bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the asynchronous signals reception method with the direct sequence spread spectrum
Authors: Egorov I. V. , Gaivoronskii D. V.
Published: June 2020

The physical and logical organization of most existing communication systems provides for additional options (transmission of known preambles, the presence of an additional synchronization channel) that simplify synchronization. At the same time, in the practical implementation of radio communication systems, it is necessary to solve the problems of developing additional synchronization mechanisms that can reduce the time it takes to synchronize to reduce energy consumption and increase channel capacity. Thus, the existing problem of the asynchrony of the generators of physically remote radio stations is relevant. One of the possible solutions is asynchronous signal reception with the direct sequence spread spectrum. It allows converting the original binary signal into a pseudo-random sequence for modulating the carrier. The current article is devoted to the characterization of this method and has the following items presented: the transmitter and receiver block diagram, sufficient to explain the proposed method; methods for compensating for effects arising from the asynchrony of the transmitter and receiver generators. Since synchronization is generated according to the correlation peaks that correspond to the data bits, it is possible to set the frequency of the chips on the transmitter to jitter artificially and supplement the pseudo-random sequence with several random chips, which complicates the unauthorized detection of the transmitted signal.
Stitching equipotential metallization areas on the double-sided printed circuit board
Authors: Krasilnikov A. A. , Luzin S. Yu. , Luzin M. S. , Sorokin S. A.
Published: June 2020

The linking (stitching) of equipotential metallization areas located on different layers of the printed circuit board is carried out using layer-to-layer vias. The purposes can be different, e. g.: heat removal from heat-loaded components, reduction of the thermal resistance of the board (reducing the risk of warping the board when exposed to thermal loads); reduction of the return current loop of high-speed signals, including differential ones; reduction of the level of electromagnetic interference. The paper reviews the problem of connecting the maximum number of unconnected copper islands on the fully routed twolayer board, which has ground planes on both sides with the help of vias. An iterative algorithm is proposed based on determining the area of the projections of isolated islands with the metallization area on the opposite sideboard, if a via can be placed in the intersection area. The algorithm guarantees the connection between the maximum number of islands.
Model of multi-criteria evaluation of functional efficiency of navigation complex used as a part of mobile military purpose products
Authors: Mikhaylov S. V. , Makarychev P. P.
Published: June 2020

The main aspects of systems efficiency are considered. It is shown that evaluating the efficiency of the functioning of systems can be both a single-criterion and a multi-criterion task depending on the objectives of the study. The correct statement of the problem of evaluating the effectiveness as an integral character in the general case allows only a multicriteria interpretation since in this case a combination of various factors affecting the system is taken into account. Information is provided on existing approaches to assessing the effectiveness of systems that use a large number of criteria for evaluating, which differ in their functional composition. A methodology for multicriteria functional efficiency assessment is proposed, which allows modeling the multifactorial dependence of performance indicators based on integral indicators expressed as radius vectors in multidimensional subject space, and forming a spectrum of various managerial actions and decisions based on the results obtained. The application of the presented assessment model for determining the options for navigation complex with the best and worst implementation for a set of technical parameters is shown.
Technology that ensures survival
Authors: Editorial Artiсle
Published: June 2020

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Prevalência de automedicação e características de acesso a anti-inflamatórios em adultos no município de Navegantes, Santa Catarina.
Authors: Silva Thiago Farias de Queiroz e , Grillo Luciane Peter , Lacerda Leo Lynce Valle de , Mezadri Tatiana
Published: June 2020

Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência de automedicação de anti-inflamatórios e seu acesso na população adulta do município de Navegantes, Santa Catarina. Método: Estudo transversal descritivo e analítico de base populacional do tipo survey. O instrumento utilizado foi um questionário adaptado, contendo cinco blocos com variáveis sociodemográficas, hábitos sociais, utilização dos serviços de saúde, autoavaliação em saúde e utilização de medicamentos de acordo com o Sistema Anatômico Terapêutico Químico. Resultados: A prevalência de automedicação de anti-inflamatórios foi de 14,8%. Predominaram indivíduos do sexo feminino (53%), faixa etária entre 30-39 anos (30,7%), com ensino fundamental (44,6%), inativos fisicamente (79,5%), porém sem doença crônica (66,3%) e autoavaliação de saúde boa (88,6%). O sexo feminino (53%; p = 0,038), os indivíduos inativos (79,5%; p = 0,003), sem plano de saúde (80,1%; p = 0,018), com doença crônica (33,7%; p = 0,015) e que autoavaliaram sua saúde ruim (11,4%; p=0,002) se automedicaram mais com anti-inflamatórios. Os anti-inflamatórios mais consumidos foram o composto paracetamol/carisoprodol/diclofenaco de sódio/cafeína (39,7%), seguindo da nimesulida (16,2%) e do diclofenaco de sódio (15,6%). Com relação ao acesso e uso de medicamentos, os participantes referiram ter utilizado medicamentos sob influência de outras pessoas (80,1%), reutilizado medicamentos (85,5%), obtido resultado esperado (80,1%), não apresentar efeito colateral (80,1%) e indicar para terceiros (67,4%). Conclusão: Apesar dos inúmeros efeitos colaterais, a amostra estudada faz uso indiscriminado de anti-inflamatórios sem prescrição médica/odontológica.
A Predictive Model Based on Machine Learning for the Early Detection of Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis: Development and Observational Study
Authors: Song Wongeun , Jung Se Young , Baek Hyunyoung , Choi Chang Won , Jung Young Hwa , Yoo Sooyoung
Published: June 2020

