A previously healthy 35-year-old male belonging to the men who have sex with men (MSM) community, practising both penetrative and receptive anal sex for the past 10 years, and with no travel history outside South Africa, presented initially with a prodrome of fever, sore throat, night sweats, myalgia and fatigue. A week after the onset of these nonspecific symptoms, the patient noted painless, non-pruritic skin lesions measuring 2 - 15 mm in diameter on the dorsum of his hands. Three days later he developed rigors, watery diarrhoea and similar lesions on his genital and perianal areas. A week later, the patient presented to the emergency department with extensive lesions encompassing almost his entire body. He was admitted with suspected mpox infection. Imaging showed extensive lymphadenopathy, and the diagnosis was confirmed by mpox polymerase chain reaction testing. During the admission, he was also newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Treatment with tecovirimat was initiated, and the patient recovered, albeit with significant depigmentation and scarring.

ABSTRACT The geographical dispersion of daily life, coupled with the increase in travel speeds, have generated greater travel distances, affecting the spatial scale of mobility in metropolitan regions. The exploration of the spaces of activity of metropolitan residents is essential for the understanding urban expansion processes. This paper aims to evaluate the spaces of activity of metropolitan residents through a methodological proposal that combines the analysis of patterns of daily mobility, identified from personal tracking data, and the exploitation of land-use cartography. The method has been applied to the spatial extension of the daily life of members of the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The results make it possible to identify the impact of the place of residence and the mode of transport in daily mobility patterns on a metropolitan scale.

RESUMEN La dispersión geográfica de la vida cotidiana, junto al incremento de las velocidades de viaje, han generado mayores distancias de desplazamiento, afectando la escala espacial de la movilidad en regiones metropolitanas. La exploración de los espacios de actividad de residentes metropolitanos resulta esencial para la comprensión de procesos de expansión urbana. El artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar los espacios de actividad de residentes metropolitanos mediante una propuesta metodológica que combina, por una parte, el análisis de los patrones de movilidad cotidiana identificados a partir de datos de tracking personal; y por otra, la explotación de la cartografía de usos de suelo. El método se ha aplicado a la extensión espacial de la vida cotidiana de miembros de la comunidad universitaria en la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Los resultados y discusión permiten identificar el impacto del lugar de residencia y el modo de transporte en la movilidad cotidiana a escala metropolitana.

BACKGROUND: Long-haul flights have been associated with a two- to four-fold increased risk of aviation-related thrombosis (ART). Several studies have investigated the extent to which hypoxic hypobaric exposure, dehydration and prolonged immobilisation during air travel induce changes in haemostasis OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of high altitude as a risk factor for ART METHODS: Healthy volunteers aged >18 years (N=40), without risk factors for venous thromboembolism, were exposed to an exacerbated altitude of 18 000 feet (5 486 m) for 1 hour. During the flight, the oxygen (O2) levels of the participants, who received supplemental O2, were measured by pulse oximetry and maintained at >92%. Venous blood and urine samples were collected prior to departure and immediately after flying in an unpressurised twin-engine airplane. D-dimer levels, thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity and urine osmolality were measured RESULTS: The participants were 19 men and 21 women, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 46 (14) years. A significant difference in D-dimer levels, VWF activity, urine osmolality and TEG parameters (reaction (R) time, kinetic (K) time and maximum amplitude (MA)) before and after the 1-hour flight was observed (p<0.001). Urine osmolality correlated positively with VWF activity levels (r=0.469; p<0.002 CONCLUSION: Air travel at high altitude induced a hypercoagulable state in healthy volunteers. Future research should focus on whether thromboprophylaxis can significantly obviate the activation of coagulation in response to high altitude

