Papers by Tara Shrimpton-Smith
The user-friendliness of new and existing applications is becoming a fixed part in the field of d... more The user-friendliness of new and existing applications is becoming a fixed part in the field of development of prototypes and applications. In this paper interactive Digital Television will be evaluated on its usability aspects. A thorough usability evaluation was carried out on the first iDTV application in Flanders. This paper focuses on the specific method used for usability testing on iDTV, more specifically the usability lab set up, evaluation method, relevant documents, test users characteristics, and so on. The results of 2 tests will be described in more detail, focussing on the specific observations found, the action that was taken afterwards and the effect on the user friendliness caused by this action. The 2 tests will also be compared with one another, since one test was carried out with a prototype on a computer and one test on television. An important finding was that evaluating with a prototype on the computer or on television revealed the same amount of usability hit...
Behavioural Brain Research, 2015
l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LID) remain a serious obstacle in the treatment of Parkinson&... more l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LID) remain a serious obstacle in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this study was to test a new target for treatment of dyskinesias, ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn). PlsEtn play critical roles in membrane structure mediated functions and as a storage depot of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3) known to reduce dyskinesias. The motor effect of a daily treatment for 12 days of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) Macaca fascicularis monkeys with DHA (100mg/kg) was compared to the DHA-PlsEtn precursor PPI-1011 (50mg/kg). PPI-1011 and DHA reduced LID while maintaining the antiparkinsonian activity of l-DOPA, however the PPI-1011 effect was observed at the first behavioral time point analyzed following drug administration (day 2) whereas the effect of DHA was not observed until after 10 days of administration. DHA treatment increased plasma DHA levels 2-3× whereas PPI-1011 had no effect. DHA and PPI-1011 increased DHA-PlsEtn levels by 1.5-2× while DHA-phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) levels remained unaffected. DHA treatment also elevated very long chain fatty acid containing PtdEtn and reduced non-DHA containing PtdEtn and PlsEtn levels. PPI-1011 had no effect on these systems. LID scores were inversely correlated with serum DHA-PlsEtn/total PlsEtn ratios levels in DHA and PPI-1011 treated monkeys. Hence, the antidyskinetic activity of DHA and PPI-1011 in MPTP monkeys appears to be associated with the increase of serum DHA-PlsEtn concentrations. This is the first study reporting an antidyskinetic response to augmentation of DHA-PlsEtn using a plasmalogen precursor thus providing a novel drug target for dyskinesias.
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2007
Abstract. Recently, more and more attention is being paid to emotions in the field of Human-Compu... more Abstract. Recently, more and more attention is being paid to emotions in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. However, there has been little research that focuses on the relation between emotions and usability or 'web design'. In this context, we examined the correlation between the ...
Proceedings of the 4th Nordic conference on Human-computer interaction changing roles - NordiCHI '06, 2006
ABSTRACT Recently, more and more attention has been paid to emotions in the domain of Human-Compu... more ABSTRACT Recently, more and more attention has been paid to emotions in the domain of Human-Computer Interaction. When evaluating a product, one can no longer ignore the emotions a product induces. This paper examines the value of a new instrument to measure emotions: the FaceReader. We will assess the extent to which the FaceReader is useful when conducting usability evaluations. To do this, we will compare the data gained from the FaceReader with two other sources: user questionnaires and researcher's loggings. Preliminary analysis shows that the FaceReader is an effective tool to measure instant emotions and fun of use. However, a combination of the FaceReader with another observation method (e.g. researcher's loggings) is necessary. As regards the user questionnaire, our results indicate that it is rather a reflection of the content of the application or the outcome of a task, than a correct self- reflection of how the user felt when accomplishing the task. Author Keywords Emotions, usability, FaceReader, instant fun of use
Current Environmental Health Reports, 2015
Staphylococcus aureus isolates belonging to clonal cluster 398 (CC398) have emerged over the prev... more Staphylococcus aureus isolates belonging to clonal cluster 398 (CC398) have emerged over the previous decade as a risk to livestock workers. Though most of the research to date has focused on colonization with these strains, a number of infections have also been documented, ranging from mild skin infections to more serious invasive infections and even death. Here, we review existing reports of human infections with CC398 and discuss their geographic distribution, general characteristics, and implications for future research. We identified 74 publications describing CC398 infections in humans in 19 different countries, suggesting this is an emerging worldwide issue.
