bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Hormonal Contraceptives and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Akter Dr. Aliza , Shaila Dr. Umme , Sharif Dr. Rashed Md. , Zaman Dr. Sadia Israt
Published: April 2022

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) in women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are common health hazards all over the world than that of contraceptives non users. Objective: To observe the relationship of hormonal contraceptives with metabolic syndrome. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, during the period from January to 31 December, 2011. Two hundred women age ranged 20-35 years using hormonal contraceptives were included in this study group. The study group was subdivided into oral contraceptive users (Group B) and injectable contraceptive users (Group C). All the women using hormonal contraceptive were selected from Model clinic and Medicine ward in DMC and also from different areas of Dhaka city. Results: In this study, the BMI value in both oral and injectable contraceptives users were significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of contraceptive non users. Within the study groups, the BMI in oral and injectable contraceptives users for 1-5 years were significantly lower (P<0.001) than that of oral contraceptive users for 6-10 years. The waist circumference (WC) in all oral and injectable contraceptives users for 1-5 years and 6-10 years were significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of contraceptive non users. Conclusion: Percentage of distribution of subjects having metabolic syndrome was higher in women using hormonal contraceptives and increase duration of hormonal contraceptives use progressively increase the level of parameters of metabolic syndrome. So, it may be concluded that women using hormonal contraceptives are more prone to develop metabolic syndrome.
Comparison of the CNN and RNN Approaches with Respect to Brain Tumor using MRI Image Datasets
Authors: Ullah Imran , Jamal Bakth , Ali Fawad , Rehman Hanif Ur , Ullah Zia , Ali Said
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Heart disease and cancer are the top two killers in the world, but strokes are the third most common cause of death worldwide. Furthermore, one-third of stroke victims are left with long-term disabilities. An Ischemic-strokes account for 80% of all strokes, while hemorrhagic strokes account for 20% of all strokes. Aim of this study: The main aim of this study is comparing the haemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients – analysis of mortality, clinical development and relationship between stroke variables. Research Methodology: The design of this research is descriptive and exploratory. The current study included 100 patients with an acknowledged stroke incidence (57 men and 43 women). The difference of statistics between infarct and haemorrhage on the demographic & clinical variables was discovered through the use of univariate and Multivariate analysis. Data analysis: The data have been analyzed on a total of 100 patients based on the two types of strokes using various statistical tools on clinical and demographic variables. Conclusion: It is concluded that in comparison to ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke affected a younger age group. Stroke patients with a history of hypertension had a statistically insignificant link between their hypertensive history and the occurrence of the disease, according to the univariate analysis.
Socioeconomic Study on the Prevalence and Pattern of Various Neurological Disorders in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Ullah Imran , Ali Sajid , Rahman Hanif Ur , Ali Said , Ullah Zia , Ali Fawad
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Neurological disorders are defined as problems that affect the brain as well as the nerves located throughout the human body and the spinal cord. Underlying, metabolic or electrical imbalances in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves can cause a variety of adverse effects. Aim of the study: The Socio-Economical on The Prevalence and Pattern of Various Disorders Regarding Neurology in Urban and Rural Areas of kpk was studied in this study. Methodology: The research was carried out in the Department of Neurology at dhq Hospital Timergira on the urban and rural populations of the KPK district of Peshawar. In a two-phase design, each area received a proportional representation in sample size allocation, and the probability proportional to size (PPS) technique was applied. An individual's case of neurological illness was only confirmed after a professional evaluation. A total of 260 patients (out of 7800 samples) tested positive for neurological diseases, yielding a 2.6 percent crude prevalence. The crude frequency in rural regions was 2.28 percent, whereas it was 5.4 percent in urban areas. Migraine was the most common disorder. Conclusion: Given the increasing occurrence of serious neurological illnesses, there is a need for healthcare personnel to be trained in their treatment.
Study of the Prevalence, Risk Factors and Economic Losses Caused by Swine Cysticercosis in Animals Slaughtered in the Dédougou Communal Slaughterhouse, Burkina Faso
Authors: Modou Séré , Yorossi Kan Saturnin , Hermann Pooda Sié , Benoît Kaboré , Adama Kaboré , Hamidou Tamboura H , Gaston Belem Adrien Marie
Published: April 2022

Swine cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease transmissible from pigs to humans. In Burkina Faso, few scientific studies have been performed on this pathology, especially in slaughterhouses which are the main production sites of meat destined to human consumption. This study was carried out in the Dedougou slaughterhouse on 3 350 pigs inspected and diagnosed by tongue and post-mortem examination to assess the prevalence of cysticercosis, its risk factors, and the financial losses incurred by butchers due to seizures operated by the inspectors. Results revealed no cysticercosis-positive pigs by the tongue technique, while the post-mortem inspection detected 25 cases, representing a prevalence of 0.75%, leading to an overall loss of XOF 1 118 425 for the butchers. The incriminating risk factors with a significant effect on disease transmission were sex (p-value = 0.0033) and age (p-value = 0.0183). Given these results, Dedougou's communal authorities and animal health officials should undertake an awareness campaign on the disease and strengthen surveillance measures against illegal slaughter.
Evaluasi Potensi Interaksi Obat Antidiabetika Oral Di Apotek Perintis Kuripan Banjarmasin
Authors: Ariani Novia , Prihandiwati Erna
Published: April 2022