Abstract Introduction. The COVID-19 infection drastically affected health care worldwide, creating challenges for primary care. In order to mitigate and manage infection, telemedicine has become an emerging and effective modality in several medical specialties, including head and neck surgery. Methods. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients seen in virtual consultation over 18 months. Absolute and relative frequencies were estimated, univariate analysis was done with chi-square, and bivariate analysis with binary logistic regression. Variables such as primary diagnosis, the resolution power of the consultation, the need for an in-person appointment, the platform, and its difficulties were included. Results. 2485 patients from 11 departments were included. Thyroid pathology was the most frequent (62.9%), followed by aerodigestive tract pathology (10.8%). The consultation was efficient in 99% of cases, with a resolution capacity of 96.4%. 1.4% had difficulties on the platform and 8.3% of patients required an in-person. When there was difficulty in reviewing exams or an inadequate functional inspection, it was 30 times more likely to not be able to efficiently be resolved. Conclusion. Telemedicine provides an efficient alternative for care in head and neck surgery, especially in thyroid pathology controls, avoiding unnecessary travel. In the aerodigestive tract, where the physical examination is essential, its usefulness is limited to the possibility of performing a subsequent endoscopic examination that allows adequate staging and facilitates in-person assessment.

Resumen Introducción. La infección por COVID-19 afectó drásticamente la atención en salud a nivel mundial, generando retos para la atención primaria. En orden de mitigar y manejar el contagio, la telemedicina se convirtió en una modalidad emergente y efectiva en varias especialidades médicas, incluida la cirugía de cabeza y cuello. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal con análisis retrospectivo de pacientes atendidos en la consulta virtual durante 18 meses. Se estimaron frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y bivariado con regresión logística binaria. Se incluyeron las variables de diagnóstico primario, poder resolutivo de la consulta, necesidad de cita presencial, plataforma y dificultades de la misma. Resultados. Se incluyeron 2485 pacientes provenientes de 11 departamentos. La patología tiroidea fue la más frecuente (62,9 %), seguida de la aerodigestiva (10,9 %). La consulta fue eficiente en el 99 % de los casos, con una capacidad resolutiva del 96,4 %. El 1,4 % tuvo dificultades en la plataforma y el 8,3 % de los pacientes requirió cita presencial. Cuando hubo dificultad para la revisión de exámenes o una inadecuada inspección funcional, fue 30 veces más probable no poder resolver eficientemente la consulta. Conclusión. La telemedicina provee una alternativa eficiente de atención en cirugía de cabeza y cuello, especialmente en los controles de patología tiroidea, evitando desplazamientos innecesarios. En el tracto aerodigestivo, donde el examen físico es primordial, su utilidad está limitada a la posibilidad de realizar un examen endoscópico posterior que permita una adecuada estadificación y facilite la valoración presencial.

With the study reported on here we aimed to determine and compare teacher perceptions of the concept of virtual reality between Turkish and South African teachers using metaphors. We adopted a phenomenological approach, and a questionnaire was administered to a total of 100 teachers in both countries, using random sampling. The study included 4 schools - 2 secondary schools selected from each country. The data obtained were analysed and categorised into themes using the metaphor mismatch technique. The following themes were identified and interpreted, learning, entertainment, technology, art, travel, and imagination. Teachers presented metaphors based on relevance to their area of practice and perceived potential use of virtual reality in teaching and learning. Based on the number of metaphors identified, teachers held a narrow perception in the categories, entertainment, technology, and travel, while more metaphors, with varied sample explanation responses were identified in the categories of learning, art, and imagination. The findings of this study can be used to develop a user road map for teacher professional development and to inform policy on the use of virtual reality in teaching and learning.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-researched and evidence-based psychotherapy that is underutilised in Africa. CBT presents opportunities for occupational therapists to expand their practice, for example by promoting engagement in meaningful and purposeful activity (behavioural activation), engaging with a mental health care user's thoughts during and after participation in activity (cognitive restructuring), and grading exposure to traumatic activities (exposure therapy). However, it is also critical that occupational therapists using CBT techniques culturally adapt these for their practice context and engage in professional development activities to develop their competencies as CBT practitioners. This commentary highlights recent advances in CBT practice and calls for CBT and associated techniques to be made more accessible to mental health care users in Africa. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE • The relationship between participation and mental health is gaining prominence within the field of CBT. Occupational therapists should position themselves as experts in the therapeutic use of activity. • Occupational therapists using CBT techniques should culturally adapt their practice to meet the mental health needs of people living in Africa. • Occupational therapists using CBT techniques should follow internationally recognised pathways to CBT professional development, and register as Affiliated Members of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Association of South Africa

