CREATION OF MULTIMEDIA BASED INTEGRATED
INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR VIRAL DISEASES IN INDIA
BY
SURYA NATH SINGH
Library and Information Officer
(Head Information Center & Library)
National Institute of Virology
20-A; Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune- 411001.
Tel:- 622532Fax:- 622669, 643679
E-Mail:- icmrniv@icmrniv.ren.nic.in
nivicl@pn3.vsnl.net.in
ABSTRACT
The goal of this work is to facilitate the development of biomedical knowledge by providing an integrated system for viral diseases. Describes a need to create MM based information system in India to record and retrieve bibliographical information, clinical images, associated audio, visual information, textual and numeric data for viral diseases. Advances in information management technology are necessary to improve communication, research in health services. A large number of populations are affected with viruses and viral diseases. However, most of these are not very virulent due to various reasons. Due to increasing demand of varieties of users (national and international), which include virologists, immunologists, biochemists, doctors, scientists, physicians, surgeons, decision makers, social scientists, nurses, public health workers, patients and some time even a layman, it has become essential to have a MM based integrated (bibliographical, clinical, geographical, meteorological, psychological, etc.) information system for viral diseases in India. The creation of the above MM based integrated information (viral diseases) database is essential to provide proper information, at proper time to the right user in right form. Furthermore, poor utilization of available information, poor communication, etc. has been considered during management of the above system. A national overview of effect of important viral diseases in the population has been included. The database will also include virus isolation, etiology, patient care, viral pathogenicity, immunogenecity, etc. Efforts will also be made to have pictorial, narrations with graphic and animations. Hidden data/ information(s) are available in Indian literatures including Vedas and other religious books in various Indian languages including English about various viral diseases will be covered. There are eighteen languages and more than 200 dialects in India, which have made very difficult, if not impossible to communicate a valuable information across the geographical areas, race, etc. Furthermore, no computerized database of integrated information for the viral diseases is available in India. Being a developing country, India cannot afford to lag behind in the field and to avail benefit from recent scientific development. This system is a combination of traditional references and MM based secondary database structured within. This database will answer most of the classical questions about the epidemiology and viral pathogenesis. This will also be of interest to all diagnostic laboratories, specialists, clinicians, administrators, teaching and research dealing with infectious diseases. This integrated system will allow optimal use of both resources and provide a base for telemedicine networking. Details of methodology, objective advantages have been discussed. Relationship with other form of database (BIS, MIS, PsyIS, etc) has been described. Finally, some suggestions have been given to use same technique for other biomedical disciples of the global importance.
Keywords: 1. Information System, 2. Viral Diseases,
3. Viruses, 4. Multimedia, 5. Internet, 6. India
1. Introduction
The enormous amount of growth has been taken place on the earth, sequently leading tremendous technological developments wonders to our lifestyles to have brought the whole world closer. However, hazards of these are equally high and threaten the very existence of human being and natural resources. Viral diseases contribute significantly to human morbidity and mortality and cause severe economic losses by affecting livestock and crops in all countries. Even with the preventive measures taken in the losses caused by viral diseases annually exceeds billions of dollars, more 4 than five million people worldwide die every year from acute gastroenteritis, mainly rota virus origin, and more than one million children die annually from measles. In addition, rabies, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and viral hepatitis continue to be the diseases of major public health concern in many countries of the Third World, where more than 200 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. The recent discovery of acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by a retrovirus (HIV), mobilized health services and enormous resources. This virus infection and its epidemic development clearly demonstrate the importance of applied virology research and the limits of our understanding of molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenicity and immunogenicity. Consequently, leads a MM based viral information system (VIS) in India of global importance.
