2011

20 December 2011

Call for Proposals for Presentation in the ISCCECC12 3rd Annual Conference on February 2012

Article Details: Published on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 10:38; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 00:36; Written by

The International Scientific Conference on Clean Energy and Climate Change (ISCCECC 12) slated for 10-14 February, 2012 is the 3rd annual conference focused on understanding the nature of individual and organizational behavior and decision making, and using that knowledge to accelerate our transition to an energy-efficient and low carbon economy. It will build on the overwhelming success of previous ISCCECC conferences, at which more than 950 participants discussed successful policy and program strategies, shared important research findings, and built dynamic new networks and collaborations.

The ISCCECC 12 Conference is convened by the Working Group on Climate Change - 81 East London Street, Edinburgh Midlothian, London EH74BQ,UK .Phone: +44 702 406 8488, +44 702 402 0466.

Call for Paper(s): The ISCCECC 12 Organizing Committee requests proposals for presentations from policymakers, businesses, social scientists, researchers, media specialists, marketers, energy experts, program designers, implementers, and evaluators.

We invite proposals for two types of presentations:
1.Oral Presentations (15-20 minute formal presentations and slides)
2.Poster Presentations (informal presentations)

Acta Medica Philippina accepted for inclusion in Scopus

Article Details: Published on Friday, 14 October 2011 15:41; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 01:31; Written by

After thorough evaluation and review, the Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB) announced that Acta Medica Philippina is accepted for inclusion in Scopus, the world's largest online abstract and citation database designed to increase researchers, librarians, productivity through its built-in functionalities that can be used to tract, analyze and visualize research.

Scopus is one of the respected science repositories, containing more than 45 million records or references from more than 18,000 peer-reviewed journals and trade publications all over the world.

The Scopus team commended Acta Medica Philippina for being a well-presented journal with credible editorial policy focusing on loco-regional content. "Acta Medica Philippina has a very good stand in terms of content and this should be supported," the Scopus team said in an email to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).

"Acta Medica Philippina should focus particularly on high quality standards of locally sourced and relevant papers," added Scopus team.

Acta Medica Philippina is the national scientific journal published through the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) and College of Public Health of the University of the Philippines Manila (CPH-UPM).

Invitation to attend Nanotechnology Workshop: 24-27 November 2011, Malaysia

Article Details: Published on Monday, 10 October 2011 16:15; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 01:34; Written by

Nanotechnology, which is the study of manipulating matter on atomic and molecular scales, involves developing materials or devices possessing at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers. This field of science has gathered enormous significance in recent years and tremendous advancements have been made with a variety of applications in a range of fields of science and technology, including materials sciences, surface science, organic chemistry, molecular biology, semiconductor physics, microfabrication, electronics, energy, medicine, etc. Nanotechnology has the potential to create many new materials and devices and it possibly holds solutions to world's problems related to water, agriculture, nutrition, health and energy.

For developing countries, nanotechnology provides a new focus for research through its aim to manufacture from the "bottom-up" approach using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products, showing its potentiality in the form of improved water purification systems, energy systems, healthcare, food production and communications, etc. However, nanotechnology has raised some concerns and speculation about the toxicity and environmental impact of nanomaterials, and their potential effects on global economics. These issues have led to a debate among advocacy groups and governments on the necessity of special regulation on nanotechnology.

With a view to providing a forum for the academicians, scientists and researchers active in the fields of nano-science and nano-technology to deliberate upon the aforementioned issues and to increase awareness of this field's significance, the Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre), New Delhi, India in collaboration with the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), Islamabad, Pakistan and the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia is organizing a 4-days International Workshop on "Nanotechnology in the Edge of Convergence", on November 24-27, 2011 at Selangor, Malaysia. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is among the major sponsors of this scientific event.

ANNOUNCEMENT and GUIDELINES

APPLICATION FORM

Article Details: Published on Monday, 10 October 2011 16:04; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 00:43; Written by

ANNOUNCEMENT and GUIDELINES

APPLICATION FORM

GIS-based project on dengue reveals mosquitoes' favorite habitat

Article Details: Published on Monday, 03 October 2011 10:36; Last update Saturday, 10 November 2012 13:17; Written by

Dengue, a vector-borne disease, is considered one of the most dreaded health problems worldwide. In the report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue epidemic is now becoming widespread in more than 100 countries in Africa, America, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, affecting more than 2,500 million people or about two-fifths of the world population.

In the Philippines, 70, 000 dengue cases were reported from January to September this year. Though it is 25 percent lower compared to the cases of the same period last year, the government vows to intensify its campaign against dengue.