Reviews on Environmental Health, 2010
In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a leading cause of... more In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a leading cause of infectious disease morbidity and mortality in the United States. The epidemiology of the organism has changed, with novel strains emerging in the community among individuals lacking any healthcare contact. Although direct human-to-human transmission via skin contact is one way for this organism to spread, transmission via environmental contamination of fomites or through air are other potential ways that the organism can be acquired. As such, an improved understanding of MRSA transmission is needed to implement maximally effective control and prevention interventions. We review the research documenting the role of the environment in MRSA spread.
Semigroup Forum, 2014
ABSTRACT In this paper, we extend the results of DeMeyer and DeMeyer (J Algebra 283:190–198, 2005... more ABSTRACT In this paper, we extend the results of DeMeyer and DeMeyer (J Algebra 283:190–198, 2005) that determine a set of sufficient conditions for a given graph to be the zero-divisor graph of a commutative semigroup, and use these to construct a larger set of graphs of this type. We then use these results to classify the connected graphs on six vertices, determining whether or not each is the zero-divisor graph of a commutative semigroup of order seven. To accomplish this, we give specific examples of graphs that can be easily classified using the extensions. For those graphs to which neither the original results nor the extensions apply, we provide a method by which we can classify them.
Notices of the American Mathematical Society, 2014
Lipids in Health and Disease, 2011
Introduction: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA-containing ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn) ar... more Introduction: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA-containing ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn) are decreased in the brain, liver and the circulation in Alzheimer's disease. Decreased supply of plasmalogen precursors to the brain by the liver, as a result of peroxisomal deficits is a process that probably starts early in the AD disease process. To overcome this metabolic compromise, we have designed an orally bioavailable DHA-containing ether lipid precursor of plasmalogens. PPI-1011 is an alkyl-diacyl plasmalogen precursor with palmitic acid at sn-1, DHA at sn-2 and lipoic acid at sn-3. This study outlines the oral pharmacokinetics of this precursor and its conversion to PlsEtn and phosphatidylethanolamines (PtdEtn).
Lipids in Health and Disease, 2011
Childhood peroxisomal disorders and leukodystrophies are devastating diseases characterized by dy... more Childhood peroxisomal disorders and leukodystrophies are devastating diseases characterized by dysfunctional lipid metabolism. Plasmalogens (ether glycerophosphoethanolamine lipids) are decreased in these genetic disorders. The biosynthesis of plasmalogens is initiated in peroxisomes but completed in the endoplasmic reticulum. We therefore undertook a study to evaluate the ability of a 3-substituted, 1-alkyl, 2-acyl glyceryl ether lipid (PPI-1011) to replace plasmalogens in rhizomelic chrondrodysplasia punctata type 1 (RCDP1) and rhizomelic chrondrodysplasia punctata type 2 (RCDP2) lymphocytes which possess peroxisomal mutations culminating in deficient plasmalogen synthesis. We also examined plasmalogen synthesis in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) lymphocytes which possess a proteolipid protein-1 (PLP1) missense mutation that results in abnormal PLP1 folding and it's accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the cellular site of the last steps in plasmalogen synthesis. In vivo incorporation of plasmalogen precursor into tissue plasmalogens was also evaluated in the Pex7 mouse model of plasmalogen deficiency. In both RCDP1 and RCDP2 lymphocytes, PPI-1011 repleted the target ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn16:0/22:6) in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, deacylation/reacylation reactions resulted in repletion of PlsEtn 16:0/20:4 in both RCDP1 and RCDP2 lymphocytes, repletion of PlsEtn 16:0/18:1 and PlsEtn 16:0/18:2 in RCDP2 lymphocytes, and partial repletion of PlsEtn 16:0/18:1 and PlsEtn 16:0/18:2 in RCDP1 lymphocytes. In the Pex7 mouse, oral dosing of labeled PPI-1011 demonstrated repletion of tissue levels of the target plasmalogen PlsEtn 16:0/22:6 with phospholipid remodeling also resulting in significant repletion of PlsEtn 16:0/20:4 and PlsEtn 