Geopolitical Positioning of Azerbaijan as a Factor in Modelling the Political participation of the country’s citizens

The article analyzes the features of Azerbaijan's geopolitical positioning as a factor in modeling the political participation of citizens of this country. The study of this problem was carried out using the methodological principles of constructivism and theories of political participation. It has been proved that the peculiarities of Azerbaijan's geopolitical positioning are caused by its multi-level nature, reflected in the format of Azerbaijanism as a model of geopolitical identity and the corresponding officially enshrined policy. The idea of Azerbaijan as a system of views that reflects the geopolitical identity of the Azerbaijani people is a convergence of its traditions, national and moral values and is aimed at protecting the independence and democratic development of Azerbaijan. The official declaration of Azerbaijan's belonging to various civilization systems made it possible to form a space of trust and dialogue both at the level of bilateral relations and at the level of regional cooperation. The main tool for modeling the political participation of Azerbaijani citizens and their foreign policy orientations is the official statements of President I. Aliyev, which focus on partnerships with Turkey, the actualization of Russia, Georgia and Iran as partners in regional cooperation and Armenia (after the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict) as a potential partner.

Retrospective Characterization of Initial Peste des petits ruminants Outbreaks (2008–2012) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, contagious viral disease of small ruminants, goats and sheep. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was a PPR-free country until 2007, although in 2006, scare alerts were received from the east and the southwest of the country, reporting repeated mortalities, specifically in goats. In 2008, PPR outbreaks were seen in several villages in the west, leading to structured veterinary field operations. Blood, swabs and pathological specimens consisting of tissues from lungs, spleens, lymph nodes, kidneys, livers and hearts were ethically collected from clinically infected and/or dead animals, as appropriate, in 35 districts. Epidemiological information relating to major risk factors and socio-economic impact was progressively collected, revealing the deaths of 744,527 goats, which converted to a trade value of USD 35,674,600. Samples from infected and dead animals were routinely analyzed by the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Kinshasa for diagnosis, and after official declaration of PPR outbreaks by the FAO in July 2012, selected tissue samples were sent to The Pirbright Institute, United Kingdom, for genotyping. As a result of surveys undertaken between 2008 and 2012, PPR virus (PPRV)-specific antibodies were detected in 25 locations out of 33 tested (75.7%); PPRV nucleic acid was detected in 25 locations out of 35 (71.4%); and a typical clinical picture of PPR was observed in 23 locations out of 35 (65.7%). Analysis of the partial and full genome sequences of PPR viruses (PPRVs) obtained from lymphoid tissues of dead goats collected in Tshela in the DRC in 2012 confirmed the circulation of lineage IV PPRV, showing the highest homology (99.6−100%) with the viruses circulating in the neighboring countries of Gabon, in the Aboumi outbreak in 2011, and Nigeria (99.3% homology) in 2013, although recent outbreaks in 2016 and 2018 in the western part of the DRC that borders with East Africa demonstrated circulation of lineage II and lineage III PPRV.

COMPARISON OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) ELEMENTS IN THE 10TH AND 11TH MALAYSIA PLANS

In 2015, all members of the United Nations (UN) adopted the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) which sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Malaysia also welcomes and accepts them. Accordingly, this article discusses the comparative application of SDG elements in the Tenth Malaysia Plan (RMK-10, 2011-2015) and Eleventh (RMK-11, 2016-2020). Although the RMK-10 plan was planned before the formal introduction of the SDGs, apparently Malaysia has already taken steps to implement the elements introduced in the SDGs in 2015 and implemented them successfully. This article then discusses the RMK-11 plan which formally adapts the SDG elements. However, the achievement of RMK-11 was quite affected in the later part as Malaysia was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. This article uses a qualitative method with reference to official government publications and reports, online newspaper articles, books, and journal articles. This study found that the SDG elements were implemented earlier than the official declaration by the UN in 2015, but after 2015 they were compiled more systematically in the RMK-11 plan.

