bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Cardboard Settings to Ludo-anthropological Experiences: The Failures and Successes of Victorian London’s Adaptations in Video Games
Authors: Sigoillot Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Historical games deserve to be examined not only by video games academics but by cultural studies academics. The environments in which historical games are set, and how their gameplay and game design allow the players to explore them, give new opportunities to the public to learn about history. Furthermore, the excitement and interest players have for locales has reached the point where a “tourism/educational mode” has been added in the Assassin’s Creed games series, allowing them to freely explore ancient Egypt (Assassin’s Creed Origins) and Greece (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey). This mode features information about historical monuments recorded by academics, which allows players to learn about the environment. Interestingly enough, industrial Britain and especially Victorian Britain have often been chosen as a setting for numerous games. This paper compares the representations of Victorian Britain in two games. The first is Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, a game in which one plays an assassin in a realistic representation of Victorian Britain; the second is The Order 1886, a game set in a fictitious alternative world in 1886 in which one plays Knights of the Round Table fighting against gothic-themed creatures such as werewolves and vampires in a steampunk setting. Examining historical representations in fiction is interesting, but video games bring a new component to the experience compared to other media, as they let players create their own experience and narrative interactively. Gaming can thus be considered a worthwhile cultural practice because it succeeds in giving history subjective, sensory and experimental dimensions that other media lack. It enables the player to play in history as much as playing with it, sometimes giving the player an anthropological stance. In this respect, Assassin’s Creed stands as a successful adaptation of the Victorian context because it manages to integrate its historical setting into its gameplay mechanics, while The Order 1886 only uses it as a cardboard setting with limited interest to the game itself. This article attempts to create a system by comparing the two games, presenting new means of analysis of the use of history in video games.
‘Ev’ry Gamester winneth by the sport’: George Wither’s Emblem Lottery (1635)
Authors: Duff Pierre Le
Published: November 2020

George Wither, a notoriously controversial poet of the 17th century, wrote in the introductory text to his Collection of Emblemes in 1635 that he was adding a “harmless […] recreation”, referring to the lottery game he included in his book, which contains two hundred emblems. Wither goes to great length to claim that his lottery is merely an innocent pastime that was added to the work to make it less “over-solid and serious”, but a careful examination of the game in relation to the rest of the volume reveals a more complex rhetorical and aesthetic purpose. The lottery game is allegorically represented in the middle of the frontispiece on the first page of the book, an intricate engraving by William Marshall representing the pilgrimage of life on the paths of virtue and vice, where the pilgrims draw their metaphorical lots from an ewer under the supervision of Fortune personified. As the frontispiece can be read as an emblematic representation of the volume, this mise-en-abyme contradicts the poet’s assertions about the lottery’s incidental nature, and therefore raises questions on its true place in the work. Through his game, Wither establishes a close, personal, often tongue-in-cheek and multi-faceted relationship with his readers, addressing them directly and creating the impression that the broad and general advice provided in the emblems is in fact tailored to their very personal needs. It is an original vector for social criticism and satire, and mirrors the author’s own religious and philosophical ambiguities with respect to notions such as free will, personal responsibility, and fortune. It grants the emblems a theatrical, dynamic, and social dimension that testifies to Wither’s profound understanding of the rhetorical possibilities granted to him both by the emblematic genre and by the nature of a game.
“There’s a sniper on that hill!”: Gaming in English as a Global Language Environment
Authors: Peake Jeni , Reynolds Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Gaming, where users put into application their language repertoire in an informal context, involves language. For speakers of English as a Second Language (L2), gaming provides access to the wider English-speaking community of English as lingua franca speakers (Jenkins 2015; Kachru 1986). According to Thorne et al. online games “comprise the most socially and cognitively complex forms of interactive media currently available” (2009: 808). To this end, gamers use language through a variety of modes, including speaking and writing. In addition, the skills and capacities needed to instant-message whilst gaming are forming new types of literacy and communication (Godwin-Jones 2004). In accordance with online language learning theories which argue that language learning occurs “in the wild” (Thorne 2010: 144), online interaction can give L2 speakers access to “real talk” rather than the simulated or role-played talk of the second language classroom (Kohn & Hoffstaedter 2017). Motivation for learning a language for gaming can therefore be aligned to intrinsic motivational language learning models (Ryan & Deci 2000; Wæge 2007). The present study considers French youths who use online games in English and asks what makes the language and environment of gaming an accessible way to learn English. The methods used were an online survey and interviews of students at the University of Bordeaux who reported on how gaming helped them to improve their English through immersion. The results show that the online nature of the exchanges between the speakers made the speakers feel more confident when trying to communicate in English (both within the game and when interacting with others in English when not gaming). In addition, the repetitive nature of games and gaming vocabulary helped the participants to learn English words and phrases without the impression of being drilled. The immersive experience facilitated by games gave L2 speakers of English the ability to travel virtually outside of their L1 local language environment.
A new weevil genus from the highlands of China casts doubts on monophyly of Cotasteromimina (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Molytinae)
Authors: Germann Christoph , Grebennikov Vasily V.
Published: November 2020

