Are Male and Female Avatars Perceived Equally in 3D Virtual Worlds?

Virtual worlds are three-dimensional, computer-generated worlds in which users take the form of avatars and use those avatars to interact with objects and other avatars in the virtual world. Virtual worlds are growing in importance in both educational institutions and businesses. Educational institutions have adopted virtual worlds as a medium for instructional delivery whereas businesses are using virtual worlds for recruitment, training, collaboration, and marketing. Given these emerging phenomena, a better understanding of behavioral and perceptual issues in virtual worlds is warranted. We propose a research model to study the interaction effects of gender stereotypicality of male and female avatars and gender typicality of tasks on trust perceptions. Gender stereotypes have been widely studied in the real world along with their effects on trust perceptions. An experiment is proposed to examine the effects of gender stereotypes on trust perceptions in virtual worlds. Implications and expected contributions are also discussed

Perceptions of Avatars in 3D Virtual Worlds: Impact of Task and Gender Stereotypicality

Virtual worlds are growing in importance and popularity in businesses. As the use of virtual worlds increases, it becomes increasingly important to understand the behavioral and perceptual issues in virtual worlds. Although gender stereotypes have been widely studied in the real world along with their effects on trust perceptions, very little such research has been conducted in virtual worlds. We propose a research model to study the interaction effects of gender stereotypicality of male and female avatars and gender typicality of tasks on trust perceptions. An experiment is proposed to examine the effects of gender stereotypes on trust perceptions in virtual worlds. Implications and expected contributions are also discussed

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a common disorder that is strongly linked to asthma and conjunctivitis. It is usually a long-standing condition that often goes undetected in the primary-care setting. The classic symptoms of the disorder are nasal congestion, nasal itch, rhinorrhea and sneezing. A thorough history, physical examination and allergen skin testing are important for establishing the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Second-generation oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Allergen immunotherapy is an effective immune-modulating treatment that should be recommended if pharmacologic therapy for allergic rhinitis is not effective or is not tolerated. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and appropriate management of this disorder

Registry on assessing the quality of life improvement with triamcinolone in the treatment of moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis in egyptian patients

En Abstract Background Allergic rhinitis is a common disorder that can significantly impact the quality of life of patient. It is strongly linked to asthma and conjunctivitis. The classic symptoms of the disorder are nasal congestion and itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing. Currently, steroids have played a role in the management of allergic rhinitis. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in Egypt. Patients and methods A total of 308 Egyptian patients who were suffering from moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis and were prescribed triamcinolone were enrolled. The improvement in the quality of life of patients receiving triamcinolone after 4 weeks of treatment was assessed using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). All adverse events were recorded during the study duration. Results The RQLQ showed a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients after using triamcinolone. The mean RQLQ score before triamcinolone administration was 2.99±1.015 versus 0.68±0.706 after 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.001), with a mean percent reduction of −76.78±23.62%. The individual domain scores of the RQLQ after 4 weeks of treatment showed a significant improvement in the level of all domains. No adverse events were reported and the drug showed a high tolerability profile. Conclusion Triamcinolone is considered an efficient and safe drug in the management of allergic rhinitis. It has a positive impact on the quality of life of patients with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis under conditions of daily practice in patients receiving triamcinolone after 4 weeks of treatment

Web 2.0 and opportunities for small businesses

Web 2.0, Small business, Openness, Participation, Collaboration, Two-way communication,