Biggest Negative Impact Research Articles

Impact of functional groups on aboveground biomass in alpine grassland communities

Alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are highly vulnerable to various treatments and face significant degradation risks due to global environmental changes. However, the response of these grasslands to different external treatments remains uncertain, and the patterns behind functional group responses are unclear, impeding our ability to restore alpine grasslands under changing climate. To address this gap, we compiled a comprehensive database of 797 experimental observations of alpine grasslands in the TP, classified these communities into four common functional groups (e.g., grass and sedge), and conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the response of aboveground biomass (AGB) to nine different treatments (e.g., grazing and nitrogen addition). Meta-regression was used to analyze the changes in AGB with treatment intensity and duration. We also used functional group asynchrony and unevenness to describe the complementary effects (CEs) and selection effects (SEs) of communities under these treatments. We found that among all the nine treatments, grazing had the biggest negative impact on the alpine grassland community by reducing AGB by 40.3%, mainly through decreasing the biomass of grass and sedge. Conversely, nitrogen and phosphorus addition had the largest positive effect, increasing AGB by 39.4% mainly by promoting the growth of grass. However, the increase in AGB was not significant in the interactive experiments involving grazing and nitrogen addition. The unevenness of the community decreased as grazing time prolongs, simplifying the structure of the community, with severe nutrient losses and weakened CE, while nitrogen addition could rapidly increase the AGB of grass and enhance the SE. CE or SE of communities can be enhanced through the restoration of specific functional groups, favoring the recovery of vegetation. Our study also revealed the potential of nitrogen compensation for repairing the damage caused by overgrazing on alpine grasslands.

The role of the TSC Alliance in advancing therapy development: a patient organization perspective.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease leading to malformations, or tubers, in the cerebral cortex and growth of tumors, most frequently in the brain, heart, kidneys, skin, and lungs. Changes in the brain caused by TSC usually have the biggest negative impact on quality of life. Approximately 85% of individuals with TSC have epilepsy, and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) affect nearly all individuals with TSC in some way. TSC Alliance's research strategy is built upon both funding and catalyzing research. Through grants, the organization provides funding directly to researchers through a competitive application process. The organization has also built a set of resources available to researchers worldwide, including a Natural History Database, Biosample Repository, and Preclinical Consortium. These resources catalyze research because they are available to qualified academic or industry researchers around the world, enabling an almost unlimited number of scientists to access data and resources to enable and accelerate research on TSC. This research strategy continues to be shaped by the needs and priorities of the TSC community, working toward a future where everyone affected by TSC can live their fullest lives.

Pandemics and economic turmoil in the short‐run: The role of fiscal space

AbstractWe estimate, by means of the local projection method, the short to medium‐term economic impact of previous pandemics in a sample of 170 countries during the 2000–2018 period. We find that the output effect has been significant (reaching over −2 percent after 5 years) and persistent. The impact has varied across income groups, with pandemics affecting more developed countries through a big negative impact on investment. Moreover, we explored the relevance of fiscal space in affecting the negative economic impact of pandemics. To this end, we constructed new aggregate fiscal space variables based on a principal component analysis that combined several indicators. Results suggest that the initial fiscal landscape of countries was a key ingredient in softening the economic impact of past pandemics. We believe that this paper's findings are useful to inform policymakers about what can be expected in the new normal that is following the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly in a context of increasingly constrained fiscal space.

Correlation of endemicity between monogenean trematode, Microcotyle sebastis, and parasitic copepods in Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii, from a fish farm in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea.

Infestations of parasites, particularly those caused by copepods and monogeneans, are a major hindrance to aquaculture and have a big negative economic impact. Sebastes schlegelii, a farmed Korean rockfish, is particularly prone to copepods and monogeneans. This study comprehended how parasitic copepods and rockfish from a farm in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, are related to the monogenean trematode Microcotyle sebastis. Our research revealed that monogeneans predominated, with a rate of 98.4% and an average infection intensity of 7 per infected fish. With an average infection intensity of 4 per sick fish, the infection rate for parasitic copepods was equally considerable, coming in at 91.7%. The high co-infection rate of both parasite families, at 90.8%, is noteworthy. Furthermore, Lepeophtheirus elegans and Peniculus truncatus, 2 parasitic copepod species, were discovered to have M. sebastis eggs attached to their bodies. This demonstrates a connection between parasitic copepod infestations in farmed Korean rockfish and the monogenean trematode M. sebastis. These discoveries highlight the necessity for creating more potent parasite control methods for the aquaculture sector and shed light on the intricate relationships between various parasite species.