Diabetes melitus merupakan salah satu penyakit kronik tertinggi ketiga didunia setelah hipertensi. Penyakit Diabetes mellitus merupakan penyakit tertinggi di Apotek Perintis Kuripan Banjarmasin. Potensi interaksi terjadi apabila pasien mengkonsumsi dua atau lebih obat secara bersamaan dengan efek hasil interaksi yang dapat menguntungkan atau dapat merugikan bahkan bisa membahayakan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan evaluasi potensi interaksi obat antidiabetika oral periode Januari – Desember 2020. Jenis penelitian adalah non eksperimental dengan pengambilan data secara retrospektif. Jumlah  populasi yang sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi sebanyak 784 lembar resep dari 1.015 lembar resep. Sampel dihitung dengan rumus lameshow dan teknik pengambilan sampel proportional Random Sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan berupa lembar observasi. Data di analisis menggunakan literatur online medscape drug interaction checker 2021 dan literatur Drug Interaction Fact 2010. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jumlah kombinasi obat yang memiliki potensi interaksi berdasarkan mekanisme kerja sebanyak 149 (39,52%) dan berdasarkan farmakodinamik 74  (48,05%), farmakokinetik 33 (21,43%), dan tidak diketahui 47 atau 30,52%. Sedangkan berdasarkan tingkat keparahan, serios 1 (0,65 %), moderat 121 (78,57%), minor 32 (20,78%).
Penggunaan Rekam Medis Elektronik Guna Menunjang Efektivitas Pendaftaran Pasien Rawat Jalan di Klinik dr. Ranny
Authors: Apriliyani Sinta
Published: April 2022

Latar Belakang: Rekam Medis merupakan berkas yang berisikan catatan dan dokumen tentang identitas pasien, pemeriksaan, pengobatan seta tindakan lain kepada pasien selama mendapatkan perawatan di penyedia layanan kepada pasien baik rawat inap maupun rawat jalan.
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sejauh mana peran pelayanan rekam medis dalam menunjang efektivitas pendaftaran.
Metode: Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif, penelitian ini dilakukan dengan cara observasi langsung dan wawancara kepada petugas rekam medis dan kepala unit rekam medis.
Hasil: RME telah diterapkan terkait dengan isi, kurasi, format, dan kemudahan dalam menggunakan RME. memungkinkan pengisian lebih lengkap terutama data sosial dan lebih sistematis. Pemeriksaan pasien menjadi lebih akurat atau sesuai dengan riwayat kesehatan sebelumnya karena data pasien tercatat dengan baik serta tidak mudah hilang. Format RME telah sesuai dengan format rekam medis untuk pelayanan kesehatan primer. RME sangat mudah digunakan terutama kemudahan dalam mencari data dan riwayat pasien sehingga menghemat waktu, lebih efektif, data pasien tersimpan dengan baik dan tidak mudah hilang.
Kesimpulan: Perencanaan Rekam Medis Elektronik di Klinik Dr Ranny merupakan implementasi dari perencanaan strategis. Strategi Klinik Dr Ranny dalam rangka mewujudkan pengorganisasian database pasien dalam bentuk Rekam Medis Elektronik (RME) sangat membantu pelayanan pasien. Meski masih dalam tahap permulaan namun pada masa mendatang melalui rekam medis elektronik ini maka dokter dapat mengakses database pasien melalui perangkat Handphone dan Tablet yang terkoneksi secara online dengan database.
Tiktok Social Media as a Means of Small and Medium Business Promotion
Authors: Hasim Hasim , Sherlina Lina
Published: April 2022

The clothing industry is a business that has a very fast development. Now the clothing industry has begun to be divided specifically, one of which is the clothing industry plus size. The current Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on micro, small and medium enterprises so that many businesses suffer losses. There are restrictions on community activities during the pandemic, digital platforms can be an alternative so that they can continue to carry out business activities. Efforts to increase the income of micro, small and medium enterprises need to promote online, one of which is using Tiktok social media. The focus of this research is on the promotion strategy of micro, small and medium plus size clothing businesses to increase sales during the Covid-19 pandemic by utilizing Tiktok social media. The purpose of this study was to find out the promotional strategies through Tiktok social media used by plus size clothing businessmen during the pandemic, what support platforms were used to maximize promotional results, the differences in promotional strategies and the obstacles experienced before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. 19. This study uses a qualitative constructivism method with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, observations, and document studies. The results of this study suggest that micro, small, and medium-sized plus size clothing businesses can survive and increase their sales during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing a variety of contemporary clothing that is needed by consumers. Using Tiktok for promotions such as creating content and endorsing the right influencers. Using the Instagram support platform as a place for online product catalogs, Shopee to buy products, and Whatsapp as customer service. Promotions and endorsements on the Tiktok application are effective for increasing sales of plussize clothing during the Covid-16 pandemic.
A beginner’s guide to the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa: By Abel Matheba and Debates
Authors: Abel Matheba
Published: April 2022

