bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading the Surface: Body Language and Surveillance
Authors: Andrejevic Mark
Published: March 2010

This article explores the role played by body language in recent examples of popular culture and political news coverage as a means of highlighting the potentially deceptive haracter of speech and promising to bypass it altogether. It situates the promise of “visceral literacy” – the alleged ability to read inner emotions and dispositions – within emerging surveillance practices and the landscapes of risk they navigate. At the same time, it describes portrayals of body language analysis as characteristic of an emerging genre of “securitainment” that instructs viewers in monitoring techniques as it entertains and informs them. Body language ends up caught in the symbolic impasse it sought to avoid: as soon as it is portrayed as a language that can be learned and consciously “spoken” it falls prey to the potential for deceit. The article’s conclusion considers the way in which emerging technologies attempt to address this impasse, bypassing the attempt to infer underlying signification altogether.
Streptococcus mutans, Caries and Simulation Models
Authors: Forssten Sofia D. , Björklund Marika , Ouwehand Arthur C.
Published: March 2010

Dental caries and dental plaque are among the most common diseases worldwide, and are caused by a mixture of microorganisms and food debris. Specific types of acid-producing bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, colonize the dental surface and cause damage to the hard tooth structure in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates e.g., sucrose and fructose. This paper reviews the link between S. mutans and caries, as well as different simulation models that are available for studying caries. These models offer a valuable approach to study cariogenicity of different substrates as well as colonization of S. mutans.
How Accurate Are Electronic Monitoring Devices? A Laboratory Study Testing Two Devices to Measure Medication Adherence
Authors: De Bleser Leentje , De Geest Sabina , Vandenbroeck Sofie , Vanhaecke Johan , Dobbels Fabienne
Published: March 2010

In a prospective descriptive laboratory study, 25 Helping Hand™ (HH) (10 without and 15 with reminder system) and 50 Medication Event Monitoring Systems (MEMS) (25 with 18-month and 25 with 2-year battery life) were manipulated twice daily following a predefined protocol during 3 consecutive weeks. Accuracy was determined using the fixed manipulation scheme as the reference. Perfect functioning (i.e., total absence of missing registrations and/or overregistrations) was observed in 70% of the HH without, 87% of the HH with reminder, 20% MEMS with 18 months, and 100% with 2-year battery life respectively.
Positron emission tomography 2008 in Germany
Authors: Oehme L. , Lindner O. , Hellwig D. , Kotzerke J. ,   Arbeitsausschuss PET der DGN
Published: March 2010

Aim: The working group on positron emission tomography (PET) of the DGN (German Society of Nuclear Medicine) initiated this first survey to collect and analyse information on the practise of PET in Germany in the year 2008. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to PET performing facilities (medical practices, hospitals, university hospitals and others) for retrospective data acquisition. Details regarding the equipment and examination procedures were examined as well as indications and number of studies. In addition, the role of PET within the diagnostic process was evaluated. Results: Responses from 65 sites were analysed. Their technical equipment consisted of 77 PET scanners (40 of them were combined PET/CT devices). About 63 500 PET studies had been performed with 86% in the field of oncology, 8% in neurology and 3% in cardiology. The radiotracers were labelled with 18F in 91% of the studies, whereas 68Ga was used in 4% and 11C in 3%. The analyses revealed lung tumours as the most investigated tumour entity, followed by malignant lymphoma, tumours of the gastro-intestinal tract and prostate cancer (about 14 000, 6000, 5000 and 2000). Corresponding to the new scanners and software procedures, the number of studies with attenuation correction by CT was high (68%) and nearly all studies were reconstructed iteratively (99%). The PET images were analysed quantitatively in the majority of cases (91%). The clinical reports, which included image documentation for the greater part, were posted regularly within 3 days. However, in 70% of the sites electronic transfer possibilities were used additionally to speed up the diagnostic process. The high standard of quality was demonstrated by the fact, that 40 facilities were engaged in a tumour board. Further on, one third of the physicians had gained a PET certification awarded by the DGN. Conclusion: Relative to the high general standard of diagnostic instrumentation in Germany, PET is less established, in particular when compared with other industrialised countries such as USA and Switzerland.
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy 2008 in Germany
Authors: Burchert W. , Bengel F. M. , Zimmermann R. , vom Dahl J. , Schäfer W. , Schober O. , Schäfers M. , Lindner O.
Published: March 2010