2. Need of Information and Information System for Virus and Viral Diseases
INFORMATION is the researcher's lifeblood and his/her need for information is as vital as the need for blood transfusion is to a sinking patient. Virology specially is no exception to it. No research and clinical practice can exist without the information of the current development in their field. Creation and analysis of database makes a significant contribution to communication and information flow. Handling of information is becoming more and more difficult due to information explosion, lack of manpower and also change in the information scene. Information should be communicated to the proper users at proper time, pin pointedly, expeditiously and exhaustively in the context of changed scenario. There is no doubt that the world is a global village and biomedical ICLs share a major responsibility for ensuring the rapid transfer of information universally to improve the delivers of health care. It is more important that we become more knowledgeable about the changes occurring in our profession in other corner of the universe. Towards this, conscious effort has been made to include IT at different level: local, regional, national and international. Though, there are more than 2000 biomedical institutions viz. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Directorate of Health Services (DGHS), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST), University Grant Commission (UGC), including medical colleges, with ICLs. These have a huge number of users viz. students, scientists, researchers, physicians, surgeons, nurses, technicians, fellows, decision makers, practitioners, media persons, patients, who are among the more affluent members of our biomedical society.
With the advent of consumer protection laws, accurate diagnosis of disease and also due to other various reasons, it has eventually become mandatory for each clinician, surgeon, researcher, etc. to have complete information about the isolation, a etiology, patient care, virus pathogenicity and immunogenicity of viruses/viral diseases, he/she is deciding/going to decide. This will also save the time for various problems viz. improper decisions expected due to lack of information, furthermore, lack of awareness regarding availability of information at local, regional, national and international level on our finger tips with the help of modern information technology (IT). There are many viruses/viral diseases, which have been discovered recently, the information about these viral infections has not yet available in most of textbooks of Indian origin and/or most of the clinicians have no time to go through the latest literature or consult information centers and libraries (ICLs). Consequently, the clinician, surgeon, researcher, even decision maker, who have passed out 10-15 years back are ignorant to the new developments and also the facilities already available nearby. It is also very difficult for a decision maker, administrator to know all the preventive measures of particular disease. There are also so many interrelated, interdependent, interdisciplinary subjects related to virology, are coming up. This leads to have an integrated information system to provide most of the information related to virus and viral diseases. Even till to date in India, human viral diseases are being considered as GRAND PARENTS diagnosis and treatment. However, in the age of IT, it is very difficult to give proper information to the proper user at proper time without recorded form of knowledge.
Primary health care services in India are being delivered by Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic doctors only. The major problems exist in India (specially remote areas) with the medical practioners are lack of proper diagnosis of diseases and their causative factors. "If causative agent is unknown, it is VIRAL DISEASE FOR MOST OF THE INDIAN PRACTICNERS". It is due to lack of pinpointed and proper information at various levels. Consequently, it has become imperative to create a MM based integrated viral (viruses and viral diseases) database comprising of bibliographical, clinical, meteorological, geographical and psychological information in Indian or to suit the Indian condition. This will facilitate them to give a better service to patients, clinicians, administrators, decision makers, research workers, etc. This user-friendly database can also be utilized for education (teaching and learning) and also to upgrade knowledge of the clinicians and other users. This will also support all the branches of the India medicine (Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Allopathy, Unani, Sidha, etc.) as this database is supported by thesaurus including also Indian terms available in Indian languages.
3. Objectives
The aim of this database is to provide the information pin pointedly, expeditiously, exhaustively to right user at right time, irrespective of form and distance, especially to the clinicians serving at grass root level. To identify, how our Information and Library System aims to collect, collate and disseminate pertinent information in the field public health, health research to all the Institutional agencies, individuals working in the field of virology and viral diseases irrespective of form at local, regional, national and international level and also to decide how VIS can best contribute to decision making. Working very closely with the subject virology, which is of global importance, have faced with a challenge, which we accepted with pleasure and the result is the creation of this database, to achieve following objectives:
1. Firstly, to provide pinpointed computerized viral information in MM form (text, audio, visual, graphics animations, etc.) at grass root level, worldwide about the various viral diseases frequently and/or occasionally infecting the global population, particularly, Indian population. Furthermore, to support all the branches of Indian medicine. Especially to the clinicians working at grass root level and thereby improve compliance by all concerns.