What is a revolution?A revolution is change that happens over a length of time. This type of change is driven by human beings. It starts as an idea inthe minds of a few, and then spreads out into the minds of more people so that it gains momentum to force a change in the world. A political revolution is often forced through protests or policies, where the majority of the affected people drive thischange in their desired direction. An industrial revolution is a change in economic power, where the main driver of the economy is changed from a certain technological sector to another.
Talking responsibly about medicine in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Alex Broadbent
Published: April 2022

A lot of what is currently being said about the future of medicine in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is irresponsible: it appears to be uttered without regard for whether it is true or false. The philosopher Harry Frankfurt argues that we should define and use the word “bullshit” as a technical term to cover speech of this sort (Frankfurt, 2005).
CONTRIBUTORS
Authors: Prof Ronit Frenkel
Published: April 2022

The University of Johannesburg acquired The Thinker in April 2019 from Dr Essop Pahad. Over the last decade, The Thinker has gained a reputation as a journal that explores Pan-African issues across fields and times. Ronit Frenkel, as the incoming editor, plans on maintaining the panAfrican scope of the journal while increasing its coverage into fields such as books, art, literature and popular cultures.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Another Industrial Revolution Leaving Black Women Behind?
Authors: Malaika Mahlatsi
Published: April 2022

In 2016, Klaus Schwab – founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) – introduced a term that would have significant consequences for global politics, economics, science, and the way in which the world is organised. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), according to Schwab’s book by the same title, would be different in scale, scope and complexity from any that the world had seen before. This fusion of advances in complex technologies, including but not limited to robotics, quantum computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT), would affect all disciplines and industries of the modern world. It would reconstruct space, economies, governments and even challenge existing ideas about what it means to be human (Schwab, 2016).
The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Nigeria: A Policy Conundrum and High Stakes for the Future of the African Continent
Authors: O.A. Ladimeji
Published: April 2022

This article argues that it is necessary to take into account political, cultural, and economic factors when evaluating potential responses to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This approach is similar to that taken by Joseph Schumpeter, who argued for the essential relevance of politics, culture and economics (1942). This article begins by identifying past national Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policies in Nigeria and their impact or lack thereof. It then seeks to identify the nexus that controls decision making in respect of ICT and responses to new technology, as well as which aspects of policy have been successful and unsuccessful. Finally, the article discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by the 4IR, with a focus on what a successful policy response would need to include and what might be the necessary pre-conditions for success.
Mohamed Enver Surty’s In Pursuit of Dignity
Authors: Hussain Savant
Published: April 2022

In Pursuit of Dignity is the unusual autobiography of our erstwhile Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mohamed Enver Surty. The author served in government for twenty five years with distinction, and can be justly proud of a distinguished career both as a lawyer and as a government minister.
EVIDENCE FOR DECISIONS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Eyes on Africa
Authors: Nasreen Jessani  , Laurenz Langer  , Carina van Rooyen  , Ruth Stewart
Published: April 2022

As Covid-19 sweeps across the globe, one of the biggest questions in many minds is ‘how will this crisis affect Africa?’ (Nyenswah, 2020; Pillay, 2020; Wood, 2020; World Bank, 2020a). Fears abound that the pandemic will multiply and deepen existing socio-economic issues, such as high levels of unemployment,poverty, and inequality.
The Roles of New Technology and the Law in the Fight Against Covid-19
Authors: Dawie de Villiers
Published: April 2022

The importance of South Africa adapting to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been high on the national agenda in recent years. However, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other forms of technology has been hampered to some extent by fears of job losses and privacy issues.
EXITING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Economic Interests Must Not Take Primacy over Public Health
Authors: Declan Kearney
Published: April 2022

The ongoing human carnage and misery caused by Covid-19 was overshadowed last week by the wrongheaded decision of the US administration to withdraw funding from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in April 2020, whilst making unfounded allegations about its leadership and the best scientific and medical advice on how to combat the coronaviruspandemic.
Covid-19 Anti-lockdown Rallies: A View from America
Authors: William D. Slicker
Published: April 2022

Much of the world has been under lockdown orders in the past few months, due to fears about the possible impact of Covid-19. As this is a highly contagious virus, there were initial fears that the death rate from Covid-19 would be quite high.
COVID-19 Lockdown Time Capsule of South Africa, April 2020
Authors: Various Authors
Published: April 2022

