Regional Director Research Articles

Eastern Mediterranean Region Vision 2023 and expansion of WHO presence at country level: new WHO offices in Bahrain and Kuwait

Forty years after signing with the World Health Organization (WHO) the Basic Agreement for cooperation, the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO/ EMRO) is developing three new country offices: the first in Kuwait, which was inaugurated on 15 June 2021, the second in Bahrain with a planned inauguration on 25 July 2021, while the third is planned to follow soon in Qatar. The expansion of WHO/EMRO's presence in these countries follows from the commitments made in the EMR Vision 2023 by the Regional Director, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, to bring WHO closer to its Member States, exploit regional opportunities to cooperate and engage with regional resources. It is in full line with the 13th WHO Global Programme of Work (GPW13) objectives and strategic shifts proposed by the Director General of WHO transformative agenda on expanding partnerships, focusing on countries and working with a differentiated approach to engagement as per the country context (3) and needs, moving towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.

Jean Lau Chin (1944-2020).

Memorializes Jean Lau Chin (1944-2020). Jean was an academic leader. At the time of her death, Jean was Professor of Psychology, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, where she served as Dean for 4 years. Prior to Adelphi, Jean was Dean of the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, where she administered more than 15 doctoral and master's programs in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, and clinical counseling across six campuses in California, Mexico City, Japan, and Hong Kong. She served as President of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. Jean was also a leader in health and mental health service delivery. She had been the Regional Director, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership; the Executive Director, South Cove Community Health Center in Boston; and Co-Director, the Thom Child Guidance Clinic, Boston. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Multi-criteria analysis and mapping of forest fire risk in Muğla Regional Directorate of Forestry

Orman yangın riskinin CBS temelli ve çok kriterli analizi; orman yangını riskini etkileyen en önemli kriterlerin tanımlanması, değer aralıklarının ve risk sınıflarının belirlenmesi, kriterlerin karşılaştırılması ve sonuç olarak risk endeksi ve risk haritasının üretilmesi aşamalarından oluşmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Muğla Orman Bölge Müdürlüğü’nde (OBM) orman yangını riskinin hesaplanabilmesi için son 10 yılda (2010-2019) meydana gelen orman yangınları CBS ile analiz edilmiş, bu analizler arazi çalışmaları ile desteklenmiş ve özgün bir risk kriterleri tablosu düzenlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak Muğla OBM için risk endeksi hesaplanarak bir orman yangını risk haritası oluşturulmuştur. Çalışmanın esas hedefi, Muğla OBM baz alınarak, Türkiye’de orman yangını riskinin analizinde daha doğru sonuçlar alınmasını sağlamak amacıyla ve arazi ölçümlerinin de yardımıyla mümkün olduğu kadar objektif kriter değerlendirmeleri yapılması konusunda bir model oluşturmaktır.

Experimental Modal Analysis and Structural Health Monitoring of the Double Curvature Deriner Arch Dam

Arch dams have delicate sections thanks to their curvature. The fact that these dams are large, costly and construction takes many years increases the importance of the structure. Mistakes and / or accidents that may occur during the construction of such structures may occur major loss of life and property. Considering the volumes, masses and slenderness of arch dams, they can be significantly affected by dynamic forces such as changing water pressure, temperature, wind and earthquakes. The level of these effects and to what extent they affect the dam can be determined by the analysis to be made to finite element model created by computer. Since Finite Element Analysis is based on certain assumptions, the results obtained should be compared and / or verified with the results obtained by experimental methods. One of the most suitable methods preferred in many engineering structures is the experimental modal analysis method. Within the scope of the study, experimental vibration tests were carried out in order to evaluate and determine the structural behavior of the double curvature Deriner Arch Dam, which has a body height of 249m and a crest length of 720m. Experimental measurements were carried out with accelerometers placed in appropriate places in order to obtain the mode shapes of the dam. The dynamic characteristics of the dam were determined using OMA software. The first seven natural frequencies of the Deriner arch dam were obtained in the range 1.60-4.10Hz. As a result of the negotiations with the DSI 26th Regional Directorate, the acceleration data obtained from the existing accelerometer system of the dam was instantly taken and a continuous monitoring process was initiated. This data was transferred to the web-based monitoring site and a structural condition monitoring platform was created.

