Towards a cultural rhetoric of humor

The proposal of a Cultural Rhetoric includes also explanatory categories of analysis and reflection on some of the diverse mechanisms and resources. These are supporting it and allowing to explain communicative processes of rhetorical-cultural nature as well as to emphasize interdiscursivity. In the present work we propose an approach towards the configuration of a cultural rhetoric of humor from five concrete proposals that have been provided by Cultural Rhetoric: we are referring to Poliacroasis, the Communicative Cenesthesia, the Game Space, the Communicative Cultural-Rhetoric Code and the Metaphorical EngineLa propuesta de una Retórica cultural lo es también de categorías explicativas de análisis y de reflexión sobre los diversos mecanismos y recursos que la sustentan y que permiten explicar procesos comunicativos de índole retórico-cultural así como subrayar la interdiscursividad. En el presente trabajo proponemos una aproximación hacia la configuración de una retórica cultural del humor desde cinco propuestas concretas facilitadas por la Retórica cultural: la poliacroasis, la cenestesia comunicativa, el espacio de juego, el código comunicativo cultural-retórico y el motor metafóricoEste trabajo es resultado de investigación realizada en el marco del proyecto de investigación METAPHORA (Referencia FFI2014-53391-P), financiado por la Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación del Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad del Gobierno de Españ

El cuestionario de actitudes hacia la igualdad de géneros (CAIG): elaboración y estudio psicométrico.

De Sola Dominguez, Maria Amelia [email protected] Melia Navarro, Jose Luis - [email protected] trabajo describe el desarrollo y análisis psicométrico de un nuevo cuestionario para la medida de las actitudes hacia la igualdad de géneros. Incluye la descripción del cuestionario, su proceso de elaboración y su estructura factorial, así como los resultados de los análisis de fiabilidad y validez realizados. Finalmente, se adjunta el texto de los treinta ítems que componen la escala

Nivel de actividad física, gasto energético e índice de masa corporal en preadolescentes de Hermosillo, Sonora

Propósito y Método de Estudio: El propósito del estudio fue: Determinar el nivel de actividad física y gasto energético y su asociación con IMC en preadolescentes. El estudio fue descriptivo y correlacional, la muestra estuvo integrada por 114 escolares. Se aplicó una cédula de datos sociodemográficos y el cuestionario de actividad física de un día entre semana y otro de fin se semana (Kann et al. 1993), éste valora el nivel y la frecuencia. Además se utilizó el podómetro que permitió medir el número de pasos y kilocalorías, mismos que se transformaron a METs. Se tomó peso y talla para determinar el IMC. Para el tratamiento estadístico se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Contribución y Conclusiones: Un 84% de los preadolescentes presentaron sobrepeso u obesidad, esta última fue del 71%, únicamente el 12.3% tenía peso normal y 3.5 con bajo peso. En general las actividades que realizan entre semana fueron mas numerosas (14) que las que realizan en fin de semana (7). En las primeras destacan: correr (90.4%), ver televisión (88.6%), aseo personal (81.6%), mientras que en las segundas ver televisión (88.6%), aseo personal (82.5%) y correr (78.9%). La variación de pasos de un día entre semana y un día de fin de semana no presentó significancia estadística, sin embargo los preadolescentes de 5to año fueron los que reportaron una media mayor de pasos 13 019, esta media cae dentro de los rangos considerados normales. La prueba de ANOVA, no tuvo significancia estadística respecto a los cuatro niveles de actividad física (p>0.05). Los METs gastados en las diversas actividades entre semana y fin de semana no mostraron significancia (p>.05). La media de tiempo de ver televisión entre semana fue de 89.65 minutos (DE = 91.70), mientras que en fin de semana fue de 123.70 minutos (DE = 120.70). No se encontró relación entre el nivel de actividad física e IMC. En general la prevalencia de preadolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad es alarmante. El tiempo de ver televisión supera en mucho el tiempo que dedican a estudiar o realizar tareas escolares y otras actividades que son propias de su edad, además las medias de pasos permiten conocer que no están caminando lo recomendado que es entre 12 y 14 mil pasos diariamente

