bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variedades linguísticas do guineense: por um debate crítico sobre educação linguística em Guiné-Bissau
Authors: Rodrigues Garcia Balsalobre Sabrina , Dos Santos Silom Alfa
Published: May 2024

A partir da experiência de Paulo Freire com a educação popular de adultos em Guiné-Bissau, nos anos 1970, esse artigo se propõe a problematizar a diversidade linguística como um fator de enriquecimento cultural. Com esse intento, a partir de uma lógica decolonial e tendo a Sociolinguística Educacional como pilar teórico, o mosaico sociolinguístico de Guiné-Bissau é brevemente exposto, com ênfase no debate acerca de três variedades da língua guineense, a saber: o guineense aportuguesado, o guineense com traços de fula e o guineense com traços de balanta. Nesse sentido, foram entrevistados falantes dessas variedades, para entender seus processos de educação linguística e para observar se foi submetido a preconceito linguístico ao longo de sua escolarização. Constatou-se, assim, que na medida em que a língua portuguesa é a que mais goza de prestígio no país, quanto mais o falante de guineense se aproxima dela, menos preconceito sofre na sociedade. No entanto, uma escolarização que visa à emancipação humana, como preconiza Paulo Freire, poderia fazer frente a essa perspectiva linguística excludente.
Vai na fé: teledramaturgia na sala de aula para (re)construir a (eco)democracia brasileira
Authors: Silva Simone Batista da , Cotrim Silva Andrea Antonieta
Published: May 2024

O objetivo deste trabalho é problematizar as relações entre linguagem, fé, educação linguística e democracia forte e sustentável; e defender a inserção do tema fé nas práticas pedagógicas de educação linguística crítica e decolonial, especialmente neste momento de reconstrução da democracia brasileira. Segundo Kwok (2012), o diálogo interfé é prática imprescindível para a estabilidade das relações democráticas. Também argumentamos que a fé, como categoria discursiva, passa pela linguagem humana, sendo, portanto, objeto da Linguística Aplicada, o que justifica resgatar a temática, tradicionalmente ausente das discussões da área. Para construir a argumentação, partimos da compreensão do gênero telenovela como poderoso pulverizador de discursos no Brasil e no exterior, devido à enorme aceitação do gênero tanto no mercado interno brasileiro quanto no externo por meio da exportação de telenovelas para diversos países do mundo. A partir desse ponto, focamos na obra de teledramaturgia Vai na Fé (SVARTMAN, 2023), produzida e exibida pela TV Globo, e identificamos as respostas decoloniais à colonialidade do saber, do poder e do ser (QUIJANO, 2005) encontradas na construção da obra. Os resultados apontam as possibilidades de uso do gênero nas aulas de línguas para fomentar a construção de uma sociedade decolonial.
pedagogia decolonial e a interculturalidade crítica para o/no ensino de português como língua adicional no contexto multilíngue e multicultural da Guiné-Bissau
Authors: Quessana M'bana Fidel , Valênia Martins Dias Anair
Published: May 2024

Este artigo objetiva apresentar e propor reflexões sobre o ensino do português como língua adicional (PLA), à luz da pedagogia decolonial e da interculturalidade crítica, no contexto da diversidade linguística e cultural da Guiné-Bissau, como forma de contribuir com a melhoria da qualidade do ensino guineense e sua adequação ao perfil linguístico e cultural do alunado. Teoricamente, o trabalho está apoiado nos estudos da pedagogia decolonial e a interculturalidade crítica (WALSH, 2018; OLIVEIRA; CANDAU, 2010), entre outros. No que diz respeito ao ensino de língua portuguesa (ANTUNES, 2003; MENDES, 2011), reflete-se sobre o ensino contextualizado de gramática e da formação de professores no contexto intercultural e multilíngue. A metodologia da pesquisa baseou-se na abordagem qualitativa, tendo como procedimentos a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. No bojo dessas reflexões, parece emergir que o ensino da língua adicional, numa perspectiva da pedagogia decolonial e da interculturalidade crítica, pode contribuir com a valorização da realidade cultural e linguística dos alunos, bem como com um ensino reflexivo-crítico que forma cidadãos aptos a responderem as demandas de uma sociedade local e globalizada, cuja dinâmica exige o desenvolvimento da competência e habilidade de falar, negociar e tomar decisões adequadas ao contexto no qual o sujeito está inserido. 
Palavras-chave: Ensino da língua. Pedagogia decolonial. Interculturalidade crítica.
Projetos de letramento: praxiologias decoloniais para formação antirracista de professores de línguas
Authors: Barbosa Bruna Carolini
Published: May 2024

