents the principles, mode and scoring method for the assessment of international political risk. Strategies and suggestions to manage international political risk in their overseas business are provided for Chinese oil companies.

Investment Risks of Agricultural Listed Companies from Visual Angle of Natural Disasters

The essential feature of agriculture is the interweave- ment of natural reproduction and economic reproduction.In recent years,the natural disasters have become more frequent and badly affect the production management and investment benefits.This problem has been an important risk in managing agricultural listed companies and cannot be ignored.It is of great importance to evaluate and prevent the risks of the natural disasters to enhance the competitive ability and increase the profits of those listed companies,thereby keeping the sustainable development of agri- cultural companies.

Evolution and Governance of the Structure of Marine Economic Networks in China’s Coastal Areas: Based on Sea-related A-share Listed Companies

Data on discrete,isolated attributes of the marine economy are often used in traditional marine economic research.However,as the focus of urban research shifts from internal static attributes to external dynamic linkages,the importance of marine economic net-work research is beginning to emerge.The construction of the marine economic network in China’s coastal areas is necessary to change the flow of land and sea resources and optimize regional marine economic development.Employing data from headquarters and branches of sea-related A-share listed enterprises to construct the marine economic network in China,we use social network analysis(SNA)to discuss the characteristics of its evolution as of 2010,2015,and 2020 and its governance.The following results were obtained.1)In terms of topological characteristics,the scale of the marine economic network in China’s coastal areas has accelerated and expan-ded,and the connections have become increasingly close;thus,this development has complex network characteristics.2)In terms of spatial structure,the intensity of the connection fluctuates and does not form stable development support;the group structure gradually becomes clear,but the overall pattern is fragmented;there are spatial differences in marine economic agglomeration radiation;the radi-ation effect of the eastern marine economic circle is obvious;and the polarization effect of northern and southern marine economic circles is significant.On this basis,we construct a framework for the governance of a marine economic network with the market,the government,and industry as the three governing bodies.By clarifying the driving factors and building objectives of marine economic network construction,this study aims to foster the high-quality development of China’s marine economy.

Health risk assessment of trace metal(loid)s in agricultural soils based on Monte Carlo simulation coupled with positive matrix factorization model in Chongqing, southwest China

This study aimed to investigate the pollution characteristics, source apportionment, and health risks associated with trace metal(loid)s(TMs) in the major agricultural producing areas in Chongqing, China. We analyzed the source apportionment and assessed the health risk of TMs in agricultural soils by using positive matrix factorization(PMF) model and health risk assessment(HRA) model based on Monte Carlo simulation. Meanwhile, we combined PMF and HRA models to explore the health risks of TMs in agricultural soils by different pollution sources to determine the priority control factors. Results showed that the average contents of cadmium(Cd), arsenic (As), lead(Pb), chromium(Cr), copper(Cu), nickel(Ni), and zinc(Zn) in the soil were found to be 0.26, 5.93, 27.14, 61.32, 23.81, 32.45, and 78.65 mg/kg, respectively. Spatial analysis and source apportionment analysis revealed that urban and industrial sources, agricultural sources, and natural sources accounted for 33.0%, 27.7%, and 39.3% of TM accumulation in the soil, respectively. In the HRA model based on Monte Carlo simulation, noncarcinogenic risks were deemed negligible(hazard index <1), the carcinogenic risks were at acceptable level(10^(-6)<total carcinogenic risk ≤ 10^(-4)), with higher risks observed for children compared to adults. The relationship between TMs, their sources, and health risks indicated that urban and industrial sources were primarily associated with As, contributing to 75.1% of carcinogenic risks and 55.7% of non-carcinogenic risks, making them the primary control factors. Meanwhile, agricultural sources were primarily linked to Cd and Pb, contributing to 13.1% of carcinogenic risks and 21.8% of non-carcinogenic risks, designating them as secondary control factors.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression among patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Psychological distress,especially depression,associated with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease(PFCD)is widespread and refractory.However,there is a surprising paucity of studies to date that have sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors of depression associated with PFCD.AIM To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and investigate the depression-related risk factors in patients with PFCD.METHODS The study was conducted in the form of survey and clinical data collection via questionnaire and specialized medical staff.Depressive symptoms,life quality,and fatigue severity of patients with PFCD were assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9,Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Quality of Life Questionnaire(IBDQ),and Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD)Fatigue Patient Self-assessment Scale.The basic demographic information,overall disease features,perianal clinical information,and laboratory inflammation indicators were also gathered.Multivariate regression analysis was ultimately used to ascertain the risk factors of depression associated with PFCD.RESULTS A total of 123 patients with PFCD were involved,and 56.91%were suffering from depression.According to multivariate logistic regression analysis,Perianal Disease Activity Index(PDAI)score[odds ratio(OR)=0.69,95%confidence interval(CI):0.50 to 0.95],IBDQ score(OR=0.93,95%CI:0.88 to 0.97),modified Van Assche index(OR=1.24,95%CI:1.01 to 1.53),and IBD Fatigue score(OR=1.72,95%CI:1.23 to 2.42)were independent risk factors of depression-related prevalence among patients with PFCD(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the increasing perianal modified Van Assche index(βvalue=0.166,95%CI:0.02 to 0.31)and decreasing IBDQ score(βvalue=-0.116,95%CI:-0.14 to-0.09)were independently associated with the severity of depression(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Depressive symptoms in PFCD patients have significantly high prevalence.PDAI score,modified Van Assche index,quality of life,and fatigue severity were the main independent risk factors.

