bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Ethernet Based Development of Stage Distributed Control Module System for Stage
Authors: Jung Hak Sang , Lim Sun , Lim Seung Hwan , Seo K.W. , Kim Yu Min , Cho M.W.
Published: June 2017

In This paper, we propose a real-time stage distributed control system. With the advancement of IT technology, tasks that people have worked on in the past have been automated. The domestic performance business is growing rapidly as it is equally applied to the performance stage mechanism. EtherCAT was adopted to enhance the synchronization performance of the stage control system and the redundant structure was constructed to ensure stability. In addition, the stability of the main controller is secured by implementing the interlock system.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation for Two Kinds of Suspension Controllers
Authors: Song Rong Rong
Published: June 2017

In order to improve the nonlinear and uncertain characteristics of the suspension system, using the differential geometry, the suspension system is transformed into two linear subsystems. The state feedback controller and the proportional integral derivative (PID) controller based on the genetic algorithm are designed, and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method based on the analytic hierarchy process is modified, which can evaluate the suspension performance of the controllers. The evaluation results show that the proportional integral derivative controller with the genetic algorithm is better than the state feedback controller.
A Pipeline Monitoring System Based on Negative Pressure Wave and Wireless Sensor
Authors: Ding Chen , Wu Guo Dong , Peng Liu , Cao Guang Ming , Zhao Gou , Li Xing Qun
Published: June 2017

Negative pressure wave positioning method is a technique for pipeline leakage detection and location, which is widely used in various fields. Wireless sensor technology has the advantages of low power consumption, easy networking and high positioning accuracy, which is the preferred technology for wireless location. This paper discusses a pipeline monitoring system based on negative pressure wave and wireless sensor. This system combines the advantages of high positioning accuracy, wide application range and small nodal volume. In order to prove the practicality, reliability and accuracy of this system, experimental results and comparison with other method are given, positioning error within 5%.
Adsorption of Benzene Homologs Materials from Organic Wastewater onto Modified Bentonite
Authors: Liu Yong Juan , Peng Long Gui , Jia Li Li
Published: June 2017

Bentonite has been purified by suspension method and sodiumed with sodium carbonate, and then modified with polyaniline. Finally, characterized by the polarizing microscope, the X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and Fourier infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), in order to determine the optimal preparation technology of polyaniline/bentonite. And the optimal preparation of PAn/MMT is used to research the adsorption dynamics analysis on phenol. The result shows that the sodium ion enters into the bentonite interlayer through ion exchange; When the dosage of bentonite is 5 g, the dosage of FeCl3·6H2O is 2.7 g, the dosage of aniline is 46.5 g, and the dosage of DBSA is 3.26 g, its layer spacing of modified bentonite is 2.823nm, increaseing 1.600nm than the first, so the hydrophobicity and separation effects of the modified bentonite get greatly improvement. And the dosage of PAn/MMT is 0.1 g and the initial concentration of phenol、P-nitrophenol、o-cresol is 10 mg/L, their adsorption rates reach to 51.50%, 80.56%, 62.93%, more high than the sodium bentonite under the same conditinns. It indicates that the modified bentonite is more suitable for the adsorption of benzene homologs.
Corrosion Behaviors of Permanent Mold Cast Mg Alloy AJ62 with Varying Grain Structures in Automotive-Related Environments
Authors: Fang Li , Burns Jonathan , Hu Henry , Nie Xueyuan , Tjong Jimi
Published: June 2017

Permanent mold cast (PMC) AJ62 magnesium alloy exhibits a fine-grained microstructure in the thin section and a coarse-grained microstructure in the thick section. Microstructure of the PMC AJ 62 alloy was analyzed by using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Potentiodynamic polarization experiments were performed to investigate the corrosion resistances of the PMC AJ62 alloys in salt solutions and engine coolant. The corrosion behaviors in the fine- and coarse-grained AJ62 alloys were compared. The results show that the AJ62 alloy with fine microstructure presents enhanced corrosion resistance.
Tungsten Surface Erosion by Hydrogen Plasma Irradiation
Authors: Rakhadilov B.K. , Skakov M.K. , Tulenbergenov T.R.
Published: June 2017