Este artigo visa socializar um Projeto de Letramento que se destaca pela integração entre o letramento do professor e a decolonialidade (Marques, 2016; Kleiman, 2005; 2007; 2010; Mignolo, 2008). Especialmente focado na formação crítica e antirracista de professores de línguas, o projeto desafia a suposta neutralidade ideológica nas práticas educativas, defendendo a necessidade de uma nova epistemologia que subverta a opressão racial e cultive a justiça social, alinhando-se aos postulados de Pennycook (2001). De abordagem qualitativa e natureza aplicada, este artigo emprega uma metodologia que se volta à análise de eventos de letramento. Nestes eventos, foram empregados dispositivos de formação, como os Círculos de Cultura (Freire, 2019b) e Diários de Leitura, que estimulam a reflexão crítica sobre racismo e identidade racial. Esta reflexão é fundamental, pois o projeto evidenciou que a integração dessas práticas de letramento, com ênfase na reflexão sobre questões raciais sob uma lente decolonial, contribui de maneira efetiva para a transformação de educadores em formação. A pesquisa revelou a importância de desenvolver uma consciência crítica entre os futuros educadores, principalmente no que tange ao racismo estrutural e à reflexão sobre suas próprias posições dentro deste contexto. Desta forma, conclui-se que a incorporação da praxiologia decolonial ao letramento do professor não é apenas vital para uma formação que busque equidade racial e justiça social, mas também serve como um instrumento desafiador dos padrões sociais hegemônicos, promovendo, assim, uma educação transgressiva.
Decifra-me ou te devoro? A experiência para a transgressão dos sentidos em torno da avaliação da aprendizagem no ensino superior
Authors: Reis Valdeni da Silva
Published: May 2024

Não raras vezes, encontramos, no processo de avaliação da aprendizagem de nossos programas de formação de professores (de línguas), uma atmosfera de medo e injustiças que precisa ser discutida, problematizada e transgredida. O presente trabalho objetiva discutir os efeitos de sentidos presentes nos dizeres de alunos da licenciatura e da especialização em língua inglesa, relativos ao contato com práticas e instrumentos de avaliação criados para problematizar e transgredir a colonialidade do poder (QUIJANO, 2010), massivamente presente em processos avaliativos. Para tanto, discutiremos práticas e instrumentos avaliativos utilizados tanto em um curso da graduação, quanto em um curso da pós-graduação lato sensu. Acionando conceitos importantes no campo da avaliação da aprendizagem e da (de)colonialidade, jogamos luz sobre a discussão em torno do conceito experiência (LARROSA, 2016; 2018), como possibilidade para que novas práticas ganhem espaço nos processos avaliativos de nossas escolas. Os resultados indicam que, com o olhar sobre os sujeitos de tais processos, na dinâmica do ser-saber-fazer, é que novas histórias serão contadas.
Literaturas indígenas na escola: uma janela para desobediência epistêmica
Authors: Soares Nink Ivonete , Graciela da Rocha Patrícia
Published: May 2024

Neste texto buscamos refletir sobre as práticas pedagógicas tradicionais sobretudo aquelas que envolvem o ensino de línguas e literaturas na Educação Básica e sugerimos algumas possibilidades de desobediência epistêmica relacionada à inclusão e ao papel das literaturas de autoria indígena nas escolas brasileiras. Nosso objetivo é defender a presença das literaturas indígenas nas escolas como uma medida para valorizar essas narrativas e promover o movimento de aprender a desaprender. Defendemos atitudes pedagógicas que contribuem para a construção de uma sociedade que, ao desconstruir perspectivas coloniais, sejam capazes de desafiar as estruturas de conhecimento impostas pela colonialidade. Isso implica confirmar e valorizar saberes que ao longo da história foram marginalizados. A metodologia de pesquisa utilizada é do tipo documental e bibliográfica. Entre os teóricos que fundamentam esta pesquisa, destaco Krenak (2020), Munduruku (2016, 2017, 2020), Graúna (2013), Mignolo (2008, 2017b) e bell hooks (2017). A abordagem adotada enfatiza a necessidade de valorizar a diversidade cultural, e reconhecer a literatura como uma ferramenta de interação entre culturas e de troca de conhecimentos. Dentre os resultados salientamos a necessidade da inclusão das literaturas indígenas nas escolas e a capacitação de professores para promover debates e reflexões sobre a diversidade cultural e identitária. Reforçamos que a desobediência epistêmica é um meio possível para promover a justiça epistêmica e para questionar as estruturas de poder que perpetuam a desigualdade, contribuindo, assim, para uma educação mais inclusiva e igualitária.
A invenção da língua e suas maquinações: educação linguística, colonialidade e racismo
Authors: Santos Nicolas , Nascimento Gabriel
Published: May 2024

Resumo
O objetivo específico deste artigo é questionar as bases e diretrizes que perpassam o ensino de línguas estrangeiras, tratando de problematizar o conceito de linguagem, e com isso compreender o que ela representa num cenário global, e as implicações locais dessas representações. O principal problema/questão está relacionado com a proposição tendenciosa que fundamenta o Ensino de Inglês para Falantes de Outras Línguas, entendendo-o como uma prática colonial e, portanto, epistemologicamente e linguisticamente racista. Para tanto, utilizaremos um debate teórico que questiona a noção tradicional de Linguagem oriunda da Lingüística, considerando a visão da Linguagem como uma invenção. A partir disso, a discussão conduzida situa as práticas relacionadas à Linguagem sob uma perspectiva que considera outras visões de linguagem, como práticas sociais móveis e multiglóssicas. Como resultado, esse ponto focal nos permite trazer essa discussão para o campo da Raça e do Ensino de Línguas, da ideia de Lócus de Enunciação e do deslizamento que ela acarreta para uma Educação Linguística Antirracista. A pesquisa aponta que o TESOL é altamente superado por perspectivas racistas de linguagem, que estão alinhadas com a colonialidade e suas características de dominação em relação ao conhecimento, aos seres e às línguas.Uma implicação do estudo para a área é que ele destaca como a colonialidade tem como base para sua perpetuação a racialização dos corpos, e que o ensino de línguas, especialmente o ensino de inglês, faz parte dessa agenda, pois é tomado como um bem, uma mercadoria, que classifica e divide as pessoas nas zonas de ser e não ser.
Palavras- Chave: Linguística Aplicada, Língua, Racismo, Ensino de Línguas
Penile urinary sheaths: a continence management system for men
Authors: Yates Ann
Published: May 2024

