bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN INFORMATION-THEORETIC APPROACH TO OPTIMIZE JWST OBSERVATIONS AND RETRIEVALS OF TRANSITING EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES
Authors: Howe Alex R. , Burrows Adam , Deming Drake
Published: January 2017

We provide an example of an analysis to explore the optimization of observations of transiting hot Jupiters with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to characterize their atmospheres based on a simple three-parameter forward model. We construct expansive forward model sets for 11 hot Jupiters, 10 of which are relatively well characterized, exploring a range of parameters such as equilibrium temperature and metallicity, as well as considering host stars over a wide range in brightness. We compute posterior distributions of our model parameters for each planet with all of the available JWST spectroscopic modes and several programs of combined observations and compute their effectiveness using the metric of estimated mutual information per degree of freedom. From these simulations, clear trends emerge that provide guidelines for designing a JWST observing program. We demonstrate that these guidelines apply over a wide range of planet parameters and target brightnesses for our simple forward model.
GALACTIC CHEMICAL EVOLUTION: THE IMPACT OF THE 13C-POCKET STRUCTURE ON THE s-PROCESS DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Bisterzo S. , Travaglio C. , Wiescher M. , Käppeler F. , Gallino R.
Published: January 2017

The solar s-process abundances have been analyzed in the framework of a Galactic Chemical Evolution (GCE) model. The aim of this work is to implement the study by Bisterzo et al., who investigated the effect of one of the major uncertainties of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) yields, the internal structure of the 13C pocket. We present GCE predictions of s-process elements computed with additional tests in the light of suggestions provided in recent publications. The analysis is extended to different metallicities, by comparing GCE results and updated spectroscopic observations of unevolved field stars. We verify that the GCE predictions obtained with different tests may represent, on average, the evolution of selected neutron-capture elements in the Galaxy. The impact of an additional weak s-process contribution from fast-rotating massive stars is also explored.
A STUDY OF SOLAR PHOTOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE GRADIENT VARIATION USING LIMB DARKENING MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Criscuoli Serena , Foukal Peter
Published: January 2017

The variation in area of quiet magnetic network measured over the sunspot cycle should modulate the spatially averaged photospheric temperature gradient, since temperature declines with optical depth more gradually in magnetic flux tube atmospheres. Yet, limb darkening measurements show no dependence upon activity level, even at an rms precision of 0.04%. We study the sensitivity of limb darkening to changes in area filling factor using a 3D MHD model of the magnetized photosphere. The limb darkening change expected from the measured 11-year area variation lies below the level of measured limb darkening variations, for a reasonable range of magnetic flux in quiet network and internetwork regions. So the remarkably constant limb darkening observed over the solar activity cycle is not inconsistent with the measured 11-year change in area of quiet magnetic network. Our findings offer an independent constraint on photospheric temperature gradient changes reported from measurements of the solar spectral irradiance from the Spectral Irradiance Monitor, and recently, from wavelength-differential spectrophotometry using the Solar Optical Telescope aboard the HINODE spacecraft.
VIRIAL BLACK HOLE MASS ESTIMATES FOR 280,000 AGNs FROM THE SDSS BROADBAND PHOTOMETRY AND SINGLE-EPOCH SPECTRA
Authors: Kozłowski Szymon
Published: January 2017

We use the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Quasar Data Release 12 (DR12Q), containing nearly 300,000 active galactic nuclei (AGNs), to calculate the monochromatic luminosities at 5100, 3000, and 1350 Å, derived from the broadband extinction-corrected SDSS magnitudes. After matching these sources to their counterparts from the SDSS Quasar Data Release 7 (DR7Q), we find very high correlations between our luminosities and DR7Q spectra-based luminosities with minute mean offsets (∼0.01 dex) and dispersions of differences of 0.11, 0.10, and 0.12 dex, respectively, across a luminosity range of 2.5 dex. We then estimate the black hole (BH) masses of the AGNs using the broad line region radius–disk luminosity relations and the FWHM of the Mg ii and C iv emission lines, to provide a catalog of 283,033 virial BH mass estimates (132,451 for Mg ii, 213,071 for C iv, and 62,489 for both) along with the estimates of the bolometric luminosity and Eddington ratio for 0.1 < z < 5.5 and for roughly a quarter of the sky covered by SDSS. The BH mass estimates from Mg ii turned out to be closely matched to the ones from DR7Q with a dispersion of differences of 0.34 dex across a BH mass range of ∼2 dex. We uncovered a bias in the derived C iv FWHMs from DR12Q as compared to DR7Q, which we correct empirically. The C iv BH mass estimates should be used with caution because the C iv line is known to cause problems in the estimation of BH mass from single-epoch spectra. Finally, after the FWHM correction, the AGN BH mass estimates from C iv closely match the DR7Q ones (with a dispersion of 0.28 dex), and more importantly the Mg ii and C iv BH masses agree internally with a mean offset of 0.07 dex and a dispersion of 0.39 dex.
Fin de l’analyse et conclusions agies à l’adolescence
Authors: Nicolò Anna Maria , Angelini-Rota Antonella
Published: January 2017

