bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nexus between climate change and environmental social work in Africa
Authors: Pedzisai Ezra , Charamba Sunungurai , Mukurazhizha Rudo 
Published: January 2024

Disasters indiscriminately cause huge global economic losses worth tens of billions of dollars and often result in deaths of millions of people annually. As such, the on-going climate change is the world’s biggest disaster, especially for the most vulnerable African countries that are less economically developed, dependent largely on primary industries, which are predominantly reliant on climate-controlled ecosystems as well as depend on rain-fed agro-based livelihoods characterised by abject poverty. Meanwhile, the social work profession caters for individuals, groups, and communities in responding to fast onset disasters affecting especially the marginalised, poor, and vulnerable. However, social work practice (SWP) seems to be more preoccupied with the outcomes of fast-onset disasters specifically centred on identifying beneficiaries in a bid to provide food relief, social safety nets, safe shelters, and providing psycho-social support to victims and survivors of these disasters than slow onset ones. The SWP seems to be silent about climate change despite corroborated scientific models confirming the increased frequency, magnitude, and severity of future tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts in the future. However, being more curative rather than preventive, contemporary SWP responds primarily to present crises whilst ignoring more serious future disasters. To connect SWP to climate change discourse, a literature review of previous sources of authority was utilised.
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Pedzisai E, Charamba S. and Mukurazhizha R. (2023). Nexus between climate change and environmental social work in Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 87-99. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.5
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
A critical analysis of the challenges faced by deaf farmers in their participation in sustainable food production for nutrition and health in Mashonaland region, Zimbabwe
Authors: Tome Ashely Ropafadzo 
Published: January 2024

The Deaf Community in Mashonaland region constitutes a part of the minority population in Zimbabwe and this minority group happens to have capable farmers who are often sidelined from agricultural activities because of their difference from the hearing population. The researcher consulted the San Code of Research Ethics for advice. The study involved Deaf farmers who are involved in animal husbandry, horticulture and crop production, their workers in Mashonaland region. In total eight (8) respondents were interviewed. The researcher recorded and transcribed the collected data. The thematic analysis method was used during data analysis. The researcher grouped the transcribed data into thematic areas based on the research objectives. The findings revealed that lack of important information on important issues such as climate change, lack of access to land ownerships, communication barriers, lack of access to tertiary education and the seclusion of Deaf Community’s representation in policy making are the challenges faced by Deaf farmers in their participation in sustainable food production for nutrition and health in Mashonaland region. The study recommended awareness campaigns on Deaf Culture and the inclusion of Deaf people and other Persons with Disabilities in sustainable food production.
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Tome A. R. (2023). A critical analysis of the challenges faced by deaf farmers in their participation in sustainable food production for nutrition and health in Mashonaland region, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 100-109. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.6
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Reflections on integrating environmental social work methods of intervention in Zimbabwean social work curriculum
Authors: Nhapi Tatenda 
Published: January 2024

Undeniably, natural climatic shocks, poverty and environmental degradation have become intractable challenges Zimbabwe grapples with. Worthwhile to note is how to overcome enduring precarity for predominantly rural and peri-urban communities the enduring livelihood strategy has been to harness natural resources. For instance, Zimbabwe hosts some of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world and is home to over 5,930 species of plants and over 1,360 animals. Forests currently cover around 45% of the country’s total land area, but deforestation is an increasingly pressing issue, resulting in forests disappearing at a frightening rate. Given how developmental social work has become important thinking in social work scholarly discourses, its domains like environmental social work have become important for mainstreaming in social work training curricula and fieldwork. Based on review of secondary literature, the objective of this article is to offer pathways by which social worker educators can embed critical perspectives of environmental social work methods of interventions. This would be embedded in the curriculum components including research and fieldwork practicum. This can aid mainstreaming of environmental social work themes, debates and strategies in delivering courses centred on community, rural and social development. The article concludes by discussing possible constraints and opportunities in galvanising environmental social work visibility in the Zimbabwean and African social work curricula.
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Nhapi, T. (2023). Reflections on integrating environmental social work methods of intervention in Zimbabwean social work curriculum. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 118-126. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.8
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
The lived experiences of Persons with Albinism in the Northern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Hargovan Hema , Rovashni Chetty 
Published: January 2024