Atypical respiratory distress in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A case report

Background Predictions have been made that Africa would be the most vulnerable continent to the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, the spread of the disease in Africa seems to have been delayed and initially slower than in many parts of the world. Here we report on two cases of respiratory distress in our region before the official declaration of the disease in December 2019, cases which in the present times would be suspect of COVID-19. Case presentation These two cases (one 55-year-old man and one 25-year-old woman) of acute respiratory distress secondary to atypical pneumonia were seen in Bukavu, in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between September and December 2019. One patient had returned from China and the other had close contacts with travellers from China in the 2 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. In either case, the aetiology could not be accurately determined. However, the two cases presented a clinical picture (progressive dyspnoea, preceded by dry cough and fever) and laboratory changes (procalcitonin within the normal range, slight inflammation, and lymphopenia) compatible with a viral infection. The chest X-ray series of the first patient showed lesions (reticulations, ground glass, and nodules ≤6 mm) similar to those currently found in COVID-19 patients. In addition, unlike the 25-year-old female patient who had no comorbidity, the 55-year-old male patient who had hypertension as comorbidity, developed a more severe acute respiratory distress which progressed to death. Conclusion These cases bring to the attention the fact that COVID-19-like syndromes may have already been present in the region months before the official beginning of the pandemic. This also brings to question whether a prior presence of the disease or infections with related virus may account for the delayed and less extensive development of the pandemic in the region.

100 DAYS OF COVID-19: RISK FACTORS AND CONFIRMED CASES IN 19 AFRICAN COUNTRIES.

Background: The trail of the transmission of COVID-19 in Africa needs to be understood and conceptualized. With the limited response time to curb the transmission, the pandemic is already in 52 countries in Africa. There is much anxiety about the devastating potential of this scourge in Africa, justifiably so because of the weak health systems, high levels of poverty, and overcrowded cities. Therefore, this report examined the association between the confirmed cases at 100 days of COVID-19 and some significant risk factors in 19 African countries that had at least 100 confirmed cases as of 09 April 2020. Materials and Methods: We evaluated four major risk factors associated with COVID-19 confirmed cases in 19 African counties with over 100 cases in 100 days after the official declaration of COVID-19 by WHO. Results: Three of the four risk factors (total population in urban areas, population age, and international exposure) correlated positively with the number of COVID-19 cases. In contrast, one (public health system) correlated negatively with the number of confirmed cases in the countries under study. International exposure was initially the main transmitter of the infection, but community transmission now becomes the driver of COVID-19 infections on the continent. Conclusion: Identification of confirmed cases, quick contact tracing with self-isolation, community engagement, and health systems measures are all-necessary to prevent the potentially harmful ramifications of an epidemic on the continent. There is, therefore, the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach between the government and society.

Impact of The Covid-19 Pandemic On the Activities of the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Ignace DEEN National Hospital of the Conakry CHU

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is the main global health crisis of our time and the greatest threat we have faced in this century. According to the National Agency for Health Security (ANSS), which is the national body for the management of epidemics and pandemics, 12,516 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed out of 153,609 people tested with 10,879 cured and 74 deaths as of November 11, 2020. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of the GynecologyObstetrics department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of the Conakry University Hospital. This was a retrospective, descriptive study from September 13, 2019 to September 12, 2020 on consultation, delivery and hospitalization activities. The study consisted of assessing the impact of the pandemic on the use of the service by patients during the first six (6) months of the pandemic. We recorded the frequency of consultations, deliveries and hospitalizations from September 13, 2019 to March 12, 2020 that we compared to the figures of the same data from March 13, 2020 to September 12, 2020. During the period from September 13, 2019 to March 12, 2020 we recorded 2,732 consultations against 1,358 for the period from March 13 to September 12, 2020 (first six months following the official declaration of the pandemic in Guinea), a decrease of 34.59% (1374 patients). The same remark with a lower proportion this time was made with the deliveries (3,119 during the 6 months preceding the official declaration of the pandemic in Guinea against 2,630 during the first 6 months of the pandemic, ie a decrease of 8.51%) and hospitalization (1,748 patients hospitalized during the 6 months preceding the official declaration of the pandemic in Guinea versus 1501 patients hospitalized during the first 6 of the pandemic, ie a decrease of 7.6%). In this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to recognize a rapid and significant drop in the activities of the gynecology and obstetrics department. 748 patients hospitalized during the 6 months preceding the official declaration of the pandemic in Guinea versus 1501 patients hospitalized during the first 6 of the pandemic, ie a decrease of 7.6%). In this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to recognize a rapid and significant drop in the activities of the gynecology and obstetrics department. 748 patients hospitalized during the 6 months preceding the official declaration of the pandemic in Guinea versus 1501 patients hospitalized during the first 6 of the pandemic, ie a decrease of 7.6%). In this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to recognize a rapid and significant drop in the activities of the gynecology and obstetrics department.

