bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Perspectives on the Bantu Expansion: A Synthesis
Authors: Pakendorf Brigitte , de Filippo Cesare , Bostoen Koen
Published: June 2011

The expansion of Bantu-speaking peoples over large parts of sub-Saharan Africa is still a matter of debate—not only with respect to the propelling force behind it and the route(s) taken, but, also, in terms of the question whether there actually was a demographic expansion of peoples, rather than just a cultural expansion involving the spread of languages and technologies. In this paper, we provide a critical review of the extant linguistic and molecular anthropological data on Africa and discuss the insights they provide concerning the expansion itself as well as the demographic processes involved in it. Contrary to some assumptions by historians and cultural anthropologists, the genetic data speak in favor of an actual movement of peoples during the expansion of the Bantu languages over Africa, rather than a spread through language and culture shift. Furthermore, the molecular data indicate that sociocultural practices such as patrilocality and possibly even polygyny played a role in shaping the genetic diversity of Bantu-speaking peoples. These sociocultural practices might explain why, in Africa, there is a correlation between Y-chromosomal (i.e., paternal) lineages and linguistic affiliation, but not between mtDNA (maternal) lineages and language.
A Pipeline for Computational Historical Linguistics
Authors: Steiner Lydia , Cysouw Michael , Stadler Peter
Published: June 2011

There are many parallels between historical linguistics and molecular phylogenetics. In this paper we describe an algorithmic pipeline that mimics, as closely as possible, the traditional workflow of language reconstruction known as the comparative method. The pipeline consists of suitably modified algorithms based on recent research in bioinformatics, which are adapted to the specifics of linguistic data. This approach can alleviate much of the laborious research needed to establish proof of historical relationships between languages. Equally important to our proposal is that each step in the workflow of the comparative method is implemented independently, so language specialists have the possibility to scrutinize intermediate results. We have used our pipeline to investigate two groups of languages, the Tsezic languages of the Caucasus and the Mataco-Guaicuruan languages of South America, based on the lexical data from the Intercontinental Dictionary Series (IDS). The results of these tests show that the current approach is a viable and useful extension to historical linguistic research.
Mariages et parcours migratoires : Juifs nés au Maroc et mariés à la Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue de Montréal (1969—1981)
Authors: Cohen Yolande , Guerry Linda
Published: June 2011

Cet article, qui s’appuie sur l’analyse de dossiers de publication des bans d’une synagogue montréalaise (la Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue) de 1969 à 1981, propose une étude historique des configurations matrimoniales d’immigrants juifs marocains. Les auteures s’appuient sur l’analyse de 740 dossiers (1480 personnes dont 28 % sont nées au Maroc) et s’interrogent sur l’interaction des pratiques matrimoniales et migratoires dans le Montréal des années 1970. Cette étude, particulièrement attentive au genre et à l’intégration des immigrants dans une nouvelle société d’accueil, met en évidence que l’immigration dans un nouveau pays permet des pratiques matrimoniales inédites où s’articulent de nouveaux rapports de genre mais révèle aussi l’étroitesse des liens qui unissent des Juifs nés au Maroc à leur communauté et à leur religion.
Women, Work and Industrial Relations in 2010
Authors: Baird Marian , Williamson Sue
Published: June 2011

Interest in women and work issues continued throughout 2010, with attention turning to the implementation of policies and utilization of the Fair Work Act to improve the position of Australian women in the workforce. Policy development continued for paid parental leave, with the new scheme launched in October 2010 and payments commencing from 1 January 2011. Together with the Fair Work Act, a new policy base around work and family has been established. The year 2010 was also marked by a focus on matters relating to pay equity, sexual harassment and the lack of women in corporate leadership roles.
Unions and Collective Bargaining in 2010
Authors: Brigden Cathy
Published: June 2011

An increase in both union members and density, together with the re-election of a Labor government, albeit a minority one, were positive developments for Australian trade unions in 2010. Anticipated changes to the leadership of the Australian Council of Trade Unions occurred with the departure of Sharan Burrow and Ged Kearney assuming the presidency. The Fair Work Act 2009 began to be bedded down with modern awards taking effect from 1 January. Despite the efforts of the federal opposition, the shadow of Work Choices affected the federal election campaign. Unions experienced difficult relationships with state governments across the political spectrum. Asbestos continued to be one of the primary workplace safety issues, while fatalities on the waterfront and the 40th anniversary of the Westgate Bridge disaster served as reminders of the importance of adequate regulatory standards.
Labour Markets and Wages in Australia: 2010
Authors: Jefferson Therese , Preston Alison
Published: June 2011

In this article we present data on earnings and hours in 2010 and, using data over a longer time frame, show how the character of the Australian labour market has significantly changed in recent decades. Among other things, we demonstrate a continued shift towards part-time work and, across full-time and part-time labour markets, a change in the distribution of jobs towards more highly skilled occupations. We continue to argue that traditional indicators of labour-market activity, such as headline unemployment and earnings in full-time employment, are only able to partially explain the health of the labour market. There is an urgent need to better understand other dimensions such as underemployment, part-time employment and part-time earnings.
Fuzzy sliding mode controller design for maximum power point tracking control of a solar energy system
Authors: Yau Her-Terng , Chen Chieh-Li
Published: June 2011

