Health inequality in resource poor environments and the pursuit of the MDGs: traditional versus modern healthcare in rural Indonesia

The article examines health inequalities and the impact of changing healthcare provision in rural Indonesia. Traditional medicine is often the only source of medical care for a majority of the population in rural Indonesia. However, the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) requires the provision and implementation of modern healthcare systems. Using case studies from four rural districts in Kaledupa, a remote island in southeast Sulawesi in Indonesia, the study shows that although modern healthcare facilities are present in the sampled island, they seem to be remote with limited access in comparison with the number of traditional practitioners. High costs, cultural beliefs, distrust and distance to modern healthcare facilities appear to be the most common reasons for people opting for traditional healthcare.. However, social reconstruction in the perception and provision of care has also led to a gradual disappearance of the traditional healthcare provision. The study calls for policy intervention approaches that are geographically and culturally sensitive as the most pragmatic means towards the attainment of MDG targets for the health sector of Indonesia

The church of Christ in Congo and sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo Kivu provinces 1996-2016.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The objective of this thesis was to determine how the Church of Christ in Congo (CCC) is able to become a resource in re-building sustainable peace in the Kivu provinces using non-violent methods. The study rests on the idea that the CCC as a key stakeholder in the processes of all-inclusive peacebuilding in the regions. This qualitative study relied on existing literature to explore ways in which the Church of Christ in Congo has contributed to maintaining peace in the Kivu provinces of the DRC. Therefore, the key research question for this thesis was: How can the church of Christ in Congo, contribute to addressing the perpetuating conflict in DRC in its quest for sustainable peace in the Kivu provinces? While most researchers consider the Peace and Reconciliation programme to be aimed at the deportation of non-Congolese immigrants back into their respective countries of origins; and the bringing together of conflicting parties for dialogue as key elements for peacebuilding in the religion, this study specifically examines the role of the Churches in shaping sustainable peace in war-torn provinces of the DRC. The study examines the Church of Christ in Congo (CCC) also known in French as “Église du Christ au Congo (ECC)”, in its efforts to support the Peace and Reconciliation programme, through the use of its member churches across the country. This study, takes as a hypothesis, that peacebuilding successful in troubled areas depends on engaging existing local structures effectively, such as the Church networks – due to their being closer to the grassroots and this makes them influential. Through the use of conflict transformation theory, the study will attempt to show that the CCC has contributed to settlement efforts using practical means and non-violent approaches. The nature of the research required that a mixed method is employed; hence I combined phenomenological, autobiographical and explanatory methods. This allowed me to combine popular narratives shared among the displaced people of Kivu, with media and scholarly accounts to weave together narratives and stories as suggested by Mishler (1995). The initial methodological ambition was to draw on accounts of those church leaders and members who survived the conflicts because there are no official accounts of the church’s involvement in peacebuilding. Due to ongoing conflict in the region and because my own resources to travel to the region was limited, I relied on written materials provided in from churches in the region. These arrived in fragments, provided by my own contacts as well as by members of the diaspora and it informed my explanatory methodology. For the rest, I relied on variously published accounts as well as irregular reports from humanitarian agencies and member churches to construct a social history of the church’s role in building sustainable peace The research further argued that when addressing peacebuilding and reconciliation it is important to take into account the role that civil society is able to play in this kind of activity. The study sought engagement with influential civil society as well as grassroots level activists produces constructive results. The study similarly drew on the theory of conflict transformation for non-violent approaches for the transformation of violence into cultures of peace. The study examines the efforts of the Church of Christ in Congo in their various attempts to promote sustainable peace, through religious mediation, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This I believe will bring about sustainable peace in the Kivu Provinces. Peacebuilding is a central church activity that is concerned with the well-being of the entire community. The outcome of this study discloses that by drawing on the views of scholars, civil society activists, religious leaders as well as members of the diaspora, on the matter of Kivu conflict and sustainable peace is possible. Engaging all these stakeholders in the DRC, including the Church of Christ in Congo can possibly achieve its aspiration of de-escalation of the war, stop the of militias into the region and reconstruct flourishing communities. The study hence argued that an end to the war in the Kivu Provinces may be one approach of promoting sustainable peace and opening the economic interests of the investors. Lastly, a paradigm shift is needed in the conceptualization of what constitutes conflict transformation, more so peacebuilding interventions. This includes new theoretical thinking based on gaining vital views, insights, and perspectives from non-state actors such as the Church of Christ in Congo. The study found that where faith communities participate in peacebuilding efforts, whether only the Church of Christ in Congo or including other churches and organizations in the region, chances for social and political transformation in respect of peacebuilding in the Kivu Provinces in significantly increased

