bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What did Swiss Maoism stand for? The loyalty of the KPS(ML) to Beijing in question
Authors: Cordoba Cyril
Published: September 2022

From 1964 to 1989, the KPS(ML) – the sole party officially recognised by Beijing in Switzerland–proved particularly loyal to the CCP guidelines. This article analyses how, in a deeply anti-communist country, this party received support from China and developed its clandestine
structure under the scrutiny of the Swiss intelligence service. It also reflects on the anti-imperialist commitment of the KPS(ML) and puts it into perspective with its total rejection of the independence of Tibet, which was a particularly sensitive topic in Switzerland. Finally, it examines
how the Swiss Maoists applied the Three Worlds Theory to the Swiss context, by supporting the use of nuclear energy and compulsory military service in order to defend the country against the USSR. This shows that the party was more concerned with following the watchwords of the CCP than with
its own consistency.
Vu d’ici – Voir le bien-être au travail autrement
Authors: Morin Estelle M. , Grenier Simon , Gril Emmanuelle
Published: September 2022

LE BIEN-ÊTRE AU TRAVAIL, LA SANTÉ PSYCHOLOGIQUE ET L’ÉQUILIBRE ENTRE LES DIFFÉRENTES SPHÈRES DE NOTRE VIE FONT L’OBJET DE NOMBREUSES PRÉOCCUPATIONS. LA PANDÉMIE POURRAIT-ELLE AVOIR REDÉFINI NOTRE FAÇON DE VOIR LES CHOSES ? ESTELLE M. MORIN , PROFESSEURE TITULAIRE AU DÉPARTEMENT DE MANAGEMENT DE HEC MONTRÉAL ET MEMBRE DU CONSORTIUM DE RECHERCHE SUR L’INTELLIGENCE ÉMOTIONNELLE APPLIQUÉE AUX ORGANISATIONS, ET SIMON GRENIER , PSYCHOLOGUE INDUSTRIEL ET ORGANISATIONNEL ET PROFESSEUR ADJOINT AU DÉPARTEMENT DE PSYCHOLOGIE DE L’UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL, RÉPONDENT À NOS QUESTIONS.
Le paradoxe des infrastructures en Afrique : la ZLECAf à l’aune du duel Chine / États-Unis
Authors: Molanga Joseph Mimbale
Published: September 2022

Ce papier discute de l’implémentation de la zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) à l’aune du duel sino-états-unien et de la possibilité de capitaliser sur les opportunités d’investissement dans les infrastructures offertes par le Build Back Better World (B3W) et la Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). L’Union africaine (UA) et ses membres travaillent en effet pour faire progresser l’initiative de régionalisation des économies, en élaborant les politiques et accords ( soft infrastructure ) nécessaires. Mais ce qui manque encore, ce sont les infrastructures matérielles ( hard infrastructure ), essentielles pour que la ZLECAf ne reste pas lettre morte et que les citoyens africains en bénéficient réellement. La question se pose alors de savoir où trouver les financements nécessaires. Cet article tente d’expliquer pourquoi, en dépit de leur concurrence stratégique, la Chine, à travers la BRI, et les États-Unis, voire le G7, à travers le B3W, peuvent être un atout majeur pour une implémentation optimale de la ZLECAf.
Il est interdit de vieillir
Authors: Ardeven François
Published: September 2022

L’inconscient ne connaît pas le temps, enseigne Freud. Il est opérant tout au long de la vie, en sorte que de l’inattendu, du rire, des surprises peuvent en principe toujours l’infléchir et la rendre plus juste. Le corps n’est pas dans la même ignorance. Michael Balint dans un texte rhapsodique rappelle les effets tragiques ou comiques des discrepancies entre le corps et le désir. Chacun fait comme il peut, avec le donné qu’il reçoit. Montaigne parie sur une sagesse pondérée à laquelle il croit assez peu et propose à l’analyste une forme de conduite et des formules merveilleuses. L’époque nouvelle ouvre ses portes au quatrième âge qu’il faut accueillir. On suivra les pérégrinations d’Hélène Cixoux avec sa mère Ève décédée à cent-six ans dans un livre précieux pour l’analyste et où brille jusqu’au bout l’étoile qui fait l’œil ouvert.
Taberna 2 de Mirobriga (Santiago do Cacém, Portugal): adaptações artesanais e domésticas e evolução ceramológica, nos séculos V e VI d. C.
Authors: Quaresma José Carlos
Published: September 2022

Este articulo discute dos grandes cuestiones. La primera es la evolución arquitectónica de un espacio comercial desde la época imperial hasta el periodo visigótico, cronología de cerca de cinco siglos en los cuales ha tenido funciones comerciales, posteriormente artesanales y finalmente habitacionales. La segunda cuestión es el análisis estratigráfico, tecnológico y estadístico de la cerámica común (local o regional), en particular en un período aún poco investigado estratigráficamente en el territorio actualmente portugués: la primera mitad del siglo VI d. C. Esta línea de investigación sigue otros trabajos desarrollados en Mirobriga, aplicándose propuestas de datación por comparación estadística con los datos estratigráficos de otras áreas peninsulares, como Lisboa y Madrid.
 