South Af rica had one of the strictest Covid lockdowns in the world starting on the 26th of March and lasting for 35 days. With five weeks of quarantine where only essential services were open, all educational institutions, places of worship and workplaces were shut down and people had to shelter in place. Walking on the streets was even prohibited except to buy food. The country was slowly moved through varying restrictions over the next 5 months as the health risks decreased as the virus was slowed down effectively.
How do we Live and Lose Together?
Authors: Kyla Hazell
Published: April 2022

Exclusion from the category of full humanity constructs certain populations as ‘ungrievable’ or ‘unworthy of grief’ after death in a way that creates and reinforces radical vulnerability in the conditions they experience. This argument from Judith Butler resonates clearly with what decolonial thinkers have described as a fundamental feature of how racism emerges and operates in the modern world system. Building on these understandings, this article considers the potential and limitations of working with grief as a conceptual framework for tackling the apathy of whiteness as part of anti-racist work.
Contributors
Authors: Frenkel Ronit
Published: April 2022

Contributors
The Necessary Accidental
Authors: Ashraf Jamal
Published: April 2022

This essay on William Kentridge’s ideas and practice, in particular regarding his multi-media theatrical works, was prompted by a visit to Zeitz MOCAA to see his retrospective in 2019. Watching a documentary on the making of the ‘The Head and The Load’, I was struck by the production’s frenzied energy, and the exhaustive attempt to break down any predictive or conclusive vision. This has always been Kentridge’s approach – his animated works are exercises in a deconstructive erasure. I have addressed this matter elsewhere, in my essay ‘Faith in a Practical Epistemology: On Collective Creativity in Theatre’ (Predicaments of Culture in South Africa, 2005), but on this occasion, while watching the documentary, it was Nietzsche’s view in Contra Wagner which proved the trigger, namely, that ‘Wagner’s art is sick. The problems he brings to the stage – purely hysteric’s problems – the convulsiveness of his affects, his over-charged sensibility … the instability he disguises as a principle’. While Kentridge does not share Wagner’s reactionary ideology, I argue that there is a connection between the two whose root lies in a decadent sensibility. And the peculiarly late-modern Western crisis that underlies it.
Entrepreneurship Development Among Black Youths in South Africa: A Choice or Neccesity?
Authors: Thulani Andrew Chauke
Published: April 2022

Black-youth-owned enterprises are essential to sustainable development and wealth creation for rural-based municipalities like the Vhembe District Municipality, where they can play a pivotal role in economic growth. This paper aims to explore the socio-economic determinates of entrepreneurship trends among Black youths in the Vhembe District Municipality. The investigation focused on youths living in the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used judgmental non-probability sampling to sample the participants. The study used qualitative research to collect and analyse data. The unstructured interview was used to gather data from the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. The study findings revealed that Black youths in the Vhembe District decided to be entrepreneurs to empower their communities, escape underemployment and scarcity of jobs, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. The paper recommends that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Enterprise Development and the National Youth Development Agency, should provide a two-year internship for young Black entrepreneurs in foreign companies that specialize in mining, technology, creative industries, and agriculture. When these Black youth return home, the government should set aside a Presidential Youth Fund to assist them to start their own businesses in the same industry.
A Critical Review of the Roles and Functions of Traditional Leaders
Authors: Nkareng Klaas-Makolomakwe  , Tanusha Raniga
Published: April 2022

The epitome of pre-colonial African history and culture is embedded within the institution of traditional leadership. Yet, this institution is still mired by much controversy and the cloud of being seen as not fitting the principles of democracy, while needing to remain relevant to its subjects. Having survived both the colonial and apartheid eras in South Africa, it still faces legislative control in the post-1994 era. The discourses presented in this paper advance the contested views regarding the legislative control by the state over the institution of traditional leadership. Within rural areas, the institution is perceived by local citizens as independent and a valuable institution, upholding gender justice and cultural rights.  Providing focused attention on the abuse of women, this paper offers insights from empirical evidence in KwaZulu-Natal on the prominent role played by senior women traditional leaders in addressing women abuse in rural communities.
New Book: Ideas and Actionable Steps for Scaling Africa’s Blue Economy Strategy
Authors: Francis Onditi  , Douglas Yates  , Narnia Bohler-Muller
Published: April 2022

Illusions of Location Theory: Consequences for Blue Economy in Africa, a new book edited by Dr. Francis Onditi and Prof. Douglas Yates, with a foreword by Prof. Narnia Bohler-Muller, is finally published and can now be ordered from global leading platforms, including Amazon.
The subject of the blue economy is fast emerging both as a concept and practice. Within the African Union development envisioning, the blue economy ecosystem is considered as a strategy towards revamping the Agenda 2063. Due to its expansion in the policy realm and the academy, the scope and debate have considerably widened. This evolution has triggered fundamental questions: What does it mean for environmental sustainability? What does it mean for inclusivity in the exploitation of the blue economy ecosystem? These are some of the questions the current blue economy framework and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (established in 1982) seek to address (Bueger, 2017). However, there is more to the shareability and exploitation of the blue economy than these policy and legal frameworks, an extra dimension that can be housed in the geopolitical and diplomatic works that showcase the experiences of landlocked states and how states are/or aren’t resolving disputes emerging from the changing boundaries and resource locations triggered by natural forces and environmental change.
Development in South Africa: Bridging The Rural-Urban Gap
Authors: Lesego Masenya
Published: April 2022

