bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of an Exceptional Optical Nebulosity in the Suspected Galactic SN Iax Remnant Pa 30 Linked to the Historical Guest Star of 1181 CE
Authors: Fesen Robert A. , Schaefer Bradley E. , Patchick Dana
Published: March 2023

A newly recognized young Galactic supernova (SN) remnant, Pa 30 (G123.1+4.6), centered on a hot central star with a ∼16,000 km s−1 wind velocity, has recently been proposed to be the result of a double-degenerate merger leading to an SN Iax event associated with the guest star of 1181 CE. Here we present deep optical [S ii] λλ6716,6731 images of Pa 30 that reveal an extraordinary and highly structured nebula 170″ in diameter with dozens of long (5″–20″), radially aligned filaments with a convergence point near the hot central star. Optical spectra of filaments indicate a peak expansion velocity ≃1100 km s−1 with electron densities of ≤100–700 cm−3 and a thick shell-like structure resembling its appearance in 22 μm WISE images. No Hα emission was seen ([S ii] λ6716/Hα >5), with the only other line emission detected being faint [Ar iii] λ7136, suggesting a S- and Ar-rich but H-poor remnant. The nebula’s angular size, estimated 2.3 kpc distance, and 1100 km s−1 expansion velocity are consistent with an explosion date around 1181 CE. The remnant’s unusual appearance may be due to the photoionization of wind-driven ejecta due to clump–wind interactions caused by the central star’s high-luminosity wind.
Leviathan's Body: Recovering Fredy Perlman's Anarchist Social Theory
Authors: Gordon Uri
Published: March 2023

Fredy Perlman's anarchist maximalism had a formative influence on the movement's post-1960s revival, quite apart from his later and better-known critiques of domestication. Perlman's long-neglected books, pamphlets and parodies from 1968-1972 show him championing an anti-vanguardist
ethos of direct action and practical de-alienation, while working towards an original and distinctly anarchist social theory of domination. This article traces the influences of Isaak Rubin, C. Wright Mills, and possibly Henri Lefebvre and Peter Kropotkin, on Perlman's thought. Perlman's originality
was to generalise a heterodox Marxian critique of social reproduction, including but exceeding productive relations. Thus, he explicitly sets the state in analytical parity with capital, theorising authority as a fetish distinct from exchange value. Implicitly, he points to other containers
for alienated powers, including the family, religion and scholarship. Perlman's account of selfand community powers remains incomplete, however, eliding constitutive violence and inviting engagement with current intersectional approaches.
Quarante ans de réflexion éthique au CCNE
Authors: Sicard Didier , Duée Pierre-Henri
Published: March 2023

Le CCNE fête cette année ses quarante ans. Il a rendu plus de cent quarante avis. Il est souhaitable de s’interroger sur cet organisme original qui propose une « éthique à la française ». Trois domaines sont significatifs : l’assistance médicale à la procréation, la fin de vie et la recherche sur l’embryon.
L’exil tchèque en France depuis 1948 et la collecte des sources
Authors: Marès Antoine
Published: March 2023

L’article décrit les différentes vagues de l’exil tchèque depuis 1948, leurs temporalités, leurs différentes composantes politiques selon les périodes mais aussi leurs destinations, l’accueil qu’ont trouvé les exilés, en France notamment – qui n’est pas le même après 1968 qu’après 1948 – et les structures d’accueil qui ont aidé à leur insertion. Les archives privées de l’exil tchèque, longtemps discrètes et dispersées à cause de la surveillance des exilés, se trouvent encore dans des familles ou des associations. Et beaucoup reste à faire pour les rassembler, ou du moins les identifier.
Vladimír Peška, gardien de la mémoire de l’exil tchèque de la seconde moitié du XX e siècle
Authors: Zatloukal Jan
Published: March 2023

Vladimír Peška (1920-2002), l’un des premiers réfugiés fuyant la dictature communiste en Tchécoslovaquie suite au coup d’État de février 1948, atteignit la France après plusieurs mois passés dans les camps de réfugiés en Allemagne. Naturalisé français en 1957, il exerça de multiples professions et demeura engagé pour sa patrie à travers différentes associations et structures de l’exil tchécoslovaque. L’article revient sur la personnalité oubliée de Peška et sur ses archives, en particulier les ego-documents, conservés depuis sa mort à l’Institut d’études slaves.
Les archives de l’association Solidarité France-Pologne
Authors: Heruday-Kiełczewska Magdalena
Published: March 2023

L’association Solidarité France-Pologne a été créée en 1980, lors de la naissance de Solidarność , par des émigrés ayant quitté la Pologne après la répression de 1968. Son objectif était d’informer la société française sur la situation en Pologne, de créer un lieu de coopération entre syndicalistes polonais et français, d’organiser l’aide aux syndicalistes pendant « l’état de guerre » en Pologne (1981-1983). Les archives portent sur la création de l’association, ses finances, les actions menées pour rendre publics les problèmes de Solidarność , l’aide humanitaire et la coopération entre les organisations non-gouvernementales polonaises et françaises après 1989. Le fonds, clos en 2004, est consultable à la Bibliothèque polonaise à Paris, il a fait l’objet d’un classement et d’un inventaire.
Anne Mathieu, Nous n’oublierons pas les poings levés. Reporters, éditorialistes et commentateurs antifascistes pendant la guerre d’Espagne , Paris, Syllepse, 2021, 696 p., 30 €
Authors: Salmon Pierre
Published: March 2023

