A right to a national space of communication? : on Stateless nations, their right to a space of communication of their own

Hem establert les bases metodol��giques i te��riques per investigar la pregunta ���Tenen les nacions sense estat el dret de controlar el seu propi espai de comunicaci��?���. La investigaci�� ajusta el concepte d���espai de comunicaci�� a la teoria pol��tica, cercant els seus l��mits en els drets individuals i, des de la perspectiva del liberalisme 2, aportant la justificaci�� del seu control en quant que plataforma que incideix en la conservaci�� i superviv��ncia d���una cultura nacional. El primer article i fase de la tesi ��s l���adaptaci�� i definici�� del concepte espai de comunicaci��. Fins ara, la recerca ha proposat diferents models d���espai de comunicaci�� entenent si es tracta d���una visi�� emfatitzant la distribuci�� i la producci�� de material marcat amb els s��mbols de la identitat nacional de la societat emissora, o b�� si emfatitza la idea d���un espai de circulaci�� de fluxos comunicatiu ajustat a un territori tradicionalment vinculat a una identitat nacional o naci�� sense estat. Igualment, es distingeix la dimensi�� d���emissi�� ���sortir del territori al m��n- i la de recepci�� ���fluxos informatius rebuts des del m��n al territori, concretament, al ciutad��; el paper d���intervenci�� de les institucions democr��tiques ��s diferent en una dimensi�� o una altra i, per tant, tamb�� s��n diferents els drets afectats i les teories o principis que neguen o justifiquen el control de l���espai de comunicaci��. Tamb�� s���ha indagat en les teories sobre els efectes cognitius dels mitjans de comunicaci�� per relacionar-los amb la construcci�� nacional com a cohesi�� simb��lica i cultural. Si b�� els mitjans no poden fer canviar de pensament immediatament, s�� que poden conformar a llarg termini una percepci�� nacional general. Una comunitat ��s imaginada, donada la dist��ncia f��sica dels seus components, i la comunicaci�� social ��s, juntament amb l���educaci��, el principal factor de construcci�� nacional, avui en dia.

Productivity in southern European small firms: When and how work organization complements process innovation

The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of human capital, advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), and new work organizational practices on firm productivity, while taking into account the synergies existing between them. This study expands current knowledge in this area in two ways. First, in contrast with previous works, we focus on AMT and not ICT (information and communication technologies). Second, we use a unique employer-employee data set for small firms in a particular area of southern Europe (Catalonia, Spain). Using a small firm data set, allows us to analyse the particular case of small and medium enterprises, since we cannot assume they have the same characteristics as large firms. The results provide evidence in favor of the complementarity hypothesis between human capital, advanced manufacturing technologies, and new work organization practices, although we show that the complementarity effects depend on what type of work organization practices are used by a firm. For small and medium Catalan firms, the only set of work organization practices that improve the benefits of human capital and technology investment are those practices which are more quality oriented, such as quality circles, problem-solving groups or total quality management.

From Naples 1963 to Rome 2013 - A brief review of how the International Research Group on Ostracoda (IRGO) developed as a social communication system

The 1st International Symposium on Ostracoda (ISO) was held in Naples (1963). The philosophy behind this symposium and the logical outcome of what is now known as the International Research Group on Ostracoda (IRGO) is here reviewed, namely ostracodology over the last 50 years is sociologically analysed. Three different and important historic moments for the scientific achievements of this domain are recognised. The first one, between about 1963-1983, is related to applied research for the oil industry as well as to the great interest in the better description of the marine environment by both zoologists and palaeontologists. Another important aspect during this period was the work by researchers dealing with Palaeozoic ostracods, who had their own discussion group, IRGPO. Gradually, the merger of this latter group with those dealing with post-Palaeozoic ostracods at various meetings improved communication between the two groups of specialists. A second period was approximately delineated between 1983 and 2003. During this time-slice, more emphasis was addressed to environmental research with topics such as the study of global events and long-term climate change. Ostracodologists profited also from the research "politics" within national and international programmes. Large international research teams emerged using new research methods. During the third period (2003-2013), communication and collaborative research reached a global dimension. Amongst the topics of research we cite the reconstruction of palaeoclimate using transfer functions, the building of large datasets of ostracod distributions for regional and intercontinental studies, and the implementation of actions that should lead to taxonomic harmonisation. Projects within which molecular biological techniques are routinely used, combined with sophisticated morphological information, expanded now in their importance. The documentation of the ostracod description improved through new techniques to visualise morphological details, which stimulated also communication between ostracodologists. Efforts of making available ostracod information through newsletters and electronic media are evoked.