[pt] Este artigo aborda duas grandes questões. A primeira é a evolução arquitectónica de um espaço comercial desde a Época Imperial até ao Período Visigótico, cronologia de cerca de cinco séculos ao longo do qual albergou funções comerciais, posteriormente artesanais e finalmente habitacionais. A segunda questão é a análise estratigráfica, tecnológica e estatística da cerâmica comum (local ou regional), em particular num período ainda pouco investigado estratigraficamente no território actualmente português - a primeira metade do século VI d. C. Esta linha de investigação segue outros trabalhos desenvolvidos em Mirobriga, aplicando-se propostas de datação por comparação estatística com os dados estratigráficos de outras áreas peninsulares, como Lisboa e Madrid.
Iniciativas comunitarias de cuidado y uso de tecnologías digitales en tiempos de la covid-19: dimensiones, prácticas, límites y potencialidades
Authors: Bodoque-Puerta Yolanda , Sanz-Abad Jesús , Martínez Pozo Lola
Published: September 2022

A partir de un trabajo de campo etnográfico hemos analizado el rol de las iniciativas comunitarias en la provisión de cuidados sociales para responder a los efectos socio-económicos derivados de la crisis de la COVID-19, y hemos indagado en el papel de las tecnologías digitales en estas iniciativas, atendiendo a sus prácticas, límites y potencialidades. Las experiencias comunitarias, con la incorporación de las tecnologías digitales, desempeñaron un papel importante en relación con el cuidado material y relacional-emocional, frente a su carácter casi testimonial en relación con el doméstico-corporal.
«Porque la tierra sin agua para nada sirve». Comunidades locales y sistemas de riego tradicionales
Authors: Batista Medina José Antonio
Published: September 2022

Vamos a dedicar este artículo a exponer algunos aspectos de los pequeños y medianos sistemas de riego autogestionados que aún existen en muchas partes del mundo y que conciben el agua como un bien común, diferenciándose de aquellos otros en los que es un recurso privado controlado individualmente. Se trata de regadíos de larga historia que han llegado a nuestros días no como restos del pasado, sino como sistemas que continúan cumpliendo funciones socioeconómicas y medioambientales esenciales. Son auténticos tesoros culturales que hay que estudiar, apoyar y preservar no solo por su valor cultural, sino también por sus roles económicos, sociales y ecológicos.
Antropología europea, refugio y género. Una aproximación al reglamento de Dublín
Authors: Forina Alessandro
Published: September 2022

El presente trabajo se sitúa en el ámbito de la antropología europea analizando el refugio desde una perspectiva de género. Partiendo de la relación histórica entre la antropología y los Refugee Studies (Estudios de Refugiados), este artículo examina el «refugio» y las políticas de asilo de la Unión Europea desde una perspectiva de género. En este contexto, los Estudios de Refugiados han visto un importante aumento e interés en los análisis de género y feministas sobre la configuración del refugio. Sin embargo, los estudios centrados en las políticas de asilo europeas desde una perspectiva antropológica de género son escasos. En este sentido, el objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar etnográficamente desde una perspectiva de género estas políticas. Fruto de una investigación cuya metodología ha seguido una aproximación etnográfica en el colectivo ciudadano Red Solidaria de Acogida en Madrid, se presentan algunos resultados en el ámbito de las políticas de asilo europeas, en concreto en el análisis del Reglamento de Dublín desde una perspectiva de género.
Age, growth and maturation in the mesopelagic squid Abralia andamanica (Cephalopoda: Enoploteuthidae) from the Arabian Sea
Authors: Kunjumani Sajikumar Kurichithara , Sasikumar Geetha , Venkatesan Vellathi , Jestin Joy Konnoth , Sunilkumar Mohamed Kolliyil
Published: September 2022

Age, growth and maturation in the mesopelagic squid Abralia andamanica (Cephalopoda: Enoploteuthidae) were studied in 140 individuals of 15-60 mm dorsal mantle length (DML) captured from open waters in the southeast Arabian Sea. The length-weight relationship was estimated as W=0.278 DML1.884 (R2=0.93). Age estimates based on statolith increment counts ranged from 79 to 177 days, suggesting a short (<200-day) lifespan. Growth in length was best described by a linear function for males and a power function for females. Growth in weight was best described by a power function for both sexes. Growth rates of the DML ranged from 0.16 to 0.30 (mean=0.24) mm/day in males and from 0.23 to 0.43 (mean=0.33) mm/day in females. The hatching season extended from June to August (monsoon season).
Developing Student’s Comprehensive Knowledge of Physics Concepts by Using Computational Thinking Activities: Effects of a 6-Week Intervention
Authors: Bufasi Ergi , Hoxha Mario , Cuka Klea , Vrtagic Sabahudin
Published: September 2022

