Portugal's competitive advantages to receiving foreign direct investment from tech companies: a case study

With the global economic crisis as a backdrop, companies and institutional investors began to withdraw their investments both domestic and internationally leading to stagnation in the economy and, in turn, shrinkage in private consumption. However, businesses are more likely to survive building up their strategy on solid investments, particularly in this sensitive period we are experiencing today. Considering that the investments are a huge source of income for countries and an “open door” to reduce national unemployment without any public investment, Foreign Direct Investment is generally seen regarded as a strong commitment of governments to generate income and employment for their citizens. Therefore, policymakers have improved or created new competitive advantages in order to attract foreign investors to invest in the country’s different sectors as well as in its national resources. Following a literature review, this study aims to explore the motivations leading multinational companies to invest in foreign countries, the decision-making process underlying their choice of a given country and the measures taken by the recipient countries to attract these multinational companies. In order to relate the theory on the fundamental multinational companies seek when investing abroad, a technology-based multinational company was chosen for this case study. The study will reveal the motives and the whole decision-making process that led this internationally renowned company to invest in Portugal and keep their confidence in the competitive advantages Portugal offers.Tendo a crise económica global como pano de fundo, as empresas e os países começaram a retrair os seus investimentos quer nacionais quer internacionais provocando uma estagnação na economia e, por sua vez, uma retracção no próprio consumo privado. Contudo, é com base em investimentos sólidos feitos anteriormente que as empresas tendem a sobreviver neste período tão delicado que se vive actualmente. Considerando que os investimentos são uma enorme fonte de rendimento para os países e uma porta aberta para a redução do desemprego nacional sem qualquer investimento por parte do Governo, o Investimento Directo Estrangeiro apresenta-se como uma forte aposta dos países para gerar rendimento e emprego para os seus cidadãos. Por isso, os Governos Nacionais aprimoraram ou criam novas vantagens competitivas para que possam atrair investidores estrangeiros a apostar no país e nos seus recursos nacionais. Este trabalho pretende expor as motivações que levam a uma determinada empresa multinacional a investir num país diferente da sua origem, o processo de decisão para apostarem num determinado país e que medidas são tomadas pelos países receptores desse investimento para atrair as empresas multinacionais de acordo com a literatura. De forma a relacionar a teoria encontrada sobre os fundamentos que as empresas multinacionais defendem para investirem no estrangeiro, foi elaborado um estudo de caso sobre uma empresa multinacional do sector das tecnologias para revelar as razões e todo o processo de decisão que conduziram para que uma empresa reconhecida internacionalmente tenha decidido investir em Portugal e manter a sua tenacidade e confiança nas vantagens competitivas que Portugal apresenta

Effects of highly active antiretroviral treatment on liver and renal functions of HIV-infected patients attending the day care clinic of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Though the development of antiretroviral therapy has brought some relief to the menace of HIV infections, the side effects and toxicity of these drugs can still present a major challenge to users, thus leading to a switch or discontinuation of treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of antiretroviral treatment on some biochemical markers of liver and renal functions among HIV-infected patients receiving treatment at the Day Care Clinic of the Regional Hospital, Bamenda, Cameroon.Methodology: A case control study design comprising 100 HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 100 HIV-negative controls was conducted from February to May 2019. The serum activity of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT), and serum creatinine levels for each group were measured using BIOSMART 240 autoanalyzer. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula while proteinuria was determined with the CYBOW 11M strips. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0. Differences in the serum activity and levels of the biomarkers between the case and control groups were analyzed using the Chi-square test.Results: The prevalence of transaminitis (AST and ALT >40.0 U/L) among HAART-treated participants was 26.0% for AST and 20% for ALT while that of HIV-negative controls were 15% and 12% respectively but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Elevated serum creatinine level (>1.4 mg/dL) was seen in 25% of HAART-treated group compared to 7% in HIV-negative control (p=0.0010) while renal impairment (eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2) was seen in 24% of HAART-treated and 14% of HIV-negative group (p=0.1048). Elevated activity of transaminases and levels of creatinine, proteinuria and abnormal eGFR in HAART-treated patients were mostly seen in those who were on first line antiretroviral therapy, and those who have been on treatment for over 5 years.Conclusion: HAART is associated with transaminitis and elevated serum creatinine but no increase in renal impairment compared to the general population. It is important that following initiation of HAART, liver and kidney functions are regularly monitored. Keywords: HIV; HAART; AST; ALT; eGF