Because of the concern with the energy crisis, solar energy is considered one of the most promising alternatives to conventional energy sources, e.g. petroleum and coal, on account of its zero greenhouse gas emission. Accordingly, making solar cells operate at the maximum power point becomes a critical issue in such a field, for the reason that the cells provide a relatively low power output. Exhibiting non-linear I–V characteristics, solar cells are operated at varying operation points, resulting in an unstabilized output power. Aiming at the design of a sliding mode controller as well as the choice of a crucial gain kf made through fuzzy logic, this paper presents a maximum power tracking system as a way of reaching a maximum output power. The controller presented is then validated, through simulation and experiment, to provide a better response than a sliding mode controller in terms of the maximum power tracking performance.
Endocannabinoids and the cardiovascular response to stress
Authors: O’Sullivan Saoirse E , Kendall Patrick J , Kendall David A
Published: June 2011

Stress activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS), resulting in cardiovascular responses. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a ubiquitously expressed lipid signalling system, modulates both HPA and SNS activity. The purpose of this review is to explore the possible involvement/role of the ECS in the cardiovascular response to stress. The ECS has numerous cardiovascular effects including modulation of blood pressure, heart rate, the baroreflex, and direct vascular actions. It is also involved in a protective manner in response to stressors in cardiac preconditioning, and various stressors (for example, pain, orthostasis and social stress) increase plasma levels of endocannabinoids. Given the multitude of vascular effects of endocannabinoids, this is bound to have consequences. Beneficial effects of ECS upregulation could include cardioprotection, vasodilatation, CB2-mediated anti-inflammatory effects and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Negative effects of endocannabinoids could include mediation of the effects of glucocorticoids, CB1-mediated metabolic changes, and metabolism to vasoconstrictor products. It is also likely that there is a central role for the ECS in modulating cardiovascular activity via the HPA and SNS. However, much more work is required to fully integrate the role of the ECS in mediating many of the physiological responses to stress, including cardiovascular responses.
Complexity analysis of spontaneous brain activity: effects of depression and antidepressant treatment
Authors: Méndez María Andreina , Zuluaga Pilar , Hornero Roberto , Gómez Carlos , Escudero Javier , Rodríguez-Palancas Alfonso , Ortiz Tomás , Fernández Alberto
Published: June 2011

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) allows the real-time recording of neural activity and oscillatory activity in distributed neural networks. We applied a non-linear complexity analysis to resting-state neural activity as measured using whole-head MEG. Recordings were obtained from 20 unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder and 19 matched healthy controls. Subsequently, after 6 months of pharmacological treatment with the antidepressant mirtazapine 30 mg/day, patients received a second MEG scan. A measure of the complexity of neural signals, the Lempel–Ziv Complexity (LZC), was derived from the MEG time series. We found that depressed patients showed higher pre-treatment complexity values compared with controls, and that complexity values decreased after 6 months of effective pharmacological treatment, although this effect was statistically significant only in younger patients. The main treatment effect was to recover the tendency observed in controls of a positive correlation between age and complexity values. Importantly, the reduction of complexity with treatment correlated with the degree of clinical symptom remission. We suggest that LZC, a formal measure of neural activity complexity, is sensitive to the dynamic physiological changes observed in depression and may potentially offer an objective marker of depression and its remission after treatment.
Mechanization of the Collection of Household Refuse and Data Processing Follow-Up in the City of Paris
Authors: Burelle J. , Monterrat C.
Published: June 2011

The Paris Municipality decided in 1979 to introduce mechanized collection from wheeled containers. This consists in providing blocks of flats with containers with a capacity varying from 120 to 1100 1, depending on the expected refuse production and the layout of the premises and means of access. The containers are collected by means of tipper trucks with an open hopper equipped with raising arms, capable of manipulating any type of container. Mechanization of emptying operations has reduced the number of workers per truck from three to two. The containers are rented by the City of Paris to two firms which are in charge of their maintenance and regular washing.

The Paris municipal services also have the objective of optimizing the means necessary for collecting the 1 million tonnes of annual refuse.With this view in mind they have carried out plans to minimize personnel numbers and amounts of equipment and have determined around 6500 collection itineraries per year, taking into account the capacity of the vehicles and local constraints.

