bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autism spectrum disorder in a community-based sample with neurodevelopmental problems in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Oshodi Yewande O. , Olagunju Andrew T. , Oyelohunnu Motunrayo A. , Campbell Elizabeth A. , Umeh Charles S. , Aina Olatunji F. , Oyibo Wellington , Lesi Folusho E.A. , Adeyemi Joseph D.
Published: January 2017

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a globally prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder for which early diagnosis and intervention is the mainstay of management. In the African continent, limited data is available regarding the non-clinic based samples. Lack of information available to caregivers and inadequate skilled manpower often limit early detection and access to the few available though under resourced services in the community. Community based screening can be an important drive to create awareness and improve information dissemination regarding services available for those living with this disorder. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing data obtained from participants of a community-based autism screening exercise. The surveillance exercise was part of the annual Orange Ribbon initiative for autism awareness and screening held in 2014. Data was obtained from 85 participants involved in the Autism Surveillance screening exercise within the Lagos community. Community public service radio announcements state wide and word of mouth were used to invite and enroll eligible participants to the screening and consultation exercise. A second stage screening and a brief sociodemographic questionnaire followed by a third stage clinical interview and evaluation using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 Edition (DSM 5) were used. Appropriate consultation and referrals to services in the community were given. Participants had a mean age of 7.53 years (SD 4.35). Twenty-nine (34.5%) met the diagnosis of ASD. Other diagnosis included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), language and speech disorder, intellectual disability (8.3%) and learning disorders (9.5%). Main health concerns to caregivers were poor language development in all (100%), of which 11 (40.7%) were non-verbal; gaze avoidance was seen in 14 (48.3%) and challenging behavior in 12 (42.9%). Comorbidities included seizure disorders (3.4%) and ADHD (6.9%). Persons with autism had history of ASD behavior more often when compared to the other neurodevelopmental disorders and these findings were statistically significant. Referrals were given to caregivers to engage in services within the community. As seen in this study, community understanding of ASD is poor in such locations, in which many persons with other neurodevelopmental disorders are often presented as having autism. Caregivers in the study location are distressed by many symptoms associated with autism and their comorbid conditions. Currently there is an evident role for frequent large scale community based screening and autism awareness exercises possibly using inter-sectoral collaboration as a strategy.
Foreign Aid to Nigeria and Domestic Obstacles: A Review of Anambra State Education Sector
Authors: Chukwuemeka Emma E.O , Okechuku Elizabeth , Okafor Uchechi-Ben
Published: January 2017

The study investigated the effect of foreign aid on the development of different sectors of the Nigerian economy. Particular emphasis was laid on the educational sector of Anambra State. Survey research method was adopted. Data collected were analyzed using Chi-square parametric statistics. Many factors were found to militate against the effectiveness of foreign aid in achieving development. Among the factors were corruption, poor policies and institutional framework as well as poor utilization of development fund. Based on the findings, recommendations were made. These include the need for the establishment of a sound institutional framework and infrastructural facilities; also there is the need for a reform of the educational sector of Anambra state as well as all
sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Enchancing Public Accountability and Performance in Nigeria: Periscoping the Impediments and Exploring Imperative Measures
Authors: Adejuwon David K.
Published: January 2017

Over the past decades, accountability and performance have been central in public sector management. Accountability is important for effective performance in the public sector because both elected and non-elected officials need to show the public that they are performing their responsibilities in the best possible way and using the resources provided them effectively and efficiently. This article examines the impediments to public accountability and performance in Nigeria, and recommends remedial actions for effective public accountability and performance in Nigerian public sector management. The article adopts qualitative method in gathering data from various sources. It traced the absence of accountability in public sector management in Nigeria to the incursion of the military into the Nigerian public administration. It shows with relevant examples how the cultureof non-accountability and poor performance has eaten deep into the fabric of the society. It therefore proposes some measures to address the malaise of public accountability and performance in Nigeria. The article contends that unless good governance is in place with public accountability carefully observed, effective public sector performance cannot be realized.
Total Quality Management (TQM): A Catalyst for Service Delivery in the South African Police Service
Authors: Reddy Michael
Published: January 2017

September 2014 marked the release of the 2013/14 crime statistics in South Africa by the National Commissioner of the SAPS and the Minister of Police. Does a sense of safety and security fill the atmosphere? Do most South Africans, investors, and tourists alike believe that the crime rate in South Africa is reflective of a war zone and that South Africa is in a quagmire that engenders irretrievable damage to the lives of the citizenry and the economy? It is accepted that crime is a conflation of a number of economic, social and cultural factors; hence as a reviewable point, can the SAPS ensure the development of unassailable and perpetual policy solutions, underpinned with the highest quality that provides a guarantee of the citizen’s basic constitutional right to freedom and life. This article reviews literature on TQM and extrapolates lessons learnt to the practical functioning of the SAPS with a view to provide a myriad of TQM principles that may be considered by SAPS Management; this could serve as a catalyst for an improved policing service in South Africa.
An Empirical Assessment of Dropout Rate of Learners at Selected High Schools in King William’s Town, South Africa
Authors: Manona Wendy
Published: January 2017