Aim: The working group Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine of the German Society of Nuclear Medicine in cooperation with the working group Nuclear Cardiology of the German Cardiac Society herewith present the results of the 4th survey on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) of the year 2008. Method: 310 questionnaires (191 private practices (PP), 93 hospitals (HO), 31 university hospitals (UH)) were evaluated. Results: MPS of 98 947 patients were reported. 15% of them were younger than 50 y, 57% between 50 and 70 y and 28% older than 70 y. 88% [2007: 83%] of all were studied with Tc-99m perfusion tracers. The patient radiation exposure of a stress and rest protocol considering German standard recommended doses was 8.5 mSv, of a stress-only protocol 1.9 mSv. 77% [2007: 76%] of the MPS were performed in PP, 15% [2007: 15%] in HO and 8% [2007: 9%] in UH. From 2005 to 2008 there was a mild increase in the MPS numbers by 1.2% (PP +7.1%, HO −5.5%, UH −31.4%). The type of stress was pharmacological in 30% [2007: 27%]; 68% adenosine (of these 22% with exercise), 29% dipyridamole (of these 64% with exercise), and <1% dobutamine. Gated SPECT was performed in 46% [2007: 47%] of all rest and in 42% [2007: 44%] of all stress MPS. 62% [2007: 61%] of all institutions did not use perfusion scores. Conclusion: The MPS numbers from 2005 to 2008 in Germany can be regarded as stable. However, there are considerable shifts from HO and UH to PP. The well known potential of MPS considering risk stratification and functional analysis has not been tapped so far. Both gated SPECT and a quantitative perfusion analysis should be performed routinely in every patient.
Nuclear medical inpatient treatment in Germany
Authors: Dietlein M. , Reiners C. , Lorenz R.
Published: March 2010

All public licensed hospitals of Germany are obligated since 2004 to establish and to publish a structured biennial quality report. The aim of this study was to analyse the quality reports from 2008 of clinics with nuclear-medicine therapy ward and to investigate developments for the inpatient nuclear-medicine therapy by comparing the results with the quality reports of the years 2004 and 2006. Methods: All available structured quality reports of clinics with a nuclear-medicine therapy ward of the years 2004, 2006 and 2008 were evaluated. Results: The total number of inpatient treatment cases in 2008 amounted to 54 190 (2006: 54 884; 2004: 57 366). This corresponds to a decrease of 5.5% in comparison to 2004. The number of the therapy wards decreased at the same time to currently 117 (2006: 120; 2004: 124). Remarkable changes were found in the spectrum of the main diagnosis. Thus, the most frequent diagnosis with the ICD-code E05 (hyperthyroidism) decreased continuously from 37 747 treatments in 2004 and 34 764 in 2006 to 31 756 in the year 2008. In contrast, the ICD-diagnoses for thyroid cancer (C73, Z08) with 14 761 cases in 2008 increased with time (2006: 13 426; 2004: 12 581). Conclusions: In analogy to the observations from Europe after introduction of an iodine prophylaxis the improved iodine supply in Germany has led to a decline of the radioiodine therapy due to hyperthyroidism.
The South Gate and Defences ofVenta Icenorum: Professor Atkinson's Excavations, 1930 and 1934
Authors: Frere Sheppard
Published: March 2010

This paper describes the hitherto unpublished South Gate of the Roman city at Caistor St Edmund, Norfolk, which was excavated by Donald Atkinson in 1934; it discusses the implications both of the adjacent two kinds of external towers and of his trench through the rampart behind the city's north wall, dug in 1930 but not previously published.
Iron Age Coinage and Settlement in East Kent
Authors: Holman David
Published: March 2010

Since 1991, recording of metal-detector and archaeological finds in east Kent has shown that Iron Age coins are far more numerous than previously thought. Their quantity and distribution suggests widespread use and acceptance. Continental links, suggesting trade activity, are also evident. A number of sites producing large numbers of coins and other evidence of Iron Age (and Roman) occupation have been identified, with chronological and functional differences being apparent. Away from these sites, significant numbers of coins have been recorded from across much of the surrounding area, enabling comparisons to be made between individual sites and the background distribution, leading to a greater understanding of Iron Age coinage and settlement in east Kent.
A New Flavian Military Site at Roecliffe, North Yorkshire
Authors: Bishop M.C.
Published: March 2010

Geophysical survey prior to the upgrading to motorway status of the A1 in the vicinity of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, identified a new Roman castra site with double defensive ditches, a series of outwork defences, and strong indications of extramural activity on both the north and south banks of the river Ure. Excavation permitted the examination of a corridor over 0.5 km long through the extramural settlement. Dating evidence suggested a period of occupation ranging between a.d. 71 and at least the first, and possibly the second, half of the 80s.
Modular Planning in First-Century A.D. Romano-British Auxiliary Forts
Authors: Walthew C.V.
Published: March 2010

The traditional view that auxiliary forts were set out in units of five and ten Roman feet (pedes Monetales) has little basis in fact and should be re-assessed. Detailed examination of seven sites (Hod Hill, The Lunt, Pen Llystyn, Strageath, Fendoch, Gellygaer, and Caerhun) shows that fractions and multiples of 12 p.M., possibly derived from the actus, were widely used in their planning, the process becoming more rigorous and precise during the second half of the first century a.d. Close links between the seven plans emerge and the key role played by the principia and barracks in their implementation is highlighted.
Piracy in Late Roman Britain: a Perspective from the Viking Age
Authors: Pearson Andrew
Published: March 2010

