bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of plant species diversity and abundance using line-transect method at Pantai Sabak, Kelantan
Authors: Amaludin Nazahatul Anis , Ab Majid Nur Aina , Mohd Zulkafli Nor Nadia , Zamri Nur Anis Zarifa , Ahmad Zu Siti Azieza , Abdul Karim Muhammad Firdaus , Zakaria Radhiah , Khamis Shamsul
Published: March 2022

Coastal areas are environmentally sensitive areas filled with various local inhabitants focusing on the tree species ecosystem continuing to develop according to its environment. Pantai Sabak is one of the well-known eroded beaches in Kelantan due to the natural phenomenon, tidal wave erosion. This study aimed to identify the species availability and determine the species abundance, density, frequency, and diversity found in Pantai Sabak, Kelantan. Certain native species and common tree species at the coastline area are still available, such as Nypa fruticans and Ipomoea pes-caprae. Shocking results are achieved whereby the shoreline area has been degraded by the tidal wave and shoving away some species such as Cocos nucifera. Due to the situation, the coastal area has reached the mangrove area resulted in the species along the transect line is mangrove species namely Excoecaria agallocha. Another species achieved were shrubs and it showed Pantai Sabak has been severely damaged. A total of 1,350 individuals of 30 species from 30 genera belong to 22 families were recorded along two kilometres transect line. By using the diversity index which is Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’) value is 2.99, Shannon-Wiener Maximum Index (H’max) is 3.40 while Shannon Evenness (EH) is 0.88. These results showed the area of the study is still diverse in species hence dominated by shrubs such Lantana camara. Hence, this study only focuses on the species diversity ecosystem, not the causes of the occurrence that occurred.
Integrating Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in Dealing with Psychological Distress among Malaysian Clients
Authors: Rose Nurul Naimah
Published: March 2022

Solution focused therapy is one of the growing therapies used among psychologists and counselors for helping clients with psychological distress conditions. Despite the increasing number of successful research on the treatment of solution focused therapy, there is no specific approach to apply the therapy among Malaysian clients. Literature shows that Malaysian clients shares similar orientation such as collectivism, past-time orientation and psycho-spiritual. They needed slightly different therapy approach than the westerner. Thus, this conceptual paper suggested a new counselling model that integrates the counselling orientations among Malaysian clients and the main techniques of the solution focused therapy. The model displays the relationship of relevance concepts which can be serves as guideline for counselors and as a fundamental for research and practices of solution focused therapy counselling in Malaysia.
PSİKOLOJİK DANIŞMANLIK, ETİK ve ETİK KARAR VERME KAVRAMLARI ÜZERİNE BİR DERLEME
Authors: ERDOĞAN Esin , ASLAN Sevda
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışmada psikolojik danışmanlık, etik ve etik karar verme kavramları ile ilgili bir derleme çalışması yapılmıştır. Etik kavramı ve psikolojik danışmanlık mesleğinin etik kurallarını incelemek amacıyla Amerikan Psikolojik Danışmanlar Birliği (ACA, American Counseling Association), Amerikan Okul Danışmanları Birliği (ASCA, American School Counseling Association), Türk Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik Derneği etik yaklaşım ve kodları ele alınmıştır. Etik ikilemler açıklanmış ve araştırmacıların gizlilik, ikili-çoklu ilişkiler ve yetkinlik üzerine çalışmalar yaptığına ulaşılarak bu kavramlar üzerinde durulmuştur. Araştırmacıların etik ikilemlerin çözümüne yönelik geliştirdiği etik karar verme modelleri incelenmiştir. Son olarak çalışma ile ilgili sonuç ve öneriler belirtilmiştir.
Resiliencia como antecedente del aprendizaje organizacional en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19
Authors: Moreno Del Río Grecia , Vargas Salgado María , Gómez Bull Karla , Rodríguez Esparza Manuel
Published: March 2022

Hoy en día las organizaciones están en constante aprendizaje en todos los ámbitos, y más en estos tiempos de pandemia, por ello los dirigentes deben estar preparados para hacer frente a cualquier eventualidad y gestionar los recursos de manera efectiva. Sin duda, el recurso humano es indispensable en cualquier contexto y es a través de éste que se logran ventajas competitivas y sostenibles. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar si la resiliencia se relaciona con el aprendizaje organizacional de los empleados dentro de la organización. Para ello se utilizó un enfoque cuantitativo, no experimental, transversal, descriptivo y correlacional, con una muestra no probabilística de 112 sujetos y que tienen una relación laboral en la frontera norte de Chihuahua, México. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de un cuestionario aplicado vía online que integró 52 ítems [25 para resiliencia y 27 para aprendizaje organizacional], para ello se adaptaron instrumentos propuestos por Wagnild y Young (1993) y López, et al., (2012). Los estadísticos descriptivos fueron analizados a través del software SPSS. Los resultados evidencian que existe una relación moderada pero significativa entre la resiliencia y aprendizaje organizacional. Se concluye que, en el contexto laboral, los empleados buscan la mejor forma de hacer frente a cualquier eventualidad que se presente y de esto aprenden, lo cual abonará significativamente en el aprendizaje de la organización.
Caracterización social y normativa de la explotación sexual comercial de niños, niñas y adolescentes en Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Pérez Caballero Alfredo , Durán Sonia , Padilla Martínez Humberto , Hidalgo Arango Sandra
Published: March 2022

