bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational leadership for sustainability: 50 shades of green, and much more
Authors: Dixon David
Published: March 2022

The world is facing an existential threat from yoked horses of the apocalypse, including catastrophic climate change, chemical toxicity, mass extinctions, certain populations overconsuming, unstable governments, migration and pandemics. The biosphere of the planet is becoming less conducive
to life, including human life. As we enter the Anthropocene, how should we aim to reverse the damaging effects of our technology and culture in order to enter the Ecocene? What role should education play? This paper argues that leadership for sustainability should be a dominant model throughout
education and wider society, rather than being consigned to the periphery, or totally unrecognised. It describes how the values and actions of these leaders relate directly to how our type of civilisation can be repurposed and ultimately redeemed for survival into the distant future. It also
argues that progressive approaches have more to offer than traditional ones. The paper is polemical in style, and uses broad-brush contexts to hopefully instigate suitably new discussions on leadership in education.
Optimal control of a discrete-time plant–herbivore/pest model with bistability in fluctuating environments
Authors: Lee Sunmi ,   Department of Applied Mathematics, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, South Korea, Han Chang Yong , Kim Minseok , Kang Yun ,   Sciences and Mathematics Faculty, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
Published: March 2022

Motivated by regulating/eliminating the population of herbivorous pests, we investigate a discrete-time plant–herbivore model with two different constant control strategies (removal versus reduction), and formulate the corresponding optimal control problems when its dynamics exhibits varied types of bi-stability and fluctuating environments. We provide basic analysis and identify the critical factors to characterize the optimal controls and the corresponding plant–herbivore dynamics such as the control upper bound (the effectiveness level of the implementation of control measures) and the initial conditions of the plant and herbivore. Our results show that optimal control could be easier when the model has simple dynamics such as stable equilibrium dynamics under constant environment or the model exhibits chaotic dynamics under fluctuating environments. Due to bistability, initial conditions are important for optimal controls. Regardless of with or without fluctuating environments, initial conditions taken from the near the boundary makes optimal control easier. In general, the pest is hard to be eliminated when the control upper bound is not large enough. However, as the control upper bound is increased or the initial conditions are chosen from near the boundary of the basin of attractions, the pest can be manageable regardless of the fluctuating environments.
Global Banks and Systemic Debt Crises
Authors: Morelli Juan M. , Ottonello Pablo , Perez Diego J.
Published: March 2022

We study the role of global financial intermediaries in international lending. We construct a model of the world economy, in which heterogeneous borrowers issue risky securities purchased by financial intermediaries. Aggregate shocks transmit internationally through financial intermediaries' net worth. The strength of this transmission is governed by the degree of frictions intermediaries face in financing their risky investments. We provide direct empirical evidence on this mechanism showing that around Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy, emerging‐market bonds held by more distressed global banks experienced larger price contractions. A quantitative analysis of the model shows that global financial intermediaries play a relevant role in driving borrowing‐cost and consumption fluctuations in emerging‐market economies, during both debt crises and regular business cycles. The portfolio of financial intermediaries and the distribution of bond holdings in the world economy are key to determine aggregate dynamics.
Model and Predictive Uncertainty: A Foundation for Smooth Ambiguity Preferences
Authors: Denti Tommaso , Pomatto Luciano
Published: March 2022

Smooth ambiguity preferences (Klibanoff, Marinacci, and Mukerji (2005)) describe a decision maker who evaluates each act
f according to the twofold expectation

V
(
f
)
=

∫

P

ϕ
(

∫

Ω

u
(
f
)

d
p
)

d
μ
(
p
)

defined by a utility function
u, an ambiguity index
ϕ, and a belief
μ over a set

P
of probabilities. We provide an axiomatic foundation for the representation, taking as a primitive a preference over Anscombe–Aumann acts. We study a special case where

P
is a subjective statistical model that is point identified, that is, the decision maker believes that the true law

p
∈
P
can be recovered empirically. Our main axiom is a joint weakening of Savage's sure‐thing principle and Anscombe–Aumann's mixture independence. In addition, we show that the parameters of the representation can be uniquely recovered from preferences, thereby making operational the separation between ambiguity attitude and perception, a hallmark feature of the smooth ambiguity representation.
Unwilling to Train?—Firm Responses to the Colombian Apprenticeship Regulation
Authors: Caicedo Santiago , Espinosa Miguel , Seibold Arthur
Published: March 2022

