Search

The invasion of exotic ant species in China presents significant challenges to ecosystems, agriculture, and the economy. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of China's ongoing battle with exotic ants, examining the factors contributing to their introduction and establishment. It explores the responses implemented by the decision makers, including capacity building, establishment of research institutions, and legislative measures. Limitations and gaps in the current strategies are identified, highlighting the need for regional collaboration, increased awareness, and strengthened early detection and response systems. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of conducting research to understand various exotic ant species' ecological and economic impacts, facilitating the development of targeted and effective management approaches. By adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach, China can mitigate the impacts of ant invasions and safeguard its biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. This analysis underscores the significance of collective efforts in addressing the ongoing battle with exotic ants and preserving the well-being of ecosystems, economies, and the society.

The aim of this paper is to analyse Argentina's response to the changes in the global agro-biotechnological industry landscape face to the emergence of gene editing as a fundamental innovation, over the past decade. he proposed analytical framework links the industry's technological trajectory with its institutional configuration. he study is based on a series of interviews with key industry figures and the review of specialised secondary sources. he findings indicate that, in response to the central elements of novelty in the international landscape, associated with the potential reduction of technological and institutional barriers for the development and approval of new products, the national response involved the consolidation of a scientific and technological system of certain international relevance and a business base showing growing dynamism. However, this response has faced limitations in articulating and mobilising a heterogeneous and limited set of resources towards a common strategic focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies and put forward further measures according to the epidemiological characteristics of Omicron. It summarized the national response during the Omicron epidemic in four countries: China, Israel, South Africa, and the United States.MethodsThis study summarized prevention and control measures in China, Israel, South Africa, and the United States in their response to the Omicron epidemic, and it also evaluated the effectiveness of these measures.ResultsAfter the Omicron variant emerged, China and Israel adopted containment strategies, using the “dynamic zero” policy and country closure measures. Meanwhile, South Africa and the United States adopted mitigation strategies, which virtually abandoned social interventions and only focused on medical measures and vaccines. From the first day of reported Omicron cases to 28 February 2022, the four countries reported the following cases: China reported 9,670 new confirmed cases and no deaths, with total deaths per million of 3.21; Israel reported 2,293,415 new confirmed cases and 2,016 deaths, with total deaths per million of 1,097.21; South Africa reported 731,384 new confirmed cases and 9,509 deaths, with total deaths per million reaching 1,655.708; the United States reported 3,042,743 new confirmed cases and 1,688,851 deaths, with total deaths per million reaching 2,855.052, which was much higher than the other countries.ConclusionBased on this study, it seems that China and Israel adopted containment strategies, while South Africa and the United States adopted mitigation strategies. A rapid response is a powerful weapon against the Omicron epidemic. Vaccines alone will not get any country out of this crisis, and non-pharmacological measures should be used in addition to them. According to the SPO model, future work should consider the strengthening of emergency management capacity, adhering to public health measures, promoting vaccination, and strengthening patient care and close contact management, which are effective measures in coping with Omicron.

Abstract Objective To provide experience for formulating prevention and control policies, this study analyzed the effectiveness of the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) prevention and control policies, and evaluated health equity and epidemic cooperation among BRICS countries. Methods This study summarized the pandemic prevention and control policies in BRICS countries and evaluated the effectiveness of those policies by extracting COVID-19 related data from official websites. Result As of May 4, 2021, responding to COVID-19. China adopted containment strategies. China’s total confirmed cases (102,560) were stable, without a second pandemic peak, and the total deaths per million (3.37) were much lower than others. India and South Africa who adopted intermediate strategies have similar pandemic curves, total confirmed cases in India (20,664,979) surpassed South Africa (1,586,148) as the highest in five countries, but total deaths per million (163.90) lower than South Africa (919.11). Brazil and Russia adopted mitigation strategies. Total confirmed cases in Brazil (14,856,888) and Russia (4,784,497) continued to increase, and Brazil’s total deaths per million (1,936.34) is higher than Russia (751.50) and other countries. Conclusion This study shows BRICS countries implemented different epidemic interventions. Containment strategy is more effective than intermediate strategy and mitigation strategy in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Especially when a strict containment strategy is implemented in an early stage, but premature relaxation of restrictions may lead to rebounding. It is a good choice to combat COVID-19 by improving the inclusiveness of intervention policies, deepening BRICS epidemic cooperation, and increasing health equities.

