Estimating Long-run Trade Elasticity in Pakistan: A Co-integration Approach

The analysis of this study is to monitor the effect of currency depreciation on trade elasticity, using co integration technique of ARDL. The Robust ARDL structure has been used to format the bound testing approach to co-integration model and error correction model. The bound test holds that there exists a long term stable relationship between BOP and its determining factors. The real GDP makes the balance of payment positive, both in long and short run. The study is based upon time series data (1974-2014). For estimation purpose, Johansen –Cointegration technique has been used and integration order has been applied for each variable before applying co-integration technique. This research actually seeks to examine the trade growth factors from period (1974-2014). The ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag model) examines the long run elasticity of trade. The shown technique has been collaborated through ADF test. All of the variables are incorporated at first difference i.e. I(1) accept one variable, which is GDP.ADF (augmented dickey- fuller) unit root test has been applied to examine the stationary time series data. Equation has been constructed for terms of trade and other independent variables to examine their long- run relation. ARDL shows that there is co-integration between trade growth and other independent variables i.e. GDP, CPI, NEER, NEER, IMP, EXP and also with the dependent variable TOT. Clearly, it can be noticed that the long- run relationship exists between these variables. It could be observed that “Marshal-Lerner condition” is true for Pakistan as well as for other underdeveloped countries

Substance Misuse Education for Physicians: Why Older People are Important.

This perspective article focuses on the need for training and education for undergraduate medical students on substance-related disorders, and describes initiatives undertaken in the United Kingdom (UK), Netherlands, United States (US), and Norway to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed by future doctors to treat patients adequately. In addition, we stress that in postgraduate training, further steps should be taken to develop Addiction Medicine as a specialized and transverse medical domain. Alcohol use disorder is a growing public health problem in the geriatric population, and one that is likely to continue to increase as the baby boomer generation ages. Prescription drug misuse is a major concern, and nicotine misuse remains problematic in a substantial minority. Thus, Addiction Medicine training should address the problems for this specific population. In recent years, several countries have started an Addiction Medicine specialty. Although addiction psychiatry has been a subspecialty in the UK and US for more than 20 years, in most countries it has been a more recent development. Additional courses on addiction should be integrated into the curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as form part of the continuous training of other medical specialists. It is recommended that further research and mapping of what is currently taught in medical programs be undertaken, so as to enhance medical education in addiction and improve treatment services

Estimating Long-run Trade Elasticity in Pakistan: A Co-integration Approach

The analysis of this study is to monitor the effect of currency depreciation on trade elasticity, using co integration technique of ARDL. The Robust ARDL structure has been used to format the bound testing approach to co-integration model and error correction model. The bound test holds that there exists a long term stable relationship between BOP and its determining factors. The real GDP makes the balance of payment positive, both in long and short run. The study is based upon time series data (1974-2014). For estimation purpose, Johansen –Cointegration technique has been used and integration order has been applied for each variable before applying co-integration technique. This research actually seeks to examine the trade growth factors from period (1974-2014). The ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag model) examines the long run elasticity of trade. The shown technique has been collaborated through ADF test. All of the variables are incorporated at first difference i.e. I(1) accept one variable, which is GDP.ADF (augmented dickey- fuller) unit root test has been applied to examine the stationary time series data. Equation has been constructed for terms of trade and other independent variables to examine their long- run relation. ARDL shows that there is co-integration between trade growth and other independent variables i.e. GDP, CPI, NEER, NEER, IMP, EXP and also with the dependent variable TOT. Clearly, it can be noticed that the long- run relationship exists between these variables. It could be observed that “Marshal-Lerner condition” is true for Pakistan as well as for other underdeveloped countries

Knowledge of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and their Adverse Effects among Medical and Non-Medical Students

