bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and specialism in curricula of professional and sectoral fields of practices in South Africa: A case of universities of technology
Authors: Ntshoe Isaac , Malebo Ntsoaki Joyce
Published: June 2021

Although differentiation and specialism have become hallmarks of the modern economy, the degree and the efficacy of such differentiation, specialisation and the domains of knowledge in curricula offered in universities of technology (UoTs) persist in the context of the changing nature of jobs and occupations. This article examines the domains of specialist knowledge in curricula of selected professional and sectoral fields offered by universities of technology in South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to select the fields of practice. These fields were chosen because of differentiated knowledge bases on which these fields draw. The paper argues that the dual-facing interdisciplinary nature of knowledge of professional and sectoral fields of practice offered in UoTs, relative to their conceptuality, contextuality and professional coherence are central in the curriculum design process to enhance the quality of offerings.
An investigation into the success rates of third-year Accounting conversion students en route to becoming a Chartered Accountant (South Africa)
Authors: Brink Sophia , Rossouw Mareli
Published: June 2021

Stellenbosch University students who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting or a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting may convert to a Bachelor of Accounting by completing a conversion year. The purpose of the conversion year is to meet the Bachelor of Accounting Honours admission requirements, which puts students on course to become a Chartered Accountant (South Africa). No previous research has investigated the success rates of these conversion students; therefore, current prospective third-year conversion students have no frame of reference to make an informed decision regarding whether or not to attempt the conversion year. The research reported in this paper sought to analyse the results of third-year conversion students to conclude on their success rate of being admitted to the Bachelor of Accounting Honours programme and their success rate in obtaining a Bachelor of Accounting Honours degree. A quantitative research method was applied and it was found that 37% of the third-year conversion students met the Bachelor of Accounting Honours admission requirements at the first attempt and only 19% of the third-year conversion students managed to obtain their Bachelor of Accounting Honours degree in the minimum amount of time. Receiver operating curve analyses were also done to predict optimal cut-off marks to meet the Bachelor of Accounting Honours admission requirements and to obtain this degree in the minimum amount of time.
Examining the manifestations and ramifications of the patriarchal ideology in female-led schools in the North West Province of South Africa
Authors: Bereng Makuena , Mutekwe Edmore
Published: June 2021

The study sought to explore the manifestations and effects of patriarchy in female-led secondary schools in South Africa. The thesis advanced was that despite government initiatives towards gender parity in the employment social structure, the prevalence of patriarchal tendencies continues unabated. Located in the pragmatic paradigm and adopting a convergent parallel mixed method as the specific strategy of inquiry, the study used a sample size of 20 respondents, purposefully and systematically sampled from secondary schools in the North West province. The data were collected through structured and unstructured questionnaires with the analysis following thematic and descriptive approaches. The major findings included that gender roles are so deeply ingrained in society that they have become part and parcel of the cultural traditions in which they engender patriarchy. The conclusion arrived at was that social structures such as schools, religious, political and economic organisations are the villains in advancing the patriarchal hegemonic ideology. The recommendations made included the need for the South African government to step up efforts to address gender disparities, whose ramifications continue to haunt women especially in leadership positions where men believe they are “naturally the ideal candidates”.
Efficacy testing of a work-based support programme for teachers in the North West Province of South Africa
Authors: Moloantoa Kabelo , Geyer Stephan
Published: June 2021

Teachers face increased workplace challenges in South Africa. Through a process of intervention research, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a work-based support programme for teachers. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was adopted as the theoretical framework informing both programme design and evaluation. Teachers (n = 10) were recruited through simple random sampling in the North West Province, South Africa. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions before and after exposure to the programme. Data were thematically analysed. Pre-exposure findings supported existing literature that states that teachers face numerous malleable workplace challenges such as learner indiscipline, parental disengagement, overcrowded classrooms, considerable administrative work and burnout. Post-exposure findings indicated that the programme mitigated teachers’ perceived weaknesses and seems to have enabled them to cope with and manage their workplace challenges. It is concluded that the programme facilitated a process to enable participants to navigate towards self-actualisation and reaching their full potential in the work environment. Recommendations are offered for the further implementation of the programme and in addressing work-based challenges experienced by South African teachers.
Exploring strategies teachers use to develop literacy skills among English First Additional Language learners in the Foundation Phase
Authors: Venketsamy Roy , Sibanda Sophie
Published: June 2021

