Women and Liberal Peacebuilding in Post- Conflict Northern Uganda: community social work agenda revisited?

This paper examines women’s participation in post-conflict peacebuilding activities within the neo-liberal peace theory and framework. Using qualitative approach, the study gathered information from 40 women and several key informants working and living in post-conflict northern Uganda. The paper utilizes this information in reflecting on how women live in and engage with their communities in post-conflict settings, and also assess the actual actions and initiatives that women develop in post-conflict situation, the space available to them and the emergent context. The paper also analyses the extent to which these factors shape community post-conflict adjustments. Key challenges affecting women’s participation in the peacebuilding processes, mainly at grassroots and community levels are examined. The major conclusion of the paper is that liberal peacebuilding approach does not fully espouse, embrace or explain issues of critical consciousness, social and strategic agency nor does it prepare the women to effectively engage their society. I argue that this limitation and omission do not adequately prepare women to confront social issues and oppressive practices as well as challenge certain traditions and power structures, issues that are hall marks of community based social work

Reflections on Mainstreaming Internship in University Curricula with specific reference to the Experience of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University

Makerere University mainstreamed field based learning (internship)into all its undergraduate study programmes. Initially internship was conducted only in professional courses like Education, Social Work and Law. However, due to criticism that the University was producing graduates who are not in touch with the realities in the workplace, the University  rethought it approach and now requires all second year undergraduate students to undergo internship. Although this change presented several opportunities, mainstreaming internship across a multiplicity of study programmes also presented numerous challenges. This paper provides an ethnographic reflection of three of the university’s academics (involved in the supervision of students’ internship) on these challenges. It also discusses their lessons from participating in the implementation of the internship programme.Keywords: Internship; Curriculum innovation; Higher education reform

An exposition of intra-bush and post-bush experiences of formerly abducted child mothers in Northern Uganda : issues in rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration

This qualitative study explores the intra-bush and post-bush experiences of formerly abducted child mothers (FACM) in Northern Uganda. Critical events in the lives of young women who were abducted as young girls to join rebel soldiers in the recent civil war are examined. These critical events include sexual violation, training and participation in battles as child soldiers, motherhood, intra-bush trauma and, escape or release. The study also explores how the young women coped with life in the post-bush society they had rejoined. I examine approaches, resources and opportunities for the rehabilitation of returning FACM, their resettlement process and reintegration. The methodology borrows from narrative analysis, phenomenology and grounded theory with the main methods being in-depth interviews with FACM and key informants as well as focus groups with community members and agency staff. Structuration theory, African feminist theories, child rights discourse and a conceptual framework focusing on rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration are utilized as lenses through which the experiences of the young women are viewed. Findings suggest that while the FACM demonstrated considerable agency in managing the challenges they came across both in the bush and in the post-bush periods, this agency was significantly curtailed by social structures. The young women‘s experiences, both in captivity and post-captivity were influenced by structural factors which were embedded within social systems and relationships. These factors formed the context for the lived realities of the young women which were in turn impacted by gender and culture. The FACM had to assume a multiplicity of roles and identities as girls, mothers, ‗wives‘, fighters, which interconnected with individual agency. This contributed to the strengths and resilience the young women possessed and also led to non-compliance with traditional cultural practices in some instances making reintegration more difficult. The main contributions of the study are: in its demonstration that some African cultural traditions have points of convergence with the promotion of children rights; in increasing understanding of the role of patriarchal and matriarchal power in social life; and in the revelation of the agency of the young women and their resistance to structural violence, although this agency was not adequate for protection from abuse. The study isolates not only individual but social agency which can be utilized to support rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration planning. It raises the significance of the quality of personal relationships in carrying out interventions for FACM, sheds lights on the issues surrounding social rejection of the young women, where this occurs, and argues for interventions that build on their strengths and considers not only post-bush but intra-bush experiences.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

