Rousseff weakness may hit Brazil education reforms

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Education Reform ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Educational Development ◽  
Education Reforms ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Education ◽  
Middle Income Countries

Subject The prospects for education reform. Significance Following a series of national education reforms starting in the mid-1990s, achievement levels and enrolment rates have risen at a rapid rate. However, despite these recent improvements, Brazil still lags behind other middle-income countries in educational development. In the most recent PISA reading exam, Brazil ranked 53 out of 65 countries that participated, obtaining scores similar to those of Colombia and Tunisia. Impacts Teachers' unions will remain a political obstacle to education reform. The deteriorating economic and political outlook risks putting paid to difficult policy changes. Failure to improve basic education will prove damaging to Brazil's long-term competitiveness and employment prospects.

scholarly journals Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Analysis Reveals the Recent Dominance of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Shigella sonnei and Local Persistence of S. flexneri Clones in India

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhiviya Prabaa Muthuirulandi Sethuvel ◽  
Ankur Mutreja ◽  
Agila Kumari Pragasam ◽  
Karthick Vasudevan ◽  
Dhivya Murugan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Shigella Sonnei ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Genomic Level

ABSTRACT Shigella is the second leading cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide. Recently, Shigella sonnei seems to be replacing Shigella flexneri in low- and middle-income countries undergoing economic development. Despite this, studies focusing on these species at the genomic level remain largely unexplored. Here, we compared the genome sequences of S. flexneri and S. sonnei isolates from India with the publicly available genomes of global strains. Our analysis provides evidence for the long-term persistence of all phylogenetic groups (PGs) of S. flexneri and the recent dominance of the ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei lineage in India. Within S. flexneri PGs, the majority of the study isolates belonged to PG3 within the predominance of serotype 2. For S. sonnei, the current pandemic involves globally distributed multidrug-resistant (MDR) clones that belong to Central Asia lineage III. The presence of such epidemiologically dominant lineages in association with stable antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants results in successful survival in the community. IMPORTANCE Shigella is the second leading cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide. This has been categorized as a priority pathogen among enteric bacteria by the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) of the World Health Organization (WHO). Recently, S. sonnei seems to be replacing S. flexneri in low- and middle-income countries undergoing economic development. Antimicrobial resistance in S. flexneri and S. sonnei is a growing international concern, specifically with the international dominance of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) lineage. Genomic studies focusing on S. flexneri and S. sonnei in India remain largely unexplored. This study provides information on the introduction and expansion of drug-resistant Shigella strains in India for the first time by comparing the genome sequences of S. flexneri and S. sonnei isolates from India with the publicly available genomes of global strains. The study discusses the key differences between the two dominant species of Shigella at the genomic level to understand the evolutionary trends and genome dynamics of emerging and existing resistance clones. The present work demonstrates evidence for the long-term persistence of all PGs of S. flexneri and the recent dominance of a ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei lineage in India.

scholarly journals Climate drivers of plague epidemiology in British India, 1898–1949

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1928) ◽  
pp. 20200538
Author(s):  
Warren S. D. Tennant ◽  
Mike J. Tildesley ◽  
Simon E. F. Spencer ◽  
Matt J. Keeling
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Models ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
British India ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
The World ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis infection, continues to threaten low- and middle-income countries throughout the world. The complex interactions between rodents and fleas with their respective environments challenge our understanding of human plague epidemiology. Historical long-term datasets of reported plague cases offer a unique opportunity to elucidate the effects of climate on plague outbreaks in detail. Here, we analyse monthly plague deaths and climate data from 25 provinces in British India from 1898 to 1949 to generate insights into the influence of temperature, rainfall and humidity on the occurrence, severity and timing of plague outbreaks. We find that moderate relative humidity levels of between 60% and 80% were strongly associated with outbreaks. Using wavelet analysis, we determine that the nationwide spread of plague was driven by changes in humidity, where, on average, a one-month delay in the onset of rising humidity translated into a one-month delay in the timing of plague outbreaks. This work can inform modern spatio-temporal predictive models for the disease and aid in the development of early-warning strategies for the deployment of prophylactic treatments and other control measures.

scholarly journals Virtual Connections: Improving Global Neurosurgery Through Immersive Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Higginbotham
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Location ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Immersive Technologies

