bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Special Technique to Remove a Jammed Cephalic Screw from an Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report
Authors: Massaad Raymond , El Orra Said , Massaad Dounia , Massaad Antonella , El-Azanki Abdallah
Published: May 2022

Background:  The complexity of implant removal is a well-known problem in the field of orthopedics. It is encountered mainly during the removal of plates and screws and understood by the phenomenon of seizing or cold-welding, formerly known in mechanics. In this case study, we describe a complex experience during a gamma nail removal in a 21-year-old male patient, explained by the same phenomenon of seizing or cold-welding. The case is rather unusual and rare, with no similar reports in the literature, and required a special technique of extraction.
Case Report: A 21-year-old male presented to our clinic with a 5-months history of right groin pain radiating to the anterior thigh. The patient was a victim of a car accident three years ago that resulted in right femoral neck and shaft fractures, which were managed by open reduction and internal fixation by a long gamma nail with distal locking. After proper examination, the team decided to remove the implant. There was difficulty loosening the cephalic screw as it was welded to the nail. For this reason, we opted for a technique that involved making a transverse slit at the level of the anterior part of the nail which is in contact with the cephalic screw. It was followed by a hammer blow at the level of the cephalic screw, allowing it to loosen and thus allowing the screws along the femoral nail to be removed successfully.
Conclusion: Our report describes a rare case of a cephalic screw cold-welded/seized into the intramedullary nail, which can be an unexpected and serious complication during intramedullary nail removal. However, our technique described in this case can be an effective way to treat such a complication.
WYATT EARP, DE HERÓI DO FAROESTE NORTE-AMERICANO A NOME DE FORMAÇÃO DEVONIANA NO TERRITÓRIO ANTÁRTICO
Authors: Fernandes Antonio Carlos Sequeira , Scheffler Sandro Marcelo , Videira-Santos Roberto
Published: May 2022

Wyatt Earp, from Hero of the American Western to the Name of Devonian Formation in Antarctic Territory.In science, it is common to name new taxa, geographic points or stratigraphic units with the names of important researchers, pioneer explorers or simply people important to the author who is describing these novelties. This paper presents a curious case of an Antarctic Devonian formation whose name is a tribute to Wyatt Earp, an illustrious character from the American Western. The story began with the American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, who was a fan of Wyatt Earp and named one of the boats used by him during his expedition to Antarctica after his hero. Later, the name of the boat served as an inspiration to baptize a mount in Antarctica and its name served as a reference to name the Devonian age formation that outcrops in the region of that mount. Wyatt Earp died about four years before Ellworth’s explorations to Antarctica began, and he certainly never imagined that he would become immortalized with the name of a geographic point and a stratigraphic unit as far away as the South Pole. The nomenclature of novelties in the natural sciences encompasses several possibilities and reasons. Keywords: Nomenclature, Mount Wyatt Earp Formation, West Antarctica.
ORDENAMENTO JURÍDICO E A PROTEÇÃO DO PATRIMÔNIO PALEONTOLÓGICO: NECESSIDADES PREMENTES PARA A PALEONTOLOGIA NACIONAL
Authors: Ghilardi Renato Pirani , Durek Juliana Mate , Faria Ana Maria Jara Botton , Abaide Jalusa Prestes , Bastos Cleverson Leite
Published: May 2022

Legal Ordinance and the Protection of Paleontological Heritage: Pressing needs for National Paleontology. This study seeks to analyze the specific legislation referring to fossiliferous deposits in relation to their controversy of jurisdiction, in addition to reasoning about measures to preserve the paleontological heritage after the extraction of fossils from the ground. It is noticed that the rules limit the responsibility for protection and supervision of the competent body. The ANM has its responsibility until the moment of extraction and IPHAN only if the paleontological heritage is listed. The absence of an understanding of what is considered paleontological heritage, and of a specific law designating a competent body as responsible for the paleontological heritage, hinders protection and inspection. Finally, it is concluded that there is a need for greater discussion on the subject, both with the community, as well as in the academic and legal world, in addition to the lack of regulation on the profession of paleontologist and clearer legislation in relation to paleontological heritage. Keywords: Fossil, Paleontological Heritage, Constitution, Brazilian legislation.
SPONGE FOSSIL OF BRAZIL: REVIEW AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Del Mouro Lucas , Saldanha João Pedro
Published: May 2022