Recourse to data processing is possible thanks to the ROMA program (BETURE study) which, based on the data of the Urban Geographical Repertory available in Paris and a vehicles' file which enables the determination of optimal collection circuits.
Mechanisms of Metal Fixation and Leaching By Cement Based Fixation Processes
Authors: Poon C.S. , Clark A.I. , Peters C.J. , Perry R.
Published: June 2011

The mechanisms of zinc and mercury leaching from cement/silicate stabilization processes has been assessed from extended leaching tests, scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The results have demonstrated the importance of microstructure not only in metal fixation but also in metal leaching from the cementitious matrix. After an extended leaching period, massive breakdown of the matrix occurs with a subsequent dramatic rise in leachate concentrations. The calcium aluminate hydrate structure, ettringite, has been identified as to be related to the structural integrity of the solidified product. Once this structure has been removed then massive leaching of zinc and mercury can occur.
Florida Amnesty Days: a Hazardous Waste Success Story
Authors: Jordan Barry H. , Kirkpatrick George
Published: June 2011

Emotional public reaction and media sensationalism resulting from inadequate waste disposal practices of the past have made hazardous waste one of the hottest political issues in the U.S.A. Everyone wants the hazardous waste problem solved, but no one wants a hazardous waste facility in their "backyard"—the NIMBY (not in my backyard) syndrome.

The State of Florida has taken a major step to try to reverse this attitude by educating the public as to what hazardous waste is and demonstrating that hazardous waste can be safely managed. The program, entitled Amnesty Days, was established by the Water Quality Assurance Act of 1983. The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, working with a contractor, GSX Services, has established a system to collect hazardous waste from households and small businesses. The program is designed to bring a unique, fully-equipped mobile facility to various locations around the State. The program will reach every county over a three year period.

The two phases, conducted in May, June, October and November, 1984 was extremely successful with over 6400 participants bringing in almost 600,000 1b of a wide range of chemicals, including DDT and PCB. Florida officials hope that the success of Amnesty Days will raise the awareness of citizens and ease the task of siting permanent facilities to provide long-term solutions.
Conductivity of Compacted Clay Soils To Water and Organic Liquids
Authors: Anderson D.C. , Brown K.W. , Thomas J.C.
Published: June 2011

Four clay soils, selected to represent a range of mineralogies, were permeated with water and seven selected organic liquids in fixed wall permeameters. The conductivity of each soil/water followed by the chosen organic liquid was measured. The tested organic liquids included an acid and a base, and both polar and non-polar solvents.

All four compacted soils had conductivities to water of less than 1 x 10-7 cm s-1. Acetic acid initially decreased the conductivity; however, after sufficient acid had permeated the soils, the conductivity generally increased to approximately the values measured with water. Soils treated with aniline exhibited conductivities of one to two orders of magnitude greater than values measured with water. Organic solvents, i.e. methanol, acetone, ethylene glycol, heptane and xylene, had conductivities of two to three orders of magnitude greater than their respective conductivities to water. While the miscible organics may undergo dilution by water in a field situation, the water immiscible solvents heptane and xylene would not be diluted by leachate and may reach a clay liner at or very near full strength.

Conductivities of the soils to the organic solvents were much greater than could be explained by the densities and viscosities of the liquids. Visual observation of the soils permeated with organic solvents indicated the presence of cracks and voids in the centre of the soil mass which were not observed after the soils were permeated with water.
Theoretical investigation of the performance of alternative aviation fuels in an aero-engine combustion chamber
Authors: Uryga-Bugajska I , Pourkashanian M , Borman D , Catalanotti E , Wilson C W
Published: June 2011

When considering alternative fuels for aviation, factors such as the overall efficiency of the combustion process and the levels of emissions emitted to the atmosphere need to be critically evaluated. The physical and chemical properties of a fuel influence the combustion efficiency and emissions and therefore need to be considered. The energy content of a biofuel, which is influenced negatively by the presence of oxygen in the molecular structure (i.e. oxygenated chemical compounds), is relatively low when compared with that of conventional jet fuel. This means that the overall efficiency of the process will be different. In this article, two possible scenarios have been investigated in order to assess the potential to directly replace conventional jet fuel – kerosene with methyl buthanoate – MB (a short chain fatty acid methyl ester – representing biofuel) and a synthetic jet fuel (Fischer–Tropsch fuel) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling in a typical modern air-spray combustor. A detailed comparison of kerosene with alternative fuel performance has been made. In addition, the impact of fuel blending on the combustion performance has been investigated. The CFD results indicate that there are notable differences in the engine performance and emissions when replacing conventional jet fuel with alternative fuels. The effect of alternative fuel chemistry on the combustion characteristics is noticeable both in the flamelet calculation and the CFD main flow field computations. This is particularly the case for MB.
Suicide in Fiji: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Morris P. , Maniam T.
Published: June 2011

Clinical experience, public perceptions and research have indicated that the Indian community have been overrepresented in suicide statistics in Fiji. A computerised Medline search of the literature back to 1966 on suicide and ethnicity in Fiji using the search words SUICIDE and FIJI was performed supplemented by other relevant research and published material.

A consistent pattern of higher suicide rates for the Indian population in Fiji compared to the indigenous Fijian population was found. Factors including religious and cultural beliefs, higher suicide risk in rural areas, use of toxic biocides as a method of suicide and relatively high suicide rates in young Indian women are discussed.

