bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employers Size Wage Differential: Does Investment in Human Capital Matter?
Authors: Zafar Mueen Nasir  , Nasir Iqbal
Published: August 2018

Wage differential due to employer size is one of the key areas of interest in labour market research because a strong positive relationship between employer size and wages has been observed in developed and developing countries. It is, however, relatively neglected area of research in Pakistan. The purpose of present study is to investigate the employer size wage differential by looking at human capital factors. The study is based on standard methodology and estimates earning functions on Labour Force Survey (LFS) data for year 2007-08. Results clearly show that human capital investment has a bigger role in determining wages in the larger firms as compared to smaller firms. The main policy implications emanating from the analysis are the higher investment in skill which increases opportunities for workers in the labour market for higher wages and for jobs with good characteristics especially in large sized firms. The government policy towards education and skill formation needs serious reforms and better allocation of funds so that people get chance to enhance their skill level hence wages. JEL classification: J31, J40, J24 Keywords: Wage Differential, Human Capital, Labour Market
Education: The Need for Consolidation
Authors: Pervez Tahir  , Nadia Saleem
Published: August 2018

After six decades of its existence, Pakistan finds itself in an educational quagmire. There is not much to show in terms of national, provincial and local indicators of a standard variety. At the international level, the country has earned the notoriety of being regularly lower down on all known indices and league tables on human development, competitiveness and governance. Neglect of education lies at the heart of the problem. This is surprising because the thinking on the nature of the educational system required for the newly emerging country had started quite early. An All Pakistan Educational Conference was held on November 27, 1947 in Karachi. Education thus was the subject of the very first professional conference held in the country, bringing together all the stakeholders. The Father of the Nation set the guidelines in his detailed message: “Under foreign rule for over a century, in the very nature of things, I regret, sufficient attention has not been paid to the education of our people, and if we are to make any real, speedy and substantial progress, we must earnestly tackle this question and bring our educational policy and programme on the lines suited to the genius of our people, consonant with our history and culture and having regard to the modern conditions and vast developments that have taken place all over the world” [Tahir (1980), p.39]. Throughout his political career, Jinnah championed the cause of education. A number of critical issues which continue to bedevil the educational planners of Pakistan to this day, were identified by him long before the freedom struggle for Pakistan came to fruition. These include compulsory elementary education, nonelitist education, technical and vocational education for school leavers, merit-based higher education, equal opportunities for women, and adequate resourcing [Tahir (2002)]. The order of national priorities for him was education, economic development and then defence. The record of performance since independence shows a reversal of these priorities [Tahir (2008)]. Far from the welfare state envisaged by him, Pakistan has become an incorrigible security state. There are thus many lessons that have not been learned. This paper has space to focus only a few.
Regional Health Accounts for Pakistan—Provincial and District Health Expenditures and the Degree of Districts Fiscal Autonomy on Health.
Authors: Christian Lorenz  , Muhammad Khalid
Published: August 2018

Since May 2009 the first National Health Accounts (NHA) for Pakistan have been finalised and published by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) in cooperation with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). This paper goes one step ahead the report and analyses in more detail the regional differences in health expenditure structures in Pakistan. The further analyses can be divided into four parts: health expenditures in provinces (Provincial Health Accounts, PHA),2 Punjab provincial and district governments health expenditures and its comparison with ADB figures, all districts of Pakistan and comparison between total district government and provincial government expenditure for each province; the latter calculation is applied as indication for the degree of fiscal autonomy of the districts in each province. Consequently we first analyse the provincial health expenditures by Financial Agents and compare them between the provinces which leads to very heterogeneous results (Section 2); the per capita health expenditures differ from 16 to 23 USD. Secondly, we compare NHA results on Punjab district government with available ADB results and present differences in methods as possible reasons for different results (Section 3). Third, we analyse district data of all district governments in all four Pakistani provinces on the level of detailed function codes in Section 4; the aim is to discover regional differences between districts of the same as well as of different provinces. Fourth, we analyse in Section 5 the degree of fiscal autonomy on health of the districts in each province; therefore we review the ordinance description and compare total district government with total provincial government expenditures per province. Finally we give recommendations for future rounds of NHA in Pakistan regarding formats and necessities of detailed health expenditure data collection to ensure evidence based decision-making not only on federal, but also on provincial and district level. JEL classification: H51, I1, O18, R1 Keywords: National Health Accounts, Health Expenditures, Regional Comparison, Regional Accounts, Fiscal Autonomy, Pakistan
Education Order in Punjab: A District Level Study.
Authors: Aisha Khan
Published: August 2018