Background

Neonatal sepsis is associated with most cases of mortalities and morbidities in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Many studies have developed prediction models for the early diagnosis of bloodstream infections in newborns, but there are limitations to data collection and management because these models are based on high-resolution waveform data.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of a prediction model by using noninvasive vital sign data and machine learning technology.

Methods

We used electronic medical record data in intensive care units published in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III clinical database. The late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) prediction algorithm using our proposed forward feature selection technique was based on NICU inpatient data and was designed to detect clinical sepsis 48 hours before occurrence. The performance of this prediction model was evaluated using various feature selection algorithms and machine learning models.

Results

The performance of the LONS prediction model was found to be comparable to that of the prediction models that use invasive data such as high-resolution vital sign data, blood gas estimations, blood cell counts, and pH levels. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the 48-hour prediction model was 0.861 and that of the onset detection model was 0.868. The main features that could be vital candidate markers for clinical neonatal sepsis were blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. Feature generation using kurtosis and skewness of the features showed the highest performance.

Conclusions

The findings of our study confirmed that the LONS prediction model based on machine learning can be developed using vital sign data that are regularly measured in clinical settings. Future studies should conduct external validation by using different types of data sets and actual clinical verification of the developed model.
The Therapeutic Alliance in Digital Mental Health Interventions for Serious Mental Illnesses: Narrative Review
Authors: Tremain Hailey , McEnery Carla , Fletcher Kathryn , Murray Greg
Published: June 2020

Background

Digital mental health interventions offer unique advantages, and research indicates that these interventions are effective for a range of mental health concerns. Although these interventions are less established for individuals with serious mental illnesses, they demonstrate significant promise. A central consideration in traditional face-to-face therapies is the therapeutic alliance, whereas the nature of a digital therapeutic alliance and its relationship with outcomes requires further attention, particularly for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Objective

This narrative review aims to encourage further consideration and critical evaluation of the therapeutic alliance in digital mental health, specifically for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Methods

A narrative review was conducted by combining 3 main areas of the literature: the first examining the evidence for digital mental health interventions for serious mental illnesses, the second illuminating the nature and role of the therapeutic alliance in digital interventions, and the third surrounding practical considerations to enhance a digital therapeutic alliance.

Results

Results indicated that a therapeutic alliance can be cultivated in digital interventions for those with serious mental illnesses, but that it may have unique, yet-to-be-confirmed characteristics in digital contexts. In addition, a therapeutic alliance appears to be less directly associated with outcomes in digital interventions than with those in face-to-face therapies. One possibility is that the digital therapeutic alliance is associated with increased engagement and adherence to digital interventions, through which it appears to influence outcomes. A number of design and implementation considerations may enhance the digital therapeutic alliance, including human support and technological features.

Conclusions

More research is required to further understand the nature and specific role of a therapeutic alliance in digital interventions for serious mental illnesses, particularly in informing their design. This review revealed several key research priorities to advance the therapeutic alliance in digital interventions.
The Seasonal End of Human Coronavirus Hospital Admissions with Implications for SARS-CoV-2 (Preprint)
Authors: Evangelista Alan T
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The seasonality of influenza viruses and endemic human coronaviruses was tracked over an 8-year period to assess key epidemiologic reduction points in disease incidence for an urban area in the northeast United States. Patients admitted to a pediatric hospital with worsening respiratory symptoms were tested using a multiplex PCR assay from nasopharyngeal swabs. The additive seasonal effects of outdoor temperatures and indoor relative humidity (RH) were evaluated. The 8-year average peak activity of human coronaviruses occurred in the first week of January, when droplet and contact transmission was enabled by the low indoor RH of 20-30%. Previous studies have shown that an increase in RH to 50% has been associated with markedly reduced viability and transmission of influenza virus and animal coronaviruses. As disease incidence was reduced by 50% in early March, to 75% in early April, to greater than 99% at the end of April, a relationship was observed from colder temperatures in January with a low indoor RH to a gradual increase in outdoor temperatures in April with an indoor RH of 45-50%. As a lipid-bound, enveloped virus with similar size characteristics to endemic human coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 should be subject to the same dynamics of reduced viability and transmission with increased humidity. In addition to the major role of social distancing, the transition from lower to higher indoor RH with increasing outdoor temperatures could have an additive effect on the decrease in SARS-CoV-2 cases in May. Over the 8-year period of this study, human coronavirus activity was either zero or >99% reduction in the months of June through September, and the implication would be that SARS-Cov-2 may follow a similar pattern.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.15.20103416
Historic centres of Syrian towns ruined by the war: restoration through urban planning
Authors: Shcherbina Elena V. , Belal Ali A. , Salmo Ali
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Urban development of historic centres of towns, destroyed by man-induced disasters, means finding the balance between the preservation of the cultural environment and development of a new medium capable of meeting present-day challenges. These problems can be effectively tackled in respect of architectural ensembles, monuments of history and architecture having the status of world heritage sites, as they are restored through the efforts of the world community. This problem is particularly acute in the historic cities of Syria that suffered from warlike operations at the outset of the 21st century.

