bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Eu Também Posso Propagar Histórias”. A Adaptação e as Narrativas Transmediáticas na Era da Participação
Authors: Sousa Marta Noronha e , Zagalo Nelson , Martins Moisés
Published: January 2017

Desde sempre, as histórias dilectas do público são propagadas para além dos limites do seu enunciado original. Mas, as práticas comunicativas estão a mudar. Uma das mudanças mais radicais verificou-se na relação entre produtores e consumidores mediáticos. Apesar de o público nunca ter sido inteiramente passivo na recepção das narrativas, com a democratização dos media digitais ligados em rede e das tecnologias criativas, ele conquistou um papel mais ac- tivo, tornando-se também um agente da propagação de histórias. O público pode hoje interagir mais activamente com as histórias, contribuir com as suas interpretações e apropriações ou até participar na própria criação de histórias originais. O presente artigo visa, então, reflectir sobre as novas potencialidades participativas oferecidas pelas tecnologias digitais e criativas, através da análise de alguns casos práticos particularmente elucidativos.
Información sobre saúde sanitaria e médica nos medios de comunicación en España. Estado da cuestión nos diferentes medios: Prensa, radio, televisión, revistas e Internet
Authors: Sánchez Carmen Costa
Published: January 2017

Os medios de comunicación constitúen unha fonte de información sobre saúde moi importante para os cidadáns. Porén, a situación deste tipo de contidos nos diferentes medios españois resulta ben distinta: mentres os informativos televisivos non lle prestan demasiada atención, a prensa escrita de pago vai creando seccións especializadas. O presente traballo aborda a situación dos contidos especializados en saúde que se publican nos medios españois para plantexar o estado da cuestión e a partires de aí reflexionar sobre as propostas de mellora.
O Movimento 15M. Ações coletivas e voláteis no campo político
Authors: Luque Santiago Giraldo , Cerdá Juan Francisco Martínez , Sánchez María Oralia Paredes
Published: January 2017

Partindo de dados recolhidos através de um inquérito realizado em Maio de 2011, com o objetivo de identificar algumas características do impacto mediático do Movimento 15M espanhol, este artigo apresenta uma reflexão crítica sobre o papel dos novos média, sobretudo das redes sociais, na produção de ações mediáticas em massa. Decorrente dos atuais processos de informação, as redes sociais surgem posicionadas no imaginário como cenários informativos multiplicadores e como espaços geradores de mobilizações sociais imediatas. Contudo, a rápida disseminação, espontaneidade, instantaneidade e volatilidade que caracterizam estes movimentos contrastam com a falta de movimentos ponderados, decorrentes de processos deliberados, que assentam necessariamente em esferas públicas institucionalizadas. Este artigo revela o contraste existente entre a alteração dos hábitos de consumo dos média e a receção de informação pelos cidadãos, e a sua permanente apatia perante a ação-mobilização. Assim, as alterações nas formas de comunicação, individualização, interligação e presença múltipla permanecem espaços de ação coletiva inalterados, podendo, inclusivamente, reduzir estes espaços se não forem utilizados adequadamente.
A interseção entre o “óbvio” e o “público catalisado” através do domínio de mediatização das culturas cívicas
Authors: Murru Maria Francesca
Published: January 2017

Este artigo procura estudar o modo como as novas formas de interação e de envolvimento colocadas à disposição pelas tecnologias online interativas e participativas poderão ajudar a incentivar o empoderamento das práticas cívicas. Este trabalho enforma uma reflexão teórica sobre as potenciais áreas de interseção entre as audiências, enquanto “persona ficta” (Dayan, 2005) que emerge no papel de encenar a atenção face a uma performance externa, e o público, considerado enquanto entidade coletiva que chama a atenção externa, e que inclui uma orientação fundamental relativamente à ação partilhada e consensual. Defendemos que, para analisar a co-presença e a potencial sobreposição entre estas duas coletividades, é necessário adotar os conceitos de “mediação” (Silverstone, 1999) e de “culturas cívicas” (Dahlgren, 2009). O artigo desenvolve esta hipótese através da análise empírica de um estudo de caso focado em Beppegrillo.it, um weblog italiano que funciona como uma plataforma de comunicação para o desenvolvimento de um movimento cívico e político.
Sociological ontology of the digital public sphere: the case of Web 2.0/3.0
Authors: Andrade Pedro
Published: January 2017

Digital public sphere is immersed in the present conjuncture of accelerated transformation and probable rupture, which certainly will affect the way we exercise our citizenship in contemporary times. This social and political tsunami is partly based on the change of paradigm of Web 2.0 or Social Web to Web 3.0 or Semantic Web. To clarify such a process, this paper discusses some of the key issues and theoretical positions on public space, from seminal Habermas’s perspective to new problematics raised by the networked society. The author suggests the construction of a Sociological Ontology of Social and Semantic Web, based on a Semantic-Logical Sociology and Methodology. These procedures are applied through the analysis and hermeneutics of a Wikipedia page entitled ‘Web 2.0’, where sociological experimental tools are used, as Semantic-Logical fields, trees and networks, central and peripheral concepts, and trichotomies.
Tuominen, S., Kotilainen, S. (2012) Pedagogies of Media and Information Literacies. UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education: Moscow.
Authors: Pessôa Clarisse
Published: January 2017

