International Locations Research Articles

Economic Comparison of Electric Fuels Produced at Excellent Locations for Renewable Energies: A Scenario for 2035

The use of electric fuels (e-fuels) enables CO2-neutral mobility and opens therefore an alternative to fossil-fuel-fired engines or battery-powered electric motors. This paper compares the cost-effectiveness of Fischer-Tropsch diesel, methanol, and hydrogen stored as cryogenic liquid (LH2) or in form of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). The production cost of those fuels are to a large extent driven by the energy-intensive electrolytic water splitting. The option of producing e-fuels in Germany competes with international locations with excellent conditions for renewable energy harvesting and thus very low levelized cost of electricity. We developed a mathematical model that covers the entire process chain. Starting with the production of the required resources such as fresh water, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, electrical and thermal energy, the subsequent chemical synthesis, the transport to filling stations in Germany and finally the energetic utilization of the fuels in the vehicle. We found that the choice of production site can have a major impact on the mobility cost using the respective fuels. Especially in case of diesel production, the levelized cost of electricity driven by the full load hours of the applied renewable energy source have a huge impact. An LOHC-based system is shown to be less dependent on the kind of electricity source compared to other technologies due to its comparatively low electricity consumption and the low cost for the hydrogenation units. The length of the transportation route and the price of the filling station infrastructure, on the other hand, clearly increase mobility cost for LOHC and LH2.

Use of Twitter social media activity as a proxy for human mobility to predict the spatiotemporal spread of COVID-19 at global scale.

As of February 27, 2020, 82,294 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported since December 2019, including 2,804 deaths, with cases reported throughout China, as well as in 45 international locations outside of mainland China. We predict the spatiotemporal spread of reported COVID- 19 cases at the global level during the first few weeks of the current outbreak by analyzing openly available geolocated Twitter social media data. Human mobility patterns were estimated by analyzing geolocated 2013-2015 Twitter data from users who had: i) tweeted at least twice on consecutive days from Wuhan, China, between November 1, 2013, and January 28, 2014, and November 1, 2014, and January 28, 2015; and ii) left Wuhan following their second tweet during the time period under investigation. Publicly available COVID-19 case data were used to investigate the correlation among cases reported during the current outbreak, locations visited by the study cohort of Twitter users, and airports with scheduled flights from Wuhan. Infectious Disease Vulnerability Index (IDVI) data were obtained to identify the capacity of countries receiving travellers from Wuhan to respond to COVID-19. Our study cohort comprised 161 users. Of these users, 133 (82.6%) posted tweets from 157 Chinese cities (1,344 tweets) during the 30 days after leaving Wuhan following their second tweet, with a median of 2 (IQR= 1-3) locations visited and a mean distance of 601 km (IQR= 295.2-834.7 km) traveled. Of our user cohort, 60 (37.2%) traveled abroad to 119 locations in 28 countries. Of the 82 COVID-19 cases reported outside China as of January 30, 2020, 54 cases had known geolocation coordinates and 74.1% (40 cases) were reported less than 15 km (median = 7.4 km, IQR= 2.9-285.5 km) from a location visited by at least one of our study cohort's users. Countries visited by the cohort's users and which have cases reported by January 30, 2020, had a median IDVI equal to 0.74. We show that social media data can be used to predict the spatiotemporal spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Based on our analyses, we anticipate cases to be reported in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia; additionally, countries with a moderate to low IDVI (i.e. ≤0.7) such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey should be on high alert and develop COVID- 19 response plans as soon as permitting.

Response of Practicing Chiropractors during the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Report

