Negative Economic Impact Research Articles

An economic indicator of the orbital debris environment

The continued growth of orbital debris increases potential losses faced by commercial operators in Earth's orbits. Yet, there is no commonly accepted measure that describes the orbital debris environment from an economic perspective. This study begins to fill that gap by developing an Orbital Debris Economic Loss Index (ODELI) that measures and tracks the changes in the expected negative economic impact of orbital debris on satellite operators, both in aggregate and in specific orbits. Such information is valuable to the stakeholders, such as policymakers, commercial operators, and the public, in communicating valuable information about the economic state of the orbital debris environment.We illustrate the calculation of the index utilizing the data from 2012 to 2022. The analysis is based on the publicly available data and the Meteoroid and Space Debris Terrestrial Environment Reference (MASTER) orbital debris environment model. Our analysis suggests that the aggregate expected economic damage to Earth's orbits is increasing at a slower rate than the growth rate of the number of satellites or trackable pieces of debris objects. The slower rate of growth in ODELI indices from 2012 to 2022 is explained by a decrease in the average mass of satellites, a reduction in the real cost of placing satellites in orbit, and a commercial preference to launch satellites into orbits with lower debris density.The estimates of annual expected economic losses from debris collisions increased from $86 million to $107 million from 2012 to 2022, and the losses are concentrated in the low-Earth orbit (LEO). However, LEO had the smallest rate of increase in ODELI compared to other orbits. Medium-Earth orbit (MEO), which has the smallest contribution to the combined expected economic losses from debris on the Earth's orbits, experienced the fastest rate of increase in ODELI during the same period.

Sustainable Utilization of Mushroom By-Products Processed with a Combined Osmotic Dehydration Pretreatment and a Hot-Air-Drying Step.

Mushroom production and consumption are gaining increased interest due to their unique flavor and nutritional value. However, in the mushroom industry, large amounts of by-products are generated, which have a high negative environmental and economic impact. In this study, an osmotic dehydration process followed by hot-air-drying was applied to mushroom stems to produce dried mushrooms as the end product. The osmotic dehydration conditions (concentration of hypertonic solution, specifically, 10-30% maltodextrin and 20-40% oligofructose; a treatment time of 40-80 min; and a temperature range of 30-50 °C) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that a four-factor three-level Box-Behnken experimental design was effectively implemented to evaluate the effect of the process parameters and identify the optimal osmotic dehydration conditions for producing osmotically dehydrated mushrooms. The main factor affecting mass transfer was the osmosis temperature, and the optimal conditions were found to be 38 °C, 40% oligofructose and 19.3% maltodextrin as the osmotic agents, and 80 min of immersion time. Moreover, the results showed that osmotic pretreatment, in the optimal conditions, significantly reduced the required drying time of the by-products compared to traditional hot-air-drying, especially at milder drying temperatures. Consequently, the required energy was also reduced by at least 40% at 50 °C.

The Two Mycological Sides of Ultraviolet-B Radiation: Harmless for Mushroom Mycelia, Harmful for Mycopathogenic Mould Spores

Mycopathogenic moulds are responsible for the greatest crop losses of cultivated mushrooms, thus having a significant negative economic impact on industry. Pesticides are the most common treatment against mycopathogenic moulds, but ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–315 nm) radiation could be a more ecological alternative. Thus, we studied the effect of UV-B (at doses from 8 to 192 kJ m−2) on four common mycopathogenic moulds (Cladobotryum mycophilum, Lecanicillium fungicola, Trichoderma aggressivum, and Mycogone perniciosa) under in vitro conditions, using four different culture media. UV-B was tremendously effective in inactivating mould spores even at the lowest dose, with the exception of those of T. aggresivum. Contrarily, UV-B did not present any effect on the development of the host mycelium (Agaricus bisporus), even at the highest dose, when cultivated on Compost Tea medium (CT). This is the most similar medium to the substrate used for commercial mushroom cultivation. UV-B reduced the mould mycelia development in a dose-response manner, but this reduction depended on the species, with the strongly pigmented T. aggressivum as the most tolerant species. Regarding the culture media, all of them (especially CT) absorbed UV-B intensely, contributing to the protection of the mycelia. Overall, UV-B radiation could constitute an ecologically friendly alternative to chemical treatments against mycopathogenic moulds, due to its capacity to inactivate their spores and (in some cases) their mycelia without affecting their hosts.