This paper attempts to evaluate the status of education in the current districts of Punjab and compare this with the status of education attainment in 1998. The tool used for assessment and comparison is the Education Index (EI) for the districts of Punjab. The Education Index is a composite index which is calculated using enrollment at different education levels and literacy rates. The main data sources used are the Population Census 1998, Punjab Development Statistics 1998 and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2008. Using data from these sources, robustness in the results is verified by comparing different weighting simulations of the EI. The EI results are found using the UNDP methodology and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. Both methodologies of calculation lead us to ascertain the robustness of the EI calculation using the data. This testing allows an important conclusion to emerge that the different weighting schemes does not largely affect the ranking of districts. Further, by comparing the results for both years, considerable development in education status is observed; however, an unexpected result also appears. The relative pattern of education status across Punjab has hardly altered in the last ten years even with the considerable progress that has been witnessed. This shows that an unchanging relative ranking of districts seems to exist unless significant endorsement of education takes place within the lowest ranked districts. JEL classification: I2, O1 Keywords: Education, Development, Developing Country
Measuring Impact of Education and Socio-economic Factors on Health for Pakistan.
Authors: Zahid Asghar  , Nazia Attique  , Amena Urooj
Published: August 2018

Education affects health not because of the knowledge and practices one can learn at school, but rather it shapes individuals life and can alter the characteristics of an individual to be healthier. Measurement of health is an abstract concept and health itself is affected by a number of factors. This study aims at exploring whether there is any relation in education, gender, and health for Pakistan. Exploratory data analysis and ordinal logistic regression are used here to assess relationship between health, education and other socio-economic factors. It is evident that individuals with higher education level tend to have better health status than a person with lower levels of education. There is also evidence of gender being an important determinant of health in Pakistan. The variation in health status of individuals is studied with reference to gender, culture, occupations, and social economic status. This study provides a useful piece of information for the policy-makers in health and education sectors. The data used in this study was collected by Pakistan and Medical Research Council under National Health Survey of Pakistan [NHSP (1990-1994)]. JEL classification: L00, L20, C21 Keywords: Education, Self-reported Health, Ordered Logit, Health Conditions, Pseudo R2
Poverty Elimination through Potential Zakat Collection in OIC-Member Countries: Revisited.
Authors: Nasim Shah Shirazi  , Muhammad Fouad Bin Amin
Published: August 2018

This paper is the extended and updated version of Shirazi (2006), which covers 38 OIC-member countries. The paper estimates the resource required and potential zakat collection for poverty elimination. The paper employed the poverty gap index based on US $ 1.25 a day and US$ 2.0 a day estimated by the World Bank (2009). Zakat potential has been estimated by employing Kahf (1989) method of estimation with some modifications. The paper finds that half of the sample countries not only meet their resource shortfall by potential zakat collection but also generate surplus funds which are sufficient for the resource deficit countries. The paper suggests pooling of zakat funds from the zakat surplus countries and providing for the resource deficit countries to eliminate the poverty. Keywords: Poverty Alleviation, Resource Shortfall, Zakat Collection. OICMember Countries
A Dynamic Analysis of the Relationship among Human Development, Exports and Economic Growth in Pakistan.
Authors: Muhammad Afzal  , A. Rauf Butt  , Mr. Hafeez ur Rehman  , Ishrat Begum
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the econometrically empirical evidence of both the short-run and long-run interrelationships among human development, exports and economic growth in an ARDL framework for Pakistan. This study also examines causal linkages among the said variables by applying the Augmented Granger Causality test of Toda-Yamamoto (1995). By using data on Pakistan’s real GDP, real exports and Human Development Index (HDI) for the period 1970-71 to 2008-09, three models have been estimated. The results show cointegration between economic growth, physical capital, real exports and human development when human development is taken as dependent variables. Furthermore, unidirectional Granger causality running from real GDP to real exports has been found in Bivariate, Trivariate and Tetravariate causality framework. The inclusion of HDI as a measure of human development reduces the physical capital share in real GDP whereas it improves the robustness of the regression model. Real GDP seems to provide resources to improve human development in only the long-run while human capital accumulation does not seem to accelerate real GDP both in the short-run and the long-run. The empirical results of the study do not support ‘export-led growth hypothesis’ and human capital-based endogenous growth theory in case of Pakistan, however, it does support ‘growth-driven exports hypothesis’ in case of Pakistan. JEL classification: O11 Keywords: Human Development, Exports, Economic Growth, ARDL, Causality
The Impact of Tax Policies on Economic Growth: Evidence from South-Asian Economies.
Authors: Ihtsham ul Haq Padda  , Naeem Akram
Published: August 2018

The public policy instruments, such as tax rate changes, have different implications in exogenous (neoclassical) and endogenous growth theories. The neoclassical theory predicts that changes in a country’s tax structure should have only transitory impact on its long-run economic growth while endogenous growth theory argues that such changes may have an effect impact on the growth. This study tests whether tax policies conducted by Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka have transitory or permanent effect on their economic growth. The study finds transitory and negative effect of tax rate on the growth only for short-term but has no effect in the long-term. The tax rates in all these countries are low as compared to developed countries. Due to low tax rates these countries heavily depend on bond financing and foreign debt. In view of the findings of this study most important policy implication of the study is that to finance the budget and most of their revenue requirements should be financed with tax increases and if necessary bond financing should be contingent providing a guard against transitory shocks to the budget. JEL classification: H10, E62, O40 Keywords: Neoclassical Growth; Endogenous Growth; Fiscal Policy; Tax Smoothing
Conflict, Security, and Development.
Authors: Kamal Matinuddin
Published: August 2018