Computational thinking has been identified as an important approach for enabling students' better comprehension of science concepts as well as scientific procedures. Computation is useful in physics because it permits physics theories to be applied to issues that are complicated to fix analytically. Visual Python provides a 3D environment where learners may design 3D objects, apply a physical framework, and study the effects of altering parameters. The implementation and outcomes of a 6-week teacher-led computational thinking intervention with groups of 12th graders (n=60) are described in this study. Two research questions are being addressed using quantitative analysis and a quasi-experimental approach involving a pre- and post-test. The participants who received the six-week implementation on the experimental group performed significantly better on the post-test than the control group, which received only standard teaching lectures. The results indicated a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the experimental group (M = 24.03, SD = 4.68) and the control group (M = 20.3, SD = 5.38). The findings indicate that implementing computational thinking activities not only improves students' knowledge of physics concepts, but it also improves visual thinking, allowing students to better cognitively comprehend the problem.
Optimization of Teachers’ Teaching Behaviors in the Virtual Digital Graphic Design Teaching Environment
Authors: Zhang Xiaoji , Li Aiping , Shen Yue
Published: September 2022

Different teaching and interaction methods applied by teachers in the virtual teaching environment will lead to certain differences in the characteristics of their teaching behaviors. An in-depth understanding of the teaching behavior characteristics of teachers in virtual digital graphic design teaching and the influencing factors to the teacher-student interaction effect can help different types of teachers cater to students’ extensive needs in learning digital graphic design skills. This paper studies the optimization of teachers’ teaching behaviors in the virtual teaching environment of digital graphic design. Firstly, the problems existing in the application of virtual reality technology in digital graphic design teaching were summarized, a structural model for the virtual teaching environment of digital graphic design was constructed, and the optimization of teachers’ teaching behaviors under the virtual teaching environment of digital graphic design was quantified based on the LDA model. An effect model for teachers’ teaching behaviors was constructed, and through analysis of the evaluation results of students on the virtual digital graphic design teaching effect of teachers, the effectiveness indicator of teachers’ teaching behavior decisions was obtained. The experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Transits and Transitions: Astronomy, Topography, and Politics in Russian Expeditions to View the Transit of Venus in 1874
Authors: Werrett Simon
Published: September 2022

Russian expeditions to observe the transit of Venus in 1874 provide an opportunity to explore the nature of astronomy and society in late Imperial Russia. This paper brings to light the personnel and places involved in Russian missions and examines their integration within the burgeoning networks of Russian imperial power designed to bring efficient governance to the Empire in the wake of the disastrous Crimean War. For the Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich, brother of Tsar Alexander II, and his reform-minded circle, astronomy and geography were part of an effort to reinvigorate empire and autocracy on more participatory models and demonstrate the vitality of Russia to foreign audiences. At the same time, another flurry of expeditions was taking place, as populist revolutionaries began “going to the people” to spread messages of disruption and revolution. How the transit passed across these differing interpretations of the right forms of imperial travel and “scientific” governance in Russia form the focus of the paper.
La prise en compte du temps en chimie
Authors: Reisse Jacques
Published: September 2022

Le chimiste s’intéresse à des problèmes qui relèvent de la chimie de l’environnement ou encore à cette phase remarquable de la transformation de la matière qui correspond au passage du non-vivant au vivant, il est obligé de prendre en compte le « temps de l’histoire ». Il est intéressant d’examiner comment le chimiste réagit face à cette obligation lui qui, par sa culture et contrairement au géologue par exemple, n’est pas préparé à devoir tenir compte d’un temps qui ne soit pas un simple paramètre permettant d’ordonner des observations de manière reproductible.
Connaissances et expériences ordinaires des dérèglements climatiques
Authors: Durand Séverine , Granjou Céline , Mounet Coralie
Published: September 2022

Documenté et mis en évidence par un savoir expert peu accessible au non spécialiste, le changement climatique est perçu comme un phénomène global, à distance de l’expérience vécue de l’environnement et du temps qu’il fait. A rebours de cette connaissance globale, cet article s’intéresse aux évolutions du climat que les habitants et pratiquants de milieu montagnard (massif des Écrins) identifient et expérimentent par leur biais de leurs pratiques. Il met en évidence des savoirs expérientiels portant certes sur la dimension climatique fortement médiatisée (en particulier, fonte des glaciers, éboulements, etc.) mais également sur tout un pan de conséquences locales peu décrites par ailleurs et portant sur le paysage, la faune, la flore, etc. Intimement liés à la dimension sensible et émotionnelle de la relation de ces pratiquants au milieu, ces savoirs expérientiels les amènent à développer certains bricolages adaptatifs pour ajuster et transformer leurs pratiques. Mais parce que ces évolutions ne sont pas documentées par les sciences du climat, la légitimité de leurs observations n’est pas évidente. Or, l’expérimentation sensible, porteuse d’affects, et la connaissance de ces « dérèglements » tangibles dans un lieu particulier paraissent essentielles pour construire les décisions et l’action politique d’atténuation et d’adaptation au changement climatique.
PERSPECTIVA CTS NA FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE EM TRABALHOS APRESENTADOS NOS ENCONTROS NACIONAIS DE ENSINO DE QUÍMICA (ENEQ)
Authors: Freitas Ferreira Francisca Rayssa , Targino de Moura Francisco Marconcio
Published: September 2022

