bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Size‐optimization Design for Variable Length Coding Using Distributed Logic
Authors: Hsia Shih-Chang , Tseng Chien-Cheng
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we first employ an efficient approach to reduce the time to construct a
codeword. With this codeword, a novel VLSI architecture is proposed to realize highspeed
Variable Length Coding (VLC). In order to combine with other circuits using cell‐based
design, we adopt distributed logic rather than memory devices (ROM, PLA) for
the implementation. In this architecture, the VLC coding scheme is partitioned into two
parts, one is the codeword length and order index for bit control, another is the
codeword bank for actual codeword generation. The advantage is that the circuit size of
the proposed method can be reduced, where the transistor count of proposed method is
only 1/2 and 1/4 of that of ROM‐ based and PLA‐based in average, respectively.
A Low Power FIR Filter Design for Image Processing
Authors: Jung Jun Mo , Chong Jong-Wha
Published: September 2007

In this paper, a new low power design method of the FIR filter for image processing is
proposed. Because the correlation between adjacent pixels is very high in image data,
the clock gating technique can be a good candidate for low power strategy. However,
the conventional clock gating strategy that is applied independently to every flip‐flop
of the filter give rise to too much additional area overhead and couldn′t get a good result
in the power reduction. In our method, each tap register, which is used to delay the
input data in the filter, is partitioned into two sub‐registers according to the correlation
characteristic of its input space. For the sub‐register which highly correlated data is
inputted into, the dynamic power consumption is reduced by diminishing switching
activity of the clock signal. We can also reduce the additional hardware overhead by
propagating the clock gating control signal of the first tap register to other tap registers.
To identify the efficiency of the proposed design method, we perform the experiments on
some filters that are designed in VHDL. The power estimation tool says that the
proposed method can reduce the power dissipation of the filter by more than 18%
compared to the conventional filter design methods.
Distributed Fault Simulation Algorithms on Parallel Virtual Machine
Authors: Ravikumar C. P. , Jain Vikas , Dod Anurag
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we describe distributed algorithms for combinational fault simulation
assuming the classical stuck‐at fault model. Our algorithms have been implemented
on a network of Sun workstations under the Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) environment.
Two techniques are used for subdividing work among processors – test set
partition and fault set partition. The sequential algorithm for fault simulation, used on
individual nodes of the network, is based on a novel path compression technique
proposed in this paper. We describe experimental results on a number of ISCAS′85
benchmark circuits.
Cluster‐based Parallel 3‐D Monte CarloDevice Simulation
Authors: Kepkep Asim , Ravaioli Umberto , Winstead Brian
Published: September 2007

The recent improvements in the performance of commodity computer have created very
favorable conditions for building high performance parallel machines from computer
clusters. These are very attractive for 3‐D device simulation, necessary to model
properly carrier‐carrier interaction and granular doping effects in deeply scaled silicon
devices. We have developed a parallel 3‐D Monte Carlo simulation environment
customized for clusters using the Message Passing Library (MPI). The code has been
tested on the supercluster of NCSA at the University of Illinois. We present here test
results for an n‐i‐n diode structure, along with an analysis of performance for two
different domain decomposition schemes.
A Fast Algorithm for the Study of Wave‐packetScattering at Disordered Interfaces
Authors: Barker J. R. , Watling J. R. , Wilkins R. C. W.
Published: September 2007

It has been known for many years that interface roughness scattering, particularly off
the Si/SiO2 interface, is a limiting factor in device performance of MOSFETs. This
becomes increasingly important as gate lengths are shrunk to decanano dimensions
along with the move towards SiGe hetero‐technology. However, analysis of interface
transport is hampered by the lack of detailed physical models, especially for surfaces
where intercalation occurs. This paper presents an efficient method for following the
motion of wave‐packets scattering off a rough interface. We are also able to calculated
directly ab-initio interface scattering rates for use in Monte Carlo simulations.
Backward Propagated Capacitance Model for Register Transfer Level Power Estimation
Authors: Choi Jung Yun , Kim Young Hwan , Cho Kyoung-Rok
Published: September 2007

We present a new approach to the power modeling of functional modules, referred to as
the backward propagated capacitance model, for estimating the power consumption of
VLSI systems that are described at the register transfer level (RTL). To construct the
proposed model, we investigate the effect of the module′s internal capacitance on power
consumption at the gate level. Then, we store the effect in a library in terms of the
equivalent input capacitance of the module. The equivalent input capacitance is used to
compute the module′s power without the lower level elaboration during the power
analysis of the RTL system. In the experiment using benchmark functional modules, the
proposed model showed the absolute modeling error of 1.39% on average. For the
benchmark RTL systems, the proposed model exhibited the absolute error of 3.04% in
power estimation on average. If signal characteristics deviate from the modeling
condition, the modeling error may increase. Experimental results show that the
modeling accuracy can be improved greatly by using a simple compensation method.
Effect of Reverse Body Bias on Current Testing of 0.18 μm Gates
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Sathe Prachi , Mourad Samiha
Published: September 2007

