scholarly journals How to approach a many splendoured thing: Proxy Technology Assessment as a methodological praxis to study virtual experience

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzy Bleumers ◽  
Kris Naessens ◽  
An Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Virtual Experiences

This article introduces Proxy Technology Assessment (PTA) as a methodological approach that can widen the scope of virtual world and game research. Studies of how people experience virtual worlds and games often focus on individual in-world or in-game experiences. However, people do not perceive these worlds and games in isolation. They are embedded within a social context that has strongly intertwined online and offline components. Studying virtual experiences while accounting for these interconnections calls for new methodological approaches. PTA answers this call.Combining several methods, PTA can be used to investigate how new technology may impact and settle within people's everyday life (Pierson et al., 2006). It involves introducing related devices or applications, available today, to users in their natural setting and studying the context-embedded practices they alter or evoke. This allows researchers to detect social and functional requirements to improve the design of new technologies. These requirements, like the practices under investigation, do not stop at the outlines of a magic circle (cf. Huizinga, 1955).We will start this article by contextualizing and defining PTA. Next, we will describe the practical implementation of PTA. Each step of the procedure will be illustrated with examples and supplemented with lessons learned from two interdisciplinary scientific projects, Hi-Masquerade and Teleon, concerned with how people perceive and use virtual worlds and games respectively.

History of Health Technology Assessment in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morteza Arab-Zozani ◽  
Mobin Sokhanvar ◽  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Tahereh Didehban ◽  
Soheil Hassanipour
Keyword(s):  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
History Of ◽  
Systematic Structure ◽  
High Level

This article describes the characteristics of the health system and reviews the history of health technology assessment (HTA) in Iran, including its inception, processes, challenges, and lessons learned. This study was conducted by analyzing existing documents, reports, and guidelines related to HTA and published articles in the field. HTA in Iran has been established since the late 2000s and was first introduced as a secretariat by the Deputy of Health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The mission of the HTA office is to systematically assess technologies to improve evidence-informed decision making. Despite its 10 years of existence, HTA in Iran still faces some challenges. The most pressing problems currently facing HTA in Iran include conflicts of interest among researchers performing the HTAs, the absence of a systematic structure for identifying and introducing new technologies, the lack of interest in HTA results among high-level policy makers, and the lack of external oversight for HTA projects.

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN IRELAND

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Ahern ◽  
Nessa O'Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
New Public Health

Ireland's health system is primarily funded from general taxation and is publicly provided, although private health care retains a considerable role. It is a unique structure, a mixture of universal health service free at the point of consumption and a fee-based private system where individuals subscribe to private health insurance that covers some of their medical expenses. The recent history of the Irish health services saw consolidation of existing services and an expansion into new areas to adapt to changing practices and needs. There has also been a drive to extract maximum efficiency so as to maintain the volume and quality of patient services at a time of very tight financial constraints. Introduction of new health technologies continued to accelerate. New technologies tended to spread rapidly before systematic appraisal of their costs and benefits. When the state is involved in funding the public hospital system, acceptance of new technology is a matter for discussion between agencies and the Department of Health and Children. Decisions about spending annual “development funding” have generally not been based on careful assessment of proposals for new technology. In 1995, a healthcare reform put new Public Health Departments in Health Boards in a prime position in Ireland's health services organization. These departments now emphasize evidence-based medicine. While Ireland does not have a national health technology assessment (HTA) program, there are plans to form an advisory group on HTA in 1998. HTA is seen as a significant element of future health policy in Ireland.

