In our attempt to construct a semantic filter for satellite image content, we have built a software that allows user to indicate a few number of image regions that contains a specific geographical object, such as, a bridge, and to retrieve similar objects on the same satellite image. We are particularly interested in performing a data analysis approach based on user interaction. User can guide the classification procedure by interaction and visual observation of the results. We have applied a two step procedure for this and preliminary results show that we eliminate many true negatives while keeping most of the true positives.

El propósito de esta tesis es producir una descripción compleja de los diferentes niveles y significados constituyentes y operantes en la relación entre los niños inmigrantes y nativos en el marco de una escuela primaria en Jerusalén. La investigación es de carácter netamente cualitativo y etnográfico, del tipo multi-método. Las técnicas implementadas son: la observación como participante, la entrevista en profundidad, la asociación libre de palabras y los grupos de juegos dramáticos.Las preguntas formuladas son:1. ¿Cuál es la figura que los niños autóctonos elaboran de los inmigrantes?2. ¿Cómo se sienten los inmigrantes en el entramado social de la escuela?3. ¿Qué tipo de relaciones se establecen entre ellos? 4. ¿Cuáles son las manifestaciones de la reproducción interpretativa que los niños practican? El primer capítulo presenta una reflexión epistemológica a partir de un Análisis Crítico de la Bibliografía escrita sobre la Integración Social de los Inmigrantes y presenta la perspectiva epistemológica adoptada: el socioconstruccionismo y los principios del Pensamiento Complejo diseñados por E. Morin (1994, 1995). El siguiente capítulo agrupa las teorías sobre el tema específico de la interacción social entre inmigrantes y nativos según los conceptos que éstas consideran determinantes en este tema. Dos categorías que aparecen en el grueso de los trabajos, aquellos que se desarrollan dentro de la perspectiva epistemológica mencionada (mas no sólo en ésta) son: identidad y poder, este último considerado tanto por medio de recursos materiales como simbólicos. Ambos conceptos aparecen con muchos aspectos compartidos que son interesantes de destacar, por sobre la diversidad de definiciones que reciben a través de diferentes paradigmas. Una tercera categoría incluye los estudios que se refieren a comunicación intercultural y cambio, el carácter evolutivo de la integración social de los inmigrantes, etc.El capítulo siguiente discurre sobre el lugar marginal otorgado a los niños como sujetos en la investigación social en general y en el tema presente en particular, para presentar luego los modelos teóricos que construyen la cultura de niños dentro del marco de la sociedad. Se indican algunas de las etnografías llevadas a cabo en entornos escolares con diversidad cultural, destacando la labor de Troyna y Hatcher en Inglaterra, y otras realizadas en España e Israel.El cuarto capítulo ubica al lector en el contexto sociohistórico específico, las políticas migratorias de Israel y las medidas relacionadas con el alumnado multicultural dictadas por el Ministerio de Educación a lo largo de 50 años, y el papel tomado por el renacimiento de la lengua hebrea. Se presenta el panorama social actual en el país en los ámbitos de la opinión pública y la comunidad escolar en particular y se informa acerca de la inmigración que procedente de la ex URSS, incrementa la población nacional en un sexto en menos de una década. A continuación, se explicitan los principios éticos seguidos en la investigación con los niños, y se presentan las técnicas instrumentadas, dos de ellas provenientes del campo de la psicología clínica. Luego de presentar el material producido, algunas de las conclusiones a las que se arriba son las siguientes: El panorama descrito es multifacético, mas se dibuja con claridad una figura negativa del alumno inmigrante construida debido a factores sociopolíticos, culturales, institucionales. Algunos de ellos son: la magnitud de esta migración, la historia de las demandas de asimilación que la sociedad israelí presenta, los cambios históricos en la identidad del pueblo judío, las prácticas escolares, la vigencia de la función docente tradicional, el carácter universalista de la escuela pública. Factores de tipo evolutivo relativos a los preadolescentes añaden un cariz distintivo.

La satisfacción del usuario de los hospitales es un indicador de calidad de la asistencia prestada. Entendemos la satisfacción como la diferencia con signo positivo entre la calidad percibida al alta y las expectativas previas al ingreso hospitalario. Un factor determinante en estas impresiones es el diagnóstico que justifica el ingreso. Así, se establecieron tres grupos (catarata, hernia de la cavidad abdominal y parto) para analizar las diferencias entre las puntuaciones al alta y las puntuaciones previas al ingreso. Los objetivos del estudio fueron:1. Validar en nuestro medio la técnica de los grupos focales.1.1. Identificar las áreas temáticas que los clientes asocian con la calidad de servicio en el hospital.1.2. Conocer el vocabulario utilizado por los clientes para redactar las preguntas del cuestionario de forma óptima.1.3. Posibilitar la participación de los clientes en los órganos de gestión hospitalaria.2. Diseñar un doble cuestionario que evalúe tanto las expectativas como la calidad percibida según el diagnóstico motivo de ingreso.3. Determinar las dimensiones que reducen las preguntas según diagnóstico motivo de ingreso (dmi).4. Medir las expectativas de los clientes según dmi.5. Medir la calidad percibida al alta según dmi.6. Analizar las diferencias entre las puntuaciones previas y posteriores al ingreso según dmi.7. Proponer acciones de mejora útiles para perfeccionar el servicio de acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos.