2. Secondly, to provide a information tool to the decision makers, administrators to take proper decision at proper time as and when need arises without wasting his/her time and also to avoid unmanageable condition, especially during acute conditions in all the Indian languages including English. The database having all the parameters of viral diseases will be matched by the key terms given by the users to give the most relevant output for making proper decision; and thereby contribute to quality of care.
3. Thirdly, to match automatically and co-relate each virus/viral disease for bibliographical, clinical diagnosis, treatment or other administrative queries needed to take all the precautionary and preventive measures; thereby improve the health care delivery.
4. Furthermore, to support the research and education i.e. teaching and learning.
5. To support the different terminology used for various viruses and viral diseases in different geographical regions in India in different Indian languages including English.
6. To support during epidemics, when time is very short and quick decisions are to be taken, locally, regionally, national and internationally as the cases arise by creating homepage on Internet.
7. To include most of the available knowledge/ information related to viral diseases (recorded and unrecorded) including in religious books in various Indian languages.
8. To compile a directory of Indian experts Virologists (Scientist) & Clinicians.
9. To make it available in various Indian languages in MM form by dubbing and translating.
India and other developing countries cannot afford to lag behind in this field, if they want to benefit from the recent scientific developments and also to maintain technological parity with advance countries due to lack of proper information or under use of available information. Consequently, this database will suit the special requirement of the clientele in the field of virology, viral diseases and related discipline. Efforts will be made it for on-line access to local, regional, national, international level through Internet. The main objective is to create the MM based database for viral diseases and to convert it into CD-ROM form, put on Internet by creating homepage and make as a information tool to deliver information as grass root level (worldwide) and market the same.
4. Role of Multimedia in Virology (Biomedicine)
In the field of biomedicine especially virology, the scope of MM is more than other disciplines, e.g. learning and teaching, research techniques, diagnostic procedures, tools for operation theatre and decision making. For example, a scientist/a doctor/a researcher or other user of biomedical information obtains his/her information from three main sources. His/her experiences, personal communications and with others textual materials (printed matters). In MM, all the materials, text, audio, visual, sound recording, picture animation, etc. are available in a dynamic form, which are more useful than any other form of traditional research, learning and teaching materials. MM is a very user-friendly tool, supports the individual beginner, which is normally not available in conventional systems. The increased information needs are caused by the continuous growth of biomedical data, information, knowledge, as well as development of high tech machines, which change the biomedical practice. The former patient center practice has become much more diagnostic and therapeutic oriented. The necessity to select appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic procedures from a wide range of possibilities creates problems for clinical decision-making. Consequently the information is needed for biomedical decision, as well as, for keeping up with progress in biomedical education and research. All these changes raise questions about the future development of Virological (biomedical) Information System based on MM in India, which include the combination of Bibliographical Information System (BIS), Geographical Information System (GIS), Meteorological Information System (MIS) and Clinical Information System (CIS) (4,5).
5. Review of Status
5.1 International Status of Virology and Viral Diseases
In the last few decades’ virology has emerged as a self-sustaining discipline with its own universities, institutes, departments and literature. Virology is one of the most difficult and diffused subjects of all the Biological Sciences with much of its subject matter residing in the field such as Agriculture, Biomedicine, Medicine, Veterinary, etc., from which it has most recently evolved. It is the discipline par excellence for the studies at the molecular level. Viral diseases viz., smallpox, measles, rabies and recently AIDS and dengue fever, were of course well known; however, researches on them were at a level for lowering, than that in relation to the parasitic and protozoan diseases. The status of virology in relation to animals was also not better. Moreover, it would also be worth remembering that it was only towards the end of the last century that viruses were first recognized due to the work of Ivanovsky and later Beijerinck, and in 1909 that the first Reckettsiae we found by Ricketts. Those were the days of great excitement following the classic discovery of Rossin India of the coll of mosquitoes in the transmission of Malaria. Therefore, it is not surprising that the diseases caused by more elusive viruses were in the background.