This paper is concerned with the nature of the contacts between late Roman Britain and the seafaring peoples of the continental North Sea coast. Evidence for Germanic piracy during this period is extremely slight, with the consequence that notions about its character are poorly defined. However, this paper argues that there is a basic similarity between these barbarian attacks and those of the late eighth- and early ninth-century Vikings against England, Ireland and northern France. The Vikings are much better evidenced, both in terms of written sources and the archaeological record: this makes it possible to offer a model for the nature, scale and consequences of Germanic piracy in late Roman Britain.
A Semi-Elliptical, Timber-Framed Structure at Inveresk (The Most Northerly Amphitheatre in the Empire?)
Authors: Neighbour Tim
Published: March 2010

Excavation carried out prior to the development of Park Lane Hospital, Musselburgh revealed the partial remains of a probable ring-groove house of first millennium B.C. date and a later sub-rectangular, post-built structure attached to a curving fence line. Although initially interpreted as a Roman granary, it now seems likely that the features were the partial remains of a timber amphitheatre associated with Roman Inveresk. Ditches and a number of negative features of unknown date and function were also recorded.
Roman Military Occupation at Hembury (Devon)
Authors: Todd Malcolm
Published: March 2010

The large hillfort at Hembury, near Honiton (Devon) is one of the most impressive late prehistoric sites in South-West England. Occupied in the Neolithic and Iron Age, it was taken over by a Roman force about or shortly before A.D. 50. Substantial timber buildings were constructed, including a probablefabrica, in which iron from the adjacent Blackdown hills was worked. The Roman site was abandoned by the early Flavian period and not reoccupied. Though not evidently a conventional fort, Hembury joins a list of hillforts in South-West England which were used by the Roman army in the early decades of conquest. These include Hod Hill and possibly Maiden Castle (Dorset), Ham Hill and South Cadbury (Somerset).
Linguistic Evidence for ‘Romanization’: Continuity and Change in Romano-British Onomastics: A Study of the Epigraphic Record with Particular Reference to Bath
Authors: Mullen Alex
Published: March 2010

Based on a new online database of Celtic personal names, this research demonstrates how the study of Romano-British onomastics can shed light on the complexities of linguistic and cultural contacts, complementing archaeological material and literary sources. After an introductory section on methodology, Part One analyses naming formulae and expressions of filiation as evidence for both continuity and change dependent on social and geographical factors. Confusion and contamination between the Latin and Celtic systems proved much less common than on the Continent, where earlier contact with Roman culture and the written tradition for Continental Celtic occasionally facilitated an unusual form of syncretism. Part Two examines the naming formulae attested at Roman Bath and the mechanisms by which Celts adopted Latin names. The case-study of Bath relates continuity and change in both naming formulae and nomenclature to an acceptance of, or resistance to, ‘Romanization’ in Britain.
Classification and Analysis of Archaeological Contexts for the Reconstruction of Early Romano-British Cremation Funerals
Authors: Weekes Jake
Published: March 2010

This paper reassesses analytical categories commonly used to reconstruct the ‘funerary sequence’ of cremation and associated deposition in early Roman Britain, looking in particular at pre-pyre and pyre activity, burial, and other forms of primary deposition. In order to develop a clearer picture of the actual contexts of ceremonial performance and installation, and even to begin to disentangle the manifold meanings these events would have held for original participants, it is first necessary to refine a ‘forensic’ approach to the data, remaining constantly aware of how our own assumptions about funerary behaviour can heavily influence what we think we see in the archaeological record.
A Bioarchaeological Investigation of Cultural Change in Dorset, England (Mid-to-Late Fourth Century B.C. to the End of the Fourth Century A.D.
Authors: Redfern Rebecca
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses the results of the first regional and bioarchaeological analysis of health in late Iron Age and Roman Britain. This tested the hypothesis that cultural and environmental changes in Dorset would result in changes to demography, stature, dental health and infectious disease. The study observed change to all health variables, supporting environmental and archaeological evidence for the introduction of urban centres, changes in living conditions, greater population movement, and development of the agricultural economy. Importantly, the study demonstrated that these responses did not reflect changes observed in other areas of Britain or Gaul.
Effectiveness and Toxicity of Methotrexate in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Comparison of 2 Initial Dosing Regimens
Authors: BECKER MARA L. , ROSÉ CARLOS D. , CRON RANDY Q. , SHERRY DAVID D. , BILKER WARREN B. , LAUTENBACH EBBING
Published: March 2010

Objective.

To compare the incidence of liver toxicity and clinical response between 2 initial dosing regimens of methotrexate (MTX) for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

Clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from the medical records of 220 children newly prescribed MTX from the same geographic region. One cohort received initial doses of MTX > 0.5 mg/kg/week (“high-dose”) and one cohort received initial doses of MTX ≤ 0.5 mg/kg/week (“low-dose”). Toxicity was defined as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above the normal range, and positive clinical response was defined as a reduction in active joint count during the first 6 months of MTX therapy.

Results.

