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Adverse selection in cryptocurrency markets
No full textYesThis paper investigates the influence that information asymmetry may possess upon the
future volatility, liquidity, market toxicity and returns within cryptocurrency markets. We use
the adverse selection component of the effective spread as a proxy for overall information asymmetry. Using order and trade data from the Bitfinex Exchange, we first document statistically
significant adverse selection costs for major cryptocurrencies. Our results also suggest that adverse selection costs, on average, correspond to ten percent of the estimated effective spread,
indicating an economically significant impact of adverse selection risk on transaction costs in
cryptocurrency markets. We finally document that adverse selection costs are important predictors of intraday volatility, liquidity, market toxicity, and returns.Türkiye Bilimler Akademisi. Grant Number: Outstanding Young Scientist
Management of non-communicable diseases in Kosovo: A scoping review
Get PDFYesNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) affect a growing share of the population in Kosovo. The country faces challenges with NCDs management, specifically detecting, screening, and treating people with NCDs.
To assess the management of NCDs, including the inputs that influence the provision of NCDs and outcomes of NCD management.
Eligibility criteria: Studies had to report NCD management in Kosovo.
Sources of evidence: We systematically searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Charting methods: The data were charted by two researchers. We extracted data on general study details and design and information on the management and outcomes of NCDs in Kosovo.
Synthesis of results: For the mix of studies that were included in the review, thematic narrative synthesis was used. We developed a conceptual framework based on health production core components to analyze the data.
Results: Kosovo's health care system is available to provide basic care for patients with NCDs. However, there are serious limitations in the availability of key inputs providing care, i.e., funding, medicines, supplies, and medical staff. Additionally, in terms of the management of NCDs, there are areas for improvement, such as limited application of clinical pathways and guidelines and issues with referrals of patients among levels and sectors of care. Finally, it is worth noting that there is overall limited information on NCD management and outcomes.
Conclusions: Kosovo provides only basic services and treatment of NCDs. The data reporting the existing situation on NCD management are limited. The inputs from this review are helpful for existing policy efforts by the government aimed to enhance NCD care in Kosovo.This study is part of the research done for a World Bank review of the state of NCDs in Kosovo and APC was funded through the Access Accelerated Trust Fund (P170638)
Time-efficient simulation of free-space optical communication systems under atmospheric turbulence, pointing error, and angle-of-arrival fluctuations
Get PDFYesComputer simulation is a powerful and convenient tool for the design and performance evaluation of free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. In this article, we present two simulation frameworks that incorporate not only the effects of atmospheric turbulence but also the impact of the angular fluctuations of the transmitter and receiver in FSO systems. In the first framework, the waveform of the optical signal is calculated sequentially from the transmitter to the receiver. Thus, it takes very long to run the simulation numerous times to obtain the statistical performance of the system. This is because the vast majority of simulation time is spent on the split-step beam propagation. In the second framework, we propose to isolate the beam propagation through atmospheric channel from the other effects. We compare the two frameworks in terms of accuracy and simulation time. We show that the second framework reduces the simulation time by more than a factor of 10 without sacrificing the accuracy under various conditions.10.13039/501100003725-National Research Foundation of Korea HR&D Center Funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Grant Number: 2022M1A3C2069728
Community-based Water Management in Urban Informal Spaces: Capabilities and Collective Action
Get PDFThis thesis contributes to scholarship on applying the Capability Approach (CA) in the informal water sector in post-colonial cities in the Global South. It lays out helpful insights in the field of Sustainable Development Goal no. 6- clean water and sanitation in the backdrop of climate justice. This research aims to translate theoretical roots of the CA into meaningful participatory policy by using a case study approach complimented by different methods of qualitative data collection. The empirical findings are built on in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions with participants from informal settlements in India and Indonesia, members of universities, NGOs, government organizations and peoples’ collectives. This study underscores that cities in the global south are complex and that to study them requires more epistemic diversity guided by a decolonial lens. It starts with a systematic literature review, followed by a purposive literature review. The reviews generated four themes: (i) Human needs, well-being and development; (ii) Social cohesion and community processes; (iii) Water security and psycho-social stress and (iv) Vulnerabilities, resilience and adaption. After which, three overarching theories guided the conceptual framework- Sen’s Capability Approach, Ostrom’s theory of the commons, and combined theories of socio-ecological resilience. Through its findings, it proposes the Capability Locus Pathway for Socio-Spatial Change, along with the concept of the Capability Space, to evaluate what transformative processes look like in informal urban spaces and what power communities have in terms of agency and opportunities to lead such collective action.IDF-Global Challenges Research Fun
Investigation of a Novel Formulation from Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and Antioxidant (Selenium) in Malignant Melanoma Cells
Get PDFIntroduction: Malignant Melanoma (MM), caused by UV radiation-induced DNA damage, is the most invasive form of skin cancer and has an increasing incidence worldwide. The hallmarks of MM include the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and excessive proliferation of tumour cells. Many treatments are available or under investigation as anticancer therapeutics such as cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy and nanotechnology-based strategies but they all have severe complications and side effects that limit their wider use.