The Brazilian fossil record holds crucial information regarding the evolutionary history of many invertebrate groups (e.g., cnidarian, bryozoan and brachiopods). Most of them are well-distributed through the formations of intracratonic basins (Amazonas, Paraná, Sergipe-Alagoas and others), which have been studied since the first expeditions in the second half of the 19th century. Among the invertebrate groups, the phylum Porifera, recognized as one of the earliest-branching of metazoan kingdom, is rarely recovered and studied. Beyond the taphonomic biases, one of the reasons for the scant occurrence may be related to lack of interest and inability to recognize the organisms. Thus, aiming to ratify the poriferan presence in time and space on the Brazilian rocks, here we present a review. Despite previously reported, complete sponges are restricted to Carboniferous–Permian interval. Keywords: Porifera, South America, Brazilian basins, Phanerozoic.
REDESCOBERTA DO AFLORAMENTO CERRO CHATO, UM IMPORTANTE SÍTIO FOSSILÍFERO PARA O PERMIANO DA BACIA DO PARANÁ
Authors: Ferraz Joseane Salau , Bulsing Karine Pohlmann , Manfroi Joseline , Guerra-Sommer Margot , Jasper André , Pinheiro Felipe
Published: May 2022

The Rediscovery of the Cerro Chato Outcrop, an Important Permian Fossil Site of the Paraná Basin. The Cerro Chato outcrop, Dom Pedrito municipality, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), represents an important fossil site for the understanding of the environmental changes that occurred throughout the end of the Paleozoic, culminating in the largest extinction event recorded thus far. The sedimentary beds of the Cerro Chato outcrop yield a unique fossil content, documenting a rich association of plants and fish remains. The taphoflora preserved in the outcrop documents an important evolutionary stage of the flora that inhabited lacustrine and lagoon environments during the continentalization of Paraná Basin depositional systems. Here we address the rediscovery of this important fossil site, whose geographic location was unknown for decades, preventing scientific research and the duly preservation of the outcrop. In this sense, the Cerro Chato outcrop is re-introduced to the scientific community and general public through revealing its precise location, its geological context and the discovery of completely new fossiliferous levels. Our work contributes to the expansion of paleontological data recorded for this location and the furtherance of the preservation of this important Brazilian paleontological site. Keywords: Permian, Gondwana, Rio do Rasto Formation, Taphoflora.
RENUMBERING THE TYPES OF Inoceramus wanderley AND Inoceramus remoratus (MOLLUSCA: BIVALVIA), AND SPECIMENS OF SPIRIFERIDA (BRACHIOPODA) FROM BRAZIL: SOLVING A TAXONOMIC AND CURATORIAL PROBLEM
Authors: Silva Rafael Costa da , Monteiro Bianca Gobbi
Published: May 2022

Keywords: types, Inoceramidae, Mollusca, Açu Formation, Cotinguiba Formation.
REVIEW OF “Paleodictyon” (=Lophoctenium) FROM THE INAJÁ FORMATION AND CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT ITS OCCURRENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN DEVONIAN
Authors: Silva Rafael Costa da
Published: May 2022

Keywords: ichnofossils, Jatobá Basin, Lophoctenium, shallow marine, Cruziana ichnofacies.
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool for the detection of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Kaymaz Serdar , Karasu Uğur , Kaçar Nida , Alkan Hakan
Published: May 2022

Objectives: The Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) is a simple and useful questionnaire designed to screen arthritis in patients with psoriasis. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the PEST questionnaire in Turkish patients with psoriasis.

Patients and methods: Between August 2019 and September 2019, a total of 158 adult patients with psoriasis (61 males, 68 females; mean age: 43.1±13.3 years; range, 29.8 to 56.4 years) who were not previously diagnosed with PsA were included. The testing procedure for translation and cultural adaptation was carried out according to the following steps: preparation, forward translation, reconciliation, back-translation/back-translation review, harmonization, finalization, and proofreading. Patients' demographic parameters, comorbidities, PEST, and Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen (ToPAS 2) results were recorded. The patients were, then, assessed by a rheumatologist who was blinded to their PEST scores. The diagnosis of PsA was made according to the Classification criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was assessed to obtain the sensitivity and specificity of the PEST questionnaire.

Results: Of the patients, 42 had PsA, while 87 did not. Each parameter of PEST showed a low-high internal consistency ranging from 0.366 to 0.781. When the Question 3 was excluded, Cronbach alpha value increased to 0.866. The Cronbach alpha value of the whole scale was 0.829. The test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of PEST was determined as 0.86 for the total score (ICC=0.866 95% CI: 0.601-0.955; p<0.0001). There was a strong positive correlation between PEST and ToPAS 2 (r=0.763; p<0.001) and a moderate positive correlation between PEST and CASPAR (r=0.455; p<0.001). A cut-off value of ≥3 yielded a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 89% for the diagnosis of PsA with the highest Youden’s index. The PEST scale was found to have a higher sensitivity, but lower specificity in the head-to-head comparison with ToPAS 2.

Conclusion: The Turkish version of PEST is a reliable and valid tool for screening PsA in Turkish patients with psoriasis.
Effects of different types of exercises on pain, quality of life, depression, and body composition in women with fibromyalgia: A three-arm, parallel-group, randomized trial
Authors: Kolak Erkan , Ardıç Füsun , Fındıkoğlu Gülin
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This study aims to compare the efficacy of three different exercise types on pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and body composition in women with fibromyalgia (FM).

