Stability Program Research Articles

Austerity Measures and the Resilience of Zimbabwe's Healthcare System: Challenges and Solutions.

Austerity measures have become a contentious topic, shaping the landscape of health care systems around the world. As governments grapple with economic challenges, the impact of austerity on health care has emerged as a critical concern. This study focuses on the consequences of austerity actions adopted by the Zimbabwean government under the Transitional Stabilization Program (TSP) from August 2018 to December 2025. This research examines the impact of austerity measures on Zimbabwe's health care sector, exploring its connections with health infrastructure and resources, accessibility and affordability of health care, health funding, health care inequalities, and the health care workforce. Using a quantitative approach and data from 970 participants, including the general populace, health care providers, and government officials, significant positive correlations between austerity measures and these health care variables were identified. The findings indicated a noteworthy positive correlation between the independent variable "austerity measures" and five dependent variables: health care accessibility and affordability, health care inequalities, infrastructure and resources, health care funding, and health care workforce. The t-statistics values exceeded the threshold of 1.96, with values of 5.085, 3.120, 6.459, 8.517, and 3.830, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of considering the effects of austerity on health care access, health funding, health care inequalities, health workforce, health infrastructure and resources development. Policymakers should prioritize equitable resource allocation and targeted investments to strengthen the resilience of the health care system during economic challenges. Understanding these associations is crucial for evidence-based policy decisions and fostering a more equitable and resilient health care system in Zimbabwe.

Stabilisation of subsoil using colloidal silica beneath shallow foundation - a case study

Shallow foundations are commonly used to support various equipment in industrial projects. If the subsoil is too weak to withstand the equipment loads, the settlement or tilting of the foundations takes place. To avoid further distress to such foundations, weak soil beneath the damaged foundation is required to be strengthened. This paper presents a similar case study wherein the strengthening of subsoil was performed beneath the shallow foundations which experienced settlement and tilting beyond the permissible limits due to the presence of weak subsoil. The stabilisation of soil was performed using injection grouting with colloidal silica-based chemical grout to prevent further settlement and tilting of foundations. The particulars of the chemical stabilisation program, injection methodology, chemical consumption, field trials, and laboratory test results are explicated in this paper with the details of post rectification performance of the test foundation. The properly executed injection grouting using chemical components was observed to be an effective measure to stabilise the subsoil by enhancing its engineering properties to a certain extent. The key factors that can affect the performance of colloidal silica-based chemical and precautions to be considered during soil stabilisation are also discussed in this paper.

Health Factors for Preschool Children Educational Institutions in Russia

The article analyzes the health problems and resources of preschool children. The positions and conclusions of the authors are based on the results of sociological measurements carried out in educational organizations of the Irkutsk region in January-February 2024. The sample size is 943 parents or legal representatives of children attending educational organizations of the Irkutsk region. The subject of author’s research is the factors of the dynamics of the incidence rate of preschool children. The definition of these factors makes it possible to outline and test a program of preventive measures in order to effectively introduce preschool education into the regional system. In the list of destructive transformations of the regional health care system, the authors note an increase in chronic diseases, a deficit of physical activity, violations of the diet and its quality. The research program includes the determination of not only objective indicators of a medical nature, but also subjective assessments of all participants in the educational process. The importance of identifying the growing needs of the parent community and children’s teams in the field of health protection is justified. Socially significant and acceptable protector programs are discussed both for the improvement and education of all participants in the educational process, and for the development of a culture of health preservation within the preschool institution and beyond. The conclusions and results of the work can equally be useful to teachers-practitioners, administrative and managerial apparatus of departmental services, as well as representatives of the scientific community in the social sphere, in the institutes of health and education, for the development of social stabilization programs for modern Russian society.

