Sudden Closure Research Articles

Firm-level capabilities and response to a negative export shock: 2014 Russian embargo on the West

This paper investigates the resources and capabilities that determine firm-level adjustments after a sudden unexpected closure of a major export market. We focus on the effects of the 2014 Russian embargo on Western food exporters using the example of Estonian firms. The paper applies a novel multimethod approach consisting of Study I quantifying the embargo effect on the trade diversion of firms that had exported embargoed goods to Russia, and Study II conducting a multiple case study into three dairy exporters highly affected by the embargo. Study I employs a difference-in-difference model with matched exporters of embargoed goods as treatment. Study II builds on extensive document analysis that serves as input for interviews with the CEOs of the sample dairy firms. We find that pre-shock productivity is on average a good predictor of post-shock firm trade diversion (Study I), however, we specify that the key firm-level resources and capabilities necessary for successful post-shock adjustments might not be reflected in the standard quantitative productivity level measures (Study II). We conclude that key firm-level resources and capabilities for embargo-resilience are the quality of exporting experience, competitive product-market matching, absorptive capacity, and managerial vision and empowerment.

COVID-19 pandemic, pregnancy care, perinatal outcomes in Eastern Myanmar and North-Western Thailand: a retrospective marginalised population cohort

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine health care and antenatal and birth services globally. The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) based at the Thailand-Myanmar border provides cross border antenatal care (ANC) and birth services to marginalised pregnant women. The border between the countries entered lockdown in March 2020 preventing cross-border access for women from Myanmar to Thailand. SMRU adapted by opening a new clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on access to ANC and pregnancy outcomes for marginalised pregnant women in the border regions between Thailand and Myanmar.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records of all pregnancies delivered or followed at antenatal clinics of the SMRU from 2017 to the end of 2022. Logistic regression was done to compare the odds of maternal and neonatal outcomes between women who delivered pre-COVID (2017–2019) and women who delivered in the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022), grouped by reported country of residence: Thailand or Myanmar.ResultsBetween 2017 and the end of 2022, there were 13,865 (5,576 resident in Thailand and 8,276 in Myanmar) marginalised pregnant women who followed ANC or gave birth at SMRU clinics. Outcomes of pregnancy were known for 9,748 women with an EGA ≥ 28 weeks. Unknown outcome of pregnancy among women living in Thailand did not increase during the pandemic. However, there was a high (60%) but transient increase in unknown outcome of pregnancy for women with Myanmar residence in March 2020 following border closure and decreasing back to the baseline of 20–30% after establishment of a new clinic. Non-literate women were more likely to have an unknown outcome during the pandemic. There was no statistically significant increase in known stillbirths or maternal deaths during the COVID pandemic in this population but homebirth was over represented in maternal and perinatal mortality.ConclusionDecreasing barriers to healthcare for marginalised pregnant women on the Thailand-Myanmar border by establishment of a new clinic was possible in response to sudden border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic and most likely preventing an increase in maternal and perinatal mortality.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete : The history and development of the product, its characteristics, uses and shortcomings

The media frenzy following the sudden closure of several schools in the summer of 2023 drew attention to the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in many public buildings in the UK, in turn spawning political debate as to why remedial action had not been taken sooner, whether chronic underinvestment was to blame, or whether successive governments had systematically cut corners by using cheap and short-life materials. Throughout this period the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and other professional institutions attempted to maintain a reasoned approach based upon factual analysis and developing knowledge as to the long-term performance of RAAC and the practical implications of its use. Despite poor experiences in the UK, RAAC has been, and still is, used extensively throughout Europe, the Americas and the Far East seemingly without the litany of failures identified in this country. This paper attempts to explain the history and development of the product, its characteristics, uses and shortcomings. Comment will be given on survey methodology, risk assessment and remedial works along with potential legal implications for surveyors and other practitioners.

INEQUALIRY, ONLINE TEACHING AND QUALITY EDUCATION, “EXCLUDING THE EXCLUDED” IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEANING IN ZIMBABWE: HOW TO BUILD INCLUSIVE INSTITUTIONS?