We study firm responses to a large‐scale change in apprenticeship regulation in Colombia. The reform requires firms to train, setting apprentice quotas that vary discontinuously in firm size. We document strong heterogeneity in responses across sectors, where firms in sectors with high skill requirements tend to avoid training apprentices, while firms in low‐skill sectors seek apprentices. Guided by these reduced‐form findings, we structurally estimate firms' training costs. Especially in high‐skill sectors, many firms face large training costs, limiting their willingness to train apprentices. Yet, we find substantial overall benefits of expanding apprenticeship training, in particular when the supply of trained workers increases in general equilibrium. Finally, we show that counterfactual policies taking into account heterogeneity across sectors can deliver similar benefits from training while inducing less distortions in the firm‐size distribution and in the allocation of resources across sectors.
Expectations and realities of digital public spaces: A case study of digital community engagement in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: McShane Ian , Middha Bhavna
Published: March 2022

This article analyses expectations and experiences of digital public spaces that facilitate community engagement with urban planning. While viewing digital spaces as part of an expanding repertoire of public spaces and events – physical and digital – that signify the participatory turn in municipal governance, we argue that local officials and residents are overly optimistic about the democratic and administrative capacities of the digital sphere. Through a case study from Melbourne, Australia – a city with significant growth pressures – we argue that the experience of new participatory digital platforms falls short of expectations, for both residents and officials. Data show that well-documented problems with established modes of community engagement such as agenda control and ‘black boxing’ of responses, are replicated in on-line settings. The wariness residents have of administrators and elected officials are overlaid by new concerns of digital distrust and digital exclusion. For officials, using these digital spaces effectively requires time to develop and apply new skills. Our study suggests that digital spaces are not homogenous but are made up of diverse and complex practices and interrelationships. The multiplex relationships making up these digital spaces suggest that strategic and contextual combinations of online and offline engagement may be a path towards inclusive and democratic community engagement.
La résilience des territoires français face à la crise : une première évaluation de l’ampleur du choc
Authors: Abdel Fattah Lara , Amdaoud Mounir
Published: March 2022

Cet article cherche à mesurer l’impact de la crise sanitaire de la Covid-19 sur l’emploi local en France métropolitaine. En partant d’une vaste littérature sur la résilience économique et des premières données locales disponibles sur le nombre de suppressions d’emplois, nous mettons en évidence, d’une part, les différences de résilience des zones d’emploi face à la crise et, d’autre part, les facteurs explicatifs clefs à l’origine de ces disparités. Les premiers résultats économétriques montrent une influence significative de la densité, du niveau de l’emploi dans l’industrie, de la structure productive ainsi que de la dynamique entrepreneuriale du territoire. En revanche, aucune relation n’est trouvée entre les zones d’emploi présentant des niveaux importants de surmortalité et celles qui ont le plus enregistré de pertes d’emplois. Classification JEL : R11, R12, E24.
The Role of Social Networks in the Development of Skills of Professional Communication
Authors: Ivanova Rimma , Gaifullina Natalya , Al Said Nidal
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of social networks in the formation of professional communication skills. With this aim in view, a number of training approaches initially used in class were adapted to the online format and re-oriented towards developing professional communication skills using social networks. The specially created training course focused on developing professional communication skills included the following tasks: come up with a meme on a given topic, invent a short story, create antinomies, make up compliments, create an online event on social network and count how many people from the group are interested in it. These tasks’ fulfillment was proved to facilitate professional communication skills among students, which testifies to their validity and effectiveness. Consequently, they can be suggested for inclusion in educational institutions’ academic programs to raise their students’ communicative competence.
Neutropaenic enterocolitis due to Methotrexate in a patient with Rheumatoid arthritis – a case report
Authors: Jayasena D.P. , Jayasekera M.M.P.T. , Govindapala G.D.S. , Munasinghe J.M. , Samarawickrama T. , Senanayake A. , Chaturika H.A.V. , Wijensinghe R.A.N.K.
Published: March 2022

Neutropaenic enterocolitis is a rare, life-threatening disease, characterised by fever and abdominal pain in the setting of neutropaenia. Neutropaenic enterocolitis as a complication of medical therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has rarely been reported. Here we describe a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, who developed neutropaenic enterocolitis following a single dose of methotrexate.
Assessment on Deformed Pipeline Using Integrated Metal Magnetic Memory i-MMM Technology
Authors: Raja Ismail Raja Zahirudin , Zain Zahrin , Che Kamaruddin Mohd Noor Baharin , Mod Yunoh Mohd Faridz
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to share a new concept of assets condition assessment knows as Integrated Metal Magnetic Memory (i-MMM) which integrates capability of various Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technology in determining the current state of deformed pipeline due to external loadings.