L’article rend compte du livre Nous n’oublierons pas les poings levés , d’Anne Mathieu analysant le positionnement des journalistes et des reporters antifascistes en France pendant la guerre d’Espagne. La chercheuse a aussi développé un site internet ( https://reporters-et-cie.guerredespagne.fr ) qui devra référencer une grande partie des 6 718 articles recensés pour son enquête.
Multi-objective optimization to the transportation problem considering non-linear fuzzy membership functions
Authors: Miah Md. Musa , AlArjani Ali , Rashid Abdur , Khan Aminur Rahman , Uddin Md. Sharif , Attia El-Awady
Published: March 2023

Considering the uncertainty of transporting goods from numerous origins to diverse destinations is a critical task for the decision-maker (DM). The ultimate goal of the DM is to make the right decisions that optimize the profit or loss of the organization under the vagueness of the uncontrollable effects. In this paper, mathematical models are proposed using fuzzy non-linear membership functions for the transportation problem considering the parameters' uncertainty that can help the DM to optimize the multi-objective transportation problems (MOTP) and to achieve the desired goals by choosing a confidence level of the uncertain parameters. Based on DM's selection of the confidence level, a compromise solution of the uncertain multi-objective transportation (UMOTP) is obtained along with the satisfaction level in percent for the DM. Two non-linear fuzzy membership functions are considered: the exponential and the hyperbolic functions. Using both membership functions, the sensitivity analysis was implemented by considering different confidence levels. According to the experimental results, the hyperbolic membership function gives 100% DM's satisfaction in many instances. Moreover, it shows stability against the exponential and linear functions.
Characterization of Lysobacter enzymogenes B25, a potential biological control agent of plant-parasitic nematodes, and its mode of action
Authors: Martínez-Servat Sònia , Pinyol-Escala Lola , Daura-Pich Oriol , Almazán Marta , Hernández Iker , López-García Belén , Fernández Carolina
Published: March 2023

It is certainly difficult to estimate productivity losses due to the action of phytopathogenic nematodes but it might be about 12 % of world agricultural production. Although there are numerous tools to reduce the effect of these nematodes, there is growing concern about their environmental impact. Lysobacter enzymogenes B25 is an effective biological control agent against plant-parasitic nematodes, showing control over root-knot nematodes (RKN) such as Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica. In this paper, the efficacy of B25 to control RKN infestation in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Durinta) is described. The bacterium was applied 4 times at an average of concentration around 108 CFU/mL showing an efficacy of 50–95 % depending on the population and the pressure of the pathogen. Furthermore, the control activity of B25 was comparable to that of the reference chemical used. L. enzymogenes B25 is hereby characterized, and its mode of action studied, focusing on different mechanisms that include motility, the production of lytic enzymes and secondary metabolites and the induction of plant defenses. The presence of M. incognita increased the twitching motility of B25. In addition, cell-free supernatants obtained after growing B25, in both poor and rich media, showed efficacy in inhibiting RKN egg hatching in vitro. This nematicidal activity was sensitive to high temperatures, suggesting that it is mainly due to extracellular lytic enzymes. The secondary metabolites heat-stable antifungal factor and alteramide A/B were identified in the culture filtrate and their contribution to the nematicidal activity of B25 is discussed. This study points out L. enzymogenes B25 as a promising biocontrol microorganism against nematode infestation of plants and a good candidate to develop a sustainable nematicidal product.
On improving the English language ability of Science Citation Index papers for medical postgraduates through flipped classroom teaching
Authors: Wang Changyou
Published: March 2023

Medical postgraduates are the new force of scientific research groups in China. However, the limitation of their English language ability restricts their publication of high-level Science Citation Index (SCI) papers to a large extent. Measures to improve students’ SCI language ability from macro, intermediate and micro aspects were discussed through flipped classroom teaching mode, such as students’ reading papers before class, students’ practicing paper writing after class, and teacher’s making comments in class. The feedback from the questionnaire showed that 96.65% of the students were satisfied with the teaching mode and 93.57% of them had improved their confidence in SCI writing. For the problems mentioned in the feedback, it was suggested that colleges and universities should formulate policies to encourage teachers to engage in medical English teaching, meanwhile teachers should constantly improve their professional quality, so as to help students improve their SCI language ability rapidly.
Prostorski vidiki financiranja kulture iz javnih sredstev v Sloveniji
Authors: Kozina Jani
Published: March 2023