Methods: The present in vitro study has evaluated the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of Se and CBSC-derived exosomes, individually and in combination, on lymphocytes from MM patients and healthy controls, and on the CHL-1 melanoma cell line. The comet assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were used to measure genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively, in all cell types. Molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects were explored using transcriptional and protein expression profiling of key cell cycle and apoptosis genes, by employing the RT qPCR and Western blotting techniques.
Conclusion: Selenium displays antioxidant and genoprotective effects in human lymphocytes, especially in MM patients. Both Se (10 μM) and CBSC-derived exosomes (120 μL) are well tolerated in lymphocytes, but show significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity towards the CHL-1 cell line, with combined administration exhibiting a synergistic effect
Unravelling the causal associations and path dependencies between Foreign Direct Investment and social development: the case of Panama
Get PDFAcademics have majorly explored the positive and negative economic spillover and linkages effects of FDI on economic growth, local wages, productivity and technological knowledge. Nonetheless, alternative benefits induced by FDI on social development have been neglected to be explored in-depth, constraining scholarly contributions to welfare economics. Although preceding works have studied social development factors, they traditionally have been addressed as either positive, negative or neutral in different pockets of academic literature. Moreover, none of them offers a robust empirical/structural framework linking FDI and social development. Panel data figures of MNEs classified as FDI recipients in the Republic of Panama are employed in proposing an empirical/structural framework explanatory of the bidirectional association and causal mechanisms between FDI and social development, using the Social Progress Index as a proxy, moderated by proxy variables of productive linkages and household income. A lop-sided circle, negatively inclined on the association flowing from social development to FDI, is suggested to exist. A ‘weak’ positive effect of FDI on social development is found, supported by a locked-in stable loop of FDI yearly feeding on MNEs profit’s reinvestments. Social development is also found to be in a locked-in stable loop, directly exerting a ‘strongly negative’ impact on FDI, which suggests being a constraining determinant for the country to attract ‘green field’ FDI. The empirical/structural framework herein proposed aims to guide future academic research in welfare economics and also serve policymakers in Panama for understanding and structuring national policies to unlock the self-reinforcing path dependency mechanisms preventing social development potential from being unleashed
Risk analysis under a circular economy context using a systems thinking approach
Get PDFYesApplying the circular economy (CE) concept is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. A transition towards a CE requires new tools to clarify the interdependency among systems and assist policy-makers in their decisions, particularly in the risk assessment field. This paper analyzes the systemic effects and interdependencies of several risks in the context of a CE. The developed tool helps adopt proactive strategies that consider the four aspects of sustainability (economic, environmental, social, and technological). The adopted tool improves strategic thinking for a circular economy concept and supports organizations with respect to assessing risks. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and novel model to quantify the priority weights of the sustainability risk indicators to provide guidelines for supporting the policy formulation process for decision-makers. In this paper, the taxonomy of various risk indicators has been proposed, and we have identified and adopted 40 risk indicators for the CE. This paper focuses on understanding how risks can be constructed and how they affect the performance of power plants over time in terms of availability, efficiency, and operational and maintenance cost. The causal loop diagram (CLD) model is built by deploying various risk quantifications, and the adopted tool was tested and validated to assess the CE risks relevant to the environmental perspective in power plants in the Middle East. The risk indicators under the concept of the CE model and the system thinking approach can help policy-makers in their strategic and operational decision-making process for achieving a better understanding of the risk assessment process. The taxonomy of risk categories and its linking with the system thinking approach will help in the successful and effective implementation of a CE in the energy sector in the long-term. The proposed model offers a tool for policy-makers to design policies when planning a CE
Seen but not heard: Reconstructing the early life history of the Industrial child through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of dentine collagen
Get PDFObjective This project reconstructs the early life history of the child in industrial London using incremental dentine analysis of both adults (survivors) and children (non-survivors) within a single 19th century London burial population to investigate the effects which changing social and economic conditions during Industrialisation had on their diet, health, and quality of life.
