Torrenting values, feelings and thoughts : cyber nursing and virtual self care in a breast augmentation forum

Earlier research shows that breast augmentation is positively correlated with positive psychological states. The aim of this study was to explore the shared values, feelings, and thoughts within the culture of breast enlargement among women visiting Internet-based forums when considering and/or undergoing esthetic plastic surgery. The study used a netnographic method for gathering and analyzing data. The findings show that the women used the Internet forum to provide emotional support to other women. Through electronic postings, they cared for and nursed each others’ anxiety and feelings throughout the whole process. Apart from the process, another central issue was that the women's relationships were frequently discussed; specifically their relationship to themselves, their environment, and with the surgeons. The findings suggest that Internet forums represent a channel through which posters can share values, feelings, and thoughts from the position of an agent of action as well as from a position as the object of action. These dual positions and the medium endow the women with a virtual nursing competence that would otherwise be unavailable. By introducing the concept of torrenting as a means of sharing important self-care information, the authors provide a concept that can be further explored in relation to post modern self-care strategies within contemporary nursing theories and practice.

Low cost non-intrusive home energy monitoring

This thesis presents a low cost non-intrusive home energy monitor built on top of Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) concepts and techniques. NILM solutions are already considered low cost alternatives to the big majority of existing commercial energy monitors but the goal here is to make its cost even lower by using a mini netbook as a whole in one solution. The mini netbook is installed in the homes main circuit breaker and computes power consumption by reading current and voltage from the built-in sound card. At the same time, feedback to the users is provided using the 11’’ LCD screen as well as other built-in I/O modules. Our meter is also capable of detecting changes in power and tries to find out which appliance lead to that change and it is being used as part of an eco-feedback platform that was build to study the long terms of energy eco-feedback in individuals. In this thesis the steps that were taken to come up with such a system are presented, from the basics of AC power measurements to the implementation of an event detector and classifier that was used to disaggregate the power load. In the last chapter results from some validation tests that have been performed are presented in order to validate the experiment. It is believed that such a system will not only be important as an energy monitor, but also as an open system than can be easily changed to accommodate and test new or existing nonintrusive load monitoring techniques.

Characterization of micro-bubble size distribution and flow configuration in DAF contact zone by a non-intrusive image analysis system and tracer tests

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Pulpal and periodontal reactions of immature permanent teeth in the dog to intrusive trauma.

Pulpal and periodontal tissues of immature incisors of 10 dogs were radiographically and histopathologically evaluated immediately, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after experimental intrusion induced by mechanical blows. Forty upper central and mesial lateral incisors showing incomplete root formation on radiographs were submitted to intrusive force. After the observation periods, the dogs were killed, two at a time. The hemi-maxilas were removed and processed for histopathologic examination. The traumatized teeth showed accelerated apical formation with reduced radicular length. Pulpal vitality was maintained and the subjacent tissues did not present irreversible changes. All traumatized teeth re-erupted spontaneously.

Some thoughts on the definition of the informal sector

Includes bibliography

Thoughts on industrialization, linkage and growth

Examina algunos aspectos que debieran ser considerados al preparar una nueva estrategia de industrializacion que permita hacer frente a los desequilibrios externos y encarar la situacion internacional previsible para los proximos anos.

Some thoughts on the role of environmental impact assessment for developing countries and ECO's role in the Americas

Includes bibliography