Host State Research Articles

Parasite prevalence is determined by infection state- and risk-dependent dispersal of the host.

The spread of parasites and the emergence of disease are currently threatening global biodiversity and human welfare. To address this threat, we need to better understand those factors that determine parasite persistence and prevalence. It is known that dispersal is central to the spatial dynamics of host-parasite systems. Yet past studies have typically assumed that dispersal is a species-level constant, despite a growing body of empirical evidence that dispersal varies with ecological context, including the risk of infection and aspects of host state such as infection status (parasite-dependent dispersal; PDD). Here, we develop a metapopulation model to understand how different forms of PDD shape the prevalence of a directly transmitted parasite. We show that increasing host dispersal rate can increase, decrease or cause a non-monotonic change in regional parasite prevalence, depending on the type of PDD and characteristics of the host-parasite system (transmission rate, virulence, and dispersal mortality). This result contrasts with previous studies with parasite-independent dispersal which concluded that prevalence increases with host dispersal rate. We argue that accounting for host dispersal responses to parasites is necessary for a complete understanding of host-parasite dynamics and for predicting how parasite prevalence will respond to changes such as human alteration of landscape connectivity. This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'.

Host Status and Response Differences of Flat-Leaf and Curly-Leaf Parsley to Meloidogyne hapla, M. chitwoodi, M. fallax, and M. incognita Infestation.

Leaf parsley growth and productivity are often affected by pathogen infection. Root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloiogyne are common pathogens reported on leaf parsley. The response of leaf parsley to Meloidogyne species in tropical and subtropical regions is quite known, while in temperate regions, comparable information is still scarce. In this study, we evaluated the host status and response of three flat-leaf (Laica, Laura, Gigante d'Italia) and three curly-leaf (Grüne Perle, Orfeo, Sombre) parsley cultivars to Meloidogyne species from temperate regions, i.e., M. hapla, M. chitwoodi, and M. fallax, as well as to the southern root-knot nematode M. incognita. Evaluation was based on measuring plant biomass and nematode reproduction nine weeks after nematode inoculation. Our results showed that all four Meloidogyne species did not cause the reduction in leaf parsley growth under the given experimental conditions. Regarding the host status of leaf parsley cultivars for Meloidogyne, results were variable. All six parsley cultivars were found to be good hosts for M. hapla. Regarding M. chitwoodi, the host status could not be clarified properly; however, each cultivar allowed nematode reproduction at least in one experiment. For M. fallax, flat-leaf parsley turned out to be less susceptible than curly-leaf parsley; and for M. incognita, Orfeo, Laura, and Laica were classified as good hosts, Grüne Perle and Sombre as poor hosts, and Gigante d'Italia as a non-host. Amongst all tested cultivars, Gigante d'Italia was found to be the least susceptible cultivar due to its poor host status for M. chitwoodi and non-host status for M. fallax and M. incognita. Infection with M. hapla, M. chitwoodi, and M. incognita, but not with M. fallax, resulted in distinct gall formation on the roots of all six leaf parsley cultivars.

Informational lobbying and commercial diplomacy

AbstractWhat determines the content of bilateral diplomacy? I argue that the foreign policy issues prioritized by specific embassies are influenced by their diplomats' sources of information. For evidence, I study the proliferation of American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams)—private interest groups composed of US firms that are operating in specific host states—over the 20th and early 21st centuries. AmChams became key sources of information for US embassies, particularly on issues of relevance to the private sector (such as tax, trade, and investment regulations). Using novel text data from approximately 1500 oral history interviews with former diplomats, and leveraging the institutional structure of diplomatic rotation, I show that diplomats who were exposed to active AmCham branches paid significantly greater attention to commercial issues. These results identify a new avenue through which interest groups can influence foreign policy, help explain the proliferation of probusiness international agreements over the past several decades, and contribute to the growing literature on diplomacy in the international political economy.

The Function of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Canine Intestinal Health and Their Evaluation Criteria.

