bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
10 Yr Transformation of the Obscuring Wind in NGC 5548
Authors: Mehdipour Missagh , Kriss Gerard A. , Costantini Elisa , Gu Liyi , Kaastra Jelle S. , Landt Hermine , Mao Junjie
Published: August 2022

A decade ago, the archetypal Seyfert-1 galaxy NGC 5548 was discovered to have undergone major spectral changes. The soft X-ray flux had dropped by a factor of 30 while new broad and blueshifted UV absorption lines appeared. This was explained by the emergence of a new obscuring wind from the accretion disk. Here we report on the striking long-term variability of the obscuring disk wind in NGC 5548 including new observations taken in 2021–2022 with the Swift Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope’s Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. The X-ray spectral hardening as a result of obscuration has declined over the years, reaching its lowest in 2022, at which point we find the broad C iv UV absorption line to have nearly vanished. The associated narrow low-ionization UV absorption lines, produced previously when shielded from the X-rays, are also remarkably diminished in 2022. We find a highly significant correlation between the variabilities of the X-ray hardening and the equivalent width of the broad C iv absorption line, demonstrating that X-ray obscuration is inherently linked to disk winds. We derive for the first time a relation between the X-ray and UV covering fractions of the obscuring wind using its long-term evolution. The diminished X-ray obscuration and UV absorption are likely caused by an increasingly intermittent supply of outflowing streams from the accretion disk. This results in growing gaps and interstices in the clumpy disk wind, thereby reducing its covering fractions.
A monograph of the genus Polylepis (Rosaceae)
Authors: Boza Espinoza Tatiana Erika , Kessler Michael
Published: August 2022

We present a monograph of the high Andean tree genus Polylepis (Rosaceae), based on a species concept considering morphological, climatic and biogeographic distinctness as indicators of evolutionary independence. In total, we recognize 45 species of Polylepis, grouped in five sections. Polylepis sect. Sericeae is represented by 15 species in four subsections, P. sect. Reticulatae by seven species, P. sect. Subsericantes by three species, P. sect. Australes by two species and P. sect. Incanaee by three subsections with 18 species. We describe seven new species, one from Colombia (P. frontinensis), one from Ecuador (P. simpsoniae) and five from Peru (P. acomayensis, P. fjeldsaoi, P. occidentalis, P. pilosissima and P. sacra). Three species from Peru (P. albicans, P. pallidistigma and P. serrata) are re-instated as valid species. Two taxa from Bolivia (P. incanoides and P. nana) are elevated from subspecies to species rank. The morphology, habitat, distribution, ecology and conservation status of each species are documented. We also provide an identification key to the species of the genus and general introductions on taxonomic history, morphology, evolution, ecology and conservation.
Early Abnormal Nailfold Capillary Changes Are Predictive of Calcinosis Development in Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Nozawa Tomo , Bell-Peter Audrey , Marcuz Jo-Anne , Whitney Kristi , Vinik Ophir , Shupak Rachel , Dover Saunya , Feldman Brian M.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The long-term outcomes of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) are more favorable in recent years. However, calcinosis is still among the complications that can cause serious functional impairment. Little is known about the pathogenesis and risk factors of calcinosis. The aim of this study is to determine risk factors for the development of calcinosis in JDM.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. All patients were diagnosed and followed at the multidisciplinary JDM clinic of The Hospital for Sick Children, from January 1, 1989, until May 31, 2018. To investigate predictors of incident calcinosis, Cox regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 172 patients met inclusion criteria, with a median age at diagnosis of 7.7 years (IQR 4.9-12.1), and a median follow-up of 8.5 years (IQR 3.4-12.6, range 0.1-28.3). The only risk factor significantly associated with the development of calcinosis in the univariate analysis was nailfold abnormality at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] 4.86, P = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, including nailfold abnormality, age of diagnosis, sex, and duration from onset to diagnosis, the only statistically significant risk factor for calcinosis was the presence of nailfold abnormalities (HR 4.98, P = 0.03). Further, calcinosis was significantly increased in patients with a chronic course (chi-square 25.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The presence of abnormal nailfold capillary changes at baseline is predictive for the development of calcinosis in children with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
Achieving Long-term Goals Amidst Uncertainty: An Integrative Model for the Psychological Resources of Grit
Authors: Schimschal Sarah E. , Visentin Denis , Kornhaber Rachel , Cleary Michelle
Published: August 2022

