Bridging Gaps Research Articles

Unraveling the complexities of financial innovation and digital transformation within banking systems

The objective of this comprehensive review is to examine the intricate relationships among operational efficiency, financial innovation, and digital transformation in the banking sector. Through a systematic literature review spanning from 2000 to 2024, this study synthesizes diverse findings from global scholars. Key findings highlight the interconnectivity of these elements, with AIS adoption improving operational efficiency through data accuracy and timely decision-making. The impact of financial innovation on banking performance is contingent upon regulatory dynamics, emphasizing adaptive strategies. Digital solutions such as big data analytics and blockchain drive socioeconomic progress, bridging gaps in wealth management. Challenges include navigating legacy systems, privacy concerns, and innovation-related risks. Theoretical implications suggest that financial institutions must strategically adopt digital technologies, considering regulatory dynamics and fostering innovation. Robust AIS systems optimize processes, while digital lean operations enhance efficiency. Leveraging digital solutions requires careful consideration of data quality, privacy, and ethical use. The study's importance lies in providing adaptive strategies necessary to manage risks and embrace opportunities in the evolving financial landscape. Ultimately, this study establishes a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate dynamics of operational efficiency, financial innovation, and digital transformation in modern banking, offering valuable guidance for financial institutions navigating the complexities of the digital era.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications for Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Low-Resource Settings: A Scoping Review.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) have ushered in new possibilities for medical diagnostics in low-resource settings. This review explores the current landscape of AI applications in POCUS across these environments, analyzing studies sourced from three databases-SCOPUS, PUBMED, and Google Scholars. Initially, 1196 records were identified, of which 1167 articles were excluded after a two-stage screening, leaving 29 unique studies for review. The majority of studies focused on deep learning algorithms to facilitate POCUS operations and interpretation in resource-constrained settings. Various types of low-resource settings were targeted, with a significant emphasis on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), rural/remote areas, and emergency contexts. Notable limitations identified include challenges in generalizability, dataset availability, regional disparities in research, patient compliance, and ethical considerations. Additionally, the lack of standardization in POCUS devices, protocols, and algorithms emerged as a significant barrier to AI implementation. The diversity of POCUS AI applications in different domains (e.g., lung, hip, heart, etc.) illustrates the challenges of having to tailor to the specific needs of each application. By separating out the analysis by application area, researchers will better understand the distinct impacts and limitations of AI, aligning research and development efforts with the unique characteristics of each clinical condition. Despite these challenges, POCUS AI systems show promise in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery by aiding clinicians in low-resource settings. Future research endeavors should prioritize addressing the gaps identified in this review to enhance the feasibility and effectiveness of POCUS AI applications to improve healthcare outcomes in resource-constrained environments.

Towards equitable renal care: Strategies for enhancing kidney transplantation in Africa

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as the presence of kidney damage persisting for 3 months or more. Kidney transplantation stands as a vital intervention for individuals grappling with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Africa, offering the promise of extended life and improved quality of life. However, numerous challenges hinder its widespread implementation across the continent. This paper explored kidney transplantation in Africa, aiming to illuminate key strategies for bridging gaps and building pathways to enhanced renal care. There is a disproportionate burden of CKD on the region's population. Therefore, there is a critical need for early diagnosis and intervention. This paper outlines comprehensive strategies for improving kidney transplantation in Africa. Results indicate that financial support systems, infrastructure enhancement, public awareness campaigns, and legal frameworks are essential for addressing renal care barriers. Active measures such as government subsidy programs, international funding collaboration, and engagement with community leaders are highlighted as effective approaches. Drawing from global standards and best practices, the paper shows the importance of tailored approaches that address Africa's unique socio-economic and healthcare landscape. By leveraging collaborative efforts, regulatory frameworks, and public engagement, African nations can overcome barriers to kidney transplantation and pave the way for equitable access to life-saving treatment.

Strategic Initiatives in Electron Microscopy Education – Bridging Gaps for a Diverse Community

Strategic Initiatives in Electron Microscopy Education – Bridging Gaps for a Diverse Community

Melatonin in Human Milk: A Scoping Review.

