bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
URODILATIN HORMONE: AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF PHYSIOLOGY, MECHANISMS, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Eman Alishba
Published: August 2024

This research paper explores the complex domain of urodilatin, a fascinating hormone generated from the kidneys. Urodilatin, being a natriuretic peptide, has a vital function in controlling the equilibrium of fluids and electrolytes. This thorough investigation delves into the physiological roles, molecular mechanisms, and possible clinical applications of the subject. The research elucidates the complex interaction between urodilatin and the renal system, providing insight into its role in maintaining internal stability and its significance in different disease states. Beginning with its initial discovery and continuing through current breakthroughs, the research explores the changing terrain of urodilatin research, with a particular focus on its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions. This work seeks to comprehensively analyze the existing literature and develop research trends to gain a detailed understanding of the physiological importance of urodilatin and its possible implications for future clinical interventions.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN WATER AROUND THE IJOKODO CATCHMENT AREA IN IBADAN, OYO STATE. NIGERIA
Authors: America Alex , Mafimisebi Peter
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of heavy metals and related physicochemical factors in surface and groundwater as a foundational dataset for assessing water quality for drinking and irrigation in Ijokodo area, Ibadan. Fifteen (15) water samples were gathered and evaluated for heavy metals and physicochemical characteristics using ICP-MS and standard methods, respectively. The pH of the water samples evaluated varied from 5.7 to 7.8, while the TDS levels ranged between 15 and 482 mg/L. The data indicate that the water near Ijokodo is within normal parameters. The concentration ranges of heavy metals found in water were as follows: Cr (0.011 to 0.042), Se (0.010 to 0.042), Sb (0.02 to 0.022), Ni (0.027 to 0.072), Cu (0.72 to 2.04), As (<0.01), Cd (0.003), Pb (0.01 to 0.019). These values fall under the concentration limit levels established by WHO. Hence, the presence of heavy metal toxicity in the research area is minimal which indicate surface and groundwater in the study is not contaminated. Possible baseline data include elevated levels of chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, Selenium, Antimony, and lead in water, as well as pH and TDS due to their heightened sensitivity to pollution. Proper monitoring and protection of both surface and groundwater from leachate pollution from nearby dumpsites in the Ijokodo catchment area is strongly advised.
EVALUATION OF CERAMIC WATER FILTER ABSORBENT POT PRODUCED FROM BLENDING GROUNDNUT SHELL AND RICE HUSK FOR RURAL WATER PURIFICATION
Authors: C. Clifford Odenigbo , Shaibu Momoh , A. Abdullahi Samaila
Published: August 2024

Lack of portable drinking water in some rural areas remains a Borden issue, because of the health effects associated with contaminated water. With the help of clay and biomass samples from Kaura Namoda Zamfara, this study intends to produce a ceramic water filter pot blend biomass as a substitute water purifier for rural areas. The physical properties of clay, namely moisture content (11.55%), specific gravity (1.84%), dry density (1.41%), liquid limit (38.84%), and shrinkage (11.70%), were determined using standard analytical methods. The stream water from Yankaba village was filtered using the two ceramic pots made from various biomasses at varying clay to biomass ratios. Turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, iron, sulfate, and silica have all been effectively reduced, with average reductions of 58%, 60%, 40%, 68%, 76%, and 81%, according to the data. When the two ceramic pots were compared statistically, it was found that the ceramic pot made from groundnut shell and rice husk in the ratios of 60:20:20 and 50:25:25 had significantly higher filtration efficiency. Consequently, it was determined that in order to stop the spread of waterborne illnesses in rural areas, it should be urged to use ceramic pot filters.
HEURISTIC-BASED MALWARE DETECTION FOR ANDROID USING MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: Toor Muhammad Shahzaib
Published: August 2024

Data security is a serious issue for many organizations nowadays. Android-powered mobile devices are a significant entry point for cybercriminals. Open-source code and the freedom to install applications from third - parties without central monitoring make it easier for attackers to build malware and steal users' private data. Several machinelearning approaches are suggested for identifying malicious software. Here, we use the Botnet Detection dataset to determine whether our apps are safe to use. We use many methods to identify malware. In this research, we do a comprehensive literature analysis on Android malware detection and offer a novel, heuristic-based technique that uses machine learning. The findings from these methods are used to train security professionals to spot dangerous software by using machine learning techniques.
MANAGING FLOOD RISK IN NIGERIA: ISSUES, SOLUTIONS, AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Authors: Mafimisebi Peter
Published: August 2024