This article proposes an integrative model for the psychological resources of grit. The growing body of work in nursing on the topic of grit indicates considerable interest in achieving long-term goals, especially amidst uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivational behaviors are thought to influence engagement in continuing education in nursing, thereby improving clinical practice and patient outcomes. The model was informed by a comprehensive review of the literature. Sixteen attributes for acquiring and strengthening four psychological resources of grit were identified. Each attribute is discussed along with interrelationships and implications for professional nursing development. Given the complex demands placed on health professionals, this model is both timely and relevant for all nurse and education providers interested in enhancing personal characteristics that may mitigate against stress and build capabilities for goal achievement.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2022;53(8):355–363.]
Reliability enhancement of distribution networks with remote-controlled switches considering load growth under the effects of hidden failures and component aging
Authors: Agarwal Umesh , Jain Naveen , Kumawat Manoj
Published: August 2022

Over the last decade, automated distribution networks have grown in importance since traditional distribution networks are insufficiently intelligent to meet the growing need for reliable electricity supplies. Because the distribution network is the least reliable and the sole link between the utility and its customers, it is critical to improve its reliability. The remote-controlled switch (RCS) is a viable choice for boosting system reliability. It shortens the interruption period, which also minimizes the expected interruption cost and the amount of energy not served. Using the greedy search algorithm, this research expands the current reliability evaluation technique to include RCSs in distribution networks. The optimal location and numbers of RCSs have been evaluated with compromised cost. This study simultaneously takes into account the effects of load growth on system reliability indices, the impact of age on equipment failure rates and the hidden failure rate of fuses. The Roy Billinton test system's distribution network connected at bus 2 and bus 5 has been used to test the effectiveness of the suggested approach. The outcomes demonstrate that effective RCS deployment improves the radial distribution network's reliability indices significantly.
An inertial iterative method for solving split equality problem in Banach spaces
Authors: Wang Meiying , Shi Luoyi , Guo Cuijuan
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a new self-adaptive algorithm with the inertial technique is proposed for solving the split equality problem in $ p $-uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach spaces. Under some mild control conditions, a strong convergence theorem for the proposed algorithm is established. Furthermore, the results are applied to split equality fixed point problem and split equality variational inclusion problem. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the convergence behaviour of the algorithm. The main results in this paper improve and generalize some existing results in the literature.
The effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on food craving and food intake in individuals affected by obesity and overweight: a mini review of the magnitude of the effects
Authors: Orrù Graziella , Cesari Valentina , Malloggi Eleonora , Conversano Ciro , Menicucci Danilo , Rotondo Alessandro , Scarpazza Cristina , Marchi Laura , Gemignani Angelo
Published: August 2022

Obesity represents one of the wellness diseases concurring to increase the incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. One of the main perpetuating factors of obesity is food craving, which is characterized by an urgent desire to eat a large and various amount of food, regardless of calories requirement or satiety signals, and it might be addressed to the alteration of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity. Despite most of the gold-standard therapies focus on symptom treatment only, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could help treat overeating by modulating specific neural pathways. The current systematic review was conducted to identify whether convergent evidence supporting the usefulness of tDCS to deal with food craving are present in the literature. The review was conducted by searching articles published up to January 1st 2022 on MEDLINE, Scopus and PsycInfo databases. We included studies investigating the effects of tDCS on food craving in subjects affected by overweight and obesity. According to eligibility criteria, 5 articles were included. Results showed that tDCS targeting left DLPFC with unipolar montage induced ameliorating effects on food craving. Controversial results were shown for the other studies, that might be ascribable to the use of bipolar montage, and the choice of other target areas. Further investigations including expectancy effect control, larger sample sizes and follow-up are needed to support more robust conclusions. To conclude, tDCS combined with the use of psychoeducative intervention, diet and physical activity, might represents a potential to manage food craving in individuals with overweight and obesity.
Paradise Lost?
Authors: Panico Teresa , Pascucci Stefano , Lobbedez Elise , Del Giudice Teresa
Published: August 2022

Since the mid-1990s, three million people living in the metropolitan area of Naples (Italy) have been facing one of the most dramatic socio-ecological crises witnessed in Western Europe. This is a crisis orchestrated by Mafia-like organizations (e.g., the Neapolitan Mafia also known as Camorra) and their interest in the illegal management of waste disposal and incineration in the shadow of a weak state, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Land of Fires.” In this chapter, the authors attempt to inductively theorise from this prolonged socio-ecological crisis as an exemplar process of embeddedness of market economies in diffused illegal and violent social and economic relations. They use the Land of Fires to extend the notion of “embedded economy,” building on the work of Karl Polanyi. The authors argue that this process of social embeddedness through illegal and violent practices are particularly intense in contexts of socio-ecological crises, where the expropriation of land and destruction of nature is coupled with the disarticulation of the role of the state by criminal organizations.
(Un)Learned Resilience
Authors: Tepavcevic (Tepavcsevics) Sanja (Szonja)
Published: August 2022