This study investigated and analysed factors responsible for high dropout rate of learners at selected high schools in King William’s Town District, Province of the Eastern Cape. The aim of the study is provide an understanding into inherent problems of early exit of learners in the education sector, which impede the long-term production of professionals with bright future. The main findings of this study revealed that multiple motives, associated with individual characteristics of dropouts and social problems emanating from their family background and influence of the community, prompted learners to dropout. Moreover, learner dropout is inter alia caused by social factors such as lack of resources, the effect of poverty, orphans at school, the distance between the school and the community, drug abuse, pregnancy and HIV and AIDS prevalence in schools, gangsterism and learning barriers. The results of this research suggest that the government should make resources available with regard to scholar transport, school nurses to provide education awareness programmes in relation to early pregnancies, HIV and AIDS infection to improve attendance rate. The Department of Social Development should provide information with regard to benefits available to orphaned learners. The government should ensure sustainable provision of the school nutrition programme to alleviate hunger and poverty. School management should effectively regulate the behaviour of learners to promote discipline in schools so that substance abuse is eliminated.
Folklorisation and Reoralisation in Context: Some Narratives on the Current Challenges facing South Africa’s Migrant Labourers
Authors: Masoga Mogomme A.
Published: January 2017

This paper evolved as a result of reading a special note of condolences scribed by two women who are in a polygamous marriage situation from Chikhutu village in Malawi, in 2005. The note was signed by these women as ‘Mama Luhanga and Mama Luhanga,’ the wives of Dada Patson Luhanga, a migrant worker, based in South Africa, with a very strong linguistic, social and cultural background of Tumbuka. The note was meant to ‘comfort and support’ the South Africa based widow, Mme Nanabi Kegakilwe, who lost her husband. Dada Patson Luhanga has been staying on the compound of the late Rre Enoch Kegakilwe for more than twelve years. The existing verbal agreement is that Dada Luhanga will work on the Kegakilwe garden every Saturday of the week, while doing other menial jobs on other days around Midrand in South Africa. As per this agreement, Dada Patson Luhanga was offered accommodation at the Kegakilwe compound pro-bono. Expressly, the note reveals and exposes pains, hurts, and frustrations currently experienced by migrant labourers in South Africa. Recently in South Africa, the crisis of xenophobia, or Afrophobia as some critics prefer to call it, and related spates of violence, add to this challenge. The paper aims to discuss some current South Africa’s migrant labourers’ challenges by making use of theories of folklore and orality. It will use a method of discourse analysis in reading the note and analysing its appropriate hermeneutics of power and identity.
Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in Three Primary Schools in KwaZulu Natal
Authors: Maharajh Lokesh R. , Nkosi Thandi , Mkhize Mbekelezi C.
Published: January 2017

This article examined on teachers’ experiences on the implementation of CAPS, using three primary schools in KwaZulu-Natal. This article employed the curriculum theory as an analytical framework. The aim of this article is to examine teacher’s experiences of the implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). The article employed a qualitative research design to gather data. The data gathered through the use of semi-structured face to face interviews with teachers. The findings of the article reveal that there are many dynamics and possibilities relating to curriculum change in South Africa. The findings of the article further reveal that despite the challenges facing CAPS, South Africa’s education system as a whole is plagued by challenges. The challenges are attributed to lack of resources and poorly trained teachers. The article concludes that understanding these dynamics depend, to a large extent, on paying attention to constraints and challenges influencing curriculum change. This article fills the knowledge-gap with reference to teacher’s first-hand knowledge of CAPS and the challenges associated with it. The article thus recommends that appropriate resources should be made available in order to ensure efficient and effective implementation of curriculum implementation. It also recommends that a teacher: learner ratio of 1:30 should be practiced to ensure that teachers give special attention to each learner.
Measuring the Effective Role of Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation in Promoting Good Governance in Uganda: Implications from the Ministry of Local Government
Authors: Ojok James , Basheka Benon C.
Published: January 2017

The general objective of the study was to examine effectiveness of the role of public sector monitoring and evaluation in promoting good governance in Uganda, with a focus on Ministry of Local Government. Specifically, the study sought to: examine out how effective role of M&E accountability, M&E Management Decision, M&E Organisational learning in promoting good governance and draw lessons from practice, and provide a recommendation to better inform the implementation strategy of M&E in the Ministry of Local Government. A case study design was used and both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were employed. The respondents comprised of staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Office of the Prime Minister. Quantitative data was analysed using correlation and percentages while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study revealed that M&E accountability, M&E management decision and M&E organisation learning had significant role in promoting good governance in the Ministry of Local Government. It was therefore concluded that M&E enhanced accountability, management decision and organisation learning and promoted good governance. The study recommended that M&E should not only be tied to nominal compliance but should support evidence-based decision making. M&E should be properly institutionalised, funded and located so as to mediate policy process, planning and service delivery.
Whither Public Administration in South Africa? The Quest for Repositioning in the 21st Century
Authors: Koma S. B. , Modumo O. S.
Published: January 2017

