Sketch-n-Sketch: Output-Directed Programming for SVG

For creative tasks, programmers face a choice: Use a GUI and sacrifice flexibility, or write code and sacrifice ergonomics? To obtain both flexibility and ease of use, a number of systems have explored a workflow that we call output-directed programming. In this paradigm, direct manipulation of the program's graphical output corresponds to writing code in a general-purpose programming language, and edits not possible with the mouse can still be enacted through ordinary text edits to the program. Such capabilities provide hope for integrating graphical user interfaces into what are currently text-centric programming environments. To further advance this vision, we present a variety of new output-directed techniques that extend the expressive power of Sketch-n-Sketch, an output-directed programming system for creating programs that generate vector graphics. To enable output-directed interaction at more stages of program construction, we expose intermediate execution products for manipulation and we present a mechanism for contextual drawing. Looking forward to output-directed programming beyond vector graphics, we also offer generic refactorings through the GUI, and our techniques employ a domain-agnostic provenance tracing scheme. To demonstrate the improved expressiveness, we implement a dozen new parametric designs in Sketch-n-Sketch without text-based edits. Among these is the first demonstration of building a recursive function in an output-directed programming setting.Comment: UIST 2019 Paper + Appendi

Understanding newsworthiness of an emerging pandemic: International newspaper coverage of the H1N1 outbreak

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During an evolving public health crisis, news organizations disseminate information rapidly, much of which is uncertain, dynamic, and difficult to verify. We examine factors related to international news coverage of H1N1 during the first month after the outbreak in late April 2009 and consider the news media's role as an information source during an emerging pandemic. METHODS: Data on H1N1 news were compiled in real time from newspaper websites across twelve countries between April 29, 2009 and May 28, 2009. A news sample was purposively constructed to capture variation in countries' prior experience with avian influenza outbreaks and pandemic preparation efforts. We analyzed the association between H1N1 news volume and four predictor variables: geographic region, prior experience of a novel flu strain (H5N1), existence of a national pandemic plan, and existence of a localized H1N1 outbreak. RESULTS: H1N1 news was initially extensive but declined rapidly (OR = 0·85, P < .001). Pandemic planning did not predict newsworthiness. However, countries with prior avian flu experience had higher news volume (OR = 1·411, P < .05), suggesting that H1N1 newsworthiness was bolstered by past experiences. The proportion of H1N1 news was significantly lower in Europe than elsewhere (OR = 0·388, P < 0·05). Finally, coverage of H1N1 increased after a first in‐country case (OR = 1·415, P < .01), interrupting the pattern of coverage decline. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate the enhanced newsworthiness of localized threats, even during an emerging pandemic. We discuss implications for news media's role in effective public health communication throughout an epidemic given the demonstrated precipitous decline in news interest

Avaliação higiênico-sanitária e físico-estrutural dos supermercados de uma cidade do Sudeste do Brasil Assessment of hygiene, sanitary, physical and structural aspects of supermarkets in a Southeastern city in Brazil

Embora os supermercados sejam o principal local de venda de alimentos no Brasil, são pouco estudados em relação aos aspectos sanitários. Em Ribeirão Preto, representam o principal local de venda de alimentos para todas as classes sociais, ao mesmo tempo que vêm sendo causa de número crescente do total de reclamações feitas à Divisão de Vigilância Sanitária (Visa) do município. Esta investigação, conduzida durante as inspeções de rotina da Divisão de Vigilância Sanitária, avaliou as condições higiênico-sanitárias e físico-estruturais de todos os supermercados (58) de Ribeirão Preto, utilizando-se a Ficha de Inspeção de Estabelecimentos da Área de Alimentos (FIEAA) como instrumento padronizador. Os seguintes itens foram classificados como deficientes: edificações, equipamentos, utensílios, matérias-primas, produtos prontos e fluxo de produção. O item relativo ao pessoal de produção, manipulação e venda foi classificado como regular. Na classificação final, 46 estabelecimentos (79,3%) foram considerados deficientes, 11(19,0%) regulares, e 1(1,7%) bom. Recomendam-se algumas alterações na legislação, tais como a obrigatoriedade de contratação de profissional capacitado na área de alimentos e a mudança dos critérios de classificação sanitária dos estabelecimentos de alimentos.<br>Although they are the main food sales sites in Brazil, supermarkets remain understudied, especially in relation to hygiene and sanitary aspects. In the city of Ribeirão Preto, supermarkets are the main food sales outlets for all social classes, although they have been generating an increasing number of complaints to the city's Division of Sanitary Surveillance (DSS). This investigation, conducted during DSS's routine inspections, evaluated the hygiene, sanitary, physical and structural aspects of all the 58 supermarkets in Ribeirão Preto, using a standard tool. Construction, equipment, utensils, raw materials, ready-made products and production flows were classified as insufficient, whereas production, manipulation and sales staff were considered regular. In the final classification, 46 (79.3%) supermarkets were considered insufficient, 11 (19.0%) regular and only 1 (1.7%) good. Some changes in legislation are suggested, such as obliging employers to hire a food expert, as well as changing the criteria used for classifying establishments in relation to sanitary aspects

Sociodemographic and risk behavior characteristics associated with unprotected sex with women among black men who have sex with men and women in New York City

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to compare sociodemographic and risk behavior characteristics between black men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) and those who have sex with men only (MSMO) and assess factors associated with having any unprotected vaginal and/or anal intercourse (UVAI) with women in the last 3 months. Data from 326 black men who reported recent unprotected anal intercourse with a man in an HIV behavioral intervention study in New York City were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were compared between MSMW and MSMO, and factors associated with having any UVAI in the past 3 months with women among MSMW were evaluated. In total, 26.8% reported having sex with both men and women in the last 3 months. MSMW were less likely to be HIV infected, use amyl nitrates, and have unprotected receptive anal sex with most recent male partner. MSMW were more likely to be over 40 years old and use heroin. A total of 55.6% of MSMW reported having UVAI with women in the last 3 months. Compared to MSMW having only protected sex, MSMW having any UVAI with women were less likely to be HIV infected and to disclose having sex with men to female partners; they were more likely to have greater than four male sex partners in the last 3 months. In conclusion, HIV prevention interventions among black MSMW should directly address the risk of HIV transmission to both their female and male partners. Disclosure of bisexuality to female partners may be an important component of future prevention efforts. © 2012 Taylor & Francis