bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous rupture of the pancreatic arcade artery caused by neurofibromatosis type 1 successfully treated using emergency transcatheter arterial embolization, partial intra-aortic balloon occlusion, and stent graft placement: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Morita Ryo , Abo Daisuke , Soyama Takeshi , Yoshino Yuki , Yoshikawa Toru , Kimura Tasuku , Kudo Kohsuke
Published: July 2020

Background

Vascular abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are rare, but are the second leading cause of death in persons with NF1. In NF1 vasculopathy (NF-V), fatal bleeding due to a spontaneous arterial rupture sometimes occurs. Ruptured extracranial arteries in patients with NF1 often involve thoracic vessels, such as the intercostal and subclavian arteries; very few reports exist regarding the abdominal region. Herein, we present the first case of intraperitoneal bleeding due to spontaneous pancreatic arcade artery (PAA) rupture associated with NF1, successfully treated by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) combined with stent-graft placement and partial intra-aortic balloon occlusion (IABO).

Case presentation

A 40-year-old woman complained of back and abdominal pain. Upon admission, her blood pressure was 85/41 mmHg and heart rate was 129 beats/min. Computed tomography (CT) showed large intraperitoneal bleeding due to PAA rupture. After CT scanning, her systolic blood pressure decreased to 50 mmHg. Therefore, we performed emergency TAE with partial IABO. She was treated by TAE of the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, and inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. However, even after TAE, minor extravasation around the superior mesenteric artery continued, and her vital signs remained unstable. Stent-graft placement was selected to stop the haemorrhage, preserving normal blood flow of the superior mesenteric artery trunk. Excellent patency of the stent graft was confirmed on follow-up CT, and she was discharged on postoperative day 56.

Conclusion

PAA rupture associated with NF1 can be successfully treated by TAE combined with partial intra-aortic balloon occlusion, and stent-graft placement.
C-reactive protein and clinical subtypes of major depressive disorder at Zagazig University Hospitals
Authors: Mohamed Amany Elshabrawy , El-Latif Rafik Reda Abd , Youssef Amira Mohamed , Ibrahim Abdallah Saad
Published: July 2020

Background

Although, the relation between inflammation and major depressive disorder (MDD) looks like firm, it may not exist in all patients with depression. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to compare serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level among clinical subtypes of MDD and its relation with suicidality.

Results

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for MDD, 98 patients included and categorized into five clinical subtypes groups: atypical, anxious, melancholic, psychotic, and unspecified depression with percent (11.2%, 31.6%, 19.4%, 15.3%, and 22.4%) respectively. Twenty-four (24.5%) of all patients had suicidal thoughts using Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) with statistically significant increase (P < 0.05*) in suicidality among atypical group. On assessing CRP level, there was highly statistical significant increase (P < 0.001**) among cases with atypical type and also cases with suicidal ideation. Also, logistic regression analysis found that the significant predictors for high CRP among the studied cases were smoking, suicidality, atypical depression, and suicide depression.

Conclusions

Higher level of CRP was found among patients with atypical MDD, and there was significant relationship between CRP and suicidality.
Assessment of self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents and its influence on quality of life: practice and perspective
Authors: Elhabashy Safinaz Adel , Ezz elarab Hanan Said , Thabet Rasha Adel , Oda Asmaa Shaban
Published: July 2020

Background

Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) includes an assessment of the capillary glucose concentration as well as the interpretation of and responding to the readings. The purpose of this study was to assess patients’ compliance to self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG), identify factors and barriers that affect it, and to correlate performance of SMBG to blood glucose monitoring and patients’ quality of life. Three hundred and thirty children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes were subjected to the following: (1) an interview pre-structured questionnaire which included personal, medical history, and details about SMBG; (2) Questionnaire about Quality of Life Index (Diabetes Version-III) by Ferrans and Powers for patients aging 10–16 years; and (3) glycated hemoglobin (HA1C) measurement.

Results

About 67% of the patients assessed their blood glucose 3 times per day, while 0.57% assessed blood glucose 7 times. The most influential factors affecting compliance of SMBG were the cost of strips and glucometers, the fear of pain and injection, psychological frustration, lack of availability of information to deal with high reading, and the absence of motivation for doing regular SMBG.

The more the frequency of SMBG daily, the better the HA1C of the patients (p < 0.01).