Les critères de fin d’analyse des patients adultes divergent de ceux que l’on applique aux adolescents ou aux enfants. Selon l’auteur, le but de l’analyse à cet âge de la vie consiste à éliminer les obstacles rencontrés par l’adolescent au cours de son processus de subjectivation. Les interruptions du traitement surviennent souvent à un moment précis de la vie de ces patients, tels le début des vacances, le commencement ou la fin d’une relation sentimentale. Ce type d’événement augmente la tendance à l’acting, caractéristique du fonctionnement mental à cet âge. Il convient d’approfondir la distinction entre interruption du traitement et fin d’analyse prématurée, la première s’apparentant davantage à un décrochage, à un échec. Inversement, la fin prématurée de l’analyse à l’adolescence n’exclut pas la possibilité d’une reprise de la thérapie, et représente, serait-ce par un agi, le comment et le combien réalisés par l’adolescent dans son parcours vers une plus grande maturation.
Importância dos cuidados de enfermagem no cateterismo cardíaco/ Importance of nursing care in cardiac catheterization
Authors: Aguiar Bianca Fontana , Rinaldi Elaine Cristina Antunes , Cintho Lilian Mie Mukai , Martins Carla Luiza da Silva , Zimmerman Marlene Harger
Published: January 2017

O cateterismo cardíaco é um método de diagnóstico invasivo, utilizado no tratamento precoce de pacientes com problemas cardíacos. Objetivou-se nesse estudo verificar as complicações ocorridas e os principais cuidados de enfermagem realizados antes, durante e após o cateterismo cardíaco, além de traçar o perfil dos pacientes submetidos ao procedimento.Trata-se de uma pesquisa retrospectiva, descritiva e com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvida em um Hospital Filantrópico da cidade de Ponta Grossa/PR, em 2013, por meio de consultas em prontuários. Dos 240 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 131 (54,6%) eram do sexo masculino; a faixa etária predominante estava entre 51 e 60 anos (29,2%). Quanto às doenças preexistentes, salientam-se o diabetes mellitus (76;31,7%) e a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (206;85,8%). Em relação às complicações, as mais frequentes foram:equimose (0,8%), hematoma (0,8%), e hemorragia (0,8%). Sobre os cuidados de enfermagem destaca-se que 99,4% dos pacientes foram assistidos por esta equipe. Espera-se que os resultados apontados por esta pesquisa possam contribuir para a melhoria da assistência ao paciente que realiza cateterismo cardíaco, visto que os serviços de hemodinâmica estão em evolução contínua e são cada vez mais utilizados.
 A enfermagem baseada em evidências apoiando a construção do histórico de enfermagem: uma pesquisa bibliográfica/ The nursing based on evidence supporting the construction of the history of nursing: a bibliographic search
Authors: Santos Danilo Marcelo Araujo dos , Sousa Francisca Georgina Macedo de , Paiva Mirtes Valéria Sarmento , Santos Adriana Torres , Pinheiro Jaynara Menezes Sousa
Published: January 2017

O Histórico de Enfermagem direciona o planejamento das demais etapas do Processo de Enfermagem, por isso sua construção deve estar fundamentada em evidências científicas o que motivou a formulação da seguinte pergunta de pesquisa: qual a produção científica brasileira relativa ao Histórico de Enfermagem que possa embasar a construção desse instrumento para o cuidado à criança/adolescente no contexto da terapia intensiva pediátrica? Foi objetivo da pesquisa: identificar e descrever evidências científicas para construção do Histórico de Enfermagem para apoiar o cuidado em terapia intensiva pediátrica de um hospital universitário do nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de pesquisa bibliográfica na modalidade integrativa. Foram identificadas14 evidências científicas, as quais embasaram a construção do Histórico de Enfermagem que contribuíram para densidade do conhecimento, ampliando possibilidades de disponibilizar para o serviço de enfermagem um instrumento que se adequa às especificidades do setor e ao processo de cuidado, reduzindo possibilidades de insucesso na implantação do Processo de Enfermagem.
 Doença crônica na infância e a atenção dos serviços de saúde/ Chronic illness in childhood and attention from health services
Authors: Pinto Malu Micilly Porfírio Santos , Coutinho Simone Elizabeth Duarte , Collet Neusa
Published: January 2017