Patients and methods: Between June 2019 and December 2019, a total of 41 women with FM (mean age: 46.7+9.4 years; range, 24 to 62 years) were randomly allocated into Group 1 (n=13, supervised aerobic plus stretching), Group 2 (n=13, supervised resistance plus stretching), and Group 3 (n=15, home-based stretching). All exercises were performed three times per week for 12 weeks and were individualized by measuring the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) for aerobic exercise and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test for resistance exercise. The main measures were pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), severity by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), symptoms of depression by the Beck Depression Inventory, HRQoL by the Short-Form Health Questionnaire (SF-36), and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results: The mean VAS difference (95% confidence interval [CI]): -2.61 (-1.94, -3.29); -2.61 (-1.82, -3.42); -1.07 (-0.49, -1.64) for Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively (p<0.001); however, there was no significant difference between the combined exercise groups. The FIQ scores decreased significantly in all exercise groups after training (p<0.05). At 12 weeks, 21 (80.8%) patients from combined groups and six (40%) patients from the stretching alone group achieved a minimal clinically significant difference defined as a 14% change in baseline FIQ scores (p=0.008). Other outcome parameters did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusion: Supervised aerobics/muscle strengthening combined with stretching exercises reduced pain, and FM severity more than a home stretching exercise alone.
The association of urinary plasmin level with renal involvement and disease flare among systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Fawzy Rasha , Serag Mounir , Soliman Amal , Elwia Sania , Mojahed Samia
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To explore the ability to use urinary level of plasmin as an indicator for renal affection and activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Patients and methods: Between April 2020 and October 2020, urine samples from 50 SLE patients (2 males, 48 females; mean age: 35.5±8.1 years; range, 22 to 39 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (2 males, 18 females; mean age: 34.1±6.5 years; range, 27 to 38 years) were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of renal manifestations as those with renal disease (n=28) and those without renal disease (n=22). The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), renal activity (rSLEDAI), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC-DI) scores were calculated. Renal biopsy was performed to patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). The activity index (AI) and Chronicity Index (CI) were scored.

Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference in the mean urinary plasmin levels between SLE cases and the control group (88.9±42.6 ng/mL vs. 21.3±26.8 ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001). A significant elevation was observed (p<0.05) in patients with LN (97.9±46.6 ng/mL) than without (42.7±12.7 ng/mL), particularly in patients with active renal involvement (82.9±26.6 ng/mL) than patients with inactive renal disease (63.2±15.5 ng/mL). There were significant positive correlations between the mean urinary plasmin levels and inflammatory markers, SLEDAI, and rSLEDAI scores.

Conclusion: Urinary level of plasmin is significantly elevated among SLE cases, particularly in those with active LN. The remarkable association between urinary plasmin level and various activity status implies that urinary plasmin can be used as a beneficial marker to monitor lupus nephritis flare.
Stakeholders’ Perception on the Freeness of Fee-Free Education in Ordinary Secondary Schools: A Case of Rombo District, Tanzania
Authors: O. Lazaro Irene , Loisulie Paul
Published: May 2022

This study sought to establish stakeholders’ perception on the freeness of Fee-Free Education among Ordinary Secondary Schools in Rombo District, Tanzania through the mixed research design where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed concurrently. The population of the study included teachers, heads of schools and parents as they are directly responsible to day to day implementation of fee free education. The study established a need for financial contributions from parents and the community at large because the amount of fund that is allocated by the government is not sufficient. Parents indicated financial difficulties and that the contributions were too high. Therefore there is a need to create a better way of involving parents and the community in supporting education financially. The study further established that politicians kept on interfering with the success of the contributions from parents and the community for them to gain popularity on the argument that education is free, hence parents should not contribute anything. The study recommends that the government needs to establish a proper involvement mechanism that will be a guide to finance basic education.
Familial Variables Influencing Promiscuity among Female Students in Tertiary Learning Institutions of Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Aluede Oyaziwo , Dayo Oke Tunde , Oluyemisi Adeniji Emily
Published: May 2022

