bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional information skills and open data. Challenges for citizen empowerment and social change
Authors: Gertrudis-Casado María-Carmen , Gértrudix-Barrio Manuel , Álvarez-García Sergio
Published: February 2016

The current process of social transformation is driven by the growth of the culture of transparency and accountability, the socio-technological development of the web and the opening of public data. This situation forces the media to rethink their models of social intermediation, converting the growing open data access and user participation into new instruments that facilitate citizen empowerment. Open data can only generate citizen empowerment, facilitate decision-making and democratic action if it can provide valueadded information to the citizens. Therefore, the aim of the research is to analyse the competencies necessary to develop information products created with open data. The study used a qualitative methodology based on two instruments: a survey of data journalism experts (university professors of journalism, journalism professional data, and experts in transparency), and an analysis of selected cases of information products created with open data. The results allow the identification of a series of conceptual, procedural and attitudinal skills needed to perform the tasks of collection, processing, analysis and presentation of data, which are necessary for the development of this type of information product, and which should be integrated into the training of future journalists.

Los actuales procesos de transformación social estimulados por el crecimiento de la cultura de transparencia y rendición de cuentas, el desarrollo socio-tecnológico de la web y la apertura de datos públicos, obliga a los medios de comunicación en el entorno digital a reorientar sus modelos de intermediación social, convirtiendo el creciente y complejo acceso a datos abiertos y los flujos de participación en nuevos instrumentos que faciliten el empoderamiento ciudadano. La investigación evalúa cuáles son las competencias profesionales necesarias para el desarrollo de productos informativos multimedia interactivos basados en datos abiertos, considerando que la apertura de datos solo generará empoderamiento ciudadano, facilitará la toma de decisiones y la acción democrática, si estos pueden proporcionar información de valor añadido para la ciudadanía. Para ello, se sigue una metodología cualitativa basada en dos instrumentos: una encuesta a expertos en periodismo de datos, relacionados con la formación superior en Periodismo, la legislación en materia de acceso a la información y los medios de comunicación, y el análisis de una muestra de productos informativos multimedia basados en datos abiertos. Los resultados permiten identificar una serie de competencias conceptuales, procedimentales y actitudinales necesarias para llevar a cabo las tareas de acopio, tratamiento, análisis y presentación de los datos, que son necesarias para el desarrollo de este tipo de productos informativos, y que deberían integrarse en la formación de los futuros comunicadores.
Models of educational integration of ICTs in the classroom
Authors: Area-Moreira Manuel , Hernández-Rivero Víctor , Sosa-Alonso Juan-José
Published: February 2016

We present in this paper the results of a study analyzing the scope and use that teachers make of ICT in classrooms and schools with abundant availability of information and communication technologies: one computer per student, interactive whiteboards, multimedia projectors and internet access. The main goal of this study is to detect models or patterns of educational use of ICT resources available in classrooms related to some personal and professional characteristics of the teachers that took part in the study, such as gender, years of experience, educational stage, digital competence and degree of use of ICT in their daily lives. A descriptive correlational design based on a survey study answered by over 3160 teachers from all over Spain who participated in the School Program 2.0 was used. The results show two clear different patterns of ICT use according to frequency and type of tasks assigned to the students: a weak integration-teaching model against a strong educational integration of ICTs. We come to the conclusion that teachers who develop a model of intensive educational use of ICTs are teachers with many years of professional experience, that make regular use of ICTs and, moreover, perceive themselves as sufficiently trained and with a highly developed digital competence.

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio que analizó el grado y tipo de utilización que el profesorado hace de las TIC en aulas con abundante disponibilidad de tecnologías de la información y comunicación: un ordenador por alumno, Pizarra Digital Interactiva, proyectores multimedia y acceso a Internet. El objetivo del estudio fue detectar modelos o patrones de uso didáctico de las tecnologías y relacionarlo con algunas características personales y profesionales del profesorado, tales como el género, los años de experiencia, la etapa educativa, la competencia digital y el grado de uso de las TIC en su vida cotidiana. Se empleó un diseño de tipo descriptivo correlacional basado en un estudio de encuesta donde respondieron más de 3.160 profesores de toda España que participaban en el Programa Escuela 2.0. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que existen dos tipologías nítidas de modelos de uso de las TIC en función de la frecuencia y el tipo de tarea demandada al alumnado: un modelo de integración didáctica débil frente a un modelo de integración didáctica intensa de las TIC. Asimismo, se concluye que el perfil del profesorado que desarrolla un modelo de uso didáctico intensivo de las TIC es un docente con bastantes años de experiencia profesional, ciudadano usuario habitual de las TIC y que, además, se percibe suficientemente formado y con competencia digital.
Powerful communication style on Twitter: Effects on credibility and civic participation
Authors: Alvídrez Salvador , Franco-Rodríguez Oziel
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of two linguistic styles used in Twitter messages on engaging users in civic participation activities, understood as participation by citizens in community improvement actions. Using a socio-linguistic approach, an experimental intervention was carried out in which 324 university students evaluated the messages posted by the head of an environmental NGO on Twitter. The gender of the NGO head (male vs. female) and the linguistic style used for the posts were manipulated in terms of a «powerful» (e.g., assertive, direct) or «powerless» style (e.g., indirect, ambiguous). The gender of the evaluators was also manipulated in order to analyze potential differences among the overall impressions and evaluations between men and women. The results showed that «male» and «female» versions of the NGO head were perceived as more credible when they used a powerful as opposed to a powerless linguistic style. This effect was observed irrespective of the evaluator’s gender. Moreover, the test for indirect effects suggested that credibility mediated the relationship between a powerful style and the likelihood of engaging users to participate in the NGO’s agenda. The results are discussed in terms of the relevance of this type of communication for promoting civic participation in social media.