Addressing High Level ICT Skills Recruitment Needs

Ireland is a successful major centre for ICT operations with ten of the top ICT companies in the world having substantial operations here. The large talent pool of ICT professionals that exists here is valuable both for foreign-owned and Irish companies. The cluster of internationally renowned firms and Irish companies offer a range of attractive career opportunities for professionals. A range of skills recruitment difficulties have been raised through the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), specifically the immediate issue of high-level ICT skills within both the ICT sector and from other sectors such as international financial services, banking and business services. Forfs, with the support of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, engaged in discussions with a selected range of foreign–owned and Irish companies employing approximately 30,000 employees to establish the nature of positions involved, the reasons for recruitment difficulties and to identify measures to help address them. Consultations were also held with key stakeholders including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, ICT Ireland, Software Ireland, IT@Cork, Engineers Ireland and Dublin Chambers of Commerce. Discussions were held with the heads of the computing departments of all Universities and Institutes of Technology at a meeting chaired by the Higher Education Authority. An in-depth analysis of third-level ICT supply statistics and trends was undertaken to inform the research.

Investing Effectively in Information and Communication Technology in Schools, 2008-2013

Learning is changing. A pivotal force in bringing about this change is the use of information and communications technology (ICT) which provides richer, more immediate, world-relevant educational resources and opportunities. When used well, ICT enriches learning and enhances teaching. It invigorates classroom activities and is a powerful motivational tool that encourages learners to progress in more personalised and self-directed ways. Ireland has achieved rapid change and growth in the past decade, but to sustain this we must prepare the next generation for the knowledge society in which they will live. The challenge we face is to ensure that the emphasis on ICT in schools shifts, in the immediate future, from technology provision to a focus on its deliberate use by the learner. Fostering personal creativity has always been a desirable educational value. The pursuit of creativity and inventiveness are now pivotal skills in a knowledge economy and the embedding of ICT in learning can greatly facilitate their development. Web 2.0 will facilitate greater interactivity and enable greater levels of user-generated content. It is crucial that young people acquire the ICT and related skills to support these new opportunities.

Smart Schools = Smart Economy

Ireland’s national recovery will be rooted in further developing our outstanding education system. Schools and colleges are key contributors to economic growth and national competitiveness, providing successive generations with the skills and abilities necessary for a vibrant economy and inclusive society. Within the educational system, teachers play a central role in developing the potential of our children and young people. Our education system must continue to be responsive to and supportive of the economic life of this country.

Cervical screening programme: HPV triage and test of cure protocol

Testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) as triage and test of cure was introduced into the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme on Monday 28 January 2013. This policy change will significantly alter the screening pathway for women with a mild dyskaryosis or borderline smear result. The link between HR-HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer has now been clearly established, with almost 100% of cervical cancers containing HPV DNA. Women with no evidence of HR-HPV infection are extremely unlikely to develop cervical cancer in the short to medium term. HPV triage is the process whereby HR-HPV testing is used to manage women with low grade cervical abnormalities. Only 15-20% of women with a borderline or mild smear result have a significant abnormality that needs treatment. HR-HPV testing is effective in identifying which women may need treatment and allows colposcopy resources to be allocated more effectively.The test of cure process is being introduced because it is now known that women with a normal or low grade smear test, and who are HR-HPV negative at six months after treatment, are at very low risk of residual disease. These women do not need to be recalled for another screening appointment for three years.The test of cure process means all post-treatment smears (at six months) that are reported as normal, borderline or mild dyskaryosis will be tested for HR-HPV. Those women who are HR-HPV positive will remain at colposcopy. HR-HPV negative women can be safely returned to recall in three years. It is estimated that the HR-HPV test of cure will allow approximately 80% of women who have been through treatment to avoid undergoing annual smear tests. This flowchart poster outlines the new triage and test of cure process. It was distributed to all GPs in Northern Ireland and is available to download as a PDF from this website.���

