Alison King

An investigation into the use of tactons to present progress information

This paper presents an initial investigation into the use of Tactons, or tactile icons, to present progress information in desktop human-computer interfaces. Progress bars are very common in a wide range of interfaces but have problems. For example, they must compete for screen space and visual attention with other visual tasks such as document editing or web browsing. To address these problems we created a tactile progress indicator, encoding progress information into a series of vibrotactile cues. An experiment comparing the tactile progress indicator to a standard visual one showed a significant improvement in performance and an overall preference for the tactile display. These results suggest that a tactile display is a good way to present such information and this has many potential applications from computer desktops to mobile telephones.

The design and evaluation of a vibrotactile progress bar

We present an investigation into the use of Tactons to present progress information. Progress bars are common but must compete for screen space and visual attention with other visual tasks. We created a tactile progress indicator, encoding progress into a series of vibrotactile pulses. An experiment comparing the tactile progress indicator to a standard visual one showed a significant improvement in performance and an overall preference for the tactile display.

Comparison of ultrasonography, radiography and a single computed tomography slice for the identification of fluid within the tympanic bulla of rabbit cadavers

Evaluation of the tympanic bulla (TB) in cases of otitis media in the rabbit can be a diagnostic challenge, although a feature often associated with the condition is the accumulation of fluid or material within the TB. Randomly selected TB from 40 rabbit cadavers were filled with a water-based, water-soluble jelly lubricant. A dorsoventral radiograph and single computed tomography (CT) slice were taken followed by an ultrasound (US) examination. Image interpretation was performed by blinded operators. The content of each TB was determined (fluid or gas) using each technique and the cadavers were frozen and sectioned for confirmation. CT was the most accurate diagnostic method, but US produced better results than radiography. Given the advantages of US over the other imaging techniques, the results suggest that further work is warranted to determine US applications in the evaluation of the rabbit TB and clinical cases of otitis media in this species.

Radiographic anatomy of the rabbit skull, with particular reference to the tympanic bulla and temporomandibular joint. Part 2: Ventral and dorsal rotational angles

This is the second part of a two-part study to document rabbit skull radiographic anatomy with particular reference to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and tympanic bulla (TB), and identify views that allowed their optimal visualisation. Equipment was used that allowed repeatable positioning of skulls at known rotational angles in ventral (rostrocaudal to ventrodorsal) with the mouth closed and open, and dorsal (rostrocaudal to dorsoventral position) directions. The views were repeated with lead markers attached to anatomical features and cadaver heads. The TBs were visible between 40° and 90° from rostrocaudal in both directions, but opening the mouth did not improve visualisation. The TMJs were visible until 40° in a ventral direction, but only 20° in a dorsal one. Opening the mouth slightly altered the regions of the joint being skylined, but did not otherwise enhance imaging of this region.

Radiographic anatomy of the rabbit skull with particular reference to the tympanic bulla and temporomandibular joint

Radiography is frequently used to investigate otitis media and dental disease in rabbits, although there are few detailed reports regarding the radiographic anatomy of the rabbit skull. The aim of this study was to document rabbit skull radiographic anatomy, with particular reference to the tympanic bulla (TB) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to identify views that allowed optimal assessment of these areas. Equipment was used that allowed repeatable positioning of skulls at known rotational angles in lateral (lateral to rostrocaudal) and long axis (lateral to ventrodorsal) directions. The views were repeated with lead markers attached to anatomical features and cadaver heads. The TB could be best examined between 30° and 60° in both planes. The TMJ was best visualised between 70° and 90° in a lateral direction, particularly along a true rostrocaudal plane, but could not be imaged well at any of the long axis rotational angles. Similar images were obtained using cadavers.

Applications of ultrasonography in the reproductive management of Dux magnus gentis venteris saginati

Dux magnus gentis venteris saginati is considered to be a Scottish delicacy; however, depleting wild stocks have resulted in attempts to farm them. Selective breeding has been successful in modifying behaviour, increasing body length, reducing hair coat and improving fank (litter) size. However, there are still significant problems associated with the terrain in which they are farmed. This article describes the use of ultrasonography in the reproductive management of this species and the introduction of new genetic material in an attempt to address these problems, with the aim of improving welfare and productivity.

An insight into digital radiography use in small animal practice in the UK

It is now approximately 20 years since the first UK veterinary digital x-ray machine was installed.1 Instead of x-ray film, digital radiography uses a digital image capture device. The advantages of using digital radiography include: immediate image preview and availability, the elimination of costly film processing steps, and the ability to use special image processing techniques to enhance the overall quality of the image. The results of a survey carried out by Booth and others,2 summarised on p 225 of this week’s issue of Vet Record , indicated that by 2013, 78 per cent of respondents from small animal practices were using digital radiography (either direct digital radiography [DDR] or computed radiography [CR]), and it is likely that since 2013 this will have increased further. A previous study also showed that equine practitioners were even quicker to embrace this technology, with up to 90 per cent of equine practices having already changed to digital radiography by 2013.1 The advantages of digital radiography over film-screen systems are such that it is inevitable they will eventually completely replace film-screen systems, in a similar way to photography.1 It is therefore interesting to discover that according to Booth and others,2 apart from cost, the barriers to practices upgrading to digital radiography relate to a lack of understanding about the technology. ### Radiography guidelines

Radiography use in small animal practice

THANK you for pointing out these errors. At one point during the IRMER 2017 draft phase it looked likely that annual re-registration was going to be a requirement, and there are also some online resources that suggested a five-year re-registration. However, as Peter Cockett quite rightly …

Evaluation of the ventro 20° rostral-dorsocaudal oblique radiographic projection for the investigation of canine nasal disease.

OBJECTIVE To assess the ventro 20° rostral-dorsocaudal oblique projection for canine nasal disease as an alternative to the dorsoventral intra-oral view. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one dogs with nasal disease underwent radiography and computed tomography with a final diagnosis of underlying cause achieved through rhinoscopy, biopsy or cytology. Three independent observers, blinded to diagnosis, reviewed the nasal radiographs on two separate occasions. Intra- and inter-observer agreement and level of confidence on radiographic diagnosis were evaluated and radiographic diagnosis was compared with computed tomography and definitive diagnosis. RESULTS The ventro 20° rostral-dorsocaudal oblique projection of canine nasal cavities was feasible in anaesthetised dogs and gave diagnostic quality images in most dogs. Assessment of this view showed moderate to substantial agreement with computed tomography diagnosis but gave lower confidence in diagnosis. Interpretation of this radiographic projection had substantial to almost perfect repeatability but moderate reproducibility. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The ventro 20° rostral-dorsocaudal oblique projection may be used as a valuable initial screening tool for canine nasal pathology in practices without access to advanced imaging, although computed tomography is still likely to provide greater diagnostic information.