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An integrative model explaining intentions to use an information technology is proposed. The primary objective is to obtain a clearer picture of how intentions are formed, and draws on previous research such as the technology acceptance model (Davis, Bagozzi, & Warshaw, 1989) and the decomposed theory of planned behavior (Taylor & Todd, 1995a). The conceptual model was tested using questionnaire responses from 189 subjects, measured at two time periods approximately two months apart. The results generally supported the hypothesized relationships, and revealed strong influences of both personal innovativeness and computer self-efficacy.

multiple regression, and structural equation modeling (Marcoulides et al. 2009). They raised several issues they argued had to be taken into account to have legitimate comparison studies, supporting their position primarily by citing three authors: Dijkstra (1983), McDonald(1996), and Schneeweiss (1993). As researchers interested in conducting comparison studies, we read the Foreword carefully, but found it did not provide clear guidance on how to conduct "legitimate" comparisons. Nor did our reading of Dijksta, McDonald, and Schneeweiss raise any red flags about dangers in this kind of comparison research. We were concerned that instead of helping researchers to successfully engage in comparison research, the Foreword might end up discouraging that type of work, and might even be used incorrectly to reject legitimate comparison studies. This Issues and Opinions piece addresses the question of why one might conduct comparison studies, and gives an overview of the process of comparison research with a focus on what is required to make those comparisons legitimate. In addition, we explicitly address the issues raised by Marcoulides et al., to explore where they might (or might not) come into play when conducting or evaluating this type of study.

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We have compared the delay in onset of 1% mepivacaine and 0.33% bupivacaine in different nerve fibre types in 10 volunteers undergoing median nerve blocks, in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Hot, cold, pinprick and light touch sensations, compound motor action potentials (CMAP), sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) and skin temperature were recorded at 2-min intervals. Hot, cold, pinprick, light touch sensations, SNAP and CMAP were significantly inhibited, and skin temperature was significantly increased after administration of both agents. The first noticeable reduction in cold sensation was detected later after bupivacaine compared with mepivacaine, but after a delay similar to that of other nerve functions. Bupivacaine and mepivacaine inhibited SNAP and CMAP with a similar time delay to steady-state. Bupivacaine produced steady-state inhibition of hot and cold sensations significantly later than mepivacaine; nevertheless, the sequence that sensory modalities failed, with few exceptions, and the extent of anaesthesia at 40 min were similar for both agents. Our technique provides a novel, multi-modal method of comparing local anaesthetics and related agents over time.