A cronicidade da doença interfere sobremaneira na dinâmica familiar da criança. Dependendo da complexidade e da gravidade da doença crônica, as famílias permanecem longos períodos no hospital, são submetidas a várias internações junto com a criança, perpassando pelos diferentes serviços de saúde e compartilhando perdas, limitações e cuidados, sofrendo abalos em seu ciclo, mudança de papéis e funções. Sendo assim, objetivou-se apreender a percepção do cuidador familiar de crianças com doença crônica acerca da atenção prestada na trajetória do adoecimento pelos serviços de saúde, por meio de estudo descritivo-exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido entre abril e junho de 2011. Realizaram-se entrevistas com sete mães de crianças com doença crônica em uma unidade de pediatria de um hospital público em João Pessoa (Paraíba). Os dados foram interpretados mediante a técnica de análise temática. Foram construídas duas categorias: “Cuidador familiar, a trajetória do diagnóstico de doença crônica da criança nos serviços de saúde” e “Confirmação diagnóstica e as repercussões da doença crônica da criança na família como unidade primária do cuidado”. Apreendeu-se que a família enfrenta um processo de cuidado permeado por uma trajetória de enfrentamentos, mudanças, conflitos, impacto, preocupações, insegurança e medo, surgindo desafios inerentes ao adoecimento e ao assujeitamento aos serviços de saúde durante o trajeto do diagnóstico e tratamento. Evidencia-se a importância de ampliar o significado de atender as necessidades da criança com doença crônica e sua família nos serviços de saúde a fim de prestar cuidado integral e resolutivo, apreendendo a família como unidade primária do cuidado à criança.
 Implantação da consulta de enfermagem num centro endoscópico/ Implementation of nursing consultation at an endoscopy center
Authors: Girondi Juliana Balbinot Reis , Fernandez Darla Lusia Ropelato , Silvestrin Aldanea Norma de Souza , Selhorst Ilza Schmidt de Brito , Sebold Luciara Fabiane , Kempfer Silvana Silveira
Published: January 2017

Objetivou-se relatar a experiência de implantação da Consulta de Enfermagem no serviço de endoscopia do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Desde que enfermeiros foram lotados exclusivamente no setor do Centro Endoscópico da instituição, percebeu-se a necessidade de formular diretrizes que caracterizassem e documentassem o papel desse profissional no setor. Nesse quesito, várias providências foram tomadas pela gerência de enfermagem ambulatorial em parceria com os enfermeiros do setor, dentre as quais a implantação da consulta de enfermagem, com o intuito de contribuir para aperfeiçoar o registro da assistência prestada e melhorar a comunicação entre os membros da equipe de enfermagem daquele setor. Instituído o processo de enfermagem, notou-se maior segurança para o paciente e equipe de enfermagem durante todos os procedimentos realizados. A conscientização e o conhecimento sobre a relevância da atuação profissional do enfermeiro nesse tipo de serviço devem ser pautados na qualidade da assistência prestada e no diferencial que a enfermagem traz para a qualidade do atendimento ao usuário.
Violência no contexto escolar: significados para professores do ensino público/ Violence and the school context: meanings for public education teachers
Authors: Pedrosa Sheila Mara , Gontijo Daniela Tavares , De Souza Márcia Maria , Silva Marta Angélica Iossi , Medeiros Marcelo
Published: January 2017

Estudo descritivo-exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido em escola pública de Goiânia-GO. O objetivo foi compreender os significados do fenômeno da violência, na perspectiva de professores de uma instituição pública de ensino. Os dados foram coletados, em grupos focais e observação participante, e analisados pelo método de interpretação de sentidos. Emergiram as categorias "O professor e a violência em seu contexto de trabalho" que diz respeito ao entendimento e estratégias utilizadas frente à violência no contexto de trabalho e "A influência da família na violência no contexto escolar", apresentando como os professores compreendem a influência da família no comportamento dos alunos. A pesquisa permitiu compreender a importância do trabalho intersetorial entre as áreas da saúde e educação, com apoio de instituições de ensino superior, para resguardar a função dos professores em sua essência. Percebemos, também, a necessidade de mais estudos sobre a influência das relações dos estudantes com suas famílias.
 Acesso ao medicamento: perspectivas de pessoas que recorreram à via judicial/ Access to medication: the perspectives of people who resort to judicial proceedings
Authors: Chagas Virginia Oliveira , Vila Vanessa Da Silva Carvalho , Provin Mércia Pandolfo , Amaral Rita Goreti , Pereira Milca Severino
Published: January 2017

Trata-se de um estudo de caso interpretativo desenvolvido com o objetivo de descrever as experiências de pessoas que recorreram à via judicial para ter acesso a medicamentos no Sistema Único de Saúde. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada nos domicílios de oito pessoas que recorreram a essa via, residentes em um município localizado no sudoeste do Estado de Goiás. A experiência de acesso ao medicamento foi marcada por barreiras que estão interligadas aos diversos níveis do sistema de saúde; envolvem aspectos organizacionais e assistenciais relacionados à informação, ao acolhimento e à resolutividade. A necessidade do tratamento contínuo da condição crônica e a dificuldade financeira foram os fatores determinantes para que os participantes recorressem à justiça. Observou-se a necessidade de aprimorar o acolhimento e a comunicação entre a equipe de saúde envolvida no acesso ao medicamento e de qualificar os profissionais da saúde para uma compreensão ampliada da assistência farmacêutica no Sistema Único de Saúde.
Concepções de família na estratégia saúde da família: o olhar do agente comunitário de saúde/ Family concepts in strategy family health: the community health agent’s view
Authors: Penna Cláudia Maria de Mattos , Meneghini Patricia Vaccaro de Souza , Queiróz Evandro De Souza
Published: January 2017