Materials and methods. The system approach was employed by the co-authors to develop and present a historic and genetic model and to set the borders of territories that can be qualified as historic landmarks. Processed aerial imagery and on-site examination of buildings have enabled the co-authors to assess the extent of destruction of buildings and structures, located within the borders of urban historic centres, identified by means of urban zoning techniques.

Results. The co-authors have ranked the buildings and structures in the districts of Homs, Syria, using the extent of destruction as a criterion. They also propose a definition for the notion of cultural heritage sites (“CHS”), as well as the typology of CHS or “landmarks” in the Syrian Arab Republic. The co-authors offer a methodology for the examination of localities, destroyed during the war, needed to develop their restoration roadmaps. They have also substantiated the need to regenerate the urban environment in the Bani Sibhaa community, to restore the historic centre of Homs to its initial appearance due to its status of a special cultural heritage site, as it has fragments of historic urban planning and ancient buildings.

Conclusions. The damage assessment of buildings, structures, and items of historic and cultural heritage, performed using qualitative values, helps to assess the condition of the cultural environment, resources and valuables available in the historic centre; it also serves as the basis for urban zoning and setting boundaries of historical sites. The approach, developed by the co-authors, encompasses prerequisites and a set of instruments to be used to develop reconstruction strategies for the areas previously exposed to military operations, as well as urban development programmes, that will boost cultural processes capable of producing positive impact on urban and regional economies through job generation, travel industry development, and revival of folk crafts. The findings will be contributed to the conceptual design of multiscale cultural policy events that can boost the development of local areas.
Spatial planning problems of Naberezhnye Chelny in the post-soviet period
Authors: Dembich Aleksandr A. , Zakirova Yuliya A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction. The research project is focused on the identification of formation features, the analysis and projection of functional and spatial development patterns of Naberezhnye Chelny, a unique Soviet city. The city’s rapid development dates back to the 70ies of the 20th century, when it was boosted by the construction of the Kama automobile factory in 1969. The city has a linear structure, which reproduces N. Milyutin’s linear city model. The objectives of the work are to identify features of the city’s structural and functional organization, to analyze the compliance between the present-day spatial structure of the city, advanced urban development trends and the customary mode of life lead by local residents, to set key development and transformation objectives in terms of the city’s functional planning structure and spatial environment.

Materials and methods. The methodology represents an integrated approach that encompasses the collection, systematization and analysis of literary, project-related, and cartographic materials, comparison of data obtained from different sources and historic periods to identify urban development features and trends, the analysis of urban planning and legislative documentation, the reconciliation of field observations and the historic development of industrial cities with a view to the transition to a novel technological development paradigm.

Results. Principal findings represent urban development problems identified by the co-authors, patterns of strategic spatial transformations of the city, and an integrated urban development model designed by the co-authors.

Conclusions. The co-authors have designed a concept model for the spatial and territorial development of Naberezhnye Chelny as the basis for the development and update of respective urban and spatial planning documents. First-stage concept implementation actions are proposed.
Influence of soil liquefaction on the design bearing capacity of a single pile
Authors: Ter-Martirosyan Armen Z. , Le Duc Anh  , Manukyan Artur V.
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Pile foundations are considered one of the most suitable foundation solutions for construction in seismic areas. However, during earthquakes, specific processes often occur that adversely affect the interaction of piles with the surrounding soil. Soil liquefaction is one of the most difficult problems in geotechnical engineering in seismic areas, in which the soil will lose its strength properties. Assessing the effect of soil liquefaction on the design bearing capacity of piles during seismic impacts is an aspect of the design of pile foundations.