Changes in the structure and the tungsten surface erosion by hydrogen plasma irradiation are studied in the article. It is shown that the change in the surface topography as a result of the development of the non-homogeneous surface etching is observed after surface irradiation. Metallographic analysis showed that the degree of relief is low in comparison with tungsten sample irradiated at T=700°C by tungsten samples irradiation at T=1000°C and 1500°C. However, these samples have small cracks, while the temperature increases the size and number of cracks also increases. It is determined, that the surface roughness varies depending on the irradiation temperature after hydrogen plasma exposure. The greatest increase in the roughness occurs in samples irradiated at T=1500°C, which is associated with the formation of small cracks in the surface layer. It is shown that a degree of surface erosion is increased with increase of the target temperature and the ion energy. Appreciable tungsten erosion due to irradiation of the plasma flow, plasma simulating stationary mode occurs only at relatively high temperatures of the target.
Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of and Barriers to Patient Care Documentation: A Report From the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network
Authors: Bacon Cailee E. Welch , Eppelheimer Bradly L. , Kasamatsu Tricia M. , Lam Kenneth C. , Nottingham Sara L.
Published: June 2017

Context: 

For the practice characteristics of the services athletic trainers (ATs) provide to be identified, all ATs must complete high-quality patient care documentation. However, little is known about ATs' perceptions of patient care documentation or the potential barriers they may encounter while trying to ensure high-quality documentation.

Objective: 

To explore ATs' perceptions of and barriers to patient care documentation via the Clinical Outcomes Research Education for Athletic Trainers (CORE-AT) electronic medical record system in the secondary school setting.

Design: 

Qualitative study.

Setting: 

Individual telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants: 

We interviewed 10 ATs (4 men, 6 women; age = 32.6 ± 11.4 years, athletic training experience = 7.1 ± 7.8 years) who were members of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN) and employed in the secondary school setting.

Data Collection and Analysis: 

We conducted an individual interview with each participant. After transcription of the interviews, the data were analyzed into common themes and categories following the consensual qualitative research tradition. Data triangulation occurred through member checking and multiple researchers to ensure accuracy during data analysis.

Results: 

Participants revealed several perceptions of patient care documentation, consisting of quality, expectations and accountability, priority, incentive, and culture of the secondary school setting. In addition, we identified barriers to quality patient care documentation: lack of time, lack of accountability for documenting patient care, inadequate facility resources, and lack of personnel. Participants discussed the volume of patients as a unique challenge in the secondary school setting.

Conclusions: 

Whereas ATs perceived patient care documentation as important, several practical barriers may inhibit their ability to complete high-quality documentation of the services they provide. Effective strategies to improve the quality of patient care documentation among ATs are needed to ensure that their value, particularly in the secondary school setting, is accurately characterized.
The Genus Crinum in Southern Africa
Authors: Verdoorn I. C.
Published: May 2017

The 21 species of Crinum recognized in southern Africa are reviewed and illustrated, mostly in colour. Five of these were described by the author during the last two decades. A key to the species and notes on the history, diagnostic features and distribution in southern Africa are provided.
A study on the performance of labor outsourcing in the public sector
Authors: Hong-Cheng Liu
Published: June 2017

Governments in many countries are gradually adjusting their traditional concepts and committing private businesses to conducting governmental business and services in order to achieve economic and operational goals and to introduce more dynamic technologies from private organisations for better financial flexibility. With a freely competitive mechanism in private markets, the quality and efficiency of public services could be effectively promoted in order to enhance economic benefits. Using data from garbage clean-up outsourcing in various districts under the 2008-2010Environmental Protection Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Productivity Analysis were combined to measure the total efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE), and scale efficiency (SE) of the garbage clean-up services in 11 districts in Kaohsiung City to provide follow-up information on the garbage clean-up outsourcing initiative of the Environmental Protection Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government. The empirical results for overall efficiency show that optimal total efficiency was reported in the Hsin-hsing District (0.99), optimal pure technical efficiency in the Hsin-hsing District (0.99), and optimal scale efficiency in the San-min District (1.00).
Potential entrepreneurs’ assessment of opportunities through the rendering of a business plan
Authors: Botha Melodi , Robertson Claire Leanne
Published: June 2017

In the field of entrepreneurship and especially during start up, much emphasis is placed on the business plan with regard to entrepreneurship education and training, funding from external investors, business plan competitions and government development agencies in the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector. In many earlier studies of well-known entrepreneurship educators, the formulation of a business plan was identified as being the most important feature of any entrepreneurship programme or course. However, the relevance of a business plan has been a topic of intense and unresolved debates in more recent literature. This paper contributes to the literature with regard to the value a business plan adds to potential entrepreneurs.  Furthermore it increases the understanding of how a detailed business plan (such as the approved business plan template of the University of Pretoria approved business plan) can enable a potential entrepreneur to assess opportunities. The paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of business plans and the methods of assessing opportunities, in order to reveal similarities between the business plan and opportunity assessment. Based on descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the findings support the hypotheses that potential entrepreneurs distinguish between ideas and opportunities and develop opportunities through the formulation of a detailed business plan. The pertinent academic and practical significance of this paper is that it highlights statistically significant differences proving that a detailed business plan is a tool that enables potential entrepreneurs to assess opportunities. From a practical point of view, this should help potential entrepreneurs to establish more viable business ventures; however, this would have to be statistically tested in further research. Finally, the study re-establishes the importance and purpose of a business plan in the field of entrepreneurship.
Aspects of volatility targeting for South African equity investors
Authors: Khuzwayo Bhekinkosi , Mare Eben
Published: June 2017