Resumen: La educación no debe estar confinada a los centros urbanos ni diseñada únicamente para grandes públicos. Los proyectos en esta sección evidencian la escasez de instalaciones educativas fuera de las grandes concentraciones urbanas, un problema significativo en América Latina. Las cuatro escuelas en la Araucanía, al sur de Chile, acogen a pequeños grupos de estudiantes de diferentes edades y de entornos rurales, muchos de los cuales viajan varios kilómetros para asistir a clases. Juntas, ofrecen una exploración tipológica donde pasillos o halls se transforman en animados interiores multipropósito. Su materialidad, dimensiones y emplazamiento estratégico les permiten funcionar como patios de recreo, comedores, aulas y espacios para reuniones públicas, sirviendo a profesores, estudiantes y la comunidad en general. El Bosque Learning Center en La Barra, Uruguay, es una iniciativa de una organización sin fines de lucro ante la falta de espacios culturales y de aprendizaje en este enclave costero. Como un espacio para la reunión social y cultural, el edificio posiciona el bosque en el corazón de la experiencia de aprendizaje. Las salas circulares translúcidas, construidas con materiales simples, y a la larga desmontables, alojan espacios para talleres y clases. Organizadas alrededor de un espacio social de mayor tamaño, se abren y cierran al bosque circundante. El diseño fomenta una conexión visual y sensorial con la naturaleza, enriqueciendo formas organizadas y espontáneas de aprendizaje en y desde el bosque.

Abstract: Education should not be confined to urban centers or designed solely for mass publics. The projects in this section highlight the critical shortage of educational facilities outside large urban areas, a significant issue across Latin America. The four schools in Araucanía, in the south of Chile, accomodate small groups of students of various ages from rural backgrounds, who often travel several miles to attend classes. Each school doubles as a communal center. Presented together they offer a typological exploration to transform halls or distribution spaces into lively indoor patios and multipurpose interiors. The materiality, dimensions, and thoughtful placement allow these spaces to function as playgrounds, cafeterias, classrooms, and venues for public gatherings, serving teachers, students and the broader community. Bosque Learning Center in La Barra, Uruguay, is a self-organized response from a non-profit organization to the lack of cultural and learning spaces in this seaside enclave. As a space for social and cultural gathering, the building places the forest at the heart of the learning experience. Translucent circular rooms, constructed with simple and sustainable materials, are organized around a central square space, opening and closing to the forest beyond. The design fosters a visual and perceptual connection with nature, enhancing organized and spontaneous forms of learning in, and from the forest.

Resumen: La educación no debe estar confinada a los centros urbanos ni diseñada únicamente para grandes públicos. Los proyectos en esta sección evidencian la escasez de instalaciones educativas fuera de las grandes concentraciones urbanas, un problema significativo en América Latina. Las cuatro escuelas en la Araucanía, al sur de Chile, acogen a pequeños grupos de estudiantes de diferentes edades y de entornos rurales, muchos de los cuales viajan varios kilómetros para asistir a clases. Juntas, ofrecen una exploración tipológica donde pasillos o halls se transforman en animados interiores multipropósito. Su materialidad, dimensiones y emplazamiento estratégico les permiten funcionar como patios de recreo, comedores, aulas y espacios para reuniones públicas, sirviendo a profesores, estudiantes y la comunidad en general. El Bosque Learning Center en La Barra, Uruguay, es una iniciativa de una organización sin fines de lucro ante la falta de espacios culturales y de aprendizaje en este enclave costero. Como un espacio para la reunión social y cultural, el edificio posiciona el bosque en el corazón de la experiencia de aprendizaje. Las salas circulares translúcidas, construidas con materiales simples, y a la larga desmontables, alojan espacios para talleres y clases. Organizadas alrededor de un espacio social de mayor tamaño, se abren y cierran al bosque circundante. El diseño fomenta una conexión visual y sensorial con la naturaleza, enriqueciendo formas organizadas y espontáneas de aprendizaje en y desde el bosque.