Urinary leakage is prevalent in men. To contain and manage this leakage, men are often advised about urinary devices. However, sometimes this advice does not include penile sheaths. Penile sheaths are a good way of managing urinary leakage if an individual is suitable for sheaths. This article will explore this suitability, advantages to using a sheath, reasons why sheaths may not be suitable, and will discuss optimum fitting to ensure the sheath is a secure drainage device.
ROBOTIC-ASSISTED TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY IS ASSOCIATED WITH EARLIER RETURN OF SYMMETRICAL LIMB FUNCTION COMPARED WITH CONVENTIONAL TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Zaidi F. , Bolam S.M. , Goplen C.M. , Yeung T. , Lovatt M. , Hanlon M. , Munro J. , Besier T.F. , Monk A.P.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated significant benefits, including improved accuracy of component positioning compared to conventional jig-based TKA. However, previous studies have often failed to associate these findings with clinically significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide a more nuanced assessment of a patient's functional recovery after TKA. This study aims to compare outcomes of patients undergoing robotic-assisted and conventional TKA in the early postoperative period using conventional PROMS and wearable sensors.

Method

100 patients with symptomatic end-stage knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary TKA were included in this study (44 robotic-assisted TKA and 56 conventional TKA). Functional outcomes were assessed using ankle-worn IMUs and PROMs. IMU- based outcomes included impact load, impact asymmetry, maximum knee flexion angle, and bone stimulus. PROMs, including Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EuroQol-Five Dimension (EQ-5D-5L), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) were evaluated at preoperative baseline, weeks 2 to 6 postoperatively, and at 3-month postoperative follow-up.

Results

By postoperative week 6, when compared to conventional TKA, robotic-assisted TKA was associated with significant improvements in maximum knee flexion angle (118o ± 6.6 vs. 113o ± 5.4; p=0.04), symmetrical loading of limbs (82.3% vs.22.4%; p<0.01), cumulative impact load (146.6% vs 37%; p<0.01), and bone stimulus (25.1% vs 13.6%; p<0.01). Whilst there were no significant differences in PROMs (OKS, EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS, and FJS-12) at any time point between the two groups, when comparing OKS subscales, significantly more robotic-assisted TKA patients achieved an ‘excellent’ outcome at 6 weeks compared to conventional (47% vs 41%, p= 0.013).

Conclusions

IMU-based metrics detected an earlier return to function among patients that underwent robotic-assisted TKA compared to conventional TKA that PROMs were unable to detect within the first six weeks of surgery.
SURGICAL WASTE AND A CIRCULAR MEDICAL TEXTILE ECONOMY
Authors: Morris Holly , Shah Siddharth , Murray Richard
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The health sector contributes the equivalent of 4.4% of global net emissions to the climate carbon footprint. It has been suggested that between 20% and 70% of health care waste originates from a hospital's operating room, the second greatest component of this are the textiles used, and up to 90% of waste is sent for costly and unneeded hazardous waste processing.

Waste from common orthopaedic operations was quantified, the carbon footprint calculated, and cost of disposal assessed. A discussion of the circular economy of textiles, from the author of the textile guidance to the Green Surgery Report follows.

Methods

The amount of waste generated from a variety of trauma and elective orthopaedic operations was calculated across a range of hospital sites. The waste was separated primarily into clean and contaminated, paper or plastic. The carbon footprint and the cost of disposal across the hospital sites was subsequently calculated.

Results

Elective procedures can generate up to 16.5kg of plastic waste per procedure. Practices such as double draping the patient contribute to increasing the quantity of waste. The cost to process waste vary widely between hospital sites, waste disposal contractors and the method of waste disposal.

Conclusion

This study sheds new light on the environmental impact of waste produced in trauma and elective orthopaedic procedures. Mitigating the environmental impact of the operating room requires a collective drive for a culture change to sustainability and social responsibility. Each clinician can impact upon the carbon footprint of their operating theatre. Consideration should be given to the type of textiles used within the operating theatre.
A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF THUMB FUNCTION FOLLOWING FIRST CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT ARTHRODESIS
Authors: Mikaele Supilate , Taylor Chris , Sahakian Vahe , Xia Wes
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Despite the rising popularity of 1st carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthrodesis as one of the surgical options for basilar thumb arthritis, the available literature on this is poor. This study aims to investigate post-operative pinch and grip strength following 1st CMCJ arthrodesis, at a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Complication rates, range of motion and patient reported scores were also evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective cohort (2012–2020) was used, which included patients who had arthrodesis performed by the Hands surgeons at Counties Manukau DHB. In a 15 minute visit, we took the measurements using our standard dynamometer and pinch gauge, and collected three questionnaires [QuickDASH, PRWHE, PEM]. For analysis, we compared our results to the preoperative measures, contralateral hand, and to a previous study on a similar cohort looking at thumb strength following trapeziectomy.

