bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditions for successful land reform in Africa
Authors: Groenewald JA 
Published: June 2017

Land reform has traditionally had two objectives: equity and productivity. Food insecurity and the need for agriculture to contribute to development emphasise the need to maintain and improve productivity while improving equitability. Land must foster production and agriculture must attract good human material. The following areas need to be considered in policy formulation and delivery: an effective institutional framework involving all the relevant public and private bodies; efficient fiscal planning is essential; potentially successful farmers must be selected and given special support, including extension and adult education; complementary services and infrastructure are needed; prioritisation of functions and land tenure reform is often necessary. In addition, international agricultural markets are very important for Africa. Wealthy nations should cease trade-distorting protection of their own farmers.
An investigation into onshore captive insurance companies
Authors: Le Roux ME , Mostert FJ 
Published: June 2017

Insurance provided by captive insurers is one of various forms of risk financing. The nature and main types of captive insurance companies are discussed. This is followed by the results of an empirical study that focused on South African onshore captive insurance companies. The objectives in establishing and operating a captive insurer, the factors which determine the decision of the parent company to establish and operate a captive insurer and the future and usefulness of insurance provided by captive insurers are some of the aspects that are addressed.
The primary demand for oilseeds in South Africa: An error correction linear approximated and almost ideal demand system (ECM-LA/AIDS)
Authors: Van Schalkwyk HP , Van Schalkwyk HD , Alemu ZG , Taljaard PR , Obi A 
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the results of a study that estimated the demand relations for primary oilseeds in South Africa. The Error Correction version of Linear Approximated Almost Ideal Demand System (LA/AIDS)(ECM-LA/AIDS) were estimated. Time series data for the period 1971-2002 were analysed. Prior tests stablished weak searability between four oilseeds (sunflower seed, soybeans, groundnuts and cotton seed), indicating that these oilseeds should be modelled together. The results suggest that the demand for oilseeds is negatively influenced by own price, which is consistent with economic theory, while positive long-term expenditure elasticities suggest that some oilseeds, notably sunflower seed and cotton seed, are luxury commodities in South Africa.
Self-concept in overweight adolescents
Authors: Vuk Pisk Sandra , Mihanovic Mate , Silic Ante , Bogovic Anamarija , Vidovic Vesna 
Published: June 2017

Background and objective. Adolescence is considered a critical stage of life, and one during which body image and self-concept are of particular importance for peer acceptance and approval. Body weight may impact on satisfaction or dissatisfaction in adolescent girls’ self-concept. The aim of this research was to determine the association between obesity and self-concept among adolescent girls.
Methods. The study sample consisted of 40 overweight (BMI 25 - 30) 18-year-old girls in their last year of high school. A further 40 girls of the same age with a BMI of 18 - 25 formed a control group. The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire for Adolescents (OSIQ) was used to evaluate their self-concept. Descriptive statistical methods used in analysing the data included calculation of the median and standard deviation of variables, and t-tests were used to compare group differences, with p<0.05 taken as the level of significance.
Results. Statistically significant differences between two groups were found in two components of the OSIQ, sexual attitudes (p=0.044) and psychopathology (p=0.020), but no differences were found in other components such as impulse control, emotional tone, body and self-image, social relations, morals, family relations, mastery of the external world, vocational educational goals and superior adjustment.
Conclusion. Our results suggest that overweight adolescent girls are less adjusted with regard to their sexual attitudes and present with more psychopathology as measured by the OSIQ compared with their peers of average weight.
Effectiveness of psycho-education on depression, hopelessness, suicidality, anxiety and substance use among basic diploma students at Kenya Medical Training College
Authors: Muriungi Susan Kagwiria , Ndetei David Musyimi 
Published: June 2017

<div class="column"><p><span><strong>Objective</strong>. </span><span>To determine the effectiveness of psycho-education on symptom severity in depression, hopelessness, suicidality, anxiety and risk of substance abuse among para-medical students at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).<br /> </span></p><p><strong>Methodology. </strong><span>A clinical trial drew experimental (<em>N</em>=1 181) and control (<em>N</em>=1 926) groups from different KMTC campuses. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data: the researcher-designed social demographic questionnaire was used at baseline only, while Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Hopelessness Scale, Beck’s Suicide Ideation Scale, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory and World Health Organization alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST) (for drug abuse) were used for baseline, mid-point and end-point assessments at 3-month intervals. The experimental group received a total of 16 hours of structured psycho-education. All study participants gave informed consent. </span></p><p><span><strong>Results</strong>. </span><span>Overall, there was no significant reduction in symptom severity between the experimental and control groups at 3 months (<em>p</em>&gt;0.05) but there was a significant difference at 6 months (<em>p</em>&lt;0.05).</span></p><p><span><br /> </span><strong>Conclusion. </strong><span>Psycho-education was effective in reducing the severity of symptoms of depression, hopelessness, suicidality, anxiety and risk of substance abuse at 6 months. </span></p></div>
Recollected experiences of first hospitalisation for acute psychosis among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia in South Africa
Authors: Zubi Y , Connolly P 
Published: June 2017