The handbook “Pedagogies of Media and Information Literacies” was written in 2012 and published by the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, one of the organizations which has most actively been involved in developing foundations for media and information literacy in Europe...
Introductory note: Discourses about fashion
Authors: Gama Maria Gabriela , Castilho Kathia
Published: January 2017

This issue of the journal Communication and Society is dedicated to fashion and its relationship to our times. The studies collected...
Proposing Fashion: The Discourse of Glossy Magazines
Authors: Moeran Brian
Published: January 2017

This essay discusses the production and discourse of fashion magazines, or glossies, which are an integral part of the ‘fashion system’. As intermediaries between producers and consuming public, the glossies’ main purpose is to propose: to make proposals about what in particular makes the latest clothes ‘fashion’; about what the latest trends are likely to be; about the importance of the names behind them; about reasons why fashion should be important in readers’ lives; and about where the clothes themselves may be purchased. Such proposals legitimize fashion and the fashion world in cultural — and commercial — terms.The glossies make meaningful connections between things that seem to be essentially independent; they give them social lives by creating an imaginary world about them; and they provide historical and aesthetic order in a world whose products, by their very seasonality and potentially chaotic quantity, are likely to go unnoticed. Fashion magazines represent the fashions shown in the catwalk collections. In so doing, they create ‘a discourse of fashion’ whose key evaluative terms are used by different people across time and space to mark out and contest semantic territory in which local cultural preferences engage with globalizing norms of fashion taste.
A relação entre a sustentabilidade e o design de moda contemporâneo: uma análise sobre o segmento jeanswear
Authors: Moura Mónica , Almeida Mariana Dias
Published: January 2017

A moda é um dos reflexos que melhor expressa as dinâmicas do contemporâneo, e a sustentabilidade é um dos agentes questionadores do conceito e da abordagem da moda e do design de moda, assim, a proposta deste artigo é apresentar uma análise crítica da relação da moda com a sustentabilidade, com o objetivo de confrontar e verificar os discursos defendidos por empresas do segmento jeanswear e o desenvolvimento de seus produtos de vestuário, chamados de ‘ sustentáveis’. A fundamentação parte da revisão da literatura dessas áreas somada à pesquisa de campo com entrevistas estruturadas, aplicação de questionários e posterior análise das discursos e divulgação por parte das  empresas.
A Identidade cultural Portuguesa: do colonialismo ao pós-colonialismo: memórias sociais, imagens e representações identitárias
Authors: Baptista Maria Manuel
Published: January 2017

A presente reflexão pretende analisar as relações entre memória e identidade de portugueses colonialistas em África, tal como foram sendo representadas no cinema português até ao final do século XX. Escolhemos cinco dos que nos pareceram os exemplos mais ilustrativos (três longas-metragens de ficção e duas comédias) que representam de forma diversa o modo como os portugueses se foram representando identitariamente, enquanto ‘agentes civilizadores’ de povos africanos. Com efeito, podemos considerar que a identidade cultural do português em África, tal como ela é representada no cinema português durante o século XX, passa por três momentos distintos: uma primeira fase, que designaremos por ‘A invenção de um Império’, uma segunda fase, que intitulamos ‘Um colonialismo à portuguesa’, e um último momento que, genericamente, designarmos com a expressão ’Exilados de sítio nenhum’. Na parte final deste estudo discutiremos a possibilidade de compreensão das memórias e identidades coloniais e pós-coloniais, a partir de uma gama muito diversa de modalidades relacionais entre o Eu e o Outro, as quais exigem a contínua (re)construção de memórias e identidades, num quadro de exercício de liberdade individual e coletiva: uma tarefa de Sísifo, infinita por natureza.
Portuguese cultural identity: from colonialism to post-colonialism: Social memories, images and representations of identity
Authors: Baptista Maria Manuel
Published: January 2017

This reflection aims to analyse the relation between the memory and identity of the colonial Portuguese in Africa, according to how they were represented in Portuguese cinema until the end of the 20th century. We chose five examples, which we considered most illustrative (three feature-length fictional films and two comedies), which demonstrate the diverse ways in which the Portuguese were represented in terms of identity, as ‘civilising agents’ for the African people.  Thus, we can consider that the cultural identity of the Portuguese in Africa, as portrayed in Portuguese cinema in the 20th century, had three distinct phases: we designated the first as ‘The invention of an Empire’, the second as ‘a Portuguese colonialism’, and a final stage, which is entitled with the expression ‘Exiled from nowhere’. In the final part of this study, we discuss the possibility of understanding colonial and post-colonial identities and memories, from a wide range of modalities related to Myself and the Other, which require the continuation of a (re)construction of memories and identities, in a framework of exercising individual and collection liberty: a work of Sísifo, infinite by nature.
Os desafios de gestão para a incorporação de novas tecnologias digitais nos serviços públicos de radiodifusão do Brasil e de Portugal
Authors: Esch Carlos Eduardo , Carvalho Mariana Martins de
Published: January 2017

