Age estimation using radiographic analysis of laryngeal cartilage

The laryngeal cartilages undergo age changes, including mineralization and ossification. Keen and Wainwright defined, in male and female subjects, recognizable stages of radiopacity of the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages. The present study analyzed quantitatively the degree of laryngeal radiopacity to determine whether radiography of the larynx can be used routinely in forensic pathology to estimate age at death. In each of 82 subjects, the larynx was removed during forensic autopsy and subjected to radiography in an anteroposterior orientation. Each radiograph was independently scored by two observers. For each case, the degree of laryngeal radiopacity was evaluated according to the classification of Keen and Wainwright. There was a positive correlation between the total score of laryngeal radiopacity and age (correlation coefficient = 0.74). It was concluded that this method is simple, fast, and nondestructive and has a good reproducibility between observers. Because there was a wide interindividual variability in the same age class, this method must be associated with more accurate methods.     

Frequency of bone/cartilage lesions in stab and incised wounds fatalities

A retrospective study was carried out on 58 fatalities due to stab or incised wounds. The frequency of bone or cartilage lesions was analysed according to the number of wounds, the circumstances of death and the anatomical site. Our findings showed that bone/cartilage lesions were present in about 53% of the cases. Cartilage lesions were more frequent than bone lesions. The mean number of wounds in the group with bone/cartilage lesions was statistically higher than the mean number of wounds in the group without lesions (P=0.0068). The main cause of death was thoracic injury in the groups with and without bone/cartilage lesions. In case of skeletal remains, only bone or cartilage lesions allow to diagnose stab or incised wounds. The discovery of these lesions, often of small size, justifies a complete and careful examination of skeletal remains with the help of stereomicroscopy.     

Land tenurial dynamics and participatory forestry management in Bangladesh

Of late, participatory forestry management, more popularly known as ‘social forestry’ (SF), has acquired great significance in Bangladesh as a strategy for both forest resource management and rural development. However, research on the contextual factors such as social relations, institutional structures, forest policies and land tenurial arrangements which regulate SF's performance in the field has been limited. Land ownership and tenurial arrangement is one crucial factor which has remained virtually unexplored in the context of Bangladesh SF. This article examines the land use and tenure arrangements in selected SF projects in Bangladesh. It focuses on the perceptions and choice of the SF farmers regarding land ownership, tenure and use; implications of central land tenurial policy on farm productivity and farmers' motivation; and also on the difference between farmers' land use choice and the assumptions of the SF planners. It shows that land tenure is a complex issue for SF. Although tenurial security is a major motivating force for farmers, providing permanent land ownership alone has little impact on farm productivity or on the growth of collective effort among SF farmers. Farmers need institutional assurance and support (especially from the government) to fully utilize the potential rights and benefits associated with such ownership. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

State formation and economic development in post-war Somaliland: the impact of the private sector in an unrecognised state

ABSTRACT

Unrecognised internationally, Somaliland operates as a hybrid political order where a range of state and non-state entities provide security, representation and social services. Local business elites have impacted state formation after war by lobbying against a range of regulations, providing the government with loans and contributions rather than paying sufficient taxes, and by hindering the development of sound financial institutions. The success of such activities has led to de facto protectionism, where foreign ventures have had limited access to the Somaliland market. While such protectionism may have negatively impacted economic development and growth opportunities, recent engagements by multinational corporations in the Berbera port suggest that foreign private investments risk sparking violent conflict. In contrast, domestic businessmen have played a role in preventing or resolving violent conflict at crucial stages in Somaliland’s recent history. Based on fieldwork in Somaliland, we argue that the impact of international corporate actors in post-war contexts needs to be understood in light of local culture and power dynamics, in which the political and economic roles of local business elites are central.     

Understanding accessibility to healthcare for elderly people in Bangladesh

Healthcare facilities for the rising number of elderly people living in rural and semi-urban areas in Bangladesh are insufficient. This article assesses the accessibility to healthcare for elderly people living in rural and semi-urban areas. Data collection was carried out using surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, and both quantitative and qualitative tools were used in analysis. Upazila hospitals, which are geographically easily accessible for elderly people in rural and semi-urban areas, have a dearth of specialist doctors to treat their chronic diseases and lack sophisticated diagnostic facilities. It is recommended that a course on gerontology be introduced in the medical curriculum to increase the number of available geriatricians, and resources allocated for sophisticated diagnostic facilities in upazila hospitals.     

Factors affecting access to primary health care services in Pakistan: a gender-based analysis

This article explores access to primary health care (PHC) services and associated factors in Pakistan. Data were collected from 302 respondents. The findings revealed that women accessed PHC services more than men due to their greater health needs. However, a large proportion of both genders did not access any PHC services. Besides general weaknesses, gender-related barriers were found in basic health unit locations, distance, transport, staff availability, income, service hours, and service organisation, confirming gender issues in access to PHC services. Policymakers are recommended to take measures to improve access to PHC services through the formulation of gender-responsive policies and strategies.