Abstract: Education should not be confined to urban centers or designed solely for mass publics. The projects in this section highlight the critical shortage of educational facilities outside large urban areas, a significant issue across Latin America. The four schools in Araucanía, in the south of Chile, accomodate small groups of students of various ages from rural backgrounds, who often travel several miles to attend classes. Each school doubles as a communal center. Presented together they offer a typological exploration to transform halls or distribution spaces into lively indoor patios and multipurpose interiors. The materiality, dimensions, and thoughtful placement allow these spaces to function as playgrounds, cafeterias, classrooms, and venues for public gatherings, serving teachers, students and the broader community. Bosque Learning Center in La Barra, Uruguay, is a self-organized response from a non-profit organization to the lack of cultural and learning spaces in this seaside enclave. As a space for social and cultural gathering, the building places the forest at the heart of the learning experience. Translucent circular rooms, constructed with simple and sustainable materials, are organized around a central square space, opening and closing to the forest beyond. The design fosters a visual and perceptual connection with nature, enhancing organized and spontaneous forms of learning in, and from the forest.

Abstract: The present study explores street sexual harassment in the Riberas del Bravo case, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Riberas del Bravo is one of the areas with the highest incidence of sexual violence in the Chihuahua State. We worked with seven women who live in the area and travel alone to different places of work, school and recreation. Core densities were used as a cartographic tool to identify the spaces represented by the participants as dangerous and of incidence of sexual street harassment, as well as existing equipment. Based on this, and the construction of theoretical categories of urban sociology, gender studies and territorial perspective, we found that spaces close to the home, semi-walled vacant lots, and convenience stores have the highest incidence of events such as sexual comments and persecution. The frequency ranges from often to very often, with Thursdays and weekends at night being times of higher incidence. The main reaction of the victims is to walk quickly and avoid confrontation. Therefore, harassment reconfigures women's public spatial interaction and generates segregation in scales of differentiation of spatial use.

Resumen: El presente trabajo explora el acoso sexual callejero en el espacio público en el caso Riberas del Bravo, Ciudad Juárez, México. Esta es una de las zonas con mayor incidencia de violencia sexual en el Estado y guarda relación con una alta incidencia a nivel nacional. En relación con la metodología, se trabajó con siete mujeres que viven en la zona y se desplazan solitarias a distintos lugares de trabajo, escuela y recreación. Se utilizaron densidades de núcleo como herramienta cartográfica para identificar los espacios representados por las participantes como peligrosos y de incidencia de acoso sexual callejero, así como de equipamiento existente. A partir de ello y de categorías teóricas construidas por la sociología urbana, los estudios de género y la perspectiva territorial, se encontró que, en espacios cercanos a su vivienda, baldíos semi-amurallados y tiendas de conveniencia es donde el acoso cuenta con la mayor incidencia -abarcando desde comentarios sexuales hasta persecución-, siendo realizado en grupos de dos o más hombres. La frecuencia va desde un seguido y un muy seguido, siendo los fines de semana por la noche los momentos de mayor incidencia. En estos casos la reacción principal es caminar de prisa y evitar la confrontación. Por lo tanto, el acoso reconfigura la interacción espacial pública de las mujeres y genera una segregación en escalas de diferenciación de uso espacial.