Tackling Australias Coal Mine Methane Problem

Ember has conducted an in-depth analysis to equip policymakers and campaigners to understand the scale of methane emissions from Australia's coal mines.The report provides an overview of the policy levers and practices which could lead to a reduction in coal mine methane, and makes recommendations targeted at improving the measurement, reporting, mitigation and, ultimately, avoidance of coal mine methane emissions. Particular focus is given to Queensland and New South Wales – Australia's two largest coal mining states.We assessed data from the Australian Greenhouse Emissions Information System, Clean Energy Regulator, Australian Chief Economist, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, International Energy Agency and Global Energy Monitor.

Factors which influence sustainable implementation of corporate governance systems in an institution of higher learning

As the demand for higher education continues to grow and as governments acknowledge their role in promoting economic development, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that higher education systems are managed in an effective way. The study examined the factors which influence effective and sustainable corporate governance in a merged University. The study was intended to create awareness of the challenges and opportunities regarding perceived conflicts in a new institution of Higher Learning with respect to management of transformation in higher education A mixed method approach was used and, as a result, data were collected using a questionnaire and interview instruments. The sample was made up of 120 randomly selected staff and students. The research established that issues of language and culture, effective communication as well as stakeholders’ consultations among others are factors which influence effective corporate governance. The study recommended that more should be done to improve the culture, ethos and the practices that would enhance a sustainable corporate governance system

Non-genetic factors and correlation studies in cattle

The data comprised of 3272 birth weight (BWT), 3091 weaning weight (WWT), 2112 yearling weight (YWT) and 1978 eighteen month weight (18-MO) pedigree records were collected from an experimental indigenous Tuli cattle herd maintained at Matopos Research Station, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, over the period 1988-1997 were used for this study. The mean BWT, WWT, YWT and 18-MO during the study period were from 28.14± 0.07 kg, 176.43± 0.07 kg, 176.58± 0.07 kg and 242.68 ± 0.07 kg with, respectively. It was found that sire, year of birth, sex of calf, age of damhad significant effect (p<0.01) effect on all growth trait. It was inferred that male calves were significantly heavier than female calves. The birth weight and weaning weight were found to be highest in seven and eight year groups, respectively, and the lowest in three-year group. The inconsistency of literature estimates indicates the importance of estimation of environmental factors that affect growth traits within specific experimental herds and environment. Correction of environmental effects is necessary to increase accuracy for selection of growth traits in indigenous Tuli cattle.In the development of any breeding plan knowledge of various properties of traits under consideration is required. Bivariate and multivariate analyses fitting an animal model, were conducted by means of (ASREML)procedures to obtain the genetic correlations. The fixed effects included in the model were sex, year of birth and age of dam. Heritability estimates for growth traits associated with the bivariate analyses were higher than those obtained using multivariate analyses. The phenotypic correlations between growth traits from both bivariate and multivariate analyses were positive and, were moderate to high. The genetic correlation between birth weight and weaning weight was positive and moderate. The genetic correlation between birth weight and post-weaning growth traits were moderate and positive, indicating that these traits are not under exactly the same genetic control. Selection for yearling weight may increase birth weight due to positive indirect selection response and high heritability (h2a). Birth weight is a good indicator of post-weaning growth traits in this herd

SIGMOID VOLVULUS : Management by resection and primary anastomosis.

In a retrospective study, 72 patients with sigmoid volvulus were treated by resection  and primary anastomosis during a three and half year period. Patients with sigrnoid volvulus but no clinical evidence of gangrene were included in this review. No attempt was made at sigmoidoscopy and deflation prior to performing an emergency laparotomy. The outcome of surgery was assessed in terms of perioperative complications and  postoperative mortality. There were four (5.5%) cases of anastomotic leak and four deaths giving a mortality rate of 5.5%. We believe that resection and primary   anastomosis should be the operation of choice for most patients with sigmoid volvulus without gangrene

Systematic environmental influences and variances due to direct and maternal effects and trends for yearling weight in cattle

