bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Microscale Turbulent Droplet Clustering on Radar Cloud Observations
Authors: Matsuda Keigo , Onishi Ryo , Hirahara Masaaki , Kurose Ryoichi , Takahashi Keiko , Komori Satoru
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the influence of microscale turbulent clustering of cloud droplets on the radar reflectivity factor and proposes a new parameterization to account for it. A three-dimensional direct numerical simulation of particle-laden isotropic turbulence is performed to obtain turbulent clustering data. The clustering data are then used to calculate the power spectra of droplet number density fluctuations, which show a dependence on the Taylor microscale-based Reynolds number (Reλ) and the Stokes number (St). First, the Reynolds number dependency of the turbulent clustering influence is investigated for 127 < Reλ < 531. The spectra for this wide range of Reλ values reveal that Reλ = 204 is sufficiently large to be representative of the whole wavenumber range relevant for radar observations of atmospheric clouds. The authors then investigate the Stokes number dependency for Reλ = 204 and propose an empirical model for the turbulent clustering influence assuming power laws for the number density spectrum. For Stokes numbers less than 2, the proposed model can estimate the influence of turbulence on the spectrum with an RMS error less than 1 dB when calculated over the wavenumber range relevant for radar observations. For larger Stokes number droplets, the model estimate has larger errors, but the influence of turbulence is likely negligible in typical clouds. Applications of the proposed model to two idealized cloud observing scenarios reveal that microscale turbulent clustering can cause a significant error in estimating cloud droplet amounts from radar observations with microwave frequencies less than 13.8 GHz.
Low Richardson Number in the Tropical Cyclone Outflow Layer
Authors: Molinari John , Duran Patrick , Vollaro David
Published: May 2014

Dropsondes from the NOAA G-IV aircraft were used to examine the presence of low bulk Richardson numbers RB in tropical cyclones. At least one 400-m layer above z = 7.5 km exhibited RB < 1 in 96% of the sondes and RB ≤ 0.25 in 35% of the sondes. The latter represent almost certain turbulence. Sondes from major Hurricane Ivan (2004) were examined in detail. Turbulent layers fell into three broad groups. The first was found below cloud base near the edge of the central dense overcast (CDO) where relative humidity fell below 40%. Near-zero static stability existed within the turbulent layer with stability and shear maxima above it. This structure strongly resembled that seen previously from sublimation of precipitation beneath cloud base. The second type of turbulent layer was located within CDO clouds in the upper troposphere and was due almost entirely to near-zero static stability. This most likely arose as a result of cooling via longwave flux divergence below CDO top. The third type of turbulent layer existed well outside the CDO and was produced by large local vertical wind shear. The shear maxima associated with the beneath-cloud and outside-CDO turbulent layers produced a sharp transition from weak inflow below to strong outflow above. The results suggest that the CDO creates its own distinctive stability profile that strongly influences the distribution of turbulence and the transition to outflow in tropical cyclones.
Linking Centennial Surface Warming Patterns in the Equatorial Pacific to the Relative Strengths of the Walker and Hadley Circulations
Authors: Ma Jian , Yu Jin-Yi
Published: May 2014

This study analyzes representative concentration pathway 4.5 projections by 18 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project to show that surface warming patterns in the equatorial Pacific during the twenty-first century (centennial warming) are influenced by the relative strengths of the Walker and Hadley circulations. The stronger the Hadley (Walker) circulation is, the greater the surface warming in the central Pacific (CP) [eastern Pacific (EP)]. The EP warming is associated with the Bjerknes feedback, while the CP warming is associated with the wind–evaporation–sea surface temperature feedback. This atmospheric circulation influence on the centennial warming is similar to that found for the EP and CP El Niño. This suggests a methodology to constrain the estimate of the projected surface warming patterns in the equatorial Pacific using recent El Niño activity. The constraint indicates that the “most likely” centennial warming patterns have a maximum in the EP and are 39% weaker than the warming projected by the 18-model mean. The most-likely projection also shows alternating stronger and weaker warming in the subtropical North Pacific, which is not predicted by the 18-model mean projection. Nevertheless, the two projections agree on the minimum warming in the southeastern subtropical Pacific.
Isopycnal Eddy Diffusivities and Critical Layers in the Kuroshio Extension from an Eddying Ocean Model
Authors: Chen Ru , McClean Julie L. , Gille Sarah T. , Griesel Alexa
Published: May 2014

