bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA kinks behavior in the potential pit-trap
Authors: Krasnobaeva Larisa A. , Yakushevich Ludmila V.
Published: June 2022

For better understanding the role of dynamic factors in the DNA functioning, it is important to study the internal mobility of DNA and, in particular, the movement of nonlinear conformational distortions -kinks along the DNA chains. In this work, we study the behavior of the kinks in the pPF1 plasmid containing two genes of fluorescent proteins (EGFP and mCherry). To simulate the movement, two coupled nonlinear sine-Gordon equations that describe the angular oscillations of nitrogenous bases in the main and complementary chains and take into account the effects of dissipation and the action of a constant torsion field. To solve the equations, approximate methods such as the quasi-homogeneous approximation, the mean field method, and the block method, were used. The obtained solutions indicate that two types of kinks moving along the double strand can be formed in any part of the plasmid. The profiles of the potential fields in which these kinks are moving are calculated. The results of the calculations show that the lowest energy required for the kink formation, corresponds to the region located between the genes of green and red proteins (EGFP and mCherry). It is shown that it is in this region a pit trap is located for both kinks. Trajectories of the kinks in the pit-trap and nearby are constructed. It is shown that there are threshold values of the torsion field, upon reaching which the kinks behavior changes dramatically: there is a transition from cyclic motion inside the pit-trap to translational motion and exit from the potential pit-trap.
The travelling wave solutions of nonlinear evolution equations with both a dissipative term and a positive integer power term
Authors: Li Lingxiao , Zhang Jinliang , Wang Mingliang
Published: June 2022

The formula of solution to a nonlinear ODE with an undetermined coefficient and a positive integer power term of dependent variable have been obtained by the transformation of dependent variable and $(\frac{{G'}}{G})$-expansion method. The travelling wave reduction ODEs (perhaps, after integration and identical deformation) of a class of nonlinear evolution equations with a dissipative term and a positive integer power term of dependent variable that includes GKdV-Burgers equation, GKP-Burgers equation, GZK-Burgers equation, GBoussinesq equation and GKlein-Gordon equation, are all attributed to the same type of ODEs as the nonlinear ODE considered. The kink type of travelling wave solutions for these nonlinear evolution equations are obtained in terms of the formula of solution to the nonlinear ODE considered.
Experiences of wellbeing and resilience among refugee mothers and families in Calgary during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of participation in HIPPY, a home visiting program
Authors: Zivot Chloe , Dewey Cate , Brockington Meghan , Nwebube Chioma , Asfour Ghaid , Vattikonda Natasha , Bell Debbie , Srinivasan Sharada , Little Matthew
Published: June 2022

In order to provide meaningful and effective support to refugees in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during post-pandemic recovery efforts, it is critical to explore the experiences of refugee mothers and families during the pandemic, and to identify sources of resilience that can be leveraged to promote individual and household wellbeing. From November 2020 to June 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with mothers from refugee backgrounds (n = 28) who resettled in Calgary, Alberta and are currently participating in the Multicultural Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. Interviews were conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams; we sought to better understand the pathways and barriers to wellbeing experienced by refugee mothers during the pandemic. The results indicate that the refugee mothers and families in our study experienced widespread disruptions to education and employment and increased motherhood burden, contributing to diminished wellbeing. Mental health was further impacted by heightened levels of worry, stress and social isolation, as well as intense fear pertaining to the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Some mothers reported experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare services and reliable health information during the pandemic. In the face of these challenges, the mothers demonstrated great resilience and identified tangible individual, household and extra-household factors and resources that supported them in coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our findings suggest that participation in HIPPY played a significant role in fostering the resilience of the participating mothers and families during the pandemic, speaking to the potential of home visiting intervention models in mitigating household hardship during current and future public health crises.
Chemical characterization of baru oil and its by-product from the northwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Borges L.A. , Souto R.N.B. , Nascimento A.L.A. , Soares J.F. , Paiva C.L. , Brandi I.V. , Lima J.P.
Published: June 2022

This study investigated baru oil and partially defatted baru flour from the northwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The physicochemical characterization of the oil was made by determining the fatty acid profile using gas chromatography, lutein, and α- and β- carotenes by means of high-performance liquid chromatography, and total carotenoids by spectrophotometry. The flour was analyzed for its chemical composition, fiber, and mineral contents. Baru oil presented excellent quality parameters and high contents in unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. The flour showed relevant levels of proteins, lipids, and dietary fiber, in addition to having representative mineral contents for food such as manganese, magnesium, and copper. Thus, baru oil and the by-product of its extraction offer a rich chemical composition, and their application may add nutritional value to foods in addition to reducing negative environmental impacts.
Time Division Multiple Access for Remote Lab (TDMA-RL)
Authors: Elmissaoui Taoufik
Published: June 2022

