An investigation of visual cues used to create and support frames of reference and visual search tasks in desktop virtual environments

Visual depth cues are combined to produce the essential depth and dimensionality of Desktop Virtual Environments (DVEs). This study discusses DVEs in terms of the visual depth cues that create and support perception of frames of references and accomplishment of visual search tasks. This paper presents the results of an investigation that identifies the effects of the experimental stimuli positions and visual depth cues: luminance, texture, relative height and motion parallax on precise depth judgements made within a DVE. Results indicate that the experimental stimuli positions significantly affect precise depth judgements, texture is only significantly effective for certain conditions, and motion parallax, in line with previous results, is inconclusive to determine depth judgement accuracy for egocentrically viewed DVEs. Results also show that exocentric views, incorporating relative height and motion parallax visual cues, are effective for precise depth judgements made in DVEs. The results help us to understand the effects of certain visual depth cues to support the perception of frames of references and precise depth judgements, suggesting that the visual depth cues employed to create frames of references in DVEs may influence how effectively precise depth judgements are undertaken

Planning for pedestrians: a way out of traffic congestion

AbstractThis paper discusses the negative effects of planning for personal motorized mobility, a phenomenon currently taking place in Romanian cities. After presenting the general and particular picture of the increase in private vehicle ownership, it analyse s the subject of pedestrian accessibility by looking into the past and present situation. Based on GIS measurements of population within specific service areas of public facilities, the foreseen solution takes into consideration a flexible way of planning which adapts to the existing urban structure. The results allow conscious planning decisions focused on the type and number of population with good access to these facilities

Managing User’s Resistance to Technological Change: A Case of GIS Implementation and its Implications to Malaysian Retailers

This paper discusses the contextual nature of user’s resistance to technological change as experienced by a British retailer in implementing a GIS to support its day-to-day and strategic business decisions and its implications towards Malaysia, as the country is experiencing a similar pattern of GIS development. An in-depth case study research approach was employed as the research design to encapsulate the phenomenon. This study confirms the findings obtained from previous studies on the key issues surrounding user’s resistance to technological change in practice. However, the insights may not simply be generalisable. An in-depth research into “a Malaysian” geographical context is needed to enrich the retail managers’ understanding towards successful GIS implementation process

Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats: diagnosis and therapy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease of humans and animals, which causes increased levels of blood sugar (glucose). Normally,glucose is brought into the cells by a hormone - insulin.The cells then metabolize glucose to make energy used for all functions of the body. Animals suffering from DM either lack insulin, or the cells cannotuse the insulin that is there. As a result, blood glucose levels increase, and the cells have to use other substances for energy. When blood glucose levels become too high, glucose is found in the urine, causing increased frequency of urination and increased drinking. When blood glucose remains elevated over a period of time, other metabolic changes can occur, such as weight loss, acidosis, seizures, coma, blindness, cataracts, and nerve damage. Animals that are eating normally and not showing signs of illness may only require a blood or urine test to diagnose DM. Concurrent diseases (such as infection, Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatic lipidosis, or kidney disease) make diabetes more difficult to diagnose and manage. A complete blood screen and other specific tests may be recommended to obtain the diagnosis and baseline values for treatment and future monitoring. The treatment for diabetes in dogs is similar to the treatment for diabetes in humans, through diet and insulin therapy. Dogs and cats with DM are usually treated with insulin. Insulin is a protein and, as such, not suitable for oral administration. Thus, it is administered once or several times daily by the subcutaneous route. Adjustment of the blood glucose concentration demands long hospital care, and subsequently the owner constantly has to keep a strict schedule at home. In veterinary practice the main groups of oral antidiabetic (used in human medicine either) are: carbohydrate absorption inhibitors (e.g. acarbose); insulin sensitisers (biguanides such as metformin, thiazolidinedions, peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma receptor agonists)

The Competition Commission Health Market Inquiry Report: An overview and key imperatives

The Competition Commission’s Health Market Inquiry (HMI) is the most systematic and comprehensive investigation carried out into the South African private health sector. The recommendations as set out in the HMI Final Report merit extensive discussion and debate, as they could – if implemented – have far-reaching consequences for the future of the healthcare system. The objective of this article is to contribute to this discussion by providing an overview of the key findings and recommendations of the HMI and highlighting the resultant key imperatives at this critical juncture of policy development

Academic, social and economic experiences of first-year students: Case study

The main precept of the current study was to explore first-year students’ academic, social and economic experiences at a University of Technology (pseudonym: University of Hard Knocks (UHK)). In response to the research questions, the study sought to interrogate the challenges faced by students by finding out whether they would choose the university again given a second chance, and if not why not. It also sought to establish how students would like the institution to improve in order to enhance first-year students’ experiences (FYSE). The approach applied was both quantitative and qualitative to allow students to reveal their experiences of the university, while simultaneously expressing such perceptions in descriptive format (for the quantitative part). Guided by Tinto’s (2013) student departure theory, data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires distributed and sent through invites to all 16 000 first (1st) year students – which served as the population. However, rested upon the research questions for the current study and given that the instrument used was semi-structured, data was received from participants totally 4020 for the quantitative aspect (mainly descriptive). Of this sample (4020), and for the purpose of the current research questions, forty (40) participants were further selected randomly, to evaluate their responses as directed and coordinated by the current research objectives. The results revealed that to ensure appropriate economic and social integration, efforts should be made to automate and secure university processes and, most importantly, provide accredited/licensed accommodation. To achieve effective academic integration systems, learning space and the lack of transparency in accommodation allocations should be addressed. It is therefore recommended that UHK considers economic, social and academic integration processes and procedures to improve the campus experience. &nbsp