Materials and methods. Using the formulas in standards documents for determining the design bearing capacity of piles with the suggested new technique on the hypothesis that after the influence of seismic waves and liquefaction, the soil with self-compaction pulls the pile down due to skin friction, i.e. additional downward loads affect upon the piles.

Results. Various design cases are considered, with and without taking into account the effect of soil liquefaction on the bearing capacity of piles, under engineering and geological conditions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A comparison is presented between the results in the considering various cases.

Conclusions. The suggested technique allows to evaluate the reduction in the bearing capacity of piles after soil liquefaction. Further researches on the effect of soil liquefaction on the bearing capacity of piles are one of the main tasks in the design of buildings and structures in seismic areas for reduction in the risk of the catastrophic destruction of the foundations and buildings during and after an earthquake.
A new technique to purify biologically treated wastewater by reverse osmosis: utilization of concentrate
Authors: Pervov Aleksei G. , Tikhonov Konstantin V.
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Possibilities to purify municipal wastewater using reverse osmosis membrane techniques are investigated aimed at production of quality water for industrial use or meeting regulations for surface water sources discharge. A new eveloped tools to utilize concentrate effluents by reducing its flow by a value that does not exceed 0.5–1.0 per cent of initial feed water flow and it’s withdrawal of all rejected impurities together with dewatered sludge as a sludge moisture. Objectives: development of reverse osmosis techniques to purify wastewater after biological treatment; evaluation of possibilities to radically reduce concentrate flow to withdraw it together with activated sludge as it’s moisture. 

Materials and methods. Experimental research is conducted to develop membrane operational modes during wastewater treatment. Experimental procedure is developed and described to evaluate reduction of membrane rejection of dissolved impurities and product flow decrease during experimental wastewater treatment and concentrate utilization test run. 

Results. The basic equations are derived that enable us to determine: the required concentrate flow value that corresponds to concentration values of COD and suspended solids values in the feed water; the required values of membrane recoveries that correspond to ammonia concentration in the feed water to meet required regulation values in the product water. The tools to evaluate membrane area and a number of membrane modules are developed and described. Optimum values of the working pressure are evaluated as well as other economic parameters are presented to compare the developed techniques with biological treatment.

Conclusions. To reach the required ammonia concentration in product water, double stage treatment of feed water with low-pressure reverse osmosis membranes is required. Influence of dissolved organics defined as COD, on membrane performance. The optimum value of working pressure is determined which is 7.5–8 Bars.
Ice loads on hydraulic engineering structures: enhancement of analysis methods
Authors: Politko Valentin A. , Solomatin Sergey V. , Karakozova Anastasia I. , Truskov Pavel A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction. It is very important to properly analyze ice loads when selecting architectural and structural solutions for hydraulic engineering structures (HS), as this analysis has a significant impact on the economic efficiency of a construction project as a whole. Since this discipline is relatively new and relevant for certain areas only, the use of the finite-element method is not common for the modeling of ice as compared to other materials, such as concrete and steel, and it is rarely used in design. Materials and methods. Ice loads are classified into types subject to the availability of sufficient regulatory requirements ensuring safe and cost-effective design of offshore HS; the co-authors believe that FEM should be applied if there are no sufficient regulatory requirements in place. Results. Based on the performed analysis the authors make a conclusion that FEM can be applied to certain types of ice loads to increase the accuracy of results. It is possible to cover the entire range of HS ice loads provided that the extended finite element method (X-FEM) is adapted to them, which is an ambitious task. Conclusions. Different types of ice loads require specific approaches to be adopted whenever FEM is used for modeling purposes. Since proven modeling methods cannot be applied to all types of ice loads, it is impossible to make ice load calculations for all loading options. To convert empirical estimates, made in design engineering, to comprehensive analyses of ice loads using FEM one should revise methods of ice field cracking analysis to be able to analyze the loading produced by hummocks and flat ice and perceived by multi-column structures, so that one could take a better account of the architectural parameters of HS basements within the framework of the ice load perception analysis.
Joint Models of Longitudinal Outcomes and Informative Time
Authors: Seo JangDong
Published: June 2020

Longitudinal data analyses commonly assume that time intervals are predetermined and have no information regarding the outcomes. However, there might be irregular time intervals and informative time. Presented are joint models and asymptotic behaviors of the parameter estimates. Also, the models are applied for real data sets.
Clube de ciências na formação inicial de professores de química
Authors: Gois Jackson , Delucia Juliana
Published: June 2020