Because of their simplicity, bacterial viruses played a focal role in many of the important development in the genetics, emerging during the early phase of this period. More recently, animal viruses have had an equally powerful impact on the study of eukayotic molecular genetics. In parallel with these fundamental disorders, the natural history has appeared. With the increasing use of immunosuppression, many indigenous or new/ "latest" viruses have been taken on increasing importance. In addition, many "classic" viral infections have been controlled, in part, by effective vaccines (polio, measles, rubella, etc.) while others have resisted the effective preventives (respiratory syncytial virus). With the striking new insights in molecular biology, some important new fundamental features of viruses as infectious agents have resulted new ways and means. These new ways and means are not only to make vaccines, but also the biochemistry of viruses has begun to answer classic questions about the epidemiology and pathogenesis. All above information’s are available in primary sources than the secondary information. Logically, enough scatter of interest is reflected in the literature. Information channels for such an apparently small subject are numerous and dispersed over a wide front. Furthermore, many of these information channels are partly hidden, from view, buried, as they are under the subject label of other disciplines in different languages and even some time not rewarded and available as gray literature. Some of the viral diseases have also been noted emerging and re-emerging consequent, causing panic to the population/society.
5.2 Indian Status:
At present, there is no information database of Indian works in any discipline of medicine and viral diseases are no exception to it. No effort had been made by any one in this direction. Therefore, it is proper time to develop a "Viral Information System" on viruses and viral diseases in India, to fulfill the above requirements. This is the first comprehensive computerized MM database on the viral and viral diseases in India of global importance. Nearly 15% of the world's population exists in India, which has only 2.4% of the world's total land area. The health statistics in India, covers some viral diseases like AIDS, Hepatitis (A-G), chickenpox, measles, poliomyelitis, influenza, dengue and rabies from hospital based data. However, the absence of evidence (records) does not necessarily mean evidence of absence of a certain disease. On the other hand, over- diagnosis and miss-diagnosis are common, particularly during epidemic situations. In such circumstances, "all-India" health statistics cannot reflect the actual extent of viral diagnoses. Keeping all these limitations in view. MM based database for viral disease at global level has not been found like other discipline of biomedicine. As a result, society as whole suffers. In addition to scientific publications, there are also hidden knowledge/information available in Indian literature including VEDAS and other religious books in different Indian language and also restricted to family, caste, one tribe, and/or geographical area. There are 18 important languages, more than 200 dialects in India, which have made very difficult if not impossible to communicate across the geographical boundaries, races, etc. There is a big gap between the developed countries and developing countries and/or under developed countries. Hope this database will be helpful to narrow down this gap. This database will be highly suitable for most of the users of biomedical disciplines not only for the developing countries but also for the developed countries.
6. Role of NIV Information Center & Library
National Institute of Virology (NIV), Information Center & Library (NIV-ICL) is nodal agency for MEDLARS search and also a WHO Collaborating Center for Arbovirus Reference and Research and Rapid Diagnosis of Viral Diseases. It is true that we cannot treat the patients but can treat their information anxiety. As a biomedical information scientist we have a powerful challenge in India. It is our responsibility to cater and satisfy the needs of our health professionals, scientists, doctors, nurses, clinicians, technicians, teachers, students, researchers, pharmacists, academicians, executives, social workers as well as the lay person within the limited budget but unlimited challenges. We are receiving regular requests from the local, national and international users to supply the related information regarding viruses and viral diseases viz., AIDS, Hepatitis, Rabies, Influenza, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, Measles, Polio, Conjunctivitis, Mumps, KFD, Herpes and other inter-related and inter-dependent subjects like biotechnology, tissue culture, immunology, molecular virology, medical entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, serology, epidedmiology, fish viruses, etc.
While attending the epidemics, endemics doing research cases, the concerned users viz. doctors, decision makers, scientists, economists, social workers, media persons, etc. require multi-disciplinary information within a very limited time. However, the librarians/information scientists are giving this information directly or indirectly. The type of information required are not only limited to text (bibliographical) but also images, graphics, pictures animations, sound etc. i.e. multimedia (MM) based information, which are going to support in decision making at the desirable extent. The types of queries received frequently by the above users are: what is particular virus? How does it affect/ infect? What are the symptoms (clinical information)? Who are the vectors? What is diagnosis? Reports literature, related to particular virus (bibliographical information)? How to reach out break place during epidemics and what are geographical conditions (geographical information)? What are metrological conditions (metrological information)? How to provide preventive, cumulative or caring services particular group of patients and how these services be coordinated? Efforts have been made to fulfill above requirements of the users with the help of this integrated VIS.