High spatial resolution isopycnal diffusivities are estimated in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) region (28°–40°N, 120°–190°E) from a global ° Parallel Ocean Program (POP) simulation. The numerical float tracks are binned using a clustering approach. The number of tracks in each bin is thus roughly the same leading to diffusivity estimates that converge better than those in bins defined by a regular geographic grid. Cross-stream diffusivities are elevated in the southern recirculation gyre region, near topographic obstacles and downstream in the KE jet, where the flow has weakened. Along-stream diffusivities, which are much larger than cross-stream diffusivities, correlate well with the magnitudes of eddy velocity. The KE jet suppresses cross-stream mixing only in some longitude ranges. This study estimates the critical layer depth both from linear local baroclinic instability analysis and from eddy phase speeds in the POP model using the Radon transform. The latter is a better predictor of large mixing length in the cross-stream direction. Critical layer theory is most applicable in the intense jet regions away from topography.
Global Commodity Chains and Fast Fashion: How the Apparel Industry Continues to Re-Invent Itself
Authors: Taplin Ian Malcolm
Published: May 2014

This article examines changes in global commodity chains in the apparel industry, most notably how supply-driven innovations are linked with changing consumer (demand-driven) behaviour. It begins with a discussion of apparel manufacturing as a quintessentially labour intensive, low capital sector that has a long history in advanced economies. In recent decades, however, two forces have resulted in changes in this industry. First, increased liberalized trade regimes (MFA phase-out) have reduced quotas on apparel exports and imports, encouraging emerging economies to embrace this industry as part of their export-led growth strategies. As a consequence, much of apparel manufacturing has shifted to these emerging economies. Second, Western retailers have increasingly pushed supply chain rationalization and improved channel integration to force manufacturers to be more responsive to cost, quality and speed of delivery requirements. Shortened turn-around time for manufacturers now complements low price as the essential features for sub-contracting and it provides retailers with opportunities to sell inexpensive, fashion-orientated goods. Innovations associated with fast fashion are discussed, particularly how some retailers have combined supply chain rationalization with fashionable product offerings that meet volatile consumer preferences. The interaction between consumer identity formation and retailer strategies is discussed in detail, providing an analysis of the interdependency of both demand for and supply of products. Finally, the article uses examples of two major retailers, Zara and H&M, to illustrate how strategic differences within the fast fashion model reflect variations in global commodity chain restructuring.
Construction of minimum-norm fixed points of pseudocontractions in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Marino Giuseppe , Xu Hong-Kun , Liou Yeong-Cheng
Published: May 2014

An iterative algorithm is introduced for the construction of the minimum-norm fixed point of a pseudocontraction on a Hilbert space. The algorithm is proved to be strongly convergent.

MSC:47H05, 47H10, 47H17.
Existence and approximation results for SKC mappings in "Equation missing" spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Khan Safeer Hussain , Postolache Mihai
Published: May 2014

Recently, Karapınar and Tas (Comput. Math. Appl. 61:3370-3380, 2011) extended the class of Suzuki-generalized nonexpansive mappings to the class of SKC mappings. In this paper, we investigate SKC mappings to get a criterion to guarantee a fixed point, via extending the results proved by Karapınar and Tas into the class of

CAT
(
0
)

spaces. Further, by using Ishikawa-type iteration scheme for two mappings, we derive approximation fixed point sequence. Our results extend, improve and unify some existing results in this direction, such as (Nonlinear Anal. Hybrid Syst. 4:25-31, 2010) by Nanjaras et al. or (Comput. Math. Appl. 61:109-116, 2011) by Khan and Abbas.

MSC:47H09, 47H10, 49M05.
CeO2-based catalysts with engineered morphologies for soot oxidation to enhance soot-catalyst contact
Authors: Miceli Paolo , Bensaid Samir , Russo Nunzio , Fino Debora
Published: May 2014

As morphology plays a relevant role in solid/solid catalysis, where the number of contact points is a critical feature in this kind of reaction, three different ceria morphologies have been investigated in this work as soot oxidation catalysts: ceria nanofibers, which can become organized as a catalytic network inside diesel particulate filter channels and thus trap soot particles at several contact points but have a very low specific surface area (4 m2/g); solution combustion synthesis ceria, which has an uncontrolled morphology but a specific surface area of 31 m2/g; and three-dimensional self-assembled (SA) ceria stars, which have both high specific surface area (105 m2/g) and a high availability of contact points. A high microporous volume of 0.03 cm3/g and a finer crystallite size compared to the other morphologies suggested that self-assembled stars could improve their redox cycling capability and their soot oxidation properties. In this comparison, self-assembled stars have shown the best tendency towards soot oxidation, and the temperature of non-catalytic soot oxidation has dropped from 614°C to 403°C in tight and to 552°C in loose contact conditions, respectively. As far as the loose contact results are concerned, this condition being the most realistic and hence the most significant, self-assembled stars have exhibited the lowest T
10% onset temperature of this trio (even after ageing), thus proving their higher intrinsic activity. Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape of self-assembled stars may involve more of the soot cake layer than the solution combustion synthesis or nanofibers of ceria and thus enhance the total number of contact points. The results obtained through this work have encouraged our efforts to understand soot oxidation and to transpose these results to real diesel particulate filters.
Structural damage of chicken red blood cells exposed to platinum nanoparticles and cisplatin
Authors: Kutwin Marta , Sawosz Ewa , Jaworski Sławomir , Kurantowicz Natalia , Strojny Barbara , Chwalibog André
Published: May 2014