Portugal's competitive advantages to receiving foreign direct investment from tech companies: A case study

With the global economic crisis as a backdrop, companies and institutional investors began to withdraw their investments both domestic and internationally leading to stagnation in the economy and, in turn, shrinkage in private consumption. However, businesses are more likely to survive building up their strategy on solid investments, particularly in this sensitive period we are experiencing today. Considering that the investments are a huge source of income for countries and an “open door” to reduce national unemployment without any public investment, Foreign Direct Investment is generally seen regarded as a strong commitment of governments to generate income and employment for their citizens. Therefore, policymakers have improved or created new competitive advantages in order to attract foreign investors to invest in the country’s different sectors as well as in its national resources. Following a literature review, this study aims to explore the motivations leading multinational companies to invest in foreign countries, the decision-making process underlying their choice of a given country and the measures taken by the recipient countries to attract these multinational companies. In order to relate the theory on the fundamental multinational companies seek when investing abroad, a technology-based multinational company was chosen for this case study. The study will reveal the motives and the whole decision-making process that led this internationally renowned company to invest in Portugal and keep their confidence in the competitive advantages Portugal offers.Tendo a crise económica global como pano de fundo, as empresas e os países começaram a retrair os seus investimentos quer nacionais quer internacionais provocando uma estagnação na economia e, por sua vez, uma retracção no próprio consumo privado. Contudo, é com base em investimentos sólidos feitos anteriormente que as empresas tendem a sobreviver neste período tão delicado que se vive actualmente. Considerando que os investimentos são uma enorme fonte de rendimento para os países e uma porta aberta para a redução do desemprego nacional sem qualquer investimento por parte do Governo, o Investimento Directo Estrangeiro apresenta-se como uma forte aposta dos países para gerar rendimento e emprego para os seus cidadãos. Por isso, os Governos Nacionais aprimoraram ou criam novas vantagens competitivas para que possam atrair investidores estrangeiros a apostar no país e nos seus recursos nacionais. Este trabalho pretende expor as motivações que levam a uma determinada empresa multinacional a investir num país diferente da sua origem, o processo de decisão para apostarem num determinado país e que medidas são tomadas pelos países receptores desse investimento para atrair as empresas multinacionais de acordo com a literatura. De forma a relacionar a teoria encontrada sobre os fundamentos que as empresas multinacionais defendem para investirem no estrangeiro, foi elaborado um estudo de caso sobre uma empresa multinacional do sector das tecnologias para revelar as razões e todo o processo de decisão que conduziram para que uma empresa reconhecida internacionalmente tenha decidido investir em Portugal e manter a sua tenacidade e confiança nas vantagens competitivas que Portugal apresenta

Strategies used by Nurses in Paediatric Critical Nursing Practice at the Bamenda Health District