Adolescent patients aged 10–16 years who have more frequent SMBG and those with less HA1C have significant better quality of life (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

More frequent SMBG practice was associated with better glycemic control and better quality of life. Patients’ compliance is influenced by several factors which affect their frequency of SMBG.
Investigating the Relationship between Mental and Spiritual Health of Nursing and Midwifery Students
Authors: Zareipour Moradali , Salmasi Sahar Karbasi , Moradali Monireh Rezayi
Published: July 2020

Spirituality and its components because of effects on psychological constructs and the ability to influence individuals' actions has been emphasized the researcher in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between mental health and spiritual in nursing and midwifery students of Islamic Azad University of Urmia. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 300 students of nursing and midwifery in 2015. Mental health of students was measured using GHQ-28 questionnaire and spiritual health was measured using Palutzian and Ellison questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS v.21 software. The results showed that 35 % of students were suspicious to mental disorders. Mean score of spiritual health was 92/28 ± 16/35. Analysis of variance showed that mental had a significant relationship with health variables such as gender, age, average of semester and also spiritual health had a significant relationship with gender, education and economic status. There are positive correlations between spiritual health and mental health (r =0.58). The results of this study support the importance of spiritual health in predicting the students' mental health. Therefore, it is useful to pay attention to promoting spiritual health in order to improve mental health of students.
What It Means to Teach Consumer Culture Remotely Through a Pandemic
Authors: Scanlon Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Abstract: During the spring semester of 2020, college and university faculty and students faced an array of challenges in moving from in-person to remote teaching and learning, mid-semester and in the midst of a pandemic. This piece outlines one strategy for making that shift in a course about the study of consumer culture. The pandemic consumer portfolio assignment, which became the primary work of the post-remote learning segment of the class, shifted the course's historical focus to the current moment, applied lessons learned about consumer practices across the twentieth century to the COVID-19 experience, and provided a means by which students could draw on and intertwine personal and academic insights and experiences in a moment of deep societal change.
Marketing Amid a Global Crisis
Authors: Einstein Mara
Published: July 2020

Abstract: Advertising during the global coronavirus pandemic brought significant challenges to marketers who are trained to think in terms of selling to individuals and not fostering community. Early creative executions came off as self-serving and tone deaf. A limited number of advertisers pivoted to messages of giving back in those early days. As COVID-19 wore on, however, somber music and messages of corporate longevity suggesting that companies would be around for consumers after the lockdowns were over prevailed. This time of crisis might have been an opportunity for corporate charity and conscious capitalism to become more widely practiced, but the subsequent messaging suggests otherwise.
Author Meets Critics: Brands and Cultural Analysis
Authors: Berger Arthur Asa , Lerman Dawn , Mechlin David , Morais Robert J. , Timke Edward
Published: July 2020

Abstract: This Author Meets Critics conversation focuses on Arthur Asa Berger's book Brands and Cultural Analysis (Palgrave, 2019). Berger meets with advertising and branding experts from academia and industry to discuss the following topics: what is meant by branding, the importance of looking at branding from many theoretical lenses, the need to apply theoretical lenses in practical ways, the use of discourse analysis in the study of branding, assessing the relationship between branding and culture, the importance of building critical thinking through writing and teaching, understanding the relationship between consumers and brands, and advice to brand managers on how to apply cultural analysis to their work.
Erase COVID: An Interview with Artists Creating PSAs to Take On a Global Pandemic
Authors: Buchmiller Michael , Annable Graham , Fox Elena , Hinkley Eric , LeDoux Jesse , Sugiuchi Scott , Surrey Ellen , Tony Tiki , Timke Edward
Published: July 2020

Abstract: How do people respond to a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic? How do people find creative ways to help others in their communities? A look at the Erase COVID project helps answer these questions. The Erase COVID project is a global artist collective that formed around the time COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Artists from about a dozen countries came together to make a series of visually rich public service announcements (PSAs) to recommend important health safety practices and draw attention to major concerns impacting society: washing hands, disinfecting and cleaning, social distancing, not touching one's face or nose, seeking out quality and fact-based information, self care, and thinking about one's impact on others through their actions. The Erase COVID project sells posters, cards, postcards, apparel, and other items on its website, EraseCOVID.com, which distributes proceeds equally among the artists, the printer/distributor, and its charity partner MusiCares, an organization supporting music industry workers in need. This article features an interview with the Erase COVID co-founder Michael Buchmiller as well as seven artists contributing to the project. All reveal background details about the project, their work as artists, their PSAs, and their hopes about what will come out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Full-range space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Huang Yongyang , Jerwick Jason , Liu Guoyan , Zhou Chao
Published: July 2020

In this study, we demonstrated a full-range space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography (FR-SDM-OCT) system. Utilizing the galvanometer-based phase modulation full-range technique, the total imaging range of FR-SDM-OCT can be extended to >20 mm in tissue, with a digitizer sampling rate of 500 MS/s and a laser sweeping rate of 100 kHz. Complex conjugate terms were suppressed in FR-SDM-OCT images with a measured rejection ratio of up to ∼46 dB at ∼1.4 mm depth and ∼30 dB at ∼19.4 mm depth. The feasibility of FR-SDM-OCT was validated by imaging Scotch tapes and human fingernails. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of FR-SDM-OCT angiography (FR-SDM-OCTA) to perform simultaneous acquisition of human fingernail angiograms from four positions, with a total field-of-view of ∼1.7 mm × ∼7.5 mm. Employing the full-range technique in SDM-OCT can effectively alleviate hardware requirements to achieve the long depth measurement range, which is required by SDM-OCT to separate multiple images at different sample locations. FR-SDM-OCTA creates new opportunities to apply SDM-OCT to obtain wide-field angiography of in vivo tissue samples free of labeling.
Sensitivity enhancement of a fiber-based interferometric optofluidic sensor
Authors: Liang Lili , Zhao Chaojun , Xie Fei , Sun Li-Peng , Ran Yang , Jin Long , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: July 2020