Sexual promiscuity is becoming a norm, especially among female students in tertiary learning institutions. The sexual behavior is largely traceable to the families from which students are brought up whether intact, separated, monogamous or polygamous. It is based on this background that this study investigated parental type, family type and age as potentials for promiscuity among female students in tertiary learning institutions in Abeokuta metropolis of Nigeria. The study employed the descriptive survey design. The population of the study was f 1621 final year female students from four tertiary learning institutions in Abeokuta Metropolis. Non-proportional stratified random sampling technique was used to select 100 female students, 25 from each of the four tertiary learning institutions. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire which was developed by the researchers. Data was treated through the independent sample t- test and one way analysis of variance techniques. The findings indicate that those students from separated parents had a more potential for promiscuity than those from intact parents. Also, female students from polygamous family exhibited high level of promiscuity than those from monogamous families. It is therefore recommended that pre and post marital counselling be organized for couples to acquaint themselves with necessary adjustment and coping strategies.
Value Chain Challenges: Experiences from Avocado Farmers and Traders in Njombe Town, Tanzania
Authors: Alberto Malekela Asnath
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the challenges facing avocado farmers and local traders along the value chain in Njombe, Tanzania using the mixed method in which a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches formed the basis for data collection and analysis. A total of 230 respondents formed a study unit whereby 180 were avocado farmers and 50 were avocado traders. Primary data were collected through questionnaire, interview, direct observation and focus group discussions while secondary data were collected from published and unpublished materials. Data were analyzed using the SPSS and results were presented using expressive statistics and figures. It was established that along the value chain, avocado farmers and traders experienced low prices, unreliable markets, damaging of avocados, poor transport systems, lack of market information, lack of capital and low fruit quality. Therefore, the government should help farmers in determining reliable markets. Effective efforts should be geared up to make sure that all activities along the chain are well coordinated and monitored. Also all actors should be brought together for effective communication and information sharing on avocado value chain.
Psychosocial Factors, Approaches to Learning and Academic Achievement in Polytechnic Colleges of West Hararge, Ethiopia
Authors: Gobeze Mohammed , Andualem Tamirie , Abera Gemechu , Nataran Rajendran
Published: May 2022

This study sought to determine the associations among psychosocial factors, approaches to learning and the academic achievement. The study employed the descriptive correlational research design. The target population was 5340 students from five Polytechnic Colleges in West Hararge Zone. The study used Yamane’s (1967) formula to come up with the sample sizes of 372 students who filled the questionnaire. Pearson Correlation Coefficient, multiple regression analysis and stepwise multiple regression were employed to analyze the data. The study established that approaches to learning and psychosocial factors are important ingredients for intended academic achievement to be realized. It is recommended that education stakeholders in learning institutions under investigation should pay due attentions to psychosocial factors as an imperative ingredient for intended academic achievements to be realized.
Guidelines, Frameworks and Practices of School Guidance and Counselling: A Comparison between Uganda and Germany
Authors: Alicon Auf Tumwebaze , Arinaitwe Juliet
Published: May 2022

This study sought to review the school guidance and counselling program in Uganda as an underdeveloped country in comparison with that of Germany as a developed one. The study was prompted by the unending unemployment and the rising poverty levels, especially in the underdeveloped world. These are some of the most challenging bottlenecks to economic development in the third world and can only be solved by a well aligned and strategically designed education system as per Goal 4.7 of the United Nation’s Strategic Development Goals. The study applied a qualitative thematic approach to collect data from existing frameworks, guidelines and studies on school guidance and counselling of the two countries. The study established that the easy access of guidance and counselling program information from various sources in Germany helps students to make informed decisions for their future career, which boosts the country’s attainment of intended educational, manpower goals and objectives. Unlike Germany, Uganda misses a lot of information, for instance, on opportunities that would help international students and immigrants to make informed decisions toward their future careers. The study recommends that the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports considers overhauling its School guidance and counselling program since there are numerous gaps as compared with that of Germany. Germany can also consider developing school guidance and counselling curriculum to standardize that practice across the country.
Factors Contributing to Lack of Soft Skills among Tanzanian Higher Learning Graduates
Authors: J. Munishi Emmanuel
Published: May 2022

Despite the critical role played by soft skills in ensuring employability and career development among graduates, evidence suggests a huge lack of these skills among graduates in Tanzania. Against this backdrop, this paper explored factors contributing to lack of soft skills among higher learning graduates in the country and recommended effective strategies of ensuring acquisition of soft skills by the graduates. The paper critically reviewed documents related to factors contributing to lack of soft skills among the graduates in Tanzania. The study revealed that lack of soft skills among graduates fundamentally emanates from poor curriculum which does not consider soft skills right from primary to higher learning level, ineffective educational policies and reforms that do not give emphasise on soft skills, incompetent trainers, inadequate teaching and learning facilities as well as lack of career guidance programs in academic institutions. These factors should be holistically addressed in a bid to equip graduates with soft skills necessary for employability. To ensure effective acquisition of soft skills by gradates, there should be regular curriculum and education policy review to include aspects of softs kills, allocating adequate budget for teaching and learning infrastructure, empowering higher learning trainers on soft kills and ensuring relevant teaching methodologies to enable educators equip students with soft skills.
Demographic Characteristics and Occupational Stress by Secondary School Teachers in Greater Bushenyi, Uganda
Authors: Bashaija Athanansio , Zami Atibuni Dennis , Rukundo Aloysius
Published: May 2022

