Neighboring Countries Research Articles

Effectiveness and Heterogeneous Effects of Purchase Grants for Electric Vehicles

AbstractWe evaluate German purchase subsidies for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) using data on new vehicle registrations in Germany during 2015-2022. We account for confounding time trends and interacting EU-level $$\text {CO}_{2}$$ standards using neighboring countries as a control group. We find that 40% of BEV and 25% of PHEV registrations were subsidy-induced. The program had strong distributional effects, with greater uptake in wealthier and greener counties. We estimate implied abatement costs of 870 euro per ton of $$\text {CO}_{2}$$ for BEVs and 2,470 euro for PHEVs, suggesting that policy makers should re-balance support schemes away from PHEVs.

Refugee Resettlement and Preferences

Aid organizations spend considerable time lobbying for aid to be sent to refugees in poorer states, rather than campaigning for more refugees to be resettled to wealthy states. Lawmakers in wealthy countries similarly tend to focus on aiding refugees abroad, rather than resettling more refugees into their countries. One justification raised for focusing on aid rather than resettlement is that refugees prefer to remain in poorer neighboring countries so that they can quickly repatriate when the time is safe. Yet, few have established what refugees’ preferences are. Drawing upon an original data set of a representative sample of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, we find that most prefer remaining to resettling when the details of resettlement are not clarified, but roughly half prefer to resettle if offered certain types of resettlement. We further argue that organizations and states have reason to account for whether preferences are “adaptive.” Such preferences arise when refugees prefer remaining in neighboring countries to resettling only when resettling to other countries is not an option, but would prefer resettling if this option were available. We present a novel philosophical reason for not appealing to adaptive preferences as a justification for not resettling refugees. We further apply a novel experimental method for evaluating whether preferences are adaptive.

DIVERSITE SPECIFIQUE DES PHLEBOTOMES DU NIGER ET DE SES PAYS LIMITROPHES

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic parasitosis in Niger and some of its neighbouring countries. The vectors of this disease are sandflies, which are unfortunately little known in Niger and some of its neighbouring countries. The aim of this study is to inventory the species of sandfly present in Niger and its neighbouring countries. Methodology: This study is conducted in two parts. The first is a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published on sandflies in Niger and its neighboring countries between the period 2012 to 2022 through Ajol, Pubmed and Science direct. The second is based on a prospective collection of sandflies carried out in the town of Zinder, using castor oil and CDC light traps and morphologically identified. Results: All the sandflies recorded in the systematic review belong to the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia, with a species richness of 43. Phlebotomusperniciosus predominates (28%) on the Maghreb pole. However, on the sub-Saharan pole, Sergentomyiaclydei predominated with 53%. A strong association between the Maghreb pole and the Phlebotomus genus was observed (p-value<0.05). The prospective study carried out in Zinder provided six species with Phlebotomuspapatasi (6%), Phlebotomusduboscqi (6%), Phlebotomussergenti (25%), Sergentomyiaschwetzi (6%), Sergentomyiaafricana (38%) and Sergentomyiaantennata (19%). Conclusion: Niger and its surroundings contain a wide variety of sandflies, with a dominance of species of the Phlebotomus genus, which are the main vectors of leishmaniasis. This study also reports the presence of six species in Zinder, including P. papatasi and S. schwetzi, newly captured in Niger.

Foreign Policy of Regional Powers towards Afghanistan

This paper attempts to investigate the Afghan policies of the regional powers after 2021 when the Taliban came to power. After coming to power in 2021, the Taliban abolished the previous government and decided to build their own. The whole world had to start their relationship with Afghanistan once again. As we know the geostrategic location of Afghanistan compels the regional and neighboring countries to keep their interaction intact. We have regional powers like China, Russia, and India having the world's top economies and larger influence both in the world and the region. This paper thus aims to understand their foreign policies towards Afghanistan after 2021. The paper argues that these states have stakes in Afghanistan, due to its strategic location and natural resources. These states are lured to be involved in Afghanistan without considering what the internal situation in Afghanistan is. It is either due to the geo-strategic location of Afghanistan or the natural resources or other economic potential which compel these states to remain in relation with any government in power.