One hundred twenty-six children were in the high-dose MTX group, 94 in the low-dose MTX group. At 6 months, the high-dose group was more likely to have an elevated AST or ALT (adjusted OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.82–8.29, p < 0.0001). Subjects receiving both MTX and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) had no significant difference between groups in change of active joint count, while subjects in the high-dose group but not taking NSAID had more active joints (p = 0.036) at 6 months compared to the low-dose group.

Conclusion.

Initial high-dose MTX was associated with an increased risk of at least one liver enzyme abnormality with no significant improvement in active joint count. This suggests that there is no apparent benefit, while the potential for liver toxicity is increased, when using higher doses of MTX at treatment inception in patients with JIA.
Similarities and Differences Between Primary and Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-MOLINA GABRIELA , ÁVILA-CASADO CARMEN , CÁRDENAS-VELÁZQUEZ FRANCISCO , HERNÁNDEZ-HERNÁNDEZ CARLOS , CALDERILLO MARÍA LUISA , MARROQUÍN VERÓNICA , SOTO-ABRAHAM VIRGILIA , RECILLAS-GISPERT CLAUDIA , SÁNCHEZ-GUERRERO JORGE
Published: March 2010

Objective.

To define the clinical, serological, and histopathological characteristics of primary (pSS) and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).

Methods.

Fifty subjects with pSS and 300 with connective tissue diseases (CTD; systemic lupus erythematosus 100, rheumatoid arthritis 100, scleroderma 100) were selected randomly from our patient registry. Selected patients were assessed for fulfillment of the American-European Consensus Group criteria for SS using a 3-phase approach: screening (European questionnaire, Schirmer-I test, wafer test), confirmatory (fluorescein staining test, nonstimulated whole salivary flow, anti-Ro/La antibodies), and lip biopsy (H&E and immunohistochemical staining for anti-CD20 and anti-CD45RO scored by morphometry).

Results.

All patients with pSS and 65 with CTD met criteria for SS. Oral symptoms (pSS = 92% and secondary SS = 84%; p = 0.02), parotid enlargement (pSS 56%, secondary SS 9.2%; p < 0.001), and higher prevalence (pSS 82%, secondary SS 41%; p < 0.001) and titers of anti-Ro/La antibodies were more common in pSS. Extraglandular manifestations were similar in both groups, except for Raynaud’s phenomenon, which was more common in those with secondary SS (pSS 16% vs secondary SS 41%; p = 0.001). These results remained after 3 different sensitivity analyses. The prevalence of focal infiltration was also similar in both SS varieties; however, a higher B:T cell ratio and higher expression of CD20 cells (2922 vs 607.5 positive cells; p < 0.001) were observed in pSS.

Conclusion.

A higher frequency of oral symptoms and parotid enlargement and stronger B cell activity (autoantibody production and lymphocyte infiltration) were observed in pSS. Whether these results reflect a true difference between the 2 disease entities or derive from underlying variables remains uncertain.
iPod: A personalized sound world for its consumers
Authors: Bull Michael
Published: March 2010

For the first time in industrialised culture, over fifty percent of the population possesses the ability to privatise whatever environment they might be in through the use of a dedicated MP3 player or through a mobile phone with MP3 capabilities. The consumption of technologically mediated sound in the 20th and 21st centuries represents an increasingly significant mode of ‘being-in-theworld’ in which the ‘self’ claims a mobile and auditory territory for itself through a specific form of ‘sensory gating’ permitting the user to screen out unwanted sounds through the creation of their own seductive soundscape. The untrammelled pleasures of creating a privatised mobile soundworld resonates through urban and cultural theory posing a set of interrelated theoretical problems relating to both our relation to the spaces we move through. the nature and meaning of public and private space., the potential for urban aestheticisation, urban retreat and withdrawalIn this paper I discuss the use of Apple iPod in terms of its use as a technological support system of users. The paper draws upon the Internet responses of over one thousand iPod users worldwide between 2004 and 2005. The paper investigates the specific nature of auditory mediation that use entails. It argues that iPod use can usefully be interpreted as a form of pleasurable toxicity within which the ‘total mediated’ world of users lies a dream of unmediated experience - of direct access to the world and one’s emotions.

Por primera vez desde el nacimiento de la cultura industrializada, más de la mitad de la población es capaz de personalizar cualquier parte de su entorno gracias a un reproductor de MP3 o a través de un teléfono móvil. El consumo de sonidos mediados tecnológicamente durante los siglos XX y XXI representa una forma cada vez más importante de «estar-en-el-mundo»; el «yo» reclama un territorio sonoro móvil a través de una especie de «compuerta sensorial» que le permite filtrar los sonidos que no le interesan y crear el paisaje sonoro que más le satisface. El placer sin límites que supone crear un mundo sonoro móvil de carácter privado plantea, para la teoría urbana y cultural, un conjunto de problemas teóricos que tienen que ver con la relación con los espacios en los que nos movemos, la naturaleza y el significado del espacio público y privado, el potencial de la estetización de lo urbano, y la incomunicación de la ciudad. También cuestiona el conocimiento de las tecnologías que se usan para mediatizar gran parte de la experiencia cotidiana. En este artículo se analiza el uso del iPod como soporte tecnológico para los consumidores. Se basa en las respuestas de más de un millar de usuarios entre 2004-05. Plantea que el uso del iPod puede ser interpretado positivamente si se considera como una forma de toxicidad placentera en la que bajo el mundo «totalmente mediatizado» de los usuarios subyace un anhelo de experiencia no mediatizada –de acceso directo al mundo y a las emociones de cada uno.
The role of musical instruments in the globalization of music
Authors: wa-Mukuma Kazadi
Published: March 2010

