Afro-Asian Countries Research Articles

Editorial: Current advances in anti-infective strategies

Infectious diseases pose a global challenge, necessitating an exploration of novel methodologies for diagnostics and treatments. Since the onset of the most recent pandemic, COVID-19, which was initially identified as a worldwide health crisis, numerous countries experienced profound disruptions in their healthcare systems. To combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments across the globe have mobilized significant efforts and resources to develop treatments and vaccines. Researchers have put forth a multitude of approaches for COVID-19 detection, treatment protocols, and vaccine development, including groundbreaking mRNA technology, among others.
 This matter represents not only a scientific endeavor but also an essential addition to our arsenal for combating infectious diseases. This concern is underscored by the inclusion of eleven articles in this issue, each highlighting the urgent need to boost global resources for investigating, detecting, treating, and responding to emerging infections. Furthermore, there is a pressing call for the effective coordination and guidance of Arabian research initiatives, in conjunction with the efforts of Afro-Asian countries, to collectively address the challenges at hand and enhance overall outcomes.
 This special issue of Baghdad Science Journal on COVID-19 and anti-infective strategies provides an overview of infectious disease and anti-infective strategies management for detection, treatment protocol, and vaccine development including mRNA with many other strategies, by publishing articles on recent research concepts.

Scabies- Major Childhood Skin Infestation in Bangladesh - An Updated Review

Background: Globally distributed scabies- a highly prevalent contagious skin disease particularly infests children and elderly population. Since scabies often remain un-recognized/un-diagnosed or under-reported, but >130 million people suffer from scabies, WHO listed it under neglected tropical disease (NTD). Objective(s): This updated review focus on scabies etiology and association with socio-economic profile, water sanitation, personal hygiene, poor living condition, and environmental pollution. However, few plausible risk factors of childhood scabies have also been covered in this review. Methodology: A through computer-based literature search was performed for the period of ~two decades (2000 through 2022) utilizing four familiar search engines: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Elsevier. The search topics covered: „childhood/adult scabies‟, „etiology‟, „risk factors‟, „monthly income‟, „water sanitation „personal hygiene‟, „living conditions‟ and few others (optional). Findings: Of total 28 published articles reviewed conducted in major lower/mid income countries (LMICs) including some rich and Western ones. Overall findings revealed <12 years-old children were infested more, which was reported in more higher portions from Bangladesh alike other Afro-Asian countries. Scabies is attributed to overcrowded lower socioeconomic community, lack in knowledge/practice of poor personal hygiene, polluted environment/water-sanitation. Clinically, it is associated with intense generalized pruritus causing rash, itching/scratching, particularly during winter season. One of our community-based studies in residential Madrasahs in and around Dhak city/outskirts yielded that sharing habits of daily personal belongings (personal clothing, bed linen /towels, pajamas/lungis, etc.) were main sources of scabies transmission/scabies mite: Sarcoptes Scabiei. Alike our observations, treatment of scabies included Lot. Benzyl benzoate, Monosulfirum cream/soap, Permethrin cream, and, Lot. Ivermectin/cream for severe cases as best effective drugs to eradicate scabies mites which most of the literature agreed to irradicate scabies in ~90% children. Conclusion: Scabies, more in children and elderly people, remains associated with overcrowding, bizarre living, moist/stuffy environment, poor personal hygiene, sharing personal cloths/towels, including other factors like parental sociodemographic status and poorer household income. Public Health policy makers should address immediate intervention to mitigate these factors to ensure effective prevention and control of scabies, both among the children and elderly people. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 10 (1), Jan 2022; p 48-62

COI-gene Based Molecular Identification of Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Infesting Maize in Lahore, Pakistan

The significance of maize (Zea mays L.) is well-known across the globe. Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the severe biotic constraints of maize production in Afro-Asian countries like Pakistan. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) is considered as a universally accurate and authentic barcoding region to identify any insect species on the molecular level. In this study, the COI gene was selected for molecular identification of C. partellus. The insect larvae were collected from maize fields in Lahore, Pakistan. The sequence results revealed an amplicon size of 717 bp, which showed 100% homology to C. partellus species present in Karnataka, India upon BLAST. Maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic analysis with Chilo suppressalis and C. infuscatelus was studied and performed using MEGA 6. Multiple sequence alignment analysis showed the similarities and differences among intra- and inter-species levels. This is one of the primary or initial reports of molecular identification of lepidopterans in Pakistan. The study recommends utilization of molecular advancement for accurate species identification.

