Transnational Ideas and Connections: Understanding Asian Civil Society Activism

Whether one looks back at armed insurgency movements, the Philippines’ People Power, or Jakarta’s riots against Suharto, transnational ideas, models of collective action, and activists have been keys in inspiring and fostering civil society mobilization and organizations in Southeast Asia. What are some of the common characteristics of Asian civil society activism, and what are some of the differences? Can we explain these similitudes and differences across countries, especially within Southeast Asia? Are there themes for activism that are more dominant than others? To answer these questions, we first undertook a short historical and comparative review of social activism in the region before conducting a preliminary analysis of a database on NGOs, networks, and coalitions in various Southeast Asian countries. Our results seem to show that national organizations tend to be influenced by agenda setting on the part of regional organizations, to the point where it might trump the importance of national/local issues, such as the regime type, and might homogenize the issues on which organizations work across countries. At the same time, national/local animosities also influence regional organizations, whether they want it or not. In sum, regional and national organizations shape each other, and that the influence is far from going only in one single direction

Enhancing Employability for Autistic Graduates: Using TRIZ Theory to Design Virtual Reality Solutions for Fostering Inclusive Communications in Workplace Environments

The underemployment of post-secondary graduates with autism AP-PSD is a critical concern This issue often stems from difficulties in workplace integration and communication This research explores the potential of virtual reality VR systems to alleviate these challenges by simulating work environments The methodology rooted in the TRIZ Theory a problem-solving algorithm refines the use of VR systems for enhanced adaptability and efficiency The primary objectives include enhancing employers understanding of AP-PSD-related issues and identifying significant workplace challenges faced by AP-PSDs Through literature reviews surveys and focus groups the study investigates the factors impacting AP-PSDs and identifies key components to develop a more effective VR system to support their workplace integration The research also scrutinizes existing technological adaptations that could improve situation recognition communication and understanding in the workplace Additionally the potential role of human supervision in conjunction with VR technology support for AP-PSD employees is considered The results suggest that regardless of company size supporting AP-PSDs in the workplace is a feasible goal that can enhance their wellbeing Crucially the AP-PSD s active participation in their own integration process which encompasses training human support and environmental adaptations along with the specific involvement of the human resources manager has proven vital With the right accommodations AP-PSDs can demonstrate up to 30 greater productivity than neurotypical employees offsetting accommodation costs This research emphasizes the need to blend human-centered approaches with technological innovations to boost AP-PSDs employability Though industry-specific integration details are beyond the scope of this study the results underline the potential for tailored solutions aligned with each company s unique culture The paper presents a prototype for further co-design phase

Enhancing Employability for Autistic Graduates: Using TRIZ Theory to Design Virtual Reality Solutions for Fostering Inclusive Communications in Workplace Environments

The underemployment of post-secondary graduates with autism (AP-PSD) is a critical concern. This issue often stems from difficulties in workplace integration and communication. This research explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) systems to alleviate these challenges by simulating work environments. The methodology, rooted in the TRIZ Theory, a problem-solving algorithm, refines the use of VR systems for enhanced adaptability and efficiency. The primary objectives include enhancing employers\u27 understanding of AP-PSD-related issues and identifying significant workplace challenges faced by AP-PSDs. Through literature reviews, surveys, and focus groups, the study investigates the factors impacting AP-PSDs and identifies key components to develop a more effective VR system to support their workplace integration

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Mondialisation et altermondialisation : dialectique ou dialogue ?

Ce 26 janvier 2008, des centaines d’« altermondialistes » marchent dans les rues de Montréal alors que se tient en Suisse le Forum économique mondial qui réunit à Davos l’élite politique et économique. En plein froid hivernal, ces militants participent comme des milliers d’autres un peu partout dans le monde à l’une des 600 activités organisées pour affirmer et clamer bien haut que plusieurs mondialisations sont possibles, que le citoyen ordinaire a voix au chapitre quand il s’agit des enjeux..

Philippines : une transition démocratique qui n’en finit plus

Avril 2012 Samedi 25 février 2012, le président Benigno « Noynoy » Aquino, fils de l’ancienne présidente Corazon « Cory » Cojuangco Aquino et du sénateur Benigno « Ninoy » Aquino II, assassiné durant la dictature de Ferdinand Marcos ouvre les cérémonies commémorant la révolte populaire d’EDSA (acronyme du nom d’une importante artère de la capitale où plus d’un million de Manillais s’étaient rassemblés en février 1986 pour forcer le départ du dictateur). Aïeul des manifestations de la place Ti..

3. Les organisations non gouvernementales canadiennes : bilan et perspectives

Le 16 février 2003, au lendemain de la plus grande mobilisation pacifiste connue à ce jour, le New York Times titrait à la une qu’il existait désormais un véritable contre-pouvoir à l’hégémonie américaine, celui de la société civile mondiale. Bien qu’il soit difficile de soutenir une telle thèse, ce contre-pouvoir reste immensément diffus et hétérogène, il n’en demeure pas moins qu’il existe aujourd’hui une variété d’acteurs non étatiques qui prennent position souvent quotidiennement sur une ..

The Philippines: a never-ending democratic transition

April 2012 On 25 February 2012, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, son of former president Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino and of the assassinated senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II who was killed under the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship, opened commemorative ceremonies for the EDSA people’s revolt. EDSA is the acronym for a wide artery of the capital, the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, where over 1 million people mobilized in February 1986 to force the departure of the dictator Marcos. The EDS..