Internationalization Research Articles

Economic Potential of the Railway Engineering Industry of Ukraine in the Context of Post-War Recovery and European Integration

The study of the set of problems of Ukraine’s post-war restoration and derivative issues of the state’s European integration course involves, first of all, substantiation of the optimal strategic directions of the relevant restoration policy. Generalization of the world experience in the development and implementation of post-war restoration policy serves as an epistemological and scientific-practical basis for the following strategic directions of Ukraine’s restoration: the creation of a transport and logistics cluster based on the expansion of the international alliance – the Lublin Triangle cooperation platform. Expansion of the Lublin Triangle provided that Ukraine takes the necessary measures, is quite realistic by adding to Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine the Czech Republic, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria (later, perhaps, also Slovakia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan). In the article, the authors elaborate on their idea, which is substantiated in the Ukrainian and foreign scientific literature, to create the mentioned transport and logistics cluster using a network of transport logistics hubs in the context of the proposed expansion of the Lublin Triangle. Another new historic chance for Ukraine in this area (and in a broader institutional and economic sense) may be the expected invitation to join Germany, France, and Poland in the Weimar Triangle alliance. Based on the analysis of the economic, scientific, and technical state of domestic railway engineering enterprises, the problems and prospects of their wide cooperation with enterprises of Poland, the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France in the sub-sectors of production of locomotives and rolling stock, wagons and special equipment are considered. The appropriate regulatory regime that can ensure the practical implementation of the proposed cooperation (as well as in the broader context of the practical implementation of Ukraine’s post-war restoration policy) should be the creation of a network of special economic zones.

Trauma and Healing 12th East-West Philosopher’s Conference May 24-31, 2024

1 CALL FOR PROPOSALS TRAUMA AND HEALING 12TH EAST-WEST PHILOSOPHER’S CONFERENCE MAY 24-31, 2024 The 12th East-West Philosopher’s Conference will explore the many dimensions of trauma and healing. While trauma can be physical, it can also be psychological, social, political, economic, and cultural—encompassing the immediate effects of global pandemics, the ongoing impacts of ethnic and gender bias, the intergenerational legacies of colonization and geopolitical strife, and the planetary ramifications of anthropogenic climate disruption. Ours is an era in which differences of histories, cultures, and identities are engaged as sources of insight, but also one of retrenchment—a period of relational appreciation, but also one of schism. The global scientific community’s response to the covid-19 pandemic was a stunning example of human potential for empathetic collaboration in the face of global personal and public health trauma. Yet, the economic trauma of the pandemic has resulted in crumbling international alliances, deepening trade wars, and an unfortunate collective reinvestment in zero-sum endgame framings of geopolitics against which there is no vaccination and through which the terms of healing have become delinked from the restoration of global wholeness. These traumas do not stop shaping our lives when the immediate danger comes to an end. Traumatic pain remains stored in the memories of peoples and individuals, it populates their imagination and shapes horizons of possibility. Thus, a philosophical exploration of trauma and healing is not only diagnostic of current problems, but also a form of genealogy. We invite participants to reflect upon the relational complexity of both trauma and healing, critically and historically engaging concrete occurrences of trauma while also drawing out theoretical insights regarding healing that strengthens and empowers and resists the forms of personal and social amnesia that make the repetition of trauma so tragically common. Of special interest are panels and papers that explore the trauma and healing at all scales from the interpersonal, to the relational traumas experienced by nations at war and cultures in conflict, thus addressing the interplay of the private and public spheres, of ethics and economics, of the human and the natural sciences, and among disciplines, classes, genders, and generations. Panel and paper proposals are encouraged that explore trauma and healing during the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the trauma of refugees, displaced and colonized peoples, trauma and healing in personal relationships, climate change as a form of trauma to the planet and its people, trauma and healing related to issues of gender and sexuality, and how philosophers of all traditions, ancient and modern, cross-culturally deal with trauma and healing. We invite proposals for individual papers and panels. Please submit a 250-300 word abstract to the Conference organizers via: ewpc2024@gmail.com. 2 Submission Timeline: November 1, 2023 Notifications of acceptance for abstracts and panel proposals received by the November 1 will be sent out by December 15, 2023. We have established an early submission timeline to facilitate faculty applying to their own institutions for travel funding. Abstracts received after November 1, 2023 will be vetted as received, taking into consideration the late submission. The absolute deadline for abstract submissions is March 15, 2024. After this, we will not be able to accommodate additional proposals. Final Papers Due: April 15, 2024 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND LOGISTICS Hosted in keeping with the Hawaiian Islands’ spirit of aloha, breakfast and lunch will be provided for all registered presenters, as well as an opening reception and final dinner. The Conference does not provide lodging or travel support, but economical lodgings of various kinds are readily available in Honolulu. ABOUT THE EAST-WEST PHILOSOPHER’S CONFERENCE: The East-West Philosophers’ Conference series is the premier forum for convening philosophers from across the academy who are committed to cross-cultural inquiry. The Conference is the oldest continuous international gathering in Hawai‘i and has been a model of productive collaboration between the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and the East-West Center for decades. It typically attracts 300-325 participants from 30-40 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. For nearly eighty-five years, the East-West Philosophers’ Conference series has convened some of the world’s most...

