Secondary Publication Research Articles

Inclusive Education in the Context of Ethnocultural Diversity: Understanding the Process of Exclusion in Order to Act in the School – A Secondary Publication

This issue reveals that the implementation of inclusive education is an unfinished challenge, both within the system and for individual self-improvement. This process of changing practices, by continually questioning the school’s responsibility for the (re)production of inequalities, exclusion, and unequal social relations, is riddled with obstacles, unpredictable situations, and strong emotions. In particular, the researchers point out that many systemic mechanisms of school culture contribute to replicating and reifying hierarchical school experiences and exacerbating processes of institutional discrimination against immigrant backgrounds and/or racialized students. The empirical research presented also highlights the deficit thinking of school staff toward immigrant students and their parents. The results show that staff tend to use linguistic and cultural gaps between students and the school system to explain academic failure. Be that as it may, the researchers as well as the school actors and students interviewed in this issue suggest fertile ways to improve inclusion in the school context, stressing the importance of giving voice to the various actors to move toward institutional transformation.

The Self-Managed Work Program: A Public Policy Oriented Towards Sustaining Worker-Owned Projects — A Secondary Publication

The Self-Managed Work Program is a public policy of institutional strengthening implemented by the national state in support of worker-managed production units. Based on this policy, the article aims to review the objectives and actions of the program, analyze its management during the pandemic, the scope of its current implementation, and suggest possible improvements.

Characterization of Neural Plasticity in Monkey Models of Neuropathic Pain – A Secondary Publication

Neuropathic pain can occur as a result of injuries and diseases of the nervous system. Animal models using rodents have been developed and characterized to reveal plastic changes underlying neuropathic pain. However, structures and functions of some brain areas that are associated with pain perception differ between rodents and primates. Therefore, animal models using non-human primates, such as the macaque monkey, with brain structures and functions closer to those of humans are important for elucidating the mechanisms underlying pain in human patients. Recently, we measured brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a macaque model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and reported abnormal activation of pain-related brain regions including insular and secondary somatosensory cortices. In the monkey model of central post-stroke pain, moreover, the increased activation of pain-related areas as seen in the patients was confirmed by fMRI. These results indicate that fMRI measurement of brain activity combined with behavioral outcomes in macaque models could be used not only to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms but also to test therapeutic interventions for neuropathic pain.

Analysis of a Case of Airway Hemangioma in a 1-Month-Old Infant with Dyspnea – A Secondary Publication

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of infancy. However, hemangiomas located in the respiratory tract are rare and could cause life-threatening events due to airway obstruction. To date, the best recommended treatment for infantile hemangioma is oral propranolol as it exhibits faster effects with fewer adverse effects as compared to systemic corticosteroid therapy. In this study, we reported a case of a 1-month-old girl who was presented with respiratory symptoms and hemangioma on the scalp. The hemangioma extended from the right base of the skull to the thoracic inlet, causing inspiratory stridor and dyspnea. Treatment with oral propranolol was initiated and her symptoms regressed. Imaging showed regression of the hemangioma. This was a rare case of skin hemangioma found on the scalp, in which the hemangioma extended from the base of the skull to the subglottis, precipitating respiratory symptoms from airway obstruction. Based on this encounter, the presentation of skin hemangioma on the head, coupled with respiratory symptoms, necessitates the use of imaging studies, such as computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging to ascertain the extent of hemangioma.

Give Your Life to the Economy: Death Management and Neoliberalism in the Brazil of the Pandemic – A Secondary Publication

This essay is a reflection on how the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has re-edited and updated the old mechanisms of neoliberalism and the management of death in Brazil. We discussed the imperatives and messages repeated since March 2020 in the media that transmit a false idea of freedom of choice concerning individual protection, while the State, reinforcing the neoliberal ideology and producing feelings of failure, guilt, and fear materially leaves a large part of the population unprotected. Then, we articulated notions about neoliberalism and the lack of social protection on how death management has been conducted during the pandemic. Finally, we reflected on the possibility of weather insurgency and promoted the idea that the established solidarity networks are expressions of solidarity and class identity based on what resembles us as humans.

