Browse Articles

Bioavailability study of enantiopure (S)-Equol in CD(SD)IGS rats

Electrosynthesis of ethylene glycol from biomass glycerol

Exploring volatility transmission in Capesize freight contracts: Insights from energy and commodity markets

Analyzing the interactions between spot and time charter freight is crucial for the maritime industry. While numerous studies have explored the relationship between average freight indices and spillover effects, a gap remains in understanding the deeper connections between inter-regional shipping routes and chartering contracts. This research investigates the role of Capesize freight dynamics in shaping the regional dry bulk freight market, with a focus on the influence of energy and commodity price fluctuations. Utilizing the TVP-VAR model, we identify distinct trends across various investment horizons. The analysis reveals that short-term spillovers dominate the system, with crude oil serving as a consistent shock transmitter within the time charter network. The China-Brazil route drives spillovers across all periods, while the Australia-China route transitions from absorbing short-term volatility to transmitting long-term shocks. Similarly, the Tubarão-Rotterdam and Bolivar-Rotterdam routes display comparable shifts, transmitting short-term spillovers but absorbing long-term volatility. These findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to manage risks amidst economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Preparation of efficient and reusable lanthanum and iron co-modified soda residue for selective phosphate removal from domestic sewage

Differential impact from individual versus collective misinformation tagging on the diversity of Twitter (X) information engagement and mobility

Abstract Fears about the destabilizing impact of misinformation online have motivated individuals and platforms to respond. Individuals have increasingly challenged others’ online claims with fact-checks in pursuit of a healthier information ecosystem and to break down echo chambers of self-reinforcing opinion. Using Twitter (now X) data, here we show the consequences of individual misinformation tagging: tagged posters had explored novel political information and expanded topical interests immediately prior, but being tagged caused posters to retreat into information bubbles. These unintended consequences were softened by a collective verification system for misinformation moderation. In Twitter’s new feature, Community Notes, misinformation tagging was peer-reviewed by other fact-checkers before revelation to the poster. With collective misinformation tagging, posters were less likely to retreat from diverse information engagement. Detailed comparison demonstrated differences in toxicity, sentiment, readability, and delay in individual versus collective misinformation tagging messages. These findings provide evidence for differential impacts from individual versus collective moderation strategies on the diversity of information engagement and mobility across the information ecosystem.

Abuse and its associated factors among elderly population of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli District, Nepal

Background The global rise in the elderly population brings attention to the pressing issue of elder abuse, categorized into physical, psychological, neglect, financial and sexual abuse. According to the World Health Organization (2022), one in six individuals aged 60 and older has experienced some form of abuse in community setting necessitating increase in awareness and support for older people. This study aimed to assess abuse and its associated factors among elderly population of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli District, Nepal. Methodology We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. We collected data from June 15 to September 15, 2023. The study involved 398 elderly participants (≥60 years). Stratified sampling techniques was used to select participants. For the qualitative study we utilized purposive sampling technique which included two key informant interviews, one in-depth interview and two focus group discussions. We analyzed quantitative data using IBM SPSS version 20 applying bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis at a 95% confidence interval. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was done. Results The mean ± SD age of the elderly participants was (70.8± 8.08) years. Among the total of 398 study participants, (64.1%) participants reported experiencing different forms of abuse. The study found that neglect (46.0%), psychological abuse (42.5%), and financial abuse (24.4%) were the most common while physical abuse (4.8%) and sexual abuse (2.8%) were less common. Living in a nuclear family (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.67–4.51) and lower socio-economic status (AOR: 5.42, 95% CI: 2.28–12.92) were significantly associated with increase risk of elder abuse. Qualitative findings revealed mistreatment, vulnerability, negligence, economic factors, family dynamics, loneliness, financial exploitation, food withholding, physical abuse, and emotional attachment as key aspects of elder abuse. Conclusion This study highlights neglect and psychological abuse were the most common forms of elder abuse. These findings emphasize the urgency of implementing programs at the municipal level such as financial support system for elderly individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and education programs for both elderly individuals and their families and caregivers. These initiatives aim to control and reduce the incidence of elder abuse and ensure comprehensive well-being of elderly population.