We consider so-called volatility targeting strategies in the South African equity market. These strategies are aimed at keeping the volatility of a portfolio consisting of a risky asset, typically an equity index, and cash fixed. This is done by changing the allocation of the assets based on an indicator of the future volatility of the risky asset. We use the three month rolling implied volatility as an indicator of future volatility to influence our asset allocation. We compare investments based on different volatility targets to the performance of bonds, equities, property as well as the Absolute Return peer mean. We examine risk and return characteristics of the volatility targeting strategy as compared to different asset classes.
The exchange rate, the trade balance and the J-curve effect in South Africa
Authors: Schaling Eric , Kabundi Alain
Published: June 2017

We find that for the period 1994-2011 there is robust statistical evidence that, in the long run, net exports are boosted by a weaker real effective exchange rate. However, this effect does not hold in the short run. We thus find empirical evidence supporting the J-curve effect for South Africa.
Trade liberalisation, competitiveness and the real exchange rate (RER): An analysis of developments in South Africa during the 1990s
Authors: Rangasamy L , Harmse C
Published: June 2017

This paper tests whether tariff liberalisation has lead to increased competitiveness in the South African economy. The 46 sectors of the South African economy are classified as exportable, importable, importable and exportable and non-tradable. The impact of trade liberalisation on domestic prices for importables and exportables is then assessed by making use of real exchange rate calculations. It is concluded that while increased globalisation of production processes in South Africa may have improved the competitiveness of the tradable sector, tariff liberalisation played a minimal role in improving competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
Modelling the impact of changes in the interest rates on the economy: An Austrian perspective
Authors: Le Roux P , Ismail B
Published: June 2017

Even though econometric models and yield curve analysis are useful in assessing the impact of interest rate changes on the economic structure, their power to predict the magnitude and direction of swings in the business cycle is often restricted to the use of short-term interest rates. From an Austrian school perspective on interest rates, empirical evidence suggests that the profitability of heavy industries further downstream outperforms that of light industries in the initial stages of monetary easing, due to a rising demand for investment goods and a rise in capacity utilisation levels. This paper assesses the impact of interest rates changes on the productive structure of the economy by taking into account the effect thereof on sector earnings and ultimately share prices.
The validation of the Utrecht work engagement scale for emergency medical technicians in Gauteng
Authors: Naudé JLP , Rothmann S
Published: June 2017

The objectives of this study were to validate the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) for emergency medical technicians in the Gauteng Province of South Africa and to determine its construct equivalence and bias for different language groups. A cross-sectional survey design was used with a convenient sample (N = 318) of emergency medical technicians in Gauteng. The UWES and a biographical questionnaire were administered. A two-factor model of work engagement, consisting of Vigour/Dedication and Absorption was found. Exploratory factor analysis with target rotations confirmed the construct equivalence of the work engagement construct for white and black employees.
Not by bread alone: Official development assistance in South Africa
Authors: Ohiorhenuan JFE
Published: June 2017

This is a reflection on the role and relevance of ODA to the collective efforts of the government and the people of South Africa in the reconstruction and development of a post-apartheid society. South Africa needs ODA; it needs ODA of a different kind; the effective coordination and collaborative deployment of the little ODA that comes into the country can play a catalytic role in South Africa’s transformation and socio-economic development processes.
The awareness of HIV/AIDS in small enterprises in a sector of the fast moving consumer goods trade in South Africa
Authors: Anders C , Botha MM
Published: June 2017

This research sought to determine the level and nature of awareness of owners/managers of small enterprises in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) trade in the rural areas of the Limpopo Province, regarding the threat of HIV/AIDS to their businesses.  The results indicated that information campaigns that target these businesses need to be intensified and that owners and managers of businesses should be trained to educate their employees and in developing and implementing business strategies to cope with the threat of HIV/AIDS. The government also needs to play a greater role in combating HIV/AIDS. The two major recommendations are that an appropriate information campaign specifically focused on the needs of this business sector be developed, as well as a model that could be used to manage HIV/AIDS.
Markets, trade and the role of institutions in African development
Authors: Roe T
Published: June 2017

