Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Analysis of financial convergence between the BRICS and OECD countries
Financial convergence is a process for establishing a relationship among the financial markets of different countries; as a result of such process the rates of similar financial assets in different markets and countries become very close to each other. Some factors might create financial convergence. of which the trade and international capital flows among countries, the presence of banks and other financial institutions in the international arena, the availability of clear and accurate information of markets and financial organizations, and the existence of similar infrastructure and their characteristics from economic, legal and cultural perspectives can be mentioned. The issue of financial convergence with the aim of achieving global financial markets and taking advantage of its capabilities and characteristics would be very important for all countries, especially the emerging countries. This study examines financial convergence in the money and capital markets of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and BRICS countries in the period of 2007–2020. The study utilizes the Panel Convergence Methodology and Cluster Analysis (Philips and Sul methodology) along with a clustering algorithm. The findings indicate a lack of overall convergence between OECD and BRICS countries in both financial markets (money and capital) this is due to the lack of similar economic infrastructure, differences in the size of the economy, and variations in trade, financial and monetary freedom indicators, trade relations, and capital transfers. The cluster test in the money market confirms the existence of 3 convergence clubs among the studied countries. The convergence of emerging BRICS countries in the money market, with a large number of OECD developed countries, is a confirmation of the development of their banking sector in the recent years. On the other hand, the capital market survey also shows the presence of 5 convergence clubs between OECD and BRICS countries. Besides, it’s been shown that South Africa, along with Lithuania, Turkey, Slovakia and Latvia, has established a divergent group.
Prevalence and factors associated with alcohol use disorders among people living with HIV attending care and treatment centers at Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Background Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV), with 2–6 times higher than in the general population. These conditions are linked to increased morbidity and mortality among PLHIV and amplify sexual risk behaviors, thus exacerbating the transmission of HIV. Despite these negative consequences, a paucity of studies have explored this issue in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine AUD’s prevalence and associated factors among PLHIV attending Care and Treatment Centers (CTCs). Methods A multifacility-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 532 PLHIV attending four CTC centers in Moshi Municipal, Kilimanjaro. A multistage cluster systematic sampling method was utilized to choose CTCs and participants. Data were collected using standardized tools through interviewer administration. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA (version 16). Binary logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between AUD and the independent variables, with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals calculated to quantify the strength of these associations. Results The mean age of participants was 46.6 years (SD±13.3). The weighted prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDIT ≥ 8) within the past 12 months was 28.2%. Factors significantly associated with AUD in the final model included male sex (AOR = 4.18, P <0.001), healthcare level (reference: tertiary health facility; secondary health facility AOR = 1.80, P<0.001, primary health facility AOR = 9.65, P<0.001), being divorced or widowed (AOR = 2.82, P<0.001), secondary education (AOR = 1.35, P = 0.005), and probable depression (AOR = 2.48, P <0.001). Conclusion The findings revealed a high prevalence of AUD among PLHIV, highlighting the need for policy refinement aimed at enhancing the integration of psychosocial services at CTCs.
The impacts of antipsychotic medications on eating-related outcomes: A mixed methods systematic review
Background Almost all antipsychotics are associated with weight gain. Given the gravity of this side-effect and its consequences, it is imperative to understand the mechanisms involved. One mechanism that could contribute to this side effect is the impact of antipsychotics on eating-related outcomes. Objective We aimed to synthesise the available quantitative research on the effects of first- and second-generation antipsychotics on eating-related outcomes, and qualitative research exploring people’s experiences with these medications in relation to appetite and eating behaviours (PROSPERO protocol CRD42022340211). Methods We searched Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science from inception to 9 May 2024. Quantitative data were synthesised without meta-analysis using vote counting based on direction of effect. Qualitative data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Results Searches identified 8,746 citations yielding 61 separate studies; 55 quantitative and 6 qualitative, published 1982–2024. Using GRADE, our assessment of the quantitative review findings ranged from low to very low-level certainty. Given the lack of direct evidence from high-quality placebo-controlled trials, it is pertinent to interpret the quantitative findings with caution. Using GRADE-CERQual, our assessment of the qualitative review findings ranged from low to very low-level certainty; these findings suggest that the relationship between antipsychotics and food intake is influenced by an interplay of individual, interpersonal and external factors, the most significant of which is food environment. Limitations The internal validity of this review was affected by the serious limitations of the included quantitative studies and the paucity of qualitative evidence. Strengths We used GRADE and GRADE-CERQual frameworks to enhance the transparency of our judgement of the certainty of the evidence. Lived experience perspectives were incorporated in different stages of the review to enhance its relevance and practical implications. Conclusions There is insufficient evidence from well-conducted studies to determine the effect of antipsychotics on eating-related outcomes.