In recent years, the term «globalization» has become a catchword in many languages. It is an open-ended process that implies different levels of unification. In music, attempts have been made by individual and collectively by artists from different cultures in the world. In each case, the process has been focused on the unification of musical sounds that can be identified within the global community. Technology is successful with the duplication of sounds of musical instruments for computer games, but the creation of zones of cultural interaction as defined by actual musical instruments is presenting challenges with the unification of cultural values into one global community. In music, globalization implies «world music» that is articulated as a hybrid product. The process of globalization is readily realized electronically, with sounds of musical instruments, but the creation of zones of cultural interaction, with the same musical instruments, will require a mixture of configuration of factors ranging from ecology to language and cultural manifestation. The objective of zones of cultural interaction is not to unify style of music, but through globalization is the sharing of actual musical instruments. To accomplish this objective, geographic spaces will have to surmount the globalization of the world ecology, language, and culture.

En los últimos años, el término «globalización» se ha convertido en una palabra clave para muchas lenguas. Con él se hace referencia a un proceso abierto que implica diferentes niveles de unificación. En el campo de la música, han participado en él, tanto de forma individual como colectiva, artistas de diferentes culturas del mundo. En todos los casos, el proceso se ha centrado en la unificación de sonidos musicales que puedan identificarse por una comunidad global. En este sentido, la tecnología ha conseguido con éxito duplicar los sonidos de los instrumentos musicales para los videojuegos, pero la creación de zonas de interacción cultural, como las definidas por los instrumentos musicales actuales, se enfrenta a una serie de retos derivados de la unificación de los valores culturales en una comunidad global. El proceso de globalización se puede desarrollar fácilmente de manera electrónica con sonidos de instrumentos musicales, la creación de las zonas de interacción cultural con los mismos instrumentos musicales necesitará que se den además una serie de factores, que van desde lo ecológico hasta lo lingüístico y cultural. El principal objetivo de las zonas de interacción cultural no es el de unificar el estilo de música, sino el de compartir los instrumentos musicales actuales a través de la globalización. Para cumplir este objetivo, los territorios en los que se produzca esa interacción tendrán que completar este proceso globalizador atendiendo a criterios ecológicos, lingüísticos y culturales.
Advertising in the digital age: The microsite as a strategic factor in on-line advertising campaigns
Authors: Romero-Calmache María , Fanjul-Peyró Carlos
Published: March 2010

The exponential and irreversible growth of the social web is an undeniable phenomenon that is provoking a series of changes in communication models. This global revolution proposes a new model that is completely democratic, in which a user, regardless of origin, status or occupation, can be the issuer and receiver of information in real time. This has forced advertising to redefine and adapt itself, modifying its strategies and formats in order to align to the new model. The traditional rules of elaborating commercial messages do not apply in the Internet environment, and their advertising efficiency is limited. However, investment in this medium increases year by year, the proof being the market’s gamble on the commercial possibilities of Internet. This work studies a new advertising model on the Net: a microsite. This format invites the user to enjoy a sensorial experience through the computer which issues interactive commercial messages that are subtle but convincing. Through the analysis of the semantic and technical content of a sample of these slots, we seek to define and emphasize the principle characteristics of the microsite and to reflect upon its strategic role within on-line advertising campaigns.

El crecimiento exponencial e irreversible de la Web Social es un fenómeno innegable que está propiciando una serie de cambios en las fórmulas comunicacionales. Esa revolución de naturaleza global propone un nuevo modelo por completo democrático, en el que un usuario, sea cual sea su procedencia, status u ocupación, puede ser emisor y receptor de información a tiempo real. En esta coyuntura, la publicidad se ve obligada a redefinirse y adaptarse, teniendo que modificar sus estrategias y formatos para adecuarse al nuevo modelo. Las fórmulas tradicionales de elaboración de los mensajes comerciales no funcionan en el ámbito de Internet y su eficacia publicitaria es escasa. Sin embargo, la inversión en este medio crece año tras año, lo que demuestra la apuesta del mercado por las posibilidades comerciales de Internet. Este trabajo supone el estudio de un nuevo modelo publicitario en la Red: el microsite. Un formato que invita al usuario a vivir una experiencia sensorial a través del ordenador y que lanza mensajes comerciales de forma interactiva, sutil, pero contundente. Mediante el análisis de contenidos técnicos y semánticos de una muestra de estos espacios, se busca definir y destacar las principales características del microsite y reflexionar sobre el rol estratégico del mismo dentro de las campañas publicitarias on-line.
Internet access by minors at home: Usage norms imposed by parents
Authors: Sureda-Negre Jaume , Comas-Forgas Ruben , Morey-López Mercè
Published: March 2010