Teachers play a significant role in literacy development. They are responsible for using different approaches to develop literacy skills among learners whose mother tongue is not the same as the language of learning and teaching in schools. This article aims to explore strategies teachers use to develop literacy skills among English First Additional Language learners. A qualitative case study was conducted that involved focus group interviews to gain in-depth knowledge of the strategies teachers use in their classes to develop literacy skills. For this article, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development is used as a theoretical framework. The participants were six foundation phase teachers from one district in Gauteng. The data gathered showed that teachers are trying to use strategies described in the curriculum policy document. Teachers were unaware that they were using some of the most contemporary strategies in their classes such as balanced-literacy approach, play-based approach and evidence-based approach. Findings showed that teachers had good knowledge and understanding of literacy however, they were experiencing some challenges. They cited lack of support from knowledgeable others and appropriate teacher development and training. The study recommends that teachers need continuous training and development, literacy text should be contextualised and continued support from the school heads of department, curriculum advisors and subject specialist. It also recommends an in-depth knowledge, understanding and implementation of the curriculum policy.
Meaningful teaching of sexuality education framed by culture: Xhosa secondary school teachers’ views
Authors: Msutwana Nomawonga Veronica
Published: June 2021

African women in the Xhosa culture used to hold powerful positions in the sexuality arena. That has since changed and in contemporary Xhosa culture, they take up submissive roles. This is especially so in the teaching of certain aspects of sexuality, as Xhosa women are not supposed to give guidance in the sexuality of their male learners. In this study, curriculum posters were created to explore Xhosa Life Orientation (LO), Life Sciences (LFSC) and Natural Sciences (NS) teachers’ views of the meaningful teaching of sexuality education to Xhosa learners. The research study is located within a critical paradigm, using a participatory visual methodology. Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) was used as a theoretical lens and the findings were contextualised in existing literature. Two themes were identified: 1) Shifting teacher positionality by revisiting pedagogical assumptions and taking ownership in the teaching of sexuality education and 2) Contextualising sexuality education in Xhosa culture through reconnecting to Xhosa values and appreciating cultural roots and practices. The findings indicated that Xhosa women teachers could reclaim their powerful position regarding sexuality when teaching sexuality education and that reflexivity is a critical attribute of a sexuality education teacher. The study has implications for teachers and curriculum developers to contextualise the curriculum in terms of learners’ biographies and to engage local and relevant knowledges critically in dealing with issues of sexuality, gender inequality as well as HIV and AIDS.
A Model for the Flash Technique Based on Working Memory and Neuroscience Research
Authors: Wong Sik-Lam
Published: June 2021

This article presents a model for understanding how the Flash Technique (FT) may work in the brain and provides potential avenues for experimental confirmation. In the FT, the client reminds himself of a traumatic memory without dwelling on it but instead focuses on a positive engaging focus and then blinks his eyes as prompted by the therapist. Clients have reported signs of memory reconsolidation, for example, the memory getting blurry and a reduction in emotional response. While the originators of FT did not offer a detailed mechanism for FT, this article proposes that during the blinking, the patient’s periaqueductal gray (PAG) takes over, senses the reminder of the traumatic memory and reflexively triggers the amygdala. As part of a system suggested by Porges (2009) for neuroception, the PAG works reflexively to assess danger without going through the conscious brain. Recent fMRI data show that for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients, there is enhanced connectivity from the amygdala to the left hippocampus. As a result, triggering the amygdala may, in turn, activate the left hippocampus, which may then provide a brief access to the traumatic memory. Given the brief access, there is not enough time for the amygdala to go into overactivation. The client remains calm while accessing the traumatic memory, thus setting up the prediction error necessary for memory reconsolidation. This process is repeated many times during blinking in FT to allow memory reconsolidation to proceed, in some cases, to completion. This model is open to experimental confirmation.
Examination of Initial Evidence for EMDR as a Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Talbot Daniel
Published: June 2021

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychological condition that impacts millions of people globally. The front-line psychological intervention for OCD is exposure/response prevention (ERP), however, many individuals do not respond to this treatment approach. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a new therapeutic option which could be effective in treating OCD. This review examined the initial evidence for the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing OCD symptoms. Nine studies were included in the review, including six case studies and three group studies. Results indicate that EMDR is a promising candidate for treating OCD, with all studies showing EMDR therapy resulted in reduced symptoms from baseline. Results also indicated that EMDR may be as effective as ERP, and more effective than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating OCD.
EMDR Treatment for Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Study
Authors: Moore Phil S.
Published: June 2021

