bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Self-Directed learning to mitigate the Post-Covid-19 Pedagogical needs of Rural English First Additional Language Learners
Authors: Mokoena Mosebetsi
Published: November 2022

Perhaps, one major lesson that can be drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic is the danger of learners’ over-dependence on teachers. This situation requires serious scrutiny, especially in rural schools where remote learning faces serious challenges. Therefore, enhancing learners’ learning autonomy in the post-pandemic era is necessary. In response, this paper seeks to provide insights into how self-directed learning may be used to mitigate the pedagogical needs of English first additional language (FAL) learners in rural South African schools. Fifteen English FAL teachers in this study responded to the question: What could be done to promote rural English FAL learners’ self-directed learning in the post-COVID-19 era? The paper follows a qualitative research design and adopts self-determination theory as a lens. The study uses observation, online interviews and document analysis for data generation. The findings indicate that English FAL teachers view self-directed learning as a tool to monitor learner progress, promote ownership, increase learning opportunities, and enhance school-home connections. Self-directed learning mitigates English FAL learners’ pedagogical needs by fostering a sense of ownership among rural English FAL learners, designing activities that promote learner-centred learning, creating supportive learning environments, and increasing parental involvement. The study recommends that English FAL teachers may use tasks with clear instructions to allow learners to complete them independently and with less teacher dependency. In addition, parents and teachers may communicate consistently to maintain and strengthen home-school relationships that foster learners’ self-directed learning and parental involvement. Keywords: COVID-19, English FAL, Post-pandemic, Self-directed learning, Rural learners
Metode Pendekatan Pemberitaan Injil yang Efektif Menurut Injil Matius dan Aplikasinya Bagi Orang Percaya Masa Kini
Authors: Baskoro Paulus Kunto , Suhadi Suhadi
Published: November 2022

Penginjilan menjadi bagian terpenting dalam kehidupan setiap orang percaya dan ini merupakan pesan amanat agung yang Tuhan Yesus nyatakan dalam Matius 28:19-20. Penginjilan selalu indentik dengan konsep pemberitaan Injil. Pemberitaan Injil seharusnya selalu menjadi gaya hidup setiap orang percaya. Sebab sadar atau tidak sadar pemberitaan Injil menjadi kunci pertumbuhan gereja dan juga penambahan murid Yesus yang diperlengkapi dan memperlengkapi setiap orang percaya. Ketika penginjilan tidak menjadi prioritas, yang terjadi gereja akan terjadi kelambatan dalam pertumbuhan dan pemuridan tidak berjalan secara efektif. Perlu dilakukan metode pendekatan tentang pemberitaan Injil, sehingga memberitakan Injil menjadi hal yang menyenangkan serta menggairahkan bagi setiap orang percaya. Karena beberapa orang percaya beranggapan bahwa pemberitaan Injil hanya tugas kaum misionaris dan terkadang sesuatu yang sulit untuk dilakukan. Penulisan ini menggunakan metode deskritif literatur. Tujuannya supaya lewat penulisan yaitu Pertama, menyadarkan setiap orang percaya betapa pentingnya esensi pemberitaan Injil bagi orang yang belum percaya Yesus. Kedua, orang percaya memiliki metode yang terbaik dalam pemberitaan Injil, sehingga pemberitaan Injil menjadi hal yang menyenangkan. Ketiga, banyak jiwa yang dimenangkan dan siap untuk dimuridkan.
Globular Cluster UVIT Legacy Survey (GlobULeS). III. Omega Centauri in Far-ultraviolet
Authors: Prabhu Deepthi S. , Subramaniam Annapurni , Sahu Snehalata , Chung Chul , Leigh Nathan W. C. , Dalessandro Emanuele , Chatterjee Sourav , Rao N. Kameswara , Shara Michael , Côté Patrick , Choudhury Samyaday , Pandey Gajendra , Valcarce Aldo A. R. , Singh Gaurav , Postma Joesph E. , Rani Sharmila , Bandyopadhyay Avrajit , Geller Aaron M. , Hutchings John , Puzia Thomas , Simunovic Mirko , Sohn Young-Jong , Thirupathi Sivarani , Yadav Ramakant Singh
Published: November 2022

