A Dynamic CGE Model: An Application of R&D- Based Endogenous Growth Model Theory

An R&D based endogenous growth - applied general equilibrium model is developed from an underlying analytical model which combines Romer's capital variety with Grossman and Helpman's multi-sector open economy model. The transitional dynamics of the analytical model are derived. For numerical implementation, a time discrete empirical model, with an Armington structure, is fit to East Asian data of the social accounting matrix variety. Simulations of trade reform are performed and their static and dynamic effects compared. The transition paths of the state variables are found to have a half-life of five to six periods. A solution of the Social Planner's problem, and interventions which seek to obtain this outcome from the decentralized model are also obtained'.Applied General Equilibrium, Trade, Growth, International Relations/Trade, F11, 031, 041,

TRANSFORM DOMAIN SLICE BASED DISTRIBUTED VIDEO CODING

Distributed video coding depends heavily on the virtual channel model. Due to the limitations of the side information estimation one stationary model does not properly describe the virtual channel. In this work the correlation noise is modelled per slice to obtain location-specific correlation noise model. The resulting delay from the lengthy Slepian-Wolf (SW) codec input is also reduced by reducing the length of SW codec input. The proposed solution does not impose any extra complexity, it utilizes the existing resources. The results presented here support the proposed algorithm

Relationships Among Live Body Weight and Some Body Measurements in Sudanese Kenana Bulls

. The phenotypic relationship between live body weight (kg) and body measurements (cm) for Sudanese bulls is explored. In this research, data from one visit survey were used to estimate the relationships between live body weight and some body measurements of Sudanese Kenana bulls. General linear model analysis with multivariate ANOVA when all physical variables were response and animal live body weight groups (kg) as independent, and simple linear Pearson\u27s correlation were formed between live body weight (Bwt), Heart girth (HG), Heart girth at hump (HTH), Body length (Bl) and Abdominal girth (ABG). The results revealed the best linear correlation between body weight and measurements was heart girth at hump (0.65, 0.66 and 0.73) respectively, for live body weight groups. The obtained linear correlation coefficients were relatively highly accurate indicators of live body weight. This suggests that live body weight could be estimated accurately by body measurements in Sudanese Kenana Bulls

Knowledge Translation in Africa for 21(st) Century Integrative Biology: The "Know-Do Gap" in Family Planning with Contraceptive Use among Somali Women

Abstract An emerging dimension of 21(st) century integrative biology is knowledge translation in global health. The maternal mortality rate in Somalia is amongst the highest in the world. We set out to study the "know-do" gap in family planning measures in Somalia, with a view to inform future interventions for knowledge integration between theory and practice. We interviewed 360 Somali females of reproductive age and compared university-educated females to women with less or no education, using structured interviews, with a validated questionnaire. The mean age of marriage was 18 years, with 4.5 pregnancies per marriage. The mean for the desired family size was 9.3 and 10.5 children for the university-educated group and the less-educated group, respectively. Importantly, nearly 90% of the university-educated group knew about family planning, compared to 45.6% of the less-educated group. All of the less-educated group indicated that they would never use contraceptives, as compared to 43.5% of the university-educated group. Prevalence of contraceptive use among ever-married women was 4.3%. In the less-educated group, 80.6% indicated that they would not recommend contraceptives to other women as compared to 66.0% of the university-educated group. There is a huge gap between knowledge and practice regarding family planning in Somalia. The attendant reasons for this gap, such as level of education, expressed personal religious beliefs and others, are examined here. For primary health care to gain traction in Africa, we need to address the existing "know-do" gaps that are endemic and adversely impacting on global health. This is the first independent research study examining the knowledge gaps for family planning in Somalia in the last 20 years, with a view to understanding knowledge integration in a global world. The results shall guide policy makers, donors, and implementers to develop a sound family planning policy and program to improve maternal and child health in 21(st) century primary healthcare

Endocrine Hypertension

Arterial hypertension a prominent component of a number of endocrine disorders, most prominently those involving the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism and Cushing syndrome) and the pituitary (ACTH-producing tumors). Hypertension may also be a prominent feature of other endocrine disorders such as acromegaly, thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism. Endocrine hypertension is noted in both adults and children but it is more relevant for children where it comes second to renal hypertension, the common cause of hypertension in that age group. Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 3 (3) 2008: pp. 239-25

Essentials of Total Parenteral Nutrition: A review

The advent of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in the late 1960s meant that no situation remained in which a patient could not be fed. Unfortunately, total parenteral nutrition was complicated in its early days by serious infective and metabolic side effects that undermined the beneficial effects of nutrient repletion. However, these TPN associated problems were minimized over time with the advancement of science, improvement of infection control measures, invention of suitable equipments, and experience. Now benefits are much greater than drawbacks. In this report we reviewed the literature and documented the indications, composition and preparation, as well as, procedure, and administration of TPN both in children and adults. We also discussed the possible complications of therapy and how to prevent it and manage it when present. We conclude by noting the progress of TPN service in Sudan.Keywords: artificial feeding, enteral feeding, trace elements, aminoacid

