bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TIME EVOLUTION OF ELEMENTAL RATIOS IN SOLAR ENERGETIC PARTICLE EVENTS
Authors: Zelina P. , Dalla S. , Cohen C. M. S. , Mewaldt R. A.
Published: January 2017

Heavy ion ratio abundances in solar energetic particle (SEP) events, e.g., Fe/O, often exhibit decreases over time. Using particle instruments on the Advanced Composition Explorer, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory spacecraft, we analyzed heavy ion data from 4 SEP events taking place between 2006 December and 2014 December. We constructed 36 different ionic pairs and studied their time evolution in each event. We quantified the temporal behavior of abundant SEP ratios by fitting the data to derive a decay time constant B. We also considered the ratio of ionic mass-to-charge for each pair, the S value given, e.g., for Fe/O by

S

Fe

/

O

=

(
M

/

Q
)

Fe

/

(
M

/

Q
)

O

. We found that the temporal behavior of SEP ratios is ordered by the value of S: ratios with

S
>
1

showed decreases over time (i.e.,

B
<
0

) and those with

S
<
1

showed increases (

B
>
0

). We plotted B as a function of S and observed a clear monotonic dependence: ratios with a large S decayed at a higher rate. A prominent discontinuity at S = 2.0 (corresponding to He/H) was found in three of the four events, suggesting anomalous behavior of protons. The X/H ratios often show an initial increase followed by a decrease, and decay at a slower rate. We discuss possible causes of the observed B versus S trends within current understanding of SEP propagation.
IMPROVED Cr ii log(gf) VALUES AND ABUNDANCE DETERMINATIONS IN THE PHOTOSPHERES OF THE SUN AND METAL-POOR STAR HD 84937
Authors: Lawler J. E. , Sneden C. , Nave G. , Hartog E. A. Den , Emrahoğlu N. , Cowan J. J.
Published: January 2017

New emission branching fraction (BF) measurements for 183 lines of the second spectrum of chromium (Cr ii) and new radiative lifetime measurements from laser-induced fluorescence for 8 levels of Cr+ are reported. The goals of this study are to improve transition probability measurements in Cr ii and reconcile solar and stellar Cr abundance values based on Cr i and Cr ii lines. Eighteen spectra from three Fourier Transform Spectrometers supplemented with ultraviolet spectra from a high-resolution echelle spectrometer are used in the BF measurements. Radiative lifetimes from this study and earlier publications are used to convert the BFs into absolute transition probabilities. These new laboratory data are applied to determine the Cr abundance log ε in the Sun and metal-poor star HD 84937. The mean result in the Sun is

 = 5.624 ± 0.009 compared to

 = 5.644 ± 0.006 on a scale with the hydrogen abundance log ε(H) = 12 and with the uncertainty representing only line-to-line scatter. A Saha (ionization balance) test on the photosphere of HD 84937 is also performed, yielding

 = 3.417 ± 0.006 and 〈log ε(Cr i, lower level excitation potential E. P. > 0 eV)〉 = 3.374 ± 0.011 for this dwarf star. We find a correlation of Cr with the iron-peak element Ti, suggesting an associated nucleosynthetic production. Four iron-peak elements (Cr along with Ti, V, and Sc) appear to have a similar (or correlated) production history—other iron-peak elements appear not to be associated with Cr.
“Considerately woven out of our selves”: The Attractions of Speech in Thomas Killigrew’s Comedies
Authors: Motten J. P. Vander
Published: January 2017

De son vivant déjà, on disait du dramaturge Thomas Killigrew (1612-83) qu’il possédait un art consommé de la conversation. Malgré le regain d’intérêt que suscitent ses œuvres et le fait que l’on reconnaisse à ses personnages une aptitude pour les joutes verbales, la critique moderne n’a accordé que peu d’attention aux manifestations du bel esprit dans ses pièces. Cet article se propose d’étudier la nature des dialogues comiques de The Parson’s Wedding et de Thomaso ; or the Wanderer, ainsi que les usages qu’en fait Killigrew, et plus particulièrement de mettre en évidence ce qu’ils doivent à l’exubérance langagière du dramaturge et aux ambitions « littéraires » qui caractérisent l’édition folio de ses pièces, parue en 1664.
 Educação popular em saúde como estratégia à adesão na realização do exame colpocitológico/ Popular education in health as a strategy for adherence to pap smear screening
Authors: Alves Solange Reffatti , Alves Alexandre Oliveira , Assis Michelli Cristina Silva de
Published: January 2017

O câncer de colo do útero, a segunda causa de neoplasia entre as mulheres, tem uma alta prevalência no Brasil. Uma das formas de prevenção ocorre através da realização do exame colpocitológico. Nesseaspecto, este estudo objetiva apresentar a experiência com educação popular em saúde como metodologia ativa de aprendizagem, desenvolvida por uma equipe de Estratégia de Saúde de Família (ESF) da grande Porto Alegre, na adesão das mulheres à realização do exame colpocitológico no período de 2010 a 2013. Através de intervenções de educação popular em saúde sobre o tema nos mais diversos ambientes sociais e comunitários, como escola e templos religiosos, foi possível desenvolver nas mulheres melhorias no autocuidado, tais como a adesão à coleta do exame preventivo. Também se constatou que estratégias de educação popular em saúde junto à comunidade podem permitir melhor adesão à realização do exame citopatológico do colo do útero, uma das estratégias públicas mais efetivas, seguras e de baixo custo para detecção precoce desse tipo de câncer, o que pode contribuir para a redução da incidência de novos casos nessa comunidade.
Identificação de reações adversas a medicamentos (RAM) durante conciliação medicamentosa em hospital escola/ Identification of adverse drug reactions (ADR) for medication conciliation in a teaching hospital
Authors: Ferreira Carlos Eduardo Faria , Rodrigues Maurício Assis , Rodrigues André Assis , Santos Filho Fabiano De Souza , Rocha Junior Oscar Lara , Castilho Selma Rodrigues de
Published: January 2017