Financiranje kulturnih dejavnosti na državni ravni je bilo v zadnjih letih v Sloveniji razmeroma dobro preučeno. Kljub temu pa se dosedanje raziskave niso ukvarjale z vprašanjem lokalnega in regionalnega razvoja. Namen članka je prikazati prostorske vidike financiranja kulturnih dejavnosti iz javnih sredstev Republike Slovenije v obdobju 2007–2018. V ta namen smo preučili podatke Ministrstva za finance o proračunih občin. Rezultati prikazujejo vlaganja občin v kulturni sektor skozi čas, kar je v glavnem sledilo makroekonomskim težnjam. Prostorsko gledano se prikazujejo razlike v višini in načinu vlaganj v kulturne dejavnosti glede na razvitost občin. Statistična analiza je pokazala šibko, vendar statistično značilno in pozitivno povezanost vlaganj občin v kulturne dejavnosti s kazalniki razvitosti občin. //

Spatial aspects of financing culture from public funds of the Republic of Slovenia

The financing of cultural industries at the state level has been relatively well studied in Slovenia in recent years. Nevertheless, research has not yet addressed the issue of local and regional development. The aim of this article is to present the spatial aspects of the financing of cultural industries from public funds in the Republic of Slovenia in the period 2007–2018. For this purpose, we have analysed the data of the Ministry of Finance on municipal budgets. The results show the municipalities’ investments in the cultural sector over time, which mainly followed macroeconomic trends. Spatially, the differences in the amount and type of investment in cultural industries are shown according to the development of the municipalities. Statistical analysis showed a weak but statistically significant and positive correlation between municipal investments in cultural industries and indicators of municipal development.
Los cuatro tiempos de la Tendencia Revolucionaria del Peronismo y la hegemonía montonera (1969-1976)
Authors: Cormick Federico
Published: March 2023

La Tendencia Revolucionaria del Peronismo y Montoneros fueron actores centrales del proceso de radicalización que atravesó a la Argentina en los años ’70. Sus recorridos históricos están imbricados entre sí, pero el vínculo entre ambos ha sido considerado de forma muy distinta por los/as investigadores. En este artículo, recuperando fuentes primarias y bibliográficas, se analizará el recorrido histórico de la Tendencia y de Montoneros entre 1969 y 1976, evaluando las características de su relación, a partir de cuatro momentos clave de su trayectoria.
Bagnères-de-Bigorre : un laboratoire des sources dans les Hautes-Pyrénées
Authors: Sabatier Richard
Published: March 2023

En l’occurrence, l’écosphère ne nous attendant pas pour poursuivre ses rééquilibrages, il nous faut penser autrement ce qui « fait patrimoine ». À partir de la station thermale de Bagnères-de-Bigorre dans les Hautes-Pyrénées, l’équipe rassemblée en sein de l’Observatoire pour l’archéologie et le patrimoine en Haute-Bigorre (OAPHB) s’est attachée à cette vaste question en faisant des eaux naturelles sa préoccupation centrale. À travers ses travaux ce site retrouve sa place dans le plus large ensemble que forment les systèmes d’irrigation structurant les paysages du Haut-Adour. Des liens entre thermalisme et pastoralisme réapparaissent. Comprises comme une dynamique des paysages, les eaux naturelles catalysent déjà des possibles : à l’échelon thermal, en proposant de libérer des sources thermo-minérales du carcan désormais inutile de leurs captages, à l’échelon de micro-exploitations pastorales dont on cherche à rétablir les systèmes d’irrigation. Des projets où la notion de patrimoine n’apparaît plus comme une mise en défense mais comme le moyen d’une synergie.Réunissant des chercheurs, des professionnels du cadre de vie avec des lycéens, des étudiants, des actifs et des retraités, des ateliers se sont formés. Dès lors cette transversalité entre les générations, les milieux sociaux, les quartiers et les terroirs de la vallée, montre la capacité de résilience de ses paysages.Retourner aux sources, à nouveau et ensemble, offre ainsi des possibles.
Le canal latéral à la Garonne
Authors: Roques Patrick
Published: March 2023

Le canal latéral à la Garonne, prolongement du canal du Midi, a été inauguré en 1856. Dû à Jean-Baptiste de Baudre, il relie Toulouse à Castets-en-Dorthe. L’inventaire de ce linéaire, mené dans les années 2010, témoigne de son histoire dans le paysage industriel français : maintes fois voué à la disparition il voit son administration relancer le trafic fluvial. Le recensement des différents ouvrages d’art révèle l’évolution des techniques appliquées au patrimoine fluvial et les changements importants comme, dans les années 1990, la fin de la batellerie remplacée par le tourisme fluvial : les ports nouvellement équipés répondent à la demande des plaisanciers et les chemins de halages aménagés en « voies vertes » à de nouvelles pratiques sportives et sociales.
Les terres australes françaises, terrain d’expérimentation de la solidarité écologique
Authors: Tixier Paul , Guinet Christophe , Faure Chloé , Danto Anatole , Mazé Camille
Published: March 2023