The covid pandemic has been marked by negative outcomes locally, regionally and globally. The sudden closure of institutions of learning, copious teaching and learning dynamics emerged giving rise to dire demand for blended learning. The study explores the intersection of gender, socio-economic status, disability as well as online learning and how this impacted on vulnerable learners’ access to quality education during the pandemic and its aftermath. The paper was framed within the exclusion and social justice theoretical frameworks. The design was phenomenological, focusing on the lived experiences of vulnerable female, orphans, those living with disabilities and learners from low socio-economic status. Midlands State University and the vulnerable groups were purposively sampled. Key university informants were officers from information and technology services, the library, Quality Assurance and Professional Development, Disability Resource Centre, student affairs division respectively giving a total of 5 key informants. Focus group discussions were held with 6 orphans from child headed households, 5 male and 7 female students from low socio-economic status from both rural and urban areas and 14 students living with differing disabilities, giving a total of 32 participants. Selection from other vulnerable students beside those living with disabilities was based on voluntariness and the need for a gender matrix. Online teaching and learning created a digital access gap with the most vulnerable experiencing various types of exclusions. To achieve effective teaching and learning, the paper recommends inclusive pedagogies and sustainable learning frameworks that allow the achievement of SDG 4on equitable and inclusive education

Cross-Border Institutional Trust in Post-Pandemic Times. The Role of EU b-solutions Initiative

ABSTRACT Mutual trust is an important element in starting cross-border processes, and institutional trust is vital to forging sound and effective cross-border cooperation. It is widely debated that the recent covidfencing process in Europe chipped away existing long and medium-term cross-border institutional ties, in most European borders, at least for some time. The fundamental point is that the sudden closing of national borders also revealed how important are effective and well-functioning cross-border institutions to direct the reopening of such borders into functional cross-border areas. To appreciate more in-depth the importance of cross-border institutional trust in post-pandemic times, this article analyses to what extent the EU b-solutions initiative contributes to reinforcing it along European cross-border regions. The analysis concluded that this EU initiative reinforces cross-border institutional trust by enhancing institutional capacity building, institutional knowledge sharing and stability/credibility as well as territorial integration in EU border regions. However, only a few European cross-border regions have benefited the most from this institutional support by b-solutions: the Benelux, plus Germany and France, as well as the Iberian cross-border areas.

Effects of the Decommissioning of a Garbage Dump on Solid Waste Management and Gravimetric Study in a Rural Community in Baianópolis, Bahia

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in solid waste management and to carry out a gravimetric study in the rural community of Tabua, in the municipality of Baianópolis-BA, following the decommissioning of a landfill site. Method: The methodology adopted for this research was divided into: a gravimetric study and the identification/analysis of irregular waste disposal points. The gravimetric study was carried out by quartering and separating the waste. The identification of irregular waste disposal points near the community was carried out over a distance of around 5 km on the BA430. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the community's per capita waste generation is 0.171 kg/inhabitant per day, with the gravimetric composition of the sample corresponding to: 34% glass, 28% organic, 22% reject, 11% plastic, 3% metal and 2% paper. The most representative specific weight was observed for organic waste, followed by glass and waste. Four irregular solid waste disposal points were found near the community of Tabua, developed and intensified after the sudden closure of the dump in 2022. Research Implications: This research has practical implications as it presents a diagnosis of poor waste management in a rural community, as well as proposing alternatives for more inclusive and comprehensive management. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the generation and disposal of solid waste in rural areas, an issue that has been little discussed in the academic sphere and which is generating growing concern for the rural environment and for guaranteeing the health of the rural population.

Post-Pandemic Support for Special Populations in Higher Education through Generative Artificial Intelligence

The sudden closure of schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted education authorities to quickly explore new teaching and learning methods. This disruption to traditional classroom settings led to the implementation of innovative strategies that assist educators and students in developing abstract thinking skills. In the wake of the ongoing impact of the pandemic on education, one crucial innovative approach that educators should embrace is generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Generative AI represents a significant transformation in the education sector, offering human-like content tailored to meet the individual needs of students, educators, and institutions. While the integration of generative AI post-pandemic is inevitable, this chapter highlights the myriad opportunities it presents for the education industry, particularly in terms of the strategies it provides for colleges and universities to recruit and engage diverse student populations through personalized instruction and equal access to opportunities. In the evolving landscape of post-pandemic education, technology that supports collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world educational connections is no longer considered a futuristic concept. While educational practices continue to evolve, the substantial entry of generative artificial intelligence into education is both distinct and unavoidable. With technological advancements come questions of digital equity and effective implementation. This chapter underscores how generative artificial intelligence can bridge these gaps by creating customized learning experiences that benefit educators and enhance access to knowledge. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence as a technological support tool is poised to bring about significant changes in education. Generative AI has the potential to drive the necessary shift towards personalized instruction and meaningful student interactions. This chapter seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of exploring generative AI strategies as the education sector grapples with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents insights into current and future opportunities offered by generative artificial intelligence to support innovative teaching practices, foster equitable growth, and facilitate the transition to educational systems on a global scale.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education in Bangladesh and its mitigation

