Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children: What are Salient Development and Research Factors to Consider? - Pages 68-76

Marisa Macy, Ching-I Chen and Robert Macy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2019.07.03.2

Published: 06 August 2019

Abstract: Early childhood professionals are increasingly pressed to use evidence-based measures when assessing young children. Professional time and resources to investigate research is limited, and takes time away from the delivery of direct services. The literature review is to describe the progression of a widely used curriculum-based assessment (CBA), the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children (AEPS). In addition to sharing the development of this early childhood measure, we identified 19 studies from the available research found in various databases that have investigated the evidence supporting the use of this measure. Findings have implications for the validity, reliability, and utility of the AEPS.

Keywords: Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System (AEPS), early childhood curriculum-based assessment, early intervention, early childhood special education, reliability, validity, utility.

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A Curative Perspective on Down Syndrome - Pages 77-85

Jean A. Rondal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2019.07.03.3

Published: 06 August 2019

Abstract: A curative perspective on Down syndrome is pointing out. Experimental work regarding chromosome correction and corrective action on genes and proteins is yielding positive results. They open the way to advances in dealing with aneuploidies and may end up markedly changing the life of the individuals affected with these conditions at the same time, several molecules are in the research pipeline of cognitive pharmacotherapy. The paper summarizes these advances and set them into perspective for the future of Down syndrome. Research on the effects of the amyloid cascade in the etiology of Alzheimer disease, which is more frequent in aging persons with Down syndrome, is also analyzed. Its potential for improving early diagnosis and paving the way for stabilizing the condition at least in the first stages is also discussed.

Keywords: Aneuploidies, Down syndrome, genetic therapy, cognitive pharmacotherapy, Alzheimer disease.

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Motivational Mechanisms of Demonstration of Professional Competences in a Situation of Uncertainty - Pages 86-96

Petr A. Korchemnyj

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2019.07.03.4

Published: 06 August 2019

Abstract: The research paper establishes that the efficient resolution of a situation of uncertainty is achieved due to the motivational mechanisms for the manifestation of professional competencies. The psychological essence of the condition of uncertainty, the role of needs, intentions and professional goals in the restructuring of energy in the mental apparatus of a person, the place of motive as a conscious impetus of a person to specific actions are revealed. The author proposed the concept of the relationship of psycho-physiological and motivational mechanisms for the actualization of professional competencies in a situation of unexpected changes in the professional goals and objectives of the activity. The topicality of the work is due to the need to study the effect of motivation to act on the manifestation of professional competencies in a situation of uncertainty. An important goal of the research paper is assessed - a theoretical-psychological analysis of the motivational mechanisms for the expression of professional competencies of a subject of activity internally motivated for success in an unexpected professional situation, taking into account his personal, professional skills. The theoretical significance of our work is in the theoretical-methodological substantiation of the motivational model for the manifestation of the abilities of an extreme profession specialist's personality to apply professional competence in the conditions of uncertainty. It has been proved that the motivational factor of actualization of professional competencies in a situation of risk is fundamental in deciding to cope with unforeseen difficulties.

Keywords: Professional competences, motivational mechanisms, situation of uncertainty, decision-making, intentions, needs, motives, goals.

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Available Approaches to Combining Traditional and Modern Medicine in China - Pages 97-101

Wang Haiyan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2019.07.03.5

Published: 06 August 2019

Abstract: The search for the best possible form of interaction between modern and traditional medicine in China is quite a controversial issue. It is established that there is a number of social and philosophical viewpoints concerning the problem of integration of modern and traditional medicine, including the following: their integration is impossible; Chinese and modern medicine can be combined in terms of mutual complementation in treatment practice; the integration is quite likely. The author proves that an important prerequisite for the solution to this problem is understanding of the role of the worldview factor and traditions of the Chinese population. The search for the ways to integrate traditional and modern medicine is possible only provided that there is necessary political support from the state.

Keywords: Traditions of the population, medicines, integration, Chinese medicine, political system, culture, globalization.

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Exercise-Based VRT Shows Benefits in Balance and Postural Stability in Adult Patients with Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction - Pages 102-108

Kambiz Ahmadi Angali, Elham Maraghi, Arash Bayat, Nader Saki and Golshan Mirmomeni

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2019.07.03.6
Published: 06 August 2019

Abstract: Background and Objective: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program designed to improve balance function and alleviate problems related to dizziness, including vestibular hypofunction. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of VRT exercises on balance function in adults with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH).

Methods: Thirty-one patients (mean age: 39.48 (±10.96) years old) with confirmed UVH participated in this study. The VRT program consisted of habituation and adaptation exercises in combination with gait and balance exercises. The handicapping influences of dizziness were measured with a dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scale to measure the level of respondent’s performance on physical, emotional, and functional dimensions. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was also used to rate the severity of dizziness symptoms. The DHI and VAS scales were assessed pre-intervention and post-intervention at one, two, and four weeks follow-ups after the last rehabilitation session.

Results: An analysis of variance showed a significant reduction and a consequent improvement in DHI scores after vestibular exercises in all domains: emotional, physical and functional (p < 0.001). The mean total DHI score significantly decreased by 15 points after one week, 24 points after two weeks and 15 points after four weeks of the last VRT session. The mean baseline VAS score was 7.71 (±0.91) that significantly decreased at one, two, and four weeks post-intervention to 4.81 (±0.73), 3.77 (±0.61), and 3.16 (±0.97), respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The exercise-based VRT shows benefits for adult patients with chronic dizziness concerning improvement in the vertigo symptom scale, fall risk, balance and emotional status.

Keywords: Vestibular rehabilitation, Adult, Unilateral vestibular dysfunction.

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