We present the first comprehensive study of the most massive globular cluster, Omega Centauri, in the far-ultraviolet (FUV), extending from the center to ∼28% of the tidal radius using the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope on board AstroSat. A comparison of the FUV-optical color–magnitude diagrams with available canonical models reveals that horizontal branch (HB) stars bluer than the knee (hHBs) and the white dwarfs (WDs) are fainter in the FUV by ∼0.5 mag than model predictions. They are also fainter than their counterparts in M13, another massive cluster. We simulated HB with at least five subpopulations, including three He-rich populations with a substantial He enrichment of Y up to 0.43 dex, to reproduce the observed FUV distribution. We find the He-rich younger subpopulations to be radially more segregated than the He-normal older ones, suggesting an in situ enrichment from older generations. The ω Cen hHBs span the same T
eff range as their M13 counterparts, but some have smaller radii and lower luminosities. This may suggest that a fraction of ω Cen hHBs are less massive than those of M13, similar to the result derived from earlier spectroscopic studies of outer extreme HB stars. The WDs in ω Cen and M13 have similar luminosity–radius–T
eff parameters, and 0.44–0.46 M
⊙ He-core WD model tracks evolving from progenitors with Y = 0.4 dex are found to fit the majority of these. This study provides constraints on the formation models of ω Cen based on the estimated range in age, [Fe/H], and Y (in particular) for the HB stars.
Resurrection and redescription of Clepsine pallida Verrill, 1872 (Hirudinida, Glossiphoniidae) with a phylogeny of the genus Alboglossiphonia
Authors: Moser William E. , Richardson Dennis J. , Hammond Charlotte I. , Rojas Lourdes , Lazo-Wasem Eric , Phillips Anna J.
Published: November 2022

Alboglossiphonia pallida (Verrill, 1872) comb. nov. is resurrected and redescribed based on morphological and molecular data from specimens of the type locality (New Haven County, Connecticut, USA) that demonstrate it is distinct from North American Alboglossiphonia heteroclita, European Alboglossiphonia heteroclita, and Alboglossiphonia papillosa. Alboglossiphonia pallida is characterized by having dark chromatophores on the dorsal surface arranged lateral to patrilaterally and medially as a thin line or interrupted thin line along with three pairs of eye spots (with the first pair closest together), six pairs of crop ceca, and a united gonopore. Additional sampling of specimens of the genus Alboglossiphonia is needed to understand its phylogeny especially as many species have not been collected since their description.
Complete distribution of the genus Laevilitorina (Littorinimorpha, Littorinidae) in the Southern Hemisphere: remarks and natural history
Authors: Rosenfeld Sebastián , Maturana Claudia S. , Spencer Hamish G. , Convey Peter , Saucède Thomas , Brickle Paul , Bahamonde Francisco , Jossart Quentin , Poulin Elie , Gonzalez-Wevar Claudio
Published: November 2022

Littorinid snails are present in most coastal areas globally, playing a significant role in the ecology of intertidal communities. Laevilitorina is a marine gastropod genus distributed exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, with 21 species reported from South America, the sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania. Here, an updated database of 21 species generated from a combination of sources is presented: 1) new field sampling data; 2) published records; 3) the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), to provide a comprehensive description of the known geographic distribution of the genus and detailed occurrences for each of the 21 species. The database includes 813 records (occurrences), 53 from field sampling, 174 from the literature, 128 from GBIF, and 458 from ALA. West Antarctica had the highest species richness (8 species), followed by sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand (4 species) and the south-east shelf of Australia (4 species). The provinces of Magellan, New Zealand South Island, and sub-Antarctic Islands of the Indian Ocean include two species each. This study specifically highlights reports of L. pygmaea and L. venusta, species that have been almost unrecorded since their description. Recent advances in molecular studies of L. caliginosa showed that this species does not correspond to a widely distributed taxon, but to multiple divergent lineages distributed throughout the Southern Ocean. Ongoing molecular and taxonomic studies are necessary for a better understanding of the diversity and biogeography of this genus.
Entretien avec
Authors: Blanchard Olivier
Published: November 2022

Le dernier ouvrage d’Olivier Blanchard ( Les grands défis économiques ), ses publications récentes et ses nombreuses contributions au débat public permettent d’organiser la réflexion sur la politique optimale, qui est un mélange entre une vue traditionnelle de la politique monétaire et une vue qui pense à la politique budgétaire comme l’instrument principal de stabilisation ; la politique optimale est entre les deux, et est fonction entre autres du dynamisme de la demande privée. Dès lors, la discussion entre Olivier Blanchard, Jean-Paul Pollin et Xavier Ragot s’articule en trois parties, sur les taux d’intérêt bas, sur la soutenabilité de la dette publique et sur les conséquences pour la définition de politiques optimales en Europe et en France. Classification JEL : H50, H54, H60, H62, H63, H68.
Quelles leçons de l’histoire ? ou comment faire face aux fortes augmentations de dette publique ?
Authors: Bignon Vincent , Sicsic Pierre
Published: November 2022

Comment les sociétés ont-elles fait face aux fortes augmentations de dette publique ? Dans l’histoire européenne des trois derniers siècles, ces moments ont eu lieu surtout pendant et après les guerres, à l’exception notable de la fin du xix e siècle et de la fin du xx e siècle. Ces augmentations ont eu des conséquences contrastées à la fois en matière de conséquences macroéconomiques et en termes de solutions mises en œuvre pour réduire ces bosses d’endettement. Un élément distinctif entre ces épisodes du xx e siècle et ceux des xviii e et xix e siècles a été l’utilisation d’une ingénierie financière mise au service du lissage des sauts d’endettement, permettant d’« acheter le temps » nécessaire, dans tout après-guerre, au rétablissement de l’équilibre macroéconomique. Classification JEL : N13, N14, N40.
La dette publique : marqueur des transformations de l’économie française
Authors: Boyer Robert , Boylaud Olivier
Published: November 2022