Systematic investigations on defect‐free IDDQ in deep submicron CMOS with reverse
body bias were performed by SPICE simulation towards an attempt to improve
resolution of IDDQ measurement. Effects of reverse body bias on off‐state leakage of
scaled CMOS devices and IDDQ of typical CMOS circuit cells were investigated. It was
found that reverse body bias can effectively reduce defect‐free IDDQ of typical 0.18 μm
technology devices and logic gates while the faulty current is not as much reduced. The
reduction in defect‐free IDDQ was enhanced as the device temperature went up and
diminishes as the temperature went down. Further investigation showed that reverse
body bias also makes the defect‐free IDDQ less sensitive to the input state; therefore, a
single IDDQ current threshold might still be used for IDDQ testing of 0.18 μm CMOS circuits. It was found that there might exist an optimal reverse body bias that minimized
the defect‐free IDDQ current. The optimal reverse bias value decreases as the temperature
went down and might vary from circuit to circuit, process to process, and
technology generation to generation.
An Instruction‐Level Power Analysis Model with Data Dependency
Authors: Ascia Giuseppe , Catania Vincenzo , Palesi Maurizio , Sarta Davide
Published: September 2007

Power constraints are becoming a critical design issue in the field of portable
microprocessor systems. The impact of software on overall system power is becoming
increasingly important as more and more digital applications are implemented as
embedded systems, part of which are hardware (ASICs) and part software in which a
specific application is executed on a processor. In this paper, a data‐dependent
instruction‐level power analysis model is presented. It is compared with the average cost
model proposed by Tiwari et al. [1] in both estimation accuracy and characterisation
time. The data‐dependent model can be generalised to be applied to generic RISC
processor. Application of the data‐dependent model we propose sensibly reduces errors
in estimating software power consumption per clock cycle which is lower than 10%, in
the case of the ST20‐C2P core.
Random Pattern Testability Enhancement by Circuit Rewiring
Authors: Chang Shih-Chieh , Chen Kwen-Yo , Cheng Ching-Hwa , Jone Wen-Ben , Das Sunil R.
Published: September 2007

Generally, there exist random‐pattern resistant faults that result in the poor fault
coverage in Build‐In Self‐Testing (BIST) scheme. In this paper, we propose a method to
enhance the random pattern testability by a circuit restructuring technique, called circuit
rewiring. The basic idea of rewiring is to replace a wire by another wire with the circuit
functionality remaining unchanged. For two types of rewiring, fanin rewiring and
fanout rewiring, we first analyze the testability change for each type of wire replacement.
Based on the analysis, an efficient algorithm is given to enhance circuit testability. For a
poor observability node, we try to increase its observability by adding an additional
fanout to the node and removing an alternative wire whose source node has relatively
good observability. The technique does not introduce any hardware overhead and
performance degradation since a wire addition is followed immediately by another wire
removal. Thus, it is basically cost‐free when compared to other testability enhancement
techniques.
BIST Analysis of an Embedded Memory Associated Logic
Authors: Savir Jacob
Published: September 2007

Of late some interesting and useful work has been done on the problem of testing logic
surrounding embedded memories. This work assumes that the logic surrounding the
memory is functionally partitioned and that the different partitions are logically isolated
one from the other.

This paper expands upon past work using a more flexible design rule which allows
feed‐forward connections between the data‐path Prelogic and Postlogic. The connections
are such that there is no feedback from the memory outputs to its inputs, and both
the Prelogic and the Postlogic are disconnected from the Address and Control logic.
Under this design rule we show the auxiliary circuits used to determine the random
pattern testability of faults in the circuitry driving the address inputs and the controls of
the two‐port memory.

The techniques described herein are intended to be used in conjunction with the cutting
algorithm for testability measurement in built‐in self‐test (BIST) designs [2, 11, 17], but
may also be suitable for use with other detection probability tools [9, 19], and simulation
tools [20].
Exploiting Data‐dependencies in Ultra Low‐power DSP Arithmetic
Authors: Bartlett V. A. , Grass E.
Published: September 2007

Strategies for the design of ultra low power multipliers and multiplier‐accumulators
are reported. These are optimized for asynchronous applications being able to take
advantage of data‐dependent computation times. Nevertheless, the low power
consumption can be obtained in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.
Central to the energy efficiency is a dynamic‐logic technique termed Conditional
Evaluation which is able to exploit redundancies within the carry‐save array and deliver
energy consumption which is also heavily data‐dependent.

Energy efficient adaptations for handling two′s complement operands are introduced.
Area overheads of the proposed designs are estimated and transistor level simulation
results of signed and unsigned multipliers as well as a signed multiplier‐accumulator are given.