La coexistence humains – non humains (ici espèces animales), cristallisée autour de compromis entre viabilité des activités socio-économiques, sécurité alimentaire des populations humaines et conservation de la faune, est devenue un défi sociétal et environnemental majeur. Ce défi constitue un cadre expérimental privilégié pour mettre le principe de solidarité écologique à l’épreuve du terrain. En milieu marin, le conflit global entre pêcheries et mégafaune s’est récemment intensifié et sa résolution est freinée par la complexité des enjeux socio-écosystémiques locaux et le manque d’expertise et de gestion trans-sectorielle. Dans cette étude, nous utilisons le cas de la pêcherie palangrière opérant autour des terres australes françaises Crozet et Kerguelen pour examiner comment les acteurs se sont mobilisés et réorganisés au cours des 30 dernières années en réponse à deux forts conflits avec la mégafaune : les captures accidentelles d’oiseaux marins et la déprédation par les cétacés (individus se nourrissant sur la capture de pêche). À partir de cette analyse, nous proposons des modèles basés sur le concept de socio-écosystème pouvant être appliqués à d'autres situations de conflits humains – non-humains.
La solidarité écologique appliquée au système océanique : quelles perspectives juridiques ?
Authors: Réveillas Justine
Published: March 2023

Les négociations menées au sein des Nations Unies sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la biodiversité marine au-delà des juridictions nationales constituent une opportunité idéale pour proposer un nouveau principe juridique, en vue de transformer la gouvernance environnementale des zones situées au-delà des juridictions nationales (ZAJN). Dans le cadre d’un travail collectif sur la définition d’un principe de solidarité écologique à vocation universelle, cette contribution est l’occasion d’approfondir les réflexions à travers une application normative de la solidarité écologique au système océanique. Grâce aux progrès scientifiques, les sciences de la nature nous décrivent le système océanique comme un modèle de solidarité écologique de fait, marqué par des interdépendances des écosystèmes et des êtres vivants. Pourtant, cette solidarité écologique est aujourd’hui largement ignorée par le droit international de la mer. Cette non-considération du droit face à la réalité écologique du système océanique nous invite à repenser les modalités de gouvernance à la lumière de la solidarité écologique et à proposer un principe de solidarité écologique pour protéger la biodiversité marine située au-delà des juridictions nationales.
Intérêt du principe de solidarité écologique pour la valorisation des usages pastoraux dans les Pyrénées
Authors: Aubert Sigrid
Published: March 2023

De nombreux juristes engagés soutiennent l’établissement d’une nouvelle catégorie de biens, les « biens communs », pour faire face à l’urgence écologique. L’anthropologie politique de la juridicité focalise quant à elle son attention sur les dynamiques sociales associées au faire commun. Il s’agit de restituer les dynamiques du droit révélées par le pluralisme juridique en accordant un intérêt particulier aux conditions d’émergence et de promotion des innovations sociales portées par des collectifs d’usagers de la terre et des ressources qu’elle porte. Ces innovations sociales contribuent dans de nombreuses situations à la prise en charge par les citoyens, de relations d’interdépendances entre humains, et entre humains et non-humains, ceci dans des contextes où les propositions portées par l’État ou les marchés n’apparaissent pas satisfaisantes aux yeux des habitants des territoires concernés. Selon cette approche, il est possible de postuler que le principe général de solidarité écologique est complété par un fait juridique : l’existence d’une solidarité (sociale et) écologique vécue par un collectif d’usagers (humains et non-humains) de la terre et des ressources qu’elle porte. Ce fait génère, entre les membres des communautés d’usages considérées, des devoirs et des prérogatives, susceptibles de constituer la source d’un droit opposable aux tiers : un droit à l’usage de la terre et des ressources qu’elle porte. La valorisation des usages associée à l’expression de la solidarité écologique peut ainsi conduire à réifier des comportements particuliers, existants ou souhaitables (y compris des comportements associés à l’exercice de la puissance publique) à différentes échelles territoriales.
La solidarité écologique et la protection des atolls polynésiens
Authors: Michelot Agnès , Stahl Lucile
Published: March 2023

Les atolls polynésiens présentent un ensemble de caractéristiques physiques, écologiques et géographiques qui conduisent à considérer la pertinence de leur étendre le jeune principe de solidarité écologique reconnu par la loi française sur la biodiversité de 2016. Par ailleurs, les sociétés polynésiennes reposent sur des valeurs culturelles ancrées dans un rapport très fort avec la terre caractérisé par des interactions originellement étroites entre les communautés locales et leur environnement que le principe de solidarité écologique pourrait contribuer à revaloriser. Le droit de l’environnement de la Polynésie française étant élaboré de manière autonome du droit français, ledit principe n’est pas applicable. La question se pose donc de la pertinence de son intégration dans le droit polynésien pour protéger l’équilibre des socio-écosystèmes atolls. Plus largement, le principe de solidarité écologique pourrait renforcer le droit de l’environnement polynésien existant.
Analysis of Cooling Water Quality Improvement to Increase Cooling Tower Efficiency at Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant Unit 1
Authors: Afriyanti Femi , Yuwono Triyogi , Masduqi Ali
Published: March 2023