As tecnologias digitais e o surgimento de inovadores serviços de comunicação online estão definindo um contexto desafiador para os gestores dos meios de comunicação de modo geral e, em particular, para os que administram os sistemas públicos de radiodifusão. Esse contexto tem impelido esses profissionais a pensarem e estabelecerem um conjunto de ações cujo objetivo fundamental é modelar, em alguma medida, estratégias com o objetivo de fazer com que estas instituições produzam, divulguem e ofertem conteúdos midiáticos através de novas plataformas e, assim, reestabeleçam e renovem seus vínculos de consumo com distintos perfis de público. Um cenário configurado a partir da disponibilização cada vez mais acentuada de opções midiáticas virtuais aos usuários, e que tem levado os meios de comunicação públicos a enfrentarem perdas representativas de fatias de audiências, situação que pode, em circunstâncias limites, colocar em cheque a legitimidade social deste tipo de radiodifusão, o próprio cumprimento da sua missão e relegá-la a um plano de menor relevância perante os cidadãos. O texto analisa os desafios de gestão que se apresentam para os serviços públicos de radiodifusão do Brasil e de Portugal para incorporarem as novas tecnologias e se fazerem presentes perante seus potenciais públicos no ambiente virtual.
The educational radio in the perception of basic education teachers – The More Education Program’s school radio case
Authors: Patrício Edgard
Published: January 2017

The public policies of media literacy gain importance in the face of the transformations of the ways of making communication. And the effectiveness of these policies, within the scope of basic education, may run counter to the receptivity of teachers. This article analyzes the perception of teachers of public education in Fortaleza (Brazil) about educational radio and the orientation they adopt in the development of curricular activities. The research was carried out in 2014, in 21 schools integrated to the More Education Program (PME). The PME, implemented in 2007 by the Ministry of Education, intends to develop a policy of integral education for schools. One of the activities offered is school radio, by the macro field “Communication and Use of Media”. A total of 124 interviews were carried out, among More Education coordinators, teachers and students. The interviews were carried out from a questionnaire of 63 questions. For this article, we focused on the analysis of 31 interviews with public school teachers who made the option of school radio as an activity. The results of the analysis point to a low index of teachers participation in the functioning of school radio, a perception of learning still focused only on literacy and difficulties in the approximation between school radio and classroom.
Planejamento Urbano e Ambiental no Canal das Pedrinhas-Ap (Brasil): entraves e desafios
Authors: Cardoso Josiane Pereira , Oliveira Netiê Isabel da Silva , Ferreira José Francisco de Carvalho
Published: January 2017

O Plano Diretor é um dos elementos, que elaborado e aplicado de forma adequada, auxilia no desenvolvimento de estados, cidades ou bairros de maneira ordenada e que, devidamente de acordo com a legislação ambiental, proporciona qualidade de vida e melhora a sustentabilidade da cidade. Nessa premissa, buscou-se compreender como ocorreu a ocupação do bairro das Pedrinhas e qual o impacto ambiental/social causado pela utilização de seu canal como indicador do desenvolvimento local e, ao mesmo tempo, principal meio para o comércio ilegal de madeiras. O período escolhido para estudo compreende os anos de 1990 a 2010, momento pelo qual o bairro apontou maior dinâmica no seu crescimento. O método utilizado foi o Dialético e as técnicas foram análise documental, levantamento bibliográfico e entrevistas indiretas. Percebeu-se que a ocupação desordenada trouxe sérios problemas ambientais e que o comércio ilegal no canal é um relevante promotor do desenvolvimento local. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Planejamento Urbano. Planejamento Ambiental. Canal das Pedrinhas.
Communicative Language Teaching Strategies for German as a Foreign Language in Uganda
Authors: Sekiziyivu Samuel , Mugimu Christopher B.
Published: January 2017

