bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invisible Geolocation Signature Extraction From a Single Image
Authors: Choi Jisoo , Wong Chau-Wai , Hajj-Ahmad Adi , Wu Min , Ren Yanping
Published: April 2022

Submitted to IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security (T-IFS). Under revision.
Entropy analysis and improvement of the one-dimensional cell-centered Lagrangian scheme
Authors: Li Zhongze , Liu Li , Cheng Jun-bo
Published: April 2022

It is physically admissible that the numerical solutions of gas dynamics equations are consistent with the second law of thermodynamics, but the other cellcentered Lagrangian (CL) schemes except the hybridized CL scheme introduced by
Maire et al. do not satisfy this consistency. For one-dimensional gas dynamics equations, this hybridized CL scheme combines the acoustic approximate (AA) flux and the
entropy conservative (EC) flux. By distinguishing expanded zones and compressed
zones, the hybridized CL scheme basically satisfies the entropy consistency, but in the
part zones of rarefaction waves, the hybridized CL scheme is under-entropic and the
EC flux may result in the numerical oscillations in simulating strong rarefaction waves.
In this paper, we try to design a new hybridized CL scheme satisfying entropy consistency for one-dimensional complex flows. This new hybridized CL scheme is the combination of the AA flux and the modified entropy conservative (MEC) flux. Just like the
EC flux, the MEC flux keeps the entropy conservative in simulating rarefaction waves;
while differently, the MEC flux damps effectively numerical oscillations in zones of
rarefaction waves. And we find that, by using the third-order TVD-type Runge-Kutta
time discretization method, the CL scheme with the improved hybridized flux can
completely satisfy entropy consistency. Finally, some numerical examples are tested to
prove the characters of our new CL scheme with the improved hybridized flux.
Knights and Gold Stars: A Tale of InnerSource Incentivization
Authors: Dey Tapajit , Jiang Ning (Willem) , Fitzgerald Brian
Published: April 2022

Given the success of the open source phenomenon, it is not surprising that many organizations are seeking to emulate this success by adopting open source practices internally in what is termed InnerSource. However, while open source development and InnerSource are similar in some aspects, they differ significantly on others, and thus need to be implemented and managed differently. To the best of our knowledge, there is no significant account of a successful InnerSource incentivization program. Here we describe a comprehensive InnerSource incentivization program which was implemented at Huawei. The program is based on theories of motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, and also includes incentives at the individual, project, and divisional level, which helps to overcome the barriers that arise when implementing InnerSource. The program has had very impressive early results, leading to significant increases in the number of InnerSource projects, contributors, departments, and lines of code contributed. 
Conjoint uncertainty in Bio-optical Characterization of Coastal waters using Local to Global Optimization
Authors: Gupta Anurag
Published: April 2022

“This work has been submitted to the IEEE for possible publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessible.”
Impact of Uncontrolled Landfills on Soil Metal Contamination: The Case of the Former Akouedo Landfill (Abidjan-Côte D’ivoire)
Authors: Kouassi Amenan Evelyne , Ble Louan Odile , Bolou Bi Emile , Denaix Laurence , Kouame Albert Yao-
Published: April 2022

The uncontrolled dumping of solid waste is a risk factor for soil and groundwater contamination. Indeed, the buried waste generates a strong accumulation of metallic trace elements in the soil. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the Akouédo landfill on soil metallic trace elements. Soil samples (0-20 cm) were taken from the control site (soils without residues) and the three sites DAK, DAD, DJD, which correspond, respectively, to older residue soils, aged 30 years, older residue soils, aged between 20 and 30 years and young residue soils, aged 10 years. Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) analysis of trace metals showed higher concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd in the tailings soils than in the control site.
Internal Examination Administration Practices and Students’ Academic Achievement in Public Day Secondary Schools
Authors: Ben Papa Osukuku , Kipkenei Simon , Likoko Sara
Published: April 2022

Globally, education stakeholders have a growing concern about students’ dismal academic achievement in standardized examinations in secondary schools. However, what is not known is how secondary schools internal examination administration practices affect students’ academic achievement. Hence, the purpose of the study was to determine the influence of internal examination administration practices on students’ academic achievement in public day secondary schools in Busia County, Kenya. The hypothesis of the study was that internal examination administration practice has no statistically significant influence on students’ academic achievement in public day secondary schools in Busia County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Education Production Function Theory and employed an ex-post facto research design. The study population comprised of 7,388 form four students of 2020 and 115 Directors of Studies (DOS) in the 115 public day secondary schools in Busia County. Multistage sampling was used to draw a sample of 661 respondents constituting of 626 form four students of 2020 and 35 Directors of Studies. Data was collected using; a questionnaire for form four 2020 students and Directors of Studies; and document analysis. Face and content validity of research instruments were ascertained using experts’ opinion from the supervisors while reliability was determined using Cronbach's Alpha and reliability of 0.954 and 0.923 for the candidates’ questionnaire and Directors of Studies questionnaire respectively were considered reliable. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively using mean and inferentially using Multiple Linear Regression by aid of Stata version 12.1 and results presented inform of tables. The study concluded that ineffectiveness in internal examinationadministration practices in public day secondary schools influence students’ academic achievement in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination. The study recommended that public day secondary schools
Docosahexaenoic Acid Prevents SiNPs Induced Alterations in Male Reproductive Hormones in Rats
Authors: Langeh Raghev , Maurya Manoj K , Anuradha J , Sanjeevi R , Sanjeevani Rohin , Tripathi Sandeep , Chauhan Dushyant Singh
Published: April 2022

