Distraction Time Research Articles

Multiple Notifications in Desktop Computing

This paper describes current research on the attentional effects and usability of multiple notifications. An experiment is described in which 25 participants encountered one, two, or four simultaneous onscreen notifications during cognitively effortful or simple computer tasks. The time participants attended to the notifications vs. the primary computer task served as a measure of the distraction caused by the notifications. Multiple notifications were found to be significantly more distracting than single notifications. While there was a large difference in distraction time between one and two notifications, there was minimal difference in the distraction caused by two vs. four notifications. There was also a significant difference in distraction time for cognitively effortful vs. cognitively simple tasks, but there were no significant interactions. It is concluded that in order to mitigate user disruption, software designers should restrict the number of notifications that are presented on a computer display simultaneously.

Callus distraction of the midface. Requirements for diagnostic imaging

Callus distraction of the midface is a recently developed surgical method for treatment of atrophic or hypoplastic maxillae. The treatment planning is based on individual shaped models, being constructed with the help of computed tomographic data. Our experience is based on 10 patients (3 male/7 female; age: 11-55 years). The demands for imaging are reported. The following imaging procedure is recommended: 1. preoperative: lateral x-ray, orthopantomogram, spiral CT, 2. during the time of callus distraction with normaly takes 4 to 5 weeks: lateral x-ray (every 10 days), and 3. for follow up: lateral x-ray and spiral CT. The Radiation exposure caused by the repetitive images is calculated in detail.

Angiogenesis during mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Recruitment of a blood supply is critical for successful bone induction and fracture healing. Despite the clinical success of distraction osteogenesis (DO), an analysis of angiogenesis during membranous bone DO has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal and spatial pattern of angiogenesis during mandibular DO. The right hemimandible of adult male rats was osteotomized, and a customized distraction device was applied. Following a 3-day latency period, distraction was begun at a rate of 0.25 mm twice daily for 6 days (3.0 mm total; 12% increase in mandibular length). Three animals each were sacrificed on days 2, 4, and 6 of distraction (D1, D2, and D3 respectively), or after 1, 2, or 4 weeks of consolidation (C1, C2, and C3 respectively). Two experienced pathologists reviewed the regenerate histology, and angiogenesis was assessed by counting the number of blood vessels per intermediate-power field (IPF). Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance, with p < or = 0.05 considered significant. Results demonstrate that mandibular DO was associated with an intense vascular response during the early stages of distraction (D1). On average, 31.5+/-7.9 vessels were noted in each IPF examined during this time point. The number of blood vessels in the distraction regenerate decreased significantly during the later distraction time points, with approximately 14.0+/-2.0 and 14.7+/-3.5 blood vessels per IPF in sections obtained after days 4 and 6 of distraction (D2, D3) respectively. However, blood vessels at these time points took on a more mature histological pattern. During the consolidation period, the number of blood vessels noted in the regenerate decreased with 8.0+/-2.6, 9.3+/-2.1, and 4.0+/-2.0 vessels per IPF in sections obtained after 1, 2, or 4 weeks of consolidation (C1, C2, C3) respectively (p < 0.05 compared with vessel counts during the earliest distraction time point). This study demonstrates for the first time that an intense vascular response associated with mandibular DO occurs primarily during the early stages of distraction. The authors hypothesize that as distraction continues, newly formed vessels likely undergo consolidation, thus forming more mature vessels capable of withstanding distraction forces. Future studies will assess the effects of therapeutic interventions designed to increase angiogenesis during DO on bony regenerate formation.