This study sought to establish the differences in occupational stress across socio-demographic characteristics of secondary school teachers in Greater Bushenyi, Uganda through the cross sectional research design. The researchers sampled 33 out of 160 public and private secondary schools through the systematic sampling procedures. From those, 266 were sampled out of 672 teachers. Using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA, the study established that teachers under investigation experienced the occupational stress moderately. The finding was quite similar to previous studies which indicated gender as a determining factor for teachers’ occupational stress. The moderately experienced occupational stress, calls for intervention strategies since if not treated earlier it may develop into higher stress levels which may interfere with teachers’ academic performance in their schools.
Student Teachers School Experience in Zambia: Experiences and Challenges
Authors: Mutale Mulenga Innocent , Bwalya Katongo
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to establish challenges and experiences faced by student teachers during teaching practice in Zambia. The study employed the concurrent embedded design. Data was collected from 280 respondents including 200 student teachers, 30 host school deputy head teachers and 50 lecturers. The study employed a questionnaire, focus group discussion and an interview to collect data from the respondents. The study established some challenges which can serve as learning points for teacher educators and administrators in institutions of higher learning that are running teacher education programs. The challenges include the struggle of maintaining low costs while having a high quality school experience, lecturers hurrying through the supervision process, the tendency to involve non-lecturers to supervise students and students lack of adequate support during the school experience period. The school experience period was adequate and students had a number of benefits from it although some institutions had it at the end of the program. It was therefore recommended that school experience be continually evaluated by both the Ministry of Education and institutions that provide teacher education programs in Zambia and that the length of the school experience period be maintained so as to enhance the benefits that student teacher drew from it. It was further recommended that institutions preparing teachers should make sure that school experience is done during the teacher education period and not at the end of it so that students and their lecturers evaluate the experience before the end of the program.
Multilingualism as a Classroom Resource for Communicative Language Teaching: A Case of a Primary School in Warren Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: Shingirirai Nyamayedenga Mildred
Published: May 2022

This study sought to explore the use of multilingualism as a classroom resource to implement Communicative Language Teaching at a primary school in Zimbabwe. The study employed a single case study design which is qualitative in nature. The population comprised of 21 teachers at the school. Three purposively selected teachers were used as the sample of the study. The study established that multilingualism has different roles that it plays in implementing CLT in the teaching and learning of English language. The learners’ inability to express themselves in English caused teachers to code switch. When code switching was used, learners communicated more effectively and this led to a conclusion that code switching is a powerful technique to use as a resource in a multilingual classroom. Teachers’ positive attitudes towards multilingualism and code switching provided learners with greater opportunities of collaboration in the classroom. It is therefore important for teachers to understand other indigenous languages. The use of multilingualism will not only assist teachers to implement CLT effectively but it will also help learners to learn effectively and improve their communicative skills.
Confluence of Kinship and Divinity in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame and Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonus
Authors: Okari Onkoba Stephen , Mugambi Rutere Albert , Goro Kamau Nicholas
Published: May 2022

Blood and affinal ties are central in any discourse on kinship. This paper grapples with representation of kinship ties within a spiritual matrix envisioned in the dramaturgy of Ola Rotimi and Sophocles. The Gods Are Not to Blame being an adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King whose storyline is continued in Oedipus at Colonus, makes it possible for the article to explore the interplay between divinity and kinship in the milieus reflected in ancient Greek and African societies. Whereas previous scholars have majorly focused on consanguinity to make sense of kinship affiliations, this article examines how Greek and African notions of spirituality impact on affinal relationships depicted in Rotimi and Sophocles’ drama. The interrogation is conducted by examining the effect of divinity on kinship from the dimension of in-laws and wives. The analysis of the three plays hinges on psychoanalytic literary theory. The paper concludes that while the involvement of the divine in human relationships enhances affinal ties, it also contributes to their disintegration when divine-centrism supersedes communitarian interests.
Critical Analysis of COVID-19 Containment Policy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kinyina Alen
Published: May 2022

United Kingdom (UK) is among the top ten countries that were highly affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The government implemented the COVID-19 containment policy with stringent measures including lockdown, quarantine of all travelers from out of the UK and isolation of all COVID-19 positive cases. The number of debates raised on how these measures exacerbated the existing health inequalities. Another discussion raised on how the UK dealt with the pandemic by prompting the change of policy at the speed which was only seen during the war time as attempting to contain the spread of the virus and attempting to attain the heard immunity. Two approaches were defined in the COVID-19 containment policy documents: “mitigation” and “suppression”. Suppression was aiming to suppress and minimize COVID-19 virus in the population by implementation of public health interventions. Mitigation was aiming to prevent overburdening of healthcare systems by flattening the pandemic curve and achieve the herd immunity. The public health measures were focusing on protection of vulnerable and high-risk people while allowing transmission in less vulnerable people. Interpretive approach was used in addressing the UK COVID-19 containment policy problem. The author searched the policy documents, debates, government statements and press news from the government officers and peer reviewed articles to critically analyze the COVID-19 policy issues. The author used Bacchi (WPR) framework in this analysis. The study established that UK government promptly tried the best to protect the public health. However, the COVID-19 containment policy in UK exacerbated the existing health inequalities and rose to the fore other socio-economic inequalities that were probably less of a concern prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 and failed to prevent the impacts of the subsequent waves. In preparation of any containment policy in the future, this study calls for the use of mixed health need assessment approaches including epidemiological, corporate and comparative and impact assessment that involve the society as the key stakeholder who is mostly affected by the policy measures of the top-down approaches.
Factors Contributing to Female Teachers Underrepresentation in Schools Leadership: A Case of Sumbawanga, Tanzania
Authors: Mbalilaki Consolata , Oduor Onyango Daniel
Published: May 2022