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are found to be toxic during excessive exposure for both human and animals (Fan et al., (2006). The main routes of exposure are air, drinking water and other environmental factors (Leung et al., 2012). It is reported that SiNPs decreased the sperm number and sperm motility rate, sperm malformation and apoptosis in the testicle spermatogenic cells in rats (Ying et al., 2014). Aim of the present study is to evaluate deterioration induced by SiNPs in male reproductive hormones. In the present study, 40 and 80 mg SiNPs were exposed to rats for 60 days. At the end of the exposure period serum were removed from the blood for the investigation of reproductive hormones such as Folicle stimulating Hormones (FSH), Leutinizing Hormones (LH), Testosterone (TT) and Prolactin (PROL) in both control and experimental rats. In the present study it was found that LH, FSH, Testosterone and Prolactin values significantly alters SiNPs exposed groups when compared with control groups. We also found that epididymal sperm count was decreased significantly in the experimental groups. On the basis of results it may be concluded that the interperitoneal injection of SiNPs alters the male reproductive hormones, which further deteriorate the spermatogenesis.
BMI Status in Hypertensive Patients: Study in a district level hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Dr. Md. Liakat , Habiba Dr. Umme , Rahman Dr. Md. Mahfuzer , Haque Dr. Ashraful , Sarkar Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin , Adiluzzaman Dr. Md. Al Fatah Al
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Coronary and cardiovascular illnesses are among the leading causes of death globally. Cardiovascular illnesses have several causes and risk factors, one of which is hypertension, often known as high blood pressure. It is one of the illnesses for which there are no obvious symptoms or a cure. As a result, it is frequently identified in its advanced form, with severe symptoms. Socioeconomic variables, among many others, are one of the causes of hypertension. However, the specific relationship between socioeconomic level and hypertension has not been determined, as numerous researches provide contradictory results. Body weight has often been connected to hypertension and cardiac damage, and the present study was conducted to observe the. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to observe and evaluate the effects of body weight in select hypertensive patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at the Department of Medicine, Rangpur Medical college Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh during the period from January 2016 to December 2016. The study was conducted with 252 participants selected by random selection method among the participants admitted into the study hospital. The study only contained participants of Hypertension Stage 1 or above. Result: The age range of the participants was from 18-67 years, with 57.14% belonging to the age group of 21-39 years. The male: female ratio was 5.14:1. 67.86% of the participants had a sedentary work life, and 46.03% of the participants were overweight, with only 8.73% being obese. Excessive salt intake, family history of hypertension and smoking were some of the major additional risk factors. A good level of knowledge regarding HTN was present in only 50% of the participants, with excellent knowledge present in 13.10%. Conclusion: Increasing bodyweight has a positive relation with hypertension prevalence, and leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of hypertension. ..........
Clinical Profile of Children with Acute Kidney Injury in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: F Ahmed , M Hanif , T Fardush
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), formerly known as Acute Renal Failure, is defined by a reversible rise in creatinine and nitrogenous waste product concentrations in the blood, as well as the kidney's inability to control fluid and electrolyte balance correctly. Whether the cause of AKI differs in different regions of the world, the incidence of AKI in children appears to be growing. Over the last several decades, the etiology of AKI in hospitalized children has changed from primary renal disease to multiple reasons, particularly in hospitalized children. As a result, research is required to identify the most current trends in AKI in this region. Because it continues to be associated with significant mortality and morbidity in poor nations with inadequate resources, including renal replacement treatment. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to observe the clinical profiles of hospitalized acute kidney injury children. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was performed in the Department of Pediatrics, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of 12 months from January 2015 to December 2015. A total of 50 children were selected from the ones admitted into the hospital following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history was taken, thorough physical examination and relevant laboratory investigations were done in all enrolled patients. All underwent necessary supportive care as needed until discharge or death. Result: In the present study, the mean age of the children was 2.8 ± 1.9 years, with the youngest one being 4 days and the oldest, 12.5 years. Male: female ratio was 1.8:1. Children in the age group of 1-5 years were most commonly affected. The most common clinical feature was oliguria 88%. Diarrhea and peripheral edema were other common presenting complaints. Etiology of AKI was mainly pre-renal 64%, followed by renal 26% and post-renal 10% causes. The overall mortality rate was 22%. Conclusion: It was observed ..........
Hospital outcome of Children with Acute Kidney Injury in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: F Ahmed , M Hanif , T Fardush
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), formerly known as Acute Renal Failure, is characterized by a reversible increase in creatinine and nitrogenous waste product concentrations in the blood, as well as the kidney's failure to maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance. Whether the etiology of AKI varies by area, the incidence of AKI in children appears to be increasing. The etiology of AKI in hospitalized children has shifted from primary renal disease to various causes during the last several decades, particularly in hospitalized children. As a result, further study is needed to determine the most recent trends in AKI in this region. Because it is still connected with significance. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to observe the hospital outcome of hospitalized acute kidney injury children. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was performed in the Department of Pediatrics, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of 12 months from January 2015 to December 2015. A total of 50 children were selected from the ones admitted into the hospital following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history was taken, thorough physical examination and relevant laboratory investigations were done in all enrolled patients. All underwent necessary supportive care as needed until discharge or death (p<0.01). Result: The mean age of the children was 2.8 ± 1.9 years, with the youngest one being 4 days and the oldest, 12.5 years. Male: female ratio was 1.8:1. Children in the age group of 1-5 years were most commonly affected. Pre-renal cause was the most common cause of acute kidney injury, present in 64% of the cases. 62% had complete recovery by hospital discharge, and 22% died. The most common cause of death was multi-organ failure and was statistically significant (p<0.01). At 6-month follow up, 4 patients had chronic kidney disease and 2 patients died. Conclusion: It was observed that, AKI was more common in early childhood ..............
Total Hip Arthroplasty for Dysplastic Coxarthrosis the Use of a Cementless Wagner Funnel Stem
Authors: Shakil Mohammad Imdadul Hoque , Islam Nahida
Published: April 2022

