Density Structure of the Papua New Guinea-Solomon Arc Subduction System

The Papua New Guinea-Solomon(PN-SL)arc is one of the regions with active crustal motions and strong geological actions.Thus,its complex subduction system makes it an ideal laboratory for studying the initiation mechanism of plate subduction.However,the PN-SL subduction system has not yet been sufficiently studied,and its density structure has yet to be revealed.In this paper,we used the free-air gravity data,Parker-Oldenburg density surface inversion method,and the genetic algorithm density inversion method to obtain the density structure of an approximately 1000-km-long northwest-southeast line crossing the PN-SL subduction system under the constraints of the CRUST1.0 global crustal model,onshore seismic data,and the LLNL-G3Dv3 global P-wave velocity model.The density structure shows that density differences between the plates on the two sides of the trench could play a significant role in plate subduction.

巴布亚企鹅(Pygoscelis papua)精子形态及超微结构观察

为探明巴布亚企鹅精子的形态结构及超微结构特征,试验对5只处于繁殖季节的雄性巴布亚企鹅采用无创的背部按摩法获得新鲜精液,经扫描电镜和透射电镜对精子形态与超微结构分别进行分析。结果表明:利用扫描电镜观察到的巴布亚企鹅精子属于典型的鞭毛精子,头部呈椭球形,长11.40~11.60μm;精子中段较短,长1.83~2.69μm;精子尾部细长,长47.50~59.74μm;精子超微结构显示,精子的头部长而窄,呈椭球形,在中段发现了自噬体,长0.61~0.81μm,呈新月形,精子的尾部细长、呈鞭毛状。同时观察到了9+2微管结构0.30~0.42μm与尾部中心轴平行排列。此研究从试验层面阐明了巴布亚企鹅精子的超微结构,对巴布亚企鹅授精机制的研究、繁殖和种质资源库建设提供了基础,为有效遏制巴布亚企鹅遗传多样性的降低、也为珍稀动物巴布亚企鹅异位保存提供技术支持。

Isostatic anomaly characteristics and tectonism of the New Britain Trench and neighboring Papua New Guinea

In this paper, we calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies and Airy-Heiskanen isostatic anomalies in the New Britain Trench and surrounding areas of Papua New Guinea. The calculations are based on a topographic model and a gravity anomaly model from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Characteristics of the isostatic anomaly and the earthquake dynamic environment of this region are analyzed,and the results show that there are obvious differences in the isostatic state between each block in the region. Tectonic movements are very intense in regions with high positive or negative isostatic gravity anomalies, and a number of sub-plates in this area are driven by external tectonic action, such as plate subduction and thrusting, of the Pacific, Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. From the distribution of the isostatic gravity anomaly, the tectonic action of anti-isostatic movement obviously is the main source of power. Based on isostatic gravity and spatial distribution of earthquakes in the region, it is obvious that further contraction of the Indo-Australian Plate will result in the southwestern part of the Solomon Plate becoming part of the Owen Stanley thrust belt, and the northern part will enter the lower part of the Bismarck Plate. The eastern part of the Solomon Plate will enter the front of the Pacific Plate, resulting in northward and eastward migration of significant earthquakes along the Solomon Plate.

Carbon stock measurements of a degraded tropical logged-over secondary forest in Manokwari Regency,West Papua,Indonesia

Several studies have been conducted in the past on carbon stock measurements in the tropical forests of Indonesia. This study is the first related research conducted in the New Guinea Island. In a degraded logged-over secondary forest in Manokwari Regency （West Papua, Indonesia）, carbon stocks were measured for seven parts, i.e., above-ground biomass （AGB）, below-ground biomass （BGB）, under-storey biomass （B）, necromass of dead leaves （N~）, necromass of dead trees （Art）, litter （L） and soil （S） using appropriate equations and laboratory analysis. Total carbon stocks were measured at 642.8 tC.h~~ in the low disturbance area, 536.9 tC＇ha-~ in the moderate disturbance area and 490.4 tC＇ha ~ in the high disturbance area. Bu, N1 and N were not significant in the carbon stock and were collectively categorized as a total biomass complex. The carbon stock of litter was nearly equal to that of the total biomass complex, while the total carbon stock in the soil was eight times larger than the total biomass complex or the carbon stock of the litter. We confirmed that the average ratio of AGB and BGB to the total biomass （TB） was about 84.7% and 15.3%, respectively. Improvements were made to the equations in the low disturbance logged-over secondary forest area, applying corrections to the amounts ofbiomass of sample trees, based on representative commercial trees of category one. TB stocks before and after correction were estimated to be 84.4 and 106.7 tC.ha-~, indicating that these corrections added significant amounts of tree biomass （26.4%） dur- ing the sampling procedure. In conclusion, the equations for tree biomass developed in this study, will be useful for evaluating total carbon stocks, especially TB stocks in logged-over secondary forests throughout the Papua region.

