bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
: Is there a correlation between the biceps brachii muscle stiffness measured by elastography and severity of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema?
Authors: ASLAN Hülya , ANALAN Pınar Doruk , KAYA Emine
Published: November 2018

Aim: Breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) causes
symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, tightness, firmness, pain, numbness, or
impaired mobility in the affected arm and hand. It also predisposes patients to
fibrosis, cellulitis, infections, lymphadenitis, and septicemia. Aim of this
study was to analyze correlation between the biceps brachii muscle
stiffness measured by shear wave elastography (SWE) and severity of the
lymphedema. Methods: This prospective study included 20 consecutive
patients (mean age, 54.6±5.4 years) with having BCRL in the upper limb. Stiffness
of the biceps brachii muscle was assessed by SWE. Shear wave speeds (SWS) of
the biceps muscle on the affected side for each patient were measured. Severity
of the lymphedema was determined by difference between diameters and
volumes of affected and unaffected extremities. Correlations between the
biceps brachii muscle stiffness measured by SWE and difference between diameters
and volumes of affected and unaffected extremities were analyzed.Results: SWS of the biceps muscle on the affected side
showed positive fair correlation with difference between diameters and volumes
of affected and unaffected extremities (0.70≥ r≥ 0.51).

Conclusion: Our
results suggest that the biceps muscle stiffness increases with increase in severity
of lymphedema. The biceps muscle stiffness measured by SWE could provide a
quantitative tool for following-up patients with BCRL.
Utility of Nestin immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of granular cell tumor
Authors: ERİNANÇ Hilal , GÖKTÜRK Hüseyin Savaş , KANAT ÜNLER Gülhan , KARAGÜLLE Erdal
Published: November 2018

Aim: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) show neuroectodermal differentiation. Morphologically,
a wide variety of mesencymal tumors may have granular cell appearance. Nestin, which is an intermediate filament protein expressed in undifferentiated cells during
central nerves system development and its tumors. We aim to determine the diagnostic utility of Nestin in diagnosis of
GCTs.  Methods:  Nestin
immunohistochemistry applied to GCT cases and other mesenchymal tumors which
may have granular cytoplasm and the major differential diagnostic consideration
of GCT.  A total of 21 GCT from different tissues (including 7 in the esophagus,
8 originating from skin tissues, 4 in the tongue, 2 in the vocal cord), 17 gastrointestinal stromal tumor  in the gastrointestinal tract,
8 leiomyoma (5 in the esophagus and 3 originating from skin tissues), 4
schwannoma (1 in the esophagus and 3 originating from skin tissues),  subcutaneous mesenchymal tumors ( including 7 neurofibroma, 5 fibroma, 15
dermatofibroma), 20 melanocytic nevi, 15 gastric xanthomas and 15 xanthalesma
of the skin were included the study. Results: Nestin positivity was detected in all GCTs. Additionally,
strong Nestin positivity
was seen in all gastrointestinal stromal tumors,
schwannoma and neurofibroma cases. However, Nestin was
negative in all leiomyoma, fibroma, dermatofibroma, melanocytic nevi, gastric
xanthoma and xanthalesma cases. 

Conclusion:  The study showed that
Nestin immunohistochemistry has limitation in distinction of GCT from tumors
arising from neural cell lineage such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor, schwannoma and neurofibroma; however, Nestin
as a neural marker provides an evidence to neural origin of GCT and could be useful
in distinction GCT from other mesenchymal tumors with granular cytoplasm such
as leiomyoma, dermatofibroma and melanocytic nevi.
Prevalence of dermatoses among pediatric patients in a secondary hospital in Eskisehir, Turkey: A cross-sectional study
Authors: YILDIZ Hamza
Published: November 2018

Aim: To determine
prevalence of skin diseases among pediatric patients in Eskisehir, Turkey.Methods: This was a cross-sectional
study. Medical record of the outpatient clinics of Dermatology in Eskisehir
Yunus Emre State Hospital was retrospectively assessed. Children (between 0 and
18 years old) who attended the dermatology outpatients clinic between January
2017 and December 2017 were included in the study.Results: A total of 9,057 patients were included in the
study and 4,204 (46.41%) patients were male. The ten most frequent diagnoses and their prevalences were: acne (27. 7%), viral warts (13.6%), contact
dermatitis (13.2%), kserosis cutis (8.1%), seborrhoeic dermatitis (6.4%),
urticaria (6.2%), bacterial infections (4.3%), dermatophytosis (3.7%), nevus
(2.5%), and atopic dermatitis (2.5%).

Conclusions: Acne, viral warts, and contact dermatitis were the three most common skin
diseases that we detected in pediatric age groups Eskisehir, Turkey. In order
to reveal the prevalence of pediatric skin diseases, further epidemiological
studies are needed.
Effects of resveratrol, catechin and epicatechin on rat phrenic nerve hemi-diaphragm
Authors: ZENGİN TÜRKMEN Aslı , NURTEN Asiye
Published: November 2018

Aim:
Resveratrol, catechin and epicatechin are known for their preventive effects of
skeletal muscle atrophy, anti-fatique effects and enhancement of exercise
capacity. In this study, we investigate the effects these antioxidants on
muscle contraction by using rat phrenic nerve hemi-diaphragm preparations. Methods:
Twitch responses are investigated by giving direct and indirect and tetanic
stimulation to rat phrenic nerve hemi-diaphragm preparations. Results:
Resveratrol and catechin facilitated twitch responses to the indirect stimulus
in short duration and suppressed in long duration. The decrease in the responses to the direct stimulation by applying epicatechin
(p=0.010) was significantly higher than the responses by giving indirect
stimulation. Epicatechin significantly suppressed tetanic responses (p=0.005), but not resveratrol and catechin.

