Political freedom and financial inclusion:Unraveling social trust and political rent-seeking

This paper delves into the role of political rights in shaping financial inclusion. Despite the acknowledged significance of political institutions in influencing financial systems, there remains limited understanding of the economic origins of the impact of political institutions on financial inclusion. Utilizing data from the 2021 Global Findex database, the study finds that weak political rights significantly reduce the likelihood of individuals possessing financial accounts and using digital financial services. Robustness tests employing an instrumental variable and the difference-in-differences framework confirm that inadequate political rights have a detrimental effect on financial inclusion. By exploring the reasons for financial exclusion and moderating factors, this study provides supportive evidence for the mechanisms of eroded social trust and political rent-seeking as the key constraints that hinder inclusiveness in providing mainstream financial products and services

Multi‐stage flexible planning of regional electricity‐HCNG‐integrated energy system considering gas pipeline retrofit and expansion

Abstract The development of hydrogen‐enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) can make full use of the existing natural gas infrastructure, thereby alleviating the economic and technical pressure on the development of pure hydrogen. This paper proposes a multi‐stage flexible planning method for the regional electricity‐HCNG‐integrated energy system (E‐HCNG‐IES), which considers the medium and long‐term dynamic characteristics of the E‐HCNG‐IES. For each sub‐regional energy station, an energy‐hub type model including hydrogen/HCNG‐related equipment and facilities is established. Considering the influence of hydrogen blending on the energy delivery capacity and line pack of pipelines, a hydrogen‐resistant retrofit model for existing natural gas pipelines between sub‐regions is proposed. Meanwhile, the model for newly constructed hydrogen pipelines is also presented. Subsequently, a series of flexibility evaluation indicators are proposed to support the performance analysis of planning schemes. The lateral comparison of sub‐cases in Changzhou, China demonstrates that considering the hydrogen‐resistant retrofit of natural gas pipelines can reduce the construction cost of hydrogen pipelines by about 37.12%. The peak shaving capacity of underground hydrogen storage (UHS), the energy recycling ability of turbo expander (TE), and the space‐time decoupling ability of hydrogen in energy supply and demand have also been confirmed

A novel intronic variant causing aberrant splicing identified in two deaf Chinese siblings with enlarged vestibular aqueducts

Abstract Objective We aimed to evaluate the genotype–phenotype relationship in two Chinese family members with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). Methods We collected blood samples and clinical data from each pedigree family member. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes using standard methods. Targeted next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to find the pathogenic mutation in this family. Minigene assays were used to verify whether the novel intronic mutation SLC26A4c.765+4A>G influenced mRNA splicing. Results Hearing loss in the patients with EVA was diagnosed using auditory tests and imaging examinations. Two pathogenic mutations, c.765+4A>G and c.919‐2A>G were detected in SLC26A4. In vitro minigene analysis confirmed that c.765+4A>G variant could cause aberrant splicing, resulting in skipping over exon 6. Conclusions The SLC26A4c.765+4A>G mutation is the causative variant in the Chinese family with EVA. Particular attention should be paid to intronic variants