bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learn by distance: advice for choosing an effective and inclusive e- Learning platform
Authors: Dario Ianes  , Leonardo Venturoso
Published: August 2022

In this last eventful year, in order to deal with the health emergency, the logistic problems related to it and the imposition of "distance learning", digital e-Learning platforms and tools have been widely used both for teaching and for autonomous work. However, these technologies were often completely new to users and their parents, who had to quickly adapt to the situation by learning how to handle them, not always in the most efficient way. Moreover, many families were not technologically and economically prepared for this situation due to inadequate internet connection, equipment and related tools (Beaunoyer E. 2020, Van Lancker, W. 2020). In this complex scenario, children and adolescents with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have suffered the most and the already existing gap with their schoolmates has widened further (Asbury, K. 2020). With the aim of both reducing this gap and improving the school inclusion and distance learning experience, we believe it is necessary to provide families and all those involved in learning environments useful information for choosing such platforms. In this work we have analysed some existing platforms in order to highlight and list the most suitable features for better learning that can somehow both fill the many gaps in distance learning and boost the experience of face-to-face teaching when the health emergency will be over. Features such as cooperative teaching, the availability of a wide variety of evaluation types (true/false, quiz, cloze test etc.), digital repositories and the possibility to set specific and guided learning paths and monitor learning trends should help teachers organize daily activities. Working in small groups, having more listening space, receiving effective feedbacks on progress from tutors and teachers, having materials organized with an appropriate search system based on semantic tagging by topic and subject and the presence of gamification principles (rewards, enhanced visuals and interactivity) should also be considered in the decision process. Furthermore, the selection process must pay proper attention to the characteristics of SEND's. Specifically, it is pivotal to stimulate as much as possible their meta-cognitive strategies and provide proper materials to strengthen existing competences and boost new compensatory strategies.
Stare in benessere per un contesto di alleanza. Partiamo dallo “zerosei” per promuovere la salute futura
Authors: Laura Mattera  , Patrizia Granata
Published: August 2022

Il presente contributo vuole essere una riflessione sull’importanza della promozione del benessere nei contesti educativi e nei servizi per l’infanzia. Punto focale è il contesto inteso come ambiente abitato non solo da bambini ma anche da educatori, insegnanti, operatori, genitori, nonni, figure significative che portano con sé insegnamenti, saperi, valori, e soprattutto emozioni. Promuovere una prospettiva globale favorendo un’alleanza tra le diverse figure significative che accompagnano il bambino nel suo percorso di sviluppo e tra i professionisti dello “zerosei” permette di co-costruire non solo nuovi saperi, ma anche nuovi contesti educativi. Visioni e competenze di professionalità differenti contribuiscono ad analizzare e interpretare situazioni, relazioni e attività.
Sentirsi parte e prendere parte. Il contributo delle famiglie straniere alla progettazione dei servizi per l'infanzia
Authors: Alessandra Augelli  , Elisabetta Musi
Published: August 2022

Nei servizi educativi i genitori stranieri vengono accolti ma raramente assunti come interlocutori con cui attivare pratiche di rilettura critica di nidi e scuole d’infanzia. Come cogliere la rappresentazione multiculturale dell’infanzia attraverso la voce dei genitori stranieri? Come sostenere i genitori stranieri nel farsi portavoce di riflessioni e pratiche partecipative nei servizi? Queste le domande generative della ricerca mixed-method che si illustra nel contributo. Attraverso focus group e intervist in profondità sono state raccolti i pensieri di alcune mamme straniere con figli di età 0-6 anni. Temi del confronto sono stati: la concezione di bambino 0-6, l’idea di educazione e il ruolo dell’adulto, la vita di comunità nei servizi per l’infanzia, la partecipazione delle famiglie.
L' educazione STEM al nido: una sfida possibile
Authors: Nicoletta Rosati
Published: August 2022

Il documento della Commissione europea Proposal for Key Principles of a Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care (2014) ha posto in rilievo l’importanza di una specificità dell’educazione infantile. I vari documenti europei “Starting Strong” (OECD, 2001; 2006; 2012; 2021) sottolineano come un’educazione adeguata a partire dalla prima infanzia possa garantire uno sviluppo pieno e olistico della persona del bambino. Studi economici, inoltre, ritengono che un’istruzione precoce di qualità possa contribuire alla crescita del “capitale umano” di ogni nazione. Partendo da queste considerazioni si può comprendere quanto sia importante far sviluppare precocemente le abilità che permettano di affrontare la complessità sociale attuale. Tra queste abilità, le cosiddette abilità STEM sono considerate basilari per lo sviluppo olistico della personalità fin dalla prima infanzia. Il presente contributo intende illustrare una riflessione sugli effetti dell’educazione STEM nella prima infanzia richiamando gli esiti del progetto europeo di ricerca Kitchen Lab 4 Kids e una prima esperienza di insegnamento delle abilità STEM nel nido.
Digital storytelling per l’infanzia
Authors: Alessandra Anichini  , Cosimo Di Bari  , Monica Dalbon  , Fabrizia Lunel
Published: August 2022