Results

42 arthrodesis were performed, and 24 were available for follow-up. The average follow-up time was 77 months and the average age was 51 years old. Overall, we found a statistically significant improvement in thumb strength following surgery. Mean preoperative grip strength was 21.4kg and 32.5kg postoperatively (= +11kg). Preoperative pinch strength was 5.5kg and 7kg postoperatively (= +1.5kg). These results were significantly higher compared to the trapeziectomy cohort. We also found an improvement in 1st CMCJ ROM post-operatively. 7 complications were reported (29.1%). 4 were metalware-related and 3 were non-union. QuickDASH score significantly improved from a median of 42.95 to 12.5 while PRWHE from 67.5 to 14.5. Overall patient satisfaction was 87.4%.

Conclusion

1st CMCJ arthrodesis leads to an improvement in thumb function, pain and range of movement and results in high patient satisfaction, and therefore should be recommended for younger patients who need a pain-free and strong thumb.
THE TEN-YEAR RADIOLOGICAL RESULTS OF THE UNCEMENTED OXFORD MEDIAL COMPARTMENT KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Davies Owain , Mowbray Jessica , Maxwell Rod , Hooper Gary
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (OUKA) is the most popular unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) in the New Zealand Joint Registry with the majority utilising cementless fixation. We report the 10-year radiological outcomes.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study. All patients undergoing a cementless OUKA between May 2005 and April 2011 were enrolled. There were no exclusions due to age, gender, body mass index or reduced bone density.

All knees underwent fluoroscopic screening achieving true anteroposterior (AP) and lateral images for radiographic assessment. AP assessment for the presence of radiolucent lines and coronal alignment of the tibial and femoral components used Inteliviewer radiographic software. The lateral view was assessed for lucencies as well as sagittal alignment.

Results

687 OUKAs were performed in 641 patients. Mean age at surgery was 66 years (39–90yrs), 382 in males and 194 right sided. 413 radiographs were available for analysis; 92 patients had died, 30 UKRs had been revised and 19 radiographs were too rotated to be analysed the remainder were lost to follow-up. Mean radiograph to surgery interval was 10.2 years (7.1–16.2yrs).

RLLs were identified in zone 1 (3 knees), zone 2 (2 knees), zone 3 (3 knees), zone 5 (3 knees), zone 6 (2 knees) and zone 7 (42 knees). No RLL had progressed, and no case had any osteolysis or prosthesis subsidence.

Alignment in the coronal plane: mean 2.90° varus (9.30° varus - 4.49° valgus) of the tibial component to the tibial anatomic axis and the femoral component in mean 4.57° varus (17.02° varus - 9.3° valgus). Sagittal plane posterior tibial slope was a mean 6.30° (0.44° -13.60° degrees) and mean femoral component flexion of 8.11° (23.70° flexion – 16.43° extension).

Conclusion

The cementless OUKA demonstrates stable fixation with low revision rates at our centre supporting results earlier published by the design centre.
SHOULDER INSTABILITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: ARE WE THAT DIFFERENT? ALGORITHM AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES IN DEALING WITH MINOR AND MAJOR BONE LOSS
Authors: Lie Denny
Published: May 2024

Concepts in glenoid tracking and treatment strategies of glenoid bone loss are well established. Initial observations in our practice in Singapore showed few patients with major bone loss requiring glenoid reconstructions. This led us to investigate the incidence of and the extent of bone loss in our patients with shoulder instability. Our study revealed bony Bankart lesions were seen in 46% of our patients but glenoid bone loss measured only 6–10% of the glenoid surface. In the same study we found that arthroscopic labral repair with capsular plication and Mason-Ellen suturing (Hybrid technique) was sufficient to stabilise patients with bipolar bone defects and minor glenoid bone loss. This led us to develop the concept of minor bone loss and a new algorithm.

Our algorithm and strategies to deal with major bone loss will also be discussed, and techniques & outcomes of Arthroscopic Bony Bankart repair, Arthroscopic Glenoid Reconstruction and Arthroscopic Remplissage procedures will be shown.
STANDARD OF CARE AND OUTCOMES FOR MĀORI PATIENTS WITH NECK OF FEMUR FRACTURES: AN ANZHFR STUDY
Authors: Zhu Mark , Taylor Grace , Mayo Christopher , Young Simon , Mutu-Grigg John , Poutawera Vaughan
Published: May 2024

Aims

Hip fracture is a common injury in the elderly. Recent studies in orthopaedic access have demonstrated inequities affecting Māori. This study aimed to compare the demographic differences between Māori and NZ Europeans with hip fractures, identify any deficiencies in initial, surgical and post op care and in outcomes.

Methods

All cases in New Zealand from 2018–2020 were included. Key outcomes included time to theatre from admission, change in walking status, residential status and survival at 120 days post fracture.

Univariate analysis compared differences in demographics, surgical and management factors between ethnicities. Key outcome comparisons were conducted using multivariate analysis to assess whether ethnicity was an independent risk factor for outcomes.

Results

Data from 9432 patients were analysed. 305 patients were Māori (3.2%). Māori were younger at presentation (76.2 vs 83.2 yrs, p<0.001), used less walking aids (50 vs 56%, p=0.034), were more medically comorbid and more likely to have impaired cognition (42% vs 37%, p=0.022).