CHANGES IN THE POPULATION STRUCTURE OF SLATINA CITY BETWEEN YEARS 1990-2000

The article is a contribution to the geographical study of the Slatina city in order to elucidate the impact of the economic and social transformations of 1990 – 2002 interval had on the evolution of its demographic phenomena, but also on understanding its socio-economic profile. The research methodology consisted of a comparative analysis of the numerical values provided by the Olt Regional Directorate of Statistics. The measured parameters were: the numerical evolution and its causes, the structure by sexes and age groups, the structure of the active population, the ethnic structure, and according to the practiced religion. The results of the analysis show an evolution developed on the background of the existing one at national level, having as causes: a tendency of numerical decrease determined by the decrease in the birth rate, the opening of European borders, simultaneously with a decline of the national economy, rising unemployment and travel abroad for searching of a job. The article highlights two important conclusions: the economic transformations show the existing reality in the social and economic field, their impact on the socio-economic profile of the Slatina city; the same transformations have taken place at the national level, on the background of the same causes.

Genetic Diversity and Epidemiological Significance of Wild Boar HEV-3 Strains Circulating in Poland.

The wild boar is the most important reservoir of zoonotic HEV-3 strains among different wildlife species. The aim of the study was subtype identification of wild boar HEV-3 strains circulating in Poland. Wild boar liver was used in the study in the form of homogenates prepared from 57 samples positive for HEV in a real-time RT-PCR. These samples were collected from juvenile and adult wild boars hunted in the jurisdictions of different Regional Directorates of State Forests (RDSF) across Poland. Subtype identification of detected HEV strains was based on a phylogenetic analysis of the most conserved HEV ORF2 genome fragment. Out of 57 tested samples, consensus HEV ORF2 sequences of 348 bp were obtained for 45 strains. Nineteen strains were identified and belonged to the HEV gt 3a and 3i subtypes, whereas 26 were not assigned to any virus subtype. HEV gt 3i strains prevailed in the Polish wild boar population, 16 of such were identified, and they were significantly more often observed in the RDSF Katowice area (χ2 = 28.6, p = 0.027 (<0.05)) compared to other regions of the country. Circulation of 3a strains was limited only to the RDSF Gdańsk territory (χ2 = 48, p = 0.000 (<0.05)). The virus strains detected in the Polish population of wild boars representing previously identified HEV subtypes in wild boars, pigs, or humans in Europe are of epidemiological importance for public health.

КОРОНОВИРУСНАЯ ИНФЕКЦИЯ COVID-19: МАСКИ (обзор литературы)

At the end of 2019, an outbreak of a new coronavirus infection occurred in the People's Re-public of China with an epicenter in the city of Wuhan (Hubei province). On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization has assigned the official name of the infection caused by the new coronavirus - COVID-19 ("Coronavirus disease2019"). On February 11, 2020, the International Committee on Virus Taxonomy gave the official name to the infectious agent - SARS-CoV-2.Since the end of January 2020, cases of COVID-19 have begun to be registered in many coun-tries of the world, mainly associated with travel to the PRC. At the end of February 2020, the epidemiological situation with COVID-19 in South Korea, Iran and Italy sharply worsened, which subsequently led to a significant increase in the number of cases in other countries of the world associated with travel to these countries, incl. and in Russia. The World Health Organiza-tion announced the COVID-19 pandemic on 11 March 2020, and the pandemic's challenge to the world will remain so as long as people are not immune to it.The Regional Director of the World Health Organization Takeshi Kasai, on the basis of an epidemiological analysis, reports that the spread of coronavirus infection COVID-19 in July-August 2020 occurred mainly among people under 50 years old, and they often did not even know about it, because they had mild or no symptoms. In the future, these people then infect older people who are more difficult to tolerate COVID-19. And we need to redouble our efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in vulnerable communities.

