Service-based survey of dystonia in Munich

We performed a service-based epidemiological study of dystonia in Munich, Germany. Due to favourable referral and treatment patterns in the Munich area, we could provide confident data from dystonia patients seeking botulinum toxin treatment. A total of 230 patients were ascertained, of whom 188 had primary dystonia. Point prevalence ratios were estimated to be 10.1 (95% confidence interval 8.4-11.9) per 100,000 for focal and 0.3 (0.0-0.6) for generalised primary dystonia. The most common focal primary dystonias were cervical dystonia with 5.4 (4.2-6.7) and essential blepharospasm with 3.1 (2.1-4.1) per 100,000 followed by laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia) with 1.0 (0.4-1.5) per 100,000. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Base

El significado social que los jóvenes universitarios mexicanos tienen del celular. Un análisis desde la perspectiva de género

En esta nueva realidad social, la juventud se acompasa de forma natural a los cambios acelerados, a diferencia de los adultos “que se resisten a la celeridad de los cambios por el cúmulo de hábitos, prácticas y conocimientos ya incorporados” (Zermeño, 2002: 29). Por otro lado, los jóvenes tienen como reto natural de su etapa de desarrollo, lo que Erikson llamó “generatividad”, la capacidad para ser productivo y creativo (Citado en Donas, 2001). Y las nuevas reglas del juego están caracterizadas por una realidad social en donde el acceso al conocimiento y a la información son los ejes claves para el desarrollo social de los jóvenes (Castells, 2000). En este sentido, desde la sociología y la comunicación reflexionamos respecto al significado social que los jóvenes universitarios tienen del celular, tomando en cuenta la perspectiva de género. Para ello, el trabajo está organizado en cinco apartados. En el primero se hace una introducción del tema estudiado. En el segundo se hace una revisión teórico-conceptual de las perspectivas teóricas desde donde se comprenden las categorías: significado social, jóvenes universitarios y celular. En el tercero se explica la estrategia metodológica que se empleo para obtener la evidencia empírica. En el cuarto, se expone el significado social que los jóvenes universitarios tienen del celular tomando en cuenta la perspectiva de género. Y finalmente, en el quinto apartado se hacen las reflexiones finales sobre los hallazgos

Antecedents and consequences of knowledge management performance: the role of IT infrastructure

Purpose: In this paper, we assess the role of knowledge management (KM) practices as a key antecedent of KM performance. Also, we examine how Information technology (IT) infrastructure is used as a driver of KM performance, organizational performance and innovation. In addition, the effects of IT infrastructure can be indirect. Specifically, we show that KM performance is a mediator between organizational performance and innovation. Design/methodology/approach: Applying a variance-based structural equation modelling (PLS), we have carried out a study among a sample of 82 Andalusian technology-intensive innovative companies. Findings: First, KM practices and IT infrastructure are significant antecedents of KM performance. Second, KM performance has a direct influence on business performance and innovation outcomes. Third, IT infrastructure does not have a direct influence on business performance and innovation outcomes, but does have a significant indirect effect on them via KM performance. Practical implications: This research provides insights for why some firms may not be realizing benefits from investing in IT infrastructure. KM performance is strongly needed for the successful implementation of IT infrastructure in the organizations. Originality/value: The findings are important for practitioners and researchers because this study makes a contribution to the literature in KM by supporting the perspective that the business and organizational performance are function of the KM performance, a complementary resource through the value of IT infrastructure is enhanced.Peer Reviewe

Human Relationships with Domestic and Other Animals: One Health, One Welfare, One Biology

Excessive human population growth, uncontrolled use of natural resources, including deforestation, mining, wasteful systems, biodiversity reduction by agriculture, and damaging climate change affect the existence of all animals, including humans. This discussion is now urgent and people are rethinking their links with the animals we use for clothing, food, work, companionship, entertainment, and research. The concepts of one health, one welfare, and one biology are discussed as a background to driving global change. Nothing should be exploited without considering the ethics of the action and the consequences. This review concerns domesticated animals, including those used for human consumption of meat, eggs, and milk; horses kept for work; and dogs kept for company. Animal welfare includes health, emotional state, and comfort while moving and resting, and is affected by possibilities to show behavior and relationships with others of the same species or with humans. We show some examples of the relations between humans and domesticated animals in the environmental context, including zoonotic diseases, and consider the consequences and the new paradigms resulting from current awareness