Background: This study titled: “Strategies used by nurses for paediatric critical nursing practice” was conducted in selected hospitals in the Bamenda Health district in the North West Region of Cameroon. There is a great burden on critically ill children in developing countries. (7) Greater than 80% of the global 6.64 million annual deaths in children and adolescents in 2017 occurred Low-and middle-income countries LMICs. (19) The major objective: To assess strategies used by nurses in paediatric critical and emergency care at the Bamenda health district. Methods: The study population included nurses of the Bamenda health district. This study made use of a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional method that employed both the survey and the observational methods of data collection. Purposive convenience and sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study population respectively. The instrument for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire and an observational/interview guide. Pretesting was done to validate these instruments in Kumbo. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21.0 and presented using frequency tables and charts. Results: A relative majority 42 (39.25 %) of nurses were within the age range of 18-28, and 79 (73.83%) were females. Findings on the first steps in an emergency revealed that 64.49% of the respondents said they will first assess the airway. The majority 84(78.5%) of the nurses had no training in critical care while 23(21.50%) had in-service training in critical/emergency care and not in paediatric critical /emergency care. Training of paediatric critical and emergency nurses and building separate ICUs and EDs for critically ill children was identified by 78 (72.90%) as a major area that needs improvement. Chi-square statistical analysis on in-service training in critical/emergency care and successes of care registered showed a significant relationship between in-service training and non-invasive airway management(p= 0.002) and invasive airway management (p= 0.026)at 95% CI. Conclusion: From the findings, it can be deduced that most of the nursing strategies used by nurses for paediatric critical care are not adequate as many nurses do not have formal training in paediatric critical and emergency care

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteriuria among HIV-seropositive patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Background: HIV causes a decrease in CD4+ lymphocyte cells count, exposing the individual to infections (urinary tract infections). This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolates among HIV patients. Methods: Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from 135 HIV- seropositive patients, cultured on Cystein lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. The modified Kirby-Bauer\u2019s disc diffusion method was used to assess susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Results: The prevalence of bacteriuria was 67.4% (91/135). Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant (42.9%) isolate, followed by Escherichia. coli (24.2%), then Coagulase negative Staphylococci (10.9%). The highest proportion of bacteria was isolated from patients having a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 300 cells/mm3 (39.6%). There was an association between the level of CD4+cell count and bacterial urinary tract infection (P= 0.001). Most sensitive drugs were gentamycin, vancomycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid while the drug with the greatest resistance was sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, with Enterococcus and Proteus showing 100% resistance to this drug. Conclusion: Bacteriuria and resistance to commonly used antibiotics is prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility test is encouraged

Haematological changes and recovery associated with treated and untreated Plasmodium falciparum infection in children in the Mount Cameroon Region

Pre-hospital antimalarial treatment of febrile children remains a significant common practice among individuals in the Mount Cameroon region. To evaluate the effect of routinely administered monotherapy sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP), treatment using amodiaquine artesunate (AQAS) combination therapy and untreated malaria on haematological and parasitological parameters, 332 malaria positive subjects were assigned to three groups comprising 138 children treated with AQAS, 43 treated with SP and 151 untreated. The changes and recovery in red cell indices, white blood cell and differential and platelets counts were compared. The highest haematological recovery (39.1%) occurred in the AQAS treatment group. The majority (94%) of the untreated cases never achieved haematological recovery even though there was spontaneous clearance of parasites in some cases. Haematological insult was greatest in untreated children followed by those treated with SP, the 1.1 -3 year age group whether or not they received treatment and in those with high parasitaemia. Delayed parasite clearance observed in the untreated and SP treatment group may be responsible for the occurrence of haematological insult. Treatment type and parasitological cure was associated with haematological recovery. Prompt use of effective arthemisinin combination therapy reduced the burden of malaria, hence the greater clinical and haematological benefits observed in our study

Anti-Onchocerca activity and phytochemical analysis of an essential oil from Cyperus articulatus L

