A comparison of gender diversity in transgender young people with and without autistic traits from the Trans 20 cohort study.

Background: There is an elevated co-occurrence of autism in trans individuals, with recent meta-analyses suggesting that 11% of trans individuals are autistic. The presence of autism in trans young people can create clinical challenges by adding complexity to the presentation, assessment and management of those presenting to gender clinics. Although many trans young people display traits of autism, how these traits relate to the nature of their gender diversity is unclear. Methods: This study compared gender identity, gender expression and gender dysphoria (GD) in trans young people with and without autistic traits. Baseline data from a cohort study of trans children and adolescents who first attended the Royal Children's Hospital Gender Service (Victoria, Australia) between February 2017 and January 2020 were analysed cross-sectionally. Autistic traits were assessed via the Social Responsiveness Scale-2. Gender was assessed using tools that measure gender identity, social transition, GD, body dissatisfaction, voice dysphoria, and chest dysphoria. Findings: 522 participants were included, of whom 239 (45.8%) exhibited autistic traits (SRS total T-score ≥60). Those with and without autistic traits were similar in their age (mean (SD) age 14.0 (2.9) and 13.1 (3.6) years respectively) and gender identity: the majority (73.7% (n = 174) and 70.5% (n = 198) respectively) identified in a binary way. Higher rates of social transition (specifically, changing pronouns) were noted in those with autistic traits (Difference in proportion 11.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-21.1, p = 0.014). GD was high in both groups with ∼95% displaying clinically relevant levels of GD. Chest dysphoria was similar between groups, while voice dysphoria was higher in those with autistic traits (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-0.5 p = 0.00087). Dissatisfaction with secondary gendered characteristics (SMD = 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.5 p = 0.0011) and hormonally unresponsive body characteristics (SMD = 0.2, CI: 0.1-0.4 p = 0.016) was higher in trans young people with autistic traits. Interpretation: The similarly high severity of GD in those with and without autistic traits reinforces the importance of trans young people with and without autistic traits being availed the same opportunities to access gender-affirming care. Subtle differences identified between the groups in other areas of gender diversity suggest trans young people with autistic traits may have distinct needs and that gender-affirming care may need to be tailored accordingly. Funding: The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation, Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation; Australian National Health and Medical Research Council-Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies scheme (GNT 2006529).

Diversity, richness, and evenness of birds in Rana Resort Forest, District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan.

This research was carried out to determine avian diversity in the Rana Resort Forest from June to August 2023. A total of 655 birds were observed; these birds belonged to 36 different species from 11 orders; 27 families and 36 genera were found in the forest. The observed avian species that belong to the Muscicapidae family had the highest number of species, while Strigidae had the lowest number of species. The highest numbers of the order Passeriformes were recorded. Among the bird species observed, 33 were residents, 1 was a winter visitor, and 2 were summer breeders. The species diversity, richness, and evenness indices are 3.5238, 5.3973, and 0.10492, respectively. According to the index results, the Rana Resort Forest is a diverse area, but the species are not evenly distributed due to some of the threats observed during the study, such as habitat destruction, poverty, and unawareness.

Two-step method for rapid isolation of genomic DNA and validation of R81T insecticide resistance mutation in Myzus persicae.

Isolation and amplification of nucleic acid (DNA) is considered a vital and potent instrument in molecular biological research. However, its functioning outside of a laboratory setting is difficult because of complex procedures that demand expert personnel and expensive equipment in addition to the fulfillment of several additional requirements. DNA isolation from minute insects is sometimes difficult, making diagnostic and genotyping procedures problematic. Thus, the current work offers a high-throughput, cost-effective, straightforward, and faster approach for isolating DNA from the aphid Myzus persicae. Intriguingly, two-step DNA extraction process yielded a high yield of extremely pure genomic DNA and required only 10 s to complete. PCR investigation aiming at amplifying the non-synonymous R81T region on the loop D site of the nAChR gene of M. persicae was subsequently utilized to successfully validate the recovered DNA. Moreover, the proposed method was compared in terms of yield and purity with conventionally used DNA isolation methods including, phenol:chloroform, salt out, and commercially available kits. In conclusion, this newly developed method would enable researchers to quickly process many biological samples used to analyze genetic diversity, mutant screening, and large spectrum diagnosis both in laboratory and field conditions.