We describe Zembrus perseus gen. et sp. nov., a new weevil from Yunnan, China. A single flightless male was sifted from under Rhododendron bush in the alpine zone of the Cangshan Mountain Range. The specimen’s appearance suggests affinities to the molytine subtribe Cotasteromimina, which currently comprises six named species in four genera distributed between Japan, the Andaman Islands, Borneo and the Philippines. To test the species’ phylogenetic affinities, we analysed 73 morphological characters of adult specimens of 23 molytine and one rooting species. Besides Z. perseus, the ingroup includes four named species, each representing a named genus of Cotasteromimina, and two other, likely closely related unnamed species. Phylogenetic analysis using the parsimony criterion and four character-weighting and/or ordering strategies consistently failed to detect a clade of Cotasteromimina, either with or without Z. perseus. The most parsimonious trees are inconsistent, the bootstrap consensus trees are almost entirely unresolved, and previously published DNA data are phylogenetically indecisive. We conclude that either adult morphological characters constitute an inadequate data source to test monophyly of Cotasteromimina or that the subtribe is not monophyletic or both. We illustrate the relevant adult structures of Z. perseus and most of the in- and out-group taxa used in the analysis.
Description of eight new Paratrichius Janson, 1881 from Vietnam (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)
Authors: Ricchiardi Enrico
Published: November 2020

Increased availability of recently collected beetle material from Vietnam has stimulated numerous taxonomic studies. Several specimens representing new species of the genus Paratrichius Janson, 1881, were discovered among this material. These are described here as Paratrichius bartolozzii sp. nov., P. caobangi sp. nov., P. dangvanboi sp. nov., P. parvolaetus sp. nov. , P. saetosus sp. nov. , P. triguttatus sp. nov., P. inexpectatus sp. nov. and P. variiscoloratus sp. nov., thereby bringing the total number of known Vietnamese species to 29. The distribution of the species highlights three major areas of endemism for the genus within the country: northern provinces, Central Highlands and southern provinces. To date, no species has been found to inhabit more than one of these areas. Further research in intermediate areas is needed to better clarify boundaries between these areas of endemism.
Four peculiar new Metallactus species from Argentina (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae)
Authors: Sassi Davide
Published: November 2020

Metallactus canescens sp. nov., Metallactus aemulus sp. nov., Metallactus diaguita sp. nov., Metallactus nugator sp. nov. are described from Northern and Central Argentina. The new species are very similar to one another regarding their external look but can be distinguished above all on the basis of internal characters, in particular the morphology of the aedeagal median lobe. Besides, some traits of their external features, i. e. the thick dorsal setosity and the weak metallic hue, look quite uncommon within the genus Metallactus Suffrian, 1866 and remind of some species of genus Coscinoptera Lacordaire, 1848 (in particular C. tibialis Harold, 1875) and other undescribed species belonging to the genus Griburius Haldeman, 1849. This might be due to some kind of adaptive convergent evolution.
First records of Brachycrotaphus tryxalicerus (Fischer, 1854) in the Italian Peninsula (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Viglioglia Valerio , Carpaneto Giuseppe Maria , Massa Bruno
Published: November 2020

The authors report the first data of an Afrotropical and Mediterranean grasshopper, Brachycrotaphus tryxalicerus, for the Italian peninsula. In the Mediterranean area this species had been previously found only in Spain, Sicily and Egypt. A basic habitat description with details on the dominant vegetation is given for each locality of the Italian peninsula. Both these sites are subject to hot dry summers and rainy winters. Further investigations should be carried out in other Italian regions and in the Maghreb to search this species where it was never observed.
Relationship between chronic diseases and diet in older persons in nursing homes
Authors: Kizil Melahat , Turhan Kamile Nazan , Kizil Ramazan , Ustunkarli Nursun
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to determine the relationship between chronic diseases and nutrition in the older adults in a nursing home. In 2014 and 2019, we investigated older people aged 60 years and over living in a nursing home in Izmir and who agreed to participate and could perform self-care. A 26-item questionnaire that focuses on sociodemographic, socioeconomic and chronic disease characteristics, and the Turkish version of Mini Nutritional Assessment Test-Short Form were applied using the face-to-face method. In 2014, 68.9% of the older had no malnutrition risk, 23% had malnutrition risk, and 8.1% had malnutrition. The women had a higher malnutrition risk and actual malnutrition than men (P<0.05). Malnutrition was most common in 75-84 years of age. In 2019, 41.6% of the older had malnutrition risk, whereas 7.8% had actual malnutrition. No difference was found between malnutrition and malnutrition risk, between women and men and between age and sex (P>0.05). At both times, malnutrition risk increased in those with chronic disease (P<0.05). At least one chronic disease (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) was found in 67.6% of the older. Meanwhile, 70.1% had been previously hospitalized for some reason. Malnutrition risk increases with old age. An adequate and well-balanced diet is important for protecting health and increasing longevity and quality of life in old age. Older people and nursing home employees need to be trained on the relationship and risks of chronic disease and malnutrition.
Characteristics of Injuries Occurring During Cross-Country: A Report from the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network
Authors: Marshall Ashley N. , Valovich McLeod Tamara C. , Lam Kenneth C.
Published: November 2020

Context

Cross-country is a popular sport activity, particularly in adolescent populations. Although epidemiologic investigations have provided insight into patient and injury characteristics associated with running injuries, little is known about how these injuries are managed at the point of care.