ABSTRACT Introduction Obstructive azoospermia occurs when there is a blockage in the male reproductive tract, leading to a complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. It constitutes around 40% of all cases of azoospermia (1, 2). Blockages in the male reproductive tract can arise from either congenital or acquired factors, affecting various segments such as the epididymis, vas deferens, and ejaculatory ducts (3). Examples of congenital causes encompass conditions like congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens and unexplained epididymal blockages (4). Acquired instances of obstructive azoospermia may result from factors like vasectomy, infections, trauma, or unintentional injuries caused by medical procedures (5). This complex condition affecting male fertility, presents two main treatment options: microsurgical reconstruction and surgical extraction of sperm followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Microsurgical reconstruction proves to be the most cost-effective option for treating obstructive azoospermia when compared with assisted reproductive techniques (6, 7). However, success rates of reconstruction defined by patency are as high as 99% for vasovasostomy (VV) but decline to around 65% if vasoepididymostomy (VE) is required (8, 9). Thus, continued refinement in technique is necessary in order to attempt to improve patency for patients undergoing VE. In this video, we show a comprehensive demonstration of microsurgical VE, highlighting the innovative epididymal occlusion stitch. The goal of this innovative surgical technique is to improve outcomes for VE. Materials and Methods The patient is a 39-year-old male diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia who presents for surgical reconstruction via VE. His partner is a 37-years-old female with regular menstrual cycles. The comprehensive clinical data encompasses a range of factors, including FSH levels, results from semen analysis, and outcomes from testicular sperm aspiration. This thorough exploration aims to provide a thorough understanding of our innovative surgical technique and its application in addressing complex cases of obstructive azoospermia. Results The procedure was started on the right, the vas deferens was identified and transected. The abdominal side of the vas was intubated and a vasogram performed, there was no obstruction. There was no fluid visible from the testicular side of the vas for analysis, thus we proceeded with VE. Upon inspection of the epididymis dilated tubules were identified. After selecting a tubule for VE, two 10-0 nylon sutures were placed, and it was incised. Upon inspection of the fluid motile sperm was identified. After VE, we performed a novel epididymal occlusion stitch technique. This was completed distal to the anastomosis by placing a 7-0 prolene through the tunica of the epididymis from the medial to lateral side. This stitch was then tightened down with the goal to largely occlude the epididymis so that sperm will preferentially travel through the anastomosis. The steps were then repeated on the left. At 3-month follow up, the patient had no change in testicular size as compared with preoperative size (18cc), he had no testicular or incisional discomfort, and on semen analysis he had presence of motile sperm. After 3 months post-surgery, the patient had motile sperm seen on semen analysis. Discussion The introduction of a novel epididymal occlusion stitch demonstrates a targeted strategy to enhance the success of microscopic VE. Encouragingly, a 3-month post-surgery follow-up reveals the presence of motile sperm, reinforcing the potential efficacy of our approach. This is promising given the historical lower patency, delayed time to patency, and higher delayed failure rates that patients who require VE experience (10). In total, 40% of all azoospermia cases can be attributed to obstruction. The conventional treatments for obstructive azoospermia involve microsurgical reconstruction and surgical sperm retrieval followed by IVF. While microsurgical reconstruction has proven to be economically viable, the quest for enhanced success rates has led to the exploration of innovative techniques. Historically, the evolution of VV and VE procedures, initially performed in the early 20th century, laid the foundation for contemporary microsurgical approaches (11). Notably, the microscopic VV demonstrated significant improvements in patency rates and natural pregnancy likelihood, as evidenced by the seminal Vasovastomy Study Group study in 1991 (8). In contemporary literature, success rates particularly for VE remain unchanged for the past three decades since the original published success rates by the Vasectomy Reversal Study Group (12). VE is associated with a longer time to patency as well with patients taking 2.8 to 6.6 months to have sperm return to ejaculate as compared to 1.7 to 4.3 months for those undergoing VV. Additionally, of those patients who successfully have sperm return to the ejaculate after VE up to 50% will have delayed failure compared to 12% for those undergoing VV who are patent. Finally, of those who experience delayed failure after undergoing VE it usually occurs earlier with studies reporting as early as 6 months post-operatively (20). Given the lack of improvement and significantly worsened outcomes with VE further surgical refinement is a constant goal for surgeons performing this procedure. Conclusion: In conclusion, this video is both a demonstration and a call to action for commitment to surgical innovation. We aim to raise the bar in VE success rates, ultimately bringing tangible benefits to patients and contributing to the ongoing evolution of reproductive medicine. The novel epididymal occlusion stitch emerges as a beacon of progress, promising not only enhanced safety but also potential reductions in patency time. Surgical excellence and methodological refinement, as exemplified in this video, lay the foundation for a future where male reproductive surgery continues to break new ground. 40 1, 1 (1 2. 2 . 2) 3. (3) 4. 4 (4) vasectomy infections trauma 5. 5 (5) fertility options IVF (IVF) costeffective cost effective 6, (6 7. 7 7) However 99 (VV 65 (VE 8, 8 (8 9. 9 9) Thus 39yearold yearold 39 year old 37yearsold yearsold 37 years cycles levels aspiration right transected obstruction 100 10 0 10- placed incised 70 7- left 3month month 18cc, 18cc cc , (18cc) discomfort postsurgery, postsurgery post surgery, Encouragingly followup approach 10. (10) total viable Historically th century 11. 11 (11) Notably likelihood 199 8. (8) literature 12. 12 (12) 28 66 6. 17 1. 43 Additionally 50 patent Finally postoperatively operatively 20. 20 (20) Conclusion conclusion innovation medicine progress ground ( (3 (4 (5 (IVF (18cc (10 (11 19 (12 (20 (2

