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Kinds of Countries Around The World Selected AbstractsPathological gambling: an increasing public health problemACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2001Article first published online: 7 JUL 200 Gambling has always existed, but only recently has it taken on the endlessly variable and accessible forms we know today. Gambling takes place when something valuable , usually money , is staked on the outcome of an event that is entirely unpredictable. It was only two decades ago that pathological gambling was formally recognized as a mental disorder, when it was included in the DSM-III in 1980. For most people, gambling is a relaxing activity with no negative consequences. For others, however, gambling becomes excessive. Pathological gambling is a disorder that manifests itself through the irrepressible urge to wager money. This disorder ultimately dominates the gambler's life, and has a multitude of negative consequences for both the gambler and the people they interact with, i.e. friends, family members, employers. In many ways, gambling might seem a harmless activity. In fact, it is not the act of gambling itself that is harmful, but the vicious cycle that can begin when a gambler wagers money they cannot afford to lose, and then continues to gamble in order to recuperate their losses. The gambler's ,tragic flaw' of logic lies in their failure to understand that gambling is governed solely by random, chance events. Gamblers fail to recognize this and continue to gamble, attempting to control outcomes by concocting strategies to ,beat the game'. Most, if not all, gamblers try in some way to predict the outcome of a game when they are gambling. A detailed analysis of gamblers' selfverbalizations reveals that most of them behave as though the outcome of the game relied on their personal ,skills'. From the gambler's perspective, skill can influence chance , but in reality, the random nature of chance events is the only determinant of the outcome of the game. The gambler, however, either ignores or simply denies this fundamental rule (1). Experts agree that the social costs of pathological gambling are enormous. Changes in gaming legislation have led to a substantial expansion of gambling opportunities in most industrialized countries around the world, mainly in Europe, America and Australia. Figures for the United States' leisure economy in 1996 show gross gambling revenues of $47.6 billion, which was greater than the combined revenue of $40.8 billion from film box offices, recorded music, cruise ships, spectator sports and live entertainment (2). Several factors appear to be motivating this growth: the desire of governments to identify new sources of revenue without invoking new or higher taxes; tourism entrepreneurs developing new destinations for entertainment and leisure; and the rise of new technologies and forms of gambling (3). As a consequence, prevalence studies have shown increased gambling rates among adults. It is currently estimated that 1,2% of the adult population gambles excessively (4, 5). Given that the prevalence of gambling is related to the accessibility of gambling activities, and that new forms of gambling are constantly being legalized throughout most western countries, this figure is expected to rise. Consequently, physicians and mental health professionals will need to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of pathological gamblers. This disorder may be under-diagnosed because, clinically, pathological gamblers usually seek help for the problems associated with gambling such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse, rather than for the excessive gambling itself. This issue of Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica includes the first national survey of problem gambling completed in Sweden, conducted by Volberg et al. (6). This paper is based on a large sample (N=9917) with an impressively high response rate (89%). Two instruments were used to assess gambling activities: the South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised (SOGS-R) and an instrument derived from the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling. Current (1 year) and lifetime prevalence rates were collected. Results show that 0.6% of the respondents were classified as probable pathological gamblers, and 1.4% as problem gamblers. These data reveal that the prevalence of pathological gamblers in Sweden is significantly less than what has been observed in many western countries. The authors have pooled the rates of problem (1.4%) and probable pathological gamblers (0.6%), to provide a total of 2.0% for the current prevalence. This 2% should be interpreted with caution, however, as we do not have information on the long-term evolution of these subgroups of gamblers; for example, we do not know how many of each subgroup will become pathological gamblers, and how many will decrease their gambling or stop gambling altogether. Until this information is known, it would be preferable to keep in mind that only 0.6% of the Swedish population has been identified as pathological gamblers. In addition, recent studies show that the SOGS-R may be producing inflated estimates of pathological gambling (7). Thus, future research in this area might benefit from the use of an instrument based on DSM criteria for pathological gambling, rather than the SOGS-R only. Finally, the authors suggest in their discussion that the lower rate of pathological gamblers obtained in Sweden compared to many other jurisdictions may be explained by the greater availability of games based on chance rather than games based on skill or a mix of skill and luck. Before accepting this interpretation, researchers will need to demonstrate that the outcomes of all games are determined by other factor than chance and randomness. Many studies have shown that the notion of randomness is the only determinant of gambling (1). Inferring that skill is an important issue in gambling may be misleading. While these are important issues to consider, the Volberg et al. survey nevertheless provides crucial information about gambling in a Scandinavian country. Gambling will be an important issue over the next few years in Sweden, and the publication of the Volberg et al. study is a landmark for the Swedish community (scientists, industry, policy makers, etc.). This paper should stimulate interesting discussions and inspire new, much-needed scientific investigations of pathological gambling. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Guido Bondolfi and Robert Ladouceur Invited Guest Editors References 1.,LadouceurR & WalkerM. The cognitive approach to understanding and treating pathological gambling. In: BellackAS, HersenM, eds. Comprehensive clinical psychology. New York: Pergamon, 1998:588 , 601. 2.,ChristiansenEM. Gambling and the American economy. In: FreyJH, ed. Gambling: socioeconomic impacts and public policy. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1998:556:36 , 52. 3.,KornDA & ShafferHJ. Gambling and the health of the public: adopting a public health perspective. J Gambling Stud2000;15:289 , 365. 4.,VolbergRA. Problem gambling in the United States. J Gambling Stud1996;12:111 , 128. 5.,BondolfiG, OsiekC, FerreroF. Prevalence estimates of pathological gambling in Switzerland. Acta Psychiatr Scand2000;101:473 , 475. 6.,VolbergRA, AbbottMW, RönnbergS, MunckIM. Prev-alence and risks of pathological gambling in Sweden. Acta Psychiatr Scand2001;104:250 , 256. 7.,LadouceurR, BouchardC, RhéaumeNet al. Is the SOGS an accurate measure of pathological gambling among children, adolescents and adults?J Gambling Stud2000;16:1 , 24. [source] Cancer of the esophagus and gastric cardia: recent advances,DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 1 2004G. N. J. Tytgat SUMMARY., Esophageal cancer and cancer of the gastric cardia, in particular adenocarcinomas, have shown a rapid and largely unexplained increase in incidence in many developed countries around the world. These diseases have a poor prognosis and current therapies have a modest impact on survival. This review presents recent advances in the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, staging, prevention and treatment of resectable and advanced disease. Although significant progress has been made in these areas of research and patient management over the past years, prognosis for most patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer or cancer of the gastric cardia remains poor. New diagnostic procedures, improved surgical procedures, combined treatment modalities and new treatment modalities are being evaluated and may be expected to contribute to improved patient outcomes and better palliation of symptoms in the future. [source] Persistent, recurrent, and acquired infection of the root canal system post-treatmentENDODONTIC TOPICS, Issue 1 2003Markus Haapasalo Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory process in the periradicular tissues caused by microorganisms in the necrotic root canal. Accordingly, to achieve healing of apical periodontitis, the main goal of the treatment must be elimination of the infection and prevention of re-infection. As shown by recent epidemiological studies in several countries around the world, post-treatment endodontic disease is a far too common finding. To understand the reasons for survival of resistant bacteria in the filled root canal, it is important to know in detail the interaction between treatment procedures and the root canal flora in primary apical periodontitis. Therefore, in the first half of this review, the focus is placed on control of infection in primary apical periodontitis. This is followed by a detailed description of the resistant root canal microflora and a discussion about the present and future strategies to eliminate even the most resistant microbes in post-treatment disease. [source] Effectiveness of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program on Parenting: A Meta-AnalysisFAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 5 2008Ireen De Graaf Abstract: Triple P is a parenting program intended to prevent and to provide treatment for severe behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems in children. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of Triple P Level 4 interventions on parenting styles and parental competency. Level 4 is an intensive training program of 8 , 10 sessions for parents of children with more severe behavioral difficulties. The results indicated that the Triple P Level 4 interventions reduced dysfunctional parenting styles in parents and also improved parental competency. These effects were maintained well through time and appear to support the widespread adoption and implementation of Triple P Level 4 interventions that is taking place in an increasing number of countries around the world. [source] Fiscal Decentralisation and Empowerment: Evolving Concepts and Alternative Measures,FISCAL STUDIES, Issue 4 2008Jameson Boex H11; H70; H72 Abstract Decentralisation reforms are among the most common and significant public sector reforms, particularly in developing and transitional countries around the world. Despite the importance of the topic to policy practitioners and academic researchers alike and the extensive empirical research on the topic, there is consensus in the literature that the measures of decentralisation that are currently used are unsatisfactory. In response, we propose an alternative measure of fiscal decentralisation based on the notion that decentralisation is more than simply the inverse of centralisation. Following Bahl (2005), we consider fiscal decentralisation as ,the empowerment of people by the [fiscal] empowerment of their local governments'. Accordingly, we develop a measure of fiscal empowerment that allows us to quantify fiscal decentralisation as the gain in empowerment due to devolution and we analyse the proposed measures of empowerment and decentralisation for a cross-section of developing, transitional and industrialised countries. [source] World Gastroenterology Organization Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of IBD in 2010INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2010Dr. Charles N. Bernstein Chairman Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of idiopathic, chronic, inflammatory intestinal conditions. Its two main disease categories