Proponiamo il racconto di un’esperienza condotta da alcune classi di scuola dell’infanzia della provincia di Trento, durante l’anno scolastico 2019/2020, il primo della pandemia. L’attività di formazione e la relativa sperimentazione nelle classi si è incentrata sull’utilizzo di un particolare strumento digitale, l’i-Theatre, che consente l'effettuazione di percorsi di Media Education nella scuola dei piccoli. Il percorso ci ha permesso di avviare con i docenti una riflessione su questo tema, partendo dalla domanda di fondo se l’introduzione della tecnologia in questo ordine di scuola sia auspicabile.
Valutazione dell’impatto del periodo di pandemia da COVID-19 nelle competenze motorie di base (FMS) in bambini in età prescolare
Authors: Giacomo Schillaci  , Mattia Varalda
Published: August 2022

Studi recenti mostrano come il periodo di pandemia da COVID-19 abbia influenzato significativamente lo stile di vita e le prestazioni motorie di soggetti in età pediatrica. Lo studio si pone l’obiettivo di analizzare l’impatto del periodo di pandemia da COVID-19 riguardo alle competenze motorie di base in soggetti in età prescolare. I risultati di valutazioni delle competenze motorie di base (FMS) (corsa, salto e lancio) di bambini di età compresa tra i 3 e i 6 anni, valutate nei tre anni precedenti il periodo di pandemia da COVID-19, sono stati paragonati con i risultati di valutazioni di FMS in un campione di bambini da 3 a 6 anni rilevati a seguito di tale periodo (maggio 2021). Eventuali differenze di competenza motoria in abilità ritenute fondamentali in numerose attività sportive e non sportive (FMS), a seguito di un forzato periodo di inattività in soggetti in età prescolare, potrà permetterci di comprendere, almeno in parte, il reale impatto che il periodo di pandemia da COVID-19 ha avuto, e avrà, nello sviluppo motorio di bambini da 3 a 6 anni di età.
Il nido d’infanzia come spazio educativo ed inclusivo per l’espressione della corporeità ludiforme
Authors: Rosa Sgambelluri  , Antinea Ambretti  , Carmen Palumbo
Published: August 2022

Il presente lavoro intende riflettere sull’importanza del nido come momento di apprendimento attraverso un’azione educativa costante e collaborativa che si esplica nella programmazione e nella realizzazione di buone prassi didattico-inclusive. La prospettiva è garantire il successo formativo del bambino partendo dalla capacità di interpretare e organizzare sistemi di formazione più estesi (Chiappetta Cajola, 2017), in grado di formare e valorizzare esperienze ludiformi (Ambretti, Palumbo, Lavega & Sibilio, 2018), riconosciute come substrato per i futuri apprendimenti scolastici.
L' orizzonte di senso del Sistema Integrato “zerosei”: una sfida educativa e sociale
Authors: Rosa Stornaiuolo
Published: August 2022

Le Linee Pedagogiche per il sistema integrato “zerosei”, nell’innescare un doveroso processo di attenzione all’infanzia, delineano un orizzonte educativo per la presa in carico pedagogica del bambino da 0 a 6 anni, così come declinato nel D.lgs. 65/2017, attraverso la costruzione di un vero e proprio sistema integrato, valorizzando e sostenendo servizi educativi e scuole dell’infanzia per tutti, in grado di soddisfare i nuovi bisogni, di essere luoghi di benessere, di promozione di uguaglianza educativa, di integrazione socio-culturale. Si suddividono in sei sezioni di cui la prima e la sesta si caratterizzano per un taglio più istituzionale mentre il cuore del documento è sicuramente di natura pedagogica. In questo contributo vengono analizzate le sei sezioni succitate, nelle loro implicazioni soprattutto di carattere pedagogico.
La scuola che cambia con la pandemia
Authors: Ludovico Arte
Published: August 2022

La pandemia ha travolto il tradizionale modo di fare scuola. Insegnanti e studenti si sono trovati chiusi in casa a comunicare tramite un computer. Improvvisamente, i modi ordinari di insegnare e apprendere non sono stati più possibili, anche se alcuni partigiani della vecchia scuola hanno riprodotto imperterriti a distanza le metodologie utilizzate in presenza. Con esiti, in genere, disastrosi. Molti invece si sono messi in discussione, hanno cercato un nuovo modo di educare, una diversa misura nelle relazioni. All’ITT “Marco Polo” di Firenze è stata data voce ai pensieri e alle emozioni di tutti e sono stati attivati sostegni psicologici per adulti e ragazzi. Si è aperto un dialogo tra le diverse componenti della scuola, che ha delineato un discorso collettivo nuovo sulla scuola e sulla società.
Dirigenza scolastica e middle management, voll. I e II, di Angelo Paletta, Bononia University Press (BUP), 2020
Authors: Dino Cristanini
Published: August 2022

Recensione a Dirigenza scolastica e middle management, voll. I e II, di Angelo Paletta, Bononia University Press (BUP), 2020.
Il coordinatore pedagogico nel sistema integrato “zerosei”: una figura in evoluzione
Authors: Alessia Rosa  , Maria Filomia
Published: August 2022