Evidence for Indian vulnerability to suicide in Fiji has to date been based upon uncontrolled, descriptive observations. Helpful directions for future research include studying postulated vulnerability variables for suicide in the Indian community. Asia Pac J Public Health 2000;12(1):46-49
Differences in Blood Pressure Level and Hypertension in Three Ethnic Groups of Northeastern India
Authors: Hazarika N.C. , Biswas D. , Narain K. , Phukan R.K. , Kalita H.C. , Mahanta J.
Published: June 2011

A cross sectional study on hypertension was done on 294 subjects aged 30 years and above. 150 households were selected randomly representing 50 households from each locality inhabited exclusively by the rural Mizos, indigenous rural Assamese and the tea-garden workers respectively, in the northeastern region of India. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmo-manorneter in sitting posture. Anthro-pometric measurements were taken using standard procedure for measuring height, weight, waist and hip girth. Information on age, sex, ethnicity, literacy, alcohol intake, smoking pattern, physical activity, occupation, amount of salt consumption was collected using a standard and pre-tested questionnaire. Significant differences were observed in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels among the three different ethnic groups selected for this study ( p<0.0001). Multiple regression analyses indicated that in Mizos, age, waist circumference and alcohol intake were independently associated with increase in systolic blood pressure whereas smoking was found to be negatively associated with systolic blood pressure ( R2=0.391, p<0.001). Factors, which were the best predictors of diastolic blood pressure, were age and body mass index [(kg/m2) ( R2=0.227, p<0.001)]. In the rural Assamese population, the best predictors of systolic blood pressure were age and waist circumference ( R2=0.263, p=0.018). For the diastolic blood pressure, age, alcohol intake and body mass index were important correlates ( R2 = 0.131, p<0.001). In the tea garden community, important predictors of systolic blood pressure were age, gender and marital status ( R2=0.187, p<0.001). On the other hand, age and alcohol intake were best predictors for diastolic blood pressure ( R2=0.09, p<0.001). Asia Pac J Public Health 2000,-12(2): 71-78
Should Community-Managed Drug Stores be Phased Out?
Authors: Flores Francisco P. , Umenai Takusei , Wakai Susumu
Published: June 2011

The existence of community-managed drug stores (CDS), operated by trained village health workers under the supervision of health officials, is under threat in the Philippines. This is to determine if there is an association between households' access to medicines and three types of CDS, namely, Botika Binhi (BB), Family Health Management By and For Urban Poor Settlers Pharmacy (FAMUSCY) and Botika ng Barangay (BnB) in selected urban and rural communities in a province where all three types operate. The study design was case-control using structured interviews and observations. Atotal of 1,710 households or 90% of the total were interviewed, and the medicines at home were inspected. Indicators for the five dimensions of access are affordability, availability, A1 quality, acceptability and appropriateness. The village with the longest-running CDS for each type was selected. Result: there is an association between the presence of any of the three CDS and villagers' perception of affordability of medicines, between FAMUSCY or BnB and availability of unbranded medicines at home as well as perception of counselling provided by prescribers and dispensers to be more than eacpected. On the contrary, there is an inverse association between the presence of FAMUSCY and availability of herbal plants at home, between BnB and percent of correct uses of medicines at home, and between either FAMUSCY or BnB and perceptions of availability of medicines and quality of services by dispensers at patronised drug outlets. Conclusion: Phasing out CDS should be weighed against the benefit of making medicines affordable at the village level, promoting the use of unbranded medicines and herbal plants with recognised therapeutic value, and keeping the clients informed through drug counselling provided by prescribers and dispensers. Asia Pac J Public Health 2001;13(1): 9-12
Health Beliefs and Pap Smears Among Thai Women in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Jirojwong Sansnee , Maclennan Robert , Manderson Lenore
Published: June 2011

Although a number of studies have assessed the use of Pap smear among Thai women in Thailand, little is known about factors influencing the use of this cervical cancer screening among potentially high risk Thai migrant women. We related health belief model (HBM) factors and sociodemographic variables to the use of Pap smears among migrant Thai women in Brisbane, Australia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. A snowball sampling method was used to recruit 145 women.

Thirty-nine percent reported regular Pap smears. Summary HBM index and self-efficacy index were positively associated with Pap smears. Barriers to screening were negatively associated.

The HBM appears to be a useful framework for planning cervical cancer prevention. Strategies that reduce barriers to the screening and increase the confidence of women and their self-efficacy are likely to increase their participation. Asia Pac J Public Health 2001;13(1):20-23
Towards a Comparative Analysis of Health Systems Reforms in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Hong Kai , cum laude A.M. , Huibin Amelia
Published: June 2011

The paper will review a representative selection of health systems reforms throughout the Asia-Pacific region to summarise the regional experience, identify the key lessons learnt from innovative health reforms and propose policy recommendations for sustainable health systems development. Broad descriptive trends of health systems reforms will be compared across the Asia-Pacific region within the context of rapid demographic, health and socio-economic development. More specifically, the study will address the following questions: 1. What are the main features of innovative health systems reforms? 2. How have these reforms affected the health systems? 3. Are there lessons and other implications from these reforms?

