Importing Countries Research Articles

Disease Mongering: social determinants and mental health in the ideological tools that construct and propagate the phenomenon of "manufacturing" mental illnesses

More than ever, the issue of Health is in evidence, and it is not an exclusively medical matter, but it extends to the work of other disciplines and to society as a whole. The global socio-political-economic scenario points to the call, by the World Economic Forum, for "the great reset". The most important countries in the world in a global agenda, dealing with issues such as the environment, education, poverty, hunger, energy, etc., have given great importance to the issue of health. Health is beginning to occupy a place of responsibility not only for the State but for the entire world population on the global stage. In this context, a particular social phenomenon that has already taken root and grown rapidly in many countries, altering discourses about what is health and what is illness, returns to the spotlight: The phenomenon of pathologizing and medicalizing life, in which "non-medical problems are defined and treated as medical problems, usually in terms of diseases or disorders" (Conrad, 1992, p.209), and for every illness a pill that can restore well-being, preferably as quickly as possible. This reality would not be possible without the ideological force of the discourses of three socially significant actors, which operate simultaneously cooperating for the effectiveness of the "manufacture" and propagation of "mental illnesses", namely, the Hegemonic Medical Model, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and the Mass Media as long as they are in the service of pharmaceutical propaganda. This article is a bibliographic review around the social determinants in health/illness processes focusing on mental health, in order to understand the ideological tools that construct and propagate the phenomenon of "manufacturing" mental illnesses.

Research on the path to enhance the cultural communication literacy of Thai international Chinese language teachers

With the rapid development of global integration, new requirements have been put forward for the content of communication and cooperation among countries. Since the 1990s, China's comprehensive strength has continued to develop rapidly and has become an indispensable and important country in the global development process. With China's increasing international status and close cooperation with countries around the world in multiple fields, each country has a strong demand for learning Chinese, which has prompted China's Chinese language and culture to enter a new stage of high-quality development. Language is a bridge of communication that can promote the integration and development of international culture, industry, and other aspects. International Chinese language teachers play a particularly important role in the dissemination of Chinese language and literature. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a standardized framework and model for cultivating the ability elements of international Chinese language teachers based on guidance and goals, in order to promote sustainable development. This study uses literature review, interview methods, and mathematical statistics to investigate some international Chinese language teachers who have traveled from China to Thailand. The PDCA cycle theory is used to establish a development path centered on "current situation analysis, innovation path, path evaluation, and continuous improvement", exploring the difficulties and difficulties in improving the cultural communication literacy ability of Thai international Chinese language teachers, Targeted optimization and development paths should be proposed: (1) Reasonable goals and development ideas for cultivating the ability elements of international Chinese language teachers should be formulated based on the actual situation of Thai Chinese language learning, exploring deep internal motivation and logical relationships, and improving the framework for cultivating ability elements based on the elements of communication. (2) In the specific implementation process, specific indicators for cultivating ability elements should be clearly defined to strengthen standardization. Targeted training should be conducted based on relevant indicators. (3) Targeted ability element training standards should be developed for Chinese language teachers based on the actual environment, needs, and theoretical foundation of international communication in Thai Chinese language learning. Fourthly, explore diversified cultural communication methods and development path choices, improve the comprehensive ability of Thai international Chinese language around the elements of global communication, and continuously optimize the curriculum system and teaching content. (4) We should improve the evaluation and feedback system, establish clear management systems and development plans for each stage, and promote excellent culture and concepts in a healthy manner. In the specific implementation process, being good at identifying and proposing problems, and combining practical experience to fully solve problems, can help promote deep development.