El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito examinar el efecto de dos estilos lingüísticos en mensajes de Twitter sobre su capacidad de atraer e involucrar a usuarios en actividades de participación cívica, entendida esta como la participación de ciudadanos en acciones de mejora comunitaria. A partir de una aproximación sociolingüística, se realizó un estudio experimental en el que 324 estudiantes universitarios evaluaron los mensajes publicados por el líder de una ONG medioambiental en su página de Twitter. Se manipuló el género del líder de la ONG (hombre o mujer) y el estilo lingüístico empleado en la redacción de los mensajes en términos de un estilo «súbito» (ejemplo: asertivo, directo) o un estilo «dócil» (ejemplo: indirecto, ambiguo). El género de los evaluadores también fue manipulado con el fin de analizar diferencias potenciales en las impresiones y evaluaciones de hombres y mujeres. Los resultados mostraron que cuando los líderes «hombre» y «mujer» emplearon un estilo lingüístico súbito en sus mensajes fueron percibidos como más creíbles sin importar el género de los evaluadores. Además, el análisis de efectos indirectos registró que la credibilidad percibida hacia el líder medió la relación entre el estilo súbito y la probabilidad de que los seguidores se involucren en las iniciativas de la ONG. Los resultados son discutidos en términos de la relevancia de este tipo de comunicación para la participación cívica en las redes sociales.
La représentation comme performance
Authors: Talpin Julien
Published: February 2016

La représentation descriptive a souvent été conceptualisée comme relevant de l’alternative entre politique des idées et politique de la présence. Cet article avance que la légitimité des pratiques de représentation de groupes historiquement marginalisés requiert surtout une performance interactionnelle de la part des représentants, qui doivent incarner le groupe par leurs pratiques, ce qui se traduit par une série d’épreuves publiques. Cette approche dramaturgique est explorée à partir de l’étude d’organisations communautaires américaines qui prétendent faire parler les classes populaires, et ce faisant, les unifier par-delà les clivages de race et de classe qui les traversent. Appréhender la représentation comme une série d’épreuves permet de la saisir non comme une usurpation unilatérale mais comme un processus interactif et contingent, qui peut s’avérer politiquement inclusif ou excluant.
Publicité et transparence
Authors: Pitseys John
Published: February 2016

Le débat juridique et philosophique opposant Carl Schmitt à Hans Kelsen ne met pas seulement en scène deux conceptions du droit et de la représentation. Le thème de la visibilité politique y joue aussi un rôle primordial. Quelle différence tracer entre publicité politique et transparence, et quelles conséquences en tirer en termes de justification d’un régime politique ? Afin d’approfondir cette question, l’article retrace la critique schmittienne de la conception kelsénienne du droit et du principe de publicité. Il expose ensuite les traits principaux de la conception de la transparence que Schmitt entend substituer au principe de publicité. Il montre enfin que la réponse de Kelsen à Schmitt permet de dépasser les limites du texte schmittien et les difficultés rencontrées par l’État législateur parlementaire.
Derrida, Abraham and Responsible Subjectivity
Authors: Fridlund Patrik
Published: February 2016

Le secret est un thème de Genèse 22, passage dans lequel, selon l’interprétation de Derrida, Dieu commande à Abraham de sacrifier son fils. Il s’agit de garder un secret, non pas en se cachant , mais en gardant secrète une relation exclusive. La difficulté consiste en ce qu’un tel acte est aussi une exclusion . En acceptant cette relation unique parce qu’il accepte de garder le secret, Abraham atteste ainsi de sa volonté de s’engager dans une relation fondée sur un amour inconditionnel. Ce qui confère un caractère inconditionnel et unique à une telle relation, c’est qu’Abraham ne se réfère à rien ni à personne en dehors d’elle. Il assume ainsi pleinement cette responsabilité, ce qui peut sembler nous renvoyer d’abord à l’individu. Mais on peut aussi y voir une façon d’assumer une responsabilité, de décider, de prendre position. Abraham doit pouvoir être en mesure d’échouer ou d’être capable de décider de ne pas respecter le commandement. On a là un appel à une relation unique, mais il doit exister une possibilité de ne pas y répondre. Ou peut-il en être autrement ?
Foucault, trente ans après
Authors: Djaballah Marc
Published: February 2016