<p>First-time admission to a psychiatric hospital for acute psychosis has been reported to be extremely traumatic, and this has not been adequately researched in the South African context. This study approached persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and explores their recollected, subjective experiences of their first admission to a South African psychiatric hospital ward for acute psychosis. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven participants diagnosed with schizophrenia. These were analysed using thematic content analysis. While some participants had positive experiences, the majority reported frightening, distressing, emotionally painful or traumatic experiences during their first hospitalisation. The first hospital admission was also described as having serious long-term implications for the person’s wellbeing, particularly as the diagnosis of schizophrenia made them feel isolated and stigmatised, which further hinders them from recovering from their symptoms and reintegrating into society. This study therefore draws attention to aspects of the process of first admission to psychiatric wards in South Africa, which may benefit from proactive intervention and closer research attention.</p>
Reasons for parasuicide among patients admitted to Tshilidzini Hospital, Limpopo Province: A qualitative study
Authors: Obida M , Clark Christopher , Govender Indiran 
Published: June 2017

<strong>Background. </strong>Suicide and suicide attempts are commonly encountered in primary healthcare. To manage them competently and in a non-judgmental manner, health workers require an in-depth understanding of this problem.<p><strong>Objective.</strong> To determine the reasons for suicide attempts among patients admitted at Tshilidzini Hospital. </p><p><strong>Method. </strong>A descriptive qualitative study used an unstructured in-depth interview for data collection, with 10 purposively selected participants. The data were analysed thematically.</p><p><span><strong>Results.</strong> The participants gave the following reasons for their suicidal acts: poverty, unemployment and its associated financial difficulties; domestic violence; interpersonal conflicts; HIV/AIDS-related problems; maternal death; depression; hallucinations; and accusations of witchcraft. These factors interacted, producing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and lack of meaning in life, thereby driving the individual to resort to desperate measures. The choice of method for each suicide attempt was influenced by availability, knowledge, experience and the seriousness of intent to die.</span></p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> This study supports the idea that a suicidal act is a complex phenomenon arising in an distinctive way in each individual, based on the interplay of various factors.</p>
A cross-sectional study of factors affecting seasonality in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mittal Pankaj Kumar , Mehta Shubham , Solanki Ram Kumar , Swami Mukesh Kumar , Meena Parth Singh 
Published: June 2017

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Researchers have evinced interest in the effect of seasonal variations on mood and behavioural patterns in affective disorders. </p><p><strong>Objective. </strong>To study seasonality in bipolar disorder (BD) patients and also the factors affecting this seasonality. </p><p><strong>Method. </strong>Forty-nine patients with BD in euthymic phase were recruited and analysed using<strong> </strong>the<strong> </strong>Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. </p><p><strong>Results. </strong>Most of the patients were morning types but chronotype had no influence on seasonality. Age of patient and number of episodes were the most important factors affecting seasonality in BD. </p><p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>Seasonality and its influencing factors must be considered while managing bipolar disorder.</p>
Undiagnosed metabolic syndrome and other adverse effects among clozapine users of Xhosa descent
Authors: Faasen N , Niehaus Dana J H , Koen L , Jordaan E 
Published: June 2017

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Clozapine use is known to be associated with significant side-effects, including prolongation of the QT-interval, agranulocytosis and metabolic syndrome. However, few data exist on the prevalence of clozapine side-effects in patients of Xhosa descent. </p><p><strong>Objective. </strong>To gather data from Xhosa patients with schizophrenia to establish the prevalence of clozapine side-effects in this population. </p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> Twenty-nine Xhosa patients with schizophrenia (as per the <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</em> (DSM-IV-TR)) who had been receiving clozapine treatment for &gt;1 year on an outpatient basis were selected for inclusion. All patients were participating in a genetics study in the Cape Metropolitan area. The participants were evaluated for the presence of side-effects (tests including an electrocardiogram, white blood cell count (WCC) and fasting blood glucose). </p><p><span><strong>Results. </strong>The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 44.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.7 - 62.9) and of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus 13.8% (95% CI 1.24 - 26.34). There was a significant association between metabolic syndrome and body mass index (BMI) (<em>p</em>&lt;0.01). The mean (SD) WCC was 7.8 × 10<sup>9</sup>/L (2.8), with 3.4% of the subjects having a WCC &lt;3.5 × 10<sup>9</sup>/L. Sedation (82.8%; 95% CI 69.0 - 96.5), hypersalivation (79.3%; 95% CI 64.6 - 94.1) and constipation (44.8%; 95% CI 26.7 - 62.9) were common. The mean QT-interval was 373.8 (35.9) ms and 10% had a corrected QT-interval &gt;440 ms. There was an association between the duration of clozapine treatment and QT-interval (with Bazett’s correction). </span></p><p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus in this sample points to a need to monitor glucose levels and BMI on a regular basis. A larger study should be done to accurately quantify the differences in prevalence of side-effects between population groups.</p>
Lessons from the past: Historical perspectives of mental health in the Eastern Cape
Authors: Sukeri Kiran , Alonso-Betancourt Orlando , Emsley Robin 
Published: June 2017

