Strong Argument Research Articles

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Aluminium Scrap Treatment Strategies

In the light of the anticipated emergence of a surplus of highly alloyed scrap in the near future, this article investigates the impact of alternative scrap treatment strategies that mitigate the quality losses that characterise the currently dominant downcycling approach. The environmental impact of the current downcycling strategy is compared to three other strategies to treat post-consumer aluminium scrap. Two electrolytic refining strategies are considered that can remove accumulated alloying elements and impurities from the aluminium scrap. This is one way to substitute more primary aluminium by scrap than what is possible in the downcycling approach. The considered electrolytic processes are the traditional Hoopes refining process and a novel low-energy variant. The fourth considered strategy is enhanced sorting of the post-consumer aluminium scrap by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), a proven technology that can separate the aluminium scrap by alloy group, enabling as such more wrought-to-wrought recycling. The results of the assessment show that each of these three alternative strategies yields significant environmental benefits with respect to the common downcycling approach. By 2030, implementing the traditional Hoopes strategy, the low-energy Hoopes strategy or the LIBS sorting strategy would reduce the aggregated environmental impact with 1.5%, 5.5% or 15.9%, respectively. This result offers a strong argument in favour of adopting novel scrap sorting processes.

An Updated Prioritization of Geroscience- Guided FDA-Approved Drugs Repurposed to Target Aging

The biological mechanisms of aging drive the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer that dominate our current medical system. Geroscience-guided approaches seek to mitigate these pathological consequences of aging by targeting the fundamental hallmarks of aging. Using modalities that modulate these aging mechanisms to reinforce longevity we can prevent the onset of these diseases as well as target many of them at once. In this way, geroscience-guided approaches hope to extend both lifespan and healthspan in the near future. This article builds upon a previous paper which proposed a standardized process for evaluating FDA-approved medications for their geroscience potential and prioritized them to reflect preclinical and clinical evidence. In this article, we provide an update of the previous list of candidate gerotherapeutics to reflect the new and rapidly evolving evidence. We include the geroscience-guided evidence for three new FDA-approved drugs which did not have strong arguments for inclusion before: bisphosphonates, GLP-1 receptor agonists, beta blockers. This updated prioritization should help guide the efforts and financial investments for translating geroscience and allow immediate progress involving such candidate gerotherapeutics, especially the top 4 drugs: SGLT2 inhibitors, metformin, bisphosphonates, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Since all of these drugs have been approved for safety and used extensively, repurposing them as gerotherapeutics should be considered in older adults.

The Impact of Alternate Methodological and Structural Assumptions on Results of Cost-effectiveness Analysis: Empirical Evidence using Three Indian Economic Evaluations.

Despite advancement in methods and application of economic evaluations (EEs), there are several uncertainties. To assess the impact of alternate methodological and structural assumptions for four key principles of EE, on the results of cost-effectiveness analysis. Three previously published model-based EEs were used: (1) Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCIs) intervention; (2) intervention for multiple myeloma, and (3) safety-engineered syringes (SES) intervention. A series of empirical analyses was undertaken to assess the impact of alternate assumptions for discount-rate, time-horizon, study perspective, and health outcome measure, on incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and interpretation of cost-effectiveness. Increasing discount rate resulted in an increase in ICERs, for all three case-studies; however, there was no change in the conclusions. Using shorter time-horizons resulted in a significant increase in ICERs, the multiple myeloma intervention remained cost-ineffective, SES intervention became cost-ineffective, whereas IMNCI intervention remained cost-effective, despite a three-fold increase in ICER. On using disability adjusted life years instead of quality adjusted life years, ICERs increased to 0.04, 2 and 4 times for SES, IMNCI and multiple myeloma interventions, respectively. On analyzing results from a societal perspective, a decline in ICERs was observed. The decline was significant for IMNCI where the intervention turned dominant/cost-saving. In the other two case-studies decline in ICERs was modest, 32% for multiple myeloma, and 4% for SES. We observed a significant impact of using alternate assumptions on ICERs which can potentially impact resource-allocation decisions. Our findings provide strong argument in favor of standardization of processes and development of country-specific guidelines for conduct of EE.