Après 1945, l’endettement public a servi à financer les dépenses d’infrastructures qui permirent l’émergence du mode de croissance des Trente Glorieuses dont le dynamisme et le caractère inflationniste ont assuré ensuite la réduction. Depuis lors, la dérive de la dette publique témoigne de la tension entre l’impératif de redistribution en réponse aux nouvelles responsabilités de l’État et les limites que rencontrent les prélèvements fiscaux. En 2022, la recherche d’un modèle de croissance alternatif et d’un système fiscal fonctionnel n’a toujours pas abouti, de sorte que l’endettement public est devenu la variable structurelle d’ajustement. Les répercussions de la crise financière de 2008, puis celle de l’euro et enfin de la pandémie vont dans la même direction : le recours à la dette publique en réponse à des événements défavorables. Dans l’arbitrage entre paix sociale par la redistribution et préparation de l’avenir, la plupart des gouvernements ont privilégié la première option. Faute de compromis fondateur du type de celui observé dans les économies social-démocrates, susceptible de réconcilier ces deux objectifs, la dérive des finances publiques apparaît comme un moyen de continuer à acheter du temps. Pendant combien de temps encore ? Classification JEL : H53, H54, H63, O23, O52.
Un « fardeau » de la dette publique ? Les limites du concept de soutenabilité
Authors: Menuet Maxime , Villieu Patrick
Published: November 2022

Contrairement au concept de solvabilité, dont les fondements théoriques sont clairs, la notion de soutenabilité fait appel à des considérations sur l’acceptabilité politique et sociale de la dette publique, considérations la plupart du temps laissées en dehors de l’analyse. Cet article met en évidence les limites de la notion de soutenabilité, en pointant les incitations des dirigeants politiques et en questionnant la représentation de la dette publique comme un fardeau. Classification JEL : H50, H54, H60, H62, H63, H68.
La dette publique est-elle toujours soutenable ?
Authors: Timbeau Xavier
Published: November 2022

L’analyse quantifiée de la soutenabilité de la dette publique pose des défis que les approches traditionnelles ne résolvent pas. Les Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) pratiquées par les institutions internationales comme le FMI ou la Commission européenne reposent en effet sur des hypothèses trop conventionnelles et manquent de transparence. Nous proposons une définition de la soutenabilité ainsi qu’une modélisation de la dynamique de la dette publique qui permettent d’assumer la dimension spéculative de l’appréciation de la soutenabilité. Les choix réalisés, par exemple en matière de politique budgétaire mais aussi de politique monétaire, ont un impact considérable sur la dynamique future de la dette publique. Les DSA projettent ces éléments par des prolongations d’observation du passé (comme une règle budgétaire ou monétaire estimée), mais passent à côté de l’univers des possibles. En construisant un modèle où la politique budgétaire est calculée à partir d’un objectif de dette publique à moyen terme, on peut prendre en compte les différents scénarios (d’inflation, de croissance à long terme, de conjoncture) et quantifier la difficulté à atteindre la cible de dette publique à moyen terme. La soutenabilité est donc la capacité à mener une politique difficile. Classification JEL : H50, H54, H60, H62, H63, H68.
Dette optimale et dette soutenable : un nouveau dilemme à la Triffin
Authors: Ragot Xavier
Published: November 2022

L’objet de ce texte est de montrer que la distinction entre optimalité et soutenabilité conduit à identifier un nouveau paradoxe pour la gestion des dettes publiques, que l’on appelle « pseudo-paradoxe de Triffin ». Il repose sur trois constatations, développées dans l’article. Premièrement, le statut d’actifs sûrs ou de réserve de valeur internationale permet des coûts de financements réels faibles des dettes publiques des pays développés, même avec une inflation maintenant élevée. Ensuite, la hausse internationale de la demande d’actifs sûrs depuis vingt ans conduit à une hausse de l’endettement public pour bénéficier des taux bas face à des dépenses nouvelles. Enfin, le retour des chocs macroéconomiques peut faire brutalement perdre le statut d’actifs sûrs. Le paradoxe repose sur la hausse de la dette optimale de court terme et la baisse de la dette soutenable à long terme. On présente ce paradoxe et développe les implications pour le cadre européen. Classification JEL : H50, H54, H60, H62, H63, H68.
Le travail politique de la signature financière : cantonnement de la dette Covid et restauration de l’ordre du débat public
Authors: Delatte Anne-Laure , Lemoine Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Nous analysons le parcours politique et institutionnel du traitement de la dette Covid. Pendant la pandémie, s’impose l’idée qu’il faut toujours « faire ses preuves » sur la dette, et ce, quel que soit le contexte macroéconomique et financier. Nous montrons que le cantonnement (retenu dans une version minimale) répond à l’objectif de remettre de l’ordre dans le débat public : organiser la crédibilité et la confiance dans la dette, évacuer les alternatives afin de conserver l’avantage de la bataille culturelle sur les finances publiques (accusant l’excès de dépense et la gabegie sociale) et préparer le retour à la « normale » de la séparation entre les domaines monétaire et budgétaire. De façon métaphorique, cantonner la dette permet de contenir le débordement des ratios de finances publiques, mais aussi d’endiguer le fourmillement d’alternatives (monétaires, financières, fiscales) qui se faisaient entendre à grand bruit dans l’arène publique pendant les confinements successifs. Nous montrons que « tout se tient » en matière de crédit de l’État : la réalité matérielle de la confiance des investisseurs et de la communauté financière (objectivée par les primes de risque exigées au moment de prêter) n’évolue pas indépendamment des récits politiques qui circulent dans l’espace public. Classification JEL : H50, H54, H60, H62, H63, H68.
Les politiques monétaires sous l’emprise de la « dominance budgétaire » : pourquoi, comment et jusqu’où ?
Authors: Pollin Jean-Paul
Published: November 2022