Optofluidic sensors, which tightly bridge photonics and micro/nanofluidics, are superior candidates in point-of-care testing. A fiber-based interferometric optofluidic (FIO) sensor can detect molecular biomarkers by fusing an optical microfiber and a microfluidic tube in parallel. Light from the microfiber side coupled to the microtube leads to lateral localized light-fluid evanescent interaction with analytes, facilitating sensitive detection of biomolecules with good stability and excellent portability. The determination of the sensitivity with respect to the interplay between light and fluidics, however, still needs to be understood quantitatively. Here, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the relationship between refractive index (RI) sensitivity and individual geometrical parameters to determine the lateral localized light-fluid evanescent interaction. Theoretical analysis predicted a sensitive maximum, which could be realized by synergically tuning the fiber diameter d and the tube wall thickness t at an abrupt dispersion transition region. As a result, an extremely high RI sensitivity of 1.6×104 nm/RIU (σ=4074 nm/RIU), an order of magnitude higher than our previous results, with detection limit of 3.0×10−6 RIU, is recorded by precisely governing the transverse geometry of the setup. The scientific findings will guide future exploration of both new light-fluid interaction devices and biomedical sensors.
Channel waveguide lasers in bulk Tm:LiYF4 produced by deep diamond-saw dicing
Authors: Loiko Pavel , Gauthier-Manuel Ludovic , Brasse Gurvan , Kifle Esrom , Guillemot Lauren , Braud Alain , Benayad Abdelmjid , Menard Vivien , Camy Patrice
Published: July 2020

We report on a novel approach to fabricate channel (ridge) waveguides (WGs) in bulk crystals using precision diamond saw dicing. The channels feature a high depth-to-width aspect ratio (deep dicing). The proof-of-the-concept is shown for a Tm3+:LiYF4 fluoride crystal. Channels with a depth of 200 µm and widths of 10–50 µm are diced and characterized by confocal laser microscopy revealing a r.m.s. roughness of the walls well below 100 nm. The channels obtained possess waveguiding properties at ∼815 nm with almost no leakage of the guided mode having a vertical stripe intensity profile into the bulk crystal volume and relatively low propagation losses (0.20-0.43 dB/cm). Laser operation is achieved in quasi-CW regime by pumping at 780 nm. The maximum peak output power reaches 0.68 W at ∼1.91 µm with a slope efficiency of 53.3% (in σ-polarization). The proposed concept is applicable to a variety of laser crystals with different rare-earth dopants.
Sub-nanosecond terahertz radiation obtained with an aperiodically poled lithium niobate and organic HMQ-TMS
Authors: Carrillo-Fuentes Miriam , Cudney Roger S. , Lee Seung-Heon , Kwon O-Pil
Published: July 2020

We report a compact, simple source of terahertz radiation that can be tuned to well-defined frequencies spanning ∼1.4 to 10 THz, based on difference-frequency generation in an HMQ-TMS crystal. The pair of pump pulses required for this process is obtained by optical parametric generation in an aperiodically-poled lithium niobate crystal; the center wavelength of this pair of pulses is around 1.45 µm. We obtained 40 nJ THz pulses using 38 µJ, 0.85 ns pump pulses.
Two-core photonic crystal fiber with selective liquid infiltration in the central air hole for temperature sensing
Authors: Wang Chenlu , Shum Perry Ping , Hu Dora Juan Juan , Chen Yu-Cheng , Xu Zhilin , Liu Shuhui , Zhang Yanan , Zhu Yongwei , Zheng Yu , Li Baocheng , Yang Chen , Tong Weijun , Meng Yue , Humbert Georges
Published: July 2020

A two-core photonic crystal fiber (TC-PCF) based highly-sensitive temperature sensor was proposed and demonstrated. By selectively infiltrating the central airhole with refractive index liquid (RIL), a three-parallel-waveguide structure was formed. A dual-component interference pattern, consisting of a large spectrum envelope and fine interference fringes, was observed in the transmission spectrum. The simulation results confirmed that the interference was arising from a few hybrid supermodes in the fiber coupler structure. They were in good agreement with the experimental observation on the discrete temperature windows with different temperature sensitivities due to couplings between different hybrid supermodes in respective temperature windows. By tracing the wavelength shifts of the large spectrum envelope, high sensitivities were achieved at 42.621 nm/°C in the temperature range from 54.2 °C to 55 °C and 32.159 nm/°C from 51.8 °C to 52.6 °C.
Dark comets: the cosmic catastrophic threat to earth
Authors: Khalil M. , Said M. , Osman H. , Younis N. , Khaled N. , Amr Y. , A. Mohamed N. , Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2020