<p>The development of mental health services in the Eastern Cape Province is inextricably entwined in South Africa’s colonial history and the racist policy of apartheid. Prior to the development of mental hospitals, mental health services were provided through a network of public and mission hospitals. This paper explores the development of early hospital and mental health services in the Eastern Cape from the time of the Cape Colony to the dissolution of apartheid in 1994, and highlights the influence of colonialism, race and legislation in the development of mental health services in this province. The objective is to provide a background of mental health services in order to identify the historical factors that have had an impact on the current shortcomings in the provision of public sector mental health services in the province. This information will assist in the future planning and development of a new service for the province without the stigma of the past. This research indicates that one lesson from the past should be the equitable distribution of resources for the provision of care for all that inhabit this province, as enshrined in South Africa’s constitution.</p><div> </div>
Extent of alcohol use and mental health (depressive and post- traumatic stress disorder symptoms) in undergraduate university students from 26 low-, middle- and high-income countries
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Pengpid S 
Published: June 2017

<div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><strong>Objective.</strong> To estimate if there is a non-linear association between varying levels of alcohol use and poor mental health (depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) in university students from low-, middle- and high-income countries. </p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected from 19 238 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8; standard deviation (SD) 2.8) from 27 universities in 26 countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. Alcohol use was assessed in terms of number of drinks in the past 2 weeks and number of drinks per episode, and measures of depression and PTSD symptoms were administered. </p><p><strong>Results.</strong> The proportion of students with elevated depression scores was 12.3%, 16.9%, and 11.5% for non-drinkers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers, respectively, while the proportion of students with high PTSD symptoms was 20.6%, 20.4% and 23.1% for non-drinkers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers, respectively. Logistic regression found that non-drinkers and heavy drinkers had a lower odds than moderate drinkers to have severe depression, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, social support and subjective health status. Further, heavy, more frequent drinkers and more frequent binge drinkers had a higher odds to have elevated PTSD symptoms than moderate and non-drinkers, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, social support and subjective health status. </p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> The results suggest a reverse U-shaped association between recent alcohol use volume and frequency and depressive symptoms (unlike that previously identified), and a J-shaped association between binge drinking frequency and depressive symptoms and alcohol use and PTSD symptoms.</p></div></div></div></div>
The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder among South African university students
Authors: Dlagnikova Antonia , Van Niekerk Rudolph Leon 
Published: June 2017