MMM technology is one of NDT technique which can be used for early failure detection especially for Stress Concentration Zones (SCZ), microcrack and fatigue damage for ferromagnetic components. MMM is a passive technology tools that relies on the measurement of Self-magnetic Leakage Field (SMLF) of the ferromagnetic materials. Most of the traditional NDT method able to inspect the macro defect but incapable to identify micro defect due to the stress concentration zone. Based on this, MMM can be integrated and complimentary in its capability to other well-known NDT testing such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Hardness Test.

A case study presented whereby iMMM can be utilized to determined location which are prone to deformation due to stress and detailed assessment from changes of hardness up to development of macro size defect. Based on the findings in the case study, 2 microcrack were found at 2 inspected location of the pipeline.

Finally, based on the results and findings from the integrated approach of i-MMM, it can contribute and provide more impact on the simulation analysis by providing focused anomaly area or location and reduced the processing time.
Automatic Fault Segmentation Using Wavelet Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zhou Xu , Yin Qishuai , Wang Bin
Published: March 2022

This study presents a novel neural network model to explore its application in automatically interpreting subsurface faults from seismic images. A Wavelet Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model that incorporates discrete wavelet decomposition is presented, and its capability in segmenting subsurface faults is analyzed.

In this study, different neural network models are developed to compare their performance in segmenting subsurface faults. Sliced 2D seismic images are used as the input of the models. Pre-interpreted images with fault locations are used as the output of the models. Different CNN models are created using different pooling methods, including a traditional U-Net model with average pooling method, and an advanced Wavelet CNN model using wavelet pooling method. The results show that the Wavelet CNN model, which incorporates discrete wavelet transformation as the pooling layer, has the best performance comparing to traditional models in segmenting subsurface faults from input seismic images. It is more effective in saving edge features during pooling operations and outperforms the traditional U-Net model in segmenting subsurface faults from seismic images.
Technology Qualification: FMECA for Mitigating Potential Failure in Subsea Storage System
Authors: Zainal Abidin Mohd Azizul Hakim , Suleiman Abdul Hamid
Published: March 2022

Subsea storage is one of main technology in "Subsea Factory" concept that could significantly lower down the field life cycle cost especially in subsea development. An established qualification approach should enable Project Management Team (PMT) to evaluate the technology maturity, aims to reduce significant availability impact during deployment and operational phase. This paper describes the qualification approach adopted to qualify the subsea storage technology to achieve technology readiness level (TRL) 4 as per API 17Q framework, prior to pilot testing at offshore installation. One of important step is to evaluates whether the subsystem and critical components of subsea storage has an impact on Design, Operations and Maintenance. In this context, the evaluation considers the credible failure mode, mechanism, cause, and effect in relation to Risk Priority Number (RPN).

Failure Mode, Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) has been applied to evaluate the subsystem and critical component. The higher RPN indicates that the susceptible subsystem and critical components require special attention for improvement. The results pointed out that material for both top and bottom centre pipe flanges should have an ability to operate in cyclical loading and suitable for inspection, maintenance, and replacement program.

These results suggest that recommended method of FMECA can be adopted during TRL assessment. Focus also should be on unlisted components which are not part of this assessment including design adequacy and stringent quality assurance and control management system, operations integrity, and maintenance comprehensiveness.
Application of Conformance Control in Stand-Alone Screen SAS Completed Horizontal Wells-A Case Study of Bohai Bay
Authors: Zheng Xu , Lei Yuan , Pei Bailin , Zhao Wei
Published: March 2022

Objectives/Scope

There is high demand for water shutoff in quite a few SAS completed horizontal wells in the Bohai Bay, China. The popular swellable packer in combination with the ICD screen method cannot be adopted because segmentation cannot be achieved in the annulus between the SAS and the borehole wall by the swellable packers for the SAS is unable to be tripped out. A conformance control method is introduced and a case study is provided.

Methods, Procedures, Process

When the SAS string is not tripped out, first the path for the particles to flow through is established by perforation. Then, a string of ICD screen with smaller diameter is run in place, followed by the pumping of the continuous pack-off particles into the annulus (the inner annulus) between the ICD screen and the SAS. Meanwhile, the particles being carried by the fluids also pack the annulus (the outer annulus) between the SAS and the borehole wall through the penetrations on the SAS. Thus, the function of axial channeling prevention is realized by the rings of particles.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The well in the case study is an old well that suffered from high water cut, sand production and mud clogging simultaneously. For this operation, the filling rate of the particles was 104.2%, indicating the particles were tightly packed in the inner and outer annuluses and segmentation in the production interval was realized. After commissioning, the water rate dropped from the original 638m3/d to 85m3/d. The oil rate resumed to the level before the well was shut in and later slowly increased to 40.3m3/d. Water shutoff and oil enhancement was realized and neither sand production nor mud clogging occurred. Three functions are realized via the adoption of this method. Firstly, water shutoff and oil enhancement are realized via conformance control; secondly, both rings of particles together with the filtering layers in jacket provide better sand control; thirdly, the rings formed by the tightly packed particles are capable of preventing mud clogging.

