bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Aided Automatic Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jawad M. Abdul , Khursheed Farida
Published: September 2022

The expeditious progress of machine learning, especially the deep learning techniques, keep propelling the medical imaging community's heed in applying these techniques in improving the accuracy of cancer screening. Among various types of cancers, breast cancer is the most detrimental disease affecting women today. The prognosis of such types of disease becomes a very challenging task for radiologists due the huge number of cases together with careful and thorough examination it demands. The constraints of present CAD open up a need for new and accurate detection procedures. Deep learning approaches have gained a tremendous recognition in the areas of object detection, segmentation, image recognition, and computer vision. Precise and premature detection and classification of lesions is very critical for increasing the survival rates of patients. Recent CNN models are designed to enhance radiologists' understandings to identify even the least possible lesions at the very early stage.
Thermal Analysis of Realistic Breast Model With Tumor and Validation by Infrared Images
Authors: Singh Deepika , Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Tiwari Sonia
Published: September 2022

Breast thermography is an emerging adjunct tool to mammography in early breast cancer detection due to its non-invasiveness and safety. Steady-state infrared imaging proves promising in this field as it is not affected by tissue density. The main aim of the present study is to develop a computational thermal model of breast cancer using real breast surface geometry and internal tumor specification. The model depicting the thermal profile of the subject's aggressive ductal carcinoma is calibrated by variation of blood perfusion and metabolic heat generation rate. The subject's IR image is used for validation of the simulated temperature profile. The thermal breast model presented here may prove useful in monitoring the response of tumor post-chemotherapy for female subjects with similar breast cancer characteristics.
Breast Cancer Detection Using Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Suchindran Pavithra , R. Vanithamani , Justin Judith
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer among women. Breast ultrasound (BUS) imaging is one of the most frequently used diagnostic tools to detect and classify abnormalities in the breast. To improve the diagnostic accuracy, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system is helpful for breast cancer detection and classification. Normally, a CAD system consists of four stages: pre-processing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. In this chapter, the pre-processing step includes speckle noise removal using speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion (SRAD) filter. The goal of segmentation is to locate the region of interest (ROI) and active contour-based segmentation and fuzzy C means segmentation (FCM) are used in this work. The texture features are extracted and fed to a classifier to categorize the images as normal, benign, and malignant. In this work, three classifiers, namely k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm, decision tree algorithm, and random forest classifier, are used and the performance is compared based on the accuracy of classification.
How Unemployment May Impact Happiness
Authors: Barros André , Dieguez Teresa , Nunes Pedro
Published: September 2022

The wealth of an economy is traditionally measured by its level of productivity. However, countries with the highest level of productivity do not always report equal levels of happiness and general wellbeing. In fact, there is no direct relationship between both variables and sometimes less wealthy productive countries report higher levels of happiness. Recent studies and theories are trying to demonstrate that the term happiness has made its way into economics literature as the result of economist dissatisfaction who believe happiness should become a matter of study in the field. Unemployment is one of the most recently researched variables in economics and has a direct relationship with happiness. Potentially some other variables such as autonomy, reliability, and added value of happiness would help researchers to better complete economic analysis via a multidisciplinary perspective.
Contemporary Challenges of International Economic Relations
Authors: Petrovic Vesna
Published: September 2022

The main aim of this chapter is to analyze the contemporary challenges that have affected movements in the global trade and investments, as well as their interdependence. The focus is on the causes and consequences of the fundamental changes in international economic relations. The analysis is based on the following data: value of world trade, dynamics, and structure of exchange. Contemporary faces of the world economy such as transnationalization, intra-sector trade, increasing discourse on whether foreign trade and FDIs represent substitutes or complements, have also been an unavoidable part of this chapter. Depending on the stage of development, global changes have specific consequences on developed countries and developing economies. The chapter in its final part focuses on the analysis of how global value chains are directly affecting the growth of international trade and flows of foreign capital through the inevitable role of multinational companies.
The Role of Central Bank in Competitive Environment
Authors: Kurum Mustafa Eser , Oktar Suat
Published: September 2022