In Nigeria, flooding has become a significant danger in recent years because of increasing population, fast urbanization, and severe weather occurrences. This research presents an in-depth evaluation and description of managing flood risk strategies in Nigeria, focusing on identifying existing flaws and potentials, and offering suggestions for both implementation and future study. Suitable keywords were used to systematically search and extract academic literature databases on a variety of FRM topics. A systematic examination of the literature was conducted, and multiple previous flood occurrences and the responses to them were examined as examples. Present practices of flood risk management are defined by lack of integrated systems, not having inter-agency coordination, poor infrastructure, insufficient drainage network, urban poverty, low literacy rates, cultural obstacles, and weak institutions. The research suggests using a comprehensive strategy for developing urban infrastructure, beginning by evaluating current and future infrastructure systems and projects to enhance their FRM capacities without compromising their original goals. It was also suggested to empower additional entrepreneurs in the development and delivery of FRM solutions and include FRM concepts and practices in the country's educational curricula. Nigeria requires a diverse platform to create successful strategic policies and effective operational mechanisms for FRM.
Web Mining overview: Techniques, Tools, and Ethical Implications
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Hassan Gafar
Published: August 2024

In an era of unprecedented data growth, web mining has become essential for uncovering actionable insights from the vast expanse of online information. This study provides a comprehensive overview of web mining, focusing on extracting valuable insights such as user behavior patterns, trend identification, and novel information discovery. It categorizes web mining into three pivotal areas: web content mining, web structure mining, and web usage mining, and highlights key techniques, tools, and algorithms associated with each. The paper addresses critical challenges including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the management of unstructured data, while also examining ethical considerations like user consent and data security. The unique contributions of this study lie in its detailed comparison of existing methodologies and the introduction of a new framework designed to tackle ethical concerns. Aimed at both researchers and practitioners, this paper offers actionable insights to advance the field of web mining, underscoring its interdisciplinary applications and the imperative of ethical vigilance.
Prevalence and identification of tick infestation in cattle and sheep in Herat, Afghanistan
Authors: Tookhy Nazir , Nasiry Zabihullah , Haidary Mohammad , Shakhes Shoaib , Wais Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess and outline the prevalence of tick infestation among cattle and sheep in Herat, Afghanistan, utilizing accurate identification and classification methods for tick species.
Materials and Methods: A total of 620 animals (315 cattle and 305 sheep) in six villages of the Injil district underwent examination for tick presence, with approximately 450 ticks collected for species identification.
Results: The ticks found on cattle and sheep belonged predominantly to two genera: Hyalomma (98.6% in cattle, 1.4% in sheep) and Rhipicephalus (1.4%). Among cattle, five Hyalomma species were identified, notably Hyalomma anatolicum (36.60%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (36.16%), Hyalomma marginatum (15.65%), Hyalomma rufipes (6.69%), and Hyalomma detritum (4.90%). Similarly, in sheep, four Hyalomma species were observed, including H. anatolicum (33.3%), H. anatolicum excavatum (31.1%), H. marginatum (20%), and H. rufipes (15.60%).
Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of Hyalomma ticks among both cattle and sheep in Herat province, underscoring the escalated risk of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever dissemination. These findings advocate for tailored strategies in tick control and educational initiatives to effectively address this critical concern.
ASSESSMENT OF LATE ADULTHOOD KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL FRAILTY AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE-SUWAIRA IN MIDDLE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY-IRAQ
Authors: Okab Ammar A , Ahmed Sabah A
Published: August 2024

Aim(s): Assess late adulthood knowledge about psychological frailty, to measure the level of knowledge about psychological frailty, and to find out the correlation between knowledge with regard to their socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: A descriptive study design carried out at technical institute-Suwaira in middle technical university. Included (100) of late adult’s staff to assess their knowledge about psychological frailty. Non-probability sample (convenience sample). The data collection was through the direct interview technique by researcher with each participant of staff lasted from 28th April 2022 to 15th August 2022. Questionnaire format contents part (1) Socio-demographic characteristics, also the questionnaire contain part (2) Knowledge about psychological frailty. The data analysis approaches were used in order to analyse and assess the results of the study under application of the Statistical Package (SPSS) ver. (25): frequency distributions, percent and chi-square. Results: The results of the study show that the majority of the study sample are (64%) of them were (49-56) years old, (61%) were male, the late adults are showing more than half assessment of knowledge is fair, showing fair level of knowledge about psychological frailty more than half (61%), and show high positive significant relationship between late adults’ knowledge about psychological frailty and age, gender, job title, life style and do exercise regularly. Conclusions and recommendations: The study concluded that late adults show more than half assessment of knowledge is fair, more than half is fair level of knowledge about psychological frailty, and high positive significant relationship between late adults knowledge about psychological frailty and socio-demographic characteristics. The study recommend that need to developing educational program, lecture, courses and seminar about overall frailty and domains of frailty to increase knowledge of late adults that lead to change their lifestyle and go away the wrong behaviours and habits. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 24 (7) July, 2023; 1-7
RELATIONSHIP OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND LIFE SATISFACTION: MEDIATING ROLE OF AFFECTIVITY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Idrees Maria , Ghazal Saima , Ishaq Ghulam
Published: August 2024