Women’s enrollment in community-based health insurance and its determinants in Sidama national regional state, Ethiopia, 2024: A multilevel analysis
Introduction Accessing affordable and high-quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Community-based health insurance (CBHI) programs offer a promising solution to expand healthcare coverage and provide financial protection, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence CBHI enrollment among women in Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia, using a multilevel analysis. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique from December 15th to January 12th, 2024, in the central Sidama zone, Sidama National Regional State. The study included 835 women aged 18 years and older, residing both in rural and urban areas. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire to collect comprehensive data on socio-demographic, economic, and scheme-related factors. Data collection utilized the Open Data Kit mobile application, and data analysis was performed using Stata version 16, employing multilevel modified Poisson modeling to identify determinants of CBHI enrollment. Results Among 845 samples, 835 women were interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 98.8%. Individual-level factors such as older age (APR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.03, p<0.001), larger family size (APR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.03–1.16, p = 0.001), and moderate wealth index (APR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.28–5.79, p = 0.009) showed positive associations with CBHI enrollment, depicted a higher likelihood of individuals joining the insurance scheme. In addition, at the community level, higher rates of women’s literacy (APR = 1.73, 1.18–2.55, p = 0.005), and women’s autonomy (APR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.50–4.65, p = 0.001) were positively correlated with CBHI enrollment. Conclusions The study revealed that the enrollment rate among women in the CBHI scheme was 35%, indicating a need for improved outreach efforts. Significant factors that affected enrollment included older age, larger family size, and moderate wealth. Additionally, positive community-level influences such as higher literacy rates and increased autonomy for women contributed to higher enrollment. To improve CBHI enrollment, the target should focus on younger women and those from smaller families. Financial support, such as subsidies for low-income women, can also encourage participation. Investing in women’s literacy and empowerment programs will enable them to make informed health choices, thereby increasing enrollment. Finally, ongoing research is necessary to track enrollment trends and identify barriers. Utilizing qualitative methods will yield insights into women’s perceptions of CBHI, facilitating more effective strategies. Implementing these recommendations can enhance women’s access to healthcare through CBHI.
Higher risk of carotid plaque among lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A retrospective study
Background Lean individual with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (L-NAFLD) is a prominent area of research, yet its pathogenesis and association with other diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remain uncertain. Object A retrospective study, investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carotid plaque (CP) in lean [body mass index (BMI) <24Kg/m2] and non-lean (BMI≥24Kg/m2) populations, as well as identify the related influence factors. Method 3,587 participants were eligible and categorized into 4 groups based on the presence with CP and BMI, binary logistic regression analysis was utilized alongside other statistical methods. Results L-NAFLD participants had a 1.395-fold higher risk of CP compared to lean individuals without NAFLD. Age, gender, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) were identified as independent risk factors with cutoff values lower than the normal upper limits. However, this association was not observed among non-lean participants, regardless of confounding factors adjustment. Moreover, the impact of FIB-4 on the association of NAFLD and CP was more significant in lean CP participants (OR = 1.360 for 1.30 ~ 2.67, and OR = 2.002 for >2.67~<3.48) than in non-lean CP ones. Conclusion The L-NAFLD population had a higher risk of CP, while lean CP individuals experienced more severe liver fibrosis. Implementing stricter management of risk factors may improve the health status of high-risk populations.
Hybrid neural networks for continual learning inspired by corticohippocampal circuits
All-natural charge gradient interface for sustainable seawater zinc batteries
Deep learning to decode sites of RNA translation in normal and cancerous tissues
Abstract The biological process of RNA translation is fundamental to cellular life and has wide-ranging implications for human disease. Accurate delineation of RNA translation variation represents a significant challenge due to the complexity of the process and technical limitations. Here, we introduce RiboTIE, a transformer model-based approach designed to enhance the analysis of ribosome profiling data. Unlike existing methods, RiboTIE leverages raw ribosome profiling counts directly to robustly detect translated open reading frames (ORFs) with high precision and sensitivity, evaluated on a diverse set of datasets. We demonstrate that RiboTIE successfully recapitulates known findings and provides novel insights into the regulation of RNA translation in both normal brain and medulloblastoma cancer samples. Our results suggest that RiboTIE is a versatile tool that can significantly improve the accuracy and depth of Ribo-Seq data analysis, thereby advancing our understanding of protein synthesis and its implications in disease.