Conclusion: The results
of the study show that these antioxidants have presynaptic and postsynaptic
effects on neuromuscular junction. Resveratrol effective on muscle contraction
via direct stimulus, catechin and epicatechin effects muscle contraction by
direct and indirect stimulus.
Role of calcium–albumin ratio in severity of coronary artery disease assessed by angiographic SYNTAX score
Authors: Alsancak Yakup , SİVRİ Serkan , BAŞTUĞ Serdal , BOZKURT Engin
Published: November 2018

Aim: Numerous studies have reported a
relationship between serum calcium or albumin levels and acute coronary
syndromes and coronary artery disease. The present study investigated the
relation between serum albumin, calcium or albumin-corrected calcium levels or
calcium/albumin ratio (CAR) and extensiveness and severity of atherosclerosis. Methods: This prospective study included
patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI, n=120) and a
control group (n=109). We used the SYNTAX score to evaluate the association
between CAR and severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Results: There were higher, but statistically
nonsignificant, levels of calcium in patients with NSTEMI (p=0.058). However,
serum albumin-corrected calcium levels were significantly higher in NSTEMI
group (p=0.001). Yet, albumin levels did not differ between the groups
(p=0.093). CAR and corrected calcium–albumin ratio (cCAR) were significantly
higher in NSTEMI group (p=0.001). A positive correlation existed between CAR (r=0.235,
p=0.010), cCAR (r=0.259, p=0.004), and SYNTAX score, whereas albumin and SYNTAX
score (r=−0.259, p=0.004) showed a negative correlation.

Conclusion: Calcium/albumin ratio has been
found to be associated with an increased coronary atherosclerotic burden as
calculated by SYNTAX score. Further large-scale studies are warranted to
confirm our findings.
Effects of α-lipoic acid on oxidative stress parameters in experimental hyperthyroidism
Authors: BAKİ Adile Merve , AYDIN Abdurrahman Fatih , VURAL Pervin , SOLUK-TEKKEŞİN Merva , DOĞRU-ABBASOĞLU Semra , UYSAL Müjdat
Published: November 2018

Aim: To investigate the effects of α-lipoic acid (ALA)
on prooxidant-antioxidant balance in liver tissue, as well as liver function
tests in experimental hyperthyroidism.Materials and Methods: For the evaluation of
prooxidant-antioxidant balance, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde
(MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP),
glutathione (GSH) levels, and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione
peroxidase activities were determined. Histopathological examinations were also
performed. Hyperthyroidism was induced by the administration of L-thyroxine
[T4, 12 mg/L]  in drinking water for 10
weeks. The ALA [100 mg/kg/day; 0.2% (w/w) in diet] was administered in last 5
weeks of experimental period.  Results: Oxidative stress in liver tissue from
hyperthyroid rats was accentuated. Significant increases in hepatic ROS, MDA,
and PC levels were found. Additionally, increased FRAP and decreased GSH levels
were observed.  ALA treatment lowered the
elevated serum free T3 and T4 levels and significantly decreased hepatic ROS,
MDA and PC levels. Serum liver function tests in hiperthyroid rats before and
after ALA treatment were not changed.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that ALA
treatment was effective in the improvement of changes in prooxidant-antioxidant
balance,  and may be useful as supportive
agent for the treatment of hypertyroidism.
Gastrointestinal findings in children with Down syndrome: Is there an early sign for celiac disease?
Authors: KOCAMAZ Halil , IŞIKAY Sedat
Published: November 2018

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of celiac disease
(CD) among children with Down’s syndrome (DS) and its association with
gastrointestinal symptoms and other accompanying diseases. Methods: The study was consisted of regular trisomy 21
patients who were under follow-up in our department. The age, gender,
gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal
distension, vomiting, flatulence, and unsatisfactory weight gain/weight loss)
and accompanying diseases were recorded. Anti-tissue transglutaminase
(anti-tTG) immunoglobulin A (Ig A) levels were analyzed in all cases.
Serologically positive patients were referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist
for intestinal biopsy. Results: Totally 98 children with a mean age of 3.2±2.81
years (range: 2-13 years) diagnosed with the DS were included in this study.
Among study participants, 46 (46.9%) were female. Among study participants, 3
(3.1%) had positive anti-tTG IgA results and endoscopic biopsies revealed the
diagnosis of Marsh type 3b CD in all of them. In correlation analysis,
hypothyroidism (p=0.03) and presence of diarrhea (p=0.04) significantly
correlated with the CD presence among children with the DS. Diarrhea increased
the risk for 1.50 times (0.67-3.34) while hypothyroidism increased the risk for
2.75 times (0.55-13.67) among patients with DS.

Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of an increased
prevalence of CD among patients with DS especially in children with diarrhea
and/or hypothyroidism.
Biliary fistula after liver hydatid cyst surgery: Is it a predictable complication?
Authors: KARABAY Önder , BOSTANCI Özgür
Published: November 2018

Aim: The
biliary fistula development after liver hydatid cyst surgery is a common
complication. The aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting the
development of postoperative biliary fistula in patients operated for liver
hydatid disease. Methods: The study was retrospectively performed in patients
treated surgically for liver hydatid cyst between 1999 and 2010. The data of 53
patients operated for hydatid csyt were reviewed with hospital records. Patients
were divided into two groups as biliary fistulas with (Group A) and without biliary
fistula (Group B). The demographic data (age, sex), cyst diameter, cyst
localization, laboratory tests and length of hospital stay were recorded. These
parameters were compared with the groups.Results: The groups were similar in terms of age and sex (p =
0.790 and p=1.0, respectively). In group A, the mean cyst diameter was
significantly higher than group B (p=0.001). The mean duration of
hospitalization was longer in group A than group B (p=0.001). There was no
difference between the groups considering cyst localization, AST, ALT, total
bilirubin and direct bilirubin (p>0.05 for all).

Conclusion:
Preoperative cyst diameter may be a valuable parameter for predicting biliary
fistula preoperatively. However, larger prospective studies are needed on this
subject.
OPTIMALISASI SUMBER DAYA MASYARAKAT DAN SUMBER DAYA ALAM DALAM BENTUK NUGGET SEBAGAI OLEH-OLEH KHAS PEKON WAY NIPAH
Authors: Sosmiarti Sosmiarti , Rezda Putri Arif , Syafiqoh Nidya Nur , Listiani Wirdha , Indra Febriansyah Putra Djaya , Masykurah Ana , Wahyudi Riki , Mazda Tika
Published: November 2018

Daerah Pekon Way Nipah merupakan daerah yang memiliki potensi besar dalam bidang pariwisata, karena terdapat Teluk Semaka di wilayah Timur dan Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan (TNBBS) di Wilayah Barat. Pekon Way Nipah terletak di kecamatan Pematang Sawa, Kabupaten Tanggamus. Daerah ini memiliki potensi wisata berupa teluk semaka menjadikan Pekon Way Nipah memiliki potensi besar dalam bidang perikanan, namun realitas yang terjadi di Pekon Way Nipah hasil perikanan tidak dimanfaatkan secara optimal oleh masyarakat sehingga berpengaruh terhadap stabilitas ekonomi masyarakat pekon Way Nipah. Tujuan dilakukan optimalisasi produk dalam bentuk nugget sebagai oleh-oleh khas Way Nipah adalah agar masyarakat memiliki peran untuk menunjang ekonomi pekon dengan potensi besar yang dimiliki pekon. Metoda yang digunakan adalah pelatihan dan sosialisasi terhadap ibu-ibu PKK dan masyarakat Pekon Way Nipah. Hasil yang telah dilaksanakan adalah terciptanya nugget dengan packaging lengkap sebagai oleh-oleh khas Way Nipah, serta buku resep yang telah dibuat untuk masyarakat. Kesimpulan dari pemberdayaan masyarakat ini adalah ibu-ibu PKK dan masyarakat mengetahui bagaimana pembuatan nugget dan Pekon memiliki produk sendiri.
PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH SEKAM PADI SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKAR KOMPOR SEKAM YANG RAMAH LINGKUNGAN DI KINALI, PASAMAN BARAT
Authors: Syaiful Ferry Lismanto , Dinata Uyung Gatot S. , Hidayattullah Yondra
Published: November 2018

Kompor merupakan suatu alat yang digunakan masyarakat untuk memasak. Bahan bakar yang digunakan kompor berupa gas elpiji ataupun minyak tanah, gas elpiji. Kelangkaan minyak tanah sudah terjadi mulai dari beberapa tahun yang lalu. Pada saat itu untuk mendapatkan minyak tanah masyarakat harus membayar dengan sangat mahal dan bahkan harus rela melakukan antrian yang sangat panjang untuk mendapatkan beberapa liter minyak tanah. Untuk mengantisipasi hal tersebut maka sudah selayaknya kita memikirkan energi alternatif pengganti minyak tanah. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan solusi dalam mengatasi permasalahan pencemaran limbah sekam padi sebagai energi alternatif yang ramah lingkungan melalui pembuatan kompor sekam untuk penghematan bahan bakar minyak dan gas Kegiatan KKN dilaksanakan pada tanggal 28 Juni hingga 8 Agustus s/d September 2018. Jumlah mahasiswa yang dilibatkan adalah 24 orang. Bentuk kegiatan yang dilakukan berupa penyuluhan, demonstrasi dan pelatihan pembuatan kompor sekam dengan memanfaatkan sekam padi dilakukan oleh dosen Unand dan mahasiswa KKN PPM Unand dengan melibatkan masyarakat di Nagari Kinali Pasaman Barat. Dari kegiatan ini terlihat masyarakat sangat antusias dan mampu membuat kompor sekam dan mengolah limbah sekam padi menjadi bahan bakar kompor sekam tersebut. Disamping itu, kompor sekam dapat digunakan masyarakat untuk memasak dalam mengatasi kelangkaan minyak tanah serta pemanfaatan limbah sekam padi sebagai bahan bakarnya. Kompor dirancang untuk membakar sekam padi menggunakan jumlah udara terbatas untuk pembakaran yang menghasilkan api bercahaya biru, yang hampir mirip dengan kompor LPG. Dari kegiatan ini diharapkan masyarakat dapat mengoptimalkan penggunaan kompor sekam dalam kehidupan sehari-hari untuk menghemat biaya dan mengatasi kelangkaan dan mahalnya gas elpiji maupun minyak tanah serta mengatasi pencemaran lingkungan dari limbah sekam.
EFFECT OF OVERSEAS DEBT AND INTEREST RATE RATE OF EXCHANGE RATE RATE (EXCHANGE RATE)
Authors: Sulistyowati Novita Denik , Kartika Chandra
Published: November 2018