No abstract available.
Seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever in cattle along the Akagera-Nyabarongo rivers, Rwanda
Authors: Umuhoza Thérèse , Berkvens Dirk , Gafarasi Isidore , Rukelibuga Joseph , Mushonga Borden , Biryomumaisho Savino
Published: January 2017

Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus is caused by a zoonotic arbovirus that is endemic to eastern and southern Africa. It has also been reported in West and North Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, but people can also become infected while handling blood or other body fluids of animals and humans with RVF. In 2007, there was a large outbreak of RVF in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Somalia. Outbreaks were also reported in South Africa in 2008–2011. The epidemiology of RVF and factors for disease occurrence in Rwanda are neither clear nor documented. Therefore, we conducted a crosssectional study from December 2012 to March 2013 to generate baseline information on RVF in cattle. Purposive sampling of cattle (n = 595) was done in six districts, and serum samples were screened with competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We performed a statistical analysis on the generated data, and risk factors associated with RVF seroprevalence were determined by a simple logistic regression. Overall, RVF seroprevalence was 16.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] [13.8% – 20.0%]). The highest seroprevalence was recorded in Kirehe district (36.9%) followed by Ngoma (22.3%), and the least was recorded in Nyagatare (7.9%). RVF was more likely to occur in adult cattle (19.9% [odds ratio {OR} = 1.88, 95% CI {0.98–3.61}]) compared to young cattle (10.5% [OR = 0.47, 95% CI {0.26–0.83}]). Pure exotic or cross-breeds were significantly exposed to RVF virus (seroprevalence 22.9% [OR = 4.26, 95% CI {1.82–9.99}]) in comparison to 14.1% (OR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.35–0.86]) in local breeds. Sex differences were not statistically significant. These findings indicated that cattle have been exposed to RVF virus in six districts in Rwanda with a significant risk in adult, exotic or cross-breeds in Kirehe district.
Evaluation of information ethical issues among undergraduate students: An exploratory study
Authors: Cilliers Liezel
Published: January 2017

Background: Higher education is increasingly making use of information and communication technology (ICT) to deliver educational services. Young adults at higher educational institutions are also making use of ICTs in their daily lives but are not taught how to do so ethically. Software piracy, plagiarism and cheating, while making use of ICTs, are the most common ethical dilemmas that will face digital natives.Objective: The purpose of this article was to investigate information ethics of young adults at a higher education institution in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Method: This study made use of a positive, quantitative survey approach. A closed-ended questionnaire was distributed to a group of 312 first-year students, who had registered for a computer literacy class. A response rate of 69.2% was recorded, resulting in 216 students participating in the study. The results were analysed using descriptive and inferential (t-tests) statistics in SPSS V22.Results: The results indicated that plagiarism is a problem among first-year students, and elements of authorship should be included in the curriculum. Students understood what software piracy was but did not think it was wrong to copy software from the Internet. Finally, the students understood that cheating, while making use of technology, is wrong and should be avoided.Conclusion: The recommendation of the study then is that information ethics must be included in the undergraduate curriculum in order to prepare students to deal with these ethical problems.
A single weighting approach to analyze respondent-driven sampling data
Authors: Selvaraj Vadivoo , Boopathi Kangusamy , Paranjape Ramesh , Mehendale Sanjay
Published: January 2017

Background and objectives:

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is widely used to sample hidden populations and RDS data are analyzed using specially designed RDS analysis tool (RDSAT). RDSAT estimates parameters such as proportions. Analysis with RDSAT requires separate weight assignment for individual variables even in a single individual; hence, regression analysis is a problem. RDS-analyst is another advanced software that can perform three methods of estimates, namely, successive sampling method, RDS I and RDS II. All of these are in the process of refinement and need special skill to perform analysis. We propose a simple approach to analyze RDS data for comprehensive statistical analysis using any standard statistical software.

Methods:

We proposed an approach (RDS-MOD - respondent driven sampling-modified) that determines a single normalized weight (similar to RDS II of Volz-Heckathorn) for each participant. This approach converts the RDS data into clustered data to account the pre-existing relationship between recruits and the recruiters. Further, Taylor's linearization method was proposed for calculating confidence intervals for the estimates. Generalized estimating equation approach was used for regression analysis and parameter estimates of different software were compared.

Results:

The parameter estimates such as proportions obtained by our approach were matched with those from currently available special software for RDS data.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The proposed weight was comparable to different weights generated by RDSAT. The estimates were comparable to that by RDS II approach. RDS-MOD provided an efficient and easy-to-use method of estimation and regression accounting inter-individual recruits’ dependence.
Comparative evaluation of long-term monotherapies & combination therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Srivastava Manjita , Singh Neha , Dixit Vinod Kumar , Nath Gopal , Jain Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2017

Background & objectives:

Reduction of viraemia in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using nucleoside/nucleotide analogues reduces fatal liver disease-related events, but development of resistance in virus presents serious clinical challenge. Therefore, comparative evaluation of prolonged antiviral monotherapy and combination therapies was prospectively studied to assess their influence on viral suppression, rapidity of response, development of drug resistance and surfacing mutants in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients.

