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Internet Access (internet + access)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	44%
Humanities and Social Sciences	18%
Information Science and Computing	14%
Engineering	14%
2 Other Domains	10%

Selected Abstracts

Examining Drivers of Course Performance: An Exploratory Examination of an Introductory CIS Applications Course

DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2006
Rhonda A. Syler
ABSTRACT The accelerating diffusion of broadband Internet access provides many opportunities for the development of pedagogically robust Web-based instruction (WBI). While the supporting technology infrastructure of broadband disseminates, the attention of academic researchers focuses upon issues such as the drivers of student usage of WBI. Specifically, the research presented herein examined the impact of WBI on a student's aggregate course performance. We hypothesized that learning independence (LI) is a determinate factor in a student's use of WBI. In this study, we employed structural equation modeling techniques to examine the data and assess the direct and indirect effects of LI on WBI usage. The subjects, students in an introductory Computer Information Systems applications course, used a Web-based tutorial program for skills instruction. The findings of this study suggest that WBI usage has a significant impact on a student's course performance. Despite its plausibility, the effect of LI on WBI usage was not significant. However, we did conclude that two of the second order factors of the LI construct have a direct effect on a student's performance in the course. [source]

Emergency Department Orientation Utilizing Web-based Streaming Video

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2004
Swaminatha V. Mahadevan MD
Abstract To assure a smooth transition to their new work environment, rotating students and housestaff require detailed orientations to the physical layout and operations of the emergency department. Although such orientations are useful for new staff members, they represent a significant time commitment for the faculty members charged with this task. To address this issue, the authors developed a series of short instructional videos that provide a comprehensive and consistent method of emergency department orientation. The videos are viewed through Web-based streaming technology that allows learners to complete the orientation process from any computer with Internet access before their first shift. This report describes the stepwise process used to produce these videos and discusses the potential benefits of converting to an Internet-based orientation system. [source]

Waiting for Broadband: Local Competition and the Spatial Distribution of Advanced Telecommunication Services in the United States

GROWTH AND CHANGE, Issue 2 2004
TONY H. GRUBESIC
ABSTRACT With the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission and all fifty U.S. states to encourage the deployment of advanced telecommunication capability in a reasonable and timely manner. Today, with the rollout of advanced data services such as digital subscriber lines (xDSL), cable modems, and fixed wireless technologies, broadband has become an important component of telecommunication service and competition. Unfortunately, the deployment of last-mile infrastructure enabling high-speed access has proceeded more slowly than anticipated and competition in many areas is relatively sparse. More importantly, there are significant differences in the availability of broadband services between urban and rural areas. This paper explores aspects of broadband access as a function of market demand and provider competition. Data collected from the Federal Communications Commission is analyzed using a geographic information system and spatial statistical techniques. Results suggest significant spatial variation in broadband Internet access as a function of provider competition in the United States. [source]

The level of Internet access and ICT training for health information professionals in sub-Saharan Africa

HEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 3 2008
Grace Ada Ajuwon
Background:,, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Despite its significant growth on a global scale, Internet access is limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have explored Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in Africa. Objective:, The study assessed Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in SSA. Methods:, A 26-item self-administered questionnaire in English and French was used for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by health information professionals from five Listservs and delegates at the 10th biannual Congress of the Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA). Results:, A total of 121 respondents participated in the study and, of those, 68% lived in their countries' capital. The majority (85.1%) had Internet access at work and 40.8% used cybercafes as alternative access points. Slightly less than two-thirds (61.2%) first learned to use ICT through self-teaching, whilst 70.2% had not received any formal training in the previous year. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents required further ICT training. Conclusions and recommendations:, In SSA, freely available digital information resources are underutilized by health information professionals. ICT training is recommended to optimize use of digital resources. To harness these resources, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations must play a key role. [source]

A survey of current architectures for connecting wireless mobile ad hoc networks to the Internet

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2007
Habib M. Ammari
Abstract Connecting wired and wireless networks, and particularly mobile wireless ad hoc networks (MANETs) and the global Internet, is attractive in real-world scenarios due to its usefulness and praticality. Because of the various architectural mismatches between the Internet and MANETs with regard to their communication topology, routing protocols, and operation, it is necessary to introduce a hybrid interface capable of connecting to the Internet using Mobile IP protocol and to MANETs owing to an ad hoc routing protocol. Specifically, the approaches available in the literature have introduced updated versions of Mobile IP agents or access points at the edge of the Internet to help MANET nodes get multi-hop wireless Internet access. The main differences in the existing approaches concern the type of ad hoc routing protocol as well as the switching algorithm used by MANET nodes to change their current Mobile IP agents based on specific switching criteria. This paper surveys a variety of approaches to providing multi-hop wireless Internet access to MANET nodes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Using a multiple priority reservation MAC to support differentiated services over HFC systems,