A sustainable forest management criteria and indicators assessment using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.

Today, resource depletion has become a worldwide issue due to the increasing human population and related consumption. Therefore, the sustainability of renewable natural resources has recently gained great importance. To achieve a more sustainable world, sustainable development is needed. In sustainable development, the sustainable forestry holds an important part because of forests' great importance among the natural resources. Thus, the sustainable forest management (SFM) practices have been vital at this point. The present paper aims to contribute SFM applications and literature with the evaluation and interpretation of the National SFM of Turkey by calculating the importance levels (weights) of latest criteria and indicators (C&I). For this purpose, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a hybrid approach of fuzzy logic and multi-criteria decision-making, was adopted. This adoption is due to the complex and hierarchical framework of sustainability and the suitability of the method to the subject. The present research is a case study from Kastamonu Regional Directorate of Forestry. Kastamonu holds an important part in Turkish forestry, and it has the potential to represent general condition. This study has shown that the importance attached to environment-related C&I is considerably higher than that of other SFM C&I. Furthermore, Turkey focuses more on the sustainability of wood and wood products rather than other sustainability indicators. The research has also identified that there is a classification problem for SFM indicators. The current C&I should be reviewed and localized.

Efficiency and factors influencing it in forest districts in southern Poland: Application of Data Envelopment Analysis

The paper presents the efficiency evaluation of forest districts in Southern Poland carried out using the standard Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) which is a nonparametric mathematical programming technique. The study aims to evaluate the efficiency and identify the external factors affecting the efficiency of forest districts by using the Tobit econometric model. The study was conducted for 113 forest districts in four Regional Directorates of State Forests (in Katowice, Kraków, Krosno and Wrocław) and covered the period from 2008 to 2012. The results show differences in the use of economic and financial resources by the analysed forest districts. Lowland forest districts were more efficient that highland ones, both in terms of financial efficiency and efficiency of economic resources. In addition, efficiency was significantly influenced by various exogenous factors, depending on the category of forest districts. The analysis showed that financial efficiency of lowland forest districts was significantly influenced by population density, with negative effects on economic performance. In turn, efficiency of economic resources in this group was significantly negatively influenced by the number of forest complexes and population density. In the case of the highland forest districts, their financial efficiency was positively influenced by the number of forest complexes and negatively influenced by the area of nature reserves. However, efficiency of economic resources of the highland forest districts was not affected by any of these factors. The combination of the DEA method with the Tobit econometric model appears to be a valuable and useful tool for identifying factors affecting the efficiency of forest districts.

COVID-19 AND ATTITUDES OF GROUND-LEVEL PUBLIC HEALTH STAFF IN SRI LANKA

Introduction: Health care workers (HCW) face considerable mental and physical stress caring for patients with Covid-19. Their attitudes towards COVID-19 are important both in the prevention as well treatment of the disease. Aims: To assess the attitudes toward coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among community healthcare workers at Regional Director of Health Services area Galle district, Sri Lanka. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2020 and January 2021 at the Regional Director of Health Services area Galle district, Sri Lanka. Methods and Material: All community healthcare workers who were directly involved in COVID-19 in Galle district, Sri Lanka were recruited for the study, and the data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done to describe the demographic factors and attitudes Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between the level of attitude and demographic factors. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test. Results: Of the community health workers 71%(n=84) had a positive attitude indicating a good attitude regarding the COVID-19 prevention strategies. Nearly 91%(n=107) of the population agreed to vaccination against COVID-19. There was no statistically significant association between attitude on COVID-19 with sex, age, marital status, educational level, service period, and category of occupation. Conclusions: A majority of healthcare workers had positive attitudes toward COVID-19. Additional awareness and continuous knowledge updates are required for healthcare workers to sustain positive attitudes during the pandemic.