This study sought to investigate the factors contributing to underrepresentation of female teachers in leadership positions in public secondary schools in Sumbawanga Municipality. The study employed the mixed research approach and convergent parallel research design. The Study sampled a total of 100 respondents out of a population of 687 educational stakeholders. These included 87 teachers, 5 heads of schools, 1 Municipality Executive Officer, 1 Regional Officer, 1 Municipality Education Officer and 5 head prefects. Purposive sampling technique was used to select students, heads of schools as well as all education officers while simple random sampling was used to select teachers. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data. The study concludes that factors that hindered female teachers’ participation in school leadership was lack of consideration of gender when appointing school leaders and nothing else since all possible factors that were suggested in the questionnaire were denied by teachers of both genders. Therefore, gender biasness was a major factor that that brought about the gender imbalance in school leadership positions in the schools under investigation. The study therefore recommends that the appointing authorities should be guided by the affirmative action policy in the appointment of school heads. This will contribute to appointment of more women to leadership positions such as schools heads.
Married Couples’ Perceptions towards Marital Sex: A Case of Kihesa Ward in Iringa, Tanzania
Authors: Juma Mugane Joshua , B. Welwel Michael
Published: May 2022

This study sought to find how married couples perceived marital sex, using the survey Research Design. A total of 200 respondents came from selected marriages found in Kihesa Ward. Such number was obtained through the purposive sampling technique which was followed by effective distribution of questionnaires in gathering the information which was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study established that married couples perceived marital sex as a practice that binds them together emotionally and psychologically. It alienates prostate cancer, irregular menstrual cycles and cardiovascular diseases; it naturally communicates affection and love to the spouses, especially when done into satisfaction. It is helpful in the continuation of spouses’ generation after fusion of gametes, fertilization and conception have taken place. Moreover, married couples agreed that they enjoy doing sex with their spouses. Marital sex should take place in a form of penile-Vaginal penetration, because it is proven to be the most satisfying one as designed by the creator of humanity.
Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning and Students Electricity Concepts: A Case of Secondary Schools in Arusha, Tanzania
Authors: Daniel Mollel Abraham , Minani Evariste , Munezero Vianney , Ngayinteranya Janvier
Published: May 2022

This study sought to establish the effectiveness of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning in improving student’s electricity conceptions among secondary schools in Arusha City through the exploratory research design. The study employed the electricity conceptual achievement tests (pre-test and post-test) within 196 sampled Form Two students. Data was analysed descriptively. The pre-test mean and standard deviation were 38.082 and 16.75719 respectively while the post-test mean scores and standard deviation results were 59.745 and 17.39898, respectively. The study detected deficiency in the understanding of concepts in the non-participatory teaching methods used before the intervention. After the intervention through the CSCL approach, the variations were detected in that students' understanding of concepts in electricity improved. This means that when technology is incorporated, students’ conceptual understanding is enhanced. The study recommends teachers to use digital pedagogical approaches such as CSCL to bring about better learning results.
The Role of Language in Mass Media Anti-HIV/AIDS Campaigns: A Case of a Patriarchal Community, Kenya
Authors: R. Masese Eric
Published: May 2022

This paper examined how language used in mass media in HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns influenced social action towards ill-health behaviors based on the ethnographic data collected from 100 young people aged 19- 40 years over a period of nine months. The sample was selected using snowball and purposive sampling technique. The sample size was determined through saturation method after taking into account diversities such as gender, marital status and level of formal education. Data was collected using themes guided in-depth conversational interviews. Augmentative data was collected from two purposively selected key informants. Data which was in form of narratives was transcribed ad verbatim and was thematically analyzed using the hermeneutics methodological framework. The study found that the language used by mass media in HIV/AIDS campaigns did not take into account language use contextually as it intersected with gender and gendered sexual practices in relation to HIV/AIDS. This created discrepancy in the interpretation of what was being communicated by mass media texts and expected action. As a result, the language used to sensitize and create awareness about HIV/AIDS risk was found to reinforce existing social practices which HIV/AIDS prevention mass media campaigns aim to change. Therefore, any health communication relying on mass media should take into account gendered use of language and sexual practices in relation to HIV/AIDS contextually for maximum effectiveness.
Civic Education Teaching Resources and Teacher Preparedness for Secondary School Competency-Based
Curriculum in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mutale Mulenga Innocent , Ng’andu Moonga
Published: May 2022