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is presently the quality surgical choice for hip osteoarthritis secondary to developmental hip dysplasia (DDH); it may be extraordinarily challenging, due to the hypoplasic proximal metaphysis, pathological anteversion, and immoderate cervico-diaphyseal perspective of the neck at the femoral facet. The reason of this retrospective study become to evaluate the lengthy-time period survival and medical and radiological outcomes of Conus uncemented stems, implanted in patients affected by hip osteoarthritis with Crowe now not-type IV secondary to DDH. Material and technique: This was a retrospective study has conducted in Department of Orthopedic, UHC sadar, Mymensing. During the period of June 2013 and july 2021. We identified 96 consecutive THAs executed for DDH in 57 women and 26 men, with an average age of 53 years in a single center. 13 sufferers underwent bilateral hip replacement. The patients’ suggest frame mass index changed into 29. Eight kg/m2 (range 27.1–35.6 kg/m2). The most important symptoms for surgical treatment had been intense hip pain and huge purposeful impairment: the preoperative Harris Hip Score turned into 29.5 on average (variety 22–61). Radiologically, 8 hips were categorized as Crowe I, 41 hips as Crowe II, and 47 hips as Crowe III. In all cases, we implanted the Wagner femoral cone prosthesis using the direct lateral technique; within the attempt to reestablish local hip biomechanics, sixty six stems have been one hundred thirty five° and 34 were one hundred twenty five°. Results: The imply observe-up of the take a look at was 11.7 years (range 2.2–21.Eight years). Harris Hip Score expanded to a median value of 71.5 factors (range 52–ninety three points). Radiographic evaluation verified osteointegration of the implant with strong bone increase discovered on the stem–endosteum interface; signs and symptoms of bone readaptation and thinning of the femoral calcar were present in nine hips. ............
Critical Appraisal of the Action of Honey on Skin Infection, a Case Study of Honeys from Four Different Locations in Nigeria
Authors: PT Ajobiewe , YD Malann , HF Ajobiewe , JO Ajobiewe , PA Udefuna , AA Ogundeji , AN Yashim , KK Alau , AE Ibrahim , JOK Abioye , L Umeji
Published: April 2022

