RESUMEN
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between income inequality and objective environmental pollution, but few focus on the nexus between income inequality and subjective environmental pollution (SEP). Using micro data from the Chinese General Society Survey (CGSS) in 2013 and official statistical data at the provincial level, this paper tests the impact of individual-level income inequality on subjective environmental pollution in China. The results show that individual-level income inequality has an inverted U-shape relationship with subjective environmental pollution, which indicates that increasing the income inequality at the individual level will first rise and then reduce their perceived subjective environmental pollution after reaching the peak. For about 84% of respondents, their subjective environmental pollution decreases with the increase of individual-level income inequality. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analyses show that the income inequality of urban residents and of the locals have an inverted U-shape effect on SEP, and the SEP of females and of individuals with positive environmental attitude are more sensitive to the effect of income inequality. Additionally, we find that subjective well-being plays a mediating role in the relation between income inequality and SEP. Individual income inequality decreases their self-reported well-being, and an increase in well-being has a negative effect on their subjectively perceived environmental quality. We also find non-television media exposures, such as newspaper, magazine, broadcasting, Internet, and mobile custom messages, will amplify the effect of individual-level income inequality on subjective environmental pollution.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación Ambiental , Renta , China , Femenino , Humanos , Factores Socioeconómicos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Excess of iodine may interfere with thyroid function. It is unclear to what extent the thyroid function is disturbed by repeated infusion of iodide contrast agent (IC) used during X-ray examinations. Thyroid function tests free T4 (FT4), free FT3 (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were measured in a group of Norwegian patients with an assumed normal iodine balance before, 1 and 6 weeks after IC infusion. Forty patients (19 females and 21 men) referred for routine CT were included. Thirty two out of 40 patients had previously undertaken IC investigations. The mean TSH concentration was 2.1 mIU/l ± 1.7 at the baseline, increased to 2.9 ± 2.5 after 1 week (p < .001), and reverted to nearly initial values 1.4 ± 0.8 after 6 weeks. Initially the mean FT4 was 14.1 pmol/l ± 1.9 FT4, reduced to 13.3 pmol/l ± 2.5 (p = .009) after 1 week, and returned to 14.0 pmol/l ± 2.5 after 6 weeks, comparable to the initial values (p > .05). FT3 levels did not change during the period. There was no relationship between FT4, or TSH and age, gender, cancer/not cancer, number or frequency of earlier IC investigations. In conclusion, IC induces changes in thyroid function tests, however, they return to normal levels after 6 weeks. Our results suggest adequate auto regulatory capacity of the thyroid gland even in those with repeated contrast investigations (up to 40). Routine testing of thyroid function should therefore not be undertaken in this patient group.