This chapter evaluates the macroeconomic impact of the interest rate corridor policy implemented by the central bank in Turkey. In this context, firstly the general framework, types and application of interest rate corridor policy are explained. Then, the interest rate corridor policy implemented by the CBRT after the global crisis was examined in detail. In addition, domestic and foreign literature examining the macroeconomic effects of the interest rate corridor policy has been included. This chapter examines the macroeconomic impact of the interest rate corridor policy implemented in Turkey using data from the 2011-2018 period. In the study, Engle-Granger Cointegration Analysis and Toda-Yamamoto Causality Analysis were used as models. As a result of the study, it was concluded that interest rate corridor had an effect on economic growth, foreign direct investment, and exchange rate variables.
The Spread of Cross-Border High-Tech Manufacturing Component Goods in International Trade Integration
Authors: Sari Dyah Wulan , Islamiya Haura Azzahra Tarbiyah , Restikasari Wenny
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study is to examine the spread of cross-border trading in determining the firm's production in high-technology manufacturing industries in Indonesia. The spread of cross-border trading in the model is measured by export intensity and alternatively is measured by vertical trade integration. The firm-level data of high-tech industries are implemented in this study. A panel data regression procedure is applied to estimate the model. The estimation results elucidate that vertical trade integration is a significant determinant on affecting firm's production while export intensity is not. This evidence proves that the pattern of cross-border international trade of high-technology industries shifted from exporting finished goods to exporting fragmented products. The export intensity variable is no longer representing the international trade when the firms break-down their production process. The usage of export intensity variable in firms undertaking the vertical trade integration would lead to a misleading conclusion.
Personal Income Taxation and Its Effects on Economic Development and Growth
Authors: Nikolova Bistra Svetlozarova
Published: September 2022

This chapter reviews traditional and contemporary concepts of income taxation and their effects on economic development and growth. The author focuses on discussion issues related to the contemporary concepts of income taxation. The author also considers modern functions of personal income taxes relating to environmental protection and income inequality mitigation. Additionally, the author studies the potential of personal income taxation to apply as an instrument for maintaining sustainable economic development and social stability. This chapter analyzes the effects of progressive and proportional personal income taxation on economic development and growth. It presents a technological model of inspections and audits with the aim of improving the tax and social security control of individuals.
Impacts of Economic and Institutional Dynamics on New Media Applications Penetration
Authors: Emin Benli Hande
Published: September 2022

New media applications become vital in order to compete as a country and as human beings. Despite the positive impact and increasing global usage of new media applications, some countries have low new media applications penetration when others have high. This should be analyzed and evaluated within the countries' own macroeconomic and institutional dynamics. Dynamic motives as institutional, macroeconomic, infrastructural, and political factors heavily divined and also easily damage the current and future conditions of the countries. This work conceptually and concretely investigated the role of specific factors. Macroeconomic factors are determined as population, GDP growth rate, and population rate of the countries. Institutional factors are evaluated through political stability index, rule of law index, and civil liberties index of each sample country. Infrastructural factors, business environment, and investments were analyzed with looking at international internet bandwidth per internet users and competitiveness data for countries.
Investing in Commodities in Times of Uncertainty and Lax Monetary Policy
Authors: Triantafyllou Athanasios
Published: September 2022

This chapter presents empirical evidence showing the impact of economic uncertainty and monetary policy on the volatility of commodity futures markets. The findings are in line with those of the relevant literature according to which rising uncertainty predicts rising volatility in commodity markets. The author shows that the unobservable economic uncertainty measures of Jurado et al. (2015) have a significant and long-lasting positive impact on the volatility of commodity prices. Hence, the OLS regression results show that commodity markets are significantly affected by the rising degree of unpredictability in the macroeconomy, while they are relatively immune to observable macroeconomic fluctuations. The expansionary monetary policy is followed by rising volatility in agricultural and energy markets, while it has much smaller effect on the volatility of metals markets. Financialization in commodity markets has increased the dynamic linkages between monetary policy shocks and commodity price volatility.
Factors Influencing International Institutional Investments
Authors: Gupta Akriti , Kaur Gurpreet , Sarva Mahesh
Published: September 2022

At the turn of the 21st century, globalization of developed and developing countries in the world witnessed institutional inflows from international investors which became the main characteristic of global capital markets. The current research has assessed time-series data from 2000 to 2017 to understand how the different elements that have influenced the foreign institutional investments and helped India become a global market for such investors. The results revealed that political risk, financial market development, trade openness of the country, size of the economy, and rate of return on investment are the important determinants in attracting foreign institutional investments in India. The chapter also found economic risk and financial market risk played an insignificant role in determining foreign institutional investment in India. The findings of the research help the present government and market regulators to introduce policies aimed at increasing the flow of funds from international institutional investors.
International Trade Fairs and Initial Impacts of COVID-19 on International Fairs
Authors: Can Muharrem , Canlı Ahmet
Published: September 2022