Present research intended to investigate the mediating role of affectivity in the association between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and life satisfaction. Sample of the study was consisted of N=300 medical students. The ability emotional intelligence scale, positive and negative affectivity schedule, and satisfaction with life scale were used to operationalize the constructs of current study. Results of the present study inveterate the proposed hypotheses as life satisfaction had significant positive relationship with positive affect whereas it was significantly and negatively co-related with negative affect. Meditational analysis revealed that EI had significant indirect effect on satisfaction with life through negative and positive affectivity. This study contributed to the literature of association between emotional intelligence and subjective wellbeing in which both component of subjected wellbeing i.e., cognitive component and affective component were studied.
MENTAL HEALTH BURDEN AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 TIME IN ALBANIA
Authors: Ramasaco Liljana , Abazaj Erjona , Brati Blerta
Published: August 2024

Healthcare staff that operated at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 hence faced enormous physical and mental pressures. We aim to investigate the mental health situation among physicians and other medical employees in Albania. A cross sectional and descriptive survey was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021 time when COVID-19 in Albania was at its peak. χ2/Fisherexact test was used; a significant association between level of mental health and survey characteristics was made. P-value<0.05, while medical employees who work in Tirana had a higher significant score than those living in other regions p<0.05. Nurses and medical doctors were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms compared to other medical employees χ2=85.2, 95% CI, a p-value of ?0.05 than radiologists, stemmatologists, and pharmacists.Furthermore, the younger age groups ≤ 40 years and >55 were more prone to report likely fair, stress, and depressive symptoms compared to other ages (p-value=0.042). This study reports a high level of fair and stress and mild to moderate burdens of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, studies with a large sample size to include all medical staff nationwide need to identify and evaluate mental health among medical staff in Albania. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 24 (1) January, 2023; 1-13.
Effectiveness of parent training program (pre and post-association) for ADHD children in primary school Duhok city
Authors: Zainel Anfal Abdulhafedh , Yaseen Dr. Yousif Ali
Published: August 2024

Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness parent training program, for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) students in primary school. Methods: In this study, 500 participants with ADHD (aged 6 to 15 years). A cross-sectional study used to assess the effectiveness of parent training programs for ADHD students in primary schools and its impact on reaction time performance were used as pre-tests and post-tests across groups. (Data were analysed PSS version 26). Result: The result indicated statistically significant differences between pre and post parents training P-value 0.007 the result showed a clear agreement for the psychological and behavioural disorders of the parents. Conclusion: In conclusion, parent-training programs appear to be successful in treating the primary symptoms of ADHD in school-aged children. Across this study, the parent training programs seemed to be able to increase parental confidence in their management abilities and improve their psychological problems. Recommendation: provide the ADHD center with a competent counsellor or nurse to assist the family and their child to improve their situation. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 (2) February, 2024; 1-10.
STRESS IN RELATIONSHIP WITH BURNOUT DUE TO COVID-19: THE MODERATING ROLE OF COPING STRATEGIES
Authors: Thanh Tran Le , Hoang Nguyen Thanh , Lan Nguyen Thi Mai , Trang Vu Thu , Ha Le Vu , Mai Nguyen Thi Hoa , Lieu Cao Xuan , Chinh Ha Thi Minh
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the relationship between stress and burnout related to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the moderating influence of positive and negative coping strategies. In a cross-sectional survey involving 3,664 Vietnamese citizens aged 18 and above, the research explores the dynamics of stress and burnout symptoms associated with the ongoing pandemic. The results reveal a negative impact of stress symptoms on COVID-19-related burnout among the population. Notably, both positive and negative coping strategies are identified as significant moderators in the interplay between stress and burnout. This suggests that individuals’ coping mechanisms influence the severity of stress and burnout experienced in dealing with COVID-19 challenges. These findings contribute to the foundational understanding of the stress-burnout relationship during the pandemic and provide essential insights for interventions. By recognizing the moderating role of coping strategies, this study lays the groundwork for strategies aimed at enhancing individuals’ coping abilities, ultimately reducing stress and burnout levels. These insights hold the potential to assist individuals in adapting more effectively to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering improved mental well-being in the face of ongoing uncertainties.
AMPHETAMINE-TYPE STIMULANTS USERS-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Hai Nguyen Trung , Trung Dang Quang
Published: August 2024