Temáticas como formação de professores e Ciências, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS) são de relevância na educação contemporânea. Tivemos como objetivo investigar a Perspectiva Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS) na Formação de Professores de Química, apresentados nos Encontros Nacionais de Ensino de Química (ENEQ) no período entre 2010 e 2018. Nossa pesquisa teve uma abordagem qualitativa, onde escolhemos como método a Análise Documental. Nosso corpus de pesquisa foi composto pelos textos dos anais das edições do Encontro Nacional de Ensino de Química (ENEQ), compreendidos no período 2010 a 2018, dos GTs de Formação de Professores e Perspectiva CTS. Apesar de vários trabalhos acerca do tema, o número de publicações sobre a formação inicial e continuada de professores de Química com enfoque CTS é insipiente, não sendo uma temática consolidada.

Palavras-chave: ENEQ. Formação de Professores de Química. Perspectiva CTS.
Study of Microstructure of Electrically Conductive Silicate Composites with Graphite-Based Fillers
Authors: Baránek Šimon , Mészárosová Lenka , Drochytka Rostislav , Yakovlev Grigory Ivanovich
Published: September 2022

Electrical conductive composite materials are nowadays widely used in many industrial applications include building materials. One of the possible applications is as a resistance probe. Those probes were designed to monitor internal structural changes of building materials built into construction and to predict their durability, over-load, or defects. Mostly used composite materials are silicate or biopolymer-based with carbon-based filler. This article is dedicated to the study of the microstructure of silicate-based electrically conductive composites with graphite-based fillers. The microstructural shape of fillers was chosen concerning preserving as high conductivity as possible. Furthermore, the effect of moisture on the electrically conductive properties of the silicate composite was monitored.
Is commodification of medical education an answer for economic woes?
Authors: Karunathilake I.M. , De Abrew A.
Published: September 2022

No abstract available
Dilemma in Medical Education: who is a good medical teacher?
Authors: Kemahli S. , Alkattan K. W. Alkattan , Ganguly P.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The qualities of a medical teacher are many, ranging from lecturing to role modelling and motivating students, in addition to being an expert and knowledgeable in his/her area. The present article attempts to answer certain questions to identify whether the composite of the criteria listed in the text can describe a good medical teacher.
Methodology: We compiled a list of the qualities expected from a medical teacher and suggested a grading system to guide medical schools in assessing teachers. The intention is not to define the “best”, but the “good” teacher.
Results: The grading relies on 10 criteria to be assessed by different stakeholders, thus, to give a 3600 assessment. The present article describes an innovative system, where the listed criteria can be scored and converted to a scale out of 100.
Conclusion: We suggest that a “good” medical teacher should score at least 80 out of 100 with these criteria, but it may vary from one institution to another.
Korean women’s theology and misogyny
Authors: Cho Anna
Published: September 2022

In this article, it is argued that the reason why Korean women’s theology could not be systematically established lies in the deeply rooted misogyny in society and church. Thus, the issue of misogyny was considered from the perspective of womanism in terms of the performative language that carries out misogyny. This was designed to find a way to overcome the problem of misogyny in society. The socialisation and practice of misogyny becomes effective through language, which creates social values and systemic institutions, thus creating a language-society. Therefore, this article proposes to look at misogyny, which is the basis of discrimination against women, in terms of the performative language. In addition, methods to overcome the problem of misogyny and to establish a constructive theology of women are presented through the performative language.Contribution: A study on ‘misogyny-language’, a mechanism of discrimination and oppression against women, reveals that social structures, systems and institutions are the result of the performative language and will help to overcome the problem of misogyny. In addition, it will contribute to the promotion of women’s theology and women’s rights around the world.
A trio reclaiming blackness and black spirituality: A tribute to Vuyani Vellem
Authors: Mpofu Buhle , Molopyane Lethabo M.
Published: September 2022

Issues related to racism are still pervasive in global society; and Blackness has dominated identity politics in the South African political and public debates since the downfall of apartheid. Recently, there have been questions on whether skin colour can be used as a generalised indication of being previously disadvantaged with some arguing that skin colour cannot be used as a condition for empowerment. They argue that socio-economic conditions must rather be used as the criteria for empowerment. This contribution draws on the notions of Liminality (Turner) and Third Space (Bhabha) to investigate how the lives of three black intellectuals – Steve Biko, Tambudzo Marechera, Vuyani Vellem – resembled the ‘liminal threshold’ as they underwent ‘initiation’ on black identity. The authors conclude that despite the many years of ‘chanting down Babylon’, black people still have to contend with white supremacy in the same way that Tambudzo Marechera, Steve Biko and more recently, Vuyani Vellem, fiercely challenged it.Contribution: This study is a contribution to keeping the legacy of Vuyani Vellem alive by highlighting the notions of Liminality and Third Space to demonstrate how the lives of the three black intellectuals resembled the ‘liminal threshold’ as they all underwent ‘initiation’ on black identity in their respective times and contexts.
Die NG Kerk oor ‘Kerk en Samelewing’ voor en na 1994 – ’n Evaluering van drie dokumente
Authors: Strauss Piet J.
Published: September 2022

