Global Perspective Research Articles

Planned expansion of transportation infrastructure in Brazil has implications for the pattern of agricultural production and carbon emissions

High transportation costs have been a barrier to the expansion of agriculture in the interior of Brazil. To reduce transportation costs, Brazil launched the National Logistics Plan, aiming to expand its railway network by up to 91 % by 2035. Such a large-scale infrastructure investment raises concerns about its economic and environmental consequences. By combining geospatial estimation of transportation cost with a grid-resolving, multi-scale economic model that bridges fine-scale crop production with its trade and demand from national and global perspectives, we explore impacts of transportation infrastructure expansion on agricultural production, land use changes, and carbon emissions both locally and nationally in Brazil. We find that globally, the impacts on output and land use changes are small. However, within Brazil, the plan's primary impacts are impressive. PNL2035 results in the reduction of transportation costs by 8–23 % across states (depending on expansion's extent) in the interior Cerrado biome. This results in cropland expansion and increases in terrestrial carbon emissions in the Cerrado region. However, the increase in terrestrial carbon emissions in the Cerrado is offset by spillover effects elsewhere in Brazil, as crop production shifts away from the Southeast-South regions and accompanying change in the mix of transportation mode for farm products from roadway to more emission-efficient railway. Furthermore, we argue that the transportation infrastructure's impact on the enhanced mobility of labor and other agricultural inputs would further accentuate the regional shift in agricultural production and contribute to carbon emission mitigation. Upon its completion, PNL2035 is expected to result in the reduction of net national emissions by 1.8–30.7 million metric ton of CO2-equivalent, depending on the impacts on labor and purchased input mobility. We conclude that the omission of spillover effects due to infrastructure expansion can lead to misleading assessments of transport policies.

High volume online hemodiafiltration: a global perspective and the Brazilian experience

RESUMO A hemodiafiltração (HDF) on-line é uma modalidade dialítica em rápido crescimento no mundo. No Brasil, o número de pacientes com planos de saúde privados tratados por HDF já ultrapassa aquele de pacientes em diálise peritoneal. O alcance de um alto volume convectivo associado à redução de desfechos clínicos e do risco de morte confirmam os benefícios da HDF. Dados nacionais do estudo HDFit forneceram informações práticas relevantes sobre a implementação da HDF on-line em clínicas de diálise no Brasil. O objetivo desta publicação é a disseminação de informações técnicas que possam auxiliar na utilização, com qualidade e segurança, dessa nova modalidade dialítica.

High volume online hemodiafiltration: a global perspective and the Brazilian experience.

Online hemodiafiltration (HDF) is a rapidly growing dialysis modality worldwide. In Brazil, the number of patients with private health insurance undergoing HDF has exceeded the number of patients on peritoneal dialysis. The achievement of a high convection volume was associated with better clinical imprand patient - reported outcomes confirming the benefits of HDF. The HDFit trial provided relevant practical information on the implementation of online HDF in dialysis centers in Brazil. This article aims to disseminate technical information to improve the quality and safety of this new dialysis modality.

Exploring relational aggression and gender dynamics: a global and Indonesian perspective

Girls generally use less physical aggression than boys. However, does this mean that girls are more likely to use relational aggression. With this question in mind, our study aims to analyze the relational aggression of students in Indonesia based on gender. This type of research used is comparative research. The sample in this study was 510 respondents consisting of 19.6% male and 80.4% female. The relational aggression scale (RAS) was used to collect data on student relational aggression in various regions in Indonesia. The analysis technique used is descriptive and differences with the Welch test. The results show that there are significant differences in male and female relational aggression, with an average score difference of -0.30 logit between men and women. In addition, there are fluctuations in the level of relational aggression in the context of gender from year to year in some countries, such as the United States, China, Australia, and others. Recommendations for future research are to integrate a more in-depth social and cultural analysis in Indonesia.