The three words Conflict, Security and Development are very much inter-linked. Each one of these has a profound effect on the other two. When ever conflicts arise, be they between individuals, social groups or nations there is bound to be lack of security and when peace does not prevail economic development is hampered. If we look at these in the reverse order we find that in areas where economic development has not taken place over a long period of time, people tend to vent their frustration against each other and against those in authority. Consequently there is insecurity, law and order breaks down and conflicts arise. Those who hold the reigns of government in their hands; those political parties who come to power and the armed forces who come to the aid of the civil administration must realise that prolong use of force by the militants and by the armed forces alike can tear the national fabric as under. There is a need, therefore, to carry out a serious study of the co-relation between conflicts, security and economic development. This should be done both at the government and academic level. Facts and figures must be assembled; data regarding the loss of lives, destruction of property and infrastructure should be made available. Only then a realistic assessment of the impact insecurity is having on the economic health of the nation can be made. It has to be a holistic approach, including the rising population, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption and a host of other issues, which impact on the security of the state and its economic growth.
Investing in People (The Presidential Address)
Authors: Rashid Amjad
Published: August 2018

Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Professor Syed Nawab Haider Naqvi, Former President, PSDE, Dr Sarfraz Khan Qureshi, Former President, PSDE, Dr G. M. Arif, Secretary, PSDE, Past Presidents and Distinguished Members of the Society. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 25th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists. We are extremely grateful to Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister, Petroleum and Natural Resources, for having spared his precious time to join us at the inaugural session. It was during your tenure as Finance Minister that important and difficult economic decisions were taken to restore macroeconomic stability resulting from the unprecedented increases in international commodity prices, the global financial meltdown and neglect and inaction of past policy-makers. That the economy today has achieved macro stability in many of the key indicators is to a large measure the result of these decisions. I am also extremely grateful to our Patron Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, for his active interest and support to the work of our Society. A warm welcome to our members and guests who have come from different parts of the country and abroad. It is especially satisfying to see our future economists from all over the country join us at the Conference. Let me join Dr Arif in welcoming Dr Mohsin Khan who will be delivering the Quaid-i-Azam Lecture, Professor Hirashima who will be delivering the Allama Iqbal Lecture, Professor John Casterline, the Mahbubul Haq Lecture and Professor Robin Burgess, the Gustav Ranis Lecture (which we started last year).
The Design and Conduct of Monetary Policy: Lessons for Pakistan (The Quaid-i-Azam Lecture)
Authors: Mohsin S. Khan
Published: August 2018

Movements in global capital during the late 1990s and the greater emphasis on price stability led many countries to abandon fixed exchange rate regimes and to design institutions and monetary policies to achieve credibility in the goal of lowering inflation. Such recent developments have brought to the forefront the idea that freely mobile capital, independent monetary policy, and fixed exchange rates form an “impossible trinity”. Inflation-targeting regimes being adopted by many countries provide a way of resolving this dilemma, and it is suggested that such a regime be implemented in Pakistan as well. JEL classification: E42, E52 Keywords: Monetary Policy, Rules versus Discretion, Inflation Targeting
BEBERAPA CATATAN DARI: LOKAKARYA SPAFA TENTANG PEMUGARAN PENINGGALAN SEJARAH DAN PURBAKALA
Authors: Sutaba Sutaba
Published: August 2018

Pada tahun 1980 yang lalu, benempat di Jogjakarta SPAFA (SEAMEO Project in Archaeology and Fine Arts) telah menyelenggarakan Lokakarya Tentang Teknik Pemugaran Peninggalan Sejarah dan Purbakala (Workshop on The Technique of Restoration of Monuments) sebagai suatu kerja sama antara SPAFA Sub-Center For Restoration and Preservation of Ancient Monuments dengan Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Indonesia (cq. Direktorat Jenderal Kebudayaan) melalui Proyek Pemugaran Candi Borobudur. Lokakarya ini dihadiri oleh ahli-ahli purbakala dan arsitek dari negara-negara anggota SEAMEO, yang dalam tugasnya sehari-hari bertanggung jawab atas pemugaran terhadap peninggalan sejarah dan purbakala di negaranya masing-masing. Di samping itu hadir pula Prof. Dr. A. J. Bernet Kempers, ahli purbakala dari Negeri Belanda yang memiliki pengetahuan dan pengalaman yang amat luas mengenai kepurbakalaan di Indonesia, bahkan pernah menjadi Kepala Lembaga Purbakala dan Peninggalan Nasional. Ahli purbakala lainnya ialah dari Sri Langka: Roland Silva dan dari Indonesia antara lain hadir Prof. Dr. R. Soekmono sebagai Direktur Sub-Center For Restoration and Preservation of Ancient Monuments dan sebagai Pemimpin Proyek Pemugaran Candi Borobudur. Di samping itu sebagai utusan Indonesia adalah Drs. Uka Tjandrasasmita, Direktur Direktorat Perlindungan dan Pembinaan Peninggalan Sejarah dan Purbakala dan ahli-ahli purbakala lainnya. Lokakarya tersebut di atas disertai juga pengamatan ke Candi Borobudur, Jawa Timur dan Bali untuk menyaksikan pemugaran yang sedang berlangsung di Indonesia.
KEMUNGKINAN PRASASTI SEBAGAI SUMBER DATA IKONOLOGI
Authors: Sedyawati Edi
Published: August 2018