7. Components of Viral Information System
Because ICL is ultimately responsible for Information storage & retrieval (IS&R), there is need to develop a integrated information system comprising of bibliographical, clinical, meteorological, geographical, psychological and other related information systems (Fig 1) These are:
7.1 Bibliographical Information System (BIS)
Literature search is the first step of all the scientific research and clinical practice. The bibliographical references are important part of any database and information resources used. In NIV-ICL, we have more than 6000 computerized bibliographical record related to Indian works based on CDS/ISIS 3.07 version. The Various fields included are given in Annexure-I. In addition to other global literature available for routine ICL services we are using LIBSYS package covering global literature available in NIV-ICL. Furthermore, MEDLINE, AIDSLINE and other database (global) search facilities are available either through the Internet or on CD-ROM.
7.2 Clinical Information System (CIS):
All the clinical data related to viral diseases viz. symptoms, details of virus, causative agents, vectors, age group of infection, experts opinions, prescribed medicine, etc. in MM form are going to be recorded in computerized data retrieved. This MM based CIS will offer the facilities to cope with the specific problem even during the emergency conditions. CIS also incorporates: patients identification, medical records, laboratory data, patients history, physical examination and other latest information required for effective clinical decision making (Annexure II). It is hoped that this system will solve various queries related to clinical and biological features of viral diseases and viruses.
7.3 Geographical Information System (GIS)
GIS can be called as a technology that helps us to monitor and optimize the impact of various social, technological, healths, etc. growths on geographic earth. A GIS can touch any field i.e. geographically referenced right from the nature, growth, population, and pollution, up to public health and hygiene and human survival. The GIS is based on collecting the geographic data in forms of graphic details (like a building, colony, township, district, state, etc.) and their respective explanatory data (viz., Address, population, employment, etc.) and computing them to study and analysis. A GIS is comprised with the collection of computer hardware, software (HW & SW) geographic data to capture efficiently, store, update, manipulate, analysis and display or report all sort of geographically/specially reference data (1,3).
There are several studies (globally), indicating relationship of geographical features with some of the viral diseases. This is one of the many fields where a GIS comes into picture. A GIS eliminates or reduces the need for the personnel to go to the spot and/or to reach the spot and look for problems. Special analysis and mapping in epidemiology have a long history but recently, their use in public advances in GIS have created new opportunities for public health administrators to enhance their planning, analysis and monitoring capabilities. The information can be displayed in the form of graphs, charts, etc., in addition to maps. A GIS in India will provide an excellent means of collecting, updating and managing epidemiological surveillance and related information. It can answer: Condition: What is---? Location: Where is it?, Trends: What has changed since-?, Pattern: What spatial patterns exists? Modeling: What if-? The details of fields included to create GIS has been given in Annexure III.
7.4 Meteorological Information System (MIS)
This relatively new analytical tool in the field of epidemiology, will facilitate the collaboration of different sectors and can be flexibly adopted to the needs of the epidemic countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, etc. meteorological factors influence several biological functions. There are some studies, which indicates the relation between meteorological parameters viz, rainfall, humidity, temperature, wind, etc. with the some of the viruses and viral diseases. For example if a particular virus is very active and virulent in particular meteorological condition of these parameters and their relationship with viral disease(s) are known in advance, it will be very helpful to the administrator, clinicians, decision makers well to take all the precautionary measures in advance or within stipulated period. The details of various fields included in MIS are given in Annexure IV.
7.5 Psychological Information System (Behavior of Living During Epidemics)
To study the epidemiology, clinical practice carrying out research psychological information is also required for pre and post epidemic effect on patients, society and also national and international effects and relations. Our experiences with epidemiology of plague in India can be a quotable example. Effort will also be made to include studies already carried out and experts opinions to support the information to the decision makers to avoid unwanted, undesirable consequences viz, political, economical, tourism, commercial, etc. due to viral diseases.