Since the times that Karl Polanyi named “the great transformation” and up to the pre-COVID-19 era, the market has played the central role in organization of the society. Such a system has affected women more profoundly: to be officially paid, they had to compromise professional and family life. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns added even more burden to them, returning education and childcare to the household realm. This chapter draws on the rich empirical data featuring post-Yugoslav and post-Soviet female immigrants' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria and Hungary. The analysis reveals the ways in which experiences with previous global crises that represented radical changes influenced their resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtualization of Laboratories
Authors: Vergara Diego , Fernández-Arias Pablo , Extremera Jamil , Antón-Sancho Álvaro
Published: August 2022

The use of virtual reality (VR) in the educational sector has increased considerably in the last decade, especially for its direct application in the development of virtual laboratories (VL) that, since the appearance of COVID-19, are being more demanded by universities. Therefore, knowing the opinion of students and professors about VR is essential for VR-based applications to be designed in an appropriate way and to be efficient at an educational level. In this sense, the results of this study, which analyzes the opinion of 420 engineering students and 44 engineering professors, can help future professors or software programmers in general to design VR-based educational resources in an appropriate way and in particular to better design their VLs.
Teaching Presence During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ulla MARK Bedoya , Nguyen Quang Nhat
Published: August 2022

While a number of studies have explored the challenges faced by teachers, little has been known about how they navigated the teaching presence in online remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present investigation explores how two English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers in a university in Thailand facilitated online language teaching and supported students' language learning in an online environment. Findings from the online classroom observations and interviews revealed that classroom pedagogical skills, knowledge of the online teaching and learning platforms, and teaching presence played a crucial role in an emergency remote and online teaching environment. Despite the lack of training for online language teaching, teachers' ability to strategize the transition to online teaching and their strong sense of resourcefulness and focus on the use of online platforms allowed them to mitigate the issues and face the challenges of the sudden shift to online teaching. The authors discussed the limitations and offered suggestions and implications for future studies.
Content-Based ESP Instruction at Hong Kong Tertiary Level
Authors: Har Frankie
Published: August 2022

This quantitative study explores pedagogical approaches to teaching business proposals, press releases, business presentations, and negotiation meetings in the third and fourth-year English Specific Purpose (ESP) course at an English Medium Instruction (EMI) university in Hong Kong. The findings reveal that the enactment of a hybrid approach rather than the teacher-led, direct-instruction approach assisted students in grasping the understanding of persuasive communication in both written and spoken contexts in the workplace environment. The study suggests that blending several inputs (i.e., videos, online quizzes, online annotated reading platform, corpora, face-to-face instruction) provided multimodal experiences that helped students develop their persuasive communication skills in a state of flux during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responding to COVID-19
Authors: Ho Eric , Ming Sammy S. M.
Published: August 2022

Research writing in second language has been a challenge for performing arts postgraduates. They need greater support from the EAP teacher in order to master the required writing skills for their research writing. However, the input from the EAP teacher was limited during the pandemic. Students may not know how to improve their artwork because they found it difficult to share their practices with their classmates. Consequently, it was deemed important to help performing arts postgraduates find peers with similar expertise regardless of online teaching. In this sense, peer review seemed a promising alternative. Peers could help each other to make their artwork productions better, whereas the teacher could assist them to textualise their productions in the research writing. The context of postgraduate performing arts curriculum in relation to L2 research writing has been underexplored, especially in the context of the pandemic. This chapter aims to add to the literature by analyzing the integration of peer review into the postgraduate performing arts curriculum.
Developing Practice With Breakout Rooms
Authors: Barnard David Michael
Published: August 2022

Adopting an agential realist perspective, this study reads data from a literature search into breakout rooms through the theory of intra-action and the researcher's experiences working as an EAP teacher across universities in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. This chapter is also an exploration of how a diffractive grating theory approach can help promote a closer reading of data, theory, and experience to inform professional development. The resulting conversation discusses points of wonder ranging from an active learning bias to increases in planning time, advice for giving instructions, and the importance of a good monitor. Although the chapter starts philosophically, the results are orientated more to the practitioner. It is hoped that the resulting conversations around the researcher's practice will help spur the reader into new and interesting areas for their own development.
Assessing Discomfort in Critically Ill Patients: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Luckhardt Emily M. , Gunnels Marshall S. , Chlan Linda L.
Published: August 2022

Background

The intensive care unit environment exposes patients to stressful conditions contributing to distressing symptoms. Discomfort is an infrequently and inconsistently described symptom experienced by intensive care unit patients.