Jika telah disepakati bahwa Ikonologi adalah ilmu pengetahuan mengenai ikon, yaitu area pemujaan, maka perlu diperinci lebih lanjut, hal-hal apa saja di sekitar area pemujaan atau pemujaan area yang dapat diketahui dari prasasti. Dari tinjauan menyeluruh atas prasasti-prasasti Indonesiacakan terlihat bahwa keterangan-keterangan tertentu dapat dihubungkan, secara langsung ataupun tidak, dengan pemujaan area. Karena area pada dasarnya mewakili pengertian "dewata" yang dilambangkannya, maka segala keterangan yang bersangkut-paut dengan dewata ini pun dapat digolongkan ke dalam data ikonologi. Data tersebut dapat dikelompokkan menjadi dua, yaitu pertama, yang menyangkut konsep kedewataan, dan kedua, yang menyangkut peribadatan. Di bawah ini adalah suatu pembahasan, yang karena terbatasnya tempat, memusatkan perhatian pada konsep kedewataan, dan khususnya dilihat pada prasasti-prasasti Jawa Kuna Hindu.
STUDI ARKEOMETALURGI DALAM DISIPLIN ARKEOLOGI
Authors: Haryono Timbul
Published: August 2018

Di dalam usaha merekonstruksi kehidupan masa lampau, tugas kita bukan semata-mata menguraikan serangkaian peristiwa yang abstrak dan terlepas-lepas. Masa lampau yang akan kita susun kembali terdiri dari kehidupan perorangan yang tergabung dan membentuk suatu peristiwa. Kehidupan masa lampau sangat kompleks; untuk menyusunnya kembali kita hanya punya data arkeologi yang kurang lengkap sebab data tersebut sampai ke tangan kita sudah, mengalami proses pemindahan yang bermacam-macam. Proses pemindahan kebudayaan ini kemudian melahirkan studi "taphonomy" (Gifford.1981). Jangkauan ilmu arkeologi seperti telah disebut telah menyebabkan ilmu arkeologi dalam perkembangannya memerlukan kerja sama dengan ilmu lain. Salah satu yang menjadi pokok pembicaraan dalam makalah ini adalah metalurgi.
Income Inequality, Perceived Competitiveness, and Approach-Avoidance Motivation
Authors: Sommet Nicolas , Elliot Andrew , Jamieson Jeremy , Butera Fabrizio
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveScholars disagree on whether income inequality has incentive or disincentive effects. In the present research, we move beyond such debate and focus on the motivational processes that income inequality predicts. First, income inequality makes economic stratification salient, and therefore should promote perceived competitiveness. Second, competitiveness can be appraised as both a challenge and a threat, and therefore should promote both approach and avoidance motivation. MethodIn three studies (N = 2,543), U.S. residents from various ZIP codes reported the extent to which they perceived competitiveness in their town/city (Studies 1-3), as well as their economic achievement goals, achievement motives, and self-regulatory foci (Studies 2-3). ResultsLevel of local income inequality was found to be a positive predictor—via increased perceived competitiveness—of other-approach economic goals, need for achievement, and promotion focus, as well as other-avoidance economic goals, fear of failure (specifically, the shame/embarrassment component), and prevention focus. Furthermore, actual and perceived income inequality were positively correlated. ConclusionThe conceptual and empirical work herein is the first to show how the economic environment predicts individuals’ perceptions of competitiveness, influencing personal goals, motives, and orientations. It provides a more nuanced perspective on the implications of income inequality than perspectives currently available.
Ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum ameliorates methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats
Authors: Adikwu Elias , Bokolo Bonsome
Published: August 2018

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a common adverse effect of methotrexate (MTX). Ocimum gratisimum (OG) has lots of phytochemical constituents with medicinal uses.Aims and Objectives: This study assessed the benefit of ethanolic leaf extract of OG (EEOG) against a rat model of MTX-induced nephrotoxicity.Materials and Methods: Fifty four adult albino rats randomized into 9 groups A-I of six rats per group were used for this study. Groups A and B were treated with water and corn oil as placebo and solvent control respectively. Groups C-E were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of EEOG daily for 5 days. Group F was treated with 20mg/kg of EEOG MTX intraperiotoneally on the 5th day while groups G-I were orally pretreated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of EEOG daily for 5days and 20 mg/kg EEOG of MTX on the 5th day 5. Rats were weighed, sacrificed and serum was extracted and evaluated for renal function parameters. Kidneys were excised and evaluated for oxidative stress indices and histology.Results: Treatment with MTX did not produce significant (p>0.05) effects on body and kidney weights, however, creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium chloride and bicarbonate and malondialdehyde levels were significantly (p<0.05) increased in MTX-treated rats when compared to control. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, total protein, and albumin levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in MTX-treated rats when compared to control. However, MTX-induced nephrotoxic effects were significantly (p<0.05) abrogated in EEOG pretreated rats in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion: Ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum contains phytochemicals that could serve as remedy for methotrexate associated nephrotoxicity.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 37-43
Effects of quinine sulfate- an antimalarial drug on palatal growth in developing mice embryo: A histopathological study
Authors: Nayak Soubhagya Ranjan , Prabhu Latha V. , Raghuveer C. V.
Published: August 2018