Methods:

A total of 158 (62eAg-ve) chronic hepatitis B patients were prospectively studied for 24 months. Final analysis was performed on patients treated with lamivudine (LAM, n = 28), adefovirdipivoxil (ADV, n = 24), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, n = 26), entecavir (ETV, n = 25), LAM + ADV (n = 28) and LAM + TDF (n = 27). Quantitative hepatitis B virus DNA was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Multiple comparisons among drugs and genotypic mutations were analyzed.

Results:

Progressive biochemical and virological response were noted with all the regimens at 24 months except LAM and ADV which were associated with viral breakthrough (VBT) in 46.4 and 25 per cent, respectively. Mutations: rtM204V (39.3%), M204V+L180M (10.7%) while rtA181V (8.1%) and rtN236T (8.3%) were observed with LAM and ADV regimen, respectively. LAM + ADV combination therapy revealed VBT in seven per cent of the cases without mutations whereas TDF, ETV and LAM + TDF therapies neither showed VBT nor mutations.

Interpretation & conclusions:

LAM was the least potent drug among all therapeutic options followed by ADV. TDF and ETV were genetically stable antivirals with a strong efficacy. Among newer combination therapies, LAM + TDF revealed more efficacy in virological remission and acted as a profound genetic barrier on long term. Hence, newer generation molecules (TDF, ETV) and effective combination therapy should be a certain choice.
Sexual dysfunctions in alcohol-dependent men
Authors: Pendharkar Shreyas , Mattoo Surendra K. , Grover Sandeep
Published: January 2017

Background & objectives:

Sexual dysfunctions have been reported in alcohol-dependent men. Most of the studies conducted had limitation of using non-validated measures of sexual dysfunction and sampling design. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the typology, demographic and clinical correlates of sexual dysfunction in alcohol-dependent men.

Methods:

One hundred and one patients with alcohol dependence (AD) attending the Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre and 50 healthy controls were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Participants in both the groups were assessed on Arizona Sexual experience scale (ASEX), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In addition, patients with AD were assessed on Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) for severity of AD and revised clinical institute withdrawal assessment for alcohol scale (CIWA-Ar) to ensure that no participant was in active alcohol withdrawal state.

Results:

Overall, 58.4 per cent of patients in the AD group had sexual dysfunction. Among the domains, the highest frequency was seen for dysfunction for arousal (57.4%), followed by problems in desire (54.4%), erection (36.6%), satisfaction with orgasm (34.6%) and ability to reach orgasm was least affected (12.87%). The patient and control groups differed significantly in overall dyadic adjustment, in the domains of dyadic satisfaction and affective expression.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The finding of this study showed that a significant proportion of patients with AD has sexual dysfunction. Longitudinal studies using validated assessment tools should be done to confirm these findings.
Effect of p53 codon 72 polymorphism on the survival outcome in advanced stage cervical cancer patients in India
Authors: Bansal Akanksha , Das Poulami , Kannan Sadhana , Mahantshetty Umesh , Mulherkar Rita
Published: January 2017

Background & objectives:

The Arg>Pro polymorphism in codon 72 of p53 gene is known to affect the susceptibility of cervical cancer differently in different population worldwide although information regarding its role in determining survival status and disease outcome in patients is lacking. The present study was conducted to determine the genotype frequency and prognostic role of p53 codon 72 Arg>Pro polymorphism in patients with advanced stage cervical cancer in India.

Methods:

The p53 codon 72 polymorphism was determined in tumour biopsies (n = 107) and matched blood samples (n = 19) in cervical cancer patients using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). Effect of p53 genotype on the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed. Individual Arg or Pro alleles were studied for their significance on survival as Pro carriers (Pro/Pro + Arg/Pro) versus Arg/Arg individuals or Arg carriers (Arg/Arg + Arg/Pro) versus Pro/Pro individuals.

Results:

The frequencies for Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro genotypes were 27.2, 49.5 and 23.3 per cent, respectively. There was no significant difference in the genotypes with respect to patients’ OS or RFS.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings of our study indicated that p53 codon 72 polymorphism might not be an independent marker in predicting clinical outcome in advanced stage cervical cancer patients. Further studies need to be done in larger samples to confirm these findings.
Neurocysticercosis
Authors: Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: January 2017

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common single cause of seizures/epilepsy in India and several other endemic countries throughout the world. It is also the most common parasitic disease of the brain caused by the cestode Taenia solium or pork tapeworm. The diagnosis of NCC and the tapeworm carrier (taeniasis) can be relatively inaccessible and expensive for most of the patients. In spite of the introduction of several new immunological tests, neuroimaging remains the main diagnostic test for NCC. The treatment of NCC is also mired in controversy although, there is emerging evidence that albendazole (a cysticidal drug) may be beneficial for patients by reducing the number of seizures and hastening the resolution of live cysts. Currently, there are several diagnostic and management issues which remain unresolved. This review will highlight some of these issues.
Amitraz, an underrecognized poison
Authors: Dhooria Sahajal , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: January 2017

Background & objectives:

Amitraz is a member of formamidine family of pesticides. Poisoning from amitraz is underrecognized even in areas where it is widely available. It is frequently misdiagnosed as organophosphate poisoning. This systematic review provides information on the epidemiology, toxicokinetics, mechanisms of toxicity, clinical features, diagnosis and management of amitraz poisoning.

