Incorporation of Environmental Issues into Banks’ Lending Decisions

This thesis examines commercial banks’ practice pertaining to the integration of environmental issues into their lending activities. There is evidence that over the last few decades some banks have considered the environmental impact of borrower activities as part of credit risk assessment and management. A number of academic surveys have identified a positive correlation between the environmental and financial performance of companies. These developments influence the level of bank support for responsible environmental management. For most commercial banks loans are a large percentage of assets. Hence appropriate management of loans is a priority for bank management, shareholders and other interested people. Traditionally, banks use financial instruments to measure the efficiency of their lending decisions and to ensure that payments are made on time. However, each lending operation may involve environmental risks. Adverse environmental outcomes may result in a reduction in the borrowers’ repayment capacity, a decline in the value of the collateral, a direct bank liability for environmental damage caused by its borrowing clients and potential risks to the bank’s reputation. For each of these risks the bank can determine the likelihood, extent, cost and impact should the damage actually occur. Bank lending occurs in a wider economic and social context of strategic importance for banks. Society’s quest for sustainable development involves the creation of new financing markets, such as markets for sustainable energy, water purification equipment, products for the financing of companies’ climate policies and groundbreaking technology. Banks can fulfil the role of a traditional financial intermediary or can step into this growing market to develop specific new products such as environmental loans. This market is rich in challenges and opportunities. Hence, it is crucial that banks have appropriate indicators to help them and stakeholders monitor performance. Against this background, this study investigates the practice of incorporating environmental issues into banks’ lending decisions, utilizing Westpac as a case study. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were adopted. A mixed method of data collection was used, consisting of an analysis of annual reports, semi-structured interview and a survey questionnaire. The Westpac study is used to develop and test an environmental sustainability framework to analyse the incorporation of environmental issues into lending decisions by financial institutions. The results from the research provide some evidence that Westpac incorporates environmental issues into lending decisions and is aware of environmental risks and opportunities. At the operational level, the bank assesses environmental risks before approving loans and finances projects with high environmental benefits. With regard to motivational drivers, the findings indicate that the bank’s incorporation of environmental issues into lending decisions is motivated by multiple reasons: managerial, financial and environmental. However, the environmental information reported was not consistently and sufficiently communicated to stakeholders. Further, the results from the research reveal that bank management should effectively consider environmental issues when making lending decisions and that they should take specific actions to have such issues effectively implemented. Although banks are motivated by a variety of factors, financial issues were considered the most important factor when banks are making lending decisions. This study also reveals that respondents did not know about bank effectiveness in addressing environmental issues when making lending decisions. Moreover, people who are likely to be better informed or knowledgeable about environmental issues were also found to have a low level of knowledge in this regard. Furthermore, the majority of respondents tend not to be satisfied with the interaction between banks and both the public and the New Zealand government. The literature to date suggests there is increasing stakeholder pressure on businesses to act with environmental responsibility, but this result suggests challenges still remain. A comparison of Westpac and HSBC stakeholder reports revealed that HSBC provided more appropriate environmental information than Westpac regarding their lending activities. The comparison reveals that there is a shift in how banks view the consideration of environmental performance as material to users of the annual reports. However, there is a gap in the information provided probably due to the voluntary nature of sustainability disclosures in annual reports. Thus, there is a need for improvement relating to the content and quality of environmental reporting. This research proposes an environmental sustainability framework, with specific focus on the lending process as a guideline for bank management, policy makers and other interested people. It facilitates effective measurement of environmental performance in two major areas: management and operations, and motivations. The framework includes indicators and processes to improve bank financial and environmental performance. The key findings of this study are instructive. Consideration of environmental issues when making lending decisions is important to banks, borrowers, the environment and stakeholders in general. Environmental risks, opportunities and the positive relationship between the environmental performance and financial performance give motivation to integrate environmental issues into lending activities. This study identified that Westpac and commercial banks more generally have an opportunity to provide further and consistent evidence concerning their managerial and operational performance and drivers when making lending decisions. Such actions would provide stakeholders with more accurate views on the bank’s environmental performance. It would also facilitate the bank’s ability to respond sufficiently and transparently to the international agreements and initiatives the bank is signatory to and/or a member of