Side effects and resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin are major drawbacks to its application, and recently, the possibility of replacing cisplatin with nanocompounds has been considered. Most chemotherapeutic agents are administered intravenously, and comparisons between the interactions of platinum nanoparticles (NP-Pt) and cisplatin with blood compartments are important for future applications. This study investigated structural damage, cell membrane deformation and haemolysis of chicken embryo red blood cells (RBC) after treatment with cisplatin and NP-Pt. Cisplatin (4 μg/ml) and NP-Pt (2,6 μg/ml), when incubated with chicken embryo RBC, were detrimental to cell structure and induced haemolysis. The level of haemolytic injury was increased after cisplatin and NP-Pt treatments compared to the control group. Treatment with cisplatin caused structural damage to cell membranes and the appearance of keratocytes, while NP-Pt caused cell membrane deformations (discoid shape of cells was lost) and the formation of knizocytes and echinocytes. This work demonstrated that NP-Pt have potential applications in anticancer therapy, but potential toxic side effects must be explored in future preclinical research.
Detection and localization of double compression in MP3 audio tracks
Authors: Bianchi Tiziano , Rosa Alessia De , Fontani Marco , Rocciolo Giovanni , Piva Alessandro
Published: May 2014

In this work, by exploiting the traces left by double compression in the statistics of quantized modified discrete cosine transform coefficients, a single measure has been derived that allows to decide whether an MP3 file is singly or doubly compressed and, in the last case, to devise also the bit-rate of the first compression. Moreover, the proposed method as well as two state-of-the-art methods have been applied to analyze short temporal windows of the track, allowing the localization of possible tampered portions in the MP3 file under analysis. Experiments confirm the good performance of the proposed scheme and demonstrate that current detection methods are useful for tampering localization, thus offering a new tool for the forensic analysis of MP3 audio tracks.
iDrug: a web-accessible and interactive drug discovery and design platform
Authors: Wang Xia , Chen Haipeng , Yang Feng , Gong Jiayu , Li Shiliang , Pei Jianfeng , Liu Xiaofeng , Jiang Hualiang , Lai Luhua , Li Honglin
Published: May 2014

Background

The progress in computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches over the past decades accelerated the early-stage pharmaceutical research. Many powerful standalone tools for CADD have been developed in academia. As programs are developed by various research groups, a consistent user-friendly online graphical working environment, combining computational techniques such as pharmacophore mapping, similarity calculation, scoring, and target identification is needed.

Results

We presented a versatile, user-friendly, and efficient online tool for computer-aided drug design based on pharmacophore and 3D molecular similarity searching. The web interface enables binding sites detection, virtual screening hits identification, and drug targets prediction in an interactive manner through a seamless interface to all adapted packages (e.g., Cavity, PocketV.2, PharmMapper, SHAFTS). Several commercially available compound databases for hit identification and a well-annotated pharmacophore database for drug targets prediction were integrated in iDrug as well. The web interface provides tools for real-time molecular building/editing, converting, displaying, and analyzing. All the customized configurations of the functional modules can be accessed through featured session files provided, which can be saved to the local disk and uploaded to resume or update the history work.

Conclusions

iDrug is easy to use, and provides a novel, fast and reliable tool for conducting drug design experiments. By using iDrug, various molecular design processing tasks can be submitted and visualized simply in one browser without installing locally any standalone modeling softwares. iDrug is accessible free of charge at http://lilab.ecust.edu.cn/idrug.
Direction dependence of fracture compliance induced by slickensides
Authors: Ahmadi M. , Dahi Taleghani A. , Sayers C. M.
Published: May 2014

The effect of a fracture on seismic wave propagation can be represented in terms of the normal and shear fracture compliance. In many studies, fractures are assumed to have no preferential orientation for slip along the fracture plane. However, examination of fractures found in recovered cores or in exposed outcrops shows irregularities, such as hackles or slickensides, which are formed in the direction of joint/fault propagation. These irregularities, represented as sawtooth ridges, can be expected to facilitate movement in a particular direction more than the opposite direction, in a way that depends on the height and shape of the irregularities. As a result, fractured rocks should exhibit a different compliance for shear in one direction compared with shear in the opposite orientation. We used numerical modeling to offer a critical assessment of this phenomenon by directly calculating the change in normal and shear compliance in the presence of hackles. The effect of the geometry of the hackles, the friction coefficient between fracture surfaces, and the role of normal stresses on the ratio of normal-to-shear fracture compliance were evaluated.
Parental experience of a risky environment leads to improved offspring growth rate
Authors: Besson Anne A. , Guerreiro Romain , Bellenger Jérôme , Ragot Kevin , Faivre Bruno , Sorci Gabriele
Published: May 2014