In ITFs, participating companies introduce their products to potential buyers, perceive their reactions, communicate face-to-face with them, and closely observe their competitors. Moreover, there are other benefits of ITFs such as export and market share increase effect, problem-solving effect with the costumers, so it is one of the critical tasks of commercial diplomacy. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 affected the exhibition sector. So the number of fairs held in Dubai decreased dramatically compared to the previous years and also the number of participators and visitors in the fairs, including Turkish companies. Nevertheless, fair activities have adapted quickly and started to be organized in the virtual world. This study examined the literature and analyzed the Dubai exhibitions' statistics thoroughly both before and after COVID-19. The authors' goal is to find out if physical exhibitions maintain their importance despite technological developments.
The Rise of Youth Unemployment and Youth NEETs in the CEECs After the 2008 Crisis
Authors: Gorkey Selda
Published: September 2022

This study examines the impact of the 2008 economic crisis on youth unemployment and NEETs in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). It also analyses structural labor market problems in these economies such as youth unemployment by duration and skill, labor underutilization, and mismatch. The findings show that youth unemployment and NEET rates were more sensitive to the crisis in the CEECs compared to those in the EU-28. The highest increases were experienced in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Croatia for youth unemployment; and in Bulgaria, Latvia, Croatia, and Romania for youth NEETs. The NEET rates of 15-29 ages emerged as a more crucial issue than that of 15-24 ages. The examination of labor market structural problems shows that most of the relevant proxies worsened after the crisis in the CEECs; however, the proxies for Croatia were higher than the others. Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovak Republic also signal some structural problems, to a lesser extent.
Investigating the Effect of Diplomatic Representation on Trade
Authors: Mlinaric Danijel , Josic Hrvoje , Thompson Cindy
Published: September 2022

Economic diplomacy is an unavoidable tool for improving economic standards, and it needs to be an important instrument for policy makers in stimulating international trade and supporting domestic firms. This chapter analyses the impact of economic diplomacy on bilateral trade flows in Croatia in the period from 1992 to 2017. The authors use an applied gravity model of trade by employing fixed effects model (FE), random effects model (RE), and pseudo Poisson maximum likelihood (PPML) estimator. PPML estimator takes into count zero trade flows because estimating zero trade flows with OLS estimator could lead to several biases. The problem of dependence between diplomacy representatives was solved by constructing individual regressions using FE model and PPML estimator. The hypothesis of the chapter, which was tested, states that diplomatic representation has had positive and significant effects on bilateral trade flows (imports and exports) of Croatia. The results of the analysis have shown that the diplomatic representation via embassies and consulates is a relevant trade and trade-enhancing factor.
Unsustainability of Debt-Based Money
Authors: Collins Patrick
Published: September 2022

In addition to the problems caused by money being fiat, most modern money is moreover created not by governments but by the privately-owned banking systems as debt to themselves. This is not only grossly contrary to all traditions of natural justice, it is also unconstitutional. This problem has been understood and publicised by many politicians and writers over centuries, but it is still not widely known due to the financial and political power of the perpetrators. Since it is also the main cause of the continuing increase in inequality in all the rich countries, the “great reset” being advocated by those in charge of the present system is clearly not fit to become the new basis of the economic system.
A Literature Survey on Extensive and Intensive Margins in International Trade
Authors: Berke Burcu
Published: September 2022

Products and firms are homogeneous in traditional foreign trade theories; products show no horizontal or vertical differentiation. It is observed that growth in exports is only related to an increase in export quantity and that this is not decomposed into margins. Since Melitz's work, there has been an increase in studies that decompose the firms' heterogeneity and export growth in foreign trade into extensive and intensive margins. The concepts are addressed in the literature known as “new-new” foreign trade theories which include extensive margins, the number of exporting firms, the number of new trade partners, and the volume or variety of exported products. In brief, the growth of global trade is the result of new trade relations (extensive margin) or a rise in existing trade relations (intensive margin). As one of the rapidly developing trade theories in international economics, the main purpose of this study is to conduct a literature survey on the extensive and intensive margins of export growth.
The Relationship Between Economic Growth and Innovation
Authors: Akça Samet , Afşar Bilge
Published: September 2022

This chapter studies innovation and economic growth and emphasizes their relationship. In this context; innovation and economic growth outputs of 16 OECD countries between 2005 and 2015 are analyzed. GDP is considered as economic growth variable, R&D investments in GDP (%), and patent applications are considered as innovation variables. In light of these variables, panel data analyze is used. Unit root, Pedroni co-integration and FMOLS tests were applied with the order. As a result, the increase in patent applications and R&D investments was found to have a positive effect on economic growth.
Economic Crisis and Its Effects on International Trade
Authors: Parežanin Miloš , Kragulj Dragana , Jednak Sandra
Published: September 2022

