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Ipo Information Disclosure And Price Stabilisation Action From The Perspective Of Information Asymmetry In Hong Kong Listed Companies
Get PDFThe topics of IPO have attracted attentions from scholars for a long time. Among these research topics, price stabilisation, which is an aftermarket action taken by underwriters, is relatively less concentrated by prior studies. Factors which cause the stabilisation done by underwriters are not clear, owing to the barrier resulted from the non-mandatory disclosure of such actions in many countries. Meanwhile, as a compulsory document for IPO issuers, the prospectus contains sufficient information for investors to make decision for IPO investment. Recent studies have focused on the information disclosed in IPO prospectus, such as the text content and textual tone, and its corresponding influence on market performance. Yet, studies which have investigated the relationship between the information disclosure of IPO prospectus and price stabilisation are scarce. This thesis probes into the potential factors of price stabilisation from the theoretical perspective of information asymmetry by examining how the information disclosed in the IPO prospectus can impact the aftermarket stabilising actions using a sample data from 2004 to 2021 in Hong Kong stock market. Specifically, the effects of the information disclosure related to cornerstone investors, Chinese state ownership, as well as the narrative uncertainty contained in the prospectus, are investigated using ordinary least square regression model. This thesis finds that the information related to cornerstone investors is positively correlated with price stabilising actions in the aftermarket. The information relevant to Chinese state ownership is statistically negatively associated with price stabilisation
Screening Of Α-Glucosidase Inhibitors From Black Soybean Extract And Study On Their Inhibitory Mechanisms
Get PDFVarious studies have documented the beneficial effects of black soybean extract against diabetes. However, the specific active compounds responsible for these effects remain elusive. This study aimed at identifying the α-glucosidase inhibitors present in black soybeans using affinity ultrafiltration. Seven isoflavones with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were identified, among which daidzein and genistein demonstrated remarkably superior inhibitory activity compared to that of acarbose (IC50 = 632.5 ± 70.0 μmol/mL), exhibiting IC50 values of 15.7 ± 0.3 and 3.2 ± 1.2 μmol/mL, respectively. An analysis of the structure-activity relationship revealed a negative correlation between the degree of glycosylation of isoflavone and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that both daidzein and genistein acted as uncompetitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. Additionally, these compounds effectively suppressed the intrinsic fluorescence of α-glucosidase through the static quenching mechanism. The interaction between daidzein or genistein and α-glucosidase involves spontaneous formation of a complex, which is driven by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of black soybean isoflavones
Characterisation Of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles-garcinia Atroviridis Toxicological Effects In Normal And Cancer Human Lung Cells.
Get PDFSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from plants are increasingly used across various industries, including the pharmaceutical and food sectors. This widespread use has raised concerns about their safety profiles. This study aimed to examine the toxic effects and mechanisms of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-GA) synthesized using Garcinia atroviridis leaf extract on human lung cancer cells (A549) and normal lung cells (BEAS-2B) in vitro. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay to determine the IC50 values of AgNPs-GA in both cell types. The IC50 values were applied to treat the respective cells for evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, DNA damage, silver ion levels, and cellular uptake using CM-H2DCFDA assay, DAPI and AOPI double staining, comet assay, ICP-OES, and TEM, respectively. The mRNA expression and metabolic profiles were further assessed using quantitative real-time PCR and untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS), respectively. The results showed that AgNPs-GA inhibited 50% of the growth in A549 and BEAS-2B cells, with IC50 values ranging from 20–28 μg/ml and 12–35 μg/ml, respectively. The selective index (SI) values of AgNPs-GA were below 3, classifying it as a non-selective cytotoxic agent, as it induced general toxicity in both cancerous and non-cancerous cell types. AgNPs-GA were primarily internalized and deposited within lysosomes, nucleus, and mitochondria, leading to an increased release of ionic silver (Ag+) inside both cells
Spatial Construction In Visual Arts: Overlapped Space By Different Images, Dimensions, And Contexts
Get PDFThe concept of "space" has gained widespread usage across many academic
disciplines, including sociology, architecture, philosophy, mathematics, and the arts.