Novel/Additive Information

In this paper, perforation is innovatively proposed to establish the path for the particles to flow through so that both annuluses are tightly filled by particles, together with the ICD screens, conformance control is realized along the entire production interval and the target of water shutoff and oil enhancement is achieved. Accordingly, high CAPEX for sidetracking is avoided and the single well ROI is improved.
Real-world treatment patterns, patient-reported outcomes, and effectiveness of flexible-dosing etanercept in patients with plaque psoriasis in Greece
Authors: Rigopoulos Dimitris , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Antoniou Christina , Sotiriadis Dimitrios , Roussaki-Schulze Angeliki , Boubouchairopoulou Nadia , Skiadas Ioannis , Tsekouras Vasillios , Hernandez Daly Ana Cristina
Published: March 2022

Etanercept is approved for continuous or intermittent use and flexible dosing in plaque psoriasis (PsO). The objectives of this study were to investigate real-world treatment patterns with etanercept in Greek adults with moderate-to-severe PsO. This non-interventional multicenter study included a retrospective-to-prospective (RP) cohort, previously treated with etanercept for ≥24 months and followed for an additional 6 months, and a biologic-naïve, prospective-only (PO) cohort, followed for 6 months after treatment initiation. Parameters assessed included Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and adverse events (AEs). This study enrolled 123 patients (RP, n = 56; PO, n = 67), who mostly adhered to continuous treatment (RP, 68%; PO, 95%). The two cohorts had similar mean baseline-to-endpoint decreases in PASI (-9.5 vs -10.1) and BSA (-11.9 vs -12.3). The PO-CTP population had a mean DLQI baseline-to-endpoint score decrease of -5.8, which was statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Treatment-emergent AE rates were 58.9% (RP) versus 26.9% (PO). These real-world data suggest a similar effectiveness of continuous and intermittent etanercept treatment in Greek patients with PsO.
Association between Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Fear of Cancer Recurrence among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Kim Esther Eun Hwa , Kang Jihun
Published: March 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among breast cancer survivors, using a validated multidimensional FCR-assessing instrument. Despite the debate over its medical effects, the use of CAM in breast cancer survivors is increasing.Methods: We recruited 326 breast cancer survivors who had completed the primary cancer treatment. Information on CAM use was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire, and FCR was assessed using the Korean version of the FCR Inventory (FCRI). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CAM use and FCR.Results: CAM users had higher total FCR scores than CAM non-users after covariate adjustment (CAM users: 74.6 vs. CAM non-users: 68.7; P=0.047). Among the FCRI subscales, CAM users showed higher coping strategy scores (CAM users: 22.3 vs. CAM non-users: 20.6; P=0.034) in the multivariable adjusted analysis. The use of multiple types of CAM was associated with increased FCR in a dose-dependent manner (P=0.002).Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors who used CAM had a higher FCR than CAM non-users. The dose-response relationship between the use of multiple types of CAM and FCR suggests that breast cancer survivors who use multiple types of CAM should be provided with appropriate psychological interventions to decrease FCR.
Is Ankle Kinesio Taping Effective to Immediately Change Balance, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals? A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Tomruk Melda Soysal , Tomruk Murat , Alkan Emrullah , Gelecek Nihal
Published: March 2022

Background: The ankle–foot complex plays a key role in maintaining balance because it collects proprioceptive data. Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitative method performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. The mechanical correction technique of KT was suggested to reposition the joints and alter balance parameters. The aim was to reveal the pure effects of ankle KT on balance, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in healthy individuals.Methods: Forty healthy students were recruited for this randomized, sham-controlled study at a local university. Participants were divided into two groups—experimental and sham application groups. The primary outcome measures were balance parameters. Athlete Single Leg (ASL), Limits of Stability (LoS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were used to measure single-leg dynamic balance, dynamic postural control, and sensory interaction of balance, respectively. Dorsiflexion ROM and dorsiflexor muscle strength were the secondary outcomes.Results: The ASL score showed significant improvement only in the experimental KT group (P=0.02); however, the LoS score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). CTSIB scores, dorsiflexion ROM, and dorsiflexor muscle strength for both ankles did not change in any of the groups after intervention (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no superiority of one intervention over the other in improving any of the variables (P>0.05).Conclusion: The mechanical correction technique of KT can be useful in providing immediate improvement in single-leg dynamic balance in healthy individuals. However, it may not be effective to significantly change the sensory interaction of balance, dorsiflexion ROM, and muscle strength.
Athletic Training Preceptors' Perceptions of the Characteristics for Contemporary Expertise
Authors: Philpot Nicholas J. , Cavallario Julie M. , Walker Stacy E. , Welch Bacon Cailee E.
Published: March 2022

Context

As a part of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) 2020 Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs, all preceptors affiliated with accredited programs must identify an area of contemporary expertise in a routine area of athletic training practice. However, little is known regarding preceptors' perceptions of contemporary expertise.