BACKGROUND. Long-haul flights have been associated with a two- to four-fold increased risk of aviation-related thrombosis (ART). Several studies have investigated the extent to which hypoxic hypobaric exposure, dehydration and prolonged immobilisation during air travel induce changes in haemostasis. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the role of high altitude as a risk factor for ART. METHODS. Healthy volunteers aged >18 years (N=40), without risk factors for venous thromboembolism, were exposed to an exacerbated altitude of 18 000 feet (5 486 m) for 1 hour. During the flight, the oxygen (O2) levels of the participants, who received supplemental O2, were measured by pulse oximetry and maintained at >92%. Venous blood and urine samples were collected prior to departure and immediately after flying in an unpressurised twin-engine airplane. D-dimer levels, thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity and urine osmolality were measured. RESULTS. The participants were 19 men and 21 women, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 46 (14) years. A significant difference in D-dimer levels, VWF activity, urine osmolality and TEG parameters (reaction (R) time, kinetic (K) time and maximum amplitude (MA)) before and after the 1-hour flight was observed (p<0.001). Urine osmolality correlated positively with VWF activity levels (r=0.469; p<0.002). CONCLUSION. Air travel at high altitude induced a hypercoagulable state in healthy volunteers. Future research should focus on whether thromboprophylaxis can significantly obviate the activation of coagulation in response to high altitude.