Parasites (or diseases) are major selective force for the evolution of life history traits and parasite-host evolution. Mothers can show a variety of responses to parasites during pregnancy with different consequences for them or their offspring. However, whether information in the maternal environment before pregnancy can cause a change in the phenotype of the offspring is unknown. To avoid the confounding effect of pathogens and to reduce the risk of direct effect of mother's immune activation, we injected female laboratory mice with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) before mating. In order to provide a constant information on the potential infectious risk of the environment, females were mated with males that were also exposed to LPS before mating. Offspring from immune-challenged parents were larger and grew at a faster rate than offspring from control parents (injected with PBS). Additionally, offspring from immune-challenged parents that suffered the most from inflammation grew at a faster rate than offspring from low suffering parents. Producing heavier offspring that will reach sexual maturity earlier is likely to have fitness benefit for parents and offspring through improved reproductive success.
Conditioned hearing sensitivity reduction in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Nachtigall Paul E. , Supin Alexander Ya.
Published: May 2014

The conditioned change in hearing sensitivity during a warning sound preceding a loud sound was investigated in the bottlenose dolphin. Hearing sensitivity was measured using pip-train test stimuli and auditory evoked potential recording. When the test/warning stimulus with a frequency of 22.5 or 32 kHz preceded the loud sound with a frequency of 22.5 kHz and a sound pressure level of 165 dB re 1 μPa rms, hearing thresholds before the loud sound increased relative to the baseline. The threshold increased up to 15 dB. In order to further investigate whether the observed threshold increase was due to conditioning, the dependence of the effect on warning duration and inter-trial interval was investigated. The duration of the warning substantially influenced the effect. Shorter warnings resulted in deeper suppression of responses and higher threshold increases than longer warnings. Alternatively, the effect was nearly independent of the duration of the inter-trial interval, i.e. independent of the delay from the loud sound to the test/warning sound in the subsequent trial. These data are considered as evidence that the observed hearing threshold increases were not a result of the unconditioned effect of the loud sound and were instead a manifestation of a conditioned dampening of hearing when the subject anticipated the quick appearance of a loud sound in the bottlenose dolphin in the same way as previously demonstrated in the false killer whale.
Solid-phase Synthesis of Bacterial Cell Wall Peptidoglycan Fragments
Authors: Kadonaga Yuichiro , Wang Ning , Fujimoto Yukari , Fukase Koichi
Published: May 2014

Bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (PGN) is a major innate immunostimulant of bacteria and an important antibiotic target. Chemically prepared PGN fragments are indispensable for the investigation of their function. In this research, the PGN fragments containing acid- and base-labile functional groups were practically synthesized by utilizing a newly developed solid-phase method employing the JandaJel™ Wang resin.
Disparate HDV ribozyme crystal structures represent intermediates on a rugged free-energy landscape
Authors: Sripathi Kamali N. , Tay Wendy W. , Banáš Pavel , Otyepka Michal , Šponer Jiří , Walter Nils G.
Published: May 2014

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme is a member of the class of small, self-cleaving catalytic RNAs found in a wide range of genomes from HDV to human. Both pre- and post-catalysis (precursor and product) crystal structures of the cis-acting genomic HDV ribozyme have been determined. These structures, together with extensive solution probing, have suggested that a significant conformational change accompanies catalysis. A recent crystal structure of a trans-acting precursor, obtained at low pH and by molecular replacement from the previous product conformation, conforms to the product, raising the possibility that it represents an activated conformer past the conformational change. Here, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we discovered that cleavage of this ribozyme at physiological pH is accompanied by a structural lengthening in magnitude comparable to previous trans-acting HDV ribozymes. Conformational heterogeneity observed by FRET in solution appears to have been removed upon crystallization. Analysis of a total of 1.8 µsec of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the crystallographically unresolved cleavage site conformation is likely correctly modeled after the hammerhead ribozyme, but that crystal contacts and the removal of several 2′-oxygens near the scissile phosphate compromise catalytic in-line fitness. A cis-acting version of the ribozyme exhibits a more dynamic active site, while a G-1 residue upstream of the scissile phosphate favors poor fitness, allowing us to rationalize corresponding changes in catalytic activity. Based on these data, we propose that the available crystal structures of the HDV ribozyme represent intermediates on an overall rugged RNA folding free-energy landscape.
Competency-Building Approach as a Methodic Determinant in Training Bachelor-Degree Social-Work Specialists
Authors: ���������  , Poddubnaya Tatiana
Published: May 2014