Early decannulation with bilateral mandibular distraction for tracheostomy-dependent patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea in the neonatal period may originate from a hypoplastic mandibular framework causing retroposition of the base of the tongue and an inadequate hypopharyngeal space. A tracheotomy in childhood is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it is associated with increased morbidity, management problems, and difficulties in social interaction. Tracheostomy-dependent pediatric patients who underwent mandibular distraction were reviewed to determine the effectiveness of this technique in achieving decannulation. A clinical review was completed to determine the status of the tracheostomy after external, unidirectional distraction in tracheostomy-dependent patients. Expansion of the mandibular framework was analyzed using traditional bony landmarks on predistraction and postdistraction lateral cephalograms. The area of the lower face was analyzed, and changes in the position of the hyoid bone were determined. Four patients with tracheostomies underwent an average of 21.3 mm and 20.8 mm of distraction on the left and right hemimandibles, respectively. The average age at the time of distraction was 2.7 years (range, 2.2 to 3.2 years). All patients underwent successful decannulation at an average of 3.8 months (range, 1.5 to 5.5 months) after completion of distraction. The area of the lower face increased 26.9 percent (range, 12.2 to 53.5 percent) after distraction, and the hyoid bone advanced an average of 14.5 mm (range, 8 to 25 mm). Bilateral mandibular distraction is an effective method of expanding the mandibular framework and concomitantly advancing the base of the tongue. The technique provides a tool for early intervention and decannulation in pediatric patients with indwelling tracheostomies secondary to mandibular deficiencies.

α-Linolenic Acid Deficiency Modifies Distractibility but Not Anxiety and Locomotion in Rats during Aging

In rodents, chronic dietary α-linolenic acid deficiency decreases learning and memory and alters dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission. However, these two neurotransmitter systems are related mainly to attention, emotion and locomotion. Therefore, we decided to investigate the effects of dietary α-linolenic acid deficiency in rats tested with animal models of distractibility (the distractometer procedure), anxiety (the elevated plus maze) and ambulatory activity (a circular corridor). Moreover, because these neurochemical modifications persist during aging, we decided to study the effects of aging on these behaviors by using rats aged 2, 6, 12 and 24 mo. An age-related decline in distractibility was observed that was accelerated by linolenic acid deficiency. Indeed, an age-related reduction in distractibility was found in so far as distraction time was reduced at the age of 12 mo in controls and at the age of 24 mo in deficient groups compared with 2-mo-old rats. Moreover, distraction time was significantly lower in 6- and 24-mo-old rats fed a deficient diet compared with age-matched controls. Anxiety was not modified by diet or age. Finally, a parallel decrease in locomotion was exhibited by rats fed both diets between 6 and 12 mo of age. Locomotion was not modified by diet. These results show that dietary α-linolenic deficiency alters behavior in a very specific way; distractibility is modified by diet, whereas anxiety and locomotion are not, suggesting that particular brain areas may be altered.

Distraction osteogenesis in the hand.

Distraction osteogenesis was used to correct congenital hand deformities in 12 digits. The patients' ages at the time of distraction ranged between 2.5 and 7 years. A total of nine patients underwent lengthening of 12 bones. The average period of distraction was 31.1 +/- 17.6 days. The average length of distraction was 23.6 +/- 7.3 mm. Seventeen percent of the patients after lengthening had an angular deformity that required remodeling of the regenerate. No infections were noted. Distraction osteogenesis provides a useful tool for reliable and predictable correction of osseous defects with vascular bone in patients with congenital anomalies of the hand.

Noninvasive ankle distraction: relationship between force, magnitude of distraction, and nerve conduction abnormalities.

Seven healthy volunteers (14 ankles; four males, 3 females) with no history of ankle or foot pathology were placed in a modified beach chair position on an operating table for ankle distraction using a noninvasive ankle distractor. In-line traction of 0 to 225 N (50 lb) in 22.5-N (5-lb) increments was applied to the ankle. A direct lateral radiograph was obtained at each distraction force. The joint space was measured on the lateral radiographs using electronic microcalipers. Surface recordings of the superficial peroneal, deep peroneal dorsal digital cutaneous, and sural nerves were obtained. The ankle joint space increased progressively from an average 3.1 mm with no force applied to an average 4.2 mm with 225 N (50 lb) distraction force applied. The maximum joint distraction averaged 1.3 mm (range, 0.35 to 2.35 mm). The sensory amplitudes were diminished or absent with increasing time and force of distraction. The decreased amplitudes were most marked after 1 hour of distraction with 135 N (30 lb) or greater distraction force. This correlated with symptoms of paresthesias. The superficial and deep peroneal cutaneous nerves were affected to a much greater extent than the sural nerve. The amplitudes quickly returned to normal values with the weight being released from the ankle. The noninvasive ankle distractor safely increased ankle joint space by more than 1 mm. Distraction with 135 N (30 lb) or more for 1 hour is associated with reversible nerve conduction changes. Based on these findings, we recommend using the noninvasive ankle distraction apparatus for ankle arthroscopy, with up to 135 N (30 lb) of traction applied to the foot for up to 1 hour. Greater force, applied for longer periods, is associated with increasing nerve conduction abnormalities.