Bullous scabies, the light shed on etiopathogenesis and treatment: report of five paediatric cases.

Bullous scabies (BS) is an infrequent and atypical presentation of scabies, with a predilection for elderly males. The mechanism of BS is not fully understood; superinfection, friction due to pruritus, autoeczemation, direct injury from mite's lytic enzymes, cross-reactivity of scabies protein with basal membrane zone antigens are considered to be possible reasons. To define clinical features of paediatric BS cases, which is an extremely rare subtype of scabies. This is a retrospective study of paediatric BS cases seen at two tertiary care centres. Previously described bacterial culture, antibiogram and follow-up records were investigated retrospectively. Confirmed scabies cases, according to the "International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS)" with bullae were included. All cases were treated with 10% sulfur ointment for 3 consecutive days, two cycles. Households of cases were also treated simultaneously. Systemic antibiotics were added to patients with elevated acute phase reactants according to the antibiogram results. Informed consent was obtained from patients' parents. Five BS cases were included. Three cases were male, two cases were female. Four cases had staphylococcus aureus, one had group-A beta haemolytic streptococcus positive bullae culture. All cases achieved a rapid complete resolution of symptoms after topical 10% sulfur ointment. Paediatric BS is an extremely rare entity of scabies. Bacterial superinfection plays a key role in bullae formation. 10% sulfur ointment is a highly effective treatment option for paediatric BS.

Exploring international brand alliances between local and foreign higher education institutions: an empirical study of sub-degree students

PurposeThis study empirically investigates the influence of students' brand attitudes and perceptions of brand fit on their study intention vis-à-vis international brand alliances and individual brands after alliance.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modelling (SEM) was used in data analysis, and a questionnaire was administered to a sample of sub-degree business management students recruited from a self-financing higher education institution in Hong Kong.FindingsThe results indicate that students' prior attitudes towards the brands of foreign and local institutions and their perceptions of brand fit positively affect their study intention, providing evidence that post-attitudes towards individual brands fully mediate the relationship between attitudes towards international brand alliances and study intention towards individual institutions.Originality/valueInternational brand alliances between higher education institutions are becoming increasingly important. In Hong Kong, despite the emerging trend of collaboration between foreign and local universities, an evaluation of the effect of international brand alliances on study intention has been seriously overlooked.

International alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) guideline on percutaneous nephrolithotomy

The International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) would like to release the latest guideline on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to provide a clinical framework for surgeons performing PCNL. These recommendations were collected and appraised from a systematic review and assessment of the literature covering all aspects of PCNLs from the PubMed database between January 1, 1976, and July 31, 2021. Each generated recommendation was graded using a modified GRADE methodology. The quality of the evidence was graded using a classification system modified from the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Forty-seven recommendations were summarized and graded, which covered the following issues, indications and contraindications, stone complexity evaluation, preoperative imaging, antibiotic strategy, management of antithrombotic therapy, anesthesia, position, puncture, tracts, dilation, lithotripsy, intraoperative evaluation of residual stones, exit strategy, postoperative imaging and stone-free status evaluation, complications. The present guideline on PCNL was the first in the IAU series of urolithiasis management guidelines. The recommendations, tips and tricks across the PCNL procedures would provide adequate guidance for urologists performing PCNLs to ensure safety and efficiency in PCNLs.

Elite Cues and Public Attitudes Towards Military Alliances

Do elite cues exert extensive, conditional or minimal influence on public support for military alliances in the United States? I assess the boundaries of elite leadership on public opinion towards alliances by dividing partisan respondents into wings based on isolationism and militant assertiveness. If co-partisan elite cues change public attitudes across three or four wings within their party, elites exert extensive influence. Elite cues exert conditional influence if they reach two party wings, and minimal influence if they impact one or no wings. Using two conjoint survey experiments to examine public attitudes towards forming and maintaining international alliances, I find that elite cues exert extensive influence, but some individuals hold rigid alliance attitudes. Staunch alliance supporters in the Democratic party and consistent alliance skeptics in the Republican party both discount elite cues. Therefore, elites can lead most party wings with alliance cues, but intra-party divisions can constrain their influence.

Analyzing the Impact of Anti-Globalization on the Evolution of Higher Education Internationalization in China

The internationalization of higher education, driven by the wave of globalization, has become a crucial pathway for enhancing national competitiveness and fostering cross-cultural understanding. However, in recent years, the rise of anti-globalization sentiment fueled by populism, trade protectionism, and geopolitical tensions has posed new challenges to this process. As a major player in global higher education, China's internationalization efforts have been significantly affected by these developments. In this context, it is important to thoroughly investigate the transformative trends in China's higher education internationalization and their implications for the global educational landscape. To address the challenges brought about by the anti-globalization wave, this study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative techniques such as document analysis and interviews with quantitative methods involving measurements of key internationalization indicators. Through this systematic examination, the research comprehensively analyzed the current state, major challenges, and coping strategies adopted by Chinese universities in their internationalization efforts. By conducting in-depth interviews with university administrators and international affairs staff, as well as surveys among international students in China, this study presents a multidimensional portrayal of the transformative trends in China's higher education internationalization. The research findings reveal that in the face of anti-globalization pressures, Chinese universities are undertaking a series of strategic adjustments, including strengthening international partnerships, diversifying student recruitment, and promoting virtual exchanges and collaborations. Simultaneously, the focus of higher education internationalization is shifting towards a "dual circulation" development model, establishing China as a global study destination, and building international university alliances. These transformations not only inject new vitality into China's higher education internationalization, but also open up new avenues for global education governance and talent cultivation. This study sheds light on the complex landscape of China's higher education internationalization amidst the anti-globalization wave, contributing valuable insights and perspectives to promote the high-quality development of higher education internationalization.

Managing cross-border knowledge transfer for innovation: An introduction to the special issue

This introduction to the special issue maps the extant research on managing crossborder knowledge for innovation and classifies it into four clusters: knowledge spillovers and location, international alliances and R&D networks, knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity, and learning organization and capabilities. The eleven articles that compose the special issue are introduced, and a future agenda for international business research is proposed.