The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted various facets of societal functioning, with the education sector facing unprecedented challenges. The sudden closure of schools and universities, coupled with the shift towards remote learning, created a dynamic educational environment. It significantly affected academic performance, psychological health, dropout rates, school closures, and even increased early marriage rates in Bangladesh. In 2021, the dropout rate stood at 14.15 percent. This study delves into the specific repercussions of the pandemic on the education landscape in Bangladesh. The research reveals the disparities in access to online education, shedding light on the socio-economic factors influencing digital learning engagement. Through a comprehensive analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, we explore the multifaceted effects on educational institutions, students, and educators. We present the impact of COVID-19 on education graphically using interpolation polynomials. Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector in Bangladesh necessitates a multifaceted approach that addresses various interconnected challenges. Moreover, prioritizing mental health support for students, teachers, and parents is paramount in navigating the emotional toll of the pandemic. Collaboration and partnerships with international organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities are indispensable for mobilizing resources and expertise. Bangladesh can effectively manage the pandemic's complications and ensure the continued viability of its educational system by implementing such an all-encompassing approach.

Digital inclusion for parents: preliminary results of the digital academy project

ABSTRACT The project “Academia Digital para Pais” began in a pandemic context, in an effort of the Ministry of Education and the private sector, aiming at helping the digital-struggling families. The COVID-19 pandemic led schools to a sudden closure, highlighting the challenges families faced, both in terms of access to technologies, and in terms of the digital skills needed to participate in a digitalized world. The objectives of the project were twofold: i) provide parents/tutors with digital skills to help their children, during remote teaching; ii) provide parents/tutors with digital skills crucial for integration in society. We intended to study the project, from design to implementation, using a quantitative approach, aimed at: identifying the parents/tutors’ self-perceptions of the digital competences developed; determining the participants’ perception of the level of attainment of the goals of the project; measuring the satisfaction of the parents/tutors involved in the project; and lastly exploring differences in the self-perceived digital competence according to their level of satisfaction. The results reveal high levels of satisfaction which, combined with the positive self-perception in the development of their digital competences, is a strong indicator of the potential of these initiatives in the empowerment of citizens, concurring to their social inclusion.

Backward flow and jet formation of liquid and granular medium in a gravity drainage system following a sudden valve closure

The sudden closure of a valve during the gravity-driven drainage of the liquid or granular medium causes the backward flow of material and generates a strong backward pressure wave. The phenomenon, which has a strong similarity with classical water hammer, is reported for the first time. Under specific conditions, the formation of the jet is observed at the free surface. The current article presents a detailed computational investigation of the unique phenomenon of backward propagation of materials and jet formation. A detailed comparison of the flow phenomenon for liquid and granular medium of constant bulk density is reported providing a particular emphasis on jet formation in these two cases. Distinct stages of flow dynamics are observed particularly for granular medium. For liquid, the runout time for the jet formation has been quantified analytically to appreciate the energy dissipation. The analytical model also produces good agreement (+10.75%, −8.9%) with the trained model based on numerical results. A detailed parametric study is incorporated for aspect ratio and valve height ratio to characterize and compare the phenomenon for both the flowing medium, − liquid, and granular matter.

Diagnosis of the Walbrzych post-mining area: pilot study using social participation

The article presents a pilot study using Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) to comprehensively diagnose the post-mining area of Wałbrzych (Poland) in the aftermath of sudden coal mine closures in the 1990s. Addressing research gaps in social participation and post-mining area assessment, the study provides insights into the complexities of just transition. By combining participatory methodologies, statistical and spatial analysis, the research engages local stakeholders to include the community perspectives in the assessment processes. The study unveils the intricate interplay between social dynamics, environmental concerns, and urban changes following mine closures. The findings illustrate the multifaceted impacts of sudden mine closure, including economic collapse and social crisis. The pilot study contributes to the future holistic approach to diagnosing the post-mining area preceding the processes of just transition and revitalization.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adaptability and resiliency of school food programs across Canada.