There were no differences in fracture types, surgical management strategy, and nerve block utilisation between ethnicities. No perioperative management differences were found. Māori had a longer delay to theatre (39 vs 35hrs, p=0.007), and were less likely to be prescribed bone protection on discharge (64% vs 71%, p=0.011). Once adjusted location and ASA, difference in time to theatre was not statistically significantly.

Overall mortality was 13.1% at 120 days. 45% had a reduction in walking ability while 15% required increase level of care. Multivariate analysis found no differences were found between ethnicities for mortality, change in residential or walking status.

Discussion

While younger at presentation, Māori are more co-morbid and may live in DHBs with worse theatre access, contributing to a longer time to theatre. Improving access to tertiary care and overall health of older Māori will likely improve outcomes.
Hamiltonicity after reversing the directed edges at a vertex of a Cartesian product
Authors: Morris Dave Witte
Published: May 2024

Let $\dC_m$ and~$\dC_n$ be directed cycles of length $m$ and~$n$, with $m,n \ge 3$, and let $P(\dC_m \cartprod \dC_n)$ be the digraph that is obtained from the Cartesian product $\dC_m \cartprod \dC_n$ by choosing a vertex~$v$, and reversing the orientation of all four directed edges that are incident with~$v$. (This operation is called ``pushing'' at the vertex~$v$.) By applying a special case of unpublished work of S.\,X.\,Wu, we find elementary number-theoretic necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a hamiltonian cycle in $P(\dC_m \cartprod \dC_n)$. \\ A consequence is that if $P(\dC_m \cartprod \dC_n)$ is hamiltonian, then $\gcd(m,n) = 1$, which implies that $\dC_m \cartprod \dC_n$ is not hamiltonian. This final conclusion verifies a conjecture of J.\,B.\,Klerlein and E.\,C.\,Carr.
Some upper and lower bounds for $D_{\alpha}$-energy of graphs
Authors: Alhevaz Abdollah , Baghipur Maryam , Hashemi Ebrahim , Shang Yilun
Published: May 2024

The generalized distance matrix of a connected graph $G$, denoted by $D_{\alpha}(G)$, is defined as $D_{\alpha}(G)=\alpha Tr(G)+(1-\alpha)D(G), ~~~~ 0\leq \alpha\leq 1$. Here, $D(G)$ is the distance matrix and $Tr(G)$ represents the vertex transmissions. Let $\partial_{1}\geq \partial_{2}\geq \cdots \geq \partial_{n}$ be the eigenvalues of $D_{\alpha}(G)$ and let $W(G)$ be the Wiener index. The generalizeddistance energy of $G$ can be defined as $E^{D_{\alpha}}(G)=\displaystyle\sum_{i=1}^{n}\left|\partial_i-\frac{2\alpha W(G)}{n}\right|$. In this paper, we develop some new theory regarding the generalized distance energy $E^{D_{\alpha}}(G)$ for a connected graph $G$. We obtain some sharp upper and lower bounds for$E^{D_{\alpha}}(G)$ connecting a wide range of parameters in graph theory including the maximum degree $\Delta$, the Wiener index $W(G)$, the diameter $d$, the transmission degrees, and the generalized distance spectral spread $D_{\alpha}S(G)$. We characterized the special graph classes that attain the bounds.
On the Lanzhou index of graphs
Authors: Yang Chenxu , Mao Yaping , Gutman Ivan , Tong Qinghe
Published: May 2024