Installation of Test Setup and Measurement Procedures in Fir Wood Hydraulic Conductance Measurement

For a hydraulic conductor, through which liquid flows, hydraulic conductance (K, ml·s-1·MPa-1) is defined as the ratio of pressure difference at the inlet and outlet to the fluid amount passing through the hydraulic conductor in a unit time period. This property is one of the key functions of the wood, and is obtained by the flow rate (F – Flow, ml·s-1) along the wood sample divided by the pressure difference driving the flow (DP, MPa). This study aimed to establish a test setup to determine the hydraulic conductance values of Uludağ Fir (Abies bornmulleriana Mattf.). A test setup was established to measure the amount of water that flows in samples and pressure difference in characterized capillary tubes. In addition, calibration of the test apparatus is explained in detail. Fir wood samples taken from Yedigoller, which is affiliated to Kale Operation Chieftainship and Bolu Forest Regional Directorate, of 4 mm in diameter and 3 cm in length were prepared and hydraulic conductance measurements were performed, and the results are presented in this article. The installed test setup was used to obtain the following information about trees: operation of the hydraulic conduction system, the amount of needed water, seasonal effects and stress-related changes.

Assessing the values-based context of conservation for modern architectural heritage: a study on the Headquarters Building of the T.R. 17th Regional Directorate of Highways Complex, Istanbul

ABSTRACT This article contributes to the debate on modern architectural heritage by emphasizing the values-based context of conservation. Considering the abstractness of the concepts and the clarity of realities, the paper tries to introduce the uncertainty of the valuation phase for the conservation of modern architectural heritage by presenting a remarkable case study: The Headquarters Building of the Turkish Republic (T.R.) 17th Regional Directorate of Highways Complex, Istanbul. Designed by Mehmet Konuralp in 1973, the Headquarters, as one of the first skyscrapers in Istanbul presenting the basic qualities of modernism, was listed as an architectural asset in 2004 based on its art-design, artistic-technical, social, and symbolic values. However, it fell victim to a series of decisions taken by administrative authorities on the grounds that the attributed values are not worth protecting. Through a comprehensive analysis of the Headquarters, this study intends to demonstrate the incomplete understandings of modern architectural heritage and its values, as well as to present a discussion concerning similar cases at risk. As a concluding remark, the existing values-based approach of conservation for the modern architectural heritage calls into question and some initial possibilities are proposed to raise awareness.

Sharing Marco Tulio Medina

His little poem sums him up: no profilee ever shared with me so much information so usefully listed, so thoroughly prepared, con tanta alegría (“done so joyfully” you might best say in English), or with such a palpably genuine pleasure in meeting someone new—con simpatía (“with open friendliness” may be the closest you can get). Meet Marco Medina, professor, neurologist, researcher, inventor, educator, World Federation of Neurology Regional Director for Latin America, and Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, among many other things—but above all, and best of all, sharer.

OCCUPATIONAL STRESS, DEPRESSION AND JOB SATISFACTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate occupational stress, depression and anxiety of primary education special education teachers, as well as levels of job satisfaction and how these are related to a number of demographic variables. Method: One hundred (100) special education teachers (39 males & 61 females) from the Regional Directorate of Attica took part in this study. Four self-report questionnaires were administered to the participants, i.e., the Perceived Stress Scale-14, the Depression Anxiety Stress-21, the Employee Satisfaction Inventory scale, and the Job Satisfaction Scale. A short health status questionnaire was also administered to the participants with questions related to the demographic data of the participants (gender, age, etc.), questions related to the work of the participants (level of education, years of service, etc.), as well as questions related to participants' health (e.g. How good is your health?). The statistical package SPSSv.21 was used for statistical analysis of the data. A variety of descriptive measures (frequency, percentages, mean, etc.) were used to describe the results. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient r was used to test the correlation between two variables. Additionally, the PROCESS macro (version 3) for SPSS was used in order to conduct moderation analysis. Results: The results showed that participants reported moderate levels of perceived stress, anxiety and depression, as well as levels of job satisfaction. Negative correlations between perceived stress and job satisfaction and between depression and job satisfaction were observed. Regarding stress and health status, elevated levels of stress were related to poorer health. Furthermore, correlations between stress, anxiety and depression with job satisfaction appeared to be influenced by gender, and in most cases the correlations had different directions between males and females. Therefore, occupational stress, depression and anxiety can be considered as predictors of the health status of special education teachers, as high levels of occupational stress and anxiety are strongly related to low levels of self-reported health-well-being, satisfaction. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the need to explore the mental health of special education needs teachers that are associated with specific physical health issues so that measures can be taken for the development of prevention programs and personal strategies in order to cope with stress, anxiety and depression in teachers. Article visualizations:

Determination of VC Types of Chestnut Canker Agent Cryphonectria parasitica and Evulation of Hyphovirulence in Chestnut Forest Areas in Bolu and Izmir Regional Directorates of Forestry

Bu çalışmada İzmir ve Bolu yöresinden elde edilen izolatların vejetatif uyum tipleri ilgili standart yöntemler kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. İzmir yöresinden 2015 yılında 34, 2016 yılında 7 farklı köyde seçilen aktif kanserlerden örnekler toplanmış ve elde edilen 409 izolatın 255 tanesi Avrupa uyum tiplerinden EU-12, 154 tanesi EU-1 uyum tipi olarak tespit edilmiştir. Vejetatif uyum tiplerinin bölgedeki dağılımı ortaya konmuş ve bölgeden elde edilen izolatlar içerisinde hipovirülent izolata rastlanmamıştır. Bolu yöresinde Akçakoca, Düzce, Yığılca ve Gölyaka Orman İşletme Müdürlüklerine bağlı kestane sahalarından iyileşen kanserden elde edilen 76 adet izolattan 2 adedi Avrupa uyum tiplerinden EU-12, 72 adedi ise EU-1 olarak belirlenirken 2 adedinin uyum tipi saptanamamıştır. 76 İzolatın 38 adeti hipovirülent, 38 adetinin de virülent olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yörede hipovirülensliğin yaygın olması ve ağaçlarda kanserden dolayı iyileşmeler olmasına rağmen kestane ormanlarında kurumalar da gözlenmiştir. Bolu yöresinde hipovirülent Cryphonectria parasitica fenotiplerinin varlığı ve yayılmaların doğal koşullarda meydana gelmesi, kestane kanseri etmeninin biyolojik kontrolü için umut vericidir. Bununla birlikte İzmir yöresi için bölgede yaygın olduğu uyum tiplerinin tespiti biyolojik mücadele çalışmalarının stratejisi için önemlidir.

Perceptions of institutional heads on the supply of consumables by the Regional Directorate– Experience from Sri Lanka

Perceptions of institutional heads on the supply of consumables by the Regional Directorate– Experience from Sri Lanka

Knowledge, and practices regarding COVID-19 among public healthcare workers in Galle Regional Directors of Health Services, Southern province, Sri Lanka

Knowledge, and practices regarding COVID-19 among public healthcare workers in Galle Regional Directors of Health Services, Southern province, Sri Lanka

Ankara İlinde Bölge Müdürlüğü Bulunan Sigorta Şirketleri Çalışanlarının Örgütsel Bağlılığının Örgütsel Vatandaşlık Davranışına ve Lider-Üye Etkileşimine Etkisi The Effect of Organizational Commitment of Employees of Insurance Companies with Regional Directorates in Ankara on Organizational Citizenship Behavior and LeaderMember Exchange

Ankara İlinde Bölge Müdürlüğü Bulunan Sigorta Şirketleri Çalışanlarının Örgütsel Bağlılığının Örgütsel Vatandaşlık Davranışına ve Lider-Üye Etkileşimine Etkisi The Effect of Organizational Commitment of Employees of Insurance Companies with Regional Directorates in Ankara on Organizational Citizenship Behavior and LeaderMember Exchange

Changes in the Market of Precious Wood: A Case Study of Submission System in Poland