The new technologies development has enabled us to build a remote lab system for multiple disciplines. The remote lab system becomes an essential for eLearning system. Multiple solution has been provided in the literature for building remote laboratory. All existing and commercialized system do not provide the multiusers process at the same time. In fact, each student must make a reservation before using the remote lab. In this paper, we have proposed and tested a new method that enable multi student to have the benefits of the remote laboratory at the same time. Our solution is based on the Time Division Multiple Access for Remote Lab (TDMA-RL). Each student can use the laboratory equipment at a fixed slot time. Our application can manage the frame send for each learner. The remotely learner can not feel the existing of the other persons due to the equipment speed and the good management time of application. The number of users varies the equipment lab characteristics.
U-Net Based Chest X-ray Segmentation with Ensemble Classification for Covid-19 and Pneumonia
Authors: Kumarasinghe Hashara , Kolonne Shammi , Fernando Chamodi , Meedeniya Dulani
Published: June 2022

Respiratory diseases have been known to be a main cause of death worldwide. Pneumonia and Covid-19 are two of the dominant diseases. Several deep learning based studies are available in the literature that classifies infection conditions in chest X-ray images. In addition, image segmentation has been also applied to obtain promising results in deep learning approaches. This paper focuses on using a modified version of the U-Net architecture to conduct segmentation on chest X-rays and then use segmented images for classification to assess the impact on the performance. We achieved an Intersection over Union of 93.53% with the proposed modified U-Net architecture and achieved 99.83% accuracy on segmentation aided ensemble classification.
Une méthodologie d’évaluation d’un dispositif d’aide aux primo-entrants à l’université
Authors: Bournaud Isabelle , Pamphile Patrick
Published: June 2022

Evaluer un dispositif pédagogique est une préoccupation importante des universités françaises aujourd’hui. D’une part parce que ces dispositifs s’inscrivant dans la lutte contre l’échec massif en premier cycle universitaire, ils sont considérés comme un investissement; et d’autre part dans le cadre de l’amélioration de la qualité des formations. Cet article présente une méthodologie d’évaluation d’un dispositif pédagogique basée sur trois critères de qualité identifiés dans la littérature : l’efficacité pédagogique, l’efficience et l’équité pédagogique. Ces critères sont évalués à partir d’indicateurs calculés sur la perception de maîtrise rapportée par les étudiants sur les thèmes travaillés dans le dispositif. Cette méthodologie est illustrée sur un dispositif mis en place dans une des composantes de l’Université Paris-Saclay.
CLASSIFICATION OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION USING DAG-CNN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Sabi S. , Jacob Jaya Mary , Gopi Varun P.
Published: June 2022

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the prime reason for vision impairment observed in major countries worldwide. Hence an accurate early detection of the disease is vital for more research in this area. Also, having a thorough eye diagnosis to detect AMD is a complex job. This paper introduces a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure-based Convolutional Neural network (CNN) architecture to better classify Dry or Wet AMD. The DAG architecture can combine features from multiple layers to provide better results. The DAG model also has the capacity to learn multi-level visual properties to increase classification accuracy. Fine tuning of DAG-based CNN model helps in improving the performance of the network. The training and testing of the proposed model are carried out with the Mendeley data set and achieved an accuracy of 99.2% with an AUC value of 0.9999. The proposed model also obtains better results for other parameters such as precision, recall and F1-score. Performance of the proposed network is also compared to that of the related works performed on the same data set. This shows ability of the proposed method to grade AMD images to help early detection of the disease. The model also performs computationally efficient for real-time applications as it does the classification process with few learnable parameters and fewer Floating-Point Operations (FLOPs).
Mathematical Model for Image Processing Using Graph Theory
Authors: Dahal Rajshree , Gupta Ritwika Das , Samanta Debabrata
Published: June 2022