Normalized comparisons with other designs show our approach to use less energy
than other published multipliers.
A Fast Algorithm for Transistor Folding
Authors: Cheng Edward Y. C. , Sahni Sartaj
Published: September 2007

Transistor folding reduces the area of row‐based designs that employ transistors of
different size. Kim and Kang [1] have developed an O(m2 log m) algorithm to optimally fold m transistor pairs. In this paper we develop an O(m2) algorithm for optimal transistor folding. Our experiments indicate that our algorithm runs 3 to 60 times as fast
for m values in the range (100, 100,000).
The Teleporter Zone: Interactive Media Arts in the Healthcare Context
Authors: Sermon Paul
Published: September 2007

The author discusses the recent development and implementation of The Teleporter Zone, a permanent interactive art installation commissioned by Guy's and St Thomas' Charity for the new Evelina Children's Hospital in London. The article places the production and conception of this installation in the context of the author's research in telematic and telepresent art over the past 15 years, alongside current research reports on the effects and influences of the arts on healthcare. The author also draws upon personal experiences in order to provide practical insights into the objectives and outcomes of this work in the healthcare context.
Political Support
Authors: Criado Henar , Herreros Francisco
Published: September 2007

The analysis of the causes of political support for political institutions has been focused either on one-case studies that stress the relevance of individual variables or cross-national studies that stress the role of institutions. In this article, the authors suggest that to understand the logic of political support, it is necessary to combine both types of explanations. Using evidence from 17 European countries of the 2002 to 2003 European Social Survey data set, the authors show that the effect of the performance of the institution on political support is higher in majoritarian democracies, where the attribution of responsibility for policy outcomes is clear, than in proportional democracies. They also show that the effect of ideology on political support depends on the type of democracy: Those citizens ideologically far from the government will show higher levels of political support in proportional democracies than in majoritarian ones.
The Global Impact of Quotas
Authors: Aili Mari Tripp  , Kang Alice
Published: September 2007

Quotas have become an important mechanism through which women today are entering legislatures worldwide. This study shows that the introduction of quotas has helped overcome constraints on women's representation posed by economic underdevelopment, cultural influences, and even electoral systems. This study also demonstrates that the introduction of quotas offers the most explanatory power for women's representation today, together with electoral systems that allow for greater candidate turnover (i.e., party-list proportional representation systems). The majority of studies explaining women's legislative representation prior to 2000 focused on electoral systems, cultural considerations, and the strength of leftist political parties. Since the mid-1990s, however, an increasing number of countries have introduced gender quotas, which this article incorporates into older models in cross-national multivariate analysis.
Beyond Nonprofit Management Education: Leadership Development in a Time of Blurred Boundaries and Distributed Learning
Authors: Paton Rob , Mordaunt Jill , Cornforth Chris
Published: September 2007

This article argues that three broad trends—changes in nonprofit organizations, changes in the ways they are led, and changes in the available technologies of learning—combine to challenge the long-term viability of discrete full-time programs of nonprofit management education. To explore this contention, the authors draw on several sets of evidence. First, they examine literature about these trends. Second, they draw on their research and consultancies in nonprofit management and in large-scale educational strategies. Third, they draw on their experiences of developing and teaching nonprofit management education programs in the United Kingdom. They argue that new problems have overlaid old problems in the nonprofit world. However, these are linked to broader societal trends that reflect new ways of organizing, and this shifts the focus of learning and development. Finally, they review the implications for nonprofit management education and set out some principles to guide new developments in this field.
Hegemonic Masculinities, the Multinational Corporation, and the Developmental State
Authors: Elias Juanita
Published: September 2007

This article analyzes how the mainstream study of multinational corporations (MNCs) reflects a set of gendered assumptions that construct the firm as a hegemonically masculine political actor. It is suggested that the same masculinist assumptions that are found in these writings on MNCs take shape within firms in the form of a masculinist managerialism that constructs women workers in terms of their “productive femininity.” There is an extensive literature on women's employment in MNCs and their subsidiaries; the author suggests that this focus on women workers is only a starting point for developing a gendered understanding of global production. Importantly, a focus on “feminine” work and the role that masculinist managerial practices play in underpinning this construction provides insight into the gendered structures and institutions that support the workings of the global political economy.
Liquorice and its health implications
Authors: Olukoga Adebayo , Donaldson David
Published: September 2007