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 4 2002
J. D. Angelopoulos
Abstract The successful commercial deployment of Hybrid Fibre/Coaxial (HFC) access networks in the residential market has so far been driven by demand for faster Internet access and the prospects of a host of new services based on real-time voice and video. To sustain their growth rates and compete with alternative approaches, such as ADSL, they must be enhanced with the capability to efficiently handle quality-intensive real-time services. The new multi-service paradigm mandates isolation of traffic classes, conditioning of entering traffic and preventive control in addition to traditional closed-loop control. The differentiated services (DiffServ) architecture with its relevant traffic control tools and the bundling of behaviour aggregates is particularly suited to the H/W-based MAC of HFC systems. It constitutes a suitable framework enabling the support of proliferating real-time voice- and video-based services while aligning the system to the emerging Internet strategy of scalable service differentiation. The implementation of such a solution in the ACTS 327AROMA research project is presented in this paper. The performance of the system is evaluated using computer simulation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Use of the internet and of the NHS direct telephone helpline for medical information by a cognitive function clinic population

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2003
A. J. Larner
Abstract Background Internet websites and medical telephone helplines are relatively new and huge resources of medical information (,cybermedicine' and ,telemedicine', respectively) accessible to the general public without prior recourse to a doctor. Study Objectives To measure use of internet websites and of the NHS Direct telephone helpline as sources of medical information by patients and their families and/or carers attending a cognitive function clinic. Design and Setting Consecutive patients seen by one consultant neurologist over a six-month period in the Cognitive Function Clinic at the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, a regional neuroscience centre in Liverpool, UK. Results More than 50% of patients and families/carers had internet access; 27% had accessed relevant information, but none volunteered this. 82% expressed interest in, or willingness to access, websites with relevant medical information if these were suggested by the clinic doctor. Although 61% had heard of the NHS Direct telephone helpline, only 10% of all patients had used this service and few calls related to the reason for attendance at the Cognitive Function Clinic. Conclusions Internet access and use is common in a cognitive function clinic population. Since information from internet websites may shape health beliefs and expectations of patients and families/carers, appropriately or inappropriately, it may be important for the clinic doctor to inquire about these searches. Since most would use websites suggested by the doctor, a readiness to provide addresses for appropriate sites may prove helpful. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Roaming and service management in public wireless networks using an innovative policy management architecture

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NETWORK MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2005
Idir Fodil
Nowadays, public wireless local area networks (WLANs), commonly called hotspots, are being largely deployed by WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) as a means of offering ubiquitous Internet access to their customers. Although a substantial number of solutions have been proposed to improve security, mobility and quality of service on the wireless area, access network management which is mandatory remains a very significant concern. This paper describes RSM-WISP, a new management architecture designed for WISPs to facilitate the implementation and management of the services they offer at the access side of the WLAN, and to manage roaming contracts between WISPs. Our architecture is based upon the policy-based management principles as introduced by the IETF, combined with more intelligence at the network edge. RSM-WISP adopts an architecture that is composed of two elements: a WISP management center (MC) that deploys policies and monitors all the WLANs, and a programmable access router (CPE) located in each WLAN. The CPE ensures service enforcement, service differentiation (access to different service levels) and guarantee, user access management, and dynamic WLAN adaptation according to the user's SLA (service level agreement). It also permits automatic service updates according to the user's requirements. Concerning roaming management, this is achieved on the CPE through multiple service provider support capabilities. This approach provides WISPs with a simple, flexible and scalable solution that allows easy service deployment and management at the access. This management architecture has been implemented, tested and validated on the 6WINDGate routers.,Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

A DVB/Inmarsat hybrid architecture for asymmetrical broadband mobile satellite services

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 2 2006
Bjørn Roger Andersen
Abstract In order to bridge the gap, both regulatory and technologically, between offering mobile satellite services at L-band today and broadband mobile services at C-band, Ku-band or Ka-band in the future, a short-term solution is foreseen. Therefore, a DVB/Inmarsat hybrid service offering bi-directional asymmetrical satellite connectivity, with a broadband receive channel at Ku-band based on DVB-S, and with a transmit channel at L-band based on Inmarsat Mobile Packet Data Service, has successfully been developed, implemented and tested. The article focuses on the rationale for, and a technical solution, and how this can be evolved to support use of Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Access as transmit channel at L-band. There are no regulatory issues associated with global operation of such a system, and the users can access the services using cost-efficient off-the-shelf equipment, since the well established Inmarsat and DVB standards are utilized. The system has proved its feasibility to offer services like Internet access, email access, fast file transfers, and IP streaming of audio and video, in addition to the traditional Inmarsat services. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Competencies and skills for remote and rural maternity care: a review of the literature