Honey has been used as traditional medicine in many countries and in the world at large before modern medicine was introduced. These substance is not only a waste product produced by honeybees but also a therapeutic agent used as an ant inflammatory, ant fungal, bacterial and ant microbial agent too. This context assess the healing potency of honey on different skin and wound infections such as dermatitis, boils, eczema, burns etc. Many of these complications are eliminated due to the chemical constituents found in honey but these constituents differ more greatly in their distribution across places in Nigeria such places are north, west and eastern parts of Nigeria. These distributions affect the healing potency of many honey collected from these areas. In this context, the sample differ in their potencies and also in their chemical constituents. These areas of collection include Abuja, Nsukka and Ibadan respectively. The honeys obtained are applied on surface wounds and on skin inflammations infected by S. aureus to see whether they differ in their potency or not. Statistical analysis such as Chi-square test (χ2) was applied in order to compare the association between different honeys on skin infected with Staphylococcus aureus. In other aspect of life, honey is used in many candy products and sometimes in substitute for sugars due to its property of flavonoids compounds.
Frequency of Neurological Complications among Patients with End Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis
Authors: Khan Atta Muhammad , Nowsherwan Nowsherwan , Shahzeb Shahzeb , Rehman Sabir , Munib Syed
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To assess the neurological complications among end stage renal disease (esrd) patients on hemodialysis. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the Departments of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Medical Teaching Institute (MTI), Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar, from March 2020 to March 2021 among ESRD patients. All Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients were on Hemodialysis (HD) for more than six months before enrolling in the study. The patients were followed for 06 months on HD. During this time, any neurological event was documented and recorded. All patients on HD, of any gender with age ranging from age 15 to 70 years were included in this study. Patients below the age of 14 years, patients with acute renal failure, congestive cardiac failure, cirrhosis of liver, malignancy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis; meningitis and encephalitis were excluded from this study. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. Results: This descriptive study was conducted at the Departments of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Medical Teaching Institute (MTI), Lady Reading Hospital (LRH),, from March 2020 to March 2021 among ESRD patients. All Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients were on Hemodialysis (HD) formore than six months before enrolling in the study. The patients were followed for 06 months on HD. During this time, any neurological event was documented and recorded. All patients on HD,of any gender with age ranging from age 15 to 70 years wereincluded in this study. Patients below the age of 14 years, patients with acute renal failure, congestive cardiac failure, cirrhosis of liver, malignancy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis; meningitis and encephalitis were excluded from this study. SPSSversion 23 was used to analyze the data. Conclusions: Cerebrovascular diseases and dialysis dementia are the most common neurological complications among patients on hemodialysis in our study. These should be considered ......
IDENTIFIKASI DAN UJI ANTI KANKER TABLET EKSTRAK DAUN PALIASA (KLEINHOVIA HOSPITA LINN) SECARA MTT ASSAY
Authors:   Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta II, Elisya Yetri , Junaedi Junaedi ,   Jurusan Farmasi Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jakarta II, Saleha Maratu ,   Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan
Published: April 2022

Indonesia has several plants that can be developed into cancer drugs. This study aims to make tablet preparations containing Paliasa leaf extract to produce pharmaceutical preparations for anticancer use. Paliasa leaves were extracted by maceration using 70% alcohol; then, the tablets were made using the wet granulation method. The extract obtained from 2,207 kg of dried simplicia paliasa leaves was 542 grams, with a yield of 24.56%. The flavonoid content in the extract was 1.79%, and the tablet was 0.75%. There are active compounds, namely 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, a powerful antioxidant blend, hexadecanoic acid, or palmitic acid functions as an antibacterial and antioxidant, and kaempferol is one of the compounds, which has potential as an anticancer. The identification of extracts and tablets of paliasa leaf (Kleinhovia hospital Linn) resulted in IC50 above > 30 ppm in the inactive category, so the bioactivity of paliasa leaf extract was studied further fractionation.
Strategi Manajemen Sekolah di Taman Kanak-Kanak Melalui Kapital Sosial
Authors: Jahja Yudrik , Faradiba Yasmin
Published: April 2022

Berkembangnya dunia pendidikan anak usia dini di Indonesia mendorong perkembangan kemampuan manajemen pengelolaan berbagai jenis lembaga PAUD pada umumnya dan lembaga TK pada khususnya. Sebagai sebuah organisasi, sekolah mengambil masukan dari lingkungan (input), mengubah atau mengolahnya (proses), dan memproduksi hasil (output). Keberhasilan sebuah sekolah dipengaruhi oleh berbagai macam faktor, salah satunya kompetensi guru serta sistem pengelolaan administrasi yang mendukung dan mendorong pencapaian tujuan pendidikan di sekolah tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat kualitas kapital sosial yang ada didalam manajemen TK Mini Pak Kasur, menggambarkan bagaimana kapital sosial berperan dalam memperlancar kegiatan belajar mengajar serta bagaimana kapital sosial dapat mendukung TK Mini Pak Kasur dalam menjaga nama baik mereka di lingkungan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini di Indonesia dan memberikan contoh bagi sekolah-sekolah baru mengenai bagaimana manajemen sekolah yang baik dan mampu membuat sekolah tersebut bertahan lama. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif eksplanatori dimana tujuan utama dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menelaah mengapa TK mini Pak Kasur mampu bertahan hingga saat ini sejak 53 tahun yang lalu. Sebagai suatu lembaga, sekolah memiliki faktor-faktor yang berfungsi secara aktif dalam kelompok sosial tersebut, seperti hubungan interpersonal, identitas bersama, pemahaman bersama, norma, nilai, kepercayaan, kerja sama dan rasa ketersalingan. Faktor-faktor tersebut dikatagorikan sebagai kapital sosial yang mendukung pengelolaan serta administrasi di sekolah.
Properties and Microbial Load Diversity of Whole and Broken (nkuwa) Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) Sold at Different Market Locations in Umuahia Metropolis
Authors: Okwunodulu Innocent , Ozioko Sarah , Okwunodulu Felicia
Published: April 2022

