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A MeerKAT study of a neutral hydrogen rich grouping of galaxies with megaparsec-scale filamentary-like structure
No full textContext. Environmental effects within cosmological overdensities, such as galaxy groups and clusters, have been shown to impact galaxies and their cold gas reservoirs and thereby provide constraints on galaxy evolution models. Galaxy groups foster frequent galaxy-galaxy interactions, making them rich environments in which to study galaxy transformation. Aims. In this work, we study a serendipitously discovered large overdensity of neutral hydrogen (H I) galaxies at z ∼ 0.04. The galaxies appear to lie in a filamentary-like structure of megaparsec scale. Using MeerKAT’s angular resolution and field of view, we were able to spatially resolve the H I galaxies while simultaneously probing large-scale structure. Methods. The H I and sub-arcsec Dark Energy Survey (DES) imaging have revealed a large number of both interacting and disturbed galaxies in this collective group. MeerKAT data enabled us to derive H I masses and investigate interacting galaxies. We used DES and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) data to quantify the star formation rates, stellar masses, and stellar morphologies of member galaxies and compared these with field scaling relations. To place this discovery and the environmental effects in context, we used the SIMBA cosmological hydrodynamical simulation to investigate the prevalence of qualitatively similar H I overdensities and their large-scale morphological properties. This enabled us to make a prediction of how frequently such structures might be serendipitously discovered with MeerKAT and SKA-Mid H I observations in comparable observation time
Increased number of symptoms during the acutephase of SARS-cov- infection in athletes is associated with prolonged time to return to full sports performance—AWAREVIII
No full textThe aim of the study was to identify factors associated with prolonged time to return to full performance (RTFP) in athletes with recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Methods Prospective cohort study with cross sectional analysis. A total of 84 athletes with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection assessed at a coronavirus disease 2019 recovery clinic gave a history of age, sex, type/level of sport, co-morbidities, pre-infection training hours, and 26 acute SARS-CoV-2 symptoms from 3 categories (“nose and throat”, “chest and neck”, and “whole body”/systemic). Data on days to RTFP were obtained by structured interviews. Factors associated with RTFP were demographics, sport participation, history of co-morbidities, pre-infection training history, and acute symptoms (type, number). Outcomes were: (a) days to RTFP (median, interquartile range (IQR)) in asymptomatic (n = 7) and symptomatic athletes (n = 77), and (b) hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence interval) for symptomatic athletes with vs. without a factor (univariate, multiple models). HR 0.05). Factors associated with prolonged RTFP (univariate models) were: females (HR = 0.57; p = 0.014), endurance athletes (HR = 0.41; p < 0.0001), co-morbidity number (HR = 0.75; p = 0.001), and respiratory disease history (HR = 0.54; p = 0.026). In symptomatic athletes, prolonged RTFP (multiple models) was significantly associated with increased “chest and neck” (HR = 0.85; p = 0.017) and “nose and throat” (HR = 0.84; p = 0.013) symptoms, but the association was more profound between prolonged RFTP and increased total number of “all symptoms” (HR = 0.91; p = 0.001) and “whole body”/systemic HR = 0.82; p = 0.007) symptoms. Conclusion A larger number of total symptoms and specifically “whole body”/systemic symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged RTFP
To what extent are digital health interventions targeting HIV care cascade among mobile populations feasible, acceptable, and effective? A mixed methods systematic review protocol
No full textIntroduction: Human mobility is associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition and disengagement from HIV care, leading to poorer health outcomes among highly mobile individuals compared to less mobile individuals. Mobile individuals, broadly defined as those who temporally, seasonally, or permanently move from one place to another for voluntary or involuntary reasons, face many challenges in accessing HIV care services. These challenges include logistical difficulties, interruptions in HIV care continuity, and limited access to services across different locations, which together hinder timely testing, treatment initiation, and viral suppression. Digital health interventions offer flexible approaches that can adjust to the mobile individual’s location to improve HIV care engagement and health outcomes for this underserved and hard-to-reach population. However, evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of digital health interventions across the HIV care cascade among mobile populations has not yet been appraised. Objectives: We seek to synthesize empirical evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of digital health interventions targeting the HIV care cascade among mobile populations. Methods: We will conduct a mixed methods systematic review of peer reviewed studies published between 1 January 2010 and 31 July 2024 that evaluated digital health interventions targeting the HIV care cascade among mobile populations. We will search PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier, Africa-Wide information, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles) electronic databases. Bibliographies of retrieved studies will also be reviewed for relevant citations. Only studies published in English language and involved a digital health intervention, report an outcome related to the HIV care cascade, and involve mobile populations either partially or completely will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts against the inclusion criteria, followed by full text screening for eligible articles. In case of disagreements, consensus will be sought from a third reviewer. Data synthesis will follow the Joanne Briggs Institute’s convergent segregated approach. If sufficient quantitative studies with comparable outcome measures are available, a meta-analysis will be performed. Discussion: This review will address a critical evidence gap by consolidating data on digital health interventions’ feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy across the HIV care cascade among mobile populations. The results will inform the development of tailored digital health interventions to enhance HIV care delivery and health outcomes for this hard-to-reach population, supporting global HIV prevention and treatment goals. Systematic review registration: This protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024528122)