Revue critique d’un ensemble d’ouvrages éditant des textes de Michel Foucault (1926-1984) ou portant sur son oeuvre, parus en français à l’occasion du trentième anniversaire de sa mort.
Le bébé des neurosciences est-il un bébé nouveau ?
Authors: Dayan Jacques
Published: February 2016

Les compétences des nouveau-nés et nourrissons sont préparées par le développement fœtal et s’actualisent dans la relation avec l’environnement. Elles sont bien plus développées que leurs performances réelles, handicapées notamment par le développement moteur. La latence à exprimer ses compétences organise celles-ci pour permettre à la mère d’agir sur l’environnement, tandis que se forme un être social.
L’approche piklerienne au carrefour des neurosciences et de la psychanalyse
Authors: Golse Bernard
Published: February 2016

Après avoir rappelé brièvement les circonstances de sa rencontre avec les travaux de l’institut Pikler-Lóczy à Budapest, l’auteur montre comment ceux-ci se trouvent aujourd’hui confortés par les avancées actuelles des neurosciences dans le champ du développement précoce. Pour cela, il développe deux domaines particuliers : d’une part celui de la néoténie humaine, de l’épigénèse et des enjeux éthiques qui en découlent, et d’autre part celui de « l’allaitement relationnel » au regard de l’accès à l’intersubjectivité et de la synchronie polysensorielle.
Le bébé agent des états mentaux d’autrui
Authors: Rochette-Guglielmi Joëlle
Published: February 2016

Classiquement, le besoin d’être compris est vu comme central pour le bébé. Mais quid du processus de « se faire comprendre » ? Attachons-nous suffisamment d’importance à la part active du bébé dans ce processus ? L’idée est que le bébé est un « saisisseur » d’états mentaux maternels animé par un projet transformationnel, et que la principale cause de détresse occasionnée par les distorsions du lien premier est la perte de l’action sur l’état mental de l’autre. L’expérience de « l’incompréhension mutuelle » a été explorée par la théorie de l’attachement (description de l’attachement dit « insécure » ou « évitant ») mais pas encore assez par la psychanalyse. Des paradigmes expérimentaux tels que les réactions du bébé au « visage impassible », ou encore l’expérience du « franchissement du leurre d’une falaise » en référence aux indications données par l’expression maternelle, sont de nouvelles situations établies qui rappellent Winnicott et sa célèbre spatule. Voyons en quoi ces exemples nous instruisent sur la complexité de l’intersubjectivité précoce.
Sur le tournage de Soy Cuba. Lettres de Sergueï Ouroussevski à son épouse Bella Friedman (1961-1962)
Authors: Konovalov Alexei
Published: February 2016

D’octobre 1961 à janvier 1962, l’opérateur Serguéï Ouroussevski, le réalisateur Mikhaïl Kalatozov et le poète et scénariste Evtouchenko sont à Cuba pour préparer un film co-produit avec l’URSS. Ils prennent contact avec le pays, ses habitants, ses dirigeants politiques, ses artistes et assistent dans l’enthousiasme aux événements tumultueux des premières années de la révolution comme aux tentatives américaines d’envahir le pays et de renverser le gouvernement. Durant ces mois Ouroussevski correspond quotidiennement avec sa femme restée à Moscou mais qui participera au tournage plus tard. Ces lettres offrent donc un aperçu des conditions dans lesquelles Soy Cuba s’est construit, le scénario s’édifiant au gré des événements et des rencontres, les scènes et leur dimension visuelle également.
Les communautés plus qu’humaines
Authors: Chopot Antoine
Published: February 2016

Si l’idée d’une coupure anthropologique séparant radicalement les humains des animaux est de plus en plus critiquée et rejetée à l’ère du « désastre écologique », il s’agit pourtant de ne pas s’en tenir à ce geste de refus : comment re-formuler différemment et de manière positive nos relations aux animaux ? La tâche est immense, mais nous pouvons compter sur de précieux alliés : la philosophie de l’individuation et du « transindividuel » de Simondon, mettant au premier plan les relations constitutives des individus humains et non humains, associée à l’éthologie de Uexküll et à ses prolongements par Lestel qui célèbrent l’importance de la subjectivité animale et les « collectifs hybrides » d’humains et d’animaux. L’enjeu est de parvenir à penser et vivre une transindividualité « interspécifique », dans laquelle les relations entre humains et animaux aient le pouvoir de reconfigurer et d’hybrider leurs mondes de sens respectifs, ouvrant alors à des « communautés plus qu’humaines » qui empêcheraient le monde humain de se refermer sur lui-même.
Un schématisme pratique de l’imagination
Authors: Beaubois Vincent
Published: February 2016