ObjectiveThe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained all levels of healthcare and it is not known how chiropractic practitioners have responded to this crisis. The purpose of this report is to describe responses by a sample of chiropractors during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe used a qualitative-constructivist design to understand chiropractic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, as described by the participants. A sample of chiropractic practitioners (doctors of chiropractic, chiropractors) from various international locations were invited to participate. Each described the public health response to COVID-19 in their location and the actions that they took in their chiropractic practices from April 20 through May 4, 2020. A summary report was created from their responses and common themes were identified. ResultsEighteen chiropractic practitioners representing 17 locations and 11 countries participated. A variety of practice environments were represented in this sample, including, solo practice, mobile practice, private hospital, US Veterans Administration health care, worksite health center, and group practice. They reported that they recognized and abided by changing governmental regulations. They observed their patients experience increased stress and mental health concerns resulting from the pandemic. They adopted innovative strategies, such as telehealth, to do outreach, communicate with, and provide care for patients. They abided by national and World Health Organization recommendations and they adopted creative strategies to maintain connectivity with patients through a people-centered, integrated, and collaborative approach. ConclusionAlthough the chiropractors in this sample practiced in different cities and countries, their compliance with local regulations, concern for staff and patient safety, and people-centered responses were consistent. This sample covers all 7 World Federation of Chiropractic regions (ie, African, Asian, Eastern Mediterranean, European, Latin American, North American, and Pacific) and provides insights into measures taken by chiropractors during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This information may assist the chiropractic profession as it prepares for different scenarios as new evidence about this disease evolves.

Effect of COVID-19 on Urology Residency Training: A Nationwide Survey of Program Directors by the Society of Academic Urologists.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has profoundly impacted residency training and education. To date, there has not been any broad assessment of urological surgery residency changes and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Society of Academic Urologists distributed a questionnaire to urology residency program directors on March 30, 2020 exploring residency program changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics are presented. A qualitative analysis of free response questions was undertaken. A post hoc analysis of differences related to local COVID-19 incidence is described. The survey was distributed to 144 residency programs with 65 responses for a 45% response rate. Reserve staffing had started in 80% of programs. Patient contact time had decreased significantly from 4.7 to 2.1 days per week (p <0.001). Redeployment was reported by 26% of programs. Sixty percent of programs reported concern that residents will not meet case minimums due to COVID-19. Wellness activities centered on increased communication. All programs had begun to use videoconferencing and the majority planned to continue. Programs in states with a higher incidence of COVID-19 were more likely to report resident redeployment (48% vs 11%, p=0.002) and exposure to COVID-19 positive patients (70% vs 40%, p=0.03), and were less likely to report concerns regarding exposure (78% vs 97%, p=0.02) and personal protective equipment availability (62% vs 89%, p=0.02). As of April 1, 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in significant changes in urology residency programs. These findings inform a rapidly changing landscape and aid in the development of best practices.

Reducing Patient Burden and Improving Data Quality With the New Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire was developed in response to the need for a new, fast, and comprehensive tool for evaluating quality of life in patients who have colorectal cancer. Available surveys such as the SF-12, SF-36, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer are either too general to be informative or too lengthy to complete. The aim was to validate the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Colorectal Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were obtained as part of a prospective randomized controlled trial. This was a worldwide multicenter study with 2 domestic and 5 international locations. This study randomly assigned 190 patients between the ages of 18 and 80 undergoing surgery for low rectal cancer. Of those randomly assigned, 142 with partially complete surveys were analyzed for selection bias and acceptability, and 95 with complete surveys were analyzed for survey validity. Patients received either a J-pouch, side-to-end anastomosis, or straight anastomosis. The study evaluated survey validity measures such as standardized Cronbach α for internal consistency and Spearman correlation coefficients for construct validity, convergent validity, and responsiveness. Univariate analyses were used to assess discriminative validity. Sufficient acceptability, construct, and convergent validity and responsiveness were achieved. All scores showed great internal consistency (Cronbach α >0.8). Superior discriminative ability was demonstrated by significant differences (p < 0.05) in 2 of 7 scores between neoadjuvant treatment groups, and in 6 of 7 scores between complication groups, none of which were detected by the SF-12 or Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal surveys. Limitations included a small sample size, cultural differences, and failure to assess test-retest ability of the questionnaire. The Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire is an efficient and reliable quality-of-life measure that better incorporates factors specific to colorectal cancer surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B155. REDUCIENDO LA CARGA AL PACIENTE Y MEJORANDO LA CALIDAD DE DATOS CON EL NUEVO CUESTIONARIO DE CALIDAD DE VIDA EN CÁNCER COLORRECTAL DE CLEVELAND CLINIC (CCF-CAQL): El cuestionario de calidad de vida en cáncer colorrectal de Cleveland Clinic se desarrolló en respuesta a la necesidad de una herramienta nueva, rápida e integral para evaluar la calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal. Los cuestionarios disponibles como SF-12, SF-36, FACT-C y EORTC son demasiado generales para ser informativas o demasiado largas para completar.El objetivo fue validar el cuestionario de calidad de vida colorrectal de la Cleveland Clinic Foundation.Los datos se obtuvieron como parte de un ensayo prospectivo aleatorizado y controlado.Este fue un estudio multicéntrico mundial con dos sedes nacionales y cinco internacionales.Este estudio aleatorizó a 190 pacientes entre las edades de 18 y 80 sometidos a cirugía por cáncer rectal bajo. De aquellos aleatorizados, 142 con encuestas parcialmente completas se analizaron para determinar el sesgo de selección y la aceptabilidad, y 95 con encuestas completas se analizaron para determinar la validez de la encuesta.Los pacientes recibieron un reservorio en J, anastomosis latero-terminal o anastomosis termino-terminal.El estudio evaluó medidas de validez de la encuesta, como el Alfa de Cronbach estandarizado para la consistencia interna y los coeficientes de correlación de Spearman para la validez de construcción, la validez de convergencia y la capacidad de respuesta. Se utilizaron análisis univariados para evaluar la validez discriminativa.Se obtuvo suficiente aceptabilidad, construcción, validez de convergencia, y capacidad de respuesta. Todos los puntajes mostraron una gran consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach > 0.8). Una capacidad discriminativa superior fue demostrada por diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) en dos de siete puntajes entre grupos de tratamiento neoadyuvante, y en seis de siete puntajes entre grupos de complicaciones, ninguno de los cuales fue detectado por SF-12 o FACT-C.Las limitaciones incluyeron un tamaño de muestra pequeño, diferencias culturales y la falta de evaluación de la confiabilidad test-retest del cuestionario.El Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida en Cáncer Colorrectal de Cleveland Clinic es una medida de calidad de vida eficiente y confiable que incorpora mejor factores específicos asociados a la cirugía de cáncer colorrectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B155.