The field of neurosurgery has always been propelled by the adoption of novel technologies to improve practice. Although advancements have occurred in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes of patients, these have not translated to global patient benefit. Up to five million people each year do not have access to safe and affordable neurosurgical interventions, and those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected. Current approaches to increase neurosurgical capacity are unlikely to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals target by 2030, and many of the most successful programs have been disrupted by the travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is therefore a pressing need for creative virtual solutions. An area of growing relevance is the use of immersive technologies: virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). AR allows additional information to be superimposed onto the surgeon's visual field, thus enhancing intra-operative visualization. This can be used for remote tele-proctoring, whereby an experienced surgeon can virtually assist with a procedure regardless of geographical location. Expert guidance can therefore be given to both neurosurgical trainees and non-neurosurgical practitioners, further facilitating the growing practice of neurosurgical task-shifting in LMICs. VR simulation is another useful tool in remote neurosurgical training, with the potential to reduce the learning curve of complex procedures whilst conserving supplies in low-resource settings. The adoption of immersive technologies into practice is therefore a promising approach for achieving global neurosurgical equity, whilst adapting to the long-term disruptions of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Global AgeWatch Index and Insights

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gibran Cruz-Martinez ◽  
Gokce Cerev
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Transformative Change ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Good Quality Data ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Global AgeWatch Index and Insights by HelpAge International aim to contribute to achievement of long-term transformative change in respect to ageing and the lives of older people by advocating for better production of timely and good quality data to inform policy and program response.The Global AgeWatch Index is a composite index that measures quality of life of older people, and ranks countries based on four domains – income security, health status, enabling environment and capability. The index was developed in partnership with Professor Asghar Zaidi. The index was published during 2013-2015.The Global AgeWatch Insights is a research-based advocacy tool that examines situation of older people in low- and middle-income countries, assesses availability of relevant data and evidence to support the analysis, and identification of policy actions. The Insights are produced in partnership with AARP. The reports were launched in 2018 are planned to be released every three years with a different thematic focus. The first report focuses on the inequities of the health systems in twelve low- and middle-income countries.

scholarly journals Tracing Long- and Short-term Migrants for Participation in Demographic and Epidemiological Studies: Evidence from Senegal

Field Methods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-57
Author(s):  
Mufaro Kanyangarara ◽  
Laetitia Douillot ◽  
Gilles Pison ◽  
Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye ◽  
Valerie Delaunay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Adult Mortality ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Contact Information

Migration of participants in demographic and epidemiological studies results in missing data. One approach to reduce resulting losses in statistical power and potential biases is to follow up migrants at their new residence. We describe the follow-up of migrants who were eligible for participation in a trial of a new questionnaire to measure adult mortality in Niakhar, Senegal. We conducted a short inquiry in the migrant’s last known household to obtain contact information and then attempted to contact and interview 661 migrants who resided in Dakar, Mbour, and rural areas close to Niakhar. About two-thirds of migrants were successfully enrolled in the study. Having a contact phone number and knowing the name of the head of compound at destination increased the likelihood of successful enrollment. Following up migrants in demographic studies is feasible in low- and middle-income countries, including long-term migrants who have not been contacted for extended periods of time.

The dynamic relationships between the female labour force and the economic growth

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Durmuş Çağrı Yıldırım ◽  
Hilal Akinci
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Labour Force Participation ◽  
Female Labour Force Participation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Female Labour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Total Labour

PurposeIn this study, the relationship between female labour force participation rate and economic growth is investigated in middle-income countries. The study covers the period of 2001–2016 by employing a dynamic panel approach. Pooled Ordinary Least Square and Fixed Effects model estimations are calculated as a decision criterion to select proper GMM Method. The outcomes indicate that the proper estimation technique, which is a System-GMM model, evidences the U Feminisation Theory for the middle-income countries while controlling all other factors.Design/methodology/approachThe novelty of this study is that the research not only employs both difference and system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimators but also includes main explanatory variables such as education, fertility, and total labour force rate. The study provides an opportunity to review the U-shape nexus between the female labour force and economic growth while controlling education, fertility and total labour participation rate.FindingsThe estimation implies that middle-income countries support a U-shaped relationship. The fertility rate does not impact on the female labour force, and education and total labour force level have a positive influence on women's participation in the labour market.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used data that include the period of 2001–2016 for middle-income countries. So, further studies can use different periods of data or different countries.Practical implicationsThe authors emphasise the importance of economic growth for female labour force for middle-income countries. Thus, a country intending to increase female labour force should also focus on its economic growth. As the study points out, middle-income countries staying under the minimum threshold, $4698.15 (per capita), should priorities their economic improvement policies to reach their female labour force participation goal. Those countries also should be prepared for a female labour force participation declining phase until they reach the turning point income level.Social implicationsFurthermore, education is one of the critical determinants that have an impact on FLFPR. The equal opportunity for both genders to engage in education should be considered as a policy. If females do not have an equal chance to enrolment in education, it may influence the policy of increasing female labour force adversely. Fertility rate appears no more statistically significant in our study. Moreover, today, there are some countries they practise equality between genders by providing equally extended parental leave, which may be a promising policy for gender equality in the labour force and may worth a try.Originality/valueSome previous studies may suffer model mistakes due to lack of consideration the endogeneity problem and bias issue of the results as suggested by Tam (2011). Moreover, previous studies tend to choose either studying U-feminisation as excluding other variables or studying determinants of female labour force participation rate as excluding U-feminisation theory. There is not any panel data study acknowledging both concepts by using recent data to the best knowledge of the authors. Thus, the novelty of this study is that the research not only employs both difference and system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimators but also includes main explanatory variables such as education, fertility, and total labour force rate. The study provides an opportunity to review the U-shape nexus between the female labour force and economic growth while controlling education, fertility and total labour participation rate.

