title: Displaying 3D images: algorithms for single image random dot stereograms

authors: Witten, Ian H.

abstract: This paper describes how to generate a single image which, when viewed in the appropriate way, appears to the brain as a 3D scene. The image is a stereogram composed of seemingly random dots. A new, simple and symmetric algorithm for generating such images from a solid model is given, along with the design parameters and their influence on the display. The algorithm improves on previously-described ones in several ways: it is symmetric and hence free from directional (right-to-left or left-to-right) bias, it corrects a slight distortion in the rendering of depth, it removes hidden parts of surfaces, and it also eliminates a type of artifact that we call an "echo". Random dot stereograms have one remaining problem: difficulty of initial viewing. If a computer screen rather than paper is used for output, the problem can be ameliorated by shimmering, or time-multiplexing of pixel values. We also describe a simple computational technique for determining what is present in a stereogram so that, if viewing is difficult, one can ascertain what to look for.

text: Displaying 3D images: algorithms for single image random dot stereograms This paper describes how to generate a single image which, when viewed in the appropriate way, appears to the brain as a 3D scene. The image is a stereogram composed of seemingly random dots. A new, simple and symmetric algorithm for generating such images from a solid model is given, along with the design parameters and their influence on the display. The algorithm improves on previously-described ones in several ways: it is symmetric and hence free from directional (right-to-left or left-to-right) bias, it corrects a slight distortion in the rendering of depth, it removes hidden parts of surfaces, and it also eliminates a type of artifact that we call an "echo". Random dot stereograms have one remaining problem: difficulty of initial viewing. If a computer screen rather than paper is used for output, the problem can be ameliorated by shimmering, or time-multiplexing of pixel values. We also describe a simple computational technique for determining what is present in a stereogram so that, if viewing is difficult, one can ascertain what to look for.

year: 1993

title: Composition Portfolio

authors: Cao, YunQi

abstract: This portfolio consist of five works: an octet (for flute, erhu, yangqin, guzheng, two violins, viola and cello), a trio (for violin, cello and piano), a piano suite, a song cycle and a duet (for flute and harp). The aim was to demonstrate an ability to write in different genres, utilizing different styles and musical techniques, and to find ways of exploring how to combine some elements of Chinese music with Western composition techniques.

The octet for mixes the traditional Chinese musical instruments erhu, yangqin and guzheng with Western flute, violin, viola and cello. Chinese folk music elements are the main thematic materials, but the aim was to fuse the elements of folk music with techniques of modern Western music. 

The Piano Trio traverses a spectrum of musical emotion ranging from gracefulness and lyrical melody to sadness before emerging again into lightness. The second movement uses Chinese heptatonic modes.

The Piano Suite consists of five short pieces. Contrasting moods are evoked including passion, liveliness, comedy, naughtiness and dreaminess. Technically these pieces were inspired by the piano music of Debussy and Ligeti.

The vocal work is a song cycle with four components. Two of the songs use a combination of voice, Chinese instruments and Western instruments. 


Falling Maple Leaves in Autumn is a duet for flute and harp, evoking a scene of leaves falling slowly in the autumn frost and wind.

Cultural interaction is a feature of contemporary concert music. The works in this portfolio aim to show how blending Western contemporary techniques with traditional Chinese instruments and techniques can generate a new artistic vitality.

text: Composition Portfolio This portfolio consist of five works: an octet (for flute, erhu, yangqin, guzheng, two violins, viola and cello), a trio (for violin, cello and piano), a piano suite, a song cycle and a duet (for flute and harp). The aim was to demonstrate an ability to write in different genres, utilizing different styles and musical techniques, and to find ways of exploring how to combine some elements of Chinese music with Western composition techniques.

The octet for mixes the traditional Chinese musical instruments erhu, yangqin and guzheng with Western flute, violin, viola and cello. Chinese folk music elements are the main thematic materials, but the aim was to fuse the elements of folk music with techniques of modern Western music. 

The Piano Trio traverses a spectrum of musical emotion ranging from gracefulness and lyrical melody to sadness before emerging again into lightness. The second movement uses Chinese heptatonic modes.

The Piano Suite consists of five short pieces. Contrasting moods are evoked including passion, liveliness, comedy, naughtiness and dreaminess. Technically these pieces were inspired by the piano music of Debussy and Ligeti.

The vocal work is a song cycle with four components. Two of the songs use a combination of voice, Chinese instruments and Western instruments. 


Falling Maple Leaves in Autumn is a duet for flute and harp, evoking a scene of leaves falling slowly in the autumn frost and wind.