are: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which feature both overlapping and distinct clinical and pathological features. While these diseases have, in the past, been most evident in the developed world, their prevalence in the developing world has been gradually increasing in recent decades. This poses unique issues in diagnosis and management which have been scarcely addressed in the literature or in extant guidelines. Depending on the nature of the complaints, investigations to diagnose either form of IBD or to assess disease activity will vary and will also be influenced by geographic variations in other conditions that might mimic IBD. Similarly, therapy varies depending on the phenotype of the disease being treated and available resources. The World Gastroenterology Organization has, accordingly, developed guidelines for diagnosing and treating IBD using a cascade approach to account for variability in resources in countries around the world. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010 [source] The medical emergency team: does it really make a difference?INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 11 2003M. Cretikos Abstract Hospital systems are failing the critically ill. This has been well documented in many countries around the world, with detailed reports of suboptimal care prior to intensive care and high rates of serious adverse events, including death. These events are potentially preventable, but insufficient attention has been directed towards developing solutions to these important problems to date. The medical emergency team (MET) is a system approach that promotes early and appropriate intervention in the care of critically ill hospital patients. The benefits of the MET in terms of absolute in-patient mortality and cardiac arrest rates are not yet well-defined, although preliminary studies are promising. The MET does provide a potentially beneficial impact on many other aspects of patient care. These benefits include: (i) facilitating an integrated and coordinated approach to patient care across the hospital, (ii) increasing awareness of at-risk patients, (iii) encouraging early referral of seriously ill patients to clinicians with expertise in critical care and (iv) providing a foundation for quality initiatives for hospital-wide care of the seriously ill. The MET also empowers nursing staff and junior medical staff to call for immediate assistance in cases where they are seriously concerned about a patient, but may not have the experience, knowledge, confidence or skills necessary to manage them appropriately. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 511,514) [source] Are men shortchanged on health?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2010Perspective on life expectancy, morbidity, mortality in men, women in the United States Summary Background:, Significant gender disparities exist in life expectancy and major disease morbidity. There is an urgent need to understand the major issues related to men's health that contributes to these significant disparities. It is hypothesized that men have higher and earlier morbidities, in addition to behavioral factors that contribute to their lower life expectancy. Methods:, Data was collected from CDC: Health United States, 2007; American Heart Association, American Obesity Association, and American Cancer Society. Results:, Men have lower life expectancy than women in most countries around the world including United States. This gender disparity is consistent regardless of geography, race and ethnicity. More men die of 12 out of the 15 leading causes of death than women. In addition, men have higher morbidity and mortality in coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Conclusions:, Men's lower life expectancy may be explained by biological and clinical factors such as the higher incidence of cardiovascular metabolic disease and cancer. In the context of public health, raising awareness of cardiovascular and metabolic health is needed to reduce the gender disparity. In addition, consideration of preventive and early detection/intervention programs may improve men's health. [source] State of the art: Juvenile idiopathic arthritisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2002Prudence J. Manners Abstract Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common of the autoimmune musculoskeletal conditions in children. As awareness of this condition increases, so too does the apparent prevalence reported from countries around the world, suggesting that significant numbers of children with JIA have previously gone undiagnosed. Prevalence varies with race and possibly geography. However, JIA should no longer be considered as a rare condition. In the past decade, there have been definite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of JIA, and there have been parallel advances in therapies. There have been fairly modest advances in the classification of JIA, but there is at least heightened international debate on the issue, which will lead to progress. It is estimated that nearly one-third of children with this condition continue into adult life with inflammatory joint disease, and therefore the burden of disease remains significant. [source] Research, policy and practice: why developing countries are differentJOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2005John Young Better utilization of research and evidence in development policy and practice can help save lives, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life. However, there is limited systematic understanding of the links between research and policy in international development. The paper reviews existing literature and proposes an analytical framework with four key arenas: external influences, political context, evidence and links. Based on the findings of stakeholder workshops in developing countries around the world, the paper identifies four key issues that characterize many developing countries. These are: (i) troubled political contexts; (ii) problems of research supply; (iii) external interference; and (iv) the emergence of civil society as a key player. Despite these challenges, two institutional models seem to be particularly