Perdagangan internasional melibatkan suatu negara dengan negara lain dan menjadikan negara-negara di dunia menjadi lebih terikat.Oleh karena itu, interaksi dengan dunia luar negeri merupakan hal yang tidak bisa dihindari oleh negara manapun, termasuk Indonesia.Memperlancar transaksi perdagangan internasional, penggunaan uang dalamperekonomian terbuka tersebut ditetapkan dengan menggunakan mata uang yang telah disepakati.Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui Utang Luar Negeri dan Tingkat SukuBunga berpengaruh terhadap Nilai Tukar Rupiah periode 2017-2018.Jenis data dalam penelitian ini adalah data sekunder. Data yang digunakan berupa data runtut waktu (timeseries) dengan rentang waktu 30 tahun.Data diperoleh dari Bursa Efek Indonesia dan Badan Statistik Provinsi Jawa Timur. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis triangulasi regresi linear berganda.Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) utang luar negeri berpengaruh positif terhadap kurs rupiah; (2) suku bunga tidak berpengaruh terhadap kurs rupiah.Hal ini dapat menyebabkan terjadinya risiko perubahan nilai tukar mata uang yang timbul karena adanya ketidakpastian nilai tukar itu sendiri.Adanya perubahan nilai tukar mata uang juga berdampak pada apresiasi dan depresiasi mata uang.Kata Kunci: kurs rupiah,utang luar negeri, suku bunga
Skills and Competencies Required by Academic Librarians in an Internet-Driven Environment
Authors: Liman Yakubu A. , Jain Priti , Grand Baluwami , Mutshewa Athulang
Published: November 2018

This paper reviews literature on the skills and competencies required by academic librarians in an Internet-driven environment. Content analysis methodology was used to review literature. Purposive sampling was also used for identifying literature on skills and competencies of librarians in the use of Internet services in academic libraries. A total of 118 publications were selected. Findings from the articles reviewed show that librarians from developed countries required skills and competencies in Internet usage to provide effective library services. However, the findings also show that academic librarians from developing countries, especially in Africa, are still lagging behind regarding Internet skills and competencies to provide effective information services in the library. The paper concludes that despite changes brought by the Internet, there are still gaps in the way library services are provided because of poor Internet knowledge, skills and competencies of academic librarians. The paper recommends that academic librarians in African countries acquire Internet skills and competencies to update their knowledge and technological skills for effective library service provision.
A Change Management Framework to Sustain Administrative Effectiveness after Municipal Elections
Authors: Rolland Marleen
Published: November 2018

The recent 2016 local government elections once again proved that the only safe prediction that can be made about modern times is that change is certain to occur. South African municipalities are continuously vulnerable to potential regime changes, leaving them susceptible to instituting new political leadership with its ideologies and strategies. The municipality that was used as a case study in this paper experienced radical administrative changes after the 2011 municipal elections. The implementation of mechanisms to respond to structural and system-based changes has been slow in the public sector, and municipalities in particular have found it difficult to effectively manage such changes. This article proposes an effective implementation plan based on change management principles to ensure that the process is managed effectively and efficiently. In developing the plan, use was made of theoretical models and of empirical data that were acquired through interviews with and surveys involving key role players in the relevant local government organisation. The recommended Change Management Procedure Framework could serve as an intervention for use by municipal management during periods of change and by swung municipalities so as to minimise possible disruptions caused by change and to ensure more effective and efficient service delivery.
The Sustainable Implementation of a Masterâ€™s Programme in IT for Education in a Developing Context
Authors: Cronje Johannes C , Arthur-Nyarko Emmanuel , Anyagre Palmas
Published: November 2018

This article gives an account of the joint implementation by the sponsor, the host institution and the partner institution of a masterâ€™s programme in Information and Communication Technology for Education at a leading African university in 2005. The success of the programme was such that it became a flagship programme at the institution. In the context of many failed joint implementations of such programmes, the question that arose and that prompted the writing of this article was, â€œWhy did this programme succeed?â€ The literature indicates two elements that contribute to successful implementations: the individuals responsible for the course, and the support the institution gives. Interviews with the course coordinator, university administrators, alumni and current students, and an analysis of course documents and studentsâ€™ research output revealed the nature of the activities of certain individuals and also of the institutional support factors that led to the success of the programme. Based on the study conducted, this article provides some suggestions that other implementers of similar projects may find useful.
Master of Education Students' Reflections: Which Curriculum Reasons Are Promoted or Limited by Skype Resources?
Authors: Khoza Simon Bheki
Published: November 2018