La crise financière a contribué à mettre en place, dans les pays avancés, un nouveau type de policy mix caractérisé par une dominance budgétaire. La crise sanitaire en a radicalisé les formes et intensifié l’utilisation. Cet article se propose d’abord d’en décrire le fonctionnement, puis d’en analyser les limites. Le retour de l’inflation et d’un risque d’instabilité financière a en effet conduit dans une impasse ce système de régulation. Pour en sortir, la meilleure solution serait certainement de retrouver une croissance plus forte et durable. On cherche alors à définir les orientations à prendre et les moyens à utiliser pour y parvenir. Classification JEL : H50, H54, H60, H62, H63, H68.
Carte carbone : les arguments pour en débattre
Authors: Pottier Antonin
Published: November 2022

La carte carbone est un système de quotas échangeables d’émissions de GES à destination des particuliers. Cette alternative à la taxe carbone est présente dans le débat public en France, sous différentes déclinaisons. À partir de la littérature scientifique existante, l’article examine les propriétés que l’on peut attendre de la carte carbone dans cinq dimensions : intégrité environnementale, efficacité, équité, fonctionnement et acceptabilité. Il compare systématiquement les propriétés de la carte carbone avec celles de la taxe carbone et avec celles que revendiquent ses promoteurs. Sur le plan de l’équité, les deux instruments sont bien plus proches que ce qu’on peut lire. L’intégrité environnementale de la carte carbone, souvent mise en avant, n’est pas décisive alors que les travers des échanges marchands de ses quotas sont sous-estimés. La carte carbone rend visible les émissions de GES pour les particuliers, ce qui constitue une caractéristique intéressante, mais aux effets encore incertains.
Influence of Spiritual Engagement on Appalachian Older Adults' Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Strange Karina E. , Troutman-Jordan Meredith , Mixer Sandra J.
Published: November 2022

Appalachia leads the country in mortality related to chronic comorbidities, such as heart disease, cancer, depression, and suicide. Appalachian older adults experience disproportionate risks for poor health outcomes. Spirituality is integral to Appalachian culture, and many older adults use spiritual engagement (SE) to cope with health challenges. Despite these connections, there is limited evidence about SE and well-being in this population. Therefore, the current systematic review addresses the literature gap of how SE influences health of Appalachian older adults. Using thematic synthesis, we analyzed 11 qualitative and three mixed methods studies. Major findings indicate that SE positively impacts holistic health through adaptive coping, guided partnerships with God, decreased loneliness, and enhanced sense of purpose. Future studies could examine SE practices among diverse populations, SE virtual experiences, and SE nursing assessments. Understanding how SE influences health of Appalachian older adults could prepare nurses to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61
(5), 45–52.]
Effectiveness of Group Patient-Led Life Skills Training on Function and Self-Efficacy for People With Schizophrenia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Liang Yingjie , Li Yi , Lin Guorong , Cai Chunfeng , Yuan Huanfang , Sheng Qingqing
Published: November 2022