NanoImpactNet - building a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials

NanoImpactNet (NIN) is a multidisciplinary European Commission funded network on the environmental, health and safety (EHS) impact of nanomaterials. The 24 founding scientific institutes are leading European research groups active in the fields of nanosafety, nanorisk assessment and nanotoxicology. This 4-year project is the new focal point for information exchange within the research community. Contact with other stakeholders is vital and their needs are being surveyed. NIN is communicating with 100s of stakeholders: businesses; internet platforms; industry associations; regulators; policy makers; national ministries; international agencies; standard-setting bodies and NGOs concerned by labour rights, EHS or animal welfare. To improve this communication, internet research, a questionnaire distributed via partners and targeted phone calls were used to identify stakeholders' interests and needs. Knowledge gaps and the necessity for further data mentioned by representatives of all stakeholder groups in the targeted phone calls concerned: ��� the potential toxic and safety hazards of nanomaterials throughout their lifecycles; ��� the fate and persistence of nanoparticles in humans, animals and the environment; ��� the associated risks of nanoparticle exposure; ��� greater participation in: the preparation of nomenclature, standards, methodologies, protocols and benchmarks; ��� the development of best practice guidelines; ��� voluntary schemes on responsibility; ��� databases of materials, research topics and themes, but also of expertise. These findings suggested that stakeholders and NIN researchers share very similar knowledge needs, and that open communication and free movement of knowledge will benefit both researchers and industry. Subsequently a workshop was organised by NIN focused on building a sustainable multi-stakeholder dialogue. Specific questions were asked to different stakeholder groups to encourage discussions and open communication. 1. What information do stakeholders need from researchers and why? The discussions about this question confirmed the needs identified in the targeted phone calls. 2. How to communicate information? While it was agreed that reporting should be enhanced, commercial confidentiality and economic competition were identified as major obstacles. It was recognised that expertise was needed in the areas of commercial law and economics for a wellinformed treatment of this communication issue. 3. Can engineered nanomaterials be used safely? The idea that nanomaterials are probably safe because some of them have been produced 'for a long time', was questioned, since many materials in common use have been proved to be unsafe. The question of safety is also about whether the public has confidence. New legislation like REACH could help with this issue. Hazards do not materialise if exposure can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. Thus, there is a need for information on what can be regarded as acceptable levels of exposure. Finally, it was noted that there is no such thing as a perfectly safe material but only boundaries. At this moment we do not know where these boundaries lie. The matter of labelling of products containing nanomaterials was raised, as in the public mind safety and labelling are connected. This may need to be addressed since the issue of nanomaterials in food, drink and food packaging may be the first safety issue to attract public and media attention, and this may have an impact on 'nanotechnology as a whole. 4. Do we need more or other regulation? Any decision making process should accommodate the changing level of uncertainty. To address the uncertainties, adaptations of frameworks such as REACH may be indicated for nanomaterials. Regulation is often needed even if voluntary measures are welcome because it mitigates the effects of competition between industries. Data cannot be collected on voluntary bases for example. NIN will continue with an active stakeholder dialogue to further build on interdisciplinary relationships towards a healthy future with nanotechnology.

Elaboraci�� d'un protocol basat en XML per a una xarxa de sensors

La progressiva reducci�� de dimensi�� i cost en els dispositius electr��nics, la dr��stica retallada de consum el��ctric i la independ��ncia de qu�� aix�� els dota han fet cr��ixer en els ��ltims temps l'inter��s de les comunitats cient��fiques i tecnol��giques per les xarxes sense fils de petits dispositius. Per altra banda, l'XML (eXtensible Markup Language) ��s un metallenguatge extensible que ha esdevingut un est��ndard per a l'intercanvi d'informaci�� estructurada entre diferents plataformes. L'objectiu d'aquest treball ��s explorar les possibilitats que pot oferir la introducci�� de l'XML en les xarxes de sensors amb l'elaboraci�� d'un protocol de comunicaci�� basat en aquest llenguatge i demostrar la transpar��ncia en el canvi de plataforma. Per fer-ho, es disposa de dos dispositius amb capacitat de comunicaci�� sense fils equipats amb detectors de temperatura, lluminositat, efecte Hall i nivell de c��rrega de la bateria. El projecte constar�� de dues parts: una, m��s extensa, dedicada al desenvolupament del programari per a aquests dispositius, encarregat de obtenir les lectures dels diferents sensors i emetre-les per la xarxa utilitzant el llenguatge XML, i una altra, per recollir aquesta informaci�� present a la xarxa, interpretar-la, salvar-la en una base de dades i exposar-la al m��n en una plana web. El programari dels dispositius sensors s'escriur�� en llenguatge nesC dins el sistema tinyOS que ��s el sistema operatiu que equipen. La part d'explotaci�� de les dades es desenvolupar�� sota la plataforma .NET de Microsoft.