Maintaining homeostasis within the intestinal microbiota is imperative for assessing the health status of hosts, and dysbiosis within the intestinal microbiota is closely associated with canine intestinal diseases. In recent decades, the modulation of canine intestinal health through probiotics and prebiotics has emerged as a prominent area of investigation. Evidence indicates that probiotics and prebiotics play pivotal roles in regulating intestinal health by modulating the intestinal microbiota, fortifying the epithelial barrier, and enhancing intestinal immunity. This review consolidates literature on using probiotics and prebiotics for regulating microbiota homeostasis in canines, thereby furnishing references for prospective studies and formulating evaluation criteria.

Efficient near-infrared organic light-emitting diodes with emission from spin doublet excitons

The development of luminescent organic radicals has resulted in materials with excellent optical properties for near-infrared emission. Applications of light generation in this range span from bioimaging to surveillance. Although the unpaired electron arrangements of radicals enable efficient radiative transitions within the doublet-spin manifold in organic light-emitting diodes, their performance is limited by non-radiative pathways introduced in electroluminescence. Here we present a host–guest design for organic light-emitting diodes that exploits energy transfer with up to 9.6% external quantum efficiency for 800 nm emission. The tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl-triphenyl-amine radical guest is energy-matched to the triplet state in a charge-transporting anthracene-derivative host. We show from optical spectroscopy and quantum-chemical modelling that reversible host–guest triplet–doublet energy transfer allows efficient harvesting of host triplet excitons.

Murky Waters: Controlling the Ocean Transit of Floating Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract States are increasingly turning to novel solutions to achieve their energy goals. In response, floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) have emerged as a potential solution to meet the energy demands of remote and coastal areas. “Build Own Operate” programs have thus been proposed as turnkey commercial endeavors in which supplier States rent FNPP power generation to foreign host States. Given the inherent risks that FNPPs pose, a Build Own Operate plant travelling from supplier nation to host nation jeopardizes the marine environment of innocent coastal States. These transit States currently exist in international law limbo, where the lack of a coherent FNPP definition and limited control over their territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) render them powerless in the face of potential environmental disasters. This article proposes enhanced international law protections for the transit States that might see FNPPs travelling through their waters in the coming years. In examining challenges to transit States, the article accomplishes two objectives. First, an international law definition for FNPPs is established. Second, it is proposed that FNPPs should be barred from non-consensual travel through the territorial sea of transit States, and that major restrictions should be placed on their movement through the EEZ.

The Origins of Armenian Lobbying in the United States: A Geopolitical Conceptualization of Restorative Justice

This paper focuses on the origins of Armenian lobbying the U.S. government for favourable policies toward the Armenian cause in the homeland — that is, Ottoman Armenia and the Republic of Armenia (1918-1921). Vahan Cardashian, a New York lawyer, organized a lobbying campaign during and after the Young Turk genocide against the Armenian people in the Ottoman Empire (1915–1923). He and his associates formulated a geopolitical conceptualization of restorative justice. While Cardashian’s lobbying campaign eventually failed to exert the desired influence on U.S. policy during the Wilson administration, his strategy nevertheless established the foundations for Armenian lobbying in the United States for successive generations. This article seeks to contribute to the literature on ethnicity and ethnic lobbying a host state — in this case the United States — diasporan community and politics, and restorative justice.

Reassessing environmental protection in international investment agreements: The case of Vietnam

AbstractThe proliferation of international investment agreements reflects the tireless efforts of many governments in the world to attract foreign investment and significantly improve their investment environment, including Vietnam. However, investment overshielding without regard to public policy objectives also has negative consequences, such as indirectly and directly causing environmental pollution at investment sites. Vedan Vietnam and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel are prime examples of ecological incidents with long‐term damage to the host State. Using critical and case study approaches, this article examines the reasons behind those incidents and analyses Vietnam's improper response to the cases. More importantly, the article criticises the lack of alignment of the domestic legal system and international investment law. Finally, the article suggests the interconnected relationship between domestic and international law and recommends treaty‐making directions to avoid the risk of Vietnam and other ASEAN countries becoming a ‘new haven’ of environmental pollution.