Este relato teve por objetivo analisar como a participação de alunos de licenciatura em Química em atividades de um Clube de Ciências contribuiu para sua formação inicial. Focaram-se os relatos escritos dos estudantes de licenciatura em Química sobre como a elaboração e a aplicação de atividades de ensino agregaram para sua própria formação docente. Os licenciandos participaram da elaboração e aplicação de atividades de ensino em 16 reuniões de um Clube de Ciências de uma escola pública localizada em São José do Rio Preto, interior de São Paulo. A partir de uma perspectiva sociocultural, os excertos dos relatos evidenciam que aspectos emocionais positivos resultantes da participação dos licenciandos nas atividades no Clube de Ciências são fundamentais para a formação inicial. Além disso, os licenciandos também apontaram aspectos qualitativos diferenciados na interação com os estudantes de ensino básico como elemento central para sua formação e também como poderiam utilizar melhor as atividades de experimentação. Evidencia-se que as atividades em Clubes de Ciências possibilitam vivências singulares que também viabilizam a formação inicial de professores de Química.
Let Me Suggest
Authors: Graveline Fyre Jean
Published: June 2020

Let me Suggest…A WoundedAcademicRedWarrior Society

What would happen if Wounded Aboriginal Warriors formed a Trauma Support TeamWe could aid Others by Listening. Validating. Supporting. Sharing Stories. Advising. We know Aboriginal faculty in Universities across Canada.are being Abused. Demeaned. Denied basic Rights and Freedoms as Academics. as Human Beings.
Two-Spirited People and Social Work Practice
Authors: Alaers Jill
Published: June 2020

Diversity of sexual orientation appears to be universal throughout human history. This article explores gender and sexual diversity of non-Aboriginal and traditional First Nations groups in North America, and the reclamation of traditional roles and identities by contemporary two-spirits. This article argues that social workers, as well as various other human service professionals stand to improve the quality of their practice by seeking deeper understanding of sexual and gender diversity through exploration of historic First Nation traditions of two-spirit roles as well as the intersecting multiple oppressions impacting two-spirits in urban, rural and reserve locations.
Progressive until graduation? Helping BSW students hold onto anti-oppressive and critical social work practices
Authors: Poole Jennifer M.
Published: June 2020

Former BSW student: I’m really worried about this job interview. I know they are going to think I am too critical, too passionate, too much. How can I dumb myself down Jennifer? How do I get in the door so I can do the work I want to do? Maybe staying quiet will get me the job I need…maybe I should shut up about AOP?

This was part of a conversation I had last week, with a passionate, anti-oppressive and critical former undergraduate student who had been told, on more than one occasion, that she was just “too much” for the ‘mainstream’ social work organizations to which she had been applying for employment. It was not the first time one of my graduates had shared such worries, for many had reported negative workplace reactions to their critical and anti-oppressive stance, nor would it be the last. As the literature reminds us, social workers are now labouring in a post-welfare context where critiques of power, racism, ageism, sexism, heterosexism and ableism will not make ‘best practice’ lists unless they also save money and increase productivity (Baines, 2007; Hugman, 2001). As Donna Baines writes,
Stories from the Field
Authors: George Purnima , Coleman Brienne , Barnoff Lisa
Published: June 2020

In the current times social work has been increasingly confined to the role of “service provider”, an instrument of neo-liberalism, rather than as the voice of dissent to mainstream politics that it has the potential to be. Taking the model of structural social work as our starting point, we investigated the practices of two community-based programs in Toronto, which utilize the main tenets of structural social work as their guiding framework. Despite the current context, they are still able to engage in creative practices geared toward social justice and transformative change. The stories provide hope and direction for social justice oriented practice in the current context.
White, like who? Temporality, contextuality and anti-racist social work education and practice
Authors: Phillips Catherine
Published: June 2020

The last two decades have produced a variety of theoretical positions on race and power. This article presents an analysis of ‘identity’ in terms of how it has been conceptualized within the development of anti-racist social work education during this period. In doing such an analysis, I press for a more nuanced theorization of the relationship between race and identity, and argue that in order for anti-racist teaching to be meaningful and effective, conceptualizations of race must be temporal and contextual. I conclude by offering some questions for engaging with students in the development of a more critical understanding of identity.
An Analysis of Fossil-Fuel Dependence in the United States with Implications for Community Social Work
Authors: Polack Robert , Wood Shelly , Smith Kimyatta N.
Published: June 2020

This article examines fossil-fuel dependence in the United States with emphasis on the areas of transportation and food. It is argued that fossil-fuel dependence will cause significant social and economic problems in the future and that ongoing usage is a major contributor to mounting environmental degradation. Ultimately, the authors argue that our fossil-fuel based economy is unsustainable and that efforts should be taken to reduce usage and dependence. A growing community movement aimed at revitalizing local economies and reducing fossil-fuel usage has recently emerged. Social work can bring critically important values and knowledge to these and similar efforts, especially in regard to community organizing and the participation of marginalized populations.