Background: Malaria is one of the most common infectious and fatal diseases worldwide. Quinine sulfate is one of the antimalarial drug used to treat chloroquine resistant malaria and malaria falciparum.Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to assess its developmental defects on mice palate.Materials and Methods: Thirty adult pregnant female Swiss albino mice were used in the present work. They were divided into five groups of six each. One control group (c) with 6 pregnant mice received normal saline orally from day 6 to 15 of gestation. Four treated groups of 6 pregnant mice each were formed. Treated groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were administered Quinine sulfateorally with 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg bw/day from day 6 to 15 of gestation respectively.Results: No palatal abnormalities were observed histologically in the control and T1 treated group. However, varying degrees of clefting of the palate, from failure of elevation of the palatal shelves to failure of fusion in the midline were observed in the Quinine sulfate treated groups (T2, T3 & T4).Conclusion: Quinine sulfate induced defects in the developing palate in the present study by disturbing the process of palatogenesis, which is characterized by incomplete growth, elevation or fusion of the palatal shelves.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 31-36
Factors associated with Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint (DRUJ) instability in patients with Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Ranjeet Niraj , Sapkota Krishna , Onta Pratyenta Raj , Thapa Pabin , Wahegoankar Krishna , Thapa Upendra Jung
Published: August 2018

Background: Distal Radius Fractures (DRF) are common fractures with variety of complications if treated inadequately. Among them, Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint (DRUJ) instability is one of the common residual disabilities leading to chronic and persistent subluxation or dislocation of the DRUJ which causes arthritis, pain and limitation of the hand functions. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to identify the factors either clinical of radiographic, indicative of DRUJ instability patients in acute DRF which may help the orthopedic surgeons to correctly diagnose and allow proper treatment.Materials and Methods: All patients from Aug 1, 2016-July 31, 2017 with acute DRF who were treated at Manipal Teaching Hospital were examined and evaluated for DRUJ instability. The demographic, clinical and radiological parameters of all the patients were analyzed and compared with those with stable DRUJ. Preoperatively all the fractures were classified using AO classification. Based on the classification, the association of fracture comminution, and intra-articular involvement with DRUJ instability, as well as its relation to the osteoporotic age was analyzed. Associated ulna styloid fracture and sigmoid notch involvement if present was noted with its size and displacement.Results: Out of 74 wrists, there were 30 males and 44 females, with a mean age of 44 (range 18-79). Most of the females (72%, n=32/44) sustained low energy trauma, while most of the males (77%, n=23/30) sustained high energy trauma. Irrespective of the sex, it was noted that DRUJ instability was significantly higher in males (p<0.0001) and in the non-osteoporotic age group (p=0.05). In our study 72.72% of DRF was associated with unstable DRUJ in patients with high energy trauma. AO types A3/B3/C3 (81.25%, n=26/32) was associated with more DRUJ instability compared to less comminuted fractures as AO type A2/B2/C2 (56%, n=14/25) or A1/B1/C1 (29.41%, n=5/17) (p<0.001). AO type C (43.24%, n=32) were associated with more DRUJ instability as compared to AO type B (25.67%, n=19) or AO type A (31.08%, n=23) (p=0.009). Ulnar styloid fractures was noted in 37.83% (28/74) of DRF and 35 (47.29%) patients had involvement of the sigmoid notch out of which 7 (20%) was displaced > 2mm and 28 (80%) was undisplaced.Conclusion: Factors associated with DRUJ instability in DRF were young male patients, high energy trauma, displaced ulnar styloid base fractures, sigmoid notch involvement, AO type C.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 62-66
Assessment of accuracy of mercury sphygmomanometer and automated oscillometric device of blood pressure measurement in population of normal individuals
Authors: Wadhwani Ravindra , Siddiqui Nazeem I , Sharma Balkishan
Published: August 2018