Analysing the current status of open access patent repositories: a global perspective

Analysing the current status of open access patent repositories: a global perspective

Cross-Border Toy Supply Chain Management from a Global Perspective

Cross-Border Toy Supply Chain Management from a Global Perspective

Surface-Level Analysis of International Economic Agreements and Their Strangulatory Impact on Pakistan Economy

The international economic system that evolved after World War II, which was conceived by and rolled out on behalf of Global North states, essentially stood on a tripod of international economic agreements, that is, International Investment Agreements, Double Taxation Agreements, and International Trade Agreements. The ostensible purpose of these agreements was to (a) facilitate cross-border deployment of surplus investible capital, (b) export of finished and capital goods, and (c) allocate favorably taxing rights between states on various incomes earned by multinational enterprises in overseas jurisdictions. Intuitively, when these agreements are signed by and between states at par level of economic development, their resultant economic outcomes would be equal or near-equal. But when such agreements are signed in asymmetrical bilateral economic settings, that is, between a developed and a developing country, the resultant economic outcomes would most likely be lopsided and inimical to the economic interests of weaker partner in the equation. From the global south perspective, these agreements expose developing countries to international arbitration on account of suits filed by investors, erode their tax base by allowing multinational corporations to enter aggressive tax planning ploys, and undermine their export competitiveness vis-à-vis stronger economies. The paper premises that developing countries that signed more of these agreements, would find themselves in a deeper trouble than those which signed less of them, and that countries that signed the agreements in a quicker span of time, got into trouble quicker, too. In this connection, Pakistan is brought in to undertake a surface-level time-series analysis of its signing agreements and the corresponding trajectory of select economic indicators over the past seven decades.

Dialectical Discussion on Thinking about Security Issues at the National Level from the Perspective of Globalization

Dialectical Discussion on Thinking about Security Issues at the National Level from the Perspective of Globalization

River flow in the near future: a global perspective in the context of a high-emission climate change scenario

Abstract. There is high confidence that global warming intensifies all components of the global water cycle. This work investigates the possible effects of global warming on river flows worldwide in the coming decades. We conducted 18 global hydrological simulations to assess how river flows are projected to change in the near future (2015–2050) compared to the recent past (1950–2014). The simulations are forced by runoff from the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) CMIP6 global climate models (GCMs), which assume a high-emission scenario for the projections. The assessment includes estimating the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and the time of emergence (ToE) of all the rivers in the world. Consistently with the water cycle intensification, the hydrological simulations project a clear positive global river discharge trend from ∼2000 that emerges beyond the levels of natural variability and becomes “unfamiliar” by 2017 and “unusual” by 2033. Simulations agree that the climate change signal is dominated by strong increases in the flows of rivers originating in central Africa and South Asia and those discharging into the Arctic Ocean, partially compensated for by the reduced flow projected for Patagonian rivers. The potential implications of such changes may include more frequent floods in central African and South Asian rivers, driven by the projected magnification of the annual cycles with unprecedented peaks, a freshening of the Arctic Ocean from extra freshwater release, and limited water availability in Patagonia given the projected drier conditions of its rivers. This underscores the critical need for a paradigm shift in prioritizing water-related concerns amidst the challenges of global warming.

A critical analysis of soil fertility parameters of rubber plantations with long-term fertilizer use in the western ghats of south India from a global sustainability perspective

A critical analysis of soil fertility parameters of rubber plantations with long-term fertilizer use in the western ghats of south India from a global sustainability perspective

Global perspectives and transdisciplinary opportunities for locust and grasshopper pest management and research

Locusts and other migratory grasshoppers are transboundary pests. Monitoring and control, therefore, involve a complex system made up of social, ecological, and technological factors. Researchers and those involved in active management are calling for more integration between these siloed but often interrelated sectors. In this paper, we bring together 38 coauthors from six continents and 34 unique organizations, representing much of the social-ecological-technological system (SETS) related to grasshopper and locust management and research around the globe, to introduce current topics of interest and review recent advancements. Together, the paper explores the relationships, strengths, and weaknesses of the organizations responsible for the management of major locust-affected regions. The authors cover topics spanning humanities, social science, and the history of locust biological research and offer insights and approaches for the future of collaborative sustainable locust management. These perspectives will help support sustainable locust management, which still faces immense challenges such as fluctuations in funding, focus, isolated agendas, trust, communication, transparency, pesticide use, and environmental and human health standards. Arizona State University launched the Global Locust Initiative (GLI) in 2018 as a response to some of these challenges. The GLI welcomes individuals with interests in locusts and grasshoppers, transboundary pests, integrated pest management, landscape-level processes, food security, and/or cross-sectoral initiatives.