Study of polymer component migrated in medicinal product from transportation packaging component: A systematic assessment beyond regulatory expectations

Light Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bottles with a specific resin were chosen as container closure system (CCS) to fill “Latanoprost ophthalmic solution” (a generic drug product). As an alternative packaging component, additional manufacturer of LDPE bottles with the same characteristics as the previously selected LDPE bottles was chosen. The appropriateness of both packaging components was evaluated using an extractables and leachable (E&L) study and a formal stability programme that monitored quality of latanoprost ophthalmic solution. The results of relevant quality attributes in stability samples of latanoprost ophthalmic solution packed in both LDPE bottles were compared. It noticed that an unknown impurity in latanoprost ophthalmic solution packaged in LDPE bottles manufactured by an additional manufacturer. Further study revealed that this unknown impurity is Epsilon-caprolactam, a leachable of plastic used in the transportation of LDPE bottles. The leachability was validated through an extraction analysis of a plastic bag used for transportation. Thus, in certain cases, when the source of leachable is not identifiable by an E&L examination of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components, the assessment could be extended to include packaging components utilized throughout the supply chain.

Distributive Conflict, High Inflation, and Stabilization Programs in a Small Open Economy Framework: The Case of Argentina in the 1980s

ABSTRACT The debates between demand-pull and cost-push theories of inflation have shaped stabilization programs since the 1923 German hyperinflation. This article combines elements from the modern revival of the Classical tradition of value and distribution and the Latin American Structuralist Approach to analyse the political economy behind Argentina's high-inflation regime and stabilization policies from 1983 to 1989. Our main hypothesis is that exchange rate dynamics play a crucial role in stabilizing distributive configurations and price dynamics in a small open economy with conflicting claims. High external debt, persistent devaluation expectations, and exchange rate policies imposed by international creditors to safeguard the economy's repayment capacity are identified as the primary causes behind the failure of stabilization attempts in Argentina during the late 1980s.

ENGINEERING AND GEODESIC MONITORING OF DEFORMATIONS OF BUILDING STRUCTURES DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF MILITARY AGGRESSION

The problem of engineering and geodetic monitoring of damaged buildings as a result of Russian aggression is extremely relevant in today's environment. The importance of this issue for the construction industry is particularly high. The right approach to the engineering and geodetic monitoring of damaged buildings and structures will allow timely detection of deformation development and development of a stabilisation programme to help prevent future damage.There are many different methods for effective deformation monitoring, each with its own unique characteristics. Among them are standard methods such as geometric levelling and linear-angle measurements. Geometric levelling involves measuring the height differences between different points on an object, which allows you to accurately determine the change in the position of structural elements. Linear-angle measurements include measuring the lengths and angles between points, which helps to identify any changes in the geometry of the building.In addition to standard methods, automated observation methods are also actively used. These methods include the use of modern instruments and technologies that allow for continuous monitoring of deformations in real time. For example, automated total station surveys, GPS systems, laser scanners and other high-precision instruments allow data to be collected with high accuracy and speed.Automated monitoring significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of observations of building deformations. The use of such systems allows for real-time data to be obtained, which is extremely important for timely response to any changes in the condition of facilities. This is particularly relevant in the context of post-war reconstruction, when the speed and accuracy of work are critical to ensuring the safety and stability of buildings.This article presents the results of engineering and geodetic monitoring of a residential complex on Zvirynetska Street. At this facility, geodetic works were carried out to measure the settlements and horizontal displacements of two sections.

Application of K-Means Clustering and OR-Tools to Optimize Rice Distribution: A Case Study of Perum Bulog Indonesia

Food security is one of the Indonesian government's priority policies aimed at maintaining economic and political stability. To ensure the nutritional needs of its population are met, the government requires sufficient food availability distributed nationwide at stable and affordable prices. Rice is the main staple food in Indonesia. According to data from the National Food Agency, rice consumption in Indonesia is very high, averaging 139 kilograms per capita per year, with a dependency rate of 97%. In response to food security challenges, the Indonesian government has entrusted the Food Supply and Price Stabilization Program (SPHP) for rice to Perum BULOG, a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) specializing in food logistics. To optimize distribution to Perum BULOG’s retailers, called Rumah Pangan Kita (RPK), efficient routes and transport capacity are prioritized. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach using the Heterogeneous Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (HCVRP) to enhance distribution efficiency and reduce delivery costs. By employing the K-Means algorithm to cluster RPK addresses and Guided Local Search via OR-Tools to determine suitable transportation types, this study successfully identified optimal delivery routes for each cluster and corresponding vehicle types. The results demonstrated a reduction in delivery costs of up to 21%, significantly improving the efficiency of the SPHP rice distribution process. This outcome ultimately supports rice availability and price stability, crucial for maintaining food security in Indonesia.