Objective

To explore preceptors' perceptions of the characteristics of contemporary expertise.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Online survey with open-ended questions.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 277 preceptors affiliated with 80 CAATE-accredited professional programs accessed the survey; 259 respondents completed at least 1 open-ended question, and 201 completed the survey in its entirety (77.6% completion rate).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We used a 16-item survey including demographic (10 items), Likert-scale (1 item), and open-ended (5 items) questions. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize respondent demographics and familiarity with contemporary expertise. Guided by consensual qualitative research, a 3-person data analysis team coded responses from the open-ended questions following a structured, 4-phase progression. An external auditor confirmed accuracy and representation of the findings.

Results

Approximately 36% of preceptors reported they were not at all familiar with contemporary expertise. Preceptors identified several defining characteristics (eg, knowledge or skills possessed, clinical practice experience, intentional continuing education, evidence-based practice [EBP]) and parameters (eg, CAATE curricular content standards, Board of Certification domains of practice, areas of specific interest) of contemporary expertise. Additionally, 85% of preceptors discussed how identifying areas of contemporary expertise would improve their practice, while the remaining 15% discussed how it would not.

Conclusions

Preceptors affiliated with CAATE-accredited professional programs appear to be largely in favor of developing an area of contemporary expertise and believe it will improve their own clinical practice. More education is needed to acquaint preceptors who are not yet familiar with the notion of contemporary expertise.
Molecular characterization of varicella zoster virus isolated from clinical samples in India
Authors: Nyayanit Dimpal Amol , Chaubal Gouri , Sahay Rima , Jain Shilpi , Shete Anita , Majumdar Triparna , Shrivastava Anish , Yadav Pragya D.
Published: March 2022

Background & objectives:

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) strains are classified into six different clades based on the sequencing of its genome. Clades 4 and 5 are reported from India based on the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Till now, multiple clade circulations using partial sequences have been reported from India due to the lack of availability of the full VZV genome sequence. This study conducted a genome sequencing of VZV in India to identify circulating clade.

Methods:

Four clinical samples obtained from symptomatic patients tested positive for VZV by real-time PCR were used. These four samples were preferred to retrieve the genomic VZV sequence using the next-generation sequencing method. A reference-based assembly method was used to retrieve the genome of VZV, which was further analyzed.

Results:

At the least, 98 per cent of the whole-genome sequences were recovered from the four samples. The VZV sequences obtained in this study formed a separate monophyletic branch with clade 5, indicating it to be evolved from a distinct ancestor. The nucleotide-based analysis revealed 13 different SNP mutations and one multiple nucleotide variation in the VZV sequences when compared to one of the clade 5 genomes having accession number: DQ457052.1.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present study described approximately 98 per cent of the genome sequence of VZV from India. The availability of these genomic sequences will lead to enrichment in the clinical genomic data set from India. The available data would help in the development of diagnostic methods along with evolutionary analysis. We hypothesize the existence of a new sub-clade that belongs to clade 5 and propose further experiments to confirm these results.
Management of Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning with a Holistic Approach at NHL Municipal Medical College and Hospital, Ahmedabad
Authors: More Dheeraj B. , Wankhede Mahendra N. , Malve Harshad
Published: March 2022

Background:

Aluminium phosphide is a usual ingredient of rodenticide and its poisoning is a common cause of suicide in India. Signs and symptoms of its toxicity are well-known. Its toxic effects are mainly due to liberation of phosphine gas which causes cell hypoxia due to inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and results in circulatory failure.

Aims and Objectives:

Mortality with aluminium phosphide is high as there is no specific antidote available yet. And hence we need to explore holistic treatment approach to improve patient outcomes in aluminium phosphide poisoning.

Materials and Methods:

Present study discusses a holistic treatment approach to aluminium phosphide poisoning in this retrospective analysis of 100 cases from a tertiary care hospital in this study.

Results:

Around 65% patients survived due to the holistic treatment approach and correct treatment protocol with supportive therapy.