Dark Comets are catastrophic hazardous objects that could hit Earth without warning. There are thousands of such unseen comets buzzing around. Very few of which are known. An overview of the dark comets deadly threat is presented in this paper. Moreover, detection techniques of these invisible objects are discussed.Â Â
Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Use Among Nigerian Male Commercial Vehicle Drivers Selected from The Three Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria
Authors: Egwuatu Tochukwu Frank , Iroanya Onyekachi Ogbonnaya , Adekoya Khalid Olajide
Published: July 2020

The use of psychoactive substances for several reasons by commercial vehicle drivers has been documented as a major cause of increased incidences of traffic accidents globally. The study aimed at determining the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among Nigerian male commercial vehicle drivers randomly selected from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria (Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba). A structured questionnaire which included data on sociodemographic status and psychoactive drug use history was introduced to all participants. Generic Multi-Drug Urine Dip Card Test Kit and Shimadzu chromatograph system (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) were used for toxicological analyses. Out of the 264 Nigerian male commercial vehicle drivers who participated in this study, 111(42.0 %) had used illicit drugs in recent times, 55(20.8 %) took drugs for improved energy and 90(34.1 %) felt high after using illicit drugs. Marijuana was the most abused substance; 77(29.2 %) followed by benzodiazepine; 34(12.9) across all ethnicities studied. Across all ethnicities, HPLC revealed that the Hausa drivers had the highest concentration of psychoactive substances in their urine samples. These findings, reiterates the need for the Nigerian anti-drug agency to develop new strategies in conducting a repressive drug war and extending the same to bus stations.
Mobile robot navigation based on line landmarks using the Braitenberg controller and image processing
Authors: Chaidir Ali Rizal , Rahardi Gamma Aditya , Anam Khairul
Published: July 2020

Line following and lane tracking are robotic navigation techniques that use lines as a guide. The techniques can be applied to mobile robots in the industry. This research applied the Braitenberg controller and image processing to control and obtain line information around the mobile robot. The robot was implemented using Arduino Uno as a controller. A webcam was connected to a computer that performs image processing using canny edge detection and sends the data to the robot controller via serial communication. The robot can navigate on the side of the line, and the success rate of the system is 100 % at a turn of 135 ° and 80 % at a turn of 90 °.
An Analysis of the Application of Agroecological Principles
Authors: Alava Atiencie Gabriela , Peralta Vallejo Ximena , Pino Andrade Mauricio
Published: July 2020

Agroecology is an alternative for social transformation that guarantees the sustainability of life in a world that periodically faces food crisis. There is a lack of information regarding the applicability of agroecological principles by part of organizations carrying out sustainable agriculture as part of the so called Popular and Solidary Economy in Azuay-Ecuador. For this reason, this study aims to analyze the meaningful differences found in the application of agroecological principles by these organizations considering their antiquity, number of members, and municipal division within the province of Azuay. This research used a quantitative approach that made use of the Multifactorial Questionnaire on Sustainability of Agroecological Organizations (MQAO), which was applied to a representative sample of leaders belonging to the organizations. The study shows that most of the organizations do not practice agroecological principles fully. Additionally, it demonstrates that older organizations apply agroecological principles in a larger scale than younger ones; the number of members does not influence principles applicability; it can also be noticed that performance changes from municipality to municipality, being Pucara and Gualaceo the municipalities with the best performance within the province.
Bioeconomía: una alternativa para la conservación
Authors: Lombeyda Miño Benjamín
Published: July 2020

El cambio climático provocado por las actividades antrópicas desde el periodo preindustrial es una realidad latente que amenaza el equilibrio natural del planeta. El incremento de la temperatura a causa de la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero está teniendo efectos irreversibles que perjudican a todas las formas de vida. Ante este panorama es necesario plantear nuevas alternativas que sean resiliente ante los efectos del calentamiento global, y la bioeconomía puede ser una ruta para disminuir la huella de carbono y transitar hacia un modelo de producción sostenible basado en el aprovechamiento de la biodiversidad. La bioeconomía es un término que se ha venido desarrollado con mucha fuerza en la última década, teóricamente se fundamenta en el principio del origen biológico de los procesos económicos gobernados por una ley límite. En un mundo donde los recursos son finitos y están en constante presión debido al crecimiento poblacional y a la creciente demanda de alimentos, es necesario establecer mecanismos que amortigüen las actividades antrópicas. En este proceso, la agroecología juega un rol importante para mejorar el acceso a productos saludables y conservación de la biodiversidad. El planteamiento y ejecución de la bioeconomía depende de la visión e intereses que persigue cada país o región. Ecuador debe buscar su propio modelo alejado de las lógicas expansionistas de cultivos energéticos y enfocarse en el desarrollo e innovación aprovechando la riqueza de su biodiversidad.
sistemas de producción de cacao de Shushufindi y su resiliencia al cambio climático
Authors: Albiño Cargua Jose Iván
Published: July 2020

