Sustainability of the US current account deficit: An econometric analysis of the impact of capital inflow on domestic economy

The purpose of this paper is to estimate, by using the recent econometric techniques of unit root testing and Johansen-Juselius cointegration technique (1990), the impact of foreign capital inflow on the volume and efficiency of domestic investment in the United States during the period, 1973-1999. A battery of diagnostic tests is employed to check the validity and robustness of the estimated results. Evidence suggests that capital inflows have had a significant positive effect on the volume of US investment, but the effect on the efficiency of investment has been minimal. These findings imply that, while achieving current account balance is important, it is equally important to sustain and augment the beneficial impact of capital inflow by creating a more conducive investment climate. Given our limited ability to influence current account balance, this seems to be a more pragmatic policy option for dealing with the US current account imbalance.current account, capital inflow

Black Lung: Old Disease, New Lessons

Previous to 2016, cases of progressive massive fibrosis secondary to mining exposure had dwindled and were considered nearly eradicated. However, over 40 new cases were recently discovered in Kentucky, indicating a resurgence of a previously rare disease. We herein report a case of a 44-year-old male underground coal miner from Appalachia with fifteen years coal mining dust exposure who presented with four years of productive cough, dyspnea upon exertion and wheezing for an occupational pneumoconiosis evaluation. Since 2016, he suffered a precipitous decline in lung function consistent with restrictive lung disease and concomitant progression from simple coal workers’ pneumoconiosis to progressive massive fibrosis. In particular, his chest x-ray shows classic findings of “angel wings” caused by large fibrotic masses in both lungs. This case, as well as the several other new cases, call attention to the resurgence of PMF and requires examination of the factors contributing to its recent rebound

Evaluation of analgesics use and misuse by Iraqi patients in Baghdad community

Analgesics which currently represent the corner stone of pain treatment are one of the most widely used and abused medications all over the ‎world ‎. Since analgesics used and misused widely in Iraqi community, the possibility of complications and adverse effect development from analgesics may be significant.The purpose of this study is to assess the attitude and degree of awareness about the correct use, side effects and complication of improper use of analgesics in Baghdad community‎ and to find if there is any correlation between the miss use of analgesic and the need to extra medication or treatment as a result of analgesic adverse effect.Method: This study was a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire which carried out in the different community pharmacy in Baghdad .An ‎11-question ‎ questionnaire collect demographical information and attitudes to use analgesics by respondents.Results: Analgesics consumption increase with age. The majority of users, 46% reported taking analgesics for unspecified general body pain, followed by headache and other types of pain. (50.26%) of participant use analgesics frequently (more than 3 times weekly) and (57.44%) of them prefer certain type of analgesics and used it frequently. Larger percentage of analgesics recommended to Iraqi patients by a pharmacists, followed by a doctors or sometimes according to advice from a relative\ friend while only (18.46 %) were prescribed by patients themselves. Interestingly, (52.82%) of respondents have no information about the side ‎effect‎ and higher percentage of them (61%) do not adhere to doses prescribed.‎ About (11.28 %) of respondents need for hospitalization ‎, (58%) consult a physician, and  (56%) use another medicines ‎ as a result of side effects or complications of analgesics. Significant correlation confirmed between misuse of analgesics and the need for hospitalization and patients need for another medicine to treat side effects or complications of analgesics.Conclusion: Analgesics ‎ consumed widely and most of the times incorrectly by Iraqi people in Baghdad and its usage usually associated with many complications as a result of a misuse by the patients due to improper dispensing information or education provided by pharmacist or other health care providers about the correct use or side effects associated with these medications

Reviewing the effectiveness of artificial intelligence techniques against cyber security risks

The rapid increase in malicious cyber-criminal activities has made the field of cybersecurity a crucial research discipline. Over the areas, the advancement in information technology has enabled cybercriminals to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks that can endanger cybersecurity. Due to this, traditional cybersecurity solutions have become ineffective against emerging cyberattacks. However, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – particularly Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) – and cryptographic techniques have shown promising results in countering the evolving cyber threats caused by adversaries. Therefore, in this study, AI's potential in enhancing cybersecurity solutions is discussed. Additionally, the study has provided an in-depth analysis of different AI-based techniques that can detect, analyse, and prevent cyber threats. In the end, the present study has also discussed future research opportunities that are linked with the development of AI systems in the field of cybersecurity

Water Politics: A Case Study of Hydro Politics Among Nile River Stakeholders

Access to water is a critical aspect of human survival; we have seen an increased tension over transboundary water over the years. In the northeast of Africa, the Nile River is among the most vital source of water and a source of conflict among three of its major riparian countries (Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia). For downstream states (Egypt and Sudan), the river serves as a lifeline, but for upstream states (rest of equatorial states), it provides an opportunity for economic growth. Historically Egypt has been the regional hydro-hegemon in the Nile Basin through historical treaties and agreements. However, the independence of Nile Basin countries in the mid-1900s has allowed upstream states to reassert their rights and establish equal control and benefits from the Nile River. International efforts to establish a legal structure since the 1900s was unsuccessful and has done little to convince downstream countries to agree on any legal framework. While no direct military confrontation between any of the beneficiaries of the Nile River has occurred, studies have predicted that the recent disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is likely to lead to armed conflict. This study explores the trilateral disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam involving Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan by examining the following research question: Under what conditions can Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan work to resolve their disputes over the Nile River in the absence of legal framework? The study suggests that while there is a possibility of direct arm conflict, it is unlikely that it will occur because any military confrontation between any of these states will result in a costly regional crisis and will supersede peace resolution of the ongoing disputes

Investigation and Scaling of Hydrogen Production by Klebsiella sp. ABZ11 for Optimal Yield and the Kinetics of Batch Fermentation Process

The slow metabolism of bacteria at low temperatures affects the catalytic efficiency of enzymes and productivity. This article investigates the use of a psychrotolerant bacteria (Klebsiella sp. ABZ11) for biohydrogen production, yield and scaling at optimal temperature, pH and glucose in a batch fermentation process within a 2-liter bioreactor using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to report the process performance. The results show 33.5°C, pH 6.75 and 9.15 g glucose as the optimal conditions. Scale-up yielded 137.56 mol/L biohydrogen, 22.13% more than production under optimized conditions. Biomass grew at 0.081/h and doubled in 17 h with 0.71 g cells to reach maximum production. Compared to 0.062/h, 22 h with 0.87 g cells in optimal condition to achieve maximum biohydrogen production. This result shows the potential of biohydrogen production using Antarctic psychrotolerant bacteria at mesophilic temperature