This paper focuses on the interdependence between international trade and institutional reform and suggests that the trade barriers erected by advanced countries on the agricultural exports of poor countries, in particular sub-Saharan agriculture serve as an impediment to economic growth and development.  Drawing upon recent literature, the suggestion is that trade barriers inhibit institutional reform that is a major factor affecting economic growth. An empirical analysis of trade reform and economic growth shows that sub-Saharan economies can reciprocate potential gains from increased trade, which are larger when an integration with world markets induces institutional reform.
The revenue raising capabilities of a VAT system in developing countries
Authors: Azaria NT , Robinson Z
Published: June 2017

The paper attempts to elaborate on the revenue-raising capabilities (economic efficiency and viability) of a value-added tax (VAT) system, particularly in developing countries.  The analysis concentrates on the effect of a VAT on tax revenues raised, and the main objective is to determine whether a VAT system generates greater benefits than previously utilised sales taxes, i.e. pre-existing sales taxes (PEST). Using a panel data regression analysis, our results indicate that while all countries gain revenue from the presence of VAT, it is significantly more in developed countries, although the dummy VAT variable interacted with trace openness enters positively for the lower- and upper middle-income groups.  This proves the importance of trade for VAT revenues, but also that VAT combined with interaction variables is conducive to higher tax revenues.
Psychopathology and coping in recently diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients - the role of gender
Authors: Olley Benjamin O , Gxamza Faniswa , Seedat Soraya , Theron Hugo , Stein Dan J , Taljaard Jantjie , Reid Emile , Reuter Helmuth
Published: June 2017

Background. Although there is growing literature on the psy- chological responses to and the psychopathology associated with HIV/AIDS, few investigations have focused on the role of gender. This study compared psychiatric morbidity, coping responses, and disability in male and female outpatients recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.Method. One hundred and forty-nine patients (44 male, 105 female) with HIV/AIDS (mean ± standard deviation (SD) months since diagnosis 5.8 ± 4.1) attending an infectious dis- eases clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, were evaluat- ed. Subjects were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Carver Brief COPE, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. In addition, negative life events and risk behaviours were evaluated.Results. Fifty-six per cent of patients were diagnosed with a psy- chiatric disorder, most commonly major depression (34.9%), dysthymic disorder (21.5%), post-traumatic stress disorder (14.8%), and alcohol dependence (10.1%). There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence of mood disor- ders in the sample. Men, however, were more likely than women to meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or depen- dence, and to engage in certain risky sexual behaviours. Women were more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress dis- order, and to use coping strategies of planning and religion to deal with the illness. There were no significant gender differ- ences in disability.Conclusion. Psychiatric disorders are common in recently diag- nosed HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa. Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of mood disorders in both men and women, and of gender-different responses such as increased alcohol and substance use and more risky sexual behaviour in men.
Cost-effectiveness of an atypical conventional antipsychotic in South Africa: An economic evaluation of quetiapine versus haloperidol in the treatment of patients partially responsive to previous antipsychotics
Authors: Emsley Robin , Booysen Frederik
Published: June 2017

Background. The introduction of a new generation of atypical antipsychotic agents has raised difficult economic and ethical questions, particularly in lower-income countries. The reported tolerability and efficacy advantages of the atypical antipsy- chotics over their conventional predecessors have to be weighed against their higher acquisition costs. Pharmaco-eco- nomic studies conducted in Western countries consistently report cost advantages or cost neutrality for these new agents. However, considerable differences in health care service pro- vision make it difficult to generalise these findings to South Africa.Method. We compared the direct costs (private and public sector) of treating schizophrenia with an atypical antipsychotic quetiapine, and with a conventional antipsychotic haloperidol, by adapting a decision-analytic pharmaco-economic model for South African circumstances. The sample comprised patients partially responsive to antipsychotics, who had partic- ipated in a multinational randomised controlled trial compar- ing the efficacy and safety of quetiapine versus haloperidol. Results. The estimated total direct cost for the treatment with quetiapine in South Africa was slightly less than for haloperidol for various models in both the private and the public sectors.Conclusions. Significant differences in health care provision make pharmaco-economic studies conducted in other coun- tries invalid for South African circumstances. Previously queti- apine treatment did not result in direct cost savings in South Africa. However, the recently introduced legislation to estab- lish single exit prices for medications has resulted in the cost of quetiapine treatment declining by 36.7% and that of haloperi- dol by 13%. This has translated into an overall direct cost sav- ing for quetiapine in both the private and public sector models. This, together with additional indirect advantages of the atypi- cal antipsychotics such as improved quality of life and better social and vocational functioning, argues strongly from both an economic and ethical perspective for the use of atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia in South Africa.
Objective structural clinical examinations in psychiatry
Authors: Koen Liezl
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Self-testing in psychiatry
Authors: Seedat Soraya
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Neuropsychiatry and behavioural psychology
Authors: Weich Lize
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
The school as a setting for child and adolescent mental health interventions
Authors: Flisher Alan J
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Recognising pathological grief
Authors: Botha Karien
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Neurological disorders and the public health challenges
Authors: Spencer-Jones Jonathan
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Routine pre admission laboratory screening investigations in aggressive patients who require sedation in the emergency department – necessary or unnecessary
Authors: Saloojee Shamima
Published: June 2017