The Role of CSR Information on Social Media to Promote the Communicative Behavior of Customers: An Emotional Framework Enriching Behavioral Sciences Literature.

Studies have shown that an organization's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities affect customer behaviors such as loyalty and satisfaction. In spite of this, the role of social media in informing customers about a brand's CSR activities and in fostering customer advocacy behavior (CADB) has been underexplored. To fill this knowledge gap, this study investigates the relationship between the CSR-related communication of a banking organization and CADB. This study also examines how emotions such as customer-company identification (CCI) and gratitude as a mediator and a moderator. Using a self-administered questionnaire (n = 302), we collected data from banking customers. Hypotheses were evaluated by using structural equation modeling, which revealed that CSR positively predicts CADB, whereas there are mediating and moderating functions of CCI and GA. Theoretically, this study highlights the role of human emotions in behavior formation from the standpoint of social media. Practically, this study provides important insights for the banking sector's administrators to realize the important role of CSR communication, using different social networking websites, for converting customers into brand advocates.

Green bond as a new determinant of sustainable green financing, energy efficiency investment, and economic growth: a global perspective.

The purpose of the study is to test the role of green bond financing on energy efficiency investment and economic growth. To achieve the study objective, fuzzy decision-making modeling technique is applied. The results revealed that bank loans are now the main source of financing for energy efficiency projects. Project-based financing might be replaced with Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) warranting energy efficiency investment. Moreover, green banks invest both public and private funds in energy efficiency promoting economic growth. The usage of green bonds for financing environmentally beneficial projects or companies is limitless. Providing for screening energy efficiency investment proposals with small payback hurdle rates might have large opportunity costs. Green bonds can be used to remove the financing barriers for green finance and sustainability tool. On this, study provides policy implications to key stakeholders; if suggested policy suggestions implemented successfully, these would help to enhance scope of green bond financing to uplift energy efficiency financing and green growth successfully.

Finite-time adaptive dynamic surface synchronization control for dual-motor servo systems with backlash and time-varying uncertainties.

The dual-motor driving servo system is continuously developed to satisfy strict safety and reliability requirements. However, several factors may degrade the system's performance, such as transmission backlash, parameter drift, and motor dynamic characteristic differences. To overcome these factors, this study proposes a finite-time tracking and synchronization control method for dual-motor servo systems that suffer from backlash and time-varying uncertainties. Our solution utilizes an adaptive dynamic surface and cross-coupling control scheme to deal with tracking and synchronization control issues and compensate for the unknown time-varying uncertainties. Through synchronizing the speed and acceleration states, the proposed controller guarantees high control performance and eliminates the force fighting caused by the motor's dynamic characteristic differences. In addition, finite-time control ensures the tracking error converges to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of zero in finite time. Moreover, the singularity problem in the derivative of the virtual control signal is avoided by introducing a new compensation term. Several simulations prove the proposed controller's stability and effectiveness.

Advancing the debate on hotel employees' environmental psychology by promoting energy-saving behavior in a corporate social responsibility framework.

Considering the vulnerable climatic conditions in most parts of the planet, a successful transition toward a carbon-free future is a critical challenge worldwide. In this respect, around 35% of the world's total greenhouse gas emission (GHG) is associated with the power sector (especially electrical energy). To this end, a vast of electrical energy has been used by the people in buildings. Specifically, a significant amount of energy in buildings is used for heating, cooling, and ventilation. While the available literature highlights the importance of neat, clean, and green electrical energy for the decarbonization of society, a critical gap exists in such literature. That is, most of the literature under this stream deals with the supply side (production) of electrical energy, while the demand side (consumption at an individual level) was neglected. To bridge this critical knowledge gap, this study investigates how the CSR engagement of a hotel organization can promote the energy-related pro-environmental behavior (ERPEB) among the employees with the intervening effect of employees' environmental commitment (EMEC) and Green intrinsic motivation (GRIM). Further, the conditional indirect role of altruistic values was also tested in this study. The data were collected from different hotel employees in Pakistan with the help of a self-administered questionnaire. We tested the hypothesized relationship through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results confirmed that CSR can be a potential motivator to impact the ERPEB of employees, while EMEC and GRIM mediated this relationship significantly. The findings of this study also confirmed the conditional indirect role of altruistic values. These findings offer various theoretical and practical contributions which are conversed in detail.

