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Genome Editing Technologies: Ethical and Regulation Challenges for Africa
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
30-46
Received:
11 January 2017
Accepted:
24 January 2017
Published:
21 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20170202.11
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Abstract: Human germline modification, using Crisp Cas-9 technology, increases the chances for scientists to seize control of our genes and redirect our evolutionary futures, which can lead to production of a morally bifurcated world of humans. Confronted with the reality of tailor-designing humans to ultimately tailor-make a human person and of remaking humanity, many scientists advocate for a ban or moratorium to evaluate the benefits and risks. While others counter that we need to embrace the uncertainties and let science move on. This work, critically examines the ethically contentious issues of editing DNA of healthy human embryos and maps out the regulatory challenges accompanying the futuristic development of genome editing technologies in Africa. It explores the range of mechanisms that have been adopted for regulation, oversight and mediation of public concerns. The absence of robust oversight and ethical control mechanisms to prevent technologies from being misused is a serious challenge for Africans to develop regulatory safeguards. There is still a huge lack of study to establish evidence if gene editing technologies would be used to foster the eugenic agenda of the gene rich of the West over the gene poor of Africa, or promote the common good. Work further identifies the need for African governments to formulate new guidelines for genome editing technologies and build appropriate regulatory structures to identify, anticipate and respond to public concerns on embryo gene editing for reproduction.
Abstract: Human germline modification, using Crisp Cas-9 technology, increases the chances for scientists to seize control of our genes and redirect our evolutionary futures, which can lead to production of a morally bifurcated world of humans. Confronted with the reality of tailor-designing humans to ultimately tailor-make a human person and of remaking hum...
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Economic Analysis of Household Waste Generation, Disposal and Management in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria
Igwe Kelechi Chima,
Mgbasonwu Vincent Nwabinye
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
47-56
Received:
16 January 2017
Accepted:
25 January 2017
Published:
21 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20170202.12
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Abstract: Nigeria (particularly in urban areas) is facing increased difficulties in managing their municipal solid waste (MSW) effectively and economically. This study examines the household waste generation, disposal and management within Umuahia Capital Territory of Abia State, Nigeria. It aims to assess household waste disposal and management options, examine household waste generation rate and determinants, and also the household waste disposal, and management charges. This research is based on Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) [37] theory of support for social movements: The case of environmental concern. This research assumes that if the residents in Umuahia city care about the other people within the same environment they will be concerned about environmental conditions that threaten the other people’s health or well-being. The data collection is in stages, using an interview and field observations and questionnaires. To determine the quantity of waste generated in the city a total of 100 reading at 10 locations were taken. The total waste generated by households was divided by the number of days the wastes are kept before measurement gives the average waste generation by household per day. The household quantity of waste generated and the number of persons per household gave the per capita generation. Using this method, the quantity of generation in Umuahia metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria was 0.53/kg/day, on the average. The qualitative data was analyzed descriptively, while the quantitative data was analyzed using household budget constraint and multiple regression models. Bases on the finding it was observed that income, educational level were positively significant at 1%. While household size was negatively significant at 1% level. It was found out the unit pricing on municipal waste charges is the best alternative to the current flat rate that are in practice in the state. Therefore the following strategies were recommend: Accurate enumeration of Umuahia metropolis; Provision of standard dustbins for households; Introduction of door-to-door collection of waste; Delineation of the city into manageable zones for effective coverage and management; Enforcement of environmental law; and Embarking on an aggressive campaign to educate the populace on environmental management.
Abstract: Nigeria (particularly in urban areas) is facing increased difficulties in managing their municipal solid waste (MSW) effectively and economically. This study examines the household waste generation, disposal and management within Umuahia Capital Territory of Abia State, Nigeria. It aims to assess household waste disposal and management options, exa...
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Effect of Health Expenditure on GDP, a Panel Study Based on Pakistan, China, India and Bangladesh
Muhammad Aamir Ali,
Muhammad Ismat Ullah,
Muhammad Afzal Asghar
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
57-62
Received:
17 December 2016
Accepted:
18 January 2017
Published:
23 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20170202.13
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Abstract: Health expenditures are the primary concern for any government. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between health expenditures and economic development. The study is done by taking a sample size of 20 years from 1995 – 2014. This study is based on four countries Pakistan, China, India and Bangladesh. STATA 11 is used for panel regression run. The Husman test confirms that random effects model is appropriate which shows insignificant results in this part of world. This article focuses the importance of health expenditure because it is main indicator of an economy growth and development.
Abstract: Health expenditures are the primary concern for any government. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between health expenditures and economic development. The study is done by taking a sample size of 20 years from 1995 – 2014. This study is based on four countries Pakistan, China, India and Bangladesh. STATA 11 is used for...
