| 31. |
|
|
| 32. |
- Segnestam, Lisa
(författare)
-
Interactions in Hazard Management Policies : the Case of Drought in Nicaragua, 1976-2010
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Disasters. The Journal of Disaster Studies, Policy and Management. - : Wiley. - 0361-3666 .- 1467-7717. ; 39:4, s. 715-737
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The literature on adaptive and multi-level governance calls for interactive hazard management to increase societies’ resilience. This paper maps the hazard management policies in a poor and hazard-prone country—Nicaragua—and examines what role the government gives to interactions among different actors at different societal levels. A new analytical framework is developed that includes scope and direction to capture unidirectional or mutual interactions that are either horizontal or vertical. This enables a more complex analysis of interactions than that found in previous research. The review shows that the historical change in the role given to interactions, as a result of a focus on short-term emergency response being complemented by long-term risk management, mainly lies in how they are characterised—with more participants and other types of content categories—and the awareness that interactions other than mutual ones can be positive. This illustrates the complexity of the issue of interactions.
|
|
| 33. |
- Mendoza, J. A., et al.
(författare)
-
Hydrogeological and hydrochemical features of an area polluted by heavy metals in central Nicaragua
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Hydrogeology Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1431-2174 .- 1435-0157. ; 14:5, s. 777-784
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Geophysical and hydrochemical surveys were used to investigate the hydrogeological conditions in one of the Rio Sucio microbasins, in central Nicaragua. Zones of vertical structures (i.e. fractures and quartz veins) and weathering were mapped using Continuous Vertical Electrical Soundings (CVES), as such zones are of major importance for groundwater transport. Water from the springs was analysed to determine concentrations of major ions and heavy metals. Low ion concentrations and 180 analyses indicate that the springs occur close to their recharge areas and there is a relatively rapid groundwater circulation. Mercury (Hg) content in the springs was low, while comparatively high amounts of lead (Pb) were found. The results presented here demonstrate the important function of weathering and tectonics in the occurrence of groundwater systems in the basin. Hg and Pb found in the springs' water reveal the existence of an increase in pollution sources disseminating in the area. More than 100 years of using mercury in the gold-mining industry and releasing wastes into rivers has affected water quality and ecosystems. Further investigations are needed in this area to determine the groundwater vulnerability to this pollution as this resource may be needed in the future.
|
|
| 34. |
- Valladares, Eliette, et al.
(författare)
-
HIV community prevalence and testing practices in León, Nicaragua
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Our objective was to determine the HIV prevalence, testing practices, and HIV-related behaviors in a general population sample in the municipality of Leon, Nicaragua. We performed a cross-sectional community-based study of 2,204 males and females ages 18 to 69, from a health and demographic surveillance system. A behavior survey and blood sampling for HIV were also carried out. Seven of 1,960 individuals who provided biological samples (0.35%; CI 0.18–0.67) were HIV positive. The predicted prevalence of HIV among non-participants was about 11% higher than the observed prevalence but it was not significantly different. The major obstacle to HIV testing seemed to be the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive. This is the first study to determine HIV prevalence among the general population in Nicaragua. Our findings confirmed that this population has a low prevalence but high risk for HIV infection. Prevention strategies are essential to maintain this figure.
|
|
| 35. |
- Caldera, Trinidad, et al.
(författare)
-
Parasuicide in a low income country : results from a three year hospital surveillance in Nicaragua.
- 2004
-
Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 32:5, s. 349-355
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: A study was undertaken to assess the incidence of parasuicide in Nicaragua, to identify groups at risk, and to describe the characteristics of parasuicides, such as methods used and seasonal and diurnal patterns. Method: All hospital-admitted parasuicide cases in the area of León, Nicaragua, were assessed over a three-year period using standardized instruments. Results: Two hundred and thirty-three parasuicide cases were identified in the catchment area giving a parasuicide rate of 66.3/100,000 inhabitants per year based on the population 10 years and older. Corresponding figure for 15 years and older was 71.3. A majority were females (68.8%), who were significantly younger than the males (mean 20.8 years vs. mean 24.6 years). The highest rates were found in the age group 15 - 19 years with a female rate three times higher than the male rate (302.9 vs. 98.9). Pesticides, a highly lethal substance, were used as method in 19.1% of the attempts. Consistent seasonal variation with peaks in May - June and September - October were found over the years. Among parasuicide cases, 46.5% had been in contact with the healthcare system within 6 months before attempting suicide. Conclusions: Parasuicides represent a significant health problem among young people in Nicaragua. Preventive efforts should be directed especially towards the life situation for young girls, limitation of availability of suicide means, increased awareness in schools concerning suicidal problems, as well as improved management of patients with mental health problems within primary healthcare.
|
|
| 36. |
- Mendoza, Jose Alfredo, et al.