Image segmentation being an important aspect of computer systems, graph theory provides the most elemental way of representing various parts of an image into mathematical structures. There are many applications of image segmentations including face recognition systems, remote sensing, detecting images sent by satellites, optometry, medical image reading, and many more. Bi-partite graphs are useful in determination of cuts in the segmentation process. These structures are analysed by considering each vertex as pixel, and each weight is some aspect of dissimilarity for two vertices connected by an edge with weights. This makes the problem-solving part very flexible, and their computation becomes easy and fast. The problem is usually parted into small subgraphs that are bound under some continuous forms of graphs like spanning trees, cut vertices or edges, shortest paths graphs, and so on. The cluster formation is proved to be one of most commonly used methods in image segmentation.
AI-Driven COVID-19 Patient Screening With Design Thinking Approach- C3IA Tool
Authors: Dhavale Sunita Vikrant
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, the authors discuss a brief literature review on AI-driven COVID-19 patient screening technologies along with their pros and cons. Next, they discuss the need of human-centric design thinking in AI-driven solutions. Next, in this study, a novel C3IA (CNN-based COVID-19 chest image analysis) tool for automatic COVID-19 detection with multi-class classification (COVID/normal/pneumonia) using raw chest x-ray images is proposed. The authors implemented a two-stream CNN architecture with two pre-trained VGG-16 models, which incorporates both segmented and un-segmented image features. The trained model is tested on more than 500 Indian patient x-ray image datasets and confirmed accuracy of 99% in detecting COVID signatures. Further, in this work, the authors discuss how the design thinking approach is followed in various stages while developing the product to provide a user-friendly efficient real-time COVID-19 chest x-ray image analysis for the common citizen.
An Approach on Image Steganography Based on the Least Significant Bit Algorithm
Authors: Murugan Karthik Chelakkara , Samanta Debabrata , Goswami Mausumi
Published: June 2022

Steganography is the practice of communication by covering information within other information mediums. The goal of steganography is to hide information in such a way that it remains hidden so that it looks normal from a commoner's perspective. It has been prevalent since ancient times, with the first use dating back to 440 BC in Greece. The etymology of steganography is a combination of the Greek words: steganos, “covered,” and graphia, “writing.” The modern usage of steganography, termed digital steganography, hides information in files stored on a computer. A standard steganography algorithm has three essential components: carrier, message, and key. Carrier is the file that carries the message and an optional key to add a layer of authentication. Researchers have implemented steganography utilizing different carriers, for example, image, audio, and text. The carrier may or may not have any relation with the confidential information. Image steganography is a type of steganography that deals with hiding a message in an image file. The image, as a result, ends up with noise.
Understanding of the Exploratory Graph Theoretical Approach for Data Analysis With Supervised and Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Muloor Kiran Hemanthraj , Sahu Somesh Kumar , Dahal Rajshree
Published: June 2022

Information is a vital part of optimizing the effectiveness, profitability, and dynamic abilities of organizations of all sizes, which leads to expanded deals, profits, and benefits. Currently, organizations deal with immense datasets, but owning a lot of data doesn't boost the business unless ventures investigate the available data and drive authoritative development. It is possible to automate exploratory data analysis to save a lot of time and effort, since we no longer need to write code for each visualization and statistical analysis. Automation of the process generates a report that includes all the visualization and data analysis as well.
There is more to satellite imagery than meets the eye
Authors: Bergquist Robert , Malone John B.
Published: June 2022

Not available.
Rare-earth elements of Permian through Cretaceous strata of the Sverdrup Basin, Nunavut and Northwest Territories
Authors: Grasby S E , Galloway J M
Published: June 2022

This report provides new rare earth element (REE) data from Permian through to Late Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Sverdrup Basin, along with focused analyses on phosphate nodules that occur in the Middle Triassic Murray Harbour Formation. Results show the
overall sedimentary values are low, however phosphate nodules are highly enriched in REEs.
Construct validity and reliability of the perceived stress scale for nursing students in South Africa
Authors: Engelbrecht Michelle C.
Published: June 2022

Background: Increased levels of stress in nursing students are negatively related to caring behaviours and also result in poorer job proficiency and nurses who are more inclined to leave the profession. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), developed by Sheu and colleagues, is one of the most cited instruments for measuring stress and sources of stress amongst nursing students in international studies. However, it has not been widely validated for this purpose.Objectives: This research aimed to test the construct validity and reliability of the PSS for South African nursing students.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a Central South African University, and 471 of the 685 registered nursing students (68.8% response rate) participated in the study. Questionnaires were distributed and collected during classes. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the hypothesised six-factor latent structure and determine the construct validity of the PSS. The internal consistency of the PSS was measured using Cronbach’s alpha.Results: The model fit was a good fit and supported the six-factor latent structure as stress from (1) taking care of patients, (2) teachers and nursing staff, (3) assignments and workload, (4) peers and daily life, (5) lack of professional knowledge and skills and (6) clinical environment. Overall the PSS had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93.Conclusion: The results confirm the construct validity and the internal consistency of the PSS for South African nursing students.
The role of women in promoting voluntary medical male circumcision uptake: Literature review
Authors: Danda Grace , Mavundla Thandisizwe , Mudokwenyu-Rawdon Christina
Published: June 2022