This article presents an overview of the health implications of liquorice. Liquorice has beneficial applications in the medicinal and the confectionery sectors; the substance, therefore, is both widely available and commercially attractive. However, the ingestion of liquorice, and/or its active metabolites, can sometimes produce an acquired form of appar ent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) syndrome, expressed as sodium retention, potassium loss and suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, in addition to clinical consequences such as raised blood pressure and oedema. Moreover, these metabolic changes, the mechanisms underlying which are highlighted in the accompanying text, are associated with a number of additional clinical symptoms. Considering the easy availability of liquorice itself and also of other products containing its active metabolites, it is quite possible that the health burden of liquorice-induced morbidity could be substantial. Healthcare practitioners need to be fully aware of the risks in view of a large number of reports in the literature concerning its toxicity.
The long-term safety and tolerability of ispaghula husk
Authors: Oliver S.D.
Published: September 2007

The safety and tolerability of ispaghula husk, which can now be used as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypercholes terolaemia, was assessed in 93 healthy subjects over a 52-week period. The study looked at the nutritional, biochemical, and haematological effects of ispaghula. Over the study period there were small but statistically significant changes in some measurements of minerals and vitamin lev els, and in some haematological and biochemical parameters. However, none of these were of clini cal significance, with the possible exception of changes in vitamin B12 levels. A daily dose of 10.5 g ispaghula was well tolerated and the major ity of adverse events recorded were minor, of short duration and either unrelated or possibly related to the study treatment. The results suggest that ispaghula husk can be used with confidence for the long-term treatment of mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolaemia.
Retail fast foods: overview of safe sandwich manufacture
Authors: Smith J.L. , Davies G.J. , Bent A.J.
Published: September 2007

The manufacture of sandwiches on a large scale for purchase at retail outlets is anything but simple. There are many quality, safety and hygiene processes that must be taken into account before, during and after production. A manufacturer must be sure of the requirements for quality and safety to determine suitable sup pliers, methods of assembly, packaging, and dis tribution methods. Procedures must be in place throughout production to ensure safe food is being offered for sale to the consumer. Some of the steps to assure good quality include Haz ard Analysis Critical Control Points and tem perature control, both of which are legal requirements and implementing good manu facturing practice. There are strict legal require ments for labelling that have to be followed. This article concludes that safe sandwich manufacture on a large scale is a very complex process incorporating many hygiene, safety and legal requirements.
The head louse in Italy : an epidemiological study among schoolchildren
Authors: Petrelli G. , Majori G. , Maggini M. , Taggi F. , Maroli M. , Pierdominici G. , Pierdominici E.
Published: September 2007

WIDESPREAD head louse infestation (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer) among schoolchildren has been recorded in Italy. An investigation was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and to identify the factors which contribute to the spread of the ediculosis. In this study (March 23 to April 21,1978) 1,988 pupils grouped proportionally to the numerical division in three types of schools were examined. The prevalence of pediculosis in the school population stüdied was 9.6%; no significant differences were detected among the three types of schools examined. Distribution of cases by degree of infestation and hair length was also studied. Distribution of para sitosis seems not to depend on the number of pupils in a class, while it was influenced by the size of the family. In the Elementary and Primary schools prevalence among females was twice that of males, while no relationship was detected between infestation and sex in the Nursery schools.
Social Distance Between Self and Stigmatized Others
Authors: Togonu-Bickersteth F.
Published: September 2007

The study examines the social distance subjects put between themselves and ten categories of stigmatized individuals. Subjects were 232 randomly selected undergraduates of the University of Ife, Nigeria. Data for the study was gathered through self-administered questionnaires. The results indicate that the stigma repulsing the subjects most were quadriplegia and epilepsy and the stigma to which they responded most favourably was ugliness. There was a significant rela tionship between sex and social distance with females forming a larger percentage of subjects with high social distance scores. Social distance was also found to be related to functional limitedness of the stigma and the degree of projected intimacy between subjects and the stigmatized. The study concludes by suggesting that further research in the area of attitude towards the stigmatized should differentiate between the cognitive, affective and activity components of the normal's reac tion to the stigmatized.
Parental influences upon alcohol use by teenagers in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Oshodin O.G.
Published: September 2007

ON THE basis of data on alcohol drinking patterns collected from a sample of 500 teenagers in Benin City, Nigeria, this study revealed that teenagers were introduced to alcohol drinking by their parents out of ignorance. The majority of the teenagers (60%) reported that they started drinking alcohol at home and at a tender age. The alcohol drinking was also identified to have started during traditional activi ties or administered by parents as alcohol concoction (mixture of alcohol and herbs).
Silent genital herpes simplex infection among asymptomatic female college students
Authors: McSherry J.A.
Published: September 2007

A STUDY examined the risk for silent genital herpes simplex infection in a systematic sample of a population known to have above average prevalence and incidence of clinical infections. Using virus isolation and identification for diagnosis, validating the technique by achieving com plete agreement between clinical diagnoses of herpes infection and laboratory confirmation during the study period and comparing the results with those obtained from conventional cervical cytology, no instances of silent infection were found. Routine screening of high risk populations for silent genital herpes simplex infection may be conducted adequately by cervical cytology. 23% of this population of young women gave a history of recurrent herpes labialis.
Menstruation Problems in Nigerian Students and Sex Education
Authors: Osujih Michael
Published: September 2007

THE ONSET of menarche and subsequent menstruation problems in 420 secondary school girls in the Rivers State, Nigeria, selected on urban/rural equal representation criterion were studied. Results show that the age at which menarche occurs among the girls cluster at the range of 11 to 14 years. Girls in the urban schools attain menarche earlier than those in the rural areas. The emotional and mental preparation of the girls both in the home and school were found to be very inadequate.