Family and Academic Stress and Their Impact on Students' Depression Level and Academic Performance.

Current research examines the impact of academic and familial stress on students' depression levels and the subsequent impact on their academic performance based on Lazarus' cognitive appraisal theory of stress. The non-probability convenience sampling technique has been used to collect data from undergraduate and postgraduate students using a modified questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. This study used the SEM method to examine the link between stress, depression, and academic performance. It was confirmed that academic and family stress leads to depression among students, negatively affecting their academic performance and learning outcomes. This research provides valuable information to parents, educators, and other stakeholders concerned about their childrens' education and performance.

Effects of Methoxyfenozide-Loaded Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Mortality and Detoxification Enzyme Levels Activities.

The diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella, causes severe damage at all crop stages, beside its rising resistance to all insecticides. The objective of this study was to look for a new control strategy such as application of insecticide-loaded carbon dot-embedded fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FL-SiO2 NPs). Two different-sized methoxyfenozide-loaded nanoparticles (Me@FL-SiO2 NPs-70 nm, Me@FL-SiO2 NPs-150 nm) were prepared, with loading content 15% and 16%. Methoxyfenozide was released constantly from Me@FL-SiO2 NPs only at specific optimum pH 7.5. The release of methoxyfenozide from Me@FL-SiO2 NPs was not observed other than this optimum pH, and therefore, we checked and controlled a single release condition to look out for the different particle sizes of insecticide-loaded NPs. This pH-responsive release pattern can find potential application in sustainable plant protection. Moreover, the lethal concentration of the LC50 value was 24 mg/L for methoxyfenozide (TC), 14 mg/L for Me@FL-SiO2 NPs-70 nm, and 15 mg/L for Me@FL-SiO2 NPs-150 nm after 72 h exposure, respectively. After calculating the LC50, the results predicted that Me@FL-SiO2 NPs-70 nm and Me@FL-SiO2 NPs-150 nm exhibited better insecticidal activity against P. xylostella than methoxyfenozide under the same concentrations of active ingredient applied. Moreover, the activities of detoxification enzymes of P. xylostella were suppressed by treatment with insecticide-loaded NPs, which showed that NPs could also be involved in reduction of enzymes. Furthermore, the entering of FL-SiO2 NPs into the midgut of P. xylostella was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). For comparison, P. xylostella under treatment with water as control was also observed under CLSM. The control exhibited no fluorescent signal, while the larvae treated with FL-SiO2 NPs showed strong fluorescence under a laser excitation wavelength of 448 nm. The reduced enzyme activities as well as higher cuticular penetration in insects indicate that the nano-based delivery system of insecticide could be potentially applied in insecticide resistance management.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Job Performance of Working Mothers: Mediating Effect of Workplace Deviance.

The current study takes its philosophical roots from organizational behavior and psychology domains to investigate the impact of sleep deprivation on the job performance of mothers working in primary, secondary, and higher education institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. It also examines the mediating role of workplace deviance in the relationship between sleep deprivation and the job performance of working mothers. The authors followed the non-probability convenience sampling technique to study the relationship between sleep deprivation, workplace deviance, and job performance. The structural analyses indicated that sleep deprivation has a significant negative impact on the job performance of working mothers and sleep-deprived individuals often tend to perform poorly at the workplace. Such workers are also more likely to engage in workplace deviant behaviors. Moreover, workplace deviance is also found to act as a mediating variable in the relationship between sleep deprivation and job performance. The present research bridges the literature gap on the rarely investigated factors, namely sleep deprivation and workplace deviance, and provide a detailed understanding of how these factors can influence the performance of working mothers, specifically in Pakistan.