Host plant status of different cover crops for Pratylenchus penetrans and Meloidogyne chitwoodi

Nine different cover crops (different species or cultivars) were evaluated for their potential use in management of Pratylenchus penetrans and Meloidogyne chitwoodi. Pot experiments were done to assess the host status of cover crops in mixtures or as individual stands. Each pot was inoculated with 2000 M. chitwoodi (second-stage juveniles) or 500 P. penetrans (mixture of juveniles and adults). The experiments were terminated after 60 days and nematodes were extracted from both mineral and organic fractions. Based on nematode reproduction factor, alfalfa cv. Alpha + fodder radish cv. Doublemax mixture, white clover cv. Melital + bird’s foot trefoil cv. Bull mixture, red clover cv. Lemmon + arugula cv. Nemat mixture, English ryegrass cv. Meltador + arugula cv. Nemat mixture, fodder radish cv. Doublemax, bird’s foot trefoil cv. Bull and arugula cv. Nemat, with reproduction factors 0.24, 0.76, 0.54, 0.92, 0.15, 0.22 and 0.17, respectively, were poor hosts of M. chitwoodi while Fodder radish cv. Doublemax, English ryegrass cv. Meltador and arugula cv. Nemat with reproduction factors 0.74, 0.81 and 0.69, respectively, were poor hosts of P. penetrans.

Protection Bilateral Investment Treaty as Treaty of International Discussion Resolution Supporting Indonesia Reform

The implementation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty in Indonesia with foreign investors must still pay attention to the existence of Indonesian state sovereignty. State sovereignty must be maintained by the host state to maintain the existence of the country in the international world. BIT has the main function as an international legal instrument that is useful in foreign investment activities with reciprocal relations in obtaining benefits between the guarantee of legal protection of the home state of foreign investors and the economic growth of the host state. BIT signatories are theoretically balanced and reciprocal, but they are often detrimental to host states, most of which come from developing countries. This research aims to find out the extent of Indonesia's implementation of BIT and still protect the existence of state sovereignty. The method used in this research uses normative and comparative juridical and this research has an analytical descriptive nature. Normative legal research is obtained by studying the Churchill Mining case approach and collecting data from articles, web, books, and websites and then comparing the implementation of BITs in Indonesia as a developing country and the United States as a developed country and comparing the implementation of BITs in fellow developing countries between Indonesia and Brazil. The first victory achieved by Indonesia against Churchill Mining in the resolution of the international investment dispute at the ICSID forum proved the BIT reform in Indonesia that continues to develop. This study showed that: first, The Bilateral Investment Agreement provides legal protection guarantees for foreign investors and settlement of settlement disputes through ICSID, an international investment settlement arbitration agency between the two countries that signed the BIT so that the BIT is a protection guarantee for investors. Second, Indonesia's victory against Churchill Mining proves that it has reformed the BIT that applies to Indonesia in a balanced manner to provide legal protection (host state) and the existence of state sovereignty (home state).

The Relationship between Transparency Obligations and Foreign Investment in Renewable Energies: Realising the Potential Role of IIAs

The global deployment of renewable energies has taken off and calls for a continuous increase in foreign investments and cooperation, particularly because many states cannot cover the costs and technological requirements of the energy transition on their own. Therefore, there should be policies and legal frameworks in place to protect and thereby promote foreign investments. International Investment Agreements (IIAs) can, ceteris paribus, contribute to this goal. These agreements contain a set of obligations that protect foreign investments against possible discriminatory or arbitrary conduct of the host states. This includes transparency obligations that can help to create a level playing field for national and foreign renewable energy investors. Unfortunately, the concept of transparency, and its inherent implications, has not been clearly defined to date, and its relationship with renewable energy investments is still under investigation. Therefore, it is important to realise the prevailing transparency obligations under IIAs, and the best practices that can better meet the particular requirements of renewable energy investments. Using a qualitative approach, this article intends to pursue this goal by providing an overview of the concept of transparency, exploring its status in the context of fair and equitable treatment (FET), and analysing favourable transparency clauses in the light of renewable energy investment considerations.