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a global strategy for reducing female-to-male sexual transmission of HIV. Women whose partners are circumcised benefit from a reduced risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases; making their role in VMMC critical. The objective of our study was to identify and synthesize existing evidence related to women’s role in promoting VMMC from a regional perspective. The review and selection process were guided by the Problem; Intervention; Comparison and Outcome (PICO) model, which facilitated the exclusion of irrelevant studies. The search strategy search terms for the PICO components with synonyms, related terms and specialist terms were harvested from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)© and Embase©. The inclusion criteria were published studies in English and relevant to women’s role in VMMC for the prevention of HIV between 2007 and 2020. Four key categories emerged from the literature as follows: role of women, VMMC uptake, barriers and facilitators of VMMC. The majority of the studies concur on the importance of involving women in VMMC uptake as they have the power to negotiate with their male partners through communication and can persuade men to be circumcised, making it a joint decision. The benefits of VMMC in improving sexual pleasure and attractiveness of the penis seemed to positively convince women to influence and educate men to improve the uptake of VMMC. Women are motivated to convince men to undergo male circumcision (MC) because of the benefits associated with them such as reduction of HIV transmission and cervical cancer. There are, however, limited studies focusing on women’s involvement in VMMC; hence, more research to explore this area is recommended.Contribution: This review revealed the important role played by women in influencing men to undergo MC but highlight the need for more studies on women’s involvement in VMMC.
Taking stock of oral history archives in a village in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa: Are preservation and publishing feasible?
Authors: Zimu-Biyela Acquinatta N.
Published: June 2022

In South Africa, the way oral history archives of rural villagers are managed calls for attention as it can limit the inclusivity, visibility, accessibility and socio-economic development of rural communities, especially the younger generation. This article reports on a study that aimed to unpack some of the opportunities and challenges regarding the preservation and publishing of oral history archives faced by a village community in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. In addition, the study aimed to determine what the community knew about the South African legislative requirements regarding the management of oral history archives. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, grounded theory design and a constructivist paradigm. The postmodernist theory helped in gaining insight into how the principle of provenance is central when trying to understand the importance of inclusivity in the management of archives in this digital era. The 21st century is haunted by many socio-economic challenges such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), poverty, unemployment, inequality and social exclusion and giving space to the long-neglected oral history archives and counter archives or identity archives cannot be over-emphasised. In this context, such an initiative is viewed as critical in curbing the scourges of inequality, social exclusion and unemployment, particularly among the younger generation.Contribution: This article calls for the reimagining of the way oral history archives of a village are managed, preserved and published. In doing so, the use of a postmodernist approach and the provenance principle are viewed as critical in helping promote inclusivity and visibility of the long-neglected archives. The article argues that this approach may also help improve some of the socio-economic challenges faced by a village community when managing their oral history archives.
Hiring labourers for the vineyard and making sense of God’s grace at work: An empirical investigation in hermeneutical theory and ordinary theology
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Smith Greg , Astley Jeff
Published: June 2022

The Matthean parable of the labourers in the vineyard is open to multiple interpretations. For some, the parable may speak of God’s unlimited grace and generosity; for others the parable may speak of God’s unfairness. The present study is set within the context of an emerging interest in the concept of grace as a topic for empirical enquiry. The study draws on the theoretical framework provided by the notion of ordinary theology and employs the sensing, intuition, feeling and thinking (SIFT) approach to biblical hermeneutics, which is rooted in Jungian psychological type theory. Data were drawn from two one-day workshops with Church of England Readers (lay ministers). On each occasion the participants were divided into three separate groups according to their preferences for thinking or feeling (the two judging functions proposed by psychological type theory) and within these groups they were invited to explore the messages about grace in Matthew 20:1–15 (Jesus’ parable of the labourers in the vineyard). The rich data gathered from these workshops generated insights into contemporary theologies of grace and also confirmed the hypothesis that a biblical interpretation of grace is shaped by the reader’s psychological type preference for thinking or feeling. While feeling types tended to empathise, thinking types pondered motives and unfairness.Contribution: Situated within the reader perspective approach to biblical hermeneutics, the SIFT method is concerned with identifying the influence of the psychological type of the reader in shaping the interpretation of sacred text. Employing this method, the present study contributes to three fields of scholarship: to the field of homiletics and hermeneutics, to the field of ordinary theology and to the emerging field concerned with the concept of grace as a topic for empirical enquiry.
Hifz Al-Din (maintaining religion) and Hifz Al-Ummah (developing national integration): Resistance of Muslim youth to non-Muslim leader candidates in election
Authors: Nasution Muhammad Syukri Albani , Syam Syafruddin , Matsum Hasan , Siregar Putra Apriadi , Dayu Wulan
Published: June 2022