Dans Du mode d’existence des objets techniques (1958), Gilbert Simondon développe une pensée originale du « schème » en lien avec la problématique de l’invention technique : les schèmes sont au principe de l’évolution des formes techniques en tant qu’ils caractérisent le devenir des lignées techniques. Dans Imagination et Invention (1965-1966), il relie la question de l’invention à celle de l’imagination productrice. Reconstruisant les relations existant entre le fonctionnement de cette imagination et ce schématisme technique — à la lumière notamment de la psychologie empirique de la fin du xixe siècle et de la pensée bergsonienne —, nous chercherons à identifier, chez Simondon, un schématisme de l’imagination original qui s’éloigne de sa version kantienne : il n’est pas soumission de l’expérience au pouvoir de l’esprit, mais ouverture de la pensée depuis une participation pratique et opératoire aux choses qui nous entourent.
Factors for Eco-Efficiency Improvement of Thermal Insulation Materials
Authors: Kono Jun , Goto Yutaka , Ostermeyer York , Frischknecht Rolf , Wallbaum Holger
Published: February 2016

Thermal insulation material is an important component to reduce the environmental impact of buildings through the reduction of energy consumption in the operation phase. However, the material itself has embodied environmental impacts for the value it provides. Eco-efficiency is a method that quantifies relation between the environmental performance and the created value of a product system. This study investigated contributing factors of the eco-efficiency of thermal insulation materials to support decision making of material manufacturers. For the improvement of eco-efficiency, the assessment was made in two scopes: investigating the contributing factors of impact caused at production processes; and thermal performance through thermo-physical properties. For quantifying environmental impacts, cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of each materials were made. The life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) indicators used were ReCiPe H/A and global warming potential (GWP100a). For the assessment of production process, the inventories of the materials were assigned to six categories: heat, chemicals, electricity, transportation, raw materials and wastes. Among the assessed materials, contribution of electricity and heat within the production process was large for foam glass which had the highest potential to improve the eco-efficiency which was by factor 1.72. The analysis on relation between thermo-physical properties and eco-efficiency based on product data of the materials highlighted the importance of density as an indicator upon development and use. Althoughdensity often gains less attention,the finding suggested the effectiveness of improving the efficiency by having lower density without compensating the performance of the materials.
Application of Lean Management Techniques for Achieving Energy Efficiency in Building Construction: Procurement and Handling of Building Materials
Authors: Devaki M.P.
Published: February 2016

Various studies in the construction industry have been conducted to develop the best practice that is only not capable of improving organization profit but also assists in producing a systematic work process which will encourage the optimal use of resources. Concurrently, the emergence of the lean construction concept is seen as a current approach that can be used to produce best practices because it is viewed as an effort to bring construction industry towards a more optimum productivity level with the efficient usage of resources as well as to produce the utmost value. This paper attempts to draw a correlation between the adoption of lean management principles and the energy utilized during the construction process.
Traditional and Innovative Materials for Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Authors: Pisello Anna Laura , Castaldo Veronica Lucia , Rosso Federica , Piselli Cristina , Ferrero Marco , Cotana Franco
Published: February 2016

This chapter shows the most recent and innovative contributions and research trends arounbd the wide issue of energy efficiency in buildings by means of passive techniques, such as new effective materials for building envelope optimization. In particular, cool materials will be dealt with by considering their capability to keep a surface cooler than other solutions when exposed to solar radiation. Then multifunctional materials such as thermal and acoustic insulation panels will be analyzed. Finbally, natural and biobased solutions for energy saving will be investigated. Each one of these topics will be studied by elaborating a first general assessment of each technique and then by analyzing the most recent contributions and research trends in order to provide a wide perspective of the question that is going to be addressed in this chapter.
Straw Based Materials for Building Retrofitting and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Liuzzi Stefania , Rigante Simona , Ruggiero Francesco , Stefanizzi Pietro
Published: February 2016

This work aimed to measure the hygrothermal properties of some different straw-based mix that could be used as building materials (panels or bricks). Straw is used to improve the hygrothermal performances of the final products. Several mix were produced adding different percentages of straw. Two types of fibers were used: wheat straw and bean straw. The results indicated that increasing the percentages of straw greater effects on the change of thermal properties can be appreciated. Furthermore the results also reveal that the specimen produced by water glass and straw, without binder, has the highest values of hygric properties and thermal insulation.
Earthen Plasters Based on Illitic Soils from Barrocal Region of Algarve: Contributions for Building Performance and Sustainability
Authors: Lima José , Faria Paulina , Santos Silva António
Published: February 2016