Bone-specific median age of hand-wrist maturation from Sudan

Background Maturation of bones in the hand–wrist region varies among individuals of the same age and among world groups. Although some studies from Africa report differences to other ethnic groups, the lack of detailed bone-specific maturity data prevents meaningful comparisons. Aim The aim of this study was to describe bone-specific maturity for developing hand–wrist bones in individuals in Khartoum, Sudan. Subjects and methods The sample was selected from healthy patients attending a dental hospital in Khartoum with known age and ancestry (males = 280, females = 330; aged between 3 and 25 years). Bones were assessed from radiographs of the left hand and wrist after the Greulich and Pyle Atlas (1959). Median ages of attainment for bone stages were calculated using probit analysis for each stage in males and females separately. Results Maturity data for stages of the phalanges, metacarpals, carpals and radius and ulna in males and females are presented. Median ages in females were earlier compared to males for all stages. These results are largely earlier than previously published findings or where these could be calculated. Conclusion These results of individual maturity stages of phalanges, metacarpals, carpals and the distal epiphyses of the radius and ulna are useful to assess maturity in growing individuals from Sudan

A Novel Formula for Solving Integral Transforms

In this paper, we present a novel formula to solve well-known integral transforms (Laplace andFourier) as well as new integral transform (Sumudu) and their inverses in a clear and practicalmanner. This formula is restricted to integrals that include a derivable function multiplied by anexponential function. The proposed methodology is presented gradually in this article to dealwith these integrals. Moreover, we give provide examples to illustrate the effectiveness of thenew formula

Post Transplant Diabetes Mellitus in Ahmed Gasim Kidney Transplant Center, Sudan

Introduction: New onset post transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication of kidney transplantation with a negative impact on patient and graft survival. Non-white ethnicity is a well known risk factor for PTDM. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 221 Sudanese patients who received live donor kidney transplantation in Ahmed Gasim kidney transplant center between December 2001 and December 2007, focusing on the incidence, clinical course and prognosis of PTDM during the first post transplant year, and relating this to calcineurin inhibitor use. Results: The 12 months cumulative incidence of PTDM in our transplant population was 17.6% and all cases required treatment with insulin. 53.8% of PTDM cases were transient with a median duration of 76 days; by 12 months post transplant only 6.2% of patients were receiving insulin. The 12 months cumulative incidence of PTDM was higher in the tacrolimus compared to cyclosporine groups (25.4% versus 6.6%; OR 4.8, 95% CI: 1.9-12.1; P=0.00). During the follow up period 57.6% of PTDM patients in the tacrolimus group were able to discontinue insulin compared to 33.3% of PTDM patients in the cyclosporine groups (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 0.4-17; P=0.3). By 12 months post transplant, the proportion of patients receiving insulin was not significantly different between the two groups (8.0% versus 4.0%; OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.5-8.4; P = 0.2). Conclusion: The incidence of PTDM in our transplant population is not different from that reported in published randomized controlled trials and similarly, in the majority of cases PTDM was transient. Key words: Post transplant diabetes mellitus, kidney transplantation, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, calcineurin inhibito

Restoration of Kidney Function after Prolonged (Four Months)Anuria Due to Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion

Introduction: Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is usually one manifestation of wide spread atherosclerotic disease and its presence has a grave impact on prognosis. RAS is a progressive condition that can remain asymptomatic for a long time, only to present later with accelerated hypertension or renal insufficiency. The first approach to the management of atherosclerotic RAS consists of medical therapy to control blood pressure and other atherosclerotic risk factors. However, surgical or percutaneous revascularization can be of substantial benefit in selected patient groups. Case Report: A 37 year old man who was a heavy smoker and known to have hypertension for the previous five years presented with acute anterior myocardial infarction (MI). His serum creatinine was 8.5 mg/dl and he needed a session of acute peritoneal dialysis to relieve severe pulmonary edema. Subsequent investigations revealed the presence of bilateral total occlusion of the renal arteries resulting in severe renal impairment and dialysis dependency. He underwent two unsuccessful attempts at angioplasty. Surgical revascularization of both renal arteries was eventually carried out after four months of anuria, and was immediately followed by dramatic improvement of his kidney function. The patient, however, continued to receive antihypertensive medication for adequate blood pressure control. Conclusion: This case reflects the ability of the kidney to adapt to chronic ischemia, and underscores the importance of considering renal revascularization in all patients with renal artery occlusion, even after long periods of kidney non-functioning. Key words: renal artery occlusion, renaovascular disease, renal revascularization, ischemic nephropath