This article presents an interpretive case study of a group of 10 Master of Education students overseen by one supervisor. The objective of the study was to explore and understand studentsâ€™ reflections on the curriculum or research reasons that are promoted or limited by Skype resources. A curriculum reason is a concept entailing a cognitive process that helps us to manage our actions in order to address our personal, societal, and professional needs. Purposive sampling was used to select the 10 participants for the study, and electronic reflective activities and one-on-one semi-structured Skype interviews were used for data generation. Inductive and deductive methods were followed, therefore guided analysis was used to generate themes for the study. With reference to the objective of the study, the finding was that the studentsâ€™ reflections were driven by three curriculum reasons (professional, societal, and personal), and it was concluded that this was the case because the students understood the concepts of these curriculum/research reasons, for instance, research goals, content, resources, assessment, time, environment, activities, community, and supervisor roles. The recommendation is made that students be trained to know and understand the three curriculum/research reasons to enable them to use Skype for the intended reason/s so as to address their personal, societal and professional needs.
Pedagogical Factors That Affect Technology Integration at Two Universities of Technology in South Africa
Authors: Xakaza-Kumalo Sheila
Published: November 2018

This paper reports on a case study that was conducted at two South African universities of technology to explore the integration of technology in higher education institutions. Fourteen participants from these two institutions provided their perspectives about the pedagogical considerations that were important educational factors in the integration of technology in higher education institutions. The framework proposed by Tedre, Apiola, and CronjÃ© was used as a measuring tool to determine pedagogical elements that were essential in the adoption of technology. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the said framework as an analytical tool, and to contribute to its refinement. The central research question concerned the extent to which this framework was useful for a situational analysis at the relevant two South African universities. Although the universitiesâ€™ educational strategies and policies were found to be analogous, differences were identified in the manner of and approach to the implementation of educational technology. The pedagogical considerations for e-learning uptake in both universities were similar to a certain extent. The findings further showed that most of the educational factors that affected technology integration resonated with pedagogical issues experienced in other developing countries. It was concluded that students could determine the future of learning as they persistently engaged in potentially rhizomatic learning environments. This paper offers recommendations that address dramatic transformation in higher education institutions due to emerging technologies and radical changes that are experienced. The limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also highlighted.
Dynamics of water access and allocation among competing needs within the homestead: Quantifying Multiple Water Uses in the Rural Eastern Cape
Authors: Murata Chenai , Perry Adam F , Denison Jonathan
Published: November 2018

South Africa is a water-stressed country, receiving an average rainfall of 450mm per annum, which is significantly less than the global average of 860mm per annum. The livelihood of the rural population depends heavily on the availability of water. While the dynamics of water access and use by urban households is well documented, little is known about the dynamics in rural households. This article describes how rural households obtain water; and in turn, quantifies how households allocate water among competing household uses; including cooking and cleaning, home garden irrigation, and supporting livestock. A case-study involving 30 households comprising 180 individuals used a mixed-methods approach and found that households allocate more water for productive use (60%) than they do for domestic purposes (40%). The findings suggest and describe certain rural nuances on how local peoples access and use water to support food security. This research emphasises the need for water services to be planned to support multiple water uses in rural households and further suggests that interventions to increase water storage and access to untreated water, especially in homesteads would yield significant results.
Joshua 24 and the So-Called Hexateuch Redaction: A Reassessment
Authors: Wildenboer Johan
Published: November 2018

Joshua 24 is generally assumed to be the concluding chapter of a Hexateuch. Several texts in Genesis and Exodus are indeed taken up in Joshua 24. In recent times, these texts have generally been assigned to a post-Priestly layer of redaction. In this essay, I argue that the direction of influence runs from Joshua 24 to the books of Genesis and Exodus, instead of linearly from Genesis-Exodus to Joshua. I propose that Genesis 34 and 35:1â€“4 reacts to the assumed pro-Samaritan viewpoint of Joshua 24. Furthermore, I postulate that Genesis 33:18â€“20, 50:24â€“26, and Exodus 13:19 aim to explain the unique traditions in Joshua 24. This emphasises the theological importance of Joshua 24 in the debate surrounding the Samaritan identity in post-exilic times, while reassessing the literary question surrounding a Hexateuch redaction.
The Accordance Hebrew Syntactic Database Project
Authors: Holmstedt Robert D. , Cook John A.
Published: November 2018