Estudo de caso qualitativo, que objetivou descrever concepções de família para Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS). Entrevistou-se 20 ACS do município de Itabirito-MG. Realizou análise de conteúdo e os dados foram organizados em 02 categorias: Concepções de família na perspectiva do ACS; Questões sociais na atenção à saúde de famílias. Constatou-se que o significado de família é um conjunto de pessoas que compartilham um mesmo ambiente, querem-se bem, independente de consanguinidade. Há uma diversidade familiar, com novas conformações, certa desestruturação. Destacou-se a importância da família nuclear como unidade formadora de seus membros. Ressaltou-se questões de gênero na manutenção da família, com a mulher no lugar de provedor e cuidadora. Além de fatores externos, a dependência química recebeu destaque no que diz respeito a influencia no cuidado e no processo saúde e doença das pessoas. Apesar da importância do apoio familiar, notou-se ausência de uma abordagem familiar pelo ACS, prevalecendo a individual. Porém, ele é o profissional capaz de perceber dimensões desconhecidas para a equipe e é influenciador no cuidado em saúde. Concluiu-se que, diante de novas conformações familiares, há necessidade de nova postura dos profissionais na assistência das equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família, para que a família seja aliada no cuidado integral.
Representações sociais de enfermeiros sobre o processo de morte e morrer em UTI/ Social representations of nurses on the process of death and dying in ICU
Authors: Silva Carlos Roberto Lyra da , Abrão Fátima Maria da Silva , Oliveira Regina Célia de , Louro Thiago Quinellato , Moura Lidiane Da Fonseca , Silva Roberto Carlos Lyra da
Published: January 2017

Em que pese o fato da morte receber denominações e representações multivariadas de acordo com aspectos culturais e religiosos, contudo, falar e discutir este processo natural da vida, sobretudo nos países ocidentais, ainda pode parecer um tabu. Objetivou-se investigar as representações sociais de enfermeiros mestrandos e doutorandos sobre o processo de morte e morrer em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Pesquisa exploratória, descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida em duas universidades públicas, no Rio de Janeiro e em Pernambuco. Os dados foram analisados à luz da Teoria das Representações Sociais, com a ajuda do software Iramuteq. Registrou-se 2923 ocorrências e 655 formas diferentes. O número de hápax confere com 362 palavras, correspondente a 12% das ocorrências. As ocorrências que obtiveram maior qui-quadradoforam: morte, vida, processo, sofrimento e passagem. Conclui-se que, em relação à morte e o processo de morrer, foram expressados sentimentos diante de uma possibilidade concreta, ou seja, para eles, o paciente que está sob cuidados na UTI tem no processo de morte e morrer uma condição real, pois estar internado nesta unidade pode significar estar lutando pela vida e contra a morte, oscolocando frente a frente com a incômoda sensação da própria finitude.
Theoretical Analysis of the Structural Phase Transformation and Elastic Properties in the ZrN under High Pressure
Authors: Jain Arvind , Soni Shubhangi , Shah Sanjay , Kaurav Netram
Published: January 2017

We report a phenomenological model based calculation of pressure-induced structural phase transition and elastic properties of ZrN compound. Gibb’s free energy is obtained as a function of pressure by applying an effective interionic interaction potential, which includes the long range Coulomb, van der Waals (vdW) interaction and the short-range repulsive interaction upto second-neighbor ions within the Hafemeister and Flygare approach. From the present study, we predict a structural phase transition from NaCl structure (B1) to the CsCl structure (B2). The variations of elastic constants with pressure follow a systematic trend identical to that observed in others compounds of NaCl type structure family.
Luminescence Properties of Rare Earth Activated Aluminates Based Phosphor
Authors: Selot Anupam , Dev Kapil , Aynyas Mahendra , Bhatt Sanjay
Published: January 2017

A blue emitting phosphor BaAl2O4 doped with Gd3+ were prepared by combustion method at 5000C. The prepared phosphor were investigated by X-ray Diffraction to determine the crystalinity. Photoluminescence emission spectra centred at 369 nm under ultraviolet region, which corresponds to 5d-4f transition of Gd3+ ions. The PL spectra showed strong emission peak intensity and extending to 400nm to 453nm.Concentration quenching mechanism were occurred about 1mol% of Gd3+ ion. The results revealed that phosphor prepared by using combustion method can be useful WLED.
Study of Structural, Elastic Properties and their Pressure Dependence in IrN Compound
Authors: Soni Shubhangi , Jain Arvind , Choudhary Kamal Kumar , Kaurav Netram
Published: January 2017