La investigación tiene como tema principal la explotación sexual comercial de niños, niñas y adolescentes, haciendo un recorrido en los países del mundo donde se origina realizando un análisis global del fenómeno, sus incidencias en el turismo y las leyes internacionales y nacionales para acabar con este flagelo. Además, se aplicó el análisis de caso en la ciudad de Cartagena, Colombia uno de los destinos turísticos más importantes a nivel nacional e internacional. Para ello se utilizó la metodología documental bibliográfica haciendo una revisión de textos, ponencias, artículos y estudios realizados por los organismos relacionados con la protección de los derechos humanos y específicamente de los menores. Se concluye que la población objeto de estudio, por residir en una ciudad turística que es visitada por miles de extranjeros y de visitantes nacionales cada año, es vulnerable de propiciar el turismo sexual aprovechando las circunstancias de la vulnerabilidad que tienen los niños, niñas y adolescentes, pudiendo así ejercer un abuso sobre ellos.
Asociaciones entre los rasgos de personalidad en los estudiantes y su programa educativo de bachillerato
Authors: Ramos Monsivais Cynthia , Roque Hernández Ramón , Ramos Sánchez Jesús
Published: March 2022

El presente artículo destaca la importancia de conocer los rasgos de personalidad y aprendizaje de los estudiantes de bachillerato desde la óptica de las teorías de inteligencia emocional de Daniel Goleman y de las inteligencias múltiples de Howard Gardner; con el objetivo de promover una acertada toma de decisiones y mejorar su calidad de vida. En la metodología se realizó un estudio no experimental, transaccional y correlacional. Se aplicaron pruebas psicométricas que caracterizaron su temperamento, canal de aprendizaje, hemisferio cerebral dominante, inteligencia emocional, inteligencias múltiples y tendencia vocacional a través de la plataforma virtual “Inteligencia Emocional Aplicada al Desarrollo Personal” a una muestra de 274 estudiantes de un Bachillerato público de Nuevo Laredo y se determinó si existía asociación con su especialidad académica. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante Ms Excel, SPSSv25 y se aplicó la prueba Chi Cuadrada. Como resultados se encontraron dos relaciones significativas y fuertes. Una, entre la especialidad de los estudiantes y las inteligencias múltiples (p=.026, V=.20) y otra, entre la especialidad y la tendencia vocacional (p=.00, V=.18). Se concluye que los hallazgos de este estudio indican que la especialidad de los estudiantes puede relacionarse con aspectos de su personalidad, como el tipo de inteligencia predominante o su vocación. Se sugiere profundizar en estas relaciones y aprovecharlas en favor del alumnado.
Motivación: El clímax de la sentencia. Un estudio en la provincia Cañar, cantón Cañar, Ecuador
Authors: Castellanos Herrera Silvio , Mendoza Tapay María , Duy Docón María
Published: March 2022

El presente trabajo se realizó con base en las sentencias de Primera Instancia ejecutoriadas en el año 2019, sobre infracciones penales en el Cantón Cañar de la Provincia Cañar en Ecuador. Siendo la sentencia el punto crucial del proceso penal, se estableció como finalidad verificar en qué medida ellas adolecían del vicio de inmotivación, falencia esta que viola el derecho constitucional de los ciudadanos a obtener una decisión fundamentada y, por ende, el derecho de acceso a una tutela judicial efectiva, el debido proceso, la seguridad jurídica y el derecho a la defensa. Previamente, se acometieron aspectos asociados a la motivación, desde una perspectiva histórica, conceptual, dogmática, constitucional y jurisprudencial. Utilizando un abordaje científico y observando con rigurosidad la metodología estadística, tomamos como base, el universo de 45 sentencias penales para analizarlas y llegar así, a la verificación de ciertas interrogantes asociadas a los derechos referidos. Se arriba entonces a importantes conclusiones y recomendaciones tendientes a promover una profunda reflexión, que optimizará el ejercicio técnico de la motivación en la jurisdicción penal del Ecuador.
Protección jurídica de los derechos de autor en Colombia
Authors: Mondragón Duarte Sergio , Caballero Palomino Sergio , Díaz Ortiz Leonardo , Herrera Gómez Johana
Published: March 2022