Conclusions:

The aggressive and appropriate management with continuous hemodynamic monitoring and holistic treatment approach can reduce the mortality significantly in aluminium phosphide poisoning.
Postmortem Nasopharyngeal Swabs Performed During the COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Drommi Martina , Barranco Rosario , Balbo Arianna , Errico Stefano , Frigiolini Francesca Maria Elena , Mangioni Manuela , Molinari Giulia , Zappi Alessandra , Caligiuri Patrizia , Stefano Francesco De , Ventura Francesco
Published: March 2022

COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is highly contagious. The persistence of the virus after infected individuals die remains unclear. This article reports the findings taken from postmortem nasopharyngeal swabs performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the corpses transferred to the Genoa District Mortuary from the outset of the Italian lockdown (March 9) to the end of the first emergency phase (July 13). One hundred and eighty swabs were carried out: 13 corpses resulted positive for the virus, with the diagnosis being reached only after death. Seven were male and 6 female with an average age of 73.5 years old. The most frequent comorbidities recorded were arterial hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and pulmonary disease. In two cases, the swab tested positive at a distance of 125 h and 165 h from actual death. The nasopharyngeal swab results a useful way to screen corpses for COVID-19 and to handle bodies in Legal Medicine Centers where safe autoptic rooms are not available. Swabs are also a means of safeguarding forensic pathologists, identifying the presence of breeding grounds in the community and providing information for the Public Prosecutor's Office in legal cases. They are able to produce reliable results up to at least 7 days following death, provided that the corpse is correctly preserved.
Clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics, and outcomes of hospitalized children with suspected COVID-19 infection
Authors: Rahimi Hamid , Pourmoghaddas Zahra , Aalinezhad Marzieh , Alikhani Fariba , Saleh Rana , Amini Sheida , Tavakoli Saman , Saeidi Shima , Sharifi Narges , Hovsepian Silva
Published: March 2022

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics, and outcomes of hospitalized children with suspected COVID-19 infection in Isfahan.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, all children aged < 15 years, who hospitalized as suspected case of COVID-19 were enrolled. During this study, all demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics as well as follow-up data and outcomes of the hospitalized children were recorded by pediatric residents using a questionnaire. The findings of studied populations in the two groups of definite/or suspected and negative COVID-19 patients were compared.

Results:

During 6 months’ period, 137 children with suspected COVID-19 infection were evaluated. Mean age of studied population was 4.3 (0.38) years. The most common symptoms in order were fever, cough, dyspnea and diarrhea. The most common computed tomography scan findings were bilateral ground glass and subpleural involvements. The rate of mortality was 7.3%. COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test was positive in 22% of the patients. Based on the specialist's diagnosis, 30/25 patients were definite/or suspected to COVID-19 and reminder (79) were negative. O2 saturation <90%, was significantly higher in children with definite/or suspected diagnosis for COVID-19 (46.7% vs. 22.4%, P < 0.05). Dyspnea and shivering were significantly higher in children with definite/or suspected diagnosis for COVID-19 than those negative for COVID-19(P < 0.05). Mean duration of hospitalization was significantly associated with level of lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of our studied population were similar to other studies, but outcome was not similar which may be due to our studied population (inpatients cases). It is suggested that a better understanding of the infection in children may give important insights into disease pathogenesis, health-care practices, and public health policies.
‘We are aware but not prepared’: Broadcast journalists’ perception of challenges and benefits of digitization of broadcasting in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinola-Badmus Oyindamola Omotolani , Ojebuyi Babatunde Raphael
Published: March 2022

Nigeria is among the African nations expected to migrate to digital transmission by 2020 as proposed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Existing media and communication studies have focused on the benefits and challenges of the digital migration process. However, scanty scholarly attention has been paid to the levels of awareness of, and preparedness for, digitization of broadcasting among broadcasters in Nigeria especially in Ibadan, Oyo State, being the host to the first television station in Africa. Driven by the Technological Determinism and Diffusion  of Innovation theories as the framework, the study employed survey and in-depth interviews as the research methods to examine broadcast journalists’ levels of awareness, readiness for, and perception of, the challenges and benefits of digital switchover. A total of 300 copies of the  questionnaire were administered to broadcasters (208 were returned in usable form and constitute the basis of analysis and discussion in the study) who were purposively and conveniently selected from ten broadcast stations in Ibadan. An Administrator from the National Broadcasting Commission Abuja and one Administrator each from the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and Diamond FM, Ibadan were purposively selected as interview participants. Findings show that most broadcasters (57.7%) were aware of the digital switchover. However, 49.0% of the broadcasters  confirmed that they were not adequately prepared for digital transition. Moreover, the broadcast journalists confirmed that, apart from skills, costs of content creation and procurement of digital technologies required by digital broadcast were the major impediments to digital switchover while they identified job creation, more revenue generation, richer contents, stronger bandwidths, and enhanced patronage as the benefits of digital broadcast. Relevant government agencies in charge of digital switchover in Nigeria should, through training and equipment procurement, motivate and empower broadcasters and broadcast stations to prepare them for a successful digital switchover.
Stylistic analysis of Nigerian prose: A reading of selected novels of Chukwuemeka Ike
Authors: Patrick Charles Alex
Published: March 2022