Molecular identification of Entamoeba spp. in humans and cattle in Baghdad, Iraq.

A total of 10% of the global population succumbs to amoebiasis yearly, equating to 50,000-100,000 recorded fatalities. It is closely associated with contaminated food and water supplies due to human feces. The disease's pathophysiology remains a subject of ongoing debate among experts. Some experts attribute the role of the host's conditions, parasite species and strain, and infection intensity in eliciting clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to perform molecular identification of Entamoeba species isolated from humans and cattle. Stool samples from three hundred patients and one hundred cattle were collected from different regions, age groups, and sexes in Baghdad for microscopic examination. One hundred randomly chosen patient and cattle stool samples underwent microscopic examination and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic tree analyses were performed for Entamoeba species identification. The infection rate in humans differed significantly (p < 0.05) between age groups and genders, totaling 38%. The infection rate in cattle, determined by conventional PCR, differed significantly (p < 0.05) between age groups and genders, amounting to 58%. Ten PCR products with positive results were sequenced and deposited in GenBank database. Sequence analysis detected that Eight sequences belong to E. histolytica (OM268853.1, OM268854.1, OM268855.1, OM268857.1, OM268858.1, OM268860.1, OM268861.1, and OM268862.1) and two sequences belong to E. dispar (OM268856.1 and OM268859.1) in humans, while 10 sequences (ON724165.1 to ON724174.1) belongs to E. histolytica in cattle. The increased susceptibility of cattle to E. histolytica suggests a considerable role in human infection and substantial public health risks. Further research should be conducted on the many virulence factors such as HM1:IMSS strain, cysteinprotease (Cp1), Gal/lectin, etc. of E. histolytica and E. dispar.

Chinese State Capital as a Partner for Resource-Based Structural Transformation? The Belt and Road Initiative and Downstream Linkages in Bolivia and Kazakhstan

Lee argues that outbound Chinese state capital (CSC) is distinct from global private capital in terms of a greater willingness to accommodate recipient country priorities. This article uses the cases of Kazakhstan and Bolivia to explore this claim in relation to state-led efforts to foster structural transformation via upgrading in extractive industries (lithium and iron/steel in Bolivia, and petrochemicals in Kazakhstan). We focus particularly on attempts to move into domestic downstream processing. The article explores variation in the degree of accommodation with local demands on the part of CSC and proposes an explanatory framework for these differences, grounded in three axes. These are (i) mix of BRI drivers motivating a particular project from the Chinese side (export of industrial surplus, political relations with partner states and/or concern for resource security); (ii) nature of state-capital investment partnership (the mix of Chinese institutions and firms involved in negotiating and implementing the deal, as well as the time horizon implied by contract type); and (iii) a range of local contextual factors such as availability of alternative sources of capital, host state industrial capacities and local political conditions. Further research will be needed to refine and test this framework across other sectors and developmental goals beyond upgrading in extractives.

Host resources and parasite traits interact to determine the optimal combination of host parasite-mitigation strategies.

Organisms have evolved diverse strategies to manage parasite infections. Broadly, hosts may avoid infection by altering behaviour, resist infection by targeting parasites or tolerate infection by repairing associated damage. The effectiveness of a strategy depends on interactions between, for example,resource availability, parasite traits (virulence, life-history) and the host itself (nutritional status, immunopathology). To understand how these factors shape host parasite-mitigation strategies, we developed a mathematical model of within-host, parasite-immune dynamics in the context of helminth infections. The model incorporated host nutrition and resource allocation to different mechanisms of immune response: larval parasite prevention; adult parasite clearance; damage repair (tolerance). We also considered a non-immune strategy: avoidance via anorexia, reducing intake of infective stages. Resources not allocated to immune processes promoted host condition, whereas harm due to parasites and immunopathology diminished it. Maximising condition (a proxy for fitness), we determined optimal host investment for each parasite-mitigation strategy, singly and combined, across different environmental resource levels and parasite trait values. Which strategy was optimal varied with scenario. Tolerance generally performed well, especially with high resources. Success of the different resistance strategies (larval prevention or adult clearance) tracked relative virulence of larval and adult parasites: slowly maturing, highly damaging larvae favoured prevention; rapidly maturing, less harmful larvae favoured clearance. Anorexia was viable only in the short term, due to reduced host nutrition. Combined strategies always outperformed any lone strategy: these were dominated by tolerance, with some investment in resistance. Choice of parasite mitigation strategy has profound consequences for hosts, impacting their condition, survival and reproductive success. We show that the efficacy of different strategies is highly dependent on timescale, parasite traits and resource availability. Models that integrate such factors can inform the collection and interpretation of empirical data, to understand how those drivers interact to shape host immune responses in natural systems.

