A dynamic model of inflation of Kenya, 1974-96

This paper analyses the dynamics of inflation in Kenya between1974 and 1996, a period characterised by eternal shocks andinternal disequilibria. By developing a parsimonious and empiricallyconstant model, we find that the exchange rate, foreign pricesand terms of trade have long-run effects on inflation, whilemoney supply and interest rate only have short-run effects.Inertia is found to be important up until 1993, when about 40%of the current inflation was carried over to the next quarter.After 1993, inertia drops to about 10%. Moreover, inflationis also influenced by changes in maize-grain prices, indicatinga non-negligible role for agricultural supply constraints inthe inflation process.     

Profile of injury cases admitted to a tertiary level hospital in south India

Injuries now rank among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality the world over. Injuries are steadily increasing in developing countries like India. Systematic and scientific efforts in injury prevention and control are yet to begin in India. Data on injuries are very essential to plan preventive and control measures. The objective of this study is to know the profile of the injury cases admitted to M S Ramaiah hospital, Bangalore, India, using a cross-sectional study design for six months, i.e. from Oct 2008 to April 2009. The mean age of the study population was 35.3 years (SD = 15.38), 69.1% were injured in road traffic accidents (RTA), 28.7% due to falls and 2.2% due to burns. Nearly 14.4% were under the influence of alcohol. Nearly 73.6% of RTA cases were two-wheeler users, 48.5% had not followed sign boards and 56.5% had not obeyed the one-way rules, 63.5% of the two-wheeler users did not use helmets. Also, 38% of two wheelers had two pillion riders, whereas 57% of four-wheeler users had not used a seat belt. Among falls, 58% occurred at home, 49% occurred due to slippery surface. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause for injuries, in which two wheelers were most commonly involved. Strict enforcement of traffic rules and education on road safety are very essential to prevent injuries.