Methods:

Medline and Embase databases were searched systematically (since inception to January 2014) for case reports, case series and original articles using the following search terms: ‘amitraz’, ‘poisoning’, ‘toxicity’, ‘intoxication’ and ‘overdose’. Articles published in a language other than English, abstracts and those not providing sufficient clinical information were excluded.

Results:

The original search yielded 239 articles, of which 52 articles described human cases. After following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 32 studies describing 310 cases (151 females, 175 children) of human poisoning with amitraz were included in this systematic review. The most commonly reported clinical features of amitraz poisoning were altered sensorium, miosis, hyperglycaemia, bradycardia, vomiting, respiratory failure, hypotension and hypothermia. Amitraz poisoning carried a good prognosis with only six reported deaths (case fatality rate, 1.9%). Nearly 20 and 11.9 per cent of the patients required mechanical ventilation and inotropic support, respectively. The role of decontamination methods, namely, gastric lavage and activated charcoal was unclear.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our review shows that amitraz is an important agent for accidental or suicidal poisoning in both adults and children. It has a good prognosis with supportive management.
Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction in space-occupying lesions of liver reported as granulomatous inflammation/tuberculosis on fine-needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Sharma Kusum , Gupta Nalini , Goyal Kapil , Duseja Ajay Kumar , Sharma Aman , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: January 2017

Background:

Tubercular involvement of the liver is uncommon, but is a serious consideration in differential diagnosis of granulomatous conditions, especially in endemic regions like India.

Objective:

To assess the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) done on archival cytological material in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in cases reported as granulomatous inflammation/TB in liver lesions.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study including a total of 17 cases of liver space-occupying lesions (SOLs) reported as granulomatous inflammation (n = 12) and TB (n = 5). The smears were retrieved from the archives of the department and were reviewed for the cytomorphologic features. Air-dried smears stained with May–Grünwald–Giemsa (MGG) stain were assessed for the representative material in the form of epithelioid granulomas and giant cells. One/two MGG smears from each case were destained and the material was used for performing PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by amplification of 123 bp fragment of the IS6110 insertion element.

Results:

The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 61 years. There were 12 females and 5 males. The patients presented with solitary/multiple liver SOLs. DNA could be extracted from 10/17 cases from archival MGG smears. PCR positivity was noted in 8/10 cases (including four acid-fast bacilli smear-positive cases), confirming a diagnosis of TB.

Conclusion:

Cytomorphology alone may not be sufficient for differentiating various granulomatous lesions reported in liver SOLs. DNA can be extracted from the archival cytological MGG-stained smears. PCR should be carried out if Ziehl–Neelsen staining is negative in granulomatous lesions, especially when material has not been submitted for culture.
Mean wind vector estimation using the Velocity-Azimuth-Display (VAD) method: An explicit algebraic solution
Authors: Teschke Gerd , Lehmann Volker
Published: January 2017