Background: The triage of aggressive patients who require sedation for behavioural control in the emergency department (ED) at our hospitals is delayed because the results of mandatory screening laboratory investigations to exclude a general medical condition (GMC) must be available prior to a psychiatric referral. The monitoring of these sedated patients in the ED is the problem.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the value of the results of routine pre-admission laboratory screening investigations in the differentiation of a medical from a psychiatric cause of aggression in consecutive aggressive patients who required sedation in the EDs at King Edward V111 and Addington Hospitals. Specific objectives were to determine if there was an association between a history of past psychiatric illness, the physical examination, the results of laboratory screening investigations and the cause of the aggression.

Methods: a retrospective chart review of 339 consecutive aggressive patients who required intravenous or intramuscular sedation for behavioural control in the EDs of Addington and King Edward V111 Hospitals in Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN) was conducted from 01 January 2006 to 31 December 2006. Patients who required oral or no sedation were excluded from the study.

Results: 82 (24.2%) of the 339 patients in the study had a medical cause for the aggression .40 (11.7%) of these had no previous medical history. Overall the yield of clinically significant results from laboratory investigations was 9.6%. No past history of psychiatric illness, physical examination, the Full Blood Count (FBC), Urea and Electroloyte estimation (U&E) and Random Blood Glucose (RBG) had sensitivities of 28%, 63%, 57%, 40% and 21% respectively for the identification of a GMC causing the aggression. The variables that remained significantly associated with a causal GMC were an abnormal physical examination only (OR 42.151), an abnormal FBC (OR 2.363),an abnormal U & E (OR 3.531) and no past history of mental illness combined with an abnormal physical examination (OR 277.442). A previous history of a mental illness only was not significantly associated with the cause of aggression. These are adjusted odds ratios, ie they are independent of the effects of the other variables.

 Conclusion: The high rate of a medical cause for the aggressive behaviour and the overall yield from screening laboratory investigations emphasize the need for mandatory screening to exclude a GMC in the EDs of our hospitals. Aggressive patients with a documented past psychiatric history and a normal physical examination can be referred for a psychiatric assessment prior to the results of routine laboratory investigations becoming available.
Sleep Paralysis and psychopathology
Authors: Mume Celestine Okorome , Ikem Innocent C
Published: June 2017

The occurrence of sleep paralysis in the absence of narcolepsy is not uncommon in the population. A good number of normal individuals sometimes report the experience of episodes of profound muscular paralysis on waking from sleep in the morning or during the night. These episodes are very disturbing, especially since the individual is generally unable to breathe deeply or voluntarily. Previous studies have suggested an association between isolated sleep paralysis and adverse psychosocial situations though not with any specific condition. A test of the hypothesis that its prevalence may be affected by stressful life situations is presented in this study using orthopaedic patients (suffering from physical injuries) and patients with multiple somatic complaints (suffering from psychological disorders) as examples of individuals undergoing stressful life experiences.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence of sleep paralysis in samples of orthopaedic patients and patients who presented with multiple somatic complaints and determine if these rates were significantly higher than the rate in healthy individuals. This study also aimed at determining if there was evidence of psychopathology among orthopaedic patients, and if so to find out if there was significant difference in the degree of psychopathology between the orthopaedic patients and patients with multiple somatic complaints.

Materials and Methods: Samples of healthy individuals, orthopaedic patients and patients with multiple somatic complaints were asked to fill out a survey that determined the three - month prevalence of isolated sleep paralysis. They were also scored on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS).

 Results: Isolated sleep paralysis was reported by 28% of the healthy subjects, 44% of orthopaedic patients and 56% of the patients with multiple somatic complaints. The degree of psychopathology (as shown by scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) in the orthopaedic patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy subjects and significantly lower than that reported by the patients with multiple somatic complaints.

Conclusion: This study has shown that though isolated sleep paralysis occurs in healthy individuals, it is nevertheless associated with psychopathology.
Illicit drug use in South Africa: Findings from a 2008 national population-based survey
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Ramlagan Shandir
Published: June 2017

Objective. The aim of this secondary analysis of the South African National HIV, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication (SABSSM) 2008 survey is to provide current data on illicit drug use that could assist in the development and implementation of effective substance abuse policies and intervention programmes aimed at these populations in South Africa.