Materials & Methods Macroscopic analysis was performed on the excavated assemblage (n=514) of New Bunhill Fields burial ground, Southwark, London (1821-53) to identify those with skeletal evidence of childhood stress (LEH, rickets, residual rickets) who were suitable for isotopic analysis. Radiographic analysis of the dental pulp chamber was also performed on these individuals to identify childhood vitamin D deficiency. A total of 20 adults (20/157) and 22 non-adults (22/357) were chosen for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analysis. Incremental dentine analysis was performed on the first permanent molar and isotopic profiles were created spanning from birth until tooth completion/death during tooth development.
Results The isotopic data indicated that adult and non-adult diet was consistent with that observed in other 19th century London burial populations. Evidence for breastfeeding was widespread amongst survivors and non-survivors. Radiographic results indicated that vitamin D deficiency during early childhood was much more prevalent within the burial group than skeletal evidence suggested, and it was observed more frequently in those who survived into adulthood (80%) than in those who died during childhood (42%). Concurrent evidence of isotopic physiological stress with LEH formation was observed in some but not all individuals. A pattern of opposing co-variance was observed often in early infancy, most frequently in non-survivors, and isotopic evidence for physiological stress was also observed in the final dentine increments of some who died during tooth development. There was a tentative association observed between adult age-at-death and skeletal stress indicators in early childhood, where the average age-at-death was older in those with fewer childhood stress indicators.
Conclusions & Significance This research project found that early life stress was common within this urban community and was associated with negative outcomes later in life, especially amongst those who died in childhood.AHRC Heritage Consortiu
The anticancer/cytotoxic effect of a novel gallic acid derivative in non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and lung cancer patients
No full textYesGallic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol with a strong antioxidant capacity. GA stimulates the apoptosis of cancer cells, thereby suppressing cancer cell invasion. However, the low oral permeability of GA limits its therapeutic use. In order to enhance the antioxidant capacity and oral permeability of GA, a series of compounds analogous to GA were synthesized: 4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (MBS), 3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonamide (DMBS) and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzenesulfonamide (TMBS). In the new compounds, hydroxyl groups were replaced with various numbers of methoxy groups (stronger electron-donating groups), to increase hydrophobicity and oral permeability compared to GA. In addition, the carboxylic group was replaced with a sulfonyl group (a stronger electron-withdrawing group), to increase the molecular polarity and antioxidative activities of the compounds. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of GA, MBS, DMBS, and TMBS on cell proliferation and apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals and non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cells. Additionally, the comet assay was used to assess the genotoxicity of these compounds in PBMCs from healthy individuals, lung cancer patients, and A549 cells. Compared to untreated cells, TMBS reduced DNA damage more effectively than GA in PBMCs from lung cancer patients and healthy donors. Furthermore, in comparison to GA, TMBS was more cytotoxic in A549 cells. Moreover, TMBS was not cytotoxic in healthy PBMCs, suggesting that TMBS demonstrates therapeutic potential in cancer.University of Bradfor
Planning and Operation of Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Renewable Energy Resources and Integration of Smart Grid Technologies
No full textThis thesis proposes novel techniques for planning and operating distribution networks (DNs) with high penetration of renewable energy resources (RERs), considering active network management (ANM). A long-term planning framework is developed, featuring deep learning forecasting models to predicted load and generation profiles, thereby facilitating efficient DNs planning with ANM. Additionally, an optimal planning and operation framework is introduced, integrating network reconfiguration and flexibility services to enhance system reliability. To address voltage imbalance in low voltage DNs with widespread photovoltaic systems (PVs), a time-series three-phase optimal power flow method is developed, considering active and reactive PV power control. Furthermore, a multi-stage short-term forecasting (STF) framework is developed to handle the intermittent behaviour of RERs and variations in load demand. The proposed STF framework is applied to various distribution system operators (DSOs) scenarios.
Lastly, a novel conservation voltage regulation (CVR)-based optimization model is introduced, incorporating centralized and decentralized voltage control schemes, and addressing the impact of multi-penetration levels of widespread PVs. The proposed methods are validated through case studies, demonstrating their effectiveness. Results show an additional 8.6% PVs capacity and an additional 10.5% wind generation with ANM, reducing
total operating costs by 12%. Optimized distribution reliability cost savings range from 36% to 71%. Voltage imbalance can be reduced by 69%, and STF achieves a 48% reduction in mean absolute percentage error. The CVR-based algorithm enhances LV network efficiency, showcasing an energy reduction of up to 12.5%. Overall, this thesis provides DSOs with a practical tool for effectively planning and operating their networks.Mut’ah University in Jorda