Multinational Enterprises and Human Rights Protection

Multinational enterprises are playing an important role in economic globalisation. Meanwhile, it is common for multinational enterprises to violate human rights overseas while it is difficult for victims to seek remedies. The international law which can regulate human rights violations by multinational corporations are mostly soft laws, but there is a lack of guarantees for the implementation of soft law. In domestic law, most host countries are developing countries that cannot regulate multinational enterprises effectively. And home states lack the will to regulate multinational enterprises because their interests are so closely linked. There are also obstacles like the exercise of jurisdiction and the corporate veil which prevent the multinational enterprises responsible for human rights overseas. Therefore, this essay clarifies the extraterritorial jurisdiction, the non-harm principle and the human rights due diligence to support the responsibility of multinational enterprises. Eventually, this essay clarifies that it is necessary to narrow the gap between the ideal of hard law and the reality of soft law in international law. In the meantime, host states and home states should both strengthen the legislation of human rights due diligence and protection for high-risk industries. Harmonious interaction and co-development of international and domestic law should also be considered and the non-governmental organisation should issue guidelines, and strengthen the regulatory role.

Luminescence of Yb3+ incorporated into SrTi1-xZrxO3 solid-solutions: Inquiring into the charge transfer state nature in lanthanide-doped titanates

For more than forty years, quenching of the 3P0 → 3H4 emission in favor of the 1D2 → 3H4 one in Pr3+-doped titanates has been explained by a mechanism involving a metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) state, profusely designated in the literature as IVCT Pr3+/Ti4+ → Pr4+/Ti3+ state. Here, we present experimental evidence making unnecessary this mechanism and supporting theoretical results that points towards an alternative process based on a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) O2−/Ti4+ → O−/Ti3+ state as being responsible for that quenching (Z. Barandiarán et al. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2017, 8, 3095). Photoluminescent spectra of Yb3+ incorporated into SrTi1-xZrxO3 solid-solutions interpreted in the framework of phenomenological models leading to vacuum referred binding energy diagrams and compared with equivalent solid solutions but doped with Pr3+, indicate that the emission of both lanthanide ions is excited through the same host state: the LMCT O2−/Ti4+ → O−/Ti3+ state. Photoluminescence spectra and decay curves performed in Pr-doped SrTiO3 as a function of the temperature suggest a thermally activated mechanism as being responsible for the quenching of the emission associated with the 3P0 → 3H4 transition.

Early-life factors shaping the gut microbiota of Common buzzard nestlings

BackgroundExploring the dynamics of gut microbiome colonisation during early-life stages is important for understanding the potential impact of microbes on host development and fitness. Evidence from model organisms suggests a crucial early-life phase when shifts in gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation and reduced host condition. However, our understanding of gut microbiota colonisation in long-lived vertebrates, especially during early development, remains limited. We therefore used a wild population of common buzzard nestlings (Buteo buteo) to investigate connections between the early-life gut microbiota colonisation, environmental and host factors.ResultsWe targeted both bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota using the 16S and 28S rRNA genes. We sampled the individuals during early developmental stages in a longitudinal design. Our data revealed that age significantly affected microbial diversity and composition. Nest environment was a notable predictor of microbiota composition, with particularly eukaryotic communities differing between habitats occupied by the hosts. Nestling condition and infection with the blood parasite Leucocytozoon predicted microbial community composition.ConclusionOur findings emphasise the importance of studying microbiome dynamics to capture changes occurring during ontogeny. They highlight the role of microbial communities in reflecting host health and the importance of the nest environment for the developing nestling microbiome. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between microbial communities, host factors, and environmental variables, and sheds light on the ecological processes governing gut microbial colonisation during early-life stages.