8. Methodology & File Structure
There are number of methods and techniques for creating various database viz. questionnaire, personal interview, telephonic interview, schedule, diary, self observation, analysis, of case studies, bibliographical references, etc. Questionnaire method has been used as the main instrument for data collection; however, the data available form documentary references (Primary, Secondary & Tertiary) sources have also been included in the study. The interviews of experts and indirect studies of records have also been adopted for the collection and analysis of relevant data to supplement the data collected through questionnaires to enhance its reliability. These include preparation of standard formats (as per discussion with experts) to cover the most of the queries (retrospective and anticipated) (Appendices I, II, III & IV). Most of the research institutes, hospitals as well as individuals, associated with viral diseases and/or viruses have been and/will be contacted to collect the relevant information. It is further supplemented with the interviews of experts, service representative, a group of scientists, clinicians, surgeons including resident doctors, decision makers, etc. to obtained their opinion, related to viruses and viral diseases for use and decision making at different level.
Data collected from the different sources are being computerized as per field discussed for BIS, CIS, GIS, MIS & MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) is being used to standardize the terminology. This inputs includes key terms, text, photographs, animations, etc. indexed and organized as per MeSH. Verification and validation of data and editing are being done monthly. A periodic discussions of the experts viz. Scientists, Directors, Deans, Principles, expert clinicians, associated with viral diseases are also being carried out to support and verify the validation of data and also to make database more authentic. It has been planned to prepare our own homepage and also prepare MM based CD-ROM product of various viruses to make the database available at grass root level. It has also been proposed to have by-products of this database on floppies and send where Internet and/or MM facilities are not available. Finally this database will be made available on Internet for the use at grass root level (globally). The main menu and submenus are indicated in the Figure 2. It has also been proposed to compile an online directory of experts, researchers, clinicians related to viral diseases in India and also sites including journals available globally on Internet.
9. Users & Scope of Database
The scope of this database is very wide as it covers almost all the aspects of viruses, viral diseases and allied subjects. This includes animal, human and plant viruses and viral diseases having global importance. The main users are: decision makers, administrators, executives, managers, directors, deans, principal of medical colleges, virologists, immunologists, biochemists, doctors, scientists, physicians, surgeons, teachers and students, social scientists, nurses, public health workers, patients, media persons, policy makers, planners and some time even a layman. Biomedical institute/organizations of ICMR, DGHS, CSIR, ICAR, DST, DBT, UGC including Medical Colleges and Paramedical institutes, Pharmaceutical laboratories in India and similar types of users in abroad. Once this database is mastered in India even the villagers will be able to consult city-based doctors in real time.
10. Work Schedule
This viral database of Indian works will be carried out in the phased manner as follows:
Phase I Bibliographical Information Systems (1998-2000) (more than 6000 Records are already available in computerized readable format)
Phase II Clinical Information System (1999-2001)
Phase III Meteorological Information System (MIS) and its relationship with the
Viral diseases (2000-2002)Phase IV Geographical Information System and its relation with various viral diseases, (2001-2003)
Phase V Integration of phase I-IV (2003-2005) with updating, dubbing in the various Indian languages and creating homepage on Internet.
The above detail proposed time schedule includes data collection, discussion with experts for data input and output parameters, development of programming language/Purchase a package; checking, verification and testing inclusion of MM based expert opinion; CD- ROM cutting and marketing (as per decision of competent authority); and finally creating homepage/ web page on internet to make it available globally and also at grass root level.
11. Suggestions
1) This database will form a base to create MM based of an entire Biomedical Information System in India for various diseases. It is suggested to create disease wise database in India and integrate them. Consequently, information Officer, Documentation Officer, must play a pivotal role in the formation and implementation of a VIS, as the subset of organizational ICL system.
2) To include most of the available knowledge related to viral diseases (in this study only human viruses), it is essential to collect, collate various data/ knowledge related work about viral diseases (BIS, CIS, GIS, MIS) and integrate them in a national database. The information officer must also interact with medical and paramedical staff from time to time to make success and authentication of this VIS.