This study sought to investigate on Civic Education Teaching Resources and Teacher Preparedness for Secondary School Competency-Based Curriculum in Lusaka, Zambia. The study employed the mixed methods approach, particularly the embedded research design in which 120 secondary school learners and 40 teachers were sampled using stratified random sampling. In addition, 10 Heads of Departments, 10 Head teachers, 2 Education Standards Officers and 1 Civic Education Curriculum Development Specialist were purposively sampled and semi-structured interview guides were used to obtain qualitative data from teachers and school leaders while the questionnaire was used to obtain information from learners. The findings revealed that despite teachers of civic education having being in-serviced on CBC, they were not using recommended teaching methods. It was also revealed that teaching resources were inadequate and teachers lacked an in- depth understanding of how to use teaching resources for effective implementation of the CBC. The study therefore recommended that the Ministry of Education should seriously consider retraining teachers with skills required for competency-based learning. Moreover, during the in-service and pre-service training, teachers should be upskilled in learner centered approachers that are most likely to promote learners acquisition of appropriate civic skills, knowledge and attitudes. Additionally, the Ministry of Education should facilitate and provide adequate teaching and learning resources in secondary schools so as to address the 21st century competencies deficiencies among learners.
Differences between Portfolio and Traditional Test to Prospective Teachers’ Academic Achievement: A Case of Ruaha Catholic University, Tanzania
Authors: Nyinge Baraka
Published: May 2022

The use of portfolios towards prospective teachers’ competence acquisition as compared to tests has been of concern to most scholars worldwide. This study therefore sought to determine differences between test and portfolios in academic achievement among Ruaha Catholic University prospective teachers. It involved the use of descriptive survey research design and was guided by one null hypothesis and one alternative hypothesis. The population of the study was four 450 Ruaha Catholic University second year prospective teachers who were studying research methods in education course for the academic year 2020/2021. The sample of the study was 50 participants who were selected by using simple random sampling. Data was collected by using two instruments namely test and portfolio which were administered and then later scores were used for comparison. Findings indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between test and portfolio in academic achievement among the prospective teachers. The study recommends that higher education institutions should put effort on the use of portfolios as one of authentic assessment tools rather that dominantly using traditional paper and pen tests.
Science Teachers’ Remuneration and Their Job Performance among Government Aided Secondary Schools in Mbarara, Uganda
Authors: Nantale Merab , Atukunda Gershom , Kyayemagye Florah
Published: May 2022

This study sought to investigate on Science Teachers’ remuneration and their Job Performance among Government Aided Secondary Schools in Mbarara District, Uganda. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 126 science teachers and head teachers in seven government-aided secondary schools in Mbarara District. The study randomly sampled 96 science teachers and seven Head Masters using Yamens’ formula. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used as source of data from the field. The study established that parent-teachers association (PTA) and Secondary Science and Mathematics training allowances were the most common allowances in schools under investigation. Extra teaching allowances, salary increment, duty allowance and overtime allowances were moderately perceived to exist. Remuneration motivated teachers in carrying out such school activities as to complete syllabus, to promote good performance and quality of teaching and to attend classes regularly. Therefore, the government through the ministry of education should ensure that science teachers are provided with attractive remunerations in order to sustain their motivation toward teaching.
Quand l’accueil force la transition : migrations, insécurités et transformation urbaine à Garoua Boulaï
Authors: N’NDE Pierre Boris
Published: May 2022

Les déplacements de populations d’une localité à une autre sont de nature à modifier les espaces d’accueil. À Garoua Boulaï, les migrations pour des causes humanitaires qui ont entraîné l’installation des populations centrafricaines ont mis en lumière l’insuffisance, la défectuosité ou l’absence des dispositifs urbains d’accueil. Dès lors la ville se réinvente avec ses nouveaux arrivants mêlant insécurités, économie informelle et nouvelles sécurisations. Les structures ou modalités d’accueil et les nouveaux acteurs qui émergent en vue de contenir, accueillir et gérer les populations en détresse contribuent à façonner la ville en lui proposant une urbanisation par l’étalement. Sortant de son statut de région de transit, la petite ville fortement ruralisée se transforme pour inclure ce que lui suggèrent les nouvelles populations. La transition urbaine qui s’impose dans l’urgence peut être examinée sous l’angle des insécurités. L’humanitarisation et la militarisation qu’imposent les conflits armés dans les villes et villages du pays frontalier, la république centrafricaine, participent à cette transition.
Fuir le Sahel et le Nord burkinabè, se réfugier dans la capitale ouagalaise
Authors: SOMA Assonsi
Published: May 2022