MACSIM : dise��o, implementaci��n y liberaci��n

En el present projecte s'exposa el disseny, la implementaci�� i l'alliberament d'una aplicaci�� de programari lliure denominada MACsim. Aquesta eina permet simular el funcionament dels protocols MAC (Medium Acces Control) de les xarxes de comunicacions m��bils de tercera generaci��. En concret, s'implementa el protocol WISPER.

A mi qu�� m'expliques?

Els alumnes i les alumnes de primer cicle d'ESO s'enfronten amb les dificultats de la nova etapa i la necessitat de demostrar les seves compet��ncies ling����stiques, quant al redactat i la correcci�� en l'elaboraci�� de textos diversos. Les noves tecnologies de la informaci�� i la comunicaci�� poden ajudar (i han de propiciar-ho) a desenvolupar aquestes capacitats, i han de ser un element motivador perqu�� els nois i les noies sentin la necessitat de crear produccions escrites pr��pies, adequades ling����sticament, coherents i amb les idees ben organitzades.��s necessari, a m��s, que l'avaluaci�� d'aquestes tasques els serveixi per millorar l'expressi�� en llengua catalana, gramaticalment i ortogr��ficament, tot ajudant-los a establir sistemes d'autocorrecci�� i rectificaci�� d'errors.L'exposici�� p��blica (en un mitj�� com el d'internet) de les seves obres hauria de reblar l'aspecte de la motivaci�� en la creaci�� d'escrits, de manera que els aporti noves expectatives de comunicaci�� i els animi a participar de l'espai virtual que els ofereix aquesta finestra oberta al m��n. El meu treball t�� la intenci�� de ser un projecte educatiu per aconseguir una millora en l'expressi�� escrita dels alumnes del primer curs d'ESO amb l'ajuda de les eines de les Tecnologies de la Informaci�� i la Comunicaci��.

Cell-cell communication in the biocontrol strain Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0