India’s Vaccine Diplomacy and Global Health Governance: A Soft Power Approach in the Context of Public Policy and Religious Values

Research Problem: India's vaccine diplomacy during the Covid-19 pandemic has not only emerged as a significant tool of soft power but also involves moral and ethical dimensions closely tied to religious values and public policy. In the midst of a global crisis, the interaction between India’s vaccine diplomacy and the religious and public policy frameworks of recipient nations requires deeper exploration. Research purposes: This article aims to analyze the role of India’s vaccine diplomacy in relation to public policy and religious values in recipient countries, examining how India’s global health initiatives influence moral and ethical perceptions of vaccine distribution, fairness, and international solidarity. Research methods: The study employs policy analysis through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on the relationship between vaccine diplomacy, public policy, and responses from religious communities in the recipient countries. It also explores the ethical and spiritual dimensions of India’s health diplomacy approach and its impact on public health policies. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that India’s vaccine diplomacy, through initiatives like "Vaccine Maitri," not only strengthens political ties with neighboring and global countries but also interacts with religious value systems, influencing public acceptance of vaccines. Moral values such as solidarity and justice, integral to many religious traditions, reinforce positive responses to the vaccine initiatives. Additionally, in some nations, religious communities have played a significant role in promoting vaccine acceptance by framing the health response in moral terms. Research Implications and Contributions: This research highlights the importance of integrating religious values into public health policy, particularly in global health contexts. Vaccine diplomacy rooted in moral solidarity and universal ethical principles, aligned with religious values, has the potential to enhance international cooperation and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Thus, this study contributes to understanding how religion and public policy can collaborate effectively in addressing global health challenges.

5.C. Scientific session: Strengthen resilience against emerging vector-borne diseases through the ECDC Fellowship Programmes

Abstract Over the past decade, climate change has impacted the transmission of a wide range of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Europe, where locally transmitted outbreaks have occurred. It has been implicated in the observed expansion of competent disease vectors in Europe such as Aedes albopictus, which transmits diseases such as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya. Climate may influence the life cycle of vectors, and the reproduction rate of viral particles inside vectors and human hosts, which means that upsurges in temperature can reduce the incubation period of these pathogens and the life cycle of vectors, thus boosting transmission risk through elevated vector populations. Moreover, globalization and international air travel contribute to pathogen and vector dispersion internationally. Risk mapping suggests further expansion of the species in northern Europe due to climate change. The above underscores the necessity for more proactive measures, such as developing an effective vector control program by monitoring the density and distribution of hosts and pathogens at urban, national, and cross-border levels. Additionally, establishing early warning systems based on integrated human and zoonotic and entomological surveillance is crucial to detect alerts promptly and comprehend where and when infections may emerge or spread. Furthermore, cross-border collaboration and harmonization of vector-borne surveillance systems across European countries may improve preparedness, control and response to mosquito-borne diseases. Preparedness and response require significant efforts from EU Member States and neighbouring countries. Only through a multidisciplinary approach, involving multiple sectors, can we truly prepare to address public health threats. To contribute to strengthening resilience against cross-border public health and emerging health threats in EU Member States and neighbouring countries, the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has established three fellowship training programmes. These programmes aim to create and maintain a network of highly qualified epidemiologists, microbiologists and public health professionals and strengthen the public health epidemiology workforce at EU and neighbor countries. This workshop will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the ECDC’s fellowship programmes, describe how they function and explain their role in preparing for health threats. It will provide examples of three projects carried out by fellows on the implementation of preparedness, response and control measures for emerging vector-borne diseases in European countries at local, national and multinational levels. Those will set the scene for an in-depth analysis of the key challenges faced and can help promote awareness that integrated, multidisciplinary interventions are both feasible and effective in reducing the threat of vector-borne infectious diseases spreading in Europe and neighboring countries. Key messages • ECDC fellowship programmes aim to strengthen resilience against emerging public health threats in EU Member States and neighboring countries. • Fellows are engaged in national and cross-border integrated and multidisciplinary interventions to strengthen preparedness and mitigate the spread of emerging vector-borne diseases.

Burnout and perceived stress among health visitors in Hungary

Abstract Background In Hungary, the health visitors are responsible for the health promotion of families and communities. However, as a consequence of the structural reorganization of the health visitors service and the emotionally situations (e.g. the war in a neighboring country, the economic crisis) that have arisen, there has been an increased prevalence of chronic stress, burnout and career abandonment among health visitors. The objective of the cross-sectional study was to ascertain the prevalence of burnout among health visitors and to examine the relationship between burnout and job stress. Methods The data was collected via an online questionnaire tool. In addition to questions pertaining to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire employed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI Human Services Survey) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunett test. The source population of the study was health visitors. A total of 178 health visitors constituted the target population. Results The average age of the study participants was 45.2 years. It can be observed that health visitors who perceive less appreciation from their colleagues, employers and caregivers are more likely to experience higher levels of burnout and stress (p < 0.05). The lowest levels of stress were observed in school health visitors, while the highest levels were seen in health visitors covering villages (p < 0.05). Those who remained in the field due to a passion for working with families and children, a sense of vocation, and a desire to help others exhibited lower levels of burnout (p < 0.05). The high number of clients served by health visitors was found to increase burnout and stress levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings of this research will assist in the comprehension of the phenomenon of burnout among health visitors, thereby enabling the development of more efficacious methods for the treatment and prevention. Key messages • Preventing burnout among health visitors is a priority, as it affects their work and their relationship with the families they care for in the short and long term. • Health visitors frequently encounter families in crisis during the course of their work, necessitating regular supervision to maintain their mental health.

Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 and merozoite surface protein 2 in the Vietnam Plasmodium falciparum population

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum merozoite surface proteins 1 (PfMSP1) and 2 (PfMSP2) are potential candidates for malaria vaccine development. However, the genetic diversity of these genes in the global P. falciparum population presents a significant challenge in developing an effective vaccine. Hence, understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary trends in the global P. falciparum population is crucial.MethodsThis study analyzed the genetic variations and evolutionary changes of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 in P. falciparum isolates from the Central Highland and South-Central regions of Vietnam. DNASTAR and MEGA7 programs were utilized for analyses. The polymorphic nature of global pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 was also investigated.ResultsA total of 337 sequences of pfmsp1 and 289 sequences of pfmsp2 were obtained. The pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 from Vietnam revealed a higher degree of genetic homogeneity compared to those from other malaria-endemic countries. Remarkably, the allele diversity patterns of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 differed significantly from those of neighboring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Declines in allele diversity and polymorphic patterns of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 were observed.ConclusionsThe Vietnam P. falciparum population might be genetically isolated from the parasite populations in other neighboring GMS countries, likely due to geographical barriers and distinct evolutionary pressures. Furthermore, bottleneck effects or selective sweeps may have contributed to the genetic homogeneity of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2.

Alarm fatigue and sleep quality in healthcare workers

Abstract Background Alarm fatigue, a prevalent issue in medical settings, arises when healthcare professionals are exposed to an overwhelming number of clinical alarms, leading to desensitization and decreased responsiveness. The constant alertness required due to medical device alarms in hospitals can severely disrupt the quality of sleep for medical personnel. This study aims to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between alarm fatigue and sleep quality in medical staff. For the research project, it was decided to carry out the study in three European neighbouring countries: Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic Methods The the survey was carried out in three European countries: Poland, Slovakia, and the Czechia from June to July 2023. The study was attended by a total of 756 participants. The study used: a socio-demographic metric; Alarm Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluates sleep quality. Results Among the 756 survey participants, 603 (79.76%) had poor sleep quality (6-21 PSQI points), 147 (19.44%) had good sleep quality (0-5 PSQI points), and 6 (0.79%) did not answer. The analysis of sleep quality scores for participating countries shows that sleep problems were significantly higher in Slovakia and Poland than in the Czech Republic. Alarm fatigue levels were determined for respondents in every country in this study. The statistical difference between countries is significant. In Slovakia and Poland, the levels of alarm fatigue caused by medical devices were significantly higher than in the Czech Republic. With regards to sleep quality, there is a positive correlation between alarm fatigue and sleep problems. A statistically significant positive correlation was obtained for all three countries. Conclusions The study found that workers in the health system are exposed to alarm fatigue, and that this in turn can reduce sleep quality. The consequences of this may be reflected in patient safety. Key messages • The results of the study clearly indicate that quality of work should be ensured by developing protocols for managing medical device alarms. • Combatting alarm fatigue among medical personnel is vital for public health as it reduces medical errors caused by sleep deprivation.

Scoping the EU’s health impact in the Southern Neighbourhood: Building resilience and trust

Abstract Background The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) focuses on security, migration, and economic stability. Strengthening health systems can contribute to these aims by building local resilience and institutions; however, little is known about the EU’s health policy and impacts in the Southern Neighborhood (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco). This paper examines the role of health in the ENP and what is known about the health-related impacts of EU actions in this region. Methods This is a qualitative case study of the EU’s ENP commitments, outcomes, and impacts (2004-2024) in nine middle-income Southern Neighborhood countries. A scoping review of empirical evidence included 5 scholarly databases and grey literature published. Retrieved publications and the ENP documents were thematically analysed with WHO’s health systems building blocks and the alignment between the ENP and practice was assessed. Results ENP health actions have evolved from public health and selected communicable diseases (2004), to health service delivery, vaccine supply, and occupational health (2021). The review included 19 publications (2004-2024). Publications most often addressed the financing (n = 14 papers) and service delivery (n = 9) aspects of health systems (not mutually exclusive), and only once addressed workforce and health information. Publications addressed mostly intentional EU health actions in the region; 4 papers reported unintentional effects. Conclusions The limited scope of health actions in the ENPs suggests health may be instrumentalised to pursue the EU’s security and stability goals. The type of EU health actions reported most often in the literature were consistent with the ENP health priorities. There is no systematic evaluation of the impacts of the EU’s health-related commitments in the ENPs. To build resilience and trust in the region, future EU action should support a range of WHO building blocks and mitigate potential negative effects. Key messages • The EU’s health commitments in the European Neighborhood Policy evolved from public health & communicable diseases (2004), to health service delivery, vaccine supply, & occupational health (2021). • There is no systematic empirical evaluation of the impacts of the EU’s health-related commitments in the European Neighborhood Policy.