(författare)
-
Aquifer interactions with a polluted mountain river of Nicaragua
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Hydrological Processes. - : Wiley. - 1099-1085 .- 0885-6087. ; 22:13, s. 2264-2273
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The interactions between a stream and nearby shallow aquifers were investigated in a mountain basin being polluted by mercury released during mining in central Nicaragua. Hourly data series of water levels and temperatures were analysed using cross-correlation. Resistivity imaging was used to map the subsurface and to complement the hydrological data interpretation. The results show the complex hydrogeological conditions that characterize the region, with weathering and fractured rock as main contributors to groundwater transport. The resistivity images suggest the presence of two vertical dykes perpendicular to the stream, and zones rich in clay. The data series indicate a rapid response from the aquifers to recharge events, followed by immediate discharge on a yearly basis. Furthermore, alternating periods of stream infiltration and aquifer discharge were identified. This work demonstrates that surface water pollution is a threat to groundwater quality in the area.
|
|
| 37. |
- Herrera Rodríguez, Andrés, 1966-
(författare)
-
Heaven can wait : studies on suicidal behaviour among young people in Nicaragua
- 2006
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In developed countries, suicidal behaviour is recognised as a significant public health problem among young people, but there are few studies from developing countries on this subject. The present thesis aims at estimating the extent of the problem and at exploring factors related to suicidal behaviour among young people in a developing country, Nicaragua, using a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. Three studies were conducted between 1999 and 2006. In the first study, all hospital admitted suicide attempt cases in the area of León were assessed over a three year period. Secondly, a qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews was conducted with eight girls aged between 12 and 19 admitted to hospital after attempting suicide. Thirdly, a study using the Attitudes Towards Suicides (ATTS) questionnaire was conducted in a community based sample of 278 young people aged 15-24 years to assess own suicidal behaviours, attitudes towards suicide as well as exposure to suicidal behaviour among significant others. The hospital surveillance showed that suicide attempt rates were highest among females in the age group 15-19 years with a female rate three times that of males (302.9 versus 98.9 per 100,000 inhabits per year). Drug intoxication and pesticides were the most commonly used methods for the attempts. A consistent seasonal variation with peaks in May-June and September-October was found in each of the three years, possibly related to exam periods in schools. Findings in the qualitative approach led to a tentative model for pathways to suicidal behaviour based on four main categories: Structuring conditions, triggering events, emotions and action taken. Dysfunctional families, lack of confidential and trustworthy contacts and interpersonal conflicts followed by emotions of shame and anger were some important components in the model. The community studies showed that suicidal expressions (life-weariness, death wishes, suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts) were common among young people where more than 44.8% of males and 47.4% of females reported some kind of suicidal expression. Gender differences were small. Exposure to suicidal behaviour among others was associated with higher levels of self-reported suicidal behaviour. The attitude study showed that boys had less pro-preventive attitudes than girls, possibly indicating their higher risk for completed suicide. Exposure to suicidal behaviour and own suicidal behaviour showed an association with specific patterns of attitudes. The findings should be taken into consideration when planning for prevention of suicidal behaviour among young people in a developing country like Nicaragua.
|
|
| 38. |
- Herrera Rodríguez, Andrés, et al.
(författare)
-
Pathways to suicidal behaviour among adolescent girls in Nicaragua
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Social Science and Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0277-9536 .- 1873-5347. ; 62:4, s. 805-814
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adolescent girls are the most frequent suicide attempters worldwide. However, there is little knowledge about pathways leading to suicidal behaviour among young people, in particular in low-income countries. This study explores the motives and processes related to suicidal behaviour among young girls in Nicaragua. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with eight girls aged between 12 and 19 admitted to hospital after attempting suicide. The audio-taped interviews lasted 2–4 h and were transcribed, translated into English and coded for content. Grounded theory and content analysis were used to construct a theory of the mechanisms behind their suicidal behaviour. A tentative model exploring pathways to suicidal behaviour is described with four main categories: structuring conditions, triggering events, emotions and actions taken. The model illustrates the dialectic interplay between structure and actions taken. Actions taken were categorized as problem solving or various forms of escape where failure with either of these strategies resulted in a suicide attempt. Dysfunctional families, absent fathers and lack of integration into society were some of the structuring conditions that lead to emotional distress. Abuse, deaths in the family, break-up with boyfriends or suicide among friends acted as triggering events. A striking finding was the obvious narrative competence of the girls. Our findings indicate that suicide prevention programmes for young people must offer support from professionals, independent of their family and social networks. Institutions in the community in contact with young people with suicidal behaviour must develop communicative skills to offer a trusting environment mobilising the resources that young people have.
|
|
| 39. |
- Flores, Johnny, et al.
(författare)
-
Analyzing IT service delivery in an ISP from Nicaragua
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Organizational, Business, and Technological Aspects of the Knowledge Society. - Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin/Heidelberg. - 3642163238 - 9783642163234 ; , s. 155-165
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents a method for analyzing IT service delivery and its application in an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The method proposed is based on ITIL-processes and case study technique; it includes questionnaires for gathering information, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and documents as sources of information for recognition of factual information. The method application allows to the ISP determines its practices and limitations of the IT Service Delivery.
|
|
| 40. |
|
|