The paper presents arguments in support of competency-building approach as a methodic determinant of modern-level education in the light of globalization

process; justifies, that competence should be considered as innovation standard in the Third Generation Federal State Educational Standard

of Higher Professional Education. Also presented is a set of competencies stipulated by the FSES for the training direction 040400.62 �Social Work� (with

the degree (qualification) of Bachelor). The author reveals her own views on how to draw out an exemplary map of proper blend composition of competencies

for a Bachelor-degree social worker with further integrating this map in the educational process, as one of the ways to implement competencybuilding

approach. Challenge areas in developing and assessing competencies and benchmarks for eradicating these shortcomings are suggested with

respect to implementing Third-generation FSES of Higher Professional Education.
To Question of Development of Key Competences for Officers of Divisions Related to Special Rapid Response Detachment (SOBR) Embodied in Ministry of the Interior of Russian Federation
Authors: ����������  , Zhovtovskiy Fedor
Published: May 2014

The concept of professional competence expresses Russia�s Ministry of Internal Affairs� staff unity of theoretical and practical readiness for effective enjoyment

of official activities. Professional competence characterizes the quality of Russia�s Ministry of Internal Affairs stuff training, inter alia the efficiency

of vocational training including service and fighting training.

Causes of death and wounds of interservice rapid response teams� staff are insufficient training of divisions to service in North Caucasus region conditions.

This circumstance demands improvement of service and fighting training quality of officers of divisions related to special rapid response detachment

(SOBR) embodied in Ministry of the Interior of Russian Federation. Proceeding from the general system of pedagogical goal-setting related to the

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia training process, and stating the absence of theoretical justification of service and fighting training organization in

pedagogical science, it is supposed that the process of service and fighting training needs to be organized on the basis of competence-based approach.

Besides, the innovative model of service and fighting training�s topographical section demands a methodological support which tasks is development

of key competences as the most universal abilities and skills of officers of divisions related to special rapid response detachment (SOBR) embodied in

Ministry of the Interior of Russian Federation.
Post-Technocratic Model for Providing Life-Long Professional Improvement to General Education Institutions Headmasters
Authors: ������  , Chechel I.
Published: May 2014

Dynamics of changes in the Model of specialists� professional improvement in the light of European requirements toward the supplementary professional education system is tracked, from the traditional one, through the deficit model and to post-technocratic model. Specific features of post-technocratic model are considered, including formalized (linear), non-formal and informal (non-linear) forms of education. Drawing as an example life-long professional development of general education institutions� headmasters, the author highlights the logic of post-technocratic model implementing, and further suggests the way to structure the general education institutions (GEI) headmasters� professional development model, which allows to draw out and periodically update professional development curriculum individually for each school administrator on the basis of extended monitoring of his/her competency. Issues, related to putting together curricula content, should be resolved, as the author advises, concurrently with choosing modes and techniques of teaching with consideration to type of knowledge delivered (the latter are differentiated by type as codified � explicit and implicit, transferred via co-work only or by means of tutorship).
ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF STATE AID TO THE RAILWAY SECTOR IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: INSIGHTS FROM THE ITALIAN CASE
Authors: Arrigo Ugo , Di Foggia Giacomo
Published: May 2014

This paper is aimed at analysing state aid to the railway sector in selected countries of the European Union. Although this is a preliminary exercise, literature lacks of specificity. From the analysis, a highly differentiated situation emerges: a group of countries with permanently lower subsidies (the Iberians, the Scandinavians and Austria); a group of countries with a medium level of subsidies (all of the major countries: Germany, France and the UK) and a group of countries with permanently high subsidies (Italy, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands). This paper demonstrates that railways have so far benefited from weakened forms state aid control. This can be motivated (i) by the need for modal rebalance recognised by national transport policies, (ii) by the natural monopolistic character of the network whose duplication is not economically feasible and (iii) by the non-competitive traditional structure, from a legal point of view, of even the transport service. This situation, however, is set to change drastically with the opening up of services to competition, which has already been done in the European Union for the freight sector and in some countries, although only on a voluntary basis, even for the passenger sector. By focusing on Italy, this study finds that the elevated state aid to the rail sector consequently results in both a major public finance problem and a potential factor of competition distortion.
Devaluation and Output Growth in Palestine: Evidence from a CGE model
Authors: Eltalla Hakeem Abdel Ahmad
Published: May 2014