The Impact of Natural Disturbances on the Central European Timber Market—An Analytical Study

Central European countries are strategic wood exporters in the European and international wood trade. In the context of wood exporters, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Austria are the important countries providing the development and stability of the forestry and wood sector. The share of these countries’ exports in total EU exports represents more than 52% of the volume of wood exported over 5 years. After the Netherlands, the five mentioned countries recorded the highest increase in roundwood production of all EU and EFTA countries in the years 2000–2022 (from 46% (AT)–126% (CZ)), and the European average is 26%. The last decade has been characterised by a significant destabilisation of the Central European timber market as a result of natural disturbances linked to climate change, which also threatens the long-term competitiveness and preservation of this sector in the economic systems of national economies. The article provides an analytical insight into the historical development of natural calamities and their macroeconomic consequences in Central European countries. The data forecast an unfavourable development of the timber market in Europe caused by the ongoing calamity situation, the pricing policy of the timber trade, the oversaturation of the market with lower-quality calamity timber, insufficient processing capacities for primary processing of wood and its use in secondary processing, and, last but not least, the limited stock of timber in the coming years in selected Central European countries (due to an extreme increase in harvesting plans within the last 5 years, with consequences that will be felt in the coming decade). For the continued economic function of forests and the availability of wood supply for future generations, the current evolution of calamities in forest ecosystems is critical, and long-term strategic measures based on empirical data are necessary. The information presented in this paper can serve as a tool for the objectification of strategic decisions in the development of forestry policies in selected countries.

Dumping Practices on Market Balance: A Review of Business Competition in E-Commerce

The practice of dumping is an increasing phenomenon in international trade. Dumping is a practice where exporters sell commodities on the international market at prices below fair value or lower than the price in the country of origin or the general price on the international market. This practice is considered unfair because it can damage the market and harm competitors in the importing country. The government can adopt policies and regulations that protect local producers from dumping practices. Industry players can work together to monitor and report suspicious dumping practices. International institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) can play an important role in addressing dumping practices by providing an international legal framework that regulates this practice. This research uses a normative juridical approach with analysis of various relevant laws, regulations and policies. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide a clearer understanding of the practice of dumping and the legal consequences it causes in the perspective of Law No. 5 of 1999 concerning Business Competition in Indonesia.

Assessing the role of geographical indications in affecting the quality of imports

AbstractGeographical indications (GIs) aim to protect the names of specific high‐quality products (food and wine) to preserve and promote the uniqueness linked to their geographical origin and traditional know‐how. EU and extra‐EU countries register domestic products with GIs. This study disentangles the effects of such registrations on the quality of imports using country‐level product import data for the fruit, vegetable, coffee, tea, and spice sectors. Our results show that the registration of domestic products as GIs enhances the quality of imported goods only if the importing country has a lower level of quality of domestic production. The introduction of GIs into high‐quality domestic markets can discourage import quality upgrades. This is because domestic producers may prefer to compete for quality rather than price, and imported goods represent a less expensive alternative to high‐quality national goods for consumers. Conversely, in countries where domestic product quality is lower, the introduction of GIs may enhance import quality upgrading because the diffusion of GIs induces domestic consumers to become more demanding in terms of quality for foreign products.

Trade Pattern of Indian Basmati Rice: A Markov Chain Approach

The present study was undertaken to study the trade dynamics of basmati rice using the Markov-Chain approach. The findings indicated that the most unstable market during the first period was Iraq and the USA, and in the second period, was the USA, respectively, with zero probability retention. The projected export share of major importing countries indicated that the UAE, the Yemen Republic, and Saudi Arabia were likely to increase their export share. At the same time, Iran is expected to lose its share in Indian Basmati rice exports in the coming years. However, India has retained its original import markets and explored new markets as a comparative advantage. In order to sustain itself in the global market, the Government should focus on improving export infrastructure facilities.

