O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar os aspectos socioambientais do sistema lacustre da maraponga e a relaÃÃo estabelecida dos moradores e freqÃentadores do bairro com a lagoa, analisando os aspectos geoambientais e socioeconÃmicos relacionados a capacidade do sistema lacustre da maraponga, bem com as alteraÃÃes fÃsico-quÃmica e bacteriolÃgica da lagoa, para tanto foram identificados os agentes emissores de poluentes que comprometem a qualidade da Ãgua. A Lagoa da Maraponga està localizada no setor Sudoeste da cidade de Fortaleza que faz parte do segmento costeiro do Estado do CearÃ, fazendo parte da micro-bacia de Fortaleza, mais precisamente da bacia fluvial do Rio CocÃ. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido sob a abordagem socioambiental desenvolvida por MendonÃa (2002), cujo objeto de estudo à construÃdo a partir da relaÃÃo entre sociedade e natureza, e como o objeto de estudo està inserido na Ãrea urbana utilizou-se o Sistema Ambiental Urbano S.A.U. que à um mÃtodo que comeÃou a ser desenvolvido por MendonÃa (2004), na busca de uma abordagem dos problemas socioambientais urbanos. Sendo este constituÃdo de trÃs subsistemas o natural, o social e o construÃdo, sendo este constituÃdo de um sistema complexo e aberto. Esse mÃtodo està associado aos princÃpios limnolÃgicos uma vez que trata do estudo das Ãguas continentais, alÃm de possuir uma caracterÃstica interdisciplinar. Para a anÃlise dos fatores socioeconÃmicos foram utilizados os dados estatÃsticos do censo do IBGE de 2000 e entrevistas com os freqÃentadores do parque onde està localizada a lagoa Os dados de indicadores da qualidade da Ãgua da lagoa da Maraponga, que foram utilizados, foram coletados junto a SEMAM/PMF, os parÃmetros fÃsico-quÃmico e bacteriolÃgico das amostras utilizaram como determinaÃÃo padrÃo as especificaÃÃes da ResoluÃÃo CONAMA 357/2005. A partir dos dados coletados foi possÃvel constatar os principais impactos socioambientais e inter-relaÃÃo entre sociedade / This study aims to examine the environmental aspects of the lake system and the relationship of Maraponga of residents and visitors to the neighborhood pond, examining aspects related to socio-economic and geo-environmental capacity of the lake system Maraponga well with the physical and chemical changes Bacteriological and the lagoon, both pair identifying the agents emitters that compromise water quality. Maraponga's Lagoon is located in sout hwest sector of the city of Fortaleza that is part of the coastal segment of the state of Ceara at latitude 3  47'20 .58 "S and longitude 38  34'7 .475" W. It is part of the micro-watershed of Fortaleza, specifically the Rio Coco river basin and is conne cted to other watersheds in the city. This work will be developed under the social environmental approach developed by Mendonca (2002). The object of study of social and environmental geography is constructed from the relationship between society and nature, and as the object of study is inserted in the urban area, we used the Urban Environmental System SAU a method that was first developed by Mendonca (2004), in search of an approach to urban social and environmental problems. This being composed of three subsystems that natural, social and built, and the UAA consists of a complex system and open. This method is associated limnological principles as regards the study of inland waters, also has an interdisciplinary character. For the analysis of socioeconomic factors were used for statistical data from the IBGE census of 2000 and interviews with patrons of the park is located where the pond data quality indicators Maraponga of pond water , which were used were collected from SEMAM / PMF, the physico-chemicaland bacteriological samples used to determine the standard specifications of Resolution 357/2005. From the data collected, we determined the major environmental impacts and inter - relationship between society nature, which made proposals for better use of that water resource.

