A survey of the trajectories conceptual framework: investigating theory use in HCI

We present a case study of how Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) theory is reused within the field. We analyze the HCI literature in order to reveal the impact of one particular theory, the trajectories framework that has been cited as an example of both contemporary HCI theory and a strong concept that sits between theory and design practice. Our analysis of 60 papers that seriously engaged with trajectories reveals the purposes that the framework served and which parts of it they used. We compare our findings to the originally stated goals of trajectories and to subsequent claims of its status as both theory and strong concept. The results shed new light on what we mean by theory in HCI, including its relationship to practice and to other disciplines

UK Parliament Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee Flooding Inquiry: Written Evidence from Dr Kate Smith et al. (FLO0043)

This submission presents the research conducted within the Energy and Environment Institute at the University of Hull. Our work demonstrates that hazards represented by flooding have multiple dimensions, and that solutions to them need to take these complex inter-relationships into account. The research described below covers both the physical and social impacts of flooding; the recommendations that follow from our work are based on our understanding that flood risk management needs to expand across land-water boundaries at the full range of spatial, temporal and societal scales. Responding to each of the terms of reference in turn, our data shows that the response to flooding needs to start changing now in order to ensure the resilience of our communities, businesses and infrastructure in the future

Conceptual Art

Providing a re-examination of what Osborne identifies as a major turning point in contemporary art, this monograph takes a chronological and stylistic look at conceptual art from its “pre-history” (1950-1960) to contemporary practices that use conceptual strategies. Osborne surveys the development of the movement in relation to the social, cultural and political contexts within which it evolved. With extended captions, key works are compiled according to ten themes that also serve to present a collection of critical texts, artists’ statements, interviews and commentaries. Includes biographical notes on artists (6 p.) and authors (2 p.), a bibliography (2 p.) and an onomastic index (4 p.) Circa 150 bibl. ref

Aboriginal Health Worker perceptions of oral health: a qualitative study in Perth, Western Australia

Background: Improving oral health for Aboriginal Australians has been slow. Despite dental disease being largely preventable, Aboriginal Australians have worse periodontal disease, more decayed teeth and untreated dental caries than other Australians. Reasons for this are complex and risk factors include broader social and historic determinants such as marginalisation and discrimination that impact on Aboriginal people making optimum choices about oral health. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in the Perth metropolitan area investigating Aboriginal Health Workers’ (AHWs) perceptions of barriers and enablers to oral health for Aboriginal people. Methods: Following extensive consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups across 13 sites to investigate AHWs’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to oral health based on professional and personal experience. Responses from 35 AHWs were analysed independently by two researchers to identify themes that they compared, discussed, revised and organised under key themes. These were summarised and interrogated for similarities and differences with evidence in the literature. Results: Key findings indicated that broader structural and social factors informed oral health choices. Perceptions of barriers included cost of services and healthy diets on limited budgets, attending services for pain not prevention, insufficient education about oral health and preventing disease, public dental services not meeting demand, and blame and discrimination from some health providers. Suggested improvements included oral health education, delivering flexible services respectful of Aboriginal people, oral health services for 0–4 year olds and role modelling of oral health across generations. Conclusion: Reviewing current models of oral health education and service delivery is needed to reduce oral health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Shifting the discourse from blaming Aboriginal people for their poor oral health to addressing structural factors impacting on optimum oral health choices is important. This includes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders working together to develop and implement policies and practices that are respectful, well-resourced and improve oral health outcomes

A Survey of the Trajectories Conceptual Framework

We present a case study of how Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) theory is reused within the field. We analyze the HCI literature in order to reveal the impact of one particular theory, the trajectories framework that has been cited as an example of both contemporary HCI theory and a strong concept that sits between theory and design practice. Our analysis of 60 papers that seriously engaged with trajectories reveals the purposes that the framework served and which parts of it they used. We compare our findings to the originally stated goals of trajectories and to subsequent claims of its status as both theory and strong concept. The results shed new light on what we mean by theory in HCI, including its relationship to practice and to other disciplines

AMY1 gene copy number correlates with glucose absorption and visceral fat volume, but not with insulin resistance

Background The human amylase gene (AMY1) has broad copy number (CN) variation that may associate with BMI. Methods DNA was extracted from urine (n=74) and serum (n=6) samples (‘ProFiMet’ cohort), and buccal (n=17) samples (Oral Starch Challenge [OSC] cohort), and assessed for AMY1 CN by droplet digital PCR. Association of AMY1 CN with comprehensive markers of metabolic status (ProFiMet cohort) were analysed with Pearson Correlation Coefficients (CC). For the healthy, euglycemic OSC cohort, glycemic response to OSC was analysed with independent-sample t-tests (subgroups: high AMY1 CN 9-12, n=10; low AMY1 CN 4-6, n=7). Results There were significant inverse correlations of AMY1 CN with total visceral fat volume (CC -0.33; P=0.004), and positive correlations of AMY1 CN with oral glucose insulin sensitivity score (OGIS [derived from OGTT], CC 0.26; P=0.02), serum HDL-cholesterol (CC 0.325; P=0.003), and serum adiponectin (CC 0.249; P=0.026). Linear regression multivariate analysis (adiponectin as dependent variable), showed independent association of adiponectin with AMY1 CN (Beta=0.29; P=0.03). There were no significant associations between AMY1 CN and clamp-derived M-value, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (IR), hepatic endogenous glucose production, fecal floral signature or macronutrient dietary preference. Delta (mean) change in blood glucose concentration (fasting to 30-min post-OSC), was significantly greater in the high vs low AMY1 CN subgroups (mean 1.7mmol/l [SEM 0.6] vs 0.9mmol/l [SEM 0.9] respectively; p=0.016). Conclusions High AMY1 CN associates with favourable metabolic profile (lower visceral fat volume; higher serum adiponectin; enhanced glucose absorption following oral glucose and OSC), but not with whole-body or hepatic IR

Real-Time Monitoring of Epithelial Cell-Cell and Cell-Substrate Interactions by Infrared Surface Plasmon Spectroscopy

The development of novel technologies capable of monitoring the dynamics of cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions in real time and a label-free manner is vital for gaining deeper insights into these most fundamental cellular processes. However, the label-free technologies available today provide only limited information on these processes. Here, we report a new (to our knowledge) infrared surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based methodology that can resolve distinct phases of cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion of polarized Madin Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. Due to the extended penetration depth of the infrared SP wave, the dynamics of cell adhesion can be detected with high accuracy and high temporal resolution. Analysis of the temporal variation of the SPR reflectivity spectrum revealed the existence of multiple phases in epithelial cell adhesion: initial contact of the cells with the substrate (cell deposition), cell spreading, formation of intercellular contacts, and subsequent generation of cell clusters. The final formation of a continuous cell monolayer could also be sensed. The SPR measurements were validated by optical microscopy imaging. However, in contrast to the SPR method, the optical analyses were laborious and less quantitative, and hence provided only limited information on the dynamics and phases of cell adhesion