Process Engineering Analysis of Transport Options for Green Hydrogen and Green Hydrogen Derivatives

The transition of the German economy and energy system toward CO2 neutrality requires large quantities of climate‐friendly chemical energy carriers, such as green hydrogen, to be imported. The decision on the most favorable import routes must consider its energy efficiency To respect the remaining CO2 budget to achieve the 1.5° climate target, the implementation time and therefore additional evaluation criteria must be taken into account. In this article, as a first step, the energy utilization rate () for different hydrogen import options is evaluated. Starting off from hydrogen at 25 °C and 25 bar produced in the exporting country, liquid hydrogen, ammonia, liquid methane (Green LNG), methanol, and liquid organic hydrogen carrier are considered as chemical energy carries. Liquid hydrogen is in future the most efficient import option ( = 7%) when gaseous hydrogen is supplied in the importing country. When direct utilization of the H2 derivatives is considered, the ammonia import route has the highest energy utilization rate with 77%. If point sources for CO2 are considered, direct utilization of methanol ( = 83%) and Green LNG ( = 76%) are energetically favorable import options. Additional significant criteria for a technological assessment are maturity of technologies, available capacities, infrastructures, and production processes.

Emerging vegetable crop diseases and their management options

Abstract Vegetable crops are economically important throughout the world and they all share some common features, such as high value, globalisation of the seed market, continuous intensification and innovation of their production systems, the presence of a high number of crops and varieties, and a limited availability of chemical pesticides for their disease management. In this review, we focus on fungal plant pathogens, although several diseases caused by bacteria are becoming important. Many diseases caused by soilborne pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysporum (different formae speciales ), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum , Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp., become more severe over the last few years. Many of these diseases can be considered the consequence of the profound changes that soil disinfestation has undergone since the use of methyl bromide was prohibited in 2005. In the meantime, new hosts have been detected for diseases caused by foliar pathogens ( Alternaria spp., Stemphylium spp. Fusarium equiseti , Albifimbria verrucaria , Paramyrothecium roridum ), often as a consequence of climate change. The phytopathological situations of vegetable crops is discussed hereafter, with special emphasis on Italy, which is one of the most important vegetable production countries in Europe (not worldwide). The evolution of some diseases as a possible consequence of the current limitations in the use of chemicals, of the globalisation of the markets and/or of climate change is critically discussed. The disease management options that are currently available (e.g. the use of healthy planting material, host resistance, soil health, soilless systems, biological control, and integrated pest management) are discussed.

The Impact of Participating in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and Potential Export Markets for Vietnamese Rice: An Application of Augmented Gravity Model

In this study, we investigate the potential effects of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement on Vietnam’s rice exports from 2000 to 2016. For this analysis, we employ the panel data augmented gravity model with some modifications. The estimated results suggest a positive relationship between Vietnam’s per capita export and the capita real gross domestic product (GDP) of the importer, Vietnam’s rice production, export price, and ASEAN dummy. We confirm that there is a negative relationship between Vietnam’s per capita rice export value and import country agricultural land and import tariffs. Additionally, this paper forecasts Vietnam’s rice export value per capita at each market in RCEP partners by using the autoregressive model. Our forecast results show that among RCEP members, Vietnam has potential markets if import tariff reductions are lowered in Singapore, Brunei, Korea, Japan, and Malaysia. To reap the benefits of rice exports’ potential, Vietnam must move from low-grade and cheap rice to high-quality rice production instead of expanding rice production and exports with the following implications: changing its present rice trading partners to potential markets and adopting market-oriented policies to meet the international demand and to increase the export elasticity of rice.

Exports vs. FDI under counterfeiting: implications for the IPR policy of an importing country

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes how exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) differ in affecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) policy of an importing country faced with domestic counterfeiting problems. We identify the circumstances in which IPR protection and private protection are complementary. Our study also highlights the challenges of using IPR protection to fight counterfeiting while attracting FDI, which may reduce domestic welfare.

Determinants of Trade Flow in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS): Does Governance Matter?