This paper examined the language, style and other narrative devices in Chukwuemeka Ike’s novels. The diagnostic objective of the paper is based  on the interpretative analysis of Ike’s linguistic medium to determine how they aide in giving expressions to his vision as a writer. It reveals that  colloquial and evocative language layered with oral resources provides the fertile medium through which Ike portrays the absurdities and  decadence inherent in his society. His craftsmanship and talent glistens from effective and efficient deployment of literary style like the third person  narrative point of view, dream motif, flashback, songs, metaphor, proverbs, adjectival density in which Ike piles up superlative and superficial  adjectives while describing his characters which often make his language genial and turgid, etc. The paper explored some aspects of language in  Henri Bergson’s theory of humour which sheds some light on Ike’s use of language. It concludes that contrary to the popularly held view that Ike  belongs to the popular tradition in African literature; Ike is a consummate writer whose utmost concern is the propagation of a healthy society.
Exploring the effectiveness of theatre for peace building in glocal conflicts
Authors: Ahupa Millicent
Published: March 2022

Conflict is an inevitable phenomenon in any human society because humans are driven by varied ideologies, interests and positions, which might  clash time and again. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed many conflicts and violence fostered by issues of identity, citizenship and participation in national dispensations. The worst case scenario in this expression is the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009. Conflict in Nigeria has thrived mainly because the approaches adopted to address conflict have been inadequate and unsuitable. This article adopts the Participatory Theory to discuss the effectiveness of applying more subtle approaches such as the Theatre-for-Development (TfD) framework for peace building in Nigeria today. It focuses on the conflict between herders and farmers in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State and the experimentation of the TfD framework to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between herders and farmers and presentsqualitative data to this effect. The paper concludes that conflict and conflict related issues can be addressed without the use of force.Therefore, TfD is the alternative strategy for entrenching peace and building inclusive societies. The study recommends that the Theatre-for-Development framework is pertinent for peace building as it is an investment in humans, both physically and psychologically towards reconciliation and durable peace. It also recommends that there is the need for capacity building within government agencies to improve their fundamental  understanding of conflict related issues and enhance their ability to contribute to just and lasting solutions.
Constraints of set design in three selected educational theatres in Nigeria
Authors: Abodunrin Olusegun K. , Atarase Olufemi E.
Published: March 2022

Set design in educational theatre houses in Nigeria is an important area of theatre studies that assists the designer to interpret the play’s message  during performances to make the audience understand both the message of the play and the directorial vision. However, it has suffered serious  neglect. The neglect affects the experts and non-experts in different areas of the theatre profession. This study takes a look at set design in Nigerian  universities with emphasis on University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Abuja. A descriptive method that entails  observant participatory approach was adopted. Observations and conclusions reached were through visits to the mentioned institutions above as  well as the functionality of the set construction of plays watched. This provided the opportunity to assess the functionality of the equipment used  and the quality and value of the sets constructed. The following findings were reached: equipment was obsolete, the staff and the students relied  on improvisation and recycling during performances in most cases. Many departments of theatre arts lacked adequate set design equipment which  reduced the quality and value of their productions. The funding required to procure or acquire design equipment was a paltry sum and this also led to lack of regular training of designers. The recommendations of this study, therefore, are that play directors and set designers should have a sense  of history of their theatre structure. They should also bridge the gap between the expected and actual set design and their roles towards success in  play production. Furthermore, set designers within the academy should be sent for training regularly to enable them update knowledge in the  constantly evolving area of automated theatre design and technology.
Nollywood as an elixir for drug misuse among students of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Akowe Achor F.
Published: March 2022