BACKGROUND. South Africa (SA) has committed to eliminating malaria by 2028. However, the initial target was set for 2023. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of drug and insecticide resistance have been identified as potential stumbling blocks in the achievement of this goal. The impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence and distribution of malaria in SA is unclear. OBJECTIVE. To describe the trends and distribution of malaria before and during the pandemic and its associated lockdown strategies in one of the country's malaria-endemic provinces, Mpumalanga Province. METHOD. A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted using Mpumalanga provincial malaria case data extracted from the provincial District Health Information System 2. The impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence and distribution of malaria was assessed in Mpumalanga Province between 2017 and 2022 using descriptive trend analysis. Malaria cases before (2017 - 2019) and post-COVID-19 (2020 - 2022) were cross-tabulated using Stata version 17. We used χ² tests to test for significant differences, set at p<0.05. RESULTS. During the study period, 25 380 malaria cases were reported, with the majority men (61%) >26 years old, with reported international travel, primarily to Mozambique. Limpopo Province (93%) accounted for most of the locally imported cases. Headaches and fever were the most common symptoms before and post COVID-19, while asymptomatic malaria carriage was higher during and post COVID (p<0.05). Prior to the pandemic reporting of the preferred treatment for uncomplicated malaria, Coartem use was at 53%, declining to 21% thereafter. Although COVID-19-related restrictions on human movement greatly reduced the malaria burden in Mpumalanga Province, the high-risk group (young mobile men) remained unchanged over the study period. Of concern were the marked reduction in the reporting of Coartem doses administered and the increased prevalence of asymptomatic carriage since 2020. The importation of malaria poses one of the biggest challenges to malaria elimination in Mpumalanga Province. CONCLUSION. This study highlighted the impact of COVID-19 and its related lockdown restrictions on the delivery of malaria health services in Mpumalanga Province. If malaria elimination is to be achieved, all aspects of the malaria programme must be strengthened urgently. Additionally, the health system and cross-border collaborations must also be strengthened.

Abstract Authenticity and the quality of content are becoming progressively more distinguishing characteristics for affirming destinations. Globalization has promoted cultural exchange, and Japanese pop culture is an example. Due to its diverse elements that captivate different audiences, it has spread worldwide, causing fan movements, and influencing various events. This article examines the relationship between tourism, events, and Japanese pop culture, assessing the tourism potential of this trend and its effects on the destination and source. Through direct and participant observations at some of the most prominent events on this subject, questionnaires to participants from different nationalities, and interviews with Japanese pop culture event organizers, researchers in this field, enthusiastic participants, and other stakeholders, the optimal understanding of the relationship between this trend and events and tourism, still few explored, was achieved. It is disclosed that these events contribute significantly to the promotion of content tourism, the fostering of strong international relations, and the connection of cultures. The success of events conducted beyond one's home region is notably influenced by a multitude of continuous impacts and opportunities. These include the dynamic and social atmosphere of the events, which facilitates travel both within and between countries.

Resumo A autenticidade e a riqueza dos conteúdos são elementos cada vez mais diferenciadores para a afirmação dos destinos. A globalização tem incentivado a partilha intercultural e a cultura pop japonesa é um bom exemplo, ao expandir-se para todo o mundo, influenciando eventos e deslocações de fãs entre destinos pela sua variedade de elementos que atraem a atenção de diversos públicos. Este artigo analisa a relação entre turismo, eventos e a cultura pop japonesa, explorando a potencialidade turística desta tendência e os impactes dos eventos relativos a esta cultura, quer seja para o destino anfitrião, como para a origem destes conteúdos. Para além de uma profunda revisão da literatura, esta investigação é sustentada por uma abordagem mista, qualitativa e quantitativa, recorrendo a observações diretas e participantes a alguns dos maiores eventos desta temática, questionários a participantes de diferentes nacionalidades e entrevistas a diversos stakeholders. Os resultados permitem evidenciar que esses eventos desempenham um papel significativo na promoção do turismo de conteúdos, conectando culturas e promovendo relações sólidas entre diferentes nações. São evidenciados vários impactes e oportunidades associadas a estes eventos, que se distinguem pela multiplicidade de atividades e o seu carácter ativo e social.