Assessment of the Impact of Airlines External Environmental Factors on the Probability of Bankruptcy Risks in the Context of the COVID-19

The paper analyses which external environmental factors had the greatest impact on the probability of airline bankruptcy risk in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. In view of the strengths and weaknesses of the models selected and presented, the Altman Z 'score model was chosen for the study. It has been modified by recalculating the coefficients for the model's weighted indicators. The investigation included environmental macroeconomic statistics and financial data of 49 airlines in the airline sector over the span of ten years (2011-2021). The correlation method has identified the severity of external factors in connection with bankruptcy risks during the pre-pandemic and pandemic timeframe and has established a correlation between fluctuations in the risk of bankruptcy of the airline sector and environmental factors. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were drawn on the link between external environmental factors and changes in the sector’s bankruptcy risk score in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the comparative analysis method showed that the influence of environmental factors analysed in Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania differs due to the predominance of business culture in the region. Overall, however, legal factors had the biggest negative impact on the sector before the COVID-19 pandemic (2011-2018), while other factors (passengers, competitors, labour force, and creditors) were weakly correlated with the likelihood of bankruptcy risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most positive relationship between creditors intensified.

Exports and innovation under trade conflicts: A dynamic and heterogeneous perspective

We build a dynamic and heterogeneous firm-level model that embodies joint decisions to export and innovate and allows both decisions to affect the firm’s production growth. We calibrate the model based on Chinese manufacturing firm data from 2005 to 2007 and find that: (1) the industry dynamics are driven by both self-selection and learning-by-exporting mechanisms, in which firms’ exports and innovation work in tandem, (2) an increasing tariff causes much a bigger negative impact than an increasing entry cost, and (3) the negative impacts of a trade conflict heavily depend on its severity as well as timing.

Negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the different undergraduate student during 2020-2021

The impact of COVID-19 on the general and psychological health and educational status was scored according to previous studies which found left a big negative impact on education. moreover, covid-19 is the greatest challenge that these expanded national education systems have ever faced. many governments have ordered institutions to cease face-to-face instruction for most of their students, requiring them to switch, almost overnight, to online teaching and virtual education. Thus, study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the different undergraduate students during 2020-2021 across the questionnaire format through the view of the student.

Covid-19 and Indonesian Agroindustry Sector Export Performance: Input-Output Analysis Approach

The agro-industrial sector is a sector that plays a role in creating added value for agriculture and generating foreign exchange through its exports. In 2020, the export performance of agroindustry experienced a decline due to Covid-19. The purpose of this study is to analyze the import multiplier and export performance of Indonesian agro-industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study uses secondary data in the form of Indonesian Input-Output Tables in 2016 and changes in exports of each agro-industry sub-sector in 2020. The results of the analysis show that the export performance of the agro-industry sector on output, income, and labor has the biggest negative impact on the textile and apparel industry. While the biggest positive impact was obtained by rice, palm oil, livestock, and the food industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.

How natural disasters affect energy innovation? The perspective of environmental sustainability

The nexus between natural disasters and energy technological innovation is of great importance in the energy technology innovation theory and related literature. This research thus investigates the influence of natural disasters on energy technology innovation by using panel data technology from 1975 to 2018 for the samples of 29 OECD countries and first finds that natural disasters may have a significantly negative impact on energy technology innovation, which not only is impactful in the year of the natural disasters, but also lasts over the next 4 years. In addition, the effects of natural shocks on energy innovation appears to be weaken by greater economic development, trade openness, financial openness, interpersonal globalization and government stability. Furthermore, epidemic has the biggest negative impact on energy innovation. Finally, natural disasters are significantly negatively related to low-carbon energy innovation, but not related to non-low carbon energy innovation. Overall, the findings provide a research reference for how the policy makers can improve the level of energy innovation in the face of natural disasters and environmental sustainability.

'Dear Doctor': a randomised controlled trial of a text message intervention to reduce burnout in trainee anaesthetists.