As Reações Adversas a Medicamentos (RAM) representam um grande problema nos hospitais, acarretando sérios riscos à saúde dos pacientes e aumentando os custos da atenção à saúde. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de analisar as principais Reações Adversas a Medicamentos encontradas no setor de Clínica Médica de um hospital escola em Campos dos Goytacazes – RJ. Realizou-se um estudo longitudinal prospectivo entre os meses de março a junho de 2015. Um total de 194 pacientes foram acompanhados, sendo observado reações adversas em 37 deles, totalizando 40 reações adversas que envolveram 27 princípios ativos. Os principais medicamentos envolvidos nas RAM foram losartana (12,5%), dipirona (10%) e tramadol (7,5%). As reações acometeram principalmente pacientes do sexo masculino (60%). Quanto à causalidade, 12 (30%) RAM foram classificadas como definidas, 19 (47,5%) prováveis e 9 (22,5%) possíveis, pelo algoritmo de Naranjo. Trinta e cinco RAM (87,5%) foram classificadas como reações do tipo A (previsíveis) e apenas 5 (12,5%) reações do tipo B (imprevisíveis). A Comissão de Farmacovigilância do Hospital foi comunicada para proceder as notificações à ANVISA. O processo de conciliação de medicamentos contribuiu para a identificação de RAM, permitindo ao profissional farmacêutico atuação mais efetiva junto à equipe multiprofissional de saúde no que se refere às reações indesejáveis causadas pelos medicamentos possibilitando a prevenção de agravos relacionados à terapia medicamentosa e ações voltadas para a segurança dos pacientes.
 O trabalho do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família na perspectiva de seus trabalhadores/ The work of Family Health Support Centers from the perspective of workers
Authors: Leite Denise Fernandes , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos , Nascimento Débora Dupas Gonçalves do
Published: January 2017

A compreensão do processo de trabalho dos profissionais que compõemas equipes do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF) é de extrema importância para a resolubilidade na Atenção Básica, por isso esta investigação teve como objetivo analisar as percepções dos profissionais do NASF sobre o trabalho que realizam. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, de caráter descritivo e exploratório. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com 40 profissionais de equipes do NASF de cada uma das cinco Coordenadorias Regionais de Saúde do Município de São Paulo. A análise de conteúdo identificou três núcleos de sentido: a compreensão das equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) sobre o processo de trabalho do NASF; a compreensão da população sobre o processo de trabalho do NASF na perspectiva dos profissionais e a compreensão dos profissionais do NASF sobre seu processo de trabalho. De acordo com as percepções dos profissionais, o entendimento do processo de trabalho do NASF ainda não é totalmente claro e apropriado pelos profissionais do próprio NASF, da ESF e nempelos usuários, fazendo-se necessário uma maior e melhor integração entre eles, com vistas à qualidade e à efetividade do trabalho nesse nível de atenção.
Effect of Ru Substitution on Temperature Coefficient of Resistance and Magnetoresistance Properties of Nd0.67Sr0.33MnO3
Authors: Acharya Deepshikha , Bhargav Abhinav , Tank Tejas M. , Sanyal Sankar P.
Published: January 2017

The effect of Ru substitution on temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and electrical transport properties of Nd0.67Sr0.33Mn1-xRuxO3 (with x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1) manganites prepared by solid state reaction route are studied. Ru substitution at Mn sites leads to reduction in TP and increase the overall MR. The electrical transport mechanisms of these compounds are investigated by using different theoretical models, for temperatures below and above TP. The maximum value of TCR of Nd0.67Sr0.33Mn1-xRuxO3 (x= 0.05 and 0.1) are found to be higher compared to pristine compound. For memory device and bolometer IR detectors application point of view, all samples show the maximum magnetoresistance (MR) of 81 % at 5 T applied magnetic field, while the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is found to ~17% K-1.
Pressure-Volume Behavior of Some Ionic Solids and Geophysical Minerals (CsBr)
Authors: Mahendra Mehra , Rajput Seema
Published: January 2017

Various forms of the equation of state for studying high-pressure behavior of solids have been developed by numerous investigators using phenomenological approaches. A common feature of the phenomenological equation is that they present the relationship between pressure and volume which can be expressed analytically involving two quantities only, viz Bo, B0’ respectively, the isothermal bulk modulus and its first pressure derivative, both at zero pressure. The present proposal which intend to compare the efficiency of the four equations under close examination reports the V/Vo versus P derived from the new modified forms of Murnaghan equations Birch equation (BE) and Freund-Ingalls (FIE) equation obtained for the best agreement with the available experimental data.
Pressure Induced Structural Phase Transition in InP at Room Temperature
Authors: Pawar Pooja , Kapoor Shilpa , Singh Sadhna
Published: January 2017