An Automated tool to detect variable sources in the Vista Variables in the Vía Láctea Survey. The VVV Variables (V^4) catalog of tiles d001 and d002

27 pages, 19 figuresTime-varying phenomena are one of the most substantial sources of astrophysical information, and their study has led to many fundamental discoveries in modern astronomy. We have developed an automated tool to search for and analyze variable sources in the near-infrared K s band using the data from the VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) ESO Public Large Survey. This process relies on the characterization of variable sources using different variability indices calculated from time series generated with point-spread function (PSF) photometry of sources under analysis. In particular, we used two main indices, the total amplitude and the eta index η, to identify variable sources. Once the variable objects are identified, periods are determined with generalized Lomb-Scargle periodograms and the information potential metric. Variability classes are assigned according to a compromise between comparisons with VVV templates and the period of the variability. The automated tool is applied on VVV tiles d001 and d002 and led to the discovery of 200 variable sources. We detected 70 irregular variable sources and 130 periodic ones. In addition, nine open-cluster candidates projected in the region are analyzed, and the infrared variable candidates found around these clusters are further scrutinized by cross-matching their locations against emission star candidates from VPHAS+ survey H α color cuts.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Fibre post behaviour prediction factors: a review of the literature

Introduction: The advantages of fibre posts over stainless steel posts have been demonstrated in numerous studies. For clinical success, various factors need to be taken into account in post-retained restorations. Material and Methods: A review was made of literature on fibre posts published from 2000 to February 2011, identified through searches of the PubMed/Medline databases. Results: The position of the tooth in the arch, ferrule size, proximal contact, periodontal support and restoration type are survival prediction factors that should be considered when performing post-endodontic restoration. Since fibre posts present good biomechanical behaviour as a result of their elastic modulus, which is similar to that of dentine, treatment failure occurs through decementation rather than because of root fracture, as occurs with metal posts. The shape of the post and, consequently, the thickness of the luting, can modify the retention capacity. Consequently, more anatomically-shaped posts have been developed, as have new techniques to reduce the volume of the dentine/cement interface: lateral condensation, surface remodelling or custom designs. Conclusions: Different aspects of the preparation process can be modified to assist in improving fibre post retention, but further investigation, mainly clinical, is needed to acquire a better understanding of how different factors influence the long-term clinical behaviour of the posts

A Study in a Regional Hospital of a Mid-Sized Spanish City Indicates a Major Increase in Infection/Colonization by Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria, Coinciding with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has proven difficult to control over the past few decades. The large group of multidrug-resistant bacteria includes carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB), for which limited therapeutic options and infection control measures are available. Furthermore, carbapenemases associate with high-risk clones that are defined by the sequence type (ST) to which each bacterium belongs. The objectives of this cross-sectional and retrospective study were to describe the CPB population isolated in a third-level hospital in Southern Spain between 2015 and 2020 and to establish the relationship between the ST and the epidemiological situation defined by the hospital. CPB were microbiologically studied in all rectal and pharyngeal swabs and clinical samples received between January 2015 and December 2020, characterizing isolates using MicroScan and mass spectrometry. Carbapenemases were detected by PCR and Sanger sequencing, and STs were assigned by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Isolates were genetically related by pulsedfield gel electrophoresis using Xbal, Spel, or Apal enzymes. The episodes in which each CPB was isolated were recorded and classified as involved or non-involved in an outbreak. There were 320 episodes with CPB during the study period: 18 with K. pneumoniae, 14 with Klebisella oxytoca, 9 with Citrobacter freundii, 11 with Escherichia coli, 46 with Enterobacter cloacae, 70 with Acinetobacter baumannii, and 52 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The carbapenemase groups detected were OXA, VIM, KPC, and NDM with various subgroups. Synchronous relationships were notified between episodes of K. pneumoniae and outbreaks for ST15, ST258, ST307, and ST45, but not for the other CPB. There was a major increase in infections with CPB over the years, most notably during 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the usefulness of gene sequencing techniques to control the spread of these microorganisms, especially in healthcare centers. These techniques offer faster results, and a reduction in their cost may make their real-time application more feasible. The combination of epidemiological data with real-time molecular sequencing techniques can provide a major advance in the transmission control of these CPB and in the management of infected patients. Real-time sequencing is essential to increase precision and thereby control outbreaks and target infection prevention measures in a more effective manner