Early dynamics of transmission and control of COVID-19: a mathematical modelling study

SummaryBackgroundAn outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to 95 333 confirmed cases as of March 5, 2020. Understanding the early transmission dynamics of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures is crucial for assessing the potential for sustained transmission to occur in new areas. Combining a mathematical model of severe SARS-CoV-2 transmission with four datasets from within and outside Wuhan, we estimated how transmission in Wuhan varied between December, 2019, and February, 2020. We used these estimates to assess the potential for sustained human-to-human transmission to occur in locations outside Wuhan if cases were introduced.MethodsWe combined a stochastic transmission model with data on cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan and international cases that originated in Wuhan to estimate how transmission had varied over time during January, 2020, and February, 2020. Based on these estimates, we then calculated the probability that newly introduced cases might generate outbreaks in other areas. To estimate the early dynamics of transmission in Wuhan, we fitted a stochastic transmission dynamic model to multiple publicly available datasets on cases in Wuhan and internationally exported cases from Wuhan. The four datasets we fitted to were: daily number of new internationally exported cases (or lack thereof), by date of onset, as of Jan 26, 2020; daily number of new cases in Wuhan with no market exposure, by date of onset, between Dec 1, 2019, and Jan 1, 2020; daily number of new cases in China, by date of onset, between Dec 29, 2019, and Jan 23, 2020; and proportion of infected passengers on evacuation flights between Jan 29, 2020, and Feb 4, 2020. We used an additional two datasets for comparison with model outputs: daily number of new exported cases from Wuhan (or lack thereof) in countries with high connectivity to Wuhan (ie, top 20 most at-risk countries), by date of confirmation, as of Feb 10, 2020; and data on new confirmed cases reported in Wuhan between Jan 16, 2020, and Feb 11, 2020.FindingsWe estimated that the median daily reproduction number (Rt) in Wuhan declined from 2·35 (95% CI 1·15–4·77) 1 week before travel restrictions were introduced on Jan 23, 2020, to 1·05 (0·41–2·39) 1 week after. Based on our estimates of Rt, assuming SARS-like variation, we calculated that in locations with similar transmission potential to Wuhan in early January, once there are at least four independently introduced cases, there is a more than 50% chance the infection will establish within that population.InterpretationOur results show that COVID-19 transmission probably declined in Wuhan during late January, 2020, coinciding with the introduction of travel control measures. As more cases arrive in international locations with similar transmission potential to Wuhan before these control measures, it is likely many chains of transmission will fail to establish initially, but might lead to new outbreaks eventually.FundingWellcome Trust, Health Data Research UK, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and National Institute for Health Research.