Identifying Factors of Obesity in Papua New Guinea: A Descriptive Study

Obesity and overweight are complex phenomena due to causes and consequences as these are the predisposing factors for developing lifestyle-related diseases. In the recent times, obesity and chronic diseases are being taken very seriously than ever before. Once upon a time, obesity was considered as a problem only in developed countries, now it is of a serious concern in low- and middle-income countries. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), a few studies have been conducted on obesity-related issues. However, there is not enough data on obesity to clearly understand about the leading contributing factors. Our research group designed this study to assess the influencing factors of obesity and as well as to identify the principal cause. It is a descriptive study, used structured and semi-structured interview and survey questionnaire. This study was conducted in the capital city of PNG, Port Moresby, and recruited 87 adults aged 30 - 50 years. According to interview and analysis findings, the contributing factors of obesity are less physical movement, unhealthy diet, lifestyle, cultural value system, low education and social system. Government strategies and initiatives are not strong enough to educate and motivate the community people. This study suggests developing an effective coordination among all stakeholders to ensure quality education and increase awareness to prevent obesity and its complications. The standard health policies and strategies are also recommended at the local, national and international level with strong commitment.

Determinants of Fertility Desires among HIV Positive Women Living in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea

The objective of this study was to identify determinants of fertility desires in HIV positive women living in the Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea, a male-dominated, patrimonial society. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data in February, 2010. Two hundred and ninety one HIV-infected women participated in personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. Sixty-six percent of the respondents were in polygamous relationships. Thirty-four percent of the participants desired a child in the future. Chi-square tests revealed that variables associated with desire for a child were age, marital status, number of children, current co-habitation with a partner, duration of time with a partner, receipt of the bride price, domestic physical violence, sexual activity in the previous three months, partner’s desire for a child, and current contraceptive use. Using multiple logistic regression, a partner’s positive desire for a child was the strongest predictor, with an odds ratio of 13.04 (95% CI = 5.6 -29.91). Fertility desires were largely influenced by dominant culturally sensitive issues and the family-oriented culture. The integration of effective counseling and reproductive healthcare service into HIV clinics is recommended. Holistic, culturally-relevant and family-oriented reproductive health counseling should provide more positive outcomes for both HIV-infected women and their children.

HIV Prevention in Papua New Guinea: Is It Working or Not?

Introduction: There is a global call for structural approaches to HIV that go beyond awareness and HIV testing to approach prevention work via the social and economic drivers of the epidemic. Papua New Guinea is the epicentre of the HIV epidemic in the Pacific, with an adult prevalence rate of 0.9%. Since 2004, there has been a concerted response to HIV, with vastly increased rates of HIV testing and roll-out of antiretroviral therapy, and considerable funding for HIV prevention. Objectives: While incidence is slowing there are still a considerable number of new infections each year and many commentators are worried that HIV prevention is not working in that country. This article aims to critically examine HIV prevention programs in Papua New Guinea to show whether HIV prevention is effectiveness in reaching those most vulnerable to infection. Methods: Using data from HIV prevention programs and behavioural surveys this article will assess how HIV prevention has been carried out and the effectiveness of those programs. Results: There is little evidence to indicate that HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea, particularly among those most at risk of HIV has been successful. Conclusion: there is a dearth of HIV prevention interventions in Papua New Guinea that go beyond awareness-raising to deal with the structural drivers of the epidemic.

Paediatric Surgical Outreach to Papua New Guinea: Initial Experience

This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.