16:0/18:1. Metabolic conversion of PPI-1011 to the target plasmalogen was most active in the liver. Our data demonstrate that PPI-1011 is activated (removal of 3-substitution) and converted to PlsEtn in vitro in both RCDP1 and RCDP2 lymphocytes and in vivo in the Pex7 mouse model of RCPD1 effectively bypassing the peroxisomal dysfunction present in these disorders. While PPI-1011 was shown to replete PlsEtns 16:0/x, ether lipid precursors of PlsEtn 18:0/x and PlsEtn 18:1/x may also be needed to achieve optimal clinical benefits of plasmalogen replacement in these complex patient populations. In contrast, only limited plasmalogen replacement was observed in PMD lymphocytes suggesting that the effects of protein misfolding and accumulation in the ER negatively affect processing of plasmalogen precursors in this cellular compartment.
Landscape and Urban Planning, 1997
Community quality is an extremely complex concept which involves the physical environment providi... more Community quality is an extremely complex concept which involves the physical environment providing opportunities for humans to meet their needs and desires. Both researchers and designers must concern themselves with raising the standard of the designed environment from the present level, to one which successfully meets the complex levels of human needs. To reach this goal, it is necessary to bridge the gap between research and design and to link the two into a comprehensive framework. This research project is an investigation of the physical elements that contribute to the quality of a community. A quality community is one which meets the needs and desires of its visitors and inhabitants. The methods involve descriptive research, matrix development and case study applications. Six categories and 28 sub-categories of community quality and needs criteria were developed through the research of community quality, and human social and psychological needs theories. The six main categories of the quality principles are livability, character, connection, mobility, personal freedom, and diversity. Approximately, two hundred community physical form criteria were developed through the summary of professional community design literature and guidelines. The physical form criteria were categorized under community, urban block, buildings, streets, pedestrian ways, open space, vegetation, and feature areas. A matrix relating social needs with physical form, illustrates how community quality can be better understood through physical design. Case study applications of three communities in Toronto, the Beaches, High Park, and Parkdale, illustrate how the matrices can be used to analyze a community. The result is a framework for understanding the relationship between the quality of an urban environment and physical form. Matrix analysis showed that connection and character scored the highest with respect to physical form, and the top physical form criteria are, a walkable community, outdoor amenities, lots of seating, barrier free, and open space areas in residential areas. 0 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2014
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a devastating pathogen that is associated w... more Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a devastating pathogen that is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Livestock are a well-known reservoir for this pathogen, which poses substantial health risks for livestock workers. Little is known about the epidemiology of livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) among livestock workers in Eastern Europe. To study the epidemiology of LA-MRSA among swine workers in Romania, we collected and characterized nasal and oropharygneal samples from swine workers on commercial pig farms. A survey that included questions about work-related tasks, biosafety practices, contact with animals, and health status was used to assess the risk factors that were potentially associated with LA-MRSA colonization. The prevalence of MRSA colonization among swine workers was 6.8%. Two LA-MRSA strains with the spa types t034 and t011 and one likely community-associated MRSA strain with the spa type t321 were isolated from workers on five farms. Interestingly, all MRSA carriers worked on farms that imported animals from other production facilities. This is the first study to confirm the presence of LA-MRSA among swine workers in Romania and suggests the need to minimize the risk of LA-MRSA-related infections in swine workers and their community contacts. The findings also suggest a link between the commercial movement of swine and the introduction of LA-MRSA.