Epidemiological Aspects of Obesity, Overweight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors at Associes in Semi-Urban Areas (Case of Sébikotane)

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are a public health problem. The general objective was to determine the epidemiological aspects of obesity, overweight and associated risk factors in a semi-urban environment. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023 in Sébikotane. It focused on volunteers for screening for chronic non-communicable diseases. Epidemiological and clinical data were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine cases of obesity were recorded (28%). Two hundred and eighty-two cases were overweight or obese (61.3%). The mean age was 49.55 years, with a standard deviation of 12.41 years. The age group [40 - 49 years] was the most representative, with 85 cases (30.1%), and the majority were female, with 264 cases (93.6%). Primary education was the most common, with 75 cases (46.3%). Grade 1 obesity concerned ninety-seven cases (75.2%), and diabetes was present in thirty cases (23%). Hypertension was present in ninety-five cases (33.7%). Obesity was more marked in the age group [40 - 49 years] with 45 cases (36%). Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program is essential.

Surgical and non-surgical risk factors affecting the insufficiency of ileocolic anastomosis after first-time surgery in Crohn’s disease patients

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease(CD)often necessitates surgical intervention,particularly when it manifests in the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve.Despite undergoing radical surgery,a subset of patients experiences recurrent inflammation at the anasto-motic site,necessitating further medical attention.AIM To investigate the risk factors associated with anastomotic insufficiency following ileocecal resection in CD patients.METHODS This study enrolled 77 patients who underwent open ileocolic resection with pri-mary stapled anastomosis.Patients were stratified into two groups:Group I co-mprised individuals without anastomotic insufficiency,while Group II included patients exhibiting advanced anastomotic destruction observed endoscopically or those requiring additional surgery during the follow-up period.Surgical and non-surgical factors potentially influencing anastomotic failure were evaluated in both cohorts.RESULTS Anastomotic insufficiency was detected in 12 patients(15.6%),with a mean time interval of 30 months between the initial surgery and recurrence.The predomi-nant reasons for re-intervention included stenosis and excessive perianastomotic lesions.Factors associated with a heightened risk of anastomotic failure encompassed prolonged postoperative obstruction,anastomotic bleeding,and clinically confirmed micro-leakage.Additionally,patients in Group II exhibited preoperative malnutrition and early recurrence of symptoms related to CD.CONCLUSION Successful surgical outcomes hinge on the attainment of a fully functional anastomosis,optimal metabolic status,and clinical remission of the underlying disease.Vigilant endoscopic surveillance following primary resection facilitates the timely identification of anastomotic failure,thereby enabling noninvasive interventions.

Research on the Impact of Equity Pledge on Company Value

This article aims to provide a literature review on the impact of equity pledges on corporate value,and to explore in depth the application of equity pledges as a financial tool in corporate governance and capital operation,as well as its multidimensional impact on corporate value.By reviewing and analyzing relevant literature both domestically and internationally,this article first defines the basic concept of equity pledges and then elaborates on the impact mechanism of equity pledges on company value from both positive and negative perspectives.In terms of positive impact,this article explores how equity pledges can promote corporate financing,optimize capital structure,and enhance the control of major shareholders over the company.In terms of negative impacts,the possible control risk,market risk,and potential damage to the interests of small and medium-sized shareholders brought about by equity pledges were analyzed.Furthermore,this article also discusses the differences in the impact of equity pledges on company value in different scenarios and proposes corresponding policy recommendations and research prospects.