Abstract. This paper deals with the analysis of the sampling setup for Doppler profilers aiming at the determination of vertical profiles of the wind. An explicit solution for the retrieval of mean wind vectors under the assumption of local homogeneity is presented for the case of a symmetric Velocity-Azimuth-Display sampling and a stability analysis is performed. Furthermore, the explicit solution allows a detailed investigation of the propagation of radial wind measurement errors on the retrieved wind vector.
Comparison of Global Datasets of Sodium Densities in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere from GOMOS, SCIAMACHY and OSIRIS Measurements and WACCM Model Simulations from 2008 to 2012
Authors: Langowski Martin P. , von Savigny Christian , Burrows John P. , Fussen Didier , Dawkins Erin C. M. , Feng Wuhu , Plane John M. C. , Marsh Daniel R.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. During the last decade, multiple limb sounding satellites have measured the global sodium (Na) number densities in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT).Datasets are now available from GOMOS, SCIAMACHY (both on Envisat) and OSIRIS/Odin. Furthermore, global model simulations of the Na layer in the MLT simulated with WACCM-Na are available. In this paper, we compare these global datasets. Globally, there is an agreement in the observed and simulated monthly average of Na vertical column densities that were compared with each other. They show a clear seasonal cycle with a summer minimum most pronounced at the poles. They also show signs of a semi-annual oscillation in the equatorial region. The vertical column densities vary between 0.5 × 109 cm−2 to 7 × 109 cm−2 near the poles and between 3 × 109 cm−2 to 4 × 109 cm−2 at the equator. The phase of the seasonal cycle and semi-annual oscillation shows small differences between the different instruments. The full width at half maximum of the profiles is 10 to 16 km for most latitudes, but significantly smaller in the polar summer. The centroid altitudes of the measured sodium profiles range from 89 to 95 km, while the model shows on average 2 to 4 km lower centroid altitudes. This coincides with a 3 km lower mesopause altitude in the WACCM simulations compared to measurements, which may be the reason for the low centroid altitudes. Despite this global 2 to 4 km shift, the model captures latitudinal and temporal variations. The variation of the WACCM dataset during the year at different latitudes is similar to the one of the measurements. Furthermore, the differences between the measured profiles with different instruments and therefore different local times are also present in the model simulated profiles. This capturing of latitutinal and temporal variations is also found for the vertical column densities and profile widths.
Formulating and testing a method for perturbing precipitation time series to reflect anticipated climatic changes
Authors: Sørup Hjalte Jomo Danielsen , Georgiadis Stylianos , Gregersen Ida Bülow , Arnbjerg-Nielsen Karsten
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Urban water infrastructure has very long planning horizons, and planning is thus very dependent on reliable estimates of the impacts of climate change. Many urban water systems are designed using time series with a high temporal resolution. To assess the impact of climate change on these systems, similarly high-resolution precipitation time series for future climate are necessary. Climate models cannot at their current resolutions provide these time series at the relevant scales. Known methods for stochastic downscaling of climate change to urban hydrological scales have known shortcomings in constructing realistic climate-changed precipitation time series at the sub-hourly scale. In the present study we present a deterministic methodology to perturb historical precipitation time series at the minute scale to reflect non-linear expectations to climate change. The methodology shows good skill in meeting the expectations to climate change in extremes at the event scale when evaluated at different timescales from the minute to the daily scale. The methodology also shows good skill with respect to representing expected changes of seasonal precipitation. The methodology is very robust against the actual magnitude of the expected changes as well as the direction of the changes (increase or decrease), even for situations where the extremes are increasing for seasons that in general should have a decreasing trend in precipitation. The methodology can provide planners with valuable time series representing future climate that can be used as input to urban hydrological models and give better estimates of climate change impacts on these systems.
Moterų gimdymo ir pogimdyminės priežiūros lūkesčių vertinimas moterų nuomone
Authors: Liepinaitienė Alina , Poškienė Ingrida
Published: January 2017

Paciento prioritetų, lūkesčių vertinimas tampa svarbiu žingsniu siekiant įgyvendinti paciento medicininės konsultacijos lūkesčius. Paciento lūkesčiai svarbūs ne tik kaip jo nuomonė, jų pateisinimas turi įtakos paciento pasitenkinimui sveikatos priežiūros paslaugomis, gydymo rėžimo bei gydymo tąsos bei gydymo rezultatams. Lietuvoje atliktų tyrimų, kuriuose būtų nagrinėjama pagimdžiusių moterų priežiūros lūkesčiai, rasti nepavyko. Norint, kad sveikatos priežiūros paslaugos būtų kokybiškos, labai svarbu atkreipti dėmesį ne tik į dokumentus, kurie reglamentuoja sveikatos priežiūros kokybę, bet ir į pačių moterų prieš gimdymą susiformavusių pogimdyminės priežiūros lūkesčių patenkinimą. Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti moterų priežiūros lūkesčius. Siekiant nustatyti moterų priežiūros lūkesčius, buvo atliktas momentinis tyrimas anketine apklausa. Apklaustos 344 pagimdžiusios moterys, gimdžiusios X klinikoje tiriamuoju laikotarpiu. Tyrimas vykdytas 2015-11-01 – 2016-02-29 laikotarpiu, X klinikos akušerijos skyriuje. Daugiau nei pusė tyrime dalyvavusių moterų gimdymo ir akušerijos skyrių akušerių darbą ir suteiktą informaciją gimdymo ir pogimdyminiu laikotarpiu įvertino labai gerai. Daugiau nei pusė moterų teigė, jog gimdymo ir pogimdyminės priežiūros lūkesčiai buvo visiškai pateisinti. Aukštąjį išsimokslinimą turinčios moterys statistiškai reikšmingai dažniau gimdymo ir akušerijos skyrių akušerių darbą įvertino labai gerai ir gerai nei žemesnį išsimokslinimą turinčios moterys. Statistiškai reikšmingai dažniau ištekėjusios moterys gimdymo ir akušerijos skyrių akušerių suteiktą informaciją įvertino labai gerai ir gerai nei netekėjusios moterys. Dirbančios moterys statistiškai reikšmingai dažniau gimdymo ir pogimdyminės priežiūros lūkesčius laikė visiškai ir dalinai pasiteisinusius nei nedirbančios moterys.
Gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų pasitenkinimas darbu ir jį lemiantys veiksniai
Authors: Tamulienė, Rasa , Mačiulienė Daiva , Žukauskaitė Vesta
Published: January 2017