ІНСТИТУЦІЙНО-ПРАВОВЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ МІЖНАРОДНИХ СТРАТЕГІЧНИХ АЛЬЯНСІВ В ІТ-СФЕРІ

The growth of economic entities and their desire for unification affects the increase in world trade and the increasing appearance of International Strategic Alliances aimed at overcoming the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Analysis of latest research and publications has shown that modern research is not of a systematic nature; taking into account the rapid spread of international strategic alliances in the 21st century, the issues of their institutional and legal functioning require a more detailed analysis. The purpose of the study is to identify the institutional and legal regulation of the activities of International Strategic Alliances (ISA) in world practice, which would allow to substantiate the directions for improving the domestic environment for their creation and functioning in the IT-sector. It has been proven that national legislation regulates International Strategic Alliances with the help of regulatory and legal acts. Depending on the functioning of the laws, the creation and registration of economic entities, which in the future would be able to form an association in the form of an alliance to further define their purpose, goals and tasks, is either accelerated or slowed down. The presence of proper regulation of the functioning of strategic alliances affects the foreign involvement factor the formation of ISAs. In the context of implementing European experience in Ukraine, it is determined that international cooperation in Germany is based on a number of indirect political and institutional features that help German companies adapt to rapid technological transformations quite effectively. Having analyzed the main normative legal acts regulating the range of public relations in the field of functioning of International Strategic Alliances in global practice, it was established that, for example, the current legislation of Ukraine does not contain a special separate law on the regulation of these relations, the practice in this field indicates the need to increase legal culture in this area by means of regulatory regulation of such relations, which will be the basis for the further development of the functioning of alliances. In the context of using the EU experience, the experience of Germany, which has a certain institutional variety of tools and mechanisms, is useful. Since the early 1970s, German governments have been able to promote the development of technological capabilities at home, supporting open markets abroad, including by intensifying the development of international cooperation, demonstrating a clear orientation of the economy to the producer, not to the consumer.

Taking the rough with the smooth: A qualitative inquiry into social and cultural practices of knowledge-sharing work in international consultancy alliances

Knowledge sharing in inter-organizational alliances has been predominantly studied by investigating causal influencing factors in tightly-coupled alliances. In contrast, we empirically study how individuals accomplish knowledge sharing activities in the context of various social and cultural differences within a loosely-coupled international business-consultancy alliance. Through an in-depth qualitative case-study approach, we find that the local knowledge-seeking and -accessing partners socially and culturally deal with various influencing factors, through two broad sets of ‘knowledge-sharing work’. This includes harmonization development work, and disharmony mitigation work, that are both supported through an accompanying mode of work: auto-learning. These forms of work at the micro (individual and interactional) level, are enabled through modes of communicative interaction, not just strategic action. Further, this work mediates between the influencing factors and the knowledge sharing of the alliances in an iterative and recursive manner. Our findings thus contribute to showing how knowledge sharing is enacted in inter-organizational alliances, by highlighting the significance and dynamics of the micro-level social and cultural practices of knowledge-sharing work.

The “costs of doing business abroad” in a cross-border context characterised by extreme political volatility

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to describe and explain the organisation design antecedents of coordination, learning and trust in an international strategic alliance in a cross-border context characterised by extreme political volatility.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out as a single-case study in situ in a humanitarian international strategic alliance in Pyongyang, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).FindingsIn addition to explaining the effects of interface, specialisation, formalisation and centralisation on coordination, learning and trust, the study demonstrates the influence of classic international business (IB) “costs of doing business abroad” (Hymer, 1960/1976) on the same organisational outcomes. Moreover, the study identifies intergovernmental engagement/containment/disengagement as a contextual antecedent of both organisation design and outcomes.Originality/valueThe study extends IB theory by indicating that mainstream IB perspectives may not fully explain intraorganisational outcomes in cross-border contexts characterised by extreme political volatility. Notably, the study suggests that complementary constructs such as intergovernmental engagement are needed to account for the additional costs incurred by such settings.