An Analysis of Education Implementation for the Improvement of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) of Pre-service Science Teachers: Focusing on the Integration of Sustainable Happiness and Complexity Theory – A Secondary Publication

In this study, class demonstrations conducted integrating science education and ‘Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)’ by preservice science teachers were analyzed, focusing on the concept of ‘sustainable happiness’ and the main elements of ‘complexity theory.’ In addition, changes before and after participating in such education implementation were analyzed from various angles. Through this, preservice science teachers tried to derive implications for developing multidimensional teacher professionalism in ESD. The main findings are as follows. First, as a result of peer evaluation of class materials and class demonstrations designed by preservice science teachers, the average of the integration for ‘sustainable happiness’ was relatively high. Next, it was analyzed that the elements of ‘sustainable happiness’ and ‘complexity theory’ generally had a positive correlation with ESD. In addition, after participating in the study, preservice science teachers considered individual and social behavioral patterns as important in the sense of ESD. Regarding the need to integrate science education and ESD, preservice science teachers thought it was necessary to deal with the concept of ‘sustainable happiness’ in science education to understand a sustainable way of life. It was analyzed that the elements of ‘sustainable happiness’ and ‘complexity theory’ generally had a positive correlation with ESD. It was found that preservice science teachers’ confidence in incorporating ESD in science classes was significantly higher after participation in the study. In addition, it was analyzed that preservice science teachers have come to think more about the role of teachers who can communicate with students and think about happy lives together than before. Overall, it is thought that preservice science teachers have come to think of multidimensional science teacher professionalism by applying the perspective of the teaching and learning strategy of the new ESD, which integrates the concept of ‘sustainable happiness’ and elements of ‘complexity theory.’

A Case in Which Identification of Cardiac Scar Tissue by MDCT Was Effective in Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia – A Secondary Publication

During catheterization of ventricular tachycardia, it is often found difficult to identify the origin of ventricular tachycardia when tachycardia is not induced during the procedure or hemodynamics are disrupted. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac MRI and late Iodine enhancement (LIE) in cardiac CT are reportedly performed to identify myocardial scar tissue and estimate the origin of ventricular tachycardia preoperatively. However, although LGE is useful for identifying the origin of tachycardia, the slice thickness is large and imaging takes a long time, and if a premature beat occurs or the device is inserted during imaging, a good image cannot be obtained. On the other hand, LIE also has poor resolution, making it difficult to take clear images. In this case report, the origin of ventricular tachycardia was presumed preoperatively using a new image processing method called Subtraction Myocardial Image for Late Iodine Enhancement (SMILIE) using a 320-row Area Detector CT, which was useful during catheter ablation.

Congestion Control Algorithms for the Internet – A Secondary Publication

In the last five years, there has been a V-shaped recovery in the number of papers on congestion controlalgorithms on the Internet. In this paper, congestion problems on the Internet are discussed, such as congestion collapse and bufferbloat from the perspective of the necessity of congestion control algorithms. The typical congestion control algorithms are introduced, and the research areas and methods of congestion control algorithms are described. Recent research trends and future prospects of congestion control algorithms are also presented.

Teacher Stress During Educational Processes with Physical and Remote Attendance Regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic – A Secondary Publication

The integration of new technologies and the increase in workload have influenced teaching performance, thereby affecting the development of teaching-learning activities. The balance between time dedicated to professional practice and time available for physical and psychological rest is analyzed based on the definition of stress as a collection of daily situations that impact the personal and professional development of an individual, which escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic with the rise of virtual educational practices. The study, conducted in two educational units in Quito, Ecuador, involved administering the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire to 155 participants, alongside collecting data on sociodemographic variables. Statistical analysis was performed using the JASP 0.15 program. The results indicate the level of work stress experienced by teachers, depending on various sociodemographic variables including rural or urban setting, gender, age, level of education, marital status, and cohabitation arrangements. A statistically significant correlation (< 0.001) was observed, particularly regarding the challenge faced by over half of the participants (0.51) in finding time for postgraduate studies. Additionally, a moderate correlation was found between inattention and various symptoms: frustration (0.46), guilt (0.36), weariness (0.26), tiredness (0.51), lack of attention (0.26), and the importance of work (0.43). These findings prompt a discussion on the allocation of time and workload for teachers, irrespective of their location in rural or urban areas.