Microstructure alterations of rotary files after multiple simulated operative procedures

Aim: To assess morphological alterations of ProTaper rotary NiTi files before and after continuous use by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Study Design: 30 root canals were chosen with an angle between 15 and 30º. Before starting to prepare the canals the files were observed microscopically using a scanning electronic microscope. The ProTaper sequence recommended by the manufacturer was used, with NaOCl as irrigant. The instruments were sterilised after every three canals were shaped. The instruments were observed with the same microscope after shaping each canal, until 30 root canals were shaped. The criteria used for checking the instruments were: blunt cutting edges, disruption of cutting edge, microfractures, fatigue cracks, metal flash, dentine remains. Results: Many microscopic defects were found such as: cutting edge breaks (up to 70%); fatigue cracks, between 33 and 100%. No microfractures were found. An S1 and an SX file were fractured. Conclusion: ProTaper instruments are quite reliable if used following usual requirements

Third canal in the mesial root of permanent mandibular first molars : review of the literature and presentation of 3 clinical reports and 2 in vitro studies

Introduction. Systematic anatomical studies corroborate the anatomical complexity of the root canal system. Deviations from the norm such as multiple orifices, apical deltas, accessory canals and other variations are frequent. Objectives. To present clinical reports of mandibular molars with three canals in the mesial root and two in vitro studies of the morphology of these canals, together with a review of the literature. Materials and Methods. Three clinical reports are presented of mandibular molars where three canals in the mesial roots were treated endodontically. Two in vitro studies were performed, one using computerized tomography and the other with scanning electron microscopy, to describe the morphology of the mesial root canals of permanent first molars. The scientific literature on this anatomical situation was also reviewed. Results. The tomographic study found that the prevalence of a third mesial canal in the 27 teeth analysed was 14.81%; the microscopic study of 25 teeth found it to be 12%. The review of the literature encountered that the authors who report cases such as these found prevalences ranging from 1% to 15%. Conclusions. From the teeth analysed in vitro, it is concluded that a third mesial canal may be present in a mandibular first molar in approximately 13% of cases. Clinically, the third canal is difficult to find and exhibits a very variable morphology, which may present anastomosis with the other canals

Candida albicans fibrinogen binding mannoprotein: expression in clinical strains and immunogenicity in patients with candidiasis

A 58 kDa cell wall-associated fibrinogen binding mannoprotein (mp58), previously characterized by our group in a Candida albicans laboratory strain (ATCC 26555), was found to be also present in the cell wall of clinical isolates of this fungus. Most strains examined appear to have functional mp58 species, as detected by their ability to bind fibrinogen. Western immunoblot analysis, with a monovalent polyclonal antibody generated against the mp58 species from strain ATCC 26555, revealed differences in recognition patterns depending on the strain tested and the culture conditions used. Serum samples from normal and Candida infected individuals were examined for the presence of antibodies against mp58 by Western immunoblotting. None of the sera from control individuals and patients suffering from superficial candidiasis contained antibodies against mp58. However, positive reactivity with this antigen and other cell wall constituents was detected for all sera from patients with confirmed systemic candidiasis. Together, these results suggest that mp58 could play an active role during infection and may be useful as a specific antigenic marker for candidiasis