South Africa is a highly unequal society with high levels of inequality, poverty, unemployment and other injustices that continue to affect the majority of the population. Although great strides have been made in addressing these challenges, there continues to exist a significant gap between the urban areas (usually over-developed) and the rural areas (usually under-developed), making it harder to bridge these parallel worlds. Worth noting is the report from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) which suggests that Covid-19 has further widened the gap between urban areas and rural areas. These disparities have always existed, but the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to light a lot of challenges that have been ongoing, especially in the case of South Africa. To mitigate the urban-rural divide, agriculture in rural areas should be considered as a viable solution, with the support of technological platforms. The results of investing in rural economies will have spill-over effects, positively impacting on urban areas, while creating employment in the peripheries of the country. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we look into other alternatives which will not only benefit the country, but also bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.
Land Reform in South Africa
Authors: Charles Matseke
Published: April 2022

For the past two to three decades, since the transition to democracy, policy orientation in South Africa has predominantly been centred on redressing the inequalities and legacies of the apartheid regime. This was broadly defined as social justice, with the land question often treated as a highly state-centric matter reserved for government, until Julius Malema became president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and then leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). This article explores some of the dominant narratives around the land question in post-apartheid South Africa and presents some recommendations on how the issue of land should be dealt with in the immediate future.
Book Review: The Rise and Fall of the ANC Youth League
Authors: Emmanuel Matambo
Published: April 2022

In The Rise and Fall of the ANC Youth League, the author intends to revive the activism of South Africa’s African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and end ‘the perception that the organisation is a get-rich-quick scheme’. The book is a commendable effort to tell the story of the dying organisation and is written by an insider (the author is a former member of the ANCYL National Task Team). The ANCYL has an illustrious history, having been founded by such ANC luminaries as Anton Lembede, Nelson Mandela, and Oliver Tambo in 1944. Buoyed by youthful militancy, one of the founding impulses of the Youth League was to make the ANC more accessible to ordinary South Africans who felt, more keenly and direly, the racial injustices that preceded apartheid and were codified into law after 1948.
Contributors to the Edition
Authors: Prof Ronit Frenkel
Published: April 2022

The University of Johannesburg acquired The Thinker in April 2019 from Dr Essop Pahad. Over the last decade, The Thinker has gained a reputation as a journal that explores Pan-African issues across fields and times. Ronit Frenkel, as the incoming editor, plans on maintaining the pan-African scope of the journal while increasing its coverage into fields such as books, art, literature and popular cultures. The Thinker is a ‘hybrid’ journal, publishing both journalistic pieces with more academic articles and contributors can now opt to have their submissions peer reviewed. We welcome Africa-centred articles from diverse perspectives, in order to enrich both knowledge of the continent and of issues impacting the continent
The Change Which Remains the Same
Authors: Friedman Steven
Published: April 2022

In his celebrated study of colonisation, The Intimate Enemy, Ashis Nandy observes of Indian responses to British colonisation: ‘The pressure to be the obverse of the West distorts the traditional priorities in the Indian’s total view of the…universe…It in fact binds him (sic) even more irrevocably to the West.’ This problem stems, he adds, from a tendency by both coloniser and anti-colonial thinker to ‘absolutise the relative difference between cultures’. This article will argue that Nandy’s observation is an essential element in a South African response to colonisation which does not repeat colonialism’s assumptions in the name of replacing them. In particular, it argues against an essentialism in which a reified ‘Western culture’ is replaced by an equally reified ‘African culture’ which is just as constraining and just as likely to be used as a rationale for domination as the colonial ideology it purports to reject. It will further argue that we avoid the trap of which Nandy warns if we define intellectual colonisation as an ideology which seeks to suppress or eliminate modes of thought which do not conform to a dominant set of values and its antidote, decolonisation, as the removal of this constraint, not as its replacement by new constraints. This decolonisation does not seek to abolish ‘Western culture’ but to integrate it into a world view in which it takes its place alongside African, Asian, and Latin American cultures. It therefore recognises the syncretic nature of all cultures and views of the world and seeks to enhance, rather than obstruct, conversations between them.
Conclusion: Towards a General Theory of Technology and Politics?
Authors: Ndzendze Bhaso , Marwala Tshilidzi
Published: April 2022

This article reviews the insights made throughout this volume by the contributors and notes the myriad ways the articles haveadvanced our knowledge, on their own and in the aggregate. It also reviews the potential for further incorporating 4IR technologies into the political science methodological arsenal and making a case for theory-building inquiry on account of, and through, the emerging technologies as the next frontier in this expanding discipline.
Building Resilient Leadership
Authors: Van Breda Adrian
Published: April 2022