The Nigerian entertainment industry tagged Nollywood, which began on a staggering note, has evolved to only trail behind Hollywood and  Bollywood that started many years before its advent. This medium has equally mainstreamed itself into competing favourably with other media  struggling for human attention. Therefore, even in an era when the youths have found fun with internet services, this medium is equally compliant  with social media. It is on this locus standi that this article investigates The Lost Soul in an attempt to scale down the misuse of drugs by students of  tertiary institutions, which truncates their educational pursuits, rendering them redundant and their families and by extension Nigeria sorrier for it.  Armed with this report, this discourse adopts an analysis and deduction approach by way of qualitative research of the movie under study with the  view to stampeding the spread of this anathema on our campuses. Consequently, this article recommends the mass production of movies with this  thematic relevance, among others, by the various Theatre Arts Departments in Nigerian universities where students themselves account for the  largest part of the cast and crew members. This will definitely command more youth viewership and hence, scale down to some reasonable extent  the vices threatening to militate against their educational development since they will become or are the fulcra of any labour force and the leaders  of tomorrow.
Beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning-hooks: Transforming the traditional media of communication from drivers of conflict to instruments for peace and security: Examples from Hakamat singers in Sudan’s Darfur
Authors: Adekera Daniel Terzungwey
Published: March 2022

The Hakamats, a group of traditional women singers and poets from Darfur, Western Sudan, contributed greatly to fueling the decade old Darfur conflict using their traditional war songs and poetry. Using the  same instrument to appeal to the ego and romanticisms of their male counterparts  they also blocked several proposed peace initiatives. Through education and advocacy, they now sing for peace; a clear case of beating swords into  plowshares and spears into pruning-hooks. This study examines the factors that influenced the Hakamats’ choice to promote war and conflict rather  than peace and peaceful co-existence, and the motivation that sustained that momentum. The focus is on how they were convinced to  abandon an old-time traditional role and embrace the search for sustainable peace in an area they held sway for a long time. The study is based on  series of workshops, sensitization campaigns and personal interviews with some women Hakamats. The data generated from the workshops and  interviews was critically examined using content analysis. The findings show that economic benefits and, the quest for societal recognition greatly  influenced and sustained the Hakamats’ choice of trade, motivation, and activities. The study recommends that a new set of value system and other  means of economic survival for the Hakamat are an imperative in order for the transformation to be sustainable. It also recommends the  deployment of traditional media as a very critical tool for conflict resolution.
A designer’s reading of directorial conformity and divergence in Soyinka’s death and the King’s horseman
Authors: Adeoye Michael Ade
Published: March 2022

This study takes a critical look at the stage production of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, which Ahmed Yerima directed on July 13, 2004 at the National Theatre, Onikan in Lagos, Nigeria, with reference to the collaborative process through which elements of design and directing  were engaged to produce meaning from the dramatic text to the theatre audience. Its objective is to assess the role of design elements in the  technical process of achieving visual transmogrification on stage and explore the extent of the director’s interpretational conformity to, or  divergence from, the original ideas of the playwright in the dramatic text. This work is situated within Merleau-Ponty’s concept of Embodiment and  Body-subject, with a view to analysing and understanding theatre and drama as lived experiences, and visually embodied consciousness and  perception. It seeks theoretical supports from Umberto Eco’s idea of semiotics. This study used a qualitative methodology, primarily including key  informant Interviews, for the collection of data, which, in turn, received content analysis. The study concludes that stage design and its attendant  elements are central to the process of retrieving meaning from dramatic texts to the audience because while Ahmed Yerima clearly diverged from  Soyinka’s original intention in the text, he relied heavily on stage design and allied elements as the facilities of divergence.
In vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Phoenix dactylifera fruits
Authors: Yunusa I. O. , Musa B. B. , Asmau A. N. , Ruqaya Y. S. , Unekwu H. R.
Published: March 2022

Phoenix dactylifera fruits, commonly known as date fruits are consumed worldwide because of their nutritional and pharmacological values owing to their nutrients and phytoconstituents compositions. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanol and n-hexane extracts of P. dactylifera fruits in Wistar rats. Egg albumin and carrageenan-induced inflammation models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities, while acetic acid and formalin-induced pain models were used to evaluate the analgesic activities in Wistar rats. Each model comprised of eight groups of three rats each. Groups administered with 300 mg/kg bw and 600 mg/kg bw of the n-hexane and methanol extracts, respectively exhibited maximum percentage inhibition. The maximum percentage inhibitions of methanol extract on egg albumin and carrageenan, acetic acid and formalin-induced pain at 600 mg/kg bw. (67.24% and 64.22%, 63.33% and 65.32%, respectively) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the n-hexane extract at 300 mg/kg bw. (56.90% and 52.94%, 50.00% and 52.56%, respectively). Conclusively, both extracts possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, with methanol extract showing greater activity. These activities may be due to the presence of tannins, saponins, but most especially flavonoids in both extracts.