Objective

To complete a narrative literature review to summarize the currently available literature on discomfort assessment in critical care practice and identify knowledge gaps to direct future intervention research.

Methods

A review of the currently available literature was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. No parameters were set for publication years or specific study designs. Inclusion criteria were patients aged at least 18 years, description of patient reports of discomfort in the intensive care unit, and English language.

Results

This narrative review includes 10 studies that used 4 distinct self-reported, discomfort-related symptom assessment instruments. Two studies assessed overall discomfort. Only 1 assessment instrument, Inconforts des Patients de Reanimation, is validated for use in the intensive care unit.

Conclusion

The reviewed literature highlights the current gap in discomfort symptom assessment during the intensive care unit stay. An assessment instrument specific for intensive care unit–related discomfort, such as the Inconforts des Patients de Reanimation, would allow for prompt recognition and mitigation of intensive care unit–related patient discomfort.
Minimizing Post–Intensive Care Syndrome to Improve Outcomes for Intensive Care Unit Survivors
Authors: Mulkey Malissa A. , Beacham Pamela , McCormick Megan A. , Everhart D. Erik , Khan Babar
Published: August 2022

Topic

Post–intensive care syndrome is a collection of symptoms that more than half of patients who survive a critical illness, and their family caregivers, experience after the illness. Those symptoms include weakness/ fatigue, sleep disturbances/insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, posttraumatic stress disorder, other mental health conditions, and a lack of effective coping strategies.

Clinical Relevance

To minimize the risk of a patient developing post–intensive care syndrome, intensive care unit nurses must adopt practices that reduce the severity of disability and optimize patient outcomes. They must also advocate for patients who need additional expert care.

Purpose

To describe interventions that critical care nurses can implement to minimize a patient’s risk for post–intensive care syndrome.

Content Covered

This article describes patients who have a high risk of developing post–intensive care syndrome and interventions that are within nurses’ purview.
Decreasing 30-Day Readmission Rates in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Rizzuto Nancy , Charles Greg , Knobf M. Tish
Published: August 2022

Background

Heart failure affects approximately 6.2 million adults in the United States and has an estimated national cost of $30.7 billion annually. Despite advances in treatment, heart failure is a leading cause of hospital readmissions. Nonadherence to treatment plans, lack of education, and lack of access to care contribute to poorer outcomes.

Local Problem

For patients with heart failure, the mean readmission rate is 21% nationally and 23% in New York State. Before the pilot heart failure program began, the 30-day readmission rate in the study institution was 28.6%.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team created a heart failure self-care pilot program that was implemented on a hospital telemetry unit with 47 patients. Patients received education on their disease process, medications, diet, exercise, and early symptom recognition. Patients received a follow-up telephone call 48 to 72 hours after discharge and were seen by a cardiologist within a week of discharge.

Results

The 30-day readmission rate for heart failure decreased by 16.6% after implementation of the pilot program, which improved patient adherence to their medication and treatment plan and resulted in a reduction of readmissions.

Discussion

Patients in the pilot program represented diverse backgrounds. Socioeconomic factors such as the lack of affordable, healthy food choices and easy access to resources were associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions

The evidence-based heart failure program improved knowledge, early symptom recognition, lifestyle modification, and adherence to medication, treatment plan, and follow-up appointments. The multidisciplinary team approach to the heart failure program reduced gaps in care and improved coordination and transition of care.
Predicting value of HE4 and CA125 markers for optimal cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Saffarieh Elham , Nassiri Setare , Mirmohammadkhani Majid
Published: August 2022

We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the role of serum levels of CA125 and HE4 in predicting optimal cytoreductive surgery. Eligible women who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer based on both clinical and imaging criteria were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of CA 125 and HE4 were checked before surgery and all patients underwent complete surgical staging. After completion of the pathological evaluation, data were entered in SPSS version 23. One hundred and ten individuals were enrolled in our study. We divided cases between two groups: stage I to III b and stage IIIc to IV. Serum level of HE4 >170 pmol/L can predict optimal cytoreductive surgery before operation. (sensitivity:80% and specificity 70%) and serum level of CA 125 > 320 UI/mL can predict optimal cytoreductive surgery before operation. (sensitivity:80% and specificity 70%). Our data demonstrated a negative predictive value of about 80% for both HE4 and CA125. Based on these cut-off, unnecessary surgery can be avoided in many cases, however, it is unwise to ignore clinical performance and radiological findings. Nevertheless, we can say the evaluation of tumor markers is feasible and helpful in predicting optimal surgery.
Infestation of Apis mellifera workers and larvae with Varroa destructor affects gut bacterial diversity
Authors: Abuldahab F.F. , Abd-ElAziz M.F. , El-Sayed Y.A. , Abdallah M.S. , Mahmoud S.H.
Published: August 2022