Este trabalho insere-se no âmbito do saneamento básico e da tendência relativamente nova de valoração da proteção e dos recursos ambientais. Destaca a atual problemática ambiental e os problemas específicos do saneamento básico, seu entendimento e providências sugeridas para sua minimização. Através de questionário, levantou-se e, com análise multivariada, investigou-se a percepção pública sobre as condições, os sentimentos e as participações públicas relativas aos serviços de água, esgotos, lixo, drenagem e arborização de Fernandópolis, SP. Como resultado, constatou-se que, a partir do serviço de água, suas situações e sentimentos decrescem, sucessivamente, para os serviços de esgotos, limpeza pública, drenagem e arborização. Em todos eles, a participação popular, assim como a ocorrência de campanhas que poderiam potencializá-la além de potencializar os demais aspectos questionados, não eram as desejáveis. Do cotejo dos resultados obtidos com princípios de sustentabilidade concluiu-se que, em diferentes níveis, todos os serviços avaliados não se mostraram sustentáveis. Finalizando, sugere-se que a valoração dos serviços de saneamento básico e recursos ambientais urbanos podem contribuir, mutuamente, para realizar seus respectivos potenciais de participação popular, melhorar suas situações e sentimentos públicos que despertam além de contribuir para a inserção socioeconômica nos problemas de saneamento urbano, de forma a torná-los, e ao ambiente urbano, sustentados. / This work encompasses basic sanitation and the relatively recent trend of valuating the environmental protection and the environmental resources. It points out current environmental issues and the specific problems of basic sanitation considering how they have been dealt with and the suggestions for minimizing them. Through a questionnaire, it was possible not only to analyze the public view on the sanitation conditions and people reactions to them, but also their participation in the as well as in the essential services such as water, sewers, garbage and drainage in the city of Fernandópolis, SP. It was founded that the respondents answered more positively to the water service and less favorably to sewer, garbage collection, drainage, and arborization, successively. It was also suggested that public participation was not a prevailing public view, nor were public service campaigns; although those could improve the essential services assessed. Concerning sustainability, it can be included that generally all the evaluated services proved not to be sustainable. Accordingly, it indicates that valuating the basic sanitation services and the environmental resources can contribute to their mutual progress with greater public participation to improve the services and consequently their opinions about them contributing for their socio-economic insertion by taking part in the plans to handle the urban sanitation matters to make them and the urban environment sustainable development.

Em estudo realizado com 167 pacientes ambulatoriais idosos atendidos em serviço especializado de geriatria em centro de saúde escola, localizado no bairro da Consolação, no município de São Paulo (SP), foi avaliado o perfil farmacoepidemiológico, investigado se as listas de medicamentos padronizados coincidem com as prescrições e estimados os custos da medicação utilizada. Para este estudo, foram utilizadas informações extraídas dos prontuários médicos e obtidas através de entrevistas com os pacientes ou seus acompanhantes responsáveis. A maioria foi do sexo feminino (74,4%), a média de idade foi 80,4 anos, sendo 71 pacientes entre 60 e 79 anos e 96 entre 80 e 96 anos. Os participantes apresentaram condições socioeconômicas acima da média da população brasileira na faixa etária estudada. O perfil de morbidade, entre os pacientes entrevistados, mostrou média de 6,3 (± 2,5) diagnósticos. O número de medicamentos prescritos a cada paciente foi em média 6,1 (± 2,7). Não houve correlação significativa entre as variáveis pessoais pesquisadas e o número de doenças ou medicamentos registrados. No total foram 1.018 medicamentos prescritos, a maioria (82,9%) de padronizados e distribuídos gratuitamente pelo serviço público. A estimativa de gasto mensal pelo governo com a aquisição desses medicamentos foi de R$ 4.100,55, R$ 24,55/paciente/mês, equivalentes a US$ 11,92/paciente/mês (US$ 0,40/dia). Para 100 pacientes foi registrado pelo menos um medicamento não padronizado, observando-se alguns fármacos indisponíveis na padronização com prevalência relativamente alta de prescrição (memantina, mirtazapina, zolpidem, domperidona). É sugerido um estudo para revisão da padronização de medicamentos para o tratamento de pacientes idosos. / In study carried out with 167 elderly outpatients attended in specialized geriatric service in Centro de Saúde Escola, located in Consolação district, in the municipality of São Paulo, was evaluated the pharmacoepidemiological profile, investigating if the standardized medicament lists match with the prescriptions and estimated the costs from the utilized medication. For this study it was used information extracted from the medical handbooks and obtained through interviews with the patients or their accompanying charge. The majority was female (74,4%), average age of 80,4 years old, being 71 patients between 60 and 79 years old, and 96 between 80 and 96 years old. The participants presented socio-economic conditions above the Brazilian average in the age group studied. The morbidity profile, between the interviewed patients, shown an average of 6,3 (± 2,5) diagnostics. The number of medicaments prescribed to each patient had an average of 6,1 (± 2,7). There were no significantly correlation between the personal variables researched and the number of diseases or medicaments registered. In total 1.018 medicaments were prescribed, the majority (82,9 %) of standardized and freely distributed by the public service. The estimative of monthly cost by the government with the acquisition of these medicaments was R$ 4.100,55, R$ 24,55 by patient a month, equivalent to US$ 11,92 a month (US$ 0,40 a day). For 100 patients was registered at least one non standardized medicament, observing some unavailable drugs on the standardization with relatively high prescription prevalence (memantine, mirtazapine, zolpidem, domperidone). It\'s suggested a revision study from the standardization of medicaments for treatment of elderly patients.