Let $G$ be a simple graph with vertex set $V(G)$ and edge set $E(G)$. The Lanzhou index of a graph $G$ is defined as ${\rm Lz}(G)=\sum_{u\in V(G)}\,d_{\overline{G}}(v)\,d_G(v)^2$, where $d_G(v)$ denotes the degree of the vertex $v$ in $G$. In this paper, we determine extremal values of the Lanzhou index in terms of some graph parameters, as well as Nordhaus--Gaddum--type results. We also find relations between Lanzhou Index and other topological indices.
Concurrent Vocational Education Through Microlearning Approaches at Higher Education, Assessing the Capacity, Awareness and the Will of Universities in Garowe, Somalia
Authors: Alicon Auf Tumwebaze
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The study investigated the possibility of establishing concurrent vocational education and training through microlearning platforms by assessing whether universities in Garowe had the minimum basic facilities to establish such programmes, whether academic staff were aware of the state of vocational education, its importance, the rate of unemployment in Garowe and Puntland in general, and whether university professionals were willing to establish these training programmes as concurrent options. 
Method: It was a survey study of a qualitative approach and data was collected using an inventory checklist of institutions capacity, a close ended questionnaire to academic staff on their general perception of vocational education and training, and detailed interviews of both academic and administrative staff purposively selected at higher education institutions in Garowe to find out their willingness as stakeholders to adopt vocational training at higher education using microlearning approaches. 
Findings: Universities in Garowe Puntland have the basic minimum facilities to establish microlearning oriented platforms although respondents emphasise that it should be supplemented with some physical practical sessions and modules. It is evident that introducing vocational education at higher education is one of the solutions to the unending graduate unemployment. However just like some respondents recommend, micro-learning for vocational education should be supplemented with some physical practical sessions and modules, hence a kind of blended approach. The study also found that there is hardly any career guidance done at the secondary school level and this affects choice of professional careers as students transition from secondary to tertiary education. 
Conclusions: It is evident from findings that the attitude towards vocational education in Puntland has not been good, although with awareness and given the increased rate of graduate unemployment, the attitude can also be changed gradually. The study recommends a needs assessment before establishing certain training programmes to avoid the recurring challenges of mismatch between training programmes and the labour needs plus a need to intensify their international and regional collaborations with more experienced organisations and institutions. There is need for a curriculum review process of the existing university curriculum to accommodate the vocational concurrent programmes.
The Things of Order: Affect, Material Culture, Dispositif
Authors: Schaefer Donovan O.
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Commenting on Frantz Fanon's account of the material culture created by European colonizers in the aftermath of invasion, Achille Mbembe notes that the colony is fundamentally a state of war, a contest of forces, in which "sensory life"—the continuum of bodies, objects, and landscapes—is a battlefield. "From this point of view," he writes, "colonial domination requires an enormous investment in affect and ceremony and a significant emotional expenditure." This essay argues for a reappraisal of the work of Michel Foucault as a theory of material culture. Linking Foucault's work on power to studies of material culture, it reviews Foucault's late concept of the dispositif , which specifies the ways power is projected by objects like the scaffold and the panopticon. The article then puts Foucault's approach to material culture in conversation with two strands of contemporary critical thought—New Materialism and affect theory—to show how a full-fledged analytics of power–matter–affect might emerge. What Foucault calls the "analytics of power" supports the critical study of affect and ceremony—the streams of force that constitute subjectivity above, beneath, or outside of language. By way of example, this article explores how this emergent framework can provide new resources for moving beyond liberal approaches to the problem of Confederate monuments. Although Foucault is often read as a theorist preoccupied with discourse, a reconsideration of the dispositif shows that Foucault's analytics of power enhances our understanding of the role of material culture in guiding political affects.
Melting Eros: Erotic Attraction Magic in Carmina Anacreontea 11
Authors: Romano Carman
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The complex ironies of Carmina Anacreontea ( CA ) 11 stem from the fact that Anacreon's imitator (mis)uses tropes of erotic attraction magic, seeking to stimulate "bitter" desire in himself with a fiery spell performed at once by and against himself, leaving him with no escape from the eros he counterintuitively demands. To effect his ironically tortuous aim, the speaker of CA 11 plays on the archaic Anacreon's intimate yet contentious relationship with Eros, as represented in his surviving poetry and in anecdotes that speak to his reputation in later antiquity. Réesumé: Les ironies complexes du poème 11 des Carmina Anacreontea ( CA ) sont basées sur le fait que l'imitateur d'Anacréon utilise (mal) les lieux communs de la magie érotique; il cherche à susciter un désir amer en lui-même par un sort virulent jeté par lui-même sur lui-même, ce qui le laisse sans échappatoire face à l' eros qu'il appelle à l'encontre de ses intérêts. Afin de parvenir à son but ironiquement alambiqué, le locuteur de CA 11 joue sur la relation intime et pourtant conflictuelle de l'Anacréon archaïque avec Eros, telle que représentée dans les poèmes préservés d'Anacréon et dans les anecdotes entourant sa réputation dans l'Antiquité tardive.
Non Secus in Iugis : Horace Reads Euripides' Bacchae
Authors: Gregory Justina
Published: May 2024

Abstract: In Odes 3.25 Horace draws on Euripides' Bacchae as an intertext to strengthen the poem's associative links. Through intertextuality, Horace implicitly contrasts the resistance of Euripides' Pentheus to Dionysus' divinity with his own celebration of Augustus' apotheosis, while salient details bring the poem's representation of the god into sharper focus. Réesumé: Dans Odes 3.25, Horace s'inspire des Bacchantes d'Euripide afin de renforcer les diverses associations établies par le poème. Jouant de l'intertextualité, Horace oppose implicitement la résistance du Penthée d'Euripide envers la divinité de Dionysos à sa propre célébration de l'apothéose d'Auguste, tandis que certains détails donnent davantage de relief à la représentation du dieu dans le poème.
The Volcanic Poetics of Statius' Thebaid
Authors: Draper Kenneth
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This article argues that Statius makes volcanic activity a multifaceted symbol for his Thebaid . In metapoetic passages in the Thebaid itself and in the Silvae , he accomplishes this by fusing diverse associations of Vulcan, Aetna, and the Phlegraean fields. Réesumé: Cet article soutient que Stace fait de l'activité volcanique un symbole à plusieurs dimensions pour sa Thébaïde . Dans certains passages métapoétiques de la Thébaïde elle-même et des Silvae , il accomplit cela en entremêlant Vulcain, de l'Etna, et des Champs Phlégréens au sein d'un réseau d'associations symboliques.
Roman Marital Ideals and Aurelia Philematium: Casta, Pudens … Married at Seven?
Authors: Jeppesen-Wigelsworth Alison
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Based on her epitaph, Aurelia Philematium is viewed as an exemplar of Roman marital ideals. A close examination of the relief and analysis of the monument within a larger sample of inscriptions reveal elements that belie this portrayal. This article argues that the depiction of Philematium and its disproportionate influence on scholarly perception of Roman marital ideals need to be reexamined. Réesumé: D'après son épitaphe, Aurelia Philematium est vue comme un exemple de l'idéal conjugal romain. En réalisant un examen poussé du bas-relief et en replaçant le monument dans un ensemble plus large d'inscriptions, l'on dévoile certains éléments qui démentent cette caractérisation. Cet article soutient que la description de Philematium et son influence disproportionnée sur la manière dont les chercheurs perçoivent l'idéal conjugal romain doivent être réévaluées.
Informalisation of state-subsidised housing in South Africa – the people's response to state paternalism
Authors: Mbatha Sandile
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT: Since 1994, the state has delivered more than 3.4 million housing opportunities to previously marginalised populations. Despite challenges, state subsidised housing has often been cited as the post-apartheid government's major success. The state's primary objective has been to meet the housing needs of the previously disenfranchised majority African population. However, some of the beneficiaries started selling their houses informally. Since the state saw this as defeating the primary purpose of the programme, it introduced a prohibition on the selling of the properties within the first eight years. This paper explores examples of intricate and complex informal transactions in state subsidised housing, drawing on on a substantial study of the processes involved. In conclusion, the paper argues that informalisation of state-subsidised housing in South Africa represents the people's push back against state paternalism in housing provision – whether directly or indirectly – and recommends alternative approaches.
Quantitative phase image stitching guided by reconstructed intensity images in one-shot double field of view multiplexed digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Chen Benyong , Gao Hui , Huang Liu , Yan Liping , Lou Yingtian , Fu Xiaping
Published: May 2024