Long‐Term Survival and Risk of Institutionalization in Onco‐Geriatric Surgical Patients: Long‐Term Results of the PREOP Study

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate long‐term survival and institutionalization in onco‐geriatric surgical patients, and to analyze the association between these outcomes and a preoperative risk score.DESIGNProspective cohort study with long‐term follow‐up.SETTINGInternational and multicenter locations.PARTICIPANTSPatients aged 70 years or older undergoing elective surgery for a malignant solid tumor at five centers (n = 229).MEASUREMENTSWe assessed long‐term survival and institutionalization using the Preoperative Risk Estimation for Onco‐geriatric Patients (PREOP) score, developed to predict the 30‐day risk of major complications. The PREOP score collected data about sex, type of surgery, and the American Society for Anesthesiologists classification, as well as the Timed Up & Go test and the Nutritional Risk Screening results. An overall score higher than 8 was considered abnormal.RESULTSWe included 149 women and 80 men (median age = 76 y; interquartile range = 8). Survival at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively was 84%, 77%, and 56%, respectively. Moreover, survival at 1 year was worse for patients with a PREOP risk score higher than 8 (70%) compared with 8 or lower (91%). Of those alive at 1 year, 43 (26%) were institutionalized, and by 2 years, almost half of the entire cohort (46%) were institutionalized or had died. A PREOP risk score higher than 8 was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7‐4.0), irrespective of stage and age, but not with being institutionalized (odds ratios = 1 y, 1.6 [95% CI = .7‐3.8]; 2 y, 2.2 [95% CI = .9‐5.5]).CONCLUSIONA high PREOP score is associated with mortality but not with remaining independent. Despite acceptable survival rates, physical function may deteriorate after surgery. It is imperative to discuss treatment goals and expectations preoperatively to determine if they are feasible. Using the PREOP risk score can provide an objective measure on which to base decisions. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1235–1241, 2020.

Anthropogenic contamination of residential environments from smelter As, Cu and Pb emissions: Implications for human health

Communities in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are disproportionally affected by industrial pollution compared to more developed nations. This study evaluates the dispersal and associated health risk of contaminant-laden soil and dust at a copper (Cu) smelter in Tsumeb, Namibia. It is Africa’s only smelter capable of treating complex Cu ores that contain high arsenic (As) contents (<1%). The analyses focused on the primary trace elements associated with ore processing at the smelter: As, Cu, and lead (Pb). Portable X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) of trace elements in soils (n = 83) and surface dust wipes (n = 80) showed that elemental contamination was spatially associated with proximity to smelter operations. Soil concentrations were below US EPA soil guidelines. Dust wipe values were elevated relative to sites distal from the facility and similar to those at other international smelter locations (As = 1012 μg/m2 (95% CI 687–1337); Cu = 1838 μg/m2 (95% CI 1191–2485); Pb = 1624 μg/m2 (95% CI 862–2385)). Source apportionment for Pb contamination was assessed using Pb isotopic compositions (PbIC) of dust wipes (n = 22). These data revealed that the PbIC of 73% (n = 16/22) of these wipes corresponded to the PbIC of smelter slag and tailings, indicating contribution from industrial emissions to ongoing exposure risk. Modeling of carcinogenic risk showed that dust ingestion was the most important pathway, followed by inhalation, for both adults and children. Dermal contact to trace elements in dust was also determined to pose a carcinogenic risk for children, but not adults. Consequently, contemporary smelter operations remain an ongoing health risk to the surrounding community, in spite of recent efforts to improve emissions from the operations.