We have investigated the pressure induced phase transition of InP from ZB to NaCl structure associated by using realistic interaction potential model (RIPM), which is modified by taking effect of temperature. This model consists of coulomb interaction, three body interaction, and short range overlap repulsive interaction up to second nearest neighbour. Phase transition pressure is associated with a sudden collapse in volume showing the incidence of first order phase transition. The phase transition pressure and associated volume collapses obtained from present model show a generally good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical data.
University of Fort Hare as the Doyen of Pan-Africanism
Authors: Tom Mvuyo
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
Examining Auditing as an Essential Element of Financial Management and Good Governance in Local Government
Authors: Maclean Sindisile
Published: January 2017

The purpose of the article is to address issues of auditing in the context of financial management as a contribution to good governance. Generally, not all local governments have effective and operational audit units and committees. As a result, auditing is not used as an essential element of good governance and this leads to bad audit outcomes like disclaimers and adverse opinions. The bad audit outcomes in local government have motivated the researcher to conduct the study on auditing. There are internal factors within the municipalities as well as external factors that are of interest and directed the researcher to have desire and commitment to make a contribution in this particular field of research. The key issues, amongst others, are principles of financial management, financial strategy, auditing functions such as forensic auditing, fraud auditing, forensic accounting and detection of fraud, including accounting systems and auditor’s role. This article will also attempt to reinforce existing theories and add value to local government financial discourse and good governance.
The Dichotomy of Capacity Building and Unemployment in Ethiopia
Authors: Dibie Robert , Dibie Josephine
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the problems associated with youth capacity building and unemployment in Ethiopia. It argues that capacity building is a continuous process of development that could be accomplished through participation of the citizens in their own development. The dynamics of development at both national and grassroots levels in Ethiopia must involve the exposure of government change agents to participatory learning and action methodologies. The paper uses data derived from primary and secondary sources to analyze the problems associated with youth capacity building and unemployment in Ethiopia. The conceptual framework is based on the social constructionist, the build block model of development, monetarist and the Keynesian theories. The findings show that technical capacity building in Ethiopia will serve as a lever for economic and social development. There is, however, a negative correlation between the nation’s educational system and the kind of technical skills needed to achieve its sustainable development goals. In addition, the Ethiopian Government policies have not been able to effectively galvanize the private sector and NGOs to create more jobs for youths. Further, current government policy tends to focus on the supply side. Less emphasis has been placed on the demand side and comparable strategies to address the youth unemployment problems. The paper recommends that the in the new global economy, young people need to acquire more than just basic education, and curricula. They should be influenced by the current trends in of globalization, regional integration and technological transformation. The established public labour-intensive infrastructure projects in urban areas, like cobblestone, housing, Micro and Small Enterprises and others, need to be strengthened and supported by government, private sectors and NGOs, both technically and financially. Thus, government, private sector and NGOs should collaborate to establish a mechanism for a better and efficient approach to providing youth employment all over Ethiopia and in Addis Ababa in particular. It further suggests that appropriate monetary and fiscal policies are necessary for Ethiopia to effectively address its urban youth capacity building problems.
Agencification of Public Service Delivery in Developing Societies: Experiences of Pakistan and Tanzania Agency Models
Authors: Nchukwe Friday Francis , Adejuwon Kehinde David
Published: January 2017

Agencification is not a new phenomenon in the public sector. However, since 1980s in developing societies, not only the number of new agencies has gone up but, the existing agencies have also been revitalized under the rubric of New Public Management capsulated in World Bank/IMF’s guided governance and administrative reforms. These agencies have been created in an administrative system which has weak political institutions but well entrenched bureaucracy with strong colonial bureaucratic traditions such as centralization of power exercised by a class of senior bureaucrats occupying top positions in federal ministries. The article examines agencification in developing countries with particular reference to Pakistan and Tanzania agency model. It noted that agencification in developing countries was rarely, if ever, pursued within a systemic conceptual and legal framework, but agencies are often seen as an alternative to already existing state-owned companies which are plagued with corruption. The article therefore draws some observations and remedial actions for improvement in the performance of public sector organisations in developing countries in general and Africa in particular. It concludes that while most government ministries in developing societies cannot trigger public sector transformation due to a lack of performance improvement, agencies are unlikely to do so because of the particular autonomy of the administrative systems in which they are embedded.
Enhancing Human Capital Development and Service Delivery in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions through Effective Academic Staff
Authors: Igbokwe-Ibeto Chinyeaka , Chukwuemeka Emma , Okechukwu Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Within the framework of bureaucratic and human capital theories, an eclectic approach, the study examines the nexus between academic staff recruitment in Nigerian tertiary institutions and human capital development as well as service delivery with specific reference to universities. It is generally agreed that higher education is a sine-qua-non for human capital development and efficient service delivery. Higher education is a prerequisite for the production of highly competent experts, which in turn, contributes to the development of organizations and the economy at large. For these to be achieved, the right content and academic staff  must be in place to perform this varied function.  However, over the years the quality of human capital coming out of Nigerian universities and its impact on service delivery has become a source of concern to employers of labour and all stakeholders. Inferential opinions have traced the problem to the recruitment of incompetent academic staff. To investigate the issues raised, the study relied heavily on primary and secondary data and multi stage sampling was used to select the sample population. The data collected was presented in pie chart and simple percentage. Similarly, in order to test the hypotheses and establish the degree of dependence or independence of the variables under investigation, the chi-square statistical technique was used. The findings of the study revealed among others, that Nigerian universities do not employ merit, qualification and competency in the academic staff recruitment. It also established that there is a significant relationship between merit, qualification and competency based academic staff recruitment and human capital development and service delivery. To enhance human capital development and service delivery in Nigerian universities, the study recommends among others, that an independent body like the National University Commission (NUC) should be given the responsibility of academic staff recruitment and promotion for all universities in the country.
A Review of Anti-Corruption Wars in Nigeria
Authors: Nwaodu Nnamdi , Adam David , Okereke Okechukwu
Published: January 2017