The majority of people who experience mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have a healthy recovery, where initial somatic, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral mTBI-related symptoms resolve naturally within hours or days. Unfortunately, a significant minority of people develop persistent post-concussion symptoms, sometimes referred to as persistent post-concussion syndrome (pPCS), often causing severe long-term reduction in well-being and daily function. Psychological and neuropsychological treatments are typically limited to antidepressants, psychoeducation on mTBI and pPCS, basic neurorehabilitative cognitive compensatory strategies, traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, or no treatment at all. This paper discusses a single case study which demonstrates how eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy might provide psychological improvement in clients who sustain mTBI and develop pPCS. The case example describes a 57-year-old man who sustained a mTBI from a serious road traffic collision as a pedestrian and who developed pPCS. Treatment included nine 1.5-hour EMDR sessions across a 5-month period (the first being an assessment). Measures of psychological symptom change and client feedback were taken at pretreatment, midtreatment, posttreatment, and aftertreatment had ceased to gauge long-term status. Measures were taken at 18-month follow-up and 4-year review (which followed litigation settlement). The novel viability for the application of EMDR for this client group isdiscussed.
Reimagining Professional Development for Digital Literacies: Old, New and Pandemic
Authors: Wong Suzanna , Laidlaw Linda , Liu Yina
Published: June 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic teachers have been expected to learn new digital literacy skills, often applying them immediately. While professional development structures within school districts and professional associations are organized to offer supports, teachers may be challenged to gain digital skills within existing professional development models. Within our study, teachers explored technologies with the aim of rethinking frames for teaching and learning literacy. Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic they shared their experiences, insights and challenges. In our article, we address implications for digital literacy teaching and learning and the need for new ways of approaching teacher development.
KANAL İSTANBUL PROJESİNİN TÜRKİYE’NİN LOJİSTİK YAPISINA OLASI ETKİLERİ
Authors: KARATAŞ İbrahim Atilla
Published: June 2021

Günümüzde dünya ticaretinin %80’inden fazlası deniz yolu ile yapılmaktadır. Bunun temel nedeni, lojistik maliyetlerin düşük olması ve nakliye sürecinde bürokratik engellerin fazla olmamasıdır. Lakin deniz yoluyla taşımacılık faaliyetleri, çevre kirliliğine neden olması ve denizlerde meydana gelen kazalar sebebi ile ciddi bir eleştiri almaktadır. Dünya ticaretinde kanallar ve boğazlar gibi önemli geçiş yolları bu anlamda daha fazla risk içermektedir. İstanbul Boğazı ’da geçiş yoğunluğu nedeni ile deniz kirliliği ve kaza riski gibi sorunlar ile karşı karşıya kalan geçiş güzergâhlarındandır. Kanal İstanbul projesinin gerçekleşmesi ile İstanbul Boğazı’nın mevcut sorunlarının büyük oranda hafiflemesi beklenmektedir. Konu ile ilgili araştırma yapılırken literatür tarama metodu uygulanmış olup, mevcut veriler ışığında değerlendirme yapılmıştır.
CLASIFICACIÓN Y AFECTACIÓN POR RESIDUOS SÓLIDOS URBANOS EN LA CIUDAD DE LA PLATA, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Authors: Esparza Jesica
Published: June 2021

La generación de residuos sólidos urbanos representa una de las mayores problemáticas de la actualidad. En primer lugar, porque el volumen y la composición de la basura se ha incrementado y modificado por el nuevo estilo de consumo (se redujo el desecho orgánico, de papel y vidrio y aumentó el de plástico) y, en segundo lugar, por ser una problemática social, producto de la situación económica de los modelos neoliberales actuales. Este trabajo fue realizado en la ciudad de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, en donde se han analizado basurales de difícil erradicación (basurales de gran escala) y de fácil erradicación (basurales de escala media y pequeña). Como resultado se determinó que la población afectada es de 46010 habitantes, de los cuales el 46 % pertenece a basurales en áreas inundables y el 32.45 % a basurales en asentamientos precarios. En el caso de los basurales de difícil erradicación, aquellos que comprometen imperiosamente la salud pública, se observó que los mismos promueven la proliferación de vectores contaminantes -acuíferos y terrestres, así como enfermedades cutáneas y respiratorias en niños y adultos mayores. El origen de los mismos, generalmente se produce por la falla en el sistema de infraestructura integral y luego, por ser vertederos ilegales de uso público y privado. En tal sentido, la identificación y caracterización de los mismos, así como la cantidad de población y superficie afectada, permitiría determinar acciones para una eventual mitigación y/o erradicación como parte de un plan de ordenamiento urbano integral.
The 21st Century Analysis of Causes and Solutions for the Loss of Indonesian Tolerance Towards a Paradigm of History
Authors: Ananda Alviana Dian , Rumambo Pandin Moses Glorino
Published: June 2021

Indonesia is an archipelago with diverse ethnicities, races, languages, cultures, beliefs, and customs. As Indonesians, with these differences, they should respect each other, or what is commonly known as tolerance. However, in the 21st century, tolerance between people in Indonesia is starting to fade. This is due to the development of the times accompanied by technology development, which causes globalization to enter quickly. The culture of tolerance typical of Indonesian society is starting to fade due to the influence of globalization. Based on these problems, this study aims to determine what causes the decline intolerance of Indonesian society in the 21st century and answer what solutions can be given to prevent the decline intolerance of Indonesian society in the 21st century. The research method used is descriptive-qualitative through literature review by analyzing data following the topic to be discussed. The data used are from 20 journal articles with a span of 2019-2021. The results of this study are in the form of a decline in intolerance that the Indonesian people own due to technological advances in the form of adverse use of social media. However, with the existence of moral education and the role of teachers and the government to overcome the decline intolerance, it is hoped that the Indonesian people will understand the meaning and importance of tolerance. This study also has limitations, namely only on the causes of the fading of tolerance in Indonesian society.
Prediction of the Direction of XFEM Crack Based on Von Mises Around the Crack-tip under Mode-I
Authors: Bashir Rehmat , Xue He , Usman Muhammad , Irshad Muneeb , Hayat Nasir
Published: June 2021