Summary Pseudomonas fluorescens CHAO is a soil bacterium which was isolated near Morens (Switzerland) and which protects plants from root-pathogenic fungi. This protection is due to extracellular secondary metabolites whose synthesis is regulated by the two-component system GacS/GacA in strain CHAO. Extracellular signals of bacterial origin activate this regulatory system. These signals are different from N-acyl-homoserine lactones, are extracted by dichloromethane and appear to have a low molecular weight. Preliminary evidence was obtained from a small molecule m/z 278 produced by strain CHAO. Similar signals capable of activating GacS/GacA-dependent regulation in strain CHAO were found in a large number of different Gram-negative bacteria. Once activated by signal(s), the sensor GacS is assumed to phosphorylate the response regulator GacA, which positively influences a regulatory cascade, resulting in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This cascade includes three GacA-controlled small regulatory RNAs and two translational repressor proteins. The regulatory RNAs titrate the repressor proteins; this allows translation of target genes and the synthesis of exoenzymes and secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and hydrogen cyanide. A GFP-based sensor for signal detection was constructed in strain CHAO by fusing the gfp reporter gene to the rsmZ small RNA gene. CHAO mutants defective for signal production were isolated following transposon insertion mutagenesis. In one class of mutants obtained, the gacS gene was inactivated, indicating that GacS/GacA positively controls signal production. In a second class, the thiC gene required for thiamine (vitamin B1) biosynthesis was disrupted. Addition of excess (> 10E-6 M) thiamine to the medium restored signal production. By contrast, when the thiamine concentration was just sufficient to allow normal growth, no production of signal(s) was observed. The mechanism by which thiamine activates signal production remains to be elucidated. R��sum�� Pseudomonas fluorescens CHAO est une bact��rie du sol, isol��e pr��s de Morens (Suisse), qui a la capacit�� de prot��ger les plantes contre des champignons pathog��nes de la racine. Cette protection provient de m��tabolites secondaires excr��t��s par la bact��rie, dont la synth��se est r��gul��e par le syst��me �� deux composants GacS/GacA. Des signaux extracellulaires d'origine bact��rienne activent ce syst��me de r��gulation. Ces signaux, diff��rents des N-acyl��homos��rines lactones, sont extraits par le dichlorom��thane et semblent avoir une petite masse mol��culaire. Une mol��cule (masse m/z 278) a ��t�� mise en ��vidence par des exp��riences pr��liminaires chez la souche CHAO. Des signaux similaires, capables d'activer la r��gulation d��pendante de GacS/GacA chez la souche CHAO, ont ��t�� trouv��s chez un grand nombre de bact��ries �� Gram n��gative. Une fois activ�� par le(s) signal(aux), le senseur GacS est suppos�� phosphoryler le r��gulateur de r��ponse GacA, qui influence positivement la cascade de r��gulation menant �� la synth��se des m��tabolites secondaires. Cette cascade inclut trois petits ARNs r��gulateurs contr��l��s par GacA et deux prot��ines r��presseurs de la traduction. Les ARNs r��gulateurs titrent les prot��ines r��presseurs, ce qui permet la traduction des g��nes cibles et la synth��se d'exoenzymes et de m��tabolites secondaires tel les antibiotiques et le cyanure d'hydrog��ne. Un senseur bas�� sur la GFP pour la d��tection de signaux a ��t�� construit dans la souche CHAO en fusionnant le g��ne rapporteur gfp au g��ne de petit ARN rsmZ. Des mutants de CHAO d��ficients pour la production de signaux ont ��t�� isol��s au moyen d'une mutagen��se par insertion de transposon. Chez une classe de mutants obtenus, le g��ne gacS a ��t�� inactiv��, indiquant que GacS/GacA contr��le positivement la production de signaux. Dans une seconde classe, le g��ne thiC n��cessaire �� la biosynth��se de thiamine (vitamine B1) a ��t�� interrompu. L'addition en exc��s (> 10E-6 M) de thiamine au milieu restaure la production de signaux. A l'oppos��, quand la concentration de thiamine est juste suffisante pour permettre une croissance normale, aucune production de signaux n'a ��t�� observ��e. Le m��canisme par lequel la thiamine active la production de signaux reste �� ��lucider.

Expectations, experiences and attitudes of patients and primary care health professionals regarding online psychotherapeutic interventions for depression: protocol for a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND In the year 2020, depression will cause the second highest amount of disability worldwide. One quarter of the population will suffer from depression symptoms at some point in their lives. Mental health services in Western countries are overburdened. Therefore, cost-effective interventions that do not involve mental health services, such as online psychotherapy programs, have been proposed. These programs demonstrate satisfactory outcomes, but the completion rate for patients is low. Health professionals' attitudes towards this type of psychotherapy are more negative than the attitudes of depressed patients themselves. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of depressed patients who would benefit most from online psychotherapy and to identify expectations, experiences, and attitudes about online psychotherapy among both patients and health professionals that can facilitate or hinder its effects. METHODS A parallel qualitative design will be used in a randomised controlled trial on the efficiency of online psychotherapeutic treatment for depression. Through interviews and focus groups, the experiences of treated patients, their reasons for abandoning the program, the expectations of untreated patients, and the attitudes of health professionals will be examined. Questions will be asked about training in new technologies, opinions of online psychotherapy, adjustment to therapy within the daily routine, the virtual and anonymous relationship with the therapist, the process of online communication, information necessary to make progress in therapy, process of working with the program, motivations and attitudes about treatment, expected consequences, normalisation of this type of therapy in primary care, changes in the physician-patient relationship, and resources and risks. A thematic content analysis from the grounded theory for interviews and an analysis of the discursive positions of participants based on the sociological model for focus groups will be performed. DISCUSSION Knowledge of the expectations, experiences, and attitudes of both patients and medical personnel regarding online interventions for depression can facilitate the implementation of this new psychotherapeutic tool. This qualitative investigation will provide thorough knowledge of the perceptions, beliefs, and values of patients and clinicians, which will be very useful for understanding how to implement this intervention method for depression.