Objective

To describe injury and treatment characteristics of injuries sustained during cross-country.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

High school athletic training clinics within the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network.

Patients or Other Participants

Patient cases were included if the patient was diagnosed with an injury that occurred during interscholastic cross-country participation. All patients received usual care by an athletic trainer.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We used summary statistics to describe injury (sex, age, participation level, time of injury, mechanism of injury, body part, injury type, diagnosis) and treatment (type, amount, duration, number of services) characteristics.

Results

Most cross-country injuries occurred to the lower extremity and were musculotendinous or ligamentous in nature. The most common injury types were sprain/strain (43.8%), tendinopathy (18.5%), and general pain (9.5%). Injured body parts and diagnoses were typically similar between sexes. The most frequently used treatment was therapeutic exercises or activities (28.7%), and patients received an average of 7.4 ± 17.4 total athletic training services during 5.5 ± 15.1 episodes of care over 27.8 ± 87.5 days.

Conclusions

Adolescent cross-country student-athletes frequently sustained non–time-loss injuries that required up to 1 month of treatment and management. These findings will generate awareness surrounding the role of athletic trainers in providing care for cross-country athletes.
Automorphisms of $\mathbb C^k$ with an invariant non-recurrent attracting Fatou component biholomorphic to $\mathbb C\times (\mathbb C^\ast)^{k-1}$
Authors: Bracci Filippo , Raissy Jasmin , Stensønes Berit
Published: November 2020

We prove the existence of automorphisms of

\mathbb C^k

,

k \geq 2

, having an invariant, non-recurrent Fatou component biholomorphic to

\mathbb C \times (\mathbb C^\ast)^{k-1}

which is attracting, in the sense that all the orbits converge to a fixed point on the boundary of the component. As a corollary, we obtain a Runge copy of

\mathbb C \times (\mathbb C^\ast)^{k-1}

in

\mathbb C^k

. The constructed Fatou component also avoids

k

analytic discs intersecting transversally at the fixed point.
A local contact systolic inequality in dimension three
Authors: Benedetti Gabriele , Kang Jungsoo
Published: November 2020

Let

\alpha

be a contact form on a connected closed three-manifold

\Sigma

. The systolic ratio of

\alpha

is defined as

\rho_{\mathrm {sys}}(\alpha) := \frac {1}{\mathrm {Vol}(\alpha)} T_{\mathrm {min}} (\alpha)^2

, where

T_{\mathrm {min}} (\alpha)

and

{\mathrm {Vol}} (\alpha)

denote the minimal period of periodic Reeb orbits and the contact volume. The form

\alpha

is said to be Zoll if its Reeb flow generates a free

S^1

-action on

\Sigma

. We prove that the set of Zoll contact forms on

\Sigma

locally maximises the systolic ratio in the

C^3

-topology. More precisely, we show that every Zoll form

\alpha_{\ast}

admits a

C^3

-neighbourhood

\mathcal U

in the space of contact forms such that

\rho_{\mathrm {sys}}(\alpha) \leq \rho_{\mathrm {sys}}(\alpha_{\ast})

for every

\alpha \in \mathcal U

, with equality if and only if

\alpha

is Zoll.
Asymptotically efficient estimation of smooth functionals of covariance operators
Authors: Koltchinskii Vladimir
Published: November 2020

Let

X

be a centered Gaussian random variable in a separable Hilbert space

{\mathbb H}

with covariance operator

\Sigma

. We study the problem of estimation of a smooth functional of

\Sigma

based on a sample

X_1,\dots ,X_n

of

n

independent observations of

X

. More specifically, we are interested in functionals of the form

\langle f(\Sigma), B\rangle,

where

f:{\mathbb R}\mapsto {\mathbb R}

is a smooth function and

B

is a nuclear operator in

{\mathbb H}

. We prove concentration and normal approximation bounds for plug-in estimator

\langle f(\hat \Sigma),B\rangle,

\hat \Sigma:=n^{-1}\sum_{j=1}^n X_j\otimes X_j

being the sample covariance based on

X_1,\dots, X_n.

