Direct combination: a new user interaction principle for mobile and ubiquitous HCI

Direct Combination (DC) is a recently introduced user interaction principle. The principle (previously applied to desktop computing) can greatly reduce the degree of search, time, and attention required to operate user interfaces. We argue that Direct Combination applies particularly aptly to mobile computing devices, given appropriate interaction techniques, examples of which are presented here. The reduction in search afforded to users can be applied to address several issues in mobile and ubiquitous user interaction including: limited feedback bandwidth; minimal attention situations; and the need for ad-hoc spontaneous interoperation and dynamic reconfiguration of multiple devices. When Direct Combination is extended and adapted to fit the demands of mobile and ubiquitous HCI, we refer to it as Ambient Combination (AC) . Direct Combination allows the user to exploit objects in the environment to narrow down the range of interactions that need be considered (by system and user). When the DC technique of pairwise or n-fold combination is applicable, it can greatly lessen the demands on users for memorisation and interface navigation. Direct Combination also appears to offers a new way of applying context-aware information. In this paper, we present Direct Combination as applied ambiently through a series of interaction scenarios, using an implemented prototype system

An exploration of men's experiences of depression during the postnatal period: An IPA study

Postnatal Depression (PND) is a construct that exists across time and culture, affecting both women and men at a ratio of 2:1 respectively. The dominant discourse focuses on women’s experiences of PND and the motherinfant relationship, presented within the framework of an overarching biomedical model that produced a plethora of studies underpinned by the positivist paradigm. In contrast, this research seeks to explore what it actually means for men, as fathers, to experience depression during the postnatal period. The literature to date highlights a threefold gap regarding approach to research into the phenomenon of PND: the epistemological underpinning, the methodological approaches chosen and the gender bias. To address this gap it is necessary for a paradigm shift regarding approach to research to embrace further qualitative methodology. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis is the methodology identified for this research, as it provides the medium for consideration of the phenomenological and idiographic nature of the experience of PND, to include the role of the researcher and interpretation that reflects the central tenet of reflexivity within the discipline of Counselling Psychology. The overall gestalt presents a transitional adjustment process whereby the life event of the birth of a child initiated a process of deconstruction in preparation for adjusting to a new role within a changed family dynamic. The data revealed three super-ordinate and six sub-ordinate themes highlighting a complexity regarding how men made sense of their experience of depression during the postnatal period, including contemplation of past, present and possible future selves. Negative cognitive appraisal and attribution of meaning relating to childhood experiences, negative perceptions of fatherhood, masculinities, gender roles, the fatherchild relationship and socio-cultural contextual influences blocked the reconstructive process, resulting in increased stress and anxiety that led to depression. This study draws attention to risk factors, such as, childhood trauma, negative inter-generational relationships and differences in gendered expression of cognitive dissonance and anxiety. Conclusions consider implications for Counselling Psychology, highlighting the complex inter-subjective nature of men’s experiences and the value of an inter-disciplinary approach to future research, healthcare practice and intervention strategies to develop appropriate care and support for parents, particularly for men during the perinatal period

The challenge of evaluating pain and a pre-incisional local anesthetic block.

Background. Our objective was to test the effectiveness of a local anesthetic line block administered before surgery in reducing postoperative pain scores in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVHX). Methods. This study is a prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial involving 59 healthy female dogs. An algometric pressure-measuring device was used to determine nociceptive threshold, and compared to three subjective pain scales. Group L/B received a line block of lidocaine (4 mg/kg) and bupivacaine (1 mg/kg) subcutaneously in the area of the incision site and saline subcutaneously as premedication; group L/BM (positive control) received a similar block and morphine (0.5 mg/kg) subcutaneously for premedication; and group SS (negative control) received a saline line block and saline premedication. Criteria for rescue analgesia were defined before the study. Dogs were assessed prior to surgery, at extubation (time 0) and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h post-recovery. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, and a Split Plot Repeated Measures ANOVA with one grouping factor and one repeat factor (time). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Approximately 33% of dogs required rescue analgesia at some point during the study, with no significant difference between groups. There was no significant difference between treatment groups with any assessment method. Conclusions. As there were no statistically significant differences between positive and negative controls, the outcome of this technique cannot be proven

The Wild Irish Rose That God Gave Me

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Sweet Lavender And Lace

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The varying role of the GP in the pathway between colonoscopy and surgery for colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Extent: 11p.Objectives: To describe general practitioner (GP) involvement in the treatment referral pathway for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Design: A retrospective cohort analysis of linked data. Setting: A population-based sample of CRC patients diagnosed from August 2004 to December 2007 in New South Wales, Australia, using the 45 and Up Study, cancer registry diagnosis records, inpatient hospital records and Medicare claims records. Participants: 407 CRC patients who had a colonoscopy followed by surgery. Primary outcome measures: Patterns of GP consultations between colonoscopy and surgery (ie, between diagnosis and treatment). We investigated whether consulting a GP presurgery was associated with time to surgery, postsurgical GP consultations or rectal cancer cases having surgery in a centre with radiotherapy facilities. Results: Of the 407 patients, 43% (n=175) had at least one GP consultation between colonoscopy and surgery. The median time from colonoscopy to surgery was 27 days for those with an intervening GP consultation and 15 days for those without the consultation. 55% (n=223) had a GP consultation up to 30 days postsurgery; it was more common in cases of patients who consulted a GP presurgery than for those who did not (65% and 47%, respectively, adjusted OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.50 to 4.89, p=0.001). Of the 142 rectal cancer cases, 23% (n=33) had their surgery in a centre with radiotherapy facilities, with no difference between those who did and did not consult a GP presurgery (21% and 25% respectively, adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.27 to 2.63, p=0.76). Conclusions: Consulting a GP between colonoscopy and surgery was associated with a longer interval between diagnosis and treatment, and with further GP consultations postsurgery, but for rectal cancer cases it was not associated with treatment in a centre with radiotherapy facilities. GPs might require a more defined and systematic approach to CRC management.David Goldsbury, Mark Harris, Shane Pascoe, Michael Barton, Ian Olver, Allan Spigelman, Justin Beilby, Craig Veitch, David Weller, Dianne L O'Connel

That tumble-down shack in Athlone

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