In digital holographic microscopy (DHM), achieving large field of view (FOV) imaging while maintaining high resolution is critical for quantitative phase measurements of biological cell tissues and micro-nano structures. We present a quantitative phase image stitching guided by reconstructed intensity images in one-shot double FOV multiplexed DHM. Double FOVs are recorded simultaneously through frequency division multiplexing; intensity feature pairs are accurately extracted by multi-algorithm fusion; aberrations and non-common baselines are effectively corrected by preprocessing. Experimental results show that even if phase images have coherent noise, complex aberrations, low overlap rate and large size, this method can achieve high-quality phase stitching.
High-sensitivity THz-ATR imaging of cerebral ischemia in a rat model
Authors: Li Haibin , Wang Yuye , Wang Zelong , Mu Ning , Chen Tunan , Xu Degang , Feng Hua , Yao Jianquan
Published: May 2024

The fast label-free detection of the extent and degree of cerebral ischemia has been the difficulty and hotspot for precise and accurate neurosurgery. We experimentally demonstrated that the fresh cerebral tissues at different ischemic stages within 24 hours can be well distinguished from the normal tissues using terahertz (THz) attenuated total reflection (ATR) imaging system. It was indicated that the total reflectivity of THz wave for ischemic cerebral tissues was lower than that for normal tissues. Especially, compared to the images stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC), the ischemic tissues can be detected using THz wave with high sensitivity as early as the ischemic time of 2.5 hours, where THz images showed the ischemic areas became larger and diffused as the ischemic time increasing. Furthermore, the THz spectroscopy of cerebral ischemic tissues at different ischemic times was obtained in the range of 0.5-2.0 THz. The absorption coefficient of ischemic tissue increased with the increase of ischemic time, whereas the refractive index decreased with prolonging the ischemic time. Additionally, it was found from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining microscopic images that, with the ischemic time increasing, the cell size and cell density of the ischemic tissues decreased, whereas the intercellular substance of the ischemic tissues increased. The result showed that THz recognition mechanism of the ischemia is mainly based on the increase of intercellular substance, especially water content, which has a stronger impact on absorption of THz wave than that of cell density. Thus, THz imaging has great potential for recognition of cerebral ischemia and it may become a new method for intraoperative real-time guidance, recognition in situ, and precise excision.
The synergistic impact of Universal Health Coverage and Global Health Security on health service delivery during the Coronavirus Disease-19 pandemic: A difference-in-difference study of childhood immunization coverage from 192 countries
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Headley Tyler Y. , Tozan Yesim
Published: May 2024

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Health Security (GHS) are two high-priority global health agendas that seek to foster health system resilience against health emergencies. Many countries have had to prioritize one agenda over the other due to scarce resources and political pressures. To aid policymakers’ decision-making, this study investigated the individual and synergistic effects of countries’ UHC and GHS capacities in safeguarding essential health service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a quasi-experimental difference-in-difference methodology to quantify the relationship between 192 countries’ progress towards UHC and GHS and those countries’ abilities to provide 12 essential childhood immunization services between 2015 and 2021. We used the 2019 UHC Service Coverage Index (SCI) to divide countries into a “high UHC group” (UHC SCI≥75) and the rest (UHC SCI 75), and similarly used the 2019 GHS Index (GHSI) to divide countries into a “high GHS group” (GHSI≥65) and the rest (GHSI<65). All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Countries with high UHC scores prevented a 1.14% (95% CI: 0.39%, 1.90%) reduction in immunization coverage across 2020 and 2021 whereas countries with high GHSI scores prevented a 1.10% (95% CI: 0.57%, 1.63%) reduction in immunization coverage over the same time period. The stratified DiD models showed that across both years, high UHC capacity needed to be augmented with high GHS capacity to prevent a decline in immunization coverage while high GHS alone was able to safeguard immunization coverage. This study found that greater progress towards both UHC and GHS capacities safeguarded essential health service delivery during the pandemic but only progress towards GHS capacity was both a necessary and likely sufficient element for yielding this protective effect. Our results call for strategic investments into both health agendas and future research into possible synergistic effects of the two health agendas.
Epidemiological observations and management challenges in extrapedal mycetoma: A three-decade review of 420 cases
Authors: Alhaj Abubakr Abdalla Mohammed , Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Hassan Abeer , Fahal Ahmed Hassan
Published: May 2024