Melatonin is vital in human circadian rhythm and infant development. This scoping review summarized the current knowledge about melatonin's presence and effects in human milk to promote better understanding of its secretion pattern and clinical advancement of maternal-infant health. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline and answered the question: What is the current knowledge about melatonin hormone in human milk? The databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, Scielo, EMBASE, Science Direct, Eric, Cochrane, in addition to grey literature and reference lists of included sources. Research papers included English, Spanish, or Portuguese languages, regardless of study type or publication date. The study selection and data extraction involved two independent reviewers. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. The studies, conducted between 1993 and 2023, employed diverse designs, with cross-sectional studies being the most prevalent. Melatonin concentration exhibited a consistent pattern, being higher at night, and elevated in colostrum. The analysis methods for melatonin concentration evolved, with recent advancements contributing to more accurate measurements. Factors influencing melatonin levels, such as delivery type, maternal age, and health conditions, demonstrated a complex relationship, potentially impacting the health and development of infants. The dynamic nature of melatonin in human milk calls for continued interdisciplinary research, bridging gaps between clinical, biochemical, and epidemiological perspectives. Standardizing melatonin analysis methods are needed. Nurses should assess factors influencing melatonin levels in milk to promote interventions and guidance aimed at enhancing the regulation of the circadian cycle during the perinatal period and its benefits.

A comprehensive survey on client selection strategies in federated learning

Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a promising paradigm for collaborative model training while preserving data privacy. Client selection plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance and efficiency of the FL training process. However, the heterogeneity of clients in terms of computational resources, data quality, and network conditions poses significant challenges in selecting the optimal set of clients for each training round. This survey provides a comprehensive review of client selection methodologies in FL, addressing the challenges and opportunities in this field. We present a systematic categorization of existing client selection techniques based on their underlying principles and objectives, and discuss the key challenges, including resource constraints, data heterogeneity, and security concerns. Additionally, we provide a comparative analysis of the surveyed techniques, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and suitability for various FL scenarios. Furthermore, we identify open research problems and propose future research directions, emphasizing the need for more efficient, adaptive, and secure selection strategies. This survey serves as a comprehensive framework for understanding client selection in FL, bridging gaps in the existing literature and providing guidance for future research, including ethical considerations and domain-specific applications. Our work aims to support practitioners in making informed decisions and to stimulate further research in this critical area of FL.

Nurse Navigator Responsibilities in Managing Care Transitions for the Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Oncology nurse navigators (ONNs) help address barriers that would affect the patient's ability to receive timely and quality cancer care and bridge gaps from the ambulatory to acute settings by reinforcing the treatment pla.

Exploring challenges, innovations, and technological integration in medical education after COVID-19 pandemic: An In-depth analysis

Background: The sudden shift to remote learning, prompted by global health restrictions, compelled educators to devise innovative pedagogical strategies that transcend traditional boundaries. This transition underscored the pivotal role of technology in bridging gaps and enhancing learning experiences. As a result, technology ceased to be a mere supplement and instead became an essential conduit for effective medical education delivery. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching relevant studies until June 2023 using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. The sudden shift to remote learning, prompted by global health restrictions, compelled educators to devise innovative pedagogical strategies that transcend traditional boundaries. This transition underscored the pivotal role of technology in bridging gaps and enhancing learning experiences. As a result, technology ceased to be a mere supplement and instead became an essential conduit for effective medical education delivery. Results: The systematic review of the literature found 47 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria, addressing different facets of technology’s influence on medical education during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. The analysis reveals a dynamic landscape where challenges catalyzed advancements. Educational institutions swiftly adapted to the new normal by embracing technology-driven solutions. Virtual patient interactions, augmented reality modules, and AI-driven personalized learning emerged as effective tools. These innovations not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for a more flexible and inclusive medical education ecosystem. Conclusions: The challenges experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly influenced the transformation of medical education in the post-pandemic era. By analyzing challenges and proposing innovative solutions, the crucial significance of technology is underscored, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive and adaptable approach to shape the trajectory of future medical education. J MEDICINE 2024; 25: 166-172

Nepal-India Political Relations: A Comprehensive Analysis of Historical Dynamics, Contemporary Challenges, and Future Prospects