Within pictorial art, the term "space" is commonly employed as a lens to comprehend
various artistic concepts and individual works of art. Additionally, numerous artists utilise
space as a subject matter in their artistic practice, creating unique artworks and contributing
to advancing spatial themes and formulations in painting, either directly or indirectly. This
study focuses mainly on overlapped space and its theoretical examination, leading to the
creation of practical works. Specifically, this study reinforced and fulfilled the researcher's
concepts by utilizing Edward Soja's theory of the 'Third Space'. In the process of the study,
three separate series of artworks were gradually produced by Derrida's core concept of
"Différance", which are the overlap of images, the overlap of different dimensional spaces,
and the overlap of contexts respectively, the overall process will five steps, which are
Identify research question, Review the literature and the practice, Design and conduct
practice, Analyse and evaluate practice and Communicate and Disseminate Practice
respectively, so that the various possibilities of overlapped space are analysed from
multiple perspectives, that is, different disciplines
Effectiveness Of Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Application At Highrise Vertical Facade In Malaysian Urban Area
Get PDFThis research endeavours to leverage the vertical facades of buildings within Malaysia's high-rise urban areas to generate renewable energy, addressing the challenge of limited space for traditional solar installations. Specifically focusing on the urban setting of Kuala Lumpur, the study employs sophisticated modelling and simulation techniques to assess solar exposure potential and optimise the placement of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The primary objective is to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of utilising vertical surfaces for solar energy production, by concentrating on a specific area encompassing high-rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur. By using Revit software for developing a conceptual 3D model and IES VE software for simulations, the study focused on factors such as neighbouring buildings, shading effects, and distances to ascertain their impact on solar exposure. The findings highlighted that installing PV panels have the potential to reduce electricity costs by 42.67%. Moreover, the research underscores the economic viability of this approach, with an estimation that PV panels have an average Return on Investment (ROI) between 6.7% and 11%, depending on the ratio of PV panels to windows, this innovative integration promises significant returns for building owners. Overall, the research signifies a promising step towards sustainable urban development, demonstrating the potential of vertical facades in contributing to renewable energy goals while enhancing the urban landscape
The Effect Of Innovation And Government Subsidies On Financing Constraints Of Agricultural Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises In China: The Interaction Effect Of Digital Finance
Get PDFThe agricultural sector is crucial for achieving many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. While impressive agricultural production has been achieved, China still needs to transform the agricultural sector to be more sustainable, which requires the agricultural Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to play an essential role. However, the problem of financing constraints limits the effect of agricultural SMEs. Meanwhile, firm innovation, which is important for agricultural sustainability transformation, is likely to exacerbate financing difficulties. Therefore, as the primary objective, this study investigates the impact of innovation on financing constraints using 186 agricultural enterprises that are listed in the New Third Board of China (also known as NEEQs) from 2011 to 2021. Using GMM estimation, the results show that innovation helps to alleviate the financing constraints of agricultural SMEs. Furthermore, heterogeneous analysis on the effects of different types of innovation indicates that the invention patent, compared with non-patent, is more effective in alleviating financing constraints. In supporting agricultural development, the Chinese government has granted subsidies for eligible enterprises
Application of smartphone-based biophotonic instrumentation for glucose sensing using colorimetric method
Get PDFGlucose serves as the primary energy source for the human body, derived predominantly
from carbohydrates in our daily diet. It plays a crucial role in fuelling various physiological
processes, including cellular metabolism and brain function. Maintaining optimal glucose
levels is vital for health, as both high and low levels can lead to serious consequences.