<p><strong>Background.</strong><em> </em>The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) among South African students is explored in this article. BDD is regarded as an obsessive-compulsive-related disorder characterised by a preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance and expressed in repetitive behaviours or mental acts as a response to the appearance concerns, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning. </p><p><strong>Objectives.</strong> To determine the prevalence of BDD among undergraduate students (<em>N</em>=395) at an inner-city university. </p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> Proportionate stratified random cluster sampling was used to select the sample. The students completed a demographics survey and the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire. </p><p><strong>Results and conclusion.</strong> An overall prevalence rate of 5.1% was found in this study, which is similar to prevalence rates reported in existing literature among student populations. No clinically significant differences in the severity of the BDD were found on the demographic variables of gender, race or sexual orientation. However, students differed significantly in their experience of the severity of the disorder in terms of age, in that students over the age of 21 reported higher severity levels than students under the age of 21. Although the prevalence of the disorder compares with that in other countries, its severity seems to increase with age among South African students.</p>
Glacier evolution in high-mountain Asia under stratospheric sulfate aerosol injection geoengineering
Authors: Zhao Liyun , Yang Yi , Cheng Wei , Ji Duoying , Moore John C. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Geoengineering by stratospheric sulfate aerosol injection may help preserve mountain glaciers by reducing summer temperatures. We examine this hypothesis for the glaciers in high-mountain Asia using a glacier mass balance model driven by climate simulations from the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP). The G3 and G4 schemes specify use of stratospheric sulfate aerosols to reduce the radiative forcing under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario for the 50 years between 2020 and 2069, and for a further 20 years after termination of geoengineering. We estimate and compare glacier volume loss for every glacier in the region using a glacier model based on surface mass balance parameterization under climate projections from three Earth system models under G3, five models under G4, and six models under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The ensemble projections suggest that glacier shrinkage over the period 2010–2069 is equivalent to sea-level rise of 9.0 ± 1.6 mm (G3), 9.8 ± 4.3 mm (G4), 15.5 ± 2.3 mm (RCP4.5), and 18.5 ± 1.7 mm (RCP8.5). Although G3 keeps the average temperature from increasing in the geoengineering period, G3 only slows glacier shrinkage by about 50 % relative to losses from RCP8.5. Approximately 72 % of glaciated area remains at 2069 under G3, as compared with about 30 % for RCP8.5. The widely reported reduction in mean precipitation expected for solar geoengineering is unlikely to be as important as the temperature-driven shift from solid to liquid precipitation for forcing Himalayan glacier change. The termination of geoengineering at 2069 under G3 leads to temperature rise of about 1.3 °C over the period 2070–2089 relative to the period 2050-2069 and corresponding increase in annual mean glacier volume loss rate from 0.17 to 1.1 % yr−1, which is higher than the 0.66 % yr−1 under RCP8.5 during 2070–2089.
Estimating extreme river discharges in Europe through a Bayesian network
Authors: Paprotny Dominik , Morales-Nápoles Oswaldo 
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Large-scale hydrological modelling of flood hazards requires adequate extreme discharge data. In practise, models based on physics are applied alongside those utilizing only statistical analysis. The former require enormous computational power, while the latter are mostly limited in accuracy and spatial coverage. In this paper we introduce an alternate, statistical approach based on Bayesian networks (BNs), a graphical model for dependent random variables. We use a non-parametric BN to describe the joint distribution of extreme discharges in European rivers and variables representing the geographical characteristics of their catchments. Annual maxima of daily discharges from more than 1800 river gauges (stations with catchment areas ranging from 1.4 to 807 000 km2) were collected, together with information on terrain, land use and local climate. The (conditional) correlations between the variables are modelled through copulas, with the dependency structure defined in the network. The results show that using this method, mean annual maxima and return periods of discharges could be estimated with an accuracy similar to existing studies using physical models for Europe and better than a comparable global statistical model. Performance of the model varies slightly between regions of Europe, but is consistent between different time periods, and remains the same in a split-sample validation. Though discharge prediction under climate change is not the main scope of this paper, the BN was applied to a large domain covering all sizes of rivers in the continent both for present and future climate, as an example. Results show substantial variation in the influence of climate change on river discharges. The model can be used to provide quick estimates of extreme discharges at any location for the purpose of obtaining input information for hydraulic modelling.
Visual Outcomes following Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty for Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Guechi Oualid , Lhuillier Louis , Houmad Naila , Goetz Christophe , Ouamara Nadia , Perone Jean Marc 
Published: June 2017

Objective To assess objective and subjective visual outcomes achieved by patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction who have undergone surgical treatment with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods A total of 40 eyes of 36 patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction underwent DSAEK. All were followed up for 1 year. Visual acuity (VA; logMAR), mean endothelial cell density (MCD; via noncontact specular microscopy), and topography assessment were performed at baseline (preoperatively). Visual acuity and topography measurement were repeated at postoperative year 1. Subjective assessment of visual quality was evaluated using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). Results Preoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA) was 1.29 ± 0.53 logMAR with mean optical correction of -0.33 ± 1.74 D. Postoperative BCVA, assessed after a mean of 10.8 ± 2.1 months, showed mean line gain of 7.11 ± 4.8 logMAR, with optical correction of +1.17 ± 1.54 D. Mean 6-month postoperative pachymetry was 598.2 ± 72.3 µm. Three patients experienced premature graft detachment, requiring repositioning via injection of a sterile air bubble. No other adverse events were observed. Significant improvement (p<.05 for all) in general, near, and far vision, ocular pain, difficulty in carrying out daily tasks, dependency, social life, and mental health were reflected by NEI-VFQ scores at 10.4 ± 2.1 months postoperatively versus preoperatively. No significant correlation was noted between postoperative VA line gain and NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire score (p>0.05). Conclusions Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty treatment may restore corneal clarity, improve VA, and increase vision-related quality of life in patients with advanced endothelial dysfunction. Further large-scale study is needed to corroborate these findings.