The present work aims to investigate the midgut bacteria of honey bee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) workers and larvae infested with Varroa destructor. To achieve this task, uninfested and infested honey bee larvae and workers with the parasitic mites were obtained from natural bees apiaries in Qaliubiya Governorate, Egypt. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from the midgut of uninfested and infested A. mellifera on nutrient agar medium and identified using a culture-dependent isolation along with 16S rRNA sequences. The results revealed that both uninfested and V. destructor infested workers and larvae harbored gut bacteria belonging to Gamma-proteobacteria strains. The uninfested workers contained Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia nematodiphila, while V. destructor infested workers harbored Enterobacter species. Uninfested larvae contained E. hormaechei and Klebsiella variicola. V. destructor infested larvae harbored K. oxytoca as a result of infection. We concluded that the honeybee microbiome composition is likely to be impacted through isolates variation by stage and diversity disruption of isolates by V. destructor infection.
A sustainable business strategy framework for small and medium enterprises
Authors: Bugwandin Vinay , Bayat Mohamed S.
Published: August 2022

Orientation: Business sustainability in today’s world is primarily arduous owing to global economic and financial crises. In the first quarter of 2019, according to Statistics South Africa, the Gross Domestic Product deteriorated by 3.2%. Similarly, in KwaZulu-Natal, the state of sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was on the decline and the majority (75%) of SMEs failed after operating for 3 years.Research purpose: To formulate a business strategy to assist SMEs achieve sustainability.Motivation for the study: Small and medium enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal do not sustain themselves for long-term periods, the underlying problem being poor strategy formulation and hence, the need for a strategy to achieve sustainability.Research design, approach and method: A mixed methodology approach was used in this empirical study. A target population of 488 000 SME’s were considered with a sample size of 384 expected respondents. A total of 200 responses ( 52% of the target sample size) were obtained from the questionnaire within a capped period of 30 days. The Social Package for Social Sciences software was used for the quantitative aspect. In particular cross tabulations, central tendencies, and group difference techniques were used to analyse the data. In addition, the grounded theory was employed on a target of 20 individuals who were interviewed to investigate opinions towards strategy development and sustainability in KZN and NVivo software was used for the qualitative aspect.Main findings: The core element of ‘Strategy’ and the sub-elements of ‘Change’, ‘Purpose’ and ‘Leadership’ were investigated. It was found that ‘Change’, ‘Purpose’ and ‘Leadership’ were the main contributors towards achieving sustainability. Furthermore, a systems thinking model was used successfully to indicate the interdependencies to purport the goal of achieving sustainability. Ultimately it was found that ‘Strategy’, ‘Change’, ‘Purpose’ and ‘Leadership’ were required to achieve a ‘sustainable business strategy’.Practical/managerial implications: Due cognisance should be taken by leaders, from the perspectives of ‘Change’, ‘Purpose’ and ‘Leadership’, to formulate a strategy that sustains the business.Contribution/value-add: A conceptual framework to achieve a sustainable business strategy was developed for small to medium enterprises.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus core antibodies among blood donors in Nigeria: Implications for blood safety
Authors: Fasola Foluke A. , Fowotade Adeola A. , Faneye Adedayo O. , Adeleke Adeyeni
Published: August 2022

