IT and the Web: What is the immediate future for Papua New Guinea? May 8, 2007
Posted by rodney itaki in Information communication technology.5 comments
Ian Hanspeter, Department of Computer Science, PNG University of Technology Papua New GuineaIan.hanspeter@postgrad.curtin.edu
Abstract
Currently Papua New Guinea (PNG) is in a transitional phase in IT age. We may say that we are up there with the rest, but the true determining factor which determines how well developed a nation is with respect to information technology, is up-time and cost of ownership per capita.
Currently those two factors are not in our way at the moment. Monopoly of the communication industry has placed a strenuous bottle-neck on the over-all growth of information technology and its related technologies.
In this paper, it is pointed out the need for a proper Information Technology (IT)) policy as well as the need to empower proper regulatory bodies to ensure that technology serves its primary purpose without any violation of any fundamental morals that the country holds dear.
Keywords
ICT, Web, ITU, Information, Technology, ISP
Teaching microbiology practical class in a problem-based learning curriculum at the University of Papua New Guinea; a tutor’s experience. May 7, 2007
Posted by rodney itaki in Life sciences.6 comments
Itaki L. Rodney.
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea.
Abstract
Problem based learning is now being implemented in many medical schools around the world. UPNG adopted the problem-based model of teaching medical students in 1999. This paper describes the authors experience in teaching microbiology practical classes at UPNG.
Keywords: Problem based learning, microbiology, UPNG, practical class.
An assessment of malaria transmission and endemicity in the Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. May 7, 2007
Posted by rodney itaki in Life sciences.add a comment
Ian Garbett, Jacob Kapo, Philip Kond, James Aua Lipu, Minat Lamowa, Thomas Tromba.
Tinsley District Hospital, PO Box 1027, Mount Hagen 281, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea Chi-Chi Obuaya, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London
Abstract
To assess the level of endemicity of malaria through estimation of the spleen rate and average enlarged spleen size (AES) in children in a rural community of Papua New Guinean Highlanders. 95 children aged between 2 to10 in the Ruti Valley of the Western Highlands Provincewere examined. The spleen rate was 92% with an AES of 2.36. The paper suggests that malaria is holo-endemic in Ruti Valley and highlights the urgent need for interventions such as bed nets and insecticide spraying in rural Papua New Guinea as well as improved access to medical services.
A survey to assess current knowledge of malaria transmission, presentation and management amongst Papua New Guinean Highlanders. May 7, 2007
Posted by rodney itaki in Life sciences.add a comment
Ian Garbett, Jacob Kapo, Philip Kond, James Aua Lipu, Minat Lamowa, Thomas Tromba.
Tinsley District Hospital, PO Box 1027, Mount Hagen 281, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Chi-Chi Obuaya, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK.
Abstract
To assess local perceptions about malaria in a rural community in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, 152 adults resident in the Ruti Valley, Mul/Baiyer District, Western Highlands Province were interviewed at 3 different sites over 4 days in parallel with a malarial endemicity study. Most participants identified the potential mortality of the disease, use of anti-malarial medication and its peak times of transmission with rainfall variation. Significant proportions were unaware of how malaria was transmitted and its prevention with mosquito nets. There were unexpected beliefs about the role played by food in disease transmission and control. Rural communities that were surveyed generally have an adequate knowledge of malaria control. Potential for the introduction of participatory strategies has been revealed, given the communities current understanding, to enhance the implementation of planned mosquito net provision strategies and their sustainability in this and other malaria endemic areas in the future.