effective: (i) think tanks and (ii) regional networks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Intellectual Disability in the Context of a South African PopulationJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 2 2008Jennifer Kromberg Abstract, Childhood disabilities, including intellectual disabilities (ID), are thought to occur in 5,17% of children in developing countries around the world. In order to identify and describe the childhood disabilities occurring in a rural South African population, as well as the context in which they occur, a study was carried out in the Bushbuckridge district in the poor northeast part of the country. Altogether, 6,692 children were screened in their homes in eight villages using the Ten Questions questionnaire. This questionnaire was used by local-trained field-workers in interviews with mothers and other carers, to screen children for five disorders (viz., intellectual, hearing, visual and movement disorders, and epilepsy). Altogether, 722 (10.8% of the total sample) children, who screened positive, were examined at clinics in their villages by a pediatrician for diagnostic, treatment, and referral purposes. In addition, 100 traditional healers in the district were interviewed with a specially designed schedule of questions to assess their attitudes toward disabilities and their management of affected children. The results showed that 291 (4.3%) children had at least one of the five disabilities. ID occurred in 3.6%, epilepsy in 0.7%, visual disorders in 0.5%, movement disorders in 0.5%, and hearing disorders in 0.3%. More boys than girls with hearing disorders were receiving special education. Many of the affected children were not receiving treatment or education, resulting in a reduction in their quality of life. Traditional healers were attempting to treat epilepsy and seldom referred affected children to hospital, although effective treatment was available there. Genetic factors were involved in about half the conditions, but genetic services were negligible. Appropriate health, diagnostic, treatment, educational, and supportive services are required for children with disabilities, and awareness of their needs and the resources to meet them should be increased in this community. [source] Can Nutritional Label Use Influence Body Weight Outcomes?KYKLOS INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, Issue 4 2009Andreas C. Drichoutis SUMMARY Many countries around the world have already mandated, or plan to mandate, the presence of nutrition related information on most pre-packaged food products. Health advocates and lobbyists would like to see similar laws mandating nutrition information in the restaurant and fast-food market as well. In fact, New York City has already taken a step forward and now requires all chain restaurants with 15 or more establishments anywhere in US to show calorie information on their menus and menu board. The benefits were estimated to be as much as 150,000 fewer obese New Yorkers over the next five years. The implied benefits of the presence of nutrition information are that consumers will be able to observe such information and then make informed (and hopefully healthier) food choices. In this study, we use the latest available dataset from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005,2006) to explore whether reading such nutrition information really has an effect on body weight outcomes. In order to deal with the inherent problem of cross-sectional datasets, namely self-selection, and the possible occurrence of reverse causality we use a propensity score matching approach to estimate causal treatment effects. We conducted a series of tests related to variable choice of the propensity score specification, quality of matching indicators, robustness checks, and sensitivity to unobserved heterogeneity, using Rosenbaum bounds to validate our propensity score exercise. Our results generally suggest that reading nutrition information does not affect body mass index. The implications of our findings are also discussed. [source] The Arabic ICIQ-UI SF: An alternative language version of the English ICIQ-UI SFNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 3 2006H. Hashim Abstract Aims Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common and distressing condition. A variety of questionnaires are currently available to assess UI and its impact on patients' lives. However, most have not been adapted for international use. Following a systematic review of the literature and existing questionnaires the International Consultation on Incontinence short form questionnaire (ICIQ-UI SF) was developed, and has since been translated into many languages for local use. This paper reports the development and validation of the first UI questionnaire in the Arabic language. The development of this questionnaire will facilitate the assessment of UI in both clinical practice and research in the Middle-East. Methods Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the ICIQ-UI is described. Standard methods of translation by native Arabic and English speakers (including translation and back translation) are followed. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire, including its validity, reliability and sensitivity to change, are examined. The validation of the questionnaire involved patients attending urology outpatient clinics in two Middle-Eastern countries. Results The Arabic ICIQ-UI SF was found to be valid, reliable and responsive, indicating that the psychometric properties of the questionnaire have remained constant throughout the adaptation process. Furthermore, the findings of the psychometric testing confirm those found for the UK-English ICIQ-UI SF. Conclusions The development of this questionnaire will allow the study of Arabic speaking groups with UI in many countries around the world. This may act as an example to initiate the translation and validation of other patient reported outcomes into the Arabic language, thereby enabling more multinational and cross-cultural research into diseases in given areas. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] International Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature From 2008ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2009Suzanne Lippert MD Abstract As the specialty of emergency medicine (EM) continues to evolve in countries around the world, and as interest in international emergency medicine (IEM) continues to grow within the United States, the IEM Literature Review Group recognizes a need for a high-quality, consolidated, and easily accessible evidence base of literature. In response to that need, the group created an annual publication that strives to provide readers with access to the highest quality and most relevant IEM research. This publication represents our fourth annual review, covering the top 26 IEM research articles published in 2008. Articles were selected for the review according to explicit, predetermined criteria that include both methodologic quality and perceived impact of the research. It is our hope that this annual review will act as a forum for disseminating best practices while also stimulating further research in the field of IEM. [source] Why Are Fewer Women than Men Elected?POLITICAL STUDIES REVIEW, Issue 2 2010Gender, the Dynamics of Candidate Selection Why are fewer women than men elected? Research suggests that this is the combined result of: (1) the supply of female aspirants, or the qualifications of women as a group to run for political office; and (2) the demand for female aspirants, or the preference of political elites for male over female candidates. The aim of this article is to reassess this explanation through the lens of recent case studies of female representation in four regions of the world: Africa, Latin America, North America and Western Europe. On their own, each contribution lends support to arguments about either supply or demand, leading their authors to offer distinct recommendations for change: an increase in the number of women who come forward, which is likely to be a slow and difficult process, or the adoption of gender quotas, which are quick but may produce mixed results. Yet juxtaposing these studies also exposes the limits of the traditional supply and demand model of candidate selection. On the one hand, the ,political market' does not operate efficiently towards an equilibrium solution of supply and demand. Rather, ideologies of gender introduce important distortions to the process: the fact that women are under-represented in all countries around the world suggests that both the supply of and demand for female candidates is artificially repressed, leading to low numbers of women in elective office. On the other hand, important variations exist in women's descriptive representation across countries and across political parties. These differences suggest that dynamics of supply and demand are shaped in crucial ways by features of the broader political context, which may include structural conditions but also the emergence of new and sometimes unanticipated opportunities. [source] Decentralisation in Africa: goals, dimensions, myths and challengesPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2003Paul Smoke Decentralisation is a complex and often somewhat elusive phenomenon. Many countries around the world have been attempting,for several reasons and with varying degrees of intention and success,to create or strengthen sub-national governments in recent years. Africa is no exception to either the decentralisation trend or the reality of its complexity and diversity. Drawing selectively on the large academic and practitioner literature on decentralisation and the articles in this volume, this article briefly outlines a number of typical prominent goals of decentralisation. It then reviews some key dimensions of decentralisation,fiscal, institutional and political. These are too frequently treated separately by policy analysts and policy makers although they are inherently linked. Next, a few popular myths and misconceptions about decentralisation are explored. Finally, a number of common outstanding challenges for improving decentralisation and local government reform efforts in Africa are considered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Lecithin requirements of juvenile Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatusAQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 4 2003K.R. Thompson Abstract Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus is considered a popular crustacean species in several countries around the world because of its large size potential and resemblance to high-priced American lobsters. However, little is currently known of the nutrient requirements and practical diet formulations for red claw. Lecithin has been shown to be required in the diets of several crustacean species, but there are no reports of dietary lecithin requirements for red claw. A 10-week feeding trial was conducted in an effort to evaluate lecithin requirements for juvenile red claw. Juvenile red claw (mean individual weight of 1.6 ± 0.91 g) were individually stocked in a recirculating system at random into 80 plastic-mesh culture units, each containing its own individual water line. There were 20 red claw per treatment (diet). Water was recirculated through biological and mechanical filters. Four semi-purified diets were formulated to contain increasing percentages of commercial soya bean lecithin (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%). Diet ingredients included solvent-extracted menhaden fish meal (FM), casein, dextrin, wheat flour, pellet binder, vitamin and mineral mix, cod liver oil, and corn oil. Semi-purified diets were formulated to contain 40% protein using casein, menhaden FM, and wheat flour as protein sources. After 10 weeks, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in final weight, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate with average values of 13.0 g, 934%, and 3.14% day,1, respectively. Percentage survival was high during the 10-week period (100, 95, 100 and 95%) as only two individuals died during the study; one of these, because of an escape from the culture unit. There was also no significant differences (P > 0.05) in percentage moisture, protein, fat and ash in whole-body red claw carcasses (wet-weight basis) among any treatment (diet) and averaged 77.1, 