Growing up trends in Russia and foreign countries: common and specific

The purpose of the present article is to analyze growing up trends and specific features of life trajectories of young people in Russia and foreign countries. The key factors accompanying the process of maturation of representatives of Millennial and Z generations include prolongation of the educational process and of acquiring financial independence, expansion of youth boundaries, non-linearity and diversity of life paths, specific cyclicity of “personal” events occurring. The research demonstrates that the life in the context of global risk society and permanent social instability requires young people to develop specific skills, willingness to constantly change and good adaptive abilities. It is also highlighted that the 21st century maturation patterns are influenced by the socio-cultural, economic, political specificities and traditions of a certain country or region. For example, the Anglo-Saxon model of maturation involves a desire for early separation from parents; countries with a strong social support system (Northern Europe), by contrast, are characterized by rather late maturation; societies with weak state welfare systems or with strong family traditions (Southern Europe, Latin America, Afro-Asian countries) usually rely on family resources and support from relatives; the transition from youth to maturity in the developed countries of Asia has a distinctive glocal nature. The mode of growing up in some regions (usually involved in armed conflicts) is subject to the regulations of survival in extreme situations. Russia is characterized by Pan-European and local maturation trends, as the life trajectories of Russian youth are significantly influenced by regional differences. The author also makes an assumption regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends.

Liver Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis B: is it due to Hepatic Vena Cava Syndrome: case report

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a common chronic viral infection of man. Hepatitis B Virus is not a cytopathic virus. Extensive intrahepatic viral replication is compatible with normally functioning hepatocytes. Patients with CHB in the West manifest as a ‘healthy carrier’, whereas in Asia and Africa some develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Liver cirrhosis in CHB is assumed to evolve through chronic hepatitis but its pathogenesis and the geographic difference in the outcome of CHB is not explained adequately. Nepal is a country with low prevalence of CHB, where patients with CHB have hepatic vena cava syndrome (HVCS) as a comorbid condition. HVCS is a bacterial infection induced chronic obstructive disease of inferior vena cava at the site of hepatic vein opening. It is clinically characterized by long asymptomatic courses and occasional episodes of acute exacerbation precipitated by bacterial infection that result in hepatic venous outflow obstruction. Increased frequencies of acute exacerbations led to development of hypersplenism, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Long time follow up of patients with CHB in Nepal showed development of cirrhosis in many but it was not related to the severity of viral replication or to the duration of the viral infection. Cirrhosis developed more frequently in patients with hypersplenism and those with severe and recurrent acute exacerbation of HVCS. These observations suggested that the development of cirrhosis in CHB in Afro-Asian countries may be due to the presence of HVCS as a comorbid condition. Reported here are a few cases of CHB that illustrate this point. Pathogenesis of cirrhosis in these patients is discussed.

The Bandung conference and the MPR opens new window towards Afro-Asian countries (1955-1961)

