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The selection of a suitable reform model for provincial rural credit cooperatives unions (PRCCUs) is a pivotal aspect of China's ongoing financial reform endeavors. This involves optimizing internal processes, enhancing efficiency, minimizing operational costs, elevating service quality, strengthening financial innovation capabilities, and promoting the healthy growth of rural financial markets. However, current research on this matter primarily concentrates on qualitative analysis. As of yet, a scientifically grounded decision-making framework from a quantitative standpoint has not been developed. This absence of quantitative analysis results in inaccuracies in research findings, thereby hindering the practical applicability of outcomes. To tackle this formidable challenge, we propose an innovative quantitative analysis framework employing the multi-criteria group decision-making method. This framework, which builds upon the cumulative prospect theory (CPT), the TODIM method, and the most recent advances in type-2 fuzzy numbers (T2FNs), is referred to as the T2FNs-CPT-TODIM. Initially, we define a novel score function, followed by the introduction of a fresh method for computing the distance between the T2FNs. Subsequently, our model pioneers an exclusive weight allocation strategy for decision-makers, grounded in the principles of Dice Similarity. Furthermore, the objective weights of criteria can be computed utilizing the Distance Correlation-based CRITIC approach. We then optimize the rankings by applying the advantage of gains and losses preference in the CPT-TODIM. Ultimately, we apply our proposed model to the practical task of selecting the optimal reform model for a specific PRCCU. Thorough comprehensive sensitivity and comparative analyses, the results validate the theoretical robustness and practical efficacy of our proposed method. • We developed a novel quantitative decision making analysis framework for the PRCCUs. • The new score function, distance measure, and Dice Similarity measure are introduced. • Apply the proposed framework to the selection of a PRCCU's reform models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• China is heavily reliant on the import of fossil fuels and its traditional trade routes are vulnerable to political, logistical and security disadvantages. • The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), if utilized for energy imports, can become a viable alternative route. • The aim of this study has been three-fold, first the identification of most suitable means of transport through CPEC, its cost benefit analysis in terms of supply route for Western China and ranking of CPEC's seaports among Myanmar 's and Eastern China's seaports. • Thus, CPEC, if incorporated in Chinese crude oil import network, will result in a significant reduction in costs and dependence on Strait of Malacca. With China's increasing role in the international political arena, it needs to focus on the diversification of its energy import routes. China is heavily reliant on importing fossil fuels for its industrial and domestic needs, and its traditional trade routes are vulnerable to political, logistical, and security disadvantages. China has been importing from American, African, and Middle Eastern countries through Myanmar's and Eastern China's seaports. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), if utilized for the crude oil imports, can become a viable alternative, and may result in the reduction of the vulnerabilities faced by existing routes. To assess this proposition, this study has focused on identifying China's most optimal route for crude oil import through a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique; Fuzzy-TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). Furthermore, to confirm the economic viability of the CPEC route, its Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) has also been performed. Besides, Fuzzy TOPSIS has been used to identify the best transport mechanism from the CPEC's seaports till Western China. MCDM criteria in both cases include time, economic costs, energy consumption, environmental emissions, and security risks. Results indicate that the maritime route, passing through Myanmar is the most optimal route, followed by the CPEC route. Both these routes are prioritised over the traditional route which passes through Eastern China seaports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2021, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, encompassing hypercholesterolemia, being a major contributing factor. A range of lipid-lowering medications is used for the management of hyperlipidemia, but the use of statins is considered as standard therapy. Unfortunately, some patients do not respond to this therapy, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Tafolecimab is a novel proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibody that inhibits the binding of PCSK9 with low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) and increases LDLR recycling, and thus it indirectly lowers circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by increasing LDL-C uptake. The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of tafolecimab in reducing LDL-C levels., Methods: A thorough search was conducted on Medline (PubMed), Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception until December 2023. Review Manager was used for statistical analysis. The random effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I 2 index. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's RoB 2 tool. This review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023471020)., Results: A total of four Chinese studies matched the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. A total of 726 patients were included in this review, out of which 476 patients were males. Out of four, three studies that studied the efficacy of 450 mg tafolecimab every 4 weeks in patients (n = 462) as compared to placebo (n = 224) were included in the meta-analysis. According to the pooled results, tafolecimab caused a significant decrease in LDL-C levels from baseline to week 12 as compared to placebo (MD = - 63.78, 95% CI - 65.88 to - 61.68, p value < 0.00001, I 2 = 97%). The pooled results showed that more patients achieved ≥ 50% reductions in LDL-C levels (RR = 52.33, 95% CI 18.51-147.95, p value < 0.00001, I 2 = 0%) and LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L (RR = 17.27, 95% CI 9.59-31.11, p value < 0.00001, I 2 = 0%) at week 12 in the tafolecimab group than the placebo group. Additionally, tafolecimab also caused a robust decrease in non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) levels from baseline to week 12 compared to placebo. The overall risk of bias was low, as determined by the RoB 2 tool., Conclusions: Tafolecimab showed promising lipid-lowering efficacy and a well-tolerated safety profile. Our findings suggest its potential as an innovative therapeutic option for individuals with hypercholesterolemia; however, significant heterogeneity was observed in some results, making it difficult to come to a firm conclusion. Therefore, large-scale randomized trials are required to confirm our findings, particularly exploring the most effective dosage regimens across varied populations., Registration: PROSPERO identifier number CRD42023471020., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)