Adjustment of self-initiated and organizational expatriates: The moderating role of cross-cultural training.

Globalization and the international labor movement made the ability to work anywhere globally. These individuals are usually organizational expatriates (OEs) deployed to overseas assignments by their employers or self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) who choose to relocate and work in a foreign country. Therefore, this study examines and contrasts the variations in cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) between Chinese SIEs and OEs in Pakistan. Furthermore, it aims to understand how cross-cultural training (CCT) influences the adaptation of Chinese SIEs and OEs. Data were obtained from 35 Chinese expatriates with 17 SIEs and 18 OEs employing a qualitative technique and were analyzed via thematic analysis in MAXQDA 20. According to the study, both SIEs and OEs face distinct hurdles to their CCA in Pakistan, including cultural taboos, language obstacles, and work variations. While numerous aspects that will favorably affect their CCA, including the accessibility of necessities, the friendliness of the Pakistani people, and the brethren relations between Pakistan and China, assist them in making a smooth transition to life in Pakistan. Furthermore, the results indicate that the mediating role of pre-departure CCT and the host country mentors' support and facilitations acquired through online resources contribute to both Chinese SIEs and OEs' CCA in Pakistan.

Improving the Environmental Footprint through Employees: A Case of Female Leaders from the Perspective of CSR.

Environmental quality strongly depends on human behavior patterns. Many environmental challenges are rooted in human actions, and thus, it is believed that these problems can be reduced through the promotion of pro-environmental behaviors (PB). Owing to this reality, the current study aims to reduce the environmental footprint of a hospital by promoting its employees' environment-specific behavior via corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership (EL). More importantly, the study also considered the role of female leaders in the proposed relationship. The current study collected the data from the respondents employed in different hospitals of a developing economy through a questionnaire (paper-pencil method). A total of 489 valid responses were collected, which were analyzed by employing the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. As per the current study's findings, there is a positive relationship between CSR, while EL mediates between CSR and PB. Likewise, the moderating role of female leaders in the proposed relationship was more significant than that of male leaders. More specifically, the study's findings have considerable theoretical and practical implications, as it opens paths for researchers to further investigate the applicability of different dimensions of CSR and the role of gender in environmental sustainability. It provides insight to policymakers on how to restructure their CSR preferences, priorities on the environment, and gender differences.

Case Study Using Recommended Reference Genes Actin and 18S for Reverse-Transcription Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in Myzus persicae.

Myzus persicae is a globally important pest with the ability to adjust to a wide range of environmental situations, and many molecular technologies have been developed and applied to understand the biology and/or control this pest insect directly. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a primary molecular technology that is used to quantify gene expression. Choosing a stable reference gene is significantly important for precisely clarifying the expression level of the target gene. Actin and 18S have been recommended as stable compounds for real-time RT-qPCR in M. persicae under the tested biotic and abiotic conditions. In this study, we checked the stability of Actin and 18S by analyzing the relative expression levels of the cytochrome 450 monooxygenase family member genes CYP6CY3 and CYP6-1, carboxylesterase gene E4 and vacuolar protein sorting gene VPS11 via RT-qPCR under various conditions. The expression levels of these four target genes were normalized using both Actin and 18S individually and the combination of these two genes. Our results confirmed that Actin and 18S can be used as reference genes to normalize the expression of target genes under insecticide treatment and starvation in M. persicae. However, at the developmental stages of M. persicae, the expression of the four tested target genes was normalized stably by Actin but not 18S, with the latter presenting a problematic change with the developmental stages. Thus, the stability of reference genes in response to diverse biotic and abiotic factors should be evaluated before each RT-qPCR experiment.