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: This study analyzes the determinants of intra-ECCAS trade, with special attention paid to the role of institutional quality from 1996 to 2021. Materials and methods: The study conducts descriptive analysis and utilizes a Negative Binomial Pseudo Maximum Likelihood to analyze the determinants of intra-ECCAS trade. Results: The results suggest that gross domestic product (GDP), population, time taken for export shipment in the exporting countries and the bilateral real exchange rate of the importing partner country enhance intra-ECCAS trade flow. On the other hand, distance, two trading partners being landlocked, time for importing countries and bilateral real exchange rate of the exporting partner discourage this. Furthermore, the findings reveal that institutions are vital to intra-ECCAS trade. Conclusions: T he key d rivers of intra-ECCAS t rade a re GDP, population, t ime t aken for export shipment in the exporting countries, bilateral real exchange rate of the importing partner country, and institutions’ quality measures.

The Belt and Road Initiative and Regional Infrastructure Finance and Construction

This article discusses the rationale for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and conducts an empirical analysis utilising a revised gravity model linking connective infrastructure constructed under the auspices of the BRI with global trade in the 2010–22 period. The authors’ empirical analysis shows that BRI connective infrastructure projects are beneficial to both the export and import countries. After controlling for all other factors, the existence of connective infrastructure in the export country is associated with a 25% increase in its export value, with a significant reduction in the transport costs.

Conflicts and opportunities for commercial tree plantation expansion and biodiversity restoration across Brazil.

Substantial global restoration commitments are occurring alongside a rapid expansion in land-hungry tropical commodities, including to supply increasing demand for wood products. Future commercial tree plantations may deliver high timber yields, shrinking the footprint of production forestry, but there is an as-yet unquantified risk that plantations may expand into priority restoration areas, with marked environmental costs. Focusing on Brazil-a country of exceptional restoration importance and one of the largest tropical timber producers-we use random forest models and information on the economic, social, and spatial drivers of historic commercial tree plantation expansion to estimate and map the probability of future monoculture tree plantation expansion between 2020 and 2030. We then evaluate potential plantation-restoration conflicts and opportunities at national and biome-scales and under different future production and restoration pathways. Our simulations show that of 2.8 Mha of future plantation expansion (equivalent to plantation expansion 2010-2020), ~78,000 ha (3%) is forecast to occur in the top 1% of restoration priority areas for terrestrial vertebrates, with ~547,500 ha (20%) and ~1,300,000 ha (46%) in the top 10% and 30% of priority areas, respectively. Just ~459,000 ha (16%) of expansion is forecast within low-restoration areas (bottom 30% restoration priorities), and the first 1 Mha of plantation expansion is likely to have disproportionate impacts, with potential restoration-plantation overlap starkest in the Atlantic Forest but prominent in the Pampas and Cerrado as well. Our findings suggest that robust, coherent land-use policies must be deployed to ensure that significant trade-offs between restoration and production objectives are navigated, and that commodity expansion does not undermine the most tractable conservation gains under emerging global restoration agendas. They also highlight the potentially significant role an engaged forestry sector could play in improving biodiversity outcomes in restoration projects in Brazil, and presumably elsewhere.

An Updated Review of Recent Applications and Perspectives of Hydrogen Production from Biomass by Fermentation: A Comprehensive Analysis

Fermentation is an oxygen-free biological process that produces hydrogen, a clean, renewable energy source with the potential to power a low-carbon economy. Bibliometric analysis is crucial in academic research to evaluate scientific production, identify trends and contributors, and map the development of a field, providing valuable information to guide researchers and promote scientific innovation. This review provides an advanced bibliometric analysis and a future perspective on fermentation for hydrogen production. By searching WoS, we evaluated and refined 62,087 articles to 4493 articles. This allowed us to identify the most important journals, countries, institutions, and authors in the field. In addition, the ten most cited articles and the dominant research areas were identified. A keyword analysis revealed five research clusters that illustrate where research is progressing. The outlook indicates that a deeper understanding of microbiology and support from energy policy will drive the development of hydrogen from fermentation.