Key Words: Fossil Fuels, Energy, Sustainability, Local Economy, Community Organizing, Social Work
Supporting Positive Relationships in Families where Fathers Suffer with Mental Distress
Authors: LeFrançois Brenda A.
Published: June 2020

The quantitative research literature has found negative outcomes for the children of fathers diagnosed with mental distress. However, qualitative research exploring both the children and parents’ perspectives demonstrates mixed outcomes and more complex parent-child relationships. This article reviews the qualitative research literature, highlighting the expressed needs of family members. Recommendations for research and mental health policy are made with the aim of supporting positive relationships in families where a father suffers with mental distress.
Transforming Settlement Work
Authors: Clarke Jennifer , Wan Eileen
Published: June 2020

Today, the concept of anti-oppression is prevalent in social work education, research, policy, and practice. However, it is a relatively new concept in the settlement sector, and little is known about its application in settlement work. In this article, two social workers provide their critical analysis and reflections of anti-oppression work with newcomer youth in schools. Drawing on the literature and their experiences, the authors contend that the current approach to settlement work with newcomer youth is rooted in colonialism and racism, and they propose an anti-oppression approach as a new way for settlement workers to work with newcomer youth.

KEYWORDS: newcomer youth, school settlement workers, anti-oppression, settlement services, anti-oppressive practice
Rationing ‘Rights’
Authors: Cumming Sara J. , Caragata Lea
Published: June 2020

Previous research has illuminated the effects of the welfare reform in Canada post-1995. However, very little research has focused upon the ways welfare is delivered.  Using four supplementary benefits available to social assistance recipients as the backdrop, this paper explores the discretionary practices employed in determining eligibility.  Based on interviews with lone mothers and a focus group with social assistance case workers the data illuminates that a lone mother’s ability to access supplementary benefits is based upon rationing practices which may have little to do with her legitimate need and formal eligibility, such that practice, in the hands of caseworkers, contravenes the policy intention.

KEYWORDS: lone mothers, social assistance, case workers, discretionary practices, rationing practices, supplementary benefits
Addressing the Inequality Epidemic
Authors: Bowen Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

Globally, HIV risk and the health of HIV positive people are linked with structural inequalities, such as poverty, racism, and homophobia. This article summarizes key features of the structural approach to social work practice and applies the perspective to working with people affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States. Structural factors influencing HIV risk and health include housing, an individual-level factor; health care access, a community-level factor; and homophobia, a societal-level factor. Structural inequalities at each level are critical to understanding the context of HIV risk and should be assessed and addressed in social work practice in the field of HIV/AIDS.

KEYWORDS: critical theory, HIV/AIDS, inequality, oppression, structural social work
An Exploration of Elder Abuse in a Rural Canadian Community
Authors: MacKay-Barr Megan , Csiernik Rick
Published: June 2020

The Elder Abuse Awareness Committee of Chatham Kent, Ontario employed ten seniors (65 years of age or older) from this rural community to conduct an investigation of the knowledge and prevalence of elder abuse among their peers. The 236 study participants interviewed by the specifically trained elders were predominantly female ranging in age from 55 to over 90. The majority were still living in their own homes, had completed high school or post-secondary education, and reported relatively good health.  These attributes predicted a rate of disclosed elder abuse within the lower end of the four to ten percent range typically reported in the literature. However, an incidence rate of 19.1% was reported nearly double the upper end of the range, with 137 separate acts of verbal, emotional, and financial abuse reported by participants to their peers. Formal paid caregivers were identified as the most frequent perpetrators though two thirds of the incidents were not reported to anyone at the time they occurred primarily due to embarrassment, fear, being dependent upon the abuser, or simply not knowing who to tell about the abuse. In the minority of instances when the abuse was reported the most common sources informed were the police, a family physician, or a helping professional in the community. 

KEYWORDS:  Elder abuse, rural, Canada
Anti-Oppression Through a Postmodern Lens
Authors: Brown Catrina G.
Published: June 2020

Anti-oppression discourse has emerged within critical social work in an effort to address issues of diversity, difference, and inclusion. Drawing upon Audre Lorde’s (1984) famous words “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house” this paper will argue that modernist aspects of anti-oppressive discourse may unwittingly deploy the masters’ or dominant conceptual tools. A critical reflexive lens identifies unintended, modernist conceptual practices of power which may reify dominant discourse. Specifically I focus on three modernist practices of power which may limit anti-oppression discourse: 1) the essentialism of the subject, 2) subjectivism or writing out the social, and 3) the reproduction of dominant social discourse.   Through exploring these three related domains, I argue for a blending of modernist and postmodernist assumptions which holds onto the strengths of both modernism and postmodernism while abandoning their limitations. This blended approach will facilitate a critically reflexive anti-oppressive practice.