The drug addiction problem in Vietnam is becoming increasingly complicated, especially for the group of addicts using Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS). The trading market and ATS user increase quickly with an estimated 36 million people using ATS globally. Long-term use of ATS may have unwanted psychological effects such as mood changes, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia, and anxiety. From there, are unwanted behaviors such as violence and aggression. The use of ATS also has caused many negative effects for families, communities, and society. The current problem is that these narcotics and psychotropic substances have very serious effects on the brain. Many deaths caused by psychotropic drugs also stem from the abuse of these toxins. It is also a challenge because the intervention of Methadone, which is an effective treatment for heroin users, is not effective with ATS users. Very concerned about this issue, in 2019, Vietnam issued the guidelines for intervention on drug abuse in the form of ATS including social and psychological intervention. It is a comprehensive approach with the expectation of more effective intervention and support for ATS users. The study used psychological and social experimental study for 45 ATS users in 3 ATS treatment clinics in Hanoi and Haiphong- Vietnam. The results showed that psychological and social intervention has brought positive effects for ATS users, both in terms of reducing ATS use as well as having positive results on mental health problems.
Uma revisão abrangente da literatura sobre a síndrome do olho seco: etiologia, diagnóstico e abordagens de tratamento
Authors: Caixeta Bruno Carlos , Naumann Júlia Corrêa Pacheco , Naumann Carlos Henrique Moulin , Borchart Eduardo Felipe Camargo , Vitor Jordanna Ferreira
Published: August 2024

A síndrome do olho seco (DES) é uma condição ocular multifacetada, caracterizada pela instabilidade do filme lacrimal, resultando em desconforto, distúrbios visuais e danos à superfície ocular. As causas incluem fatores intrínsecos, como envelhecimento e alterações hormonais, e fatores extrínsecos, como condições ambientais e doenças sistêmicas. A compreensão abrangente desses mecanismos é essencial para um diagnóstico preciso e tratamento eficaz. Este estudo revisa a literatura atual sobre etiologia, ferramentas diagnósticas e opções de tratamento, destacando abordagens emergentes, como terapias anti-inflamatórias e medicina regenerativa, que prometem melhorar a gestão da DES.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of molecular genetic and bacteriological methods in determining heteroresistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis to rifampicin
Authors: Isakova A. I. , Mikhailova Yu. D. , Galkina K. Yu. , Nosova E. Yu. , Safonova S. G.
Published: August 2024

We analyzed bacterial suspensions (mixtures) containing various proportions of resistant and susceptible strains to assess the effectiveness of molecular genetic tests and bacteriological methods for determination of the heteroresistant population of M. tuberculosis (MTB) to rifampicin (RIF). We established that the efficiency of determining the RIF-resistant MTB population in mixtures depends on the method of mutation detection used in the test system. The Genotype MTBDRplus, TB-TEST, and TB-BIOCHIP-1 tests showed the same results in detecting a resistant population with the Ser531Leu mutation. Genotype MTBDRplus more effectively detected His526Tyr, His526Asp, Asp516Val substitutions and less efficiently detected mutations determined by the absence of wild-type probes compared to TB-TEST and TB-BIOCHIP-1 tests.

The efficiency of bacteriological detection of the resistant MTB population depends on the terms of cultivation. The method of serial microdilutions in the Middlebrook 7H9 liquid medium is the most effective in detecting RIF-resistance in the heteroresistant MTB population with the MTB cultivation for 21 days in comparison with the automated system Bactec MGIT 960 and the method of absolute concentrations on the L-J solid medium with the MTB cultivation for 28 days. It was noted that the proportion of resistant MTB strains detectection by Bactec MGIT 960, the method of absolute concentrations on a solid L-J medium for 28 days and by the method of serial microdilutions for 14 days did not differ significantly and amounted to 45.1; 44.1 and 38.9 respectively
Risk factors for cardiotoxic adverse reactions in the treatment of tuberculosis patients with MDR and XDR of the pathogen
Authors: Ivanova D. A. , Rodina O. V. , Litvinova N. V. , Borisov S. E. , Mitrofanova Yu. Yu.
Published: August 2024

Modern treatment regimens for tuberculosis with multiple and broad drug resistance (MDR/XDR) of the pathogen provide for the simultaneous administration of several drugs with a proven cardiotoxic effect in the form of prolongation of the QTc interval and provocation of life-threatening arrhythmias. In conditions of the spread of cardiovascular and other comorbid pathology, it is important to assess the risk of cardiotoxic reactions and ensure the safety of patients during the entire course of treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the degree and risk of prolongation of the QTc interval in tuberculosis patients with MDR/XDR pathogen, including concomitant cardiological pathology, against the background of treatment regimens with the inclusion of bedaquiline.