Significance of Hepatitis B Virus Diagnosis by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction over Serological Markers in Hepatitis B Virus Patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of viral hepatitis, as currently over 2 billion people have HBV infection worldwide. Nucleic acid assay and quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been developed for diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring of patients with HBV infection. These tests might also show correlation between HBV DNA and HBs serostatus. The study aimed to find and analyze the frequency and impact of HBsAg seropositivity among patients revealed HBV DNA negative level through quantitative estimation of both seromarkers. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Elecsys assays were used for quantitative estimation of HBV DNA and HBs antigen, respectively. A total of 256 blood samples were used from patients referred for either diagnostic purpose and/or HBV viral load monitoring after antiviral therapy. Blood profile analysis showed 12.26% HBs antigen seropositivity among patients revealed negative for nucleic acid assay for HBV DNA. Positive HBs antigen titers ranged from 1000–50,000 COI, with seronegative anti-HBs antibody test for all samples tested positive for HBs antigen. This study delineated that negative or undetectable quantitation of HBV DNA level does not exclude HBV infection; as the level might fluctuate in different phases of HBV replication. This gives an impression and raising a question about significance of replacing test for HBsAg with quantitation of HBV DNA PCR assay. Thus, the study refers to a special HBV profile outside the classical pattern

The factors affecting job motivation of university employees and its relationship with health factors at workplace

Background: Job motivation of workforce is one of the most important issues that organizations face to perform their tasks and duties well and with confidence and maintain their effectiveness. Methods: The present study was applied research conducted by using a combination of library studies and Delphi technique. The sample size of the present study was 332 employees of Islamic Azad University of Khuzestan. They were selected using Cochran's formula. Two researcher-made questionnaires including job motivation questionnaire with 54 questions and health factors questionnaire with 30 questions were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS-22, Lisrel, and Amos-22 Software. Results: The variable of factors related to job motivation consisted of 15 components. The variable of job motivation in general found that according to the scoring scale of Abbas Bazargan, this variable is at more than satisfactory level. The variable of health factors was at more than satisfactory level. There was significant association between job motivation with health factors (P<0.001). Relationship between job motivation and health factors showed that direct and significant relationship between job motivation with health factors. The value of path coefficient of impact of health factors on job motivation showed that the relationship between job motivation and health factors is significant. Conclusion: Job motivation is a multidimensional phenomenon that cannot be measured directly by one variable. One of the important tasks of organizations is finding the ways to create and strengthen motivation. Managers should consider motivating employees as one of the most important tasks

To Document The Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Open Neural Tube Defect at Teaching Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan

Objectives: To study clinical presentation and to determine outcome of open Neural Tube Defects at ourrespected institution. We took a review of all cases of open neural tube defects seen at the Neurosurgery Unit of hospital in the last years to document their medical patterns, assess their neonatal outcome.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 74 patients, admitted to the Department ofNeurosurgery, D. G. Khan Medical College and Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan. The procedure for history takingand clinical examination was completed to measure Folic Acid Intake in first trimester, ultra sound abdomen,pre-natal diagnosis, hydrocephalous, CSF leak from swelling, sphincter involvement, weakness of lower limb,previous baby affected, type & location of open neural tube defects along the cranio-vertebral axis. Spine X-rays,neurosonograms, MRIs were carried out to find associated irregularities and complications if exist.Results: Out of 74 children born with open neural tube defects, 9 (12%) mothers received antenatal care only, 7(9%) get folic acid regularly. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 11 (14.8%) mothers whose antenatal abdominalultrasound was done. The most common type of myelomeningocele was lumbosacral 58 (79%). Forty-four(59.4%) babies have hydrocephalous while five babies were microcephaly. Increased risk of rupturedmyelomeningocele was linked with vaginal delivery. Sphincter disturbance and limb paralysis was present in 35(47%) and 32 (43.7%) of babies respectively. The mortality was in 12% patients.Conclusion: We suggest that efforts should be made in this respect to prenatal diagnosis of such lesions to getbetter neonatal outcom