En el cantón Shushufindi, el cacao se ha constituido en parte importante de la economía, siendo el cultivo más representativo dentro de los sistemas productivos de las familias. Dada la dependencia económica creada,  esta condición le confiere un mayor riesgo ante perturbaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la resiliencia climática de los sistemas de producción de cacao mediante la metodología de evaluación de resiliencia y variabilidad climática en agroecosistemas planteada por Córdoba (2016, 148), la misma que fue adaptada al contexto del lugar de estudio.  

Se analizaron 10 sistemas de producción, cinco monocultivos (MN) y cinco agroforestales (AF). Se evaluaron 46 indicadores de resiliencia agrupados en 11 criterios de evaluación: biofísico, aspectos sociales, salud, prácticas de cultivo, manejo del suelo, diversidad, autoconsumo, organizativo, técnico, rendimiento y económico. Se georreferenciaron los sistemas de producción y todos sus componentes mediante toma de fotografías aéreas. Se seleccionó una parcela de muestreo por sistema para recopilación de datos de diversidad vegetal y materia orgánica del suelo (MO). Cada indicador se valoró inicialmente en escala de 0 a 5 y luego se multiplicó por un coeficiente de ponderación. Los sistemas AF presentaron mayor resiliencia que los MN en 10 de los 11 criterios analizados (excepto rendimiento), sin embargo, en los dos tipos de sistema se requiere potencializar aspectos claves que mejoren su capacidad de adaptación y transformación al cambio climático.

Palabras clave: agroforestal; cacao; cambio climático; sistemas de producción; resiliencia.
Régimen Internacional del Cambio Climático: construcción de intereses comunes en la Iniciativa Yasuní ITT
Authors: Chalá Katherine Iveth , Peñafiel Daysi Mercedes
Published: July 2020

El presente artículo cobra relevancia al destacar que desde la disciplina de las Relaciones Internacionales con énfasis en el Régimen Internacional del Cambio Climático, se puede explicar esta problemática desde otro enfoque, que además ha sido escasamente abordado; de esta manera, se aporta al  debate académico generado hasta el momento. El objetivo general se centra en comprender cuáles son las principales dificultades que limitaron la construcción de intereses comunes entorno a la Iniciativa Yasuní ITT en el marco del Régimen en mención. Por tal sentido, la metodología empleada ha sido cualitativa, utilizando un método de estudio de caso singular. Entre los hallazgos encontrados, se destaca que tanto el Régimen como la Iniciativa presentaron contrariedades; esta última sobretodo en la aplicabilidad.
Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments: A review and potential impacts in South Africa
Authors: Ngqwala Nosiphiwe P. , Muchesa Petros
Published: July 2020

The carbon footprint of pharmaceuticals through manufacturing, distribution, the incineration of unwanted pharmaceuticals as well as the packaging of pharmaceutical waste is an emerging and enormous challenge. Pharmaceuticals are major contributors to water pollution in aquatic environments that include surface water and groundwater. These pollutants arise not only from waste products but also from pharmaceutical products that have not been properly disposed of. The continuous exposure to unspecified sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics presents risks to humans and other animals. Due to their extensive use and incomplete elimination, antibiotics have been detected in various environmental waters. The persistence of antibiotics in the environment and chronic exposure of organisms to these chemical stressors has also proven to have ecotoxicological effects. The prevailing emergence of antimicrobial resistance amongst bacteria is an area of primary concern, especially with regard to the release of antibiotics into the environment. Resistance is the acquired ability of bacterial populations to render an antibiotic ineffective as a result of a change in bacterial DNA which occurs when bacteria are subjected to an antibiotic concentration that will not kill them. A sub-lethal concentration possibly exerts a selective pressure that can result in the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. It is clear that there is a need for extensive research to improve regulations and guidance on pharmaceutical waste management, pharmaceutical take-back programmes and consumer awareness.
Significance:

Pharmaceuticals are major contributors to water pollution in aquatic environments that include surface water and groundwater. This review examines the potential sources of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments, their occurrence in South Africa, and public and environmental health implications posed by their presence. This information will provide a baseline for research and development to optimise water treatment technologies and to improve national, provincial, regional and municipal regulations and legislation.
South African log resource availability and potential environmental impact of timber construction
Authors: Crafford Philip L. , Wessels C. Brand
Published: July 2020