One in four doctors in training in the UK reports feeling 'burnt out' due to their work and similar figures are reported in other countries. This two-group non-blinded randomised controlled trial aimed to determine if a novel text message intervention could reduce burnout and increase well-being in UK trainee anaesthetists. A total of 279 trainee anaesthetists (Core Training Year 2, Specialty Training Years 3 or 4) were included. All participants received one initial message sharing support resources. The intervention group (139 trainees) received 22 fortnightly text messages over approximately 10 months. Messages drew on 11 evidence-based themes including: gratitude; social support; self-efficacy; and self-compassion. Primary outcomes were burnout (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory) and well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale). Secondary outcomes were as follows: meaning in work; professional value; sickness absence; and consideration of career break. Outcomes were measured via online surveys. Measures of factors that may have affected well-being were included post-hoc, including the impact of COVID-19 (the first UK wave of which coincided with the second half of the trial). The final survey was completed by 153 trainees (74 in the intervention and 79 in the control groups). There were no significant group differences in: burnout (β = -1.82, 95%CI -6.54-2.91, p = 0.45); well-being (-0.52, -1.73-0.69, p = 0.40); meaning (-0.09, -0.67-0.50, p = 0.77); value (-0.01, -0.67-0.66, p = 0.99); sick days (0.88, -2.08-3.83, p = 0.56); or consideration of career break (OR = 0.44, -0.30-1.18, p = 0.24). Exploratory post-hoc analysis found the intervention was associated with reduced burnout in participants reporting personal or work-related difficulties during the trial period (-9.56, -17.35 to -1.77, p = 0.02) and in participants reporting that the COVID-19 pandemic had a big negative impact on their well-being (-10.38, -20.57 to -0.19, p = 0.05). Overall, this trial found the intervention had no impact. However, given this intervention is low cost and requires minimal time commitment from recipients, it may warrant adaptation and further evaluation.

Prices of conventional and renewable energy as determinants of sustainable and secure energy development: regression model analysis

BackgroundThe prices of energy resources are important determinants of sustainable energy development, yet associated with significant unknowns. The estimates of the impact of prices of energy products in the domestic market (for domestic consumers) are rare—hence the importance and novelty of this research. Therefore, the main goal of the paper is to assess the impact of domestic prices of gasoline, gas, coal, and solar energy on sustainable and secure energy future.MethodsThe research includes 14 countries (of which 7 are developed and 7 are developing countries) and a period of 5 years (2014–2018). The model also includes discrete variables: level of development (developing or developed), and the fact as to whether the country is an energy exporter or not. For the purposes of analysis, the following elements were used: Panel Data Analysis, Linear regression (with random and fixed effects), Durbin–Wu–Hausman test, and Honda test, with the use of R-studio software for statistical computing.ResultsThe research showed that the biggest negative impact on energy sustainability was recorded by an increase in the price of coal and the smallest one by an increase in the price of solar energy. An increase in the price of gasoline has a positive impact, while an increase in the price of gas has no impact. The basic methodological result showed that the fixed effects linear model is more accurate than the random effect model.ConclusionsThe results of the paper, important as a sustainable energy policy recommendation, showed that the impact of changes in energy product prices is significantly greater in developing countries, but that the status of the country as an energy exporter has no significance. In addition, the paper points to the need to intensify the research on the assessment of the impact of energy product prices for domestic consumers on their ability to pay that price, because with a certain (so far undefined) increase in energy product prices, a certain group of domestic consumers moves into a category that is not in line with sustainable energy development and is extremely undesirable in every respect—energy poverty.

The Impact of Quarantine on Emotions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The present study explores how the general population of Lithuania felt during the national quarantine of COVID-19 in the period from March 30th to June 8th, 2020. Representative subjects were interviewed five times using adapted single-item questions to evaluate their emotions, stress, and perceived pain levels. Methods: It was hypothesized that gender and age-related differences would be found in emotional responses to the quarantine. Results and Discussion: During the five polls taken, more women were found to report feeling stressed, anxious, sad, and in more physical pain than men. Evaluations of anger, enjoyment, and calmness provided no statistically significant gender differences. Emotions were found to differ significantly between three age groups (18-29, 30-49, 50-74). Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, the biggest negative impact of quarantine was found in the youngest group aged 18-29 years: it showed the highest prevalence of stress, anxiety, and sadness of all age groups. Possible explanations for different gender and age-related emotional reactions are discussed.