O presente trabalho busca compreender e analisar a partir de um ponto de vista conceitual o termo cultura ecológica, que vem sendo usado como sinônimo de uma infinidade de conceitos associados à racionalidade econômica capitalista. O objetivo principal deste trabalho não é definir o quê é cultura ecológica, mas apontar as suas possíveis potencialidades conceituais, já que até agora tem se forjado como um termo mais normativo do que conceitual. Este trabalho propõe uma análise teórica - critica do termo e de vários aspectos ligados a ele, questionando e refletindo sobre a atual crise socioambiental. Primeiramente faz-se uma análise dos termos cultura, ecologia e cultura ecológica, apontando para os usos atuais desta idéia. Baseando-se em alguns aspectos teóricos de Karl Marx, de Max Weber e usando o conceito de cultura política de Gabriel Almond e Sidney Verba, analisaram-se algumas possibilidades de estudo da cultura ecológica. Depois, refletiu-se sobre a relação entre idéias e práticas ecológicas apoiando-se no conceito de práxis, o que levou também a tratar do espaço público, da cidadania e do individualismo. / This study aims to understand and analyze from a conceptual point of view the term ecological culture, which has been used as a synonymous of several concepts associated to the capitalist economic rationality. Thus, the main objective is not to define what ecological culture is, but to point at the possible conceptual potentialities, since it has been shaped as a normative term, instead of a conceptual one. This study suggests a theoretical and critical analysis of the term and of several aspects linked to it, inquiring and reflecting on the current socio environmental crisis. First of all, an analysis of the terms culture, ecology and ecological culture is done, pointing at the current usages of the term ecological culture. Some possibilities of study of the ecological culture are analyzed based upon theoretical aspects from Karl Marx, Max Weber and using the political culture concept from Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba. Finally, a reflection on the relation between ecological ideas and practices is made using the praxis concept, what leads to treat about public sphere, citizenship and individualism.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / A spinal cord injury (SCI) is an acquired injury, by which damage to the spinal cord causes complete or partial neurological impairment. The major causes of premature death after a spinal cord injury have been documented as septicaemia, urinary tract infections and respiratory disorders. However since the development of modern, comprehensive, medical care, persons with spinal cord injuries generally live longer and thus age with their disability. Several researchers have reported on physical activity and people with SCI and the benefits of it. The overall aim of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of community dwelling survivors of spinal cord injuries regarding their involvement in physical activity or exercise in their respective communities. This was a descriptive and exploratory study that utilised a qualitative approach. Participants for this study were mainly recruited from a registry kept by a not-for-profit organization rendering services and support to survivors of spinal cord injuries in the Cape Metropolitan area. Furthermore, the use of the photo-voice technique was deemed appropriate for this study as this would allow the participants to depict their experiences of physical activity/exercises in their respective communities by means of photographs. Five themes were generated from the thematic analysis: Knowledge of the benefits of physical activity or exercise; getting to and from facilities for physical activity or exercise; availability of facilities; influence of weather and future plans regarding involvement in physical activity. The findings of this study was that most of the participants were aware of the importance of physical activity and the majority was involved in some or other form of physical activity or exercise. A number of factors influenced the participants approach towards physical activity, mostly external barriers and facilitators, which was highlighted by emerging themes. Permission and ethics clearance was obtained from Senate Higher Degree and Research Committee of the University of the Quad-Para Association of South Africa. Participation in this study was voluntary and confidentiality and anonymity was assured. Participants were also assured of their right to participate, decline or withdraw at any time without any implications. In case of any complaint, the participant will be referred for appropriate intervention. An informed written consent was completed by every participant who agreed to take part in the study. All participants were treated with dignity and respect and feedback will be given to all relevant bodies.