Afro-Asian countries liberated from colonialism by the end of the WWII became a new factor in international relations. Most of them sought to establish a peaceful co-existence with other countries. Pancha-Shila five principles have been first proclaimed by India and China in 1954. These five principles proclaimed respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, equal and mutual usefulness, peaceful coexistence. The Bandung Conference of 29 Asian and African countries held in Indonesia in April 1955 was a significant event in international relations. It proclaimed famous 10 Bandung principles which were embraced by the Mongolian People’s Republic enthusiastically.
 Бандунгийн бага хурал ба БНМАУ Ази, Африкийн орнуудтай харилцах цонх нээсэн нь (1955-1961)
 Хураангуй: Дэлхийн II дайны дараа колончлолоос чөлөөлөгдөж биеэ даасан улс байгуулсан Ази, Африкийн орнууд олон улсын харилцааны шинэ хүчин зүйл болсон билээ. Тэдгээр улс орнуудын дийлэнх нь бусад улс оронтой энх тайвнаар зэрэгцэн орших үндсэн дээр харилцахыг эрмэлзэж байлаа. Энэ эрмэлзэл нь 1954 онд БНХАУ, БНЭУ-ын хоорондын харилцаанд тунхагласан Панча-Шила хэмээх таван зарчимд тусгалаа олов. Энэхүү таван зарчим нь нутаг дэвсгэрийн бүрэн бүтэн байдал ба суверенитетийг хүндэтгэх, харилцан үл довтлолцох, эрх тэгш харилцан ашигтай байх, энх тайвнаар зэрэгцэн орших зэрэг болно. 1955 оны 4 дүгээр сард Индонезийн Бандунг хотод хуралдсан Ази, Африкийн 29 орны Бага хурал олон улсын харилцааны түүхэнд онцгой байр суурийг эзэлдэг. Дэлхийн хүн амын талаас илүү нь оршин суудаг Ази, Африк хоёр тивийн Төр засгийн тэргүүн, Гадаад хэргийн сайд нар анх удаа хуран цугларч, дэлхийн улс төрд хоёр тивийн орнуудын гүйцэтгэх үүрэг, шинэ колоничлолын эсрэг, эдийн засаг, соёлын хамтын ажиллагааг бэхжүүлэх, хүний эрх ба өөрөө засан тохинох эрхийг хэрэгжүүлэх, улс хоорондын харилцаанд баримтлах Бандунгийн 10 зарчим зэргийг хэлэлцэн тохирч чадсан нь дэлхийн геополитикт тун содон сонин үйл явдал болсон билээ. Панча-Шила ба Бандунгийн 10 зарчмыг дэлхийн олон улс орон, түүн дотор БНМАУ ч талархалтай хүлээн авсан юм.
 Түлхүүр үгс: Бандунгийн бага хурал, Ази, Африкийн орнууд, энх тайвнаар зэрэгцэн орших 5 зарчим, 10 зарчим, БНМАУ-ын энх тайванч бодлого.

Gastrointestinal Helminthic Challenges in Sheep and Goats in Afro-Asian Region: A Review

Sheep and goats, being hardy and prolific in their growth, play a crucial role in cultural and socioeconomic life of rural poor under privileged people in Afro-Asian countries by providing meat, milk, wool and hide to them. Gastrointestinal helminthic infections are worldwide problem in ruminants. They results considerable loss in them causing mortality and poor production. Various helminthes types like trematodes, cestodes and nematodes are prevalent in different climates and geographical regions depending on rearing systems, intermediate host's availability and management practices. Epidemiology of helminthic diseases, though variable at times, is determined by various factors like treatment, climate and poverty (socio-economic and traditional practices). The study oversees gastrointestinal helminthic challenges in goats and sheep faced in Afro-Asian region in last decade. Methodology involves exhaustive exercise of screening and massive literature hunt which included published research, bot. abstracts and full length papers on the subject in last 10 years in addition to authors own observations. The diseases like Fasciolosis, Dicrocoelosis, Amphistomosis in trematodes, Monieziosis, Avitellinosis in cestodes and Haemonchosis, Trichostronglylosis, Oesophagostomosis, Trichuriosis, Strongyloidosis in nematodes were still serious challenges in the region threatening the small ruminant production. Frequent reports on Marshallgia, Ostertagia, Nematodirus, Stilesia, Thysaniezia spp. from this region showed emerging threats. Infections like Camelostrongylus, Graphidiops, Parabronema and Skrjabinema spp. were scarcely distributed. The paper reviews scientific work and developments of last 10 years on occurrence, distribution and epidemiology of common gastrointestinal helminthic infections of sheep and goats in Afro-Asian region with future research prospective in light of newer scientific approaches.

ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЕ, СОЦИАЛЬНО-ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИЕ, ЭТНОКОНФЕССИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ СТРАН АЗИИ И АФРИКИ (2019)

The article reviews the work and proceedings of the academic conference Economic, Socio-Political, Ethnic and Confessional Problems of the Countries of Asia and Africa, which took place at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in March 2019. The overview of the talks deals with such problems as new trends in globalization, application of innovative technologies in Afro-Asian countries, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, ethno-confessional problems, and the problems of diasporas.