We investigated the South African log resource availability and the potential global warming impact of an increasing wood-based residential building market. We have shown that, with the use of wood resources currently exported as chips, as well as planting trees in areas that have been earmarked for afforestation, a sustainable residential building market, where all constructions are wood-based, is possible. However, in the short term, imports of wooden building components might be necessary if rapid growth in woodbased building occurs. Basic modelling analyses show that if the market share of wood-based buildings increases to 20% of new constructions, the embodied energy and global warming potential of the residential building sector could decrease by 4.9%. If all new constructions were wood based, the total embodied energy and global warming potential of the residential building sector could decrease by up to 30%.
Significance:

A novel finding of this paper is that sufficient local log resource options exist to realise a sustainable all-wood residential construction market in South Africa.
The likely implications in terms of embodied energy and potential global warming impact of using wood-based materials for residential buildings compared to conventional brick and mortar or reinforced concrete buildings were also analysed and found to be favourable.
Characterisation of wet and dry summer seasons and their spatial modes of variability over Zimbabwe
Authors: Manjowe Moven , Mushore Terence , Matandirotya Electidom , Mashonjowa Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

In the face of a changing climate, knowledge on the characteristics of wet and dry summers and their modes of variability becomes of great importance to Zimbabwe so that proper policies and planning can be implemented to maximise the positive impacts of climate change while minimising its negative impacts. We used time series of rainfall anomaly index, empirical orthogonal function analysis and composite analysis to determine the temporal and spatial characteristics of summer rainfall in Zimbabwe between 1980 and 2013. Results indicate that there is a possible shortening in the length of the summer season, running from November to March. There were 14 anomalous summer seasons (7 dry and 7 wet) during the 33 summer seasons in the study period. Three dominant modes of variability were identified for Zimbabwean summer rainfall for the period under study: (1) an east–west gradient accounting for about 63% of the total variability, (2) a northeast–southwest oscillation accounting for about 18% of the variability and (3) a northwest–southeast oscillation accounting for about 6% of the variability. From the results, the high frequency of occurrence of above or below normal summer seasons is a major concern due to their far-reaching effects on Zimbabwe’s economic and social well-being. Circulation mechanisms influencing such characteristics should be studied and possible predictors identified for the development of short-term climate prediction models. If the forecasting of extreme events is reliable and done with sufficient lead time, the information can be utilised to mitigate the adverse effects while maximising their positive impacts. The findings of this study are important for informing economic activities in sectors such as farming, energy, mining, and tourism, which rely heavily on summer rainfall. However further studies must be carried out to identify the atmospheric and oceanic circulations which lead to such rainfall variability. Such information is critical in the development of reliable rainfall forecasts and early warning systems.
Significance:

Rainfall affects a variety of socio-economic activities, especially in Zimbabwe where rain-fed agriculture is a major contributor to the gross domestic product. Therefore, understanding spatial and temporal variations in rainfall enhances the formulation of strategies and decision-making to ensure sustainable development in the country.
Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
Authors: Hajari Elliosha , Nonyane Dzunisani , Cronje Regina
Published: July 2020

Litchi represents an economically important crop in South Africa – however, the local industry is based on only five cultivars. In order to expand the gene pool and to extend the harvest season, new cultivars have been imported. Currently, cultivars are identified based on morphological characteristics, but these are not always reliable. Molecular markers provide a tool to supplement morphological characterisation, particularly in cases in which confusion exists. The present study reports on the application of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers in litchi for assessment of genetic relationships and molecular characterisation. The results provide evidence for separation of cultivars based on maturation period and fruit characteristics. The SRAP markers provide a tool for molecular characterisation that can be readily used by researchers with limited budgets, which is common in many developing countries.
Significance:

We report on the application of SRAP markers as a tool for litchi breeders in resource constrained countries.
The tested molecular markers allowed for genotyping (molecular characterisation) of litchi cultivars and selections.
The markers also revealed relationships between genetic and morphological (phenotypic) characteristics.
Forest restoration or propaganda? The need for Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) scores to uphold research integrity
Authors: Slingsby Jasper A.
Published: July 2020

In a time of environmental crisis and ‘fake news’, there are calls for scientists to engage in public debate or advocacy. Some are wary, fearing that revealing subjective views poses a risk to scientific credibility or erodes trust in scholarly publishing. Others are less concerned, seeing it as their duty to society or an opportunity to boost their profile. Ideally, we need better checks and balances that allow scientists to contribute to public discourse without fear of compromising the credibility of their science, while avoiding subjective views influencing the outcomes of peer-reviewed research. For better or worse, scientists have personal views. The question is not whether they should be condoned or condemned, but how they should be managed in the context of scholarly publishing to maximise benefits and minimise negative outcomes. Using the recent contention around global tree ‘restoration’ potential as an example, I propose we score journals and articles based on the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) guidelines and associated criteria. A high TOP score means readers have sufficient access to information to assess the objectivity and credibility of scientific publications and their authors. I show that current practice provides very little access to information, and readers are essentially being asked to have faith in the scholarly publication system. We must do better.
Significance:

Science is predicated upon objectivity, yet readers are rarely given enough information to assess the objectivity, and thus integrity, of peer-reviewed research.
To address this issue, a scoring system is proposed, which is based on the principles of transparency and openness.
Improving transparency and openness in scholarly publishing is essential for allowing readers to assess the objectivity of published research and researchers, growing public trust, and allowing researchers to engage in public debates without fear of loss of scientific credibility.
A systematic analysis of doctoral publication trends in South Africa
Authors: Van Schalkwyk Susan , Mouton Johann , Redelinghuys Herman , McKenna Sioux
Published: July 2020

It is incumbent upon doctoral students that their work makes a substantive contribution to the field within which it is conducted. Dissemination of this work beyond the dissertation, whether whilst studying or after graduation, is necessary to ensure that the contribution does not remain largely dormant. While dissemination can take many forms, peer-reviewed journal articles are the key medium by which knowledge is shared. We aimed to establish the proportion of doctoral theses that results in journal publications by linking South African doctoral thesis metadata to journal articles authored by doctoral candidates. To effect this matching, a customised data set was created that comprised two large databases: the South African Theses Database (SATD), which documented all doctoral degrees awarded in South Africa (2005–2014), and the South African Knowledgebase (SAK), which listed all publications submitted for subsidy to the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (2005–2017). The process followed several iterations of matching and verification, including manual inspection of the data, in order to isolate only those records for which the link was established beyond doubt. Over the period under review, 47.6% of graduates, representing 22 of the 26 higher education institutions, published at least one journal article. Results further indicate increasingly higher publication rates over time. To explore whether the journal article identified was a direct product of the study, a similarity index was developed. Over 75% of records demonstrated high similarity. While the trend towards increasing publications by graduates is promising, work in this area should be ongoing.

Significance:

In spite of increasing trends in publications by graduates, many are not disseminating their work, suggesting that significant bodies of research are potentially not being shared with the academic community and are therefore not contributing to the relevant discipline or field.

This study provides baseline data from which a number of further investigations can be launched, such as exploring the extent to which doctoral candidates who are also academics are publishing their work; the factors that enable or constrain publication; the other avenues of dissemination used; and whether publishing or not publishing can serve as a proxy for the quality of the doctoral work.
Aerobiology in South Africa: A new hope!
Authors: Ajikah Linus , Neumann Frank H. , Berman Dilys , Peter Jonny
Published: July 2020

Pollen and fungal spores (aerospora) are the major atmospheric bioaerosols. Aerospora occurrence and concentration vary by geographical region and blossoming period, and with meteorological factors. Allergic respiratory diseases affect about 20 million South Africans, with pollen and fungal allergens amongst the leading triggers. Asthma triggered by aerospora can be life threatening; allergic rhinitis causes considerable morbidity and carries financial implications for individuals and health systems. Thus, knowledge about geographical variation, seasonal timing and intensity, as well as annual aerospora fluctuations in South Africa, where climate and vegetation are exceptionally diverse, is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of allergies. Unfortunately, there is a lack of continuous aeropalynological data from South Africa. The longest annual monitoring exists for Cape Town (~20 years), with almost no data out of the Cape since the 1990s, and many parts of South Africa have never been monitored. In this brief review, we highlight the cross-disciplinary need for strengthened and expanded continuous aeropalynological study in South Africa, the history of efforts to date, and the introduction of the interdisciplinary South African Pollen Network (SAPNET). SAPNET was launched in seven major cities in August 2019 in order to monitor weekly variations of aerospora, and provide online data for allergy sufferers and health-care providers (www.pollencount.co.za) with the aim to establish regional pollen calendars.
Significance:

The significance of aerobiology as the study of airborne organic particles which include pollen, spores of fungi and cryptogams, plant hair, insect remains etc. especially as agents of allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever) is outlined. Cases of allergic rhinitis are globally increasing due to current climate change.
Very limited pollen monitoring data are available for South Africa; such data are a prerequisite for establishing pollen calendars to help medical practitioners and allergy sufferers. SAPNET (South African Pollen Network) addresses this lack of data. Since August 2019, seven 7-day volumetric spore traps have been operating in South Africa in major cities, and are continuously gathering data about the pollen and spore contents in a country which is highly affected by allergic rhinitis.
“The problem with the future is that it keeps turning into the present”: Preparing your students for their critically multiliterate future today
Authors: Sandretto Susan , Tilson Jane
Published: July 2020