These bounds show that

\langle f(\hat \Sigma),B\rangle

is an asymptotically normal estimator of its expectation

{\mathbb E}_{\Sigma} \langle f(\hat \Sigma),B\rangle

(rather than of parameter of interest

\langle f(\Sigma),B\rangle

) with a parametric convergence rate

O(n^{-1/2})

provided that the effective rank

{\bf r}(\Sigma):= \mathrm {tr}(\Sigma)\|\Sigma\| (\mathrm {tr} (\Sigma)

being the trace and

\|\Sigma\|

being the operator norm of

\Sigma

) satisfies the assumption

{\mathbf r}(\Sigma)=o(n).

At the same time, we show that the bias of this estimator is typically as large as

\mathbf r(\Sigma)/{n}

(which is larger than

n^{-1/2}

if

\mathbf r(\Sigma)\geq n^{1/2}

). When

\mathbb H

is a finite-dimensional space of dimension

d=o(n)

, we develop a method of bias reduction and construct an estimator

\langle h(\hat \Sigma),B\rangle

of

\langle f(\Sigma),B\rangle

that is asymptotically normal with convergence rate

O(n^{-1/2})

. Moreover, we study asymptotic properties of the risk of this estimator and prove asymptotic minimax lower bounds for arbitrary estimators showing the asymptotic efficiency of

\langle h(\hat \Sigma),B\rangle

in a semi-parametric sense.
Inadequate Minority Representation within SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Trials
Authors: Craft Joshua F. , Travassos Mark A. , Foppiano Palacios Carlo , Openshaw John J.
Published: November 2020

Minority communities have borne the brunt of COVID-19 disease in the United States. Nonwhites have contracted most of the SARS-CoV-2 infections; COVID-19 mortality rates for Black Americans are more than twice those for whites. Given this, studying the most effective ways to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 in these populations should be a research priority, particularly with respect to vaccine trials. Federal guidelines from the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration emphasize the need for inclusion of minority groups in these trials, but none of the publicly available SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trial protocols requires representative sampling of minorities. This piece emphasizes the importance of adequate inclusion of minority communities in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trials, and the implications of this inclusion for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine distribution.
Micropolitical Behavior of Second Graders: A Qualitative Study of Student Resistance in the Classroom
Authors: Spaulding Angela
Published: November 2020

Micropolitics describes the ways in which individuals attempt to influence others in order to attain desired goals. This qualitative, micropolitical case study examines: (1) the micropolitical strategies of resistance that second grade students used to influence their teacher, (2) the students' goals for engaging in these micropolitical strategies, and (3) the consequences of the students' micropolitical influence on their teacher.
Constant Comparison Method: A Kaleidoscope of Data
Authors: Dye Jane , Schatz Irene , Rosenberg Brian , Coleman Susanne
Published: November 2020

This paper will attempt to illustrate the use of a kaleidoscope metaphor as a template for the organization and analysis of qualitative research data. It will provide a brief overview of the constant comparison method, examining such processes as categorization, comparison, inductive analysis, and refinement of data bits and categories. Graphic representations of our metaphoric kaleidoscope will be strategically interspersed throughout this paper.
Building a Climate Resilient Future for Costa Rica’s Coffee Farming Communities
Authors: Tye Stefanie , Grinspan Delfina
Published: November 2020

This practice note examines how climate change is threatening coffee-growing regions in Costa Rica, specifically the Coto Brus region. By 2050, absent adaptation measures, experts project that climate change will reduce the global areas suitable for growing coffee by about 50% (Bunn et al. 2015). The case study outlines key findings from this region, including main challenges and existing factors that present opportunities to enhance climate resilience, and recommends actions that key sectoral actors can take to improve the sector’s climate resilience and long-term sustainability. Based on a literature review, interviews, a workshop and field visits with coffee farmers, government ministries, funders, and other stakeholders, this case study identified six key recommendations to increase the short-, medium-, and long-term climate resilience of the coffee sector. These are: promote promising adaptation options identified by stakeholders such as diversifying incomes of farmers and replanting farms with climate-resilient coffee varieties, with regular technical follow-up; establish baselines and monitor the impacts of adaptation measures; map out when and where coffee may no longer be viable in the coming decades, and how to support those farmers who may need to shift away from coffee; develop farmer-tailored business education; and expand peer-to-peer learning between farmers. Despite the case study’s local focus, the lessons and experiences shared in this paper are relevant for other coffee-growing regions and countries ̶ Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and others ̶ where coffee producers are facing the effects of climate change, and hope that it will serve as a tool and inspiration for accelerating adaptation action.
El arte como estrategia para el aprendizaje de la cultura Maya
Authors: Valiente Reyes José Edy
Published: November 2020