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2007
Jillian Ireland
Abstract Title. Competencies and skills for remote and rural maternity care: a review of the literature Aim., This paper reports a review of the literature on skills, competencies and continuing professional development necessary for sustainable remote and rural maternity care. Background., There is a general sense that maternity care providers in rural areas need specific skills and competencies. However, how these differ from generic skills and competencies is often unclear. Methods., Approaches used to access the research studies included a comprehensive search in relevant electronic databases using relevant keywords (e.g. ,remote', ,midwifery', ,obstetrics', ,nurse,midwives', education', ,hospitals', ,skills', ,competencies', etc.). Experts were approached for (un-)published literature, and books and journals known to the authors were also used. Key journals were hand searched and references were followed up. The original search was conducted in 2004 and updated in 2006. Findings., Little published literature exists on professional education, training or continuous professional development in maternity care in remote and rural settings. Although we found a large literature on competency, little was specific to competencies for rural practice or for maternity care. ,Hands-on' skills courses such as Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics and the Neonatal Resuscitation Programme increase confidence in practice, but no published evidence of effectiveness of such courses exists. Conclusion., Educators need to be aware of the barriers facing rural practitioners, and there is potential for increasing distant learning facilitated by videoconferencing or Internet access. They should also consider other assessment methods than portfolios. More research is needed on the levels of skills and competencies required for maternity care professionals practising in remote and rural areas. [source]

Parking difficulty and parking information system technologies and costs

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION, Issue 2 2008
Hualiang (Harry) Teng
Before the implementation of a parking information system, it is necessary to evaluate the parking difficulty, technology choice, and system costs. In this study, the parking problem was quantified by asking parkers to express their parking difficulties in five scaled levels from the least to the most difficult. An ordered Probit model was developed to identify the factors that influence a parker to feel the parking difficulty. The results indicate that the amount of parking information parkers had before their trips was directly related to their parking search time, which in turn, influenced their perceptions of parking difficulty. Parkers' preferences to parking information technologies were identified based on developing binary and multinomial probit models. The results indicate that personal business trips and older persons would like to use the kiosk, while the more educated and males would not. Trips with shopping and social/recreation purposes and the drivers who had visited the destination areas frequently would like to choose roadside display. Drivers who had planned their parking and had Internet access would use in-vehicle device. The system cost was estimated based on the cost for each component of the system. The results show that providing en-route parking search information through roadside displays is more expensive than providing pre-trip information through a web site. [source]

Internet-Based Interactive Support for Cancer Patients: Are Integrated Systems Better?

JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, Issue 2 2008
David H. Gustafson
To compare the benefits of the Internet generally versus a focused system of services, 257 breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to a control group, access to the Internet with links to high-quality breast cancer sites, or access to an eHealth system (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System, CHESS) that integrated information, support, and decision and analysis tools. The intervention lasted 5 months, and self-report data on quality of life, health-care competence, and social support were collected at pretest and at 2-, 4-, and 9-month posttests. CHESS subjects logged on more overall than Internet subjects and accessed more health resources, but the latter used non health-related sites more. Subjects with access to the Internet alone experienced no better outcomes than controls at any of the 3 time points, compared to pretest levels. Subjects with CHESS experienced greater social support during the intervention period and had higher scores on all 3 outcomes at 9 months, 4 months after the intervention ended. CHESS subjects also scored higher than those with Internet access during the intervention period but not significantly after the intervention ended. Thus, CHESS (with one simple interface and integrated information, communication, and skills services) helped newly diagnosed breast cancer patients even after computers were removed. In contrast, patients received little benefit from Internet access, despite having links to a variety of high-quality sites. Résumé Le soutien interactif sur Internet des patients atteints du cancer : les systèmes intégrés sont-ils meilleurs? Afin de comparer les bénéfices de l'Internet en général par rapport à un système concentré de services, 257 patientes atteintes du cancer du sein furent assignées au hasard à l'un de trois groupes : un groupe témoin, un groupe ayant accès à Internet avec des liens vers des sites de haute qualité concernant le cancer du sein, ou un groupe ayant accès à un système eHealth (CHESS) qui intègre information, soutien et outils de décision et d'analyse. L'intervention a duré cinq mois et une collecte de données auto-évaluées (à propos de la qualité de vie, de la compétence en ce qui a trait aux soins de santé et du soutien social) fut faite avant le test et deux, quatre et neuf mois après le début du test. Les participantes ayant accès au CHESS se sont globalement connectées plus souvent que les participantes ayant accès à Internet et elles ont accédéà plus de ressources liées à la santé, mais les participantes ayant accès à Internet ont visité plus de sites non liés à la santé. Les participantes ayant seulement accès à Internet n'ont pas présenté de meilleurs résultats que le groupe témoin à aucun des trois moments de cueillette, en comparaison avec les niveaux pré-test. Les participantes ayant accès au CHESS ont reçu un meilleur soutien social pendant la période d'intervention et eurent des résultats plus élevés quant aux trois thèmes à l'évaluation de neuf mois, soit quatre mois après la fin de l'intervention. Les participantes CHESS ont également enregistré des résultats plus élevés que ceux avec Internet pendant la période d'intervention, mais pas de manière significative une fois que l'intervention s'est terminée. Ainsi, CHESS (avec une interface unique et simple et de l'information intégrée, des services de communication et de compétences) a aidé les patientes nouvellement diagnostiquées avec le cancer du sein, même lorsque les ordinateurs furent retirés. De façon constrastée, les patientes n'ont pas beaucoup bénéficié de l'accès à Internet, bien qu'elles aient été orientées vers une variété de sites de haute qualité. Abstract Internetbasierte interaktive Unterstützung für Krebspatienten: Sind integrierte Systeme besser? Um die Vorteile des Internets im allgemeinen mit den Vorteilen eines fokussierten Systems von Angeboten zu vergleichen wurden 257 Brustkrebspatienten zufällig auf eine von drei Gruppen verteilt: eine Kontrollgruppe, eine Versuchsgruppe mit Zugang zum Internet mit Links zu hochqualitativen Seiten zum Thema Krebs und eine zweite Versuchgruppe mit Zugang zu einem eHealth System (CHESS), welches Informationen, Betreuung und Entscheidungs- und Analysewerkzeuge integriert. Die Intervention dauerte 5 Monate. Selbstauskunftsdaten zur Lebensqualität, Gesundheitsfürsorgekompetenz und sozialer Unterstützung wurden vorher, und als 2-, 4- und 9-Monate Nachhermessung erhoben. CHESS-Nutzer griffen generell häufiger auf das Angebot zu als Internetnutzer und nutzten mehr Gesundheitsressourcen; allerdings griffen Internetnutzer häufiger auf Seiten ohne Gesundheitsbezug zu. Teilnehmer mit Internetzugang zeigten bezogen auf die Vorhermessung keine besseren Ergebnisse im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe. CHESS-Nutzer erlebten eine größere soziale Unterstützung während der Intervention und hatten höhere Werte für alle drei Ergebnismessungen zum Zeitpunkt 9 Monate, also 4 Monate nach Ende der Intervention. CHESS-Teilnehmer punkteten während aber nicht nach Ende der Intervention höher als jene mit Internet-Zugang. CHESS (mit einem einfachen Interface und integrierter Information, Kommunikation und Services) half neu diagnostizierten Brustkrebspatienten sogar nachdem die Computer entfernt wurden. Im Gegensatz dazu bekamen Patienten wenig Unterstützung vom Internet-Zugang, obwohl sie Links zu eine Vielzahl hochqualitativer Seiten hatten. Resumen Apoyo Interactivo a través del Internet para Pacientes con Cáncer: ¿Son Mejores los Sistemas Integrados? Para comparar los beneficios del Internet generalmente versus un sistema de servicios focalizados, 257 pacientes con cáncer de mama fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo de control, acceso al Internet con conexiones a sitios de cáncer de mama de alta calidad, ó acceso a un sistema de Salud (CHESS) que integraba información, apoyo, y herramientas de decisión y análisis. La intervención que duró cinco meses, reportó datos individuales sobre la calidad de vida, la competencia de la asistencia médica y el apoyo social coleccionados a través de una prueba inicial y pruebas a los 2, 4, y 9 meses después. Los participantes de CHESS entablaron sesiones con más frecuencia que los sujetos de Internet y accedieron a más recursos sobre la salud, pero éstos últimos usaron más sitios no relacionados con la salud. Los sujetos que solamente accedieron al Internet no experimentaron mejores resultados que los grupos de control durante los tres puntos, comparados con los niveles de pruebas iniciales. Los sujetos con CHESS experimentaron un apoyo social mayor durante el período de intervención y tuvieron puntajes más altos en los 3 resultados a los 9 meses, 4 meses después que la intervención finalizara. Los sujetos de CHESS obtuvieron mayores puntajes que los participantes con acceso al Internet durante el período de la intervención, pero no significativamente después de que la intervención finalizara. Así, CHESS (con una interfase simple e información integrada, comunicación y servicios de habilidades) ayudaron a los pacientes recientemente diagnosticados con cáncer de mama aún después de que las computadoras fueron removidas. En contraste, los pacientes recibieron poco beneficio del acceso al Internet, a pesar de tener acceso a conexiones con una variedad de sitios de alta calidad. ZhaiYao Yo yak [source]