Tomato transportation in Nigeria is without mindful of their post harvest spoilage that results in nutritional losses, microbial contamination and their health implications. Broken (nkuwa) tomatoes, a major cause of food-borne illnesses, were often patronized by the local food vendors and low income earners because they are cheaper. Physicochemical, phytochemical properties and microbial loads of whole and nkuwa tomatoes sold at different market locations within Umuahia metropolis were analysed with standard analytical methods. Three samples of whole and nkuwa tomatoes from each market collected at two weeks intervals were used. Results of the whole and nkuwa tomato samples increased respectively in colour (178.68-203.77 and 174.95-202.83), pH (4.18-4.45 and 4.57-4.86), tannin (0.78-0.94 and 1.09-1.15 mg/100g), bacteria (8.02-10.53 and 11.02-18.04 cfu/mlx105) and fungal (10.03-19.54 and 19.54-28.34 cfu/mlx105) loads. Their TTA (5.44-5.39 and 5.54-5.51) flavonoid (36.77-33.61 and 33.68-33.46 mg/100g), phenol (1.39-1.38 and 1.44-1.43 mg/100g), lycopene (14.37-14.33 and 13.96-13.85 mg/100g) and oxalate (1.53-1.51 and 1.45-1.43 mg/100g) decreased. Properties and microbial loads were actually affected by distance from the source of bulk purchase.
Higher Education Leadership in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: By Jaco Du Preez and Saurabh Sinha
Published: April 2022

A number of universities in South Africa have taken up the quest for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Universities like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) aspire to “dynamically shape the future”, and the 4IR provides a perfect segue for this – the university’s approach towards the 4IR catalyses us to shape graduates who are able to think differently and to distinguish themselves in this way. In particular, our focus has been on learning. Learning encompasses a blend of teaching, research and innovation in an era where even the fundamentals are shifting.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Importance of Disagreement
Authors: Alex Broadbent
Published: April 2022

In healthy dialogue, there are always people who disagree, even if they are eccentric flat-Earthers. Something about human psychology seems to require that some people always take up a contrary position to the majority on any substantive idea, and empirical evidence always permits this, because it always underdetermines the conclusions we draw from it. When there is no disagreement on a certain idea, therefore, we have to consider that we’re either not assessing the idea properly, or not entertaining all opinions. If we were, some of us would come to different conclusions.
Financing Infrastructure for New Economies in the Context of Dislocated Markets
Authors: Zeph Nhleko
Published: April 2022

Financing Infrastructurefor New Economies in the Context of Dislocated MarketsIntroductionOne could be forgiven for thinking that given the close to 20 deadly pandemics (LePan, 2020) and over 70 economic crises humanity has seen since the first century, we should by now know how mutation works and what economic outcomes to expect. This view is influenced by the established understanding that irrespective of the type of crisis – natural, financial, economic or otherwise – all crises have some similarities (Reinhart and Rogoff, 2011). For example, we can anticipate varying impacts f rom crises on risk appetite in markets, liquidity, productivity, trade, economic activity, standard of living – sometimes even lives and fiscal debt.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION
Authors: Prof Ronit Frenkel
Published: April 2022

The University of Johannesburg acquired The Thinker in April 2019 f rom Dr Essop Pahad. Over the last decade, The Thinker has gained a reputation as a journal that explores Pan-Af rican issues across fields and times. Ronit Frenkel, as the incoming editor, plans on maintaining the pan-Af rican scope of the journal while increasing its coverage into fields such as books, art, literature and popular cultures. The Thinker is a ‘hybrid’ journal, publishing both journalistic pieces with more academic articles and contributors can now opt to have their submissions peer reviewed. We welcome Af rica-centred articles f rom diverse perspectives, in order to enrich both knowledge of the continent and of issues impacting the continent.
Race, racialisation and colour-caste
Authors: Hull George
Published: April 2022

Since race categories do not pick out biologically significant divisions of humanity, their use can be misleading and offensive. Yet racialisation – society’s viewing and treating South Africans as though they comprised different races – has generated real societal groups which are significant from the perspectives of justice and identity. In the philosophy of race, these facts make for a conceptual conundrum. Is common-sense race thinking right that races, if they exist, are human groups differing in significant, inherent and heritable ways, in which case there are no races? Or has common-sense race thinking failed to grasp races’ socially constructed nature, and should we say races are the really existing groups generated by racialisation? The same facts confronted the Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM) – a mid-20th-century South African liberation movement – with an organisational and theoretical challenge. Given its uncompromising non-racialism, how could it justify a federal structure which effectively divided its membership into African, Coloured, and Indian sections? If this was not race-based division, what was it? A former NEUM member, Neville Alexander, provided the Unity Movement with the conceptual resources to answer this challenge. I argue that his major work, One Azania, One Nation, is also a contribution to the philosophy of race. Alexander first contends that social constructionists cannot, without equivocation, claim that common-sense thinking about race in one sense has created races in a quite different sense. He then shows that introducing a second concept, ‘colour-caste’, can preserve the insights of the constructionist approach. While races are unreal, colour-castes are real social identities which need to be overcome.
Global, Continental, and Regional Development Agendas – What Does It Mean to Domesticate or Localise These?
Authors: Lusanda Batala
Published: April 2022