El estudio se desarrolló para Establecer la importancia de implementar el arte como estrategia para el aprendizaje de la cultura Maya en estudiantes universitarios de Retalhuleu en el año 2018. Este fue de enfoque cuantitativo. Se aplicó un cuestionario como técnica para recabar información, la muestra fue de 51 estudiantes del ciclo VI de la carrera profesorado de enseñanza media en pedagogía, ciencias sociales y formación ciudadana. Entre los hallazgos se puede mencionar que el 67% de los encuestados considera fundamental emplear actividades artísticas para facilitar el aprendizaje de la cultura Maya. Además, el 87% de los encuestados, considera importante el dominio y conocimiento de la cultura Maya en la formación académica de la carrera. En conclusión, el arte aplicado en la educación, se constituye como una estrategia innovadora cuando se implementan actividades artísticas. El arte y la cultura se evidencian cuando se desarrollan los diferentes elementos del arte, tales como la música, literatura, dibujo, pintura, escultura, teatro y danza, en el marco de promover el aprendizaje de la cultura Maya.
Santa Rosa: Turismo Verde
Authors: Torres Soto Edgar Haroldo
Published: November 2020

El departamento de Santa Rosa posee una diversidad de lugares paisajísticos y naturales que cautivan con facilidad al visitante como la Laguna de Ayarza, la Laguna de El Pino o las playas de Monterrico;  que son parte de la piedra angular (fuego, cielo, agua y tierra) de la cosmovisión Xinca. La importancia que reviste la industria turística por su efecto multiplicador y referente para la recuperación de la economía mundial después de que la humanidad logre superar la pandemia COVID-19 o Coronavirus representa un reto sin precedentes. El objetivo del artículo es presentar los hallazgos relacionados al análisis  de las carreras de Técnico y Licenciatura en Turismo ofrecidas por el Centro Universitario de Santa Rosa (CUNSARO), se aplicó  el método mixto (cuantitativo-cualitativo)  la muestra se tomó de los profesionales egresados (graduados durante el período 2012-2018) y su vinculación  a la industria turística local.  Los principales resultados de la investigación demuestran la debilidad que supone que los egresados de ambas carreras no tengan una formación previa en el área turística, lo cual condiciona obtener una mejor preparación académica a nivel superior. Dicha situación repercute en que una vez graduados no se inserten con facilidad al mercado laboral turístico, lo que refleja números negativos en las estadísticas de efectividad terminal de la carrera. El estudio concluye en la necesidad de mejorar los filtros de accesibilidad a las carreras que incluyan diplomados o cursos propedéuticos previos, además, propone una reestructuración del pensum de estudios, especialmente, la actualización en la fase del Ejercicio Profesional Supervisado, el cual debe ser vinculante a toda la formación académica en su conjunto, y brinde al estudiante una preparación como talento humano competente que le permita insertarse en el mercado turístico mundial.
Constructivismo en un programa de formación de educadores, un análisis del discurso
Authors: Martínez Palma Roberto Antonio
Published: November 2020

La investigación tomó como pregunta principal la siguiente: ¿Cómo se presenta el paradigma constructivista a través de la teoría del discurso en un programa de formación de educadores en servicio? Esto se planteó para dar respuesta a la incidencia que el programa, a nivel de licenciatura, tiene en el cambio de paradigmas de los educadores; así también la relación que realizan los educadores entre haber cursado el programa y el cambio de paradigmas y la coherencia con su práctica educativa. La metodología, enmarcada en el paradigma constructivista de la investigación, de enfoque cualitativo, tomó como principal herramienta el análisis del discurso. Esto puede favorecer un conocimiento global del programa de formación y específicamente sobre lo que dicen los actores de los paradigmas que se manifiestan.   Es importante tomar en cuenta que en toda la investigación el investigador es parte de la investigación y se encuentra inmerso en la misma. La muestra se compuso de 75 egresados del Programa de Formación de Educadores en Servicio de la Facultad de Humanidades de la Universidad Rafael Landívar en las cohortes de 2014, 2015 y 2016, así también 7 egresados de la Licenciatura en Educación y Aprendizaje de la cohorte de 2017, quienes fueron visitados, observados y entrevistados en sus respectivos trabajos de docencia con sus estudiantes en un día ordinario de clase. En el estudio se concluye afirmando la primacía del constructivismo como paradigma asumido por los educadores, con una relación directa de haber participado en el programa y las mejoras educativas e institucionales expresadas por los educadores.  Se brindan recomendaciones en la línea de favorecer la búsqueda del cambio paradigmático hacia el constructivismo y socioconstructivismo, favoreciendo el aprendizaje y la centralidad del educando en el enfoque educativo.
Mielopatía Espondilótica Cervical Como un Imitador de Accidente Cerebrovascular.
Authors: Gaitan-Quintero Gustavo , Montoya-Jaramillo Mario
Published: November 2020