La tesis recoge el rescate, la ordenación y una primera catalogación del Archivo de la Junta de Protección a la Infancia (Menores) de Barcelona, institución que se crea en 1908 y que estuvo vigente hasta 1985. Este archivo se encuentra actualmente depositado en el Arxiu Nacional de Catalunya (ANC), agrupado en los Fondos Documentales 334 y 181.Por su componente y carácter documental y documentario primordial y con los instrumentos que facilita (una GUÍA que agrupa la información de los legajos desde diversos criterios de tipo cronólogico, técnico, etc.), hará más fácil y productivo el acceso a este archivo por parte del "corpus académico" y del público en general.Se acompaña de estudios complementarios de enmarcamiento histórico y pedagógico que describen: · el proceso de construcción del "espacio social infancia"; · las diferentes respuestas e instituciones, que históricamente se han sucedido en la acción social con la infancia (con especial incidencia en aquellas situadas en Barcelona); · la situación económica, política y social que ve alumbrar la institución en nuestro país; · y se explican las posiciones institucionales y pedagógicas en las que se inscribe la misma, relacionándolas con los factores que la hicieron posible: la aposentación del sistema de burgués basado en el proto-estado social, que se configura en el cambio de siglo del XIX al XX.Realiza también, desde la explotación de la información y de los datos del mismo Archivo, un estudio, introductorio, del transcurso histórico de la institución, en todo su recorrido cronólogico, presentando asímismo, una explicación y descripción lógica de la institución Junta de Protección a la Infància de Barcelona en toda su función y proyección social, desde el estudio diacrónico histórico, y todo ello, relacionándolo sincrónicamente con la historia de la educación social, en particular, y de la acción social, en general.Se complementa con 4 anexos que recogen: la información legislativa de las normas de afectación a la misma, inventarios de archivos complementarios y la reproducción facsímil de más de 20 documentos seleccionados del Archivo, que se presentan comentados y contextualizados y que sirven para ofrecer una imagen representativa bastante ajustada de la institución y de su recorrido histórico. / The PhD thesis encompasses the recuperation, the sorting and also an initial cataloguing of the Archive of the 'Junta de Protección a la Infancia (Menores) de Barcelona' (the Barcelona Childhood (Minors) Protection Board), an institution which was established in 1908 and in operation until 1985. This Archive is currently deposited in the 'Arxiu Nacional de Catalunya (ANC)' (National Archive of Catalonia), classified under the 'Fondos Documentales' 334 and 181.Owing to its documentary components and character and, and thanks to the type of tools it offers (a criteria specific GUIDE classifying information from the various registers according to chronological, technical, etc. specifications) it should provide for an easier and more productive access to this archive both for academic bodies and for the public in general.The PhD thesis is complemented by additional historically and pedagogically based analyses describing the following aspects: · the process related to the construction of the "social childhood space"; · the various types of responses and institutions which historically have come about as a result of social action with regards to childhood (with a particular level of incidence of those located in Barcelona); · the economical, political and social situation in which the institution comes to light in our country; · an explanation of the institutional and pedagogical positions in which the institution is inscribed is also offered, relating these positions to the factors which brought about the institution: the establishment of a bourgeois type system based on the social proto-state, shaped during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century.Drawing upon the information and the data available in the Archive, the PhD thesis also comprises an introductory study of the historical lifespan of the institution in the entirety of its chronological development. Moreover, it offers an explanation and a logical description of the 'Junta de Protección a la Infancia de Barcelona', fully covering the aspect of its social function and projection. This is carried out by means of a historical diachronic analysis, entirely interrelated synchronically with the history of social education in particular and social action in general. The PhD thesis is further complemented by 4 appendixes which encompass: the legislative information regarding the norms, in addition to inventories of complementary archives and facsimile copies of more than 20 selected documents from the Archive, all of which are commented and contextualised, thus providing a representative and relatively balanced image of the institution and its historical background.