Identifying container hotspots for table grape exports from South Africa to the UK: A case study

In view of table grapes being very sensitive to temperature variations, steps must be taken to maintain temperature at protocol levels to avoid deterioration of fruit quality and resultant food losses. This study assesses the implications of hotspots in refrigerated containers during table grape exports from a packhouse in South Africa, through the other stages of the cold chain until a retailer’s distribution centre in the UK. Ambient and pulp temperature data were collected from temperature sensors inserted at locations distributed horizontally and vertically throughout the container.The mixed analyses results showed that the most severe temperature deviations from protocol, in terms of the maximum temperatures recorded, occurred during the period from when the pallets were removed from cold storage to be loaded into the reefer container up to when the container was reconnected to an electricity supply at the port. Sensors located in the middle and top of the pallet were far more likely to record temperature deviations compared to sensors located at the bottom of the pallet, implying that hotspots are more likely to form in the upper-half of the container than near the floor.The study, a first that covered the entire export cold chain of table grapes to the importing country’s distribution centre, identified key areas industry role players can concentrate on to improve the operational proceduresalong the cold chain. This was done to help support the South African table grape industry to remain competitive in the global market.

UNCOVERING COCOPEAT EXPORT POTENTIAL TO G-20 COUNTRIES: CAN GRAVITY MODELS PROVIDE ANSWERS?

This study examines the factors influencing the export value of Cocopeat from Indonesia to G20 member countries. The variables considered are Indonesian GDP, Importer Country GDP, Economic Distance, Exchange Rate, Indonesian Population, and Importer Country Population. The study utilizes the Gravity Model and panel data from 2017-2021 to analyze the international trade relationship of Cocopeat. The findings reveal certain patterns in Cocopeat trade from Indonesia to G20 countries. Indonesia's GDP has a positive influence on Cocopeat exports, although it is partially insignificant. On the other hand, Importer Country GDP has a significant negative effect on Cocopeat exports. Economic Distance and Exchange Rate also have a negative influence, but are not partially significant. Furthermore, the Indonesian Population shows a positive influence on Cocopeat exports, albeit not partially significant. In contrast, the Importing Country Population has a significant positive influence on Cocopeat exports from Indonesia. This research uses quantitative methods, which is a research approach that uses data in the form of numbers and statistics to measure certain variables and draw conclusions based on quantitative analysis. Data collected in quantitative research is analyzed using statistical techniques and other quantitative analysis methods. The purpose of this analysis is to identify patterns, relationships, and trends that occur in the data as well as to test research hypotheses.

The Flow Rate of the Condenser Cooling Water in the Distillation Process Increases the Quality and Quantity of Patchouli Oil.

Indonesia is an important essential oil-exporting country globally, where 40 types of essential oils have been traded on the international market and are products of Indonesia. However, the quality and quantity of patchouli oil produced in Indonesia are still low. Most essential oil processing units use simple or traditional technology and generally have limited production capacity. This study aimed to obtain the optimum water flow rate in a condenser system for patchouli oil production in Maluku, Indonesia. Patchouli oil extraction from fresh patchouli leaves and twigs was carried out by increasing the condenser water discharge rate. Patchouli oil extraction with a condenser cooling water discharge treatment of 1.74 L/min and drying time for 5 days produced the highest patchouli oil yield of 1.4%. The greater the condenser water discharge rate, the better the yield and accumulation of patchouli oil recovery obtained. In addition, based on the results of the analysis of the composition of patchouli oil compounds with GCMS, it can be seen that 13 compounds can be detected in patchouli oil. The three main components of patchouli oil in all condenser cooling water treatments were alpha-guaiene, delta-guaiene, and patchouli alcohol. Considering the results of all parameters mentioned above, the treatment of the condenser cooling water discharge of 1.74 L/min and drying time for 5 days increases the quality and quantity of patchouli oil.