Biomechanical properties of the triceps surae muscle after limb lengthening

The hindlimb of New Zealand white rabbit was osteotomized and then slowly lengthened at a rate of 1 mm/day until a 2.0-cm gain in length was reached. The triceps surae muscle-tendon unit was then tested either with or without 2 months fixation for bony consolidation. After limb lengthening, the strain at peak load was decreased and the axial rigidity was increased significantly; but other biomechanical parameters such as peak load, maximal deformation at peak load, stiffness, and energy absorption before peak load did not show any significant difference. We conclude that healthy triceps surae muscle has a great potential to be lengthened despite the changes in intrinsic structural properties of the muscle. The change in the biomechanical properties occurred during the time of distraction and was not affected by the time of bony consolidation.

Coping, stress, and the psychological symptoms of children of divorce: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

The authors conducted a cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal study of stress, coping, and psychological symptoms in children of divorce. The sample consisted of 258 children (mean age = 10.1; SD = 1.2), of whom 196 were successfully followed 5.5 months later. A 4-dimensional model of coping was found using confirmatory factor analysis, with the factors being active coping, avoidance, distraction, and support. In the cross-sectional model avoidance coping partially mediated the relations between negative events and symptoms while active coping moderated the relations between negative events and conduct problems. In the longitudinal model significant negative paths were found from active coping and distraction Time 1 to internalizing symptoms Time 2, while Time 1 support coping had a positive path coefficient to Time 2 depression. Positive paths were found between negative events at Time 1 and anxiety at Time 2, and between all symptoms at Time 1 and negative events at Time 2.

Capacity of visual short-term memory after unilateral frontal or anterior temporal-lobe resection

The effect of unilateral temporal- or frontal-lobe lesions on the capacity of short-term memory for a single pattern was explored; this measure has been designated pattern span. Pattern span was assessed under different delays and with and without distraction. Both the passage of time and presence of distraction decreased pattern span for all subject groups. Right anterior temporal lobectomy did not result in an impairment in pattern span in any condition, whereas right frontal-lobe excisions were associated with impaired span in all conditions. It is suggested that this deficit represents a decreased ability to encode the more complex patterns under a time constraint.

Factors Affecting Callus Distraction in Limb Lengthening

Factors affecting the process of callus distraction in limb lengthening include the type of osteotomy, timing and rate of distraction, and stability of fixation. Thirty-two rabbits were studied to evaluate the reliability of transverse osteotomy and delayed distraction and to examine the appropriate rates of distraction. Rabbit tibiae were osteotomized subperiosteally and were subjected to slow distraction using a rigid monolateral external fixator. There was a ten-day waiting period before distraction. The animals were divided into three groups according to the rate of distraction (0.35 mm/12 hours, 0.7 mm/12 hours, 1.4 mm/12 hours). The process of callus formation was monitored by soft x-ray. The reliability of delayed distraction after transverse osteotomy was demonstrated by microangiographic study. Even though intramedullar vessels were interrupted by osteotomy at surgery, blood circulation recovered during the waiting period before distraction. Bone lengthening was successful when distraction was carried out at rates of 0.35 mm/12 hours or 0.7 mm/12 hours. The callus filling a distraction gap showed a characteristic zone structure, i.e., one central radiolucent zone and two adjacent sclerotic zones. Microangiographic study demonstrated the continuity of blood vessels under these rates of distraction. Based on the results of these experiments and clinical experiences on 180 bone lengthenings, the authors believe that a waiting period after osteotomy is more practical than achieving immediate distraction after uncertain corticotomy.