The Dutch Reformed Church about ‘Church and Society’ before and after 1994 – An evaluation of three documents. In its aim, to guide the members of its congregations in the last days of official apartheid in South Africa in a pastoral and ethical way, the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church formulated the documents Church and Society of 1986 and 1990. The General Synod applied its interpretation of biblical norms like love thy neighbour, justice and human dignity, to say that apartheid as the forced separation and unequal, unjust treatment of people of different communities, could not be justified. The church opted for a new societal dispensation in one South Africa, although it left the practical side of it to the chosen politicians. When confronted by the new dispensation in 1994, the study commission that was appointed to help their church members to understand the new South Africa as based on the human rights of individuals, was uncritical about the humanistic-individualistic foundation of the new society. The fruits of their study were sent to be studied in congregations. This movement led to the end of an effort in this regard on the level of the General Synod. Between their approach to apartheid and the new society, the reports before the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church did not maintain the same principles, nor did it maintain an ecclesiastical independence. The report of 1998 did not show the same critical approach as the reports on apartheid in 1986 and 1990.Contribution: This article concentrates on the view of the Dutch Reformed Church on practical apartheid before it officially ended in 1994. The critical approach of practical apartheid as undertaken by this church is investigated through a church historical study of literature. Three documents on church and society eventually came out of the General Synod: Church and Society 1986, Church and Society 1990 and the Church and a new dispensation in 1998. The Dutch Reformed Church, however, did not use the same point of departure before than after 1994.
Geleerde digters en geleerde lesers
Authors: Steenkamp Johan J.
Published: September 2022

No abstract available.
Managing acute opioid withdrawal with tramadol during COVID-19 lockdown in a peri-urban setting
Authors: Bhoora Urvisha , Gloeck Natasha R. , Scheibe Andrew
Published: September 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the scope of heroin dependence and need for evidence-based treatment amongst marginalised people in South Africa. Acute opioid withdrawal management without maintenance therapy carries risks of increased morbidity and mortality. Due to the high costs of methadone, Tshwane’s Community Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP) used tramadol for opioid withdrawal management during the initial COVID-19 response.Aim: To describe demographics, route of heroin administration and medication-related experiences amongst people accessing tramadol for treatment of opioid withdrawal.Setting: Three community-based COSUP sites in Mamelodi (Tshwane, South Africa).Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered paper-based tool between April and August 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data.Results: Of the 220 service users initiated onto tramadol, almost half (n = 104, 47%) were not contactable. Fifty-eight (26%) people participated, amongst whom most were male (n = 55, 95%). Participants’ median age was 32 years. Most participants injected heroin (n = 36, 62.1%). Most participants experienced at least one side effect (n = 47, 81%) with 37 (64%) experiencing two or more side effects from tramadol. Insomnia occurred most frequently (n = 26, 45%). One person without a history of seizures experienced a seizure. Opioid withdrawal symptoms were experienced by 54 participants (93%) whilst taking tramadol. Over half (n = 38, 66%) reported using less heroin whilst on tramadol.Conclusion: Tramadol reduced heroin use but was associated with withdrawal symptoms and unfavourable side effects. Findings point to the limitations of tramadol as opioid withdrawal management to retain people in care and the importance of access to first-line opioid agonists.Contribution: This research contributes to the limited data around short-acting tramadol for opioid withdrawal management in the African context, with specific focus on the need for increased access to opioid agonists for those who need them, in primary care settings.
COVID-19 and diabetic ketoacidosis: A case series at an urban district hospital in South Africa
Authors: Dicks Heather N. , Naidoo Keshena
Published: September 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased prevalence and mortality from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) globally. With limited access to specialised care, most patients with DKA in South Africa are managed at district hospital level. This study describes the profile of patients admitted to a district hospital in South Africa with DKA and COVID-19 and examines associated risk factors encountered.Methods: This was a case series of all patients presenting to a district hospital with DKA and COVID-19 infection between July 2020 and July 2021. Data extracted included patients’ demographic profiles, biochemical results, comorbidities and clinical outcomes.Results: The median age of the 10 patients admitted during the study period was 39 years old (±12), six of whom were male. The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values on admission ranged from 9.7 to 13.8. Five of the patients had pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Four of the known DM patients were on metformin only, and one was on biphasic insulin. Three patients had other pre-existing comorbidities, two patients with hypertension and one with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Three patients demised, two of whom were hypoxic on admission.Conclusion: Diabetic ketoacidosis appears more commonly in COVID-19 infected patients with type 2 DM and at a young age. Suboptimal glycaemic control was associated with DKA, and hypoxia was a strong predictor for mortality. Treatment inertia was evident in the known DM group, who were on monotherapy despite persistent hyperglycaemia. Greater vigilance is required to detect ketosis in type 2 DM and intensify therapy to improve glycaemic control.
Leadership styles and effectiveness in the workplace: A perspective of the millennial generation
Authors: Easton Carolyn , Steyn Renier
Published: September 2022