The domestication of regional, continental and global development agendas can be confusing, leading to one concluding that these are either an addition to or a replacing of, a country's national development plan. What do these various development agendas mean for a country like South Africa versus the country's domestic development focus as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP)? What does domestication of the various agendas mean? The key idea to note here is that domestication is not about replacing a country's development agenda with a regional or continental or global development agenda. What is important is to ensure that there is alignment of the domestic plan (objectives, priorities) with those of the rest of the world, the continent and the region.  Global, continental and regional agendas are not separate programmes. They are part of the National Development Plan. South Africa's implementation of its own development plan indirectly implements other development agendas.
Introduction
Authors: Bhaso Ndzendze  , Gift Sonkqayi
Published: April 2022

When we convened a workshop with several young scholars to work on diverse issues in 2018, we could not have foreseen the accentuation of the crises facing South Af rica and the continent.
Alleviating Unemployment in South Africa: Harnessing Comparative Advantage in the Services Sector
Authors: Anelisa Mzungulu  , Bhaso Ndzendze
Published: April 2022

This article reviews the trajectory of employment in South Africa before and during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Thereafter, we propose measures for the alleviation of unemployment through the development of a comparative advantage in services as a response to the environment created by existing policies and multiple crises. The policy is the best response to the consequences of existing measures in place. Threats – in the form of the pandemic, advances in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, online retail, and the July 2021 lootings – present the need for strategic investment and further protections for this sector.
The State of South African Education: A Critical Exploration of Distributive and Epistemic Injustices
Authors: Gift Sonkqayi
Published: April 2022

The quest for a just education has, since the existence of education systems, been a part of humanity’s central concerns. The impetus for this is due to the fact that schools and many other institutions of learning exist as miniature societies which mirror that which happens in broader communities. Educationists have, in many ways, been preoccupied with the question of whether institutions of learning are engaged in the ‘undesirable’ process of reproducing inequalities. This has further resulted in the question of whether such inequalities are a by-product of systemic injustices or are mandated by our natural abilities (i.e. how the world is in and of itself). In this article, I provide a historical account of education in the context of apartheid and its legacies. I further argue that attempts to address distributive injustices are not subject to ‘extreme’ contestations, while attempts to unravel epistemic injustices are dominated by innumerable incongruities. Thus, I maintain that only knowledge that is rooted in mind-independent truth stands to liberate future citizens.
Addressing the Global Migration Crisis in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nadine Hakizimana
Published: April 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has aggravated pre-existing vulnerabilities faced by asylum seekers, refugees, and forcibly displaced persons. The topic of international migration has long been at the centre of global attention because of the extreme loss of life while crossing borders and the difficulty of managing large numbers of asylum seekers. International migration is arguably one of the most pressing issues of our time because of its transnational characteristic, which affects all countries across the world. Despite some concerted efforts, the international community has largely failed to provide solidarity and collective action to address the protracted global migration crisis. This article explores how the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent health and safety measures have complicated an already vulnerable refugee system. The article also considers where some windows of opportunity for progress in the multilateral refugee protection system may lie as the international community designs efforts to build back better in a post-Covid-19 world.
Alliteration in W. Shasha’s Zihlabana nje Ziyalamba
Authors: Mtumane Zilibele , Tabu Ruth Nozibele
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the use of alliteration in Welile Shasha’s poetry in Zihlabana nje Ziyalamba. This aspect is chosen as Shasha uses it very intensively in his poetry. Alliteration is discussed as demonstrated by the use of assonance and consonance in the poetry. To be considered then is the repetition of vowel and consonant sounds. The subheadings of this discourse are introduction, theoretical framework, research methodology, assonance and consonance. The concept of alliteration is defined as part of the introductory section of the study. A concluding remark, which provides the summary of the research, evaluation and recommendation for further study, will be included towards the end of the discourse. The theoretical framework that underpins this study is that of literary stylistics. The study uses the qualitative research methodology of data collection and analysis.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its Effects on Public Service Delivery in South Africa
Authors: Layton-Matthews Samantha , Landsberg Chris
Published: April 2022