New bone formation during leg lengthening. Evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

We measured the extent and rate of new bone formation over an 18-month period before, during and after the lengthening of ten leg segments in six patients aged between 8 and 18 years, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). New bone formation could be identified within one week of the start of distraction. As lengthening proceeded, the bone density of the gap fell, reaching minimum values at the time of maximal distraction. Consolidation of the regenerating bone was started 1 to 2 weeks later in the tibia, and 2.5 to 3.0 weeks later in the femur. The rate of mineral accretion in new bone was significantly greater in the tibia than in the femur (16 +/- 1.86%/month, and 11 +/- 1.1%/month respectively; mean +/- SEM). There was significant osteoporosis distal to the osteotomy, more in the tibia than in the femur, particularly on the side of the fixator. The bone mineral density of the distal segment remained low at the time of fixator removal (44.2 +/- 5.58% and 61.0 +/- 4.2% of the control values at the tibia and femur respectively) and was only partially reversed by subsequent weight-bearing. We conclude that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry provides an objective and quantitative assessment of new bone formation during leg lengthening. The technique also allows the measurement of the distraction gap and the assessment of leg alignment from the high-resolution images. Its use may decrease the requirements for conventional radiography.

The timing of distraction of an osteotomy

New methods of limb lengthening are being adopted in the hope of overcoming the poor osteogenic responses characteristic of distraction. Delay between the osteotomy and starting distraction is said to be important but there is little experimental evidence. We have compared immediate with delayed distraction in the rabbit tibia and shown that delay is an important factor in promoting osteogenesis. It seems that its effects are partly mediated by an improvement in the extra-osseous blood supply.

Beyond drug effects and dependent variables: The use of the Poisson-Erlang model to assess the effects of d-amphetamine on information processing

Several studies have shown that d-amphetamine (DAMP) speeds mean reaction time (RT). However, the use of mean RT may obscure important aspects of the drug response. Therefore we applied the F-Erlang (PE) stochastic model of choice reaction time proposed by Pieters (1985) to the RT distribution. This model proposes that the RT distribution is generated by two states: Processing (P) and Distraction (D). RT represents the sum of the time spent in each of these states. P is the time taken to complete a set of cognitive operations which are required to give a correct response. D represents the time taken by all other activities. RTs were collected using a task (SERS) in which stimulus and response complexity each had two levels, easy and hard. Subjects were tested pre- and postdrug. Drug conditions were: placebo, 10 mg d-amphetamine (DAMP), 4 mg of the dopamine agonist, pimozide, and a combination of DAMP and pimozide (COMBO). Parameters of the model were derived using methods described by Pieters. Four measures were analyzed: Processing Time (PT); Mean Time per distraction ( X̄TD); Distraction Rate (DR); and Total Distraction Time per trial (TDT). Mean RT is also presented. Analyses of the effects of task conditions on the parameters of the model were made using the predrug sessions. Mean RT was increased by both stimulus and response complexities as was PT. TDT was increased by the task conditions. The PE measures did not change over days. DAMP speeded mean RT. However, this effect did not interact with the task factors. DAMP speeded processing and reduced distraction. Processing was speeded only in the hard response condition, distraction time was reduced only in the easy response condition. The results indicate that the PE model can be successfully applied to fast RT tasks. More importantly, the parameters of the model revealed important pharmacological effects that were not apparent in mean RT. DAMP speeds cognitive operations related to motor preparation and reduces the effects of distraction. Consistent with past studies there are no indications that DAMP interacted with stimulus processing. The distraction effect appears to be mediated by an increase in the rate of distraction and a decrease in the average time of these distractions.

Finnish Orthopedic Association: Helsinki, May 19-20, 1989

(1990). Finnish Orthopedic Association: Helsinki, May 19-20, 1989. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica: Vol. 61, No. sup235, pp. 37-45.