Background: Millennial leaders are seen in the workplace as the leadership pipeline for the preceding generations, Generation X and baby boomers, particularly given that the older baby boomer generation are retiring. However, the correlation between leadership styles and leadership effectiveness and the consequences for leadership development have not been fully researched in the literature on millennial leaders.Aim: The aim of this research was to test differences between leadership styles and leadership effectiveness as perceived by both millennial followers and millennial leaders.Setting: This research was conducted in South Africa, in a variety of organisations, and through sampling of employees across generations.Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected with instruments based on the Pearce typology of leadership styles, after which the data were segmented according to three generations. After confirming reliability and general factorial validity of the instruments, regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of four leadership styles towards leadership effectiveness.Results: Two of the leadership styles, namely empowering and transformational, were perceived by both millennial followers and leaders as being statistically significant predictors of leadership effectiveness, whilst the remaining two leadership styles, directive and transactional, did not have a statistically significant contribution towards leadership effectiveness.Conclusion: The results support the alternative hypotheses aligned with the literature review that millennials prefer empowering and transformational leadership styles as they regard these styles as effective. However, important to note is that Generation X has very similar preferences. This knowledge will assist with improved development of millennial leaders in the workplace.
Investigation of chitosan, its depolymerized products, and nanoformulation as novel anticonvulsants
Authors: Aboutabl Mona E. , Fayed Bahgat , Ismail Shaymaa A.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer that possesses various biological activities. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potentiality of chitosan and its enzymatically depolymerized products as anticonvulsants.

Materials and methods

In the current study, chitosan enzymatic depolymerization was carried out using Bacillus cereus chitosanase followed by fractionation of the produced chitooligosaccharides. Phase I anticonvulsant activity of chitosan as well as its enzymatically depolymerized products was evaluated using pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, maximal electric shock, and neurotoxicity tests. In phase II, median effective dose, median toxic dose, and protective index were determined. In addition, γ-aminobutyric acid brain level and acute toxicity were evaluated.

Results and conclusion

The results indicated that the fraction with the lower degree of acetylation and longer chains of glucosamine (COSH) possessed rapid onset of action with the highest protection (75%) at 0.5 h and long-acting effect for 4 h. In addition, the median effective dose of COSH was 12.7-fold more potent than the reference ethosuximide, whereas in the maximal electric shock test, COSH showed lower potency than phenytoin. The median toxic dose was 1.4-fold and 7.9-fold higher than ethosuximide and phenytoin, respectively. The protective index was 18.1-fold and 3.98-fold higher than ethosuximide and phenytoin, respectively, with a significant increase in γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter brain level. In an attempt to prolong the anticonvulsant effect of COSH, a nano-formulation was carried out in which the particle size was estimated as 188.7±0.26 nm. After that, an equivalent dose of a combined treatment of COSH and the nanoformula (each 15 mg/kg) was evaluated in which a prolonged effect was achieved up to 24 h.
Characterizing the third wave of COVID-19: An analysis from the National Clinical Registry of COVID-19
Authors: Kumar Gunjan , Mukherjee Aparna , Turuk Alka , Bhalla Ashish , Talukdar Arunansu , Shivnitwar Sachin K. , Ojha U.K. , Menon Geetha R. , Sahu Damodar , Panda Samiran , Rao Vishnu Vardhan , Singh Sujeet Kumar , Bhargava Balram ,   National Clinical Registry for COVID Team*
Published: September 2022

Background & objectives:

Data from the National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 (NCRC) were analyzed with an aim to describe the clinical characteristics, course and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the third wave of the pandemic and compare them with patients admitted earlier.

Methods:

The NCRC, launched in September 2020, is a multicentre observational initiative, which provided the platform for the current investigation. Demographic, clinical, treatment and outcome data of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were captured in an electronic data portal from 38 hospitals across India. Patients enrolled during December 16, 2021 to January 17, 2022 were considered representative of the third wave of COVID-19 and compared with those registered during November 15 to December 15, 2021, representative of the tail end of the second wave.

Results:

Between November 15, 2021 and January 17, 2022, 3230 patients were recruited in NCRC. Patients admitted in the third wave were significantly younger than those admitted earlier (46.7±20.5 vs. 54.6±18 yr). The patients admitted in the third wave had a lower requirement of drugs including steroids, interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors and remdesivir as well as lower oxygen supplementation and mechanical ventilation. They had improved hospital outcomes with significantly lower in-hospital mortality (11.2 vs. 15.1%). The outcomes were better among the fully vaccinated when compared to the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The pattern of illness and outcomes were observed to be different in the third wave compared to the last wave. Hospitalized patients were younger with fewer comorbidities, decreased symptoms and improved outcomes, with fully vaccinated patients faring better than the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated ones.
Role of Echocardiography in Ductal Stenting
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Jain Shreepal
Published: September 2022

Patent ductus arteriosus stenting has been acknowledged as a reliable alternative to palliative shunt surgeries in neonates with duct-dependent circulation. This procedure is technically challenging and can have serious complications; hence, a thorough evaluation of the case and preprocedural planning is required. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains the first diagnostic modality for all congenital heart defects. This article focuses on the role of TTE in diagnosis and transcatheter management of duct-dependent lesions.
The impact of a less restrictive post-sternotomy activity protocol compared with standard sternal precautions in patients following cardiac surgery
Authors: Shirodkar Sridhar , Sharma Amit
Published: September 2022