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical dynamics, contemporary challenges, and future prospects in Nepal-India political relations. The diplomatic ties between the two nations, rooted in shared history, cultural affinities, and geographical proximity, have witnessed both cooperation and discord over the centuries. While historical documents highlight periods of mutual respect, the study delves into the complexities of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1950, solidifying diplomatic bonds. However, recent years have seen a shift in this narrative, marked by territorial disputes, economic imbalances, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Contemporary challenges include territorial disputes leading to diplomatic intricacies and economic imbalances raising questions about the equitable nature of the bilateral relationship. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining historical analysis, policy examination, and stakeholder perspectives to offer timely and relevant insights. Key informant interviews with political leaders, diplomats, and professionals provide a diverse understanding of the multifaceted issues at hand. The study identifies territorial disputes and unequal diplomatic treaties as major challenges, contributing to tensions in Nepal-India relations. It emphasizes the need for a peaceful discourse to resolve border encroachments and calls for a revision of existing treaties in light of changing regional and international circumstances. Additionally, socio cultural affinities between the two nations are explored, with strategies proposed for bridging gaps and fostering a sense of shared identity. The research concludes with strategies for future cooperation, advocating for a balanced diplomatic relationship that considers the changing global landscape. The equidistance principle is discussed, urging both nations to adapt their mindsets and refrain from micromanaging each other's domestic politics. The study underscores the importance of recognizing the historical ties between Nepal and India, emphasizing the potential for multifaceted alliances in the future.

Local derivations and Rota-Baxter operators of quantum Lotka-Volterra algebras on M_2(C)

In this paper, we thoroughly investigate the local and 2-local derivations of a flow of quantumgenetic Lotka-Volterra algebras on M2(C) (FQGLV-A). The analysis is mainly geared towards understanding how specific parameter values influence the properties of these derivations. Our findings elucidate the structural intricacies of FQGLV-A algebras and bridge gaps in the current understanding of local and 2-local derivations. We prove that any local derivation is indeed a derivation. Furthermore, the set of2-local deviations coincide with the set of deviations.

Endometriosis in Transgender Men: Bridging Gaps in Research and Care-A Narrative Review.

Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition commonly seen in individuals designated female at birth; however, there has been limited research focused on its prevalence and impact among transgender men. This narrative review aims to fill a critical knowledge gap by exploring the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, management strategies, and quality-of-life implications of endometriosis among transgender individuals who identify as male. Specifically, this study seeks to estimate the prevalence rates and describe the symptoms experienced by transgender men undergoing testosterone therapy. Additionally, it addresses the diagnostic challenges posed by hormonal treatments and the lack of culturally competent healthcare services for this population. Recent molecular studies indicate that hormonal imbalances, such as increased estrogen synthesis and progesterone resistance, are significant factors in the persistence of endometriosis symptoms despite testosterone therapy. Moreover, evidence suggests that testosterone therapy may not always suppress endometrial activity completely, contributing to the persistence of symptoms in some individuals. Endometriosis in transgender men requires personalized approaches that consider both testosterone therapy and its interactions with endometriosis, as well as fertility preservation and the psychosocial aspects of treatment. This review emphasizes the necessity of taking an inclusive approach in both research and clinical practice to improve healthcare outcomes for this underserved population. The results demonstrate how continued research, education, and healthcare services tailored specifically to transgender men are necessary to better understand and treat endometriosis, thus improving both their overall health and quality of life.

Cultivating Inclusivity and Bridging Gaps Through Reverse Mentoring: A Feasibility Study Within the Royal College of Radiologists

AimThe Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) recognizes the importance of addressing differential attainment, bridging existing disparities, and fostering diversity and equity. Materials and methodsA joint-faculty reverse mentoring (RM) pilot launched from July 2023 to January 2024. Participation was voluntary, mentors (trainees) from ethnic minority backgrounds and mentees (RCR officers) were recruited across the UK. Mentoring pairs engaged in regular meetings focused on sharing lived experiences and informal discussions. Data were collected through prepilot and postpilot surveys, virtual question polls at induction meeting, and written reports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. ResultsEight matched pairs met predominantly online, on average 4 times over 6 months. Discussions covered a wide range of topics exploring systemic biases and professional development. Expectations expressed were to learn from others' experiences and achieve personal and professional growth. The prepilot survey revealed that 50% of respondents had experienced or witnessed racial discrimination, with only 28.5% feeling capable of supporting colleagues facing challenges. By mid-pilot, meaningful connections were established, allowing mentors to share experiences, and foster safe spaces. The postpilot survey results indicated that 90% of respondents felt better equipped to support colleagues facing challenges related to protected characteristics. Key lessons included understanding cultural differences, resilience, and empowering participants to drive change. ConclusionsThe exchange of perspectives and experiences between individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise enhanced mutual understanding and inclusivity. This dynamic process has the potential to catalyze positive change across diverse domains, underlining its significance in shaping a more equitable postgraduate training landscape.