The current quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of group patient-led life skills training (LST) on functional recovery and self-efficacy of people with schizophrenia. Two psychiatric units in a mental health center were randomly assigned to intervention (first psychiatric unit) and control (second psychiatric unit) groups. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. The intervention group (
n
= 51) received group patient-led LST, and the control group (
n
= 53) received routine mental health care services. Outcomes on patients' functional recovery and self-efficacy between groups were compared at baseline, during the intervention (4 weeks), and immediately after the intervention (8 weeks). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Results showed that the intervention improved functional recovery and self-efficacy of people with schizophrenia (
p
< 0.05). Therefore, it is recommended that group patient-led LST be integrated in therapy for people with schizophrenia to facilitate their functional recovery and help them achieve their highest potential for independent living. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61
(2), 60–67.]
Factors Influencing Self-Management of Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Xiuying , Liu Ling , Ning Jinna , Wu Shuang , Li Shuiying , Zhang Zhuoqiu , Li Xiaolin
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the current study was to (a) understand the influencing factors of self-management in schizophrenia, (b) explore the relationship between social support and self-management, and (c) explore the intermediary role of coping modes between social support and self-management. From May to December 2020, a total of 320 community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia were recruited and completed self-report questionnaires. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the three variables and the bootstrap method was used to test the intermediary hypothesis. Results showed that 21.9% of persons with schizophrenia had low social support, 78.1% had medium social support, and convalescent persons with schizophrenia had high social support. Self-management was positively correlated with social support (
r
= 0.372,
p
< 0.05), confrontation coping mode (
r
= 0.576,
p
< 0.05), and avoidance coping mode (
r
= 0.204,
p
< 0.05), and negatively correlated with resignation coping mode (
r
= −0.057,
p
< 0.05). Confrontation and avoidance coping modes have a mediating effect between social support and self-management. Mental health nurses should understand the influence of social support and coping modes on self-management, and help persons with schizophrenia find social resources, build confidence, and confront the disorder positively. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61
(2), 19–26.]
Safety assessment of the indigenous probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 using Sprague–Dawley rats as a model
Authors: A'inurrofiqin Moh. , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Suroto Dian Anggraini , Utami Tyas , Mayangsari Yunika
Published: November 2022

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 is a candidate probiotic from Halloumi cheese produced by Mazaraat Artisan Cheese, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study evaluated the safety of consuming a high dose of L. plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 in Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days. Eighteen male rats were randomly divided into three groups, such as the control group, the skim milk group, and the probiotic group. Feed intake and body weight were monitored, and blood samples, organs (kidneys, spleen, and liver), and the colon were dissected. Organ weight, hematological parameters, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) concentrations, as well as intestinal morphology of the rats, were measured. Microbial analyses were carried out on the digesta, feces, blood, organs, and colon. The results showed that consumption of L. plantarum did not negatively affect general health, organ weight, hematological parameters, SGOT and SGPT activities, or intestinal morphology. The number of L. plantarum in the feces of rats increased significantly, indicating survival of the bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria in the blood, organs, and colon of all groups were identified using repetitive-polymerase chain reaction with the BOXA1R primers and further by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, which revealed that they were not identical to L. plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3. Thus, this strain did not translocate to the blood or organs of rats. Therefore, L. plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 is likely to be safe for human consumption.
Evaluating the Formal Independence of National Regulatory Authorities in the European Union’s Energy Sector and Beyond
Authors:   Faculty of Law, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia, Ferčič Aleš
Published: November 2022

European Union’s energy law stipulates numerous obligations with the intention of achieving a desired level of independence of national regulatory authorities. This article offers an insight into the said obligations as well as into their development and their evaluation. The latter is carried out via two sound benchmarks, i.e. via Gilardi’s test and via the new comprehensive independence test. The new test learns from its antecedents, particularly from the methodological point of view. However, it advocates stricter requirements and, consequently, higher independence standards as developed in the most recent regulatory practice and theory. The evaluation of the past and present supranational legal framework in the field of energy reveals a decent progress on the subject of the formal independence of national regulatory authorities but unfortunately also a significant untapped potential which must be considered when drafting the new supranational rules. Moreover, it can be considered when transposing the new Electricity Directive in the national legal system since in the discussed field the directive in question ‘merely’ aims to achieve a minimal harmonization. And last but not least, lessons learned from the discussed case are transferable to other economic sectors, in particular to (other) utilities sectors.
Working with fannish intermediaries
Authors: Alberto Maria , Tringali Billy
Published: November 2022

Fannish intermediaries occupy a unique position between individual fans and industry stakeholders, since they have affective ties to the fan object as well as commercial interests in the ways that individual fans interact with that fan object and related content. These differences raise new questions regarding the ethics of fan studies work conducted in collaboration with such fannish intermediaries, as demonstrated by the reach and results of the 2021 Anime Con Survey.
Cortical-hand syndrome
Authors: Dassanayake Uditha , Chang Thashi
Published: November 2022

Isolated hand weakness (the cortical-hand syndrome) is a well-recognised, but rare presentation of stroke. The lesion has been isolated to the 'precentral knob' of the motor cortex of the brain. An embolic stroke mechanism has been considered the most frequent cause. The prognosis for recovery of hand function is considered good. A clinical diagnosis is imperative to decide on appropriate investigations and treatment. We describe a middle-aged man who presented with sudden-onset, isolated, global weakness of his left hand with a corresponding cortical infarct to illustrate the key clinical and radiological features in the diagnosis of the cortical-hand syndrome.
Misuse of gabapentin and pregabalin
Authors: Gunatilake Saman B.
Published: November 2022

No abstract available
SerpinB3 administration protects liver against ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Turato Cristian , Vairetti Mariapia , Cagna Marta , Biasiolo Alessandra , Ferrigno Andrea , Quarta Santina , Ruvoletto Mariagrazia , De Siervi Silvia , Pontisso Patrizia , Di Pasqua Laura Giuseppina
Published: November 2022