Early clinical drug product shelf-life setting using accelerated predictive stability and metabolite data for impurity qualification: A case study

This case study demonstrates how knowledge of degradation products together with predictions can establish a lean stability strategy using the accelerated predictive stability (APS) principles. Applying all available data for AZD4831, (R)-1-(2-(1-aminoethyl)-4-chlorobenzyl)-2-thioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one, a reliable predictive model was developed despite minor differences in technical batch tablet compositions. Early forced degradation studies were performed to map potential degradation pathways. The insights from these studies guided the design of an APS study, which in turn inform on a suitable clinical stability program, initial specification and shelf-life. The use of APS predictions of degradants as well as total impurities highlighted at an early stage, when designing the clinical stability program, the opportunity to identify which degradation product that would be shelf-life limiting. Hence, it was possible to guide the development stability activities and set an initial shelf-life of a tablet formulation. The presented study displays the importance of combining several sources of information in drug development, e.g., potential degradation pathways, accelerated stability, stability program design, metabolite data, and specification limits.

21. PRRSV-1 stabilization programs in French farrow-to-finish farms: A way to reduce the use of antibiotics?

21. PRRSV-1 stabilization programs in French farrow-to-finish farms: A way to reduce the use of antibiotics?

Effectiveness of McKenzie exercises plus stabilization exercises versus McKenzie exercises alone on disability, pain, and range of motion in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain: A randomized clinical trial.

Chronic nonspecific neck pain is a common disorder that causes disability and reduced quality of life. Effective conservative treatment options are needed to manage this condition. This randomized trial compared the efficacy of McKenzie exercises alone versus McKenzie plus cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization training for patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. 76 patients with chronic (> 3 months) neck pain were randomized to 6 weeks of either McKenzie exercises alone (n= 38) or McKenzie plus stabilization exercise (n= 38). The McKenzie protocol included posture correction, range of motion exercises, and lateral neck stretches. The stabilization program added targeted exercises for the neck and scapula. The combination of McKenzie plus stabilization exercises resulted in significantly greater reduction in current neck pain intensity compared to McKenzie alone at 6 weeks (mean difference: -1.2 points on 0-10 scale, 95% CI -1.8 to -0.6; p< 0.001). Neck disability improved in both groups. Cervical range of motion also improved more with the addition of stabilization, except for extension. Adding specific cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises to a standard McKenzie protocol led to clinically meaningful reductions in neck pain compared to McKenzie therapy alone in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. This combined approach can improve outcomes.

Determination of Deamidation in Adjuvanted Vaccine Antigens through Isoaspartic Acid Quantification.

Deamidation is a post-translational chemical modification that occurs within proteins and can be influenced by many factors, including temperature and pH. In vaccines, deamidation is considered undesirable as it may lead to changes in structure, function, stability, and immunogenicity. Detecting deamidation in vaccines, especially adjuvanted vaccines, can be challenging due to the lack of simple quantitative techniques. In this study, the quantification of isoaspartic acid (isoAsp) was used to assess deamidation in model antigens in the presence and absence of common vaccine adjuvants. This study shows that the detection of isoAsp was possible in the presence of various types of adjuvants with little to no interference. High levels of isoAsp were detected in thermally and pH-stressed adjuvanted vaccines, suggesting significant deamidation and highlighting the stability-indicating capabilities of the assay. The quantification of isoAsp in stability programs of a vaccine drug product could possibly find applications in product shelf-life determination, using thermal kinetic modeling to predict deamidation over time. The ability to detect deamidation early in vaccine development enhances process improvements and ultimately improves the vaccine's stability. To summarize, this paper describes a rapid and simple method to determine deamidation in adjuvanted vaccines. This method could be applicable to formulation development, stability assessment, or shelf-life determination.