This study aims to overcome decreasing cooling tower efficiency at Geothermal Power Plant Kamojang Unit 1. Based on visual observations, there has been a tendency to blockage in the cooling tower's film fill and nozzle areas by mud, sulphate, scale, biofouling, moss, and other impurities. As a coolant, the water quality from the cold basin cooling tower has an essential role in determining the cooling tower performance. Preliminary test results show that cold water from the basin cooling tower contains high sulfate ions and bacteria than typical values. For this purpose, laboratory-scale demineralization with ion exchange is designed for sulfate ion treatment and sodium hypochlorite injection to reduce the bacterial height and validate the treatment, heat transfer, and cooling tower efficiency calculations before and after treatment. The results showed that with demineralization, sulfate levels from 224 ppm to < 5 ppm, and sodium hypochlorite injection, the optimum injection concentration was 2 ppm, from 19000 CFU/ml, it could reduce bacteria to 100CFU/ml. Finally, the improvement in cooling tower efficiency before and after treatment was 17.36%.
Using Robotics to Achieve Ocean Sustainability During the Exploration Phase of Deep Seabed Mining
Authors: Agarwala Nitin
Published: March 2023

AbstractOceans have been a source of food and resources for life on Earth even before the advent of civilization. In recent years, reliance on the oceans has increased due to an increasing population on land, which has resulted in unabated and unsustainable ocean exploitation. While the oceans have been resilient so far and have allowed numerous misadventures of humanity, they have reached a tipping point in their resilience due to the extensive use of unsustainable means. One such area of exploitation is “deep seabed mining,” for which numerous studies have shown the expected impact on ocean life and the environment to be catastrophic. It is expected that the resulting impact can be substantially reduced by avoiding direct interaction of humans with the environment. This understanding has led to the development of numerous technologies in the field of robotics and autonomous vehicles.This technical note thus assesses the current and future use of robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles to achieve sustainability during the exploration phase of deep seabed mining.
An Accurate Point Set Matching Method for Hull Blocks With Engineering Constraints
Authors: Guan Guan , Liao Hongling , Yang Qu , Sun Weidi , Sun Yuzhou
Published: March 2023

Abstract To effectively improve the precision matching technique of measurement point set and design point set for hull blocks, an accurate point set matching method for hull blocks with engineering constraints (verticality, levelness, symmetry, flatness, etc.) and elimination
error points is presented. It is divided into initial matching and refine matching. In initial matching, the improved Random Sample Consensus algorithm is proposed to eliminate error points rapidly and accurately; the improved Coherent Point Drift algorithm is proposed to obtain more accurate
initial matching. In refine matching, the Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to obtain each weight of engineering constraints automatically, and the weight vector is introduced into the multi-optimization objective function to achieve the more reasonable matching results. The results proved
that this method can rapidly and automatically eliminate error points, and get more accurate and reasonable results meeting engineering constraints. It can provide the basis for the subsequent assembly of hull blocks.
The Qi-Bang-Yi-Shen formula ameliorates renal dysfunction and fibrosis in rats with diabetic kidney disease via regulating PI3K/AKT, ERK and PPARγ signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Zhi , Jian Guihua , Chen Teng , Chen Yiping , Li Junhui , Wang Niansong
Published: March 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a growing public health problem worldwide. Losartan potassium (Los), an angiotensin II receptor blocker, has been used to treat DKD clinically. Recently, multi-herbal formula has been shown to exhibit therapeutic activities in DKD in China. Thus, we aimed to explore the protective effects of combination of Los and Qi-Bang-Yi-Shen formula (QBF) on DKD rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) injection was used to establish a rat model of DKD. Next, the bloodurea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE) and uric acid (UA) levels were detected in serum samples from DKD rats. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining were performed to observe glomerular injury and glomerular fibrosis in DKD rats. In this study, we found that QBF or Los treatment could decrease serum BUN, CRE, UA levels and reduce urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in DKD rats. Additionally, QBF or Los treatment obviously inhibited glomerular mesangial expansion and glomerular fibrosis, attenuated glomerular injury in kidney tissues of DKD rats. Moreover, QBF or Los treatment significantly reduced PI3K, AKT and ERK1/2 protein expressions, but increased PPARγ level in kidney tissues of DKD rats. As expected, combined treatment of QBF and Los could exert enhanced reno-protective effects compared with the single treatment. Collectively, combination of QBF and Los could ameliorate renal injury and fibrosis in DKD rats via regulating PI3K/AKT, ERK and PPARγ signaling pathways. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of QBF to prevent DKD progression.
CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN PRETERM NEONATAL LATE-ONSET SEPSIS: TO PREDICT OR NOT TO PREDICT
Authors: VARDAR GONCA , Ozek Eren
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background: To evaluate carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in diagnosing late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm neonates.

Methods: The records of culture-positive LOS in preterm neonates hospitalized in NICU from January 2017 to July 2022 were reviewed.COHb levels, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of septic preterm infants were compared to controls. Serial COHb levels measured within six hours before or 24h after blood culture sampling, three to seven days prior, and three to five days after starting antimicrobial therapy were retrieved from patient records.