Incorporating Global South Perspectives in the Study of International Relations: Reflections on the Field

Incorporating Global South Perspectives in the Study of International Relations: Reflections on the Field

A comprehensive review on human health hazards due to groundwater contamination: A global perspective

Over the past few decades, the state of groundwater has become a pressing concern, significantly impacting human health. Groundwater contamination from various pollutants poses substantial risks to communities worldwide, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach, including source control, water quality monitoring, advanced treatment technologies, policy formulation, education, and community engagement. This review paper aims to raise awareness of the diverse factors contributing to water contamination. Examining studies on water pollution from human activities reveals that pesticides, fertilizers, industrial operations, and mining activities are major sources of contamination. Nitrate, harmful substances, and radioactive elements negatively affect the quality of both surface and groundwater, posing significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations like children and women. Microplastic contamination, primarily from sewage discharge into oceans, poses additional concerns. Geological sources contribute to groundwater contamination through geochemical processes, with fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, uranium, manganese, and various trace elements identified as contaminants. Pharmaceutical ingredients have also been detected in drinking water and fish, albeit in minimal quantities with negligible health risks. Nonetheless, the cumulative impact of pollution sources on individual well-being and quality of life is considerable. Safeguarding groundwater quality is crucial for protecting public health and requires a combination of regulatory measures, technological advancements, community involvement, and sustainable practices. Consistent monitoring of groundwater quality is recommended to identify pollutant sources and develop effective remedial strategies, ensuring healthier and safer environments for current and future generations.

Waiting for Care and Community Organizing for Serious Health-Related Suffering in Kerala, India.

We explore the temporalities that shape and alleviate serious health-related suffering among those with chronic and terminal conditions in Kerala, India. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork between 2009 and 2019, we examine the entanglements between waiting for care within dominant institutions and the community organizing that palliates this waiting. Specifically, people navigate multiple medical institutions, experience loneliness and abandonment, loss of autonomy, and delays and denials of recognition as they wait for care. Community palliative care organizations offering free, routine, home-based care provide samadhanam (peace of mind) and swatantrayam (self-determination) in lifeworlds mired with chronic waiting. We document how community care sustains an alternative politics of shared time, untethered from marketized notions of efficiency and productivity toward profits. In so doing, we cast in high relief community healthcare imaginaries that alleviate serious health-related suffering and reconfigure Global North-centric perspectives.

Global perspectives on the burden of sexually transmitted diseases: A narrative review.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant global health challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and public health implications. These infections have haunted humanity from ancient times to today, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural contexts. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of STDs, delving into their epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and global response strategies. The global prevalence of STDs is staggering, with millions of new cases reported annually. Prominent among these infections is HIV/AIDS, which remains a major global health crisis, affecting over 38 million people worldwide. Additionally, bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to pose significant health risks, with millions of new cases reported yearly. Beyond the physical manifestations, STDs have profound social and economic implications. They can result in severe reproductive health issues, stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress, burdening healthcare systems and affecting individuals' quality of life. The global response to STDs has been multifaceted, with international organizations and governments implementing various prevention and control strategies, including sexual education programs and scaling up access to testing and treatment. However, challenges persist, including disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural factors influencing transmission, and evolving pathogens with increasing resistance to treatment. Through case studies and real-world examples, we illuminate the human stories behind the statistics, highlighting the lived experiences of individuals grappling with STDs and the complex interplay of factors shaping their journeys. Ultimately, this review calls for continued research, innovative strategies, and sustained global commitment to mitigating the burden of STDs and promoting sexual health and well-being for all.

Quantifiable impact: monitoring landscape restoration from space. A regreening case study in Tanzania

The impact of ecosystem conservation and restoration activities are rarely monitored from a global, multidimensional and multivariable perspective. Here we present an approach to quantify the environmental impact of landscape restoration using long-term and high-resolution satellite observations. For two restoration areas in Tanzania, we can likely attribute an increase in the amount of water retained by the soil (∼0.01 m³ m⁻³, ∼13% average increase), a soil temperature drop (∼-0.5°C) and an increase in surface greenness (∼50% average increase) in 3.5 years. These datasets illuminate the impact of restoration initiatives on the landscape and support the reporting of comprehensive metrics to donors and partners. Satellite observations from commercial providers and space agencies are now achieving the frequency, resolution, and accuracy that can allow for the effective evaluation of restoration activities.

Issues and Challenges Concerning Mental Health in India: Time to Brood Over

Good mental health is obligatory for a high quality of life. One’s wellness is tested by the daily life-challenging situations relating to family, work and environment. Everyone experiences stress and strain throughout their life. Mental health issues continue to be a sombre issue that affects individuals of all age groups and communities throughout the orb. The fundamental cause of mental health issues is societal and cultural norms and practices that affect the individual as well as their relatives. This article highlights the factors contributing to mental illness and socio-economic, cultural, religious and legal challenges in dealing with mental health. The article also discusses all the significant provisions along with their real spirits with which they have been made under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The Act not only makes the provisions in the light of nationwide scenario but also takes into account the global perspective concerning mental health. Also, this article provides some suggestions that will help deal with the issues of mental illness.