Research has shown that persons with albinism have been victims of extreme forms of discrimination and social injustice on multiple and intersecting grounds, notably ethnicity, colour, disability, and gender. To better understand the ‘lived’ experiences of persons with albinism, the authors conducted interviews with participants spread across three districts in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa employing a qualitative, interpretative phenomenological approach. As this research was undertaken amid the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, telephonic interviews were conducted with 22 individuals with albinism or impacted by albinism. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The study found that PWA experienced societal, cultural, and institutional barriers including stigma, discrimination, and victimisation, challenges relating to access to information, education, employment, healthcare, and psycho-social support. The authors recommended the urgent need for policy and legislative reform, proper implementation of The National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance, and further extensive research on key issues that affect PWA in South Africa
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Hargovan, H. & Chetty, R. (2023). The lived experiences of Persons with Albinism in the Northern Cape, South Africa
African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 155-166. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i3.4
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
From sankofa, tu, shosholoza to Ubuntu and umoja: a five-stage historical timeline of the philosophy of Africa and implications for education, research and practice
Authors: Mugumbate Rugare 
Published: January 2024

There is no comprehensive history of Africa’s philosophy for reasons including colonisation and neo-colonisation that resulted in its philosophy’ neglect and under-studying compared to Eastern, Middle-Eastern and Western philosophies. In this article, the timeline of Africa’s philosophy has been divided into five stages – sankofa, tu, shosholoza, Ubuntu and umoja. Sankofa is a stage where less is known, although, by looking at the history of the different groups of Black Africans – the Bantu, Kush, Nile-Sahara, San, Khoi Khoi, Hadza, Sandawe, Mbenga, Mbuti and Twa – we learn that they had related values centred around the family, community, society, environment and spirituality, and probably lived in proximity. The tu stage was characterised by the expansion of their communities and new languages that named Africa’s philosophy differently but closely. The shosholoza stage involved resisting the colonisation of Africa’s philosophy on and off the continent. The fourth stage is Ubuntu, the current stage where the noun Ubuntu has become prominent as the name of the philosophy for reasons including the resilience of the Zulu Kingdom from whose Nguni/Ngoni language the noun derives from. The final stage is umoja, the stage of renaissance and African-centredness. At this stage, Ubuntu is becoming the dominant worldview for Africa. From this history, among other things, we learn that Ubuntu did not start recently, Africa is not philosophyless and that Ubuntu cannot be attributed to Bantu people alone but all Black Africa. This history contributes to a better education for Africa where scientists, researchers, teachers, social workers, development workers, even security people, politicians and business people – become African-centred, all working for an Africa whose knowledge, innovations and capabilities compete with the rest of the world on an equal footing. It is recommended that the history of Africa’s philosophy and the philosophy itself be embedded in all levels of ‘formal’ or ‘informal’ education and this will be more useful if all stages, from sankofa to umoja are included. Knowledge of Africa’s philosophy would make education, research and practice more appropriate to Africa, especially in the fields of social work and development where colonial knowledge, values and practices have been dominant.
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Mugumbate, R. (2023). From sankofa, tu, shosholoza to Ubuntu and umoja: a five-stage historical timeline of the philosophy of Africa and implications for education, research and practice. African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 167-178. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i3.5
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Employing zinc oxide nanoparticle coating as a corrosion inhibitor for magnesium alloys in distinct aqueous electrolyte
Authors: Byeon Haewon , S. Sreenivasan V. , Rama Krishna Amaravadi , P. Thosar Charudatta , B. Randhavane Shrikant , Singh Baghel Deepak , Sunil J. 
Published: January 2024

In this investigation, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using a straightforward microwave-assisted technique. Results showed that the synthesised nanoparticles were hexagonal wurtzite ZnO-nanoparticles with a crystallite size of 6.76 nm, as determined by physio-chemical methods. It reveals, at varying magnifications, the irregularly aggregated, spherically shaped sponge-like structure. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, corresponding functional groups on ZnO surfaces have been observed. According to absorption measurements, the direct optical bandgap is around 3.29 eV. The photoluminescence spectra may be used to detect crystal defects in the ZnO lattice by looking for red emission and blue band edge emission. An investigation into the anticorrosion capabilities of zinc oxide nanoparticles was conducted, which revealed that the particles have beneficial characteristics when coated with magnesium (Mg) substrates. These materials are evaluated for corrosive resistance with and without a protective coating. Results show that coating significantly increased the protection rate under different electrolyte conditions. Compared to bare Mg plate, the charge transfer resistance Rct was increased when ZnO nanoparticles were coated.
KEY WORDS: Zinc oxide nanoparticle, Microwave irradiation, Corrosion resistance, magnesium alloy
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 417-430.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.10
Fabrication of and corrosion prevention mechanisms of tin oxide (SnO2) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for anodic protection of Zn metal surfaces
Authors: Byeon Haewon , Puvana Devi V. , Peter Anandkumar P. , Balakumar Ashwini , Bharathi Raja S. , Prince Sahaya Sudherson D. , Sunil J. 
Published: January 2024