Genetic Variations and Relationships of Papua’s Endemic Orchids Based on RAPD Markers

Orchidaceae has known as an attractive flower and immense species. We have found a large species of Orchidaceae grow naturally in Papua’s jungle, Indonesia territorial. This study aims to reveal genetic variation and genetic relationships among endemic orchids in Papua based on RAPD markers. The study included 26 accessions of Papua’s endemic orchids used for genomic DNA extraction. Genomic DNAs were extracted by usingDNAextraction kit from Qiagen and genomic DNA amplification by using 10 decamer RAPD primers. DNA fragments that were amplified by Polymerase Change Reaction (PCR) were visualized and documented by using UV illumination apparatus. Genetically, endemic Orchids in Papua were described high variation. Fragments amplification by using ten RAPD primers and performed in the PCR tools resulted in 54 numbers of polymorphic fragments and no monomorphic band. The number of polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 4 to 7 with averaged 5.4 bands per assay unit. The genetic dissimilarities (GDs) among examined orchids ranged from 0.10 to 0.94 based on Nei’s unbiased coefficients. Dendrogram construction showed that Papua’s endemic orchid (PEO) samples different from another and separated to form group by their own at the 0.40 coefficient value and at the 0.6 coefficient value indicate that PEO sample is divided into nine groups i.e. samples at the genera level were separated into their own groups.

Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature Variations between 1956 and 2016 for Papua New Guinea

The aim of the research was to assess the trend and variations in rainfall and temperature in Papua New Guinea between 1956 and 2016 (60 years) and project the trends from 2017 to 2047 (30 years). Meteorological data obtained from the World Bank Climate Database Headquarters in Washington, United States, from 1956 to 2016 were used in the models. The general linear model analysis was used to investigate the trend in both rainfall and temperature and to predict the future trends. Over the period of study period, 1956 to 2016, the study found that the climatic factors, rainfall and temperature pattern in Papua New Guinea have been changing. It was found that there is an increasing trend in rainfall and temperature. Projections revealed a further increase in rainfall and temperature into the future. Rainfall in Papua New Guinea has been increasing. The projection revealed that rainfall was trending upward with a linear model equation: Rainfall = 0.0093x + 252.38. The increased trend in rainfall suggests that there is an increased trend in evaporation and transpiration. For temperature, although it does not come down to zero and to negative at nights or go up to 40°C or 50°C during the day time as in other countries, the change is clear in the analysis made in the study that there is an increasing trend. If nothing is done to combat the current rate of climate change in the country, the increasing trend in rainfall and temperature would continue. This calls for immediate actions as the issue needs to be addressed in time. Therefore, it is recommended that the government of Papua New Guinea consider incorporating climate change policies into their development plans.

Challenges of Obtaining Informed Consent in Poorly Coordinated and Funded Healthcare Services: Papua New Guinea Situation

During a semi-structured interview we ask the participants several questions based on the perceived role of the interviewee within the informed consent process.We asked questions pertaining to how informed consent unravels itself across barriers.Few question topics included how the issue of socio-economic,geography and custom of the people are addressed,and how the medical professionals deal with different groups of people and how the interviewees understood informed consent.Interviews for each group were asked with different sets of questions and were open enough to allow for probing questions in order to gain additional information when the opportunity presented itself.The data were analyzed using interpretative approaches and the various themes and concepts from each question and response qualitatively counted and uncovered patterns in the various group perspectives.We examined the participants’perspectives and opinions using a visual table for comparing themes and concepts,and we presented the interviewees’views.

Developments of Computing in Papua New Guinea in the Post-Independence Era

This article looks at the developments of computing in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the post-independence era. More specifically, this article examines the development of national policies on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), digital technologies in PNG, and the development of computing education in PNG since 1975. The research findings reveal that PNG has made solid progress in computing, ICT, national ICT policies, digital technologies, and computing education at universities in the post-independence era. The proposed approach in this article might facilitate the research and development of computing, ICT, digital technologies, and big data analytics in PNG, and beyond.