The aim of this chapter is to analyse the effects of the economic crisis on the trade among the Southeastern European (SEE) countries. The countries were divided into two groups: the EU countries and non-EU countries. Macroeconomic performances and international trade indicators of the 11 observed countries were analysed for the period 2007-2019, and the effects of the economic crisis were present in all the observed countries, particularly the effects on the export performances. The crisis also affected the entire import of the non-EU countries. The EU countries recovered from the crisis faster than the non-EU countries. However, the non-EU countries achieved a more significant inflow of foreign direct investment in the post-crisis period, which significantly improved the position of the balance of payments in these countries. The observed countries had managed to stabilise their trade flows all until the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. The impact of the current crisis on these countries remains to be estimated in the future.
Who Should Open Offline Showrooms?
Authors: Chang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Lindu
Published: September 2022

The consumption experience is taken seriously by consumers, and increasingly, firms open offline showrooms for this. Showrooms can help to resolve the uncertainty of consumer perceived value and brand preference in online shopping. This paper considers two kinds of showroom investment scenarios for a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a brand owner and e-tailer. The two scenarios are the brand owner opening showrooms (B) or e-tailer opening (E). the authors evaluate the impact of brand spillover, platform spillover, and offline experience spillover effects on the optimal choice to open showrooms. The results indicate that the conditions of brand owners opening showrooms for win-win are richer and more relaxed than the e-tailer. This requirement for spillovers reflects different motivations for opening showrooms. Moreover, regarding the inroad into showrooms, the brand owner and e-tailer should be cognizant of the trade-off between brand and platform spillover and willing to open showrooms in appropriate conditions.
On the Service Transformation of Ningbo's Manufacturing Industry Considering the Potential of Ecological Benefits
Authors: Xie Ziyuan , Tian Guixian , Tao Yongchao
Published: September 2022

This paper puts forward the service transformation approach of Ningbo manufacturing industry considering the potential of ecological benefits. By analyzing the current situation of service-oriented development of Ningbo's manufacturing industry, this paper summarizes the problems encountered in the process of service-oriented transformation of Ningbo's manufacturing industry, introduces the concept of ecological benefit potential, combines the characteristics of service-oriented transformation of Ningbo's manufacturing industry, finds the path of service-oriented transformation of Ningbo's manufacturing industry, constructs a grey relational model, analyzes the coupling relationship between Ningbo's manufacturing industry and service industry, and completes an analysis of the ways of transformation of service of Ningbo's manufacturing industry. The simulation results show that the proposed transformation path method can improve the problems existing in the service transformation of Ningbo manufacturing industry.
Microclustering-Based Multi-Class Classification on Imbalanced Multi-Relational Datasets
Authors: Pant Hemlata , Srivastava Reena
Published: September 2022

In a relational database, classification algorithms are used to look for patterns across several interconnected relations. Most of the methods for multi-relational classification algorithms implicitly assume that the classes in the target relation are equally represented. Thus, they tend to produce poor predictive performance over the imbalanced dataset. In this paper, the authors propose an algorithm-level method MCMRC_IB for the classification of imbalanced multi-relational dataset. The proposed method extends MCMRC which is for balanced datasets. MCMRC_IB exploits the property of the imbalanced datasets that the minority class is represented by a smaller number of records usually 20-30% of the total records and is to be dealt accordingly by giving them weightages. The proposed method is able to handle multiple classes. Experimental results conðrm the efficiency of the proposed method in terms of predictive accuracy, F-measure, and G-mean.
Four Pillars of the Green University Soft Infrastructure
Authors: Liyanage Shantha Indrajith Hikkaduwa , Netswera Fulu , Meyer Jan , Botha Christoff
Published: September 2022

Universities are isomorphic not because of the effectiveness of their processes but because of the legitimacy assigned by institutional logic. However, sustainable development discourses invoke a novel mission for producing knowledge and innovation for sustainable development. Accordingly, this research collected data from five types of internal stakeholders' intellections of the four pillars of green university infrastructure. The analysis of data collected from 89 university stakeholders sufficient for a 90% confidence level with 5% relative tolerable error was organized as five groups in a contingency table for the chi-square test. The statistical analysis, that is, the chi-square value, indicates that all five stakeholders perceive in the same direction – that the four pillars of the green university soft infrastructure need to be reconfigured to produce green knowledge and innovation. Hence, the findings inspire the conventional universities and policymakers to transform their universities into sustainable institutions with four pillars of soft green infrastructure.
A Breast Cancer Contour Detection With Level Sets and SVM Model
Authors: Keatmanee Chadaporn , Thongvigitmanee Saowapak S. , Chaumrattanakul Utairat , Makhanov Stanislav S.
Published: September 2022