Materials and methods of research. The retrospective study included 185 tuberculosis patients with MDR/XDR of the causative agent: 70 people with cardiovascular pathology (except decompensation of heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias and QTc prolongation in the anamnesis) and 115 people. without it, who received chemotherapy with the inclusion of bedaquiline and fluoroquinolones. The dynamics of clinical symptoms and ECG were evaluated against the background of treatment. Risk factors for cardiotoxic reactions were determined using the method of multiple logistic regression.

The results of the study. Prolongation of the QTc interval was observed in 58 people (31.4%, 95% CI 25.1–38.4%), clinically significant (more than 500 ms, 60 ms or more from the baseline, with ventricular arrhythmia) – 4.3%; bradycardia – 3.8%, cardialgic syndrome – 8.1%. Risk factors for prolongation of the QTc interval were the presence of any cardiovascular disease (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.23-4.41), simultaneous administration of three or more drugs that can lead to QTc prolongation (OR = 3.31, 95% CI 1.73–6.32), clarithromycin administration (OR = 4.01, 95%CI 1.4710.97), the number of points on the Tisdale scale is more than 6 (OR = 3.42, 95% CI 1.78–6.62).

Conclusion. Prolongation of the QTc interval is a common adverse reaction in the treatment of tuberculosis with MDR /XDR pathogen, clinically significant in 4.3% of cases. The use of a standard ECG monitoring scheme is justified; it is necessary to avoid prescribing three or more drugs that affect the QTc interval to patients with any cardiovascular pathology with a Tisdale score of more than 6 points.
Understanding Consultation and Engagement with Indigenous Peoples in Resource Development
Authors: Boyd Brendan , Lorefice Sophie
Published: August 2024

Canada’s legal system has repeatedly ruled that the Crown has a duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples when approving and shaping resource development projects that are located on their land or could infringe on their rights. But the duty to consult means different things to Indigenous groups, government and industry. Different understandings among stakeholders, in particular Indigenous groups dissatisfaction with consultation, has often led to court challenges of project decisions. Recently, the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the federal government’s approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline project in 2018 has attracted the attention of politicians, media and the public. Legal challenges have also occurred over smaller, yet still important, activities and decisions, where Indigenous communities and organizations find formal consultation processes, and the overall approach to engagement taken by industry and government, to be lacking. While these represent a small portion of the total number of cases where the legal duty to consult has been triggered (Newman 2017) they have an outsized impact on the relationships and level of trust between Indigenous Peoples, industry and governments. Finding ways to resolve these conflicts and improve relations can contribute to reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples, non-Indigenous Canadians and the Canadian state and is essential to the future of Canada’s natural resource industries.
The Various Structures For Granting Petroleum Licenses Around the World
Authors: Egbert Darryl , Livingston Brian
Published: August 2024

This paper summarizes the various structures used throughout the world to grant petroleum licenses to industry wishing to develop an oil and gas resource. It describes the various structures that are used, i.e. concessions, production sharing agreements, joint ventures etc. The paper goes on to describe the various economic obligations that governments impose on industry in return for granting rights under its petroleum licensing system. Finally, it describes the various processes used by governments to grant these right, i.e., a public auction of generic rights, a public request for proposal and negotiation, a restricted invitation and negotiation etc.
 
As a general theme, the paper concludes that no one petroleum licensing system or process for granting rights can be used in all cases. Rather, it suggests that these concepts should be tailored to the type of oil and gas resource to be developed.
 
The paper also contains a schedule describing the petroleum licensing systems and award process used by several countries.
Altering the Tax Mix in Alberta
Authors: McKenzie Ken
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this paper is to examine alternative ways of raising government revenue in Alberta. There are several ways to approach this question. One would be to adopt a revenue neutral perspective, which would focus on the design and configuration of the tax system without a view to raising more revenue; a so-called revenue neutral perspective. Another would be to evaluate various options from the perspective of raising sufficient revenue to eliminate or reduce the deficit going forward, or more generally to close the fiscal gap, in order to put the government on a sustainable fiscal path. Neither of these approaches is followed here.
 
While the first approach is in some ways more pure from a tax policy perspective it is possible that at least a modest increase in revenues will be required to put the government on a sustainable fiscal path. Moreover, there are several moving parts to the revenue system, and it is very difficult in this context to accurately take account of the various interactions. In terms of the second approach, it is not clear precisely how much higher revenues should be relied upon versus lower spending to restore fiscal sustainability. As Trevor Tombe puts it in a recent analysis of the sustainability of Alberta’s fiscal policy, “the province has neither a revenue problem nor a spending problem; it has a budget problem.”[1] This problem can be addressed from the revenue side, the expenditure side or a combination of both. I don’t take a strong position on this.
 