Trade secrets at risk—the protection against expropriation of a trade secret

Abstract An investor exploiting their trade secret in a foreign territory puts it at risk of disclosure, use, or regulation by the host State. If the risk materializes, a foreign investor may seek to mitigate the impacts with the protections afforded by an investment treaty. As investors in the Czech Republic, Kenya, Pakistan, and Venezuela have sought to do. While the protection of trade secrets has been noted by commentators, a detailed analysis of the protection of trade secrets under international investment law is yet to be offered. In this article, I outline how trade secrets amount to an ‘investment’, the types of risks to a trade secret, and how the protection against expropriation can mitigate four risks for a foreign investor.

Occurrence and Distribution of Meloidogyne spp. in Fields Rotated with Sweetpotato and Host Range of a North Carolina Population of Meloidogyne enterolobii.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) are some of the most economically important and common plant parasitic nematodes in North Carolina (NC) cropping systems. Soil samples collected from fields planted with crops rotated with sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) in 39 NC counties in 2015 to 2018 were processed at the NC Nematode Assay Laboratory. The occurrence of second-stage juvenile (J2) RKN populations was examined based on collection year, month, county, and previous planted crop. The highest number of RKN-positive samples originated from Cumberland (53%), Sampson (48%), and Johnston (48%) counties. The highest average RKN population density was detected in Sampson (147 J2/500 cm3 of soil) and Nash (135 J2/500 cm3 of soil) counties, while Wayne (7 J2/500 cm3 of soil) and Greene (11 J2/500 cm3 of soil) counties had the lowest average RKN population density. Meloidogyne enterolobii is a new invasive species that is impacting sweetpotato growers of NC. The host status of an NC population of M. enterolobii, the guava RKN, was determined by examining eggs per gram of fresh root (ER) and the final nematode egg population divided by the initial population egg count (reproductive factor, RF) in greenhouse experiments. This included 18 vegetable, field, and cover crops and weed species. The tomato 'Rutgers' was used as a susceptible control. Cabbage 'Stonehead', pepper 'Red Bull', and watermelon 'Charleston Gray' and 'Fascination' were hosts and had similar mean ER values to the positive control, ranging from 64 to 18,717. Among field crops, cotton, soybean 'P5018RX', and tobacco were hosts with ER values that ranged from 185 to 706. Members of the Poaceae family such as sweet corn (Zea mays) and sudangrass (Sorghum × drummondii) were nonhosts to M. enterolobii, and the mean ER values ranged from 1.85 to 7. The peanut 'Tifguard' and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) also had lower ER values than the vegetable hosts. Growers should consider planting less susceptible hosts or nonhosts such as peanut, sudangrass, sweet corn, and winter wheat in 2- to 3-year crop rotations to lower populations of this invasive nematode.

Using forced migration to foster emergence? International aid and development policies in Cameroon

Abstract This paper examines the alignment of refugee aid interventions with Cameroon’s national policy of emergence, shedding light on an authoritarian government's utilization of international assistance. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, it investigates how international policies aiming at turning refugees into a development opportunity for their host states are managed by an aid-receiving country and strategically leveraged by Cameroonian authorities to strengthen their political apparatus. It explores how the government integrates humanitarian responses with large-scale development policies, while retaining control over strategic sectors. Implementing the emergence policy enables Cameroon to reappropriate international standards, navigating complex donor relations to establish new legitimacy. The analysis highlights the power dynamics and implications of aid interventions within an authoritarian context, demonstrating the state's capacity to transform internal crises into productive forces. This research contributes to a better understanding of the links between refugee aid, host states’ domestic and international politics, and migration diplomacy.