Situation analysis of the medicines pricing in context of the national medicines policy of Namibia
No full textThis study provides an in-depth analysis of medicine pricing in Namibia, emphasizing the gaps and challenges within the existing regulatory framework and proposing recommendations for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive National Medicine Pricing Policy. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Namibia's current National Medicines Policy (NMP) in regulating medicine prices, ensuring affordability, and improving access to essential medicines in both public and private sectors. The study's objectives were to explore regulatory barriers that hinder effective policy implementation, evaluate compliance levels among key stakeholders, and identify primary challenges in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of medicine pricing policies in Namibia. The absence of a structured and comprehensive medicine pricing policy, leading to price disparities, inconsistent enforcement, and reliance on imported medicines, framed the core problem addressed by this research. A qualitative, exploratory research approach was adopted, with document content analysis utilized to examine secondary data from legislative acts, regulatory reports, national policies, government reports, and international guidelines. Data analysis focused on identifying gaps within the existing pricing framework and evaluating Namibia's practices against international best practices, including World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and case studies from countries like South Africa and Brazil. The findings reveal significant shortcomings in Namibia's current medicine pricing system, including a lack of transparency in pricing mechanisms, absence of standardized pricing frameworks such as External Reference Pricing (ERP) and Internal Reference Pricing (IRP), and fragmented policy enforcement
Continuum, CO, and water vapour maps of the orion nebula first millimetre spectral imaging with concerto
No full textContext. The millimetre spectrum of Galactic regions and galaxies is rich in continuum and molecular lines. This diversity is mostly explored using either broad-band photometry or high-resolution heterodyne spectroscopy. Aims. We aim to map the millimetre continuum emission of Galactic regions with an intermediate spectral resolution between broadband photometry and heterodyne spectroscopy, enabling us to rapidly cover large sky areas with spectroscopy. Methods. We report observations of the Orion Nebula with the CONCERTO instrument, which was installed at the APEX telescope focal plane from 2021 to 2023. Results. We find that the spectrum of Orion is dominated by dust emission with an emissivity index ranging between 1.3 and 2.0, along with strong CO(2-1) and H2O lines, which are naturally separated from the continuum due to the CONCERTO spectral capabilities. Many regions also show strong free-free emission at lower frequencies. Conclusions. We demonstrate the spectral capabilities of CONCERTO at intermediate spectral resolution, with a frequency coverage from 130 to 310 GHz. A sensitivity of 200 mK is achieved in one second, for one beam and a 6 GHz frequency width, over an 18 arcmin diameter field of view, which is within a factor of three of the expectations. We show that we can spectrally disentangle the continuum from the CO line emission, but the line is not resolved at a resolution of ~8000 km s–1. The slope of the millimetre continuum is line-free mapped for the first time in Orion
Leveraging AI-enhanced and emerging technologies for pedagogical innovations in higher education
No full textThis study examines the influence of AI-powered and emerging technologies on pedagogical practices in higher education, focusing on their role on behavioural intention (BI) and actual usage among educators and students. The research hypothesises that the relationship between each Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) constructs - Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC) - and BI to use AI is mediated by Attitude towards AI. Additionally, it explores the mediation of the relationship between Technological, Organisational, and Environmental (TOE) framework and BI to use AI by Attitude towards AI. Furthermore, it hypothesises that the relationship between UTAUT constructs, and the actual Usage of AI is mediated by BI. Data were collected from 115 respondents through a survey measuring perceptions of UTAUT and technology-organisation-Environment (TOE) constructs. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the data, alongside PLS-Multi-Group Analysis (PLS-MGA) to explore gender differences. The key results indicated that PE and EE significantly influenced Attitude towards AI (F = 14.861 and F = 33.887, respectively), which in turn significantly influenced BI (β = 0.468, t = 5.106). However, SI had an insignificant effect (F = 0.346), and FC had a minimal influence (F = 2.225). The study found that Organisational Context played a significant role in shaping Attitude towards AI, influencing BI, whereas the direct influence of TOE on BI was not significant (F = 1.356), indicating full mediation by Attitude. Additionally, higher BI did not necessarily translate to increased AI usage (β = -0.381, t = 4.749), suggesting external barriers or moderating factors. These findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance AI-driven pedagogical innovations, emphasising the importance of fostering positive attitudes and addressing practical challenges in AI adoption