The Evolution of the Digital Divide: How Gaps in Internet Access May Impact Electronic Commerce

JOURNAL OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION, Issue 3 2000
Donna L. Hoffman
Enthusiasm for the anticipated social dividends of the Internet appears boundless. Indeed, the Internet is expected to do no less than virtually transform society. Yet even as the Internet races ambitiously toward critical mass, some social scientists are beginning to examine carefully the policy implications of current demographic patterns of Internet access and usage. Key demographic variables like income and education drive the policy questions surrounding the Internet because they are the most likely have a differential impact on the consequences of interactive electronic media for different segments in our society. Given these concerns, we set out to conduct a systematic investigation of the differences between whites and African Americans in the United States with respect to computer access, the primary current prerequisite for Internet access, and Web use. We wished to examine whether observed race differences in access and use can be accounted for by differences in income and education, how access influences use, and when race matters in the calculus of equal access. The particular emphasis of this research is on how such differences may be changing over time. We believe our results may be used as a window through which policymakers might view the job of ensuring access to the Internet for the next generation. [source]

Problems and Risks of Unsolicited E-mails in Patient-Physician Encounters in Travel Medicine Settings

JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001
Andreas Sing
Background: International travel and use of modern information technology are expressions of modern life style. Seeking on-line travel health advice via E-mail for preventive (teleprevention) or diagnostic reasons may become increasingly popular among patients with financial resources and Internet access. This study was undertaken to compare the behavior of travel clinic or tropical medicine physicians and other providers of travel-related medical information services toward unsolicited E-mails from fictitious patients in pretravel and post-travel scenarios. We also wanted to test the potential of E-mail advice for preventive medicine (teleprevention), and to find out how the "Good Samaritan Law" is observed. Methods: Two different E-mails were posted to E-mail addresses of 171 physicians (members of travel health and/or tropical medicine societies) and services offering advice on travel health issues identified by an AltaVista search. These E-mails, from two different fictitious travelers, were asking for advice regarding malaria prophylaxis in a pretravel scenario and describing symptoms suggesting acute malaria. Results: Of the contacted addresses 43.3% and 49.7% respectively, replied to the pre- and post-travel E-mail. Of those suggesting antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in the pretravel scenario, 13.2% proposed inadequate regimens, and at least 3.5% of the post-travel replies were inappropriate. The "Good Samaritan Law" was observed by a significant number of physicians. Conclusions: Both patients and physicians have to be aware of the limitations of E-mail communication. Guidelines protecting physicians against legal and ethical consequences of this new communication technology are urgently needed. [source]

GOING ONLINE WITHOUT EASY ACCESS: A TALE OF THREE CITIES

JOURNAL OF URBAN AFFAIRS, Issue 5 2008
KAREN MOSSBERGER
ABSTRACT:,Building on a national study that showed that concentrated poverty matters for the "digital divide," this research compares the influence of the neighborhood-level context in three cities that vary in racial composition and income. We use a 2005 random digit-dialed survey of respondents in Northeast Ohio communities, and find unexpectedly that residents in areas of concentrated poverty demonstrate efforts to go online despite lacking home or work access. We analyze the results using regression models that include contextual "buffers" that create a unique geography for each respondent within a half-kilometer radius. Respondents who live in areas with a high percentage of African Americans or college graduates are more likely to go online even if they lack convenient Internet access, although the percentage of college graduates has a greater effect. At the neighborhood level, race and education influence the context for technology use. [source]

Choice of treatment modalities was not influenced by pain, severity or co-morbidity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2010
Gro Jamtvedt
Abstract Background and Purpose.,Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are commonly treated by physiotherapists in primary care. The physiotherapists use different treatment modalities. In a previous study, we identified variation in the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), low level laser or acupuncture, massage and weight reduction advice for patients with knee OA. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that might explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA.,Methods.,Practising physiotherapists prospectively collected data for one patient with knee osteoarthritis each through 12 treatment sessions. We chose to examine factors that might explain variation in the choice of treatment modalities supported by high or moderate quality evidence, and modalities which were frequently used but which were not supported by evidence from systematic reviews. Experienced clinicians proposed factors that they thought might explain the variation in the choice of these specific treatments. We used these factors in explanatory analyses.,Results.,Using TENS, low level laser or acupuncture was significantly associated with having searched databases to help answer clinical questions in the last six months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08,3.42). Not having Internet access at work and using more than four treatment modalities were significant determinants for giving massage (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19,0.68 and OR = 8.92, 95% CI = 4.37,18.21, respectively). Being a female therapist significantly increased the odds for providing weight reduction advice (OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.12,11.57). No patient characteristics, such as age, pain or co-morbidity, were significantly associated with variation in practice.,Conclusions.,Factors related to patient characteristics, such as pain severity and co-morbidity, did not seem to explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA. Variation was associated with the following factors: physiotherapists having Internet access at work, physiotherapists having searched databases for the last six months and the gender of the therapist. There is a need for more studies of determinants for physiotherapy practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Public library websites for teenagers: How are they addressing the consumer health information needs of today's teens?

PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007
Jennifer E. Burke
Young adult use of the Web both for creating and reviewing content continues to grow and the Internet has become an important tool for teenagers seeking health information (Borzekowski & Rickert 2001, Gray et al 2005; Rideout 2001; Richardson 2002; Vargas 2005). More than 70 percent of 15 to 17 year olds say they have used the Internet to look up health information (Rideout 2001, Richardson et al 2002). In fact, the Kaiser Family Foundation study reported in "Generation Rx.com" found that more youth had looked for health information than had engaged in various Web 2.0 behaviors as purchasing something online or using a chat room (Rideout 2001). Researchers cite availability, anonymity, and affordability as the key reasons teenagers turn to the web for answers to their health-related questions (Barak & Fisher 2001; Gray et al 2005). While the Internet provides teenagers with access to a wealth of health-related resources, it also presents challenges that can negatively impact the ability of adolescents to access quality information online. Difficulty conducting searches, judging the credibility of the information retrieved, and accessing sites due to filtering software are just a few of the barriers teenagers face (Gray et al 2002; Gray et al 2005; Richardson et al 2002). Like many Web users, teenagers also express concerns about privacy and confidentiality, especially in chat rooms or email correspondences (Vargas 2005). Given the issues teens face when searching for health information online, it seems natural that public libraries take the lead in providing assistance to teenagers who need help finding health information. Libraries, particularly public libraries, have a long history of providing consumer heath information to adults in their communities, and this service has transitioned online as libraries provide Internet access to electronic consumer health information (Smith 2006). In addition, many public libraries have developed websites specifically for teenagers. As more teens look for personalized information or the ability to ,create' their own content, these library web pages often serve as centers for reference, educational support, popular materials, community information, and library programming (Hughes-Hassell & Miller 2003; Jones 1997). Including links to useful websites would alleviate some of the frustration teenagers face when searching for quality health information on the Internet and allow them to make their own informed decisions (Vargas 2005). But how common is it for these web pages to provide consumer health information for teenagers? [source]

,Cavemen in an Era of Speed-of-Light Technology': Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Communication within Prisons

THE HOWARD JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Issue 2 2009
YVONNE JEWKES
Abstract: Many prisoners believe that the restricted access they have to computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies and, in particular, the almost total absence of computers and Internet access in prisons is a form of censure that renders them second-class citizens in the Information Age. This article examines contemporary rationales and historical precedents for denying prisoners the means to communicate (both with each other and with those outside the prison) and argues that the prevention of communication, a pivotal feature of the Victorian and Edwardian prison regime, represents a significant continuity in the experience of prison life in the 21st Century. [source]

Exercise Preference Patterns, Resources, and Environment Among Rural Breast Cancer Survivors

THE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2009
Laura Q. Rogers MD
ABSTRACT:,Context:Rural breast cancer survivors may be at increased risk for inadequate exercise participation. Purpose: To determine for rural breast cancer survivors: (1) exercise preference "patterns," (2) exercise resources and associated factors, and (3) exercise environment. Methods: A mail survey was sent to rural breast cancer survivors identified through a state cancer registry, and 483 (30%) responded. Findings: The majority (96%) were white, with mean education of 13 (±2.5) years and mean 39.0 (±21.5) months since diagnosis. Most participants (67%) preferred face-to-face counseling from an exercise specialist (27%) or other individual (40%). A third (31%) preferred home-based exercise with non face-to-face counseling from someone other than an exercise specialist. Participants preferring face-to-face counseling were more apt to prefer supervised exercise (38% vs 9%, P < 0.001) at a health club (32% vs 8%, P < 0.001). Home exercise equipment was reported by 63%, with 97% reporting home telephone and 67% reporting Internet access. Age, education, self-efficacy, treatment status, and exercise behavior were associated with exercise resources. The physical environment was often not conducive to exercise but a low crime rate and high trust in neighbors was reported. Conclusions: Rural health education programs encouraging exercise should offer multiple programming options while considering the physical environment and capitalizing on available resources and beneficial social environmental characteristics. [source]