The hydrothermal approach was utilized to prepare SnO2 and rGO-SnO2 composite, and its physicochemical properties and corrosion resistance application are examined in this study. The results suggest that the SnO2, rGO-SnO2 composite exhibits a well-defined and uniform morphology, with SnO2 NPs homogeneously distributed and anchored on the rGO. XRD analysis confirms the crystalline tetragonal structure with 19.1 nm and 20.8 crystalline size. Further, the corrosion resistance application of the rGO-SnO2 composite is evaluated through electrochemical measurements, such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The composite-coated substrate is subjected to NaCl electrolyte using a Zn plate. The corrosion performance is compared with that of bare Sn and rGO-SnO2 counterparts to assess the synergistic effect of the composite which exhibits enhanced anticorrosion properties. The synergistic effect of Sn and rGO in the composite offers superior corrosion resistance, making it a promising material for various corrosion-prone applications. Overall, the findings contribute to developing novel and effective strategies for combating corrosion, ensuring the durability and reliability of materials in diverse industrial environments.
KEY WORDS: Sn-rGO composite, Tafel plot, Corrosion protection, Surface analysis, Synergistic effect
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 445-456.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.12
Exploring the effect of chromium doping on electronic properties, half-metallic and ferromagnetism on AlSb DMS compound through first-principles calculations
Authors: El Merzouki Zakaria , Benhsin Elhassan , Cherraj Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

With the aim of improving and investigating magnetocaloric insights for spintronic applications, we investigated the electronic structure of Cr-doped AlSb compounds via first-principles calculations using the KKR-CPA-DFT method. Here, we investigated the stability of alloy materials as a function of magnetic contamination. A stable semimetallic ferromagnetic phase can be obtained by introducing the Cr element into AlSb, which is inherent in nonmagnetic semiconductors. The total magnetic moment of the doped material changes from 0.1167 μB to 0.716 μB for 4% and 25% Cr, respectively. Curie temperature changed to 740 K at 25% Cr concentration.
KEY WORDS: Magnetic materials, Semiconductor, Alloys, Impurities
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 297-304.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.2
Double Intussusceptions in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Tim Lee Mem , Zainira Wan Zain Wan , Faeid Othman 
Published: January 2024

Background: Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome is one of the hereditary gastro-intestinal cancer syndrome with characteristic mucocutaneous pigmentation and histologically distinctive hamartomatous polyps in gastro-intestinal tract. Although it is characteristically benign hamartomatous polyp, majority of affected individuals develop symptoms starting from their second decades. We reported a known Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome case developed recurrent polyps leading to double intussusceptions required bowel resection. Multidisciplinary management and patient compliance to surveillance regime are important in managing PJS patients with potential gastro-intestinal tract complications and relative high risk of developing syndrome specific cancers.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis Mimicking a Lung Cancer: a Case Series
Authors: Nigussi Mahader , Hagos Genet , Alemayhu Mahlet , Yafet Meron , Tarekegn Selome , Mekonnen Tseganesh , Gissila Azmera , Taye Melaku , Huluka Dawit Kebede 
Published: January 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite TB being a preventable and curable disease, it still remains to be one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and continues to be prevalent. TB can manifest in multiple systems, but its primary target is the lungs. Pulmonary TB can present differently depending on the patient's immune status and comorbidities. One atypical presentation of TB is lung mass, which can mimic lung malignancy and cause diagnostic delays.In this case series, we report on four cases in which TB was initially suspected to be lung malignancy. All four patients had lung masses on diagnostic imaging; microbiological testing was positive in only two of the patients and bronchoscopic abnormalities were seen in two of those. In two of the four cases, caseating granulomas were present on biopsy. All four patients attained clinical and radiologic resolution.In conclusion, despite years of knowledge and the prevalence of TB, atypical presentations can still cause diagnostic delays and unnecessary interventions. This case series provides examples of TB mimicking lung cancer, so considering TB as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a lung mass is crucial.
Factors Associated with Neurocognitive Impairment in Treatment Experienced HIV+ Adults from a Tertiary Care Center in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Biniyam A. , Thakur Kiran T. , Amogne Wondwossen 
Published: January 2024