La crise sécuritaire et humanitaire dans les régions du Sahel et du Nord du Burkina Faso a contraint de nombreuses familles à fuir la zone afin d’échapper à la mort ou à la violence. La ville de Ouagadougou, capitale du pays, a été choisie par certaines personnes déplacées comme lieu de refuge. L’objectif principal de cette étude est, d’une part, de cerner les motivations du choix de cette ville par les personnes déplacées internes comme lieu de refuge privilégié. D’autre part, elle vise à analyser les capacités des autorités à trouver des solutions efficientes pour l’insertion socioterritoriale des nouveaux et nouvelles arrivant·e·s, les effets pervers de la fabrique tous azimuts de nouveaux territoires spontanés par ces derniers dans la ville en termes d’occupation harmonieuse de l’espace et de cohabitation pacifique et les stratégies de résilience développées pour leur survie. Pour ce faire, l’étude s’appuie sur un corpus de textes existants sur le sujet et des données recueillies sur le terrain au moyen de l’observation directe. Elle permet ainsi de relever les attitudes mitigées de l’accueil, particulièrement la méfiance des différents acteurs vis-à-vis de l’arrivée massive des déplacé·e·s internes, dans l’option d’envisager une meilleure insertion socioterritoriale de cette population en détresse.
Penser et construire la ville-accueil entre résilience et durabilité. Entretien avec Cyrille Hanappe
Authors: N'NDE Pierre Boris
Published: May 2022

« En Amérique du Nord, la ville s’est constituée par les ghettos; ceux qui arrivaient en ville et pour une génération au moins, le temps d’être assimilé dans le pays, les migrants demeuraient dans les ghettos. Aujourd’hui, c’est devenu touristique dans plusieurs villes états-uniennes : ‘‘little Italy’’, ‘‘China town’’, ‘‘little Odessa’’. Le ghetto, c’est un endroit où les migrants restaient au moins le temps d’une génération, en ressortaient quand ils estimaient être assez intégrés dans les logiques du pays d’accueil ou alors lorsqu’ils aspiraient à des ambitions plus grandes que celles des ghettos. En France ou en Europe, ces logiques de ghetto sont particulières, on ne les aime pas du tout pour des raisons bonnes et mauvaises. Le fait que les espaces urbains soient onéreux perturbe l’existence des ghettos. Les villes se retrouvent de plus en plus avec des migrants marginalisés », souligne Cyrille Hanappe dans l’entretien accordé à la revue Gari.
Informalité, appropriation populaire et projection d’espaces urbains sécurisés
Authors: N’NDE Pierre Boris , TALLA Guy Sylvain
Published: May 2022

Les villes africaines et plus précisément camerounaises sont au cœur de transformations dues en grande partie aux investissements communautaires et populaires. À partir d’un projet de sécurisation des quartiers urbains devant les insuffisances de la sécurité publique, les communautés arrivent à s’organiser de manière informelle pour protéger les habitant·e·s et répondre aux menaces d’insécurité. Cette réponse procède par une forme de gouvernance locale qui leur est propre et qui agit non seulement à travers l’occupation des espaces, mais à travers l’appropriation des lieux et places en vue de les redéfinir. D’une vision pour la sécurité des quartiers, les communautés engagées mobilisent toutes sortes d’énergie et de ressources afin de donner à leur quartier une dynamique rêvée, imaginaire, futuriste, utopique. L’utopie qui naît, l’utopie sécuritaire n’est qu’une projection imagée de la ville du futur telle que pensée par les communautés. Son exécution peut donc se faire sous certaines contraintes ou sous la violence.
Les Oublié·e·s
Authors: NGASSAM Yvon
Published: May 2022

Les Oublié·e·s est une série tirée de l’exposition TRACES présentée en première à l’Espace doual’art du 16 octobre au 27 novembre 2021. Appareil photo à la main, l’artiste Yvon Ngassam a pointé son objectif sur les invisibles de la crise de Boko haram qui affecte sérieusement la stabilité du bassin du Lac Tchad. Côté Cameroun, on y découvre des drames individuels qui font retentir la détresse collective des populations déplacées. Dans la douleur des atrocités, l’humain rêve entres autres de pain, de retour à la stabilité, d’un avenir radieux pour sa descendance, pour l’humanité et lui-même, sans jamais pouvoir véritablement panser les cicatrices de ce passé qui peine à s’effacer. Enfants, femmes, jeunes, vieux et vieilles vivent le déplacement en écoutant leur expérience et leurs espérances. L’espoir n’est jamais bien loin pour ces gens dont on ne parle que le temps d’un reportage, d’un article ou d’une exposition. À la réalité, chaque artiste utilise son moyen d’expression pour parler à la conscience humaine, appeler à plus de responsabilité et pousser à l’action. Dans ce travail, l’art est mis au service de l’humanité en donnant la parole aux sans-voix.