Level sets have been widely used to isolate features of breast tumors in ultrasound images. However, region-based methods always produce multiple contours. Since tumors are regularly undefined from the shadows and muscular regions in breast ultrasound images, computerized tumors location and arrangement is significantly difficult. Therefore, the authors introduce a breast cancer contour detection model using support vector machine (SVM) as a binary classification. Features of the binary SVM model were extracted from level sets and FM method (the fusion of ultrasound, elasticity, and Doppler images). The model was accurately able to predict a correct breast tumor contour from false contours which were segmented by region-based level sets. The proposed method was evaluated on 60 datasets collected by professional radiologists at the Thammasat University Hospital of Thailand. From the experimental results, the breast cancer contours were detected correctly with high accuracy. The percentage of correct detection was 93%.
Thoracic Impedance Pneumography–Derived Respiratory Alarms and Associated Patient Characteristics
Authors: Bawua Linda K. , Miaskowski Christine , Suba Sukardi , Badilini Fabio , Rodway George W. , Hu Xiao , Pelter Michele M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Respiratory rate (RR) alarms alert clinicians to a change in a patient’s condition. However, RR alarms are common occurrences. To date, no study has examined RR alarm types and associated patient characteristics, which could guide alarm management strategies.

Objectives

To characterize RR alarms by type, frequency, duration, and associated patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of alarms generated with impedance pneumography in 461 adult patients admitted to either a cardiac, a medical/surgical, or a neurological intensive care unit (ICU). The RR alarms included high parameter limit (≥30 breaths/min), low parameter limit (≤5 breaths/min), and apnea (no breathing ≥20 s). The ICU type; total time monitored; and alarm type, frequency, and duration were evaluated.

Results

Of 159 771 RR alarms, parameter limit alarms (n = 140 975; 88.2%) were more frequent than apnea alarms (n = 18 796; 11.8%). High parameter limit alarms were most frequent (n = 131 827; 82.5%). After ICU monitoring time was controlled for, multivariate analysis showed that alarm rates were higher in patients in the cardiac and neurological ICUs (P = .001), patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (P = .005), and patients without a ventricular assist device or pacemaker (P = .02). Male sex was associated with low parameter limit (P = .01) and apnea (P = .005) alarms.

Conclusion

High parameter limit RR alarms were most frequent. Factors associated with RR alarms included monitoring time, ICU type, male sex, and mechanical ventilation. Although these factors are not modifiable, these data could be used to guide management strategies.
Feeding potential and development of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) under no-choice conditions
Authors: Un-Nisa Zaib , Saddozai S. , Mastoi M. I. , Gilal A. A. , Achakzai W. M. , Kubar Muhammad  Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Considering the predatory effectiveness of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), studies were carried out at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan to determine the feeding potential and developmental period of its larval instars on Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).
Research Method: Eggs, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd nymphal instars and adults of P. marginatus was provided to all three larval instars of C. carnea in a Completely Randomized Design experiment, replicated ten times.
Findings: Results indicated that all C. carnea larval instars were found to feed on all P. marginatus stages. Overall mean consumption of C. carnea larvae on P. marginatus eggs, 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, and adults was 1359.8, 1409.1, 1012.4, 1165.7 and 130.30 individuals, respectively. Third instar C. carnea larvae was more voracious than 2nd and 1st instars. The shortest developmental period (12.40±0.37 days) of C. carnea larvae was recorded on 3rd nymphal instar of P. marginatus. Moreover, C. carnea larvae took 14.90±0.23, 14.00±0.25, 13.10±0.23, and 13.60±0.34 days on eggs, first, second nymphal instars and adults of P. marginatus, respectively to complete their development.
Originality/value: Therefore, it is suggested that C. carnea should be included as a key component in the integrated management of P. marginatus, especially its 3rd larval instar
Factors influencing succession plan among aged crop farmers in rural communities of Ogun State Nigeria
Authors: Adeloye Kolawole A. , Torimiro Dixon O. , Adebo Tunbosun O.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study examined the aged crop farmers’ perception towards succession plan, determined the level of succession plan intention among the respondents, and revealed the factors influencing succession plan among aged crop farmers in rural communities.
Research Method: A sample size of 192 aged crop farmers from the four agricultural zones who were above 60 years old were selected by means of multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected through structured interviewed method and summarised using appropriate statistics.
Findings: Results revealed respondents’ mean age as 75.14±9.76 year, with majority being male (86.5%) and married (72.4%) respectively. Furthermore, the respondents’ mean of farming experience was 50.02±14.79. It was established that 79.2 percent of the respondents had succession plan and there was a low succession plan intention. The factors associated with succession plan at p≤0.05 were farming experience (β = 0.485), household size (β = 0.330), perception (β = 0.402) and life after retirement from farming (β = 0.183).
Originality/Value: The study provides an insight to factors associated with succession plan among aged crop farmers in order to ensure continuity in farm business.
Research Limitation: The study did not interview all the aged crop farmers in the study area due to limited resources.
ptsuite: Fast Tail Index Estimation for Power Law Distributions in R
Authors: Munasinghe R. , Jayasinghe D. , Kossinna P.
Published: September 2022