Clayish earth-based mortars can be considered eco-efficient products for indoor plastering since they can contribute to improve important aspects of building performance and sustainability. Apart from being products with low embodied energy when compared to other types of mortars used for interior plastering, mainly due to the use raw clay as natural binder, earth-based plasters may give a significant contribution for health and comfort of inhabitants. Due to high hygroscopicity of clay minerals, earth-based mortars present a high adsorption and desorption capacity, particularly when compared to other type of mortars for interior plastering. This capacity allows earth-based plasters to act as a moisture buffer, balancing the relative humidity of the indoor environment and, simultaneously, acting as a passive removal material, improving air quality. Therefore, earth-based plasters may also passively promote the energy efficiency of buildings, since they may contribute to decreasing the needs of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning. This study is part of an ongoing research regarding earth-based plasters and focuses on mortars specifically formulated with soils extracted from Portuguese ‘Barrocal’ region, in Algarve sedimentary basin. This region presents high potential for interior plastering due to regional geomorphology, that promote the occurrence of illitic soils characterized by a high adsorption capacity and low expansibility. More specifically, this study aims to assess how clayish earth and sand ratio of mortars formulation can influence the physical and mechanical properties of plasters. For this assessment four mortars were formulated with different volumetric proportions of clayish earth and siliceous sand. The results from the physical and mechanical characterization confirmed the significantly low linear shrinkage of all the four mortars, as well as their extraordinary adsorption-desorption capacity. These results presented a positive correlation with mortars ́ clayish earth content and are consistent with the mineralogical analysis, that confirmed illite as the prevalent clay mineral in the clayish earth used for this study. Regarding mechanical resistance, although the promising results of the adhesion test, the flexural and compressive strength results suggest that the mechanical resistance of these mortars should be slightly improved. Considering the present results the mortars mechanical resistance improvement may be achieved through the formulation of mortars with higher clayish earth content, or alternatively, through the addition of natural fibers to mortars formulation, very common in this type of mortars. Both those options will be investigated in future research.
Understanding the missing link between musical attitudes, preferences and psychological profiles: music as automedication and self-administered therapy? Implications for music therapy
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Ratto Giorgio , Dalle Luche Nicola , Canfori Tiziana , Proietti Claudio , Del Puente Giovanni
Published: February 2016

not required
Lifelong engagement with music: benefits for mental health and well-being
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: February 2016

not required
A theory upon origin of implicit musical language
Authors: Vas József P.
Published: February 2016

The author suggests that the origin of musicality is implied in an implicit musical language every human being possesses in uterus due to a resonance and attunement with prenatal environment, mainly the mother. It is emphasized that ego-development and evolving implicit musical language can be regarded as parallel processes. To support this idea a lot of examples of musical representations are demonstrated by the author. Music is viewed as a tone of ego-functioning involving the musical representations of bodily and visceral senses, cross-modal perception, unity of sense of self, individual fate of ego, and tripolar and bipolar musical coping codes. Finally, a special form of music therapy is shown to illustrate how can implicit musical language be transformed into explicit language by virtue of participants’ spontaneity, creativity, and playfulness.
Eva between anxiety and hope: integrating anthroposophic music therapy in supportive oncology care
Authors: Ben-Arye Eran , Ben-Arye Yotam , Barak Yael
Published: February 2016

Music therapy is a significant modality in the treatment of patients with cancer, who suffer emotional and spiritual distress as well as chemotherapy side effects that impair their quality of life. In this article, we present a case study of a patient challenged with recurrent ovarian cancer who received, concomitant with chemotherapy, a special form of music therapy based on anthroposophic medicine (AM) aimed at alleviating anxiety and improving her general well-being. AM-centered music therapy goals are discussed in regard to two modes of treatment: receptive listening and clinical composition. Next, these two treatment modes are discussed in a broader context by reviewing conventional music therapy interventions during chemotherapy on two axes: a. standardized vs. individualized treatment; b. patient’s involvement on a passive to active continuum. In conclusion, psycho-oncology care can be enriched by adding anthroposophic medicine-oriented music therapy integrated within patients’ supportive care.
An Audit of Requests for Fresh Frozen Plasma in a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Lingegowda Jyothi B , Jeyakumar Joshua Daniel , Muddegowda Prakash H , Pitchai R , Gopal Niranjan , Sinha Pammy
Published: February 2016

Aim: To audit the fresh frozen plasma (FFP) usage with an insight into various guidelines.

Materials and Methods: The blood bank records pertaining to FFP usage in patients admitted in our medical college hospital were retrospectively reviewed for 2 years for usage of FFP in various departments and evaluated for appropriateness of usage based on various guidelines, which included the 2013 guidelines published by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australasian Society for Blood Transfusion.

Results: A total of 785 units of FFPs were transfused to 207 patients during the study period. The appropriate usage was found to be 59.3%, and the usage was most appropriate in massive transfusions.

Conclusion: This study highlights the nonadherence to guidelines among clinicians which is mainly due to lack of knowledge of appropriate usage.
Prevalence of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci Groups A, C, and G in Patients with Acute Pharyngitis
Authors: Naik Trupti B , Nadagir Shobha D , Biradar Asmabegaum
Published: February 2016

Context: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) is the most frequently isolated pathogen in acute pharyngitis. However, the role of Group C (GCS) and Group G (GGS) streptococci in disease burden is under recognized. The present study is carried out to find out the prevalence of acute pharyngitis caused by the different serogroups of streptococci and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of these streptococcal isolates.

Study and Design: A cross sectional study.