Distribution, Mobility, and Health Risks Assessment of Trace Metals in River Sediments from Intense Agricultural Activity Areas in West Africa

The economy of West African countries is mainly based on agriculture. However, the trace metal(loid)s contamination status in rivers is relatively unknown in the region. In this work, 45 surface sediments collected from the Bandama, Comoé, and Bia Rivers in south and south eastern Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa), were analyzed for total metal concentrations and chemical speciation. The results showed that the river sediments were considerably contaminated by Cd and moderately contaminated by As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Significant spatial variations were observed among the stations but not between the rivers. Metals Cd and Cu were likely to cause more ecological risks. The speciation analysis unravelled that the metal(loid)s partitioned mainly in the residual fraction, with the potential mobile fraction varying from 14% to 28%. The study calls for establishment of strict policies relative to the application of fertilizers and agrochemicals and mining activities to protect the environment and human health risks.

Foreign exchange risk management by Indian IT companies:an empirical analysis

The increased volatility in the foreign exchange market in recent years has increased the foreign exchange risk faced by companies worldwide. This phenomenon holds good in the Indian context also. This paper tries to report on the foreign exchange risk-management practices among Indian IT (information technology) companies. The results are consistent with expectations that foreign exchange risks faced by Indian IT companies is very high especially in the light of the recent appreciation of the rupee against the USD and most of the companies are using all the available techniques to mitigate the risks. The evidence suggests that the forward cover is the most widely used derivative instrument in managing the risks and the respondents taking part in the survey believe that the government is failing in maintaining a stable exchange rate.

Annual risk reporting of listed companies in Malaysia

This study examines risk reporting in annual reports of Malaysian listed companies. The mandatory and voluntary disclosures of risk information are analyzed and the authors examine whether a relationship exists between company size, leverage, and industry type and risk disclosure levels. 150 listed companies from five industries are selected as sample. Content analysis and risk disclosure index of dichotomous measurement are used in data collection. Overall the results indicate that level of risk information disclosed in the annual reports is still minimal. OLS （Ordinary least squares） regression analysis indicates that the level of risk information disclosure is positively associated with size and not with leverage. However, a mixed result has been found for industry type; where only property industry shows a significant relationship with level of risk disclosure, and not for the other industries. This study contributes to financial reporting literature in relation to risk reporting, particularly the practice of Malaysian companies. Findings from this study are also useful to regulators and accounting standard setting body to assess the level of compliance to regulations and standards relating to risk reporting by these companies. More studies are required to further understand the importance of risk information disclosure, such as risk disclosure within specific industry, cross-country studies and usefulness of risk information disclosure from the stakeholders＇ perspectives.

The Default Risk： An Empirical Analysis on the Automotive Companies

In Italian companies, especially in small and medium enterprises （SME）, the management of financial risks, that is considered out of the core business, has not taken yet the role that it should compete in the logic of value creation that a lot of the company＇s management argues. Towards risk is witnessing a real cultural rejection, mostly it originated from the widespread belief that its operation is fraught with positive effects only in companies that have particular degrees of complexity, because they are organized in groups or because they operate in markets and different contexts. This was due to an erroneous conception of the value that drives most of the businesses to remain, in fact, and still anchored to traditional forms of management, aimed at maximizing performance accounting. The paper after analyzing the default risk proceeds to calculate the Zeta-score through discriminant analysis of a panel of companies belonging to the automotive sector.

Coal price fluctuations and the impact on financial risk Evidence from China＇s coal listed companies

With the rise of coal price, the proportion of loss-making enterprises shows an upward trend in China＇s coal industry. This paper uses Altman Z-Score model to measure financial risk of 19 listed companies in the coal industry in A-share market from 1995 to 2007. Empirical results show that Year-Based price index of coal price has a negative correlation with the financial risk but has no significance, and coal chain price has a significant negative correlation with the financial risk. Further research indicates that enterprises increase bad investment, and a lot of debts caused by short-term rise in coal prices. The results also show that the financial risk in the coal industry declines with the rise of GDP growth rate and increases with the rise of inflation rate.