Whether exchange rate devaluation supports economic growth or not is an open question empirically. This paper analyzes the impacts of the devaluation on the Palestinian economy using a computable general equilibrium model. We investigate the effect of a 15% devaluation of the exchange rate on output growth of Palestine. By using latest data (a 2012 social accounting matrix for Palestine) and CGE modeling, this paper finds that devaluation is contractionary in Palestine. A 15% devaluation of the exchange rate results on lower real gross domestic product, the simulation results show that GDP will decrease by 1.99 %. Import and export will decline by 20.61% and 52.67% respectably. Also, a 15 percent devaluation will reduce the level of private consumption by 6.31 % and inflation (CPI) will increase by 4.7 from the base line.
THE PROSPECTS OF THE COMBINED TREATMENT OF NON-SMALL CELL LUNGCANCER SPREAD FORMS
Authors: Bukenov Akhat , Gizbrekht Elena , Shauenov Ergaly , Orazbayev Bekzhan , Razzakov Kalmurat
Published: May 2014

The Purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of combined treatment for III A-B stage of non-small-cell lung cancer. Non-small-cell lung cancer spread form treatment is disputable. Operation is not final solution. The combined treatment is being tested (in clinical trials) in this study. This article argues that a combination of treatment is a better option than that of a specific treatment. However, there is a need to find new effective options for combined treatment.
Domestic Violence against Women in Albania: a Legal and Socioeconomic Perspective
Authors: Vokshi Asim , Rystemaj Jonida
Published: May 2014

Abstract Domestic violence is one of those social phenomena that because it is linked with the notion of conflict, have always been part of the human existence. It is generated in human interaction, and its causes have been studied by many scientists and other researchers of the field. The ability or inability of a person to resolve conflicts in a peaceful way influences his or her inclination toward violence. The failure to compromise and peacefully resolve domestic related problems is a predominant factor that feeds domestic violence. The aim of this paper is to explore the legal and socio-economic perspectives on domestic violence against women in Albania.Domestic violence is an issue not only in developing countries, but also in consolidated and developed democracies. In Albania there have been made several efforts to create a legal framework in order to protect vulnerable groups targeted by domestic violence.Albania is one of the developing countries of this world, where the culture of being strong and tough is still a strong value. Unfortunately many people link this quality with being violent toward others, irrespective of who they are (even family members). The need to dominate or other psychological factors play an important role in this context, along with models that one perceives as good to follow. Therefore culture is crucial in analyzing the factors that feed domestic violence. In recent years there has been a series of legal initiatives that have been enacted into law, and that deal with the question of domestic violence in Albania. But, the comparison with the EU countries shows that much needs to be done, in order to ameliorate the general situation of domestic violence.
Evaluation of maternal immunization in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Olaogun Adenike , Ayandiran Olufemi , Obianjuwa Perpertua , Ayeni Adebusola , Adeyemo Florence
Published: May 2014

This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and the acceptance of tetanus toxiod (TT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine among pregnant women in Nigeria. One hundred and sixty pregnant women selected by a systematic sampling method were interviewed and dates of actual receipt of vaccines were confirmed from antenatal records. Ninety-six per cent of respondents were aware of the maternal immunization (MI) programme. Ninety-five per cent expressed that MI is good and beneficial to both mothers and babies. TT was received by 87.5%. Two doses of TT were received by 73.75% within the second trimester of pregnancy, while 6.25% completed the TT regimen. Only 18.75% had received the HBV vaccine before being pregnant. Acceptance and actual receipt of TT was high but there was no screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) nor HBV vaccines given to the women. Midwives and the government need to intensify the education of the public on maternal immunization.
Coping mechanisms and support groups: women with cervical cancer
Authors: Kohi Thecla W
Published: May 2014

A diagnosis of cervical cancer creates such great stress for a woman that she may not be able to cope well with the symptoms of the disease. Social support groups have been extensively documented to be effective in improving coping and quality of life of persons with cancer or other illnesses. The main objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social support groups on women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer in Tanzania and their ways of coping. The hypotheses of this study were: (1) Women receiving formal social support would use adaptive coping strategies more than women not receiving formal social support. (2) Women receiving formal social support would use maladaptive coping strategies less than women not receiving formal social support.