Pedigree yearling records from 1021 local Tuli calves born at Matopos Research Station were analyzed for non genetic factors, genetic parameers and trends on the yearling weight. It was found that sre year of brth, sex of calf age of dam had sgnfcant effect (p < 0.01) on a growthtrait. The inconsistency of literature estimates indicated the importance o estmation of environmental factors that affect yearling weight within specific experimental herds and environment. Model incorporating both direct and maternal additive genetic effect, covariance and correlations of direct-maternal and permanent environmental maternal effects was adopted for thestudy Directand maternal heritabity estmates of 0.18 ± 0.001 and 0.04 ± 0001 were observed, respectvely. Direct-maternal genetic correlaton was low andposive, 0.07± 0.012. The regression of average direct breeding values on year was almost zero and the regression of average maternal breeding values on year 0.03 kg/yr. Correction of environmental effects was necessary to increase accuracy for selection of yearling weight in local Tuli cattle. Maternal genetic effects should be included in a model of covariance components estimation at 12 months of age.Keywords: Non genetic, Direct, Maternal trends, Yearling weight, Growth traits, Tuli cattl

IMPROVING STUDENTS LISTENING SKILL THROUGH WATCHING ENGLISH MOVIE AT SMP KERTANEGARA

ABSTRACT In today's world of education, we can see that education in Indonesia is very much different from what is expected, this can be seen from the quality of education that is not in sync with the times. Apart from the need to expand educational opportunities in terms of quality, there are still many aspects that need to be improved. Aspects that need to be improved are writing, listening, reading and speaking. The objective of this study was to analyze and explain the process of improving the students‟ listening skill for eight grade students of SMP Kertanegara Malang, through watching English movie. The subject of this research were 8th grade students of SMP Kertanegara Malang, that consisted of 20 students. The method used in this study is Classroom Action Research (CAR) by Kemmis and Mc Taggart action research procedure: planning, acting, observing and reflecting. This study carried out in two cycles, which contained two meetings in each cycle. The observation sheets, and tests were the data gathered in this study. The results in this study indicate that there was obtained improvement of the students' listening skills. Most of the students gradually gained good scores at the end of cycle. The score of Minimum Mastery Criterion (KKM) of English lesson was 75. In the pre-test, there were 5 or 25% students who passed the KKM and the mean score of the pre-test was 60. The result of post-test 1 in cycle one, there were 7 or 35% students who passed the KKM considering their mean score of the test gained 69,5. Next the results of the post- test 2 in the second cycle shows that there were 18 or 90% students who passed the KKM in which their mean score derived 84,75. In conclusion, watching English movie can improve students‟ listening skill

Woody plant communities of Comoe-Leraba reserve: Characterisation and impact of soils on their distribution

The protected areas are worth great in vegetation conservation; this supported their interest in scientific research on the tools being able to be used for their sustainable management. The present study enters within the framework of a better knowledge of Comoé-Léraba reserve plants communities’ and the soils conditions which explained their distribution, in the aim to make better decisions for it conservation. The objective of the survey is to discriminate the plants communities in relation to soils’ physicals and chemicals parameters which control their distribution. Thus, 368 physociological plots have been done in the field by applying Braun-Blanquet (1932) method and then the plants communities’ package has been carried out in CANOCO software. In related to each ecosystem, 11 plants communities’ have been clearly defined, according the phytosociological statements (DCA). Among these communities four news syntaxons were determined based on previous studies in the same phytogeographical zones. Then their direct ordination (CCA) with soil’s (physical and chemical) parameters, shows that plants communities’ distribution is governed mainly by the water regulation on the ground and also its texture. The obtained results will certainly contribute to lay down a constant policy maker in biodiversity conservation. Lieux de refuge et de conservation de la végétation, les aires protégées sont des zones potentiellement diversifiées. Elles suscitent un grand intérêt pour la recherche en vue de découvrir des outils pouvant servir à leur gestion durable. La présente étude entre dans le cadre d’une meilleure connaissance des communautés végétales de la réserve de la Comoé-Léraba et des conditions édaphiques qui sous-tendent leur installation en vue de faciliter les prises de décisions entrant dans le cadre de sa conservation. Ainsi, l’objectif était de discriminer les groupements végétaux en relation avec les paramètres édaphiques qui gouvernent leur distribution. Sur le terrain, 368 relevés physociologiques ont été réalisés en appliquant la méthode de Braun Blanquet (1932) et l’individualisation des groupements végétaux a été réalisée grâce au logiciel CANOCO. L’analyse a permis de discriminer 11 groupements végétaux dont la classification syntaxonomique révèle quatre nouveaux taxons comparativement aux études réalisées dans les zones phytogéographiques similaires. L’ordination directe (CCA) intégrant les paramètres physiques et chimiques des sols, permet de considérer la texture et les paramètres hydriques des sols comme étant les plus efficients dans la distribution des groupements végétaux. Les résultats obtenus contribueront certainement à définir une politique soutenue de la conservation de la biodiversité