A Case of Cone Reconstruction and Aortic Valve Replacement for an Adult Patient Diagnosed with Ebstein’s Anomaly Incidentally during Preoperative Examination of Severe Aortic Regurgitation – A Secondary Publication

Recently, there have been some reports that cone reconstruction can be performed in the repair of Ebstein’s anomaly with acceptable results on a child. On an adult with Ebstein’s anomaly, optimal surgical indication and choice of the operative procedure are controversial. A man in his seventies was diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly incidentally during the preoperative examination of severe aortic regurgitation. We performed aortic valve replacement and cone reconstruction because his tricuspid regurgitation was moderate. There was no severe complication and he was discharged. No sign of recurrence has been observed after 4 months of follow-up. We present a case in which cone reconstruction and aortic valve replacement were successfully performed on an adult patient diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly and severe aortic regurgitation.

Analysis of Quenching Resistor Effect to Improve Stability of TIA Circuit for APD – A Secondary Publication

In this paper, since the Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) for Light-to-Voltage LTV conversion uses a high voltagein the operating range unlike other Photo Diodes (PD), the quenching resistor must be connected in series to prevent overcurrent when using the Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA). In such a case, quenching resistance may affect the transfer function of the TIA circuit, resulting in serious stability. Therefore, in this paper, by analyzing the effect of APD quenching resistance on the voltage and current loop transfer function of TIA, we proposed a loop analysis and a method for determining the quenching resistance value to improve stability. A TIA circuit with quenching resistance was designed by the proposed method and its operational stability was verified through simulation and chip fabrication.

A Study on the Influences of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Treatment-Crisis on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients – A Secondary Publication

Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the quality of life of cancer patients by examining the degree of the COVID-19 pandemic-related depression, anxiety, stress, and treatment crisis. Methods: Data were collected from 132 cancer patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy at K University Hospital in D City using a structured questionnaire. The period of data collection was from May 6 to May 28, 2022. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The mean scores of quality-of-life, depression, anxiety, stress, and treatment crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic were 84.64 ± 29.09, 15.14 ± 6.49, 4.66 ± 5.27, 75.83 ± 17.70, and 78.52 ± 19.95, respectively. In terms of factors affecting the quality of life related to the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic-related stress (β = 0.41, P < 0.001) appeared to have the greatest impact, followed by COVID-19 pandemic-related treatment-crisis (β = 0.28, P = 0.002), anxiety (β = 0.21, P = 0.002), and gender (β = 0.14, P = 0.009), with a total explanatory power of 67.6%. Conclusion: To improve the quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic-related stress, treatment-crisis, and anxiety should be periodically monitored and nursing interventions such as education on infection prevention, management, and emotional support programs should be provided to decrease the COVID-19 pandemic-related stress, treatment-crisis, and anxiety.

Inclusive Education in the Context of Ethnocultural Diversity: Understanding the Process of Exclusion to Act in the School — A Secondary Publication

This paper reveals that the implementation of inclusive education is an unfinished challenge, both within the system and for individual self-improvement. This process of changing practices, by continually questioning the school’s responsibility for the (re)production of inequalities, exclusion, and unequal social relations, is riddled with obstacles, unpredictable situations, and strong emotions. In particular, the researchers point out that many systemic mechanisms of school culture contribute to replicating and reifying hierarchical school experiences and exacerbating processes of institutional discrimination against immigrant backgrounds and/or racialized students. The empirical research presented also highlights the school staff’s deficit thinking toward immigrant students and their parents. The results show that staff tend to use linguistic and cultural gaps between students and the school system to explain academic failure. Be that as it may, the researchers as well as the school actors and students interviewed in this paper suggest multiple ways to improve inclusion in the school context, stressing the importance of giving voice to the various actors in order to move toward institutional transformation.