Resistance towards non-Muslim leaders emerged when the case of blasphemy against Islam was brought against Basuki Tjahya Purnama, known as Ahok, as the governor of DKI Jakarta at that time (DKI Jakarta is mostly inhabited by Muslims). The case of blasphemy committed by Ahok has triggered the resistance of Muslims towards non-Muslim candidates for the regional leader election. This study uses a cross-sectional design conducted by interviewing 1121 Muslim youths who participated in regional head elections in North Sumatra. Multivariate analysis in this study used a logistic regression test with JAPS 16 software. The results of this study indicate that Muslim youth in North Sumatra province have high resistance to non-Muslim candidates for regional heads (governor and mayor). Hifz Al-Din [maintaining religion] (p 0.001; Exp [β] = 2.505) is seen to affect the resistance of Muslim youth to non-Muslim governor candidates; Hifz Al-Din (p 0.001; Exp [β] = 2.053) is seen to affect the resistance of Muslim youth to non-Muslim mayoral candidates; Hifz Al-Ummah [developing national integration] (p = 0.001; [β] = 2.194) is seen to have influenced the resistance of Muslim youth to non-Muslim governor candidates; Hifz Al-Ummah (p = 0.011; Exp [β] = 1.800) affects the resistance of Muslim youth to non-Muslim mayoral candidates. Muslim youth have high resistance to non-Muslim leaders when participating in elections. Muslim youth are afraid that prospective non-Muslim leaders will make various policies that will make it difficult for Muslims to carry out various kinds of worship performed by Muslims.Contribution: This study is expected to provide information for non-Muslim leader candidates about the fear of Muslim youth against non-Muslim candidates for the regional leader election, especially regarding the policies to carry out worship for Muslims and to maintain the unity of the Ummah.
Climate change knowledge, concerns and experiences in secondary school learners in South Africa
Authors: Kutywayo Alison , Chersich Matthew , Naidoo Nicolette P. , Scorgie Fiona , Bottoman Likho , Mullick Saiqa
Published: June 2022

Climate change poses a major threat to the future of today’s youth. Globally, young people are at the forefront of climate change activism. Their ability to engage, however, depends on the level of knowledge of climate change and concern about the topic. We sought to examine levels of knowledge and concerns about climate change among youth in South Africa, and their experiences of heat exposure. Ten questions on climate change knowledge, concerns and experiences were nested within a cross-sectional survey conducted in a cluster randomised trial among 924 secondary school learners in 14 public schools in low-income Western Cape areas. Learners’ mean age was 15.8 years and they were predominately female. While 72.0% of respondents knew that climate change leads to higher temperatures, only 59.7% agreed that human activity is responsible for climate change, and 58.0% believed that climate change affects human health. Two thirds (68.7%) said that climate change is a serious issue and 65.9% indicated action is needed for prevention. Few learners indicated climate change events had affected them, although many reported difficulties concentrating during hot weather (72.9%). Female learners had lower knowledge levels than male learners, but more frequent heat-related symptoms. Learners scoring high on knowledge questions expressed the most concern about climate change and had the highest heat impacts. Many youth seem unaware that climate change threatens their future. Heat-related symptoms are common, likely undermining educational performance, especially as temperatures escalate. More is needed to mainstream climate change into South African school curricula.
COVID-19 and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) in South Africa
Authors: Zindi Beauty , Shava Elvin
Published: June 2022