A timber market occupies a very particular position within the economic reality. Trading of commodities such as precious timber is, indeed, strongly conditioned by the carrying capacity and the silvicultural potential of the forest ecosystem. Timber markets in Poland are characterized by a controlling position of the State Forests, and one of the possible forms of wood sale is the system of submission. A submission usually implies that small quantities of wood with unusual features are being offered to a specific group of customers. The paper presents the sale results and prices of veneer wood commercialized in submission systems and in other forms of timber sale in the territory of Krosno during the years 2000−2019. It is one of the oldest submission markets in Poland, where the most expensive log ever in Poland was sold (13,000 USD/log—close to 7000 USD/m3). The Regional Directorate of State Forest (RDSF) of Krosno is located in the south-eastern part of Poland and manages a forest area of approximately 400,000 hectares. Annual timber harvesting amounts to 2 million m3, of which less than 2000 m3 annually is allocated to the submissions. The data cover a 20-year continuous time series and allow tracing changes in the wood volume offered to the market, the species population structure, and price trends for individual species. The data are being discussed against the background of the economic situation and in relation to the average prices obtained from other methods of sale. Beech was the most sold, but the demands for oak and sycamore appeared to be particularly high during the period of observation. The unity prices can be very variable even for wood from the same species, especially for sycamore. The prices are generally demand-driven and show strong influences from furniture industries and fashion. A rising demand for high quality timber and logs of big dimensions has been noticed. The submission system results in substantial economic benefits for the forest management and the region as a whole.

Prevention of 21st Century Emerging Pandemics, Covid-19: Using Face Masks

Background: Emerging infections that are airborne or droplets infections, spread by inhalation or cotact with infected ‘Aerosols' or droplets. COVID-19 and TB are examples of infectious pathogens that are transmitted by inhalation of infected droplets or air. All human beings are at risk of breathing in infectious microbes in the air. Despite this fact and the negative impacts caused by infectious diseases, much attention is still not given to the use of face masks; as they were not recommended for preventing airborne/droplets infections in previous epidemics or pandemics. It was during the emergence of SARS in 2003 that droplets infections and the use of face masks were taken seriously by authorities, but most people are still reluctant to use them. The SARS outbreak was followed by Human swine influenza (H1N1) in 2009, also from zoonotic origin. Face masks were then found to be helpful in the prevention of epidemics/pandemics that can spread through airborne or droplets infections, during and after these two outbreaks. However, face masks have never been given any serious attention by the public, just like now; as some people still refuse to wear them despite warning that COVID-19 can be transmitted through infected droplets. From this project's objectives, we would be able to know whether people are complying with the wearing of masks or not. We will also know the weaknesses or strengths of wearing them, and give professional recommendations. Aside these the study will also benefit everyone, especially the vulnerable group in the COVID-19 Pandemic's transmission, like pregnant women. It will draw the attention of health workers, especially midwives, the pregnant women, the community and family heads to the prevention of stillbirth or preterm delivery due to COVID-19. This project's findings will serve as a guide to Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Health Directorates in their Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) strategy to curb stillbirth rate, especially soaring in the Tema metropolis. It may also serve as a source of reference for future researchers who would take up similar studies.Aim: To assess people compliance to the wearing of face masks and find out the strengths or weaknesses associated with it and give recommendations.Methodology: A checklist will be used to observe how two thousand, seven hundred (2,700) people (above 18 years who are not incapacitated) are wearing face/nose masks. This will be started after approval. Then, questionnaires will be given out to one thousand, three hundred and fifty (1,350) consented individuals (health workers, patients and the general public) who are above eighteen (18) years to answer. Published and grey literatures will be reviewed using related online publications from any year that is related to this project. Three strategical search approaches will be used to search for literature: data from health and social issues would be reviewed, custom Google seacrhes; then experts would be consulted for validation of results. Hypothesis: Some people are not wearing face/nose masks; others wear them wrongly.Expected Outcome: Our expectations are that the project would reveal whether people are complying the directive from experts and national presidents to wear face masks. Findings of this projects are expected to reveal the strengths or weaknesses associated with the wearing of face masks and give professional recommendations. The project is an emergency one started in April, 2020 and will end in October, 2020. Findings of the projects are expected to be submitted in October or November, 2020.