AN EXPLORATION INTO THE INFLUENCES OF CULTURE ON THE RELATIONSHIPS OF CHINESE AND BRITISH CONSUMERS WITH BRANDS

According to studies of culture such as Hofstedes (1991) cultural dimensions, Chinese and British culture are very different. The Chinese culture is viewed as more traditional whereas the British culture is seen as more modern. Brands play a key role in the products choices that consumers make and their attitudes towards them. This dissertation explores the influence of culture on the relationships that Chinese and British consumers have with brands. The study begins by reviewing literature on culture and branding. The cultural frameworks of Hofstede (1991), Trompenaars (1996) and Schwartz (1997) are examined to help gain a better understanding of what culture is. Various definitions of culture are also discussed. The study was conducted through interviewing fourteen Chinese and British respondents. The findings conclude that there are some aspects of the respondents relationships with brands that are influenced by culture but in some instances the cultural influences are not so obvious

Employing a Machine Learning Approach to Detect Combined Internet of Things Attacks Against Two Objective Functions Using a Novel Dataset

One of the important features of Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is Objective Function (OF). OF influences an IoT network in terms of routing strategies and network topology. On the other hand, detecting a combination of attacks against OFs is a cutting-edge technology that will become a necessity as next generation low-power wireless networks continue to be exploited as they grow rapidly. However, current literature lacks study on vulnerability analysis of OFs particularly in terms of combined attacks. Furthermore, machine learning is a promising solution for the global networks of IoT devices in terms of analysing their ever-growing generated data and predicting cyber-attacks against such devices. Therefore, in this paper, we study the vulnerability analysis of two popular OFs of RPL to detect combined attacks against them using machine-learning algorithms through different simulated scenarios. For this, we created a novel IoT dataset based on power and network metrics, which is deployed as part of an RPL IDS/IPS solution to enhance information security. Addressing the captured results, our machine learning approach is successful in detecting combined attacks against two popular OFs of RPL based on the power and network metrics in which MLP and RF algorithms are the most successful classifier deployment for single and ensemble models

Validation of PROMIS physical function for evaluating outcome after acute Achilles tendon rupture

Background: There is increased demand for valid, reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate treatment for Achilles tendon rupture, but not all PROMs currently in use are reliable and responsive for this condition. Purpose: To evaluate the measurement properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF) compared with other PROMs used after treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with a follow-up questionnaire was performed. All adult patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture between June 2016 and June 2018 with a minimum 12-month follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Functional outcome was assessed using the PROMIS PF computerized adaptive test (CAT), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL), FAAM-Sports, and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Pearson correlation (r) was used to assess the correlations between PROMs. Absolute and relative floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: In total, 103 patients were included (mean age, 44.7 years; 74% male); 82 patients (79.6%) underwent operative repair, while 21 patients (20.4%) underwent nonoperative management. The mean time between treatment and collection of PROMs was 25.3 months (range, 15-36 months). The mean scores were 55.4 +/- 9.2 (PROMIS PF), 92.9 +/- 12.2 (FAAM-ADL), 77.7 +/- 22.9 (FAAM-Sports), and 83.0 +/- 19.4 (ATRS). The ATRS was correlated with FAAM-ADL (r = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.86; P < .001) and FAAM-Sports (r = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.90; P < .001). The PROMIS PF was correlated with the FAAM-ADL (r = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53-0.75; P < .001), FAAM-Sports (r = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.75; P < .001), and ATRS (r = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.78; P < .001). The PROMIS PF did not show absolute floor or ceiling effects (0%). The FAAM-ADL (35.9%), FAAM-Sports (15.8%), and ATRS (20.4%) had substantial absolute ceiling effects. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF, FAAM-ADL, and FAAM-Sports all showed a moderate to high mutual correlation with the ATRS. Only the PROMIS PF avoided substantial floor and ceiling effects. The results suggest that the PROMIS PF CAT is a valid, reliable, and perhaps the most responsive tool to evaluate patient outcomes after treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture.Clinical epidemiolog