The Commitment to Promoting a Culture of Equity in Quebec Secondary Schools: Insights from School Stakeholders — A Secondary Publication

This paper presents the results of a research project on the intercultural climate in schools and the academic success of immigrant students in Quebec. The intercultural climate in eight secondary public schools is documented from the standpoint of various school and community stakeholders, students, and parents. More specifically, the paper focuses on the commitment to promoting cultural equity, which is identified through interviews with the targeted stakeholders on exclusionary practices and processes and the practices implemented to counter them. The results identify five areas of vulnerability among certain minoritized groups of students: the transition from welcoming to regular classes for those students learning French, evaluation and support for those experiencing learning or behavioral difficulties, the referral of these students to adult education programs or work-oriented training programs, their participation in extracurricular activities, and their access to special school projects. Nonetheless, some schools do report the introduction of many equity practices in response to the exclusionary ones. However, these initiatives are mostly occasional and voluntary and pertain to interactions between individuals. These findings call for a discussion on the importance of systemic and concerted initiatives towards achieving equity.

Ableism and (Neo)Racism in School Placement Processes in Quebec: School Personnel Interpretations of Immigrant Student Difficulties — A Secondary Publication

The school placement processes of students from immigrant backgrounds considered to be in “difficulty” is an international concern at the intersection of works relating to special education and those concerning the school experiences of students from immigrant backgrounds or racialized groups. The research problem of this article concerns the identification of these students as disabled or as having adjustment or learning difficulties. From a perspective anchored in Disability Critical Race Studies, this ethnographic study documents different interpretations of perceived difficulties made by school actors with regard to seven primary school students from immigrant backgrounds. Five interpretation types are presented: (1) medicalization by dismissal of cultural markers, (2) medicalization by professional constraint, (3) medicalization by cultural deficit, (4) precautionary wait, and (5) cultural differentialism. Our results help to shed light on the special education overrepresentation phenomenon regarding these students and to understand how ableism and (neo)racism contribute to it.

Relations Between School and Immigrant Families in Albertan Francophone School: Perspectives of Settlement Workers in Schools — A Secondary Publication

In recent years, Francophone schools in Alberta, a province in western Canada, have seen significant ethnocultural diversification of their school population, thus reflecting recent migratory changes in Canada. The population of a Francophone school board located in an agglomeration of Alberta reflects these new migratory trends. A partial ethnodemographic portrait carried out in 2003 in six of its schools indicates that 50% of the pupils come from an immigrant background and come from 23 different countries; mostly from sub-Saharan African countries. This demographic reality, confirmed more than a decade later, represents a major structural change for Francophone schools. In Alberta, as in other Canadian provinces, inclusion is at the heart of discourse and educational practices. With a transformative aim, it intends to promote ethnocultural diversity in the classroom and equal opportunities through school equity practices. This article focuses on the settlement workers in schools responsible for bridging family, community, and school cultures. The analysis of the interviews of the four workers sheds light on and questions both the institutional practices and the personal strategies put in place to face the challenges encountered in this tripartite collaboration.