Employees First, Technology Second

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Paruzel ◽  
Dominik Bentler ◽  
Katharina D. Schlicher ◽  
Wolfgang Nettelstroth ◽  
Günter W. Maier
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Work Organization ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Smart Glasses ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Specific Technology

Abstract. Digitization and connectivity are hot topics for nearly every company today; numerous new technologies offer diverse options. In this project, a specific technology − smart glasses − was implemented in a manufacturing company. The implementation process was innovative, as the employees’ perspective was taken into account from the beginning, rather than solely designing the technological aspects and involving the users after decisions were taken. Employees involved with the new technology were surveyed to take into account the employees’ expectations and fears regarding work design characteristics. This allowed us to customize features of the smart glasses, adapt the work organization, and inform employees about unclear points concerning the implementation process. Moreover, the competencies required for future work were analyzed using a comprehensive work analysis method. We report the results of two quantitative studies and summarize the lessons learned from this project, which can serve as a guideline for other companies.

scholarly journals I Would be More at a Loss Without It: Technology as a Tool for Resilience for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 219-219
Author(s):  
Rebecca Newmark ◽  
Theresa Allison ◽  
Alexander Smith ◽  
Carla Perissinotto ◽  
Ashwin Kotwal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Software Updates ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract COVID-19 associated shelter-in-place orders led to concerns about worsening social isolation and inadequate access to technology among older adults, yet little is known about technology use in this population during the pandemic. We examined older adults’ experiences with technology during shelter-in-place in order to identify lessons learned for a post-pandemic world. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 20 community-dwelling older adults in San Francisco. Two independent coders conducted concurrent data analysis using inductive and deductive approaches to identify salient themes. Participants were 78 years on average (range 64-99), 55% female, 25% Black, 75% lived alone, and 60% reported at least one ADL impairment. Technology emerged as core aspect of resilience, indicating whether older adults could navigate pandemic restrictions, with two primary themes identified. First, many participants reported discovery of new technologies to maintain or develop new connections, including Zoom-based community groups and telehealth services (“there’s all kinds of virtual programs where you can exercise”). Second, older adults were resourceful in identifying community resources and enlisting family members to learn (“I had to ask one of my granddaughters how to make the chat thing work”). Despite difficulty navigating passwords, software updates and other common obstacles, most participants expressed gratitude for technology and the connectivity made possible. Many indicated an intention to integrate new technology-based social interactions into everyday life even after restrictions ended. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role technology can play in fostering resilience among older adults in adapting to external stressors.

Methodology of constructive technology assessment in health care

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten F. L. Douma ◽  
Kim Karsenberg ◽  
Marjan J. M. Hummel ◽  
Jolien M. Bueno-de-Mesquita ◽  
Wim H. van Harten
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Constructive Technology Assessment

Objectives: Technologies in health care are evolving quickly, with new findings in the area of biotechnological and genetic research being published regularly. A health technology assessment (HTA) is often used to answer the question of whether the new technology should be implemented into clinical practice. International evidence confirms that the results of HTA research sometimes have limited impact on practical implementation and on coverage decisions; the study design is commonly based on the paradigm of stability of both the technology and the environment, which is often not the case. Constructive technology assessment (CTA) was first described in the 1980s. In addition to the traditional HTA elements, this approach also takes into account the technology dynamics by emphasizing sociodynamic processes. With a CTA approach, comprehensive assessment can be combined with an intentional influence in a favorable direction to improve quality.Methods: In this study, the methodological aspects mainly concerning the diagnostic use of CTA are explained. The methodology will be illustrated using the controlled introduction of a new technology, called microarray analysis, into the clinical practice of breast cancer treatment as a case study. Attention is paid to the operationalization of the phases of development and implementation and the research methods most appropriate for CTA.Conclusions: In addition to HTA, CTA can be used as a complementary approach, especially in technologies that are introduced in an early stage of development in a controlled way.