Corruption still subsists as one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria. The existence of this phenomenon in virtually all aspects of the nation’s socio-economic life is said to be one reason why poverty level remains high irrespective of her position as the six highest suppliers of oil to the whole wide world, and a possessor of numerous other human and natural resources. A recent attempt by the Federal Government of Nigeria to curb this societal ill led to the establishment of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices & Related Offences Commission (ICPC) among others bodies. This paper historically explores the anti-corruption war in Nigeria and specifically zeros itself to review EFCC’s role in this war. The methodology adopted in this paper is the narrative-textual case study (NTCS), a research method that sources the required quantitative and qualitative secondary data on the phenomenon of study from secondary sources like the internet, World Wide Web, online databases, e-libraries  et cetera. On the strength of the qualitative data sourced, it was discovered that the agency has made some successes but is being hindered by political, administrative and judicial bureaucracy from efficient performance. The paper therefore boldly recommends that transparency be enshrined into all aspect Nigerian political and administrative life and extant anti-graft laws be reviewed, harmonized and strengthened to enhance the effectiveness of fight against corruption and breach of corporate governance ethics by those holding political and non-political positions in Nigeria.
Editorial Note
Authors: Ijeoma Edwin
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
Management in achieving competitive advantage in Nigerian public organisations under the global economy
Authors: Ukanwah Chijioke Hope , Ndaguba Emeka Austin
Published: January 2017

This paper explores the strategic role of human resources management in achieving competitive advantage in a global economy. Human resource management remains indispensable in engendering competitive advantage for businesses in this era of tense global competition. Productivity and competitiveness of organisations is now dependent on their employees’ ability to generate, process, and apply knowledge. Scholars and practitioners of human resources management agree that a workforce that is properly trained and managed is a source of competitive advantage. The article recognised the fact that public organisations have not really given importance to human resource management and this is responsible for their underwhelming performance. The paper recommends some HR strategies that managers can adopt to improve the quality and value of their workforce, and these range from effective talent management, continuous workplace learning, safe and healthy work environment, ICT adoption, competitive benefit system, HR planning to proper deployment of skills and expertise.
The Effect of Manpower Planning and Development in Lagos State (Nigeria) Civil Service Performance
Authors: Igbokwe-Ibeto Chinyeaka J. , Osadeke Kehinde O , Anazodo Rosemary O.
Published: January 2017

The study examined effects of manpower planning and development in Lagos state civil service performance. Lagos state civil service is the greatest asset of the state in its quest for socio-economic development. The primary question that was explored is whether the nature of manpower planning and development curriculum in Lagos state civil service has effect on the service performance and the attainment of state objective. The study relied on primary and secondary data, and multiple stage sampling technique was used to select the sample population. The data collected was presented in frequency bar chart and simple percentage. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. Findings of the study show that the nature of manpower planning and development curriculum has a positive effect on the Lagos state civil performance. It also reveals that the manpower planning and development has a positive effect on the attainment of Lagos state objective. To achieve better performance in the service, it should among others, improve on the current manpower planning strategy and continue to update its manpower development curriculum in line with the global best practices. Given the pivotal role that technology plays in the 21st century, the service should avail itself the windows of opportunities that information technology provides in its drive to enhance employees’ skills, knowledge and abilities that will invariably improve the service performance. Yet, the service should imbibe the prescripts of New PublicManagement theory (NPM), and that goals and targets should be defined and measurable as indicators of organizational performance.
Politics-Administration Interface and Sustenance of Public Service Ethos in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Afegbua Salami Issa
Published: January 2017

This work examined politics-administration interface and the sustenance of public service ethos in Southwest Nigeria. Public servants and political functionaries in Southwest Nigeria are constantly in a struggle to fix each other in their pre-conceived mould of mental judgment which invariably breeds mutual suspicion, apprehension and setting the stage for conflict which is likely to impact negatively on the performance of public servants in Southwest Nigeria. The article identified the factors influencing the interface of public servants and political office holders in Southwest Nigeria. It also determined the influence of the interface between on public service ethos and finally examined the efforts made towards sustaining public service ethos in Southwest Nigeria. In carrying out this work, primary and secondary data were used. In the case of primary data, survey was carried out and questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents in the Southwest geo-political zone of the country. Purposive random sampling techniques were adopted to determine the target respondents. The study has a sample of five hundred and thirty-five (535), which constitute 50 percent of the total population figure of 1070.  The findings revealed amongst others, that the synergy between political functionaries and public office holders is often characterized by both conflict and cooperation. In addition, there are certain factors influencing the interface of public servants and political office holders in Southwest Nigeria, these factors include: contract awards, consideration in the appointment of top civil servants etc. The study therefore, recommends the need for Southwest Nigeria to strengthen politics-administration interface in such a way that the public services in that region will be more productive. There is also the need for government in the Southwest to clarify the respective roles of political office holders and public servants. The principles and ethos governing the roles and responsibilities of political office holders and public servants should be clearly spelt out. The study concludes that despite the commendable efforts made by public service in Southwest Nigeria, lack of strict adherence to ethical values has made it difficult for such interface to enhance compliance with standard ethical practic The article therefore recommends, amongst others, the need to strengthen politics-administration relations in Southwest Nigeria. Moreover, government in the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria should organize retreats on a regular basis for both political functionaries’ and public officials on the need to uphold the ethics and principles of the service as well as adhere to their respective codes of conduct for public officers.
The European Union and UN Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria: A Study of the Micro Projects Programmes (MPPs) in the Niger Delta Region
Authors: Nwaodu Nnamdi O. , Odey Stephen Adi , Emma-Egbumokei Ngozi Stella
Published: January 2017