Feasibility of an Interactive Voice Response Tool for Adolescent Assault Victims

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009
Mercedes M. Blackstone MD
Abstract Background:, Assault-injured adolescents who are seen in the emergency department (ED) are difficult to follow prospectively using standard research techniques such as telephone calls or mailed questionnaires. Interactive voice response (IVR) is a novel technology that promotes active participation of subjects and allows automated data collection for prospective studies. Objectives:, The objective was to determine the feasibility of IVR technology for collecting prospective information from adolescents who were enrolled in an ED-based study of interpersonal violence. Methods:, A convenience sample of assault-injured 12- to 19-year-olds presenting to an urban, tertiary care ED was enrolled prospectively. Each subject completed a brief questionnaire in the ED and then was randomly assigned to use the IVR system in differently timed schedules over a period of 8 weeks: weekly, biweekly, or monthly calls. Upon discharge, each subject received a gift card incentive and a magnetic calendar with his or her prospective call-in dates circled on it. Each time a subject contacted the toll-free number, he or she used the telephone's keypad to respond to computer-voice questions about retaliation and violence subsequent to the ED visit. Using Internet access, we added $5 to the gift card for each call and $10 if all scheduled calls were completed. The primary outcome was the rate of the first utilization of the IVR system. The numbers of completed calls made for each of the three call-in schedules were also compared. Results:, Of the 95 subjects who consented to the follow-up portion of the study, 44.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.0% to 54.8%) completed at least one IVR call, and 13.7% (95% CI = 7.5% to 22.3%) made all of their scheduled calls. There were no significant differences among groups in the percentage of subjects calling at least once into the system or in the percentage of requested calls made. The enrolled subjects had a high level of exposure to violence. At baseline, 85.3% (95% CI = 76.5% to 91.7%) had heard gunshots fired, and 84.2% (95% CI = 75.3% to 90.9%) had seen someone being assaulted. Twenty-eight adolescents (29.5%, 95% CI = 20.6% to 39.7%) were reached for satisfaction interviews. All of those contacted found the IVR system easy to use and all but one would use it again. Conclusions:, Interactive voice response technology is a feasible means of follow-up among high-risk violently injured adolescents, and this relatively anonymous process allows for the collection of sensitive information. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing of calls and cost-effectiveness in this population. [source]

Ethernet aggregation and core network models for effcient and reliable IPTV services

BELL LABS TECHNICAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2007
Christian Hermsmeyer
With the growing interest on wireline network architectures for residential triple-play and business Ethernet services there is a renewed demand for efficient and reliable packet-based transport capabilities between the content providers and the end users. Voice and data traffic carried over a variety of access technologies is collected via technology-specific access networks (e.g., digital subscriber line [xDSL], passive optical network [xPON], and wireless fidelity [WiFi]). Metro and core networks need to aggregate the various user flows from different access network nodes and provide scalable and cost-effective distribution of various flow types (e.g., Internet access, voice, video on demand, and broadcast TV services) to the relevant service access points. Varying quality of service and resiliency requirements for these services are being reflected in a new breed of converged Ethernet and optical network elements with capabilities to interwork the bearer-planes of these two networking technologies seamlessly. Network elements based on Ethernet/Optical converged technology are able to select the most fitting mechanisms from each networking technology to meet the transport requirements for each individual service demand better while providing significantly enhanced implementation and operational efficiencies. This paper discusses network architecture models and network elements addressing these goals. © 2007 Alcatel-Lucent. [source]

The support of mobile internet applications in UMTS networks through the open service access

BELL LABS TECHNICAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2001
Musa R. Unmehopa
Third-generation wireless networks are expected to enable the mobile Internet to become a reality, offering fast Internet access and high-speed data services to mobile subscribers. For network operators to allow for the rapid development of innovative value-added applications on the scale seen in the Internet today, the wireless core network needs to be opened up for third-party applications provided by independent software vendors (ISVs). The Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is currently working on the production of technical specifications to provide a mechanism that would permit ISVs a standard interface to access network capabilities traditionally available to network operators. Within 3GPP, this mechanism is commonly referred to as the open service access (OSA). This open service access is predominantly targeted at Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks, allowing application developers to access the feature-rich core network capabilities. This open access enables network operators to offer innovative services to their subscribers allowing the ability to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. With the imminent commercial deployment of the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), existing fixed-line Internet service providers (ISPs) can now offer mobile Internet to end users in a UMTS environment where the responsibility of the network operator is reduced to providing IP connectivity. The increased competition from ISPs poses a big threat to the revenue stream of the network operator. This paper explores the possibilities of OSA to facilitate network operators in providing the mutual support of network capabilities and Internet content. These possibilities would allow the network operator to become a value-added mobile Internet service provider (VAM-ISP). © 2002 Lucent Technologies Inc. [source]