Expressway Vehicle Trajectory Prediction Based on Fusion Data of Trajectories and Maps from Vehicle Perspective

Research on vehicle trajectory prediction based on road monitoring video data often utilizes a global map as an input, disregarding the fact that drivers rely on the road structures observable from their own positions for path planning. This oversight reduces the accuracy of prediction. To address this, we propose the CVAE-VGAE model, a novel trajectory prediction approach. Initially, our method transforms global perspective map data into vehicle-centric map data, representing it through a graph structure. Subsequently, Variational Graph Auto-Encoders (VGAEs), an unsupervised learning framework tailored for graph-structured data, are employed to extract road environment features specific to each vehicle’s location from the map data. Finally, a prediction network based on the Conditional Variational Autoencoder (CVAE) structure is designed, which first predicts the driving endpoint and then fits the complete future trajectory. The proposed CVAE-VGAE model integrates a self-attention mechanism into its encoding and decoding modules to infer endpoint intent and incorporate road environment features for precise trajectory prediction. Through a series of ablation experiments, we demonstrate the efficacy of our method in enhancing vehicle trajectory prediction metrics. Furthermore, we compare our model with traditional and frontier approaches, highlighting significant improvements in prediction accuracy.

Unveiling Financial Literacy: Perspectives from Individuals and the Global Stage

In recent years, there has been a developing emphasis on exploring and assessing Financial literacy and its broader ramifications. However, much of this research has tended to focus on vulnerable population sub-groups, often overlooking more affluent segments of society. To establish a sustainable financial system, it's essential to extend financial literacy efforts to all individuals, including those who are educated and capable of disseminating financial information. This paper aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on the importance of financial literacy from a global standpoint and the determinants that influence an individual's level of financial education. Financial literacy is increasingly recognized as a key skill necessary for navigating today's complex financial landscape. It encompasses understanding concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Moreover, it involves the ability to critically evaluate financial products and make informed decisions about personal finances. Despite its importance, financial literacy levels vary widely among individuals and across different demographics. Factors such as education, income level, age, and cultural background can significantly influence one's financial literacy. For instance, individuals with higher levels of education generally exhibit greater financial literacy due to their exposure to financial concepts and resources. However, merely possessing a high level of education does not guarantee financial literacy. Other factors, such as personal experiences, family upbringing, and access to financial education resources, also play crucial roles. Furthermore, societal and cultural norms regarding money management can shape an individual's financial attitudes and behaviors. In light of these complexities, efforts to enhance financial education must be inclusive and holistic. This entails providing accessible and relevant financial education to individuals across all demographics, including those who may not traditionally be considered at risk. By empowering people with the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions, we can contribute to building a more resilient and equitable financial system for the future. KEY WORDS Financial Literacy, Importance, Determinants, Vulnerable Populations, Affluent Segments, Sustainable System, Education, Dissemination, Global Perspective, Navigating

DeepPepPI: A deep cross-dependent framework with information sharing mechanism for predicting plant peptide-protein interactions

Peptide-protein interactions (PepPIs) play a crucial role in various fundamental biological activities in plants. As traditional experimental technologies are usually time-consuming and labor-intensive, it is indispensable to develop computational methods for PepPI identification, which has potential applications across diverse fields including food safety and peptide drug discovery. However, existing methods have received relatively little attention in adequately representing the interaction information between peptides and proteins, consequently limiting the prediction performance. To this end, we present DeepPepPI, a novel deep cross-dependent framework for accurate prediction of plant PepPIs. Concretely, a data-driven context-embedded representation (DCR) module is developed as the peptide feature extractor that can capture rich contextual semantic information, even from short sequences. To fully characterize inherent properties of proteins, we propose a bi-level self-correlation search (BSS) module, which integrates the primary sequence and secondary structure into a unified space to learn their potential relationships. In addition, a cross-dependent feature integration (CFI) module with information sharing mechanism is introduced, aimed at providing a comprehensive feature representation to portray the intricate interaction patterns between peptides and proteins from a global perspective. Extensive experimental results conducted on the benchmark datasets show that DeepPepPI achieves superior prediction performance compared to other state-of-the-art methods.