A common conceptual framework to compare health systems reforms is adopted, using a standardised format to report data of national health systems.

A classification of health systems is constructed by categorising them according to the level of development of their respective economies: 1) Developed 2 )High Performing 3) Newly Industrialising 4) Transitional, and 5) Developing. A typology of common issues, challenges and responses are generalised for these health systems at different stages of socio-economic development of individual countries. Evaluative criteria are proposed to compare the long term effects of these reforms on national health systems in terms of efficiency, equity, quality and sustainability. Asia Pac J Public Health 2002; 14(1): 9 -16
Role of Teleconsultation in Moving the Healthcare System Forward
Authors: Yusof Khairuddin , Neoh Karen Hong Beng , bin Hashim Muhammad Arif , Ishak Ibrahim
Published: June 2011

The equitable access to quality healthcare by Malaysians has consistently been the primary objective of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The epidemiological transition to chronic illnesses, advances in medical technology, escalating healthcare costs and rising patient expectations has necessitated the strategic use of information systems in healthcare delivery. Malaysia has broken new ground by implementing a nationwide network to address inadequate access to healthcare, as well as to lower costs and achieve better health outcomes. Teleconsultation refers to the electronic transmission of medical information and services from one site to another using telecommunication technologies. This technology transforms the healthcare system by rapidly matching patient needs with the appropriate level of care however geographically remote they may be. Our findings suggest that even in these early stages of implementation, teleconsultation has led to cost savings, a more efficient allocation of resources, enhanced diagnostic options and better health outcomes. Asia Pac J Public Health 2002; 14(1): 29 - 34
Weight Loss Practices Among Malaysian Adults
Authors: Kong Wai-Theng , Chua Siew-Siang , Alwi Syireen
Published: June 2011

The practice of losing weight is gaining popularity globally with an increase in health consciousness among the general public. A survey was conducted in seven shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur and its neighbouring towns to assess the weight-loss practices of the general public. Out of the 1032 people approached by the researcher, 389 (37.7%) admitted that they had tried to lose weight before. Of these respondents, 50.4% had the wrong perceptions about their weight with 39.1% of the respondents having BMI lower than what they had perceived. The most common weight-loss method used was dieting (89.5%), followed by exercise (81%) and the use of slimming teas (24.9%). Exercise (79.0%) was perceived as the most effective method for losing weight, followed by dieting (71.6%). Most respondents (60.6%) obtained their weight-loss products from the pharmacies but only 34.9% of these respondents had consulted the pharmacists on these products. Therefore, pharmacists should play a more active role in assisting the general public to lose weight successfully and safely. Asia Pac J Public Health 2002; 14(2): 99-104.
Efficacy of CVD Risk Factor Modification in a Lower-Middle Class Community in Pakistan: The Metroville Health Study
Authors: Aziz K.U. , Dennis B. , Davis C.E. , Sun K. , Burke G. , Manolio T. , Faruqui A.M.A. , Chagani H. , Ashraf T. , Patel N. , Jafery H. , Ghauri S. , Faisal M. , Tareen A.K.
Published: June 2011

The Metroville Health Study aimed to reduce consumption of total cooking fats by 33%, salt by 25% and replace ghee with vegetable oil in a lower middle class urban community in Pakistan. Households (n=403) were randomly assigned to Intervention and Control groups. A baseline screening collected data on CVD risk factors, knowledge and attitudes and household consumption of cooking fats and salt. Intervention households received information about CVD and regular visits by social workers who measured cooking fats and salt and counselled cooks on the goals of intervention. Two years later, 291 households were re-screened. Intervention households reduced consumption of fats and salt compared to differences were total fat, 48% ( p<0.0001); ghee, 37% ( p=0.005); vegetable oil, 33% ( p=0.0001); and salt, 41% ( p=0.011). Household visits by trained social workers were effective in achieving reductions in consumption of cooking fat and salt in a lower class urban community. Asia Pac J Public Health 2003; 15(1): 30-36.
Acceptability Study of Sex Workers Attending the HIV/ AIDS Clinic in Ruili, China
Authors: Wong William-CW
Published: June 2011

A charitable clinic was set up to provide HIV/STD education and care to commercial sex workers in Ruili. Despite regular promotion of the clinic, few people had utilised the service. Therefore, a qualitative study was carried out among 89 sex workers between March and April 2001 to look at the background of our target group, their medical-seeking behaviours and the range of services expected. The turnover rates of sex workers were high. They had good awareness but poor knowledge of STD/HIV Many self-medicated or sought advice from peers. They had a serious concern for private practitioners or the quality of drugs from pharmacy stores. They found our clinic inconvenient and did not meet their needs. Subsequently, we refurbished the clinic, implemented changes and retrained our staff. The number of patients treated three weeks after re-opening of the clinic has increased by three folds, with many of them still sex workers, and the clinic's income increased by 58%. Our experience has important implications for policymakers and other NGOs working with sex workers. Asia Pac J Public Health 2003; 15(1): 57-61.
The Need for Integrated Primary Health Care to Enhance the Effectiveness of Health Services
Authors: Lee Albert
Published: June 2011