The utility of online panel surveys versus computer-assisted interviews in obtaining substance-use prevalence estimates in the Netherlands

ADDICTION, Issue 10 2009
Renske Spijkerman
ABSTRACT Aims Rather than using the traditional, costly method of personal interviews in a general population sample, substance-use prevalence rates can be derived more conveniently from data collected among members of an online access panel. To examine the utility of this method, we compared the outcomes of an online survey with those obtained with the computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) method. Design Data were gathered from a large sample of online panellists and in a two-stage stratified sample of the Dutch population using the CAPI method. Setting The Netherlands. Participants The online sample comprised 57 125 Dutch online panellists (15,64 years) of Survey Sampling International LLC (SSI), and the CAPI cohort 7204 respondents (15,64 years). Measurements All participants answered identical questions about their use of alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and performance-enhancing drugs. The CAPI respondents were asked additionally about internet access and online panel membership. Both data sets were weighted statistically according to the distribution of demographic characteristics of the general Dutch population. Findings Response rates were 35.5% (n = 20 282) for the online panel cohort and 62.7% (n = 4516) for the CAPI cohort. The data showed almost consistently lower substance-use prevalence rates for the CAPI respondents. Although the observed differences could be due to bias in both data sets, coverage and non-response bias were higher in the online panel survey. Conclusions Despite its economic advantage, the online panel survey showed stronger non-response and coverage bias than the CAPI survey, leading to less reliable estimates of substance use in the general population. [source]

Internet use by patients in an inflammatory bowel disease specialty clinic

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 10 2007
Robert R. Cima MD
Abstract Background: Patient education is known to improve satisfaction in and participation with treatment. A careful assessment of internet use by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to gather information has not been reported. Our aim was to evaluate internet use to gather general health- and disease-specific information in patients presenting to an IBD clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey using a convenience sample of patients (N = 175) at a tertiary-care institution's IBD clinic was performed. Results: In all, 169 surveys (97%) were returned for analysis. The median age was 46 (17,84), 83 men and 81 women (5 missing). In known IBD patients (87%), 85 (50%) had Crohn's disease and 62 (37%) ulcerative colitis; 81% of patients had home internet access. The most common information sources were: gastroenterologists (59%), internet (54%), and primary-care physicians (54%). Ninety-two patients (54%) used the internet to gather IBD-specific information. Age-specific use (<40, 40,65, >65) was 73%, 48%, 37.5%, respectively. There was a significant positive association between level of education and internet use (P < 0.0001), but not with income. Internet sites most commonly visited were organization- or institution-specific. Factors that most influenced a user's choice of an internet site were noncommercial status (59%) and ease of use (53%). The majority of patients (57%) rated internet information "trustworthy" to "very trustworthy." Conclusions: Over half of patients in an IBD clinic used the internet to gather IBD-specific information. Use was inversely associated with age and positively correlated with education level. There was no income association. These findings suggest web-based IBD information may become increasingly important in the future. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007) [source]

The challenges of redressing the digital divide: a tale of two US cities

INFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006
Lynette Kvasny
Abstract., In this paper, we examine efforts undertaken by two cities , Atlanta and LaGrange, Georgia , to redress the digital divide. Atlanta's initiative has taken the form of community technology centres where citizens can come to get exposure to the internet, and learn something about computers and their applications. LaGrange has taken a very different approach, providing free internet access to the home via a digital cable set-top box. Using theoretical constructs from Bourdieu, we analysed how the target populations and service providers reacted to the two initiatives, how these reactions served to reproduce the digital divide, and the lessons for future digital divide initiatives. In our findings and analysis, we see a reinforcement of the status quo. When people embrace these initiatives, they are full of enthusiasm, and there is no question that some learning occurs and that the programmes are beneficial. However, there is no mechanism for people to go to the next step, whether that is technical certification, going to college, buying a personal computer or escaping the poverty that put them on the losing end of the divide in the first place. This leads us to conclude that the Atlanta and LaGrange programmes could be classified as successes in the sense that they provided access and basic computer literacy to people lacking these resources. However, both programmes were, at least initially, conceived rather narrowly and represent short-term, technology-centric fixes to a problem that is deeply rooted in long-standing and systemic patterns of spatial, political and economic disadvantage. A persistent divide exists even when cities are giving away theoretically ,free' goods and services. [source]