Trade Center Research Articles

City of Traders: Urbanization, Social Change, and Territorial Control in Medieval Fardowsa (Central Somaliland)

Abstract This paper presents the results of the research conducted at the site of Fardowsa, a medieval town located in a strategic trade route in Central Somaliland. The excavations and surveys conducted at the site have confirmed the role of Fardowsa as a trading center between the 14th and 16th centuries, and have revealed the existence of privileged households within the site, with differential access to imports and livestock. The combination of data collected in Fardowsa makes this site the best-studied town in Somaliland for this period, and provides key information to help understand the process of emergence, development and abandonment of permanent settlements in this region of the Horn of Africa.

Marcuse e a ponta do iceberg

1968 is considered a remarkable year, mainly because of the struggles of students and workers and the counter-revolutionary movement that followed them. Marcuse is largely remembered for his role in 1960s and 1970s. Although he was considered the Guru of the New Left, his role was misunderstood, being criticized both by the conservative right and the "orthodox" left. However, since the end of 1990s, with the publication of his Collected Papers, Marcuse’s theory has been updated, being subject of many studies. The aim of this communication is to show that the theory of Marcuse is still valid, arguing that he had seen the "tip of the Iceberg" we are facing today. Despite the conjunctural differences, it is possible to say that the trends prevalent today were already present or in gestation in that period. Indeed, in his 33 Theses on the situation post Second World War, published posthumously, Marcuse shows his astuteness realizing the future division of the world in the Cold War. He was not wrong arguing the one-dimensional character of contemporary society, judging the competition between Capitalism and Socialism would lead to equivalence between them, in favor of the first. The predominant strain in 1968 is the same that remains concealed today: the tension between freedom and social containment. The desire for a new way of life, a new culture and morality, face the increasingly growing counter-revolutionary contention that looks for maintaining live the values of exploitation by the capital. The process of counter-revolution opened in the end of the 1960s, which culminated in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall and in 1991 with the end of the Soviet Union, it was not over, only increased in 2001 with the terrorist attacks on World Trade Center and the beginning of terrorist war of G. W. Bush.

Exposure duration and cerebral amyloidosis in the olfactory cortex of World Trade Center responders: A positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study.

Amyloid-β proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, are believed to play an adaptive role in the cerebral immune response. Amyloid is believed to play a role in cerebral immune response and could play a similar role in response to air pollution exposures. In the present study, we examined whether WTC exposure duration was associated with cerebral amyloidosis in WTC responders. WTC responders (aged 44-65 years) who varied in exposure duration but did not use personalized protective equipment were assessed using positron-emission tomography with [18F]-Florbetaben. The outcome was the cortical [18F]-Florbetaben burden, measured using regional standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in 34 Desikan-Killiany regions of interest. Spearman's ρ and generalized linear models were used to estimate correlations between WTC exposure duration and cortical [18F]-Florbetaben SUVR. Cognitive and behavioral symptoms were measured. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure cortical thickness and diffusivity. The mean age of imaged responders was 56 years old. WTC exposure duration was associated with olfactory [18F]-Florbetaben SUVR (Spearman's ρ = 0.43, p = 0.011), which was in turn associated with elevated [18F]-Florbetaben SUVR in ventral regions (ρ = 0.41, p = 0.016). Cortical [18F]-Florbetaben in ventral regions was associated with reduced response speed (ρ = -0.72, p < 0.001), was co-located with cortical diffusivity across regions in the parietal and frontal lobes and reduced cortical thickness in the isthmus cingulate (ρ = -0.53, p = 0.001). Low-grade amyloidosis in the olfactory and frontal lobes was associated with WTC exposure duration. Future work should examine whether low-grade amyloidosis is correlated with the location or distribution of neurofibrillary tangles in WTC responders.

Environmental Health and Transportation: A Landscape Design of a Vital Healthy Area in An Ecological Town

Traveling long distances for specialized treatment causes physical and finanacial coasts. In return, convenient and rapid train transportation along scenic routes provides a suitable atmosphere for recovery in therapeutic health environments. Just a traveling by train saves time andcontributes to economicdevelopment and facilitaiting trade exchanges, aswell as stimulating the economic mobility of regions. Designing a train trajectory thatis not considered from an ecological perspective leads to damage to users and sometimes harms to population Through this research , the ecological space of high speed train station and a parking area on Motorway designed using biomimetics in a healthy area of OuzeraTown in order to avoid the damage resulting from carbon dioxide emissions which provides an appropriate therapeutic environment that provides rapid transportation and specialized healthcare sevices in natural landscape and optimal therapeutic atmosphere in One Health environment.