The communicative language teaching (CLT) approach emphasizes the change in the role of the teacher from a transmitter of knowledge to a facilitator of language learning. Teachers must therefore, develop and utilize teaching strategies that enable learners to freely interact in a classroom environment to enhance the required communicative competences. However, in the Ugandan context where the curriculum is examination-driven, teacher competence is judged on the basis of students’ excellence in the final examinations. As such, teachers tend to focus on producing better grades, thereby neglecting learners’ acquisition of vital communicative competences. This paper spells out the teaching strategies teachers of German use to create a supportive environment for communicative language teaching and learning. A cross sectional survey research design was used in the study. Questionnaires, observations, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data on teachers’ experiences regarding the teaching strategies used to support CLT approach. Findings revealed that the teaching strategies utilised by the teachers of German had very little bearing on the CLT approach. For instance, the classroom environment did not encourage free interaction among learners as required by the CLT approach. It was recommended that teachers be introduced to teaching strategies that are relevant to the CLT approach during their pre-and in-service training.
Evaluating Information-processing-based Learning Cooperative Model on Speaking Skill Course
Authors: Darmuki Agus , Andayani Andayani , Nurkamto Joko , Saddhono Kundharu
Published: January 2017

The speaking ability of university students is still low due to the lack of information, interaction, and critical ideas in oral communication. Cooperative learning was implemented as the approach to overcome it. The research aimed at: (1) evaluating the effectiveness of cooperative approach in terms of the development of student's speaking ability, the effectiveness of speaking learning activity, and the learning instruction of guidance book; 2) figuring out the significant difference result pre and post cooperative model. The researcher employed mixed method approach (a combination of descriptive-evaluative and experimental designs) to evaluate cooperative model applied for Indonesian Language and Literature Department at IKIP PGRI Bojonegoro, Ronggolawe University in Tuban, and Darul Ulum Islamic University in Lamongan. The research sample was 50% of the total population by purposive sampling technique. The research instruments (questionnaire, interview, and speaking test) were previously tested their validity and reliability. Data analysis (questionnaire and interview) have some phases: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The normality and homogeneity of data resulted from speaking test were tested by t-test. To evaluate learning model or obtain input from related lecturers, students, and the researcher himself, the activity of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was utilized. The students taught by cooperative model have the speaking score of 18.9875, higher than ones with conventional learning in which score is 17.4500. Cooperative learning influenced significantly student's speaking ability as Fcalculation>Ftable in which Fcalculation test obtained 11.380 while Ftable was 3.91 at the significance level =0.05.
The Challenges and Opportunities for English Teachers in Teaching ESP in China
Authors: Luo Jing , Garner Mark
Published: January 2017

In recent years, English for Specific Purposes has been widely adopted in College English courses, which presents a great challenge for all English teachers. With particular characteristics, ESP calls for the interdisciplinary knowledge to meet the needs of learners. Accordingly, teachers’ role changes dramatically from the traditional language lecturer to multiple roles especially as a cooperator with content teachers. Cooperation with content teachers is a complex process which involves what and how to cooperate. By analyzing the previous researches and different specialisms of English teachers and content teachers, English teachers will not strive to learn as much content knowledge as possible but find their own and unique status in teaching with their linguistic knowledge. In this way a successful teaching of ESP can be achieved. Along with the challenges, ESP also provides a platform to conduct the communicative approach in class. With the equal status and the common ground built in ESP class, communicative teaching will be more effective.
The Impacts of Post-task Activities on Iranian EFL Learners’ Reading Achievements
Authors: Khademi Marzieh , Mellati Morteza , Moghaddam Samaneh Notghi
Published: January 2017

As learners’ proficiency is more important than their abstract knowledge of the language rules, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is of crucial values today. Task-based instruction has three phases: pre-task, during-task, and post-task. Studies have demonstrated that all of them might play a significant role in language teaching. Moreover, recent studies have compared different tasks over time. However, it is still unclear how different phases of a task impact learners’ language ability. To better understand this issue, this particular study investigated the effect of post-task activities on EFL learners’ reading achievements. To conduct the study, 47 Iranian EFL learners in a private language institute in Esfahan, Iran were selected. The participants were assigned into three groups randomly (two experimental groups and one control group). Through ten sessions (five weeks), the participants learned how to focus on post-task activities such as reflection on the task and repeated performance in a task-based instruction. The required data were collected through pretest, posttest, and semi-structured interview. After the course, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with five students from experimental groups. The results of both quantitative and qualitative data indicated that post-task activities have a significant effect on learners’ language proficiency, their reading achievements, and their motivation to participate in classroom tasks. The implementation and discussions were also discussed.
The Relationship between Emotional, Social, Cultural, Spiritual Intelligence and EFL Teachers’ Teaching Effectiveness
Authors: Nikoopour Jahanbakhsh , Esfandiari Nadimeh
Published: January 2017