Design of a multi-epitope-based vaccine candidate against Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis using a reverse vaccinology approach

BackgroundBovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a worldwide distributed venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), has a relevant negative economic impact in cattle herds. The control of BGC is hampered by the inexistence of globally available effective vaccines. The present in silico study aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Cfv through reverse vaccinology.ResultsThe analysis of Cfv strain NCTC 10354 proteome allowed the identification of 9 proteins suitable for vaccine development. From these, an outer membrane protein, OmpA, and a flagellar protein, FliK, were selected for prediction of B-cell and T-cell epitopes. The top-ranked epitopes conservancy was assessed in 31 Cfv strains. The selected epitopes were integrated to form a multi-epitope fragment of 241 amino acids, which included 2 epitopes from OmpA and 13 epitopes from FliK linked by GPGPG linkers and connected to the cholera toxin subunit B by an EAAAK linker. The vaccine candidate was predicted to be antigenic, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and soluble upon overexpression. The protein structure was predicted and optimized, and the sequence was successfully cloned in silico into a plasmid vector. Additionally, immunological simulations demonstrated the vaccine candidate’s ability to stimulate an immune response.ConclusionsThis study developed a novel vaccine candidate suitable for further in vitro and in vivo experimental validation, which may become a useful tool for the control of BGC.

Nitrogen: from discovery, plant assimilation, sustainable usage to current enhanced efficiency fertilizers technologies – A review

ABSTRACT From 1913 onwards, the global situation changed from a scenario of nitrogen (N) scarcity to an abundance of ammonia (NH 3 ) produced synthetically via the Haber-Bosch process. Several N compounds have been synthesized since then, with urea becoming the main source of N, accounting for 55 % of current N consumption. However, N efficiency in agroecosystems is low and, normally, N recovery in cultivated plants is less than 50 %. This occurs because a large amount of reactive N is lost to the environment, inducing various forms of pollution, threatening human and environmental health, in addition to causing a negative economic impact on the farmer. The main processes responsible for low N efficiency are NH 3 volatilization, leaching, and N denitrification. Considering global NH 3 volatilization losses of 14 %, it can be assumed that up to 8.6 million Mg of urea are lost every year in the form of NH 3 . For each ton of NH 3 produced, 1.9 to 3.8 Mg of CO 2 is emitted into the atmosphere. Therefore, increasing N use efficiency (NUE) without compromising yield is a necessity and a challenge for crop improvement programs and current management systems, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), which contain technologies that minimize the potential for nutrient losses compared to conventional sources, are an alternative to increasing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization. Currently, EEFs are classified into three categories: stabilized, slow-release, and controlled-release. This study aims to understand the technologies used to produce EEFs and the factors that govern their availability to plants. This review covers the following topics: the discovery of N, N dynamics in the soil-atmosphere system, N assimilation in plants, strategies to increase NUE in agrosystems, NH 3 synthesis, NH 3 volatilization losses, N fertilizer technologies, the importance of characterization of EEFs, conventional nitrate or ammonium-based fertilizers to reduce gaseous losses of NH 3 and future prospects for the use of N fertilizers in agriculture.

THE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF POWER TRANSFORMERS

This research investigated the assessment of power transformer reliability with emphasis on the transmission network within Rivers State in Nigeria, focusing on the perspectives of electricity consumers, organizational personnel, and business operators using descriptive survey. The study encompassed the entire population of 725,372 electricity consumers in the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PEDC) in Rivers State, which included both households and business owners. To select a representative sample, the Convenience Sampling Technique was employed, resulting in the inclusion of 390 electricity consumers in Rivers State. Data collection utilized the Consumers Perception of Electricity Power Transformer Reliability (COPEPT) questionnaire and Structured Interview, with the instrument's reliability established through the test-retest technique, yielding a reliability coefficient for each investigation. Research questions were addressed through the weighted mean score (WMS) analysis. Key findings indicated dissatisfaction among electricity consumers in Rivers State, primarily attributed to factors such as transformer age, overall condition, uncontrolled overloading, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate transformer capacity to meet increasing demand. Addressing these issues, different approaches including upgrading or replacing outdated transformers, implementing limits on transformer loading, introducing robust earthing systems, and increasing transformer capacity, were recommended to enhance consumer satisfaction and overall reliability. The study further revealed that persistent power transformer failures resulted in power outages, adversely impacting businesses, households, communication, and contributing to reduced production and national income. Based on these findings, recommendations in the form of strategies were provided, emphasizing a comprehensive analysis of power surge control during adverse weather conditions, a plan for upgrading or replacing outdated transformers, an assessment of power transformer capacity needs, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies mitigating the negative economic impact and enhancing communication with consumers.
 Keywords: Reliability Assessment, Power Transformers, Rivers State and Transmission Network.