Physico-chemical analysis of traditional vegetal salts obtained from three provinces of Papua New Guinea

Objective:To determine the chemical constituents of the traditional vegetal salts and find out if they are safe to consume.Methods:Seven different salts have been obtained from three provinces,of which five belong to Morobe Province.The cations were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and anions using titrimetry,gravimetry and spectrophotometry.Others like solubility,electrical conductivity,pH,antimicrobial,Fourier transform infrared spectral and volatility studies have been carried out for these salts.Results:While few salts were found to be stable,others were deliquescent;and the colour varies from white to black through yellow and brown.It was found that the potassium ion was dominant while others including sodium and calcium were found in lower concentrations.For the first time,certain d-block metal concentrations were measured though most of them were found to be present at very low levels.Other parameters like volatility,solubility,electrical conductivity,antimicrobial and Fourier transform infrared spectral studies were carried out for the first time for these vegetal salts in Papua New Guinea.Conclusions:The salt’s deliquescence could be correlated to the presence of anions like carbonate,bicarbonate and hydroxide which strongly contribute towards it.Similarly,solubility and conductivity of the salts could be correlated well.The salts were found to be harmless for consumption,but for the high potassium content.

巴布亚新几内亚瑞木镍钴矿大地构造背景与成矿地质特征

巴布亚新几内亚地质构造复杂,矿产资源丰富,其中镍钴矿床类型主要为红土型矿床。镍钴矿床分布比较集中,主要产出于新几内亚逆冲带和巴布亚超镁铁质岩带。前者以马丹省瑞木镍钴矿床为代表,规模巨大,埋藏较浅,易于勘探和适合露天开采。与镍钴矿床有关的岩浆岩大多为基性岩或超基性岩,矿床蚀变带发育且分带性明显。虽然镍钴矿床的矿物成分比较复杂,但是其矿石较易处理和利用。

分离主义运动中的国际干预——以印尼西巴布亚分离主义运动为例

在分离主义冲突中母国与分离主义势力力量悬殊的情况下,作为区别于母国和分离族群的外部国家行为体,第三方国家的干预对分离主义运动的走向具有至关重要的作用。过去,学者们往往围绕单一驱动因素对第三方国家的干预进行解释,组态视角与多变量、复杂因果的思维方式尚未得到足够的关注。本文基于印尼西巴布亚的案例,以情感性驱动力和工具性驱动力为理论框架对第三方国家干预的动因进行质性比较分析(QCA),以把握多重驱动因素共存时相互之间的复杂互动关系。本文指出,情感性和工具性驱动力共同作用于第三方国家的立场选择。族群纽带是第三方国家支持西巴布亚分离主义的必要非充分条件和最重要的情感性驱动因素,但是工具性驱动力对于国家立场选择的影响具有优先性。无论是否受到情感性驱动力的影响,第三方国家由于受到维护地缘安全稳定、保护自身免受分离主义威胁等现实需求的驱动而倾向于支持印尼政府,而人权以及经贸因素并不是国家立场选择的重要考量。

芩术痛经巴布剂中黄芩苷和黄芩素及汉黄芩素的离体小鼠经皮渗透行为

目的研究芩术痛经巴布剂中黄芩苷、黄芩素及汉黄芩素离体小鼠体外经皮渗透特征。方法采用改良的France扩散池,以离体小鼠皮肤为屏障,采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)分别测定芩术痛经巴布剂中不同时间黄芩苷和黄芩素及汉黄芩素的透皮率。结果芩术痛经巴布剂中的黄芩苷、黄芩素、汉黄芩素透过离体小鼠皮肤12h透皮率分别为21.34%,22.31%,25.77%。结论芩术痛经巴布剂的小鼠体外经皮渗透行为以Higuchi方程拟合为优,拟合度为最高,表明芩术痛经巴布剂是缓释制剂,属于骨架溶蚀型释药系统。

进口巴布亚新几内亚原木上截获吉丁虫的鉴定

描述江苏口岸首次从巴新原木上截获的8种吉丁虫,隶属于窄吉丁Agrilus,澳纹吉丁Anilara,星吉丁Chrysobothris,胸斑吉丁Belionota,驼翅吉丁Cyphogastra。编制族属检索表,介绍8种的鉴别特征,并配以8种吉丁虫的原色图,对检疫性害虫窄吉丁非中国种的分类状况作了简介。