In a sample of non-U.S. regulatory regime shifts, we find that expanded short selling is associated with stock price declines, reductions in capital expenditure, and lower asset growth. In a reversal of results found for U.S. stocks in a study of Regulation SHO by Grullon, Michenaud, and Weston (2015), our results are stronger for large firms than for small firms. We also show that this investment effect is stronger for firms that previously relied on outside financing. Our results suggest that short-sale policies affect corporate investment and that this effect is not driven by capital constraints.

Cyanobacteria represent promising organic inputs in rice–wheat cropping system, as they contribute towards accretion of N and C, besides secreting growth-promoting substances which influence plant productivity and soil fertility. The present study focused towards using a combinatorial approach for evaluating field-level colonization of cyanobacteria in soil and their effect on soil microbiological and plant parameters, employing agronomic and molecular tools. A consortium of cyanobacterial strains (BF1, Anabaena sp., BF2, Nostoc sp., BF3, Nostoc sp. and BF4, Anabaena sp.) was employed in different three-and four-member combinations along with 75% N + Full dose of P and K fertilizers. A significant enhancement in microbial activity and plant growth/yields and savings of 25% N in the wheat–rice cropping sequence were recorded, especially in treatments involving 75% N + Full dose of PK+BF1+BF2+BF4 and T5, i.e. 75% N + Full dose of PK+BF1+BF2+BF3. Such treatments were significantly higher or statistically at par with fertilizer controls – 75% N + Full dose of PK fertilizers. The use of DNA-based markers further helped to establish the colonization of the inoculated cyanobacteria, especially BF2 and BF3 strains. Our study clearly illustrated the establishment of inoculated cyanobacterial strains and their role in enhancing the crop productivity and soil health of the rice–wheat cropping system.

Objectives: This report describes an epidemic outbreak of mass hysteria in secondary school girls in a North Indian village following tetanus toxoid injection. It also attempts to identify the aetiological roles of the immunisation programme and the adverse media reports.

Method: The socio-demographic, clinical, and school environment variables of the 58 symptomatic students were evaluated. Interviews with health staff, parents and school teachers were conducted.

Results: Fifty-eight out of 200 immunised students reported giddiness, headache, vomiting and restlessness. This initiated an exaggerated socio-political response. The majority of the students responded to counselling and reassurance.

Conclusions: This outbreak fulfils the criteria of epidemic or communicable hysteria with mass presentations of unusual behaviour and spread of somatic symptoms without any organic basis. The episode exposed flaws in the immunisation programme and suggests the need to formulate clear guidelines for vaccination, including pre-vaccination counselling.