Covid-19 poses the greatest challenges for effective leadership in many years. Covid-19 undermines the deepest security we feelas humans and disables people’s capacity to work and create. This opinion piece argues that leaders should not merely hold on until Covid-19 passes, but rather learn the lessons Covid-19 wishes to teach us. In so doing, leaders become resilient to adversity and can facilitate the resilience of employees, teams, and organisations. This article addresses these lessons in relation to our common humanity, the centrality of relationships, the vital importance of spirituality, and the need for structure to enable productivity.
Ayodele Awojobi as a Scholar-Activist
Authors: Fagunwa Temitope
Published: April 2022

Intellectuals are the threads that hold societies together. They form the basis upon which the making and unmaking of the future of societies are built. In fact, it is almost impossible to assess the progression of earliest societies without considerations of the transformative roles of individuals with inimitable intellectual skills and essence. This article will attempt a preliminary study on the socio-cultural and political tasks of intellectuals in neo-colonial Africa. Since there is a nexus between colonial domination vis-àvisthe production and consumption of knowledge, the existence of neo-colonial Africa thus presents a society whose intellectuals are behind in the fulfilment of their historical task. The dominance of Western liberal epistemologies and methodologies across the purported African academy have precluded, to a reasonable extent, the existence of ‘African’ intellectuals whose mission ordinarily ought to be related to the actualisation of the African revolution. Nkrumah has argued that in birthing a revolutionised postcolonial Africa—a society free from all forces of capitalism and neo-colonialism—the intellectuals are destined for an important role. Chomsky has echoed this position when he posited that there has to be a connection between scholarship and activism. By exploring the socio-political activities of the ‘mighty giant’ Professor Ayodele Oluwatuminu Awojobi, this article examines the mandate of ‘African’ intellectuals as both the ‘producers of ideas’ and ‘workers for ideas’. Through the exploration of existing primary and secondary sources, this article argues that postcolonial African intellectuals have the duty of being inspired by the revolutionary life and works of the activistscholar Ayodele Awojobi. The ultimate submission of this article is that scholarship cannot only be an arena for rhetoric, but must also be committed to the production of pragmatic thoughts, ideas, and actions that have the capacity of transforming the prevailing repellent social conditions and realities of the vast majority of the downtrodden African masses.
LGBT+ Rights and the Fight Against Apartheid
Authors: Carolin Andy
Published: April 2022

My reason for initiating this discussion now is the Netflix documentary that was released in 2021 titled Hating Peter Tatchell. This documentary focuses on your human rights activism over five decades and maps a compelling history of the fight for LGBT+ rights in Britain. But our conversation today emerges in response to a glaring gap in the story that the documentary tells about you. In particular, the documentary is silent on your work in the anti-apartheid movement, and, more specifically, your work in refiguring the relationship between the anti-apartheid movement and LGBT+ rights. So, I think a good point of departure, then, given its omission from the documentary, is for me to ask you about your personal experiences of being part of the anti-apartheid movement in London in the 1970s and 1980s, and specifically being a gay activist in the movement. There have, for instance, been several accounts of homophobia.
ANÁLISE DA GLICEMIA E COMPOSIÇÃO CORPORAL DE POLICIAIS MILITARES DO MUNICÍPIO DE BARRA DO GARÇAS-MT
Authors: Costa Ted Tavares da , Corona Luiz Felipe Petusk , Habitante Carlos Alexandre
Published: April 2022