Six major menstrual disorders; premenstrual syndrome, prolonged flow, painful menstruation, scanty flow, ir regular cycle and vaginal itching were encountered. Personal hygiene including choice of sanitary materials for care of menstruation was equally poor. It is concluded that sex education of the girls on the growth and developmental changes about to take place in their own bodies at puberty and adolescence should be an integral aspect of school curricula, at all levels of the educational system. It is also suggested that the media - radio, television and the press should be mobilised for mass enlightenment on the management of menstruation.
Phenothrin Lotions in the Treatment of Head Louse Infestation
Authors: Miller A.J. , Miller R.B. , Simpson M.B.
Published: September 2007

FIFTY-SIX PATIENTS with head lice were treated with a single application of one of two alternative preparations of a phenothrin insecticidal lotion, 32 with aqueous/alcoholic formulation and 24 with an alcoholic formulation.

Inspection the day following treatment showed that no live lice remained, but that 8 of 30 original cases of viable eggs remained in the aqueous/alcoholic group, and 6 of 23 original cases remained in the alcoholic group.

Re-inspection three weeks after treatment showed total resolution of both live lice and viable eggs in both treatment groups.

Both lotions were well tolerated although a number of patients complained of smell and stinging, this latter being only mild and of short duration.

A questionnaire administered to 32 patients (18 treated with aqueous/alcoholic lotion, and 14 with alcoholic lotion) showed that both lotions were accept able to patients. The aqueous/alcoholic lotion took longer to dry, but this was balanced by a marginal disadvantage of the alcoholic formulation in terms of smell, mild stinging, and less cosmetic acceptability. The study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the lotion formulations, and suggests that the aqueous/ alcoholic lotion would be a useful addition to a pre viously studied phenothrin shampoo.
Muscle Repair for Esophageal Speech
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Komiyama Sohtaro , Hiroto Ikuichiro
Published: September 2007

IT IS generally believed that satisfactory esophageal speech is only obtained in 40 to 65% of patients. We concentrated on manipulation ofthe constrictor muscle in laryngectomy as being the key to solving the problem of difficulty in esophageal speech. Thus, we have been devising ways to suture the constrictor muscles. Retrospectively, the patients could be grouped into three categories. In the first group the ends of the thyropharyngeus as well as the cricopharyngeus were sutured tightly together. The patients in the second group had only the thyropharyngeus sutured, while the cricopharyngeus as left as it was. In the third group both muscles remained free after removal of the larynx. Percentages of patients acquiring effective esophageal speech were: 40% (6/15) for Group 1, 80% (33/41) for Group 2 and 88% (15/17) for Group 3.
Double-Blind Trial on the Effectiveness of the Puspokladany Thermal Water on Arthrosis of the Knee-Joints
Authors: Szucs Laszlo , Ratko Istvan , Lesko Tibor , Szoor Istvan , Genti Gyorgy , Balint Geza
Published: September 2007

THE AUTHORS examined the effectiveness of the thermal water of Puspokladany on 62 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee in a double-blind, placebo controlled study. Thermal water decreased pain in movement and tenderness of the knee significantly compared to that of the control group. Bath-reaction (increase of ESR, leukocyte number and spontaneous pain) was observed only in the group treated with thermal water. The results indi cate, that the thermal water of Puspokladany is suitable for treating patients suffering from degenerative arthopathies.

In a previous announcement, Varga and his colleagues had established that a 20-days bath treat ment in the thermal water of Puspokladany signifi cantly reduced the pain of spondylosis patients when the treatment was applied in the undiluted thermal water. Bath reaction was shown on the patients who were treated in the undiluted thermal water, which was proved by the significant increase of the leucocyte number. The present paper deals with the study and tests we conducted to establish the effect of Puspokla dany's thermal water on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Evaluation of an Intensive 'Train-the-Trainer' Course in AIDS Counselling in Zimbabwe
Authors: Bor Robert , Elford Jonathan , Salt Heather
Published: September 2007