Grain yield genetic gains and changes in physiological related traits for CIMMYT’s High Rainfall Wheat Screening Nursery tested across international environments

The effects of climate change together with the projected future demand represents a huge challenge for wheat production systems worldwide. Wheat breeding can contribute to global food security through the creation of genotypes exhibiting stress tolerance and higher yield potential. The objectives of our study were to (i) estimate the annual grain yield (GY) genetic gain of High Rainfall Wheat Yield Trials (HRWYT) grown from 2007 (15th HRWYT) to 2016 (24th HRWYT) across international environments, and (ii) determine the changes in physiological traits associated with GY genetic improvement. The GY genetic gains were estimated as genetic progress per se (GYP) and in terms of local checks (GYLC). In total, 239 international locations were classified into two groups: high- and low-rainfall environments based on climate variables and trial management practices. In the high-rainfall environment, the annual genetic gains for GYP and GYLC were 3.8 and 1.17 % (160 and 65.1 kg ha−1 yr−1), respectively. In the low-rainfall environment, the genetic gains were 0.93 and 0.73 % (40 and 33.1 kg ha−1 yr−1), for GYP and GYLC respectively. The GY of the lines included in each nursery showed a significant phenotypic correlation between high- and low-rainfall environments in all the examined years and several of the five best performing lines were common in both environments. The GY progress was mainly associated with increased grain weight (R2 = 0.35 p < 0.001), days to maturity (R2 = 0.20, p < 0.001) and grain filling period (R2 = 0.06, p < 0.05). These results indicate continuous GY genetic progress and yield stability in the HRWYT germplasm developed and distributed by CIMMYT.

Outbreak investigation steps in the case of 2019 novel coronavirus infection, a review

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, birds and bats. In January 2020, it causes an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

Mathematical modelling on diffusion and control of COVID-19.

In this paper, we develop a mathematical model for the spread and control of the coronavirus disease. An outbreak of COVID-19 has led to more than one million confirmed cases as of April 3rd, 2020. Understanding the early spread dynamics of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures is crucial for assessing the potential for sustained transmission to occur in new areas. Combining a mathematical model of severe COVID-19 spread with four datasets from within and outside of Wuhan, China; it is estimated how spread in Wuhan varied between January and February 2020. It is used these estimates to assess the potential for sustained human-to-human spread to occur in locations outside Wuhan if disease holders were introduced. It is combined SEIR framework model with data on cases of COVID-19 in China and International cases that originated in Wuhan to estimate how spread had varied over time during January and February 2020. Based on these estimates, it is calculated the probability that freshly introduced cases might produce outbreaks in other regions. Also, it is calculated approximately the median day by day basic reproduction number in Wuhan, refused from 2·45 (95% CI: 1·16–4·87) one week before travel restrictions were introduced on Jan 23rd, 2020, to 1.05 (0·42–2·40) one week after. Based on our estimates of, presumptuous SARS approximating disparity, it is computed that in locations with a similar spread potential to Wuhan in near the beginning of January, some time ago there are at least four independently set up cases, there is a more than fifty percent chance the infection will found within those inhabitants. COVID-19 spreading probably refused in Wuhan during delayed January 2020, corresponding with the prologue of voyage control channels. As more cases arrive in international locations with similar spread potential to Wuhan, before these organize measures, it is likely many chains of spread will fail to create initially but might lead to innovative outbreaks ultimately.

Why We Have to Develop Instruments of Our Caring Measurement Based on an Indonesian Perspective

Introduction: Caring is the core or focus in nursing as a form of professional nursing practice. The current caring instrument is an original instrument that measures the attitudes or behavior of nurses, has not paid attention to the administrative and environmental aspects of the hospital. The use of an instrument that does not yet contain certain characteristics gives rise to improper measurement results. The purpose of this study was to explain the importance of developing caring measurement instruments with an Indonesian perspective.Methods: Systematic reviews were carried out from database articles on ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, Wiley online, Proquest, and EBSCOhost. Criteria for articles were articles published in the last 10 years, national and international research locations, and in Indonesian and English. 15 references were obtained from 2100 references that met the predetermined criteria. The development of a caring behavior instrument based on an Indonesian perspective does not yet exist.Results: The results found that development on the basis of linguistics, cultural adjustment, and according to the prevalence of disease in a country because the epidemiology of the disease differs on the climate region.Conclusion: Specific caring instruments in an Indonesian perspective is expected that the research results will be more accurate.