Straipsnyje pristatomu tyrimu buvo siekiama nustatyti gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų pasitenkinimą darbu ir jį lemiančius veiksnius. Tyrime dalyvavo 73 gydytojų odontologų padėjėjai, naudotas duomenų rinkimo metodas – apklausa raštu. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad didžiosios dalies tyrime dalyvavusių odontologų padėjėjų pasitenkinimo darbu lygmuo yra labai žemas ir žemas. Nustatyta, kad santykiai su kolegomis ir vadovais turi didžiausią įtaką mažam gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų pasitenkinimui darbu.Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad tyrime dalyvavusių gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų pasitenkinimas darbu statistiškai reikšmingai nesiskiria nuo darbo valandų skaičiaus, įstaigos, kurioje dirbama, tipo bei gydytojų, su kuriais dirbama, skaičiaus. Nustatyta, kad gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų pasitenkinimas darbu statistiškai reikšmingai skiriasi priklausomai nuo amžiaus ir darbo stažo. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad vyresniojo amžiaus, ilgesnę darbo patirtį turintys gydytojų odontologų padėjėjai labiau patenkinti savo darbu nei jaunesni, mažesnę darbo patirtį turintys padėjėjai. Nustatyta, kad pasitenkinimas darbu statistiškai reikšmingai nesiskiria priklausomai nuo gydytojų odontologų padėjėjų kvalifikacijos įgijimo būdo ir išsilavinimo.
Chorioretinal Folds in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Poon Jia S. , Vahdani Kaveh , Booth Adam P.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To report an unusual case of bilateral choroidal folds related to multiple myeloma.

Methods

In this case report, fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and B-ultrasonography were used to assess posterior segment changes.

Results

A 55-year-old woman with history of multiple myeloma was found to have abnormal fundi. Clinical examination and investigations confirmed chorioretinal folds, which was considered to be related to myeloma. Close monitoring ensued for 2 years with no significant changes. Subsequently, she was treated with stem cell transplant for myeloma, which resulted in remission of her disease. She was also noted to have marked improvement of chorioretinal folds within 1 year. Visual function remained normal throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Multiple myeloma can infiltrate choroidal tissue, resulting in chorioretinal folds. Stem cell transplant was associated with significant reduction in paraprotein levels and choroidal folds.
The Value of Serial Metal Ion Levels in following up Patients with Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: McHugh Gavin , Merchant Rajiv , Kelly Gabrielle E. , Bergin Karen M. , McCoy Gerald F. , Wozniak Andrew P. , Quinlan John F.
Published: January 2017

Background

The sensitivity of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion-levels in detecting poorly performing metal-on-metal hip implants is low. This study proposes that serial changes in ion-levels are a more accurate marker of arthroplasties at risk.

Methods

Serial metal ion-levels and implant data of 285 patients with ASR resurfacing or replacement were studied. Patient and implant characteristics were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

111 (39%) had revision surgery. Time since index surgery (p≤0.001), acetabular inclination (p≤0.001), their interaction (p≤0.001) and femoral head size (p = 0.01) were significant variables. Head size (≤51 mm) had lower Co and Cr levels (p = 0.01). Cr/Co showed marginal decrease over time in the unrevised group and no decrease prerevision.

Conclusions

Repeated measurement of ion-levels were higher in the revision group suggesting that serial measurements rather than absolute values may have a role to play in predicting implant failure.
Applied Taguchi Method for Fatigue Testing of Customized Hip Implant
Authors: Dharme Mangesh R. , Kuthe Abhaykumar M. , Deshmukh Tushar R.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Human activities generate stresses, which vary with time and may result in fatigue failure of the customized hip implant. This study aims to investigate fatigue testing of customized hip implants using the minimum number of experiments by the Taguchi method, for 147 patients. This study was also useful to determine the influential geometrical parameters on the fatigue safety factor of customized hip implants.

Methods

Horizontal offset (HO), vertical offset (VO) and neck shaft angle (NSA) of the hip joint of 147 patients were measured on computed tomography (CT) scanned images. Stress and strain of hip implants were calculated by finite element analysis and validated by in vitro experimental tests. Fatigue safety factors were calculated by Goodman, Soderberg and Gerber's fatigue theories and maximum stresses.

Results

Analysis of variance results show that the highest impact on fatigue safety factors was equal to 54.38% for HO, 16.33% for VO, and was equal to 29.16% for NSA with reference to Goodman, Soderberg and Gerber's fatigue theories. The hip implant shape of experiment no. 8 has the highest safety factor value compared to all other hip implants.

Conclusions

The results show that HO has the maximum influence on fatigue safety factors. The determination of influential geometric parameters may be useful to redesign customized hip implants in order to achieve the highest fatigue safety factor. The Taguchi method is suitable for fatigue testing of custom hip implant with a minimum number of experiments.
Endometriosis in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yeung Patrick , Gupta Shweta , Gieg Sam
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The aim of this manuscript is to present a systematic review of characteristics and management of endometriosis in adolescents in order to gain some relevant insight into the most appropriate clinical management of the disease.