The Accordance Hebrew Syntax database is the result of a decade of collaborative planning and research. The origin of the project lies in a research grant proposal written by Robert Holmstedt (University of Toronto) in 2007. At that time, two other databases had become accessible to the public: 1) the WIVU Emdros database of the Werkgroep Informatica of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, now administered by the Eep Talstra Centre for Bible and Computer (see footnote 1) and presented as the ETCBC database (see footnote 2), and 2) the Andersen-Forbes Analyzed Text of the Hebrew Bible (see footnote 3). The initial motivation for proposing a third database was straightforwardâ€”to be able to use a database created upon a model of Hebrew syntax that differed from the two existing databases.[1]Â Â Â  Yet another syntactic database has been underway since 2009: the Westminster Hebrew Syntax database (http://www.doxologypress.org/sites/groves/B/?page_id=19; accessed June 12, 2017).
The Battle Against Hazor and Jaelâ€™s Deadly Hospitality (Judges 4â€“5)
Authors: Le Roux Magdel
Published: November 2018

Â The story of the fourth judge (Judges 4â€“5) is full of surprises, just like the previous stories (Judges 1â€“3). In the dominant body ideology related to good order, an Israelite man without any blemish was the epitome of a pure, ideal, or whole body. Contrary to the â€œexpected literary depictionâ€, it is again the â€œunwhole, different-functioning bodiesâ€ which are depicted as â€œproducing survival for the corporate bodyâ€ (Van der Merwe and Coetzee 2009). Deborah, an Israelite lawgiver and prophetess, and Jael, a Kenite woman, are used in an unexpected way. The juxtaposition of different-functioning bodies serves as a counterculture rhetoric in the form of a hidden polemic. Much attention has been paid to the roles of Deborah and Barak in the battle against Hazor, but Jaelâ€™s role has elicited limited reflection by scholars and has been overshadowed by her â€œquestionableâ€ hospitality. A socio-rhetorical approach will make it possible to identify rhetorical techniques that the writer uses to highlight social relations, regulations and ideologies in the text (Van der Merwe and Coetzee 2009, 678). Archaeological excavations at Hazor from the last 25 years provide valuable background information to this battle.
The Movement of Ezekielâ€™s â€œLiving Beingsâ€ in 4Q405 Shirot â€˜Olat Hashabbat. Part II: The Twelfth Song
Authors: Evans Annette
Published: November 2018

In this article descriptions of angelic movement in the Twelfth Song are compared to descriptions of such activity arising from the throne of God in Ezekielâ€™s vision in Ezekiel 1 and 10, and to that in the Seventh Song as contained in scroll 4Q403. The penultimate Twelfth Song of the Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice culminates in a more explicit description of angelic messenger activity and in other nuances. The Twelfth Song was intended to be read on the Sabbath immediately following Shavuâ€™ot, when the traditional synagogue reading is Ezekiel 1 and Exodus 19â€“20. The possible significance for the author of Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice of the connection between the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and Ezekielâ€™s vision where merkebah thrones and seats appear in the plural form is considered in the conclusion
Rereading Narratives of Safety and Security in Ancient Israel from a Pastoral Perspective
Authors: Rugwiji Temba T.
Published: November 2018

The present study investigates the concept of safety and security in the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate that our concern for self-defence in the modern post-biblical world was also a prerogative among biblical societies. Numerous inferences to self-defence in the Hebrew Bible show that ancient Israelite societies did not take preparedness against enemy attack lightly. In this essay, lessons on safety and security drawn from ancient Israelite societies will be appropriated in the Zimbabwean context. This appropriation is necessary because safety and security was critical in ancient Israel as it is in our post-colonial Zimbabwean society. Constructive themes from the Hebrew Bible will be appropriated as lessons to be learnt from the narratives about ancient Semitic peoples who are purported to have lived in a â€œrealâ€ physical, yet historical, space. Admittedly, the biblical text depicts that bad/negative things happened in ancient Israel. However, in this study self-defence is explored in a positive light in order to sensitise modern societies to the importance of preparedness against potential aggressors. In addition, the study attempts to encourage the readership to conceptualise ideals of moral values and high ethical integrity which the biblical text seeks to promote. Having said that, some pastoral perspectives on safety and security, as well as self-defence, are also explored.
New Directions in the Computational Analysis of Biblical Hebrew Grammar
Authors: Miller-NaudÃ© Cynthia , NaudÃ© Jacobus A
Published: November 2018

The concern of the paper is to highlight how computational analysis of Biblical Hebrew grammar can now be done in very sophisticated ways and with insightful results for exegesis. Three databases, namely, the Eep Talstra Centre for Bible and Computer (ETCBC) Database, the Accordance Hebrew Syntactic Database, and the Andersen-Forbes Syntactic Database,are compared in terms of their relation to linguistic theory (or, theories), the nature and spectrum of retrieved data, and the representation of synchronic and diachronic linguistic variation. Interaction between different contexts, including the African context, are promoted namely between linguists working on Biblical Hebrew and exegetes working on the Hebrew Bible by illustrating how exegesis and language are intimately connected, as well as among geographical contexts by comparing a European database (ETCBC), a North American database (Accordance) and a Southern hemisphere database (Andersen-Forbes).
Youth Theory in South Africa: An Indigenous African Perspective Derived from Sepedi Idioms and Proverbs
Authors: Mapadimeng Mokong
Published: November 2018