Complementary and alternative medication (CAM) use during menopause is a growing public and women's health issue. The use of CAMs is increasing and evidence of CAM use in the general population suggests that women in the menopausal age range are more likely to use CAMs. In the context of menopause, preliminary research has indicated that women are using a number of CAMs to address symptoms. In a study of American women aged 45 to 65 years, 22% of women used CAMs during menopause, specifically herbal or naturopathic remedies (13%), relaxation techniques (9%) and dietary soy supplements (7%). Fourteen percent (14%) of women strongly agreed with the proposition that approaches such as nutrition and vitamins were better than hormones (Newton et al., 2002). The term 'menopause' is a concept of varying perceptions and perspectives. From the biological perspective, menopause is constant, however from the individual perspective, menopause is a unique experience shaped by cultural, emotional, psychological and physical characteristics. Symptoms commonly cited during menopause include hot flushes, night sweats palpitations, irregular menses and muscle and bone pain. The use of CAMs during menopause has the potential to address current symptoms and promote long term health and wellness. The reviewed literature indicated that while a preliminary understanding of CAM use during menopause is evident, further research is needed to clarify and contextualise current prevalence rates and types used. In addition, an understanding of the reasons and factors that influence women to use CAMs during this transition is crucial to understanding women's menopausal experience. This project aimed to explore the prevalence of CAM use during menopause and to identify the reasons that influence women to use these therapies during the transition. To address this question, a two phase study was designed to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative research methods. For Phase 1, a secondary data analysis was undertaken on a dataset that explored women's menopausal experiences and therapies used to address symptoms and for phase 2, focus groups were used to explore women's personal experiences and perceptions of CAM use during menopause. The secondary data analysis was undertaken on a population based sample of 886 women aged 47-67 years. Women were randomly selected from the electoral roll on the basis of gender, age and postcode, which were selected to ensure representation of urban and rural and varying socioeconomic status. From this analysis, the findings indicated that 80% of women used at least one type of CAM with therapeutic techniques (activities such as walking and swimming) the most commonly used (83.0%), followed by nutrition (66.8%), phytoestrogens (55.8%), herbal therapies (41.3%) and CAM medications (25.1%). Women who used CAMs were more likely to experience anxiety and vasomotor (hot flushes and night sweats) symptoms, have higher education levels, be low to middle income earners, be aged under 55 years, be previous users of hormone therapy (HT) and have participated in self breast examinations. CAM users were 40 to 90% less likely to be currently using HT or to smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day. The results of the secondary data analysis indicated the prevalence and factors associated with CAM use, however the factors that influence women to use CAMs during the menopause were unclear. A series of three focus groups and two telephone interviews were undertaken with a group of 15 women, who were current users of CAMs, aged 47-67 years and fluent in English. Women were recruited through an advertisement placed in a newsletter distributed by a large metropolitan hospital; a flyer displayed on noticeboards of libraries and shopping centres; and a media release through the local community newspaper and on a state wide radio station. Analysis of the transcripts indicated that a number of factors interact to influence a woman's decision to use CAMs. Influences included relationships with family, friends and health practitioners, effects of symptoms, information on CAMs and menopause, current menopause research, personal perceptions of health, wellness and effectiveness of CAM therapies to alleviate symptoms. Taken together, the results of the Phase 1 and 2 combined with the literature indicated that women were using multiple forms of CAMs. A post hoc analysis was undertaken and the CAM questions analysed in Phase 1 were critiqued within this new knowledge of CAM use. As a consequence, CAMs were redefined into four groups to enhance current understandings. After reclassification, the use of at least one CAM was 71.6%, with the most commonly used dietary phytoestrogens (60.0%), followed by dietary supplements (47.0%), herbal therapies (35.9%) and phytoestrogen supplements (33.0%). Sociodemographic, health and symptom characteristics were further profiled against the redefined categories of dietary phytoestrogens, dietary supplements, herbal therapies, phytoestrogen supplements and users of multiple CAMs. The consistency of associations varied according to the CAM category with no significant association present across all four CAM categories. This post hoc analysis clarified CAM categorisation and highlighted the high prevalence of women who were using multiple forms of CAMs. Additionally, multivariable analysis validated and confirmed the results of Phase 1 as similar profiles of a CAM user were found. This research has identified the prevalence of CAM use during menopause in Queensland women and has begun to elucidate the reasons that influence women to use these therapies during this transition. The utilisation of both quantitative and qualitative methods has provided a comprehensive and holistic depiction of women's use of CAMs during menopause. The results and conclusions drawn from this research have highlighted areas that need addressing within the research and health service domain. For future research, development of a comprehensive CAM survey instrument is required and clarification of the definition of CAMs is also needed. Multiple definitions are currently used to describe CAM use, creating confusion in classifying types of CAMs and comparing prevalence rates between studies. With regard to health service recommendations, there is a need for increased access to information on menopause and alternative therapies for women. Open, active and participatory relationships between health practitioners and menopausal women are essential and health practitioners need to be aware women are using a variety of CAMs during the menopause and are likely to continue to do so even if health practitioner support is not apparent.

Copies of author's previously published articles inserted. / Bibliography: leaves 152-176. / xiv, 177 leaves, [4] leaves of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Explores aspects of the relationship between metabolism and proliferation of colonic epithelial cells from rats and humans. Emphasis is placed on developing and integrating in vivo and in vitro models for both metabolic and proliferative studies. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Medicine, 1990

Graduate School der Hochsch., Master-Thesis--Pforzheim, 2007.

Master-Arbeit Univ. St. Gallen, 2008.

Master-Arbeit Univ. St. Gallen, 2007.

Zugl.: Hamburg, Helmut-Schmidt-Universiẗat, Diss., 2005 u.d.T.: Klingels, Bernd: Die Bildung zahlungsmittelgenerierender Einheiten bei Wertminderungen von Vermögenswerten im Jahresabschluss nach IAS 36 rev. 2004.