Rather I examine some of the key sources of government revenue and evaluate various policy options that would alter the tax mix without imposing a hard constraint of revenue neutrality or the need to generate a given amount of revenue to close the fiscal gap. In some cases I argue for tax reductions and in others for tax increases. The focus is on “first principles”, drawing on what economic research on tax policy has to say about implementing an efficient and equitable tax system within an Alberta context. Of course, as will be discussed, this inevitably involves trade-offs and, also inevitably, some disagreement on the nature of those trade-offs.  The net impact on total revenue from the type of changes I discuss in what follows may be positive or negative, but the magnitude of the revenue gains can be scaled up or down by adjusting rates appropriately; the first-principles laid out here provide guidance on how best to go about that.
 
Based on my analysis, and as a preview of my conclusions, I argue the following:
 

Cut the corporate income tax rate as planned.
Keep the full provincial carbon tax.
Maintain the progressive rate structure in the personal income tax (no flat tax), but consider a “middle class” personal income tax cut.
Impose a harmonized provincial sales tax.

 
While it is not the focus of the paper, I also argue for reintroducing systematic contributions of resource revenue to a stabilization fund, and eventually the Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
 
[1] Tombe (2018).
SIMULATING THE GROWTH EFFECTS OF THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATE CUTS IN ALBERTA
Authors: Dahlby Bev , Ferede Ergete
Published: August 2024

Shortly after its election in May 2019, the new Alberta government began fulfilling its promise to reduce the provincial corporate income tax (CIT) rate. The rate cut began in July 2019, when the government dropped the CIT rate from 12 to 11 per cent. The rate is scheduled to decline to 10 per cent on Jan. 1, 2020, followed by further one-percentage-point reductions in 2021 and 2022, bring the Alberta CIT rate down to eight per cent in 2022
Financing and Funding Approaches for Establishment, Governance and Regulatory Oversight of the Canadian Northern Corridor
Authors: Boardman Anthony , Moore Mark , Vining Aidan
Published: August 2024

Multimodal, multijurisdictional corridors are highly complex, long term infrastructure projects. It is not surprising, therefore, that they often fail to get implemented. The limited evidence suggest that they can get built when a single entity— usually a national government—assembles the rights of way and provides corridor access to various infrastructure providers. Specifically, that entity has to carry out the following steps: (1) assemble the required rights of way from all those currently holding the property rights; and (2) decide on the allocation of at least usage property rights to different kinds of infrastructure providers (and ultimately users of that infrastructure). This entity, which we refer to as the Assembler, could be the federal government or a consortium that also includes sub-national levels of government. Because First Nations and other indigenous groups in Canada have constitutional or at least quasi-constitutional status, they might also have a role in a consortium.
The Regional Distribution of Federal Fiscal Balances: Who Pays, Who Gets and Why It Matters
Authors: Mansell Robert , Khanal Mukesh , Tombe Trevor
Published: August 2024

This paper focuses on the regional redistribution of income, employment and population in Canada associated with federal tax, expenditure and transfer policies. Data on net federal fiscal balances by region (the differences between total federal revenues contributed by a region and the total federal expenditures in and transfers to the region) are presented for the period 1961-2018. Along with showing the nature and extent of the redistribution associated with federal fiscal policies over time, these data are used to evaluate the degree to which they are consistent with criteria of regional fairness and stabilization.
Alberta’s Civil Society Pre- and Post-COVID-19: What’s government got to do with it?
Authors: Turner Alina , Camacho Escamilla Camilo
Published: August 2024

The 2020 provincial budget prioritized civil society as a critical partner to improve wellbeing for Albertans. A Premier's Charities Council is being proposed "to advise government on how best to assist the efforts of civil society groups in helping to make Alberta a more compassionate society, preventing and reducing increased social problems." But what exactly is civil society and what is its role in the province’s future?
This briefing paper defines what civil society is, then examines the level of interdependence between civil society organizations and the provincial government. Finally, we reflect on ways to move towards a more independent and self-sustaining civil society in Alberta.
Energy and Environmental Policy Trends: Owed Landowners: The Status of Orphan Well Rental Recovery in Alberta
Authors: Goodday Victoria , Larson Braeden
Published: August 2024

As more wells are orphaned, more landowners are applying to have the government pay the rental payments owed to them. The application backlog is growing, along with the cost to taxpayers.
Health Innovation and Commercialization Ecosystems and Public Health Emergency Response Systems
Authors: Scott Craig , Zwicker Jennifer
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how vital it is for the Alberta government to incorporate precision health (PH) planning into its public health ecosystem. Public health shocks demand quick thinking, rapid adaptation and good decision- making driven by data. PH offers all that and more, and not just in health care. In ordinary times, PH tailors diagnosis and treatment to an individual patient’s needs. When a crisis arises, PH focuses on assessing risks to provide targeted interventions and treatments to larger populations.
Economic Policy Trends: COVID-19 and Recent Post-Secondary Graduates
Authors: Foley Kelly , Niell Christine
Published: August 2024