Cultural interaction is a feature of contemporary concert music. The works in this portfolio aim to show how blending Western contemporary techniques with traditional Chinese instruments and techniques can generate a new artistic vitality.

year: 2016

title: Exploring patient experiences and power dynamics in an acute general surgical ward: A mixed methods study exploring patient and staff
perceptions of the inpatient experience at Waikato Hospital

authors: Drake, Emma Rose

subjects: Nursing

abstract: Background: Alongside health outcomes, patient experiences are considered crucial in identifying the quality of a health care setting. General surgery comprise the largest range of pathologies and accounts for the highest number of patient discharges of any surgical specialty. As a way to address the power imbalance between healthcare staff and patients, patient-centred models of care are increasingly being adopted and implemented within hospitals including surgery. This study aims to investigate the current experiences of acutely admitted patients in a general surgical ward at Waikato Hospital, including opportunities for and challenges to improvement initiatives. Furthermore, the study examines relevant staff members perspectives of the inpatient experience and seeks to determine the efficacy of a proposed intervention focusing on empowering patients and their families.
Methods: The study was a mixed method design involving two phases. Phase I obtained qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with six patients and twelve staff members. Themes which emerged from the qualitative data in phase I were used to inform the development of phase II, as well as to inform a proposed patient self- assessment intervention. Phase II obtained quantitative data through Likert scale response surveys provided to acute patients on, or near to, their day of discharge from the surgical ward over a two month period.
Results: A total of six patients and 12 healthcare staff (senior registered nurses, n=3; surgical registered nurse managers, n=2; surgical fellows, n=2; surgical registrar, n=1; dietitian, n=1; social worker, n=1; occupational therapist, n=1; and physiotherapist n=1) were involved in phase I. A total of 53 surveys were returned from patients in Phase II (63.1% response rate). Qualitative data from phase I was analysed using a general inductive approach. This revealed three themes including power and control concerns for patients, the hierarchy of the health care team and the surrounding stressors of the organisation and environment. Analysis of the quantitative data collected descriptive statistics and calculated chi-squares. Of note were the statistically significant differences particularly between patients of Māori ethnicity comparatively to non-Māori, and according to gender and reason in hospital. There were no statistically significant differences for patients according to age group.
Conclusion: This study identified both the experiences of patients and staff in an acute general surgical context. The study found that the proposed patient self- assessment intervention was not immediately recommended. This was due to the current recommendations from patients who identified their strong preference was for face-to-face communication with staff. It was also due to staff members identification of a perceived inability to consistently provide person-centred care which corresponded with the patient self-assessment data. Acute general surgical care needs of patients were perceived by staff as taking precedent and current workplace stressors, including staffing and skill mix deficits and perceived lack of staff wellbeing supports, were strong inhibitors for staff to provide their preferred capacity of patient-centred care.

text: Exploring patient experiences and power dynamics in an acute general surgical ward: A mixed methods study exploring patient and staff
perceptions of the inpatient experience at Waikato Hospital Background: Alongside health outcomes, patient experiences are considered crucial in identifying the quality of a health care setting. General surgery comprise the largest range of pathologies and accounts for the highest number of patient discharges of any surgical specialty. As a way to address the power imbalance between healthcare staff and patients, patient-centred models of care are increasingly being adopted and implemented within hospitals including surgery. This study aims to investigate the current experiences of acutely admitted patients in a general surgical ward at Waikato Hospital, including opportunities for and challenges to improvement initiatives. Furthermore, the study examines relevant staff members perspectives of the inpatient experience and seeks to determine the efficacy of a proposed intervention focusing on empowering patients and their families.
Methods: The study was a mixed method design involving two phases. Phase I obtained qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with six patients and twelve staff members. Themes which emerged from the qualitative data in phase I were used to inform the development of phase II, as well as to inform a proposed patient self- assessment intervention. Phase II obtained quantitative data through Likert scale response surveys provided to acute patients on, or near to, their day of discharge from the surgical ward over a two month period.
Results: A total of six patients and 12 healthcare staff (senior registered nurses, n=3; surgical registered nurse managers, n=2; surgical fellows, n=2; surgical registrar, n=1; dietitian, n=1; social worker, n=1; occupational therapist, n=1; and physiotherapist n=1) were involved in phase I. A total of 53 surveys were returned from patients in Phase II (63.1% response rate). Qualitative data from phase I was analysed using a general inductive approach. This revealed three themes including power and control concerns for patients, the hierarchy of the health care team and the surrounding stressors of the organisation and environment. Analysis of the quantitative data collected descriptive statistics and calculated chi-squares. Of note were the statistically significant differences particularly between patients of Māori ethnicity comparatively to non-Māori, and according to gender and reason in hospital. There were no statistically significant differences for patients according to age group.
Conclusion: This study identified both the experiences of patients and staff in an acute general surgical context. The study found that the proposed patient self- assessment intervention was not immediately recommended. This was due to the current recommendations from patients who identified their strong preference was for face-to-face communication with staff. It was also due to staff members identification of a perceived inability to consistently provide person-centred care which corresponded with the patient self-assessment data. Acute general surgical care needs of patients were perceived by staff as taking precedent and current workplace stressors, including staffing and skill mix deficits and perceived lack of staff wellbeing supports, were strong inhibitors for staff to provide their preferred capacity of patient-centred care.

year: 2022