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo mostrar el conjunto de garantías jurídicas que integran la protección de los derechos de autor en Colombia. En ese sentido, a partir de la configuración de los derechos de autor como elemento esencial de la propiedad intelectual se podrá dar cuenta por medio del método cualitativo con enfoque descriptivo que los derechos de autor cuentan con una protección constitucional como derecho fundamental, en la medida que estos pretenden preservar la obra publicada por un autor, como bien lo exponen los autores Herrera, Salcedo y Molina (2021). En ese sentido, por medio de una revisión documental que implicó el análisis sistemático de diversas fuentes consultadas, se pudo establecer como resultado principal que los derechos de autor tienen un reconocimiento jurídico como derechos fundamentales, lo cual puede propiciar el uso de la acción de tutela para garantizar su protección efectiva dentro del ordenamiento jurídico colombiano. Esto permite arribar como conclusión central que es necesaria su protección en calidad de derecho autónomo con alcance de fundamental en todos los ámbitos del derecho, especialmente en lo penal, donde se concibe un tipo propio para su salvaguarda.
LÚDICO COMO RECURSO DIDÁTICO-PEDAGÓGICO E METODOLÓGICO NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DA CRIANÇA E NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Marques Ronualdo , Lelis Diego Andrade de Jesus
Published: March 2022

This study aims to analyze the importance of play in child development and in the teaching and learning process in Early Childhood Education, thinking of play as a methodological strategy for the teaching and learning process. Through playful activities, the child shows different kinds of feelings, builds social relationships, and acquires knowledge. Thus, inserting play into the teaching and learning process is relevant for the child's integral development, because for the child to live is to play. The rescue of playfulness is a powerful and efficient methodology in Early Childhood Education; when it is worked in a playful way, the priority of the contents offered to the children is not lost. For this study. Methodologically, qualitative bibliographical research was used, listing the issues related to the theme: Play in child development and early childhood education. It is concluded that play promotes the awakening of emotions and affectivity generating motivations, interest and satisfaction, thus it is an indispensable pedagogical tool, because it is a facilitator element of their autonomy resulting significantly in the process of teaching and learning.
Incorporation, dispossession and social transformation in rural Ghana: case study of a forest community
Authors: Abane Henrietta
Published: March 2022

This case study examines the social transformation that has occurred in a rural forest community in southern Ghana. It revisits various explanations for societal change or transformation from a Sociological viewpoint and situates change in the community within the context of a radical political economy paradigm. Hence Neo Marxist identification of incorporation of peripheral areas into capitalist production systems through monetization of production systems and alienation of the bases of livelihoods- land and labour have been identified to be crucial in the social transformation that the case community is undergoing. The findings of this study indicate that contrary to beliefs of modernization perspectives, social change is not all progress but can alienate communities further as well as create tensions and cleavages in traditional societies.
Public spending, growth and poverty reduction: A Dynamic CGE Analysis for Ghana
Authors: Asmah Emmanuel Ekow , Ahiakpor Ferdinand
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the differential impact of various government expenditures on economic growth and poverty reduction in Ghana using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model based on a social accounting matrix (SAM) for Ghana for the year 1999. Even though there is evidence to show that higher fiscal deficits resulting from the increase in public investment outlays 'crowd out' some private investment by raising interest rates, the overall impact points to increased real GDP on a net basis by removing physical bottlenecks of infrastructure and thereby raising the factor productivity of private investment. Two main lessons can be drawn from this study. First, various types of government spending have differential impacts on economic growth and poverty reduction, implying greater potential to improve efficiency of government spending by reallocation among sectors. Second, governments should reduce their spending on unproductive sectors and rather give priority to increasing its spending on production-enhancing investments such as education, health and infrastructure.
Impact of microcredit on poverty reduction among rural women in Ghana: The case of Upper East Region
Authors: Acheampong I. K. , Alnaa S. E.
Published: March 2022

The literature on microfinance reveals that microcredit is a powerful tool in reducing poverty. In consonance with this, the main objective of this study was to verify the impact of microcredit on poverty reduction among rural women in the Upper East Region of Ghana, using the Heckman method of estimation. In pursuance of this, data was collected from 500 women engaged in agro-processing of whom 250 were beneficiaries of microcredit and 250 non-beneficiaries. The results showed the existence of spatial differences in the levels of poverty in the Region. Respondents from Builsa, Kasena-Nankana, Bongo and Bawku West Districts had higher levels of weekly consumption expenditures and for that matter are better off than their counterparts from the Talensi/Nabdan District. Also the number of income generating activities and the number of sources of borrowing have a positive impact on poverty. The predicted weekly mean consumption expenditure indicated that respondents who received microcred: > are better off than those who did not receive microcredit as the.beneficiaries spend more per week than the non-beneficiaries. By implication, microcredit has a positive impact on poverty reduction among rural women engaged in agroprocessing in the Upper East Region. In the light of this, microcredit intervention should be strengthened in the Upper East Region since it has a positive impact on poverty reduction.
Implementation of the Community Education Teaching Assistants Module of the National Youth Employment Programme: Outcomes and Challenges in northern Ghana
Authors: Derbile Emmanuel K.
Published: March 2022