We have investigated the change in SerpinB3 during hepatic ischemia and the potential role of its antiprotease activity in cell protection by the administration of wild-type SerpinB3 (SerpinB3-WT) or active loop-deleted recombinant SerpinB3 protein (SerpinB3-D) in a rat model of ischemia (60 min)/reperfusion (60 min) (I/R). A time-dependent increase of SerpinB3, both at transcription and protein level, was found in ischemic livers after 60, 120 and 180 min. SerpinB3-WT decreased polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and serum enzymes and increased ATP when compared with I/R group. These events were not obtained using SerpinB3-D. No significant changes in both liver SerpinB3 mRNA and protein were found in all I/R groups considered. The present data show that the administration of SerpinB3-WT reduced the I/R injury and this effect appears to be dependent on its anti-protease activity.
Donor–NGO partnerships in South Africa: A qualitative case study of five NGOs in Gauteng
Authors: Mpofu Limkile , Govender Kaymarlin
Published: November 2022

Background: Donor–nongovernmental organisation (NGO) partnerships may enable earlier infusion of implementation science principles into developing evidence-based interventions. Yet, donors and NGOs often report difficulty leveraging resources, personnel and expertise to create beneficial outcomes for all. Drawing from a PhD thesis, the authors report how the asymmetrical nature of the relationships manifests in practice in the work of NGOs. The study focused on human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) NGOs in Gauteng province in South Africa.Objectives: This study examines whether the asymmetrical relationships can be termed partnerships and highlights the potential for such a discourse to reinforce existing relationship inequalities.Method: Qualitative data were collected through in-depth individual interviews with key informants from five purposively selected HIV and AIDS NGOs. A total of 28 interviews were analysed deductively using thematic analysis. The Dóchas Partnership Assessment and Development Process framework guided this analysis. The NGOs under study have implemented various HIV and AIDS programmes and policies in their workspace.Results: The findings have revealed that ‘partnership’ is a false representation of the actual relationships between donors and NGOs.Conclusion: The study concluded that although the notion of partnerships accurately describes the intention of ‘donors’ and ‘NGOs’ to collaborate in ways that ensure improved services and outcomes, the unintended consequences of how partnerships are managed and run inhibit that common agenda. The article concludes with suggestions to build and sustain effective working relationships between partners.Contribution: Assessing how donor-NGO partnerships are operationalised can assist in determining the extent to which their relationship is operating and point to areas where partnerships practice can be further developed.
Psychometric properties of the Brief Sailor Resiliency Scale in the South African Army
Authors: Schoeman David J. , Cassimjee Nafisa
Published: November 2022

Serving in the military is considered one of the most stressful occupations; therefore, because of the potential mitigation effect resilience has against stressors, it has often been incorporated as a component in predeployment programmes for soldiers. Consequently, assessing, facilitating and sustaining resilience is of particular importance in military environments. The Brief Sailor Resiliency Scale (BSRS) has been utilised within the South African Navy (SAN) environment, where it yielded promising results as a measure of resilience. The aim of this article is to investigate the psychometric properties of the BSRS and the applicability thereof to the South African Army (SA Army). The study utilised a sample of SA Army soldiers (N = 418) that completed the BSRS along with the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Dispositional Resilience Scale – II (DRS-II). The psychometric properties of the BSRS were examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM), together with construct validity and internal reliability. The model yielded acceptable fit, and the construct validity was supported with high internal reliability of the scales. Findings provided confirmatory evidence for the application of the BSRS as a resilience screening tool in the SA Army. The utilisation of the BSRS as a valid screening instrument, together with the aligned interventions, can potentially contribute substantially to the combat readiness of the SA Army.
Recommendations for online learning challenges in nursing education during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Molato Boitumelo J. , Sehularo Leepile A.
Published: November 2022

Background: Nursing education institutions have had to change from face-to-face to online learning because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The online learning mode, however, had several challenges.Objectives: To explore and describe recommendations made to address the online learning challenges in nursing education during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: This study adopted a narrative literature review to achieve its objectives. The search for the relevant literature used Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, African Journal (previously SAePublications), EBSCOhost, EBSCO Discovery Service and Scopus databases.Results: There were four findings identified from the literature search: provision of adequate resources, monitoring of academic dishonesty, provision of technical support and revision of the curriculum.Conclusion: More work in nursing education is necessary to address the challenges of adopting online learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the issues of online learning in nursing education, thorough preparations and safeguards are necessary.Contribution: The outcomes of this study will benefit nursing education by incorporating recommendations from many studies to overcome online learning issues in nursing education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of colonial and contemporary land policies on climate change adaptation in Zimbabwe’s communal areas
Authors: Maganga Trymore , Conrad Suso Catherine
Published: November 2022