Results: The study included 77 blood-culture-positive preterm infants and 77 non-septic controls. During the LOS episode, the COHb values were found to be significantly increased (median: 1.8, IQR: 1.4-2.5) when compared to the control group (median: 1.2, IQR: 0.8-1.6) (p < 0.001). ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.714 for COHb (95% CI: 0.631-0.796, p<0.001). At an optimal cut-off of >1.5%, the test’s sensitivity was 64.94%, the specificity was 72.73%, the positive predictive value was 70.42%, and the negative predictive value was 67.47%.LOS led to a dramatic rise followed by a decrease after the initiation of the antimicrobial therapy [1.8 (1.4-2.5) ] vs. [1.45 (0.2-4)] p<0.001.

Conclusion: COHb levels increased at the beginning of LOS, decreasing in response to antibiotics. When used in conjunction with other sepsis biomarkers, the variation of COHb can be important in evaluating a LOS episode in preterm infants. COHb can be utilized as a quick, bedside approach for detecting LOS in preterm neonates in NICUs.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a social grant regulating framework in South Africa
Authors: Mashaba Nikiwe , Saurombe Musawenkosi D.
Published: March 2023

Orientation: Fraud and corruption have become a major concern for the South African government. However, the government has made attempts (often futile) to fight the scourge of corruption. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) developed a framework aimed at minimising corruption; nevertheless, loopholes in its anticorruption efforts continue to be an encumbrance.Research purpose: This research sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fraud Management and Compliance Department (FMCD) in terms of its role in the prevention, detection, investigation, reporting and resolution of fraud, theft, corruption and maladministration within the SASSA.Motivation for the study: The study was based on public knowledge of the plethora of activities both by civilians and by the SASSA officials that are negatively affecting the SASSA’s achievement of its goals and objectives.Research design, approach and method: The study adopted a qualitative research approach, including 10 participants with whom one-on-one interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used.Main findings: The study mainly uncovered that the Special Investigation Unit, National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service and Public Service Commission each play a critical role in investigating corruption, fraud and maladministration within the SASSA, thus contributing to how future fraud situations are handled.Practical/managerial implications: The article recommends the training and development of relevant authorities to enhance the effectiveness of the FMCD within the SASSA.Contribution/value-add: This article contributes to the literature on proposed solutions in effectively diminishing corruption in a South African government entity.
ACA-Dementia: Welcome to the desert of the academic real
Authors: Van der Linde Whitey
Published: March 2023

No abstract available.
Exploring the discord between pharmacy education and practice in antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Chetty Devina , Leigh-de Rapper Stephanie
Published: March 2023

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a critical global intervention aimed at optimising antimicrobial use and decreasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with pharmacists playing a pivotal role within AMS teams. However, AMS is not comprehensively taught in pharmacy curricula and little is known about the relevance of pharmacists’ training to meet AMS needs in South Africa.Aim: This study aimed to explore the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of clinical pharmacists towards AMS participation and training in South Africa.Setting: This study was conducted among clinically practicing pharmacists in public and private healthcare sectors in South Africa.Methods: A quantitative exploratory research design was selected for this study. The study was conducted using a self-administered structured survey. Categorical variables were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied to determine differences between variables.Results: Pharmacists demonstrated good attitudes knowledge and perceptions towards AMS (median 4.3). There was statistical significant differences in AMS participation between pharmacists of different years of experience (p = 0.005), sector of employment (p = 0.01), position of employment (p = 0.015) and presence of AMS programmes (p = 0.004). Pharmacists indicated that their Bachelor of Pharmacy undergraduate studies inadequately prepared them for their role in AMS (median 4.3).Conclusion: Pharmacists show positive attitudes, knowledge and perceptions towards AMS. Education and training in AMS principles is obtained through master’s programmes, short courses, Continued Professional Development (CPDs) and workshops and insufficiently incorporated in undergraduate programmes.Contribution: This study confirms that undergraduate pharmacy programmes inadequately prepare pharmacists for their role in AMS.
Mission as ‘being with’ in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa
Authors: Knoetze Johannes J. , Mkhize Thabani
Published: March 2023

This research investigated the impact measures (such as lockdowns) used to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have on the church’s mission. When people face travel and assembly restrictions, the church as a community of witnesses testifying and participating in Christ’s work risks is being neutralised, and its presence weakened. What then does mission as ‘being with’ look like in these situations? Is faithful presence something one can turn on and off at will depending on the situation? If faithful presence was no more, what then was the impact of such absence on the church’s mission? These questions underscore the relevance of this research which sought to ascertain the impact the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had on the church’s mission. The crucial area this research sought to explore are the lessons from the COVID-19 lockdown that will help the church prepare for future pandemics which scientists say are inevitable. The research made use of a qualitative interview method to discover the meaning of ‘being with’ in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown. The results revealed six attributes of a missional church. Based on these attributes, the research recommends a seven-step process to prepare the church for possible future pandemics.Contribution: This research has provided the church with an opportunity to shift from being ‘inward-looking’ to a church that is community focused, a church that prepares, trains and equips its adherents for the work of ministry in their own communities such that the work of ministry continues with or without gatherings.
Mental health symptoms among homeless shelter residents during COVID-19 lockdown in Tshwane, South Africa
Authors: Stonehouse Joanelle , Grobler Gerhard , Bhoora Urvisha , Janse van Rensburg Michelle N.S.
Published: March 2023