A Conceptual Model of the Relationship between Quality of Work Life and Employee Engagement among Telecommunication Call Center Employees in Malaysia

Employee engagement has been one of the deepest issues for organizations. Organizations are currently struggling to survive due to the tough current economic environment, whereas the only tool for the organization to achieve a competitive advantage is by engaging employees to foster a competitive edge in the marketplace. Previous studies discovered that employee engagement in Malaysia is still steadily improving but falling behind its neighboring countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with the result rising only by four points to 63%. In addition, it was revealed that our country still ranks among the lowest in the region. This study focuses on employee engagement among call centers at selected telcos in Malaysia. There are many theoretical approaches to examining the quality of work life and employee engagement. Hence, this study adopted the Spillover Theory and Self-Determination Theory to explain the relationship between independent variables and employee engagement.

Regional Development Policies in Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries: A Comparative Analysis

This essay explores the regional development policies applied in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries using a comparative qualitative analysis method. It focuses on infrastructure development, human capital investment, regional integration, and technological innovation policies. It compares development policies in China, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan highlighting key projects which have fostered regional connectivity and economic growth. By comparing these policies, the essay evaluates how these initiatives have contributed to reducing regional disparities. This study aims to provide insights into how regional development policies can address Afghanistan’s socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable development. Despite notable successes, the research identifies ongoing challenges such as political instability, limited financial resources, and weak regional cooperation that impede further progress in Afghanistan. Key policy recommendations for Afghanistan include enhancing regional cooperation, investing in technological infrastructure, and developing human capital to achieve sustainable growth and stability.

The effect of mass migration on disease transmission: Evidence from the Venezuelan refugee crisis

AbstractSince 2014, millions of Venezuelans have fled to neighboring countries. There is only one accessible land crossing along the Brazil–Venezuela border (Pacaraima) and the Brazilian highway system limits migrants to one route through the Amazon for almost 1000 km. Using this event as a quasi‐random treatment, we find that refugee migration increased malaria incidence in Pacaraima, but this was limited to individuals of Venezuelan nationality. We find no effect on Brazilians in Pacaraima or in other municipalities along the main refugee migration route. We therefore reject the hypothesis that Venezuelan refugees increased the risk of malaria among native residents.

Update on Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreaks - Worldwide, January 2023-June 2024.

Circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) can emerge and lead to outbreaks of paralytic polio as well as asymptomatic transmission in communities with a high percentage of undervaccinated children. Using data from the World Health Organization Polio Information System and Global Polio Laboratory Network, this report describes global polio outbreaks due to cVDPVs during January 2023-June 2024 and updates previous reports. During the reporting period, 74 cVDPV outbreaks were detected in 39 countries or areas (countries), predominantly in Africa. Among these 74 cVDPV outbreaks, 47 (64%) were new outbreaks, detected in 30 (77%) of the 39 countries. Three countries reported cVDPV type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreaks and 38 countries reported cVDPV type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks; two of these countries reported cocirculating cVDPV1 and cVDPV2. In the 38 countries with cVDPV2 transmission, 70 distinct outbreaks were reported. In 15 countries, cVDPV transmission has lasted >1 year into 2024. In Nigeria and Somalia, both countries with security-compromised areas, persistent cVDPV2 transmission has spread to neighboring countries. Delayed implementation of outbreak response campaigns and low-quality campaigns have resulted in further international spread. Countries can control cVDPV outbreaks with timely allocation of resources to implement prompt, high-quality responses after outbreak confirmation. Stopping all cVDPV transmission requires effectively increasing population immunity by overcoming barriers to reaching children.

Characterising global risk profiles of Mpox clade Ib importation.

The novel mpox clade Ib initially identified in the Domestic Republic of Congo has spread to its multiple neighbouring countries as well as countries beyond the African continent. We characterised the global risk of importation of mpox clade Ib, highlighting the need to ramp up surveillance capacity for early detection.