Materials and Methods: A total of 218 throat swabs from patients with acute pharyngitis and 82 from healthy controls were collected and processed as per standard protocol. Samples were inoculated on blood agar and Streptococcus selective agar. Isolates were identifi ed by the conventional method and serogrouped by latex agglutination test using Remel Streptex kit.

Results: Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) were isolated from 34 (15.59%) of pharyngitis patients and 11 (13.41%) of the healthy carrier. Among pharyngitis, GAS was isolated from 20 (9.17%), GCS 7 (3.21%), and GGS 7 (3.21%) patients. Carriage rate of GAS was 6 (7.31%) and GCS, 5 (6.09%). Vancomycin (100%), amoxyclavulanic acid (90%), levofloxacin (85%), and cephotaxime (80%) were found to be most effective antibiotics. Comparatively, higher drug resistance was observed among GCS and GGS to all the drugs used in the study except for levofloxacin.

Conclusions: Although rate of pharyngitis associated with GCS and GGS is marginally lower than GAS, their carriage rate among healthy and relative higher drug resistance emphasizes the need for periodic surveillance of infection by the different serogroups of BHS.
Community Acquired Enterococcal Urinary Tract Infections and Antibiotic Resistance Profile in North India
Authors: Goel Varun , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Rajendra , Mathur Purva , Singh Sarman
Published: February 2016

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a major problem both in hospitalized and outdoor patients. Multidrug-resistant enterococci are emerging as a major nosocomial pathogen with increasing frequency. However, the incidence of community-acquired enterococcal infections and species prevalent in India is not thoroughly investigated.

Objectives: This study aims to estimate the burden of community-acquired UTIs seen at a tertiary care hospital and to identify the Enterococcus species isolated from these patients. The study also aims to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern with reference to high-level aminoglycosides and vancomycin.

Materials and Methods: Semi-quantitative cultures from a total of 22,810 urine samples obtained from patients seen at various Outpatient Departments were analyzed. From them 115 nonduplicate isolates of enterococci were obtained as significant pure growth (>105 cfu/ml) and speciated. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Vancomycin resistance screening was performed by the vancomycin screen agar method recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and confirmed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration by agar dilution method.

Results: Of 115 enterococcal isolates, 61 were identified as Enterococcus faecalis, 42 as Enterococcus faecium, 3 each as Enterococcus dispar, and Enterococcus pseudoavium. High-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) was higher in E. faecium (47.6%) than E. faecalis (32.7%) and HLSR also showed the same pattern with 47.6% and 27.9% resistance, respectively. Vancomycin resistant enterococci accounted for 11.3% of the isolates, and out of them 53.8% were E. faecium by agar dilution method.

Conclusion: High rate of resistance to antibiotics of penicillin group and aminoglycosides was observed in our tertiary care hospital even in community acquired UTIs. Hence, there is an urgent need for more rational and restricted use of antimicrobials.
Current understandings about cognition and the neurobiological correlates in schizophrenia
Authors: Kar Sujita Kumar , Jain Meha
Published: February 2016

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder. Cognitive deficits are one of the core features of schizophrenia. Multiple domains of cognition (executive function, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial skills, processing speed, and social cognition) are affected in patients with schizophrenia. Deficits in cognition led to impairment in the real world functioning. Identifying the cognitive deficits and early intervention is required for better functional outcome. This review focuses on conceptual understanding of cognition with its neurobiological correlates in schizophrenia and its different clinical implications.
Intramedullary mature teratoma of the conus medullaris
Authors: Oktay Kadir , Cetinalp Eralp Nuri , Ozsoy Kerem Mazhar , Olguner Semih Kivanc , Sarac Mustafa Emre , Vural Sakir Berat
Published: February 2016

Teratoma is a tumor that derivatives from all three primitive germ layers and spinal intramedullary teratomas are very rare lesions. The primary treatment modality for these tumors is surgical resection, and total resection should be the aim. However, subtotal resection is a valid alternative to prevent traumatizing adjacent functional neural tissue. In this report, we presented a case of a 12-year-old male patient with spinal teratoma of the conus medullaris. We describe the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of this rare disease.
Hindi translation of Berlin questionnaire and its validation as a screening instrument for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Ali Ramjan , Dhyani Mohan , Das Sourav , Pundir Ashwini
Published: February 2016

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a fairly common problem with adverse health consequences. However, any screening questionnaire is not available in Hindi to screen sleep apnea. Materials and Methods: Subjects undergoing video-synchronized in laboratory attended polysomnography were requested to participate in this study. They were screened with the help of Hindi version of Berlin questionnaire (BQ). Outcome of the BQ was tested against the gold standard polysomnography. Descriptive statistics, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of Hindi version were calculated. Results: 38 patients with polysomnography diagnosed OSA and 12 controls were included in this study. Average body mass index (BMI) in the OSA group was 33.12 + 6.66 kg/m2 whereas in the control group BMI was 25.01 + 4.20 kg/m2. Average age in the OSA group was 48.9 + 10.2 years whereas the control group was older (56.9 + 12.1 years). Hindi version had sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 58%. PPV of the instrument was 0.87 whereas NPV was 0.63. Conclusion: Hindi version of BQ is a valid tool for screening the OSA irrespective of the literacy status of the subjects.
Clinical profile and functional disability of patients with migraine
Authors: Renjith Vishnu , Pai Mamatha Shivananda , Castelino Flavia , Pai Aparna , George Anice
Published: February 2016