Background: In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa during the national state of emergency, the Gauteng Department of Social Development established temporary shelters and activated existing facilities to provide basic needs to street-homeless people in Tshwane, which facilitated primary health care service-delivery to this community.Aim: This study aimed to determine and analyse the prevalence of mental health symptoms and demographic characteristics among street-homeless people living in Tshwane’s shelters during lockdown.Setting: Homeless shelters set up in Tshwane during level 5 of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted using a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)-based questionnaire that looked at 13 mental health symptom domains.Results: Presence of moderate-to-severe symptoms were reported among the 295 participants as follows: substance use 202 (68%), anxiety 156 (53%), personality functioning 132 (44%), depression 85 (29%), sleep problems 77 (26%), somatic symptoms 69 (23%), anger 62 (21%), repetitive thoughts and behaviours 60 (20%), dissociation 55 (19%), mania 54 (18%), suicidal ideation 36 (12%), memory 33 (11%) and psychosis 23 (8%).Conclusion: A high burden of mental health symptoms was identified. Community-oriented and person-centred health services with clear care-coordination pathways are required to understand and overcome the barriers street-homeless people face in accessing health and social services.Contribution: This study determined the prevalence of mental health symptoms within the street-based population in Tshwane, which has not previously been studied.
Do not lose your patient in translation: Using interpreters effectively in primary care
Authors: Habib Talat , Nair Arun , Von Pressentin Klaus , Kaswa Ramprakash , Saeed Hamid
Published: March 2023

South Africa is a multicultural society characterised by a rich diversity of languages. As a result, many healthcare providers and their patients often do not speak the same language, which makes communication challenging. The language barriers, when present, require an interpreter to ensure accurate and effective communication between the parties. In addition to assisting in a clear exchange of information, a trained medical interpreter also acts as a cultural liaison. This is especially true when the provider and the patient come from different cultural backgrounds. Based on the patient’s needs, preferences, and available resources, clinicians should select and engage with the most appropriate interpreter. The effective use of an interpreter requires knowledge and skill. Patients and healthcare providers can benefit from several specific behaviours during interpreter-mediated consultations. This review article provides practical tips on when and how to use an interpreter effectively during clinical encounters in primary healthcare settings in South Africa.
Leadership, management and organisational implications for public service employee well-being and performance
Authors: Haricharan Shanil
Published: March 2023

Orientation: With the significant changes in the organisational context and the nature of work, greater focus on employee well-being is central to the quality of work life (QWL) and effective organisations.Research purpose: This article examines the complex and dynamic interplay between the multidimensional affective, behavioural, relational and socio-cultural dimensions in mediating employee well-being and organisational performance in a transforming South African provincial government.Motivation for the study: Theoretical models and public reforms have focused on the formal, transactional and technical aspects in understanding organisational performance and employee well-being, with less attention given to the behavioural, socio-cultural and interpersonal dimensions.Research approach/design and method: This qualitative study in two provincial government departments with 43 public servants (rank levels 6–15) applied the integral theory-based, four-quadrant model. The Dynamic Inquiry (DI) interview method and inductive thematic analytical processes were used. The Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) assessment reports of the two departments were analysed.Main findings: The four dominant themes that emerged from this study – social exclusion, leadership behaviours, public service orientation and governance – display complex patterns and relationships related to well-being and performance. Among these are the negative effects of power and bureaucratic cultures; hierarchical, command and control governance systems and dissonant leadership behaviours.Practical/managerial implications: The results have public policy and practice implications for public governance, management and leadership development, organisational design and culture, and performance management.Contribution/value-add: By applying an integrated research approach, multiple determinants of well-being and their intermediation were elucidated. The findings offer epistemological and methodological implications for human resource management (HRM) scholarship.
Trauma survivors’ perceptions and experiences of prolonged exposure for PTSD at a psychology clinic
Authors: Booysen Duane D. , Kagee Ashraf
Published: March 2023

Background: Several trauma-focused treatments have been developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet there are limited studies on how trauma survivors perceive and experience trauma-focused treatments such as prolonged exposure therapy (PE) for PTSD, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).Aim: The study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of trauma survivors receiving prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD and the general acceptability of PE for PTSD in a LMIC.Setting: The study was conducted at a community psychology clinic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Method: Using a qualitative method, seven adult trauma survivors who completed six sessions of brief PE for PTSD were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify relevant themes and to understand how participants perceived and experienced PE for PTSD.Results: The analysis yielded five themes, namely structure, obstacles, gender, exposure and experiences of recovery.Conclusion: The findings suggested that participants perceived and experienced PE to be generally beneficial for the treatment of PTSD. Moreover, the study suggested that PE is an acceptable trauma therapy in a contextually diverse setting such as the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Overall, considering the evidence base of PE for PTSD, this study contributed to the literature on the acceptability of PE in a South African setting.Contribution: The findings of the study are in keeping with the extant literature on how persons perceive and experience PE for PTSD. The findings of the study suggests that PE is an acceptable and beneficial trauma therapy for PTSD in a contextually diverse setting such as South Africa. It is recommended that large scale implementation studies be conducted to further investigate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of PE in South Africa.
A retrospective data analysis of psychiatric cases in Hargeisa, Somaliland between 2019 and 2020
Authors: Abdulrahman Hassan , Bousleiman Stephanie , Mumin Mustafe , Caqli Ibrahim , Hijaz Baraa A. , Gelaye Bizu , Fricchione Gregory , Chemali Zeina
Published: March 2023