This paper analyses the outcomes and challenges of the Community Education Teaching Assistants (CETAs) module, one of the modules of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) which the Government of Ghana (GoG) started implementing nationwide in 2006 as part of its poverty reduction programme. The paper draws on the livelihood framework for analysing how far the module provides a meaningful and or sustainable means of living, the very core objective of every livelihood. It draws on qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions of key personnel and beneficiaries of the programme. It also draws on secondary data, both qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. The residts show that the programme has achieved some modest livelihood outcomes. First, District Employment Task Forces (DELTA Forces) were constituted and reactivated to improve on their performance in implementation of the module. Secondly, the module provided only temporary employment for most CETAs. The majority of CETAs are laid off after two years per their contractual terms ill-prepared to make a sustainable living. Thirdly, the phase out plan to latch CETAs onto the Untrained Teacher Diploma in Basic Education (UTDBE) programme for professional teacher training is benefiting only a few CETAs. These outcomes were largely shaped by challenges in the governance of the programme. To this end, the module largely provides short term relief to CETAs. In the long term, it does not provide a sustainable means of livelihood for most CETAs, except the few beneficiaries of the UTDBE programme. The paper therefore, recommends institutional reforms for improving governance and enhancing financial sustainability of the module at the district level.
Managing Tetraplegia with Blindness: Rehabilitation Approach
Authors: Lee Chon Kit  , Wong Yean Tzeh  , Nan Aisyah binti Long Ahmad Burhanuddin  , Sharon Anne Khor Keat Sim
Published: March 2022

Background and aim: Spinal cord injury, especially tetraplegia, would severely disable an individual. The rare postoperative complication of cervical spine surgery, which caused bilateral blindness, would be catastrophic to a tetraplegic patient. Methods: A 60-year-old man sustained traumatic cervical cord injury (C2 AIS C) and underwent cervical decompression with dome laminoplasty of C3 – C6. He, unfortunately, developed bilateral central retinal artery occlusion, a rare postoperative complication leading to bilateral visual loss. Approximately 1-month post-injury, he was admitted to a rehabilitation ward with impairments of incomplete tetraplegia, non-perception of light in both eyes, orthostatic hypotension, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, neuropathic pain, multiple pressure injuries, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Results: Although the patient required caregiver assistance in most activities, functional improvement was observed by teaching him to incorporate other intact senses such as proprioception, stereognosis, and auditory sense. After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, the patient improved to C4 AIS D. His bed mobility required minimal assistance, transferred with the assistance of one person, was able to feed and groom with an assistive device. The rehabilitation process was complicated because the patient could not actively participate in therapy without assistance from his caregiver due to bilateral blindness and reduced sensation over all his limbs despite having adequate motor power for acquiring a certain level of independence in mobility and self-care. When vision loss presents together with sensory impairments, the impact of disability multiplies. Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training and sensory education were further strengthened with repeated verbal instructions to compensate for the loss of visual and sensory feedback to help the patient regain mobility and daily living skills. Three months post-rehabilitation, he was able to perform stand transfer with a walking frame under close supervision. Conclusion: Although total blindness with tetraplegia has severely disabled the patient, O&M strategies with remaining intact senses can be used to facilitate functional improvement.
Demographic Characteristics of Spinal Cord Injury Patients Referred for Rehabilitation in Miri Hospital
Authors: Ong Heng Khoon  , Alice Vong Liew  , Irwanee Raini  , Tew Siew Peng  , Jee Rou Chen
Published: March 2022

Background and aim: Miri is the second-largest city in Sarawak, and Miri hospital is the main referral hospital in Northern Sarawak that serves other hospitals such as Bintulu, Marudi, Limbang and Lawas hospitals. The rehabilitation medicine service in Miri hospital started on 14th February 2019. This study aims to explore the demographic characteristics among the referrals for the spinal cord injury populations. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study among inpatient referrals to the rehabilitation department taken from the patient’s registry record from 15th February 2019 to 13th April 2021. The descriptive statistical analysis described the demographic characteristics of the spinal cord injury patients. Results: A total of 70 patients were analysed in the study. Non-traumatic spinal cord injury comprises 2/3 of the total cases, with 65% being of infective origin. Most (77.1%) of the patients were referred to rehabilitation within the first 2 weeks of admission, with the average days from admission to the referral of 10 ± 10 days. The duration for co-management of the rehabilitation team with the primary team during inpatient stay was short, with an average of 6 ± 8 days. Rehabilitation management for most of the patients (67.1%) had to be carried out within a week of admission, whereas another 24.3% of the patients were given additional stay up to 2 weeks. From the functional aspect, the mean SCIM scored 29 ± 14, and the mean MBI scored 30 ± 20, indicating a high dependency level among the patients. Conclusion: Due to bed limitations in the hospital setting, the spinal cord injury patients at the high level of dependency were given early supported discharge plans. Identifying the demographic characteristics of the spinal cord population in Miri enables the ongoing development of spinal cord rehabilitation service that meets the need of the local population.
Autonomic Dysreflexia with Concurrent Orthostatic Hypotension: A Clinical Approach Dilemma
Authors: Zafefe bin Abd Rahman  , Wong Yean Tzeh  , Muhammad Nizamuddin bin Arbain  , Sharon Anne Khor Keat Sim
Published: March 2022