The present Cotonou Accord was signed by the EU, 77, African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries towards halving poverty as prescribed by the UN Declaration by 2015. The EU's interventionin the rural communities of the oil producing states of Nigeria (Niger Delta) clearly shows her commitment towards the above stated global drive for the eradication of poverty especially in the Third World. Bringing about the establishment of the Micro ProjectProgrammes (MPP3, MPP6 and MPP9) for the nine states of the region between 1999 and 2012 and expended over €210 million on the programmes. Four years after theimplementation of the programmes, arising questions include: to what extent did the EU-MPPs achieve the set goals of poverty reduction in the region? And how sustainable are the achievements of the programmes? Using ex post facto research design, it was found out that amidst numerous challenges the MPPs actually reduced the level of poverty in the region through the provision of over 20,000 micro projects to more than 4000 rural communities in the nine states it covered. It therefore recommended that similar programmes be initiated by all other international development agencies as to speed up the reduction of poverty in the UN targeted areas though behind the originally target period of 2015. The study contends that an effective administrative institutional framework of the EU- MPPs should serve as model to other development agencies not only in Nigeria but across the developing economies of the world.
Phonemic awareness of English second language learners
Authors: Le Roux Maria , Geertsema Salome , Jordaan Heila , Prinsloo Danie
Published: January 2017

Background: The PA skills of phonological blending and segmentation and auditory word discrimination relate directly to literacy and may be weak in English second language (EL2) learners. In South Africa, literacy skills have been found to be poor in especially EL2 learners.Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of vowel perception and production intervention on phonemic awareness (PA) and literacy skills of Setswana first language (L1) learners. These learners are English second language (EL2) learners in Grade 3.Method: The present study employed a quasi-experimental, pre-test–post-test design.Results: The findings of low–literacy skill levels concurred with previous investigations. However, post-test results of intervention in PA seemed to improve the literacy skills of EL2 learners.Conclusion: PA skills should be a crucial part of the literacy curriculum in South Africa.
Non-medical use of methylphenidate among medical students of the University of the Free State
Authors: Jain Roshini , Chang Ch Chiech , Koto Mpho , Geldenhuys Alden , Nichol Richard , Joubert Gina
Published: January 2017

Background: Faced with demanding training programmes, medical students may be more prone to use methylphenidate for non-medical purposes in order to improve concentration, alertness and academic performance.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the non-medical use of methylphenidate and knowledge of this drug among undergraduate medical students of the University of the Free State.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed during lectures to all students in the five year groups of the undergraduate medical programme.

Results: Of the 643 undergraduate medical students, 541 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 84.1%). Approximately 11.0% of surveyed students were using methylphenidate at the time of the study, of which the majority (67.9%) used it for academic purposes and 70.6% received it from a medical health professional. Less than a third of users had been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Methylphenidate users’ median knowledge was greater than non-users, and methylphenidate knowledge increased from first-year and second-year students to third-year to fifth-year students. Median knowledge scores per year group ranged from 52.0% to 60.0%.

Conclusion: Methylphenidate is mainly used for non-medical purposes by medical students. Students generally have a low level of knowledge on methylphenidate. Specific information on methylphenidate should be included in lectures on stress management and study methods during the course of the medical curriculum.
The Staging of Menopause
Authors: Anklesaria Behram S
Published: January 2017

Staging of menopause not published and needed to be defined for long-term consequences and their management. This staging based on duration, event and action seems to be relevant. Each stage duration is highly variable, but a rough 5 years per stage calculation is clinically useful. Our ‘staging of menopause’ has now become the best method to understand the symptomatology, the complications and the management of a woman's best years—the menopause!

How to cite this article

Anklesaria BS. The Staging of Menopause. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2013;1(1): 1-3
Awareness of Menopausal Symptoms among Young Pakistani Women of Different Educational Backgrounds
Authors: Mujahid Saadia , Siddiqui Afzal Ahmad , Hussain Rubina
Published: January 2017

Menopause has significant effects on a woman's quality of life. It is important that women realise these changes and are better equipped to look after their needs in this age group, to be able to postpone or prevent those risks. Educating them regarding these symptoms would definitely equip them better to avoid and reduce many adverse emotional and psychological symptoms of menopause.