Background: Anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) testing improves transfusion safety by detecting past and current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection while detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serology-negative HBV infection. However, occult HBV infection (OBI) (serum or liver HBV DNA-positive but HBsAg-negative) remains unaddressed among replacement blood donors – family members or friends who donate to replace blood transfused to a relative.Objective: This study assessed risk factors for a positive anti-HBc test among donors with OBI and determined the anti-HBc-positive status of replacement donors.Methods: The study was conducted at the University College Hospital Blood Bank, Ibadan, Nigeria, using blood samples collected from blood donors between April 2019 and May 2019. Donors were screened for HBsAg by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and anti-HBc by ELISA, while HBV DNA was detected using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction.Results: Of the 274 participants, 15 (5.5%) were HBsAg-positive by RDT and 36 (13.1%) by ELISA, while 133 (48.5%) were anti-HBc positive. Out of 232 HBsAg-negative donors, 107 (46.1%) were anti-HBc positive. Of the 107 HBsAg-negative but anti-HBc-positive samples, only one (0.93%) was HBV DNA-positive. The HBV DNA-positive donor was HBsAg-negative by both RDT and ELISA tests.Conclusion: This study establishes a potential risk for HBV transmission from isolated anti-HBc-positive donors to blood recipients. HBc immunoglobulin (antibody) M testing to identify blood units requiring further screening with polymerase chain reaction to detect OBI can prevent HBV transmission through blood transfusion.
Experiences of spinal cord injury patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit at the national referral hospital in Khomas region, Namibia
Authors: Ashipala Daniel O. , Langendorf Lettie
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground: Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains one of the major causes of disability globally. It results in permanent physical disability secondary to devastating neurological defects. When a person sustains SCI, substantial changes and challenges in their lives occur, regardless of their age or socioeconomic status. In Namibia, the knowledge on SCI experiences could be used to improve the care rendered to patients with this injury.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of patients with SCIs admitted to the rehabilitation unit at the national referral hospital in Khomas region, Namibia.Method: A qualitative, explorative and descriptive study design was used. Data were collected by means of in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 15 participants from the rehabilitation unit. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Analysis of the data in this study identified three themes: negative experiences, positive experiences and measures to improve the lives of people living with SCI in the community. Participants experienced varied emotions from anger, stress, disbelief, frustration and sadness, which led to depression. In addition, participants experienced discrimination due to lack of community acceptance hence, improving awareness remains key.Conclusion: This study provided insight into the lived experiences of those living with SCI as they narrated their struggle from the onset of SCI to their reintegration into the community. The study’s findings can be used to develop self-care strategies and ongoing interventions that focus on maintaining physical and psychological health for spinal-cord injured persons throughout the course of living with disability.
Challenges of caregivers providing care to children with disabilities at non-governmental organisations in Tshwane townships, South Africa
Authors: Moosa-Tayob Sharifa , Risenga Patrone R.
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground: Caregivers of children with disabilities are vital stakeholders when it comes to safeguarding the health, well-being and overall survival of the children that they care for. Caregivers, however, face many challenging conditions that make it difficult for them to optimally fulfil their caregiving role. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing empowerment programmes for caregivers, which will ensure that children with disabilities receive comprehensive, optimal care and that caregivers experience a good quality of life.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of caregivers providing care to children with disabilities at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in townships of Tshwane, South Africa.Method: This study followed an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design within a qualitative methodology. The population in this study included caregivers who care for children with disabilities at NGOs (n = 10). Participants for the study were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews with caregivers. Data were analysed according to the six phases of thematic analysis proposed by.Results: The study revealed six themes that represent the challenges experienced by caregivers, namely (1) initial impressions, (2) rendering care, (3) stress, (4) lack of outside support, (5) coping and (6) poor community recognition.Conclusion: Support from the Departments of Health and Social Development and other institutions providing community rehabilitation services to townships should be provided to caregivers in order to empower them with skills and knowledge to effectively address the challenges they face so that they can render optimal care to the children they care for.Contribution: Results of this study could assist in ensuring improved recognition, resilience and supportive resources for caregivers in collaboration with community based rehabilitation stakeholders in the community that would ultimately lead to improved care for children with disabilities in townships within South Africa.
Management of paediatric ectopia lentis at an Indonesian referral hospital: A retrospective review
Authors: Barliana Julie D. , Yulia Dian E. , Soeharto Diajeng A.
Published: August 2022

Background: Ectopia lentis in children is rare and often associated with systemic conditions. Left untreated, it can lead to visually debilitating complications. Although there are various techniques available, no current consensus for treatment of paediatric ectopia lentis exists.Aim: To describe the management and visual outcomes of paediatric ectopia lentis in an academic referral hospital.Setting: This study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of all paediatric ectopia lentis patients treated at our hospital, from 2011 to 2020. Primary outcomes include uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment, surgical technique, selection of intraocular lens (IOL), and postoperative complications.Results: This study included 66 eyes of 39 patients. Average age at initial presentation was 7.8 (2–17) years. Aetiology was mostly non-traumatic, whilst four were secondary to trauma. All eyes except one underwent surgery, and IOLs were inserted in 57.4% of the non-traumatic cohort, with iris-claw IOL as the most popular choice (85.7%). Uncorrected visual acuity and BCVA significantly improved in pseudophakic and aphakic groups (p  0.05). Nearly 60% achieved a BCVA of 6/12 or greater, and the proportion was higher amongst pseudophakic group. Ten eyes had post-operative complications, with a median onset of 393 (1–1095) days after surgery.Conclusion: With varied techniques used to manage paediatric ectopia lentis, the choice of technique was dependent on individual patient condition and surgeon preference. Whilst the proportion of eyes with BCVA of ≥ 6/12 was higher amongst the pseudophakic eyes than aphakic eyes, IOL implantation entails the risk of complications, whereas no complications occurred in those left aphakic. Therefore, no particular technique can be considered marginally superior to the other, and larger studies are needed.
New religious movements and the problem of syncretism: A study of Anioma Healing Ministry, Nawgu, Nigeria
Authors: Anizoba Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