Implications of financial literacy on financial wellness: a case study from a selected University in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThis study examined the implications of financial literacy on the financial wellness of students at a selected university in Cape Town, South Africa. Given the increasing financial pressures on students, the research focused on four constructs of financial literacy as identified in the literature. This included financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, and financial self-efficacy. The study followed a post-positivist paradigm and employed a quantitative survey approach. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to select participants. Following ethical clearance from the university, data were collected via a structured online questionnaire designed to measure students’ financial literacy. The target population comprised 11,771 commerce students at the selected university out of a total of 35,541 registered students at the time, with 163 completing the survey in full. Although the response rate was relatively low, the data provided valuable insights into respondents’ financial literacy. Descriptive and inferential statistics, which included ANOVA and correlation analysis, were used to examine relationships between financial literacy and financial wellness outcomes. Participation was voluntary, and ethical protocols of anonymity, confidentiality, and informed consent were strictly followed
Index pregnancy emotional fertility intention and its correlates in Ethiopia: evidence from a national women and newborns baseline survey
No full textBackground: Women´s index pregnancy emotional fertility intention was measured by asking the pregnant women how they would felt when they learned about their index pregnancy. Emotional health and couples´ communication are key during pregnancy and child birth with simultaneous minimization of reproductive coercion. Emotional fertility intention is critical for healthy and spaced pregnancies, as well as for better maternal and newborns outcomes. Besides, intentions to conceive and emotional fertility intention on pregnancy are the integral parts of women reproductive health (RH) right and can be considered as women decision-making ability over their fertility. Moreover, in low and middle-income countries including Ethiopia where the sole male´s dominance is culturally accepted and socially constructed, males take the lead in each decision making process including household-level decision, determining the family´s fertility and reproductive health service use. This dominance interferes with women fertility intention and their health status including their emotional feeling towards conception. In such a scenario, women are less likely for their say to be heard. Hence, this study aimed to determine pregnant women index pregnancy emotional fertility intention and to identify the associated covariates contributing to it in Ethiopia. This is a very critical step to generate and make actionable evidence available for the health ministry and relevant partners working on reproductive and women´s psycho-social health. This evidence could serve as an action point to empower women regarding their reproductive health right and the control over their fertility. Methods: Nationally representative cross sectional baseline data from the Ethiopian performance monitoring for action (Ethiopian PMA) cohort one survey, which enrolled and collected data from currently pregnant and 6 weeks postpartum women were used for this study. This study collected real time data on various sexual, reproductive, maternal and new born nationwide priority indicators using customized Open Data Kit Mobile application. These data were collected using standard pretested questionnaire prepared in English and the three local languages (Amharic, Afan Oromo and Tigrigna) by well experienced resident enumerators. This study was restricted to 2,236 pregnant women at the enrollment. Frequencies were computed to characterize pregnant women, and chi-square statistics was used to assess cell sample size adequacy. Multinomial logistics regression statistical modeling was fitted to identify correlates affecting index pregnancy women´s emotional fertility intention. Results were presented in the form of percentages and odds ratio with 95% Confidence Intervals. Candidate variables were selected using a p-value of 0.25. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of 0.05
Simultaneous trifunctional group passivation using imidazole derivatives for enhanced performance of perovskite solar cells
No full textPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) are one of the most promising energy technologies in the field of renewable energy. The solution-based perovskite film-forming method is one of its important advantages in commercialization. However, the polycrystalline perovskite thin films prepared by this method may also exhibit various defects, leading to a decrease in device performance. In this work, an imidazole derivative 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride (HMCl) was used as a passivator for perovskite thin films. The imidazole moiety and hydroxyl in HMCl passivated the negatively charged I - and positively Pb2+ defects in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), respectively. Meanwhile the chloride ion establishes ionic bonds with uncoordinated Pb2+, further enhancing the passivation of defects. With HMCl, the PCE of the PSC was enhanced from 17.53 % of the control device to 19.71 %. In addition, the introduction of HMCl enhanced the hydrophobicity of perovskite films, and therefore, improved the storage stability of PSCs. This study provides an alternative passivator for the development of highperformance and long-term stable PSCs
The role of hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in diabetes-related male infertility: therapeutic properties of medicinal plants
No full textThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to rise at an alarming rate. DM leads to a decline in male reproductive function. Hyperglycaemia is an instigator of both oxidative stress and inflammation in the male reproductive system. The presence of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory markers in the semen of diabetic individuals results in the decline of sperm parameters. Despite ongoing advancements in the treatment of DM with conventional drugs, concern about treatment costs and side effects is high. Scientific research focus has therefore shifted to investigating naturally occurring safer, cheaper, and more effective treatments. This review outlined the link between hyperglycaemia and diabetic complications, and the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the development of male infertility. We also reviewed the effects of phytochemicals in medicinal plants in treating DM-related male infertility. This review concluded that oxidative stress and inflammation are instigators of the decline in sperm parameters in diabetic conditions. The administration of medicinal plant extracts with hypoglycaemic, anti-diabetic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially restore diabetic-related male reproductive dysfunction