A theoretical study of the elastic behavior in IrN compound using effective interionic interaction potential is carried out. The estimated values of phase transition pressure and the vast volume discontinuity in pressure-volume (PV) phase diagram indicate the structural phase transition from zinc blende (B3) to CsCl structure (B2). C11, C12 and C44 increase nearly linearly with pressure. At phase transition pressure IrN has shown a discontinuity in second order elastic constants, which is in accordance with the first-order character of the phase transition.
A Density Functional Prediction on Phase Stability, Optical, Elastic and Thermal Properties of Metallic CuZr Intermetallic Compound
Authors: Jain Ekta , Pagare Gitanjali , Sanyal Sankar P.
Published: January 2017

An ab-initio investigation on structural, electronic, optical, elastic and thermal properties of CuZr intermetallic compound using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method in the support of density functional theory at ambient condition have been performed. We have employed the generalized gradient approximation of (PBE) to indulgence the exchange correlation potential by solving Kohn-Sham equations. Total energy of CuZr as a function of the unit cell volume has been calculated using full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method in B1, B2 and B3 crystal structure to obtain the ground state properties. The study of different phases regarding their enthalpy vs. pressure variation is also presented. Our calculated structural parameters (a0 = 3.268 Å, B = 119 GPa and B' = 4.95) of CuZr are consistent with both the available experimental (a0 = 3.262 Å) and previously presented theoretical data (a0 = 3.280 Å, B = 121 GPa) for B2-type (CsCl) crystal structure. The results obtained from density of states (DOS) and optical spectra shows that the present compound is metallic. The value of density of states at the Fermi level N (EF) is found to 3.89 states/eV which is determined due to the contribution of ‘d’ like states of Cu and Zr and ‘p’ like states of Zr atom. The second order elastic constants are comparatively studied and an excellent agreement is found with other theoretical data. The trend of calculated elastic constants i.e. C11 - C12 > 0, C11 > 0, C44 > 0, C11 + 2C12 > 0 shows the stability criteria for B2-type (CsCl) crystal structure at ambient pressure. The sound velocities for longitudinal and shear waves, Debye average velocity and Debye temperature have been successfully calculated as a first theoretical prediction.
First Principles Based Study of Ground State and Electronic Properties of TmPb3 Intermetallic Compound
Authors: Pagare Gitanjali
Published: January 2017

The ground state behavior of rare earth intermetallic compound TmPb3, which crystallize in AuCu3 type structure, has been examined using first principles density functional theory based on full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. Very few study on structural and electronic properties of TmPb3 compound has been available in the literature, which motivated us to perform the present study. The spin polarized calculations are carried out within the PBE-GGA and LSDA for the exchange correlation (XC) potential. Our calculated ground state properties such as lattice constant (a0), bulk modulus (B) and its pressure derivative (B’) are in good agreement with the experimental results. The value of bulk modulus of TmPb3 is found to be 44.32 GPa and 55.01GPa by PBE-GGA and LSDA respectively. The electronic band structure (BS) and density of states (DOS) verify the metallic nature of this compound. The calculated density of states at the fermi level is found to be 0.16 states/eV and 19.50 states/eV for spin-up and spin-down modes respectively. The magnetic moment of TmPb3 is found to be 0.95.
Comparative Study of Electronic and Elastic Properties of Aluminum Gadolinium
Authors: Shugani Mani , Aynyas Mahendra , Sanyal Sankar P.
Published: January 2017

We have performed First-principles density functional calculation by using full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of B2- AlGd (Aluminum compound). The ground state properties along with electronic and elastic properties are studied. The energy ranges are given for bands which are crossing the Fermi level and explained whether the Fermi surface is formed by hole pocket or electron pocket. Bonding properties are analyzed by charge density plot. By B/GH ratio the brittleness of the material is determined.
Theoretical Analysis of High Pressure Phase Transition of Samarium Bismuthide (SmBi) with a NaCl-Type Structure
Authors: Yaduvanshi Namrata , Singh Sadhna
Published: January 2017

In the present paper we have calculated the phase transition and volume collapse of Samarium Bismuthide under pressure using a three body interaction potential model which includes long range columbic interaction, three body interactions and short range overlap repulsive interaction operative up to second nearest neighbour. This compound undergoes transition from NaCl structure to body-centred tetragonal (BCT) structure (distorted CsCl-type P4/mmm). Our calculated results of phase transitions and volume collapses of SmBi are found to be close to the experimental results.
Youth awareness on sexually transmitted infections, HIV and AIDS in secondary schools in the Dschang Municipality (Cameroon): the Mobile Caravan Project
Authors: Sobze Martin Sanou , Tiotsia Armand Tsapi , Djeunang Dongho Ghyslaine Bruna , Tankui Guy Aurelien Foaleng , Fokam Joseph , Tsi Kien-Atsu , Fotso Jimmy Roger , Azeufack Yannick Ngueko , Nkamedjie Patrick Pete , Sali Adogaye Ben Bechir , Mabvouna Rodrigue Biguioh , Ercoli Lucia , Colizzi Vittorio , Russo Gianluca
Published: January 2017