Despite limited evidence, to support movement and weight limitations following median sternotomy, sternal restrictions are routinely prescribed. This systematic review aims to determine what the literature defines as sternal restrictions, how sternal restrictions are applied and progressed; what are the less restraining sternal restrictions, revised sternal restrictions, and uniformity in the prescription of sternal restrictions. (N=2027) studies were identified. Databases screened were CINAHL (1957), PubMed (47), EMBASE (06), ICTRP (04), and COCHRANE (13). After including scholarly articles, screening records, removing duplicates, and including potentially relevant articles, Five (n = 5) studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies included papers written in English. A precautionary approach, rather than a restraining attitude would expedite better healing and practicable recovery post-median sternotomy. This comprehensive analysis clearly supports the fact that patients need progressive rehabilitation after surgery to enhance thoracic motion, pulmonary function, symptoms, and functional status.
Unveiling Research Training Gaps in Oncology
Authors: Owoade IA , Wuraola F , Olasehinde O , Akinyemi P A , Randolph K , Dare AJ , Kingham TP , Alatise OI
Published: September 2022

Background:

Cancers are a disease of growing public health importance in Africa, but cancer research capacity in the region is underdeveloped. The quest to foster and promote locally conceptualized and conducted oncology research in Africa have informed the African Research Group for Oncology's (ARGO) research capacity-building efforts in Nigeria.

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of oncology research capacity-building initiatives among Nigerian senior trainees and junior faculty physicians.

Subjects and Methods:

Panel study design was employed to study Nigerian senior trainees and junior faculty physicians who participated in two research capacity-building symposia. Data were collected pre-and immediate post-symposia, and 3-month post-first symposium. Changes in knowledge were assessed using the Chi-square test and confidence levels using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

In the first symposium, the participants' pass rate in the knowledge-based questions improved from 9.8% to 46.7% to 81.5% at the baseline, immediate post-symposium, and 3-month post-symposium, respectively (P < 0.001). Likewise, the participants' confidence level in carrying out certain research-related activities increased after the second symposium (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The study concludes that building capacity for oncology research in low- and middle-income countries is possible with focused symposia and educational programs.
Hyperlipidemia and Its Relation with Tinnitus
Authors: Musleh A , Alshehri S , Qobty A
Published: September 2022

Background:

Tinnitus is a common auditory complaint among individuals characterized by ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds in the ear. Following a low-fat/low-cholesterol diet can help reduce the blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which aids improvement in tinnitus symptoms. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream play a significant role in the development of tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo.

Aim:

This paper aims to test the association between hyperlipidemia and tinnitus among outpatients in King Khalid University (KKU) ENT clinic.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who attended the ENT clinic at KKU was performed. An otological examination including pure tone audiometry, personal habits, and lipid profile was conducted. Patients were contacted by phone if there were any missing data.

Results:

The study included 300 patients who were treated in the outpatient clinic during the study period. About 80% of the patients were of age >45 years and 60.3% were males. Half of the cases (150 cases) had tinnitus and 13% had hyperlipidemia. Patients with high lipid profile recorded doubled risk for tinnitus (P < 0.05). Other risk factors found to be significantly associated with tinnitus include vertigo, young age, and wearing an earpiece.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, there was a significant association between hyperlipidemia and the incidence of tinnitus even after adjusting for all other risk factors. More large-scale researches are needed to assess in detail the association between different lipid components such as low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and tinnitus epidemiology.
Evaluation of Neurology Consultations in a COVID-19 Pandemic Hospital, A Retrospective Study
Authors: Gunduz ZB
Published: September 2022

Background:

Affinity of coronavirus disease to the central nervous system is not well known.

Aim:

We aimed to share the data of COVID-19 patients with neurological complaints in a pandemia hospital.

Material and Method:

Consultation results requested from the neurology clinic of Konya Meram State Hospital were retrospectively examined. PCR test positive patients, PCR negative patients with positive clinical, laboratory and radiological findings with COVID-19 were evaluated. Age, gender, history of neurological diseases, and neurological symptoms were recorded.

Results:

The reason for consultation was acute neurological symptom in 96 (84.2%) patients, counseling for treatment in chronic disease in 15 (13.2%) patients, and worsening in chronic disease in 3 (2.6%) patients. As neurological disorders, 22 (19.3%) had a history of previous stroke, 10 (8.8%) had dementia, 4 (3.5%) had epilepsy, 4 (3.5%) had Parkinson's disease, 3 (2.6%) had multiple sclerosis, 2 (1.8%) had myasthenia graves, and 1 (0.9%) had restless legs syndrome respectively. The most common reason for requesting consultation was changes in consciousness (56.1%). Of the 114 patients who requested neurology consultation, 65 (57%) were discharged, 49 (43%) were died.