ChatGPT and other Chatbots in Psychiatry

Aim: Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads into the field of psychiatry, offering new tools and applications. ChatGPT, a specific chatbot, is at the forefront of this digital revolution. AI’s use in psychiatry ranges from identifying psychiatric symptoms, predicting treatment responses, and improving medication adherence to assisting in patient education, monitoring, and bridging gaps in mental health care. Materials and Methods: This review used a literature study method. Results: ChatGPT functions as a clinical decision support tool. It can analyse patient data and provide diagnostic insights, recommend evidence-based treatments, and offer drug information. It has demonstrated proficiency in generating summaries from medical records, saving clinicians time and enabling them to focus on patient care. Additionally, chatbots like ChatGPT serve as therapist assistants, offering emotional support between therapy sessions and potentially conducting psychotherapy. Studies have shown positive outcomes, with chatbots reducing depression, anxiety symptoms, and providing 24/7 availability for crisis situations. Users find them non-judgmental and comfortable for discussing sensitive issues. Despite their potential, chatbots have limitations, such as the risk of incorrect or biased information due to their training data. They lack genuine understanding, creativity, and the ability to clarify user input. Ethical considerations regarding responsibility and data usage are paramount. Conclusion: AI, particularly ChatGPT, holds substantial promise in modern psychiatry, enhancing diagnostics, patient education, monitoring, and therapeutic support. Its integration into everyday psychiatric practice requires careful use, continuous oversight, and ethical considerations. Psychiatrists must become more familiar with AI tools to leverage their benefits in patient care.

Integration of the balanced scorecard and FAO SAFA for assessing the sustainability of horticultural production in Jawa Barat

Abstract The agricultural sector is a vital component of Indonesia’s economy. However, agricultural production in Jawa Barat, particularly in horticulture, is facing various sustainability challenges. It is crucial to adopt a sustainable approach to agricultural production. This study aims to develop the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework to enhance the sustainability of horticultural production in Jawa Barat, using the FAO Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA) Framework. A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 68 horticultural farmers representing different regions and horticultural commodities in Jawa Barat. During the FGD, participants rated their familiarity with SAFA Framework indicators and assessed their importance. Frequency analysis was performed on the collected data to determine familiarity and importance levels and correlation analysis using the R method. This research reveals that indicators related to community investment, biodiversity, and renewable energy received lower recognition, suggesting a need for increased emphasis in these areas. The correlation analysis revealed a positive link between Finance and Customer dimensions, highlighting the importance of financial management for customer satisfaction. Addressing these findings will help enhance sustainability and bridge gaps in horticultural practices in Jawa Barat. The findings will support sustainable agricultural practices, enhance decision-making, and promote the long-term viability of the horticultural sector

Optimizing exercise therapy for muscle strength and injury prevention: bridging gaps across age and gender

Optimizing exercise therapy for muscle strength and injury prevention: bridging gaps across age and gender

Breaking barriers and bridging gaps: the influence of entrepreneurship policies on women’s entry into entrepreneurship

PurposeHow does the interplay between entrepreneurship policies and both formal and informal gender equality affect women’s inclination towards self-employment in contrast to men?Design/methodology/approachThis study introduces and validates a comprehensive multi-level model underpinned by symbolic interactionism, institutional theory, and the nuances of gendered institutions. Employing innovative analytical techniques and leveraging data from 66 countries, we scrutinize how formal and informal gendered institutional arrangements either inhibit or facilitate an environment favorable to women’s entrepreneurial activities.FindingsSignificantly, our research delves into the nuanced effects of specific entrepreneurship policies across diverse nations. While these policies can bridge the gendered resource gap, a profound understanding of broader gender dynamics is crucial for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.Originality/valueOur insights advocate for a more integrated approach to bolster women’s participation in entrepreneurship, thus furthering their socio-economic progression.