How to cite this article

Mujahid S, Siddiqui AA, Hussain R. Awareness of Menopausal Symptoms among Young Pakistani Women of Different Educational Backgrounds. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2013;1(1):18-20.
MIX: a mosaic Asian anthropogenic emission inventory under the international collaboration framework of the MICS-Asia and HTAP
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Qiang , Kurokawa Jun-ichi , Woo Jung-Hun , He Kebin , Lu Zifeng , Ohara Toshimasa , Song Yu , Streets David G. , Carmichael Gregory R. , Cheng Yafang , Hong Chaopeng , Huo Hong , Jiang Xujia , Kang Sicong , Liu Fei , Su Hang , Zheng Bo
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The MIX inventory is developed for the years 2008 and 2010 to support the Model Inter-Comparison Study for Asia (MICS-Asia) and the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (TF HTAP) by a mosaic of up-to-date regional emission inventories. Emissions are estimated for all major anthropogenic sources in 29 countries and regions in Asia. We conducted detailed comparisons of different regional emission inventories and incorporated the best available ones for each region into the mosaic inventory at a uniform spatial and temporal resolution. Emissions are aggregated to five anthropogenic sectors: power, industry, residential, transportation, and agriculture. We estimate the total Asian emissions of 10 species in 2010 as follows: 51.3 Tg SO2, 52.1 Tg NOx, 336.6 Tg CO, 67.0 Tg NMVOC (non-methane volatile organic compounds), 28.8 Tg NH3, 31.7 Tg PM10, 22.7 Tg PM2.5, 3.5 Tg BC, 8.3 Tg OC, and 17.3 Pg CO2. Emissions from China and India dominate the emissions of Asia for most of the species. We also estimated Asian emissions in 2006 using the same methodology of MIX. The relative change rates of Asian emissions for the period of 2006–2010 are estimated as follows: −8.1 % for SO2, +19.2 % for NOx, +3.9 % for CO, +15.5 % for NMVOC, +1.7 % for NH3, −3.4 % for PM10, −1.6 % for PM2.5, +5.5 % for BC, +1.8 % for OC, and +19.9 % for CO2. Model-ready speciated NMVOC emissions for SAPRC-99 and CB05 mechanisms were developed following a profile-assignment approach. Monthly gridded emissions at a spatial resolution of 0.25°  ×  0.25° are developed and can be accessed from http://www.meicmodel.org/dataset-mix.
How long do satellites need to overlap? Evaluation of climate data stability from overlapping satellite records
Authors: Weatherhead Elizabeth C. , Harder Jerald , Araujo-Pradere Eduardo A. , English Jason M. , Flynn Lawrence E. , Frith Stacey , Lazo Jeffrey K. , Pilewskie Peter , Weber Mark , Woods Thomas N.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Sensors on satellites provide unprecedented understanding of the Earth’s climate system by measuring incoming solar radiation, as well as both passive and active observations of the entire Earth with outstanding spatial and temporal coverage that would be currently impossible without satellite technology. A common challenge with satellite observations is to quantify their ability to provide well-calibrated, long-term, stable records of the parameters they measure. Ground-based intercomparisons offer some insight, while reference observations and internal calibrations give further assistance for understanding long-term stability. A valuable tool for evaluating and developing long-term records from satellites is the examination of data from overlapping satellites. Prior papers have used overlap periods to identify the offset between data from two satellites and estimate the added uncertainty to long-term records. This paper addresses the length of overlap needed to identify an offset or a drift in the offsets of data between two sensors. The results are presented for the general case of sensor overlap by using the case of overlap of the SORCE SIM and SOLSTICE solar irradiance data as an example. To achieve a 1 % uncertainty in estimating the offset for these two instruments’ measurement of the Mg II core (280 nm) requires approximately 5 months of overlap. For relative drift to be identified within 0.1 % yr−1 uncertainty, the overlap for these two satellites would need to be 2.6 years. Additional overlap of satellite measurements is needed if, as is the case for solar monitoring, unexpected jumps may occur because these jumps add to the uncertainty of both offsets and drifts; the additional length of time needed to account for a single jump in the overlap data may be as large as 50 % of the original overlap period in order to achieve the same desired confidence in the stability of the merged dataset. Extension of the results presented here are directly applicable to satellite Earth observations. Approaches for Earth observations may be challenged by the complexity of those observations but may also benefit from ancillary observations taken from ground-based and in situ sources. Difficult choices need to be made when monitoring approaches are considered; we outline some attempts at optimizing networks based on economic principles. The careful evaluation of monitoring overlap is important to the appropriate application of observational resources and to the usefulness of current and future observations.
Empirical and model-based estimates of spatial and temporal
variations in net primary productivity in semi-arid grasslands of
Northern China
Authors: Zhang Shengwei , Zhang Rui , Liu Tingxi , Song Xin , Adams Mark A.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Spatiotemporal variations in net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation offer insights to surface water and carbon dynamics, and are closely related to temperature and precipitation. We employed the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach ecosystem model to estimate NPP of semiarid grassland in northern China between 2001 and 2013. Model estimates were strongly linearly correlated with observed values (R2 = 0.67, RMSE = 35 g C m−2 year−1). We also quantified inter-annual changes in NPP over the 13-year study period. NPP varied between 141 and 313 g C m−2 year−1, with a mean of 240 g C m−2 year−1. NPP increased from west to east each year, and mean precipitation in each county was significantly positively correlated with NPP in annually, summer and autumn. Mean precipitation was also positively correlated with NPP in spring, but the correlation was not significant. Annual and summer temperatures were mostly negatively correlated with NPP, but temperature was positively correlated with spring and autumn NPP. Spatial correlation and partial correlation analyses at the pixel scale confirmed precipitation as a major driver of NPP. Temperature was negatively correlated with NPP in 99 % of the regions at the annual scale, but after removing the effect of precipitation, temperature was positively correlated with the NPP in 77 % of the regions.
Vyresnių pacientų, pirmą kartą besikreipiančių į atminties sutrikimų kabinetą, kognityvinių funkcijų sutrikimų ypatumai
Authors: Legotaitė Gabrielė , Knašienė Jurgita , Damulevičienė Gytė
Published: January 2017