Method. A multistage random population sample of 15 828 people age ≥15 (56.3% women) was included in the survey. Illicit drug use was assessed by 2 sections of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance use Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Frequency analyses for different age groups, geolocality, educational level, income, and population group were calculated, as were odds ratios for these variables regarding combined illicit drug use.

Results. Current cannabis use was reported by 3.3% of the population sample – 6.1% of the men and 1.2% of the women – and the use of combined all-other illicit drugs (cocaine, amphetamines, inhalants, sedatives, hallucinogens, opiates) was reported by 1.8% of the participants. Coloured men (14.3%) were most likely, and Indian or Asian women (0.6%) least likely, to be cannabis users. Illicit drug use (combined) among men was associated with the 20 - 34 year age group and the coloured and white population groups, and among women in the younger age groups, the coloured and white population groups, and low and higher income.

Conclusion. An increase of cannabis and other illicit drug prevalence rates was observed from 2005 (2.1%) to 2008 (3.3%) in the population sample. Multilevel interventions are required to target illicit drug users, in addition to creating awareness in the general population of the problems associated with illicit drug use. There is a need to address illicit drug use in national and provincial policy planning and intervention efforts and, in terms of treatment, a need to ensure that treatment practitioners are adequately trained to address illicit drug use. Future prospective studies are necessary to assess the impact of illicit drug use.
Psycho-legal challenges facing the mentally retarded rape victim
Authors: Calitz Frikkie J W
Published: June 2017

Persons with mental retardation face multiple emotional, cognitive and social challenges. Mental health professionals increasingly agree that individuals with mental disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation than the general population. They are in particularly exposed to peril due to their often life-long dependence on caregivers, relatively powerless position in society, emotional and social insecurities, and lack of education regarding sexuality and sexual abuse. Shortcomings and discrepancies in the medical and legal definition of mental retardation, making the position of such individuals even more difficult, are discussed in this paper.
Profile of stress factors associated with mental disorders in children and adolescents referred for evaluation and treatment to the Free State Psychiatric Complex, 2007
Authors: Heckler H , Taute C E , Krüger G H J , De Wet D , Calitz F J W , Van der Merwe L M , Raubenheimer J E
Published: June 2017

Introduction. South African children and adolescents face serious challenges. Over the past decades children have been exposed to rapid and stressful changes in their environment, including increased crime and violence.

Aim of study. The aim of the study was to determine the profile of stress factors leading to mental disorders in children and adolescents referred to the Child and Adolescent Unit at the Free State Psychiatric Complex, Bloemfontein, from January 2006 to December 2007.

Methods. A total of 669 children (0 - 12 years) and adolescents (13 - 18 years) referred to the unit for evaluation and treatment were included in the study.

Results. Thirty per cent were diagnosed with attention deficit and disruptive behaviour disorders, followed by major depressive disorders (22.7%), anxiety disorders (18.5%), conduct disorders (16.1%), mild mental retardation (15.7%), adjustment disorders (9.6%), elimination disorders (8.8%), developmental disorders (7.6%) and bereavement (7.0%). Social stressors were identified in 64.1% of participants, and psychological stressors in 19%.

Conclusions. Stress plays an important role in the lives of children and adolescents, which could lead to emotional problems if not well managed. The functioning of children and adolescents should be monitored continuously. Schools are in a favourable position to identify stressors affecting children and adolescents. Educators therefore need training and opportunities to consult on mental health matters. Furthermore, religious organisations should be enlisted to identify stressors manifesting as spiritual dysfunction. School health services can play a role in the recognition of biological stressors such as epilepsy, pregnancy, enuresis, illness, speech problems and sensory dysfunction.
A presidential and personal reflection on SASOP during the past decade
Authors: Westmore Ian
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Psychiatric features in perpetrators of homicide-unsuccessful-suicide at Weskoppies Hospital in a 5-year period
Authors: Sussman Paul , Kotze Carla
Published: June 2017

Background. In the absence of medical literature reporting on homicide-unsuccessful-suicide (HUS) cases in which the perpetrator is referred for forensic psychiatric observation present an opportunity to explore psychiatric features pertaining to the event.

Objective. To identify possible contributing psychiatric features in HUS cases.

Method. A retrospective, single-centre, descriptive study was conducted, in which were reviewed clinical records of HUS subjects referred for observation to Weskoppies Hospital from December 2005 to January 2011. Socio-demographic and psychiatric information was obtained.