scholarly journals Factors that influence patient empowerment in inpatient chronic care: early thoughts on a diabetes care intervention in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Abrahams ◽  
Lucy Gilson ◽  
Naomi S. Levitt ◽  
Joel A. Dave
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Chronic Care ◽  
Patient Empowerment ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background The burden of non-communicable diseases is growing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Research suggests that health interventions that aim to improve patient self-management and empower patients to care actively for their disease will improve health outcomes over the long-term. There is, however, a gap in the literature about the potential role of the inpatient setting in supporting chronic care. This is particularly important in low-and-middle income countries where hospitals may be a rare prolonged point of contact between patient and health provider. The aim of this small scale, exploratory study was to understand what factors within the inpatient setting may affect patients’ feelings of empowerment in relation to their chronic disease care and provides recommendations for future inpatient-based interventions to support self-management of disease. Methods This study was based in a public, academic hospital in South Africa. Eighteen qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with multiple participants with experience of diabetes care: inpatients and health professionals such as nurses, endocrinologists, and dieticians. Findings were analysed using a broad, exploratory, thematic approach, guided by self-management and chronic care literature. Results Interviews with both patients and providers suggest that patients living in low socio-economic contexts are likely to struggle to access appropriate healthcare information and services, and may often have financial and emotional priorities that take precedence over their chronic illness. Younger people may also be more dependent on their family and community, giving them less ability to take control of their disease care and lifestyle. In addition, hospital care remains bound by an acute care model; and the inpatient setting of focus is characterised by perceived staff shortages and ineffective communication that undermine the implementation of patient empowerment-focused interventions. Conclusions Patient and provider contexts are likely to make supporting patient engagement in long-term chronic care difficult in lower income settings. However, knowledge of these factors can be harnessed to improve chronic care interventions in South Africa and other similar countries.

Factors associated with willingness to pay for health insurance and pension scheme among informal economy workers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-37
Author(s):  
Jairous Joseph Miti ◽  
Mikko Perkio ◽  
Anna Metteri ◽  
Salla Atkins
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Pension Schemes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the main factors influencing willingness to pay for health insurance and pension schemes among informal workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Historically, informal economy workers have been excluded from social protection coverage. There is a growing need, interest and policy discourse in LMICs to extend social security to informal economy workers. However, little is known about informal workers' willingness to pay (WTP) for social security services in different LMIC settings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a systematic review and searched five databases from 1987 to 2017. Included papers focused on “social security”, “social insurance”, “pension”, “informal economy”, “informal sector” and “informal workers” in LMICs. Authors conducted independent data appraisal and data extraction. A total of 1790 papers were identified. After exclusion, 34 papers were included in the analysis. Given the heterogeneous results, the authors performed a narrative synthesis to consolidate the findings of the different studies.FindingsIn total, 34 studies from 17 countries were included in the review, out of which 23 studies focused on health insurance, 7 studies on pension schemes and 4 studies on social security in general. The study showed that income and trust were associated with WTP for both health insurance and pension schemes. In addition, family size, age, education and residential area were common factors for both forms of social security. For health insurance, experience of sickness, attitude and presence of medical doctors as well as distance from the healthcare facility all played a role in determining WTP. For pension schemes, low and flexible contribution rates, benefit package, government subsidies and quality of administration of the schemes influenced enrolment and contributions.Research limitations/implicationsMore evidence is needed for WTP for pensions among informal workers.Practical implicationsThe findings show that socio-economic differences, scheme-type (health or pension) and level of trust influence WTP for health insurance or pension among informal sector workers. The review results suggest that the factors influencing WTP for health insurance and pensions interplay in a complex web of relations. More evidence is needed on WTP for pensions among informal workers.Social implicationsFurther studies are particularly needed on the interrelationship of the influences to WTP, including gender issues, access barriers and socioeconomic factors, among program design issues for social security.Originality/valueThis paper is based on a systematic review methodology and contributes to the discourse on extending social security to informal economy workers based on evidence from various countries.

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