La definizione delle peculiarità che caratterizzano la struttura del coordinamento pedagogico è intrinsecamente connessa alle potenzialità di sviluppo dei servizi “zerosei” e all’opportunità di innescare processi di riflessione e di rielaborazione circolari delle organizzazioni, garantendo nuovi e diversificati modelli di accompagnamento sociale e culturale. Il presente contributo intende descrivere nel dettaglio, attraverso un’analisi puntuale dei documenti normativi, il ruolo, le funzioni e le competenze del coordinatore pedagogico all’interno del sistema “zerosei”. A tal fine, il contributo dà conto dello sviluppo storico che ha accompagnato il configurarsi di tale professionalità e del dibattito inerente ai possibili sviluppi futuri. Ci si pone inoltre l’obiettivo di ridefinire tipologicamente la figura del coordinatore pedagogico all’interno delle dinamiche gestionali di innovazione e cambiamento possibili attraverso la coprogettazione tra servizi e territorio.
Schools as learning organizations where everyone thrives
Authors: Anna Raneri  , Antonella Nezzo
Published: August 2022

Since the start of the pandemic, keeping the learners at the core of the learning process has assumed an increasing importance, inspiring assessment for learning and learner agency while being connected with the so-called “visible thinking”. But schools are also requested to be learning organizations to cope with change of environment and circumstances, reorganizing the management team to tackle the current situation. The solution has involved creating brand-new middle management roles, meant to support all the teachers while relying on the team members’ skills and the principal’s broader vision and managing expertise. Communication is enhanced and teachers are fully supported, while being nurtured in terms of didactic innovation embedded into lessons, promoting the teachers’tendency to work together, upskilling or reskilling themselves.
Professional Learning Communities for school innovation
Authors: Naìr Carrera  , Tommaso Dalla Vecchia,
Published: August 2022

The growth of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) seems to have accelerated in recent times, partially because of the opportunities offered by the online dimension, but also as a response to the emergency to which schools have adapted during the pandemic with Distance Learning. This work builds on testimonies from practitioners partaking in local and international PLCs, notably aiming at experimenting with innovative teaching and learning practices and promoting new curricula for digital education. Such communities are particularly interesting as they encourage the circulation of innovative practices through peer learning, mentoring, and school level capacity building. Ultimately, this article explores how PLCs can support practitioners enhancing their teaching practice, as well as designing and implementing innovation at classroom and school level.
Il dirigente scolastico: un vero problem solver
Authors: Francesca Storai
Published: August 2022

Il dirigente scolastico è considerato una delle principali leve dell’innovazione della scuola, con il difficile compito di agire nell’immediato e deliberare rapidamente mentre intorno tutto cambia (Fullan, 2002). Quali sono le competenze che un dirigente scolastico deve avere per affrontare tale complessità? Quali strategie può mettere in atto per rispondere a problematiche che ogni giorno si sommano e che richiedono uno specifico intervento? Il contributo intende discutere, attraverso la letteratura di riferimento, le competenze che un dirigente scolastico deve avere per essere efficace. Tra le tante competenze associabili al suo ruolo e alle funzioni che svolge all’interno della scuola, sarà approfondita quella del problem solving, una prospettiva che generalmente viene affrontata dal punto di vista degli studenti, ma che riteniamo possa essere utile anche a chi presiede un’organizzazione complessa come quella della scuola.
Modelli di leadership e alliances in “small European schools”. Un’analisi interpretativa su base internazionale
Authors: Stefania Chipa  , Giuseppina Cannella  , Giuseppina Rita Jose Mangione
Published: August 2022

A livello internazionale, il tema delle scuole piccole e rurali trova nell’educational research numerose prospettive di indagine. Nel 2020, Indire ha avviato una ricerca qualitativa di tipo ricognitivo finalizzata alla nascita di uno Special Interest Group presso European Schoolnet dedicato alle “small and rural schools”. La collaborazione tra ricercatori e pratici può rappresentare lo strumentoper dare vita a “research alliances” e affrontare problemi endemici del contesto. Sono state individuate 24 piccole scuole europee per approfondire le azioni virtuose sulle dimensioni di Leadership e management (visione di scuola, quality team, commissioni, dipartimenti) e di System Innovation (collaborazione con la famiglia, con gli enti locali e Terzo settore, e reti tra scuole del territorio).
Real-time decision support promotes pro-environmental behavior
Authors: Bregulla Daniel
Published: August 2022

In einem kontrollierten Online-Experiment fördert eine Entscheidungsunterstützung umweltfreundliches Verhalten. Die Teilnehmenden absolvieren eine validierte Versuchsanordnung (den Carbon Emission Task), bei dem sie finanzielle Gewinne und externe Umweltauswirkungen gegeneinander abwägen. In der Treatmentbedingung mit Entscheidungshilfen in Form von farbigem Feedback entscheiden sie umweltfreundlicher als in der Kontrollbedingung. Die umweltfreundlichen Werte der Teilnehmenden korrelieren positiv mit dem entsprechenden Verhalten. Hingegen konnte nicht bestätigt werden, dass die Entscheidungshilfe die Beziehung zwischen umweltfreundlichen Werten und umweltfreundlichem Verhalten moderiert oder dass die Korrelation zwischen umweltfreundlichen Werten und Verhalten in der Treatmentbedingung mit Entscheidungshilfen in geringerem Masse durch Selbstkontrolle moderiert wird.
Kampagnen und Teilnahme an Gerichtsprozessen als Makropraxis der Sozialen Arbeit in der Progressive Era
Authors: Winkler Katharina
Published: August 2022