THE ANTICIPATED increase in the number of people with HIV infection and AIDS in Zim babwe, together with those who have associated worries, will place extra demands upon clinical and counselling services in the coming decade. To meet these demands, a wide range of health care staff will have to acquire specialist counselling skills. For this reason, an intensive two-day HIV/AIDS train-the- trainer counselling course was run at the Family Counselling Unit (FCU), Harare, in April 1990. The aim was to teach training and supervision skills in AIDS counselling so that those professionals with experience could confidently teach others counselling skills for people with HIV/AIDS. The structure, content and evaluation of the course are presented here. Overall, the course was positively evaluated by the 42 trainees who came from Harare and other towns in Zimbabwe. The different teaching activities (role play, discussion) and course objectives (to develop specialist skills, address diverse problems) were especially well thought of. However, a few trainees were critical of the teaching format and lack of time available for teaching. This training experience may help others in establishing courses for the training of trainers in AIDS counselling elsewhere.
The Psychological Effects of Disaster Work: Implications for Disaster Planning
Authors: Bradford Roger , John Alexandra Mary
Published: September 2007

THE PAPER focuses on the psychological consequences of disaster work. The issue of identifying staff who may be more vulnerable to psychological distress is discussed as is the need for services to plan psychological screening and support for staff who will be exposed to the trauma of dealing with the aftermath of disasters. It is concluded that active steps need to be taken to incorporate psychological aspects into disaster plan ning. Specifically, attention should be paid to staff selection, training, use of resources, supervision, debriefing, counselling and feedback.
The Efficacy of a Peptide-Nucleic Acid Solution (RETICULOSE™*) for the Treatment of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B - A Preliminary Controlled Human Clinical Trial
Authors: Cohen Matthew
Published: September 2007

To complete this preliminary study 53 patients were chosen. All patients were screened, diagnosed for Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B and separated into treatment and control groups. All of the patients selected were in the early onset stage of their infection, and diagnosed for Hepatitis A or B by appropriate laboratory tests with special attention to Anti-HAV, IGM and HepB surface Antigen to carefully differentiate those with A from those with B. The treated patients received Reticulose for a 15 day period and the control patients received placebo injections of physiological saline. Reticulose patients with Hepatitis showed positive. 18 patients with Hepatitis B and 9 patients with Hepatitis A were treated with Reticulose, compared to 17 control patients with Hepatitis B and 9 control patients with Hepatitis A treated with placebo. Based upon laboratory findings of several parameters; Prothrombin times, Serum bilirubin, white blood cell (WBC count) and clinical observations; Reticulose treated patients appeared to show significant improvement. The bilirubin levels of 83% of patients with Hepatitis B, treated with Reticulose for 15 days were in normal range in 30 days. None of the control patients were within normal range after 30 days with placebo treatment. Of Hepatitis A patients treated with Reticulose, 100% showed normal bilirubin after 30 days. Of control patients with Hepatitis A, only 22% were in normal range after 30 days. The findings in this preliminary trial lead to the conclusion that Reticulose appears to significantly reduce the recovery time and return to normal for patients with an acute episode of Hepatitis A or B. Further study is indicated.
Training of Environmental Health Officers in Anglophone West Africa: How Adequate for Environmental Monitoring?
Authors: Emeharole Patrick O.
Published: September 2007

There is concern that the curriculum for training Environmental Health Officers (EHO) in Anglophone English speaking West Africa grossly lags behind the skills needed by sanitarians in the sub-region to cope with the challenge of environmental monitoring/control.

This paper examines in detail the existing curriculum for the training of EHOs at the diploma and degree levels in the sub-region and observes that both curricula lack sufficient credit weight to impart the desired skills to perform the highly scientific task of environmental monitoring. Suggestions are made on ways and means of enhancing the professional education of EHOs in the sub-region.

The paper contends that the situation places sanitarians in the sub-region at a serious academic handicap as many universities are reluctant to accept them for further studies in related fields.
A Pilot Study of Diet and Gallstone Formation in Young Saudi Women
Authors: Abdelmonim Fadlalla Ahmed  , Ali Karar Osman  , Arwa Bashir Bustami  , Aldirwish Salih , Bashir Shaista
Published: September 2007

The diet of 100 younger than 40 years Saudi females; 50 cases with gallstones and 50 control mean age and SD 30.2 (6.1) and 29.7 (6.4) years respectively, was studied by taking a qualitative dietary history.

There was no significant difference between the dietary intake of the 2 groups with regard to cholesterol-rich food and animal fat-rich foods, high fibre foods and the consumption of fast food.

However, dates, 'kabsah', 'modabi' and cheese were consumed significantly more by cases (P-value <.001, <.046, <.001 and <.004 respectively) and vegetable oil was used more by controls for cooking purposes (P-value <.05).
Quality Improvement and the Hospital Patient Representative
Authors: Waters Mary Elizabeth , Al-Assaf A.F.
Published: September 2007

A national survey of hospital patient representatives was con ducted. This study sought to identify and analyse basic demographic and occupational data of patient representatives. An analysis of the patient representatives' perceived roles in the hospital is also conducted.