Following the sudden closure of schools due to the pandemic in 2020, many school food program (SFP) operators lost their operating venues and had to innovate to continue distributing meals to children. Our objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery, adaptability, and resiliency of school food programs across Canada by conducting a systematic rapid review. Systematic literature searches identified newspaper articles and social media sources related to the adaptations and challenges faced by school food programs across Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included sources were assessed and thematically categorized according to the dimensions of the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) and Getting To Equity (GTE) frameworks to identify factors impacting the delivery, adaptability, and resiliency of school food programs in Canada. School food programs in Canada made various efforts to meet existing and new challenges associated with the delivery of these programs to keep feeding school children, particularly those most vulnerable, during the pandemic. Distribution of food kits, prepared meals and gift cards/coupons were successful pathways in ensuring support for food accessibility to students and their families. Increased collaborations between community members and organizations/stakeholders to help maintain food delivery or collectively offer new modes to deliver foods were most frequently cited as key to facilitating school food programming. However, maintenance and sustainability related to operating costs and funding were identified as key challenges to successful school food programming. Our study highlights the swift and substantial transformation school food programs,, underwent in response to the pandemic, driven by the urgent need to ensure that students still had access to nutritious meals and the importance of policy and resource support to bolster the adaptability and resiliency of these programs. Findings on facilitators and challenges to school food programs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic can inform development of guidelines to design a robust national Canadian school food program and help make existing programs more sustainable, adaptable, and resilient.

What emerging technologies and innovations present opportunities for economic repurposing of mined land, assets, and waste materials?

The definition of the future use of mined lands should be considered early in the life cycle of a mine. Well-established concepts, such as “Begin with the end in mind” or “Design for closure,” have at their core the idea of having in mind the intended use of the mined area before the cessation of operational activities. However, closure is complex and the optimal future use of a mined area involves evaluation of environmental, social, and economic aspects, all of which change through the life of a mine. Closure is also a dynamic and iterative process that needs to be integrated into operations, while accounting for the possibility of temporary or sudden closure (ICMM, 2019).

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on College Students in Brazil.

The implementation of restrictive measures during the pandemic drastically changed the routine and habits of the population. In the academic sphere, the sudden closure of universities difficulted any advance planning. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of the pandemic on the routine, physical and mental health of students at a public university in southern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study that applied a questionnaire from May to August 2020. The target population comprised 528 undergraduates. The questionnaire addressed questions about sociodemographic characteristics, physical and mental health. A response was obtained from 406 participants. During the quarantine period evaluated, the main results were: 66.2% reported worsening of anxiety symptoms; 57.6% declared that their physical health was "reasonable" to "bad". As for the quality of sleep there was an increase in 98.8% in the responses "bad sleep quality" and "very bad sleep quality"; increase in 26.6% for presence bruxism; 12.5% for orofacial pain, 3.8% for headache. It is concluded that there were several negative effects, among these effects, it was observed higher levels of anxiety, worsening physical health and quality of sleep, increase in the prevalence of bruxism, as well as the presence of orofacial pain and headache.

Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented experience for many families around the world. With the sudden closure of schools and child care centers and the implementation of stay-at-home orders, parents were required to adjust to a new normal, one that required them to take on numerous responsibilities, all with diminished levels of social support. These changes resulted in a wide range of experiences, from feelings of overwhelm and stress to gratitude for time that was often not a reality in the hustle-bustle of everyday life in pre-pandemic times. This chapter discusses parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic, reviewing the impact on parental mental health, the impact on the parent-child relationship, and the implications for families and societal support.

Dam operation using satellite data and hydrological models: the case of Roseires dam and Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in the Blue Nile River

ABSTRACT The unexpected drop of the Blue Nile water in July 2020, attributed to the sudden closure of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during the first filling in 2020, significantly interrupted the water supply for Khartoum, Sudan. This incident pursued using satellites and hydrological models to estimate inflows into Roseires dam. A hydrological model was developed to predict GERD inflows, while reservoir levels were extracted from Sentinel-1, -2 and Jason-3. A water balance model was developed to predict GERD releases and the dates of overtopping during subsequent fillings events. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of satellite data and models for transboundary reservoir management.