A study on digital literacy and influencing factors among Chinese seafarers

Digital literacy and skills have become critical indicators of international competitiveness, gaining attention across all sectors. As digital transformation accelerates, the shipping industry, a pivotal center of global trade, faces new challenges. The advent of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) further heightens the demand for enhanced digital literacy among seafarers. This study, guided by UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework (DLGF) and incorporating specific digital skill requirements for seafarers alongside the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) regulations, developed a tailored survey to assess the digital literacy of Chinese seafarers. Using an online survey, responses from 321 seafarers were collected, with participants selected based on professional experience across various maritime positions. The study examines the impact of factors such as education level, maritime experience, job position, and IT training on digital literacy levels. Results indicate that, overall, seafarers’ digital literacy is moderate, though those who participated in IT training show enhanced competencies. However, the study’s focus on Chinese seafarers may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader, multinational seafaring population. Further research with more diverse samples is necessary to improve the applicability of the results to global seafaring contexts.

Association between World Trade Center disaster exposures and body mass index in community members enrolled at World Trade Center Environmental Health Center

Studies suggest that environmental disasters have a big impact on population health conditions including metabolic risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension. The World Trade Center (WTC) destruction from the 9/11 terrorist attack resulted in environmental exposures to community members (Survivors) with potential for metabolic effects. We now examine the impact of WTC exposure on Body Mass Index (BMI) using the data from 7136 adult participants enrolled in the WTC Environmental Health Center (EHC) from August 1, 2005, to December 31, 2022. We characterized WTC-related exposures by multiple approaches including acute dust-cloud exposure, occupational or residential exposures, and latent exposure patterns identified by synthesizing multiplex exposure questions using latent class analysis. Employing multivariable linear and quantile regressions for continuous BMI and ordered logistic regression for BMI categories, we found significant associations of BMI with WTC exposure categories or latent exposure patterns. For example, using exposure categories, compared to the group of local residents, local workers exhibited an average BMI increase of 1.71 kg/m2 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of (1.33, 2.09), the rescue/recovery group had an increase of 3.13 kg/m2 (95% CI: 2.18, 4.08), the clean-up worker group had an increase of 0.75 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.09, 1.40), and the other mixer group had an increase of 1.01 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.43, 1.58). Furthermore, quantile regression analysis demonstrated that WTC exposures adversely affected the entire distribution of BMI in the WTC EHC Survivors, not merely the average. Our analysis also extended to blood pressure and hypertension, demonstrating statistically significant associations with WTC exposures. These outcomes highlight the intricate connection between WTC exposures and metabolic risk factors including BMI and blood pressure in the WTC Survivor population.

Long-Term Oral Health Effects of Traumatic Events Among World Trade Center Health Registry Enrolees, 2003-2020.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling mental health condition arising from experiencing serious traumatic events. This study investigated if PTSD secondary to the World Trade Center terrorist attack on 11 September 2001 (9/11) is associated with self-reported doctor's diagnosis of periodontitis and count of missing teeth. Data from the World Trade Center Health Registry, 2003-2020 (n = 20 826) were used to prospectively examine the rate of periodontitis and cross-sectionally the odds of missing teeth among enrolees with/without PTSD post-9/11 using a modified Poisson regression and generalised logit model, respectively, adjusted for covariates. Approximately 17% reported a doctor's diagnosis of PTSD post-9/11 and 7.4% a doctor's diagnosis of periodontitis. There were 355 new cases of periodontitis (incidence rate = 7.6 per 1000 person-years) among those with PTSD and a rate of 4.3 per 1000 person-years among those without PTSD. The covariate-adjusted rate ratio for periodontitis comparing those with and without PTSD = 1.52 (95% CI: 1.33, 1.74). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) comparing those with and without PTSD were, respectively, OR = 1.15 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.25) and OR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.83) for missing 1-5 teeth and all teeth missing, respectively, as compared to no missing teeth. PTSD post-9/11 appears to be associated with poorer oral health outcomes, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of traumatic events on oral health.