A total of 387 randomly selected United States hospitals were surveyed with a response rate of 66% (256 hospitals). We were able to use only 172 'usable' responses. Of those who responded, we found the typical patient representative to be a female aged 30-5 0 years old, married with a college degree, and about 6 years of experience from a northeast hospital. In general, the majority of the respondents were very positive of their role in the liaison activity between the patient and the administration.
Joint Hyperlaxity and its Long-Term Effects on Joints
Authors: Bird Howard A. , Barton L.
Published: September 2007

The range of movement at a joint varies between individuals. Reasons for this include inherited collagen structure in the joint capsule and ligaments, inherited shape of the bony articulating surfaces and neuromuscular tone which may be acquired and is modified by training. Methods for quantifying the range of movement at joints are described and compared, including the hyperextensometer and the Carter and Wilkinson score. Clini cal patterns of joint hyperlaxity and their correlation with aetiology are discussed.

Joint hyperlaxity may be advantageous in certain sports. Coaches need to be aware of optimum methods for improving it as well as for guarding against injury. Conversely, physio therapists may learn from sports physiologists in the manage ment of symptoms arising from patients who have hyperlax joints. Joint stability reduces the risk of injury.

Joint hyperlaxity may also be associated with premature osteoarthritis but this is not always so. Joint instability may be the most potent cause though a radiological survey of retired teachers of physical education conducted by our Unit failed to show a higher incidence of osteoarthritis after a life spent in sport than in sedentary controls. However, certain factors that place some individuals at particular risk were identified.
Managing Special Education Needs: Helping and Involving Parents
Authors: Kramer Julien
Published: September 2007

This paper reviews a period of enormous change and flux in the English education service. It notes that a number of the supports and sources of advice traditionally available to parents ofyoung people with special educational needs and to the young people themselves are now reduced, are being changed or are in the process of being removed. It proposes a new emphasis for service professionals, administrators and the voluntary bodies working in the area of special educational needs.

The central premise is that the work and role of the voluntary bodies, in supporting young people with special needs and their parents, should be welcomed and confirmed as a vital element within the educational process. A range of practical service strategies is proposed which is intended to sustain a user friendly educational service during a time of massive change. A model for confirming the potentially significant role of the voluntary bodies in this important area of educational need is offered.
Use of Obstetric Services in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Nwakoby Boniface N.
Published: September 2007

The pattern and determinants of maternal service utilization were studied in a rural Nigerian community. The study sample consisted of 488 randomly selected women who had a child birth or an abortion between May 1987 and September 1989. Although 93% registered for prenatal care in a health care institution, only 51 % delivered in a health institution while 49% delivered at home mainly under the care of traditional birth attendants. Factors found to be most consistently associ ated with the use of health institutions for delivery were maternal education and occupation, religion, and occupation of the husband. Maternal age, parity and marital status and place of the residence were not significantly associated with the choice between home and institutional delivery.

Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratio and to quantify the weight of these independent variables found to be significantly associated with the place of delivery as the outcome variable.
Comfort and Health: Cause for Concern
Authors: Rayner K.F.
Published: September 2007

Chancellor Lamont's announcement in his 1993 Budget of the proposed imposition of VAT on domestic fuel bills, quoted in Hansard (1993), poses the question as to what effect this projected increase in fuel costs will have upon the health of those at greatest risk in the community. This paper is based upon the premise that householders on low, or fixed incomes faced with a significant increase in fuel costs must either reduce their expenditure or reduce their heating costs. The paper considers these issues and considers the possible effects upon standards of heating and ventilation in the home confounded by increased levels of insulation, and the potential for significant increases in condensation associated with increased levels of indoor air pollution within dwellings. Suggestions for the mitigation of these perceived risks to health are also set out, including the need for increased financial assistance for those most at risk.
Using Soft Systems Methodology to Develop a Simulation of Out-Patient Services
Authors: Lehaney Brian , Paul Ray J.
Published: September 2007

Discrete event simulation is an approach to modelling a system in the form of a set of mathematical equations and logical relationships, usually used for complex problems, which are difficult to address by using analytical or numeri cal methods. Managing out-patient services is such a prob lem. However, simulation is not in itself a systemic ap proach, in that it provides no methodology by which system boundaries and system activities may be identified. The investigation considers the use of soft systems methodology as an aid to drawing system boundaries and identifying system activities, for the purpose of simulating the out patients' department at a local hospital. The long term aims are to examine the effects that the participative nature of soft systems methodology has on the acceptability of the simulation model, and to provide analysts and managers with a process that may assist in planning strategies for health care.
Clinica Tibas: an experimental response to health system challenges in Costa Rica
Authors: Pezza Paul E. , Barquero Bolanos Jose F.
Published: September 2007