Representations and generalization in artificial and brain neural networks

Humans and animals excel at generalizing from limited data, a capability yet to be fully replicated in artificial intelligence. This perspective investigates generalization in biological and artificial deep neural networks (DNNs), in both in-distribution and out-of-distribution contexts. We introduce two hypotheses: First, the geometric properties of the neural manifolds associated with discrete cognitive entities, such as objects, words, and concepts, are powerful order parameters. They link the neural substrate to the generalization capabilities and provide a unified methodology bridging gaps between neuroscience, machine learning, and cognitive science. We overview recent progress in studying the geometry of neural manifolds, particularly in visual object recognition, and discuss theories connecting manifold dimension and radius to generalization capacity. Second, we suggest that the theory of learning in wide DNNs, especially in the thermodynamic limit, provides mechanistic insights into the learning processes generating desired neural representational geometries and generalization. This includes the role of weight norm regularization, network architecture, and hyper-parameters. We will explore recent advances in this theory and ongoing challenges. We also discuss the dynamics of learning and its relevance to the issue of representational drift in the brain.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Using YouTube Videos as an Alternative Learning Media for Grade 11 Life Sciences Learners

Framed within the Sociomusicology Theory, this article argued that through the revival of Khoisan indigenous music, South Africa can promote social cohesion, bridging gaps between different ethnic groups and creating a more inclusive society. The Khoisan people, also known as Bushmen or San, are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Africa, and their music is an integral part of their identity and history. However, Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa has been forgotten and marginalised. This can be attributed to various factors including colonialism. In recent years, there has been a quest for revitalising the overlooked and marginalised Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa. Notwithstanding, minimal attention has been given to reviving the forgotten and marginalised Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa and this has become a matter of great concern. This article thus sought to understand the importance of reviving the forgotten and marginalised Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa. In this article, a qualitative content analysis was employed to successfully analyse the purpose of this paper. The findings demonstrated that the extinction of Khoisan indigenous music is attributed to various historical, social, and cultural factors, including colonialism, cultural assimilation, and modernisation. The paper concluded by affirming that the Khoisan indigenous music holds a deep cultural significance for the Khoisan people and South Africa as a whole. It serves as a potent vehicle for the expression and preservation of their great connection to nature, spiritual beliefs, and rich cultural history. Keywords: Culture, Extinction, Khoisan Indigenous Music, Marginalised, Sociomusicology Theory

Understanding the Importance of Reviving the Forgotten and Marginalised Khoisan Indigenous Music in South Africa: A Content Analysis

Framed within the Sociomusicology Theory, this article argued that through the revival of Khoisan indigenous music, South Africa can promote social cohesion, bridging gaps between different ethnic groups and creating a more inclusive society. The Khoisan people, also known as Bushmen or San, are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Africa, and their music is an integral part of their identity and history. However, Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa has been forgotten and marginalised. This can be attributed to various factors including colonialism. In recent years, there has been a quest for revitalising the overlooked and marginalised Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa. Notwithstanding, minimal attention has been given to reviving the forgotten and marginalised Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa and this has become a matter of great concern. This article thus sought to understand the importance of reviving the forgotten and marginalised Khoisan indigenous music in South Africa. In this article, a qualitative content analysis was employed to successfully analyse the purpose of this paper. The findings demonstrated that the extinction of Khoisan indigenous music is attributed to various historical, social, and cultural factors, including colonialism, cultural assimilation, and modernisation. The paper concluded by affirming that the Khoisan indigenous music holds a deep cultural significance for the Khoisan people and South Africa as a whole. It serves as a potent vehicle for the expression and preservation of their great connection to nature, spiritual beliefs, and rich cultural history. Keywords: Culture, Extinction, Khoisan Indigenous Music, Marginalised, Sociomusicology Theory

Value co-destruction through misintegration of resources within a public service ecosystem

ABSTRACT The concept of public service ecosystem is gaining much interest in discourses concerning value co-destruction in public service delivery. We adopt public service ecosystem as a perspective to view value co-destruction within infrastructure industry through misintegration of resources. To us, value destruction represents a decline in individual, organizational or societal well-being. Our research identifies hybridity, temporality, interconnectedness, and interdependence as pivotal characteristics of the public service ecosystem leading to misintegration of resources. We argue that mitigating value co-destruction requires a focus on institutional arrangements, structures, and incentives to align value creation processes and bridge gaps in the public service ecosystem.