Review of International Supply Chain Risk within Banking Regulations in Asia, US and EU Including Cost Efficiency Proposals

Major financial institutions operate in different regions of the world facing different regulatory landscapes for Supply Chain risks. In this environment, the optimization issue arises how to best comply with the different regulations and reaching cost efficiency at the same time. In this research, the international regulatory landscape for Supply Chain risks of Financial Institutions is introduced and compared internationally. It is understood as an integral part of Supply Chain Risk Management of Financial Institutions, yet the latter is analysed as the research background. Additionally, expert interviews are conducted in order to link the regulation analysis to the current challenges that Financial Institutions face. Finally, recommendations are developed on how banks can be cost efficient, while remaining regulatory compliant, facing increased international regulation in the area of Supply Chain Risk Management. The outcome of the underlying research shows that banking regulation in the area of Supply Chain risks is an important lever in the banking sector to secure customers and financial markets. However, the regulatory landscape is heterogeneous and not consistent on an international scale. Regulation in Asia is highly diverse across different countries due to different states of economic development. The US applies a rather pragmatical approach towards supply chain risk regulation applying different standards of standard setting institutions. Lastly, the EU is very restrictive and strives to unify regulation across member states. Banks should follow a consistent management approach keeping in mind international locations and the strictest regulatory environment they are operating in, to improve cost efficiency yet being regulatory compliant. Also, collaboration with and amongst regulators and other banks internationally is recommended for improved cost efficiency.

Coronavirus: COVID-19 and role of university librarian during lockdown

Corona virus commenced in Wuhan in China - Wuhan, the sprawling capital of Central China's Hubei province, is a commercial center divided by using the Yangtze and Han rivers and was detected in December -2019. The virus spreads everywhere to each nook and corner of the world touching more than 200 countries. A lot of people have been infected by the treacherous COVID-19 virus experiencing slight to moderate breathing contamination with required special treatment. Sick, weak and old human beings, and people with underlying scientific troubles like cardiovascular disorder, diabetes, chronic breathing disorder, and cancer are more likely to broaden serious contamination. Due to very seriousness, maximum of the international locations affected inclusive of India must Lock Down nations for time duration as required. During the Lockdown a length University Librarian must perform their role from home. This paper provides some essential tips as to how a librarian can be protective and alert in rendering information services to readers community working from home.

Domestic and bilateral challenges to building relationality in cultural diplomacy: Tuvalu’s performative cultural diplomacy in Taiwan

ABSTRACT In this paper, I analyse archival research and semi-structured interviews conducted between 2017 and 2018 in Tuvalu and Taiwan. I outline Tuvalu’s performative cultural diplomacy – performance/dance-based cultural policies used for diplomacy in Taiwan and other international locations – and problems that beset this diplomacy. I first discuss the importance to Tuvalu of the performative/dance form fatele, especially as it relates to domestic diplomacy and cultural representation. I then outline internal and external tensions that arise when Tuvalu adopts domestic performance protocols in its international diplomacy with places like Taiwan. These tensions emerge because, in Taiwan, fatele cannot be presented as it would be in Tuvalu and because the Tuvalu and Taiwan governments contrast sharply in their imaginings of how performative cultural diplomacy should be realised. In the conclusion, I discuss how preoccupation with domestic standards in both Tuvalu and Taiwan hinders the possibility of developing bilateral relationality through performative cultural diplomacy.

El análisis de las necesidades desde la Teoría del Desarrollo a Escala Humana: el caso de dos barrios vulnerables de la Comunitat Valenciana (España)

El análisis de necesidades axiológicas y sus satisfactores que se presenta a continuación, parte de los resultados obtenidos en una investigación iniciada en 2016 y que, en la actualidad, ha sido ampliada a escala internacional. El objeto del presente artículo es comparar, desde la teoría del desarrollo a escala humana de Max-Neef, Elizalde y Hopenhayn, las necesidades sociales del barrio del Xenillet (Torrent, Valencia) y el barrio de La Coma (Paterna, Valencia), proponiendo la neutralización de los satisfactores destructivos y potenciando los satisfactores reales, a partir de un análisis crítico de los resultados obtenidos. La investigación, realizada desde la perspectiva comunitaria, ofrece gran diversidad de opiniones y referencias desde los diferentes ámbitos de los agentes comunitarios: ciudadano, técnico y profesional y de la Administración Pública. En concreto, la cumplimentación de la matriz está fundamentada desde la comunidad del barrio de La Coma y del barrio del Xenillet.