Background and aim: Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) commonly occurs in high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. However, concurrent orthostatic hypotension (OH) makes the management of this condition more difficult. This case report highlighted the complicated condition that creates a dilemma for clinicians to prioritise the management. Methods: A 26-year-old man presented with traumatic cervical SCI C4 ASIA B secondary to C3 – C5 vertebral body fracture underwent anterior corpectomy and fusion. He had frequent episodes of AD in the rehabilitation clinic, presenting with sweating, headache, and high blood pressure (BP) while he was in a wheelchair. No other precipitating factors were identified except for his chronic sacral and ischial wounds. These AD episodes also happened multiple times daily at home with intermittent presyncope attacks. He was given stat doses of Nifedipine during the clinic visits but was never prescribed antihypertensive as no proper BP monitoring was done at home. Nonpharmacological measures for OH were already established. The rehabilitation team educated him on a side-lying position to alleviate his AD symptoms and preventive strategies such as optimal pressure relief with wheelchair cushions and using the reclining function on his motorised wheelchair. Results: He had difficulty achieving independent mobility because he could not tolerate upright sitting without having AD and intermittent OH. Conclusion: OH as a precipitating factor for AD should be considered. The lowest possible dose of antispastic medications for optimum spasm control and consideration of mineralocorticoid drugs for OH management may be helpful. Antihypertensives are commonly used for prophylaxis of chronic recurrent AD. However, its usage may be limited in patients with OH. Prazosin may be an option as studies have shown that it did not excessively lower baseline BP. Pressure mapping and surgical intervention to facilitate chronic non-healing wound closure also should be considered. Chronic recurrent AD with intermittent OH remains a challenging condition in high SCI.
A Retrospective Pilot Study on the Prevalence of Acceptability for Teleconsultation among Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Chai Min Ying  , Siti Nur Hidayah Sudin  , Mira Farhana Yaacob  , Siti Suhaida Sudin  , Yusniza Mohd Yusof
Published: March 2022

Background and aims: Since January 2021, spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in Klinik Pakar Spinal (KPS), Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras (HRC) were offered to follow up via teleconsultation, either virtual clinic (VC) or telephone consultation (TC). It was started because of increasing COVID-19 cases in Klang Valley, which resulted in the Malaysian government’s endorsement of Movement Control Orders (MCO). Our study aims to observe the acceptability of teleconsultation among SCI patients in HRC and to describe their clinical and demographic features. Methods: A retrospective pilot study was conducted by identifying names of SCI patients scheduled for physical review from 1st January to 31st May 2021 from the KPS registry. Medical records of the patients who opted for teleconsultation were traced. Variables such as age, gender, race, neurological status, and locality were collected. Results: Teleconsultation was offered to 548 patients scheduled for physical review from 1st January to 31st May 2021. The prevalence of acceptability for teleconsultation among SCI patients was 100 (18.24%) patients, 55 (55%) patients opted for VC, and 45 (45%) patients opted for TC. From the 100 patients, majority are male (n = 68, 68%) and the rest are female (n = 32, 32%). The patients are predominantly Malay (n = 67, 67%), 22 (22%) Chinese patients and 11 (11%) Indian patients. The majority are from the age group of 25 – 50 years old (n = 51, 51%) and 72 (72%) patients stay in Klang Valley. Conclusions: Prevalence of acceptability for teleconsultation among SCI patients in KPS, HRC was 18.42%, which is lower than a similar study done in Washington that had a prevalence of 27.2%. Though it is still in an early stage, acceptance for teleconsultation is encouraging. Further study needs to be done to explore other factors that determine patient acceptability towards teleconsultation and telemedicine.
Sharing of Teleconsultation Experience with Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Mira Farhana Yaacob  , Chai Min Ying  , Siti Nur Hidayah Sudin  , Siti Suhaida Sudin  , Yusniza Mohd Yusof
Published: March 2022

Background and aim: Teleconsultation (TC) is a new medical service provided remotely via communication technology. In Klinik Pakar Spinal (KPS), Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras (HRC), TC is offered to follow up patients who are supposed to come for physical clinic consultation since January 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and movement control order (MCO). Those interested will be scheduled for either virtual clinic (VC) sessions via Google Meet or telephone consultation. Methods: TC was planned since 2020 with two workshops conducted in HRC to decide on the policy and workflow for the TC service. In January 2021, the first VC was done in KPS, and patients were selected among stable, follow-up cases. The patient must have a valid email address and own a device with a suitable VC platform. The setting up of the VC in KPS is done in a room equipped with a webcam, speakers, and a stable intranet. Patients will be scheduled for their VC sessions via Google Meet the day before, and an invitation will be sent via email, while telephone consultations will be arranged accordingly and conducted on the scheduled day and time. After teleconsultation, the clinical input will be documented in the patient’s case note. In KPS, 18.24% of spinal cord injury patients were agreeable for TC. Results: The benefits of TC include patients not having to travel and being followed up safely at their homes. It also reduces the crowding of patients in the clinic. Therefore, reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. TC is also useful for those patients who have the anxiety to attend appointments physically due to the pandemic. However, TC’s limitations include lack of human touch and inability to perform the physical examination on patients, communication difficulties, and IT failure. Conclusion: Teleconsultation is a beneficial service that needs further exploring and promoting access to rehabilitation care for many people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
An Uncommon Case of Post-Traumatic Syringobulbia: A Case Report
Authors: Izzat Zulhilmi Abd Rahman  , Salmah Anim Abu Hassan
Published: March 2022