São escassos os trabalhos da literatura que tenham avaliado as condições de saúde de policiais militares, principalmente em relação ao seu estado nutricional e à alimentação. O ritmo diário de trabalho e a responsabilidade perante a sociedade podem levar estes indivíduos a situações de estresse que, aliadas à má alimentação e à inatividade física, podem ocasionar o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar o nível de glicose no sangue, variáveis antropométricas e fatores ambientais de policiais militares de Barra do Garças (MT). Foram avaliados 130 policiais militares, com faixa etária entre 18 e 53 anos, e determinado o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a razão cintura/quadril (RCQ), a glicemia e, através de questionário, foram levantadas algumas questões quanto a fatores genéticos, nutricionais e físicos. Segundo o IMC, 66,9% apresentaram excesso de peso, e 33% apresentaram risco de desenvolvimento de doenças avaliado pelo RCQ. Entre 130 indivíduos, 31 ou 23,8% apresentaram taxas de glicemia elevadas para os padrões de normalidade. Quanto às variáveis levantadas através de questionário, verificamos altos índices de sedentarismo, além de alimentação irregular e número expressivo de familiares obesos. Concluímos que há necessidade de orientação quanto aos fatores para prevenção e /ou tratamento da obesidade nesta população, como a orientação nutricional e a implantação de programas de exercícios físicos sistematizados.
ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETER COMPARISON BETWEEN AUTISTIC AND NORMAL HEALTHY CHILDREN
Authors: Ibeachu, P.C  , Hart, J.S
Published: April 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the differences in anthropometric measures between autistic and healthy children. The differences in anthropometric measures between autistic males and females were also assessed and compare.
Method: Purposive/deliberate or snowball sampling method was used due to limited availability of autism centers and obtain-ability of the consent of caregivers, parent and directors of these centers. This study was carried out in autism centers, primary and secondary schools across Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria with a total number of 100 subjects (children and adolescents); 50 normal healthy subjects (comprised of 37 males and 13 females) and 50 subjects with autism (comprised of 37 males and 13 females) within the ages of 5 to 18 years. The measured parameters include; height, weight, body mass index (BMI), craniofacial circumference (CFC) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample T-test with p-value at 0.05.
Result: A statistical difference in BMI and MUAC between normal and autistic female children was obtained (t-value = -4.390 and -9.875 and at p-value =0.012 and 0.001 respectively), no statistical difference in CFC between normal and autistic female children with a t-value of 0.544 at a p-value of 0.615. Also, there was a statistical difference in BMI and MUAC between normal and autistic female adolescents (t-value = 3.361 and -2.965 and at p-value =0.003 and 0.008 respectively). There were significant differences in both parameters at p<0.05 significance level whilst there was no significant differences in the craniofacial circumference (CFC). This is the same for the female adolescents with autism. In comparison of mean differences in body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and craniofacial circumference (CFC) of male and female children with autism, there was a significant difference in MUAC between male and female children with autism with a t-value of -2.597 at p-values of 0.02 respectively and for male and female adolescents with autism, there was a significant difference in BMI between male and female children with autism with a t-value of -2.136 at p-values of 0.041 respectively.
Conclusion: The increase in fat component which is more predominant in females is a factor responsible for the increase in MUAC and BMI in the study, due to increased carbohydrate and fat intake as well as sedentary life style. The crainofacial circumference and its variance significantly increased especially in male adolescents, suggesting the relative overgrowth of the brain in a substantial percentage of adolescents in Port Harcourt with autism.
KEYWORDS: Autism, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Craniofacial Circumference, Children, Adolescents
Quantitative MRI T2 relaxometry of knee joint in early detection of osteoarthritis
Authors: Aneeta . , Shoukat Shaista , Kumar Ameet , Baloch Rubnawaz , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2022

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 is an advance modality for the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. This study was performed to determine the MRI T2 relaxometry value of knee joint in early detection of osteoarthritis among suspected cases.Patients and methods: This observational study was conducted at Department of Radiology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan from 20th September 2020 to 28th February 2021. All patients aged 20-60 years of either gender suspected of knee osteoarthritis were consecutively enrolled. Osteoarthritis was confirmed based on Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) radiographic grading of 2-5. MRI T2 relaxometry was performed in all patients.Results: Of 102 patients, there were 67 (65.7%) males and 35 (34.3%) females. Mean age was 43.72 ±14.01 years. KL grading showed that KL grade 0 observed in 29 (28.4%), grade I in 13 (12.7%), grade II in 25 (24.5%), grade III in 30 (29.4%), and grade IV in 5 (4.9%) patients. The frequency of osteoarthritis was found in 60 (58.8%) patients. Mean MRI T2 value was found to be 94.12 ±16.32. Mean MRI T2 value was found significantly higher in patients with KL grade IV (109.89 ±5.38) followed by KL grade III (107.35 ±3.24), KL grade II (97.72 ±14.65), KL grade I (89.54 ±13.69), and KL grade 0 (76.65 ±10.56). (p-value<0.001) The findings of ROC curve showed that AUC was found to be 0.911 (0.85-0.97) (p-value<0.001).Conclusion: MRI T2 relaxometry is highly recommended for the prediction of osteoarthritis in suspected cases.
Effect of video game addiction on the physical and mental wellbeing of adolescents of Karachi
Authors: Shabih Ferhana , Gohar Awais , Ahmed Farah , Danish Hasan
Published: April 2022