3) As the demand for access to the information grows clinicians/physicians will be key providers and users. They will have to increase access to critical patients data through VIS, however, their practices, patterns, clinical outcomes and resources utilization should also be subject to increase scrutiny.
4) To ensure, appropriate use of IT and information systems (IS), careful planning, selection, organization, verification, validation data, implementation and management will be needed. Clinicians will require training to use the IT and IS effectively. Furthermore, information office/documentation officer must recognize the increasing importance of such IS in delivering and managing clinical care and scientific research.
Conclusion
For a multi-lingual and multicultural country like India, the impact of IT and networks including internet will really be felt, when MM based information is available in local languages. This will also answer most of the questions related to interdisciplinary subject. The integrated viral database will demonstrate that MM can enhance the organization and management of information needed during research, endemic and/or epidemics for the clinical trial, biomedical education and daily care of patients with viral diseases. There is no doubt that world is a global village and biomedical ICLs share a major responsibility for ensuring the rapid transfer of information universally to improve the delivery of health care and research. Users will have to access highly sophisticated information systems and learning at all levels will be a part of everyday life.
Acknowledgments
Author is grateful to Dr. D.A. Gadkari, Director, National Institute of Virology, Pune for his kind permission to present this paper in " 8th International Congress Librarianship” 2-6th July, 2000 at Queen Elizabeth II, Conference Center, London. Author is also thankful to Mrs. A. Reethmma, Mrs. U.P. Khaire, Mr. A.R. Pathrikar, Mr. S.S. Bedekar, Mr. H.M. Shinde and Mr. S.K. Deshpande for their secretarial computer and photographic assistance.
References
1) Geographical information system (GIS); Weekly epidemiological Records 27 Aug. 1999; 281-288.
2) Lowe, H.J. et al: Building a medical multimedia system to integrate clinical information: An application of high performance computing and communication technology. Bull. Med. Lib. Asso.; 1995; 83(5); 57-64
3) Mutt, K.E. et al: New geographical approaches to control of some parasitic zoonoses. Bull. Med. Lib. Asso. 1995; 2; 247.
4) Singh Surya Nath, et al: Hypermedia/Multimedia based Medical Information system in India to support decision making during epidemics: A proposal In: Education for Librarianship in Information Age; Kumar R.P. et al eds: New Delhi,1990, MLAI 19: 17-38.
5) Singh Surya Nath, et al: Role of multimedia/hypermedia in biomedical information services in India. Ann. Lib. Sc. Docum., 1995; 42(1); 1-17.
Fig.1: VIRAL INFORMATION SYSTEM IN INDIA
Fig.2. MAIN MENU AND SUB-MENU FOR VIRAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Annexure-I
INPUT FORMATS FOR CLINICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
BASIC
LABORATORY
CLASSIFICATION 1____________
DESCRIPTION 2____________
SYSTEM AFFECTED 3____________
GENETICS n____________
STRUCTURE
LIFE CYCLE--MULTIMEDIA PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS
PREDOMINANT SGE 1____________
PREDOMINANT SEX (M/F) 2____________
3____________
CAUSES n____________
SPECIAL TESTS (IF ANY)
ENDEMICS 1____________
1____________ 2____________
2____________ 3____________
3____________ n____________
n____________
EPIDEMICS IMAGING
1____________ 1 MRI/BRAIN SCAN
2____________ 2____________
3____________ 3____________
n____________ n____________
SYMPTOMS (SS1, SS2, SS3.....SSn) COMPLICATIONS & SECONDARY
(MM BASED PATIENT HISTORY) INFECTIONS
RISK FACTORS TREATMENT
1____________ APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
2____________ GENERAL MEASURES
3____________
1____________
n____________ 2____________
n____________
VECTORS
1____________ ACTIVITY/DIET/DRUGS/
2____________ TREATMENTS/COUNSELLING
3____________
n____________ EXPERT OPINIONS
(MM BASED LECTURE)
DIAGNOSIS
DIFFERENTIAL (CLINICAL) SPECIAL MEASURES (If any)
1. ___________ 1.____________
2. ___________ 2.____________
n. ___________ n.____________
Annexure- III
INPUT FORMAT FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Name of the Region: ______________________________________________________
Taluka: _______________ District: _______________ State: _______________
Geographical Map (MM based): _____________________________________________
Name of the viruses reported
Date
Month
Year
V1
V2
V3
V4
Vn
Census: ________________________________________________________________
Health Service Infrastructure: ________________________________________________
Habitat: ________________________________________________________________
Seasonal Crops: __________________________________________________________
Drainage Pattern: _________________________________________________________
Main Crops: ____________________________________________________________
What has changed since: ___________________________________________________
Remarks of Experts: - Relationship with Viral diseases, vectors and GIS
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Others
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Annexure- IV
INPUT FORMAT FOR METEROLOGICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM.