Der Beitrag entwirft zwei Strategien auf der Makroebene als Implikationen eines politischen Mandats der Sozialen Arbeit im Wirken und Werk von Jane Addams und Florence Kelley: Kampagnenarbeit und die aktive Teilnahme an Gerichtsprozessen.
Stadtentwicklung und Soziale Arbeit in Zeiten globaler Herausforderungen
Authors: Drilling Matthias
Published: August 2022

Seit einigen Jahren wird Stadtentwicklung verstärkt an globalen Umweltzielen ausgerichtet. Der Beitrag argumentiert, dass Gemeinwesenarbeit (GWA) ihren Grundanspruch, die polit-ökonomische Analyse gegenwärtiger Gesellschaftsverhältnisse zum Ausgangspunkt ihres Handelns zu nehmen, mit der jüngeren Debatte eines öko-sozialen Ansatzes von Sozialen Arbeit verweben sollte. Damit kann GWA ihre Themen Gerechtigkeit oder Lebensweltorientierung in die Stadtentwicklung einbringen und zugleich ein Verständnis von sozialer Nachhaltigkeit skizzieren.
Soul On Sale
Authors:   After Dinner Conversation
Published: August 2022

What good is a soul in the modern age? What would you lose by giving it up? In this work of ethics fiction, the narrator checks into a hotel run by the Devil so he can give the Devil his soul. The Devil visits him in his room and, at first, is confused. Doesn’t he want to trade it for fame, money, or immortality? Nope, he just wants to be rid of the thing; it’s more trouble than its worth, and doesn’t seem to serve a useful purpose in a modern society anyway. The Devil takes his soul, offers him dinner, and a free night at the hotel. The man wakes the next morning, refreshed, as a maid knocks on his door. She wants to leave the hotel, but doesn’t have the courage. He agrees to help her leave, but their project fails. He ends up leaving on his own.
Evaluation of Pathology Residency Training Curriculum and Practice in the Hubei Province of China
Authors: Niu Li , Yu Fang , Qi Bei , Hossur Sushma , Tian Sufang
Published: August 2022

Context.—

The pathology residency program began in China in 2014. There has been no competency assessment on training programs in the Hubei province of China.

Objective.—

To evaluate the current residency training curriculum and resident performance in Hubei Province.

Design.—

A 37-question online questionnaire was designed to cover general demographic information, diagnostic competency, expectations of ideal caseload for gross and preview, teaching patterns, examinations, research activities, weak points, and other topics in pathology practice.

Results.—

A total of 166 participants, including 62 postgraduate year (PGY) 2, 49 PGY3, and 55 new practicing pathologists, responded to the survey. PGY3 residents were found to be more competent than PGY2 in diagnostic competency. Forty-five of 55 new practicing pathologists (81.8%) reported that they could sign out cases independently, whereas 10 of 55 (18.2%) were found to still need transitional time for learning before working independently. Some residents could sign out cytopathology cases and gained knowledge in immunohistochemistry and histochemical staining, while some residents did not receive adequate training in molecular pathology. The ideal caseloads for gross and preview during residency were greater than 5000 and 7000, respectively. Nonneoplastic diseases, neuropathology, dermatopathology, hematopathology, and soft tissue pathology were considered difficult subspecialties in pathology practice.

Conclusions.—

While residents trained in Hubei Province have met the basic requirements for qualified pathologists, more efforts need to be made in many areas, such as a well-structured training curriculum and better-designed proficiency examinations. The findings of this study are of great importance to prioritizing training in the future.
Cooperative learning in the education of deaf and deaf students
Authors: Ristić Ivana , Kovačević Jasmina
Published: August 2022

The paper presents research findings that emphasize the importance of collaborative learning as an effective approach to learning for deaf and hard of hearing students, as opposed to traditional. This educational approach illustrates how shared learning experiences can promote socialization and interaction, and facilitate learning and contribute to the quality of knowledge. Thus, collaborative learning is a modern strategy that contributes to alleviating the lack of traditional teaching in different types of the school environment. This research aims to experimentally determine the effects of cooperative learning in relation to traditional learning about the permanence of knowledge of deaf and hard of hearing students. The study sample consisted of 49 deaf and hard of hearing students aged 12 to 15 years. Specially designed knowledge tests for this research were used for data collection. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the durability of knowledge of deaf and hard of hearing students acquired after the conducted experimental program, and the retest was conducted after six months.
The assessment value of pathological condition of serum adiponectin and amylin in primary osteoporosis and its correlation analysis with bone metabolism indexes
Authors: Wang Xiao , Bai Xue , Miu Ying , Chen Pan , Yan Pi , Jiang Chun
Published: August 2022