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the common analgesics, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Though, their frequent consumption cause peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and other unfavorable side effects. This study aimed to compare the knowledge and attitude of Karachi medical and non-medical students about NSAIDs and their adverse effects. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021-2022, including 344 students from four universities in Karachi, with an equal ratio of medical (n=172) and non-medical (n=172). The study participants were requested to fill out the questionnaire based on the usage of NSAIDs, over-the-counter availability, side effects, etc. The knowledge of adverse drug reactions, reasons for self-medication, and NSAID prescriptions were compared using the Chi-square/Fisher Test. Results: The results showed that about 88.4% of students had some previous knowledge of NSAIDs, of which 98.2% were from the medical sector and 78.4% were from the non-medical sector. 68.6% of students were familiar with the NSAIDs’ adverse effects, 90.1% were medical students, and 47.1% were non-medics. Only 47.7% of the total population was aware of PUD, with 80.2% attending medical universities. While most of the self-medicating students were non-medical 84.7%. Conclusion:  Medical students of Karachi possessed more knowledge about NSAID use and its adverse effects. The most known prevalent adverse was PUD, which indicates GI bleeding. It is recommended that there is a dire need for awareness concerning the usage, safety and adverse effects of NSAIDs. Keywords: NSAIDs; Peptic Ulcer Disease; Medical Students; Non-medical Students

Feasibility of buprenorphine maintenance therapy programs in the Ukraine: First promising treatment outcomes

Background: Opiate substitution therapy (OST) in the Ukraine was not provided until 2004. As part of the introduction of OST, the first feasibility study was conducted in 2007. Six clinics in 6 cities were involved in providing OST and collecting data. Methods: A total of 151 opiate-dependent patients were given buprenorphine as a substitute, and a survey of substance use, HIV transmission risks, and legal and social status was conducted at baseline and at 6 and 12-month follow-up. Results: Illegal substance use and illegal activities and incomes were highly reduced, whereas employment rates and psychiatric problems improved. Retention was comparatively high (79.5%) after 12 months. No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion: A successful implementation of OST in the Ukraine is feasible

Alkoholin kulutuksen vaihtelut ja alkoholiin liittyviä ongelmia Liettuassa

Summary: Fluctuation of alcohol consumption and prevalence of alcohol-related harm in Lithuania

Analisis Pengaruh Paparan Lampu Neon (Flourescent) Terhadap Proses Pembuatan Alkohol

Molase merupakan salah satu produk utama setelah gula pasir, yang dihasilkan dari bermacam-macam tingkat pengolahan tebu menjadi gula. Beberapa jenis khamir digunakan dalam fermentasi alkohol. Saccharomyces cerevisiae sering digunakan karena mampu menghasilkan etanol dengan rendemen yang tinggi (16 - 18 %) pada media yang dirancang dengan baik. Faktor yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan mikroba pada proses fermentasi adalah suhu yang optimum untuk pertumbuhan dan perkembangbiakan mikroba ragi adalah 28-30 0C. Menganalisis pengaruh paparan lampu neon (fluorescent) pada proses mikrobiologi pembuatan alkohol dari tetes tebu (molase) serta untuk mengetahui perbandingan hasil pengaruh pertumbuhan mikroba setelah dilakukan proses penyinaran dengan lampu fluorescent dan tidak menggunakan lampu fluorescent. Perbandingan hasil data pada saat proses fermentasi pembuatan alkohol yang disinari oleh lampu neon (fluorescent) warna merah, kuning, hijau, biru dan putih dengan tidak menggunakan lampu neon (fluorescent) yaitu pada lampu neon (fluorescent) warna merah, kuning dan tidak menggunakan lampu neon (fluorescent) yeast dapat tumbuh dengan baik dan mendapatkan kadar etanol 9,53, 9,78 dan 9,01, akan tetapi pada lampu neon (fluorescent) warna hijau, biru dan putih didapatkan hasil yang berbanding terbalik semakin lama proses penyinaran yeast yang terkandung dalam sampel semakin menurun pertumbuhannya/mati, dikarenakan nilai pH-nya terlalu rendah atau dibawah standart nilai pH (3,0-6,0)

The Work of General Practitioners among Lithuanian Roma in Vilnius: Incorporating Harm Reduction into Primary Medical Practice

We describe the efforts of general practitioners (GPs) in Vilnius working with the Lithuanian-Roma community, the most impoverished and marginalized segment of the city's population. We focus specifically on GPs' efforts to advocate for and implement harm reduction principles and programs to protect and improve the health of Roma drug injectors threatened by HIV. We describe the full range of efforts that GPs have added to their practice beyond “normal doctoring” in order to have a more far-reaching impact on the health of drug users. This includes advocating for and successfully implementing methadone drug treatment and needle exchange services as integrated parts of routine primary medical practice. It also includes the outreach efforts by GPs and nurses to educate many different segments of the larger Vilnius community - law enforcement officials, teachers, and social workers - about harm reduction principles and strategies. </jats:p