Wastewater surveillance of pathogens may be a useful tool to help determine whether clinical surveillance of disease is effective or inadequate due to under-reporting and under-detection. In addition, tracking of pathogen concentrations over time could potentially provide a measure of the effectiveness of public health control measures and the impact of the gradual relaxation of these controls. Analysis of wastewater using quantitative molecular methods offers a real-time measure of infections in the community, and thus is expected to provide a more sensitive and rapid indication of changes in infection rates before such effects become detectable by clinical health surveillance. Models may help to back-calculate wastewater prevalence to population prevalence or to correct pathogen counts for wastewater catchment-specific and temporal effects. They may also help to design the wastewater sampling strategy. This article provides a brief summary of the history of pathogen wastewater surveillance to help set the context for the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) programmes currently being undertaken globally. HIGHLIGHTS A brief history of pathogen wastewater surveillance.; Context for current SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) programmes.; Recommendations on research and investigation priorities.; Wide potential of modelling is presented together with remaining knowledge gaps.;

The review analyses the information on the epidemiological situation on COVID-19 around the world. Presented is the assessment of the major epidemiological parameters (basic reproductive rate, lethality, incubation period, and serial interval). Demonstrated is the share of severe cases among different age groups and the general structure of incidence by the severity of clinical course. The paper provides the classification of response models internationally depending upon the complex of measures undertaken at different stages of epidemic process. Reviewed are the key response actions to control the COVID-19 transmission in different countries of the world and the Russian Federation and given is the assessment of their effectiveness.

Objective: To provide experience for formulating prevention and control policies, this study analyzed the effectiveness of the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) prevention and control policies, and evaluated health equity and epidemic cooperation among BRICS countries. Methods: This study summarized the pandemic prevention and control policies in BRICS countries and evaluated the effectiveness of those policies by extracting COVID-19 related data from official websites. Result: As of May 4, 2021, responding to COVID-19. China adopted containment strategies. China's total confirmed cases (102,560) were stable, without a second pandemic peak, and the total deaths per million (3.37) were much lower than others. India and South Africa who adopted intermediate strategies have similar pandemic curves, total confirmed cases in India (20,664,979) surpassed South Africa (1,586,148) as the highest in five countries, but total deaths per million (163.90) lower than South Africa (919.11). Brazil and Russia adopted mitigation strategies. Total confirmed cases in Brazil (14,856,888) and Russia (4,784,497) continued to increase, and Brazil's total deaths per million (1,936.34) is higher than Russia (751.50) and other countries. Conclusion: This study shows BRICS countries implemented different epidemic interventions. Containment strategy is more effective than intermediate strategy and mitigation strategy in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Especially when a strict containment strategy is implemented in an early stage, but premature relaxation of restrictions may lead to rebounding. It is a good choice to combat COVID-19 by improving the inclusiveness of intervention policies, deepening BRICS epidemic cooperation, and increasing health equities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common and expensive endocrine diseases in the world. The age of onset in Iran is 10-15 years younger than the average age of onset in developed countries. Some measures have been adopted to identify the main risk factors and the national response to diabetes in numerous countries to prevent and control this disease. This study aimed to compare the main risk factors and national response to diabetes in selected countries. Materials and Methods: This comparative review study evaluated six countries, including Iran, India, China, Germany, Canada, and Somalia. Required information (i.e., demographic information, statistical information, main risk factors, and dimensions of the national response to diabetes) was obtained from official and credible databases and sites. Results: Based on the find, three factors, including obesity, overweight, and physical inactivity were identified as the main risk factors for diabetes in the selected countries. It was revealed that these countries have partially or fully implemented the national response to diabetes. Conclusion: The multifaceted nature of diabetes requires the provision of multi-dimensional solutions to reduce the burden of the disease via controlling the main risk factors. Lifestyle modification should not only be limited to education and promotion of nutrition and physical activity but also include modifications in methods, attitudes, and cultural, social, and economic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 31st January 2020, the Italian cabinet declared a 6-month national emergency after the detection of the first two COVID-19 positive cases in Rome, two Chinese tourists travelling from Wuhan. Between then and the total lockdown introduced on 22nd March 2020 Italy was hit by an unprecedented crisis. In addition to being the first European country to be heavily swept by the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy was the first to introduce stringent lockdown measures. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and related COVID-19 pandemic have been the worst public health challenge endured in recent history by Italy. Two months since the beginning of the first wave, the estimated excess deaths in Lombardy, the hardest hit region in the country, reached a peak of more than 23,000 deaths. The extraordinary pressures exerted on the Italian Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) inevitably leads to questions about its preparedness and the appropriateness and effectiveness of responses implemented at both national and regional levels. The aim of the paper is to critically review the Italian response to the COVID-19 crisis spanning from the first early acute phases of the emergency (March-May 2020) to the relative stability of the epidemiological situation just before the second outbreak in October 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) had the second highest number of cases globally yet was able to dramatically lower the incidence of new cases and sustain a low mortality rate, making it a promising example of strong national response. We describe the main strategies undertaken and selected facilitators and challenges in order to identify transferable lessons for other countries working to control the spread and impact of COVID-19. Identified strategies included early recognition of the threat and rapid activation of national response protocols led by national leadership; rapid establishment of diagnostic capacity; scale-up of measures for preventing community transmission; and redesigning the triage and treatment systems, mobilizing the necessary resources for clinical care. Facilitators included existing hospital capacity, the epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak, and strong national leadership despite political changes and population sensitization due to the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) epidemic. Challenges included sustaining adequate human resources and supplies in high-caseload areas. Key recommendations include (1) recognize the problem, (2) establish diagnostic capacity, (3) implement aggressive measures to prevent community transmission, (4) redesign and reallocate clinical resources for the new environment, and (5) work to limit economic impact through and while prioritizing controlling the spread and impact of COVID-19. South Korea’s strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic represent applicable knowledge that can be adopted by other countries and the global community facing the enormous COVID-19 challenges ahead.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in inestimable morbidity and mortality across the globe. The healthcare and political leadership of the pandemic within Aotearoa New Zealand has been internationally recognised. The pivotal role of nurses and nursing practice in the establishment of National Close Contact Service (NCCS) has been fundamental in protecting the health of our nation. Using exemplars, and the themes of shared human vulnerability and professional authority, this critical discussion draws on theoretical and philosophical nursing perspectives to demonstrate the authors' involvement in the establishment of the NCCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) had the second highest number of cases globally yet was able to dramatically lower the incidence of new cases and sustain a low mortality rate, making it a promising example of strong national response. We describe the main strategies undertaken and selected facilitators and challenges in order to identify transferable lessons for other countries working to control the spread and impact of COVID-19. Identified strategies included early recognition of the threat and rapid activation of national response protocols led by national leadership; rapid establishment of diagnostic capacity; scale-up of measures for preventing community transmission; and redesigning the triage and treatment systems, mobilizing the necessary resources for clinical care. Facilitators included existing hospital capacity, the epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak, and strong national leadership despite political changes and population sensitization due to the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) epidemic. Challenges included sustaining adequate human resources and supplies in high-caseload areas. Key recommendations include (1) recognize the problem, (2) establish diagnostic capacity, (3) implement aggressive measures to prevent community transmission, (4) redesign and reallocate clinical resources for the new environment, and (5) work to limit economic impact through and while prioritizing controlling the spread and impact of COVID-19. South Korea's strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic represent applicable knowledge that can be adopted by other countries and the global community facing the enormous COVID-19 challenges ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the existing child protection system in Suriname with the guidelines of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Committee), as described in General Comment no. 13, the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence (GC 13). The existing child protection system in Suriname provides legal and social child protection through the Ministry of Justice and Police and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing. Data were gathered using a questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions from 128 individuals involved in the medical, social, and legal assistance