La mielopatía espondilótica cervical (MEC) es la afección de la médula espinal no traumática más frecuente en mayores de 55 años. Este trastorno es debido a la compresión de la médula espinal por un canal cervical estenótico. Se describe un paciente hipertenso de 55 años con un cuadro clínico que simuló un accidente cerebrovascular, debido a una presentación súbita de un déficit motor braquiocrural derecho, con elevación de cifras tensionales en rango de crisis hipertensiva. Horas después presentó igual déficit motor contralateral. La tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética cerebral no mostraron anormalidad. Fue llamativo el hallazgo de atrofia en los músculos interóseos. Se realizó resonancia magnética cervical que evidenció un canal estrecho, con hiperintensidad medular en secuencias T2 de niveles C2 a C6. Las causas más frecuentes de imitadores de ictus son los tumores y los trastornos tóxico metabólicos. Los trastornos medulares representan 1.7% de todos los casos, siendo la MEC una causa rara.
Enfermedad de Pompe de inicio tardío desencadenada por el embarazo, reporte de una variante clínica genómica descrita por primera vez en un adulto.
Authors: Salinas-Suikouski Robert , González-Andrade Fabricio , Aguinaga-Romero Gabriela
Published: November 2020

Antecedentes: esta es la primera vez en el mundo que la variante NM_000152 (GAA_V001): c.1555A˃G; p. (Met519Val), se describe en una mujer adulta, desencadenada por el embarazo. Es una mutación sin sentido por sustitución, homocigótica, probablemente patógena. Reporte del caso: se trata de una mujer adulta mestiza, nacida y residente en Ecuador, que durante su período de lactancia, después de un embarazo y un parto por cesárea, debutó con un trastorno musculoesquelético. Se hospitalizó a la paciente en el Hospital Eugenio Espejo en Quito, Ecuador; donde ella ha sido readmitida por varias veces. Los hallazgos clínicos más relevantes fueron debilidad muscular proximal, debilidad muscular de las extremidades inferiores, dificultad para subir escaleras, insuficiencia respiratoria debido a debilidad muscular, edema de las extremidades inferiores, deterioro de las actividades de la vida diaria, ortopnea, trastornos del sueño y debilidad muscular. Además, encontró niveles elevados de creatina quinasa sérica, actividad enzimática y coenzima anormal, escoliosis lumbar, hipertensión arterial pulmonar, con regurgitación tricuspídea y regurgitación mitral leve, reemplazo graso del músculo esquelético, insuficiencia pulmonar, miopatía esquelética y descargas miotónicas en EMG. Conclusión: esta es la primera vez en el mundo que la variante NM_000152 (GAA_V001): c.1555A˃G; p. (Met519Val), la sustitución por una mutación sin sentido, homocigota, probablemente patógena se describe en un adulto. Es el primer caso desencadenado por el embarazo, el primer caso de inicio tardío descrito en Ecuador y el primer caso descrito en una mujer mestiza de Ecuador.
Hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia: a case report from a tertiary care facility of Pakistan
Authors: Laima Alam  , Sarah Khan
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia (HAAA) is an uncommon variant of aplastic anaemia which may present as acute or chronic, mild and transient or fulminant disease. The development of aplastic anaemia is usually fatal if not treated in time, with mortality rate being as high as 85%. A high index of clinical suspicion is required for the diagnosis and exclusion of acquired forms of aplastic anaemia. Here we present a case of a 28-year-old male who presented with sero-negative hepatitis and rapidly progressive bone marrow failure who was given a trial of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor followed by a successful allogenic bone marrow transplant.

Keywords: Hepatitis associated aplastic anaemia, liver injury, bone marrow transplantation. Continuous...
Improving The Health Related Quality of Life of Children with Autism
Authors: Neelagandan Amelia Inbam , A Malek Mohd Dahlan Hj
Published: November 2020

This is a conceptual paper that investigates how the health related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with autism can be improved. The paper involves a literature review of background information regarding autism, studies documenting the HRQOL of children with autism and factors affecting the HRQOL of children with autism. The aim of this study is to propose an intervention procedure that will help to improve the HRQOL of children with autism. The intervention was developed based on autism clinical practice guidelines and best practice recommendations. Literature shows that HRQOL among children with autism is lower than the general population. Based on the impairment among children with autism, the factors that affect the HRQOL and best practice guidelines for autism intervention, this paper concludes that an ideal intervention program to improve the HRQOL of children with autism would be a parent training program or parent mediated intervention (PMI) that includes strategies to manage challenging behavior, adaptive skills, and social communication skills.
Relationship Between Peer Popularity and Self-Esteem Among Young Pregnant Out of Wedlock
Authors: Shahruddin Nor Jumawaton , Mansor Mariani , Madon Zainal , Hamsan Hanina Halimatusaadiah
Published: November 2020