Background and aim: Syringobulbia is a rare progressive neurological condition characterised by the presence of syrinx or an elongated fluid-filled cavity in the brainstem with multiple possible underlying aetiologies. However, to date, only a few cases of syringobulbia presenting as a late complication of post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) have been reported. Methods: We present a case of a 26-year-old morbidly obese gentleman with T4 AIS C incomplete spinal cord injury following T7 burst fracture 2 years prior requiring spinal instrumentation. He then experienced implant failure 1 year later, necessitating implant removal. Subsequently, he reported worsening back pain and neurology deterioration over his left upper and lower limb. In addition to that, pain and muscle spasms over the left upper limb extending up to the left side of his neck, face, and head warranted a repeat imaging of the brain and spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed syringobulbia predominantly affecting the left side of the medulla oblongata with extensive syringomyelia originating from the C1 to T12 vertebral level. Moreover, the old T7 fracture site remained malunited. Results: Despite a successful second spinal decompressive surgery and combined rehabilitation, there was no neurological recovery. However, the patient described significant improvement in pain and spasms. Conclusion: PTS complicated with syringobulbia, although rare, is one of the causes of the delayed-onset neurological deterioration in spinal cord injured patients. It might be a diagnostic dilemma as some cases exhibit atypical presentations and mimic the pre-existing neurological deficit. Syrinx formation due to alteration of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in post-traumatic spinal deformity might benefit from decompressive surgery, avoiding the need for intradural shunt placement, coupled with medication and physical therapy. Even though there was no neurological recovery, symptomatic alleviation of neuropathic pain and spasm improved quality of life.
Treatment of acute respiratory failure: noninvasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Park Sunghoon
Published: March 2022

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been an important strategy to support patients with respiratory failure, while preventing complications assorted with invasive mechanical ventilation. Physicians need to be aware of the various roles of NIV and the challenges encountered in clinical practice.Current Concepts: Traditionally, the application of NIV has been well-known to be associated with reduced mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or acute pulmonary edema and those suffering from acute respiratory failure. However, despite some positive results of NIV treatment in patients with de novo hypoxemic respiratory failure such as acute pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome, NIV failure (or delayed intubation) can have deleterious effects on patients outcomes. Besides, the aggravation of lung injury should also be taken into consideration when applied to patients exhibiting high respiratory drive. Nonetheless, NIV has potential for wide applications in various clinical situations such as facilitation of ventilator weaning, post-operative respiratory failure, or palliative treatment.Discussion and Conclusion: In addition to the strong evidence in patients with acute respiratory failure due to COPD or acute pulmonary edema, the NIV treatment can be potentially used for various clinical conditions. However, compared to European countries, the prevalence of NIV use continues to remain lower in South Korea. Nevertheless, when applied in appropriately selected patients in a timely manner, NIV treatment can be associated with improved patient outcomes.
Treatment of acute respiratory failure: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Kim Jin-Young , Hong Sang-Bum
Published: March 2022

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for tissue oxygenation can improve the survival of patients with life-threatening respiratory distress syndrome or cardiac failure.Current Concepts: Recently, the use of ECMO in acute respiratory distress syndrome has first been reported by a multicenter randomized controlled trial, known as the conventional ventilation or ECMO for severe adult respiratory failure trial. The ECMO application is dramatically increasing with the increasing number of patients experiencing acute respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. In this review, we explain the indications of the ECMO application and ECMO-associated complications.Discussion and Conclusion: The ECMO application in lung diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 and acute respiratory distress syndrome, has significant outcomes in securing the treatment periods and reducing mortality. Therefore, accumulating knowledge and experience in the ECMO application can produce positive outcomes.
Pharmacotherapy for late-life depression
Authors: Han Kyu-Man
Published: March 2022

Background: Late-life depression (LLD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. However, LLD is often undetected or inadequately treated by clinicians. This review summarizes the recent research on pharmacotherapy for LLD, updates information on monotherapy using recommended antidepressants, and discusses the clinical features and diagnostic criteria for LLD.Current Concepts: The diagnostic criteria for depression in both elderly and young adults are identical. Clinical features of the elderly with depression more likely include more comorbid medical conditions and cognitive impairment than those of young adults. Depression in the elderly tends to have a more chronic course with frequent recurrences or relapses.Discussion and Conclusion: The current pharmacological treatment guidelines for LLD recommend the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, bupropion, mirtazapine, and vortioxetine as first-line medications. SSRIs, among them, are recommended first because they present fewer serious adverse effects and more clinical evidence than those of other antidepressants. Before starting antidepressant treatment for LLD, clinicians should consider patients’ comorbid medical conditions, drug interactions, possible adverse effects of antidepressants, and polypharmacy. The starting dose of antidepressants for elderly patients should be half of that prescribed for young adults to minimize the adverse effects; however, most elderly patients need the same antidepressant doses as that prescribed for young patients. After remission, a 1-year maintenance treatment is required to prevent recurrence or relapse of LLD.
elecciones presidenciales del 19 de marzo de 1989
Authors: Montes Segundo
Published: March 2022