RESPONSIVENESS, LANGUAGE, AND ALIGNMENT: REFLECTIONS ON SOME CHALLENGES FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Dillon
Keyword(s):  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Right

Health systems around the world cope with the challenge of difficult economic times, and the value of health technology assessment (HTA) is increasing. Making the right choices, with limited resources, in the face of increasingly complex technologies requires decisions informed by data and analyses that help us to manage the risks involved. Those who undertake and use HTA can play a greater role in helping decision makers meet these challenges; they need to think how to define innovation and respond to it, how to communicate their analyses, and, critically, how to align their work with the ambitions of their health systems. HTA can become a key health system enabler without compromising its objectivity or independence. It can say that it is too early to determine the value of a new technology when the data simply will not support a safe decision. However, it can also be bold and recommend the managed introduction of new technologies, even when the when the data is immature, provided that the health system understands the risks and there is a plausible case for believing that further research will support the value proposition. The goal for HTA is to be able confidently to do both.

scholarly journals Compounding the Results: The Integration of Virtual Worlds with the Semantic Web

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles J. Lesko ◽  
Yolanda A. Hollingsworth
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Web ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Semantic Content ◽  
Technological Evolution ◽  
Web Content ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Accessible Information

Over the past 20 years governmental use of web-base information and technologies has continually expanded taking advantage of the Web's vast, ever-expanding volumes of browser-accessible information.   Now infuse two new technologies, the first of these espouses a world where semantic-powered applications become knowledgeable assistants for web users.  The second new technology takes a perceivably flat two-dimensional approach to presenting current web-content and adds a third-dimensional perspective to the presentation.  Welcome to the Semantic Web as seen through the eyes of a Virtual World participant, an environment where web users no longer are browsing for information that is largely static; where web users interacting through their proxies (avatars) query applications (web agents) soliciting them to collect, filter, verify, correlate, and present answers to their queries often in more visually palatable three-dimensional format.Following a brief overview of these two technologies, this article presents several of the key force drivers behind their evolution and the benefits gleaned from their collective use.  Further discussion identifies new methods for visualizing semantic content in Virtual Worlds.  Finally, as with any technological evolution, merging these two technologies brings on a whole new set of challenges from a web user’s perspective as well as perspectives from both technology developers in academia and government.  

A New Role on the Pipeline EPCM Project

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Parker
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Pipeline Project ◽  
Speed Accuracy ◽  
Design And Construction

Recent developments in the application of spatial information technologies have brought opportunities for dramatic improvements in speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness of production of pipeline project deliverables. In addition to the potential for design and construction improvements, life cycle improvements are found through the use of spatial data relating to pipeline operation, environmental stewardship, regulatory, public and other stakeholder communications. However, these opportunities have not been consistently captured on all pipeline jobs. Part of the challenge in the introduction of new technology is to align members of the team so that skills and assigned tasks are matched. Traditionally, pipeline design and construction projects have employed a proven team organization structure. Changes to the tradition are necessary. This paper discusses the main advantages of using spatial information on a pipeline project. Furthermore, a discussion of the various project team roles explores how to leverage the new technologies effectively. Examples drawn from the largest pipeline projects currently in process will highlight the lessons learned to date.

The Recent Revolution in High Performance Computing

MRS Bulletin ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 5-6
Author(s):  
Horst D. Simon
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Computing ◽  
High Performance ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Parallel Architecture ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Good News ◽  
Computing Industry ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Performance Computing

Recent events in the high-performance computing industry have concerned scientists and the general public regarding a crisis or a lack of leadership in the field. That concern is understandable considering the industry's history from 1993 to 1996. Cray Research, the historic leader in supercomputing technology, was unable to survive financially as an independent company and was acquired by Silicon Graphics. Two ambitious new companies that introduced new technologies in the late 1980s and early 1990s—Thinking Machines and Kendall Square Research—were commercial failures and went out of business. And Intel, which introduced its Paragon supercomputer in 1994, discontinued production only two years later.During the same time frame, scientists who had finished the laborious task of writing scientific codes to run on vector parallel supercomputers learned that those codes would have to be rewritten if they were to run on the next-generation, highly parallel architecture. Scientists who are not yet involved in high-performance computing are understandably hesitant about committing their time and energy to such an apparently unstable enterprise.However, beneath the commercial chaos of the last several years, a technological revolution has been occurring. The good news is that the revolution is over, leading to five to ten years of predictable stability, steady improvements in system performance, and increased productivity for scientific applications. It is time for scientists who were sitting on the fence to jump in and reap the benefits of the new technology.

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