This paper examines and discusses the rules and standards set by parents for their children on Internet usage at home. Data that supports the paper have been obtained by surveying a representative sample of children in the Balearic Islands aged between 6 and 16 years; the analysis dimensions are: access by minors to the Internet from home; location of the computer from which have online access; level of autonomy or accompaniment while surfing the Net; norms imposed by their parents; types of rules imposed; relationship between norms and gender; the minors’ opinion and assessment of the knowledge and abilities of their parents on use of the Internet and, finally, the accompanying strategies of parents when their children access the Internet. The main results shows that just over 53% of minors between 6 and 14, and 62% of those between 15 and 16, surf the Internet without their parents’ presence and free of any norms and/or limitations. Where standards are established, these are mainly to do with temporary restrictions. Therefore, it appears that parents are unaware of the dangers of the Internet or at least act irrationally. This shows the need for awareness and provision of skills, knowledge and abilities to enable parents to assume their responsibilities in the Internet usage of minors.

Este artículo analiza el establecimiento de normas por parte de los progenitores a sus hijos sobre la utilización de Internet en los hogares. Los datos se han obtenido mediante encuestación sobre una muestra representativa de los menores de las Islas Baleares de entre 6 y 16 años, habiéndose analizado las siguientes dimensiones: acceso de los menores a Internet desde el hogar; grado de autonomía o acompañamiento en la navegación; normativización impuesta en el hogar por parte de sus padres y madres; tipos de normas impuestas; relación entre normas y género; valoración de los menores de los conocimientos y habilidades de sus progenitores para navegar por Internet y, finalmente, el acompañamiento de los padres y madres a la hora de navegar por Internet. Se constata que poco más del 53% de los menores de entre 6 y 14 años, y del 62% de los de 15 y 16 años navegan a través de Internet sin que sus progenitores les establezcan limitaciones. Cuando establecen algún tipo de normas, éstas se refieren, principalmente, a restricciones de carácter temporal. Por tanto, se infiere que los padres y madres no son conscientes de los peligros de la Red o que, al menos, actúan de forma poco razonable. Ello muestra la necesidad de sensibilizar y formar a las familias para que asuman su responsabilidad educativa.
Videogames as cultural devices: development of spatial skills and application in learning
Authors: Sedeño Ana
Published: March 2010

A videogame is a cultural device with its own socializing functions, as stated by most of the media. The high levels of pleasure and enjoyment it gives players make it essential to analyse its potential as an educational tool, more so if there is an awareness of its value as a vehicle for personality development among young people. This paper tries to provide current examples of the wide range of videogames and their ability to develop certain skills related to the dynamic representation of space, within Jerome Bruner´s learning model. There is analysis of how adventure, strategy, simulation and role-playing games improve the development of skills such as reflection, strategic and tactical reasoning, or mental agility and economic challenges. Furthermore, data is provided on the present rating systems for game choice e.g.: ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) valid in the U.S.A, and PEGI, from the European Federation for Interactive Software. Both are accepted by aDeSe (Asociation for Distributors and Editors of Entertainment Software) and both try to help parents and teachers recognise its content and suitability for the different range of ages and profiles. To sum up, the essay attempts to show the importance of videogames in the teaching-learning process by providing up-to-date examples.

El videojuego es un dispositivo cultural con sus propias funciones de socialización, como la mayoría de los mensajes de los medios de comunicación. Los altos niveles de placer y disfrute que proporciona a los jugadores hacen imprescindible el análisis de sus potencialidades generales como herramienta educativa, mucho más si se es consciente de que sirven como vehículos para la definición de identidades entre la juventud. El presente trabajo proporciona ejemplos actuales de diferentes tipos de videojuegos y sus posibilidades para desarrollar ciertas habilidades y destrezas relacionadas con la representación dinámica del espacio, dentro del modelo de aprendizaje de Jerome Bruner. Se reflexiona acerca de cómo los videojuegos de estrategia, aventura, simulación o rol desarrollan capacidades como la reflexión, el razonamiento estratégico y táctico o la agilidad mental. Además, se proporcionan datos sobre los sistemas vigentes de clasificación de contenidos como el ESRB del Comité para la Evaluación del Software de Entretenimiento de EEUU y el PEGI de la Federación Europea de Software Interactivo. Ambos son aceptados por la Asociación de Distribuidores y Editores de Software de Entretenimiento (aDeSe) y pretenden ayudar a los padres y educadores a discernir sobre sus contenidos y su adecuación para diferentes edades y tipos de jugadores. En resumen, se intenta transmitir la importancia del videojuego para el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, con especial atención en proporcionar ejemplos actuales.
Developing cognitive skills with mobile learning: A case study
Authors: Ramos-Elizondo Ana-Isabel , Herrera-Bernal José-Alberto , Ramírez-Montoya María-Soledad
Published: March 2010