Background: Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder. Globally, migraine was ranked as the seventh highest cause of disability. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the clinical profile and functional disability of patients with migraine. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: Using a consecutive sampling technique, 60 patients were recruited for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Majority of the participants were in the age group of 18–40 years with a mean age 35.22 years. There was a female preponderance with 70% of study participants being females. The various symptoms experienced by patients include throbbing pain (90%), photophobia (93.3%), phonophobia (85%), nausea (76.7%), and vomiting (41.7%). Most of the subjects (73.3%) under the study belonged to moderate to severe levels of functional disability. About 53.3% of patients were in the category of episodic migraine and 46.7% were in the category of chronic migraine. Conclusion: Migraine is associated with moderate to severe functional disability. Frequency of migraine has a positive correlation with the levels of disability/migraine disability assessment scores of migraineurs.
Relationship between resting and action tremors in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rana Abdul Qayyum , Saleh Mohamad
Published: February 2016

Objective: To determine the relationship between resting tremor (RT) and action tremor (AT) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods: A retrospective study of RT and AT severity was conducted in 100 PD patients. The severity rating for each type of tremor in the upper extremities was assessed. The disparity in tremor severity between extremities for each tremor type was compared to that of the other two to identify commonalities in the laterality of the tremor manifestation. Results: Overall, RT is predictive of AT on the same side, but not the opposing side of the body. Patients with less intense resting right upper limb (RRU) tremor and moderately intense RRU tremor were significantly more likely to have an action right upper limb (ARU) tremor (−1.53, P = 0.020; −1.88, P = 0.005, respectively). Similarly, patients with less intense resting left upper limb (RLU) tremor and moderately intense RLU tremors were significantly more likely to have an action left upper limb (ALU) tremor (−3.49, P = 0.000; −1.86, P = 0.017, respectively). In addition, RRU and ALU tremors were associated with an increase in RLU and ARU tremors, respectively. Conclusion: Tremors are common findings in PD patients, and often impair quality of life. By identifying and classifying the relationship between resting and ATs in PD patients, our study sheds light onto the importance of better understanding and future management of this debilitating symptomology.
Colistin and tigecycline for management of external ventricular device-related ventriculitis due to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Tamang Sushil , Paneru Hem Raj , Shrestha Pramesh Sunder , Keyal Niraj , Acharya Subhash Prasad , Marhatta Moda Nath , Shilpakar Sushil
Published: February 2016

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of nosocomial ventriculitis associated with external ventricular device (EVD). It is frequently multidrug resistant (MDR), carries a poor outcome, and is difficult to treat. We report a case of MDR Acinetobacter ventriculitis treated with intravenous and intraventricular colistin together with intravenous tigecycline. The patient developed nephrotoxicity and poor neurological outcome despite microbiological cure. Careful implementation of bundle of measures to minimize EVD-associated ventriculitis is valuable.
White matter changes in Wilson’s disease: A radiological enigma
Authors: Mukherjee Soumava , Solanki Bhavesh , Guha Goutam , Saha Shankar Prasad
Published: February 2016

Wilson's disease is a metabolic disorder which presents with hepatitis or hepatic decompensation commonly. Neurologic manifestations are late and include movement disorders, personality changes, and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain shows high signal changes in putamen, lentiform nucleus, thalamus, and brainstem. White matter lesions are rare. We report a child of Wilson's disease who presented to us with dystonia, rigidity, myoclonus and had symmetrical white matter changes in the fronto-parietooccipital region. Diffusion restriction in bilateral frontoparietal areas was also seen which is rare in chronic cases like ours. Atypical MRI characteristics should be considered in patients with clinical signs of neurological involvement in Wilson's disease as it is a devastating but treatable disease.
Relationship of cognitive function and adjustment difficulties among children and adolescents with dissociative disorder
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev , Mehta Manju , Sagar Rajesh , Sarkar Siddharth
Published: February 2016

Background and Aims: Although it has been suggested that children and adolescents with dissociative disorder have some cognitive deficits, the association of these cognitive impairments with adjustment difficulties has not been evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between cognitive functioning and adjustment difficulties in children and adolescents with dissociative disorder. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive assessment was carried out in the outpatient setting of child and adolescent psychiatric service in a tertiary care hospital. Fifty newly diagnosed children and adolescents with dissociative disorder were included. The cognitive functions were assessed by varied neuropsychological tests, and Bell’s adjustment inventory was used for assessing various domains of adjustment. Results: The mean age of the sample which comprised 40% males was 13.0 (±2.4) years. The mean intelligence quotient (IQ) of the sample was 90.6. Impairment in cognitive test was maximum for verbal working memory followed by sustained attention, visual learning and memory, and verbal retention and recall. Adjustment difficulties were greatest in the domains of self, followed by domains of health, school, and family. Significant association was found between the IQ and adjustment in school; visual learning and memory and adjustments in school and overall adjustment; and sustained attention and adjustment of health. Conclusions: Dissociative children have poor cognitive ability which may be related to poor adjustment scores.
Evaluation of anterior third of superior sagittal sinus in normal population: Identifying the subgroup with dominant drainage
Authors: Sahoo Sushanta K. , Ghuman Mandeep S. , Salunke Pravin , Vyas Sameer , Bhar Rahat , Khandelwal N. K.
Published: February 2016