Background: Blood pressure (BP) measurement is the most common investigation performed nearly on all patients’ for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Accuracy of the measurement device is crucial for timely diagnosis.However, sphygmomanometer requires medical expertise whereas automated oscillometric device needs only careful observations in measuring BP.Aims and Objectives: The objective of the present study is to determinethe comparative accuracy of mercury sphygmomanometer and automated oscillometric device of measuring BP and the limit of agreement between the two devices.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study designed and carried out at MGM Medical College, Indore among 438 normal individuals. Age, weight, height, body mass index, history and BP were recorded. An average of three recording of BP measurement by both the devices was used.Results: Out of a total, 52.3% were male and 47.7% were female. Average SBP (130.78±17.31 mmHg) and DBP (86.96±10.26 mmHg) measured by automated instrument were significantly elevated than SBP (126.32±13.47 mmHg) and DBP (81.70±8.63 mmHg) by mercury sphygmomanometer while the mean differences in SBP and DBP (5.16±4.40 and 5.57±3.30 mmHg) were statistically significant (p=0.000). Hypertension reported in more patients with automated (79.0%) compared to sphygmomanometer (76.0%). Bland-Altman plots indicated a positive linear trend for BP readings between two instruments. Differences were more in SBP reading than DBP within three categories. Measurement of agreement indicated strong statistically significant (p=0.000) mutual agreement between the rate of judging hypertension by two apparatuses. The coefficient of determination for SBP (R2=0.95) and DBP (R2=0.87) were very high when manual readings compared to automated.Conclusion: Present research suggests that BP readings obtained by automated and sphygmomanometer is comparable however as compared to mercury sphygmomanometer ocillometric device gives slightly higher readings of SBP. Looking towards the simplicity of measurement and freedom from environmental toxicity automated ocillometricdevice may be recommended as a primary tool for early detection and management of high BP.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 17-24
The digital epidemiology of dysencephalia splanchnocystica, AKA meckel–gruber syndrome: Retrospective analysis and geographic mapping via google trends
Authors: Al-Imam Ahmed
Published: August 2018

Background: Genetic diseases are diverse and many of which have debilitating consequences affecting the individual, the society, and the economy. Trends databases, including Google Trends database, can be used to estimate the digital epidemiology of these diseases. Digital Epidemiology is valuable when it comes to conditions of low prevalence as in the case of ciliopathies including that of Meckel–Gruber Syndrome.Aims and Objectives: To assess the digital epidemiology and the geographic mapping of Meckel- Gruber syndrome via a trends database of the surface web.Materials and Methods: Google Trends database will be usedfor geographic mapping and retrospective analysis of interest of users of the Surface Web. The aim is to infer and predict the digital epidemiology of Meckel–Gruber Syndrome. A retrospective analysis is conducted as far as the trends database permits (2004-2017). The trends database was explored using the thematic expression of keywords specific to Meckel–Gruber Syndrome including its synonyms. Subsequently, descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out to estimate the digital epidemiology as well as the geographic mapping. The aim was to conclude the existence of any significant change in web users’ interest and the variation of that interest versus geography (country) and chronology (time).Results: Concerning geographic mapping, signals of web users were found to be originating from the United States (68.49%) and Finland (31.51%). Globally, the average value of the relative interest of surface web users in Meckel–Gruber Syndrome was 34.10 (+/- 14.59). There was an overall decline in web users’ attention towards the condition for the period 2004−2010 versus 2011−2017 (20.06 vs 4.88, p-value<0.001) and for period 2004-2006 versus 2007-2009 (29.14 vs 14.19, p=0.001).Conclusion: Digital epidemiological analysis has been proven feasible with good accuracy via Googles Trends. In the case of Dysencephalia Splanchnocystica, the geographic mapping of the surface web has been limited to the developed world. Prospectively, Google Trends can be integrated into a predictive early warning system to anticipate any change in the interest of the users of the Indexed Web in a particular disease including genetic ones.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 81-86
The significance of hypoxia as a molecular and cellular event in patients with toxic and non-toxic goitre: A statistical inference based on cross-sectional analytic of Iraqi patients
Authors: Assi Mohammed , Elewi Samia , Al-Imam Ahmed , Ahmed Basem
Published: August 2018

Background: Disorders of the thyroid gland, including toxic and non-toxic goitre, are more common in adult female patients. Hypoxia-inducible factors, including HIF-1 and HIF-2, represent transcriptional activators that function as regulators of oxygen homeostasis. Rapid progress is being made in clarifying the homeostatic functions of HIFs in several physiological systems. However, there are much to be learned in connection with the thyroid gland and its pathologies.Aims and Objectives: To assess the biochemical and clinical significance of hypoxia-inducible factors in patients with multinodular goitre.Materials and Methods: The study is observational and cross-sectional analytic conducted among a population of individuals with diffuse and nodular thyroid goitre including clinically toxic and non-toxic patients. It will attempt to answer the research question concerning the significance of HIFs, via applying techniques of immunohistochemistry to histological samples of resected thyroid tissue, and in pertinence with the demographic and clinical parameters of patients.Results: The total number of patients was forty-three,and most was in their fifth decades of life. The percentile contribution of males and females was 11.63% and 88.37% respectively. Individuals with toxic goitres accounted for 13.95%, and those had significantly higher levels of both HIF-1 and HIF-2 than non-toxic patients (p=0.019, p=0.072). Clinically-toxic patients also had notably more elevated levels of HIF-1 as they grew older when compared to non-toxic patients.Conclusion: There is an evident inadequacy of published literature on hypoxia-inducible factors in patients with goitre. There are no studies whatsoever in correspondence to the research questions explored in this study. Future attempts should explore experimental designs while using human as well as animal models and from an interdisciplinary perspective.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 44-49
Elektronik Bilişim Ağı (EBA)’ndaki Ortaokul Türkçe Dersi İçeriklerinin Kullanımı Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Maden Sedat , Önal Aydın
Published: August 2018