Background: This paper explores the assessment value of pathological condition of serum adiponectin (APN) and amylin in primary osteoporosis (POP) and their correlation with bone metabolism indexes. Methods: From January 2019 to June 2021, 79 cases of POP patients were selected as the research objects. A test of the patients' bone density was conducted, and clinical grading of POP was via T value (normal, mild, moderate, severe). The analysis of the assessment value of pathological condition of serum APN and amylin for POP and their association with bone metabolism indexes in patients was performed. Results: APN and amylin in patients were declined with POP's aggravation. APN of 5.15 mg/mL or less and amylin of 15.38 pmol/L or less were risk factors influencing the aggravation of pathological condition of POP (P< 0 .0 5). The area under the curve (AUC) of combined detection of APN and amylin to assess the severity of POP was elevated vs. alone test of amylin (P< 0.05). 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH) D) and total type 1 procollagen amino-terminal propeptide (t-PINP) in patients were descended with the aggravation of pathological condition of osteoporosis (P < 0.05). At the same time, no distinct differences were presented in the three groups of type I collagen hydroxyl terminal peptide b degradation product (b-CTX) and N-terminal osteocalcin (N-MID) (P> 0.05). APN, amylin, 25(OH)D, b-CTX, and t-PINP were negatively linked with POP clinical grade (P< 0.05). APN and amylin were associated with 25-(OH) D, b-CTX, t-PINP (P< 0.05), and APN and amylin were not linked with N-MID (P> 0.05). Conclusions: Serum APN and amylin are provided with evaluation values for the severity of POP and are associated with bone metabolism in patients.
Efficacy of a novel channel-cleaning ball brush for endoscope reprocessing: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chung Kwang Hyun , Chae Jeong Don , Choe Wonho , Lee Hyo Young , Oh Il Hwan , Son Byoung Kwan
Published: August 2022

Background/Aims: Endoscopic channels are difficult to clean and can cause infection transmission. We examined the effectiveness of a newly developed channel-cleaning ball brush (BB), which is sucked into the endoscopic channel and scrapes and cleans the lumen as it passes through.Methods: The upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopes used for patient examinations were randomly selected as the conventional brush (CB) or BB group. After manual cleaning, the presence or absence of carbohydrates, proteins, adenosine triphosphate, and hemoglobin was assessed.Results: Fifty-six and 58 endoscopes were cleaned with the CB and BB, respectively. Carbohydrate and protein were detected in one (1.8%) and two endoscopes (3.4%) in the CB and BB groups, respectively (p=1.000). Hemoglobin was observed in one (1.8%) and three endoscopes (5.2%) in the CB and BB groups, respectively (p=0.636). The adenosine triphosphate levels were 10.6±15.9 and 12.5±14.3 relative light units in the CB and BB groups, respectively (p=0.496). Twenty-seven (48.2%) and 19 (32.8%) endoscopes were positive for microbial cultures in the CB and BB groups, respectively (p=0.136).Conclusions: The efficacy of BB was not significantly different from that of CB in the endoscopic channel-cleaning process.
Schadenfreude and sympathy following President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis: Influence on pre-election voting intentions
Authors: Peplak Joanna , Klemfuss J. Zoe , Ditto Peter H.
Published: August 2022

Schadenfreude and sympathy are often experienced at the intergroup level; however, little research has been conducted to examine their role in one of the most prominent and emotionally evocative intergroup contexts: the political arena. In this study, we assessed a sample of 506 Americans’ (Age M = 41.69 years, SD = 13.94; 57% women) schadenfreude and sympathy (and related cognitions) in response to then-President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis (a salient misfortune of a contentious political figure), and how their schadenfreude, sympathy, and related cognitions were associated with shifts in voting intentions (own and public’s) in the 2020 Presidential Election. We also examined trends in, and associations between, these variables by political affiliation (focusing on Democrats and Republicans) and gender (focusing on men and women). Unsurprisingly, compared to Republicans, Democrats expressed more schadenfreude and less sympathy. Contrary to previous research, however, Democrats’ experiences of schadenfreude were tempered and were primarily driven by deservingness beliefs rather than intergroup competition or malice). Amongst Republicans only, men experienced stronger schadenfreude than women. Regarding voting intentions, participants were more likely to report that the diagnosis would impact shifts in the public’s voting than their own voting, primarily in favor of the Democratic Party. Feelings of schadenfreude and sympathy were not significantly associated with anticipated shifts—rather, those who believed then-President Trump’s diagnosis was deserved (cognition strongly associated with schadenfreude) were four times more likely to believe the public would change their vote to the Democratic Party. These findings are discussed in relation to research at the intersection of psychology and political science and have implications for politicians and psychologists who aim to understand emotions underlying partisanship and voting behavior.
SHORT-TERM IMPACTS OF MOBILE TOUCH-SCREEN DEVICE USE ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: RISK ASSESSMENT MODELLING AND VERIFICATION
Authors: Elghomati Ali , Korhan Orhan , Sekeroglu Boran , Dogruyol Kagan
Published: August 2022