The present study attempted to investigate the relationship between EFL teachers’ emotional, social, cultural, spiritual intelligence and their teaching effectiveness in EFL contexts. Teaching effectiveness was investigated as perceived by EFL teachers, observers and learners based on a data-triangulated procedure. A total of 126 EFL teachers, 266 learners and 31 EFL observers selected randomly from various educational districts in Tehran participated in the study. The EFL teachers were required to answer self-report questionnaires of Teaching Effectiveness Scale (TES), Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue), Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS) and Integrated Spiritual Intelligence Scale (ISIS)  respectively. The EFL observers and learners were also required to answer Teaching Effectiveness Scale (TES) to reveal their perception of their teachers’ teaching effectiveness. The study revealed that among EFL teachers, there was a significant correlation between teaching effectiveness and TEQ, but the correlation between teaching effectiveness and the three other types of intelligence (SQ, CQ, & SPQ) was not significant. The three groups of participants (teachers, observers, and learners) showed a significant difference in their perception of effective teaching. In further analysis, gender made a significant difference in TEQ, but female and male EFL teachers did not show a significant difference in their CQ, SQ, SPQ and effective teaching. University degree caused a significant difference in SQ and TEQ, but not in TE, SPQ and CQ. However, teaching experience and age made a significant difference in all four variables under the study.
The Impact of Applying Images on Knowledge of Affixes among EFL Learners
Authors: Nodjoomi Fatemeh Sadat , Yaghoubi Ahmad
Published: January 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Applying Images on Iranian EFL learners’ Knowledge of Affixes. Based on a standard PET test, 60 learners selected out of 100 intermediate female EFL learners were chosen in the study. They were assigned randomly to one control and one experimental group. Then an affix test was given to them as a pretest. The experimental group received instruction through images as their treatment while the control group has their own way of teaching without treatment. After treatment, both groups were given an affix posttest again. The results were analyzed through sample independent t-test in order to see if there was any significant difference in the results. The results (t = 8.245, p = 0.000 < 0.001) show that there is a significant difference between the scores of the two groups at the final exam. Thus, it is concluded that the participants of the experimental group strongly outperformed the control group in the final exam. The findings of this study have implications for students, teachers, and syllabus designers.
Study of Writing Problem in College General English Course—Reflection on the Reform of College English Course
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2017

Since the end of 2014, many well-known universities in China have launched an another English course reform under the guidance of College English Teaching promulgated by the Department of Education. They reform general English course into Special English course in order to improve students’ English writing capacity. We can see that the improvement and development of students’ English writing skills and ability have become the core content in this English course reform. This study examines the problem of non-English major students’ English writing in General English course based on the systemic functional linguistics and gives some suggestions. A variety of factors that influence English writing are found, such as the attitude toward English writing, the learning approach and strategy, the number of vocabulary, the integrity of sentence, the coherence of discourse and the  transfer of native language. These factors interact to influence the development of students’ English writing ability. Some findings are different from the researches of predecessors. In addition, the survey about English writing sources and self-evaluation are helpful to analyze the problems. This study highlights the influence of discourse and suggests to pay more attention to cultivate students’ discourse awareness.
A New Extended Burr XII Distribution
Authors: Ghosh Indranil , Bourguinon Marcelo
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we propose a new lifetime distribution, namely the extended Burr XII distribution (using the technique as mentioned in Cordeiro et al. (2015)). We derive some basic properties of the new distribution and provide a Monte Carlo simulation study to evaluate the maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters. For illustrative purposes, two real life data sets have been considered as an application of the proposed model.
Estimation of Order Restricted Normal Means when the Variances Are Unknown and Unequal
Authors: Pedram Najmeh , Bazyari Abouzar
Published: January 2017

In the present paper, two normal distributions with parameters μi and σi2 where there is an order restriction on the means when the variances are unknown and unequal are considered. Under the squared error loss function, a necessary and sufficient condition for the plug-in estimators to improve upon the unrestricted maximum likelihood estimators uniformly is given. Also under the modified Pitman nearness criterion; a class of estimators is considered that reduce to the estimators of a common mean when the unbiased estimators violate the order restriction. It is shown that the most critical case for uniform improvement with regard to the unbiased estimators is the one when two means are equal. To illustrate the results, two numerical examples are presented.
A Smaller Percent of Hispanic Children Have Special Health Care Needs: Is that Possible?
Authors: Waldman H Barry , Wong Allen , Rojas Jorge E , Perlman Steven P
Published: January 2017

The results from latest study of children with special health care needs indicate at the national and state levels that (except for Asian children) the proportion of Hispanic children with special needs is less than for other child populations. A review of a series of associated factors raises questions of the validity of these general national and state findings. The significant projected increases in the Hispanic population during the next decades points to the necessity of reconsidering the recent survey findings in light of what could be continued increases in the numbers of youngsters with special health care needs and the evolving family cultural adaptation, education and employment opportunities.
Prevalence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Mexican Children
Authors: Gurrusquieta Brenda Jaime , Núñez Victor Manuel Mendoza , López María Lilia Adriana Juárez
Published: January 2017