Leveraging the water-environment-health nexus to characterize sustainable water purification solutions
Abstract Chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) pose critical threats to both public health and the environment, emphasizing the urgent need for effective water treatment measures. Yet, the implementation of such intervention technologies often results in increased energy consumption and adverse environmental consequences. Here, we employ a comprehensive methodology that integrates multiple datasets, assumptions, and calculations to assess the human health and environmental implications of removing various CECs from source water. Our analysis of two treatment alternatives reveals that the integration of riverbank filtration with reverse osmosis offers a promising solution, yielding healthier and more environmentally favorable outcomes than conventional sequential technologies. By incorporating context-specific practices, such as utilizing renewable energy sources and clean energy technologies, we can mitigate the adverse impacts associated with energy-intensive water treatment services. This research advances our understanding of the water-health-environment nexus and proposes strategies to align drinking water provision with public health and environmental sustainability objectives.
FBXO31-mediated ubiquitination of OGT maintains O-GlcNAcylation homeostasis to restrain endometrial malignancy
Environment-assisted quantum transport of excitons in perovskite nanocrystal superlattices
Nuclear ANLN regulates transcription initiation related Pol II clustering and target gene expression
Structurally convergent antibodies derived from different vaccine strategies target the influenza virus HA anchor epitope with a subset of VH3 and VK3 genes
The O-glycosyltransferase C1GALT1 promotes EWSR1::FLI1 expression and is a therapeutic target for Ewing sarcoma
Abstract Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive bone cancer driven by the oncogenic fusion-protein EWSR1::FLI1, which is not present in normal cells and is therefore an attractive therapeutic target. However, as a transcription factor, EWSR1::FLI1 is considered undruggable. Factors that promote EWSR1::FLI1 expression, and thus whose inhibition would reduce EWSR1::FLI1 protein levels and function, are potential drug targets. Here, using genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screening, we identify C1GALT1, a galactosyltransferase required for the biosynthesis of many O-glycoproteins, as a factor that promotes EWSR1::FLI1 expression. We show that C1GALT1 acts by O-glycosylating the pivotal Hedgehog (Hh) signaling component Smoothened (SMO), thereby stabilizing SMO and stimulating the Hh pathway, which we find directly activates EWSR1::FLI1 transcription. Itraconazole, an FDA-approved anti-fungal agent that is known to inhibit C1GALT1, reduces EWSR1::FLI1 levels in ES cell lines and suppresses growth of ES xenografts in mice. Our study reveals a therapeutically targetable mechanism that promotes EWSR1::FLI1 expression and ES tumor growth.
Single-cell transcriptomics analysis reveals dynamic changes and prognostic signature in tumor microenvironment of PDAC
Improving photovoltaic water pumping system performance with ANN-based direct torque control using real-time simulation
Abstract Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (PVWPS) have become increasingly important as a renewable energy solution in rural areas, providing energy independence, cost savings, and environmental friendliness. This system has two main controllers. The first controller is employed to maximize power extraction from the PV array by controlling the duty ratio of the DC-DC boost converter. The second controller is responsible for regulating the operation of the induction motor through the switching pulses of the Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). These two controllers play an essential role in the system, which increases efficiency and performance. Therefore, the innovative aspect of this work consists of introducing Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) based on each PVWPS controller. On the one hand, ANN-based MPPT is implemented to ensure optimal performance of the PV array under varying irradiation levels. On the other hand, to overcome the defects and problems caused by Direct Torque Control (DTC), such as flux and torque ripples, high switching frequency, and challenges at low speeds, an ANN-based DTC is proposed in which each of the hysteresis comparators, switching table, and speed controller in the DTC are replaced by ANN controllers. The PVWPS based on the proposed controls is thoroughly modeled and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software and validated using dSPACE DS1104 Board. The results demonstrate significant improvements, including a 75.51% reduction in flux ripples, a 77.5% reduction in torque ripples, a 44.79% improvement in response time, and an increase in the water quantity. Furthermore, the Real-Time simulation and visualization obtained are consistent with the simulation outcomes.