Homeostats: The hidden rulers of ion homeostasis in plants

Abstract Ion homeostasis is a crucial process in plants that is closely linked to the efficiency of nutrient uptake, stress tolerance and overall plant growth and development. Nevertheless, our understanding of the fundamental processes of ion homeostasis is still incomplete and highly fragmented. Especially at the mechanistic level, we are still in the process of dissecting physiological systems to analyse the different parts in isolation. However, modelling approaches have shown that it is not individual transporters but rather transporter networks (homeostats) that control membrane transport and associated homeostatic processes in plant cells. To facilitate access to such theoretical approaches, the modelling of the potassium homeostat is explained here in detail to serve as a blueprint for other homeostats. The unbiased approach provided strong arguments for the abundant existence of electroneutral H+/K+ antiporters in plants.

Why Can’t Saint Victorinus of Poetovio Be the Author of the Homily “On the Ten Virgins”?

The early Christian homily «On the ten virgins» for over 100 years has been a controversial work, since no strong argument has been presented by any scholar in favor of who is its author. The first group of researchers (for example, A. Wilmart, M. Špelič, M. Veronese and P. K. Dobrotsvetov) believes that its author is St. Victorinus of Poetovio, the first Latin interpreter of Holy Scripture. The second group of researchers (for example, A. Wlosok, M. Dulaey, R. Gryson and N. A. Khandoga) ascribes it to Pseudo-Victorinus of Poetovio, an unknown Latin exegete of the Gospel of Matthew. Proceeding from this, the article makes an attempt at a theological and philological analysis of several quotes from the homily «On the ten virgins» and the original works of St. Victorinus of Poetovio — the treatise «On the creation of the world», the fragment «On the life of Christ» and the interpretation of «On Revelation» — in order to identify the author of the homily. Important points in the answer to the question in the title in the article, becomes сhristology, eschatology and symbolic arrhythmology, since there is not a single one of the original works of Victorinus of Poetovio in which they are not given appropriate attention. However, in the homily «On the ten virgins» these theological themes are not adequately addressed.

Project Based Learning in Hospitality Education: Aristotle's Realism Perspective in Educational Philosophy

The aim of this study is Project Based Learning with philosophy realism in Hospitality Education. This study is qualitative descriptive literature research. This article discusses about philosophy education realism in informal education for practice or Project Based Learning. In this study, researchers take Project based Learning, namely training / coaching for hotel workers candidate. The results of this research show the approach Project Based Learning is not only facilitate learning holistic based on the actual projects, but also deliver experience practical for students as the emphasized by Aristotle in his theory It is emphasized understanding through action. This article presents strong argument of integration Aristotle's philosophy in learning context, and creating correlation between theory and practice as well as in preparing student for facing demands of the actual world of hospitality industry.

OTT 성장과 방송 규제체계 개편

The media content market is rapidly reorganizing around global OTTs. Global OTTs are leading the domestic content industry. The problem that arises here is the regulatory imbalance between traditional broadcasting and new OTT. The Broadcasting Act is based on a terrestrial-centered broadcasting regulatory system and has evolved to include new media as they emerge due to technological advancements. As a result, traditional broadcasting, which is subject to the Broadcasting Act, is heavily regulated, while OTT, a new platform, is excluded from regulation. There is a strong argument for bringing OTT and broadcasting under the same regulatory framework.
 Since OTT does not transmit to the public, it does not fall under the concept of broadcasting under the Broadcasting Act. Those who argue for a constitutional broadcasting concept believe that the legislator can form a broadcasting concept, so it is possible to regulate OTT by amending the Broadcasting Act. However, the constitutional broadcasting concept is a legal concept from the past when the influence of terrestrial broadcasting was huge, and it is not valid in today's diversified media environment. Legislation that includes OTT in the broadcasting concept goes against the very nature of broadcasting. It is necessary to enact legislation that creates a new concept that encompasses both OTT and broadcasting, such as the European Union's Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
 It is not an easy task to completely reorganize the broadcasting law and establish a horizontal regulatory system that regulates all video services, including OTT. In Korea, revising the broadcasting law is a highly political issue. The task of reducing the strong public ideology of the broadcasting law and ensuring fair competition among video services is likely to lead to political debate. As the environment of the media content ecosystem is rapidly changing, it is important to prioritize the reform of the regulatory system. It is most urgent to revolutionize the excessive regulations imposed on traditional broadcasting to enable fair competition between traditional broadcasting and OTT. It is realistic to pursue a horizontal regulatory system transformation, including OTT, as a mid- to long-term task. Considering the public's high expectations for public responsibility in broadcasting, legislation that separates public media from commercial media is a feasible way forward.