10 Years of Natural Data Storage

Digital data explosion has been driving a demand for robust and reliable data storage medium. The present day digital storage devices presents a big challenge for data scientists to provide reliable, affordable and dense storage medium. In the last decade, natural storage medium such as DNA, bacteria, and protein has been shown as a promising approach for next generation information storage systems. This article is a review that discusses advancements in the natural data storage, which has potential to replace the current physical storage for archival systems and have high storage per unit weight of medium, and is affordable and reliable. Further, the challenges for natural data storage will also be presented. With the international DNA data storage alliance of more than 30 companies and academic alliance in 2020, one would hope that DNA data storage will soon be available commercially in next 5–10 years. The success of the alliance will also motivate researchers to explore the other natural storage medium such as bacteria and protein which are currently in the lab.

A Study of the Value of Network Media in Covering the COVID-19 Epidemic

The relevance of the article lies in the study of the value aspect of the functioning of online media, which played an important role in overcoming the COVID-19 epidemic. The object of the study is the network media Weibo, TikTok and the network platform “Gosuslugi. Let’s decide together.” Scientifi c novelty is manifested in the analysis of the little-studied problem of the value of network media as sources of information in overcoming the real diffi culty of communication in an epidemic. The value of online media is expressed in educating the audience and jointly overcoming the consequences of the pandemic. The following methods were used: mass media monitoring, comparative analysis method, study of documents. A comparative analysis of the functioning of traditional and online media led to the conclusion that during the study period (from December 31, 2019 to July 15, 2020), traditional media did not pay due attention to organizing feedback from the audience, studying its opinion, as well as its emotional state. Traditional media have focused exclusively on factual messages, unlike online media, which are interested in: 1) engaging the audience in the exchange of information; 2) articulating its information needs and 3) expressing its emotions about the pandemic. A critical analysis of the literature has shown that the value of online media increases signifi cantly in emergency situations, such as an epidemic, since these information platforms are able to overcome time and space barriers in real time, distributing high-quality news and realizing the vital interests of the audience. The study of documents and reports of international health organizations confi rmed this thesis: the activities of the media lead to changes in public opinion and behavior and can affect the general psychological state of society. In the article, the value of network media is considered in three aspects: 1) social value is expressed in bringing the voices of ordinary people to everyone’s attention, satisfying their need to express emotions; 2) the value of communication ‒ in removing restrictions in intersocial and internatio nal dialogue and information exchange; 3) the value of propaganda lies in uniting peoples and promoting social cooperation in overcoming global dangers. In the future, it seems necessary to study the value of network media in the scientifi c discourse in the dissemination of information and organization of communication in emergency situations.

ПРІОРИТЕТИ Й ЧИННИКИ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ: ДОСВІД ОКРЕМИХ КРАЇН СХІДНОЇ АЗІЇ І СТРАТЕГІЧНІ ІМПЕРАТИВИ ДЛЯ ПІСЛЯВОЄННОЇ ВІДБУДОВИ УКРАЇНИ

Післявоєнна відбудова України вже сьогодні вимагає вироблення відповідної стратегії соціально-економічного розвитку країни, тому особливо необхідною стає реалізація концепції інноваційного розвитку, що дасть можливість відбудувати українську економіку на новому технологічному рівні.У цьому контексті розглянуто основні напрями інноваційної політики в країнах, що здійснювали післявоєнну відбудову економіки (Японія), країнах Південно-Східної Азії, які пройшли шлях «наздоганяючого розвитку» (Сінгапур, Республіка Корея), а також у Китаї, який демонструє значні успіхи в модернізації економіки. Інноваційна політика в цих країнах включала: відповідну державну політику з виокремленням пріоритетів інноваційного розвитку; законодавче регулювання відносин у сфері інноваційної економіки; активне державне фінансування досліджень, розробок і освіти; цілеспрямоване формування і підвищення ефективності людського, інтелектуального і креативного капіталу; створення особливої інноваційної інфраструктури та інститутів підтримки інноваційного процесу; тощо. Важливу роль у цих процесах відіграли зовнішньоекономічні чинники – залучення багатонаціональних корпорацій, прямих іноземних інвестицій, використання зарубіжних технологій, ноу-хау та ін.На основі вивчення зарубіжного досвіду запропоновано деякі компоненти інноваційної політики, що можуть бути застосовані при формуванні інноваційної політики в Україні, зокрема: проведення комплексної стратегічно орієнтованої політики з визначенням пріоритетів інноваційного розвитку; пріоритетність фінансування R&D з боку держави, приватного бізнесу та інших недержавних структур; формування сприятливого бізнес-середовища; розвиток людського, інтелектуального, креативного капіталу. Перспективним є використання зовнішньоекономічних чинників, у першу чергу міжнародної науково-технічної кооперації, залучення філій високотехнологічних багатонаціональних корпорацій, формування міжнародних науково-технічних альянсів, включення в глобальні ланцюги створення вартості та ін.