Several experiments in health services delivery featuring contractual arrangements between government and the private sector have been initiated in Costa Rica. This report describes a public-private partnership serving a commu nity of 50,000. A 'cooperative' of providers stands to gain financially if it succeeds in providing clinic services in an efficacious and efficient manner. This experimental ap proach retains elements of the existing public system for health promotion and disease prevention while introducing innovations for increased organizational efficiency and client satisfaction. The clinic provides easier access to better care, including ambulatory surgery, pharmacy service, and home visits, and at a lower cost to government than that budgeted under pre-existing arrangements. Inappropriate usage of area hospitals has been reduced; and a commitment to community participation and organized programming permit greater responsiveness to community needs. Those served by the clinic report satisfaction. Personnel alsc report satisfaction and enthusiasm for their work. Issues concerning extension of this model are considered.
Breast-feeding in Egypt
Authors: Hossain M. Moshaddeque , Reves Randall R. , Radwan Maged M. , Arafa Salwa Amin , Habib Mostafa , DuPont Herbert L.
Published: September 2007

Planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes to promote appropriate infant feeding practices require detailed, current information about these practices in the target populations. To estimate the prevalences and iden tify the correlates of overall breast-feeding and of exclusive breast-feeding in different age periods during infancy, a cohort of 152 apparently healthy neonates and their mothers were followed during October 1987 through April 1989 in rural Bilbeis, Sharqiya Governorate, Egypt. Feed ing data were collected through twice weekly home visits thus reducing the potential for bias in our findings due to respondent recall errors. The prevalence of overall breast feeding in the infants declined from 100% in age period 0- 11 weeks to 89% in age period 36-47 weeks. Mothers with previous living children were associated with significantly higher (odds ratio [OR]: 6.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-32.09) and ownership of refrigerators was asso ciated with significantly lower (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05- 0.67) overall breast-feeding prevalences in age periods 24-35 and 36-47 weeks, respectively. The prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding in breast-fed infants dropped from 20% in age period 0-11 weeks to 0% in age period 36-47 weeks. After multivariate adjustment, prelacteal feeding was significantly negatively (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04- 0.37) associated with exclusive breast-feeding in age period 0-11 weeks. Nearly 90% of Bilbeis infants were breast-fed at age 47 weeks, but the initiation of supplementation at 0-11 weeks in 80% of breast-fed infants is contrary to current recommendations. This indiscriminate initiation of early sup plementation in breast-fed infants should be discouraged and the impact of this practice on the quantity of breast milk consumed by these infants needs to be investigated. The reasons for earlier termination of breast-feeding by socio- economically better-off mothers and the reasons for not stopping the administration of prelacteally fed items, despite the start of breast-feeding, have to be identified for appropriate interventions.
Social and dietary factors associated with obesity in university female students in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Musaiger A.O. , Radwan H.M.
Published: September 2007

A cross-sectional study on 215 university female students aged 18—30 years was undertaken in 1993 to examine some factors associated with obesity among this group of females. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI), (wt/ht 2), 19% of females were overweight and 9.8% were obese. The proportion of obesity was the highest in females aged 18 years (31 % ) compared to those aged 19 and 20 years and above (23.8% and 27.6%, respectively). Although there was no significant association between obesity and social factors studied, the prevalence of obesity was higher in non-national, those with educated mothers, having no housemaid, and having a family history of obesity. Skipping meals and snacks had no significant association with obesity, however, obesity was more prevalent among females who did not skip lunch. In contrast, females who ate afternoon snacks and supper were more likely to be obese than females who skipped these events. Median BMI for university females was higher than that reported in USA for the same age group, while median values for weight and mid-arm circumference for females studied were similar to that reported in their counterparts in Western countries.
Quality assurance and quality management in the National Health Service
Authors: Parberry A.C. , Banerjee A.K.
Published: September 2007

This review deals with current views on quality assurance as relevant to both health care professionals and health service managers. The concept of quality is defined and a brief history of quality in the health service presented. The paper then explores political, social and economic factors which govern the provision of quality assurance in the modern health service. The possible effects of the health service reforms on quality management is discussed.
Psychosocial assessment methods in childhood epilepsy
Authors: Famuyiwa O.O. , Ogunmekan O.
Published: September 2007

The scale of evidence tilts towards the contention that epileptic children as a group are at a disadvantage regarding intellectual and emotional development and have higher rates of behavioural abnormalities than their non-epileptic peers. Differentiating factors logically point to the problem areas which should be enquired into in a comprehensive assessment of a child with epilepsy and should facilitate formulation of viable intervention stratagems. A critical review of the literature reveals that, of five major assessment methods, the use of a standardised and valid questionnaire is likely to yield the most reliable clinical information. However, a complete assessment package should include drug use monitoring, evaluation of cultural milieu and family psychodynamics.