Awareness is a preventive action to instill in individuals certain concepts to improve their health. It is an essential element in the prevention of sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV and early pregnancies among adolescents. In 2012, the prevalence of HIVin Cameroon was estimated at 4.3%. The young population appear to be the most affected (3.2%); very close to that of the Dschang Health District (Cameroon; 3.1%) in the 15-19 years age group. Theaimof this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Mobile Caravan project on the preventive aspect of STI/HIV/AIDS among youths of Dschang in 10 secondary schools within three years. 2029 students joined the project’s activities and 58.55% of them belonged to the age group of 16-21 years. Most students attended private schools. Nearly 3/4 of students (1515/2029) had an acceptable level of knowledge regarding STI/HIV/AIDS, which increased in number each year (from 641 to 716 students between 2012 and 2014). The Level of knowledge was significantly determinedby the study cycle (P=0.0004), the type of school (P=0.0027) and the year ofimplementation of activities (P=0.0026). The caravan project has greatly contributed to improving young peoples’ awareness on STI/HIV/AIDS in Dschang Municipality.
Statistical Primer for Athletic Trainers: Using Confidence Intervals and Effect Sizes to Evaluate Clinical Meaningfulness
Authors: Lininger Monica , Riemann Bryan L.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To describe confidence intervals (CIs) and effect sizes and provide practical examples to assist clinicians in assessing clinical meaningfulness.

Background:

As discussed in our first article in 2015, which addressed the difference between statistical significance and clinical meaningfulness, evaluating the clinical meaningfulness of a research study remains a challenge to many readers. In this paper, we will build on this topic by examining CIs and effect sizes.

Description:

A CI is a range estimated from sample data (the data we collect) that is likely to include the population parameter (value) of interest. Conceptually, this constitutes the lower and upper limits of the sample data, which would likely include, for example, the mean from the unknown population. An effect size is the magnitude of difference between 2 means. When a statistically significant difference exists between 2 means, effect size is used to describe how large or small that difference actually is. Confidence intervals and effect sizes enhance the practical interpretation of research results.

Recommendations:

Along with statistical significance, the CI and effect size can assist practitioners in better understanding the clinical meaningfulness of a research study.
OAU-AU 50th ANNIVERSARY LECTURE BY ANC PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA
Authors: Zuma Jacob
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
The National Youth Service Corps Programme and Growing Security Threat in Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Chukwuemeka , Ani JohnMary K.
Published: January 2017

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1973 after the Nigerian civil war to involve Nigerian university graduates below the age of thirty in nation building. Gradually, the scheme was opened-up for polytechnic graduates.  The article presents the objectives and deployment policy of the programme. It shows that the early phase of the programme recorded the problems of corruption, ghost corps members, accommodation, language barriers as well as hostile culture. However, the contemporary Nigerian society has been overtaken by the destructive wind of insecurity. The article reveals that the various waves of political violence in the country, including Boko Haram terrorism, hostage crises, and geographical threats have turned into a collection of overwhelming menace to the programme, thereby leading to massive agitation for itabrogation. The article recommends for multiple series of reforms in order to protect the lives of many Nigerian graduates that are building the nation through this admirable development programme.
Actions and Behaviours Essential for Monitoring & Evaluation to Succeed in South African Public Service
Authors: Mofolo Malefetsane , Mkuyane Lungepi , Skade Tembile
Published: January 2017

As an intervention mechanism to improve service delivery, the concepts of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is recently growing in popularity among countries, including South Africa. To this end, questions are posed in this article to establish the effect of making use of M&E in the South African public service. These are posed in view of the fact that South Africa has established a number of sound regulatory frameworks in the past, which should serve as a ‘fertile’ environment for effective service delivery. On this basis, attempts are made to investigate the answers to such questions, and then the body of knowledge through literature review was consulted so as to contextualise and conceptualise arguments and recommendations that could be made at the end of the article. Monitoring and Evaluation could be seen as a critical tool for government institutions to be effective towards achievement of their goals and objectives, as well as making an impact on the lives of South African citizens. In view of this, much needs to be done to several unresolved issues, particularly issues around the organisational/operational culture, peculiar public servants’ attitudes, inefficiency and incompetence, as well as non-compliance with relative legislation. Recommendations with regard to the required actions and behaviours in the public service are, therefore, proposed for consideration.
Performance Management Systems Productivity in the Public Sector: Wither African Public Administration
Authors: Fatile Jacob Olufemi
Published: January 2017