Background: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 demands that countries globally provide clean water and sanitation to their citizens. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic triggered various obstacles to the attainment of this goal, especially in developing states that struggle to render clean water and sanitation to their ever-growing populations.Aim: The aim of the study is to analyse the effects of COVID-19 on the attainment of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) in South African municipalities.Setting: Several South African municipalities.Methods: The article utilised expansive documentary sources on the SDGs, United Nations and World Health documents, journal articles and textbooks on water service provision in South African municipalities for analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis based on documents was employed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the attainment of SDG 6 in South African municipalities.Results: The study indicates that local municipalities struggled to provide clean water to informal settlements where water supply infrastructure is not even available. Results also revealed that some urban municipalities in Gauteng Province are grappling with the provision of clean water supply to their informal settlements, which poses a risk of an outbreak of COVID-19 and a delay in the attainment of SDG 6 in general.Conclusion: The study concludes that the South African government needs to embrace a truly bottom-up approach as opposed to a trickle-down approach to water service provision. This is because local authorities have greater proximity and thus a better understanding of the social and economic challenges within their communities and can effectively implement strategies towards addressing these challenges of providing clean water to communities.
A toolkit to aid in the education and training of supply chain members for the efficient distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine: A South African case
Authors: Stofberg-Müller Suzanne , Goedhals-Gerber Leila L. , Van Eeden Joubert
Published: June 2022

Background: Since the roll-out of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines worldwide, South Africa has had to adjust and overcome challenges associated with the safe and effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to its citizens. Vaccines are biological products, and many supply chain factors could influence product integrity and efficacy. This study focuses on aiding the logistics industry in understanding the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain around its handling, storage, and transportation requirements.Objectives: The study had five objectives. Firstly, to understand the functionality and components of a vaccine supply chain and, secondly to identify the stakeholders involved and their roles. Thirdly, the researchers wanted to comprehend and clarify the cold chain protocols for each category of the COVID-19 vaccines procured and the appropriate international best practices. The last two objectives were to identify the skill and training requirements of stakeholders on all levels, and using these inputs in creating an educational toolkit, aimed at operationally involved supply chain stakeholders.Method: The researchers made use of both primary and secondary data, focusing mostly on collecting data through a literature review, stakeholder analysis, and interview process.Results: The study outcome was a COVID-19 vaccine educational toolkit with four tools addressing the research objectives: (1) An identification of all vaccine supply chain stakeholders, (2) vaccine categorisation according to type and equipment required, (3) handling, storage, and delivery protocols, and (4) vaccine supply chain skill and training requirements.Conclusion: These tools can be used as a basis when educating and/or training COVID-19 vaccine supply chain employees on different levels and stages.
Phylogenetic placement of the enigmatic Floodplain water snake, Lycodonomorphus obscuriventris FitzSimons, 1964
Authors: Keates Chad , Conradie Werner , Dalu Tatenda , Dondofema Farai , Riddel Eddie S. , Wasserman Ryan J.
Published: June 2022

Lycodonomorphus is a genus of lamprophiid water snake endemic in Africa. Although widespread, abundant and presumably an important component of many aquatic and semi-aquatic food webs, these snakes are poorly understood taxonomically, particularly from a phylogenetic perspective. With only four of the nine species currently sequenced, this study attempts to improve our understanding of the evolutionary relationships within the genus through the phylogenetic placement of one of the most elusive species, Lycodonomorphus obscuriventris. Collected in the Ramsar declared Makuleke Wetlands in northern Kruger National Park (South Africa), the sample used in this study not only yielded the first DNA sequences for the taxon but also represented the most northerly South African record, bridging the gap between the southern and northern populations. The snake was sequenced for three partial mitochondrial genes (16S, Cyt-b, ND4) and one partial nuclear gene (c-mos) and phylogenetically placed, relative to the rest of the genus, using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). Sequence divergences between sister taxa were also estimated using pairwise distance analysis. The concatenated phylogenetic reconstruction yielded similar topological structuring when compared to phylogenies from past articles, with both the ML and BI algorithms recovering strong support for L. obscuriventris as sister to a clade comprising of L. whytii + L. laevissimus + L. rufulus. The phylogenetic placement, albeit based on a single sample, challenges the original placement (morphological) of L. obscuriventris as sub-specific within L. whytii, suggesting that multiple species concepts should be considered when delineating species within this group.Conservation implications: Prior to the discovery of the new record, the global distribution of L. obscuriventris was characterised by two disjunct populations. The new record bridges the distribution gap between these two populations, rendering the distribution continuous. This bodes well for the species as there is likely no barrier to gene flow, thereby buffering the species from localised threats given the more expansive distribution. Furthermore, given that the specimen was sampled from the Kruger National Park, the species is likely to be well-protected as much of its distribution within South Africa seems to fall within protected areas.
Development of a Zimbabwean child growth curve and its comparison with the World Health Organization child growth standards
Authors: Marume Anesu , Moherndran Archary , Tinarwo Partson , Mahomed Saajida
Published: June 2022