In recent decades, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has added a new dimension to change and has been exponential in its development. It is important to understand its effects in various environments, particularly the opportunities and challenges it bringsto public sector functioning, where there needs to be a greater drive towards innovative service delivery. This article explores 4IR within the context of public sector service delivery, focusing on South Africa as a developmental nation. It examines technologicaladvancements of 4IR in line with some of the aims of local government, particularly in its mandate to be more responsive and effective in its service delivery. It also establishes how 4IR platforms are being adopted for effective citizen engagement, which is an essentialgoal of service delivery within the sphere of local government. It examines some of the gaps that need to be addressed around the essential practicalities required to integrate 4IR effectively and explores the readiness of the general public sector environment torespond to the demands of 4IR. Key factors regarding what is needed to create a more enabling environment for local government service delivery and its prevalent developmental constraints are also discussed.
Histórico de Incêndios em Campos Rupestres Disjuntos: um Estudo de Caso em Carrancas, Minas Gerais
Authors: Costa Rodrigues Carolina , Fernandes Mariano Ravi , Da Silveira Junior Wanderley Jorge , Do Couto Carvalho Vinícius , De Souza Flávio José , Leite Leandro Henrique , Souza de Moura Aloysio , Leite Fontes Marco Aurélio
Published: April 2022

Incêndios recorrentes representam o pior cenário de fogo para os ecossistemas naturais, pois resultam das alterações nos regimes de fogo sustentáveis dos ambientes. Informações sobre regimes atuais quase não estão disponíveis para os campos rupestres, ainda mais aqueles não protegidos legalmente, o que poderia direcionar melhores estratégias de gestão do fogo. Nosso objetivo foi descrever e analisar os regimes de fogo sem controle em remanescentes de campos rupestres, por meio de um estudo de caso no município de Carrancas, sul de Minas Gerais. Foram identificados e analisados os registros de incêndios e mapeadas as áreas consideradas pelos atores sociais locais como suscetíveis ao fogo. A coleta de dados se deu por meio do levantamento de fontes secundárias e a metodologia participativa de mapeamento comunitário realizada em um grupo focal. As informações foram sistematizadas em uma matriz histórica, e gerado um mapa de áreas suscetíveis. Foram identificados 43 registros de incêndios entre os anos de 2010 a 2019. Os campos nativos foram os mais atingidos, seguidos pelas áreas de preservação permanente. Nossos achados reforçam que regimes inadequados de fogo que evoluem para incêndios têm sido recorrentes em campos rupestres disjuntos, principalmente pelo aumento de ocorrências na estação seca tardia. Também, revelam que as áreas de serras são as mais suscetíveis ao fogo sob essas condições, os riscos à biodiversidade e aos serviços ecossistêmicos. É urgente assegurar um regime de fogo sustentável, reconhecendo o papel ecológico e sociocultural do fogo, e, assim, incorporar o manejo tradicional do fogo como prática conservacionista.
Late sequelae of COVID-19 and its effect on the quality of life
Authors: Hussain Ayesha Irshad , Iftikhar Hira , Malik Uzma , Qureshi Irshad Hussain , Abid Muhammad Awais , Farooq Hafsa
Published: April 2022

Background: COVID pneumonitis presents with symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue, myalgia, inability to smell and shortness of breath. However, certain symptoms have been reported to be persistent in some people or novel post-recovery symptoms have developed. Due to the day today rise in the number of covid-19 cases in Pakistan, it is the need of the hour to determine the long-term consequences associated with this disease, to educate the general population and to establish the long-term management of the patients.Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability purposive sampling, in which a total of 75 patients who had recovered from Covid-19 infection in the past 2-10 months visiting tertiary care hospitals in Lahore for follow up were recruited and filled survey forms bearing different questions regarding their disease, post-recovery symptoms and quality of life. Data collected was then analyzed by SPSS-26.Results: The most common symptoms were fatigue (66.7%), dry cough (46.7%), headache (44%) and joint pains (41.3%), followed by other general, neurological, pulmonary and psychological symptoms. The quality of life was analyzed in different domains exhibiting an average range of 60-68% which shows that covid-19 has significantly affected the quality of life of its victims.Conclusion: Various post disease recovery symptoms have been seen in the covid-19 victims and their quality of life has been deteriorated in physical, psychological, environmental and social domains; therefore, we need a multi-disciplinary team comprising of physicians, nurses, psychologists, social and occupational health workers who should work in liaison to tackle with these issues.
Magnesium in aging and aging-related disease
Authors: Zou Zhiguo , Lu Qifan , Wang Yifan , Gao Xing , Zhu Xinye , Lu Xiyuan , Pu Jun
Published: April 2022

Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential divalent cation in human body. Its balance is tightly controlled via a balanced interplay among intestinal absorption, storage, and renal excretion, involving multiple transporters across cell membrane that regulate Mg2+ influx and efflux. Mg2+ is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes such as enzymatic reactions, energy metabolism, cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In particular, Mg2+ contributes to the molecular hallmarks of aging. Emerging evidence demonstrates that altered Mg2+ status has been associated with many aging-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, musculoskeletal function, metabolic syndrome, and COVID-19. In this review, we focus on Mg2+ and its association with molecular hallmarks of aging. We also summarize recent findings supporting an important role of Mg2+ in aging-related disease including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hsa_circ_0002111/miR-557/DUSP14 axis mediates euthyrox-resistance in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Jing , Ma Weiyuan , Zhao Pengxin
Published: April 2022