The intensive and repetitive use of touch-screens may pose significant problems, such as ergonomic pain or musculoskeletal disorders. This research aims to study the effect of using mobile touch-screen devices on the human musculoskeletal system during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and to develop a model for classifying the effects of musculoskeletal stress (pain and discomfort) on the performance of educational activities. The Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire was given to 544 participants (71% males and 29% females). An Association Rule Mining approach was applied to illustrate the correlation, and multiple machine-learning models – used to predict the impact of pain and discomfort on different body regions – were applied to determine risk levels that might interfere with the ability to perform daily activities. Most musculoskeletal disorders were reported in the neck region and lower back (64.33% and 55.33% respectively), followed by upper back (44.30%) and the right shoulder (38%). Analysis of association rules showed high positive correlation between the lower back and the neck (support = 43%, confidence = 77%). Additionally, it was found that the radial basis function network has the highest accuracy in prediction (84%). The results of the radial basis function model showed that interference in educational activities can be predicted by using pain indicators in body parts resulting from touch-screen device usage. Keywords association rule mining approach; machine learning; educational activities; mobile touch screen; musculoskeletal disorders
THE FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING QUALITY ETHICALLY
Authors: Ratseou Ellen Mmamonang , Ramphal Rohith Roopnarain
Published: August 2022

Most existing quality programmes have not been adapted to promote the prevention of ethical issues such as fraud, which is constantly reported in the media. This study seeks to uncover the underlying dimensions of ethical quality management and to develop a framework that will facilitate the practice of ethics and quality simultaneously. The multi-step method was employed to explore the practice of ethical quality management. A factor analysis of the collected data resulted in seven significant factors, which were incorporated into the framework. The developed framework should be implemented along with traditional quality programmes to ensure the practice of ethical quality management
LEADERSHIP 4.0: LEADERSHIP CHANGES REQUIRED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PETROLEUM INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Authors: Botha Anthon P , Coopasamy Sharlini
Published: August 2022

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is upon us, emerging at a rapid pace and providing digitalisation and technology systems that can improve the agility and efficiency of the South African petroleum industry. Owing to the dynamism of and unfamiliarity with 4IR ways of working, leaders are grappling with how changes brought upon by 4IR affect their role in the organisation. In this study, the current leadership styles employed in the South African petroleum industry were investigated, and the type of leadership style required to lead a 4IR organisation effectively was determined, in order to provide recommendations of changes that leadership needs to undergo to best support the 4IR. A conceptual model was developed in which the study was sub-divided into a pre-4IR phase, transitioning to the 4IR phase, and then to fully functioning 4IR organisations. A structured questionnaire was sent to leaders in the South African petroleum industry, in which they were asked their views on leadership theories, factors influencing leadership, and leadership models pertinent to each of the three phases of 4IR. The findings of the study show that, for leaders to thrive in 4IR, they must move away from authoritarian, bureaucratic, and task-orientated leadership styles and embrace transformational, people-orientated, and charismatic leadership styles. Keywords Leadership 4.0; leadership theory; leadership styles; petroleum industry; 4IR; 4IR transitional phases
Note from the editor
Authors: Schutte Corne
Published: August 2022

As reported in February’s editorial, we are in a process of renewing our journal. The biggest change has been to quicken our review process. If you scroll through this month’s journal articles, you will notice some articles where the review process took only 4 months. The biggest challenge remains our reviewers’ turnaround time – the review process is often a low priority item in busy academic careers. But we had made good progress with working down the queue, clearing our old dormant journal articles. Making the management process also faster. We are also managing as planned to move the first 2 editions of the year a month earlier – the second edition in the past appeared at the end of August, but now it is end of July. As reported in the previous edition, we are testing a new version of our web based software. The SAIIE Annual Awards nominations closed recently, and as reported earlier, this award is now limited to journal articles published in this journal. We are looking forward to congratulate the 2022 winner in the next edition! Due to changes in the previous Technical Editor’s personal circumstances, it was not possible for her to continue as Technical Editor. I am thus pleased to introduce Mr Eldon Burger, who took over this role recently. Eldon is a lecturer at the Department of Industrial Engineering at Stellenbosch, he did his undergraduate studies at North-West University, then a BTech in Industrial Engineering at Unisa, a Masters in Computer Science / Data Science at University of Debrecen, Hungary, and is now busy with his PhD with a focus on Data Science. Welcome Eldon! Our next edition will be the special edition, where we take the best submissions from related conferences in South Africa, and publish it in the journal. That review process is already underway, and we are looking forward to showcase the research and new thinking from those conferences. This edition has a total of 12 articles, with seven articles from authors with South African connections and the balance from international authors. The publication date is 29 July, which is a month earlier than 2021. If you have suggestions on how we can take this journal forward, please let me know.
Are we preparing for the next pandemic?
Authors: Dhai Ames
Published: August 2022

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A third-line antiretroviral therapy register to track patient clinical and virological outcomes
Authors: Naidoo K , Ramruthan J , Reddy M , Lancaster R
Published: August 2022

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Congestive myelopathy due to spinal dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking CNS demyelinating disease
Authors: Kim Nakhoon , Kim Hongil , Kim Hyunkee , Park Jinseok
Published: August 2022