However, in today's market, adulterated foods often contain hidden sugars and harmful
additives, complicating efforts to manage daily sugar intake effectively. This study aims to
explore the potential of using smartphones for self-monitoring glucose sensing using nearinfrared
(NIR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) at 940 (nanometres) nm as a light source, coupled
with ImageJ for RGB colorimetric analysis. Samples with varying glucose concentrations were
prepared across two ranges: high (0-100 g/dL, increment of 10 g/dL) and low (0-300 mg/dL,
increment of 50 mg/dL). The images of each sample, placed in a small enclosed black
container, were captured using a CMOS smartphone camera with fixed camera settings. The
sensitivity of the method is evaluated by analysing the slope and the regression coefficient (R²)
of the calibration curve. The calibration curves consistently confirm that the proposed method
aligns with the Beer-Lambert law, in accordance with expectations with previous studies. A
high sensitivity in detecting high concentrations of glucose can be demonstrated well compared
to low concentrations range, potentially due to inconsistencies during sample preparation,
minor motions of the instruments, or fluctuations in ambient light throughout each take
affecting the fluctuation of the data points. The study underscores the applicability and
feasibility of quantitative glucose analysis using ImageJ and smartphones as cost-effective
alternatives to traditional methods involving expensive reagents and enzymes. The developed
workflow, involving image processing and analysis, offers simplicity and speed in glucose
concentration assays. In conclusion, this study highlights the possibility of using smartphone
technology as an affordable colorimetry detector for precise and convenient glucose
monitoring. Through the removal of costly colorimetric compounds, this method tackles the
issues associated with contemporary eating habits and enhances methods for managing health
HIV-related knowledge and stigma towards people living with hiv among community in Tawau, Sabah
Get PDFHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major global health issue and of the most dreaded pandemic that damages or inhibits the human immune system when it infects a person. HIV stigma is negative belief, feelings and attitudes towards people living with HIV, groups associated with people living with HIV and other key populations at higher risk of HIV infection, such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender people. This study is to determine the level of knowledge and the level stigma among community in Tawau, Sabah. A study among community (N=190) was done in community at Tawau, Sabah. This study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation test by using Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) version 27.0 software. The mean for level of knowledge in this study is 11.27 (SD 3.93) and the mean for level of stigma in this study is 9.96 (SD 2.50). Most of the participants in this study (N=118, 54.9%) have moderate level of knowledge and (N=121, 56.3%) have moderate stigma. Pearson Correlation test revealed that there is statistically significant correlate between levels of knowledge and stigma towards PLHIV (p<0.05). In summary, it should be possible to decrease negative stereotypes about HIV-positive individuals by reducing stigma and increasing public understanding of HIV-related concerns
Social support, depression, anxiety and stress among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFDepressive disorder or depression is a common mental disorder that involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. Social support is an important variable in buffering the effects of depression, anxiety and stress. This study aims to assess the level of social support, depression, anxiety and stress among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Day-Care Oncology Unit Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January to March 2024. A total of 124 respondents were conveniently selected and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 53 years old (SD=10.62), with ages ranging between 28 to 76 years old. Pearson Correlation was used to determine the correlation between social support, depression, anxiety and stress. The result shows that levels of depression, anxiety and stress were 7.3%, 9.7% and 1.6% respectively and the majority of them have high levels of social support. The study revealed a significant inverse correlation between social support and both anxiety (r = -0.181, p = 0.004) and stress (r = -0.215, p = 0.017). In conclusion, social support is negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, education that provides information about these psychological conditions and emphasizes the importance of social support is necessary to reduce their impact
Titanium-Based Metal-Organic Framework And Its Modifications By Thermal Decomposition For Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
No full textThis study is divided into three sections. Firstly, MIL-125-NH2 was prepared using a solvothermal method with a constant inert gas flow to create an inert condition. Then, MIL-125-NH2 was calcined at various temperatures under an inert atmosphere (argon gas) to produce nitrogen-doped carbon porous titanium dioxide (N-C/TiO2). Following the same procedure, two different modifications of Ni-doped and ZnO composites were prepared by varying the weight percentage (wt%). Ni-doped (NC/NiT), and ZnO composites (NC/ZnOT) were produced by subjecting the optimal wt% of both modifications through different calcination temperatures under argon gas