With the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses and health compromising behaviours, health care expenditure is escalating with the expansion of hospital services. Integrated primary health care would enhance the cost effectiveness of health care delivery. Recent studies on primary care health services research in Hong Kong indicated that there is a high level of inappropriate utilisation of hospital emergency services, a high prevalence of youth health risk behaviours particularly mental health which would lead to a heavy burden on health services in the future. The community based rehabilitation provided a better quality of life for chronic illness patients, better drug compliance for chronic illness patients in family practice, and a disproportionate amount of budget is spent on law reinforcement and treatment for drug abuse rather than on prevention and education. The findings strongly indicate the need to have a strong primary health care team with well trained family physicians and trained health professionals as primary care practitioners to provide services on health promotion; curative; rehabilitation and supporting services; supporting self help activities of individuals, families and groups. This would minimize compartmentalisation in health care delivery, and is also a cost effective way of providing high quality holistic and comprehensive care that meets the needs of the majority of the population. Asia Pac J Public Health 2003; 15(1): 62-67 .
Caregiving Burden is Associated with Short rather than Long Duration of Care for Older Persons
Authors: Zainuddin J. , Arokiasamy J.T. , Poi P.J.H.
Published: June 2011

This is a preliminary cross-sectional study of 51 caregivers of older persons attending the Geriatric Clinic at an urban hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A questionnaire helped determine how the duration of caregiving affects the outcome of caregiver burden. The short version of Zarit's Burden Interview (BI) allowed the burden level to be grouped as low or high burden. The duration of caregiving was also grouped into short (two or less years) or long (more than two years) durations. One third of the caregivers, 31% (16 out of 51) reported high burden and within this group 81%, (13 out of 16) are short duration caregivers. Majority of the longer duration caregivers, 88% (21 out of 24) reported low level of burden. This was a significant finding ( p-value 0.008). The study also showed that a higher proportion of caregivers are employed, working in the private sector, and earn less than RM2,000 per month. However, these findings were not significantly associated with high burden. It is concluded that although this study showed low level of caregiver burden, shorter duration of caregiving is associated with higher level of burden and longer duration of caregiving is associated with lower level of burden. Asia Pac J Public Health 2003; 15(2): 88-93.
A Pilot Study of Dental Caries Status in relation to Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Oral Health in Myanmar
Authors: Ogawa H. , Soe P. , Myint B. , Sein K. , Kyaing M.M. , Maw K.K. , Oo H.M. , Murai M. , Miyazaki H.
Published: June 2011

This study was to determine the dental caries prevalence among the Myanmar population, and to investigate the correlations between oral clinical indices and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on oral health. Subjects were randomly selected from 140,000 people residing in the Kyauktan township in a cross-sectional community-based study. The present analysis was confined to 739 subjects (353 males and 386 females) aged 12,35-44 and 65-74 years, who were divided into two specified groups based on urban or rural location. KAP on oral health data and social demographc information were collected, while dental caries status was assessed by DMFT. The mean number of decayed teeth (DT) in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas, while the mean number of filled teeth (FT) in rural areas was lower than that in urban areas. Mean knowledge and attitude scores for correct answers were also significantly higher for the urban than the rural subjects. There were statistically significant correlations between the correct/incorrect responses to knowledge and attitude questionnaires on oral health and the mean number of DMFT. KAP pertaining to oral health of Myanmar population, especially those of rural subjects, might not be satisfactory and related to threaten their dental caries status. Asia Pac J Public Health 2003; 15(2): 111-117.
Secretory Iga Level in Pharyngeal Mucous of Infants with Different Feeding Methods at the Age of Four to Eight Weeks
Authors: Hokama T. , Fujiwara H.
Published: June 2011

The stimulating effect of human breast milk on the mucosal immunological development of recipient infant has been speculated. The objective of this study was to clarify the influence of breast feeding on the level of secretory IgA (sIgA) of infants. The level of sIgA in pharyngeal mucous among 79 healthy infants aged 4-8 weeks with different feeding methods was estimated. The concentrations of sIgA and protein were measured after the mucous absorbed by the throat swab was emulsified in saline. The level of sIgA was expressed as a percentage of the total protein content (sIgA % protein). The difference of the mean sIgA % protein was not significant among infants with different feeding methods. The results suggest that breast milk does not influence the sIgA levels of infant. Breast feeding may promote specific sIgA production without raising the total level of sIgA. Asia Pac J Public Health 2003; 15(2): 124-126.
IT Usage, Perceptions and Literacy of Medical Students
Authors: Bulgiba A.M. , Noran M.H.
Published: June 2011