Perception and attitude of nursing students toward e-learning

Background: Information technology (IT) has undeniably eased out online teaching in days of social isolation. The sudden closure of institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt in academics; later resumed through the inception of e-learning. Pandemics can neither be forecast nor overruled. Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Aims and Objectives: Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 randomly selected nursing students of a Nursing College in Kolkata during August–October 2022. A self-administered structured questionnaire with demographic details incorporating a standard scale admeasuring attitude of students was used. Data were analyzed and validated statistically. Results: The majority used mobile set and cellular data as data-source (95 and 99%, respectively). Advantages of e-learning were screenshot of slides (96%), home-stay (94%), and reduced cost of hostel/transport (84%). Disadvantages included internet problems (83%) and inadequate bedside training (74%). Domain means for perceived usefulness, e-learning versus conventional learning, intention to adapt, ease of learning, and learning stresses were more than scale means reverberating higher acceptability. About 62.5% exhibited a favorable attitude toward e-learning. Family income, age, origin, and past experience were significantly associated with domains of e-learning; of which “Intent to get accustomed” was relevant. All domains related to e-learning found having significant positive correlation with each other indicating the strong value of e-learning among participants. Conclusion: As an alternative during the pandemic, 62.5% of prospective nurses showed a positive attitude toward e-learning. It is recommended that e-learning be made student-friendly through IT training making it a vital option for teaching-learning during catastrophic challenge.

Reasons for the Hiatus of the Chinese Life Magazine City Pictorial

City Pictorial is a lifestyle magazine in China. It was published in 1999 and officially announced its closure in January 2023. Its sudden closure caused the attention and discussion of the industry. Although it was once glorious, it is difficult to face the reality of the heavy. The author searches the comments of users on City Pictorial in different periods on social network pages and summarizes them. The author finds that City Pictorial is lacking in the establishment of links with readers, the novelty of the magazine and the operation mode of publicity. In other words, although City Pictorial is changing, its mode of thinking has not fundamentally abandoned the methods of the paper media period. The reform of City Pictorial was only based on the form, which did not fundamentally satisfy readers' reading psychology, nor did it continuously guarantee the quality of the paper magazine. Finally, the loss of readers led to the closure of the magazine.

Teachers’ Experiences With Online Teaching During COVID-19 in Kenya and Namibia

During the COVID-19 pandemic across sub-saharan Africa, the sudden closure of schools has interrupted and brought physical learning to a standstill. The rapid transition to emergency remote teaching posed many challenges and required innovative approaches to ensure continuity of teaching through information technology tools in Kenya and Namibia. Online Collaborative Learning (OCL) theory supports an effective teaching strategy for teachers to adopt appropriate technologies and clear educational goals, develop clear instructions for influencing students’ online behavior, prepare and orientate students adequately, and select pertinent discussion topics. The study used a cross-sectional survey of secondary school teachers in both countries. The results show that teachers continued to provide education during the pandemic without proper guidance from the school leadership. Teachers had no knowledge and support in developing appropriate online content, motivating students, and delivering quality teaching. Also, the results show no evidence-based online collaborative learning amongst teachers and/or schools. Similarly, schools lacked knowledge practices and digital resources, especially those in rural settings. The study recommends the improvement of continuing professional development in the respective countries covering aspects of the school vision, leadership, practices of the teaching community, pedagogical approaches, school-level knowledge practices, and increased digital resources.

Experimental and Numerical CFD Modelling of the Hydrodynamic Effects Induced by a Ram Pump Waste Valve

The hydraulic ram pump or hydram is a machine capable of lifting water to a hydraulic head higher than the level of the supply source. It is a sustainable and self-sufficient device: the working principle is based on the rise of abrupt pressure variations occurring in the feeding pipeline when the liquid inside it undergoes a locally sharp change in velocity as a consequence of the sudden closure of the waste valve. Invented in 1772, the pump has been improved over the decades. Due to its simplicity, low cost and reliability, it has been widely used worldwide to provide adequate domestic water supplies, especially before the spreading of electricity and internal combustion engines. In recent years, the new attention placed on sustainability and energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy devices has brought a growing interest to this basic machine, essentially forgotten and abandoned in the last century; it seems promising especially in developing countries. The hydram is, in fact, a very simple machine, with only two moving parts, the waste and delivery valves. The efficiency of the hydraulic ram pump is mainly influenced by the characteristics of the waste valve. However, sufficient data are not available for the design of the hydram and the waste valve. In this work, the behaviour of the waste valve of a hydram was simulated by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Velocity and pressure values were analysed for different scenarios with different closing times of the valve. The data obtained from the developed numerical model were compared, in order to verify the validity of the simulations, with those collected during the operation of the hydram placed at the Laboratory of Environmental and Marine Hydraulics (LIDAM) of the University of Salerno, Italy. The numerical model thus obtained can, therefore, be used to identify the ideal configuration of the valve in order to ensure the best performance of the hydram.