Research on the Competitiveness of Mongolian Coal Industry

This research is aimed to determine factors impacting competitiveness of Mongolian coal sector and develop possible ways to increase competitiveness of Mongolian coal on International market. Based on literature review we choose following methods of analysis: 1) Revealed comparative advantage for determining level of competitiveness of Mongolian coal sector; 2) panel regression for determining factors impacting competitiveness of coal sector; 3) documental analysis for developing possible opportunities of increasing competitiveness of Mongolian coal sector. Revealed comparative advantage shown that Mongolia is failing to benefit from International coal market. Mongolia ranked only at 22th place, despite having huge amounts of coal reserves. Rca analysis also shown that countries with lower economic development usually tend to have lower Rca values compared with high developed ones. Regression analysis shown that GDP supports to coal sector by transition of national income to profitable sectors. countries with sea gateway can benefit in competition by lower transportation costs. Logistics and infrastructure support countries to achieve benefit from enhanced transportation and logistics network. We used Porter's Diamond Model to interpret and analyze each of 6 factors, that may have impact to Mongolian coal sector competitiveness. these include: firm strategy, factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, government, chance. From these factors, we found that infrastructure has highest impact on Mongolian coal sector. Based on infrastructure, we developed possible ways of cost efficient transportation and strategical planning of coal reserves

Study on Competitiveness of Mongolian Coking Coal

Mongolia is one of the richest countries in coal reserves. It ranks seventh in the world In terms of its coal reserves and first in terms of per capita reserves. Coal reserves are relatively evenly distributed in Mongolia. 2% of the total coal reserves are anthracite, 31% are hard coal and 67% are lignite. The mining sector plays an important role in the economy of Mongolia. As of 2019, the mining sector produced 25% of Mongolia's gross domestic product, 74% of total industrial products, and about 90% of export products. In Mongolia, about 90% of coals mined for the energy purpose is used as the fuel for thermal power plants. Mongolia exports most of its coking coal to China. Steel production of China is growing every year and the demand for coking coal is increasing, which is having a positive effect on the Mongolian economy. China is the closest market to Mongolia. This article studies the world's coal reserves, market outlook, the current situation and future prospects of Mongolia's coal sector, coking coal production of China, demand and supply, coal sector strategy of Mongolia, and opportunities to improve the competitiveness of the coking coal market

The study of correlation between Intellectual Impairment and Blood Lead Level among 6 to 8 years old Children in Ulaanbaatar

Background Lead poisoning is one of the major public health problem in developing countries. Lead is neurotoxic and young children are at particular high risk for exposure. According to previous research done in Mongolia in 2009, the average blood lead level (BLL) among children in Ulaanbaatar was 16.54±9.50 ug/dl, which is higher than the WHO's recommended level (>=10 mg/dl).   Material and Methods We measured BLL in 300 children at 6 to 8 years old of age and administered the IQ test which standartized by the Mongolian Ministry of Health. We used LeadCare II Analyzer Kit apparatus to measure BLL in children from 8 selected primary schools in Ulaanbaatar. The relation between IQ and BLL estimated with the use multivariable linear and nonlinear mixed models, with quality of the home environment, and other potential confounders. SPSS 19.0 is used for statistical analysis.   Results The BLL is associated with IQ scores in children living in UB. BLL in children is increased from last parameter (mentioned above). We identified some potential confounders in UB such as air pollution and petrol station. They are significantly associated with BLL in Children.   Conclusion Due to high exposure of lead in Ulaanbaatar the LeadCare II analyzer kit can be used for screen purpose. Our government has to make strategy to reduce lead sources and medical students need to promote and educate environmental health education to citizens. Source of the lead exposure needs to be identified

Vitamin D supplements and prevention of tuberculosis infection and disease

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D metabolites support innate immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS: We randomly assigned children who had negative results for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube assay (QFT), to receive a weekly oral dose of 14,000 IU vitamin D3 or placebo over 3 years. The primary outcome was the proportion of children having a positive QFT result at 3 years. Secondary outcomes included end-study vitamin D status and incidence of tuberculosis disease, acute respiratory infections and adverse events. RESULTS: 8851 participants underwent randomization (4418 to vitamin D, 4433 to placebo), of whom 95.6% had baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations <20 ng/mL. Mean end-study 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in participants randomized to vitamin D vs. placebo was 31.0 vs. 10.7 ng/mL (95% CI for difference, 19.9 to 20.6 ng/mL), and 147 participants in the vitamin D group vs. 134 participants in the placebo group tested positive by QFT (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.10, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.38, P=0.42). Tuberculosis disease was diagnosed in 21 children in the vitamin D group and 25 children in the placebo group (aRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.55). 29 participants randomized to vitamin D and 34 randomized to placebo were hospitalized for treatment of acute respiratory infections (aRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.40). Incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between study arms. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce risk of tuberculosis infection, tuberculosis disease or acute respiratory infections among vitamin D-deficient schoolchildren in Mongolia