Power law distributions, in particular Pareto distributions, describe data across diverse areas of study. We have developed a package, ptsuite, in R to estimate the tail index for such datasets which: a) uses a variety of estimation methods; b) focuses on speed (in particular with large datasets); c) is accurate and d) is easy to use. The package is also able to generate Pareto data as well as conduct both heuristic and statistical tests to check if data is Paretian. We tested ptsuite against similar R packages for speed of tail index estimation and found that our package is indeed faster. The tail index estimates produced by the package are accurate. The package is easy to use as all functions can be called with one line of code and a small number of argument references. To date the package has been downloaded over 12,500 times from the CRAN repository 4. Finally we remark that the authors have used the package in research applications - e.g. (Munasinghe et. al , 2019).
Glycine betaine enhancing plant growth and antioxidant activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under salt stress
Authors: Ismaiel Shimaa A. , El-Bialy Nagwa M.
Published: September 2022

Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of exogenous foliar spray of GB on vegetative growth and some biochemical aspects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in the presence of salt. GB was applied to four concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM) under salt concentration, 150 mM NaCl in addition to the control. salt stress decreases all the growth parameters and negatively affects photosynthetic pigments as well as relative water content and protein. However, the foliar spray of GB increases these parameters, especially at a concentration of 50 mM. Regarding carbohydrates, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity increased under salt stress compared to control also GB foliar spray induced the accumulation of them. Moreover, these parameters increase by increasing the concentration of GB. More than others, GB reduces the entry of deleterious ions (Na+ and Cl-), in contrast, boosts the accumulation of Ca2+ and K+. These results suggest that foliar spray of GB can enhance the growth and tolerance of fenugreek under saline conditions.
Hauwezi kuvuka ziwa hadi uwe na ujasiri wa kutouona urefu wa pwani: Made in Africa Evaluation as courageous conversation
Authors: Maikuri Antony B. , Shanker Vidhya , Hopson Rodney K.
Published: September 2022

Background: The Kiswahili proverb that serves as the title of this article translates into English as, ‘You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore’.Objectives: To elaborate on the implications for Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) of the results of previous research that the authors conducted on harm and the monitoring and evaluation (ME) cycle, specifically the connection that the previous study’s participants drew between care and courage.Method: The article uses personal vignettes and insights from African revolutionary praxis in addition to abductive qualitative data analysis of interview data as well as literature on evaluation and Africa to understand and apply findings from an earlier study on harm and the ME cycle. These findings connect care, trust and courage; discuss solidarity across artificially constructed difference; and name systems of oppression. It then reviews the literature on evaluation and Africa that refers to care, trust or courage. This literature tends to focus on three interrelated themes that parallel the interview results: relations between knowledge systems, the quest for a distinctive Africanness and a systems-oriented understanding of evaluation.Results: The article proffers three interrelated paradigmatic shifts in the mental model or narrative for MAE - ‘crossings’ from the familiar shore into uncertain waters - that correspond with each theme above. Focusing on the first, it draws from the personal experience of one of the authors and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s work on decolonisation through language to propose that MAE cross from translation to courageous conversation as a mental model for relations among knowledge systems.Conclusion: The article suggests three ways that MAE can shift from translation to conversation between knowledge systems: challenging the equation of writing with knowledge and linearity with rationality; keeping indigenous ways of knowing and languages alive to resist atrophy; and recognising these indigenous modalities as forms of protection and resistance against the ongoing subjugation of nonhierachical, systems-oriented knowledge as part of the subordination of African and other indigenous peoples and their lands.
Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification implementation in Cameroon: Challenges, lessons learned and recommendations
Authors: Donkeng-Donfack Valerie F. , Ongoulal Suzanne M. , Djieugoue Yvonne J. , Simo Yannick K. , Manga Henri , Tollo Danielle A.D. , Belinga Edwige M.A. , Mbassa Vincent , Abena Jean L. , Eyangoh Sara
Published: September 2022