We can no longer predict knowledge needed for the future, which has significant implications for contemporary literacy programmes. In this article we argue that reconceptualising current literacy approaches will support teachers to develop future-focused literacy teaching. We suggest that a critical multiliteracies lens can provide rationale for a future-focused literacy programme (the “why”), and that the four resources model (Luke & Freebody, 1999) can provide a way to enact such a programme (the “how”). Drawing on our research using this approach with teachers, we provide a mapping template and reflective questions as a springboard to initiate reflective discussion.
Te reo Māori in classrooms: Current policy, future practice
Authors: Stewart Georgina
Published: July 2020

This article is written for primary teachers who are not fluent in the Māori language (te reo Māori), about how and why te reo Māori can and should be used in the classroom. This article aims to help teachers understand the relevance of current policy documents, and to present useful guidelines on ways classroom practice can support the larger goals of the Ministry of Education, the government, and the nation as a whole, for ensuring a bright future for this beautiful indigenous language with which we have been entrusted.
“A degree of latitude”: Thinking historically and making holistic judgements about internally assessed NCEA course work
Authors: Sheehan Mark
Published: July 2020

This article draws on a recent New Zealand study of how young people learn to think critically about the past when they conduct internally assessed course work. The research demonstrated that, although students can develop advanced understandings of historical thinking when they conduct research projects, this development is largely dependent on how well teachers understand the conceptual nature of historical thinking. Teachers who understand how the discipline of history operates are more consistent and accurate in making judgements, able to provide specific feedback to students during the research process and they structure their assessment tasks to reflect historical thinking concepts. In the high-stakes internal assessment environment of NCEA understanding how the concepts of historical thinking drive teaching and learning at this level matters. It provides a robust, disciplinary framework that teachers can draw on when they are judging students’ work. This framework equips them to have the confidence to mark holistically when this is appropriate and to see the criteria as a guide.
Inviting innovation: Leading meaningful change in schools
Authors: Osborne Mark
Published: July 2020

Education in New Zealand (and indeed the world) is currently facing the greatest period of rapid change it has ever experienced. Challenges such as how to address chronic underachievement, what to do with ultra-fast broadband or mobile devices, the implementation of modern learning environments, developing inquiry or project-based learning, or even how to deliver an increased level of personalisation and student agency in learning, require schools to make significant changes to behaviours and norms that have endured for decades if not centuries. What is clear is that while “industrial model” thinking may have served schools well during the industrial age, the 21st century requires a much more innovative, entrepreneurial approach to leading change if schools are to ensure that they are constantly evolving and adapting to best meet student, parent, whānau, and community needs in a rapidly changing world.
“Ah the serenity ...”: Absurd ideas about educational futures
Authors: Gibbons Andrew
Published: July 2020

The most powerful thing about the literature on future-oriented education is what it tells us about our orientation to the present. This article explores some of the key ideas of future orientation that show the importance of both the present and, in particular, the presence of the teacher. The contributions of science fiction and of Albert Camus are explored to support this analysis and to generate some practical philosophical approaches to making sense of the present in an absurd world.
Primary students’ perceptions of good teachers
Authors: Haig Belinda , Sexton Steven S.
Published: July 2020

This article reports on a study of primary-aged students’ perceptions of what makes a good teacher for them. In 2012, as a result of a government directive, the three schools in this study merged into one but still operated across the three school sites. The focus of the study was on the students’ perceptions of their teachers, not the merger. Specifically, this study sought to include students’ self-reporting of how they saw good teachers and teaching. The results indicate that, for these students, the teacher–student relationship, two specific teacher attributes, and two sets of teaching ability characteristics were most important.
Classroom interaction and language learning: English-language-learner vignettes
Authors: Berry Clare , Kitchen Margaret
Published: July 2020

This article uses three excerpts of paired and group talk to explore English-language development in a Year 1 classroom. It suggests that structuring effective language-learning opportunities requires more than organising group work. It affirms the teacher’s essential roles as reflective organiser and close monitor of language output and participative opportunities. In such settings students can learn so much from one another. Interpreting and reflecting on these interactive episodes enriches teachers’ understanding of their practice.
Rethinking subject English for the knowledge age
Authors: McDowall Sue
Published: July 2020

Future-oriented theorists argue that if we want students to be future builders, we need to provide them with opportunities to do things with existing knowledge, rather than just reproduce it. In this article I consider the implications of this argument for English. I describe some theory-driven learning opportunities that may enable students to build knowledge, and I provide some research examples from classrooms of what each opportunity might look like for English. I suggest that exploring how to support knowledge building within existing learning areas, such as English, is one way of taking a “first step” towards a future-oriented curriculum, in which we attempt to bring the different learning areas together more purposefully.
Student management systems in secondary schools
Authors: Hipkins Rosemary , Dingle Rachel
Published: July 2020

How well is your school student management system (SMS) being used, by whom, and to do what? Principal and teacher responses to questions about this in the 2012 National Survey of Secondary Schools suggest this could be a fruitful area for schools to self-review.