ÖZ: Araştırmada, Elektronik Bilişim
Ağı (EBA)’ndaki ortaokul Türkçe dersi içeriklerine yönelik kullanım durumunun
tespit edilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda çalışmada nitel
araştırma yöntemlerinden doküman incelemesi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın
örneklemini, EBA içerik modülünde “ortaokul Türkçe” etiketi taşıyan video,
görsel, ses, kitap, dergi, doküman başlıklarındaki 2012 yılından 2017 Kasım
ayına kadar yüklenen toplam 3.893 içerik oluşturmaktadır. İncelenen toplam
3.893 içerikten 2.184 tanesinin ortaokul Türkçe dersi ile ilgili olduğu tespit
edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde, öğrenme alanı, izlenilme,
beğenilme, yorumlanma oranları ölçüt alınarak içeriğin kullanımına ilişkin
durum ortaya konulmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda, en fazla içeriğin doküman
modülüne yüklendiği, ardından sesin geldiği belirlenmiştir. İçeriklerin genel
olarak, ders tekrarı, sınav hazırlığı ve çalışma kâğıdı özelliği taşıdığı
görülmüştür. Bunun yanında EBA üzerinde ortaokul Türkçe dersi için yüklendiği
hâlde ilgili olmayan birçok içeriğin bulunduğu, dolayısıyla modüllerin
bilinçsizce kullanıldığı ve eğitim portalının bu hâliyle yeterince etkili
olamayacağı ulaşılan sonuçlar arasındadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler: eba, fatih projesi, , içerik, kullanım, Türkçe dersi.
MULTIMODAL CLUSTER CREATION
Authors: Kukharchyk A.G.
Published: August 2018

The prospects of the transport development and production associations in the sea-economic system complex of Ukraine are considered in the paper. The definition of a cluster is given, its types are analyzed. It is proposed to create a multimodal cluster in the Odessa region. Maritime trade ports become centers for the intensification of transport and freight flows. The development of interaction forms comes from the simplest port and industrial zones through their association in port-industrial units based on the general infrastructure, the creation of port-industrial complexes and the formation of transport and industrial complexes, representing an informal association of transport and industrial enterprises. As well as related organizations located in a certain territory and operating on the principles of commonality of interests. A higher level of interaction between enterprises, organizations and institutions in the system of a sea-economy complex should be the creation of multimodal clusters in the marine regions of the country, involving the involvement of educational institutions, research institutes, banks, insurance companies and other companies in the sphere of interaction, which will create an atmosphere of trust between power and business, improve the competitive environment, provide productivity growth both to industrial enterprises and to port activity and related activities.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT OF INVESTMENT CLIMATE FORMATION IN UKRAINIAN BLACK SEA REGIONS
Authors: Laiko O.I. , Chechovich Z.V. , Naumenko Zh.H.
Published: August 2018

It is analyzed the essence and structure of economic category "investment climate" in view of modern visions of investors and according to the requirements of national and international legislation. A conceptual approach to the improving of favorable investment climate, on the example of Ukrainian Black Sea, through tax levers of regulation in a decentralized budgets areas is designed. It is proposed to introduce the norm of the exemption from profit tax of a financial result that is invested in the economic activity of a domestic entity for the implementation of an investment project, but onle when provided wage level of employees in this project is at least twice more than the amount of the average wage by such type of economic activity where the project is implemented or should be. The implementation of this proposal will require the amendment of Tax Code of Ukraine and as a result will be a powerful tool for stimulating of the development of investment activity in the community without the need for approval of the special legal status of individual territories. This approach corresponds to the principle of observance of the general economic conditions and rules of the conducting of economic activity on the conditions of equal competitive advantages and opportunities. Also, the method of this tax exemption will not only stimulate the growth of wage payments, which will increase social standards in the territories, but will allow to implement a project approach to the stimulating of investment activity, when the object of the benefits is a specific investment project and not an economic entity. The proposed in the article approach is characterized by economic efficiency and is determined to minimize the political and other risks that would occur when using traditional instruments � the introducing of special modes of business activity conduction.
THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMIC MECHANISM OF STATE STIMULATION OF ECO-ORIENTED BUSINESS
Authors: Nikola S.O.
Published: August 2018

The article considers the mechanism of state stimulation of eco-oriented business. The main elements of the environmental management mechanism that combine the methods and functions of organizational management structures are described. The main methods of state management stimulation environmentally oriented business includes: administrative (administrative and enforcement) - are conditioned by the need for state planning and control over the state of the environment in the interests of each producer and each member of society; economic - stimulate the material interest of economic entities in the implementation of the necessary environmental measures, decisions of management bodies in the field of nature management (taxes, subsidies, subsidies, subsidies, government orders for the production of environmentally friendly products, clean equipment and the provision of environmentally friendly services); moral and ethical stimulation - the creation of a cultural, educational, worldview base that forms the conditions for the implementation of moral and ethical incentives in the use of nature; information methods of incentive management - ensuring public access to information of economic and environmental character. Specific incentive functions have been identified that affect the effective implementation of environmental and economic measures. Managing the stimulation of eco-oriented business involves the implementation of a number of specific functions, i.e. Types of activities that affect the effective implementation of environmental and economic relations: standards and legislation in the field of stimulating the rational use of natural resources and environmental protection; certification of natural resources and pollution coming from the subjects of production and economic activities, taking into account natural objects that require priority incentive measures from the state and business; maintenance of ecological territorial cadastres to justify the allocation of funds from the state and local budgets in order to stimulate the conservation of the ecosystem.
'Abdu'l-Baha and Ezra Pound's Circle
Authors: Afnan Elham
Published: August 2018