Surgery for Spinal Deformities in Patients with Osteoporosis — A Secondary Publication

Objective: This review aims to present relevant considerations for the surgical treatment of spinal deformities accompanied by osteoporosis, how surgeons are trying to overcome the challenges posed by osteoporosis in patients with spinal deformities, and directions for further development. Summary of literature review: Various trials have been carried out to overcome the short- and long-term complications associated with osteoporosis in order to achieve successful clinical results in the surgical treatment of spinal deformities. Methods: A comprehensive review of relevant articles was conducted. Results: The surgical goal of treating spinal deformities is to reverse neurological compromise and restore balanced spine alignment. To achieve these goals, several surgical considerations should be kept in mind. Osteoporosis is an important issue related to early and long-term complications following surgery. Methods of overcoming the challenges posed by osteoporosis such as rigid fixation techniques, proper selection of the fusion levels, perioperative medical treatment, and effective bone grafting materials are described herein; however, further development in these areas is also necessary. Conclusions: Osteoporosis may be a major obstacle in spinal deformity surgery. Although several effective attempts have been made to overcome these limitations, further research and trials are necessary to obtain better results.

Secondary Publication: Proposal for Points of Consideration for Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture

Human pluripotent stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells, are used in basic research and various applied fields, including drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Stem cell technologies have developed rapidly in recent years, and the supply of culture materials has improved. This has facilitated the culture of human pluripotent stem cells and has enabled an increasing number of researchers and bioengineers to access this technology. At the same time, it is a challenge to share the basic concepts and techniques of this technology among researchers and technicians to ensure the reproducibility of research results. Human pluripotent stem cells differ from conventional somatic cells in many aspects, and many points need to be considered in their handling, even for those experienced in cell culture. Therefore, we have prepared this proposal, “Points of Consideration for Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture,” to promote the effective use of human pluripotent stem cells. This proposal includes seven items to be considered and practices to be confirmed before using human pluripotent stem cells. These are laws/guidelines and consent/material transfer agreements, diversity of pluripotent stem cells, culture materials, thawing procedure, media exchange and cell passaging, freezing procedure, and culture management. We aim for the concept of these points of consideration to be shared by researchers and technicians involved in the cell culture of pluripotent stem cells. In this way, we hope the reliability of research using pluripotent stem cells can be improved, and cell culture technology will advance.

Singularity in Rorschach’s Test: 12 Years of Research in Spanish-speaking Countries – A Secondary Publication

To describe the place of singularity in scientific research with the Rorschach test, 85 studies from Spanish-speaking countries published between 2010-2021 are compiled, analyzed, and classified with the “subject approach mode” described by Meneses, and identified for longitudinal trends. The results indicate a growing number of studies using Rorschach in the region with the systematic and stable presence of subject approach considering their singularity. This paper discusses whether the trends represent significance in research with Rorschach in the Spanish-speaking world, compared to studies in the English-speaking world, giving subjects the possibility of being considered in their complexity. It also proposes that the region presents an opportunity to produce research and theoretical models that take advantage of the comprehensive possibilities granted by the Rorschach test as a projective method.

Management of Hereditary Angioedema in Pediatric, Pregnant, and Breast-Feeding Patients: An Expert Opinion – A Secondary Publication

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare inherited condition marked by recurrent skin and submucosal edema. HAE is caused by a C1 inhibitor deficiency or decreased C1 inhibitor function. The initial attack may occur during childhood or pregnancy, with symptoms ranging from classic angioedema to nonspecific stomach cramps. In this review, we discuss strategies for children and pregnant women to manage HAE attacks effectively and safely in light of the recent increase in HAE diagnosis. To begin, an aggressive work-up is necessary to confirm HAE-1/2 and to determine the most effective countermeasures. Secondly, in the event of an acute attack, plasma-derived C1-inhibitor is the first line of defense for children and pregnant women. Icatibant is also appropriate for use, except in pregnant women. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) may be suggested as an alternative. Thirdly, proactive measures to prevent HAE attacks should be considered whenever a procedure is performed that may result in an exacerbation. Finally, FFP, attenuated androgen, and antifibrinolytic agents are recommended for long-term prophylaxis in South Korea where the C1 inhibitor is scarce. However, when making a decision, it is necessary to consider both the efficacy and the risk of adverse effects. For proper management, written action plans and first-aid kits are required. The action plans should be customized to the patient’s unique circumstances.