Artificial Intelligence and Problematization of National Security Topics

IntroductionSome governments and organizations are preparing to exploit artificial intelligence (AI) in order to destabilize the world and benefit from numerous cyber-attacks. The rapid advancement of AI enables cybercriminals to amplify their destructive impact worldwide, as AI has the potential to reshape and disrupt global conditions in the coming years. The primary objective of this research was to establish a comprehensive framework for critically evaluating the role of AI in facilitating unethical practices within the realm of security, both in theory and in practice. To lay the groundwork for the practical implementation of national security measures based on grounded theory requires adopting a problem-oriented perspective on terrorism, warfare, and conflict. A strategic instance of this approach is the concept of algorithmic national security which has the potential for creating and developing a new security order. This article aimed to contribute to the existing body of scientific literature, as there is currently a dearth of research in this field, thereby paving the way for future investigations. The primary objective of this research was to establish a comprehensive framework for critically evaluating the role of AI in facilitating unethical practices within the realm of security, both in theory and in practice. The present research aimed to develop a comprehensive framework for the critical evaluation of the role of AI in the unethical utilization of its functions in security matters, both in theory and in practice. In this line, the main question is: How can national security topics be problematized in light of AI hegemony and within the framework of terrorism, war, conflict, and defense?Materials and MethodsAdopting a descriptive–analytical approach, the present research relied on library research and documentary method to collect the data from various printed and electronic sources, including websites and magazines. Note-taking was used as a tool in data collection stage. In this study, AI and national security were considered as the independent and dependent variables, respectively.Results and DiscussionThe debate surrounding the use of AI and its autonomy on future battlefields has predominantly centered on the ethical implications of granting complete authority to independent and autonomous weapons, often referred to as killer robots, capable of making life or death decisions. Is it truly feasible for these systems to operate without any human intervention, or does their deployment potentially violate the principles of warfare and international humanitarian laws? Avoiding such a predicament necessitates that those involved in warfare differentiate between combatants and civilians on the battlefield, prioritizing the preservation of civilian lives and minimizing harm to them to the greatest extent possible.Proponents of this emerging technology argue that machines will eventually possess enough intelligence to distinguish themselves from humans. Conversely, opponents maintain that machines will never possess the capability to make such a fundamental distinction. They argue that machines lack the capacity to make split-second decisions in the heat of war or exhibit timely empathy. In response to these concerns, several human rights and humanitarian organizations have launched the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, aiming to establish an international ban on the development and deployment of fully automated and autonomous weapon systems. In the meantime, a highly contentious debate is unfolding within the military sphere regarding the use of AI in the command and control systems governing how senior officers convey essential orders to their subordinate soldiers. Throughout history, generals and admirals have consistently sought to enhance the reliability of command and control systems to ensure the fullest realization of their strategic objectives.Nowadays, these systems are heavily relied upon to ensure the security of radio and satellite communication systems that connect headquarters to the front lines. However, strategists are concerned that in a future hyper-warfare environment, these systems could be vulnerable to disruptions caused by jamming, which would make the speed of military operations exceed commanders’ limited ability to receive battlefield reports, process data, and issue timely orders. It is important to go beyond these concerns and consider the practical definition of the uncertain fog of war, which is further complicated by the multiplication effect of AI and the potential for failure. Many military officers see a solution to this dilemma in relinquishing the control of machines to these systems. As stated in a report by the Congressional Research Service, AI algorithms can offer more reliable tools for real-time analysis of the battlefield and enable faster decision-making, thus being able to stay updated.ConclusionWe are currently witnessing a turning point in technology. The pace of advancements in AI is surpassing even the expert predictions. These breakthroughs offer significant advantages to humanity, enabling AI systems to tackle complex issues in medicine, the environment, and other fields. However, along with progress, there are also accompanying risks. The implications of AI for national security are becoming increasingly profound with each passing year. In this article, the aim was to assess the extent of these consequences in the years ahead. The findings indicate that AI is likely to highlight several, if not all, of the most challenging aspects of transformative military technologies. It thus becomes increasingly crucial to address its implications in examining how policymakers in the realm of national security respond to this technology.Unfortunately, AI carries the potential for risks comparable to those posed by previous technologies, and in some cases, its impact could be even more devastating, owing to the rapid pace of technological advancement and the intricate relationship between government and industry in the present era. While we appreciate the increasing number of high-quality AI reports published in recent years, we acknowledge that a certain degree of conservatism has somewhat impeded comprehensive analysis. In this article, the objective was to provide an honest description of the AI revolution as truly revolutionary rather than merely different. To address this challenge effectively, governments must approach the issue with ambition, emphasizing both research and development while considering its ramifications.The advancement of AI technology in the military, information technology, cybersecurity, and economic sectors over the next decade will lead to profound transformations worldwide. These changes are occurring at a faster pace than anticipated, and undoubtedly, they will present their own set of challenges, with implications extending to various aspects, including national security. AI introduces a level of complexity in the interactions between states, industries, and individuals, necessitating the deployment of skilled experts to respond quickly and effectively to the evolving landscape shaped by this phenomenon

An Empirical Association between Audit Quality and Risk Taking toward Value Creation in Iran

In the financial literature, risk-taking and investment-related decisions are among the most important decisions for companies that make optimal decisions in these two areas, optimally allocating resources and directing financial resources to economic investments and profitable projects for value creation. The purpose of the research is to investigate the relationship between audit quality and risk taking on value creation in firms listed in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). The research used five components of auditor's specialist, tenure, audit size, ownership concentration, and board of director’s independence to evaluate audit quality. The statistical population of the study includes the companies listed in TSE. Using a screening method, 610 firm-year data were selected for a 5-year period (2013-2017). This research is based on panel data and multivariate regression method. The research findings show that among these five components as well as the risk factor, only the variables of auditor tenure and ownership concentration have a significant effect on corporate value creation. The originality of the results of the research contributes to the auditing and capital market in TSE