RCEP: Development of China-Japan-Korea Digital Economy and trade strategies of digital trade

Currently, information technology innovation is advancing day by day; digital, intelligent, networks are booming, and in terms of the current situation, China, Japan, and South Korea are still facing some problems to be solved in the development of digital trade, and digital technology can shine when meeting the relevant issues. Although predecessors have conducted many related studies on the development of digital trade between China, Japan, and the ROK, there are still debates about how to solve the new problems facing China, Japan, and the ROK and how to face the challenges in the development of digital economic and trade exchanges. To this end, based on the development trend of China, Japan, and South Korea in the field of digital trade, according to the economic and trade characteristics of China, Japan, and South Korea under the "RCEP,” this paper deeply analyzes the common problems faced by the three countries and predicts their development direction. Accelerating the development of digital trade benefits the comprehensive development of China, Japan, and the ROK and plays a huge role in promoting economic globalization. By accelerating the transformation and upgrading of digital technology, strengthening the collaboration between digital rules and creating a new growth space; second, continuing to deepen the economic and trade cooperation between China, Japan, and South Korea, opening up new channels of economic and trade cooperation, and promoting new forms, models, and exchanges.

An Outpost of Russian Statehood in the North‑West Caucasus

The article examines the history of one of the most important centers of the formation of the Russian frontier in the Northwestern Caucasus in the late 18th – mid 19th centuries, namely, the fortress Prochnyj Okop founded in 1784. The authors analyze the circumstances of the fortress construction and its role during the Caucasian War when it served as an important administrative, communications and logistics centre. Prochnyj Okop served as a residence for the leadership of the Kuban and the Right Flank of the Caucasian line playing the role of a starting point and the main base of the military Cossack colonization of the territories of the Kuban. Large combined units were assembled here. Negotiations with the leaders of the highlanders were held in the fortress. At the same time, the fortress was also a major trading center since 1821, both for the Russians and for the highlanders. The past of Prochnyj Okop is closely connected with a galaxy of names of outstanding Russians. The detailed plan of the fortress of 1803, as well as the materials of the technical survey of the fortress of the Prochnyj Okop in 1925, are being introduced into scientific circulation. The authors argue that the main historical significance of the fortress Prochnyj Okop lies in the fact that it became the original core of the formation of a whole system of new settlements. The Cossack village of Prochnookopskaya, the soldier settlement of Forshtadt, Nogai Kaplanovskij and Cherkessky Vol’nyj villages were founded in the fortress district. An Armenian village, the future Armavir, was founded under the protection of Prochnyj Okop fortress. The article is addressed to readers interested in the history of the exploration of the Caucasus by the Russian Empire in the 18th – 19th centuries.

The Study Report about Interpretation Course

In today's world of deepening globalization, in order to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and promote the common prosperity of all mankind, it is necessary to increase the intensity of Sino-foreign exchanges. Marxism believes that social existence determines social consciousness, and language is the product of human society. In the process of foreign business and cultural exchanges, interpreters build a bridge for people who speak different languages to communicate with each other. With the initial formation of the pattern of “all-round, multi-level and wide-ranging" opening to the outside world, the economic and trade exchanges and cultural exchanges between China and other countries are becoming more and more frequent, and the demand for interpreters is increasing, which greatly promotes the process of professionalization of interpretation. In view of this, the author writes the relative study report about interpretation course to tease out the development of the interpretation and point out what should be done in the practice of interpretation.

Measurement of Noise Intensity in the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin Market Area, Banda Aceh City in 2024

Introduction: Noise is a fairly important issue, especially in relation to comfort. Excessive noise levels in markets can have very dangerous negative impacts in many ways, namely health impacts as well as psychological and technical impacts. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the noise level that occurs in the market area using a Sound Level Meter (SLM) and to map the noise level in the Al-mahirah Lamdingin market. Methods: This study uses an observation method, data collection is carried out by direct observation and measurement of the research object. The sample in this study is one of the sectors of the community trade center, namely the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin market in Banda Aceh city which consists of 93 kiosks with 639 traders. Inclusion criteria are places where people often gather and pass by, areas that are flanked by lots of noise and come from different sources and machines that operate more than 4 hours in 1 day. Exclusion criteria are locations/areas that do not have noise sources and are far from the main road shoulder, machines that operate for less than 4 hours and operate only at certain times. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel software. Results: The results of the study showed that the noise intensity at the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin Market was already in the risky category because it had the highest noise intensity of 55.2 dBA, but did not exceed the threshold value that had been set, namely 65 dBA. Conclusion: Based on the measurement of noise intensity in the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin market, the noise intensity value does not exceed the noise quality standard value but is already at a risky stage because the measurement results are close to the set quality standard and the frequency and time of noise exposure are quite long with the target group. It is necessary to carry out control at each point such as changing the layout of the machine so that the noise does not collect in one place and the use of Hearing Protection Equipment (APT) or it can be by controlling the device, be it equipment renewal or repair.