Background: There is limited research that describes the growth trajectories of African children. The development of World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards considered a sample of children who lived in environments optimum for human growth.Aim: This study aimed to develop weight-for-age and height-for-age growth curves from the Zimbabwean 2018 National Nutrition Survey and compare them with the WHO growth standards.Setting: Study participants were recruited from all districts in Zimbabwe.Methods: Height-for-age and weight-for-age data collected from 32 248 children were used to develop the Zimbabwean references. Smooth growth curves (height, weight and body mass index [BMI]-for-age) were estimated with the Lambda Mu Sigma (LMS) method and compared with the WHO growth standards.Results: Zimbabwean children were shorter and weighed less in comparison with the WHO growth standards. The –2 standard deviation (s.d.) Z-score curves (height-for-age) for Zimbabwean children (boys and girls) were below the –1 s.d. Z-score curves of the WHO growth standards. The Zimbabwean Z-scores (BMI-for-age) values above –1 s.d. were significantly higher in comparison with the corresponding WHO growth standards.Conclusion: Utilising the WHO growth standards would diagnose a higher proportion of Zimbabwean children as stunted whilst underestimating the proportion at risk of obesity. The WHO growth standards lack a consideration of the geographical, economic, political and environmental constraints existing between countries.
Perspectives on sexual history taking in routine primary care consultations in North West, South Africa: Disconnect between patients and doctors
Authors: Pretorius Deidré , Mlambo Motlatso G. , Couper Ian D.
Published: June 2022

Background: Sexual history is rarely taken in routine consultations and research reported on common barriers that doctors experience, such as gender, age and cultural differences. This article focuses on how patients and doctors view sexual history taking during a consultation and their perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of sexual history taking.Aim: This study aimed to explore doctors’ and patients’ perspectives on sexual history taking during routine primary care consultations with patients at risk of sexual dysfunction.Setting: The research was conducted in primary care facilities in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Health District, North West province.Methods: This was part of grounded theory research, involving 151 adult patients living with hypertension and diabetes and 21 doctors they consulted. Following recording of routine consultations, open-ended questions on the demographic questionnaire and brief interactions with patients and doctors were documented and analysed using open inductive coding. The code matrix and relations browsers in MaxQDA software were used.Results: There was a disconnect between patients and doctors regarding their expectations on initiating the discussion on sexual challenges and relational and clinical priorities in the consultation. Patients wanted a doctor who listens. Doctors wanted patients to tell them about sexual dysfunction. Other minor barriers included gender, age and cultural differences and time constraints.Conclusion: A disconnect between patients and doctors caused by the doctors’ perceived clinical priorities and screening expectations inhibited sexual history taking in a routine consultation in primary care.
Evaluation of the child growth monitoring programme in two Zimbabwean provinces
Authors: Marume Anesu , Mahomed Saajida , Archary Moherndran
Published: June 2022

Background: The child growth monitoring (CGM) programme is an important element of nutrition programmes, and when combined with other child health programmes, it can assist in successful management and control of malnutrition in children.Aim: This study aimed to assess the extent to which the CGM programme is able to identify instances of childhood malnutrition and how much this contributes towards malnutrition reduction in Zimbabwe.Setting: The study was conducted in Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces of Zimbabwe. The two provinces were purposively selected for having the highest and least proportion of children affected by stunting in the country.Methods: The CGM programme in Zimbabwe was evaluated using the logic model to assess the ability of the programme to identify growth faltering and link children to appropriate care.Results: Records from 60 health facilities were reviewed. Interviews were conducted with 60 nurses, 100 village health workers (VHWs) and 850 caregivers (300 health facility exit interviews, 450 community based). Nearly all (92%) health facilities visited had functional measuring scales. Twelve health facilities (20%) had no functional height board, with five using warped height boards for measuring children’s height. Less than a quarter (21%) of the children had complete records for weight for age and height for age. A large proportion of children eligible for admission for the management of moderate (83%) and severe malnutrition (84%) were missed.Conclusion: The CGM programme in Zimbabwe is not well equipped for assessing child height for age and management of children identified with malnutrition, thus failing to timely identify and manage childhood stunting.
Early removal of etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant at a community health centre in Pretoria
Authors: Moeti Dikonketjo M.P. , Govender Indiran , Bongongo Tombo
Published: June 2022