Sustained visual attention in 8-week-old infants

Sustained visual attention was studied in 8-week-old infants. The infants were presented with varying and complex patterns on a TV monitor. At a delay from the onset of fixation on this stimulus, a similar pattern was presented on an adjacent TV monitor within the infant's field of vision. This secondary stimulus was presented when heart rate slowed significantly below prestimulus level, when the heart rate returned to prestimulus level, or at 3 or 7 s following the onset of the first stimulus. The infants were less easily distracted by the secondary stimulus when heart rate was lower than prestimulus level than when it had returned to prestimulus levels. The amount of heart rate slowing on the heart rate deceleration trials was significantly correlated with baseline amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (i.e., heart rate variability). Distraction time was positively correlated with heart rate variability on heart rate deceleration and heart rate acceleration trials. These results replicate the measurement of sustained attention in older infants and extend the study of the development of sustained attention earlier in life. However, there may be a dissociation between behavioral and physiological indices of sustained attention which become more closely associated in the next 2 to 3 months.

Comparison of Conventional and Dialogue-oriented Concepts for the Use of Vehicle Information Systems

Modern information systems in automobiles like check-control, trip computers, and guidance systems can support a more economic and safer driving if the dashboard is not overloaded by many incompatible components regarding user interface structure. The conventional way with isolated systems often falls short in this respect, New concepts are needed which fulfill the following requirements: uniform userinterface for all systems, quick and easy use for naive and trained drivers as well as modularity in systems and functionsTherefore, a central information system (CIS) has been investigated combining nowadays systems like radio, tape recorder, trip computer and telephone. The essential feature of this CIS is a combination of parallel and serial user guidance to reach the desired functions within a limited number of steps. In the experiments the user had the freedom either to manipulate the single systems in a conventional way or to use the CIS consisting of a dialogue processor with a flexible alphanumeric display and a minimized number of softkeysWhich performance and acceptance can be achieved with the new concept by measurement of eye movements, steering behaviour, error rates, and distraction time and by evaluating subjective ratings has been evaluated under human factors aspects in a driving simulatorThe CIS proved to be of advantage if the depth of the menu is limited to two levels. An arrangement of the visual display in the primary field of vision is recommended

Anagram solution time and effects of distraction, sex differences, and anxiety.

A single-solution anagram task was administered to high and low test-anxious 32 male and 32 female undergraduates under conditions of high and low external distraction. No significant main effects were found linking solution times to either test-anxiety level or the presence or absence of distracting stimuli. Following a planned post hoc analysis which assigned the anagrams into 'hard' or 'easy' categories, a significant main effect for level of test anxiety was found for the 'hard' anagrams, indicating that test anxiety debilitates performance only when the criterion task is especially difficult. Difficulty of anagrams also significantly interacted with subjects' sex, test anxiety, and distraction. The results are discussed in terms of the hypotheses that distracting stimuli may produce increases in arousal during difficult tasks and that these increments may either compromise or improve performance, depending upon the level of test anxiety which is viewed as a determinant of the initial arousal level of the subject.

Precision, Speed, and Distraction in Time-Limit Tests

Three models are presented that account for the effects of speed and precision in mental test scores as measured by time-limit intelligence tests. To estimate precision, it is shown that the Rasch model— and, as a special case, the binomial error model —can be used, focusing on the number of items correct and the number of items attempted (usually considered as estimators of these effects). To estimate speed, a model called the Poisson-Erlang model is presented. It is shown that speed can be analyzed into two components: processing time and distraction time. Parameters of the Poisson-Erlang model are used to estimate these components. An outline is given of a new method for analyzing time-limit tests, combining the different models. In addition, it is shown that the Poisson-Erlang model can be used to account for response latencies commonly observed in mental concentration tests.

REVIEWS

Journal Article REVIEWS Get access Time's Distractions: a Play from Time of Charles I. Edited by D W STROMMER Pp X + 110College Station, Texas Texas A&M University Press, 1976 $8 50 JOHN CREASER JOHN CREASER Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Review of English Studies, Volume XXX, Issue 120, November 1979, Pages 472–474, https://doi.org/10.1093/res/XXX.120.472 Published: 01 November 1979