This work studied the Anioma Healing Ministry of the late prophet Eddy Okeke. The aim is to investigate the structure, demography, beliefs and practices of the ministry. The study adopts a qualitative phenomenological research design and historiographical method for data analysis. Personal interviews form a primary source of data collection, whilst the secondary sources include library and Internet resources. The study found that Okeke’s ministry was not organised or administratively structured like some of the well-established churches or ministries. Because the ministry was structured after African traditional religion, it also held similar beliefs. The study also found that most of the practices of Okeke’s healing ministry were reflected in its belief system, and adherents to the ministry included the rich and the poor, men and women. It was also discovered that overzealous and excessive belief in Okeke’s magical and miraculous powers promoted him more than his actual spiritual deeds. Many who became disloyal to him or who opposed his interfused religiocultural practices suffered open attacks from him. Although now dead, this ministry still flourishes and Okeke’s spiritual powers continue to be held in high esteem.Contribution: Okeke’s ministry has given the world’s independent ministries a new socioreligious mentality and intellectual framework. This is, without a doubt, the only ministry constructed in the same way as African traditional religion (ATR) and Christianity. As a result of the foregoing, the HTS Teologiese Studies journal will consider this article worthy of publication in their prestigious journal because it contributes to a greater understanding of the world’s emerging religious groups.
The irony of ability and disability in John 9:1–41
Authors: Thomaskutty Johnson
Published: August 2022

The story of the man born blind is constructed within a grand irony of ability and disability. The Johannine narrator develops the characterisation of the man born blind as a progressive, seeing and missional personality, whereas all others in the story appear as people without proper understanding and vision and those with lower perspectives. Although the world conceived the man as a sinner, Jesus understands him as a means for divine glorification; though the Jews are widely considered able people in the socioreligious terms, Jesus considers them as sinful. The article argues that people can overcome their physical disabilities with the help of spiritual foresight and mental stability; people’s physical abilities are not guarantees for their wholistic stability. In that sense, John 9:1–41 can be considered a paradigmatic narrative which demonstrates the experiences of the disabled and marginal sections of the 1st-century CE context.Contribution: This article presents the irony of ability and disability within John 9:1–41 and suggests a new way forward in interpreting the fourth gospel by taking into consideration the existential struggles of people with disabilities. As a theological interpretation of the fourth gospel, this article fits well within the scope of HTS Theological Studies.
The potential of frogging as an ecotourism product for South African National Parks
Authors: Luyt Zoëgné , Van der Merwe Peet
Published: August 2022