The extended finite element method (XFEM) is now widely used in crack simulations and the direction of propagation of the XFEM crack in SS-304 has been quite interesting. This paper discusses the direction,θ(+ve in anti-clockwise direction), of the XFEM crack (under mode-I) propagation based on the von Mises stress-field around the crack-tip for static loading under the light water reactors (LWRs) conditions. The Mises core region from the crack-tip is chosen for β=〖90〗^o, the angle between the load and the initial crack. Experimental data for LWRs’environment is obtained and the simulations have been carried out applying three different static loads and results for the direction of the crack are calculated by measuring the stress-field around the crack-tip. It has been found that the direction of the XFEM varies inversely as the stress-field around the crack tip is increased. The computational results have been compared with the numerical results based on the minimum strain energy density criterion[S-criterion].
A Spatial SEIR Model for COVID-19 in South Africa
Authors: Fabris-Rotelli Inger , Holloway Jenny , Kimmie Zaid , Archibald Sally , Debba Pravesh , Docrat Raeesa , le Roux Alize , Dudeni-Tlhone Nontembeko , Janse Van Rensburg Charl , Thiede Renate , Abdelatif Nada , Potgieter Arminn , Makhanya Sibusisiwe
Published: June 2021

The virus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in numerous modelling approaches arising rapidly to understand the spread of the disease COVID-19 and to plan for future interventions. Herein, we present an SEIR model with a spatial spread component as well as four infectious compartments to account for the variety of symptom levels and transmission rate. The model takes into account the pattern of spatial vulnerability in South Africa through a vulnerability index that is based on socioeconomic and health susceptibility characteristics. Another spatially relevant factor in this context is level of mobility throughout. The thesis of this study is that without the contextual spatial spread modelling, the heterogeneity in COVID-19 prevalence in the South African setting would not be captured. The model is illustrated on South African COVID-19 case counts and hospitalisations.
The Relationship between Mental Health, Educational Burnout and Strategies for Coping with Stress among Students. A Cross-Sectional Study of Poland
Authors: Długosz Piotr
Published: June 2021

Objective The study aims to investigate the risk factors of bad psychosomatic health among students in quarantine during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method:The survey was conducted on-line, on a sample of 1,978 respondents in Poland. The study was carried out by the end of the summer semester. The questionnaire was designed in a way which allows for the observation of main risk factors which have impact on the students’ mental health. The variance analysis and the hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine the predictors of mental health. Results:The results indicate that average and high levels of psychosomatic disorders were observed among 61% of respondents. The hierarchical regression analysis has revealed that the main factors influencing the level of mental health disorders were educational burnout, satisfaction with life, strategies for coping with stress and gender. As indicated by the respondents, mental health disorders increase in tandem with educational burnout, the application of emotion-focused coping strategies and the lack of satisfaction with one’s life. Moreover, it was observed that female respondents scored higher on the scale of disorders in comparison to males. Conclusions:The results of research indicate that distance education and negative coping strategies are the main risk factors of mental health disorders among students during the pandemic.
Analysis of Electric Moped Scooter Sharing in Berlin: A Technical, Economic and Environmental Perspective
Authors: Wortmann Chris , Syré Anne Magdalene , Grahle Alexander , Göhlich Dietmar
Published: June 2021

Electric moped scooter sharing services have recently experienced strong growth rates, particularly in Europe. Due to their compactness, environmental-friendliness and convenience, shared e-mopeds are suitable modes of transport in urban mobility to help reduce the environmental impact. However, its traffic-related, economic and environmental effects are merely represented in academic research. We used passenger car traffic data in Berlin generated by the multi-agent transport simulation framework MATSim to develop a python-based simulation, resembling an e-moped sharing system. Based on the results, a total cost of ownership and a life cycle assessment for fleet sizes of 2,500, 10,000 and 50,000 vehicles were conducted. The results indicate that a substantial part of all passenger car trips in Berlin can be substituted. The larger the fleet, the more and longer trips are replaced. Simultaneously, the efficiency in terms of fleet utilization decreases. The scenario with 10,000 e-mopeds offers the lowest total distance-based costs for sharing operators, whereas a fleet consisting of 2,500 vehicles exhibits the lowest environmental emissions per kilometer driven over the expected lifespan of a shared e-moped. Based on the renewable energy potential for 2050 forecasted by the German Federal Environment Agency, a significant overall decline in environmental impacts can be achieved.
Functional Evaluation of Splicing for Variants of Uncertain Significance in Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases
Authors: Mauro-Herrera Margarita , Chiang John , Radojevic Bojana , Bennett Lea D
Published: June 2021

Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) comprise a heterogeneous set of clinical and genetic disorders that lead to blindness. Given the emerging opportunities in precision medicine and gene thera-py, it has become increasingly important to determine whether DNA variants with uncertain significance (VUS) are responsible for the patients’ IRD. This research was performed to assess the functional consequence of six VUS identified in patients with IRD. Clinical assessments in-cluded an ophthalmic examination, best corrected visual acuity, and kinetic perimetry. Imaging was acquired with the Optos ultra-widefield camera and spectral-domain optical coherence to-mography (SD-OCT). Genetic testing was performed by Molecular Vision Laboratories. VUS that were predicted to alter splicing were analyzed with a minigene assay which revealed that VUS in the genes OPA1, CNGB1, and CLUAP1 altered spicing mechanisms. Due to the emerging gene and cell therapies, these results expand the genotype-phenotype correlations for patients diag-nosed with an IRD.
Spectrum of Clinical Features and Genetic Profile of Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy in Children
Authors: Paszkowska Agata , Mirecka-Rola Alicja , Piekutowska-Abramczuk Dorota , Ciara Elżbieta , Mazurkiewicz Łukasz , Bieganowska Katarzyna , Ziółkowska Lidia
Published: June 2021

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a genetically determined cardiomyopathy, that occurs following a disruption of endomyocardial morphogenesis. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and genetic profile of children with LVNC. Methods: From February 2008 to July 2020, a total of 32 children (median 11.5 years) with LVNC were prospectively enrolled and followed up for the median of 4.02 years. Diagnosis was made based on characteristic features of LVNC in echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Patients’ clinical symptoms, family history, ECG, Holter ECG and genetic tests were also evaluated. Results: The most common presenting symptom was heart failure (31% of children). ECG abnormalities were noted in 56% of patients. The most prominent features were ventricular arrhythmias, sinus bradycardia and paroxysmal third-degree atrioventricular block. Most of the patients (94%) met the criteria for LVNC and CMR confirmed this diagnosis in 82% of cases. The molecular etiology was found in 53% of children. Conclusion: Although heart failure and arrhythmias were very frequent in our study group, thromboembolic events and genetic syndromes were rare. For accurate and reliable assessment of children with LVNC, it is necessary to get to know their family history and detailed clinical profile.
On the properties of the classifier in case of normal blood parameters
Authors: Gavrikov Boris Mikhailovich , Gavrikov Mikhail Borisovich , Pesryakova Nadezhda Vladimirovna
Published: June 2021

A mathematical model is described and implemented, intended for the numerical study of the ability of the statistical classification method to interpolate and extrapolate. The classifier developed by the authors is based on the polynomial-regression approach and has probabilistic estimates. It is used to assess the state of human health based on the parameters of laboratory analysis of peripheral blood. The blood base is considered with normal parameters.
ActionHealthNYC: Effectiveness of a Health Care Access Program for the Uninsured, 2016–2017
Authors: Sood Rishi K. , Bae Jin Yung , Sabety Adrienne , Chan Pui Ying , Heindrichs Caroline
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel health care access program (ActionHealthNYC) for uninsured immigrants.

Methods. The evaluation was conducted as a randomized controlled trial in New York City from May 2016 through June 2017. Using baseline and follow-up survey data, we assessed health care access, patient experience, and health status.

Results. At baseline, 25% of participants had a regular source of care; two thirds had visited a doctor in the past year and reported 2.5 visits in the past 12 months, on average. Nine to 12 months later, intervention participants were 1.2 times more likely to report having a primary care provider (58% vs 46%), were 1.2 times more likely to have seen a doctor in the past 9 months (91% vs 77%), and had 1.5 times more health care visits (4.1 vs 2.9) compared with control participants.

Conclusions. ActionHealthNYC increased health care access among program participants.

Public Health Implications. State and local policymakers should build on the progress that has been made over the last decade to expand and improve access to health care for uninsured immigrants.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Authors: Chau Michael M. , Klimstra Mikhail A. , Wise Kelsey L. , Ellermann Jutta M. , Tóth Ferenc , Carlson Cathy S. , Nelson Bradley J. , Tompkins Marc A.
Published: June 2021

➤ Osteochondritis dissecans occurs most frequently in the active pediatric and young adult populations, commonly affecting the knee, elbow, or ankle, and may lead to premature osteoarthritis.

➤ While generally considered an idiopathic phenomenon, various etiopathogenetic theories are being investigated, including local ischemia, aberrant endochondral ossification of the secondary subarticular physis, repetitive microtrauma, and genetic predisposition.

➤ Diagnosis is based on the history, physical examination, radiography, and advanced imaging, with elbow ultrasonography and novel magnetic resonance imaging protocols potentially enabling early detection and in-depth staging.