BACKGROUND: The lack of a safe and effective adult worm drug and the emergence of resistant animal parasite strains to the only recommended drug, the microfilaricide, ivermectin put many at risk of the devastating effects of the onchocerciasis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the acclaimed anti-Onchocerca activity of the roots/rhizomes of Cyperus articulatus in the traditional treatment of onchocerciasis in North Western Cameroon and to assess the plant as a new source of potential filaricidal lead compounds. METHODS: Crude extracts were prepared from the dried plant parts using hexane, methylene chloride and methanol. The antifilarial activity was evaluated in vitro on microfilariae (Mfs) and adult worms of the bovine derived Onchocerca ochengi, a close relative of Onchocerca volvulus. The viabilities of microfilariae and adult male worms were determined based on motility reduction, while for the adult female worms the viability was based on the standard MTT/formazan assay. Cytotoxicity of the active extract was assessed on monkey kidney epithelial cells in vitro and the selectivity indices (SI) were determined. Acute toxicity of the promising extract was investigated in mice. Chemical composition of the active extract was unraveled by GC/MS analysis. RESULTS: Only the hexane extract, an essential oil exhibited anti-Onchocerca activity. The oil killed both the microfilariae and adult worms of O. ochengi in a dose manner dependently, with IC(50)s of 23.4 μg/ml on the Mfs, 23.4 μg/ml on adult male worms and 31.25 μg/ml on the adult female worms. Selectivity indices were 4, 4, and 2.99 for Mfs, adult males and adult females, respectively. At a single limit dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, none of 6 mice that received the essential oil by gavage died. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, hydrocarbons and fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives as components of the oil. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil from the roots/rhizomes of Cyperus articulatus is active against O. ochengi microfilariae and adult worms in vitro in a dose dependent manner, hence may provide a source of new anti-filarial compounds. The results also support the traditional use of C. articulatus in the treatment of human onchocerciasis

Filaricidal activity of Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum extracts

Background: Drugs currently used for controlling onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are mainly microfilaricidal, with minimal or no effect on the adult worms. For efficient management of these diseases, it is necessary to search for new drugs with macrofilaricidal activities that can be used singly or in combination with existing ones. Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum are two plants commonly used in the local management of these infections in Bambui, a township in the North West Region of Cameroon, but there is currently no documented scientific evidence to support their claimed anthelmintic efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to provide evidence in support of the search for means to eliminate these diseases by screening extracts and chromatographic fractions isolated from these plants for efficacy against the parasitic roundworms Onchocerca ochengi and Brugia pahangi. Methods: The viability of O. ochengi adult worms was assessed using the MTT/formazan assay. Fully confluent monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) served as the feeder layer for the O. ochengi microfilariae (mfs) assays. Viability of the mfs was assessed by microscopic examination for mean motility scoring (relative to the negative control) every 24 h post addition of an extract. The Worminator system was used to test the effects of the extracts on adult B. pahangi motility, and mean motility units were determined for each worm. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts on N27 cells was assessed using the MTS assay. Results: Extracts from D. oliveri and P. febrifugum were effective against the adult roundworms O. ochengi and B. pahangi. Interestingly, extracts showing macrofilaricidal activities against O. ochengi also showed activity against O. ochengi mfs. The hexane stem bark extract of D. oliveri (DOBHEX) was more selective for adult O. ochengi than for mfs, with a half maximal and 100% inhibitory concentration (IC50 and IC100, respectively) against adult O. ochengi of 13.9 and 31.3 μg/ml, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all active extracts on N27 cells showed selective toxicity for parasites (selectivity index > 1). Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extracts yielded fractions with activity against adult B. pahangi, thus confirming the presence of bioactive principles in the plant extracts. Conclusions: Our study supports the use of D. oliveri and P. febrifugum in the traditional treatment of onchocerciasis and LF. The further purification of active extracts from these plants could yield lead compounds for filarial drug discovery and development.This article is published as Abongwa, Melanie, Moses Samje, Godfred A. Ayimele, Smith B. Babiaka, Christina Bulman, Judy Sakanari, Nick J. Koszewski et al. "Filaricidal activity of Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum extracts." Parasites & Vectors 14, no. 1 (2021): 305. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04759-6.This work was supported by the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship and the Burroughs–Wellcome Fund Collaborative Research Travel Award to Melanie Abongwa; NIH R01 AI047194 to Richard J. Martin; and R21AI092185 to Alan P. Robertson