The illness-coping and quality of life model guided the study. A six-point control group time series design was used to investigate the effectiveness of formal social support on ways of coping of women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, utilizing a validated tool. Formal social support groups were administered for a period of six months. This study revealed that before the intervention (provision of formal social support) there were no significant differences in the women's ways of coping with the disease. However, after the intervention there were significant differences found in the ways the subjects coped. Significant differences were found in the use of seven out of eight coping strategies between the experimental and control groups. These findings contribute to knowledge and understanding of complex coping mechanisms of women with cervical cancer, especially Tanzanians. The findings should enable health professionals, including nurses, to carry on with the facilitation of already established social support groups, and even multiply the groups within the country in order to improve the wellbeing of women with cervical cancer.
Caesarean section: trend and associated factors in Tanzania
Authors: Muganyizi PS , Kidanto HL , Kazaura MR , Massawe SN
Published: May 2014

This study estimates trends in caesarean deliveries and associated factors among singleton births during the past seven years at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Using data from the electronic obstetric database we identified all singleton deliveries from 1999 to 2005 and calculated annual caesarean rates. There were 96 958 analyzable singleton births of which 20 976 (21.8%) were caesarean deliveries. Caesarean section rates increased from 15.8% in 1999 to 31.8% in 2004. The risk for caesarean delivery increased with advanced maternal age and nulliparity independent of previous caesarean section. The highest caesarean section rates for births with low apgar score (LAS) coincided with a progressive decrease in delivery of LAS babies in the last three years (r=−0.965, p=0.03). The rise in caesarean delivery rates at MNH is relatively high, but a careful cost–benefit analysis is needed to be able to implement any meaningful interventions.
Pattern of uptake of maternal health services in a rural community in Nigeria
Authors: Ndikom Chizoma Millicent
Published: May 2014

The care and assistance that women receive during pregnancy and delivery are key underlying factors affecting the maternal mortality ratio. This study examines the pattern of use of maternal health services in a rural community in Ibadan, Nigeria. in a crosssectional study, a questionnaire was administered to collect data from 150 women, who had been pregnant and given birth at least once before, of childbearing age.

Educational status of the women was low and they used more of the services from informal settings. Availability of the health facility was the main factor that influenced the use of maternal health services. The major barriers to the use of formal services were unavailability of health workers at the health institutions, attitude of the workers, as well as cost of purchase of various items. Educational status had significant association with use of various maternal health services. This study recommends that maternal health services should be made accessible in the rural communities and education of women should be re-emphasized.
What factors contribute to obstetric fistulae formation in rural Kenya?
Authors: Khisa Anne M. , K. Nyamongo Isaac
Published: May 2014

Obstetric fistula, a devastating maternal health complication associated with social stigma and isolation, is often found in resource-poor settings where access to specialized care is constrained. In this study, the authors examine the perspectives of the healthcare providers on the factors that contribute to obstetric fistulae formation in West Pokot, Kenya. Key informant interviews with healthcare providers, social workers and traditional birth attendants were held to generate information on factors contributing to formation of obstetric fistulae. Thematic analysis based on grounded theory approach was used. Factors that contribute to the occurrence of obstetric fistulae include: female genital mutilation and early forced marriage; unskilled birth attendants and associated birth rituals; infrastructural constraints; and lack of women's empowerment. There is interplay between sociocultural, structural and economic forces in the region that culminate in maternal morbidity and possible mortality. Healthcare providers' perspectives are vital in understanding maternal health problems in rural Kenya. Community level initiatives aimed at improving the health of women in rural resource-poor areas should be encouraged.
Community-based, family-centred postnatal care: The midwife's role
Authors: Nyasulu Dolly Nontuthuzelo
Published: May 2014

Midwives are, and have always been, the backbone of maternity services care. By virtue of this position, midwives should take the lead in restructuring maternity care, with special focus on provision of women-centred postnatal care. Postnatal care is one of the most important maternal healthcare services, not only for prevention of mortality but also for the reduction of impairment and disabilities associated with childbirth. The postnatal period is described as a critical period for both the mother and the baby, and numerous research studies have shown that maternal mortality is higher during the postnatal period than during antenatal and intrapartum periods. In South African as in many other settings, significant breastfeeding challenges have also been cited particularly in HIV positive women. Utilization of postnatal care by women influences their own and their children's lives, in terms of reducing repeat pregnancies and increasing effective contraceptive use. Midwives have a vital role to recognize the strengths of the community and families and establish working partnerships to improve health seeking behaviours, which will strengthen postnatal care after discharge from health facilities. This continued support will result in improved health care for women and their newborn babies that will ultimately contribute towards the reduction of mortality and morbidity.
Birth practices of Nigerian women: A literature review
Authors: Dike Priscilla
Published: May 2014

This literature review was carried out in the UK to explore the cultural practices of Nigerian women during pregnancy and childbirth both within and outside their indigenous community, in order to highlight aspects of birth practices that may serve to enhance their health and wellbeing or to constrain these. Literature was sourced from journals of related disciplines.

To encapsulate current knowledge and broaden the scope of the literature review, only articles published within the last 2 decades were selected for this review.