Clinical study of nodal involvement in carcinoma penis: role of perineural and perivascular invasion in lymph node metastasis

Background: Penile malignancies constitute a major health problem in the developing countries especially the Afro Asian countries. It constitutes about 10% of all malignancy. The incidence of the penile malignancy is in decreasing trend in many parts of the world due to improved awareness about the personal hygiene. In this study special effort was made to analyze the histopathological correlation in predicting the lymph node involvement particularly the perivascular and perineural invasion of a tumor on his to pathology and its influence on the lymph node metastasis.Methods: After getting prior ethical committee clearance 42 cases of histopathologically proven cases are included in the study. Those patients included are explained about the nature of the study, investigations that are done. They have also discussed the various treatment options available in Thanjavur medical college. Proper consent in patients own language is obtained before including in the study.Results: The most common histological type found in present study was squalors type. More than 90% (93%) shows squamous variety. Verrucous carcinoma was found in two patients. One patient present with the mixed presentation.Conclusions: Tumour with high grade, high stage, and perineural and per vascular invasion is associated with more nodal metastasis. It is highly recommended to carry out nodal dissection in such types of a tumor. Screening for the early stage of the disease and addressing for the inguinal nodes for the high-risk group will significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of carcinoma penis.

Health status of Afro-Asian refugees in an Italian urban area: a cross-sectional monocentric study

ObjectivesThe recent sociopolitical events in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern areas have significantly impacted international migration flows. As disease prevalence and type are different among western and Afro-Asian countries, physicians dealing with refugees should be aware of their specific health needs. We aimed at evaluating the health status and disease history of refugees at their arrival in the urban area of L'Aquila (Italy). Study designThis is a monocentric cross-sectional study. MethodsRefugees hosted at the local reception center in L'Aquila (Italy) between July 2014 and December 2014 were cross-sectionally evaluated for anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory features. A subset of randomly selected participants underwent further assessments (screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis B/C, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis; ambulatory blood pressure measurement [ABPM]) to better define their health status. ResultsNinety-three adult male refugees (27.34 ± 7.41 years) from Africa (76%) and Asia (24%) were enrolled. Overall, the most prevalent diseases according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th revision affected the digestive tract (15.6%) and musculoskeletal apparatus (14.4%). The analysis by continent of origin did not show significant differences in the distribution of diseases, although a trend toward some differences was observed. African refugees had a significantly greater prevalence of viral hepatitis (hepatitis B virus, P = 0.004; hepatitis C virus, P = 0.007) compared with Asians. Hypertension, as detected by ABPM, was uncommon. No written vaccination history was available. ConclusionsHealth issues of our sample of Afro-Asian refugees span both non-communicable and communicable diseases, requiring attention for the safety of the individual and the community. National health systems should provide adequate information and shared guidelines for health professionals regarding identification and management of refugees' health needs.

Assessment of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm (Araliaceae) leaf extract on male fertility in male Wistar rats

Background: Polyscias fruticosa is used widely as food, disease remedy and as an ornamental across Afro-Asian countries. For instance, P. fruticosa is used traditionally as an anti-asthma, anti-tussive, and a muco-suppressant herbal remedy for asthmatics in Ghana. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological basis of the ethnobotanical uses of P. fruticosa, however, its effect on the reproductive system remains completely unknown. Aim of study: This study assessed effects of Polyscias fruticosa leaf extract (PFE) on male fertility and toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: after crude preparation of PFE, it was subjected to qualitative phytochemical, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Effect of PFE was assessed on male fertility and toxicity by using healthy adult male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to: normal saline (5 ml/kg po, n = 5), Clomiphene Citrate (50 mg/kg po; n = 5) and PFE (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg po; n = 5 respectively) groups and treated for 21 days. On day 22 rats were sacrificed and male fertility parameters (left testis weight, relative testis weight, caudal epididymal weight, caudal epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and assessment of male sex hormones and testicular histology) were assessed. Results: There were no significant changes in bodyweight, weight of left testis, weights of right and left caudal epididymides between treatments groups (PFE and clomiphene citrate) and control. Caudal epididymal sperm count increased in PFE (100 and 500 mg/kg)-treated rats relative to control. Sperm motility relatively increased in PFE-treated rats compared to control. Sperm abnormality decreased in PFE-treated rats; especially in PFE (100 mg/kg) group compared to control. Serum testosterone levels decreased inversely with serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in PFE-treated rats compared to control. There were minimal-to-no-alterations in histological sections of testis, except vacuolations at primary spermatocyte stage. Glycosides, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, sterols and alkaloids were detected in PFE. Conclusion: PFE improved caudal epididymal sperm count and may be useful as male fertility enhancer but exhaustive safety studies on key male sex organs needs to be established.