While there is general underdevelopment of social theory within African scholarship, where the latter tends to rely heavily on borrowing from other scholarships, and in some instances adapt theories developed from elsewhere in a creative manner, notably from Northern scholarly discoursesâ€”this does not however, suggest the absence of theory within indigenous African knowledge systems. This article demonstrates, in a constructivist tradition pioneered by African scholars such as Akiwowo and Mafeje that there are rich theoretical and conceptual insights within the indigenous African folklore such as proverbs, poetry, and legends. It is observed that there is elaborate youth theory within South African indigenous communitiesâ€™ cultural heritage and folkloreâ€”especially proverbs and idioms. The article discusses such proverbs and idioms in a manner that deciphers their rich theoretical content and insights on young persons as an important social category of African communities, using idioms and proverbs of the Bapedi people of South Africa as examples.Â Â
Non-verbal Communication in Tshivená¸“a: A Folklore Analysis
Authors: Nenungwi Tondani G , Madadzhe Richard N , Kubayi Sikheto J
Published: November 2018

Â This article examines the role of non-verbal communication in Tshivená¸“a. It focuses on two major types of non-verbal communication that Tshivená¸“a speakers use regularly. These are silence and kinesics. However, there are other types of non-verbal communication such as posture, facial expressions, haptics, and proxemics. The article reveals that non-verbal communication and culture are inextricably intertwined. Thus, in order to understand the use of a specific type of non-verbal communication in Tshivená¸“a, one ought to be familiar with the Tshivená¸“a culture. Otherwise, misunderstanding and miscommunication are likely to occur. In addition, the article indicates that non-verbal communication in Tshivená¸“a is gender-based. Crucially, the article, among others things, posits that life is dynamic and that some Tshivená¸“a cultural attributes that were the norm in the past are no longer relevant in the modern time. For instance, Tshivená¸“a culture favours silence most of the times as it denotes respect, honour, satisfaction, and dignity. However, the study cautions Tshivená¸“a- speaking people not to suffer in silence, but to express their feelings when the need arises.Â
Endangered Tshivená¸“a Names around á¹°hohoyaná¸“ou in Limpopo South Africa
Authors: Raphalalani Matodzi , Sengani Thomas
Published: November 2018

Since the establishment of á¹°hohoyaná¸“ou (a town in Vená¸“a in the Vhembe district) in 1979 by the Vená¸“a Homeland government, new sections were identified through labels such as P-East and P-West, F and G. The process continued with the establishment of the Thulamela Municipality under the new democratic government, with more sections carrying more labels such as H, J, K, M, C, D and many more. With the municipality expanding, village names in and around the town have either been wiped out completely or replaced by new names. This is a result of the fast growth of the town in all aspects, which has resulted in the encroachment into village life, villages being engulfed with and the elimination and substitution of names. Using the Critical Discourse Analysis and Critical Eco-Linguistics theories, this article intends to highlight how dominance, control and abuse of power by the municipality have led to cases of linguistic, social and cultural impoverishment and disempowerment. Furthermore, the article demonstrates that the elimination of Tshivená¸“a village names in the fast-developing town of á¹°hohoyaná¸“ou is destroying valuable information, which could be used for the creation of knowledge for current and future generations.
Folklore Studies: Lynchpin for Curriculum Transformation?
Authors: Sepota Moloko
Published: November 2018

Towards the end of 2015, the South African Higher Education landscape experienced a number of interesting and/or frustrating events such as the #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall movements, to mention a few. It is evident that within the status quo there are a multitude of challenges in the Higher Education sector, such as low completion rates within tertiary institutions, high rates of graduate unemployment, and the inability to achieve the overarching mandateâ€”namely, to produce the relevant workforce capable of responding to the needs of the country and the continent. This article argues for the transformation of the curriculum as an instrument to address these challenges. Transformation of the curriculum subsumes Africanisation of the curriculum to make it more responsive and relevant to our situation as an African country. The ethnographic method of research was employed. The study also revealed that valuable research was conducted on folklore over the past two decadesâ€”and the analysis thereof suggests that folklore might be the lynchpin that can successfully be used to transform our curriculum and make it more responsive to the needs of our students, the country and the continent. In conclusion, the article argues that the transformed curriculum must include African lores.
â€œAs Slow as a Tortoise, and as Clever as a Hare.â€ Folktales as Lessons on Democracy, Equal Opportunities, and Human Rights among the Ndebele
Authors: Ndlovu Lindiwe , Sibanda Faith
Published: November 2018

Indigenous African societies have, for a long time, been using their knowledge for the betterment of their lives. They have also demonstrated an ability to manipulate their immediate or remote surroundings to live sustainably. Those who claim to fight for equal and human rights in Africa do so under the misconception that they, and the developing world, have historically and inherently violated, and continue to violate, human rights in numerous ways. While this might not be completely dismissed, there is a plethora of evidence from African folktales to demonstrate that Africans have not only respected human rights, but have also encouraged equal opportunities for every member of their society. This article cross-examines Ndebele folktales with the intention of demonstrating that African indigenous knowledge exhibited through folktales was a well-organised system, which ensured respect for human rights for all members, regardless of their physical or social stature. Central to this discussion are the folktales which focus on the role played by the vulnerable members of the animal community, who replicate their human counterparts. Folktales are unarguably a creation by the indigenes and emanate from their socio-political experiences, as well as their observations of the surroundings. This suggests that indigenous people already had an idea about human rights as well as the need for equal opportunities since time immemorial.Â
Ageing in a Modern Era: Evidence from South African Resort Spa Visitors
Authors: Viljoen Armand , Kruger Martinette , Saayman Melville
Published: November 2018