Background: The etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant offers efficacy for three years, but some women remove it earlier than prescribed. This study discusses factors associated with the early removal of these implants at a Pretoria community health centre between 01 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.Methods: A cross-sectional study using a piloted and researcher assistant-administered questionnaire.Results: Of the 124 participants who removed their etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant earlier than prescribed, most were single, unemployed, in the age group 30–39 years, Christian, with secondary level education and with parity one or more. Etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant pre-insertion counselling was given to all participants, most of whom had not previously used contraceptives. Those participants with previous contraceptive use had used injectables. Long-term contraception was the main reason for getting the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant. Most participants did not attend post-insertion counselling. Heavy bleeding was the most common side effect and reason for early removal. Fifty-one participants kept the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant in for a longer period of 12–23 months. From participants’ responses, it seems that Etonogestrel implants may be offered from as early as 15–20 years of age.Conclusion: Women having etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implants removed early at a Pretoria community health centre tended to be young, single, unemployed, Christian, with a secondary level education and with parity one or more. All participants attended the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant pre-insertion counselling services but not the post-counselling services. Heavy bleeding was the main reason for the early removal of the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant.
Acute myocardial infarction at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal – Management and outcomes
Authors: Badat Zakariya , Rangiah Selvandran
Published: June 2022

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The condition remains a management challenge in resource-constrained environments. This study analysed the management and outcomes of patients presenting with AMI at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: A descriptive study that assessed hospital records of all patients diagnosed with AMI over a 2-year period (01 August 2016 to 31 July 2018). Data extracted recorded patient demographics, risk factors, timing of care, therapeutic interventions, follow up with cardiology and mortality of patients.Results: Of the 140 patients who were admitted with AMI, 96 hospital records were analysed. The mean (standard deviation [s.d.]) age of patients was 55.8 (±12.7) years. Smoking (73.5%) and hypertension (63.3%) were the most prevalent risk factors for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in contrast to dyslipidaemia (70.2%) and hypertension (68.1%) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Almost 49.5% of patients arrived at hospital more than 6 h after symptom onset. Three (12.5%) patients received thrombolytic therapy within the recommended 30-min time frame. The mean triage-to-needle time was 183 min – range (3; 550). Median time to cardiology appointment was 93 days. The in-hospital mortality of 12 deaths considering 140 admissions was 8.6%.Conclusion: In a resource-constrained environment with multiple systemic challenges, in-hospital mortality is comparable to that in private sector conditions in South Africa. This entrenches the role of the family physician. There is need for more coordinated systems of care for AMI between district hospitals and tertiary referral centres.
Factors associated with viral suppression among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Free State province, South Africa
Authors: Elashi Balsam A.Y. , Van Wyk Brian E.
Published: June 2022

Background: In 2019, about 1.7 million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years were living with HIV worldwide, of which 170 000 were newly infected with HIV in 2019. South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV. Although there has been major improvement in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), it is still unclear what proportion of adolescents (aged 10–19 years) are virally suppressed in the provinces of South Africa.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of and the factors associated with viral suppression among adolescents (10–19 years) on ART in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality of the Free State province of South Africa.Method: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of demographic, clinical and treatment-related information that were extracted from an electronic database was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.Results: The median duration on ART was 6.58 years. Although 78% (n = 4520) of adolescents living with HIV who were on ART achieved viral suppression ( 1000 copies/mL), only 9.5% (n = 430) were fully suppressed at 50 copies/mL. In multivariate analysis, the odds of being virally suppressed reduced with increasing age at ART initiation. Adolescents with CD4 counts greater than 500 cells/mm3 at baseline had a higher odds ratio of viral suppression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.77; confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–2.47). The odds of viral suppression were significantly lower among those not retained in care (AOR: 0.45; CI: 0.35–0.58).Conclusion: Tailored interventions should be developed to improve viral suppression among adolescents on ART.
Expanding on the use of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Examples and resources
Authors: Maart Soraya , Sykes Catherine
Published: June 2022

Most physiotherapists today are familiar with the abbreviation ICF and know that it stands for the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; the title of the World Health Organization’s international standard for describing health and health related states. Most universities in South Africa and globally have adopted the framework of the ICF in their curricula especially in promoting clinical reasoning, however, translating that knowledge for recording and monitoring has been slow in coming. Less well known, is how the ICF is and can be used and how it can inform physiotherapy practice, research, education and administration. Our article outlines the importance of the ICF to physiotherapy and recommends resources to facilitate expanded ICF use by physiotherapists. Examples are given of how to use coding and the importance of aggregating data and concluding with resources that can assist with the expanded use. Sufficient evidence and resources are available to support the expanded use of the ICF for data collection and clinical coding.Clinical implications: The aggregation of data can be used for the monitoring of universal health coverage especially in the context of National Health Insurance implementation.