미중 무역전쟁의 예측 가능성

Purpose: This research is on the predictability of the prolonged US-China trade war that started in 2018, studying negotiation and settlement in this protracted trade war. Research design, data, and methodology: The paper uses the prisoner’s dilemma and the game called chicken, which are representative non-cooperative games in game theory, along with two-level game theory. Results: Both the U.S. and China are expected to have a negative economic impact on the world, but China is expected to suffer greater damage. The essence of the trade war is China’s all-out challenge to the United States, which prides itself on being a worldwide hegemony. Conclusions: When looking at the US-China trade war from a long-term perspective, China’s damage is expected to increase, and it is highly likely that the US will ultimately win.

Pallet Loading Problem: A Case Study in the Automotive Industry Applying a Simplified Mathematical Model

Logistics and the supply chain are areas of great importance within organizations. Due to planning gaps, an increase in extra and unnecessary transport costs is usually observed in several companies due to their commercial commitments and need to comply with the delivery time and the batch quantity of products, leading to a negative economic impact. Thus, the objective of this work was to adjust an optimization model to maximize the shipments usually carried out by the companies. To validate the model, an automotive components manufacturer was selected, allowing us to apply the model to a real case study and evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of this tool. It was found that the company to validate the model exports most of its products, and most pallets sent are not fully optimized, generating excessive expense for the company in terms of urgent transport. To solve this problem, two mathematical optimization models were used for the company’s current reality, optimizing the placement of boxes per pallet and customer. With the use of the new tool, it was possible to determine that five pallets should be sent to the customer weekly, which correspond to their needs, and that have the appropriate configurations so that the pallet is sent completely.

An evolutionary view of the Fusarium core genome

Fusarium, a member of the Ascomycota fungi, encompasses several pathogenic species significant to plants and animals. Some phytopathogenic species have received special attention due to their negative economic impact on the agricultural industry around the world. Traditionally, identification and taxonomic analysis of Fusarium have relied on morphological and phenotypic features, including the fungal host, leading to taxonomic conflicts that have been solved using molecular systematic technologies. In this work, we applied a phylogenomic approach that allowed us to resolve the evolutionary history of the species complexes of the genus and present evidence that supports the F. ventricosum species complex as the most basal lineage of the genus. Additionally, we present evidence that proposes modifications to the previous hypothesis of the evolutionary history of the F. staphyleae, F. newnesense, F. nisikadoi, F. oxysporum, and F. fujikuroi species complexes. Evolutionary analysis showed that the genome GC content tends to be lower in more modern lineages, in both, the whole-genome and core-genome coding DNA sequences. In contrast, genome size gain and losses are present during the evolution of the genus. Interestingly, core genome duplication events positively correlate with genome size. Evolutionary and genome conservation analysis supports the F3 hypothesis of Fusarium as a more compact and conserved group in terms of genome conservation. By contrast, outside of the F3 hypothesis, the most basal clades only share 8.8% of its genomic sequences with the F3 clade.

Economic impact of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector: a review of the literature

ObjectivesThis review of the literature aimed to evaluate the economic impact of a clinical pharmacist in the orthopaedic sector.MethodsThe review followed the PRISMA recommendations. A bibliographic search was conducted on...