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Occupational Health Hazard and Safety Assessment of Fishermen Community in Coastal Zone of Bangladesh
Shibaji Mandal,
Irteja Hasan,
Nazmul Huq Hawlader,
Israt Sultana,
Md. Mustafizur Rahman,
Md. Sagirul Islam Majumder
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
63-71
Received:
17 January 2017
Accepted:
29 January 2017
Published:
23 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20170202.14
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Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess the occupational health hazard and safety of Boga fishermen community in Kachua Upazila of Bagerhat district. All types of primary data and information were collected through household questionnaire survey, group discussion and local leader interview. Published journal paper, conference paper, books and news article are the secondary data sources for the research. Tropical cyclone is the severe most hazards during fishing because it acts like extreme life threatening event in the deep sea. The study founds that they face some physical problems during fishing like dizziness, vomit, fever, abdominal pain, acidity and dehydration. Traditionally they are practicing a few safety measures like carrying medicine for temporary health problems and carrying lifebuoy, life jacket, raincoat etcetera for ensuring protection from natural hazards which are not sufficient according to their occupation. Majority of the total fishermen did not take any training program ever on their occupational activities where only minority of fishermen have taken by the Upazila fisheries office. The Government and different NGO of Bangladesh are trying to help the fishermen community for their health safety but it is not well enough for enhancing their health safety. The knowledge gap of the fishermen and insufficient material support are the main constraints for their health/life safety.
Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess the occupational health hazard and safety of Boga fishermen community in Kachua Upazila of Bagerhat district. All types of primary data and information were collected through household questionnaire survey, group discussion and local leader interview. Published journal paper, conference paper, books and news arti...
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Clinical Variation in Common Surgical Procedures in Australia: Implications for Health Expenditure
Louise Rawlings,
Pauline Ding,
Stephen J. Robson
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
72-81
Received:
25 January 2017
Accepted:
10 February 2017
Published:
27 February 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20170202.15
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Abstract: Introduction: Payments for surgical procedures through the Australian Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) have a large effect on health budgets. We sought to evaluate the magnitude of surgical variation in five common surgical procedures: endometrial ablation; tonsillectomy in children; laparoscopic herniorraphy; cholecystectomy; and, knee arthroscopy. Methods: The MBS funds only a proportion of treatment costs affecting the potential affordability of surgery according to socio-economic factors. We hypothesised that lower rates of unemployment, higher average weekly earnings, a higher proportion of the population with private health insurance, and a higher percentage of the population in higher socio-economic brackets would be associated with a higher uptake of the procedures. Since surgery is more likely to be accessible in capital cities or larger regional centres, we also hypothesised that geographical isolation would be associated with lower access to surgical procedures. The relationship between surgical uptake and socio-economic factors was examined using linear regression and double bootstrap was used for statistical inference in an assumption-lean regression setting. Conclusion: We identified clinical variation in four of the five procedures studied. This variation was not associated with affordability or geographical access factors.
Abstract: Introduction: Payments for surgical procedures through the Australian Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) have a large effect on health budgets. We sought to evaluate the magnitude of surgical variation in five common surgical procedures: endometrial ablation; tonsillectomy in children; laparoscopic herniorraphy; cholecystectomy; and, knee arthroscopy. M...
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Client Satisfaction and Factors Affecting It, at Outpatient Department of Adama Hospital Medical College, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Desalegn Ararso Garoma,
Worku Dugassa Girsha,
Abebe Megerso Adlo,
Sileshi Garoma Abaya
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2017
Pages:
82-85
Received:
11 January 2017
Accepted:
3 February 2017
Published:
1 March 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20170202.16
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Abstract: Probing client satisfaction for the hospital service being given is an important tool to improve the quality of health care and patient health. How-ever; there has been little emphasis and no systematic way of evidence generation of the views of those using the out-patient clinic in our set-ups. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the client’s satisfaction and factors affecting it at the out-patient clinic of Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia. A crossectional study design was conducted and 422 outpatient clients were selected by systematic random sampling for an exit interview. The client satisfaction was sub-optimal at certain OPD service areas, for-instance, only 65% and 69% of the OPD clients were satisfied with the availability of the prescribed drugs and the requested laboratory tests respectively. Only 47.4%, of the clients were satisfied with the availability of signs towards the OPD and 58.4% were satisfied at the record room, to get their folders. Clients perceived availability of the prescribed drugs and the requested laboratory tests, signs towards the OPD, getting their folders, were the strongest predictors of client satisfaction at OPD service of Adama Hospital Medical College. Therefore, the administrative and technical staff needs to act on the identified gaps at the outpatient department.
Abstract: Probing client satisfaction for the hospital service being given is an important tool to improve the quality of health care and patient health. How-ever; there has been little emphasis and no systematic way of evidence generation of the views of those using the out-patient clinic in our set-ups. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the...
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