En el artículo se retoma el análisis de las elecciones de 1988, para extraer de allí algunas lecciones y líneas de interpretación. Pasa luego a reflexionar sobre los antecedentes inmediatos y mediatos de las elecciones de 1989, ya sean externos o internos a El Salvador. Por último, se enfrenta a la crisis política originada por la propuesta del FMLN de postergar las elecciones y validarlas o aceptar sus resultados, renunciando consiguientemente a la lucha armada. El nudo del artículo se halla en la exposición y la interpretación de los datos y resultados de las elecciones, así como en las consecuencias derivadas de ello. Concluye con una serie de previsiones y de exposición de retos que se le plantean al partido ganador, ARENA.

ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 44, No. 485, 1989: 199-209.
The effect of clouds and precipitation on the aerosol concentrations and composition in a boreal forest environment
Authors: Isokääntä Sini , Kim Paul , Mikkonen Santtu , Kühn Thomas , Kokkola Harri , Yli-Juuti Taina , Heikkinen Liine , Luoma Krista , Petäjä Tuukka , Kipling Zak , Partridge Daniel , Virtanen Annele
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol particle concentrations are strongly affected by various wet processes, including wet scavenging (below and in-cloud) and aqueous phase oxidation in-cloud. This study employs airmass history analysis and observational data to investigate how wet scavenging and cloud processes affect particle concentrations and composition during transport to a rural boreal forest site in northern Europe. Long term particle size distribution (~ 15 years) and composition measurements (~ 8 years) were utilized in combination with airmass trajectories with relevant variables (e.g. rainfall rate, relative humidity, mixing layer height) from reanalysis data. Additional observational data sets (e.g. temperature, trace gases) were used to further evaluate the wet processes along trajectories with mixed effects models. All investigated chemical species (sulfate, black carbon and organics) showed an exponential decrease in the particle mass concentration as a function accumulated precipitation along the airmass route. Clear seasonal differences in wet removal were observed for sulfate (SO4) aerosols, whereas organics (Org) and black carbon (eBC) showed more minor differences. The removal efficiency varied slightly among the different reanalysis datasets (ERA-Interim and GDAS) used for the trajectory calculations, due to the difference in the average occurrence of precipitation events along the airmass trajectories between the reanalysis datasets. Aqueous phase processes were investigated by using a proxy for airmasses travelling inside clouds. Significant increases in total SO4 mass concentration were observed for airmasses recently been inside non-precipitating clouds when compared to airmasses that had no experience of clouds or precipitation during the last 24 hours before arrival to SMEAR II. Mixed effects model, in which other contributing factors (e.g. trace gases, local meteorology, diurnal variation) affecting particle mass concentrations in SMEAR II were considered, also indicated in-cloud production of SO4. Aqueous phase formation of SO4 was observed despite the reanalysis dataset used in the trajectory calculations. Investigation of the particle size distribution measurements revealed that most of the SO4 formed in-cloud can be attributed to particle sizes larger than 200 nm (electrical mobility diameter). No significant formation of aqueous phase secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) was observed.
Estimation of surface ammonia concentrations and emissions in China from the polar-orbiting Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer and the FY-4A Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder
Authors: Liu Pu , Ding Jia , Liu Lei , Xu Wen , Liu Xuejun
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Ammonia (NH3) is the most important alkaline gas in the atmosphere, which has negative effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, soil acidification and human health. China has largest NH3 emissions in the world mainly associated with agricultural sources including nitrogen fertilizer and livestock. However, there is still a limited number of ground monitoring sites in China, hindering our understanding of both surface NH3 concentrations and emissions. In this study, using the polar-orbiting satellite (IASI) and Fengyun-4 geostationary satellite (GIIRS), we analyzed the changes of hourly NH3 concentrations, and estimated surface NH3 concentrations and NH3 emissions in China. GIIRS-derived NH3 concentration in daytime was generally higher than that at night, with high values during 8:00–18:00. Satellite-derived surface NH3 concentration was generally consistent with the ground observation data with R-square at 0.72–0.81 and slope equal to 1.03. Satellite-based NH3 emissions ranged from 12.99–17.77 Tg N yr-1 during 2008–2019. Spatially, high values of NH3 emissions mainly occurred in the North China Plain, Northeast China and Sichuan Basin, while low values were mainly distributed in western China (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau). Our study shows a high predictive power of using satellite data to estimate surface NH3 concentration and NH3 emissions over multiple temporal and spatial scales, which provide an important reference for understanding NH3 changes over China.
Contributions of primary sources to submicron organic aerosols in Delhi, India
Authors: Bhandari Sahil , Arub Zainab , Habib Gazala , Apte Joshua S. , Hildebrandt Ruiz Lea