Alerts in Clinical Practice

There is no audit and surveillance system of the health care delivered by the private health care institutions. Most treatment protocols are framed for noncommunicable diseases as Diabetes, Hypertension and communicable diseases after extensive epidemiological study in only a few countries of the world ignoring the vast ethnic diversity of the Afro-Asian countries. The therapeutic plans used in developing nations are mostly governed by the financial plans of Pharma Giants. It’s needed to focus on patient welfare, leaving aside the age-old pseudo pride in modern medicine. All concerned should embrace holistic approach in health care superseding the realms of commercial benefit.

Colonial remnants in Afro-Asian system of education: Evidence from educational exclusion of rural women in Punjab

Education is recognized worldwide as fulcrum around which the development of nation revolves. Since independence, in Afro-Asian countries, the inherited colonial systems were expanded and modified to serve new economic and social needs identified by subsequent governments. This paper using the secondary data sources discusses the education system in Afro Asian Countries in colonial as well as post colonial period. The analysis reveals that colonial hegemony is visible in post colonial education system and its inherent remnants of policies of exclusion. Further, an empirical evidence of rural women in Indian Punjab is presented. Qualitative and quantitative information reveal that educational status of rural Indian women is abysmally low. The dismal status of education in rural women is witnessed with acute illiteracy, low level of education and high drop out among girl child. Major constraints for poor levels of education are; weak socio economic status, poverty in the family, parental illiteracy, distance of educational institution from village, social barriers, negative attitude of parents towards girls’ education, un-safety, cost of education, lack of employment opportunities and social issues like dowry etc. It is observed that after independence all Afro-Asian countries invested heavily in educational expansion and diversification, but the system has failed to provide equal opportunities to people.

Beyond the Shoe: Rethinking Khrushchev at the Fifteenth Session of the United Nations General Assembly

History tends to remember Soviet participation at the Fifteenth Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN GA, September 1960–April 1961) because of Nikita Khrushchev’s shoe. On October 13, 1960, the Soviet leader allegedly banged his shoe against his desk in the General Assembly hall to protest a speech he did not like.1 The incident is among the most well known in the history of the Cold War. However, despite the interest it has generated, Khrushchev’s conduct was the least important aspect of Soviet relations with the UN in 1960–61. This article reassesses Soviet participation at the Fifteenth Session of the GA in light of its medium- and long-term consequences for UN structure, practices, and vision. It also brings the issue of Moscow’s relations with UN members from the Third World, until now overlooked in the existing literature, into the story of this UN session. ... The Congo crisis was the key event that soured Soviet-UN relations in the second half of 1960. The USSR had been deeply involved in Congo since the early stages of the crisis, which was caused by foreign intervention and the attempted secession of a Congolese province in July 1960. Baffled by the West’s superior influence on the UN operation set up in Congo to address the crisis, the USSR attempted to change the balance of forces by trying to attract the support of the non-aligned bloc and reform the whole UN organization. The Fifteenth Session of the GA, which Khrushchev decided to attend in person, was meant to be the decisive moment. According to most of the existing literature, the plan did not succeed, and Khrushchev was reduced to banging his shoe in frustration. This view argues that the Afro-Asian countries remained indifferent to Khrushchev’s grievances and calls for reform, and thus did not support Soviet proposals to radically redesign the UN structure, notably by eliminating the post of Secretary-General (SG), and to change the way the UN mission operated in Congo, reducing Western influence.2 In his recent book on the USSR and the UN, Ilya V. Gaiduk writes that “Khrushchev’s plans to get rid of [UN Secretary-General Dag] Hammarskjöld and to change the UN policy in the Congo and elsewhere, while gaining the newly independent countries’ sympathies for Moscow’s position, failed abjectly.”3 Lise Namikas supports a more balanced view in her book on the Congo crisis. She maintains that the United States largely succeeded in using the UN “to achieve its own goals in the Congo,” but she concedes that the UN operation in Congo “allowed a degree of influence that Moscow lacked in Africa previously, and for that Khrushchev should be given credit.”4

Semi-peripheral countries and the invention of the ‘Third World’, 1955–65

Revisiting the events leading to the collapse of Third World summitry in 1965, this article proposes that the rise and fall of Third World unity efforts in the years 1955–65 originated from the unsuccessful attempt by industrialised Afro-Asian (aa) countries to turn unindustrialised aa states into their export markets. As a case study, this article explores Egypt’s economic foreign policy towards other aa countries and its activity within the aa and the Non-aligned movements, and compares Egyptian strategy in this field with that of China and Ghana.