Regulatory Convergence Between U.S. Antitrust Law and Eu Competition Law in International Air Transport—Taking Stock

Abstract This article takes stock of the regulatory convergence between US antitrust law and EU competition law in the field of international air transport. The analysis draws a distinction between domestic aviation and international aviation and sets the boundaries of regulatory convergence in international air transportation. Through a comparative analysis of the decisional practice of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the European Commission, it identifies instances of regulatory convergence in: (i) the definition of the relevant market in international airline alliance cases, (ii) the remedies imposed to immunize international airline alliances, and (iii) the duration of the antitrust immunity. It further identifies an instance of legislative convergence in the area of fair competition in international air transport. The analysis addresses the future of regulatory convergence in the post-Covid 19 era and emphasizes the role of the competition authorities in safeguarding consumer welfare.

The US Impact on Qatar's Foreign Policy During the Gulf Crisis

AbstractThis article explains the Gulf diplomatic crisis and its repercussions by tracing its various stages. It also analyzes the inconsistency of US policy during the Trump administration toward this crisis and how this taught Qatar not to rely entirely on the United States to achieve security. These challenges pushed Qatar to diversify its international alliances and to create a rapprochement with countries in the region, such as Turkey, to achieve military security. Qatar's status as an energy provider to Asia and an alternative to Russian oil and gas, along with its soft power, also strengthened its strategic position. Eventually, the article explains, Qatar was able to strengthen its relationship with the United States once the Biden administration took power. The study concludes that Qatar has become a model for small countries in the region.

Gendering Public Diplomacy: Turkey and Europe in the 1930s

ABSTRACT This article scrutinizes the role of women’s rights and women actors in Turkey’s public diplomacy strategy in the 1930s and discusses whether and if so how it managed to change the long-standing European prejudices against Turkey. Accordingly, first, the article discusses the early reforms of the Turkish Republic and their European reception. Then, relying on critical discourse analysis, it examines two prominent cases; namely, Keriman Halis’ victory in the ‘Miss Universe’ beauty contest in 1932 and the organization of the 12th Congress of the International Alliance of Women in Istanbul in 1935, comparatively to observe how they resonated in Europe. The article will conclude by assessing whether the changing status of women in Turkish society has played a role in shifting the European perceptions of the newly established Turkish Republic.

Competitors in Aid: How International Rivalry Affects Public Support for Aid Under Various Frames

International rivals often employ foreign aid to shape international institutions and alliances. This paper asks whether Americans are more supportive of allocating aid to Latin America when they learn about China’s aid programs in the region. Since the average citizen lacks detailed knowledge about foreign policy, communication frames could influence citizens’ support for aid. We, therefore, examine how various framing devices (national pride, humanitarian value, and instrumental value) affect public support for aid. Drawing on social psychology’s model of self-identifying with a group, we argue that one’s awareness of donor competition should boost support for aid. We innovate by using two dependent variables: support for giving US aid and the willingness to donate one’s own resources. A survey experiment with a high-quality sample of 2700 respondents reveals that rivalry has a different effect on these dependent variables: informing respondents of donor rivalry increases support for US aid but has no effect on respondents’ willingness to donate their own reward. Additionally, exposing subjects to the combination of rivalry and all three frames boosts approval for using tax dollars as aid; however, only national pride and humanitarian value appeals strengthen the respondents’ willingness to donate their own earnings.