Intellectual Property Rights in Saudi Arabia and Their Compatibility with the World Trade Organization

This paper aims to review Saudi Arabia’s IPR system and analyze to what extent it complies with the WTO/TRIPS. The research looks into the history and the present legal system of IPR in Saudi Arabia. It also identifies the enforcement systems, and issues concerning compliance with international standards. With a comparative analysis method, the research assesses Saudi Arabia in comparison with the WTO guidelines and its neighboring countries regarding improving IPR protection. This research identifies progress in legislative and institutional development and gaps in enforcement efficiency and digital IP protection. The paper discusses measures to improve Saudi Arabia’s IPR system to support innovation-based development and increase WTO compliance.

Tren Pariwisata Backpacker di Asia Tenggara

The backpacker tourism trend in Southeast Asia has grown rapidly in the past few decades, with Thailand becoming one of the top destinations for budget travelers. This study aims to identify the factors that make Thailand a favorite destination for backpackers in the region. The research methodology involves literature analysis, interviews with backpackers, and tourism statistics. The results show that the combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, affordable cost of living, good tourism infrastructure, and easy access to various attractions are the main factors that attract backpackers. In addition, Thailand's image as a friendly, safe, and open country for foreign tourists also contributes to its popularity. The study also compares Thailand with its neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia to understand Thailand's competitive advantages. The findings provide insights for the government and tourism industry players in developing sustainable strategies to maintain and enhance the attractiveness of the destination for the backpacker tourist segment

Democratization, Foreign Military Intervention, and Rebel Fragmentation in Civil War: Evidence from the PKK Insurgency in Turkey

Abstract In this paper, by studying the fragmentation of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in 2004, I identify two distinct pathways to rebel fragmentation: one that is triggered by democratization in the home country (EU-anchored democratization in Turkey) and the other by the empowerment of a rival co-ethnic organization in a neighboring country through foreign military intervention (American invasion of Iraq and the empowerment of Iraqi Kurdish leadership). First, by expanding the room for nonviolent mobilization, democratization can result in an organizational fragmentation between soft-liners, who support laying down the arms, and hard-liners, who prefer the continuation of the armed insurgency under new circumstances. Second, foreign intervention in a neighboring country can radically change the distribution of power and empower an organization’s rival co-ethnic organization. This can lead some actors within the organization to rethink their alliances and advocate a better relationship with their rival co-ethnics and the intervening foreign power, resulting in organizational fragmentation over the organization’s external relationships. The paper broadly contributes to the literature on rebel fragmentation, the effects of democratization on civil war processes, international dynamics of civil wars, transborder ethnic-kin, and rebel alliances in civil wars.

The Analysis of Whether India Views China as a Military Security Threat from a Quantitative Perspective

China is a neighboring major country of India. Many scholars have consistently emphasized in their papers that India regards China as its biggest military threat. If this viewpoint is fair, then India’s military defense will inevitably be influenced by China. In other words, the military defense of China and India should be highly correlated. National defense and military can be measured by two indicators: weapon throughput and the proportion of military expenditure to domestic GDP. According to the dimensionless operation and entropy weight method in quantitative analysis, the weights of two indicators can be obtained and their correlation can be analyzed. After quantitative analysis, there is a weak correlation between the military defense of China and India. So, it can be concluded that India does not fully consider China as the main military threat.

Salience of Buddhism as an Instrument of Soft Power in India’s Neighborhood

This research paper explores the salience of Buddhism as a potent instrument of soft power within India's neighborhood. Buddhism, with its profound historical and cultural roots in India, has transcended geographical boundaries to become an influential force that shapes diplomatic relationships and socio-cultural ties in the region. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of Buddhism's role in India's foreign policy and its impact on fostering closer relationships with neighboring countries. The paper begins by tracing the historical trajectory of Buddhism in India and its subsequent diffusion to neighboring nations. It examines how Buddhism has not only endured as a spiritual and philosophical tradition but has also evolved into a dynamic tool for international engagement. In this context, it delves into the significance of Buddhism as a cultural bridge that connects India with its neighboring countries, transcending linguistic and religious differences. The study also evaluates the geopolitical implications of Buddhism's resurgence in India's neighborhood. It assesses the impact of India's Buddhist diplomacy on regional stability, security, and economic cooperation. Special attention is given to India's relations with countries like China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Myanmar, where Buddhism holds particular significance. In conclusion, this research underscores the enduring relevance of Buddhism as an instrument of soft power in India's neighborhood. It emphasizes the need for India to harness its rich Buddhist heritage and promote intercultural dialogues as essential components of its foreign policy toolkit, furthering its diplomatic objectives and fostering enduring bonds with its neighbors.