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in schoolchildren aged 6–12 years. Study design: This study included 1156 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years, living in Mexico City. A previously standardised examiner (k = 0.79) applied the diagnostic criteria for MIH from the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Children's parents completed a questionnaire about medical conditions in the perinatal period and the first 3 years of their children's lives. Descriptive measures were examined, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Results: The subjects were 582 (50.4%) females and 574 (49.6%) males, with an average age of 8.4 ± 1.6 years. The prevalence of MIH was 15.8%, and this condition was more prevalent in children aged 9–12 years than in those aged 6–8 years (18% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.05). Risk factors for MIH were low birth weight (OR = 1.905, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.130–3.211, p = 0.014), urinary tract infection (OR = 4.841, 95% CI 2.863–8.186, p = 0.001), chickenpox (OR = 1.826, 95% CI 1.196–2.786, p = 0.005), and history of allergies (OR = 4.370, 95% CI 2.538–7.523, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of MIH in a group of Mexican schoolchildren was 15.8%. Medical conditions in the first years of life were more prevalent in children affected by MIH.
Volumetric Evaluation of Different Obturation Techniques in Primary Teeth Using Spiral Computed Tomography
Authors: Nagaveni NB , Yadav Sneha , Poornima P , Reddy VV Subba , Roshan NM
Published: January 2017

Background: Various obturation techniques have been evaluated for better filling of the root canals in primary teeth using different methods. Spiral Computed Tomography (SCT) is a new revolution in the pediatric endodontics for assessment of quality of the obturation from 3 dimensions. Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency of 5 different obturation methods in delivering the filling material into the canals of primary teeth using Spiral Computed Tomography scan. Study design: A total of 50 canals of primary teeth were prepared, divided into 5 groups with 10 canals in each group and obturated with Zinc Oxide Eugenol cement using 5 different obturation techniques such as Local anesthetic syringe, Tuberculin syringe, Endodontic plugger, hand held Lentulo-spiral, and Lentulo-spiral mounted on slow speed hand piece. The pre and post obturation volume and finally the Percentage of Obturated Volume (POV) were calculated using SCT scan for each group. The data obtained was statistically analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: Lentulo-spiral hand held showed highest POV value followed by Lentulospiral mounted to hand piece, Tuberculin syringe and Endodontic plugger; whereas Anesthetic syringe had least POV (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Lentulo-spiral hand held is the best obturating technique among the 5 groups evaluated as the canals of this group showed maximum percentage of filled material. However, a further study with large sample size is highly essential.
Dental Anomalies in Permanent Teeth after Trauma in Primary Dentition
Authors: Bardellini Elena , Amadori Francesca , Pasini Stefania , Majorana Alessandra
Published: January 2017

Objective: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in permanent teeth as a result of a trauma concerning the predecessor primary teeth. Study design: A total of 241 records of children (118 males and 123 females, mean age 3.62 ± 1.40) affected by trauma on primary teeth were analyzed. All patients were recalled to evaluate the status of the permanent successor teeth by clinical and radiographic investigations. Results: Out of 241 patients, 106 patients (for a total of 179 traumatized primary teeth) presented at the recall. Dental anomalies on successor permanent teeth were detected in 21 patients (19.8%), for a total of 26 teeth (14.5%) and 28 anomalies. Anomalies of the eruptive process were the most observed disturbances (60.7%), followed by enamel hypoplasia (25%) and white spots (14.3%). A higher percentage of anomalies on permanent teeth was observed when trauma occurred at an age less than 36 months (38.5% of cases). Intrusive and extrusive luxation were related with the most cases of clinical disturbances in the successor permanent teeth. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the risk of dental anomalies after a trauma in primary dentition, especially in early-aged children and in case of intrusive luxation.
Joubert Plus Syndrome with Self-Mutilation: A Case report
Authors: Mowafy Yousr N , Wahba Nadia A , Sharaf Aly A
Published: January 2017

