title: Voice input and information exchange in asynchronous group communication

authors: McQueen, Robert J.

abstract: Existing computer supported co-operative work (CSCW) systems for group communication typically require some amount of keyboard input, and this may limit their usefulness. A voice input prototype system for asynchronous (time separated transactions) group communication (AGC) with simulated conversion to text was developed and an experiment constructed to investigate if advantages over conventional keyboard input computer conferencing were possible for the information exchange task. Increases in words used and facts disclosed were higher for voice input compared to text input, which implies that voice input capability could be advantageous for future asynchronous group communication systems supporting information exchange.

text: Voice input and information exchange in asynchronous group communication Existing computer supported co-operative work (CSCW) systems for group communication typically require some amount of keyboard input, and this may limit their usefulness. A voice input prototype system for asynchronous (time separated transactions) group communication (AGC) with simulated conversion to text was developed and an experiment constructed to investigate if advantages over conventional keyboard input computer conferencing were possible for the information exchange task. Increases in words used and facts disclosed were higher for voice input compared to text input, which implies that voice input capability could be advantageous for future asynchronous group communication systems supporting information exchange.

year: 1992

title: Effect of novel ketamine-analogue R5 on brain activation and select behavioural parameters

authors: Head, Mitchell Antony

subjects: anaesthetic

abstract: Ketamine is a common anaesthetic that works through complex neural mechanisms, including multiple molecular and circuitry targets. Importantly, it promotes analgesia, though it also induces undesirable effects, such as agitation, disorientation, hallucinations and nausea. Thus, there is an ongoing search for novel ketamine analogues that influence a similar repertoire of brain targets as ketamine, whose beneficial effects are potentiated. The present project, utilizing rats as an animal model, focused on examining functional properties of the ester-analogue of ketamine, R5, whose potentially beneficial profile had been suggested by preliminary studies. First, brain activation patterns following R5 compared to ketamine (and another ester-analogue control compound, R1) were assessed by employing immunohistochemical detection of an immediate-early gene product, c-Fos. R5 produced a somewhat similar pattern of activity as ketamine, whereas more profound differences in c-Fos were detected after R1. It was particularly striking in areas related to pain and addiction, including the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Therefore, in the subsequent set of experiments, effects of R5 on pain- and addiction-related behavioral parameters were assessed in rats injected with R5 intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or intraparenchymally. It was found that BaCl attenuated ICV R5-induced analgesia. AIC administration of R5 produced modest analgesia in the tail-flick test. Finally, PVN R5 reduced naltrexone-precipitated exercise-induced withdrawal. In sum, R5 shows an analgesic effect similar to ketamine, most likely by targeting a similar subset of brain sites, which suggests that this particular ester-analogue can be considered as a good candidate for conceptualizing future pain management strategies.

text: Effect of novel ketamine-analogue R5 on brain activation and select behavioural parameters Ketamine is a common anaesthetic that works through complex neural mechanisms, including multiple molecular and circuitry targets. Importantly, it promotes analgesia, though it also induces undesirable effects, such as agitation, disorientation, hallucinations and nausea. Thus, there is an ongoing search for novel ketamine analogues that influence a similar repertoire of brain targets as ketamine, whose beneficial effects are potentiated. The present project, utilizing rats as an animal model, focused on examining functional properties of the ester-analogue of ketamine, R5, whose potentially beneficial profile had been suggested by preliminary studies. First, brain activation patterns following R5 compared to ketamine (and another ester-analogue control compound, R1) were assessed by employing immunohistochemical detection of an immediate-early gene product, c-Fos. R5 produced a somewhat similar pattern of activity as ketamine, whereas more profound differences in c-Fos were detected after R1. It was particularly striking in areas related to pain and addiction, including the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Therefore, in the subsequent set of experiments, effects of R5 on pain- and addiction-related behavioral parameters were assessed in rats injected with R5 intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or intraparenchymally. It was found that BaCl attenuated ICV R5-induced analgesia. AIC administration of R5 produced modest analgesia in the tail-flick test. Finally, PVN R5 reduced naltrexone-precipitated exercise-induced withdrawal. In sum, R5 shows an analgesic effect similar to ketamine, most likely by targeting a similar subset of brain sites, which suggests that this particular ester-analogue can be considered as a good candidate for conceptualizing future pain management strategies.

year: 2017

title: Whanau Maori explain how the Harti Hauora Tool assists with better access to health services (vol 25, pg 471, 2019)

authors: Masters-Awatere, Bridgette

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: In this paper, whānau Māori highlight how a Kaupapa Māori-centred intervention (the Harti Hauora Tamariki tool, hereafter Harti tool) has improved interactions with health services. The Harti tool is undergoing a randomised control trial (RCT) at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand. As part of the RCT, the authors engaged in a series of qualitative interviews with whānau members of tamariki Māori (children aged 0–5 years) admitted to Waikato Hospital’s paediatric ward. Whānau who met at least one criteria for New Zealand’s domains of deprivation were included. Using a Kaupapa Māori approach to the study, participants shared their views on barriers and facilitators to accessing health resources and primary care services. The interviews conducted highlight how the Harti tool, when administered in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner that prioritised relationship-building, enabled better connection to healthcare services. Prevalent in our analysis were connections to wider determinants of health and ways to reduce existing health inequities. To conclude the paper, how the Harti tool has enhanced feelings of being in control of health, with the potential to reduce the likelihood of a hospital readmission, is highlighted.

text: Whanau Maori explain how the Harti Hauora Tool assists with better access to health services (vol 25, pg 471, 2019) In this paper, whānau Māori highlight how a Kaupapa Māori-centred intervention (the Harti Hauora Tamariki tool, hereafter Harti tool) has improved interactions with health services. The Harti tool is undergoing a randomised control trial (RCT) at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand. As part of the RCT, the authors engaged in a series of qualitative interviews with whānau members of tamariki Māori (children aged 0–5 years) admitted to Waikato Hospital’s paediatric ward. Whānau who met at least one criteria for New Zealand’s domains of deprivation were included. Using a Kaupapa Māori approach to the study, participants shared their views on barriers and facilitators to accessing health resources and primary care services. The interviews conducted highlight how the Harti tool, when administered in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner that prioritised relationship-building, enabled better connection to healthcare services. Prevalent in our analysis were connections to wider determinants of health and ways to reduce existing health inequities. To conclude the paper, how the Harti tool has enhanced feelings of being in control of health, with the potential to reduce the likelihood of a hospital readmission, is highlighted.

year: 2019