to child victims of violence in all 10 districts of Suriname. Findings indicate that children were rarely involved in the decision-making process, information was not delivered in a child-centered manner, and primary prevention and counseling support for families were weak, especially for those in rural and hinterland areas. Inadequate funding mechanisms, lack of understanding of existing child protection laws, and deficiencies in training of social service providers were major hindrances in service delivery. To improve the current assistance process, a monitoring system must be designed and implemented in which the prevention, identification, reporting, treatment, referral and follow-up of child victims of violence are carried out effectively and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2009, Thailand experienced rapid spread of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. The national response came under intense public scrutiny as the number of confirmed cases and associated deaths increased. Thus, during July–December 2009, the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization jointly reviewed the response efforts. The review found that the actions taken were largely appropriate and proportionate to need. However, areas needing improvement were surveillance, laboratory capacity, hospital infection control and surge capacity, coordination and monitoring of guidelines for clinical management and nonpharmaceutical interventions, risk communications, and addressing vulnerabilities of non-Thai displaced and migrant populations. The experience in Thailand may be applicable to other countries and settings, and the lessons learned may help strengthen responses to other pandemics or comparable prolonged public health emergencies.

HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) epidemics may have many important similarities in their aetiology, pathogenesis and management. Evidence about the similarities and differences between the national responses HIV/AIDS and NCDs is essential for an integrated response. The objective of this study was to examine the parallels and differences between national responses to HIV/AIDS and NCDs in selected developing countries. This study applied a strategic level comparative case study approach as its study design. The main construct was national response to HIV/AIDS and NCDs. The 4 overarching themes were policy response, institutional mechanism, programmatic response and strategic information. Four countries were purposively selected as cases. Data were collected and triangulated from a multiple sources. The focus of analysis included identifying items for comparison, characteristics to be compared, degrees of similarity, and strategic importance of similarities. Analysis of data was qualitative content analysis with within-case, between-case, and across-case comparisons. While the nature of the disease and the contents of national HIV/AIDS and NCD policies are different, the policy processes involved are largely similar. Functional characteristics of programmatic response to HIV/AIDS and NCDs are similar. But the internal constituents are different. Though both HIV and NCDs require both a multi-sectorial response and a national coordination mechanism, the model and the complexity of the coordination are different. Strategic information frameworks for HIV/AIDS and NCDs use similar models. However, the indicators, targets and priorities are different. In conclusion, the national responses between HIV/AIDS and NCDs are largely similar in approaches and functions but different in content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Nearly 20% of the estimated 84,000 injecting drug users in Pakistan are HIV infected. Non-governmental organisations have implemented HIV interventions for IDUs in 7 cities in Pakistan. Here we report on the performance, coverage and costs of these interventions. Methods: National HIV bio-behavioural surveillance data were used to measure effectiveness of interventions by comparing HIV prevalence and behavioural trends in intervention and non-intervention cities. Coverage was measured by comparing the supply of syringes with the total syringe need and intervention cost per IDU served per year was calculated. Results: The NGOs registered 20,640 IDUs (original targets: <10,000); provided 66% of new syringes for all registered IDUs and 75% for all estimated street-based IDUs. This compared to a national coverage of about 13%. Intervention cities had higher baseline HIV prevalence, reflecting their choice as intervention sites. More IDUs from intervention cities (59% vs. 27%) reported always using a clean syringe. Condom use with last sexual partner (24% vs. 11%) and HIV prevention knowledge were also higher amongst this group (all at p <0.001). HIV prevalence in intervention cities remained unchanged in Faisalabad (13%) and Quetta (10%) but increased in Karachi (26–30%) and Lahore (4–7%). Coverage of sterile syringes for intervention cities was 30% compared to 13% nationwide. However within city, coverage varied from 30 to 99%. The costs of services varied widely by NGOs from USD 146 to 403. Conclusions: IDUs interventions are performing well in some Pakistani cities. However, considerable expansion is needed to increase nationwide coverage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the HIV/AIDS epidemic response initiatives and accomplishments of Peru. It states that the country experience a low transmission rate and HIV prevalence, however, it has successfully mobilized the social actors and economic resources to suppress its transmission. It also offers information on the overview of HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as the relevance and impact of the national aid received by the country.

