City University London

About: City University London is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 5735 authors who have published 17285 publications receiving 453290 citations.

The 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. Part I. Efficacy of PPV in the Elderly: A Comparison of Meta-Analyses

Abstract: A 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV) has been available in the UK for more than 20 years and is currently recommended for use in high-risk groups (HRG) of 2+ years of age. The degree of protection afforded by the PPV remains a critical issue, although a number of randomised clinical trials and case-control studies (CCS) have been published. The aim of this work is to review the estimates on the efficacy of PPV against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in the elderly and to perform a meta-analysis in order to obtain a pooled estimate of the level of protection in high and low risk individuals. These two groups of individuals are at the centre of the current debate on whether or not to extend the vaccination programme to all elderly individuals 65+. Only randomised and quasi-randomised studies are included in the analysis and results are compared with previous meta-analyses. The effect of the inclusion of observational studies is investigated in the sensitivity analysis. When taken with the results of other meta-analyses and observational studies, it appears that PPV offers protection against IPD in the general elderly population (VE = 65%; 95% CI: -49-92%) whereas it has a moderate effect in the high-risk elderly (VE = 20%; 95% CI: -188-78%). The vaccine has little or no effect against pneumonia (VE = 16% in the general elderly and -20% in HRG).

An independent, landmark-dominated head-direction signal in dysgranular retrosplenial cortex

Abstract: We investigated how landmarks influence the brain's computation of head direction and found that in a bidirectionally symmetrical environment, some neurons in dysgranular retrosplenial cortex showed bidirectional firing patterns. This indicates dominance of neural activity by local environmental cues even when these conflicted with the global head direction signal. It suggests a mechanism for associating landmarks to or dissociating them from the head direction signal, according to their directional stability and/or utility.

Qualitative HCI Research: Going Behind the Scenes

Abstract: HCI addresses problems of interaction design: evaluating existing designs, delivering novel designs, and understanding user needs for future designs. Qualitative methods have an essential role to play in this enterprise, particularly in understanding user needs and behaviors and evaluating situated use of technology. In this lecture, we draw on the analogy of making a documentary film: historically, the film was presented as a finished product, giving the viewer little insight into the production process; more recently, there has been a trend to go 'behind the scenes' to expose some of the painstaking work that went into creating the raw footage behind the film; but still much essential work remains hidden. Similarly, in qualitative research, the essential work 'behind the scenes' is rarely discussed. There are many "how to" guides for particular methods, but few texts that discuss the important details of how to select a suitable method, how to adapt it to fit the study context, or how to deal with unexpected challenges that arise. We address this gap by presenting a repertoire of techniques for understanding user needs, practices and experiences with technology, including practical considerations such as tactics for recruiting participants when aiming for a particular sampling strategy, and ways of getting started when faced with a pile of interview transcripts. We present illustrative case studies drawn from prior experience. Our particular focus is on semi-structured qualitative studies, which occupy a space between ethnography and surveys, typically involving observations, interviews and similar methods for data gathering, and methods for analysis based on systematic coding of data. Just as a documentary team faces challenges that often go unreported when arranging expeditions or interviews, gathering footage or editing the story, within time and budget pressures, so the qualitative research team faces challenge in obtaining ethic

A Survey of Design Philosophies, Models, Methods and Systems

Abstract: The study of the design process, design theory and methodology has been a preoccupation of engineers, designers and researchers over the last four to five decades. As the end of this millenium is approached and with the renewed interest around the world in engineering design, it is fitting to examine the state of the art and current status of issues relating to design philosophies, theory and methodology. Over the last 40 years, many approaches to design have been put forward by various researchers, designers and engineers, both in academia and industry, on how design ought to and might be carried out. These proposals on design have tended towards what has come to be regarded as design philosophies, design models and design methods. The thesis of this paper is to discuss various aspects of generic research in design, within the above classifications in the light of the work that has been done in the last four decades. Discussions will focus on various definitions of design, design theory and methodology, ...

Stenting or stoma creation for patients with inoperable malignant colonic obstructions? Results of a study and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Abstract: Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of endoscopic palliative treatment with selfexpanding metallic stents with that of stoma creation in the management of inoperable malignant colonic obstructions Methods: A total of 30 patients with inoperable malignant partial obstruction (due to metastases, hemodynamic instability, or pulmonary instability) in the left colon unsing from colorectal or ovarian cancer were included in the study Fifteen were randomized to undergo palliative metallic colonic stent placement and 15 to undergo stoma creation The efficacy and safety of the two methods was compared A cost-effectiveness analysis was also performed, including the cost of postinterventional care Results: Stents were placed successfully in 14 of 15 patients In one patient with obstruction of a tortuous rectosigmoid flexure colon, stenting was not possible; this patient was excluded from the study During the follow-up period, a moderate, nonocclusive ingrowth of tumor into the stent lumen was observed in six patients; they were all treated with internal laser ablation The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that although the stoma creation procedure was less expensive, the total difference in average costs for the two methods was 69% (132 Euros) Conclusions: Self-expanding metallic stent placement is a palliative alternative to colostomy for patients with inoperable malignant colonic strictures This treatment option provides a better quality of life for the patient, without the psychological repercussions of a colostomy, and it appears to be cost-effective