Authenticity of the “Interrogatio” Iohannis in the Light of Contemporary Deconstructionist Source Criticism

Scholars of Catharism representing the deconstructionist current in the recent years continue their struggle with the traditional interpretation of this heresy which underlines its dualistic character and strong connections with Eastern dualisms – especially with Bogomilism. Their tactics is focused primarily on questioning the authenticity of the sources confirming Cathar dualism and its Eastern roots. Such sources are presented as forgeries invented by the Catholics trying to discredit the “dissidents”. This tactic is directed primarily against the sources of heretical provenience, which are the strongest arguments against the deconstructionist interpretation. Previously, the deconstructionist scholars questioned the acts of the Cathar council in Saint-Felix-De-Caraman, and the so-called “Manichaean treatise” – a Cathar theological work aimed at proving ontological dualism based on the specific interpretation of numerous biblical passages. Currently the deconstructionists speak about the need for verification of another Cathar dualistic treatise – Liber De Duobus pricipiis. Considering this we may expect that soon also the Interrogatio Iohannis will be questioned, as it is a crucial source confirming both the dualism of the Cathars and their dependence on the Bogomils. Before it happens I decided to take a closer look at this apocryphal text. Through the analysis of its doctrine in the light of the Eastern sources concerning the Bogomils I am going to answer the question of whether this work, known only from the Latin manuscripts, indeed could have been created by the Bogomils and if it is possible to question its authenticity using the patterns used by the deconstructionist scholars.

Contributos para a descrição e tradução do marcador ainda por cima no português europeu contemporâneo

"Contributions for the description and translation of the discourse marker ainda por cima in contemporary European Portuguese. Based on a cognitive-functional framework, this paper analyses the different uses of the discourse marker ainda por cima in contemporary European Portuguese and, in a second step, its translation into Spanish, French, English, and German. This analysis is based on data collected in two corpora, CETEMPúblico, which allowed the identification of the functions of the marker in European Portuguese, and Europarl, for the listing of its translations. The research carried out in the source language reveals that the marker has an elaborative value, and more specifically an additive value, always associated with an element of unexpectedness, prefacing a new argument that reinforces the conclusion to be reached, which may (or may not) be the strongest argument in an argumentative scale. The contrastive analysis, in turn, shows the great variety of translational solutions adopted and a value not mentioned in any of the monolingual analyses: the counter-argumentative. The text concludes that (i) the different meanings of the marker in Portuguese are quite close and present themselves in a continuum, linked by family resemblances; (ii) there are important challenges in translating DM; (iii) the analysis of translations may require a reinterpretation of the DM in the source text. Keywords: ainda por cima; discourse markers; translation; translation strategies; contrastive analysis."

Understanding the Qur'an and Hadith in Social Media

Religious behavior and understanding of the Qur'an and Hadith of Indonesian Muslims before the presence of the internet referred to religious teachers who are often referred to as ustadz, kiai, ulama or other designations that imply individuals who have intellectual competence related to religion. Various questions and problems related to rituals or spirituality were asked directly to the owner of the religious authority. Along with the development of technology, with social media as one of its strong characteristics, the religious authority has shifted. In the era of disruption, social media provides practicality in accessing information related to religious issues and knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith. This article aims to conduct a classification review of religious narrative patterns on the cariustad.id platform, which is a service of the Center for the Study of the Qur'an (PSQ) as a medium of interaction between Muslims and ustadz. Through a qualitative method, this study traces the trend of questions and answers to problems faced by users through content analysis related to understanding the Qur'an and Hadith. As a result, the problems faced by users are dominant in the aspects of religious rituals, social affairs, interpretation of Qur'anic verses and Qur'anic studies. The answers given by the ustadz use rajih (strong) arguments from both the Qur'an and Hadith. In addition, the responses of the ustadz tend to carry the spirit of tolerance, moderate values, and non-rigid interpretation

A systematic review of artificial intelligence in managing climate risks of PPP infrastructure projects