Biopolymeric fibers prepared by centrifugal spinning blended with ZnO nanoparticles for the treatment of Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a serious dermatological disease affecting a significant part of the population. Currently, available therapeutics are effective only at high concentrations, which has a negative environmental and economic impact. In particular, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have a great potential in various biomedical applications due to their specific properties and antibacterial/antiviral activity. In this study, biomedically approved ZnO NPs with distinct diameter were used as the active therapeutic modality to treat acne-causing pathogens. For the first time, we show the utilization of ZnO NPs that were evenly distributed within centrifugally spun fiber carriers. Upon application on the skin, ZnO NPs can sustainably release and have profound antibacterial activity at lower therapeutic concentrations. Fibers were made using innovative centrifugal spinning procedure from natural polymers - gum arabic and pullulan - that are known for their biocompatibility. Different amount of ZnO NPs (from 0.03 to 4.5 wt.% related to the dry mass) was added into the spinning polymer solution, either in a form of a dry powder or as a dispersion containing NPs and isopropyl myristate. The resulting fibers were subsequently characterized for morphology and presence of ZnO NPs by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The materials were thoroughly assessed for their antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are major opportunistic pathogens causing acne. The combination of two types of nanomaterials, namely active nanoparticles and fiber carriers, proved to be very promising and bear a great potential for the treatment of these diseases.

A Review of Microplastic Identification and Characterization Methods in Aquatic Environments

Plastic waste has become a major global issue, with over 390.7 million tons of plastic produced in 2021. Because of its durability, low recycling rates, poor waste management, and maritime use, a considerable portion of plastic waste ends up in aquatic environments. Photo-oxidation and other mechanisms degrade plastics into microplastics (MPs), which are particles smaller than 5 mm. MPs can spread through the aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic areas, and running waterways serve as conduits for MP transport across various ecosystems. MPs have been found at various levels of the food web, and animals can ingest, inhale, or absorb them through their skin. MPs pose a significant health risk to flora and fauna, including marine creatures and humans, due to their small size, diverse colors, high abundance, and ability to adsorb antibiotic-resistant pathogens, causing cytotoxicity, acute reactions, undesirable immunological responses, neurotoxicity, and DNA alteration. MPs have a negative economic impact on industries such as agriculture, fishing, tourism, etc. Detecting and quantifying the presence of MPs is therefore critical. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the various techniques and equipment used to detect and characterize MPs in aqueous environments. Identifying and educating the public about the primary sources of plastic pollution can help reduce the number of MPs in the environment.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for bovine leptospirosis in Egypt

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira and is one of causative agents of reproductive problems leading to negative economic impact on bovine worldwide. The goal of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in cattle in some governorates of Egypt's Nile Delta and assess the risk factors for infection. A total of 410 serum samples were collected from cattle and examined using microscopic agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 10.2% and the most prevalent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Canicola. In addition, the potential risk factors were associated Leptospira spp. infection were age, herd size, history of abortion, presence of dogs and rodent control. Thus, leptospirosis is common in dairy cattle in the Nile Delta and the presence of rodents in feed and dog-accessible pastures increases the risk of Leptospira spp. infection among animals.

Evaluation of Claw Lesions in Beef Cattle Slaughtered in Northern Portugal: A Preliminary Study

Claw diseases have a profound impact on cattle welfare, affecting behaviors such as grazing, rumination, rest, decubitus, and water consumption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of claw lesions and classify them according to the ICAR Claw Health Atlas (International Committee of Animal Recording) in two slaughterhouses. The influence of claw lesions on carcass weight, classification, and fat deposition was also examined. Involving 343 crossbreed cattle from 103 different extensive or semi-intensive farms, this study found an animal prevalence of claw disorders at 65.8%, with a higher incidence in females (n = 207, 60.35%) compared to males (n = 136, 39.65%). Despite the observed prevalence, claw lesions were not influenced by age or sex (p > 0.05). The main claw lesions identified, including heel horn erosion, double sole, and asymmetric claw, were consistent with the cattle management practices in the study area. These cattle were raised in small, rustic premises with uneven floors, utilizing a mix of manure and plant material as bedding and lacking access to pasture. Also, no negative economic impact was detected concerning carcass weight, classification, or fat deposition. Consequently, it was concluded that the presence of claw lesions in beef cattle raised under the characteristic management of this geographical area does not adversely affect animal health or farm economics.