Resumen La autenticidad y la riqueza de los contenidos son cada vez más elementos diferenciadores para la afirmación de los destinos. La globalización ha fomentado el intercambio intercultural y la cultura pop japonesa es un buen ejemplo, ya que se ha expandido por todo el mundo, influyendo en eventos y movimientos de fans entre destinos debido a su variedad de elementos que atraen la atención de diferentes públicos. Este artículo analiza la relación entre turismo, eventos y cultura pop japonesa, explorando el potencial turístico de esta tendencia y los impactos de los eventos que la exploran, ya sea para el destino anfitrión o para el origen de este contenido. A través de un estudio que utilizó observaciones directas y participantes en algunos de los eventos más importantes sobre este tema, cuestionarios a participantes de diferentes nacionalidades y entrevistas con organizadores de eventos de cultura pop japonesa, investigadores en esta área, participantes ávidos y otras partes interesadas, se logró la interpretación ideal de la relación entre esta tendencia y los eventos y el turismo, aún poco explorada. Se revela que estos eventos juegan un papel importante en la promoción del turismo de contenidos, conectando culturas y promoviendo relaciones sólidas entre diferentes naciones. Al tener una serie de impactos y oportunidades asociados, la multiplicidad de actividades y el carácter activo y social de los eventos destacan por el éxito de eventos fuera de su región de origen, permitiendo viajes dentro de un país y a través de fronteras.

RESUMEN La comprensión de las prácticas de movilidad de mujeres agricultoras en función de la comercialización de sus productos resulta de suma importancia para identificar sus necesidades y desafíos como grupo social vulnerable. La investigación analizó las prácticas de movilidad y comercialización que utilizan las mujeres agricultoras de la parroquia rural Sinincay, del cantón Cuenca, Ecuador. Mediante la asunción de una metodología mixta de carácter transversal, se aplicaron encuestas para la recolección de información. Los resultados revelaron que las oportunidades para comercializar productos se concentran en el área urbana. El 57.7 de las mujeres comercializa sus productos en lugares no aptos para ello, principalmente en la vía pública, cerca de mercados y plazas. El 72.3 %, al no disponer de vehículo propio dependen de otros medios de transporte, situación que incide en la inversión de tiempo y costo de los desplazamientos. Además, el 93.8 % no forma parte de ninguna organización, lo que conlleva a la realización de la mayoría de viajes de forma individual. Estos hallazgos constituyen un insumo importante para que los organismos pertinentes generen acciones para mejorar la situación de este importante grupo poblacional.

ABSTRACT Understanding women farmers' mobility practices in marketing their products is of utmost importance in identifying their needs and challenges as a vulnerable social group. The research analyzed the mobility and marketing practices used by women farmers in the rural parish of Sinincay in the canton of Cuenca, Ecuador. Using a mixed methodology of a cross-sectional nature, surveys were applied to collect information. The results revealed that the opportunities for marketing products are concentrated in the urban area. A total of 57.7% of the women market their products in places not suitable for this purpose, mainly on public roads, near markets and squares. Since 72.3 % do not have their own vehicle, they depend on other means of transportation, a situation that affects the investment of time and the cost of travel. In addition, 93.8% do not belong to any organization, which means that most trips are made individually. These findings constitute an essential input for the relevant agencies to generate actions to improve the situation of this important population group.

Resumo Considerando apenas o caso medieval inglês, parece razoável admitir que alguns tipos ou formas, literários ou não, de escrita de viagens terão existido antes de textos canónicos como The Travels of Sir John Mandeville, o anónimo The Land of Cockaygne ou The Canterbury Tales, de Geoffrey Chaucer (Século XIV). Com efeito, os dois curtos relatos que irei apresentar foram adicionados à (e incluídos na) tradução para inglês antigo da Historiarum (ou Historiae) adversum Paganos Libro Septem, de Paulo Orósio, encomendada por (e efectuada para) Alfredo, o Grande, Rei de Wessex (871-899).

Abstract Considering just the English medieval case, it seems reasonable to assume that some sorts or forms of travel writing, literary or otherwise, must have existed before such canonical texts as The Travels of Sir John Mandeville, the anonymous The Land of Cockaygne or Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (14th century). Indeed, the two short accounts I will present were added to, and included in, the Old English translation of Paulus Orosius’s Historiarum (or Historiae) adversum Paganos Libro Septem (5th century), ordered by, and made for, Alfred the Great, King of Wessex (871-899)