A cross-sectional study of medical students using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia from December 2000 to January 2001 to determine IT usage, perceptions and literacy of medical students. 366 of 653 (56.0%) students reported owning some type of personal computer. Students mainly used the computer to get onto the Internet, do word-processing and make presentations. Junior (Year One and Two) students and those who had used computers before entering university were more likely to use the Internet. Those who own computers were more likely to feel comfortable with software (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.38). Students who use the Internet were more likely to perceive that IT facilitated their studies (OR 4.61, 95% CI: 2.35, 9.05). The highest self-reported IT skill was e-mailing followed by surfing the World Wide Web and word-processing. Male students and junior students had significantly higher self-reported IT literacy scores compared to female students and senior students. Significant predictors for an IT identifier score after adjusting for other variables were self-reported rating of computer knowledge, number of siblings, parents' income and gender. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2003; 15(2): 127-134.
Sex in Two Cities - Gay Men, Risk and HIV in Perth and- Sydney
Authors: Brown G. , Maycock B. , Prestage G. , Ven P.V.D.
Published: June 2011

After massive and sustained reductions in HIV risk behaviour amongst Australian gay men in the 1980's and early 1990's, since 1996 there have been signs of small but significant increases in unprotected anal intercourse. Gay communities are responding to a post crisis context. However, is this response constant across different locations? This paper investigates changes in sexual negotiation and behaviour amongst gay men in the relatively small Australian city of Perth between 1998 and 2002 and compares these results to similar studies in Sydney, an Australian HIV epicentre city. A number of important similarities and differences between the Perth and Sydney samples are identified, particularly in casual contexts and disclosure of HIV status, identifying that isolated or smaller cities may experience similar phenomena to larger cities, but these may be due to different reasons. The findings point to the need for complementary qualitative research and cautions health promotion practitioners to test their assumptions when developing responses to prevent HIV transmission. Asia Pac JPublic Health 2004; 16(1): 3-8.
Development of a Screening Instrument to Detect Physical Abuse and its Use in a Cohort of Pregnant Women in Sri Lanka
Authors: Moonesinghe L.N. , Rajapaksa L.C. , Samarasinghe G.
Published: June 2011

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a screening instrument (Abuse Assessment Questionnaire) to estimate the prevalence of physical abuse in a cohort of pregnant women in a district of Sri Lanka. The samples of 1200 pregnant women were identified by using a cluster sampling technique. Public health midwives (primary healthcare workers) were selected as interviewers and the antenatal clinic was identified as the setting to identify physical abuse. The reliability and validity (sensitivity 85.7%; specificity 89.7%) of the screening instrument proved to be high. The prevalence of physical abuse in categories 'ever-abuse', 'current abuse' and 'current pregnancy' were 18.3%, 10.6% and 4.7% respectively. In addition, 'current sexual abuse' was reported by 2.7% of women. The prevalence rates indicate that the physical abuse of women is a significant public health problem. The Abuse Assessment Questionnaire, administered by public health midwives, proved valuable in detecting physical abuse in pregnant women. If this instrument is used universally to screen Lankan women for physical abuse in antenatal clinics, it has good potential for early detection and intervention. Asia Pac J Public Health 2004; 16(2): 138-144.
The Determinants of Long-Term Care Utilization and Equity of Access to Care among Older Adults in Dong-Ku of Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea
Authors: Park J.M.
Published: June 2011

Under the current health care system, around three percent of the elderly remain uninsured. Based on the 2003 Dong-Ku Health Status Survey and the Aday and Andersen Access Framework, the present study examined the social and behavioral determinants of long-term care utilization and the extent to which equity in the use of long-term care services for the elderly has been achieved. The results indicate that universal health insurance system has not yielded a fully equitable distribution of services. Type of coverage and resource availability do not remain predictors of long-term care utilization.

The data suggest that a universal health insurance system exists in South Korea with significant access problems for the population without insurance. Access differences also arise from obstacles in expanding the scope and level of plan benefits due to financial disparity among insurers. Health policy reforms must continue to concentrate on extending insurance coverage to the uninsured and establishing long-term insurance system for the elderly. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005; 17(2): 104-109.
Climate Change and the Transmission of Vector-Borne Diseases: A Review
Authors: Ying Zhang  , Peng Bi  , Hiller Janet E.
Published: June 2011

This article reviews studies examining the relationship between climate variability and the transmission of vector- and rodent-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Ross River virus infection, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The review has evaluated their study designs, statistical analysis methods, usage of meteorological variables, and results of those studies. The authors found that the limitations of analytical methods exist in most of the articles. Besides climatic variables, few of them have included other factors that can affect the transmission of vector-borne disease (eg, socioeconomic status). In addition, the quantitative relationship between climate and vector-borne diseases is inconsistent. Further research should be conducted among different populations with various climatic/ecological regions by using appropriate statistical models.
Smoking Among Vietnamese Medical Students: Prevalence, Costs, and Predictors
Authors: Nguyen Van Huy  , Dao Thi Minh An  , Dao Ngoc Phong
Published: June 2011