Methods

The literature review was done using electronic database PubMed focusing on the terms ‘adolescents’, ‘endometriosis’, ‘teenagers’, ‘pain’, ‘infertility’, ‘quality of life’, ‘medical’ and ‘surgical management’ from 1980 onward and was limited to articles in English. Articles were only included if they reported original relevant research.

Results

The 24 studies selected for review included 1148 adolescents with laparoscopic proven endometriosis. The diagnosis of endometriosis was histologically confirmed in 39.02% (448/1148) of cases. The results from trials have been tabulated and main results presented in a question and answer format.

Conclusions

The majority of adolescent girls with chronic pelvic pain not responding to conventional medical therapy have endometriosis (up to 80%). Laparoscopy with biopsy is the only way to diagnose endometriosis in the adolescent population, and depends on recognition of atypical manifestations of the disease. Surgical management (especially by an expert surgeon) has been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain, improving infertility, and preventing progression or recurrence of disease. Postoperative hormonal suppression helps reduce pain symptoms and recurrence of endometriomas, but it does not seem to prevent disease recurrence or progression of peritoneal endometriosis, and has not been shown to improve future fertility. Postoperative suppression until pregnancy is based on expert opinion only. There is a need for good quality properly randomized trials.
Symplastic glomus tumor of the urinary bladder treated by robot-assisted partial cystectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Palmisano Franco , Gadda Franco , Spinelli Matteo G. , Maggioni Marco , Rocco Bernardo , Montanari Emanuele
Published: January 2017

Glomus tumors arising in the urinary bladder are extremely rare, and only two cases have been reported in the English Literature. We present a case of a 58-year-old man with an asymptomatic mass of the anterior wall of the bladder that measured 2.5 × 2.5 cm. Endoscopic excision was performed, and the tumor was diagnosed as symplastic glomus tumor. The patient finally underwent robotic-assisted partial cystectomy, and he remains healthy without any recurrence to date.

After reviewing this case and previous reports, we analyzed the clinicopathologic features and treatment options for this rare neoplasm.
When you isn’t you: The attraction of self-ascription in children’s interpretation of pronouns in reported speech
Authors: Köder Franziska , Maier Emar
Published: January 2017

In language comprehension, you is a de se pronoun, which means that its interpretation is guided by a simple de se rule (you = self-ascription by addressee), while the interpretation of other pronouns requires more complicated reasoning. This predicts that you should be easier to process than I or he, especially for children. But not all occurrences of you can be correctly interpreted via self-ascription. We consider two cases where you does not indicate self-ascription: interpretation as an eavesdropper and direct speech. In our experiment, we compare children’s interpretation of the pronouns I, you and he, in both direct and indirect reported speech, and in both addressee and eavesdropping situations. We tested 71 five-year-olds, 63 nine-year-olds, and 52 adults in a referent-selection task and found a clear de se effect for children when directly addressed: they performed better with you than with I/he in indirect speech, but worse with you than with I/he in direct speech. We explain the latter finding in terms of the attraction of the de se interpretation strategy, which leads addressees to automatically self-ascribe you even in a direct speech report.
Against information structure heads: A relational analysis of German scrambling
Authors: Struckmeier Volker
Published: January 2017

This article argues against cascades of information-structural functional heads in the German middle field as an explanation for scrambling movements. Instead, we argue, some instances of scrambling correlate with sentence-level semantic effects, whereas other word order changes are affected by prosody and do not have any interpretative effects. An alternative architecture for scrambling is developed, which takes into account the clear empirical differences between these different subtypes of what is summarily called ‘scrambling’. In this architecture, syntax underspecifies word order and is ignorant of information structure. The apparent interaction of word order, semantic interpretations and discourse is explained by an interface architecture that licenses word orders on the basis of their syntactic, semantic and prosodic (but not information structural) properties.
How do Price Caps in China’s Electricity Sector Impact the Economics of Coal, Power and Wind? Potential Gains from Reforms
Authors: Rioux Bertrand , Galkin Philipp , Murphy Frederic , Pierru Axel
Published: January 2017

China imposes maximum prices by plant type and region on the electricity that generators sell to utilities. We show that these price caps create a need for subsidies and cross-subsidies, and affect the economics of wind power. We model the price caps using a mixed complementarity formulation, calibrated to 2012 data. We find that the caps impose an annual cost of 45 billion RMB, alter the generation and fuel mixes, require subsidies for the market to clear, and do not incentivize adding capacity for a reserve margin. They incentivize market concentration so that generators can cross-subsidize power plants. Depending on the regulatory response, increasing wind capacity can alleviate the distortions due to the price caps. The added wind capacity, however, does not have a significant impact on the amount of coal consumed. We also find that the feed-in tariff was priced slightly higher than necessary.