KEYWORDS: Anti-oppression, postmodernism, social work practice, reflexivity
Failure, Communities of Practice, and the Value Base of Social Work
Authors: Bissell Gavin , Sullivan Paul
Published: June 2020

The concept of failure tacitly present in the value base of social work is either contentless, is a residual category, or is wholly negative in content. By applying the concept of ‘community of practice’, however, it is suggested that practice educators and practitioners operate, in practice, a positive conception of failure. Impending failure may actually be functional because of the values with which social work is aligned. If this is so, then the predominantly negative valuation of failure must be reassessed. The problems to which this gives rise are considered, with the conclusion that by considering social work as a community of practice, it is possible to acknowledge and utilize the sharing of failure.

KEYWORDS: Communities of practice; professional errors; social work values
Taking a Detour from a Journey
Authors: George Purnima
Published: June 2020

The trend of managerialism and neo-liberalism sweeping across universities demands peer-reviewed outcomes, which replace discourses of ‘service.’ Within this context I, a racialized immigrant faculty member from the global South, ventured on a journey as an Associate Director, Student Affairs. I realized that I needed to take a detour, as my commitment to service was competing with the expectation of meeting the ever-growing number of peer-reviewed outcomes. The situation reminded me of my previous experiences with the university administration around ‘service.’ Based on my subjectivities I had no choice other than to ‘comply’ with the discourse of managerialism and neo-liberalism. I gave up ‘service’ as an academic administrator to pursue research and publication.  My decision raises questions about the fairness of similar compliance by other racialized, new immigrant academics. Using critical auto-ethnography, I challenge the current managerial and neo-liberal
Evolving Schemas of Homeless Children
Authors: Griffore Robert J. , Phenice Lillian A. , Miller Julia R.
Published: June 2020

Young homeless children face many adverse circumstances, unlike children who are nurtured in supportive families and stable homes. Given experiences of chaos, unpredictability, and upheaval, homeless children are placed in jeopardy with regard to meeting their needs for successful developmental outcomes. In particular, these experiences likely cause fear and anxiety, with consequences that adversely affect psychological development and lead to disempowerment of the self and learned helplessness. Using principles of positive psychology and guiding homeless children toward the creation of schemas of resilience and self-confidence can provide them with the basis for adaptation, happiness, and appropriate decision making.
Street Youth Labor as an Expression of Survival and Self-Worth
Authors: Karabanow Jeff , Gurman Elissa , Naylor Ted
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the ways in which employment/ labor are situated within the daily lives of Guatemalan street youth. The youth interviewed primarily engaged in informal money-making activities. These activities not only demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and resilience of street-involved young people, but their need to undertake any number of often undesirable tasks to survive. Findings from this study suggest that such work can provide street youth with greater self-confidence and self-esteem – reshaping their identities as “productive citizens.” However, such work, primarily due to its very public nature, can also re-marginalize young people as “unworthy” and “non-citizens.”
Portfolio-Based Teaching and Learning
Authors: Ajandi Jennifer , Preston Susan , Clarke Jennifer
Published: June 2020

The portfolio and its use have been widely documented across various disciplines and at different levels in education. The portfolio is a useful assessment tool for evaluating student learning and a process-oriented approach that encourages critical reflexive thought and self-directed learning. More recent social work education literature discusses the portfolio as a synthesis of theory, practice, and critical self-reflection. In our program, students were expected to focus on the context of power, privilege, social location, and identity within their critical self-reflections. In this paper, the authors reflect on the launch of the first portfolio course as an alternative to the field placement for undergraduate students of social work on-campus at a large urban university. This alternative course was launched within an anti-oppressive social work program and we discuss the opportunities and challenges that arise.
Orientalist Social Work
Authors: Eliassi Barzoo
Published: June 2020

This aim of this article is to critically examine how the concept of culture is used in Sweden to explain the “failure” or the difficulties that Muslim immigrant families are experiencing with regards to their integration into the dominant society. Whereas, the Swedish society is often represented as ‘modern’, ‘progressive’, and ‘democratic’, immigrants with Muslim backgrounds are predominately described as ‘traditional’, ‘authoritarian’ and ‘pre-modern’. There is a widely held idea within Swedish social work research that immigrant families and the white mainstream Swedish society are situated within two different value systems with different world-views regarding family and gender relations. Due to this entrenched binary opposition, Orientalism becomes constitutive to social work research and practices.
Spiritual Identity and Transformation: Christian Narratives, Public Discourse, and Critical Social Work Practice
Authors: Fardella Joe
Published: June 2020

