The Panopticon and the performance arena: HCI reaches within

The impact of new technologies is hard to predict. We suggest the value of theories of performativity in understanding dynamics around the convergence of biomedical and information technology. Drawing on the ideas of Butler and Foucault, we discuss a new, internal, context for HCI and raise potentially disturbing issues with monitoring health. We argue that by adopting explicitly social framings we can see beyond the idea of medical interventions to tools for wellbeing and recognize more of the implications of looking within

Exploring Net Benefit Maximization: Conservation Easements and the Public-Private Interface

Gustanski and Wright talk about conservation easements and the public-private interface. The ease of application across varied lands coupled with the financial and tax-associated benefits of conservation easements have driven the popularity of their use in conserving private lands across the US. Conservation easements typically require sizeable public funding resources, which are provided through either direct public expenditures via diverse public programs established to promote the conservation of land or through tax benefits

The eye of the storm: a mindful inquiry into reflective practices in higher education

Time for reflective thought is constricted in busy academic lives, with available thinking time focused on urgent, analytical inquiry. Paradoxically, time spent in contemplative mindfulness, stepping back from insistent probing into a still, calm space, may allow increased clarity and focus on problems worthy of inquiry, once re-engaged. This paper highlights the dual dimension of reflection captured in the concept of 'mindful inquiry' as a dialectic interchange between active critical inquiry and receptive open mindfulness. In the focus on robust critique in contemporary higher education, the value of contemplation is lost. Insights from Western and Eastern philosophy, as well as evidence from empirical research, suggest an integrated approach may allow alternative, creative and intuitive ways of approaching problems to supplement rational, problem solving strategies. The practice of 'mindful inquiry' also offers a practical tool, to enhance academic wellbeing as well as help prepare students for participation in life beyond university

How MFN Clauses Used in the Health Care Industry Unreasonably Restrain Trade under the Sherman Act

When used in the health care industry, an MFN clause is a contractual agreement that guarantees a health insurer the same best price as their market competitors. MFN clauses have the effect of unnecessarily raising consumer costs, reducing choice among providers, constraining access to care and preventing the development of alternative health care delivery models. The purpose of this paper is four-fold. First, to design a four-quadrant matrix to evaluate the pro-competitive and anticompetitive purpose and effects of MFN clauses under Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Second, to defeat the jurisprudential presumption that MFN clauses are pro-competitive in the health care industry and to recommend that this presumption be abolished. Third, to examine the U.S. department of Justice\u27s paradigmatic shift over the last decade toward prosecuting large insurers who employ MFN clauses resulting in U.S. Consent Decrees. Fourth, to outline the indicia of a meritorious claim against an insurer who employs an MFN clause

Perceived Impact of Quality in a 21st Century Community Learning Center Out-of-School Time Program: A Case Study

Concern for the safety, education and well-being of children during out-of-school time is helping to change the landscape and priorities of families, educators and policy-makers. Changes in family structure and society have presented the need for quality out-of-school time programs. The changing family structure caused by both parents working outside the home, the advent of the single-parent household, the necessity of federally mandated standardized testing for student achievement, certain criminal activities and the expanding population of children have contributed to the question of how to protect children and enrich their lives during out-of-school time hours. The purpose of this intrinsic case study is to describe the key elements of quality in out-of-school time programs for school age youth as perceived by the participants and to determine the impact of the quality standards in out-of-school time programs as perceived by administrators, teachers, and students. The program participants are middle school students based on academic performance enrolled in a 21st Century Community Learning Center out-of-school time program in Southeast Arkansas. Participants included a diverse population from various socioeconomic backgrounds that were enrolled in the program because of basic or below scores on the benchmark examination. The study is designed around the premise out-of-school time programs built around key elements of quality reinforce outcomes of student achievement, personal enrichment and out-of-school time programs matter. Interview content regarding student achievement was found to be the richest category with related themes of grades and homework. Interview data revealed shared themes regarding the program for the participants\u27 category. The study provides insight into quality elements of out-of-school time programs, specifically, student achievement through gains made in homework and grades. The case study identified elements of quality that support student achievement outcomes for school-based programs including positive program perceptions, sustainable funding, and building strong interpersonal relationships. The findings suggest key elements of quality were identified and may contribute to positive outcomes for students. Program sustainability was a major concern for staff and the future of the OST program. This study contributes to the data needed to identify out-of-school time quality elements across program types and geographical locations

Visual preferences in an ageing population : design, theory, practice, education & critical reflection

Formative periods represent early phases in life when we are particularly sensitive to experiences that influence later choices. This investigation hypothesised that the design of products associated with formative periods continues to influence preference throughout life. In design for an ageing population these preferences are important because designers often wrongly assume a decline in interest in design and physical ability. If these assumptions are prioritised there can be a detrimental effect on the visual sensitivity and emotional value products convey. In the United Kingdom a significant proportion of the ageing population is financially independent, physically healthy and resistant to traditionally negative associations of ageing. However, limited interrogation of the design process, or of the products produced, leaves a largely youth orientated design industry ill- equipped to challenge these associations and design for consumers whose experiences differ from their own. This investigation interviewed leading design professionals to test these assumptions and to inform an innovative questionnaire to identify visual preference. The questionnaire incorporated images of domestic products from 1930 to 1990 and asked for rapid responses reflecting intuitive preferences. A fifty five percent , response rate was achieved from 5,000 questionnaires posted to respondents aged fifty to seventy five years. Analysis of the findings identified two associations. Firstly, a statistically small association between age and visual preference, older respondents preferred older products, although the association was marginal and insufficient to support the hypothesis. Secondly, visual analysis revealed a strong preference for the most familiar form of the product, proposed as representing the 'contemporary essence'. These findings challenge assumptions that ageing is accompanied by a decline in design interest. Rather, the economic and social cost of establishing a design environment reduces the flexibility of future choices. These issues are age neutral. To address these issues, a critically reflective design approach is proposed as a positive response to an ageing population in an inclusive society