Amid global biodiversity loss, it is important to find practical tools and solutions in order to protect biodiversity. Ecotourism is the fastest-growing sector of the international travel industry and can be a powerful conservation tool that encourages people to protect the natural environment. Traditionally, frogs have not generated much attention among ecotourists, partly because they are easily overshadowed by other more charismatic species or habitat attractions. With almost a third of the nearly 7000 known amphibian species listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their protection is crucial. Frogging is a well-known term within the frog conservation society, describing the activity of searching for frogs in the wild. This can be combined with other ecotourism activities to attract tourists and create an interest in the conservation of frogs while having fun at the same time. The aim was to determine the ecotourism potential of frogs in South Africa, primarily by distributing questionnaires to tourists to retrieve information on whether they would be interested in participating in frog-related ecotourism activities within the South African National Parks. For this research, a quantitative research approach was followed, namely non-probability sampling, to which convenience sampling was applied. An online survey (questionnaire) was designed to collect the data for the research. The survey outcome was satisfactory, as potential tourists indicated that they would like to participate in frog-related activities. The project offers the opportunity to conserve frogs, educate tourists, and create job opportunities within the local communities. It will also create a new tourism product for the South African National Parks.Conservation implications: The contribution of this research to conservation lies in the opportunity to benefit frog conservation through ecotourism.
Proposed framework for innovative business intelligence for competitive advantage in small, medium and micro-organisations in the North West province of South Africa
Authors: Gomwe Godknows , Potgieter Marius , Litheko Alpheaus M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Innovative business intelligence enjoys popularity amongst mainly large organisations, particularly in the private sector. However, very limited studies have validated the impact of business intelligence in small, medium and micro-organisations (SMMEs), especially in a developing economy.Aim: To devise an innovative business intelligence as a competitive advantage model and to establish the impact of innovative business intelligence as a competitive advantage, as measured by success or growth and innovation in SMMEs in North West province, South Africa.Setting: Primary research was conducted amongst SMMEs owners or managers and employees in the North West province, South Africa.Methods: The final sample consisted of 12 SMME owners or managers and 394 other employees of SMMEs. The study used mixed methods and adopted a survey design. In-depth interviews and a structured questionnaire were used for data collection.Results: The study established that management support and internal environment commitment support the implementation of innovative business intelligence. Training and employee motivation are insignificant in enhancing innovative business intelligence as competitive advantage.Conclusion: Management of SMMEs must define clear goals and objectives, as well as support and provide education mechanisms for new technology advancement. The technology-acceptance model (TAM) of adoption is merely one of the key techniques SMMEs can employ to improve the implementation of business intelligence as a new technology instrument to promote quality decision-making and profitability.
Biopsychosocial factors associated with chronic low back pain-related activity limitations in Burundi
Authors: Nduwimana Ildephonse , Nindorera Félix , Sinzakaraye Alexis , Bleyenheuft Yannick , Thonnard Jean-Louis , Kossi Oyene
Published: August 2022

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an increasing burden worldwide. The biopsychosocial factors associated with CLBP-related activity limitations have not yet been investigated in Burundi.Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the biopsychosocial factors that influence the CLBP-related activity limitations in a Burundian sample population.Method: We carried out a cross-sectional study of 58 adults with nonspecific CLBP from Bujumbura city. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to investigate the association between biopsychosocial factors and CLBP activity limitations. Sequential multiple regression analyses were subsequently used to predict CLBP activity limitations.Results: Fifty-eight individuals with a mean age of 41.3 ± 10.20, 58.6% of female gender, were recruited. The univariate and bivariate analyses demonstrated that educational level, gender, healthcare coverage, profession, height, pain intensity, depression and physical fitness were significantly associated with CLBP-related activity limitations (p range, 0.001 to 0.05). The multivariate regression analysis showed that the significant biopsychosocial factors accounted for 49% of the variance in self-reported activity limitations. Predictors of activity limitations were education level (β = −0.369; p = 0.001), abdominal muscle endurance (β = −0.339; p = 0.002) and depression (β = 0.289; p = 0.011).Conclusions: Our study provides evidence of biopsychosocial factor associations with CLBP-related activity limitations in Burundi. Evidence-based management and prevention of CLBP in Burundi should incorporate a biopsychosocial model.Clinical implications: Biopsychosocial factors should be regularly evaluated in people with chronic low back pain and efforts to improve the burden of chronic low back pain in Burundi should take these factors into account.
Comparison the Effects of Gabapentin and Oxazepam on Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Pain in Unstable Angina Patients Admitted to Coronary Care Unit of Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital
Authors: Parvaresh Mohammadjavad , Ghalebandi Mirfarhad , Alavi Kaveh , Hajsadeghi Shekoufeh , Jolfaei Atefeh Ghanbari
Published: August 2022

Background:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of gabapentin and oxazepam on sleep quality, the severity of anxiety, and pain level in patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU).

Materials and Methods:

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was done on the patients with unstable angina (UA) admitted to the CCU of Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital in Tehran. A total of 56 patients were entered the study and randomly divided into two groups of 26. The first group was given a gabapentin capsule at a dose of 300–1200 mg/day, and the second group was given 10–20 mg of oxazepam tablets per day until hospitalization in the CCU. On the first and 4th days of hospitalization, Groningen sleep quality score (GSQS), Beck Anxiety Inventory, and severity of pain experienced by Visual Analogue Scale were recorded, and the mean frequency of chest pains was calculated in 24 h during the first 4 days. The amount of drug (morphine) prescription in CCU also compared between the two groups.

Results:

There was no significant difference in GSQS scores between both groups. The mean score of Beck's anxiety scale did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the incidence of chest pain was significantly lower in the gabapentin-receiving group than in the oxazepam-receiving group (<0.001). The days that the patients experienced chest pain were significantly less in the gabapentin-receiving group than in the oxazepam-receiving group (<0.001).

Conclusion:

The results of our study showed that gabapentin compared to oxazepam could significantly reduce chest pain in patients with UA.