Mycetoma is a serious, destructive, disfiguring chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease affecting the subcutaneous tissues that spread to involve the skin, deep tissues and bone. The disease predominately affects the limbs, and extrapedal mycetoma is rarely reported. The reported extrapedal ones are characterised by high morbidity and mortality. This communication reports on 420 patients with extrapedal mycetoma seen and managed at the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC), University of Khartoum, between January 1991 and December 2021. In this descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study, the electronic records of all mycetoma-confirmed patients seen during the study period were carefully and meticulously reviewed. The confirmed patients with extrapedal mycetoma were included in this study. The study included 420 patients with extrapedal mycetoma, 298 (70.7%) had eumycetoma, and 122 (29.3%) had actinomycetoma. There were 343 male patients (81.7%) and 77 (18.3%) females, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. Their ages ranged between 1.5 and 95 years, with a median of 28 years. Most of the patients were students and farmers. The majority of patients were from El Gezira, North Kordofan, and the White Nile States. Mycetoma was painful in 21%, and a family history of mycetoma was recorded in 11.5% of patients. The buttocks (37.9%) and head and neck (16.9%) were affected most. Less frequently affected sites were the trunk and back (12%) each, abdominal and chest walls (4.5%) each and loin (1%). The prominent clinical presentation findings were multiple sinuses discharging grains (55%), massive swellings (46%), and lymphadenopathy (11.5%). Less commonly observed clinical findings were local hyperhidrosis (5.3%) and dilated tortuous veins close to mycetoma lesions (0.5%). The study showed that 204 patients (48.6%) had clinical improvement in terms of decreased lesion size and healing of sinuses following medical therapy. Sixty-six patients (15.7%) had no noticeable improvement. The lesion continued progressing despite treatment in 44 patients (10.5%). In the study, 118 patients were on regular follow-up, and in this group, a cure was documented in 25 patients (21.1%) with eumycetoma and 23 (19.4%) with actinomycetoma. Post-operative recurrence among eumycetoma patients was 40%, with a 1% mortality rate. The treatment outcome was unsatisfactory, characterised by a low cure rate, high recurrence (40%) and follow-up dropout (57%) rates. This emphasises the importance of early case detection and management, objective health education programmes and thorough patient counselling to urge people to seek treatment early and reduce dropouts.
The uterine secretome initiates growth of gynecologic tissues in ectopic locations
Authors: Sunde Jan , Wasickanin Morgan , Katz Tiffany A. , Gillette Laurel , Bidadi Sanam , O’Neil Derek , Masand Ramya , Burney Richard O. , Pennington Kathleen A.
Published: May 2024

Endosalpingiosis (ES) and endometriosis (EM) refer to the growth of tubal and endometrial epithelium respectively, outside of their site of origin. We hypothesize that uterine secretome factors drive ectopic growth. To test this, we developed a mouse model of ES and EM using tdTomato (tdT) transgenic fluorescent mice as donors. To block implantation factors, progesterone knockout (PKO) tdT mice were created. Fluorescent lesions were present after oviduct implantation with and without WT endometrium. Implantation was increased (p<0.05) when tdt oviductal tissue was implanted with endometrium compared to oviductal tissue alone. Implantation was reduced (p<0.0005) in animals implanted with minced tdT oviductal tissue with PKO tdT endometrium compared to WT endometrium. Finally, oviductal tissues was incubated with and without a known implantation factor, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) prior to and during implantation. LIF promoted lesion implantation. In conclusion, endometrial derived implantation factors, such as LIF, are necessary to initiate ectopic tissue growth. We have developed an animal model of ectopic growth of gynecologic tissues in a WT mouse which will potentially allow for development of new prevention and treatment modalities.
How do e-commerce platforms and retailers implement discount pricing policies under consumers are strategic?
Authors: Li Hao , Chen ZHe
Published: May 2024

In the era of the rapid development of e-commerce, many retailers choose to launch promotional activities to become consumers’ first choice for shopping. Since price discounts can greatly attract consumers, the e-commerce platforms have also begun to implement discount pricing. It is urgent for e-commerce platforms and retailers to formulate reasonable discount strategies to achieve sustainable business. In this paper, we construct a dynamic game model for implementing discount pricing on an e-commerce platform and two retailers, we study the market equilibrium between the two retailers and the e-commerce platform under various scenarios that considering consumers’ strategic waiting behavior and competition between the two retailers, we further discuss the effectiveness of retailer discount pricing and the double discount pricing of the platform and retailers. We show that the optimal pricing decreases as the difference in product quality narrows under both pricing strategies. Low-quality retailers implementing a double discount pricing strategy are in relatively higher demand only when the difference in product quality is small. High-quality retailers implementing the retailer discount pricing strategy are in relatively higher demand only when the product quality difference is large. Double discount pricing is desirable for both e-commerce platforms and retailers and can be used to effectively achieve Pareto improvement in the market by increasing their expected profit. Our results emphasize the role of product quality and the value of the double discount pricing strategy. The double discount pricing strategy weakens the profit advantage that retailers and platforms gain from it as the rebate intensity and rebate redemption rates increase.