Circulation of foot-and-mouth disease serotypes, risk factors, and their effect on hematological and biochemical profiles among cattle and buffalo in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, including buffalo, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing major economic losses to the local farmers and, overall, to the national economy of the country. This study aimed to detect FMDV serotypes in year-round FMD outbreaks, hematological and biochemical changes, and oxidative stress in FMDV-infected cattle and buffaloes in the district of Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, and the socioeconomic impact of FMD outbreaks on farmers. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the district of Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, where FMD virus (FMDV) serotypes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematological, biochemical, and oxidative analyses were performed by analyzing the blood of FMDV-infected and non-infected animals. Information on the associated risk factors was obtained through a structured questionnaire by interviewing farmers in each FMD-affected farm. Thirty-four out of 38 farms (89%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 75%-97%) were positive for FMD by ELISA. Higher FMD infection was detected in farms with a herd size of <50 animals (50%, 17/34), followed by >100 animals (32%, 11/34) and 51-100 animals (18%, 6/34). Fifty-seven percent (114/200, 95% CI: 50%-64%) of animals were positive for FMD. Of these, 61% (69/114) were cattle and 39% (45/114) were buffalo. FMD positivity was higher in females (86%, 98/114) than in males (14%, 16/114) and higher in animals older than 2 years of age (52%, 59/114). On average, farmers lose U.S. dollars 3000 annually due to FMD outbreaks. Animals infected with FMDV had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) white blood cell counts and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower hemoglobin and total protein concentrations in buffalo and cattle, whereas infected cattle showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower albumin levels. Globulin levels were lower in buffaloes infected. Alanine aminotransferase levels were lower in infected cattle (p ≤ 0.05). Creatinine levels were higher in infected buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Urea and phosphorus concentrations were higher in FMDV-infected cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Calcium levels were lower in infected cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Catalase enzyme activity in infected cattle and buffaloes was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in FMDV-infected cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). This study confirmed serotype O circulation among cattle and buffalo in year-long FMD outbreaks in the Quetta District of Balochistan. Blood analysis identified a parameter deviated from the normal level due to FMDV infection. In addition, the outbreak of FMD has a significant negative economic impact on livestock farmers.

An evaluation of the impact of China's green credit policy on different pathways using a CGE model.

The objective of the study was to quantitatively analyze the heterogeneous effects of different green credit implementation methods on energy, environmental, and economic systems by developing a computable general equilibrium model. The specific green credit implementation methods are divided into interest-penalty policy for energy-intensive industries andinterest preferential policy for green industries. Various approaches to implementing green credit can lead to distinct impacts on energy consumption, environmental outcomes, and economic performance. Green credit policy experiments are carried out utilizing short-, medium-, and long-term scenarios to investigate how the consequences of green credit policies evolve. The findings demonstrate that (1) implementing a penalty interest policy for energy-intensive industries can have substantial short-term environmental effects, cutting total demand for fossil energy and lowering carbon dioxide emissions significantly. As the cycle progresses, this effect will progressively fade and have a negative economic impact. (2) The interest preferential policy for the green industry has a significant promoting effect on green technology, and its energy and environmental effects will be reflected in the long term, and the effect will continue to increase, which has a positive promoting effect on the economy. (3) There are significant differences in the policy effects brought about by the different implementation methods of green credit policies. Both policies can positively affect social energy and the environment, but the effect cycles are different. When two types of interest policies are implemented in the economy, the negative economic effect of the penalty interest policy is greater than the positive effect of the preferential interest policy, which harms the macroeconomy. These conclusions will provide theoretical and practical references for the government and banks to choose a better green credit implementation path.