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2011
Several recent studies have indicated a high prevalence of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus au... more Several recent studies have indicated a high prevalence of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in retail-available meat. However, few studies have investigated MRSA in meat in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on meat samples available at retail stores. Samples of fresh raw pork, chicken, beef, and turkey were purchased from 22 food stores throughout Iowa. S. aureus strains were isolated from 27 of 165 samples, giving an overall prevalence of 16.4%. Turkey, pork, chicken, and beef had individual S. aureus prevalence rates of 19.4%, 18.2%, 17.8%, and 6.9%, respectively. Two isolates of MRSA were isolated from pork, giving an overall prevalence of 1.2%. One MRSA isolate was positive for the PVL gene. Common spa types included t034, t337, t008, and t002. These results suggest that MRSA is present on low numbers of retail meat in Iowa.
Journal of Algebra, 1991
ABSTRACT It is known that those fields F which are of class C (in the sense of R. Ware) can be ch... more ABSTRACT It is known that those fields F which are of class C (in the sense of R. Ware) can be characterized by their Witt ring structure, as well as by the behavior of their binary quadratic forms and the structure of their Galois 2-extensions. In this paper we show that C-fields which have at least 8 square classes are characterized by the absence of a certain group DC of order 16 as a Galois group over them. Moreover, we show that the level of such a field is determined by the presence or absence of the cyclic group of order 4 and the dihedral group of order 8 as Galois groups over it. These results provide an interesting continuation of the work of Ware. In the appendix we give an explicit construction of field extensions with Galois group DC.
Journal of Algebra, 1999
Let D be a division ring with an involution. Assuming that D admits Baer orderings, we can study ... more Let D be a division ring with an involution. Assuming that D admits Baer orderings, we can study the Witt group of hermitian froms over D by observing its image in the ring of continuous functions on the space of orderings. We are led to define a new class of rings which, when viewed in an abstract setting, provide a natural generalization of the spaces of orderings and real spectra studied in real algebraic geometry.
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 2011
ABSTRACT This study addresses the gap that exists between literacy educators’ knowledge of conten... more ABSTRACT This study addresses the gap that exists between literacy educators’ knowledge of content disciplines and the literacy strategies often suggested for use in content classrooms. The authors worked with disciplinary experts in mathematics and geography to understand the differences that exist in their conceptions of the disciplines and what it means to be literate in them. Study results were categorized into themes, which include “major understandings of the field,” “literacy in the discipline,” and “practice of the discipline.” Further subcategories include texts used in the discipline; the types of strategies used to become literate in the discipline, and the types of questions addressed within the discipline. Implications for teachers and teacher candidates are also addressed.
Israel Journal of Mathematics, 2002
LetL be a finite Galois extension of a global fieldF. It is shown that if the Galois groupG=Gal(L... more LetL be a finite Galois extension of a global fieldF. It is shown that if the Galois groupG=Gal(L/F) satisfies a certain condition, thenL is a maximal commutative subfield of someF-division algebra if and only if the intermediate field corresponding to the Frattini subgroup ofG is also a maximal commutative subfield of someF-division algebra. In particular this condition holds ifG is
Israel Journal of Mathematics, 2002
The ℚ of any finite Galois 2-extension of ℚ is shown to depend only on the ℚ of its maximal eleme... more The ℚ of any finite Galois 2-extension of ℚ is shown to depend only on the ℚ of its maximal elementary abelian intermediate field, which must be either quadratic (and hence always ℚ-adequate) or biquadratic over ℚ. A precise description of those biquadratic extensions of ℚ which are ℚ-adequate is given. This then gives a method for explicitly determining whether
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 2010
See the commentary by Popovich, on pages 581-583.)
Uploads
Papers by Tara Shrimpton-Smith