In an earlier trends piece, we explored ways governments can support current and incoming post-secondary students through the COVID-19 crisis. Here, we discuss implications for students graduating this year, as well as those struggling with student debt in a rough labour market.
Canada's Food Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Holland Kerri
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has garnered public attention to Canada’s food security. Access to a safe, stable, and high quality food supply is often taken for granted by Canadians but it is one of the key roles that our agricultural industry serves and underlines why it is designated an essential service.
            Despite the federal government’s assurance that our nation’s food supply remains stable, concerns have been mounting from both consumers and the agricultural industry that disruptions in the food supply chain will cause food insecurity and severe economic distress.
            As a whole, Canada’s agri-food industry is well-positioned to adapt to the present crisis and continue supplying domestic and export markets. However, this does not mean that our food system is impermeable to disruption. In fact, challenges caused by COVID-19 have highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. Labour shortages, major shifts in consumer demand, and the slowdowns/closures at processing plants have already exacerbated food insecurity among Canadians and increased financial pressure on primary producers.
            As the foundation of the food supply chain, Canadian farmers are key to its stability. As many farms were experiencing severe economic hardship prior to the pandemic, the challenges of market uncertainty and increased production costs put these operations at greater financial risk. Policy action will be key to ensure the short and long-term viability of our primary industry and maintain the capacity to meet domestic and export market demands.
            Canada is still in the early stages of crisis management but government support of Canadian agriculture has been largely inadequate in alleviating the financial impact on farmers. The Canadian government must take immediate steps to alleviate the financial burden on primary producers, ensure export markets remain open and free from trade barriers, and commit to establishing a long-term agri-food strategy and action plan.
Infrastructure Policy Trends: The Digital Divide and the Lack of Broadband Access During COVID-19
Authors: Koch Katharina
Published: August 2024

Across Canada, the large number of people working and studying from home require reliable and fast internet access. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the urgency of diminishing the ‘digital divide’ in Canada.
Infrastructure Policy Trends: A Canary in Panda's Clothing?
Authors: Fellows G. Kent , Munzur Alaz
Published: August 2024

A canary is to a coal mine what a panda is to the international supply chain.
Risks of Failure in Regulatory Governance
Authors: McFadyen Dan , Eynon George
Published: August 2024

We identify and discuss the risks of failures in governance of regulatory authorities and the actions governments and regulatory authorities can take to mitigate these risks. The mandates of regulatory authorities are to protect the public by ensuring that entities under their jurisdiction are compliant with the legislation and regulations governing their activity. It is imperative that regulatory authorities hold themselves accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities to the same standard of compliance through consistent, certain, and ethical behaviours.
Risks in effectiveness of the governing legislation and regulations for regulatory authorities, in ethical behaviours of the member(s) of their governing Boards of regulatory authorities, and in effectively implementing governance principles and best practices by their governing Boards can lead to failure of governance and in fulfilling their responsibilities. Failures in any of these areas result in loss of public confidence and trust in regulatory authorities, and consequently erodes public confidence and trust in the regulated entities under their jurisdiction.
A recent example of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds by the energy regulator in Alberta is a case study of the root causes of governance failures. We provide recommendations for jurisdictions and their regulatory authorities to consider in developing sound regulatory oversight that ensures failures in governance do not occur.
Social Policy Trends: Disability Benefit Caseloads in 4 Provinces
Authors: Kneebone Ronald
Published: August 2024

The incidence of disabilities is likely similar across provinces; the number of Disability Benefit caseloads per 1,000 adults is not.
Canadian Arctic Marine Transportation Issues, Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Lasserre Frédéric , Bartenstein Kristin
Published: August 2024