This case-study provides a critical evaluation of the effects of neo-liberal (market-driven) reforms in achieving the goal of human security in Sierra Leone after the civil conflict in 2002. In the context of Sierra Leone, there are fundamental questions about the basic security of the population. This mean the ability to live without fear of conflict and the security to do with the ordinary lives of Sierra Leoneans. This is absolutely central to the post-war reconstruction of that country. It represents a major concern for the international community, the Sierra Leone Government, foreign government donors as well as the NGO communities. Underlying these issues is the subject of which development paragon is best suitable in addressing these questions, and what impact will it have on the people. To understand this, the study has framed the issues of education and health, the two aspects which this thesis focuses upon, as a commitment to human security. Human security has become a dominant theme for many development organisations around the world because of it connection with security and development. Education and health are important because they are crucial social and basic human right that should be provided without any form of unfairness by the state. Because of their multiplier effect, they assist in eradicating poverty and further the attainment of human security. The reforms, which includes privatisation and decentralisation, has been imposed primarily by the World Bank and the IMF to transform the education and health system in order to improve the human security of the Sierra Leonean people. Proponents of these reforms argued that it would provide equal access, make the system more efficient, provide more choices for the population, and enhances accountability and citizens’ participation in governance. As a result of these, the study is important for three reasons: first, it assesses the success of these reforms; second, it offers a better understanding of socio-economic development related to education and health as they are now viewed as a commodity; and third, it suggests ways of enhancing the performance of its delivery intended to assist the population. The evaluation is informed by critical theory, the theoretical framework because: of its usefulness in understanding the concept of power/knowledge, ideology and governance, as neo-liberalism has become a discourse of global common sense that frames policy options as though they were natural or not to be questioned, and yet serve to reinforce the interests of dominant groups. Critical theory enable us to make sense of the hidden power relations in the way knowledge/policy is constituted. Second, critical theory is also a qualitative approach and hence comes as a way of critiquing quantitative methodology. The study argues that it is very problematic to imagine that this strategy (neo-liberal reforms) is actually for the great masses of people living in poor conditions, while it does not address their needs and does nothing to deal with the security of their lives. The study found that the reforms were considered undemocratic, and has led to unequal access thus augmenting fears of stratification on the basis of an individual being rich or poor. Therefore, the study recommends that if the goal of human security is to be achieved, it is important to strengthen citizens’ and other local actors’ voices in governance to develop effective local policies; and government intervention and commitment is also needed to improve the performance of public schools and health care institutions in order to make them more competitive so that they can co-exist with their private counterparts. Key Words: Neo-liberalism, critical theory, education policy, health policy, human security, privatisation, decentralisation, social justice, socio-economic development.