Objective: This paper describes the AusAID-funded psychosocial training program conducted jointly by Chinese and Australian mental health facilitators in the wake of the devastating earthquake disaster in Sichuan. Conclusions: A total of 280 professional and volunteer leaders in disaster mental health response from across China took part in the national disaster mental health training program. A comprehensive, evidence-based and practical program was collaboratively developed and delivered to meet the needs of the medical professionals and volunteer mental health workers working in the field. Results of the training evaluation indicated high levels of uptake and usefulness for the participants. Further outcome assessments will be utilized at the service delivery and community levels. The training program has contributed significantly to the building of national and local capacity to deliver psychological first-aid and psychosocial response management to assist the populations who have been affected by disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an analysis of a puzzling development among local governments in China: Climate change largely ignored as a problem in the past has suddenly become a high priority of provincial and prefectural governments. It is observed that the mandate from the central government, internalized needs, and the international market are three primary factors that transformed local governments' responses to climate change. Other factors, including the local impacts of climate change, capacity and awareness, and leadership and vision also contributed to the changes. Climate change can and should be further internalized as a priority issue for local governments. Clean development mechanism and other market mechanisms should also continue to be key elements of post-Kyoto proposals. The central government will remain the most important player directing national, regional, and local responses to climate change, but its role needs to be complemented with local initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article surveys the responses to the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) of two important external actors: the United States and Russia. It explains the motivations behind these responses and the effect of the latter on the development of the ESDP. The survey finds that both the Clinton and the Bush administrations in the USA have expressed cautious support for the initiative while insisting on NATO's salience in Europe. Russia's enthusiasm for the project is an effort to ensure its participation in European and global security affairs. The conclusion of the article briefly explores the implications of the empirical observations in the light of the future development of the ESDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a comparative analysis of core executive adaptation to engagement with the European Union in three states: Ireland, Greece and Finland. To date, the substantive focus of the literature on executive adaptation has been on the question of convergence or continuing divergence of national responses. The dominant conclusion points to the continuing divergence of national responses. The analytical framework that guided the empirical work in this paper was divided into two inter-related institutional components: structures and processes, and the agents who actively engage with the EU's governance structures. The comparative analysis provides evidence of both convergence and continuing diversity. In managing Europe from home, states appear to choose from a menu of possible models, prime ministerial-led or foreign ministry-led systems. Two variables stand out in explaining variation across the three states, the level of institutionalisation and the relationship between formal and informal processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The response to the HIV epidemics among people who inject drugs in Asia began to emerge in the early to mid 1990s, with the rather hesitant implementation of small-scale needle syringe programmes and community care initiatives aiming to support those who were already living with the virus. Since then Asia has seen a significant scaling up of harm reduction, despite very limited resources and difficult policy and legislative environments. One of the major reasons this has happened, is the utilisation of programme based approaches and the firm entrenchment of harm reduction thinking within national HIV/AIDS programmes and strategic plans—in most cases aided by multilateral and bilateral donors. Several models of scale up have been noted in Asia. The transition away from project based approaches, while on the whole positive, can also have a negative impact if the involvement of civil society and a client focussed approach is not protected. Also there are implications for which models of capacity building can be systematised for ongoing scale up. Most crucially, the tensions between drug policy, human rights and public health policies need to be resolved if harm reduction services are to be made available to the millions in Asia who are still unable to access these services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]