Performance management has attracted a lot of debate in the recent past. It is a systematic effort to improve performance through an ongoing process of establishing desired outcomes, setting performance standards to improve performance and productivity and aim at improving the quality of public service delivery. In view of this, the article discusses the extent to which performance management practices influence performance and productivity in public sector institutions in Africa. It notes that though performance management has been introduced in the African public service with the intentions of monitoring, reviewing, assessing performance and recognizing good performance, performance management systems in Africa have not been able to achieve the expected level of performance which will improve productivity. As a result, the article gives brief overview of public sector performance in some African public services and recommends among others that African public services need to lay more emphasis on productivity through
effective implementation of performance management systems. It concludes that public sector organisations in Africa can learn a lot from Western companies which have been wrestling with this issue for over two decades now.
Market Triumphalism at the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipalities, South Africa
Authors: Breakfast Ntsikelelo , Okafor Chukwuemeka , Bradshaw Gavin
Published: January 2017

This article is a critique of neo-liberal inspired policies such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), privatisation of services and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) with specific reference to the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The two selected municipalities were chosen because both of them are categorized as metropolitan. This will enable the research to make a comparison of the implementation of PPP, outsourcing of services and BBBEE at these metropoles. The article provides an analysis of both municipalities’ records such as policy documents. The central argument of this article is that the neo-liberal inspired policies of PPP and BBBEE that are being applied through Local Economic Development(LED) are not in the interests of the majority of people living in the Eastern Cape. The researchers argue that the local business and political elites through the BBBEE, PPPs and outsourcing of services are using their strong networks (associated political, social and capital resources) in their efforts for personal accumulation, rather than promoting development for the majority.
An Assessment of Local Economic Development (LED) for Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Authors: Nthekeleng Linake
Published: January 2017

This study aims to assess Local Economic Development (LED) for sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The main objective of the study was to  investigate the catalytic role of LED strategies in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and their potential to promote sustainable development and alleviate poverty. The research questions seeks to discover what LED strategies are employed by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality to promote sustainable development and alleviate poverty, as well as what challenges does Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality face in implementing LED strategies for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaire which were distributed to the employees in the LED department of the municipality, community members and businesses around the municipality.
Culture and Its Role in Promoting Democracy and Good Governance in Africa: Finding the Missing Link
Authors: Igbokwe-Ibeto C. Justine , Ewuim Ngozi , Agbodike Florence
Published: January 2017

The paper examines the role of culture in promoting democracy and good governance in Africa. It also explores the concepts surrounding an optimal governance arrangement for cultural and democratic institutions and the challenges current arrangements have on organizational governance and structures to deliver optimal and effective outcomes. The paper argues that for culture to promote democracy and good governance, actions should be taken towards cultural re-orientation with the aim of making it useful to our democracy and governance. The emphasis on humanity and personhood finds expression in several African maxims. Regrettably, the culture of individualism and primitive accumulation of wealth have dislocated humanity and personhood in Africa. We therefore, recommend among others, that communalism, high moral order in governance, community and state relations based on duties and obligations of the people to the state, deep sense of hard work and self-reliant, even as they embrace best practices from outside the continent of Africa. With these and other steps if implemented will launch the continent on the path of democratization and good governance by retrieving and showcasing its uniqueness as a people with deep sense of history and pride.
Implementing the Green City Policy in Municipal Spatial Planning: The Case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Authors: Dlani Abongile , Ijeoma E. O.C. , Zhou Leocadia
Published: January 2017

The term “eco-city,” and similar concepts such as “green” and “sustainable” cities, has evolved overtime concurrent to the development of the understanding of social change and mankind’s impact on environmental and economic health. With the advent of climate change impacts, modern economies developed the green city policy to create sustainable urban development, low emission, and environmentally friendly cities. In South Africa municipalities, including Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) have been tasked to and implement the green city policy. However, BCMM is yet to develop the green city policy that clearly articulate how the municipality will combat climate change and reduce its Green House Gases (GHG) emissions in its spatial planning designs. Against this background, this article reviews and analyses green policy landscape in Metropolitan Municipalities. It is envisaged that the research will provide the basis for the development of a comprehensive green policy strategies and programmes for the local transition to action in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province.
Examining Municipal Councillors’ Oversight Roles in Alfred Nzo District Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Okafor Chukwuemeka , Matiwane Solomon , Onuigbo Richard Amechi
Published: January 2017