➤ Treatment largely depends on skeletal maturity and lesion stability, defined by the presence or absence of articular cartilage fracture and subchondral bone separation, as determined by imaging and arthroscopy, and is typically nonoperative for stable lesions in skeletally immature patients and operative for those who have had failure of conservative management or have unstable lesions.

➤ Clinical practice guidelines have been limited by a paucity of high-level evidence, but a multicenter effort is ongoing to develop accurate and reliable classification systems and multimodal decision-making algorithms with prognostic value.
Muscular Cysticercosis
Authors: Relvas-Silva Miguel , Pereira José Silva , Lopes Jorge , Martins Diana , Leite Maria João , Sousa António Nogueira
Published: June 2021

Case:

We present a case of muscular cysticercosis incidentally diagnosed in a patient admitted for a femoral neck fracture and submitted to total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

Human cysticercosis is a parasitic infection representing a major health concern in developing countries. The clinical features are variable and depend on the anatomic location, cyst burden, cysticerci stage, and host inflammatory response. Diagnosis is commonly incidental, and prompt pattern recognition is key to diagnosis, adequate referral, and treatment. This is one of the first reports of hip arthroplasty in a patient with a history of parasitic infection (without the need for directed pathogen treatment).
Unsuccessful Intervention of CT-Assisted Osteosynthesis for Stress Fractures of the Hook of the Hamate
Authors: Satake Hiroshi , Naganuma Yasushi , Shibuya Junichiro , Honma Ryusuke , Nito Toshiya , Takagi Michiaki
Published: June 2021

Case:

We performed computed tomography (CT)-assisted dorsal approach osteosynthesis for stress fractures of the hook of the hamate using the dorsal approach in 3 high school baseball players in the hybrid operating room. Bony union was observed in all patients on CT. All patients were able to play baseball without pain for at least 6 months after surgery. However, refractures were observed in all patients at a mean 9.7 months after surgery.

Conclusion:

The indications of osteosynthesis for stress fractures of the hook of the hamate in baseball players should be carefully considered.
Contemporary Citizenship
Authors: Turner Bryan S.
Published: June 2021

The paper begins with an examination of three ideal types citizenship which are not necessarily mutual exclusive. The first type is national citizenship, typically associated with ethno-nationalism. The second form is social citizenship or ‘welfare citizenship’ refers to the creation of social rights and is closely connected to civil-society institutions rather than to the state or market. The third form of citizenship identifies the citizen with participation in the work force emphasizing self-reliance and autonomy. In this discussion, I argue that with economic globalization and the development of neo-liberal strategies the various forms of citizenship have converged towards a new model of passive citizenship in which the state is or has withdrawn from commitment to full employment and the provision of social security, especially universal provision of welfare services, and civil-society institutions have been eroded. The result is the emergence of the apolitical,isolated citizen as consumer. The fourth model of citizenship presupposes a consumer society, a weak state and the decline of civic institutions, where the passive citizen becomes a consumer of privatized goods and services. The rise of a fourth model of citizenship – the consumer-citizen – can be interpreted as a logical consequence of financialization.1

1 Some aspects of this chapter first appeared in Bryan S. Turner (2010), ‘Ralf Dahrendorf on Citizenship and Life Chances’, Citizenship Studies, 14 (2): 237–43.
Intercultural Public Intellectual Engagement
Authors: Modood Tariq
Published: June 2021

The article firstly examines the different conceptions of dialogue and reason within political theory, especially in the work of Rawls. Secondly we explore multicultural political theorists who have been motivated less by abstract reasoning by a sole reasoner or identical identity-less individuals and more by dialogue. For such multiculturalists, the principles of social justice are not known in advance or simply by reason, but are arrived at by conflict and learning, by dialogue and negotiation in circumstances of inequality and minority-claims making. In response to the multiculturalists, interculturalists allege that multiculturalism is too focused on the macro and the conflictual, and dialogue should be redirected to the micro and the cooperative. Although I welcome the interculturalists’ focus on micro-relations, this does not require abandoning the idea of dialogue at the level of political controversies and public discourses. It is not an either–or choice because groups and intergroup problems exist in society and cannot be simply handled at a micro level of contact, interaction and sociability. The kind of macro-level dialogue that I am speaking of can also be understood as a form of public intellectual engagement that can contribute to societal dialogues.1

1This article is a reprint of Tariq Modood (2017) ‘Intercultural public intellectual engagement’ in Fethi Mansouri (ed) Interculturalism at the Crossroads: Comparative perspectives on concepts, policies and practice, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, France, 83-102.
The Method and Results of a Treatment Targeting SARS-CoV-2-Activated Inflammasomes
Authors: Lee Jong Hoon , Kanwar Badar , Lee Chul Joong , Balentine Jenny , Khattak Asif , Kast R. E. , Oh Sang-Suk , Sergi Consolato
Published: June 2021