Revisiting State Subsidy Food Programme Model for India

Food Problem in Indian Economy is acute. Food Problem in India is not only concerned with the shortage of food but also has a deficiency of nutrition. The 2015 Global Hunger Index ranked India twentieth amongst leading international locations with a severe hunger state of affairs. With food problem, malnutrition also places a heavy burden on India in terms of deaths, disease and direct impact on productivity. There are several programs in India to address this concern, the first initiative was Amma Unavagam food subsidization program run by the state of Tamil Nadu has won popular support and brought a new dimension in food security. Several states started the program with different dimension viz. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka. There are other states which are planning to adopt this model including Uttar Pradesh. The present research analyzes the success of state programs that can be replicated to throughout India. The study discusses the implications for policy makers for successful implementation of the program. The study also highlights the possible limitations and future research.

Forecasting Chronic Disease using Gradient Boosting Algorithm

A Chronic disease is exists inside human body long term. The continual ailment typically final for three months or more as per defined with the aid of the USA National center of Health Statistics. The leading persistent sicknesses in advanced international locations encompass arthritis, cardiovascular ailment which includes coronary heart attacks, stroke and oral fitness issues. These illnesses are resistant to vaccination and can’t be prevented by means of way of remedy. Eating conduct, lack of workout and awful meals conduct are the essential contribution to the persistent sickness prevalence. In propose system, used superior device gaining knowledge of algorithms like assist vector machines, Gradient boosting, to expect the superiority of chronic sickness. Also, as part of t observe have provided the comparative observe of all the fashions with go validation techniques.

A technological review of wind power generation

Due to developing population, economic improvement, and monetary development, strength is the most fundamental dearth and may assist in lessening the usage of fossil fuels. Around the world 86.4% of strength is introduced through fossil fuels. All inclusive, India positions fourth a few of the international locations that create wind power. The maximum current 5 years development in wind strength in India is nearly 16 %. Wind is the aberrant kind of solar orientated electricity and is usually being recharged by way of the solar. It has been assessed that approximately 10 million MW of electricity are persistently accessible in the earth’s wind. Wind strength gives a variable and environmental pleasant opportunity and countrywide electricity security even as diminishing global stores of fossils products debilitates the long haul manageability of worldwide economic system. This paper introduces with a technological review of wind strength conversion structures. Right here numerous wind mills, generators and electricity converter topologies are mentioned with their classifications, technical features and latest developments. On this evaluation paper an excellent in magnificence is centered on constitutive factors, structure and manipulate of wind era structures and the state-of-the-art studies traits in wind electricity conversion system.

Implementing experiential action learning in the MBA: use of an international consulting experience

PurposeExperiential learning projects require students to go further than the typical theoretical and conceptual MBA coursework requiring them to draw on their previously acquired skills to solve actual business problems from a real-world client. The purpose of this paper is to offer a detailed overview of an experiential learning global consulting project and its potential benefits, along with practical classroom recommendations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes a global consulting project embedded in an MBA international consulting course involving a German manufacturing company operating a single production facility in the USA.FindingsFindings suggest that in post-class assessments students were quite supportive, touting is as one of the most beneficial to their MBA education and their job placement upon graduation.Research limitations/implicationsThis experiential project has largely been assessed through qualitative feedback from both the students and the client. Future research efforts should assess the project in a more robust fashion. Going forward, the use of survey assessments on the project as a whole would provide more objective feedback. Obtaining feedback from graduates 1 to 5 years post-graduation would provide a valuable perspective on the project’s overall effectiveness.Practical implicationsThe global consulting project described in this manuscript provided students with a vehicle to mimic a consulting engagement with an actual client in a real-world context.Social implicationsThe global consulting project described in this manuscript provided students with an opportunity to develop further their global and cultural competence. In addition, it provides an opportunity for students to fully develop the critical thinking skills, business acumen and the soft skills required of them to be successful in their future careers.Originality/valueThe combination of an international context and high degree of client engagement on this project make it a unique learning opportunity. This project is different as it provides a comprehensive, step-by-step, integrated approach that begins with an extensive interview process to secure a spot on the team with limited openings, then client discussions to identify the problem and determine the scope of engagement, which includes a client contract that outlines the objective and the deliverable of the engagement, followed by personal skill assessment to draw upon meta-competences necessary for the project’s success. Immersing the students in the client engagement, wherever it may take them both intellectually as well as physically (i.e. domestic and international locations) creates a template from which they can draw upon periodically as they progress in their professional.