The development of the international nuclear power plant construction market in the context of nuclear power social acceptability research

Aim. To determine the vector of influence of public opinion on the prospects of development of the international market of nuclear power plant (NPP) construction in the conditions of global energy transition and to formulate the most priority directions of communication work in order to increase the Russian export of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries.Objectives. To identify the current trends of social acceptability of nuclear power in the world; to consider a number of tools used to work with public opinion in the field of improving the reputation of nuclear power in countries-importers of nuclear power technologies; to substantiate the importance of communication work in order to increase Russian exports of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries.Methods. Data from various sociological surveys were used to analyze the current state of social acceptability of nuclear power plants. The key methods of this study are comparative method and case study method.Results. The analysis of the international experience of society’s influence on energy policy has shown that it is impossible to implement international projects in the field of NPP construction without public support for the initiative on nuclear power development. The analysis revealed that one of the competitive advantages of ROSATOM in the international NPP construction market is the inclusion of public communication work in the export offer. Based on the analysis of the results of sociological surveys, it was found out that within the framework of communication work with the public in the importer country it is reasonable to emphasize the economic benefits of NPP operation and continuity of its functioning.Conclusions. The article shows the possibilities of increasing the Russian export of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries, due to the global trend to increase the social acceptability of nuclear power and the presence of relevant competitive advantages, including within the framework of the implementation of communication strategy.

The Earthquake Fatality Load: A Measure of Impact

ABSTRACT A key measure of the earthquake problem in a country is the ratio of fatalities to population size. We propose that the new parameter earthquake fatality load per year objectively measures the level of the population suffering in seismically active countries, that is, it indicates the average annual cost in lives. We present a list of this new parameter for 35 seismically important countries with adequate data for this estimate. Among these countries, Ecuador, Lebanon, Haiti, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Portugal have experienced the greatest loads during the last five centuries. The earthquake fatality load decreases significantly as a function of time in the 18 countries with enough data for analysis. Major factors causing this may be improved resistance to shaking by the built environment, and migration of the rural population leaving weak buildings and occupying stronger ones in large cities.

Effects of Government Price Policies on Major Agricultural Commodities in Andhra Pradesh, India

This study was concerned with analysis of export competitiveness and quantification of impact of price policies in Andhra Pradesh on net social loss in production and consumption, and welfare gain of farmers and consumers and change in Government revenue with respect to major food grains and commercial crops. Policy Analysis Matrix and Partial Equilibrium Model in the Marshallian economic surplus framework are employed in this study. The findings from Policy Analysis Matrix revealed that, on the input side, the farmers are more subsidized for rice and maize, as Nominal Protection coefficient on Tradable Inputs are less than one across all the major importing countries (unlike for chickpea, cotton lint and chilies (dry)). However, from the output side (Nominal Protection coefficient on Tradable output), the farmers producing rice, maize and chilies (dry) are more protective compared to social prices. Considering both input and output policies together, the farmers are simultaneously protective (Effective Protection Coefficient) for rice and maize and hence, the overall transfer from society to farmers is positive (Subsidy Ratio to Producers). The findings from Partial Equilibrium Model showed that total net social loss was found to be positive implying protectionism favoured the farmers across all the selected commodities. Further, the net social loss in production turned out to be positive confirming the main postulate of this study—a price greater than the equilibrium price will reduce the quantity demanded. The protectionist policies further led to a positive effect of trade liberalization on the welfare in the State and an increase in foreign exchange earnings, except for chickpea (in view of its net-importer status). Unlike farmers, consumers in Andhra Pradesh suffered welfare loss due to higher domestic prices over border prices for rice, maize and chilies (dry), However, there is a considerable increase in Government revenue due to pricing policies formulated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The welfare gains to farmers are negative for chickpeas and cotton in view of higher domestic prices compared to border prices. So, the key point evident is that due to protectionism, the magnitude of net loss to consumers’ welfare compared to welfare gain of farmers is higher between Rs. 21916 lakh to Rs. 23768 during TE 2020-21 implying welfare transfers from consumers to farmers. Thus, the Government of Andhra Pradesh is spending an enormous amount of money to keep the protection policies going for the benefit of farmers. However, considering the net importer status of chickpeas, the Government should further escalate the subsidy both in production and marketing programs.