The main aim of this article was to examine the impact of colonial and contemporary development policies on climate change adaptation among communal farmers in Zimbabwe. As such, the objective was to document and better understand how the legacy of colonialism, coupled with the current climate change impacts is making adaptation a serious challenge for farmers in particular regions of the country. This study was conducted in Zimbabwe’s Buhera Rural District (Ward 30) and Chipinge Rural District (Ward 11). Data collection involved the use of individual household interviews, with the use of a snowball sampling method, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and direct observation in the field. It was found that the lack of income diversity opportunities has further exposed several livelihoods to climate change and compromised their abilities to respond and recover under periods of climatic stress. It was ascertained that the adaptation challenges experienced by African farmers were brought about by the colonial land system that evicted them from their customary lands and allocated them land in poor agroecological regions that fail to support production. The authors argue that climate change adaptation challenges in communal areas should be understood from a colonial and historical development perspective that led to the establishment of communal farming zones. There is also a need to understand climate vulnerability in the context of post-independence development strategies that have led to the underdevelopment of peasant agriculture and reduced farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change.Contribution: Climate change adaptation policies should recognise the country’s colonial and historical legacy that has led to poverty and other livelihood challenges in communal areas. By acknowledging this, policymakers are better positioned to understand the structural issues making adaptation difficult, and they could intervene by proposing context-specific adaptation strategies that meet the needs of communal farmers.
The determinant of African banks’ capital structure: Basel III Accord or bank-specific factors?
Authors: Obadire Ayodeji M. , Moyo Vusani , Munzhelele Ntungufhadzeni F.
Published: November 2022

Orientation: The decision to have an optimum mix of capital structure is an issue of concern for financial service firms as much as other firms.Research purpose: The study investigated the impact of the Basel III regulatory requirements and other bank-specific factors on African banks’ capital structure and ascertained which of these factors ultimately determines the capital structure decision.Motivation for the study: There is limited evidence of study conducted on banks’ capital structure determinants within the Basel III Accord framework in Africa.Research approach/design and method: This study employed panel data drawn from 45 listed banks from 6 African nations. The panel data regression model was fitted with the system generalised moment methods estimator.Main findings: The findings revealed that within a similar economic condition in the sampled African nations, the Basel III minimum capital requirements, bank risk and size play the most important role in shaping the observed capital structure decisions of African banks.Practical/managerial implications: The regulators including central and reserve banks of the sampled African nation, and CEOs should keep their leverage ratio within the Basel III leverage ratio threshold to monitor and curb the build-up of excess leverage and also pay significant attention to the minimum capital requirements, bank risk and size in order to have an optimum capital mix.Contribution/value add: The Basel III Accord has significant importance in the financing decisions of African banks as much as the bank-specific factors.
Loin du monde, l’île est le monde : Les écotones insulaires de l’océan Indien entre créolisation et frontières liquides
Authors: Arnold Markus
Published: November 2022

Far from the world, the island is the world: The island ecotones of the Indian Ocean between creolisation and liquid borders. Due to their specific geography and plural histories, the island societies of the south-western Indian Ocean are characterised by a considerable anthropological and cultural complexity. Colonial regimes and migratory and diasporic phenomena have strongly marked these territories on the oceanic borders as well as their social construction and particular ethno-racial composition. Island-as-utopia, island-as-prison, island-as-refuge, island-as-stopover, island-as-relation, island-as-world … there is no shortage of notions to imagine and describe these heterogeneous places where the realities, potentialities, and limits of (post)colonial cultural plurality are negotiated. For behind the tropical dreams and the exaltations of harmonious cohabitation (vivre-ensemble) appear the precariousness of the island condition, the ambiguity of identity, and the difficulty of anchoring oneself in and expressing oneself from a place which continues to be significantly shaped by its relations with the outside (the old and new ‘metropolises’ and places of reference, other islands). To what extent can the specificities of the Indian Ocean islands – this other ‘archipelago’ less visible than its Caribbean counterpart – inform and nourish continental territories, France, the world? Are they models of ethical solidarity? Antidotes to identity-based blockages? Laboratories of democratic thought? Creative prefigurations of the future? It may well be. However, according to certain thinkers, writers and artists from these spaces, the islands and archipelagos – far from being the idealisations of a vitalist and blissful community (en-commun) – prove to be above all plural and conflicting contact zones. They emerge as complex ecotones that allow us to imagine and think about the challenges of our contemporary societies and cultures from the ‘margins’, the interstices, the unstable borders.
Exploring swallowing, feeding and communication characteristics of toddlers with severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Eslick Casey J. , Krüger Esedra , Kritzinger Alta
Published: November 2022

