The Democratic Biopolitics of PrEP

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a relatively new drug-based HIV prevention technique and an important means to lower the HIV risk of gay men who are especially vulnerable to HIV. From the perspective of biopolitics, PrEP inscribes itself in a larger trend of medicalization and the rise of pharmapower. This article reconstructs and evaluates contemporary literature on biopolitical theory as it applies to PrEP, by bringing it in a dialogue with a mapping of the political debate on PrEP. As PrEP changes sexual norms and subjectification, for example condom use and its meaning for gay subjectivity, it is highly contested. The article shows that the debate on PrEP can be best described with the concepts ‘sexual-somatic ethics’ and ‘democratic biopolitics’, which I develop based on the biopolitical approach of Nikolas Rose and Paul Rabinow. In contrast, interpretations of PrEP which are following governmentality studies or Italian Theory amount to either farfetched or trivial positions on PrEP, when seen in light of the political debate. Furthermore, the article is a contribution to the scholarship on gay subjectivity, highlighting how homophobia and homonormativity haunts gay sex even in liberal environments, and how PrEP can serve as an entry point for the destigmatization of gay sexuality and transformation of gay subjectivity. ‘Biopolitical democratization’ entails making explicit how medical technology and health care relates to sexual subjectification and ethics, to strengthen the voice of (potential) PrEP users in health politics, and to renegotiate the profit and power of Big Pharma

Morphology and dune dynamics in the coastal border of Araucania region in Chile : Background for conservation and territorial management

An evaluation was made of the dynamics of the dune systems of the coastal strip of the Araucanía region between 1994 and 2004, based on its morphological classification and degree of stabilization as evaluated from cartographic material, aerial photographs and investigation in the field. Eight fields of dunes were defined with a total surface area of 4,597 ha being stated a total expansion of 314 ha in the period; active dunes represented 35% of the total area, while semi-stabilized and stabilized dunes represented 31% and 15% respectively. The most common type of morphology was transverse dunes and the most frequent plant species were Pinus radiata and Ammophila arenaria. Finally, the localization and the determination of the stabilization grades and dunaries shapes allow to recognize the action of the natural and anthropic factors, these integrally require to be tackle as a frame for an integrated management of this coastal zone.Se evaluó la dinámica de los campos dunarios del borde costero de La Araucanía entre los años 1994 y 2004, usando para ello la clasificación morfológica y grado de estabilización, evaluado a partir de material cartográfico, fotografías aéreas y reconocimiento en terreno. Se delimitaron 8 campos de dunas distribuidos en una superficie de 4.597 ha, constatándose una expansión total de 314 ha en el periodo; las dunas activas representaron un 35% de esta superficie, mientras que las dunas semiestabilizadas y estabilizadas representaron un 31 y 15% respectivamente. La morfología más frecuente fue el tipo de duna transversal y las especies vegetales con mayor frecuencia fueron Pinus radiata y Ammophila arenaria. Finalmente, la localización y la determinación de los grados de estabilización y formas dunarias permiten reconocer la acción de factores naturales y antrópicos, los que requieren ser abordados integralmente como base para una gestión integrada de esta zona costera

Gaming for health across various areas of life

Abstract Lack of physical activity is mostly addressed by implementing programs to promote physical activity but seeing as the major cause for physical inactivity is that of technology. Few studies used the approach to use the very barrier as s mean to try and educate and breed good habits. This paper outlines the design and development of a project that will us various environments, home, gym and outdoors to promote physical activity by means of technology and more specifically games

ACTIVAGE - D9.6 Final results report & sustainability plan (I to IX)

We have reached the end of a challenging and rewarding journey, after 45 months of ACTIVAGE, this is the last report that aims at providing a taste of the huge work done by the teams at the local sites. This is a testimony of the more than 45 partners that have participated in this WP. We started with 9 DS in 7 countries and we finish with 12 DS in 9 countries, having incorporated three new DS through the open call, and expanding ACTIVAGE vision and ecosystem to Portugal and Bulgaria. We have been able to reach the target of deploying AHA-IoT solutions for more than 7.200 users, we hit the mark of 7.776 and almost 97% of the expected deployments. All DS have been able to perform the evaluation, at local and global level, generating the evidence that ACTIVAGE vision is pertinent, relevant, and effective. Details are provided in the individual results and in D6.5. By the end of the project, still 80% of participants continue operation, and almost all DS have in place sustainability plans to continue providing ACTIVAGE services in one way or another. Even in the cases where no clear plans have been possible, there are opportunities for exploiting the services and the knowledge gained in the project