CO24 Examination of the Effectiveness of a Shoulder Stabilization Programme Among Throwing Athletes

CO24 Examination of the Effectiveness of a Shoulder Stabilization Programme Among Throwing Athletes

A libertarian stabilization program and its consequences

Milei's victory in the 2023 presidential election in Argentina triggered a major change in economic policies. The new administration implemented a program aimed at avoiding hyperinflationary risks. In this article, we describe the program and argue that the risks that justified its implementation were overestimated, in light of historical data on hyperinflations. We also argue that this program imposes unnecessarily large costs on economic activity and assumes large risks of currency crises. Based on international evidence, we advocate an alternative approach to mitigate social impacts and reduce dependence on risky exchange rate dynamics.

Improving Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain, Tension-Type Headache, and Forward Head Posture: The Role of Eyeball Exercise and Cervical Stabilization Programs.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eyeball exercise and cervical stabilization programs to patients with chronic neck pain, tension-type headache (TTH), and forward head posture (FHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS The design of this study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). Both groups received cervical manual therapy and biofeedback-guided stabilization exercises (30 min/session, 3 sessions/week, 6 weeks). In addition to the regular treatments, the participants in the experimental group also performed eyeball exercises for 20 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for a total of 6 weeks. Changes in neck pain (numeric rating scale, NRS), neck disability index (NDI), quality of life (Short Form-12 Health Survey Questionnaire, SF-12), headache impact test-6 (HIT-6), craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), and muscle tone were measured. RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvements in NRS, NDI, SF-12, HIT-6 scores, CVA, CRA, and muscle tone (p<0.05). The experimental group had significant differences in NDI, SF-12, HIT-6 scores, and suboccipital muscle tone compared to the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Combining the eyeball exercise program with commonly used manual therapy and stabilization exercises for patients with chronic neck pain can help reduce nerve compression and promote muscle relaxation in the eye and neck areas. The method is thus proposed as an effective intervention to enhance function and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain patients, TTH, and FHP.

Health Outcomes and Health Services Utilization Evaluation Protocol: Assessing the Impact of the Nova Scotia Rapid Access and Stabilization Program

IntroductionEmergency psychiatric care, unplanned hospital admissions, and inpatient health care are the costliest forms of mental health care. According to Statistics Canada (2018), almost 18% (5.3 million) of Canadians reported needing mental health support. However, just above half of this figure (56.2%) have reported their needs were fully met. To further expand capacity and access to mental health care in the province, Nova Scotia Health has launched a novel mental health initiative, the Rapid Access, and Stabilization Program (RASP).ObjectivesThis study evaluates the effectiveness and impact of the RASP on high-cost health services utilization (e.g. ED visits, mobile crisis visits, and inpatient treatments) and related costs. It also assesses healthcare partners’ (e.g. healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders) perceptions and patient experiences and satisfaction with the program and identifies sociodemographic characteristics, psychological conditions, recovery, well-being, and risk measures in the assisted population.MethodsThis is a hypothesis-driven program evaluation study that employs a mixed methods approach. A within-subject comparison will examine health services utilization data from patients attending RASP, one year before and one year after their psychiatry assessment at the program. A controlled between-subject comparison will use historical data from a control population will examine whether possible changes in high-cost health services utilization are associated with the intervention (RASP). The primary analysis involves extracting secondary data from provincial information systems, electronic medical records, and regular self-reported clinical assessments. Additionally, a qualitative sub-study will examine patient experience and satisfaction, and examine health care partners’ impressions.ResultsThe results for the primary, secondary, and qualitative outcome measures to be available within 6 months of study completion. We expect that RASP evaluation findings will demonstrate a minimum 10% reduction in high-cost health services utilization and corresponding 10% cost savings, and also a reduction in the wait times for patient consultations with psychiatrists to less than 30 calendar days. In addition, we anticipate that patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare partners would express high levels of satisfaction with the new service.ConclusionsThis study will demonstrate the results of the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) efforts to provide stepped-care, particularly community-based support, to individuals with mental illnesses. Results will provide new insights into a novel community-based approach to mental health service delivery and contribute to knowledge on how to implement mental health programs across varying contexts.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Exploring Exercise Intervention as a Therapeutic Catalyst within the Mental Health and Addiction Program in Nova Scotia: A Proof-of-Concept Study