Background: In Somaliland, an estimated one person in every two households suffers from psychiatric disorders. Despite this, access to mental health care is limited because of shortages in facilities, human resources, funding and stigma.Aim: To present the proportion of psychiatric disorders encountered in outpatient psychiatry clinics.Setting: The University if Hargeisa (UoH), Hargesisa, Somaliland.Methods: De-identified data on patients accessing psychiatric care from doctor trainees in the dual psychiatry–neurology residency program at UoH from January 2019 to June 2020 were included in the analysis. The Institutional Review Board from UoH approved data collection and analysis. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were summarised overall and by sex and age.Results: A total of 752 patients were included in the analysis. Most were male (54.7%), with an average age of 34.9 years. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were schizophrenia (28.0%), major depressive disorder (MDD) (14.3%) and bipolar disorder type 1 (BD1) (10.5%). When stratified by sex, patients with schizophrenia and BD1 were more likely to be male (73.5% and 53.3%, respectively), and those with MDD were more likely to be female (58.8%). Trauma- and stressor-related disorders accounted for 0.4% of cases, while 0.8% of patients presented with substance use disorders (alcohol and khat), which is an underestimate of the widespread use in Somaliland.Conclusion: Additional research using structured clinical interviews is needed to determine the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders and promote policies aiming to decrease neuropsychiatric mortality and morbidity.Contribution: This work presents the first data collection related to neuropsychiatric disorders in Somaliland.
Provision of HIV services to psychiatric inpatients in Botswana: Challenges and recommendations
Authors: Qambayot Maria A. , Naidoo Sarita
Published: March 2023

Background: The high prevalence of HIV among psychiatric inpatients is well-documented, yet little is known about the provision of HIV services for these patients.Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand healthcare providers’ challenges with providing HIV services to psychiatric inpatients.Setting: This study was conducted at the national psychiatric referral hospital in Botswana.Methods: The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 25 healthcare providers serving HIV-positive psychiatric inpatients. Data analysis was performed using a thematic analysis approach.Results: Healthcare providers reported challenges with transporting patients to access off-site HIV services, longer waiting periods for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, patient confidentiality, fragmented services for treatment of comorbidities, and a lack of patient data integration between the national psychiatric referral hospital and other facilities such as the Infectious Diseases Care Clinic (IDCC) at the nearby district hospital. Providers’ recommendations for addressing these challenges included the establishment of an IDCC at the national psychiatric referral hospital, connecting the psychiatric facility to the patient data management system to ensure integration of patient data, and provision of HIV-related in-service training to nurses.Conclusion: Psychiatric healthcare providers advocated for on-site integration of care for psychiatric illness and HIV among inpatients to address the challenges of ART provision.Contribution: The findings suggest the need to improve the provision of HIV services in the psychiatric hospitals in order to ensure better outcomes for this often-overlooked population. These findings are useful in improving clinical practice for HIV in psychiatric settings.
Revisiting the use of antenatal corticosteroids for late preterm and early term infants
Authors: Rugmini Shiny Sasidharan , Pournami Femitha , Prithvi Ajai Kumar , Nandakumar Anand , Prabhakar Jyothi , Jain Naveen
Published: March 2023

Background:

Guidelines from prominent policymakers on the use of antenatal steroids (ANS) in “late preterm deliveries and early term casearian deliveries” (LET) are nonuniform. This descriptive study compared LET infants born during two-time epochs: Retrospective: ANS exposed (ANSE) (when institute practice was to administer ANS to all LET mothers), and prospective – ANS unexposed (ANSU) (after the policy was revised in May 2021).

Methodology:

All antenatal mothers of anticipated late-preterm and early-term cesarean deliveries were being administered ANS before May 2021. Following the revision of hospital policy, this practice was discontinued. Comparative analysis for respiratory morbidity (RM) and other clinically relevant outcomes were conducted in infants born during two-time epochs (ANSE vs. ANSU).

Results:

Among 379 included infants, those with RMs were comparable between groups: 33 (17.5%) in ANSE; 31 (16.4%) in ANSU – Odds ratio (OR) 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.61–1.92), P = 0.78. No difference was noted in hypoglycemia events: 23 (12.2%) in ANSE; 22 (11.6%) in ANSU, OR = 1.05 95% CI (0.56–1.96), P = 0.87.

Conclusion:

ANS in LET did not seem to reduce the risk of RM. It may be appropriate to audit individual unit practices and relevant outcomes before blanket recommendations are made.