Briefly Noted

Issued on June 24, 2020, this is the first judgment of the Court on sexual violence in schools. The case involved the death of a student in a public high school in Ecuador, who was the victim of sexual violence nearly twenty years ago. Following the coerced termination of a pregnancy, the student committed suicide. Following her death, her family filed several complaints against the school and its vice principal, but a proper investigation was never undertaken, nor have any Ecuadorian courts ruled on the matter. Therefore, the victim's mother filed a petition at the Inter-American Commission, arguing that Ecuador was responsible for her daughter's death. The Commission agreed, finding that Ecuador was responsible for violating the deceased's rights to life; physical, mental, and moral integrity; privacy; special protection as a child; equal protection; progressive development; and education. Moreover, the Commission found that the family's rights to humane treatment, fair trial, and judicial protection were violated. Finally, it held that Ecuador failed to respect the obligation in Article 7 of the Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women. The Commission made several recommendations to Ecuador as a result, but Ecuador failed to comply with its recommendations. Therefore, the Commission took the case to the Court for an official declaration of Ecuador's responsibility.

Atypical Respiratory Distress Suspect of COVID-19 in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo prior to the Pandemic. A Case Report

Background: Predictions have been made that Africa would be the most vulnerable continent to the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, the spread of the disease in Africa seems to have been delayed and initially slower than in many parts of the world. Here we report on two cases which make us suspect that COVID-19 might have been present in our region before the official declaration of the disease in December 2019. Case presentation: These two cases (one 55-year-old man and one 25-year-old woman) of acute respiratory distress secondary to atypical pneumonia were seen in Bukavu, in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between September and December 2019. One patient had returned from China and the other had close contacts with travellers from China in the 2 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. In either case, the aetiology could not be accurately determined. However, the two cases presented a clinical picture (progressive dyspnoea, preceded by dry cough and fever) and laboratory changes (procalcitonin within the normal range, slight inflammation, and lymphopenia) compatible with a viral infection. The chest X-Rays series of the first patient showed lesions (reticulations, ground glass, and nodules ≤ 6 mm) similar to those found in COVID-19. In addition, unlike the 25-year-old female patient who had no comorbidity, the 55-year-old male patient who had hypertension as comorbidity, developed a more severe acute respiratory distress which progressed to death.Conclusion: These cases bring to the attention a number of facts which make us suspect that COVID-19 may have already been present in the region months before the official beginning of the pandemic. This is important, as prior presence of the disease or infections with related virus may account for the delayed and less extensive development of the epidemic in the region.

Analysis of the interventions adopted due to the COVID-19 on ARI morbility for Colombia

Acute Respiratory Infections are among the leading causes of death globally, particularly in developing countries, and are highly correlated with the quality of health and surveillance systems and effective early interventions in high-risk age groups. According to the World Health Organization, about four million people die each year from mostly preventable respiratory tract infections, making it a public health concern. The official declaration of a pandemic in March 2020 due to the Sars-CoV-2 virus coincided with the influenza season in Colombia and with environmental alerts about low air quality that increase its incidence. The objective of this document is the application of a flexible model for the identification of the pattern and monitoring of ARI morbility for Colombia by age group that shows atypical patterns in the reported series for 5 departments and that coincide with the decisions implemented to contain the COVID-19

On two cases of atypical respiratory distress in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo months before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared: Could SARS-Cov-2 have been already spreading? Case report

BackgroundPredictions have been made that Africa would be the most vulnerable continent to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, the spread of the disease in Africa seems to have been delayed and initially slower than in many parts of the World. Here we report on two cases which make us suspect that COVID-19 might have been present in our region before the official declaration of the disease in December 2019.Case presentationThese two cases (one 55-year-old man and one 25-year-old woman) of acute respiratory distress secondary to atypical pneumonia were seen in Bukavu, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between September and December 2019. One patient had returned from China and the other had close contacts with travellers from China in the 2 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. In either case, the aetiology could not be accurately determined. However, the two cases presented a clinical picture (progressive dyspnoea, preceded by dry cough and fever) and laboratory changes (procalcitonin within the normal range, slight inflammation, and lymphopenia) compatible with a viral infection. The chest X-Rays series of the first patient showed lesions (reticulations, ground glass, and nodules ≤ 6 mm) similar to those found in COVID-19. In addition, unlike the 25-year-old female patient who had no comorbidity, the 55-year-old male patient who had hypertension as comorbidity, developed a more severe acute respiratory distress which progressed to death.ConclusionThese cases bring to the attention a number of facts which make us suspect that the COVID-19 epidemic may have already been present in the region months before the official beginning of the pandemic.