IntroductionMany mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and depression, can be effectively treated at a relatively low cost. Exercise interventions can be a therapeutic strategy, but even though exercise has consistently been shown to improve physical health, cognitive function, and psychological well-being, as well as reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, this intervention is often neglected in mental health care services.ObjectivesThe study aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating an Exercise Intervention Program (EIP) as a therapeutic pathway within the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) in Nova Scotia, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the program on mental health outcomes and incremental costs, and the patient acceptability and satisfaction with the program.Methods This proof-of-concept study has a pragmatic, prospective, controlled observational design with an embedded one-phase qualitative component. Patients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety attending the Rapid Assessment and Stabilization Program (RASP, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) will be offered to receive 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week, per 12 weeks. Patients with similar mental health conditions that have opted to wait for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the community provider and declined from the EIP will be part of the control group. A certified recreational therapist will conduct the EIP. Participants of both groups (EIP and control condition) will be assessed at baseline and then weekly for four weeks, six weeks and then at 12 weeks post-enrollment. Primary outcomes include differences in the mean change in functional (well-being, resilience, and recovery) and symptom variables (depression, anxiety, and suicidal risk), which will be assessed through online validated scales/questionnaires. Service variables (patient acceptance and satisfaction) and health care utilization (crisis calls, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions, length of stay for each admission) will comprise the secondary outcomes.Results The results of the study will provide information about the effectiveness of EIP in the treatment of anxiety and depression compared to those only wait-listed to receive CBT or counselling from a CMHA provider. The study will also inform about the acceptability and satisfaction of the EIP, as well as the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to the control condition.ConclusionsThis proof-of-concept study will demonstrate the effectiveness of EIP as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients seeking mental health support from the MHAP in Nova Scotia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Reducing Pediatric Mental Health Boarding and Increasing Acute Care Access

There have been notable increases in pediatric mental health boarding in the United States in recent years, with youth remaining in emergency departments or admitted to inpatient medical/surgical units, awaiting placement in psychiatric treatment programs. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of interventions to reduce boarding and improve access to acute psychiatric services at a large tertiary pediatric hospital during a national pediatric mental health crisis. Boarding interventions included expanding inpatient psychiatric beds and hiring additional staff for enhanced crisis stabilization services and treatment initiation in the emergency department and on inpatient medical/surgical units for boarding patients awaiting placement. Post-hoc assessment was conducted via retrospective review of patients presenting with mental health emergencies during the beginning of intervention implementation in October-December 2021 and one year later (October-December 2022). Inclusion criteria were patients ≤17 years who presented with mental health-related emergencies during the study period. Exclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years and/or patients with >100 days of admission awaiting long-term placement. Primary outcome was mean length of boarding (LOB). Secondary outcome was mean length of stay (LOS) at the hospital's acute psychiatry units. One year after full intervention implementation (October-December 2022), mean LOB decreased by 53% (4.3 vs 9.1 days, P < 0.0001) for boarding patients discharged to high (e.g., inpatient, acute residential) and intermediate (e.g., partial hospital, in-home crisis stabilization programs) levels of care, compared to October-December 2021. Additionally, mean LOS at all the 24-hour acute psychiatry treatment programs was reduced by 27% (20.0 vs 14.6 days, P= 0.0002), and more patients were able to access such programs (265/54.2% vs 221/41.9%, P < 0.0001). Across both years, youth with aggressive behaviors had 193% longer LOB (2.93± 1.15, 95% CI [2.23, 3.87]) than those without aggression, and youth with previous psychiatric admissions had 88% longer LOB than those without (1.88± 1.11, 95% CI [1.54, 2.30]). The current study shows decreased LOB and improved access for youth requiring acute psychiatric treatment after comprehensive interventions and highlights challenges with placement for youth with aggressive behaviors. We recommend a call-to-action for pediatric hospitals to commit sufficient investment in acute psychiatric resources to address pediatric mental health boarding.