This study examined the relationship between peers popularity and self-esteem within the attitude towards sexual behaviour among young pregnant out of wedlock. A total of 130 teenagers pregnant out of wedlock aged between 14 years and 19 years from 4 welfare institutions in the states of Selangor, Perak, Johor and Kelantan participated in this research. Respondents were selected using stratified random sampling technique. This study utilises the three questionnaires of the Inventory Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Conformity Scale (Santor, Messervey & Kusumakar, 2000), the Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (Hendrick & Reich, 2006). All instruments used had yielded a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient value ranging from 0.82 to 0.90. Findings revealed that the level of peers popularity is high, level of self esteem also high and respondents indicated a high level of attitude sexual behavior. Results of Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that there were significant relationships between peers popularity and attitudes toward sexual behavior (r= .801, p<.05) and a significant correlation between self esteem and attitude sexual behavior (r = .708, p <.05). Bootstrapping analysis revealed the role of self esteem as a mediator variables of peers popularity and self esteem with sexual attitude behavior. From the theoretical implications, this study describes the role of self esteem as a mechanism that effect the popularity of peer sexual behavior and attitude. In conclusion, peers popularity and self esteem related to sexual attitude and behavior. The study showed that risk factors such as the acceptance by the peer group have a significant direct effect on sexual behavior At the same time, this study also suggests several alternatives in order to curb sexual misconduct among the teenagers today.
Involvement and Multicultural Counselling Competency Among School Guidance and Counselling Teacher Towards Special Needs Students
Authors: Bali Norafifah , Othman Mohamad Hashim
Published: November 2020

chool Guidance and Counselling Teachers who involved in the Integrated Special Education Program and the Inclusive Education Program are facing unique challenges. This unique challenge is due to their responsibility in providing guidance and counselling services to two groups of client, the mainstream students and the Special Needs Students. Previous study found that School Guidance and Counselling Teachers were less involved in providing guidance and counselling services to Special Needs Students and their counseling competence towards Special Needs Students level was indicated from low to moderate. Therefore, further studies on involvement and competencies need to be implemented. A qualitative research methodology such as Multiple Case Studies is the ideal research design for this study. There are two proposed methods of data collection, semi structured interviews and document analysis. The results of this study will contribute to the Multicultural Counselling Model in the Special Education setting and the improvement of the guideline of guidance and counselling
Role of Social Workers in Facilitating of the Poverty Alleviation Program in Indonesia
Authors: Sitepu Anwar
Published: November 2020

This paper aims to describe the idea of the professionalization of handling the poor in Indonesia, namely through the establishment of a social worker assistant the poor. Poor Social Worker Companion who is a professional social worker was appointed assistant the poor. Professionalization companion deemed urgent. The poor handling challenge because it is more difficult. The fact is: 1) the number of poor people in Indonesia is still high; 2) the pace of decline slowed down the number of poor people; 3) There are a large number of residents are not poor are vulnerable to fall back into poverty. On the other hand, the poor management program through its joint (Kube) has not been effective enough. Recent research shows that only 40 percent Kube established in 2013 is still active when checked 30 months later. This finding is in line with the results of evaluations conducted since decades ago. This condition is alarming and needs improving the poor handling system significantly. One of the components is seen as strategic human resources. Suggested remedies are by appointment professional social workers to become a partner. The social worker assigned duties and functions facilitate the handling of the poor in a certain area within a certain time. The function of the social worker suggested the poor companion is: a) guide the community to collect data on available data the poor by name by address in its territory; b) verification and validation of data the poor; c) selecting program participants the poor handling; d) perform reference handling the poor; e) advocate for the Poor that all rights are met; f) The poor family counseling; g) make public the guidance in the handling of the Poor; h) monitoring and evaluating the progress of the Poor; i) make the case record the poor family; and h) report on the implementation of tasks. The social worker is deemed appropriate to perform this task because they are trained to help people meet their mission needs, support, knowledge, values , and skills.
Quality of LiFe (QOL) Assessment Among Advance Cancer Patient Undergoing Palliative Treatment in Malaysia
Authors: George Albert Wanda Kiyah , Fahrudin Adi
Published: November 2020

The community's stigma towards advanced cancer patients at the final stages of cancer ending up with this death, has deny their need and right to receive the best service and treatment at the end of their lives. Although there was abundant research on cancer patient issues, but there was still lack of research that focusing on final stage of cancer patients in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study is done to gives overall picture of quality of life (QOL) among final stage of cancer patient and to identify the factor that differentiate the score of QOL for the final stage of cancer patients that receiving palliative treatment at the one medical centres in Kuala Lumpur. The cross-sectional study that has been done with 120 of cancer patients that receiving palliative treatment using convenience sampling. The SF-36 questionnaire has been used to measures Quality of Life (QOL) across eight domains based on physically and emotionally component summary. Results showed that the highest score of QOL were observed in the Mental Component Summary (44.93±6.84) compared with Physical Component Summary at (42.24± 7.91). There is a difference in QOL based on mental and physical component especially from patient social demography. Mental component score have difference in term of age (t = - 0.38; p <0.001), type of cancer (F = 5.522: p <0.001), duration of treatment (t = 5.15; p < 0.001), type of treatment (F = 3.11; p = 0.029) and amount of financial support (F = 7.16; p <0.001). Meanwhile, score for physical component composite has shown difference of score based on level of education (F = 6.21; p <0.001), type of cancer (F = 5.96; p <0.001) and also amount of financial support (F = 3.00; p = 0.033). Further study should be conducted in social work perspective to identify other factors that contribute to the patient QoL and identify problems that prevent them from getting social service, so that the service given by social worker can be improved.
Psychological Effects on Family as the Main Caregiver of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Authors: Jali Nor Amalina , Azman Azlinda , Jamir Singh Paramjit Singh
Published: November 2020