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is known for its ambiguous and various clinical presentations. Among these presentations, congestive myelopathy is one of the most common, yet it is challenging to correctly diagnose SDAVF at initial presentation. Several diseases present as myelopathy, including demyelinating diseases. Herein, we present two cases of congestive myelopathy due to SDAVF presenting to the emergency room (ER) with progressive quadriparesis. Even though the patients had a proper magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination from the initial presentation, there was a delay in making a final diagnosis. Both patients’ clinical presentation and MRI mimicked central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease initially, and a more thorough examination revealed SDAVF. Such a delay in diagnosis can result in more neurological deterioration and may result in more sequelae. Hence, SDAVF should always be considered as a differential diagnosis when examining patients with myelopathy.
Disruption in structural–functional network repertoire and time-resolved subcortical fronto-temporoparietal connectivity in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Panda Rajanikant , Thibaut Aurore , Lopez-Gonzalez Ane , Escrichs Anira , Bahri Mohamed Ali , Hillebrand Arjan , Deco Gustavo , Laureys Steven , Gosseries Olivia , Annen Jitka , Tewarie Prejaas
Published: August 2022

Understanding recovery of consciousness and elucidating its underlying mechanism is believed to be crucial in the field of basic neuroscience and medicine. Ideas such as the global neuronal workspace (GNW) and the mesocircuit theory hypothesize that failure of recovery in conscious states coincide with loss of connectivity between subcortical and frontoparietal areas, a loss of the repertoire of functional networks states and metastable brain activation. We adopted a time-resolved functional connectivity framework to explore these ideas and assessed the repertoire of functional network states as a potential marker of consciousness and its potential ability to tell apart patients in the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). In addition, the prediction of these functional network states by underlying hidden spatial patterns in the anatomical network, that is so-called eigenmodes, was supplemented as potential markers. By analysing time-resolved functional connectivity from functional MRI data, we demonstrated a reduction of metastability and functional network repertoire in UWS compared to MCS patients. This was expressed in terms of diminished dwell times and loss of nonstationarity in the default mode network and subcortical fronto-temporoparietal network in UWS compared to MCS patients. We further demonstrated that these findings co-occurred with a loss of dynamic interplay between structural eigenmodes and emerging time-resolved functional connectivity in UWS. These results are, amongst others, in support of the GNW theory and the mesocircuit hypothesis, underpinning the role of time-resolved thalamo-cortical connections and metastability in the recovery of consciousness.
Prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in women than in men: a cross-sectional study from a rural area in eastern China
Authors: Yang Yichen , Zhang Qin , He Caihong , Chen Jing , Deng Danfeng , Lu Wenwen , Wang Yuming
Published: August 2022

Background

There were limited studies specifically evaluating whether the difference of the prevalence of sarcopenia exists in men and women in older adults from rural areas in China. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia between men and women in a rural area in eastern China and to explore the underlying causes.

Methods

This study included 1,105 participants aged 60-89 years. Muscle mass was measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis. Hand grip strength was measured by Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia-2019 Consensus. Data were analyzed using log-binomial and linear regression.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21.7% in women and 12.9% in men among the study cohort. After adjusting for age, education level, number of diseases, income level, smoking, drinking, and eating habits, proportion of people with sarcopenia was 1.49-fold greater in women than in men (PR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.01–2.26],P = 0.055).

Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly women in this rural area of eastern China is higher than in men, suggesting that women in rural areas in China seem to be more vulnerable for sarcopenia, thus early screening and prevention need to be provided for them to address such gender disparity in health.
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) of the Atacama Desert, Northern Chile
Authors: Otero Rodrigo A.
Published: August 2022

This contribution presents novel records of ray-finned fishes from the Oxfordian of Cerritos Bayos, northern Chile. This includes a Pachycormiformes diversity represented by macropredatory forms (aff. Hypsocormus sp. and a still indeterminate form) and by suspension-feeding forms (Leedsichthys sp). The assemblage also includes the first Upper Jurassic local record of a Lepisosteidae, the latter being the oldest known to date in Gondwana. This diversity is complemented by new material of the lepidotid genus Scheenstia. The ray-finned fish assemblage from the Oxfordian of Cerritos Bayos is dominated by Lepisosteiformes and Pachycormiformes, complementing previous local coeval records from El Profeta Formation (ca. 250 km south from the localities here studied), mostly comprised by small Teleostei (e.g., Protoclupea chilensis, Varasichthys ariasi, Chongichthys dentatus, among others), indeterminate Pachycormiformes and Pycnodontiformes (Gyrodus sp.). The new records extend the known actinopterygian diversity from the Upper Jurassic of southeastern Panthalassa.
Clinical characteristics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron variant compared with the delta variant: a retrospective case-control study of 318 outpatients from a single sight institute in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Keiko , Ichikawa Takaya , Suzuki Satoshi , Tanino Yoko , Kakinoki Yasutaka
Published: August 2022

Background

Clinical characteristics, including laboratory parameters, of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant have been limited.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study was conducted in a single hospital. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who visited the Asahikawa City Hospital outpatient department as new patients and underwent blood tests were included in this study. We analyzed the data from January 2022 to April 2022 during the Omicron phase and from April 2021 to October 2021 during the Delta phase. Patients who were treated at other hospitals after visiting our hospital were excluded. All blood tests were performed before treatment for COVID-19 was initiated. Demographic information, laboratory data, and clinical courses were extracted from electronic medical records. We matched the two groups by age and comorbidities and compared their characteristics. We also analyzed factors associated with pneumonia in the Omicron phase.