404 Mechanisms of a Dynamic Stability Protocol for Persons with Thumb Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our aims are to 1) describe changes in thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint stability following an 8-week clinic-based dynamic stability exercise program using computerized tomography (CAT) and 2) to evaluate the agreement between ultrasound and CAT (reference standard) when quantifying thumb CMC stability. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Aim 1: We have enrolled 13/49 participants in a prospective pre-post interventional study of an 8-week clinic-based occupational therapy dynamic stability program. The primary outcome will be change in stability (thumb metacarpal subluxation in mm) when forcefully loading the thumb as per CAT from pre-treatment to post-treatment at 9 weeks. Aim 2: Same 49 participants are undergoing a one-time ultrasound during baseline assessment. Agreement of ultrasound and CAT measurements (thumb metacarpal subluxation in mm) will be assessed by the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Exercise is a first-line treatment of CMC1 OA yet there is insufficient evidence to support this. Progression of CMC1 OA is characterized by altered joint mechanics. Joint replacement surgery may reduce pain but often worsens thumb mechanics and overall hand function. This study is the first to test the sustained biomechanical effects of non-invasive thumb exercises. Should these benefits exist, this will further support exercise as a first-tier intervention. Should ultrasound be a suitable proxy for CAT, therapists/physicians could monitor thumb CMC mechanics in response to treatment without risk of radiation exposure. We anticipate 1) a statistically significant reduction in thumb CMC subluxation at 9 weeks follow up and 2) high agreement between sonographic and CAT measures of thumb stability. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study will lay the foundation for future work and may offer critical support for the use of a non-pharmacological and non-surgical approach as first-line treatment of a highly disabling disease. Future study should include controlled trials where hand function, activity limitation, disease progression, and costs are the outcomes in interest.

Report of the Panel of Economists: Interim Report on Economic Stabilisation with a Human Face