Conclusion:

The change in consciousness was the reason in more than half of the patients who requested neurology consultation during COVID-19 follow-up. Impaired consciousness in a patient with COVID-19 may indicate a poor prognosis. If the studies planned in the near future can shed light on the cause of the unconsciousness developing in COVID-19, it will be promising in terms of treatment plans to reduce mortality.
Inner and Outer Retina Findings Determined by Optical Coherence Tomography in Different Subtypes Of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Yurtogullari S , Erbahçeci İE
Published: September 2022

Background:

Integrity of outer retinal bands among multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes remains unclear, however alterations of thickness in retinal layers is well described.

Aim:

The objective of the study was to determine the alterations in the thickness of the inner and outer layers of the retina and the findings in both layers detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

Patients and Methods:

A total of 132 eyes from 66 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) (70 eyes from 35 patients with RRMS and 62 eyes from 31 patients with SPMS) and 72 eyes from 36 healthy controls were included in the study. The external structures of the retina, including the outer limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and interdigitation zone (IZ), were examined using OCT in RRMS, SPMS, and healthy control groups. The correlation of neurological disability expressed by the Expanded Disability Study Scale (EDSS) score, best-corrected visual acuity, and duration of disease among OCT parameters was also analyzed.

Results:

In eyes, with no history of previous optic neuritis (ON), the macular nerve fiber layer, the internal plexiform layer of ganglion cells (GCIPL), and the total thickness of the retinal layer were thinner in the SPMS group than in the RRMS group (P < 0.05, in each comparison). EZ was more vulnerable among the three hyperreflective external retinal zones in the retina of patients with SPMS than in patients with RRMS (P = 0.016).

Conclusions:

Alterations in retinal thickness in MS are not limited to the inner layers of the retina and also occur in the outer structures of the retina.
Screen Viewing Practices and Caregivers' Knowledge of the Health-Related Effects in Children and Adolescents in a Nigerian Urban City
Authors: Ikefuna AN , Uwaezuoke NA , Eze JN , Eke AL , Eke CB
Published: September 2022

Background:

Globally, a dramatic increase in the use of television and digital media has been observed among children and adolescents in recent times. The possible health-related effects of frequent and prolonged screen media viewing on these children and adolescents have triggered many concerns among researchers.

Aim:

The study is aimed to determine the screen media viewing practices and caregivers' level of knowledge about the health-related effects of prolonged screen viewing time on their children. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among caregiver/child and adolescent dyads on outpatient clinic visits.

Subjects and Methods:

Respondents (caregivers/children's pairs) were consecutively recruited, and data was obtained using an unambiguous pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire comprising four domains: socio demographic characteristics; screen media viewing characteristics, perception of the health related effects of prolonged viewing time, and measures to limit prolonged screen viewing time in children. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 at a level of statistical significance P < 0.05.

Results:

Of the 205 respondents studied, the majority (67.8%, fathers and 76.1%, mothers) had tertiary education. The daily mean time spent by children watching television/screen media was 2 (± 1.58) hours. Up to 89.3% of the caregivers established good standards for healthy screen-viewing in their homes. However, 52.7% of them had poor knowledge of the health-related problems of increased viewing time. Socio-economic class (P = 0.002) and knowledge level of the parents (P = 0.000) were significant predictors limiting children's screen-viewing time.

Conclusion:

Increasing screen media viewing is common among the children studied. The majority of the caregivers had poor knowledge of health-related effects of prolonged viewing time despite high educational attainment. There is a need to enlighten caregivers on the possible health effects of excess screen media viewing so as to enable them to institute stringent measures to limit the attendant health consequences on the children.
Mid-term Radiological Results of Intra-Articular Penetration of the Screw Used in Scaphoid Surgery
Authors: Coskun T , Arik HO
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim:

Headless cannulated compression screw is often used in scaphoid fracture and nonunion surgery. In the volar and dorsal surgical approach, when adequate fluoroscopic imaging is not performed, the screw may protrude beyond the scaphoid bone and penetrate into the joint. When the length of the screw is too long, and it is noticed intraoperatively, it is replaced with a shorter screw. However, there is no clear consensus in the literature about the way to be followed when screw penetration is noticed in the postoperative period.

Materials and Methods:

The cases in which cannulated screw penetrated the radioscaphoid, scapholunate, and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint on postoperative radiographs were included in this study. Sixteen patients (13 men and 3 women) were included. The mean postoperative follow up time was 35.1 months. There was scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint penetration in seven cases, scapholunate joint penetration in two cases, and radioscaphoid joint penetration in seven cases.

Results:

Osteoarthritis developed in the scapholunate joint in two cases and in the radioscaphoid joint in two cases. Early revision surgery or waiting for the fracture to heal and removing the screw, or not performing secondary surgery are among the options. In this study, mid term radiological results of screws penetrating radioscaphoid, scapholunate, and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joints were examined. It was observed that it may cause osteoarthritis development in radioscaphoid and scapholunate joints, but it did not cause osteoarthritis development in scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint.

Conclusion:

In the early postoperative period, revision surgery is recommended to prevent the development of osteoarthritis of screws penetrating the radioscaphoid and scapholunate joint.