Distinguishing tourists based on their age and generational cohort has been applied widely as a useful market segmentation tool. However, to date, limited research has analysed the needs of the different generations, especially in a South African tourism context. Even fewer studies have attempted to analyse or segment the resort spa visitor. This quantitative research is one of the first to analyse the profile and needs of different generations, specifically at resort spas in South Africa. A distinction was made between baby boomers and Generation X at three selected resorts in the country. The research showed the value of the generational theory in understanding the travel behaviour of visitors but also highlighted the fact that regarding research on destinations it is recommended to analyse different generations rather than solely focusing on one, as this could lead to mismanagement of resources. This research contributes towards understanding the needs of different generations in a South African context. Based on the results, this research suggests that the countryâ€™s history, and subsequent national events, may have played a significant role in shaping the travel needs, preferences and behaviour of the domestic market.
The Interdependence of Risk Management, Corporate Governance and Management Accounting
Authors: Van der Poll Huibrecht Margaretha , Mthiyane Z Z F
Published: November 2018

Corporate governance and risk management values that are not sufficiently established and affected may lead to the growth potential of South Africa as one of the economically leading countries in Africa being inhibited. The objective of the study was to test the interdependence of risk management, corporate governance, and management accounting in the top performing public listed companies of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. A literature review, structured questionnaire and document review were used to conduct the study. The empirical results of the study demonstrate that there is a side-to-side interdependence of risk management, corporate governance and management accounting. It is recommended that future studies cover the risk management aspect of fraud, stakeholder management and the areas of compliance that have not been covered in the study.
Against the Tide: A Deconstructive Reading of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart
Authors: Kamalu Ikenna , Igbifa Ene Eric
Published: November 2018

The scholarship on Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart dwells disproportionately on the novel's preoccupation with the twin issues of the place of women in precolonial Igbo society and the disruptive arrival of the first Europeans in an African community. The consensus seems to be that the novel degrades the place of women in traditional society, while it exalts African tradition over European culture with which it came into contact. The present study exhumes these positions with a view to investigating them. Using the deconstructionist model of Jacques Derrida as its framework, the study identifies the binary oppositions constructed around the handling of these thematic preoccupations and upturns the assumed hierarchies which, on the surface, they seem to embody. The study arrives at the finding that the twin positions, which appear to have solidified into a consensus among the overwhelming majority of scholars on the novel, namely that it denigrates women and demeans the white man, are either an exaggeration or a misapprehension. The study finds that the conversation around the novel has by no means reached a foregone conclusion as the novel is susceptible to new and innovative readings, especially revisions of earlier seemingly unassailable readings.
Sweep of the Violin: An Anthology of Poetry from Around the World, by Lukas Mkuti and Naomi Nkealah
Authors: Odutola Kole Ade
Published: November 2018

Book Review
Shakespeare as Biblical Performance Critic
Authors: Rosenthal Sheila
Published: November 2018

In this article I discuss a moment from Shakespeareâ€™s Measure for Measure, which may be seen to present elements of Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) techniques. I explore the revealing of Claudio in Act 5, Scene 1 as an example of Shakespeareâ€™s appropriation of Biblical material for use in a stage play. I then examine the attitudes of some theologians and film-makers to the presentation of the raising of Lazarus and to comedic festivity. I suggest that Shakespeareâ€™s use of Biblical material in his plays may afford insight for further exploration by and use in Biblical Performance Criticism.
From Narrative in Print to Narrative in Performance
Authors: Rhoads David
Published: November 2018

This article examines the paradigm shift from analysing the biblical narratives in a modern print medium to the exploration of biblical narratives as witnesses to oral performances in an ancient oral/aural medium. Our modern print medium assumes a single author writing a fixed text to be read in private and in silence by individual readers. The ancient Mediterranean media world presumes the ethos of a predominantly oral culture, a strong role for memory, the activity of scribes writing on scrolls, and performances to communal audiences. All these factors work to shape communal identity. The article then offers examples from the Gospel of Mark of various features of an oral performance, how oral performances may have generated a rhetorical impact, and how we might use insights from such studies to reinterpret Mark in an oral ethos.Â Â
Interrogating Myths Surrounding Sex Education in Zimbabwean Schools: Lessons to be Learned from Ndebele Traditional Literature/Oral Traditions
Authors: Bhebhe Sindiso
Published: November 2018

Sex education is one of the most divisive aspects of the school curriculum in Zimbabwe. It is shrouded in myths and controversiesâ€”with some parents, culturists and religious groups asserting that it can contribute to immorality among learners. Others even go to an extent of claiming that sex education in primary and secondary schools should not be allowed as culturally it is a taboo to discuss issues of sex with teenagers. However, an analysis of traditional Ndebele literature seems to tell a different story. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to deliberate on these so-called taboos and claims, and to establish where the Ndebele culture stands with regards to sex education. The article critiques the Ndebele traditional literature/oral traditions, which boasts riddles, folktales, proverbs and wise sayings and even praise poetry, which are so rich in sex education.