In September 2008, as the newly elected government struggled to restore macroeconomic stability, the Planning Commission of Pakistan constituted an advisory Panel of eminent economists to “come up with both short and medium term policy actions to address the economic challenges facing Pakistan, especially in the context of the global economic downturn”.1 The Panel was further advised by the Prime Minister to “suggest a short-term policy package to restore macro-economic stability which is efficient and equitable”2. The Panel had less than six weeks to come up with its initial recommendations. The government was at the same time in deep negotiations with the IMF for a rescue package as the balance of payments situation became more precarious by The Interim Report of the Panel was to serve a two-fold purpose. First, to be drawn upon as required by the economic team headed by the Minister of Finance in their negotiations with the IMF. Second, to the extent the Panel supported the need for stabilisation measures, it would strengthen the government’s hand in building-up public support for stabilisation measures to be adopted. The Panel came up with its Interim Report in end-October 2008 and proposed adoption of, “stabilisation measures that preserve economic growth to the possible extent and specific steps that would protect the poor and vulnerable groups”. The Report was presented and discussed in a full extended Cabinet meeting presided over by the Prime Minister. At the same Cabinet meeting, the Finance Minister presented the main elements of the proposed IMF Stand-By Agreement. Both the Panel’s Interim Report and the draft IMF Agreement were adopted by the Cabinet. The latter was formally signed in November 2010 after approval by the IMF Board of Directors. The Interim Report of the Panel in this context must be viewed as an important indeed ‘historical’ report. For the first time the country’s leading economic experts, in an independent advisory role, had put together a ‘home-grown’ stabilisation package which was given serious consideration by the government and deliberated at the highest echelons i.e. by the Cabinet.3 [1]ibid Preface, p. (iii). [2]”The Panel was set-up by Mr Salman Faruqui, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and included as members: Dr Hafiz A. Pasha, (Chairman), Dr Rashid Amjad (Convener), Dr Naved Hamid, Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Dr Akmal Hussain, Dr Akhtar Hassan Khan, Dr Ijaz Nabi, Dr Naseer Ali Khan, Mr Riaz Riazuddin, Dr Rehana Siddiqui, Dr Ali Cheema, Dr Asad Sayeed, Prof. Muhammad Tousif Akhter, Mr Sakib Sherani and Dr Qazi Masood Ahmed. The following were co-opted as members: Dr Azam Chaudhry, Dr Ather Maqsood, Syed Kalim Hyder Bukhari, Mr Muhammad Sabir and Mr Savail Hussain. [3]The Panel also separately presented its report to the President of Pakistan before the Cabinet meeting. The Panel’s Interim Report was divided into two parts. Part I presented a short term stabilisation programme covering the next one and half years between 2008-10. Part II, dealing with growth recovery and development priorities, presented the main elements of a medium-term development strategy. Since the final report of the Panel (submitted much later) dealt in detail with the proposed development strategy, in this review we basically analyse Part I of the report i.e. the short-term stabilisation package covering: (i) macro framework; (ii) main policy measures proposed; (iii) expected economic impact on key macro economic variables.4 We then also conduct a brief ex-post evaluation based on actual economic outcomes. It should be said up front that the Panel saw the stabilisation programme as one which would basically be V-shaped in its economic impact. “The guiding principle is a short sharp reduction in growth in the short-term and a quick rebound back to a higher trend growth rate”.5 This scenario as it turned out proved to be more than optimistic though, in all fairness as 2009-10 drew to an end, there were signs of economic optimism as the economy responded favourably to the stabilisation measures adopted.

Administration of Arginine Vasotocin and modified Isotocin improve artificial propagation and post-spawning survival of female yellow catfish

Low rate of spawning and high percentage of death after artificial propagation are frequently observed in catfish, which do harms to the long-term population stability and genetic breeding programs in aquaculture. In this study, yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), an important freshwater species in China was used as a research model, since the farmed female yellow catfish had poor reproduction performance and a high death rate after treatment with the traditional exogenous hormones, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogues2 (LHRH-A2) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). We tried to investigate the roles of the Arginine Vasotocin (AVT)/ Isotocin (IT) neuropeptide family in reproduction and design an optimal strategy for inducing artificial propagation in yellow catfish. Two copies of pro-avt and pro-it were detected in hypothalamus and ovaries of yellow catfish, and their mRNA levels gradually increased during spring-summer season. Furthermore, the transcript levels of pro-avt and pro-it in hypothalamus significantly increased after injection of LHRH-A2 and HCG. Although AVT could not induce germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in female yellow catfish, administration of AVT significantly stimulated premature ovulation in a dose-dependent manner and induced the expression of ovulation-related genes, ptgs2a and acvr1. Furthermore, there is a significant up-regulation of serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in female fish after AVT treatment, whereas no difference was observed in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Since IT of yellow catfish was insoluble in saline, a rigid peptide segment was added at the end of IT (the modified IT was named IT-M), which could greatly improve its solubility and induce ovulation in female yellow catfish. Subsequently, we demonstrated that adding carp pituitary extraction (CPE) to the second injection of traditional methods could efficiently improve the spawned fish, eggs production, fertilization rate, hatching rate and post-spawning survival of female yellow catfish, despite at a relatively high cost in hormones. We further discovered that IT-M + AVT could substitute for HCG + CPE in the second injection and had high efficiency in artificial propagation, reducing the hormone costs to less than one-third. Altogether, we provide an effective and affordable combination of exogenous hormones to improve reproduction performances and post-spawning survival rate in yellow catfish.