Background/Object: The ligation and transection of anterior third of superior sagittal sinus (AT-SSS) is an important step to approach anterior skull base lesions. Some clinical studies have shown frontal lobe venous infarct following such surgical procedures questioning the safety of its ligation. We have studied the variations in venous drainage patterns to AT-SSS in the normal population using postcontrast magnetic resonance venogram (MRV). A novel scoring system to recognize the subgroup with dominant venous drainage from frontal lobes has been described. Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 three-dimensional contrast-enhanced (CE) MRVs were obtained from those cases being evaluated for a headache not harboring any intracranial mass lesion. The AT-SSS with all its draining veins was studied in detail. Morphology of individual veins such as length, caliber, tributaries, and angulation with AT-SSS was studied, and a numerical value of 0 or 1 was assigned for each of the above parameters. Summing up these scores derived from the individual cortical veins quantified the drainage of AT-SSS. Results: There are 3–4 veins on either side draining to AT-SSS. Barely, 3% of the veins had > 3 tributaries. Only 6.6% of veins had a caliber >3 mm, and 16.5% drained at acute angles to AT-SSS. About 26% of the veins did cross at least half of the lateral frontal lobe. We found in 26 individuals the AT-SSS score was 0–2, in 22 it was 3–5 and, in only in 12 (20%) the score was 6 or more (dominant drainage). Conclusion: There are anatomical variations in venous drainage of frontal lobes into AT-SSS. Those with dominant drainage are likely to develop venous congestion and complications if sacrificed. It is possible to identify these individuals on the basis of venous drainage pattern as shown in CE-MRV.
La negatividad en las informaciones políticas de los medios españoles
Authors: Berganza Conde María Rosa , Arcila Calderón Carlos , De Miguel Pascual Roberto
Published: February 2016

Una gran cantidad de estudios vinculan el grado de negatividad de las informaciones políticas con la apatía y el desinterés de la ciudadanía hacia la política y la clase política (teoría de la espiral del cinismo). Metodología: Este estudio analiza el nivel de negatividad mediante un análisis de contenido cuantitativo de un total de 563 piezas informativas procedentes de 10 medios españoles (3 periódicos, 2 cadenas nacionales de televisión y 5 medios online). Se estudia su variabilidad en función de las características del medio y de la información a través de un índice que incluye indicadores de tonalidad, conflictividad, incapacidad y caracterización elaborados por Leanguer, Esser y Berganza (2012). Resultados y conclusiones: Los resultados confirman que los medios españoles muestran las informaciones políticas en términos negativos, aunque con niveles inferiores a otros países europeos. Tienen más negatividad las piezas sobre temas controvertidos, producidas en formatos de mayor implicación y publicadas en medios  impresos y de titularidad privada.
Análisis empírico de las dinámicas de remediación entre televisión e internet en España: discursos de receptores
Authors: Alonso Elisa , Broullón Lozano Manuel A. , Lamuedra-Graván María
Published: February 2016

Este trabajo se centra en analizar las posibilidades y ámbitos de participación ciudadana en la esfera pública que se desprenden de las dinámicas de remediación entre televisión e internet, particularmente en lo que respecta a las tendencias de expansión y convergencia entre ambos medios. En el escenario actual, la pugna entre televisión e internet se pone de manifiesto en el consumo de los receptores, así como en sus discursos. Objetivo: Conocer la percepción que tienen los receptores en España de la televisión, ya sea en su formato tradicional o por medio de otros cauces y prácticas, así como identificar sus patrones de consumo y determinar en qué medida dichos receptores conocen y utilizan las segundas pantallas y los medios interactivos, o participan en las mismos. Metodología: Siguiendo una metodología cualitativa, basada en 4 grupos de discusión y 2 entrevistas individuales realizadas en España, se ha recabado un amplio espectro de opiniones de un total de 26 sujetos. Resultados y conclusiones: Salvo en los sujetos de mayor edad (más de 65 años), prevalecen las dinámicas de expansión sobre las de convergencia, es decir, los sujetos han añadido otros soportes al consumo de televisión en formato tradicional (especialmente internet y, en concreto, web social 2.0), hasta el punto de sustituirlo parcial o casi totalmente en algunos casos. Sin embargo, o bien desconocen o bien no suelen hacer uso de los mecanismos de participación e interacción que incorporan las transmisiones televisivas.