 Results. Nine cases were reviewed. The median age of the subjects was 29 years and 7 subjects were male. Five cases involved family members. Cases involving couples demonstrated male subjects and cases involving filicide demonstrated female subjects. Only 1 case involved the use of a firearm. At the time of the incident, 4 of the cases had no psychiatric diagnosis but notable interpersonal difficulties. Psychotic disorders were diagnosed in 3 subjects, a depressive disorder in 1 subject and a depressive and anxiety disorder in 1 subject.

Conclusion. Subjects commonly used less lethal methods than shooting. The high rate of psychiatric disorders diagnosed is in keeping with court referrals occurring when a mental illness is suspected. Some cases may require specialised probing before psychosis becomes apparent. Identification of psychosocial stressors and failure of coping mechanisms during periods of strife within an intimate relationship may be a focus of future research in homicide-suicide cases. Separation should possibly be investigated as an independent factor which promotes the interpersonal difficulty associated with homicide-suicide.
Are we training our psychiatrists adequately as public mental health practitioners?
Authors: Parker John Stanley , Allen Robin R , Lund Crick
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Talking past each other: Conceptual confusion in ‘culture’ and ‘psychopathology’
Authors: Rashed Mohammed Abouelleil
Published: June 2017

This article offers a commentary on Hassim and Wagner’s article, Considering the cultural context in psychopathology formulations, published in this issue of the South African Journal of Psychiatry (http://dx.doi.org/10.7196/SAJP.400). It clarifies aspects of the concepts of culture and psychopathology. A distinction is drawn between the content of culture and the demarcation of cultures. The former refers to socially acquired meanings and significances that condition subjective experience and the latter to specific, demarcated cultural groups. It is argued that these two meanings of culture must be kept apart, and that only the former is relevant to the project of understanding the range of cultural influences on mental health problems. This is premised on the idea, arising partially from anthropological critique, that while cultural designations (e.g. Maori or Muslim) might serve as important political and identity markers, they obscure rather than reveal the actual influences the subject is exposed to, and which condition subjective experience as seen through the modulation of distress or symptom formation.
Mental health and HIV sexual risk behaviour among University of Limpopo students
Authors: Pengpid S , Peltzer Karl , Skaal L
Published: June 2017

Background. Little attention has been paid to the role of poor mental health among young people with regard to HIV risk behaviour and HIV prevention in Africa.

Objective. To determine the association between mental health, substance use and HIV sexual risk behaviour among a sample of university students in South Africa.

Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students who were recruited conveniently from public campus venues at the University of Limpopo Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa) campus. The sample included 722 university students (57.6% men and 42.4% women) with a mean age of 21.7 years (standard deviation ±8.8).

Results. Of the 722 students, 39.5% reported depression, 23.4% screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 22% reported hazardous or harmful alcohol use, 33% reported ≥2 sexual partners in the past 12 months, 50% reported inconsistent condom use, 46% reported unknown HIV status of a sexual partner and 20% reported alcohol use in the context of sex in the past 3 months. In multivariate analysis, HIV risk behaviour was associated with, among men, hazardous or harmful alcohol use and having screened positive for PTSD, and among women, being in the 4th or more year of study and current cannabis use.

Conclusion. Poor mental health, including substance use, was found to be associated with HIV risk behaviour. Co-ordinated mental health and sexual and reproductive health services that meet the needs of university students would be desirable. 
Methodological limitations to a study on interpersonal therapy
Authors: Roos J Louw , Kruger Christa , Bohmer Manfred
Published: June 2017

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Obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Stein D J
Published: June 2017

This guideline focuses on the pharmacotherapy of obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD). OCD is characterised by obsessions and
compulsions. A number of other disorders are also characterised by

repetitive thoughts and rituals and may also respond to modifications
of standard OCD treatment.
SASOP treatment guidelines for psychiatric disorders: Eminence or evidence based?
Authors: Baumann S , Benson-Martin J , Cossie Q , Gilfillan K , Horn N , Kaliski S , Milligan P , Temmingh Henk , Timmermans T , Williams-Ashman P
Published: June 2017

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Social and ethical implications of psychiatric classification for low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Burns Jonathan K
Published: June 2017

With the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, and the ongoing revision of the International Classification of Diseases, currently 10th edition, it is timely to consider the wider societal implications of evolving psychiatric classification, especially within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

The author reviewed developments in psychiatric classification, especially the move from categorical to dimensional approaches based on biobehavioural phenotypes. While research supports this move, there are several important associated ethical challenges. Dimensional classification runs the risk of ‘medicalising’ a range of normality; the broadening of some definitions and the introduction of new disorders means more people are likely to attract psychiatric diagnoses. Many LMICs do not have the political, social, legal and economic systems to protect individuals in society from the excesses of medicalisation, thus potentially rendering more citizens vulnerable to forms of stigma, exploitation and abuse, conducted in the name of medicine and psychiatry. Excessive medicalisation within such contexts is also likely to worsen existing disparities in healthcare and widen the treatment gap, as inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of mildly ill or essentially normal people has an impact on health budgets and resources, leading to relative neglect of those with genuine, severe psychiatric disorders. 