Currently, critically reflective social work practice is influenced by culturally relativizing themes from postmodern thought. This view cautions practitioners to be aware of the role that dominant cultural narratives play in subjugating the identities of their clients as well as their own lives and professional practice. As such, postmodern theory risks denying the emancipatory potential of Christian thought for inspiring subjective, inter-personal and social forms of transformative change. This paper will argue that the discourse ethics of Jurgen Habermas represent communicative ideals which allow for the non-coercive application of potentially transformative Christian beliefs to critical social work practice.
Impacto econômico como resultado da atuação de uma comissão de farmácia e terapêutica: a experiência do Mato Grosso
Authors: Cássio de Oliveira Helder , Carneiro de Freitas Nakata Kelli , Daige Marques Luisa
Published: June 2020

Objetivo: Demonstrar o impacto econômico, sob a perspectiva da Secretaria Estadual da Saúde de Mato Grosso, das atividades desenvolvidas por uma Comissão Permanente de Farmácia e Terapêutica (CPFT-MT) com atuação transparente e fundamentada na avaliação de tecnologias em saúde. Métodos: Avaliou- -se o comportamento dos gastos com medicamentos não constantes nas listas de medicamentos essenciais do Sistema Único de Saúde durante e após a vigência de uma via administrativa planejada para dar acesso a população a esse tipo de medicamentos. Foram levantados os gastos com desembolsos diretos para aquisição de medicamentos destinados a atender a Portaria Estadual nº 172/2010 e ações judiciais com auxílio do Sistema Integrado de Planejamento, Contabilidade e Finanças (FIPLAN). Com a finalidade de trazer os valores gastos para os dias atuais, aplicou-se um ajuste inflacionário com base no Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo (IPCA). Resultados: Os achados apontaram para gastos médios anuais expressivos e constantes com medicamentos não selecionados durante a vigência da via administrativa com consequente redução de gastos com ações judiciais a partir de sua revogação. Período este coincidente com a entrega de diversos trabalhos da CPFT-MT, especialmente a lista estadual de medicamentos e construção e atualização de protocolos clínicos estaduais, resultando em uma economia para o estado de R$ 6.222.196,90 (53,1%). Conclusão: Os resultados apontam para que uma comissão de farmácia e terapêutica capacitada e atuante, com apoio da gestão, pode contribuir para uma melhor utilização dos recursos financeiros e cooperar com uso racional de tecnologias em saúde.
PROGRAM KEMITRAAN MASYARAKAT STIMULUS JAJANAN SEHAT PADA TK/PAUD KOSAYU MALANG
Authors: Triwijayati Anna , Melany Melany , Broto Felik Sad Windu Wisnu , Wilujeng Lilis Lestari , Nugroho Didit Prasetyo , Prasetya Bintang Pramudya Putra
Published: June 2020

Konsumen anak mulai aktif membeli jajanan ketika memasuki usia sekolah sehingga bagi Taman Kanak-kanak, penting untuk menanamkan pembelajaran tentang jajanan sehat sebagai bekal ketika masuk sekolah dasar. Permasalahannya adalah sekolah belum memiliki materi jajanan sehat dalam materi ajar dan program edukasi jajanan sehat yang menarik bagi anak. Mitra program adalah sekolah Taman Kanak-kanak Yayasan Kolese St. Yusuf (Kosayu) Malang. Tujuan dari program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah memberikan pelatihan tentang jajanan, kantin dan lingkungan sekolah yang sehat, konten dan metode pengajaran dalam jajanan sehat, serta alat bantu pengajaran jajanan sekolah yang interaktif dan menarik bagi siswa yakni dengan food model. Hasil pelatihan yang diperoleh adalah bahwa sekolah dan para guru telah memahami pentingnya pembelajaran jajanan sehat dalam kurikulum, mampu membuat materi, metode dan model contoh belajar interaktif untuk siswa. Tindak lanjut dari pembelajaran ini adalah bahwa materi tentang jajanan sehat diadopsi dalam konten belajar/kurikulum sekolah.Kata-kata kunci: Jajanan sehat, Taman Kanak-Kanak, Media belajar interaktif, konsumen anak, sekolah Child consumers start actively buying snacks when entering school age so for kindergartens it is important to instill learning about healthy snacks as provisions when entering elementary school. The problem is that schools do not have healthy snacks in teaching materials and healthy snacks education programs that are attractive to children. The program partners are the Kindergarten College Foundation St. Yusuf (Kosayu) Malang. The purpose of this community service program is to provide training on snacks, canteens and a healthy school environment, content and teaching methods in healthy snacks, as well as interactive and interesting teaching tools for school snacks for students using food model. The training results obtained are that schools and teachers have understood the importance of learning healthy snacks in the curriculum, able to create interactive learning materials, methods and models for students. The follow up of this lesson is that material about healthy snacks is adopted in the learning content / school curriculum. Keywords: Healthy snacks, kindergarten, interactive learning media, child consumers, school