Results

A total of 151 Omicron patients and 167 delta patients were analyzed in this study. The mean age, rate of comorbidities, and vaccination were significantly higher in the Omicron group. The number of patients with pneumonia or those requiring oxygen, admissions, or both was significantly lower in the Omicron group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels were significantly lower in the Omicron group. Compared with the mild symptom and pneumonia groups in the Omicron group, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), higher non-vaccination, higher LDH, and higher CRP levels were associated with the pneumonia group.

Conclusion

The Omicron variant is associated with a reduction in hospitalization and the risk of pneumonia compared to the delta variant in a real-life clinical setting. In the Omicron variant, the risk of pneumonia is related to high-risk factors, laboratory data such as LDH and CRP levels, and no vaccination.
Variation in the reproductive quality of honey bee males affects their age of flight attempt
Authors: Metz Bradley N. , Tarpy David R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Honey bee males (drones) exhibit life histories that enable a high potential for pre- or post-copulatory sperm competition. With a numerical sex ratio of ∼11,000 drones for every queen, they patrol flyways and congregate aerially to mate on the wing. However, colonies and in fact drones themselves may benefit from a relative lack of competition, as queens are highly polyandrous, and colonies have an adaptive advantage when headed by queens that are multiply mated. Previous research has shown that larger drones are more likely to be found at drone congregation areas, more likely to mate successfully, and obtain a higher paternity share. However, the reproductive quality and size of drones varies widely within and among colonies, suggesting adaptive maintenance of drone quality variation at different levels of selection.

Methods

We collected drones from six colony sources over the course of five days. We paint marked and individually tagged drones after taking body measurements at emergence and then placed the drones in one of two foster colonies. Using an entrance cage, we collected drones daily as they attempted flight. We collected 2,420 drones live or dead, analyzed 1,891 for attempted flight, collected emergence data on 207 drones, and dissected 565 upon capture to assess reproductive maturity. We measured drone body mass, head width, and thorax width at emergence, and upon dissection we further measured thorax mass, seminal vesicle length, mucus gland length, sperm count, and sperm viability from the seminal vesicles.

Results

We found that drones that were more massive at emergence were larger and more fecund upon capture, suggesting that they are of higher reproductive quality and therefore do not exhibit a trade-off between size and fecundity. However, smaller drones tended to attempt initial flight at a younger age, which suggests a size trade-off not with fecundity but rather developmental maturation. We conclude that smaller drones may take more mating flights, each individually with a lower chance of success but thereby increasing their overall fitness. In doing so, the temporal spread of mating attempts of a single generation of drones within a given colony increases colony-level chances of mating with nearby queens, suggesting an adaptive rationale for high variation among drone reproductive quality within colonies.
Examination of the Scaling Law of Fire Phenomena in Compartment with Horizontal Natural Opening using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Park Min Yeong , Kim Yun Young , Lee Chi Young
Published: August 2022

The scaling law was examined using numerical simulation for fire phenomena in a compartment with a horizontal natural opening in this study. The results of the large-scale conversion of the scaled model numerical simulation results ([Small-scale] condition) from the earlier studies obtained by applying the scaling law were compared to those of the large-scale numerical simulation performed in this study ([Large-scale] condition). The overall trends for the effects of horizontal natural opening area and fire source location on the discharge mass flow rate through the horizontal natural opening, temperature distribution in the compartment, and flow velocity through the horizontal opening were found to be identical under the [Small-scale] and [Large-scale] conditions. A complex bidirectional flow was observed through the horizontal natural opening under the conditions of this study and the accuracy in predicting the average W-velocity value based on the scaling law was low; however, the accuracy in predicting the range of velocity fluctuation was higher than the average value under certain conditions. Based on the standard deviation of the numerical simulation results, the percentages of the data within ± 30% of the difference between the [Small-scale] and [Large-scale] conditions relative to the total number of data were 100, 75, and 88% for the discharge mass flow rate, temperature, and flow velocity through the horizontal natural opening, respectively. The accuracy of the scaling law was found to be high for the discharge mass flow rate under the conditions considered in this study.
Prediction of Travel Time of Fire Service using Kriging and Weighted-sum Technique
Authors: Lee Yoonha , Kim Minseok , Lee Jisoo
Published: August 2022

The accessibility of city fire services is an important indicator for evaluating fire services and optimizing fire resource allocation. For firefighting, rescue, and first-aid activities, it is recommended that the time from fire vehicles leaving the garage to arrive at the scene is less than 5 minutes. Therefore, the travel time of fire services is one of the main concerns for many researchers. This study assumes that changing the urban environment affects the travel time of fire services. Therefore, in this study, weights were applied over the years to predict the travel time of fire service by using the kriging technique. As a result of the case study, temporal factors (elapsed year, term of travel time, and time spent) did not significantly affect travel time prediction accuracy using the kriging technique. As observed in previous studies, it is confirmed that the prediction accuracy is high because it is less affected by traffic-related factors at short travel distances. The results of this study contribute to the development of spatial analysis techniques to improve the accuracy of travel-time prediction.