Molecular Diagnosis in Differentiating Active and Inactive Forms of Hepatitis B Virus Carriers

الهدف: استخدام برنامج اختبار الحامض النووي لغرض تشخيص العدوى الفيروسية وتقليل انتقالها. ان فحص الحامض النووي الرايبوزى منقوص الاوكسجين لفايروس التهاب الكبد نمط B .يمكن استخدامه في تشخيص العدوى من خلال فترة النافذة والمزمنة الغامض ايضا، اضافة الى ذلك استخدام هذه الطريقة تودئ الى تشخيص النوع الفعال وغير الفعال للفايروس. اجريت  هذه الدراسة المقطعية لتشخيص وتحليل عدوى فايروس  التهاب الكبد نمط B  والتميز بين الشكل فعال وغير فعال اعتمادا على الفحص النووي المكتشفة. الطرائق: تم جمع256  عينة الدم من اشخاص تعرضوا سابقا للاصابة بفايروس التهاب الكبد نمط B وارجعوا مختبر الصحة العامة المركزي في اربيل. تم استخدام طريقة  تقنية عكس رد الفعل الناسخ البلمرة المتسلسلRT-PCR   لغرض التشخيص الكمي للحامض النووي الرايبوزى منقوص الاوكسجين. حللت النتائج الدراسية الحالية اخصائيا باستخدام اختبار Q-square. النتائج: اظهرت النتائج ان 93 (36.3٪) عينة دم من مجموع 256 عينة تحمل قياس تاثير اعلى من 50 وحدة دولية لكل مل من ضمن  الاشخاص  الحاملين للفايروس. 67 شخص صنفوا على انهم حامل  لفايروس اقل 2000-20.000 وحدة دولية/ مل. الاستنتاجات: اظهرت الدراسة الحالية اهمية استخدام  تقنية عكس رد الفعل الناسخ البلمرة المتسلسل RT-PCR   في حساسيتها وقوتها كاداة معتمدة للتشخيص وخاصة التميز بين الحالة الفعالة وغير الفعالة لحاملي فايروس نمط B.Background & objectives: Introducing a nucleic acid test program is aimed to diagnose and reduces the risk of viral infection or transmission. DNA assay for HBV can detect infection in the windows period, chronic occult infection and can discriminate between active and inactive HBV infection. This cross-sectional study designed to diagnose, analyze HBV infection and to differentiate active from inactive infection based on viral DNA detection. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 256 patients previously diagnosed on the clinical ground as hepatitis B seropositive in Erbil Central Lab. The viral nucleic acid quantitative assessment was done for the collected samples using RT-PCR. Q-square was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 256 collected blood samples 93 (36.3%) showed HBV-DNA positive titers above 50 IU/ml. Among positive subjects, 67 (72.04%) was categorized as inactive carriers (˂ 2000-20.000 IU/ml HBV-DNA titers). Conclusions: The data produced from this study confirmed the importance of the RT-PCR technique in sensitivity and reliability as a superior diagnostics tool specifically in differentiating active from inactive HBV carriers

Modifiable risk factors in patients with cerebrovascular accident

To determine the frequency of modifiable risk factors of stroke. Study Design: Descriptive Case series. Place and duration of study: Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from March to December 2012. Methodology: 106 cases of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) above 20 years of age and of either sex admitted in medical units of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad were included in this study. The patients below 20 years of age, those with recurrent history of CVA, patients not fulfilling the required criteria of risk factors set in operational definitions and patients having intracranial space occupying lesion such as tumors or brain abscess or neurological deficit secondary to head injury were not included in the study. The subjects were taken by non-probability sampling. Results: There were 106 patients in this study. Of these 62(58.5%) were male and 44(41.5%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 62.3 years. 66 (62.3%) patients had hypertension, 29 (27.3%) had Diabetes mellitus, 10 (9.4%) were smokers, 8 (7.5%) had dyslipidemia, 3 (2.83%) had atrial fibrillation, 4 (3.77%) were obese and 2 (1.88%) had carotid bruit. Conclusions: This study showed that hypertension was the commonest modifiable risk factor of CVA followed by diabetes mellitus, smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and carotid bruit. CVA was more common in males as compared to female and mostly occurred in middle and old age patient