Įvadas. Pastaraisiais dešimtmečiais Lietuvoje nustatoma
vis daugiau demencijos atvejų. Senstanti populiacija
ir kraujagysliniai rizikos veiksniai gali būti
susiję su šia tendencija, tačiau tikslus Alzheimerio
ligos (AL) ir kraujagyslinės demencijos (KD) paplitimas
tarp vyresnių pacientų nėra žinomas.
Tyrimo tikslas. Įvertinti vyresnių pacientų, pirmą
kartą besikreipiančių į Atminties sutrikimų kabinetą,
kognityvinių funkcijų sutrikimų (KFS) ypatumus
bei nustatyti sąsajas tarp KFS ir rizikos veiksnių,
gretutinių ligų.
Tyrimo metodika. Atliktas populiacinis retrospektyvinis
kohortinis tyrimas, naudojant ambulatorinių
kortelių duomenis. Į tyrimą įtraukti 60 m. ir vyresnio
amžiaus 202 pacientai, kurie 2015 metais pirmą
kartą kreipėsi į Atminties sutrikimų kabinetą, esantį
VšĮ Kauno klinikinės ligoninės I konsultacinėje
poliklinikoje. Duomenų analizei naudota Microsoft
Excel 2010 ir SPSS 22.0 programos. Pasirinktas sta�-
tistinio reikšmingumo lygmuo α=0,05. Kintamųjų
skirtumai lyginant kelias tiriamųjų grupes ar ryšys
tarp kintamųjų laikomi statistiškai reikšmingais, kai
p<α (p<0,05). Duomenų analizėje naudoti chi-kvadratu,
Student‘o t kriterijai, dispersinė analizė Anova,
Spearmen‘o ir Kendall tau-b koreliacijos koeficientai,
aprašomoji statistika.
Tyrimo rezultatai. Išanalizuoti 202 pacientų (≥ 60
m. amžiaus) ambulatorinių kortelių duomenys. 82,7
proc. pacientų (n=167) buvo nustatyti KFS: 81,4
proc. (n=136) demencija, 18,6 proc. (n=31) lengvas
kognityvinis sutrikimas (LKS). Demencijų pasis�-
kirstymas pagal sunkumo formą: sunki 15,4 proc.,
vidutinio sunkumo 72,1 proc., lengva 12,5 proc.
Dažniausiai nustatyta KD - 41,9 proc. (subkortikinė
64,9 proc. atvejų), antra pagal dažnį - mišri
demencija, kuri diagnozuota 34,6 proc. atvejų,
trečia – demencija sergant Alzheimerio liga, 15,4
proc. LKS sutrikimas buvo susijęs su menkesniu
išsilavinimu (p<0,001), išemine širdies liga (IŠL)
(p=0,030), hipertenzija (p=0,001). Demencija buvo
susijusi su vyresniu amžiumi (p=0,001) ir menkesniu
išsilavinimu (p<0,001). KD buvo susijusi su
smegenų infarktais (p<0,001), IŠL (p=0,001), hipertenzija
(p=0,01), lėtine išemine lakūnarine būkle
(p<0,001), šlapimo nelaikymu (p=<0,001) ir griuvimais
(p=0,001). Mišri demencija buvo susijusi
su IŠL (p=0,026), hipertenzija (p=0,007), šlapimo
nelaikymu (p<0,001).
Išvados. Tarp pirmą kartą besikreipiančių pacientų į
Atminties sutrikimų kabinetą KFS paplitimas siekė
82,7 proc. o dažniausiai nustatyta KD. Aukštas
KD ir mišrios demencijos paplitimas buvo susijęs
su kraujagysliniais rizikos veiksniais: smegenų infarktais,
IŠL, hipertenzija, lėtine išemine lakūnine
būkle. Ankstyvos bendruomeninės intervencijos,
kontroliuojant kraujagyslinius rizikos veiksnius, atliekant
atrankines kognityvinių sutrikimų patikras
bei nukreipiant pacientus į specializuotus Atminties
sutrikimų kabinetus turėtų tapti prioritetu KFS prevencijai
pagyvenusių žmonių populiacijoje.
Cheminių šveitiklių poveikis, sprendžiant brandžios rankų odos problemas
Authors: Valatkevičienė Loreta , Vaikšnorienė Vaiva , Mickienė Žaneta , Čapkauskienė Sandrija
Published: January 2017