The Economic Impact of Insecurity and Terrorism on the Nigerian Economy

This study examines the economic impact of insecurity and terrorism on the Nigerian economy from the period 1990-2022. One of the major challenges that has confronted Nigeria as a nation in recent times is that of insecurity and terrorism. The villainous activities of Bandits, unknown gunmen, Niger Delta militant, Boko Haram, and Fulani herdsmen, had been responsible largely for the loss of lives and properties in Nigeria. Some of their dastard and iniquitous activities include kidnapping especially school children, raping, armed robbery, ritual killings, suicide bomb attacks, sporadic and indiscriminate shooting of unarmed and innocent citizens, burning of police stations, churches, mosques, murder and destruction of oil properties. Annual time series data on our targeted variables were obtained from secondary sources including the Central Bank of Nigeria annual statistical bulletin and World Bank development indicators for various years. The Eview9 Statistical Software was employed to analyze the data empirically. The Unit root test was also used to test the stationarity of data. The data were analyzed using the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). The results of the ARDL estimates reveal that in the long run, terrorism coefficient has negative economic impact on gross domestic product (economic growth) in Nigeria and it was also found to be statistically significant. Unemployment rate was also statistically significant at five percent and also has negative economic influence on GDP in the short run. The study recommends amongst others that the Nigerian government should apply any reasonable strategy possible to return peace to the country, in other to accelerate the pace of economic growth and development. Without doubt, a peaceful Nigeria, where there is the absence of terrorism and insecurity will surely pave way for a meaningful and systematic economic growth and development.

The Worrying Phenomenon of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Negative Impact on Pandemic Control Efforts: Common Themes that Emerged in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.

Since the declaration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic, intensive measures were taken to mitigate its negative health, psychological, social, and economic impact. COVID-19 continues to pose serious threats globally, with vaccination as the central safe strategy to control the pandemic. However, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a major concern, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Concerns regarding vaccine safety, efficacy, and misinformation contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Addressing these concerns and providing accurate information is crucial for increasing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in this region, where the coverage is low. Variable rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were found in the numerous studies conducted in the region. Complex factors contributed to vaccination hesitancy in the region including concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy, low trust in healthcare systems, complacency toward the risks of COVID-19, constraints hindering access to COVID-19 vaccination services, as well as the circulation of misinformation and conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 and its vaccination. Effective approaches to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the MENA region rely on developing evidence-based communication strategies that are recommended to build trust in vaccination, highlight the disease risks, and counter COVID-19 vaccine-related misinformation. Ensuring COVID-19 vaccine affordability is also necessary besides the cautious consideration of implementing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Based on the preceding discussion, this chapter aims to identify the common themes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the MENA region. In addition, the chapter highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and its associated determinants to develop effective strategies for promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in the MENA region. To build community trust, promote community education and awareness, and counter misinformation for better COVID-19 vaccine coverage in the region, it is recommended to involve healthcare professionals and policymakers.

Rising Cases of Motorcycle Wheel Spokes Injuries in A Tertiary Facility in Northern Ghana; A Policy Call.

Motorcycle wheel spoke injuries refer to the entrapment of the foot and ankle of a rider or pillion rider into the spokes of a vehicle resulting in varied complex ankle-foot injuries. We report ten cases of motorcycle wheel spoke injuries between January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, majority of whom were children with the youngest being 4 years and the oldest 43 years. A few of the cases sustained both soft tissue injuries and fractures around the ankle while the rest sustained only soft tissue injuries. We believe a lot more of these cases do not get to the tertiary facility for varied reasons.The mean length of hospital stay was 19±13 days potential indirect negative economic impact on the state, patients, and their family/caregivers.These injuries can be prevented by developing policies aimed at public education, baring children from riding pillion, and designing protective wheel covering. Cases of motorcycle wheel spoke injuries are on the rise in the Northern part of Ghana. We recommend public education and awareness creation as well as stringent implementation of road traffic regulations.

The Impact of Civil war on the Balakayati and Warte Region 1993-2000

Balakayati and Warte region, an area of a considerable magnitude, It is located in northeastern part of Hawler province. Throughout the latter part of the nineties of twentieth century, the region had become the battleground of civil war between the political parties of Southern Kurdistan. Those wars have left a profound and lasting negative economic, societal, and educational impact. Which tens of people were killed and the social contacts were hugely damaged. On the other hand, Internal wars and conflicts had extermly impacted on education and health sectors, and led to poverty and destruction. It is worth mentioniy thet, this topic is neglected by history researchers. Therefore we decided to conduct research on this significant issue. This research paper includes an overview about Balakayaty and Werte, moreover two sections connected to economical and social negative impacts on the district.