Mechanistic insights into epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer

Chemical catalyst manipulating cancer epigenome and transcription

Moderating role of age in the relationship between ingroup range and intention to help during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explored the relationship between the ingroup range of individuals and their willingness to assist various social groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether or not age moderates this relationship. A total of 291 South Koreans (Mage = 31.91 years, SD = 11.99) participated in an online survey and provided data on ingroup range, intention to provide help, and age. The results demonstrated that individuals with a broader ingroup range displayed a stronger willingness to distribute quarantine supplies for COVID-19 across diverse social groups (β = .12, p < .05). This finding aligned with the ingroup bias phenomenon, in which individuals tend to favor one’s group. Importantly, age moderated the association between ingroup range and willingness to help (B = −.19, p < .05). Specifically, the intention of younger individuals (θX → Y|(M = −11.985) = 4.40, CI = 1.79–7.01) and middle-aged individuals (θX → Y|(M = .000) = 2.14, CI = .31–3.98) to assist diverse social groups significantly varied according to their ingroup range, whereas no such relationship existed among older individuals (θX → Y|(M = 11.985) = −.11, CI = −2.64–2.42). We provided an in-depth discussion into the potential reasons that underlie the stronger willingness of older individuals to extend aid beyond their ingroup range during the pandemic compared with those of younger individuals. We then suggested strategies for encouraging acts of prosociality during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly emphasize the pattern observed in younger participants with a narrow ingroup range.

Correlation analysis between epicardial adipose tissue and acute coronary syndrome

Silver single atoms and nanoparticles on floatable monolithic photocatalysts for synergistic solar water disinfection

Trends and ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa (1999–2018): A population-based Age-period-cohort and Join point regression analyses

Background Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer among females and about 97,000 global deaths of endometrial cancer. The changes in the trends of obesity, fertility rates and other risk factors in South Africa (SA) may impact the endometrial cancer trends. The aim of this study was to utilise the age period cohort and join point regression modelling to evaluate the national and ethnic trends in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa over a 20year period (1999–2018). Methods Data from Statistics South Africa was obtained to calculate the annual number of deaths, and annual crude and age standardised mortality rates (ASMR) of endometrial cancer from 1999–2018. The overall and ethnic trends of endometrial cancer mortality was assessed using the Join point regression model, while Age-period-cohort (APC) regression modelling was conducted to estimate the effect of age, calendar period and birth cohort. Results During the period 1999–2018, 4,877 deaths were due to endometrial cancer which constituted about 3.6% of breast and gynecological cancer deaths (3.62%, 95% CI: 3.52%–3.72%) in South Africa. The ASMR of endometrial cancer doubled from 0.76 deaths per 100,000 women in 1999 to 1.5 deaths per 100,000 women in 2018, with an average annual rise of 3.6% per annum. (Average Annual Percentage change (AAPC): 3.6%, 95%CI:2.7–4.4, P-value < 0.001). In 2018, the overall mean age at death for endometrial cancer was was 67.40 ± 11.04 years and, the ASMR of endometrial cancer among Indian/Asians (1.69 per 100,000 women), Blacks (1.63 per 100,000 women) and Coloreds (1.39 per 100,000 women) was more than doubled the rates among Whites (0.66 deaths per 100,000 women). Indian/Asians had stable rates while other ethnic groups had increased rates. The Cohort mortality risk ratio (RR) of endometrial cancer increased with successive birth cohort from 1924 to 1963 (RR increased from 0.2 to 1.00), and subsequently declined among successive cohorts from 1963 to 1998 (1.00 to 0.09). There was strong age and cohort but not period effect among the South African women. Ethnic disparity showed that there was age effect among all the ethnic groups; Cohort effect among Blacks and Coloureds only, while Period effect occurred only among Blacks. Conclusions The mortality rates of endometrial cancer doubled over a twenty-year period in South Africa from 1999–2018. There was strong ethnic disparity, with age and cohort effect on endometrial cancer trends. Thus, targeted efforts geared towards prevention and prompt treatment of endometrial cancer among the high-risk groups should be pursued by stake holders.

Green approach to synthesis polymer composites based on chitosan with desired linear and non-linear optical characteristics

Life cycle comparison of industrial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling and mining supply chains

Abstract Recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can supplement critical materials and improve the environmental sustainability of LIB supply chains. In this work, environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, energy consumption) of industrial-scale production of battery-grade cathode materials from end-of-life LIBs are compared to those of conventional mining supply chains. Converting mixed-stream LIBs into battery-grade materials reduces environmental impacts by at least 58%. Recycling batteries to mixed metal products instead of discrete salts further reduces environmental impacts. Electricity consumption is identified as the principal contributor to all LIB recycling environmental impacts, and different electricity sources can change greenhouse gas emissions up to five times. Supply chain steps that precede refinement (material extraction and transport) contribute marginally to the environmental impacts of circular LIB supply chains (<4%), but are more significant in conventional supply chains (30%). This analysis provides insights for advancing sustainable LIB supply chains, and informs optimization of industrial-scale environmental impacts for emerging battery recycling efforts.