This study reviews the oversight roles played by municipal councillors in Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The objective is to determine the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving effectiveness of leadership,  i.e., council structures. This is against the backdrop of the Auditor-General’s audit report for three financial years (2008–2011), which revealed the weakness of the systems of the municipal councils, including internal controls and inadequate leadership. These audit findings had been highlighted as the basis for irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures that results to a series of adverse and disclaimer audit reports. Using a qualitative methodology approach with a descriptive design, the study attempts to assess the extent to which the political leadership of the municipality performs its roles in response to expectations of good governance and service delivery. The findings show apparent shortcomings in the administrative procedures. To achieve improvement in good governance, financial accountability and service delivery, the study recommends for improvement in educational and leadership capacity of elected councillors.
Critical Analysis of the Oversight Role of the Education Portfolio Committee in Parliament of South Africa
Authors: Manona W. W.
Published: January 2017

There is a prevalent assumption in South Africa that Parliament is guided by the ideals of democracy, accountability, transparency and accessibility. However, there are still gaps and challenges as far as theoversight role of Parliament is concerned, despite the presence of committees that have been established to oversee the executive and relevant structures of government, government activities and public finances. There is widespread maladministration and misuse of government expenditure in government departments. This paper investigates the oversight role of parliamentary committees to determine their relative influence on accountability and democracy in the execution of functions by public functionaries. The aim of the paper is to provide an understanding into inherent problems in the oversight role of Parliament in the democratic dispensation in South Africa, which seems not to have been given serious attention in the academia, considering the pivotal role Parliament plays in the lives of citizens of the country. These oversight committees have selectively held Senior Executives or Ministers accountable for their ineffectiveness, misuse of government expenditure and maladministration. This could be attributed to the fact that oversight in South Africa does not seem to be properly understood and implemented as it should be. Moreover, the influence of the majoritarian authority of the ruling party in committees seems to be colluding with the executive. Failure to take action against cases of omission brings questions on the effectiveness and efficiency of the oversight role of Parliament. The adverse consequence is the delay in the provision of good quality services to poor communities. This paper employed the theoretical approach as a method of data collection. Conclusions have been drawn that the shortcomings of the parliamentary committees compromise accountability and good governance in service delivery.
The Challenge of Regional Economic Integration in Africa: Theory and Reality
Authors: Jiboku Peace A.
Published: January 2017

Africa has a high concentration of sub-regional economic organisations, multilateral arrangements and institutions promoting the goals of integration. Yet, the continent has remained the least integrated of the world’s major regions. Africa has remained slow in its development trajectory and harbours most of the least developed countries of the world. A large percentage of the African populace is mired in poverty while the sub-continent continues to be marginalised in global affairs. The obvious reality is that Africa is yet to benefit fully from the gains of regional economic integration and that the economic transformation of the African continent as a whole – one of the main objectives often declared in establishing regional economic integration schemes – is yet to be realised. There is, in Africa, a seemingly wide gap between the theoretical aspirations towards regional economic integration and the empirical evidence and practical reality of actual integration. Regionalism in Africa raises several issues of contradictions and debate in the world
of theory. This paper examines regional economic integration challenge in Africa locating key issues within theory and practice.
Editorial Note
Authors: Ijeoma E. O.C.
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
Innovation in Public Service Delivery: Civic Participation in Slovakia
Authors: Merickova Beata M. , Svidronova Maria M. , Nemec Juraj
Published: January 2017

Participation as such is connected with political, social and civic dimensions. Through participation, citizens can directly or indirectly help to make the public process become more transparent and more efficient. It allows citizens “to see" into a decision-making process, to understand it, as well as contribute and be able to control it. In practice, civic participation has various forms; it includes both formal civic associations and informal groups of citizens that develop activities in order to solve local problems. In this paper we focus on civic participation in the innovation in the provision of public services, i.e. co-creation. Our objective is to map the best practices of co-creation in social innovations at the local government level in Slovakia. The main findings of our analysis are that co-created innovations are mostly initiated by non-governmental actors. Our study uses a qualitative approach and is based on original survey data from our own research, conducted mainly within the LIPSE research project.
Editorial Note
Authors: Ijeoma Edwin
Published: January 2017

No abstract available
Effective use of Budgeting as a Tool Towards Financial Management in Schools in Lejweleputswa District
Authors: Mosala George , Mofolo Malefetsane A.
Published: January 2017

In South Africa, public schools are expected to do their utmost to improve the quality of education. However, a notion exists that for a school to improve the quality of education, enough resources should be available. Although this notion is critical, it is the argument of this article that school financial management capacity is also a challenge in most of the public schools in South Africa. In this regard, the study, attempted to establish the effectiveness of budgeting in the public schools to ensure that quality education is promoted; and whether parents in the SGBs are knowledgeable enough to prepare the school budgets. In order to realise these objectives, an empirical study was undertaken, following the literature study which formed its basis. The findings confirmed that knowledge of budgeting as an aspect of financial management is lacking or inadequate in some schools. This is demonstrated by the level of contradictions of schools in meeting their basic needs, such as procurement of books and other materials. Consequently, it was
recommended that capacity building endeavours should focus on financial planning, communication, decision-making, organising, delegating, coordinating, leading, and controlling in order to bring about effective financial management in public schools.