PurposeRecent United Nations Climate Change Conferences recognise extreme climate change of heatwaves, floods and droughts as threatening risks to the resilience and success of public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects. Such conferences together with available project reports and empirical studies recommend project managers and practitioners to adopt smart technologies and develop robust measures to tackle climate risk exposure. Comparatively, artificial intelligence (AI) risk management tools are better to mitigate climate risk, but it has been inadequately explored in the PPP sector. Thus, this study aims to explore the tools and roles of AI in climate risk management of PPP infrastructure projects.Design/methodology/approachSystematically, this study compiles and analyses 36 peer-reviewed journal articles sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed.FindingsThe results demonstrate deep learning, building information modelling, robotic automations, remote sensors and fuzzy logic as major key AI-based risk models (tools) for PPP infrastructures. The roles of AI in climate risk management of PPPs include risk detection, analysis, controls and prediction.Research limitations/implicationsFor researchers, the findings provide relevant guide for further investigations into AI and climate risks within the PPP research domain.Practical implicationsThis article highlights the AI tools in mitigating climate crisis in PPP infrastructure management.Originality/valueThis article provides strong arguments for the utilisation of AI in understanding and managing numerous challenges related to climate change in PPP infrastructure projects.

"Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Flexible Manufacturing Systems: Enhancing Efficiency, Adaptability, and Competitiveness"

A promising paradigm in contemporary manufacturing is the fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). FMS, characterized by their ability to adapt to dynamic production demands, have found a perfect ally in AI, which offers advanced capabilities in data analysis, decision-making, and process optimization. This abstract provides an overview of the synergistic relationship between AI and FMS and highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with their integration. Firstly, this abstract explores the role of AI in FMS, focusing on three key areas: planning and scheduling, intelligent control, and predictive maintenance. FMS is equipped with AI technologies like machine learning and deep learning to quickly analyze massive amounts of data, spot trends, and make precise predictions. These capabilities enhance production planning by optimizing resource allocation, reducing setup time, and minimizing production downtime. Additionally, intelligent control systems powered by AI enable real-time adjustments in response to changing conditions, leading to improved system flexibility, agility, and responsiveness. Due to a number of strong arguments, the combination of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is of great research significance. The research significance of combining AI with Flexible Manufacturing Systems lies in the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency, adaptability, and decision-making capabilities in manufacturing. This integration enables manufacturers to optimize resource utilization, mitigate downtime, and proactively manage maintenance, ultimately leading to improved productivity, cost savings, and competitiveness. By addressing the challenges and exploring the opportunities offered by AI in FMS, researchers can contribute to the advancement and transformation of the manufacturing industry. Due to the abundance of possibilities offered on the global market, conflicting situations can develop while choosing a certain motorcycle. There may be many alternatives to the initial choice or there may not always be a fixed amount of possibilities available. The possibility of not having an acceptable option for the criterion exists as well. “Multiple Criteria Decision Making” is a technique designed for the optimization of problems with an “infinite or finite number of choices” and the MCDM technique. “WSM method” is used to optimize the process in this paper. In artificial intelligence with flexible manufacturing system evaluated six criteria and got the values. in that values .FMS 1 has got the first rank, FMS 2 got the second rank,FMS 3 got the third rank and FMS 4 got the last rank.In conclusion, the integration of AI with Flexible Manufacturing Systems offers numerous opportunities for enhanced operational efficiency, productivity, and adaptability.

Experimentally Ruling Out Joint Reality Based on Locality with Device-Independent Steering

As an essential concept to understand the world, whether the real values (or physical realities) of observables are suitable to physical systems beyond the classic has been debated for many decades. Although standard no-go results based on Bell inequalities have ruled out the joint reality of incompatible quantum observables, the possibility of giving simple yet strong arguments to rule out joint reality in any physical system (not necessarily quantum) with weaker assumptions and less observables has been explored and proposed recently. Here, we perform a device-independent experiment on a two-qubit superconducting system to show that the joint reality of two observables is incompatible with locality under the weaker assumption of the reality of observables in a single space-time region (or single qubit). Our results clearly show the violation of certain inequalities derived from both linear and nonlinear criteria. In addition, we study the robustness of the linear and nonlinear criterion against the effect of systematic decoherence. Our demonstration opens up the possibility of delineating classical and non-classical boundaries with simpler nontrivial quantum system.