Gender disparities and woman-specific trends in Barrett’s esophagus in the United States:An 11-year nationwide populationbased study

BACKGROUND Barrett's esophagus(BE)is a known premalignant precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC).The prevalence rates continue to rise in the United States,but many patients who are at risk of EAC are not screened.Current practice guidelines include male gender as a predisposing factor for BE and EAC.The population-based clinical evidence regarding female gender remains limited.AIM To study comparative trends of gender disparities in patients with BE in the United States.METHODS A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using the 2009-2019 National Inpatient Sample(NIS)database.Patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis code of BE were identified.The major outcome of interest was determining the gender disparities in patients with BE.Trend analysis for respective outcomes for females was also reported to ascertain any time-based shifts.RESULTS We identified 1204190 patients with BE for the study period.Among the included patients,717439(59.6%)were men and 486751(40.4%)were women.The mean age was higher in women than in men(67.1±0.4 vs 66.6±0.3 years,P<0.001).The rate of BE per 100000 total NIS hospitalizations for males increased from 144.6 in 2009 to 213.4 in 2019(P<0.001).The rate for females increased from 96.8 in 2009 to 148.7 in 2019(P<0.001).There was a higher frequency of obesity among women compared to men(17.4%vs 12.6%,P<0.001).Obesity prevalence among females increased from 12.3%in 2009 to 21.9%in 2019(P<0.001).A lower prevalence of smoking was noted in women than in men(20.8%vs 35.7%,P<0.001).However,trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of smoking among women,from 12.9%in 2009 to 30.7%in 2019(P<0.001).Additionally,there was a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),and diabetes mellitus among females than males(P<0.001).Trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of alcohol use disorder and a decreasing prevalence of H.pylori and diabetes mellitus among women(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The prevalence of BE among women has steadily increased from 2009 to 2019.The existing knowledge concerning BE development has historically focused on men,but our findings show that the risk in women is not insignificant.

An ISM Approach for the Risk Analysis of Energy Service Company （ESCO） in China

Energy Performance Contracting （EPC） is an environmental protection mechanism which our country is vigorously promoting. Itis a market-oriented mechanism for promoting energy efficiency. But its carrier----Energy Service Company （ESCO） isinfluenced by many factors in the development process in China. This article analyzed these risk factors by using ISM approach,got the ISM based model for the risks of ESCO and gave detailed explanation to this model, hoping to contribute to ESCOdevelopment in China.

Companies and Sustainable Development:The Adequacy of Environmental Impact Assessment for the Management of Environmental Risks

The choice of the environmental risk management instrument to be used within the scope of corporate governance in companies is of paramount importance to avoid or mitigate the triple environmental responsibility to which they are exposed.In this sense,the following research problem arises:The Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA),an instrument of the National Environment Policy and a model of environmental risk management adopted by some companies,proves to be efficient,effective and effective for the fulfillment of the duty to protect the environmental balance and,therefore,for sustainable development?The present study aims to elucidate this research problem.To this end,analyzes were carried out on risk and environmental damage,from a perspective of the socio-environmental function of companies today;the need for a new posture by companies in view of the reflexes of environmental risks in business activity;and the question of the adequacy or inadequacy of the EIA as an instrument of the National Environment Policy and as a model for managing environmental risks and damages,in the pursuit of sustainable development.The method of approach used was the deductive one,and the research was carried out using the method of bibliographic procedure,through which research was carried out on books,scientific articles and legislation.The result points out the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the EIA for the management of environmental risks and,thus,for the fulfillment of the duty to protect the environmental balance by companies.