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Delhi, India experiences extremely high concentrations of primary organic aerosol (POA). Few prior source apportionment studies on Delhi have captured the influence of biomass burning (BBOA) and cooking (COA) on POA. In a companion paper, we develop a new method to conduct source apportionment resolved by time of day using the underlying approach of positive matrix factorization (PMF). We call this approach “time-of-day PMF” and statistically demonstrate the improvements in this approach over traditional PMF. Here, we quantify the contributions of BBOA, COA, and hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF) resolved by time-of-day on two seasons (winter and monsoon 2017) using organic aerosol measurements from an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM). We deploy the EPA PMF tool with the underlying Multilinear Engine (ME-2) as the PMF solver. We also conduct detailed uncertainty analysis for statistical validation of our results. HOA is a major constituent of POA in both winter and monsoon. In addition to HOA, COA is found to be a major constituent of POA in monsoon and BBOA is found to be a major constituent of POA in the winter. Neither COA nor BBOA was resolved in the seasonal (not time-resolved) analysis. The COA mass spectral profiles (MS) are consistent with mass spectral profiles from Delhi and around the world, particularly resembling MS of heated cooking oils with a high m/z 41. The BBOA MS have a very prominent m/z 29 in addition to the characteristic peak at m/z 60, consistent with previous MS observed in Delhi and from wood burning sources. In addition to separating the POA, our technique also captures changes in MS profiles with the time of day, a unique feature among source apportionment approaches available. In addition to the primary factors, we separate 2–3 OOA components. When all factors are recombined to total POA and OOA, our results are consistent with seasonal PMF analysis conducted using EPA PMF. Results from this work can be used to better design policies that target relevant primary sources of organic aerosols in Delhi.
Attribution of surface ozone to NOx and VOC sources during two different high ozone events
Authors: Lupaşcu Aurelia , Otero Noelia , Minkos Andrea , Butler Tim
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Increased tropospheric ozone (O3) and high temperatures affect human health during heat waves. Here, we perform a source attribution that considers separately the formation of German surface ozone from emitted NOx and VOC precursors during two peak ozone events that took place in 2015 and 2018 which were associated with elevated temperatures. Results showed that the peak ozone concentrations can be primarily attributed to nearby emissions of anthropogenic NOx (from Germany and immediately neighboring countries) and biogenic VOC. Outside of these high ozone episodes, baseline ozone concentrations are attributed primarily to long-range transport, with ozone due to remote anthropogenic NOx emissions and methane oxidation adding to the tropospheric ozone background. We show that a significant contribution to modeled O3 coming from German NOx or VOC emissions occurs mostly in southern Germany, emphasizing that the production of ozone depends on the local interplay among NOx and VOC precursors. Shipping activities in the Baltic and North Seas have a large impact on ozone predicted in coastal areas, yet a small amount of ozone from these sources can also be seen far inland, showing the importance of transported ozone on pollution levels. We have also shown that changes in circulation patterns during the peak O3 episodes observed in Germany during the 2015 and 2018 heatwaves can affect the contribution of different NOX emission sources to total O3, thus the possible influence of multiple upwind source regions should be accounted for when mitigation strategies are designed. Our study also highlights the good correlation between ozone coming from German biogenic VOC emissions and total ozone, although the diurnal variation in the ozone coming from biogenic sources is not dominated by the diurnal variation in biogenic emissions, and the peaks of ozone from biogenic sources are disconnected from local emission peaks. This suggests that the formation of O3 from local German biogenic VOC emissions is not the sole factor that influences the ozone formation and other meteorological and chemical processes affect the diel variation of ozone having a biogenic origin. Overall, this study helps to understand the importance of a source attribution method to understand the sources of O3 in Germany and can be a useful tool that will help to design effective mitigation strategies.
Aerosol indirect effects in complex-orography areas: a numerical study over the Great Alpine Region
Authors: Napoli Anna , Desbiolles Fabien , Parodi Antonio , Pasquero Claudia
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Aerosols play a crucial role in climate through different feedback mechanisms, affecting radiation, clouds, and air column stability. This study focuses on the altitude dependence of the cloud-mediated indirect effects of aerosols in the Great Alpine Region (GAR), an area characterized by high pollution levels from anthropic activities in the Po Valley and a complex orography with some of the highest mountains in Europe. Using a regional atmospheric model, 5-year-long convective-permitting sensitivity experiments have been run with different surface aerosol fluxes. The results show that seasonal mean cloud cover, temperature, and precipitations are affected by the aerosol concentrations in the air column and that the response to pollution is both elevation- and season-dependent. The overall cloud cover increase with aerosol levels leads to either surface cooling or warming depending on the surface albedo (snow covered or not). Furthermore, different types of clouds have a different response: while the lifetime of low-pressure-system clouds and orographic clouds is generally increased at high levels of aerosols, convective clouds (typical of the summer season) can decrease at high levels of pollution due to the reduction in strong updrafts associated with an increased air column stability.