Background: Until 2016, microscopy was the main tool for the early detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in Cameroon, especially in remote settings. Due to the poor sensitivity of microscopy, there was a need to implement a molecular assay in order to improve tuberculosis case detection.Intervention: In 2017, tuberculosis loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP), a molecular rapid diagnostic test recommended by the World Health Organization, was implemented in Cameroon as a replacement test of microscopy for initial diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and also as a follow-on test to microscopy for smear-negative sputum specimens. A roll out plan for TB-LAMP implementation in Cameroon had been developed from January 2017 to April 2017, followed by initial implementation at four sites in May 2017. Additional sites were added progressively.Lessons learnt: The use of TB-LAMP as a follow-on test to microscopy for smear-negative sputum specimens helped in the detection of tuberculosis in 14.77% of those who were sputum-smear negative in 2019. Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification usage as an initial test, followed by testing with Xpert MTB/RIF for rapid tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance detection during tuberculosis mass screening campaigns, reduced the turn-around time by 73.23% as compared to when the Gene Xpert instrument was used alone.Recommendations: The implementation and scaling up of TB-LAMP in Cameroon contributed to increase access to tuberculosis molecular diagnosis in remote settings and as such improved tuberculosis case notification. However, to better enhance this notification and optimise the use of a TB-LAMP instrument, a suitable sample transport system is recommended.
The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire: A tool for assessing conducive classroom conditions for children with ADHD
Authors: Du Preez Hannelie , Combrinck Celeste-Marié
Published: September 2022

Physical classrooms provide immense sensory stimulation to children and inform behaviour, cognitive processes and psychological state of mind. Children diagnosed with any subtype of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to exhibit sensory integration/processing impairments that contribute to inappropriate behavioural and learning responses. Teachers need good information and user-friendly psycho-educational instruments to meet the needs of children diagnosed with any ADHD subtype. The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire (SCTQ) utilises ADHD symptomatology to evaluate learning spaces that support children in regulating their response to sensory input. We report on the piloted design and refinement of the SCTQ based on best practices. A convenience sample of South African early childhood teachers administered the first (n = 313) and second (n = 72) versions of the SCTQ at various primary schools. Cross-disciplinary specialists appraised the SCTQ for content validity, while the Rasch rating scale model was applied to assess internal construct reliability and validity. The structure of the latent constructs was assessed using Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis. Following the first pilot, we refined the SCTQ by combining or deleting unnecessary items and reducing the five-point Likert scale to a three-point scale. Revising the Likert scale in version one was necessary to improve category functioning. Adjusting the three-point scale in the revised SCTQ indicated good item and scale functioning. We show the conceptual framework, refinement process, all results and the most recent version of the SCTQ for teachers to use and educational researchers to adapt further.
Binocular vision and archaic religiosity in Minahasa
Authors: Rumbay Christar A. , Hartono Handreas , Siahaya Johannis
Published: September 2022

The encounter between Christian culture and religion in Minahasa has attracted attention because it reflects various resonances and fluctuations. Furthermore, culture contains strong social and religious values, and both aspects are scrambling to confirm the identity of each other’s traditions. Therefore, this study aims to find the Minahasa cultural religiosity value that can be an object for conversation with Christianity. By using a descriptive qualitative approach and interviews with several sources, the cultural values were adopted and communicated with Christianity through Stephen Bevans’s contextual approach. Hence, the awareness of the supernatural, belief in life before and after death and the celebration of foso rummages reflect the religiosity value that can be discussed with Christianity.Contribution: Through the examination of religiosity in Minahasa, its expressions and values, the study provides alternative contribution to Christian missiology. The result shares rich insight that leads to a specific meeting point for contextual study. Minahasan cultures and Christianity could engage in harmony.
Canon, sex and gender in Theodoret of Cyrus’s exposition of LXX Ruth
Authors: De Wet Chris L.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine Theodoret of Cyrus’s (ca. 393–ca. 457 CE) exposition of LXX Ruth, as found in his Questions on the Octateuch. At the centre of this analysis lies the question of what an early Christian author like Theodoret, who lives in a context where asceticism and sexual renunciation were quite popular (i.e. Christian Syria), does with a complicated text like Ruth, which contains so many explicit nuances about sex, procreation and marriage, as well as various gendered complexities. The article starts by examining briefly the canonisation history of Ruth in early Christianity and some of the main interpretative trends in readings of Ruth by other Christian authors. Then, Theodoret’s interpretation of Ruth is examined, focusing specifically on his Questions on Ruth. The purpose of Ruth as scripture, according to Theodoret, is first delineated, after which Theodoret’s approach to sex and gender in LXX Ruth is examined.Contribution: This article argues that Theodoret transforms the story of Ruth into one that aligns with the moral-philosophical discourse related to sex, marriage and gender of his own time. Theodoret restructures Ruth androcentrically by placing Boaz, the masculine and virtuous male father-figure, at the centre of the story, while at the same time stripping Ruth of any possible agency she might have as a would-be temptress.
Transforming Africa: Some missiological perspectives from the Belhar Confession
Authors: Knoetze Johannes J.
Published: September 2022