An Examination to Explain the Mechanism of Employees' Environment-Specific Behavior through CSR and Work Engagement from the Perspective of Stewardship Theory.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as an imperative for every sector globally. Yet, for a long time, the concept of CSR has been regarded from an organizational perspective. However, the importance of CSR in shaping the extra-role behavior of employees, such as their pro-environmental behavior (PEB-E), has been under-explored in the literature. Against this backdrop, the current study aims to investigate the impact of CSR on PEB-E with the mediating effect of work engagement (W.E) in the context of a emerging country. The study also employs stewardship theory as an alternate theory to explain the proposed relationships. The data of the current study were obtained from SME sector through a self-administered (paper-and-pencil method) questionnaire. A random sample of employees (n = 398) from different SMEs was selected and analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results of the current survey revealed that CSR directly and indirectly, via W.E, predicts PEB-E positively. The findings of the current study will be helpful for policymakers to understand that well-planned CSR activities, not only create positive repute for an SME, but also provide the underlying justification to its employees to be engaged in different environment-specific behaviors.

A Contemporary Issue of Micro-Foundation of CSR, Employee Pro-Environmental Behavior, and Environmental Performance toward Energy Saving, Carbon Emission Reduction, and Recycling.

The contemporary literature has largely addressed corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the macro or institutional level, whereas its effect at the micro-level is largely ignored. In addition, contemporary researchers have also ignored the importance of employee pro-environmental behavior to reduce the environmental footprint of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). With this background, the present study attempts to decrease the environmental footprint of the SME sector of China by implementing CSR at the micro-level through the involvement of employees because employees spend a significant amount of their time at workplaces, and hence their environment-related behavior may significantly contribute to improve the natural environment. In this regard, here we examined the impact of the micro-foundation of CSR on SMEs' environmental performance with mediating effect of employees' pro-environmental behavior. The data were collected from the different organizations in China. Our sample constitutes a supervisor-subordinate dyad from which we collected 562 filled questionnaires (281 from each). We used the structural equation modeling technique using AMOS software for data analysis, the results show that CSR, directly and indirectly, through employee's pro-environmental behavior affects the environmental performance of SMEs, and employee pro-environmental behavior partially mediates this relationship. The findings of the present study are helpful for policymakers of the SME sector of China to address widespread environmental issues caused by their business operations.

Exploring the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Communication through Social Media on Banking Customer E-WOM and Loyalty in Times of Crisis.

Previous studies have largely explored corporate social responsibility (CSR) for organization-centric outcomes to achieve organizational performance, organizational commitment, or organizational citizenship behavior. However, the importance of CSR to achieve customer-centric outcomes is underexplored to date. Contemporary researchers have recently turned their attention toward CSR from the viewpoint of customer-centric outcomes. Therefore, the present study attempts to test the influence of CSR communication on social media and customer loyalty in the banking sector of a developing economy in times of crisis. This study also investigates the mediating effect of electronic word of mouth (E-WOM) with this relationship. The data of the present study were collected from different banking customers using a self-administered questionnaire. The empirical findings of this study validated that the CSR communication of a bank on social media increases customer loyalty, and E-WOM partially mediates this relationship. This study will be helpful for the banking sector to understand the importance of CSR communication to increase customer loyalty, which is very important for every bank in times of crisis.

Neonicotinoid's resistance monitoring, diagnostic mechanisms and cytochrome P450 expression in green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)].

Green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] is a significant pest with a known history of insecticide resistance. Neonicotinoids could manage this pest; however, their frequent use led to the evolution of resistance in field populations of M. persicae. Toxicity data for neonicotinoid insecticides synergized with pipernyl butoxide (PBO) in a field population (FP) were collected and compared to a laboratory susceptible clone (SC) of aphids. The enhanced expression of metabolic resistance-related cytochrome P450 gene CYP6CY3 and an arginine-threonine substitution were detected in FP, causing a single point mutation (R81T) at ß1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) within D loop. High level of resistance to imidacloprid was developed in FP with 101-fold resistance ratio and moderate resistance level (10.9-fold) to acetamiprid. The results of PBO synergized bioassay suggested that cytochrome P450 enzymes were involved in the resistance to neonicotinoids. The mRNA transcriptional level of CYP6CY3 gene was significantly higher (3.74 fold) in FP compared to SC. The R81T mutation associated with neonicotinoid resistance had 26% resistant allele frequency in FP. Both P450 enzymes and R81T mutation of nAChR were found in field-evolved neonicotinoid resistance. It is concluded that field-evolved resistance in green peach aphid could be managed by using appropriate synergists such as PBO.