This article presents a multiple case study carried out when mobile learning (mLearning) was first introduced to 3.000 freshmen of two university campuses in Mexico. The objective was to analyze mLearning resources in four courses to identify how they help develop cognitive skills in students. Focus group interviews, surveys, document analysis and non-intrusive observation were used. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively in order to link the results and the theoretical information within the two variables that guided this study: mLearning and cognitive abilities. The results show that by using mLearning resources it changes the learning environment by converting any setting into a collaborative and innovative environment. Results also show that the design of mLearning resources must be based on educational theories and strategies to be effective, and also the nature of the subject and resource type are related to the developed cognitive abilities. Also it was found that although students are not aware of it, mLearning resources and the use of mobile devices assists them in developing strategies that promote cognitive skills such as problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, creative thinking and melioration.

El artículo presenta un estudio de casos múltiples de la implementación, a gran escala, de un proyecto de aprendizaje móvil. El proyecto se implementó con 3.000 estudiantes de primer semestre de profesional en dos campus de una institución educativa privada de México. El objetivo fue analizar los recursos de aprendizaje móvil de cuatro cursos para identificar cómo se trataba de promover el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas en los estudiantes. Se utilizaron entrevistas a través de «focus group», encuestas, análisis de documentos y observación no intrusiva. Los datos fueron analizados en forma cuantitativa y cualitativa y se relacionaron con el sustento teórico de las dos variables conceptuales que guiaron este estudio: aprendizaje móvil –mLearning– y habilidades cognitivas. Los resultados indicaron que el uso de recursos mLearning modifica el ambiente de aprendizaje al convertir cualquier escenario en un ambiente innovador y colaborativo; que el diseño de los recursos mLearning debe sustentarse en teorías y estrategias educativas para ser efectivos y que la naturaleza de la materia y el tipo de recurso están relacionados a las habilidades cognitivas que se desarrollan. Además se encontró que aunque los estudiantes no están conscientes de ello, los recursos mLearning y el uso de dispositivos móviles los apoyan en estrategias que promueven el desarrollo de las habilidades cognitivas como solución de problemas, toma de decisiones, pensamiento crítico, pensamiento creativo y «melioration».
IL-7 Is Essential for Homeostatic Control of T Cell Metabolism In Vivo
Authors: Jacobs Sarah R. , Michalek Ryan D. , Rathmell Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2010

It has become apparent that T cells require growth signals to maintain function and viability necessary to maintain proper immune homeostasis. One means by which cell extrinsic signals may mediate these effects is by sustaining sufficient basal cell metabolism to prevent cell atrophy. The role of metabolism and the specific growth factors essential to maintain metabolism of mature T cells in vivo, however, are poorly defined. As IL-7 is a nonredundant cytokine required for T cell development and survival and can regulate T cell metabolism in vitro, we hypothesized it may be essential to sustain metabolism of resting T cells in vivo. Thus, we generated a model for conditional expression of IL-7R in mature T cells. After IL-7R deletion in a generally normal lymphoid environment, T cells had reduced responses to IL-7, including abrogated signaling and maintenance of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family expression that corresponded to decreased survival in vitro. T cell survival in vivo was also reduced after loss of the IL-7R in a T cell-intrinsic manner. Additionally, IL-7R deletion resulted in delayed growth and proliferation following stimulation. Importantly, in vivo excision of IL-7R led to T cell atrophy that was characterized by delayed mitogenesis and reduced glycolytic flux. These data are the first to identify an in vivo requirement for a specific cell extrinsic signal to sustain lymphocyte metabolism and suggest that control of glycolysis by IL-7R may contribute to the well-described roles of IL-7 in T cell development, homeostatic proliferation, and survival.
A Combined Subdivision and Advancing Loop-Front Surface Mesher (Triangular) for Automotive Structures
Authors: Mukherjee Nilanjan
Published: March 2010

In this paper, a new, hybrid, 2D meshing algorithm, CSALF-T, is proposed for boundary-structured triangular meshes used for the analyses of automotive structures. The algorithm is based on the understanding of boundary loops. All mesh area boundary loops are initially meshed recursively with a new, loop-based advancing ?loop-front? technique that produces high-quality boundary-structured meshes. The remaining interior domain is filled out by a recursive subdivision technique. Both approaches are driven by a background sizing function. The mesh is finally smoothed by a variational smoother. Loop-fronts are classified and rule sets are defined for each, to aid optimum point placement. Stencils used for loop-closure are presented. Results show examples of meshes used for the crash analyses of automotive body panels with large mesh size transition generated on complex 2D domains. Comparisons are made to pronounce the merits of the hybrid algorithm with respect to both traditional advancing front and subdivision based meshing techniques.
Effect of Velocity and Road Conditions on the Roll Over Behaviour of Sports Utility Vehicles
Authors: Mondal Pinaki , Bhangale U. D. , Tyagi Dinesh , Goel Ravi Kumar , Raj R. Varun , Bhatia Karan
Published: March 2010