12.6, 1.3 and 6.2%, respectively. Based upon the present study, these results indicate that a diet containing 5% cod liver oil and 1% corn oil, and having no supplemental lecithin, may be sufficient for growth and survival of juvenile red claw crayfish. [source] Economic development lessons from and for North American Indian economies,AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2009Terry L. Anderson This paper reviews the literature on economic development as it relates to indigenous people in the United States and Canada, and focuses on how institutions affect economic development of reservation and reserve economies. Evidence shows that strong property rights to reservation and reserve land and natural resources, whether communal or individual, are and always have been important determinants of productivity. Political and legal institutions that are perceived as stable and predictable to tribal members and to non-Natives also improve economic opportunities for indigenous people living on reservations and reserves. Research reviewed here also shows that culture and acculturation are important in the development process. Although our emphasis is on North America, the findings are applicable to indigenous people in other parts of the world and shed light on growth questions that loom large for developing countries around the world. [source] International Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature from 2007ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2008Adam C. Levine MD Abstract The subspecialty of international emergency medicine (IEM) continues to grow within the United States, just as the specialty of emergency medicine (EM) continues to spread to both developed and developing countries around the world. One of the greatest obstacles, however, faced by IEM researchers and practitioners alike, remains the lack of a high-quality, consolidated, and easily accessible evidence-base of literature. In response to this perceived need, members of the Emergency Medicine Resident Association (EMRA) International Emergency Medicine Committee, in conjunction with members of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) International Health Interest Group, have embarked on the task of creating a recurring review of IEM literature. This publication represents the third annual review, covering the top 30 IEM research articles published in 2007. Articles were selected for the review according to explicit, predetermined criteria that included both methodologic quality and perceived impact of the research. It is hoped that this annual review will act as a forum for disseminating best practices, while also stimulating further research in the field of IEM. [source] The 75th anniversary of the World Council of Optometry: Seventy-five years of advancing eye care by optometrists worldwideCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY, Issue 4 2002Damien P Smith PhD AM SUMMARY Over 75 years, the World Council of Optometry has developed as an organisation with the mission and appropriate strategies to improve the quality of eye and vision care around the world, especially by advancing the delivery of that care by educated, regulated, primary care optometrists. However, WCO is unknown to most optometrists and ,international optometry' is not part of the optometric curriculum in our schools, just as it is rarely on the agenda of our professional associations. As a consequence, many optometrists do not understand the difficulties faced by their colleagues in other countries, in both clinical and political challenges. Australian optometrists are regulated by law, educated at state universities, eligible for service coverage by universal health insurance, able to detect disease in the eye using diagnostic agents and, in increasing numbers, able to treat disease in the eye with therapeutic drugs. However, this community standing and professional privilege, taken for granted by most Australian optometrists, cannot be exported. In fact, an Australian optometrist would be jailed in many countries around the world just for doing the ordinary clinical procedures that he or she does on every patient, by routine, day in and day out. All optometrists should feel ownership of WCO and all should have a commitment to its mission to facilitate the enhancement and development of eye and vision care by optometrists worldwide. Australian optometrists are already linked to WCO through their membership of Optometrists Association Australia, which is itself a longstanding and valued member of WCO. To prosper for a further 75 years, WCO needs continued global volunteerism and from those unable to directly participate, financial support through donations and sponsorship. [source] Advancing Entertainment Education: Using The Rosie O'Donnell Show to Recognize Implementation Strategies for Saturated MarketsCOMMUNICATION THEORY, Issue 2 2009Deborah L. Larson Entertainment-education (E-E) has been widely and successfully implemented in developing countries around the world, but it is much harder to utilize in media-saturated countries. However, talk shows can be a niche market for E-E campaigns. As evidence, The Rosie O'Donnell Show has made a significant contribution to the television industry and to entertainment-education research by redefining how advocacy, education, and entertainment can work through a variety talk show format. An extemporaneous talk show can implement E-E campaigns through four main strategies to target its viewers: (1) Variability, or using a variety of forms to provide campaign information, (2) using multimediated synergistic avenues and online connections, (3) creating audience proactivity by using a small group elements to promote self and collective efficacy, and host appeal to bridge the local to national gap, and (4) the host's use of instinctive intentionality in aggregating campaign messages. As executive producer and host of her show, Rosie O'Donnell affected awareness, disseminated educational information, and encouraged proactive behavior with social, political, and philanthropic agendas through repetitive, positive, and proactive entertainment-education messages. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||