The Impact of the Opening of Producer Services on the International Competitiveness of Manufacturing Industry

Countries participating in the international division of labor each try to occupy the industrial highlands, obtain competitive advantages, and promote sustainability of economic development. Based on Porter’s Diamond model, it is widely believed that producer services are vital to support the manufacturing industry. Consequently, this paper selects samples of 55 countries and uses data from 2010 to 2017 to empirically test the impact of producer service’s opening on the export competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. The results show that the opening of producer services in a country promotes the improvement of international competitiveness of manufacturing industry, and the improvement effect is more significant in developed countries than in developing countries. Additionally, the negative impact of foreign capital access restrictions on the export competitiveness of the manufacturing industry is greater than the positive impact of service trade opening. It is also found that the restrictions on foreign capital’s opening in the financial sector have the biggest negative impact on manufacturing exports than that of other divisions of the producer service industry. To improve national competitiveness, it is suggested that the integration of service and manufacturing industries should be enhanced and to decrease FDI access to financial and transportation services restrictions.

Scientific and methodological approaches to modeling the optimal strategy for increasing the competitiveness of pharmacy chains of different sizes

The aim of the work is to develop scientific and methodological approaches to modelling the optimal strategy to increase the competitiveness of pharmacy chains (PC), which belong to different clusters.
 Materials and methods. The algorithm for determining the optimal strategy for increasing the competitiveness of PC for different clusters using the method of constructing a decision tree and cluster analysis is proposed. To solve this problem, an expert survey of more than 400 pharmacy managers, who were part of the PC of different sizes, was previously conducted. According to the results of an expert survey using hierarchical clustering methods based on the values of 13 input variables - scores of the strengths of the competitiveness of the PC, three clusters of networks were identified, each of which proposed its own algorithm for modelling the optimal strategy of competitiveness.
 Results. Using modern economic and mathematical tools, the distribution of PC depending on their size into clusters for modelling the dynamics of competitiveness is substantiated. Indicators are identified, which show a significant difference between clusters, which was taken into account in the process of modelling and selection of the optimal strategy to increase the competitiveness of PC. It is established that the biggest negative impact on the strategy of increasing the competitiveness of small networks has a slow response to changes in market conditions, the biggest positive impact – the availability of additional services in the networks; for medium PC the most important factors influencing the level of competitiveness are the location of pharmacies and competent management; for large PC – the use of modern automated management programs, the level of efficiency of the marketing complex and location features.
 The algorithm of the generalized model of “decision tree” for a choice of optimum strategy of increase of competitiveness depending on the size of PC is constructed. It was found that the following factors are of the greatest importance: the size of the PC, the use of the discount card system, and the least - the speed of response to market changes and the stability of the financial condition.
 Conclusions. The proposed generalized mathematical model of the “decision tree” allows a reasonable approach to choosing the optimal strategy to increase the competitiveness of PC depending on its size. The assessment of the importance of predictor variables for each cluster of PC allows determining the priority factors in the implementation of measures aimed at implementing the chosen strategy to increase competitiveness

Implementasi Forward Chaining dan Certainty Factor pada Aplikasi Konsultasi Kecantikan

Having skin that is free from problems is a dream for most women, especially in Indonesia. However, the problem is not all women are aware that in carrying out treatment or using a product, it must match the needs of each skin type. The rise of beauty salons that operate but are not under the auspices of specialist doctors and also cheap beauty products that are claimed to solve skin problems in an instant makes women easily tempted. This of course can have a big negative impact when the maintenance procedures performed are not up to standard, and there are dangerous ingredients in the products used. For this reason, consulting with a specialist or the expert is indispensable. Researchers used the forward chaining method and certainty factors in building this system which is expected to be used in determining facial skin problems and their solutions based on case studies at the XYZ beauty clinic. The Forward Chaining method is used to draw conclusions based on the facts entered. While certainty factor is used to calculate the trust value from the existing conclusions. This method requires 2 main values ​​in performing calculations, namely MB (measurement of belief) and MD (measurement of disbelief). Based on the research that has been done, the system was successfully built and gave an accuracy value of 97.35%.

Characteristics and relationship between hyperphagia, anxiety, behavioral challenges and caregiver burden in Prader-Willi syndrome.

ObjectivesPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by maladaptive behaviors, amongst which hyperphagia is a life-long concern for individuals with PWS and their caregivers. The current study examined the contribution of hyperphagia and other factors to caregiver burden across lifespan, in 204 caregivers of individuals with PWS living in the US, using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the hyperphagia questionnaire (HQ-CT).ResultsWe found a strong relationship between ZBI and HQ-CT especially in individuals with PWS older than 4 y and showed that HQ-CT scores of individuals with PWS is positively correlated with ZBI scores of their caregivers. The weight status of individuals with PWS was not associated with HQ-CT and ZBI scores, except for obese individuals who had significantly higher HQ-CT scores when compared to normal weight PWS individuals. We looked at PWS symptoms and care-related issues that impacted individuals and caregivers the most. We found that care-related tasks had the biggest negative impact on caregivers of children aged 0–4 y, whereas anxiety, temper tantrums, and oppositional behaviors of older individuals with PWS had the biggest impact on their caregivers concomitant with their high caregiver burden. Finally, we assessed the variability of HQ-CT and ZBI over 6 months in a subgroup of 83 participants. Overall, neither measure differed between 6 months and baseline. Most individual’s absolute HQ-CT score changes were between 0–2 units, whereas absolute ZBI score changes were between 0–6 points. Changes in the caregiver’s or individual’s life had little or no effect on HQ-CT and ZBI scores.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a relationship between hyperphagia and caregiver burden and sheds light on predominant symptoms in children and adolescents that likely underly PWS caregiver burden. The stability and relationship between HQ-CT and ZBI support ZBI as an additional outcome measure in PWS clinical trials.

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 ON ECONOMICS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF GEORGIA)

Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on societies, economies and vulnerable groups is fundamental to inform and tailor the responses of governments and partners to recover from the crisis and ensure that no one is left behind in this effort. The world is facing the dangers posed by the global spread of the new COVID-19 which has created new set of problems for the economy. The Crisis has caused many difficulties for Georgia and its economy. The impact of the new virus is rippling through Georgian economy, but it might take a few months to fully see the fallout in data that track economic performance in Georgia. The coronavirus pandemic is putting enormous pressure on healthcare systems, it is affecting the global economy in an unprecedented way and it is leading to a downturn incomparable to any other economic crisis in recent history. It is hard to estimate the depth and duration of the recession for every region and country. It will depend not only on the development of pandemic, but also on specific economic futures, strengths and vulnerabilities. Today the economy is a hostage to medicine. In Georgia, had on the following industries: tourism, transportation, agriculture and real estate had the biggest negative impact from COVID-19. Hotels, restaurants and tourist agencies demand from the government to postpone the budget taxes and bank loans. Meanwhile the hospitality sector of Georgia tries to minimize the cost because of sharp drop in revenue. Different countries will need different responses to dealing with the global economic challenges. As a fact COVID-19 has taught many countries to survive during the crisis period. From the economic stand point of view, every country has suffered the negative consequences of the COVID-19. The level of the consequences had direct correlation on the economic factors.

The Influence of Populistic and Protectionist Policy of the Trump Administration on the Treatment of Foreign Nationals Applying for Immigration Benefits

Abstract The article focuses on the obstacles to legal immigration imposed by the Trump administration against those who are already in the US pursuant to their valid non -immigrant classification and those who are abroad and trying to reunite with family members in the US or seeking entry having a legitimate job offer from a US employer. Recent changes in US immigration policy have been achieved through restrictive interpretation and enforcement of existing law by the USCIS which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, and by the State Department (DOS) rather than by substantive legislative changes done in Congress. The article provides an overview of the most recent governmental restrictions affecting so called “business immigration” and family -based immigrant processing, and also restrictions on suspension of entry to the US due to Covid-19, introduced through presidential proclamations. Although the federal courts blocked several of these administrative initiatives, the anti--immigrant atmosphere is having a big negative impact on many groups of foreign nationals. Nationalistic notions of “making America great again” that should be accomplished through “buy American and hire American” principle, and legal uncertainty causing ongoing federal lawsuits will undoubtedly lead to America’s further isolationism if President Trump wins the November 2020 election.

Influence of Wooden Cross Ties on the Surrounding Medium at Operation of Transport Objects in Cold Regions

In article questions of influence of wooden cross ties on a surrounding medium in the course of their operation on the railroad and after their replacement are considered in cold northern regions. The biggest negative impact on the environment comes from wooden sleepers impregnated with coal oil, oil pollution and heavy metal ions. Some ways of isolation of waste wooden cross ties by means of the geoeco-protective spreading materials are shown. Insulation technology has been proposed to minimize the environmental impact of spent wood sleepers for cold areas.

Bundling can signal high quality

When consumers have noisy information, bundling experience goods can signal high quality in a simple static model. When consumers are partially informed, bundling has a bigger negative impact on the sales of a low-quality firm than on the sales of a firm with two high-quality products. Bundling can also signal high quality by restricting total sales even when consumers are uninformed. However, I argue this is not a likely explanation for bundling because raising prices is always a more profitable way to restrict total sales than bundling.