The Relationship Between CEO Duality and Business Firms' Performance: The Moderating Role of Firm Size and Corporate Social Responsibility.

This study focuses on exploring the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) duality and firm performance. We focus on how the size and corporate social responsibility (CSR) of firms moderate this relationship. In terms of size, business organizations are of two types: small and large firms. This study uses datasets of listed Chinese business firms included in the China Stock Market and Accounting Research database. It employs a generalized method of moment's technique to explore the connection between CEO duality and the performance of Chinese business firms through double mediation effects. Our empirical analysis showed that CEO duality has a significant negative relationship with firm performance. We also explored the moderating effects of firm size (small and large) and CSR practices on the relationship between CEO duality and improved performance of Chinese firms. Large firms and CSR practices showed significant and positive moderating effects on the relationship between CEO duality and firm performance. Conversely, with CEO duality, small firms showed a negative moderating influence on firm performance. This inclusive model provides valuable insights into how the dual role of the CEO of a firm affected the performance of Chinese firms through the moderating role of CSR practices and firm size for better business performance. The study offers empirical and theoretical contributions to the corporate governance literature. This research framework might help researchers in designing robust strategies to evaluate the effects on firm performance. Researchers may gain helpful insights using this methodology.

The Impact of Environmental Uncertainty on Corporate Innovation: Empirical Evidence from an Emerging Economy.

The paper analyzes the effect of environmental uncertainty on corporate technological innovation from the perspective of an innovation value chain under the institutional background of China. This paper not only discusses the intermediary effect of agency problems on environmental uncertainty and corporate technological innovation but also deeply explores the influence of information transparency, government subsidies, and other mechanisms to alleviate agency problems on environmental uncertainty and corporate technological innovation. We use the data of listed companies in China from 2008 to 2019 as the research sample, and the results show that, in general, environmental uncertainty has a negative effect on both input and output of technological innovation, and the negative effect can last for two years. Further research shows that the agency problem has an intermediary effect on the environmental uncertainty and corporate technology innovation, and the environmental uncertainty aggravates the agency problem, which hinders the input and output of corporate technology innovation. As an important mechanism to alleviate the agency problems, information transparency and government subsidies can effectively alleviate the agency conflict, thus reducing the inhibition of environmental uncertainty on the input and output of technological innovation. Our findings contribute to the discussion of driving factors for technological innovation in the context of China's system. Our results provide useful insights into the link between environmental uncertainty and corporate innovation for economic academics and practitioners alike.

Defect-rich honeycomb-like nickel cobalt sulfides on graphene through rapid microwave-induced synthesis for ultrahigh rate supercapacitors.

Nickel cobalt sulfides (NCS) are regarded as potential energy storage materials due to the versatile valent states and rich electrochemical activity, but their sluggish synthesis process and inferior rate performance hinder them from large-scale application. Herein, microwave-induced strategy has been employed for efficient synthesis of honeycomb-like NCS/graphene composites, which are explored as ultrahigh rate battery-type electrodes for supercapacitors. Due to the internal heat mechanism, the synthesis time of NCS by microwave could be shortened from hours to minutes. Density functional theory was simulated to uncover the interfacial effect between NCS and graphene, and the resulted Schottky barrier is in favor of enhancing redox activity and capacity. Ultimately, the obtained defect-rich nickel cobalt sulfides/graphene with thermal treatment (NCS/G-H) could exhibit a high specific capacitance of 1186 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and sustain 89.8% capacity even after the increase of current density over 20 times, which is much superior to bare NCS and NCS/graphene. Furthermore, the assembled NCS/G-H hybrid supercapacitor delivers supreme energy density of 46.4 Wh kg-1, and retains outstanding long-term stability of 89.2% after 10 k cycles. These results indicate that the synthesized NCS/G-H by time-saving microwave-induced liquid process could be served as high rate materials for supercapacitors.