A. Name of the Virus: ____________________________________________________
B. Favorable Meteorological Conditions: ___________________________________
Sr. No.
Metrological Parameters
Favorable Condition for viral diseases
Maximum
Minimum
1.
Rainfall
2.
Temperature
3.
Humidity
4.
Wind
5.
Others
Remarks
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Expert’s Opinion & their Address
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
C. V.
SURYA NATH SINGH
Library & Information Officer
National Institute of Virology
20-A , Ambedkar Road,
Pune- 411001 (India)Mr. Surya Nath Singh (Library & Information Officer), National Institute of Virology (ICMR), Pune has bagged the prestigious award (the best Medical Information Scientist and Librarian of India) of Medical Library Association of India (MLAI) - S.J. Kulkarni for the year 1999. Mr. Singh is the third person in India to receive the above award. Mr. Singh was born (1-9-1954) in a very remote village (Pindohari (Ballia) now part of Mau Nath Bhanjan) of Uttar Pradesh. He did his basic to higher secondary (intermediate) educations at his village only, B.Sc. (Hons.) biological sciences during 1977 from Banaras Hindu University, (BHU) Varanasi,. Mr. Singh got his admission in M.Sc. (Botany (B.H.U.), however, he left and join the Information and Library Science courses at B.H.U. Varanasi. He completed his Bachelor and Master degrees of Information and Library Science from the same university during 1978 and 1979 respectively. He also received his M.A. (Pol. Sci.) from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (1985). Recently Mr. Singh has submitted his thesis for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) to the university of Rajasthan Jaipur, entitled “Impact of Information Technology (IT) on Biomedical Information Centers and libraries in India: a Critical Evaluation”.
He joined his first service at the Defense Scientific Information and Documentation Center (DESIDOC-DRDO) Delhi, a renowned documentation center for Defense. During his period at DESIDOC (1-9-81 to 31-12-1986), he bagged DRDO cash award twice (1983 and 1985) for his outstanding performances and achievements and also assigned two senior positions with additional increments. During 1986 he was offered by National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR) Jamshedpur National Institute of Physical Handicapped, New Delhi and National Institute of Virology, Pune for the higher assignments. He preferred to join NIV, Pune and joined on 1-1-87 as Documentation Officer and continued till to date. Mr. Singh is also the member of various professional associations, committees, etc. viz- MLAI (Life member), AGLIS (Life member), ITLISA (Founder & Life member), Punenet (Executive member). Mr. Singh has more than 35 publications (National and International) and compilations to his credit. His major interest areas are: use of IT for Information Centers and Libraries, networking, creation of MM based databases, etc. At present Mr. Singh is working on “Creation of Multimedia based databases viral diseases: Indian Works” This integrated information system includes bibliographical, clinical, geographical, meteorological and Psychological information systems and their relations with viral diseases. He feels that knowledge about viral diseases in India is still far behind at global level and these diseases are still known as GRAND MOTHER’S diagnosis and/or treatment in India. His basic aim is to provide pinpointed, expeditious, exhaustive information related to viral diseases available in India as heritage at grass root level, irrespective of languages, form and format in multimedia. He feels, it will be very useful to the global users through Internet.