The beginning of the twentieth century saw the emergence in the West of new and revolutionary movements in both literature and religion. Viewing themselves as the harbingers of a new age, these movements frequently found expression in terms of a radical break with the past as well as a resurgence of dormant powers and traditions. Their paths frequently intersected: sometimes in well-publicized confrontations or much-discussed collaborations, just as often through fleeting personal contacts that were little noted by most of the world. This paper examines an example of the latter type of contact, albeit one that has extensive and fascinating ramifications. The event in question is the meeting between Ezra Pound, the famous American modernist poet, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. Investigation of the contact 'Abdu'l-Baha had with Pound reveals links between the Baha'i Faith and a number of important avant-garde circles in the West, and thereby sheds light on hitherto unexplored areas of religious and literary history.
Biomechanical evaluation of the ProDisc-C stability following graded posterior cervical injury
Authors: Staudt Michael D. , Rabin Doron , Baaj Ali A. , Crawford Neil R. , Duggal Neil
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVE

There are limited data regarding the implications of revision posterior surgery in the setting of previous cervical arthroplasty (CA). The purpose of this study was to analyze segmental biomechanics in human cadaveric specimens with and without CA, in the context of graded posterior resection.

METHODS

Fourteen human cadaveric cervical spines (C3–T1 or C2–7) were divided into arthroplasty (ProDisc-C, n = 7) and control (intact disc, n = 7) groups. Both groups underwent sequential posterior element resections: unilateral foraminotomy, laminoplasty, and finally laminectomy. Specimens were studied sequentially in two different loading apparatuses during the induction of flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation.

RESULTS

Range of motion (ROM) after artificial disc insertion was reduced relative to that in the control group during axial rotation and lateral bending (13% and 28%, respectively; p < 0.05) but was similar during flexion and extension. With sequential resections, ROM increased by a similar magnitude following foraminotomy and laminoplasty in both groups. Laminectomy had a much greater effect: mean (aggregate) ROM during flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation was increased by a magnitude of 52% following laminectomy in the setting of CA, compared to an 8% increase without arthroplasty. In particular, laminectomy in the setting of CA introduced significant instability in flexion-extension, characterized by a 90% increase in ROM from laminoplasty to laminectomy, compared to a 16% increase in ROM from laminoplasty to laminectomy without arthroplasty (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Foraminotomy and laminoplasty did not result in significant instability in the setting of CA, compared to controls. Laminectomy alone, however, resulted in a significant change in biomechanics, allowing for significantly increased flexion and extension. Laminectomy alone should be used with caution in the setting of previous CA.
IDENTIFIKASI PENYAKIT LAYU PADA BIBIT GMELINA (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) DI PERSEMAIAN DAN UJI ANTAGONISME Trichoderma sp. SECARA IN-VITRO
Authors: Nuraeni Yeni
Published: August 2018

Gmelina seedlings which were 1.5 months age in the nursery Center for Reseacrh and Development Forests Bogor were attacked by wilt disease over 4.27%. The purpose of study were to determine the patoghens that cause the wilt disease in the nursery and to study the antagonist Trichoderma sp. against the pathogen causing wilt by in vitro as control efforts. The identification result of disease causing wilt on the gmelina seedlings was pathogenic fungus namely Fusariumi sp. The percentage of antagonist test on Trichoderma harzianum (THA) and Trichoderma Cipanas (TC) inhibiting against Fusarium sp. were 40.31% and 33.55%, respectively.Keywords: Antagonistic, gmelina seedlings, Fusarium sp., wilt diseaseABSTRAK          Bibit gmelina umur 1,5 bulan di persemaian Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan Hutan Bogor mengalami serangan penyakit layu dengan persentase serangan sebesar 4,27%. Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui patogen yang menyebabkan penyakit layu tersebut di persemaian dan melakukan uji antagonis Trichoderma sp.dengan patogen penyebab layu secara in-vitro sebagai upaya pengendaliannya. Hasil identifikasi penyebab penyakit layu pada bibit gmelina adalah cendawan patogen yaitu Fusarium sp. Sedangkan hasil uji antagonisme Trichoderma sp. berturut-turut Trichoderma harzianum (THA) dan Trichoderma Cipanas (TC) memiliki daya hambat terhadap Fusarium sp. sebesar 40,31% dan 33,55%.Kata kunci: Antagonis, bibit gmelina,Fusarium sp., penyakit layu