Investigating the functional and structural effect of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 gene: An in-silico study

The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) is essential in controlling T cell activity within the immune system. Thus, uncovering the molecular dynamics of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CTLA4 gene is critical. We identified the non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs), examined their impact on protein stability, and identified the protein sequences associated with them in the human CTLA4 gene. There were 3134 SNPs (rsIDs) in our study. Out of these, 186 missense variants (5.93%), 1491 intron variants (47.57%), and 91 synonymous variants (2.90%), while the remaining SNPs were unspecified. We utilized SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, and SNAP for identifying deleterious nsSNPs, and SNPs&GO, PhD SNP, and PANTHER for verifying risk nsSNPs in the CTLA4 gene. Following SIFT analysis, six nsSNPs were identified as deleterious and reporting second and third nsSNPs as probably damaging and one as benign, respectively. From upstream analysis, rs138279736, rs201778935, rs369567630, and rs376038796 were found to be deleterious, probably damaging, and disease associated. ConSurf predicted conservation scores for four nsSNPs, and Project Hope suggested that all mutations could disrupt protein interactions. Furthermore, mCSM and DynaMut2 analyses indicated a decrease in ΔΔG stability for the mutants. GeneMANIA and STRING networks highlighted correlations with CD86 and CD80 genes. Finally, MD simulation revealed consistent fluctuation in RMSD and RMSF, consequently Rg, hydrogen bonds, and PCA in the mutant proteins compared with wild-type, which might alter the functional and structural stability of CTLA4 protein. The current comprehensive study shows how various nsSNPs in the CTLA4 gene can modify the structural and functional characteristics of the protein, potentially influencing the pathogenesis of diseases in humans. Further, experimental studies are needed to analyze the effect of these nsSNPs on the susceptibility of pathological phenotype populations.

A knowledge embedded multimodal pseudo-siamese model for atrial fibrillation detection

Microenvironment engineering by targeted delivery of Ag nanoparticles for boosting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction

A systematic review on malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine challenges in sub-Saharan African clinical trials

Objective For more than a century, developing novel and effective vaccines against malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) infections has been a challenge. This review sought to investigate the reasons for the slow progress of malaria and TB vaccine candidates in sub-Saharan African clinical trials. Methods The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO on July 26, 2023 (CRD42023445166). The research articles related to the immunogenicity, efficacy, or safety of malaria or TB vaccines that were published between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2023, were searched on three databases: Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results A total of 2342 articles were obtained, 50 of which met the inclusion criteria. 28 (56%) articles reported on malaria vaccine attributes, while 22 (44%) articles reported on TB vaccines. In both cases, the major challenges in sub-Saharan African clinical trials were immunogenicity and efficacy, rather than safety. Conclusion Factors such as population characteristics, pathogen genetic diversity, vaccine nature, strategy, and formulation were associated with slow progress of the malaria and TB vaccine candidates in sub-Saharan African clinical trials.

Tradeoffs in automated financial regulation of decentralized finance due to limits on mutable turing machines

Abstract We examine which decentralized finance architectures enable meaningful regulation by combining financial and computational theory. We show via deduction that a decentralized and permissionless Turing-complete system cannot provably comply with regulations concerning anti-money laundering, know-your-client obligations, some securities restrictions and forms of exchange control. Any system that claims to follow regulations must choose either a form of permission or a less-than-Turing-complete update facility. Compliant decentralized systems can be constructed only by compromising on the richness of permissible changes. Regulatory authorities must accept new tradeoffs that limit their enforcement powers if they want to approve permissionless platforms formally. Our analysis demonstrates that the fundamental constraints of computation theory have direct implications for financial regulation. By mapping regulatory requirements onto computational models, we characterize which types of automated compliance are achievable and which are provably impossible. This framework allows us to move beyond traditional debates about regulatory effectiveness to establish concrete boundaries for automated enforcement.

COFcap2, a recyclable tandem catalysis reactor for nitrogen fixation and conversion to chiral amines