This cross-sectional study investigated smoking patterns and predictors among Vietnamese medical students. In total, 4720 medical students from 3 universities, each located in South, Central, and North Vietnam, were interviewed using an adapted Global Youth Tobacco Survey Questionnaire. Ideas on smoking behavior and tobacco control derived from group discussions with students and from unstructured interviews with student managers and university directors. Overall, the current smoking rate was 25.0% and dominant in men at 43.7%. Most started smoking when just entering university (18 ± 3.3 years). Male students from the central region had the highest smoking rate (35.1%), whereas their northern counterparts had the greatest smoking magnitude: age of smoking initiation (18.6 ± 3.5), number of cigarettes per day (4.4 ± 4.5), number of smoking days per month (16.5 ± 11.6), and proportion of smoking cost among total expenses per month (10.9% ± 11.9%). Smoking tended to increase across academic years, being highest in years 5 to 6 (35.0%). In contrast, the practice of ever quitting and the intention of quitting tended to decline from years 1-2 to years 5-6 (from 82.2% to 71.5%, P < .05, and from 70.8% to 51.5%, P < .001, respectively). Positive attitudes toward smoking (odds ratio = 1.4, P < .05), negative beliefs on hazards of smoking (odds ratio = 1.7), and daily exposure to family smokers (odds ratio = 2.0, P < .05) and to social smokers (odds ratio = 4.5, P < .05) were main predictors of smoking. Qualitative results suggest that nonsmoking university regulations played a critical role in tobacco control among medical students. Nonsmoking regulations and penalties for students who smoke need to be formulated at medical universities. The message that medical students must make a nonsmoking role model for community should be systematically promoted.
Larvivorous Potential of the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata, in Anopheline Mosquito Control in Riverbed Pools Below the Kotmale Dam, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kusumawathie P.H.D. , Wickremasinghe A.R. , Karunaweera N.D. , Wijeyaratne M.J.S.
Published: June 2011

The larvivorous potential of Poecilia reticulata was studied in the laboratory and in the field. In the laboratory, the number of anopheline larvae consumed per fish per day and the number of larvae in fecal matter per fish were determined. In the field study, 29 of 60 selected riverbed pools in Kotmale oya, below the Kotmale dam, were stocked with P reticulata, whereas the rest served as controls. Anopheline larval surveys were carried out starting from 1 day prior to stocking of fish and on selected days subsequently. P. reticulata consumed an average of 117 ± 32.33 larvae per fish per day. Fecal matter of P. reticulata contained an average of 2.7 ± 2.68 larvae per fish . There was a significant reduction in the number of pools positive for anopheline larvae ( P < .001) after stocking fish and the number of larvae per pool ( P < .001) and per 100 dips ( P < .001) as compared with controls.
The Reliability of Dietary and Lifestyle Information Obtained From Spouses in an Elderly Chinese Population
Authors: Wenbin Liang  , Binns Colin , Lee Andy H. , Rongsheng Huang  , Delong Hu
Published: June 2011

In many health studies of the elderly population, the subjects have cognitive or linguistic impairments, so data need to be collected from surrogates. This study compares dietary and lifestyle information reported by elderly Chinese with those provided by their spouses. Community couples 60 years and older were recruited to participate in an interview. One person from each couple was randomly chosen as the index person. Characteristics concerning the index person were then solicited from that person and separately from his or her spouse using validated questionnaires. For the 128 food items considered, the mean kappa was 0.73 for both frequency (SD 0.18) and amount (SD 0.22) of intake, and more than 70% of the couples had kappa statistics exceeding 0.61. Food items exhibiting high agreement between the spouses include rice, apples, tomatoes, and pork chops. The proportion of perfect agreement was higher than 80% for physical activity, smoking, and tea drinking behaviors. In conclusion, the spouse can serve as a proxy to provide reliable information when his or her partner is unavailable.
Association Between Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Low Birth Weight; A Population Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Rahman Latifah A. , Hairi Noran N. , Salleh Nooriah
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight. A population-based case control study was conducted. Antenatal mothers who attended the government health centers in the district of Kuala Muda, Kedah, Malaysia from June 2003 to May 2004 were recruited. Cases were 312 mothers who delivered low birth weight babies, and controls were 312 mothers who delivered normal birth weight babies. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and a review of medical records were carried out. After controlling for important confounders such as gestational age at delivery, maternal age, ethnicity, education, parity, and previous history of abortion, pregnancy-induced hypertension was found to be an independent risk factor (adjusted odds ratio = 5.06; 95% confidence interval: 2.63, 9.71) for low birth weight. There was a significant association of pregnancy-induced hypertension with low birth weight. Women who delivered low birth weight babies were 5 times more likely to have had pregnancy-induced hypertension.