As one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), euthyrox affects the therapeutic outcome due to the resistance of euthyrox. Hsa_circ_0002111 is highly expressed in euthyrox-resistant PTC patients, and this study intends to explore its role in euthyrox drug resistance. PTC patient samples were used to screen for Circ_0002111 expression. TPC-1 and K1 PTC cell lines and their corresponding euthyrox-resistant cell lines (TPC-1/euthyrox and K1/euthyrox), and a benign human thyroid follicular cell line (Nthy-ori 3-1) were used in in vitro experiments. Circ_0002111 was knocked down in euthyrox-resistant cell lines, and cell viability and colony formation were detected. Caspase-3 activity assay and nucleosomal fragmentation assay were used for the detection of apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay and biotin-labeled RNA pulldown assay were used to analyze interactions between Circ_0002111 and miR-557, or miR-557 and DUSP14. The upregulation of Circ_0002111 was found in PTC patient samples and associated with euthyrox-resistance in poor prognosis of PTC patients. Experiments in cell lines showed that Circ_0002111 regulates euthyrox-resistance in PTC cells. Mechanistic studies showed that Circ_0002111 promoted DUSP14 expression through miR-557, and euthyrox-resistance in PTC cells depended on the regulation via miR-557/DUSP14 signaling pathways. In conclusion, Hsa_circ_0002111 promotes euthyrox-resistance of PTC cells by adsorption miR-557 upregulation, suggesting Circ_0002111 might be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for euthyrox-resistant PTC patients.
Optimization of optical uniformity factors of backlight module using robust design method
Authors: Ju-Chi Wang  , Yu-Cheng Fan  , Te-Hua Fang  , Anh-Son Tran  , Yu-Ting Cheng
Published: April 2022

In order to meet the advent of the high-definition liquid crystal display (LCD) era, in addition to the high-quality panel manufacturing technology, how the backlight module can provide a uniform backlight with higher uniformity for a better experience in viewing, is a very important and urgent issue. In this study, the 15.6-inch side-in backlight module was used as the benchmark, and the Taguchi method was applied to find the high uniformity. The matching of the fishbone diagram affects the optical uniformity factor of the backlight module, such as the size of the light guide plate dot, the color of the plastic frame, the color of the fixed gel of the light guide plate, and the difference of the reflection surface. The optical analog software LightTools is used according to the orthogonal table. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the average uniformity characteristics is obtained, then it is converted into the best response factor of the factor response table and the factor reaction diagram. The homogeneity at 13 points is as high as 90.12%, which is 4.72% higher than the original design factor. The contribution of the four factors to the uniformity can be obtained by using the variance analysis. Finally, the influence of each factor level on the uniformity is discussed.
Selected visual parameters related to the working conditions of musicians
Authors: Pyżalska Paulina , Głowacka-Sobotta Arleta , Matthews-Brzozowska Teresa , Miśkowiak Bogdan
Published: April 2022

Professional musicians are required to practice playing instruments for long hours, which often exerts significant impact on their health. Attention should be given to the specificity of playing each instrument, including uncomfortable and sustained body position and repetitive movements causing long-term strain of certain parts of the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term playing wind and string instruments on the visual system. Ninety male and female subjects aged 15 to 30 years were included in the study and divided into two groups: musicians (Msc) and non-musicians (nMsc). Significantly less subjects in the Msc group had properly corrected vision, wore optical prescription recommended by an ophthalmologist/optometrist, and/or underwent any eye examination at all in their lifetime, even though more subjects in this group experienced certain asthenopic symptoms. Also, accommodative amplitude got statistically worse under dim illumination conditions, accommodative facility was significantly different between musicians and non-musicians, although there were no differences between the groups when tested in bright illumination. None of the music stands used by the study subjects met the respective standards concerning uniform illumination rates. Playing string and wind instruments is a challenge for the visual system due to the forced body and head positions, and asymmetry between the visual plane and the plane of regard as well as non-uniform illumination in the working environment. However, conditions such as correct working distance and proper tilt of the music stand may be beneficial to the visual system. It is the role of optometrists to properly educate their patients about the importance of appropriate vision correction, especially in dim light and under adverse working conditions and to communicate the impact of such conditions on the visual system.
Maximal Sets of $k$-Spaces Pairwise Intersecting in at Least a $(k-2)$-Space
Authors: D'haeseleer Jozefien , Longobardi Giovanni , Riet Ago-Erik , Storme Leo
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we analyze the structure of maximal sets of  $k$-dimensional spaces in $\mathrm{PG}(n,q)$ pairwise intersecting in at least a $(k-2)$-dimensional space, for $3 \leq k\leq n-2$. We give an overview of the largest examples of these sets with size more than $f(k,q)=\max\{3q^4+6q^3+5q^2+q+1,\theta_{k+1}+q^4+2q^3+3q^2\}$.