This thesis eschews an econometric approach to the analysis of microfinance initiatives in favour of a wider, political economy approach. It paints a picture of the international financial and socio-economic environment in which microfinance as a practice has developed since the mid-1970s, and the introduction outlines the political agendas that fuel the theoretical debate over development, and the manner in which the self-proclaimedly objective scientific rationale that underlines the dominant neoliberal hegemony is in reality no such thing. The introduction is followed by a methodological explanation of the necessity to examine microfinance in such a context, and then deals with the combination of approaches included in the thesis, sources, and data-collection methods of the fieldwork in Nicaragua. The next three chapters comprise the body of theoretical and literary evidence in support of this methodology, from the international down to the sectoral level within Nicaragua. Having located the Nicaraguan microfinance sector within a theoretical, international and national context, the subsequent chapter moves to examine the local context. The fieldwork in Nicaragua culminates in a combined map- and questionnaire-based exercise set in Masaya, a city some 27 kilometres roughly south of Managua, the capital. The chapter examines the structure and functions of two local microfinance organisations, FAMA and ADIM, and conducts a close examination of the population amongst which these microfinance organisations operate. The survey of the socioeconomy of households within the Masaya area concludes by casting doubts on, traditional methods of microfinance impact assessment, and suggests a different approach to studying microfinance. The thesis concludes by suggesting that the current vogue for envisaging microfinance initiatives as purely financial operations to be analysed as an accounting phenomenon is not only mistaken, but has potentially damaging consequences. The thesis argues that microfinance must be seen within local, national and international political contexts, and that doing so will help avoid costly errors. The thesis also suggests that the demand for new client-orientated initiatives will be assisted by taking the political economic reality into account, and by using methods such as those suggested by this thesis.

This study considers the changing ideals of marriage during the 19th century as reflected in acollection of Swedish bourgeoisie love-letters from the 1870s. Through a combined quantitative andqualitative effort the goal is to establish how adherents to the relatively new ideal of marriage forthe sake of romantic love; thought, wrote and experienced the material aspects of marriage. It alsoaspires to shed light on how traditional family influence on the marital sphere survived the proposedshift in ideals.The study finds that family, economy and shared feelings were themes that dominated the letters.Individuals that adhered to the ideal of romantic love spent considerable time realizing the materialpre-requisites of marriage. This leads to a conclusion that marriage ideals and marriage practiceevolved at different paces. Family influence largely survived the change of ideals through paternalauthority, individual immersion in the family-dominated socio-economic network and aspirations ofthe young to retain the socio-economic status of their elders.

Master of Public Health - MPH / A matched case-control study was carried out to identify the factors associated with the nutritional status of children in Livingstone district, Zambia. A trained field researcher collected data on demographic, feeding practices and socio-economic factors in matched groups of underweight children and normal weight children from the mothers/caregivers of the children. Interviews, using a structured pre-tested questionnaire, were used to obtain the data. All children aged from six to fifty-nine months admitted at Livingstone General Hospital during the months of October to December, 2003 with a weight for age below –2SD from the median of the reference population formed the underweight children (cases). The total was 47 children. The cases were then matched according to sex and age to 47 normal weight children attending the under five clinic at Livingstone General Hospital during the same months, with a weight for age above –2SD from the median of the reference population (controls). The final sample was 94 children. Weights were recorded using the same scale in the outpatient’s department prior to admission and during the under five clinic session. Interviews then took place in a separate room after the clinic nurse had attended them. A separate visit was then made to the homes of the children on a different day. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to measure strengths of associations. Results revealed that the basic causes of underweight were the poor economic state of the country, unfavorable policies and insufficient government support in the areas of health, education, agriculture, housing and employment. Underlying causes were inadequate access to food, inadequate care of children, poor access to health services and unhealthy living environments, while immediate causes were poor food intake and disease. Low educational and literacy levels of the mothers/caregivers, unemployment and lack of sufficient finances to access basic necessities such as food, housing and health contributed to underweight. / South Africa

Magister Scientiae - Msc (Statistics) / Contraception is said to be one of the vital determinants of fertility (Bongaarts, 1978). African nations, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa have a history of high fertility levels and low contraceptive use. However, contraceptive methods have been used one way or another throughout human history, although, due to improvements, these methods have evolved over the years. In Namibia, there tend to be a huge gap between women's knowledge of methods of contraception and usage thereof. For instance as per NDHS survey of 2000, 97 percent of married women knew of a contraceptive method, while 38 percent utilised them. This study aims at investigating knowledge and usage of contraceptives among women in union of reproductive age in an independent Namibia, 10 years after independence between 1992 and 2000. Socio-economic and demographic factors affecting contraceptive usage are examined in this study to determine their significance. / South Africa