An evolutionary view of foresight in the field of artificial intelligence

The article analyzes the task of scientific foresight in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and assesses the possibility of predicting AI development in the coming decades. Based on an evolutionary model of AI, the authors hypothesize that AI fits into the evolutionary development of humans. Drawing on the ideas of nomogenesis, first introduced by biologist L.S. Berg in 1922, they argue that embracing the concept of stable evolutionary patterns creates a fundamental possibility to predict a certain range of forthcoming changes as a result. The question of transferring the function of foresight from humans to AI is also examined, particularly in areas of science and technology where decision-making necessitates complex analysis of future potential outcomes. Strong arguments are presented in favor of the possibility of predicting AI development in principle, although with some degree of probability. This optimistic view aligns with researchers across various domains of human activity in which AI has already found or will yet find its application.

Indonesian Foreign Political Analysis of Legal Protection of MSME Products Pancasila Economic Perspective

Indonesia's foreign policy should provide maximum protection to domestic interests, including the MSME sector. MSMEs as the spearhead of the people's economy need to be protected optimally in global trade competition. Indonesia's international trade competition is often defeated by global interests which are suspected of carrying out practices prohibited by international agreements (WTO), so that normally they are sometimes constrained by these agreements. A complex approach is needed to provide a comprehensive view, in this case viewed through the Pancasila economy to ensure and determine the size of domestic interests, so that it has strong arguments in protecting Indonesia's trade interests. This study uses a normative legal method that specifically examines matters relating to legal documents through statutory, conceptual and case approaches. This research has resulted that legal protection has actually been provided by the state through several laws and regulations, but sometimes the arguments for state or domestic interests have not been fulfilled. Foreign policy based on Pancasila as the foundation of the state illustrates that a populist economic system is based on kinship and people's sovereignty to support the improvement of the populist economy.

Network meta-analysis can inform the ethical evaluation of trials that randomise away from standard of care: The case of symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Little guidance exists on the conduct of randomised clinical trials (RCT) that seek to randomise patients away from standard of care. We sought to test the technique of network meta-analysis (NMA) to ascertain best available evidence for the purposes of informing the ethical evaluation of RCTs under these circumstances. We used the example of RCTs for patients withsymptomatic, moderate to severe carotid stenosis that seek to compare surgical intervention plus medical therapy (standard of care) versus medical therapy (less than standard of care). Network meta-analysis of RCTs of adults with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis of 50%-99% who were treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS), or medical therapy (MT). The primary outcome was any stroke or death until end of follow-up, and secondary outcome was 30-day risk of ipsilateral stroke/death. We analysed eight studies, with 7187 subjects with symptomatic moderate/severe stenosis (50%-99%). CEA was more efficacious than MT (HR = 0.82, 95% credible intervals [95% CrI] = 0.73-0.92) and CAS (HR 0.73, 95% CrI = 0.62-0.85) for the prevention of any stroke/death. At 30 days, the odds of experiencing an ipsilateral stroke/death were significantly lower in the CEA group compared to both MT (OR = 0.58, 95% CrI = 0.47-0.72) and CAS (OR = 0.68, 95% CrI = 0.55-0.83). Our results support the feasibility of using NMA to assess best available evidence to inform the ethical evaluation of RCTs seeking to randomise patients away from standard of care. Our results suggest that a strong argument is required to ethically justify the conduct of RCTs that seek to randomise patients away from standard of care in the setting of symptomatic moderate to severe carotid stenosis.

The unappreciated roles of oligodendrocytes in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundDementias such as Alzheimer’s disease are characterized as neurodegenerative diseases. While researchers accept that the etiology of dementia involves multiple cell types, the use of “neuro” as a prefix to “degeneration” biases our mechanistic thinking towards the nerve cell. The cell type that has been most marginalized by this bias is the oligodendrocyte and its myelin ensheathment of the larger axons of the brain. As early as the 1960’s the involvement of myelin pathology had been recognized in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. Later, with advances in imaging technology, a strong argument was advanced for the mechanistic involvement of myelin, a cholesterol rich membrane, in the etiology of dementia.MethodFixed frozen human prefrontal cortex (BA9), hippocampus, and cerebellum were received from both the University of Pittsburgh ADRC and the NIH‐sponsored NeuroBioBank. Mouse brain from wild type and AD models (R1.40 and APP/PS1) were also obtained. Cryostat sections were immunostained for APP and various myelin‐related peptides.ResultThis myelin hypothesis will be reviewed and put in the AD context by summarizing recent results on the impact of APOE, a cholesterol carrier and a major risk factor gene for sporadic AD, on the cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. Observations on the presence of APP and its processing secretases in oligodendrocytes will deepen the connection to the etiology of ADConclusionBoth past and present data support the assignment of an important role for oligodendrocytes in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Broadening our current “neurocentric” view will speed progress towards meaningful therapeutic approaches.