Background Clinicians considered dapsone administration to treat SARS-CoV-2 inflammasome. Dapsone is helpful in the molecular regulation of Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3).Objective To study the targeting of NLRP3 itself or up-/downstream factors of the NLRP3 inflammasome by dapsone must be responsible for its observed preventive effects, functioning as a competitor.Methods This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We set out to use objective criteria of improvement, such as A. a reduction in the FIO2 requirement and B. a decrease in the progression of hypoxia. We treated the patients with standard COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treatment with dapsone. The RCT results were analyzed.Results ARDS progression was blocked in 17 of 19 total patients at the first period. The 44 (trial 22/ control 22) subjects were analyzed during the second period. The chi-square statistic is 5.1836. The p-value is .02280. (RR 0.21, OR 0.1) Fisher's exact test statistic value is 0.0433. (The result is significant at p < .05) (RR 0.15, OR 0) It is significant at the ARDS onset stage.Conclusion There was a significant difference in dapsone treatment results in the ARDS-onset group. We confirmed that dapsone clinically treated the onset of ARDS by targeting SARS-CoV-2-activated inflammasomes. Like chemically reacting substances, inflammasome and dapsone compete, proving that it is effective in early ARDS. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04918914
Injection of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles To Treat Spinal Cord Injury In Rats
Authors: Behroozi Zahra , Rahimi Behnaz , Hamblin Michael R , Nasirinezhad Farinaz , Janzadeh Atousa , Ramezani Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The present study, investigated the local injection of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) into Spinal cord injury (SCI) lesions in rats, and the effect on motor performance and neuropathic pain, together with biochemical markers.Methods: 36 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control group (healthy animals); sham group (laminectomy); SCI group (laminectomy+SCI induction); treatment group (laminectomy + SCI induction + intrathecal injection of 10 µL of CeONPs (1000 µg/mL) immediately after injury). SCI was induced by application of an aneurysm clip at the T12-T13 vertebral region. Immediately after SCI, CeONPs were injected into the treatment group with a Hamilton syringe and micropipet. H&E staining and measurement of the size of the cavity were performed after 6 weeks, and the BBB motor performance test and pain threshold test were performed weekly. GCSF expression, P44/42 MAPK (ERK1/ERK2), P-P44/42 MAPK (ERK1/ERK2), total Tau, total MAG, β-actin were evaluated after 6 weeks.Results: The BBB score and pain threshold improved in animals receiving CeONPs compared with SCI animals. The size of the cavity decreased in the treatment group. GCSF protein expression levels were similar in animals receiving CeONPs compared with the SCI group, but the expression of ERK1/ERK2 and phospho-ERK was lower compared with the SCI group. The expression levels of Tau and MAG were significantly increased in treated animals compared to the SCI group.Conclusion: The use of CeONPs in SCI could improve motor functional recovery, reduce pain and increase nerve cell regeneration.
Derivation of visual timing-tuned neural responses from early visual stimulus representations
Authors: Hendrikx Evi , Paul Jacob , Ackooij Martijn van , Stoep Nathan van der , Harvey Ben
Published: June 2021

Quantifying the timing (duration and frequency) of brief visual events is vital to human perception, multisensory integration and action planning. Tuned neural responses to visual event timing have been found in areas of the association cortices implicated in these processes. Here we ask whether and where the human brain derives these timing-tuned responses from the responses of early visual cortex, which monotonically increase with event duration and frequency. Using 7T fMRI and neural model-based analyses, we find a gradual transition from monotonically increasing to timing-tuned neural responses beginning in area MT/V5. Therefore, successive stages of visual processing gradually derive timing-tuned response components from the inherent modulation of sensory responses by event timing. This additional timing-tuned response component was independent of retinotopic location. We propose that this hierarchical derivation of timing-tuned responses from sensory processing areas quantifies sensory event timing while abstracting temporal representations from the spatial properties of their inputs.
Monitoring Technique For Heavy Metal Assessment In Different Locations of Punjab Using Feathers of Feral Pigeons (Columbia Livia)
Authors: Kaur Simranjit , Sood Prerna
Published: June 2021

Heavy metals are one of the major environmental issues due to their large number of sources and their diligence. The amount of heavy metals in washed and unwashed feral pigeon feathers were investigated in this paper. The feathers were collected from five distant locations: Agronomy Farm Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Cold Storage Jalandhar Bypass, Cold Storage Mullanpur, Jalandhar FCI and Hoshiarpur FCI. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to analyse the concentration of heavy metals (Arsenic, Chromium, Cadmium and Lead). The high metal concentration in two areas (Hoshiarpur FCI and Jalandhar Bypass) as compare to other three areas is due to much more industries and anthropogenic activities. Mean values of As, Cd, Pb, and Cr were statistically significant different in the five collection sites. Metal concentrations are related to contact time or external exposure, as shown by significant differences in Cd, Pb, and Cr concentrations in washed and unwashed feathers. According to our analysis, bird’s feather can be used to quantify the environmental heavy metals. It can also be recommended that unwashed feathers were proficient to explore exogenous and endogenous absorption of the heavy metals.
Metagenomic Analysis of the Gut Bacteriome of Usherhopper, Poekilocerus bufonius (Klug) from Hadda, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Baeshen Nabih A. , Majeed Mazen A. , Alotaibi Mohammed Abdullah T , Alnefai Mohamed Hamed , Abulfaraj Aala A. , Baeshen Naseebh N. , Embrandiri Asha , Baeshen Mohammed N.
Published: June 2021

