Exploring the Similarities Between Users and Non-Users of Consumer Mobile Internet Services

While mobile technologies have become pervasive, some consumers remain reluctant to accept, adopt and use them. Literature traditionally opposes the notions of ‘user' and ‘non-user' but recent developments show the boundary between these two concepts is very thin. The aim of this article is to review theoretical frameworks that are available for understanding such consumer attitudes and behaviours and to confront theoretical analysis with in-depth subjective investigation of a non-user, occasional user and heavy user, facing a set of different mobile media offers. The empirical analysis is conducted using Q-method. Results demonstrate similarities among users and non-users when considering their attitude towards different technologies, which opens opportunities for market consumer technologies to increase their penetration rate.

Pushchairs

Pushchairs for adults are used by two distinct groups: the high dependency users who cannot walk or use a self-propelling chair and the occasional users who may be able to walk indoors but are unable to walk significant distances outdoors. In the past, both disparate groups were provided with similiar wheelchairs described as Model 9 or Model 10 in the United Kingdom. For the high dependency user the wheelchair may be individually adapted to accept specialized supportive seating and pressure relief cushions. The standard wheelchair without adaptation is supplied to the occasional user. For disabled children, the UK wheelchair service provides about 1200 pushchairs and buggies. About 400 of those are the more specialized type such as the Avon, while the rest are standard children's buggies, openly available at a High Street shop. The continued free supply of the standard buggy through the UK Wheelchair Service is questionable. A recent survey carried out by the UK Wheelchair Service showed that prescribers were not aware of the importance of lightness. foldability and appearance to parents and carers and conversely that parents often did not understand the necessity for supportive seating. The prevention of deformities in children by providing correctly supportive wheelchair seating is accepted. The Disablement Services Authority in the UK is investigating the possibilities of producing children's wheelchairs that will satisfy the requirements of user, parent and prescriber.

Principles and Hazards of Electrocautery in Otolaryngology

Electrocautery is used extensively in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Its commonplace use and excellent safety record may lull the surgeon from heeding the device's potential dangers. User error causes the majority of patient injuries. A thorough understanding of the electrophysical principles and hazards is essential for even the occasional user. Three cases of electrosurgical injury are reported to demonstrate problem areas in electrocautery usage. The basic electrophysical properties are described, and guidelines for prevention of injury to the patient are reviewed.

STATEMENT ON THE USE OF DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY

THERE is no longer any disagreement on the harmful nature of the biologic effects of ionizing radiations. The fact that responsible physicians continue to employ this form of energy for medical purposes is an indication of its great value in modern medical care. Properly controlled ionizing radiations, and x-rays in particular, provide benefits that greatly outweigh the potential hazards. Nevertheless, considerable emphasis is still being given to the reduction of exposure to ionizing radiations to the lowest level consistent with acceptable standards for good medical care. Two important factors govern the benefits received from a given exposure to x-rays: the indications for the exposure, and the manner in which it is done. The indications are a matter of judgment on the part of the responsible physician and reflect, among other things, his experience with the method. It follows that a physician regularly engaged in the practice of radiology is usually in a better position to evaluate the relative merits of various types of examinations than is the physician who uses the techniques only infrequently. It is clear also that "routines" cannot substitute for judgment. The manner of employment of x-rays involves, in addition to the skill and experience of the operator, consideration of types of equipment. Leak-free tube housing, appropriate filtration, rectangular coning, shielding, modern films, screens and processing techniques are available to the occasional user of radiography as well as to the professional radiologist, and permit appreciable reduction in radiation doses.