Background: Given the improvement in life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of asymptomatic HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) has increased. The study objectives were to investigate the prevalence of HAND and associated factors among treatment experienced adults in Ethiopia.Methods: A single-center observational cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and June 2020 to investigate HAND. International HIV dementia scale (IHDS) was used to screen for the disorder. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: Total of 324 PLWH (63% females) who were on combination antiretroviral therapy for median of 144 months (IQR: 108-168) were investigated. The mean age was 42.5 years (1SD=12.2). The prevalence of HAND was 75.3% and the difference was significantly more in those above 40 years of age (65.8% vs. 80.7%, p=0.003). Age is the only risk factor identified with multivariable logistic regression analysis. A linear decrement in the total score of cognitive performance was observed as the patient’s age increase; age was responsible for 9.4% variation observed in IHDS score (r= -0.31, R2=0.094, p<0.0001). Although statistically not-significant, the trend for cardiometabolic and behavioral risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcohol and khat use) was higher in the group diagnosed with HAND.Conclusion: The occurrence of neurocognitive impairment was more pronounced in individuals aged 40 years and above who were HIV positive, compared to those below 40 years. Age was found to be an independent predictor of HAND. Cardiovascular and behavioral risk factors were observed more among patients with HAND compared to no-HAND.
Sonohysterography Assessment of the Structural Abnormalities of the Uterus in Women with Infertility in Ethiopia
Authors: Yigeremu Mahlet , Kebede Tesfaye , Getachew Asefa , Biruk Melaku 
Published: January 2024

Background: Female factor infertility is associated with a high incidence of the uterine cavity and fallopian tube pathology in developing countries with a high prevalence of STDs, therefore various methods are available for structural evaluation of the female reproductive system, among them is saline infusion sonohysterography (SISHG). The study aimed to assess the role of SISHSG in female infertility evaluation in areas where the gold standard investigating modalities are not readily available.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between January 2019 to August 2019 G.C. SISHSG consists of instillation of saline into the endometrial cavity with simultaneous pelvic ultrasonography (US). Fifty consecutive female patients referred to the Radiology Department for SISHSG are included in the study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for 26 patients who had both SISHSG and conventional HSG.
Result: The majority of the patients were in the age group of 35-40(38%) and 34 (68%) had secondary infertility. The commonest abnormalities detected were uterine myoma 10(20%), Asherman syndrome/cervical stenosis 7 (14%), and tubal blockage 6(10%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SISHSG in normal study, Asherman syndrome/cervical stenosis and chronic endometritis was 100%, as compared to the gold standard conventional HSG. For bilateral tubal blockage the SISHSG had 50% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 66.7% PPV and 81.8% NPV, however, for unilateral tubal blockage SISHSG had low sensitivity 33%.
Conclusion: SISHSG is readily available, easy-to-do, safe and radiation-free procedure and has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting uterine cavity abnormality. We advocate its use as a first step of investigation modality in the evaluation of female infertility.
Magnitude and Factors Associated with Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile at Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia: A prospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kefeni Marshet , Anticho Tariku Lambiyo , Tesema Israel Tsige , Mengistu Mulugeta , Ali Musa Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The use of urinary catheter benefit patients who are unable to urinate for various medical reasons. Despite its use, a urinary catheter during its application may introduce bacteria to the urinary tract and result in Urinary tract infection (UTI). Even though the burden of catheter-associated UTI is expected to be high in resource-limited countries, there is limited data. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of culture- confirmed catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacteria.
Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH), Sidama region, from May-August 2022. One hundred forty-nine catheterized patients at HUCSH were included. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected using structured questionnaire. Urine specimens were cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. Culture-confirmed catheter-associated urinary tract infection was established if >1 X 105 colonies of bacteria per milliliters of urine was detected. The disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For data analysis, SPSS version 26 was used. Factors associated with culture-confirmed CAUTI were assessed using binary logistic regression.
Results: The magnitude of culture confirmed CAUTI was 30.2% (n=45; 95% CI=22.8−37.6). The most common bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (n=12; 26.7%), followed by Klebsiella species (n=10; 22.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (n=6; 13.3%). Duration of catheterization (AOR=9.6, 95% CI=3.8−24.2) and comorbidities (AOR=4.1, 95% CI=1.7−9.8) were significantly associated with culture-confirmed CAUTI. Most Gram- negative bacteria were resistant to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents.
Conclusions: The magnitude of culture-confirmed CAUTI at HUCSH was high. E. coli was the leading bacteria and most of them were resistant to various types of antimicrobial agents. Duration of catheterization and comorbidities were significantly associated with culture- confirmed CAUTI.