In an era of evolving psychiatric classification, those concerned for, and involved in, global mental health should be critically self-reflective of all aspects of the modern psychiatric paradigm, especially changes in classification systems, and should alert the global profession to the sociopolitical, economic and cultural implications of changing nosology for LMIC regions of the world.
A decentralised model of psychiatric care: Profile, length of stay and outcome of mental healthcare users admitted to a district-level public hospital in the Western Cape
Authors: Thomas Eileen , Cloete Karen Jacqueline , Kidd Martin , Lategan Helena
Published: June 2017

Background. There is a lack of studies assessing the profile and outcome of psychiatric patients at entry-level public hospitals that are prescribed by the Mental Health Care Act to provide a decentralised model of psychiatric care.

Objective. To assess the demographic and clinical profile as well as length of stay and outcomes of mental healthcare users admitted to a district-level public hospital in the Western Cape. 

Method. Demographic data, clinical diagnosis, length of stay, referral profile and outcomes of patients (N=487) admitted to Helderberg Hospital during the period 1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011 were collected. 

Results. Psychotic disorders were the most prevalent (n=287, 59%) diagnoses, while 228 (47%) of admission episodes had comorbid/secondary diagnoses. Substance use disorders were present in 184 (38%) of admission episodes, 37 (57%) of readmissions and 19 (61%) of abscondments. Most admission episodes (n=372, 76%) were discharged without referral to specialist/tertiary care. 

Conclusion. Methamphetamine use places a significant burden on the provision of mental healthcare services at entry-level care. Recommendations for improving service delivery at this district-level public hospital are provided.
Psychiatric consultations and the management of associated comorbid medical conditions in a regional referral hospital
Authors: Tema Nkokone S Z , Janse van Rensburg A B R
Published: June 2017

Background. Psychiatrists are often called upon to evaluate patients with a medical condition and psychiatric symptoms, either as a complication thereof or initial presenting symptoms. There are often grey areas with regard to neuropsychiatric disorders in which psychiatrists and specialists from other clinical disciplines would need to co-manage or share ideas on the comprehensive treatment of a presenting patient. Objectives. This study was undertaken to provide a demographic and clinical profile of all patients consulted by the consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) service at the Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg, and to describe the clinical management of patients admitted with a diagnosis of a mental disorder associated with a comorbid medical condition, including delirium, dementia and a mood or psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition.

 Methods. A retrospective record review of all patients referred to the HJH CLP team over a 6-month period. Results. A total of 884 routine and emergency consultations were done for 662 patients (males n=305; females n=357) between the ages of 13 and 90 years who were referred from various other clinical departments. The most common documented reason for referral was a request for assessment (n=182; 27.5%), which consisted of mental state assessment, reconsultation and assessing capacity. A total of 63 patients (10.0% of cases consulted) were admitted to either the medical or psychiatric wards with a confirmed diagnosis of delirium, dementia and/or a mood or psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition (although admission wards were identified in 55 files only). The medical wards admitted the majority (n=37; 67.3%) mostly for delirium (n=28; 50.9%). HIV was identified as the most common systemic aetiological factor (n=23; 67.7%).

 Conclusion. In this study, a female patient between 31 and 45 years of age was slightly more likely to be referred to the HJH CLP service for assessment, and was more likely to be managed in the medical wards for delirium, which was most often associated with HIV/AIDS. The study highlighted the need for development of guidelines to facilitate adequate and effective use of this service for the local practice of CLP in a general specialist referral hospital like HJH, which would cover the following: clinical management; training needs; and administrative procedures.
SSRI use in pregnancy: Evaluating the risks and benefits
Authors: Du Toit Elsa , Thomas Eileen , Koen Liezl , Vythilingum Bavi , Grobler Stoffel , Smith Nadine , Niehaus Dana
Published: June 2017

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are considered the primary pharmacological treatment for moderate to severe depression during pregnancy. Data regarding the safety of their use during pregnancy remain controversial and conflicting. Decisions regarding the prescription of antidepressant treatment are often fraught with concern around potential harmful medication effects on the pregnancy, fetus and infant. Information on potential risks remains extremely varied and inconsistent across sources. This lack of clarity regarding drug safety brings significant uncertainty not only for treating physicians, but also for women seeking information about depression during pregnancy. This review aims to summarise and evaluate the current evidence base and to aid clinicians in performing a risk/benefit analysis for SSRI use during pregnancy and lactation.

 