Family as the main caregiver of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient plays an important role to ensure that the treatment and healing process of the patient is well-run. Unfortunately, most of these families are not well trained in the nursing procedure including in conducting mundane tasks of taking care of the patients. Incompetency in nursing procedure becomes a challenging task especially in providing optimum aid to the patient in long-run. It is more concerning that the healing process of the TBI patients could take a lifetime period. Due to that concern, this study aimed to look in details the psychological effects on the family as the main caregiver of the TBI patient and also to bring forward all the issues related to nursing of the patient. Based on literature reviews, it is concluded that the psychological effects on the family as a main caregiver of the TBI patient includes emotional effects like feeling shocked, melancholy, disappointed and depressed. Other effects include financial problems, burdening family roles and consequently, the family faces social isolation and compromises their social function.
Perceptions of Intra-Familial Child Sexual Abuse and Intimate Parent-Child Interactions
Authors: Xie Qian-Wen , Miller Joshua
Published: November 2020

The current study aimed to explore Chinese undergraduate students’ perceptions of intimate parent-child interactions (IPCI) and intra-familial Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) as well. 354 undergraduate students from 15 universities or colleges in Beijing were recruited to participate in an online-based survey. Results indicated that IPCI such as co-bathing and co-sleeping were very common among Chinese undergraduate students during childhood. Factors including the child’s age and gender, as well as the parent’s gender involved in IPCI were found to impact respondents’ perceptions of the appropriateness of those interactions. Moreover, respondents’ perceptions of the appropriateness of parent-child intimate interactions might also be influenced by their childhood experiences of parental interactions and their perceptions of intra-familial CSA. The study suggested that distinguishing intra-familial CSA from normative IPCI will continue to be contested and culturally shaped. Comprehensive information and public education about intra-familial CSA are needed for the prevention of CSA in Chinese society.
Ethical Challenges in Social Work Practice in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawardana Bhagya Hithaishi , Nanayakkara K
Published: November 2020

Ethical practice is fundamental to any practiced based profession including social work. The social work profession is a diverse one with a mission to promote wellbeing and quality of life for vulnerable people. Despite serving the society it’s also central to promoting social work Ethics to maintain the professional standards and lessen the ethical issues and dilemma’s faced in day today practice. Ethics are really important to any profession, yet a necessity for those rooted in and human services. In the Sri Lankan context, it is disheartening to see how social workers have lost their professional identity with the absence of a professional code of ethics in place. A qualitative research approach was followed to explore and describe the key ethical challenges faced by the social workers in Sri Lanka. Survey method, in-depth interviews and key informants interviews were utilized and analyzed based on purposive sampling method. The data were categorized based on different themes. The finding proves that there is no proper guideline to be followed for the practitioners, particularly in situations of ethical dilemmas and conflicts. Most of the Human Service Organizations have their own set of rules with lesser focus on the code of ethical conduct. The unethical practice unintentionally promotes the malpractice leading to scenarios where organizational set of rules violates the client’s self determination and confidentiality. Although most of the upcoming social work graduates are made aware of the importance of maintaining an ethical conduct, when they join the work force as social workers they face many constraints due to absence of a formal code of ethics. This has resulted most of the social workers not having any obligations to continue an ethical practice  hence their practice is inevitably not much embedded in ethics. Thus the study provides an outlook on the ethical challenges faced by the social workers specially working in different sectors in Sri Lanka.
Malaysian Child Social Workers’ Perceptions of Emotions in Decision-making Processes
Authors: Ibrahim Habibie , Johnson Sally , Giligan Philip , Adu-Gyamfi Jones
Published: November 2020

The present research aimed to investigate the perceptions of the Malaysian Child Social Workers on emotions in their professional practice i.e. decision-making processes. Traditionally, decision-making is viewed as a rational process where reason indicates the best way to achieve a goal. However, many philosophers, neuroscientists and psychologists emphasise that the role of emotions in decision making is not exempted. The overall research strategy was ethnographic. The researchers used a mixture of methods including individual interviews, participant observation, and a questionnaire. The research was conducted in three locations in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Petaling and Kota Kinabalu. Participants consisted of child protectors and rehabilitation officers from the Malaysia Welfare Department and medical social workers in hospitals. This paper presents an analysis of individual interviews in the three locations. A total of twenty-five interviews were conducted (twelve male, thirteen female; age range 29-51). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The research findings revealed that the Malaysian child social workers tended to avoid emotions in their professional practice (i.e. decision- making processes), which might be due to the procedural practice. Based on the participants’ perceptions with regard to the use of emotions in decision-making proceses, the Malaysian child social workers’ understanding, knowledge and terms pertaining to emotions and their contributions in decision making were seemingly confined to the negative effects of emotions. Emotions, however, were not only characterised as disruptive but also viewed as having their ‘rationality’.