Background: Joubert syndrome is a very rare condition with dismal prognosis. It is characterized by several abnormalities including molar tooth sign on MRI. When coupled with mega cisterna magna- a feature of the Dandy Walker syndrome- it is categorized as Joubert plus syndrome. Case report: A 16 month old male child with Joubert syndrome was referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry Alexandria University, complaining of severe tongue and lower lip injury due to self-mutilation. He required multiple teeth extractions under general anesthesia to prevent further tongue and lip mutilation. Conclusion: Joubert plus syndrome is a very rare occurring condition. Because self-mutilation is sometimes fatal, a treatment plan tailored to each patient's need is mandatory. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended.
Fluoroscopy-free Atrial Transseptal Puncture
Authors: McCauley Mark D , Patel Nisarg , Greenberg Scott J , Molina-Razavi Joanna E , Safavi-Naeini Payam , Razavi Mehdi ,   Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, The University of Illinois at Chicago and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, US,   The Wright Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US,   The Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US,   The Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US,   The Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US,   The Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Fluoroscopy is traditionally used in atrial transseptal puncture (TSP); however fluoroscopy exposes patient and physician to excess radiation. Here, we describe a feasibility study of a zero-fluoroscopy transseptal puncture (ZFTSP) technique utilising electroanatomical mapping (EAM) and intracardiac echo (ICE) in a small case series of patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We then compare this technique to other established ZFTSP techniques for paroxysmal AF ablation. Methods: Seven patients received ZFTSP. An Acunav™ ICE catheter (Biosense Webster Inc., California, US) was placed in the right atrium, then an Agilis™ sheath (St. Jude Medical, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US) was established into the inferior vena cava. A ThermoCool® SmartTouch™ catheter (Biosense Webster Inc., California, US) was inserted through the Agilis to map the fossa ovalis. Mapping catheter exchange for dilator and needle allowed for facile ZFTSP. AF outcome, fluoroscopy times, and procedure times were compared with eight age-matched control patients. Results: There were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI) or AF duration between the two groups and no immediate complications. ZFTSP procedure time was 183.9±33.7 minutes versus 293.13±129.9 minutes for TSP-only controls (p=0.05). Fluoroscopy time was 17.5±14.1 minutes in ZFTSP patients versus 73.4±50.3 minutes in controls (p=0.01). AF recurrence in ZFTSP patients was 14% versus 25% in controls. Conclusion: ZFTSP utilising ICE and EAM is safe, effective, and time-efficient. There is a small but significant reduction in radiation exposure to patient and physician by the use of this technique.
Leadless Cardiac Pacemaker – Feasibility of a ‘Heavy’ Case
Authors: Curnis Antonio , Vassanelli Francesca , Cerini Manuel , Inama Lorenza , Salghetti Francesca , D’Aloia Antonio , Bontempi Luca ,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, University and Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
Published: January 2017

The conventional pacing systems consist of a small size-battery, an electronic circuit and leads. Despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic features, transvenous leads remain the weakest link of the pacing system. Nowadays, two types of leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) exist leading stimulation from the right ventricle (RV) apex or low septum at the desired lower rate, with rate responsive algorithms. We report our experience with an LCP implant in a severely obese patient and demonstrate the feasibility of the procedure and the excellent telemetric (conductive) communication between the LCP and the programmer despite the critical mass of the patient.
Safinamide – A Unique Treatment Targeting Both Dopaminergic and Non-Dopaminergic Systems
Authors: Kulisevsky Jaime ,   Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology, Hospital Santa Creu, Barcelona, Spain,   Estudis de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Barcelona, Spain,   CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
Published: January 2017

Dopaminergic replacement therapies are prescribed widely to improve motor problems in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, as the disease progresses, the response to levodopa (l-dopa) doses becomes shorter and patients experience symptom recurrence at the end of the dose effect. These so-called OFF periods may become refractory to treatment, and may become associated with disabling motor fluctuations or dyskinesias. In addition to dopamine, glutamate excitotoxicity, resulting from disturbance of the homeostatic balance of neurotransmitters and elevated extracellular levels of glutamate, is potentially an important therapeutic target. Safinamide has been investigated in phase III clinical trials as adjunct therapy to l-dopa in mid- to late-stage fluctuating PD. Adding safinamide to l-dopa increases the time patients’ symptoms are controlled – so-called ON time, without increasing troublesome dyskinesia. Although safinamide has dopaminergic actions, recent data have suggested that the long-term effects of safinamide on dyskinesia are related to safinamide state- and use-dependent inhibition of sodium channels and stimulated glutamate release, rather than reduced dopaminergic stimulation. Safinamide’s unique dual mechanism of action makes it a valuable treatment option for fluctuating PD patients.
Evaluation and Treatment of Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction – A Review
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Athanasakos Eleni , Emmanuel Anton V ,   GI Physiology Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK,   Division of Medicine, University College London, UK,   GI Physiology Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK,   GI Physiology Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK,   Division of Medicine, University College London, UK
Published: January 2017

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction is a severely troubling entity for patients with neurological disease or injury. The complex symptom cluster presents a challenge, not only for the patients but also for the treating clinician. Without intervention, patients are bound to have a reduced quality of life, and experience social impacts and secondary complications that come along with it. A careful initial assessment provides an idea of symptom severity and is crucial for successful rehabilitation. The mainstay of treatment remains a conservative approach of managing faecal incontinence or optimising the mechanics of defecation to improve patient’s quality of life. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on pathophysiology, assessment and management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
Efficacy and Safety of Existing and Emerging Monoclonal Antibody Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Giovannoni Gavin ,   Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, UK
Published: January 2017