Aside from the nationwide distribution of the Ovicidal Larvicidal (OL) trap technology, the government is exploring other possible interventions such as the use of the geographic information system (GIS).

A recent study by Prof. Fernando Garcia from the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), An Examination of the Spatial Factors of Dengue Cases in Quezon City, A Geographic Information-Based Approach, showed that GIS can help the government in the quick identification of dengue high risk areas.

"In order to effectively control the dengue disease, it is important to understand the vector" the Aedes mosquitoes and the contributing factors that influence its occurrence and reoccurrence," said Prof. Garcia.

In the study, environmental factors such as build-up structures, existing land use or cover types, and presence of water networks were assessed in relation to the occurrence of dengue incidence in Quezon City.

2005-2008 data on dengue incidence from the Quezon City Health Office were used as reference. Together with identified environmental factors, the dengue frequencies were mapped, overlaid, and analyzed.

Results of the study showed that the highest frequency of dengue is evident in the eastern portion of Quezon City, covering the Barangays of Matandang Balara, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth and Payatas. Dengue frequencies in these areas were consistently high throughout the four -year period of data. "These are the adjacent areas within the La Mesa Dam Reservoir's part of the river basins of the neighbouring cities and localities such as San Juan Pasig, Marikina, Tullahan, Tenejeros, and Meycauayan, Bulacan."

On the other hand, population density is not significant to dengue occurrence. Based on the data gathered, both high densely populated (Barangay Bagong Pag-asa and Tatalon) and low densely populated areas (Barangay Batasan Hills, Holy Spirit, Payatas, Commonwealth, Matandang Balara and Bahay Toro) in Quezon City recorded high dengue incidence. "In fact, many areas with high dengue incidence were low densely populated barangays," added Prof. Garcia.

The study also examined why dengue incidences are higher in some areas, taking into consideration other factors such as geographical attributes, livelihood activities, and hygiene practices in the community. "For example, poor sanitary practices of people, especially those living near dumpsites, may contribute to high occurrence of dengue and other occupational diseases such as parasitic, enteric and viral infections," said Prof. Garcia.

Incidence of dengue is also higher in areas where there are Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). These are areas where diverse combination of materials such as plants, animals, and other decaying materials are stored. "It maybe in these locations where segregation of waste materials is not properly done, leaving behind solid waste materials such as containers with decaying materials. This makes it more conducive for dengue mosquitoes to lay their eggs," said Prof. Garcia.

"With GIS, we can create dengue risk maps essential in the formulation of evidence -based decisions. Local authorities will be in a better position to target priority areas and decide where to put scarce resources for programs and projects that will address further disease outbreaks," Prof. Garcia concluded.

HERDIN NeON Training at University of Perpetual Help System, Las Piñas

Article Details: Published on Saturday, 24 September 2011 08:46; Last update Saturday, 17 November 2012 13:48; Written by

On the 23rd of September 2011, HERDIN NeON Team headed to UPHS campus to conduct training for the university's Learning Resource Center. The 3-hour activity was commenced by a short prayer led by Ms. Yolanda Canaria, Levels 1, 2, and 3 Coordinator, UPHS, followed by a brief introduction of resource speakers by Ms. Aniline Vidal, Chief Librarian, UPHS.

Filipino-French Scientific Cooperation Program (FFSC) Fiscal Year 2012 Call for Applications

Article Details: Published on Tuesday, 20 September 2011 15:41; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 00:54; Written by

Traditionally, collaboration in research has an important dimension which results to joint research projects fostering the advancements of scientific and technological knowledge as well as innovation. The need has increased over recent years to promote the creation of such researcher networks and international collaborations.

MMHRDC conducts research forum, advocates healthy lungs for a healthy life

Article Details: Published on Friday, 09 September 2011 08:29; Last update Saturday, 10 November 2012 13:34; Written by

a picture during MMHRDC research forum

In celebration of the National Lung Month, the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium (MMHRDC) held a research forum with the theme "Healthy Lungs, Clean Air, Good Life" last August 26, 2011 at the Manila Doctors Hospital.

PNHRS advocates research translation and evidence-informed policymaking, launches first Lancet South

Article Details: Published on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 09:42; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 01:41; Written by

The Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration became the launch pad of the Lancet Southeast Asia series. The event was held last 11 August 2011 at L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

Health consortium urges passage of health research bill

Article Details: Published on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 15:31; Last update Sunday, 11 November 2012 01:43; Written by

BACOLOD CITY, Aug. 11 (PIA) -- An official of the the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) urged the public to lobby with congressmen and politicians for the passage of a bill that would boost health research in the country.