Background: The current study aimed to determine the effect of video games among the Non-Video-Game Addicted (NVGA) and Video Game Addicted (VGA) in terms of mental health and physical activity among adolescents from Karachi.Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at public sector schools and colleges of different socioeconomic status of Karachi, Pakistan, from Jan-March 2020. Total of 321 students, adolescents, aged from 15-19 years, from both genders and who used to play video games but were considered as non-video game adictors (using less than four hours per day on video games) and video game adictors (using more than 5 hours per day). Questionnaires were used to collect data based on DSM-5 to find gaming addiction in adolescents with 21 questions. "General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)," with 14 questions on mental health. "International Physical Activity Questionnaire," for physical activity status. Students were divided into two groups: non-video game addicted (NVGA) and video game addicted (VGA). Results: Out of 321, 233 (72.6%) were VGA, and 88 (27.4%) were NVGA students. There were 184 (57.3%) males and 137 (42.7%) females.  The mean addiction score was 2.221+0.49 and 3.34+0.35 in the VGA group and NVGA group, respectively. 19.0% of males and 8.4% of females were VGA. Variables used for video game addiction in the study were salience, tolerance to play the game, mood modification, relapse, withdrawal, conflict, and problems (such as sleep deprivation, etc.). The mean score for all these variables was higher in the VGA group (p<0.001). The mean score of MHQ responses was significantly higher in the VGA group, indicating the high intensity of distress.Conclusion: It has been concluded from the study that a very high frequency of video game addiction in adolescents (VGA group) caused mental and physical health problems in the study population.
Prospective analysis of factors affecting the surgical outcomes of pediatric depressed skull fractures
Authors: Zahid Hassaan , Ijaz Lubna , Jamil Anila , Rehman Laeeq Ur , Iqbal Shahid , Nadeem Malik Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Background: Around 42% of the pediatric patients present with skull fractures and the prognosis depends on several factors including type and location of fracture along with severity of associated brain trauma. The objective of this study was to find the factors affecting the outcome in childhood depressed skull fractures.Patients and methods: This prospective observational study included 68 patients with depressed fractures presenting in the neurosurgery emergency department of Children Hospital Lahore. After detailed history and routine investigations, patients underwent the standard surgical procedure and were closely observed during the hospital stay. All were followed up for one month after being discharged from the hospital.Results: The mean age of the children was 7.72±3.80 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.42:1. Most of the patients had a history of fall (N=39, 57.4%). Twenty-nine (42.6%) had simple and 39 (57.4%) had complex fractures. Mostly presented with injuries at parietal (25%) and frontal (20.6%) region. Forty-seven (69.1%) were having GCS in between 13-15 (mild), 12 (17.6%) in between 9-12 (moderate) and 09 (13.2%) of the children were having GCS ≤8 (severe) at the time of presentation. Regarding outcome, good recovery was noticed in 49 (72.1%) children, moderate disability in 8 (11.8%), severe disability in 4 (5.9%), the vegetative state in 3 (4.4%), and death in 4 (5.9%) of the patients. A strong association was found between the GCS category and outcome of the surgery (p<0.001). No significant association was found between outcome and mode of injury (p=0.45), site (p=0.553), and type of fracture (p=0.66).Conclusion: Children with depressed fractures and a history of trauma normally present with minor brain injury and have a good post-surgical outcome.
Impact of duration of occupational exposure on physical and mental health of construction workers in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Irum , Manzoor Iram , Razaq Laiba , Ali Muhammad , Shahid Mavra , Majeed Mamoona
Published: April 2022

Background: Construction industry is one of the most hazardous and accident prone occupation causing around 270 million accidents and 2 million deaths annually. In Pakistan reporting of incidence of occupational injuries and accidents is low. The present study aimed to determine the physical and mental health profile of construction workers in Lahore, Pakistan.

Subjects and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among construction workers in Lahore from January 2020 to September 2020. The study included 181 participants by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data was collected by using a self-structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square test was applied and p-value <0.05 was taken as significant to find out association with duration of occupational exposure.

Results: Maximum number of the participants 55 (30.4%).was between age group 26-35 years and 97 (53.6%) were illiterate. Among 181 participants, 112 (61.87%) were found to be hypertensive, 98 (54.1%) were drug abusers. The total duration of hours spent on work per day was reported more than 10 hours in 50 (27.6%) of the participants. A significant association was observed between duration of occupational exposure and presence of chronic illnesses (p value=0.028) and mental health issues (p=0.041). A significant association (p-value= 0.026) was also found with duration of exposure with drug abuse. Bad effect of health on job performance was reported by 97 (53.6%) of the workers and 71(39.2%) of the workers reported restricted movements after injury during occupational exposure.

Conclusion: In this study, a relatively higher prevalence of chronic diseases, injuries and stress has been reported by construction workers, negatively affecting their occupation. Significant associations are seen with duration of exposure and its impact on physical and mental health.
Correct selection of risk factors for unstable construction projects under probabilistic conditions: an analysis
Authors: STARCZYK – KOŁBYK Anna
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the problem of correct selection of risk factors for unstable construction projects, especially those repeatedly annexed, exposed to unforeseen random events (construction disruptions). An analysis of the investment network model and the location of the disruption has been carried out (signing of a contract annex). Cost contingency studies were carried out and risk factors were estimated. The next step entailed a comparative analysis of investment costs estimated by the EVM method against the backdrop of three analytical variants of the studied investment under risk conditions (favourable, average and unfavourable conditions). The obtained results were discussed.
Cause-and-effect analysis of unusual audible sounds in a roof truss structure of a multi-family residential building. A case study
Authors: SOBCZYK Kamil , ANDRUSZCZAK Marcin
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a cause-and-effect analysis of a roof truss structure in a multi-family residential building within the scope of audible sounds described as crackling which intensifies during strong winds. The engineering expert's methodology, including an analysis of the building’s as-built documentation and a site visit during which roofing layers were uncovered are also presented herein. The paper identifies and discusses poor roofing workmanship causing the reported adverse effects. Proposals for remedial action to eliminate audible noise in the operation of the roof truss structure are formulated.