Pendapat Tabiin Dalam Huraian Hadis: Terminologi, Autoriti Dan Metode

The Tabi‘in has its own position in Islam. This is based on repeated acknowledgments either in the Quran or in the hadith. These credits gives them certain merit. As a result of that, there is a discussion about the authority of Tabi‘in's opinion. In general, it becomes an important reinforcement in determining the understanding of arguments (dalil) and the construction of law. In the science of Syarh Hadith, researchers have categorized Tabi‘in's words and actions as one of the methods of explaining hadith. Thus, there is a need to identify who is meant by Tabi‘in, the level of their opinions’ argumentation and the method used in the description of hadith. The appropriate research method for this study is content analysis. The findings are as follows: (1) Tabi‘in are people who see and meet the prophet’s companions and die in Islam. (2) An agreed upon opinion by the Tabi‘in can be a strong argument while a disputed opinion is not a binding argument. (3) The method in explaining the hadith is as follows: (a) Complying with the meaning of Ẓāhir, (b) Defining the commandment as recommended (Sunnah) and the prohibition as disliked (Makruh), (c) Excluding the meaning of the hadith for certain circumstances, (d) Taking a more accurate opinion (Rajih) according to their Ijtihad and (e) Taking different opinions from the hadith without stating other proofs (Dalil).

Can and how should the gig worker loophole be closed?

AbstractThis article considers, summarises, and analyses the merits of various arguments regarding options for regulating (or not regulating) ‘gig work’, concluding with observations about currently proposed legislation. There is a strong argument for regulating gig work. Many workers are vulnerable, and many of the arguments against any form or regulation – in terms of innovation, productivity, employment, or the inevitability of this trend – lack merit. Current definitions of employment, indeed current labour law, are not adequate and many, but not all, gig workers are like employees in terms of the control exercised over them. However, treating gig workers as employees would encounter several problems. The outcomes would be uncertain. Not all would be covered. Many gig workers would be opposed (despite wanting protection). The gig firms could render such legislation ineffective, or alternatively succeed in mobilising opposition, almost ensuring such legislation would be revoked at the next change of government. Regulating gig work as a form of contracting is a viable alternative. It has the potential to attract support from gig workers themselves, undermining opposition by the gig firms, and attract support from some parts of capital. The New South Wales experience shows us that regulation of gig work as contracting is feasible and politically sustainable. Despite limitations, the ‘Closing the Loopholes’ Bill provides a sustainable model for regulating and protecting many ‘gig economy’ workers. It is time to envisage labour law as something that extends not just to employees but to many contractors as well.

Meningococcal Disease in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Time to Prepare.

The global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels. Although policymakers may have shifted their focus away from IMD vaccination programs to COVID-19 vaccination programs, strong arguments support implementation and prioritization of IMD vaccination programs; IMD cases have increased in some countries and IMD rates may even have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Additional concerns include increased susceptibility due to vaccination coverage gaps, increased incidence of other respiratory pathogens, immunity debt from lockdown restrictions, and increased IMD epidemiologic variability. The full range of benefits of widely available and effective meningococcal vaccines needs to be considered, especially in health technology assessments, where the broad benefits of these vaccines are neither accurately quantified nor captured in implementation policy decisions. Importantly, implementation of meningococcal vaccination programs in the current IMD climate also appeals to broader healthcare principles, including preparedness rather than reactive approaches, generally accepted benefit-risk approaches to vaccination, historical precedent, and the World Health Organization's goal of defeating meningitis by 2030. Countries should therefore act swiftly to bolster existing meningococcal vaccination strategies to provide broad coverage across age groups and serogroups given the recent increases in IMD incidence.