In the strategic document of the African Union approved in 2013 and spanning over 50 years, known as Agenda 2063, we find a blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. Many of the themes mentioned in Agenda 2063 are also mentioned in the New Testament, such as slavery, unity, poverty, women, children, discrimination and diversity. It is therefore clear that Christianity has something to contribute to Agenda 2063. Another word used throughout the Agenda 2063 document is ‘transformation’. Concepts such as ‘transformative leadership’ and ‘radical transformation at all levels and in all spheres’ are mentioned. This contribution draws on the Agenda 2063 document to engage the missiological themes of unity, reconciliation and justice through the lens of the Belhar Confession. Deeply aware of the pain and disruption colonial Christianity has caused in many instances in Africa, the author contends that the Good News, particularly the New Testament themes of unity, reconciliation and justice, present a potentially transformative approach towards developing Africa. The research question that this article attends to is: how can the churches in Africa contribute to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 from the themes of unity, justice and reconciliation as declared in the Belhar Confession? By interrogating these key concepts of Agenda 2063 through the Confession of Belhar, the author concludes that the Belhar Confession can be regarded as a key African document, which could be explored further to facilitate unity, reconciliation and justice on the continent.Contribution: This article indicates the important relationship between church and state and the need for a partnership for the benefit of both. The need for a transforming state and a transforming church to participate in a transformed Africa is argued. The article promotes multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary aspects of studies as part of a mission praxis and application.
‘Ek skree my naam’ – Twee oorlogsverhalen vergeleken: Etienne van Heerdens Om te awol en W.F. Hermans’ Het behouden huis
Authors: Westhoeve Jan Douwe , Viljoen Hein
Published: September 2022

‘I shout my name’ – two war stories compared: Etienne van Heerden’s Om te awol (To AWOL) and W.F. Hermans’ Het behouden huis (The house of refuge). The authors compare Om te Awol (1984) by the South-African author Etienne van Heerden, and Het behouden huis (1952) by the Dutch writer W.F. Hermans, to show how both writers process the experience of war. These novels, similar in their style, subject and plot, deal with identity in times of war (respectively the Border War and the Second World War) as well as the main character having to face its ensuing severe mental, cultural, and ideological effects. In this article, the authors argue that Van Heerden and Hermans both write about the problem of identity and the effects war has on culture and language. However, there is a key difference, mainly in Van Heerdens ideology critique and the possibility of healing, a possibility Hermans denies.
Patients’ perception of service quality in a healthcare not-for-profit organisation
Authors: Strauss Melene , Schoeman Renata
Published: September 2022

Background: Service organisations should be aware of those elements that are perceived as excellent quality and incorporate these as part of their service offering. However, a not-for-profit (NPO) healthcare organisation consists of a diverse group of stakeholders who have different perspectives and interests. Service quality therefore requires a multidimensional definition that comprehends all their needs and expectations.Methods: Perceived service quality experienced by patients was measured by completion of the Service Performance (SERVPERF) questionnaire. A total of 111 patients completed the questionnaire across three mobile clinics supported by an NPO.Results: The research results suggested that service quality at the mobile clinics was of a very high standard, with no meaningful differences between clinics, age groups or gender. However, the responses had very little variance and could have been subjected to response bias or extreme bias. The absence of a comparator organisation could also have had an influence on responses given by respondents.Conclusion: Healthcare service organisations should strive towards maintaining high standards and engage in continuous measurement and improvement of their service quality as part of their quality management process. By measuring the current level of service experienced by patients, insights have been identified where adjustments might have a positive effect on perceived value. Future research recommendations include suggestions to increase the sample population, taking the service setting into account and further studies to confirm the validity and reliability of solicited service quality questionnaires in a NPO setting.