Themes drawn from the literature review sum up core beliefs and practices of Nigerian women in childbirth and uncover existing knowledge on the topic in relation to: beliefs and traditions through the birth continuum, the influence of culture on birth practices and beliefs within and outside their indigenous community, challenges of culture to maternal adaptation and/or transition to motherhood in terms of migration and acculturation, the value of motherhood and children in Nigerian culture, social support or the lack of it, religion and spirituality and the interplay of these in their birth experiences. These themes bear relevance to Nigerian women's experience of pregnancy, birth and maternity care experience both within and outside of their home country.
Assessment of exclusive breastfeeding practices among HIV positive women in Addis Ababa
Authors: Demelew Misrak Zewdu , Abdeta Gizachew
Published: May 2014

This study assesses exclusive breastfeeding practices and identifies factors responsible for this practice among HIV positive women in Addis Ababa. Methods: A cross-sectional, qualitative and quantitative study was employed to undertake the research in public health facilities. Stratified simple random sampling techniques were used to identify a sample of 356 mothers living with HIV/AIDS, with exposed children aged under 2 years old. Result: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is about 68%. Mothers who had antenatal care follow-up had higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.8 (1.3, 11.2)). Additionally, mothers who were counselled were 2.7 times more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding (AOR=2.7 (1.2, 6.0)). In this study, complications during labour and delivery (AOR=0.5 (0.3, 0.9)) and infant illness during the first 6 months of life (AOR=0.5 (0.3, 0.8)) have a significant association with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers who initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour after delivery had higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding than those who initiated it later (AOR=1.9 (1.1, 3.3)). Conclusion and recommendations: The following interventions may increase rates to desired levels: improving exclusive breastfeeding practice through effective multi-sectoral efforts; policy considerations to increase maternity leave; convenient working conditions for breastfeeding HIV mothers; and quality services to avoid complications during delivery, as well as opportunistic infections and infant illnesses.
Health-care workers’ attitudes and perceptions of intimate partner violence against women in Tanzania
Authors: Laisser Rose , Nyström Lennarth , Emmelin Maria
Published: May 2014

A cross-sectional survey of 345 health-care workers and 312 students was conducted to explore attitudes and perceptions of intimate partner violence against women, and their views on care and prevention. All health-care workers and final-year students were included in the study. Students’ t-test was followed in the analysis using SPPSS computer program. Forty-three percent of female health-care workers recognised acts of controlling behaviour, while 68% of female students agreed to less than one statement justifying physical violence and 32% of men failed to recognise a woman's right to refuse sex. Ninety percent of both students and health-care workers had observed clients having unexplained feelings of sadness or loss of confidence. Between 45 and 70% of students and health-care workers believed that women exposed to violence were difficult to support. The study clearly indicates a need for adequate health-care resources, guidelines and training to influence a change of existing rigid gender norms.
Adherence to exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive women in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Koima Winnie , Kimani Harun , Mwaniki Peter
Published: May 2014

In developing countries, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains the best and safest source of nutrition and a recommended method of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in combination with use of prophylactic anti-retrovirals. Other feeding options could be detrimental to the infant if the mother cannot afford the recommended replacement feeds and expose the infants to diarrhoeal diseases and malnutrition, which could lead to early mortality. Despite this evidence, EBF ranges from 3.2 to 13% in Kenya. The aim of this study was to identify knowledge, attitude and practice in adherence to EBF among 188 HIV-positive women with children aged 6-12 months in Nairobi, Kenya. This was a descriptive crosssectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, two focus group discussions were conducted and key informants from the health facility were also interviewed. The results showed that 69.1% of women EBF. The following factors influenced adherence to EBF positively: presence of main breadwinner (OR=3.44, P=0.003), food availability (P=<0.001), mastitis (P=0.002), knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (P=<0.001), being taught about EBF in antenatal and postnatal classes (OR=7.78, P=0.002), expressing breast milk (P=<0.001), disclosure of HIV status to husband (OR=2.46, P=0.007) and relative (OR=2.29, P=0.033). In conclusion, information sharing of mother-to-child transmission of HIV antenatally and postnatally should be strengthened in the health facilities. Additionally, mothers should also be taught how to express breast milk.
Decentralisation of Nursing Council of Kenya services
Authors: Oywer Elizabeth , Ochieno Fredrick , Omiah Fredrick , Magothe Eva
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the process by which the Nursing Council of Kenya decentralised selected regulatory functions into four zonal offices. With expertise and support from key stakeholders, Nursing Council of Kenya mobilised resources, trained and deployed zonal coordinators, equipped facilities with the necessary resources for launching of services, and created tools for information dissemination and future department evaluations. The Nursing Council of Kenya's step-wise functional approach to decentralisation enabled regulatory activities to commence despite finite resources, budgetary constraints, and institutional challenges. This approach will be evaluated for its impact on efficiency of service delivery and potential increased availability of nursing cadres at their institutions.