Background:Microbial communities that colonize insect guts contribute positively to the absorption of nutrients, immunity and the overall health of the host. Recent studies have been tapered towards only economically important arthropods, particularly honeybees. On the other hand, arthropods such as grasshoppers are considered as pests because they create havoc leading to economic losses. Grasshoppers are considered phytophagous pests that have a large appetite for plant fibers, whose digestion depend largely on the bacterial communities in their guts. This study characterises the gut microbiome in Usherhopper, Poekilocerus bufonius using the metagenomics methods through the next generation sequencing (NGS). Results:A total of 59,072,222 bacterial reads were recorded which were classified into phylum and genus levels. Proteobacteria were the most shared at the phylum-level whereas Wolbachia were the most dominant genera based on the total reads. Conclusions: The host-microbiome interactions and their perceived influence on the ecosystem are yet to be fully explained, therefore a detailed study is pivotal in order to enforce effective conservation and pest management.
Clinical Experience on Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment in 210 Severe and Critical COVID-19 Cases in Turkey
Authors: Ercelen Nesrin , Pekkoc-Uyanik Kubra Cigdem , Alpaydin Nagihan , Gulay Gokay Rasit , Simsek Murat
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTreatment for COVID-19 is still urgent need for the critically ill and severe cases. UC-MSC administration has a therapeutic benefit for severe COVID-19 patients even in the recovery period. In this paper, we aimed to present our clinical experience with UC-MSC treatment in severe and critical severe COVID-19 patients.MethodsIn this study we evaluated the clinical outcome of severe/critically severe 210 COVID-19 patients treated with UC-MSCs, 1-2×106 per kilogram to 210 patients from 15/10/2020 until 25/04/2021. ResultsOut of 99 critically severe intubated patients we have observed good clinical progress/discharged from ICU in 52 (52.5%) patients. Where as 86 (77.5%) of 111 severe unintubated patients discharged from ICU. Intubated 47 (47.5%) patients and unintubated 25 (22.5%) patients pass away. Significantly higher survival was observed in patients who underwent UC-MSCs before intubation (OR=1.475, 95% CI=1.193-1.824 p<0.001). It was observed that the SaO2 parameter tended to improve after UC-MSC therapy compared to all groups. But SaO2 parameter between intubated and unintubated groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05), while in discharged cases SaO2 parameter was statistically significant (p= 0.01). Besides, there was a statistically significant relation with intubation status, age (OR= 3.868, 95% CI=0.574-7.152 p=0.02) and weigh (OR=6.768, 95% CI=3.423-10.112 p<0.001) thus presented an elevated risk for COVID-19. The linear regression analysis confirmed that the high weight was associated with the risk of intubation in COVID-19 (p=0.001). Conclusions﻿According to our results and from recent studies, UC-MSC treatment is safe with high potential to be used as an added therapeutic treatment for severe COVID-19 patients. Our experience showed that UC-MSC therapy may restore oxygenation and downregulate cytokine storm in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. We advice wider randomised studies to discover the detailed therapeutic pathophysiology of the MSCs on COVID-19 patients.
Experimentally Predicted Optimum Processing Parameters Assisted by Numerical Analysis on the Multi-physicomechanical Characteristics of Coir Fiber Reinforced Recycled High Density Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Awodi Ene , Ishiaku Umaru Semo , Yakubu Mohammed Kabir , Abifarin Johnson Kehinde
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the analysis of processing parameters in the fabrication of coir fiber recycled high density polyethylene composite through experimental data and Taguchi grey relational analysis. Three processing parameters; fiber conditions, fiber length, and fiber loading with mixed level design, having orthogonal array L32 (2**1 4**2) were employed in the preparation of polymer composite. Numerical analysis assisted by Taguchi design was conducted on the experimental multi-physicomechanical characteristics of the polymer composite for optimum processing parameters. The optimum grey relational grade was gotten to be 0.8286 and was experimentally validated with 95% confidence interval. The optimum processing parameters were discovered to be a treated fiber having 8 mm length at 30% loading. Although, other processing parameters are significant, but fiber loading is the most significant parameter. Correspondingly, the contribution of residual error on the overall multi-physicomechanical characteristics is insignificant having 2.43% of contribution.