Senėjimo procesas sukelia tiek natūralius, tiek ir lėtinius,
ultravioletinių spindulių sukeltus rankų odos
pokyčius. Stebimi odos struktūros ir pigmentacijos
kitimai, odos elastingumo praradimas, minkštųjų
audinių atrofija, kuri sąlygoja kaulų ir sausgyslių atsikišimus
bei venų išryškėjimą. Siekiant atgaivinti
brandžią odą, viena iš vis dažniau siūlomų priemonių
– tai cheminiai šveitikliai. Cheminiai šveitikliai
drėkina odą, švelnina raukšles, padidina elastingumą.
Tyrimo tikslas: įvertinti cheminių šveitiklių poveikį
sprendžiant brandžios rankų odos problemas.
Tyrimo metodai: 1.Odos būklės įvertinimas dia�-
gnostiniu aparatu ,,Skin analyzer Soft plius“ 2. Che�-
minių šveitiklių procedūros. Buvo atliktas 4 procedūrų
kursas: dešinei rankai naudotas rūgštinis Pieno
šveitiklis, kairei rankai – Jessner rūgštinis šveitiklis.
Tyrime dalyvavo vienuolika 50-60 metų amžiaus
moterų. Rezultatai: atlikus skirtingas cheminio šveitimo
procedūras, buvo nustatyta, kad brandžios rankų
odos drėgmė padidėjo - dešinės rankos nuo 9,5,
proc. iki 21,4 proc., kairės rankos - nuo 19,3 proc.
iki 38,5 proc. (p<0,05). Abiejų rankų odos elastingumas
pagerėjo nuo 48,7 iki 50,00 proc. Raukšlių
gylis reikšmingai sumažėjo: dešinės rankos nuo 8,9
mm iki 5,2 mm, kairės rankos - nuo 8,2 mm iki 5,9
mm (p<0,05). Brandžios rankų odos pigmentacija
ir keratino lygis po rūgštinių šveitimo procedūrų
kurso taip pat reikšmingai sumažėjo (p<0,05). Lyginant
cheminio šveitimo procedūrų poveikį kairei
ir dešinei rankoms, reikšmingo skirtumo nebuvo
(p>0,05). Tyrimo išvados: atlikus skirtingų cheminių
šveitiklių - Pieno ir Jessner rūgščių - procedūras
ant brandžios rankų odos, nustatyta, kad drėgmė padidėjo,
elastingumas pagerėjo, odos raukšlių gylis,
pigmentacija ir keratino lygis reikšmingai sumažėjo.
Skirtingų rūgštinių šveitiklių procedūrų poveikis
kairei ir dešinei rankoms buvo vienodas, nes visi tirti
rodikliai – drėgmė, elastingumas, raukšlių gylis,
pigmentacija ir keratino lygis – nesiskyrė.
Smilkininio apatinio žandikaulio sąnario, psichoemocinio streso ir laikysenos sąsajos
Authors: Ulevičiūtė Simona , Zachovajevas Pavelas , Zachovajevienė Brigita
Published: January 2017

Smilkininis apatinio žandikaulio sąnarys (SAŽS)
yra dažniausiai naudojamas sąnarys žmogaus kūne.
SAŽS sutrikimų bent vienas iš simptomų (sutrikusį
apatinio žandikaulio judesį, sąnario traškesį, raumenų
sukietėjimą palpuojant) nustatomas maždaug
40–75% suaugusių žmonių [8]. Tyrimo tikslas -
įvertinti sąsajas tarp smilkininio apatinio žandikaulio
sąnario, psichoemocinio streso ir laikysenos disfunkcijų.
Tyrime dalyvavo 83 atsitiktinės atrankos
būdu atrinkti studentai. Prichoemocinio streso vertinimas
buvo atliktas naudojant suvokto streso skalę,
laikysena vertinta pagal W.W. K. Hoeger laikysenos
skalę. Liemens raumenų statinė ištvermė vertinta
McGill testu (2002) [2], smilkininio apatinio
žandikaulio sąnario funkcinė būklė vertinta naudojant
liniuotę judesių amplitudei įvertinti (mm) bei
„Oxford“ skalę raumenų jėgai įvertinti. Psichoemocinį
stresą patiria 54% merginų ir 69% vaikinų. 10%
tiriamųjų turi puikią laikyseną, 22% gerą ir 68% patenkinamą.
Vaikinų pilvo raumenų statinė ištvermė
1,4 karto didesnė nei merginų (p ≤ 0,05). Bendras
SAŽS raumenų jėgos vidurkis sudarė (3,84 ± 0,63)
balo. Nustatyta, kad SAŽS raumenų jėga sumažėjusi,
daugiau nei puse tiriamųjų patiria stresą. Pilvo
raumenų statinė ištvermė susijusi su šonine liemens
bei nugaros raumenų statine ištverme. SAŽS judesio
nukrypimai sąlygoja kramtomųjų raumenų jėgą
Pagyvenusių žmonių kritimai: rizikos veiksniai ir prevencijos galimybės
Authors: Strukčinskaitė Vaiva , Norkienė Sigutė , Strukčinskienė Birutė
Published: January 2017

Visuomenės senėjimas yra viena iš svarbiausių XXI amžiaus problemų. Pagyvenusiems žmonėms ypač pavojingi sužalojimai, nes didina pagyvenusių žmonių mirtingumą, neįgalumą ir blogina gyvenimo kokybę vyresniame amžiuje. Darbo tikslas buvo analizuoti pagyvenusių žmonių kritimų rizikos veiksnius ir prevencijos galimybes. Atlikta mokslinės literatūros apžvalga. Naudota dokumentų ir dokumentinių šaltinių analizė. Tyrimo metu atskleista, kad kritimai yra pagrindinė pagyvenusių žmonių mirties priežastis. Kritimų rizikos veiksniai yra vidiniai (susiję su anatominiais - fiziologiniais pokyčiais senatvėje) ir išoriniai (susiję su nesaugia aplinka). Kritimų pavojų didina pablogėjusi pagyvenusių žmonių eisena, laikysena, susilpnėję raumenys. Regos ir klausos problemos bei kitos lėtinės ligos taip pat gali būti kritimų rizikos veiksniais. Nesaugi aplinka namuose bei keliuose, pagalbinių įtaisų bei priemonių stoka yra išoriniai kritimų rizikos veiksniai. Pagrindinės pagyvenusių žmonių sužalojimų prevencijos priemonės yra pusiausvyros lavinimas, fizinio aktyvumo skatinimas ir saugios aplinkos kūrimas. Švietimas, informavimas, regos ir klausos problemų sprendimas, tinkamas medikamentų vartojimas, pagalbinių įtaisų ir priemonių naudojimas yra rekomenduotinos priemonės, padedančios stiprinti pagyvenusių žmonių saugą ir mažinti kritimų riziką.