Rhodian Influence at Kalynda during the Hellenistic Period: Analysis of Oil Lamps from Asar Tepe Excavations (Şerefler/Dalaman)

This study delves into the oil lamp fragments recovered during the 2022-2023 excavation season at Kalynda. Despite not being found in their entirety, the current state of these lamps allows for the determination of their forms. Originating from Rhodes in the 3rd century BC during the Hellenistic Period, these oil lamps were encountered in various regions, particularly through maritime trade. Rhodes, a prominent trading center in the 3rd century BC, held a leading position in maritime trade, actively engaging with the Mediterranean, islands, Egypt, and the Levant. The strong presence of Rhodes in maritime trade facilitated the widespread distribution of goods produced on the island to major trade centers across this geographical expanse. The discovery of Rhodian goods, including oil lamps, in Kalynda—a settlement situated between Lycia and Caria—underscores the city's integral role in trade. The political dominance of Rhodes in Lycia and Caria during the Hellenistic Period further contributed to an influx of Rhodian products in regional cities like Kalynda. Beyond the oil lamps, Rhodian influence in the city is notably reflected in amphora handles bearing Rhodian stamps. The lamps discussed in this study not only enrich our understanding of imported common wares in Kalynda but also illuminate the expansive trade network orchestrated by Rhodes during the Hellenistic Period.

Chronic and Acute Pain and Adverse Economic Outcomes in a 9/11-Exposed Cohort.

The objective of this study was to determine the association between acute and chronic pain and various economic and quality-of-life outcomes. The study sample was drawn from the World Trade Center Health Registry. Both acute and chronic pain were measured in 2020-2021. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the odds of several economic and quality-of-life variables: early retirement, low household income, decline in household income, quality of life, and not working due to health. Those who had extreme pain in the last four weeks that interfered with normal work had 3.12 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.36, 4.39) times the odds of early retirement, 5.34 (95% CI: 3.47, 8.21) times the odds of having a household income below USD 50,000, 2.56 (95% CI: 1.51, 4.33) times the odds of having an income decrease, and 14.4 (95% CI: 11.3, 18.3) times the rate of poor health days compared to those with no pain. Similar results were found for chronic pain. The detrimental effects of pain may influence multiple facets of a patient's life, and both financial and overall well-being may diminish even several years after a pain diagnosis.

Comparative Analysis of Mutual Funds and Gold ETFs: A Study on Investment Performance

This project analysis the returns of specific large-cap equity mutual funds and Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to determine the best investment options for investors looking to balance growth and stability. To create a well-rounded portfolio, the study assesses the performance metrics and risk factors of these investment options. Large-cap equity funds are examined for their ability to offer growth in investment value, while gold ETFs are evaluated for their function as protection against market fluctuations and rising prices. A Decision matrix framework is utilized to methodically assess every fund and ETF based on factors including past performance and level of risk. This method based on data allows for a comprehensive analysis, pointing out the advantages and drawbacks of equity and gold investments. The research provides information on strategic asset allocation, highlighting diversification to maximize profits and handle risk efficiently. The results are meant to assist investors in making knowledgeable, eco-friendly investment choices in a changing financial environment.

Pathways to Carbon Neutrality in Civil Engineering

Abstract. With the development of the global economy and trade exchanges worldwide, urban infrastructure and industrial development have become part of the competition among countries. However, the construction industry and the production of chemical materials emit a large amount of carbon dioxide, leading to the continuous deterioration of the environment, so it is necessary to effectively reduce emissions. As a synonym for global emission reduction, carbon neutrality plays an important role in different industries, especially in civil engineering. In this paper, we start with building materials and green construction to explore the realization of carbon neutrality at the source and center of carbon emission in civil engineering. Firstly, we introduce the low-carbon production technologies of cement and steel, including calcium recycling and membrane separation technology in the cement industry, high-temperature combustion technology and carbon capture technology in steel industry. Then, we take renewable concrete as an example to discuss the emission reduction path of green building materials. Finally, it outlines how to carry out green construction, introduces assembly carbon reduction technology and energy integration system, and demonstrates the possibility of this green construction program in the case of "T&amp;A House".