Characterising demographics, knowledge, practices and clinical care among patients attending sickle cell disease clinics in Eastern Uganda [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: In Uganda to date, there are neither established registries nor descriptions of facility-based sickle cell disease (SCD) patient characteristics beyond the central region. Here, we summarize data on the baseline clinical characteristics and routine care available to patients at four clinics in Eastern Uganda as a prelude to a clinical trial. Methods: Between February and August 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients attending four SCD clinics in Mbale, Soroti, Atutur and Ngora, all in Eastern Uganda, the planned sites for an upcoming clinical trial (H-PRIME: ISRCTN15724013). Data on socio-demographic characteristics, diagnostic methods, clinic schedules, the use of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs, clinical complications and patient understanding of SCD were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Data were collected on 1829 patients. Their ages ranged from 0 to 64 years with a median (IQR) of 6 (3-11) years. 50.9% of participants were male. The majority (1151; 62.9%) reported a positive family history for SCD. Approximately half knew that SCD is inherited from both parents but a substantial proportion did not know how SCD is transmitted and small numbers believed that it is acquired by either transfusion or from other people. Only 118/1819 (6.5%) participants had heard about or were using hydroxyurea while 356/1794 (19.8%) reported stigmatization. Participants reported a median of three (IQR 1-4) hospital admissions during the preceding 12 months; 80.8% had been admitted at least once, while 14.2% had been admitted more than five times. Pain was the most common symptom, while 83.9% of those admitted had received at least one blood transfusion. Conclusion: The majority of patients attending SCD clinics in Eastern Uganda are children and few are currently being treated with hydroxyurea. The data collected through this facility-based survey will provide background data that will be useful in planning for the H-PRIME trial

Operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures in adults a systematic review and meta-analysis

Importance No consensus has been reached to date regarding the optimal treatment for distal radius fractures. The international rate of operative treatment has been increasing, despite higher costs and limited functional outcome evidence to support this shift. Objectives To compare functional, clinical, and radiologic outcomes after operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures in adults. Data Sources The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases were searched from inception to June 15, 2019, for studies comparing operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting on the following: acute distal radius fracture with operative treatment (internal or external fixation) vs nonoperative treatment (cast immobilization, splinting, or bracing); patients 18 years or older; and functional outcome. Studies in a language other than English or reporting treatment for refracture were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers. Effect estimates were pooled using random-effects models and presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. Data were analyzed in September 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measures included medium-term functional outcome measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the overall complication rate after operative and nonoperative treatment. Results A total of 23 unique studies were included, consisting of 8 RCTs and 15 observational studies, that described 2254 unique patients. Among the studies that presented sex data, 1769 patients were women [80.6%]. Overall weighted mean age was 67 [range, 22-90] years). The RCTs included 656 patients (29.1%); observational studies, 1598 patients (70.9%). The overall pooled effect estimates the showed a significant improvement in medium-term (<= 1 year) DASH score after operative treatment compared with nonoperative treatment (MD, -5.22 [95% CI, -8.87 to -1.57]; P = .005; I-2 = 84%). No difference in complication rate was observed (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.69-1.55]; P = .87; I-2 = 62%). A significant improvement in grip strength was noted after operative treatment, measured in kilograms (MD, 2.73 [95% CI, 0.15-5.32]; P = .04; I-2 = 79%) and as a percentage of the unaffected side (MD, 8.21 [95% CI, 2.26-14.15]; P = .007; I-2 = 76%). No improvement in medium-term DASH score was found in the subgroup of studies that only included patients 60 years or older (MD, -0.98 [95% CI, -3.52 to 1.57]; P = .45; I-2 = 34%]), compared with a larger improvement in medium-term DASH score after operative treatment in the other studies that included patients 18 years or older (MD, -7.50 [95% CI, -12.40 to -2.60]; P = .003; I-2 = 77%); the difference between these subgroups was statically significant (test for subgroup differences, P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance This meta-analysis suggests that operative treatment of distal radius fractures improves the medium-term DASH score and grip strength compared with nonoperative treatment in adults, with no difference in overall complication rate. The findings suggest that operative treatment might be more effective and have a greater effect on the health and well-being of younger, nonelderly patients.This meta-analysis compares functional, clinical, and radiologic outcomes after operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radial fractures in adults.Question What outcomes are associated with operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures in adults? Findings This meta-analysis of 2254 unique participants in 23 unique studies showed that operative treatment of distal radius fractures improved the medium-term Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score and grip strength compared with nonoperative treatment in adults, with no difference in overall complication rate. Meaning These findings suggest that operative treatment might be preferred for distal radius fractures.Clinical epidemiolog