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are vulnerable roll over type accidents due to their high centre of gravity and operating conditions. This paper details the effect of velocity and road conditions on the roll over behaviour of a popular SUV on Indian road conditions. Road conditions are collected from three accident prone areas of an Indian metropolitan city. The safety critical vehicle dynamics related parameters of a commercial SUV are measured through experiments. These parameters are incorporated within the mathematical modelling and simulations. A multi-body vehicle dynamics software is used in the detailed simulations of vehicle behaviour. The simulations results are pre-validated by the test results of an instrumented vehicle with optical roll sensor, L350 aqua, and data acquisition system. The sensitivity of critical roll over velocity to the variations in road-tire frictional co-efficient, road side slope and radius of curvature are presented. The findings of the dynamic lateral acceleration threshold indicates that proper side slope and better skid resistance are necessary to improve the roll over stability especially for Indian wet road conditions.
Prediction of nonspecific side effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients by beliefs about medicines
Authors: Nestoriuc Yvonne , Orav E. John , Liang Matthew H. , Horne Robert , Barsky Arthur J.
Published: February 2010

Objective

This study examines the determinants of patients' side effects from arthritis medication. Proposed predictors were patients' beliefs about medications, objective disease activity, treatment regimen, and psychiatric and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Methods

In a longitudinal design, 100 rheumatoid arthritis outpatients were investigated at baseline and again at 6 months after receiving both pharmacologic and psychosocial treatment.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed no influence of disease status, type of treatment, or psychiatric or arthritis symptoms on side effects. Heightened concerns about arthritis medication at baseline predicted side effects at baseline (partial correlation r = 0.37, P < 0.001) and at 6 months (partial correlation r = 0.25, P < 0.001) after controlling for relevant disease‐ and treatment‐related variables. In a cross‐lagged panel analysis, prior experience with side effects from arthritis medication was ruled out as a cause of heightened concerns, indicating that negative beliefs genuinely contribute to side effects. A comparison of patients who did and did not start new medications showed no difference in side effects in patients with positive beliefs about medications, but led to significantly more side effects in patients with negative beliefs.

Conclusion

Patients' beliefs about arthritis medications were stable and consistently associated with side effects. Patients with greater concerns about their arthritis medications are at higher risk for developing side effects, especially when starting new drugs. Identifying those patients is important to avoid premature drug discontinuation. Research into cause and preventability of negative attitudes to prescribed medicines is needed.
Frequency, predictors, and prognosis of sustained minimal disease activity in an observational psoriatic arthritis cohort
Authors: Coates Laura C. , Cook Richard , Lee Ker‐Ai , Chandran Vinod , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To establish the frequency and predictors of minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to investigate the prognostic ability of minimal disease activity criteria to predict future joint damage.

Methods

The study was conducted using an observational PsA cohort. Patients were classified as being in minimal disease activity if they fulfilled the criteria on consecutive visits for >12 months. Predictive factors for minimal disease activity and joint damage were investigated using regression models. Joint damage progression was based on clinically damaged joint counts.

Results

Of the 344 patients, 208 (60%) achieved minimal disease activity at ≥1 visit and 116 (34%) achieved minimal disease activity for ≥12 months (sustained minimal disease activity). The average duration of minimal disease activity was 28 months (range 12–48 months). Twelve patients (10%) experienced a flare of disease after 34 months in minimal disease activity. Low erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and oligoarthritis were predictors of achieving sustained minimal disease activity (P < 0.03). The mean change in damaged joint counts was 0.931 (range 0–12) in the sustained minimal disease activity group and 2.245 (range 0–17) in the controls (P < 0.001). Of the sustained minimal disease activity group, 69% showed no progression of joint damage, compared with 51% in the control group. Elevated ESR, baseline joint damage, and use of biologic therapies increased the likelihood of damage progression (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Minimal disease activity was achieved by a significant proportion of patients and was sustained in one‐third of the population studied. Patients achieving sustained minimal disease activity had a significant reduction in joint damage progression. Other factors, representing disease activity and disease severity, impact on the likelihood of achieving sustained minimal disease activity and on damage progression.
Quasi‐Amorphous Inorganic Thin Films: Non‐Crystalline Polar Phases
Authors: Wachtel Ellen , Lubomirsky Igor
Published: February 2010

Quasi‐amorphous thin films of BaTiO3, SrTiO3, and BaZrO3 are the only known examples of inorganic, non‐crystalline, polar materials. The conditions under which they are formed and the origin of their polarity set these materials apart from other classes of inorganic materials. The most important feature of the quasi‐amorphous phase is that the polarity is the result of the orientational ordering of local bonding units but without any detectable spatial periodicity. This mechanism is reminiscent of that observed in ferroelectric polymers and permits compounds that do not have polar crystalline polymorphs, such as SrTiO3 and BaZrO3, to form polar non‐crystalline solids. In the present report, we provide an overview of the essential features of these materials including preparation, structure, and chemical composition. The report also reviews our current level of understanding and offers some guidelines for further development and application of non‐crystalline inorganic polar materials.