Pelatihan Digital Marketing Berbasis AI sebagai Bentuk Pemerataan Teknologi di Pulau Batam, Kepulauan Riau

Batam City as a center of industry and trade has a large market The city of Batam, as an industrial and trade hub, holds significant market potential for the utilization of digital technology. While Batam has established infrastructure that facilitates inter-island access, digital transformation has yet to reach the smaller surrounding islands. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains relatively unfamiliar to many communities on islands outside Batam. The objective of this training, organized by the student boarding school of UPN Veteran East Java, is to provide an in-depth understanding of digitalization and AI concepts in digital marketing as a means to support the economy of Batam Island’s communities. This Community Service Program (PKM) is implemented through socialization on AI concepts, the positive potential impacts of AI, and practical AI application workshops, in collaboration with the Director of the SPMAA Batam Foundation and ICT volunteers. The results of this PKM activity indicate a high level of enthusiasm among the community to learn about AI concepts and their use in marketing products on social media. Through this training, it is expected that MSME owners and the entire community on Batam Island will benefit from technological advancements, particularly AI, and that it will support the government’s efforts in promoting equitable digital transformation across Batam Island.

Research on the Training Mode of Compound Talents in "International Trade and Economics + Korean" in the Context of “The Belt and Road Initiative”

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea 32 years ago, the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen, and both the investment and trade exchanges have shown a trend of steady growth. Under the background of increasing trade volume between China and South Korea，the demand for versatile talents who understand both "international economics and trade" and Korean is increasing. Therefore, the cultivation of this kind to talents has become more and more important. This paper aims to explore how to cultivate "cross-border interdisciplinary" talents who can promote transnational communication and enhance the comprehensive strength of the country under the framework of the "Belt and Road". At the same time, China's higher education system needs to seize opportunities, face challenges, and strive to cultivate "cross-border compound talents" for the country.

Cities Shape the Diversity and Spread of Nonnative Species

The globalization of trade and increased human mobility have facilitated the introduction and spread of nonnative species, posing significant threats to biodiversity and human well-being. As centers of global trade and human populations, cities are foci for the introduction, establishment, and spread of nonnative species. We present a global synthesis of urban characteristics that drive biological invasions within and across cities, focusing on four axes: (a) connectivity, (b) physical properties, (c) culture and socioeconomics, and (d) biogeography and climate. Urban characteristics such as increased connectivity within and among cities, city size and age, and wealth emerged as important drivers of nonnative species diversity and spread, while the relative importance of biogeographic and climate drivers varied considerably. Elaborating how these characteristics shape biological invasions in cities is crucial for designing and implementing strategies to mitigate the impacts of invasions on ecological systems and human well-being.

Effects of Cross-Border Railway on Agricultural Value Chain Linkages: Evidence from the China-Europe Railway Express

As an important part of “the Belt and Road” initiative, the CR Express provides a new land route for economic and trade exchanges between economies along the route. Based on the data of Eora26 multi-region and multi-industry input-output database, this paper measures the agricultural value chain linkages between China and foreign countries from the perspective of motion dimension, and uses the difference-in-differences model to explore the agricultural value chain linkages between China and countries along the railway line. The results show that: the operation of CR Express has a significant effect on enhancing bilateral agricultural value chain linkages. From the perspective of value-added inflow, the CR Express can substantially improve agricultural value chain linkages by extending the length of the agricultural industry chain between China and other countries. There is regional heterogeneity in the agricultural value chain linkage effect of the CR Express, compared to non-adjacent countries, the linkage effect is significantly stronger for countries adjacent to the railway's route. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the deep integration of the CR Express with “the Belt and Road” Initiative, segment international markets, and achieve complementary advantages in the agricultural industry through the extension of the agricultural industry chain.

Managing cancer following the World Trade Center disaster.

Managing cancer following the World Trade Center disaster.