Ramadan Risk Stratification by International Diabetes Federation and Diabetes & Ramadan International Alliance (IDF-DAR) Risk Calculator in Bangladeshi People with Diabetes Mellitus who wished to Fast in 2022

Background: Risk stratification is an essential and first component of the pre-Ramadan assessment of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who wish to fast. Limited data are reported from Bangladesh regarding risk stratification of people with DM who wish to fast.
 Objective: To determine the risk status of people with DM who wish to fast during Ramadan.
 Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was done among Muslim people of DM with at least one year of experience of Ramadan in previous years after their diagnosis. Along with baseline characteristics, the individual 14 risk elements of the International Diabetes Federation and Diabetes & Ramadan International Alliance (IDF-DAR) risk calculator- 2021 were assessed. Patients were categorized into low, moderate, and high risk with a total score of 0-3, 3.5-6, and ≥6.5 respectively. Moderate and high-risk patients were counseled about their risk of fasting and requested to reconsider their wishes.
 Results: Among 569 participants, (mean age 50.97±12.02 years, male-female ratio 36.2:63.8) 37.8%, 38.8%, and 23.4% had high, moderate, and low risk respectively. Risk scores were significantly higher in older age (p<0.001), male sex (p=0.024), residence in Chattagram than Rajshahi division (p=0.009) as well as housewife and businessman than other occupations (p=0.012). Despite knowing the risks of fasting, 88.8% of people with high risk and 96.8% of people with moderate risks still wished to fast. The people who still wished to fast despite knowing their risks of fasting had significantly lower percent of macrovascular disease (p=0.039), lower creatinine levels (p<0.001), with a lower percent of dipstick proteinuria (p=0.010), and use of insulin (p=0.021) than those who changed their decision.
 Conclusions: Nearly 90% of persons with DM with moderate/high risk for fasting still wished to fast despite their exemption. These at-risk population needs guidance, monitoring, and follow-up for safe fasting.
 J Rang Med Col. September 2022; Vol. 7, No. 2:4-11

Critical Power, Work Capacity, and Recovery Characteristics of Team-Pursuit Cyclists.

Leading a 4-km team pursuit (TP) requires high-intensity efforts above critical power (CP) that deplete riders' finite work capacity (W'), whereas riders following in the aerodynamic draft may experience some recovery due to reduced power demands. This study aimed to determine how rider ability and CP and W' measures impact TP performance and the extent to which W' can reconstitute during recovery positions in a TP race. Three TP teams, each consisting of 4 males, completed individual performance tests to determine their CP and W'. Teams were classified based on their performance level as international (INT), national (NAT), or regional (REG). Each team performed a TP on an indoor velodrome (INT: 3:49.9; NAT: 3:56.7; and REG: 4:05.4; min:s). Ergometer-based TP simulations with an open-ended interval to exhaustion were performed to measure individual ability to reconstitute W' at 25 to 100W below CP. The INT team possessed higher CP (407 [4]W) than both NAT (381 [13]W) and REG (376 [15]W) (P < .05), whereas W' was similar between teams (INT: 27.2 [2.8]kJ; NAT: 29.3 [2.4]kJ; and REG: 28.8 [1.6]kJ; P > .05). The INT team expended 104% (5%) of their initial W' during the TP and possessed faster rates of recovery than NAT and REG at 25 and 50W below CP (P < .05). The CP and rate of W' reconstitution have a greater impact on TP performance than W' magnitude and can differentiate TP performance level.