The introduction of monoclonal antibodies for multiple sclerosis (MS) has provided a molecular targeted approach to modify the course of disease. A major advantage of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of MS is that they are designed to be specific to their target and have very few off-target effects. Monoclonal antibodies have distinct structural characteristics and different targets, and their various mechanisms of action include cross-linking, blocking interactions, induction of signal transduction via receptor binding, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Monoclonal antibodies should not therefore be considered a single class of treatments. Natalizumab and alemtuzumab are highly efficacious treatments approved for treating MS, though they tend to be reserved for patients with more active disease. Other monoclonal antibodies in advanced development include ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody, daclizumab and opicinumab (anti-LINGO-1). Screening and monitoring is required to enable the optimal utilisation of all monoclonal antibodies and the benefit–risk profile of each monoclonal antibody needs to be fully considered before use. At present, patients have variable access to effective MS treatments, and this issue is likely to become even more important to address as new therapies become available.
A study on clinico-pathological analysis of hysterectomies
Authors: Sinhasane Hema , GM Nishty
Published: January 2017

Background: Routes for hysterectomy include abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, or combined approaches. Traditional abdominal hysterectomy (AH) is one of the most common gynaecological surgical procedures in the treatment of benign gynaecological diseases. However, AH as the most invasive procedure, is associated with some limitations such as abdominal trauma, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and slow postoperative recovery.Methods: All the patients attending Gynecology outpatient department with symptoms were assessed with history and clinical examination by the Consultant Gynecologist and investigated. Those requiring hysterectomy were analyzed by the Consultants for the approach depending on the indication for the surgery, nature of the disease and patient characteristics.Results: The most common indication for hysterectomy was prolapsed uterus (29.4%) followed by menstrual disorders (25.8%), leiomyoma (22.9%), and PID (12.3%).Conclusions: Hysterectomy is successful in relieving pain, carcinomas and obstetric complication.
A study of common aero-allergen in Mewar region, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Matta J. S. , Jain Priyank , Ved M. L.
Published: January 2017

Background: Aero-allergens are important causative factor in pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases (Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis). Present study aimed to identify the common aeroallergens in Mewar region, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.Methods: Intradermal allergic testing done on 1050 respiratory allergic patients in last 15 yrs (2002 to 2016) by kit containing 125 allergen extracts includes pollen, fungi, insects, dust, dander’s, fabrics, feathers and wood. In 1020 patients (after excluding 30 patients), marked positive skin reaction (3+/4+) to one or more aeroallergen noted.Results: Most common aero allergens found were pollens (62%), woods (58.5%), dander (52%), insects (45%), dust mite (44.2%) and fungi (38.4%). Among pollens most common allergens were Holoptelia integrifolia, Parthenium hysterophorn, Cynodon. Among fungi aspergillus and candida species were most common. Cockroach and fly were predominant insects.Conclusions: Role of allergen testing have important role in management of allergic respiratory diseases as allergen immunotherapy or desensitization is only disease modifying treatment.
Ecuador 1980-1990: crisis, ajuste y cambio de régimen de desarrollo
Authors: Oleas Montalvo Julio
Published: January 2017

En la década de 1980 terminó la industrialización dirigida por el Estado, comenzaron las reformas de mercado y cambió la forma de gestionar la política económica. En Ecuador los gobiernos de los presidentes Osvaldo Hurtado (1981-1984), León Febres Cordero (1984-1988), Rodrigo Borja (1988-1992) y la influencia del FMI promovieron este cambio adaptativo al régimen económico alentado por las emergentes doctrinas neoconservadoras de la época. Se estudian las cartas de intención remitidas al FMI y las memorias anuales del Banco Central del Ecuador, además de otras fuentes primarias. El PIB creció en promedio 2.4% anual, mientras la población lo hizo al 2.6%; la gestión de la crisis se desplazó desde la Junta Nacional de Planificación hacia el Banco Central, entidad que hizo de la devaluación monetaria su principal herramienta de política económica.
The Pleasures of Polyglossia in Emirati Cinema: Focus on ‘From A to B’ and ‘Abdullah’
Authors: Hambuch Doris
Published: January 2017

Polyglot films highlight the coexistence of multiple languages at the level of dialogue and narration. Even the notoriously monolingual Hollywood film industry has recently seen an increase in polyglot productions. Much of Europe’s polyglot cinema reflects on post-war migration. Hamid Naficy has coined the phrase “accented cinema” to define diasporic filmmaking, a closely related category. The present essay considers polyglot Emirati films as part of an increasingly popular global genre. It argues that the lack of a monolingual mandate is conducive to experiments with language choices, and that the polyglot genre serves best to emphasize efforts made to accommodate the diversity of cultures interacting in urban centers in the United Arab Emirates. Case studies of Ali F. Mostafa’s From A to B (2014) and Humaid Alsuwaidi’s Abdullah (2015) demonstrate the considerable contributions Emirati filmmakers have already made to a genre, which offers a powerful potential for cinema in the UAE. A comparative analysis identifies the extent to which each of the two films reveals elements inherent in three of the five sub-categories outlined by Chris Wahl.

Keywords: Ali Mostafa; Emirati cinema; film analysis; Humaid Alsuwaidi; multilingualism; polyglot cinema 