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is associated with cognitive and motor deficits. Little is known about the swallowing, feeding and communication characteristics of hospitalised toddlers with SAM, limiting the abilities of speech-language therapists to provide effective early intervention.Objective: To explore the background, swallowing, feeding and communication characteristics of toddlers with SAM during in-patient nutritional rehabilitation.Method: An exploratory, prospective, collective case-study was conducted with three hospitalised toddlers who were 12–18 months old and independently diagnosed with SAM, at least 1 week after transitioning to oral feeding. Detailed case histories were compiled through medical file perusal and parent interviews. Cross-sectional clinical bedside assessments were completed with the Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale and Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment.Results: All three participants had a history of feeding difficulties before admission. Despite intact pharyngeal swallows, heterogeneous oral-sensorimotor dysfunction and disruptive feeding behaviours were identified. Risk for oropharyngeal dysphagia indicates the need to modify dietary consistencies to prevent prolonging recovery or SAM relapse. Participants had mild-to-moderate language delays, particularly in interaction-attachment, play and language comprehension, with an atypical moderate receptive and mild expressive language delay profile. None of the participants were referred for speech-language therapy.Conclusion: This exploratory research showed the oral-sensorimotor skills, swallowing and communication characteristics of children with SAM. Speech-language therapists could address oral-sensorimotor functioning, feeding difficulties and communication interaction delays before discharge to community-based management for SAM. Further investigation with a larger sample size is recommended.Contribution: Novel description of the oral-sensorimotor skills for feeding and the communication development of three severely malnourished toddlers with HIV and tuberculosis co-infection was presented. The complexity of the three cases is highlighted.
Exploring South African preschool teachers’ roles and responsibilities with executive functions
Authors: Etokabeka Elsa , Van Heerden Judy , Du Preez Hannelie
Published: November 2022

Background: South African studies based on school readiness found that most children who commence formal schooling (from Grade 1) lack the basic skills needed to adapt within the learning environment – these include having challenges to follow instructions, work autonomously or focus on a task.Aim: The national guideline for teaching children between birth to 9 years does not specify how early childhood education programmes can facilitate or strengthen executive function (EF) skills through structured play. Structured play, can be understood as play activities that require guidance and instructions for completion. During the activities, the participants have to follow instructions in order to attain the outcome. Hence, there is a need to explore how EF skills can be developed through structured play. From our understanding, EF is an individual’s cognitive ability to regulate thoughts and actions needed to complete a task. Executive function skills assist learners to adjust and work effectively later (Grade 1) in a formal learning environment to perform academically.Setting: The study was conducted at preschool sites that follow different educational approaches. They are Montessori, National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Reggio Emilia and Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) preschools. The preschools are situated in affluent suburbs of Pretoria, Gauteng. In this article, learners refer to children aged 4 years in the Grade RRR class.Methods: A qualitative multiple case study design was utilised. We interacted with two teachers from four schools who followed different educational approaches. The data collection techniques included individual semi-structured interviews, lesson observation and document analysis, whilst photographs and field notes were taken when the teacher-participants interacted with learners during a planned learning experience. The generated data sets were inductively analysed and interpreted using the theoretical frameworks of sociocultural theory and metacognition.Results: The interpreted data sets revealed that the preschool teacher-participants can facilitate EF using games, songs, movement exercises or racing competitions. The participants explained that indoor, outdoor and learning experiences facilitated EF skills such as self-regulation, working memory and cognitive flexibility during structured play.Conclusion: There is a need for preschool teachers to identify EF in the curriculum and know how to link and intentionally include the skills in daily learning experiences. This will ensure learners acquire EF and apply it in formal learning environments. The contribution to the body of scholarship is the development of guidelines for teachers to intentionally and explicitly develop EF skills using structured play. We confer that teachers play a role in enabling fun, engaging and hands-on activities that promote the acquisition of EF in the early years.
Investigating students’ perceptions of the University of KwaZulu-Natal inqubate-enspire programme in developing student entrepreneurs
Authors: Cele Nomcebo N. , Williamson Mervywn K.
Published: November 2022

Background: Universities and governments globally are now opting for and enforcing student entrepreneurship policies as a means to curb economic imbalances and address unemployment issues. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is no exception to this trend as it has now introduced entrepreneurship programmes through course offerings as well as a fully operational programme, known as the UKZN inqubate-enspire that caters for students’ entrepreneurship needs.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of UKZN students of the role and effectiveness of the UKZN inqubate-enspire programme in developing student entrepreneurs as well as the role of the programme in assisting the university to become an entrepreneurial university.Setting: This study was conducted at UKZN campuses in Durban, which included Howard College and Westville.Methods: A qualitative case study design was embraced. Using a convenience sampling approach, a total of nine students who had participated in the UKZN inqubate-enspire programme were selected. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed with the use of thematic analysis.Results: Participants revealed that the programme has sparked an entrepreneurial mindset in them and that they have obtained many skills, which will assist them in their future endeavours. However, participants also encountered a number of challenges such as the inability to balance academic work and running their business and inconsistencies in the mentorship programme. Lastly, the participants perceived that this programme made a contribution towards UKZN becoming an entrepreneurial university; however, they averred that this programme still needs much improvement to achieve this.Conclusion: It was discovered that although this programme is effective, there are shortcomings that need improvement to make this programme more effective and assist the university towards becoming an entrepreneurial university. The findings will make a significant contribution to entrepreneurship education theory and practice. This study will add to the entrepreneurship education literature and open doors for future studies on this programme or similar entrepreneurship education programmes.