RISK信号通路在1-磷酸鞘氨醇后适应减轻心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤中的作用

目的研究再灌注损伤挽救激酶(reperfusion injury salvage kinase,RISK)信号通路在1-磷酸鞘氨醇(sphingosine-1-phosphate,S1P)后适应减轻H9c2心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤中的作用。方法将H9c2细胞随机分为7组,即(1)正常对照组(C);(2)缺氧/复氧组(H/R);(3)S1P组;(4)S1P+LY294002组(S1P+LY);(5)LY组;(6)S1P+PD98059组(S1P+PD);(7)PD组。采用MTT法测定各组细胞存活率;比色法测定丙二醛(MDA)含量、总超氧化物歧化酶(TSOD)和锰超氧化物歧化酶(Mn-SOD)活力;采用激光共聚焦显微镜技术检测细胞内游离钙离子浓度变化;流式细胞仪检测心肌细胞凋亡率;Western blot法测定Akt和ERK1/2蛋白的磷酸化水平。结果与H/R组比较,S1P组可明显增加H9c2细胞缺氧/复氧损伤后细胞存活率及凋亡率,增加TSOD及Mn-SOD活力,降低MDA含量,降低钙离子浓度,增加Akt和ERK1/2磷酸化水平,而PI3K/Akt信号通路阻断剂LY294002或ERK1/2阻断剂PD98059可阻断S1P对H9c2的上述作用。结论 S1P能够减轻H9c2细胞缺氧/复氧损伤,加入PI3K/Akt抑制剂LY294002和ERK1/2抑制剂PD98059均使S1P的保护作用被取消,表明S1P通过RISK信号通路发挥抗H9c2细胞缺氧/复氧损伤作用。

Has the risk of colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease decreased?

The association between inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)and colorectal cancer(CRC)has been acknowledged for almost a century and is assumedly promoted by a chronic inflammation-driven carcinogenic process in the intestine in combination with a genetic predisposition.The magnitude of the risk of CRC in IBD remains a continuing subject of debate.The early,high risk estimates for CRC in IBD were most likely overestimated due to selected patient populations originating from tertiary referral centers with a disproportional high percentage of patients with severe disease.Later population-based studies calculating risk estimates from a broad spectrum of IBD patients have found the risk to be significantly lower.At present,there is evidence that IBD patients with longstanding and extensive disease with uncontrolled inflammation are those at increased risk.Additional,other recognized risk factors include early age at onset,family history of CRC,and concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis.A significant amount of effort is put into identifying potential preventive factors of CRC in IBD,including surveillance programs and chemopreventive agents but the individual effect of these remains uncertain.Interestingly,recent studies have reported a decline in risk of CRC over time.Surveillance programs and the new treatment strategies,particular biological treatment might be part of the reason for the observed decline in risk of CRC in IBD over time but future studies will have investigate this assumption.

S-100β CysC和NF-κB对急性缺血性脑卒中患者静脉溶栓后出血转化的预测价值

目的 探讨急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)外周血中S-100β、CysC和NF-κB水平对静脉溶栓后出血转化的影响及预测价值。方法 收集2019-03—2022-03接受溶栓治疗的AIS患者140例,根据溶栓后24 h是否发生出血转化(HT)将患者分为非HT组(n=112)和HT组(n=28)。比较2组一般临床资料,采用多因Logistic回归分析影响HT发生的危险因素,受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估S-100β、CysC和NF-κB预测HT发生的价值。结果 HT组与非HT组相比,患者年龄、发病至溶栓时间、房颤、TOAST分型、C反应蛋白、凝血酶原时间、S-100β、CysC、NF-κB、白质高信号和脑微出血等均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。Logistic多因素回归分析显示,房颤、S-100β、CysC和NF-κB为影响HT发生的危险因素。S-100β、CysC和NF-κB预测AIS患者静脉溶栓后出血转化的曲线下面积分别为0.915(0.902~0.923)、0.874(0.856~0.882)和0.789(0.771~0.796),均具有一定的预测价值。结论 S-100β、CysC和NF-κB为AIS患者静脉溶栓后HT发生的危险因素,对HT发生具有一定的预测价值。

Risk factors and implications of anastomotic complications after surgery for Crohn's disease

Anastomotic complications occur more frequently in patients with Crohn's disease leading to postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications(IASC). Patients with IASC often require re-operation or drainage to controlthe sepsis and have an increased frequency of disease recurrence. The aim of this article was to examine the factors affecting postoperative IASC in Crohn's disease after anastomoses, since some risk factors remain controversial. Studies investigating IASC in Crohn's operations were included, and all risk factors associated with IASC were evaluated: nutritional status, presence of abdominal sepsis, medication use, Crohn's disease type, duration of disease, prior operations for Crohn's, anastomotic technique, extent of resection, operative timing, operative length, and perioperative bleeding. In this review, the factors associated with an increased risk of IASC are preoperative weight loss, abdominal abscess present at time of surgery, prior operation, and steroid use. To prevent IASC in Crohn's patients, preoperative optimization with nutritional supplementation or drainage of abscess should be performed, or a diverting stoma should be considered for patients with multiple risk factors.