Recent trends in regional integration and the Indian experience

The post-Cold War period witnessed a spurt in regional integration and regional trading arrangements. India’s attempt at regional integration with Afro-Asian countries during the early years of independence had been without much success. The economic reforms in 1991 and the resultant liberalization and opening of the economy, and the reshaping of its foreign policy have thrown open the floodgate of its Asianism. This article discusses the trend towards regional integration with the end of Cold War and argues that the Look East policy is the byproduct of India’s attempt at regional economic integration with East and Southeast Asian countries. The policy is also used by India as one of the means for solving multiple predicaments in its Northeastern region.

Nutritional quality and health benefits of chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.): a review

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop grown and consumed all over the world, especially in the Afro-Asian countries. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, and protein quality is considered to be better than other pulses. Chickpea has significant amounts of all the essential amino acids except sulphur-containing amino acids, which can be complemented by adding cereals to the daily diet. Starch is the major storage carbohydrate followed by dietary fibre, oligosaccharides and simple sugars such as glucose and sucrose. Although lipids are present in low amounts, chickpea is rich in nutritionally important unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acids. β-Sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol are important sterols present in chickpea oil. Ca, Mg, P and, especially, K are also present in chickpea seeds. Chickpea is a good source of important vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, folate and the vitamin A precursor β-carotene. As with other pulses, chickpea seeds also contain anti-nutritional factors which can be reduced or eliminated by different cooking techniques. Chickpea has several potential health benefits, and, in combination with other pulses and cereals, it could have beneficial effects on some of the important human diseases such as CVD, type 2 diabetes, digestive diseases and some cancers. Overall, chickpea is an important pulse crop with a diverse array of potential nutritional and health benefits.

Recent Trends in Journalism Research and Political Power in the Afro-Asian Countries

This study aims to analyze the new trends in research on the relationship between the press and political authorities in Africa and Asia. It derives its significance from the recent developments in both media and politics in these countries. The study shows that the main shifts in this area of research include:- Search for new theoretical approaches to explain the relation between the press and political authorities.- Disregard of the four theories of communication model which was putting the press systems in Africa and Asia in very narrow frames (Authoritarian and Communist).- Search for genuine African and Asian values of the press derived from actual experience.- Study of new topics such as independent press and the positive role of the press in supporting the national identity and social solidarity. In light of the objectives of this study, it can be concluded that the relationship between press and the political authorities in the two continents has been affected by political, economic and technological changes.

Recent Trends in Journalism Research and Political Power in the Afro-Asian Countries

This study aims to analyze the new trends in research on the relationship between the press and political authorities in Africa and Asia. It derives its significance from the recent developments in both media and politics in these countries. The study shows that the main shifts in this area of research include:- Search for new theoretical approaches to explain the relation between the press and political authorities.- Disregard of the four theories of communication model which was putting the press systems in Africa and Asia in very narrow frames (Authoritarian and Communist).- Search for genuine African and Asian values of the press derived from actual experience.- Study of new topics such as independent press and the positive role of the press in supporting the national identity and social solidarity. In light of the objectives of this study, it can be concluded that the relationship between press and the political authorities in the two continents has been affected by political, economic and technological changes.

School pressures and child mental health in Afro-Asian countries

Educational pressure on children is worldwide. In the United Kingdom this is seen in the growth of structured classes and courses for two- to four-year-olds such as ‘Making French Fun’ and ‘Musical Appreciation for Under Fours' (Matthews, 1995). Such programmes are of particular interest to aspiring middle-class parents but other groups also have high educational expectations. Some parents with a West Indian background, believing the British educational system to be superior to that in their country of origin, look for high attainments which often results in their children showing psychosomatic symptoms. In developing countries the signs of educational pressure are especially evident.