Telehealth system (e-CUIDATE) to improve quality of life in breast cancer survivors: rationale and study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer survivors suffer physical impairment after oncology treatment. This impairment reduces quality of life (QoL) and increase the prevalence of handicaps associated to unhealthy lifestyle (for example, decreased aerobic capacity and strength, weight gain, and fatigue). Recent work has shown that exercise adapted to individual characteristics of patients is related to improved overall and disease-free survival. Nowadays, technological support using telerehabilitation systems is a promising strategy with great advantage of a quick and efficient contact with the health professional. It is not known the role of telerehabilitation through therapeutic exercise as a support tool to implement an active lifestyle which has been shown as an effective resource to improve fitness and reduce musculoskeletal disorders of these women. METHODS / DESIGN This study will use a two-arm, assessor blinded, parallel randomized controlled trial design. People will be eligible if: their diagnosis is of stages I, II, or IIIA breast cancer; they are without chronic disease or orthopedic issues that would interfere with ability to participate in a physical activity program; they had access to the Internet and basic knowledge of computer use or living with a relative who has this knowledge; they had completed adjuvant therapy except for hormone therapy and not have a history of cancer recurrence; and they have an interest in improving lifestyle. Participants will be randomized into e-CUIDATE or usual care groups. E-CUIDATE give participants access to a range of contents: planning exercise arranged in series with breathing exercises, mobility, strength, and stretching. All of these exercises will be assigned to women in the telerehabilitation group according to perceived needs. The control group will be asked to maintain their usual routine. Study endpoints will be assessed after 8 weeks (immediate effects) and after 6 months. The primary outcome will be QoL measured by The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 version 3.0 and breast module called The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. The secondary outcomes: pain (algometry, Visual Analogue Scale, Brief Pain Inventory short form); body composition; physical measurement (abdominal test, handgrip strength, back muscle strength, and multiple sit-to-stand test); cardiorespiratory fitness (International Fitness Scale, 6-minute walk test, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form); fatigue (Piper Fatigue Scale and Borg Fatigue Scale); anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); cognitive function (Trail Making Test and Auditory Consonant Trigram); accelerometry; lymphedema; and anthropometric perimeters. DISCUSSION This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of a telerehabilitation system during adjuvant treatment of patients with breast cancer. If this treatment option is effective, telehealth systems could offer a choice of supportive care to cancer patients during the survivorship phase. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01801527.

Human-Computer Interaction with older people through ethnographical lenses: everyday interactions with ICT

Report for the scientific sojourn carried out at the School of Computing of the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, from 2010 to 2012. This document is a scientific report of the work done, main results, publications and accomplishment of the objectives of the 2-year post-doctoral research project with reference number BP-A 00239. The project has addressed the topic of older people (60+) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), which is a topic of growing social and research interest, from a Human-Computer Interaction perspective. Over a 2-year period (June 2010-June 2012), we have conducted classical ethnography of ICT use in a computer clubhouse in Scotland, addressing interaction barriers and strategies, social sharing practices in Social Network Sites, and ICT learning, and carried out rapid ethnographical studies related to geo-enabled ICT and e-government services towards supporting independent living and active ageing. The main results have provided a much deeper understanding of (i) the everyday use of Computer-Mediated Communication tools, such as video-chats and blogs, and its evolution as older people���s experience with ICT increases over time, (ii) cross-cultural aspects of ICT use in the north and south of Europe, (iii) the relevance of cognition over vision in interacting with geographical information and a wide range of ICT tools, despite common stereotypes (e.g. make things bigger), (iv) the important relationship offline-online to provide older people with socially inclusive and meaningful eservices for independent living and active ageing, (v) how older people carry out social sharing practices in the popular YouTube, (vi) their user experiences and (vii) the challenges they face in ICT learning and the strategies they use to become successful ICT learners over time. The research conducted in this project has been published in 17 papers, 4 in journals ��� two of which in JCR, 5 in conferences, 4 in workshops and 4 in magazines. Other public output consists of 10 invited talks and seminars.