Melting sea ice
Although ice will always be present in the Arctic in winter, global warming induces a steady decline of the extent of sea ice and a rapid decrease in the share of multi-year ice, giving way to younger, thinner sea ice and giving credit to modelled scenarios of ice-free summers during the 21st century. However, ice remains a hazard and an impediment to navigation. Thinner and more fragmented ice moves faster and in patterns that are difficult to predict. It also seems more prone to building compression ridges. Ice arches preventing hard multi-year ice of the Arctic Ocean basin from penetrating into the Canadian Archipelago are weakening. In Baffin Bay, accelerated iceberg calving from Greenland is likely to increase the number of growlers, which pose a serious risk for navigation. From this emerges a nuanced picture of shipping conditions in the Canadian Arctic.
Expanding commercial shipping
Shipping in the Canadian Arctic is mainly driven by fishing, mining activities and community resupply, while transit shipping remains marginal. Fishing, mostly carried out by vessels based in Newfoundland and still less developed than in Greenland, is gradually moving north to Baffin Bay. As extraction sites are opening up, mining generates heavy traffic, in terms of both voyages and tonnage. Inland mining sites, faced with complex and costly land transportation due to melting permafrost, may further drive marine transportation. However, fluctuating world prices for commodities, not the extent of sea ice, are the main driver – or constraint – of mining activities. Community resupply is expanding as well, but strategies pursued by the four shipping companies involved differ. MTS took over from bankrupt NTCL in 2016 with a more limited service. Coastal Shipping Ltd, Desgagnés and NEAS all expanded westwards and opted for larger, heavier vessels without, however, expanding frequency of service.
Regulatory framework
Canada’s regulatory framework on Arctic was overhauled in 2018 to incorporate the Polar Code and modernize the regime. As IMO negotiations are ongoing, new regulatory adjustments are foreseeable. Area-based protection efforts are underway, but shipping needs and rights are considered carefully. Overall, Canada’s shipping regulation is not seen as an unnecessary impediment, but as warranted by prevailing shipping conditions.
Future Shipping Trends
Due to the constraints to shipping, destinational traffic is likely to remain dominant in the foreseeable future. Traffic generated by mining activities is likely to keep expanding provided no severe collapse of world commodity prices occurs. Community resupply may also experience continued expansion, partly fueled by mining ventures, provided operators can take advantage of improved port facilities in the Canadian archipelago.
AN OVERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF KEY CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELEVANT TO THE CANADIAN NORTHERN CORRIDOR
Authors: Newman Dwight
Published: August 2024

This report considers at a high level a number of constitutional issues associated with the development of the proposed Northern Corridor, seeking to flag areas for further examination.  It seeks to show how the Canadian Constitution offers mechanisms for such a multi-modal corridor but also poses barriers.  In some ways, the challenge the Northern Corridor seeks to overcome is the presence of too many decision-makers on each individual transportation infrastructure project.  The Canadian Constitution both offers ways past this problem and also replicates it.  The first part of the paper examines constitutional rules relating to inter-delegation between the federal and provincial governments and suggests that cooperation and inter-delegation, drawing on models of past infrastructure projects, may offer a constitutional mechanism toward development of the Northern Corridor but that they require leadership and a lot of support from different actors.  The second part considers what powers the federal government has on its own in relation to transportation infrastructure and concludes that these are very significant in the context of interprovincial/international transportation infrastructure but that unilateral federal action may still be undesirable for other reasons and that this power may just signal the role of federal leadership on the file.  The third part considers the implications of constitutionalized Indigenous rights and suggests that there will be a need for close examination of various contexts and early engagement of Indigenous peoples in a project that could be beneficial for northern Indigenous communities, with many legal complexities otherwise present, including implications from Canada’s new legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).  A concluding section draws together key implications and suggests that the constitutional landscape calls for federal leadership but extensive engagement and cooperation with other actors, even while there remain many constitutional and legal issues that would warrant closer examination.
Reducing Transaction Costs on Infrastructure Corridor Projects in Canada
Authors: Le Dressay André
Published: August 2024

Infrastructure corridors are among the most complicated transactions in Canada. Establishing a pre-determined corridor and completing linear infrastructure projects within it requires transactions related to property rights, infrastructure planning, design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance, securing public support or social license, and because of the long overdue recognition of Indigenous rights and title, informed support from impacted Indigenous communities. This paper uses a comparative systems analysis to identify specific transaction costs in four areas – historic, infrastructure development process, fiscal and economic systems. We argue these transaction costs can be significantly reduced by systematically implementing Indigenous fiscal, infrastructure and lands jurisdictions because this will permanently ensure that Indigenous communities and people are able to receive similar fiscal and economic benefits generated from infrastructure corridor projects as those enjoyed by other Canadians and other governments.
Advancing Supply Chain Resilience for Canadian Health Systems
Authors: Snowdon Anne
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed significant fragilities in the current capacity and function of global healthcare supply chains. During the first wave of the pandemic, long, undiversified, and lean global supply chains were destabilized by a massive surge in demand for care, that required high volumes of critical health products for care delivery (Snowdon, Saunders & Wright, 2021). China, the primary manufacturer of a number of critical health products and the first site of a COVID-19 outbreak, temporarily shuttered its manufacturing capacity. As a result, there were severe product shortages across every global health system. Manufacturers were unable to rapidly scale their production capacity to meet the sudden and dramatic increase in the demand for critical products, which resulted in a destabilizing “ripple effect” across global healthcare supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the surge in supply demands it created, exposed the fragility that rapidly destabilized these global healthcare supply chains. This destabilization of healthcare supply chains impacted every jurisdiction in Canada and touched the lives of healthcare workers, patients, citizens, and non-permanent residents (such as temporary foreign workers).